In this episode of The Senior Scoop, hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel welcome Alfred Pomerleau, practitioner of Asian medicine and founder of Ascending Health and Ah Juice. With decades of experience in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition, Alfred shares how natural medicine focuses on supporting the body’s innate ability to heal rather than simply masking symptoms.
He explains how Asian medicine evaluates health through patterns, balance, and observation, using diagnostic tools such as pulse and tongue analysis to understand internal imbalances. Through techniques like acupuncture, cupping, herbal therapy, and nutrition, treatment aims to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore the body’s natural equilibrium.
Alfred also discusses the critical role of nutrition in overall health, emphasizing whole foods, gut health, and the microbiome. He shares insights into how diet, inflammation, and lifestyle choices influence long-term wellness, and why nutrition is considered the foundation of healing in natural medicine.
🏡 Key Topics Covered
02:01 Path to Natural Medicine
05:22 Acupuncture Comes to the West
10:26 Diagnosis Through Pulse and Tongue
15:02 Treatment Methods Explained
19:38 Cupping for Pain and Recovery
23:33 Herbs and Hormone Support
25:01 Supporting Natural Birth
30:00 Gut Health, Diet, and Inflammation
39:02 Nutrition as the Foundation of Health
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👤 Guest Information
Alfred Pomerleau
🌐 https://www.ascendinghealth.com/
📍 1 El Vedado Ln, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
📞 (805) 698-1162
The Senior Scoop
The Senior Scoop is a podcast hosted by Deborah and Kelsey Samuel, created to support and inform seniors navigating major life transitions. Based in Santa Barbara, the show focuses on helping older adults understand and prepare for various aspects of aging — from downsizing and home maintenance to emotional well-being and planning for the future.
Each episode explores topics relevant to senior life, such as physical and mental health, financial planning, trusts and wills, pet care, and more. The hosts bring on local experts — including healthcare professionals, legal advisors, and home service providers — to offer insights, resources, and practical advice.
The Senior Scoop is a warm and informative resource designed to empower seniors and their families with trusted guidance and real-life tips from the Santa Barbara community.