Mountain Spirit School of Herbalism offers an innovative and multidimensional program that blends scientific knowledge with traditional experience and intuitive awareness. In alignment with the philosophy of our Mother school, NCSNH, our programs inspire and support authentic awareness of self, embodied spiritual connection and the development of outstanding professional skills with which to serve Mother Earth and her people"
Our unique programs offer hands on study designed for those who have an interest in learning more about medicinal herbs while unfolding their healing potential. Our program is appropriate for those with a variety of goals, from the herbal hobbyist to the herbal professional. It is ideal for the established medical practitioner who wishes to include herbs in their practice, the upcoming entrepreneur who has their sights set on the natural products market, and the gardening enthusiast who wants to learn more about the life enhancing gifts their land has to offer.
We are truly blessed here in the Blue Ridge Mountains to draw inspiration from the rich complexity of the land. The Asheville community is a center abundant with conscientious people who serve the calling of natural healing in diverse ways. Here at the Mountain Spirit School of Herbalism we are deeply honored to be a part of that and, add to that diversity and evolution.
Educational Objectives
Exposure to the plants in Nature
Students will be immersed in the natural abundance of the Blue Ridge Mountain area. Acreage has been set aside just minutes away from the Mountain Spirit School of Herbalism for our students especially to create gardening space, take plant identification hikes, and familiarize themselves with the natural abundance of our healing plants. Ethical wildcrafting skills will be emphasized. In addition mini field trips will be taken to various areas in the region to familiarize the students with local efforts in; organic gardening, endangered plant management, cultivation projects, and herbal industry. It is our wish that the students will practice using their senses in nature in a way which strengthens their bond with the healing plants and fosters their intuitive awareness of life around them.
Self Wellness
Perhaps one of the first transformations that will occur in our students is the movement towards a life of wellness and vitality. Each student will be encouraged to nurture their body, mind, and spirit through herbs, nutrition, and communion with nature. As we uncover the basics of nourishment and explore simple and easy ways to include wellness strategies in our lives, the student will no doubt apply this new wealth of knowledge to their own lifestyles. We advocate intellectual growth from a place of ease and comfort. The emotional and physiological effects of stress from both energetic and scientific perspectives will be an ongoing theme throughout the program.
Western Scientific Languaging
Throughout the course, an effort will be made to expose the students to the science of the western model of medicine. It is our philosophy that familiarity with this language will help the herbal professional create bridges with existing healthcare providers in this country, thus aspiring towards and offering the possibility of integrative therapeutic approaches. An understanding of the issues of the western model of health may enhance the herbal practitioner’s legitimacy in the public eye and can help foster trust and compliance on behalf of the herbal client.
Holistic Perspective on Healing
Although the student will be prepared to communicate in Western scientific terminology, they should be equally enpowered to practice healing from a holistic model of health. As herbalists, we observe the wholeness and oneness of nature and its relevance to the human body. Rather than solely focusing on illness and isolated body parts in addressing health issues, we consider the whole person while emphasizing the connection of the mind, body, and spirit. We seek to encourage the client to take responsibility for their own health by educating and guiding rather than prescribing and directing.
Responsible and Safe Practice
Individual responsibility of the herbal practitioner will be stressed. While for the most part herbs offer safe and gentle healing potentials, students can expect to be made aware of various safety and liability issues surrounding the practice of herbal healing. The proper resources for current information on herbal interactions and possible adverse effects will be introduced.
