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

Hi Dr. Ghoncheh, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote of all time is by Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary. In a 2001 speech he said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. I find this quote so inspiring because it speaks to the human tendency to want to give up right before the finish line – the inclination to quit in despair before the results of hard work become visibly apparent. My favorite coffee mug has this quote etched into it, and it was this simple daily reminder that helped get me through my licensing exams during all those times I felt like I was getting nowhere with my studies and goals. This quote reminds me of the times I felt like I couldn’t do something and the fact that I actually DID those things – even though at the time it felt beyond reach. Mandela’s quote inspires me to keep going even when the fruits of my labor are not yet visible.

I find his quote to be especially applicable in our current day and age when we are wired for instant gratification. We often think that if the results of our efforts are invisible or intangible, we are getting nowhere. When in fact, it is that period of time that contains the magic of creation. It is BEFORE our efforts become visible that roots are being planted in fertile ground. If we keep nourishing those roots with the small but consistent steps of daily effort, there will be a day when a luscious garden spreads before our very eyes.

Mandela’s quote also reminds me of a concept called the “Infinite 1%” which I learned from feminist podcaster Kara Loewentheil. We tend to think we’re not anywhere near our goals until we can see the finish line. We diminish the early steps we take towards any goal or dream as being insignificant or not counting, and we wrongfully think the last few steps of the marathon are what REALLY matter. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, the shift from inaction to action – breaking through inertia – takes us the farthest distance on our journey. Those initial first steps that sound like a measly 1% in the grand scheme of things are actually infinite and contain the potential for exponential growth.

As a holistic women’s hormone and fertility specialist, I often see women get discouraged and think they are not getting anywhere with their wellness goals, when in reality they have made enormous strides from where they first started. I inspire these women to not give up and to keep on going, because often right around the corner is a huge breakthrough they didn’t think was ever possible.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My holistic medical practice is Golden Source Wellness in Banker’s Hill where I specialize in holistic endocrinology, women’s health and fertility using 100% natural, proven and effective therapies. I use a potent and highly individualized combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, and mind-body medicine (meditation/visualization practices) to correct and treat the root cause of various hormone conditions with great success.

What sets me apart is my philosophy towards patient care. I strongly believe that every individual is innately powerful and whole, and has within them a healing intelligence embodied within every cell. This intelligence is what enables them to heal to whatever extent they desire. Healing is an internal process, and my role is to simply facilitate that process, empower and educate in order to help the individual break free from their symptoms and finally get their life back.

Honestly, I’m most proud of the fact that I have the privilege of practicing this medicine in the first place. Chinese medicine is the most sophisticated and powerful medical system in the history of humanity. The rapid and positive results I see my patients achieve using this traditional medicine is incredibly inspiring, and serves as a daily reminder that natural medicine is neither weak nor slow as many are led to believe.

I want folks to know that I offer a Free Initial Consultation where you can come into the clinic and meet with me in person in a relaxed, no-pressure environment, share all about your unique health situation and actually be listened to and heard. I will answer all of your questions and tell you if I think my natural therapies can help – which they almost always can.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would start out getting brunch at the Big Kitchen in South Park and enjoy their live jazz music they have on Sunday mornings. After that we would go for a stroll around the neighborhood, grab coffee at Communal and hit up the Grape St. dog park to hang out on a bench and watch the furry creatures play. Then we would head over to my favorite bookshop, The Book Catapult, and browse their collection. Last time I was there they had a great DJ which was a groovy addition to the vibe. Dinner would be the famous fried chicken sandwiches at Matteo along with a healthy dose of people watching on their sidewalk patio.

Another day, I’d treat my friend to a homemade breakfast and herbal tea in my backyard directly facing the canyon. Then we would head over to the zoo to hang out in the aviary watching the colorful birds and then take a trip or three on the sky tram. Lunch would be mar y tierra tacos at the Taco Stand in North Park (homemade tortillas, yum). Then we would go on a chill bike ride around the neighborhood to work up an appetite to go to my favorite Ethiopian restaurant for dinner, Addis Restaurant in City Heights. There we would get the traditional veggie combo and meat combo plus some honey wine.

The next day we’d get pizza at Luigi’s in Golden Hill and then definitely go rollerskating outside the Balboa Park Air and Space Museum and soak up the sunny vibes and smiling faces. After that we’d go to the botanical gardens and enjoy a charcuterie picnic outside on the grass, then check out the sculpture garden. If it’s a summer night, I’d take my homegirl to an outdoor party at the Quartyard in downtown to dance to house music and drink cocktails.

If it’s a Sunday, we would check out the Hillcrest farmer’s market to browse the vendors and get a breakfast sandwich and fresh squeezed orange juice. Then we’d go for a quick hike down to Black’s beach and up again to build up some heat. After that we would head over to Bird Rock to Wayfarer bakery for fresh pastries and coffee (and maybe a loaf of sourdough to go).

I could go on and on but this about covers my favorite spots!

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?
I would love to dedicate this shout-out to a group of special new friends, entrepreneurs and visionaries – Amiel, Azimah, Sandra and Alyssa. I’m so excited to see what we all create together in community!

Website: www.goldensourcewellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden.source.wellness/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/golden.source.wellness

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-source-wellness-san-diego

Other: Email: info@goldensourcewellness.com Google Business Page: https://g.page/r/CZwLaYxqIJvPEAg/review

Image Credits
Anastasya Photography Kimberly Kiki Spaulding

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.