thekchen choling
Syracuse

People interested in learning the benefits of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), which predates Traditional Chinese Medicine by thousands of years, are invited to a daylong workshop at Thekchen Choling Syracuse. 

Diane Macchiavelli, B.S., L.Ac, director of Brighton Pathways to Health in Rochester, New York, is presenting a two-part program at the Buddhist temple titled Our Radiant Mind and Our Active Body on Saturday, July 13.

Macchiavelli will discuss the Five-Element Theory of CCM from 9 a.m. to noon. Following lunch at nearby Dosa Grill, she will lead a program of gentle Chinese movement therapy, including Qigong and Tai Chi, from 2-5 p.m., culminating in a guided meditation.

Adults of all ages, faith backgrounds and physical abilities are invited to attend. No experience is needed. Tuition is $45 per session or $81 for both (a 10% savings). Lunch is self-pay. For more information or to register, contact Thekchen Choling Syracuse at tccl.syracuse@gmail.com or 315.480-1088. The temple is located at 109 East Ave. in the Village of Minoa.

“Diane will apply ancient Chinese theory to our modern lives,” says temple president Babette Teish-Visco, noting that Macchiavelli brings decades of study and practice to the workshop. “The modalities she shares are different, but related, and possess extraordinary physical, mental and spiritual benefits.” 

Five-Element Theory draws on the ancient belief that everything in our physical, Earthly plane comes from fire, earth, metal, water and wood. These elements can be combined in different ways to balance one’s energies and to diagnose and treat illness and disease.

Macchiavelli, who also owns Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Rochester, describes Five-Element Theory as a “whole system-based theory” that can be applied to everything in our lives, inter-relationships with families and friends, and organizational processes. “We’ll learn easy, practical ways to stay healthy through the seasons, as each element relates to a different season,” she says, referring to the correlation between spring and wood, summer and fire, late summer and earth, autumn and metal, and winter and water.

The Rochester resident also will examine the dynamic relationships between the Five Elements and the Creation and Completion cycles of existence. The Creation Cycle illustrates how each element generates and nurtures the next element. The Completion, or Control, Cycle describes how one element regulates another. “Understanding how the Five Elements work synergistically can help us understand our emotions, especially during challenging times,” she adds.

Her afternoon program will focus on Tai Chi and Qigong, mind-body-spirit practices that use slow, repetitive motions, postures, breathing techniques and mindfulness to cultivate our life force. Sometimes this force, which the Chinese call Qi (pronounced “chee”), can get blocked or stuck, causing illness. Studies show that daily Qigong practice can mitigate such blockages and restore the flow of energy in the body.

Qi also is central to Tai Chi, a form of Qigong that is a popular healing art and sometimes referred to as Chinese Yoga. Whereas Qigong focuses on one repetitive movement at a time, Tai Chi involves a series of postures linked together by flowing movement. “Both practices cultivate energy. They’re meditation in motion,” Teish-Visco says.

A nationally certified and New York state licensed acupuncturist, Macchiavelli is an independent Medical Examiner for acupuncture. She also is a sought-after writer and speaker who teaches Tai Chi and meditation at Brighton Pathways and OASIS, both in Rochester. She previously taught Tai Chi in Washington, D.C.

Macchiavelli has held positions at the Worsley Institute, the Women’s Journey Retreat, Huther Doyle, the Great Lake T’ai Chi Ch’uan and the Smithsonian Institution.

Thekchen Choling Syracuse is part of Thekchen Choling, a Buddhist temple with branches in Singapore and Malaysia. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this fall, the Syracuse-based organization offers programs and activities and houses many precious Buddhist relics.