Greener Body Harmony Center offers dual stress alternatives

Effects of stress

The concept of change has been a major theme throughout this election year. Evidence of change in motion is all around. Higher fuel prices have caused many to seek more creative means of transportation. Due to rising food prices, some have chosen to plant backyard gardens. Health care costs have never been, frankly, cost effective, thanks to the insurance companies.

In addition to change, another common thread throughout these situations is stress. And according to Dr. Gordon Greener, that's one more thing to be concerned about.

"It's often been said that stress can kill you. I believe it," says Dr. Greener. "People don't die from whatever illness that is listed on their death certificate. What ultimately has caused one's demise is stress and how that stress has manifested itself in the form of other illnesses."

Return to Southeast Oklahoma

Dr. Greener, a 25 year veteran chiropractor has recently returned to Southeast Oklahoma. Dr. Greener practiced in Valliant and Idabel for several years before moving his practice to Ft. Worth, Texas in 1995. Many of his patients have remained faithful throughout the years. "I've traveled back and forth to Paris for the past 13 years (to treat patients), so to some, it's almost like I never left." he laughs.

The doctor, or "Doc Greener", as his patients fondly call him, has much to smile about these days. He has not returned to McCurtain County alone. Valerie Jo Skiles and Dr. Greener were married in March of this year.

One Practice - Many Facets

Valerie describes their first meeting in May of 2007, "It was like peanut butter and chocolate colliding (in reference to the vintage Reese's Peanut Butter Cup commercial): a combination of knowledge, understanding and wisdom for the health, healing and well-being for our patients suddenly conjoined."

"The lifelong harvest of mental, physical and financial investment was integrated into one dynamic concept, which is now known as Greener Body Harmony Center," explains Valerie. " Opened in May, Greener Body Harmony Center's philosophy is defined as "one practice - many facets."

Old-fashioned chiropractic

Dr. Greener describes his practice as "old-fashioned chiropractic". "It's a getting back to basics approach. I no longer take x-rays, as I had in my Valliant and Idabel offices." Dr. Greener explains, "They are an added expense to the patient. However, my main reason for discontinuing x-rays was because, after decades of practice, I had begun to trust myself and what I was "feeling" (with my hands) more than what the x-rays were showing. A two-dimensional x-ray can't always reveal what a "hands-on" approach can."

Another approach to Greener's "old-fashioned chiropractic" philosophy is that he no longer accepts insurance assignment. "Many years ago, I realized that I was stuck in the middle between the insurance companies and my patients. I was spending more time doing paperwork than treating patients. I had to become the kind of doctor that I could believe in. So, I made some changes." he explains. For patients with insurance which may reimburse for chiropractic services, he will provide a receipt which is fully insurance encoded. Treatment cost has been kept to a minimum with an initial visit cost of $50.00 and each return visit is $35.00.

Dr. Greener uses a patient-centered approach in his treatment which focuses on the patient rather than the illness. He also emphasizes a holistic approach which emphasizes nutrition and fitness as well as emotional and spiritual well-being. "I encourage my patients to fully invest themselves in the effort to become well." says Dr. Greener. "It's a matter of balancing stresses to the mind, body and energy systems."

Body harmony sessions

In addition to chiropractic treatments, Greener Body Harmony Center offers a new and innovative solution to stress. The initial concept was developed five years ago by Valerie. "However," she explains, “it wasn't until we implemented Dr. Greener's Sound Table (his invention) that the final piece of the puzzle fell into place."

How does the Body Harmony Sound Table work? Says Valerie, "Relaxing sound waves from the music within the table are able to pass through the individual's body while I provide nurturing touch and physical body-work. The purpose of the Body Harmony Session is to relax the muscles, improve circulation and stimulate a reflexive signal back to the body core which may allow the physical body as a whole, to release the imbedded stresses, negative emotions, toxins and other potential sources of imbalance."

Valerie continues, "It's much more than a massage or a spa treatment. The Body Harmony Session utilizes natural healing techniques to stimulate the body's production of endorphins. Music has always exerted powerful physical, spiritual and psychological effects on humans, but scientist have only recently connected relaxing music with the prolific productions of endorphins."

What happens during the 90 minute session? Valerie explains, "While lying on the Body Harmony Sound Table, unrefined Dead Sea Mud Mask (straight from Israel) is gently brushed onto one's face. The face is then shrouded in hot towels while the mud does its nurturing work on and through the skin."

"Next, 100% unrefined African shea butter is used for body manipulation. It is heated and then drizzled slowly over legs, feet, arms, hands and back....like warm honey. The sensation is incredible!"

"Pure Dead Sea salts are then shaken from a special container onto one's buttered body and then scrubbed to exfoliate dead skin away. Hot towels are then applied which, in turn, melts the salt and the butter together. A high content of rich minerals contained within the salts and butter are released and absorbed into the body. The body literally drinks in what it needs. This leaves the body with a nutritious meal, the skin feeling refreshed and velvety soft and one's entire body feels the euphoric sensation of being calmed and nurtured due to a massive endorphin release."

What do others say about Valerie's Body Harmony Sessions? Mary Buchanan of Broken Bow had this to say, "I've never experienced anything quite like it. It was what I might imagine a "rebirthing" process might be like, as I felt safe, nurtured, cleansed and cherished as a fellow human being."

Another client said, "I usually feel guilty when I take time out for myself. However, this is not an indulgence; rather, something extremely vital to my physical and mental health. It's humbling and yet, exhilarating at the same time. With the many sensations, my body is awakened. And there in the absence of stress and concern for so many of life’s challenges, within the stillness, I feel I can hear the voice of God."

Others have claimed to be healed through Body Harmony Sessions. One such person was a client of Valerie's that was suffering from terminal cancer. Valerie explains "She had received a gift certificate and throughout her session, she maintained a negative attitude, justifiably so, given her circumstances. Much to my surprise, she decided to make another appointment. I had my doubts as to whether she would benefit from further sessions or not. I decided to be frank and ask her a question. I simply asked her if she wanted to live or if she wanted to die?"

"If you want to die, then I can help you get ready for Heaven" offered Valerie. "But if you want to live then I would like to participate in your decision and make my contribution."

"That's a stupid question," the lady replied. "Of course, I want to live."

"And so the woman booked another Body Harmony Session. Three more appointments later, she informed me that she was in complete remission."

"I take no credit for her miraculous recovery," says Valerie. "It was that God healed her when she allowed Him to do so."

"I am His servant, and at times, I am His hands but the healing is all His doing." says Valerie.

"The same goes for chiropractors - we don't heal our patients. It's the inner wisdom that comes from God which enables them to make the necessary changes in their lifestyle." says Dr. Greener.

Once again, it all comes down to change.

Greener Body Harmony Center is located at 5 N. Park Drive in Broken Bow. Office hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 am to 6:00pm.

Dr. Greener may be contacted at 580-584-6338 or at dr.greener@gmail.com . Valerie can be reached at 580-584-6338 or at bodyharmony@nts-online.net. Their website is GreenerBodyHarmonyCenter.com.