Industrial Park Services: Essence of Life Studio

Patch periodically profiles businesses in the industrial park. We interviewed Dr. DeAnne Miller, D.C., about her holistic approach to treating and educating patients at her business, 

How long has Essence of Life Studio been in the Historic Benicia Arsenal?
We’ve been at this location for four years in October.

Tell me about the scope of your business.
We offer a holistic approach to wellness. This includes chiropractic, massage and classes on nutrition. Some of our upcoming classes are on food labels, cleanses, digestive disorders, hormone imbalance and cardiovascular disease; fermented foods, and how to prepare them at home to make them more highly nutritious.

What inspired you to get into this business?
I grew up in the Midwest where both of my grandparents were farmers, so I had an exposure to living off the land and natural health, but I didn’t get into chiropractic until after my undergrad work. I had studied nutrition and exercise physiology. When I hurt my back I went to a chiropractor. Then after years of studying (chiropractic) I found my patients held a better alignment when they had a better nutritional base.

How do you get the word out that you are in the Industrial Park?
I currently get information out through my client base since most of my business comes from referrals. I also have an e-newsletter.    

What are the benefits of your Industrial Park location?
I love the eclectic environment  — the artists and the history and the area. I love the building. I have plenty of space here. It is off the beaten path a little bit, but my business continues to grow.

Anything else you would like to share with your Benicia neighbors?
This is typically a practice you may find in Berkeley or Oakland and so we are trying to bring the holistic approach to Benicia whether it’s through the holistic approach or sustainable living. Looking at the body as more than just the symptoms, and looking at the whole person rather than doing more than giving a pill for a symptom, that's the focus. Bringing the body back into balance, addressing what’s causing that imbalance.

We will also be participating in an upcoming event, “Girls Night In,” here in the Arsenal on Oct. 21. There will a dozen or so like businesses and a reception from 6 to 8:30.  All are welcome. The cover is “bring a friend.”  There will be information on nutrition, organic foods, massage and more.