2023

Private Practice

I offer Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage, Medical Qigong, and Hypnotherapy/Shamanic Journeys. These are ancient holistic modalities that offer clarity and wisdom and enhance your relationship with self, others and Spirit. I've worked with clients with physical discomfort, emotional blockages, or in major life transitions such as pregnancy, surgery, or hospice to help in their dying process.
Learn more about bodywork
Learn more about Qigong, Art Process, Maskmaking classes
View GALLERY Kaleo's art and Elise's poetry

For appointment, contact Kaleo

Endeavors & Classes

Elise and I are working on "Riding the Midnight Wing" a new book of her poetry with some of my shamanic journeys. We hope to inspire others on their own creative life's journey.
We've filmed various Qigong classes for Rossmoor TV (Channel 28).
We love volunteering teaching "Qigong for Harmony and Spirit” for peace and justice, Buddhist and interfaith venues, and schools. We've taught Qigong in Spanish for Universidad Transpersonal, Puebla; Aluxes Ecoparque, Palenque; and the Monument Crisis Center, Concord. Elise loves working with the animnals at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience.

Peaceful Heart Sangha - Buddhist Meditation Group (Thich Nhat Hahn)

Every Sunday 3 to 4:30 pm Pacific Time
Host: Chau Yoder and others

Join us for meditation, chanting, guided relaxation, mindful movement.
On March 12, 26, and April 12 Kaleo and Elise will share "Avalokitesvara/Quan Yin Qigong".

ONLINE: permanent Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/2p8hn9bu
Passcode: Connection

Healthy Mind, Healthy Body: A Day of Sitting Meditation, Guided Meditation, Dharma Study, Qigong, and Listening in Peaceful Harmony

Saturday, March 18, 2023, 10 am to 4 pm
Presenters: Ven. Thich Tu Luc, Chau Yoder, Kaleo Ching, with Dharmacharyas, OI and friends of the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism
Contact: To attend please contact photridom@gmail.com or 925-708-8662
Participants: Please bring your own vegetarian/vegan lunch and water. Clothing should be "monastery appropriate" and fragrance free. Cushions and chairs provided, but bring your own cushion if you prefer.

Location: Wisdom Meditation School, 7233 Pleasants Valley Road, Vacaville

Visit Wisdom Meditation School.

Qigong Movement & Meditation (Part 2) - Online/Zoom

March 21 to May 16, 8 Tuesdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am Pacific Time
Instructors: Kaleo and Elise Ching

Acalanes Adult Education
1963 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA
925-280-3980 Ext 4134

Course Description: Qigong is an ancient healing practice grounded in Chinese Medicine that affects the body, mind, and spirit. Learn Qigong movement for flexibility, strength, and balance; massage techniques incorporating energy meridians and acupressure points for self-care and rejuvenation; and meditation for emotional harmony. Includes the "Aloha Qigong.” All levels welcome.

Registration: Acalanes Adult Education.
View our Qigong video.

Recommended Reading
"The Creative Art of Living, Dying, and Renewal: Your Journey Through Stories, Qigong Meditation, Journaling, and Art", by Elise and Kaleo Ching, North Atlantic Books, 2014.
"Chi and Creativity: Vital Energy and Your Inner Artist" by Elise and Kaleo Ching, Blue Snake Books, 2007.
At local bookstores or Amazon

Earth Day Festival

Sunday, April 23 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Congregations and communities represented at this event are: Beth Chaim, The Reutlinger Community, San Ramon Islamic Center, San Ramon Baháʼí’s, St. Timothy’s Episcopal, Peace Lutheran, California Interfaith Power & Light (educating others about environmental stewardship, conservation, and the effects of global warming). Activities: Ritual, Labyrinth Walk, Art Exhibit, Community Art Projects, Music and Performances, Food, Presentation on Non-Violent Communication, Youth Activities, Calls to Action.
Kaleo and Elise are presenting the "Aloha Qigong".

Peace Lutheran Church
3201 Camino Tassajara, Danville, CA
‭(925) 648-7000‬

Ekphrasis: Exhibition of Works by Artists and Writers

Kaleo and Elise will have paintings and poetry in this group exhibition
Reception: Saturday, May 6, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (includes readings by Authors/Artists)
Exhibit is from May 2, 10:00 am to June 2, 2023

Curated by Bill Carmel
A collaboration between LaMorinda Arts Alliance, LaMorinda Arts Council, and the California Writer’s Club

Orinda Library
26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
‭(925) 254-2184‬

Woo Woo in the Redwoods: A Reiki and Shamanic Community Retreat in the East Bay Redwoods

Sunday, May 28, 10 am to 5:00 pm
Canyon Elementary School Redwood Grove 187 Pinehurst Rd, Canyon, Ca

There will be (3) 90-minute workshops at 11:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm. Each session will have 4 or 5 different workshops available for adults and teens. One-on-one sessions are available with a variety of folks and modalities, sign up on arrival. The Family track for our young ones will also have 3 sessions offering age-appropriate fun activities.

"Aloha Qigong" - 1:30 to 3:00 pm
Instructors: Kaleo and Elise Ching
Qi, the life force, pulses and flows in the realms of the galaxies and stars, in Mother Earth and all her nature beings. Feel and share the intimacy of Qi, its radiant vitality that interconnects all that is, through Shimmering and Earth Qigong and the simple but profound “Aloha Qigong” form. A guided shamanic journey will also lead you into unseen realms to embrace your inner sanctuary. If you wish, bring a journal to write and sketch your discoveries.

View Aloha Qigong video.

Registration: Woo Woo in the Redwoods

Emotional Harmony Qigong - Online/Zoom

June 6 to July 18, 6 Tuesdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am (no class July 4)
Instructors: Kaleo and Elise Ching

Acalanes Adult Education
1963 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA
925-280-3980 Ext 4134

Course Description: Learn the Emotional Harmony Qigong movement form to work with the Five Elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth for integration and harmony of body, mind, and spirit. Movement, acupressure points, breathing techniques, healing sounds, and visualizations work together to release emotional blockages and bring clarity, physical well-being, and wholeness.

Registration: Acalanes Adult Education.
View our Qigong video.

Aloha Qigong: Harmony in Nature

Sunday, June 11. 10 am to 2:00 pm
Instructors: Kaleo and Elise Ching

Course Description: Qi, the vital energy permeating the galaxies and stars, flows all around us, within us, throughout Mother Earth and all her nature beings. Learn Shimmering Qigong, Zhan Zhuang standing posture, Earth Qigong, Column of Light, sensing Qi with partners and in nature, and related acupressure point for self-care. A meaning of Aloha is "In the heart of the Universe, the breath of the Sacred.” Learn the Aloha Qigong to move intimately with the energies of nature. Experience guided meditation to embrace your inner sanctuary. Then write/sketch your discoveries in your journal.

Registration: Point Reyes National Seashore Association
We meet at the Bear Valley Visitor Center around 9:45am. Class is outdoors at the Morgan Horse Ranch Area and Trails. Please bring lunch and beverage, a journal for writing, and a cushion or chair

View Aloha Qigong video.

Qigong for Hypnotherapy: Into the Womb of the Heart

Level 6 (advanced) July 19, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Instructors: Kaleo Ching

Course Description: Learn Qigong techniques for psychic protection, releasing toxic energy, and enhancing your healing energy. Use Qigong to affect the conscious and subconscious mind, the heart as the seat of emotional awareness and spiritual wisdom, and the body with its visceral intelligence and stores of memories. These practices help to create a realm ripe for hypnotherapy. Journey into the womb of the heart to cultivate intimacy with the wisdom and healing essence of the sacred within and beyond. All these practices can be used for self-care and with clients.

Hypnotherapy Training Institute
Corte Madera, CA
Phone: ‭(800) 256-6448 toll free (USA & Canada)‬ or +1-707-579-9023 Internationally

Spiraling Dragon Qigong - Online/Zoom

July 21 to August 25, 6 Fridays, 10 am to 12 pm Pacific Time
Instructors: Kaleo and Elise Ching

Chi Nei Tsang Institute
Fee: $90-$150 sliding scale donation
Recordings and detailed class notes provided: accessible thru April 1, 2024

Course Description: Qigong is an ancient Taoist shamanic practice grounded in Classical Chinese Medicine. You will learn: Holistic qigong movement practices to engage the physiological, mental, and energetic systems of the body; Meridian massage and related acupressure points to improve Qi and blood circulation - for self-care and with applications for your clients; Qigong breathing techniques to benefit the internal organs of your body, and enhance mental performance; The Aloha Qigong; Guided shamanic journeys for the cultivation of deep wisdom from unseen realms; Enhance your Qi, Chi Nei Tsang practice, and inner spiritual practices through explorations of Acupoints, Zhan Zhuang Posture, Earth and Shaking Qigong, Microcosmic Orbit with its 7 Loops of Individuation, Column of Light, Aloha Qigong, Shamanic Practices and more!

Registration: Chi Nei Tsang Institute.
View our Qigong video.

Qi and Creativity (Art) in Nature

Sunday, August 6, 10 am to 4:00 pm
Instructors: Kaleo and Elise Ching

Course Description: Qi is a creative force permeating the universe and our lives. Learn special Qigong (energy cultivation) techniques to connect intimately with nature, including Zhan Zhuang standing with tree meditation, Earth Qigong grounding practice, Shimmering Qigong in harmony with the rhythms of nature, and acupressure points and Qi Palm techniques for sensing Qi around and within us. Experience the "Tree of Life" guided journey to discover and deepen your relationship with your special tree, then meet your personal spirit guardian/animal. Learn mixed media art/collage techniques to continue the dialogue and express your discoveries through journaling and art. * All Qigong and art levels welcome. A variety of mixed media art supplies and watercolor paper will be provided. Bring your lunch; a cushion or chair for sitting outdoors; special magazines, photos, or personal items for your collage. If you wish, bring your own art journal (recommended 90 lb. or more weight paper for mixed media).

Registration: Point Reyes National Seashore Association
Class location: We meet at the Bear Valley picnic area across from the Visitor Center at 9:45am. We'll do art in the Red Barn. Please bring lunch and beverage; a chair if you prefer to sit during Qigong.

View Aloha Qigong video.

Qigong in Harmony with Nature: Embracing Autumn

Saturday, October 14, 10 am to 2:30 pm
Instructors: Kaleo and Elise Ching

Course Description: Qigong is an ancient, healing practice grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine. According to TCM the 5 elements of water, wood, fire, earth, metal/air are associated with the seasons of the year and the stages in life. Balance and harmony during the seasonal changes are important for health and well-being. Autumn is the time of the element Metal/Air, which governs the Lungs (healthy air to nourish body) and Large Intestine (antibodies/immune system). It is the season of letting go and transitioning into the new – as seen in the changing colors of leaves, the migrating birds, the animals harvesting for winter. It can also be a time of increased susceptibility to colds and respiratory infections and a feeling of waning energy. In this class you will experience Qigong to cultivate Qi, the universal vital energy in all that is, as we move in harmony with Mother Earth's rhythms in autumn. Learn: special acupressure points to regulate, strengthen, and harmonize the Lungs and Large Intestine; Spiraling Dragon Qigong to cleanse and nourish the Lungs for maximal protection and health; guided meditation to release the old and welcome the new.

Registration: Point Reyes National Seashore Association
We meet at the Bear Valley Picnic Area across from the Visitor Center at 9:45am. Please bring lunch and beverage, a journal or paper and pen, appropriate clothing, and a chair.

2023 Shiatsu Symposium: "Beyond Belief: Language and Creativity, Chronic Illness and Healing"

October 23 to 28, 2023 6 days
Please note: Presently, this symposium is cancelled - they hope to offer it in 2025.
Instructors: October 23/24, Nick Pole & Margot Rossi Nick Pole
Margot Rossi
October 25/26, Micheline Pfister Micheline Pfister
October 27/28, Kaleo & Elise Ching Kaleo & Elise Ching

Zen Shiatsu Chicago
818 Lake Street Evanston IL 60201
‭(847) 864-1130‬

Chi and Creativity
Oct. 27-28 Description: Qigong, a Taoist shamanic practice grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, shamanic journeying, and art are all ancient practices employed by traditional cultures over millennia to access the profound wisdom of body, mind, and spirit. Qigong helps us to connect intimately with the rhythms of nature around us and with the well of creative energy within us.
During this seminar, we will explore the following Qigong practices and more: the Aloha Qigong form for engaging the meridians and extraordinary vessels; Zhan Zhuang and Earth Qigong for grounding and protection; Shimmering Qigong for rejuvenating with fresh Qi on cellular levels; breathing techniques for enhanced flow of Qi and blood to the Zang organs; Qi Palm techniques for sensing and directing Qi. Applications of these practices for self-care and for working with clients will be explored through working with partners.
In the afternoons, guided shamanic journeys will invite you to explore realms of the unseen worlds. The “Inner Garden” will lead you into your inner sanctuary, where you find safety, grounding, and strength in Mother Earth. The “Tree of Life” will guide you to meet your spiritual guardian for inspiration and support in your daily life and your healing practice.
Then you will continue the journey through channeling Qi in creative expression using a variety of special mixed media art/collage techniques.
Art bridges the body and the conscious and subconscious minds to reveal clues for healing and transformation. You can give form to your discoveries; dialogue with your art piece; engage it in ritual; apply the alchemy of the Five Elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. Through art’s colors, forms, textures, and images, you can transmute old, stuck, toxic energies into the prima materia, the raw material, for new possibilities. Art anchors the discoveries and brings clarity, direction, and empowerment for life's journey.
You can engage this process for your own self-discovery, and you can also share it with clients. Clients who engage in artistic expression often find that healing occurs both more fluidly and on a deeper level. They also have an empowering visual record of their challenges and their journeys of defining, understanding, and healing.

Recommended Reading
"Chi and Creativity: Vital Energy and Your Inner Artist" by Elise and Kaleo Ching, Blue Snake Books, 2007.
"The Creative Art of Living, Dying, and Renewal: Your Journey Through Stories, Qigong Meditation, Journaling, and Art", by Elise and Kaleo Ching, North Atlantic Books, 2014.
At local bookstores or Amazon.

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