About Us

Thomas Cowan, M.D.

Tom Cowan, M.D.Dr. Tom Cowan discovered the work of the two men who would have the most influence on his career while teaching gardening as a Peace Corps volunteer in Swaziland, South Africa. He read Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston Price, and a fellow volunteer explained the arcane principles of Rudolf Steiner’s™ biodynamic agriculture. These events inspired him to pursue a medical degree. Tom graduated from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in 1984. After his residency in Family Practice at Johnson City Hospital in Johnson City, New York, he set up an anthroposophical medical practice in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Dr. Cowan relocated to San Francisco in 2003.

Dr. Cowan has served as vice president of the Physicians Association for Anthroposophical Medicine and is a founding board member of the Weston A. Price Foundation. He is the principal author of the book, The Fourfold Path to Healing, which was published in 2004 by New Trends Publishing. He writes the “Ask the Doctor” column in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts, the Foundation’s™ quarterly magazine, and has lectured throughout the United States and Canada. He has three grown children and currently practices medicine in San Francisco where he resides with his wife, Lynda Smith Cowan.

Dr. Cowan sees patients at his office in San Francisco, does long-distance consults by telephone, and is accepting new patients. He also gives lectures and presentations across the country
(public appearances).

Read more about Tom Cowan’s background in the introduction to his recent book, The Fourfold Path to Healing, written with co-authors Sally Fallon and Jaimen McMillan.

Sabine Luis, Office Manager

Sabine LuisSabine has been involved in holistic medicine and nutrition for over 15 years.  Shortly after earning her 1000-hour degree in acupressure in Berkeley, California, in 1998, her travels lead her to the East Coast.  There she was introduced to Sally Fallon while attending a 2-month herbal apprentice program on an Upstate New York farm.  Sally’s food philosophy that was what Sabine had been looking for in her nutritional studies, and she easily took to Weston A. Price’s philosophy.  In 2006, she joined forces with Dr. Cowan at his office in San Francisco.  Her quest for knowledge and healing wisdom propels her to assist the doctor in research and creating diet protocols.  Some of her other projects have included the Community Supported Healthcare Plan, organizing resources for patients, office efficiency, and website & account management.

Receptionists

Laura Lion and Sierra Delgado who are now available to help you with anything you may need. We will have their bios soon!

Other Practitioners at Our Office

Brooke Moen

Brooke practices Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional and lifestyle guidance, cupping, moxibustion, and bodywork.

“Traditional” refers to the rich historical and cultural context that helps make Chinese Medicine trustworthy and effective; it is the oldest, professional, continually practiced, literate medicine in the world. Much like Anthroposophical Medicine, TCM looks to nature to inform us about the health of the body. Or, as the Tao Te Ching might say, the inner and the outer reflect each other. The philosophy of Chinese Medicine is that the body has the wisdom it needs to be balanced; tools such as acupuncture, massage, and customized herbal prescription assist in connecting the patient back to such wisdom. Because this approach supports the complex individual rather than only treating particular symptoms and syndromes, it can be applied to a wide variety of conditions.

Brooke received a Master of Science at The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has continued her education through an apprenticeship with a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, as well as working at a Chinese Herbal Pharmacy.

Brooke Moen Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Ingun Schneider, PT

Ingun hosts her Extra Lesson educational support practice at the Fourfold Healing Clinic. Ingun gives individual assessments and lessons which address the needs of children and young people (and even adults) with learning and/or behavior challenges.
Through various movement, drawing, and writing activities, the initial two-hour assessment lesson evaluates integration of the senses, developmental movements, dominance, visual and auditory capacities, when appropriate grade level academic skills, and more. Ingun strives to create a thoughtful picture of the individual’s developmental level, looking for strengths and areas where further development would help ease daily functioning in school and at home.
Ingun has many decades (40+ years) of professional experience in physical therapy, Waldorf teaching (grades 1-8), educational support, and adult education (Lamaze, Waldorf teacher education and remedial education, lectures and workshops on child development around the world). She is a California Licensed Physical Therapist, has a Bachelor Degree in Waldorf education, is trained in Spacial Dynamics®, and is a candidate for a Masters in Education.  Ingun is not accepting new clients at this time. If you have questions, she can be contacted at ingun@steinercollege.edu.