Trust Your Gut (Literally): Why I Offer GI Map Testing

Let’s be real: your gut isn’t just about digestion. It’s basically the control center for your entire body—your immune system, your hormones, your moods, your stress response, even how well you sleep at night. If you’ve ever had a “gut feeling,” it’s not just a figure of speech—your microbiome is talking to you. And sometimes? It’s screaming.

That’s where the GI Map comes in. Think of it as the ultimate backstage pass to what’s really happening in your digestive system. This isn’t just about whether you’re “regular” or not (although, yes, we’ll definitely look at that too). The GI Map digs deep, detecting:

• Viruses that may be hijacking your system.

• Bacterial overgrowths or infections that throw your gut off balance.

• Parasites (yes, the uninvited guests you definitely don’t want squatting rent-free).

• Yeasts that love to stir up bloating and brain fog.

• Beneficial bacteria (the good guys!)—because knowing if you’ve got enough of these friendly helpers is just as important.

• Markers for food sensitivities, inflammation, and even immune activity, showing how your gut is communicating with the rest of your body.

Here’s the kicker: your gut has to be functioning properly before we can even think about calibrating your hormones. If digestion is sluggish, if your microbiome is out of whack, or if you’re inflamed, your hormones are basically trying to operate on a shaky foundation. It’s like trying to build a dream house on quicksand—no matter how beautiful the blueprints are, nothing’s going to stay balanced until the ground underneath is solid. Once the gut is stable and thriving, hormones have the right environment to fall into alignment.

Why does this matter? Because your microbiome is like an orchestra: when every instrument (aka bacteria, yeast, and other critters) plays in harmony, you feel amazing. But if one violin goes rogue—or the drummer decides to play death metal—you’re going to notice it. Cue anxiety, hormone chaos, skin flare-ups, digestive issues, or just feeling off.

The GI Map gives us the data we need to tune the orchestra. Instead of guessing what’s behind your bloating, fatigue, or mystery symptoms, we get clear answers—and that means we can create a personalized plan that actually works.

So if you’ve been chasing symptoms, trying random supplements, or wondering why your anxiety or hormone issues never really get better… it might be time to look where it all begins: your gut.

Because at the end of the day? Trust me, your gut has a lot to say. Let’s make sure we’re actually listening.

Dried Urine Hormone tests provide detailed answers to all your hormonal questions

DUTCH Hormone Testing – Get to the Root of Your Hormonal Mayhem

Hormones — those tiny chemical messengers that run the show. When they’re in balance, life hums along. When they’re out of whack? Cue the mood swings, mystery weight gain, acne breakouts, fatigue, insomnia, migraines, and “why am I crying over a tortilla commercial” moments.

While fertility struggles, menstrual issues, and menopause symptoms are the obvious hormone red flags, the truth is that hormonal imbalances can cause a wide range of sneaky symptoms. That’s why I love using DUTCH testing (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) in my practice — it’s like a full detective work-up for your endocrine system.

What’s a DUTCH Test?
You’ll collect 5 little urine samples in one day (easy peasy — no needles, no awkward lab visits). From those, we get a detailed map of your estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and even your estrogen detox pathways. It also shows how your body is converting and using stress hormones, which is huge for figuring out why you might feel wired, tired, or both.

Why it’s so useful:
You don’t always need to jump straight to hormone replacement therapy. Many imbalances can be corrected naturally with targeted Chinese herbs, supplements, acupuncture, and nutrition. DUTCH testing lets me pinpoint exactly which hormones are misbehaving — and why — so we can get them back in line without the guesswork.

Hormonal issues that benefit from DUTCH testing:

• Endometriosis

• PCOS

• Menopause & perimenopause symptoms

• Infertility (female & male)

• PMS & PMDD

• Erectile dysfunction

• Hair loss

• Acne

• Migraines

• Insomnia

• Chronic fatigue

• Anxiety

• Difficulty losing weight

The bottom line: DUTCH tests are simple, affordable, and insanely helpful for figuring out why you’re feeling off — and how to fix it naturally. I keep them stocked in my clinic for in-person patients, and I also offer phone consultations for those who live outside Durango.

Your hormones don’t have to be the boss of you — let’s get them behaving again.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: Same Needles, Different Story

So you’ve heard of dry needling and you’ve heard of Acupuncture.
Both involve thin filiform needles. Both get poked into your muscles. Both can help with pain.
So they must be the same thing, right?

Well… that’s like saying a gourmet chef and someone who just learned how to boil pasta “do the same thing.”

Let’s break it down:

Dry Needling

Training: Usually taught to physical therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers as part of their broader skill set. The minimum requirement in some states can be as short as a weekend certification, though many PTs choose to take more extensive courses.

Approach: Targets “trigger points” — those tight, knotted spots in your muscles that make you say bad words when pressed. The technique often involves deeper, more aggressive needling to create a local twitch response — kind of like throwing a rock through a window to get inside the house. Effective? Often. Gentle? Not exactly.

Focus: Primarily musculoskeletal — muscles, fascia, and movement patterns. It’s one tool in a larger physical therapy toolbox that also includes exercise therapy, mobility work, and rehab.

Acupuncture

Training: Licensed acupuncturists go through 3–4 years of graduate-level training (3,000+ hours), covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, Chinese medicine theory, herbal medicine, and supervised clinical practice. We’re trained to think about your body as a whole interconnected system — not just the squeaky wheel. In Acupuncture school we spend an entire year learning about needling technique and meridian systems before we ever needle another person.

Approach: We may treat tight muscles, but we also address circulation, digestion, hormones, mood, immunity, sleep, and stress. We tend to use gentler, more precise techniques — like turning the crank to open the window rather than chucking a rock through it.

Focus: Muscles, tendons, fascia, energy pathways, nervous system, immune system — basically, your whole “you.”

So What’s the Big Difference?

Both approaches use thin, solid needles and can help with pain. The main difference is scope and style:

• Dry needling = more aggressive, targeted muscle release, often part of a rehab plan.
  
  

• Acupuncture = a comprehensive, whole-body approach that can be gentler while still addressing pain and balance.
  

Bottom Line:
Dry needling is like tightening a single loose screw on your bike so it rides smoother. Acupuncture is like giving the whole bike a tune-up so it’s ready for the long ride ahead. Both are useful — it just depends on what you need.

📅 If you’re wondering which one’s right for you, I’m happy to help you sort it out — no turf wars, just the right care for your body.

Get Back to the OG you.

Why Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Might Be Your New BFF in Perimenopause

You know that moment when you’re standing in the kitchen, fridge wide open, and you have no earthly idea why you’re there? And then later, you burst into tears because your partner forgot to buy oat milk, followed by lying awake at 3am wondering if you should start an alpaca farm?
Yeah. Welcome to perimenopause.

Perimenopause is like that one friend who “just drops by” and overstays her welcome. She shows up anywhere from your late 30s to your mid-50s, rearranges your hormones without asking, and leaves you wondering if you’re losing your mind, your metabolism, and your ability to sleep — all at once.

The Symptom Parade 🎪

Here’s just a taste of what she brings to the party:

• Hot flashes that make you want to stick your head in the freezer
  
  

• Mood swings that rival a telenovela plotline
  
  

• Weight gain that laughs in the face of your kale smoothies
  
  

• Brain fog that makes you forget your kids’ names (briefly… probably)
  
  

• Night sweats that require middle-of-the-night sheet changes
  
  

• Vaginal dryness (oh yes, we’re going there)
  
  

• Insomnia, low libido, and the sudden urge to throat punch people for chewing too loudly
  

But here’s the kicker…

These symptoms aren’t just annoying. They’re signs that your estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are doing a slow-motion conga line out the door — and that’s not just bad for your mood, it’s bad for your long-term health.

Estrogen, for example, is like the Beyoncé of your hormones — she’s involved in bone health, heart health, brain function, skin elasticity, and yes, vaginal lubrication. Lose too much of her too quickly and you’re at higher risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Add to that the fact that your brain is so dependant on estrogen that it will actually make you pack fat (estrogen stores in fat) onto your waistline to feed it like that carnivorous plant from little shop of horrors.

Why Bio-Identical Hormones are the Upgrade You Deserve

Bio-identical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones your body naturally makes — which means your body recognizes them as “self,” not as some weird synthetic imposter trying to crash the party.

The big perks:

• Better symptom relief without the side effects some women get from synthetics
  
  

• Support for bone density so you’re less likely to snap a hip trying to roller skate at your granddaughter’s birthday party
  
  

• Brain protection — estrogen is neuroprotective, meaning it helps keep your memory sharp and your mood stable
  
  

• Cardiovascular health — helps maintain healthy cholesterol and arterial flexibility and aids in weight loss.
  
  

• Better sleep, skin, and sex (you’re welcome)
  

The Myth Busting Section 🕵️‍♀️

Myth #1: “Hormones cause cancer.”
The Women’s Health Initiative study that freaked everyone out? It was based on synthetic hormones from pregnant horses (yes, really) combined with synthetic progestins — not bio-identical hormones. Later research shows bio-identicals do not carry the same risks and, in many cases, are safer.

Myth #2: “I’m not menopausal yet, so I don’t need hormones.”
Perimenopause can last 4–10 years. Waiting until you’re officially menopausal is like waiting to water your plants until they’re crispy.

How We Figure Out Your Hormone Story

Here’s where we ditch the “one size fits all” approach. At my clinic, I use saliva and urine testing through ZRT and DUTCH labs to get a complete picture of your hormone patterns — not just estrogen and progesterone, but cortisol rhythms, testosterone levels, and how your body is actually metabolizing these hormones.

From there, we work through a whole-body approach:

1. Support the HPA axis — Using targeted supplements and Chinese herbs to restore balance between your hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenals (because stress is often the puppet master behind hormone chaos).
   
   

2. Nourish and detox — Making sure your liver pathways and hormone receptors are open so you can process hormones safely. Ensure that your microbiome is a happy little ecosystem.
   
   

3. Compounded hormone options — If needed, I can connect you with a compounding pharmacy for personalized progesterone and testosterone prescriptions in the exact dose and form your body needs.
   
   

4. Lifestyle shifts — Because no hormone works in a vacuum. Sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management all play a starring role.
   
   Bottom Line

Perimenopause doesn’t have to be a slow, sweaty, brain-fogged slide into the abyss. Bio-identical hormone replacement — combined with smart testing, HPA axis support, and targeted herbal/supplement therapy — can smooth the ride, protect your long-term health, and make you feel like you again.

If you’re tired of feeling like a hormonal crime scene, let’s test your levels and create a plan that has you sleeping, smiling, and remembering why you walked into the kitchen.

Call the clinic at 970-442-0284 or click “Schedule Now” — because you deserve to feel amazing in this next chapter.

"Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic" – Hormones Gone Wild

If, like me, you were a flannel-decked teen in the '90s, chances are you’ve blasted the Red Hot Chili Peppers' “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” on your discman on your walk to school, while pretending to be in a music video. These days, the song is more than a nostalgia trip—it’s the oddly perfect anthem for what I see in my clinic: the hormonal chaos linking female fertility patients and older male veterans.

What could they possibly have in common? Insulin resistance. It’s not sexy, but it is powerful—and it’s messing with everyone’s hormones.

It All Starts with Blood Sugar

Thanks to genetics, stress, and a diet heavy in processed carbs and sugary drinks (yes, even “healthy” ones like Vitamin Water), insulin resistance is now practically a rite of passage. When patients wear continuous glucose monitors, they’re shocked to find that pizza and bagels spike their blood sugar more than candy.

And that sugar rollercoaster? It’s not just about diabetes—it’s hijacking your hormones.

Ladies First and the HOrmone Spiral

In women, insulin resistance often fuels PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), which is more metabolic than gynecological—despite the name. Here’s what happens:

• Elevated androgens like testosterone lead to acne, facial hair, and hair loss.

• That testosterone then converts into estrogen, causing estrogen dominance, weight gain, and a higher risk of fibroids and cysts.

• Meanwhile, progesterone drops, periods get irregular or disappear altogether, and ovulation takes a hit—bad news for fertility.

Now the Fellas, The Estrogen Belly suprise!

In men, insulin resistance does the reverse. Belly fat becomes a factory for converting testosterone into estrogen. The result?

• Less muscle,

• More fatigue,

• Disappearing libido,

• Elevated risk of heart dieasee.

• And Body hair fading like your memory of the 90”s.

  Basically, your belly is working against your masculinity.
  
  Cortisol: The Hormone Saboteur

  Stress makes everything worse. Chronically high cortisol levels spike blood sugar just as much as dessert does. (Ever worn a CGM during tax season?) Many of my patients—especially those with PCOS—show sky-high cortisol on lab tests, making hormonal balance nearly impossible.

  Don’t Forget Your Gut

  Constipation is another common link, especially in PCOS. If you're not pooping regularly, you’re not clearing out excess estrogen—it's just getting reabsorbed. Add in microbiome imbalance, and you've got the perfect storm for hormone dysfunction.

So What’s a guy or gal to do?

1. Calm the Heck Down

Stress spikes cortisol. Cortisol spikes blood sugar. Find your zen: walk, meditate, laugh, delegate. And if that fails, hug your dog.

2. Cut the Sugar

No soda, sweet tea, juice, or sneaky “health” drinks.

• Eat more protein (grass-fed meat, nuts, legumes).

• Get at least 5 servings of real veggies daily (V8 doesn't count).

• Hydrate like it’s your job.
  
  

3. Try Acupuncture

It helps with hormone balance, gut health, stress reduction, and calming the nervous system. Bonus: it’s nap therapy with needles.

4. Use Plants, But Wisely

I’ve had great success with berberine, myo-inositol, DIM, vitex, and spore-based probiotics. But this is not a DIY project—what works for one patient may backfire for another. Hormone, blood sugar and microbiome testing is key, all of which I offer in my office.

Final Thought

Whether you're a woman struggling with fertility or a man watching his energy and libido fade, blood sugar isn’t just about diabetes—it’s at the root of a lot of hormonal misery.

So yeah, maybe “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” was never meant to be a hormone anthem. But if it gets stuck in your head every time you reach for a donut... I won’t be mad about it.

Maya Abdominal Massage

I recently returned from a three week trip to Guatemala with Bridging Worlds Midwifery where I took a deep dive into the art of Abdominal Massage. The local Indigenous Mayan Midwives we had the honor of learning from serve their communities as healers, pediatricians, spiritual guides, fertility experts and of course midwives, continuing a centuries old tradition. The midwives not only shared their lineage of ancient healing techniques with us, but also initiated us into their rites of ceremony; as ritual and connection to the elements play an essential role in the ability of the healer to make an affect on their patient.

Maya Abdominal Massage is a technique that uses manual external maneuvers to help realign the internal pelvic organs and relieve tension in the diaphragm. This massage improves organ function, releases physical and emotional blockages and improves blood flow and circulation in the pelvis.

Benefits: Maya Abdominal massage can help to contract the uterus back to its ideal position, tilted, prolapsed or misaligned uteruses can result from birth, miscarriages, abortions or physical trauma. This ancient technique can return them to their proper alignment to enhance fertility, lymph and blood circulation as well as facilitate the restoration of qi and energy. Digestive issues can also benefit from the gentle massage of the stomach, liver, colon and intestines.

Issues that can Benefit from Maya Abdominal Massage:

• Painful/irregular periods

• Amenorrhea

• Hormonal migraines

• PMS

• Endometriosis

• Uterine Polyps

• Ovarian Cysts

• Fibroids

• Vaginitis

• Uterine Infections

• Hormonal Imbalances

• Difficult Menopause

• Painful Intercourse

• Infertility

• Difficult pregnancy or delivery

• Premature deliveries

• Lower Back Pain

• Varicose Veins

• Chronic indigestion and heartburn

• Gastritis

• Frequent or painful urination

• Bladder Infections

• Recurring Miscarriages

• Constipation

• Prostate Issues

Contraindications for massage:

• Durring Menstruation

• When an IUD is present

• During Pregnancy

• At least 2 hours before meals

Maya Massage can be added onto an Acupuncture session for the ultimate experience or can be scheduled as a solo 30 minute session. Click the button below to begin your journey.

Chances are high that you or someone you know has undergone some sort of medical intervention in order to get pregnant.  According to the CDC, roughly 1 in 5 women are unable to fall pregnant after one year of trying, and of these cases, nearly half have shown male infertility to be a contributing factor. Over the years I’ve noticed a steep incline in the number of patients I see who are enhancing their ART (assisted reproductive technology) procedures with Acupuncture as prescribed by their doctors. Recent studies have shown Acupuncture to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates by 42%, prompting many fertility clinics to feature in-house acupuncturists and strongly encourage their patients to receive Acupuncture throughout the various stages of their IVF experience.  This upsurge of IVF patients in my practice has inspired me to take various courses and undergo my own research into the world of this unlikely friendship of advanced and cutting edge Western technology with ancient Chinese energy medicine.  The data is fascinating and It’s been an adventure to assist my patients as they go through the many stages and emotional peaks and valleys of the ever changing landscape of ART.  An endeavor that is not for the faint of heart, my IVF patients are some of the most dedicated, resilient and tough women I see and It’s an honor to be included in their journeys from retrieval to post-partum and all the bumps along the way. If you or someone you know has endeavored on an ART journey for fertility you know exactly what I’m talking about, it takes a lot of heart, hormones, needle jabs and perseverance and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help with the merging of these two very different yet complementary and incredible medicines.

The physiological effects of Acupuncture on the reproductive system as backed by scientific studies!

1. Acupuncture communicates with the central nervous system; Acupuncture has an effect on the HPO and HPA axis, meaning that it can modulate the release of gonadotropins and luteinizing hormone to alter reproductive organ and hormone levels. Which is a complicated way of saying that it positively influences fertility and while supporting healthy pregnancy. Electric stimulation in particular has been shown to stimulate the release of sexy hormones and opioids like serotonin, oxytocin, and neuropeptides, all of which harmonize the reproductive system. 

2. Acupuncture affects blood flow to the uterus and ovaries:  Studies show Acupuncture to lower pulsatory index (PI) to increase circulation and blood flow to the uterus resulting in thickening of the endometrial lining so vital for embryo implantation. A certain protocol involving electrically stimulated needles at specific locations has been proven to be especially beneficial for encouraging blood flow and endometrial thickening prior to embryonic transfer. 

3. Reduces stress:  Let’s face it, being poked and prodded while voluntarily exposing yourself to a myriad of hormones over several months can be incredibly stressful, fortunately, Acupuncture can help. Acupuncture inhibits the sympathetic nervous system which in-turn activates the reproductive stimulating effects of the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in reduction of stress, cortisol and prolactin levels.  

4. Regulates hormones: Due to Acupuncture’s communication with HPO and HPA axis levels, treatments can have a direct effect on hormones.  The regulating effect of Acupuncture on these axises can result in menstrual cycle regulation, increased Oocyte quality, ovulation, and endometrial lining generation.

When to get Acupuncture to enhance fertility 

• If possible, it’s best to begin treatments as much as three months prior to egg retrieval, beginning with once weekly treatments and building up to twice weekly in the weeks leading up to retrieval.  This is also a great time for us to enhance follicle development and quality with certain supplements and Chinese herbal formulas.

• For those undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET) it’s common to undergo more than one retrieval. Acupuncture can be a great way to help you recover from any medication side effects while also helping to reduce stress and help ensure a good follicle count.  

• In the months or weeks leading up to transfer, Acupuncture is essential for maintaining a relaxed nervous system as stress reduction is especially helpful for IVF success.

• In the month prior to transfer once weekly treatments are recommended to help stimulate uterine blood flow for a healthy endometrium lining for implantation.  Day-of before and after transfer acupuncture is also recommended, if you can find a practitioner able to treat you directly after transfer in the recovery room.

• 
  Treatments can be resumed 10 days after treatment, weekly for the first trimester and bi-monthly for the duration of your pregnancy. 

You know that feeling you get when you’ve recently been near your friend’s snot covered toddler or your co-worker with the hacking cough or that lady in line at the coffee shop who couldn’t stop sneezing and now you’ve got that tickle in the back of your sinuses and you’re fairly certain that you’ve picked up the flu or a cold or the freaking delta variant and should probably start downing every antibacterial herb you have stashed away in your cabinet before it’s too late? Well my friends, that’s the perfect time to send me a text and come in for a quick and painless Wellness shot.

What is a Wellness Shot you ask?

Well, a Wellness Shot is an intramuscularly injected homeopathic and vitamin elixer designed to jazzersize your immune system. It’s key ingredient Homeopathic Engystol has proved itself in numerous scientific studies by increasing white blood cell (your body’s defense mechanism) counts by 41%! Beyond that, when combined with B12 these mighty little injections have been shown to reduce severity and duration of acute infections while also guarding you from contracting infections in the future.

Why is it worth getting one?

• They may reduce cold and flu symptoms: so long sore throat, sneezing, sinus congestion and chills

• Clinically and scientifically proven effective in the prevention of viruses like: influenza, herpes simplex 1, Rhinovirus and RSV.

• May reduce viral infection duration.

• Safe for children, elderly and adults.

• Zero side effects, but may make you feel exceedingly awesome.

Do Wellness Shots Hurt?

I use the tiniest of needles resulting in injections that are totally painless to most. In fact, after two days of pleading with my incredibly needle sensitive eldest daughter the other day, I was able to finally convince her to get one and she didn’t feel a thing! She also got over her cold in two days! So if you’re looking to give your immune system a little boost, schedule online or send me a text to see if I can get you in for a quick shot.

🌱 The Secret World of Your Microbiome

Remember the Dr. Seuss book Horton Hears a Who? Where Horton goes a little nutty after discovering an entire world living on a speck of dust? That’s exactly how I imagine our microbiome — a whole Seussian universe of quirky characters living inside our gut, skin, and mouths.

Yep, despite our best 2020-level OCD cleaning habits, we’re crawling with bugs — and it’s fabulous. ✨ Like any bustling civilization, our microbiome is made up of average joes, quirky sidekicks, and a few troublemakers who all play a huge role in everything from our digestion to our mood.

For decades we focused on killing off bacteria, but science now shows us: the “good guys” are the real heroes of our immune system. Without them, we’re in trouble.

🧪 Meet Your Microbes (for real)

I now offer the GI-MAP stool test — one of the most advanced tools for discovering exactly who’s living in your personal “dust speck” and what they’re doing.

This lab doesn’t just identify the organisms in your gut — it maps out your microbial balance, detects pathogens, shows how your digestive + immune systems are functioning, and helps us create a highly targeted plan for your health.

Because honestly? You may not be as in control as you think (haha).

🦠 Why Your Microbes Matter

Your microbiome influences:
🌸 Allergies (food + seasonal)
🌸 Digestion (IBS, candida, Crohn’s, etc.)
🌸 Heart health + blood pressure
🌸 Blood sugar + diabetes
🌸 Mood + depression (hello gut-brain axis)
🌸 Autoimmune disease
🌸 Addiction pathways (!!)
🌸 Obesity + metabolism
🌸 Cancer risk + prevention
🌸 Arthritis + inflammation
🌸 Immune strength overall
🌸 Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, MS, Parkinson’s)

Basically: your microbes are pulling a lot more strings than you think.

👶 From Birth Canal to Backyard

From the moment we’re born, bacteria are shaping our health. Babies pick up bugs from mom’s birth canal (yep, my daughter also made the “eww gross” face when I told her), then diversify through breastfeeding, pets, playing in dirt, and eating all the things.

Studies even show kids raised with dogs have fewer ear + respiratory infections. And kids raised in overly sterile homes? More allergies and sensitivities later.

So yeah… your slobbery labradoodle is probably doing your kid’s immune system a solid. 🐾

🌿 7 Ways to Supercharge Your Microbiome

1. 📊 Get tested with a GI-MAP stool test at the clinic.

2. 🐕 Snuggle a pet (or three).

3. 🧼 Wash hands instead of sanitizing when possible (ditch the antibacterial soaps).

4. 🥬 Eat local, organic, soil-rich veggies.

5. 🌸 Acupuncture: shown to encourage beneficial bacteria + boost mood via the gut-brain axis.

6. 💊 Take the right digestive enzymes + probiotics (I’ll help you pick what actually works).

7. 🥒 Load up on fermented + polyphenol-rich foods (sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, blueberries, cocoa, pomegranates, green tea, and yes — red wine 🍷).

✨ Bottom line: The more diverse your microbes, the healthier you are. If you want to peek into your personal microbial universe (and get targeted strategies to balance it), ask me about the GI-MAP stool test at your next visit.

Your gut bugs will thank you. 💚

Mountain dwellers are no strangers to arthritis, years of carving powder turns, climbing frozen waterfalls and shoveling out driveways can lead to the pesky and problematic accumulation of cold, dampness and wind in the joints which the Chinese refer to as Bi syndrome.  

Bi syndrome; It’s not just for the elderly anymore

Characterized by painful, stiff and swollen joints, Arthritis can be the result of prolonged cold exposure, scar tissue from old injuries, repetitive motion through work or play, underlying deficiencies, auto-immune issues or yes, the wear and tear of old age.  Whether you’ve been diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout or ankylosing spondylitis; your treatment plan will vary according to TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine.) 

Types of Bi Syndromes: 

• Wind Bi:  Characterized by pain that moves from joint to joint with an overall limitation of movement.  

• Damp Bi:  Pain and swelling in a fixed location, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness and numbness that is worse with cold/damp weather.  

• Cold Bi:  Aversion to cold, severe pain usually on one side of the body that limits movement.

• Heat Bi:  Severely painful joints that are hot to the touch, red and swollen. Usually occurs after chronic cases of any of the above types. 

• Phlegm Bi:  Is actually worse than it sounds (hard to believe with a name like that) this can be the result of any of the above Bi syndromes when left untreated.  Characterized by muscular  atrophy, swelling and deformity of the bones in the joints.  

Chinese Medicine to the rescue

While the steroids, opioids and NSAIDS you get from your doctor can take the edge off the pain, they do nothing to address the root cause of your arthritis woes.  At Durango Acupuncture Clinic, I use a combination of Acupuncture, cupping, Moxibustion heat therapy and Chinese herbs to not only reduce pain and discomfort but resolve the underlying factors that got your joints all up in a knot in the first place.  

5 Arthritis relieving Allstars:

1. Get Moxa-fied: When it comes to Bi syndrome, Moxibustion is key:  Moxa (a form of herbal heat therapy) has been used for thousands of years to treat arthritis.  Moxa helps to draw cold, dampness and phlegm from the bones, resulting in a significant reduction of pain and occurrence.  

2. Inject your pain away: Many of my patients have found lasting relief from Homeopathic injections like Traumeel and Zeel which help to reduce inflammation and pain while helping the cartilage to heal.  

3. De-inflame: I carry a number of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving Chinese herbal formulas, supplements and cbd’s. Magic ingredients to look out for when it comes to arthritis are: turmeric, frankincense, Boswellia, tang-kuei, aconite, cinnamon and myrrh as well and fish oil.

4. Salve it up: CBD salves and Chinese herbal compresses or linaments can provide lasting topical relief that is easy to control and use as needed. Many of you have already experienced the incredible pain relieving effects of the 2,500 mg cbd salve I carry in the office. Additionally, there are a number of Chinese herb patches that address different types of Bi syndromes; hot patches for cold types and cooling patches for hot types.

5. Collagen-ate: lubricate those joints by supplementing with a high quality, organic collagen or bone broth, you can find a simple recipe here or ask me for my favorite flavorless collagen powder suggestions.

Additionally, send those achy joints packing by reducing sugar, avoiding nightshade vegetables, losing weight and exercising regularly.

If this week of wintery weather has left your knees, knuckles, elbows, shoulders, low back or neck in the lurch, schedule yourself so we can get you back out on your skis, snowshoes or shovel before the powder melts away!