Dr. Vicki Weissler Horn

01/13/2026

Fabulous news! Acupuncture triggers stem cell release!

Taiwanese researchers discovered acupuncture triggering stem cell release healing damaged organs naturally. Scientists at China Medical University found that electroacupuncture at specific meridian points stimulates bone marrow to release mesenchymal stem cells into circulation, which then migrate to injured organs and promote tissue repair. This mechanism explains acupuncture's therapeutic effects through measurable biological processes rather than placebo.

Traditional Chinese medicine has used acupuncture for thousands of years, but Western medicine dismissed it as placebo due to lack of biological mechanism. Taiwanese researchers using advanced imaging and cellular tracking discovered that needle stimulation at specific points triggers measurable stem cell mobilization—providing the first clear biological explanation for acupuncture's effects.

Electroacupuncture (needles with mild electrical current) at ST36 (Zusanli point) and GV20 (Baihui point) causes a 300% increase in circulating stem cells within 24 hours. These mobilized stem cells express homing signals drawing them to damaged tissues—injured liver, heart, kidneys, or brain—where they differentiate into organ-specific cells and release healing factors. It's like acupuncture triggers the body's internal repair dispatch system.

Stroke patients receiving electroacupuncture within 48 hours of stroke showed 40% better functional recovery than those receiving standard care alone. Liver cirrhosis patients showed reduced fibrosis markers. Heart attack survivors demonstrated improved cardiac function. The mechanism is entirely biological—traced stem cells from bone marrow to damaged organs. Skeptical Western physicians are reconsidering acupuncture given this mechanistic evidence. We're discovering that ancient healing practices work through sophisticated biological mechanisms science is only now capable of detecting.

Source: China Medical University, Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2025

01/03/2026

Walking is healing. It is easy, available anywhere. Free. And exhilarating.

11/29/2025

Keep moving! Keep lifting!

Healthy muscles are like savings account for your brain health!

11/29/2025

The importance of good sleep.

On the Importance of Sleep for Healthy Cognitive Functioning

07/07/2025

Empathy. Still who we are. Beautifully written by an ER physician.

The moral argument for global health is the strongest we have.

07/03/2025

Great news! More dark chocolate!!

Some good news for you today!

In a triple-blind randomized clinical trial, daily consumption of 78% dark chocolate for 8 weeks significantly reduced depression scores in menopausal women, with no observed effects on sleep quality or anthropometric measures.

Quality matters when choosing chocolate. Opting for high-cocoa content (80% or more), organic, and fair-trade varieties may help reduce added sugars and pesticide exposure, while supporting ethical sourcing. Artisanal or small-batch options are often less processed, which may preserve more of cacao’s natural compounds.

Additionally, be mindful of cadmium and lead, which can be present in some chocolates due to environmental factors. Choosing brands that conduct third-party testing or source from regions with lower soil contamination may help minimize exposure.

07/03/2025

So many benefits of intermittent fasting.

New research found that intermittent fasting doesn’t just help with weight loss—it actually rewires your brain. Scientists discovered that fasting causes changes in the brain area responsible for controlling impulses and appetite, called the left inferior frontal orbital gyrus. Participants who practiced intermittent fasting lost about 17 pounds on average, but the most exciting part is how their brains transformed alongside changes in gut bacteria.

During fasting, beneficial microbes like Coprococcus comes and Eubacterium hallii thrived, producing compounds that travel through the bloodstream to the brain. These compounds influence brain chemistry, helping improve impulse control and possibly cognitive function. This research shows that fasting’s effects go beyond diet and metabolism—it actively reshapes brain function by linking gut health with brain activity. The findings highlight how the gut-brain connection plays a key role in controlling hunger and behavior, offering new insights for weight management and mental health.

07/03/2025

Risks of chronic stress. Take some breaths…

Scientists found that chronic stress can increase the risk of stroke by making conditions like high blood pressure, inflammation, and unhealthy lifestyle habits worse over time. While stress itself isn’t a traditional risk factor like cholesterol or smoking, long-term exposure quietly sets the stage for damage to blood vessels that can lead to ischemic strokes—the most common type—or, less often, hemorrhagic strokes caused by bleeding in the brain. Research found that stress hormones released during prolonged stress, such as cortisol and adrenaline, raise blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, and blood clotting—all harmful for vascular health.

People in lower socioeconomic groups face more stressors, making them especially vulnerable. Chronic stress can also lead to poor diet, less exercise, smoking, bad sleep, and skipping medications, which increase stroke risk even more. Scientists say managing stress through daily healthy habits, mindfulness, and professional help plays a key role in preventing stroke and protecting heart and brain health. Although stress can be hard to measure like blood pressure, the link between chronic stress and stroke risk is clear in large population studies.

06/29/2025

Delicious foods for our health.

For the good of your health, you might want to favor a wider mix of flavonoids in your diet.

06/20/2025

Supplementing with creatine shows promise for improved cognition.

An interesting new article suggests value of creatine supplementation in Alzheimer's disease

06/14/2025

Thank you John Robbin’s for your life’s work. We have all learned so much from you. Blessings on your journey onward. 🙏🙏

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of John Robbins, co-founder of Food Revolution Network and a true pioneer in the movement for healthy, ethical, and sustainable food.

John’s work wasn’t just about food — it was about justice, love, and the deep interconnection of all life. He helped millions reimagine what it means to nourish themselves and the world. From walking away from the Baskin-Robbins empire to dedicating his life to truth and transformation, John was a light in the world.

We’ve created a memorial page to honor his extraordinary life and legacy. It features a heartfelt video tribute, messages from movement leaders, and a space to share your own reflections, memories, grief, gratitude, celebrations, and prayers.

Visit the memorial page here: foodrevolution.org/john-robbins

John’s journey has ended — but our work continues. If you feel moved to honor his legacy, we invite you to support the nonprofit he and Ocean founded to carry his vision forward: Food Revolution Alliance. You can learn more or make a contribution in John’s memory here: foodrevolutionalliance.org

May all be fed. May all be healed. May all be loved.

05/20/2025

I’m weird. Anyone else want to join me on this health journey?

Be weird.