The Pursuit of Wellness

Practitioners in Maple Grove help patients find health and happiness through holistic treatments.

By: Carolyn Pierson | From the issue: September 2012

Photo: Tate Carlson

Beverly Frame’s road to acupuncture began when a bulged disc lead to sciatic nerve trouble and excruciating pain. After a round of prescribed medications from her doctor, the pain did not resolve, so Frame turned in desperation to acupuncturist Lindsay Long. From there, her story had a surprise happy ending with much pain relief after only a few appointments. Frame’s story sounds all too familiar to holistic practitioners, whose approach to healthcare is quickly becoming the preferred method of treatment for many patients in the Maple Grove area.

Although their methods and philosophies may differ, holistic practitioners share the belief that a patient be viewed as a whole person. As Dr. Doug Broman of Broman Chiropractic says, “We look at the physical, chemical, and emotional influences that may cause adverse affects to the patient’s total well-being…instead of looking for a set of symptoms affecting one organ system.” In the end, holistic practitioners are all pursuing the same thing: wellness. From acupuncture and massage to chiropractic care and beyond, practitioners are reaching this goal by tapping into the body’s natural healing abilities. Dr. James Nord of Excel Family Chiropractic explains that “wellness care does not add something to the system, instead, it removes anything that might interfere with normal function. Wellness care trusts that the body would know what to do if nothing were interfering with it.” Lindsay Long practices acupuncture, but her philosophy is the same: “You have to work on treating all of the imbalances in the body to help the body heal itself.”

Wellness isn’t just about avoiding disease or fighting off sickness anymore; it’s about a whole lot more. “It’s what we do to add quality to our lives—why we run a marathon, learn to knit, get a higher education… it’s about living life in a way that celebrates our potential as human beings,” says massage therapist Ross Bergalk. “When I was a kid my mom would send me outside to play because she wanted me to be well, not just healthy.” There are many different holistic avenues to pursue right here in Maple Grove. Use this guide to find out what new treatment might be your ticket to health—and wellness.