9th Annual Conference

Herbs are great allies for Transgender/ NB/ Genderqueer bodies, whether on hormones or not. Self care massage is important for the health of all bodies. This class has three parts:
The first part focuses on diversity training for using inclusive, non-judgemental, respectful language and intake forms as healthcare providers for trans-bodied people. This class will explore- Respectful language for working with non-binary and un-traditionally gendered bodies.Changing intake forms, creating culturally humble office language and demeanor, and phrasing sexual/ reproductive health questions to be inclusive of diverse genders and bodies.
The second part focuses on support for the trans body and spirit with herbs and nutrition. Content will include using herbs to mitigate negative side effects of synthetic hormones, utilizing herbs for their hormonal effects, and choosing herbs that maintain health in trans/ NB bodies for their primary and secondary actions related to hormonal balance. We will also discuss herbal support for surgical healing, time permitting.
Part three will be a hands-on massage workshop using the tools of our hands and Gua Sha scrapers to increase lymph blockage where hormones limit flow and create disharmony in the trans/NB/ GQ body. This is a great teaching tool for clients, for self-care, and for any body needing flow in our stagnant, desk-sitting, toxin filled world. This tool can also be utilized to minimize and break-up scar tissue from surgeries and injuries. We will focus on pelvic, axial and chest lymphatic flow in our demonstration.

The presenter has taught and practiced herbal medicine since 2006. She is a Registered Herbalist and a Registered Nurse. She is a UCSF FNP Candidate 2020. She has given this presentation at the American Herbalist Guild Symposium and as a live Webinar, as well as at multiple venues around the Bay Area. She lives and works closely with her trans/NB/GQ community.

herbal medicine, Transgender/ Nonbinary/ Genderqueer, massage, gua sha, self care, scarring, surgery, hormones, cultural humility

Other or additional methods used (explain below)

This session is appropriate for all audiences and skill levels