'Healing Hands' (Waphiyapi Nape) is a term used to describe an ancient wellness method taught to "healers", throughout the Native American nations long before the white man came. This class reaches into that ancient history for its foundation. Shamans have been offering this form of hands on, energetic healing for generations. The most common form of this work in modern our modern massage profession is known as Reiki.

'Healing Hands' uses a different symbol system than Reiki yet draws on the same innate wisdom of the universe to bring about balance for the client. These methods work in tandem and have no conflict for the 'healers' who offer both types of hands on healing. The symbols used in 'Healing Hands' have been drawn as Petroglyphs and Pictographs in Native American rock art throughout the Americas. In this class you learn how to use those symbols and what they stand for in regards to health and wellness.

Through demonstrations, hands on practice and a written manual you will learn how to employ this natural and noninvasive healing art. You will participate in ritual and ceremony during a free initiation process that will allow you to bring your hands in harmony with Creator's energy.

Supply List

• Your own linens (no need to disrobe for this course)
• Pillows for knees and head (no large round bolsters please)
• Massage table (if you are driving to class)

In the traditions of Inyan Pezuta (Stone Medicine) cold therapies are the Warriors who fight pain, inflammation, and swelling. These chilled temperatures relieve muscle congestion and improve lymphatic drainage by improving circulation. Generally we think warming soft tissue is the best circulation enhancer, but chilled therapies work much faster providing longer lasting results.

The ancestors learned that cold temperatures helped reduce pain and aid in wellness without our scientific proofs. They trusted the results and so can we. While this class offers some practical application techniques with the science revealed in your written manual, it also shares the traditions behind this method of wellness. Stone Medicine courses are based on the ancient ways of the Thompson Family, from the Bear Clan, of the Santeé people, in the Dakota Tribe of the Sioux Nation. You are invited to join in the free opening altar ceremony we hold prior to the training. This class will provide you with enough great applications to relieve stressed or injured soft tissue in the upper body as well as prepare you for more advanced education in Geothermal Therapy using alternating temperatures.

The goal of homeostasis is balance. As soon as an area becomes chilled blood and fluids rush to that spot to warm it. This quick response brings improved circulation and flushes toxins faster than lymphatic drainage strokes alone. The pumping action of fluids flowing speedily to the chilled area helps your client in multiple ways. The chilling affect helps numb pain as it forces various chemicals through the system and increases blood flow to deliver relaxing warmth.

You will learn how good chilled temperatures can feel on tight muscle groups and how quickly the proper pressure and follow up stroke with a cool stone can relieve tension. There are stokes named for our animal cousins to bring their mysterious gifts to the client. One you learn about in this class that improves lymphatic drainage and awakens the client's awareness of their heritage is the "Salmon".

Using stones as the mechanism to deliver the proper cool/cold temperatures is convenient (they are always ready if kept in a fridge or placed on ice) and comfortable for the client (no dripping water from ice cups). The pressure and stroke methods employed in this unique application are easy on your body while achieving excellent deep tissue results. There is no need to buy expensive stones for this class. Bring any smooth/polished surfaced stone that comfortably fits in your hand and we'll help you develop own unique strokes. Specially carved and beautiful marble or jade cold stones will be available if you wish to purchase prior to class, but our goal is to help you use what you have.

Supply List:

1. Small ice chest or cooler (or very large bowl with sandwich bagged ice chips)
2. Ice (approximately one gallon per session, plan to refresh after lunch)
3. Massage Table
4. Linens
5. Stones (any kind, shape, and size that fit comfortably in your hand as long as they are smooth or polished surface - no cracks, fissures, or chips, as these stones will be in motion on the skin!)
6. Pillow (used for sitting in circle and for bolster so bring cases, NO ROUND BOULSTERS)
7. Massage oil, (we prefer jojoba base) avoid nut oils as they tend to gel at this temperature
8. Antibacterial wipes or paper towels and antibacterial hand cleanser to sanitize stones between 'clients'
9. Wear comfy clothes as you will give and receive. Only disrobing the upper body for this class so wear loose fitting bottoms
10. Note paper and pens (none provided)
11. Still photos are permitted but NO VIDEO!