Welcome to Redwood Circle

Rachel Carlton Abrams, MD
Redwood Circle
720-A Capitola Avenue
Capitola, CA 95010
Phone 831-465-9088
Fax 831-465-8528

I am a holistic physician and am able to treat patients of all ages and for a broad array of issues. My seven years as a family medicine physician in full practice at the Santa Cruz Medical Clinic gives me invaluable experience in knowing what works, and doesn’t work, in conventional medicine. At Redwood Circle, I spend more time with my patients exploring the important connections between our health and vitality, our relationships, our lifestyle choices, our work and our environment. During our initial one hour visit, we will explore your health history and any current health issues in depth. For all issues, we will discuss potential avenues for treatment from conventional and holistic medicine, combining both when necessary. With so many different holistic treatment options available, many of which are time-consuming and costly, it is hard to know which will best help your particular problem. I have spent more than a decade investigating research-based options in alternative medicine and can guide you in making effective and economical choices for your health care. As a physician, my services are often reimbursed by medical insurance.

Areas of Special Expertise

In addition to treating the full range of health and medical issues, I specialize in the following areas:

	Women’s health and gynecological issues including difficult menses, vaginal pain and infections, urinary infections, PMS, menopause, and hormone balancing.
	Sexuality and sexual problems
	Low energy, fatigue, and sleep problems
	Common chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and arthritis.
	Depression and anxiety
	Children’s health, nutrition, and developmental issues.
	Optimum nutrition, fitness, and longevity
	Holistic care to complement and enhance traditional cancer treatment

My Healing Approach

It is my strong belief that your healing emanates from within you, and I will encourage you to engage and listen to your own intuitive healing wisdom during our time together. When needed or desired, I use guided imagery or meditative techniques to find unique insights and solutions to pressing health problems. It is my preference that my clients take as few medications, supplements, herbs or remedies as is possible to maintain vibrant health. I use conventional prescriptions, nutritional supplements, herbs, and remedies when necessary to address health conditions. I routinely use nutritional approaches, movement therapy and meditative techniques to address ailments. When appropriate, I refer my patients to competent practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy and “hands-on” techniques, such as, massage, chiropractic and craniosacral therapy.

Our Appointments

I see patients in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and also return phone and e-mail messages daily. You can schedule an appointment most easily through this website, which will allow you to view all available times and find one that is most convenient for you. If you have any problem with the website, you can also call 831-465-9088, and please let me know the days and times that you are available, and I will return your call. All initial appointments are one hour in length. Follow-up appointments will vary from a half hour to an hour depending on your needs.

Routine & Emergency Care

I provide all of the services of a primary care physician, but do not take emergency calls or admit patients to the hospital. While we are working together, I ask that all of my patients have a primary care physician (pediatrician, family practice physician or internal medicine physician) to be available for medical emergencies. I do not provide immunizations, care of acute injuries (including fractures and those requiring suturing), or obstetrical care (though I am happy to treat pregnant women for issues unrelated to the pregnancy). I will see women for any other gynecologic issues, including pain, infections, heavy menses, premenstrual tension, sexual difficulties, menopausal issues and annual exams and pap smears.

You will be asked to sign a document prior to your first visit that states that you understand that you need a primary care physician and listing that physician’s name. It is important to me that your primary care physician remains informed of the work we do together and I will, with your permission, send them consultation notes so you can benefit from truly integrated healthcare.

Vision Statement

At Redwood Circle we strive to live and teach a joyful, honest, and compassionate relationship with ourselves and with others so that each of us can manifest the great healing wisdom within us and with that wisdom, take specific and concerted action to heal ourselves, our community, and our planet.