ANNOUNCING A NEW YOGA AND HEALING ARTS CENTER! The new Michelle Star Yoga and Healing Arts, LLC studio in Middleburg Heights. Opening April 1, 2010 will be a new studio with Yoga/Yoga Therapy group and individual classes, T'ai Chi Chih with Roseann Heinrich, Massage with Karen Staley, Reiki/healing touch/creativity classes for Kids (and adults), our corporate wellness division called Wellness Extraordinaire, the "Schools" division (I already teach classes at 4 of the Amherst schools and will expand into more schools), and will have retail items for sale either in store or online store. Our corporate wellness team is made up of our naturopathic doctor, holistic health consultant, massage therapist with chair and our Yoga and T'ai Chi Chih. We also have wonderful, highly qualified Yoga instructors for the schools.

There is a deck walk outside the rear of the studio where we will have bistro tables for tea, or if the weather is inclement, there is going to be a lounge area with lending library and tea. There also will be space underneath the studio windows landscaped for holding Yoga and other classes outdoors when possible. We also will utilize the nature reserve adjacent where we can hug a tree or otherwise tune into Nature, which will also be great for the kids' Reiki/Creativity classes. We will have regular events to educate, induce peace and enjoy laughter on many Saturday afternoons and our Reiki and Energy Healer shares will begin April 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. and continue at the same time each month: May 22, June 19, July 17, August 28 and September 25, so far.

The space is being "built out" as I write specifically for our Yoga and Healing space and will open at the location address: 7360 Engle Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. Phone will remain the same. Watch for details and if you would like more information, please write or call leaving your phone or email.

Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Yoga/meditation for artistic, sensitives/Indigo adults and Children with special needs, able children, adults and Seniors, all to bring peace to the world... one person at a time. Be sure to view my gallery and articles! Also read on for information on my 2 DVDs--4-hour seminars, and my new CD, "Sounds of Yoga" offering five different meditation/visualizations.

Yoga heals us all the way to the cellular level--physically, mentally/emotionally and spiritually. To cope with stress, to open creativity, to heal traumas, to reach inside and find your natural joy--all can be achieved through Yoga.

SEE ALSO: JUICE PLUS+ - below

Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor, Certified Integrative Yoga Therapist, Reiki/A.R.T. and Master/Teacher, Partners-in-Healing Facilitator, Integrated Energy Therapy (healing work channeling angels-Violet Ray), Yoga for special needs children (trained in Evanston, Ill.), Associate with Common Ground Retreat Center, Oberlin, employed by Cleveland Clinic as Yoga Instructor for CCF employees. Michelle has had a long partnership with Yoga beginning her study in 1970. She started offering classes in 1985 and in 1995 received her training and certification from Kripalu Yoga and Health Center in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. She returned in 1997 for training and certification as an Integrative Yoga Therapist through Joseph LePage. Michelle also trained in Yoga for special needs children in Evanston, Illinois in 2005 and teaches children who have special needs (experienced with those diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s, emotionally disturbed, adjudicated and learning disabled), able children, in addition to working with adults and Seniors. She studied dance for 11 years, DansKinetics (at Kripalu) and graduated LCCC with honors with a physical education major. She has taught and lectured at national conventions, at the collegiate level and presented the Yoga Therapy classes for The Cleveland Clinic study entitled, "The Impact of Yoga on a Chronic Pain Population." This study revealed that "Yoga practice yields statistically significant results." Michelle received her Reiki Master/Teacher certification in 1996 and has traveled in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania giving Yoga and Reiki continuing education seminars for physical and occupational therapists to integrate Yoga techniques into their work and personal lives. She has herself greatly benefited physically, mentally and spiritually from the practice of Yoga over a span of 38 years.

MICHELLE'S TWO PROFESSIONAL DVD's, "Yoga, Mind & Body - Therapeutic Techniques" and "Yoga, Child's Play" are now available for continuing education credit or for general educational purposes.

TO PURCHASE: go to http://liveconferences.com/products.asp?catid=All&type=DVD&pg=6&sortceu=0 (copy and paste the link into your browser if you wish)

Both online programs are 4 hours long and ceu's are available. Anyone--parents, teachers, schools, agencies, libraries, and psychologists--can purchase and enjoy these professional level DVDs - there is a full Yoga experience for the viewer in both seminars.

My CD, "Sounds of Yoga" is also available for purchase (call or e-mail your request). There are five meditation/visualizations including natural sounds, i.e., the brook and early morning bird song, the ocean, singing bowl and night sounds with my voice guiding you deeper into relaxation. The meditations vary in length affording the opportunity to choose according to time available. Relax before rising in the morning, receive guidance through Yoga Nidra at the end of your Yoga routine and enjoy a more peaceful, balanced life. Some meditations were recorded at Findley State Park at the outdoor Chapel, bringing natural sounds and a sense of the sacred into your meditation. You will hear a soothing, nurturing voice which adds to your relaxation. To order, call Michelle at 216/789-3765 for the address where to send your $12.00 plus $1.00 for postage.

Enthusiasm abounds for healthy living! JUICE PLUS+ FOR THE "INSIDE" AND YOGA FOR THE "INNER" AND OUTSIDE!

During twenty-three years of teaching Yoga and metaphysics, Michelle's approach has been compassionate and spiritual. Michelle is a psychic sensitive and has natural healing abilities. She has studied since 1970 and taught since 1985. Her specialty is emotional healing of traumas and self-protection/self-esteem. She is considered a psychic healer and uses different methods to facilitate healing, at times working with Angels/Archangels and Reiki Guides to heal issues whether physical, mental/emotional or spiritual in nature. Also, her stress management/reduction training is especially helpful for office workers (having many years' experience as a business office professional in downtown Cleveland).

WELLINGTON: YOGA-FOR-ALL - ONGOING Yoga instruction (including Seniors!) Fridays 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wellington Town Hall (on the square), Second Floor. Want to get some of your agility back? Gain strength and stabilization as well as increased flexibility, circulation and toning through the ancient form of Yoga! See our photos in Photo Gallery (Suggested donation $5.00 per class).

PSYCHIC HEALING by appointment in various locations. Receive support as I facilitate your healing using Reiki, Psychic healing/energetic surgery,Integrated Energy Therapy (working with 9 specific Angels/Archangels who release negative programming from cellular memory and imprint positive essential nature qualities into your DNA). Cost ranges from $45/hour to $65/hour. Call for appointment (216) 789-3765.

LOUDONVILLE YOGA through the Loudonville Recreation Department: 2009 continuation of classes on selected Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Loudonville Library, 122 E. Main Street. (Fee is $60.00 for 4-week session.) Check back at website or call for upcoming sessions.

Call for your appointment (216) 789-3765 for private or semi-private Yoga instruction or learn all three levels (includes Master Teacher) of the Usui Method of Reiki (individual or group) training and attunements.

PRIVATE YOGA instruction: Monthly commitment (4 weeks): $240 for one hour and fifteen minutes class per week.

SEMI PRIVATE YOGA instruction (2 students): Monthly commitment (4 weeks): $120 each for one hour and fifteen minutes class a week (plus travel).

YOGA FOR SPECIAL NEEDS: Monthly commitment (4 weeks): $35 for half hour private, 4 class minimum (travel cost may also apply). Also, Yoga for special needs child and parent $35 to $55 for 1 hour.

REIKI TREATMENTS: Relax, balance and heal-$50.00 per hour (possible travel cost).

REIKI FOR PETS: This is Powerful! Balances energy: if pet is lethargic, they become energized; if hyper, they become calm--it can happen in one half hour to 45-minute session. People are amazed at the results. $35 per half hour plus travel - by appointment.

REIKI TRAINING AND ATTUNEMENTS: Reiki I - $95; Reiki II - $105; Reiki III (Master/Teacher Level) - $125. Call to arrange location.

YOGA FOR SENSITIVES AND CHILDREN with SPECIAL NEEDS (also able children):

CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER, 150 Erie Court, AMHERST - Yoga Therapy and Teen Social Skills Support Group. Yoga classes for next session (winter session) starting February 2, Tuesdays through March 9. (class size is limited). Call the Center 440/984-2416 to register or for more information (program fee paid in advance to the Center).

CHILDREN with SPECIAL NEEDS - Private instruction: Ranges from $30 to $50 per session depending on duration (suggest half hour to 45 mins.) and distance. Instruction may be arranged for an individual child, the child and caregiver/parent together, or the entire family as a unit. Also instruction is available for parents or caregiver on how to assist their child in practicing Yoga.

PARTNERS-IN-HEALING $65.00 for 1 hour session--series of 3 recommended for best results.

Tuition for Yoga classes is due one week before the first class of each session. Reiki training payments also must be received one week prior. 24-hour cancellation policy required for all appointments. No refunds or make-ups for missed classes unless pre-arranged.

We learn in Yoga that all illness starts in the spiritual and filters down into the physical. If we believe in ourselves as worthy of vibrant health, then we will want to do everything in our power to create a healthy body-mind. Eating whole foods is the best way to address our physical health needs.

All our cells receive thousands of oxidative hits every day and especially those who exercise. So we need a consistent supply of antioxidant-rich whole foods--fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

But what about people who want a healthy nutrition plan but are very busy with work and families and just don't, won't or can't get a daily supply of whole foods? Juice Plus+ is an alternative that can save the day--and your body! A concentrate of powdered fruits, vegetables and whole grains, Juice Plus+ has been researched by third-party institutions and universities around the world that PROVE Juice Plus+ shows up in the blood plasma. It helps support a healthy immune system and protects DNA and provides antioxidants and phytonutrients proven to get absorbed by the body.

You can see the research and more information at www.juiceplus.com/+ms11569 or contact me to learn more by phone,(216) 789-3765 or e-mail me through this website.

Experience the calming/balancing effects of Kripalu Yoga in a class led by Michelle Star. Call for an appointment for private/semi-private Yoga instruction or a Reiki treatment for you and/or your pet. Receive healing Reiki treatments, or why not train (three 3-hour classes) and become attuned to practice and give Reiki yourself? Make your appointment for private psychic (mental/emotional) healing to release old programs and scripts that don't serve you any more. Private Integrative Yoga Therapy (or Yogassage) and Partners-in-Healing are also body-centered healing techniques available by appointment. Michelle provides assistance for sensitives (adult and children) and special needs children (those with autism, emotionally disturbed, adjudicated, learning disabled) using Yoga as a therapeutic tool. You see her at right with Grace G. Go to http://www.wcpn.org/children/topics/yoga/0407yoga.html to hear the WCPN 90.3 Ideastream (NPR) radio interview by Lisa Ann Pinkerton with Grace, her mother, Dr. Rothner of the Cleveland Clinic and Michelle that aired in April of 2006. Or click on "my articles" in the upper lefthand corner of my home page to read the text of the interview. Yoga is an amazing tool that can support us through our entire lives and bring peace of mind to the World--one heart at a time! Come!

The article reads: (Caption under photo) Michelle Star, a yoga Instructor, works with disabled children like Lakewood resident Grace Giberson at St. Bernadette School in Westlake as part of Youth Challenge. Star teamed up with the Fairview Park-based organization to offer unique ways for children with disabilities to participate in a variety of activities.

YOGA HELPS CHILDREN COPE WITH EFFECTS OF DISORDERS (by Leana Donofrio, Staff Writer)

With deep breathing and relaxing motions, Michelle Star slowly tries to ease the discomfort and contortion for children who have disorders like cerebral palsy and spina bifida by using a somewhat new approach for most in northeast Ohio -- Yoga.

Star, a yoga Instructor for the last 20 years, is offering yoga for physically disabled children at St. Bernadette School in Westlake through the nonprofit organization Youth Challenge. The organization provides sports and recreational activities for physically disabled children and is based in Fairview Park. Star had one two-week course for girls only this year and plans to possibly do a three-week-girls-only course in the spring.

Disabilities like multiple sclerosis leave children with debilitating pain, discomfort and confinement. Star wants to offer yoga to help physically disabled children increase body awareness and learn to control their motions.

"For instance, a child with cerebral palsy will often be contracted and contorted. With deep breathing, relaxation and awareness you are getting them to push hands that are contracted and to lengthen and loosen and stretch out," Star said.

It was one particular student that first helped introduce Star to using yoga to benefit physically disabled kids. Though she was certified only last December to teach this kind of therapeutic yoga, she started working with disabled children at the beginning of her career.

"She had scoliosis of the spine," Star recalls of her first student with a disability. "Her doctor told her if she did not exercise she would need a back brace."

After working with the girl doing special yoga techniques, her scoliosis did not just get better, it went away, Star said.

Star is the first to admit this is not typical, but an indication of what yoga can give a child suffering from a disorder. She said yoga helps children when they are first diagnosed, and when their disorder is further progressed. Star said the deep breathing alone can go a long way to help a child who has a disability by allowing them to remain calm and focused on movement. But most of all she said yoga can offer a child who has a disability emotional and mental therapy.

"It brings them a sense of joy," Star said. "It works like that for everybody, but especially for these kids."

Star said she is not concerned with measuring improvement in her students. Her goals for them, she said, is more subjective. It is based on each child and their specific needs.

One student at the recent classes in Westlake was a 17-year-old girl named Grace Giberson who has cerebral palsy. Star said Giberson, from Lakewood, was just discovering her limitations from the disorder and it was causing a lot of stress in the family. Instead of just offering the exercise for Grace in her home after the course at St. Bernadette finished, Star suggested having the entire family participate.

"The daughter was in tears wanting this," Star said of Grace.

The cost of private yoga instruction with Star varies, depending on the time and distance she must travel. On average it is $35 for a half hour and $50-$55 for an hour.

"These people are already being gouged by other services for assistance to I try and be sensitive to that," she said.

Melanie Basch, program coordinator for Youth Challenge, said its goal is to provide all the recreational activities that are available to everyone else. They offer everything from yoga and golf to rock climbing.

Basch said they provide a wide variety of activities to meet the challenges of serving children in six Ohio counties with disorders like muscular dystrophy and spina bifida.

She said the response they have gotten from children in Star's yoga class has been positive. "A lot of the kids are very excited," she said.

Most people are aware that animals can absorb human emotions--but animals do not know how to process them. As Michelle breathes deeply administering the Reiki energy, the four-legged relaxes and opens to healing. She administers Reiki treatments for pets offering healing Life Force to alleviate tension and pain, bring profound relaxation, balanced emotions and energy.

Michelle offers Reiki for pets (and people!) at a pre-arranged location. Call today (216) 789-3765 for your appointment. Fee: $30 for half hour of Reiki. Three sessions for $80. Why not purchase a gift certificate for someone you love who has a pet? A UNIQUE gift!