Nourishing My Path
By Kelsey Crawford-McIntosh
Returning to School Ignited a New Passion for Me in Complementary Care
In my early 20s, I dove headfirst into my passion: music. I dedicated myself to becoming a well-rounded musician, and it paid off. My band at the time landed a deal with a subsidiary of Epitaph Records, and soon, we were on the road, embarking on thrilling tours. The exhilaration of performing live and connecting with audiences was incredible, but I did not know that my journey was only beginning.
Fast-forward a decade, and while I felt a deep sense of fulfillment as a musician, a different longing began to stir within me—a desire for personal growth and a new way to express my artistry. I wanted to explore self-care, a shift from the traditional rock-and-roll lifestyle. This ignited a spark in me, and I was ready to turn the page to a new chapter.
I discovered a calling in nutrition, somatic movement, and manual therapy. As a musician, I realized how vital these elements were to my well-being. On the road, it was challenging to maintain any consistency; green room catering often left much to be desired. I knew I had the chance to create positive change for my fellow musicians. I experienced firsthand the transformative power of enjoying nourishing meals and staying hydrated—it wasn’t just beneficial; it was essential for my performance, especially when I was belting it out as a singer, day after day on tour.
Sleep hygiene, meditation, and movement also became crucial components of my routine. Building strength and engaging in calming practices helped me counter the exhaustion of long hours spent traveling and waiting in venues. With these experiences fueling my passion, I was determined to find the right program that showcased these interests and embark on my academic journey.
In 2014, I started exploring different nutrition programs in the Pacific Northwest. Fortunately, I was in the right place at the right time and discovered the Wellspring School for Healing Arts. Unfortunately, this incredible boutique school is no longer in operation, as many schools have closed over the last several years. The program seamlessly wove together Western nutrition science and Chinese medicine in their nutrition curriculum. We were incredibly fortunate as students that a co-founder of the school, a mentor and teacher to us, studied under legendary healing arts practitioner and Amma therapist Tina Sohn. This connection enriched the Wellspring nutrition program with fascinating tools.
What resonated with me most about their program was the opportunity to incorporate creativity into my work. My incredible mentors at the Wellspring consistently encouraged me to adopt a creative perspective when approaching nutrition. The concept of Eastern energetics of food allowed me to understand nutrition in a whole new light.
Instead of simply analyzing each ingredient for its vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, etc., I began to consider the energy of the food itself, the seasonal influences, and the expressions of color. This shift in perspective transformed my experience and led me to form my own opinions, even challenging some of the energetic classifications assigned to certain foods by modern authors and chefs.
This process helped me stretch and grow my skills and understanding. Ultimately, this change in perspective enhanced my confidence in my work beyond my expectations and fostered a soulful connection to what I do and offer today.
After I graduated, The Wellspring hired me back as their social media manager and community event planner, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had the opportunity to create artistic and beautiful posts, keep all the knowledge I had gained fresh, and even serve as their resident photographer and illustrator—another creative aspect of nutrition that I truly love: food photography and art!
Here is a small list from memory of some of the incredible classes, topics, workshops, and events I had the privilege of participating in during my time at The Wellspring School over several years:
Caring for cancer
Green clay therapy
Western herbs in a Chinese medicine practice
Amma therapy
Business classes
Useful counseling tools, Motivational Interviewing, informed consent
Community service events and engagement
Fundraisers for community youth farming and education
In-depth student clinics
Book releases
Nutrition fairs
Lunar New Year celebrations
The list could go on!!
Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Five Element Theory: Paired organs, phases of life, seasons, temperature, and taste.
Western Anatomy and Physiology
Western Nutrition
Wholistic Nutrition
Chinese Diagnosis: Pulse, Tongue, Shen
Whole Foods Cooking
Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
Safe and effective use of supplements
Healthy eating during various life cycles
Nutrition for disordered eating
Women's Wellness
BACH flower remedies
I am deeply grateful for my time at the Wellspring School, which has indelibly influenced my dynamic practice today. Now, in my mid-40s, I often reflect on my experiences from that period for insight and inspiration as I explore new avenues of study. Since graduating from the Wellspring School in 2016, I have graduated from East West College of the Healing Arts, become a certified Usui Reiki Master, and obtained my Oregon state license in manual therapy. I am enrolled with the Upledger Institute, working towards my certification and, ultimately, my diplomat status as a Craniosacral therapist.
I believe it is up to us as complementary care practitioners to keep things engaging, and I genuinely and enthusiastically see myself as a lifelong student!
I hope you enjoy a small sampling of my food photography!
Check out Kelsey’s amazing modalities and explore how her unique approach to complementary care can enhance your wellness journey here!