frieda kipar bay/wovenroot

why herbal medicine?

The root word of "medicine" is "media" which means the middle way, or balance. Herbal medicine offers a balanced, sustainable path towards health.

People seeking to take an active role in their health often turn to traditional forms of healing. While ‘herbalism’ comes in and out of cultural prevalence, using plants to heal and promote vibrancy is a birthright as old as our species. For as long as we have been on this earth we’ve been tapping into this ancient wisdom of connection that not only offers us a safe, effective form of healing, but a chance to reconnect with the earth itself. Herbal medicine is a simple, ancient form of deep listening: to our own bodies, to each other, and to the earth’s body.

Herbal medicine has never been complimentary, but essential.

"Herbalism is based on relationship — relationship between plant and human, plant and planet, human and planet. Using herbs in the healing process means taking part in an ecological cycle. This offers us the opportunity consciously to be present in the living, vital world of which we are part; to invite wholeness and our world into our lives through awareness of the remedies being used." -Wendell Berry

what does it look like to work together?

I look to the story that is written in your face, pulses through your veins, and is mapped on your tongue. From this gathering, I then ask the pertinent questions that get at the heart of your concerns, and together we map out what plants are your allies in balance. I use the Daoist frame to view the imbalance and work with transparency and open discussion so you leave with a fuller understanding of what’s going on for you. I formulate and work holistically.

Holistic medicine is characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account emotional and social factors, constitutional and genetic pre-dispositions, and personal lifestyle.

As true healing is a holistic process, together we create a healing protocol that might include personalized herbal formulas for your specific needs, community support plans, mindfulness practice, nutritional guidance, and a movement plan to keep your body free from stagnation (often at the heart of disease). If you come with a first aid injury, I’ll likely utilize poultices, moxa treatment, and bodywork to support your healing process. You will feel empowered and supported on your path to deep wellness.

I work with everyone, but am most familiar with these conditions:
reproductive and fertility issues (all genders)
sleep disturbance
digestion
hormone balancing
stress
fatigue
diabetes
auto-immune disease
inflammation
heart conditions
common childhood ailments
first aid

Whether you are looking for sustained wellness for your constitution, remedies for acute situations, or support in uprooting imbalance, I am here to serve.

*I also highly recommend considering Healing in the Round, my small group herbal clinic which includes an educational component and community support, in addition to the same individual herbal care you receive in private sessions.

Medical Qigong is a form of healing developed through the shamanic roots of Daoist Medicine, and the seed that grew into all facets of Daoist Cosmology, Chinese Medicine, and modern acupuncture/TCM medicine.

Medical Qigong is sometimes referred to as Acupuncture without needles. It is a form of advanced energy medicine, which involves both hands-off and hands-on healing techniques, using internal and external practices that unblock stagnation and directs the body’s innate healing power to the source of imbalance.

What does is look like to work together?

We begin with a full intake, including pulse, face and tongue diagnosis. Using this information we begin to decipher any anomalies in your energy field that might be obstructing the flow of qi. When the qi becomes blocked in the blood, the lymph, the organs, and/or the meridians, then this sets the stage for accelerated aging and disease. We decide together what is most beneficial for you, to receive a treatment externally, or apply the theory internally. Once this blockage is released, then the qi moves once again like a flowing river, and then the body can heal itself. This is deep work that includes all aspects of the self, including the narratives, roles, persona, physique, ancestry, and energy we lead with. Medical Qigong can support in untangling all matter of disease, from chronic pain to auto-immune disorders, PTSD and trauma resolution to digestive disorders.

The Daoist system of healing is rooted in the body and it’s relationship to landscape. All the complexities of the meridian system, organ/emotion affinities, and diagnostics came out of being a body in a place, and listening deeply. This is how we come to this work, and get out of our own way to live our lives in right relationship.

Who is this for?
This kind of work is best suited for someone open to deep systemic change, practicing new pathways, and willing to allow the subtle wisdom of the body to lead into health.

This offering is best done in person, but can be done remotely as well, via video/phone.

This offering is for people practicing or interested in learning qigong as a movement form that supports deep health. You will share your desires for a daily/weekly practice and I will teach you sets that support your growth, health, and unwinding. We check in as the practice changes you, much as I do with herbs. Movement is medicine too.

We meet in person or online and I work with you to physically achieve the open flow of qi in your practice.

Qigong is a practice, and needs to be practiced. That means you have to participate, and practice!