Chronic Allergic Inflammation, Heart Disease, and a New Path to Lasting Relief with SAAT

Chronic Allergic Inflammation, Heart Disease, and a New Path to Lasting Relief with SAAT

by | Feb 27, 2026 | Acupuncture, Cardiovascular Health, Chinese Medicine, Immune Health, Naturopathic Medicine, Prevention

Chronic Allergic Inflammation May Affect More Than Seasonal Symptoms

Most people associate allergies with sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes — not heart disease. However, research increasingly shows that chronic allergic inflammation can extend far beyond the sinuses.

Persistent conditions such as allergic rhinitis and asthma correlate with higher rates of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular events. Research highlighted by Downstate Medical Center  identifies a meaningful connection between allergic immune activation and long-term cardiovascular risk.

In long-term population studies, individuals reporting allergic rhinitis showed approximately a 25% higher likelihood of coronary heart disease. Those with asthma demonstrated even greater associations, particularly following recent exacerbations. Rather than viewing allergies and cardiovascular disease as separate issues, researchers now recognize chronic immune activation as a shared inflammatory driver.

How Chronic Allergic Inflammation Impacts the Cardiovascular System

At its core, an allergic reaction activates the immune system.

When the body encounters pollen, pet dander, or certain foods, immune cells release histamine and inflammatory cytokines. These signaling molecules trigger congestion, itching, swelling, and airway reactivity.

Yet this response does not always remain localized.

Over time, repeated immune activation elevates systemic inflammatory markers. Chronic inflammation contributes directly to vascular stress, endothelial dysfunction, and plaque development. The American Heart Association identifies inflammation as a key factor in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease progression.

As a result, unmanaged allergic triggers may add to overall inflammatory burden — not just seasonal discomfort.

Why Symptom Suppression Alone Falls Short

Conventional allergy treatment typically focuses on three strategies:

  • Blocking histamine with antihistamines

  • Reducing localized inflammation with steroid sprays or inhalers

  • Avoiding triggers

These tools can provide relief, especially during acute flares. However, they address the downstream reaction rather than the upstream immune misidentification.

In other words, they reduce symptoms without retraining the immune system.

For individuals who experience recurring or worsening allergies year after year, this distinction matters. Long-term immune regulation requires a different strategy.

Where Allergy Immunotherapy Fits Into the Picture

Allergy immunotherapy — commonly delivered through shots or sublingual drops — works by gradually desensitizing the immune system through repeated allergen exposure.

For many patients, this method proves effective. However, immunotherapy typically requires months to years of structured treatment, regular office visits, and ongoing dose adjustments.

Because of this time commitment, not every patient finds it practical.

Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) offers a different model. Instead of repeated allergen exposure, SAAT uses precise auricular stimulation to influence nervous-system-mediated immune regulation.

Rather than escalating exposure, SAAT encourages recalibration.

Importantly, SAAT does not replace emergency asthma care or cardiovascular management. Instead, it serves as a complementary option for individuals seeking a lower-frequency, minimally invasive immune-modulating approach.

Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT): A Targeted Immune Recalibration Strategy

At Collective Health Center I use Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) to support patients with chronic allergic inflammation.

SAAT leverages the dense neurovascular network of the ear, which reflects whole-body physiology. By stimulating specific auricular points that correspond to identified allergens, the treatment signals the nervous system to reduce immune overreaction.

A tiny semi-permanent needle remains in place for several weeks. During that time, gentle continuous stimulation supports immune recalibration without daily medications or repeated office visits.

Many patients report substantial and lasting reductions in allergic reactivity — sometimes after a single targeted session.

How SAAT Works in Practice

  1. We identify specific allergens through detailed intake and clinical assessment.
  2. I locate precise auricular points corresponding to each trigger.
  3. I place a tiny semi-permanent needle to encourage immune recalibration.
  4. The patient continues normal daily activities while the stimulation works gradually over several weeks.

SAAT remains minimally invasive and drug-free. Clinicians have used it to address environmental allergies, food sensitivities, histamine intolerance, Alpha-Gal syndrome, and mast cell activation patterns.

Allergic Inflammation and Long-Term Health

When allergic inflammation persists year after year, it elevates systemic stress. Over time, that inflammatory load can influence vascular health and metabolic resilience.

Therefore, addressing allergic triggers may support more than symptom relief. It may reduce cumulative inflammatory burden.

By shifting from suppression to immune recalibration, patients often experience a meaningful change: instead of managing reactions indefinitely, they reduce the reactivity itself.

Learn More About SAAT and Immune Regulation

If persistent allergies, sensitivities, or inflammatory symptoms affect your quality of life, a targeted immune-regulation strategy may offer a new path forward.

Dr. Sarah Giardenelli, ND, LAc, works with individuals seeking a root-focused approach to immune imbalance. At Collective Health Center, care prioritizes long-term immune regulation rather than temporary symptom control.

To learn more about Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT):
https://www.collectivehealthcenter.com/services/soliman-auricular-allergy-treatment-saat/

To explore integrative naturopathic and acupuncture services:
https://www.collectivehealthcenter.com

Photo by Kier in Sight via Unsplash

 Collective Health Center

Excellence in Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, and Integrative Medicine in Leesburg, Virginia for Complex Conditions and Chronic Pain in a Warm and Nurturing Environment.

Are you frustrated of dealing with your symptoms?

Are you ready to look for the answers & optimize your health with natural medicine?

This is how we help.

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The Year of the Horse: Moving Forward Without Burning Out

The Year of the Horse: Moving Forward Without Burning Out

by | Feb 5, 2026 | Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Prevention, Stress Management

A Chinese Medicine Perspective on Vitality, Stress, and Balance

As we approach the Lunar New Year and enter the Year of the Horse on February 17, 2026, I notice a familiar theme emerging in my practice and conversations: a strong desire to move forward, regain momentum, and do more. At the same time, many people feel conflicted—mentally motivated, yet physically tired or strained.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Lunar New Year isn’t simply a calendar change. It marks a shift in energetic rhythm, much like a seasonal transition. Each year carries a particular tone, and the Horse is associated with movement, circulation, and Fire energy. At its best, this energy supports vitality, clarity, and engagement with life. At its worst, it can amplify stress, inflammation, anxiety, and burnout. In my clinical work, I often see both sides show up simultaneously.

The Horse in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

From a TCM perspective, the Horse corresponds primarily to the Fire element, which governs the Heart, the nervous system, and the Shen (mind/spirit). Fire energy is responsible for circulation—of blood, Qi, and emotion—as well as connection, presence, and joy.

When Fire is balanced, people often feel motivated yet grounded, emotionally connected without feeling overwhelmed, and resilient under stress. When Fire is out of balance, symptoms tend to emerge. These can include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, racing thoughts, chronic inflammation, pain flares, or the familiar feeling of being “wired but exhausted.” I often find that people today are not lacking Fire; instead, they lack the containment, recovery, and rhythm needed to keep that energy regulated.

Why the Year of the Horse Can Feel Both Energizing and Exhausting

The Horse amplifies motion. When the body has adequate reserves, this forward energy can feel invigorating. When reserves are depleted, that same motion can strain the nervous system. Clinically, I see this show up as neck and shoulder tension, headaches, jaw tension, digestive symptoms tied to stress, pain flares during emotional or work pressure, and sleep that feels unrefreshing despite exhaustion.

From a Eastern medicine lens, the Year of the Horse isn’t asking us to stop moving. It’s asking us to move more wisely, with greater attention to pacing, recovery, and support.

How Acupuncture and Eastern Herbal Medicine Support Horse Energy

In East Asian medicine, the goal during Fire-dominant periods isn’t to suppress energy but to regulate and anchor it. This is where acupuncture and Eastern herbal medicine can be especially supportive.

Acupuncture for Nervous System Regulation and Pain

In my practice, I use acupuncture to help calm excess nervous system activation, improve circulation without overstimulation, reduce pain signaling, ease muscle guarding, and support sleep and emotional regulation. Unlike forceful or one-size-fits-all interventions, acupuncture is responsive. Treatments are adjusted session by session based on how the body responds, which makes this approach particularly appropriate for people who feel sensitive, inflamed, or easily aggravated.

Eastern Herbal Medicine for Balance and Recovery

Eastern herbal medicine isn’t about indiscriminately boosting energy. Carefully selected formulas are used to calm excess Fire, reduce inflammation, support recovery reserves, and help the nervous system adapt to stress more effectively. In clinical practice, herbs are used thoughtfully and conservatively, especially for people already dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, or anxiety.

Living Well in the Year of the Horse

Working with Horse energy doesn’t require dramatic lifestyle changes. In fact, I often find that small, consistent shifts are far more effective than extremes. From both a Chinese medicine and naturopathic perspective, a few themes become especially important during Fire-dominant periods.

Consistency matters more than intensity. Regular, moderate movement supports circulation without exhausting reserves. Sleep becomes foundational medicine, helping contain Fire energy rather than letting it run unchecked. Paying attention to where momentum turns into strain is essential, as pain and fatigue are often signals rather than obstacles to push through. Finally, choosing joy that restores rather than overstimulates helps support the Heart and nervous system in a sustainable way.

These principles closely overlap with what I consider foundations of health in my naturopathic work: adequate sleep, nervous system regulation, steady nourishment, appropriate movement, and time for recovery. When these foundations are weak, Fire energy often flares as pain, anxiety, inflammation, or exhaustion. When they’re supported, the body tends to be far more resilient.

Celebrating Lunar New Year in the DC Area

Lunar New Year is traditionally a time to clear stagnation, set intentions, and gather in community. Even if this tradition is new to you, participating in local events can be a meaningful way to mark the seasonal shift and embody a rhythm of reflection and renewal.

DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade (2026)

The DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade is a vibrant annual celebration in downtown Washington, DC, featuring music, dance, and cultural processionals. It’s a joyful way to experience the collective energy of the new year and mark the beginning of a new cycle.

Lunar New Year Tea Tasting at Seven Tea House

Tea rituals are deeply aligned with Chinese medicine principles. A tea tasting at Seven Tea House offers an opportunity to slow down, support digestion, and ground Fire energy through warmth and presence. This type of ritual can be a beautiful complement to the reflective nature of the Lunar New Year.

A Closing Reflection for the Year Ahead

The Year of the Horse invites movement, but not at the expense of health. From a Chinese medicine perspective, true vitality isn’t about speed. It’s about circulation with containment, momentum with recovery, and action that’s sustainable. If pain, stress, fatigue, or nervous system overwhelm have been louder than your capacity to cope, this season can be an opportunity to reassess patterns and support the body more intentionally. Often, the most meaningful shift isn’t doing more—it’s learning how to move differently.

About the Author

Dr. Sarah Giardenelli is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist in Northern Virginia. Her work integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, Eastern herbal medicine, and naturopathic principles, with a clinical focus on nervous system regulation, chronic pain, stress-related conditions, and long-term resilience. She is particularly interested in helping patients understand how seasonal and energetic patterns interact with the foundations of health, and how small, consistent changes can create meaningful shifts over time. Through individualized, thoughtful care, Dr. Giardenelli supports patients in moving forward with greater balance, sustainability, and intention rather than pushing through symptoms.

Photo by Andrey Soldatov on Unsplash

 Collective Health Center

Excellence in Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, and Integrative Medicine in Leesburg, Virginia for Complex Conditions and Chronic Pain in a Warm and Nurturing Environment.

Are you frustrated of dealing with your symptoms?

Are you ready to look for the answers & optimize your health with natural medicine?

This is how we help.

Contact Us!

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6 Ways to Support the Lungs and the Internal Ecosystem in Fall – The Metal Season

6 Ways to Support the Lungs and the Internal Ecosystem in Fall – The Metal Season

by | Nov 14, 2021 | Chinese Medicine, Immune Health

With the major winds and storms we’ve been having in the DMV lately, Fall is OFFICIALLY here and in full swing! Earlier I posted about getting your body ready for the fall season and the Five Elements Theory in Chinese Medicine, and I’m here to reemphasize what that theory is all about and what you can do to help your body function well and stay healthy during the cold weather.

Chinese medicine practitioners look to The Five Element Theory to understand how our body systems interconnect together and are affected by the environment. In this theory, each element has a specific characteristic and connection to a specific season, climate, color, organ system, and emotion. For example, the element Metal is related to the Autumn/Fall season; a dry climate, the color white, the lungs, and the emotions of grief and courage.

But Why Metal?

Metal in the Five Element Theory represents all metals, minerals, gemstones and crystals on earth. The energy of these ‘metals’ is contracted and inward, similar to the dormancy of trees and plants in the winter. Additionally, there is a simplicity and purity needed to produce ‘metals’, a certain type of maturity, like fields ready for harvest in the fall. The metal energy is like the diamond inside of us - clear and pure. These are the characteristics that link metal to the season of fall.

Through the Five Element Theory, we are able to see the connections between the different systems in our bodies and relate them to the connections between the natural world around us; thus helping us understand how our bodies and the environment connect and can work together functionally. We are able to understand how the seasonal changes affect our health – seasonal health issues such as allergies, depression, weight gain/loss.

The Season of Change

With Fall/Autumn being the season of change, back to school, flu season, etc, it is also the season associated with our lungs, a dry climate, and the emotions of  grief and courage. There are so many new things coming into our lives and it is extremely important that we take the time to attend to practices that nourish our lives. Here are some super simple and nourishing tips and tricks that can help our health and minds during this draining and stressful season. 

Tips for your lungs:

1. Releasing excess energy using a “sssssss” sound when breathing out to help clear out our lungs of pathological excess – things that cause stress and disease – building up inside.

2. Taking walks outdoors to get our lungs acclimated to the cold weather – take these in moderation as you don’t want to overwhelm the lungs right away.

Tips for the dry climate:

3. Avoid excessive sweating – perspiration is another way to release our body’s essence, and you want to make sure to store it, especially come winter. This can help keep your skin moisturized and healthy during the cold, harsh weather.

4. Consume moistening seeds like sesame to also keep your body hydrated.

Tips for helping seasonal grief:

5. When waking up, take some time to get your body ready for the new day. Close your eyes, click your teeth, swallow your saliva, rub your hands together to warm them up, put your hands over your eyes suctioning them. This will help our eyes become more bright and illuminated during the season.

6. Getting to bed earlier and waking up at dawn will align your body to the environment’s cycle, causing your body and mind to calm and moderate it to the seasonal blow of colder weather and less sunlight.

These tips are credited to Gao Lian, who was a 16th century poet and medical scholar and thanks to one of my Chinese medicine mentors, Dr. Heiner Fruehauf, PhD, LAc, who translated Gao’s presentation on the four seasons from his Eight Pieces on Observing the Fundamental Principles of Life (Zunsheng Bajian; 1575 A.D.). Gao’s work is considered an all encompassing source of lifestyle information by Chinese physicians.

Interested in learning more ways to help connect your body to the environment? Reach out to me on the form below to create a customized plan based on your needs and goals. Stay tuned for future blogs relating our bodies to the other three seasons!

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5 Tips to Support Your Liver: Release and Rejuvenate

5 Tips to Support Your Liver: Release and Rejuvenate

by | Apr 6, 2021 | Chinese Medicine, Digestion/GI Health, Naturopathic Medicine

I am so grateful for the spring! Especially after this year of trials, it is good to have a season of new beginnings. In many forms of traditional medicine, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the impact of the seasons upon human health and behavior is acknowledged and spring is recognized as a season of cleansing, renewal, rejuvenation, peace of mind, and fresh starts. Such seasonal changes in the human body are not esoteric, I think that most of us can really attest to experiencing some of these changes, but they are also demonstrated in modern medical literature. For example, in the winter lack of sun exposure in certain areas changes our vitamin D levels and neurotransmitter levels, our caloric intake often increase and activity declines and weight can increase, and there can even be changes in blood pressure and cholesterol. Our immune systems, waistlines, and coronary arteries all welcome spring!  It is interesting how our health can shift so much with the change of seasons. Traditional medicine recognizes how being in tune with these seasonal changes and adapting our lifestyles accordingly can help us prevent illness and be in balance. 

In TCM, spring is associated with liver and this season and the energy of the liver starts in February. Most of us know that the liver is one of our most important organs for detoxification. However, the liver has many other important functions including:

  • Cholesterol production, which is essential for female and male hormone production and balance in the body

  • Hormone regulation through activating certain hormones and metabolizing and detoxing others

  • Purifies the blood – it aids in both the production and breakdown of our blood

  • Stores fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K and vitamin B12

  • The liver transforms fats and proteins into glucose and releases glucose into the bloodstream when it is needed

    • If the liver is stressed this can manifest as fatigue or hypoglycemia

  • Manufactures bile

    • Interestingly, bile itself has been found to have important roles in regulating metabolism - so we need bile not only for detoxification but for a healthy metabolism - this is part of the reason why bitter herbs, which stimulate bile acid production can be so helpful for not only for digestion, but blood sugar and weight management

  • Makes antibodies for the immune system

Chinese medicine also teaches that when the liver is functioning healthfully that emotionally Qi will course smoothly as well and vice versa and indeed I see this in clinic, where if there is an underlying liver condition that is not properly supported, this can manifest with depressed mood. 

The liver is a resilient organ, it can withstand a lot of abuse, and significant damage that might appear as elevated liver enzymes in labs takes some damage to the liver to achieve. However, suboptimal, or stagnant liver function is more common and can manifest in the following ways: 

  • Brain fog

  • Fatigue

  • Irritability

  • Depression

  • Allergies

  • Hormonal imbalances (ie PMD, menstrual issues, hot flashes, breast tenderness/ fibrocystic breasts, uterine fibroids, etc)

  • Headaches

  • Sensitivities (fragrances/ chemicals, coffee, pharmaceuticals)

  • Indigestion

  • Skin issues (ie dryness, rashes, acne)

  • Body odor

  • Foul breath

When there is liver stagnation, Chinese medicine, teaches that the following emotions arise: 

  • Anger, irritation, and sometimes rage

  • Resentment

  • Unforgiveness

  • Indecisiveness and unassertiveness

  • Procrastination

  • Dissatisfaction

  • Stagnated growth

  • Difficulty letting go of things that no longer serve us

Happily, flowing liver energy leads to the opposites, and just as in nature, springtime is also an ideal time for people to take action, create, flourish and:

  • Forgive

  • Have empathy and compassion

  • Make decisions and to be decisive

  • Cultivate ones spirit

  • And let go of the things that no longer serve us

Here are 5 tips to support the emotional and physical health of the liver:

1) Eat green and sour. Green is the color of the springtime, that bright green itself is cheering to look at, and the taste of spring is sour. So green and sour foods are ideal to incorporate into the springtime. My pro-tip is to try making any type of pesto or blended herbal mix, these can be made with basil (my personal favorite), cilantro, watercress, dandelion, spinach, arugula or a blend. Garlic, green onions, ramps or leeks can be added, along with some olive oil and salt (or potassium salts for those who are salt sensitive – although the potassium salt is not for those on blood pressure medications).  Pesto is quick and easy to make, it can make the perfect dip, condiment, or sauce. Try spaghetti squash pesto - just delicious! The greens also stimulate bile production, which is important for both detoxification and metabolism. 

2) Rest the Eyes. In Chinese Medicine, the orifice of the liver is the eyes. With the excess screen time most of us have already, exacerbated amid the pandemic, it is even more important to give the eyes some rest. A general rule of thumb advocated by organizations such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology is the “20 – 20 – 20 rule”, where with every 20 minutes of computer/ screen usage, you shift your gaze to an object 20 feet away and look at it for at least 20 seconds. Generally, it’s also beneficial for creativity and also productivity to take some breaks, as a type A person - who struggles doing this for myself, I think it is important for us to encourage each other to move more during the days. Shifting focus can help us to shift and renew our energy.  

3) Stretch and move. Chinese medicine teaches us that the liver controls the tendons. Stretching opens these pathways or meridians of the liver and gallbladder. These get quite stagnated with sitting and stretching helps to release the stuck energy in these areas and get healing blooding coursing, which brings healing and protective nutrients. Taking time to take frequent breaks of just a few minutes to do simple stretches and takes walks goes a long way. Here are a few simple stretches to activate the liver and gallbladder channels: 

  • Stand tall and lift your arms above head and take 5 deep breaths. If breathing is too restricted, lower your until comfortable.

  • Stand tall and gently bend to the side, take 5 deep breaths, and then switch sides. Do not force, strain or create pain, it should be easy. This will help to open up the gallbladder channel.

  • Stand tall, with arms lifted above the head and gently rotate, take 5 deep breaths and then switch sides. Again, go gentle and do not force the stretch or create pain.

 4) Spring beautify. There is so much evidence that beautifying and creating an appearance of abundance in our homes and workplaces, elevates our minds and health. Ingrid Fetel Lee is an expert in this field and has an amazing book called the Aesthetics of Joy. Go ahead, buy yourself some flowers, it will change your day for the better. It is difficult to create in a cluttered space so a little cleaning and organizing can go a long why. Make sure to use non-toxic products amid your cleaning. One of my most trusted environmental hygienists, highly recommends Branch Basics sanitizing products, as top of the line in terms of function, health, and environmental safety. Many home cleaning products can be easily made with water, vinegar and essential oils, but for tougher jobs, these products might be useful. The Branch Basics website has an excellent article on detoxifying the laundry room – those front-loading washing machines require special attention and this article has some great tips! 

5) Start fresh on a project or goal that you let go of during winter hibernation. We sometimes beat ourselves up for dropping projects or goals, but this does not serve us. Sometimes the energy of an actual season or season of life does not allow the energy or bandwidth for us to move forward. That is how life roles and it’s a lot easier if we accept it and roll with the punches. However, spring is the season for creation, so if you feel the urge to move forward on a project or goal, now is a good time to take action on this motivation. Personally, I had to take a few months break from writing, networking, and marketing due to focusing my energy on moving naturopathic medicine forward in Virginia. Instead of resting and storing my resources during the winter months as is ideal, I was pushing forward. I needed to gather my resources back up for the past few months. However, I am glad to refocus my energy back towards my practice, as helping people thrive on their journey of health is my passion! In February, I celebrated 3 years at my solo practice, Collective Health Center, and I couldn’t be more grateful to you, my patients and community for your extra measure of support during this intense year. It is a true honor to be on this journey with you!

Dr. Sarah is a lover of spring and a naturopathic doctor & acupuncturist at Collective Health Center in Leesburg Virginia.  Her passion is helping patients get to the root cause of their nagging health concerns with natural medicine. Learn more by filling out the form below.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine and Gratitude

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Gratitude

by | Oct 19, 2019 | Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine comes to mind when I think about the upcoming holiday. During Thanksgiving, what could be better than celebrating all of life’s blessings, surrounded by an abundance of food, friends, and family? While I try to make a practice of being grateful daily for my blessings, I, for sure, am looking forward to that special time to express gratitude with my people. Traditional Chinese Medicine relates to gratitude. While we often consider the 5 “negative” emotions in Traditional Chinese Medicine, in considering a person’s state of health, gratitude isn’t something that I’ve seen referenced in the literature. The 5 “negative” emotions are emphasized: joy, fear, grief, worry and anger. Yes, joy, in Traditional Chinese Medicine this indicates not the regular daily joys, such as seeing the sun shine, but an overexuberance or a manic type of joy. These 5 “negative” emotions are all normal human emotions and are only considered “negative” when in excess, when they become so overwhelming, that they overpower or control a person, then they are seen to cause damage to the internal organs and lead to disease. In Western medicine, emotional states contributing to physical illness in the body is a concept that has only more recently been elucidated in the research and embraced. For example, research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) dictates that the more traumatic experience in childhood, the greater the risk of not only mental health challenges like depression and higher risk behaviors, but of physical illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, liver disease and fetal death in pregnant women. While in Traditional Chinese Medicine literature the concept of gratitude isn’t necessarily spelled out as the opposite of gratitude, ingratitude, which might manifest as self-absorption, entitlement, jealously, and resentment are considered. A colleague of mine summed up this idea of ingratitude as “wanting things to be other than how they are”. We all have moments of this and not for nothing, it’s normal when a course change is needed in life and to have hopes and desires for a brighter future. However, it is important to enjoy all the good things in life too. This feeling of frustration or unsettledness is related to liver qi stagnation in TCM and considered to be the most common pattern of imbalance leading to disease, I certainly see this to be true clinically. While life frustrations are sure to keep on coming, we can open ourselves to regular appreciation, gratitude, and compassion, which all relax the mind and allow qi to flow more smoothly in the body. So, on this day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, my patients for allowing me nine months in my new solo practice. You are the Collective in Collective Health Center. Thank you for trusting me to be a partner on your health journey. References https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/about.html http://acupunctureincambridge.com/2009/11/25/gratitude/

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Mental Health is Heart Health

Mental Health is Heart Health

by | Aug 9, 2019 | Cardiovascular Health, Chinese Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Stress Management

Mental health is heart health. Heart ache can literally cause “takstubo cardiomyopathy” or heartbreak syndrome, this presents similarly to a heart attack, and thankfully occurs very rarely, when stress hormones severely spike, such as the loss of a loved one or when otherwise in extreme duress.

One of the beautiful aspects in both naturopathic and Chinese medicine is that it considers and addresses both the physical and mental health factors of disease. Rose flowers are one of my favorite herbs for trauma, they both clear heat and calm the spirit. In Chinese medicine, our spirit or shen, is thought to reside in the heart and the heart is thought to control all the other organ systems. So any extreme emotional disharmony can cause imbalance in all of the other organ systems. 

 Asking for help to improve your mental health

The most devastating time in my life was loosing my mother-in-law, Barbara, to a drunk driver. However, I am grateful for what this terrible time in my life taught me. It was a few years of coming back into myself and working on my mental health. It took asking for help. Accepting that help. Prayer. Moving on from regrets. Self-care. And of course an awesome naturopathic doctor.

This is the personalized care naturopathic and Chinese medicine offers. It goes beyond functional medicine into truly dynamic, bioenergetic care. Sure, I can help to lower those elevated cholesterol, hs-CRP, homocysteine using lifestyle, nutrients and herbals. However, my passion is getting to the heart of the matter. 

Custom treatments for physical and mental health

Working with my patients at a personal and relational level. Through this work we get a truly personalized approach and this enables me to do things like customize herbal formulas for my patients based non only on their totality of their symptoms, but their constitutional picture, including their mental health. Even if I use a single herb, I am always thinking about how that herb will support the patient at these deeper levels.

The heart might stay scarred, but for this mine is stronger, and I am blessed to use this learning to help others.

Dr. Sarah Giardenelli specializes in integrating both Naturopathic and Chinese medicine to provide the best possible care for each patient. If you are interested in learning more please fill out the form below. Dr. Giardenelli's office is located in Leesburg, VA in the Leesburg Junction building.  

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