We had the good fortune of connecting with Suvini Jayasekera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Suvini, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I hold a different perspective regarding the role of traditional medicine in today’s rapidly evolving world of modern healthcare.

In reality, the harmonious integration of both traditional and modern medicine stands as the most effective means of delivering high-quality care to patients, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life. Traditional medicine serves as the cornerstone upon which many modern techniques are built, and its historical brilliance should be celebrated. Consider, for instance, practices like acupuncture, which have persevered for over two millennia, demonstrating their effectiveness over time.

Critics often argue that the emergence of new diseases and infections necessitates a shift away from traditional practices. However, those of us who practice traditional medicine understand that the symptoms we encounter are not novel; they have existed for thousands of years, with the only novelty lying in the terminology used to describe them.

Skeptics advocate for “evidence-based” medical care, yet they tend to overlook the limitations of clinical trials. These trials often produce standardized treatment approaches, assuming that individuals with similar symptoms can be treated identically based on predefined criteria. However, every person deserves personalized healthcare, given the differences in their medical history, dietary habits, and lifestyle.

It is important to recognize that modern medicine does not possess all-encompassing solutions for every ailment. Therefore, a thoughtful integration of both modern and traditional medicine is crucial for improving the overall quality of life for patients. For instance, in the context of cancer treatment, conventional methods can significantly reduce patients’ quality of life due to side effects like nausea and fatigue. By incorporating weekly acupuncture sessions into the treatment plan, we can alleviate these side effects, leading to a substantial improvement in the patient’s well-being. This underscores the importance of adopting an integrative approach to healthcare that combines the strengths of both traditional and modern medical practices.

What should our readers know about your business?
Shakthi Vaidya emerged the moment I discovered that the current medical system has limited resources to support people with individualized medicine. Today, medical care is one size fits all. People are subjected to treatments with severe side effects that decrease their quality of life.
At Shakthi Vaidya, I specialize in Traditional Chinese Medicine, personalized to each person. I investigate and diagnose the root-cause diagnosis of ailments. I also prioritize disease prevention through assessing family history and early life coupled with evaluating diet, and lifestyle along with the current allopathic diagnosis of the illness.

Patients walk away empowered to take charge of their health and wellness. They become in tune with the unrealized power within their own bodies to heal. They’ll discover the importance of balanced nutrition, which, in turn, will improve their quality of life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d kickstart the day with a hearty, nutritious breakfast and embark on a hike through Solstice Canyon in Malibu. Following our outdoor adventure, we’d indulge in a delightful beachside outing. As evening approached, we’d make our way to Ardor for dinner, a restaurant that ranks among my personal favorites. The cuisine there is exceptional, and the flavors truly showcase the premium quality of the ingredients.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Where would I be without my incredible mother? She has been my unwavering advocate from the very start. I was born with a congenital heart disease, and it was her relentless determination that led to the doctors diagnosing me with Atrial Septal Defect. When the time came for my surgery, my mother sought out one of India’s top pediatric cardiologists and tirelessly raised the necessary funds for our journey from Sri Lanka.

But her determination didn’t stop there. After 8 long years of trying, it was my mother and father’s persistence that finally led us to win the green card lottery, opening the door to the land of opportunity, America.

In 2004, tragedy struck when my father passed away while we were living in America. I was just 12 years old, and my brother was 15. Despite the well-meaning advice of others, my mother chose to remain in America instead of returning to Sri Lanka. As a single parent, she made countless sacrifices to ensure that my brother and I could have the best possible life.

Through it all, my mother has been my unwavering support, my rock. She is the reason I have been able to achieve so much, and I am eternally grateful for her love and determination.

Website: https://www.shakthivaidya.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakthi_vaidya/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shakthi_vaidya

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shakthi_vaidya

Image Credits
Lakitha (Jay) Jayasekera and Justin Paduganan

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.