From the perspective of Chinese Medicine, a tense nervous system is expressed as Constrained Chi; a weak one, as Deficient Chi. 

In this course, we examine several manifestations of Constrained Chi: shoulder/neck tension, insomnia due to racing mind, digestive tension, hyper-vigilance and menstrual tension. Likewise, we look at a variety of manifestations of Deficient Chi: fatigue, low immunity, weak digestion, poor memory/concentration, and lack of motivation. 

To address these imbalances, we explore the energetics of essential oils, specific acupressure points to address these imbalances, and a system called Aroma Acutouch Therapy in which the vibration of an oil is matched to that of an acupressure point for a synergistic effect on healing. We learn and practice Aroma Acutouch sequences for each of the nervous system imbalances listed above.

This class will include hands-on practice time of Aroma Acutouch on yourself and/or a model client, each week. 

Upon completion, you will receive 15 continuing education units, approved by the National Certification Board in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

About your Instructor,

Raizelah Bayen,

National Certification Board in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Approved CEU Provider

With a passion for learning, Raizelah was certified in Integrative Massage in 1991, and never stopped taking classes in the healing arts. She later trained and certified in Eastern Massage and Acupressure, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Chinese and Western Herbology, Aroma Acupoint Therapy and Yoga instruction.  

Most naturally, Raizelah began to weave together the modalities she studied, in her work, developing a unique style of Integrative Health Care that combines hands-on Meridian Massage and Aroma Acutouch Therapy, and home care regimes of essential oils, herbs and yoga poses to address client complaints. Her hands-on work was informed by her own practices in mindfulness and embodiment, the foundational ground for her work and life.

Early in Raizelah’s career, she discovered her love for teaching. She first started teaching massage in 1998, at Twin Lakes School of the Healing Arts in Santa Cruz, and followed that with 15 years as a core instructor at the Sebastopol Massage School. Concurrently, Raizelah developed and trained massage therapists in continuing education in spa settings. Her integrative approach was also the foundation of a series of wellness workshops she has offered over the past 15 years.

In 2020, Raizelah took a professional leap to fulfill her dream of opening a massage school. Open Pathways Institute for Integrative Massage is the fulfillment of this dream. Her passion is to support Massage Therapists who envision expanding into Integrative Health Care, weavers of hands-on healing with Eastern massage, Acupressure and aromatherapy, all informed by the principles of Chinese Medicine.

Open Pathways Institute for Integrative Healing offers a variety of classes, including:

• Acupressure's Potent Points for Common Complaints
• Meridian and Five Element Acupressure
• Aroma Acutouch Therapy
• Meridian Massage Therapies: T'ui Na and Japanese Shiatsu
• Oncology Massage & Acupressure
• And more!