nira’s 

journey…

My passion for a holistic approach to health came out of my own struggles, which was a pain to purpose journey.

I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran to a family of five (my parents and two siblings). Always fascinated by different world cultures and traditions, I studied French and English. In 2005, the Universe had a plan for me. I crossed paths with a loving man from the Netherlands, who would eventually become my husband. Soon after, his job transferred us to Canada, and, since then, we have travelled across continents multiple times.

I was living a charmed life. Everything felt as if it was rigged in my favor until one day, totally out of nowhere, I developed a mysterious skin rash around my eyes and massive, uncontrolled inflammation. I didn’t know it then, but the day I ended up in the emergency room was also the beginning of my journey toward healing. That journey continues today, and will carry on until the last day I experience life through my physical body on this earth.

My months-long search to find an answer resulted in numerous medical tests by dermatologists and allergists. Finally, it was discovered that I have multiple chemical sensitivities and was extremely allergic to heavy metals, especially nickel. The frame of the glasses I wore was metal, which contributed to my initial symptoms. I’ll never forget how overwhelmed and frightened I felt when the dermatologist handed me the long list of “substances” I was allergic to. When I asked about my treatment options, she simply told me to avoid coming into contact with every single substance on the list. Otherwise, I would once again end up with various reactions. But, how was it possible to avoid what felt like everything? Life suddenly became much more complicated. Metal utensils had to be replaced with wooden or plastic ones. The label of every personal care product had to be scrutinized to ensure none contained my extensive list of reactive allergens.
I couldn’t even open a door without wearing a glove, as the bare skin of my hand touching the metal knob could result in a reaction.

fast forward to 2012…

The year following the birth of my first daughter, when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a condition I had never heard of before then. Autoimmune disorders are, in essence, your body launching an attack on itself. When I asked my doctor at the Texas Medical Center about underlying causes and possible beneficial diet and lifestyle modifications to aid in healing, he simply said autoimmune diseases have no cure. Symptoms can only be managed with medication, which I was told, I’d have to take for the rest of my life. As long as I live, I’ll never forget how hopeless and helpless I felt after hearing this prognosis. I was disempowered and desperate for a miracle to show up in my life.

after the initial shock subsided…

I started taking the recommended thyroid medication. I felt good for the first few weeks, but slowly, symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, weight gain, dry skin, and anxiety began creeping up again. Disappointed that the “magic pill” was not working, I started to dig into science and research to find an alternate treatment to help me get my life back. After reading a handful of books about thyroid autoimmunity and discovering other resources available, I started to slowly accept all these “dis-Eases” as part of my journey to self-healing and empowerment. I trusted my intuition and followed my gut, which was telling me there was a better path to wellness than only pharmaceuticals.

I began eating  gluten-free and dairy-free. I rid our home of environmental toxins and followed a comprehensive detoxification program which included an investment in biological dentistry. Last but not least, I addressed the root cause of years of health struggles through mind-body medicine. I dove deep into healing my anxiety, stress, and psycho-emotional traumas with the guidance of one of my greatest mentors, Niki Gratrix, an award-winning, internationally renowned functional health practitioner, specializing in stress and trauma.

Gradually, I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

My digestion, sleep, and mood improved. My blood sugar became balanced. My brain fog lifted, and, above all, I had ample energy to move through my days without a 3:00 pm crash. I was no longer in a constant fight or flight sympathetic nervous system. I was more peaceful, empowered, and balanced.

It was then, after seeing the miracles it worked in my own life, that I truly fell in love with holistic and natural medicine. I finally said YES to my calling–helping others to heal, thrive, and have a life beyond their wildest dreams.