About Dr. Josse Ford DACM

The Start of the Journey

Josse Ford comes from a family of doctors in New Zealand. Her parents and grandparents were all doctors, specializing in general practice and obstetrics. As a young child she worked as the receptionist at her father's practice after school. Her father was greatly loved because he took the time to listen to his patients, many of whom were lonely and appreciated the time that he spent with them.

As a young child, Josse suffered from asthma and low immune function. Her diet was never taken into account. Like most children, she ate a lot of dairy and tasty junk food treats. Every time she became ill, she was dosed with antibiotics. After a while Josse noticed that the antibiotics made her feel worse and they didn’t help her colds or asthma. This revelation started her on a journey to find out how to have true health.

Integrative Nutrition

We are what we eat. Organic, wholefood nutrient dense food is the foundation of good health. Josse studied Holistic Nutrition at The Institute For Integrative Nutrition, in New York City, where she was trained by some of the world’s foremost experts in nutrition and wellness including Deepak Chopra, Andrew Weil MD, A. Barry Sears PhD, Mark Hyman MD and David Wolfe. Her exposure to a wide range of dietary theories from Ayurveda to The Zone enables Josse to individually tailor a healthy lifestyle program to each individual. She has helped patients with insomnia, weight loss, depression and chronic fatigue.

East Meets West

Inspired by the ageless wisdom of Chinese medicine, Josse then went on to study at Heartwood Institute with Paul Pitchford, author of “Healing with Wholefoods” and founder of the modern Wholefood Nutrition Movement. Here she learned the art of integrating Eastern and Western therapies. Wholefood Nutrition is based on the idea of eating quality, organic non-processed foods that allow the body to find balance and heal naturally. Josse is an expert in eating for longevity, including Chinese Nutrition and the use of tonic herbs for anti-aging and regeneration.

Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Functional Medicine

Josse completed a four year Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine, summa cum laude, at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, CA., and her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego. She is a Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbal Pharmacologist, and Functional Medicine practitioner experienced in treating a wide range of conditions including autoimmune and digestive disorders, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and brain performance. Josse is an Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Certified Practitioner (IFMCP).

Josse is passionate about radiant health, peak performance and premium nutrition.

Tonic Herbalist

Josse has completed in-depth studies with Ron Teeguarden, the premiere Chinese tonic herbalist in the United States. Ron is an expert both in the ancient art of Chinese tonic herbalism and integrating the latest herbal pharmaceutical research from China and the West. Tonic herbs are focused on increasing longevity, adrenal performance and brain optimization, without side effects.

Josse and Ron Teeguarden at Dragon Herbs, Los Angeles