LGBTQ+ Affirming Care: Opening Doors to Diversity in Health
In my experience as an Ayurvedic physician and licensed medical doctor, one grand human truth rises above the rest: real healing only happens in spaces where people feel seen, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. This is a personal and professional value that resides at the very heart our practice at The Buddha's Medicine - it's part of what inspired me to cast out on my own, and it's also why I'm so proud to run an LGBTQ+ affirming practice.
One of the beautiful aspects of Ayurveda is that it recognizes each person as inherently unique. This ancient - yet highly contemporary - science of life and health is clear on this principle. And to try to fit people into rigid, pre-defined boxes is inherently anathema to the Ayurvedic model. In the spirit of this truth, we at The Buddha's Medicine welcome the distinctive combination of qualities and characteristics that makes each individual who they are. This necessarily must (and does) align with affirmation for those who identify on the spectrum of LGBTQ+.
In Ayurvedic philosophy, our unique constitution (prakriti) and our present state of being and balance (or lack thereof) are what matter – not societal expectations, binary categories, or whatever other kinds of constructs exist out there. This wisdom, thousands of years old, is remarkably modern in its central conceit: that human beings exist on a spectrum - multiple spectra, actually - of experiences and expressions. When we honor this reality of human experience, then space opens for genuine healing.
And those of you reading almost certainly are aware that the world we live in can be... let's say, less-than-willing to honor the fullness of the human spectrum (spectra), sometimes.
When it comes to this issue, sometimes is too much of the time.
I say that as an ally to the LGBTQ+ person, and as a neurodiverse person on the autism spectrum. And I say that also as a physician with experience inside the conventional medical system - having seen the many ways in which it can let people down from all walks of life, let alone populations like those who are LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, non-white passing, and more. Too often, I witnessed LGBTQ+ individuals receiving suboptimal care that failed to acknowledge or understand their experience and to address their specific needs. There are (of course) very notable exceptions to this, especially among dedicated specialists and including among some personal friends of mine. There are folks who do very affirming and supportive work within the system. By and large, however, the system frequently fails to meet those needs.
My experiences inspired me to create something different.
At The Buddha's Medicine, we've built a practice where affirmation isn't just a statement that exists on our website for people to read – it's woven into absolutely everything we do. From your first visit, you'll find space to tell your complete story, and share all of the details that have meaning to you. We understand that your gender identity and sexual orientation are integral parts of your health journey (frankly, whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or not). Those are not simple footnotes to be glossed over or selections to make from a smart-list. We believe that our intake process is receptive and complete, and we think you'll share that opinion once you experience it for yourself.
We recognize that many LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced significant trauma in healthcare settings and that this sometimes leads to delayed care or care that doesn't happen at all. Whether we're discussing integrative care and Ayurvedic approaches in the context hormone therapy, preventive care, mental health, or any specific health concerns you might have, you can be confident that our approach will always be grounded in true respect for who you are.
And for those out there who have not had the experience before, allow me to say here: Ayurvedic principles support gender-affirming and lifestyle-affirming care beautifully. Ayurveda's unique body-mind-spirit model supplies a holistic and fully personalizable framework to support individuals through various aspects of coming out, living fully, transitioning, affirming, and more. Whether we're working with herbal medicines, therapeutic lifestyle, healing breathwork, or mind-body techniques, Ayurveda offers tools that complement and support existing modern medical approaches to LGBTQ+ affirming care. No matter who you are and how you show up, the integration of Ayurveda with evidence-based lifestyle medicine allows us to address both the physical and emotional aspects of health in a way that addresses the whole person.
So let's sum this all up: at The Buddha's Medicine, you won't find personal judgment of any kind, and you won't have anyone questioning who you fundamentally are. What you will find is a healthcare home where your identity is celebrated, where your health concerns are taken seriously, and where you're supported in achieving your wellness goals in a way that aligns with your authentic self.
To my LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors who have felt unseen or unwelcome in healthcare spaces before: I want you to know that you belong here. Your health, your story, and your experiences matter. We're here to support you with care that combines the wisdom of Ayurveda with modern integrative medical knowledge, all delivered through a lens of welcoming the person that you are, and continuing to become.
This is about more than just healthcare – it's about creating spaces where healing can truly occur, where every individual feels valued, and where diversity is recognized as the beautiful, natural expression of life that it is. That's the promise of Ayurveda, and that's our promise to you at The Buddha's Medicine.
If you are curious about how our Ayurvedic, integrative health approach can support your health (or the health of a loved one), you can book a cost-free, 15-minute Consultation.
Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH
Dr. Matt is an Ayurveda-trained, triple board-certified physician.
