About me
Growing up in Berkeley California I was always interested in science, and found I had an aptitude for it. I earned a B.S. from UC Berkeley in Materials Science and Engineering, with minors in nuclear engineering and energy management, believing that applying my interest in technology would help make the world a better place. During this time I began to practice Vipassana meditation, and realized that health was more important to happiness and wellbeing than technological advancements and material creations. My initial interest in health was sparked by the desire to understand my own body at a deeper level, which began even as I was working to earn my bachelor degree. I never found conventional medicine to be able to satisfy this curiosity, as with its focus on disease and pathology it had little to offer in the way of insights into the human condition or constitution. I wanted a form of medicine that could tell me how my entire being fit together, that would link the body, emotions, and thoughts into a coherent whole.
I began looking for a system that was person-centered, revolved around natural therapies, was truly health focused, and integrated all levels of the human experience. Having grown up in a family where Chinese herbs were the default for colds and flus I was already familiar with the basic tenets of Chinese Medicine. I came upon the field of Naturopathic Medicine and knew instantly that it was the link between tradition and science I had been looking for. The result was a 6-year program at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and two degrees: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine (DSOM). During the program I also became a licensed massage therapist and practiced massage and bodywork professionally for several years while completing my degrees.
In my practice I focus on treating the entire person and not just managing symptoms. I have confidence in the healing power of nature and believe people have an innate ability to move towards health. I see my role as helping guide people along this journey, and to this end I primarily use gentle, minimally invasive techniques to stimulate the body's self-healing potential. Utilizing diet, lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and more, I am committed to serving my patients in the creation of long-lasting wellbeing.
