Wintertime Health ~ Stoking Our Inner Fire

In this day-long immersion class on 12/7, we will look at how to face the darkness, heaviness, and stillness of the winter season by stoking our inner warmth and fire.  Drawing on nourishing life wisdom from around the world, we will look at foods, herbs, and practices that keep us alive and vital through the darkest time of year.  Why do we crave spices like cinnamon and nutmeg? Why is there a tradition of bringing greenery into the house at this time of year?

We will answer these questions and more as we sample herbal teas, learn to use mugwort as moxibustion to warm and strengthen vital areas of the body, learn about local trees and their medicinal properties, and even practice some fire meditation to strengthen the body inside and out. (Saturday 12/7, 9:30a-4p)

The Magic of Mugwort (艾葉) & Moxibustion (灸)

Mugwort is amazing and used in traditions around the world. It can be taken orally to warm the womb and alleviate menstrual pain; placed under one’s pillow for dreams; and used externally in Chinese Medicine to warm the body, stimulate circulation and smooth Qi flow, and expel pathogenic influences. This herb also holds teachings of self-compassion, mindfulness and inner nourishment. Let’s explore the ways of magical mugwort, gathered from our Cascade river valleys, for self-care, prevention and alleviation of common ailments. Join us at the Pacific Women’s Herbal Conference on Vashon Island, Sept 20-22, 2019.