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A Way Towards Wellness Holland Sentinel, Holland, Michigan .... July 10, 2001 Jacob and Freda Brodbeck had a dream of creating a place where people could come to practice holistic wellness and learn about healthy, natural living. For seven years, they lived their dream by offering home based massage therapy and body work. Two years ago, they turned their home-based business into Saugatuck's Spring Renewal salon and spa, but still their plan was not complete. In January, years of work come to fruition when the Brodbecks began offering a professional massage training program. "The school has been a nine year dream for us." said Freda Brodbeck, a naturopathic doctor who practices at Spring Renewal, 3493 Blue Star highway. Students in the massage therapy training program complete 600 hours of formal training, plus homework. Upon completion, they must go before a industry review board and demonstrate their skills before receiving the certified massage therapist designation. The six-module program requires students to attend one full day per week for 18 months. An accelerated program and evening courses are planned for the future. Modules of the program are Fundamentals of Massage, Anatomy and Physiology for Bodyworkers, Yang Therapies, Yin Therapies , and Business, Ethics and Marketing. There are currently five students enrolled in the program. "our program has six components, including a business and marketing section, so that students are fully able to run their own business when they graduate" said Jacob Brodbeck, a certified massage therapist. "They can work in private practice, in a salon setting or with a doctor." Spring Renewal offers full salon and spa services, including massage, reflexology, hair and nail services and retail products. Freda Brodbeck provides medical consultations and performs acupressure. The massage school is licensed by the Michigan Department of Career Development. In recent years, the American medical community has begun to recognize the benefits of "alternative" therapies such as nutritional therapy, herbal supplements and bodywork. For example, Freda Brodbeck sees cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and prescribes diet changes, supplements or other natural treatments to help alleviate the side effects the chemicals can cause. Jacob Brodbeck said some insurance companies will even pay for some holistic treatments when they are administered under the supervision of a licensed physician. He admits natural medicine does have its limits. "Herbs will not kill germs. What we focus on is helping the body do what it was meant to do, and help the immune system or other systems perform how they should be performing." he said. "There is a place for both types of medicine and I think we are starting to work together better. We both realize that one is not going to put the other out of business." |
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