We had the good fortune of connecting with Rev Dr Natalie Vail and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rev Dr Natalie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success has been the ability to build deep, meaningful, and long-lasting relationships with my clients—along with a deep well of patience. I started my practice nearly 20 years ago, and many of the individuals who came to me in those early days are still with me today. That kind of continuity is rare, and it’s something I treasure deeply.

What’s made this journey so rewarding is being invited into the most intimate and transformative moments of people’s lives. I’ve supported clients through fertility challenges, been present at the birth of their children, officiated their weddings, and, in some cases, offered final rites before they passed. I’ve even officiated funerals for some of those I was honored to walk alongside.

These relationships are the heart of my practice. They’re built on trust, care, and mutual respect—and I believe they’re the true foundation of any lasting success. I’m incredibly grateful for the referrals, the loyalty, and the privilege of contributing to people’s healing over the years. It’s been more than a career; it’s been a calling.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I graduated from acupuncture school in 2011, I never imagined I’d start my own private practice. Honestly, the idea felt overwhelming and a bit terrifying. But thanks to a few close friends who had already forged their own paths, I found the mentorship, encouragement, and inspiration I needed to take that leap—and have somehow continued to make it work.

Over the years, my practice has grown and evolved into something truly unique. What sets it apart is that it’s not just acupuncture—it’s a deeply integrative, spiritual healing experience. I am a certified psychic medium, Reiki Master, feng shui consultant, initiated shamanic priestess, and I also incorporate tools like crystals, essential oils, and sound healing into my sessions.

Each appointment is a one-on-one experience where my full presence and attention are devoted to the client. Sessions often include spiritual messages, energy work, ancestral connection, and sometimes even support with deeper soul-level healing. My intention is always to guide people into greater alignment—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—so they leave feeling more grounded, centered, and connected.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Like any business, it’s had its challenges—self-doubt, burnout, and the logistics of running a practice all came with steep learning curves. But through it all, I’ve stayed committed to my purpose and kept showing up with heart and authenticity. I’ve learned to trust my intuition, ask for help when needed, and never settle for surface-level healing when deep transformation is possible.

What I want the world to know is this: my practice is not conventional—and that’s the point. I’m here for the seekers, the sensitive souls, the spiritually curious, and anyone ready to experience healing on all levels. This work is sacred to me, and every person who walks through my door receives not just a treatment, but a truly holistic experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Unlike a lot of people in San Diego, I’m actually a local—I was raised here, went to high school here, left for college, and eventually made my way back for grad school and to start my practice. So when friends visit, I love showing them the city through a local’s lens: the hidden gems, the real culture, and real people, not just the popular touristy vacation spots.

My practice is based in Bankers Hill, one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city, right across from the iconic Balboa Park. It’s my personal sanctuary and easily my favorite place in San Diego. With its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, walking trails, and world-class museums, Balboa Park has a little something for everyone. I always take visitors for a slow stroll through the park, maybe stopping at the Botanical Building or Japanese friendship garden.

I live in University Heights, a neighborhood that really embodies everything I love about San Diego—diverse, inclusive, creative, and full of soul. We’d definitely spend a day just exploring the neighborhood: coffee at Lestat’s, dinner at Plumeria, and ice cream from Stella Jean’s are all on the list.

Throughout the week, we’d get a full taste of what San Diego has to offer:

Beach day in La Jolla or Windansea for iconic beach views, a night out in North Park—craft beer, good dining, and maybe live music, a sunset at Sunset Cliffs— pure magic!
A half-day trip up to Encinitas for a coastal small-town feel, some boutique shopping, and a visit to the Self-Realization Fellowship gardens
A stroll along the Mission Bay boardwalk with a casual stop for fish tacos at Mitch’s and maybe an afternoon browsing Hillcrest Farmers Market.

My ideal week in San Diego blends nature, food, culture, and community—because that’s what this city is all about. Whether it’s soaking in the sun or connecting with local artists and healers, San Diego has whatever you want. I’d want my best friend to leave feeling like they saw the real San Diego—not just the Instagram version.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many people, phenomenal teachers, resources, and moments of inspiration that have supported me along my Spiritual journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of them. From books and podcasts to YouTube channels and live teachings/classes/retreats/conferences, each one has played a part in shaping who I am and how I show up in my work.

I’d love to give a special shoutout to my wonderful Feng Shui teacher, Amanda Sophia, whose guidance not only enriched my path almost 15 years ago, but also connected me to an incredible, heart-centered community. I also want to honor my spiritual mentors and Celtic Shamanic-priestess teacher in Ireland, Anne Blakely, who has been instrumental in deepening my spiritual practice and grounding me through times of growth.

When it comes to authors and universal teachers, I’ve been especially impacted by the teachings of Gabor Maté, Pete Walker, and Tara Brach. Their work on trauma, compassion, and emotional healing has profoundly influenced my personal journey and the way I support others in theirs.

Each of these individuals and resources has helped shape the foundation of my practice and my life, and I’m grateful beyond words for their presence and wisdom.

Website: https://www.NatalieVail.com

Instagram: @RevDrNatalieVail

Linkedin: Rev Dr Natalie Vail

Facebook: @RevDrNatalieVail

Yelp: Rev Dr Natalie Vail

Youtube: Unveiled with Dr. Natalie Vail

Image Credits
Photos taken of real patient treatments by Dr Natalie

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