General

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets and cabinets. Our bodies also need a regular cleanse. Spring is the perfect time for cleansing. As nature comes out of hibernation, so do our bodies. Energetically, they start to prepare for the more active phase of summer.

We have 5-6 natural routes of elimination of toxins from our bodies.

1. Liver and gastrointestinal tract
2. Kidneys
3. Skin
4. Lungs/breath
5. Emotions
6. Menstrual cycle

by Dr. Fareen

The body has an innate and powerful ability to heal itself. For example, when we cut ourselves, as long as we support the cut with the right environment to heal, ie: we keep it clean and dry, the body will heal the cut itself. The same holds true for illness and disease. The body is self-regulating and is constantly striving for homeostasis or balance. When the body loses its ability to regulate itself back into balance, this is when disease or illness sets in. The only way to truly heal the body is to support its innate ability to heal itself and give it the environment it needs to return to a state of balance. 

by Dr. Fareen

Our bodies are intimately and naturally linked to the cycles of the sun and moon. Being synchronized with the natural cycles of light and dark is essential to good health. We have daily, monthly, and seasonal cycles that affect virtually all functions of our bodies down to the cellular level.

by Dr. Fareen

Gentiana Lutea is a bitter herb that has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicines. The plant has beautiful yellow flowers but it is the root that is bitter in taste and has a priming action on the digestive tract. Gentian root is viewed as being cleansing in its role in clearing the liver and also clearing the mind to prepare the body to eat.

by Dr. Rob

This entry, my first since 2013, is in honor of another doctor- my uncle, Dr. Paul Krochmal, who just passed unexpectedly last week. The only other doctor in my family, my grandfather Dr. Henry Krochmal, passed when I was just beginning medical school. Paul talked a lot about him, particularly what a good, kind, and caring man and doctor he was. So perhaps it is not surprising that the knowledge Paul is gone has hit me most deeply during some simple moments I have had with my patients since then, knowing that Paul too carried on my grandfather’s doctoring spirit, in his own lighthearted, yet solemn encounters with his patients in the Emergency Room. Paul had an active and inquisitive mind, and was a great teacher- I remember many medical stories as well as enlightenments in medical history- for example the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of a Viennese trained physician (like my grandfather), Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, who’s story is well worth looking up.

by Dr. Rob

Hi, I’m Dr. Rob, and I’m here with my 5 year old daughter Luci. For my first blog, I thought I would introduce you to some of my first patients, I’m here with my plants.

by Dr. Rob

I am grateful to have the privilege to be able to practice integrative medicine during this time of great discovery and expansion in access to information. This will enable a new model of healthcare that is holistic, focused on finding the root cause of illness, and empowers individuals to discover their own path to optimal health. The information and discussions provided in these pages is intended to contribute to this new model- often also called Functional Medicine. Grassroots health care reform and universal health care will truly become a reality as our medical system shifts to this integrative, preventive approach that will reduce costs and improve wellness.