Applying Traditional and Modern Energetics Using Eastern and Western Approaches

with Althea Northage-Orr and Samuel Perry

This class explores energetic models for refining and customizing herbal protocols, using concepts drawn from Eastern and Western herbal traditions. We begin with a discussion of the energetic qualities of various herbs, incorporating the wisdom of hermetic and alchemical healers of the past with those of Traditional Chinese herbalism. We’ll share simple ways to assess a client’s constitution using patterns expressed in health and in response to specific illnesses. We’ll apply these concepts to actual cases to demonstrate how to fine-tune differential evaluation and escape from the “one size fits all” approach that plagues much of medicine. Participants are invited to join in as we consider fresh perspectives on our ancient art together. This class is suitable for all levels.


Instructor Bios:

Althea Northage-Orr has been an herbalist, acupuncturist, bodyworker, and functional nutritionist in Chicago for more than 40 years. She was the founder and director of the Chicago College of Healing Arts for fifteen years, a school dedicated to teaching clinical herbalism and other healing arts. She served two terms on the governing council of the American Herbalists Guild and more than ten years as a member of the AHG Admissions Committee. A passionate gardener, Althea is also the caretaker and owner of Glastonbury, an 80-acre United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary in northern Indiana. She maintains a busy clinical practice in Chicago where she hosts and teaches classes about health and healing. 


Samuel Perry RH (AHG) is a clinical herbalist, medicine maker and herbal educator in Upstate New York.  Practicing in the Vitalist and eclectic tradition of American Herbalism, Sam offers compassionate attention and support in all manner of health concerns. An instructor and core team member at Arbor Vitae School of Traditional Herbalism, Sam teaches herbal energetics and Materia Medica, helps supervise the 3rd year clinic, leads plant walks, and offers medicine making demonstrations. A long-time practitioner of Zen Buddhism, Sam also leads meditation retreats.