This 3 day course is a must for anyone who has ever had or wanted to have acupuncture, and wants more information to understand how it works. Learn the foundations upon which this thousands year old medicine was built. Students gain a working understanding of the therapeutic properties of acupuncture, acupressure/bodywork therapy, Chinese medicinal herbs, and internal martial arts – the four “pillars” upon which Traditional Chinese Medicine stands. Students will go home with both knowledge and new skills with which to improve their health using Traditional Chinese Medicine at home.

The class is taught over three Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. There is a one hour lunch break and two shorter tea breaks during the day. The levels may be attended in any order as these are stand alone classes. The instructor will provide a recommended reading list, along with a group relaxation acupuncture treatment at the end of each class.

Level 1: Acupuncture & Acupressure

Learn the basic history and philosophy behind Traditional Chinese Medicine and how acupuncture works to support and rebalance the body. You will learn to understand your acupuncturist when they use terms like “Yin and Yang,” “Liver Qi Stagnation,” and “Kidney Yin Deficiency,” among others. You will also learn several simple acupressure points to use at home for general health and for specific health concerns. At the end of the class, all students will enjoy a community-style, group acupuncture treatment for relaxation and general health.

Level 2: Chinese Medicine Herbology

Learn the basic history and philosophy behind Traditional Chinese Medicine and how Chinese medicinal herbal formulations work to support and rebalance the body. Learn the basic medicinal properties about herbs you already have in your refrigerator or pantry, and how to use them for specific ailments. Learn what formulations you should always have available in your medicine cabinet for common ailments. At the end of the class, all students will enjoy a community-style, group acupuncture treatment for relaxation and general health.

Level 3: Oriental Nutrition & Chinese Marshal Arts

Learn the basic history and philosophy behind Traditional Chinese Medicine and how simple alterations to your lifestyle, including incorporating basic principles of Oriental Nutrition and simple beginner Qi Gong exercises, can make dramatic changes in your health. Learn the basic principles of Oriental Nutrition and some easy recipes to try at home to address specific ailments. Learn several simple Qi Gong exercises for beginners for stress relief and for awakening the meridians. At the end of the class, all students will enjoy a community-style, group acupuncture treatment for relaxation and general health.