Cherokee Bodywork 2013 at Kripalu
Cherokee Bodywork
April 28 to May 3, 2013, Sunday through Friday

Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine and trained in family medicine, psychiatry, and clinical psychology. He has been on the faculties of several medical schools, most recently as associate professor of family medicine at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine. He is working with aboriginal communities to develop uniquely aboriginal styles of healing and health care for use in those communities. He is also currently working with Am’rita, Inc., to develop a program for people with schizophrenia that involves healing through community. The author of Coyote Medicine, Coyote Healing, and Coyote Wisdom, a trilogy of books on what Native culture has to offer the modern world, he is of Cherokee and Lakota heritage.

Almost all indigenous cultures had direct, hands-on methods of healing, and the Cherokee were no exception. Learn the Cherokee art of healing touch, a form of bodywork that is rarely encountered today. The workshop includes
- Supervised practice of Cherokee bodywork
- Cherokee breathwork techniques, as a means of restoring spirit to all parts of the body
- The incorporation of imagery and dialogue into bodywork
- The importance of ceremony, ritual, and intent in bodywork
- Osteopathic or “manipulative” medicine as a means of dialogue with the body
- Cherokee use of acupressure, energy meridians, crystals, and energy medicine
- A fire ceremony (weather permitting).
As we complete our time together with a prayer ritual, we ask for a blessing on the healing work we have done and the continuing journey that lies before us.
Note Lewis invites massage therapists and bodyworkers as well as those without prior bodywork experience to this program, saying, “Some will want to practice giving more and some receiving more. It’s definitely a more indigenous way of teaching, but it works.” This program can accommodate people with serious illness.
- 23.5 credits for Massage and Body Workers (NCBTMB), $20 additional charge
- 23.5 credits for Athletic Trainers (BOC), $20 additional charge
- 23.5 credits for Yoga Alliance, $20 additional charge