What comes to mind when you hear “physical therapy?” A room full of high-tech, clanking gym equipment? Straps, beams, racks, ropes and pulleys?

Cutting-edge diagnostics combined with ancient healing techniques. Doctors who take the time to listen to and talk with their patients. A calm, soothing environment. Sound like your idea of the perfect medical visit?

Martial arts have long been valued for building physical strength and skill as well as internal strength and discipline. Now, a growing body of research shows that the arts have even more far-reaching benefits—reducing stress, improving cardiovascular and neurologic health, and lessening inflammatory response.

If you know Ashland, you might think of hippies, open-mindedness, co-culture and free spirit. And that is exactly what Michelle Weinberg thought when she moved to the Rogue Valley five years ago.

If you’re looking for a heating and cooling system that provides high-level comfort with low impact on the environment, look into heat pump technology.

Jeff and Jan Pratt opened The Heat Pump Store in 2007 after Jeff joined with Bonneville Power Administration and Monmouth Power & Light to work on a pilot ductless heat pump project in Monmouth, Oregon.