Ashley Smith, L.Ac of Elemental Wellness Acupuncture
Please introduce yourself (give us a brief bio about your education, training, practice, and any areas of specialization).
Hello! I experienced the profound impact of Chinese Medicine after being diagnosed with a rare kidney disease. This experience inspired me to change the trajectory of my life. I left my corporate career to study and share this powerful medicine and now, years later, I am still in awe of this practice. Before pursuing this path, I received a Bachelor of Science from The University of Texas at Austin. I went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a Masters in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Emperor’s College in Santa Monica. There, I had the privilege of treating hundreds of patients in the community clinic, while training under world-renowned practitioners. I am currently pursuing a doctorate of acupuncture and oriental medicine (DAOM) with a focus on women’s health and reproductive medicine at Yo San University in Los Angeles. My areas of specialization include reproductive health at all stages of life, from fertility to menopause, as well as stress conditions, mental health (all ages), and pain.
How did you become interested in working with fertility/maternal wellness clients and what do you love most about it?
I became interested in this specialty after my own experiences trying to get pregnant, finally getting pregnant naturally with twins, struggling through a challenging postpartum phase, and all the ups and downs of early motherhood. I have leaned into Chinese Medicine for all of it and it has been such a powerful healing resource every step of the way. I know it can help so many other women too as they navigate challenges around fertility and motherhood.
What piece of advice would you give your 16-year-old self (or other 16-year-olds) based on what you have learned (about life, fertility, or wellness)?
Get to know your body and learn to love yourself! Become best friend’s with you. Pay attention to your body’s messages and learn to work with them. I think so many young people fight against their physical form and their body’s cycles. Even hating their body at times. You have to make peace with your body, love yourself, and recognize what a beautifully complex system you are. You have all the power to grow and heal, you just have to learn how to work with your body and approach physical challenges from a place of nurturing and love rather than self-loathing or hate. There is a lot of psychology around this and the idea of your body holding chronic pain or excess fat as a self-defense mechanism.
Do you have a favorite book or other fertility resources you would like to share?
I found Dr. Randine Lewis’ The Infertility Cure to be incredibly helpful when I was trying to get pregnant. It is filled with great explanations and supplement and dietary suggestions.
Do you have a favorite “clean” beauty or household product you love and would recommend?
I love Osea body butter and body oil. They are absolutely decadent products that make me feel like I’m having a spa moment whenever I use them.
What are you grateful for this week?
My kids and my husband. They always ground me in what is really important, no matter how crazy the rest of life gets. Also, feeling grateful for cooler weather this week – finally!
What do you do to feed your soul/joy?
I love cooking, hiking, and spending time with my family in our backyard – working in the garden, playing, and relaxing. Travel is also one of my favorite things when I can get it in.
Do you have any other practitioner(s) you love who we should interview/get to know?
My business partner, Anna Galle, L.Ac.
Website: www.elementalwellnssacupuncture.com
Contact phone: 512-799-9753
Email: elementalwellnessacupuncture@gmail.com
Social media handles: @elementalwellnessacupuncture