Mentorship

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Bob Quinn

The Clinical Tip That Changed My Life

A Blue Poppy blog post by Bob Quinn

Sometimes we remember a tidbit of information in the right moment, and it can become a major inflection point for us in our career. I’d like to relate just such an occurrence from 2004 when in a moment of need I recalled a passing comment from Kiiko Matsumoto from some years before in a seminar. My focus in writing this blog is not so much the tip itself, although it is a good one to be aware of, but more on citing an example of how change can arrive in our lives in quantum leaps.

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Bob Quinn

The Value of A Master

A Blue Poppy blog post by Bob Quinn

Iwashina Anryu Sensei just returned to Japan after teaching at the end of April here In Portland, OR. He is called Dr. Bear, a name given him by Native Americans in the late 1980s in recognition of his unique healing skills. Here’s how he was given the name: A Native contingent was in Japan for an anti-nuclear march, and one of their leaders had a severe asthma attack. He had such relief from Mr. Iwashina’s treatment that a few days later in a full-moon ceremony he and others in the group honored Mr. Iwashina and bestowed the name Dr. Bear on him. They said he practiced “bear medicine.” He has used the name proudly ever since. Dr. Bear has many times visited Sundance ceremonies and delivered free treatments to all in need and has also worked in Native clinics when he has visited the Bay Area.

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Bob Quinn

A Blue Poppy blog post by Bob Quinn

Training under a mentor has long been a part of Chinese medicine. It is in the clinic that we learn how the theoretical side of Chinese medicine gets put into action. This past weekend I had an opportunity to see how this plays out for the fortunate ones who have access to such a mentor.

On Saturday and Sunday I hosted Junko Shuto, the daughter of the most famous traditional pediatric specialist in Japan, Masanori Tanioka, Junko sensei brought three of her students with her, and it was evident in their skill demonstrations that the long-term contact with a talented mentor has benefitted them enormously. Junko herself gives 500- 600 pediatric treatments every month and has been doing this for 30+ years; I doubt anyone in the US has treated even half this many. It is difficult for us to duplicate this mentor-student system in the US for a few reasons, the most obvious and important of which is that we lack sufficient senior practitioners with enough experience.