Welcome to the Healing Arts Center website!
The purpose of our website is to offer you resources and information to help support you in your journey to greater health. The Healing Arts Center, located in Eastsound on Orcas Island, Washington, celebrates its 20th year as the largest holistic health care resource in the San Juan Islands.
If you are looking for an alternative health care provider on Orcas Island, you can view biographies of our 20+ practitioners here. Our practitioners are fully licensed or certified in their field(s) of expertise. You will find a range of health services including Massage Therapy and Bodywork, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Energy Healing, Reflexology, Sound Healing, Counseling Services, Astrological and Tarot Readings and more. You may call us for further information or to schedule an appointment at 360.376.4002. We are located at 453 North Beach Rd.
If you need further information about the types of health supporting treatments we offer or information, you can click here to access a list of modalities and definitions. You can also research specific conditions by referencing our archive of articles here.
To find out about local health and wellness classes and events, including early notice of our biannual Healing Arts Fairs, check out our Events page, or fill the below form to receive email updates:
Mary Jo Ahern, LMP
Therapeutic and Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue and injury treatment, Craniosacral Therapy, Warm Herbal Body Wrap, Reflexology, Lomi Lomi Massage.
From my dance I bring a balanced and grounded touch to each session. Through my love of nature, I maintain a deep connection to spirit, health and healing.In 1990 I began practicing massage. My 13 years of involvement with the Healing Arts Center has been rewarding. The shared knowledge and support of so many alternative health practitioners is a gift to the island.
I treat the whole body, both intuitively and technically, creating a sacred space of nurturing and caring. Working quietly, I combine focused Deep Tissue Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, and Foot Reflexology. I also offer warm herbal wraps and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage. For injuries or chronic pain, I use hot packs to aid in relaxation and demonstrate stretches and yoga poses to continue healing at home.My commitment to the healing process has enabled me to see the larger picture of health and wellness. Working together my clients develop a greater vitality, prevent injury and leave with a sense of well being.
Che’ Blaine, MSW
Personal, Relationship & Family Counseling, Conflict Mediation, Dreamwork, Spiritual/Shamanic Journeying.
In my sessions my hope is to help provide an atmosphere of safety, respect and trust. My focus is to encourage my clients’ exploration of their inner resources for understanding, healing, and joy. The experience I have had in being with people in deep grief guides me to trust in my clients’ profound wisdom. I provide child, individual, couple and family counseling/psychotherapy and also assist in resolving couple/family/organizational disputes as a conflict mediator. Since 1980 I have provided counseling and I have practiced at the Healing Arts Center since 1993.For the last 19 years I have been involved with Shamanic healing with a Northwest Coast Medicine person and I explore shamanic journeying with clients when appropriate. My professional training and license is in social work, marriage and family therapy and as a nursing assistant (hospice and eldercare). I very much enjoy joining my clients in balancing their physical, mental, and spiritual health.
S. Sydney Cooke, Breathworker
Breathwork Certified in 1994 by Michael Sky . MLA, Creation Spirituality, Naropa University.
Breathing is my practice; it is my vocation. Through Breathwork I have healed and wholed as a rape survivor, a divorcee, a woman. Through Breathwork we facilitate communion with ourselves, each other and Life. I moved to orcas 12 years ago to practice Breathwork, Firewalking and to live within the cycles of nature. I aspire to honor our Mother Earth by living simply and building community.Besides Breathwork, I also lead classes and gatherings based on pagan philosophies, Natural Rhythms. In these gatherings we co-create and enact rituals. Our discussions are based on embracing the rhythms of nature and our relationship within the world as It emerges.I am available for individual and group Breathwork. I am particularly interested in finding a hot tub in which to do Breathwork.being, breathing and saying ‘yes’ to what Is.
Breathing well, one breath at a time we can retrain ourselves to be present to the only time, which is and always is Now. Breathwork is my way of supporting you. Together we will breathe into and through resistance, fear, old thoughts. We will open to the inherent goodness of For more information call me. I also urge you to read, Michael Sky’s book, Breathing: Expanding Your Power & Energy.
Jim Ekberg, LMP
Hellerwork, Structural Integration.
Joseph Heller expanded upon Ida Rolf’s startlingly simple but profound recognition that our natural state is balanced and in harmony, in our body and in our being. We can welcome personally significant, even grander presences in ourselves, which are ever present, waiting for us to personally integrate all of them, in this moment. Without distressing, we can allow the complexity and mystery of being who we are, to unfold. Old restrictions can be recognized, appreciated for their part in our story, and allowed to lengthen back into their own natural state.
All of what we are is a wonderfully unpredictable, dynamic process.We are designed to effortlessly swim through the gravity we live with/in. Our birth right is allowing ourselves our own unique experience of this vibrant freedom. Old habits of stance can be integrated back into a larger and mysteriously creative context of being, full and empty, separate and united all at the same time. We are unique, we are common and we are grand.What greater joy than to arise with the dawn of each new day. When the whole world beckons us to meet its challenges–to share its never-ending mysteries. What greater joy than to seize all life has to offer, to make the most of what we have, and who we are. –Thomas Mallory
Christopher Evans, LMP
Deep Tissue, Therapeutic, Injury, Trigger Point, Myofascial, and Prenatal Massage.
I graduated from the Desert Institute of Healing Arts in 2003, with 1,043 hours of academic and hands-on coursework. The school was chosen for its emphasis on anatomy and physiology, as well as a diverse amount of clinics, which included prenatal, physical rehabilitation, sports injury, and walk-in. With this strong anatomical and clinical background, I work using a variety of methods including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial, facilitated stretching, and trigger point work.
My approach to bodywork is highly individual and intuitive.I am currently training in the Anat Baniel Method for the next 3 years. It is an intensive training based on the work of Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. I am studying directly with Anat Baniel who is renown for her success working with small children and infants with developmental difficulties.The method improves function through a system of refining communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body. My primary motivaton is the total health and well-being of my own family, and then, my clients.
“Christopher is a young man who has a deep sense of knowing and an incredible pair of hands. The combination leaves you with an unforgettable experience. He is gifted, and we as clients are the fortunate recipients!” Lisa Mitchell, LMT“I have been a massage therapist for 10 years and have received many professional massages, but I must say yours is the best massage I have ever received. You are a loving, gentle, caring person, and this is reflected in your work. Your massage is unique in style and flow; always present, always focused.” Laura Yates, LMT
Ethna Flanagan, LMP
Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Reiki/Energy Work, Trigger Point Therapy, Relaxation/Visualization, Aromatherapy, Wraps with Essential Oils
I was born in England in 1960, and grew up in Australia. I have lived in the USA for 15 years and in the past few years have made Orcas my home.I was trained as a Massage Therapist at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy. I began working at day spas and Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts. I then created my own practice, which successfully thrived for the past 10 years.I am Nationally Certified, State Licensed and a member of the American Massage Council.
I offer a variety of modalities which I often combine such as; Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Reiki/Energy Work, Trigger Point Therapy, and Relaxation/Visualization.I offer a deep heart connection in my work. When you are on my table it is my intention to listen to your words and your body. I believe that as therapist and client we engage on a personal level. My massage can be a light, refreshing nurturing session or a deeply grounding and spiritual experience, and anything in between. It is what you come to the table with that I intuitively respond to.
Vibha Patricia Golem, “Kaleolani”, LMP, MSW
Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage and Craniosacral Therapy.
I consider myself to be a Body-Mind Therapist, and help people to heal the relationship between body, mind, and spirit.I have studied bodywork since 1976, and hypnotherapy since 1989. My spiritual search and journey also began in 1976. I offer all types of body work including Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi massage. My specialty is hypno-bodywork. Supporting women to be in their power on all levels is my joy and passion. I look forward to harmonizing your body-mind system on all levels!Aloha Pono“Kaleolani”
Kate Carter, LMP
Swedish and Therapeutic Massage, Reiki.
“The hands are the servant of the heart.”
To live in paradise…what more could one want? I have done just that for nearly thirty years here on Orcas, raising four children and enjoying the beauty and uniqueness of this island community.During a relatively brief absence, I attended Seattle Massage School, graduating with honors in 1993. In my practice I combine Reiki, Swedish Massage, and Therapeutic Touch.Serving as a member of the Healing Arts Center continues to be an honor and a privilege.
Helen Hale
Intuitive Counseling using Tarot
I began life as an intuitive as a child, but did not have my first teacher until I was seventeen. At that time I began to study in earnest and have since. My second teacher, an Indonesian Shaman, appeared when I was 29 and I studied with him for 4 years. I met James Wanless in 1987 when he was introducing the Voyager Tarot Deck and learned from him to use the Deck as a focusing tool.To the session I bring many years of work and practice and my myriad of guides. The effort is to answer the questions brought to the table and to relate what the guides and the universe want to channel. I seek to give only guidance… We all are given free will and the right to exercise that gift at any time; to change or accept the messages given. Peace to us all.
Anita Leigh Holladay, LMP
Therapeutic, Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Reiki, Polarity, Reflexology, Acupressure.
I have been practicing bodywork since 1981. In addition to Swedish massage, my initial training included Polarity Therapy. While working in holistic clinics in Alaska and Seattle, and 8 years at the Rosario Resort Spa; reflexology, acupressure, and hot stone massage have woven into my repertoire. I’ve also learned spiritual/energetic clearing from Native American teachers. I have been with the Healing Arts Center since 1995.My approach to bodywork is a body-mind-spirit orientation. In my sessions, clients report feeling that healing is happening on many levels, from the muscles through the emotions to a deep inner sense of alignment with Self. Pressure can range from gentle to deep; carefully chosen music or quiet can be the backdrop.I am comfortable working with all ages, and with people experiencing serious illness, grief/trauma, pregnancy, or life transitions, as well as injuries and stress-related tensions and imbalances.
Jessica Kinzer, LMP
Sports injury, Deep tissue, Therapeutic and Swedish Massage, Reflexology, Specific injury: acute and chronic.
I have been an LMP for seven years. I have always been interested in science, the human anatomy and its structures. I was an athlete in college where my interest in injury increased from working in the training room on other athletes and my own injuries as well.My massage tends to focus on deep tissue, trigger point therapy with range of motion and specific injury treatment. I enjoy incorporating different modalities to suit each and every person who comes to see me. I am also a certified power pilates instructor. I was raised here on Orcas Island and feel very blessed to be back home. I look forward to working with everyone!
Hiacynth Laurin
Reflexology
Reflexology offers a dynamic state of health through deep relaxation, stress relief, improved circulation, revitalized energy, cleansing the body of toxins and impurities, and balancing the whole system. Hiacynth brings to this ancient healing art her loving, intuitive presence and an honoring of our innate potential for radiant health.Quite simply put, Hiacynth is here on Earth to heal through love. She has had the opportunity to embrace death as her ally and this has helped to open her to the many gifts of allowing healing energy to move through her. As well as being our Reflexologist here at the Healing Arts Center she is the Resident Manager at Lahari Hospice Home in Deer Harbor, where she also sees clients. “I see myself as a guardian at the gate. Bearing loving witness, support, and presence in all transitions.”"The true nature of healing moves through Hiacynth’s hands with a nurturing, balanced, loving touch.” Carol Isis, singer/songwriter
Deborah Martyn, LMP
Trager, Swedish Clinical Treatment, Deep Tissue, Reiki
Orcas has been my home since 1980. I enjoy being with people through the healing arts and also as a nature guide, cook, seamstress, and knitting instructor.My commitment is to growing love and compassion and greater appreciation of all life.
Shela Shirtcliff
Biokinesiology
Biokinesiology (BK) attracted me when I first learned we can feel energy imbalances in our being before they manifest in our bodies as dis-ease.Realizing that dis-ease is blocked life force over which we have choice motivated me to attend and work for the BK Institute as both a practitioner and an instructor. BK literally means the studyof the life of movement (muscle); it uses a key muscle to register the lack of life force in an area of the body.When I muscle test someone, I test the strength of a muscle, touch the imbalanced area, and retest the muscle as I introduce rebalancing tools (nutrition, acupressure, affirmations, biokinesetic exercise, crystals, etc.) to determine what brings strength (life force) back into the area. I am currently enjoying the quietness of my life here with my partner Jim and my dog Lucas.
Christa Smith, LMP
Therapeutic, Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Injury, Prenatal Massage, Reflexology.
I enjoy providing healthy, nurturing massage to my family and my community. My massage can help you decompress and will reinvigorate your body on emotional and physical levels. My hands will provide a thorough therapeutic and relaxing treatment tailored to your individual needs, including a range of modalities; deep tissue massage and foot reflexology, to injury treatments and pre-natal massage.I moved to Orcas ten years ago. In 1998, I graduated from The Port Townsend School of Massage and began practicing on the island. In 1999, I became a practitioner at the Healing Arts Center. In addition to massage my hands are getting dirty pulling weeds and planting, knitting, spinning and crafting. I enjoy a full life with my family and I am happy to be here on Orcas sharing it with such a supportive community.
Ian Van Gelder, L.Ac.
Acupuncture
I have been studying and practicing Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine since 1978.My studies have taken me to Australia, China, and the United States.I was licensed to practice Acupuncture in Washington in 1987.Since 1988 I have been living on Orcas Island maintaining practices on Orcas Island and in Friday Harbor.
Dr. Carol Vincent-Hall, DN
Naturopathy, Botanical medicine, Nutritional and Orthomolecular medicine, Stress management, Cranio-sacral Therapy, Therapeutic Touch.
Dr. Carol R. Vincent-Hall, N.D. received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 1995. She has been in practice since 1997, and has been practicing on Orcas Island since 2002. Dr. Carol believes that healing has everything to do with trust. She holds that the true person in charge of your health is you. Healing is a team effort. The doctor is teacher, advisor, and diagnostician. The patient is the true person in control of their health.Dr. Carol’s practice consists of general medicine. The modes of treatment she offers include nutrition, botanical medicines, counseling, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found to be useful for supporting and maintaining health. She also offers visits which are exclusively cranio-sacral therapy.
Also at the Healing Arts Center:Rick Doty, Structural Integration; Carol Jo Enge, LMP
Treatments
Acupuncture, one of the main forms of therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), originated over five thousand years ago. Acupuncture restores health by removing energy imbalances and blockages in the body. Practitioners of TCM believe that there is a vital force or energy called qi(pronounced “chee”) that flows through the body, and between the skin surface and the internal organs, along channels or pathways called meridians. There are over a thousand acupoints within the meridian system that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of qi. Qi regulates the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical harmony of the body. When special needles are inserted into these acupoints (just under the skin), they help correct and rebalance the flow of energy and consequently relieve pain and/or restore health. Chinese herbal formulas, dietary changes or exercises are often prescribed to help support the acupuncture treatments.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force (sometimes known as qi or chi) to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle, but firm pressure of hands (and even feet). (Also see Jin Shin Do Acupressure)
Aromatherapy is the herbal medicine practice of using the pure concentrated essential oil extracts of plants to promote health and relieve symptoms of illness. While very effective for a wide range of physical concerns, aromatherapy also has profound mental/emotional effects. The application of an essential oil formula may be as an inhalant or as an ointment or oil to apply to the skin.
Biokinesiology: “Bio” means life “Kines” means motion. This non-invasive therapy is used to evaluate the health of your body. It can reveal information attained from your muscles. The reaction of your muscles can indicate what your body may need or want in nutrients, affirmations and acupressure points. The goal is to discover, prevent and correct possible energy imbalances.
Breathing Therapy: Breathing techniques are taught to help facilitate self-care and healing. Good breathing techniques can be consciously acquired. Many therapeutic benefits can be seen by deep breathing exercises. Breathing exercises help to regulate and harmonize various functions in the body, mind, and chi (qi or life-force). It can be used to help with relaxation techniques, as well as pain and stress reduction exercises, asthma, anxiety, depression, child-birthing, etc. Other sources or uses for breathing exercises can be found in yoga and during re-birthing modalities.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: The use of medicinal herbs or combination of herbs (also known as Chinese patent medicines) for the treatment of symptoms and conditions, and to help bring the body back into balance and/or well-being. Many of the patent medicines have been used for hundreds of years. These are combinations of herbs that have been found to influence the body back into balance. The basic approach towards making a formula is different from the western herbalist. The combination of herbs chosen will not only treat the symptom, but will also address other parts of the body which may be affected by the underlying condition.
Counseling: Providing advice and guidance to an individual.
Hellerwork: grew out of the work of Ida Rolf’s Structural Integration. It focuses on releasing restrictions in the fascia of the body, the sheets and sheathes of connective tissue found throughout the body. These restrictions are related to physical, emotional and spiritual contractions held within our bodies. Deep fascial work finds contracted and tender areas, slowly, persistently and sensitively encouraging their release. The practitioner encourages the clients discovering what this holding means while encouraging the clients finding out what it is like to live released.
Hypnotherapy: This modality helps with emotional, mental and physical problems. The individual is placed in a hypnotic or relaxed state. The therapist helps the patient work through issues while the patient is in the relaxed state.
Intuitive Readings: Readings can vary widely, but most often have in common the offering of life guidance or counsel by way of reading one’s energy intuitively. Some readings function by some form of divination such as tarot cards. Others are offered by way of a “medium” who is able to communicate with one spiritual guides or beings.
Jin Shin Do Acupressure combines gentle, yet deep finger pressure on acu-points with simple body focusing techniques to release physical and emotional tension. Jin Shin Do promotes a pleasurable, trancelike state during which the recipient can get in touch with the body and access feelings or emotions related to the physical condition. This body/mind approach, performed on the fully-clothed client, is a synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acupuncture theory, Taoist yogic philosophy and breathing methods, and Reichian segmental theory. The client lies on her back on a massage table while the practitioner holds “local points” in tension areas together with related “distal points,” which help the armored places to release more easily and deeply. Jin Shin Do acupressure is effective in helping relieve tension and fatigue, stress-related headaches and gastro-intestinal problems, back and shoulder pain, eye strain, menstrual and menopausal imbalances, sinus pain, and allergies. Over a period of 10 or more sessions, armoring is progressively released in the head, neck, shoulders, chest, diaphragm, abdomen, pelvis, and legs.
Jin Shin Jyutsu: This modality is a Japanese form of acupressure. It involves a light pressure placed between 2 points until there is a release of restriction. This modality/therapy helps to bring the body’s energies back into balance. This will help promote a state of health and well-being. Jin Shin Jyutsu employs twenty-six “safety energy locks” along energy pathways that feed life into our bodies. When one or more of the paths becomes blocked, the resulting stagnation can disrupt the local area and eventually disharmonize the complete path of energy flow. Holding these energy locks in combination can bring balance to mind, body, and spirit.
Massage: Manipulation of tissues with the hand or an instrument for therapeutic purposes. This is an ancient remedy used by man. It has been known to be used in ancient China and India. It was also mentioned and described by Homer in 1200 B.C and by Hippocrates in 460 B.C. Rubbing, stroking, kneading, and tapping are a few of the common movements used in this hands on therapy. The physiological effects we experience with massage involve circulatory, neuromuscular, metabolic and mechanical vibration. Over time, many techniques and approaches have developed in the area of massage. A few methods are Swedish massage, Deep Tissue massage, Prenatal massage, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage, Aromassage, Lymphatic Drainage, etc.
Psychic Intuitive: Tunes into an individual intuitively, through sight, hearing and feelings. Uses clairaudience (hearing), clairvoyant (seeing), (feeling) via an intuitive.
Polarity Therapy: Polarity Therapy has its roots in Indian Ayurvedic Medicine. It is a gentle holistic treatment method involving the life energy of an individual. Forceful manipulations are not performed. There is interaction with the body in gentle manners, such as those used in Craniosacral Therapy. Central to Polarity Therapy is the concept of a life energy, which is in constant pulsation from positive to negative poles via a neutral position, creating fields and energetic lines of force. The therapist will help the individual gain more “body awareness”.
Psychotherapy: This is a method of treating disease, especially nervous conditions via mental means rather than physical or chemical. There are many approaches which have emerged over the years. Some of these are Freudian, Jungian, hypnotism, psychoanalytical, suggestion, etc. “Organic” therapies are also gaining favor, such as “Orthomolecular psychiatry”.
Reiki: Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by a “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.” It is a system of touching with the hands based on the belief that such touching by an experienced practitioner produces beneficial effects by strengthening and normalizing certain vital energy fields held to exist within the body.
Reflexology: The application of pressure, stretch and movement to particular areas of the hands and/or feet. These areas correspond to areas of the body. The theory behind reflexology is that communication exists throughout the body and it’s systems. This line of communication can be influenced by the application of pressure to corresponding areas on the hands and feet. This will serve to break up stress present in the body by stimulating the peripheral nervous system through the feet. The nerve signals will travel to the Central nervous system in the brain. The brain then send messages to those internal organs and areas which correspond to those areas stimulated in the feet. The ultimate goal is to help the body’s overall tone and the release of tension.
Shamanic Healing: a shaman is a man or woman who “journeys” in an altered state of consciousness. Shamanism involves a body of energy medicine rooted in various traditions. Shamanic healing is a spiritual and medical practice based upon the belief that all healing includes a spiritual dimension. Shamans enter altered states of consciousness to communicate with other realms of reality. The shaman’s journey is to help the patient or community to rediscover their connection to nature and spirit. This is a tradition dates back approximately 25000 years. The balance the shaman tries to attain in an individual involves physical, emotional, mental and spiritual elements.
Sound Therapy/Sound Healing: The use of vibration by way of the voice or other instrument for purposes of healing. With roots in both science and and ancient tradition, sound has been used for thousands of years as a shamanic practice and is now growing as a powerful application of modern medicine. In both cases results have often included dramatic healing, the re-attainment of harmony and balance, pain reduction, stress reduction, relaxation, meditation, birthing assistance, increased concentration and medication reduction.
Structural Integration: This is another name for Rolfing. It is a therapeutic modality which works with the soft tissue in the body. It was developed by Dr. Ida Rolf over 50 years ago. The purpose of Rolfing is to allow the body to be fluid, light, balanced, free of chronic pain and stiffness, and at ease with itself in the gravitational field. In essence, Rolfing seeks recovery of the graceful and unrestricted movement we enjoyed in youth. Research has demonstrated that Rolfing can:
• reduce chronic pain and stress;
• enhance neurological functioning;
• allow the body to conserve energy;
• significantly reduce excess curvature in the spine; and
• create more economical and refined patterns of movement.
Therapeutic Touch: This therapy (or modality) is considered a healing meditation. It allows the therapeutic touch therapist to work with an individual’s life-energy, usually without physically touching the body. It works well with most stress-related illness and seems to have a significant effect on autonomic nervous system symptoms. It is a method devised from laying-on of hands (but it is not laying-on of hands). It uses the hands to influence or direct human life energies to help or heal an individual.
Trager Approach: The therapist moves their client gently and rhythmically, with no undue force. The approach uses light, gentle, non-intrusive movements to facilitate the release of deep-seated physical and mental patterns. The individual experiences the possibility of being able to move freely and effortlessly. The practitioner works in a relaxed, meditative state of consciousness. This state allows the practitioner to connect with the patient in an unforced way. Mentastics is used during the treatment. This is a system of dance-like movements which are used to maintain and enhance the sense of lightness, freedom, and flexibility basic to the Trager Approach.
Lomi Lomi Massage: Massage is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of healing. Lomi Lomi is one of the most profound forms of massage. What it is, is a unique healing massage derived from the ancient Polynesians and more specifically the master healers of Hawaii.
Soft Tissue Release: Soft tissue release (STR) is a dynamic, highly effective technique that has an immediate and powerful effect on muscle tissue. It is a combination of movement and manipulation that is extremely versatile. The essence of this approach is a method of applying pressure to a muscle at the same time the muscle is being stretched. STR has a proven track record in correcting the soft tissue and neuromuscular factors that cause:
o Back pain, including sciatica
o Whiplash
o Sports injuries, including hamstring, quad, knee, shin, heel and groin injuries
o Carpel tunnel syndrome
o Tendonitis
o Tennis elbow
o Rotator cuff and other shoulder injuries
o Computer-related strain
Events
Healing Arts Center Open House and 20th Year Celebration!
Join us Saturday, July 28th from 2-6pm at the Healing Arts Center is Eastsound for a fantastic Celebration!
Food, Music, Lectures, Free Mini-Treatments and More!!!!
See you there!
*****
About Us
The Healing Arts Center is dedicated to providing space and support for holistic healthcare treatments and services for our community. We will strive to offer valuable education and resources about holistic healthcare and wellness. The Healing Arts Center, located in Eastsound on Orcas Island, Washington, celebrates its 20th year as the largest holistic health care resource in the San Juan Islands.
If you are looking for an alternative health care provider on Orcas Island, you can view biographies of our 20+ practitioners here. Our practitioners are fully licensed or certified in their field(s) of expertise. You will find a range of health services including Massage Therapy and Bodywork, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Energy Healing, Reflexology, Sound Healing, Counseling Services, Astrological and Tarot Readings and more. You may call us for further information or to schedule an appointment at 360.376.4002. We are located at 453 North Beach Rd. (map).
Healing Arts Center History
In her own words, Marlene Dickey has always been a person with good ideas. So in the summer of 1987 when she learned that a portion of the farmhouse that would become the Healing Arts Center (HAC) was for rent, she became excited about the potential of opening a healing center there. The building has historical significance in its own right. One of the oldest buildings in Eastsound, the former farmhouse on North Beach Road probably housed the phone company at one point and may have been the first doctor’s office in town.
So Marlene agreed to rent half of the first floor of the house along with the Annex. She and several friends worked on establishing it as a healing center and tried to get support for it, but its presence in the community was very low key. After six months, it was clear that she needed more help and that she had to do something else to attract attention.
Marlene put up flyers around town, announcing a vision meeting at the Center, and on February 2, 1988, at least twelve people came. Sandy Sanders and Ian Van Gelder were among them. Others who began to participate in the very beginning and are still members, but who were not necessarily at that first meeting, are Mary Jo Ahern, Carol Jo Enge, and Vibha Golem.
In March 1988, a crucial second meeting was held. According to Ian, those who came to the meeting realized that they had to commit time and energy to running the center if it were going to survive. This initial group was responsible for establishing many of the core philosophies of the Healing Arts Center, and those ideas and beliefs have survived for twenty years. Thus, the Center was founded with the idea that it would be able to give something back to the community, that it would need the cooperation of all its members, that it would provide support and friendship for its members, and that it would be run with integrity, in a conscious and professional way.
The other factor which became clear from the start was that the HAC would need additional financial support. As a result, on April 16-17, 1988, the first Healing Arts Fair was held. The Fair, which has continued to be the Center’s primary fundraiser, allows members of the community a chance to receive treatments at a discounted rate. This popular event is still held twice a year.
That first Fair was organized by Kate Clark. Somewhere toward the end of 1988, she took the job of Executive Director, becoming responsible for setting up the organization and day-to-day operation of the Center. She maintained that position until December 1992, and remained a practitioner for a period of time after that.
In November 1988, Sandy Sanders became the first President of the Board, the only president who was not a practitioner. In those early days, Sandy was invaluable to the HAC, and she devoted herself tirelessly to insuring its success. She did everything from handling the finances of the Center (with the help of her husband Savvy), to buying massage tables for the treatment rooms, to making curtains for the windows. She even washed the sheets for the massage therapists in those early years.
Sandy also points out how generous the Orcas community was in those early years. Many individuals stepped forward and either donated goods and services or traded healing sessions for them. After only a year, the Center became self-sufficient; and, with continued help from the Orcas community, it has been that way ever since.
For Sandy, the concept of professionalism was very important. It was her dream that the Healing Arts Center would be granted non-profit status, and she was the prime motivator for working toward that goal. In May of 1990, the Center received its 501 (c) (3), largely due to Sandy’s efforts.
She stepped down as President in 1991, but remained very active until 1994, when she left to start a retail business on the Island. In 1996, she came back as a volunteer, and currently is one of the Center’s receptionists. According to Sandy, “When I came back after owning my own business, a paradigm shift had occurred. The Center had grown into a truly professional organization where the practitioners were running the entire operation. That fulfilled my original vision and hopes for it.” Sandy remains an integral part of the Healing Arts Center.
In the meantime, in June of 1991, Michael Sky had become the President of the Board, and sometime during that year, the Center began to operate as a consensus-based group. In this way, it was ensured that each member had an equal voice. Community and cooperation remain very important factors in how the Center is run. Though it has grown from about twelve participants in 1992 to twenty seven in 2007, the spirit of harmony among the members is still just as strong.
The HAC was more firmly established by 1992, and has continued to grow slowly and organically from that time forth. Ian recalls that, from time to time, it was even necessary to put a moratorium on new members so that the Center would not expand too quickly. He says that, “It was important to manage the expansionary energy to find the center of gravity for the group. The community is the core of the Healing Arts Center. Within that there is the group of practitioners, with its own dynamic, energy and challenges.”
Because of this atmosphere of cohesiveness and solidity, in 1995 when it was learned that the farmhouse was up for sale, the members were ready to consider purchasing it. After negotiating a price, and because of a generous loan from a private donor, the HAC was able to purchase the building in December, 1995. There was a celebration to commemorate the event in January of 1996, and in February the first mortgage payment was made.
At that time, the HAC continued to occupy only half of the first floor and the Annex.
The income from renting out the rest of the space was still necessary for the Center’s budget. However, just two years later, in 1998, plans were made to expand into the entire downstairs space and the existing floor plan was created. The renovation took about 18 months, and was done largely through the volunteer efforts of longstanding member Rick Doty. The new space was ready in 2000; and in 2003, the Center once again expanded to include the space upstairs. Since then, it has occupied the entire building.
When Michael Sky stepped down as President of the Board, Ian Van Gelder took over. After that Rick Doty had a stint as President, and the office has been occupied by Jennifer Posada since 2005. There has been a remarkable sense of continuity at the Center over the past twenty years. There have been only five presidents in all that time. Many of the original members are still on board, and many others have been around for almost the entire time. The loyalty and commitment of these practitioners is infectious, so that new members also join with the same interest in cooperation, and with the same desire to ensure the success of the Healing Arts Center within the Orcas community. As Ian has said, “The purpose of doing this healing work acts as the anchor for the Center.”
The future offers exciting new possibilities for the Healing Arts Center. In honor of our past and to celebrate our 20th Anniversary, in July of 2007, we are launching our Community Outreach Program.
Community outreach has been a part of the philosophy of the HAC since its inception. With this in mind, the practitioners will be offering an ongoing series of lectures, healing demonstrations, and even free mini-sessions to the general public. The new Program also has included rearranging the lobby of the Center to include a library, a place to read and relax, and the opportunity to use the Center’s computer to research alternate healing modalities. (Many of these features were a part of the Center in the early years, and are now being revived.) Finally, we invite the community to explore our new website.
With some plateaus, there has been a continual growth curve since its humble beginning in 1987. The Healing Arts Center is still growing in a vital, vibrant way. Ian feels that, “Based on where we’ve gone so far, with the advantage of a twenty-year perspective, I can see how successful we’ve been. We can be proud of our evolution, especially from what it looked like in the beginning, and what its chances of survival were.”
We invite all of you to explore, discover, or revisit the Healing Arts Center. In the words of Sandy Sanders, “Even today, I feel welcome and happy whenever I walk through the front door.” Experience the warmth the warmth and positive energy of the Healing Arts Center for yourself today!
Contact Us
The Healing Arts Center is dedicated to providing space and support for holistic healthcare treatments and services for our community. We will strive to offer valuable education and resources about holistic healthcare and wellness.
You may call the Healing Arts Center at 360.376.4002 for further information or to schedule an appointment. Our receptionist hours are 10-3 Monday through Friday. If it is outside of those hours you may leave a message and one of our practitioners will get back to you as soon as possible. Appointments times are available 7 days a week. It is advisable to make your appointments at least one week in advance. Some practitioners may have a waiting list.
If you are purchasing a gift certificate or would like to communicate with us via mail, our mailing address is:
The Healing Arts Center
PO Box 304
Eastsound, Wa 98245
Our physical address is:
The Healing Arts Center
453 North Beach Rd.
Eastsound, Wa 98245
The Nerve, Meridian and Chakra Systems and the CSF Connection
Dr. Don Glassey | OfSpirit
Life energy, in the form of cerebrospinal fluid, flows within, through and around the body over three inter-related and interconnected energy systems that interface with each other. The three energy systems are, from a gross to a subtler and more refined level, the nervous, the meridian, and the chakra systems.
In the nervous system, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows within and around the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) within a three layered “saran wrap” like covering called the meninges. It has been suggested that CSF also flows in the periphery of the body within the neuroglial connective tissue transportation system and communication network. Therefore, rather than ending at a cavity-like cul-de-sac at the place where the peripheral nerves exit the spinal cord (intervertebral foramen), the CSF would then circulate throughout the entire body.
In the meridian system, acupuncturists physically trace the life energy (chi/ki) by palpation as it flows within the connective tissue of the body. Radioisotope studies in Russia and China have confirmed the pathways in which (chi/ki) circulates. The framework of the connective tissue is composed of microscopic tubules called collagen fibrils. It has also been suggested that CSF may flow through this microcirculatory system in the connective tissue via the tubular passages (lumina) of collagen fibrils, and that theoretically “chi” and CSF are one and the same.
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