Relieving stress is the goal at Rejuvenate spa in Dixon

DIXON – After about 3 decades in a stress-filled job, Sheryl Gulbranson needed to chill out.

That more-relaxed lifestyle has evolved into a business, Rejuvenate, at 404 N. Galena Ave., Suite 210.

“My old job was 24 hours a day, mostly 7 days a week,” Gulbranson said. “It took me a while to come down from that, almost a year, and I wanted something like this. I wanted Rejuvenate. People are happy when they come here. No one leaves angry. Everyone is happy when they come here, and I like that. That’s my goal.”

Rejuvenate has two Pulsed Electromagnetic Field loungers, the Vasindux and the Bemer. People lie in them for 20 minutes at a time in a darkened room, illuminated only by a salt lamp, while spa music plays.

“They increase blood flow, which, when that happens, you increase your oxygen and nutrients, and you push the waste out,” Gulbranson said. “It’s detoxing, refreshing and rejuvenating your body.”

She has noticed an improvement in her quality of life since she bought her own Bemer.

“I just wanted the next chapter of my life to be able to help people,” Gulbranson said. “I’ve been using the Bemer for probably 4 or 5 years now, and I’ve seen a huge improvement in my overall well-being. I had my own Bemer, so I just decided to try to create a place where people could come and relax, and just take 20 minutes to breathe. In the meantime, they’re improving their overall well-being.”

Gulbranson offers two free 20-minute sessions to get people acclimated to the PEMF machines. Appointments are a must and can be made at 815-288-0610.

“You will feel an improvement,” Gulbranson said. “It’s a safe, noninvasive, drug-free way to help alleviate pain.”

Local chiropractor Luke Johnson is one of the believers in Rejuvenate.

“My interest in Bemer therapy was initially sparked by a patient who reported pain relief following Bemer sessions,” Johnson said. “She had chronic comorbidity of advanced osteoarthritis in her ankle. The basic Bemer therapy premise makes sense. Increased blood flow to tissues makes for healthier tissues.

“I’ve personally used Bemer sessions to assist in post-surgical healing and to aid with chronic exacerbation of neck and low back pain. Lastly, and quite interestingly, when I’m not nursing an injury or chronic pain, I like to do a Bemer session right before a workout or run. I notice an appreciable difference in energy and performance.”

Gulbranson has had a steady flow of customers since she opened on March 1, and she also sells PEMF units to people who would like them in their own homes. Rick Curia and his wife, Barb, bought one.

“Barb was to have shoulder rotator cuff surgery, and after we got the [Vasindux], she recognized she didn’t need to have the surgery,” Curia said. “I have had aches and pains as well, and I don’t know if it’s voodoo or what it is, but it certainly has worked for me as well.

“What’s interesting is, if you go without it for a period of time, you tend to realize something’s different. You miss it when you go somewhere and you don’t have it.”

Curia cited an example of the Vasindux’s effectiveness. Last spring at Timber Creek Golf Club, he walked 18 holes and carried his own bag, and paid the price.

“I was dragging,” Curia said. “I was like, ‘What the hell am I doing this at 62 years old, carrying my own bag and not pulling it?’ I got home and I got on that mat, and I was shocked at how much better I felt after 20 minutes.”

Gulbranson is also a consultant for Scout & Cellar, an organic wine company based in Texas. There are bottles of wine at Rejuvenate, and customers can try a small sample.

Those wishing to purchase wine can do so online at scoutandcellar.com/rejuvenate.

Email Gulbranson at rejunvenateofthesaukvalley@gmail.com for an appointment or more information.