Elemental Back and Body Philosophy
We break our philosophy down into the five main principles of health and wellbeing:
Strength – We need strong muscles to do the jobs required of them. This does not only apply to the big muscles in the legs, back and arms that we usually think about. There are many small hidden muscles throughout the body that are crucial in normal pain-free function. We can evaluate what is strong, what is weak, what is working and what is not. We then train you in very specific exercises and movement patterns to use the right muscles in the right way, gaining strength safely and effectively.
Flexibility – Movement is the pump that brings nutrients in and waste out of your body’s tissues. Tight muscles, joints and ligaments decrease mobility, occlude vascular flow to surrounding nerves, amplify stress and strain on joints and discs, and diminish a person’s functional movement potential. We stretch and lengthen these muscles far more aggressively than anyone else in a safe, controlled way. Increased movement leads to decreased pain, less injuries, and faster healing times for injuries that do occur.
Posture and Alignment – We correct any significant variations that we discover in posture and spinal alignment. It is necessary to do this in order to distribute the pressures and forces of the body evenly over the spine and maintain the life and vitality of the musculoskeletal system. We will teach you to hold yourself the right way, taking pressure off problem areas and retraining the body to use its innate shock absorbing system.
Energy – We are electromagnatic beings. This is proven how we check our own heart and brain function through EKG’s and EEG’s. Each of us are made up of energy that is constantly pulsing through us. This is often an overlooked aspect of health and wellbeing, but an extremely important one to address when any symptoms arise. By addressing the energetic flow of the body, through acupuncture, acupressure, sound therapy and other energetic healing modalies, we can decrease pain more quickly while increasing your body’s ability to heal itself.
Mind-Body and Awareness – In order to create lasting change, we must address you as an integrated, whole being. Habits, good or bad, are major contributors to our overall health. When mindset is addressed around your pain we can create true lasting relief. We spend time educating you on all aspects of your health, and how small changes in lifestyle can positively affect your physical and mental well-being. Our primary goal is to teach you how to care for yourself.
Our Team
Acupuncturist/Owner
Kaila Cruttenden
Kaila is a licensed acupuncturist by both the California Board and Nationally as a Diplomat of Chinese Medicine. She has a passion for helping people achieve optimal wellness and live long, happy and healthy lives. By restoring balance through acupuncture, functional medicine, herbs, nutrition and mindset she can treat a wide array of ailments from chronic pain to digestive issues to depression. Her expertise lies in being able to see each individual from a holistic perspective to bring balance back into people’s lives.
In addition to Chinese Medicine, Kaila has done extensive training in functional medicine allowing her to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western health philosophy. Functional medicine uses a wide array of testing to get to the root cause of your ailments.
When she is not helping people heal, she is spending time with her two adventurous sons and husband enjoying all the mountains have to offer.
Chiropractor/Owner
Dr. Spencer Cruttenden
Spencer is a Truckee chiropractor and former Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, who believes in addressing the root causes of common health conditions. Through the use of deep tissue techniques, specific stretching, manipulation and other therapies, Dr. Cruttenden addresses the underlying mechanisms behind chronic pain and dysfunction. Spencer’s treatments are never hurried, allowing enough time to educate, giving patients control of their own health.
When not treating clients, Spencer enjoys playing guitar, mountain biking, snowboarding, and anything outdoors with his wife and two young sons.
Education
Western States University
Doctor of Chiropractic, 2010
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
B.S., Business Administration, 1999
Specialties
Low back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Movement disorders
Sport-related injuries
Chiropractor
Dr. Cory Sellers
Cory has made it his life goal to help patients meet their health and wellness needs through a holistic approach. Dr. Sellers recognizes the importance of manipulative therapy, but also believes that addressing the musculoskeletal system, as well as neurological mechanisms, are both an important and often overlooked component to comprehensive care. His mission is to provide optimal treatment to those who are seeking non-surgical care via multiple management options, as well as to optimize performance goals. Cory is dedicated to furthering his knowledge about health and wellness to assure his patients receive the highest quality of care.
In his free time, he enjoys surfing, hockey, snowboarding, hiking and mountain biking with his wife. As an athlete himself, he knows the benefits of chiropractic care and the effects it can have on one’s body.
Education:
Palmer College of Chiropractic Doctor of Chiropractic, 2019
Iowa State University B.S., Kinesiology & Health, 2016
Specialties:
Low back pain
Neck pain
MDT Certified - Cervical and Lumbar
Sport-related injuries
Acupuncturist
Julia Urcis, L.Ac
Julia is a licensed acupuncturist, interdisciplinary herbalist, gardener and geographer who is honored to support people in their healing journey.
She practices East Asian medicine because she has seen incredible results with healing, from acute symptoms to long-term illness. Julia has deep respect for each person’s healing journey, and takes great care to make sure they are seen and heard.
Education:
Five Branches University
Masters in TCM, 2019
UC Davis
B.A. Nature and Culture (Geography), 2003
Holistic Health Coach
Melody Lococo
Melody is a Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) who has a passion for radically shifting healing culture within groups and individuals. She has 14 years of experience leading groups of various ages (children, teens, and adults).
Her desire is to support individuals on their healing journey by co-creating a sustainable lifestyle plan toward body freedom and empowerment.
Education:
Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, 2019
Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, 2021
William Jessup University, Bachelor of Arts, 2013
Holistic Health Coach
Colleen Malley
Colleen began her career as a Registered Nurse, where she spent over six years caring for others. After her own journey with autoimmunity, Colleen sought out a deeper understanding for the root cause of dysfunction. This put her on a path of nutritional healing and sparked an interest in wellness. She became a Holistic Health Coach and made it her mission to empower others so they could live a fulfilling, thriving life.
Colleen enjoys cooking/baking, traveling and spending time in the mountains with her husband and young daughter.
Education
Southern Vermont College, Associates Degree in Nursing, 2014
Institute for Integrative Nutrition,Holistic Health Coach, 2019
Clinic Director
Amber Stockham
Amber has over 20 years of experience in customer service and management. She has a passion for wellness and helping others feel their best.
When she’s not helping EBB run smoothly, she’s spending lots of time with her kids in the backcountry and mountain biking.
Education
California State University, Chico
B.S., Business Administration 2001
Massage Therapist
Sean Frost, LMT
Sean is a licensed neuromuscular therapist with a passion for injury rehabilitation, recovery and prevention.
He specializes in deep tissue and trigger point release therapies and has a strong belief in self-sustaining body mechanics.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family.
Office Assistant
Sage Ardas
Sage is an Herbalist and Postpartum Doula. Her background includes massage, reflexology, qi gong and Chinese Medicine with an Ayurvedic and dietary emphasis.
Her passions include yoga, nature-based play, education and nutrition.