Yin Rising 2025
A Qigong Series for Women’s Health
April 24th through May 12th
Women’s health encompasses a wide range of topics within Chinese Medicine and Qigong, deserving a dedicated course to explore its complexities. In honor of Women’s Health Month, Stephanie offers the special course “Yin Rising.” This program investigates how qigong, quiet reflection, storytelling, and poetry can be powerful tools to harness energy and empower women to embrace their natural cycles, wherever they are in life.
This course is unique among Stephanie’s offerings due to her blend of Qigong with meridian stretching and acupressure, integrated into a floor-based yin yoga practice. Participants will engage in storytelling, unpacking a fairy tale that addresses women’s health issues and draws wisdom from pre-Christian and pre-colonial cultures. Last year’s tale was "The Handless Maiden," which is still available for purchase here. This year, Stephanie will delve into the story of the Selkie, exploring various versions and examining symbols and archetypes that provide insight into our modern lives as women.
The course consists of 6 sessions held twice a week over three weeks.
This course is held inside a private online group in the Nosco Learning Center which includes the replays, a community area and more! All classes will be recorded so that you can watch them anytime. You will have access to all the recordings for 6 months. You can post questions and get access to additional resources like the music playlists that Stephanie curates for the Qigong movements.
Please note: You must opt in to receive emails to get your course information. Please check the box to receive email updates on the checkout form. Thank you!
Thursday Session: Qigong. Dates: April 24th, May 1st & May 8th from 9:30-10:45 am PT (Pacific time)
These sessions will center on qigong. Stephanie will begin with a brief lecture on the physical and energetic structures related to women’s health, particularly focusing on the Bao, which is the uterus in Chinese Medicine, the breasts and the extraordinary meridians that nourish these structures. After the lecture, we will engage in a 45-minute qigong practice together, followed by a question-and-answer period.
Monday Sessions: Meridian stretching and storytelling. Dates: April 28th, May 5th & May 12th from 4:00-5:00 pm PT (Pacific Time)
These sessions will focus on yin yoga, practiced on the floor. Participants are encouraged to have a comfortable surface, such as a yoga mat or carpet, along with supportive props like cushions. A blanket and a speaker for music can enhance the experience. During this session, Stephanie will share her storytelling, discussing the energetic and psychological themes that arise, along with journal prompts for personal reflection.
Investment: $166 USD
A note about exchange rates:
Stephanie has been charging in USD for the past three years, as the majority of her clients are based in the U.S. or internationally. Prices are thoughtfully set with the exchange rate in mind and are actually lower than they would be if billed in Canadian dollars. That said, if you're living in Canada or Australia, you're welcome to email us for a 10% discount code to help offset taxes and exchange rate fluctuations.
Questions & Answers
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Qigong Lectures:
You may want to take notes, so have a journal and pen nearby. Please wear comfortable clothing. Stephanie will provide music playlists via Spotify, so you might also want a speaker to play the music through. Feel free to light a candle or burn incense to create a calming atmosphere.
Meridian Stretching & Storytelling:
For the meridian stretching component of Yin Rising, we recommend having two yoga blocks, a few pillows, and a firm cotton or wool blanket—something like a Mexican-style blanket, though any firm blanket will work well. A yoga mat is helpful, but a carpeted surface works just as well. If you're pregnant, a yoga bolster and two blocks can offer extra support and comfort. The most important thing is to stay warm and comfortable throughout the practice. -
Healing Sounds:
Healing sounds are generally not recommended during pregnancy, as they are purging in nature. During this time, it’s best to avoid strong purging practices. While gentler energetic clearing may be helpful, some women—especially in early pregnancy—report feeling nauseous. In this course, we will be practicing a Liver healing sound, which you should skip. I’ll remind you when we get to it.
Acupoints:
Some acupoints used in Qigong are considered contraindicated during pregnancy, such as Spleen 6 (Three Yin Crossing) and Gallbladder 21. These are not a major focus in this course, but they may be briefly referenced. If you're unsure, please modify or avoid any practices involving these points.
Kidney and Yin Nourishment:
A central focus of the course is nourishing the Kidneys and Yin, which can be deeply supportive for both mother and baby. If you experience discomfort in your lower back or feet from standing, feel free to do the practices seated. Listening to your body is essential—rest or modify as needed.
Yin Yoga:
We’ll also be doing Yin Yoga (floor-based meridian stretching) during the storytelling portion. Yin Yoga can be helpful in pregnancy for calming the nervous system and improving sleep. However, some poses involve lying on the back, which may be uncomfortable later in pregnancy. I’ll offer modifications, and it’s a good idea to have a bolster and two yoga blocks on hand. Reclined positions are generally more comfortable as pregnancy progresses.
Please also note that pregnancy increases joint laxity, making it easy to overstretch. I recommend approaching the poses gently and using plenty of props like cushions and blankets.
Overall:
The lectures, storytelling, and overall energetic container of this course may offer nourishment during this transformative time of pregnancy. Everyone’s body responds differently, so trust your pace. You may need to skip certain Qigong forms or yoga postures—but your presence in the space, and in the Selkie myth and practices, can still offer deep support for the soul and spirit.
