We recently connected with Melanie Yukov and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
People have told me I’m brave. I never used to see myself that way, but over time, I’ve grown more open to the idea. Perhaps, they’re right.
About 11 years ago, I was living in New York City, working as a Speech Pathologist for the city’s Board of Education. I had developed a lot of unhealthy habits—constantly pushing myself too hard, always busy and on the go, yet struggling with just “being.” I didn’t know how to handle emotions or navigate life’s challenges. I didn’t know how to deal with a difficult boss, or how to let life unfold without resistance. In short, I was a mess—disconnected from myself, my body, the world around me—and my health was suffering because of it.
Three years earlier, I had come across a flyer for the Israel Herb School, offering a 5-month herbal apprenticeship. I wasn’t sure why it caught my attention, but I felt a deep, unexplainable pull. I just knew I had to do it. So, when the time came, I made the decision to leave behind my secure job, pension, health insurance, and everything I had been taught to value as stable and important—just to explore plants. I didn’t fully understand why, but I trusted the feeling. So, I took the leap.
When I arrived, I was completely taken aback by how rustic the place was. Three other girls from around the world and I were housed in what used to be a chicken coop, now converted into a dorm. No chickens—just us. It was basic living, with a compost toilet and an outdoor shower. The other girls embraced it easily, adapting to the earthy, off-the-grid lifestyle. I, on the other hand, was terrified. This wasn’t anything like the life I was used to. We didn’t even have internet.
But during that time, I learned so much—about plants, about Breema bodywork, about making herbal products, and, most importantly, about community and connection. The others left before the program was over, each for their own reasons. But I stayed. Alone. In that little coop. Something inside me knew I wasn’t ready to leave.
Some might call it a risk. But I call it a brave, life-changing decision—one that shaped me in ways I never imagined.
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?
In 2007, I was diagnosed with IBS, and so began my journey of restrictive dieting, endless supplements, and bouncing between doctors, nutritionists, and healers of all kinds in search of relief. But my health issues had started long before that. As a child, I constantly battled rashes and immune issues. By high school, I developed insomnia, which worsened in college to the point of near-sleeplessness, even leading to hallucinations. Along the way, I faced hormonal imbalances and worsening digestive problems.
Today, my sleep has improved significantly, and my overall health continues to get better. But this journey taught me something invaluable—it shaped my core beliefs about healing.
I discovered that while eliminating certain foods reduced my symptoms, my digestive issues still persisted. I began to wonder if there was something deeper at play—something spiritual or karmic—that was preventing me from truly letting go of my illness. What was really going on? Over time, I came to understand that my perfectionism, relentless drive, workaholic tendencies, self-criticism, constant anxiety, and negative thought patterns were the real root causes. These led to feelings of guilt and shame, which were manifesting physically in my body.
The journey to shift my mindset, to rebuild my relationship with myself and with food, is ongoing—but it has brought me closer to true healing and inner peace.
For the past 16 years, I have immersed myself in learning about various healing modalities rooted in mind-body medicine. Inspired by my own healing, I earned multiple certifications in herbalism and traveled around the world to study medicinal plants. One of my most meaningful experiences was completing a Flower Essence Practitioner Training in Costa Rica, where I learned how to use flowers for emotional healing.
I also completed a health coaching program with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, along with courses in Ayurveda, Vagus nerve activation, and energy work. Throughout my journey, I’ve become passionate about connecting people to these practices, helping them tap into their roots and live in harmony with nature.
This brings me to why I created Root 2 Rise Wellness LLC.
Root 2 Rise Wellness was born out of two fundamental goals. First, I wanted to reconnect people of all ages to their roots, to nature, and to healthy practices through conscious community. I do this by offering various herbalism classes, plant walks, and intergenerational teaching. My Herbalicious Explorations programs, in particular, draw families who want to learn about plants and natural healing methods. While most of these classes are local to the Triangle, North Carolina area, I also offer virtual sessions. Some of the topics I’ve covered include emotional eating, the basics of Ayurveda, Vagus nerve activation, natural remedies for acid reflux, and my six pillars of gut health. My passion lies in education—sharing everything I can to help people feel grounded, connected, and on a healing path.
The second goal of Root 2 Rise Wellness is to empower people with digestive issues to create balance and harmony in their bodies. I teach them how to tap into their body’s natural wisdom and ability to heal, so they can live fearless, confident, and joyful lives. I do this through my signature Gut Revive program.
While I believe the gut is the root of many illnesses, I’ve also learned that the nervous system plays an equally, if not more, important role. In Gut Revive, I use a combination of tools tailored to each individual’s needs, helping them connect the dots to better understand their body. My approach includes everything from herbal remedies, supplements, nutrition, Vagus nerve activation, emotional work, and blood work interpretation to Ayurveda and energy healing. These tools empower clients to become their own healers, which is my ultimate goal. I provide the missing pieces to help them finally achieve the healing they need. The program is customized to their specific journey, with accountability support and, most importantly, I make sure it’s fun!
I know what it’s like to work with practitioners who just don’t “get it”—I’ve been through that frustration myself. But I get it. I understand that, for many people, the root cause is emotional. Like me, perhaps you’re living out of alignment. Emotions carry energy, and when that energy gets blocked, it can manifest as disease, pain, headaches, and more. If you learn to change your thoughts, your habits, and your behaviors—then you can change your reality.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for me for growing my clientele has been building connections with local doctors and other health professionals as referral partners. I strongly believe in the power of one-on-one meetings and actively engaging with the local community, although I haven’t spoken about it much yet.
Additionally, I reach out to dentists to refer Speech Pathology clients who need orofacial myology support. This specialty is closely connected to the Vagus nerve. Issues such as snoring, teeth grinding, TMJ, headaches, shoulder tension, and even fatigue can often be traced back to how the muscles in the face are functioning and resting within the mouth. Orofacial myology, a focus within speech pathology, addresses these concerns.
Just when I thought I was ready to leave my career, I found a way to bridge the gap between my passions and profession, creating a unique path forward.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
It was frustrating to me to know so much, and yet struggle to attract clients even when they seemed like the perfect fit. What I have learned from business coaching, books, and marketing savvy friends is it doesn’t matter what you know. It really is about making others understand that they need you (of course with the right clients). As a health professional, I don’t like “selling” but the reality of it is that if people don’t realize what you can do for them but you appealing to their pain points and how you will solve them, then what you know doesn’t matter. I had to change my way of thinking, explain, relate, and get at the heart of it. I am not perfect but I am better and still learning. Also I have learned to accept that not everyone is the right fit and that it is best to let that person know, rather than take them on. If it isn’t an enjoyable partnership, then there is no point!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://root2risewellness.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/root.2.rise.wellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/root2risewellnessllc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieyukov
- Youtube: @root2risewellness
- Other: Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/root.2.rise.wellness?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=content
