"That was then & this is Tao"

My final week in Thailand was for the most part spent at the flowering and lush Tao Garden: Health Spa & Resort. A place I could live at for some time if only my pocketbook could support me there. It is a delightful eden of a place founded by Mantak Chia outside of Chaing Mai. I was there first to receive a type of bodywork that is difficult to find in the States, Karsai Nei Tsang. I returned shortly after to participate in a six day workshop being held by a Master teacher there, Jutta, on Chi Nei Tsang.

Chi Nei Tsang is a type of internal organ massage. Its roots go back to Ancient China and are based on the Eastern 5 Element Theory and the study of Nature. Chi Nei Tsang was practiced by monks to detoxify and maintain balanced energy flow of the internal organs, to compliment and achieve the highest levels of spiritual practice. The abdominal region where most of our major organs are housed is considered to be the energy center and "second brain" of our being. Mantak Chia, the Taoist master who introduced Chi Nei Tsang to America 20 years ago, teaches that any blockages in the organs will slowly leak to all of our systems (energy channels, nervous system, cardio-vascular , lymph, reproductive, musculo-skeletal, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and urinary systems), effecting our whole health and life force. Chi Nei Tsang begins to clear the toxins in all of our systems by clearing negative energy, blocks, and knots in the organs with gentle massage and energy medicine. This restores vitality to our organs and life center of our being. Most bodywork practices address the organs remotely but Chi Nei Tsang goes as close to their essence as permits, and invites a transformation to occur that brings greater vitality to our whole being. To experience this type of bodywork, call for an appointment, Megan Living Stone, CMT, (720)284-4986

Besides offering wonderful workshops, the Tao Garden is also a place to go to recover, heal, and just nourish the whole body at their healing spa. They have extensive types of alternative therapies and a medical staff to support your journey in health. The three meals, fresh fruits, and exotic juices and teas served daily are healing, divinely crafted, and so, so delicious. I have rarely tasted so many uniquely prepared and soul satisfying vegetarian dishes in one place. The garden has daily Tao exercise practices and nightly meditations. The interesting juxtaposition of travel from a buddhist temple (at the start of my trip) where the eternal soul is courted without too much regard for the physical comfort of the body, to a Tao resort where finding ways to keep the body energetically full and vital eternally is a main pursuit, kept the trip well rounded and full spectrumed.

For more information about all kinds of Tao Classes taught by Master Mantak Chia or other teachers there or to visit the Tao Garden, contact their website: www.tao-garden.com. Signing up for their newsletter is a good way to stay informed about their upcoming events and specials.