Community Education

Staying healthy and getting healthier are never-ending quests! There's always more to learn on your journey to full, holistic health, and KCHA offers a variety of continuing education classes to help along the way.

We're always happy to talk with you about classes that catch your eye. And if there's something you'd like to see us offer that's not listed here, just let us know! With a minimum number of participants, private classes can also be arranged for any group.

The Best of Natural Birth

Natural birth matters. After all, it's the way our bodies were meant to give birth, and we're meant to experience it with awareness. While we're grateful for technology when it saves moms and babies, routine interventions and medication can also lead to a cascade of complications. The Best of Natural Birth isn't a rigid method—it's a toolbox. A toolbox of natural birthing techniques that you won't find anywhere else, from an independent instructor who works only for you. As of January 2008, 93 percent of Jessica English's students who've birthed vaginally have done so without pain medication—that includes first-time parents, VBAC moms, and even several third-time parents who just wanted to find a new way to birth. Classes begin four times a year and can be completed at any time before (or close to!) mom's due date. Private classes and refresher series also offered. Instructor, Jessica English. Click here for more information.

8-week series of classes held on Wednesdays or Thursdays.
July 8 - Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.

$200 per couple for 8 weeks
Late starts possible

Detox and Cleansing I and II

Cleansing and fasting can be fun! These hands-on workshops will support you in implementing your cleansing program. Detox and Cleansing I explores juicing, how to make rejuvelac, skin cleansing treatments, movements to enhance the cleansing process, rewards and more. The higher-level seminar takes you deeper, exploring food combining, iridology and an introduction to colon therapy.

Detox and Cleansing I, 3-week seminar
Begins annually in February, May and October
$120

Detox and Cleansing II, 8-week seminar
Please call for dates and times
$480

Exploring the Cranial Sacral System

Continuing education for massage therapists. In-depth exploration of the anatomy and physiology of the cranial sacral system will be intertwined with table work. This course is designed to help each practitioner develop his or her own professional relationship with the cranial sacral system. Effective, fun and plenty of time on the table! Days and times for the six months of classes to be determined by group consensus. Pre-requisite: Intro to Cranial Sacral Therapy.

Aug. 22, 23 & 6 more dates TBD, 60 hrs.
$840

Grief Recovery Seminar
and Workshops

Grief is the normal, natural emotional reaction to a significant loss of any kind, but our society doesn't prepare us well for loss. There are six unfortunate myths often repeated to people who are grieving: time heals all wounds; don't feel badly, or you are lucky; replace the loss; keep busy; be strong; and grieve alone. The three-hour seminar examines why you are in pain and what actions and tools are needed to move forward. Our nine-week workshop takes a much deeper look at what grief is and isn't, prompting you to examine your history and beliefs, then take new action to complete your pain.

3-hour seminar
Please call for dates and times
$25

9-week workshop
typically offered once per year, please call for dates and times
$225

Herbology I

This workshop provides a simple and direct introduction herbology, basic herbs and how herbs are used in cleansing. A number of practical applications are explored.

3-week series, begins annually in late March, late June and September
Please call for dates and times
$120

Herbology II

This class picks up where Herbology I leaves off, with more herbs and theory. Learn about how to prepare herbal compresses, teas, poultices and other applications. Depending on the season, we also take time to gather locally available herbs.

10-week series, spans April to October
Please call for dates and times

Homeopathy I

This class delves deeper into the study of homeopathy, its history, development and basic principles. Several specific remedies will be discussed.

3-week series
Scheduled regularly throughout the year, please call for dates and times
$120

Infant Massage

Infant Massage is an ancient tradition in many cultures throughout the world. Clinical evidence now shows that loving, nurturing contact between infant and caregiver has a positive impact on development. This four-week workshop will teach you the basics of how to give a full body infant massage.

July 8, 15, 22, 29; 6 - 8 p.m.
$120 for 4 weeks

Intro to Cranial Sacral Therapy

Cranial Sacral Therapy uses very light touch to correct restrictions in the cranial sacral system. Intro to CST is designed for practitioners with little or no experience with the cranial sacral system, giving them the basic tools needed to use the technique effectively.This class is highly interactive and hands-on, expect to give and receive each session.

Please call for dates and times
$280

Introduction to Homeopathy

Growing in popularity in the United States faster than any other method of alternative healing, homeopathy treats "like with like," using dilute doses of remedies. Join us for a brief introduction to what homeopathy is and how it can work for you.

Please call for dates and times
$15

KCHA Kids Kamp

Hey kids, no parents allowed! This jam-packed adventure includes hands-on instruction in a variety of massage and bodywork techniques. We also embark on a lot of other healthy, fun activities, including crafts and the ever-popular jerk-a-cise! Includes a t-shirt, snack, handouts and more. Ages 7-12.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Please call for dates and times
$75 one month in advance, or $85 after that time
$35 discount for each additional sibling

Making the Most of Who You Are

Everyone has a natural learning style. In this course you will learn to:

• Identify how you take in information
• Use your creative imagination
• Trust your inner sense
• Problem solve
• Listen to your body and its needs
• Understand your emotional feedback mechanisms.

Come along for this 8-week course and discover what works for you!

Please call for dates and times

Natural Remedies

This course will give you hands-on experience with a variety of natural remedies, including ginger compresses, castor oil packs, poultices, baths, teas, and ear candles, just to name a few.

1-day course taught four times a year
Please call for dates and times
$60

Polarity I and II

Polarity therapy is the science of balancing the subtle energy currents in our bodies to promote relaxation and healing. Learn and practice basic techniques in Polarity I, then move on to more advanced techniques in Polarity II.

Polarity I
Please call for dates and times of classes
$60

Reflexology I and II

Foot and hand massage are easy and effective ways to relieve stress. Join us to learn more about the art of reflexology, practiced for centuries as a natural method of healing. Reflexology I covers the basics of feet, while Reflexology II builds on that information and augments it with hand reflexology and in-depth information on aiding specific conditions.

Relaxation Massage Workshop

Massage is a wonderful way for people to support one another through loving, receptive touch. Learn basic techniques for doing a relaxation massage within the larger framework of holistic health. This is a hands-on learning massage workshop. Receive and practice all techniques presented during this four-week session. Participants are encouraged to wear loose-fitting clothing. Scheduled regularly throughout the year.

Please call for dates and times.
12 hours total, $100 per person or $175 per couple

Tai Chi

Tai Chi originated in ancient China. Tai Chi focuses on fluid, circular movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. Breathing is deep and slow, effective and safe. This gentle art increases flexibility, muscle strength, and heart and lung activity, while aligning posture, improving balance, and integrating the mind and body. Open to all levels. The instructor is Phyllis Thayer, trained by Ed Kehoe.

Dates: Mondays, (Please call 373-0910 for next session dates)
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $12 for drop-ins or $80 for 8-week session

Monday June 8, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Free Class - Open to the Public

YOGA

Certified yoga instructor, Gina Greene, brings to her classes an emphasis on wave-like spinal movements, fluid connection between poses, creative visuals, and subtle movements within each pose, all of which encourage the body/mind to be engaged and present. This is an on-going class that is easy to join. For more information on Gina Greene go to: www.buzznhum.com.

5:30 - 7 p.m.
ongoing
Cost: $60 for 6 weeks, or $12 per class for drop-ins
Reservations for the 6-week class are preferred, 373-0910.

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Other classes offered at the Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts (for dates or more information, please call us at (269) 373-0910, or send e-mail to school@kcha.com):

• Massage for Families
• Massage for Pregnant Partners
• Relaxation Massage Workshop (weekend)
• Yoga for Gardeners
• Menopause – Another Way to Go
• Healthy Breast Class
• Herbs for Women
• Headaches – Looking for Alternatives?
• Meditation and Visualization