Dr Heinz Becker: The man with the healing hands

He's a clinical psychologist, acupuncturist, naturopathic doctor, yoga and t'ai chi instructor, lecturer, and an ordained minister. He is complementary alternative medicine practitioner, Dr Heinz Becker.

"I have always been inspired by nature and the endless forms in which her beauty manifests. I have developed a devotion to maintaining her beauty and harmony among my friends, family, community and country, which has guided my study and practice," he said during a recent sit-down with Outlook last week.

"We are one with, perfectly and seamlessly integrated in mind, body, spirit, community and planet," notes Becker.

Becker grew up in the rural district of Point Hill, St Catherine. He said his mother's warmth, her spiritual resources and focus on a healthy, balanced life shaped his views and interests. The fact that he grew up on a farm also played a great role in his lifestyle early on.

"Learning about our herbs, true health care based on wellness, maintaining health and the value of family and communities that work, play and accomplish together. My mother was always a tremendous, tireless source of support and inspiration, always espousing a healthy, balanced life, to always believe in myself and what I do, to always leave everything better than I found it. Her loving lifestyle has resonated with all that I do throughout my life."

Being an adventure sport enthusiast, he had his first major injury at the age of 10. When he was 17, he broke his back and was told that he would never walk again. Acupuncture, he told Outlook, returned his mobility and, in a way, changed his life.

Knowing that alternative medicine often raises the eyebrows of those unfamiliar with it, Becker pointed out that traditional and alternative medicine are not in opposition to each other.

"This holistic, integrated approach complements mainstream pharmaceutical and other treatments with natural therapies, creating a contemporary approach to health care. It's about empowering patients with tools which enable them to maintain a higher quality of health and life and prevent disease and disharmony," he said.

Becker has been trained at some of the world's leading institutions, including the International Institute of Chinese Medicine, NIAOM/Bastyr University, California School of Professional Psychology, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Boston University.

He is a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic who believes that to live healthier lives we all need to take a moment and 'smell the roses'. He notes that connection to nature and our communities makes us happier if we take the time to see the beauty in simple things such as a sunset. Habits, he said, kill the mind. "Habits take you away from living your life, so you miss out on your life and living it. Do new and different things. Sometimes you need to step back and look at your life and ask yourself, 'What am I doing to make my life better?'"

Becker helps make others' lives better every day by helping to provide relief of back, neck and stress pains caused by work, relationship anxiety, or depression. He serves as acupuncturist for Jamaican track-and-field athletes, and athletic clubs, from high school through to industry leaders like SWEPT, MVP and RACERS.

Another major area of Becker's work is in fertility and reproductive health. As acupuncturist and CAM consultant for the Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Becker said it was a "great pleasure to help couples eager to start their families a few steps closer with naturopathic resources and acupuncture."

He has been working in this field for over a decade, in California, Seattle, and now Jamaica. What brought him home? "It's my love for Jamaica and my desire to ensure that Jamaica is a part of my children's lives that brought me back. Executives and athletes from across the Caribbean come to my offices and I plan to continue to contribute all of my expertise to putting Jamaica on the map as the health-and-wellness hub, for the benefit of all - from subsistence farmers to Olympic athletes and corporations."

Becker is even getting to those who do not visit his offices. Along with his sister Diane Becker, who manages his practice, he has founded Doctor Bird Herbals. To date, the line consists of Immune Power, Pain Ease Tropical, Stress Ease and Skin Silk. "Our goal is to benefit our health, local farmers and the environment," he explains. All the bird peppers, fennel, etc, that are used are sourced from local farmers.

With a practice that runs from Monday to Saturday and spans three parishes - Kingston, St Ann and Manchester - Becker is certainly kept busy. How does he unwind and keep balanced?

"Adventure sport and my children keep me balanced," he notes simply.

"But, most notably, I am a dedicated romantic, passionately entranced and powerfully inspired by our beautiful planet. I'm a diver, caver, cave diver, mountain climber, nature lover and dedicated father to my incredible children who are my greatest treasure and inspiration."