I truly believe in the healing power of naturopathic medicine and taking control of your health. There is more to your health than just what you find on the surface. Let me share an experience I had with a patient: she was struggling with her fertility, and she had tried IVF, to no success. The distress she felt was palpable, and she turned to the medicine that many in the Western world may not consider: acupuncture. With weekly acupuncture treatments, she wasn’t just able to achieve pregnancy — she achieved a natural pregnancy, something she never thought possible. Stories like this are why I want to impart my knowledge to other women, to empower them to be their own best advocates. There is so much to be learned once you broaden your horizons and take control of your health.

My journey in becoming a speaker in Naturopathic Medicine is rooted in my personal experiences and motivations. Growing up in a critical environment, I faced weight and body issues stemming from family criticism, especially from my mother and cousin. I remember my cousin telling me that to be successful, I needed to be thin. Another asking if I wanted my future husband to be able to carry me across the threshold. Those words left me feeling sad, disempowered and very angry. This anger eventually evolved into a fierce determination.

I took my power back and promised myself to always act with confidence and do things on my own terms, in my own way. This shows in my decision to attend Naturopathic Medical School. I was criticized for not going to regular medical school and was not aware that the Naturopathic Doctor’s License wasn’t recognized in CA yet. In my four years of school, I earned a doctorate and two master's degrees and in my first year of school, the state of CA recognized the Naturopathic Doctor’s License.

Today, I take great pride in instilling confidence and empowering my patients to ultimately choose themselves. To invest in themselves to achieve optimal health and a life without the limits of poor health, self-doubt and self-criticism.

Knowing I am not alone in this experience keeps me motivated. I have learned that while people have good intentions, like those of my family, their actions and words can be perceived differently. This understanding drove me towards Naturopathic Medicine, where the whole picture is prioritized, not solely the physical symptoms, but also mental, emotional well-being and support systems.

Understanding the importance of believing in oneself and having a supportive network is empowering. I have learned that support may come from different sources and sometimes the message we need to hear comes from different voices or perspectives. The source of advice can significantly impact its reception. For instance, a child may hear a grandparent's directions that they may overlook from a parent, or a spouse may consider a health recommendation in a different way when coming from a friend. This amplifies the importance of different voices and perspectives in guiding others towards positive change and growth.

This is why I do what I do as a Naturopathic Medical Doctor.