Center for Complementary Medicine

As brilliant as Western (allopathic) medicine is at emergency medical procedures and various surgical techniques, this makes up a very small percentage of what people see doctors for. Both infectious disease and more chronic degenerative disease are treated with drugs that are aimed at symptom suppression, and bring with them vast deliterious side-effects. With the development of antibiotics in the 1940’s, the pharmaceutical industry became the major player in the world of medicine, but it does not, and has not, pursued methods to tap into and activate the innate healing powers of the human body. The focus of allopathic mediine is on the symptoms, and not the root cause of the dis-ease. Interestingly, the treatment of infectious disease became the strength and backbone of Western medicine, but no infectious disease has been eliminated by the use of antibiotics. We have come to the woeful realization that the use of these antibiotics has even contributed to the recent phenomenon of emerging infections which are antibiotic-resistant. In short, these meds are creating a super bacteria. Pain meds have even more dire consequences on the liver and kidneys, and an alarming percentage of people on kidney dialysis; end stage kidney failure, are there because of the use of these analgesics.

Today, the use of drugs is the dominant resource used by the medical mainstream to treat most conditions of humankind. 70% of the world’s prescriptions are written by U.S. doctors. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Associatio(JAMA) in 1998, deaths due to legal drugs in hospitals were the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. The other major medical option is surgery. It is estimated that as much as 50% of all surgeries performed today are unnecessary. It seems that Western medicine has abandoned the famous Oath of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, which simply states medicine should “Do No Harm”.

Oriental medicine seeks to find the root cause of one’s “imbalance”. But even more that that, it’s primary objective is to promote a level of health to keep one as vital, energetic, and balanced as possible so that they don’t get sick in the first place. This preventive approach is now being referred to as Wellness medicine, and implies more than just an absence of disease. An acupuncturist seeks to discover the underlying energetic imbalances that if not treated, eventually manifest in a disease process. It can much more readily, in many instances, determine disease that can potentially occur later if these imbalances are not addressed. The acupuncturist is also interested in restoring Function rather than just suppressing symptoms. To take a pill for a headache is literally robbing you of the opportunity to learn why you are getting the headache in the first place, and from determining what needs to be done to address the cause of the problem. Afterall, to treat a dying tree you don’t just snip off the yellow leaves. Rather, you address the condition of the soil and the roots, and see if the tree is getting too much water, or too little. This “root” therapy approach is the essence of Chinese medicine.

Chinese medicine has been practiced for over 4,000 years and is the most utilized health care system in the world today. The reason that it has survived for so long and adapted to different cultures is that it offers a vast and potent repertoire of healing benefits that are so widely needed in our modern world. Acupuncture has enjoyed an enormous surge of interest lately, as the media is really catching onto the widespread benefit that this treatment option is offering to so many people. There are literally hundreds of studies validating its efficacy for treating such things as pain, nausea, infertility, digestive complaints, and many respiratory and neurological ailments. The World Health Organization recognizes over 30 conditions for which acupuncture may be beneficial. Most importantly, there are no side effects, other than a good night’s rest. Most insurance companies cover at least a percentage of the fees. So try it, you have nothing to lose!

Yours in health,

Rick Bernard, L.Ac.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most poorly treated conditions in medicine today. Carpal tunnel is a common source of hand numbness and pain due primarily to repetitive hand movements required in typing and mousing. However, any overuse activity can lead to this condition. I have seen it prevalent in pregnant women and new mothers who are carrying extra water weight, or who have to transport their babies in a car seat.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow, funnel-like structure in the wrist. The median nerve travels from the forearm into the hand through this tunnel in the wrist. This nerve controls feeling in the palm side of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. The tendons that allow you to bend your fingers and thumb also travel through this tunnel. In short, when the tendons become irritated from overuse, the tissue around these tendons, called synovium, swell and put pressure on the median nerve causing tingling, numbness, or pain. Some people are born with a smaller carpal tunnel making them more susceptible than others to develop this problem.

Treatment for carpal tunnel may involve:
*Bracing or splinting. A brace or splint worn at night keeps wrist in neutral position which prevents the nightly irritation of the median nerve when the wrists are curled during sleep.
*Medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
*Steroid injection. Cortico-steroid injection can provide short term relief.
*Physical therapy. P.T. will sometimes prescribe an exercise routine which often serves to aggravate the condition. These tendons require rest, not more use.
*Surgery. Commonly surgery which cuts the transverse ligament in the wrist to make more room for the median nerve is employed. Complications-bleeding, infection,nerve injury,scar tissue,additional surgery.
In my opinion carpal tunnel surgery is one of the most over-used, inappropriate methods to treat this condition.Certainly if this has been a very long standing condition where there is constant numbness and wasting of the thumb muscles is present, surgery is appropriate as a last measure. True healing can only occur by dealing with the increased tension in the flexor muscles and tendons of the forearm and wrist, which have caused this condition. Massage and acupuncture are the only two techniques which actually address and alleviate this built up tension. Together, they relax these overused tendons, reduce the swelling of the surrounding tissue, and restore the integrity of the underlying structures. When the soft tissue is relaxed, blood flow is restored and the symptoms subside.

There is a self massage technique that I teach so patients can work on themselves while at their desks, and only takes a few minutes. Furthermore, the proteolytic enzyme, serrapeptase has shown very encouraging results in reducing inflammation in the soft tissue. I recommend a product called Zymactive, which has twice the potency of anything on the market today.

Final thoughts…Carpal tunnel surgery is not something to jump into without exhausting more conservative therapies. Often, this surgery is not successful, and you are left with some undesirable complications, including a possible second surgery. Remember, any therapy chosen should address the real cause of this condition. Cutting a ligament in the wrist does nothing to alleviate the tension of soft tissue of the forearm and wrist. Eventually this can lead to this problem re-occuring, or another condition such as medial epicondylitis from developing.

Yours in health,
Rick J Bernard, L.Ac.

Serrapeptase is an enzyme that comes from the silkworm. When the silkworm is ready to emerge from it’s cocoon it produces an enzyme that dissolves that very hard shell so that this delicate little creature can enter into a new world. Histological studies reveal powerful anti-inflammatory effects of this naturally occuring enzyme. Serrapeptase digests non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms. It has been used in Europe and Japan for more than 25 years for inflammation, post-surgical swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ear, nose, and throat disorders, with good clinical research behind it.

I have used this enzyme extensively with patients with sinus infections and carpal tunnel with sometimes amazing results. It can also provide dramatic relief for some types of low back pain marked by a “burning” inflamed sensation.

Dr. Hans Nieper, a German doctor and scientist, discovered that only a small amount, if taken every day for 18 months, would complete the healing of clogged arteries and they would be almost entirely cleared of arterial plaque. A virtual roto-rooter of any dead tissue anywhere in the body. Dr. Nieper also reported that serrapeptase dissolves blood clots and causes varicose veins to shrink or diminish.

The most potent serrapeptase I have found is called Zymactive by Natural Factors. It is more than twice as potent as the leading brand, and I keep it stocked due to its wide ranging benefits. One pill 3x daily is the appropriate dosage for maximum benefit. If you know someone afflicted with one of these conditions, tell them about the “Miracle” gift the silkworm has provided for us.

Yours in health,

Rick J. Bernard

Now that Winter has officially arrived it is time to utilize the knowledge and wisdom of Chinese Medicine that has been honed and tested for over 4,000 years. The ancient Chinese believed that human beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The cold and darkness of Winter leads us to slow down. This is the time of the year to reflect on our health, replenish energy, and conserve our strength.

If you feel tired and drained your are not alone. “Lack of energy” is one of the top three complaints that doctors hear in their offices. According to Oriental Medicine, the cold months of Winter are the perfect time to recharge your battery and generate vital energy, what the Chinese refer to as “Qi”, in order to live, look, and feel your best.

Winter is ruled by the Water element, which is associated with the Kidneys, Bladder, and Adrenal glands. The Kidneys are considered the source of all energy or Qi within the body. They store all of the reserve Qi so that it can be used in times of stress and change, or to heal, prevent illness, and age gracefully.

During the Winter months it is particularly important to nurture and nourish our Kidney Qi because this is the time that it can be most easily depleted. Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of Winter-rest, reflection, conservation, and storage.

The Nei Ching, and ancient Chinese classic, advises people to go to sleep early and rise late(good luck explaining this to your boss)after the sun’s rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own Yang Qi for the task of warming the body when presented with a cold environment.
Winter Diet:

• Stop drinking ice drinks and coffee. Choose instead warm herbal teas. Coffee increases “dampness” in our bodies which leads to feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.
• Eat more root vegetables, such as potatos and yams. They are a great base for soups and stews. Whole grains an nuts help to warm the body’s core and to keep us nourished.
• Water-Drink plenty of it at room temperature; no ice please…
• Kidney shaped foods:Black beans and kidney beans are excellent examples of kidney shaped fods that benefit Kidney Qi.
• Blue & Black foods: The colors blue and black correspond to the Water element of the Kidneys and are thought to strengthen the Water element. Include blueberries, blackberries, mulberry and black beans in your diet.
• Seeds: Flax, pumpkin, sunflower and black sesame seeds relate to fertiliy and growth which is governed by Kidney Qi.
• Nuts: Walnuts and chestnuts have been found to be especially effective for increasing Kidney Qi.
• Vegetables: Dark, leafy green vegetables are th best choice for Kidney Qi. Other Kidney Qi boosting veges include asparagus, cucumber, and celery.

Seasonal acupuncture treatments in Winter are directed toward nurturing and nourishing Kidney Qi which can greatly enhance the body’s ability to thrive in times of stress. Points are chosen to keep the immune system strong and keep your energy in a balanced state.

If you do catch a cold the formula “Not So Well” by Get Well Natural is the best cold formula I’ve ever taken. If caught early many times it will completely knock out that cold. If it includes a sore throat try zinc lozenges. I actually like “cold eeze” which you can purchase at you local drug store. Zinc kills viruses in the throat and also stimulates the thymus gland which is the master immune gland of the body.

Staying happy, healthy, and energetic is possible in the winter.

Happy Winterizing, Rick J Bernard, L.Ac.

As I look forward to what 2010 has to offer – Whew! Thank god we all survived 2009 – I feel so fortunate to be part of such a great profession and have such wonderful patients that truly feeds my soul. I am so blessed to be able to participate in the lives of so many and contribute in some small way to making their lives a little better. I get to wake up every day and actually look forward to going to WORK. What a concept. I always thought work was supposed to be a burden, some lousy endeavor that was thrust upon us when we were finally handed our diploma.

So for me, I simply need to count my lucky chickens and figure out ways to improve and expand on what I do in 2010. This past year I’ve been studying homeopathy and hope to utilize it for certain auto-immune and dermatological conditions which I find it most helpful for. I also plan to significantly expand my weight loss program as I have done extensive research in this area. You will be hearing more about that soon. Finally, I will attempt to provide you, on a more regular basis, with health tips that may be of value to you, family members, or friends. This has been my most difficult endeavor in the past, as it is so easy to get side-tracked with other responsibilities. (Those of you that have young children know what I’m talking about). But that’s my goal for 2010 so look forward to receiving little health tid-bits in the weeks to come.

My blessings to all of you for a happy and healthy 2010.

Yours in health, Rick Bernard

I have been practicing acupuncture for 16 years and the most common question I get is, “Do you help with weight loss?” My answer has always been “no, but I know of many acupuncturists who do.”

It’s not that I didn’t believe that acupuncture could help people lose weight. I have read many research papers that validated its ability to suppress appetite. It was more that I didn’t feel it was a complete enough solution for what can be a very complex problem, that requires a more multi-faceted approach. I am embarrased to say that I didn’t view obesity as a real health problem, with many associated health risks.

It is safe to say I have come to view obesity as an epidemic, particularly in developed countries like the U.S. It is now, in fact, regarded as the major cause of death n the U.S. I have also witnessed repeatedly weight issues overlap many of the other health issues I was treating people for, most notably, infertility and pain. One of the greatest obstacles I have found for preventing women from becoming pregnant is excess weight. As I began to view this issue through a different lens, and began to research ways to combat this growing health problem, I discovered a scientific breakthrough product that will revolutionize the field of weight loss. (more…)

I’d like to welcome you to my Health Tips Report. This Report will provide you with natural remedies for common, every day problems, as well as solutions for more complex, difficult conditions that you may not have realized Chinese Medicine could address. (more…)

It can be safely stated that one of the true failures of Western Medicine is in it inability to effectively treat pain. Essentially, if the condition is not serious enough for surgical intervention (and most conditions aren’t) the two options are drugs or physical therapy.

In short, the strength of physical therapy is in rehabilitating atrophied muscles post-surgery. It is for the most part ineffective for providing pain relief other than providing postural advice and exercise that can be performed at home. But often strengthening exercises only exacerbate painful conditions, particularly for repetitive-use type injuries. To place additional stress on an already overworked tendon only serves to cause a flare up of the condition. I can’t tell you how many patients I’ve seen with tendinitis of the elbow or wrist who have had their condition worsen after a course of physical therapy.

The alternative option is to be placed on non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) which have horrific side effects, probably the worst in the western pharmacopoeia. If you value your kidneys and liver, I would avoid long term use of pain medicines. It has been estimated that approximately 25% of the people on kidney dialysis, end-stage kidney failure, are there because of the excess use of NSAID’s. So not only are these drugs not treating the cause of the pain and simply masking the symptoms, they are creating much more severe, life-threatening disease.

If there is a black mark on Western Medicine, it is in how it treats chronic pain. So what is the most powerful natural method of pain relief in the history of medicine? (more…)

A significant part of my Practice is geared toward treating issues of infertility, and has become some of the most personally satisfying work that I do

Since Acupuncture’s potential to solve infertility problems was first reported on NBC11, my treatment program has helped almost 30 couples join the ranks of expectant parents. We are all blessed by the success rate, and I look forward to watching these families grow over time!

– Helping Women Get Pregnant

As predicted in our last post, NBC11 broadcasted its story about Acupuncture and Fertility in March 2008:

It was accompanied by on online story, too:

More and more women struggling with infertility are turning to acupuncture to help them get pregnant.

Amy Rueda is elated to have moments with her son, Marco, because she thought she couldn’t have children.

Rueda had not gotten pregnant in six years, even after aggressively trying for three.

“I did six rounds of Clomid. I did inseminations, Gonalef. We were right up to in vitro … I was given a 10 percent chance of getting pregnant if I used in vitro,” Rueda said.

After suffering three miscarriages, she almost gave up. But then Rueda heard about licensed acupuncturist Rick Bernard in Willow Glen, who specializes in treating infertility.

After just four treatments, Rueda got pregnant. Then, eight months after she delivered her son, Diego, she got pregnant again with her second child.

Marco is now 2 1/2.

Although, there is a mistake in the NBC story. The actual cost for an hour of acupuncture treatment is $85. We apologize for any confusion.