Basic Alchemy — Essentials of Macrobiotics & Oriental Healing
Course Description
Friday - Monday, in Asheville, N.C.
October 28-31, 2016
Taught By Michael Rossoff, L.Ac.
Daily Exercises with T.B.A.
Cooking Demonstration with Caren Bakkum
Delicious, Nutritious Lunches prepared by T.B.A.
The goal of this program is for each student to learn new ways of observing, questioning and discerning — thus gaining a deeper understanding of health and healing. Michael will guide you from curiosity to knowledge, by combining Western understanding of the body with Oriental medicine's profound insights for body and mind. By exploring the true harmony of the body, mind and spirit we can discover subtle ways to tune in to our conscious paths of self healing and healthy living. Basic Alchemy is a gateway for personal change through the essentials of Oriental medicine and macrobiotic principles. These methods and perceptions are easy for everyone to understand and apply to daily life. This course explores ways to embrace life’s changes and challenges and guide you to greater clarity. It is designed for students of all levels.
Basic Alchemy is an ideal opportunity for --
Oriental Medicine
This 3½ day study program, led by Michael Rossoff L.Ac., is designed to educate you for more self confidence in caring for yourself, and as a stepping stone for coaching and assisting others.
Oriental healing is over 3,000 years old. Tested and refined through the ages, it provides insights and paradigms for healing with its emphasis on energy pathways and connections for understanding the human body, mind, emotions and spirit. We will combine essential teachings from Oriental philosophy and healing along with vital macrobiotic teachings, updated for a contemporary western interpretation. The material is easy to follow and will open new doors of personal understanding.
We will examine views of the body in terms of sickness, healing and health. We will challenge Western medicine’s popular assumptions and beliefs, such as inheriting disease, and that aging brings only decline, dementia and death by disease. Further, we will explore the body-mind-spirit connection in ways that expand our understanding and provide tools for experiencing their unity.
Blueprint for Health and Remaking the Self
• Ways of Perception: Yin Yang Principles & Five Phase Energetics
The yin-yang principle is a dynamic way of thinking, perceiving and assessing the world, taking us beyond the dualism of good versus bad and into the world of harmony and paradox.
The Five Phases is a profound and ancient tool for understanding the interplay of the forces of nature. Also known as the Five Transformations, this model is surprisingly comprehensive in its applications for food as well as interconnections of body, mind and spirit.
• Constitution: Ancestors, Parents, Prenatal Origins, Birth, & Babyhood
Your constitution is the foundation for your life. This is a power stored within the body, called Jing (Essence) in Chinese medicine. Learn the attributes of this power, how to assess its strength and ways it is used and misused.
• Outline of the Energy Body: Meridians, Points
Meridians are the energy maps of the body. Along with the points located on them, they represent the pathways of our everyday energies. They are the main, external means we have for influencing our internal energies and organ functions. Michael will teach these main pathways and meanings of key power points on these meridians, handouts included. (Also, see section on Methods for Tension Release and Acupressure Points below.)
• Blood & Qi (Ki): Wellspring of Physical & Energy Life
Blood is physical and tangible with components that can be measured. Qi (or Ki) is energy, more easily experienced than measured scientifically. We will explore the intertwined relationships of blood and qi to learn how to create and enhance the quality of each.
• Energetics of Food and Power of Digestion
All foods have nutrients and even more importantly, all foods have specific energy natures. We will explore this with Yin-Yang and the Five Element models to assess foods by color, taste and seasons, as well as where and how individual foods grow.
Good digestion is fundamental for health and healing for any condition. We will examine digestion and assimilation—both energetically and nutritionally, then study specific digestive problems such as acid reflux, nausea, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Using yin-yang, we review which foods weaken and which foods strengthen digestion, plus significant keys for creating blood and maintaining immunity.
During this session we will take time to examine and reconsider some foods that are marginalized or excluded from the "standard" macrobiotic or currently popular macrobiotic way of eating, how they can be used either medicinally or as lifestyle choices. Examples are from both yang and yin sides of the spectrum; fish, chicken, eggs, potatoes and other nightshades, honey and tropical fruits.
• Food for Daily Well Being--Food for Healing
We will discuss the best ways for selecting and preparing foods for overall wellness. This involves more vegetable than animal food, more cooked than raw, with emphasis on understanding when seasonal and local is important. We will take an introductory look at analyzing various major health problems and foods that can either perpetuate or heal these conditions.
• Power of the Mind in Health & Healing
Explore the connections between mind-body and spirit-body natures. The mind can be a healer and the spirit can be a savior. The power of mind will also be integrated into the connections and holistic picture of emotional and spiritual realms. (See Emotional & Spiritual Balance.)
• Body Messages: Understanding Causes
Oriental medicine and macrobiotics look beyond symptoms, to causative factors. Understanding the causes is key to applying medicinal or lifestyle changes. We will have multiple opportunities to see connections between symptoms and how to gather information from various techniques and tools for assessing a person's condition. This course does not allow time for in-depth study of oriental diagnosis.
• Methods for Tension Release and Acupressure Points
Physical and mental tensions go together. By learning simple ways for releasing physical tensions, our mind can relax and calm down. We will learn simple massage techniques and study the 12 most powerful acupressure points, how to locate and stimulate them properly, as well as why and when to use them. Several special movements will be included.
• Emotional & Spiritual Balance: Power of Mind & Spirit in Healing
We all seek emotional calm and spiritual clarity. There are many appropriate methods towards achieving these goals. We will look at some simple, yet profound ways that can benefit everyone. Thoughts and actions must be in accord for natural health. Learn how to use your mental capacities as a tool rather than a hindrance for spiritual healing.
ADDITIONAL STUDIES
• Breath Work & Qigong
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be exercise and qigong (gentle movements) taught by TBA. These simple, special movement exercises and attention to breathing will enhance everyone's well being.
• Macrobiotic Cooking Demonstration
There will be one cooking demonstration, taught by Caren Bakkum, highlighting the keys to making basic foods delicious and digestible.
Daily Exercises with T.B.A.
Cooking Demonstration with Caren Bakkum
Delicious, Nutritious Lunches prepared by T.B.A.
The goal of this program is for each student to learn new ways of observing, questioning and discerning — thus gaining a deeper understanding of health and healing. Michael will guide you from curiosity to knowledge, by combining Western understanding of the body with Oriental medicine's profound insights for body and mind. By exploring the true harmony of the body, mind and spirit we can discover subtle ways to tune in to our conscious paths of self healing and healthy living. Basic Alchemy is a gateway for personal change through the essentials of Oriental medicine and macrobiotic principles. These methods and perceptions are easy for everyone to understand and apply to daily life. This course explores ways to embrace life’s changes and challenges and guide you to greater clarity. It is designed for students of all levels.
Basic Alchemy is an ideal opportunity for --
- For those who have recently embraced a natural lifestyle, or are renewing or changing your approach, this program will open your eyes to the wealth of tools we have for understanding our bodies and our health.
- For more experienced students, this seminar offers an opportunity for refreshing and refining, for absorbing information on a deeper level, for making new connections within the dynamics of healing.
- For others who are doing health care and healing work. At Concord Institute in London, England, nurses, medical doctors, massage therapists and chiropractors have gained a lot from this course.
Oriental Medicine
This 3½ day study program, led by Michael Rossoff L.Ac., is designed to educate you for more self confidence in caring for yourself, and as a stepping stone for coaching and assisting others.
Oriental healing is over 3,000 years old. Tested and refined through the ages, it provides insights and paradigms for healing with its emphasis on energy pathways and connections for understanding the human body, mind, emotions and spirit. We will combine essential teachings from Oriental philosophy and healing along with vital macrobiotic teachings, updated for a contemporary western interpretation. The material is easy to follow and will open new doors of personal understanding.
We will examine views of the body in terms of sickness, healing and health. We will challenge Western medicine’s popular assumptions and beliefs, such as inheriting disease, and that aging brings only decline, dementia and death by disease. Further, we will explore the body-mind-spirit connection in ways that expand our understanding and provide tools for experiencing their unity.
Blueprint for Health and Remaking the Self
• Ways of Perception: Yin Yang Principles & Five Phase Energetics
The yin-yang principle is a dynamic way of thinking, perceiving and assessing the world, taking us beyond the dualism of good versus bad and into the world of harmony and paradox.
The Five Phases is a profound and ancient tool for understanding the interplay of the forces of nature. Also known as the Five Transformations, this model is surprisingly comprehensive in its applications for food as well as interconnections of body, mind and spirit.
• Constitution: Ancestors, Parents, Prenatal Origins, Birth, & Babyhood
Your constitution is the foundation for your life. This is a power stored within the body, called Jing (Essence) in Chinese medicine. Learn the attributes of this power, how to assess its strength and ways it is used and misused.
• Outline of the Energy Body: Meridians, Points
Meridians are the energy maps of the body. Along with the points located on them, they represent the pathways of our everyday energies. They are the main, external means we have for influencing our internal energies and organ functions. Michael will teach these main pathways and meanings of key power points on these meridians, handouts included. (Also, see section on Methods for Tension Release and Acupressure Points below.)
• Blood & Qi (Ki): Wellspring of Physical & Energy Life
Blood is physical and tangible with components that can be measured. Qi (or Ki) is energy, more easily experienced than measured scientifically. We will explore the intertwined relationships of blood and qi to learn how to create and enhance the quality of each.
• Energetics of Food and Power of Digestion
All foods have nutrients and even more importantly, all foods have specific energy natures. We will explore this with Yin-Yang and the Five Element models to assess foods by color, taste and seasons, as well as where and how individual foods grow.
Good digestion is fundamental for health and healing for any condition. We will examine digestion and assimilation—both energetically and nutritionally, then study specific digestive problems such as acid reflux, nausea, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Using yin-yang, we review which foods weaken and which foods strengthen digestion, plus significant keys for creating blood and maintaining immunity.
During this session we will take time to examine and reconsider some foods that are marginalized or excluded from the "standard" macrobiotic or currently popular macrobiotic way of eating, how they can be used either medicinally or as lifestyle choices. Examples are from both yang and yin sides of the spectrum; fish, chicken, eggs, potatoes and other nightshades, honey and tropical fruits.
• Food for Daily Well Being--Food for Healing
We will discuss the best ways for selecting and preparing foods for overall wellness. This involves more vegetable than animal food, more cooked than raw, with emphasis on understanding when seasonal and local is important. We will take an introductory look at analyzing various major health problems and foods that can either perpetuate or heal these conditions.
• Power of the Mind in Health & Healing
Explore the connections between mind-body and spirit-body natures. The mind can be a healer and the spirit can be a savior. The power of mind will also be integrated into the connections and holistic picture of emotional and spiritual realms. (See Emotional & Spiritual Balance.)
• Body Messages: Understanding Causes
Oriental medicine and macrobiotics look beyond symptoms, to causative factors. Understanding the causes is key to applying medicinal or lifestyle changes. We will have multiple opportunities to see connections between symptoms and how to gather information from various techniques and tools for assessing a person's condition. This course does not allow time for in-depth study of oriental diagnosis.
• Methods for Tension Release and Acupressure Points
Physical and mental tensions go together. By learning simple ways for releasing physical tensions, our mind can relax and calm down. We will learn simple massage techniques and study the 12 most powerful acupressure points, how to locate and stimulate them properly, as well as why and when to use them. Several special movements will be included.
• Emotional & Spiritual Balance: Power of Mind & Spirit in Healing
We all seek emotional calm and spiritual clarity. There are many appropriate methods towards achieving these goals. We will look at some simple, yet profound ways that can benefit everyone. Thoughts and actions must be in accord for natural health. Learn how to use your mental capacities as a tool rather than a hindrance for spiritual healing.
ADDITIONAL STUDIES
• Breath Work & Qigong
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be exercise and qigong (gentle movements) taught by TBA. These simple, special movement exercises and attention to breathing will enhance everyone's well being.
• Macrobiotic Cooking Demonstration
There will be one cooking demonstration, taught by Caren Bakkum, highlighting the keys to making basic foods delicious and digestible.
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Course details
Fee: $595 (deposit: $75, non-refundable) See "Registration" for discounts and refund policy. A healthy lunch will be provided each day. Location & Daily Schedule: Asheville, N.C. See "Location" for more details. Dates: October 28-31, 2016 Times: Friday, Saturday & Sunday: from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (Lunch included each day) Monday: from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm (Includes Lunch and a Farewell Ending) Words from previous participants — about Basic Alchemy From Asheville, North Carolina |
From London, England
"I still had concerns that I might just be presented with a lot of old, irrelevant and outmoded ideas, a
bit like learning Latin at school, interesting to see where things had come from but of little present
value. However, once the program started it was clear that the ideas that Michael was putting
forward were highly relevant to our modern lifestyles and opened up a completely different way of
looking at accessing health compared to that of our western high tech paradigm. Michael stressed that
western medicine does have its place and is extremely good at what it does, but it is curative rather
than preventative - it’s a last resort." -- Tim Crowther, London, England
"There is something about this teaching/wealth of knowledge which makes it directly available to
anyone who wants to engage - you do not have to have a degree in science, there is a lot of common
sense. The fact that it is accessible makes it even more exciting because you feel that you can really
own this approach. Michael also has a very good sense of humor!" -- Francoise Auvray, London, England
"I still had concerns that I might just be presented with a lot of old, irrelevant and outmoded ideas, a
bit like learning Latin at school, interesting to see where things had come from but of little present
value. However, once the program started it was clear that the ideas that Michael was putting
forward were highly relevant to our modern lifestyles and opened up a completely different way of
looking at accessing health compared to that of our western high tech paradigm. Michael stressed that
western medicine does have its place and is extremely good at what it does, but it is curative rather
than preventative - it’s a last resort." -- Tim Crowther, London, England
"There is something about this teaching/wealth of knowledge which makes it directly available to
anyone who wants to engage - you do not have to have a degree in science, there is a lot of common
sense. The fact that it is accessible makes it even more exciting because you feel that you can really
own this approach. Michael also has a very good sense of humor!" -- Francoise Auvray, London, England
