As a practitioner of Eastern or Traditional Chinese medicine, (TCM) for over four decades, my career has taken me from the treatment room to the boardroom, and along the way, I’ve discovered the transformative power of integrating these ancient medical concepts into the business world. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, successes, and profound insights that have not only shaped my practice but have also influenced the perception of OM in mainstream society.
My fascination with TCM began in the early 1970s when my first teacher told me that what he was going to teach me would change the world. As a high school student I was up for anything so I sat on a bus stop bench with him and started getting my education. Along the way I encountered handmade acupuncture needles in San Francisco’s opium dens, (the only place my teacher said I could buy them) got spit on (yes, literally spit on by medical doctors) at medical conferences when I presented data about this field of medicine and ultimately, I began lecturing to cooperate presidents with the goal of creating integrative wellness programs for corporate employees.
One of my early successes was working with my stepfather, a founding physician of the Kaiser Permanente hospital chain, to introduce acupuncture into the Kaiser system. This was a pivotal moment for me, as it opened my eyes to the potential of integrating Eastern medicine into conventional healthcare settings. It also ignited a passion within me to explore how these ancient yet relevant medical practices could benefit a wider audience.
The business world, with its influential leaders and vast reach, presented itself as the next frontier for my explorations. I saw an opportunity to introduce high-level executives to the benefits of TCM, with the hope that their positive experiences would trickle down to their families, employees, and communities.
To achieve this, I developed a variety of innovative approaches, including teaching CEO family health classes, conducting experiential acupuncture workshops at CEO educational conference and within companies, and providing marital support coaching sessions based on TCM principles. These experiences not only allowed me to share the benefits of this medical field with a broader audience but also enriched my own understanding of how it can be applied in diverse settings.
For the past 30 plus years, my practice has included customized work for CEOs, their families. This unique clientele has provided me with invaluable insights into the intersection of health, wellness, and business success. I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world, lecturing to, and administering coaching and medical care to fascinating business-oriented people
In my approach to working with businesses, I’ve found that speaking the language of the corporate world is crucial. Whether lecturing, consulting or providing clinical care, I have learned to demonstrate the value of TCM in terms that resonate with business leaders. By aligning with the goals and culture of the company, I am able to use ancient understandings from across the world to help people in their workplace today.
