New medicine man

Vegetarian Times, Feb, 1998 by Suzanne Gerber

"It was a transformational experience for me," says David Weinshel, M.D., an internist in Danbury, Conn., who is directing his hospital's efforts to set up a complementary-medicine program. "The conference affirmed a lot of what I already knew by teaching me the techniques and giving the science behind them--plus a lot of information to take home." Weinshel figured he'd get to enhance his own alternative repertoire while studying a good working model of a center, but one thing he hadn't anticipated was how deeply the small groups would affect him. "I hadn't planned to run groups, but we're already putting one together. This is valid, useful stuff for everybody--from young, healthy patients to the old and sick."

Noni Kuhns concurs. "I have a better understanding of psychoneuroimmunology [how emotions affect overall health]. I plan to use all the things I've learned: at our center, in our cancer retreats, in school programs and employee groups. There are so many possibilities!"

And Ann Carey Tobin only came away with a lot more than the facts and inspiration she was seeking. "I hadn't expected the focus to be on me. I developed tools for my own personal use that will spill into my practice. This was one of those experiences we'll probably try to re-create for the rest of our lives."

Because James Gordon is running this show, there's also going to be an emphasis on fun. Meals--massive buffets--are eaten communally in the cozy back room of the spa's restaurant, overlooking a lake and a menagerie of woodland animals. As people get to know each other, a collegiate atmosphere forms, and the once-quiet room is transformed into a din of voices and laughter. Even in the more serious lectures, there's always room for levity. After several breathing (or shaking) exercises to meditative music, for example, Gordon seques into Jimmy Cliff's reggae classic "The Harder They Come," and everyone breaks into spirited free-form dancing.

At any moment in the lecture room, chiropractors, massage therapists and Rolfers can be spotted literally lending a hand to fellow participants whose aching backs or shoulders need a little attention. More relief comes in the form of before-dinner yoga and T'ai Chi classes, which Gordon has arranged. And of course, this being a spa, there's plenty of opportunity for a little physical indulgence: a soak in the Jacuzzi, an invigorating loofah scrub, an ahhh-inspiring massage.

But evenings are the best part of the day, integrating what we've learned with relaxed socialization. One night there's a huge bonfire, around which we break into camp songs and show tunes; another night we eat, drink and do the funkiest Virginia reel ever danced. But the most powerful of all is the group ritual, which involves water, candles and objects from nature and concludes with a silent walk outdoors, the luminescent full moon watching from on high.

On Day Seven, as goodbye hugs are exchanged with new friends, most people are leaving with fresh ideas for expanding their practices. Many are inspired anew. And looking around the lunchroom, at these brilliant and compassionate healers eager to become a part of the health care revolution, my faith in the future of medicine is restored. hadn't abandoned the notion of becoming a rabbi, he realized he wanted a more physical connection to people. "I also liked the idea of being with them in times of life and death, being able to go anywhere and being useful."