Wellness Experts at Chiva-Som

Find out more about the expert practitioners who will take care of you at Chiva-Som.

		DR PRATHANA KUMBOONCHU Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist Prathana Kumboonchu (Dr. Mod) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist working at Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Thailand. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and received a specialised secondary honour on her graduation under Huachiew University and Shanghai University, one of the top Traditional Chinese Medicine Universities in Thailand and China. After receiving her acupuncturist’s license, Prathana worked at a clinic in Pattaya, focussing on cosmetic acupuncture, where she worked closely with aesthetic medical doctors treating weight loss, anti-ageing and clear skin techniques. Apart from these speciality aesthetic disciplines, she also treated patients for aches and pains as well as emotional issues. Prathana also offers cupping and moxibustion therapy to her patients, both of which complement the powerful effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Prathana furthered her career development by working in Hospitals (Prae Ram Hospital and Pattaya International Hospital) for a number of years where she treated a variety of health concerns including pain, allergies, insomnia, gynaecological issues, massotherapy, rheumatic and cardiovascular conditions and many others. In Prae Ram Hospital, she had several invitations to present lecture series such as an introduction to Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Philosophies, Principles and Possibilities. She specialises in cerebrovascular disorders and has been published in the Prae Ram Hospital Journal on the treatment of stroke patients aged 47, 53 and 64 years with swallowing and breathing difficulties over two-three years (Vol. 4-5- in print). Prathana chose this career because of her love of helping others, and she feels that acupuncture is a way of addressing the root of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. She feels that given the proper tools, the body has the ability to heal itself, thus reducing the need for medication. Compassionate by nature, Prathana is passionate about what she does and has a strong belief that acupuncture is a safe and effective way of managing people’s health. Specialisation: Acupuncture \| TCM \| Cupping \| Moxibustion

		DR TAL FRIEDMAN Head of Naturopathy, Research & Development Dr Tal Friedman completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University, Toronto, Canada. He received a specialised honours degree with a special focus on sports nutrition. He then furthered his studies through a four-year post-graduate Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Whilst there, he also completed a 12-month clinical internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic as well as shifts at the various satellite clinics around the city of Toronto, Canada, which focus on special populations. He went on to work at a number of clinics in Toronto. One practice was focused on sports medicine where he worked closely with hockey players, combat athletes, runners and fitness competitors. The other was a general practice where he treated a number of health concerns including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and arthritic conditions. Now Dr Friedman has returned to Chiva-Som as Head Naturopath/Research & Development Specialist after spending more than a year worked internationally for launching and helping to develop the new wellness concept. Specialisation: Naturopathy \| Sports Medicine \| Nutrition

		DR JASON CULP, ND CNS Research & Development Director Dr Culp is a graduate of Bastyr University with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a licensed Naturopathic physician in the United States. Additionally, he had completed a fellowship in Metabolic and Nutrition Medicine, receiving certification from the American Board of Anti-Aging Health Practitioners. For the past 5 years, Dr Culp has held the position of senior Naturopathic physician at Chiva-Som International Health resort, where he conducts natural wellness consultations for in-house clients. In addition to his role as a Naturopathic physician, he is the founder and director for the Research and Development department at Chiva-Som, in which the primary objectives are to evaluate and explore the use of evidence-based natural therapies in a holistic wellness setting. He is involved in lecturing internationally on the topic of wellness promotion as well. Dr Culp’s wellness philosophy follows that in order to create sustainable health, the client must fully engage and play an active participatory role in their own wellness process. The empowerment of the individual and the client’s authentic understanding of their wellness goals, intentions, and motivations take precedent in health and healing. In this way, each client leaves with the feeling that they are the most powerful advocate in their own wellness journey. Specialisation: Naturopath \| Holistic Wellness

		CHATTAWAN MOONSRI Holistic Health Trainer Chattawan Moonsri (Kathy), a Thai national, graduated from Chiangrai Rajabhat University in Thailand in 1998 with a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Industry Program. Kathy is currently a Holistic Health Trainer at Chiva-Som, and since joining Chiva-Som Internal Health Resort in 2001, she has received certification in various therapies, as well as extensive training that allows her to perform various therapies to an exceptional degree. Kathy’s certifications include the following: • Anatomy & physiology and Body Massage • Thai Traditional Massage • Chi Nei Tsang (Detoxifying Internal Organs Massage) Level I and I I • Acupressure Reflexology • CranioSacral Therapy Level I and II • Lymph Drainage Therapy Level I, II and LDT Articulation Fluid Release • Hypnotherapist • Usui Reiki Ryoho Master A and B • Aura-Soma Level I and II • Crystal Healing & Crystal and Gem Massage • Quantum-Touch & Quantum Medicine • Auricular Ear Reflexology • 9 Phases of Qigong Community Practice Leader and etc. In this position, she also helps by coordinating & operating training in the department, invent & develop holistic treatments that are available for Chiva-Som’s guests. Working alongside renowned health professionals from around the world at Chiva Som she has gained valuable knowledge and experience. She has committed herself that each and every client experience should be the best that both herself and the other holistic health therapists have to offer. Specialisation: Thai Massages \| Reflexology \| Reiki \| Qi Gong

		KHUN WANTANEE DANJAREANRAK Head of Physio & Fitness Since joining Chiva-Som, she has received certification in various therapies, as well as extensive training that allows her to practice to an exceptional level. Wantanee’s certifications include (but are not limited to) Pilates mat, Pilates rehabilitation, Water Rehabilitation Exercise, Gyrotonic® Instructor, Gyrokinesis® Instructor, Neurac® Method 1,2 Instructor, Neurac® Method 1 Trainer, Fascia release therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, Postural Integration, Re-functional exercise, Deep Tissue Massage and Inner core exercise. As a Physiotherapy manager, her performance and responsibility have been outstanding, organising team members to provide exceptional treatments for over 16 years. She is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal physical health via a perfect balance of mind, body and spirit. Specialisation: Fitness \| Pilates \| Gyrokinesis

If this blog has got you interested in starting your wellness journey at Chiva-Som please call our wellness advisors at 020 7843 3597 or enquire here.

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		DR PRATHANA KUMBOONCHU Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist Prathana Kumboonchu (Dr. Mod) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist working at Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Thailand. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and received a specialised secondary honour on her graduation under Huachiew University and Shanghai University, one of the top Traditional Chinese Medicine Universities in Thailand and China. After receiving her acupuncturist’s license, Prathana worked at a clinic in Pattaya, focussing on cosmetic acupuncture, where she worked closely with aesthetic medical doctors treating weight loss, anti-ageing and clear skin techniques. Apart from these speciality aesthetic disciplines, she also treated patients for aches and pains as well as emotional issues. Prathana also offers cupping and moxibustion therapy to her patients, both of which complement the powerful effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Prathana furthered her career development by working in Hospitals (Prae Ram Hospital and Pattaya International Hospital) for a number of years where she treated a variety of health concerns including pain, allergies, insomnia, gynaecological issues, massotherapy, rheumatic and cardiovascular conditions and many others. In Prae Ram Hospital, she had several invitations to present lecture series such as an introduction to Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Philosophies, Principles and Possibilities. She specialises in cerebrovascular disorders and has been published in the Prae Ram Hospital Journal on the treatment of stroke patients aged 47, 53 and 64 years with swallowing and breathing difficulties over two-three years (Vol. 4-5- in print). Prathana chose this career because of her love of helping others, and she feels that acupuncture is a way of addressing the root of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. She feels that given the proper tools, the body has the ability to heal itself, thus reducing the need for medication. Compassionate by nature, Prathana is passionate about what she does and has a strong belief that acupuncture is a safe and effective way of managing people’s health. Specialisation: Acupuncture \| TCM \| Cupping \| Moxibustion

		DR TAL FRIEDMAN Head of Naturopathy, Research & Development Dr Tal Friedman completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University, Toronto, Canada. He received a specialised honours degree with a special focus on sports nutrition. He then furthered his studies through a four-year post-graduate Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Whilst there, he also completed a 12-month clinical internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic as well as shifts at the various satellite clinics around the city of Toronto, Canada, which focus on special populations. He went on to work at a number of clinics in Toronto. One practice was focused on sports medicine where he worked closely with hockey players, combat athletes, runners and fitness competitors. The other was a general practice where he treated a number of health concerns including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and arthritic conditions. Now Dr Friedman has returned to Chiva-Som as Head Naturopath/Research & Development Specialist after spending more than a year worked internationally for launching and helping to develop the new wellness concept. Specialisation: Naturopathy \| Sports Medicine \| Nutrition

		DR JASON CULP, ND CNS Research & Development Director Dr Culp is a graduate of Bastyr University with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a licensed Naturopathic physician in the United States. Additionally, he had completed a fellowship in Metabolic and Nutrition Medicine, receiving certification from the American Board of Anti-Aging Health Practitioners. For the past 5 years, Dr Culp has held the position of senior Naturopathic physician at Chiva-Som International Health resort, where he conducts natural wellness consultations for in-house clients. In addition to his role as a Naturopathic physician, he is the founder and director for the Research and Development department at Chiva-Som, in which the primary objectives are to evaluate and explore the use of evidence-based natural therapies in a holistic wellness setting. He is involved in lecturing internationally on the topic of wellness promotion as well. Dr Culp’s wellness philosophy follows that in order to create sustainable health, the client must fully engage and play an active participatory role in their own wellness process. The empowerment of the individual and the client’s authentic understanding of their wellness goals, intentions, and motivations take precedent in health and healing. In this way, each client leaves with the feeling that they are the most powerful advocate in their own wellness journey. Specialisation: Naturopath \| Holistic Wellness

		CHATTAWAN MOONSRI Holistic Health Trainer Chattawan Moonsri (Kathy), a Thai national, graduated from Chiangrai Rajabhat University in Thailand in 1998 with a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Industry Program. Kathy is currently a Holistic Health Trainer at Chiva-Som, and since joining Chiva-Som Internal Health Resort in 2001, she has received certification in various therapies, as well as extensive training that allows her to perform various therapies to an exceptional degree. Kathy’s certifications include the following: • Anatomy & physiology and Body Massage • Thai Traditional Massage • Chi Nei Tsang (Detoxifying Internal Organs Massage) Level I and I I • Acupressure Reflexology • CranioSacral Therapy Level I and II • Lymph Drainage Therapy Level I, II and LDT Articulation Fluid Release • Hypnotherapist • Usui Reiki Ryoho Master A and B • Aura-Soma Level I and II • Crystal Healing & Crystal and Gem Massage • Quantum-Touch & Quantum Medicine • Auricular Ear Reflexology • 9 Phases of Qigong Community Practice Leader and etc. In this position, she also helps by coordinating & operating training in the department, invent & develop holistic treatments that are available for Chiva-Som’s guests. Working alongside renowned health professionals from around the world at Chiva Som she has gained valuable knowledge and experience. She has committed herself that each and every client experience should be the best that both herself and the other holistic health therapists have to offer. Specialisation: Thai Massages \| Reflexology \| Reiki \| Qi Gong

		KHUN WANTANEE DANJAREANRAK Head of Physio & Fitness Since joining Chiva-Som, she has received certification in various therapies, as well as extensive training that allows her to practice to an exceptional level. Wantanee’s certifications include (but are not limited to) Pilates mat, Pilates rehabilitation, Water Rehabilitation Exercise, Gyrotonic® Instructor, Gyrokinesis® Instructor, Neurac® Method 1,2 Instructor, Neurac® Method 1 Trainer, Fascia release therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, Postural Integration, Re-functional exercise, Deep Tissue Massage and Inner core exercise. As a Physiotherapy manager, her performance and responsibility have been outstanding, organising team members to provide exceptional treatments for over 16 years. She is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal physical health via a perfect balance of mind, body and spirit. Specialisation: Fitness \| Pilates \| Gyrokinesis

Wellness Experts at Chiva-Som

DR PRATHANA KUMBOONCHU

DR TAL FRIEDMAN

DR JASON CULP, ND CNS

CHATTAWAN MOONSRI

KHUN WANTANEE DANJAREANRAK

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