Meet Vadim Dekhtyar of Life Balance Clinic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vadim Dekhtyar.

Vadim, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began in Lithuania, where I earned my M.D. from Kaunas Medical Academy and started practicing as a psychotherapist at Vilnius Mental Hospital. It was during those early years that I became fascinated by the profound connection between the mind and the body, and how deeply our mental states influence our physical health.

After moving into private practice, I realized that conventional approaches, while valuable, didn’t fully address the complexities of human experience. This curiosity led me to explore complementary and holistic methods, ultimately bringing me to the United States to dive deeper into Chinese Medicine and holistic health. I earned my Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from both the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago and the Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of integrating neuroscience, psychotherapy, and Eastern healing traditions to develop a more comprehensive approach to mental and emotional well-being. I founded Life Balance Clinic in Glenview with the mission to help people achieve balance not just mentally, but on all levels—emotional, physical, and energetic.

In addition to clinical practice, teaching has been a significant part of my path. For over 15 years, I’ve taught neuroscience as a professor at NCNM University, which has given me the opportunity to inspire and educate future practitioners about the intricate workings of the human brain and mind.

Writing has been another way for me to reach people on a broader scale. Books like “Conquering Fear” and “Naturally Slim with NLP and Hypnosis” are extensions of my mission to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and clarity.

Today, everything I do is driven by a commitment to helping people unlock their mental balance and realize their full potential. It’s been a winding road, but every step has taught me that true healing and growth come from addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been anything but smooth—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every challenge has shaped both my personal growth and professional philosophy.

When I started out as a young psychotherapist in post-Soviet Lithuania, mental health was still heavily stigmatized. Resources were limited, and working in a mental hospital meant witnessing deep human suffering without always having the tools or support to offer lasting solutions. It was emotionally taxing, but it planted the seed for my lifelong commitment to understanding the mind more deeply.

Moving to the United States was another major turning point—and not without its difficulties. Adapting to a new culture, language, and medical system while pursuing advanced studies in Chinese Medicine required a complete reinvention of myself both professionally and personally. There were moments of uncertainty, isolation, and financial strain. I had to start from scratch, building my practice and reputation one step at a time.

Another challenge has been bridging the gap between disciplines—integrating neuroscience with psychotherapy, and both with Chinese Medicine. In a world that often likes clear boundaries, being multidisciplinary sometimes meant I had to explain or defend my approach. But over time, that struggle became a strength. My patients and students now seek me out specifically because I bring together what others keep separate.

Looking back, every obstacle became part of the foundation for the Life Balance Clinic and for the “Unlock Your Mental Balance” program. The struggles taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of staying true to a holistic, person-centered vision of healing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Life Balance Clinic?
Life Balance Clinic, located in Glenview, Illinois, is a unique integrative health practice where ancient Eastern medicine meets cutting-edge Western science. We offer a powerful blend of services—traditional acupuncture, pain-free laser acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture, and our two signature programs: the Vision Balance Program (for eye health and clarity) and the Mental Balance Program (for emotional resilience and focus).

Most of our clients are busy professionals, especially women between 40 and 65, juggling careers, families, and the weight of modern stress. They come to us not for band-aids, but for answers. And they stay because they feel the difference—physically, mentally, emotionally.

What makes us different? We don’t pick sides. We bring together the best of both worlds: Western medical insight and Eastern healing traditions. It’s not about choosing science or intuition—it’s about combining them to help you heal smarter, deeper, and more naturally.

We’re proud of many things, but most of all, our mission to offer true health—not temporary relief, but real, lasting transformation. Whether you’re struggling with stress, eye conditions, chronic pain, or hormonal changes, we help you reconnect with your body’s own wisdom and restore balance at its root.

At Life Balance Clinic, healing isn’t just a treatment—it’s a journey. And we’re here to walk it with you.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
If I had to name one quality that’s been central to my success, it would be curiosity—a deep, lifelong drive to understand how things work, especially the human mind and body. I’ve never been satisfied with surface-level answers. Whether I was studying brain chemistry, practicing psychotherapy, or learning ancient Chinese medicine, I was always asking, “But what’s underneath that?”

That curiosity pushed me to keep learning, to explore connections others might overlook, and to create approaches that combine the best of multiple disciplines. It’s also what allows me to truly listen to my patients—not just to their symptoms, but to the story behind them.

In a field where people are often reduced to a diagnosis, I believe curiosity is what helps me see the whole person—and that makes all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lifebalanceclinic.com/
• Instagram: @lifebalancecliicus
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeBalanceClinic.USA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifebalanceclinic4659