Carmen Azpeitia-Adib

“Are you willing to change what you eat, what you think, and how you pray?” Greg asked me the first time we met nine years ago. “Yes” was a quick response, like a reflex. I was desperate.  The all-body joint pain was increasing while my hopes for a cure were quickly diminishing. Top Stanford Hospital doctors and medical professors were unsuccessful at giving me a prognosis, and thus a treatment for my condition. I had been a disciplined athletic person since middle school, with a perfect medical record, and no known genetic predisposition for my condition. My ailment was a mystery. “Come back in three to six months. Perhaps then, this would have developed into Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or any other Immune Deficiency disease.” A scary predicament to tell a first-time mother of a six-pound ten-ounce baby girl who was able to carry and attend to until a few hours prior to being admitted to the Emergency Room. Sitting on a wheelchair and unable to move any joint, I begged the three doctors conferring in the room to give me anything for the excruciating pain. All I wanted at that point was pain relief! Vicodin was not an option because I was nursing. An alternative was offered and I was sent home warned about liver or kidney problems if taken over a prolonged time. My internist had no objections for me to seek help via alternative medicine. The search began. Acupuncture kept coming to my mind. Several sessions with different acupuncturists led to desperation. Hopelessness was lurking. But, I had a feeling someone had the ability to help me, and all I had to do was find that person.  He was found. His name is Greg Yau.

When I met Greg, I noticed his simplicity as much as his unconventional practice. Nothing around him involves the ego, from his clothes to the makeshift cot to the recycled glass containers with strange looking roots and herbs. One could tell everything around him is there to serve a purpose and nothing else. Greg is a martial artist, but at simple glance his body does not reveal his mastery. Even his well selected few apprentices are unassuming. No special attire. No special rituals like head bowing and such. The only sign of sophistication is the combination strikes that Greg patiently and sparingly demonstrates. He seems to instruct more with words and simple moves than by constant demonstration. The friendly chatter and laughter during learning
time reminds me of children at play during school recess. I have learned that Greg’s students are successful business people, police chiefs, heads of martial arts schools, and the like.  Different people with one obvious thing in common, they all emulate Greg.

My disconcerted first impression was over as soon as Greg smiled and began talking to me. Immediately, I felt at ease.  With a curious mind, and in my usual manner, I asked many questions as if conducting an interview. One comment that stuck to my mind is Greg saying, “our paths have crossed and there is a reason and a purpose.” I agreed without understanding.  Now, I understand and know the answer to both. I will never forget the first time Greg inserted the four small needles. The excruciating joint pain I had lived with for three weeks, which seemed more like three years, disappeared instantly. It was like magic. I felt no pain during the half hour acupuncture treatment. Greg warned me that if I did not improve with three treatments, he would take me to his teacher.  I had no warning of what was to come that same night. At nightfall, my body, from neck down was in agonizing pain never before or since experienced. Greg was called past midnight because I was convinced I would not make it through the night. With a calm voice he assured me that everything would be all right. The pain pattern was being broken which meant that healing would begin soon. He was right. Since then, I have absolute trust in Greg’s skills and abilities. At sunrise, the pain had subsided. My healing process had begun. I followed Greg’s recommendations with exactitude and discipline. I never doubted or questioned his words. I believe when he says that the mind, body and spirit have to be in complete balance to achieve optimum health. I believe that “disease is, above all, dis-ease, absence of ease or Santi-sweet, joyous peace of the spirit reflected through the mind in the body” as Baird T. Spalding writes in his book Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East. For me, it took nine months of acupuncture, herbal teas, a special diet (not extreme, nothing of Greg is extreme except his knowledge and insights), and praying in a different way that I was used to (religious denomination has nothing to do with it). Greg showed me the way, and I followed.

When I was able to walk again and hold my then 16-pound baby, my movements were very robot-like. I had forgotten how to walk! Greg showed me how to walk in my adult age. It was amazing! Greg would tell me that walking is just catching one self from falling.  In order to walk I had to have that faith that everyone that walks has, but hardly anyone notices because it becomes second nature. To this day, I always try to catch myself from falling, not only as I walk but in every aspect of my life. If I do fall, I know it is just a reminder that somewhere, somehow I lost faith.  And is essential to gain that faith back.

After Greg helped me heal completely, I went back to my doctors at Stanford Hospital. They were amazed at my recovery and the fact that I did not develop any of the diseases they had speculated. For them it is still a mystery. Not for Greg, my family, my friends, and myself. I understand people’s skepticism but I also know that if the skeptics would doubt everything in life, they would not even be able to breathe because even that is an act of faith.  If you are reading this, you are blessed in more ways than you can imagine. If you know Greg, you are blessed to have your paths cross.  I am sure that your contact with Greg will enrich your life in every aspect.  I wish for you to realize it.  It has been proven to me that there are no coincidences in life.  We create our own personal world that we live in with our thoughts, actions, and feelings. May you create your world with love and become a true Master.

P.S. Greg, I am eternally grateful.”

 in