Pohala Clinic - A Place of Healing

01/26/2026

Ho’Ilona ☀️ 🌈

In light of such tragedies the Spirit of light shines through. Can you see the circle ⭕️ outside of the sun ☀️ and the prism of rainbows on either side? The photo does not capture the experience of what my daughter witnessed yesterday in our Sunny Cold ❄️ Northwesr.

In the Hawaiian tradition we believe Ho’Ilonas are connecting us to A Kua and our ancestors.

We trust the good can prevail.

Aloha and Malama e pono for this time 🌅

01/26/2026

Pohala January 2026 outing to
Mt. Hood 🏔️ for Cosmic Tubing. 🛞
Nostalgic memories of the Multopor 1927 Lodge.
It was sweet to see the little ones all bundled up and everyone can love the rainbow 🌈 lighting.

01/20/2026

🌺 Word of the Week: Hoʻoponopono 🌺

This week, we learn the Hawaiian word Hoʻoponopono, which means to make things right, to restore balance, or to reconcile. It is a practice of healing relationships and releasing burdens.

Hoʻoponopono is the act of addressing conflict or misunderstandings with honesty and compassion. It is about clearing what feels tangled so that peace can return. It can happen between people, within families, or even inside your own heart.

Traditionally, Hoʻoponopono was a guided process led by elders or healers. Families would come together to speak openly, listen, ask forgiveness, and mend what was broken. The goal was always balance, unity, and restored connection. This practice reflects the Hawaiian belief that unresolved conflict can affect not only people, but the community and the land as well.

Hoʻoponopono teaches that healing is not only physical. Emotional and spiritual healing often begin when we let go of resentment and guilt. Whether it is forgiving someone else or offering forgiveness to yourself, this practice opens space for peace and renewal.

At Pohala Clinic, we honor healing in all its forms. We recognize that true wellness includes body, mind, and spirit, and that sometimes the most powerful medicine is making peace within ourselves and with others. 🌿💚

This week, let Hoʻoponopono remind you that it is never too late to make things right and to return to balance.

01/06/2026

🌿 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓮𝓮𝓴: 𝓜ā𝓵𝓲𝓮 🌿

This week, we reflect on the Hawaiian word Mālie, which means calm, peaceful, or gentle. It describes a sense of stillness that settles in when things feel balanced and at ease.

Malie refers to a state of calm, whether in nature or in the body. It can describe quiet seas or a peaceful mindset. Mālie reminds us that calm does not always mean silence. It means feeling steady and present in the moment.

In Hawaiian culture, mālie is often used to describe peaceful conditions that allow life to flourish. Calm waters and gentle weather were signs of harmony. This same idea applies to people. When we live with malie, we create space for connection and care.

Healing often begins with malie. When the mind finds quiet, the body can begin to restore itself. Calm creates room for listening and deeper awareness of what we need.

At Pohala Clinic, we value creating an environment of malie. A place where you can feel safe and supported as you move through your healing journey. 🌿💚

This week, let malie guide you to slow down, breathe, and welcome moments of peace into your day.

12/08/2025

🌿 Word of the Week: Koa 🌿

This week, we reflect on the Hawaiian word Koa which means bravery, courage, and warrior spirit. It also refers to the koa tree, one of the strongest and most cherished trees in Hawaiʻi. Both the word and the tree symbolize strength, resilience, and the courage to stand tall.

Koa describes someone who meets life with courage, be it facing challenges, changes, or new beginnings. It’s about moving forward even when things feel uncertain.

The koa tree has long been valued in Hawaiian culture. Its wood was used to craft canoes, weapons, and tools that required great strength. Because of this, koa became closely tied to the qualities of leadership, determination, and inner fortitude. To be koa is to embody this same strength in spirit.

Healing often asks us to call upon our inner koa. It takes courage to rest, to grow, and to ask for support. The warrior spirit can be gentle too. Sometimes bravery is simply waking up and trying again.

At Pohala Clinic, we honor the koa within each person. We are here to help you feel supported, brave, and grounded as you move through your healing journey. 🌱💚

This week, let Koa remind you that strength is already within you, and every small act of courage matters.

12/02/2025

🌬️ 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓮𝓮𝓴: 𝓜𝓪𝓴𝓪𝓷𝓲 🌬️

This week, we honor the Hawaiian word Makani, which means wind or breeze. In Hawaiʻi, the makani is a presence that carries stories, shifts energy, and gently reminds us that change is always moving through our lives.

Makani refers to the winds that move across the islands. These winds can be soft and soothing or strong and powerful, each with its own name and personality. They are seen as messengers of nature, bringing renewal, cleansing, and connection.

In Hawaiian culture, winds are deeply respected. Many winds are named and remembered in chants and moʻolelo, because they reflect the character of a place. Knowing the makani of an area meant understanding the land and the life it supported.

Makani reminds us that healing often comes like the wind, in gentle shifts or sudden changes. It can clear what feels heavy, bring fresh perspective, and help us breathe a little easier. Even a small breeze can calm the heart and steady the mind.

At Pohala Clinic, we see healing as a movement of energy. Just like the makani, it can guide, refresh, and renew. We are here to support you through every shift in your wellness journey with care and aloha. 🌿💚

This week, let Makani remind you to breathe deeply, release what no longer serves you, and welcome in the fresh air of new possibilities.

11/30/2025

Off to Hawaii——- 🫶🌺🌴A wonderful nearly spontaneous gift. We will gather Aloha for Pohala.

BTW I’m almost finished with obtaining my NP license for Hawaii…. Soon we will be able to offer Telehealth for my Hawaiian community. I think my ancestors are smiling…

11/24/2025

🌺 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓮𝓮𝓴: 𝓗ōʻ𝓲𝓱𝓲 🌺

This week, we highlight the Hawaiian word Hōʻihi, which means respect, reverence, and honoring others. It reflects the kindness and care we show in our relationships, our communities, and the way we move through the world.

Hōʻihi is about recognizing the dignity in others and treating them with consideration. It includes speaking with kindness, listening with presence, and acknowledging the value of each person and place in our lives.

In Hawaiian culture, hōʻihi is a guiding value for healthy relationships and strong communities. It is shown through behavior, tone, and actions that uplift rather than diminish. Practicing hōʻihi honors ancestors, ʻāina, and the people who walk beside us today.

Respect is foundational to healing. When we give and receive hōʻihi, we create safe space for growth and restoration. Healing deepens when we feel seen, heard, and honored for who we are.

As we move through the Thanksgiving season, hōʻihi reminds us to show gratitude not only in words but in the way we treat one another. Respect and appreciation go hand in hand, especially during a time focused on connection and thankfulness.

At Pohala Clinic, we strive to practice hōʻihi every day. We honor each person’s story and support your wellness journey with compassion and care. 🌿💚

This week, let Hōʻihi guide how you care for yourself and for the people around you, especially during this season of gratitude.

11/13/2025

🎉 Pohala Clinic Welcomes Dr. Alex M Cullen! 🎉

We are thrilled to introduce our newest provider, Dr. Alex M Cullen! He brings a powerful combination of Naturopathic Medicine and Clinical Research to offer compassionate, evidence-based care in Naturopathic Primary Care. He focuses on a wide scope, including Endocrinology, Cardiology, Neurology, and Mental Health.

Ready to benefit from his research-informed approach? Schedule your appointment today! Outside of the clinic, you might spot Dr. Cullen enjoying some strength training, mixed martial arts, or perhaps cooking up a storm!

Want to know more about Dr. Alex? Check out our blog! 👉 https://www.pohalaclinic.com/blog/pohala-clinic-welcomes-dr-alex-to-the-team

📅 Book now: https://www.pohalaclinic.com/
📱 Call now: 503-572-4196
📍 Pohala Clinic – A Place of Healing

11/08/2025

After several requests 🌟

Michael Foster, my husband and co-owner of Pohala Clinic is offering a Self Defense class
👊🥊🥋❣️💥🌈🧨

January 16-18th, 2026

This is unlike any other self defense class as Michael incorporates Spatial Dynamics, a holistic approach to assess your personal space and the environment around you. His expertise spans over 35yrs affecting Local to Federal/ National and as of 2025 World organizations. I can attest both personally and professionally that he has helped countless individuals come out unscathed from adverse circumstances and even prevented them altogether. Whether it be a woman trying to leave an abusive partner to a woman being acosted on the street Michael can help you garner your personal power and flip the dynamic in your favor.

Please share if you think this would be useful for the women your life!

Elevate Your Safety and Wellness: Join Our 2.5-Day Self-Defense and Spacial Dynamics Masterclass!

11/04/2025

🌺 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓮𝓮𝓴: 𝓜ā𝓴𝓪𝓾𝓴𝓪𝓾 🌺

This week, we focus on the Hawaiian word Mākaukau, which means ready, prepared, or skilled. It’s a word that carries both confidence and calm, and a reminder that readiness is not just about action, but about mindset and heart.

Mākaukau means being ready and equipped for what lies ahead. It can describe someone who is prepared for a task or a challenge, but it also speaks to inner readiness that comes from self-awareness and trust.

In Hawaiian culture, being mākaukau reflects responsibility and respect. Whether setting out on a voyage, caring for the ʻāina, or tending to others, preparation showed not only skill but also honor for the task. To be mākaukau is to move with intention and confidence.

Healing often asks us to be mākaukau in new way. To show up for ourselves with openness even when we don’t have all the answers. Readiness doesn’t mean perfection. It means being willing to take the next step, no matter how small.

At Pohala Clinic, we help you feel mākaukau on your wellness journey. Through compassion, knowledge, and support, we walk beside you as you prepare your body, mind, and spirit for greater balance and healing. 🌿💚

This week, let Mākaukau remind you that readiness starts within. When your heart, mind, and spirit align, you are already prepared for what comes next.

11/03/2025

Autumn 🍂 Gathering 2025

We took some time out of time and enjoyed coming together.

Happy Halloween 🎃
Happy All Souls Day ✨

We honored our ancestors who came before us.

We Danced 🕺

We shared Butternut Squash soup and many other goodies.

A great shout out to my sister and my friend for helping decorate and create beautiful tissue paper flowers 💐 that are now displayed around Pohala until Thanksgiving.