Workshops and Classes

FlexAware: Movement, and Self-Healing workshops. This is a major focus of my practice [more] -- helping people have more control over their own health and boosting the dynamics of their healing process. Below is text from a recent announcement: [FlexAware site] Download next class information: FlexAware Teachers training flyer February-April 2012]

Hi Ralph, Before reading any further, please pause for a moment and exhale. Thank you. If you've already experienced FlexAware, you know we emphasize exhaling. We do that for several reasons, including the fact that exhaling activates the parasympathetic autonomic system, our natural neurological capacities for rest, relaxation, and healing. Another reason is to increase mobility of the ribs and spine. Immobility in the trunk is a major factor in back pain, breathing problems, poor balance, painful knees and hip joints, and many other common difficulties. Exhaling actively, moreover, helps you inhale effortlessly. FlexAware Breathing uses the image of a sponge. When you squeeze a sponge and release it, it fills automatically. Breathing works the same way. Your ribs move like fingers, squeezing the sponge. Every FlexAware movement and exercise helps increase the mobility of the ribs and the coordination of the many muscles that attach to the ribs. That's a taste or reminder of what we do with FlexAware. You might want to forward this message as a way to remind your friends to breathe freely. Below: New Classes in Washington DC with Steven Shafarman   DVD available, and Website Information    Other Classes and Teachers  Become a Teacher, and Personal Growth Intensive  Individual Sessions, in person and by Skype   Do you Know Anyone who has Asthma, Emphysema, COPD, Sleep Apnea, or other Breathing Difficulties? New Classes in Washington DC with Steven Shafarman People have been asking me to teach some regular weekly classes, and I'm now doing so. Place: BTI Dance, 1643 Connecticut Avenue. (Near R Street, entrance in back). Day and Time: Wednesdays noon to 1 pm. Cost: $17 for a drop-in. Discounts available with registration. To register: http://btidance.org/BTIAdult_program.html This is an open, ongoing class, for new and experienced people. Each class will review some of the basic ideas and movements, and introduce some variations to make it fun and beneficial for everyone who comes. Hope to see some of you there. DVD available, and Website Information Our FlexAware Fitness DVD is getting good reviews. People who've used it as their first introduction to FlexAware are reporting that they're able to learn the movements and benefit. That was the goal in creating it, to start making FlexAware available to people everywhere. We've created a new website for the DVD, which is www.FlexAwareFitness.com. If you already know that you want the DVD, here's a direct link to order the DVD. Using the DVD is a great way to get the most benefit from your individual sessions, especially if you're doing them remotely using Skype. Become a Teacher, and Personal Growth Intensive: The next Teacher Education Program will start in February 2012. It's four weekends, Fridays 7-9:30, Saturdays 9-6, and Sundays 9-5. The dates are February 24-26, March 9-11, 23-25, and March 30-April 1. Download: FlexAware Teachers training flyer February-April 2012] Everyone who was in the program last spring loved it. Several reported significant personal growth and transformation, and urged me to allow people to join us even if they have no interest in teaching. You might want to consider that. This is a 100 hour program, with 70 hours of class time. Tuition is $1995, with deferred payment and work-study options. Discounts for early registration: $1395 by November 1 and $1695 by December 31. Other teachers and classes: There are other classes in the D.C. area -- and Seattle, Washington; and Cambridge, England -- taught by graduates of the Spring 2011 teacher education program. Sorry that I don't have an easy way to let you know about them. We'll be adding that feature to the new version of www.FlexAware.com. Individual Sessions, in Washington DC and by Skype If you want a direct experience of FlexAware but don't live in the area, I'm now doing some individual sessions using Skype. Though that doesn't allow for the same hands-on contact, obviously, it can still be quite effective. For people with just about any pain or problem -- back pain, breathing difficulties, fear of falling, painful knees or hip joints or shoulders, sports injuries, and so on -- even one or two sessions can make a real difference. You'll discover ways to breathe more freely and move more comfortably in your everyday activities. That can enhance the efficacy of any therapy or fitness practice. You'll get the most benefit from your sessions if you also have the DVD and use it. [order the DVD] For more information Contact me If you prefer to phone, my home office number is 202-319-9279. Do you know anyone who has Asthma, Emphysema, COPD, Sleep Apnea, or other Breathing Difficulties? If you know anyone who has any of these conditions, you might suggest that they consider FlexAware. We're seeing great results. Even one or two sessions can bring real progress, especially with regular practice. Also, if you know any doctors or researchers who might be interested in documenting the efficacy, please encourage them to contact me. *************** That's all for now. Profound thanks for your past and future support. Sincerely, Steven Shafarman FlexAware Learning 202-319-9279. (Home office number)

To Be Scheduled

Cranio-Sacral/Biodynamics Homecare Basics--For the home unit: For couples, families and people who work together to support each other on Life's Journey. Individuals are welcome too, as this is adaptable. This six-hour experience begins with the background of Dr. Wilson's program of Cranio-Sacral Therapy that he calls Cranial Bio-Dynamics. You then learn what could be called "The Care and Feeding of Your Autonomic Cranio-Sacral System."

The teaching features basic self-care techniques that Dr. Wilson shows his patients how to do for themselves. You will also learn a powerful procedure that can be done by one person for another (though solo treatment can be very helpful too).

This is based on the Integrative Medicine and Biological Dentistry model described on the NIHA web site. This is not Upledger training. Dr. Wilson draws on his knowledge gained from different schools of thought regarding cranio-sacral fluid dynamics. Bring a sack lunch and be prepared to join in an empowering workshop that w

ATTENDANCE: Any adult, or children accompanied by adult. Limited to 20 in class. Preregistration is important so we will not have too many people attending, and so you can be given building access instructions for weekend access.

PREPARATION: None required. Recommended: Your Inner Physician and You by John Upledger D.O. Other background could be his text, Craniosacral Therapy.

Next Presentation: To Be Announced

Controlling Your Own Body: Biofeedback, Detoxification & Personal Wholeness 

Dr. Wilson presents his overview of the approach used by NIHA practitioners to guide health care. Detoxification -- of "Metals, Microbes and Memories" -- is often the key factor in solving puzzling health concerns. He describes how integrative medicine practitioners use "detox" as part of an overall program of health support. Including home care steps you can take to enhance your treatment program.

Next Presentation: To Be Announced

Background:  Cranio-Sacral Therapy

The text for the workshop is Dr. Upledger's Craniosacral Therapy. The intent of the training is to give you the basics and let you decide whether to take more involved training with the official Upledger trainers, or other trainers whose work I will describe for you. NOTE: This is not Upledger certification.

Next Presentation: To Be Announced. 

References: Links to-- Dr. Upledger's Approach | Dr. Thom's Approach.

Typical Event Description:

Cranial Bio-Dynamics -- Cranio-Sacral Therapy Basics:

A workshop/book study of the 10-Step Protocol

Dr. Ralph Wilson, N.D., M.S. Acupuncture

The workshop is a combination of book study and hands-on teaching of the kinesthetic skills to perform the basic Ten-Step Protocol.

It is not official Upledger certification. I describe it as a way for you to decide if you are enthusiastic enough about the work that you want to invest the great expense that could be needed if you were to take Upledger certification.

My workshop program is intensive and requires outside study. After the first class there is home practice. We will also discuss a possible reunion and follow-up event in the future.

Cranial Bio-Dynamics: The program that I have developed over the years offers abbreviated aspects of Upledger's teaching. I teach how to feel and do the 10-Step Protocol. I use handouts, models and other teaching aids. I recommend the same books.    I often describe it as a book study meeting, or a way to evaluate if you want to spend the great amount to become Upledger certified. This is not official Upledger certification training. I also include information on "Cranial Fluid Dynamics," that I learned from workshops with one of his competitors, Solihin Thom, D.O. from England, so you get a broader exposure to the dynamics of how the body really works. I have taught this under the label, "Cranial Bio-Dynamics."

The class goes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first day with an hour off for lunch. The second day (on another weekend) the time is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no charge for the extra two hours after the paid-for workshop is completed, during which we will watch Dr. Upledger's teaching video on the ten-step protocol. This is not necessary learn the technique, but it is enjoyable. I do not charge for people to watch the video.

Prerequisites: A strong desire to learn, a license is not required. The class can be taken by someone who is considering a career in health care or by someone already licensed or trained in health care techniques. This event gives an overview of health care from a naturopathic medicine point of view. The introductory portion includes description of the model I use when assessing a patient's health: "Cranial Bio-Dynamics." If possible read the books: Craniosacral Therapy, and Your Inner Physician and You, both by John Upledger, D.O. Pre-class study material will be emailed to you.

The size of the class is limited, I can teach a maximum of 12 people.