September 2008 Newsbriefs

Wellness Fair in Melbourne

A Better Way to Health is hosting their 2008 Jump into Wellness Fair in West Melbourne. Co-owner Deron Johnson explains, "This is a full-day of free lectures, metaphysical readers, free MIGIUN jade and chair massages, great raffles with door prizes, and a delicious menu of healthy foods." Product discounts will also be available from their new Boutique Store. Lecture times are listed in the calendar available at A Better Way to Health.

Wellness fair will be held Saturday, September 27 from 10am to 7pm. For more information call 321-956-7777, stop by 1954 Dairy Road West Melbourne, or visit www.miguncentral.com.

Holistic Childbirth Services

Andrea McKinley is excited to offer Birthing From Within classes and Doula care throughout Brevard and Indian River Counties. Birthing From Within is a holistic class series for expectant parents looking for a nourishing and practical birthing preparation. It is intended to support families and single mothers birthing in any setting. "What to expect in labor, birth, and parenting are deeply explored through dynamic discussion and unique hands-on processes," explains Andrea. "These create a rare and refreshing balance with non-biased, evidence-based information, to help parents make truly informed decisions during the childbearing year." Parents gain answers to questions, have opportunities to share concerns, and master practices to guide them through the intensity of labor and parenting. Class sizes are limited for individual attention, personalized content, and a nurturing atmosphere.

On-going classes begin September 16 and continue for 6 evenings through October 21 for $185. Extraordinary birth and postpartum doula care is also available to a limited number of parents. For more information, visit www.birthingfromwithin.com or call 321-604-2690. Mention this news brief for a 20% discount.

New Staff at Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga on the Island is pleased to welcome new staff members Courtney Dutson, Studio Manager and Sharon Lacy, Retail and Marketing Manager. Courtney, a Bikram Yoga Instructor and Economics graduate from UCF, will help develop customer service, registration management, and oversee the general continuation of the facilities. Courtney will assist the studio deliver quality service and a beautifully preserved facility to the community of students.

Sharon Lacy is a graduate of Everest University with a Marketing degree. Sharon will help to bring awareness to the studio through community outreach. She also operates the most recent expansion of Bikram’s Body Shop, an athletic apparel boutique. Sharon’s years of experience in Marketing and keen sense of style will help spread the word about the benefits of practicing Bikram Yoga while bringing the finest in yoga and athletic apparel to the boutique.

Studio located at 87 E. Merritt Ave., Merritt Island (by Home Depot). For more information call 321-452-YOGA (9642) or visit www.BikramYogaMI.com.

Health Connections Open House

To honor the community that has kept Health Connections: Massage & Colon Hydrotherapy a vital component of the alternative health community for the last ten years, owner Candice Klein, LMT, CT, is hosting an Open House. Candice will demonstrate bamboo massage, massage cupping, and the Nu Skin Galvanic face treatment as well as answer questions about colon hydrotherapy. Peggy Snead, LMT, RN, and one of the original Brevard massage therapists will demonstrate fascial treatment. Paula Holsinger, LMT, LPN, will provide chair massage, and Simone Taylor, LMT, will provide hand and foot massage. There will also be refreshments and raffles.

Candice opened Health Connections in September, 1988, when there were only a handful of massage therapists in Indian River and Brevard County. Growth of the profession is credited to the awareness of massage therapy benefits. Candice became a colon hydrotherapy pioneer in Brevard and has watched popularity grow as individuals take more responsibility for their health.

Open House will be held Sunday, September 14 from 1–5pm. Candice Klein, MA8163, Peggy Snead, MA3969, Paula Holsinger, MA22814, and Simone Taylor, MA31058 are available at Health Connections, 320 Fourth Ave. Indialantic MM4010. For more information call 321-725-8347.

New Hypnotist and Shaman

The Center for Healing Arts is pleased to welcome Shamanic student Dana Baggiani. Dana was called to Peru in November 2007 to accompany two very well known Shamans of the Amazon. While there, she was introduced to the powerful experience of plant medicines and the healing properties of plants’ spirit. Dana was then guided to The Center to continue her studies with Shaman Debra Kruljac. The Center is also announcing The Growth Gallery where chosen plants are transformed into sacred shamanic plants through ceremonial rituals.

The Center is excited to welcome Certified Master Hypnotist Peggy Hanson. Hypnosis has been a part of Penny’s life since 1992 and she is certified by the National Guide of Hypnotist, Inc. Hypnosis in conjunction with a Physician’s recommendation treatment protocols can drastically accelerate recovery of health issues such as alcohol/drug cessation, anxiety, arthritis, cancer treatment, depression, weight release, fears and phobias, fibromyalgia, etc. Penny is offering a free consultation to assess if Hypnosis is appropriate for each client.

Penny will be presenting a free Visualization/Meditation session on Wednesday, September 17, 6:30-8:00pm at 916 Columbus Ave., Melbourne. For more information call 321-543-7959.

Mexico Forum of Healers

Richard and Diana Daffner, MA, relationship coaches, will be speaking on Tantra and Sacred Intimacy at the International Forum of Healers in Tulum, Mexico. They are also hosting an Intimacy Retreat for Couples at the same resort and participants will be able to attend the Forum at no charge.

The Forum, held at EcoTulum Resorts and Spa, features free lectures with internationally recognized healers and shamans, free daily yoga and sunrise Tai Chi as well as a full moon ceremony, a Temascal (similar to Native American Sweat Lodge), fire dancing, drumming and performance art. Private sessions are available with visiting healers.

The Daffners are the creators of Tantra Tai Chi and authors of Lessons in Intimacy…The Lover’s Touch. Their relationship-enhancing program, Intimacy Retreats, is based on many years of training and certification in Tantra, Tai Chi, Aikido, massage, energy awareness, Reiki, psychology, and sexuality counseling. The Daffners host weekend Intimacy Retreats in Florida every month. Additional Fall/winter locations include Siesta Key, Land O’Lakes, and Pompano Beach.

The Retreat will be held October 8-11, the Forum, October 11-15. A Winter Retreat will be held January 24-31. For more information, visit www.IntimacyRetreats.com or call 941-349-6804 or 877-282-4244.

DNA-Guided Food Based Nutrition

GeneLink, Inc., a 14-year old leading consumer genomics Biotech Company, recently launched its wholly owned subsidiary, GeneWize Life Sciences™ Inc. Consumers across North America will now be able to order customized and personalized, all natural supplements based on their individual DNA assessment. Denise Beasley, President of 360 Communications, Inc. in Melbourne, is announcing her affiliation with GeneWize. "Building awareness of DNA-guided nutrition, although revolutionary and science-based, appeals to an endless market: those who are interested in protecting their health and slowing down the aging process."

Utilizing GeneLink's patented and patent pending genetic profiles, GeneWize’s LifeMap Nutrition System™ provides customers with a simple, non-invasive GeneLink Healthy Aging Assessment™ test kit. The assessment results are used to guide the manufacture of each customer's formula which is created from more than 177,000 combinations of natural, food-based ingredients. Within weeks, customers receive a detailed assessment of their DNA along with their supplements and a complete listing of ingredients contained in their personal formula.

For more information, visit www.mygenewize.com/gbeasley or call 321-259-8686.

I Can Do It! Tampa

Hay House, the international leader in self-help and motivational publishing, will host its annual I Can Do It! conference, October 2-5.

I Can Do It! is designed to support you on your journey to new levels of personal growth, and will feature over 33 inspiring speakers and 35 empowering workshops and lectures hosted by some of Hay House’s most popular authors. Workshops will be held Thursday - Sunday. This year’s keynote speakers are Sylvia Browne, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Robert Holden, Doreen Virtue, and Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer).

For more information and tickets visit www.hayhouse.com or call 800-654-5126. Register early to save.

Initiative to Go Green

Positive Change, Inc. is having an organizational meeting this month in an attempt to get 1,000+ homes switched over to non-toxic biodegradable cleaners. This initiative is a concept set in motion by owner Jan O’Han, a self-proclaimed "died in the wool health, nut and tree hugger." Her goal is to have 108,000 lbs. less packaging in landfills and 248,000 lbs. less greenhouse gasses in the air. "As a growing community we have to address the landfill situation and we need to go green!" says Jan. She wants everyone to know how using green products will have a positive impact on our health and even more dramatically on the health of our children and elderly. After the first 1,000 households join the team, Jan will continue pursue the next 1,000 and so on.

The 1000 Home Initiative Organizational Meeting will be held Saturday, September 13, at 10am at Positive Change Health Center, 10480 US Hwy 1, Sebastian. Please RSVP at 772-589-6869.

Personal Assistant Service

Jennifer Chioma Teolis believes, "A personal assistant's most essential work is that of freeing and simplifying the lives of others." Jennifer is happy to announce Mission Accomplice Personal Assistant Service offering small business owners, busy professionals, and working families someone available as needed to alleviate the pressures of a busy life. Services include but are not limited to clerical, answering services, mobile notary, respite care visits, and helping preparing for guests and holiday gatherings. A personal assistant is particularly helpful for the elderly, disabled, vision impaired, and shut in persons and can be the essential component in maintaining their freedom and independence. Jennifer has a diverse educational and work background and is now utilizing that experience in service to others. She adds, "Life should be all about doing what you love, not your to-do lists."

For a complete list of services, visit www.missionaccomplice.com or for more information call 321-622-4126.

Alternative Option to Back Surgery

A new center helps patients suffering from severe and chronic lower back pain. Focusing specifically on patients with conditions such as bulging and herniated discs, sciatica, stenosis, spinal degeneration/arthritis, or facet syndrome, Dr. J. K. Dickinson, DC is now offering Vax-D, a revolutionary Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy. This medical breakthrough technology allows a patient to relax in a comfortable position while lying on a special decompression table, which alleviates pressure on the tissues and around the spine. It assists bulging or herniated disc material to be drawn back into place by negative pressure created by the machine.

The course of care, lasting approximately one month, allows the tissues to undergo a process known as fibroblast activity, producing fresh new cells. When completed, the collagen cells actually help heal the disc which has been seen to be stronger than before. Dr Dickinson is the first to open a Vax-D facility in Melbourne.

For more information or a free consultation call 321-751-9992.

Fall Yoga Schedule for Kashi

Kashi School of Yoga is pleased to announce a new fall schedule. Starting in September, free classes will include the Sunday Breath class and the Saturday afternoon Kali Natha Yoga class. The new schedule also includes special $5 classes offered by recent graduates of the Kali Natha Yoga teacher training program. Plus Size Yoga is back on the schedule as is Prosperity Yoga. For a more challenging, energizing class there is Power Vinyasa Yoga. The schedule continues to offer a variety of Qi-Gong classes. Meditation and chanting classes are held weekly and a special line-up of workshops are being offered throughout the year. Kali Natha Yoga Teacher Training begins September 19.

Check out the schedule of classes at www.kashi.org or call 772-589-1403 ext. 109. Kashi School of Yoga is located at 11155 Roseland Rd. in Sebastian.

New Acupuncturist in Vero Beach

Kate Hoffmann, Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, recently opened Advanced Complementary Medicine. Dr. Hoffmann’s practice complements western medicine in the treatment of chronic pain, stress, asthma, fibromyalgia, Bell's Palsy, stroke, infertility, allergies, as well as cardio-vascular, digestive, menstrual and menopausal problems.

Acupuncture works based on natural energy pathways operating in the body. The energy pathways become blocked due to various reasons. Treatment uses needles that are very small, to access known energy points on the body. This is done in such a way that it unblocks and releases the energy. The energy pathways are then realigned and pain or disease is removed or lessened. The clinic also offers needle-less, non-invasive treatments using light and micro-current. Dr. Hoffmann says her dream "Is to have Western and Eastern medicine work together for the benefit of all." Dr. Hoffmann graduated from the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale and has been practicing complementary medicine for over 17 years.

Office is located at 1600 26th Street, Suite #5, Vero Beach. For more information call 772-766-4418, email FloridaKate@hotmail.com, or visit www.AdvancedComplementaryMedicine.com.

Seminar on Starting a Home Based Business

Kathleen Rich-New would like to help creative people start up their business by offering a How to Start a Home Based Business Seminar. Whether adult, teen, senior, or even if the business isn’t perfectly formulated, the seminar will cover business models that are a match for the potential business owner’s strengths, plus business idea checklists, understanding the cash flow of business, how to create the initial and follow up sales, creating a name that sells, and developing an action plan. Kathleen has made the successful transition from working for a business to creating two. "That is experience that is hard to find since 90% of all businesses fail within the first five years," says Kathleen. "If you have the proper information and tools, your business can be the 10% that succeed."

Early registration is $47, bring a friend for $20, and teens with an adult are $10. Seminar will be held Saturday, September 20, from 9am-4pm at the Cocoa Civic Center, 430 Delannoy Ave, in Cocoa Village. Call 321-452-7308 for more information or visit www.ClarityWorks.biz.

New LMT at Wellness Center

The Wellness Center, offering acupuncture, oriental medicine, and massage therapy, is proud to welcome Gina Johnson, LMT to their staff. Gina has been active in healthcare for more than ten years with experience in nursing, physical, and massage therapy. She works with trauma and repetitive strain, as well as chronic difficulties due to posture or environment using a form of gentle deep tissue massage. Gina specializes in working with children and teens dealing with ADHD, sports injury, and migraines stating, "Many people don’t realize massage therapy works on a neurological basis as well as mechanical."

Lee Tritt, OMD, AP and Adam Byrn Tritt, M.Ed, C.Ht offer true integrative medicine based on cooperation between practitioners who treat the whole patient. Dr. Tritt is a primary care physician dealing with a wide range of health issues from pain-management and weight-loss, to injury and chronic disease. Dr. Tritt specializes in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture in a practice that brings the best care based on what is most appropriate and effective for her patients.

Office is located at Town Center, 1071 Port Malabar Blvd, Suite 106, Palm Bay. For more information call 321-676-3383 or visit www.trittwellness.com.

Pranic Healing Events

Pranic Healing is a system of subtle knowledge that has evolved in the Orient over thousands of years. These ancient mysteries have been organized into a clear-cut science by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui and are taught in the West by his senior disciple, Stephen Co. "A master of the life force energy, Stephen performs miracles that are nature’s response to the conscious direction of our life force energy," explains Tom Park. "All human beings are born with the power to consciously, purposefully direct their life force energy, the foremost power in nature."

The legacy of Oriental Masters is the tremendous development and refinement of the ability to apply these subtle, natural laws. Anyone can realize these seemingly magical abilities to harness and direct nature, healing being the most clear and dramatic application of this ancient knowledge. Master Co believes, "Pranic Healing opens the door to a life of power and mastery, in harmony with nature’s laws and gifts." His mission is to teach everyone this ancient science and art in order to empower them with their own latent ability.

Master Co is presenting several events in Central Florida, including a workshop at Aquarian Dreams in Indialantic on Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30pm. For more information, visit www.yourhandscanhealyou.com and CBS News coverage online.

Traveling Health and Fitness Services

Melissa Vandett is pleased to bring health and fitness to your location. Custom Fit of Brevard is expanding its services to individuals and businesses in the Suntree/Viera area, east to the beaches, and south to Palm Bay. More than just personal training and weight loss services, it is the mission of Custom Fit to guide clients toward activities and behaviors that improve physical well-being as well as an overall sense of self.

Melissa has worked for over ten years with people of all ages and ability levels to promote health, fitness, and nutritional balance. Her knowledge and understanding of nutrition is grounded in her Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Connecticut. She is a Certified Personal Trainer as well as a Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant. Melissa offers a comprehensive schedule of nutrition workshops, personal and group fitness classes, as well as yoga.

To learn more about Custom Fit visit www.customfitofbrevard.com or call Melissa at 321-749-3715.

Yoga Studio Opens in Satellite Beach

Nancy and Ronny Dubinsky are pleased to announce the opening of BIGRONS YOGA in Satellite Beach. Offering hot yoga, 100 minutes of yoga in a room heated to 100 degrees, they customize the classes for all levels of ability from physically challenged to highly athletic. Nancy and Ronny met in 1965 in San Francisco and have had varied teaching backgrounds: opening Montessori schools, working with troubled children, and teaching man/dog search and rescue teams. They have been teaching hot yoga for 26 years. They opened the fifth internationally accredited Bikram yoga school (hot yoga) in the early 1980's in Key West. "Once you take our class you will see how much improvement can be made mentally and physically in a short period of time by just following instructions in a fun and relaxed environment," explains Nancy.

Please call Ronny and Nancy for a daily schedule of classes. 1024 Hwy A1A #146, Satellite Beach, 321-773-FLEX (3539) www.BigRonsYoga.com

Honoring the Moon Ceremonies

Nature’s Haven and What You Love To Do have come together to celebrate and honor the New and Full phases of the moon. Both ceremonies utilize seven quartz crystal singing bowls to create a circle of divine harmony. The sound and vibration of the bowls evoke and empower self awareness allowing participants to align with Divine energy. The New Moon is a time of new beginnings and a time to plant seeds of inspiration. The Full Moon is a time to manifest and bring goals and desires to fruition. Both ceremonies are facilitated by Doreen DeSerres from Nature’s Haven and she invites you to come early to partake in an herbal tisane and sage smudging prior to the start of the circle.

Full Moon Ceremony is Friday, September 12. New Moon Ceremony is Saturday September 27. Both ceremonies will be held at What You Love To Do, 602 Brevard Ave., Cocoa Village beginning with tea at 6pm, sage smudging at 6:30pm, and ceremony at 7pm. Suggested love offering $10. For more information call 321-504-0304.

Weekend Qigong Workshop

Richard Todd is hosting a weekend Qigong workshop for the Health Preservation Association. Qigong is the ancient Chinese art of healing, using breathing and movement to regulate natural body energy. Through a series of relaxed arm and body movements and standing, sitting and moving meditation, healing energy can be gathered from the heavens and the earth, and brought into our bodies preventing and treating different kinds of diseases. The purpose of the Health Preservation Association is to train competent and highly qualified instructors to help prevent illness and disability and to assist persons with chronic illness or disability to regain and maintain maximum health and longevity. Richard has a lifetime certification with the Health Preservation Association.

Richard has been teaching Qigong in the Cocoa area since July of 2005 and offers classes Wednesdays at 1pm in Suntree. Another class will soon be available on Mondays at 6pm. Both are at the new Suntree location in Suntree Square Shopping Center, unit 13.

For more information and to register for the Qigong workshop held September 27-28, visit http://www.jiangtaichi.com/HPA_Website/workshops.shtml. For learn about Richard’s practice, visit http://www.rwtodd.net or call 321-631-6791.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Serene Harbor Domestic Violence Shelter continues to raise community awareness on Domestic Violence issues throughout Brevard County with their annual fundraiser, Purses with a Purpose. The event will be held Friday, October 3 at the Crowne Plaza in Indialantic from 11:30am-1:30pm. Both silent and live auctions will be held featuring new designer purses. Purses to be auctioned include designs by Dooney and Bourke, Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Coach, Etienne Aigne, Tignanello, Nine West, Liz Clairborne, Wilson Leather, and KEM. Vendor booths will be set up with merchandise for sale. Lunch is $35, a portion of which is tax-deductible.

For information on attending or becoming a sponsor, or donating an auction item, please contact Nancy Peltonen at 321-726-8282 or email her at sereneharbor@cfl.rr.com for details.

Tai Chi Ruler 8-week course

The Tai Chi Ruler is a set of eight exercises that combine movement and breathing patterns to benefit both the internal and external energy. The Tai Chi Ruler exercises have been used to treat high blood pressure, digestive and nervous disorders, arthritis, and insomnia. The exercises are performed while holding a wooden "ruler." Daily practice benefits circulation, enhances muscle tone, and improves immune system function. These exercises date back to the Chu Dynasty (10th century, China). The system of exercises which include the Tai Chi Ruler were a closely guarded secret of the Chu family until the 20th century.

Classes start on September 15th at Aquarian Dreams in Indialantic. Taught by Lauritz Kjerulff, a senior student of Taoist Priest Share K Lew, with over 32 years of practice and teaching. For more information call 321-795-2397.

Herbal Course in Melbourne

The Herb Corner and Learning Center of Melbourne is offering a Reclaiming Our Roots herbal course led by Master Herbalist Cecelia Avitabile. Participants will learn about the vital systems of the body and how to best utilize herbs to improve function and ward off disease. Also conveyed will be proper storage, preparation techniques, and how to identify quality herbs. Students will make tinctures, infusions, salves, capsules, oils as well as take an herb walk to identify herbs growing in our own backyards.

A growing number of people are turning to alternative forms of healing such as herbalism and are joining in a resurgence of older forms of wellbeing that have been in use for centuries. Herbs empower people to fight off disease, bring a renewed sense of vitality to the body, and have been used for everything from first aid to severe acute and chronic conditions.

Classes run from October 2008 to May 2009 at 227 N. Babcock St., Melbourne. Cost for the course is $395 plus a $75 materials fee. Pre registration is required with a $100 non-refundable deposit by October 1. For more information call 321-757-7522 or visit www.herbcorner.net.

Open House and Art Gallery

Dr. Daniel Weber is combing the healing power of art in his chiropractic practice by showcasing artwork in his office. Teaming with local artists Robin Lynn Winkelman, Joseph Perales, Khayli Heijkoop, Lisa Harvey, and Kelley L. Harrison, Dr. Weber is using their original artwork to create a calm soothing environment for his patients. "These are such amazing artists and I truly believe that their work contributes greatly to our patients getting well." Dr. Weber believes that healing comes from within and creating a stress-free environment is a big part of that. "Artists who show their pieces at The Joint are contributing to the well being of the community." Dr. Weber adds, "I would love for The Joint to become a place where the local art community can showcase their work."

The Open House and Art Show will be held at The Joint, 3016 Lake Washington Rd., Melbourne on Thursday, September 11 at 6pm. For more information call 254-2828 or visit www.thejoint.com.

Yoga for Kids and Seniors

The Yoga Center is offering a Children's yoga class from 4:15-5pm. Gloria Bella, 200-hour Yoga Alliance yoga teacher through the Yoga Center, is also certified through the Radiant Child yoga program. She will offer postures interwoven with imagination and creativity to develop the physical body. Balance work will engage the body and mind to improve focus and concentration. Breath, relaxation and meditation techniques calm and connect mind, body and spirit to reduce stress and anxiety presented in a holistic, non-competitive manner to allow each child to realize their potential.

Also offered is a Chair Yoga class ideally suited for those with impaired mobility, or someone looking to learn a yoga practice that can be experienced at your work desk. This class held from 11am-Noon is co-taught by Marilyn Hallock, 20-year yoga teacher and 200-hour certified Yoga Alliance through the Yoga Center, and Brett Morse, 200-hour certified through the Kripalu Center.

The Yoga Center is located at 1540 S.John Rodes Blvd. in Melbourne, half mile from Rt. 192, near I-95 exit 180. For more information, call 321-728-0300 or visit www.YogaCenterMelbourne.com.