June 30, 2024 • 23 mins
In this episode, the incredible Dr. Sarah Akhunji, reveals her innovative solutions for strengthening muscles to help build confidence and enhance individuals quality of life. Through her passion for health, wellness, and caring for others, Dr. Sarah aims to empower and inspire all listeners on their journey to improved well-being. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for enhancing both your physical strength and self-assurance.
Tone by MD https://tonebymd.com/
Physician Moms https://physicianmoms.org/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Theresa Cesare (00:07):
hey guys.
Welcome to Heart to Talk thepodcast.
I am the host and creatorTheresa Cesare My intention for
this podcast is to deliver toyou wisdom, inspiration, and
consciousness.
Through solo episodes andconversations amongst insightful
people.
It is my greatest honor to bringto you talks that come from the.
(00:30):
Welcome listeners to anotherpowerful episode of Heart to
Talk.
Today we have truly anexceptional guest with us, Dr.
Sarah Acunji, a dear friend whoI've known for so long.
Dr.
Sarah is a Distinguished BoardCertified Internal Medicine
Physician.
We're With a fellowship inintegrative medicine she serves
as the medical director of carecoordination at banner and is a
(00:54):
partner at an integrative micropractice toned by MD
specializing in a non invasivetreatment for a condition that
many are too shy or embarrassedto talk about beyond her medical
expertise, she has teamed upwith Dr.
Lisa Stone King to launch askincare line called Physicians
Moms.
I must mention that Sarah isalso a devoted mother to a
(01:16):
beautiful daughter.
So without further ado, welcomegirl.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (01:20):
Thank you so much for having me on today.
I really appreciate it.
Theresa Cesare (01:24):
Dr.
Sarah what inspired you to getinto medicine?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (01:29):
I think, you know, I'm a third generation
physician.
My grandfather was a physician.
My father was, it feels a littlebit like, the family business,
but really health and wellnessand caring for others.
That's been sort of thefoundation of how I was raised
and it was my naturalinclination to really want to go
(01:50):
into medicine for myself and Formy sister and, sort of give back
that way.
So, I was born in Ireland, spentmy youth in California, and then
came here for residency at theUniversity of Arizona.
I completed my internal medicineresidency there in 2006.
went on to do, some, Training inaesthetics with Botox and
(02:14):
fillers in 2007 and, went on todo an integrative medicine
fellowship at the university, in2012.
so now I consider myself a localafter all these years.
Theresa Cesare (02:26):
That's incredible.
So listeners, I got the chanceto have coffee at her beautiful
innovative micro practice toneby MD.
Girl, tell us about that.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (02:39):
So I will tell you that if you had asked me a
few years ago if I ever had anyintentions of really starting my
own little practice I would havesaid no that's not where my
mindset was I just wasn't quitethere yet.
And it was something abouthitting 50 and Realizing that
(03:02):
there are some different issuesthat I would like some solutions
to Four that we don't typicallytalk about.
I wanted to build something thatI would actually use that My
mother would use that my sisterwould use that my friends would
use and so the idea of thispractice was um That was really
(03:23):
the concept Behind it is if Iwould use it if I see a need for
it, I will bring it forwardOtherwise, I don't want to
include it and that's why it'smicro.
It doesn't cover everything YouBut it's meant to add things as
I see the need come up and asyou know, I have friends tell me
well Hey, what about this?
I'm having an issue with this.
(03:44):
How are you going to address it?
What can you do?
Tone by MD in particular, youknow My first machine that I
have in there is called the Mcella and it is a machine that
treats urinary incontinence It'san issue.
That's mil 19 million women inthe United States have Deal with
(04:04):
it.
We don't talk about it 5 out of10 women never get it medically
addressed at all Just not verycommon and I see my mom, you
know every day she's with me andI never thought to ask her if
this was an issue for her.
(04:25):
So, about two years ago, she wasvisiting my younger sister,
who's an endocrinologist, in,Phoenix.
And she said, oh, I'm going toput my, I'm going to put mom on
this machine, you realize,called the MCELA, because you
realize she gets up a coupletimes a night, to use the
restroom.
And no, I honestly had neverthought about it and I said
(04:47):
fine, no big deal My mom uses itShe calls me up the next day and
says oh my god I slept throughthe entire night without having
to get up and it doesn't soundlike a big deal but if you've
been doing it for Decades havingto get up to have that change
(05:07):
where you're allowed restfulsleep how it impacts your Your
next day the following days ishuge So, you know, she completed
her treatments.
It was three weeks twice a weekAll she had to do was basically
sit in a chair and Continued tohave the same improvements same
(05:29):
benefits If she knew she neededto use the restroom and she had
that urge she was actually ableto hold it so she wasn't having
to use Like she was not usingthose incontinence pads, which
are bulky and bothersome.
And again, even though I'm herdaughter, I'm a physician.
I never thought to ask her abouthow inconvenient that is.
(05:54):
And if there's something we canactually do about it.
So that was incredible, but Ithought, you know, okay, that's
one person.
Is this one off or is this,Going to be beneficial for other
people I haven't had a problemreally with urinary incontinence
on a regular basis, but if youhave children, You're getting
(06:15):
older.
Definitely.
There's a weakness in yourpelvic floor muscles.
And so I wasn't jumping on atrampoline.
And I, you know, if I sneezed orI was laughing a lot, definitely
I would clinch because you justdon't know exactly how that
totally and so as women, we alljoke about that as if, okay,
(06:38):
this is just, something normalthat we have to accept.
But the thing is, it's notreally true.
And up until my mom trying thisdevice, I didn't realize there's
an alternative.
That you could try that's noninvasive nurse surgery And it
really strengthening your coreNot only are you getting the
(07:00):
benefits of?
Not having to, urinate sofrequently being able to have,
some sort of control, but italso helps with their sexual
health benefits as well.
And just strengthening the coremuscles actually helps with
balance too.
So that's how I sort of cameinto the realm of this coming
(07:23):
onto my radar.
And I decided to just go aheadand Buy the machine, open up a
little practice, because Ireally wanted it to be
available, to everyone who mightneed it, and really that
included almost all of mygirlfriends.
Theresa Cesare (07:39):
Wow.
to know that there's anincredible solution to something
that doesn't feel so sexy, but Iswear the way you have it laid
out is sexy because it's noninvasive.
It's.
Very modern.
And it's just so incredible.
So to anyone listening, like ifyou're dealing with this or, you
know, anybody share thisepisode, you've got to get in
(08:00):
touch with Dr.
Sarah, because this is a lifechanging solution.
Do you want to add anything tothat?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (08:07):
So I would say that, the sexual component is
huge too.
Out of all the women that haveurinary incontinence issues,
about 50 percent even more haveissues with sexual dysfunction
too.
And the way the MCELEN machineactually works, it's a high
(08:27):
intensity focusedelectromagnetic stimulation of
the pelvic floor muscles.
So what happens is within thesesix treatments, That pelvic
floor muscle is thickening.
We see the results onultrasound.
So they've actually monitored tosee how it thickens.
So with the increased bloodflow, there's also tightening,
(08:48):
of all those muscles.
There are women who don'tactually use it just for,
incontinence.
They're using it for sexualhealth because the increased
blood flow keeps the muscleshealthy and strong.
And so there's a dual benefit.
Also works for men.
25 to 43 percent of men, betweenthe ages of their 30s and 50s
(09:12):
have issues with incontinence aswell and erectile dysfunction
This machine actually it canhelp with both those things for
men as well.
So I think that that's you knowa huge benefit as well I love
that your clothes stay on.
I love that it's 28 minutes,twice a week for three weeks.
(09:34):
Not painful.
You walk in and walk out.
So it can be during your lunchbreak.
It's really easy.
And we do sessions byappointment, only so we can sort
of tailor it to a time that'sconvenient.
Another benefit that I like tothrow in is something called our
brain tap machine and That is aheadset that uses light and
(09:56):
sound Technology to help you getinto a meditative state I find
that when you're stuck on achair for 28 minutes, it might
get boring you know an option isto watch you know a show but You
Since you are there, I think itcan be helpful to sort of zone
out and just really get into agood state to help, you focus
(10:17):
on, what is happening to yourbody.
The fact that your body isgetting stronger, but also with
the brain tap, you can choosewhat you want to work on.
So it can work on anxiety.
It can work on procrastination.
It can work on, Weight loss evenso there are lots of different
programs Available on the braintap machine, and I really do
(10:38):
leave it to My client and mypatients what it is.
They want to work on.
But really there are hundreds ofprograms.
So While you are captive forthose 28 minutes twice a week
for the three weeks You canactually work on something else
and I like to just sort of throwthat in as a bonus Yes So that,
when you walk out, you arereally feeling better than how
(11:01):
you came in.
Theresa Cesare (11:02):
I love it.
Like brain health and sexualhealth, confidence, right?
You basically contribute toelevating people's confidence.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (11:11):
Yes, absolutely.
And I mean, when you think abouturinary incontinence, it is
limiting.
It does affect yourrelationships, it affects how
mobile you are even, howcomfortable you are in your own
body, in your own clothes.
It just affects so manydifferent aspects of your life
and There are other solutions.
(11:34):
There is surgery.
There's pelvic physiotherapy,but that's invasive.
And I like that, although we'vegot these really good options,
here's another really goodoption that might bring more
people in the door to try andfind a solution because they may
not want surgery yet and theymay not want something, you
know, intravaginal, you know, tohelp.
(11:56):
I think this brings in,different people who would feel
more comfortable trying some,something else, you know, people
like me, people like my mom,people like my girlfriends and
even my guy friends, you know,it's just, it's for everybody
who would be comfortable comingin and giving it a try.
And I think anytime you'retrying to strengthen muscle,
(12:19):
it's a good thing.
Theresa Cesare (12:21):
I love, love it so much.
Now, speaking of strengtheningmuscle, isn't there another
incredible device you have?
Do I even call it a device?
A piece of technology that youuse and who would benefit from
it?
Sure.
So
Dr. Sara Akhunji (12:36):
yes, I do.
So I have another machine usesthe same kind of technology,
high, high intensity focusedelectromagnetic contractions.
And this is called the totaltone body.
And you can use that for yourarms, your thighs, your calves,
your abs.
And the goal again is intensecontractions in a limited amount
(12:56):
of time, to really strengthenand tone your muscles.
So it's perfect for someone whohasn't been to the gym, but
wants to get into the gym, tobuild that confidence and some
baseline strength.
And you pick a part of your bodythat you would like to work on.
So really your choice.
And it's once a week, fourweeks, more if you want it, but
(13:19):
you know, four weeks is what thestudies show have been helpful.
It's perfect for people who havesort of hit that, that line
where they feel like, gosh, Iwould like to push it a little
bit further.
And I just, Can't seem to getthat cut that I want and this
machine is perfect for thatperson too You've done all you
can and you want to push it justa little bit further tone just a
(13:42):
little bit more people that areusing with Gobi and Ozempic and
Manjaro.
there is loss of muscle withthese really amazing medications
that really help with bloodsugar control and with weight
loss.
They're amazing, but there aresome problems with that.
Loss of muscle is definitelythere.
So, these devices that we havecan definitely help, strengthen
(14:04):
your muscles and maybe sort ofbalance out the effects, the,
you know, muscle breakdown thatcomes with these machines.
it's one of my favorites Itlived in my house for many many
many months because I didn'twant to give it up.
So again, I decided time toshare it because I vetted it.
(14:25):
It worked for me.
I could get behind it.
And, again, that's really thegoal.
whether it's the MCELA, whetherit's a total tone body, even the
brain tap, these are things thatI can recommend because I use
them all.
Theresa Cesare (14:39):
That being said, how can we find you to utilize
these machines to get anappointment with you?
What's the best way?
Sure.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (14:48):
So I have a website, www.
tonebymd.
com and, our information's onthere.
There is a scheduling portal,but there's also a phone number.
You can email me so we canfigure out about time, and we
can discuss if this is somethingthat really is an option for you
or if you'd just like to come inand take a peek and see, see
(15:09):
what's in our little clinic.
Theresa Cesare (15:11):
I love that.
And I'll be sure to drop that inthe show notes, So do you have
any tips,
Dr. Sara Akhunji (15:17):
so, you know, there definitely is a benefit
for doing your key goals.
There is a reason why we tell.
You know, we've been told by ourphysicians to do them.
They are definitely helpful.
And so, you know doing a set of10 kegels, At least three times
a day or some people do it whilethey're driving So at a
stoplight they just quickly do acouple kegels and that's how
(15:40):
they get them in I think thatthat's really beneficial I I
think that even if somebody doesemsella with me where there it's
like more than 10, 000contractions in that 30 minutes.
Clearly we can't replicate thatphysically, but Kegels can
definitely, keep that benefitgoing.
the other thing I didn't reallymention is there is, a
(16:01):
neurological connection to thatgets a little lazy when you have
urinary incontinence.
Another benefit of This machineis that it wakes up.
That connection.
So, I've heard from a lot of myclients is that they're
recognizing that they can do abetter Kegel as if they have
better control of the muscle.
(16:21):
They're more aware becausethey've been made aware by this
whole pelvic floor contracting.
Avoiding caffeine too late.
You know, things that arenatural diuretics.
If you notice you get up a lotat night, stop drinking a little
bit sooner.
Just so you're just not, youdon't have to get up, as often.
General tips, I think, mind andbody, it's connected.
(16:46):
There's no way to get healthyunless you're focusing on both
things.
My other tip would be breathwork.
I do four, seven, eightbreathing, you know.
Take a deep breath in for fourseconds, hold for seven, exhale
for eight.
I just do even just a cycle ofthree.
(17:07):
I start my day with that.
If I find that I'm anxious, I dothat and it really does, balance
me out.
So I think simple things, if Ihad two tips, it would be do
your Kegels.
They actually work for men andwomen both.
and do the breath work.
I think that's a good start tothe day.
It's a good way to tackle whenyou're stressed out, which is
(17:28):
pretty normal.
I find it helps me go to sleepeven.
So, those would be my twotakeaways,
Theresa Cesare (17:34):
I love it.
And I'm implementing right awayas we're doing Kegels right now.
Okay.
So the last thing before I diveinto the closing questions, You
have developed this incredibleskincare in collaboration with
Dr.
Lisa Stone King, whom I knowshe's super awesome.
Can you tell us the why behindit and the how we can get it?
(17:55):
Sure.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (17:55):
Sure.
So this is one of my favoritestoo.
Again, I use it.
a few years ago, dr.
Lisa Stone King and I were at abeach volleyball tournament.
Both of our daughters were, inhigh school.
They were in the 10th grade.
We were out in Huntington beachand they were playing out in the
sun and it was Ours in the sun.
So as we were seated there, wewere looking at their sunblock
(18:18):
bottles and we couldn't believethe ingredients in them and we
were concerned because they hadit on their faces.
They had it all over theirbodies.
And we started to haveconversations about, well, can
we actually do this better.
so our daughters are, well, Ishould say our kids were our
inspiration for wanting to dobetter.
(18:39):
And we started, to work with acompany to actually try and
develop something that would bea better product, a safer
product.
We decided to go, with mineralbased skincare, less side
effects, less chances ofallergies.
And historically, the problemwith mineral sunscreen that
makes no one want to use it isthat chalky sort of residue, on
(19:00):
your skin.
So we tried lots of differentformulas before we came to, a
tinted formula and a sheerformula that, We were, our kids
were willing to use, we reallyloved it, it was so
moisturizing, in fact it takesthe place of my morning
moisturizer, after like avitamin C serum, so that was it.
(19:21):
So, Dr.
Stoneking and I, we decided thisis something that's really
important to us, our kids needit, we needed a better choice,
and, So we have just releasedour, our sunblock.
Theresa Cesare (19:34):
That is so amazing.
Oh, so inspiring.
So the sunblock we could alsoget when we visit you Yes.
Right at to MD or online?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (19:43):
Yes.
So that would bewww.physicianmoms.org.
Theresa Cesare (19:49):
Awesome.
And I'll drop that in the shownotes as well.
Thank you so much.
I'm like, I don't know if I callyou Sarah or Dr.
Sarah, both would be like,you're here.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (19:58):
I like Sarah.
You're so
Theresa Cesare (20:00):
chill.
I'd be like, if I'm a doctor,I'm like everyone, you better
call me doctor.
Oh, I love it.
Okay.
And what, what are your patientsusually call you?
Dr.
Sarah.
all right, Dr.
Sarah.
And to close up this episode,I'm going to ask you the first
question.
What is your favorite quote?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (20:18):
Okay.
So my favorite quote is by Dr.
Tiarona Lodog.
And she is a integrativemedicine expert and she said,
health is more than the absenceof disease.
It's a dynamic state of balanceand vitality.
Theresa Cesare (20:35):
I love that quote.
Thank you.
Next question.
What is your favorite book?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (20:40):
Okay.
So my favorite book, issomething that I've used for
probably, like 10 years.
It's called a hundred ways tohappiness.
It's by dr timothy sharp andthere they are just a few pages,
um on a hundred different ideason little reminders really to
Keep happy whether it's to takea deep breath or to look outside
(21:04):
and find your favorite plant areminder to call a friend that
might need you.
So It's little tips that aredoable little chunks that can
really set you into your day inthe right way with the good
attitude.
And so I find if I wake up inthe morning and i'm a little bit
ambivalent about my day I justsort of open it up and I read
(21:28):
what he has to say so I like itIt's practical they're little
bite sized Tidbits of advicethat sort of set me on the right
path for my day.
Theresa Cesare (21:36):
I love it.
I'm adding that to my list andnext, what is your mission
Dr. Sara Akhunji (21:42):
so my mission really is about empowerment.
It's something that I'm workingon for myself that I work on
every day to just try and dothings just a little bit better
to reinforce the things that I'mdoing well, even if it's
something I don't have tochange, but also to spread that
to the people around me, to myfriends and family, to my
(22:06):
clients, to my patients, toeveryone concept of, Taking
control of your health to not towait for somebody to tell you
what to do to look into thethings that you can do for
yourself.
You are the captain of your ownship.
It is.
Your body, no one is as investedas you and my job, I feel is to
(22:28):
really spread that, don't letanybody else sort of guide your
vessel, take good informationfrom the places that, you can
get it and incorporate it intoyour life, whatever it is that
actually works for you.
Theresa Cesare (22:43):
I love that so much.
So powerful in the lastquestion.
Do you have a favoriteaffirmation to stay empowered
and to maintain a strongmindset?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (22:55):
Everything I need is inside of me.
I, I love that.
I think it just makes me feellike I can be resilient.
If I don't have the answers, Ican find it.
It keeps me hopeful, it keeps mehappy, it, helps me appreciate
the things in my life that Ihave,
Theresa Cesare (23:17):
Thank you so much for tuning into this
episode.
Please download, rate,subscribe, and share this
podcast.
Also, be sure to visit mytheresacesare.com to check out
my inspirational merch, connectto my social accounts, and much
more may you continue to befilled with wisdom, inspiration,
and consciousness.
(23:37):
Otherwise, friends, I will beback in two weeks for another
episode of Heart to
hey guys.
Welcome to Heart to Talk thepodcast.
I am the host and creatorTheresa Cesare My intention for
this podcast is to deliver toyou wisdom, inspiration, and
consciousness.
Through solo episodes andconversations amongst insightful
people.
It is my greatest honor to bringto you talks that come from the.
(00:30):
Welcome listeners to anotherpowerful episode of Heart to
Talk.
Today we have truly anexceptional guest with us, Dr.
Sarah Acunji, a dear friend whoI've known for so long.
Dr.
Sarah is a Distinguished BoardCertified Internal Medicine
Physician.
We're With a fellowship inintegrative medicine she serves
as the medical director of carecoordination at banner and is a
(00:54):
partner at an integrative micropractice toned by MD
specializing in a non invasivetreatment for a condition that
many are too shy or embarrassedto talk about beyond her medical
expertise, she has teamed upwith Dr.
Lisa Stone King to launch askincare line called Physicians
Moms.
I must mention that Sarah isalso a devoted mother to a
(01:16):
beautiful daughter.
So without further ado, welcomegirl.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (01:20):
Thank you so much for having me on today.
I really appreciate it.
Theresa Cesare (01:24):
Dr.
Sarah what inspired you to getinto medicine?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (01:29):
I think, you know, I'm a third generation
physician.
My grandfather was a physician.
My father was, it feels a littlebit like, the family business,
but really health and wellnessand caring for others.
That's been sort of thefoundation of how I was raised
and it was my naturalinclination to really want to go
(01:50):
into medicine for myself and Formy sister and, sort of give back
that way.
So, I was born in Ireland, spentmy youth in California, and then
came here for residency at theUniversity of Arizona.
I completed my internal medicineresidency there in 2006.
went on to do, some, Training inaesthetics with Botox and
(02:14):
fillers in 2007 and, went on todo an integrative medicine
fellowship at the university, in2012.
so now I consider myself a localafter all these years.
Theresa Cesare (02:26):
That's incredible.
So listeners, I got the chanceto have coffee at her beautiful
innovative micro practice toneby MD.
Girl, tell us about that.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (02:39):
So I will tell you that if you had asked me a
few years ago if I ever had anyintentions of really starting my
own little practice I would havesaid no that's not where my
mindset was I just wasn't quitethere yet.
And it was something abouthitting 50 and Realizing that
(03:02):
there are some different issuesthat I would like some solutions
to Four that we don't typicallytalk about.
I wanted to build something thatI would actually use that My
mother would use that my sisterwould use that my friends would
use and so the idea of thispractice was um That was really
(03:23):
the concept Behind it is if Iwould use it if I see a need for
it, I will bring it forwardOtherwise, I don't want to
include it and that's why it'smicro.
It doesn't cover everything YouBut it's meant to add things as
I see the need come up and asyou know, I have friends tell me
well Hey, what about this?
I'm having an issue with this.
(03:44):
How are you going to address it?
What can you do?
Tone by MD in particular, youknow My first machine that I
have in there is called the Mcella and it is a machine that
treats urinary incontinence It'san issue.
That's mil 19 million women inthe United States have Deal with
(04:04):
it.
We don't talk about it 5 out of10 women never get it medically
addressed at all Just not verycommon and I see my mom, you
know every day she's with me andI never thought to ask her if
this was an issue for her.
(04:25):
So, about two years ago, she wasvisiting my younger sister,
who's an endocrinologist, in,Phoenix.
And she said, oh, I'm going toput my, I'm going to put mom on
this machine, you realize,called the MCELA, because you
realize she gets up a coupletimes a night, to use the
restroom.
And no, I honestly had neverthought about it and I said
(04:47):
fine, no big deal My mom uses itShe calls me up the next day and
says oh my god I slept throughthe entire night without having
to get up and it doesn't soundlike a big deal but if you've
been doing it for Decades havingto get up to have that change
(05:07):
where you're allowed restfulsleep how it impacts your Your
next day the following days ishuge So, you know, she completed
her treatments.
It was three weeks twice a weekAll she had to do was basically
sit in a chair and Continued tohave the same improvements same
(05:29):
benefits If she knew she neededto use the restroom and she had
that urge she was actually ableto hold it so she wasn't having
to use Like she was not usingthose incontinence pads, which
are bulky and bothersome.
And again, even though I'm herdaughter, I'm a physician.
I never thought to ask her abouthow inconvenient that is.
(05:54):
And if there's something we canactually do about it.
So that was incredible, but Ithought, you know, okay, that's
one person.
Is this one off or is this,Going to be beneficial for other
people I haven't had a problemreally with urinary incontinence
on a regular basis, but if youhave children, You're getting
(06:15):
older.
Definitely.
There's a weakness in yourpelvic floor muscles.
And so I wasn't jumping on atrampoline.
And I, you know, if I sneezed orI was laughing a lot, definitely
I would clinch because you justdon't know exactly how that
totally and so as women, we alljoke about that as if, okay,
(06:38):
this is just, something normalthat we have to accept.
But the thing is, it's notreally true.
And up until my mom trying thisdevice, I didn't realize there's
an alternative.
That you could try that's noninvasive nurse surgery And it
really strengthening your coreNot only are you getting the
(07:00):
benefits of?
Not having to, urinate sofrequently being able to have,
some sort of control, but italso helps with their sexual
health benefits as well.
And just strengthening the coremuscles actually helps with
balance too.
So that's how I sort of cameinto the realm of this coming
(07:23):
onto my radar.
And I decided to just go aheadand Buy the machine, open up a
little practice, because Ireally wanted it to be
available, to everyone who mightneed it, and really that
included almost all of mygirlfriends.
Theresa Cesare (07:39):
Wow.
to know that there's anincredible solution to something
that doesn't feel so sexy, but Iswear the way you have it laid
out is sexy because it's noninvasive.
It's.
Very modern.
And it's just so incredible.
So to anyone listening, like ifyou're dealing with this or, you
know, anybody share thisepisode, you've got to get in
(08:00):
touch with Dr.
Sarah, because this is a lifechanging solution.
Do you want to add anything tothat?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (08:07):
So I would say that, the sexual component is
huge too.
Out of all the women that haveurinary incontinence issues,
about 50 percent even more haveissues with sexual dysfunction
too.
And the way the MCELEN machineactually works, it's a high
(08:27):
intensity focusedelectromagnetic stimulation of
the pelvic floor muscles.
So what happens is within thesesix treatments, That pelvic
floor muscle is thickening.
We see the results onultrasound.
So they've actually monitored tosee how it thickens.
So with the increased bloodflow, there's also tightening,
(08:48):
of all those muscles.
There are women who don'tactually use it just for,
incontinence.
They're using it for sexualhealth because the increased
blood flow keeps the muscleshealthy and strong.
And so there's a dual benefit.
Also works for men.
25 to 43 percent of men, betweenthe ages of their 30s and 50s
(09:12):
have issues with incontinence aswell and erectile dysfunction
This machine actually it canhelp with both those things for
men as well.
So I think that that's you knowa huge benefit as well I love
that your clothes stay on.
I love that it's 28 minutes,twice a week for three weeks.
(09:34):
Not painful.
You walk in and walk out.
So it can be during your lunchbreak.
It's really easy.
And we do sessions byappointment, only so we can sort
of tailor it to a time that'sconvenient.
Another benefit that I like tothrow in is something called our
brain tap machine and That is aheadset that uses light and
(09:56):
sound Technology to help you getinto a meditative state I find
that when you're stuck on achair for 28 minutes, it might
get boring you know an option isto watch you know a show but You
Since you are there, I think itcan be helpful to sort of zone
out and just really get into agood state to help, you focus
(10:17):
on, what is happening to yourbody.
The fact that your body isgetting stronger, but also with
the brain tap, you can choosewhat you want to work on.
So it can work on anxiety.
It can work on procrastination.
It can work on, Weight loss evenso there are lots of different
programs Available on the braintap machine, and I really do
(10:38):
leave it to My client and mypatients what it is.
They want to work on.
But really there are hundreds ofprograms.
So While you are captive forthose 28 minutes twice a week
for the three weeks You canactually work on something else
and I like to just sort of throwthat in as a bonus Yes So that,
when you walk out, you arereally feeling better than how
(11:01):
you came in.
Theresa Cesare (11:02):
I love it.
Like brain health and sexualhealth, confidence, right?
You basically contribute toelevating people's confidence.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (11:11):
Yes, absolutely.
And I mean, when you think abouturinary incontinence, it is
limiting.
It does affect yourrelationships, it affects how
mobile you are even, howcomfortable you are in your own
body, in your own clothes.
It just affects so manydifferent aspects of your life
and There are other solutions.
(11:34):
There is surgery.
There's pelvic physiotherapy,but that's invasive.
And I like that, although we'vegot these really good options,
here's another really goodoption that might bring more
people in the door to try andfind a solution because they may
not want surgery yet and theymay not want something, you
know, intravaginal, you know, tohelp.
(11:56):
I think this brings in,different people who would feel
more comfortable trying some,something else, you know, people
like me, people like my mom,people like my girlfriends and
even my guy friends, you know,it's just, it's for everybody
who would be comfortable comingin and giving it a try.
And I think anytime you'retrying to strengthen muscle,
(12:19):
it's a good thing.
Theresa Cesare (12:21):
I love, love it so much.
Now, speaking of strengtheningmuscle, isn't there another
incredible device you have?
Do I even call it a device?
A piece of technology that youuse and who would benefit from
it?
Sure.
So
Dr. Sara Akhunji (12:36):
yes, I do.
So I have another machine usesthe same kind of technology,
high, high intensity focusedelectromagnetic contractions.
And this is called the totaltone body.
And you can use that for yourarms, your thighs, your calves,
your abs.
And the goal again is intensecontractions in a limited amount
(12:56):
of time, to really strengthenand tone your muscles.
So it's perfect for someone whohasn't been to the gym, but
wants to get into the gym, tobuild that confidence and some
baseline strength.
And you pick a part of your bodythat you would like to work on.
So really your choice.
And it's once a week, fourweeks, more if you want it, but
(13:19):
you know, four weeks is what thestudies show have been helpful.
It's perfect for people who havesort of hit that, that line
where they feel like, gosh, Iwould like to push it a little
bit further.
And I just, Can't seem to getthat cut that I want and this
machine is perfect for thatperson too You've done all you
can and you want to push it justa little bit further tone just a
(13:42):
little bit more people that areusing with Gobi and Ozempic and
Manjaro.
there is loss of muscle withthese really amazing medications
that really help with bloodsugar control and with weight
loss.
They're amazing, but there aresome problems with that.
Loss of muscle is definitelythere.
So, these devices that we havecan definitely help, strengthen
(14:04):
your muscles and maybe sort ofbalance out the effects, the,
you know, muscle breakdown thatcomes with these machines.
it's one of my favorites Itlived in my house for many many
many months because I didn'twant to give it up.
So again, I decided time toshare it because I vetted it.
(14:25):
It worked for me.
I could get behind it.
And, again, that's really thegoal.
whether it's the MCELA, whetherit's a total tone body, even the
brain tap, these are things thatI can recommend because I use
them all.
Theresa Cesare (14:39):
That being said, how can we find you to utilize
these machines to get anappointment with you?
What's the best way?
Sure.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (14:48):
So I have a website, www.
tonebymd.
com and, our information's onthere.
There is a scheduling portal,but there's also a phone number.
You can email me so we canfigure out about time, and we
can discuss if this is somethingthat really is an option for you
or if you'd just like to come inand take a peek and see, see
(15:09):
what's in our little clinic.
Theresa Cesare (15:11):
I love that.
And I'll be sure to drop that inthe show notes, So do you have
any tips,
Dr. Sara Akhunji (15:17):
so, you know, there definitely is a benefit
for doing your key goals.
There is a reason why we tell.
You know, we've been told by ourphysicians to do them.
They are definitely helpful.
And so, you know doing a set of10 kegels, At least three times
a day or some people do it whilethey're driving So at a
stoplight they just quickly do acouple kegels and that's how
(15:40):
they get them in I think thatthat's really beneficial I I
think that even if somebody doesemsella with me where there it's
like more than 10, 000contractions in that 30 minutes.
Clearly we can't replicate thatphysically, but Kegels can
definitely, keep that benefitgoing.
the other thing I didn't reallymention is there is, a
(16:01):
neurological connection to thatgets a little lazy when you have
urinary incontinence.
Another benefit of This machineis that it wakes up.
That connection.
So, I've heard from a lot of myclients is that they're
recognizing that they can do abetter Kegel as if they have
better control of the muscle.
(16:21):
They're more aware becausethey've been made aware by this
whole pelvic floor contracting.
Avoiding caffeine too late.
You know, things that arenatural diuretics.
If you notice you get up a lotat night, stop drinking a little
bit sooner.
Just so you're just not, youdon't have to get up, as often.
General tips, I think, mind andbody, it's connected.
(16:46):
There's no way to get healthyunless you're focusing on both
things.
My other tip would be breathwork.
I do four, seven, eightbreathing, you know.
Take a deep breath in for fourseconds, hold for seven, exhale
for eight.
I just do even just a cycle ofthree.
(17:07):
I start my day with that.
If I find that I'm anxious, I dothat and it really does, balance
me out.
So I think simple things, if Ihad two tips, it would be do
your Kegels.
They actually work for men andwomen both.
and do the breath work.
I think that's a good start tothe day.
It's a good way to tackle whenyou're stressed out, which is
(17:28):
pretty normal.
I find it helps me go to sleepeven.
So, those would be my twotakeaways,
Theresa Cesare (17:34):
I love it.
And I'm implementing right awayas we're doing Kegels right now.
Okay.
So the last thing before I diveinto the closing questions, You
have developed this incredibleskincare in collaboration with
Dr.
Lisa Stone King, whom I knowshe's super awesome.
Can you tell us the why behindit and the how we can get it?
(17:55):
Sure.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (17:55):
Sure.
So this is one of my favoritestoo.
Again, I use it.
a few years ago, dr.
Lisa Stone King and I were at abeach volleyball tournament.
Both of our daughters were, inhigh school.
They were in the 10th grade.
We were out in Huntington beachand they were playing out in the
sun and it was Ours in the sun.
So as we were seated there, wewere looking at their sunblock
(18:18):
bottles and we couldn't believethe ingredients in them and we
were concerned because they hadit on their faces.
They had it all over theirbodies.
And we started to haveconversations about, well, can
we actually do this better.
so our daughters are, well, Ishould say our kids were our
inspiration for wanting to dobetter.
(18:39):
And we started, to work with acompany to actually try and
develop something that would bea better product, a safer
product.
We decided to go, with mineralbased skincare, less side
effects, less chances ofallergies.
And historically, the problemwith mineral sunscreen that
makes no one want to use it isthat chalky sort of residue, on
(19:00):
your skin.
So we tried lots of differentformulas before we came to, a
tinted formula and a sheerformula that, We were, our kids
were willing to use, we reallyloved it, it was so
moisturizing, in fact it takesthe place of my morning
moisturizer, after like avitamin C serum, so that was it.
(19:21):
So, Dr.
Stoneking and I, we decided thisis something that's really
important to us, our kids needit, we needed a better choice,
and, So we have just releasedour, our sunblock.
Theresa Cesare (19:34):
That is so amazing.
Oh, so inspiring.
So the sunblock we could alsoget when we visit you Yes.
Right at to MD or online?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (19:43):
Yes.
So that would bewww.physicianmoms.org.
Theresa Cesare (19:49):
Awesome.
And I'll drop that in the shownotes as well.
Thank you so much.
I'm like, I don't know if I callyou Sarah or Dr.
Sarah, both would be like,you're here.
Dr. Sara Akhunji (19:58):
I like Sarah.
You're so
Theresa Cesare (20:00):
chill.
I'd be like, if I'm a doctor,I'm like everyone, you better
call me doctor.
Oh, I love it.
Okay.
And what, what are your patientsusually call you?
Dr.
Sarah.
all right, Dr.
Sarah.
And to close up this episode,I'm going to ask you the first
question.
What is your favorite quote?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (20:18):
Okay.
So my favorite quote is by Dr.
Tiarona Lodog.
And she is a integrativemedicine expert and she said,
health is more than the absenceof disease.
It's a dynamic state of balanceand vitality.
Theresa Cesare (20:35):
I love that quote.
Thank you.
Next question.
What is your favorite book?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (20:40):
Okay.
So my favorite book, issomething that I've used for
probably, like 10 years.
It's called a hundred ways tohappiness.
It's by dr timothy sharp andthere they are just a few pages,
um on a hundred different ideason little reminders really to
Keep happy whether it's to takea deep breath or to look outside
(21:04):
and find your favorite plant areminder to call a friend that
might need you.
So It's little tips that aredoable little chunks that can
really set you into your day inthe right way with the good
attitude.
And so I find if I wake up inthe morning and i'm a little bit
ambivalent about my day I justsort of open it up and I read
(21:28):
what he has to say so I like itIt's practical they're little
bite sized Tidbits of advicethat sort of set me on the right
path for my day.
Theresa Cesare (21:36):
I love it.
I'm adding that to my list andnext, what is your mission
Dr. Sara Akhunji (21:42):
so my mission really is about empowerment.
It's something that I'm workingon for myself that I work on
every day to just try and dothings just a little bit better
to reinforce the things that I'mdoing well, even if it's
something I don't have tochange, but also to spread that
to the people around me, to myfriends and family, to my
(22:06):
clients, to my patients, toeveryone concept of, Taking
control of your health to not towait for somebody to tell you
what to do to look into thethings that you can do for
yourself.
You are the captain of your ownship.
It is.
Your body, no one is as investedas you and my job, I feel is to
(22:28):
really spread that, don't letanybody else sort of guide your
vessel, take good informationfrom the places that, you can
get it and incorporate it intoyour life, whatever it is that
actually works for you.
Theresa Cesare (22:43):
I love that so much.
So powerful in the lastquestion.
Do you have a favoriteaffirmation to stay empowered
and to maintain a strongmindset?
Dr. Sara Akhunji (22:55):
Everything I need is inside of me.
I, I love that.
I think it just makes me feellike I can be resilient.
If I don't have the answers, Ican find it.
It keeps me hopeful, it keeps mehappy, it, helps me appreciate
the things in my life that Ihave,
Theresa Cesare (23:17):
Thank you so much for tuning into this
episode.
Please download, rate,subscribe, and share this
podcast.
Also, be sure to visit mytheresacesare.com to check out
my inspirational merch, connectto my social accounts, and much
more may you continue to befilled with wisdom, inspiration,
and consciousness.
(23:37):
Otherwise, friends, I will beback in two weeks for another
episode of Heart to
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