A Healthy Curiosity

You know we need a healthy gut microbiome in order to digest and absorb nutrients from our food – without pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. It also plays a role in autoimmune disease, hormone balance, our level of energy overall, heart disease, kidney disease, brain fog, bone health -- the list goes on. With Chinese herbal medicine, we can encourage the body to release its own digestive enzymes and bile while supporting the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines. On today’s episode you'll learn: What besides food affects the gut microbiomeHow the gut interconnects with other body systems Chinese herbs that help with gas, bloating, and fat lossA simple practice you can employ to help you digest and absorb better right away Dr. Andrew Miles, DOM grew up with a Taiwanese stepfather immersed in Chinese culture, martial arts, and medicine. He studied Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada at the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and later studied advanced diagnostics and integrated medicine at the Chengdu University of TCM in Sichuan, China. He lived in China for years learning more about Chinese medicine in laboratories and learning from China’s top specialists. He is the host of the Botanical Biohacking podcast and works with an expert panel to source sustainably wildcrafted herbs for dampness. He has consulted for pharmaceutical companies, practiced medicine and taught martial arts in China, and has been recognized by the Taiwanese and Chinese governments for promotion and preservation of traditional Chinese culture.Through his Chinese herb company, Botanical Biohacking, he supplies some of the best herbal medicine on the planet to Chinese herbal medicine practitioners, including my clinic. Links: To get your hands on Chinese herbal medicine for your gut micobiome, visit https://chorusforlife.myshopify.com/Brodie You'll be supporting this show! Chinese Medicine Resources for Better Digestion Episode 177: Microbiome Biohacking with Dr. Andrew Miles Episode 227: TCM Nutrition tips for a Healthy Digestive Microbiome with Dr. Darlene Easton, DACM Episode 236: Care and Feeding of Your Microbiome with Dr. Chris Damman The Weirdest People In The World by Joseph Henrich Connect with Dr. Andrew Miles: Website Podcast Books

In September 2023, my Chinese Medical practice turned 20 years old. This episode started off as a retrospective on lessons learned in these two decades as a self-employed Licensed Acupuncturist, herbalist, and coach. While it starts with the role of a clinician and the nature of healing, it explores issues that parents, givers, and people who care about what they do may well relate to, like: Thank you for downloading and listening to the show, and being part of my journey of helping people live healthier, happier, more authentic lives. Want to celebrate with me? Leave me a tip, share something you’ve learned here with someone else, and of course, be good to yourself so you can inpsire others to do the same.

Moving from overwhelm to a more healthy life is often about small steps. One such step can be embracing the philosophy of seeing how so many things can be connected. Approaching symptoms we're experiencing through the lens of the mind-body connection can help us do things like calm down our nervous system and reduce stress while still doing everything we need to do in our lives. Ali Damron, a colleague in the Chinese Medicine field, joins this conversation to dig into this philosophy of connectedness, particularly with regard to hormone balancing. When we attune to the part our hormones play in our health, it's another great tool in treating both the roots and branches of issues we may be dealing with. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: What kinds of problems Ali helps people with through hormone balancingHow she begins unraveling symptoms and stress with clientsAli’s own journey with burnout and how that informs her work todayThe structure of the hormone balance pyramid -- and what to focus on first Ali is a wife, mom to 2 little boys, an acupuncturist and hormone expert. Over the last twelve years, she’s helped hundreds of women overcome hormonal balancing, weight loss, pregnancy, and postpartum, and menopausal symptoms. Links: Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Maté Nicole Sachs, LCSW Dr. Kristin Neff Free assessment quiz Connect With Ali Damron: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Podcast -- Learn more about the Helping the Health Pros Coaching & Consulting program Explore the Basics of Chinese Medicine course

Taking steps in the direction of better health is a multi-faceted process. Not only do we have to take care of ourselves, but we also have to take care of the trillions of microbes that call our bodies home. Rooted in the Earth element of Chinese Medicine, the ecosystem of our bodies is integral to our health in a variety of different ways from our ability to produce energy to feeling grounded and centered. Dr. Chris Damman joins us in this conversation to geek out on where the science of the microbiome verifies aspects of Chinese Medicine. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: What the microbiome is and why it’s so importantHow things like temperature and timing of food can affect our healthThe four Fs of food and which areas are often missedWhy resistant starch is an important facet of our nutritional intake Dr. Damman earned his BA/MA from Wesleyan University, MD from Columbia University, and is a board-certified, actively practicing gastroenterologist. With a background at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where he led the gut health, microbiome and functional food initiative, Dr. Damman focused on the role of diet and microbiome-targeted therapies. Dr.Damman specialized in treating gastrointestinal, metabolic, and neurologic disease throughout his five-year tenure at the foundation. Links: When We Eat, or Don’t Eat, May Be Critical For Health by Anahad O’Connor Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status Acupuncture for the Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Connect with Dr. Damman Supergut Instagram Twitter TikTok -- Learn more about Brodie's Classes and Meditations Enjoying the show? Help support us and keep the show going with the tip jar!

This season of the podcast has focused a lot on demystifying different aspects of Chinese Medicine. From acupressure to qi gong, we've spoken with experts to dig into the details of how these practices can help us move toward better health. In this conversation, we're exploring some of the most common questions from patients in the clinic in an asynchronous q+a session. These questions cover a broad range from the concrete, tactical side to the more theoretical side to help gain a deeper understanding for how the practice of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine works. On Today’s Solo Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: The difference between acupuncture needles and hypodermic needlesHow long it takes to get results from acupunctureWhat Chinese herbs have to do with acupunctureThe process and benefits of using patterns in diagnosis Links: The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence “No convincing evidence” that depression is caused by low serotonin levels, say study authors Acupuncture for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Blots on a Field? A neuroscience image sleuth finds signs of fabrication in scores of Alzheimer’s articles, threatening a reigning theory of the disease Efficacy of omega-3 PUFAs in depression: A meta-analysis Curcumin in Depression: Potential Mechanisms of Action and Current Evidence—A Narrative Review Episode 14: Healthy Skin & Chinese Medicine with Alexa Gilmore, L.Ac. Reach out to Brodie -- Learn more about working with Brodie Explore details about the Level Up program

A consistent theme in this show is empowering you to embody self-respect through daily actions; to take small steps in the direction of better. The body is always seeking balance and homeostasis through its own intelligence and there are usually actions we can take to help support that process. One such way is using points on the body to take care of yourself through acupressure. Katie Pedrick, L.Ac. joins us for this conversation to unpack some of the self-care possibilities that come from putting your own hands on your body. As another proponent of empowering you to support your body's natural intelligence, Katie co-founded the Moxa Acupressure app as a way to further put the process into your hands. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: Katie's journey to Chinese Medicine after starting out studying western medicineWhat led her to creating the Moxa app to expand access for patientsHow acupressure can be applied for a noticeable effect on our healthThe method for providing personalization in the app and why that’s importantAn example of how to access a point with acupressure Katie Pedrick is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist with a thriving practice in Boston (VIBE Wellness), as well as the cofounder of the Moxa Acupressure app. She began her career in cancer and pharmaceutical research with a masters in biotechnology from Harvard University, then turned her attention to Eastern medicine, earning her doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine from the Pacific College of Health Sciences. She is passionate about combining modern western science with ancient eastern wisdom, and is on a mission to empower others to reach their most vibrant health through accessible wellness. Links: Use our affiliate code “BRODIE20” to get 20% off the premium annual subscription and help support this podcast! Connect With Katie Pedrick: Moxa app Moxa Instagram VIBE Instagram VIBE Wellness Tik Tok Youtube -- Learn more about working with Brodie Explore details about the Level Up program

Whether dealing with a COVID infection or just moving through life, a lot of us may be hitting energetic walls these days. In times like this, employing methods rooted in Chinese Medicine, like qi gong, can be very powerful in taking care of ourselves. Dr. Juli Kramer has practiced and studied qi gong intensely for years and she joins us in this conversation to discuss building strength through the gentle movements of qi gong. In addition to the value of using both yin and yang practices in our wellness efforts, she shares how clearing stagnation in different parts of the body helps to avoid injury and disease. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: How qi gong fits into the Chinese Medicine framework in the era of COVID-19Dr. Juli’s journey from being an endurance athlete to practicing and promoting qi gongWhy the gentleness of qi gong can be transformative compared to the yang addiction of western sensibilitiesHow qi gong can help to strengthen our internal organs as well as other parts of our bodiesWalking through practices to help with winding down for sleep Dr. Juli Kramer is a certified qi gong, meditation, and TCM beauty secrets instructor. She holds a diploma in Chinese Medicine Nutritional Therapy and multiple certificates in Chinese medicine. Juli also has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Counseling Psychology. Links: Episode 129: Cultivating Energy with Qigong Episode 37: Playing With the Life Force Qigong for Beginners YouTube playlist Use code HEALTHYCURIOSITY for a free one month membership on Radiant Shenti! Connect with Dr. Juli Kramer: Website Radiant Shenti on Insight Timer YouTube Pinterest LinkedIn -- Use code "friendofthepod" for 20% off of the 12 Treasures Qi Gong course! Learn more about Brodie's Classes and Meditations

What do you do when your back hurts, or when your neck and shoulders get tight and sore? Acupuncture is a potent medicine for joint pain, muscle pain, and nerve pain that provides an immediate relaxing, anti-inflammatory effect in a way that other healing modalities can’t. A growing body of research shows that acupuncture is a potent medicine for joint pain, muscle pain, low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, as well as chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. But people often try it only after drugs, physical therapy, chiropractic, massage and aren’t yielding optimal results. In this episode, Licensed Acupuncturist and host Brodie Welch and Dr. Anthony Lombardi unpack why acupuncture should be your go-to treatment modality available for muscle and/or joint pain due to its ability to neuromodulate, returning the neuromuscular system to homeostasis: improving range of motion, strength, while reducing inflammation. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: How Dr. Lombardi’s journey to acupuncture began in chiropractic schoolWhat advantages he sees in acupuncture compared to chiropractic therapiesWhat motor points are and how they overlap with acupuncture pointsWhy a series of treatments is typically necessary for lasting change Dr. Anthony Lombardi is a 2002 graduate of the New York Chiropractic College and McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program in Hamilton, Ontario, and has been practicing acupuncture for 19 years. Upon graduation, he founded Hamilton Back Clinic and since then has become a private consultant to athletes in the NFL, CFL, and NHL. Over the past 19 years Anthony has given over 100,000 acupuncture treatments. In addition to practicing, Dr. Lombardi was also an instructor in the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program at McMaster University from 2004 to 2013. He developed his EXSTORE® system, which he currently teaches along with motor points and electro-acupuncture, to physicians and practitioners the world over. He regularly writes and contributes articles on motor points in the Canadian Chiropractic and Chiropractic Economics magazines. Dr. Lombardi’s library continues to grow, with some 60 webinars available on a variety of MSK and pain conditions, as well as patient practice management topics. He holds live courses throughout the U.S. and Canada, and has a mentorship/education community on dranthonylombardi.locals.com. Links: Dr. Lombardi’s Webinars EXSTORE Certification Connect With Dr. Anthony Lombardi: Website Locals Profile Instagram Email -- For more of the science on how acupuncture works, check out episode 203. Work with Brodie Enjoying the show? Help support us and keep the show going with the tip jar!

Chances are, if you're checking out this episode, you're looking for tools and techniques to help tune into yourself and be a better self-healer. You're probably also aware that the things we do every day can make a massive difference in how we feel as opposed to only finding healing in a bottle. In this conversation, Amy Kuretsky, L.Ac. joins us to examine the deceptively simple, yet powerful technique of breathwork. As a broad term, breathwork is about simply bringing some intention to how you are using or manipulating your breath to reach specific outcomes such as regulating energy, clearing trauma, and reprograming old beliefs. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: What some of the differences are between types of breathworkWho often benefits the most from the type of breathwork Amy practicesThe benefits she found for herself through her practiceHow breathwork can help to unpack traumaA short example of the breathwork Amy works with Amy Kuretsky (she/her) is a breathwork facilitator and business coach working on Dakota and Anishinaabe ancestral land. Her work is focused on helping successful businesses tap into their intuition and do business differently so that they can fall back in love with their work. She uses the breath as a tool for healing and business building and has led online and in-person breathwork groups all over the world. This past year, she organized with a group of other breathwork facilitators for more anti-oppression and trauma informed training as part of the Breathwork for the People collective. Along with her coaching business, she also has a background in acupuncture and Chinese medicine and co-owns Constellation Acupuncture and Healing Arts, a healing space in NE Minneapolis. Links: Stanislav Grof The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. Holotropic Breathwork by Stanislav Grof & Christina Grof Breath by James Nestor Get Amy's free 15-minute guided breathwork meditaton to relieve stress and move energy! Connect With Amy Kuretsky: Website Constellation Acupuncture & Healing Arts Instagram Constellation Instagram -- Learn more about Brodie's Classes and Meditations Enjoying the show? Help support us and keep the show going with the tip jar!

Winter is cold, dark, slow time of year, and since we’re a part of nature, it’s easy for us to feel the same way: sluggish and more inclined to hibernate than to get things done. This most yin of seasons is necessary to balance the yang of life, and we ignore its gifts at our peril. In this episode, we examine how we can embrace the yin nature of winter, along with: Links: Register for Brodie’s 1-hr Intro to Qi Gong: Embodied Meditation for Your Nervous System (Feb. 9, 2022) https://inaura.com/events/qigong-basics/ Brodie’s on-demand qi gong class Enjoying the show? Help support us and keep the show going with the tip jar!

What would you really like to make time for on a regular basis, that somehow keeps getting pushed to the back burner? Whether it's writing a book, starting a meditation practice, or dropping a few pounds, developing a consistent routine is often the key to realizing your goal. And developing a new routine -- or stopping an old behavior -- is hard. And it's about more than just willpower. It takes time, energy, strategy, planning, and support. It takes examining the emotional triggers, and being able to see what hidden subconscious forces might be holding us back. In this episode, Brodie shares not only share a personal win, but also some of the healing that it took to make it happen. You'll hear which tried-and-true techniques helped her succeed, and an old story she was forced to examine and break up with. May it inspire you to Do the Thing! On Today’s Solo Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: What helped with keeping a daily exercise commitment for over 13 monthsWhy it’s important to get well acquainted with the forces of resistanceHow defining what enough is can help us stay balanced Links: Episode 120: How to Change Habits with James Clear Episode 167: Brain Science and Behavior Change with Dr. Kyra Bobinet, MD MPH Glo yoga app Aaptiv workout app Dr. Kristin Neff -- Learn more about working with Brodie Email Brodie Enjoying the show? Help support us and keep the show going with the tip jar!

From time to time, every one of us makes mistakes and bad decisions. Once we recognize what happened, it can often be hard to regain our self-trust. Kelly Thiel joins us for this conversation to share her own experience of losing self-trust and how she's been able to work on rebuilding it. Her story inspires us to let go of resentment and anger to move forward; to move on from perfectionism and mistakes to find trust in ourselves once again. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: How discernment relates to self-trust in Chinese MedicineWhat some of the conditions were that led Kelly to the NXIVM cultThe difference in the feelings of evolution versus things that are actually dangerous to usWhy the answers we seek always come from inside ourselvesHow she defines enlightenment for herself now Kelly Thiel is an accomplished voice actress, author, speaker, consultant, and spiritual seeker. She practices yoga, does Pilates, and and has worked with spiritual healers around the world on her personal journey towards enlightenment. She is also a former member of an abhorrently abusive cult called “NXIVM”, which has been the subject of multiple documentaries on HBO, STARZ, and A+E Kelly has survived and reckoned with her trauma such that she now helps others conquer theirs. Kelly is set to release her much anticipated second book in 2021. This candid telling is an inspiring call to action, that champions readers to be their own guru, take ownership, action, and take back control, on their way to becoming “Unapologetically Glorious”. Links: The Frank Report - NXIVM Archives The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. Dr. Kristin Neff Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult (2020) Connect with Kelly Thiel: Website Instagram -- Enjoying the show? Help support us and keep the show going with the tip jar! Explore the Basics of Chinese Medicine course

Our digestive microbiome supports every other system in our bodies. Since we can't use what we can't digest and what we can't digest can cause problems, we can see cascading effects through our bodies if something's not right. Here to unpack how the digestive system works and its central role in the body is Dr. Darlene Easton. She brings us some practical insights to help us understand our digestive functions and shift our understanding of our place in the world as living ecosystems. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: Why Dr. Easton thinks everyone should be obsessed with digestionWhat she would like people to do differently to improve their microbiome and digestive healthHow we can use Chinese Medicine to address common issues like acid reflux, instead of over-the-counter medicationsWhy bile is so important to our bodies Dr. Easton earned her MSAOM (1998), MSACN (2011) and DACM (2020). She is an NCCAOM diplomate and board certified CNS. Dr. Easton has earned 2 post-graduate certifications from Guangzhou TCM Hospital and 9 certificates from Zhejiang University Hospital. With 20 years in higher education, she’s taught all aspects of TCM including dietary therapy and nutrition. She was an associate professor at NY College of Health Professions (1999-2003) and NYCC’s Finger Lakes School of AOM (2003-2019). Dr. Easton is now in private practice offering health and nutritional consulting while she continues to teach online to professionals around the world. Links: TCM Hub Dr. Easton’s Free Resource Handouts Connect with Dr. Darlene Easton: Website Dr. Easton’s Online Course Facebook Email -- Enjoying the show? Help support us and keep the show going with the tip jar! Explore the Basics of Chinese Medicine course

Given the stress and restriction of the last year, a lot of us might be carrying around some neck pain or unproductive posture. In the spirit of allowing ourselves to do less than we're humanly capable of, this conversation will address how we can work to reverse these issues with very gentle movements. Movements that invite us to be curious about the sensations we feel rather than trying to force our bodies to move in a certain way. To help guide us, Kieran Schumaker joins us for this episode to share their unique approach to bodywork. If you're into optimizing the functioning of your autonomic nervous system or the blood flow to your brain, you won't want to miss what Kieran brings to this conversation. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: How Kier started connecting different sets of knowledge they were studying through structural integrationWhat neurovascular release is and how it’s different from structural integrationSome background on where the vagus nerve is and what it does in the bodyA tutorial on a couple self-care strategies for working with the vagus nerve Kieran Schumaker has been helping people with discomfort and pain discover greater agility and ease of movement while cultivating curiosity and an appreciation for our amazing bodies, for 23 years. A Board Certified Structural Integrator since 2005, Kier has been developing their unique approach to working more specifically with nerves and arteries over the last eleven years. In addition to working with clients, Kier had been mentoring and teaching other practitioners until the COVID crisis shut down their practice and put an end to in-person classes. In response, Kier started adapting their Neurovascular Release techniques so that they could work with clients over Zoom, and soon after began teaching other practitioners how to lead their clients through self-treatment sessions. Links: Rolfing - Dr. Ida Rolf Connect With Kieran Schumaker: Email to learn more about their upcoming course! -- Enjoying the show? Help support us and keep the show going with the tip jar! Explore the Basics of Chinese Medicine course

It's been a tough year. As we slowly begin to emerge from, hopefully, the worst of the pandemic, we're also entering the full on yang-mode of summer. In the spirit of self-compassion on the heels of such a trying time, what would it look like to give yourself the gift of doing less? How can we lean into play and joy instead of the temptation of sending all of our energy and attention outwards this season? These questions are tough to untangle as we try to move from a mode of surviving to one of thriving. Dr. Yvonne Farrell, DAOM, L.Ac., joins us in this conversation to share her wisdom regarding how we can find the balance between these two phases. She provides insight into how we can attempt to harvest useful things from the pandemic experience in order to pursue meaning and purpose in life. On Today's Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: Navigating the tension between going with the flow of the summer season and doing what's important to stay balancedHow Dr. Farrell uses gratitude as a tool for getting us throughWhy acupuncture can be a crucial tool for self-examination in times of survivalWhy grounding and stability are necessary for lasting, effective changeHow she guides patients through the three levels of qi Dr. Farrell has been practicing and teaching Chinese Medicine and Channel Theory since 1996. Her focus is on empowerment of students and patients so that they will embody the spiritual aspects of Chinese Medicine and make them their own. She believes that self-cultivation, self-knowledge and critical thinking are essential in developing capacity as a practitioner of Chinese Medicine. Yvonne is the author of two books: Psycho Emotional Pain and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels and her latest, Acupuncture for Surviving Adversity published by Singing Dragon. Links: Psycho Emotional Pain and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels by Dr. Yvonne Farrell Acupuncture for Surviving Adversity by Dr. Yvonne Farrell Breath by James Nestor Dr. Kristin Neff Connect With Dr. Yvonne Farrell: Website Dr. Farrell's Courses -- Register for the Free Inaura "Power of You" weekend virtual retreat Free Balancing Yin and Yang Meditation

Almost everyone that comes through the clinic is dealing with some combination of two things: stress and dampness. This episode is a masterclass, or at least a lengthy public service announcement, on dampness since some of the most common questions that come up are regarding what it is and how to address it. If you're dealing with tiredness, lethargy, poor digestion, brain fog, congestion, or are struggling with weight loss, understanding more about dampness can change your life. In this episode, you'll hear some guidelines for things to include in your life, but the ultimate focus should always lie on subtracting the dampening effects in the first place. On Today’s Solo Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: Some things to look for on the tongue, as well as other signs, that can indicate dampnessWhy dampness usually comes from dietary indiscretionsHow Phlegm relates to dampnessWhat causes of dampness can occur that don’t come from food Links: The Tao of Healthy Eating by Bob Flaws Nutritional Healing with Chinese Medicine by Ellen Goldsmith and Maya Klein Episode 223: Moving Through Trauma with Chinese Medicine with Ellen Goldsmith -- Explore the Basics of Chinese Medicine course Learn more about the Level Up program Apply to work with Brodie

As the world slowly begins to emerge from the worst of the COVID era, there is a lot of collective trauma that we'll be working through for years. While any healing takes time, there are ways to move through trauma in accordance with the principles of Chinese Medicine that invite more ease into the process. Bringing with her some practical tips for processing grief, being soft with ourselves, and aligning with the season of spring, Ellen Goldsmith joins this conversation to elaborate on ways that Chinese Medicine can support us as we heal from trauma. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: What aspects of Chinese Medicine Ellen identifies as helping to work through difficult timesWhat we can learn by learning from and aligning with the patterns of natureThe advice she has for those of us having difficulty being with what isWhy resilience and flexibility are so crucial Ellen Goldsmith is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist with over two decades of experience helping people solve their complex health challenges. Her integrative, body- centered and intuitive approach is grounded in years of study and experience in helping people from all walks of life. She is the author of Nutritional Healing with Chinese Medicine: + 175 Recipes for Optimal Health. She teaches and speaks frequently to professionals and the public as well as consulting for companies and organizations. She lives in Portland, Oregon. Links: David Kessler Sighing Until You Yawn Nutritional Healing with Chinese Medicine by Ellen Goldsmith Episode 104: Nutritional Healing with Chinese Medicine with Ellen Goldsmith Episode 006: Energetics of Food with Ellen Goldsmith Connect With Ellen Goldsmith L.Ac.: Website LinkedIn Twitter Facebook -- Use code "friendofthepod" for 20% off of the 12 Treasures Qi Gong course! Learn more about Brodie's Classes and Meditations

Maintaining a healthy alignment with our bodies so often comes back to keeping things balanced and our hormones are no different. Dr. Felice Gersh is dedicated to helping women navigate life in an optimal way, particularly when it comes to the roles hormones play in aging. She joins this conversation to discuss her philosophy on how women can approach supporting their hormonal systems in a variety of ways. When dealing with hormone imbalances, Dr. Gersh doesn't aim for "natural," but rather an alignment with the body's systems that optimizes physiology. On Today’s Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: Why we need to pay attention to the effects of hormones on women’s healthThe other roles sex hormones play in the body aside from reproductionHow estrogen metabolites interact with and support the heartWhy she reframes bio-identical hormones as human identicalWhat the role of testosterone is in women’s bodies Felice Gersh, M.D. is an award-winning physician with dual board certifications in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. She is the founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, a comprehensive women’s healthcare practice. She taught obstetrics and gynecology at Keck USC School of Medicine for 12 years as an Assistant Clinical Professor and now serves as an Affiliate Faculty Member at the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona School of Medicine. Felice is the bestselling author of PCOS SOS and has published several articles in peer-reviewed medical journals. She has also appeared in several films and documentary series, including The Real Skinny on Fat with Montel Williams and Fasting with Valter Longo, Ph.D. Links: PCOS SOS by Dr. Felice Gersh, M.D. Connect With Dr. Felice Gersh, M.D.: Website LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Facebook -- Learn more about the kinder, gentler Ayurvedic cleanse

Chinese Medicine teaches us that winter is a time of quiet and stillness, a time for reflecting and conserving scarce resources. As we reflect on how we navigate the world, it's also a good time to get radically honest with ourselves about what we're holding space for in our lives. With the podcast entering a new, slower period of creation, it can be helpful to examine and take a break from things that we're keeping in motion just for the sake of motion. We can look inward and honor what our body and mind are telling us - to say no to things that are unnecessary so we can leave space open for the things that are. On Today’s Solo Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: What the new era of the podcast will focus onAn overview of how seasons and timing are reflected in Chinese MedicineWhy breaks are so important and yin engenders yangOne way to test if tiredness is truly fatigue or just stagnating energy Links: Episode 220: Q+A - 5 Elements for Personal Growth & Getting Out of the Way -- Learn more about Brodie Find out how to work with Brodie Explore the Basics of Chinese Medicine course

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments in the population. In this episode, we'll explore how that treatment made it's way into the American mainstream as well as answering some listener questions about the practice. We'll take a look at how the 5 elements interact with different individuals and we'll examine what it means to get out of the way. On Today’s Solo Episode of A Healthy Curiosity: How the Black Panthers and acupuncture intersected in the early 1970s Links: Unusual Tale of Acupuncture, Racism, and African American History in the USA by Dr. Tenisha Dandridge Mutulu Shakur: On The History Of Acupuncture & COINTELPRO Lincoln Detox Center: The People’s Drug Program Radical Health: A Threat to a Nation - Mia Donovan on her new film ‘Dope Is Death’ Dr. Tenisha Dandridge -- Explore the Basics of Chinese Medicine course Reach out to Brodie Learn about working with Brodie 1-on-1