Reginald Gooden

Acupuncture
January 2006

Before Reginald Gooden began his studies at Tai Sophia, he had earned his bachelor’s degree in business management and was employed as an accountant. “I became interested in studying acupuncture after many years of studying various martial arts and Eastern philosophical topics,” he says. “I discovered the acupuncture program at Tai Sophia after speaking with a qi gong instructor who was familiar with the school and its outstanding reputation in the healing arts community.

“This acupuncture program has impacted my daily life in many ways. I’ve learned how to use my basic senses in a unique way, which allows me to serve most effectively all that I encounter in life.” He points to the program’s “Bobservation” sessions, where students observe acupuncturist Bob Duggan interacting with patients. “I’ve gained much wisdom and insight into patient/practitioner interactions,” he says. “And that wisdom also applies to everyday life.” 

One of Reginald’s goals is to establish a practice in his home area, the Columbia-Baltimore region, and specialize in providing treatment to those who traditionally don’t have access to alternative healing methods. As part of his commitment to bring healing to the wider community, he seeks to allot a percentage of his time to volunteering, especially, he says, to “expanding awareness about the various possibilities of well-being.”

Reginald says that what he has gained at Tai Sophia provides tools he needs to fulfill his life goal of service, of bringing healing and a deeper understanding of health and wellness to a wide spectrum of individuals and
communities.
 

Yan Jiang

Acupuncture
September 2005

Yan Jiang grew up in Shanghai, China, where she earned her medical degree and practiced as a radiation oncologist for several years. She visited the United States when her husband started a cooperative research project here, and she stayed on to complete a PhD program in pharmacology at the University of Florida. Yan did her postdoctoral research in the area of gene therapy. “Still, I hadn’t found what I really wanted to do,” she says. “Acupuncture was the next thing I looked into.” Meanwhile, Yan moved to Baltimore and heard about Tai Sophia from several friends. “I’d looked at the admissions requirements online and wondered if they would be doable for me,” she says. “The admissions office was so helpful. They looked at my credentials and made it very clear what more was needed and how to do it, and I applied. When my daughter entered first grade, I entered Tai Sophia. To study here was one of my best and most important decisions. It’s been life-changing. “What I love so much about this place is that we learn to embody the theories. In SOPHIA classes, for every theory that we learn, we also learn practices that help us live the theories every day. These practices help me tremendously in my relationships, such as with my family members and my clients. As a Buddhist, I’d struggled to live the Buddhist teaching of ‘no attachment.’ How do you balance not being attached or judgmental, while also recognizing that there are right or wrong choices to make? Now, the practice of being non-oppositional gives me ease to make good choices without the conversation of ‘right and wrong.’

“When I graduate, I will have my own practice. I want to serve people using the best of what I’ve learned in my study of Chinese medicine and Western medicine. And I have a vision for the future — I think it would be wonderful to bring back to China the deep conversation about the art of healing that we share here at Tai Sophia.”

Dawn Kulak

Acupuncture
January ‘08

My journey to becoming a Tai Sophia student began when I sought acupuncture treatment to help with repetitive motion injuries I developed as a professional musician.

To my surprise, not only did my arms and hands begin to heal, but I also experienced a major shift in emotional and spiritual well being. I felt as if someone had smashed a large hole in the tiny room I had been living in all my life. I knew that I had found what I needed to do for the rest of my life. In searching for acupuncture schools, I stumbled upon Tai Sophia and decided to attend Redefining Health. The teachings resonated deeply within me – I felt as if I had come home. Six years later, now as a student, I still experience the same excitement when I arrive at Tai Sophia as I had the first day of the workshop.

Being a student here is the greatest gift I have given myself and everyone around me. I never imagined that in studying acupuncture I would become a better wife, mother, friend – a better me. I am challenged to see, hear, and feel things in a brand new way, out of the realm of black and white and into a world of exquisite color. The faculty takes great care to usher each student along on their individual path, providing a safe place for growth.

As a mother of two young children, I was unsure how I would balance family, school, and work. However, as a result of what I’ve learned at Tai Sophia, I am more present in all that I do. When I am playing with my children, I have learned to be fully present, rather than wishing I could be studying. Then, I also can be totally focused when studying. Also, I am fortunate to have a loving and supportive husband who carries me along when I believe I can’t do it on my own.

If you are feeling drawn to Tai Sophia, I say you owe it to yourself and those whose lives you touch to take the leap.