“Firstly: don't be put off if you're skeptical of an Eastern approach to medicine. Dr Matt was my primary care provider for several years when he was working within Western medical institutions, and I was grateful to have found him then. I have multiple complex chronic issues that are difficult to manage (such as hyper-mobile Ehlers-Danlos, amongst others) and he did an outstanding job of listening, understanding and working with me then to help address and manage those complex and interacting issues. He is an exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced Western medical doctor in his own right.

I am still grateful now as, despite his moving away from working within Western medicine practices, he is still offering his services independently and I still can consult with him. While there are drawbacks to his practice not being within a formal Western medical institution, the gains certainly offset them. Best of all, my sessions now take place in a much more unconstrained environment where he and I can take all the time we need to discuss and address my issues and symptoms for treatment.

His holistic approach to medicine and ayurvedic healing is rational, well supported, and well thought out. He blends Western and Eastern thought to provide a much greater whole than the sum of the parts, and so can provide far better services than he could in an exclusively Western formal framework. I can take many of the things Dr Matt and I work thru in our sessions to help inform my interactions and treatment with my current PCP.

My primary treatment focus right now is counter strain therapy, which Dr Matt does very well and gives me relief like nothing else from my EDS musculoskeletal pain. Now that he has his own practice, he can dedicate much more time and do a more thorough job than he could when he was my PCP and had to finish every appointment within 45m max. My treatment is definitely better than it is within traditional Western medical practices, and I can say that with some surety having been a patient of Dr Matt's in both his formal Western clinical and private ayurvedic practices.

TLDR: I would whole heartedly recommend Dr Matt to anyone seeking informed treatment that holistically blends the best of Western and Eastern techniques and thinking.”

— Tyler

“I have been working with Dr. Matt Van Auken since mid-2023. I decided to consult him because he combines modern medicine and ancient wisdom for working with health challenges. Dr. Matt practices active listening, has a friendly, joyful nature and he brings a can-do attitude that I truly appreciate. Working with him has put me on the path to better health.”

— Aparna

“I call Dr. Matt my everything Dr. He’s like a one stop shop for all your medical needs. Whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional, he’s able to put all the pieces of his patients together and fix the puzzle. He’s very easy to talk to, great listener, excellent problem solver, and helps you reach your goals with practical applications. I’ve had serious mental and physical health issues and whatever new problem arises he always has an answer in his toolbox. He has helped me fix issues I’ve had for years with no medication! My entire lifestyle and approach to my health is completely different. He’s taught me to listen to my body and nurture myself accordingly. If anyone ever mentions an issue I always refer them to Dr Matt. He’s the best!”

— Charlie

“I’ve been looking for a doctor who is willing to partner with me in my health journey for most of my life, and I finally found him. Dr. Matt knows how to listen and gives the kind of respect and support that a patient needs to be able to achieve optimum health. He offers a great array of skills that work well together to approach a problem on many levels and provides his expertise with the kindest of hearts. I especially appreciate that a visit with him is never rushed, and each time I consult with him, I gain new insights that help me along my way toward better health. He is rare among doctors—a true healer—and I feel so lucky to have him as my doctor.”

— Lora

“I have known Dr. Matt for 10 years and in that time, I have always received caring and personal healing. Dr. Matt truly heals from the inside out and gets to the root of dis-comfort and dis-ease to make sure that we live our best and most joyful life. I recently went through several medical issues and through consulting with Dr. Matt and following his healing advice, I have felt better than I have in months. I highly recommend his healing services to anyone as truly anyone could.”

— Elizabeth

“Great integrative blend of traditional medicine and Ayurveda. Dr. Matt spends ample time with his patients and uses various modalities to address chronic health concerns that many who have visited other doctors have not been able to get to the root of. So many physicians just don't have the breadth of knowledge or time to really help people who are suffering from mystery symptoms and and chronic conditions - this is where Dr. Matt can help. Truly holistic healthcare in Portland, Oregon.”

— Gina

“Couldn't recommend this practice more. A single session helped fix my cronic hip pain that no other doctor has been able to fix. I would also recommend this place for anyone suffering from trauma (mental or physical), Dr. Matt takes his patients seriously, and his work seems to have lasting effects.”

— Rea

“Dr. Matt is an absolute godsend to me. Western medicine has failed me time and time again, not because of bad doctors (well not always that) but rather, the system within which our health care system operates. Doctors are under ridiculous time constraints that don't allow them to really do their job. This is not the case with The Buddha's Medicine. You will be treated with the utmost respect, care, and kindness. The really amazing part though is Dr. Matt is a wonderful Ayurvedic practitioner in addition to being a brilliant Western medicine doctor. Because he is taking the time to really listen and know me, we are solving problems that I have dealt with for decades. He is an old, wise soul and a true light for the world.”

— Teresa

“Beginning his care in March 2019, Dr. Van Auken has been my MD for over five years.
He's helped me with a lifestyle change (no longer pre-diabetic), my BP is excellent, and my recent blood results were all normal, all without medication.
The OMT methods he practices help me with chronic structural pain from a 1981 car accident when I was in chiropractic college.
Chiropractic adjustments helped but didn't reach Dr. Matt's total releasing methods; there is a significant difference.
I was also healed within 20 minutes of food poisoning, thanks to his healing touch with OMT.
He listens to all patients with respect and concern for our health. At every appointment, I and all his patients receive his full attention and care. I feel younger and attribute my health to Dr. Matt's guidance, and I fully support all other recommendations. His expertise is beyond his age; I highly recommend him.”

— Anlee

“I have spent so much money with co pays and deductibles with regular medical clinics who would take xrays and labs and say everything is fine. No, everything is not fine. Have been going ro Dr. Matt who deals with whatever I tell him in a holistic manner. I leave his office feeling better. EVERY TIME. To me, he is like a God send!”

— Shonda

“Dr. Matt Van Auken is a calming presence that was felt upon arrival. His office is located in quiet neighborhood near Laurelhurst Park. I felt like I was listened to and he was truly concerned about what has happened to me. He uses his experience and also dedicates his time to figure out what is the true underlying cause to help. I've never had a medical doctor be so thorough on intake before. If you feel like western medicine hasn't given you the answers you are looking for or are suffering from a chronic condition, I would highly recommend The Buddha's Medicine.”

— Tony

“I was referred to Dr. Matt by a friend and feel very fortunate to have found him. I needed support with an issue I have been dealing with for 25 years.
With Dr. Matt I feel heard and like I can be myself In his presence.
I have never experienced Ayurvedic medicine before and can tell you 100 percent that I am experiencing genuine healing and a return of vitality.
Dr. Matt shows a deep respect and compassion in his practice and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone I know.”

— Lisa

“Dr Matt is an incredibly gifted provider. His knowledge of integrated medicine makes him an outstanding candidate for clients whom suffer from chronic and acute difficulties. He treats the “whole” person and follows through with creativity and kindness. He is easy to understand and respectful of time. He is a true gem. I highly recommend Dr Matt.”

— Dolly