Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, Yogaraj (Ayurveda), DN-C, RH, LMT, NCTMB, CC, NAMAPM, has over 40 years of experience in holistic medicine, and is one of the foremost natural healing experts in North America. Khalsa is President Emeritus of the American Herbalists Guild, and is a respected teacher, writer and lecturer. (Read full professional bio on his website.)
K.P. Khalsa teaches in the Functional Nutrition and Herbalism programs at the PCC Institute for Health Professionals.
Why do you teach?It seems like I was born to do it. I started early in my career and never stopped. It is the highlight of my career. At my career level, it is time to give back to the profession that has given me so much. Training the next generation to be greater than my generation is inspiring.
What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
It is very inspiring to see how students progress in their knowledge over the course of their long professional studies. Their personal projects often reflect dramatic improvements in their own health and their approach to managing their lives. They make great personal strides in this environment.
Tell us about a time that you were most proud in your role as an instructor.
Since these programs are relatively new at CLIMB, I was very pleased when our first student passed her exam for national certification.
What kind of transformation do you see in your students’ during a course?
They become aware of the huge range of natural medicine and the large potential for nutritional therapy and herbalism. They realize that there are many ways to solve a problem.
What is your favorite ah-ha moment you see during a course?
Somewhere about two-thirds of the way through these courses, students begin to understand the principles at a new level, and begin to synthesize the information into a coherent whole. Then the light bulbs begin to go on one after the other.
What skills are needed in order for someone to achieve success in this field?
Since nutritional therapy and herbalism have no defined career paths, students must be self-motivated to be successful. Some students have become quite successful in their new career in a short time.
If you could give one piece of advice to all your future students, what would it be?
Natural healing is definitely on the upswing in our society. This is the time to get in on the ground floor for a new fulfilling career.
How do you keep yourself knowledgeable and up to date on trends and industry standards in order to deliver the best quality of education?
In such a dynamic field, I have to stay constantly updated by reviewing scientific and technical literature and reading widely, in addition to attending professional conferences.
What is one major misconception you see about this field?
People simultaneously think that natural medicines are worthless and dangerous. Of course, this is true about something in every field. In reality, natural medicines have an excellent safety record, while performing in a powerful and effective way.
What else do you think is important for future students to know about you?
I have had one career as an adult. For 44 years, I have supported myself and my family with natural healing. Our students can, too.
What do you think your students value most about CLIMB?
The physical facility is excellent. The administration is the most responsive and professional I have ever seen in a community college.
What do you think is important for future students to know about CLIMB?
CLIMB is a top-notch organization that runs effectively and really serves students well, it is a great place to get a career education.
What do you do for fun?
Outdoor activities [like] hiking, skiing, boating, and also cooking.
Find K.P. Khalsa online:
Photo credit to http://www.kpkhalsa.com/
