Directed by Gerard Menzel

• Classes  & Seminars

• private tuition & workshops

• In schools and workplaces

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Tours to Asia
• see articles section

 

 Mob 0407734479   Fax 03 53583306

gmenzel@hotmail.com

Wed

Sat

       Lesson cards 5 or 10 lessons valid 6 months

$10 / $8con.members per class

 

private groups and pairs

 

These seminars are for students and Professional healers wishing to study to use Chi for self and community healing. It is a course in self healing as much as a professional development. The units introduce four oriental modes of hands on massage and massage 2 explores Chinese and Japanese massage in depth.

The basic level is focused on practical aspects of healing massage and Nei Kung inner development as we learn to use ‘Chi’ energy for healing. The majority of class will be ‘hands on’ practice dispersed with philosophy and medical theory. Students are expected to read extensively from the book list provided.

Content

Between 25 and 20 hours per unit

How ? Day workshops - Week ends - Negotiable.

Where ? to be discussed

How many students minimum 4 students - maximum negotiable

When ? Listed on this web page in events section or yearly calendar of events

Price to be negotiated at the time depending on student numbers

Japanese Shiatsu, Units 1 & 2

Chinese Acupressure, 1 & 2

Traditional Thai massage, 1 & 2

Balinese massage. 1

Yoga; & Union of Body Mind 1

Man Love and Power 1

Aikido; Men/Woman Yang/Yin 1

Statement : Our WAY is to …Unite and become TAO - One with the self.

Self health is the basis for healing the Other. What are we doing ? An intense study of oriental healing theory and massage practice. The cultivation of Chi union with the divine life force. To learn the art of Yin / Yang balance in mind/body/spirit as a basis of healing others. To communicate, and live the culture, philosophy spirituality of the living Tao .

The seminars will concentrate on medical theory and self development.

How to ? develop intuition and inner Chi power, diagnosis, traditional

What is ? Chinese/Indian theory, yogic Taoist, Zen philosophy. It will focus on putting it all together as a healer ...combined, bodywork, herbs, diet, diagnosis and lifestyle advice in the hands on healing situation.

Refund of fees - 7 days before the course full refund. After commencement ..zero

Students can complete casual single units and workshops any time after enquiring. Prospective students should talk to Gerard before enrolment. A book list will be issued and reading suggested. Class times negotiable

Outline

1 & 2 will cover the cultural aspects of this Japanese art....hara or centering, kokyu or breath, Zen practice and philosophy, ampuku or digestive therapy plus practical hand and foot pressure in pairs to cure common ailments like head, back, neck,joint, pain, insomnia, indigestion. We cover Zen principles, Ki or vitality theory and body alignment stretches. Barefoot shiatsu, diagnostic practices, tongue, skin, sound, touch, sight.

1 & 2 covers the traditional Chinese meridian system using finger pressure and over 10 special hand applications from Chinese massotherapy. We cover the meridians and learn how to diagnose via touch, observation and questioning plus how to effectively revitalize the chi (life force) using the five element theory and the yin/yang laws. We study the internal energy system of organs and external pressure points.

; is a natural flow on from shiatsu and acupressure for it combines the two in a unique, practical Thai blending of stretches, pressure points, meridian pressure and joint massage therapy . It radically uses the feet, elbows, palms and knuckles to cover the front, back and sides of the patient in a totally ‘hands-on fashion’.

is natural system of therapy where the healers touch is intuitive. They use oils plus surface nerve points, friction on the skin, deep tissue pressure and joint alignments. Hindu yogic practices/philosophy and Javanese shaman theory are used to purify spirit and balances the patient and healer (orang pijit).

How does the mind and body interact to create energy and heal?

We study he role of the body as the temple of he divine spirit called Chi. What is movement and flow, What are emotions ? We study Taoist & Yogic principles and Aikido/ Tai Chi as ways of peace. What is breath and mind ? How is movement a way to enlightenment ? We learn centering, flow, dance and sound, mantra, visualization via

movement, chakras, prayer, the meaning of karma

Details of Massage courses

Units are between 20 to 25 hours each.

          'ZEN - SHIATSU'

 20 Hours contact per unit

The course is offered in 2 units: Shiatsu 1 and 2.  You can do either unit anytime  Each unit is one three hour session weekly......private tuition or pairs is available anytime.  also pairs 

Shiatsu is a Japanese term for pressure on the surface of the body.  It has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine (kampo)and Japanese healing with the hands.  In ancient Japan the blind were given the opportunity to massage and they developed unique 'intuitive tactile' abilities.

Shiatsu is not only a healing way but a method of training the body to relax, the mind to surrender and become empty like Zen, the posture to align for the ki to flow through the body, the breath to become deep and steady so ki is powerful and the body to become grounded and the mind centred creating a hormony of body/mind /spirit.  This is Zen Shiatsu

                  Shiatsu  teaches the masseur to tap into the natural energy of the universe called 'Ki' and to use this natural life force to heal.  Ki is harnessed in the patient and drawn to the effected area whether it be a sore neck or back or swollen joint.  Pressure is used along channels of energy and on points where Ki is strongest to activate it and induce healing.

 It is a very natural process, very simple and enjoyable.  There are simple rules to follow so one has the maximum effect regarding... posture, breathe, visualisation of energy, diagnosis of the injury, how to sense with the palms, and emotional influences on healing.  This course will help you heal yourself, become more energy aware, centred and provide tools to heal other people

The course   -     Zen Philosophy + practice and its influence on healing the mind/body

                      -     Aikido Harmony directing & gathering KI, centring Hara

                      -     Shiatsu hand, foot techniques for activating Ki, diagnosis

                      -     The traditional tsubo + channels and the flow of Ki

                      -     Yin / Yang philosophy, meridian stretches, precautions

"Balinese Kampung Massage"

20 hours with Gerard Menzel  ....     

Traditionally healing practice was incorporated into village life and there were a few gifted individuals who had powers of healing and insight. 

Balinese kampung massage is a village system of therapy where the healers touch is intuitive. They use oils plus surface nerve points, friction on the skin, deep tissue pressure and joint   alignments. Hindu yogic practices/philosophy and Javanese shaman  theory will be explained as a way of purifying the spirit & balancing the patient and healer (orang pijit). Traditional Indonesion spiritual attitudes will be discussed in the context of healing. The body anatomy will be covered in detail in relation with this style of therapy

Pre-reading; Gifts of Unknown Things. Watson

The Course  -      Yogic Philosophy and its influence on healing

                      -      Spirituality and its application in health and diagnosis

                      -      Psychic channnels and their relationship to health,

                      -      The chakras of energy (prana) and the mind

                      -      The effect of sound, vibration & spirit on health

                      -       Body anatomy and physiology

                      -      Special hand techniques and massage receiving positions  

Oriental Massage Certificate 5  week term (inc. revision )

"In 1984 Gerard Menzel visited the Po Monastery in Bangkok after living in India for 6 months.  He was introduced to an elderly Thai masseur at the temple of the sleeping Buddha one of the most notable reclining Buddhist statues in the world.  His teacher for the next months was Ladiew Lackiew who gave him the direct teachings of the ancient Thai system of massotherapy.

 It is a very powerful system using stretches and different hand applications, pressure to the meridians of energy and 3 unique lying positions for the patient, the sensitive use of pressure and an acute feeling for 'energy'. 

What You will Learn in; The genuine unadulterated Po Massage style

                   - The traditional Thai Buddhist approach to healing

                   - Thai pressure point applications and 2 person asanas

                   - A complete system of massage 90min in duration

                   - The massage of the meridians of Chi as practised

                   - Re-energizing stretches, body positions, hand effects

GERARD MENZEL-  member PMRTS 1997

In 1985 Gerard returned to Bangkok en- route to China and Ladiew was still arriving at the monastery at 6.00 am and leaving late into the night with a steady stream of patients.

It is important to learn from direct healing lineage to maintain integrity, spirit and authenticity  . Gerard began to instruct this style in 1986 at the Australian College of Shiatsu. Gerard specialises in Oriental Massage Tai Chi and Aikido and co-ordinates the WildLotus School Ph. 0407734479 enrol 7 days prior to class;  

Send Money to  Menzel WildLotus School  with your name/address/phone

 Traditional Chinese Massage

  Unit 1 and 2  

This course is for anyone who wants to take control of their own health

The course will give each student a chance to learn the theory of and  practice massage techniques which were given to Gerrd from acupuncturists in China. Chinese massage and healing philosophy unites us with the universe as we see ourselves as a ever-changing part of natures... earth, air, fire, water, wood.....Tao

According to Chinese philosophy...health is balance and change,... the ability to flow with energy called CHI.  Knowledge of Tao (balance - harmony - flow) gives health. The course is essential for any serious Tai Chi or Aikido student for this is the unseen part of ourselves discovered through knowing our internal selves .... emotions, organs, inner energy and how it works in conjunction with the mind.

The practical segment will cover ;

            - feeling illness in the body via touch,...... what is healing ?

            - Yin massage movements to sedate fire and excess of chi

            - Yang techniques to invigorate the weak Chi energy

            - How to stay healthy with self massage for neck, back, stomach, joints... 

            - Appropriate treatments for, headache, back pain, insomnia, tiredness...

 The theory will cover;

            - The major acu-massage points ...acupressure  

            - Diagnosis of illness and the five elements or organs

            - How emotions can effect ill health

            - Ways of improving your level of Chi life force and stay balanced

            - Philosophy ; What is balance in the Chinese world view or Taoist way

Gerard Menzel  B.A. Dip Ed. Dip Tesol MemP.M.R.T.S.

Gerard has travelled widely in Indonesia and Bali and speaks Bahasa Indonesia.  He studied the massage and spiritual practices

during a number of visits in the 1980's. He also studied Hindu spiritual practices while in India over many years.

Your tutor has travelled and studied in The Po monastery Bangkok, The Samurah meditation centre Surakata, The Tibetan Library Dharamsala, The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, The Melbourne Inst. of Tactile Therapies and met various masseurs to experience their gifts from Madras to Teipei. He has taught at The Aust College of Shiatsu Melb. Preston Institute, Adelaide Uni, Flinders Uni, Wadenswil Switzerland  as well as practiced since 1985 as the director of the Lotus school of Aikido, Tai Chi, Yoga, Indian Tabla, Sumie.

(Why man is hurting – a program of self medicine)

What is the dilemma of men today? Inadequacy or destructive power. Maybe it is both. When we look at our relationship with the world and ourselves many men are left empty. Money and power are not enough and relationships are not fulfilling. There are many possible reasons for this but I will just present to you a personal view as a man and a father as well as an educator in healing.

Most men do not love themselves. They have been depraved of that vital essence, abused bodily and psychologically when they were young, victimised or abandoned to some degree.

Male difficulties with feeling whole can be explained briefly here.

Their relationship with the world and the family has not been united and fulfilling but fearful.

They have been unable to form healthy relationships with their parents and family members.

Their sense of self has been stripped or depleted and they feel worthless alienated or angry. Men allow themselves to be used by governments, political systems.

They are incapable of expressing, feeling or loving and do not trust. Life has no joy.

They have an inadequate sense of a higher force within to trust their intuition and power.

There is little sense of a higher truth, no vision of life and no connection with a divine power.

Men must surrender to their higher self who is protective and nurturing, caring and kind. As Mr Ueshiba says about his Aikido and Budo the ancient martial arts of Japan. Budo warriors, " Aikido (Harmony of spirit-energy) is the power of peace. It preserves and nurtures everything in nature". As men we have learned to fear and be aggressive and to fight for and to take power for ourselves. This has come about due to inherent fears of not having love, not feeling whole within and not having wealth or praise. We lack SELF. We yearn for freedom but we think that control will gain us this. We can not let go and surrender to love.

Men substitute or confuse power, possessions, or fame for love when all they really want is love.

To men power can mean a thing of great value and attractiveness or it can mean something of great fear. Men are attracted to power for they are powerless within themselves. They lack the feelings of self-love within to feel fulfilled with life just as they are,.... naked and vulnerable. Men who are threatened by power fear their own power, the power of their inner greatness, which has not been explored or let free, or they fear power for they associate it with hurt and abuse, fathers or mothers. Power is associated with primal authority, which was harsh, strict or cold. Fathers put into little boys what has been put into them and the cycle of depravation goes on and men suffer.

Man is love by nature. They were made in the image of a divine love, which is the father, the carer, the protector and the loving. When man realises that he is the embodiment of love in essence, then he can understand himself fully and completely in body, emotional feelings and spirit. When he self realises this love through a process of searching, forgiveness letting go of pain and spiritual surrender then he creates a relationship within himself which is complete, wholesome and giving. This relationship is the only true relationship of value.

With love involved relationships with women, children are then characterised by the attributes of love; sensitivity, generosity, detachment, surrender, unconditionality, softness and power, vitality and happiness. This is what man and women in essence are. Pure love. Relationships with the world that are loving whether they be in work, play or with people are full of success and joy understanding and fulfilment. What more could one ask of the divine creator spirit?

Let me take you on a journey within yourself as a man and find the joy that is there and the love that is dormant and the power that sleeps. Discover the little boy who lived in the wonder of creativity and joy. Abandon all fear for all we have to gain is the golden treasure within which no money can purchase, can’t be learned, but can be experienced.

Gerard is a multi-disciplined person qualified remedial therapist, English teacher, Aikido Tai Chi, a Yoga teacher, Sumie artist, musician, artist and Dad. He has studied in India and Asia over a 20-year period and is the director of Wild Lotus Meditation Martial arts based in Adelaide South Australia.

Tutor; Gerard Menzel B.A. Dip Ed. Dip Tesol.

Has been a Professional Member of

PMRTS Massage- ATA Tai Chi - SAIYT Yoga - SRA Aikido

Gerard's Journey

Gerard Menzel began study of healing/spirituality since 1977 when he first went overland. In-between studying at La Trobe university he travelled and studied in The Po monastery Bangkok, Yang Shuo China, The Samurah meditation centre Surakata, The Tibetan Library Dharamsala, The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, The Melbourne Institute (Remedial Therapy) and learned from various masseurs, Tai Chi teachers in China, India & London. He has taught at The Aust College of Shiatsu Melb. Preston Institute, Adelaide Uni, Flinders Uni, Wadenswil Switzerland. He is founder of the Wild Lotus Meditation Martial Arts school established. 1985 in Melbourne then Adelaide. He has been a member of Tai Chi Aust Assoc - SA Institute Yoga Teachers - Shomen Remnai & Aikikai Aikido International - Professional Masseurs Assoc SA. He practices in Adelaide Sth Aust and teaches widely in Aust and overseas.

With Gerard

Tours to Nth India by train

Sacred sites of the North

Around India by train

China by train

The Yangtze river

Thailand trekking and train journeys

 

Earth mother is like one big beautiful garden and we are the children of the divine creator of that garden. She is ours to care for and play in.

Congratulations to all of you for getting away. It is not an easy job to tear yourself away from your work, loved ones and friends and set out on an unknown journey with risks involved. There were many who inquired, dreamed a little but did not quite let go. Although I have been going to and from India for 20 years it is still full of unknown secrets, mysteries, charismatic people, dangers and unpredictable events. The Mother is taciturn, belligerent, affectionate, fickle and outrageously flamboyant. One has to have a burning desire to go on a pilgrimage such as this. India is the spiritual source of so many other religions.

? ? ?

But then again doesn't it feel great to be free, to not know what is around the corner in some far off exotic country. Isn't the unknown fascinating. Perhaps because it is so empty, vacant, void of thoughts. When we say unknown the old monkey mind just shuts down - zero - zilch - completely - impotent ...Wow ! Its like meditation in an instant.

We are one big family in this world and it is the aim of the lotus school to proclaim and act on this philosophy. I have travelled the world extensively over the last 20 years from Morocco to Taipei and most countries in-between. I love trains and some of the greatest adventures I have had have been on The Marakesh express, The trans Siberian, The Transalpino across the Pyrenees and on the Indian trains which have some of the most intriguing names like The Jhamughiri, The Rajdhani, Darjeeling Mail, Shram Shakti Express, Gitanjali Express, Jammu Tawi Superfast Express. What great names.

Tour Aims Get your clothes dusty and your soul pure.

Feel authentic cultural holy sites and rub shoulders with other pilgrims

The atmosphere at these places is ethereal, majestic, tranquil, buzzing with shakti, transcendental, mystical and more than this..DIVINE but you have to pay for it by ; being often inconvenienced, hot, tired, sick, experience the odd bed bug, staying at rustic, simple, basic pilgrim ashrams and temples. Those who choose to stay in the Oberoi or Hilton will not experience what we are looking for and opening up to. (without being paternalistic either)

Pilgrimage is an age old tradition all over the world. In India it is associated with some form of karmic exchange... that is bluntly put, suffering. Give a little and you will be blessed. For thousands of years people have made pilgrimages all over the country to pay hamage to great gurus and deitys. If you wish to feel India you have to taste the dust, sweat a little and purge yourself of your ego. She demands total surrender ...nothing less ! At any one time there are literally millions of pilgrimages going on in India. It is a common custom for the men to pass the last stages of their life on the road.

Primarily we will be visiting religious / cultural sites. In India religion and history, religion and politics ooze out of every archaeological stone. You cannot get away from religion. That is why we will focus on religious sites of the main religions Buddhism Hinduism, Sikhism, Mohammedanism. The aim of the tour is to cross cultural boundaries and for us to open to the knowledge of the the sages. Being at the Taj is worth all the books in the world who try to describe it but fall short.

As I have said from the beginning it will be a lot of hard work requiring; patience - endurance - unconditional acceptance - giving - in to another way

Do not expect everything to be the way you are accustomed to. Be open

'The biggest single asset on tour will be a huge smile'. In India in extreme difficulties, when all is collapsing around you ...learn to smile and surrender.

Where - the vaccination centre 29 Gilbert Place Place Adelaide 82127522 Consult your doctor for what is necessary. There is a wide range of deadlies out there and if you take the conventional view ( the first strike strategy) for the need for the odd needle, then choose your cocktail from

typhoid / cholera - malaria - menangitis - hepatitis - tetanus - polio

For those with a strong belief in homeopathy then Dr Beheits on 387 Payneham rd Payneham is the man to visit. Ph 83622729

My advice is - Follow your belief one hundred and one percent. Have your mind prepared.

Water

In India the water is poor to put it mildly. It will make you sick. Be prepared for the Delhi belly. By the time we get home a glass of the Adelaide sludge will seem like champagne. What to do. Drink boiled, bottled mineral water ie. tea/coffee, take water purifying tablets, buy an immersion heater in India and boil your water for your bottle.

Illness

You may get a belly upset or two. Remedy - Drink a lot add sugar/salt/yogurt to diet and rest. This is natural in India. Keep away from fried foods and buy foods from places where you can see how they cook it.

Cuts are hard to heal also in India due to the moisture and dust and impure water. Bring some calendula, tea tree in your first aid. You can get all kinds of drugs over the counter and ayuvedic / homeopathic remedies.

Tour must go on

If someone gets sick on the way it will be our duty to care for them. If it means they have to stay in hospital for a few days we will have to go on with the tour after putting them in safe care, then arrange to meet up later.

Punctuality = ''Have punctual mind will travel.'' ...if Indian train arrives

Do not miss the train even if someone gives you a bhang lassi.(a traditional yogurt drink laced with hash) You must be on time for the train. We cannot wait for you if the train is leaving and you are not there so keep your head on...no late night sessions the night before departure. The stations are very crowded so one must be very elert in order to catch the right train at the right time even if one is tired. You will have a forwarding contact address to find us if you miss the train. Don't panic, Indians are generally very friendly and kind amid disaster. Go to the station master and explain. If you wish to hang loose for a few days and catch us up later thats fine - India is yours. Once we arrive in a town its yours to explore - no schedules or routines.

Money - ''The trick is to spend it don't lose it.''

Get a good solid body bag to carry- passport, cash, travellers cheques. Carry 2 types of cheques Thomas Cook and American express and some US cash

Some towns will cash one but not the other. Visa card is handy also in the major cities. Budget for $20 per day for food unless you ar a huge eater.

Trains

One of the great legacies of the Raj was the construction of railways all over India. They are sometimes slow or late but time stops in India.. There are retiring rooms to sleep in and safe keeping rooms for cases. We will be in first class and have a sleeper. This is quite safe but always carry valuables on you. We will have tickets and an itinerary to follow. Trains are great places to meet people and rest overnight. They are comfortable especially in first class where we will be. Food can be bought on the trains and in the stations and station restaurants.

Proposed lodging is as follows where possible. Please be flexible and open to alterations as we may have to go with the flow due to train delays, over booking. I will provide 2 options for each place just to be safe.