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Business & Tech

New Holistic Health Center Thriving in Ardmore

The Live Well Holistic Center provides a variety of holistic treatments.

There are many reasons why people seek out holistic methods of healing. Some turn to these alternative therapies because they do not have medical insurance. Some believe in the healing power of the body and mind. Still others find it as a last resort to relieve chronic pain has persisted more traditional forms of treatment.  

Whatever the reasons that bring you to the Live Well Holistic Center in Ardmore, Dr. Martin Orimenko will likely greet you, as he did for me. Patients there fondly call him “Doctor Martin.”

This story came about after several Main Line residents—unknown to each other, with various backgrounds and incomes, and under independent circumstances—spoke about their positive outcomes from treatment at Live Well.

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Keeping in mind that there are some vocal, rather rigidly traditional physicians who take a dim view, in general, of holistic medicine and healing methods, we decided to focus simply on the experience, and report on it.

The atmosphere in the office is calm and comforting, and the open-air courtyard leading into the office sets the tone even before you enter the office. Once inside, Dr. Martin’s wife and co-founder of the center, Traci (who is also a holistic health counselor), welcomes you as if entering her home.

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California Comfort

Orimenko has been in practice for more than 20 years. He and Traci decided to move the practice from Sausalito, California last March to raise their young son Alex near family. They saw Ardmore as the ideal spot to open their holistic center, and currently treat hundreds of patients.

Orimenko is a licensed chiropractor and naturopathic doctor, and has certifications in ayurvedic medicine, applied kinesiology and nutrition. He sees patients with a wide range of health issues, including neck and back pain, joint pain, digestive issues, allergies, headaches, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, weight issues, cholesterol problems and blood sugar imbalances.

He treats patients using standard chiropractic methods and a variety of physical and massage therapies.  Utilizing kinesiology, a form of muscle response testing, he can detect underlying physiological, biochemical, structural, or emotional imbalances.

He can determine which foods or environmental factors are effecting your health and which nutritional supplements and dietary changes would correct your imbalances and revitalize you. He also provides clients with a variety of home exercises to help strengthen, balance and heal them physically, mentally and spiritually.

‘Faith’ and Belief

Carmen Horodeczny, from the Overbrook section of Philadelphia, first came to Orimenko for a hand injury almost two years ago. She suffered from torn tendons in her wrist after a fall, and underwent surgery and traditional physical therapy.

“I still did not have enough flexibility and feeling in my hand,” she said. “The previous therapist said they could do no more for me. After three sessions with Orimenko, I had even more feeling and movement back ... After the wrist injury was better, he helped me with other problems too; I like him very, very much.”

Horodeczny now sees the good doctor for massage and general health, and has received acupressure, acculaser and herbal remedies.

“I have faith in holistic medicine,” she said. “I would suggest people try it, it won’t hurt.”

Mark Cubbler, of West Chester, works as a contractor in Ardmore and was having debilitating headaches for months before going to see Orimenko. He had no insurance and was worried about the cost of going to a traditional medical doctor.

He was home sick one day, saw a show on television about holistic medicine, and decided to find a holistic specialist. A doctor he trusted in West Chester referred him to Orimenko and “within three sessions my headaches were gone.” Cubbler then began a new diet and nutritional supplement program provided by Orimenko.

“I feel great,” Cubbler said. “I think more clearly. I have more energy and feel a whole lot healthier. I believe in him. He takes the time to listen to what you are saying. I do not feel rushed out of there like I do at my medical doctor’s office. I have already referred seven people to him.”

Full Disclosure Dept.

As part of writing this story, I had several paid visits with Orimenko, who was aware I was planning to write a story about the experience, with no conditions involved.

My initial visit was a one-hour evaluation and treatment session. He discussed my health concerns and suggested a treatment plan to begin that day. He was very attentive and gave me the feeling that I was the only patient he was seeing that day.

Follow-up visits vary in duration and price, based on your specific health conditions. However, as Dr. Martin explained, “I am not an extremist in anything. I look at the whole person; I treat their most pressing complaint first and then move on from there until they feel better.”

The number of visits varies from a few visits to a few months or more. Orimenko did not push me into any treatment plan.

The office also has two massage therapists on site, who provide therapeutic massages in a variety of methods, from traditional to alternative.

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