Center for Complementary Medicine

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.

Rick recommends once-weekly appointments for Infertility Treatment, which may involve a combination of electro-acupuncture, auriculotherapy, Infrared therapy, and/or Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage.

Women should plan on following this regimen for between three and six months depending on your age and ovarian health. Success may occur quicker in some cases, but these are realistic expectations.

COST: $85.00 per treatment

For patients not concurrently on Western fertility medications, herbs are highly recommended. Price can vary from $15.00 to $50.00 per month depending on the herbs selected for your particular “pattern” that has interfered with you becoming pregnant.

Your insurance company may even cover your care. Just ask us!

We hear a great deal about how Western reproductive medicine has helped women conceive, and some of the modern techniques used are truly amazing. Research shows that young women using IVF techniques have between a 20 and 30 percent chance of conceiving(at a cost of at least 10 thousand dollars per attempt). The chances fall to less than 10 percent for a woman at age thirty nine, and only 3 percent for women at age 44. On average, women go through seven cycles of Assisted Reproductive Techniques(ART) before they either conceive or quit, spending thousands of dollars in their attempts to have children.

Recent research has irrefutably proven that by combining Oriental Medicine techniques and knowledge, the percentages of conceiving and bringing a fetus to term rises dramatically! (more…)