Everyone has heard of a Chinese proverb at some point in their life.  I grew up in a Cuban family and I thought we used colorful language.  However, since I began studying Traditional Chinese Medicine I have come to have a great appreciation for the poetic nature of the Chinese language.  One of my favorite herbal formulas is called Xiao Yao San also know and Relaxed and Easy Wanderer. This traditional formula is used for many different conditions and the name succinctly explains how it works. When the body is in homeostasis, the Qi (vital life force or energy) flow freely and unobstructed. When the Qi becomes stagnant, the body comes out of homeostasis. Key Ingredients Xiao Yao San is composed of several herbs, each contributing to its therapeutic effects: Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu): This herb is known for its ability to soothe the liver and disperse stagnant Qi, which is essential for emotional balance and stress relief. White Peony Root (Bai Shao): It nourishes the blood and helps regulate the liver, contributing to hormonal balance and reducing menstrual discomfort. Chinese Angelica Root (Dang Gui): This herb improves blood circulation and supports overall vitality. White Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu): It [...]

In the journey toward parenthood, in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers hope to many couples. However, the process can be challenging and stressful. Recent studies, including one published on PubMed highlight how acupuncture can significantly improve IVF outcomes. Key Findings from the Studies The study published on PubMed reveals that acupuncture can enhance clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates among women undergoing IVF1 and the benefits of acupuncture before frozen embryo transfer (FET), noting improvements in endometrial receptivity and overall pregnancy outcomes. Mechanisms of Acupuncture in IVF Acupuncture, a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. This practice is believed to balance the body’s energy, or “Qi,” and promote overall health. In the context of IVF, acupuncture may offer several benefits: Hormonal Regulation: Acupuncture can help regulate hormones that are crucial for ovulation and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Improved Blood Flow: By enhancing blood flow to the reproductive organs, acupuncture can improve the quality of the uterine lining, making it more receptive to embryo implantation. Stress Reduction: The IVF process can be stressful, and stress can negatively impact fertility. Acupuncture promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can improve overall IVF outcomes. [...]

We are excited to expand our hours to be able to better serve our patients. Starting July 27th our new hours are: Monday 10am - 7pm (last appointment is at 6pm) Tuesday 7am - 5pm (last appointment is at 4pm) Wednesday 7am - 5pm (last appointment is at 4pm) Thursday 3pm - 7pm (last appointment is at 6pm) Friday 7am - 1pm (last appointment is at 12pm) Dr. Rafael and Dr. Lisette are available for new patient and follow-up appointments. Give us a call to set up your appointments.

Weekend warriors as well as professional athletes push their bodies beyond their comfort zone and sometimes that leads to injury. At my acupuncture clinic in downtown Miami I treat many different athletes ranging from tri-athletes to mixed martial artists. Athletes put great demands on their bodies and may often still train when they are not at 100%. Acupuncture is a great tool for everyone - especially athletes. The insertion of needles by a trained acupuncturist helps reduce swelling and increases blood flow to the injured area. This means that a person can heal fast and get back to training. Pain is one of the most common complaints that athletes have. This pain can range from strains and sprains to more severe injuries. Most athletes feel the need to continue training even through injury, although often with less intensity. Minor injuries usually respond very well to acupuncture, especially injury to tendons and ligaments which take more time to heal. Acupuncture, herbs and lotions can all be used to help this process along. My recommendation to athletes is to always get treatment especially if they plan to continuing their training. The reason is two-fold. First, rapid recuperation will help put you back [...]

Many patients come see me for a variety of reasons.  Most come in because a friend has told them that acupuncture can be helpful.  However, most people don't know how acupuncture works and what it can treat.  Acupuncture can help almost any condition. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended acupuncture as effective for many conditions and even suggests that acupuncture can be helpful for many more. Headaches are a common complaint in our society.  Some people have stress headaches and some may have migrane headaches both of which acupuncture is effective in treating.  Insertion of acupunture needles in specific points throughout the body can help alleviate the pain associated with headaches.  Most patients start to feel relief a few minutes after the needles are placed.  I've had some patients who have had recurring headaches disappear after just one treatment, although a series of treatments are usually required for more permanent headache relief. The mechanism that acupuncture uses to relieve headache pain is the meridians of the body.  The body has 12 primary meridians and 6 extraordinary meridians.  Needles are place on acupuncture points along these meridians to promote the flow of "Qi", the body's vital energy.  Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory states that "When [...]