Weekly one-on-one service catering to women suffering from mental-emotional distress and/or unresolved trauma. Each program contains six personalized one-hour virtual sessions that hold space for psycho-spiritual processing and release. The instructor uses Five Element Qigong, a profound traditional Chinese medical (TCM) diagnostic model to give clients a roadmap for understanding how their emotions influence their energetic-anatomy. Sessions include:

• Client’s personal history and review of the main mental-emotional complaint 

• Psycho-education of five element theory and assessment of the client’s  constitutional factor

• Interrogation of the energetic disharmony within the client 

• Safe space resourcing, containment method and identification of charged/disengaged areas within the body 

• Guided instruction on approaching the emotions

• Methods for transformation (Meditation, breathwork, body movement, mental influence, mantra, and acupressure

Chinese medical theory suggests that emotions are stored within the body, and exist as a form of Qi (vital life energy) that flows throughout the visceral organs and their energetic meridians (acupuncture channels). Under normal conditions, these emotions exist within harmony and do not generate illness. They do however disrupt the body when extensively prolonged (chronic stress) or intensely experienced (traumatic event). At this point, the emotions begin deranging  the natural flow of energy leading to further distress and even physiological or mental illness. Thankfully, we possess within us the ability to resolve such imbalances, through focused and persistent effort with the use of effective and compassionate therapeutic models. This is done by acknowledging, observing, accepting, understanding and finally releasing/transforming the nature of such emotions to allow proper integration of their contents so we can move through life with inner peace.  

Who is this service for?

This service is designed for women actively suffering from mental-emotional distress who are ready to address, process and integrate the source of these frustrations. No prior experience is required however, since the diagnostic model may be new for many, individuals are encouraged to keep an open mind to the nature of the sessions.  If you are currently experiencing mental illness, but your symptoms are mild or moderate, you are likely an appropriate candidate.  

Symptoms addressed

• Anxiety 

• Insomnia and/or dream disturbed sleep 

• mild/moderate depression

• Negative self-talk or intrusive thoughts and  incessant mental dialogue 

• Shame, self-disdain and internalized embarrassment  

• History of panic attacks 

• Chronic pain aggravated by emotional states 

• Aimlessness and indifference 

• Depersonalization and/or derealization 

• Rage, frustration and suppressed anger or resent 

• Sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain

• Interpersonal dysfunction

• Self-care deficits and trouble with ADL 

• Substance abuse 

*Client’s experience need not be limited to the above list. 

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What can I expect?

Energy-work, like all forms of meditation and somatic therapy, can be extraordinarily rewarding. Nonetheless, initial sessions often cause a peak in negative emotions. As we begin the work it is reasonable and fully expected for clients to potentially feel worse in the beginning stages. These changes may be uncomfortable but should always be manageable.  Clients may also expect to feel strange and sometimes indescribable sensations during the session. This is also to be expected as we navigate some of the emotional disharmony. Sleep patterns, emotional lability, stress tolerance and other areas may also undergo changes at first; again this is all reasonable and normal.  Typical symptoms following a session may include:

• Headaches or dull aching pain elsewhere in the body 

• irritability and emotional sensitivity 

• Increase in symptoms associated with your main complaint

• Indescribable sense of unease or feeling slightly ‘off’ 

• Dream disturbed sleep 

• Desire to be in solitude or disinterest in engaging socially 

• Influx of new information (important to journal)

• Sensations and feelings within the body that are difficult to articulate 

• Return of memories from the past 

• Return of old symptoms or development of new symptoms (temporary) 

• Dysphoria, euphoria or a blunted/flat affect 

• Changes in appetite, digestion or menstruation

*Although we consider all fluctuations to be a sign of progress, any  experiences or changes should remain manageable. If you feel out of control or deeply disturbed, communicate this to your instructor and support system immediately. ‘Go hard or go home’ does not apply to emotional transformation.   

Do’s

• Have access to an electronic device capable of streaming online sessions 

• Make room in your calendar for each scheduled session. 

• Join sessions with camera and mic capabilities on 

• Set-up in a comfy, quiet and safe space free of distractions 

•  Have grounding tools near you (water, crystals, essential oils, pillows, stress balls, etc) anything that will help tether you to your space 

• Journal your experience, practice after-care and share your progress regularly with someone you love and trust 

• Let your instructor know if you are menstruating 

 Don’ts 

• Avoid mood altering substances prior to your session including but not limited to marijuana, psilocybin, nicotine and caffeine. (prescribed medications and CBD products are OK)  

• Don’t expect miracles. Qigong and meditation, like all other modalities, require consistent work and time. Our goal is not complete dissolution or spiritual enlightenment. Our goal is to begin processing emotional content. 

• Don’t post the content of your sessions, or any materials you receive, online. This is an intimate therapeutic experience. Use discretion 

• Don’t practice any of the techniques on your own unless advised by the instructor. Energy-work and trauma processing is serious business and mismanagement may worsen distress. Your time between sessions is a time for rest while the body regulates and integrates

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Instructor: Leah Santos (she/her) is the founder of Ashe Acupuncture, a self-care brand dedicated to Women's Holistic wellness. She received a B.A, in sociology at FAU, and a B.S in health science along with a Master’s in Oriental Medicine at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine. Through the use of academic knowledge, clinical practice, and personal life experiences, she is passionate about equipping women with the tools necessary for achieving vitality, and spiritual balance. Specializing in Daoist Qigong, Nei gong, Erotic arts, Natural Beauty and Herbal Medicine, Leah is always eager to share these resources with her students.