Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine John Mini talks about his passion for medical anthropology and the use of indigenous medicine to heal people and help people heal themselves. John shares how to empower yourself when Western medicine fails and gives us eight crucial steps for aging well.

About John

John Mini, M.S.C.M., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. has studied the beliefs and sciences of indigenous cultures from a very young age. This led him to explore these cultures firsthand, including intense practice with Aztec and Filipino traditional healing techniques. John graduated with honors American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, receiving one of the first fully accredited Master of Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine degrees in the United States.

In 1988, John private acupuncture and herbal practice and teaching medical qi in Tiburon California and began teaching medical qi gong. To reach more people, he expanded his reach to writing, teaching and non-profit work. He is author of numerous published articles about Traditional Chinese Medicine and indigenous medicine and religion, delivering lectures across a spectrum of academic and social institutions—from small rural classrooms to the United Nations.

In 2021, John founded of the The Min Jie School of traditional Chinese medicine, studymedicaltraditions.org, an online platform to keep indigenous medical traditions alive.

Key Takeaways

• Medicine was practiced by early human beings. The wisdom of ancient cultures, known as paleomedicine, is worth keeping alive.
• Western medicine is highly developed indigenous medicine amalgamated with science and technology. Western medicine’s institutional approach has lost touch with the patients.
• Chinese medicine is complementary to Western medicine. It fills gaps where Western medicine fails.
• The simplest and safest solution is the best solution. Look for the bigger picture in terms of not only the effectiveness of a medical treatment, but the risks and side effects.
• People can get the best healing in the world but must maintain the healing they receive.
• Min Jie Chinese Medicine School has two branches: The first for Chinese medicine practitioners and the second for self-healing. The school is the first in the world to combine medical qi gong and stone needle therapy, an ancient form of acupuncture using rare obsidian that stimulates the meridian points without breaking the skin.

• John Mini’s Eight steps for aging well:

1. Find a Purpose: Having a strong reason to be alive is crucial. This purpose should be deeply personal and independent of others, even your spouse.
2. Stay Physically Active: As you age, it's vital to stay fit. Treat it as seriously as an athlete would.
3. Limit Media Consumption: Reduce distractions from television, phones, and the internet.
4. Create and Act on a Bucket List: Make a list of everything you want to do in life and prioritize completing those activities.
5. 5. Eat Well: Avoid processed foods, buy organic, reduce sugar, and be moderate with alcohol.
6. 6. Minimize Western Medicine: Use pharmacological medications sparingly, opting for alternative medicines when safe and effective.
7. Develop a Spiritual Practice: Engage in a practice that is deeply meaningful and resonates with you.
8. Remove Negativity: Eliminate sources of negativity from your life as much as possible.