VETERAN’S RESTORATION & SELF-CARE PROGRAM

Healing Wounds ~ Honoring Service

WHO IS KERN HEALING CONNECTIONS?Kern Healing Connections is a group of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapists and practitioners serving the Kern County community. CAM therapies--such as Reiki, Massage, Reflexology, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Guided Imagery—are safe and non-invasive, and do not replace but complement all medical treatments and wellness programs.

WHAT IS THE VETERAN’S RESTORATION & SELF-CARE PROGRAM? The VETERAN’S RESTORATION & SELF-CARE PROGRAM is a Complementary & Alternative Medicine clinic that serves the veteran and spouse. The clinic is fully staffed by professional therapists who are members of Kern Healing Connections. Our professional therapists volunteer their service and provide it—at no cost.

All clients must be referred by a Readjustment Counselor through the Bakersfield Veterans Center (BVC) at 1110 Golden State Ave, 661-323-8387. BVC is a psychological counseling and resource center for veterans and their families. Clients referred to Kern Healing Connections Restoration and Self-Care Program have a need for stress-relieving therapies and practices.

HOW DOES THE CLINIC WORK & WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED? All bodywork (Massage, Reiki, Reflexology) is provided on massage tables with therapists in one open auditorium setting. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) & Guided Imagery are also provided. Clients may receive all services offered, at no cost: Reiki, Massage (Dry—only shoes are removed), Reflexology, EFT, Guided Imagery. An appointment must be scheduled. No walk-ins.

WHEN/WHERE/WHAT TIME IS THE CLINIC? The clinic is held the 3rd Thursday of every month from 1-4p. Location is provided upon registration. Remaining Clinic dates for 2013: 6/20, 7/18, 8/15, 9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/19.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Contact the Bakersfield Veterans Center 661-323-8387 at 1110 Golden State Ave, or Kern Healing Connections Organizer-Betty Mendez 661-319-0994.

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VETERAN’S RESTORATION & SELF-CARE PROGRAM-cont’d

DESCRIPTION OF THERAPIES PROVIDED AT THE RESTORATION & SELF-CARE CLINIC:

Massage Therapy—light to medium pressure dry massage (no oils), provided in a massage chair or table.

Reiki Therapy—an energy balancing session delivered by light touch or no touch with hands held slightly above the body. Reiki is used in major cancer hospitals/clinics due to its many benefits: relaxation, pain management, reduced anxiety, reduced depression, improved sleep, improved digestion, enhanced well-being, stronger self-esteem, support for substance abuse recovery, accelerated surgical recovery, reduced side effects from radiation, chemotherapy and rx meds, greater self-awareness, greater ease and satisfaction in relationship, heightened intuition.

Reflexology Therapy—a pain and stress reliever for the whole body. Manipulation and pressure of the correct reflexology points in the feet send a message to the brain releasing endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers.

Imagery Therapy—a session which triggers the body to unveil its restorative, enhancing and healing powers. Imagery is frequently used by athletes to improve performance. You will enjoy this cognitive-behavioral technique in which you are guided to visualize an imagined scene to produce effects as though it were actually occurring; providing a profound effect on behavior.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)—this technique has a very high rate of success. In a 45min EFT class you will learn EFT as a self-care technique. It is a form of psychological acupressure, based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional ailments for over five thousand years, but without the invasiveness of needles. Simple tapping with the fingertips is used to input kinetic energy onto specific meridians on the head and chest while you think about your specific problem - whether it is a traumatic event, an addiction, pain, etc. -- and voice positive affirmations. The combination of tapping the energy meridians and voicing positive affirmation works to clear the "short-circuit" - the emotional block -- from your body's bioenergy system, thus restoring your mind and body's balance. It can be used to remove negative emotions, reduce food or tobacco cravings, reduce or eliminate pain, implement positive goals, or release any negative habit you wish to change.

Art Therapy—Lisa Gavin-Cruse, licensed marriage and family therapist in Bakersfield has extensive experience in treating veterans and families with readjustment back to home life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER CONTACT: Betty Mendez, Everyday Spirituality/Kern Healing Connections

Ph: 661-319-0994, Email: everydayspirit@att.net, Web: www.EverydaySpiritualityOnline.com

KERN HEALING CONNECTIONSHealing Wounds ~ Honoring Service

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