Ann Wigmore History
A Journey Rooted in Natural Healing
Ann Wigmore was born in Lithuania in 1909 and raised by her grandmother, a natural healer. From an early age, Ann witnessed the healing power of medicinal plants, grasses, and herbs as she assisted her grandmother in caring for soldiers during wartime. Despite being a sickly child, her grandmother's love and guidance enabled her to thrive in Lithuania. At 16, Ann moved to the United States to join her family, where she worked in her parents' bakery.
Struggles and Transformation
Life in the United States brought severe hardships. The standard American diet and the stress of work and family life deteriorated her health. An unhappy marriage compounded her difficulties. At 50, Ann was diagnosed with colon cancer and given just six months to live. Turning to nature and her spiritual beliefs, she began consuming raw green foods, sprouted blended seeds, and cultured grains. Using food as medicine, Ann eventually healed herself.
A Mission to Heal
Ann's recovery inspired her to change her life and embrace a profound realization: “I knew my mission was to open a healing center.” She wanted to educate people that poor health needn’t equate with aging and that individuals are responsible for caring for their bodies. She conducted extensive research to understand the most healthful foods and prove the validity of what she called the “Living Foods Lifestyle®.”
Pioneering Holistic Health
Ann spent years studying and experimenting, consulting experts worldwide. She believed in the power of "living" food to build vibrant health. From 1956, she studied naturopathy and homeopathy, earning a Doctor of Divinity degree from an American college. Ann developed an international following through her column in the U.S. magazine, “Natural Health Guardian.” In 1963, she founded the Hippocrates Health Institute, America’s first holistic health center, in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1990, she opened the Ann Wigmore Natural Health Institute in Puerto Rico, building a team of teachers, practitioners, and agricultural specialists to educate students from around the world.
Living Foods Lifestyle™ Program
Ann Wigmore believed, “There are no incurable diseases if one lives in harmony with nature.” The Living Foods Lifestyle™ encompasses more than a diet of raw, chlorophyll-rich vegan foods. Ann studied and collaborated with others to evaluate plants, food preparation, blending, culturing, sprouting, and dehydrating methods. She also explored movement, yoga, meditation, nature's positive effects, cleansing techniques, and spiritual connection to support restorative healing. Wellness is a lifestyle, and Ann shared her insights through numerous articles, books, and presentations worldwide.
