Home:

I offer special support for those with thyroid disorders like hypothyroid (low thyroid function) and autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s). Since thyroid problems are accompanied by adrenal fatigue or burn out, and blood sugar problems like reactive hypoglycemia,  insulin resistance (syndrome X – metabolic syndrome), pre-diabetes, as well as lipid problems like high cholesterol, we also make sure these issues are handled in conjunction with thyroid treatment.

Reproductive hormone problems aggravate these other endocrine problems, as well as the pituitary, which is extremely vulnerable to stress. So menopause with its hot flashes and night sweats, PMS with its food cravings, insomnia, irritability, bloating and insomnia, and menstrual irregularities can impact thyroid, as thyroid impacts reproductive hormone function. For men, prostate problems and testosterone issues can interact with thyroid function and blood sugar imbalances to promote breast enlargement, central weight gain, hair loss and chronic fatigue. For both children and adults, brain function and moods are impacted as neurotransmitters influence hormones, gut and liver function. Behavior problems related to being highly sensitive or having attention deficit disorder can result.

Besides acupuncture and acupressure, I use other modalities of Traditional Chinese medicine (Chinese herbs and dietary therapy, moxa, cupping, electroacupuncture).  These are as beneficial for pain relief as they are for internal medicine.

Following the latest research in the field of functional medicine, I use state of the art laboratory analysis and food reactivity testing to determine if there are allergies or other food sensitivities, what they are and how to best rebuild the gastrointestinal tract.  Even those who don’t notice food sensitivity issues or major digestive problems can have ‘leaky gut’ problems that impact other organ systems (respiratory  — sinus allergies, asthma, hay fever, or vascular — migraines and other headaches, circulation problems — cold hands and feet, brain fog, erectile dysfunction.)  MRT testing through Signet Diagnostics is an excellent way to determine if this is an issue. Gluten genetic and sensitivity screening is done through EnteroLab or Cyrex Laboratories. Parasite testing is with Genova or Metametrix and salivary hormone testing is done through DiagnosTechs.

If poor insurance coverage and cost is an obstacle, discount prices for pay at time of service (PTOS) blood work can be done through Professional Co-op, DirectLabs or locally through the Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center, in conjunction with the medical staff there.

Treatment for the physical/energetic level includes acupuncture, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine and nutritional/dietary therapy including detox and elimination diets. I have studied extensively with Kiiko Matsumoto, Jeffrey Yuen, Jeffrey Bland and Datis Kharrazian. My work is a synthesis of these approaches plus my own intuition and experience.

For the emotional component of any autoimmune disease, I use MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction), SE (Somatic Experiencing for trauma taught by Peter Levine and Steven Hoskinson) and clinical hypnotherapy. Additional understanding of trauma treatment with acupuncture is provided through study with Joe C. Chang, Integrative Care for Acute Combat-induced PTSD at the Ft. Bliss Restoration & Resilience Center.

See my website: www.lelaccarney.com which describes my work combining Chinese/functional medicine with Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) for addressing chronic disease’s roots in unresolved stress/trauma.

Meditation, plus mindful movement and breath exercises like yoga, tai chi (tai qi) and qi gong are very helpful for working with the stress aspect of any chronic disease – especially those of the endocrine system and immune system. Special bone building exercises are informed by Sherri Betz’ work with FORE, Foundation for Osteporosis Research and Education.

These natural, holistic treatment approaches can be alternative or complimentary to Western medicine, depending on the condition and the person’s preference. I work with physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, therapists and Somatic Experiencing practitioners to create a team that will provide maximum support for unravelling knotted health challenges and reweaving the tapestry of life in body, mind and spirit.