Yoga Workshops:

Karuna Five Element Shiatsu Program
with Eileen Muir, Director
This is a 500-hour AOBTA certification program designed to be completed in 18 months. Shiatsu originates from Japan and emphasizes a style of body work with roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, theory and practice. The literal translation of Shiatsu is "finger pressure", however, one uses fingers, thumbs, knuckles, palms, elbows, knees and feet in the process of giving Shiatsu. In TCM, harmony of Qi within the human body is considered essential to health and is the aim of Shiatsu.

The Oriental tradition describes the world in terms of energy. Shiatsu creates harmony of our inner energies with that of the universe. To stay healthy a person must continually adapt to the changes going on within and outside the body. If these adaptations do not take place, illness or disharmony can manifest. Shiatsu helps facilitate this process of adaptation for the giver and receiver. Everyone responds to touch and has healing power within them, but to heal others you must first begin with yourself. This Shiatsu training helps you develop the tools to do this.

Beginning June,2nd 2008
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Yoga Workshop
with H.S. Arun, Master Iyengar Teacher from Bangalore, India
Experience yoga with celebrated and innovative Yoga Master and Disciple of B.K.S. Iyengar, H.S. Arun. Born in Sringeri, South India in 1954, Sri Arun began teaching yoga in 1976 at the Rashtrothana Shareerika Siksha Kendra, where he conducted a class in the presence of his Pujya Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar in 1978. Arun is the founder and principle instructor at the Prashant Yogashraya in Bangalore, India.

The idea of teaching and applying Iyengar Yoga to meet and suit each individual's unique needs appeals to Arun immensely. As a teacher he is known for taking a personal interest in every student he encounters, quickly developing a thorough understanding of their particular strengths and weaknesses as he guides them through each sequence according to their capacities. Arun's students appreciate him for his ability to connect and teach from the heart, as well as for his quick-witted sense of humor.

"As I started teaching Yoga, I saw different kinds of human bodies and thousands of complex minds; despite the apparent similarities between people I saw that each individual has very distinct needs"
- Yoga Praveena Arun H.S.

Each workshop will be a complete experience. Come prepared to be surprised, amused, and awakened with a true yoga master.

Friday, Sept. 19th, 2008 6:30 - 8:30 pm $50
Saturday, Sept. 20th, 2008 10am - 1pm $60
Saturday, Sept. 20th, 2008 2:30pm - 4:30pm $50
Sunday, Sept. 21st, 2008 9am - 12pm $60
Series of All Four Workshops $180

Devotional Singing
with Shyamdas
Shyamdas, a yogi from the Maharji satsang (Ram Das, Krishna Das, Hagen Das, and Vus iss Das) has been living in India for the past 30 years as a temple musician and Kirtan wallah. He is coming to lead Kirtan and tell stories from his vast store of experience.

Saturday, Sept. 20th, 2008 7:00 pm $15

Reflexology
with Anya Hricko
Reflexology is an ancient and powerful healing art tracing its origins back to Egypt, China, and Tibet. Through the energy pathways known to Chinese medicine and reflex points in the soles of our feet, we can reach and affect the entire body creating deep states of relaxation and bring harmony and balance to all the systems of the body.

This 2-part class offers an introduction to the theory, history and practical application of the powerful science and art of Reflexology. Each class segment will combine lecture, demonstration and experiential hands-on learning.

You will learn:

• How the foot is a marvelous map of the whole body
• How to approach and appreciate the feet from a new perspective
• How to pinpoint imbalances and use specific Reflexology techniques to release, clear stress and balance the body
• How to give a Reflexology relaxation session
• How to integrate Reflexology techniques into other bodywork modalities to deepen and enhance the benefits and create more ease in your work
• And more as time permits.

Moxabustion
with Eileen Muir
Moxabustion is probably the most ancient of all medical therapies utilized in Chinese medicine, and plays an important role in other medical systems such as the Tibetan and Indian systems. The Chinese word for moxa is 'Jiu', which means 'burning'. The method of moxabustion involves the burning of the herb Artemesia Vulgaris on specific points on the body in order to regulate its physiological activity. The effectiveness of moxa has been clinically proven for thousands of years, and has recently been given attention in Western biomedical research. We will learn the methods of moxabustion, including the different grades and applications this versatile therapy. Learn when and how to use moxabustion to address many health issues, including digestive complaints, body pain, menstrual difficulties, health preservation, and psychological issues. Moxabustion is an essential tool for health practitioners and can be easily learned and used in most medical situations.

These workshops are open to practitioners of Asian bodywork therapy and healing arts. Workshop participants must complete level one in order to attend level two.

Moxabustion Level I: Sunday October 12th, 8:30-12:30 pm $65
Moxabustion Level II: Sunday November 9th, 8:30-12:30 pm $65

PULSE EVALUATION WORKSHOP
with Jennifer Tongren
Chinese Pulse evaluation is a critical diagnostic tool used to assess the internal condition of a patient in order to guide and monitor treatment. We will learn to palpate varying pulses on the body, but focus on the radial pulse. After we practice finding all three positions on each hand and all three depths of each position, we will learn how to assess three aspects of the pulse including rate, volume, and vessel quality. This information will inform us about the overall quality of a person's Qi and Blood as well as the condition of the 12 specific organ systems, leading to correct and effective treatment.

In addition to providing important diagnostic information about a person's Qi and Blood, the pulse is an aid in monitoring treatment in the moment. The pulse will change one or more of its three aspects with the slightest change of input. A practitioner can assess the pulse to throughout the treatment to guide further treatment. We will learn what it means to balance the pulse and how to use the pulse to monitor the effectiveness of our treatment. We will engage in exercises that will train us to detect the slightest change in the condition of the pulse, as well as help us with our point location and choosing correct treatment.

Jennifer Tongren is a licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist in the state of Massachusetts from the Massachusetts Board of Medicine. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York and a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the New England School of Acupuncture in Boston, Massachusetts. Jennifer graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture in 2005. Her schooling for acupuncture and herbal medicine includes 2160 didactic hours and 934 clinical hours. Since graduation, Jennifer has completed over 200 hours of continuing education in the field of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Starting in 2000, Jennifer studied Shiatsu levels I-III with Ann Ramsay at the Vermont School of Asian Body Therapy located in Burlington, Vermont.

This workshop is open to practitioners of Asian bodywork therapy and healing arts.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd, 5:30-8:30 pm $40

Tui Na I, II, and III
with Chris Belskis
Tui Na is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that has been used in China for 2,000 years. Tui Na uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians and blood through the vessels as its basic therapeutic orientation. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques Tui Na seeks to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body to naturally heal itself. Tui Na is also effectively used to increase the circulation of blood and remove ÒknotsÓ and minor adhesions in the muscles and connective tissues of the body.
Tui Na methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of Qi, and stretching techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligament relationships. In summary, Tui Na rectifies anatomical anomalies, alters the inner energy state of the biological system and adjusts the bio-information of the body. For soft tissue injuries, Tui Na relaxes muscles and tendons and promotes smooth passage of the channels. It also promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis.

Chris Belskis, LMT, ABT
Chris Belskis is a practitioner of East Asian healing arts, integrating Shiatsu, Sotai, Tui Na and Traditional Chinese Medicine into his work. Chris studied and taught Shiatsu at the Boston Shiatsu School from 1996 until the school closed in 2003. He holds AOBTA certification in Zen Shiatsu and Sotai. He is a licensed massage therapist specializing in Chinese Tui Na massage and myofascial work. Mr. Belskis is also a faculty member at the New England School of Acupuncture where he teaches various Asian bodywork courses as well as eastern nutrition.

This workshop is open to all bodywork therapists who have experience with five element theory. Workshop partipants must complete level one in order to attend levels two and three.

Tui Na Level I: Sunday December 7th 8:30-5:30 pm $100
Tui Na Level II: Sunday February 8th 8:30-5:30 pm $100
Tui Na Level III: Sunday March 8th 8:30-5:30 pm $100
Tui Na Levels I, II, and III with $15 discount $285

Ongoing Classes:

Family/Community Yoga
This workshop will teach the basics of yoga. We will integrate the philosophy of mind and body and give attention to skeletal integrity in a fun and methodical way. Teaching rotates amongst Karuna faculty.

Second Sunday of each month
11:30-12:30pm
$5 per person

Tai Chi Ch’uan
with Wolfe Lowenthal
Wolfe Lowenthal is widely acknowledged to be one of the foremost teachers of "Cheng style" Tai chi ch’uan. A student since 1967 and assistant to the legendary Cheng Man-ching, he is the author of two classic works on Tai chi practice and philosophy, There Are No Secrets, and Gateway to the Miraculous. Beginners class starts April 7. Please call 549-2077 for information

Beginners:
Wednesday evenings, 7:15-8:15pm

Advanced:
Wednesday evenings, 8:15-9:15pm
$65 per month.