A Functional Approach with Dr. Jim Chialtas

Jim Chialtas, DACM, L.Ac.
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Daily

In this Podcast we will discuss topics relating to Functional Medicine, Self Improvement, & Wellness. Dr. Jim Chialtas has been in private practice in San Diego, CA since 2003 with a focus in Acupuncture & Functional Medicine. www.functionalmedicine-sandiego.com He designs and teaches continuing education courses on Functional Blood Chemistry for the online education company, Acupuncture Insights. He also designed and currently teaches a course on Functional Blood Chemistry for the Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) program at Five Branches University.

  1. 4d ago

    Circulation, Mind, and Medicine: Rethinking Erectyle Dysfunction with Dr. Jordan Barber

    In this 167th episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jordan Barber, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with over 20 years in clinical practice. He is the co-author of "Thinking in Chinese Medicine: A Patient's Guide to Acupuncture" (2026) and "Realigning Medicine: Building an Authentic, Fulfilling, and Thriving Healthcare Practice" (2025). Our focus today is on an important but often sidelined issue:erectile dysfunction. I hear about ED frequently from patients, usually as an aside to another medical concern — why is that? We’ll define ED and its varying levels, separate myths from facts, and explore distinctions between performance anxiety, behavioral causes like problematic pornography use, and physical drivers. We’ll discuss whether ED always comes down to circulation, how Chinese Medicine frames theproblem (circulation, hormones, mood, metabolic disease, etc.), and what conventional medicine offers — including how PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra/Cialis) work by upregulating eNOS to improve blood flow, and where concerns about iNOSfit in. We’ll also cover practical strategies: diet, lifestyle, TCMapproaches, and when a condition may be advanced enough that different interventions are needed. Dr. Barber will share insights from his books — including the idea that symptoms are expressions of the body’s adaptation within a network of relationships — and preview findings from his dry needling vs. TCM acupuncture research. Stick around: the dry needling conversation deserves its own deep dive, and we’ll tee that up for a future episode. Contact info: Website:  https://drbarberclinic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbarberlac/ Thinking in Chinese Medicine Book:  https://www.thinkinginchinesemedicine.com/ Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Chinese-Medicine-Patients-Acupuncture/dp/B0GWMLPZ5Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39H4CP17T3JLP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.d0GaAFsPYlI-LqtZui6tnxzqwUF_QcVWpR5FcFbhJlpJ9msMfLdYXcM_AA2iCCH7xW7gcMMUhomoh3zwRLhQeWffiXkVbxfBJ4UN4kl0uJKOU3RM2IhKe1t7TwM2GEH7UD2JNt7R_8UtXy_02Q-4dckIEGBXwb8lGA0KLBaq_yHKl1J2uVuamuvrkW2OtgwZNO4W6WDM4TQj5hc7_oc_ZZ8ro6s2Rl_gaUdIEfFJ6Zo.uW67WYn2TjIw_fYu-NKytQVfntqhP0YTj-nyD876jjU&dib_tag=se&keywords=thinking+in+chinese+medicine&qid=1779389056&sprefix=Thinking+in+Chinese+%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1

    1h 3m
  2. Peptides, Part 2: Copper GHK’s Role in Healing & Regeneration

    May 25

    Peptides, Part 2: Copper GHK’s Role in Healing & Regeneration

    In this 166th episode, I continue with my mini-series on peptide therapies and discuss Copper GHK. Copper GHK is a small copper-bound tripeptide that affects repair, aging, and gene expression. I cover its natural role in plasma and tissues, how levels fall with age, and the surprising breadth of its actions—from extracellular matrix remodeling and antioxidant effects to cognitive protection, cardiovascular benefits, and boosted wound healing. I also walk through the molecular mechanisms, real-world applications, and practical considerations for clinicians and listeners interested in regenerative support. Citations: 1.     Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int.2015;2015:648108. doi: 10.1155/2015/648108. Epub 2015 Jul 7. PMID: 26236730;PMCID: PMC4508379.  2.     Pickart L, Margolina A. The Effect of the Human Plasma Molecule GHK-Cu on Stem Cell Actions and Expression of Relevant Genes. OBM Geriatrics 2018;2(3):009;doi:10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803009.  3.     Adnan SB, Maarof M, Fauzi MB, Fadilah NIM. Exploring the Role of Tripeptides in Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Med Sci. 2025 Oct1;22(16):4175-4200. doi: 10.7150/ijms.118118. PMID: 41209547; PMCID:PMC12595317.  4.     Zoughaib M, Luong D, Garifullin R, Gatina DZ, Fedosimova SV, Abdullin TI. Enhanced angiogenic effects of RGD, GHK peptides and copper (II) compositions in synthetic cryogel ECM model. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2021Jan;120:111660. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111660. Epub 2020 Oct 21. PMID:33545827.  5.     Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jul 7;19(7):1987. doi:10.3390/ijms19071987. PMID: 29986520; PMCID: PMC6073405.

    37 min
  3. Autoimmunity, MS, Wellness Strategies and so much more with Dr. Amy Behimer, Pharm. D.

    May 18

    Autoimmunity, MS, Wellness Strategies and so much more with Dr. Amy Behimer, Pharm. D.

    In this 165th episode, I chat with Amy Behimer, Doctor of Pharmacy & Health Coach, about her approach to chronic conditions. As a person with Multiple Sclerosis and a few other autoimmune conditions, Dr. Amy knows firsthand what can work to manage autoimmunity. During this conversation, Amy and I discuss her philosophy of managing chronic conditions, Multiple Sclerosis and autoimmunity in general, diet/lifestyle approaches, and so much more! I really enjoyed this conversation. Dr. Amy is such a bright light and an asset to those working through some very difficult medical conditions. You can find her website at: https://amybehimercoaching.com/ www.amybehimercoaching.com/join Instagram:@amybehimercoachingOr her podcast: Autoimmune Health Secrets And if you would like to take her free quiz to help identify a habit you want to make or break, you can do so here: www.amybehimercoaching.com/quiz

    50 min
  4. Pao Pereira, Ginkgo, Green Tea & more: How the Beljanski Foundation Targets Cancer

    May 11

    Pao Pereira, Ginkgo, Green Tea & more: How the Beljanski Foundation Targets Cancer

    In this 164th episode, we trace the Beljanski Foundation’s origin and mission, explore its signature research tools (including the Oncotest), and dive into the botanicals and molecular components used in the Foundation’s anticancer approaches. The conversation covers how select plant alkaloids found in herbs like Pao Pereira, Rauwolfia Vomitoria, Ginkgo Biloba, Green Tea, and specific fragments of RNA act on cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, how these agents interact with chemo/radiation (efficacy and toxicity), and details about the Foundation’s upcoming San Diego conference. If you or someone you know is going through cancer, this episode is not one to miss! Links: Integrative Cancer Conference (San Diego, CA 6/26/26-6/29-26):https://integrativecancerconference.com  Website: https://www.maisonbeljanski.com/  Social:instagram.com/BeljanskiFoundation facebook.com/TheBeljanskiFoundation youtube.com/@BeljanskiFoundation linkedin.com/company/The-Beljanski-Foundation twitter.com/BeljanskiF tiktok.com/@TheBeljanskiCancerTalk

    52 min

  5. May 4

    Balancing fear and uncertainty, while allowing in the loveliness

    In this 163rd episode, I simply recognize the fear and struggle we are all feeling in this time of war, financial stress, and uncertainty. Just a small public service announcement and a call to action to remember to let in the positive, lovely things. This is how we will get through. Remember, you are not alone, and we will get through this together! Connection is the meaning of life. Much love to you all... Dr. Jim

    20 min
  6. An introduction to Peptide therapies: BPC-157

    Apr 27

    An introduction to Peptide therapies: BPC-157

    In this 162nd episode I begin to unpack the topic of peptides—what they are, how they work, and why tiny chains of amino acids are becoming major players in healing and recovery. In this particular episode I focus on BPC-157: a 15–amino‑acid fragment derived from human gastric juice that’s been studied since the 1990s for wound healing, tendon and ligament repair, gut protection, anti‑inflammatory effects, angiomodulation, and potential neuroprotection. I will walk through real‑world considerations: common administration routes (oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, IV, topical), pros and cons of liposomal oral delivery, typical dosing examples (e.g., liposomal BPC-157 at 500 mcg twice daily), cycling strategies for long‑term use, time to effect, and typical cost ranges for peptide therapy. We also cover safety caveats—especially the theoretical cancer concern that warrants avoiding use with known malignancy. Finally, we compare related formulas (BPC blends with KPV or TB‑500) and practical tips for anyone curious about peptide therapy. Episode takeaways What peptides are and why they act as cellular messengers.How BPC‑157 may speed healing and protect organs and the gut.Practical dosing, delivery options, cost realities, and safety considerations.How to evaluate formulations and when to seek medical oversight. Citations: A new gastric juice peptide, BPC. An overview of thestomach-stress-organoprotection hypothesis and beneficial effects of BPC https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8298609/

    42 min

  7. Apr 20

    Small Vessels, Big Trouble: How Vascular Disease Drives Dementia

    In this 161st episode I unpack vascular dementia — what causes it, how it differs from (and often overlaps with) Alzheimer’s, and the brain and vascular mechanisms that drive cognitive decline. I review some common clinical features of vascular dementia, noteworthy MRI findings, and the major vascular and metabolic risk factors involved in the development and progression of this disease. This is a great example of how a preventative approach nowcan save a lot of trouble later! Citations: Homocysteine and vascular disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8597939/ Trimethylamine N-Oxide: The Good, the Bad andthe Unknown https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5127123/

    57 min

  8. Apr 6

    Our Dreams are the Seeds to our Reality...

    In this 160th episode, I riff a bit on a book my former Ju-Jitsu Sensei wrote and gifted to me many years back. The concept here is "vision." There is a difference between dreams and vision. And it takes vision to make change happen. I share a story about an elephant from my book, and discuss how the very same principles can be found in our lives. This episode is one of encouragement. Encouragement to make your dreams your reality.

    13 min
See All (167)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

In this Podcast we will discuss topics relating to Functional Medicine, Self Improvement, & Wellness. Dr. Jim Chialtas has been in private practice in San Diego, CA since 2003 with a focus in Acupuncture & Functional Medicine. www.functionalmedicine-sandiego.com He designs and teaches continuing education courses on Functional Blood Chemistry for the online education company, Acupuncture Insights. He also designed and currently teaches a course on Functional Blood Chemistry for the Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) program at Five Branches University.

Information

You Might Also Like