Pregnancy, giving birth and nourishing a new baby brought me to wellness. The trials and rewards of becoming a mother and working as a doula opened up the opportunity to discover the profound power of Eastern medicine.

Vibrancy, at all ages. Wellness is the sweet combination of being both centered and free at the same time—free from pain or physical concerns in the body, paired with an ease of spirit and emotional harmony. When there is alignment with the body and the mind, a natural vibrancy arises which allows the discovery and expression of one’s individual true potential in life.

Actually, two things: Individual actions ripple out into the community in ways that we cannot always see or comprehend. And, there is no substitute for rest.

Good shoes. Good book. Good company.

“Advanced Acupuncture Techniques” by Anne Cecil Sterman. I am extremely fortunate to have her as a doctor, teacher and mentor.

“When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.” — Toni Morrison.

Handful of nuts, a hard boiled egg, rice crackers.

I’ve never had an Instagram account! Social media is too enticing a distraction for me so I don’t allow myself the luxury. Clarity and focus are very important to me.

Gua Sha face work every night before bed after cleansing for 5 minutes—with upward strokes only!

Shower, moisturize, hydrate. Burn a little Palo Santo. Practice gratitude.

Wax earplugs (foam ones just don’t cut it!), a silk eye cover and my favorite pajamas It’s all about maintaining good sleep!

See above :)

Stretch, hydrate, seek alone time, sleep, meditate, get quiet and still.

Loud, raucous music! New Orleans brass bands come to mind.

Eat seasonal and fresh. Choose warm and cooked over raw and cold. Don’t overeat — I avoid snacking, unless I am missing a meal. Little to no sugar and lots of fermented foods.

Spicy French mustard, tzatziki (Greek yogurt with dill and cucumber). Do pickles count as a condiment?

I’m from San Francisco, where café/coffee culture is king! I allow myself one coffee every morning with oat or rice milk, no sugar.

Two tall glasses of room-temp water every morning upon waking. I leave a carafe next to the bed. More water after lunch, and again with tea in the afternoon around 4pm. One glass before bed hydrates, but won’t disturb my sleep.

Spring Greens Soup: 2 onions, 6 leeks, 1 bunch of celery (all organic). Wash, chop, sauté until soft, then add to blender with water, return to pot to simmer. Salt to taste. It’s cleansing, nourishing, clean and so yummy!

Keep it real.

Time in nature, whether that's swim in the ocean or a walk in the mountains. Also, massages and people-watching in NYC.

Dancing! Or Kissing!

Immediate acupuncture or massage, a hot, hot shower or bath, hydration and sleep. Interrupting an attacking pathogen is all about the timing — respond quickly!

Ketogenic Diet. Both very powerful and very difficult to do correctly.

The health and safety of my child and my family. Meaningful work. Life adventures!

About five minutes ago — my dog, Lucky, barking, growling and “running” in her sleep. Animals are hilarious!