Dr. Eric Baumgartner L.Ac., DAOM
My Story
Dr. Eric Baumgartner is a father and a pilgrim, and has spent the last 27 years in the study and practice of medicine traditions from around the world. His father and grandfather were both physicians, and though he grew up suspecting he would be a doctor someday, he had no idea that his path would lead to Eastern and natural medicine. He currently holds a Master’s degree in Traditional Eastern Medicine from Emperor's College, as well as a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine with a Family Medicine specialization from Pacific College of Health and Science including subspecialties in Women's Health, Pediatrics, Mental Health, Neurology, and Orthopedics. He practices functional medicine, acupuncture, herbalism, and nutrition in Ojai at Alquimia Wellness and also teaches and works with patients remotely around the world.
Dr. Baumgartner has had the privilege of studying and mentoring with many amazing clinicians over the years, including Dr. Yvonne Farrell, Dr. Will Morris, Dr. Jeffrey Yuen, Dr. Daniel Kalish, Dr. Jill Blakeway, Giovanni Maciocia, Chris Kresser. He has also studied since 2009 under the mentorship of Juan Ruiz Naupari, founder and director of Pneuma Institute, and is currently an active facilitator of Pneuma Transpersonal Psychology and Pneuma Breathwork through the Pneuma Institute.
After many years of study and relationship with herbs, and many a blessing granted by the plant kingdom, Dr. Baumgartner was called into service as the chief formulator for Essential Medicina. He continues to cultivate a romantic and rewarding relationship as a student of herbs and plants of all shapes and sizes, and is deeply humbled by the alliances he has built with many of the legendary super-herbs featured in our products.
In his spare time, by heritage and by grace, he is an organic tree gardener and wildcrafter, aspiring solar artist, kitchen alchemist, and backcountry naturalist, prone to sudden bouts of singing and absurd voice impersonations, usually to be found digging, writing, trying to understand his teenagers, adoring his wife (our co-founder Cheserae Scala), or concocting some nutritious if not always delicious potion, smoothie, latte or an excuse to eat more salsa.
Work with Dr. Eric
Initial Evaluation and Treatment | 90mins
Functional Medicine is the future of conventional medicine–and the integration of the holistic approach of Eastern Medicine with the evidence based approach of Western Medicine. It seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease, and views the body as one integrated system, not a collection of independent organs divided up by medical specialties. It treats the whole system, not just the symptoms. Functional Medicine is available in person and on-line via video conference call.
Acupuncture is an ancient system of healthcare that addresses and supports communication and connection between all body systems. Its powerful and subtle points help to balance and restore harmony to the physical body, while simultaneously addressing emotional, energetic, and psychological issues. Acupuncture and Eastern medicine address the body as a whole, rather than dividing it into separate parts, and focus on the relationships between systems. The goal is to maintain and enhance healthy function and to support each individual in the appropriate way so that true wellness and longevity is achieved.