There are moments in each of our lives which demand that we rise upwards, expand outwards, enlarge our vision of who we are, what we can offer, how we can be. Pacific Naturopathic was presented with such a moment several weeks ago when we received a card from the county informing us that our office had been sold from underneath us and would be reconstructed into a dental office.

From that moment, I, as the person responsible for Pacific Naturopathic here on the Peninsula, fell back on the practice of a powerful mantra taught by Paramahansa Yogananda. 

"I go forth in perfect faith in the power of infinite good to bring me what I need at the time that I need it." 

The universe responded, first in the person of D.K. Foster, Business Transformation Consultant,   (www.tenacityu.com), who held my hand and helped me navigate through the world of commercial real estate, as we rejected one location after another due to no handicap access, unsavory restrooms, difficult locations, or untenable build out and lease expenses.

As we were preparing to settle for an affordable out of service acupuncture clinic in a not altogether desirable location, but with the potential for being workable, cozy, and welcoming, I received a phone call from another angel, in the person of Tom Rees. Tom had heard from his wife, Pacific Naturopathic friend and patient Mary Rees, that we were needing to relocate. He thought he might be able to offer us a solution.

Tom's graciousness and can do attitude has made possible our move to a stunning new location on the first floor of the Rees Building in San Antonio Center. It is an expansive and lovely space. We are able to continue offering breast thermography, the work of Elijah Free, the naturopathic services of Dr. Connie and Dr. Marcel, and the transformational counseling services of Dr. Shanti. Stay tuned to learn of the other services we will be adding to our current services.

Needless to say, we are thrilled, and full of gratitude. The outward expansion has opened our hearts to the goodness and abundance available to each one of us, and the ever present opportunity to stretch beyond the confines of our self definitions, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and to reach for that which will truly serve us and serve others as well.

Here are a few tips to lessen the impact of pollens on your body:

1) Stay well hydrated to keep your protective mucus membranes moist.  Coffee, soda and sugar-laden beverages or beverages with artificial sweeteners do not count. Water does!

2) Get plenty of rest.  Sleeping in a room with a HEPA air filter going helps reduce your exposure to allergens.

3) Clean your house. Dust, vacuum, remove carpets, eliminate mold.

4) Avoid known food allergens to further reduce the overall allergenic load.  If you don't know what you are allergic to, know that the most common food allergens are cow's milk products, wheat, corn, soy, eggs, shellfish, chocolate, caffeinated beverages and foods containing artificial preservatives, colorings and flavorings.

5) Reduce reactivity by eating only organic foods.

6) Throw sugar and simple carbohydrates out of your diet. These foods acidify your body and increase reactivity.

7) Do a spring cleanse.  There are simple and comprehensive approaches to cleansing toxic accumulation from your tissues.  For most people, allergic symptoms diminish or disappear during a cleanse.  Consult with your health provider for advice on what is best for you.

8) There are numerous herbal and nutrient strategies for clearing nasal passages, draining sinuses, reducing throat tickles and coughs, stopping the involuntary flow of tears, clearing the ears, enhancing mucus membrane integrity, slowing the release of histamine, reducing inflammation and restoring immune system balance.  Again, you might consider involving your primary care provider in developing a specialized approach to your specific needs.

OK.  Once you get your symptoms under control, seriously heed the advice of one of America's foremost sages:

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"  ~Robin Williams

Please note that the suggestions mentioned above do not substitute for evaluation by a licensed medical practitioner.  The symptoms of other more severe respiratory and systemic illnesses can be mistaken for allergic reactions. 

Find out more about Dr. Marcel's work with men at: