Patient Testimonials

(Privacy has been protected)

“You definitely changed my life! I am finishing up my advanced 500 hour teacher training and have been teaching yoga classes at (location name withheld). I continue to follow your health advice, and have dropped my weight to 160. When I started with you I was 196! A couple of years ago my doctor had started me on insulin, but since my health improved, I am off of it and just on pills with hemoglobin A1c down to 7.8. Originally it was 10. My blood pressure and cholesterol are great too. Thanks for changing my life!!!

PS: I am off my CPAP. I still use the mouthpiece successfully!”

—M.B. male, age 56 with Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, Sleep Apnea and Steatohepatitis. NOTE: As patient improved due to Ayurvedic treatment, he was weaned off meds and CPAP by his Primary Doctor, Endocrinologist, and Sleep Specialist.

“I recommend Dr. Aparna Dandekar. She is knowledgeable in both Western and Ayurvedic medicine and is based in North Berkeley. She also makes house calls. She works part time in a traditional primary care practice in the East Bay, and as an urgent care physician at Cal. But she sets aside the rest of her time to apply her combined skill set in her own private practice. She has been working successfully with a close friend of mine who has various longstanding issues and he’s very happy with his improved health. I worked with her to improve my overall well being, mostly through dietary changes. She’s also super nice and has a good (while appropriate) sense of humor.”

—Recommendation on Berkeley Parents Network. Jan 18, 2018.

“I wanted to let you know how appreciative I am that you told me to make sure my father got checked by a cardiologist…my father did go to his regular doctor who diagnosed him with tendinitis (of the right shoulder). But, after a few weeks he kept having symptoms that weren’t abating with physical therapy. After seeing his EKG, his cardiologist immediately scheduled him for an angiogram. During the angiogram they found 90% of his LAD artery was blocked, and they successfully placed a stent. I know now that the location of this blockage is called the “widowmaker” and that a heart attack would most likely have been lethal. Thank you so much for alerting me to the seriousness of his symptoms as he was so resistant to getting checked. I feel your advice was a critical step to changing what could have been a tragic ending, and my father has just had an incredible second opportunity at life given to him. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I can’t tell you how appreciative I am for you in my life!!!”

—K.J., (Excerpt from Letter Regarding her Father’s Complaint of Right Shoulder Arthritis Pain), Oakland

“I want to give my tremendous gratitude for Dr. Aparna Dandekar for saving me today from my severe rib pain. I’ve been having such severe rib pain that I’ve been comparing it to childbirth. I even went to the ER yesterday. Because of Dr. Dandekar, I can now breathe without having severe pain. She even came to my home to treat me. If any of you need Osteopathic Manipulation please go see her. Thank you to Dr. (name withheld) for referring her.”

—Fellow Physician, East Bay, Posting on a Nationwide Online Forum for Women Physicians

“There’s no way to thank you properly for your generosity. You have helped me and I’m grateful.I’m doing much better. You’re very kind.”

—F.K., Female with Insomnia, age 50, Berkeley

Excerpts from Bay Area Writer Stefanie Marlis’ Blog “Fresh Ideas and the People who Bring them to Life” (printed here with her permission): “I was experiencing an achy-empty feeling in my gut that would come and go, then come again, only worse. Soon I was suffering with the symptoms of nighttime reflux, which made sleeping through the night, well, impossible. I’ve always believed that food is medicine, and I was certain all I needed to do was find the right diet and my digestion would improve. I tried everything: juice fasts, Alejandro Junger’s Clean Gut diet, then for months, ate bone broth accompanied by lots of fermented foods à la Nourishing Traditions. Finally, after several visits to a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and getting some benefit from acupuncture and Chinese herbs, I turned to another traditional medicine —Ayurveda— for the dietary guidance I still believed key to restoring my health. Within weeks of seeing an Ayurvedic physician, and following her recommendations, my digestion improved and the reflux all but disappeared. Eight weeks after starting the dosha balancing Ayurvedic diet, herbs, and breathing, I’m feeling ever so much better. Note: The Ayurvedic doctor I saw is Aparna Dandekar (she’s also an osteopath and a medical doctor). You can learn more about her and her practice at ThreeRiversAyurveda.com.”

—Stefanie Marlis

“I had repeatedly visited a well-regarded physical therapy clinic to improve the range of motion of a shoulder that had undergone rotator cuff surgery, with minimal results. After each of my several treatments by Dr. Dandekar, I experienced an immediate and lasting improvement in my range of motion. I’m impressed by how efficient and comfortable the treatments were, and I’m thrilled to resume playing tennis!”

–N.J., Female, age 59, Berkeley

“I have sought Aparna’s help to address issues with digestion, low energy levels and anxiety. The treatment steps she recommended were realistic for me to do on a daily basis. These included: dressing more warmly, avoiding certain types of food in some seasons and eating more of other types, doing breathing exercises for a few minutes a day. She demonstrated the breathing exercises to me until I got them right and could do them by myself. I could feel a significant positive difference both physically and mentally, within two weeks of starting to follow these steps. With regards to my anxiety, which was quite severe at that time, she also recommended a wonderful therapist whom I continue to see several months after, with very positive effects on my life. I have felt comfortable working with Aparna. She followed up after every visit to check on how I was doing. Her caring, compassion, depth of knowledge, realistic approach to lifestyle changes (taking it a bit at a time) are a unique combination that I have not found in any other doctor. I feel fortunate to have found a doctor who is truly interested in my health/well being AND is capable of healing in a gentle and effective way.”

–Anonymous, Male, age 37, North Berkeley

“Thank you for being our family’s holistic healer! After your detailed analysis, I feel like I am finally able to have a better understanding of my symptoms and become in tune with my overall health. Specifically, your feedback on my acidic body type leading to less ginger and more aloe has been very helpful! Using coconut oil as a coolant has controlled my rosacea as well. I look forward to learning Pranayama and continuing on this journey of holistic health with you. Many thanks.”

–P.S., Female, age 38, North Berkeley

“Dr. Dandekar has been seeing me for the past 2 months for depression. Under her care, I am starting to feel better than I ever have in years, despite being on continuous conventional medical therapy. During one of her house calls, I casually mentioned that I periodically have twinges of abdominal pain that come and go, but are getting worse and more frequent. Dr. Dandekar felt my belly, and told me that I probably had gallstones and explained the labs and studies I would need. She recommended follow-up with my regular doctor who confirmed her diagnosis. I’m so glad Dr. Dandekar is first a ‘modern’ allopathic physician and then an Ayurvedic practitioner.“

–R.S., Female, age 33, Oakland

“Dr. Dandekar helped address a back pain issue I was having. She was careful in explaining her osteopathic technique and her approach was wonderful. Not only did the manipulation help, but she also prepared some preventive measures and instructions for me to follow. I was impressed by her attention to detail regarding my daily nutrition, medications, and routine. She took the time to ask me relevant questions that I had never been asked before by any of my providers, but have always wondered about. I do not have major chronic health issues, but Dr. Dandekar’s perspective as a family medicine doctor and an Ayurvedic practitioner was perfect for addressing some of my most important lifestyle needs: stress management, healthy habits through nutrition and yoga, and prevention of long-term disease for me and my family. Overall, Dr. Dandekar was kind, knowledgeable, and greatly effective in her treatment. Thank you Dr. Dandekar, for your great advice and care!”