Alan Fischer

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT

Alan has a large tool chest of health knowledge and skills to draw from. His intuition is finely tuned and he usually begins there and then verifies by empirical testing. He is also happy to address specific requests, but normally works with what appears most pressing, utilizing whichever modalities work best at the moment.

While treatment often does bring symptomatic relief, Alan’s specialty is getting to the root of an illness, which may require more time for deep healing to occur. Symptoms are usually only the visible manifestation of deeper causes and this often involves underlying unresolved trauma or pain. By addressing both psychological causes and physiological ones such as biochemical imbalance or nutrient deficiency, healing is comprehensive and can take place at a deep enough level that symptoms do not reoccur. Alan especially appreciates working with patients who are inspired to a process of consistent personal transformation and self-care.

Life Journey

From an early age, Alan profoundly connected with the natural world, meditation and experiential spirituality. He resonates with shamanic nature oriented perception and indigenous ceremonies. He continues to study and participate in a broad spectrum of spiritual traditions, including Native American, Tibetan Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu, and the progressive and mystical traditions of Judaism (Kaballah), Christianity (Quaker) and Islam (Sufism.) His Quaker upbringing emphasized social justice and community values.

In a parallel career to his healthcare practice of over 40 years, Alan has also been a handyman carpenter doing quality building, house repair and remodeling as well as organizational services. In 1991, Alan graduated with honors from UCSC with a degree in Latin American Studies. He hosted both a public affairs radio show at KZSC from 1991-1993 and one at Radio Free Santa Cruz from 2009-2011. These influences and life experiences have all contributed to Alan’s professional style, intuitive, practical, heart centered and comprehensive.

A HEALING ORIENTATION 

Alan was faced with and after many decades overcame his own health challenges due to Lyme Disease contracted at age 12. This included healing other imbalances such as reversing early stage diabetes (Type II) in his youth.

He began his formal study of the healing arts at the age of 17 at the California School of Herbal Studies. He has been a student of various forms of qigong and Tai Chi since first studying with Ken Cohen at age 19. He graduated from the Acupressure Institute of Berkeley CA at age 20 where he studied Jin Shin Do acupressure, Touch for Health kinesiology, Shiatsu and massage. At that time, he also learned Breema with Malichek Mooshan (who brought it to the West) and continues to be inspired by its spiritual principles and nurturing form. He studied Jungian and archetypal psychology extensively, both independently and in undergraduate work at Sonoma State University. He was initiated into Reiki in 1984 and is now a Reiki master.

In 1984, he attended the Twin Lakes School of Massage in Santa Cruz CA and became re-certified in Swedish massage along with advanced Polarity Therapy. In 1987 he studied anatomy and physiology at Cabrillo College and later biology, chemistry and physics. In 1988 he researched Popular Medicine in Nicaragua, learning “barefoot doctor” techniques utilizing local herbs and home remedies.

In 1998, he graduated from Five Branches University, a four year masters program in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which included herbs, acupuncture and qigong as well as western subjects such as pathophysiology and pharmacology.

In 2000 he studied Hopi shamanic healing with Gary Butler (aka Moonhawk) and in 2003 completed a two year Medical Qigong therapy program with Jerry Alan Johnson. In 2007 he completed a year program of Bio-Field Energy Balancing and interned with the founder, Priscilla Kapel.

During 17 years of continuing TCM training, Alan has learned Japanese modalities with Anryu Iwashina (aka Dr. Bear) and Keiko Matsumoto and her followers. His extensive training in treatment of many specific conditions and imbalances is detailed under the “Training” section. He has taught energy healing and TCM at healing gatherings for many years as well as at Five Branches University.