Author: Noah Rubinstein

Bob, a 30-year-old real estate agent, had been suffering from insomnia for 6 months before he came to see me. His problem, he told me, was falling asleep. Once he finally got to sleep, he was down for the count, but before that, he would stare at the ceiling for hours, thinking about the day that had passed and worrying about the one to come. In response to my questions, he also described other health problems, including poor digestion, fatigue and a short fuse. I asked him what other treatments he’d tried and he listed a few over-the-counter supplements and…

A common concern for patients who integrate different treatment types is the divided loyalty they feel between their practitioners. Even well-informed patients can be overwhelmed, and there is a common misconception that conventional medicine and “complementary” modalities such as acupuncture are mutually exclusive. In my practice, I try to dispel that myth, and I work hand in hand with medical doctors every day. I believe that the breadth of medical possibilities for individuals, as well as for the greater public good, is only as dynamic as the practitioners who deliver it. Building bridges works best to provide patients with excellent…