I knew I wanted to be a doctor shortly after graduating from high school.

I also knew I wanted to be a different kind of doctor. I was not interested in writing prescriptions or doing surgeries. Rather, I wanted to be skilled and knowledgable in a variety of natural healing arts. And I wanted to be a doctor who would emphasize the importance of a healthy diet, regular exercise, self growth and reflection, and wellness care.

After years of self-study and investigation I chose chiropractic because of it’s drug-less approach to healing and it’s practical emphasis on the body’s innate abilities to heal and regenerate itself. It just felt right.

Later, I added acupuncture and herbal medicine to my clinical skills. Like chiropractic, these milleniums-old healing arts work on the mind, body and spirit and are safe, effective, and applicable to everyone.

I have found this synergistic blending of chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal traditions allows me to effectively treat Novato-area patients with a wide variety of common but frustrating ailments such as musculoskeletal pain, digestive disorders, menstrual difficulties, menopause, headaches, sports injuries, etc.

Upon completing study at San Francisco State University, I was accepted at Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, CA. There I trained in the basic medical sciences of human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, x-ray physics and interpretation, physical diagnosis, and chiropractic philosophy and adjusting techniques. I graduated with my Doctorate of Chiropractic in 1986.

After I had been in practice in Novato for seven years, I decided to advance my clinical training and skills and pursued a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I studied at the Meiji College of Oriental Medicine in San Francisco and spent three years studying and training in acupuncture, tai chi, herbal medicine, moxabustion and a variety of other therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I had the fortuitous opportunity to study and learn from teachers who had practiced acupuncture and herbal medicine in China and the US for more than 40 years.

My personal belief is that from the moment of our conception there is an innate intelligence that vitalizes and sustains our body.

Fundamental to this philosophy is a steadfast conviction that the power that made the body also heals the body and that all true healing starts from within. I find chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal medicine, alone or in concert, support and nourish this innate intelligence. Collectively, they assist the mind, body and spirit in the recovery of a patient’s health, vitality and well being.

Personal

Something much greater happened the night I graduated from chiropractic school. I met my wife, Annie — she was the twin of a fellow graduating chiropractic student. Her love, patience and support sustained me through the early years of practice and she unselfishly encouraged me years later when I decided to pursue my Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. We have been together for over a quarter century now and have a wonderful teenage son, Jack.

Recreation and exercise have always been important to me as a means of revitalization, and I still regularly enjoy hiking, camping, cycling, yoga, organic gardening and occasionally surfing. I try to engage all my patients in doing some form of stretching and strengthening exercises regularly in addition to their acupuncture and chiropractic care.

My family and I receive regular chiropractic, massage and acupuncture care, and use herbal medicines when applicable to support and sustain good health. A healthy diet has always been important to me, and though I have been “mostly a vegetarian” my entire adult life, I do not necessarily believe that any one diet is applicable for everyone.

Being so fortunate as to live in an area abundant with organic farms, our family tries to eat local, organically grown produce and dairy whenever possible. Eating this way helps keep us healthy, while supporting our local farmers and promoting sustainable farming. It’s a win-win situation for everybody.

I also believe self-reflection leads to self-growth and is an important and essential component of any healthy lifestyle.

In both my personal and professional life I recommend yoga, breath work and meditation as a means of self-rejuvenation and discovery. For those who are interested, I teach how to easily incorporate these time-honored techniques into their busy lifestyles.

We are on the cusp of a new paradigm in healing and Complimentary Medicine has deservedly taken it’s place as the Medicine of the Future. Though I have stood witness to many “miracle healings” achieved with chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal medicine, I also understand that drugs and surgery, at times, have their place. I encourage my patients to use natural healing methods first and to resort to the more invasive approaches like drugs and surgery only when necessary and as a last resort. All too often in my years of practice I have seen patients become unwitting victims from the side-effects of the very drugs they were taking.

I take great pride in being a good listener and hope I get the opportunity to meet you in person and discuss your specific health challenges.

 

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