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integrating medicinal practices with physician-monitored, complementary alternative medicine (CAM)." CAM refers to the use of a non-mainstream approach, like holistic medicine, combined with conventional medicine, to achieve optimal health and wellness. e Graf Center offers classes and services for holistic modalities, including reiki, yoga, meditation, massage and acupuncture; with costs as low as $10 per session. "In everything we do, there is a mind-body connection. For instance, when we are chronically stressed—whether that be at work, at home or due to a personal or health issue— our sympathetic nervous system (SNS) begins to produce adrenaline and cortisol; and too much of this response can actually lead to chronic disease." e SNS is the part of our nervous system that produces the well-known 'fight or flight' response. When activated, the body prepares to either fight off a threat or run away from a dangerous situation. During fight or flight, adrenaline and cortisol start pumping, our hearts start racing, our breathing gets heavier and blood rushes to our arms and legs, preparing us to use them in one way or the other. Once upon a time, the stressors that would activate our fight or flight response were large predators or enemy tribes—dangerous situations that came and went. Today, the parts of life that stress us out can be ever-present; things like work, family obligations and societal pressure can all flair up our SNS. ose of us who deal with chronic stress as a result of these and other factors live every day with our SNS working overtime. Living in a constant state of fight or flight takes a major toll on the body and, as Dr. Scheller explains, can lead to chronic illness. "Finding ways to manage stress is hugely important in preventing and managing disease processes. at's why we offer so many classes at the Graf Center aimed to reduce stress: mindful meditation, massage, acupuncture, reiki and yoga, to name a few. ose who are not sure which modality will be the most beneficial to their health can always schedule a class on a trial basis or meet with me directly to discuss in depth the various options available to them," Dr. Scheller said. Diving into the world of holistic medicine on your own can be overwhelming. A simple google search for, 'how to manage stress' will conjure information on aromatherapy, essential oils, plant-based diets, natural supplements, homeopathy, color therapy and so on. Siing through this information to determine what is and is not worth trying is a major project. at's why being able to meet directly with a physician like Dr. Scheller, who specializes in overseeing the use of holistic modalities, is the most efficient and least stressful way to begin this journey.

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