"Humanity is divided into three classes: Those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move."  ~ Arabian Proverb

Would you wait until you were hungry to plant a garden? Would you wait until you were thirsty to dig a well? Of course not! Then why wait until you're sick to take care of your health? Before illnesses manifest physically they are present as energetic imbalances. Chinese diagnostic techniques discern underlying energetic patterns and identify problems before they present as physical symptoms. We are electric being with channels of dynamic energy (qi) circulating throughout our bodies and connecting us to the Universe. This qi comprises all essential life activities which include the spiritual, emotional, mental, and the physical aspects of life. A person's health is influenced by the flow of qi in the body, in combination with the universal forces of yin and yang. If the flow of qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, yin and yang become unbalanced and illness may occur. Qi travels throughout the body along "meridians" or special pathways. There are fourteen main meridians running vertically up and down the surface of the body. The acupuncture points are specific locations where the meridians come to the surface of the skin, and are easily accessible by needling, moxibustion (the burning of herbs over the skin), and acupressure. Treatment involves the evaluation of a person's unique constitutional energies. Using pulse, tongue, and abdominal diagnosis, a pattern of energetic imbalance is determined and then specific points on the body are stimulated to re-establish the proper circulation of qi. Chinese Medicine taps into the energetic stream of the patient and seek to correct imbalances and establish equilibrium in the mind-body-spirit of the individual.
Jennifer Olivieri, Licensed Acupuncturist - by appointment - 212-679-6576

With our gravity-centered colonics, the results are dramatic but the process is not traumatic. Gravity-centered colonics allow for the simultaneous intake and exit of water throughout the treatment. This prevents water retention and discomfort, especially for those with weak intestinal tracts. The simultaneous exit of water guarantees an effective, calm, and healing experience. Most people's reluctance to try a colonic comes from the fear of large quantities of water entering the body. Gravity-centered colonics (based on the Woods Gravity Method) create a release that is always twice as strong as the intake. Pay attention to your body during the process and you'll realize you're much more aware of what's leaving than what's entering. Our therapists are "present" throughout the entire process, utilizing abdominal and energy-transfer type massage during the treatment. The importance of a transitional diet to cleanse the body properly is strongly emphasized. Colonic Hydrotherapy is offered 7 days a week at both Chakra17 locations. Generally, treatments last from 45 minutes to one hour. To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions, please call us: in New York at (212) 679-6576 and in Portland at (503) 493-9656.

Cranio-Sacral therapy is used to detect and correct imbalances in the craniosacral system, which may be the cause of sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth - which make up the cranium - down to the sacrum, or tailbone. The therapy has been successfully used to treat headaches, neck and back pain, TMJ, chronic fatigue, motor coordination difficulties, eye problems and central nervous system disorders. This gentle yet dynamic work frees restrictions in your nervous system and allows for the free flow of energy through the connective tissues of the body, which is where the ancient Chinese believed that the essential energies (qi) flow in the body. While grounded in anatomical and physiological principles, I approach the work from the spiritual perspective of opening the pathways for the smooth flow of energy from the 1^st chakra (the sacrum) thru the 7^th chakra (the cranium). The treatments induce a deep feeling of peace and well-being. You will be asked to lie clothed on a treatment table while subtle manual pressure is applied to your head and at the base of your spine. Many people report feeling deeply relaxed during treatment, though some experience a spontaneous ³unwinding² of tension, believed to result from the release of physical or emotional trauma in the body. My own introduction to craniosacral therapy came like most people's - through the miracle of an illness revealing a whole new path of healing. During graduate school I came down with viral labyrinthitis, an infection of the inner ear. I woke up one morning with the room spinning, unable to walk due to the severe dizziness and with every little movement causing me to vomit uncontrollably. I ended up in the local emergency room hooked up to an IV wishing I would die. There was nothing that the doctors could do, but re-hydrate me and give me medication that they said wouldn¹t work as well as time would in restoring the fluid balance in my inner ears. I spent the following days in bed unable to tolerate sound, vibration or movement as they all aggravated the vertigo and brought on fits of vomiting. The doctor told me that it would probably be at least six weeks before I¹d be back to normal and able to walk in a straight line without walking into a wall. It was my great fortune that one of my classmates knew craniosacral therapy. She gave me a treatment and when I got up off the table it was like the clouds parted and the sun came out! It was miraculous! I was 100% recovered within two days. The craniosacral therapy had assisted in re-establishing the fluid balance in my inner ears that had become stagnant due to the infection. I became such a believer in the therapy that my success story inspired at least ten of my classmates to go on to study craniosacral therapy. Now I very joyfully share this technique with others who benefit from it in their own unique and positive way. I now consider that illness to have been a blessing from the Divine because it has brought me immeasurable gifts of compassion, insight and knowledge.
Jennifer Olivieri, Cranio Sacral Therapist - by appointment - 212-679-6576

At Chakra17, we understand that excess weight means excess toxicity. We will create a diet and longevity program that will empower you in such a way that not only will you see the pounds come off, but you'll also see the energy, vitality, and self esteem come in. Our concepts have been around for centuries and are based on the natural Universal Law. Rarely are supplements needed or recommended. Saliva tests, hair and live-cell analysis, other sorts of diagnostic tests, aren't at all necessary because health and vitality come from avoidance of new poisons and removal of old poisons. Health is not about riboflavin, niacinamide, balancing your copper and zinc, and all that high tech stuff. The great Arnold Ehret called that approach "the tragedy of nutrition." Learn a radical, inexpensive, and totally empowering system of weight loss and longevity gain. Health clubs with their high protein diets make you lean and mean. We will make you lean and happy! In New York, please call Tom DeVito at (212) 679-6576. And, in Portland, call Wendy Jones at (503) 493-9656.

My name is Joyce Spindel. Over the past several years I have included massage therapy as an integral part of my own health regimen. I was first introduced to massage as a means to ease my chronic neck pain after a series of car accidents. Not only did massage release my neck injuries but I have found that it is a therapeutic way to increase blood flow, accelerate healing, relieve stress, improve mental clarity, and simply make ourselves feel happy. What a concept!!! As a massage therapist, I focus on creating a blissful experience for every client. Swedish massage strokes are the basis of the session but I employ a multitude of relaxing techniques including rhythmic movements of Shiatsu and Trager (gentle rocking). Some Thai elements (gentle stretching & elbow/knee implementation) are sprinkled in for an added treat. My work is very deep but never painful and is geared to client's requests and/or body language. The most relaxing ambient music plays softly and essential oils fill the air. The scalp, ears, neck, hands, and toes are never forgotten. Your body will be wrapped up like a cocoon and kept warm under a blanket. Subtle energy work around the face and crown of the head is employed at the end of the session. You will feel transported, nurtured, and secure during the entire retreat. Massage is offered Monday through Saturday. Sessions are an hour in length and are $80.00 per session. If you have any questions about how massage can benefit you, please call (212) 679-6576.

Did you know that the ancient practice of Reiki arrived with the Buddha's enlightenment? Reiki is the magnificent energy that brings forth and sustains all living things! The art of Reiki allows the attuned practitioner to channel healing energy through their hands. The Reiki practitioner transmits their own energy to the patient by an intuitive system of non-intrusive therapeutic touch. Reiki augments and accelerates the healing process. It can be used in conjunction with any other therapy. Reiki is very effective in cases that do not respond to other forms of treatment. Reiki accesses the source of life to optimize subtle auric and internal energies of the recipient. Since Reiki is multi-dimensional, it can be a benevolent catalyst in personal evolution, no matter what beliefs are held. In New York, please call (212) 679-6576 and in Portland, (503) 493-9596.

Structural Integration - The Ida P. Rolf MethodStructural Integration, also known as Rolfing, is the life's work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf (1896-1979). It is a systematic, 10-series method of manipulating and moving connective tissue (fascia) in the human body with the collective intents of better ease of movement, more flexibility, etc., but most of all, with the strong intent of evoking a profound sense of the vertical in the client (a better sense of "up" if you will). A body that has been Structurally Integrated works within the earth's gravitational field, not against it. Standing up straight, lack of pain, ease of walking, dancing, sitting, are all hallmarks of balanced structure, not posture. It is structure that the practitioner is most concerned with. For it is structure that determines much else of how the body the body acts and interacts with the environment. What exactly is structure? Webster's defines STRUCTURE as, "something composed of interrelated parts forming an organism or an organization." Structure has to do with the essential building blocks of something. For instance, the structure of a cheetah largely determines how a cheetah acts within the world. A cheetah is different from a human being due to a difference in structure. STRUCTURE IS FUNCTION. And, the inverse is true: FUNCTION IS STRUCTURE. The function of a hunter-gatherer society is different from a capitalist society because the structure (essence, interaction of individuals and groups, value and belief systems, etc.) is different. One can see structure in anything and, once one sees and learns the structure of that thing, the form and function make themselves known quite easily.

Why Structural Integration? People from all walks of life benefit greatly from Structural Integration simply because the work allows their bodies to move through life and their environs with a much greater sense of ease and stability.

Why 10 sessions? Dr. Rolf concluded ten sessions because that's exactly how many sessions she found it required to integrate a body. Each session is concerned with a different set of goals and different parts and functions of a body. Together, in the specific order, the body "unfolds" due to fascial holdups or speed bumps being cleared and loosened.

What is fascia? Fascia, or connective tissue, is the "organ of structure" in the human body. Everything (bones, muscles, organs, etc.) takes place within fascia. It is the three-dimensional web that holds it all together. The only way to effect change in the structure of the human body is to work with fascia.

Does this work go with other form of bodywork? Yes! In my personal experience it goes beautifully with Yoga, Pilates, Chiropractic, massage, etc. People from all walks of life, (dancers, businesspeople, athletes, etc.) can benefit no matter what their lifestyles are. Remember, Structural Integration is primarily concerned with fascia, the connective tissue of the body. Other forms of bodywork and exercise usually complement Rolf's work due to the fact hat they're concerned mainly with other functions: muscle groups, skeleton, etc.

Does Structural Integration "stay"? Yes. These are significant changes that the body undergoes, and in almost all cases, the work not only continues after the 10 sessions are completed, this is actually the time when most of the work takes place.

"Gravity is the therapist." - Dr. Ida P. Rolf.

The meaning of the above quote makes itself remarkably clear in the months following the completion of the 10-series. After the S.I. practitioner is done, the body has a chance to settle back into itself in the gravitational field in a more organized manner than was hitherto unrealizable.

What is "the line"? "The line", as such, does not exist as something literal and concrete. What it is, in fact, is an individual's sense of verticality. This is, ultimately, the main goal of the work. According to Newtonian physics, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In Structural Integration, when one's feet are on the ground, the resulting force in an ordered body goes UP.

Hans Michaud, Certified Practitioner Rolf Structural Integration - by appointment -
212-679-6576.

B.E.S.T is a physical yet non-forceful, energy balancing procedure performed with the hands to reestablish the full healing potential of the body using its natural healing abilities. B.E.S.T. removes the interference and/or distractions that are demanding the attention of the healing power; thereby causing the imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, and ultimately leading to disease. Researched at major universities, taught in association with many chiropractic colleges and in professional continuing education seminars, B.E.S.T. is recognized by the health care industry as an effective healing science.

The Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique (B.E.S.T.) is a technique which is widely used by health care practitioners all over the world who practice mind/body healing, and who recognize that the body is more than the sum of its parts. It's a system of health care that is truly state-of-the-art in balancing Body/Mind/Memory/Soul energy fields. When these energy fields are out of balance, symptoms develop and health deteriorates. Many factors affect the body's state of balance. Emotional issues of the past as well as the choices that we have made or currently make in six essential areas: what we eat and drink; how we exercise and rest; what we breathe; and what we think all affect our energy field balance. When these symptoms are out of balance, they become exhausted. Symptoms such as pain and disease often develop.

Pain has a purpose. Pain is the body's alarm system, alerting you that there is something wrong. Pain alerts the body to start the healing process. Pain from accidents or injuries- a cut, broken bone, torn cartilage, dislocated joint, or other physical injury- isn't bad. This pain helps to direct healing energy to the area it is needed by your body.

The fastest way for your body to stop hurting is to balance the energy fields. This will allow you to repair and rebuild your damaged, painful condition. Procedure is relief from the pain. This will help you feel as good as possible as soon as possible. However, many of the people that are here to have their bodies balanced don't necessarily have pain. Our experience has shown that by keeping your body balanced, it not only can get rid of pain, but more importantly, it will allow your body to function much more efficiently and actually repair and rebuild the damage from nutritional, physical, or mental stress.

Emotions and thoughts play a big role in your health. Think about something that you really hate or someone that really bothers you. It is actually possible to increase your heart rate, tense up your shoulders, bring on a headache, or make you sick to your stomach just by thinking about it! Or try this. Think about a bright yellow lemon. See it in your mind's eye. See the yellow skin. Now, picture cutting it with a knife right down the middle. Then squeeze it into a spoon. Now, slowly place the spoon of lemon juice into your mouth on top of your tongue and swallow it! Can you see how what you think can actually change your bodily function? Did you swallow from the sour juice?

Your thoughts (mental stress) change the way your body functions. That can be either positive or negative depending on your thoughts. What you think is probably the most important factor in regard to your overall health.

Your body is designed to survive. It is important to understand that everything the body does is for the sole purpose of survival right now. It isn't designed to be sick or healthy. It is designed to survive the conditions for the moment, and it deals with these conditions by responding to the greatest threat to survival first. We call this top priority.

You may feel terrible, but your body is doing the best it can under the circumstances that you provide for it. If something isn't done to update the current status of the threat, it may keep responding over and over until that particular system becomes exhausted. That's when you have symptoms like pain or disease.

B.E.S.T. updates physical and emotional memory. BY touching certain pressure points, in the proper sequence, and having you think about specific memory stress, we have found that your body begins to re-communicate with your brain. Of course, your brain controls all functions in your body. When they work together, body balance, restoration of health, and feeling good are welcome results.

When the procedure is finished, your legs should measure even in length: your arms should be strong. This means that your body is balanced. Clinical experience has shown that by stimulating these specific pressure points as part of the B.E.S.T procedure that your body cannot only begin to feel better but can actually help to repair and rebuild. The rebuilding and repairing are the necessary steps to regaining food, pain-free health. By combining your improved choices in those six essential areas with this updated mind/body balance a winning combination is certain to follow. By taking this approach, you are taking steps to learn to maintain this balance in the days weeks, and months to follow.

With the B.E.S.T. approach, we believe that there are virtually no conditions that your body cannot overcome or show improvement in. By balancing your body with B.E.S.T., we are attempting to do everything we can to allow your body to heal, to repair, to rebuild, and to gain health.

Take it one step at a time. Changes in the choices that we make in the six essential areas must happen gradually. The nutritional changes can often be the most uncomfortable, and the thinking changes the most difficult. Take your time, and ask for help! For nutritional stress, we recommend natural, whole food supplementation to help you. Nature has the ability to put things together in ways that seem to be the most beneficial to our bodies. Should you have problems with gas, indigestion, or bowels, be sure to mention this. We have more information on making better choices in these six essential areas to make these changes easy and healthy!

Your Choices Matter. The choices you make in six essential areas determine whether you follow a lifestyle that results in permanent good health or one that can lead to distress, illness, depressionŠan unbalanced system that leads to disease.

The six essential areas and guidelines to help you make healthful choices are:

1. What you eat...
Your diet should consist approximately 75% fruits and vegetables. This keeps your body alkaline (it's natural state) instead of acidic, and helps prevent injury and disease.

2. What you drink...
Avoid stimulants such as coffee and alcohol. Drink fresh vegetable juices and pure water.

3. How you exercise...
Get 30 minutes of whole body exercise 3 times a week. Help your body stay flexible. You'll be surprised at how good it feels and how the tendency to suffer injuries is reduced.

5. What you breathe...
Clean, smoke-free air is also essential to permanent good health. If you can smell the air you breathe, it is probably not healthy.

6. What you think...
Stress can be a killer. It also can cause your muscles to tighten up to the point that injuries and pain become more likely. Find ways to think calming thoughts, at home and at work. It pays big dividends in good health!

Jennifer Moyer, Certified B.E.S.T. Practitioner - by appointment - 212-679-6576

A gentle and holistic alternative to invasive cosmetic procedures, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a painless, non-surgical method of reducing the signs of the aging process. But it should be considered more of a "life-lift" than merely an alternative to a facelift. More than a cosmetic procedure, it is a rejuvenation and revitalization process designed to help the whole body look and feel younger. Working with your inherent constitutional energies, Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation, taps into your deepest reservoirs of qi to transform your appearance from the inside out. By potentiating your elemental energies and balancing your qi, these treatments enhance health, vitality and beauty. As a consequence, both your inner and outer well-being are renewed and revitalized. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture can erase as many as five to fifteen years from the face, with results apparent after just a few treatments. Fine lines may be entirely eliminated and deeper wrinkles diminished. Bags under the eyes can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, droopy eyelids lifted and double chins minimized. Other likely results include: moisturizing of the skin with increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face; increased collagen production, muscle tone, and dermal contraction; tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes; improved hormonal balance to clear acne; and the reduction of stress evident in the face -- all bringing out your innate beauty and radiance. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call Jennifer Olivieri at Chakra XVII or email her at turtletattoo@cs.com..

This page last updated: 04.14.03
© 2003 Chakra17 Comprehensive Healing Arts Centers

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