The Buddha's Medicine - Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine in Portland, Oregon

Firstly: don't be put off if you're skeptical of an Eastern approach to medicine. Dr Matt was my primary care provider for several years when he was working within Western medical institutions, and I was grateful to have found him then. I have multiple complex chronic issues that are difficult to manage (such as hyper-mobile Ehlers-Danlos, amongst others) and he did an outstanding job of listening, understanding and working with me then to help address and manage those complex and interacting issues. He is an exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced Western medical doctor in his own right. I am still grateful now as, despite his moving away from working within Western medicine practices, he is still offering his services independently and I still can consult with him. While there are drawbacks to his practice not being within a formal Western medical institution, the gains certainly offset them. Best of all, my sessions now take place in a much more unconstrained environment where he and I can take all the time we need to discuss and address my issues and symptoms for treatment. His holistic approach to medicine and ayurvedic healing is rational, well supported, and well thought out. He blends Western and Eastern thought to provide a much greater whole than the sum of the parts, and so can provide far better services than he could in an exclusively Western formal framework. I can take many of the things Dr Matt and I work thru in our sessions to help inform my interactions and treatment with my current PCP. My primary treatment focus right now is counter strain therapy, which Dr Matt does very well and gives me relief like nothing else from my EDS musculoskeletal pain. Now that he has his own practice, he can dedicate much more time and do a more thorough job than he could when he was my PCP and had to finish every appointment within 45m max. My treatment is definitely better than it is within traditional Western medical practices, and I can say that with some surety having been a patient of Dr Matt's in both his formal Western clinical and private ayurvedic practices. TLDR: I would whole heartedly recommend Dr Matt to anyone seeking informed treatment that holistically blends the best of Western and Eastern techniques and thinking.
Mar 18th, 2024

I have been working with Dr. Matt Van Auken since mid-2023. I decided to consult him because he combines modern medicine and ancient wisdom for working with health challenges. Dr. Matt practices active listening, has a friendly, joyful nature and he brings a can-do attitude that I truly appreciate. Working with him has put me on the path to better health.
Feb 22nd, 2024

I have spent so much money with co pays and deductibles with regular medical clinics who would take xrays and labs and say everything is fine. No, everything is not fine. Have been going ro Dr. Matt who deals with whatever I tell him in a holistic manner. I leave his office feeling better. EVERY TIME. To me, he is like a God send!
Jan 6th, 2024

Dr Matt is an incredibly gifted provider. His knowledge of integrated medicine makes him an outstanding candidate for clients whom suffer from chronic and acute difficulties. He treats the whole person and follows through with creativity and kindness. He is easy to understand and respectful of time. He is a true gem. I highly recommend Dr Matt.
Dec 9th, 2023

Beginning his care in March 2019, Dr. Van Auken has been my MD for over five years. He's helped me with a lifestyle change (no longer pre-diabetic), my BP is excellent, and my recent blood results were all normal, all without medication. The OMT methods he practices help me with chronic structural pain from a 1981 car accident when I was in chiropractic college. Chiropractic adjustments helped but didn't reach Dr. Matt's total releasing methods; there is a significant difference. I was also healed within 20 minutes of food poisoning, thanks to his healing touch with OMT. He listens to all patients with respect and concern for our health. At every appointment, I and all his patients receive his full attention and care. I feel younger and attribute my health to Dr. Matt's guidance, and I fully support all other recommendations. His expertise is beyond his age; I highly recommend him.
Mar 12th, 2024