Tai Chi (pronounced ti chee), along with its counterpart, Qi Gong (chee kung), is an ideal way to improve physical balance, strengthen core muscle groups, loosen tight ligaments and tendons, as well as improve memory and intellectual focus.

Centuries old disciplines, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, are ideal for everyone- all ages, shapes and sizes- requiring no special equipment, other than loose comfortable clothing. Your own body and earth’s gravity do the rest!

Beginning Tuesday, July 27th, the Lionville Holistic Health Center is offering 5 free classes to introduce the public to this fantastic discipline!

Weather permitting, Alex Uskuraitis will be at Uwchlan Park with his class, beginning at 7:30pm.

(If weather is not favorable, or if it's just to darn hot, classes will be moved to the regular location at the Lionville Holistic Health Center, Suite #319, at the intersection of Route 113 and Gordon Drive.)

If you or someone you know is interested in studying Tai Chi, this is the perfect opportunity!

Call Alex at 610.733.3107    


My cat is dying.

As with any beloved pet, it is a difficult thing to know.  When the vet said “cancer”, I was sure they could just cut out the tumor, patch her back up, and she’d be good as new.  Instead, with great compassion, the vet informed me that this cancer was aggressive and would not respond well to surgery; it could recur with a vengeance within weeks.

  It would be unfair to put our cat through such major surgery and pain, just to have the cancer recur so quickly. 

“You probably have no more than one to three months with her,” the vet informed me gently.

I wept buckets that night, frustrated by how helpless I felt in trying to fix things for my sweet girl.

My brain chattered endlessly with itself about possible solutions, about what I could DO for her.  But, no operation, no medicine, no chemo, no anything could delay the inevitable; my kitty was going to die and I was powerless to prevent it. 

I could only bear witness to her decline, and then help her make her transition when the time came to let her go. 

I was devastated, my heart broken wide open.

And then, surprisingly, there came a moment, within the depths of my sorrow and helplessness, when the “doing” part of me unraveled.  I realized that trying to hold onto her life and control the outcome was like trying to prevent the tide from going out.  I could choose to frantically attempt to gather ocean water in my arms, or I could let go, immerse myself in the water and enjoy each precious moment. 

Either way, the waters would recede and I would be left on sand wet with the memory of water.  There was a welcome relief in not having a decision to make about what to do.  There was nothing I could do except witness her life, love her and BE there for her. 

Letting go of doing did not mean I loved her any less.  In fact, it freed me to be present to her more fully and completely.

We sat in the grass the other morning, my beloved cat sniffing the air, watching the leaves of a maple tree dancing in the summer breeze.  For me, it was bittersweet knowing that she would not live to see the leaves drop in their multicolored splendor in the autumn.  But as we sat in the sun, I could feel myself being pulled into her world of NOW.  She sat in my arms with eyes half-closed, inhaling the scent of every flower and blade of grass, watching butterflies and bees flying in lazy circles, feeling the breeze caressing her fur, and listening to her human friend whispering soothing words in her ear.  For her, there were no thoughts of inevitable death, future pain or separation.

There was only this beautiful day, this blissful moment, this now. 

I inhaled the air with her and realized how my heartbreak opened me to this sweet experience with her.

I often witness my massage clients caught in the frantic web of “doing”.  They come to my table, exhausted and stressed and in pain, trying to orchestrate every moment of their lives, yet feeling powerless in so many areas.  They desperately push their pain away and scramble to fill their lives with as many tasks as possible to avoid their suffering.  But what if we immerse ourselves into the oceans of our lives, teeming with joy and sorrow alike, and open our hearts to a richer fuller experience of life? 

My wish for my clients is that they let go of their “busy-ness”, their “doing-ness”, and allow their hearts to break wide open so that they may feel the sun and rain in their lives and know that it is ALL good.  

Enjoy every moment of your precious, precious life.

***********************

"Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.

Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.

And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy;

And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields.

And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief."

~ From “On Pain” from The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

(This is the first of many posts to come by massage therapist, Bill Bryan... adapted from his radio show, Massage Moment, which used to air on WCOJ, within Ben Briggs' show, Health Focus.

Health Focus, by the way can now be heard on Brandywineradio.com..)

"This week I had several clients come to me with low back pain from yard work. So I says to myself, 'Self, you should do a show on that.' (Plus, Ben told me to...!)

Okay - let's start with mulch. First of all, from what I've seen, people don't hurt themselves too much spreading mulch, as much as lifting the bags out of the trunk!

Mulch bags are usually around 40 pounds each. So, when you're lifting a 40 lb. bag out of your trunk, think of your body mechanics. Do not lift the bag by leaning forward and bending at the waist! That is an injury just waiting to happen! Whenever you use low back muscles to lift weight that is out in front of you, you are putting an extreme amount of force on muscles that are not intended for that kind of load. *(Remember our talk about unhealthy physical stress? Well... here ya go...)

Rather than lifting with your low back muscles, keep your back straight, and bend at the knees. This way you can lift the bag with your quadriceps, which is the largest and most powerful muscle group in your body! Located on the front upper half of the legs, they can much more readily handle the workload. By keeping the back straight, grasping firmly with your hands, and not lifting with your back but with your legs, you are at less risk of injuring your low back.

Weed pulling...

Another low back hazard, but also a knee hazard. Many people say that pulling weeds hurts not only their low backs for their knees as well. These are folks that work while standing and stooping over, to save their knees, until their low back starts to hurt. Then they kneel to give their back a break, until their knees hurt so bad, they're forced to stand up again.

Let me make two suggestions: 1) Get your spouse to do it. 2) Bring a short little step stool to sit on. Sitting on a low step stool places you closer to the ground, which means you don't have to keep bending over and all the way back up again. You only have to bend a short distance. And it also alleviates the pressure to your knees.

Another quick tip: when raking or shoveling, alternate between right and left. In other words, don't keep using the same muscle groups to do all the same work.

And for everything else... there's massage!

This is Bill Bryan, reminding you that you are 'fearfully and wonderfully' made!"

Bill can be reached for appointments by phone: 484-798-8029, or by email: triscale@verizon.net

A number of my people are moms, and, being the time of year that it is, they are dealing with the end of the school year mayhem with their young 'uns.

Between the plethora of activities that spring up like summer weeds, and the impending changes in scheduling, there's a lot going on.

Even if we're looking forward to a break in the routine and to the activities (or lack thereof) the summer will bring, it's still a matter of transition and I think we underestimate the impact this can have on our well-being.

At least three of these moms, having been absent from their regularly scheduled sessions with me because of all that's going on for them, were surprised to find themselves so tight and tender, even after only skipping a week or too.

This tells me that there's a possibility that the bodywork was needed even more during this time. (Sadly and ironically, we always need it more at the times when we are least able to get to it.)

I've written elsewhere about navigating transitions.

Times in which our routines are changing, or the seasons, or our internal rhythms... these are times in which it's important to really focus on the physical body, as it represents our 'ground of being', and giving our bodies some attention will provide us with a greater sense of stability and centeredness.

Exercise, proper eating and, of course, bodywork, can help you to stay grounded during times of external chaos. Hara (abdominal) massage can be particularly centering as it consolidates your energy within your core.

Can't get in for an appointment? Try this simple shiatsu self-massage routine!

(Gina Loree Marks is the shiatsu practitioner at the Lionville Holistic Health Center. She can be reached for an appointment at 610-304-5120, or you can visit her website for more information.)

This month, we're featuring Acupuncturist, Christa Saltzman. She's had her practice, Eagle Acupuncture, at the Holistic Center for five years.

Christa, how long have you been involved in acupuncture?

    I have been involved in acupuncture about 10 years.

What drew you to learning acupuncture?

    Back in mid-80's I got the "never -ending flu". I was given a diagnosis of CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), or fibromyalgia. After seeing 12 specialists from University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Jefferson and John Hopkins, with my symptoms of daily fevers, debilitating headaches and painful, swollen joints, they determined that 'nothing was wrong'. This went on about four years.

    My family doctor, however, refused to give up, and kept searching for answers. Meanwhile, I also developed neurological symptoms.

    My doc, while at a convention, called me late one night, as he had just sat in on a talk given my a doctor in Lyme, Connecticut. I was immediately tested, 'very positive' for Lyme disease, and began a 30-day treatment with antibiotics (IV Rocephin). My headaches and neurological symptoms disappeared after the course of antibiotics. But my aches, swollen joints and fevers persisted for another six months. I pretty much felt like I was thrown down a flight of stairs. Specialists decided they couldn't help me anymore and suggested that I go on permanent disability.

    But my one favorite doctor at Penn pulled me aside, and asked me, in the strictest of confidence, if I had heard of acupuncture, and suggested I go to Chinatown. I was also receiving shiatsu at the time from a friend I worked with. I would feel good for about for a day or two, but then the aches and pains would come back. She beleived I needed deeper treatment, and suggested acupuncture, so I was getting this message from two sources.

    It was a miraculous experience. The pain started to subside, the swelling went down, the headaches and fevers lessened.

    I started reading and researching everything I could about acupuncture. The funny thing was I thought I would have to go to China to study it, until a friend informed me that they have schools here in the US that teach it. (laughing)

What's your superpower? In other words, what unique gifts, experiences and insights do you bring to your practice?

    I think my superpower is my ability to put people at ease and make them feel comfortable. So many people have heard that acupuncture might be good for what they're dealing with, but are afraid of the idea of having needles stuck in them. Also, I have personal experience with long-term sickness, and the frustration of being told that nothing is wrong with me.

What kinds of people seek out your services?

     Desperate! (laughing..) Usually they fall into two categories: those people who already see the value of preventative care, and those that 'have tried everything else'.  In the second category, most people that come are looking for pain reduction.. more women than men, and among those, women with stress and anxiety issues, reproductive issues, etc.

What do you find most rewarding about this work?

    Having an impact and the ability to improve quality of someone's life.. allowing them to get back to doing things and being with people they enjoy,  getting them back to normal activities, allowing them to be productive and valuable again.

What's next for you? What's your vision?

    I would really like to expand my practice, and also do some presenting and teaching.

What else brings joy to your life?

    Family. Seeing my kids happy and doing well. Sharing time with family and friends. Attending church. Oh and food! I'm Italian, so I love to cook, and feed people, and see people happy, and enjoying the food I make.  

What would you like people to come away with from your sessions together?

    I'd like them to come away with a feeling of calm, to feel relaxed, have clarity, to feel physically better. Less pain, more grounded. Some people say it's their favorite hour of the week I want to give them a sense of peace and relaxation (The term, 'safe harbor' comes to mind...)

Thank you Christa...!

To reach Christa for a session, give her a call at: 610-304-0705, or email her at: csaltzman@officecenter.com.

Herb of the Month

Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinalis)
Parts used- Leaf, Root and Flowers

One of my favorite little herbs!

I believe Dandelion is one of the great tonic herbs of all times. The entire plant is the ultimate spring tonic being both restorative and rejuvenating.

The root is a wonderful digestive bitter - it stimulates the liver, increases the flow of bile,cleansing the system gently. The root is also a very safe and effective diuretic as it tones the kidneys, and gently ridding the body of water. The leaves are high in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium,iron, vitamin A and C. Adding the leaves to your favorite salad or casserole, is a delicious and nutritious idea, and a great way to reap the benefits of this wondrous little plant.

The roots can be added to stir fries, soups and decocted as a tonic tea. I use the tinctured leaf and root every spring for 4 to 6 weeks for what i call my "spring cleaning".

Favorite Liver Tonic Tea

3 parts nettles
2 part dandelion leaf
2 part red clover
1 part alfalfa
4 Tablespoon of herb per quart of boiling water, steep 20 minutes.. drink 2 to 4 cups a day!

Enjoy!




First up is Bill Bryan, whom I'll let introduce himself here.

I'm William M. Bryan, massage therapist, owner of Tri-scale Massage & Bodywork, and Director of the Lionville Holistic Health Center.

Bill, how long have you been involved in massage therapy, and had a practice at the Holistic Center?

I graduated from the East/West School of Massage Therapy in 2002, received my National Certification later that same year, and have had my practice at the LHHC since 2006.

What drew you to learning massage therapy?

I've had many jobs, from 'chef-ing' to cabinetry, but never felt that any of them were what I was 'supposed' to be doing.  While I became interested in alternative health at the age of 16, I only considered a career with this when I was 39.

I attended a massage school to learn anatomy and physiology, and to gain an introduction to alternative health modalities. But, at that time, I truly had no interest in becoming a massage therapist per se. But after realizing that conditions like sciatica and plantar fasciitis could be relieved by therapeutic massage, I knew I had found my calling.

What's your superpower? In other words, what unique gifts, experiences and insights do you bring to your practice?

My background in construction and design allows me to appreciate structure and the forces at work therein - most importantly, the ability to troubleshoot and assess structural imbalances.

Interestingly, a lot of the previous jobs I had held, while seemingly unrelated, turned out to bring relevance to my understanding of how the body works. I also bring a unique philosophical slant, drawing primarily from Scriptural and scientific principles as I understand them.

What kinds of people seek out your services?

The bulk of my client base is comprised of people with chronic injuries that are seeking to avoid the use of pharmaceuticals and surgeries. Some just want massage to relax and unwind, but most come seeking reparative work.

What do you find most rewarding about this work?

When I've been able to help someone avoid surgery, or come off pain medications, that's when I am sure I am where I'm supposed to be, and doing what I'm supposed to be doing. My world comes together at that point. If I was a millionaire (which isn't likely to happen anytime soon :), I would still do what I do.

What's next for you? What's your vision?

I would like to one day start a healing arts school dedicated to alternative therapies based on sound science along with Biblical principles of healing.

What else brings joy to your life?

Music (both playing and listening), art, poetry, gardening, political & philosophical discussions, sitting by the ocean, studying and teaching Scripture.

I often say that I'll have to live to 103 to pursue everything I want to do!

What would you like people to come away with from your sessions together?

Pain relief, primarily. But more than that, an increased appreciation of their own sense of self-worth. I want them to know that they have been fearfully and wonderfully made.

So, there you have it.  To get in touch with Bill for a session, just call 484-798-8029, or email him at triscale@verizon.net

Comments? Questions? We'd love to hear from you in the comments section below!

April 10th was Opening Day at The Mill at Anselma ... in which we got to showcase our brand new banner!

(...and there was much rejoicing...)

I (Gina) had heard of this historic spot before, through Denise and Yvonne of Cooking for Real.. who had established a Farmer's Market there, but had never been to visit this exquisite piece of preserved industrial history, right in our own backyard.

We (Bill and I) representing the Lionville Natural Pharmacy and the Holistic Center as the primary sponsor for the Mill's Opening Day, set up our information table next to the gift shop, where we hoped to attract the attention of folks passing by. There was a bit of interest, but overall, it was not a heavily attended event.

Still, as I said, it was a beautiful, if rather chilly and breezy day, and the relaxed pace allowed us some time to wander around the grounds and check out the Mill.

What can I say ... it was pretty cool!

Big heavy machinery is not usually my thing, but I do love history, and so I was impressed by how much of the equipment and mechanisms are still in or close to their original state.. mostly made of wood, and still in use. The sounds inside the mill house.. the gears turning, the water wheel spinning... I think are what got me. The stories of how the Mill had been passed on through several families since it was built in 1747, as well as how it became multi-purposed in more recent economic hard times was also intriguing.

Almost forgot to mention, the theme of the day was "Tried-and-true (and not so true!) remedies ofDr Mom in colonial dress.. Early America" featuring Dr. Mom.. a woman (her actual name escapes me at the moment. sorry!) who began cultivating a garden in the 70's in the manner it was done back in the 18th century.. which she still maintains to this day. She was a wealth of information about herbs and colonial-era medicine.. she even has her own still!

Overall, it's a pretty cool place to come visit.. the grounds are beautiful, and the buildings so characteristic of old Chester County architecture. And the people working there.. so very friendly, knowledgable, and dedicated to this special place. (Say hi to Jenn Green!)

Click here for more photos...

As part of the festivities, they are featuring a flour milling demonstration, as well as 'activities dedicated to exploring the truths and myths of 18th century medicines and surgical procedures.'

In the literature requesting our participation, it is further explained that they've 'brought an expert in historic medicine in to discuss what natural remedies colonial people would have used, as well as what quackeries and myths they believed in.'

I (Gina) noticed with a small bit of irony that our center, which includes an acupuncturist, an ayurvedic doctor, a shiatsu therapist, and a Reiki master, could very well be considered to be populated by 'quacks' according to some segments of the mainstream.

Alas, we shall be there anyway... it promises to be a fun day, and with sunny, cool weather. I also hope to run into Denise and Yvonne of Cooking for Real, who opened the Farmer's Market there at Anselma, and, for a while, contributed awesome recipes to my blog. Like this one for example...

Again, it's this Saturday from 10 to 4, on Route 401 in Chester Springs. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids, and any other info you need is here.

If you miss it, stay tuned for photos!