Holistic Health Practitioner in Dallas
More than 15 years of experience
Specializes in women’s health and fertility
Naturopathic Doctor
Licensed Acupuncturist
Arvigo® Practitioner
Member of 6 health professional organizations
My Story
While in grade school I wanted to be a dentist. I’m not sure where this inclination came from but it guided my education all through college and grew into an interest in natural health care.
In undergraduate college, I completed dual degrees in biology and health science with a minor in chemistry. With this rigorous coursework, my intention was to prepare myself for dental school. In addition, I attended a pre-dental summer program at the dental school of UC San Francisco. This program provided the opportunity to participate in classes, follow a dental student in the clinic, observe a dentist in practice, and work with a faculty researcher. Although this was a great experience, I realized that a career as a dentist wasn’t the best fit for me. Despite this realization, I still wanted a career in health care but I wasn’t sure what direction to take.
Concurrently, my mom’s health declined significantly. Since her blood test results were normal, her conventional medical doctor considered her to be in good health. Unsatisfied with this answer, my mom sought out other opinions. The health care practitioners that were able to determine she had chronic fatigue included a holistic medical doctor, a naturopathic doctor, an acupuncturist, and a homeopath. With their guidance, she learned how to improve her health.
Education
National University of Naturopathic Medicine (NUNM)
Degree:
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM)
Degree:
Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
California State University Fresno
Degree:
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Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science
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Bachelor of Science in Community Health
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Minor in Chemistry
Arvigo® Therapy (ATMAT®)
Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® (ATMAT®) Certification:
Level 1 ATMAT® Practitioner
Member of:
“Dr. McKenzie is an intelligent, peaceful, and kind spirit. Her healing touch has helped me immensely on my journey to healing. I love every treatment I’ve gotten!” – Tara
“I worked with Dr. McKenzie every week for over a year and would still be a regular patient if I hadn’t moved to the east coast! Dr. McKenzie was so thorough and kind and extremely meticulous. Through acupuncture, diet and work out recommendations, I felt so much more balanced and centered and in tune with my body. Her office is also extremely peaceful and calming!!” – Kate
“I was referred to Dr. McKenzie by a friend. I live in the San Francisco Bay. Based on my friends endorsement I decided to spend the money and fly to Dallas. My initial health concern has been joint pain and digestive issues. I also needed a more well rounded regime in regards to supplementing my diet. I am much better in regards to many digestive issues and the assessments are helping me to improve my overall well being. I have recommended Dr. McKenzie to others because of her comprehensive knowledge of traditional and alternative assessment tools. She is patient and a very good listener. It has been worth every penny to fly to Dallas for her services.” – Mildred
“I initially sought care from Dr. McKenzie for the treatment of migraines. I had been suffering for nearly 8 years and had tried all sorts of treatments and remedies. Dr. McKenzie used acupuncture as well as other holistic approaches for pain relief. In addition to working through my migraines, Dr. McKenzie has also focused efforts on my preparation for and journey through pregnancy. She has offered lots of alternatives and approaches, and we have worked together to determine what fits best for my lifestyle. She is a great listener and very thorough. I feel very comfortable and trust her suggested courses of treatment, whether they are done in the office, at home or supplements to add to my everyday routine.” – Sallie
“I am 54 yrs old and came to see Dr. McKenzie in April 2016 with hypothyroidism, depression, insomnia, GERD, food allergies, cholesterol 211, pre-diabetes (fasting blood sugar 100), wt 175 lbs. I felt sickly and could tell my body was out of whack. I knew I needed help and my regular Dr through my health insurance wasn’t working well for me. This Dr only gave me more and more RXs. Now: Gerd is gone, food allergies are gone, cholesterol 135, pre-diabetes is gone (fasting blood sugar 90), insomnia is gone, wt 141.4. Depression has lifted and my mind is clear and I feel so happy and I have so much energy. The products she has recommended are wonderfully healing to the body and make you feel good after you take them. You can tell they are working. I am amazed with the results I got. Nothing is more important than your health and the quality of your life. Dr McKenzie has helped me back to health and I continue to improve. The results are amazing and nothing can compare to feeling great all the time and sleeping all night with out taking sleep aids.” – Belinda
“I had cystic, painful acne and painful periods. I went on medications before for my acne and it cleared it up but then I would get digestive issues. I take a medication for my menstrual pain. I decided I needed to try something more holistic. I found out about Dr. McKenzie from an inter net search and started working with her. She helped me to understand the relationship between my digestive function and skin. She also helped me to understand my menstrual cycle better and how this influences my skin, too. With acupuncture, diet changes, natural skin care products, and time, my skin improved and I no longer have any bumps or pain and I don’t have painful periods either. I am so glad I don’t have to take medication for the cramps anymore!” – Holly
“My husband and I had been trying to have a baby for over a year. I was only 32 at the time and didn’t think I would have any problems getting pregnant. I went to Dr. McKenzie and she had me do several tests. The tests showed that my progesterone was low. She helped improve my progesterone level with herbs. I also did acupuncture weekly. It took some time but I got pregnant within about 8 months. After this pregnancy, I continued to work with her and I had 2 more babies. The last 2 pregnancies happened quicker and more easily. My husband and I are very happy to have the family we hoped for.” – Mary
My mom’s energy and overall health improved greatly by following their recommendations. Curious, I decided to go with my mom to her appointments to observe her doctors and learn more about their practices. To deepen my knowledge, I read extensively about alternative medicine and found the philosophy of naturopathic and Chinese medicine fascinating. Intrigued by these two systems of medicine, which embrace natural therapies that support the body without harsh side effects, I determined this was the career path for me. My new goal was to become a health care practitioner that spends time with her patients, teaches them how to eat and live better, and offers non-invasive therapies.
After researching different colleges with programs in alternative or natural health care, I ultimately attended two different colleges that gave me a great education. I graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) with a doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine and from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) with a master’s degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine. As a holistic doctor in Dallas, I am licensed in Texas for acupuncture and in California for acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. I am also nationally certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) for both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Since graduating from these colleges, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various clinical settings, including a cancer center, an American Indian health clinic, integrated clinics, and my own holistic medicine practice in Dallas.
Through this whole process I’ve experienced improvements in my own health from the care of naturopathic doctors and acupuncturists. It is important to me to maintain care on a regular basis. I also began to learn about nutritious foods, how these foods restore health, and how to prepare nourishing meals. My knowledge of nutrition expanded while studying naturopathic and Chinese medicine as I learned about the energetics of food, the importance of eating seasonally and how different foods affect health.
Through my ongoing journey, I continue to learn and it is of great importance for me to be an example of how holistic health care, a healthy diet, and exercise powerfully benefits one’s health.