About Ruan Living

The Legacy That Lives Within Ruan Living

Our story begins long before the wellness industry—even long before electricity.

A Lineage of Protectors, Rebels, and Wise Thinkers

My ancestors held many roles over centuries—warriors, philosophers, guardians, and truth-seekers.

Two of them, Ruan Ji and Ruan Xian, were among the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove. During a time of political corruption, they chose authenticity and integrity. They withdrew into nature—into bamboo groves, poetry, and reflection—to live freely and think deeply.

Another ancestor, Ruan Wengzhong, was immortalized during the Qin dynasty. A towering bronze statue of him once stood guard over imperial sites, symbolizing strength, vigilance, and protection. For generations, smaller statues were placed in burial sites as symbols of guidance and guardianship.

I did not know this history when I founded Ruan Living. With time, it became clear that my work was aligned with a long-standing tradition:

• to protect what matters,
• to question what harms,
• and to create environments that honor life.

Ruan Living carries that spirit forward—not as mythology, but as meaning.

A Founder’s Journey

From Curiosity to Purpose

My journey began the way many modern awakenings do:
with motherhood,
with a desire to protect my children,
and with questions that were not easily answered.

As I learned more about everyday household products and materials—what they are made of, how they are used, and how frequently people interact with them—I became increasingly concerned by the growing body of scientific research examining environmental exposures in modern life.

This includes studies investigating how chemicals, heavy metals, electromagnetic fields from consumer technologies, and microplastics are studied in relation to biological systems, as well as research exploring how timing of exposure—particularly during sensitive or critical stages of development—may matter. I was also drawn to emerging areas of study such as epigenetics and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, which examine how environmental factors may influence gene expression across time without changing DNA itself.

While much of this research is ongoing and complex, it raised important questions for me about awareness, precaution, and how everyday environments are designed. These questions ultimately shaped my commitment to translating complex research into practical, grounded information—without fear, exaggeration, or promises.

What began as curiosity turned into years of study.
What began as concern turned into clarity.

I wrote A to Z of D-Toxing to help families navigate an overwhelming landscape of information and make more informed choices about their homes. Today, through programs, workbooks, and the Practical Nontoxic Living podcast, I share research-informed perspectives on creating more intentional living spaces.

Along the way, one insight became clear:
rethinking the home is not just about products.
It is about awareness, choice, and relationship—to our spaces and to ourselves.

This understanding is the foundation of Ruan Living.

The Ruan Living Journey

Discover → Detox → Design

This three-stage arc reflects how most meaningful change unfolds.

Discover

Awareness comes first—learning to notice materials, products, routines, environmental factors that are often taken for granted, and yourself—how you feel, your patterns, and your assumptions.

Tools include: The Ultimate Home Detox Kickstart Series (free) & Ruan Newsletter • Podcast Episodes • Ruan Books

Detox

With clarity comes simplification. One room, one habit, one decision at a time, people begin refining what they use and how they live—at a pace that feels realistic and supportive.

Support includes: 40-Day Home Detox™ • Practical Nontoxic Living Library • D-Tox Academy

Design

From awareness and simplification, intention emerges. Homes are designed to feel aligned, functional, and reflective of personal values—designed to support focus, rest, creativity, and a sense of daily wellbeing.

Paths include: D-Tox Academy • Personalized Guidance • Ruan Signature Detox • Space-Conscious Design

This journey is not about perfection.
It is about presence.

Your Invitation

Ruan Living is here to meet you where you are—whether you are just beginning to ask questions or are ready to engage more deeply with how your home supports your life.

This work is not about creating a “perfect” or “non-toxic” home.

It is about creating a more conscious, supportive home and lifestyle—
one designed with intention,
one that protects what matters most,
and one that quietly elevates everyday living.

Welcome to Ruan Living.