In KORA Konnections, we highlight the wellness practices of renowned visionaries, blending global views on organic living while offering genuine insights from around the world.
Juhi Singh, MA, LAc., is a true visionary in the realm of holistic wellness. Born in Bombay and raised amidst a blend of allopathic and herbal medicine traditions, Juhi embarked on a life-changing journey to the United States at the tender age of four. Despite her early dreams of pursuing Western medicine, a life-threatening battle with Crohn’s disease during her adolescence led her to experience the transformative power of acupuncture, courtesy of her grandmother’s cousin in India. This pivotal encounter not only alleviated her symptoms but also steered her career toward the ancient wisdom of Eastern practices.
Juhi has since become a beacon of holistic living. She is the brain behind the Facial Rejuvenation Program and the Acu-Facelift, offering a natural, non-surgical facelift alternative alongside Therapeutic Yoga that combines acupuncture and acupressure for healing. Serving a diverse clientele that spans professional athletes to Fortune 500 companies, Juhi leverages her extensive knowledge and skills to enhance their health and well-being.
What inspired you to specialize in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine?
My own personal experience toward healing. My journey began at the age of 16 when I was diagnosed, first, with Ulcerative Colitis and then, later, Crohn’s Disease. At 19, after years of harmful treatments to no avail, I was left with only two options from my Western doctors – endure a lengthy operation that would affix a bag to my stomach and simultaneously start cancer drugs. There have been many advancements since then, but at that time, I had exploited my resources.
For those unfamiliar, can you explain how acupuncture works and its primary benefits?
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a whole is a complex system whose primary purpose is to keep the body in harmony. When there is excess, deficiency, or stagnation, disease processes begin to manifest. In TCM, it is believed that we mediate the effects of outside factors to mitigate the various stressors the body faces every day by inserting thin needles into specific acupuncture points found along the 14 energy meridians that traverse the body. Each channel has a governing function. For example, the stomach channel goes down the leg and has 45 points. Each point has a specific function and indication. Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, digestive issues, allergies, pain, headaches, Bell’s Palsy, ringing in the ears… Acupuncture may also be used to slow aging with techniques like facial rejuvenation.
How do you integrate acupuncture with other wellness practices in your approach to holistic health?
I incorporate Ayurveda and Ayurvedic nutrition into my treatment protocol and assess what other outside interventions may be needed, from collaborating with a traditional Western physician to recommending breathwork or meditation. It’s important not to isolate the diagnosis from the rest of the body. Holistic practices like acupuncture should be seen as preventative care. Our medical system needs to shift from sick care to well care.
How do you balance modern medical practices with traditional wellness techniques?
Both systems should exist side by side. It is important to collaborate with a Western medical practitioner when making any major changes to your lifestyle.
Let’s talk skincare. How do organic skincare products contribute to holistic wellness?
People forget that the skin is the largest organ in the body! That means your skin is “drinking” what you’re applying. Think about that for a second. Any non-organic product you put on your body, your skin is drinking. It’s essential people look into what their skincare and beauty products are made from. It’s no different from how you go food shopping.
Do you have a favorite KORA Organics product?
Definitely the Turmeric Body Scrub. I love Turmeric in general because it contains health benefits that align with the principles of TCM. Turmeric is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory herbs that is often used medicinally to alleviate pain, settle digestive issues, and boost the immune system. In many parts of the world, such as India, Turmeric is very commonly used in cooking and religious ceremonies. This Body Scrub smells amazing, feels even better, and leaves my skin softer than ever.