Class and Events Schedule The Power of Natural Healing" Summer Conference!

OVER 100 classes and events on a huge
range of natural health and healing topics

1-800-975-8744

24th Annual
Kushi Institute
Summer Conference

Class and Event Descriptions

Please Note: This is a preliminary schedule and is subject to changes and additions

Color Code:
Featured Speakers
Cooking Classes
Lectures
Active (exercise/bodywork/dance)
Workshops (participatory)
Panels
Events

Tuesday July 29

7:00 am to 8:00 am

Tzen Tzatzoehetzin - Aztec Exercises
Raised with traditions carried down from ancient times of Aztec culture and health systems, Tzen will lead Aztec exercise for health and vitality.

Clyde Motosue - Do-in Exercise
Do-In, also sometimes called "self shiatsu", is an ancient, traditional form of exercise from Asia that helps move the body's energy flow, release energy blockages, move the lymph system, and increase strength and vitality. Consisting primarily of gentle stretching and tapping, this is an easy to do and learn great exercise system for anyone, of any fitness level.

John Kozinski: Reflective Exercise - A Modern Chi Gong Method
Learn the art of health recovery and rejuvenation by stimulating the body's self-healing ability. In this class, you will begin to learn a step-by-step method that helps one to be sensitive to the body's reflections of heat and magnetism. Through biofeedback mechanisms between the brain and body, these sensations boost the immune function. Immune strengthening exercises were first developed in China over 2000 years ago. Around 50 years ago, these were named chi gung. Thousands of forms known as chi gung exist today, but only a few of these practices powerfully boost health. This system is one of them.

9:00 am to 10:15 am

KEYNOTE William Spear - Macrobiotics and the Power of Natural Healing
As society focuses more on diets, treatment modalities, and health insurance, are we losing contact with the essence of what it means to heal? This talk will include the importance of adjusting recommendations for each individual, and how simple macrobiotic approaches can be applied to both minor imbalances and degenerative diseases.

10:45 am to 12:00 pm

Michael Marcus - The Way of Sushi I
Throw a party with delectable sushi and recipes presented by Bizen's famed master sushi chef, Michael Marcus. Experience creative and imaginative combinations that have never been experienced in vegetarian cuisine. This is part I of II classes.

Judy MacKenney - The Power of the Mind In Healing
In this inspirational, holistic workshop you'll learn about the interconnectedness of the brain and healing, and how the role of the mind is pivotal in healing the brain. As you participate in powerful brain-power boosting activities you'll discover untapped healing potential and inspirational methods to help you develop greater mental strength and optimal brain power. You'll also get new scientific information about the brain's ability to health and change, and proven exercises to boost brain power.

Tzen Tzatzoehetzin - The Movement of the Four Energies
Tzen will explain the foundation of the ancient Mexhika (Aztec) Tetzkatlipoka Tradition, a system called the "Nawi Ollin Teotl", or the "Movement of the Four Energies". According to this tradition, there are four great energies in the Universe. An example of these four energies in the human being is the physical body, the mind, the emotions, and the spirit/energy field. When these four aspects are in balance in the individual, we are at peace with ourselves and with our world. The Nawi Ollin Teotl system also illustrates ideal conditions for peace and harmony in the family, community, nation, and the world.

Michael Rossoff - Strengthening the Body's Power Centers
The body has two natural power centers, Liver and Kidney, that are essential for deep health and vitality. This lecture will explain the nature and meaning of these two centers through Oriental medicine. Your immunity, vitality, and capacity to heal hinge on regaining and maintaining the strength of these key organs. Learn simple priorities to empower these vital centers for improved health, better mental clarity, and emotional calm.

Karin Stephan - Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga is based on working with a deep understanding of the internal alignment of the body. This knowledge can bring about balance, harmony, and a profound sense of well-being in the relationship between the body and mind. Karin will teach yoga poses which involve quiet and deep stretching to awaken the muscular and nervous systems and will also show how these yoga poses help heal our internal organs. These classes are open to students of all levels and will address various problems participants may have which prevent them from feeling supple, balanced, and full of energy.

1:30 pm to 2:45 pm

SOCIAL EVENT - Ice Cream Float Social (Vegan) and "Get To Know You" games
Enjoy a healthy dairy and gluten free version of this favorite treat and meet other participants as Bob Mikell leads the group through "get to know you" games.

3:00 pm to 4:15 pm

Michael Marcus - The Way of Sushi II
Throw a party with delectable sushi and recipes presented by Bizen's famed master sushi chef, Michael Marcus. Experience creative and imaginative combinations that have never been experienced in vegetarian cuisine. This is part II of II classes.

Jane Stanchich - The Energetics of Food
You are what you eat; therefore, know the energy in the foods you eat. Foods shape a person's body, emotions, characteristics, health, politics, and culture. Every food has a unique energy and effect on the body, mind, and spirit. Discover the energy of foods in traditional diets, the Standard American Diet, ethnic diets, popular diets, and the macrobiotic diet. Learn invaluable scientific facts about how foods can harm and heal. Jane will discuss foods common to the macrobiotic diet, describe their specific energy, and how preparation can transform, heal, and create balance with other foods.

Warren & Marquita Wepman - Healthy Eating while Traveling
Based upon their traveling experiences over the last 30 years, Warren and Marquita Wepman will reveal their shocking secrets on how to eat a balanced, healthy diet, even while traveling by airplane, ship, bus, or automobile. In this lecture, students will learn that they can: a) Travel and still eat well; b) Be able to make healthy food selections in restaurants; c) Be freed of the anxiety that they may injure their health when they travel; d) Feel an inner joy that they can take on vacation.

William Spear - The Spirit of Macrobiotics: Ancient Traditions and Common Sense
Let go of the concept of macrobiotics as a set of rules and have better results in your life by opening to the many choices within a wide range of possibilities: the spirit of inclusion rather than exclusion; flexibility rather than rigidity; and the joyful pursuit of your dreams.

4:45 pm to 6:00 pm

Melanie Waxman - Quick and Easy Dishes
Join Melanie for a lively class and learn how to prepare an array of lovely dishes that delight the senses and sing on the palate. Learn ways to be creative with only a few ingredients and how to make a marvelous meal in no time at all. This session will also cover cooking for one, what to take for work, and how to be efficient in the kitchen, plus lots of tips and suggestions for menu preparation. A great class for those who wish to cook meals that are fun, tasty, easy, and creative.

David Briscoe: Women's Health - Heal Your Liver and Transform Your Health
Looking at health through Asian principles, many women's health issues can be understood to have their roots in the problems with the liver, specifically stagnation of liver "ki" (an Asian word for energy flow). Women's health issues attributed to this include PMS, irregular menstruation, ovarian cancer, breast health problems, thyroid problems, digestive problems, emotional disturbances and much more. Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of liver ki stagnation, and get suggestions for recipes, exercises and healing techniques. Knowing about the role of the liver from this energy perspective and what can be done to overcome the problem has helped countless women restore health and well-being.

Denny Waxman - Enhancing the Power of Foods
Discover how you can enhance your nutrition and the process of digestion through proper cooking as well as by sticking to mainly a whole grain and vegetable-based diet, supplemented with other foods. Proper cooking enhances our basic nutrients and makes them easier to absorb and utilize. I will discuss how the main methods of preparation; boiling, steaming, sautéing, baking, and pickling, affect your nutritional, physical, and mental well-being. Many popular nutritional myths will also be discussed. This class will teach you how to make healthier dietary choices and how to prepare food for optimal nutritional benefit.

Warren Kramer - Getting the Most Out Of A Macrobiotic Practice
To get the most out of macrobiotic dietary and lifestyle changes, it is always nice to know how to proceed in life. You will be surprised to learn of the seemingly simple things that can truly alter the results you see from day to day. Warren will also discuss some of the common mistakes people make on a daily basis. Whether you are brand new to macrobiotics, have been practicing for some time, or just checking into it, you will benefit from this class. The small points are often the things that are overlooked.

Charles Neville - Tai Chi
The ancient art of Tai Chi uses gentle flowing movements to connect the mind and body and improve health and well-being. Benefits include: Stress reduction and relaxation, improved strength, balance and agility, and increased energy and feelings of well-being. Great for any age or fitness level.

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Celebrate Life! Recovery Panel
Hear the inspiring, firsthand accounts of many people who faced serious, life-threatening illnesses yet fully recovered, and the alternative methods they used to support their return to health. There will be a "follow up" Recovery Panel session on Friday at 4:45 pm, where some of the panelists will be available for your questions.

Wednesday July 30

7:00 am to 8:00 am

Liliane Papin - Qi Gong
Dao Yin Qi Gong is a beautiful dance-like form of movement that is easy to master and is a great form of energetic exercise. Masters say that tai chi is "the symphony" while qi gong is "the scales". In qi gong, as with the practice of being a musician, you strengthen your "fingers"; repeating simple exercises to strengthen your breathing, lungs, kidneys, and the sense of flow of qi. The practice is relaxing, uplifting and gently magical…

Clyde Motosue - Do in
Do-In, also sometimes called "self shiatsu", is an ancient, traditional form of exercise from Asia that helps move the body's energy flow, release energy blockages, move the lymph system, and increase strength and vitality. Consisting primarily of gentle stretching and tapping, this is an easy to do and learn great exercise system for anyone, of any fitness level.

9:00 am to 10:15 am

FEATURED SPEAKER Neal Barnard, MD - Foods that Fight Pain
If you have thought of chronic pain as something that is an unavoidable part of aging and simply here to stay, new hope may come from ordinary foods. Learn which foods can cool down inflammation, ease digestive and menstrual pains, clear away artery blockages, restore circulation to oxygen-starved tissues, and much more.

10:45 am to 12:00 pm

Chef Sato - Chef Sato's Happy Desserts for Happy Occasions
Chef Sato will demonstrate how to make lively desserts with cute, pretty, and fancy decorations for the very special occasion. All guests, both macrobiotic and non-macrobiotic, will have a happy time. Lets get together and have a fun party!!!

Neal Barnard, MD - A New Diet for Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
Food can be powerful in preventing and reversing diabetes. However, the old models of food for diabetes has had limited results, and dietary approaches have changed as we have learned more about the disease. Learn about new research on the relationship between dietary fat and diabetes, and how low-fat, vegetarian diets are ideal for people with diabetes, when combined with exercise, can be more effective in reversing type 2 diabetes than other diets studied. The new dietary changes recommended are simple, but profound, and they work.

Tzen Tzatzoehetzin - The Nine Levels of Transformation
The ancient Aztecs acknowledged that when someone dies there are nine levels of transformation until their energy is completely incorporated again into the universe. These nine levels are evident on the Aztec calendar. The fascinating thing is that we can use them in our daily lives to be more effective with both our projects and our spiritual growth. We can use the concept of the levels of transformation to inform our decisions, develop ideas, and structure our projects.

Gabriele Kushi - Approaching Menopause Naturally
In this exciting lecture, macrobiotic teacher Gabriele Kushi explores natural ways of working with the menopausal transition. As menopause triggers many physical and emotional changes like hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, and sleeplessness, it also brings forth spiritual issues that mark a redefinition of the feminine self. To address the total impact of menopause, Gabriele Kushi has created a supportive, practical, and personal lecture to dealing with this transition in a woman's life. Women will learn how to nurture their spiritual growth, adjust their food intake to their changing needs, and enjoy good health throughout the mid-life years and beyond.

Clyde Motosue - Shiatsu in a Chair
Shiatsu is wonderful energy bodywork traditionally done on floor mats without using oils or disrobing. In this class, we will do marvelously effective yet simple shiatsu while allowing the receiver to just relax and sit in an ordinary chair. No massage tables or special bodywork chairs will be needed. We will learn some great acupoints and an easy routine that can be done by almost anyone virtually anywhere - simple and wonderful! At the end of the class, we'll be energized having been both practitioners and receivers, so send your friends, family, and loved ones to this class!

1:30 pm to 2:45 pm

SOCIAL EVENT - Auditions for Talent Show
Join in or just come to watch the fun and enjoy the cookies served at this event. Staff and volunteers lead the moves to popular tunes like The Electric Slide, Makarena and more.

Social Event - Conversation Starter Cards facilitated by Mirea Ellis
Each group sitting at a table will have a stack of cards with questions that will spark what will perhaps be the most interesting discussions of your life! People raved about this event last year, and on the evaluation forms, one of the participants answered the question "What would make you return next year?" with "The conversation starter cards!" Due to popularity we're having this event twice this year. Along with the conversation you'll get to enjoy Hors d'oeuvres prepared just for this session.

3:00 pm to 4:15 pm

Dawn Pallavi - The Sensual Side of Food
Even healing foods need to be appealing! Increase the pleasure and enjoyment of your recipes with simple tips. Learn to take the simplest macrobiotic recipes and easily transform them into masterpieces of sensual cuisine.

Lino Stanchich - More Fulfilling Sex and Better Relationships
Studies show people who have fulfilling relationships have healthier lives. Learn how food and lifestyle choices can create more open and loving communications with your partner, more virility and spark, and improve your sex life and relationship.

Liliane Papin: The "Emergency Kitchen" - Foods for Healing
What should we have on hand in our homes to insure that we are ready for all common ailments? In my medical practice, I see so many people turn to over-the-counter drugs even though they know better. They do this because there are no simple ingredients on hand that would enable them to handle the unexpected headache, child's cough, food poisoning, or sprained ankle. We can stock up on simple herbs and basic cooking ingredients used in European and Oriental traditions to ensure that we reclaim our freedom from our "popping-a-pill" culture.

Mirea Ellis - Could Gluten be Hindering YOUR Healing?
If you have any health problems that have not been overcome by treatments or dietary changes, gluten intolerance could be the hidden cause. Learn all about this common but most often misdiagnosed ailment, and how going gluten-free, especially when combined with healthy whole foods, can help you achieve great health.

Horriah Nelissen - The Front and Back of Vaccinations
All the information you had better know before making up your mind about vaccinations not only for children, but also for adults while traveling. Many of the facts of vaccinations are kept in the dark. Horriah is an active member of a Dutch organization which informs parents about the back side of vaccinations. She will explain the history and future politics of vaccination programs worldwide.

4:45 pm to 6:00 pm

Warren Kramer - Delicious Grains
Science keeps proving what we’ve known for ages: whole grains have an amazing array of health benefits and play a big part in preventing and even helping reverse the biggest illnesses of our time, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Warren will show you delicious yet easy to prepare ways to make whole grains a part of your healthy life.

Robert Carr, Jr. - Healing Properties of Everyday Foods
Most people know that coffee or chili peppers affect them, but what about vegetables such as lettuce, cauliflower, squash, or cucumbers? Common foods like carrots and cabbage all have special properties and effects. This lecture will cover why they have different types of properties and energies and what they are especially good for. We will particularly focus on the unique properties of the principal grains, which include corn, rice, wheat, oats, millet, buckwheat, rye, and barley.

David Briscoe - Mental and Emotional Healing Beyond Food
We are greatly effected by everything that happens to us in our lives: including experiences we have had, our family atmosphere, how people have spoken, what we've seen. In a way our experiences are like food, they have been "consumed and assimilated" by us. Just like junk food, eating can cause health problems over time. Numerous studies have shown how negative patterns, traumas, and residues of emotional stress can build up and contribute to health problems including heart disease, cancer, asthma, skin problems, intestinal conditions, and much more. In this class you will discover how to use "MacroSomatics" to "read" the language of the body in order to read the story of your life that is being told there; learn where you could be restricting your self-expression by holding on to past patterns that contribute to physical and emotional tension; and find out how to restore natural "biological pulsation" essential to overall health and well-being.

John Kozinski: Ideas That Change Your Life - The Power of Thought
Macrobiotics is a philosophy that can be applied to every aspect of life. It has the potential to create greater physical, emotional, and mental health. The ultimate goal is to raise your judgment, your ability to see life clearly, and make wise choices. We will explore the understanding behind our choices of health and life. According to the modern macrobiotic pioneer, George Ohsawa, all problems for people and society arise from poor judgment. This class will be an exercise in raising our judgment and awareness.

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Aveline Celebration and Awards
Each year we present the Aveline Award to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in helping individuals and communities achieve greater health and peace. After the Award teachers and participants from Japan will share some of their talents and culture, and let the audience know what's happening in the macrobiotic movement in Japan.

Thursday July 31

7:00 am to 8:00 am

Abraham Oort - Do-in / Meditation
After a short, guided meditation inside where we will reconnect our body and mind, we will go outside (weather permitting) to stretch and to stimulate the flow of life energy in our body meridians and organs. Feeling our bodies refreshed, strong, and alive in a circle of supportive practitioners will be a great joy. In this way we will be ready to fully experience a new wonderful day of macrobiotics.

Liliane Papin - Qi Gong
Dao Yin Qi Gong is a beautiful dance-like form of movement that is easy to master and is a great form of energetic exercise. Masters say that tai chi is "the symphony" while qi gong is "the scales". In qi gong, as with the practice of being a musician, you strengthen your "fingers"; repeating simple exercises to strengthen your breathing, lungs, kidneys, and the sense of flow of qi. The practice is relaxing, uplifting and gently magical…

9:00 am to 10:15 am

FEATURED SPEAKER Will Tuttle Ph.D. - Eating For Spiritual Health and Social Harmony
Dr. Tuttle, author of "The World Peace Diet", will explore how our food choices have far greater ramifications than most of us realize, especially for spiritual and psychological health, peace, and social justice. Inquiring deeply into food brings us to the hidden core of our culture and beyond: to a path of immense and inviting social transformation and personal healing. By understanding and transcending the "military-industrial-meat-medical-pharmaceutical complex", we can awaken vibrant natural health and our inherent capacity for compassion and wisdom.

10:45 am to 12:00 pm

Judy MacKenney - Where's the Protein?
In this cooking demonstration, you'll see how to prepare high-protein foods from the vegetable kingdom, learn why getting your protein in this way has a tremendous number of important health benefits, and taste how satisfying and delicious healthier protein sources can be.

Tom Monte - Blood Sugar and the Health of Your Brain
Food dramatically affects how our brains work being especially responsive to sugar and processed foods on one hand, and protein foods on the other. These foods profoundly affect mood and thinking because they regulate insulin levels in the brain, which is the key to many brain functions. People often suffer from a wide range of insulin-related brain imbalances including confused thinking, mood swings, and loss of memory long before contracting more advanced illnesses such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. This lecture will show how you can use food and exercise to enhance the clarity of your thinking, boost your sense of well-being, and protect your memory.

Denny Waxman - Acid & Alkaline
The acidity or alkalinity of our bodies profoundly affects our well-being. The balance of these two states predisposes us to either glowing health or, with only a slight shift, leaves us vulnerable to a host of physical, emotional, and mental ills. In this class, I will demystify the concept of acid and alkaline in clear and simple terms. You will learn how to create an optimal alkaline condition through diet, eating habits, cooking methods, activity, and proper environment.

Adelbert Nelissen - The Cause of Fear
Notwithstanding our defense systems, police, insurance companies, and antibiotics, modern people experience life as a threat. We declare war on what gives us fear: war on AIDS, drugs, cancer, etc. In this lecture, Adelbert will clearly explain the underlying causes of fear. He will suggest ways to overcome your fear and maintain your health and courage in the face of this alarming trend.

Abraham Oort: Nurturing our Body - Self-Shiatsu
We will explore how our body uses the nutrients we take in as well as how to strengthen and heal our digestive system. This will be investigated by stimulating the digestive meridians through self-shiatsu and by pressing certain, potent acupressure points. According to Buddhist psychology, we take in four kinds of nutrients: material foods, sensory impressions, volition, and conscience. Through the Taoist practice of smiling to our organs, we will become more aware and appreciative of their tireless working to make us healthy and strong. We will experience the importance of being mindful how we handle our food and how we eat.

1:30 pm to 2:45 pm

Social Event - Line Dancing facilitated by Mirea Ellis and Rhea Linda
Each group sitting at a table will have a stack of cards with questions that will spark what will perhaps be the most interesting discussions of your life! People raved about this event last year, and on the evaluation forms, one of the participants answered the question "What would make you return next year?" with "The conversation starter cards!" Due to popularity we're having this event twice this year. Along with the conversation you'll get to enjoy Hors d'oeuvres prepared just for this session.

3:00 pm to 4:15 pm

Susan Waxman - Rich, Delicious, and Healthy Cooking
One of the most important aspects of our meal is that we feel well nourished and satisfied. In this class, you will learn how to create delicious dishes that enhance your health and do not leave you wanting anything more.

Will Tuttle, Ph.D. - The Healing Power of Music
Participants will have the opportunity to experience the power of music to reveal insights and to provide healing energy when their experience is deepened with meditation and imagery techniques. Following a brief overview of sound, music, and the physics of vibration, the presenter will teach two methods for deepening the experience of music. One is a meditative listening technique based on an ancient Zen practice of listening for the silence between musical notes. The second is a technique based on listening to several pieces of original piano music while allowing the music to evoke the full sensory range of imagery

Stephen Devine - How to Design a Healthy Home with Feng Shui
Feng Shui is a centuries-old study of the relationship between human beings and their living-working environments. Through the application of Feng Shui you can enhance your knowledge, career, family relationships, financial situation, marriage and well-being.

Rhea Linda - Belly Dancing
A fun way to a great shape. Relax, relate, release, and circulate.

4:45 pm to 6:00 pm

Jane Stanchich - Sumptuous, Super-Healthy Sea Vegetables
These gifts from the sea are packed with an abundance of nutrients not found in land vegetables, and the big boost they give to your ability to health and thrive makes them an essential part of a healthy food plan. Jane Stanchich shows you how to prepare several types, and how surprisingly delicious dishes with sea vegetables can be.

Dawn Pallavi: East Meets West - Interacting with Conventional Medicine
Come discover how to overcome the unique challenges of working with the medical world. Discover new projects happening around the U.S. in food and nutrition and how we can tap into this market to bring macrobiotics into a new era..

Lawrence Kushi, ScD - Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Cancer Prevention
In 2006 and 2007, nutrition guidelines for the prevention of cancer were published by leading cancer organizations. These guidelines synthesize the results of thousands of research studies and point to a dietary pattern that emphasizes whole foods, minimal red meat, and lots of vegetables and fruits. Dr. Kushi will talk about his perspective on the development of these guidelines and the evidence on which they are based.

Mirea Ellis - Shamanic Energy Healing
How often do we "know" what to do for greater health and happiness, yet choose otherwise? In this participatory class you'll go through processes that can help clear stuck energy patterns and perceptions that are holding you back; tap into deeper levels of intuition and inner wisdom; and learn methods that support a new vision for yourself that can bring the changes you want into your life and your health.

Les Bolland - Swingolf for Fun and Health
Les Bolland's Swingolf programs have been opening the minds of golfers all over the world to the enjoyment that comes in swinging a golf club freely with harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Participants will enjoy hands-on experience, massage instruction, and yoga instruction, all intended to enhance his/her success and enjoyment of the golfing experience. Covered in these programs as time permits are putting, chipping, pitching, bunker shots, iron, and wood play, plus golf course strategy. The frustration of the typical amateur golfer is replaced with harmony of mind and body, relaxation, success, and fun.

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Global Crisis & Macrobiotic Solutions,
Michio Kushi

Makropedia,
Adelbert Nelissen,

Global Crisis and Macrobiotic Solutions: How is the modern diet and lifestyle affecting today’s population, as well as future generations? Michio Kushi shows where we are headed and the changes we need to make to change our personal destiny and that of the world.

Makropedia: Most of the world’s people have no access to unbiased information on health and diet. Hundreds of millions are too poor to attend classes or buy books. In addition, the many thousands of scientific and medical studies are written in a language not suitable for the layperson. On Makropedia.com, people will soon be able to find, free of charge, the macrobiotic and scientific information they need. It will be a site with sound, practical knowledge and will be a resource for the world.

Japanese Cultural Night
In the theater after the lectures, some of the teachers and participants from Japan will share what's going on there in macrobiotics and perform Japanese song and dance.

Friday August 1

7:00 am to 8:00 am

John Kozinski - Reflective Exercise: A Modern Chi Gong Method
Learn the art of health recovery and rejuvenation by stimulating the body's self-healing ability. In this class, you will begin to learn a step-by-step method that helps one to be sensitive to the body's reflections of heat and magnetism. Through biofeedback mechanisms between the brain and body, these sensations boost the immune function. Immune strengthening exercises were first developed in China over 2000 years ago. Around 50 years ago, these were named chi gung. Thousands of forms known as chi gung exist today, but only a few of these practices powerfully boost health. This system is one of them.

Mirea Ellis - Sound Healing
A study showed humming cleared sinus passages better than drugs or a saline rinse! Experience for yourself how simple sounds anyone can make can improve and enhance your health and well-being on all levels. You’ll also hear and feel the profound effects of Tibetan and Japanese “singing” bowls.

9:00 am to 10:15 am

Mie Naka - Zen Macrobiotic Cooking
This class focuses on tofu cuisine. Tofu is a traditional Japanese food which Mie will show you how to use in various delicious ways in daily meals and desserts.

Ginat Rice- Understanding Yin & Yang Can Change Your Life
Yin and yang are the basic tools of macrobiotic understanding, simple yet not always easy to grasp. In a step-by-step progression, Ginat will explain the principles of expansion and contraction in words that a layperson can clearly understand. Examples from daily life will help bring these concepts alive and make them the means for personal development and understanding that they were meant to be.

John Kozinski - Sustainable Macrobiotic Eating and Living for Long Lasting Health
Change is the key to health and life. Knowing how to adapt the macrobiotic approach to diet and lifestyle at the different stages of development is the key to long lasting health and happiness. We will discuss the diet and lifestyle needs such as it pertains to children, to the various stages of healing, to active adults, to the elderly, and more. We will draw upon science, tradition, and macrobiotic philosophy to understand how to adapt your eating and lifestyle to your changing needs.

Robert Carr, Jr. - SuperHealth
True health goes far beyond not being sick. Super health spans the spectrum from physical to spiritual health and includes developing the senses, the emotions, the intellect, social skills, and being able to share energy and consciousness. We will discuss criteria for judging one's health level and ways to infinitely expand our development.

10:45 am to 12:00 pm

Warren & Marquita Wepman - The Joy of Soy
Now that soy has become mainstream, Warren and Marquita Wepman would like to demonstrate the preparation of delicious dishes, which they will create with soy products. The main ingredient in many popular foods including soy sauce, tofu, tempeh, and miso, soy has been proven by the scientific community to be a preferred, nutritious, and healthful part of a balanced diet. Students will learn the powerful benefits of including soy products in their diet, be able to discern the differences between healthy and unhealthy soy products, and learn to make delicious soy dishes.

Deco Nakajima - The Brownsfield Experience
Deco and her husband discuss their experience of building an eco-village based on Japanese traditions and macrobiotic principles in conjunction with their local community. Participants interested in developing effective macrobiotic communities are invited to bring their ideas for discussion.

Norio Kushi - The Next Step in the Evolution of Humanity - Awakening from the Illusion of Self
Very few of George Ohsawa's teachings are incorporated into mainstream macrobiotics. Norio explains: "When I was a child, George Ohsawa was like a grandfather to me, but it was only until much later in life that I began to understand him." For example, he said there is only one disease: arrogance. What does this mean? How can we learn to recognize this arrogance within ourselves? To begin to understand, we must first look at the core of who we are. Come join Norio for an in-depth inquiry about what it means to be human.

Tom Monte - The Heart of Healing
The heart is the coordinating center of the body. The pulse beat that it sends through the organism helps regulate how cells and organs function. Your health, intuition, and your capacity to experience love and joy depend on your ability to listen to and follow your heart. This lecture will teach you to truly follow the embracing consciousness that resides in the heart allowing you to integrate all aspects of your inner life. You will be shown how such listening can help you heal physically and how it can integrate you giving your life direction, purpose, and fulfillment.

David Briscoe - Qi Gong
Come and have an “acupuncture through movement” experience, by learning eight exercises that you can do at home without the need for special equipment or large space. We will also do some helpful self-massage techniques. Become more grounded, relaxed, energized, and happy through simple Qi Gong!

1:30 pm to 2:45 pm

Social Event - Singles' Mixer Speed Dating facilitated by Bob Mikell
A great venue for singles to meet, last year's speed dating event was a great success.

3:00 pm to 4:15 pm

Hiroyuki Naka - Let's Have an "Omusubi" Party

Michael Rossoff: Moving Ki - Four Gates of Oriental Medicine
Ki is the engine of life. In Oriental medicine, ki (qi in Chinese) connects spiritual and physical realities. All body-mind problems are rooted, to some degree, in energy imbalance, whether stagnated or stuck. The Four Gates are a set of simple and practical acupressure points which activate ki in a grand way, stimulate greater healing, and unify the realms of body, mind, and spirit. This lecture leads you into new insights and awareness of energy connections between body and spirit.

Warren Kramer - Health & Balance for an Exciting Life
We have all heard many times in our lives that "balance is the key to health". The truth is, if we were so good at finding and maintaining balance, we would not need to study creating health. So why is balance so hard to find and to keep? To have an exciting, adventurous life and to keep healthy, we need to understand balance. Warren explains the macrobiotic approach to living a balanced life and how to maintain our direction. This is a timely lecture given the nature of modern times and how active we all are.

Jane Stanchich - Osteoporosis
Do you have bone and joint pain, a stiff and creaky body? Avoid the current epidemic of bone loss and joint replacement. Jane Stanchich conquered her osteo-arthritis over 25 years ago and enjoys a pain-free, active life through the adoption of macrobiotic dietary principles, special remedies, and effective lifestyle practices. She will teach simple, proven steps to help reverse the wearing away of cartilage and bone. Discover the very common and surprising causes of arthritis and osteoporosis.

4:45 pm to 6:00 pm

Eric Lechasseur & Sanae Suzuki - Santa Monican Delicious Macrobiotic Cuisine
Eric Lechasseur and Sanae Suzuki have been living in Santa Monica for over 30 years and love the diverse Santa Monican life style. They will teach how macrobiotics can easily be incorporated into a busy lifestyle that many of us have. Eric and Sanae know how to break down the principles of macrobiotics so that they are more "user-friendly". Participants will learn that macrobiotics is everywhere, and that it is very easy to switch from a more conventional way of cooking and living into a natural, organic, and macro way of living.

Patricio Garcia de Paredes - Choosing Foods Wisely
Figuring out what to eat can be a challenge. There seems to be two main approaches. One is more analytical based on nutrition and scientific data, which can be complex with theories that are difficult to practice. The other is an overly simplistic approach that gives a few hints and may be easy to follow, but can lead to mistakes. The macrobiotic approach lies somewhat in the middle. Its dietary recommendations are based on an understanding of life and humanity; its practice is simple and common sense. We will discuss ways to help us choose our food wisely yet in a flexible and enjoyable way.

Carol Anne Wasserman - Weight Loss Naturally
Learn why diets don’t work and find out which foods are best for weight loss, the ones to avoid, and how you can stop craving unhealthy foods and start craving the right ones. Don’t just take the weight off, keep it off!

Lino Stanchich - Strengthening your Kidneys, Bladder, and Adrenal Glands
The foundation of our energy, bone and teeth health, hearing, and love life depend on the condition of our kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands. Learn natural methods and foods that can totally recharge your kidneys.

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Talent Show

Saturday August 2

7:00 am to 8:00 am

Mirea Ellis - Get in Shape, Get Fit, Get Inspired
Shape, tone strengthen and get happy with these fun, low-impact cardio and stretching exercises. Lively, foot-tapping music and moves Influenced by kickboxing, cappoeira (a Brazilian martial art / dance form) and dance, will make getting fit fun, wake up your mind and lift your spirits. All moves can be adjusted for any fitness level.

Abraham Oort - Do-in/Meditation
After a short, guided meditation inside where we will reconnect our body and mind, we will go outside (weather permitting) to stretch and to stimulate the flow of life energy in our body meridians and organs. Feeling our bodies refreshed, strong, and alive in a circle of supportive practitioners will be a great joy. In this way we will be ready to fully experience a new wonderful day of macrobiotics.

9:00 am to 10:15 am

FEATURED SPEAKER: Richard Malik, ND - Natural Solutions for Depression
Dr. Malik first outlines the definition, diagnosis, and current scientific understanding of factors that contribute to or may cause depression including issues with neurotransmitter, blood sugar, and hormone imbalances; nutrient imbalances; effects of drugs and nicotine, allergies and sensitivities; poor digestion and more. He goes on to discuss natural medicines and a systematic and holistic approach to identifying and treating the causes of depression.

10:45 am to 12:00 pm

Patricio Garcia de Paredes - Creative Macrobiotic Cooking
Cooking is the art of life; foods nourish and become us. Macrobiotic cooking develops and refines this art so that it may contribute to a great life. When we begin cooking, it is normal to rely on teachers for guidance and ideas. Ultimately we want to develop creativity and a playful attitude, adapting our cooking to our needs and the changing circumstances around us. In addition, we want to create healthy alternatives to the dishes we have enjoyed in the past. We will consider various ideas for developing our creativity in the kitchen that will lead to new discoveries and endless possibilities.

Richard Malik, ND - Detoxification Basics
Accumulated toxins create a "body burden" that impedes many self healing processes. Go on a tour of your detoxification systems, including the liver and kidneys, and learn how they get overloaded, how to avoid some common environmental toxins, and the best foods and other natural methods to support effective release of stored toxins.

Recovery Panel Follow-up
A casual atmosphere in which you can meet with some of the people featured on the recovery panel and ask questions.

1:30 pm to 2:45 pm

Social Event - Keeping the Inspiration Going
facilitated by Bob Mikell
Enjoy snacks as you share ideas on how to make inspiration, learning, health, and joy part of your everyday experience.

3:00 pm to 4:15 pm

Deco Nakajima - Rice Terrace Café Favorite Recipes
This course will cover several popular recipes from the Rice Terrace Café in Japan. Included will be a starter dish, main dish, and dessert dish that are all easy to make. The dishes will be fusion style and will offer participants a new macrobiotic taste experience.

Sheldon Rice - Aging Well
Sheldon Rice is a vibrant 72 years old with years of macrobiotic wisdom and stories to share. His experiences as a macrobiotic senior inspire great appreciation for life as he dedicates himself to his practice and moves more and more into a spiritual understanding of existence. The combination of right living and chronological giftedness create a rare gift of well-being and contentment.

Mirea Ellis: Rock Your World Beauty Secrets - Facial Rejuvenation
Find out how you can have a much more beautiful appearance, and even look and feel like you're growing younger, the totally natural way. Discover which plants, clays and oils contain the most beautifying nutrients and how to apply them on the face for greater rejuvenation results than any modern commercial preparation can do. Improve appearance and health by removing toxic beauty products from your life - this class shows you easy ways to determine how toxic or beneficial the products you are using are, and better brand options. You'll also learn a few simple facial exercises that tone, tighten and strengthen facial muscles to bring back the face shape of younger days, or perhaps even better than you've looked before.

4:45 pm to 6:00 pm

Eric Lechasseur & Sanae Suzuki - "Love, Eric" Macrobiotic Desserts
Expanding from his internationally successful cookbook, "Love, Eric", chef Eric will teach how to cook a few delicious and healthy macro-vegan desserts with a French flair. Eric has the ability to create amazing sweets that are just too good to be macro and vegan. Participants will appreciate and be able to view macro desserts from a completely different perspective. Adding variety, fun, and beauty is important in a macrobiotic life, and Eric is sure that this class will satisfy all of these conditions plus those with a sweet tooth as well!

Hiroyuki Naka: Musubu - "The Unifying Principle"
Learn the macrobiotic principles of unifying the energy of Heaven and Earth with the food we eat, and how it harmonizes us as individuals, extends to families and society, and brings the talents of each individual to the maximum. Using the Unifying Principle is a way to achieve success.

Olaf Fischer: The Art of Empowerment - Creating the Life You Want
The program consists of a brief lecture, guided meditation/visualization and discussion groups. It is hands on and experiential.

7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Art For Life Benefit Performance
Dancers and performers donate their time and talent to this very special event. All profits raised from the show tickets go towards the Kushi Institute Way to Health Scholarship Fund, supporting people with serious health problems and financial need in attending this valuable, life-changing program.

8:30 pm to 12:30 am

Farewell Dance Party and Closing Event
Rock the night away to great music and connect for the last night with new and old friends at the closing of this marvelous week

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