Untold Medicine: Interview with Dr. Alex Feng
Unveiling the Mystical Depths of Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine with Dr. Feng
Dr. Alex Feng is a Taoist Priest, Medical Qi Gong Grandmaster, Traditional Chinese Medicine Physician, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and Feng Shui Master.
He was born in China where he was immersed in the 3 pillars of Daoism: physical strength and wellbeing, healing, and spiritual development. Dr. Feng was trained by his father, Dr. Wei Ren Feng, a well-known scholar and spiritual leader who descended from a long lineage of Daoist philosophers, scholars, and healers and was ordained in Zhi Daoism in the 1970’s.
After immigrating to the US, Dr. Feng continued his studies in Daoism and martial arts focusing on both his spiritual and physical development. Dr. Feng studied at UC Berkeley and the New College of San Francisco. Then, he graduated with his Doctorate in Oriental Medicine (OMD) and a PhD from Samra University in Los Angeles and became one of the first practitioners to be licensed when acupuncture was legalized in California in 1976.
He is the founder of the Clinic for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Berkeley California. Dr. Feng and his wife also founded the Zhi Dao Guan Taoist Center in Oakland California, which is the first major center devoted to Taoist Arts in the Bay Area.
Key Moments
0:05 Exploring Taoism with Dr. Alex Feng
19:12 Traditional Chinese Medicine and Healing
25:58 Concept of Meditation and Taoism
32:39 Comparing Western and Eastern Medicine
46.17 Exploring Meditation and Learning Methods
In a world where modern medicine often overshadows the whispers of traditional healing practices, Dr. Alex Feng stands as a bridge between two worlds, harmonizing the ancient wisdom of Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with contemporary wellness philosophies. Our recent podcast episode offers an intimate exploration of Dr. Feng's life and insights into the profound impact of Taoist practices on healing and spirituality.
The episode commences with Dr. Feng's childhood, marked by a pivotal moment where Qigong offered him respite from the grip of asthma. This experience not only shaped his journey towards becoming a master healer but also underscored the essence of personal transformation through Taoist arts. The narrative extends to his multicultural upbringing, which played a significant role in molding his understanding of spirituality and healing. His stories reflect a life that has navigated through various cultural and philosophical gates, eventually leading to his own unique path amidst pressure and expectations.
As the podcast unfolds, Dr. Feng recalls the legal struggles faced by TCM practitioners in California during the early days of its introduction to the West. His licensure as one of the first acupuncturists in the state serves as a testament to his commitment to bridging Eastern and Western medical ideologies.
The episode further delves into the philosophical underpinnings of Taoism and TCM, illuminating their intricate relationship with the art of healing. Dr. Feng elucidates the significance of a doctor’s presence and energy, which extends beyond the mere act of treating a condition. He stresses the importance of the human element in healing, suggesting that it is as vital as the technical skills employed in the process.
Meditation, according to Dr. Feng, is not bound by rigid practices but is a state of being that is characterized by presence and stillness. It is about engaging with one's inner self, transcending external stimuli to reach a state of tranquility.
In the podcast, Dr. Feng compares the long-standing holistic approach of TCM with the relatively modern practice of Western conventional medicine. Through personal anecdotes, he paints a vivid picture of the depth and richness of medical traditions that span continents and cultures.
In the later part of the episode, the conversation shifts to the comparison of Western and Eastern medical philosophies. Dr. Feng's stories from a Hong Kong market to a dentist working outdoors invite listeners to reconsider their notions of traditional medical settings. The episode highlights the holistic perspective of Chinese medicine, the intricate skill required to read the body's signals, and the importance of experience in diagnosis.
Concluding the episode, Dr. Feng invites the audience to embrace various learning methods and self-exploration. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right teacher and engaging with teachings, trusting one's intuitive understanding as pivotal in acquiring knowledge. This seed of thought is sown with the hope that listeners will open themselves to new perspectives and practices, finding their own path to meditative harmony and well-being.
Through this captivating podcast episode, Dr. Alex Feng weaves a narrative that not only educates but also inspires. His journey is a powerful reminder of the vast landscape of medical traditions and the transformative power of combining Eastern wisdom with Western thought. As we continue to traverse the dynamic interplay of learning and healing, we are reminded of the timeless relevance of ancient practices in our modern lives.