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Healthcare

Day-to-day life can be so busy that tension and muscle pain seem almost normal for many people—but luckily this does not have to be the case. Besides taking a long, hot bath, there are some alternative therapy choices that can be beneficial to those suffering from conditions such as a pinched nerve or feelings of anxiety.

Massage is a popular way to combat muscle tension and stress. “Generally speaking, relaxation improves, and that has an overall effect on the immune system, which helps with the body’s own ability to help heal and maintain physical and mental hardiness,” says Jim Fatz, Ph.D., LMT, NCTMB, from the Center for Integrative BodyWork in Sycamore. He points out that anyone is able to benefit from reduced stress levels and enhanced relaxation. These issues directly affect the parasympathetic nervous system and can impact overall heath. “A robust nervous system also optimizes the body’s inherent ability to heal itself,” says Fatz.

Some of the more popular massage styles are Swedish and Therapeutic massage. “Swedish massage is designed to help invoke the relaxation response. Therapeutic massage is a combination of various techniques, depending on the client and the therapist’s skill set, that address a specific chronic or acute issue,” explains Fatz.

Massage has become not only more accessible, but more specialized as people began to realize all of the benefits and practitioners have started to offer more services. “The most popular that we see in our practice—and many other places don’t offer—would be Swedish, Therapeutic, Ortho-Bionomy, Sacred Lomi, CranioSacral, Ayurvedi, and Reiki (although Reiki is really not an actual massage),” says Fatz.

Chiropractic care is another alternative method that can help address various wellness issues. “By helping improve brain/body communication, chiropractic care may assist with improving mood and mental clarity, focus and creativity, prevention of disease/disorders and help people to be healthier and happier,” says Kimberly Selir, DN, DC, DNBHE, from the Family Wellness & Rehab Center in Sycamore.

Selir says that there are more than 100 different chiropractic techniques, and services can include manipulation/mobilization, massage or muscle therapy, rehabilitation, nutrition, physical and mental exercise, and wellness care, depending on the chiropractor and area of specialty. She says, “If they choose to, everyone can benefit from chiropractic care, from hours old to 100 years and up.”

One thing Selir emphasizes is that we need to start asking ourselves the question, “Am I well?” instead of merely trying to avoid illness. She believes that chiropractic care is an important part of achieving these wellness goals. “This may include feeling good physically, mentally and emotionally, looking good, having an abundance of energy and enjoying every minute we have on earth with those that are most precious to us— children, parents or friends.”

Selir says that while those who are recovering from illness or injury may need as many as three sessions per week, wellness goals can generally be assisted by going to a chiropractor every two to four weeks. She believes wholeheartedly in the importance of chiropractic care and says, “Our nervous system controls every cell, tissue and organ in our bodies. It is our ‘electricity.’ Chiropractic care assists with decreasing nerve irritation/interference to help us function as close to 100 percent as possible.”

The world outside of traditional medicine has been gaining more attention throughout the years. Chiropractic care and massage are just two examples of alternative therapies that have become an important part of the treatment package for those who are under stress or want to be more in tune with their bodies. After all, true wellness has many facets.e