Holistic health services in Acadiana offer natural alternatives to relieve countless ailments with little to no side effects.
Holistic health services in Acadiana offer natural alternatives to relieve countless ailments with little to no side effects.
A few years ago, when Pamela Dagen was taking a daily combination of prescribed pain medication, sleeping pills and antidepressants, she knew there had to be a better option. So she began exploring the benefits of hands-on energy healing through Reiki treatments.
The Japanese technique that‘s used to combat stress, depression and other ailments was such an effective treatment for Dagen that she‘s been off of all medications since she discovered Reiki therapy in 2008, she says.
Now the Reiki master at Bindu Yoga, Dagen uses her hands to spread energy to the bodies of her clients, many of whom suffer from chronic stress, depression and other ailments such as fibromyalgia.
The healing energy, she says, flows from her hands, bringing relaxation "so the body has time to replenish and restore itself."
"I guess it was my own personal experience that made me want to offer it to other people," she says.
Reiki treatment is one of countless services offered in Acadiana for people seeking relief through holistic health and alternatives to traditional medicine.
Though the level of relief may vary for each person and each ailment they face, holistic health professionals who spoke to IND Monthly agree that the holistic and alternative treatments typically come with little-to-no side effects and can often complement other treatment methods through traditional medicine.
For Marie Pace, a traditional naturopath and owner of Optimum Solutions Holistic Health Consultants, it was also her own personal
Photos by Robin May
Marie Pace
health issues that led her to both a holistic health approach to life and a business venture helping others to do the same.
When Pace went through menopause in the late ‘90s, her doctor said she knew that Pace wasn‘t one for synthetic hormones as a treatment for her condition.
That‘s when Pace began researching hormones and their effect on people of all ages, she says, and decided to pursue a career in holistic health.
As a traditional naturopath, Pace says she doesn‘t diagnose ailments, nor does she prescribe medications or treatments for her clients.
"We educate, consult and coach to help manage someone‘s health," she says.
The most common ailments Pace helps her clients manage are hormone imbalances, adrenal fatigue and weight gain, she says.
"Everyone‘s tired, gaining weight and having aches and pains," she says. "Instead of automatically telling someone they should take this herb or do the latest Dr. Oz promotion for a fast fix, I like to see what‘s causing the fatigue and aches and pains. It‘s almost always coming from adrenal glands, ovaries and thyroids.
"Nine times out of 10 when it‘s chronic, taking medication to handle a symptom is not going to cure or fix it," she continues. "You better find out what‘s causing that acid reflux problem because taking Nexium for the rest of your life has an untold number of side effects, including osteoporosis in women. What if there was a way to be healthy, happy, pain-free and sleeping well without having to take 15 different medications?"
Pace is a big believer in medical testing, she says, and often works in conjunction with medical doctors to ensure her clients are receiving the wide variety of tests that sometimes traditional medical doctors pass over when diagnosing patients.
"When we‘re looking at function, we want to know what‘s reaching the target cells," she explains. "We tell them how to change their diet, then shoot them back to the regular doctor to make sure they‘re doing what they need to do on that end. I am a firm believer in both."
And though Pace agrees that natural approaches are often associated with fewer side effects, she warns that "just because it‘s natural doesn‘t mean it‘s safe."
"You can misuse anything," she says. "As a naturopath we‘ve got to work with spirit, mind and body, like diet and removing stress from that individual‘s life."
Healing touch practitioner Sue Heldenbrand, owner of Synergistic Center in Lafayette, says her therapy for migraines, depression, trauma and other illnesses is centered on returning balance to the bodies of her clients.
Sue Heldenbrand
For Heldenbrand, the process is "like peeling an onion."
"I‘m helping to clear the energy field so they can cope with whatever‘s going on in their bodies," she says. Heldenbrand uses a series of techniques and hand positions to find and release emotions and toxins her clients are holding in their cells, she says.
"If someone‘s holding on to a particular emotion like fear, anger or resentment, it causes problems in your body," she says.
Heldenbrand recalls one client who came to her after suffering from migraines for several years and trying numerous avenues of treatment, all to no avail. What Heldenbrand found was an abundance of emotional trauma that the client had not addressed. The emotional healing treatments Heldenbrand gave brought drastic relief, she says.
Emotional healing and energy treatments are not necessarily a substitute for traditional medicines, Heldenbrand says, but "if someone is looking for a natural alternative, they‘ll feel lighter, less burdened and more balanced."
At Hoover Family Acupuncture, Adam Hoover and his wife use acupuncture to treat a wide variety of illnesses and chronic pain. Hoover says his client base includes both people with minor aches and pains who want to avoid a more invasive procedure down the road and patients who have suffered from chronic pain for years and see acupuncture as a last resort.
Hoover says the most common ailments he sees at his clinic are lower back pain, sciatic knee pain, shoulder pain and pain associated with gastrointestinal problems. Hoover‘s wife also offers facial rejuvenation and cosmetic acupuncture, he says.
Adam Hoover and Virginia Hoover
"Acupuncture is probably best as a first intervention, but it‘s useful in both perspectives," Hoover says. "When it comes to any kind of pain, it‘s always worth a try. Let‘s give it three treatments and see if we make a dent in the problem. It‘s hard to predict who‘s a good acupuncture candidate and who‘s not. How the patient responds will determine whether we should continue or whether it‘s not a good option."
Another increasingly popular activity aimed at balancing the mind, body and spirit is yoga. Yoga classes strive to improve stress levels and overall health through breath control, meditation and body posture.
Parents who embrace yoga as a natural approach to health also have options in Acadiana for their children to begin a holistic lifestyle through yoga at an early age. Starting in June, the Lafayette Center for Yoga will offer Yoga Bala, yoga classes designed for children.
Michael Morton, who owns the Lafayette Center for Yoga with his wife, Lydia, says unlike a lot of other yoga classes that adapt adult yoga techniques into "child-sized chunks," Yoga Bala was created specifically for children and "builds each practice from the ground up."
"Children aren‘t little adults," Morton says in a recent email sent to students at the center. "They have different needs, respond to different stimuli and learn in different ways. Yoga Bala gives children the sometimes rare opportunity to just be kids within the context of yoga."
View The IND‘s comprehensive guide to holistic medicine services below. To be added to the online guide, email Leslie Turk at lesliet@theind.com.
The Ind‘s Guide to Holistic Medicine Services
ACUPUNCTURE:
Acupuncture Center of Acadiana at The Camelia House 708 Jefferson St., Lafayette 593-9796 www.cameliahouse.com
Hoover Family Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine 2445 E. Milton Ave., Youngsville 857-3313 www.hooverfamilyacupuncture.com
Five-Element Acupuncture 1116 Coolidge Blvd., Lafayette 354-3651
Nouriche Wellness and Aesthetics 605 Silverstone Road, Lafayette 456-7301
CHIROPRACTIC:
Acadiana Doctors of Chiropractic 318 Guilbeau Road, Lafayette 406-4790
American Back Institute 621 W. Pinhook Road, Lafayette 237-2273
Back to Basic Wellness 409 S. Morgan Ave., Broussard 739-2280 www.b2bmobilechiro.com
Bixenman-Richardson Chiropractic Clinic 107 S. College Road, Lafayette 234-4987
Breaux Bridge Chiropractic 1501 Rees St., Breaux Bridge 332-2225 www.breauxbridgechiropractic.com
Carr Chiropractic Clinic 105 Westmark Blvd., Lafayette 993-2277 www.stayadjusted.com
Cavanaugh Chiropractic Center 105 Independence Blvd. Suite 3,Lafayette 984-5852
Chiropractic Associates 107 S. College Road, Lafayette 234-4987
Clark Chiropractic 854 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette 232-3353 www.clark-chiro.com
Cohn Chiropractic Center 3804 Johnston St., Lafayette 988-2225 www.cohnchiropractic.com
Community Chiropractic 102 Greg St., Carencro 886-9703
Community Chiropractic of Lafayette 2801 Kaliste Saloom Road Suite 200, Lafayette 984-8605 www.lafayetteschiro.com
Cormier Chiropractic 854 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette 237-5306 www.cormierchiropractic.com
Crossroads Chiropractic 1904 W. Pinhook Road Suite 100, Lafayette 235-3720
Daigle Chiropractic Center 245 Doucet Road Suite 104B, Lafayette 989-0800
Dr. John J. Sullivan 109 Independence Blvd., Lafayette 205-8848 www.drjohn1.com
Fournier Chiropractic and Rehab Center 2201 Kaliste Saloom Road Suite 202, Lafayette 504-5458 www.fournierchiropractic.com
Jefferson Street Spine and Rehab 601 Jefferson Blvd., Lafayette 261-9137
Lafayette Chiropractic Physicians Group 207 Rue Louis XIV, Lafayette 988-2188 www.treatyourspine.com
Dr. Robert LeJeune 610 Guibeau Rd., Lafayette 989-4424
Morvant Spinal Care and Rehab 401 N. College Road Suite 3, Lafayette 984-0206 www.morvantspinalcareandrehab.com
Optimal Health Chiropractic 2833 Verot School Rd., Lafayette 981-7773 www.drkentsteinert.com
Ortego Chiropractic Clinic 204 N. Union St., Opelousas 942-1600
Perry Chiropractic Clinic 847 Saint John St., Lafayette 234-2067 www.perrychiropracticclinic.com
FITNESS:
24/7 Fit 1515 S. Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette 408-3222 www.get247fit.com
Body Factory (Formerly known as Pilates Plus Evolution) 1921 Kaliste Saloom Road Suite 208, Lafayette www.bodyfactorylft.com
City Club at River Ranch 1110 Camellia Blvd., Lafayette 406-2582 www.cityclubatriverranch.com
Fitness and Beyond Health Club 1009 Ambassador Parkway, Broussard 893-2905 www.fitnessandbeyond.biz
Gold‘s Gym 1400 Rees St., Breaux Bridge 442-1732 www.goldsgym.com
Healthe Habits for Living 1130 Coolidge Blvd., Lafayette, 261-9188 www.healthehabitsforliving.com
Ideal Weight Loss 3366 Verot School Road Suite 106, Lafayette 856-4420 www.idealweightacadiana.com
In Balanace Pilates Studio 218 Rue Louis St. XIV Suite A, Lafayette 988-9909 www.pilateslafayette.com
Lafayette Health Club 2905 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette 981-6250
Physique‘s Women Fitness Center 2505 Verot School Road, Lafayette 984-2226 www.physiquesfitness.com
Pilates Bodies 112 Republic Ave. Suite C, Lafayette 216-0190 www.pilatesbodiesla.net
Red Lerille‘s Health and Racquet Club 301 Doucet Road, Lafayette 984-7738 www.redlerilles.com
Snap Fitness 2425 W. Congress St., Lafayette 456-7983 2800 W. Pinhook Road, Lafayette 232-1955 110 Tucker Drive Suite 104, Lafayette 984-4699
Strength and Endurance Performance Institute 203 B Four Park Road, Lafayette 319-2343
Wise Body Pilates at The Camelia House 708 Jefferson Blvd., Lafayette 593-9292 www.cameliahouse.com
Xtend Barre/Pilates & Dance 110 Rue Promenade Suite 101, Lafayette 706-7462 www.xtendbarrelafayette.com
FITNESS (YOGA):
Acadiana Yoga & Wellness 911 Harding St., Lafayette 236-9000 www.acadianayoga.com
Bindu Yoga 3809 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette 258-9597 www.binduyogalafayette.com
The Camelia House 708 Jefferson Blvd., Lafayette 593-9796 www.cameliahouse.com
Heaven on Earth Jewelry, Gifts and Yoga 108 Rena Drive, Lafayette 981-0355 www.heavenonearthonline.com
Lafayette Center for Yoga 315 Jefferson St., Lafayette 654-4067 www.lafayettecenterforyoga.com
HEALTH FOOD / SUPPLEMENT STORES:
Benny‘s Sportshack Supplement Depot 2002 Johnston St., Lafayette
Big Dog Supplements 3524 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette 983-0202 www.bigdogsupps.com
Cili Minerals 600 Guilbeau Road, Lafayette 993-9660 www.ciloz.com
Ethnic Herbs and Ethnic Books 920 W. Pinhook Road, Lafayette 264-1050
Fruitti Smoothie 2865 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette 981-5559
Health Enhancements 1211 Coolidge Blvd. Suite 400, Lafayette 234-3784
Oil Center Health Foods and Whole Wheatery Eatery 326 Travis St., Lafayette 232-7774 www.wholewheateryeatery.com
Organically Yours 2901 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette 989-1500 www.organicallyyoursla.com
Sandra‘s Cafe and Health Food Store 111 Rena Drive Suite C, Lafayette 988-0108
Smoothie King 4307 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette 993-9963 3619 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette 989-8187 www.smoothieking.com
Smoothie World 2800 W. Pinhook Road Suite 7, Lafayette 267-4440
Tropical Smoothie Cafe 458 Heymann Blvd., Lafayette 456-3933 www.tropicalsmoothie.com
Vitamins Plus 505 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette 261-0033
MASSAGE:
Allure Enhancement Center 1721 W. Pinhook Road, Lafayette 412-6334 www.allureenhancementcenter.com
Carrier Stressaway 117 S. College Road, Lafayette 303-8862 www.carrierstressaway.com
Massage Envy 130 N. College Road, Lafayette 232-7040 www.massageenvy.com
New Age Serenity 1001 W. Pinhook Road Building 3 Suite 213, Lafayette 247-7689 www.newageserenity.com
Paradisus Oasis Wellness Center and Spa 117 E. Gloria Switch Road, Lafayette (337) 289-9349 www.paradisusoasis.com
The Great Escape Water Massage 2811 Johnston St., Lafayette 237-7200 www.itsthegreatescape.com
MEDITATION / NATUROPATHIC / HOLISTIC MEDICINE:
Acadiana Shambhala Meditation Group 500 E. Farrell Road, Lafayette 407-9530 www.groups.yahoo.com/group/AcadianaShambhala
Dr. Shirley Stelly 1001 W. Pinhook Road, Lafayette 234-1518 www.awarenesscenterla.com
Optimum Solutions Holistic Health Consultants 3522 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette 989-0572 www.lafayettenaturopath.com
Pierre A. Lanusse, N.D., at The Camellia House 708 Jefferson Blvd., Lafayette 793-3367 www.cameliahouse.com
Synergistic Center 512 Robert Lee Circle, Lafayette 232-4799 www.synergisticcenter.com
Bette Vidrine, Certified Music Practitioner 984-6058 255-3622
SPAS:
Ashero Spa 233 Doucet Road B1, Lafayette 984-9972 www.asherospa.com
Coccolare Spa 331 Doucet Road, Lafayette 769-7546 www.coccolarespa.com
Elevations Day Spa & Salon 858 Kaliste Saloom Road Suite B, Lafayette 205-0303
Essentials Salon and Spa 117 S. College Road, Lafayette 269-4000 www.essentialssalon-spa.com
La Vie Med Spa 2967 S. Union St., Opelousas 594-9044 www.laviemedspa.com
O2 Face & Body 909 Harding St., Lafayette 234-1313 www.o2faceandbody.com
Pascale Spa 1118-B Coolidge Blvd., Lafayette 232-6449 www.pascalespa.com
Pure Skin Medi Spa 1309 W. Pinhook Road, Lafayette 268-9719 www.pureskinmedispalafayette.com
River Spa 1100 Camellia Blvd., Lafayette 216-6511 www.riverspariverranch.com
Royal Day Spa & Salon 28005 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette 981-2711 www.royaldayspa.net
Spa Mizan 2319 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette 981-0608 www.spamizan.com
Thai Herbal Spa and Salon 1619 W. Pinhook Road, Lafayette 237-9081
HEALTH & WELLNESS:
Louisiana Thermography | Sandy Cambre, R.N., N.D., C.T. 605 Silverstone, Lafayette
Neurofeedback Clinic | Rhonda Guidry, R.N., B.C.N. 701 Robley Dr. Ste. 137, Lafayette 984-6920
Family Healthcare Clinic Inc. | Dr. Daniel Wiltz 1117 North Main St., St. Martinville 394-7111
Ready 4 the Return (healing art initiative for soldiers) 101 Rue Iberville Ste. 103 230-4520 facebook/ready4thereturn
A Healing Practice 101 Rue Iberville Ste. 103 facebook/balancedbeingwellnesscenter