Our bodies are amazingly resilient continuously adapting to life's physical and emotional challenges. Exercise and good nutrition can help. Regular therapeutic massage can also improve physical and mental well-being.

Massage acts on the nervous system to counteract the stress response, relaxing muscle tension and allowing heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation to return to normal. Many people sleep better after a massage which helps the body heal and renews emotional reserves.

By committing to care for your self with massage, you boost the emotional and physical resources that support you in doing all the things you want and need to do.

Sharon graduated in 2001 from the accredited National Institute of Massotherapy, in Akron, Ohio, and was licensed by the State of Ohio Medical Board that same year. She is certified in Swedish massage and Neuromuscular techniques. As a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, she continues to expand her scope of knowledge and remain aware of the new advances in the area of bodywork. She is interested in alternatives to Western medicine and in helping others to be proactive rather than reactive about their health and well-being.

Tai Chi

Tai chi (TIE-chee) is sometimes described as "meditation in motion." Originally developed in China as a form of self-defense, this graceful form of exercise has existed for about 2,000 years. It's becoming increasingly popular around the world, both as a basic exercise program and as a complement to other health care methods. Purported health benefits include increased flexibility, greater balance and reduced stress.

What is tai chi?

Tai chi is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise. To do tai chi, you stand and perform a defined series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each movement or posture flows into the next without pausing.

At one time, more than 100 separate movements were used. Today, the two most popular versions are much simpler. One has 18 movements and the other has 37. In China, 10 million people practice some type of tai chi every day. This makes it one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world.

Who is tai chi for?

If you're trying to improve your general health, you may find tai chi helpful as part of your program. Tai chi is generally safe for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Studies have shown that for older adults tai chi can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Because the movements are low-impact and put minimal stress on your muscles and joints, tai chi is appealing to many older adults. For these same reasons, if you have a condition such as arthritis or you're recovering from an injury, you may find it useful.

Tai chi offers both physical and mental benefits. It's used to:

Relieve stress
Improve the definition and strength of muscles
Increase feelings of well-being
Increase energy, stamina and agility
Sharpen reflexes
Decrease blood pressure
Increase flexibility
Improve balance and coordination

Although the practice of tai chi is very old, it hasn't been studied scientifically until recently. Preliminary research shows that practicing tai chi regularly may also:

Increase bone mineral density after menopause
Improve physical functioning in older adults, from more ease in dressing to increased comfort in climbing stairs
Improve blood circulation in the legs
Reduce anxiety and depression

It's self-paced and noncompetitive.
You don't need a large physical space or special clothing or equipment.
You can do tai chi any time, any place.
It's easy to do in groups as well as by yourself.
You can add new movements as you become more proficient.
Because tai chi is slow and gentle, it has virtually no negative side effects. It's possible you could strain yourself or "overdo" things when first learning, but with proper instruction, this shouldn't be a barrier to the practice of tai chi.

Joe is a graduate o the University of Akron. He is married and has two small children. He has been actively involved in studying Tai Chi and other Chinese martial arts since 1995. He has instructed in the following locations: Green YMCA for three years, guest speaker for Taylor Memorial Library in Cuyahoga Falls for the last five years; taught at Sunrise Assisted living for three years where he developed a seated tai chi program. He has taught tai chi for health as well as self-defense programs.

Reiki

Reiki (Ray-key) is an ancient Japanese healing teachnique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.

Life force energy or Chi, that flows through us is what causes us to be alive. When this life force engergy is low, we are more open to feeling stress and becoming ill. If it is high, we are more able to maintain our health and balance. When used on a regular basis, it can help keep the body/mind balance from the everyday stresses of life.

Reiki is one of the gentlest non-intrusive forms of "touch therapy" available today.

What to expect - A Reiki treatment is a light hands-on process whereby the Reiki practioner transfers Universal Life Force to the recipient. A Reiki treatment is safe, non-intrusive, and non-manipulative: there are no substances applied to the body and the recipient remains fully clothed. While focus during a full Reiki treatment is given to the major organs, every cell of the body benefits. In addition to the formal body positions, Reiki can be applied to any area of the body that has been injured. Reiki will even work through bandages or a cast and can also be transmitted at a distance by a level 2 or highter practioner. The sensation felt by the recipient is usually a feeling of warmth, well-being and comfort.

How Reiki Works - The Reiki practioner is a channel for the energy and therefore is not actually doing the healing. Reiki works in conjunction with and as an adjunct to medical and non-medical treatment and therapy. The receiver's willingness to assume responsibility for themselves aids in the healing process: yet Reiki is not a faith healing. Reiki can relieve pain and acute symptoms quite rapidly while more chronic problems may require more extensive treatment. Length of treatment depends on the root cause of the problem and the amount of energy needed to bring the problem area of the body back into balance. Undergoing initiation to become a Reiki practioner brings this process one step further in bringing the energy in to your life and creating a continuous healing process for your body, mind and spirit.

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