Pohala Clinic - A Place of Healing

10/27/2025

🌿 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓮𝓮𝓴: 𝓤𝓵𝓾 🌿

This week, we reflect on the Hawaiian word Ulu, which carries beautiful layers of meaning: to grow, to inspire, to sprout, or to thrive. It can also refer to the breadfruit tree, a symbol of nourishment and abundance across the Pacific.

Ulu means growth in every sense be it physical, emotional, and spiritual. It is about expansion and becoming more of who you are meant to be. Like a seed that grows into a tree, ulu reminds us that growth takes time and nurturing.

In Hawaiian tradition, the ʻulu (breadfruit) is a vital source of food and a symbol of life and prosperity. It represents the strength of community and the importance of care and cultivation. When the ʻulu tree thrives, it feeds many which is a reflection of how our own growth can nourish those around us.

Ulu reminds us that healing is a form of growth. Even in stillness, something within us is moving toward wholeness. Every small step matters.

At Pohala Clinic, we honor your journey of ulu. Our integrative approach supports growth in body, mind, and spirit, helping you thrive in every season of life. 🌱💚

This week, let Ulu remind you that growth is always happening, even in quiet moments. Nurture it, trust it, and let it carry you forward.

10/23/2025

🚨 New BlogPost 🚨
"How Natural Medicine Can Improve Oral Health"

Oral health is vital for a healthy body as inflammation and pathogens from the mouth can affect systemic health. In the blog, Dr. Alex details periodontitis, common treatments, and explores adjunctive options like theobromine-based toothpaste for advanced oral care.

👉 Read the full article and start making the connection:

Oral health is vital for a healthy body as inflammation and pathogens from the mouth can affect systemic health. Dr. Alex details periodontitis, common treatmen

10/20/2025

🌊 Word of the Week: Moana 🌊

This week, we celebrate the Hawaiian word Moana, which means ocean, open sea, or expanse of water. The moana is vast, powerful, and life-giving. It connects islands, cultures, and people, serving as both a physical and spiritual pathway.

Moana refers to the deep ocean and the endless horizon. The ocean is not just water; it is a living force, a teacher, and a source of wisdom. It represents mystery, depth, and the interconnectedness of all life.

For Native Hawaiians and other Pacific peoples, the moana is central to identity and survival. It has guided navigation, provided sustenance, and shaped stories, chants, and traditions for generations. The moana reminds us to honor nature’s power and the relationships that sustain us.

✨ If you’ve seen the Disney film “Moana,” you’ve glimpsed this connection. The story captures the deep respect Pacific cultures hold for the ocean as both guide and companion.

The moana reflects the flow of life itself. Just as the tides rise and fall, healing ebbs and flows. Being near or connected to the ocean can calm the mind, and awaken the spirit. The sea holds space for reflection, renewal, and courage.

At Pohala Clinic, we honor the spirit of Moana by supporting journeys of healing that are both personal and connected to something larger. Like the ocean, your path may be wide and unpredictable, but it holds beauty and strength within its depths. 🌿🌊

This week, let Moana remind you to find peace in life’s rhythms and to draw strength from the vastness that surrounds you.

10/19/2025

Pohala is always collaborating with other NP-Led clinics - Voda who is owned by Chelsea and Keith Delselms shares a similar approach for Integrative Primary Care. We met up after the NPO conference and toured their clinic. They too are a husband /wife team. It was so nice to share our experiences, visions, and passions about how we imagine optimal healthcare for our patients. Truly inspiring.

10/19/2025

This is where I stayed while I attended the NPO conference. It’s a luxury BNB in Wine Country. People traveled from through out the US. Presentation was amazing. Check it out and support local businesses in Oregon.

10/19/2025

Nurse Practitioner’s of Oregon
Annual Conference
2025

A beautiful setting in Oregon’s Vineyard country 🍇

Key take aways—-

💉 GLPs are not only for weight loss or diabetes- yet preventing advancing dementia turning Alzheimer’s, preventing Heart Attack in at risk patients, menopausal puffiness, alcohol addiction. I can see how this medication is disrupting BigPharma because many patients come off other medications.

🍷 Alcohol Use Disorder- even small amounts on a regular basis is detrimental to one’s health. Naltrexone a great option along with GLPs to ease the addict brain noise.

❌ Sexual assault- always assess for strangulation, which is common and life threatening. First semester of college/ Autumn 🍂 is the Red Zone with the most incidents than other times of the year.

🫁 Long COVID- Many of the treatments I found early on that were considered too alternative are now mainstay. Whoop whoop💯.

Aside this I loved networking and chatting with long time colleagues and visioning the future of Pohala. 🌺

10/15/2025

✨ Word of the Week: ʻUhane ✨

This week, we reflect on the Hawaiian word ʻUhane, which means spirit, soul, or ghost. ʻUhane refers to the spiritual essence that gives life, the unseen energy that connects body, mind, and the world.

ʻUhane is often understood as the immortal spirit or the inner self. It is the part of us that feels, senses, and connects with others on a deeper level. In Hawaiian thought, the ʻuhane lives within the body but is also intertwined with ancestors, land, and the spiritual realm.

In Hawaiian culture, the ʻuhane is honored and cared for just as much as the physical body. Maintaining harmony between the spirit and the body is essential for overall health. Traditions, prayers, chants, and practices are often used to strengthen and protect the ʻuhane, ensuring balance within the individual and the community.

True healing involves nurturing the ʻuhane. Emotional and spiritual well-being, and a sense of purpose all flow from caring for our inner spirit. Whether through quiet reflection, connection to ʻāina, or meaningful relationships, tending to the ʻuhane restores balance and resilience.

At Pohala Clinic, we support healing that honors the whole person, including the ʻuhane. By weaving spiritual care into our holistic approach, we help create space for deeper healing and harmony. 🌿💚

This week, let ʻUhane remind you to listen inward, care for your spirit, and make time to nourish what lies beneath the surface.

10/11/2025

🏃 Goal completed ✔️

March 2024 I decided to include resistance training after working all my other ways (which btw didn’t work like they did before menopause). End of 2019 I turned 50 and this converged with the pandemic of intense expectations to keep our patients alive let alone keep our clinic Pohala open. What a super task. I got to go into menopause, and experience the pandemic at the same time. Like many healthcare workers I became adrenally fatigued. It was a culmination of years that arrived in the moment. I had always had nervous energy, overachieved, but as my late mentor Philip Incao said ‘well eventually your etheric forces will get used up unless you learn to settle yourself.’ Though I have a strong will I couldn’t really jog anymore. Low iron, prediabetes, borderline hypertension, high cholesterol I knew I was in trouble. My seemingly good habits couldn’t outweigh the stress I allowed myself to perceive. I say that because stress is only stress if you assign it as stressful.

Now I am learning through Endobiogeny that I was also experiencing at my worst Spasmophilia—— Episodes of blurred vision, dissociation, brain fog, extreme fatigue, gut dystonia. I called them ‘eye spells’ and they’d happen after adrenaline dumps. This condition may present differently with others but I see it’s probably a state a large percentage of individuals are living.

By 2023 I also learned the home we bought in 2017 was Mycotoxic. I thought I would pop out of my skin. We were told to move out and remediate. That was not an option financially. I worked closely with my Naturopath and Integrative NP and was able to make our bedroom safe and then got to work on our home and bodily treatments. My husband and 2 children at home all tested at toxic levels and were pretty sick. I just thought my symptoms were from menopause. I now know a lot about clearing out Mycotoxins.

I was fortunate to have many resources at my disposal. I happened to by the grace of God go to Hawaii several times and had a week of Ayurvedic Pacha Karma that allowed me to stay leading Pohala. This helped to physically, emotionally, and spiritually heal. My ND was surprised I was as functional given the reports. We all did a myriad of modalities, some simple and some not.

So now end of 2025 I still have low endorphins, and must watch how I spend my time. I’m not hypertensive, mold is cleared in my body, cholesterol is diet controlled only, and prediabetes is not hovering as strong. I was able to set a goal and jog a 10k today with my son, my gym bestie Melodie (btw she’s 75yo), and several other people I love out here in Estacada.

Mahalo to my number one guy, Michael. He would have done the race yet he’s been humbled by a partial knee replacement so running is a ‘no no.’ He cheered me on and hugged me at the finish line!

10/07/2025

🌸 Word of the Week: Nani 🌸

This week, we embrace the Hawaiian word Nani, which means beauty, glory, or splendor. It is often used to describe something truly beautiful, whether it is a sunset, a person’s spirit, or a moment that takes your breath away.

Nani refers to both outward and inward beauty. It is not only what the eyes can see but also the radiance that comes from kindness, love, and harmony. In Hawaiian thought, beauty is deeply tied to balance and the connection between people, place, and spirit.

In Hawaiian culture, recognizing nani is a way of honoring the world around us. To see something as nani is to pause, appreciate, and give respect. Beauty is not separate from daily life. It is woven into language, songs, and the way people express gratitude for the gifts of the ʻāina and each other.

Seeing and acknowledging beauty can be a healing act. Nani reminds us to look for moments of grace even in challenging times. A beautiful view or a kind word can offer peace.

At Pohala Clinic, we believe that nurturing beauty in our lives supports healing in both body and spirit. Whether through caring relationships, nature, or personal growth, noticing nani can bring light into the healing journey. 🌿✨

This week, let Nani remind you to pause, look around, and find the beauty that surrounds you every day.

10/03/2025

📣 An Alternative to Traditional Insurance: Introducing Zion HealthShare 📣

At Pohala Clinic, we believe in putting people first and empowering you to focus on your health without the burden of high costs. That's why we want to introduce you to an alternative to traditional health insurance that aligns with our values: Zion HealthShare.

We know that for many, traditional health insurance can be complicated and expensive. Zion HealthShare is a non-profit medical cost-sharing program designed to be a transparent, affordable, and community-driven alternative.

Learn more about them here! 👉 Link:https://www.pohalaclinic.com/blog/an-alternative-to-traditional-insurance-introducing-zion-healthshare

09/29/2025

🌺 Word of the Week: Hoihoi 🌺

This week, we explore the Hawaiian word Hoihoi, which means interest, delight, joy, or curiosity. It reflects the spark that draws us toward learning, discovery, and the things that bring us happiness.

Hoihoi is more than just being interested. It is the feeling of being genuinely engaged and uplifted by something, whether it is a story, a person, a place, or an experience.

In Hawaiian culture, Hoihoi is a reminder to notice what excites your spirit and to follow that energy. Curiosity and delight are not distractions, but invitations to connect more deeply with life and with the world around you.

Hoihoi encourages us to find joy in the healing journey. Even small sparks of curiosity or delight can be powerful medicine for the mind and heart. Healing does not have to be heavy. It can also be light, playful, and full of discovery.

At Pohala Clinic, we encourage Hoihoi in health and wellness. Whether exploring new ways of healing or reconnecting with what brings you joy, we are here to support your journey with care and aloha. 🌿💚

This week, let Hoihoi inspire you to follow your curiosity and to delight in the small wonders of everyday life.

06/30/2025

🌸 Word of the Week: Pua 🌸

This week, we celebrate the Hawaiian word Pua, which means flower, but it also holds deeper meanings related to beauty, growth, love, and new beginnings.

Pua refers to a blossom or flower but in Hawaiian culture, it’s also a poetic word used to describe children, descendants, or anyone seen as blooming into their fullest potential. A Pua is a symbol of life, fragility, and beauty unfolding in its own time.

In Hawaiian tradition, flowers are expressions of identity and emotion. Leis made of pua are given in celebration, remembrance, welcome, or farewell. The word pua is also used in chants and songs as a metaphor for someone cherished or beloved. 🌺

Pua reminds us that healing is a blooming process. Just as a flower unfolds petal by petal, so too does personal growth. It takes time, nurturing, and the right environment. Pua invites us to honor our own pace, appreciate our stages of transformation, and recognize the beauty in ourselves and others.

At Pohala Clinic, we see each person as unique, evolving, and worthy of compassionate care. We strive to create a space where your healing and blossoming are supported every step of the way. 🌿✨

This week, let Pua remind you to bloom in your own time and honor the beauty unfolding within you and around you.