Essential Elements 2 course options
Entry level studies and practioner certification CEU
Animal Acupressure 2 day hands-on course.
Bonus day: Qi Generators and Bio-Electric Modalities
Certification level 1 course 2.5 day hands-on course
(Canine or Equine)
certificate of participation & completion (includes skills and case study review)
This course offers you the tools to perform a complete acupressure session protocol and gives you an understanding of the Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) concepts and theories underlying ancient practices of acupressure and modern modalities of bio-electric practices.
Specific theory and hands on practice study includes:
- Yin/ Yang theory, 5 Element theory
- 4 – Examinations – Demonstration and practice
- Landmark and Directional Anatomy
- The Governing vessel, Central vessel and Bladder Meridian
- Acupressure protocol – Opening, Point work and Closing techniques
- Association points- location, assessment and energetics
- Master and Source points-location and energetics
- Complete case study assessments, point selection and practice
- Bio-electric Point protocols, sound, light and micro-current acupressure
- E-Class manual covering all of the above and more
Acupressure is based on Traditional Chinese/East Asian Medicine.
We will explore this ancient science and apply modern thinking and techniques to guide your learning with practical ready to use applications.
A Participant Letter providing directions to the local clinic or hosting facility, suggested area hotels and clinic logistics can be found under the accommodations link here, you will receive a detailed email upon registration of the event to include further details regarding event locations and printable materials.
2 and 3 day retreat fees are payable in full and non-refundable for this event.
Retreat Clinic : East Meets West, Assessment, Indicators,
Pathology & Point Mastery:
certificate of participation & completion (includes skills and case studies review) level 2
Equine or Canine Essential Elements Animal Acupressure Hands-On Retreat is a recommended prerequisite for this more advanced event.
We will engage with the 14 Meridian Pathways, with a focus on Pathology and Functions of Point Protocols.
Traditional East Asian Medicine pathology approaches to the most commonly diagnosed western disease patterns.
We will be locating and learning the function of key acupoints for common health and emotional issues.
This 3-day workshop includes extensive hands-on exercises.
Participants learn through lecture and Hands-on Exercises how to:
- Basic Medical Terminology
- Trace the 14 Major Meridians
- Point Protocols for Specific Common Physical and Emotional Conditions
- Locate and Understand the Functions of Key Acupoints
- Utilize the Acupoint Classifications
- Categorize Indicators Using the Five-Element Theory
- Learn the 6 phases of disease and 6 phases of homotoxicology
- Implement the Comprehensive Acupressure Protocol utilizing acupressure and Qi Generators.
- 3 day retreat fees are payable in full upon registration and are non-refundable for this event.
Retreat Clinic : 3 E Method Meridian Massage
Meridian Hand techniques & Bio-Electric Meridian Massage Techniques:
Chinese Medical Meridian Massage called Tui Na, is the original form of bodywork with a long history in Chinese medicine. As an adjunct to animal acupressure, Tui Na facilitates the therapeutic results of animal body work sessions.
Specific hand manipulation techniques are practiced including cupping and Gwa Sha protocols.
Tui Na regulates meridians, promotes circulation of chi and blood, and strengthens the immune system. These techniques can be applied in musculoskeletal conditions, arthritis, peripheral nerve disorders, and improves the functions of the internal organs. Course covers the basic hand and body techniques and their application for animals.
The Well-Connected Horse
This is an innovative and holistic approach to horse training, blending Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles with equine movement, behavior and nervous system regulation.
Here’s a breakdown of the key concepts,
Core TCM Principles in the Training Model:
1. Five Elements & Temperaments
– Horses will have a dominant tendency to 1 of the 5 elements
Wood (assertive), Fire (spirited), Earth (steady), Metal (reserved), or Water (adaptive) tendencies.
– Training techniques can be tailored to balance these temperaments (calming Fire types with grounding exercises, energizing Water types with clear direction).
2. Alignment in Training Techniques
– Movements and cues may be adapted based on the horse’s elemental imbalance (stretching Wood-type stiffness, soothing Earth-type overthinking).
3. Three Zones of Engagement
– The postural zones (forehand, midsection, hindquarters)
– Balance is cultivated through exercises that integrate all three zones (ensuring the horse carries weight evenly, moves with fluidity).
4. Triple Energizer (San Jiao in TCM)
– A TCM concept governing the flow of Qi (energy) through the body’s functional regions:
– Upper (respiration/circulation)
– Middle (digestion/nervous system)
– Lower (elimination/structure)
– Addressing blockages here (via acupressure or movement) may improve overall coordination and stress resilience.
5. Reducing Stress & Compensation
– Touch (acupressure) and mobilization (gentle bodywork) releases tension patterns caused by training imbalances or emotional stress.
– Example: A horse leaning on one leg might need Kidney or Bladder meridian work to restore confidence/balance.
Why This Approach Works:
– Energetic Balance: Acupressure and TCM-based training may prevent physical strain by addressing Qi stagnation early.
– Trust-Building: Non-invasive touch and mindful movement deepen the horse-human connection.
– Personalized: Adapts to the horse’s innate temperament (Five Elements) and physical needs (Three Zones).
For Prospective Participants:
– Ideal for riders/trainers and equine professionals seeking a holistic alternative to traditional methods.
– Could benefit horses with anxiety, stiffness, or training plateaus.
“Balance the body, calm the mind, and the horse will meet you with curiosity and willingness.”
