A pioneer is an extraordinary individual who blazes a path into uncharted territory for the rest of us. In this photo are two of my favorite pioneers in the health field. They are very different in appearance, yet practically twins in the truths they taught.

Dr. Christopher, always seen in a three-piece suit, often described himself as a “lone wolf.” As a Master Herbalist, Naturopathic Physician, and raw food advocate, he broke barriers by championing healing through God’s foods and medicines. The other pioneer in the photo—not wearing a suit—is Viktoras Kulvinskas, known as the "Godfather" of the raw food diet. As a co-founder of the Hippocrates Institute alongside fellow Lithuanian Ann Wigmore, he blazed the trail for healing through living foods.

Another striking similarity between these two is that they both healed themselves before blazing their trails for others. Dr. Christopher was born with rheumatoid arthritis; he spent years in and out of wheelchairs due to a disease that medical professionals predicted would claim his life by his forties. Viktoras was once overweight, suffering from deteriorating bones, a caved-in chest, and near-blindness.

Both reversed their ill health through natural cures, including sun therapy, grounding, and raw food diets. Dr. Christopher famously ran barefoot even in the snow, while Viktoras once ran 900 miles to Washington, D.C., alongside Dick Gregory, fueled only by fruit juices.

Dr. Christopher practiced traditional natural medicine in his clinics with great success, though often under intense opposition. Medical authorities and even fellow naturopaths had him arrested, jailed, and forced into litigation because of his “unorthodox” methods. He would win his court battles and reopen, only to face legal challenges again and again.

Perhaps learning from Dr. Christopher’s misfortunes, Viktoras avoided similar legal entanglements by running health retreats in tropical locations under the umbrella of a ministry. Ultimately, both men helped thousands regain their vitality and reached millions more by spreading truth through their wonderful books and classes.

Both men were far healthier in their later years than in their youth. Dr. Christopher lived well beyond his forties, only passing away after an accident in his seventies. Viktoras passed away just recently in his eighties—healthy, vibrant, and amazingly flexible through his yoga practice.

We send a heartfelt thank you to these two wonderful pioneers.

David Christopher is a Master Herbalist, director of The School of Natural Healing, and son of our beloved Dr. John R. Christopher. He is continually helping others improve their health and that of their family members. The School loves having him as the director.