Karen Dohmen
I have studied alternative health methods for 30 years starting when my children were young and we live in a rural area where the best doctors do not locate and practice.

I am currently taking classes in Ortho-bionomy which is a way for the body to heal itself based on what position the body is most comfortable. Sore back, bad knees, headaches seem to disappear when this approach is used. A table, such as a massage table is used, no one has to disrobe because we don't need to see the muscles and a very light touch is all it takes to have the body respond and the muscles, ligaments or tendons go to where they are the most comfortable. I have also used this method to work on horses and dogs and they respond beautifully because there is no pain involved.

I am a devotee of homeopathy and herbal remedies and believe that nutrition plays a big part in our overall health.

I am very interested in the blog and would like to continue so please let me know what I need to do now.

Wanda Pabon
Experience
I have decided to write about Reiki and different alternative mind, emotional and body healing techniques and practices (such as Bio-Feedback,Quantum Touch, aromatherapy, candles and Siddha Yoga, herbal remedies etc.). These methods are a great tool for coping with chronic physical as well as emotional ailments. I have practiced meditation for 13 years now and I am a Usui Reiki practitioner.

I am thinking of "Mind, Body and the Healing Touch" as my blog's tittle.

Bio
My name is Blue Raven (Wanda P.), I am 41 years old have 3 kids ages 19,18 and 13. I follow the Wicca religion for now more than 14 years. I love to read about anything and everything. I studied Criminal Psychology and Bio-Neurology in Arizona.

Danielle Sack
Hi all! My name is Danielle and I'm a 41 year old wife, mother and student. I have a business degree and worked many years in an office setting but never truly enjoyed my job. At the age of 35, after much reflection and discussion with family and friends, I made the frightening decision to return to school and become a Physician's Assistant. I’ve been plugging away for six years, taking classes part time while chauffeuring my son to various practices, cooking, cleaning, working part time and squeezing in some one-on-one time with my husband Bill.

I'll be the first to admit that it hasn't been easy. When I returned to school my family had to make some major adjustments, starting with learning to live on one salary instead of two. Dinners out are now a luxury, our cars are approaching the 100,000 mile mark, I've missed seeing Justin play countless soccer, basketball and baseball games, I’ve pulled many "all-nighters" cramming for an exam and I don’t go anywhere without a textbook and my laptop. However, I'll also be the first to tell you that this journey has been incredibly rewarding the positives far outweigh the negatives. I'm love the healthcare setting, I enjoy challenging myself to be the best I can be and for the first time in my life I feel as if I'm following the right path. Although I'm a good 15 to 20 years older than my classmates, I've made many rewarding friendships that I wouldn’t have otherwise been blessed with.

I'm honored to have been chosen as a blogger for Cha-Cha and I'm looking forward to writing about both physical and mental health topics. I'll also be discussing some of the health-related issues my family has experienced. (Our son Justin has severe asthma and Bill and I have faced many challenges as parents of a child with a chronic disease.) Hopefully sharing stories and tips will enlighten, educate and help our readers to live happier, healthier lives.

Although I have a bit of experience in many different areas, I enjoy and am most comfortable discussing asthma diagnosis and treatment (particularly in children), allergies, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and dry eyes. I'm also quite familiar with multiple sclerosis, thyroid and autoimmune diseases and women’s health issues (from teens up and on to and including menopause.) I am also a strong advocate of preventative medicine such as regular physical exams, following a proper diet and exercising regularly.

In the mental health areas, I'm experienced in the areas of depression, panic and anxiety disorders, seasonal affective disorder and grief. I also enjoy sharing health tips that are relevant and can help improve to our day-to-day lives such as how to cut calories, squeeze exercise into a busy schedule, relax after a hectic day and reconnect with your mate.

Lastly, because I am the parent of a child with a chronic disease and a medical student, I spend a large amount of time in a health care setting. Because of this, I am able to understand the perspective and feelings of both the patient and the doctor during treatment.