My name is Dr Ashley Tomasino, DAOM, LAc, shamanic acupuncturist, and I have  been traveling to and working in Peru for several years to apprentice and learn with master plants from shamans such as Maestro Ricardo Amaringo, an Onaya Ayahuascquero and Master Shaman from Iquitos, Peru. I have developed my practice through many years of diligent study, surrendering to life, practice with patients and (patience).  I have completed a total of 2.5 cumulative years in isolation, dieting under Ricardo's guidance.  In 2018, I completed an arduous One Year Dieta in the jungle, to learn the way of the shaman and become initiated as an ayahuasquero.  This process involved isolation, working with master plants and dieting for the length of the entire 12 months. 

 

My work stems from direct knowledge and experience, studying with master teachers, and developing my own skill set.  My work is a combination of three core disciplines; Traditional Chinese Medicine, Native American Shamanism and Shipibo Shamanism.  Together, I call the three an emergence of Advocates Shamanism, that I teach, initiate and work in.  

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I am an apprentice of Lizette Rodriguez, Colombian American Medicine Woman, and have been since I was 19 years old.  She first appeared in my life during a difficult time and has since been a core teacher and guide helping me gain great wisdom and insight into the spirit realm.  Other teachers have had their practices built on Buddhist teachings that have helped me to integrate and approach my work from a very multifaceted angle. 

I am also a California board certified licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, who integrates shamanic healing with acupuncture to create dynamic healing treatments. I am also a teacher, public speaker, author, founder and president of the Advocates Institute for Shamanic Studies where I hold 3-36 month long Advocates shamanic integrative apprenticeships for students qualified and interested in pursuing a deep shamanic path. 

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I am a graduate from the Emperors College of Traditional Chinese Medicine where I completed over 6,000 hours of both clinical and classroom study.  I am also a Certified Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, and hold a Masters in Acupuncture from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine as well as a Bachelors in Biomedical Science and Neurology from National University of Health Sciences.  I am a very passionate and caring practitioner where my experience apprenticing with practitioners in lineages of Native American and Peruvian practices which has helped me develop a sensitivity to the needs of my patients beyond text book clinical cases to allow for more depth, deeper connection and lasting change. 

 

I have also interned at some of the best hospitals in the country such as the esteemed Rady Children’s Hospital, where I treated children with CRPS in the oncology department.  I have also completed internships at Warren’s HIV clinic in San Diego where I treated patients with symptoms pertaining to AIDS and HIV.  

 

My Doctoral research was based on integrating ayahuasca shamanism and acupuncture in the treatment of depression and focuses on the impact that both modalities have on the neurological reprogramming that is a result of the healing that occurs through modulation of the default mode network.  

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I am deeply passionate, dedicated and committed to bringing forth a healing experience for all those who are willing to receive the benefits of my work.  I believe that by integrating natural healing methods such as traditional plant medicines and modern spiritual practice, we will find a more grounded approach to healing and transformation.  

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You  may also learn more about my work by reading soon to be published books on Shamanic Journeying which explains methods of diving into shamanic realms by listening to the drum and journeying into alternate states of consciousness.  

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For fun I enjoy playing soccer, reading, dinner with good friends and playing music for my loved ones. 

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