An Interview with Dr. Robert D. Marion, OMD, LAc of the Westlake Foundation

QUR: What is the Westlake Foundation?

RM: The Westlake Foundation is a research and educational organization founded in 1985 and dedicated to the advancement of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. We offer classes to the general public and offer advanced seminars to acupuncturists and Oriental medical doctors on Japanese acupuncture, Oriental herbology, nutrition, tai chi, and tui na.

One of our favorite ongoing projects is editing and publishing The Art of Health and Happiness and The Pyramid of Natural Foods as a free internet download. We love to give out free copies at lectures and seminars and urge others to do the same. In today’s modern world the cost of printing this document is actually very little.

QUR: I read the entire report in one sitting and found it easy to follow and well-organized. What led you to create this kind of document?

RM: We originally presented “Acupuncture and Dietary Therapy” at the 1989 AAOM Convention in Denver, Colorado. We requested that attendees make as many copies as they like and hand them out freely to their families, friends and patients. This lecture started a fascinating international dialogue which continues to this day. As you know with your publication, the internet allows us to communicate around the world at very little expense. In 1990 we presented this paper in Kyoto, Japan to a group of acupuncturists who have distributed copies since that time. We receive comments and dialogue from all over the world, but especially from America, China, Europe, Japan and recently have had enormous interest from Mexico. We hope to have this guide available in Spanish before the end of the year.

QUR: Why are you making this document freely available to everyone?

RM: Why not? That is the whole point, it is FREE! Everyone loves a gift.

Every acupuncturist has received many gifts along their path, and this is our small way of giving back to the teachers and pioneers of our ancient medicine. Anyone can make copies and hand out at a class or seminar. The information that we present really belongs as a gift to all of us within the acupuncture community.

By definition, every acupuncturist has a tough and demanding job. Many acupuncturists find that this report saves them time and allows them to concentrate on what they enjoy and do best. They give their patients a copy and tell them to sit down at home and jot down questions or concerns. They explain to patients that it is homework and full understanding will save them time and money. Many acupuncturists find this report a great way to introduce relaxation, qi gong, meditation, tai qi, good eating habits, proper exercise and a healthy balanced, natural diet.

There are many great books on Oriental nutrition, but most of these are difficult to grasp by even an experienced, well educated practitioner. We have attempted to introduce acupuncture and Oriental medicine to beginners who have no idea what to expect. We don’t confuse readers with complex theories or talk over their heads, we try to keep it simple.

QUR: What does the calligraphy on your title page mean?

RM: The calligraphy is by world renowned Japanese acupuncturist Dr. Bunzo Takamatsu, L Ac. It translates as “Peace on Earth.”

QUR: Why did you include dietary recommendations?

RM: Oriental nutrition is a huge topic for most acupuncturists to cover with their patients, and many just don’t have the time or knowledge. We have attempted to cover basic information that a ten year old can understand and follow with ease. This report can even be used as a natural foods shopping list. The Pyramid of Natural Foods is not intended to be viewed separately, but as part of the larger document. There are various food pyramids that are outdated and lack a foundation or unifying theory. The Pyramid of Natural Foods really does offer a whole new way of looking at a healthy, well rounded, natural diet without being extreme, fanatical, preachy, or weird.

We are getting a great deal of international attention to this presentation, partly because we have been promoting this approach for so many years.

QUR: How can our members learn more about the Westlake Foundation, the Art of Health and Happiness and the Pyramid of Natural Foods?

RM: Just go to www.westlakeFoundation.org. Please write us at: Westlake Foundation, 3939 Bee Cave Rd., Building B, Austin, Texas, 78746. My email address is drm@westlakefoundation.org. Here’s to your health!

QUR: Thank you so much for sharing this project with our members.

RM: The pleasure is mine. Thanks to everyone who makes AAAOM the finest national association possible. Best of luck with all your efforts on behalf of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.