My greatest joy as a healer is seeing my patients thrive. I have dedicated my practice to helping people overcome their health challenges and regain balance in their lives. – Phyllis Shapiro
Ancient Healing for Modern Times
For over 4,000 years, Eastern medicine has been a trusted system of healing. Today, its effectiveness is increasingly recognized in the West, offering a natural approach to restoring health and vitality.
At the heart of this medicine lies the smooth flow of Qi (energy), Xue (blood), and Fluid throughout the body. These vital substances travel along meridians, or pathways, that connect different organs and systems. When these pathways are open and balanced, the body thrives. When blocked, discomfort, illness, and dysfunction arise.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Works
There are twelve primary meridians on each side of the body, along with additional pathways that support overall circulation and balance. These channels form a sophisticated network that allows different systems of the body to nourish and support one another.
Holistic medicine recognizes that physical and emotional health are deeply intertwined. An ache in the heart—whether physical or emotional—affects digestion, breathing, and even cognitive clarity. The goal of treatment is to restore harmony by identifying the root cause of discomfort and promoting the free flow of Qi.
A Chinese Medical Saying:
Where there is no movement, there is pain.
Where there is movement, there is no pain.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Every patient is unique, and so is their treatment. Diagnosis involves detailed conversations about symptoms, lifestyle, and emotions. It also includes traditional techniques like pulse analysis, tongue examination, and palpation of key areas. By gathering this information, I create a personalized treatment plan designed to restore balance and promote lasting well-being.
The Hidden Dangers of Plastic Pollution
In today’s world, we are constantly exposed to environmental toxins, many of which we barely understand. One of the most alarming threats comes from microplastics and nanoplastics—tiny fragments of plastic that are now found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even the food we eat.
Plastic waste doesn’t disappear; it continuously breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, becoming nearly undetectable. Once large plastic fragments degrade, they release vast amounts of microplastics (smaller than 5 mm) and nanoplastics (less than 0.1 µm). These microscopic particles are so small that they can infiltrate biological membranes, making it probable that nanoplastics are even more harmful than microplastics. However, as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) points out, research on their impact remains dangerously limited:
A solitary microplastic particle will break down into billions of nanoplastic particles suggesting that nanoplastic pollution will be prevalent across the globe. It is probable that nanoplastics are more damaging than microplastics as they are small enough to permeate through biological membranes. Despite this, the potential human health effects of nanoplastic exposure remain under-studied. — National Institutes of Health
A Special Note for Patients
Many medical procedures place stress on the body. Recovery depends not only on modern treatments but also on the body’s ability to heal itself. Researchers are now finding plastics in the bloodstream, organs, and even surgical environments. While science is still uncovering their full impact, toxins like microplastics may contribute to inflammation and slow healing.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has long focused on strengthening the body’s natural defenses. Acupuncture and herbal medicine support circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote detoxification. These time-tested methods help the body recover from surgery, illness, and exposure to environmental stressors.
When facing medical challenges, supporting the body’s resilience is key. Integrating holistic care can provide balance and improve overall well-being, whether recovering from surgery or seeking long-term health.
What the FDA Isn’t Sure About
Government agencies acknowledge that plastics are in our food and environment, yet they lack the tools to fully assess the risk. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), scientists don’t even have a standardized method to detect or quantify them:
Additionally, because there are no standardized methods for how to detect, quantify, or characterize microplastics and nanoplastics, many of the scientific studies have used methods of variable, questionable, and/or limited accuracy and specificity. — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
In other words, we know that plastics are everywhere—including inside our bodies—but we lack reliable ways to measure them. Without clear data, regulatory agencies struggle to determine the full extent of the danger. Some might argue that if there were no risks, more research would not be necessary. Instead, the absence of research leaves us with unanswered questions about how these invisible pollutants might affect long-term health.
Why Traditional Medicine Matters More Than Ever
While modern science debates the risks of plastics, traditional medicine has long focused on strengthening the body’s natural defenses against environmental toxins. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and time-tested detoxification practices support liver function, circulation, and the immune system—allowing the body to process and eliminate harmful substances.
Even when we don’t fully understand a threat, history has shown that ancient healing techniques can provide resilience. Just as traditional medicine has helped people survive pandemics, it may also be one of our best tools to counteract the unknown dangers of microplastics and nanoplastics. We may not fully grasp the science behind every aspect of old medicine, but with rising pollution, we need it more than ever.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
I provide the best treatment I can to every patient.
Please call my office at 212-262-7448 to schedule an appointment. — Phyllis Shapiro