Francisco Varatojo
Francisco Varatojo, director of the Macrobiotic Institute of Portugal, has been acknowledged for many years as one of the most qualified macrobiotic counselors and is regularly sought by major European centers for seminars and consultations. Francisco began studying macrobiotics in 1977, and after studying at the Kushi Institute in Boston, he and his wife Eugenia founded the Kushi Institute of Portugal. His main interests lie in the application of the macrobiotic principles in the areas of natural healing and resolution of social problems. Francisco is the author of many books and has been a regular contributor to various newspapers, magazines and TV shows. He has given numerous conferences and lectures in many public Portuguese and international institutions, including the Faculty of Pharmacy of Lisbon and the Medical School of Coimbra and Lisbon. He is a professor at the nursing school Calouste Gulbenkian as well at the Catholic University of Lisbon.
Francisco was the president of the International Macrobiotic Assembly for 6 years and has been responsible for an international wellness clinic in Spain, besides giving regular classes and conferences in European countries.
In 2010 he was awarded the Aveline Kushi Award for his work in the development of macrobiotics and establishment of health and peace.
Lectures, Workshops, and Private Consultations for the 2012 Cruise
Lecture 1: Understanding Health and Sickness
Health and sickness are not static or fixed conditions, but rather processes that are in constant motion. In this lecture you will be able to understand what health and sickness mean as well as to make a simple assessment of your health. We will discuss the main causes of disease and what to do, using natural methods, in order to maintain our health or reverse sickness, if necessary. This lecture should empower you to take your life and health into your hands as we understand that each one of us is responsible for our well-being.
Lecture 2: Food, Environment and Energy
Humanity is facing an immense crisis regarding the health of the environment, and most specialists recommend drastic changes in our way of life if we want to leave a healthy planet to our children. Diet can help tremendously to facilitate a positive shift, since many of the environmental and energetic problems are closed related to diet and food production.
In this lecture we will explore the very basics of ecology, in order to better understand the relationship between humankind and the planet we live on. Topics for the class include:
- Inner and outer ecology
- The planet as a living organism
- The relationship of diet and food production to environmental and energetic problems
Lecture 3: Steps to Recovery – Moving from Sickness to Health
Disease develops through a specific and increasingly complex process that may culminate in the inability to cope with the world around us, making us more and more isolated. As we eat better and live healthier lifestyles, we start to move from this debilitating process to a much more productive and vital one.
In this lecture you will learn how the body reacts when the healing process begins and how you can help to make the transition smoother, through the use of special foods and dishes, as well as drinks and external treatments.
Lecture 4: Man, Woman and Sexuality
In this class we will discuss the sexual qualities and differences (hormonal, energetic and nervous) between man and woman and how important it is to understand and enhance those differences if we want to achieve a healthier and more rewarding sexual life.
Sexuality will be taught from a point of view of ki energy and chakra alignment, and we will discuss how specific foods and exercises can help to improve sex and relationships, as well as the general health of the reproductive organs.
Workshop 1: Palm Healing – The Art of Healing with the Hands
Palm healing is an ancient healing art in which we use the hands to feel and detect qualities of ki (or chi) energy as well as to correct physical or emotional imbalances. The class will be mostly practical with exercises to feel ki energy on the aura and chakras. Techniques to restore balance and harmony in general as well as for specific health conditions will be demonstrated and practiced. Some simple spiritual practices that can be used individually will also be taught.
Note: It is recommended that students wear light cotton clothing.
Workshop 2: Living Life Fully and with Purpose
Our lives are meant to be lived passionately and deliberately, so we can ultimately achieve freedom and happiness and live the life of our dreams. However, education and way of life often inhibit our growth, creating prejudices and blockages that make us feel stagnated and not fully aware of our potential as human beings. This class, through the use of examples and exercises, aims to inspire you to move beyond your limitations, fear and guilt into another reality where the possibilities for growth are enormous.
Macrobiotic Counseling - $350/person
Francisco Varatojo has been counseling for the last 30 years and has helped many people to recover from various health problems. The main purpose of the counseling is to help the person to become responsible for their own health and well-being, in a natural and balanced way. In the counseling session your health will be evaluated according to the principles of Oriental diagnosis (acupuncture meridians, eyes, tongue, skin, etc.) and you will receive dietary and way of life suggestions that will help you to maintain or recover your health and well-being.
Workshop: Palm Healing Group Session - $150/person
Palm healing is an ancient healing art in which we use the hands to feel and detect qualities of ki (or chi) energy as well as to correct physical or emotional imbalances. In this session we will use palm healing to address specific physical or emotional problems you may have, and you will be taught techniques you may later use at home to continue the healing.