At the forefront of holistic health and human performance stands Dr. Vivek Soham, whose journey across multiple countries has culminated in the establishment of Origin Modern Health & Wellness. Driven by a lifelong dedication to providing exceptional healthcare, Dr. Soham has emerged as one of the top 20 NUCCA practitioners globally and a leading authority in human performance through UC Complex. In this exclusive Mystic Mag‘s interview, we delve into Dr. Soham’s expansive career, exploring the innovative practices and philosophies that define Origin Modern Health & Wellness. From his international experiences to his groundbreaking work in human performance, discover how Dr. Soham is setting new standards in healthcare, offering unparalleled expertise and compassion to his community. Join us as we uncover the story behind Origin Modern Health & Wellness and the visionary doctor at its helm.
How did your experiences working across multiple countries influence your approach to healthcare, and how do you incorporate diverse perspectives into Origin Modern Health & Wellness?
I’ll begin by explaining why I entered this field, which will provide insight into who I am and how everything came together. I come from an Indian background and heritage, where seeking natural remedies and alternative treatments was common. We rarely relied on conventional medicine, opting instead for natural remedies like herbal treatments and elbow grease. Throughout my life, I’ve only taken painkillers once or twice, a testament to the influence of my mother and grandmother.
Growing up, my mother was a single parent, and when I was nine, she was involved in a car accident while we were living in the UK. Despite the country’s free healthcare system, chiropractic care wasn’t covered, leaving us struggling to find relief for her pain. Witnessing the transformative impact of chiropractic care on my mother’s mobility and quality of life ignited a desire within me to pursue a similar path.
From that moment on, I was determined to become a chiropractor. In the UK, the educational requirements and standards for chiropractors are rigorous, akin to those for medical doctors. This remained true when I moved to the US to complete my doctorate.
Initially, I had a limited understanding of chiropractic care, mainly associating it with the traditional cracking and popping techniques. However, my perspective shifted when I was introduced to the NUCCA technique while completing my doctorate in the Bay Area.
NUCCA focuses on the head and neck region, specifically targeting the brainstem and its control over vital bodily functions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and hormonal regulation, as well as sensory processing. The brainstem is a crucial component of the nervous system, responsible for maintaining essential bodily functions even in cases of severe brain injury.
Through my exposure to the NUCCA technique, I gained a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between the spine, nervous system, and overall health. This realization further fueled my passion for chiropractic care and inspired me to specialize in techniques that prioritize holistic wellness and address the root cause of issues rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
So, what I discovered, after initially doubting that this area could hold such potential for human health and performance, is that the tissue type in this region is unique. It doesn’t respond to the same fast, high-velocity, low-amplitude movements as other parts of the body. This realization led me to appreciate why NUCCA has one of the highest reproducible rates of positive outcomes for their patients. The methodical approach of NUCCA involves taking 3D imaging of the head and neck, allowing for precise measurements down to a quarter of a degree or half a millimeter. This level of precision is crucial when assessing how misalignment patterns affect various neural pathways.
In our practice, we’ve discovered that certain misalignments can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Consequently, we screen patients for these conditions, alongside other physical complaints. Testimonials on our YouTube channel and website frequently mention patients successfully reducing or eliminating their need for antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and heart medication. Our focus is always on identifying the root cause of issues rather than merely treating symptoms. For example, someone may present with low back pain, which could actually be a compensation for an issue elsewhere in the body.
We often see patients who have tried various treatments without experiencing sustained relief. Our goal is to empower patients to achieve independence from ongoing treatment. This may not be the most lucrative business model, but it’s aligned with our commitment to our patients’ long-term well-being. Typically, within a 60 to 90-day period, patients experience significant improvement and can maintain their health without frequent visits to our office.
Our approach is very mechanistic and precise, often involving the use of measuring tapes to assess angles and biomechanics. By understanding how these factors influence spinal alignment, we can address issues at their root and unwind the entire spinal system. Our research includes studies on Alzheimer’s, blood pressure, and migraines, reflecting a commitment to both Eastern and Western models of healthcare.
The beauty of explaining my background lies in the Eastern approaches. This technique involves no twisting, popping, or cracking; it’s gentle, using controlled force to allow the body to adapt. It’s a blend of East meets West, offering a scientific approach to non-invasive, non-surgical, and non-medication-related treatment. Our aim is to maximize impact with minimal intervention, as my personal philosophy aligns with the belief that less is more. We understand that the body doesn’t necessarily require a multitude of supplements or medications, even from a natural standpoint.
At Origin Modern Health and Wellness, our clients grasp the importance of addressing gut health, hormonal balance, migraines, vertigo, and other common issues. However, we recognize that these are just a few aspects of overall health. Therefore, we often recommend seeing a functional nutritionist or a functional medicine doctor to establish a baseline and determine the necessity of supplementation.
We’ve observed that many clients require fewer medications and supplements after addressing underlying issues. Additionally, we acknowledge that our approach forms only one aspect of health, serving as a foundation. We understand our limitations and strive to connect clients with other healthcare professionals as needed, such as physical therapists or personal trainers, to address movement and exercise.
This approach is based on our understanding and mapping of their neurology, enabling us to identify their neurological and structural neutrality. Once we achieve this point, we assess their progress and adjust accordingly. While some patients may require more time, others may need less, but on average, the initial session lasts about an hour and a half to two hours. Subsequent follow-up visits typically last 15 to 20 minutes, as we respect our patients’ time and aim to foster independence rather than dependency on frequent visits.
This perspective and model evolved from my experiences working in various countries such as Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Portugal. Through conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, I gained insights into different perspectives on health, guiding me towards finding the most optimal approach. It’s essential to recognize that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; traditional chiropractic care helped my mother regain mobility, while functional nutrition significantly improved my wife’s well-being. Our role in this holistic system involves understanding how each component connects and impacts the whole, rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms.
Unlike the approach of addressing specific symptoms with medication, our approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of bodily systems. We understand that the liver affects the pancreas, the gallbladder, and ultimately, the brain. Therefore, we adopt a comprehensive approach while remaining specific in our interventions, ensuring effective and targeted care.
As one of the top 20 NUCCA practitioners globally, what unique insights or techniques do you bring to your practice at Origin Modern Health & Wellness, and how do they benefit your patients?
One of the benefits I’ve experienced is my involvement with NUCCA, where I served as their fundraising chair on the board. Currently, I hold the position of Vice President at the Upper Cervical Research Foundation. Our foundation’s responsibility is to comprehend and disseminate research findings related to this area for the benefit of the general population. Research can be challenging for many to digest, which has fueled my passion for education. My personal motto is, “If you’re not striving to be the best in the world at what you do, what’s the point?” This mindset, coupled with humility and a relentless drive to push boundaries, has contributed to my career achievements. Despite being the youngest serving board member by a considerable margin, I attribute my success to dedication to my patients and my craft.
In our office, we maintain a welcoming and open environment devoid of supplements, pillows, or gimmicks. While we focus on delivering NUCCA, our educational process encompasses other aspects to facilitate our patients’ journey. I pride myself on my expertise and diligence in ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care, akin to what I would provide for my own mother.
Regarding unique insights and techniques, we’ve adapted NUCCA using the MIMI method, a concept I developed. This method adds a layer of neurology and neurophysiology to enhance our approach. As NUCCA transitions to adopting 3D technology, we’ve customized our equipment to capture a comprehensive view from the base of the neck to the top of the skull, ensuring accurate measurements. Additionally, MIMI provides me with the flexibility to tailor treatment according to each patient’s needs, emphasizing patient-centered care above all else.
What type of services do you offer?
As I mentioned, our primary service is upper cervical alignments, which we specialize in. Additionally, from the perspective of enhancing human performance, we extend our focus through Origin X, our sports performance division. On our website, you can find a detailed breakdown of the three main areas we examine and our approach to them. Allow me a moment to ensure I address them in the correct order.
I have a deep passion for what I do, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If, for instance, I were to lose the use of my hands, I would happily transition to a career in education, as I have a strong affinity for teaching. However, my ultimate priority is the health and happiness of my family. Origin X serves as an extension of Origin Modern Health and Wellness, dedicated to optimizing the human body’s performance in various aspects, particularly sports performance.
In the realm of sports performance, we analyze indicators such as hand-eye coordination, ground reaction forces, and muscle fiber recruitment. When utilizing MIMI to enhance hand-eye coordination, we break down elements like dynamic depth perception, visual sharpness, eye movement patterns, spatial analysis, and reaction times. Similarly, when assessing muscle fiber movement, we delve into motor neuron activation, neurotransmitter release, muscle tension, and metabolic states.
Ground reaction forces are a vital aspect of performance, influencing activities such as jumping, sprinting, changing directions, and weightlifting. These forces are intimately tied to factors like bio-tensegrity and fascia health. Our work with professional athletes, including golfers, MMA fighters, and baseball players, as well as corporate clients, particularly executives, emphasizes optimizing these performance elements.
In addition to physical interventions, we incorporate holistic practices such as sound baths into our corporate retreats. Our collaboration with renowned sound bath practitioner Charlie Demaray adds an extra dimension to our retreats, harnessing the power of frequencies for healing and well-being. This holistic approach includes movement, breathwork, and other practices aimed at promoting overall wellness and vitality.
Could you elaborate on how you prioritize holistic wellness at Origin Modern Health & Wellness, and how it contributes to overall patient care and satisfaction?
Everything I recommend is medication-free, surgery-free, and drug-free. While medical intervention has its time and place, the goal is to prioritize natural and holistic approaches whenever possible. Our primary focus in the office is adhering to a strict policy: we do not accept patients we cannot assist. This means conducting a comprehensive biomechanical and neurological assessment, including imaging, to determine the priority health goals and needs of each individual.
Sometimes, immediate relief is necessary before pursuing long-term solutions. For example, if someone is experiencing acute pain or sleep disturbances, addressing these issues becomes a priority. Our focus remains on understanding the root cause of health issues. We believe that optimizing the connection between the brain and body, particularly at the brainstem, is crucial for overall alignment and well-being.
By ensuring that patients are in optimal alignment before seeking other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy or functional medicine, we aim to enhance the effectiveness of these interventions. Feedback from other healthcare professionals often confirms the accelerated progress and improved outcomes experienced by our patients.
Our approach emphasizes community-building and recognizes that no single individual has all the answers. By working together and laying a solid foundation, we can better serve the long-term health and well-being of our patients.
As a leader in the field of human performance, how do you empower your team at Origin Modern Health & Wellness to continually strive for excellence in their respective roles?
Everyone who has engaged with us at some point has actually experienced what we do. Whether it’s a profound emotional release or addressing physical ailments like being bone on bone, individuals have witnessed the transformative impact of our approach. For instance, our office manager, who was in her mid to late 60s at the time I met her, had been diagnosed as bone on bone in the neck with no disk spaces and a herniated disc in the lower back. After nine months of treatment, all the disk spaces in her neck had returned, and the herniated disc in her lower back had reduced. This case exemplifies how sometimes the solution comes from unexpected places.
We haven’t needed to advertise for job positions because we naturally attract individuals who recognize the value of what we do and actively seek to be part of our team. This organic growth is a testament to the impact we have within our community, which I’m deeply grateful for.
In terms of striving for excellence, I lead by example and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. I operate with open communication and provide support and resources to my team members to help them fulfill their roles effectively. If challenges arise and someone is unable to meet their responsibilities despite support, we address the situation with transparency and explore potential solutions, such as transitioning roles or finding a better fit elsewhere.
