Wellness Experts at Chiva-Som

PRATHANA KUMBOONCHU

Prathana Kumboonchu (Dr. Mod) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist working at Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Thailand. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and received a specialized secondary honour on her graduation under Huachiew University and Shanghai University, one of the top Traditional Chinese Medicine Universities in Thailand and China.

After receiving her acupuncturist’s license, Prathana worked at a clinic in Pattaya, focussing on cosmetic acupuncture, where she worked closely with aesthetic medical doctors treating weight loss, anti-aging and clear skin techniques. Apart from these specialty aesthetic disciplines, she also treated patients for aches and pains as well as emotional issues. Prathana also offers cupping and moxibustion therapy to her patients, both of which complement the powerful effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Prathana furthered her career development by working in Hospitals (Prae Ram Hospital and Pattaya International Hospital) for a number of years where she treated a variety of health concerns including pain, allergies, insomnia, gynaecological issues, massotheraphy, rheumatic and cardiovascular conditions and many others. In Prae Ram Hospital, she had several invitations to present lecture series such as an introduction to Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Philosophies, Principles and Possibilities.

Prathana chose this career because of her love of helping others, and she feels that acupuncture is a way of addressing the root of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. She feels that given the proper tools, the body has the ability to heal itself, thus reducing the need for medication. Compassionate by nature, Prathana is passionate about what she does and has a strong belief that acupuncture is a safe and effective way of managing people’s health.

SATOSHI HASHIMOTO

DR JASON CULP, ND CNS

Dr Culp is a graduate of Bastyr University with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a licensed Naturopathic physician in the United States. Additionally, he had completed a fellowship in Metabolic and Nutrition Medicine, receiving certification from the American Board of Anti-Aging Health Practitioners.

For the past 5 years, Dr Culp has held the position of senior Naturopathic physician at Chiva-Som International Health resort, where he conducts natural wellness consultations for in-house clients. In addition to his role as a Naturopathic physician, he is the founder and director for the Research and Development department at Chiva-Som, in which the primary objectives are to evaluate and explore the use of evidence-based natural therapies in a holistic wellness setting.

He is involved in lecturing internationally on the topic of wellness promotion as well. Dr Culp’s wellness philosophy follows that in order to create sustainable health, the client must fully engage and play an active participatory role in their own wellness process. The empowerment of the individual and the client’s authentic understanding of their wellness goals, intentions, and motivations take precedent in health and healing. In this way, each client leaves with the feeling that they are the most powerful advocate in their own wellness journey.

KAMLESH KUMAR

Born in Northern India, Kamlesh Kumar comes from the very scenic Himachal Pradesh which is home to the Himalayas.

Kamlesh has a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Himachal Pradesh University Summer Hill, Shimla and a Certificate from International Vishva Guru Meditation Institute, Ved Niketan Dham in Rishikesh, India. His strong belief in Yoga and its tradition inspired him to continue his studies and he also completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga and health education from Singhania University Rajasthan, India.

Kamlesh has been practicing Yoga from an early age and has been teaching professionally since 2006. He has taught Yoga to the almost all age groups of different nationalities. He has taught Yoga in Ashram in Rishikesh and has worked with many leading companies in India, the Middle East and Asia.

His teaching involves Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Pranayama and Meditation. Yoga is for everyone because it addresses all the issues on physical, mental and emotional levels.

Kamlesh has a passion for sharing his knowledge and his beliefs in the Yoga ‘way of life’. He is a living, breathing example of wellness in spirit, mind and body.

He believes that yoga is a perfect tool for harmonising body and mind, as it works on the subtle layers of mind and emotions. Nothing would give him more pleasure than to spread the knowledge and tradition of yoga as far as he can.

WANTANEE DANJAREANRAK

As head of Physio & Fitness, Wantanee’s contribution to Chiva-Som has been instrumental to Chiva-Som’s physiotherapy & Fitness programme in areas such as general health, pain relief, mobility, joint mobility, posture corrective and strength balance.

Her commitment is to helping people achieve optimal physical health by finding a harmony both physically and emotionally.

CHANACHIDA BANYEAM

Chananchida Banyeam (Bell) graduated Mae Fah Luang University with a with a Bachelor of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine in 2016. She has been a licensed Thai Traditional Medicine Doctor since her graduation.

Khun Bell spent the past 5 years providing medical services of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine in Ratchaburi Province. This included treating patients with Thai therapeutic massage, Thai herbal drugs, examination, diagnosis and health care, therapy, disease prevention, and rehabilitation.

Over the years, Khun Bell has also spent time providing education and vocational training for Thai community volunteers regarding various health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plants, Thai herbs, and animal and mineral based medicines.

Since joining Chiva-Som International Health Resort in 2022, she has expanded her role and her services to include Thai Therapeutic Treatments such as the traditional Thai herbal steam bath, Thai herbal hot compress and Thai Medicinal Herbs. Her practice ensures the sustainability of the Thai national wisdom while working with a modern approach to alternative medicine and principles. This knowledge of the symbiosis of mind, body and spirit provide enriched therapy outcomes within the Holistic Health department.