COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

INTRODUCTION TO THE ELEMENTS OF CLASSICAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Chinese herbal medicine is governed by the universal principles of balance and harmony expressed in The Tao. This weekend includes an overview of the history of Chinese Medicine and begins to familiarize students with the basic terms and concepts: Five Element Theory, “Qi “ (pronounced chee) and the immune system, six divisions of Yin and Yang, four causes of disease, TCM terminology, energetic imbalances, and meridians. Also, discussion of Classical Chinese

DIAGNOSIS IN ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Herbology is the core of treatment in Chinese medicine, and energetically, practitioners look beyond the symptoms of the disease to alleviate the underlying imbalance that caused the disease. Imbalances are determined by a non-invasive diagnostic system that includes tongue reading, pulse reading, facial observations, and health history evaluation. Students will gain a working familiarity with meridians and diagnostic points during a full day hands-on workshop on Sunday. Yin/Yang is the Way of heaven and earth, the fundamental principle of the myriad things, the father, and mother of change and transformation, the root of inception and destruction – Su Wen, Yellow Emperor’s Classic

SATURDAY: THE ELEMENTS OF CHINESE HERBS & FORMULAS – THE SCIENCE, ART & MYTH

The strength of Chinese herbal medicine is the concept of balance. In Chinese medicine, we learn to apply herbs according to their energetic effects on the body to help achieve balance. Using herbs energetically requires understanding the four energies, the five tastes and herb categories. During this “plant walk with slides” we will discuss chemical constituents; types of formulations; patent herbal medicines; dosages and contraindications for approximately 60 medicinal herbs.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON: MEDICAL QIGONG – Connecting with our Inner Healer The internal material arts coordinate slow movements with deep breathing and promote health by moving and strengthening the “qi” energy of the whole body, mind, and spirit. With practice, one understands the innate healing energy that exists within each of us. Qigong is recognized for helping to heal a wide variety of chronic health conditions by increasing strength, flexibility, balance, circulation, concentration and relaxation.

THE FIVE ELEMENT DIET: FOOD AS MEDICINE

Balance in a diet is unique for each person, and there is no one diet for everyone. Learn how to use whole foods “as medicine” to balance and regenerate internal organs and strengthen the immune system to help prevent disease. The Taoist way and the healing properties of whole foods, essentials of nutrition, food energetics, dietary guidelines, elimination diets, five-phase cooking and specific foods for organ imbalances.

 Note: Audit fee for this course is $300

THE EARTH ELEMENT: THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM IN CHINESE MEDICINE

The spleen/pancreas is responsible for a variety of functions associated with digestion and the assimilation & transportation of foods, fluids and qi energy throughout the body. Herb and diet strategies for middle burner disharmonies: weak digestion, acid reflux, chronic tiredness, food sensitivities, anemia, blood sugar imbalances, irregular bowel patterns, detoxification, dampness imbalance, mucus and microbes and their contribution to degenerative diseases

THE WOOD ELEMENT: LIVER SYSTEM IN CHINESE MEDICINE

The liver stores blood and maintains the smooth flow of qi energy. Discussion includes the “harmonization theory” and common syndromes of the liver; symptoms of imbalances; formulas & diet strategies for nervous system disorders, allergies, blood disorders, anger, depression, aggression, menstrual irregularities, learning disabilities, alcoholism & addiction and the benefits and basics of a detoxification program.

THE METAL ELEMENT: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM & LARGE INTESTINE

The Lungs control “qi,” taking the energy from the environment to feed the body. They control breath and assist the heart with the circulation of blood and energy. Breath regulates respiration, supports metabolism, and controls pulse. Discussion of the “Shan Hun Lun” theory of cold-induced disorders and the theory of Febrile Diseases including fire toxins – bacteria & viruses, the lungs in harmony and illness; inflammation, deficient lung qi, environmental allergies, bronchitis & asthma, the importance of breath; skin disorders, formulas, herbs & diet strategies to heal imbalances The forces of autumn create dryness in Heaven and metal on Earth; they create the lung organ and the skin upon the body…and the nose, and the white color, and the pungent flavor…the emotion grief, and the ability to make a weeping sound Inner –Classic

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE IN THE MODERN CLINIC:

From Menstruation to Menopause Chinese herbal theories and strategies for the changing seasons of a woman’s life that promote wellness and address specific health concerns including Inflammatory diseases, menstrual disorders, libido, infertility, pregnancy, and menopause. The imperial secrets of the Immortal Sisters of Taoism for optimizing vitality will be woven through this workshop.

PHARMACY: THE ELEMENTS OF HERBAL MEDICINE MAKING this is a hands-on workshop where the traditional preparation of herbal medicine is taught. Herbal medicine making is a holistic art involving time-honored methods developed over the centuries into the processes used today involving both art and science. In this workshop we will learn the techniques for extracting the healing constituencies of plants in different menstruums; how to do an herb press; how to prepare herbal infusions and decoctions; how to make capsules, pills, poultices and healing salves for external application. We will explore many resources and gain hands-on experience in making our own herbal remedies.

THE WATER ELEMENT: KIDNEY SYSTEM IN CHINESE MEDICINE

The concept of kidneys goes beyond that of western physiology and includes the bones, marrow, hair, ears and adrenal glands. Also known as the root of life, this system is the storehouse of “qi” energy and the root of yin and yang. Common syndromes of the kidney system and some symptoms of imbalance: adrenal function, bone problems, ear infections, bladder infections, hormone imbalances, reproductive imbalances, premature aging, and excessive fear. Insecurity and poor growth and development. The function of tonic herbs for healthy aging, increasing energy and managing chronic illness also included.

THE FIRE ELEMENT: HEART SYSTEM IN CHINESE MEDICINE

Calming the Mind and Balancing the Spirit The heart governs the blood vessels and promotes the smooth circulation of blood throughout the body. It also houses the Spirit. The heart relies on other organs for its nourishment and energy, so the great majority of heart problems are caused by imbalances in other organ systems. Symptoms of heart-mind imbalances include loss of memory, poor circulation, confused speech, mental depression, anxiety and heart disease. Blood disorders affecting the heart and diet and herb strategies for healing imbalances included.

TOUCH FOR HEALTH:

This introductory course teaches you simple, powerful skills to balance the body’s natural energies to ease physical pain. Touch for Health Kinesiology is a safe and practical touch-healing system that is a combination of the ancient Oriental principles of acupuncture and acupressure massage with recent western developments in health care.

ROUNDS: CASE STUDIES AND STUDENT CLINIC

Theory will be applied in the hands-on application of Chinese diagnostics, practice, under supervision, differential diagnosis to assess health conditions, case taking and making practical herbal recommendations. There will be a small group discussion of each case study. Resources and opportunities for continued studies.