Holistic Health Care at Aspirus St. Luke's

Massage therapy and acupuncture now available

The human body has been designed with the astounding ability to heal itself. However, this ability is lessened when under stress. “We tend to work too hard, sleep too little and have unhealthy eating habits,” said Kristina Polzin, licensed acupuncturist at St. Luke’s. “This high-stress environment makes healing difficult. Because of this, many people live in constant pain or discomfort.”

While many are able to find relief through modern medicine, some are not. “We actually have quite a few patients who don’t respond well to medications or even surgery,” said Dr. Maricela Schnur, interventional pain management physician at St. Luke’s. “These patients need other options.”

This is why St. Luke’s now offers massage and acupuncture. These non-medicated therapies provide a more holistic approach and give patients the options they need to discover what works best for them.

Massage therapy
“Massage is much more than a way to pamper yourself,” said Megan Martin, licensed massage therapist at St. Luke’s Rejuvenation Center. "Regular care offers the body the ability to heal itself by reducing stress hormones, allowing for better sleep, increasing range of motion by reducing muscle tension, and reducing anxiety."

In addition to massage, Megan likes to give her clients additional resources that can prolong the effects of the therapy and help them feel their best. “After a massage session, I teach my client some stretches they can do to target their problem areas,” Megan said. “I’ll also talk to them about proper posture, sleep position and daily routines that will contribute to a better quality of life.”

Megan offers a wide range of services, including chair massage, full body relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, reiki and prenatal massage.

Acupuncture
Similar to massage therapy, acupuncture also encourages the body to heal itself. “Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system and causes chemicals to be released into the muscles, the spinal cord and the brain,” said Kristina. “These biochemical changes stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities, promoting physical and emotional wellbeing.”

Because this therapy addresses issues at a deep, internal level, acupuncture can be used to treat a broad range of symptoms. This includes headaches, physical pain, poor digestion, nausea, mental distress and infertility.

“Many people are scared of acupuncture because they think it’s going to be painful,” said Kristina. “But it shouldn’t hurt at all. The needles are very thin – only about the width of a single strand of hair. I like to dim the lights and use calming music to create a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a quiet time for people to reconnect with their body. A lot of people even fall asleep!”

Natural healing options at St. Luke’s
While acupuncture and massage are available at various locations in the Twin Ports, there are many benefits to receiving these services at a medical facility. “When you come to St. Luke’s for any service, you can know that your provider has been thoroughly vetted,” said Dr. Schnur. “Anyone who practices at our facility is consistent with St. Luke’s high quality standards.”

Both Megan and Kristina practiced privately before coming to St. Luke’s, and both are excited to be partnering with this healthcare system. “I ran my own successful practice for two years,” said Megan. “However, I found it to be a bit lonely and sometimes downright scary to be all alone. I am thrilled with the incredible support system offered at Aspirus St. Luke's.”

Kristina looks forward to being established within a network of medical providers as well. “I became an acupuncturist because I want to help people,” said Kristina. “Working at St. Luke’s, I can connect collaborate with other health care providers to help people in a more comprehensive way. It’s a big difference from just practicing on my own. I’m really looking forward to it.”
 

To learn more about each of these services or schedule an appointment, visit slhduluth.com/massage or slhdululuth.com/acupuncture

This article was published in the August/September issue of the Woman Today.