The Natural Advocate
An Interview with CNH President,
Jeff Goin
The Natural Advocate caught up with CNH President
Jeff Goin last month in Chicago. We asked him to share with us his thoughts
concerning CNH’s current status as one of the most effective natural
health advocacy organizations, as well as where that path might lead...
The Natural Advocate (NA): How did you come to be so committed
to the cause of natural health?
Goin: In 1991 I developed tendonitis in both knees. As a teenager,
I played catcher throughout Little League and high school, and during
the summers, I made money laying carpet. Both are endeavors that don’t
bode well for healthy knees. Years of wear and tear finally caught up
with me. Orthopedic medical doctors recommended a range of solutions from
prescription of anti-inflammatory medication to cortisone shots to laser
surgery — the objective of which was to smooth out the cartilage
behind my kneecap. The medication wasn’t working. Several people told
me to run from any doctor trying to put a needle into my knee, and I intuitively
knew that surgery wasn’t the answer. So, I started looking off the beaten
path. I ended up visiting a traditional naturopath who offered acupuncture
as one of her modalities. What really impressed me about her was that
my first visit with her was consumed exclusively with her getting to know
me. She simply asked questions like: “Do you eat meat? Do you eat
dairy? How much water do you drink? What kind of water do you drink? Do
you always wear sunglasses? Do you sleep on bedding made from natural
fibers?” And so on. Basically, after three weeks of acupuncture and
some lifestyle changes, the symptoms from my tendonitis were completely
gone. I have been pain-free and a natural-health true believer ever since.
NA: We know you are not a natural health practitioner and that
your work with CNH is on a volunteer basis. What’s your day job?
Goin: (Laughing) I appreciate your reminding me that my work for
CNH is pro bono. Since 1992, I have worked as an environmentalist, both
in Washington, D.C., and in my current hometown of Missoula, Montana.
I consider environmentalism to be a form of naturopathy. What are more
important natural building blocks for good health than clean air, pure
water, and open, undeveloped spaces for peace of mind?
NA: During your tenure with CNH, what do you consider to be the
organization’s greatest accomplishment?
Goin: Since CNH’s formation in 1996, no laws have passed in this
country that restrict traditional naturopaths’ right to practice their
trade. This is, without question, a string of successes to be proud of.
Another accomplishment gives us additional pride: Earlier this year, CNH
worked with our friends with the Minnesota Natural Health Coalition to
introduce, lobby, and ultimately pass a proactive health freedom bill
in the state of Minnesota. That bill will ensure freedom of choice for
consumers of alternative and complementary health services. Whether we’re
talking about defeating bad bills that restrict choice, or passing good,
proactive bills, it’s imperative that one point be made: We at CNH do
not count these as “our accomplishments.” We consider ourselves
to be in partnership with our grassroots advocates working throughout
the country. Without their efforts, our organization would not be where
it is today.
NA: Where would you like to see CNH develop further?
Goin: I’d like to see us become more effective in our outreach
efforts. There are some constituencies out there who have not been brought
into our fold. Whether they call themselves naturopaths or not, these
folks are practicing natural modalities. Groups that come to mind are
tribal healers on Indian reservations and the Curanderos of the Southwestern
U.S. I am convinced that CNH can be of service to them by representing
their interests. Likewise, being able to count these natural healers as
CNH supporters will diversify and enhance our community’s credibility
and the strength of our voice.
NA: What other objectives do you have for the second half of this
year and beyond?
Goin: We’ll continue to serve as a legislative watchdog organization.
Although we’ve defeated our adversaries in each of their attempts to pass
restrictive legislation, we cannot become complacent. We will still do
what it takes to defeat licensing legislation and any other type of legislation
that tries to restrict the rights of our members to practice traditional
naturopathy. Beyond that, I am intrigued by the idea of introducing proactive
legislation in other states. Passing proactive legislation takes tremendous
amounts of human and monetary resources. Nonetheless, I am hopeful that
we can repeat the Minnesota victory elsewhere.