We recently connected with DL Blanding affectionately known as Dr. Liz and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Liz, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

“Hello, I’m DL Blanding, but many know me as Dr. Liz. At 57, my life’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. As a divorced mother of three and grandmother to nine, I’ve always juggled multiple roles. My career in the real estate industry took an unexpected turn when I was involved in a devastating car accident. The impact was so severe that my car was thrown into a tree, leaving me with multiple, life-changing injuries. This traumatic experience, however, became a pivotal point in my life. Turning away from traditional medicine, I embraced naturopathic and holistic practices. This not only led to my healing but also inspired me to found a naturopathic academy to help others. Along the way, I’ve also become a best-selling author and creator of holistic products. In the midst of my healing, I learned to listen deeply to my body. Each pain and discomfort told a story, guiding me towards healing and teaching me the language of my own well-being. Patience and persistence became my allies. Healing, I realized, is a gradual process filled with small achievements and occasional setbacks. It taught me the importance of celebrating every step forward and maintaining hope.
I also learned the value of community. The support and love from my family, friends, and even strangers were invaluable. They reminded me that healing is a collective journey, not a solitary one. This realization became a fundamental principle in my academy, where we foster a supportive and nurturing environment.
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of my journey was discovering my inner strength. In moments of weakness, I found a resilience I never knew I had. This newfound strength didn’t just fuel my healing; it propelled me into new ventures as an author and entrepreneur.
My story is more than a tale of healing; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s about turning adversity into opportunity, pain into power, and challenges into channels for growth and helping others. I am DL Blanding, Dr. Liz, and this is my story of transformation and hope.”

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After my accident, I faced a daunting healing process. The traditional medical approach suggested the use of medications, surgeries, and treatments that were invasive and, frankly, terrifying to me. This fear was the spark that ignited my search for alternative methods. I was convinced there had to be a better way to heal without resorting to potentially harmful treatments. My exploration led me to the world of naturopathic medicine, where I found solace and efficacy in natural remedies and holistic practices. This journey wasn’t just about finding alternatives; it was about rediscovering the ancient wisdom that respects and harnesses the body’s natural healing capabilities.”

I am the Founder of Oasis Wellness Centers. We offer a range of services and products aligned with holistic health principles. Our academy is a cornerstone of our offerings, where we educate on the historical uses of herbs, their properties, and their impact on the body, drawing inspiration from Hippocrates’ philosophy of ‘Let thy food be thy medicine.’ This approach is also biblically supported, acknowledging the natural healing power of herbs. Additionally, I developed a product, the ‘Soothing Salve,’ which is a blend of over 30 natural herbs designed to aid in circulation, alleviate pain, and reduce swelling, among other benefits. My aim has always been to provide holistic solutions that address both physical and psychological aspects of health.

“I am known as the ‘Breakthrough Specialist’ and ‘Soother. These titles reflect my commitment to guiding individuals through their transformative journeys. My certifications in Naturopathic Medicine, Trauma Healing, and Addiction/Abuse Healing enable me to offer comprehensive support. I view coaching others into transformation and purpose as my ministry. We solve the problem for those seeking active participation in their holistic health education and healing journey. My team and I work collaboratively to provide accessible naturopathic options. What sets us apart is not just our expertise, but our personal experiences in healing, our heartfelt desire to assist others, and our ability to create a community centered around holistic wellness.”

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

“In my journey as a holistic health practitioner, I’ve found that success extends far beyond just training and knowledge. Empathy and compassion are at the core of my center and academy, allowing me to connect deeply with my client’s member’s and student’s needs. My passion for holistic health drives me to continuously learn and improve. Effective communication is key – it’s not just about talking, but more importantly, listening to understand each unique situation. Understanding the business aspect is also crucial, as it helps in managing my business efficiently. Networking and community building have opened doors to invaluable collaborations and support. I believe in being adaptable and open-minded, as our field is ever-evolving with new insights and approaches. Practicing self-care is vital; it not only sustains me but also sets an example for my clients, members and students. Grounding my center and academy in research and evidence-based approaches has enhanced its credibility. Acknowledging and respecting cultural differences is important in the diverse world of holistic health. And, above all, maintaining ethics and integrity in my work is non-negotiable. These qualities, woven together, form the tapestry of a successful holistic health center and academy.”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

“In the span of my life, I’ve navigated through storms that could have easily broken my spirit. The car accident was a pivotal moment, coming at a time when I was already grappling with the challenges of being a divorced mother, raising my minor children single-handedly. The crash not only left me with physical injuries but also an overwhelming sense of vulnerability and fear. Yet, it was in this crucible of pain and uncertainty that I found an unyielding resilience within me.

Simultaneously, life dealt another blow – the loss of ten close family members, one after another. Each of them battled various medical conditions, ranging from high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart issues to lupus, obesity, and mental health disorders like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Witnessing their struggles and eventual loss while they were under traditional medical care was heart-wrenching. It was a period marked by profound grief and helplessness.

However, these experiences became a catalyst for my transformation. I began questioning the traditional medical approaches that seemed to fail my loved ones. My own healing process, initially dependent on the same system, felt lacking and misaligned with my body’s needs. This realization was the turning point. I started exploring alternative healing methods, delving into the world of naturopathy and holistic wellness. It was a journey of not just healing my physical wounds, but also of rediscovering my strength and purpose.

Embracing holistic practices wasn’t easy amidst the skepticism and the entrenched beliefs in conventional medicine. Yet, with each step, I felt more empowered and in tune with my body. I learned to trust nature’s healing power, something that the traditional treatments for my family members lacked. My journey wasn’t just about healing from my injuries; it was about breaking free from a cycle of dependency on medical systems that didn’t resonate with my beliefs.

Today, as I reflect on those challenging times, I see them not as periods of despair, but as chapters of immense growth and learning. They taught me the value of resilience, the importance of questioning the status quo, and the power of alternative paths in healing. My experiences have shaped me into the coach, best-selling author, educator , mother, grandmother, and empowered business woman-leader I am today – one who believes in the holistic approach to health, honoring the wisdom of nature, and the incredible strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oasiswellnessctrs.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlizblanding/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dl-blanding-470333253/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@oasiswellnessoflife
• Other: https://linktr.ee/drlizblanding https://calendly.com/oasiswellnesscentersandacademy
• My facebook group link Total Mind-Body Realignment Post Trauma is : https://www.facebook.com/groups/294209256494060

Image Credits
Tatyana A. Duskin Jaydin A. Blanding Whitney L. Washington Travis Washington Robbie S. Mathews Denise Phillips Coach Michael Bart Mathews