Fill out this form to email this article to a friend

Your name		Your email
Recipient email	You may enter up to 20 multiple email addresses, separated by commas.
Your message
Validation Code	Hear validation code
	Enter validation code

We were unable to send your email.

Click here to try again.

Stressed? Get relief and give a little

By Arleen Spenceley, Times Staff Writer
In print: Friday, November 14, 2008

Story Tools E-mail this story Contact the editor Print this story Comment on this story Social Bookmarking Digg Facebook Stumbleupon Reddit Del.icio.us Newsvine

ADVERTISEMENT Loading Video...

LUTZ — Out of work. Strapped for cash. Just footin' the bills. For lots of folks, anxiety set in long before the holiday season. But a couple of holistic health practitioners have a message for the stressed:

You can find relief.

"With all that's going on in the world, (we are opening up) a portion of our practices to help people relieve some stress," said Steven Friedman, a chiropractor and acupuncture physician from Acutonix Health Systems. "We don't want any money for it."

Fridays through Dec. 20, you can make an appointment for acupuncture, hydro-massage and sauna sessions courtesy of Acutonix Health Systems and A Natural Approach to Wellness, each owned by holistic practitioners who have united to create what they call a healing center.

Laura Muchmore, a registered nurse who helped to create A Natural Approach, said the staffs will accept only donations, which will benefit Metropolitan Ministries.

Visitors will also benefit, she said.

"Stress can kill you," said Muchmore. "It's making people sick and fat and miserable."

Illnesses can start with emotional reactions to uncontrollable situations, Muchmore said. But things like acupuncture, massage and sauna sessions can prevent a body from becoming ill over stress, she said. They can also be really relaxing.

"A hydro-massage bed has water pressure jets under the surface," she said. "It relaxes the muscles, decreases blood pressure, feels wonderful."

The far infrared sauna uses infrared lights, said to break down toxins in the body, with aromatherapy and music. And, Friedman said, the acupuncture can help clear the mind.

Participants "will feel more relaxed when they leave than when they came in," Friedman said.

Muchmore agreed.

"This is a little taste of what relief is," she said. "A little taste of peace."

Arleen Spenceley can be reached at (813) 269-5301 or aspenceley@sptimes.com.