Services & Rates
Qi Gong for Autumn
Qi Gong is a form of Internal Alchemy, where we cultivate that which is most precious within via: body focus (posture & movement), breath focus, and mind focus (meditative components). In Chinese medicine, Autumn is the season of Gathering Yin and the Metal Element. It's a dramatic transition to go from the Yang of summer to this Yin of Autumn. The light is waning, and we can become more prone to depression. The Colon, one of the two organs of the Metal element, eliminates what is toxic to us physically, mentally, and spiritually. The Lungs take in the pure and grant us the inspiration of breath. Like a tree, it is a time to let go of the old and stale in our lives, leaving us receptive to the pure and new. It is especially important to nourish our lungs; during this season, we will open and strengthen the Lungs as well as the protective Wei Qi, which assists us in repelling external pernicious influences whether they be in the form of toxic emotions, viruses, radiation, or even extreme weather. Sadness and grief can be particularly injurious and compressing to the lungs so we work to transform these emotions through exercises that detoxify, create space through the rib basket, and reinvigorate the lungs. Class begins October 15 and runs through December 3 meeting Tuesday mornings from 8 - 8:50 at a downtown yoga studio. The cost for the 8 week session is $100, and pre-registration is required by October 10th. No experience with Qi Gong is required. All levels are welcome!
Qi Gong + Massage
Do you have a place in your body that's feeling contracted or achy? Or maybe you have a specific concern around low energy, poor digestion, overwhelming stress, etc. There are prescriptive Qi Gong exercises which can improve Qi flow and respond to all of these situations and many more. With Qi Gong + Massage, we'll spend approximately 15 minutes learning a Qi Gong sequence specific to you and follow that up with a 45 minute massage to distribute the Qi generated by the Qi Gong and relax the body. Longer combination sessions also available. Movement, breath, massage .... Aaahhh : )
Tuina Massage
Tuina is the oldest form of Chinese Medical Massage, dating back some 4000 years. Thirteen different Taoist hand techniques are used with a variety of pressures. It works along the same meridians that acupuncture works on, only without needles. Tuina helps to remove stagnation and re-establish the flow of blood and Qi along the meridians, restore functionality to the structure, and harmonize the internal organs. My belief is that this type of massage is one way to facilitate your body's innate healing capacity (Qi Gong is another; together they make up two of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine). Your choice of essential oils can be added to the massage at no additional cost; in this way, we enlist the healing power of plants into the work as well. Longer sessions are also available: 75 min/$105 and 90 min/$120.
Private Qi Gong Lesson
Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese practice blending slow gentle movements, focused intention, and a variety of breathing practices to assist us in using our Energy more skillfully. (Qi refers to life force energy, and Gong is a word that means work or skill or practice.) We begin with activating/warming movements and progress into circulating movements (a kind of moving meditation -- very effective, especially if you have trouble with seated meditation!). I choose the exercises based on your body's individual needs. You can then incorporate them into your daily routine to energize the body, open the heart, and clear the mind. The length of the session is up to you. I find 30 minutes is a good starting place.
Integrative Reflexology
Wendy received her certification in Integrative Reflexology in 2022 from its renowned originator Claire Marie Miller. Integrative Reflexology is a whole hand technique that considers foot structure and the importance it plays in alignment. It works with meridians (the energy pathways that begin and end on the toes and fingers), opens zone pathways for better circulation, and stimulates proprioceptors on the soles of the feet that calm the nervous system by communicating where we are in time and space. A deeply relaxing and grounding treatment in which your hard-working feet are the focus! Hand work can also be included.
Chi Nei Tsang
This Taoist abdominal massage is used to enhance energy flow, detoxify and tonify the internal organs, and release structural tensions. It can be scheduled as a stand-alone 20 minute session, or incorporated into a longer, full-body massage. Very good for those who feel they carry stress and
tension in their abdomen or who have digestive challenges.
Express Massage
Have limited time? In this concise session, we will address your areas of concern and get you back on your way! Techniques will vary according to your specific needs.