Callie Blackwood, an acupuncturist and ceremony facilitator speaks with Shaundra Fontaine from Episode12 about the Mother’s Blessing ceremony that she did for Shaundra when she was pregnant. “The term Blessingway derives from the Diné (Navaho) culture and language, but such rituals are germane to peoples all over the world.” (Romm, Aviva Jill. The Natural Pregnancy Book. New York: Celestial Arts, 2003) Callie was first introduced to the ceremony of the Blessingway in 2007. She was immediately struck by the strength and healing power of the ritual. This episode is rich with details about the ceremony and the purpose and importance of ritual, how Callie tailored it to Shaundra’s unique desires and personality and how each detail was intentionally crafted. Shaundra tells how the ceremony affected her and how important it was to the positive birth experience that followed. Callie understands the importance of holding the space for this kind of healing ceremony and is honored and blessed to be able to hold this sacred space for herself and for others. She desires to honor these times with healing ceremonies so that many are offered the opportunity to be honored and to heal the grief and reunite with the wisdom and strength from within while being able to honor those who have gone before us and bettering this world for all who will come after us.
Resources:
www.radiantearthacupuncture.com
Romm, Aviva Jill. The Natural Pregnancy Book
Bio:
My journey to find Chinese Medicine was led by my personal healing journey to find some answers to my chronic physical ailments. I was also looking to find tangible ways to help protect and restore our Planet and humans to a healthy state. My undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering set me up to understand complex systems and methods in which to gather and compile information and apply pattern recognition to these systems. For me, Chinese medicine includes understanding these complex living structures and it offers intricate treatment principles to help restore balance to the mind and body. My studies of Classical Chinese Medicine are weaved with Dancing, Shamanic Studies and spiritual practices that blend together creating a unique style that I bring to the treatment room.
I graduated with a Master’s of Science in Oriental Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. During this time of study I was immersed in Classical Chinese Medicine, learning Qigong, Herbs, Acupuncture, Japanese meridian therapy, Taiji, 5-Element style acupuncture, Shamanic healing ceremonies, dancing and more.
My areas of interest include the treatment of trauma, mental / emotional instabilities, pediatrics, chronic and difficult diseases, autoimmune disorders and acute / chronic pain. In the treatment room I draw upon my toolbox to incorporate acupuncture, shiatsu, craniosacral therapy, non-needle shonishin acupuncture tools, aromatherapy, cupping, sound, herbs, nutrition / lifestyle guidance, and more.
Inspired to improve health and bring radiance into the lives of all and for the earth, I am excited to be offering services to the community of Boise. Please come see me and experience the power of these healing modalities and find yourself in a greater state of health and radiance!