2019 Classes
Please go to the ROBUST Roanoke page for the latest in educational programs and class offerings.
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2017 Classes
Classes through Roanoke Parks & Recreation
Join us for our Fall Wellness Series! Attend one class or all three!
Taught by Sheila Guarnagia, M.Ac.,L.Ac. and Katie Clifton, L.Ac.
$30/class, REGISTER HERE.
The most powerful factor that affects both our well-being and illness is stress, and thus its impact on our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health. How we respond to stress is determined by both who we are, our constitution, and what we experience on a daily basis, our lifestyle. Recognizing how these elements interact with stressors to create the ebb and flow of our experience of health will be our focus as we explore and develop the perfect individualized program for holistic, sustainable stress management and dynamic well-being.
Part 1: The Role of Stress in Health & Illness
In this first session we will explore the concepts of stress and constitution. This exploration will be grounded in the identification of the body types and their metabolic and stress response characteristics. Once the understanding of constitution is achieved the recognition of how lifestyle choices impact constitution becomes self-evident. For more information, please call 540-853-1027 or register here.
Part 2: Holistic Techniques to Manage Stress
In this second session we will explore the concept of the "energetics of lifestyle", that is, how specific approaches to diet, exercise, stress management, recreation, etc. have qualities that can either support or detract from health depending on the individual. Discussion will reveal the potential for both beneficial and health enhancing choices, and the potential for harm depending on the individual's constitutional type and level of stress. Holistic techniques will be discussed. For more information, please call 540-853-1027 or register here.
Part 3: Creating Your Individual Plan for Wellness
In this third and final session, participants will apply the information they have learned about stress, constitution, and lifestyle energetics to exploring and developing appropriate personalized programs for themselves. Facilitation and demonstrations will be provided, including worksheets, tea tasting, acupuncture demonstration, etc. For more information, please call 540-853-1027 or register here.
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Classes taught at Queenpin Herb Shop
"Boobs: An Owner's Manual", April 3, 2017, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
"Cool It, Sister! Holistic approaches to the Metamorphosis of Menopause", February 20, 2017, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
"Process of Elimination: Straight talk about poop", January 20, 2017, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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2013 School of Human Nature Class Schedule
"Topics in Herbal Wisdom"
Please join me for one or more of these fun and informative one hour classes introducing you to natural, herbal, and dietary methods for maintaining health and well-being. We begin with a tea tasting and then commence our topic of inquiry. You will leave with specific strategies and instructions for self-care, recipes, and holistic insights into the wonders and power of your unique state of balance.
Classes cost $15 and may include tastings, recipes, instruction, and more. Classes take place in the Community Room of the beaing center at 1420 3rd Street SW, Roanoke, VA. Follow this link to register.
"A Hale and Hearty Spring Fling": Spring Cleansing, Parts I & II
two sessions available: Part I Thursday, April 4, 2013, 5:15 - 6:30 PM
Part II Thursday, April 18, 2013, 5:15 - 6:30 PM
Come learn delicious ways to throw off the wooliness of Winter and greet the clarity of Spring with a menu of bracing broths, glorious greens, detoxifying delicacies, and other refreshing fare inspired by seasonally available wild-crafted and cultivated herbs and foods. This is a two part class, though each session can serve as a stand alone class.
"Something in the Air": Natural Care for Allergies, Parts I & II
two sessions available: Part I Thursday, May 2, 2013, 5:15 - 6:30 PM
Part II Thursday, May 16, 2013, 5:15 - 6:30 PM
Seasonal allergies make it difficult if not impossible to enjoy the beauty and dynamism of the shifting of the seasons. Come learn natural and herbal methods to alleviate itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing, and build your inner resilience. This is a two part class, though each session can serve as a stand alone class.
"Lighten Up!":The Role of Stress in Holistic Weight Management, Parts I & II
two sessions available: Part I Thursday, June 13, 2013, 5:15 - 6:30 PM
Part II Thursday, June 27, 2013, 5:15 - 6:30 PM
Stress is a significant contributor to the metabolic state that leads to the constellation of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease afflicting so many people today. Come learn about holistic approaches to healthy weight management and why diets often fail. This is a two part class, though each session can serve as a stand alone class.
Other topics for future dates:
"A Spoonful of Sugar": Making Herbal Medicine Pleasant for Children
Our children's health is a central concern for any parent. Come learn about nontoxic, natural ways to assist your children's health and healing using herbs and foods in palatable, (even yummy!) forms - syrups, teas, extracts, herbal "truffles", and more!
"Feeling Moon-ie?": Herbal Strategies for Balancing the Menstrual Cycles
The event know colloquially as "The Curse" need not be troublesome. When approached with an attitude of respect and self-nurturing, the menstrual cycle can be a grounding and empowering experience, providing a window into a woman's state of well-being. Moms and daughters, sisters and friends are encouraged to attend this illuminating class.
"Cool it, Sister!": Holistic Support for the Metamorphosis of Menopause
Make your menopause "the pause that refreshes". Come discover how the holistic approach to menopause can benefit you. Learn natural ways to bring grace and ease to the transition, rejuvenate your health, and empower yourself for the adventure ahead.
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Topics in Herbal Wisdom
Classes are now forming now to provide fun and experiential learning focusing on specific topics of interest. The topics offered will include:
- Children's Health
- Women's Health
- Men's Health
- Cold & Flu Season
- Digestive Wellness
- Graceful Aging, Empowered Elders
- Herbal Medicine Making Skills
Classes will be held in Roanoke, VA. Please contact Sheila @ 540-797-4685 to get more information. You may also join the mailing list by using the "email me" widget in the column on the left side of this page.
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Herbal Wisdom 101, 2012
A beginner level course covering the use of medicinal herbs for self care and cultivation of a holistic lifestyle, with instructors Heather Wetzel of Heather’s Herbals of Charlottesville, VA and Sheila Guarnagia of ROBUST Roanoke.
session 1 TBA
session 2 TBA
session 3 TBA
session 4 TBA
session 5 TBA
Classes will meet in Roanoke, VA, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM.
The Program: As far as can be told, “Herbs”, that is, wild and cultivated plant and animal products, have provided people with nutrition and medicines since time began. Inspired by the history and practice of herbalism in both the East and the West, Herbal Wisdom 101 will provide participants with basic guidelines and understanding of identification, creation, and application of safe herbal remedies and the health patterns they can assist. Instruction will follow a holistic model, and will include field work, instruction in constitutional tendencies, lifestyle effects, and the role of the Five Elements, and the recognition of the influence of the Seasons in the accurate use of herbal remedies to maintain wellness or stimulate healing.
Class activities will include: Herb identification – in the wild and in the garden; Herbal remedy making – salves & creams; syrups, tinctures & teas; compresses & baths; Immersion in the Elements – recognition of the principles of holistic diagnosis and the most common challenges for specific organ systems; Food as medicine – using herbs in cooking for health and wellness.
Tuition: Tuition is $300 per person for the 5-part class series, payable by cash or check. Class size is limited. Discounts are available for previous class participants and for bringing along a friend or two! Please call Sheila @ 540-797-4685 to register or if you have further questions.
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”Serenity NOW!”
A three session, 10.5 hour class exploring holistic approaches to stress management.
Have you ever asked the following questions?
“HOW does STRESS cause illness?”
“WHY do different people experience the effects of STRESS differently?”
“WHAT holistic lifestyle tools can I use to manage STRESS in an individualized and effective way so that my long term health is supported?”
Both Eastern and Western medicine acknowledge that stress is the precursor to chronic disease, and an important contributing factor in acute disease and injury. Together we will investigate the physiological manifestations of stress, learn to identify our personal stressors, and learn efficient and effective strategies that will work for us in building our resilience and enhancing our balance.
Sheila Guarnagia, Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist, Roanoke, VA, will guide us in a holistic understanding of how our bodies tell us what is “stressing us out”;
Heather Wetzel of Heather’s Herbals, Charlottesville, VA, will share specific herbal strategies for managing stress and supporting healing;
Annemarie Carroll of Inner Wisdom Yogatherapy, Roanoke, VA, will explore specific Yoga postures and techniques for enhancing relaxation and stress relief.
All classes will be held at The Yoga Center at 1316B Grandin Road SW, Roanoke, VA, 24015, and will meet on three consecutive Sunday afternoons from 12:30 PM until 4:00 PM on the following dates:
Sunday, October 30,2011 - Session 1 – Stress and the Nervous System
Sunday, November 6,2011 - Session 2 - Stress and the Cardiovascular & Immune Systems
Sunday, November 13,2011 -Session 3 - Stress and the Digestive & Eliminative Systems
Tuition is $225, payable by cash or check, and includes handouts. Space is limited, so please register early. If you register and pay your $100 deposit by October 15, 2011, you will receive a $25 discount off of tuition. Bring a friend and get further discounts!
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Herbal Wisdom 101, 2011
A beginner level course covering the use of medicinal herbs for self care and cultivation of a holistic lifestyle, with instructors Heather Wetzel of Heather’s Herbals of Charlottesville, VA and Sheila Guarnagia of ROBUST Roanoke.
session 1 Saturday, February 26, 2011
session 2 Saturday, March 26, 2011
session 3 Saturday, April 16, 2011
session 4 Saturday, May 14, 2011
session 5 Saturday, June 25, 2011
Classes will meet in Roanoke, VA, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM.
The Program: As far as can be told, “Herbs”, that is, wild and cultivated plant and animal products, have provided people with nutrition and medicines since time began. Inspired by the history and practice of herbalism in both the East and the West, Herbal Wisdom 101 will provide participants with basic guidelines and understanding of identification, creation, and application of safe herbal remedies and the health patterns they can assist. Instruction will follow a holistic model, and will include field work, instruction in constitutional tendencies, lifestyle effects, and the role of the Five Elements, and the recognition of the influence of the Seasons in the accurate use of herbal remedies to maintain wellness or stimulate healing.
Class activities will include: Herb identification – in the wild and in the garden; Herbal remedy making – salves & creams; syrups, tinctures & teas; compresses & baths; Immersion in the Elements – recognition of the principles of holistic diagnosis and the most common challenges for specific organ systems; Food as medicine – using herbs in cooking for health and wellness.
Tuition: Tuition is $300 per person for the 5-part class series, payable by cash or check. A deposit of $75 is due by February 15th to secure your space. Class size is limited. Discounts are available for bringing along a friend or two! Please call Sheila @ 540-797-4685 to register or if you have further questions.