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 In life we communicate,
wonder, attend, find inspiration and apply ourselves to
our dreams, and
ideas which gently swell like a divine well, into a mighty
river, ending up as an endless ocean,
adjoined by continents under the all surrounding sky. We
discover the cosmos, from nothing at all to something everywhere,
at infinitum.
As a result of my efforts to become intimately
familiar with the system of medicine, as a young doctor
practicing in Canada, I could not help
but wonder what psychic forces lay beneath what I often
observed to be the neurotic, unconscious behaviour of
many specialists that were
recognized, protected, and directed by their respective
governing provincial bodies called the College(s) of
Physicians and Surgeons. Nor could
I imagine then how the system of medicine would affect
my abilities to practice the art and science of my chosen
calling.
In 1968 I undertook a four year study in the
field of psychiatric medicine commencing at the University
of Alberta Hospital, after which
we moved to B.C. to enroll in the Post Graduate Program
at the Health Sciences Centre Hospitals of the University
of British Columbia.
The powers of observation by the
members of this particular branch of medical science
have been affected by some remarkable axioms. Although
the name psychiatry derives from the Greek word, psyche,
as the psyche is not observable it was deemed by its
members to be non-existent.
The invention of the unconscious questioned the quality of the consciousness in my mind.
Yet this concept did not seem of any particular interest
to my contemporaries. They were involved in a precarious
exercise to
maintain the balance of Id, Ego, and Super- Ego that
were perceived to be the result of unresolved conflicts,
stemming
from catastrophic
childhood castration or separation anxieties. This so-called
balance was achieved mainly by the use of enormous amounts
of mind altering
substances, called minor or major tranquillizers, and
the use of uppers and downers.
I pondered, too, in the early
days of my studies in psychiatry why it was freely admitted
in the Diagnostic Manuals of Psychiatry that
there was no cure for virtually any of the disorders
described and classified in these manuals, and I made a
start with
the exploration
of the word sickness and disorder. To which concept were
these words applied?
 The
reason why Descartes thought the system to be dividable
was the appearance of the universe as consisting of water,
air, cold and hot,
earth and fire, rock and mineral, plant, micro and macro-organism,
the planets, the stars and nebulae. I then understood that
this particular mechanistic philosophy had become the cornerstone
of modern medicine.
It denied the living cosmos, and in earnest, had replaced
the living cosmos with the idea that man was a materialization,
superior to creation
itself, in fact was not subject to cosmic laws, which forgotten
became obscure for the learned ones, called the unconscious
by psychiatrists,
the illusory by the scientist, the fantasy by the realist,
the worthless by the materialist.
In 1974 I decided to leave the field of Psychiatry, having learned
the pitfalls of modern medicine. Seeing a more wholesome
way of treatment, I ventured into the compatibility of nature’s gifts such as herbs,
vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, naturopathy
and homeopathy for the well-being of my patients, or partners in
health
as I prefer to call them.
Everything as we know it, is only true in its own frame of reference.
When the ‘Gestalt’ - ‘umwelt’ (or the totality
of the surrounding condition), if that changes, things appears in a
different light. What we see, in a general sense, are the effects,
not the source.
We can reflect on, however, is the relationship between source and
effect. We can come to see the causal relationship even
in the reverse, where any effect indicates a point of generation. Any
fine solution
indicates a gross solution. The infinite small dose of
a homeopathic remedy is an example of this. It is curative. Where a
large dose creates
the specific symptoms of pathology, a small dose creates
the effect of alleviating or erasing the same symptoms of pathology.
The solution has an origination of its own: the point of inception,
or generation point. Its effect travels from the fine to
the gross. Hence the profound change in symptoms with the application
of the right
homeopathic remedy. Duplication near the generation point
is more effective than duplication near the point of effect, since
the effect is always
more dense, thus more intent and energy are required to
bring about an effect the further it is located from the source point.
Allopathic medicine deals with symptoms near the effect point. Naturopathic
and Homeopathic medicine deals with the cause, or influences the origin
of the symptoms near the generation point.
The current state of agriculture leaves a lot to be desired. Crop
rotation has long since ceased. The soil is lifeless, but
maintained by measures of adding Nitrogen, Phosphorus,
and Potash. Trace minerals
are depleted. The soil is corroded. Chemical warfare on
insects has taken it toll too. Herbicides have added to
the problem of toxicology.
In addition to this, the processing of food deprives them
of wholesome enzymes and nutrients. Ill health is the result;
multiple deficiencies
of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, and toxic phenomena.
The correction is relatively easy: The introduction of
the right molecule in the right
place. This is called orthomolecular medicine.
Further, Canadian medical doctor and proponent of Orthomolecular treatment,
Dr. Abram Hoffer, for example, pioneered the use of Niacin in lowering
blood cholesterol in the 1970's. At that time this treatment modality
was invalidated and suppressed by the system of medicine. However,
it is now recognized as an valid treatment by the American Heart Foundation.
As early as the 1970's I had initiated the use of orthomolecular medicine
in British Columbia. As a result of my work in the field of Orthomolecular
Medicine, The Academy of Orthomolecular Psychiatry in the USA recognized
the “meritorious contributions” I had made in that field,
and awarded me a life membership. In March of 1979 I commenced the
practice’s first medically supervised retreat. The retreat proved
to be extremely successful.
A Church represents a symbol, which is universal. It depicts the space
where the union takes place between Heaven and Earth. The structure
of a church rises up into the sky. Usually a cross adorns the summit,
a symbol of the high purpose that represents this “marriage.” The
connectivity which mandates that each and everything - from the smallest
sub-atomic particle to the largest mass imaginable are united - also
dictates that every action results in change everywhere.
Every cause creates an effect. Responsibility in this frame of reference
is defined as meaning to act in such a way that the influence of this
movement will be beneficial to everything, and all that can be known
and felt.
This principle of cause and effect finds reflection in the
Hippocratic oath: ‘First do no harm‘. It is the meaning
in this refrain which is an integral and driving force inherent in
alternative medicine.
In 1981, conventional medicine and I parted. Now able to explore life’s
with a new start, my family and I decided to transform a 25 beautiful
acres in Bridal Falls, B.C. into a unique environment; an environment
that was conducive to wholesome integration of the body, mind and spirit.
Bridal Falls is located 125 km’s east of Vancouver, B.C. The
acreage was - and still is - located at the base of the majestic Mount
Cheam.
Traversed by the pristine waters of the Popkum and Anderson Creeks,
this beautiful wilderness - with an increasing deviation from the horizontal
plane - slopes gently upwards toward the verdant green pinnacle of
the mountain. To the southwest the Mount Cheam trail snakes its way
through the lushness of the forest allowing the curious to witness
nature’s untouched beauty. At the base of the mountain, Maple
trees, Hemlock, Douglas Firs, and Balsam Spruces surrounded three log
cabins crafted by an unknown artisan from rough cedar logs. Inside
the cabins, large and rustic fireplaces created from ancient boulders
gathered from the bed of the creeks, added a comforting old world charm.
The property was unique, sequestered and peaceful. By virtue of its
location between the mountains, it enjoyed its own micro climate. No
strong winds prevailed, the summers remained pleasantly cool and the
winters were usually mild.
Indeed the early spring of 1981 ushered in our new beginning.
As the spring of 1981 moved forward into early summer we had, by then,
created a unique farm yard that also incorporated the three log cabins.
A curving lane bordered by flowering Cherry trees, wound its way up
a slight incline toward the base of mountain. At the top of the lane
was the main building which had been transformed into an antique store.
Like a precious gem, it was positioned, jewel-like, amidst a multi-hued
garden setting of colourful Rhododendrons.
Below the museum, one of the other log cabins had been set-up as a
Canadian museum with household artifacts reminiscence of
a 19th Century settlers home, complete with old Canadian farm implements.
Farm yard animals (goats, chickens, sheep, pigs, horses, geese, ducks,
even a Peacock) added an authenticity to the environment and they lived
and roamed freely and happily over the property.
In June of the same year, we opened the acreage to the public for
a small admittance fee of $2.00 which included pony, tractor, boat
and miniature train rides, mini golf, a petting zoo and picnic grounds.
Meanwhile we continued to lovingly incorporate and re-create the past
bringing it into the present and Taams’ Enchanted Farm became
manifest - our new reality - to the joy of not only of the Taams family,
but all who would eventually visit this transformed acreage.
The combination of the new holistic practice, and the Enchanted Farm
proved to be a winning combination. People came to the farm to relax
with their families. Clients of the health consultancy practice would
often bring picnic baskets to the Farm, and the sounds of laughter
and happiness reverberated in the air.
It became apparent that the environment we had created was having
a very therapeutic effect on everyone, the Taams family, our clients
and visitors, even the animals!
For two years life and business at the Enchanted Farm unfolded magnificently
until on January 4th 1984 the whole province was devastated
by extensive flooding. So, too, was the Enchanted Farm
which was left a barren wasteland
by flooding of the Anderson Creek situated on government
land. By hiring private contractors we were able to save
all of the major buildings.
Despite the flood, throughout it all, I continued with the health
consultancy practice, albeit the beautiful the Enchanted Farm were
was nothing more than special memories. We had experienced yet another
end or a new beginning.
In September, 1983, I decided to take my expertise and knowledge as
a medical doctor and pursue the goal of becoming a Naturopathic physician,
and continued this until November of 1986.
While attending the Naturopathic College in Toronto, Ontario in Toronto
an article in a the Vancouver Sun caught my wife’s attention
entitled, “Confirmed: Chicken soup’s a kosher cure.” The
article informed the reader about the marvelous qualities of chicken
soup and how it was clinically effective in clearing stuffy noses and
heads. The chicken soup was manufactured under the label of the Mayo
Clinic for flu sufferers.
I felt compelled to react, I responded by writing to the “Sun” Newspaper,
which was published as follows:
“Because of the claims which have been made on behalf of the
chicken, I think that the chicken, like cayenne, ginseng, aloe vera,
horse chestnut, pollen, royal jelly, propolis and an endless list of
herbals, amino acids and so on, must now be referred to the Health
Protection Branch for evaluation. After the initial study has been
confirmed by at least one million dollars worth of subsequent studies
and clinical trials, the chicken should be considered for drug status,
like the rest of the aforementioned list. Chicken growers might want
to apply for a Drug Identification Number (DIN) while studies are (I
propose) undertaken and financed by the Association of Chicken Growers.
Meanwhile, until the far reaching claims about the chicken have been
confirmed, it would be reasonable to withdraw all chickens from the
shelves of the supermarkets and grocery stores, just like the other
products have been removed from the shelves of the health food outlets.
Dr. R. A. Armstrong, Assistant Director and Chief of the Drug Evaluation
Division of the Bureau of Non prescription Drugs has indicated to the
Canadian Health Food Association the reason why these products should
be scheduled. He feels because medicinal claims are being made for
these substances, someone has to really prove the efficacy, backed
up with clinical studies. Until such time, they will remain under the
classification of “New Drugs” and must not be sold to the
public. While there is still time, I suggest you stock up some chicken
for a rainy day.”
This small epistle inspired the public to protest which evidenced
in a large pro- alternative medicine rally in Vancouver. It made the
news in a big way.
The enrollment at the Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine led
to the degree: Naturopathic Doctor, in November of 1986 and in that
same year I became licensed in British Columbia. Around this time I
received the Golden Phoenix award, which is awarded annually by the
Health Action Network Society for outstanding contribution to complementary
medicine in British Columbia.
The guiding principle rest on four criteria: The Golden Phoenix shall
be awarded to an individual who: (a) has consistently promoted the
public’s freedom of choice in relation to therapeutic systems
and health care products; (b) has steadfastly applied holistic principles
in the care and education of health seekers; © has vigorously
defended the right of qualified practitioners of preventive medicine
and natural therapeutics to practice without fear of reprisal or prosecution;
and, (d) has consistently provided information to raise public awareness
of issues related to health and health care in British Columbia.
It is reported in an article: “A desire to serve, Dr. Pieter
Taams receives Golden Phoenix award:
“In his personal life, in his private practice, and in his
public defence against allegations of the Medical College,
Dr. Taams has exemplified the very ideals contained in our criteria
for the Golden
Phoenix award. From the first years of his medical career,
Dr. Taams had become disillusioned by allopathic medicine’s mechanistic,
often harmful approaches to the physically and mentally
ill. Holding to the Hippocratic injunction “Above all do no harm,” he
decided to incorporate the principles of orthomolecular
medicine laid down by Nobel Laureate, Dr. Linus Pauling, into his own
practice. In
all likelihood, he could have carried on very successfully
and without interference of the Medical College - if only he had limited
his knowledge
of orthomolecular medicine to his own patients. But Dr.
Taams knew how urgently the public needed to know about safe and effective
therapeutic
alternatives today. In Sandra Craig’s memorable words, “He
would not maintain a conspiracy of silence.” By steadfastly defending
his personal right as a physician to treat the sick of
this Province using non-invasive, natural therapeutics, Dr. Taams has
defended the
right of holistic practitioners in B.C. At the same time,
he raise public consciousness of the threat to our health freedom as
few others
in this province have ever done. In the face of uncommon
adversity, Dr. Taams has conducted himself with courage and dignity
- and at a
tremendous sacrifice to himself and his family. It is no
wonder, then, that he had commended the gratitude and goodwill of his
patients and
the respect of his peers and the community at large.”.
What happened to Taams’ Enchanted Farm after the Taams moved
to Mount Lehman in 1985?
Well, we rented all three building out.
Since 1986 I am dedicated exclusively to my family, and patients.
We have established in this corner of the world an area not perturbed
by the daily in and outflows of modern trash. The Mount Lehman property
of 10 acres embodies the ideals we had stet out to achieve at the Taams’ Enchanted
Farm. Our goal in medicine remains the same. We are honoured by the
recognition that we make the difference.
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