Late Summer comes after Summer and before Autumn - and is unlike either of them. Asian Healing Arts see this as a time to get our bearings and collect ourselves before we drop into Autumn. Whatever we planted this year is bearing fruit now. We might get to taste some sweetness as it ripens! If we soak up and savor this Season of ripening, we'll come into Autumn significantly stronger - especially our immune systems!
This 'Harvest' Season comes with unique healing gifts for our our digestive system. This year, with so many changes to 'digest' and a deadly virus still on the loose, it is especially important to support these systems any way we can. Participants in this class will come away with simple home practices to do exactly that.
Processing the gifts of Late Summer is the job of our Stomach and Spleen in Asian Healing Arts. Together, they transform food into nourishment for every cell. They help us process input of all sorts on every level. When they're workin well, we can feel satisfied and grounded, grateful and generous. At best, we can resonate sympathetically with other beings at their core, however damaged they show up on the surface. And we tap into the harmonies of Mother Earth. Given the state of the earth at this juncture of time and space, this is no easy task!
These classes will present simple, centering movement and meditation practices to support these processes. These 'Qi Gong' practices help us settle, connect with the earth and take in what we need to sustain us.
Ancient Chinese warriors used them to shift gears and replenish whenever they got a chance.They are easy to learn. And sometimes have palpable benefits in a matter of minutes. Like fuller breathing and relaxed muscles. Over time they can make for better balance, memory function, clearer thinking and more sympathy for ourselves and other.
In times like these, it can be very satisfying to know there are small things we can do that actually make things feel a little more harmonious in the presence of so much that doesn't.
These three short classes (a little less than an hour) will explore a variety of Qi Gong practices that affect various aspects of how we digest food, process input of all sorts, and experience what I like to call 'enoughness.' Students will have the option to 'show up' or to listen and watch without being seen. Although online classes come with some some challenges, hese 'homing' practices may actually be easier to learn at home!
These three video classes will be available in August, one at a time, for one entire week.
Beginners are welcome. PDA's are available for Acupuncturists, who can easily teach these practices to clients remotely and/or to support their in person treatments.
These classes are part of a year-long cycle of Seasonal Qi Gong classes. Other classes are not required to benefit from classes in any one season. You can learn more about "Healing with the Seasons" at Ruscombe.org, where you can also find contact information for Cynthia Zanti Jabs, L.Ac.
NOTE: IF THE COST OF TUITION IS AN ISSUE, PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT SCHOLARSHIP (OR BARTER) OPPORTUNITIES.
Photo Credit: Tom Maack
Meet your instructor:
Cynthia 'Zanti' Jabs has taught these practices to classes and her acupuncture clients for decades. After years of requests, she started making them available online this Summer.
"I love seeing how these powerful tools gently untangle troublesome symptoms that affect our bodies, minds and spirits. Working WITH the laws of nature can literally unlock our capacity to heal, even when serious illness or traumatic injuries have blocked this and caused serious symptoms for years.
"My 'specialty' is creating ‘take-home’ practices to help clients further their healing on their own. This helps hands on treatment go farther and makes remote consults more effective.
"Healing is not just about relieving symptoms. Needles, words, music, movement practices, all of these help us reclaim who we're here to be. Our symptoms often guide our way - and fade away as we find it."
"Asian healing arts let us unfold the gifts of each season in turn. Reconnecting with natural cycles lets us focus on specific issues without losing sight of the whole. I believe this is more essential than ever to all aspects of health and healing."
She has taught acupuncture students (MUIH) medical students (JHUSM) and beginners (local colleges, churches and recovery centers.) She is certified (NCCAOM) to teach credit courses for acupuncturists. You can read her blog about 'Healing with the Seasons' at Ruscombe.com.
RECENT REVIEWS:
"I loved the sessions. She's one of the best Qi Gong teachers I've had."
- Heather, Acupuncturist and Longtime QI Gong Practitioner
"I loved Zanti’s classes. I learned Qi Gong practice in a new way. It was friendly and refreshing, and centered on the season.
"We’ve used these practices to support ourselves through the COVID-19 pandemic, and have realized greater peace in the process.
"She demonstrates her true depth of knowledge with compassion and authentic care for her student’s growth and learning. It’s a safe and beautiful place to be in her class."
- Kate, Herbalist and Acupuncturist
“I’d recommend this class to anyone independent of their prior experience and/or knowledge of Qi Gong. She met us at all levels of skill.”
"Her teaching style leaves no one behind. Just enough structure to be comfortable. She shows up with humility, softness, humor, and there's clarity and resiliency in her leadership.
It’s a safe and beautiful place to be in her class.”
- Victor, Beginning Qi Gong Practitioner