Abril Reck takes a holistic approach to medicine, integrating Eastern and Western approaches to healing the whole person.

And as our new Nurse Practitioner, in May she will start working alongside Medical Director Dr. Brad Murray to take care of residents of Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge. She will be here two days a week, mainly in the skilled nursing area, but also making house calls in independent living.

She describes herself as a “chronic student,” and her areas of study have been broad. She has degrees as a nurse practitioner from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University. She has used those healing skills in a variety of care settings across Virginia since 2005, and in California and Texas before that. She also speaks proudly of serving her country as a Navy Corpsman in the mid-90s.

She has practiced in family medicine, reproductive health, and many other areas, including treating Gulf War Syndrome in the Navy. And her work has included geriatric care for 22 years.

Her training and experience extend beyond the conventional Western paths. She has a Master of Science degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from South Baylo University in Los Angeles, and a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego.

She also has her own practice, as the operator of Lotus Integrative Medicine in Charlottesville. There, her practice stresses wellness and prevention, featuring a variety of approaches to “authentic living through integrative medicine.” This includes such things as acupuncture, moving meditation, qigong and tai chi.

“I’ve always been interested in different approaches,” she says. “Pharmaceuticals are one option.” She believes the ancient ways of the East offer others, and help the whole person improve in mind, body and spirit.

Meditative movement “helps your brain and body recalibrate,” she says. “Tai Chi is very good for seniors because it helps with balance, and maintaining balance is equivalent to longer life.” She hopes at some point to offer a free class for WCBR residents on one of her days off duty.

She has other interests as well. “I’m a lover of jazz, and an avid gardener and herbalist” – the last of which ties in to her approach to medicine, since attention to nutrition is so important to healing the whole person.