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A milestone.

 

Tom Riihimaki, age 61, died May 23, 2006 at home.

 

Tom founded OMS -- Oriental Medical Supplies -- now the oldest

supplier of acupuncture needles and alternative healthcare supplies in

the U.S. Tom is one of the founders of our field but was a quiet and

private person who preferred rock climbing and judo to a public

presence. Thus, he is virtually unknown.

 

Tom graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture. As Dr. Tin

Yao So's student, Tom responded to the difficulty of acquiring

acupuncture supplies by " sweat capitalizing " the importation of

acupuncture needles into the U.S. Although there are now many

equipment suppliers, when Tom started, acupuncture needles were

" investigational devices " and acupuncturists were being arrested for

practising medicine without a license. Tom individually accepted the

risks of importation and made further contributions that were

critical for the development of this field.

 

In the early 1980's when T.C.M. was introduced in the U.S.,

controversy concerning Dr. So's teachings contributed to the near

failure of the New England School of Acupuncture. At that time it was

one of two schools in the U.S. The other, the California Acupuncture

College, later failed. Tom was one of only two people who risked

their own homes and businesses to insure the school's tuition bond,

thus saving it for future generations of students.

 

Tom's funeral will be private and there will be no memorial funds

established by his family. But, I though people should know of his

life of contribution and dedication to our field.

 

Bob Felt

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