Isha Health was born out of my personal journey through the world of medicine and my desire to help those who are struggling with mental health issues. It was an odyssey that started in Japan, a country where mental health was often neglected or simply ignored.
My friend (I call her Kanako here to protect her privacy) was the first person I knew who suffered from depression, although at the time we did not have a name for it. The Japanese school nurse called it a "cold in the heart", as if it was just a temporary physical ailment that could be cured with rest and medicine. Kanako stopped coming to school and eventually disappeared from my life. Her absence left a deep impact on me and made me realize the importance of mental health.
Years later, as a young doctor working in the United States, I saw firsthand the challenges faced by patients with mental health issues. The healthcare system was not equipped to provide the comprehensive care that was needed. It was then that I knew I wanted to make a difference and find a way to provide more effective treatments.
My journey led me to ketamine therapy, which has shown great promise in treating depression and anxiety. By combining Western medicine with Eastern philosophy, we at Isha Health strive to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our approach is inspired by the belief that mind and body are inseparable, and that a holistic approach is the key to achieving optimal health.
In Haruki Murakami's novel "Kafka on the Shore", one of the characters says "Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart." This quote resonates with me because it speaks to the power of memories, both good and bad, to shape our lives. The memory of Kanako has stayed with me all these years, driving me to create Isha Health and help others who are struggling with mental health issues.
At Isha Health, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental healthcare. Our mission is to provide effective and compassionate care to those who need it most. Thank you for choosing Isha Health for your mental health needs.
Mai Shimada, MD MBA FAAEM