Personalized Consultations

Not certain if replacing estrogen, testosterone or other hormones is right for you? Are hormone deficiencies causing symptoms such as fatigue, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance? This consultation will focus on your symptoms, treatment goals and make a formal recommendation about whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you.

Are you looking for a more natural approach to endocrine challenges such as thyroid disease and diabetes? This consultation will focus on the endocrine system including a root cause evaluation and treatment options for autoimmune diseases such as lupus, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and common health challenges such as diabetes and thyroid disease.

Genes influence your nutrient and vitamin needs, medication metabolism, fat storage, and risk of chronic diseases. Are your genes responsible for your mood, energy level and nutrient deficiencies? Knowing your genetics empowers you to personalize your lifestyle choices and prevent health challenges before they occur. Knowing your genetics allows us to personalize your nutrients, supplements and lifestyle plan.

Your gut is the foundation of health.  Our team will evaluate your digestion and identify the cause of heartburn, problems in elimination, gas and bloating plus support you in restoring your gut flora and microbiome.  Identify food sensitivities.  Eliminate toxins. Discover medicinal foods, supplemental and herbal support to heal your gut.

We are very pleased to now offer a comprehensive program to support individuals and families implementing the ReCode Protocol as formulated by Dale Bredesen, MD. Dr. Bredesen’s ReCode Protocol is the first ever to demonstrate reversal of cognitive decline. We use a multi-modality lifestyle, diet and supplement program to restore health to the brain and mind at the same time that it helps restore a state of overall health and wellness to the body.

1) Proper diagnosis at the start,
2) Thorough evaluative testing- the “cognoscopy” – to identify the most likely causes of memory loss and most importantly,
3) Living the protocol, including all the remedies recommended for your individual test findings, on an ongoing basis to create and maintain cognitive recovery. Dr. Bredesen states “Living the Protocol for 3-6 months” is what brings results.

Our Healthy Brain ReCode Memory Success Program supports your implementation of the ReCode Protocol and tailors it to your specific, individualized needs.

Environmental toxins including heavy metals, mold, pesticides, plastics, household cleaners, and food contaminants invade our daily lives.  We provide testing to identify the toxins affecting you.  Learn to minimize your exposure and receive a personalized plan to remove toxins and support immune and central nervous system recovery.

Ayurveda  (Eye-yur-VAY-duh) is cutting edge mind-body knowledge from the tradition of Yoga. It is more than 5000 years old and is the natural health practice from ancient India. “Integrative Ayurveda” combines ancient Ayurvedic healing modalities with a broad range of evidence-based diagnostics and therapies from Western medicine, functional medicine, and worldwide healing traditions that work with the body’s inner intelligence to restore balance.Your personalized program begins with an initial comprehensive wellness session including a review of your history and medical records. You will get an assessment of your Ayurveda Mind-Body type; identification of any imbalances according to Ayurveda; an Ayurveda pulse assessment; instruction in self-pulse taking for self-help and balance; and a personalized program of Ayurvedic wellness recommendations.

A comprehensive assessment for patients seeking Dr. Guarneri’s expertise in Preventive and Integrative Cardiology.  Includes full review of outside medical records and personalized recommendations for additional testing, medication, nutrition, natural medicine and mind-body techniques.  Includes EKG, body composition analysis and non-invasive testing of arterial function

• In-depth Cardiovascular Second Opinion Assessment with Dr. Guarneri
• Medical Practice’ proprietary health assessment questionnaires
• Complete analysis of all blood work
• Complete review and analysis of all cardiovascular testing
• Physical examination including body composition analysis, basal metabolic rate, and endothelial function

At Pacific Pearl La Jolla, our one-on-one Integrative Nurse Coaching Service is a key component to the successful implementation of lifestyle changes for health. Our service is especially helpful for new patients following their Comprehensive Wellness Assessment when they begin their prescribed journey for healing and optimal wellness. Integrative Nurse Coaches handle questions, assist in establishing goals, provide support and encouragement, and build on patients’ strengths.  Goals often seem more attainable. Patients rave about the empowerment that Integrative Nurse Coaches provide for them to work through issues and identify opportunities — that it is an additional level of support in their healing journey that they appreciate and rely upon to manifest significant changes.

Integrative Nurse Coaching is for patients/clients with chronic conditions or those that would like to prevent illness and promote wellness.  Explore mutual strategies and active engagement for reaching goals and maintaining focus.

Integrative Nurse Coaching is a skilled, purposeful, results-oriented and structured client interaction that is provided by Registered Nurses (RN) to promote achievement of client goals. It is the skillful use of evidence-based conversations, clinical interventions and strategies to safely and actively engage clients. Integrative Nurse Coaches work with the whole person using principles and modalities that integrate body, mind, emotion, spirit and environment to promote health, wellness and well-being.  Integrative Nurse Coaches are supportive and encouraging, building on the client’s strengths in a collaborative and co-creative process.  Integrative Nurse Coaches provide guidance and resources to the client who is the expert on their own needs and choices.

Integrative Nurse Coaching may be purchased as a package or as individual consultation/sessions at $120. per hour session by phone.  A minimum of three sessions has been found to be most beneficial. Three counseling sessions are $360. We offer a 10% discount for a package of 6 at $648. We recommend speaking to your doctor for their recommendation based on your conditions and needs, but a referral is not required.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, an Integrative Oncology consultation can help you approach your condition and treatment from an integrative, holistic point of view. An integrative consultation is intended for patients who are currently under the care of an allopathic cancer treatment team and want the added support of a medical doctor who is a medical oncologist and expert in Integrative Oncology.

Dr. Daniel Vicario supports patients as well as their family members and caregivers. During your consultation, he will review with you, from an integrative oncology perspective, your diagnosis and current treatment plan. He will answer any questions you have and work with you to develop an integrative healing approach that fits your individual needs.

Dr. Vicario will also share evidence-based complementary approaches and healing modalities that can benefit you by improving your ability to heal and enhancing your quality of life. These healing modalities include optimal nutrition, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, massage, physical activity, support groups, biofield therapies, music, arts, visualization, and many others. He will discuss, in detail, how these integrative healing modalities can significantly help you on your healing journey. Dr. Vicario strongly encourages the cancer patients to also consider working with health care practitioners experienced in other modalities.

We offer a humanistic, comprehensive treatment approach to emotional and physical health and well-being. Holistic Mental Health supports the self-healing process through the power of relationship and the ability to change your beliefs and emotional state. A comprehensive assessment includes identifying the development of the mental/emotional/spiritual challenge, neurotransmitter deficiencies, brain nutrition and lifestyle choices (such as exercise, sleep, nutrition, addictions, and environmental exposure). Our approach includes lifestyle prescriptions and support, recommendations for nutrition, nutraceuticals, and mind-body techniques such as transpersonal and neuro-hypnotherapy, mindfulness, stress management tools, breath work, meditation techniques, guided imagery and emotional transformation therapy. Emotional Transformation Therapy (Lightbox) is a form of energy medicine using light, color and peripheral eye stimulation to change old stuck emotions, thoughts, behaviors or states of pain to a healthier, desirable, more empowered experience. Our Naturopathic Psychologist is an expert in both supplement and herbal support to treat depression, fatigue, insomnia and anxiety while journeying to find balance.  Conventional medications are an option during this healing process and we seek to discover with you the lowest effective dose for your unique situation.

Our Psychologists:

Moira Fitzpatrick ND, PhD

Ozzie Gontang PhD

Our Psychiatrist

Julio Ballestas M.D.

Our Intensive Transformative Experience is a life-altering experience where a team of health professionals support you in making a shift in your health and well-being over a concentrated period of time.  During this period of time you focus and are aligned with your goal and receive daily services and support to help you achieve your specific desire. This change in health mind, body, spirit and emotions. Your goal is personal to you. Maybe you want to improve your sleep, obtain your ideal body weight, have improved memory, improved energy or less stress. Your Pacific Pearl health practitioner identifies the initial services and practitioners who have the tools, resources and knowledge to guide you in this change.

If you are already a Pacific Pearl Member, following an Intensive, your membership continues to support you in maintaining these changes.

What is an Intensive?  A life-altering experience where a team of health professionals support you in making a shift in your health and well-being over a concentrated period of time.

How does an Intensive work?  You identify a goal or a specific change you want to make in your health. Health includes mind, body, spirit and emotions. Your goal is personal to you. Maybe you want to improve your sleep, obtain your ideal body weight, have improved memory, improved energy or less stress. Your Pacific Pearl health practitioner identifies the initial services and practitioners who have the tools, resources and knowledge to guide you in this change.

How is an Intensive different from a membership?   The Intensive is a concentrated period of time where you focus and are aligned with your goal. You receive daily services and support to help you achieve your specific desire. If you are already a Pacific Pearl Member, following an Intensive, your membership continues to support you in maintaining these changes.

How long is an Intensive?  An Intensive program varies in length from 1 week to 3 months. We generally recommend that you spend at least 3 weeks with us. This allows you to feel comfortable with the team, make deep changes, and align your thoughts, emotions and actions to this new awareness.

What happens after the Intensive?  If you are traveling to La Jolla for your Intensive, a follow-up phone call is recommended when you return home. This provides support while you are transitioning and integrating new changes into your life. All Intensive participants seeking on-going care are encouraged to continue care with our team as Members of Pacific Pearl.

What happens if I am not a patient at the Pearl?  You schedule an MD/ND comprehensive health assessment with an Integrative Medical Doctor and a Naturopathic Doctor. During the comprehensive health assessment, a plan is made for further testing, including functional labs and imaging. An initial plan is created, including those resources most helpful to you in achieving your goal. Remember, the plan is personalized to you and your goals.

In addition to working with our team of Medical, Osteopathic and Naturopathic Doctors, the following services are available.

Services are available for the Intensive at Pacific Pearl

Where do I stay when doing my Intensive program?  Our Public Relations Coordinator can assist you in choosing housing within walking distance to the center. Options include local hotels and other resources in the local La Jolla community.

What will an Intensive cost?  The cost of the Intensive varies depending on your personalized program. Once your program is created, an estimate is made that includes the coordination fee.  The coordination fee to initiate an Intensive program is $350.

How do I start?  Members can ask about Intensives with their primary provider.  Non-Members can book a comprehensive health assessment and discuss an Intensive with their ND/MD team.

For people seeking natural and holistic alternatives, we offer comprehensive natural health consultations. We specialize in “conundrums” and undiagnosed symptoms, second opinions, and alternatives to drugs and surgeries. Our approach focuses on your health and life goals; we work with you to find answers, help your understand your health, and make informed choices about treatment options (both natural and conventional).  Our comprehensive assessments include:

• Medical Practice’ proprietary health assessment questionnaires
• Complete analysis of all blood work, additional testing, food diary and mind-body questionnaires
• Physical examination including body composition, ankle-brachial index, endothelial function and muscular skeletal analysis
• Personalized health assessment and diagnosis
• Full discussion on conventional and natural treatments to prevent and treat disease
• Suggestions on integrative preventative care and wellness planning options including botanical and mind-body medicine.
• Comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your health goals
• Specific recommendations regarding vitamins and supplements tailored to personalized needs
• Mind-Body techniques and recommendations to decrease stress and enhance resiliency
• Health education materials

Our naturopathic doctors will communicate with your other healthcare providers all results and recommendations (if desired)

Neurofeedback is a painless brain balancing biofeedback technique that has been shown to decrease anxiety, pain, PTSD and a host of other health challenges. Pioneered by a military veteran this technique is ideal for children and adults.

A comprehensive review of your health, current lifestyle and supplement program.  We will make individualized recommendations for nutrition, nutrient repletion and supplements.

Not sure which supplements are right for you? Not everyone needs the same vitamins and herbs. Our Naturopathic Doctors will review your nutraceutical regimen in light of your personal genetics, nutrient deficiencies and your personal health challenges. Take the supplements that are needed to optimize your health.

The Osteopathic Doctor specializing in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) serves as an agent of change to alleviate acute and chronic pain, physical limitations and diseases by utilizing their hands to change anatomy and physiology to improve your health. These osteopaths honor the patient’s innate ability to heal themselves by acknowledging the body’s structure and function are interrelated. Changing structure in any system of the body has the ability to positively affect disease outcomes.  This is a lower risk, less invasive approach than prescription medications and surgeries. A Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) is a fully-licensed physician whose education parallels the Medical Doctor (M.D.) model but also includes training in osteopathic manipulative medicine. Patients suffering from chronic pain from musculoskeletal conditions such as back or neck pain often experience benefits and resolution when treated by a D.O.  Other health concerns in the gastro-intestinal, respiratory, cardiac or any other system, caused by somatic dysfunction/structural issues can also be improved. For a treatment, it is highly recommended that everyone to wear athletic/active wear or sweat pants and comfortable t-shirt or knit top.

Prepare and heal from procedures and surgery quickly with a personalized combination of nutrients, immune support, IV infusions, homeopathy, hypnosis, healing touch and guided imagery.

The thyroid gland drives metabolism and so much more.  Accurate assessment and diagnosis are at the heart of our approach. Treatment options are individualized and range from nutrition to pharmaceutical interventions.

• Comprehensive evaluation (beyond TSH)
• Auto-immune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s, Grave’s)
• Perinatal thyroiditis
• Sub-acute thyroiditis
• Evaluation & management of nodules, including thyroid cancer
• Biopsies including AFIRMA testing and genetic markerS
• Second opinions on thyroid ablations, “normal” labs, and surgery

The classical Chinese explanation for the effectiveness of acupuncture is that channels of energy run through the body and over its surface in regular patterns. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction to movement in the meridians dams up the energy on one side, while cutting off the supply downstream. By applying the needles at the right points along the meridians, the obstructions are unblocked and the proper flow of energy is restored.

The scientific explanation of acupuncture is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the body to release natural chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These substances either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of other chemicals or hormones that influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The needles also reduce muscle spasm and cause a healing response at the site of insertion. We know from studies using fMRI (functional MRI) scans that acupuncture can positively change the blood flow in the brain. Numerous other well-designed studies show that acupuncture is effective for treating chronic pain and other conditions.

Most importantly, acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing and promotes improved energy and better physical and emotional well-being.

Struggling to maintain your ideal body weight? Our weight changes with our hormones, level of stress, sleep, physical activity and food choices. Our clinicians will get to the root cause of your health challenge and improve your basal metabolic rate with a natural approach.

Hormone changes occur throughout a woman’s life cycle which require support to maintain balance.  Our women’s health experts provide regular pap smears, clinical breast exams, hormone testing, plus expertise in gynecological and urinary tract issues.  Our goal is to empower and educate you about multiple options including lifestyle change, nutrition, botanicals, bioidentical hormones and treatment options for bone health. We provide a safe environment for education, counseling, nutrition and addressing the unique concerns of all women from adolescence to post menopause.