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BUSINESS Managing Editor: Rod Jerred Phone: 905-337-5559 Fax: 905-337-5567 e-mail: rjerred@haltonsearch.com W 'l I ) \ i ;s i ).\Y . -II M II. 2 0 0 3 · I ? \(il-: A S Alternative, non-invasive therapy offers relief to grateful clients By Howard Mozel OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF "Chrysalis" may be Robyn Haley's business but. judging by her enthusiasm and dedication, it's also a calling. Through Haley. Chrysalis offers Tai Chi Chuan, meditation and Reiki (pro nounced Ray-key), disciplines which trace their roots back thousands o f years and are now being seriously studied by Western medicine. Even O akville's respected Wellspring House, where Haley actively volunteers, offers Reiki therapy services -- the only "alternative" therapy sanctioned there since it is not contraindicated for any form of cancer. "1 wanted to do something where people would say, 'I feel better,' to make a change," said Haley. "Anything to improve quality of life is important." Tai Chi (literally " m oving life force") encompasses a series of choreo graphed movements that resemble a graceful dance which have been per fected to bring about a balanced " ch i" or life force, resulting in better health. Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive thera py in which a practitioner essentially re directs the body's energy for pain man agement, accelerated healing and more. Haley makes it clear that Reiki is meant to be used to complement other, more conventional, treatments and that it is not a religion. "It's not a case of either-or," she said. "W hat I do is part of. not a replacement to. other treatments." Meditation develops in clients the ability to facilitate relaxation and stud ies have shown a correlation between meditating and everything from lower blood pressure to improved cognitive skills. But while a caterpillar emerges from its chrysalis completely transformed, Haley doesn't pretend that her disci plines have all the answers and takes great satisfaction in the little victories. After all. when one suffers chronic pain, for example, even slight relief can be a huge achievement. In short, says Haley. Chrysalis is all about improving the quality o f life as much as possible. "To watch people improve, especial ly seniors, is wonderful," she said. " It's a great, great feeling." Haley admits some people do not respond to Reiki (if so, she refunds their money) but says she has an excellent track record, even among outright skep tics. " In most cases I can make people feel belter." said Haley, a certified Reiki therapist and experienced Tai Chi Chuan/meditation facilitator. That said. Haley deflects too much "I'm only facilitating the body heal ing itself." she said. Reiki, the discipline readers may be least fam iliar with, helps balance the vital energy within all living things, removes blockages of this energy and allows chi to flow as intended. This process -- which Haley feels in the form of heat -- works much the same as acupuncture, but unlike that therapy, or even massage. Reiki is not contraindi cated for even the most medically-fragile clients. This includes clients of Wellspring who are recovering from cancer with whom Haley has had success, particu larly in the area of pain management and m itigating the discomfort of chemotherapy. M igraine sufferers, whom Haley says have too much ener gy locked into their backs and spinal columns, also rank among her grateful clients. Recovery from surgery is like wise accelerated, she says. Haley admits that for some people, the placebo effect could play a part but she goes on to explain that she has had success even among die-hard doubters. One woman, who humoured her and underwent a Reiki treatment, felt heat almost to the point of discomfort then called Haley four days later all excited with the news that she was pain-free. Haley, w ho with her husband ran a karate dojo for several years, said she also witnessed clear evidence of bruises responding almost immediately to the application of Reiki. M any corporations are coming around to the idea that healthy employ ees are more productive and cost less, especially with escalating long-term disability premiums. Tim Hortons' head office in O akville led the way by embracing Tai Chi Chuan as part of the com pany's Tim Fit programs. But success in clients only reinforces what Haley has already experienced within herself: following a car accident, she lost 80 per cent of the use of her right side but after six months of Tai Chi her hands started " tingling" as her heal ing began in earnest. "W hen it happened, it caught me off guard," said Haley who, while still on the mend, has also noticed the spin-off effect of suffering less colds, increased mental acuity and more. H aley's ongoing Tai C hi Chuan classes take place at Trafalgar Chiropractic and Wellness Centre. 1290 Cornwall Rd. Unit C. Four class times are available and those interested can register by the month. For more information and to reach Haley, call 905-616-5191 or em ail rhaley.chrysalis@cogeco.ca. Peter C. McCusker · O akville B eaver Robyn Haley credit away from herself, explaining that she is essentially the catalyst for changes that transpire w ithin her clients. All Cedars Choose from a wide variety of cedars that will bring life to your garden. Makes an excellent foundation plant. Full sun to part'shade. Reg. from 9.99 to 89.99. Comes Alive... With The Gardening Experts A n n u a ls Now you can have Garden Gallery quality annuals at a fabulous sale price. 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