Bold Journey Magazine – Meet Hima Dalal

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hima Dalal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hima below.

Hima, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

“I earned my Occupational Therapist degree from Mumbai, India in 1981, and I arrived in the USA with a strong enthusiasm to assist patients facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Starting my first job, I encountered various obstacles, from rigid job descriptions to insurance limitations dictating treatment approaches, and navigating departmental politics. My two years in the hospital system taught me invaluable lessons. I quickly realized that to provide the best patient-focused care, I needed to be in control of my practice.

I also recognized the limitations of traditional therapy approaches and decided to integrate my knowledge of Eastern complimentary medicine with Occupational Therapy principles. Remaining mindful of my scope of practice, I launched my private practice to offer comprehensive care. Treating conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, trauma, sensory processing disorders, sports injuries, and more across all age groups became my passion. I believe in bringing positive change through leadership, confidence, and delivering tangible results in patient care.”

Hima, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hima N. Dalal is a distinguished Integrative Occupational Therapist, Energy Medicine Practitioner, Reiki Grandmaster, Craniosacral Therapist, Myofascial Release Therapist (credited as the inventor of this treatment technique), Crystal Myofascial Release Therapist, Sports and Rehab Consultant, Fibromyalgia Specialist, and Yoga and Meditation Teacher. With a deep understanding of vibrational and cosmic energy, she seamlessly integrates this knowledge with medicinal science, offering a unique and holistic approach to healing through specialized occupational therapy interventions.

Hima holds a degree in occupational therapy from Mumbai University in India and is nationally board-certified. Her commitment to the occupational therapy community is evident through her past roles as an Occupational Therapy Board Member for SC LLR, Medicaid liaison, and wellness chairperson for the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association. She remains an active member of NBCOT and advocates for the field through various platforms, including live TV appearances and university lectures.

Her career journey spans private practice in both India and the US, focusing on integrative health and occupational therapy approaches. Recognizing the transformative power of energy medicine, she founded Hima Dalal Integrative Health to offer holistic healing solutions rooted in addressing the root cause of patients’ ailments. Over the course of her career, she has acquired multiple certifications, enabling her to specialize in a wide range of integrative occupational therapy

We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.

After 18 years of owning Vital Energy Wellness & Rehab Center, I faced the daunting decision of selling the business. This transition required careful planning and emotional readiness. I ensured the sustainability of the business by training the staff and reassuring clients about the continuity of quality care. It was crucial to detach from the title and embrace new company philosophies during this phase.

Selling a business doesn’t just involve handing over ownership; it also entails a period of transition where you continue to support the business under contract. Adapting to new policies and working with a different organizational culture can be challenging but necessary for the business’s success post-sale. It’s essential to have confidence in yourself and be prepared to wear different hats as you navigate this transition.

The key takeaway is that selling a business is not just a financial transaction; it’s a journey of personal and professional growth, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

In the realm of medical and allied healthcare, Hima N. Dalal underscores the pivotal roles of passion and a strong commitment to helping others. She continuously explores new horizons in her thinking, pioneering innovative intervention techniques that harmonize Eastern and Western medical philosophies. Hima champions a mindset of leadership rather than conformity, emphasizing the significance of confidence and expertise in delivering effective treatments and spearheading advancements through research, publications, and educational initiatives. Her advocacy extends to international conferences, prestigious university lectures, impactful writing, community and professional education, and leveraging digital and media platforms to amplify her message and impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.himadalalintegrativehealth.com
• Instagram: Hima Dalal Integrative Health @integrativehealthsc
• Facebook: @integrativehealthsc
• Linkedin: Hima Dalal Integrative Health@integrativehealthsc
• Youtube: @integrativehealthsc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hima Dalal.

Hi Hima, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For the past 43 years, I have proudly practiced as an Occupational Therapist. I am trained in ancient and Eastern medicine and traditional Occupational Therapy. Being an Integrative Therapist allowed me to treat the patients and eliminate the issue at the root level. In other words, treat the body, mind, and soul to provide freedom not only from physical pain or dysfunction but also emotional balance and mental stability to live life to the fullest. In 2002, we moved to Columbia, SC, and started my journey of sharing my Integrative Therapy approach to the patients in South Carolina. In 2005, with the overwhelming response and need of clients, Vital Energy Wellness & Rehab Center was born. We established a state-of-the-art facility in a 6,500-square-foot building equipped with modern amenities and therapy modalities, such as a Hydroworx pool with a water treadmill and laser therapy. Additionally, we built a highly trained team of occupational and physical therapists, support staff, and expanded to two facilities. (From 2005 to 2021).

We made a difference in people’s lives by using traditional and complementary therapies like Energy Medicine treatment, Reiki, Myofascial Release, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Therapeutic Yoga, and Mindfulness Meditation to treat patients holistically. I freed myself from the corporate burden of running a large facility by selling my Vital Energy business. Recently, I opened a new practice after selling my previous one. I established Hima Dalal Integrative Health, where I use energy medicine to heal patients physically, emotionally, and mentally. I address a wide range of issues, including known and unknown ailments, depleted energy, decreased motivation, PTSD, chronic pain, autoimmune problems, post-cancer complaints, post-injury complications, pelvic floor dysfunction, compromised wellness, gut health issues, and cognitive health depletion in all age groups, from infants to the aging population. I take pride in teaching and advocating for our vulnerable population through community outreach, raising awareness about good health, fitness, wellness, and empowering individuals to take control of their well-being. I contribute to the community by teaching through TV shows, writing articles, conducting wellness workshops, and offering free mindfulness meditation sessions on social media.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an Occupational Therapist with an Integrative Therapy approach and using Energy Medicine Practice has certainly posed challenges at times. My invention of the Crystal Myofascial Release technique was even more difficult for the logical mind, evidence-based medical society. At this point in life, I have been able to overcome all the obstacles and have earned respect in Medical and allied health and the community of Columbia and the surrounding area. Physicians & and the community reaches out to me with confidence when they run out of solution to help someone’s chronic pain, post-injury rehab complications, Infants with challenges of feeding to moving, or sports player who has to play the next game inspired by their contusion or concussion or PTSD, trauma, mental health challenges to name few.

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your business. I am an Integrative Occupational Therapist and a Reiki Grand Master.

• Myofascial Release Therapist
• Craniosacral Sacral Therapist
• Crystal MyofascialReleaseTherapist (My Technique)
• Pediatric Occupational Therapist
• Sports Rehab Specialist
• Fibromyalgia Specialist
• Breast Cancer &Lymphedema Therapist
• Ayurvedic Wellness Evaluation
• Yoga Teacher
• Meditation Teacher and Facilitator

Clients/patients with chronic pain, low energy, post-injury issues, TMJ, arthritis, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, autoimmune disorders, pelvic floor dysfunction, sports injuries, paralysis, neuropathy, cancer-related complications, infants with birthing injuries, tongue-tie, lip-tie, delayed milestones, low tone, sensory processing disorders, an aging population with cognitive challenges, balance issues, and declining wellness, as well as individuals experiencing sleeping issues or a lack of peace of mind, can seek assistance.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?

In my childhood home, we had a large family with my parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts living with my siblings. Our Nani Caretaker in the house, was always there to assist. If someone had neck stiffness, she would help my mom’s aunt with the tortilla roller. If someone suffered from constipation or a toothache, she knew exactly which spices to use. She even made special homemade soap for bathing and washing clothes, assisted with cooking, and would gently massage our heads with specially prepared nourishing oils, among other things. When I became OT, she was my inspiration, along with so many other family members, teacher, and Guru who has helped me become who I am today, and not to forget my Columbia, SC family. I’m grateful to all those who place their trust in me on their healing journey.

Pricing:

• Integrative Therapy Evaluation -150$
• Energy Medicine Treatment -150$
• Myofascial Release Therapy Treatment
• Visit -150$
• Ayuerveda Wellness Evaluation -350$
• Meditation-One To One 150$

Contact Info:

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