Cellular Medicine Approaches to Migraine Management
Migraines impacts billions globally, with a notably higher prevalence among females. The complex pathophysiology presents a unique opportunity to dive into various mechanisms that could potentially address this condition. While no single pathophysiological explanation fully captures the complexity, it is clear that noxious stimuli serve as the primary triggers for migraine attacks.
This presentation aims to enhance your understanding of migraine by focusing on the cellular mechanisms that precipitate an attack. We will explore the roles of the microbiome, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in migraine disorders. Additionally, we will review current treatment modalities, including nutritional, pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. This comprehensive overview is designed to equip clinicians with the necessary tools and knowledge to provide holistic care to patients suffering from migraines. Join us to broaden your expertise and transform your approach to migraine management.
Hourly Schedule
Oct 8 - Tuesday
- 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Introduction
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Speakers:
Jeff Bland, PhD
- 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
- Environmental Neurotoxins & Understanding the Pathophysiology of Migraines
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Speakers:
Joseph Pizzorno, ND
- 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
- Current Treatment Modalities & Comprehensive Care Approaches to Migraines
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Speakers:
Asare B. Christian MD. MPH
- 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
- Panel Discussion with all Faculty
Speakers
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Jeff Bland, PhD
Jeffrey Bland, PhD, is a pioneering figure in the food-is-medicine movement and a leading expert in nutritional biochemistry. As founder of Big Bold Health, he now focuses on longevity through immune health, championing the concept of immune rejuvenation as a pathway to healthy aging. Dr. Bland’s work highlights the powerful role of plant polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids in supporting immune resilience. Widely known as the “father of Functional Medicine,” he has spent more than 40 years advancing nutrition science, regenerative agriculture, and personalized approaches to lifelong vitality.
Dr. Bland began his career in academia as a university professor. In the early 1980s, he became a protégé of two-time Nobel Laureate, Dr. Linus Pauling. Dr. Bland then spent decades as a natural products industry insider and entrepreneur, while also serving as a scientific advisor and mentor to dynamic founders and leading brands.
A lifelong educator, Dr. Bland has traveled the world many times over as a renowned speaker. In 1991, he and his wife, Susan, founded The Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, they established another educational nonprofit called The Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute, which brings together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to focus on new models of healthcare delivery, advancements in medical nutrition therapy, and exciting emerging science.
Dr. Bland is the author of The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life, as well as additional books and many research papers. His next book will be published by HarperCollins in March 2027. The Nourished Gene: Rejuvenate Your Immunity, Reverse Chronic Symptoms, and Activate Your Longevity is now available for pre-order from all major booksellers.
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Asare B. Christian MD. MPH
Dr. Asare B. Christian is a board certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, founder of Aether Medicine in Wayne, Mainline Philadelphia, where he focuses on cellular health to solve pain, improve performance, and Healthspan. He combines a wide range of medical disciplines including pain, cellular, neurorehabilitation, and longevity medicine with personalized lifestyle modifications. Dr. Christian’s work is distinguished by his empathetic patient care and a deep understanding of medical science combined with personalized health solutions.
His educational background includes studies at the Medical College of Wisconsin, a residency at Johns Hopkins University, a fellowship at Harvard Medical School, and a master’s in public health from Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Christian has furthered his expertise in cellular and regenerative medicine with additional certifications, including in Artificial Intelligence from MIT Sloan. He is also an active researcher, particularly in botulinum toxin medicine, contributing significantly to his field through publications.
This blend of clinical excellence, innovative research, and commitment to patient-centric care sets Dr. Christian apart as a leader in integrative and regenerative medicine. He has presented at national and international stages and participate in residency physician education.
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Joseph Pizzorno, ND
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a transformational leader in medicine. Through half a century of work, he has helped establish and advance the academic, scientific, and clinical foundation of natural, functional, integrative, and environmental medicine. As founding president of Bastyr University in 1978, he coined the term “science-based natural medicine” and led Bastyr to become the first ever accredited institution in the field. He has set worldwide standards of practice by authoring or co-authoring 6 textbooks for doctors, including the Textbook of Natural Medicine (over 100,000 copies in 4 languages across 5 editions) and Clinical Environmental Medicine. He is Editor of PubMed-indexed IMCJ—the most widely read, peer-reviewed journal in the field (25,000 copies each issue). He is a founding member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and Board of Directors of the Institute for Functional Medicine, where he served 3 terms as Chair. A licensed naturopathic physician, midwife (past), educator, researcher, and expert spokesman, he is also author or co-author of 8 consumer books (most recent, Healthy Bones, Healthy You! with wife Lara). He founded SaluGenecists to develop artificial intelligence tools to help improve healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Pizzorno returned as Chancellor of Bastyr for the 2026/27 academic year.
