There was clearly a need for such a resource, believes Chad Soderholm, president of the Wellness Information Network. He estimates that more than 3,800 qualified practitioners of various alternative therapies are scattered throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Launched I September, the web site quickly attracted nearly 100 practitioners, who pay a monthly fee to be listed. There is no cost for using the rapidly expanding site, which was accessed more than 26,000 times by mid-November. Despite the advances in health care, people are concerned about the environmental and stress factors in modern-day life, and want to take care of their mind and body as one.
Holistic practices assist that goal.
Soderholm conceived of the idea of a directory on the web after suffering chest pains. My physical simply advised me that it was stress and recommended an anti-depressant. I went to a holistic practitioner who gave equal attention to my body, mind and spirit. In a few weeks, with the help of meditation and dietary tips, I felt like a new person. Soderholm says the Wellness Information Network is establishing its on-line and telecommunications wellness service in Chicago first and will introduce it in other cities during the year 2000.