Treatment Descriptions

Independent Health Practitioner’s Treatment Descriptions

Massage 

Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body.  Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle. Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body. An increased interchange of substances between blood and tissue cells accompanies or follows massage, heightening tissue nutrition and metabolism. 

There are many different forms of massage, each with a slightly different emphasis.  It is important for an individual to discuss health issues with a certified massage therapist to determine techniques and develop a therapy plan that will accommodate the goals needed for improved health.

Although a single massage will be enjoyable, the effects of massage are cumulative and a course of massage treatments will bring the most benefits.  Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system-depending upon what is required by the individual-and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the receiver with a feeling of replenished energy. At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.

Debbie Endres, Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)

Certified in Swedish Massage Techniques

Life Care Center

218-824-7815

Irene Rangen, CMT

Suite #2

218-831-4110

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine in history.  It dates back to at least two thousand years before the birth of Christ.  Chinese Medicine is quite complex and is somewhat difficult to comprehend, particularly because of its philosophical basis which recognizes that various aspects of the universe are interconnected, just as one part of a person affects every other part, including the mind, body, and spirit.  Just as the mind, body, and spirit are not separate; the body’s organs and organ systems are viewed as interconnected structures that work together in an energetic system.  The energy of the body is represented by a vital force called Qi which requires a harmonious balance to maintain health.

Wellness is, in fact, a proper balance of  Qi within the body and illness is, conversely, the lack of energy balance.  TCM is, then, an effort to balance or harmonize a person, in order to promote health.  The practices of Chinese Medicine encompass several modalities namely; Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Qigong (specific exercise) as well as several related practices.  TCM is, therefore, a comprehensive system of Medical practice which can nicely be incorporated into the more modern, although relatively recent practices, of the West.

Care should be taken to thoughtfully combine Eastern and Western practices of medicine to most safely and effectively address an individual’s health needs, both in preventive strategies and in treatment of specific medical conditions.  Practitioners of TCM have varying backgrounds and training which should be considered by a patient in choosing a doctor to meet their individual needs.

Dr. Donald Starzinski, M.D. Ph.D.

Harmony Health

Suite #5

218-839-1331

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used systems of healing in the world, originating in China some 3,500 years ago.  Only in the last 35 years or so has it become popular in the United States.

Acupuncture can be considered an important element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which also includes Herbal Medicine and Qigong (Chinese exercise).  Chinese Medicine, in general, and Acupuncture, in particular are based on an understanding that a “vital energy”, Qi, is an essential aspect of health.  Specifically, the body’s Qi must be balanced or harmonized in order to attain wellness.

Various theories exist as to how acupuncture works.  Ongoing research would suggest that acupuncture effects the nervous system and hormonal systems of the body to result in its beneficial effects.  TCM theorists point to a balancing or harmonizing effect of Acupuncture on the energy flow (Qi equilibrium) in the body.  These Eastern and Western concepts are actually quite compatible, and therefore Acupuncture is most effectively and safely used when there is a coordinated effort to combine TCM and Modern Medicine.

In general, Acupuncture is a key element of Traditional Chinese Medicine which can be most beneficial when integrated into a comprehensive and individualized program of care by a trained medical practitioner.

Dr. Donald Starzinski, M.D., Ph.D.

Harmony Health

Suite #5

218-839-1331

Reiki 

Reiki, (pronounced 'ray'-'key') is a gentle, ancient healing art. Another definition of Reiki is that it is a simple technique for transferring energy from a giver to a receiver. Reiki, which is closely related to healing touch, has been used by doctors and nurses in clinics and hospitals for years. In hospitals, Reiki has been studied and shown to reduce pain and complications, especially after surgery. Reiki is a natural healing method which allows healing energy to flow in a powerful and concentrated form through the hands of the Reiki practitioner. The laying on of hands directs the healing energy into the body of the receiver. Reiki has been shown to gently melt away stress and promote a deep state of relaxation. Reiki works well for emotional distress and has been proven to be helpful for headaches, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Reiki supports and complements other medical and natural healing techniques.

Julie Blanchard, Reiki Master/Teacher, BCRS

Suite #1

218-825-0064

Raindrop Technique

Raindrop technique is a sequence of anointing with oils and laying on of hands that brings structural and electrical alignment to the body in a relaxing and invigorating manner through the power of essential oils. Most of the oils are high in phenol content to ward off potentially damaging viruses and bacteria while cleansing cellular receptor sites to enhance inter- and intra-cellular communication and improve overall bodily function.

Julie Blanchard, Reiki Master/Teacher, BCRS

Suite #1

218-825-0064

Ortho-bionomy Description

A session with an Ortho-bionomy therapist is similar to other therapeutic massage sessions. The patient remains clothed. Emphasis is placed on comfort, and on a trusting and open relationship between patient and therapist. Open communication from the patient provides feedback and assists in the discovery and release of emotional issues. The therapist may use a range of hands-on techniques, including light touch, smooth movements, gentle pressure on reflex points, finding and working with points of tension and pain, gentle prolonged body positioning for release, and re-education exercises. Therapeutic movements are done slowly and gently, so that they do not create additional stresses.  Generally, a series of treatments is recommended, as Ortho-bionomy is based on the idea that healing occurs in gradual phases. The goal of treatment is to ultimately increase the patient's awareness on the physical and emotional levels and—through this awareness—to promote re-education and elimination of unhealthy patterns. 

Irene Rangen, CMT

Certified Ortho-bionomy Practitioner

Suite #2

218-831-4110

CranioSacral Therapy

CST has been shown to assist in the recovery of a wide range of conditions, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, motor-coordination impairments, chronic neck and back pain, scoliosis, central nervous system disorders, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), stress and tension-related problems, and orthopedic problems. While the focus of CST is to uncover the source of the problem, symptom relief also is achieved. The length of time and number of sessions needed is extremely variable and depends, among other factors, on the complex layers of injury and trauma that may mask the original cause of the problem as well as the body’s defense mechanisms. Due to its gentleness and effectiveness, many people include CST as a component in their personal wellness programs. They report having more energy, sleeping better and being sick less often.

Irene Rangen, CMT

Certified Ortho-bionomy Practitioner

Suite #2

218-831-4110

Hypnosis

Helping yourself in a way you only imagined...

Hypnosis is a wonderful tool that can help you deal with nearly any issue you are facing. From eating healthier to becoming a non-smoker to stress relief to improving your golf game, hypnosis can help everyone!

Hypnosis is safe!  Hypnosis is a natural state we all enter at least twice a day. It is the time just before falling asleep and just before waking.

Your hypnosis session with Certified Hypnotist, Jennifer Mergen (Miller), is completely confidential. 

Your hypnosis session will be customized to your specific needs to ensure you get the results you desire.

Jennifer Mergen (Miller), C.H.

Certified Hypnotist

Vibe Hypnosis

Suite #4

218-831-4867

www.hypnovibe.net