Learn about Chinese herbal medicine and local herbs. We will be exploring the fundamental theories of Chinese medicine while studying the herbs. With plant walks, medicine-making, and camping in the forest, this weekend will give students a chance to learn about and work with the herbs directly.

Nathaniel Whitmore and Richard Mandelbaum both have extensive experience utilizing wild and home-grown herbs in the context of Chinese medicine.  This will be a unique experience for all levels of students of American and Chinese medicine.

The main location is "Sennin Dojo" in Glen Spey, NY.  Saturday afternoon will be in Forestburg, NY, for a garden tour and medicine-making workshop with Richard Mandelbaum and he will also lead Saturday's campfire session, before opening the discussion to the circle.  Fumiha Tanaka will be offering seasonal and medicinal meals.

Registration: e-mail Fumiha at fmtishere@gmail.com
Call Nathaniel at 570 224 0264 for more information

The weekend weaves together themes of traditional Chinese medicine, botany, practical know-how and technique, ecology, herbal lore, seasonal food, and camping in order to provide the participant the experience of deepening their understanding of Chinese medicine and their relationships with our local, living herbs.  This weekend is an immersion into bio-regional herbalism. 

Because of the special focus of "Nature's Medicine", the weekend has something to offer for all levels of experience with Chinese medicine and bio-regional herbalism.  New students will find a comprehensive introduction to the basics of Chinese medicine, the botany of herbalism, and medicine-making.  Students of American herbalism will begin to learn how to integrate Chinese medicine with Western and modern traditions.  Students of Chinese medicine will gain perspective relating to the used of Chinese medicine outside of the standardized "Traditional Chinese Medicine" ("TCM"), as well as learn about "Western" herbs.  Practitioners of Chinese medicine will find opportunity to deepen their relationship with the elements and the plants as we work with the living herbs and gather around the fire; as well as learning about herbs and theories outside of standardized TCM.  Practitioners of Western herbalism can learn more about Chinese herbalism, botany, making herbal medicines, and ecology.  

Throughout the weekend classes will focus on a number of herbs familiar to American and Chinese herbalism, especially those that grow wild and in our gardens.  Plant walks will focus on botany and include discussion of medicinal uses, food uses, ecology, herbal science, and lore.  Yin-Yang Theory and Five Element Theory are discussed throughout the weekend, especially as they relate to medicinal herbs and Chinese medicinal herbalism. 

Food is largely vegetarian with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.  Wild vegetables and, if available, wild mushrooms are spotlighted in the meals.  Foods with "medicinal" uses are also a focus, and we will be discussing the properties of the food we eat and of cooking methods so that meals are just as much part of the educational experience as are classes and the experience of camping in the forest.  We use high-quality natural ingredients.  So, the weekend will be especially nourishing and cleansing with clean, wholesome ingredients.  Fumiha pays special attention to ingredients, food allergies, and dietary restrictions and will be in touch with each registrant about these details.

We also provide herbal beverages as a regular part of the weekend and as an educational focus at different times.  In the morning, a selection of tea and herbal beverages is provided.

Students are welcome to bring their own coffee, snacks, and meat.  We have many cooking options, pots, pans, and utensils.  

We have many dishes and utensils at camp, but we encourage students to bring their own bowls, cups, and utensils.