Meet Arreanna Marko | Chiropractor

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

Hi Arreanna, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Three years ago, my life was consumed by an endless cycle of studying and anxiety. As a student, every moment away from my textbooks felt like a betrayal of my academic goals. The simple act of meeting friends for coffee or taking a walk in nature would trigger waves of guilt and stress. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts of what I should be studying or reviewing instead of being present in these moments.

The irony was that this relentless approach to work wasn’t making me more productive – it was slowly draining me. The turning point came when I realized that my constant state of stress was actually hindering my ability to retain information and perform effectively. This revelation led me to experiment with deliberately stepping away from my work, despite the initial discomfort.
What I discovered transformed my approach to both work and life. The more I allowed myself genuine breaks and time to decompress, the more focused and efficient I became during my actual work hours. It was as if giving my mind space to breathe allowed it to work better when it needed to. I learned to trust that taking time away from work wasn’t a setback, but rather an investment in my productivity and well-being.

One practice that has become sacred in my daily routine is my electronics-free walk. This simple act of disconnecting from devices and connecting with the present moment has become my non-negotiable ritual for de-stressing. During these walks, my mind clears, solutions to problems often emerge naturally, and I return to my work with renewed energy and perspective.
The past three years have taught me that balance isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential for sustainable success. By embracing time away from work rather than feeling guilty about it, I’ve not only become more productive but also more present in all aspects of my life. The anxiety that once dominated my days has been replaced with a deeper trust in the rhythm of work and rest, studying and play, focus and relaxation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My path to becoming a chiropractor has been shaped by a unique combination of experiences and perspectives. What sets me apart is my deep-rooted connection to holistic healthcare, stemming from watching my mother’s natural approach to wellness, combined with my specialized training in various chiropractic techniques and radiography. This blend of traditional wisdom and technical expertise allows me to offer patients a comprehensive approach to their health.

My journey wasn’t always smooth. During chiropractic school, I initially struggled with perfectionism and burnout, trying to master every technique while maintaining top grades. The pressure was intense, and there were moments when I questioned if I could handle it all. However, these challenges taught me one of my most valuable lessons: the importance of balance. I learned that taking time for self-care – whether through daily walks, time in nature, or moments with loved ones – actually improved my performance and patient care rather than hindering it.

I’m most proud of my growth mindset and willingness to learn from various healthcare disciplines. During my internship at Camp Pendleton I was exposed to how healthcare providers can work together across all forms of medicine to in a collaborative effort for the patient’s best interest. This interdisciplinary approach has given me a broader understanding of patient care and the confidence to know when to collaborate with other healthcare providers for optimal patient outcomes.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that being a great healthcare provider isn’t just about technical skills – it’s about being present and balanced yourself. You can’t effectively help others heal if you’re running on empty. This realization has transformed how I practice, leading me to prioritize both my patients’ wellness and my own.

What I want people to know about my approach to chiropractic care is that it’s built on three core principles:
A commitment to evidence-based practice while honoring traditional healing wisdom.
Understanding that each patient’s journey is unique and requires personalized care.
Recognition that true healing often requires a comprehensive approach, including lifestyle factors beyond just spinal adjustments.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about continuing to grow in my practice, particularly in mastering advanced techniques while maintaining a balanced, holistic approach to patient care. I believe that this combination of technical expertise and whole-person wellness creates the best outcomes for my patients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting South Orange County for a week, I’d absolutely make sure they experienced the perfect blend of stunning beaches, healthy local eats, and the laid-back SoCal lifestyle. Here’s an itinerary I’d put together:

Day 1: Laguna Beach
We’d start with a morning walk along Heisler Park’s coastal trail for those breathtaking ocean views. After working up an appetite, we’d head to The Taco Stand in downtown Laguna – it’s a must-visit! Their handmade corn tortillas and fresh guacamole are incredible, and the Al Pastor tacos are life-changing. The afternoon would be spent exploring the unique shops and art galleries along PCH, followed by catching sunset at Main Beach.

Day 2: Dana Point
Morning kayaking around Dana Point Harbor to spot dolphins, then brunch at Maison Cafe & Market – a french cuisine that focuses on fresh, clean ingredients. Later, we’d hike the Dana Point Headlands trails for spectacular coastal views before heading to Station Craft Brewery for a beer.

Day 3: Crystal Cove State Park
A full day at Crystal Cove, starting with a hike through the backcountry wilderness trails, followed by relaxing on the pristine beach. Lunch at The Beachcomber Cafe right on the sand, then exploring the historic cottages. We’d wrap up with a stop Bear Flag Fish co for some incredible poke or fresh fish tacos and burritos.

Day 4: San Clemente Day
Morning surfing lesson at San Clemente Pier (or just watching the surfers if we’re feeling less adventurous), followed by a walk along the Beach Trail. Lunch at Active Culture for their health conscious bowls, wraps, and smoothies. Then going to browse the boutiques along Del Mar Street.

Day 5: Wellness Day
Start with yoga or pilates at a studio nearby, followed by a visit to I-Spa in irvine for a Korean-Spa Experience complete with baths, saunas, steam rooms, beauty treatments, and a massage.

Day 6: Mission San Juan Capistrano & Local Flavors
Explore the historic Mission in the morning, we’d visit a local farmers market (depending on the day) and pick up ingredients for a beach picnic dinner at Strands Beach while watching the sunset.

Day 7: Corona del Mar & Newport
Morning walk through Corona del Mar’s tide pools and Little Corona Beach, followed by brunch at Zinc Cafe & Market in Corona del Mar. Then we’d rent electric bikes and cruise along the Newport Beach boardwalk.

South Orange County perfectly balances natural beauty, wellness culture, and laid-back luxury – it’s impossible not to fall in love with it!

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?
My journey into holistic healthcare begins with my mother, who showed me from an early age the power of natural healing. Growing up, I watched her choose holistic approaches to maintain her health, sparking my curiosity about alternative medicine and eventually leading me toward chiropractic care. Her intuitive understanding of the body’s ability to heal itself laid the foundation for my career path.

The road through chiropractic school was made possible by my incredible support system. My fiancé has been my rock, offering unwavering encouragement during late-night study sessions and celebrating every small victory along the way. My classmates became family, sharing not just study guides but also laughter, tears, and determination. Together, we pushed through the challenging curriculum, supporting each other through every exam and practical.

What truly enriched my journey was the diverse network of healthcare mentors I’ve been fortunate to learn from. Medical doctors, fellow chiropractors, and physical therapists have all generously shared their knowledge and experiences with me. Their different perspectives have helped me understand the importance of collaborative care and have shaped my approach to patient treatment. These mentors showed me that the best patient outcomes often come from healthcare providers working together, respecting each other’s expertise.

My friends outside the medical field have been crucial too, keeping me grounded and reminding me there’s life beyond textbooks and clinic hours. They’ve helped me maintain balance and perspective, often pulling me away from studies when they knew I needed a break, even if I resisted.

This collective support system – from my mother’s early influence to my fiancé’s daily encouragement, from my peers’ camaraderie to my mentors’ guidance – has not just helped me become a chiropractor; they’ve helped shape how I view healthcare and healing. Their combined wisdom and support have shown me that true healing is a collaborative journey, one that’s enriched by different perspectives and strengthened by community.

Website: https://www.alignedbyarreanna.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedbyarreanna/?next=%2F

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arreanna-marko/

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