Who Are We?

A couple of climbers, and a Chinese Herbal Expert who created the ultimate hand salve for rock climbers.

A Theodore "Ted" Smith, L.Ac., is an Acupuncturist and an expert in Chinese Herbal Medicine.
As part of his training, he studied in an orthopedic ward in the Chengdu University Hospital in Chengdu China where he studied the use of herbs to treat injuries.

Ted also translated the standard chinese medical text on herbal medicine, "Zhong Yao Xue." This book is now available as a text for English speaking students learning Chinese Herbal Medicine at top Acupuncture colleges in the U.S.

As an avid rock climber, Ted knows what rock climbers need to heal their hands after a long day of climbing. Working in collaboration with top climbers he created A-Balm to be the finest hand salve for climbers on the market today.

Ander Rockstead, is one of the top climbers who has been fundamental in developing A-Balm. Ander's aggressive climbing style has made his hands the perfect proving grounds for Ted's formulations.

From Hueco, to J-Tree, to Yosemite, to the undeveloped Colorado outback, Ander climbs it all and takes A-Balm with him everywhere he goes.

If you climb, it's only a matter of time before you meet Ander, and you'll understand why A-Balm is so fundamental to his climbing success.