Dr. Kye Peven, ND, DSOM

I've always held a curiosity about the world, along with a desire to make things better. Due to an early interest in science, I earned a Bachelors from UC Berkeley in Materials Science and Engineering, believing that applying my interest in technology would help make the world a better place. I realized during this process that I was more interested in working with people than with things, and after some soul-searching I decided to pursue medicine instead.
I started looking for a system that was person-centered, revolved around natural therapies, was truly health focused, and integrated all levels of the human experience. Having grown up in a family where Chinese herbs were the default for colds and flus I was already familiar with the basic tenets of Chinese Medicine. I discovered the field of Naturopathic Medicine and knew instantly that it was the link between tradition and modern science I was looking for. The result was a 6-year program at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and two degrees: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine (DSOM).
I currently work with the nonprofit Whole Systems Healthcare. In this capacity I am helping to build a new healthcare system focused on health instead of disease. In my off time I enjoy reading, writing, cooking, biking, spending time in nature, and building community.

In my practice I focus on treating the entire person, which includes treating symptoms and diseases but goes beyond these common labels of our experience. I believe in the healing power of nature and believe people have an innate ability to move towards health. My role is to guide people along this journey, and to this end I primarily use gentle, minimally invasive techniques to stimulate the body’s self-healing potential. Utilizing diet, lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and more, I'm committed to serving my patients in the creation of long-lasting wellbeing.

I usually take 2 hours the first time I meet with someone, which allows me to gather a detailed history of their issues as well as perform hands-on treatment, typically acupuncture. We spend time beginning the process of placing their symptoms into the greater context of their lifestyle and experiences, often illuminating underlying reasons for what's going on. Patients typically leave with a homeopathic remedy, herbal formula, and some simple instructions for improving their health at home.

My initial interest in health was sparked by the desire to understand my own mind and body at a deeper level. In my last year of undergraduate work I started practicing Vipassana meditation, and realized that health (at every level) was the most important element of happiness and wellbeing, sitting directly beneath spiritual maturity. However, becoming a spiritual teacher wasn't something to base a career on, so I chose healthcare and medicine instead.