A Foreign Inspiration

As the 1960s and 70s unfolded, the Human Potential Movement impacted my mind with the meeting of Eastern mysticism and ancient systems of healing with Western science and philosophy. I was first introduced to alternative medicine when I read a classic textbook on naturopathic health care at the age of 17 years old, attended seminars on herbal medicine and holistic nutrition, and then, discovered what really worked to improve health through personal experimentation. I reasoned that the only way to truly know whether something worked to improve health and well-being was to try it yourself. Hands-on learning experiences always appealed to me. It has served me well over the years, creating a solid foundation of proven knowledge and acumen.

I decided in college to pursue a career in family medicine, specializing in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), since they were the most comprehensive systems of healing of which I was aware at the time. I attended courses and seminars in everything from acupressure to Zen meditation learned the fundamental skills of naturopathic fasting and detoxification methods, macrobiotic cooking, Hatha Yoga, polarity therapy, therapeutic massage, essential oils and flower essences, you name it! My college apartment walls were lined with layers of shelves covered with small pots of the many, different, medicinal herbs that I gathered on herb walks in the countryside and from the seeds that I purchased and grew. My indoor herb & spice garden was a thing of beauty, pleasure and practical value and helped me to learn about the healing power of plants. It also motivated me toward a modicum of mastery in the culinary arts. I have been an avid student and practitioner of the gentle, beautiful and powerful, ancient Chinese martial arts, Taijijuan and Qigong, since 18 years old, over 35 years.