Lately, so many people have been asking me for holistic health solutions that it’s time to give you a proper introduction to my Chinese medicine go-to guy, Jeffrey Yuen.
More than two decades ago, I met Jeffrey in Chinatown and started taking his classes. Today, he’s a great family friend who still constantly inspires me. Thanks to him, I have more natural, loving ways to care for my daughter, myself and even our pets. I’ve also shared much of what I’ve learned with friends and they’ve benefited too. :)
When Jeffrey first introduced me to Classical Chinese medicine, I was riveted. His teachings went completely against the pill-popping conventional Western approach that I was raised with. Stick with him and you’ll learn stuff long before it gets trendy. Essential oil therapy? He was on it ages ago. In fact, he was talking sugar-free, gluten-free eating DECADES before these buzzwords became fashionable.
Today, Jeffrey is a leading expert on Classical Chinese medicine and acupuncture. A Taoist priest by calling, he has absolutely ZERO interest in being a celebrity healer and doesn’t take patients. Instead, teaching others is his mission. But you can still connect with Jeffrey in four ways…
Getting Started!
What to eat: If you like, you can download a pdf of Jeffrey Yuen’s food list. You’ll notice that it excludes or limits certain items that are basic to the typical American diet. For example, Jeffrey recommends against tropical fruit, wheat, yogurt and Idaho baked potatoes. But veggies like super-dark leafy greens get his blessing big-time.
Who to see: You will hear many people claim to be students of Jeffrey Yuen. But some of them have only taken a few classes here and there. If you want find an acupuncturist or herbalist who has REALLY studied with him, then go to StudentsOfJeffreyYuen.com. The website was set up by a select panel of former students and they have vetted every person listed. No wannabees, no fakers.
More names are continually being added to the website. At the moment, you will find a directory of 70 practitioners who are based in five countries: The United States, Ireland, Italy, Japan and Jamaica. Many of the students also have other specialities. So if you’re on meds, you might prefer a Jeffrey student who is a physician trained in conventional Western medicine — someone who can talk pharmaceuticals with you.
Where to learn more: Jeffrey has a website, JadePurityFoundation,org that provides info on his classes, lectures and more. Most of what’s offered is hard-core material that delights acupuncturists, herbalists and physicians.
What to read: This last suggestion is from me, not Jeffrey. When I first met him, there was so much to learn. Eventually, I was taking some of his classes and reading the heavy-duty texts. I even served on the New York State Board of Acupuncture (2002-2007). But in the very beginning, the one book that really grounded me was Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine
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In the past, I’ve mentioned Jeffrey on this blog in connection with his food list. One post was about how his dietary recommendations helped clear up my various skin issues — from dry skin and adult acne to seemingly random rashes. Another post explained how the regimen was also effective in dealing with my allergies. As for this post? It’s here to give you a quick and easy place to get all the relevant links. :)
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good morning to you all! i have decided to end the year by posting info about my holistic health care resources. each one has had a major impact on changing and shaping my life in wonderful ways. next up: my holistic dentist, the holistic eye doctor and the non-invasive chiropractor and my yoga classes. do you have a preference regarding who i should blog about next?
Can’t wait to hear about the chiropractor!
that’s a vote for my girl the chiropractor. i’ll get to everyone eventually but thanks for this, dora. any other opinions? now that i’m starting to think about resources, even more are coming to mind….
Great post Betty! I’m new to your blog and I couldn’t be happier that you’ll be doing more posts about Holistic health – perfect introduction for me, as Alternative medicine has played a big role in my life… did you know I was coming : ) The chiropractor has my vote. Thanks and all the best!,
Ben
ben, i just clicked on your website and haha! welcome to blogging and glad to have a shared passion for holistic solutions. also — thanks for mentioning the phrase “alternative” medicine! it helps us to be aware of all the ways to talk about the world. some folks call it “complementary” medicine, which implies that it works alongside conventional western medicine that is taught in medical schools and practiced in hospitals. :)
Jeffrey Yuen is now the Dean of Classical Studies at Daoist Traditions Acupuncture College in Asheville, NC.
that’s great, cissy! thanks for keeping us in the loop. :)
So his name is Jeffrey. Hahaha You’ve mentioned him and your holistic health so many times before! I’ve been curious. I’m sure Chris Wytenus has been too. Gonna post this post on his Facebook..
I always imagined Jeffrey to be a grandpa! But he’s so young! And modern! Completely vanquished the stereotypes I had of what Chinese medicine practitioners are supposed to look like.
P.S. AND you served on the New York State Board of Acupuncture?!
Yeah, I did serve on the state acupuncture board, as a lay person (rather than an expert). And Jeffrey’s younger than me. A good friend. He has great ideas. Ahead of his time. So glad you stopped by!! xo
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