I am an advocate of healing healthcare so it will offer all of us the best possible approaches for the best outcome. As a server of humanity and seeker of truth, I believe there are many resources, and people need guidance sorting out what is available. Having seen the benefits and limitations of straight conventional and straight complementary medicines, I strongly believe that the two combined will be exponentially powerful. I came to this conclusion based on my experiences.
Here is how my story is unfolding:
I began my journey providing personal care when I became a nursing assistant while I was in high school. I enjoyed working with people and helping them feel better, and I soon discovered that I wanted to empower people by helping them help themselves. So, I applied to and was accepted in the occupational therapy program at the College of St. Catherine, adding a second major in psychology because I found human behavior fascinating. At the time, occupational therapy was the most wholistic form of health care I knew as it provides therapy for people who have limitations in all areas of their lives: Activities of Daily Living, Work, and Play/Leisure.
After practicing for a few years as licensed occupational therapist, I became aware that for patients to be referred to me, they needed to by very limited in their independence. I wanted to work with people and to learn how to prevent them from becoming so sick; I wanted to explore better, natural ways to help them cope with their suffering.
While exploring various continuing education classes, I became interested in something called Energy Healing; by working with people's energy their health could improve. As a realist, I was skeptical but intrigued. So, I began a two-year program studying Medical QiGong. I learned how to palpate and affect the energy along the same meridians of acupuncture by using my hands and intent. I realized more is going on in and around the body than we can see with our eyes.
During that same time I was managing a natural health care center, adding to my awareness of the benefits of nutrition, herbs and supplements, chiropractic, acupunture, physical exercise, meditation, massage therapy and other forms of bodywork. At that time, I began to witness many lives, including my own, that had been adversely affected by stress. (According to Healthy People 2000, a report from the US Department of Health and Human Sevices has estimated that 70-80% of all visits to the doctor are for stress-related or stress-induced illnesses, and stress contributes to 50% of all illnesses in the United States.) One of the most relaxing inducing experiences that I knew of was massage therapy.
This motivated me to begin my massage and bodywork training at Sister Rosalind's School of Professional Massage. During our program we were required to study reflexology. I liked reflexology because I loved the way it felt on the feet and thought it would be great for people who would not be comfortable removing their clothes for massage. Also, it seemed to relax, lift fatigue and energize me and other people in a way I had never experienced before.
After completing my bodywork training and receiving my National Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and American Board Certification in Reflexology, I opened up my own business. At first I was too shy to offer the energy healing because I was concerned people would want me to try to cure them or levitate them (of course I can't), so I only shared that skill with close friends and family. But soon I discovered the interest and used it with more people who were very open to it and appreciated it.
I maintained my private practice and worked part-time as an occupational therapist, incorporating bodywork into therapy sessions. I found this helpful in people's ability to cope and heal. I also completed several intuitive development trainings, which further helped me support people with their healing journey. I was asked to teach and accepted a position at Sister Rosalind's School of Professional Massage and Bodywork as a Reflexology Instructor.
I learned of a Twin Cities hospital creating a department of Integrative Medicine that would provide CAM services. I was flattered to be invited to become a part of the team. I accepted the position and began working as an Integrative Medicine Practitioner at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, determining the best Integrative Medicine interventions and providing my services to patients throughout the hospital on the Orthopedics-Spine, Medical-Surgical, Oncology, Cardiovascular, Ante and Post Partum, Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehab, Pre-Operative, Post-Operative, and Intensive Care Units, and at the out-patient facility, The Insititute for Health and Healing.
While at the hospital I taught massage therapy, reflexology, relaxation, meditation, and energy work to students, patients, caregivers, and health care professionals. It became more obvious to me that people want to have access to and learn how to use Integrative Medicine techniques in their lives. Our team's experiences with the patients demonstrated to health care professionals that their patients and families often benefitted from these services.
In 2005 I returned to private practice offering a rich combination of Mind, Body & Spirit services that help many people feel relaxed, centered, and peaceful - physically, mentally and spiritually. I began teaching Intuitive Development, in classes or individually, for those who would like to connect with this natural sense we all have that can help guide you in all aspects of your life.
After many years of working with individuals, it became apparent to me how powerful a role emotions play in being human, how we interact with others, how we feel about ourselves, how they limit or expand us, and how much they can affect our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Therefore, I became a Certified Emotional Clearing Facilitator through the Center for Integrative Processing and am now providing Emotional Clearing sessions privately one to one and also teach an Emotional Clearing Group Class.
My journey continues as does yours. If you feel these services may benefit you, I welcome the opportunity to help you along the way. Please contact me if you have any questions, would like to register for a class, or to schedule an appointment.
Emmy Vadnais
(651) 292-9938
Emmy@EmmyVadnais.com
Emmy Vadnais
OTR/L, NCTMB, ARCB
Licensed Occupational Therapist
Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
American Board Certified Reflexologist
Testimonial
"Thank you for many wonderful massages. I always leave feeling so relaxed and refreshed. One of your massages is like having a mini-vacation."
A Treacy