Journal
Blog
Notes on acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, food therapy and everyday wellness from our practitioners.
Why Organ Meat Capsules Beat Synthetic Multivitamins: Liver, Kidney, Spleen, Heart & Bone Marrow for Deep Nutrition
Dr. Kim DiStefano · July 9, 2025 · 4 min read
Your Morning Coffee Might Be Helping You Live Longer
Do you ever sip coffee with a tiny pang of guilt? Well, let's put that guilt to rest — because new research says your cup of joe might be doing more than just giving you a morning boost. It could be flipping a powerful longevity switch in your cells.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · July 9, 2025 · 2 min read
Herbs at Home: Easy Ways to Enjoy Sage, Chamomile, Sunflower Petals, Hawthorn Berries, and Astragalus
Dr. Kim DiStefano · January 14, 2025 · 8 min read
Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery: A Natural Approach with Chinese Herbs to Regrow and Strengthen Hair
Bariatric surgery transforms lives, offering renewed health and weight stability for many who have struggled for years. But one common, distressing side effect is hair loss, which typically begins 3–4 months postoperatively. Known medically as _telogen effluvium_, this temporary shedding is **linked to nutritional deficiencies**, rapid weight loss, physiological stress, and hormonal disruption.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · January 9, 2025 · 7 min read
6 Easy Recommendations for a Healthier You
Taking care of your health doesn't have to be complicated. Over the years, I've found that these six simple practices can make a profound difference in how you feel—physically, mentally, and emotionally. They require no special equipment, just a little awareness and intention.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · December 19, 2024 · 6 min read
Acid Reflux: Natural Alternatives with Chinese Herbal Medicine
Acid reflux has become increasingly prevalent, often leading individuals to seek relief through pharmaceuticals. However, recent studies shed light on potential risks associated with commonly prescribed acid-reducing medications.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · November 14, 2024 · 4 min read
Foods That Help Grow Hair Naturally: A Mini-Guide to Chinese Medicine Food Therapy
Yes, what you eat can truly impact how your hair grows, shines, and thrives. Food and nourishment are the roots of healthy hair, skin, and overall vitality. This guide explores how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses food therapy to promote hair growth, prevent thinning, and support strong, vibrant hair, and has lists specific food suggestions.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · October 31, 2024 · 5 min read
Root and Branch Treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine: How Chinese herbal combinations address both the root cause and outward symptoms
One of the most fascinating and essential ideas in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the concept of **Root and Branch treatments**, known in Chinese as _Ben and Biao_ (本 & 标).
Dr. Kim DiStefano · October 29, 2024 · 4 min read
5 Chinese Herbs That Grow Hair by Dr. Kim DiStefano
If your hair is thinning for no apparent reason, Chinese herbs can help! For centuries, Chinese herbs have been used to grow hair, thicken hair, and prevent (and in some cases) reverse premature greying.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · October 24, 2024 · 4 min read
Evil Bone Water: The Ultimate Pain Relief & First Aid Spray
Dr. Kim DiStefano · October 22, 2024 · 8 min read
Acupuncture as Preventative Medicine: The Key to Sustained Health
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are often sought after when people are already feeling unwell—whether it's chronic pain, digestive issues, fatigue, or emotional tension. While these treatments can indeed work wonders to alleviate acute and chronic conditions, what many don't realize is that one of the greatest strengths of Chinese medicine lies in its power as a **preventative medicine**.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · September 29, 2024 · 5 min read
How Chinese Medicine Effectively Treats Dandruff
If you've been struggling with persistent dandruff, you may be surprised to learn that Chinese herbal medicine offers remarkably effective treatments that address the root cause of this frustrating condition.
Dr. Ramtin Dehkhoda · September 14, 2024 · 7 min read
Ask An Herbalist: Perioral Dermatitis
Dr. Ramtin Dehkhoda · August 19, 2024 · 5 min read
Break the Cycle of Sickness: How Chinese Medicine Can Help You Stop Catching Every Cold and Flu
Do you feel like you catch every cold that comes around? Do you barely recover from one illness before the next one strikes? If you're stuck in a cycle of getting sick over and over, it's time to break free.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · August 14, 2024 · 5 min read
From Breech to Head Down: Using Acupuncture and Moxibustion
If your baby is breech—positioned bottom or feet first—acupuncture and moxibustion are gentle, natural ways to encourage them to move into a head-down position.
Dr. Stephanie K. Martin · July 19, 2024 · 3 min read
Treating Grover's Disease with Chinese Herbal Medicine
Grover's Disease, also known as **transient acantholytic dermatosis**, is a non-contagious but deeply frustrating skin condition characterized by intensely itchy red bumps.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · July 9, 2024 · 6 min read
Healing Your Injury: Tips for Fast Recovery Using Chinese Medicine
When dealing with a muscle or tendon injury, whether from sports, an accident, or simply the accumulated stress of daily activities, it's absolutely crucial to give your body the comprehensive support it needs to heal properly and get you out of pain as quickly as possible.
Dr. Ramtin Dehkhoda · June 24, 2024 · 8 min read
No Cold in the Stomach: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Dr. Jacintha Roemer · May 17, 2024 · 7 min read
Treating Anemia Naturally with Chinese Herbs
Dr. Ramtin Dehkhoda · April 11, 2024 · 6 min read
Herbal Consult: What to Expect
With the onset of global health shifts, the way medicine is offered has changed. Learn what to expect during a virtual herbal consultation.
Dr. Ramtin Dehkhoda · March 14, 2024 · 6 min read
Harness the Power of Chinese Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Weight Loss
Chinese Medicine targets underlying imbalances for sustainable weight loss.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · June 14, 2023 · 6 min read
Aging Gracefully with Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture
Natural approaches to facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · April 9, 2022 · 5 min read
How to Choose Foods to Support Your Jing (Essence)
Learn which foods nourish your Jing essence.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · March 9, 2021 · 5 min read
In The News: SDHMA Featured in CBS 8 San Diego
Ramtin Dehkhoda discusses treating COVID patients on CBS 8.
Dr. Ramtin Dehkhoda · February 14, 2021 · 3 min read
Practitioner Recommendation: COVID Recovery
Essential supplements for COVID recovery.
Dr. Veronika Reznova · January 19, 2021 · 4 min read
Your Healing Minute: Lungs & Grief
Dr. Ana Valderrama discusses the emotion of grief and its relationship to the lungs.
Dr. Ana Valderrama · May 19, 2020 · 3 min read
Your Healing Minute: Large Intestine Meridian
Dr. Veronika Reznova discusses the Traditional Chinese Medicine concept of the Large Intestine Meridian.
Dr. Veronika Reznova · May 14, 2020 · 3 min read
Baby Boomers: Immune Supporting Suggestions from TCM Practitioners
TCM protocols for those 55+ including medicinal mushrooms.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · April 30, 2020 · 5 min read
Embrace the Sweat: How Fever Can Help You Fight Infections
In TCM, fevers help the body expel pathogens through sweating.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · April 19, 2020 · 5 min read
Your Healing Minute: COVID Tip \#3
Immune support tips during COVID-19.
Polet Loynaz · April 14, 2020 · 2 min read
Defense Qi or Wei Qi: Your Body's Protective Shield
Learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine views your immune system through the lens of Wei Qi - your body's protective energy shield.
Dr. Ramtin Dehkhoda · April 9, 2020 · 6 min read
Your Healing Minute: COVID Tip \#2
Continued immune support guidance.
Polet Loynaz · April 9, 2020 · 2 min read
Your Healing Minute: COVID Tip \#1
Essential immune support guidance.
Polet Loynaz · April 4, 2020 · 2 min read
Your Healing Minute: Herbs That Support the Lung - Ginger & Cinnamon
Warming herbs for lung health.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · March 29, 2020 · 3 min read
Your Healing Minute: Lung Channel Pathway - Muscles & Tendons
The Lung meridian pathway explained.
Dr. Kyle Sanders · March 24, 2020 · 3 min read
Immune Formula Highlight: Jade Wind Screen
Discover Yu Ping Feng San, an effective preventative formula for immune support.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · March 24, 2020 · 4 min read
Your Healing Minute: Qi Flow in the Acupuncture Meridians
How energy moves through meridians.
Dr. Jacintha Roemer · March 19, 2020 · 3 min read
Coronavirus and Traditional Chinese Medicine
There is a lot of information going around about COVID-19. The most powerful thing you can do for your health is educate yourself. This post explores how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) could be a potent boost to your immune system in conjunction with Western Medicine.
Dr. Ramtin Dehkhoda · March 14, 2020 · 5 min read
A Great Winter Herb: Nutmeg
Discover the warming properties of nutmeg for digestive health.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · December 14, 2019 · 3 min read
Better Know a Formula: Er Zhi Wan
Discover the Two Solstice Pill formula for Yin nourishment.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · September 19, 2019 · 4 min read
How to Make an MRI Relaxing
Learn visualization techniques to turn MRI scans into relaxing meditation experiences.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · August 14, 2019 · 5 min read
Got Leg Cramps? Try Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang
A simple two-herb formula for muscle cramps.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · July 14, 2019 · 4 min read
The Benefits of Epsom Salts
Learn how magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt baths aids detox and wellness.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · June 9, 2019 · 4 min read
Cure or Prevention?
Why being a participant in your health is more effective than waiting for cures.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · April 9, 2019 · 5 min read
What is Ear Acupuncture (Auricular Therapy)?
Discover reflexology in the ear to treat chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, and insomnia.
Dr. Kim DiStefano · November 14, 2018 · 6 min read
My Herbal Pharmacy: How We Get You Your Herbs
Learn about our digital herbal pharmacy system and delivery process.
Dr. Ramtin Dehkhoda · September 21, 2017 · 3 min read