Holistic

Acupuncture: Lynn Carstens

Acupuncture  dates back for over 5000 years as one of the oldest medical procedures in the world and can be used to treat a broad range of conditions by encouraging the body to cure itself.

Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating needles into various points on the body to relieve pain, to stimulate the immune system  or for many other therapeutic purposes.  The nerves of the skin are stimulated by the penetration of these needles at anatomic points known as acupoints.  Natural painkillers called endorphins and serotonin are released in the pain pathway to the brain and spinal cord; thus reducing the pain signals in the body.

The Chinese refer to the energy that travels throughout the body as Qi ( pronounced chee).  Traditional Western science refers to it as innate or life force.  Qi is an energy force that flows through the meridians similar to the way blood flows through arteries and veins.  Like the nutrients in blood and the energy that flows through nerves, the body cannot live in a balanced state without the proper flow of Qi.  Blockage of Qi can cause illness just as blockage of the flow of blood and/or nerve impulses can cause illness.

Essential Oil Therapy: Helen Buckley, Lynn Carstens

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person’s mood, cognitive function or health. Three techniques are offered.  With the Raindrop Technique essential oils are dropped like “raindrops” along the spine.  This helps to relieve muscular tension and stress in the body as it also energizes, detoxifies and balances electrical frequency of the body. Emotional Release Technique involves the step by step application of many oils for the purpose of unlocking emotional traumas that may have been stored in cellular memory for years.  Neuro-Auricular Technique applies oils directly to the spinal column and occipital ridge to help replace nerve functions from the brain to the spinal cord and all organs and tissues.  It helps alleviate back pain and sciatica as well.   The effectiveness of aromatherapy is yet to be scientifically proven, however some evidence exists that essential oils may have therapeutic potential.

Belly Dancing: Jennifer Stumpff

The term “Belly dance” is a translation of the french “danse du ventre” which was applied to the dance in the Victorian period. It is something of a misnomer as every part of the body is involved in the dance; the most featured body part usually being the hips. Belly dance takes many different forms depending on country and region, both in costume and dance style;; and new styles have evolved in the West as its popularity has spread globally. Although contemporary forms of the dance have generally been performed by women, some of the dances, particularly the cane dance, have origins in male forms of performance.

Channeling: Carl Davis, Toni Winninger and Robert Dubiel come yearly as well as other Guests- see calendar for details

Channeling is a way of  opening one’s higher consciousness in order to communicate with one’s angels and guides by “channeling” their energy in words that can be communicated through a person skilled and trained in such a way.  While everyone  has the ability to communicate with their higher consciousness, the practitioner in this field has worked to develop this skill.  In addition, the type of sense used to do their work varies from person to person.  They may be proficient in one or many of the following: they may see, hear or intuitively know what messages are being communicated.

The practitioner may relate information that is helpful in a person’s healing, life purpose or life issues.  You will find that each one has his/ her own style, with different types of information to communicate.

Chakra Clearing:  Lori Monzyk, CJ Monzyk

Chiropractic: Dr Nathalie Denain

Chiropractic is a health care discipline and profession that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, under the hypothesis that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system. It is generally categorized as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), a characterization that many chiropractors reject. Although chiropractors have many attributes of primary care providers, chiropractic has more of the attributes of a medical specialty like dentistry or podiatry^. The main chiropractic treatment technique involves manual therapy, including manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues; treatment also includes exercises and health and lifestyle counseling. Traditional chiropractic assumes that a vertebral subluxation or spinal joint dysfunction interferes with the body’s function and its innate intelligence, a controversial notion that brings ridicule from mainstream science and medicine.

Play Therapy: Candice Kundert LISW, Katrina Eirinberg

“Play Therapy is an approach to communicating therapeutically with clients using toys, art materials, games and other play media, giving clients a safe and nurturing relationship in which they can explore and express feelings, gain insight into their own motivation and into their interactions with others, and learn and practice socially appropriate behaviors.  The counseling in play therapy uses the natural language of children-play as the basis for the therapeutic interaction.  In the play, much of what the child does and says takes the form of symbolic, metaphoric communication about her relationships and situations in the child’s world.” Eliana Gill

“According to the National Associatioin for Play Therapy (1997), play therapy is the ‘systematic use of a theoretical model to establish the interpersonal process in which trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychological difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development’.  Play therapy is usually used as an intervention approach for working with young children who lack the abstract verbal abilities to articulate their difficulties clearly enough to receive support and assistance from counselors.  This strategy seems to work with children experiencing a broad range of difficulties.  The Alderian play therapist uses the play therapy process to help children gain a better understanding of how they view themselves, others, and the world and learn new attitudes to replace self-defeating attitudes.”  By Dr. Terry Kottman, in “Partners in Play:An Alderian Approach to Play Therapy, 2003, second edition, published by the American Counseling Association.

CranioSacral Therapy: Lionel Bowen

The essential parts of the CranioSacral system  are the cerebral spinal fluid, nourishing and cushioning the brain and spinal cord, the membrane enclosing this fluid and the bones the membrane is bonded to.  The fluid has its own internal rhythm which may be negatively influenced by stresses and strains distorting the surrounding membrane.  The gentle touch approach restores a more even, smoother rhythm in this fluid which reflects throughout the body as enhanced vitality and equilibrium.  CranioSacral Therapy is known for its light touch, lighter than massage.  In general, the lighter the touch, the deeper the effect.  It sounds self-contradictory but this approach avoids the instinctive reaction of the body to either fight back against or shrink away from the intrusions of more aggressive therapies.

Hypontherapy: Sandra Grace

Hypnotherapy can help access your subconscious mind in order for you to make swift, long-lasting changes in your life easily.  This type of work could include past life regressions, Conference Room wor with various parts of your self.  It also can include Cellular Release Technique, Soul Work and InnerDialogue with individuals.

Journey Drumming:

“Journey Drumming is an ancient approach that uses rhythm to promote healing and self-expression;” explains Michael Drake.  Treated as a form of meditation, journey drumming is a way of “travelling” into one’s self in order to develop and enhance one’s connection to self, one’s surroundings, the earth and cosmos; in addition to the past, present and future.

Life Coaching: Candice Kundert, Sandra Grace

A transformational coach bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be; helping you to stay focused on your goals.  A life coach encourages you to take action, provides honest feedback and gives you excercizes to integrate your learning.  These sessions are typically one hour long in person or over the phone, are held once a week and typically carry over the course of 7 weeks.

Massage Therapy: Toni Cepican, Sandra Grace

Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalizing those tissues and consists of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of or to the body…Generally, massage is known to affect the circulation of blood and the flow of blood and lymph, reduce muscular tension or flaccidity, affect the nervous system through stimulation or sedation, and enhance tissue healing. These effects provide a number of benefits:

Multiple Practitioner Intensive Approach: Candice Kundert, CJ Monzyk, Lori Monzyk

This technique is a hands-on therapeutic technique exclusive to the Healing Heart Center.  It takes advantage o the synergy of two or more holistic modalities in each session.  This unique approach combines and integrates several energy healing approaches with a group of devoted therapists who possess a variety of skills and expertise.

Nutritional Counseling: Byron Gaskins, Rochel Rittgers, Dr. Nathalie Denain

This approach offers an in depth assessment of your personal health history and current concerns, followed by a personalized recommendation of whole food nutrition which may include supplements and specific dietary suggestions.

Qi Gong: Rochel Rittgers

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese healing philosophy that utilizes the meridian system.  It has proved effective in the prevention and cure of many diseases.  Recent research at the Mayo Clinic showed reduction of chronic pain through the use of Qi Gong healing techniques.  Qigong is a discipline that activates and enhances a person’s “vital energy” by improving movement of and balancing that energy.  In Chinese, Qi or Chi means “air” or “breath”, the universal life force that is in all things.  Gong is defined as “work” with that universal energy.  Spring Forest Qi Gong is an advanced, simple and powerful form of Qigong developed by International Qigong Master, Master Chunyi Lin.  As an ancient healing methodology, Qigong can “ease pain, disease and sickness at amazing speeds!” its practitioners say.

Reflexology: Helen Buckley, Lynn Carstens

Reflexology is a holistic approach to applying thumb and finger pressure to specific areas on the foot or hand stimulating the body to create homeostatic balance.  There are nerve endings in our hands and feet that correspond to organs and other parts of the body.  When reflex areas are worked on, the body responds.  The working of hands and feet dates back thousands of years to ancient Egypt.  In Great Britain, Reflexology is provided in the National Health Service.  Denmark and Japan both incorporate Reflexology in their employee health programs.

Reiki: Eileen Groth, Lori Monzyk

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing.  Rei= universal, Ki= life energy (pronounced ray-key).  It can be used to facilitate healing on a variety of levels including physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.  During a Reiki session, the practitioner allows the universal life energy to flow through them and into their client.  Reiki is a perfect compliment to other holisitc and traditional healing methods, and is not meant to replace treatment from a physician but rather to enhance it.

Dr. Mikao Usui brought Reiki to the Western workd in the early 20th century, but it is believed to have originated thousands of years ago.

Shamanic Energy Healing:  Lori Monzyk

By balancing the chakras; energy is put back into balance and blockages are removed.  This modality also investigates the root emotional causes for various issues to the client.  Shamanic energy healing can also help to re-integrate fragmented aspects of self that may split due to trauma; and it can empower and protect the client through the retrieval of  spirit helpers or power animals.

Spiritual Counseling: CJ Monzyk, Rev. Byron Gaskins

For those that desire to explore their spirituality but have questions about spiritual modalities and how they would integrate with their current beliefs.  The practitioner has a diverse background from studying and exploring many types of spiritual teachings, philosophies, metaphysics and types of meditation with special interests in integrating science with spirituality and finding similarities amongst the many spiritual teachings from around the world. These inclusive perspectives provide a foundation for exploring your questions in a non-judgmental and supportive environment with the goal of helping you to find a path that suits your present perspective and desires.

Tai Chi: Byron Gaskins

“Tai Chi Chuan is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits. It is also typically practiced for a variety of other personal reasons: its hard and soft martial art technique, demonstration competitions, and longevity. As a consequence, a multitude of training forms exist, both traditional and modern, which correspond to those aims. Some of tai chi chuan’s training forms are especially known for being practiced at what most people categorize as slow movement.

Today, tai chi has spread worldwide. Most modern styles of tai chi trace their development to at least one of the five traditional schools: Chen, Yang, Wu/Hao, Wu, and Sun.

The term t’ai chi ch’uan translates as “supreme ultimate fist”, “boundless fist”, “great extremes boxing”, or simply “the ultimate” (note that chi in this instance is the Wade-Giles transliteration of the Pinyin jí, and is distinct from ch’i / qì, meaning “life-force” or “energy”). The concept of the Taiji (“supreme ultimate”) appears in both Taoist and Confucian Chinese philosophy, where it represents the fusion or mother^[1] of Yin and Yang into a single Ultimate, represented by the Taijitu symbol. Thus, tai chi theory and practice evolved in agreement with many Chinese philosophical principles, including those of Taoism and Confucianism.

Tai chi training involves five elements, nei gung, tui shou (response drills), sanshou (self defence techniques), Weapons, and solo hand routines, known as forms (套路 taolu). While the image of tai chi chuan in popular culture is typified by exceedingly slow movement, many tai chi styles (including the three most popular – Yang, Wu, and Chen) – have secondary forms of a faster pace. Some traditional schools of tai chi teach partner exercises known as “pushing hands“, and martial applications of the forms’ postures.

The art received its name when Ong Tong He, a scholar in the Imperial Court, witnessed a demonstration by Yang Lu Chan (“Unbeatable Yang”). Ong wrote: “Hands holding Taiji shakes the whole world, a chest containing ultimate skill defeats a gathering of heroes.”

In China, Tai chi chuan is categorized under the Wudang grouping of Chinese martial arts^[2]—that is, the arts applied with internal power ^[3](an even broader term encompassing all internal martial arts is Neijia) Although the Wudang name falsely suggests these arts originated at the so-called Wudang Mountain, it is simply used to distinguish the skills, theories and applications of the “internal arts” from those of the Shaolin grouping, the “hard” or “external” martial art styles.^[4]

Since the first widespread promotion of tai chi’s health benefits by Yang Shaohou, Yang Chengfu, Wu Chien-ch’uan, and Sun Lutang in the early 20th century,^[5] it has developed a worldwide following among people with little or no interest in martial training, for its benefit to health and health maintenance.^[6] Medical studies of tai chi support its effectiveness as an alternative exercise and a form of martial arts therapy.

It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. Besides general health benefits and stress management attributed to tai chi training, aspects of traditional Chinese medicine are taught to advanced tai chi students in some traditional schools.^[7]

Some martial arts, especially the Japanese martial arts, require students to wear a uniform during practice. In general, tai chi chuan schools do not require a uniform, but both traditional and modern teachers often advocate loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes.^[8][9]

The physical techniques of tai chi chuan are described in the tai chi classics, a set of writings by traditional masters, as being characterized by the use of leverage through the joints based on coordination and relaxation, rather than muscular tension, in order to neutralize or initiate attacks. The slow, repetitive work involved in the process of learning how that leverage is generated gently and measurably increases, opens the internal circulation (breath, body heat, blood, lymph, peristalsis, etc.)

The study of tai chi chuan primarily involves three aspects:

• Health: An unhealthy or otherwise uncomfortable person may find it difficult to meditate to a state of calmness or to use tai chi as a martial art. Tai chi’s health training, therefore, concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind. For those focused on tai chi’s martial application, good physical fitness is an important step towards effective self-defense.
• Meditation: The focus and calmness cultivated by the meditative aspect of tai chi is seen as necessary in maintaining optimum health (in the sense of relieving stress and maintaining homeostasis) and in application of the form as a soft style martial art.
• Martial art: The ability to use tai chi as a form of self-defense in combat is the test of a student’s understanding of the art. Tai chi chuan is the study of appropriate change in response to outside forces, the study of yielding and “sticking” to an incoming attack rather than attempting to meet it with opposing force.^[10] The use of tai chi as a martial art is quite challenging and requires a great deal of training.^{[11]” excerpt taken from Wickipedia.}

Yoga: Mary Davidson