Wednesday, January 14, 2009

2009 Opportunity of a Life-Time:

Beijing Master-Class with Dr Wang

+ Xian 'Traditional Chinese Lifestyle Medicine' Study Tour.


PACKAGE 1: Beijing Master Class with Dr Wang + Great Wall
9 days: 27th April - 5th May 2009:
An exploration of Professor Wang Ju-Yi’s (王居易)
approach to classical Channel Palpation & Diagnosis
techniques for Acupuncture.
With an ‘off the beaten track’ Great Wall tour.

PACKAGE 2: Package 1 + Qi Gong 'Traditional Chinese Lifestyle Medicine' Mountain Tour
16 days: 27th April - 12th May 2009
After studying with Dr Wang, join our Qi Gong 'Traditional Chinese Lifestyle Medicine' study trip to the Ancient City of Xian - home of the Terracotta Warriors - to learn Qi Gong on the Daoist Holy Mountain of Hua Shan.

Limited availability - places filling fast!
Email us if you would like to join this trip.
Bookings Close: Friday 27th Feb 2009

27th April / 12th May 2009

Location: Beijing and/or Xian, China

Suitable for:
Practitioners & Graduate Students of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Channel palpation is a classical diagnostic technique not often taught in modern acupuncture schools in the west. Emphasized in the earliest acupuncture texts (Nei Jing/Nan Jing), palpation of the channels is extremely helpful for confirming diagnosis and refining point selection.

The excellent text "Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine" (pictured left, available in Australia from Chinabooks) by Jason D Robertson details Dr Wang's theories and approach to clinical practice.


Our study tour will focus on learning the basics and history of channel palpation through a five-day series of interactive lectures with Dr Wang - a senior clinician from Beijing – with professional translation by his senior US apprentice. This educational experience will include: case studies, observation and hands-on practice of techniques.

Dr Wang is famous for his understanding of the importance of balancing Clinical Practice with free-flowing exchange of ideas between practitioners, beyond the clinic walls. Dr Wang has said:

“Practitioners these days are often too busy
to come up with real insights or creative ideas…”


So in addition to the 5 days of formal study, the group has the opportunity to take a trip to a Holy mountain in Xian, under the expert guidance of Alex Tan, a Qi Gong teacher and Scholar of Chinese Medicine, allowing the opportunity for creative exchange, as well as a practical exploration of the practices of Lifestyle Medicine
– discussion, diet, exercise and rest.

Subjects covered include:
  • A detailed introduction to the relationship of the channels and points to the organs in the classical Chinese physiological system. This system provides the core of not only acupuncture therapy but also the underlying conception of the body that drove classical herbal texts such as the Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Damage by Cold).
  • An introduction to the role of the distal channels in classical physiology and a discussion of how physiology manifests with specific, palpable changes on the acupuncture channels.
  • Instruction in techniques for palpating each of the twelve major channels. This section of the class will involve hands-on work by the students; palpating channels on each other with feedback from the instructor.
  • A discussion of how to utilize information gleaned from channel palpation to refine and simplify diagnosis. This will involve reconsidering traditional Zang-fu (organ) diagnosis in light of new information gleaned from palpating the channels.
  • An insight into the acupuncture treatment style of Dr. Wang Ju-Yi. This class will specifically introduce a few commonly-used point pairs and clinical application of those pairs. Case studies will be described and acupuncture technique will be demonstrated.
  • A discussion by Dr. Wang of his unique understanding of favourite points based on his own clinical results and research into classical texts. Here, students will gain a wealth of useful clinical applications for the points beyond that often found in modern English textbooks. Needling technique will be demonstrated.


  • About Us:

    ABOUT THE SHIFU - 师傅 - (Master):


    Dr. Wang Ju-yi (王居易) is a classical acupuncturist from Beijing.A member of the first graduating class from the Beijing University of Chinese medicine (1963), Dr. Wang has over 45 years of clinical experience. After working for 30 years treating patients and training doctors in the Kuan Jie Hospital of Chinese medicine in downtown Beijing, Dr. Wang has focused in recent decades on further linking his clinical approach to classical texts. His lectures thus have strong roots in classical concepts, which he combines with hard-won modern clinical experience. Students leave Dr. Wang’s classes with techniques that can be immediately applied in their clinics to improve clinical results. Dr Wang is the inspiration and co-author (along with his long-time apprentice Jason Robertson) of the recently released book ‘Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine’.

    ABOUT THE TRIP CO-ORDINATORS:

    Alex Tan is an Australian-born scholar of Traditional Chinese Medicine who has lived, studied and worked in Beijing for the past three years. Alex has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from UTS in Sydney, Australia and has been practicing Qi Gong for more than ten years. During the tour, Alex will facilitate the learning of daily Qi Gong practice. Alex is a native English speaker with a Chinese heritage who understands Chinese language and culture and both Asian and 'non-Asian' perspectives. Alex enjoys a conversational style of teaching, encouraging informal questions and open discussion - whether in the classroom or in the local food market. Alex has a wealth of knowledge and information to share.

    Kyle Powderly has been a practitioner of Eastern Medicines for 18 years, including the past 9 years as an acupuncturist. She has a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). In addition to her full-time private practice in Sydney, Kyle was also a teaching practitioner for 8 years at the UTS public Acupuncture clinic, training students in clinical practice. She recently left that position to pursue her interests in post graduate training and peer education – and organising this tour with Dr Wang is part of that pursuing passion. Kyle periodically conducts seminars in Sydney in Chinese medical therapies, such as: Guasha, Moxibustion, Food Therapy and Palpation Skills for clinical practice.


    ABOUT THE JOURNEY:

    The trip is focused on sharing an understanding of 'Traditional Chinese Lifestyle Medicine' through experiential learning whilst travelling and is designed to open the classroom out into the World. The itinerary has been organised to take the hassle out of travelling in China, with the booking of train-fares and the negotiating of accommodation done for you – things which can be tricky and expensive to organise on your own, with language and time limitations.

    The journey aims to bring you closer to Traditional Chinese Medicine and healthy-lifestyle practices, with the opportunity to share this memorable experience with a like-minded group of practitioners.

    This unique combination of travel and education aims to facilitate a lived experience of the traditional Chinese health sciences – Breathing, Eating, Resting, Exercise and thinking/Learning - living the rhythms of the Dao, which is the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medical practice.

    This journey is also an opportunity to share knowledge with other experienced practitioners.

    ITINERARY: 16 Days Total


    27th April - 5th May 2009 - 9 days Beijing Dr Wang Study + Great Wall Tour
    plus 6th - 12th May 2009 - 7 days Xian Qi Gong Art of Health Study

    Monday 27th April - Fly to Beijing


    GREAT WALL - Overnight Trip to a more remote section
    ‘off the beaten track’:
    Tuesday 28th April 2009 Travel to a the Village of Jian Kou near a more remote section of the Great Wall, away from the usual tourist traps. Hike up to and trek along a wilder section of the Great Wall, feeling the history and taking in some of the magnificent countryside vistas. Stay overnight in the rural Village of Jian Kou in a valley at the base of the wall Great Wall.

    Wednesday 29th April 2009 – Return to Beijing
    Thursday 30th April 2009 – rest day, enjoy Beijing at leisure.

    FIVE-DAY STUDY EXPERIENCE WITH DR WANG:

    (plus attend a Medicinal Cooking Class and a Tea Appreciation Ceremony)

    Friday 1st May 2009 – 8am-12pm – Lecture.
    Saturday 2nd May 2009 – 8am-12pm - Lecture.

    3pm - 5pm Chinese Tea Appreciation and Tasting with Celestina Swanson of Swansisters fine teas
    Sunday 3rd May 2009 - 8am-12pm - Lecture.
    Monday 4th May 2009 - 8am-12pm – Clinical Practice;

    3pm - 6pm Cooking Class at The Hutong
    Tuesday 5th May 2009 - 8am-12pm – Clinical Practice

    For those who wish to extend their studies with Dr Wang, it may be possible to negotiate additional time to attend his clinic for observation in the weeks following this study tour. Please let us know if that is the case for you and we will discuss with Dr Wang’s people.


    During the 5 days of Study with Dr Wang, the group will also have the opportunity to join in with some optional experiences:

    Explore some of the local Beijing attractions, including:

    Morning Qi Gong Practice at the Temple of Earth (地坛)
    Meet for a healthy local breakfast
    Visit the Temple of Heaven
    Cycle around the old city Hutong alleyways
    The Forbidden City
    The Summer Palace Gardens
    Have a Traditional Chinese Massage
    Eat at great local restaurants
    Attend a Yoga class


    QI GONG - 'Traditional Chinese Lifestyle Medicine' TRIP

    TO XIAN & THE HOLY MOUNTAIN OF HUA SHAN:
    (this tour is provided at an exclusive discount price for attendees of the 2009 Beijing Dr Wang Study Tour)

    Wednesday 6th May - am – free; pm – overnight sleeper train to Xian
    Thursday 7th May 2009 - am – arrive Xian
    Friday 8th May 2009 – explore Terracotta Warriors and Xian
    Saturday 9th May 2009 (Full Moon) – am: Bus to Hua Shan; pm: climb and stay overnight on the mountaintop (famous Daoist Holy Mountain 70km NE of Xian – ‘xi yue’ the western mountain that makes up part of the Wuxing 5 Phases group of holy mountains)
    Sunday 10th May 2009 – return to Xian

    Monday 11th May 2009 – Sleeper train back to Beijing
    Tuesday 12th May 2009 – am - arrive Beijing. Free day, stay overnight in Beijing.

    Wednesday 13th May 2009 – Return home to Australia or continue on self-directed journey.

    This tour provides the opportunity to explore the natural rhythms of life according to the Chinese Clock and the practice of Qi Gong.


    Enjoy a balance of activity and rest,
    good food, good company.

    Qi Gong literally means "Working the Qi" - or using our energy in the best ways possible to live a happy and fulfilled life.

    Qi Gong uses the synergy of physical exercise, breath control and visualisation to assist in the cultivation of inner strength and awareness. It stimulates the innate healing capacities within the body to restore and maintain balance and harmony. Qi Gong lies at the root of Traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy.

    ‘Qi’ may be translated as breath, vital energy, a vibrational force that gives life or animates matter. ‘Gong’ implies work or discipline, something that is treasured, highly respected and accumulated over time through dedicated practice. In this way, ‘Qi Gong’ can be broadly interpreted as cultivating Qi.

    Practically, we can use this ancient knowledge of Qi Gong as a key to health and wellness in the modern world, taking greater control and responsibility for ourselves. Daily practice acts as a daily maintenance routine, acknowledging the increased health benefits of gradual repetition and input. Any exercise practiced while concentrating the mind and engaging the breath has the power to create change on the physical, mental and emotional level.

    This is a study of medicine in its highest form: Lifestyle Medicine.

    COSTS:
    The Chinese agents who are managing all of the hotel and transport bookings require
    Payment in Full by February 27th 2009, non-refundable

    PACKAGE 1: Beijing Master Class with Dr Wang + Great Wall
    9 days: 27th April - 5th May 2009
    TWIN SHARE: AU$1,990
    (Option of two single beds per room, or one double bed
    SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Add AU$400 (one bed per room)


    INCLUDES:
    • Dr Wang Course Fees and translator
    • Beijing Hotel Accommodation + Breakfast. 9 nights Pictures
    • Rural Accommodation in Village at Great Wall - Basic
    • Private minibus to and from Great Wall (10 people)
    • Tea Ceremony in Beijing
    • Cooking Class in Beijing

    PACKAGE 2: Package 1 + Qi Gong 'Traditional Chinese Lifestyle Medicine' Mountain Tour
    16 days: 27th April - 12th May 2009
    (this is an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT price for attendees of the 2009 Beijing Dr Wang Study Tour) - add an extra AU$610 (twin share) to AU$1,990 =
    TWIN SHARE Total: AU$2,600
    (Option of two single beds per room, or one double bed
    SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Add AU$600 (one bed per room)


    INCLUDES:
    • Return Train fare Beijing to Xian – 1st Class Soft Sleeper
    • Xian and Hua Shan Hotel Accommodation 4 nights
    • Cable car to mountain-top at Hua Shan
    • Transportation and entry to Terracotta warriors
    • Alex Tan’s Qi Gong teaching and travel guidance
    Train fares are for soft-sleeper (first class) prices.
    Major transport via private minibus.



    ACCOMMODATION:

    GREAT WALL VILLAGE: Basic Village-style accommodation at Jiankou. Experience life in Rural China. We will be staying indoors, not camping as in this article, but it gives you some idea of the unique atmosphere of the region.

    BEIJING: Double Happiness Boutique Hotel. Experience life in "Old Beijing". Located in a traditional Hutong (Alleyway) near the centre of Beijing, staying in this hotel gives an insight into Beijing life beyond the usual multinational chain-hotel style of accommodation. Bed and Breakfast style, with traditional Chinese decor.

    XIAN: Guanzhong Hotel Xian. Conveniently located on the prosperous Dongdajie of downtown Xi'an, neighboring Xincheng Square and the Provincial Government Buildings. Walking distance to Muslim Quarter, Marketplaces and other city attractions.

    HUA SHAN: Yun Tai "Cloud Peak Terrace" Mountain-top hotel. Catch the cable-car to the North Peak of Hua Shan and stay over night at the Full Moon, surrounded by magnificent vistas and opportunities for walks.

    EXCLUDES:
    • Airfares to and from China
    • Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
    • Visa
    • Meals
    • Optional activities (massage, sightseeing)
    • Bicycle hire
    • Entry to optional sights
    • Cab-fares

    NOTES FOR BUDGETING:
    • Great food can be bought for less than $10 per day and a good meal can be had for under AU$2.
    • Entry to sightseeing is generally inexpensive, usually less than AU$10, often only $1 or $2
    • Taxis are cheap in China about AU$3 - AU$7 for trips across the city. Taxi from Beijing International airport to hotel around AU$25 or 100 Yuan.
    • The Beijing Subway is cheap and pretty easy to navigate (AU$0.50)
    • Bicycles can be hired for less than AU $10 per day

    The Weather in May in Beijing and Xian:
    Springtime is one of the most delightful times to visit China.
    Both Beijing and Xian share similar temperatures.

    Daytime temperatures average of around 26-28 degrees and 12-14 degrees overnight.
    The recorded maximum is 37, minimum 4 degrees.

    Fitness for the trip:
    The travel components to Xian and the Great Wall will require a degree of physical fitness. Preparation for the trip should involve taking a walk of several hours duration at least once per week. Use of a stair-climber at the gym, or walking up and down stairs in city buildings would also be useful training.

    VISA:
    Apply to the Chinese Consulate for a Tourist Visa only.
    We will provide you with the itinerary and accommodation details that will be required by the Chinese embassy.

    Places are Limited - if you would like to join us:
    Email:
    kyle@kylepowderly.com.au