The "D" Defense Against the Dark

Posted by: Dr. Ken Bennett

You wake up, it’s dark. You leave work, it’s dark. Oh and by the way, it’s freezing outside too. That’s basically life in Chicago from mid November until mid March (man I can’t wait for Spring Training already). I’m sure you’re saying, “Hey Dr. Ken, thanks for pointing out the obvious.” Well the reason I’m pointing out the obvious is because without any sunlight we all become deficient in Vitamin D. Without vitamin D our immune system is depressed and we wind up with colds, flus or worse.

Vitamin D is a requirement for health and wellness, everyday for everybody. Our bodies are designed to make vitamin D through direct sun exposure on the arms and legs for at least 15 minutes. This is why vitamin D deficiency is so common. In the winter months, there’s very little sunlight and we are bundled up when we’re outside. For those of us who work, even in the summer we’re typically inside and get very little sun. In either case, you can see why we need to figure out another way to get vitamin D. Unless you want to eat fish liver (this is why cod liver oil has become so well known) you need to take a vitamin D supplement everyday. This will ensure you are sufficient and your immune system is supported along with a plethora of other benefits.

Two common questions come up with all supplements: How much should I take? And can I take too much?

The government's RDA (recommended daily allowance) is only 400 IUs. This is drastically low to satisfy our needs at anytime of year, let alone in the winter. Adults should take at least 2000 IU/d and kids should take 1000. In the winter, adults can safely take anywhere from 2000 - 6000 IU/d (especially if you start to feel like you’re coming down with something). As I did research about this I came across a newsletter from the Vitamin D Council*. “One researcher reports that human toxicity probably begins to occur after chronic daily consumption of approximately 40,000 IU/d.” He concludes by stating that (this is kinda funny) “In fact, living in America today while worrying about vitamin D toxicity is like dying of thirst in the desert while worrying about drowning.” So basically, don’t worry about taking too much.

Daily supplementation with vitamin D will strengthen and support your immune system. This isn’t limited to helping you not catch a cold or flu. There’s plenty of evidence that links vitamin D deficiency with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, allergies, autism and autoimmune disorders too. Vitamin D also plays a huge role in absorbing calcium which can obviously help to strengthen your bones, AKA decrease your chances of osteoporosis.

Bottom line: Take 2000 IU/d to support your health and wellness.

References:
http://www.innatechoice.com/uploads/newsletters/vitamin_d_what_everyone_needs_to_know.pdf
*http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/what-is-vitamin-d/vitamin-d-toxicity

Nine Steps to Sitting InTensegrity™

Posted by: Dr. Dan Fedeli


Just as shaking your computer mouse wakes up your computer, InTensegrity™ Procedures wake up your body and your nervous system. The goal of Sitting InTensegrity™ is to let the bones respond to the stress of gravity (your weight) instead of relying on your muscles to hold you up. Bones are made to bear weight while muscles are made to stabilize and move. When your body is functioning as it was designed, your system’s resources are freed up to do more of what you want.

1. Rock Forward - Using the same motion as the supine “Rock and Roll”, feel your weight shifting forward and backward as your lower back arches and rounds.

2. Pull the Shoulders Down first (toward the hips) and then Back (toward each other)[Click here for a 5 minute video]

3. Lean Forward - if your shoulders are down and back as your lean forward you will find a stopping point when your shoulders are over your center of gravity

4. Settle Back into the sit bones - without rocking and rolling the pelvis, move to the middle and then the back of the sit bones

5. Relax your stomach - take a breath in and out allowing your stomach to relax while performing a slight crunch with your rib cage (only enough to remove any hyperextension in your midback)

6. Release your neck - bend your head back (notice any tension/lack of motion), bend your head forward all the way, bend your head back again (you should notice more motion and less tension), then look straight ahead, tuck your chin slightly, and feel the length in the back of you neck

7. Internally Rotate the Hips - with feet flat on the floor 6 to 10 inches apart (about hip width) bring your knees over your heels (this settles your weight deeper into your sit bones)

8. Lean Back maintaining a sense of internal rotation in the hips

9. Enjoy the increased energy and comfort and get back to what you are supposed to be doing

Option B: Add a Forward Fold to step 1. “Rock and roll”, then fold forward onto your thighs letting your head and arms relax and hang. Arching your lower back lift from your head and chest to the forward sitting position. Repeat. Then continue by following steps 2 through 9.

Releasing Trauma at The Balancing Center

Posted by: Barry Krost


Trauma is often the reason for the physical symptoms that we see at The Balancing Center. Trauma is an event that is so overwhelming to the person that they feel helpless and without resource. It leads to a disruption of the natural flow of energy and function within the nervous system that prevents us from being well and produces painful symptoms.

Trauma can begin with a physical injury, accident and/or emotional injuries. In these moments we can create a survival strategy that is initiated by our defensive physiology. Our body’s response to danger is a series of physiological changes meant to protect us. Long after the event we may be physically and/or emotionally stuck in a constant state of survival that is expressed as pain and other symptoms.

At The Balancing Center we have a number of methods for treating hidden traumatic responses including our BEST technique, and Family & Systemic Constellation work. The Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique (BEST) can address emotional patterns that are interfering with maximum healing. BEST is based on scientific principles utilizing light pressure contacts on the surface of the body to address imbalances in our nervous system caused by defensive physiology.

BEST helps the body identify emotional patterns that are interfering with our natural function, unlocks this interference, and then allows the body to function based on current situations rather than past experiences. It can release trauma in a safe way by bypassing the stuck patterns of survival without consciously addressing the details of the event.

Family & Systemic Constellations are a technique that uses a “Knowing Field” around each of us to help us to understand the hidden influences on our thoughts, feelings, behaviors and physical symptoms often resulting from issues in our family system. The Constellation process involves setting up a physical representation of the underlying patterns and allowing for these elements to move into a new and healthier way of being. Constellations can be setup specifically to change the dynamics of trauma. During these constellations the patient can explore their trauma, survival strategies and the possibility of living beyond them.

If you would like to learn more about the BEST techniques please contact Drs. Dan, Ken or Taka. For Family & Systemic Constellation work you should talk with Barry Krost, who is a trained Constellations Facilitator. We look forward to sharing more about these amazing techniques.

Small Steps to Success

Posted by: Dr. Dan

For the third year in a row the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association is holding it's "Small Steps to Success" fundraising campaign. We invite The Balancing Center community to get involved! The funds will support important research investigating the link between upper cervical balance and optimal well-being.

For those who don't already know, our chiropractic expertise concentrates on the upper cervical vertebrae. This advanced NUCCA procedure uses extremely precise and gentle adjustments, and is unlike other kinds of care. Our initial focus is the neck because of its controlling influence on posture and many other body functions. Following adjustment, the body immediately shifts toward balance and neural communication is enhanced. The spinal correction process provides symptom relief and sets a foundation for optimal health.

Thousands of people have experienced life-changing results from NUCCA treatment. Here at The Balancing Center we often wonder what the world would be like if everyone had the privilege of receiving top notch NUCCA care. That's why this research is so important: the more the world knows about NUCCA's effectiveness, the healthier it will be. Between now and November 14th please consider adding any amount to your regular payment at check out. You can donate to the Upper Cervical Research Foundation directly by clicking here.

A Successful Outreach Program

Posted by: Dr. Taka

Check out the following excerpt from a letter we received from Robert Morris College a couple of months ago:

Your presentation entitled "Sitting for Success" was extremely informative and will hopefully help our employees develop better habits in how they design their work spaces and how they sit at their desks...The realization that small things can lead to big problems was eye-opening.

Robert Morris College was just one of many locations for our incredible outreach program. Did you know that at least once a week The Balancing Center doctors head out to local businesses, organizations, and private homes to offer free spinal screenings and health education to members of the community?

This past Saturday members of the team said goodbye to new friends at the last Farmer's Market of the season on west Division. But that doesn't mean our outreach season has ended. From eye-opening spinal scans to "sitting for success", amazing health and wellness resources are available year round. Check out the following video for more information about correct seated posture.



Do you think members of your workplace, business, apartment building, place of worship, or social circle might benefit from a free screening or health talk? Contact us today! Call 312.787.7222, or email DrTaka@thebalancingcenter.com.

What is B.E.S.T?

Posted by: Madelyn

Check out the following video to learn more about B.E.S.T. from Dr. Morter himself. Last week you read about how touch can improve body image and confidence. The Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique can address specific emotional patterns that are interfering with maximum healing.



Sometimes even when we are maintaining correct alignment we are still in pain. On the other hand, sometimes our bodies want to hide imbalances behind emotional trauma. In either situation, a qualified doctor can help the body release tension patterns. The B.E.S.T. work is powerful and effective, and integral to the work we do here at The Balancing Center.

Cancer Schmancer

Posted by: Dr. Dan
The other night Dr. Dan went to an event hosted by Fran Drescher, president and visionary of the Cancer Schmancer Movement, though you may know her best as "The Nanny". Fran is a cancer survivor speaking out about the best cure for cancer: prevention. As Dr. Dan listened to her talk, he couldn't help but notice the striking similarities between her message and ours. Check out the following video to hear why Dr. Dan was so inspired:



Some of the specifics of Fran's message were related to environmental toxicity. Our immune systems are simply not equipped to defend our bodies against the toxic chemicals all around us. Here at The Balancing Center we have been longtime supporters of a unique product called Orenda Immune. The powerful blend includes a substance called Calcium D Glucarate, and it helps the cells of your body defend themselves against toxins.



As Dr. Dan mentioned in his video, we are very excited to be attending another important event about health and wellness this coming Thursday, October 20th, at 7pm, this time hosted by Orenda's founders, George and Bob Hall. You are warmly invited to attend the event. It is free and open to the public. Find out more here.

Cancer Schmancer, Orenda International, and Dr. Dan Fedeli agree that it is vital to incorporate proven health and wellness strategies into your life. You can do so today by making an appointment at The Balancing Center, learning more about Orenda Products, and attending Thursday's event.

Balancing Body Image

Posted by: Madelyn

You may have heard that your posture affects your structure, and your structure affects your posture. Chiropractors at The Balancing Center teach their patients how to sit, stand, and move in a way that maintains structural balance and improves your posture. Our expert team of therapeutic bodyworkers supports this process. Another things that affects posture is body image. Low self-esteem, for example, can cause you to slouch. It turns out that in addition to many direct benefits, care at The Balancing Center can also help promote a positive body image!

There are many complex ways that a care plan at The Balancing Center can promote confidence through pain relief, increased energy, and better posture, but the most simple and direct effect on your body image may actually be the result of something very simple: touch.

In a recent article about the benefits of massage therapy, Laurie Chance Smith writes:

“The way we experience our physical self on the mental plane can become habitual and may generate habitual patterns of muscle tension. Since regularly scheduled massage positively affects body and mind, massage can help us release physical and mental patterns of tension, enhancing our ability to experience our bodies (regardless of their shape or size) in a more positive way.”

Our massage therapists here at The Balancing Center are so advanced that we call them bodyworkers. They do so much more than a basic relaxation massage. Mark Priest, Mary Holmquist, and Barry Krost all specialize in highly effective techniques to release tension in the body. All three of them understand how the nervous system affects our experience of daily life. Most of our patients realize the benefits immediately after their first session, and continue to come back for more. “Regular massage encourages an awareness of the body just as it enhances our ability to relax...Caring touch communicates safety and approval, boosting self-esteem and inner peace.”

Every visit to The Balancing Center includes this caring touch. Working with any one of our bodyworkers enhances the care you receive with our chiropractors. Most people who begin care at our office are surprised by the unexpected improvements in many different areas of their lives. Check back next week for more information about how our doctors address emotional stress using the Bio Energetic Sychronization Technique (B.E.S.T.).

For the full article by Laurie Chance Smith visit:
http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/1739/Massage-and-Body-Image

Chiropractic Care Helps Straighten Teeth!

Posted by: Dr. Dan

Most people experience a lot of pain from orthodontic procedures. Dr. Dan’s young son Ram got his braces on earlier this spring. In Dr. Dan’s words, “When the teeth get adjusted, the body goes into defense.” Dr. Dan describes how the changes go deeper than just the mouth and jaw. As soon as Ram got his braces on Dr. Dan checked and adjusted him. He was able to use chiropractic techniques, working closely with the cranial bones in Ram’s head to release the tension in his body. As a result, Ram’s body stayed in balance as his teeth moved into an even sweeter smile.

Ram is 10 years old and every time his braces get tightened his father releases the tension and the teeth are free to move more easily. He experiences very little pain from the braces, but this is not the only benefit. Recently Ram returned from a trip to the orthodontist with exciting news: thanks to his father’s adjustments his palate is responding better than expected to the braces. He is about four months ahead of schedule! The teeth seem to move easier and quicker when the body is not fighting against itself. It seems as though Chiropractic care has allowed the orthodontic system to work better, faster, and more efficiently.

As another example of the unexpected relationship between the skeletal system and teeth, Dr. Ken encourages his patients to bring in their night guards to ensure that the nervous system has integrated the guard. I’m sure you have experienced a time when the doctor had you turn your head to the left and then right. One way your arm was strong and leg loose, the other way your arm went weak and your leg tightened (defensive physiology). Your body can respond in the same manner (defensive physiology) when you put in your mouth guard. If the doctor sees your body go into defense, he can help your nervous system integrate the guard, allowing your body to actually rest and repair at night with or without the guard.

Most people would never think to discuss their teeth with a chiropractor, but this is just one of the many anatomical and physiological systems that can be positively affected by chiropractic care. Both of these stories are also a testament to the benefits of inviting your friends and family into The Balancing Center community. Until they meet with a doctor, there is no way of knowing how their lives may be improved. Schedule an individual appointment for a family member, or bring them as a guest next time you come in. We can’t wait to meet them!

Shoulders Down and Back

Posted by: Dr. Dan Fedeli

Check out our new video that demonstrates this important principal of tensegrity!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weK04BcYnA0&feature=youtu.be

Our mothers told us to pull our shoulders back...
Many yoga teachers suggest raising the shoulder up, then back and then down...
This video makes the case for Down First, Then Back:

• When the shoulders go down before they go back, they stop in their sockets and are available to move when you need them to.
• From the down and back position, it is easier to properly find and position your center of gravity
• This proper positioning of the center of gravity sets the stage for the pelvis and legs to support the body...instead of straining the back muscles.

“Shoulders should not be responsible for posture”

Watch this video and see how this principal shows up in three of our ‘Foundational Movement Practices’ .

Tensegrity

Posted by: Madelyn George

Fact: Balance of oppositional strain and tension allows us to function in the world. Though many people are trying to reduce and avoid strain and tension...it is actually the appropriate combination of these forces that support and propel us through life. The balance created by our care at The Balancing Center sets the stage for strain and tension to work in a productive and organized fashion. As a result, most of our patients learn an impressive new word as they begin their care: TENSEGRITY. Tensegrity is integral to what we do, but it’s also a mouthful with an interesting history.

“The term tensegrity was coined by Buckminster Fuller as a contraction of tensional integrity...Biological structures such as muscles and bones...are made strong by the unison of tensioned and compressed parts. The muscular-skeletal system is a synergy of muscle and bone. The muscles and connective tissues provide continuous pull[4] and the bones discontinuous push.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensegrity

In other words it is the precise interaction of pushing and pulling forces in our bodies that helps us achieve and maintain a balanced state. According to The Balancing Center, this dynamic truly does allow us to function better in the world

For the Esoterics at heart the term also appeared in the writings of mystical anthropologist Carlos Castaneda and his experiences with hallucinogenic ceremonies in central America. Castaneda had created a movement practice that combined engineering principles with very abstract ideas about human energy.

“The art of dreaming became for those shamans their most absorbing practice. In the course of that practice, they experienced unequaled states of physical prowess and well-being, and in their effort to replicate those states in their hours of vigil, they found out that they were able to repeat them following certain movements of the body. Their efforts culminated in the discovery and development of a great number of such movements...They created in this fashion, Tensegrity, which is a term proper to architecture that means ‘the property of skeleton structures that employ continuous tension members and discontinuous compression members in such a way that each member operates with the maximum efficiency and economy.’ This is a most appropriate name because it is a mixture of two terms: tension and integrity....”
http://www.cleargreen.com/english/purpose/tensegrity.cfm

WOW! Did you get all that? You might prefer to talk to our doctors about Tensegrity when you stop by our office. Here at 1165 N. Clark Street, we strive to achieve those unequaled states of physical well-being in our waking lives, while sharing these experiences with our patients.

Our experience at The Balancing Center is the vast majority of people are maintaining a high level of chronic tension in order to survive. Our ‘Foundational Movement Practices’ http://www.thebalancingcenter.com/services-fmp.htm are a lot more user friendly than shamanic journeys, and have clear, straightforward, positive effects on your health. It’s all part of our master plan to get you feeling amazing and achieving your goals.

Dr. Dan's Chiropractic Story

Posted by: Dr. Dan Fedeli


Anyone who knows Dr. Dan Fedeli and the innovative healing work he does at The Balancing Center might think that he was just one of those people who always knew he was going to be a Chiropractic healer. On the contrary, Dr. Dan’s chiropractic journey began unexpectedly when he was a junior at Penn State, studying to become a veterinarian.

Growing up Dan Fedeli’s main interests revolved around horses. Throughout his childhood he experienced chronic back pain, and though he was athletic he avoided intensive sports because of the pain. One day almost by accident he met with a chiropractor who lived down the street. While he didn’t notice any drastic changes in his back, immediately his sinuses drained, his allergies cleared up, and his headaches went away! This was the moment when he realized the effect the nervous system has on the body, and how so many symptoms could be traced back to imbalances in the spine. He remembers wondering “Why hasn’t anyone told me about this?!”

The course of his life had now been altered. Dan had enough prerequisites to transfer to Palmer College of chiropractic, and thus began his chiropractic journey in the summer of 1978.

But it wasn’t quite so simple. Dr. Dan was feeling better, but he couldn’t help but wonder why he kept having to get readjusted all the time. He pursued the missing piece and discovered the National Upper Cervical Association (NUCCA). This was a brand new perspective on the relationship between the head and neck and the body’s self-correcting mechanisms, and it worked!

After graduating from Palmer Dr. Dan spent six years working as an associate in an office that specialized only in NUCCA. Still, something was missing. It wasn’t until he incorporated Bioenergetic Synchronization Technique (BEST) into his practice that he realized in order to feel full freedom and functioning in his body, and to make that freedom available to patients, his practice would have to evolve constantly; one technique on its own would never have the effects he knew were possible. Without sacrificing the power of what is already in place, it is this innovative combination of techniques that has made The Balancing Center such a success.

The Balancing Center has now been helping people live healthier more energetic lives since 1987. To this day Dr. Dan’s favorite part of the job is helping people look at health from a different perspective. He feels passionate about offering individuals and their families the tools and resources to manifest their potential. He also enjoys witnessing the transformations that occur when patients choose full health instead of only getting treated for pain.

The care Dr. Dan and his associates provide here at The Balancing Center is part of Dr.Dan’s vision of a more harmonious world in which people are no longer in conflict with their own bodies, and are therefore better able to get along with each other. Not only is Dr. Dan frequently invited to speak to diverse audiences about his work and his philosophies, but he has made it part of his mission to train other doctors to make a profound difference in the world.

A couple of things most patients probably don’t know about Dr. Dan: he has been practicing meditation for over 30 years, and he is an excellent marksman! 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dan Fedeli, or with one of his associates call (312)787-7222.

Madelyn's Chiropractic Story

Posted by: Madelyn George

My first time visiting The Balancing Center I had no intention of receiving any kind of chiropractic care. I was meeting with Dr. Dan Fedeli to talk about administrative tasks and goals. I was in great shape and perfect health...or so I thought. Having trained extensively as a dancer, and taught others about holistic wellness for years, I exercised regularly, took my supplements, and had no complaints. Then doctor Dan had me step onto “The Anatometer” and I discovered that one of my hips was way higher than the other!

To be honest, I wasn’t surprised at all. When I thought about it, I had been noticing differences between the left and right sides of my body since I was a young girl in ballet class. I had simply assumed that imbalances were a fact of life, and if I wanted to succeed I would have to learn to work through those imbalances on my own. I had no idea there was anyone out there who could help! Over the course of my dance training it was fairly normal to sit out of class every now and then due to minor injuries. Often the pain was intense enough that I might ask a teacher to recommend some kind of specialist. Physical therapy and massage were frequently recommended, but nobody told me that chiropractic could also help. It makes sense in retrospect; I had no idea that I was out of alignment, so I never thought to visit a chiropractor!

After my first adjustment, I have to admit I felt funny. My body was so used to living with imbalance that for a few days I felt like one of my legs had suddenly grown a few inches longer. One day I even tripped over it! I experienced some soreness, but it didn’t bother me because I had been told that my muscles would have to learn to support my newly balanced body. I couldn’t help but wonder how my dance training might have gone differently if I had been in balance all along. How many injuries could I have avoided?

I’ve been offering administrative support at The Balancing Center for about six months now, and the care I receive is a huge benefit. I love being part of the amazing Balancing Center Team and spending time in a healing environment each week, but every day I see patients coming back in after long stretches of time because they are in pain. I see patients checking out after their visits and making the decision not to reschedule until they are in pain again. When I began my care at The Balancing Center, I wasn’t in pain at all, and I am amazed out how great I feel, how free I am in my body, and how capable I am of using my body for all the various activities that make me feel more alive. I want you to know that the care provided at The Balancing Center could take you and everyone you know to the next level of health. Like me, you may be shocked to find out what you are capable of!

Dr. Taka's Chiropractic Story

Posted by: Dr. Taka Nakaseko

Long-term patients who have been working at The Balancing Center to achieve and maintain optimum health can attest to the fact that excellent chiropractic care is often an incredible journey. Dr. Taka's path to chiropractic care is no exception. Fifteen years ago, Dr. Taka's mother survived a serious car accident. She healed from the accident except for a strange numbness on the left side of her face. They tried everything; Dr. Taka accompanied his mother to appointments with multiple doctors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. Six months later they found their way to a chiropractor's office. After two adjustments, Dr. Taka's mother had healthy sensation throughout her whole face and Taka new what he would do with his life.

Though Taka was finishing high school and contentedly studying mechanical engineering in Japan at the time, he decided to come to the United States. He learned English as quickly as he could to qualify for pre-chiropractic training, then he attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. Though he was far away from home, he never doubted his decision. He will confidently tell anyone who asks, "Chiro chose me."

Now that he has had a chance to settle into his work at The Balancing Center, Dr. Taka believes that the whole medical system could change if everyone had access to the type of integrative health care he offers. He is disappointed that so much of Western medicine is focused on surgery when lifestyle changes and preventative care are truly effective and much less invasive.

"My dream," he says, "is that everyone learns about the potential of holistic chiropractic to help them feel better and optimize their life."

He also imagines a day when families might use chiropractic instead of general practitioners to live healthier lives. "There are so many things we could help with," he says. Dr. Taka emphasizes the less invasive procedures and long-term effects of chiropractic. The care can be woven into a person's life.

Before he began his chiropractic training, Taka used to get painful sinus infections every year. Since he embarked on this path there have been no signs of it! He also used to struggle with a frustrating pollen allergy. This is also gone. He is grateful to have grown up with parents who preferred holistic health methods to traditional medical doctors. A preference for holistic care has been ingrained in him since his developmental years and may have been what got him where he is today.

When I asked Taka to describe his ideal patient he answered that he is excited about working with anyone who is ready to be healthy and do what it takes and stick with it. In his own words, "Chiropractic is a lifestyle."

Dr. Taka looks forward to helping you achieve optimal health at The Balancing Center.

Written by: Madelyn George

Dr. Ken's Chiropractic Story

Posted by: Dr. Ken Bennett:

Dr. Ken Bennett’s chiropractic story began when he was eight years old. He remembers having to head home from a vacation early. His mother was sweating profusely and he could tell she was in a great deal of pain. As they drove home she joked that he might have to drive. Despite the humor, there was an edge to her voice.

Something was very wrong with her back. She went in for surgery, but it didn’t help. It was only after the operation that she tried chiropractic care. She felt better immediately after the first adjustment. Even though Dr. Ken was very young his mother’s experience would influence the course of his life. Fast forward to Dr. Ken’s college years. He had the opportunity to observe a chiropractor who focused on the upper cervical spine. Dr. Ken describes the doctor he worked with as hilariously funny and full of energy. The technique he used was not the gentle approach Dr. Ken uses today, but it still inspired his work.

One day the doctor asked the young Dr. Ken what he thought chiropractic was. Dr. Ken really had no idea. From what he’d observed it looked like patients would have their backs “cracked” and they’d leave feeling better. That was the day he learned about the nervous system’s profound effect on the entire body, and the ways that Chiropractic care can support its healthy functioning. Dr. Ken already had interest in going into a health care field, but it was now clear that chiropractic was the way to go.

Dr. Ken has now been a chiropractor for over a decade. He can tell countless success stories of how people were transformed in the most unexpected ways due to their chiropractic care. In addition to structural work Dr. Ken also incorporates nutritional information and supplements into many of his care plans. When asked what he enjoys most about his job he said he loves seeing different people really start to learn how much power they have when it comes to their health. He also particularly enjoys all the different personalities he has the privilege of working with.

One of the things that makes Dr. Ken such an important part of The Balancing Center team is that he so firmly believes that covering up symptoms doesn’t work. In his own life he has rarely ever had to resort to medication. This is just one of many ways that Dr. Ken personally demonstrates the benefits of holistic care. He often says that taking care of your spine is like brushing your teeth. Everybody has a nervous system, and that’s all it takes to benefit from chiropractic care. Dr. Ken’s ideal patient is someone who asks questions. He believes everyone should take advantage of the free knowledge he and his associates here at The Balancing Center have to offer. The most amazing part, if you ask Dr. Bennett, is that so much transformation can take place with just a simple change of perspective.

Ortho-Bionomy: Body Work that Supports Your Healing Process

Posted by: Barry Krost


Ortho-Bionomy is one of the massage and bodywork techniques offered at The Balancing Center. It is easily incorporated into our philosophy of balance, support and integrate. Ortho-Bionomy supports the recovery and stability of the newly balanced body initiated by the adjustment of the upper cervical spine and enhanced by innovative Chiropractic techniques.

Ortho-Bionomy® can help with all phases of your recovery. Practitioners of this work support our natural ability to heal by paying close attention to the muscles, bones and joints. With this information they place the body into specific, often comfortable, healing positions. The founder of Ortho-Bionomy, Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls, D.O., believed that the body had an innate intelligence that knew how to self-correct. Ortho-Bionomy’s positions are meant to engage that capacity.

Each position helps reset the sensors within the muscles and joints known collectively as proprioceptors. Creating the right twist and pressure in the muscles can reset these sensors very quickly. This supports a fast and effective reduction in muscle spasm and increased mobility.

Patients arrive for their sessions wearing loose fitting clothing. Once on the table we assess the structure and function of the whole body and individual joints. Specific positions are explored and easy movements are employed to integrate changes. Most sessions are sixty minutes but shorter times are available.

Once the Practitioner moves a joint into a comfortable position, within 10 to 90 seconds the body begins to restore normal muscle tone, increase circulation, remove pressure on nerves, and allow bones and joints to move freely. All the energy and attention that was used to deal with imbalance is now available to the body’s healing process. When everything is in its proper place transformation is possible.

Ortho-Bionomy sessions are available at The Balancing Center Monday-Friday and select Saturdays.