Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kumiko Yamamoto . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kumiko, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I have taken in my life changed my life. I experienced how darkness in life can turn into light in life. Looking back, it is interesting to see that the opportunity to take that risk presented itself during the most difficult time in my life. I took that risk and went for it by following my heart and taking solid steps even though I did not have a grand plan at that time. That was, indeed, a life changing moment in my life. I am who I am and where I am because of that journey I took. Life unfolded and expanded for me beyond my expectation and imagination.

I left Japan to go to New Zealand by myself at age 16. I barely spoke or understood English then. I was falling apart in Japan at that time. I had dealt with health issues in my early teen years, which lead to emotional and mental breakdown, which then lead to inability to function and go to school. I was in a dark, painful place in my life to the point that I lost the desire to live. I fell out of the social structure, which meant that I was already an outcast in Japanese society where everyone followed an expected path. When an opportunity to leave Japan presented itself, I took it and left Japan and my family. After many months of struggles and tears, I found myself again in New Zealand and graduated from a high school in New Zealand. This was a crazy ride, but darkness did turn into light in my life. I am forever grateful for that pivotal time in my life. I am also thankful that I was given the opportunity for a change because I know that not everyone can have such an opportunity. I will never forget or take this gift for granted. Now, I work to give back in my practice to assist my patients in their healing journey. From my personal experience, I have appreciation, compassion and understanding for how hard life can be when we are out of balance physically, emotionally and mentally. At the same time I have faith in change and healing. Things can change for the better and darkness can change into light. Our mind, body and spirit can heal and transform. What seems like a negative or bad experience can indeed be a seed for a positive energy in life.

“Taking a risk” can sound grandiose and scary. What this means to me is to be present and receptive to opportunities for change in life when they present themselves whether small or big. If we can keep the connection to our heart in those moments and take actions, our life can unfold in an incredible way beyond our imagination.

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?

I am a co-owner of an integrative healing clinic in West Los Angeles, called “Art of Chinese Healing.” We offer a holistic and integrative approach to health and healing for our patients. We offer multi-disciplinary services such as Chinese medicine which includes acupuncture, cupping, Guasha, Moxa, herbal therapy, nutritional and life style coaching. Western medicine pain management, therapeutic massage, and facials are also special services we offer. One of the unique features of our clinic is that all the talented professionals work as a team to care for patients. This means that our patients get support for their care from a team instead of a single practitioner. We believe that several brains are better than one, and each health care professional strives to bring their best skills and expertise for our patients. Another unique offering of our clinic that we have specialty clinics providing specialized and comprehensive programs such as Women’s health and Fertility, and Skin Health and Beauty. I have a Chinese Medicine doctorate degree in Reproductive Medicine and Women’s Health, so our work for fertility preparation and support, pregnancy support, post partum support, as well as any other women’s health related care is comprehensive and based on our expertise. TCM Dermatology and Skin Beauty program we offer is also very unique and based on many years of experience and expertise in this field, led by our doctor, Dr. Yueying Li. We have our own line of natural medicinal products called “Ying Herbal” that we have created and have been tested effective in many years of our practice. We are preparing for the renewed launch of Ying Herbal this year. We are excited that our products are getting a makeover and getting a new look! We also believe in giving back and supporting our community. We work with our community and universities such as Yo San University to support their students and in their education program by providing internship opportunities, and also involving in teaching and supporting education. We always strive to evolve and provide the best care possible for our patients and for our community!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I have learned that working hard alone is not enough to lead a successful business. Hard work is paramount in achieving success in many areas of our lives; however, I have learned that in order to grow as a leader and a business owner, I had to learn and integrate skills such as having boundaries, being firm and clear in communication, having time and space to reflect and nurture my vision and dreams as well as having an organized plan to execute them. Interestingly, who I am inside will manifest into the organizational space. I have learned my lesson, it is a skill that keeps on evolving.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I have to say that it is the connections with people who have brought me success. Our business grew because right and great people have crossed paths with us at the right time to join forces together. I have realized that without good people, business cannot grow. We need a great team in order to grow, working harmoniously together. At the same time, I find that working with people with different strengths and weaknesses are the most challenging part of business. We all have strengths and areas of challenges. How to utilize everyone’s strengths and support in the areas of challenges and grow together is truly a dynamic and ever evolving process.

Contact Info:

• Website: ArtofChineseHealing.com
• Instagram: @Drkumiko & @ArtofChineseHealing & @YingHerbals
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kumiko-yamamoto-4557759
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artofchinesehealing4864