Korean medicine Dr. Ari Kim

Q. It’s impressive that you studied
both Korean medicine and psychology.

Was there a particular reason
you chose to pursue both fields,
despite how extensive each discipline is?

I’ve been deeply interested
in the human mind since I was young,
which naturally led me to
study psychology in college.

As I spent more time studying the mind,
I began to feel that I could meaningfully
help people through emotional
and psychological care.

But over time, I came to believe that true healing
would be more complete if I could care
for both the mind and the body together.

To me, the body and mind are inseparable
they are constantly connected
and influence one another.

That belief led me to think seriously
about what kind of discipline
would best allow me to treat the body.

For me, that answer was Korean medicine.

That’s what ultimately led me to make
the decision to attend Korean medicine school.

Once I made up my mind,
I went straight to a bookstore and
bought a copy of
Jungsuk Math 2 to start studying again.

Q. Is there a particular reason you chose
to focus your practice on children
and adolescents rather than adults?

Q. What do you think defines
you most as Dr. Ari Kim?

I believe what defines me most
is my commitment to understanding
each patient’s situation and environment
before beginning treatment.

That’s why I think it’s so important
to first build trust and form a genuine
connection with my patients.

Of course, knowledge, technical skills,
and clinical experience all matter.

But sometimes, a child needs
conversation before treatment.

Other times, trust develops naturally
during the course of care.

Every patient is different.

I always try to understand each child’s
circumstances first and offer guidance
in a way that fits their personality and needs.

In doing so,
I naturally find myself staying up to
date with what children and teenagers
are interested in these days.

I read books on communication to learn
how to explain things more clearly
and build trust more effectively.

And since many of my patients are young,
I even try to keep up with the latest songs
and trending music charts so
I can better connect with them.

Q. What kinds of conditions
make you feel most passionate
 and motivated in your treatment?

I often think of children as growing trees.

Because they are still developing,
they are especially sensitive to external
influences and environmental changes.

As a result, conditions such as tics,
digestive anxiety, and Attention Deficit
 Hyperactivity Disorder can often emerge.

I’m particularly drawn to conditions
 like these where both the body
and the mind need to be treated together.

In these cases, it’s important
to look beyond symptoms alone.

I try to understand what may be causing
a child’s anxiety or discomfort,
including their home environment
and the circumstances surrounding them.

To me, one of the most important qualities
 in this work is having the ability
and the willingness to truly listen
to a child’s inner voice.

Q. You seem to enjoy reading a lot.
I imagine you have to intentionally
make time for it.

Since my schedule is quite busy,
I try to make the most of small pockets of time
especially while commuting by car or subway.

Even if I can only read a single page,
I make sure to keep reading.

I also enjoy writing just as much as reading.

Q. I was moved by your recommendation
of the book Healing the Wounded Inner Child.
Is there a message from that book you’d
especially like to share
with children or their parents?

I think this book is actually more
meaningful for parents than for children.

Its core message is about
not being trapped by the past,
but instead learning to focus
on the present and live fully
in the here and now.

I believe that perspective can help people
overcome many emotional struggles.

As parents, it’s natural to carry feelings of guilt,
anxiety, and constant worry about your child.

But I think what matters most is not
dwelling too much on those emotions.

What matters most is focusing on the present
and truly listening to where your child
 is right now, emotionally and mentally.

Q. What kind of presence do you
hope to be in the lives of your patients?

In my work, I hope to be a mentor.

There are very few difficulties
in life that can simply be avoided.

When my patients face challenges,
I want to be someone who can help guide
them through those difficult moments
with strength and resilience.

I hope to support them
not only through treatment,
but also by helping them navigate
hardships in a healthier way.

At the same time, for parents,
I hope to be someone
who feels more like a friend.

Someone they can speak to comfortably.

Someone who can ease their worries
and help lighten the emotional weight
they carry when it comes to their children.

Q. Outside of the clinic,
where do you think suits you best?

I would say a yoga studio.

For many people,
managing the mind can feel difficult.

What I love about yoga
is that by caring for the body,
it naturally helps bring balance
and calm to the mind as well.

I often go before work in the morning
or after finishing my day in the evening.

As a Korean medicine doctor,
I spend much of my day talking with new people
and listening closely to their stories.

Because of that, there were times
when I realized I wasn’t giving myself
enough space to listen to my own inner voice.

That’s why I try to treat my morning
and evening yoga practice
as dedicated time for myself.

It’s a time to slow down, reconnect inward,
and maintain balance
both physically and emotionally.

Q. Outside of your profession,
is there another field or activity
you feel especially passionate about?
What draws you to it?