It all started one day when I had to push myself down the stairs. My healing journey, that is.

Let’s backtrack a bit!

I’m Amalia Valle. I grew up in sunny Miami, Florida.

Right after finishing school (literally the day after graduating!), I moved to New York City to pursue my dream of acting and filmmaking. Like most kids in their late teens/early 20’s, I did not pay much attention to keeping a healthy lifestyle at that time in my life.

I did however, discover the beauty of a regular yoga practice, which was an incredible way to de-stress and re-center from the chaotic city life and the highs and lows of auditioning and performing. I got certified as a Yoga Instructor in 2010 and I felt wonderful, even despite my poor diet at the time.

However, once I hit my 30’s, my health suddenly started taking a turn for the worse. I was feeling increasingly tired, no matter how many hours I slept. I had bags under my eyes and I was gaining weight, no matter how much I tried to “diet” and exercise.

The fatigue got steadily worse. Back to the pushing myself down the stairs scenario – well that’s just how fatigued I was. I couldn’t even muster the energy to walk down the stairs from my 3rd floor apartment in Brooklyn. I felt like an old woman in a 30-year-old body.

Around this time, I was also hoping to become pregnant and it wasn’t happening. I went to my gynecologist, who checked “everything” and said that I was “fine” and actually very fertile! The only issue she found was that I was slightly low on Vitamin D (more on this later). She offered me a pill that would force me to ovulate more than usual – luckily I didn’t take it!

I did a full physical with my general physician and she too, found that I was “fine”.

But I wasn’t fine! I felt awful and no one could tell me why.

Fortunately, at this time, I found a wonderful Naturopathic Physician. I initially went to him for acupuncture but luckily for me, he asked me some very thorough questions about how I had been feeling lately. When I went through the list of my symptoms, he said “Amalia, these are classic symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis”.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, commonly just referred to as Hashimoto’s, is an autoimmune thyroid disorder. It cannot be “cured” exactly but it CAN be put into remission. The proper thyroid medication is an important component, however healthy lifestyle changes are just as important, if not more important, in achieving a remission state.

In 2016, I was finally “officially” diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. My Naturopathic Physician was not able to order the tests himself but he instructed me on what to ask my doctor for.

Sure enough, his recommended tests showed my Hashimoto’s. And as it turns out, my low Vitamin D was a symptom of this condition – not to mention a crucial factor in my recovery!

Then, my NP helped me to select an Endocrinologist – because it can actually be very tricky to find a good one!

The takeaway from all this?

Your health is something that you must be an advocate for. If something feels “off” – you are probably right! You have a right to feel good.

Sometimes, doctors don’t have all the answers. A lot may have changed since they went to medical school and they may not have searched further. Our medical industry nowadays has become heavily influenced by pharmaceutical companies and some modern-day doctors may not know about natural paths that can be used to restore our health. Some medications can definitely be helpful, but only if we put them in the context of treating the patient holistically – identifying the root cause of the illness/imbalance, rather than just putting a band-aid on the symptoms.

I am happy to say that my Hashimoto’s is now in remission, and I am the mother of a beautiful 5-year-old girl. I do take a natural thyroid medication, however my most important healing component has been my lifestyle changes.

I eat a clean diet (yes, I still have some treats though!), exercise regularly and practice yoga, take carefully chosen herbs, vitamins and supplements, get daily sunshine and practice gratitude.
I believe everyone deserves the right to feel good and I believe there is an answer to every problem. Some conditions may be harder to treat than others, but I believe there is always something that we can do to feel better!

Here’s where I can help. I teach yoga and I am a Holistic Health Coach.

Sometimes, we just need a regular practice, like yoga, to de-stress, re-center and rejuvenate. Developing my own yoga practice was life changing for me and I would be honored to share this with you as a teacher.

However, sometimes, despite doing all the “right” things, we still don’t feel well. This is where I can help you as a coach.

As a health coach, I can provide guidance on healthy eating habits specific to your needs, supplementation, exercise, lifestyle adjustments, setting wellness goals and accountability for those goals.
I will also seek to educate and empower you to become your own advocate in healthcare settings. While I cannot prescribe lab tests for you, I can advise you on what to discuss with your medical doctor and in some cases, I can assist in finding the right doctor or provider for your needs.

When it comes to your health – knowledge is power! Our health is our greatest wealth and I would love to guide you towards feeling your best.

Sounds good?

Email me here to set up a health consultation or yoga session.

I look forward to meeting you!

And in the meantime, please keep in touch in by joining my community here (subscribe just below!)
You can expect to hear from me about 3 – 4 times per month, with healthy lifestyle tips, inspiration and recipes. You’ll also get access to a special video that I made I made just for you – Two step by step quick yoga stretches that will immediately relieve tension in your neck and shoulders. You can do these stretches from anywhere – even at the office!

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. I am so happy that you have begun your wellness journey and I look forward to being a part of it!

xoxo,
Amalia