Stephen Byrnes grew up in New York. He received his BA is Comparative Religion and later is MA in Humanities. Byrnes went on to complete studies in Naturopathy and Nutrition, earning doctoral degrees in each field.

A prolific writer, he has had articles published in health magazines all over the world, and his work has been translated into several languages. He maintains a private practice, also working for a clinic specializing in the holistic treatment of the elderly and HIV antibody positive.