About Us
Our Vision
Derek French is passionate about the field of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the study of Taichi and Chi Gung. He has a Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine and advanced massage certification from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (San Diego), as well as Bachelor of Science from UC Berkely. He apprenticed Taichi and Ontology 5 years to Master Peter Ralston beginning in 1993, and has studied Taichi for over 25 years.
Derek offers sports and family medicine for all ages. In the clinic, he implements a unique combinative approach to therapy, often utilizing advanced hands-on massage therapies, as well as topical liniments and heat therapy and in conjunction with Acupuncture.
The clinics maintain an extensive pharmacy of raw and prepared herbal medicines. Custom prescriptions are given for both internal and external application, for the vast scope of ailments Traditional Chinese Medicine is effective to treat.
Cloud Mountain Retreat Center will begin a phased opening with an offering of yoga and tai chi classes in December 2019. Watch for pre-opening events beginning in May 2020.
The Center will host a variety of experiences, including Tai Chi / Chi Gung, Yoga, Mindfulness, Leadership and Personal Development Intensives, bringing in only the highest quality facilitation. Some of our additional offerings will include culinary, craft and art events, and fun skill-building events like ‘therapeutic massage for couples’.
Cloud Mountain Retreat Center is a multi-function venue and will include an airy 1,300sq’ indoor class space, as well as a large deck with attached kitchen overlooking a beautiful, private canyon, for outdoor meetings or taichi / chi gung / yoga events.
The various ‘view’ images you see through this site are on location here at the Center in West Deerhorn Valley (Jamul, CA), 40 minutes from downtown San Diego. Perched on a southwest facing ridge we see breathtaking views of the ocean and Coronado Islands, with the Lower Otay Reservoir in the foreground. Large open fields, massive granite boulders and mature oak trees, gentle ocean breezes and perfect silence make for a sanctuary like few know exists in Southern California.