I started my path into fitness and health at age 12, when I started running.  I would run for hours, sometimes twice a day.  It was so exhilarating.  I hadn’t experienced anything like it before.  It became a great way for me to deal with family drama and the struggles all teenagers seem to go through.  Before I knew it, I was working out at the gym (during high school) and paving my way to learn more about the body and keeping it in shape.   In my early twenties I was drawn to becoming a personal trainer. I  received my certification, landed a job, and tried my hand at getting clients, however, I failed miserably, because I am not great at sales.   Thereafter, I succeeded in getting my bachelor’s degree in fitness, nutrition and health at San Diego State University.  I had no idea what I would do with this degree, I just knew that the body interested me and that it possessed the ability to heal itself given the appropriate resources and structure.  As my life trajectory began to fall into place, I became quite intrigued with yoga and an Eastern medicine known as Ayurveda.  I studied these two modalities of healing and well-being for a few years, often attending Ayurvedic trainings with Dr. Vasant Lad.  The philosophy of Ayurveda really resonated with me, and it is the root of my philosophy when approaching anyone’s wellness journey—“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” Hippocrates

Eventually, every aspect of my life was directing me to fully embrace the fact that I was meant to be a healer and teacher–guiding those towards a life of purpose and meaning.  A life of freedom.  When our bodies are not functioning at 100%, we lose our freedom; our freedom to do the things we love which keep us mentally attuned to happiness and those around us. 

So, I entered Palmer School of Chiropractic and received my Doctorate in Chiropractic; December of 2020.  During my third year at Palmer, I was graciously mentored by Dr. Masi Bayless and Dr. Jack Knox of Santa Cruz in the technique of Directional Non-Force.  This technique is quite profound and was the first type of chiropractic care I received in my early 20’s.  It is quite clear to me that healing isn’t just seeking out someone that can “fix” you but is truly a way of living.  I hope I can help you find the way of living for you that helps you live with all the things—all the things you want to do. 

As life would have it, I couldn’t simply attain all these things without struggle and opposition.  So, I have two teenagers and a three-year old pup and try to mix it all up with bouts of self-care.  My most recent endeavor is training for a Spartan race.  I love adventure and living and truly enjoy allowing others to do the same.  I look forward to supporting the central coast./Atascadero area with their health needs.

In Health and Wellness, Dr. Mikah Cook