Living abroad inevitably means new experiences good and bad and when the bad or maybe just uncomfortable strike, it’s difficult to know who to turn to. Where’s your mommy when you need her? Am I right?

While Korean doctors may be top tier, the push to take over the counter medications and get quick fixes for ailments can leave many wondering if there’s another alternative.

Well, there is. Create Wellness located in Hannam-dong is just what the doctor ordered, or in this case, not at all what the doctor ordered, but probably more in line with what your mother or grandmother would suggest. For a holistic approach, this is definitely the place to head.

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Create Wellness promotes a holistic approach through a combination of Chiropractic, Osteopathic, Naturopathic doctors and physical therapy and therapeutic and sports massage. Dr. Sunjae Lee, the Naturopathic doctor and manager of Create Wellness says that he firmly believes “there is no other clinic with this team-based approach [in Korea], at least not in the English speaking community.” Dr. Lee went on to explain that he can confidently say that he is the only English speaking Naturopathic doctor with proper 6 year training in the country and working along with the Osteopathic specialist, Dr. Joseph Kim, who is the only practicing Osteopath in the country and the Swedish rehabilitation specialist Ida Lovgren means Create Wellness has a well rounded approach perfect for those people hoping to go natural and holistic.

This group isn’t just out to promote themselves though, they also team up with up and coming businesses in the foreign community, some of which you may know of already. Partnerships with Morning Glory Birthing a doula service, Crossfit gyms in the area, AskAjumma, Gachi CSA a farm to door food service means you can also gather information from the doctors and staff on other ways to add to your holistic lifestyle.

While most people that seek out Create Wellness head there for their Chiropractic specialists and rehab facilities, the central hub of their operations, I wanted to experience something a little different. I sat down with Dr. Joseph Kim, the Osteopathic specialist, for a pretty in depth look and education on my bone and muscle structure. As one of the only outside-licensed and practicing Osteopathic doctors in Korea who specializes in pregnancy and post-partum care among other things, he is one of the most unique aspects about the center and definitely the person for me. Baby, I love you, but gosh my back aches. Not only is he clearly educated and knows what he’s talking about, but he was able to explain things in simple terms for me, which I’ve generally noticed a lack of among Korean doctors who spout out medical jargon like it’s their job, (yeah I know it is), but can’t simplify it for the common man or woman. Through a subtle technique of questions and light touch, Dr. Kim was able to determine some “problem” areas and gently coaxed my spine into a more comfortable position and followed that up with recommending some exercises and lifestyle choices to make to continue in order to maintain a healthy body. As he explained, everything is connected and while my trapezius muscles might be sore, that’s not necessarily where I need to focus to relieve the stress that’s in that location. I left feeling knowledgeable, energized and ready to make some slight adjustments in my daily life for a generally healthier outcome.

Not only was I a happy camper after visiting Create Wellness, two foreign locals that I met in the waiting room couldn’t stop with the compliments. A husband and wife duo who had come together explained how he had had an injury and came for rehab for quite a few months and thought it was so helpful that he told his wife to come in for a massage too. This was her first visit and after her massage she was glowing and completely satisfied.

Create Wellness differentiates themselves from the other sports medicine clinics in Seoul with a unique staff and outlook and is able to provide an overall perspective on how to care for and coax the body into health rather than jarring it into submission with medicines and operations.

If you want a first, second or third opinion, head to this group for some personalized care.

Address:

1st floor, Hannam Building, 737-37 Hannam 2-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Directions:

Subway: Itaewon Subway Station, exit 2. Walk straight and Create Wellness will be on your left a couple blocks up in the Hannam Building.

Phone: 02-749-4849

Office Hours: Open Everyday, call for an appointment or make an appointment on their website

Services Include: chiropractic care, naturopathic care, osteopathic care, pilates, massage, rehab therapy and holistic planning

Specializing In:

Lower back pain with sciatica

Disc Disorders

Back Injuries

Sports injuries

Birth trauma (mother and child)

Poor posture

Repetitive myofascial and ligamentous strain

Joint disorders (spine, etc)

Nerve disorders

Headaches/Migraines

Motor Vehicle Accidents (e.g. whiplash)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Rehabilitation

Scoliosis

Flat feet

Functional digestive disorders

Hormonal imbalances

Chronic Fatigue

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.createwellnesscenter.com





*I received a free massage and Osteopathic consultation from Create Wellness if I would write this post, but all thoughts and opinions above are my own.

**All photos in this post provided by Create Wellness.