Story by David Stone
Photos by Bernie Laframboise
What is it like to be treated by an accupuncturist? Your intreped journalist can now answer this question. I recently spent two days talking with the practitioners at Claddagh Chiropractic Wellness Center, asking them what it is exactly that they do, and getting treated by their accupuncturist.
A local Ferndale business since 2002, Claddagh offers massage, and reki, besides chiropractic and accupuncture.
The owner, Dr. Bridget A. Devlin-Smith, received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Michigan State University, and her Doctor of Chiropractic from the National College of Chiropractic in Loma, IL. She is also certified in the “Webster” technique.
When asked what she likes most about Ferndale, she responded with an enthusiastic, “The people! They are a joy to work with…they understand that being healthy is extremely important…they do the things they need to do at home, they take recommendations, they get better fast.”
Dr. Andrea Whedon grew up in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She went to Albion College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She went to Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, MO., graduating as a Doctor of Chiropractic. She specializes in prenatal and pediatric care. She also has a degree in Sports science and rehabilitation. And she is certified in the Webster Technique by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
Here’s what can you expect on your first chiropractic visit. The people at Claddagh want their clients to be comfortable. The first thing you’ll get is a tour of the facilities. Once you know what and where everything is, you will be escorted to a consultation room where you can talk to a chiropractic assistant about your condition. Next, you will meet with a chiropractr who will confirm the information, and give you a full exam, including x-rays if needed. The doctor will then inform you about anything they found. Lastly, you will receive a spinal adjustment and any other treatments, such as heat or ice, or anything else you may need.
Jane Cortz has done many things with her life, but was eventually drawn to the healing professions, helping others to connect body, mind, and spirit. She worked for a home health-care agency for many years. She went to Arizona to attend two healing workshops. When the owner of the home healthcare agency sold the business, she found herself unemployed, and decided to become a massage therapist. It is not unusual for a person to choose a healing modality because it helped them. Jane is no exception. She told me how she decided to go into massage after it helped her deal with MS.
As with all the practitioners, a massage therapist takes a medical history, and asks the patient what they expect to get out of the experience. Jane tailors the session to the patient’s needs. She says, “I learn the lay of the land, of the body, how their structure is.”
Eran Reznik is Claddagh Chiropractic Wellness Center’s board certified accupuncturist. He is a massage therapist, too. He has studied extensively in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Eran has a degree in Ancient Chinese Medicine. He is also certified in qi and Body Shiatsu, Zen Shiatsu and integrated massage therapy. Eran treats the whole patient, body, mind and spirit. Besides acupuncture and bodywork, he is trained in light touch energy healing.
I arrived at Claddagh on the day of my acupuncture appointment. Eran greeted me and escorted me to his treatment room, a cozy space with a treatment/exam table that, with its soft sheets and blanket, seemed much more like my bed. We talked about what I want out of this treatment, and he took a medical history, asking relevant questions to clarify points as we talk. Lastly, he asked me my birth-date, and produced an astrological chart for the day I was born, a chart that shows the proportions of the five Chinese elements at the time you were born. My chart showed a lot of fire, some air, and a very small amount of metal. There was absolutely no wood or water in my chart.
Eran began the formal treatment. As I lay comfortably on the treatment table, he began to stick very flexible needles in appropriate points on my anatomy. These pins do not hurt. Even the one he stuck in my forehead was painless. He then dimmed the lights, put on some very soft music, and left for 20 minutes. Later, he returned and removed the pins. At this point a regular patient might be told when to set up another appointment. But I left a healthier, and much happier me.
Claddagh Chiropractic Wellness Center offers many ways to get you healthy. Besides the Big Three mentioned above, they offer cold laser therapy, Reiki, Nutritional Response Testing, and Orthotics. They also offer free 30-minute classes that are open to the community. They offer classes on weight loss, allergies, spinal care, and other topics. All they ask is that you call in advance.
Whether you want help with a particular condition, or just some valuable information, check out the folks at:
Claddagh Chiropractic And Wellness Center
569 E. 9 Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248)298-310
www.claddaghchiropractic.com
If some happened with our soundness, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states coupled to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men talk about “viagra stories“? The most vital aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile disfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.



When I contacted the artist about doing this piece, I requested a tour and interview. Atom obliged and began to tell me about a work that I had been eyeing, followed by several other pieces. We came to one particularly striking study entitled Pill Man (see photo), and Atom shared with me that he had suffered a closed head injury and how it changed him and the way his mind works. The piece informs how the medications he was prescribed after his accident affected him. Like much of his work, it is a multimedia composition and Atom used real pills, clipped photographs, and other items to express his anguish here.
Although he was born here in Michigan, Atom has spent much of his life traveling and living in such far-flung places as Jamaica. The artist attributes his divergent styles to the various cultures in which he has chosen to hang his hat at times, both in and out of the United States.
Originally, he built up an exclusively urgent care practice, but gradually shifted to more more occupational medicine. Dr. Arsiwala firmly believes in, “evidence-based medicine…I do not push antibiotics or narcotics…” He emphatically described some more of his humanitarianoriented, medical philosophy: “Care should be equitable…when a community is sick, then the outcomes are sick! Basic care and preventative vaccines are as basic as having clean air and water…these should be a basic human right!”
The Ferndale locale (at 641 West 9 Mile Rd.) is completely clean and modern; a 3,000 square foot facility, boasting nine treatment rooms in total, plus digital X-ray equipment and an on-site laboratory. The staff includes board certified doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, X-ray technicians and administrators. In the occupational health section, which is DOT Certified, various physical exams and testing can be conducted, along with workplace injury treatment (Dr. James Blessman is now President of the Occupational Health division). With an estimated 65-70 per cent adult patients, and 30-35 per cent pediatric patients, the clinic is certainly very family-oriented.
In Uganda, Dr. Arsiwala began the “Ssezibwa Demonstration Farm Project” because farmers there are borrowing money, and not getting ahead at all. So, he formed a contract and created a special Farmers’ Co-op. The infrastructure for efficient production (equipment) was provided, along with assistance with seeds and water. Dr. Arsiwala also set up a grain mill, and hopes to sell their organic certified grain in various Whole Foods Chains. The ultimate goal is to, “…reduce poverty, increase dignity…” and have the children attend school instead of working the land. Additionally, the HELP Global Foundation is purchasing 50-60 acres to form a Regional Medical Center for Trauma patients in East Uganda.
Trains also block the roads. While a passing passenger train goes by quickly, a long freight or switching operations can close an intersection for far longer, affecting commutes, local businesses, and emergency response.
The noise issue will be handled under the auspices of “quiet zones.” Trains blow their horns to warn vehicles and pedestrians at the intersections of their coming. If the crossings are upgraded with new devices to prevent accidents, then the need for horns is eliminated.
Frank, the owner of 9 & Hilton Market, is similarly affected. ”It costs me thousands of dollars of business a month.” He reports. “(The trains) just stop there for an hour in the middle of rush hour. It’s unheard of.” In 2014, things got so bad that he seriously considered selling his business. While he notes that the blockages have been somewhat reduced in the last year, he blames loosening of federal regulations on train companies that block intersections. Intended to spur growth, new guidelines also do away with fines and contribute to CN’s lack of concern with causing delays, he says.
Last September officials also dismissed reports made by Virginia Tech civil engineering professor Marc Edwards, revealing that the city’s water contained high levels of lead. Edwards then filed Freedom of Information Act requests which exposed the state’s knowledge of citizens’ exposure to high lead levels.
“They needed more storage, we got it. We visited Flint, and want to scale this effort and inspire other cities to do the same. Individuals are very capable of having an impact, especially when combined with others. People often feel powerless, but once a community is assembled, and brings attention to a cause, there is a call for accountability,” Lamoste said.

JIMMIE THOMPSON, who creates Ferntales for these very pages, will be exhibiting a selection of his artwork at MIX Ypsilanti through the end of February. Jimmie has been putting smiles on faces for years. He’s best known for his whimsical, jawdropping float designs featured in America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. A quarter century of his float design concept drawings, other design work for festivals and events, and some 3D sculptures are on view. Selected works, as well as prints, are for sale.
MIX Ypsilanti is located at 130 West Michigan Avenue in downtown Ypsilanti. In addition to their gallery space, they also feature quality, gently-used clothing and vintage housewares. Check out their blog at www.mix thestore. com/blog or call them at (734) 961 8704.