Practice ModalitiesTherapeutic Nutrition and Dietary Counseling
Dr. Shunney understands that what you eat is the basis for your health. In fact, adopting a healthy diet is often the first step towards correcting health problems. Nutrition and the therapeutic use of foods has always been a cornerstone of Naturopathic Medicine, and a growing body of scientific knowledge validates this approach. Many medical conditions can be treated as effectively with foods and nutritional supplements as they can by other means, but with fewer complications and side effects. Naturopathic Doctors receive more than 140 classroom hours in clinical nutrition, including extensive training in drug-nutrient interactions; most medical doctors receive fewer than 20 hours in nutrition. - top Plants have powerful healing properties that have been used for centuries in the treatment of disease. They are effective and safe when used properly, in the right dose and in the proper combinations with other herbs and treatments. In accordance with both the traditional healing arts and modern scientific research, Dr. Shunney uses plant substances for their healing effects and nutritional value. She also has extensive training in herb-drug interactions. - top This powerful system of medicine is more than 200 years old, and is widely accepted in India, Great Britain, France and Germany. Based on the concept of 'like cures like', homeopathic medicine affects the body's 'vital force' and strengthens its innate ability to heal itself. Homeopathic remedies function on both the physical and emotional levels and seldom have side effects. Some conditions for which conventional medicine has no effective treatment respond well to homeopathy. Dr. Shunney uses homeopathic remedies for acute ailments, chronic conditions and allergy desensitization. Homeopathy is safe for adults and children of all ages, including pregnant women. – top WHAT EXACTLY ARE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES? Bio-identical hormones are plant-based hormones that have the same molecular structure and function as those naturally occurring in men and women. Bio-identical hormones can be used to replace any synthetic hormone replacement therapy (sHRT)—estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormone, DHEA, cortisol, etc. ARE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES MADE DIFFERENTLY THAN sHRT? Yes. Bio-identical hormones are usually formulated at a special compounding pharmacy. sHRT are branded and patented pharmaceutical drugs. Patents allow drug manufacturers to price, sell and market their prescriptions as unique creations. To obtain a patent for any drug, the molecular structure must be modified from how it occurs in nature. The result is a hormone that looks very similar to the hormone that the body makes but, in fact, is very different in structure and function. Compounded bio-identical hormones cannot be patented because their molecular structure is the same as they occur in nature. There are several exceptions where bio-identical hormones are used in patented pharmaceuticals (ie, Prometrium, the Vivelle patch) because they have a novel delivery system or some quality that make them unique and 'patentable'. Unfortunately, these medicines can contain additives, preservatives, dyes and other potential allergens, which make them an unacceptable option for many people. They are also only available in certain doses. Compounded bio-identical hormones are free of undesirable chemicals and doses can be tailored for each individual. In addition, compounded hormones are available in many forms—oral, sublingual, topical, vaginal—whichever works best for each patient. HOW ELSE ARE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES DIFFERENT? sHRT has more potential to be broken down into harmful metabolites than bio-identical hormones which are identical to the hormones already circulating in your body. Those of us who prescribe bio-identical hormones believe that this is the core reason why sHRT has many of the negative health effects that it does. And it's not just the hormone’s molecular structure. Bio-identical hormone prescribing is all about mimicking what the body does naturally; we use similar hormones at similar times of the month in similar doses and ratios in an effort to reproduce natural hormone balance. WHEN SHOULD TREATMENT WITH BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES BE CONSIDERED? While dietary and lifestyle changes, supplements and herbs can often resolve symptoms of hormonal imbalance, there are times when hormone replacement is the only option that provides sufficient relief. Hormone imbalance affects women of reproductive age as well as menopausal women and men. Symptoms can include but are not limited to: difficult menopause, PMS and painful periods, irregular periods, fertility issues, adult acne, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, abnormal hair growth, weight gain, muscle loss, insomnia, decreased libido, fatigue, insomnia, thyroid dysfunction, bone loss, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, etc. Men can experience much of the above as well as erectile dysfunction. Bio-identical hormones are a vital alternative to sHRT. While they do NOT remove all the risks involved with taking hormones, emerging research shows bio-identical hormones not only relieve hormonal symptoms, they also minimize the negative side effects and long-term health risks associated with sHRT. HOW DID DR. SHUNNEY LEARN HOW TO PRESCRIBE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES? In medical school! Naturopathic Doctors are the only clinicians taught to use bio-identical hormones as part of their medical education. - top The Arvigo Techniques™ of Maya Abdominal Massage address position and health of the pelvic and abdominal organs. This gentle, external and non-invasive therapy can alleviate many common gynecological complaints including painful or irregular periods and/or ovulation, endometriosis, PMS including menstrual headaches, chronic vaginitis and bladder infections, infertility, painful intercourse and difficult menopause. Women who have scar tissue and adhesions in the pelvic region from a hysterectomy can also benefit from the enhanced circulation provided by these treatments. In addition, the Arvigo Techniques™ can help with constipation, varicose veins, low back pain and weak legs and feet. In the Mayan tradition, the uterus is a woman's center, and if it is out of balance, she will be physically, emotionally and spiritually out of balance. Throughout the course of a woman's life, the uterus can shift out of its normal anatomical position. These ancient massage techniques can improve circulation, enhance lymphatic drainage and gently restore alignment and health to the pelvic and abdominal organs. All new patients, including those primarily interested in the Arvigo Techniques™, must have a new patient consultation with Dr. Shunney. A comprehensive evaluation will ensure safe, thorough and comprehensive care. For more information, about Dr. Shunney's teacher, Dr. Rosita Arvigo, and the Arvigo Techniques™ go to www.arvigotherapy.com. Arvigo Techniques™ Testimonials - top
Changing your diet, figuring out how and when to exercise and starting a meditation plan are much easier said than done. Dr. Shunney will coach you on how to take the steps necessary to meet your goals. With her help, you will be able to examine and change the patterns you use to sabotage your best intentions and the ways in which your emotions contribute to your physical health. - top This comprehensive health consultation combines the wisdom and experience of TWO PHYSICIANS – Dr. Aimée Shunney and Rachel Carlton Abrams, MD, working together to create an individualized plan for your optimal health. Your visit will include a full medical evaluation with pertinent physical exam as well as a detailed exploration of nutritional, lifestyle and emotional contributors to overall wellness. Both doctors will meet with you together, and then collaborate on a streamlined and research-based approach to relevant laboratory testing, dietary changes, herbal and nutritional supplementation, bio-identical hormone balancing, and medication when necessary. This is the only opportunity in Santa Cruz County to have both a medical and naturopathic doctor working in tandem to bring you the best of integrative medical care. - top
Finally! Compassionate Gynecology for Teens™. How can you help your daughter be comfortable and smart about her body? Make her first gynecologic visit body-positive and empowering.
Initial Visits for Teens – Dr. Shunney requires a brief phone conversation with the parent or guardian prior to the initial appointment. Please contact us for more information or to Schedule an Appointment. California Minor-Doctor Confidentiality – For Teens Dr. Shunney discusses Compassionate Gynecology for Teens™ - top |
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