To keep up with a growing patient base and to better reflect its identity, Bio Energy Medical Center is moving to roomier and more ecologically sound quarters on Ann Arbor's east side.

The 22-year-old holistic clinic has invested $250,000 in renovations to a 5,000-square-foot space at 3131 Professional Drive off of Huron Parkway features bamboo and concrete flooring throughout and paint and glue that are free of volatile organic compounds, chemicals that may have adverse health effects.

Run by Dr. James Neuenschwander, Bio Energy offers services ranging from acupuncture to colon and massage therapy. There's a Chinese acupuncturist on site, along with a doctor of homeopathy (unlicensed), nurse practitioner and ER nurse Patricia Neuenschwander, the doctor's spouse who also runs the business end of the center. 

She says revenues have steadily climbed to over $1 million since 2007, with a 20-25 percent increase in patient visits each month - despite the fact that insurance doesn't cover many of the services offered by the holistic clinic.

"Right now, there's a 3-month wait to see the doctor," says Neuenschwander.

The American Holistic Medical Association defines holistic as an approach to a patient that considers physical, spiritual, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors that contribute to disease. Practitioners do not manage symptoms but strive to promote better overall health with the use of natural products, acupuncture, massage, yoga and other therapies.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, just over 38 percent of American adults used some form of CAM in 2007, up from 36 percent in 2002. The most commonly used therapies were natural products, deep breathing, meditation and massage.

Dr. Neuenschwander attributes the growth of Bio Energy Medical Center to its treatment of childhood autism - he takes a nutritional approach - and infertility, for which acupuncture is used and which Neuenschwander says doubles the chances of conceiving if used with in vitro fertilization.

Insurance won't usually cover acupuncture or colonic therapy, he says, but if patients get relief from them, they'll pay out of pocket.

"We do try and work with people who can't afford it, but for the most part, people are able to come up with the money they need to get the care they need," says Neuenschwander, 49.

He says he's excited about the upcoming move - the center's third since its inception.

"We wanted something more reflective of who we are," he says.

Deborah Pearson of Bluestone Realty Advisors represented the tenant in the transaction, and Ron Dankert of Swisher Commercial represented the property owner, Triad Mortgage Corp.