Get Connected

Have you ever wanted to invest in your health, but had no idea where to start? 

I want to help share some local resources that are available to you. 

I'm thinking about starting a "Get Connected" series. My plan is to meet with people who are impacting health in and around Birmingham, then share with you what I learn.

I recently met such a fellow by the name of Fotios Sardelis; Foti for short. 

Foti is a licensed acupuncturist and practices acupuncture and herbalism. He owns and operates Ánthos, a small clinic tucked away off Richard Arrington just as you crest Red Mountain heading into downtown Homewood.

Foti is very passionate about his practice. He has a heart for preventative medicine and helping people achieve wellness. 

I asked Foti what he wished more people knew about acupuncture and herbalism. 

He was adamant about how effective acupuncture is for treating aches, pains and inflammation without negative side effects. 

He stated acupuncture is practically risk free and hardly anyone experiences any negative side effects.

Foti also mentioned acupuncture's success in treating conditions like anxiety, insomnia, hypertension and other inflammatory responses. Stress is a huge contributing factor to these conditions and he believes acupuncture helps reduce stress significantly. 

Regarding herbs, Foti wishes more people knew that "food and herbs are the best preventative medicine and can lead to longevity and vitality as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle." 

Foti's knowledge of herbs was impressive. I can't even begin to list all the herbs and their benefits that he rattled off as we drank iced coffee. 

He also had some strong opinions regarding nutrition. Generally speaking, he believes a healthy diet consists of unprocessed, fresh produce, fruits, nuts, legumes, roots, vegetables, herbs and animal products.

One story he shared really caught my attention.

He told me about a lady that came into his clinic that was previously discharged from the hospital with a blood clot along her spinal cord.

From what I remember, she was given a prescription and told to return for a check up because there was not much else the doctors could do.

Her son started seeking alternative treatments and discovered Foti's clinic.

When she arrived at Ánthos, she had pretty much lost her ability to walk and was experiencing significant pain in her legs and feet. The medicine she was prescribed was not working. 

After one acupuncture treatment, the woman was walking again with no support. The craziest part of all is she returned for her check up with the doctor a week or so later and the blood clot was gone.

So, take it for what it's worth. 

Acupuncture and herbalism are two practices that have been around for a LONG time, so I feel like there must be some benefit to them. 

At the end of the day, there is one key thing both Foti and I agree on: prevention is the best intervention.

For anyone seeking alternative treatment, I would highly recommend Ánthos Acupuncture and Harbal Clinic. Foti would be more than happy to see you. He would more than likely greet you with a cup of warm tea and a smile.