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By Shelley Galbreath

For Fort Wayne Newspapers, Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Kent Murphy said he’s been called a health nut most of his life.  Murphy has lived an organic lifestyle since 1974, primarily because his late wife suffered with health issues conventional medicine didn’t seem to help.

He’s remarried to another health nut, Barb Reeb-Murphy, who had a similar experience with her late spouse.

The Murphys, who are in their 70’s and quite healthy, are passionate about not only their own health, but that of others.

Their interest evolved into a desire to open a wellness center where they could help others to be healthy too.

LightenUp Wellness Center opened January 22, 2008 at 3501 Fairfield Avenue with the goal of helping others relieve stress, gain energy and improve chronic conditions through an exciting array of different methods – some they may have encountered before, and some they haven’t.

These include the Chi Machine, HotHouse, SoQi Bed and Electro Reflex Energizer.

Benefits range from cellular activation and spinal balance to an improved immune system and improved ability to relax and regain energy.

“We just want to give people another choice and want to see them feel the best they can,” Kent said.

The Soqi Bed, in particular, is a total health spa experience combining the Chi Machine, three Hot Houses and tranquil music while on a massage table. (“So” represents solar energy, and “Qi” or “chi” refers to human life-force energy.)

This bed uses a multiple energy approach, with many users experiencing relief from depression, stress, insomnia and muscle aches.  It is the only one of its kind in the city, the owners said.

LightenUp Wellness Center offers over 400 different products from Dr. Joel Wallach, author of “Dead Doctors Don’t Lie” and founder of Youngevity.  He believes nutritional deficiencies are a major contributor to illness.

His Youngevity products include 100 percent natural vitamins, plant-derived minerals, amino acids and other nutrients.

“Everything you see here in the Wellness Center, we have tried for a period of time before we represent it,” Barb said.

“We will not sell anything that we don’t feel good about ourselves, and this includes all the equipment,” she said.

Classes on topics such as nutrition, essential oils and other health-related issues are offered every Monday evening at 5:30.  These classes are free and open to the public.  There is also a conference room available for use in the morning and evening.

Joining the Murphys are massage therapist Rhonda Nissley, specializing in lymphatic drainage; Trina Hoffman, massage therapist; Matt Merz, Iridologist, and Lois Skelly who provides Ionic Foot Detox and Colonics.

LightenUp Wellness Center is open noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment.

“If someone wants us, we’ll be here,” Barb says.

For more information, call 260-745-2500.

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