Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Polk.
Bill, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Born in Boston, MA at Chelsea Naval Hospital March 17, 1956 grew up in Boston’s Roxbury, Dorchester neighborhoods. Lived through the Dark Days of Boston’s racially divided times until 6th grade when my family moved to Randolph, MA which changed my life as one of the few blacks in that town. Graduated from Randolph High School in 1973. With poor health most of my life I began studying martial arts and weight lifting from books to try to improve my wellbeing. My family so concerned for my health demanded I go to the hospital. At 101 pounds and unable to function I was diagnosed with Diabetes Militis in February of 1974. I was admitted to Joslin Diabetes Clinic with a blood sugar of 610 mg/dl. I was dying and made it to the hospital just in time as my feet were in total neuropathy (decaying) and just after being admitted I went blind. I was released from the hospital after three weeks a new person at 130lbs. This near death experience gave me the desire to help others. I began studying Taekwon Do at Jae Kim TKD in 1975 which set me on a path of health and healing. The training and competition was what I needed to find my physical/spiritual self. I received my Black Belt in 1978 which led me on a path to a 27 year experience at Northeastern University teaching and lecturing for Boston Bouv’e School of Human Development. Through Martial Arts at the university I developed a stretching technique known as NeuroStretch. The technique was confirmed and applauded by Krekor Kasabian and Charles Starky, Professors of the Athletic Training Program at NU. NeuroStretch has offered and presented lecturing opportunities around the world. I taught seminars and classes at the Boston Shiatsu School (where I received my Massage License) and the New England School of Acupuncture before opening Harvard Square Acupuncture and Massage in 2003. The business is a collaborative of therapist for helping people understand that alternative therapies are here to help figure out the ill affects of our living, work and physical environment. NeuroStretch, Massage of many kinds, Acupuncture and Yoga are offered 7 days per week
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road I have traveled was never smooth. My mother raised 4 children by herself, at age three I died and was brought back to life in an Army hospital in Baumholder Germany which led to a life of illness through school until I was diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes I have discovered is very hard if you don’t figure the particulars of the disease yourself. Interracial marriage was and is very tough in any area. I have had two and have five children. I was beaten by Boston Cops in 1987 for walking on the street on mission hill. I was put on probation for 2 years. I successfully sued the city after 6 years in federal court for civil rights violations. My younger brother died of melanoma cancer in 1990 just after the birth of my daughter. My father was murdered in 1991 and my older brother died from strokes due to diabetes in 1992. With three children from my first wife I divorced in 1999. My mother died in 2005. I have seen children shot in front of me on mission hill.
Please tell us about Harvard Square Acupuncture and Massage.
HSAM has been in existence for 15 years with a very experienced group of people. We seem to have a gift if you will for helping people get over and through ailments that no one else can. Deep tissue and sport massage are offered. Acupuncture from the finest teachers at NEOA is offered for a myriad of reasons. These have all become what the office is known for. I know diabetes treatment and discovery from being in the two most noted studies in science the DCCT and Edic studies. This is my pride and joy to help people discover and predict endocrine problems due to diet and lack of exercise. Neurostretch or NeuroFacial Therapies and weightlifting for health and sport are my babies that set me apart from all other therapist. I am known for sport enhancement and fixing physical problems such as plantar fasciitis, sciatica. The people in the office all have expertise in their own areas that make us all proud to work and refer one another as therapist. The love and respect we have for each other is outstanding.
Pricing:
- Prices range from $85 to $120 per treatment
Contact Info:
- Address: 12 Arrow St Cambridge MA 02130
- Website: hsacupunctureandmassage.com
- Phone: 6173493600
- Email: bll_polk@yahoo.com
Image Credit:
Billy (White Shoes) Johnson NS Class @ New England School Of Acupuncture/Kiko Miyazaki Anand Talwar holds my leg Bag at Jae Kims 1978 Dr. David Nathan and I
