Chinese herbs are something of an obsession of ours at Watershed Wellness. Eric Grey's training, like all American acupuncturists, was comprehensive – encompassing anatomy, physiology, pathology, medical science, classical Chinese & texts, qigong, bodywork and importantly the study of acupuncture and a bewildering array of Chinese herbs. But early on in his educational process, Eric found he was drawn most intensely to the herbs. He completed advanced training with Arnaud Versluys and the Institute of Classics in East Asian Medicine as well as mentorship with Heiner Fruehauf.
The particular approaches to herbal medicine expressed by both of these primary teachers are exhaustive, scholarly and systematic. To master the medicine practiced this way is straight forward, but very time consuming. What ended up happening for Eric during this process is that he fell deeply in love with both the plants (and animals, and minerals) that ARE the medicine, as well as the intricate and interesting history and theories that allow us to use those substances as medicine for a variety of conditions. If you're interested in learning more about Chinese herbalism from a more professional perspective, you might want to explore some of Eric's articles on his practitioner-focused website, Chinese Medicine Central.
Eric went on to teach Chinese herbs at his alma mater, National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM, also known as NCNM) from 2009-2016 and taught courses about Chinese herbs on his popular website for students and practitioners, Chinese Medicine Central. He's taught small group classes and adventures related to Chinese herbalism, grown a great many Chinese herbs in his own gardens, and continues to study them every single day.
Dr. Ann Holland was also trained in herbalism, including Chinese herbalism, as a dual degree seeking student at NUNM – however she chiefly uses Western botanicals in her clinical practice. That said, she shares a passion for Chinese diagnostics, Chinese herbs and can bring a unique integrative perspective to your healthcare concerns. Our newest acupuncturist in Portland, Melinda Wheeler, LAc, was a student of Eric Grey's at NUNM as well as several other accomplished Chinese herbal teachers. So, while Eric Grey could be considered the “Chinese herbal expert” of Watershed Wellness, you have a choice of practitioners who can implement this unique and powerful modality to get you where you want to be with your wellness.
We are hard at work building a library of resources to help you learn more about Chinese herbs and how to take advantage of them for acute and chronic health problems.
In the meantime, please explore our blog – and feel free to get in touch any time with ideas for what you would like to learn more about!
