Aiken Augusta Holistic Health

10/23/2026

What about the power of green tea to decrease the occurrence of breast and prostate cancer?

Did you know that tea (the hot water extract of the leaves of Camellia sinensis) is the most popular beverage in the world? All tea comes from the same plant, and the varieties (white, green, oolong, and black) are the result of how the leaves are processed. All tea is also healthy, but research has demonstrated some differences in benefits. The leaves of green tea are processed less than black tea (which is oxidized and heated), so that green tea has exceptionally high levels of antioxidants, notably one called EGCG. Studies in the lab show that EGCG slows the growth of breast cancer cells. This suggests that green tea intake may be a helpful adjunct to conventional treatment for breast cancer. But what about prevention?

There are also studies that suggest that green tea (EGCG) can help prevent both breast and prostate cancer through some interesting metabolic pathways, especially when combined with intake of soy foods. So in addition to maintaining healthy body weight and staying physically active, this wonderful drink can be an important part of your prevention strategy. Remember we're not talking about bottled "green tea" sweetened drinks you purchase. And if you don't think you like it, try a different brand or type, they can be quite different. So maybe now would be a good time to heat some water and enjoy a soothing cup of green tea!

10/22/2026

During Breast Cancer awareness month-let's focus not only screening but also ways to decrease the odds.

Below is some reliable info about a food that helps prevent breast cancer, and a recipe!

Red cabbage is one of the great foods specifically to reduce risk of breast cancer, for several reasons. The pigment that makes red cabbage red is called an anthocyanin, which is a type of flavonoid. Flavonoids have been extensively studied, and women whose diets are higher in flavonoids have a reduced risk of breast cancer. Red cabbage, like other vegetables in the brassica family, is also rich in a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I-3-C). Foods high in I-3-C shift the metabolism of estrogen in women to a form that is less likely to promote the growth of breast tumors. Cabbage and its relatives also are able to promote detoxification of potentially dangerous compounds when they reach the liver, helping to minimize the cancer causing risk of environmental pollutants.

There are many excellent red cabbage recipes, but I give you this one for its simplicity.

First, for a protein source, cut into bite sized pieces a sufficient quantity of free-range chicken breast, or extra firm tofu if you are vegetarian. Brown in a pan with olive oil, and set aside. A delicious and healthy option is to add some slices of sh*take mushroom in this sautee, and use soy sauce and crushed garlic for flavor.Prior to chicken preparation, chop and mix in a large bowl the following vegetables: red cabbage, yellow onion, leeks, carrots, red, yellow or green peppers, and broccoli. Toss all the vegetables into a hot wok with olive oil, taking care to keep the heat down so that the oil does not smoke, but high enough to cook the vegetables rapidly with constant stirring. When the vegetables are cooked down but still bright in color, add the chicken or tofu, more soy sauce if needed for flavor, and stir all together.

To your health,
Robert Pendergrast, MD, MPH

10/18/2026

Maybe you or someone you know could use this information. Please feel free to share and if you have any questions reach out and we can get you on the phone to talk to our acupuncturist. Hartford cares and is ready to answer your questions and listen.

HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE SUPPORT YOU DURING CANCER TREATMENT? 💙

Cancer treatment can take a toll on both body and mind. For some patients, acupuncture may offer relief from certain symptoms and help make the journey a little more manageable.

Here's how acupuncture may complement your oncology care:

🌿 Pain Management
Help relieve certain types of pain.

🌿 Nausea Relief
Help reduce treatment-related nausea and vomiting.

🌿 Better Rest
Support relaxation and improve sleep for some patients.

🌿 Stress Relief
Provides a quiet space to pause, relax, and care for yourself.

🌿 Quality of Life
Help address symptoms that affect your daily comfort and well-being.

Every patient's needs are different. Your care should be personalized to your diagnosis, treatment plan, symptoms, and overall health.

Ask your oncology team whether acupuncture is a safe and appropriate addition to your care plan.

💕 Compassionate care for the person behind the diagnosis.

10/14/2026

Update ONLY ONE Opening tomorrow now

Two last minute cancellations for tomorrow for Rossiter. The People Mechanic will not be back for three weeks, so if you need that tune up and can come tomorrow give us a quick call or text and we will do our best to make it happen.

10/13/2026

AAHH News, October 12, 2026

That pain in your back? It’s not coming from your back.

It’s coming from your brain.

Why is this important? Because understanding the source of pain informs how we respond to it and treat it. Advances in pain science have shown conclusively that all pain is generated in the brain as a protective warning signal trying to keep us safe from potential danger. Pain is made by the brain, not measured by it. And there is no such thing as “pain, out there in the body” that exists independently of the brain’s role in generating those warning signals. And that’s a good thing for us, because we need those warning signals to help us survive moments of physical danger to our bodies: a burn, a fracture, an ulcer, a tumor, a bowel obstruction all require our immediate attention and response, and pain is how we are alerted. Thank you, brain, for sounding the alarm!


But what if it’s a false alarm? While most acute (short term) pain resolves as tissue injury resolves, some pains persist and become chronic, even after there is no remaining injury or damage to tissue. In this case, the brain is still working hard to protect us, and the nerve pathways that wired together to warn us of pain continue their habitual firing signals together, and we get pain that won’t go away. And then we get frustration when all the x-rays and tests are “normal,” and there’s no good explanation for the persistent pain. You may hear this described as neural circuit pain, a central sensitization syndrome, or nociplastic pain. These are all ways of saying “the pain is real, your suffering is real, and the way to address the pain is to work with the brain, trusting that the body is safe even while it still hurts for now.” And the good news? The same brain that is capable of generating habitual false alarms is also capable of down-regulating pain in response to supportive interventions.

What are the interventions that work? Pain reprocessing therapy has shown research proven efficacy in these sorts of situations. (https://www.painreprocessingtherapy.com/). Much of my own practice for the past 25 years has focused on children and teens with chronic pain (such as migraines and abdominal pain), using self-hypnosis training. Clinical hypnosis in pediatrics has been demonstrated by research to be an effective intervention for these pain syndromes in kids, and is understood to be a skills-based solution that enhances developmentally appropriate mastery and autonomy, reducing dependence on medications or professionals. (https://www.nphti.org/resources). And there are other non-drug interventions that can work as well: acupuncture, massage, Rossiter, TENS units, vagus nerve stimulation, and more.

If you or someone you know suffers chronic pain, please contact us at AAHH, because we would love to be a part of the solution for you! Mind-body medicine, acupuncture, Rossiter and massage are all available with us, and we would love to see you soon.

To your health and healing,

Robert Pendergrast, MD

ACUPUNCTURE SPECIAL PRICING IN OCTOBER!

Hartford is offering a Friday Acupuncture Special, for $50 per session! (Wow!) This is for a limited time only, all October Fridays, but appointments are filling up, so book yours now! Call or text 803-426-1421 to get on the schedule.

Wondering if it is for you? If you are concerned about headaches, arthritis pain, or many many other issues, YES! It's for you. We'd love to see you.

https://csraholistichealth.com

https://aahhnews.blogspot.com/Blog

10/12/2026

If you or someone you know is dealing with chronic pain, there's a way out.

10/08/2026

AAHH News, October 2026
Is Fruit Juice Healthy? Great Question And
Check out the Acupuncture special this month!


Is Fruit juice healthy?

I'm afraid we've been sold some false advertising regarding fruit juice. A glass of OJ was a standard bit of my breakfast throughout my youth, but it is no longer. While good science has shown that plain fruit juice is likely a better choice than sugar sweetened beverages such as sodas or manufactured drinks, more than a few servings of fruit juice per week is likely associated with worse metabolic health and risk of diabetes and obesity. Why is it better than soda but still a problem? Even though the juice itself is a concentrated source of sugars (in their natural form, but still sugars), at lower levels of intake, the naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and polyphenols seem to offset the negative impact of the natural sugars. But once you get up to daily intake of fruit juice or more, the amount of sugar intake is too much for our systems. So much so that frequent intake of plain fruit juice has been shown to add to risk of fatty liver disease.

What about just eating fruit? That is a very good choice, because of the complexity of nutrients and fiber that is consumed when fruit is in its "original package." You can enjoy eating some fruit daily, and you should, but just don't drink that daily fruit serving out of a glass! Remember, fruit is good for you! But fruit juice comes with a caution flag and should be regarded as a special treat rather than a daily habit.


to your health,

Robert Pendergrast, MD, MPH

Aiken-Augusta Holistic Health

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AND THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE AT AAHH!

Hartford is offering a Friday Acupuncture Special, for $50 per session! (Wow!) This is for a limited time only, all October Fridays, but appointments are filling up, so book yours now! Call or text 803-426-1421 to get on the schedule.


Wondering if it is for you? If you are concerned about headaches, arthritis pain, or many many other issues, YES! It's for you. We'd love to see you.

09/30/2026

Powerful information! Well worth the listen.

Today, Dr Wendy Suzuki reveals how aerobic exercise boosts memory, sharpens focus, and even builds a protective barrier against dementia.

09/30/2026

Openings! Easy to book!

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE THIS WEEK✔
Book online at https://acupuncturewithhartford.com/book-appointment OR
CALL/TEXT 706-250-1860

We hope to see you in the office!

09/29/2026

The people mechanic had NO openings this week and now have one cancellation tomorrow if someone needs Rossiter! Also there are available acupuncture appointments this week ! 803-426-1421