Founder of OMS & Seirin-America
Thomas Riihimaki Passes Away

Thomas Riihimaki died of cancer at his home in Cohasset, MA on May 23,2006 at the age of 60. He passed away peacefully in his sleep with his family by his side.

Tom graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture. As Dr. Tin Yao So's student, Tom responded to the difficulty of acquiring acupuncture supplies by "sweat capitalizing" the importation of acupuncture needles into the U.S. Although there are now many equipment suppliers, when Tom started, acupuncture needles were "investigational devices" and acupuncturists were being arrested for practicing medicine without a license. Tom individually accepted the risks of importation and made further contributions that were critical for the development of this field.

In the early 1980's when T.C.M. was introduced in the U.S., controversy concerning Dr. So's teachings contributed to the near failure of the New England School of Acupuncture. At that time it was one of two schools in the U.S. The other, the California Acupuncture College, later failed. Tom was one of only two people who risked their own homes and businesses to insure the school's tuition bond, thus saving it for future generations of students.

Tom not only appreciated the medicine itself but embraced the philosophical and spiritual teachings that are so closely related. He took his time to appreciate the beauty of life and enjoyed such pursuits as yoga, rock climbing and Zen studies.

He is survived by his wife, Julia (Helvie) Riihimaki; and three beloved children, Krista and Christopher Riihimaki, and Matthew Pike.

Join us as we pause to give blessings and love to the transition of this humble man that gave so greatly to this profession and to those that shared his journey in life on this Earth.