I am a Doctor of Tibetan medicine, Certified Fertility Awareness & Sexual Health Educator, and Licensed Massage Therapist. For the past six years I have operated a private practice in Western Massachusetts and online, where I offer care that centers on the whole person, and strives to meet each individual where they are at. My practice not only addresses physical symptoms, but also looks at the emotional, spiritual, cultural, and social aspects at play.
Rather than telling you what’s “wrong” and sending you on your way, I partner with you to uncover the whole story of your health. I support you in your weaknesses, help you see your many strengths, and work with you towards a long lasting sense of equilibrium.
No one should be without the tools to understand their bodies. When it comes to our health, we give away a lot of power to third parties. My aim is to break the mold of untouchable expert–to work with every human from a personal and inclusive place.
My practice is sex-positive, body-positive, and queer and transgender affirming. Through listening, education, comprehensive care and informed referrals, I empower my clients to receive what they need, connect with themselves, and bring healing practices with them wherever they go.
Services currently offered include: Tibetan medical consultations; intuitive bodywork; Kunye massage; prenatal and postpartum massage; fertility awareness; conception support; eco-birth control support; sexual health and Know Your Cycle classes; and flower and gem essences. I address a variety of illnesses through Tibetan medicine, such as: anxiety; digestive issues; insomnia; nervous system disorders; low energy; chronic headaches; emotional imbalances; skin disorders; hormonal imbalances; and nutritional deficiencies.
I am currently available for private consultations and classes, in-person in Northampton, MA and online.
Education
What began as an investigation into the world of herbalism has led to a series of advanced degrees. I attained my license as a massage therapist in 2005. That same year I embarked on a training in Tibetan Medicine at Shang Shung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine, committing to four and a half years of full time study with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo. The program culminated in a 3-month clinical internship in Ziling, Amdo, Tibet, where I was able to study closely with some of the foremost doctors and teachers in the field. In 2009, after graduating at the top of my class, I became a Doctor of Tibetan Medicine. I am honored to carry this title, as I am one of few people in the US practicing this powerful lineage with the blessings of my beloved senior teachers here and abroad.
At the same time I was studying Tibetan Medicine, I was specializing in pre and post natal massage and working as a birth and postpartum doula. In the fall of 2013, I began training as a Fertility Awareness and Sexual Health Educator–an intensive schooling which spanned two years. I have been charting my cycle since I was twenty-one: I chose to become a Fertility Awareness and Sexual Health Educator because I have experienced first hand the power that comes from knowing my cycle. Through the years I have begun to understand the deep and lasting impact this practice has had on my mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. I know what this work is worth and was quickly able to see how it could enhance and be supported by my Tibetan medical practice.
I would like to honor and pay homage to all of the wonderful, generous teachers who have guided me thus far: Rosemary Gladstar, Chris Marano, Michelle L’Esperance, Sarah Bly, Dr. Kalsang Wangyal, Dr. Aku Nyima, Dr. Lusham Gyal, Dr. Yanga, the many herbalists whose workshops have taught and inspired me, my parents, and my heart teachers Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Michele McDonald, Steven Smith, and Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo.
[Mira], perhaps you are unaware of how difficult it is to find a genuinely present and engaged, respectful doctor, who looks at you holistically, as a being with a history and talents and weaknesses, who is bright and curious and aware of the unjust time in which we’re living, the stresses that people carry from violence all around. For many years [I] have needed that. For me, meeting you and receiving your care has corresponded with an extraordinary period of healing, and I could only want that for my elders/teachers/loved ones. ~ R.S.