Calendar

Hatha Yoga w/ Sipra Pimputkar - Life-in-Balance, Yoga Well-Being is the healing yoga of Wisdom, Wholeness and Serenity through yoga practice. Yoga means to Unite - it is philosophy, spirituality and practice in one, based on interconnectivity of the body with mind and spirit which is the root of good health.

Medicinal Uses of Herbs & Spices - Sipra Pimputkar - The Medicinal Uses and Inclusion of Herbs and Spices in the Diet for Good Health and Good Taste. For instance, the use of spices such as Turmeric, that gives curry its typical yellow color, has been effectively used in India and Japan for literally thousands of years to conserve the quality of food and protect the human body from disease, now has been found to be an effective treatment against cancer. In Okinawa, it is used as a tea, and people are long lived, on an average living over 100 years. It is also an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and natural immune system defense.

Ayurvedic Body Type & Diet - Sipra Pimputkar - Analyze Your Biological Body Type Based on Ayurveda for Optimizing Your Diet. Learn about what your personal body intuitively should eat and avoid eating for perfect digestion. Known as Doshas in traditional Indian medicine, it is enlightening to find out the reason why you actually hate that broccoli, and that maybe you should respect that instinctive dislike and eat something else that will give you the same nutrients.

Sipra Pimputkar has developed a curriculum of tradition based Yoga asanas (stretches), pranayama (breathing techniques) and dhyana (meditation), with variations based on physical therapy that incorporate her years of work and teaching, 'Life in Balance'. These ancient fundamental insights about disease, health, and wholeness are deeply inherent to her lineage, in philosophy and practice through generations. Sipra's approach is both traditional and groundbreaking, as an innovator in her process to understand the biology of postures, meditation and breathing and help the stressed body and mind relax, energize and unwind.
Her website - http://yoga-well-being.com is full of information on Yoga, Nutrition, Meditation, Reiki and has a calendar showing where she is currently teaching.

Arupa Yoga w/ Thatcher Ross - Arupa yoga is an extension of formal asana. It's a practice of coloring outside of the lines, of jumping the rails and rolling over new terrain. It's not about getting it to look right, it's about getting it to feel right - a slipping into the flowing moment and trusting movements to adapt and transform, to pause and to play, appropriately - no judgment, no rush, no holding back, no reaching beyond the immediate experience, as it happens, in "real time". Evolution in motion, patient and tender, without preconceptions, without form - Arupa.

Laughter Yoga w/ Meg Scott - Laughter Yoga is the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, a family physician from Mumbai, India. In 1995 he was doing research for an article on the benefits of laughing. He was so impressed with what he was learning that he started a laughter club. This grew into a world wide laughter movement and there are now over 5000 clubs in 60 countries. He and his wife Madhuri travel the world training people like myself to teach others to lead the laughter. The mission of Laughter Yoga is to promote joy, good health and world peace. Laughter Yoga is a mild aerobic exercise combining clapping, laughing exercises and playful group activity. The Top Ten Reasons to Laugh:
1. Laughter is a stress buster.
2. Laughter boosts the immune system.
3. Laughter promotes relaxation.
4. Laughter reduces anxiety and depression.
5. Laughter exercises the diaphragm and abdominal
muscles.
6. Laughter helps control blood pressure.
7. Laughter increases lung capacity and oxygen intake.
8. Laughter helps detoxify the body.
9. Laugher increases circulation.
10. Laughter is fun and makes you feel GOOD!

Meg Scott will be starting two free laughter clubs. One will be in Clintonville at the Whetstone Rec Center lawn starting July 6 and will meet on the first and third Sunday and the other is in Westerville at Sharon Woods starting June 22 and will meet on second and fourth Sundays through October. Both sessions meet from 10:00-10:30am. Visit www.laughteryoga.org.

Shamanic Tiger Qigong w/ Ro-z & Darryl - taught to them by Master Zhongxian Wu (who was a featured performer/instructor at last year's Comfest). This uniquely potent practice is designed to bolster our health and deepen our spiritual connection to universal energy. It is a powerful 24-movement Qigong form, that integrates posture, movement, mind & breath and combines the traditions of ancient Shamanism, Confucianism, Daoism, classical Chinese medicine, and the martial arts.
   The following is taken from Master Wu's book: Vital Breath of The Tao:
   Ritual Shaking - Inner Drumming & Dancing -
   Before practicing Master Wu's Qigong form, we start with Dou - shaking. Shaking is reminiscent of shamanic dancing and drumming. The ancient shamans regarded the Univeral Qi as a harmonious musical rhythm, the universal vibration. Shaking focuses the body and Shen (Spirit) on the universal vibrations we are experiencing. This is a way to awaken the energy and consciousness in the body. Most people do not realize that there is a subtle enegy - Qi - accompanying them throughout their entire lives. Some people will never believe the existence of this kind of energy in the body because they have never experienced it. The shaking movement can help us open our energy gates and meridians - the energy channels in the body. It allows the free flow of Qi to connect with universal energy for moving into the basic Qi state.

Dancing and music are forms of vibration, as is shaking. When practicing Qigong, Master Wu always begins with shaking in order to open the pores, connect with the Shen and Qi fields, and communicate with the Universe. We also use different sounds or mantras to open the meridians and all the cells of the body to connect with the universal energies and harmonize with the universal Qi. This process in Qigong is no different from the Wu (Shamanic) rituals of dancing and drumming – through the vibrations and special frequencies, they connect with the universal Qi, their own spirits, and high-level beings.

Ro-z and Darryl Mendelson of Monkeys Retreat - started taking Tai Chi Chuan lessons with Dr. Fred Wu in 1973. They continued studying with him until his death in 2000. Dr. Wu was Columbus' first and most influential teacher of Tai Chi and Traditional Chinese Wisdom. He taught thousands in Central Ohio, including many that are teachers today. He left us with an incredible body of knowledge and provided the inspiration for The Healing Zone and for many to become interested in Healing Arts. Since Dr. Wu's death, Ro-z and Darryl have studied Tai Chi and Qigong with other teachers including Master Chen Qingzhou (19th generation lineage holder of Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan) and Master Zhongxian Wu. Ro-z and Darryl have been performing and teaching Tai Chi at Comfest for nearly 20 years. They started The Healing Zone and brought Master Zhongxian Wu to Comfest last year. They are trying to take the concept of The Healing Zone to new places, creating various types of healing environments and festivals.
The Mendelson Brothers have owned and operated Monkeys Retreat Bookstore since 1975. They teach classes there and sell books, magazines, videos, and dvd's on Tai Chi, Qigong and other Healing & Martial Arts (and other subjects) as well as uniforms and other accessories and sidelines. Together they teach Shamanic Tiger Qigong at Monkeys on Saturday from 11:00AM-12:30PM and Ro-z teaches Dr. Wu's Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan there on Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30PM. They also offer private and group lessons in different styles of Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong and offer space for others to teach (For more on their classes go to http://www.monkeysretreat.com/Taichi/class.html). They have been involved with Comfest since its inception in 1972 and they are the rhythm section of The Mendelsonics.

Along with the concepts of Yin and Yang, the 5 Elements are a basic concept of Chinese Qigong. The relationship between the 5 Directions, the seasons, the organs of the body, flavors, colors, emotions and others aspect of life are linked together in this 5 elements. Here are a few of the relationships.

5 Elements	Wood	Fire	Earth	Metal	Water
Direction	East	South	Center	West	North
Season	Spring	Summer	Four Seasons	Fall	Winter
Color	Green	Red	Yellow	White (Golden)	Black
Body organ	Liver	Heart	Spleen	Lung	Kidney
Tastes	Sour	Bitter	Sweet	Spicy	Salty
Emotions	Anger	Happy	Worry	Sad	Fear
Face	Eyes	Tongue	Mouth	Nose	Ears

Understanding the 5 elements is a way to understand our bodies.
The 5 Elements Qigong form I teach is called Tu Gu Na Xing.
Tu =Spit out or release
Gu = Stagnation or Old
Na = Receive or take in
Xing = New
With this qigong we get rid of the old stagnated energy and bring in the new clean and fresh energy
It uses a combination of breathing, visualization and mudras (hand positions).

Ro-z Mendelson has studied many forms of Internal Martial Arts and Qigongs including Tai Chi, Ba Qua, Hsing I, Three Treasures Qigong and more.

Silk Reeling Exercises - Chen Taiji of Ohio - Silk Reeling Exercises (Chansigong or Chan Ssu Gong) is one of the fundamental training exercises for the mastery of Chen-style Taijiquan. One major objective of this set of spiral exercises is to open up and exercise the 18 major joint areas of the body (in sequence from the head to the ankles). The 18 major joints consist of: neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, chest, abdomen, waist, kuas, hips, knees, and ankles.
These 18 major joints are also referred to as 18 "balls" of the human body. By harmonizing the internal turning and external twisting with the Qi (vital energy) and Yi (intention) via the silk-reeling exercises, one can reach a state where the entire body will become an integrated "Taiji sphere."

  Tai Chi is a martial art form of Qigong with all the movements having self-defense as well as healing applications. Qigong (Chi Kung) is the science or exercise of cultivating the bodies internal energy.   Though originally created for martial purposes, Tai Chi (Taiji) has become popular for its positive effects on the mental and physical health of its practitioners. Tai Chi helps develop energy, promote health, aid in self-defense and help prevent illness and achieve mental and spiritual peace.
  The Chen family style is the oldest and parent form of the five main tai chi chuan styles. Chen style is characterized by its lower stances, Silk Reeling and bursts of power (Fa Jing).

  Pushing hands is a two-person exercise used in Tai Chi to understand experientially the martial aspects of the form. Pushing hands teachs the body to yield to force and redirect it rather than instincially resisting force with force.

Huan Yuan Qigong - Chen Taiji of Ohio -    QI (Chi) can mean "breath", but a more accurate term is Vital Energy or Life Force. Qigong (Chi Kung) is the science or exercise of cultivating the bodies internal energy (which the Chinese have been researching for the last four thousand years). Qigong by itself or in conjunction with Taiji (Tai Chi) helps develop energy, promote health, aid in self-defense and help prevent illness and achieve mental and spiritual peace.
   Huan Yuan Qigong are Chen Family Energy Exercises that Cultivate Mixing of Pre and Post-Natal Elements. “Hun” means mixed and “Yuan” means circle. Hun Yuan refers to the movement of the universe or the Tao which is the force behind all phenomena.
  Hun Yuan Qigong trains one’s intention to direct the qi. It prepares the mind and body for higher levels of training. It increases the sensation of qi and helps to train the mind to lead the qi. It specifically focuses on fostering a deep level of relaxation and cultivating energy in the Dan Tian (the body centre) to nurture oneself. This practice produces a strong sensation of qi through the meridians and at different acupuncture points. All students are encouraged to learn this Qigong form at some time during their Tai Chi journey. It is easy to do and very enjoyable. Every time one practises this Qigong, one can expect mental clarity and abundance of energy. People who usually experience a lack of energy due to some medical conditions, such as Chronic Fatigue, are surprised how well they feel after the practice.

Jeff Radcliff and Vinnie Rivera of Chen Taiji of Ohio - have been teaching and demonstrating Tai Chi and Qigong in Goodale Park and at Comfest for many years. They have been giving free lessons to the community for over 15 years. They studied under Fred Wu and for years assisted in teaching his classes at OSU. They have brought some of the world's best Tai Chi teachers to Columbus including Masters Chen Qingzhou and Zhang Xuexin, who are direct lineage holders of the original Tai Chi.

Jeff & Vinnie teach at the Thompson Recreation Center - 1189 Dennison Avenue at 11AM each Sunday and 11AM Saturday mornings at Goodale Park just west of the Gazebo. In the fall their sat. classes are at The Tuttle Park Recreation Center - 240 W. Oakland Avenue. All classes are free.

Inside/Out Life Enhancement - Stacey Wiggins - Functional movement exercises. Create a fun yet challenging way to exercise core strength and balance, enhance mind/body connection.

Energetic Exercises - Allison Fritz - "Bring yourself into balance with simple energetic exercises."

What is Polarity Therapy?
Polarity Therapy is a natural health care system that works with the Human Energy Field to promote the flow and balance of energy. It is based upon the universal principles of attraction, repulsion and neutrality. Polarity Therapy cares for the interdependence of body, emotion, mind and spirit to achieve balance and harmony.

Reiki
The word Reiki means universal life energy. Reiki was developed by Japanese Buddhist monk Mikao Usui in the early part of the 20th century. Practitioners learn techniques for hand placement on or off the body, and develop ways to focus the healing energy that is available in our environment. Although not a religion, Reiki is spiritual in nature.

Raindrop
The Raindrop Technique is inspired from an ancient Lakota tradition. The Raindrop Technique uses a combination of Young Living essential oils highly effective for balancing and rejuvenating the mind and body. These oils are gently applied to neck, back and feet promoting energy and vitality.

Allison Fritz, BAE, APP, Associate Polarity Practitioner, Holistic Health Educator, offers Reiki, Polarity, Reflexology, Craniosacral Therapy and the Raindrop Technique. She often includes sound and the Young Living Essential Oils. livinginharmony@aol.com or 614 378 8059.

Naturopathic Medicine and You! - Kimberly Kalfas, ND - "House Calls, Naturopathic Medicine and You!"
Naturopathic Medicine is a safe, effective, and cost-effective healthcare option. In an era where people are less than satisfied by the current health care model, and are demanding safe complimentary and alternative options, naturopathic medicine is the answer. Naturopathic Medicine is a healthcare system that is a happy medium for those who desire scientifically trained and clinically-experienced physicians who can both understand what their other doctors are telling them, and offer safe and respected alternatives.

A Licensed naturopathic physician (N.D.) attends a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an M.D. but also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling (to encourage people to make lifestyle changes in support of their personal health). A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician. (AANP webpage quote www.naturopathic.org)

Health through nutrition - Dr. Sandy Golenberg (DCM) - "Lose weight and regain health the natural way: Eating the foods that your body was made for." In this short program you will learn:
The standard American diet produced by our industrialized food system is actually poisoning us. Pills, temporary diets and pre-packaged foods are not the answer. Organic and low fat foods are not always the best choice. How you can easily change to a health restoring, natural diet that contains a wide variety of fruits, nuts, meats and vegetables. The same foods that help you lose excess weight also reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, America's leading killers.

Dr. Sandy Golenberg is a chiropractic physician who has been using nutritional approaches to healing in his practice for the past 27 years. He and his wife Janet live on 40 acres in rural Athens county, Ohio, along with their two dogs and one cat.

Deborah McGee, MA, APP, Reiki Master offers Polarity, Reiki and Reflexology at Gentle Spirit Bodyworks in Clintonville.

Wellness & Childbirth - Doula Caroline Schleappi - Caroline is The Columbus Doula. A doula is a non-medical assistant who provides physical, emotional and informed choice support in prenatal care, during childbirth and during the postpartum period. Through trainings, seminars/workshops, experience and reading, Caroline is available to help you prepare for the birth of your baby. She can cater to the needs and wishes of your family and give you the special attention you deserve.
Her services include:

Labor Doula - A Labor Doula provides continuous physical and emotional support through pregnancy and labor.

Sibling Doula - Would you like your child(ren) present at the birth of their new sibling? Would you like them to have their own special support person? A Sibling Doula will help prepare your child to be a new sibling, mom's birth experience and life with baby.

Postpartum Doula - A Postpartum Doula provides physical, emotional and educational support to mother, father/partner, baby and siblings after the birth of the baby.

Sibling Preparation - Help older children learn about the new addition coming into the family.

Baby Care – This class goes beyond “basics” of caring for your newborn. With this class you will gain confidence that will ease bonding between you and your baby.

"Happiest Baby On The Block" - Do you want to learn the secret to having a calm, colic-free baby? This class will include:

Belly Casting - Create a 3D plaster cast of you or the pregnant woman in your life. A touching way to preserve forever the memory of the beautiful pregnant body!

Blessing Way Ceremonies - An expectant mother in the later months of pregnancy should be honored, respected, cherished and nurtured. A Blessing Way Ceremony does just this.
For more information visit The Columbus Doula at:
http://www.columbusdoula.com

Medical Marijuana & Industrial Hemp - Brandy Zink -
Cannabis: Medicine for the People and the Planet: For centuries, cannabis hemp has offered humanity a multitude of various blessings such as food, fiber, fuel, and medicine. Hemp has over 25,000 uses, yet the US government currently prohibits farmers from growing this beneficial crop. Come learn about this wonderful plant and its amazing healing properties for both people and the planet. Come learn about the history and uses of cannabis as medicine and how Ohio is seeking to legitimize this medicine. The hope that cannabis offers our world is a lifeline to the future.

For more information about medical marijuana please visit: www.ohiopatient.net.
For more information about industrial hemp visit: www.votehemp.com

Brandy Zink, LMT is a Licensed Massage Therapist in Clintonville trained in Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy/Myofascial Release, and Reiki. She is the current President and a co-founder of the Ohio Patient Network. She is also the former Executive Director and President of the Ohio Patient Action Network and has served in various capacities with OPN/OPAN since its inception in 2001. Zink, as a vocal advocate for medical marijuana, has worked with community leaders, professionals, legislators and their staff and other influential policy makers at all levels.

Ohio Patient Network (OPN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coalition of patients, caregivers, activists and medical professionals who support the compassionate use of cannabis for various medicinal purposes. There mission is to coordinate information between patients, medical professionals, and attorneys, as well as to educate the public and keep the interested current with the movement`s news.