Today we’d like to introduce you to Shabnam Ashtiani.
Hi Shabnam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I actually started out on the pre-med track, planning to become a pediatrician. I’ve always known I wanted to work with children, but as I went deeper into the medical route, I realized I was craving something more hands-on and holistic. I completed my biology degree and went on to grad school, where I had a moment of clarity—I wanted to help people in a way that supported the body’s natural ability to heal. That led me to chiropractic school, and I’ve never looked back.
I went through chiropractic school with a special focus on pediatrics and prenatal care, completing extra training through the ICPA. From there, I opened my first office and poured my heart into building a space where families could feel safe, supported, and truly seen.
Throughout my journey, I’ve focused extensively on pediatrics and prenatal care. I’ve completed advanced training in pediatric motor development, craniosacral therapy, and chiropractic techniques tailored for babies, children, and expecting moms. My team and I are passionate about supporting families—whether it’s through simple wellness maintenance or helping them navigate more complex healing journeys like gut issues, eczema, breastfeeding challenges, milestone delays, or VBAC preparation.
Over the years, I’ve grown to two locations, brought on an associate doctor, and expanded our services to reach even more families. My mission has always been to empower parents with tools, education, and care that support their children’s natural development—and that keeps me going every single day.
At the heart of everything we do is the belief that when families are empowered with the right care and information, they thrive—and we’re honored to walk alongside them every step of the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—there have been a lot of highs and just as many challenges. About two years into building my practice, I found out I was pregnant. The following year, I gave birth to my son—and then, almost immediately after, the world shut down due to COVID. Navigating new motherhood, running a business, and trying to stay grounded during so much uncertainty was incredibly tough. On top of that, I was solo parenting, which brought its own set of challenges emotionally, physically, and mentally.
But those hard seasons also pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. They taught me how to set better boundaries, ask for help, and lean into my purpose.
Becoming a parent completely transformed the way I practice. I don’t just treat families—I am one. I’ve been through the sleepless nights, the feeding struggles, the worry when milestones don’t go as planned. It’s made me more empathetic, more intentional, and even more passionate about giving parents the support I know they truly need.
About a year and a half ago, I took a leap and opened a second location in Boerne. We started in a small office to test the waters, and the community response was incredible. We quickly outgrew the space and moved into a permanent location there. It’s been such a rewarding journey—full of twists and turns—but I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Essence Chiropractic & Wellness?
Our practice is all about serving families—especially moms, babies, and children—with intentional, specialized chiropractic care. We focus on pediatric and prenatal chiropractic, but our services go far beyond that. We also offer acupuncture, dry needling, and myofascial release to support the whole body, whether someone is coming in for wellness or recovery.
We’re known in the community for our gentle, nervous system-focused approach, and our ability to work with a wide range of concerns—from breastfeeding difficulties and milestone delays to gut issues, eczema, and postpartum healing. We also love working with little athletes, helping kids recover from injuries, improve mobility, and perform at their best in a way that’s safe and developmentally appropriate.
What truly sets us apart is the depth of care and connection we provide. Our team is trained in craniosacral therapy, pediatric motor development, and specialized techniques to support babies, children, and expecting moms. But even more than that, we build real relationships. We listen, we educate, and we support families on their unique journeys—whether that’s a wellness path or a deeper healing process.
I’m especially proud of the brand we’ve created because it’s rooted in community. We regularly collaborate with other local providers—lactation consultants, doulas, pelvic floor therapists, and more—to host workshops, events, and educational sessions. We believe in lifting each other up and creating a circle of care that truly surrounds the family.
Whether someone comes in for routine wellness visits or they’re looking for answers to more complex challenges, we want them to feel seen, supported, and empowered. Our practice is a place where healing happens—and where families can feel like they belong.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t always look like what you expect—and that’s okay. There have been so many moments in this journey where things didn’t go according to plan—pregnancy, solo parenting, COVID, expanding locations—but every challenge shaped me into a stronger provider, leader, and mom.
One of the biggest lessons has been learning to fully trust in God. My faith has carried me through every uncertain season, and even when I didn’t see the path clearly, I knew He was guiding each step. Trusting that He has a plan, and that He will make a way, has given me the courage to keep going when things felt overwhelming or unclear.
I’ve also learned that you can’t do it all alone. Asking for help—whether in business, parenting, or personal growth—isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength. Building a support system, both personally and professionally, has been a game changer.
And above all, I’ve learned to trust my intuition. When I stay aligned with my purpose and lead from a place of service, faith, and authenticity, things fall into place—even if it takes time. You don’t have to follow the traditional path to make an impact. Sometimes carving your own way leads to something even more meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.essence-chiro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essencechirosa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/essencechirosa
