“When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”

~ Audre Lorde

About Dr Kirstey Holland

Hello! I’m Dr Kirstey Holland and I would like to take this opportunity to share a little bit about myself and tell you about my journey to where I am today. I’m 45 years old and live in Melbourne with my 15 year old son and our miniature Schnauzers, Scotty and Lulu. I’m lucky enough to live near the beach and you will find me walking along the shore with Scotty and Lulu anytime from 6am almost every day. It helps keep me sane, holds my circadian rhythm in check and has a calming effect on my stress levels. I love the ocean and have tried to remain close to it my entire life.

I come from quite a unique background. I was born in Umtata in South Africa and have a Scottish father and a Dutch mother. My first language was a traditional South African dialect however I also spoke Dutch and English. My sister and I were brought up in a very alternative and open-minded household and I treasure my parents for this experience. 

Physically, I was an incredibly sensitive child and reacted negatively to many pharmaceutical medications and still do to this day. Over time I learnt that Western medicine wasn’t capable of comprehensively treating all my various health issues. As I grew older, I began searching for alternatives. 

I have lived in various parts of South Africa and also many other countries such as the US and England and have travelled extensively throughout Africa and Asia. In particular, I spent much time in India, where my fascination with Eastern mysticism began. I discovered the joys of Ayurvedic medicine; the traditional therapies native to India. I devoured related books and articles as I explored the country. This fascination combined with my personal disillusionment with Western medicine led me to study naturopathy in America. During my course, a guest lecturer by the name of Dr. Andrew Greene presented a component on traditional Chinese medicine; what it involved, its origins and the fact that it has existed for over 5000 years. I was fascinated with the way this practice viewed the body and became intrigued with their diagnostic tools and observational medical techniques 

This allure led me to read a book called “The Web That Has No Weaver”, by Ted Kaptchuk. This book cemented my decision to study traditional Chinese medicine. I went on to earn several degrees at a number of institutions across multiple continents. I began with traditional Chinese medicine and Eastern philosophies and completed a double major in acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. As part of this degree, I went to Guangzhou, China and completed my internship in the gynaecology department, practicing traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacology. I completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences and further study in naturopathy and functional medicine. I’ve completed a life and health coaching course and I am a practitioner of environmental and nutritional medicine. As you can see, I love learning and understanding varied approaches, and I value keeping abreast with latest developments and research. This ensures my approach to treatment is the most effective, scientifically proven and up-to-date as possible.

I have been in clinical practice since 2000, primarily focusing on women’s health across life’s full spectrum, from menstruation to menopause. I have worked with some of the best health practitioners from around the world and have extensive experience in various research and product development departments, such as BioCeuticals and Blackmores.

I have spent time teaching GPs and pharmacists how to prescribe natural medicine alongside their pharmaceutical prescriptions and I continue to see a great need for an allied approach to health care; for all the primary health care providers to work together to best support the needs of their patients.

I established The Holland Clinic in 2008 in Brunswick, Victoria, and I am the primary supervising practitioner. I employ a multi-modality and holistic approach in my clinic, combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary and lifestyle advice, and supplementation. I love working with women and have extensive experience in treating a wide range of health issues in this population, including hormonal dysfunction, fertility and pregnancy issues, gut problems, weight-loss, anxiety, depression, insomnia and autoimmune conditions. 

I often work with women who have spent years struggling with long-standing health challenges. Many patients have told me that traditional Western treatment hasn’t helped and that they have “tried everything”. They feel unheard and unseen and are quite often told by their primary health care practitioners that there is no evidence for their symptoms or that nothing is physically wrong. These women are left flailing. When they finally get to our clinic, they realise there are so many testing options available to them, such as comprehensive gut testing or full hormonal analysis. They begin to understand the benefit of a holistic approach, where all aspects that negatively impact their health are examined.  

I have had gut issues in the past and have experienced my own health concerns. I am currently in perimenopause myself. I want to show you how to be comfortable in your own skin, with balanced hormones, weight and mood, and how to trust your body again. I want to share what has helped me and the thousands of women I have treated. I want my patients to experience compelling health improvements, allowing them to be their best, most vibrant and vital selves.

That’s my goal. 

DR HOLLAND’S QUALIFICATIONS:

Dr Kirstey Holland O.M.D. (Oriental Medical Doctor)                                                                                                         
Registered Dr of Traditional Chinese Medicine                                                                                                                   
Practitioner of Environmental and Nutritional Medicine                                                                                                 
Practitioner of Functional Integrative Medicine                                                                                                                 
B.H.Sc (Acupuncture & Chinese Herbalism)
Ba. Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbs)                                                                                               
Accredited Provider of Chinese Herbalism and Acupuncture
Naturopath and Health Coach