Dear Doctor: Ashita Gupta
The integrative endocrinologist on her bringing her vision for a holistic practice to life.
Just around the corner from Capsule in Chelsea is Yantra Endocrinology + Wellness, the beautiful practice of Dr. Ashita Gupta. When you step off the elevator and into her office, there’s a sense of warmth and comfort emanating from the waiting room, a much different feeling than a typical doctor’s office. After chatting with Dr. Gupta, it’s clear that her vision for her practice truly has come through in every aspect of her space and her work. Read on to learn about how Dr. Gupta took the leap to start her own practice, a place where she is able to combine her passion for conventional endocrinology with integrative medicine.
“In the Indian education system, you are started on the medical school pathway very young. I had to commit to being a doctor by age 17. I don’t think I fully understood what I was getting into. But I always had a strong interest in science and healing. In 2001, I moved to the U.S. to get my masters in hospital administration. I ended up in staying because I was fascinated by the complexities of the healthcare system here, and impressed by how regulated and modernized it was compared to where I come from.”
The Study of Hormones
During the course of medical school and residency, I found myself drawn to endocrinology and the study of hormones. Unlike fixed and finite organ systems like the heart or the lungs, hormones appear to be such a nebulous concept within our bodies, floating around, invisible and yet everywhere. They orchestrate a fine balance within your body, without you even realizing.
Like a drop of water on the surface of the pond that triggers a widespread ripple effect. It’s very subtle, but all pervasive.
I embarked originally on a career pathway that was very conventional, starting with studying internal medicine and then endocrinology. Along the way, I began to notice that even though we have a lot of advanced medical resources and testing, some patients still felt like their symptoms weren’t being addressed. If your doctor has run multiple tests, but still can’t explain why you don’t feel well, it can be so frustrating for patients and can lead them to abandon conventional medical care.
Finding Inspiration from Around the World
I began thinking about how I could do better for these patients. In India, Ayurvedic medicine, herbalism, and homeopathy are well assimilated into the medical paradigm alongside conventional therapies. When you go to a primary care physician, you may be prescribed antibiotics, while your doctor also comfortably discusses botanical or Ayurvedic supplements. These are two very distinct fields of medicine that may be merged together smoothly and serve patients well depending on what they need at the time.
When I traveled throughout Europe I found a similar integration. If you go to a pharmacy there, you could get prescription drug as well as have access to homeopathy or herbalism. The pharmacists are able to knowledgeably talk about alternative or holistic remedies. All of these modalities exist here in the U.S. whether it’s Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Ayurveda, herbalism, or homeopathy, yet they’re very fragmented. There’s not a lot of coordination and cooperation between these schools of thought. In an ideal health care system, I believe patients should have safe and legitimate access to all options of care.
Conventional Medicine with an Integrative Approach
During my endocrinology training, with this on my mind, I heard about Dr. Andrew Weil’s Integrative Medicine Fellowship program in Arizona. As I read more about it, I realized it was a well-vetted program with an evidence based approach. Whatever alternative modalities I wanted to offer to patients, it was so important to me that they would not be harmful in any way and that there was independent evidence that showed the benefits. Through this fellowship, I was able to merge all the principles I learned throughout my training. My approach is multi-faceted incorporating conventional endocrinology — such as diagnostic and therapeutic approaches — with mind-body medicine, nutrition, the use of botanicals, herbs, and supplements where beneficial.
Starting Yantra Endocrinology + Wellness
I spent a lot of time thinking about the vision of my practice, because I knew once that was established, everything else would fall into place. Often, when people think about a medical practice they envision a space that is sterile-appearing and corporate. I wanted to create a space that felt safe and comforting with an easy flow of energy. For my logo, I worked with a talented watercolor artist from India to create a soft, organic logo. It was meaningful to me to incorporate the Yantra, an ancient symbol found in Sanskrit texts that is used as an aid in meditation and to channel energy. In the Yantra symbolism, five overlapping triangles pointing downward represent feminine energy. Over the years, my focus has shifted towards women’s wellness so that symbolism resonates every day I am at work.
Our physical space, feels light, airy, and peaceful. I hope that the atmosphere of my office will help my patients feel comfortable to open up and entrust me with their care. Prior to opening my practice about a year ago, I worked at a large multi-specialty hospital practice for six years. I went from a very bureaucratic, corporate style of medicine to one that’s intimate and approachable. I’ve chosen to keep Yantra Endocrinology + Wellness an intimate practice so that patients can have a more personalized approach.
It’s challenging to provide integrative care in an economical way. Typically, wellness consultations are not adequately covered by insurance because the treatment style requires the practitioner to spend more time with their patients getting to know them, their lifestyle, their diet, etc. Despite this, I have tried to make my practice’s access to care more affordable. I see fewer patients than a conventional doctor would in a normal work day but I am able to provide the level and quality of care that I want.
Favorites
Local lunch spot: Soups and salads from Dig Inn and poke bowls from Maui Onion
Favorite thing to cook: Brown rice and spicy curries redolent with turmeric and ginger are comfort food for me since my childhood. That’s often my go-to meal after a long day.
Some favorite family activities: In my downtime, as a family, we love to travel and try new foods. My children are only six and eight but have learned quickly how to eat like locals when on holiday!
NYC Neighborhood: I’ve lived all over Manhattan, and love that each neighborhood has its own unique flavor. The vibe in the Chelsea/Flatiron area is amazing. The energy is electric and there are all kinds of innovative, exciting things happening here, so I feel lucky to work in the area.
You can learn more about Dr. Ashita Gupta and Yantra Endocrinology + Wellness here.
Know a great female doctor in NYC? We’d love to meet her, introduce us here!
