Mind, Body, Spirit Trend Aims To Detoxify Lives

Dr. Devorah Feinblooom climbs into her new infrared sauna and talks about its life-enhancing benefits.

"It detoxifies your body from under your skin" she explains. "You're less stressed and more healthy. It's part of a whole body cleansing."

Feinbloom runs Marblehead Natural Healing, the newest in a string of holistic health & wellness businesses in town, says Anne Marie Casey at the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce.

"Marblehead is an educated and health-conscious community, making it a desirable location and market for these types of businesses," Casey said.

"It's part of a national trend," says Feinbloom. "People want to feel better, and they're tired of pills and medications that don't work. They want to try something new."

In addition to the infrared sauna (which Oprah showcased on her show last year), Feinbloom offers body cleansing through diet and supplements.

"Almost everyone can benefit," she said. "I can develop a program for 28 days, 14 days..  and even a Mighty Mini Cleanse." 

The idea is to detoxify your liver and the rest of your body of harmful metals and other poisons that make you feel fatigued and hold on to extra weight. She also practices Applied Kinesiology, a gentle chiropractic approach. 

"I definitely feel an increase in energy," said Natural Healing client Paula, a nurse from Salem who asked not to be identified since she works in a traditional health care setting.

"People are tired of a pre-packaged approach," she said.

 "Through the nutritional counseling I discovered I have a sensitivity to wheat and I'm trying different supplements. I'd consider some of the other treatments, too."

The Chamber of Commerce is holding a ribbon cutting for Marblehead Natural Healing on Wednesday evening. It recently welcomed Complete Mind & Body, run by certified holistic nutrition counselor Christine Lucas.  She works with clients to improve their eating habits and manage stress.

"I'm inspired to help people find what nourishes them individually," Lucas said. "We're all different. You can diet all your want, but if you're not balanced and nourished in the rest of your life on a deeper, more spiritual level you may always find yourself hungry.  Is that hunger really for food, or for life? "

 Another popular business is "New Day," run by health coach Dana Appel Young. 

"I like to think of myself as a nutritionist, therapist, life coach all wrapped up in one," Appel Young said.

Appel Young teaches IntenSati, a practice that combines high intensity cardio with positive affirmations. 

"What you think about, you bring about," she said. "The basic premise is that by working through your intentions in a class, you can somehow come out of it living a life you love, in a body you love."

In addition to these businesses, Marblehead is home to several chiropractic offices and at least one acupuncturist.

If you're interested in learning more about local holistic health options, the Chamber of Commerce is organizing a Health & Wellness Fair on October 24th.