I've always asked, "What is this all about?"
I've also always been fascinated by human potential and healing. Not curing...healing.
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Today, I'm a bridge builder, connector, and storyteller between science and spirituality, external and internal, west and east, intellect and intuition, suffering and sacred, yin and yang, and the personal and communal.
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With inspiring and empowering online and in-person courses, classes, and coaching, I support and partner with busy, stressed-out, and burned-out women, yoga teachers, moms, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to realign their health and wellness so they can live with less physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering.
As a mixed-Asian American raised in a community of Aloha, I choose to nourish and take my ancestral and mixed-cultural roots into my work as examples of healing, awakening and liberation for ALL bodies and Mother Earth.
While I love belly-aching laughs, being in the ocean, and a soul-stirring bowl of ramen, I know in my heart I'm not here to be liked, I'm here to make a difference.
THAT is what it's all about.
Here are some random, fun facts about me...
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I have a very long name. 7 to be exact. But you'll have to come to a retreat or training to find out what they all are (wink wink).
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I'm an Acupuncturist and I hate needles. No joke. It's the biggest cosmic joke. I have learned to love Acupuncture needles because I rarely feel them and the way I feel during and after a treatment outweighs my fear.
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I'm obsessed with hotel pens. I love the way they write. Yeah, I know, even my husband thinks this is bizarre.
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I'm a pitta-vata. This is Ayurveda slang for saying, "I'm super passionate, driven, creative, fiery...and a visionary with passion."
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I have celebrated my birthday in 8 different countries: USA, France, Mexico, Kenya, Peru, Turkey, Kingdom of Bahrain, and Japan.
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I'm a hula dancer. I have danced since I was 4 years old. It was really my first form of sacred movement and connection with sacred wisdom and the land.
Born to be in Medicine
...and to spread Aloha around the globe
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I've discovered in my own life, and from my clients around the globe: learning and healing from the past, we understand the present with more balance, acceptance, and connection and we make a path for a brilliant future from the inside-out with self-love, curiosity, and kindness.
It's time to stop the cycles of suffering and create the life you know is waiting for you. Life is meant to be lived, not feared. Are you ready to create a life with less pain, more balance, and connection to self, others, and Nature?
If you answered yes, you're in the right place.
I believe
If you really want to show up for life, for yourself, for your family, for your community, in relationships, in work, in every thing, you can only show up as much as your health allows. So many people put their self-care at the bottom of their priority list in exchange for career, money, success, and family. Thing is, if you’re not feeling alive, open, connected, balanced, and full in body, mind, emotions, and spirit you're not living up to your potential in any other area of your life. Your health and wellness is the foundation from which everything else you create and share with the world springs.
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Sadly, there are a lot of systemic obstacles and dominant culture messages that create disconnection and harm. I agree with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when he said, "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most socking and the most inhumane." This is why I choose the path less taken and am dedicated to being part of the grassroots change and mending of the broken healthcare system.
Most importantly, I believe in YOU! I believe everybody in every body, no matter your past, your current challenges or obstacles, can create more balance and connection in your life that can transform your physical, mental, and emotional health. But it starts with you. ​
I also believe...
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Life is not linear and neither is your health. Healing and lasting health is a journey, not a destination.
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Your body reveals everything.
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Your mind and emotions are as much a part of your health as the physical.
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Our loss of meaningful connection with our True Self and Nature is one of the greatest sources of illness, dis-ease, and suffering.
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A person should be the center of medicine and healthcare, not their illness or dis-ease.
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Reducing suffering in the body and mind is one of the greatest ways to bring about peace in the World.
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Nature is the greatest healing force with an intelligence we can connect to.
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Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed, not feared or endured.
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Getting out of your own way is the biggest hurdle to finding balance. But don't worry: I have strategies to help you past your hurdles.
People often ask me, "How did you choose Chinese Medicine?"
The short answer: I feel like it chose me.
As a child I knew I would grow up to be a "doctor." Every academic decision I made was to support my childhood dream. While studying abroad in Kenya, I had a huge aha moment when everything changed. I realized I wasn't going to attend medical school and become the orthopedic hand surgeon I had prepared for my whole life. I had lost faith in a healthcare system I had idolized. Post-college, after many twists, turns, dark years, pain, and challenges, I came full circle (thanks to yoga and meditation) to realize medicine was still my calling, it just looked different.
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While I'm still obsessed with allopathic medicine's view of the human body, brain, and nervous system, I am forever grateful I took the path less traveled to become a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Combining many years in sports rehabilitation and athletic training in undergraduate college with my extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medical, Ayurveda, and nearly two decades of breathing, eating, living, and devouring Yoga science and Asian philosophy, I will spend the rest of my life educating people about how to find more personal balance and connection through holistic practices we have forgotten in lieu of quick fixes.
Looking back, I see how being a mixed-Asian American raised in a community of Aloha with lots of joys, pain, frustrations, and trauma, unfolded just as it needed to be for me to step into the role and responsibility of being a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in the 21st century. I choose to nourish my ancestral and mixed-cultural roots and bring this proud heritage into my life and work. While I spent the first forty years trying to be liked and accepted, I now know I'm not here to be liked. I'm here to make a difference. THAT is why Chinese Medicine chose me.
Finding health and balance is not about never being sick. It's about learning how to respond and adapt to the ever-changing physical, mental, and emotional curves in life. Learning to live deeply connected with your own rhythms, nature, and Spirit, is how you become more balanced, resilient, open, and adaptable from the inside-out.
I've been privileged to share the practical wisdom of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Yoga and stress reducing techniques with companies, individuals, and groups from Hawai'i to Kingdom of Bahrain, Japan to Turkey, and Peru to Washington, D.C.
People all over the globe are looking for more holistic individualized self-care solutions. The integrated holistic wisdom I share works no matter your age, gender, climate, cultural, or religion because each one of us is part of nature.
Guiding people to connect deeper with their self, others, and nature is not only my dharma (my guide, my foundation) and passion, it's also how I live my life.
I'm not a holistic healthcare expert who just talks a big game.
I walk-my-talk and I'm proud to be a global ambassador of holistic medicine and mindful living. Of course, I still get sick, I face really big challenges, and my son and daughter constantly test my ability to stay sane. In other words, I'm human just like you. In fact, it's my worst traumas and darkest years that continue to make me grow as a person. Currently, my kids have become my best teachers.
Luckily, I love to learn new things and I am grateful that every day I get to expand my ideas of what it truly means to be human, live from a heart-centered space, and love unconditionally, even those parts that seem impossible.
Who do I work with?
BUSY PEOPLE.
People who want to live holistically and unapologetically in life, who want to empower themselves from the inside-out, and those with the gut feeling that "there's something deeper going on here and I want to find out what that is." Changemakers. Yoga teachers. Healthcare Professionals. Moms. Entrepreneurs. People who are aligning with something higher, sharing their passions with the world, wanting to be an agent of good, and those committed to understanding that real and lasting change comes from within.
I am here to serve you. The focus of all the holistic health information I share is unique to you. YOU are the center of the process. Everything I share is built with love and a passion for helping others discover that health doesn’t have to be tricky or complicated once you know your rhythms and tendencies.
I'm not here for quick fixes. I’m not gonna lie, your health and your state of wellbeing is a journey. If you want a quick fix, then this may not be the place for you. Luckily, the journey of discovering how to find more meaningful connection and balance in your body, mind, and spirit is a direct reflection of your balances (or imbalances) in other areas of your life. Once you understand your tendencies and rhythms, and you know what to look for, improving your health and returning to balance feels amazing. It is important to remember, nothing I share with you here replaces your primary care physician. Especially for those emergency quick fixes that western medicine excels at, like a broken bone or bacterial infection. Everything I share is to be INTEGRATED. Luckily, many physicians will be happy to work with you as you improve all areas of your life and improve your well-being.
I am committed to this path of holistic health, healing, self-care, empowerment, and to sharing the wisdom of Asian Medicine with the World. I don't have all the answers, my life is a roller-coaster just like yours, and my mind is always swirling with new ideas. I'm 100% committed to life (all of it) and I am raising a family that is a living example of how you can integrate ancient wisdom, holistic health, self-care, and mind-body medicine into a modern world. I am passionate about helping you integrate that wisdom into your life too.
I’m here to make a difference to help you build the foundation of your life (your health) so you can focus on what you truly love. You are too amazing and have too much to offer this world to be held back by your illnesses, chronic pain, or mental anguish.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” -Lao Tzu
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Whether you’re starting out new, or recommitting to your health and wellness journey, I would be honored to work with you to help you become the best version of you, unapologetically, so you can share your message and passions more fully and be the change you wish to see in yourself and the world.
Why choose Haunani?
Because you want to make lasting changes from the inside-out.
The body reveals everything. From this understanding, we look at the patterns your body (and mind) are creating then begin to create a path that leads to new patterns, ones that are healing, lasting, and life-changing. Together, we will restore your self and esteem by reducing physical, mental, and emotional suffering.
Because you've heard about, or read about, body-mind practices or Asian Medicine but you don't really know where to start.
I invite you to choose a guide whom you feel comfortable sharing personal information. I will listen, happily answer your questions, and guide you down this amazing path step-by-step. I don't claim to know everything, and will probably even say occasionally, "Let me get back to you on that," but I love learning. I also feel very comfortable referring you when I don't think I can be the best guide for you. This is all about YOU and I always want you to feel it is about YOU!
Because something inside whispers, "There has to be something else:Â something more personal."
This is exactly how I felt after every disappointing doctor appointment, failed medicine after failed medicine, and even at the beginning of my yoga journey. So, YES, there is something more. You're not crazy. That voice is your higher self, the wise one, the healer within, guiding you to go deeper and to trust your instincts. And let's be honest, yoga and Asian Medicine are for every-body but not everyone is ready for it. Not everyone is ready to take responsibility for their health and mindset. If you are hearing an inner calling, feeling a stirring, or curiosity, then yes, it is time. Give me a call, text, or email...that's why I have a contact page!
I know you are a busy person, so thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about me and my work. I’m thrilled we’ve connected and I’m excited to learn more about you.
Professional Experiences & Background
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Founder of SACRED RETURN- online mentorship for Yoga Teachers.
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Lead facilitator and educator at Indra Yoga Institute, Advanced Yoga & Ayurveda Immersion
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Founder and Lead Trainer of Sacred Return Yoga & Ayurveda, 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in Okinawa, Japan.
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Lead over 3,500 hours of instruction in the topics of Yoga, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, and Holistic Health.
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Experienced Yoga and Ayurveda Teacher with over 19 years of teaching and mentor experience.
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Created the Kingdom of Bahrain's first certified Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga classes with Beach Culture.
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Created and co-lead Bahrain's, and one of the region's, first SUP Yoga Teacher Training.
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Guest Yoga Anatomy and Ayurveda Teacher at Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga Branch Yoga Teacher Training, Mind Your Body Oasis Yoga Teacher Training, Latitude Yoga Teacher Training, and Tula Yoga & Healing.
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Creator of Integrated Yoga Anatomy (IYA) book and curriculum for Yoga Teacher Trainings and continuing education.
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Created, co-lead, and co-organized yoga and wellness retreats in Hawar Island, Bahrain, Matapalo, Costa Rica, Idyllwild, California, USA, and Walla Walla, Washington, USA.
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Chief Health Operator of two successful acupuncture practices in integrative medicine settings in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA, and San Diego, California, USA.
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Co-founder of Ocean Acupuncture & Mindfulness Center, Oceanside, California.
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First yoga instructor to be contracted to work at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton working with active duty Marines and Sailors along side an integrative medicine team.
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Connected Warrior San Diego Regional Coordinator and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Teacher Trainer
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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Intern at Rady's Children's Hospital Pain Management clinic, UCSD Athletic Department, and UCSD Integrative Medicine Clinic downtown.
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Co-founder of Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga Studio 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainer
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Corporate Yoga and Ayurveda teacher, guest teacher, or advisor to Border's Books, ASI Specialty Benefits, UCSD Medical School elective class.
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Student collegiate athletic trainer at Whitman College and Pitzer College.
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Chiropractic Rehabilitation Assistant at Kaufman Chiropractic.
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Dining Room Manager & Wine Steward at 26 brix.
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Organic Farm Volunteer in Walla Walla, Washington, USA.
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College Admission Counselor at Whitman College.
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Origami Teacher & Artist at Seattle's Children's Art Museum.
Professional Education, Licenses & Certifications
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Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in Michigan, Virginia, and California, U.S.A.
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Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Acupuncture & Chinese Herbology) by National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
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Adjunct Faculty at Pacific College of Health Sciences, 2022-present
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Indra Yoga Institute, 300 hour Teacher Training, 2020-present
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Certified Connected Warrior Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Teacher, 2013
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Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher 200hr (E-RYT 200) by Yoga Alliance
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Certified Ayurveda Wellness Counselor, Kerala Ayurveda Academy, 2009.
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Certified Deep Yoga Mastery of Life Yoga Teacher Training, 2008.
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Certified Radiant Child Yoga Teacher, level 1-2, 2008.
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Yoga immersion, studies, and karma exchange intern at Yoga Oasis, 2005-2006.
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Yoga Fit apprenticeship teacher education at Walla Walla YMCA, 2002-2003
Yoga & Ayurveda
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Certified Massage Technician, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, 2006.
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Certified Lomi Lomi Practitioner, 2006.
Massage & Body Work
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Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Health Sciences, San Diego, CA, currently.
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Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego, CA, 2011.
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Graduate of Whitman College, B.A. Sociology with honors, 2002.