One Small Voice
by Laura McGaffey
Articles originally published in "The Voice in the Desert"
Sunsites-Pearce, Arizona

Open House at Shangri-La
Meet the New Health Care Providers

November 2008

On Sunday, November 16, 2008, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Erika Slover is hosting an Open House at her clinic on Irene Street to introduce three new ancillary services.

Sal Balakrishnan, D.C. (aka Dr. Sal) practices the Gonstead method of chiropractic which focuses on delivering adjustments that are as specific, precise and accurate as possible, addressing only the problem areas (areas of subluxation). The Gonstead method begins with the basic biomechanical principle of physics which requires a proper foundation in the pelvic girdle to balance and stabilize the spinal column. Dr. Gonstead’s created the most complete method of biomechanical analysis available for use by today’s doctors of chiropractic.

A Gonstead analysis of your spine uses five criteria to detect the presence of problems. The following list was taken from the website www.gonstead.com, where you can find even more information on this methology.

Visualization – Visualization is a way to cross reference all the other findings. Your chiropractor is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your posture and movement which could indicate any problems.

Instrumentation – The instrument of choice in the Gonstead System is the Nervoscope. The Nervoscope detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine which can be indicative of inflammation and nerve pressure. This instrument is guided down the length of your back and feels like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.

Static Palpation – This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine in a stationary (or static) position. Your chiropractor will feel for the presence of swelling (or edema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back.

Motion Palpation – This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it at various angles. This enables the chiropractor to determine how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in different directions.

X-Ray Analysis – x-ray films enable your doctor to visualize the entire structure of your spine. This is helpful in evaluating posture, joint and disc integrity, vertebral misalignments and ruling out any pathologies, or recent fractures that may be present or contributing to the patient’s condition. These full-spine radiographs are taken in the standing, weight-bearing position to fully substantiate the examination findings.

Talena W. DeBaun, BA, ABT, MAc, LAc of “Meridian Acupuncture” of Tucson offers several Asian Treatment Modalities, including Meridian Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Asian-style Reflexology and Acu-Facial Renewal. Her treatments are gentle and nurturing, last from 45 to 90 minutes and are very restful. Talena holds an AZ state license in Acupuncture, and National Certification in both Acupuncture Detox through NADA, and Asian Body Therapy through AOBTA. She has had a practice in Asian Medicine in Tucson for over 20 years. She has been an instructor at both the Desert Institute of Healing Arts and the Providence Institute in their Zen Shiatsu Programs. She has taught on the faculty of the Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for over 10 years, which is where she also received her Masters of Acupuncture degree.

Ms. DeBaun specializes in neck and back pain, auto accident recovery, headaches, concerns specifically associated with aging, autoimmune conditions, and habit cessation.

Marybeth Dawson of the local “Windancer Wellness, Reiki and Remedies” offers Energy Therapy. Energy therapy or energy medicine, also known as Reiki, works to restore the body’s energetic balance, thus allowing the immune system to do its own healing. The energy transmitted to the client by the practitioner produces a gentle yet powerful effect on physical, mental and spiritual levels by restoring and balancing the body’s natural energy.

The most obvious benefits of energy therapy are rapid pain relief, immediate relaxation and stress reduction and feeling of well-being. Some of energy therapy’s other health benefits are:

• Creates deep relaxation, releasing stress tension.

• Accelerates the body’s self-healing abilities.

• Assists in dealing with chronic pain.

• Promotes better sleep.

• Reduces blood pressure.

• Removes energy blockages.

• Assists the body in cleansing itself of toxins.

• Reduces side effects of drugs and drug therapy.

• Supports the immune system.

• Increases vitality and slows the aging process.

This simple non-invasive healing system works on all levels to promote health and well-being, however it must be noted that energy therapy is intended for use as a complement to standard medical treatments, not as a replacement. Reiki is now being used in hospitals and clinics worldwide, including University and Tucson Medical Centers.

Marybeth Dawson, a Reiki Master Teacher, has been practicing professionally for eight years. She received her training from the International Center for Reiki Training and is a member of International Association of Reiki Professionals. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 520-826-1353 or email dawson@vtc.net.

Please join me at the Open House on Sunday, November 16, starting at 11:00 a.m.