2023 Ojai Herbal Symposium

“The culture and the people are still alive. Our life entails protecting the cultural history and ancestry of our people, having people recognize the past as a legacy to our future. Protection and awareness so that we can share it with others and preserve it for the future generations to come. We have to remind ourselves that we are the Gate Keepers of the World in all its of glory and beauty and not take it for granted for Mother Earth is almighty. We’re fortunate to have people who want to listen and learn about our culture. I feel honored to be associated with those people.”

The concepts of prana and qi are the foundation of classical Asian medicine, as well as its closely related yogic, meditative and spiritual lineages. Both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine use sophisticated concepts to describe, diagnose and treat imbalances of prana and qi, thereby restoring homeostasis of body, mind and spirit. A comparative study of the similarities and differences between the terms prana and qi gives us a deeper and broader understanding of both; this deeper knowledge of prana and qi can in turn be applied to understanding the principles of physiological homeostasis from the Western scientific perspective, and vice versa. (1.5 Category 1 Acupuncture CEUs)

Knowing just a few safe and effective plants can help people ease hormonal changes that affect moods and skin during puberty, blood sugar levels, risk of BPH for men, and women's difficult cycles and hot flashes. (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU) 

In this class we will practice an ancient Qigong technique to connect with, cultivate and nourish the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi & Shen) of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Upon completion of the class participants will be able to identify the Three Treasures and perform a practice of cultivating them for use in their own practice. (0.5 Category 2 Acupuncture CEU)

This class will focus on the major herb group known as the Jing tonic herbs. These herbs have played a key role in Asian herbalism for thousands of years and may be employed with great benefit in modern herbal practices by trained herbalist practitioners. First, there will be an introduction to the concept of Jing and Jing tonic herbs, how these herbs play a key role in Chinese-style health cultivation and how they support healthy aging in the modern world, including some advanced theory and modern cutting-edge scientific perspective. Ron will discuss the role Jing plays in the aging process, including in inflammation, and how Jing may be manipulated (enhanced and balanced) in order to improve health and promote longevity, from a clinical perspective. Secondly, Ron will introduce several important diagnostic and evaluative methods in order to determine the Jing status of the client. Thirdly, Ron will discuss the most important Chinese tonic herbs. (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU)

This class will discuss plant terpenes that are used or should be used clinically in several diseases and other medical conditions. (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU)

Combining Herbs and Essential Oils: Principles and Formulas This two part presentation introduces the principles of how to combine herbs and essential oils to create simple and effective formulas that safely and effectively treat common health challenges. Part 1: Nervous System In part one we will cover principles of combining herbs and essential oils to create blends for relaxing the nervous system and for strengthening the nervous system. You will learn how to create formulas for: Reducing stress and tension (circulating stagnant liver qi) Tension headaches (calming liver qi and qi stagnation) Nervousness and irritability (calming Shen) Stress related insomnia (relaxing liver qi stagnation, calming Shen) Supporting cognitive functions (nurturing Shen and kidney qi) Protecting the brain against toxins and aging (nourishing kidney qi and jing) Increasing memory and concentration (nourishing kidney qi and jing) Enhancing learning capacity (nourishing kidney qi and jing) (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU)

In this unique educational dining experience, participants will enjoy a gourmet eight course meal featuring unusual wild plants and mushrooms foraged from the local environment which will be prepared and served in a fine dining style. Between courses, Jess Starwood, local herbalist, forager and chef will present the plants and mushrooms used in each dish to explain their important health benefits and how to incorporate them into meals for everyday use and special occasions. Each course will be crafted from seasonal wild foods and organic ingredients sourced from local farms. Locally brewed drinks including mead, elderberry wine and herbal beers will be served and discussed throughout the meal. The meal is plant-based and free of gluten, soy, refined sugars, egg and dairy. This event is part of The Forest Table project by Jess Starwood, where she aims to present the abundance of what our natural environment offers us through the lens of creative, educational and multi-sensorial community experiences. These events highlight locally sourced foods to bridge the connection between the forest and the people. Memorable experiences shape and influence people's minds and hearts. Through these unique experiences, she hopes to cultivate a renewed sense of respect and responsibility for the care-taking of our land for a positive and sustainable future. (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU) PLEASE NOTE: This is a stand-alone special event associated with the Symposium but not included in the price of registration. Select the Tickets tab and click on the payment link for this event to secure your reservation.

Befitting the Symposium's theme of homeostasis, AKA balance, we'll take a break from the academic study with a just-can't-help-movin' funk dance hosted by Greater Goods in Meiners Oaks featuring an Elixir Bar served by tonic herbalist Thom Dale. GG will also have alcoholic beverages on hand. Admission is by donation at the door.

The Earth Island Medicinal Herb Garden is arranged in the shape of a chambered nautilus whose 11 chambers or beds represent 11 body systems. This class will focus on 5 or 6 medicinal plants, chosen from several beds/systems, each with a history of clinical use related to that system and known for its role in helping the body to maintain homeostasis. This activity is included in full weekend and Sunday admission. (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU)

Southern California is home to many native herbs known for their nutritional and medicinal value. This class will visit a well-designed and maintained public native plant garden to identify and discuss 5 or 6 of these plants. The information shared will be useful for both herbal medical practitioners and those who use herbs as nutritional supplements or home remedies. Lanny is in his 43rd year of leading Herb Walks in Ojai and Southern California. This activity is included in full weekend or Sunday-only admission. (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU)

Join us at Hamsa Studio for a sweet morning practice of Hatha Yoga which will include a balanced combination of poses incorporating dynamic movement and breath to loosen and free restrictions in the body and mind. This class will be taught by Ojai local advanced Yoga teacher & Yoga therapist Francesca Gold (https://www.gold.yoga). This class is open to all levels, even beginners! Class is held in Hamsa's beautiful movement space designed to relax the mind and uplift the spirit. Join us for a wonderful practice to start your day. Hamsa is a dance & movement studio, inspirational gift shop and conscious event center located in Meiners Oaks in the magical Ojai Valley.

The talk will give key marketing how-to’s for those in the healing professions. Participants will learn some key digital marketing skills as well as a communication strategy for clarifying their mission for current and potential clients. (1 Category 2 Acupuncture CEU)

Combining Herbs and Essential Oils: Principles and Formulas This two part presentation introduces the principles of how to combine herbs and essential oils to create simple and effective formulas that safely and effectively treat common health challenges. Part 2: Digestive System and Detoxification In part two we will cover principles of combining herbs and essential oils to create blends for treating digestive problems and for detoxification. You will learn formulas for: Dyspepsia and indigestion (wood attacking earth, stomach fire) Anorexia (spleen qi deficiency)Hydrochloric acid imbalances and esophageal reflux (stomach fire) Constipation (stagnant intestinal qi) Food poisoning and bacterial infections (damp heat in intestines) Enhancing gentle and natural detoxification through the respiratory, digestive, urinary and lymphatic systems (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU)

In this class we will practice an ancient Qigong technique to connect with, cultivate and nourish the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi & Shen) of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Upon completion of the class participants will be able to identify the Three Treasures and perform a practice of cultivating them for use in their own practice. (0.5 Category 2 Acupuncture CEU)

This course offers participants specialized education that covers at an introductory level how plants, including but not limited to cannabis, affect the human body by stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The class will: ▪ identify major components of the endocannabinoid system ▪ present the basic rationale for the broad therapeutic effects of cannabinoids and terpenes from a variety of plants acting through the ECS ▪ explain how CBD can influence and enhance the effects of THC in cannabis ▪ discuss the role that diet, lifestyle, botanicals and acupuncture have on the endocannabinoid system (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU) 

This class will provide a review of the current medical literature describing the benefits and medical applications of this powerful herb. Turmeric is being widely applied and researched across multiple medical specialities and in some of the most impressive academic settings in the world. We will discuss this data regarding mechanisms of action within the human body, dosing, formulations and bioavailability, and outcomes in studies using turmeric as a preventative and therapeutic herb. (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU) 

The garden-like views of mind in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicines help us understand the heart's complex and important role in balancing our mental, emotional and physical health; it is not simply a distributor of blood. Recent high-quality medical research indicates destructive forms of anger play a significant role in heart disease. Chinese herbs can both calm the heart and improve lab markers, for example, in unstable angina. This presentation will bring a deeper understanding of how some widely available herbs and foods can help address imbalances of the heart, and enable us to be calmer, more compassionate beings. (1 Category 1 Acupuncture CEU)