Medical

I am a medical doctor, board-certified in Family Medicine. I received my medical degree from the University of Virginia and completed my residency at Inova Fairfax. I practiced medicine at Leesburg Sterling Family Practice for five years. I bring all of this training and experience to bear in my consultations. With my ability to evaluate complex medical situations, I can better evaluate where supportive measures like nutrition, movement, and herbalism fit into the larger picture. These other modalities can even be used to bolster the effectiveness of conventional medications.

Since I am working alone, I don’t have the infrastructure to be a Primary Care Provider. While I can still order labs and give prescriptions, I will not be able to be the one refilling your chronic prescriptions.

Herbalism

I have been trained in Western plant medicine at the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine. Conventional medicine is great when changes need to happen quickly, especially during an acute problem (infection, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, panic attack, etc). However, after dealing with the crisis, we can begin to address the factors that led us there. Plant medicine works on the imbalance that led to the symptoms in the first place. While it is not a quick fix, it can help create a stronger foundation so it is harder to knock your system off balance.

We will come up with a treatment plan that works for you and adjust it over time as things evolve. 

As an herbalist, I will continue to gather and make medicines to add to my growing apothecary. However, if I do not have them, I will recommend reliable sources.

Shiatsu

I completed my training in Zen Shiatsu at the Shiatsu School of Vermont. 

Shiatsu literally means “finger pressure” in Japanese. It is a type of Japanese bodywork based on principles derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

I will use a variety of techniques such as abdominal assessment, finger and palm pressure, stretches, joint rotation and rocking to work along the pressure points and meridians (energetic channels) in the body. The work involves feeling for areas of blockage or imbalance and helping to get energy flowing more smoothly or more fully through these areas. The meridians correspond to organ systems, areas of the body, emotion, and even aspects of the spirit. Bringing balance to these meridians can help relieve physical symptoms like pain and begin to address systemic issues.

You will remain fully clothed during the session, so please wear comfortable clothing that allows for full range of movement. We will be working on a Shiatsu mat on the floor for better grounding. However, if you have difficulty getting up and down from the floor, we can work on a massage table.