Extending Calming Hands to Veterans and Moms

Thomas Schieffer’s life couldn’t be more different now than it was 10 years ago.

Back then, Thomas worked as a military contractor, servicing rotorcraft as a flight mechanic, and he lived on military bases in countries like Turkey and Turkmenistan. It was stressful, to say the least.

Now, Thomas is the owner of the Vital Herbalist in Northampton. His life is grounded, stable, calm. This because he took a passion for martial arts and grew it into a business in which he uses Shiatsu and Chinese medicine to help others relax and reduce stress.

I wrote a press release about Thomas’ free program offerings for veterans in West Springfield and Greenfield last month, and I was proud to promote Thomas and his services. He is clearly a guy who has his heart in the right place, and I was impressed with all the pro bono work he does.

Now he also has a free program coming up for moms who feel stressed out and need an injection of energy. On Oct. 27 at 5 p.m., he will offer a Super Mom Talk, a free program at Forbes Library in Northampton, during which he will offer tips on increasing energy and decreasing stress.

When I had young kids, I would have been first in line at this event. Learn more about it, and Thomas, at www.vital-herbalist.com or call (413) 320-5063.

Thomas came to the Valley six years ago. He offers his services in Shelburne Falls and Northampton, and his mission is to help others achieve holistic health.

Thomas offers free services to veterans in several programs because, having lived the military life, he well understands the pressures and traumas that many veterans face. His work changes veterans’ lives for the better.

Ruth Berrios, a readjustment counseling therapist at the veteran’s center in West Springfield, where Thomas has offered free workshops, said, “I was able to see a dramatic change in healthy choices made by the veterans who participated. I believe that the information taught by Thomas is very valuable for overall health and well-being, and we are grateful that he is willing to provide this program to our veterans.”

Thomas also offers free Shiatsu treatments for veterans at the Greenfield Community Acupuncture Clinic on the first Wednesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. This program is in conjunction with acupuncture from Karen R. Adams.

Karen said acupuncture and Shiatsu work extremely well together – both contributing to deep healing. She said the folks who add Thomas’ Shiatsu to their acupuncture treatments reach a whole other level of relaxation and peace.

Relaxation and peace. Let Thomas help you find it.

And Thomas, on behalf of moms and veterans, thanks very much for your good work.