The Medicine of Mentorship
My journey in holistic health began early in life, practicing pranayama (breathwork) and dhyana (meditation) from age nine, and discovering asana (postures) at age twelve. This early foundation led to over a decade of dedicated study in The Vedas, including Yoga and Ayurveda, along with extensive training in mindfulness and integrative health.
As a forever student of the Vedas and multi-faceted professional, my journey into the world of Ayurveda has been deeply transformative, guiding me toward a more optimal state of well-Being. After completing my Bachelor's Degree in Ayurvedic Wellness and Integrative Health from Maharishi International University and earning my certification as an Ayurvedic Health and Lifestyle Consultant, I recognized that true mastery in Ayurveda comes not just from academic study, but from the ancient tradition of guru-shishya parampara: the mentor-student relationship that has preserved Ayurvedic wisdom for thousands of years.
In early 2024, I began seeking mentorship from an Ayurvedic professional whose wisdom could help deepen both my personal practice and professional skills. This search led me to Dr. Matt Van Auken, whose approach to Ayurveda resonated with my own journey and values.
Throughout my studies in Ayurveda, I have encountered various practitioners and institutions, but none have matched the depth and authenticity of Dr. Matt. What began as a mentorship relationship has evolved into something even more meaningful: serving the Dr. Matt's patients as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach, working alongside the very doctor I consider to be an important and impactful mentor.
Dr. Matt is an esteemed Ayurvedic medical doctor (MD, MPH, ABOIM, DipABLM, E-RYT, YACEP) whose exceptional expertise has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. Under his guidance, I've gained deeper insights into the subtle intricacies of Yoga and Ayurvedic Psychology, as well as Ayurvedic practice that simply cannot be found in textbooks.
Mentorship with Dr. Matt provides benefits that extend far beyond theoretical knowledge ::
Personalized Guidance: Dr. Matt's mentorship offers individualized attention that addresses my specific strengths, challenges, and areas for growth. This tailored guidance has accelerated my learning and allowed me to integrate Ayurvedic principles more deeply into both my personal life and professional practice.
Deeper Understanding of Ancient Texts: Through our mentorship sessions, Dr. Matt has helped me explore and deconstruct classical texts like Patanjali's Yoga Sutra with greater depth and practical application. He ties the material in these texts into application in Ayurveda, and in particular, Ayurvedic psychology (a special interest of mine). His insights into these ancient works bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern understanding, making these teachings accessible and relevant.
Ethical and Professional Development: Mentorship has provided me with a model for ethical practice and professional conduct in the field of Ayurveda. Dr. Matt demonstrates the importance of boundaries, continuing education, and maintaining the integrity of Ayurvedic traditions while adapting them thoughtfully to contemporary contexts.
What sets The Buddha's Medicine apart is how Dr. Matt's commitment to mentorship extends beyond my personal experience to shape the entire clinic's approach to patient care. The same wisdom, compassion, and dedication that characterize his mentorship are evident in his care plans, treatment protocols, and the clinic's philosophy.
The Buddha's Medicine is all about a holistic approach to health, treating each individual as a unique entity. Dr. Matt's personalized treatments and recommendations are tailored to balance mind, body, and spirit addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms.
His care methods are rooted in the profound healing properties of plant-based, vegan-friendly natural herbs and plant remedies, tailored to address individual health needs holistically. As Dr. Matt states, "...there is virtually nothing that we cannot treat with a plant-based approach that might be treated otherwise."
Who Benefits from Dr. Matt's Mentorship
Dr. Matt's mentorship offering welcomes individuals at various stages of their Ayurvedic journey:
Recent graduates from Ayurvedic educational programs or professional trainings (Ayurveda and Yoga) seeking to expand their knowledge and skills
Medical professionals (MDs, NDs, DOs, DCs, etc.) looking to integrate Ayurvedic principles into their practice
Seasoned practitioners aiming to deepen their understanding and refine their approach
Individuals interested in exploring Ayurveda for personal growth, Self-care, and holistic living
Dr. Matt brings extraordinary qualifications to his role as a mentor. With thousands of hours dedicated to education and direct patient care, he offers practical knowledge and clinical wisdom that can only come from extensive experience treating complex cases.
His familiarity with Sanskrit and historical texts adds another profound dimension to his teachings, allowing mentees to explore ancient wisdom and its application in modern healthcare settings. I've personally experienced how Dr. Matt's passion for teaching and his affinity for delving into "rabbit holes" create moments of profound realization and understanding.
Dr. Matt's approach to mentorship is thoughtfully structured yet flexible enough to accommodate individual learning paths:
Personalized Guidance: One-on-one support and instruction tailored to help you achieve specific goals
Advanced Studies: Deep dives into specialized areas of Ayurveda, including herbalism, clinical practice, therapeutic nutrition, Ayurvedic psychology, and more
Career Development: Valuable insights and strategies to advance your Ayurvedic career or integrate Ayurvedic principles into your existing profession
As I've discovered through my own experience as Dr. Matt's mentee, the guidance you receive extends far beyond theoretical knowledge - it cultivates a deep, living relationship with Ayurvedic principles that continues to evolve throughout your personal and professional practice.
How Mentorship Benefits Our Patients
The ongoing mentorship I receive from Dr. Matt directly enhances the care we provide at The Buddha's Medicine:
Integrated Transfer of Knowledge: The insights I gain through mentorship are immediately applied to patient support, ensuring consistent messaging and approach across all aspects of care.
Collaborative Treatment Planning: We're able to discuss complex cases and refine treatment strategies, bringing multiple perspectives to each patient's healing journey.
Educational Excellence: As I continue to learn from Dr. Matt, I'm better equipped to educate patients about their treatment plans, helping them understand the "why" behind Ayurvedic recommendations.
Evolving Care Model: Our mentorship relationship continually infuses The Buddha's Medicine with fresh perspectives and emerging research, keeping our approach both authentic and innovative.
As someone who receives mentorship from Dr. Matt while also serving as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach for the clinic, I'm in a unique position to support patients. I understand the journey from both sides, as someone receiving Ayurvedic guidance and as someone providing it.
I'm committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and growth while honoring each patient's unique background, beliefs, and choices. My personal mentorship experience helps me appreciate the vulnerability that comes with making health changes and the importance of compassionate support throughout the process.
I support our patients at The Buddha's Medicine with:
Understanding and implementation of their personalized treatment plans
Developing sustainable self-care practices aligned with Ayurvedic principles
Navigating lifestyle adjustments with confidence and clarity
Building a strong foundation for long-term wellness
Note: Our Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coaching services are exclusively available to established patients of our clinic.
The Continued Journey
My journey as both mentee and team member at The Buddha's Medicine continues to unfold in greatly fulfilling ways. I'm deeply grateful for Dr. Matt's guidance and for the opportunity to contribute to a practice that embodies the authentic spirit of Ayurveda.
For anyone seeking a deeper, more integrated approach to their health and well-Being, I highly recommend Dr. Matt Van Auken. Whether you're seeking treatment as a patient or mentorship as a practitioner, Dr. Matt and The Buddha's Medicine offers a sanctuary of authentic Ayurvedic excellence.
If you're considering care at The Buddha's Medicine but have concerns about affordability, I invite you to schedule a cost-free, 15-minute Consultation. During this time, we can discuss not only your health needs but also explore financial arrangements that might work for your situation. Please know that discussing financial considerations is a normal, expected part of our initial conversation—it's not an afterthought or an awkward topic, but rather an essential component of your overall care plan. My team and I are committed to having these conversations with compassion and without judgment, as we genuinely believe financial peace of mind contributes significantly to your healing journey.
Jess Marie | Practice Manager & Ayurvedic lifestyle Coach
