Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Postolati.
Hi Natalia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been a blend of Western medical training and Eastern healing traditions. I graduated from medical school in 1988 and went on to specialize in immunology, eventually defending my thesis and working in that field for many years. While I deeply valued the scientific foundation of medicine, I always felt there was more to health than what could be measured in a lab.
In 2006, I followed that curiosity and became an acupuncturist, discovering how traditional Chinese medicine could complement and expand my medical perspective. A decade later, in 2016, I moved to the United States and pursued further training at Yo San University, where I graduated and continued to deepen my knowledge.
Now, I’m completing a Doctoral Program with a specialty in Healthy Aging, which feels like a natural integration of everything I’ve done so far. My background in immunology gives me a strong biomedical lens, and my training in acupuncture and traditional medicine gives me a holistic, patient-centered approach. Altogether, it’s been a journey of bridging two worlds to help patients achieve balance, resilience, and longevity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I truly feel that every challenge brought me to where I’m meant to be. Leaving behind an established career as an immunologist and starting over in a completely new field was both humbling and intimidating. Then, when I moved to the U.S. in 2016, I had to rebuild my professional life in a new country, in a new language, and within a healthcare system very different from the one I knew.
What made all the difference was Yo San University. The community there welcomed me so warmly, and the professors I met became not only mentors but true inspirations. Their depth of knowledge and their passion for both tradition and innovation gave me confidence that I was on the right path. They challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me bridge my medical background with the wisdom of Chinese medicine.
So while the journey has had its struggles, Yo San gave me a second home, a place to grow, and the strength to continue pursuing my dream of integrating East and West in caring for patients.
As you know, we’re big fans of Acuterra Wellness Center. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My work is centered on integrative medicine – bringing together my background in Western science and my training in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support patients in a truly holistic way. I specialize in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, with a particular focus on healthy aging, immune health, and stress-related conditions. Because of my background in immunology, I pay close attention to how the body’s systems communicate and respond to both external and internal stressors, and I design treatments that help restore resilience and balance.
What sets me apart is this dual perspective. I can speak the language of both Western medicine and Chinese medicine, and I use that to help patients feel understood and supported – whether they are coming from a purely biomedical background or seeking a more natural and preventative approach.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of creating a space where patients feel cared for on every level: body, mind, and spirit. My brand is about longevity, vitality, and empowering people to take an active role in their own health. I want readers to know that my practice isn’t just about relieving symptoms – it’s about supporting long-term well-being, graceful aging, and living life with energy and purpose.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve come to see risk-taking as an essential part of growth. For me, the biggest risks were not financial but personal and professional – leaving a stable career in immunology to follow my heart into acupuncture, and later, moving to the United States to begin again from the ground up. At each stage, I had to let go of certainty and step into the unknown, trusting that the path ahead would be worth it.
When I moved to the U.S. in 2016, I knew I was risking the security of my established reputation and starting over in a new country, language, and healthcare system. It was daunting, but it was also one of the best decisions I’ve made. The risk led me to Yo San University, to professors and mentors who inspired me deeply, and to a new community of patients who value integrative medicine.
I don’t see myself as reckless, but I do believe that taking thoughtful risks is how we grow into our fullest potential. Every major risk I’ve taken has opened doors I never could have imagined and allowed me to create a practice that truly reflects who I am and what I value.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acuterrawellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acuterrawellness/
