How does our annual FOUNDATIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE training unfold?
Update, March 6- a pdf for a SYLLABUS for the Foundational segment of training is now posted at www.gaiaherbalstudies.net. This is the same content as in our natural medicine diploma program, which features extensive opportunities for herbal training.
First, we begin to connect with basic botanical concepts so that a bit later, when plants appear, we have a basis to identify and more easily use field guides with accuracy. That same first day, we discuss, demonstrate, and experience several MEDICINE MAKING techniques, so that students can begin their apothecaries and their own journey into medicine making. Our students aiming for certification will begin their apothecary right away.
These initial skills come to fruition with other skills on the last day of class, when students typically present awesome and heartfelt products of their own creation.
TOPICAL AND BODY CARE focus is next, in April- with all common ingredients scutininzed for their roles in formulations. Several are made and experienced in class.
Come May, and through the rest of the months, outdoor excursions comgining direct FIELD ID and direct harvesting and plant care combine with indoor lectures on actions, herbal terminology, discussion of case histories, and discussion of the herbal medicine field from several angles.
Our approach is holistic western herbology, within a time proven traditional naturopathic context- similar to what is now currently being called "vitalist ", but actually, the holistic classic naturopathic model preceded by decades, and given that we have always worked within, and designed, (18 years ago)
what we call the EIGHT PILLARS OF NATUROPATHY/HERBAL PRACTICE. (8 pillars- diet, herbs, sleep/rest/, hydrotherapy, movement, energy medicine, bodywork, Education)
As a teacher, Mary Light sees western herbology as an integration between what various settlers brought to the "new world", combined with what was already here and influenced by how indigeneous tribes used their local herbs. Our program looks primarily at local herbs, with additions . REGISTRATION is open now! You may take one or more classes "by the class", or jump in for the whole series as most do.