Our Seyhart Story
In the heart of Santa Monica where beach vibe meets the hum of urban life, there exists a sanctuary of healing – Seyhart Acupuncture and Bodywork. Founded by husband and wife team, Dr. Colin and Dr. Tara McCannel, both renowned ophthalmologists, Seyhart is not just a place to get needles; Seyhart is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the harmonious blend of Eastern and Western medicine. This is the story of Seyhart, a journey that began with a single, transformative idea borne by two university professors - the idea that supporting health must go beyond the limitations of Western medicine.
The inspiration for Seyhart unfolded a number of years ago in the corridors of a renowned university hospital in Los Angeles. Dr. Tara McCannel, with her keen eyes and compassionate heart, noticed something beyond the physical ailments of her patients. She saw their pain, their fatigue, and the emotional toll that a cancer diagnosis and treatment took on their spirits. They needed more than what she could offer herself; they needed support for mind, body and spirit. How can our goal for a patient to live a healthy life not include a holistic approach? She shared these observations with her husband, Dr. Colin McCannel, whose own experiences mirrored hers. The two, both adept in the science and skills of their surgical specialties in Western medicine, felt a calling to offer something more to their patients.
One day, they both had the privilege to care for a patient, a young woman battling a rare form of eye cancer. She spoke of acupuncture, how it alleviated her pain and brought peace to her tumultuous journey. Intrigued, Tara and Colin delved into the world of acupuncture, uncovering ancient wisdom that had been healing souls for centuries. They were fascinated by how acupuncture could complement their medical expertise, offering a whole-body approach to healing.
The couple embarked on a journey to learn more about acupuncture. They met with all types of acupuncturists, they studied, and immersed themselves in this ancient art. They learned of its power to not just relieve pain, but to harmonize the body's energy, to soothe the mind, and to kindle the spirit's innate healing capabilities. They became bridges between the realms of Eastern and Western medicine.
Seyhart opened its doors in 2020, a unique healing space where the gentle touch of Eastern practices could complement the precision of a patient's Western medicine care. During the early years of the pandemic, patients with anxiety needed the most help. Acupuncture complimented their medical treatments, and offered a preventive maintenance so that lives normally hindered by anxiety could be lived fully and freely. Patients with pain, cancer, inflammatory conditions, fertility issues and more came and were offered healing from the nurturing and supportive healing that embodies the spirit of Seyhart. Stories of reduced pain, better sleep, and a newfound sense of hope continued. Word spread, and Seyhart grew, becoming a haven for those seeking holistic healing.
One patient’s story stood out vividly. A middle-aged man, wearied by chemotherapy, found solace in Seyhart. He discovered renewed energy and a zest for life that he thought was lost. His gratitude knew no bounds, and his story became one of the many testaments to the McCannels’ vision.
Seyhart has become more than a clinic; it is a community, a family bound by stories of healing and hope. Tara and Colin, experts in the field of ophthalmology, are now guardians of a legacy that transcends conventional medicine. Their journey has taught them the beauty of balance – between science and nature, body and spirit, healing and thriving.
Today, Seyhart stands as a beacon of holistic health. The clinic serves the local community and is a testament to the McCannels’ dream. Patients from all walks of life find refuge within its walls, each embarking on their own journey of healing. Seyhart does not just treat illnesses; Seyhart nurtures well-being.
As for the future, Tara and Colin envision Seyhart as a pioneer in integrative medicine. They plan to expand, to educate, and to continue evolving. They dream of a world where Eastern and Western medicine are not alternatives but allies, working in unison for the betterment of humanity. Seyhart, born from a desire to heal, continues to be a story of hope, a narrative that evolves with every life it touches.