Community Collaborations
Throughout our 15 years, AOMA has been engaged in many community collaborations. Please read on for some of AOMA's current projects.
GoodHealth Commons at Seton Medical Center Williamson
The AOMA Student Clinic has expanded again. In joint collaboration with a number of like minded treatment and educational providers, we will be offering treatments and yoga and qigong classes to the public in a truly holistic setting with a potential for post graduate studies to come. Call 512-324-4803 to make an appointment or for more information. White Crane Herbal Medicine will also have retail space in the GoodHealth Commons at Seton Medical Center Williamson.
Herbal Garden at the American Botanical Council
The High Falls Gardens Fund, under the auspices of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation in Great Barrington, MA, has been awarded a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for a three-year program, Botanical Studies for Oriental Medicine. AOMA is one of 15 schools chosen to participate in the grant project. "This new funding will help U.S. students and practitioners of Oriental Medicine get to know where their herbs come from, how they are grown, and who grows them," said High Falls Gardens’ director Jean Giblette.
AOMA is working with the American Botanical Council on this project. The ABC is located in east Austin at 6200 Manor Rd. ABC's mission is to provide education using science-based and traditional information to promote responsible use of herbal medicine - serving the public, researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, industry, and media. They have wanted to install a Chinese herbal garden for a while and both AOMA and ABC see this as a perfect match.
AOMA students enrolled in Herbal Lab 2 can elect to work at the herbal garden as a project toward their final grade. In early 2007, AOMA and ABC completed the construction of the raised bed, surrounding the garden area in limestone. The garden is designed in the shape of a Ba Gua. In April 2007, AOMA students and ABC staff transplanted the seedlings to the garden plot and replanted seeds that didn't come up in the greenhouse.
View herbal garden photo-journal.
For more information on how to get involved in the herbal garden project email or call 512-492-3034.
Qigong classes at Seton McCarthy Community Clinic
AOMA offers free bilingual Sheng Zhen Healing Qigong classes to the patients of the Seton McCarthy Community Clinic in East Austin.
Free qigong classes every Wednesday morning, 9-10am.
Clases de qigong gratis todos los miércoles, 9-10am
What is Sheng Zhen Qigong?
Qigong is the cultivation and exchange of Qi (vital energy) with the universe. Sheng Zhen is a style of qigong inspired by the great spiritual teachers of the world. It is based on the philosophy of unconditional love. The forms consist of elegant movements that aid in healing.
What are the practical benefits?
Your body and mind will feel more relaxed. Your emotions will feel calm and you will experience a deeper connection with nature and the universe. You will notice a reduction in stress, better circulation and blood pressure, less pain and you will feel happier and more at peace.
Who can do qigong?
This form of qigong is performed seated in a chair, making it accessible for people of all abilities. It is fine for people with physical, psychological and emotional problems.
Who teaches the classes?
Sarah Sires Bentley is a certified teacher of Sheng Zhen Qigong. She has studied weekly with Master Li Junfeng for more than five years. Sarah is also a licensed massage therapist, birth doula and has studied yoga for more than 12 years. For ten years Sarah has taught adults and children, alike.
¿Qué es Sheng Zhen Qigong?
Qigong es el cultivo y el cambio de Qi del universo. El Sheng Zhen es un estilo de qigong inspirado por las gran tradiciones espirituales del mundo. Es basado en la filosofía del amor incondicional. Las formas consisten de movimientos elegantes para ayudar en la curación.
¿Cuáles son los beneficios prácticos?
Usted sentirá su cuerpo y mente más relajados, emociones calmadas y una conexión más profunda con la naturaleza y el universo. Notará una reducción de estrés, mejor circulación de sangre, su presión mejorará, menos dolor, y se sentirá mas feliz y con más paz.
¿Quién puede participar en el qigong?
Esta forma de qigong se practica sentado en una silla; así es accesible para todo tipo de participantes. Es eficaz para los problemas físicos, psicológicos y emocionales.
¿Quién enseña las clases?
Sarah Sires Bentley es certificada para enseñado el Qigong Sheng Zhen. Ella ha estudiado semanalmente con el maestro Li Junfeng de la China por más de cuatro años. Sarah también es masajista y ha estudiado el yoga por más que 12 años. Por diez años Sarah ha enseñado tanto al niño como adulto.
Email for more information or call 512-492-3034.