These days, massage therapists practice in hospitals, traditional doctors offer acupuncture and is there anyone with back trouble who hasn’t been to see a chiropractor?
With all this in mind, we wondered what other natural therapies are available in the Greater Portland area that might be poised to hit the big time. So we did some digging and discovered a number of intriguing treatments. Here’s what we found.
EAR CANDLING
If the idea of inserting a flaming beeswax and muslin candle in your ear sounds, well, freaky, you’re not alone. But this treatment that hails from ancient Egypt and aims to remove wax and other gunk from your ear has a number of proponents. “It’s taking off more, which is interesting,” says Jane Simonds, an aesthetician at Paradiso Salon & Spa in Portland, who’s offered ear candling for seven years. “I think it’s mostly word of mouth.”
Simonds explains that the heat from the candle (really a hollow tube) creates a vacuum that draws out the nasty stuff lurking in your ear. The procedure takes 10-12 minutes per ear. “It’s so relaxing,” Simonds says.
Who should try it? People with sinusitis, ear pressure from swimming or who suffer ear issues when flying. It’s not for you if you have an ear infection, tubes in your ears or perforations in your membrane.
How much does it cost? $40
Where do you find it? Paradiso Salon & Spa, 36 Market St., Portland, 879-7414
CUPPING
Okay, we have to admit this procedure sort of looks like you’re being attacked by a giant octopus. But in reality it’s very similar to acupuncture. “It’s been used just as long as acupuncture needles have,” says Daniel Katz, an acupuncturist and owner of Wildwood Medicine in Portland. But rather then inserting a tiny needle, the acupuncturist attaches a suction cup to your back (sometimes other spots too) to relive pain and get your internal energy grid back in working order. The cups stay on for 5-15 minutes, and most people go for three sessions.
“There will be a small amount of bruising,” Katz says. “It’s not painful bruising.” More like a giant hickey.
Who should try it? Anyone with pain, upper respiratory problems, digestive complaints or gynecological issues.
How much does it cost? $30 per session
Where do you find it? Many acupuncture practices, including Wildwood Medicine, 97 India St., Portland, 347-7132
ALGAE BODY WRAP
If you’re not ready for cupping, an algae body wrap may be more your speed. That is if you don’t mind being painted green and rolled around in a space blanket. Chlorophyll-rich sea algae is the main ingredient in this treatment designed to draw out heavy metals (like lead and mercury) and remove toxic substances (like food preservatives and the residues of drinking too much booze).
“It stays on for 20 minutes, while I do a facial massage,” says Simonds of Paradiso. “Then they shower off, and I put on a light cream. It’s a lovely hour of two massages.”
Who should try it? Anyone feeling bloated or in a need of a detox.
How much does it cost? $90
Where do you find it? Area spas, including Paradiso Salon & Spa, 36 Market St., Portland, 879-7414
REFLEXOLOGY
Let’s just say right off, if you have a foot phobia, this treatment is not for you. But if you like having your tootsies rubbed, then what are you waiting for?
“The number one thing reflexology does is it kills stress in its tracks,” says Lynn Marie Danforth, a certified reflexologist who runs Hands on Feet in South Portland. “All the reflexes for your whole body are in your feet and hands.”
By rubbing specific pressure points on your feet, a reflexologist can alleviate pain and increase overall circulation in your body. Sessions typically last an hour.
Who should try it? Anyone in need of a de-stressing, or people with arthritis, diabetes, cancer, back pain or foot pain.
How much does it cost? $75
Where do you find it? Hands on Feet, 12 Willard St., South Portland, 767-5776
ENER-GENETICS
When we first heard of ener-genetics, also called vibrational healing, we were sure it involved a vibrating massage table. Boy were we wrong. This is actually a form of energy healing that aims to reverse self-limiting patterns encoded in a our DNA.
While you recline on a massage table, an energy healer will use relaxation techniques and guided imagery (plus a bunch of questions) to help you discover unconscious core beliefs that are holding you back. “This really is the new medicine of the new millennium,” says Marilee Marrinan, an energy medicine practitioner and director of Sanctuary Holistic Health Center in Yarmouth. “As with any holistic treatment, we are not looking at the symptoms, we are searching for the cause.”
You can see a demo of the technique at the center’s open house March 29 from noon-2 pm.
Who should try it? Anyone who keeps running into similar roadblocks in their relationships, finances or professional life.
How much does it cost? $200 for a 2 1/2 hour session
Where do you find it? Sanctuary Holistic Health Center, 50 Forest Falls Dr., Yarmouth, 846-1162