Peggy Marienfeld

Tell us your story – how did you get here?

Well, I was always interested in natural medicine. I started to work weekends at a market selling herbs and herbal teas, just to earn some money while still in school. After school, I started a three year training to become a medical assistant. The doctor I was working with was a holistic doctor, so I was learning a lot from her. One day she asked me to attend a course to learn live blood analysis (Darkfield microscopy) and I agreed; it sounded so interesting. When I started the training, I was totally fascinated. I couldn’t stop looking into the microscope.

I then started my training to become a Naturopath and finished my studies in 1993. I was very fortunate to become an assistant to a very well known naturopathic doctor, working with him for a couple years before I finally opened my own private practice. For 12 years, it was very successful, until I decided to move to Indonesia. I was looking for a new challenge.

I started my practice here in Indonesia in 2006 and my dream was always to create a healing centre with all different kinds of healing approaches. First I extended our services with an osteopath, then a physiotherapist, and a bit later an acupuncturist/TCM practitioner. Then I added Breathwork, Theta Healing, Reiki and soon we will have a psychologist. We are a fantastic team and I am enjoying growing further and offering people a place where deep inner healing has a space.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am definitely very proud that I created such a beautiful healing centre and space where people can heal in a holistic way, even though it was not always easy due to government regulations. I am also very proud of my three kids.

What impact have you made in Bali?

I think that I have made an impact on many people’s lives to improve their health and wellbeing. I’ve also educated people on how to take responsibility for their own health, and not to just trust what doctors tell them. Many of my patients were actually inspired to study natural medicine themselves. And as a sign of our gratitude to be part of this community, we also offer free consultations for Balinese people.

What does 2022 look like for you?

It is looking like another year of growing and manifesting new ideas. We just hired a new receptionist and an Indonesian doctor.

What do you love most about Bali?

What I love the most in Bali is the people and the culture. Bali is very special and people always have a smile, even now when many of them are facing difficult financial situations.

What’s the one daily ritual you can’t live without?

Going to the beach with my dogs in the morning and making my morning smoothie.

Who is your Local Legend and why?

My Local Legend is Sabine Kaufmann. For many years she has helped Bali dogs and cats by feeding, sterilising and giving them shelter. She is also educating the community and has an adoption program too, all part of her non-profit organisation called Little Steps Matter.

I also appreciate the work of Anja Braendli. She has also created a non-profit organisation called Sun Suko Bali Foundation, which helps both people and animals in need. Particularly during the pandemic, she helped people by providing food packages to the local villages. Amazing work, keep going ladies!