Welcome to Cypress Natural Medicine! It has been a very busy couple of months and we are excited to introduce you to 2 new team members here at Cypress. We are thrilled to introduce you to Jennifer Cohen, L.Ac. Jennifer is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in fast, permanent allergy relief (NAET), acute & chronic pain, chronic disease, and facial rejuvenation. Jennifer received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and received her Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches Institute in Santa Cruz, California. Jennifer is a much needed addition to our growing practice. If you would like to find out more about Jennifer, please visit the About Us section of our website. As an introductory special, we are delighted to offer all of our patients 40% off for their initial acupuncture, facial rejuvenation or NAET appointment (Reg. $150).

Many of you have most likely received an email or call from our other new team member, Joan Dondero. Joan is the new Wellness Coordinator here at Cypress Natural Medicine. Joan handles product ordering, order changes, and support for all of our patients taking Juice Plus+. Joan’s help has been invaluable in supporting the needs of our patients taking Juice Plus+. If you need assistance with any of your Juice Plus+ concerns, please email Joan at veggies4you@hotmail.com

Bastyr Univeristy in the News: Columnist Mark Morford of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote a compelling article about our own alma mater. Many thanks to him for getting the word out about Naturopathic Medicine! You can read the article in its entirety HERE.

The greatest compliment you can give us is referring our clinic to your family and friends. Please mention us when people in your life are having health concerns and are looking for a safe, natural, and effective choice in healthcare.

New to the Cypress Natural Medicine Newsletter and CNMhealth.com? We have designed our monthly newsletter and website to be packed with health information to deepen and nourish your health transformation. Our mission is to educate and empower patients and community members in order to promote healthy choices. We are here to assist you in your health goals for 2006 and beyond. New information will be frequently added to the website in order to expand your knowledge and keep you informed of current and emerging health topics – so make sure to bookmark this site, visit regularly, and share it with your friends and loved ones!

Treating Allergies with NAET & Acupuncture:
Fast, Permanent Allergy Relief
Jennifer Cohen, L.Ac.

Allergies are on the rise. The shift of our environment away from its natural state and towards industrialization is causing an increase in allergies, as the immune system is exposed to increasing numbers of allergic substances. Studies have shown increased prevalence of allergies primarily in developed countries, and mostly in urban environments, as opposed to rural communities. Today, people eat diverse and exotic foods, many containing artificial preservatives and additives; spend more time indoors, increasing contact with dust, synthetic materials, and household chemicals; are more likely to maintain pets indoors; and are exposed to more pollution. To top all of this off, many people are living with severe stress levels which cause significant imbalances in the proper function of the nervous system and immune system. It is the culmination of all of these factors that sets the stage for chronic illness and allergy symptoms.

What is an Allergy?
An allergy is an overreaction by the immune system to a foreign substance, which can enter the body through a variety of routes. It can be inhaled, like pollen or dander. It can be injected, like insect venom or penicillin, or merely touch the skin, like the latex in medical gloves. Or it can be ingested. According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, almost any food can trigger an allergy, although eight categories account for 90 percent of all reactions: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fin fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. These potentially reactive substances can provoke a variety of unpleasant symptoms in those who are allergic.

Am I Allergic?
Use the allergy analyzer chart to determine if you have a possible allergy to one or more of the six most common allergens—mold, latex, pets, foods, pollen, and dust mites.

• Runny nose, Sneezing, Coughing, Wheezing, Itching in Ears
• Foggy Thinking worse in Damp Areas
• Worse in the Spring & Summer
• Home Smells Stale, Musty
• Worse After Ingestion of Beer, Cheese, Vinegar, Soy Sauce
Possible Allergy: MOLD

• Runny Nose, Sneezing, Coughing, Wheezing, Watery Eyes
• Symptoms Linked with Fruit Consumption
• Hives, Itching, Redness, Rash
• Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal Cramps
• Asthma, Anaphylactic Shock
Possible Allergy: LATEX

• Runny Nose, Sneezing, Hoarseness, Watery Eyes, Wheezing
• Hives, Itchy Rash
• Eyes Red, Itchy, Swollen
• Ears Stuffed-up, Frequent Bronchitis
Possible Allergy: PETS

• Runny Nose, Sneezing, Frequent Ear Infections
• Hoarsness, Wheezing, Chest Tightness, Loss of Voice
• Eczema, Headaches, Hives, Flushing, Itching
• Nausea, Vomiting, Cramps, Diarrhea, Stomach Pain
• Anaphylactic Shock, Low Blood Pressure, Swelling of Lips or Tongue
Possible Allergy: FOOD

• Runny Nose, Sneezing, Coughing, Better Indoors
• Worse in Spring & Summer, Itchy Nose or Throat
• Watery Eyes, Conjunctivitis, Allergic Shiners (dark circles under eyes)
• Worse Mornings, Fatigue, Mental Dullness
Possible Allergy: POLLEN

• Persistent Runny Nose & Sneezing (not seasonal), Stuffy Nose or Ears
• Eczema
• Itchy or Watery Eyes
• Worse at Night & when Awakening, Improvement when Outside
Possible Allergy: DUST MITES

Acupuncture with NAET for Allergies
Sneezing in a field of freshly blooming wildflowers. Itchy, red, and watery eyes at the sight of your cat. Bloating, gas, and fatigue after eating certain foods. These are all common scenarios we have come to associate with the word “allergy�. It is now possible to leave behind these associations because acupuncture combined with NAET is revolutionizing the way allergies are diagnosed and treated. While acupuncture alone is effective in the treatment of allergies, the combination with NAET synergizes the treatment, yielding faster and superior results.

NAET stands for:
Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique
No need for avoidance
No more allergies
Natural
Non-invasive

This innovative approach both accurately diagnoses allergies and provides long-term clearance, effectively eliminating any need for further avoidance of an allergen. This is especially useful in cases where avoidance is not a viable option. NAET provides an easy and cost effective method of allergy testing, which is particularly beneficial to people with multiple allergies. Chances are you have an allergy and may not even know it.

NAET is a far superior method for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. Today, in western medicine, skin-scratch testing is still considered “the gold standard� even though it has been found to be 85% accurate for environmental allergens and only 50% accurate for food allergens. Even after the diagnosis of the specific allergens is made, the typical treatment prescribed includes desensitization therapy (allergy shots) for months, if not years, combined with decongestants and antihistamines. Clinically, we have found that many patients who have undergone this treatment end up with no significant improvement, little improvement, or an overall worsening of their symptoms. We often find that our patients end up being allergic to an entirely different group of allergens. Allergy shots are then prescribed for the new substances and the cycle continues.

It is a sign of imbalance and dysfunction when the body begins to react negatively toward innocuous substances like pollen, eggs, or dust. NAET is very effective at neutralizing your body’s reaction toward innocuous substances by promoting balance within the nervous system and the immune system. NAET treats the true cause of allergies and is why this therapy is so effective at providing permanent relief. The stronger your body is, the less likely you will have allergy symptoms. NAET is a fast, gentle, and effective method for treating the underlying cause of allergies.

Feel Young Again with Facial Acupuncture and Photo Rejuvenation
Jennifer Cohen, L.Ac.

Facial acupuncture has long been a secret weapon for Chinese women in maintaining a youthful and radiant appearance. As acupuncture gains popularity in the United States, American women are discovering facial acupuncture as a natural alternative to surgical face lifts and botox treatments.

Facial acupuncture is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which dictate that the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee�), is responsible for maintenance of all body functions. Qi circulates through the body to provide energy to every cell, tissue, muscle, and organ. As we age, it becomes more difficult for Qi to flow upwards to “lift� the face. Over time, this leads to decreased muscle tone, causing wrinkles and sagging skin.

A facial rejuvenation treatment using acupuncture can redirect the Qi towards the face and strengthen the facial muscles, effectively improving muscle tone and “lifting� the face. At Cypress, we combine facial acupuncture with photo rejuvenation for a synergistic treatment with maximum effects.

Photo rejuvenation is a pain free therapy using light to stimulate cellular repair and decrease inflammation. Studies have shown specific wavelengths to be optimal for different skin conditions:

• Wavelength (nm) = 405-415
• Color = Red
• Condition = Acne
• Action = Kills the bacteria responsible for Acne (P. acnes)

• Wavelength (nm) = 633
• Color = Red
• Condition = Inflammation
• Action = Reduces Inflammation

• Wavelength (nm) = 660
• Color = Red
• Condition = Acne, Eczema, Rosacea
• Action = Stimulates Fibroblasts

• Wavelength (nm) = 830-880
• Color = Infrared
• Condition = Aging, Photo Damage
• Action = Mast Cell Degranulation

All wavelengths are associated with increased anti-oxidant activity and collagen synthesis, which help to decrease wrinkles, redness, and inflammation, promoting a more youthful appearance.

Wrinkles, acne, or sun-damaged skin? Treat yourself to healthier, more radiant, and younger looking skin with an acupuncture facial rejuvenation treatment at Cypress Natural Medicine.

We are very excited to offer all of our patients 40% off for their initial acupuncture, facial rejuvenation or NAET appointment (Regular $150). If you would like to schedule a free 15 minute consultation or an appointment for acupuncture, facial rejuvenation or NAET with Jennifer Cohen, L.Ac., please Email or call our office at (650) 323-7345.

Feel Young Again with Facial Acupuncture and Photo Rejuvenation
Jennifer Cohen, L.Ac.

Facial acupuncture has long been a secret weapon for Chinese women in maintaining a youthful and radiant appearance. As acupuncture gains popularity in the United States, American women are discovering facial acupuncture as a natural alternative to surgical face lifts and botox treatments.

Facial acupuncture is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which dictate that the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee�), is responsible for maintenance of all body functions. Qi circulates through the body to provide energy to every cell, tissue, muscle, and organ. As we age, it becomes more difficult for Qi to flow upwards to “lift� the face. Over time, this leads to decreased muscle tone, causing wrinkles and sagging skin.

A facial rejuvenation treatment using acupuncture can redirect the Qi towards the face and strengthen the facial muscles, effectively improving muscle tone and “lifting� the face. At Cypress, we combine facial acupuncture with photo rejuvenation for a synergistic treatment with maximum effects.

Photo rejuvenation is a pain free therapy using light to stimulate cellular repair and decrease inflammation. Studies have shown specific wavelengths to be optimal for different skin conditions:

• Wavelength (nm) = 405-415
• Color = Red
• Condition = Acne
• Action = Kills the bacteria responsible for Acne (P. acnes)

• Wavelength (nm) = 633
• Color = Red
• Condition = Inflammation
• Action = Reduces Inflammation

• Wavelength (nm) = 660
• Color = Red
• Condition = Acne, Eczema, Rosacea
• Action = Stimulates Fibroblasts

• Wavelength (nm) = 830-880
• Color = Infrared
• Condition = Aging, Photo Damage
• Action = Mast Cell Degranulation

All wavelengths are associated with increased anti-oxidant activity and collagen synthesis, which help to decrease wrinkles, redness, and inflammation, promoting a more youthful appearance.

Wrinkles, acne, or sun-damaged skin? Treat yourself to healthier, more radiant, and younger looking skin with an acupuncture facial rejuvenation treatment at Cypress Natural Medicine.

We are very excited to offer all of our patients 40% off for their initial acupuncture, facial rejuvenation or NAET appointment (Regular $150). If you would like to schedule a free 15 minute consultation or an appointment for acupuncture, facial rejuvenation or NAET with Jennifer Cohen, L.Ac., please Email or call our office at (650) 323-7345.

Cypress Successful Cases

“23 year old male college student with depression, weight loss, gas, bloating, and sinus congestion.”

Presentation
This patient presented with a long standing history of digestive symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, gas, bloating, and the inability to gain weight. Virtually everything that the patient ate caused pain, discomfort and bloating in the abdomen. He also complained that he had chronic sinus congestion which worsened after meals. He reported losing 30 lbs over the past 2 years. He reported having many reactions to specific substances including eggs, milk, cheese, meat, mold, yeast, dust, and alcoholic beverages – he had a blood test and skin scratch test to confirm the reactive substances. When he consumed eggs, his personality changed drastically and he became very anxious and irritable. His spouse described him as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde when he consumed eggs. Diarrhea immediately appeared on the consumption of any dairy product. Mucous was frequently found in the stools. Alcohol consumption caused extreme redness and itching of the skin, particularly around the eyes – he reported looking like a raccoon. The patient also complained of chronic fungal infections on both feet. On questioning, this patient reported having to visit the emergency room several times during his life for abdominal pain. This patient had seen several different doctors and specialists in the past, both alternative and mainstream, with very little improvement. This patient had had a lot of previous laboratory work to rule out any significant pathology. This patient was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome by his previous doctor and referred to a psychiatrist for evaluation.

Analysis
After reviewing all of this patient’s previous lab work, he was found to have several digestive abnormalities which didn’t improve with past treatment measures by other doctors. A comprehensive digestive stool analysis showed maldigestion of protein and fat, and “leaky gut syndrome�, which is a weakness in the lining of the intestinal tract that allows undigested food molecules to reach the bloodstream and react with the immune system. This is the underlying cause of what created the allergies that he was experiencing. The most likely cause of this patient’s chronic illness was a combination of longstanding poor food choices mixed with an inherent deficiency in his capacity to adequately digest food. Basically, he was born with a low functioning digestive system which became increasingly burdened over the years until it could no longer deal with the strain it was under. At this point is when significant symptoms most likely started. Previous treatment measures were focused on eliminating the yeast in the intestinal tract, but it always returned. Adequate digestion is essential in order to prevent overgrowth of yeast (candida), bacteria, and parasites in the digestive tract. By focusing on the elimination of the yeast, the underlying cause remained untreated. In order to treat the underlying cause of illness, digestive function needed to be increased while removing all the burdens on the digestive tract (in this case it was all the allergies).

Treatment
This patient was started on a full spectrum digestive enzyme supplement which included support for the digestion of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. He was also started on a high potency probiotic in order to optimize proper bowel flora. This patient was referred for NAET to permanently remove the allergies that he was experiencing.

Over the course of 2 months, through NAET, it was discovered that this patient was allergic to eggs, dairy, mold, yeast, alcohol, and dust. Each allergen was treated over this time. With NAET, a single allergen is treated at one time and then the patient must avoid that allergen for 25 hours. Once the 25 hours is complete, it is common that the allergic substance can be added back into the diet or that the patient no longer reacts when exposed to the substance. It is quite phenomenal. General acupuncture was also used to strengthen digestive function and promote balance within the body.

After 2 months, this patient was able to eat a wide variety of foods without any of the previous complaints of abdominal pain, gas, bloating, or diarrhea. The patient’s weight returned to normal and the sinus congestion was almost completely eliminated. The patient no longer experienced the redness and itchiness of the skin when exposed to alcohol. Emotionally, this patient felt like a weight had been lifted from him. His energy dramatically improved and he reported a drastic increase in mental clarity. The patient remains well, and free from his previous allergy symptoms.

Cypress Recipes
Healthy, whole foods recipes will be included within every newsletter. The recipes will range from food intolerance and allergy free recipes to those that will introduce lesser known healthful ingredients. If you have a healthful recipe which you would like to share with our community, please email us the details at info@cnmhealth.com

Chilean Quinoa Tabouleh
Serves 8-10

2 cups Quinoa
4 cups water
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tsp minced garlic
1 cup fresh corn kernels, cooked
1 cup finely chopped red onion
4 plum tomatoes cut into (1/2-dice)
1 cup diced (1/2 inch) cucumbers
1 ripe avocado, preferably Haas, pitted, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice

Place Quinoa in a medium-sized pan, add the water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes, The Quinoa should be translucent. Remove from heat and fluff it with a fork. Transfer the Quinoa to a large bowl and cool to room temperature.

Sprinkle the grains with the salt and pepper and stir, folding from underneath the grains. Fold 4 tablespoons of the lemon juice and the oil. Gently fold in the cilantro and garlic.
Toss the avocado with remaining tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
Fold the corn, onion, tomatoes, cucumbers and avocado into the Quinoa. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Serve at room temperature within 2 hours of preparation.

Emerald City Salad – This is one of Destia’s favorites!
Serves 6-8

2 cups organic wild rice
1 bunch organic kale
1 bunch organic chard
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 fennel bulb
1 bunch green onion
1/2 cup chopped parsley
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper to make dressing. Cook the rice in ample water. Drain, cool, and toss rice with dressing. Remove tough stems and ribs from greens and chiffonade.

Combine with diced peppers, thinly sliced fennel bulb and chopped green onion. Just before serving, toss veggies with dressed rice.