CEDAR FALLS - Relaxing music flows from the small speakers in Bob Uhl's treatment room.

The lights are dimmed and the lasting aroma of incense hangs in the air as Crystal King slowly lowers herself to the mat on the floor. She lies down, eyes closed, body already relaxing in anticipation of what lies ahead.

Uhl is a Thai yoga practitioner. The ancient healing method has its roots in yoga, Ayurvedic medicine and Thai Buddhism. Practitioners use their hands, feet, arms and legs to guide the recipient through the experience. Some seek the treatment as a relief to their pain, others, like King, simply use the time to unwind and enjoy the pushing, pulling and stretching of their muscles.

Though Thai yoga is thousands of years old, the practice has only been available in the West since the 1980s and is mostly seen in larger cities. Uhl now offers the practice in Cedar Falls at the Centre for Conscious Living, 602 State St.

King, a practitioner certified in meditation, reflexology and yoga, started the alternative therapy business a few years ago with another partner who has since left the Cedar Valley. King said she has seen great interest in alternative healing methods locally in the 20 years she has been offering therapies. Her work can also be done over the phone. She teaches meditation over the phone for the Self Awareness Institute in Laguna Beach, Calif.

"It's more about feeling one's own bliss and joy," she said. "We give them the tools they need to do this on their own. I got sick after I had my last baby and I had to pull out all the tools I had. Traditional medicine could do nothing to help me except offer pain medicine."

In addition to the healing arts, the center is also a shopping outlet for Zobha yoga wear, Frontier teas, Triloka natural incense and aromatherapy products. Several local artists also have their work displayed in the lobby.

Uhl knows that not everyone believes in the power of non-traditional medicine, but as the benefactor of another's healing touch, he feels strongly about giving others the opportunity to learn.

After 27 years with MidAmerican Energy, Uhl's body gave out on him. Getting out of bed became nearly impossible. A battery of medical tests turned up no plausible diagnosis and Uhl was sent to Iowa City for a more in-depth exam. There doctors told him he had fibromyalgia, a disease characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.

Traditional medicinal options provided little relief. While on a trip to Chicago Uhl found an advertisement for a Thai massage school offering demonstrations. He shared his story with the practitioner, Chuck Duff, who then used Uhl as a guinea pig during his class.

"On the way home, I started feeling better," Uhl said. "It was the first relief I had had in a couple of years. I figured there had to be something to it."

Uhl returned to Duff for several more treatments and eventually trained under him.

"I just wanted to help others with fibromyalgia or any kind of pain. I understand that sometimes the regular path just doesn't work and you have to look for alternative options," he said. "Everyone has to seek their own form of treatment that helps them. This has worked for me, but that doesn't mean it is going to work for everyone with fibromyalgia."

Contact Emily Christensen at (319) 291-1570 or emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.