Moshrefi takes holistic approach to healing, treating the body

Venus K. Moshrefi is the daughter of a thoracic surgeon, and a doctor herself. In 1977, her family moved from Afghanistan to the United States, where she earned a master's degree in health administration, became a registered respiratory therapist and is waiting for certification in nutritional counseling.

Moshrefi said she believes in holistic medicine -- in treating the whole patient with alternative medicines such as acupuncture and massage. She has a good relationship with more traditional doctors, seeing their chronically ill patients.

"I don't treat the symptoms," she said. "That's just the body telling you that something's wrong. I treat the body itself."

Some of her patients have left traditional, Western medicine completely, while others seek her practice to augment their regular treatments.

Moshrefi took time recently to tell CSBJ about herself and her practice.

Organization: Center for Holistic Health & Healing

Position: President

Hometown: I was born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan. I lived in California prior to relocating to Colorado.

How long have you lived in Colorado Springs: Six years

Education: M.D. from Afghanistan, MHA from University of La Verne, Calif., registered respiratory therapist, pending certified nutritional counselor certification.

A few words about your company: It is our mission to improve the health and wellness in our community through service, education and self care using natural remedies, always striving to accomplish optimal health and wellness of our clients.

Recent accomplishments: Founding Center for Holistic Health and Healing in May 2006.

Biggest career break: The realization that what I should be doing is providing personalized holistic health and nutrition services and to provide education about basic nutritional supplements to our community and our clients.

The toughest part of your job: Finding high quality nutritional supplements at affordable prices.

Someone you admire: My husband, Joe Zalewski. He is one of the hardest working individuals that I know and always has a very high level integrity. He inspires me not to give up when times are though.

About your family: I have two beautiful children. Sara is 12 and Arian is 11. I am the youngest of eight, five brothers and two sisters. My dad lives in California and my mom passed away three years ago. She was my best friend.

Something else you'd like to accomplish: We are very close to launching an online store that will make information, education and high quality supplements more readily available to our clients.

How your business will change during the next decade: Our goal is to have centers like this throughout the United States and the world available for clients of all levels of financial ability, where they can receive service and education as well as empowerment for their own self-care in a very collaborative way.

What book are you currently reading?..."Unconditional Life" by Deepak Chopra.

What is one thing you would change about Colorado Springs?...I would like to see more community and public education about the basics of food, nutrition, wellness and self-care through public education forums such as TV, radio, online and print.

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