Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts & Sciences

12/02/2025

BHA is open this morning, as Grand Rapids did not receive any snow last night.
However, for those traveling from the lakeshore, I understand the driving conditions may be difficult. We want you to be safe, so I am leaving the decision to come to class up to your discretion.
If you are unable to travel safely, please do not come in. We will ensure you are caught up later this week.
Please follow normal call out procedures if you will not make it to class, and let us know.
Please be safe, and reach out if you have any questions.

12/01/2025

We are hosting a food & baby item drive for The M.O.M.S club of Grand Rapids from December 1st, 2025-December 8th, 2025.

Bring in 3 non-perishable item, and receive $5.00 coupon off your massage.*

Bring in 3 Personal Hygiene Products and get a free 30 minute massage coupon. *

Bring in 3 Baby & Toddler Items (Formula, diapers, pull-ups, wipes...) and get a free 60 minute massage coupon*

About The M.O.M.S Club of Grand Rapids
Markesha Witherspoon is the Founder and Executive Director of The M.O.M.S Club of Grand Rapids, a nonprofit organization that provides a community pantry for all families, along with classes, workshops, and trainings that support parents at every stage of pregnancy and parenting. As a certified doula, Markesha is dedicated to connecting families with the resources, education, and support they need to feel empowered, prepared, and cared for. The M.O.M.S Club is committed to meeting families where they are and helping them thrive with dignity and community.

Most Needed Food Drive Items
Shelf-Stable Foods, Pantry Staples, Peanut butter, Jelly, Shelf-stable milk, Cooking oil, Flour, Sugar, Oatmeal, Cereal

Baby & Toddler Essentials
Diapers (all sizes, especially sizes 4–6), Pull-ups, Baby wipes, Formula (any brand), Baby food & toddler snacks

Hygiene & Household Items
Toilet paper, Paper towels, Soap, Toothpaste, toothbrushes, Shampoo, conditioner,
Laundry detergent, Dish soap

11/30/2025

Learn Effective and Compassionate Skills

Email from American Health Source, Inc. Hands-on workshops for a hands-on profession! A few spots left... Oncology Massage Master Class Monday, December 1, 2025 • 9 AM to 4 PM Instructor: Gregory T. L

11/29/2025

Oncology Massage Master Class
Monday, December 1, 2025 • 9 AM to 4 PM
Instructor: Gregory T. Lawton, D.C., D.N., D.Ac., N.D.
NCBTMB Approved • 6 CE Hours

Some journeys ask more of the human spirit than we can ever prepare for. Cancer touches not only the body but the heart, the home, and everyone who walks beside the one who is fighting.
This workshop is for them and for you.

This Master Class in Oncology Massage offers a compassionate, clinically grounded approach to helping patients feel safe, supported, and heard. Therapists, hospice workers, and caregivers will learn how to adapt touch with precision and tenderness for those living with cancer or recovering from treatment. We explore how to modify pressure, positioning, and duration, how to navigate the effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and how to bring comfort to a body that has endured so much.

Most of all, this day is about honoring the courage of those who face cancer with quiet strength, and the caregivers who hold space for them with love.

If you feel called to serve, to learn, or to deepen your understanding of the healing arts at the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life, you are welcome here.

Earn your Oncology Massage Certificate
Build your confidence
Elevate your practice
Support those who need it most

For registration and details, visit:
https://americanhealthsource.org/seminars.htm

11/23/2025

We are pleased to announce the release of a new educational workbook dedicated to one of the most urgent challenges of our time: cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Created to support health professionals, caregivers, and students, this comprehensive guide explores early biochemical changes, assessment strategies, safe therapeutic approaches, nutrition, herbal medicine, and hands-on techniques for improving comfort, safety, and quality of life.

To ensure that this vital information is available to everyone who needs it, the workbook is now available as a free download on our publishing page:

issuu.com/muyblue

We encourage all practitioners, caregivers, and community members to access and share this resource.
Together, we continue our mission of Building a Healing Community through knowledge, compassion, and service.

This comprehensive dementia workshop workbook brings together the latest research, clinical insights, and hands-on therapeutic strategies for supporting patients with cognitive decline, dementia, and

11/23/2025

In the care of patients, especially those living with chronic illness, dementia, or neurological decline we witness something profound: beneath every symptom and every loss, there is still a quiet tenderness that remains untouched.

This watercolor image and simple verse speak to that deeper truth:

“Something tender remains within,
something precious is gifted,
the light that never fades still shines,
what is lost was only dust.”

As therapists and healers, we are invited to look past the surface, to honor the person beyond the pathology, and to recognize the enduring light within every patient. Our work is not only clinical, but it is compassionate, human, and meaningful.

To learn more and continue strengthening your skills, explore our upcoming Building a Healing Community Workshops:
https://americanhealthsource.org/seminars.htm

11/19/2025

What an inspiring day of learning, compassion, and hands-on skill building. This wonderful group came together to study safe, evidence-based pregnancy and postpartum massage techniques that support comfort, reduce pain, ease anxiety, and promote healthy circulation for expectant mothers.

Each participant showed dedication, heart, and a true commitment to caring for women during one of the most meaningful seasons of life. I’m proud of every one of you for the focus and professionalism you brought into the room.

Thank you for investing in your growth as therapists and for strengthening the kind of care our patients deserve. Your work makes a difference.

If you missed this one, more workshops are coming soon through the Building a Healing Community Workshops at
https://americanhealthsource.org/seminars.htm

Again, congratulations to this outstanding group of massage therapists.

11/19/2025

A Path We Can Walk Together

Email from American Health Source, Inc. A Path We Can Walk Together We have a few seats left for this vital workshop, but time is running out to register! Hands That Remember: Therapy for Dementia and

11/17/2025

Today, we proudly made our donation to the Baxter Community Center. Thank you to everyone who contributed and made this possible! Your generosity is making a significant impact in our community.

11/14/2025

Pregnancy Massage Master Class — November 17, 2025

Email from American Health Source, Inc. Hands-on workshops for a hands-on profession! Call now for more information 616-285-9999 Hurry, not much time left to register by phone You can also register at