Meet Dr. Ashley Tomasino | Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Shipibo Trained Maestra

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Ashley Tomasino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Ashley, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
# The Foundation of My Brand: Purpose Over Profit

The most important factor behind my brand’s success is an unwavering commitment to serving a higher purpose.

When I was young, my mother shared wisdom that shaped everything I do today. She told me she wouldn’t give me money as an incentive to succeed—that I had to pursue things because I truly wanted to. That lesson became the cornerstone of how I approach business.

Yes, building a business is about creating abundance and prosperity. But long-term success and longevity come from offering something bigger than what money can buy—something that serves a higher purpose beyond balancing checkbooks or watching profits roll in.

This commitment to serving something greater than myself has become my anchor. It allows me to weather the natural ebbs and flows, the inevitable ups and downs that come with any business, relationship, or life journey. When challenges arise, my purpose keeps me grounded and focused on what truly matters.

This focus on business as a commitment to a greater purpose doesn’t just strengthen my company—it makes the entire journey more worthwhile and meaningful in ways that dollar amounts simply cannot provide.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
# My Journey as a Shamanic Arts Teacher and Healer

## What Sets Me Apart

What makes my practice truly unique in the field of shamanic arts is my rare dual training in Chinese medicine and Shipibo shamanism. I’m one of only two licensed acupuncturists in the United States who has been initiated as a doctor in Traditional Chinese Medicine while also completing a full year of isolation in the Shipibo way.

This extraordinary combination allows me to offer something unprecedented: the practice of curanderismo and Shipibo cosmology infused with a Taoist essence. This synthesis is particularly powerful for those seeking to go deep into their healing journey while staying connected to an ancient wisdom path like the Tao.

## What I’m Most Proud Of

I take immense pride in several key accomplishments:
– Publishing multiple books that share this sacred knowledge
– Training nearly 100 apprentices in these ancient arts
– Successfully completing the year of isolation, emerging stronger and more grounded in my practice

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue writing, learning, and sharing these transformative gifts with the world.

## My Path to Success

My journey has been built on hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to integrity. One principle that has been crucial to my success is showing up to teach and serve others regardless of attendance numbers. This mindset of serving from a place of authentic purpose, rather than focusing on outcomes, has been fundamental to building the practice I have today.

## Overcoming Challenges

Success has never come easily—and I believe it shouldn’t. Life itself isn’t easy, and while we may experience moments of grace, we operate as human beings who will always face tests, or *pruebas* as we say in the tradition. These challenges are part of the path, not obstacles to it.

## Hard-Won Wisdom

Through this journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons:
– The critical importance of fairness in all dealings
– How to choose which battles are worth fighting
– That honesty must be the foundation of all relationships
– That empowering others is far more effective than lecturing them
– That asking for help is both humble and powerful—it keeps me in a place of humility where my higher power can always find me

## My Message to the World

Above all, I want people to know this: You have the power within you to heal. You have gifts that matter, and you are not alone. We are here to support you on your journey of discovering and embracing that power.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was coming to San Diego I’d suggest they check out the beaches, the zoo, the meditation gardens in Encinitas and the lake at Del dios! Depending on what they want to do, there’s plenty to see and experience here in Sunny San Diego!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my cousin Daniel Domoleczny, DAOM, my father Mike Tomasino and my current and former mentors and shamans Michael Sonn, Manuela Mahua, Ricardo Amaringo, Lizette Rodriguez, Mary Kay Ryan, Richard Grossman.

I was always inspired by Joe Tafur, MD, and Michael Harner of the Michael Harner Foundation.

Kelly Gatsakos, my friend who taught me essentially how to be a true ally.

Website: https://www.advocatesinstitute.com

Instagram: Advocates.esotericstudies

Image Credits
Credit: Sylvia Binder Photography, Dave Vait Photography