Welcome to Ama Tara!
Ama Tara Healing and Meditation Center is open to offer you a place to transform your life and body through individual healing sessions and group classes.
At Ama Tara we focus on foundational healing - addressing and healing the cause of dis-ease and suffering. In each session the whole of you is considered- your mind, body, emotions and spirit. In each class, you are all welcome.
It is our hope that every time you visit Ama Tara, you will feel a deep sense of peace and balance in your core.
New! We have updated our appointments page to offer you much more information. You can now find detailed descriptions of each of the different treatment modalities we offer. Have a look!
Upcoming Events
1. 5 Element Acupressure Seminar: Enlivening the Bhutas: February 26, 27 and 28!!!
This class is designed to be an experience of awareness, knowledge and offering. In Asian and Ayurvedic perspectives all creation is made up of the elements and the energy that inspires them. Both Asian and Ayurvedic medicine relies heavily upon interpreting and correcting the bodies balance of the elements to restore physical, mental and emotional health.
Each of the energy flows, or meridians, in our bodies are associated with one of the 5 elements. In this class I will guide you through meditations and awareness of each of the elements, until you each have your own strong inner sense of them. Then we’ll move into understanding the meridians and points, their pathways and locations as well as indications.
With these different kinds of knowledge in place, we’ll learn to listen to the body through our fingers and practice acupressure sessions with each other. While my focus is on building a strong foundation so that when you work with your clients and friends you can help harmonize their Qi to promote an overall experience of wellness, you will also learn acupressure flow patterns to relieve common patterns of tension and pain. Some of these flow patterns can involve reinstating balance in your client’s shoulders, neck, mid and low back, and hips. I will tailor this portion of the class to the particular interests and requests of each of you.
My interest in Asian medicine as inspired by an Acupressure class in 1991. It feels wonderful to now be offering you an opportunity to embark a marvelous journey through the Elements and into Acupressure.
February 26, 27 and 28th 2010 at Ama Tara Healing and Meditation Center, Orcas Island Washington. Class begins at 9 am and ends at 6 pm each day. This Orcas Island seminar is offered at the reduced fee of $325. Tuition assistance may be available.
Email Stacy@AmaTaraCenter.com to register or inquire. Class size is limited to 10.
2. Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band
Mystic Mantra Music, A Kirtan Concert
Celebrated New Orleans’ mantra musicians Sean Johnson and The Wild Lotus Band’s soulful, dynamic sound is turning heads in the yoga world and beyond. Their new album Devaloka is the band’s debut release on Nettwerk/Nutone Records, Canada’s largest independent record label, and home of such eclectic artists as Sarah McLaughlin, Barenaked Ladies, Jars Of Clay, Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star), and Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance) as well as renowned chant artists Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, Bhagavan Das, Wah!, David Newman, Donna DeLory, and more.
Their innovative approach to chant music transcends genres-shades of rock, jazz, funk, choral, Indian, Irish, Middle Eastern, and folk styles merge effortlessly with the magic of the mantras. The soul of New Orleans meets the spirit of India.
March 13th at Orcas Mandala Yoga Studio, 7:30-10pm. $10 cover. Kids free!
3. New Barefoot Doctor Schedule for 2010
What: $25 acupuncture sessions, $40 Bodywork Sessions. These are full sessions, not minis!
How: Call us, Sign up, show up.
When: Tuesdays starting February16th , 1-3:00 pm.
2010 Year of the Metal Tiger predictions by Dr. Maoshing Ni, L.AC., D.O.M., PH.D., DIPL. C.H., DIPL. ABAAP
The Year of the Tiger - 2010
by Dr. Maoshing Ni, Ph.D., D.O.M., ABAAHP, L.Ac.
Year of the TigerWELCOME to the Chinese Year of the Tiger, which begins on February 14, 2010! Every year for almost twenty years, I’ve written forecasts based on the ancient Taoist system of Five Elements Phase Energetics that predict global trends that affect us personally. By attuning yourself to these forecasts, you can side-step or minimize negative tendencies, whether in health, relationships or finance, and make the most of positive trends.
In Chinese astrology, the Tiger is a dynamic and powerful sign. Its nature is unpredictable, courageous and volatile. Therefore, the Year of the Tiger is usually associated with big change and social turmoil, making 2010 likely to be a volatile year globally and personally. Those who gain an understanding of it through this article and their own spiritual awareness should have the flexibility to adapt to changes and keep a steady hand on the keel through rough waters.
In the Chinese calendar, 2010 is represented by the elements of metal and wood. The elemental interaction is symbolized by an ax cutting down a tree. What this means is the potential for more conflicts on the world’s political stage. It is a more combustible year resulting in increased military engagements. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that a troop surge in Afghanistan will take place, and threats from North Korea and Iran might continue to escalate. It is critical for world leaders to exercise calmness when dealing with confrontations and to seek peace and harmony as the ultimate objective in any interaction.
Dogged by worldwide recession, countries will continue to wrestle each other over protectionist policies enacted in response to weakened domestic economies. However, with optimism from the Tiger, economies around the world should stabilize and improve in 2010. The conflicting dynamics of the metal and wood elements shall spark more volatile times ahead for both the economy and the stock market. Industries favorable for an upturn include precious metals, finance, entertainment, energy, defense industry, high tech, engineering, machinery, cars and airlines. Sectors like banking, insurance and mining will see more stability and investments. Challenging industries that may lag include wood products, paper, newspaper and magazines, fashion, textile, furniture, property development and forestry, as well as ocean shipping, transportation and communications.
Environmentally, 2010 may be challenged by extremes of hot weather and droughts, flooding, man-made damages and natural disasters. Possible environmental disasters include nuclear accidents, earthquake and volcanic eruptions. Evidence of global warming will become more obvious as leaders of nations and industries work to hammer out agreements that will limit greenhouse gas emissions.
On the health front, metal represents the lungs, colon, skin and the immune system. Therefore, you may be predisposed to develop conditions like sinus allergies, infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, compromised immunity or autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. The Wood element corresponds to the liver, gall bladder and nervous system, which may lead to increased stress, tension, depression, anxiety, gallstones, hepatitis and cirrhosis. I would advise you to work on prevention of immune, respiratory, digestive and nervous system conditions. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, effectively manage your stress and use herbal and nutritional supplements.
Consistent and regular exercise strengthens your respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Learning and practicing mind-body exercises like tai chi or chi gong will induce deep breathing that helps make your lungs stronger and will reduce stress and tension by lowering your stress hormones. Incorporating functional foods that possess healing properties into your diet helps you to avoid illness. This is the foundation of Chinese medicine. Increasing your intake of the following foods will be beneficial: dill, oregano, cilantro, rosemary, sage, peppermint, turmeric, basil, coriander, fennel, anise, cardamom, ginger, collard greens, Swiss chard, kale, mustard greens, parsley, dandelion greens, daikon radish, turnip, beets, artichoke, pear–especially Asian pear–persimmon, papaya, pineapple, cherry, grape, blueberry, almond, pine nuts and flax seeds while avoiding dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, wheat, deep fried and fatty foods, processed and refined foods, excessive red meat, tomato, eggplant, peppers and potatoes.
To support your health and wellness proactively, use appropriate herbal and nutritional supplements. Herbs and nutrients are part of my family’s diet, and for many years we have used them effectively for prevention. Tao of Wellness Perpetual Shield boosts the immune system; Allergy Tamer deals with pollution and pollen; Internal Cleanse assists with detoxification of the liver; and Exquisite Skin keeps the colon clean and clears the skin. These formulas contain Chinese herbs such as astragalus, magnolia, chrysanthemum, Chinese peony and other herbs that support the healthy functioning of the organs. In addition, taking fish oil, probiotics, digestive enzymes and our own Liquid Whole Food Vitamins will round out your nutritional program.
In summary, the Year of the Tiger will bring about more change, even turmoil in the world and in your life. However, by using this as an opportunity to shape your life as if you were using metal such as an ax or chisel to sculpt a beautiful and useful object out of raw wood, you can ride the tiger triumphantly toward your goals. Cultivate patience, kindness and peace so that your interactions with others can promote harmony and love. Take walks and spend time in nature to refresh your lungs. Undertake cleansing and detoxification programs at the start and throughout the year to support your liver and other body functions. Eat well, get plenty of sleep and cultivate health in the five areas of your life—body, mind, spirit, finance and relationships—so that you will manifest balance, wellness and fulfillment in 2010.
Dr. Maoshing Ni, L.AC., D.O.M., PH.D., DIPL. C.H., DIPL. ABAAP
http://acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_jan09/year%20of%20the%20ox%202009.htm
