Nassau Herald; By Teri Ann Loeser
After 10 years in private practice as a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, Deborah Rothman, DACM, decided to expand on her passion for alternative healing by creating an entire wellness center. She purchased a property in Lawrence that was originally a church, though most remembered as the Republican Club, and just about rebuilt it from ground up. Hence, last July, AcuZen Wellness Center was born.
One aspect that makes AcuZen so unique is its salt caves — exquisite salt-lined rooms to truly see, and then experience. Using pink Himalayan salt that originated in the mountain ranges of Pakistan, Salt Cave therapy has been popular in Europe for many years. Health benefits are tremendous, particularly for respiratory conditions (such as asthma, COPD, snoring, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis), skin issues (like eczema, psoriasis, acne and dermatitis), and pure relaxation.
Salt is a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Simply breathing in salt particles is therapeutic. High blood pressure is not an issue, says Dr. Rothman, since the salt is inhaled through the respiratory system (think ocean air, but more concentrated), and never ingested. A halogenerator is used to grind and dispense the salt throughout the air, and afterwards, to clean and sanitize.
AcuZen houses two salt caves. The High Octane Salt Room accommodates one to two people, privately, for 20 minutes. This is perfect for couples, or a parent and child (a great option for a youngster with asthma). Toys are provided for young children, and anti-gravity lounges for adults. Rooms are kept cool so cozy blankets are on hand. The Deluxe Salt Cave is used for groups up to 15 people, for 45 minutes of enjoyment.
Healing at AcuZen continues with Acupuncture, which balances any disharmonies of the body’s vital energy (Qi) along meridian pathways. Using very fine, sterile, flexible needles, the practitioner helps restore the smooth flow of Qi. After a treatment, most people feel relaxed, both mentally and physically. Acupuncture has been known to help with migraine headaches, sciatica, back pain, joint pain, anxiety, stress, insomnia and depression, as well as respiratory conditions, digestive matters (IBS, acid reflux, nausea, morning sickness, etc.), and infertility.
All massage therapists at AcuZen are licensed, and each has a specialty. Hot stone, Swedish, deep tissue, pre-natal and sports massages combined with oils and aromatherapy are some of their relaxing offerings.
Looking for a unique party idea or a special friends’ outing? Group events are yet another facet at AcuZen Wellness Center. Picture a gathering in a salt cave, maybe adding yoga and/or a relaxing massage to the mix. Following that, there’s a separate room to enjoy beverages, snacks and/or cake.
Hours are by appointment only. AcuZen is open on Sunday 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 12 noon. They are closed on Saturday. Appointments can be booked online or by phone. Staff profiles, frequently asked questions, pricing, class schedules and much more information can be found on their website.