Moab Happenings Archive
Return to home

HEALTHY HAPPENINGS September 2012

Grand County Wellness Center– Tomorrow’s Medicine Today

Grand County Wellness Center logoImagine waking up from a good night's sleep feeling rested, without pain and stiffness. Imagine waking up every morning with no desire to smoke. Imagine looking at that doughnut with complete disinterest. Imagine taking a wreck on your mountain bike and heading back up the mountain for more punishment the next day. Imagine getting sick and recovering faster than ever. Imagine having energy that lasts throughout the day, without that extra cup of coffee. Imagine feeling relaxed and enjoying life.

Photo of Ray Andrew
Dr. Ray Andrew of the
Grand County Wellness Center

This is not Star Trek or the Jetsons. It’s just 21st –century medicine. Energy medicine, to be precise. “It’s hard to wrap your mind around at first”, says Dr. Ray Andrew, Medical Director of Grand County Wellness Center. “The pharmaceutical industry has so successfully overtaken Western culture that many of us can’t imagine life without drugs.” There are drugs for pain, migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, smoking, depression, heart failure, diabetes, osteoporosis, attention deficit disorder, high cholesterol, etc. Unfortunately, our love affair with the pharmaceutical industry has created a windfall for the legal profession as more and more drugs are found to have undesirable—and often deadly—consequences. Even without side effects and long-term complications, drugs don’t cure anything, and most are intended to be taken for life. This is because they fight against the natural processes at work in the body. And they are a one-size-fits-all approach.
Graphic of a human body silhouette and a an energy field
By contrast, energy medicine works with the body and is entirely personalized. It identifies which electromagnetic fields the body wants and delivers them non-invasively. “In traditional medicine, we have to give every symptom and disease a label (diagnosis), then prescribe one or more drugs to suppress that symptom. In the Wellness Center, labels don’t matter,” Dr. Andrew explains. “We use energy medicine to identify what is out of balance and to tell the body how to fix it.” There are no needles, no drugs, and no pain. Just patient-specific waves. Whereas cell phones and numerous other wireless devices produce harmful waves that interfere with the healthy function of the body, energy medicine uses waves that are in the same range as those created by the body itself. Side effects include pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved immune function, enhanced digestion and metabolism, restful sleep, relaxation, and hormonal balancing.

No Smoking SymbolIdeal candidates for this therapy include people of all ages, athletes, couch potatoes, weekend warriors, individuals with acute injuries or infections, and those with chronic conditions. One of the best-studied applications has been bone regeneration in osteoporosis. Energy medicine can unravel the patterns of weakness and dysfunction in the physical and emotional realms, leading to tissue repair even during the initial consultation.

Does energy medicine work for everything? “It is so powerful and versatile that we are never surprised to discover what it can help. However, no single therapy works for everything. We have many tools in the toolbox.” When a woman’s ovaries no longer produce adequate amounts of hormones, for example, Dr. Andrew recommends replacing those hormones to maintain optimal health. Similarly, when deficiency of key nutrients impairs healthy cellular metabolism, dietary changes and supplementation are essential. Combining these treatments with appropriate electromagnetic field therapies enables the body to achieve its true potential. Wellness Center staff work with each patient as a whole person, creating a health plan unique to him or her.

Simple graphic of bicyclist, runner and skiierNaturally, like every effective unconventional treatment, energy medicine has its skeptics. Dr. Andrew is quick to admit he is not a crusader, not out to convince the critics. “By and large, our patients are pragmatists. When they feel better and see their numbers improve, they don’t care what the experts say. At Grand County Wellness Center, our market consists of people who want to be proactive with their health and get better. There’s plenty of evidence out there for those fascinated by the details, but most of our patients just enjoy being happier, healthier, and more productive. They want to live longer and to have a better quality of life.”

Driving by the office, the casual observer would never mistake the Wellness Center for its high-priced counterparts in large cities. It’s what goes on inside that makes the difference: Personalized care. Top-notch staff. Engaged patients. All of these—combined with constant study, frequent lectures, and attendance at international conferences—enable Dr. Andrew to bring energy medicine—the “wave” of the future—and all of the latest anti-aging treatments to the people of Moab today.

9th annual weekend workshop with Teacher Li Jun Feng

Photo of Li Jun Fen and class in an outdoor setting by a creekCelebrate and attend the 9th annual weekend workshop with Master Li Jun Feng, October 5-7, 2012, hosted by the Phoenix Rising Center. Master Li is one of the true qigong masters in our lifetime. He is the moving force behind Sheng Zhen Gong, (pronounced: shun jen gung) a Qigong of Unconditional Love to the world. His life, steeped in joy and happiness is a living testament to the teachings embodied in this loving form of Qigong (pronounced: chee gung).

Teacher Li, as he is affectionately called, is perhaps best known as having been the national team coach for the women’s division of the world renowned Beijing Wushu (Marital Arts) Team of the People’s Republic of China. For over twelve years, under his leadership, individual students won nearly 100 gold medals in national and international competitions elevating the standards of excellence worldwide. During his coaching years, he also achieved international fame as a film actor and director.

In the 1990’s he left communist China to train others in these beautiful, loving forms to heal the physical and emotional body. His dedication and commitment to Sheng Zhen has brought him all over the world training and certifying teachers who will continue the work of spreading and sharing the love for the practice and the life-transforming power that comes with it. Sheng Zhen Gong elevates the spirit with an open heart filled with unconditional love.
Photo of Li Jun and daughter, Jing
Co-founders of the Phoenix Rising Center, Catherine Shank and Don Leathers N D., shared a vision to create a wellness retreat center in an environment that offers an abundance of alternative healing. Both have a background in healing and internal arts. Their philosophy originated from an entire system of knowledge passed down from a Tibetan lineage. The essence of those teachings is that the Qi or vital life energy has an innate wisdom. By strengthening one’s relationship with Qi, we cultivate trust and discipline that allows us to recognize this innate wisdom which is the life Master. This was the catalyst for the creating a wellness center in Moab called the Phoenix Rising Center.

Li Jun Feng and class meditating outdoors on rocks by a streamAt the same time the Phoenix Rising Center was formed, the relationship with, Sheng Zhen Gong imparted by Teacher Li began in Moab, in the fall of 1998. The spirit of unconditional love is the highest most sacred truth. The underlying purpose of this practice is to experience the opening of the heart and help us return to our true nature. Sheng Zhen Gong classes are a perfect fit with the Phoenix Rising Center philosophy.

This year’s work shop is ideal for beginning students and all levels of mobility. Space is limited and early registration is recommended by contacting the Phoenix Rising Center. Additional savings are available for early registration before September 14th.

Our health care practitioners at the Phoenix Rising Center are licensed and certified in a variety of body therapies including massage, neuromuscular-re-education, cranial, energy work, Shiatsu, Ortho-Bionomy®, Sheng Zhen Gong , Qigong healing and Naturopathy for personal health care and nutritional guidance. For more information contact the center founders, Catherine Shank or Don Leathers N.D. 435-259-8123 or visit our website www.phoenixrisingmoab.com.

~Healing Arts Center Massage~
Moab, a gem in the desert for massage & healing bodywork

Our beautiful little town surrounded by red rocks is known best for its scenic National Parks and outdoor recreation. A lesser known fact is, that Moab also is home to a myriad of skilled and experienced body workers and therapists. Whether you are looking for Sports Massage, Shiatsu, pampering Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage, you will find it here. You may want to treat yourself to a Bellanina Facelift Massage or if you would like to delve into the fascinating world of Subtle Energy Work like Reiki, Polarity and Acupressure, The Healing Arts Center is the place to go.
For a body, mind and spirit in need of professional and caring approaches to relaxation and improvement, The Healing Arts Center is one of Moab's best kept secretsright in the heart of town.

Photo of Lisa Albert, LMTLisa Albert, LMT
Healing Bodywork, Nationally Certified
Studio 5

Helping you find the key to unlocking your healing process. Biking, hiking, too much driving or stressed out? You need a massage!

Massage for Sore Muscles and Pain: In a caring and calm environment, I will create a session especially for you that provides relaxation and relief from stress, sore muscles and sports related injuries. 16 years in practice.

Spinal Touch Alignment: For postural misalignment I use Spinal Touch, a gentle, polarity based treatment I may combine with Chinese Acupressure (Tuina) to give the body the information it needs to self correct. This is great for Sciatica as well as many other painful situations.

Bellanina Face Lift Massage: Deeply relaxing and luxuriously pampering, a Bellanina Face Lift Massage is a wonderful way to rejuvenate, tone and hydrate your face & neck. The finishing touches include: massage of shoulders, hands & feet. 435-260-9506 lisaalbert5@yahoo.com

Photo of Sarah Ball, LMTSarah Ball, LMT
Nationally Certified In Massage and Bodywork ~
Studio 4

Whether you’re in Moab working or playing; and seeking relief from pain, or wanting to pamper yourself, massage will improve your health, vitality, and experience of life. Sarah Ball, NCTMB, L.M.T. offers an integration of Swedish, Deep Tissue and Trigger Point massage to leave you feeling relaxed and energized; ready for whatever you have planned next.

Swedish: relaxing, therapeutic strokes such as gliding, rolling, kneading, and gentle percussion are used along with oils or lotion to help improve circulation, relieve aches and pains, decrease stress, enhance mental clarity, and improve flexibility.

Trigger Point: focused pressure releases “knots” in the muscle tissue built up throughout a person’s life due to physical, mental and/or emotional stress; decreasing pain, relieving tension and improving mobility.

Deep Tissue: slow strokes and deep pressure lengthen chronically shortened muscle fibers, releasing areas of chronic stress due to misalignment, repetitive motion, and lingering injuries, returning the body to its natural state of alignment. 
No matter how well you are a good massage will leave you feeling better. Experience the benefits today
435-260-2238 sarahball.massagetherapy.com

Photo of Lee Ann Truesdell, LMTLee Anne Truesdell, LMT
Morning Glory Healing Arts
Healing Arts Center
50 E. Center St., Suite 6
435-259-0302

Lee is pleased to announce the most recent addition to her Healing Arts repertoire: Women’s Transformative Coaching.
Having recently completed certification in this dynamic new field, she is now offering Radiant You!, a course for women desiring to create greater meaning, vitality and joy in their lives and the world around them. In a safe and supportive group setting, women learn how to transform false, limiting beliefs, cultivate trust in their own inner knowing, tap into the power of their inherent creative energies, and step fully into a life that expresses their unique radiance. Lee also offers individual coaching, focusing on helping women transform issues with body image, self care, and food/diet so that they can live more peacefully and joyfully in their bodies and in their lives. Call her to request a free introductory session.

Lee also continues to offer therapeutic massage and bodywork, including Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Foot Reflexology, and on-site Chair Massage. Whether your goal is to pamper yourself, release muscle pain and tension, balance and recharge your energy, or find your true radiance, Lee has just the right touch for you. Inviting you to relax and enjoy! www.massagemoab.com lee@massagemoab.com


Moab Regional Hospital Promoting Strategies to Maintain Health and Wellness
by Jennifer Sadoff
Moab Farmer's Market logoUntil the late-1980s, Type 2 diabetes was considered a disease of the middle-aged and elderly, developed after years of poor diet and lack of exercise. Unfortunately, a diet heavy in sugar and a decrease in physical activity have led to a dramatic increase in diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes in adolescents and children as young as five. Recent sobering research indicates that Type 2 diabetes progresses much faster and is harder to treat in children than in adults. Physicians are calling for communities to get proactive about addressing the problem of obesity, as this is clearly not an issue that can be addressed in the doctor’s office alone.

This summer at the Moab Farmers’ Market, Moab Regional Hospital will begin introducing a new campaign of eight healthy habits that will help address the epidemic of obesity and obesity related diseases. Led by Janel Arbon, certified dietician at MRH, the hospital’s tent will focus on hands-on education and fun Picture of a female vendor at the Moab Farmer's Marketinspiration to get fit. It will be set-up at the first Farmers’ Market each month. Cooking demonstrations that introduce new ways to prepare vegetables, educational displays about the content of sugar in different beverages and cereals, and services such as blood pressure tests, will help community members monitor their health and make healthy changes in their diet and lifestyle. To find out about the different activities that will be offered throughout the summer, visit the Moab Regional Hospital Facebook page, or call Jen Sadoff at 435-719-3514.

The Moab Farmers’ Market is held at Swanny City Park every Saturday from 8am-Noon from May through October. For more information on the Farmers’ Market, visit the Youth Garden Project website at www.youthgardenproject.org.
Return to Archive Index
return to home
 
Return to home