Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Yoga for Sensitives and Special needs children, able children and adults, 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 5 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: GLYCONUTRIENTS - below

Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor, Certified Integrative Yoga Therapist, Reiki Master/Teacher, Partners-in-Healing Facilitator, Yoga for special needs children (trained in Evanston, Ill.), Associate with Common Ground Retreat Center, Oberlin. Works with sensitives and special needs children as a Yoga therapist. Michelle studied dance (ballet, jazz, tap) for 11 years and DansKinetics through Kripalu. She gives wellness movement classes for children and adults. Lectures at colleges, universities and national conventions as well as in the office environment. For the past several years, Michelle also conducted 15 credit-hour continuing education seminars on integrating Yoga in the Clinic and Yoga for Special Needs Children, in addition to Reiki seminars, for physical and occupational therapists in Ohio and the surrounding states. She conducted Yoga Therapy classes for a study in 2000 conducted at the Cleveland Clinic entitled, "The Effects of Yoga on a Chronic Pain Patient Population," yielding statistically significant beneficial results.

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=5 (copy and paste the link if you wish)

They are both 4 hours long and ceu's are .4 each or .8 for the two combined. There is a 30+ page manual showing photos of a sampling of basic Yoga poses giving progressions, benefits, precautions, contraindications and notes for the practitioner to study for the Mind & Body seminar, plus other handouts for both programs. In addition, there are interviews in each program - one with a wholistic medical doctor who explains why she recommends Yoga to her patients (she attends Yoga class herself) and one with a Master's degree speech and language pathologist who describes how Yoga is benefitting our autistic students at the children's center - plus there are film clips of actual classes with children (a CP individual and autistic group class). There are other eye-catching demonstrations and FAQs for each seminar. The Child's Play DVD shows two able children receiving class (in addition to the classes for special needs children): a 5-year-old experienced with Yoga and a 12-year-old without. It gets very interesting when the younger child turns uncooperative -- it gives the viewer a chance to see a way of spontaneously re-directing a child who has missed his routine 3-hr. nap and become unruly!

If desired, you can purchase and watch the programs, take the exam and print the certificate for ceu's from an online presentation or purchase as a DVD or CDRom for ceu's. Anyone, parents, teachers, schools, agencies, psychologists, can purchase and enjoy these professional level DVDs (the price is lower without ceu's) - there is a full Yoga experience for the viewer in both seminars.

My new CD, "Sounds of Yoga" is now available for purchase (call or e-mail your request). There are five meditation/visualizations including natural sounds like 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 your meditation 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, one at the outdoor Chapel, bringing the sacred into your meditation. To order, call Michelle at 216/898-9104 for the address where to send your $16.00 plus $1.00 for postage, check made payable to Michelle Star.

Enthusiasm abounds for healthy living! GLYCONUTRIENTS FOR THE "INSIDE" AND YOGA FOR THE "INNER" AND OUTSIDE!

During twenty plus years of teaching Yoga and metaphysics, Michelle's approach has been compassionate and spiritual. She has studied since 1970 and has taught since 1985. Her specialty is emotional healing of traumas and self-protection/self-esteem for sensitives. Also her stress management/reduction training is especially helpful for office workers (having many years' experience as a business professional in downtown Cleveland).

WELLINGTON: YOGA-FOR-SENIORS - ONGOING Yoga instruction Fridays 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wellington Town Hall, Second Floor. Want to get some of your youth and agility back? Gain strength and stabilization as well as increased flexibility, circulation and toning through the ancient form of Yoga! Join us! (Suggested donation $5.00 per class).

NEW! NORTH OLMSTED at SECURELY ANCHORED HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTER, 4991 Dover Center Road - www.securelyanchored.com - Classes:

YOGA FOR YOUR HEALTH: A multi-level (experienced and non-experienced) class to release cares and worries from your mind and body. Tone, strengthen and gain flexibility in this inspiring class.

Check Center's website for schedule details.)

LOUDONVILLE through the Loudonville Recreation Department: 2008 continuation of classes Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Loudonville Library, 122 E. Main Street or alternate location (call for info) (Fee is $75.00 for 6 weeks session) A 3-week session will be held at the library April 16, 23 and 30 for $45.00 (drop-in $17.00). The May schedule will be Wednesdays at the alternate location (call for details.)

ASHLAND: ONGOING classes at The Good Shepherd Manor, 622 Center Street, 3rd Floor, Ashland. $66.00 for 6-week session. Mondays 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Current session April 14 thru May 19 but classes are ongoing--start anytime.

Call for your appointment (216) 898-9104 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.

WELLNESS MOVEMENT/DANSKINETICS: Classes given at schools, events, retreats, private. Watch yourself open up to your most confident and toned self! Call 216/898-9104 to arrange. (Cost based on class size)

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, plus travel. Also Yoga for special needs child and parent $55 for 1 hour.

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

REIKI FOR PETS: This is Powerful! Balances energy: if pet is lethargic, they get energized; if hyper, they get calmed. 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. (HOMEWORK AND PRACTICE REQUIRED for certification.)

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

CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER, 150 Erie Court, AMHERST - Yoga Therapy and Teen Social Skills Support Group. Yoga classes for Summer Social Skills & Yoga Camp dates: June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29.(class size limited). Call the Center 440/984-2416 to register or for more information (program fee paid in advance to the Center).

INSIGHT LEARNING & WELLNESS CENTER, Suite 112, 25901 Emery Road, WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS - ages 9-19). Family Special Needs Yoga - Call Michelle (Star) for registration and schedule.

Special Needs Children - Private instruction: Ranges from $30 to $50 per session depending on duration 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.

Did you know, all physical health, or lack of it, begins at the cellular level? (Actually, it begins in the spiritual, but physically, it is at the cellular level.) Glyconutrients attach to the protein surface on our cells forming a complex system for cellular communication. Without these surface sugars, this communication breaks down and your body may decide to attack healthy cells. This is how autoimmune diseases such as MS, fibromyalgia and arthritis result and cells like cancer grow and multiply because your killer cells are confused.

About those STEM CELLS... living in our 85% soil-depleted country, our bodies often no longer produce many of these cells. We just are not getting our REQUIRED 8 glyconutrients or saccharides from our food any more.

As you may know, stem cells are undifferentiated cells produced in the bone marrow that can morph into whatever cells we need--heart cells, liver cells, brains cells. Without these stem cells, we have a major challenge repairing and regenerating specific body cells as needed. Hence accelerated aging and degenerative diseases.

Studies and research have proven, however, that glyconutrients increase production of native adult stem cells. Before taking glyconutrients, there exists 1 to 2 stem cells per 1/4 tsp. of blood. After only SEVEN DAYS taking glyconutrients, 350-500 stem cells have been produced! Soon TRILLIONS exist throughout the body from taking these amazing glyconutrients! This is how it is possible for people with MS, for instance, to have lesions in the brain and spinal cord replaced with healthy cells. This is a HUGE discovery and the research and development has won FOUR NOBEL PRIZES for Medicine and Physiology. To review more cutting-edge scientific research articles, visit the website, www.GlycoScience.org. And to see testimonials of results that have been achieved, visit www.LivingSugars.com.

Now you and your family can forestall or overcome almost any disease! AND--you can develop your own referral or home business if you want a residual income working with these products. You can set up an account for your child and start a plan for college tuition. It is the perfect "win-win", you build a referral income while helping a lot of people! EVERYONE needs glyconutrients. Why not give yourself or a loved one the GIFT OF HEALTH? Click on my "SPECIAL OFFER" at the top of this page for more info on ordering. Contact me to learn more: (216) 898-9104 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 or your pet. Receive healing Reiki treatments, or why not train (three 3-hour classes) and become attuned to practice and give Reiki yourself? 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 (autistic, 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.

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) 898-9104 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!