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.

The Right Place

Posted by: Barry Krost


I am thrilled to bring my Massage & Bodywork practice to The Balancing Center. For most of my 27 years of doing hands-on healing I have worked alone. In recent years it grew more apparent to me that a group setting would help my effectiveness with clients. It was clear that I would benefit from other perspectives, skills and energies. My recent training in Family Constellation Therapy brought home the importance of supportive relationships for health and well-being.

I was lucky enough that when I moved back to Chicago last summer I was given the opportunity to get to know Dan Fedeli and The Balancing Center better. I had known of Dan’s work over the years and met him in a training in 2003. A mutual friend encouraged us to network with each other.

Over the next months I began to get regular Chiropractic care from Dan, Ken and Taka. I have experienced a lot of healing modalities over the years and it was clear that what they were doing with me was amazing and unique. I also could easily see how my bodywork practice could fit into the center and I felt better.

Along the way Dan and I realized that many of my skills and experiences would be helpful to implementing a number of projects, and supporting various activities at the center. When I am not working on clients I am now actively involved in growing The Balancing Center.

As I begin to see clients here I know that this is the place and the people I was looking for. In this community my work has already reached new levels and I am very excited to see how my practice will evolve further. I am grateful that all the years of training in Ortho-Bionomy, Lymph Drainage Therapy and Energy Healing will finally have the home that was needed.

You can learn more about my techniques at: HealingBodyTherapeutics.com.