Techniques for Nerve and Artery Freedom
April 5 - April 12, 2025 with Michelle Fleming
In the Osteopathic tradition, the body is viewed in a holistic way and as a complementary series of systems. We use this work to bring those systems into balance, and help return the client to optimum vitality.
Through this holistic lens, there is also a recognition that the body prioritizes certain systems over others and is always protecting those it most values. For instance, the arterial system is prioritized over the bones and muscles and is considered the “true skeleton” of the body, as “everything grows around its blood supply”.
A common example of this are hidden adhesions in the vertebral artery, which make this structure unable to slide appropriately through its tunnel in the neck. In this case the shoulder on that side will often be raised, unable to drop down away from the ears, to give slack to this very important structure so that the blood flow to the brain, and also the upper trapezius is not impeded.
When seen though the lens of massage therapy, yoga, orthopedic medicine and other modalities, the provider may see this raised shoulder and seek to bring the shoulder girdle into balance, missing that the elevated arm is actually protecting this important vessel and the brain it is supplying with nutrients and oxygen.
That shoulder can be massaged, adjusted, and manipulated but will always return to the raised position until the vessel it is protecting is supported to release its adhesion in the cervical area. Sometimes well-meaning therapists and doctors in their intention to provide relief, are actually causing damage because of their inability to listen to the body in front of them.
In this course, you will learn Osteopathic listening techniques to gain the skills to listen to this divine intelligence, to ask the body questions and receive the answers so that you are able to best support your own body, and the bodies you work with.
These questioning techniques will be coupled with powerful, but exceptionally gentle manual skills that you will learn to release deep structures many of us have been taught are inaccessible.
This work can be supportive work for injury patterns, disc issues, incontinence, menstrual issues, nerve pain, car accidents, falls, concussions, pelvic imbalances, head aches, IBS, GURD, scoliosis, choric rolled ankles just to give some examples.
Students will leave with a new ability to serve themselves and their clients in powerful, highly effective and very gentle ways.
- Accommodations within steps of the Pacific and also a lovely pool
- Daily therapeutic yoga sessions with Michelle specifically designed to nurture you
- 4 Daily and Nutritious meals and pre-yoga snacks, coffee and juice
- Specialty workshops such as Thai Massage, Holotropic Breathwork, Meditation, Facial Cupping, Fascial Release and more!
- Access to the Turtle Hatchery where the baby turtles make their trip to the Ocean
- Zip lining excursion
- Horseback riding on the beach
- Surf lessons
-
Transformational Bodywork appointments with Michelle
Standard Rates Include:
- Course & Group Activities as described,
- 4 meals a day,
- Shared Housing or Selected Upgrades
Separate family housing is available, as well as childcare. Please inquire for options.
Optional Housing Upgrades:
- private rooms
- air-conditioning
- private baths
- queen & king beds
- ocean views
- direct pool access
Meet The Instructor
Michelle Fleming
Michelle is a Yoga Therapist, a Thai Bodyworker, a Nerve and Artery specialist and a Board Certified Structural Integrator in the lineage of Ida Rolf. It was through these complementary practices of wellness that she healed her body - and from there Orthopedic Yoga Therapy was born.
These days she trains teachers and students to find a fluid pattern of movement that protects and nourishes the joints while stretching the muscles and connective tissue and quieting the mind. She is the owner of Sanctuary Wellness Studios, Director of Orthopedic Yoga and Transformational Yoga Therapy and founder of Equilibrium, a non-profit dedicated to bringing breath, movement and nutrition education to young people with anxiety and mood disorders.
After booking, please inform us of any food allergies & sensitivities for advanced planning!
Day 1:
Dinner:
Chicken Tacos with home made corn tortillas, gallo pinto (spiced beans and rice), fresh guacamole fresh pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, jalapeño crema, and mixed greens.
Fresh Limeade
Day 2
Early morning cleansing snack:
Assorted fresh fruit, local coffee, fresh coconut milk
Breakfast:
Protein pancakes with passion fruit honey sauce (GF)
Scrambled eggs
Assorted fruit
Fresh pineapple juice
Lunch:
Spring rolls with peanut sauce (V) or chicken satay, cashew nut stir-fry (V), and coconut rice.
Cucumber mint cooler
Hibiscus tea
Dinner:
Filet Mignon / Cauliflower steak (V) with sweet plantains, mashed potatoes and Arugula Salad.
Hibiscus tea
Day 3:
Early morning cleansing snack:
Assorted fresh fruit, local coffee, fresh coconut milk
Breakfast:
Vanilla cardamon chia pudding with fresh fruit and passion fruit purée
Grilled sourdough with smashed avocado
Assorted fruit and yogurt
Fresh watermelon juice
Lunch:
Empanadas with beans, rice, and roasted root vegetables.
Crispy plantain chips with fresh guacamole and pico de gallo
Ginger and lemon tea
Dinner:
Chicken Piccata/ Picatta Primavera (V) over pasta or rice
Kale salad with apples and pepitas
Hibiscus limeade
Day 4
Early morning cleansing snack:
Assorted fresh fruit, local coffee, fresh coconut milk
Breakfast:
Huevos Rancheros
Yogurt and fresh granola
Assorted fruit
Fresh passion fruit juice
Lunch:
Falafel with freshly baked pita bread, hummus, and tabouleh salad with craisins and almonds
Cucumber mint cooler
Dinner:
Pesto chicken with or without mozzarella, with roasted vegetables, and arugula salad with dates and nuts
Hibiscus tea
Day 5
Early morning cleansing snack:
Assorted fresh fruit, local coffee, fresh coconut milk
Breakfast:
Nica Tipico: Scrambled eggs, gallo pinto, fresh guacamole and pico de gallo
Grilled local cheese
Assorted fruit
Fresh pineapple juice
Lunch:
Beetroot salad with feta cheese, caramelized walnuts and a balsamic glaze
Tostones con Queso
Cucumber mint cooler
Hibiscus tea
Dinner:
Grilled Mahi-mahi with sweet plantains and vegetable fried rice.
Hibiscus tea
Day 6
Early morning cleansing snack:
Assorted fresh fruit, local coffee, fresh coconut milk
Breakfast:
Protein pancakes with passion fruit honey sauce (GF)
Scrambled eggs
Assorted fruit
Fresh pineapple juice
Lunch:
Spring rolls with peanut sauce (V) or chicken satay, cashew nut stir-fry (V), and coconut rice.
Cucumber mint cooler
Hibiscus tea
Dinner:
Filet Mignon / Cauliflower steak (V) with sweet plantains, mashed potatoes and Arugula Salad.
Hibiscus tea
Day 7
Early morning cleansing snack:
Assorted fresh fruit, local coffee, fresh coconut milk
Breakfast:
Protein pancakes with passion fruit honey sauce (GF)
Scrambled eggs
Assorted fruit
Fresh pineapple juice
Lunch:
Spring rolls with peanut sauce (V) or chicken satay, cashew nut stir-fry (V), and coconut rice.
Cucumber mint cooler
Hibiscus tea
Dinner:
Filet Mignon / Cauliflower steak (V) with sweet plantains, mashed potatoes and Arugula Salad.
Hibiscus tea
Day 8
Early morning cleansing snack:
Assorted fresh fruit, local coffee, fresh coconut milk
Breakfast:
Protein pancakes with passion fruit honey sauce (GF)
Scrambled eggs
Assorted fruit
Fresh pineapple juice