About Dr. Matt
The Buddha's Medicine is my answer to the question:
What happens when Western medicine does not provide the answers we need?
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After practicing as a primary care physician inside the system for several years, I grew tired of all of the limitations - limitations in diagnostic and treatment perspectives, limitations in practice models, and limitations caused by insurance carrier gatekeeping. I wanted something better for my patients.
At The Buddha's Medicine, I utilize a different care model - one that facilitates real healing, and that treats the root causes of unwellness and dis-ease. As a practicing medical doctor, I blend the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with evidence-based lifestyle medicine, and weave in elements from other integrative healing disciplines. I approach the practice of medicine with the core belief that we already hold the keys to our own wellness. It is not enough to treat our symptoms alone; the goal is real, genuine healing. My role is to walk with you as a trusted expert and guide as you discover greater well-being and reconnect with your vitality. -
At The Buddha's Medicine, we work to ensure you receive the most holistic and comprehensive possible treatment for your health needs. Our care is collaborative, and we work together as a team. Whether meeting locally in Portland, OR or remotely from elsewhere, you will always be treated as a human being worthy of time and respect - not a number on an overbooked schedule. Because Dr. Matt prioritizes quality care, you will always be given ample time and thoughtful attention. Your concerns and their underlying causes will be addressed. Every treatment plan is about whole-person healing.
Dr. Matt always aims to fully understand your health needs, working closely with you as better health is restored. He is committed to meeting you where you are at, always offering individualized interventions. Your health and well-being will always be the priority.
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Dr. Matt maintains active medical licenses across multiple states through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact making his unique approach to healthcare accessible to patients regardless of location. Whether through telemedicine or in-person visits, he is committed to providing consistent, high-quality care that supports your journey to optimal health.
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Dr. Matt Van Auken,MD, MPH, ABOIM, DipABLM, E-RYT, YACEP is a triple-board-certified family physician who has been studying & practicing Ayurvedic Medicine for nearly 15 years.
MD - Medical Doctor | 10 years
MPH - Master’s in Public Health (Epidemiology) | 10 years
ABOIM - (American Board of Integrative Medicine Diplomate) | 4 years
DipABLM - (Diplomate, American Board of Lifestyle Medicine) | 3 years
E-RYT - Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance | 15 years
YACEP - Continuing Education Provider, Yoga Alliance | 10 years -
Ayurveda: Originating in India thousands of years ago, Ayurveda is a medical tradition rich in wholesome approaches to health and daily living. - Dr.Matt has been a student of Ayurveda since 2009. He has studied extensively with Vaidya Vasudha Gupta of American Ayurveda.
Integrative Medicine: Integrative medicine blends evidence-based mind/body, hands-on, supplemental, and herbal therapies into a modern allopathic framework. - Dr. Matt is board-certified by the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM) in integrative medicine.
Lifestyle Medicine: Lifestyle care is all about making personalized, workable, step-wise changes to daily habits to stabilize and improve those chronic conditions. - Dr. Matt is board-certified by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine (ABLM) in lifestyle medicine.
Manual Medicine / Counterstrain: Dr. Matt blends Counterstrain and Ayurvedic marma chikitsa therapies into a comprehensive hands-on style of treatment. - Dr. Matt has received extensive training in Counterstrain Therapy through The Jones Institute.
Plant-Based Medicine: The scope of practice for our plant-based patients at The Buddha’s Medicine is rather complete; there is virtually nothing that we cannot treat with a plant-based approach that might be treated otherwise.
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My scope of practice is very broad - see a list of just some of the conditions that I care for under “Expertise & Specialties,” above. But there are also many more. I care for people of all ages, and from all walks of life.
While I am personally plant-based and love helping others who are plant-based navigate their nutritional needs, I also have patients who are dedicated game hunters. No one is shamed or excluded based on their lifestyle preferences.
Our care is LGBTQ+ affirming in all ways. And as a neurodiverse person myself, I take pride in offering genuinely neuroaffirming care at The Buddha’s Medicine.
Together, we’ll do more than put on Band-Aids. Together, we’ll get better.
"Before I was introduced to Dr. Matt, I was seeing different specialists every month without getting any results. I felt like I had to heal myself and that left me in limbo. With Matt I feel like I deserve to be well. He is a fantastic listener and master at solving puzzles. I’m amazed at his attention to detail and amount of time he takes to listen to my laundry list of symptoms. With his guidance, I’m grateful to be the best version of myself I’ve ever been."
— C.S., patient of The Buddha’s Medicine
Your Health, Enlightened
Supporting You on a Path to Better Health
Step 1
Comprehensive consult.
Meet with Dr. Matt during a New Patient Appointment to discuss your medical history and your health needs.
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During your first / new patient appointment, Dr. Matt will meld traditional and modern diagnostic approaches to identify your unique constitution (prakrti), and bring clarity to any health conditions, concerns, and questions (vikrti) you have.
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Whole-life history, from birth to present
Dietary, exercise, behavioral, and lifestyle assessment
Lab and imaging study review
Medication and supplement review
Preventive care review
Ayurvedic tongue analysis
Ayurvedic pulse reading (in-person visits)
Pertinent physical exam, including tissue reflex assessment (in-person visits)
Step 2
Personalized plan.
Receive your customized roadmap to wholesome healing.
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Dr. Matt will partner with you to build an individualized, step-wise plan of care that includes:
Additional diagnostic recommendations
Nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle prescriptions
Medication and supplement recommendations
Herbal medicine approaches and custom herbal formulations
Ayurvedic procedures and interventions
Manual therapy approaches (in-person visits)
Step 3
Feel better.
Our integrative approach will bring you both short-term relief and long-term vitality.
“Dr. Matt Van Auken is a wonderful doctor as well as an incredible resource. His breadth of knowledge is immense and he is able to show you the intricate connections between physiology, emotions, mental clarity, and behavioral experience. Being able to discuss and apply both the general concept and specifically applying it to one’s own condition is life changing.”
— L.H., patient of The Buddha’s Medicine
