Featured NESH Alumna: Vy Simeles ND, LAc

Vy Simeles ND, LAc
Portland, Oregon
NESH Alumni Practitioner Directory Listing

In my 20s, I began experiencing severe joint pain after playing in ultimate frisbee tournaments, to the point where walking up and down stairs became a struggle. It limited my ability to stay active, and I started seeing myself as weak. Conventional doctors recommended high doses of NSAIDs. When that didn’t work, my symptoms were dismissed. Everything changed when I met Dr. Tony Murczek ND, LAc, who introduced me to a different approach—one that recognized the body’s ability to heal when obstacles to health are removed. Through simple dietary changes, homeopathic remedies, and acupuncture, he resolved my joint pain, frequent headaches, and nausea.

Beyond my own healing, what truly solidified my passion for this medicine was what I witnessed in his clinic. I saw 80-year-olds thriving without pharmaceuticals, children excited to see their doctor (even arguing over who got to go first!), and patients with chronic conditions finding real, lasting relief. It was clear that this was more than just symptom management—it was about restoring true health and vitality. That experience inspired me to pursue this path so I could help others reclaim their health in the same way.

Six years into my practice, I’ve grown more confident in trusting my clinical instincts while exploring treatment options that blend both conventional and energetic medicine. Working within a supportive team at Restorative Health Clinic has given me the space to deeply engage with complex cases while staying grounded. My training with NESH has helped refine how I recognize patterns in patients, reminding me that in healing, less is often more. At a recent gathering of NESH alumni, Dr. Paul reminded us that many of today’s health challenges, while they may feel unprecedented, have surfaced in different forms throughout history. This understanding shapes how I guide my patients—helping them find clarity, resilience, and a sense of empowerment in their healing journeys.

Roatán, Honduras: holding a sweet sloth & soaring through the treetops, embracing adventure one zipline at a time!

Outside of my practice, I’ve been focusing on deepening connections with friends and family and making more time for the people who matter most. In the past few years, I’ve shifted from my longtime passion for Ultimate (frisbee) to bouldering, strength training, and reigniting my love of cooking. I recently started bachata dance lessons and am already in love with it. I’ve also been exploring Oregon’s wine scene, sharing memberships at a few local wineries. Looking ahead, I hope to start a family of my own in the next few years while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

From NESH: Vy is another NESH colleague who took the full NESH course on the west coast twice as an ND student. First in 2015-16 and then as our fabulous NUNM student rep in 2018-19. Since then she has attended NESH clinical classes in-person and virtually. We recently had the pleasure of seeing her again in January and catching up on her successes. Any patient is lucky to have her as a doctor, both for her knowledge and her heart!!

A side note from Paul reflecting Vy’s history: Amy and I have 3 kids. All grew up playing ultimate frisbee and have been on the national teams. But as they got into college, we began to see more and more players using “Vitamin I”as they called Ibuprofen. For a non-contact sport, there are so many breakdowns of the body as the constant cutting, and the fact that the game is usually played in tournaments where you play 5-11 games in succession without giving the body a chance to rest, breaks it down. Sort of like ultramarathons but where you are constantly pivoting. It is not unusual for the body to break in local parts, in a permanent fashion. To have her doctor help her heal speaks to the idea that natural medicines can both help calm down inflammatory processes, but at the same time potentially reverse organic damage. There is so much to add to the medical landscape, and Vy is one of those that is adding!

Professional Highlights:

Frequent speaker on tick-borne illnesses, including: Lyme Healers Summit 2025 and OANP 2024 Annual Conference, plus upcoming AANP Annual Conference 2025 and Tick Boot Camp podcast
May 2022-present: Restorative Health Clinic (Milwaukie, OR), focus on complex chronic disease, especially environmental toxins (heavy metals, mold), tickborne diseases, autoimmune diseases
Jan 2022-Mar 2023: Sunnyside Collaborative Care (Happy Valley, OR), focused on primary care
Oct 2018-Dec 2021: Terrain Wellness (Portland, OR), focused on endocrine disorders, heavy metals, and gut health
2013-2018: National University of Naturopathic Medicine (NUNM) in the ND/MSOM dual degree program
2008: graduated from Whitman College with a BA in Biology and minors in Chinese Studies and Chemistry

Vy is our March 2025 Featured Alumna. Return to NESH Alumni Spotlight page to learn about other distinguished NESH alumni.