An Interview with Dr. Jessica Liu, ND

Q: How did you get into your current career/what made you decide to peruse this career?

A: I was lucky to have grown up in a family where natural medicine was the preferred way to address health issues. My father was an engineer turned Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor who always preferred to use acupuncture needles and herbs whenever I had an ailment, so he was definitely a key source of inspiration for me.

When I was in my 20’s, I suffered from severe menstrual irregularities and symptoms and responded very poorly to medical treatments. I was told early on that I would have difficulty conceiving.  It was through working with my naturopathic intern while in naturopathic school that finally things shifted for me and I was blessed to conceive my two healthy children!

Q: Do you have a special focus/specialization in your practice? Is there a reason why you have this focus in your practice?

A: I love having a general family practice, but one of my true passions is in the area of fertility, pregnancy, and babies. There is no greater joy for me than seeing a family bring a healthy baby into the world and to be able to support them on the right path to helping their baby grow to be strong, resilient and happy!

My other focus is in mental/emotional wellness. I believe that we all carry within us the potential to live to our fullest capacity for joy and it’s about providing gentle care and support to help a patient make the necessary shifts needed to heal on a deeply emotional and spiritual level.  Many of my fertility patients experience trauma throughout their journey, and helping them to heal and process that experience is a key part of their success in conceiving.

Q: What is your #1 health tip?

A: Love yourself. Be kind to your body, nurture your needs and make time for laughter.

Q: What is your favourite thing about your practice?

A: I get to work every day with the most amazing group of practitioners, each with their own incredible gifts and such great positive energy.  This place feels like a second home and it’s how we’d love our patients to feel when the walk in to the moment they leave.  I’m also blessed that part of my job entails cuddling babies all day long!

Q: What do you like to do for fun (any hobbies, activities etc.)? Why do you enjoy these things?

A: There’s always time for play! I love to get silly with my kids.  I love to putter around in my garden and get my hands dirty! I also try and make time for self-care – yoga, meditation, and exercise – to keep me balanced.  And when we can, my husband and I love to travel with the kids.

Q: What do you value most in your life? Why?

A: My relationship with my husband and my family. They have always been the solid foundation that has kept me grounded and encouraged me along the path in pursuing my passion to help people.  They have sacrificed so much for me to pursue my dream and when my work is done every day, I can’t wait to see them and nurture that love that keeps me going.

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

A: I would love to spend a year in a country where I can’t speak the language and immerse myself into a completely different culture. Japan has always intrigued me with its history and its culture, and oh, the food!