Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Anjali Kasunich.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My desire to become a doctor started at a young age, but it took an emotional breakdown after my 2nd semester of medical school to understand what kind of doctor I was destined to become.
I struggled with anxiety and panic attacks since I was eight years old. Many of my childhood memories consist of visits to different clinics to be tested, diagnosed and treated for my condition. I hated the way I felt on the prescription medications, and I often didn’t feel heard when I saw my doctors. I decided that I’d become the type of doctor I wished I could have seen – one who spends more time listening to her patients, works together with them to understand the root cause of their symptoms, and offers treatments that go beyond prescription medications to promote healing.
After earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Dance from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania, I moved to Los Angeles and trained as a medical assistant under the guidance of Dr. Soram Khalsa in his Integrative Medical Clinic in Beverly Hills. This was where I saw Eastern and Western medicine being combined beautifully to heal patients and help them stay well. This was my inspiration as I headed off to medical school.
My medical school training began with excitement and stress, which came as no surprise, but what did surprise me was how difficult it was to find mentors or peers who understood the importance of Integrative and holistic healing methods. The experience was profoundly isolating and forced me to confront and question my core beliefs. I made the very difficult decision to leave medical school so that I could focus on reconnecting with my purpose.
As I searched for different ways to treat my anxiety, I was introduced to Naturopathic Medicine along with many incredible Naturopathic Doctors. Over time, I was able to understand and heal the root causes of my anxiety and ultimately come off of all my medications. These were the doctors I wished I could have seen as a child. I knew that I needed to become a Naturopathic Doctor.
My four years of Naturopathic medical school at Bastyr University were some of the most challenging, rewarding and heart-opening years of my life. I earned my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in 2016 and continued my training in women’s health, digestive health, detoxification, homeopathy and Ayurveda at renowned clinics throughout California, including the Chopra Center. In 2018, I opened my private practice, Mantra Natural Medicine, here in Los Angeles.
I can’t help but smile when I think of the little 8-year old girl I once was, and how happy she would be if she saw me now.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not at all! My journey is riddled with perceived failures and struggles.
The most difficult moment by far was when I decided to leave my first medical school. By that point, my panic attacks had worsened so significantly, even with medications and therapy, that I couldn’t eat or sleep properly. It was hard not having mentors or peers who shared my beliefs about healing. I remember thinking, “just get through medical school, then residency, then internship, and after that, I can learn how to integrate the natural treatments so that I can FINALLY start practicing medicine in a way that feels right to me and enjoy my life.” I realized that it would be almost ten years before I could begin to feel good about what I was doing. I decided that I was not okay with spending that much of my life feeling unhappy. I’ve since learned to be much more curious and kind with myself whenever I feel the pangs of anxiety begin to surface. It’s been one of the most valuable lessons I took from that experience.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mantra Natural Medicine story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a Naturopathic Doctor, a classically trained Indian dancer, and the founder of my private practice, Mantra Natural Medicine. I specialize in treating anxiety, digestive disorders, skin conditions and hormone imbalances. Patients can visit me in either one of my two beautiful offices in Sherman Oaks or Santa Monica. I also offer house calls and virtual visits for those who can’t see me in person. Along with seeing patients one-on-one in my private practice, I also teach workshops and healing dance classes around Los Angeles to help more people learn about their bodies and how to heal themselves.
When I tell people that I’m a Naturopathic Doctor, many ask “You’re what kind of doctor?” I explain that I’m similar to a family doctor, but I primarily use natural therapies like herbal medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy, lifestyle changes, and nutritional recommendations to help my patients heal and stay well. I also spend much more time with patients than most other doctors spend with their patients. An initial visit with me is usually two hours long. This allows time to discuss and understand each patient’s symptoms, medical history, diet and lifestyle patterns, and develop a unique treatment plan to help them feel their best.
I’m particularly proud whenever someone tells me that they felt heard, respected and cared for in my practice. I work hard to be the type of doctor that I’d want to see. That means listening to my patients with intention and compassion, honoring their experiences without judgment or criticism, and working together with them to find the most effective, gentle and long-lasting ways to achieve their health goals.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people! My parents have been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders from the very beginning. My mother always encouraged me to follow my heart and believed in me even when I didn’t. My husband has been the heart and soul of my support system for over ten years and inspires me with his drive & hard work to be unapologetically ambitious in achieving my own goals.
I’ve had many incredible mentors over the years, but two have stood out in supporting me to get to where I am today. Dr. Christie Fleetwood and Dr. Andrea Maxim are brilliant Naturopathic Doctors who have helped me tremendously to grow as a doctor and business owner.
And finally, I’m thankful for all of my patients, because they teach me so much more than any textbook ever could. They invite me to be a part of their vulnerable, sometimes difficult, healing journey while allowing me to guide them and hold a space for them to heal in their own unique way. It’s a sacred and humbling experience.
Contact Info:
- Address: Mantra Natural Medicine
Santa Monica Location – Cocoon Healing Arts
1030 C Montana Ave, Santa Monica CA 90403
Sherman Oaks Location
4515 Sherman Oaks Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 - Website: www.DrAnjaliND.com
- Phone: 323-813-6030
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dranjali_nd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAnjaliND/
Image Credit:
Gregory Kasunich
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