halcyon house

a worker owned holistic wellness cooperative

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Category: Education

  • TCM warming broth

    TCM warming broth

    Cold and cough season has arrived. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs, which open to the nose and mouth through the respiratory passages, are considered the most delicate of the five yin organs and the easiest for external influences to affect. These external factors are described as six types: 

    • Wind
    • Cold
    • Dampness
    • Dryness
    • Heat
    • Fire

    Coughs are most often linked to Wind, though Wind frequently combines with other influences such as Cold, Heat, or Dryness, depending on seasonal conditions. Wind enters from the back of the neck and ankles. Wrap up in a scarf or buff to keep your neck ‘wind gate’ covered!

    Here is a quick and easy recipe to nip that cold in the bud:

    • 1 green onion, white portion, thinly sliced
    • 1 clove of garlic, sliced thinly
    • 1-2 thin slices of fresh ginger, unpeeled
    • 1 to 1.5 cups of bone broth or water

    Bring the water or broth to a boil, add ingredients and turn down to a simmer after a few minutes. Strain and cool a few minutes to a comfortable temperature. Serve in a mug or bowl.

    This may induce a slight sweat which helps expel dis-ease from the body. Snuggle up in some blankets. However if you feel damp, rinse off and put on dry clothes.

  • What is craniosacral therapy?

    What is craniosacral therapy?

    We’ve been asked this question many times since I began offering this service at Halcyon House. Here’s a brief description of a very nuanced therapy:

    It is a hands-on technique that was developed by Dr. John Upledger (Osteopath) in the 1980’s while working at the University of Michigan. He explored the nervous system

    connection from the brain through the spinal cord (cranium to sacrum). This connection was through a connective tissue covering called dura mater and cerebral spinal fluid that flowed inside it. He discovered that by moving the bony parts of the system, it allows the

    fluid to move more freely. He found that you can feel this as a physiological rhythm. This craniosacral rhythm can be felt through the practitioner’s hands with very light touch.

    What can someone expect when having a craniosacral therapy session?

    • Lying in a comfortable position on a massage table with clothes on
    • Very light touch in different parts of your body to assess
    • Focused attention to areas of the body that present with restriction
    • You might feel physical or emotional responses during and after the session
    • A return of your system to homeostasis (general health/well-being)
    • Relaxation

    Typically, I will recommend sessions every 2-4 weeks for 4 sessions to assess the effectiveness. You should notice progression/improvement over this time. I will also provide you with additional practices that you can do between sessions to support this progress.

    Interested in a session?

    Robin Davidson
    Sara Sheppard
  • Staying present

    Staying present

    Staying present in the now is one of this life’s greatest challenges.  Over the years I have practiced many different meditations, breathing techniques, etc. to overcome the overwhelming desire to be anywhere but this present moment. There are a few that I always end up coming back to because they work for me.  In the energy class that I am teaching on Wednesdays, you will learn one of the techniques that I have been practicing and playing with for 25 years. My intention for this class is to share something that works for me with this community. As with all meditations it is simple, but not always easy. It involves working with the imagination and that doesn’t work for everyone. It’s ok, there isn’t a single meditation, or exercise, or hobby that works for everyone. The fun challenge is finding what centers you, brings you joy, and motivates you to action in co-creating your experience here. So run, sit, paint, meditate, sip tea and contemplate the universe, just do it with the presence of now. 

  • Reflexology

    Reflexology

    Our understanding and exploration of the physical world around us is most often interpreted with our sense of touch through our hands and our feet. I have been interested in Reflexology for a while, but it wasn’t until this last month that I really started to dive into treating and understanding the whole body through the lens of the feet. If the feet are in distress the body follows suit, as the feet are the shock absorbers and terrain explorers of the whole body. They tell your body how it is connecting with the world, if the ground is stable enough to support you, and they move to disperse the stress of impact with every step.

    My understanding of the fascial meridians and common disfunction patterns has made me feel ready to dive a little deeper into the nuances of the feet and explore different ways to treat them while keeping the whole body system in perspective. Piecing together and learning new tools to develop my understanding of the incredible human body is fun and keeps me on my toes!

    A reflexology session focuses on your feet

    Come in for an Evil Bone Water Reflexology Only session to de-evil your feet!

  • Autumn

    Autumn

    In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Autumn is viewed as a profound season of reflection, contraction, and release. As the vibrant, outward energy of Summer fades, nature begins to pull its energy inward. Just as the trees effortlessly let go of their leaves without resistance, this season serves as a powerful reminder for us to surrender what no longer serves us. By aligning with the seasonal shift, we learn to trust the natural cycles of life, knowing that this period of clearing makes vital space for future growth and renewal.

    The Metal Element: Understanding the Lungs and Large Intestine

    In the foundational framework of TCM, every season corresponds to a specific elemental energy. Autumn is associated with the Metal element, which governs our ability to set boundaries, process grief, and find inspiration.

    Within the human body, the Metal element rules two primary organs:

    • The Lungs (Yin): Responsible for breathing in fresh Qi (energy), protecting the immune system, and distributing moisture throughout the skin and body.
    • The Large Intestine (Yang): Responsible for the physical elimination of waste, perfectly mirroring the emotional act of letting go.

    During the fall months, these organs are highly vulnerable to the climate factor of dryness. Environmental dryness can quickly lead to a lack of moisture in the body. This manifests as a dry cough, itchy skin, a scratchy throat, or seasonal constipation.

    Why TCM Practitioners Recommend Pears in Autumn

    To counteract the drying effects of the season, a certified TCM practitioner will frequently recommend incorporating specific seasonal foods into your daily diet. Chief among these therapeutic foods is the humble pear.

    In dietary therapy, pears are highly celebrated for their specific medicinal properties. Eating pears during the fall helps to:

    • Regenerate body fluids and deeply hydrate the cells.
    • Quench thirst and soothe systemic heat.
    • Moisten the lungs and calm a dry, ticklish throat.
    • Calm restlessness by grounding a frazzled nervous system.
    • Promote healthy urination to gently flush out toxins.

    How to Eat for Autumn: The Power of Cooked Foods

    While raw pears are refreshing, TCM practice strongly advises against consuming cold, raw foods during cooler weather. Raw foods require a massive amount of metabolic energy for your body to break down. This can weaken your digestive fire (known as Spleen Qi).

    Instead, optimize your digestion and maintain overall balance by enjoying steamed or baked pears. Cooking the fruit makes the nutrients highly bioavailable and gentle on your gut. You can elevate this seasonal remedy by poaching your pears with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, or a drizzle of raw honey. Choosing warm, cooked meals during this transitional season preserves your internal warmth, strengthens your immune defense, and keeps your body perfectly balanced all winter long.

    Here is a fun Traditional Chinese Medicine Autumn Bucket List:

    • Cook Warming Foods – Thick soups, roasted root vegetables, and use a lot of garlic and ginger to help build Qi.
    • Deepen your Breath – Try out a breathwork exercise, attend a Qigong class, or go for a simple walk to generate Lung Qi.
    • Practice Letting Go – Declutter a space in your home, clear out your closet and organize, and try a journaling session reflecting on what you’d like to drop with the leaves during this seasonal shift.
    • Support you Lungs – Make a pear and honey tea. Steam/bake some pears to moisten your lungs and regenerate your bodily fluids.
    • Create Rituals – Light candles, read poetry upon waking, set seasonal intentions, honor cycles and change.
    • Gather and Reflect – Share a meal with a friend or loved one, give gratitude for the warmth and nourishment.
  • MCCD

    MCCD

    Embracing Workplace Democracy: Our Journey to a Worker-Owned Cooperative Model

    A different kind of wellness we are hoping to spread is one of shared ownership, cooperation, and democracy in the workplace. A worker-owned cooperative embodies all of these principles. By shifting the focus from the top-down corporate structures to community-centric business models, we can foster a healthier, more equitable economy right here in Duluth, Minnesota.

    When we first set out to form Halcyon House, we wanted to implement the progressive ideas we had been discussing for years. Did we know exactly how to set up a worker-owned cooperative from scratch? No. We needed guidance, and we were incredibly lucky to find dedicated local resources and mentors to light the path. On organization that has been infinitely patient in answering our countless questions is the Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD). Their expertise in cooperative development and community wealth building has been foundational to our growth.

    Members Consortium of Community Devolopers supports cooperatives

    Why Workplace Democracy Matters to Wellness

    True holistic wellness extends beyond individual self-care; it includes economic health and workplace well-being. In a traditional business, decisions are made by a select few. In a cooperative, every worker-owner has an equal voice and a literal stake in the company’s success. This democratic model:

    • reduces burnout
    • aligns our business practices with our ethical values
    • ensures that the wealth generated stays directly within our Northland community.

    Moving forward, we will be sharing regular updates on our cooperative development journey. We will include insights into democratic governance, and spotlights on fellow cooperators in the Twin Ports area. If you want to support a resilient local economy, join our movement, or learn how to bring cooperative values into your own professional life, subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected!

  • Pursed Lips Breathing

    Pursed Lips Breathing

    When we are relaxed and comfortable (parasympathetic), we optimally use diaphragmatic breathing (see previous post). However, there are important breathing practices that we can use to calm a heightened nervous system. You might experience a heightened (sympathetic) nervous system with any of the following: anxiety, agitation, racing heart rate, rapid/shallow breathing, distracted mind, tense muscles, digestive issues, and many more.

    Try pursed lip or extended exhale breathing.

    This involves breathing comfortably in through the nose then slowly breathing out through pursed lips. You might imagine that you are blowing a candle flame but not blowing it out. Another option is to blow out through a straw. The long slow exhale calms your nervous system. Do this until you feel a shift in the area that you noticed. Also, discontinue this practice if you notice light headedness or increase in symptoms.

    More about Robin
  • Breath

    Breath

    How Diaphragm Dysfunction Triggers Chronic Stress and Pain

    Well-being begins and ends with your breath. While this concept may sound esoteric, it represents the exact driving force behind your parasympathetic nervous system. This system actively relaxes your mind and body after a period of intense stress. By practicing relaxed, deep breathing with a soft, extended exhalation, you can consciously regain control of your Deep Front Myofascial Meridian. I also call this crucial pathway the “fight-or-flight line,” the “pregnancy line,” or the “skeleton stabilizer line”.

    The Role of the Diaphragm in Core Stability

    Your diaphragm plays a major role in regulating this deep structural network. When diaphragm dysfunction interrupts this foundation, your body forces secondary breathing muscles in your neck to take over. This unnatural shift creates a dangerous cycle that can cause—or worsen—a wide range of health issues, including:

    • Chronic pain and chronic stress
    • Severe anxiety and PTSD
    • Traumatic head and neck injuries
    • Debilitating migraines and tension headaches
    • Digestive issues and carpal tunnel syndrome

    How Your Brain Responds to Restricted Breathing

    When your diaphragm gets stuck, your brain immediately senses danger. It interprets restricted breathing as a threat to your survival. To win this real or perceived battle, the brain floods your bloodstream with stress hormones and warning signals. By mastering your breath, you flip the switch from panic to peace, unlocking true physical and mental resilience.

    Try this breathing exercise to help regain control of your natural breathing cycle.

    • Lay on the floor with your knees bent and hip width apart. Tuck the tail bone slightly moving it away from your head to flatten the lower back then send it up toward you to arch the low back. Now find the middle space and relax into that position.
    • Next imagine, but don’t actually move, that someone has placed a flower on both shoulders from behind and to smell them you would need to turn your head to the side with your inhale, and return to center on the exhale. Imagine “smelling” the flower on each shoulder with your inhale, returning to center on your exhale.  Don’t try to change anything, just focus on the visualization of smelling the flower, first on one side, then on the other side, resting in the center after each exhale brings your awareness back to neutral.
    • After a few breaths stop the visualization and just follow your natural breath in and out, not forcing anything just breathing in to the first natural stopping point, pausing briefly and letting the breath fall back out as your diaphragm relaxes and pushes the air out. If you are able to get here and it feels good, revel it the simplistic beauty of your breath and enjoy this practice to help recenter yourself, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
    • If this practice is hard, makes you uncomfortable, you notice that one side isn’t working no matter how hard you try, or causes nausea, pain, or panic then you might need some help to restore balance and return the breath to its natural rhythm. Robin and/or Jennifer can help with bodywork techniques at Halcyon House or schedule an acupuncture session with Jakkie for a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to rebalance the lungs and breath.

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