When Colton began
learning martial arts at the age of 13, his teacher treated anyone who was hurt
in class with acupuncture and Colton recalls being terrified of the needles. He
obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of Calgary with a major in
art history, but he credits Chinese medicine with “choosing him” rather than
the other way around. He was always fascinated with Chinese culture, from tea
to language and arts. “Chinese Medicine just seemed to come naturally to me,”
Colton says, “that is probably why I stayed in it through the hard times
starting out.”
Colton
overcame his fear of needles by the time he graduated from the International
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Victoria, BC in 1999.
Before
starting his practice in 2000 he did a clinical internship at the World Health
Organization’s International Acupuncture Training Centre in Nan Jing, China. He was drawn to Nan Jing
as it was close to where “Dragon Well” tea grows and to his delight his arrival
in the spring coincided with the harvest.
During
his internship in China, Colton saw the potential for the integration of
Chinese Medicine into the mainstream healthcare system. He was also impressed
by the community model of care that was practiced throughout Asia.
Since
2001 he has been an instructor at the Alberta College of Acupuncture and
Traditional Chinese Medicine in Calgary, where he teaches a variety of classes
and is the Director of Herbal Medicine. He fully enjoys the combination of
teaching and practice.
Colton’s
general practice includes a special interest in the areas of women’s health. He
previously worked at a clinic that was women and family-oriented and has
considerable experience with women’s health, pregnancy and fertility care.
He
also connects with the spiritual dimension of healing. In addition to more
traditional Chinese Medicine, he has studied and now practices Esoteric
Acupuncture. This approach harmonizes and balances chakras (energy centres in
the body) and addresses imbalances on many levels.
Outside
of his practice and teaching, he spends time with his family (p.s. Colton is a new dad!), participates in amateur pool
competitions, and draws and paints in watercolour. He has also practiced Tai
Chi for more than 15 years.