Leaders of the Physiological Revolution

A History

         The late 1800’s proved to be a remarkable time in the history of human health. In Europe many philosophers and scientists began to question the conventional and formative concepts regarding the nature of the human body and the purpose of human existence. In the 1890’s a cultural Renaissance inspired by the works of Nietzsche, Goethe, Hesse, and Baltzer emerged as pioneers began to experiment with natural cures, raw foods, vegetarianism, and social reform. Thousands of young Germans rejected urbanization to pursue a more natural lifestyle. (Kennedy, Hippie Roots)          

 

         In the early twentieth century many Germans began to migrate. Countless members of the counter-culture relocated in southern California where they could practice their natural lifestyles in a warm, comfortable climate amidst an abundant supply of fresh fruits. The lifestyles of the immigrants had a profound influence on many young Americans who adopted the natural beliefs and practices. In 1914 Professor Arnold Ehret, counter-culture icon and author of the Mucusless Diet Healing System, moved to southern California and began to operate a very successful sanitarium. (Kennedy, 146) He published many works and established a school where he instructed students on how to administer the Mucusless Diet to patients. Before his tragic and untimely death, Ehret cured and educated thousands through his teachings and life example.

 

         Throughout the mid 1900’s the counter-culture would inspire various social movements including the beatnik and hippie generations. (Kennedy, Hippie Roots) Although founded on the principles of a vegetarian lifestyle and a natural physical culture, the pursuit of superior health began to decay into the experimentation and indulgence of unnatural stimulation. Despite the deterioration of the original ideals of the movement Americans continued to read Ehret’s literature, however very few wholeheartedly ascribed to his teachings.

         In the late 1970’s a group of African-Americans in Cincinnati, Ohio began to experiment with Arnold Ehret’s Mucusless Diet Healing System. Led by Victor Buttrom, these Ehretist forged ahead endeavoring to maintain a mucusless lifestyle. In 1983 the jazz drummer and percussionist Brother Air met Buttrom and began to pursue the Mucusless Diet. Over the next twenty-five years Air would contribute much to the diet, especially in regard to its practice as a lifestyle. Air’s adoption of the daily lemon enema, as well as the formation of his family around the Mucusless Diet, created a template for all Ehretist to follow.

 

         Art and music have always played a major role in the promulgation of the Mucusless Diet. In fact it reached the African-American’s in Cincinnati through a music concert. Artists and musicians have traditionally been drawn to the possibilities of the Mucusless Diet while others have preferred to ignore it. In November of 2003 Professor Spira and Brother Air traveled to see Ehretist and saxophonist Charles Lloyd. This meeting inspired Brother Air to engage in his first 8 ½ month juice fast. Also, Lloyd’s insistence on hearing Air and Spira’s music planted a seed for the creation of the Breathairean Ensemble.

 

            In 2004 Spira and Air assembled a group of musicians to fulfill a series of engagements at the University of Cincinnati. Upon the completion of the concerts Professor Spira, Daktehu, “Uncle” Eddie Brookshire, Baby Babaji, and Brother Air continued to rehearse without a musical engagement in sight. Soon they realized that the band was vegetarian and Ehretist. It was then that the band became known as the Breathairean Ensemble and it was established that the group would function as a support system for its members who are striving to achieve physiological liberation. The musicians endeavor to carry Ehret’s torch through the twenty-first century and inspire all who are dedicated to self-preservation and the pursuit of eternal life.      

 

¡music that saves lives!

Breathairean Ensemble

 

Works Consulted

 

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. “Hippie.” Accessed online 1 April 2007 at:             http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippie#_note-31.

Kennedy, Gordon, ed. Children of the Sun: A Pictorial Anthology; From Germany to California 1883-1949. Ojai, CA: Nivaria Press, 1998.

Kennedy, Gordon and Kody Ryan. Hippie Roots and the Perennial Subculture. Accessed online 1 April 2007 at: http://www.hippy.com/php/article-243.html.