Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Michelle Fehmel.
Dr. Fehmel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I was always interested in what it takes to stay physically, emotionally and mentally healthy. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College in Psychology with a concentration in Biology, and enrolled in New York Chiropractic College soon after that, graduating cum laude. I worked as a Chiropractor in a very busy family and sports-oriented office for 12 years, seeing thousands of patients. During that time, I advanced my post-graduate studies in state of the art spinal corrective techniques and rehabilitation, as well as, advanced nutrition and detoxification protocols. Of recent, I have completed my certification in Functional Medicine.
I have been with The Spa on Green Street since 2017, offering Chiropractic and Functional Medicine services. I believe the road to health and healing is a combination of proper mindset and action steps, both of which I assist my patients in along the way. First, we need to understand why our body is expressing symptoms and that is my first goal. After we get to the core issue(s), then I devise a treatment plan around that. Most of my patient’s ultimate goal is to go beyond symptom relief, into a lifestyle that promotes prevention of sickness, illness, and disease. As in the words of the magnificent BJ Palmer, “It is always easier to prevent disease than to cure it.”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were definitely struggles along the way. In the first couple of years after graduation, it quickly became apparent to me that there were many niches in my profession. I had several times where I made the mistake of going full steam ahead towards another certification or goal without checking in with myself. This lead me to feeling burnt out at times.
What I have learned from all of that is the importance of congruency and purposeful alignment in all that we choose to do. Chiropractic has certainly always been congruent with my beliefs in that the body heals with a proper brain-body connection through specific adjustments that stimulate the nervous system. Functional Medicine is also a field that resonated with my lifestyle and I couldn’t wait to share this process with others. When there is a sense of ease and enjoyment with what you are doing, I have learned this usually means you are in alignment with your truth. In Functional Medicine, after specific advanced labs are run, the treatment is accomplished through a series of removing the offending toxins and adding the support your body needs through diet and proper supplementation.
The common theme with both Chiropractic and Functional Medicine is the truth that our magnificently created bodies are self-healing and self-regulating organisms. In both Chiropractic and FM, this process is able to happen by removing interferences, whether neurological or chemical. They are both of equal importance.
Please tell us more about your work.
I offer two services at The Spa on Green Street; Chiropractic and Functional Medicine. I have been a Chiropractor for 16 years and found I had a deep interest in nutrition and detoxification over those years. The Spa on Green Street has been in Gainesville since 2005 and is a true wellness facility. I work alongside the most talented massage therapists, estheticians, and Acupuncturists (our newest addition to the team.) We also pride ourselves on a fully stocked natural pharmacy of the finest herbs, homeopathic, and nutritional remedies from the most reputable companies in the field. The Spa was Voted Best of Hall County 2019 and has won this award many times over the years. I think this is because we are so dedicated as a team to the well being of our clients.
Just speaking for myself, I love helping people see and feel the capacity that their body has to heal and become well again. From pain to fatigue, to digestive issues, when we find and address the core issues(s), remove the interferences, and support the body properly, it never short of amazing to see the healing and restoration process take place. I think what sets me apart from others is my finely tuned intuition with people and my ability to connect with what they are going through. Everyone has a specific need(s) that they want met and results that they are looking for, and it is my job to discover these things. I make it my priority that you feel heard and cared for when you leave my office. I feel so grateful and honored to become someone’s health practitioner, and I think my patients feel that. I just truly love what I do!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of many favorite memories from childhood was helping my dad in his garden. He had three of them – my two older brothers and I helped from planting the seeds, turning over the soil, composting, and of course, harvesting the vegetables. My mom would ask me to pick some green beans for dinner or some blackberries for her homemade pie, and it never felt like a chore. Naturally, I have taken on gardening in our home life and absolutely love it. Gardening also allows us to be outside in nature, which to me, is an essential part of healing. We cannot underestimate the power that working in the soil or going for a long hike into the woods has on our bodies.
Contact Info:
- Address: 635 Green Street NW Gainesville, GA 30501
- Website: www.drfehmel.com www.spaongreenstreet.com
- Phone: 678-450-1570
- Email: drmichelle@spaongreenstreet.com
Image Credit:
Photography by Lara Mealor
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