I was traditionally trained in internal medicine, biochemistry, and physiology. My sense was that there must be something more. I set out to uncover the secrets of thriving health by examining some of the traditional practices from other parts of the world. During my time of discovery, I was fortunate enough to apprentice and befriend several traditional practitioners, healers, and spiritual guides, who introduced me to healing modalities outside or ignored by reductionist Western Medicine.

I met Jing Nuan Wu, a Taoist priest and acupuncturist and saw first-hand the life-changing results in his clients. I stayed with him for a seven-year apprenticeship after which I taught a three-year course, “Oriental Strategies in Western Medical Practice” — the first program for medical acupuncture licensure in New York and California and an early step in blending Western and Eastern approaches

Many other noteworthy people crossed my path and helped me on this journey of self-awareness. There is one who stands out. I heard about a Cambodian Buddhist monk who had decoded a color healing system that was used 2,500 years ago, practiced for 5 centuries, and lost for 20 centuries. Sam Dech Preah Bhanté Vira Bellong Dharmawara Mahathera, known as Bhanté (Reverend), and I were mostly together for the last 30 years of his life. He was one of only two monks who outranked His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Bhanté went on to become my friend and teacher of many things, including his non-invasive color healing paradigm. His philosophies and teachings have influenced my insights into wellness and to Nature’s pHarmacy.