Hi.  You might be wondering what I’m doing here on a site devoted to a bed and breakfast, and a wonderful one at that.  Let me introduce myself.  My name is Ryane Snow.  I live here on the Mendocino Coast and I am a health enhancement consultant by profession.

I became involved with the inn through Auberge’s Atkin’s Diet Retreat Program (take a browse at this program) , where I teach participants nutrition, stress reduction techniques, and safe and effective exercise programs.  The diet retreats are an overwhelming success.  The success of this program together with the fun and satisfaction we’ve experienced presenting this program has spurred us to offer other health-related programs to all our guests.  We want your stay at Auberge to be an opportunity for health enhancement that you can bring home with you.

Before I describe our new offerings, I should probably tell you a little of my background.  I am trained in Classical Chinese medicine and presently have a practice in Mendocino.  I work together with my clients on a wide range of health problems using Chinese herbs, acupressure, Qi Gong exercises, and diet to affect positive changes on their health.  I also teach classes in  Medical Qi Gong -- an ancient Chinese system of exercises designed to promote health through increased clarity, smooth and even movement of energy (qi or chi) through the body, and preservation of one’s potential for longevity.

Living on the Mendocino Coast, one cannot help being awed by the natural beauty of one’s surroundings.  This has prompted me to spend as much time as possible exploring the diverse flora and fauna of this rich environment.  Needless to say, I love to take leisurely walks in our magnificent redwood forests and along the ocean.  I’ve also become an avid diver, thus extending my explorations and appreciation of nature’s marvels to the depths of the ocean.  During the Fall and Winter, an exquisite array of mushrooms and other fungi abound in our local woods.  I am somewhat knowledgeable of our local mushrooms and immensely enjoy collecting for the table and introducing folks to the intricacies of this little-known world.

1. Classes in reducing stress.  Here we will borrow heavily from the Oriental systems of health care using breathing techniques, self-massage, self-acupressure to achieve a state of profound relaxation together with a renewed energy.
2. Acupressure treatments. If you are feeling tense and tight around your neck and shoulders or if you are experiencing soreness in your lower back, this might be a treatment that will benefit you.  Or you might just wish to have a tune-up.  We will balance your energy system through application of gentle pressure at specific points on your body.  Treatments are performed while lying on your back on a padded table and fully clothed and require approximately an hour and a half of time.  We also offer acupressure facials.  A facial will help remove the mask that we have become accustomed to wearing; opening up the musculature of the face and taking years off of one’s facial appearance.
3. Hikes.  Spring is a great time to learn about or just enjoy the beautiful wildflowers that blossom here.  We will  offer guided hikes in our local forests or along the headlands.  During the Fall and Winter guided mushroom hikes will be available.

I will enjoy meeting you and will receive great satisfaction in sharing some of what I’ve learned with you.  Please contact me directly at rsnow@mcn.org, if you’d like more detailed information on any of these services.