Last weekend I drove up to Seattle to attend a workshop on The TARA Approach for Self-Care. This was a wonderful class in which we learned to apply the art of Jin Shin Tara to our selves and others for the healing and resolution of shock and trauma. Jin Shin Tara is the art of applying gentle touch to 26 points on the body to balance the meridians and energetic systems of the body.

The TARA Approach for the Resolution of Shock and Trauma integrates the energetic medicine of Jin Shin Tara, therapeutic dialogue and resourcing, craniosacral therapy, and pre- and perinatal psychology to create a whole system for the healing of the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. http://www.tara-approach.org/

I really enjoyed the emphasis on Self-Care as I believe the source of all real healing is within our selves. Caring for our self, is creating sustainable health, and it is essential to have healing resources available in case of crisis. As on person in my class remarked, self-care is like the protocol for oxygen masks on a plane. In times of distress, if the masks were to fall down, you put on your own mask first, so then you can assist with others.

I feel that is amazing that with gentle touch of ourselves, or others, we can transform our bodies and our lives. I look forward to integrating this work into my craniosacral bodywork and birth-assisting practice. I also hope to continue with my training in the TARA Approach in the very near future.