Buddy Bowman grew up on a 40-acre farm in the Snake River Valley of Idaho, where everything his family needed was grown, produced, repaired and recycled at home. In that self-sustaining and independent pioneering culture, it was rare to visit a grocery store or a doctor. An all-natural health philosophy became an early part of his way of life.

“Farm life taught me the law of sow and reap, and later I found it also applies to all facets of your life,” says Bowman. “I learned traditional values, to be a responsible steward of all resources, and to this day, I don’t smoke, drink or take any prescription drugs. I find the macrobiotic diet is my best medicine.”

Bowman’s natural health practices supported an ambitious and challenging career as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He flew 167 combat missions in two tours, including 100 over North Vietnam. He was shot down once and rescued. Bowman was awarded the Silver Star, six Distinguished Flying Crosses and 23 Air Medals. Later, as a graduate of the Air Force Test Pilot School, he passed the Air Force astronaut physical and flew the NF-104 rocket plane to an altitude of 20 miles. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after earning two Meritorious Service Medals.

“It’s clear to me that good health is what makes most things possible in your life. It served me well through the rigors of combat and space flight. Without good health, nothing else matters.” says Bowman.

He recognizes the value of higher education and holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering and master’s degrees in both business management and counseling psychology. He is also an adjunct professor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As a consultant/advisor and certified facilitator to the Air Force, Bowman instructs in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Covey’s 7 Habits, strategic planning, teambuilding, personal growth and organizational development.

To make a difference for others, Bowman supports the growth of local youths as a guest speaker on proactivity, personal responsibility and life planning at all 19 elementary schools in Okaloosa County, the science, technology, math and medicine (STEMM) centers and middle and high schools.

Bowman’s passion has turned to light therapy, which he administers in his practice, Light for Life. “Discovering light therapy was a quantum leap in my awareness of the amazing ability of the body to heal itself as it was designed to do and as nature intended,” he states. “It’s the perfect fit and extension of a lifelong interest in the natural and powerful forces in the universe and our place in it.”

He was fascinated to learn that light therapy activates at the cellular level. He pored over the research studies of Nobel Prize winners Nils Finsen and Dr. Louis Ignarro to find that as one big photocell, the body absorbs specific light energy frequencies that stimulate the natural production of nitric oxide, increasing circulation. He explains, “Pure natural healing light helps to bring the body back into its original embryonic frequency and energy balance.”

Bowman also learned that inflammation is often the precursor of declining health, and that light therapy reduces inflammation and initiates rejuvenation through the absorption of photons and increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the basic energy source of the cell, thus reliving pain and stress. “Light therapy can reverse the stress/inflammation/pain/stress cycle, resulting in a healthier, happier life. My total focus is on my clients in helping them reverse that cycle,” he explains.

Bowman immersed himself in the subject, increased his knowledge and qualifications and is now Florida’s first and only professionally certified Quantum Light energy coach with the Board of Advanced Natural Health Sciences. At Light for Life, he uses the FDA-cleared Avalon Quantum Series equipment, comprising of a frequency controller, three flexible pads embedded with 500 pulsing infrared, red and blue LEDs. “My sessions are convenient, private, painless, non-invasive, affordable and best of all—drug-free,” states Bowman.

He voluntarily teaches a 12-hour course on Quantum Light Energy Therapy at the Center for LifeLong Learning at the University of West Florida. “It’s time to give back,” he says. “There is a true passion in being able to help others and to contribute something meaningful. This has always given me great satisfaction.”

Light for Life is located at 315-A Racetrack Rd., in Fort Walton Beach. For more information, call 850-582-4929, email [email protected] or visit BuddyBowman.com.

Jude Forsyth is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings of NW Florida.