October Featured Wellness Ambassador: Dr. Julie Flynn

Dr. Julie Flynn

What is your field/area of expertise?

I am a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor and licensed acupuncturist.  I treat a variety of conditions using acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, supplement therapy, nutrition, herbs, and homeopathy, just to name a few.  I also enjoy doing facial rejuvenation using acupuncture techniques. Overall my expertise is in acupuncture and nutrition. I have many tools in my doctor bag, so it is difficult to narrow it down.

How did you get into this line of work?

It was during my time at the University of Louisville, while working on a doctorate in Audiology, that I realized I wanted more. I loved the audiology program at U of L, but I knew it was not for me. The moment the light bulb went off was during a rotation at a local children’s hospital, where they were testing a pediatric patient’s hearing because the young child had cancer and was going through intense chemotherapy treatments. It was not that I was not interested in the child’s hearing, but I recall looking at the bald young patient and all I could think was, ‘what is she eating…?’ Though the Mom was thrilled that the ototoxic drugs had not yet affected the child’s hearing, my mind was elsewhere. I was stuck on the child’s diet as well as the irony of McDonald’s being inside the hospital where children are treated for cancer and other diseases. I was unable to focus for the rest of the semester. Long story short, I prayed, was inspired by a book called, The Maker's Diet, researched, and moved to sunny and hot Arizona with my husband, Michael Flynn.  I devoted four long years to earning my doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, and then an additional 3 years to finish my Master of Science in Acupuncture. During that time we welcomed our now three year old daughter, Sophia, into our family. For me, naturopathic medicine was a no-brainer.

How does your work contribute to the wellness of our community?

I enjoy seeing patients take health into their own hands, spreading health to others, and seeing the amazing changes and progress people make by simply thinking positively, altering what they eat, and making health a staple part of their life. I educate patients and provide them with the tools they need in order to accomplish and maintain their health goals for a lifetime! I believe that balance is the key to life-long health and wellness, and by following the principles of Naturopathic Medicine, I am sure to help people within our community begin to feel awesome and live healthy. Achieving optimal health and wellness require life-long commitment to eating better, moving more, and learning to relax; it is a journey, and my goal is to be a guide for those who are searching. We returned to Louisville, because we believed people here were thirsty for something more than just the standard way of healthcare. We moved back to educate, heal, and inspire the community. My goal is to help people within our community enjoy healthy living for a lifetime. When health is spread, energy is increased, happiness overflows, and love is within.  At Organic Health Institute, we believe in keeping Louisville weird and healthy!

Why do you love Rainbow Blossom?

The better question is, what don't I love about RB?  Rainbow Blossom is one of my favorite places to go. The people are awesome, the selection is great, the prices are much better than most people know, and I love that Life Bar is there. My daughter, Sophia, loves the popcorn, "her cart", the people that work there, and the smoothies. I feel like we are there so often we should probably just move in :)