A Conversation with Dr. Natazia Stolberg

Written by OSEA Staff | Last Updated on: October 10, 2026.

This World Mental Health Month, we sat down with Dr. Natazia zu Stolberg, acupuncturist, herbalist and founder of her namesake brand DOCTOR STOLBERG to talk about stress, what it's really doing to the body, and the small daily rituals that can help you reset and feel your best.

What drew you to Chinese medicine and acupuncture in the first place?

At 17 I was diagnosed with Endometriosis after years of debilitating pain and rushed into surgery which was promised to relieve my pain. Unfortunately it didn’t and I was forced to find another way to manage my condition. I found a chatroom for women with endometriosis who were talking about the benefits of acupuncture and thought why not try it. My acupuncturist changed my life. I had small wins in pain relief within a few months but it took about two years of consistent weekly treatment to get my condition under control. I have been pain free thanks to continued acupuncture and herbs and now have the privilege of helping women in the same position that I was in find a real solution to their symptoms. 

What are the benefits of acupuncture and how does it help with stress?

Most of us are in a constant state of fight or flight, stressed out to the max either mentally, physically or both. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system which is essential for deep rest, strong digestion and repair of the body. I have seen incredible results in my patients who come to me, burned out, overworked and overwhelmed who commit to acupuncture. After just a few weeks of treatment the best way they can describe the effects is that the stressors are still there, but they just don’t affect them the same. They are able to take a step back, rationalize and identify what they need in those moments instead of letting stress take over.

What's one small thing someone can do when they feel their stress response kick in?

Do something to take care of yourself. That is different from person to person or even day to day. Some of my favorites outside of acupuncture are going for a walk (long or short), turning my phone off, letting myself take a nap, making a cup of tea or running a bath (bonus points if you use the Vagus Nerve Bath Oil).   

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What does your evening wind-down routine look like? 

Whether it’s a patient day or a work from home day I always take a shower or bath to transition from work to personal time. Changing into sweats/my pajamas is truly the highlight of my day. If it’s been a stressful day I turn off my phone to ensure I don’t keep checking emails. My wife and I will have dinner and usually watch a show. My night is not complete without a cup of Rest + Digest tea to prevent bloating and strengthen digestion. We brush teeth, do our skincare and are in bed reading by 9 pm and asleep by 10 pm. 

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Other Questions: 

The last book I read was: Fourth Wing. I am sucked in. 

Coffee or matcha?: Neither. I somehow function on zero caffeine. 

The last product I used every single drop of was: Undaria Algae Body Wash. 

My perfect morning ritual: Lounging for an hour drinking bone broth and eating breakfast. I make sure to do this every single day. 

Favorite scent: Absolutely nothing. I cannot tolerate any synthetic scents and although there are a few essential oils I enjoy in products, my goal truly is to smell like nothing at all. 

My best advice to my younger self: Your health struggles will pave the path for your career. 

The one thing I am most proud of is: The trust and relationships I have built with my patients.