| Barb. S, NYC
I know – sounds like a high school essay question. But we’re never too old to encounter someone who inspires us and ultimately helps change the course of our lives. It can happen when you least expect it (in fact that’s when it usually does!). It happened to me recently while laying on a massage table with acupuncture needles in my body. Rather than falling asleep, I found myself bombarded with creative ideas. I was reflecting on a conversation I had just moments before with my naturopath, Dr. Gabrielle Francis. I’ve written about Dr. Francis before – how she inspired me to begin traveling. (“After all, Barbara, you are a Sagittarius. What are you waiting for???") She’s one of the smartest, most caring women I know, without an ounce of superiority about her. For years I searched for a doctor who held the same holistic views I did, and serendipitously, she appeared in my life. In addition to practicing naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, oriental medicine, chiropractic and massage, Dr. Francis is also a rock star of sorts. That is, she’s a doctor to the rock stars. She provides holistic medical treatment to performers, production and crew while on tour, in her other practice known as Backstage Alternative. Seriously, how does she do it? And did I mention that she’s writing a book?
Just about every visit I’ve had with Dr. Francis leaves me feeling centered, whole and (you guessed it!) inspired. On this last visit I found myself teeming with ideas for what I’m going to do, who I’m going to become, and how I can help others along the way. I was also infused with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for what I have already become. Let me add that I’ll be turning 59 this year. It’s never too late to discover what we were meant to do in this lifetime, and never underestimate our ability to be inspired or to inspire others – no matter what our age. I believe that there is a chain reaction of sorts, and the force of inspiration is far-reaching. Dr. Francis has inspired me, helped to awaken my sleeping creativity, and I plan to pay it forward, as they say.
I don’t think there is a greater compliment than to have someone say you’ve inspired them.
Faith Salie
Journalist, TV Talk Show Hostess, Writer
When you meet Dr. Francis, first you think, “How can someone so sexy be so smart?” Then you think, “How can a doctor be so non-judgmental?” Then you think, “Is this really going to work if it’s so painless?” Finally you just stop thinking and start feeling a whole lot better.
If Keith Richards had been under Dr. Francis’ care, he would, right now, look like Justin Bieber.
Dr. Francis redefines rock star: living well does not mean living boring. Moderation does not preclude indulgence. Natural health does not mean saying goodbye to red wine for the rest of your days. Vices are human. Honoring yourself doesn’t have to feel like a drag. (Unless you like to dress in drag, and Dr. Francis would be totally supportive of that.)
Dr. Francis is a rock star…and she makes you feel like one, too.
In working with her, I’ve become healthier in every way—physically, emotionally, spiritually. (Plus, who knew that a cleansing shake could be so damn delicious?)
It is no coincidence that I met the love of my life within six months of following Dr. Francis’ guidance. In fact, one of my most liberating moments occurred while lying on her acupuncture table. I had a real epiphany about a change I needed to make — and this moment was brought on, in no small part, by the soothing, illuminating, and compassionate words she’d had for me just minutes before.
I’ve come to Dr. Francis for help with fertility…and left feeling more fertile, creative, and productive in body, mind, and heart.
Because Dr. Francis comes to healing through an unconventional path, full of remarkable experiences, I always learn something from her during every encounter. Even better, she helps me learn something about myself.
The difference between Dr. Francis and other more conventional, “Western” doctors is that Dr. Francis doesn’t write on a prescription pad. She suggests and encourages and guides in a personal way that makes you feel special and understood. I’m convinced I’m her favorite patient…just like everyone else in her care!
You can get a lot in a visit to Dr. Francis: revitalization, peace, inspiration, and awesome protein bars. But the one thing you’ll never get is guilt.
Dr. Lise Alschuler
Naturopathic Oncologist
Author of Natural Medicine Guide for Cancer
Cancer Thriversy
Dr. Francis has been a friend and colleague of mine for almost 20 years. I must say I have always been a great admirer of hers as she has always made natural health exciting for herself and for her patients. Her own work with rock stars gives her immediate street cred and her tenure as a naturopathic physician, chiropractic physician and acupuncturist give her the authority to write a trustworthy healthcare guide. Getting and staying health can be fun and hip, and I can think of no better person to convey healthy living in this way.
Darla K. Anderson
Senior Producer, Pixar Animation Studios
Being an extremely busy professional in the entertainment industry, I was in need of someone who understood the complexities of my life and business and how to integrate healing and self-care into it.
As an artist in her own right, Dr. G is intuitive and strong. She combines the strength of acupuncture, massage and adjustments while embracing the best of naturopathic principles. Going to a holistic practitioner so well-balanced not only educated and healed me, but kept me present and healthy in my work as a producer.
Dr. Francis embraces and understands the demands of the "real world" and works in concert with me to support the reality of my life.
Barbara Glickstein, RN, MPH, MS
Producer & Host, Healthstyles Pacifica Radio
Co-Director, Center for Health, Media & Policy at Hunter College City University of NY
Dr. Francis, a physician, and a healer is steeped in the traditions of the healer's art. She listens generously. Entwining her healer’s art with her Rock and Roll soul makes perfect sense - both uncover the great wisdom in life stories that point us toward our unique paths so we can be fully alive. Every radio interview with her is a unique & powerful journey - can't wait to book this one.
David B. Peterson
Banker and Philanthropist
Dr. Francis is an oasis of curative management. Her natural, non-prescription based programs offer an amazing alternative to traditional approaches, which are literally life changing. I also have never met a doctor with a better bedside manner. I cannot imagine my healthy approach to life without Dr. Francis, because it never would have happened without her guidance and wisdom! I have recommended Dr. Francis many times to friends, who are equally impressed as I am…she’s the “rock star”!
Monica Watters, NYC
Sacred Touch Holisitc Aestitican
If you want to be happy, healthy and radiant for the rest of your life, look no further than Dr. Gabrielle Francis!
Her wellness/detox program { or maybe we should call it something else??} has changed my life and the lives of several of my clients and friends. Gabrielle has a thorough understanding of wellness and treats the whole person, mind, body and spirit.
She is truly the "Herban Alchemist" and will miraculously turn you from base metal into gold in a very short period of time.
Gabrielle is a gifted Naturopath and takes an integrative approach by combining many different modalities including Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Chinese Medicine, Massage, Aromatherapy, as well as recommendations on Diet, Nutrition, Exercise and Stress management.
Gabrielle leads by example. She is a kind and loving soul and has the unique ability to inspire and motivate her patients and my clients and guide them toward a place of vibrant and lasting health. Gabrielle is a wealth of knowledge and experience and is truly dedicated to her work and her patients. Gabrielle's caring translates into deep listening, she is with you, present, fully present, a quality that is rare in the health service industry.
I trust the quality of her intuitive wisdom and consider her a healer and a friend.
RUSS HARTMAN
Editor-Austin Daze Newspaper
A paragraph about Dr. Gabrielle Francis’ awesomeness. Anyone that knows her, knows that this is an effort that requires volumes. I like a challenge so here goes;
I met Gabrielle, long ago, while she was studying to be a doctor. She saw something behind the darkness that surrounded my existence at the time. I had just been diagnosed with a disease that would change everything. I was so scared. This dark cloud that shadowed much around me was no match for Gabrielle. She taught me that good health could be achieved and also a necessary tool in fighting this diagnosis, which was hope. Things became brighter. I was able to shift my attention from what I had to what I could do. Magic happened. I have run an entertainment paper in Austin for the past 12 years. Though , I do not see her as much as I would like, she does check in on me to make sure I am living healthy. I do owe a great deal to this great doctor. I don’t think I would be where I am today without her helping me switch my perspective.
Sukey Novogratz
Co-founder of The Well Daily
Dr. Gabrielle Francis has created a safe and calm environment in downtown New York to meet all of your holistic needs. Her wisdom and compassion as your wellness guide is not unlike what you would come to expect from a good friend. She gets to know you on a very personal level and then customizes her treatments to your individual needs. Dr. Francis embodies health from the inside out and is a radiant example of a life well cared for and lived.
Dalia Carella, New York City
Dancer, Choreographer
I have been working with Dr. Gabrielle Francis for over 2 and ½ years now. Before I was introduced to Dr. Francis, I was having severe issues with menopause, having 10 hot flashes a day and sleeping only 3 hours a night. My adrenals and thyroid were shot. Dr. Francis is highly skilled in working with woman in menopause and bio-identical hormones. After putting me on a highly nutritious diet (after accurate testing by Dr. Francis) , supplements , acupuncture treatments and bio identical hormones, my health was change around in six months. I was sleeping eight hours a day, I was only having one hot flash if any during the day and my energy level was back where it was 10 years ago. Her body work and acupuncture treatments are amazing and holistic as well to suit the need of any individual and what they do for a living. I have recommended many people to Dr. Francis and I have seen her turn their health around like she turned mine. I am forever grateful to her and call her “an angel” of the healing arts. She is a true modern day alchemist.
Laura Brown, San Francisco
LMT, Ayurvedic Practioner
Dr. Gabrielle Francis is a remarkable and incredible woman. She is a bright sacred jewel who guides so many on a path of true healing. The medicine in which she carries is so profound. Dr. Francis has three medical degrees to draw upon, including chiropractic, naturopathic, and acupuncture. She shares her vast ocean of healing knowledge and wisdom with all who come her way.
I had the great opportunity and honor to work with and manage Dr. Francis’ office in San Francisco for 5 years. These years were extremely potent years of my life. During this time I discovered my passion for health and healing and began my personal journey of transformation. Not only was she my boss, she was my mentor, and one of my dearest friends.
Just being in her healing sanctuary while I worked was medicine in itself. It was a complete joy to be immersed in her practice and learn from her. Gabrielle’s presence is one of deep compassion, patience and understanding. The guidance and faith she has for her patients are held with such integrity. She truly believes in ones capacity to heal and I had the amazing chance to witness the hundreds of patients over the years experience complete transformation. Her medical knowledge is so deeply rooted in the spiritual aspect as well the scientific aspect, where one can receive a beautiful combination of the two. She is dedicated to educating her patients, and the ways in which she relates all of her medicinal information, is easily receivable.
Gabrielle believes in the high potential we all have as human beings and shares her healing gifts unconditionally. She has revealed to so many that our bodies, our minds, and our spirits can be of great clarity and radiance and she continues to inspire many people to shine their greatest beauty. I will forever have a supreme love for Dr. Francis, for she is a divine catalyst for healing to be attained in its deepest forms.
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