Dr Dane at age 6: in love with nature, climbing trees, and reading animal stories

I was halfway through the second grade when I decided what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I was going to be a scientist and a writer!  This desire apparently came from my fascination with nature and love of good books.  My favorite books usually had animals as the main characters.

After high school, I did a four-year tour in the US Navy, then returned to California for college.  At Sonoma State University, I studied biology, expressive arts and psychology.  Drawn to working with people, I then completed a training in massage  therapy and started a small practice in bodywork.

The Clouds Parted
I had forgotten about the scientist and writer, and was back to wondering what I was going to be when I grew up.  I felt there was something more yet to come.  Then one day a very intuitive friend said, “I keep getting this image of your hands – have you ever thought of being a chiropractor?”  To make a long story short: the clouds parted, trumpets sounded, and I knew I was going to chiropractic college.

Chiropractic College
Six months later, I was a student at Logan College of Chiropractic near St. Louis.  There, I learned about stress from first-hand experience as I went through the non-stop 4,000+ hour program.  I graduated in 1982, having paid for my Magna Cum Laude with a stress-related case of food allergies!

Expanding My Viewpoint
I moved to Minnesota, and passed their state board exams for my chiropractic license.  Shortly thereafter, I opened my own chiropractic office in a suburb near Minneapolis.  As a new practitioner, I soon received an education about taxes and overhead, while I continued my study of “stress.”

Because of my personal experience, I began to see my patients through new eyes.  I noticed how the stress in their lives seemed to be causing much of their spinal, muscular and other problems.

Curious about the mental-emotional aspects of healing, I explored NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and the deeply relaxing CranioSacral Therapy – even a bit of hypnosis.  I sought out healing approaches which incorporated the Body-Mind-Spirit model.  I talked with my patients about what was going on in their lives.  They liked it, and so did I.

Teaching
Eventually, I sold my practice and accepted a teaching position at Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Minneapolis.  I loved working with the students, and sharing what I’d learned.  During my ten years at Northwestern, I was certified in Acupuncture and earned an advanced certification in Diagnosis and Internal Disorders.

New Therapies Prove Successful
Over the years, I studied other disciplines offered by the Upledger Institute in addition to CranioSacral Therapy.  They included Lymph Drainage Therapy, Visceral Manipulation (gentle work with the organs and other soft tissues), Interactive Guided Imagery, and SomatoEmotional Release.

These modalities emphasize a sensitive touch and hold the client’s process in deep respect.  Each approach opens a new window through which to view the body-mind, and reveals another important factor in the healing process.  Best of all, they work extremely well when combined.

Personal and Spiritual Growth
I’ve been a long-time student of personal and spiritual growth, and was ordained as a minister with the interfaith Universal Brotherhood in 1998.  I’ve had a natural and growing interest in empowering others in the area of health and well-being for over 35 years.

Traveling Photographer
My wife and I left Minnesota in 2003 to travel, and landed in Ashland, OR in 2005.  Since 2003 I’ve been passionately into nature photography.  You can view the results in my online gallery, www.Inner-Light-Images.com.

Back in Practice
After this long vacation, I began to feel the call back to active practice again.  I dug out my books and sat for the Oregon chiropractic board exam.  I received my Oregon chiropractic license in Dec, 2008.

A Deeper Understanding of Stress
Learning from my own experience and that of my clients has led me to a deeper understanding of stress and stress-related health problems.  I learned about its causes & effects, and how it can be eased with natural therapies.  It can even used as a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth.  Stress plays a huge role in causing and perpetuating an estimated 90% of the health problems we face today.

I’ve published several articles on health and well-being, including The Art of Being Your Own Best Friend. This article has helped many people re-evaluate their priorities and reduce their stress levels.  You can browse these articles in the sections on Health Articles, Stress Mastery, All About Pain, and Therapies by clicking on these links, or using the Category List to the right.

Creations
I’ve taught advanced myofascial classes for massage & physical therapists.  I authored a personal & spiritual growth course with a focus on reducing stress.  It’s called Four Steps to Transformation, and includes a CD called Transformational Meditations.  I also led a six-session workshop in its practical application.

I’m currently working on a DVD entitled Enduring Peace, to facilitate heart-centered awareness, relaxation, stress-reduction and personal growth.  You can find out more about the DVD in Relax Now.

Second-Grader’s Dream

Dr Dane at 62, a health scientist who loves nature, and still climbs trees!

So, as the wheel of life has turned, that second grader may have known something his twenty-something self did not.  Here I am, being a scientist of sorts, studying healing and the human body, and writing to help people live happier, healthier lives.  That’s what Body-Mind-Peace is all about, and I feel blessed!

Sincerely,
Dr Dane

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