Chronic Kidney Disease and Functional Medicine – Exploring Integrative Approaches

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is no longer a niche medical concern; it is a global epidemic. Currently, over 850 million people worldwide—roughly 10% of the global population—are living with kidney disease. In the United States and Europe, the statistics are strikingly similar: approximately 1 in 7 adults is affected, though a staggering 90% of them remain undiagnosed until the later stages. (International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN). The WHO now classifies kidney disease as the 9th or 10th leading cause of death globally (up from 13th just a few years ago).

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The Metal Element and Your Immune Blueprint: A Deep Dive into Zinc

In both Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we often look at the same physiological goal—vitality and resilience—through two different but harmonious lenses. Today, we’re focusing on a true “multitasker” in the world of micronutrients: Zinc.

In my practice, I don’t just look at isolated lab values; I explore the systems behind your symptoms. Zinc is a perfect example of a nutrient that bridges the gap between biochemical pathways and energetic balance.

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Synchronicity in Healing: When the Body Finally “Speaks”

In conventional medicine, we are taught to look for causality: Factor A (a virus) causes Symptom B (a fever). We treat the body like a machine with broken parts. However, in my practice, I often witness something that defies this linear logic—something Carl Jung called Synchronicity.

Jung defined synchronicity as a “meaningful coincidence” where an internal psychological state and an external physical event align without a direct cause-and-load link. In the context of your health, synchronicity is that “Aha!” moment when the body finally “speaks,” and the soul finally listens.

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The Body’s Wisdom: Shared Principles of Chinese and Functional Medicine

Chinese Medicine (CM), also referred to as Eastern Medicine, and Functional Medicine (FM) represent two distinct yet philosophically aligned medical systems that emphasize root-cause analysis, individualized care, and the body’s inherent capacity for self-regulation and healing. Although originating from different historical and cultural contexts, both systems prioritize prevention, systems-based thinking, and the therapeutic use of nutrition, lifestyle modification, and non-pharmacologic interventions.

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The Art and Science of Duì Yào: Unveiling Biochemical Synergies

Here I dive into the fascinating world of botanicals and one of my favorite parts of traditional medicine, exploring the intricate balance between ancient wisdom and modern scientific understanding. This article spotlights Duì Yào (对药), a unique practice within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that exemplifies the profound art and science of combining botanicals. It’s a class I used to teach and hope to offer it again as a continuing education module. And maybe a book…

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