A Story.

The Skinny Confidential x the herb doctor.

The Skinny Confidential x the herb doctor.

Ok so, I’m not going to lie: I’ve been having some anxiety about writing this post.

You guys have asked me on Instagram when I’m going to recap my herb doctor appointment, that I oh-so-boldly talked about a week ago…

And well, honestly, the experience ended up being A LOT more intense than I initially anticipated. LIKE IT WAS NOT EVEN CLOSE to what I anticipated.

Really though, it’s taken me a few days to muster the courage to write this post…

Ok, soooo.

I went to the Tibetan healing doctor expecting…I don’t know? Herbs for stronger nails? Something to make my hair shinier? Maybe even a little something, something to fight fatigue ( lately I’ve been working a lotttt, so anything to give me a little energy kick, right? Besides crack, of course LOL )?

Anyway, I entered the facility & it was quaint, sweet, & simple. Lately, I’ve been really in to energy & the space had GREAT energy. ( I can’t explain why. It just did ).

I looked around, curious why the other people were there. One man was on a medical ventilator for breathing, another woman was very overweight, & another girl was with a friend and her young child. So, all different kinds of people, basically.

Immediately I checked in, filled out some quick Q & A’s, & got on my phone to text/Instagram/e-mail/etc. in the waiting room. ( And really, who doesn’t do this while waiting for the doctor? )

My name was called & ta-da, I met Mr. Healer ( << his name wasn’t really Mr. Healer, but you get my drift ). I immediately liked him.

Like IMMEDIATELY.

Not to brag, but I guess I will? He told me I had a ‘good spirit.’ This made my week year coming from him.

Ok so, after his spirit remark I started blabbing about hair, nails, skin, beauty benefits of herbs, blah, blah, blah…I’m sure you can imagine.

He stopped me.

He said “give me your arms” & proceeded to take my pulse on both arms. For about 20 minutes straight.

Now to sit for 20 minutes without my cell phone/computer/etc. is RARE ( I’m trying to get better, guys. Really, I am ).

So, I took the time to try to sit still & actually practice sitting still ( HARD ).

Ok…Here’s the difficult part to share on TSC. I’ve thought long and hard on whether or not to share this, & I’ve decided I’m going to GO FOR IT because there’s a POINT. If there wasn’t a point, I wouldn’t normally share something so personal…

When he was done, he looked at me and said “you have very, very bad anxiety. It’s affecting you emotionally, very deep inside.”

::crickets::

…OUT OF NOWHERE: I burst out crying.

It was like a projectile cry out of my mouth. The craziest cry I’ve ever cried. The weirdest cry I’ve ever cried. And it came from DEEP within me.

Here’s the thing guys: I couldn’t believe that I cried like this ( totally, totally unexpected…I’m not a crier unless something is VERY wrong ) AND I didn’t write anything about my anxiety on the Q & A form.

Point: the experience was emotional because, here I was, going to an herb doctor for superficial, vain-ish reasons: hair, nails, skin, etc.

I mean it never occurred to me to talk about anxiety…ever.

Also, I should note: I don’t really talk about anxiety. It can be crippling at times— like I’m anxious but you wouldn’t know it by speaking to me in person. I’m anxious inwardly, I guess.

It’s internal. I’m in my head. A LOT.

And to have someone acknowledge my inward-type of anxiety? LIFE CHANGING. A lot of people would tell me to take a hike, go to church, get outside. I’m so used to suppressing the anxiousness in me that it was pure relief to have someone tell me it’s ok & it’s real.

You know how you feel when you’re on a plane & your ears need to pop? And you try to un-pop them & you just can’t? You know how you do that? And then they un-pop & it’s pure relief?

That’s how I felt. Like my ears had un-popped.

So the unexpected, deep cry was relief that someone acknowledged my anxiousness just by feeling my pulse.

The healer was not shocked at all.

He asked me why I was anxious & we talked about things that contribute to my anxiety— past, present, & future. But that’s between me, Mr. Healer, & his goldfish…BUT YA it was an unbelievable experience.

He told me all about how the Tibetan culture works ( << they’re very zen & not as stressed as Americans apparently ). And then we talked about what I should do to heal the anxiousness deep inside me.

Mr. Healer said that in my case ( remember: this is MY case, everyone is different ):

I need more unsalted real butter in my diet…I’m not mad about this. Today I woke up & ate a huge chunk of butter on my oatmeal. YUM. The butter will help balance out my hormones & nerves, he said.

I need more red meat in my diet…interesting because I’m not a red meat fan. This past week, I’ve eaten grass-fed red meat & my energy levels have DRASTICALLY improved. The meat will help my fatigue & hormones, he said.

He gave me herbs to take in the morning 1/2 hour before breakfast with a glass of water. You chew them ( they’re not available online ) & they taste very herb-ish. Also, they’re specific to each person. He told me these herbs would help my nerves & hormones. They’re also full of amino acids. Also, these were $30 for two months, so it’s not like he was trying to rip me off. Reasonable right? Supposedly, they’ll take effect in about a week.

Lastly, he told me to buy this powder & put one scoop in my daily oatmeal or smoothie. I didn’t buy this through him, I bought it on Amazon. So again, no cons. This product is full of rice/pea protein, amino acids, nutrients, & contains highly bioavailable grape seed phytosome for added antioxidant/vascular support.

This was MY experience. Maybe yours would be different. Maybe you’ve gone to an herb doctor & you thought it was BS.

I don’t know.

BUT me? I loved it. I will go back 100%.

If you’re in San Diego & want his info, here ya go ( the visit was under $100 ). He has no idea I’m a blogger, so no, no one is paying me to say this.

What’s your opinion? Thoughts?

By the way, this post made me feel weirdly vulnerable…so I think it’s time for me to go to bed & watch DVR Celebrity Apprentice ( can he fire Brandi already? ) with mint tea & ice cream. Or maybe a cookie. A dark chocolate chip with almond cookie to be exact.

Chat soon, Lauryn xx

{ my AM/PM supplement holder found here || my anxiety story here }

The Skinny Confidential x the herb doctor.

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63 replies to “A Story.”

  1. I think it’s great that you visited an herb doctor and are introducing an alternative method of self care to an audience who might not otherwise be aware of such methods. I highly suggest you experience Reiki. I recently did and am so grateful; everyone should take the time to become in tune with themselves.

    1. OMG, I was just about to say about Reiki!! I finished my level 1 on Saturday. The changes have been absolutely amazing. I love every minute of learning it and never thought it would affect my everyday life as much as it has. Love and Light.

  2. Hey Lauryn! I’m so glad you shared this, it’s so wonderful! You definitely do not have to be scared to share anything like this and that one of the many reasons I love your blog!! So crazy I actually found out about the same Healing Center in SD a few weeks ago and haven’t had the chance to go. I’m so glad you had such an amazing experience because I’m booking an appointment for my fiancé and I to go!! Fantastic post as usual!

  3. I’ve never been to a Tibetan herb healer, but that does sound really interesting. I have anxiety too and depression. I have tried everything under the sun from pharmaceuticals, various doctors, acupuncture, exercise, stuff from the health food store. The thing that worked the best was going to a holistic doctor that tested my hormone levels, for every allergies under the sun and a few other things. She told me my hormones were slightly off, my thyroid was slightly off, I’m lacking certain vitamins, and I had Candida and i had some food allergies that i had no idea about.Of the many doctors I have been to over the years not one said any of these things. I need to eat a more natural diet and cut out all of my food allergies, integrate natural herbs and supplements that she gave me even something called a “chill pill” that isamazing for anxiety and all natural. Since doing all those things I am better than ever. Still not perfect but I’m a work in progress. Maybe these are things you should look into too. : )I love your blog by the way.

  4. Thanks for sharing Lauryn! I most definitely have closeted anxiety problems so hearing your story helps me reflect on mine. Best of luck with the new -herb doctor approved- regimen!!

  5. So glad you talked about this I was waiting to hear your results! I go to accouncturist for my hormones and it has helped me out majorly energetically and made me so much happier I also go to a Reki master who helps me with my energy levels and that is a crying session basically but what a cool experience thank you for sharing xo C

  6. Hey Lauryn, I’ve been ‘stalking’ your instagram account for a while now and this is my first time checking out your blog right after I saw the amazing pic you posted. I’m so glad that this is the first ever post of yours I’ve ever read. I feel like I’m a friend of yours… thank you so much for sharing such personal aspects of your life. To be honest, I was going to burst into tears when I read the line “you have very, very bad anxiety. It’s affecting you emotionally, very deep inside.”… I literally used all my strength from inside to stop myself from weeping in front of all the people. Oh my god, where did this come from? I don’t know! I could relate every emotion you described… It’s out of nowhere, and I felt like finally I could take all the arms down…
    Also, I just want to reaffirm: you’re such a gorgeous lady! From the inside out! I’ll be your loyal reader from now on and I’m so glad for you that you ran into Mr. Healer! I hope that your anxiety gets better and I should go and work for mine now too… Thanks Lauryn, love you <3 xx

  7. Oh, that is so awesome! I am a huge fan of herbs and natural healing, and just learning about healing in general… it’s really amazing what natural methods are all around us! A big thing I need to work on are my stress levels.

  8. I’m so glad to hear you’ve had a great experience! I’ve been wanting to find and see an herbalist for some of my own healing issues. You’ve inspired me to do that! Western medicine is so useful and important. But I truly believe that there are wonderful healers (using homeopathy, ancient Asian methods, etc) out there who don’t have an MD and can assist us to reach our greatest level of health. And finding the right healer for you–no matter what their degree and experience is–is really important too, and it sounds like you did that. Have a great Thursday!

  9. Wow! Amazing post! I deal with a lot of anxiety myself and have always relied on medication but this has really got me thinking I should learn more about the natural path! Anxiety is rough—more people have it than you know! The worst! Hope it works out well for you! Would love if you did a follow up post in a month or so
    xx
    Lexie

  10. Hi Lauryn! I really enjoy spending time reading your blog/book/insta/watching your you tube vids. It’s really brave of your to be real about anxiety… I have some of the same inward struggles, which on the outside many people wouldn’t know. I appear to be a blonde, fit, happy, positive individual.. which I am! But I also struggle with that “perfectionism” aspect of my life IE: If my house/closet/appearance is a mess.. I start in on full-blown panic and I often feel a lot of pressure to keep up on my own lifestyle branding. Anyways – just letting you know I’m happy you shared – and your fans definitely support/pray for/are encouraged by you.

  11. This post is amazing and I need to find something like this near me ASAP… I’m so in love with this post and that you shared something so so personal because I can relate and that’s one of my favorite parts about your blog. Its relatable. And sometimes life isn’t completely peachy and even on the tough side of things people can relate. Aghhhh love it Lauryn!

    xo Meg

  12. Hi! I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I like it a lot– it’s a cute, pretty place to come for all kinds of reasons.
    As far as the anxiety the healer picked up on, I don’t know you at all but from reading your blog it seemed to me that you might struggle with anxiety. Oftentimes in my life others have commented on something about me that was a revelation (it’s hard to see ourselves when we’re emotionally involved in a situation, relationship, etc). That third-party perspective can be really helpful. I’m happy for you that someone was able to see the pain that you needed to release.

  13. Such a cool story, Lauryn! Thanks so much for sharing. Please let us know how his remedies work for you! It was really brave of you to venture out and go to him, and even more courageous to share your story! 🙂

  14. Lauryn,

    I can not thank you enough for writing this post. I will be turning 30 this April and I have been coping with anxiety since before I knew what it was called. I am used to being “brushed off” my “favorite” comment from people who I’m supposed to be close with ( I’m talking FAMILY here) is, “it’s normal; everyone gets anxious/anxiety.” I want to scream and ask if they’d like to live in my head for one day. Unfortunately and fortunately, my anxiety issues are part of the reason I “found” you; to explain: I have been to so many doctors, and on/off SO many medications, that didn’t work for various reasons unknown to my mind and body, I would stay on certain medications and “out of nowhere” I had gained 10, 20, 30 pounds. It is hell. I am only 5’1″ so ANY weight gain is noticeable, which leads me to become more depressed and anxious. I don’t need or want to weigh 90 pounds, but I want to be healthy. The worst thing for me in the last couple of years is that I got engaged in April 2012 (not a bad thing, Obvs), and I wanted a September wedding; I said (to myself) there’s no way in HELL I am planning a wedding in 5 months, so we got married the following September 9/28/13. I did not need/want the stress of planning a wedding in 5 months, but the truth was I wanted to lose weight/ get in shape/get healthy. I thankfully worked REALLY hard and accomplished my goal; but after our honeymoon (Aruba 10 days = AMAZING) I again said to myself, “now I can eat what I want, ill just watch my weight, and everything will be great.” I was so happy, I know its “not about the # on the scale” but I got down to 114 pounds for our wedding, a number I had not seen since high school. Once we were legally married, I now had health insurance (my job/career does not provide insurance) so I decided it was time to finally see a therapist, psychiatrist, whatever I could do to feel better and not anxious. I decided it wouldn’t hurt to once again try different medications to see if I could FINALLY find the “right” combo. All I found was the scale going up, along with my anxiety and depression. I am sorry this comment is so long, but my point is I have now been trying to once again, lose weight, get healthy, get in shape… that’s when I found your book, while browsing in Barnes & Noble. I loved/love your book, and now your blog. Now, after this post about your anxiety, I love you even more. You’re not just gorgeous inside and out, but you’re a real human who I can relate to now even more. I started crying the second I saw you write the word ‘anxiety’ and there are tears in my eyes now. I am not trying to be dramatic, I just want to say THANK YOU THANK THANK YOU for finding the courage to discuss something so personal with “us”

    PS- I live on the East Coast (NJ) so I hope I can find someone amazing like you did!

    Lots of Love,

    Grace

  15. Thanks so much for posting this. I’m def one to hold everything in and whenever I’ve tried to talk about anxiety people look at me like I’m crazy and anxiety isn’t real. And it’s so damn frustrating! I’m always looking for natural ways to cure it. That’s great to know about this guy! I live in OC so it’s not too far of a drive for me! Maybe I’ll check him out or see if they recommend anyone in my area!

  16. Thank you SO much for sharing this! I suffer with crippling anxieties too – although I express them more in panic moments (much to the detriment of my bf lol). I actually pursue a lot of zen buddhism and holistic to help with the stress and it does wonders for me! Also, majorly pumped to hear him promoting organic unsalted butter and grass fed meat for hormone regulation and energy levels. I have a tablespoon of grass fed butter blended into my coffee every morning and it does WONDERS for me throughout the day!

  17. First off, I am so proud of you to share this very personal experience with all of us, that is not easy. People who do not suffer from anxiety will NEVER know what it is like to have it. They will never know that it takes over you. I too suffer from anxiety. I have like BAD anxiety. It consumes my every thought and I can never sleep and sometimes I feel like I cannot breathe. Unlike you though, people know that I do because I constantly have a panicked look on my face. I work as a teacher part-time during the week and then I wait tables on the weekend. I am always stressing about something and I have finally said to myself “Stefana! YOU have to do something about this!” My goal is to find inner peace and realize that I have to let go things that are not in my control. Through regular yoga practice, meditation and stretching in the morning, I have become more aware of my body. I also have begun “Bodywork” sessions with my yoga teacher which is a mix of talking and massage to relieve anxiety and tension from the body. I am a work in progress, but I will one day find that inner peace and no longer carry so much anxiety. I know you are planning a wedding and that is one of the most stressful things you will ever go through, just remember at the end of the day you are marrying Michael. SO if anything else goes wrong, who cares!!? Sorry I am rambling, but this post hit a soft spot. I think so highly of you and love all of your amazing posts. So for you to share this makes me so happy! THANK YOU!!!

  18. Oh my gosh, Lauryn. Pretty cool experience. I’m glad you shared it with us. And I’ve always wanted to seek a little treatment outside of Western Medicine. Sounds like it’s good stuff. Keep us updated on how you feel while following his guidance. 🙂

  19. Wow I found this post so enlightening! It never even crossed my mind to look at your diet more to help affect changes in something like anxiety xx

  20. Love the Tibetan healing center! They have AMAZING kundalini yoga classes every monday night that I highly recommend!

  21. Thank you for writing this post Lauren and opening up to your readers. I’ve been an avid follower of yours for close to 3 years now and honestly it seems like you have it all together all the time. You’re beautiful, intelligent and are a great writer. This post made you become more human in my eyes and I appreciate you and your writing even more now for it, so thank you for your vulnerability. I think you have touched and connected more deeply with many of your blog readers today.

    Looking forward to your update on the herbs.

    xo
    Caitlin

  22. I use 1/2 tbsp Kerrrygold unsalted butter and 1 tbsp coconut oil blended I to my coffee every morning and have really enjoyed the energy, focus and calm that I seem to get from it. Embracing all of you is empowering, Lauren. You are an amazing young lady. Run with your beauty, all of it. Love yah, Karen

  23. thank you for sharing lauryn! putting yourself out there in an honest and real way is so scary! but so worth it. i think i’m tempted to find such a person in orlando to try for myself. getting in tune with what i need that i may be lacking is so right up my alley. continue to share your journey if you learn more things! xo

    cheshirekatblog.com

  24. Lauryn – thanks so much for sharing your store. I think a lot of us do struggle with anxiety (me included) and it is so misunderstood and not publically talked about. The kind of anxiety that a good, long run won’t fix. It seems like it really is a factor (at least in part) of our western culture and the pressure to succeed, to have it all, constant multi-taskings, etc. Glad to hear your visit was helpful. xoxo

  25. Girl, I LOVE that he recommended butter. I drink it in my coffee every morning and can totally attest to it improving my cognitive function.

    Plus, it tastes great!

    Have fun with your new found fat freedom, and good luck with your anxiety! 🙂

  26. I have no idea if this has anything to do with what you are going through or if your anxiety is that type of “cant get out of your own head” anxiety. But if it is, then I highly recommend you listen to this podcast. I literally just emailed the link to my mom who has constant anxiety and cant get out of her head. http://www.npr.org/programs/invisibilia/375927143/the-secret-history-of-thoughts?showDate=2015-01-09
    I think you might find it helpful for releasing some of that thought and anxiety! Good luck and love the blog!

  27. This is wonderful to hear. So many people are afraid to ask for help and even talking to someone about our worries and stresses helps. How can we center our mind and bodies when we’re not open to the help and suggestions of others! Especially professionals 🙂 so motivating for women who are afraid to address their own personal weaknesses head on.

  28. That’s amazing!! I’ve never been to an herbalist but I did start seeing a holistic doctor. I’d been to countless MD’s and was told I had a myriad of things and I would have needed a bigger handbag for all the drugs I was prescribed. In one visit, the holistic dr got a chronic problem to vanish. Glad you had a great experience!! xo

  29. I’m really interested in this type of healing. How can I find a quality herb doctor in my area? What are some things to look for a check out? I’m in the Knoxville area if anyone has any recommendations.

  30. Love this post so much and that you shared it. You are so brilliant, strong, beautiful inside and out and there is so much power in talking about things and releasing them. You’re gonna shred that anxiety to bits! xoxoxoxo

  31. Hi Lauryn,
    I’ve really enjoyed reading this post. Thanks for being so honest and sharing this with us. I love your blog!
    xoxo Anja

  32. This is definitely one of my favorite posts you’ve ever written. It felt so raw and real and I could totally relate. People who don’t have anxiety, just do not get it. I know it can be hard to be so open and vulnerable but I thank you for sharing this story 🙂 I would definitely go see an Herb doctor, but I’m not even sure if we have any here in little ol’ Maine.

  33. Last year, I struggled with a really bad GI disorder. Nothing was fixing it! I went to an herbalist, and within (2) weeks I was feeling so much better. I didn’t take pills. She fixed me up some tea that I had to drink every day for 14 days. I think alternative medicine is wonderful!

  34. Hi Lauren,

    Thanks for posting about this. You inspired me to look up a tibetan healing doctor in my city and I found one! He is only in calgary once a month for a couple days and I booked an appointment literally the next day after reading this post.
    It was an amazing experience! He checked my pulse too and right away knew what was wrong. “Does your lower back hurt?” Yes…. “Do your legs and feet cramp?” Yes…
    “You’re kidneys are weak. It’s hard for your body to heat itself hence the painful periods and acne blemishes” He also said I eat wayyyy to much sugar which contributes to my blemishes. So amazing he could read all this from a pulse! Simply amazing. He said I’ll feel like a new person in a couple months. Can’t wait:)

  35. I’m actually incredibly jealous not weirded out! Haha, I’ve been dying to try this type of Dr. as I’m just not so into western medicine and truly believe it can work and I also suffer from fatigue and crippling anxiety/low-self worth and self-esteem. I’m so happy for you and can’t thank you enough for sharing. And of course your anxiety is real and ok! You are a human and it isn’t a flaw or weakness, it’s just a facet of your humanness haha. I hope to get updates! I’ll have to search for a legitimate Dr. near me. <3

  36. Thanks for sharing this. I called for an appointment but found out is 180 for a 30 minute session plus the cost of herbs. I still want to go if you think it is worth it. I have some thyroid troubles and it effects my mood and skin. Do you think I could get away trying out your recommendations?

  37. What a great story! I’d love to find a local doctor like this. I have psoriatic arthritis and I’m always looking for natural treatments.

  38. I’ve always wanted to go to a herb doctor, and it’s so amazing that you had such a connection with him. I’ve heard of witch doctors/shamans who could just smell disease on someone. This has always fascinated the hell out of me. So thankful for you sharing such a personal experience.

  39. Kudos to you Lauryn for the courage to share a deeply personal experience! I hope you continue to feel positive results from the experience. I’m def an advocate for alternative medicine practice

  40. I suffered through anxiety in College and it was terrible! I became a complete recluse, had to take medication to manage my emotional outbreaks and was just pushing people away and couldn’t focus on my own success or school work. It was terrible. BUT what I came here to tell you is that it 100% gets better! I didn’t want to take the brain chemical altering medicine anymore so I started looking into eating better and exercising and in a couple of months I was back to almost normal. Then even more time has flown by and I have completely recovered. Sometimes I feel myself slipping into that dark place that is anxiety and depression, but I go for a run and relax in a bubble bath and the world gets better!

    If I can get through it, a babe like yourself will have no problem managing it! (Also if you’re on any sort of hormonal Birth Control that could be leading to your anxiety. Ever since I stopped taking BC I haven’t had one depressive thought! I think there is something to over taking those fake estrogen-laden pills and how it affects our psychiatric health.)

    Thanks for sharing something like this! It takes a lot of courage, and I KNOW you will get through this! Sending positive vibes and energy your way!

    Cynthia

  41. Thank you SO much for sharing this experience. I have anxiety too and while mine is also very inward, it’s such a nuisance in my life, and sometimes I think about the fact that it’s become a totally normal, expected part of my life – and I hate that. I’m in the process of figuring out what helps me deal with my anxiety, but it’s so helpful to hear about your experience. Thank you again for making the decision to share it!

  42. I’m almost at a loss for words (great post seems super lame). Your honesty regarding your original “superficial” goals and vulnerability to bring up the issue of your anxiety are commendable. It is so refreshing when you happen upon a woman who doesn’t paint the picture perfect life on the outside, making it an almost impossible goal for other young girls to achieve. You are setting a real, positive example of what it means to be a woman. Love you even more 🙂

  43. I have so many friends with anxiety! But I guess it’s partly a teenAge girl hormone thing! But even my twin brother has mild social anxiety and my best friend has panic attacks and see’s a therapist because of it! I feel like anxiety is something I know everything about it even thought I don’t suffer from it!

  44. I think your most honest posts are your best posts. I admire you for sharing such a vulnerable moment. I know it must have been hard, but reading through this comment section, you have touched so many people with your experience. Another reason why you are so awesome.

    Stephanie
    http://ishowedupinboots.com

  45. What sort of appointment did you book? I actually do live near this doctor. The website lists “Tibetan medicine” as the service (along with reiki, etc.) but is it just a general office visit? Thank you so much!

  46. Really appreciate you’re vulnerability! It just makes you human and we can relate to you so much <3 keep up the good work, sending you lots of love from Germany

  47. Loved that you shared this story and were open about your experience, I’m very into herbs and it’s healing medicinal benefits as well as spiritual. When someone that is exploring other natural ways of living there skin and comes to a new experience where they have a personal ah-ha moment is beautiful. .. I most definitely will go for a visit soon ..