For over 2500 years, Taoist philosophers have spoken of the five elements - water, wood, fire, soil, and metal. The material and spiritual energies represented by these elements are found in the organs of the body and in the environment, as reflected in the 8 sided ba gua used in Feng Shui. Chi Nei Tsang is this philosophy applied as deep, gentle massage of the abdomen and viscera. During this 3 day workshop we will learn the fundamentals of the ancient Taoist art of Chi Nei Tsang. Techniques and exercises for healing self and others, using the navel as the diagnostic center, will be taught. You will learn about each of the 5 major organ pairings, the specific quality they are responsible for, and how to train them for better metabolic function. You will learn to perceive and work through blockages in the digestive system, and to educate clients in simple ways to inhabit and refine their bodies to meet life's challenges. Through Chi Nei Tsang you will yield four types of benefit for yourself and client: the release of toxins; the strengthening of the organs, physiological systems, and the body as a whole; increased ability to digest emotions, thoughts, experiences and perceptions, as well as physical food; and more awareness and personal empowerment.

This ancient Taoist Massage Therapy is based on the Five Element principles of Oriental Medicine, which has profound benefits for your life:
- Relieve stress, anxiety and digestive troubles, how we digest our life.
- Release unresolved emotions from your core.
- Open energy gates, which link your navel, "umbilical cord to the universe" to your vital organs.
- This course is to help you manage your belly yourselves through self massage
- Help others to unwind from their centre through hands on massage.
- Professional therapists integrate this practice with other therapies with great benefit.

This weekend can add skill and understanding to an already established bodywork practice on its own. It also counts toward certification as a CNT Practitioner, which is a process involving 260 hours of training, the completion of 100 case studies, and an evaluation. CNT Practitioners renew their certification every 3 years through 40 more hours of study. If you are interested in going through the certification process, you will be offered full support through Minke and Tiffiny's programs.

Location: Rhodes Wellness College, 1125 Howe St. Use entrance on Helmcken under Rhodes sign

Investment: $35 for Friday
$275 whole weekend. $245 for seniors and students.

Bring: massage table, if you have one.

Registration: Minke de Vos, 604-669-2505, Please preregister by April 15.
Payment by paypal to account: minke@silentground.com