Naturopathic Physicians are Stepping Out of the Clinic and Into Organisations to Support Workplace Wellness
What’s your story?
I’m a naturopathic physician, which is definitely my calling. From my earliest memories, I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. As a pre-med in a US university I ended up becoming really ill. A conventional doctor diagnosed me but couldn’t do more to help. This took me down the alternative medicine route, which helped me to recover. In doing so, it uncovered my purpose on the planet and in this lifetime. As Managing Director of Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI), I enjoy having the balance between business management and patient care. I am also a Corporate Wellness Speaker for IMI Corporate, IMI’s corporate wellness arm. In my personal life, I am blessed to have two little boys, ages 3 and 5, and a supportive husband. My life is full, exactly how I want it to be.
What excites you most about your industry?
The constantly evolving research and education. I recently did a deep dive into mycotoxins and their effect on the body, which, after 10 years of practice, has opened up a whole new path and avenue of treatment. It never gets old and stale. There are always new patients with new challenges and the beauty of naturopathic medicine is that it truly works with the body, stimulating, healing and balancing. It excites me that I and my team have the ability to help people change their lives and oftentimes restore their hope.
What’s your connection to Asia?
My dad has lived in Asia since I was a child. I moved to Hong Kong with my husband 9 years ago. I love Asia and likely will never leave.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Though we have clients all over the world, especially in Asia, the clinic is Hong Kong centric. In my case, I’m needed here. Hong Kong’s high toxicity, high stress, poor food quality and lifestyle choices are significantly impacting its residents. In recent years, we’re seeing an increasing impact on professionals too, so last year, I worked with our practitioners to launch IMI Corporate. Hong Kong’s ideal location means we’ve been able to support leaders and their teams across the region.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
From my grandmother: “This too shall pass,” and it always does; we just need to ride through it and stay afloat.
Who inspires you?
Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, my patients and colleagues, and my mentors in the naturopathic world. I’m inspired by people who are truly living their truth, and who are authentic and kind.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
The effects of mycotoxins on the body. Mould is a significant challenge in Hong Kong and it produces toxins that get through the lungs into the body system, impacting the nervous system. It can cause numbness and tingling, SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), chronic fatigue and mood challenges. In fact, it can be a massive underlying cause of many chronic conditions. I’ve worked with clients struggling with anxiety, depression and fibromyalgia, for example, and discovered through testing that mould toxicity has been stalling their recovery. Once we’ve identified the sources of mould and taken steps to remove them, we’ve seen improvements in our clients’ wellbeing.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Nothing! I’m in the midst of my journey and full steam ahead.
How do you unwind?
Reading mostly – I’ll read almost anything, sometimes up to 3 books a week. I also enjoy quality time with my friends and my family, yoga and the ocean. I practice what I preach! As part of IMI’s corporate wellness series, I lead a Superwoman Syndrome seminar for women in the workplace. From personal and professional experience, I appreciate how important self-care, time with loved ones, nature and healing practices like yoga are for women with full and busy lives.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Phu Quoc in Vietnam. Of all the places I’ve visited, this island is my favourite place. It’s not too commercialized yet; the food is amazing and the calm sea is therapeutic.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman. It changes mindset and perception.
Shameless plug for your business:
IMI is Hong Kong’s largest natural medicine clinic and the goto for people looking to heal naturally and holistically from acute health problems and/or complex chronic conditions. We take an Integrated Healing Approach to clients’ health and wellbeing, pinpointing the obvious and hidden factors that are affecting them. In this way, we’ve helped and healed people who have suffered with unresolved health issues for many years. With over 35 practitioners under one roof, we provide treatments and therapies including naturopathy, psychology and counselling, osteopathy and chiropractic, homeopathy, TCM, complementary and holistic therapies, and diagnostic and lab testing. Clients can get clinical-grade supplements, vitamins and homeopathic remedies at our Dispensary. Skilled in working with professionals, a team of our practitioners are stepping out of the clinic and into organisations to support workplace wellness. IMI Corporate’s series of workshops is designed to cover every facet of professional wellbeing.
How can people connect with you?
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benita.perch or https://www.facebook.com/drbenitaperch/
LinkedIn for corporate wellness: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benita-perch-nd/
Website: www.imi.com.hk
Reception for consultations: +852 2523 7121
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connects’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
