ROCKLAND — The Knox Clinic and The Dancing Elephant announce free Wellness Wednesday offerings beginning April 1 in two locations in Rockland. Volunteer instructor Rachel Nixon will begin an eight-week Mindfulness Meditation class at The Dancing Elephant located at 16 School Street in downtown Rockland.

Volunteer practitioners continue to provide chair massage, acupuncture and Reiki at the Knox Clinic located at 22 White Street behind the Rockland Public Library.

All Wellness Wednesday sessions take place between 4 - 5:15 p.m. They are free and open to the public, however donations are gratefully accepted.

Rachel Nixon will offer Mindfulness Meditation on Wednesdays, April 1 through May 27, from 4 - 5 p.m. at The Dancing Elephant. Each class will include an inspirational reading, meditation instruction, seated and walking meditation, and conversation.

The practice of meditation, dating back to the teachings of the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago, is widely accepted and celebrated as an effective tool to strengthen the immune system, decrease stress and tension, increase concentration, and develop self-acceptance and resilience.

Nixonhas been practicing yoga and meditation since 2001, and has been teaching since 2007. She has studied and trained at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts and the Shambhala Meditation Center in Brunswick.

New students and drop-ins are welcome in this eight-week series.

At the Knox Clinic, volunteer practitioners offer acupuncture, Reiki, and massage.

Volunteers Eileen Murray, Cassie Walters, and Abi Morrison, all licensed acupuncturists, perform relaxing and restorative ear acupuncture treatments that reduce the body's response to stress. This 5-point protocol treatment is done in the 'community style' setting, sitting in a chair, fully clothed.

Sara Campbell, Reiki Level III practitioner, provides energy healing, light touch, full clothed. Reiki brings balance to body, mind, spirit and emotions.

Cathy Coneita, licensed massage therapist, provides 15-minute individual chair massages done through clothing in a special ergonomic chair. Chair massage focuses on reducing muscle tension, particularly in the back, neck, shoulders, and arms.

All are welcome. Call 921-6993 for more information.

The Dancing Elephant is a community-based yoga studio located at 16 School Street in downtown Rockland. Programs include yoga, meditation, art, dance, and Qi Gong for all ages and levels, seven days a week. Scholarships and work trade available. For more information, visit www.rocklandyoga.com or contact Rachel Nixon at 594-1694.

The Knox County Health Clinic is a volunteer-based nonprofit that offers low-cost medical, dental, prescription assistance, and mental health and wellness care to neighbors in need. To make a tax-eductible donation, to volunteer, or to request services, call 594-6996, or visit www.knoxclinic.org.