COVER STORY Back in Balance A Passion and Purpose in Sharing Infrared Technology by Kat Chrysostom Kat Chrysostom, founder of BeneFab ® PHOTO © MEGAN GURLEY PHOTOGRAPHY W hen I was very young I watched my siblings at riding to use in our wearables which mimic far-infrared light therapy. lessons and wanted to learn to ride too. Their riding Soon after, I designed and tested the first products in the Bene-teacher had one big rule: children were not allowed to Fab ® line. My first line of ceramic-infused products was well re-ride until they were five. But my love of horses was stronger than her ceived. I then developed willpower. After months of begging, I celebrated my fourth birthday my “SMART” therapy line with my first formal horseback lesson. After that I dedicated all my which, in addition to thera-free time to riding horses. In high school, I was invited to be the only peutic fabrics, incorporates junior rider at a prestigious sales barn where I rode four horses a medical grade neodymi-day, before and after school. My life revolved around horses. um magnets strategically One day while working as a young, professional rider, my horse placed over key acupunc-tripped. The fall fractured my C2 vertebrae — the same injury that ture points. A clinical trial left Christopher Reeve in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. I was in was recently conducted test-and out of paralysis and spent three months in a traction halo. When ing the SmartScrim and its they finally removed the halo, I had terrible migraines that were so ability to reduce back pain bad I could not eat. My doctors told me I would never ride again. in horses. Comprehensive Horses had been more than a passion; they were my career. When results from this study will The BeneFab Poll Pad I found myself suddenly jobless, wheelchair bound, and in pain, a be published in 2018. neurosurgeon recommended that I try far-infrared light therapy, In 2015 I was fortunate to be approached by Arenus ® , the mak-commonly known as red light therapy. Far-infrared wavelengths are ers of Sore No-More ® . I knew that together our products could work an invisible, low range ray of light on the electromagnetic spectrum synergistically and enhance results while keeping an emphasis on that penetrate down to the deep tissue natural, non-invasive health and well-level. I used it for a year and stopped ness. We decided to pair up as a team, having migraines plus regained the mo-and the BeneFab ® by Sore No-More ® bility in my right side. partnership was born. Because far-infrared therapy made We are based in the horse capital of such a difference in my life, I dove the world — Ocala, Florida — where I into research. I learned that infrared ride nearly every day. Recently, I made light therapy vibrates the oxygen at-the decision to expand my business to oms within the water molecules inside the cat and dog markets to offer a prod-the body; this helps reduce swelling uct for every family member. in joints, tendons, and ligaments. Re-We continue to grow with the help search published in The Canadian Pain of our enthusiastic customer base and Journal has shown that infrared light word of mouth. Since partnering with The Rejuvenate SmartScrim therapy can help people with chronic Sore No-More®, our products are sold back pain. I truly believe this therapy at many dealers throughout the U.S. This [SmartScrim] is amazing. My horse is what helped reduce the lingering and Canada, as well as on our website: had an SI injury a few years ago, so at times inflammation in my spinal cord and www.benefabproducts.com . during training he will have some back brought me out of my partial paralysis. My passions have evolved to help discomfort and stiffness. His comfort level I began teaching horseback lessons people beyond the use of our products. and flexibility increase has been obvious but didn’t enjoy it, so I decided to take I travel to speak with audiences of all my passion for far-infrared therapy and ages, but primarily women between since using this. I also use the Sore No-More ® share it. I began looking for ways to use the ages of 20-35. I give them tools products underneath the scrim as well as on this therapy to help both horses and to develop their own entrepreneurial his arthritic knee and he will lick his lips in people. I spent two years in research aspirations. I am also authoring a agreement for the BeneFab ® products. I am and development, talking to doctors, book, Broken to Branded, which will very happy with it all! ...My horse and I are veterinarians, massage therapists, and share a detailed outline of my journey beyond pleased. – Natalie, Customer chiropractors. I spent time in China and help empower people to build the “ and Taiwan finding the best materials 6 November 2017 The Northwest Horse Source ” PHOTO COURTESY OF ARENUS ® life they want. PHOTO ©ANGIE AGUIRRE NWHS www.nwhorsesource.com
The Northwest Horse Source NWHS 1117 Issue: Page 6
