In 1948, Shifu Hwang was born in China. As an eight-year-old, he began his life-long study of Chinese herbal knowledge as a helper in his father's pharmacy. Selecting and preparing the herbs used in his father's practice, Shifu literally grew up into the knowledge of Chinese herbal medicines in a very natural way. He majored in natural sciences and history at the University of Chinese Culture in Taiwan. Through complementary courses in Chinese Herbal Medicine from Beijing University and Shanghai University, he continued with his long-time passion for herbal knowledge. Adding to his father's herbal knowledge brought Shifu much enjoyment.

After university, Shifu collected herbal formulas from the Royal Family records of the late Chin Dynasty. He, also, studied the treatment of muscle, ligament and bone from Master Wai Lai Seng's book of formulas. This study and training has given him expertise and experience in the treatment of both chronic diseases and acute problems.

In 1996, Shifu Hwang established TaiChi People Chinese Martial Arts, Herbs & Remedies in Austin, Texas. In November 2006, he relocated to the beautiful and serene Lost Pines a few miles east of Bastrop. After 25 years in Austin, he is delighted with this small, friendly town in central Texas.

At the end of 2006, Master Hwang invited two friends to join him in the herb business: Brian Runyan, RN and his wife, Linda. The business name evolved to TaiChi People Herb Co. and continues to offer Chinese herbal supplements and ancient Taoist herbal recipes on-line. Master Hwang, also, accepts appointments for health evaluation based on the five-element and yin-yang theories.

A devoted Taoist practitioner, Master Hwang continues to search for ancient Taoist writings. About 30 years ago, he discovered a rare manuscript, "Secret Surgery Menu of the Immortals" by Taoist Master Zao Yi Zen. Written six centuries ago, it describes knowledge passed on by the 'Immortals' for regaining health from many serious illnesses. The Chinese character for 'immortals' is written as human in mountain. The Taoist masters of old lived in the mountains and the people of the time called them 'immortals'.

For centuries, the knowledge in this manuscript lay hidden from our understanding. But, after many years of studying the ancient manuscript, Master Hwang has successfully applied its herbal wisdom. He now prepares Chinese herbal formulas for internal and topical medicine as an alternative method to help in the care of cancer symptoms such as diabetes and tumors.

Books and Translations by Shifu Hwang:

• "Tao Teh Chin: the Taoists New Library", Lao-Tzu (Author), Shifu Hwang (Translator and Illustrator), first edition published 1987 by Taoism Publisher
• "Tranquil Sitting: A Taoist Journal on the Theory, Practice, and Benefits of Meditation", Yin Shih Tzu (Author), Shifu Hwang and Cheney Crow (Translators), published 1989 by Dragon Door Publications
• "Herbal Surgeon", by Shifu Hwang (coming in 2010)
• "Treat Health Problems by Yourself", by Shifu Hwang (coming in 2010)