David Crow, L. Ac.

Extracting the Essence: Distillation and Purification in the Outer, Inner and Secret Levels of Alchemy
June 9, 2011 

Extracting the Essence: Distillation and Purification in the Outer, Inner and Secret
Levels of Alchemy

This presentation will focus on: The distillation of essential oils could be regarded as “proto-chemistry” developed to a large degree by early mystics and alchemists seeking elixirs of longevity, spiritual insights, and keys to immortality. This class will examine the role of distillation, extraction and purification processes in various alchemical traditions, and their parallel symbolic meanings in meditative and yogic practices. From the concepts of digestive fire liberating pranic life force from food to Tantric visualizations to awaken the subtle nervous system, the metaphor, analogy and literal processes of distillation and purification described in the inner, outer and secret levels of alchemy have profoundly influenced both ancient medical systems and spiritual practices; conversely, the process of distilling essential oils is an invitation to contemplate the deeper processes of spiritual growth and insight within our own consciousness.

David Crow is one of the world’s foremost experts and leading speakers in the field of botanical medicine, natural health and ecological sustainability. He is a master herbalist; aromatherapist and acupuncturist with over 20 years experience and is an expert in the Ayurvedic and Chinese medical systems. He is a renowned author and the founding director of Floracopeia Aromatic Treasures.

David Crow graduated from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1984, and began his clinical practice of acupuncture and herbology. In 1987, his interest in Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine took him to Nepal, where he began a series of internships with several masters of these ancient healing sciences. The story of these journeys and the teachings he received became the basis for his exquisite literary work, In Search of the Medicine Buddha, published by Tarcher-Putnam in 2000.

During his studies in the Himalayas, Mr. Crow became aware of the widespread ecological destruction taking place in that part of the world, and the loss of medicinal plants on which the ancient medical systems depended. At the same time, he began to understand how medicinal plants were the key to solving numerous interrelated global problems: lack of healthcare, poverty, environmental destruction, and loss of ethnobotanical knowledge. Floracopeia was established to help preserve and promote the use of botanical medicines as solutions to these growing problems. Floracopeia provides its customers with the highest quality essential oils and other botanical aromatic treasures through the promotion of its sustainability projects throughout the world.

David currently travels and teaches throughout the world. Through his visionary synthesis of medicine, ecology, and spirituality, he has helped transform the lives of thousands.

NAHA Tele-conference attendees will receive a 20% discount off Floracopeia products and a special offer for membership to their new website www.MedicineCrow.com  

To learn more about David visit his websites: www.floracopeia.com and www.medicinecrow.com