Dr. Laura Botero (DACM) (RSMT) (RSME) (SEP) Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (Pacific College of Oriental Medecine). Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM). Registered Somatic Movement Therapist. Register Somatic Movement Educator. Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Tamalpa Practitioner. Certified Traditional Doctor by the Wayuu native tribe. Yoga and Conscious Movement Instructor. 

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I am currently based in Colombia, South America, and the founder of Sobretierra. Born in a country that was being torn apart by war, violence and addictions, it has been my life journey to explore the depths of these creatures: the whys, the whens, the hows, and especially, how their wounds are healed. At the age of six I discovered a bag inside myself that was full of questions, concerns and excitement. These aroused a need to connect with people all over the world, to learn from them, to hear their stories, to learn about me and where I came from, to learn to be true to my heart and cultivate inner peace: my life-long drive. I launched myself into the world and allowed rivers of energy and prayers to move me round and round. 

 

I spent my early years studying world history, philosophy and religions. Later, I delved into the art world and was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in performance and visual arts. I became a photographer. For three years, I immersed myself in the world of yoga, where I trained and worked as a yoga teacher. A visit to Japan in 2008 introduced me to oriental medicine, and a loving, long-lasting bond was formed. I have been learning about, living, practising and teaching medicine ever since. 

 

I graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, earning a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree and, later, a Doctoral degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. During my eight years’ training, I had the opportunity to work for a programme for women with disabilities at NYU Langone Hospital in New York City, at Rady Children’s Hospital, the UCSD Cancer Research Institute, the Pacific Beach United Methodist Church clinic for the homeless and underserved in San Diego, California, and at the Family Resource Center at Emma, in Asheville, North Carolina. 

 

I have studied classical Chinese medicine intensively under the guidance of Dr. Jeffrey Yuen, completing his two-year course in Advanced Acupuncture, two-year course in Classical Chinese Herbology, one-year course in Essential Oils, one-year course in Dietary Medicine, and one-year course in Stone Medicine, among others. 

 

I have specialized in the use of Chinese medicine in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, panic and depression.    

 

I was a awarded a scholarship by THE FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN ENRICHMENT, D.B.A. SOMATIC EXPERIENCING® TRAUMA INSTITUTE. And an  ARTCORPS scholarship by THE TAMALPA INSTITUTE which is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that offers expressive arts training programs for healing, education, and social transformation.  

 

A dancer at heart, I have practised every conscious movement form that has crossed my path. I am still practising, in order to fully understand and master the first lesson I was taught at the age of four when I first rode a horse: "to truly ride, become one with the spirit of the horse.”