Welcome
As a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I’ve spent years guiding people towards holistic wellness. But for many of us, working one-on-one with a practitioner isn’t always an option. Even when it is, no external treatment can replace what we do every day.
That’s why I created PERFECT HUNGER™: to share simple, accessible wellness practices that have helped me and so many of my patients—while also giving you a peek into my personal practices related to physical and mental well-being, spirituality, relationships, and ethics.
Nothing you’ll find here is about making health complicated. It’s about returning to what we already know but may have lost track of. It’s about feeding our hunger for a more nourishing, more beautiful life—body, mind, spirit.
What you’ll find here
The PERFECT HUNGER™ Guide to Transformative Eating: a holistic, step-by-step plan for transforming your diet, your relationship with food, and your health—a self-paced version of the work I do with patients, offered at an accessible annual rate ($40/year) (paid)
TCM Deep Dives: immersive, multi-week explorations of Traditional Chinese Medicine that bridge physiology, emotion, and spirit—helping you recognize patterns of harmony and disharmony, and apply practical tools to restore balance in daily life (paid)
My Soulful Life: personal letters about soulful living in Thailand, what’s nourishing me, and what I’m hungry for (free)
Hungry For: conversations on health, nourishment, beauty, and what we’re hungry for (free)
Link-Ups: monthly links and resources, with personal reflections and practices (paid)
SoberStack™: a regularly updated newsletter directory featuring alcohol-free writers on Substack (free)
Thank you for being here.
From my heart to yours,
Dana
What readers have shared
“Dana writes with heart and soul on themes of life post-addiction, bringing a wealth of wisdom from her background in yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine.” —Dr. Vicki Connop
“Dana is a deep-thinking soul whose writing always helps me consider my inner self.” —Noha Beshir
“My first visit to her ‘stack was like expecting a quick shower, but realizing you needed a long bath. I slowed down, soaked in her words at a leisurely pace, and became a paid subscriber after reading just one post.” —Steve Henneberry
“Dana’s writing always makes me think a little differently and exhale a little more deeply.” —Clare Egan
“Honest and deeply caring. Love this approach to life.” —Molly Moynahan
“Beautiful, insightful writing that continues to deliver vulnerable pieces touching on the subjects that enrich life deeply. I always come back for more and each time something resonates with me.” —Allison Deraney
“I found your work because of your essay on food noise, and I feel seen, understood and cared for in the ways you speak about this topic. It’s a lifelong challenge for me that I continue to heal and work with. Thank you for your contribution to the conversation.” —Anonymous
“I really enjoy the information you so eloquently share as a fellow mature Canadian lady into TCM, Siamese cats, yoga and Thailand! Thank you :)” —Elle
“So much love and admiration for Dana’s skill at blending storytelling, authenticity and insight into such beautifully-crafted work. Always gold.” —Jae Auxjera
“Funny, witty, good writing and deeply personal in a way you will relate to. Always a good read.” —Lucy Fleetwood
“Dana is an incredibly kind soul and a wonderful writer.” —JB Minton
“This is my first paid subscription on Substack. She writes from her heart and has the courage and strength to talk about meaningful topics. Thought provoking and authentic.” —Peter Stromberg
“No bullshit, no pretence.” —Robbie Vorhaus
“A favorite newsletter and community where true connection to self and authenticity in accountability reign supreme.” —T.J. Everwine
“Love what you are doing. Thank you for helping to build community here.” —Cecily Mak
“What an amazing resource for people wanting to live a wonderful sober life!” —Maria Luz O’Rourke
“Dana truly writes from (and to) the soul. She’s the wise friend in your inbox you can’t wait to hear from, sprinkled with some tough, compassionate love when you need it. I’m glad to have found Dana here, she’s one of the real ones.” —Kaitlyn Ramsay
“Excellent support readings for people who are trying to be sober. Self motivation at its finest.” —Kevin McSpadden
“Thoughtful, vulnerable and authentic. Required reading for anyone struggling with addiction of any kind.” —Kati Kate Katherine
“Beautiful, all of this. Thank you, Dana. I subscribed today because of this essay.” —Jeannine Ouellette
“I read about myself when I read your essay.” —Kathleen
“This was perfect. I’ve rarely felt so seen, so well represented, by another person’s words.” —Katherine de Vos Devine
“My first response is a heartfelt THANK YOU for this piece, for opening up a larger conversation about this.” —Ellen Anne Shapiro
“Wow...Dana writes from raw, unabashed, unashamed experience. She’s done it...and she tells you about it.” —Dee Rambeau
“I love reading your raw posts. When I get depressed I get really self absorbed but when I read your honest posts it reminds me that every single person is going through just as much of a chaotic experience as I am and I like your perspective on your present and past.” —Anonymous
“I was reminded this morning by a friend that I am done diminishing myself for others. I get SO inspired by your writing, Dana, because you are SO real, and every time I read what you share, it makes me love you more, not less. And that’s what I want. I just want to be me, and express me, and do it unfiltered and unfettered. Not in a messy way... but raw and real... like you do. Obviously we filter some... but not in a diminishing ourselves kinda way. I don’t want to dim my light in fear that my brightness will hurt someone else’s feelings. I can’t do that anymore. I need and want to be ME—fully and completely—and let those who love me for me, to show up.” —Steve M.
If this resonates with you, you can subscribe below.
