Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Rachel Hamel.
Dr. Hamel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was 19 years old, I went from a vibrant young teenager in college to a completely dependent bedridden patient. This began the 8-year journey of healing. After maxing out western medicine and getting sicker and sicker by the day, it was with the help of a naturopath and chiropractor that I started to regain my health.
But this was just the start of the journey. Dr. Hamel decided to go into the alternative healing arts, still very ill but determined for answers. While in graduate school she was introduced to many other brilliant alternative healers, and not only got more answers for herself but led her into the many treatments she now performs in her clinic.
Dr. Hamel is just one of a few handfuls of craniopaths in the US and does many other healing modalities in her practice that are unique and one of a kind. After studying under a craniopath in the bay after for three years, she decided to relocate her practice to San Diego in January 2018. She believes many need individualized care that finds the root causes and is catered to the patient, not the other way around.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a journey, to say the least. Health was a challenge all through school still, and the financial difficulties that come with starting a practice solo. I used to view my history as a curse, but I know now that it was a blessing from God, because I have such compassion and empathy for those who like myself just wanted to be listened and fully cared for. All of the hardships led me to be the physician I am today. And there are still struggles, but it’s part of the journey. Health is a lifelong journey but needs to be dynamic because each of us is dynamic and unique.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
Dr. Rachel Hamel has completed advanced training in Applied Kinesiology, Sacro-Occipital technique, SOT Cranial Technique, Craniobiotic Technique, IASTM, Rocktape, Webster Technique, Neuro Emotional Technique; and is working towards her ACN in nutrition, as well as certification in Cranial-Dental diplomat.
She received her Bachelor’s with honors in Health Science from Whitworth University in Washington State and her doctorate degree where she was valedictorian from Palmer West Chiropractic College.
Dr. Hamel’s personal experience with Lyme Disease, scoliosis as well as chronic headaches and TMJ, sparked her passion for treating these conditions and many others with integrated chiropractic care. She is just one of a few handfuls of craniopaths in the US and combines this care with many other modalities to create a one of a kind experience and care. She believes that a patient’s condition determines their treatment, and no one treatment is ever quite the same.
She’s not about giving an off the shelf diagnosis and sending you on your way. She believes that complaints stem from 1 of 3 causes: mechanical (improper movements within the body affecting the nervous system and brain), chemical (toxins, nutritional deficiencies, pathogens) and emotional (emotional toxins), or a combo of all 3. Her treatments are in phases to address each of these causes at times when they are needed.
I co-manage cases with a lot of holistic providers such as holistic dentists, orthodontists, myofunctional practitioners, midwives/doulas, detox centers, physical therapists, and much more.
I’m very proud of my ability to maintain integrity within my practice and create not just exceptional care, but education and lifestyle changes for my patients that last them for the remainder of their lives.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love San Diego so far, and I think it’s an amazing location for alternative healers like myself. There is a lot of open-mindednesses here, and people are searching for more answers outside of conventional medicine, and also different answers even within my own profession.
The hardest part for me is just picking the area to settle in! There are so many beautiful areas.
- New patient cranial chiropractic examination and treatment 175
- New patient nutrition initial examination 250
- Follow-ups 80
Contact Info:
- Address: 2425 Camino Del Rio S #180 SD CA 92108PB
4535 Fanuel St SD CA 92109 - Website: www.drrachelhamel.com
- Phone: PB- 858-775-5138 MV 6192942225
- Email: dr.rachelhamel@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.rachelhamel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drrachelhamel/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rachel-hamel-dc-san-diego-2?osq=dr+rachel+hamel
Image Credit:
Brooke Preece PHotography
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