EE R F
HEALTHY
LIVING
HEALTHY
PLANET
SPINAL SOLUTIONS Chiropractic Heals Unlikely Conditions
TEETH TALK
Natural Tips for Oral Health
GOAT YOGA
May the Horns Be With You
Slow Food Takes Root Global Movement Gains Momentum
October 2019 | West Michigan Edition | NaturalWestMichigan.com October 2019
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Social and recreational opportunities for individuals with mental illness, addictions and disabilities.
Call 616.414.9111
for information or to enroll! Inspire! events take place monthly September through May and focus on topics of concern for marginalized populations.
Topic: Anger
Saturday, Oct. 19th – 10 am to 1 pm
Free Dinner & Movie Night Dinner @ 6 pm
(potluck dishes welcome)
Free and Open to Everyone
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 Monster Calls | Movie @ 7 pm
Home of Just Goods Gifts and Cafe’ Fair trade and social cause merchandise and local baked goods.
The café is a place of social interaction and integration where people of all different backgrounds can sit and enjoy a beverage or baked good, in a safe and nurturing environment.
JustGoods@MomentumCenterGH.org Enjo ! t i y! Vis
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Mon—Fri: 10 am - 6 pm | Sat: 10 am - 2pm | Sun: 12 pm - 3 pm
1 IN 8 WOMEN
WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN THEIR LIFETIME Most women can survive breast cancer if detected and treated early. During National Breast Cancer Awareness month, make a pledge to do a breast selfexamination monthly and talk to your doctor about getting regular mammograms. Adopting healthy habits and lifestyle changes, like controlling your weight, breast-feeding, limiting alcohol and being physically active, can help lower your risk of breast cancer. For early detection, schedule an appointment with our Women’s Health Providers at PrivaMD Physicians. Along with your regular medical check up, they will perform a clinical breast exam to check for lumps and physical changes. If you would like help incorporating healthy habits into your lifestyle, your Women’s Health Provider can collaborate with PrivaMD Wellness. Our Health Coach can design a plan that’s right for you and provide you with alternative therapies like bioidentical hormone replacement or ionic foot detoxes and infrared sauna sessions to help balance estrogen. You can beat these odds, we can help.
To schedule an appointment call us at
616.213.0253
a grassroots movement to create a stigma-free community.
For more information visit privaMD.org or on Facebook @PrivaMD
714 Columbus • Grand Haven • 616-414-9111 The Momentum Center for Social Engagement Office@MomentumCenterGH.org
facebook.com/extendedgrace • MomentumCenterGH.org
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West Michigan Edition
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16986 Robbins Rd | Suite 180 | Grand Haven
Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
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Contents 14 MOUTH MATTERS
A Holistic Approach to Oral Health
16 RETHINKING OUR STUFF
Moving Toward a Circular Economy
18 JENNY ODELL ON
the Importance of Doing Nothing
20 SPINAL SOLUTIONS
20
Chiropractic Care Yields Unexpected Results
22 SLOW FOOD TAKES ROOT
Global Movement on Fast Track
24 ANIMAL ASANAS Goats on the Yoga Mat
26 THE ART OF THE NAP
Unplugging From Life Without Apology
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28 MINDFULNESS
IN THE CLASSROOM
ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 616-604-0480 or email Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for ads and News Briefs: the 12th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ NaturalWestMichigan.com or submit online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Calendar submissions Submit calendar events online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com. Calendar deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 616-604-0480. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.
Meditative Training Helps Kids Thrive
30 PAWS TO CONSIDER Best Friends Waiting for Homes
DEPARTMENTS 5 news briefs 7 chiro news 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 12 book brief 13 eco tip 16 green living 18 wise words 20 healing ways
30 22 conscious
eating 24 fit body 26 inspiration 28 healthy kids 30 natural pet 33 calendar 36 classifieds 37 resource guide October 2019
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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
letter from publisher
Good Health begins at Home!
WEST MICHIGAN EDITION
O
ctober’s issue brings readers an abundance of health news that underscores the importance of paying attention to the little things— like teeth and gums. Our feature, “Mouth Matters: A Holistic Approach to Oral Health,” delves into the mounting evidence that this “doorway to the body” can usher in heart issues, inflammatory response and even Alzheimer’s if not well maintained. Writer Ronica O’Hara details the growing body of less invasive and less toxic approaches to dental care.
In keeping with this inside-out, wholebody approach, writer Marlaina Donato offers insights into how one region of the body might affect a seemingly unrelated area in “Spinal Solutions: Chiropractic Care Yields Unexpected Results.” Thus, chiropractors can offer patients relief for a host of conditions, from asthma and digestion to headaches and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). Meantime, educators all over the world are starting to focus on the mind-body connection with curriculum aimed at bringing mindfulness to the classroom. Studies show the result is calmer, happier, more focused kids. Read all about it in “Mindfulness in the Classroom: Meditative Training Helps Kids Thrive.” Food writer April Thompson brings her usual spice and flair to our Conscious Eating department with a primer on “Slow Food”, a movement that’s gaining momentum as it satisfies foodies’ hunger for a deeper appreciation and understanding of their meal’s origins, from farm to fork. Don’t forget that October is national Shelter Pet month and there are thousands of loving, healthy cats and dogs waiting to bring joy, companionship and yes, wellness, into your home. Julie Peterson presents solid research on the many benefits of the humananimal bond—and why pets adopted from shelters can be the most devoted of all. That’s just a taste of what you’ll find in this month’s issue of Natural Awakenings.
To conscious living,
EDITORIAL EDITOR Julie Peterson DESIGN & PRODUCTION Scott Carvey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dan Gleason Julie Peterson Barbara Lee VanHorssen Lena Wilson
CONTACT US P.O. Box 330 Spring Lake, MI 49456 Ph: 616-604-0480 • Fax: 616-855-4202 Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com NaturalWestMichigan.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address.
NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 © 2019 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.
Pamela Gallina, Publisher
Natural Awakenings Magazine of West Michigan
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Pamela Gallina
NaturallyWestMI
NaturallyWestMI
Natural Awakenings Magazine of West Michigan
Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines
Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
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West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com
news briefs
3rd Annual Healing Body, Mind & Spirit Expo
T
he third annual Healing Body Mind & Spirit Expo will be held at the DeltaPlex/Hillside Hall, 2500 Turner Ave, Grand Rapids, on Saturday Nov 2nd from 10am-7pm and Sunday, Nov 3rd 10am-6pm. Many talented mediums, intuitive communicators, holistic healers, aromatherapist, essential oils, numerology, astrology, palmistry, pet communicators, angel readers, spirit artists, stone healers, spiritual merchandisers, clothing, jewelry, flutes, rare crystals, stones & more will all come together for an incredible 2 day event. Help spread the word. John and Beverly Stephan have been exhibiting on the Body Mind & Spirit circuit for eleven years, traveling across the US & Canada. As promoters they have brought together the most amazing, insightful and talented exhibitors to be witnessed locally, national and internationally. Keynote Speaker: Lisa Bousson an internationally known Spiritualist Medium who bridges the gap between the living and the dead, by providing evidential proof of life after death via detailed messages and proven facts. Lisa will reconnect audience members to their loved ones in spirit as well as offer private sessions at the event. To view all of the exhibitors visit www.healingbodyandspirit. com. Connect with us on Facebook through our website. Daily admission at the door only $10, weekend pass $17, children 12 and under free. Included with admission: All speakers & lectures including mediums giving free messages on both days of the expo. Speaker schedule posted on our website soon. See ad page 31.
We Have a New Website
N
atural Awakenings West Michigan has a snazzy new website that we are very excited about! It’s easy to navigate and provides multiple benefits to readers and local businesses. Readers can browse the current issue, select individual articles to read and share, look up archived articles and link directly to local businesses in the directory. Articles are grouped by category, so it’s easy to find what you’d like to read about. The event calendar will soon be up and running, which will make it simple to find out what’s happening near you on any given day. Businesses who have been in the Community Resource Guide in the magazine are currently in the online directory and new businesses can jump in at great rates. Businesses can also submit news or health briefs, in addition to calendar listings and other editorial, directly through the website. Check it out! NaturalWestMichigan.com
“Never miss a beet” at Sip Organic Juice Bar
S
ip Organic Juice Bar in Grand Rapids is committed to using the highest quality, organic, local and sustainable ingredients available. Sip composts, recycles and produces very little trash. Not only is Sip friendly to the environment, it’s friendly to customers as well. From smoothies to elixirs and all kinds of juices in between, there are tasty treats, along with drinks to boost the immune system or replace meals. Sip also offers supplements such as bee pollen, spirulina, maca, turmeric and more and has all the information that customers need to make choices. The famous Jenergy Bars are back and made fresh at Sip and there are also 3-day and 5-day raw food detox programs offered weekly. Sip is located at 888 Forest Hill Ave SE, Grand Rapids (Forest Hills). 616-301-4554 info@siporganicjuicebar.com. siporganicjuicebar.com. See ad page 7.
Non-force Chiropractic
L
inda Squires, DC, has been a practicing chiropractor since 1987 and relocated to Michigan from Massachusetts in 2012. Her chiropractic method includes non-force techniques along with muscle work and energy therapies. “I am interested in truly finding out the underlying issues for each new patient and then determining the best plan of treatment for that individual,” states Squires. She practices out of Holistic Care Approach so that her patients have access to other holistic practitioners. Squires also periodically offers An Introduction to Zero Balancing class, which is free. Zero Balancing is a therapy method which works with both energy and structure simultaneously. For more information, email LindaSquiresDC@gmail.com. To schedule a new patient appointment, call 1-877-866-5133. lindasquiresdc.com See ad page 17.
Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education Enrolling for Spring Semester
F
or anyone interested in a career as a natural health practitioner, holistic doula or massage therapist, Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education (NITE) offers programs taught by October 2019
5
highly qualified faculty who help students reach their goals. Since registration for January sessions is fast approaching, anyone who would like to explore an education in natural health, doula training, or therapeutic bodywork modalities can visit with the Director of Administration and tour the NITE facilities. NITE is the only accredited naturopathic school in Michigan and has been in operation since 1983. It offers a friendly environment and safe place to learn, with the benefit of hands-on learning, small class sizes and an alumni community. Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education, 503 E Broadway St, Mt Pleasant. (989) 773-1714 contact@naturopathicinstitute.info See ad page 6.
Be Young Total Health Teaching Event
O
n October 11, from 5 to 9 p.m., Orey Young, COO of Be Young Total Health, will present Becoming a Successful Product Advocate. The session will begin with free full-body scans using the iTOVi scanner that measures the body’s reactions to determine which products it needs to perform optimally. Participants will also learn how to use the body scan technology to provide wellness directions for family and friends. Benefits of being a Product Advocate will also be covered. On October 12, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Orey Young and Dana Young, CEO/President of Be Young Total Health, will lead
Using Essential Oils with Confidence and Supporting the Body to Heal Itself. Attendees will learn about essential oils and how to use them for whole-body support. Using essential oils for pets will also be covered. From 1 to 1:45 p.m., Erica Jones will lead the Emotional Balancing Sound Healing meditation. In this deeply relaxing group experience, Jones will use a dynamic combination of essential oils, guided visualization and the soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls. Attendees may choose to sit or lay down and can bring blankets, pillows or yoga mats, if desired. From 2 to 5 p.m., Orey Young will present Core 4 Products and Their Connection to Your Body. This session will teach participants the core components to health and how they need to be supported, the impact emotions have on the body, the connection between the mind and the gut and more. Registration is $8 by September 30, $25 by October 6 or $45 after October 6 and includes any or all of the sessions. For more information, contact Clara Vanderzouwen, Holistic Consultant, 616-4818587. clara.vanderzouwen@gmail.com BeYoungTH.com/partners/ claravz Event location is Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Airport, 3063 Lake Eastbrook Blvd, SE, Grand Rapids.
The Path You Have Always Wanted! Inspire a world of health! Your diploma in Massage Therapy, Natural Health or Holistic Doula is here.
Naturopathy
(each year 600 hours)
Natural Health Educator ............... 1st Year Natural Health Therapist............... 2nd Year Natural Health Practitioner ........... 3rd Year Certified Naturopath ..................... 4th Year
4th Year Graduates are Eligible for Doctor of Naturopathy National Test & Title
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic Bodywork Practitioner 1 Year
Holistic Doula Practitioner Doula ..................6 Months
All Classes Meet on Weekends
Friday: 5-9pm and Sat & Sun: 9am-6pm Naturopaths: 1 per month - Massage: 2 per month
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Herbology - Aromatherapy - Nutrition Live Food Preparation - Light Healing Touch Reflexology - Homeopathy & Much More!
Over 20 Years of Experience • Licensed and Accredited • NaturopathicInstitute.info 6
West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com
chiro news
Sensory Processing Disorders/Autism/Asperger’s By Dan Gleason, DC
S
ensory processing disorders, autism and Asperger’s occur when the nervous system has become overly sensitized and is easily overstimulated by everyday actions. To understand the underlying causes, it is recommended to explore three contributing factors: dysbiosis, mitichondrial dysfunction, and neural inflammation/central sensitization. Dysbiosis translates as “Bad Bugs.” This is a condition when the normal intestinal flora has been disturbed. Common causes include: • The overuse of antibiotics in food production and medicine, • The Standard American Diet (SAD) that is full of preservatives and toxins, and • Nutritional deficiencies due to the way our food is produced, processed and transported.
Neural Inflammation is the third contributing factor. Excitatory nerves become activated due to up-regulation of the glutamate receptors. Chemically-altered glutamate in the form of MSG and aspartame are known as excitotoxins. Many parents note that consumption of such additives often lead to worsening of autistic symptoms. The author of The Feingold Diet also notes that a group of chemicals in foods called salicylates may provoke problems of hyperkinesia. These nerves can be responsible for hypersensitivity. This excess glutamate can be converted to the “good” neurotransmitter GABA by supplementing with the natural form of vitamin B6, magnesium and Vitamin B2. Physical measures can also help, and some physical and occupational therapists are specially trained in massage techniques for those who may be initially too sensitive to tolerate much touch. Chiropractic adjustments can help balance the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous systems. Cold laser therapy applied to specific areas of the brain can reduce inflammation and improve neural function.
RUNNING LATE? CALL AHEAD! 616-301-4554
Individuals with these conditions come to their condition in their own unique way. Testing to determine, quantify and set a baseline is the foundation for developing an individualized treatment protocol. Comprehensive tool testing is the best way to see what is going on in the gut. Functional medicine blood and urine testing are essential to discover what deficiencies and toxins are related to mitochondrial dysfunction and neural inflammation. This testing can also help discover genetic predispositions, hidden infections, detoxification defects and food sensitivities. Dr. Dan Gleason is the owner of The Gleason Center located at 19084 North Fruitport Road in Spring Lake. For more info: go to TheGleasonCenter.com or call 616-8465410. See ad page 12..
ONE BODY*ONE LIFE
The nervous system has a relationship with intestinal bacteria. Dysbiosis can lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Those with Sensory Processing Disorder/Autism/Asperger’s often suffer from digestive problems and may respond to oral herbal antimicrobials and/or probiotics. This indicates a connection between gut flora and neural inflammation. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mitochondria are the “power plants” of our cells and brain cells have some of the highest concentrations of these. The causes of mitochondrial malfunction fall into two categories: Toxic exposure and nutritional deficiency. 1. In addition to environmental toxins, dysbiotic compounds from the intestines are major sources of mitochondrial damage. These include hydrogen sulfide, d-Lactate and lipopolysaccharides. Typical symptoms of these toxins include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain as well as the atypical symptoms of autism. 2. Mitochondria require nutrition for optimal function, including coenzyme Q10, carnitine, essential fatty
acids as well as normal insulin and glucose function.
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OUR STORY
After many years in the wellness industry, and in the midst of a family crisis, founder Jennifer Masley began selling Jenergy Bars and Detoxes from her kitchen. With avid support from the Grand Rapids community her client list grew, and in 2012 Sip Organic Juice Bar was born. Our menu includes juices, smoothies, raw foods, salads, wellness lattes and teas. We offer 3-day and 5-day raw food detoxes, weekly. Call in or visit our website, siporganicjuicebar.com, for more details!
October 2019
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Reduce Kids’ Risk of High Blood Pressure With Maternal Vitamin D Children born with low vitamin D levels have an approximately 60 percent higher risk of elevated systolic blood pressure between ages 6 and 18, reports a study of 775 Boston children published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension. Those with persistently low levels of vitamin D through early childhood had double the risk of elevated systolic blood pressure between ages 3 and 18. Higher systolic numbers increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Because infants’ vitamin D levels are determined by the mothers’ levels during pregnancy, researchers suggest exploring an official recommendation for vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy. 8
West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com
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In a Brazilian study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, extracts of rosemary leaves and pomegranate peels, along with a South African herb known as misty plume bush, significantly reduced the ability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria to grow and spread in the laboratory, a finding that may help develop new strategies against the superbug.
Up to 75 percent of women deal at some point with the itchiness, discharge and sexual discomfort and pain of vaginal yeast infections caused by Candida species, the most prevalent being Candida albicans. Egyptian laboratory researchers tested fennel oil and eight other plant-based essential oils on 19 Candida albicans strains that were resistant to the antifungal medication fluconazole. They found that the fennel oil had significant antifungal properties against the strains, outperforming chamomile, jojoba, nigella, fenugreek, cod liver, peppermint, clove and ginger oils. When combined with fluconazole, fennel was effective on seven strains, theoretically lowering the need for higher doses of the medication.
Flashon Studiol/Shutterstock.com
Fight MRSA With Herbal Extracts
Try Fennel Oil to Fight Vaginal Yeast
Protect Kids From Bullying to Lower Risk of Teen Depression A three-decade study of 3,325 young people in Bristol, UK, found that kids that were bullied at age 10 had eight times the rate of depression in their teen years, and that it persisted for some into their adult years. Using detailed mood and feelings questionnaires and genetic information, researchers found that childhood bullying was strongly associated with depression. Bullied children had a greater risk of both limited depression occurrence and persistent depressive issues. Other risk factors found to be associated with depression in the children included anxiety and the mother’s postnatal depression.
Luis Molinero/Shutterstock.com
health briefs
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Consider Motherwort to Avoid Pesticides to Lower Reduce Postpartum Bleeding Kids’ Risk of Depression A meta-review of 37 studies that included 7,887 mothers giving birth found that an injection of oriental motherwort (Leonurus japonicus), a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb used for thousands of years, decreased blood loss and other adverse events during birth at a minimal cost with few side effects.
Take Cordyceps to Enhance Immunity Cordyceps, a fungus that grows on caterpillars high in the Himalayas, has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a rejuvenating and performance-enhancing medicine. The latest Korean research shows it also boosts the immune system. Scientists tested 79 healthy adults for eight weeks, giving 39 of them 1,680 milligrams of cordyceps a day in capsules and the other 40 were given a placebo. The cordyceps produced a 38 percent increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity, which plays a role in immunity by detecting and killing virus-infected cells, tumor cells and abnormal cells.
Take Rosemary to Boost Memory, Mood and Sleep The common kitchen herb rosemary holds promise for insomniacs. Iranian researchers tested 68 university students for a month, giving them either 1,000 milligrams of rosemary herb each day or a placebo. Those that took the rosemary herbal supplement had improved memory, reduced anxiety and less depression at the end of the month. Using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory scale, those taking the rosemary slept better, as well.
Another reason to consider organics: A study of 529 teens and preteens linked high exposure to pesticides to a higher risk of depression. University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers studied children between 11 and 17 years old in the Ecuadorian Andes, the thirdlargest exporter of roses. The flowers are routinely sprayed with organophosphate insecticides known to affect the human cholinergic system, a key component in the function of the brain and nervous system. Drawing blood samples, the researchers found that teens that had lower levels of acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity resulting from pesticide toxicity showed more symptoms of depression, especially in girls and those younger than 14. The findings back up anecdotal reports from Andeans of a rise in teen depression and suicide.
Boot the Bottle for Mental Well-Being A study of 10,386 people in Hong Kong and the United States compared mental well-being among moderate drinkers and nondrinkers, with multipleyear, follow-up periods. Men and women that were lifetime abstainers had the highest levels of mental well-being, surpassed only by women that had quit drinking.
Harmony ‘n Health Colon Hydrotherapy
Mary A. DeLange C.C.T. L.M.T. 616-456-5033
Some Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy: ~ Remove Toxic Waste from Ones Body ~ Relieves Cons�pa�on ~ Removes Stomach Bloat ~ Increase Ones Energy
Therapeu�c Massage Also Available
Over 28 Years Experience
Mary@HarmonynHealth.net
www.HarmonynHealth.net October 2019
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Other-Worldly Rock
global briefs
Extraterrestrial Matter Found on Earth
mlorenz/Shutterstock.com
The endangered Florida panther has been saved from extinction thanks to the introduction of female Texan pumas, reports a 10-year study conducted by the University of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The pumas, which like the panthers, are a sub-species of cougar, were brought to Florida in 1995 to counter the effects of habitat loss and health issues caused by panther inbreeding, including heart defects, infertility and other genetic problems. The panther population has since rebounded from a low of 20 to 30 cats to between 120 and 230.
Diplomatic Freeze
Conflicts Heating Up Over Arctic Reserves
Scientists warn that the Arctic is heating up much faster than the world average because of rising greenhouse gas emissions. Over the last five years, the region has been warmer than at any time since record keeping began in 1900, which is opening up untapped reserves of oil, gas, uranium, gold, fish and rare earth minerals. At a May meeting of the Arctic Council, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Russia and China against “aggressive” actions in the region, saying, “This is America’s moment to stand up as an Arctic nation.” Gao Feng, the head of the Chinese delegation to the council, whose mission is to foster cooperation among Arctic countries and protect the fragile environment, says, “It’s [the U.S.] a country that stepped out of the Paris Agreement and then they’re talking about protecting the environment of the Arctic.” 10
West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com
Humanitarian Plea
Environmental Destruction Tapped as War Crime
Twenty-four scientists from around the world published a letter entitled, “Stop Military Conflicts From Trashing Environment,” in the journal Nature, urging the United Nations International Law Commission to create protections for the environment in armed conflicts. It reads, “We call on governments to incorporate explicit safeguards for biodiversity, and to use the commission’s recommendations to finally deliver a Fifth Geneva Convention to uphold environmental protection during such confrontations.” The four existing Geneva Conventions and their three additional protocols are globally recognized treaties that establish standards under international humanitarian law for the treatment of wounded military personnel, shipwrecked sailors, prisoners of war and civilians during armed conflicts. Violating the treaties amounts to a war crime.
Friederike K/Shutterstock.com
Texas Pumas Counter Inbreeding
The Makhonjwa Mountains of South Africa harbor some of the planet’s oldest rocks, including meteorites that have been striking the Earth for eons. According to the peer-reviewed journal Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, researchers using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy have discovered a 3.3 billion-year-old layer of rock that contains two types of insoluble organic matter, both of which suggest extraterrestrial origins, making it the oldest extraterrestrial organic matter ever identified. Many scientists think the basic molecules of life may have originated in outer space.
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Panther Power
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Tiny Scrubbers
Runoff Results
Askwsar Hilonga, Ph.D., a chemical engineer and public health scientist in Tanzania, grew up dealing with waterborne diseases such as cholera that made him ill. According to the World Health Organization, he has used his scientific expertise and local knowledge to develop a purification system based on nanomaterials. While the filter is still under study, stations have been set up throughout Tanzania, mostly managed by women, to help those that otherwise would not have safe drinking water.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the algae-choked “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico near the mouth of the Mississippi River spanned 7,829 square miles this summer, roughly the size of Massachusetts and considerably above the 6,000-square-mile five-year average. The largest recorded Gulf dead zone to date was 8,776 square miles in 2017. Dead zones occur when algae sinks and decomposes, sucking oxygen from the water and making it impossible for marine life to exist, jeopardizing billions of dollars generated by commercial fishing in the area. The phenomenon is primarily attributed to chemical fertilizer runoff from Midwestern farms into the Mississippi, exacerbated by warming trends.
Nanoparticles Purify Water
Fertile Fish
Gopal Seshadrinatha/Shutterstock.com
Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock.com
Unexpected Aquatic Rebound
Overfished and struggling widow rockfish are returning to the Pacific coast. Legal protections since 2001 had made it illegal to take the fish commercially, and fisheries managers implemented “catch share” regulations as the fishing fleet dwindled from 400 to 50 trawlers. But the fish have made a faster comeback than expected. National Marine Fisheries Service biologist Jason Cope notes that scientists were surprised by how quickly some rockfish species can reproduce. “We thought it might take a century or so for them to rebuild themselves; it’s now taking maybe a decade.”
Superfund Success Story Toxic Site Now Welcomes Walkers
A wood-treating process for telephone poles that caused soil and groundwater contamination prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate 47 acres in Bellingham, Washington, as a Superfund site in 1997. The cleanup, including removal of 28,000 tons of contaminated soil to a repository, reestablishment of a natural stream and restoring wetlands, is now complete, with walking and bicycling paths, newly planted native trees and wetland shrubs, and returning birdlife. The Oeser Company, which cooperated with the cleanup, has operated at the site since 1943 and continues to do so.
Gulf Dead Zone Keeps Growing
Mushrooming Problem
Climate Crisis May Promote Superbugs
A new analysis links climate change to the recent global rise of a multidrug-resistant fungal superbug, Candida auris. A decade after it was discovered in 2009, the superbug has popped up in many genetically distinct strains in more than 30 countries on three continents. Mystified, scientists say that fungal diseases are relatively uncommon in humans because of body temperature, but if they adapt to rising temperatures and aren’t easily treatable with medications, they could increasingly endanger human health on a global scale. “Global warming may lead to new fungal diseases that we don’t even know about right now,” warns Arturo Casadevall, lead author of the study published in mBio and chair of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. October 2019
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Melted Memorial
All You Need Is Love
Icelanders unveiled a plaque in an official ceremony on August 18 in memory of Okjokull Glacier, or Ok Glacier, the first of its kind officially lost to climate change. The glacier lost its glacier status in 2014 after melting down to only 0.386 square miles, or 6.6 percent of its original 5.8 square miles, and was reclassified as dead ice. The plaque is inscribed with A Letter to the Future, which includes the words, “This monument is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it.” A 2018 documentary, Not Ok, details the glacier’s death and highlights the dire effects of climate change.
Natural Awakenings senior writer Linda Sechrist credits her 15 years of researching and interviewing spiritual luminaries with putting her on the path to her own spiritual awakening, which is detailed in one chapter of All You Need Is Love: The Importance of Transcending Spiritual Clichés and Living Their Deeper Wisdom. The new book offers a candid, fresh look at the way many New Age concepts have been trivialized and commercialized, when they’re “guaranteed to deliver overnight abundance, soulmates and enlightenment in easy 5-step workshops.” It shines a light on many popular spiritual myths that have come to obscure the deepest universal truth of the divine—which is that love is paramount—as argue many of the essays from 19 experienced spiritual practitioners. Available on Amazon.com, the book includes thoughtful anecdotal accounts from Sechrist; author Cate Montana; energy healer Cameron Day; and Betsy Chasse, director of the film What the Bleep Do We Know?!; among others.
Vanished Ice Immortalized
New Book Reminds Us of Essential Truths
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Eco-Flossing
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A Healthy Choice for Teeth and the Planet Dental floss, that little everyday staple in our medicine cabinets, has been taking on a bad name environmentally. The smooth, slippery flosses that are the top choice among both dentists and consumers are made with a Teflon-like product containing toxic PFAs and PFCs. The wax coatings and flavors of ordinary nylon flosses are typically made with petroleum products that may be endocrine disrupters. The floss, plastic spools and flip-top containers can’t be recycled easily because of their size, and floss filament easily tangles up recycling machinery. In landfills, their toxins leak into the soil; in waterways, floss can entangle and even kill sea creatures. And washing and reusing floss isn’t a good option because it runs the risk of introducing bacteria into new areas of the mouth, warns the American Dental Association. However, a handful of new eco-options in flosses have emerged, primarily with silk and bamboo, which are biodegradable and free of chemicals. Blogger Beth Terry at MyPlasticFreeLife.com rates Dental Lace, a floss made of 100 percent silk coated with candelilla wax from Mexican trees, as her favorite product. It’s packaged without a plastic coil in a refillable glass container, making it a 99 percent zero-waste product. In addition, the company, based in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, offers a vegan bamboo version. Bamboo flosses in eco-friendly containers are also made by Los Angeles-based Terra & Co. (with activated charcoal, coconut oil, peppermint oil and no synthetic fragrances, sweeteners or artificial colorings, in a cardboard box); and Altoona, Florida-based Lucky Teeth (activated charcoal, candelilla plant wax, organic peppermint oil and tea tree oil, in a glass jar). Two other easy-to-find flosses, by Eco-Dent and Tom’s of Maine, are made of nylon, but are covered in natural vegan waxes rather than beeswax or petroleum-based waxes. They come in compostable cardboard boxes but include plastic spools. Advice columnist Umbra of Grist.org recommends switching to an oral irrigator or water flosser that plugs into the wall or runs on a battery—sometimes rechargeable—because it effectively removes plaque, is reusable, produces no trash, lasts for years and uses relatively little water and electricity.
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We look at the underlying causes for gum disease and cavities: Is it your diet, or hormonal changes or acid reflux?
Mouth Matters A Holistic Approach to Oral Health T
“
by Ronica O’Hara
he mouth is the doorway to the body,” so the saying goes, and today we know just how true that is. Years ago, the biannual trip to the dentist was typically a simple “drill-andfill” operation, with other health concerns not given a second glance. Now, emerging research shows that when we neglect basic oral care—even that annoying task of nightly or post-meal flossing—we endanger our heart, lungs, kidneys and even our brains by allowing the buildup of pernicious bacteria in our gums. In April, University of Louisville School of Dentistry researchers reported that the bacteria P. gingivalis, which flourishes in gum disease, was found in brain samples of deceased Alzheimer’s patients— and that inflammation, swelling and bleeding in gums can transport the bacteria from the mouth into the bloodstream simply through chewing or teeth-brushing. The study also linked the bacteria to rheumatoid arthritis and aspiration pneumonia.
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Advanced gum disease also increases the risk of cancer by 24 percent, especially lung and colorectal cancers; quadruples the rate of kidney disease; and increases the risk of strokes, coronary artery disease, diabetes and pre-term births, other studies show. These findings have sobering implications for the nearly half of the American adults over age 30 and 70 percent of adults 65 and older with gum disease. “Science has proven that a healthy mouth is a healthy body,” says San Francisco holistic dentist Nammy Patel, author of Age With Style: Your Guide to a Youthful Smile & Healthy Living.
Body, Mind, Teeth
It’s part of the reason for the fresh interest in holistic dentistry, sometimes called biologic dentistry. “We look at the entire body, not just the mouth,” says Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, of Wrigleyville Dental, in Chicago, and president of the Holistic Dental Association (HDA), based in Coral Gables, Florida. Holistic dentists abstain from toxic
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materials, remove amalgam fillings, may be wary of root canals and focus on minimally invasive procedures—some of which may be high-tech and cutting-edge, such as lasers to clean teeth and gums, ozone therapy to slow the growth of infections and air abrasion to “sandblast” away small areas of tooth decay. Holistic dentists work closely with a wide range of other complementary practitioners. “We look at the underlying causes for gum disease and cavities: Is it your diet, or hormonal changes or acid reflux?” Patel explains. That may mean prescribing a head massage, acupuncture session, meditation lessons or dietary counseling. They may run blood tests for biocompatibility of materials and incorporate approaches from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, herbology, homeopathy, iridology, craniosacral therapy and energy medicine. They will look for signs of sleep apnea and often treat it. However, with the added tests and consultations, they tend to be more expensive, with many procedures not covered by dental insurance. Their numbers are small: Only 391 of 199,000 American dentists belong to the HDA, or about one in 500. Yet the natural health movement that drives holistic dentistry is having an effect on the profession at large. Many dentists nationwide, pressured by patients and aided by new technology, are abandoning toxic and invasive options for less harmful methods. Controversial mercury amalgam fillings are being edged out by less toxic options like resin composites that match teeth color; the amount of mercury sold in the U.S. for dental amalgams fell by half between 2001 and 2013. Conventional dental X-rays, which in a Yale study published in the American Cancer Association journal Cancer were linked to non-cancerous brain tumors, are yielding to computerized digital X-rays with a fifth of the radiation: As many as two out of
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~Nammy Patel
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three dentists have switched over. And aided by computer imaging software and 3-D printers, dentists are fabricating new crowns, implants, bridges and dentures right in the office, instead of using what Austin, Texas, dentist David Frank calls “intrusive analog [gooey impressions] that left patients feeling claustrophobic, highly anxious and consistently worried about gagging.”
We look at the entire body, not just the mouth. ~Bernice Teplitsky
Flossing: Some smooth, slippery flosses
Dialogue With Dentists When visiting a dentist, whether holistic or not, it’s wise to be prepared with a natural health mindset. Some questions to ask are:
What are you filling the cavity with? Just say no to amalgam, a mixture
of heavy metals, of which about half is elemental mercury that slowly releases toxic vapors. Plus, “Heavy metals can leak into the enamel tubes of the teeth causing the teeth to appear gray or dark blue and making them brittle over time,” warns Los Angeles cosmetic dentist Rhonda Kalasho. Instead, ask for relatively nontoxic options such as porcelain or composite resins, which can be made of materials such as silica, ceramic, plastics and zirconium oxide. Some composite resins contain the endocrine disrupters Bis-GMA or BPA; for extra protection, ask for one that doesn’t, or ask the dentist to use a rubber dam to prevent swallowing it.
Should I have my amalgam fillings removed? Holistic dentists like Patel
give a strong yes. “The problem arises with mercury when you chew or brush your teeth. The abrasion creates heat and causes the mercury to off-gas. Those vapors get swallowed and go into your body, where they’re stored—and that creates significant health hazards—because we’re talking about a known poison,” she says. Other dentists disagree about removal, citing its risks: Holistic pioneer Dr. Andrew Weil, for example, writes that removing amalgam fillings is often unnecessary, costly and stressful, and recommends exchanging them for composite resin only when they break down.
Do I really need antibiotics? Oregon State University researchers found in a study this year of 90,000 patients that the
Toothpaste: Study the labels and be wary of the following ingredients: fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan and sodium hydroxide. These ingredients are a plus: baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), green tea, Eucalyptol, menthol, tea tree oil and vitamin D.
antibiotics often prescribed by dentists as prevention against infection are unnecessary 81 percent of the time, and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Typically, patients didn’t have the precise cardiac conditions that warranted the extra caution.
Is a root canal the best option?
Some holistic dentists counsel against root canals, citing the risk of long-term health problems caused by lingering bacteria, and advocate the use of herbs, laser therapy or extractions instead. “If root canals were done 20 to 30 years ago, it is definitely a problem, because there were not enough technological advances to clean out all the bacteria which could cause chronic health complications,” says Patel. “Nowadays, depending on the tooth root, canals can be 99.9 percent cleaned by lasers.”
Back to the Basics Considering the stakes, preventive care is all-important and there are many natural options to guarantee robust oral health. At the natural health store or drugstore, consider the following options:
Toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes reduced plaque 21 percent more and gingivitis 11 percent more after three months compared to manual toothbrushes, reported a review of 56 studies involving 5,068 participants. Those that rotate rather than brush back-and-forth clean slightly better.
are coated with toxic, Teflon-like perfluorinated polymers linked to kidney and testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis and hormonal disruptions. A recent study found higher levels in women using those flosses. Instead, use the old-fashioned nylon kind or try out new flosses made of biodegradable silk or bamboo or those infused with antimicrobial tea tree oil. Or, consider a water flosser, which Canadian researchers found were 29 percent more effective at plaque removal than string floss.
Mouthwash: Mouthwashes containing alcohol significantly raise the risk of throat cancer, Australian researchers found. Instead, opt for super-healthy green tea as a mouthwash, as well as a drink. Studies show that it protects teeth from erosion and promotes healthy gums. Another simple option is warm salt water, using one cup of water and one-half teaspoon of salt. A 2017 study by the Cochrane medical study organization found it is virtually as effective as the prescription antiseptic mouthwash chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque and microbes. Pulling: An ancient Ayurvedic remedy, this involves swishing a spoonful of organic coconut oil around the mouth and through the teeth for 10 to 20 minutes. The oil’s lauric acid, a natural antibacterial, has been found in studies to reduce plaque formation and fungal infections, as well as the strains of bacteria linked to bad breath and irritated gums. Taking care of our teeth and gums is simply worth the daily time and trouble to facilitate long-term health. “Your oral care should be taken just as seriously as watching your diet,” advises Kalasho. Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based natural health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com. October 2019
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W
hen Yale researcher Reid Lifset began working on waste issues on a life cycle basis—from “cradle to grave”—it was mostly the world’s geeks and nerds that paid attention, he says. “Today, it’s called the ‘circular economy’ and it’s sexy. It wasn’t sexy back then.” While many still have never even heard the term, the “circular economy” is all about rethinking the way we make stuff—designing products that can be reused and powering it all with renewable energy. It’s an alternative to the “make-useand-dispose” mentality of the traditional linear economy. “You are the circular economy when you buy pre-owned, second-hand objects, or rent or share the use of objects, or have broken objects repaired instead of buying new ones,” says Walter Stahel, author of The Circular Economy: A User’s Guide and a member of the European Union’s Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. In other words, everyone that buys sustainable goods or services, takes public transport or gets a lawnmower fixed instead of buying a new one is a participant.
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There’s a global movement afoot to expand the circular economy in an effort to significantly cut the waste stream, reduce our carbon footprint and conserve resources. It began with the three R’s—reduce, recycle and reuse, says Lifset, a Research Scholar at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies who edits the Journal of Industrial Ecology, which focuses on the environmental consequences of production and consumption. The emphasis has always been on recycling, but as that becomes more difficult due to saturation levels, the emphasis is shifting to the more comprehensive goals of a circular economy—or should be, says Stahel, an engineering professor at the University of Surrey. Tinia Pina, a program leader at NY Cares, joined the movement after observing the poor food choices her Harlem, New York, students were making and the amount of waste attached to them. She founded Re-Nuble, a small manufacturing operation in New York City, to transform food waste into fertilizer pellets that can be used in hydroponic farming.
“There is a strong need to try to reduce the volume of waste,” Pina says. “There is also a strong need to produce sustainable—and, ideally, chemical-free— food and make it affordable for all.” She hopes to eventually replicate her process for creating fertilizer in other large cities across the country. Leasing is another classic example of how the circular economy might work, Lifset says. “If the entity that made [a product] ends up with it when it becomes waste, that company will handle it differently.” The company can instead design a product so that it remains in the economy instead of becoming part of the waste stream, he notes. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation was established in the UK in 2010 to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. It offers numerous case studies, including a San Francisco effort called Cradle to Cradle Carpets for City Buildings. Last year, the city passed legislation requiring all departments to use carpeting containing no antimicrobials, fluorinated compounds or flame retardants. Both the carpet fibers and backing materials “must contain minimum amounts of recycled materials and ultimately be recyclable at end-of-use.” Most important: It must be Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver or better. The certification is a globally recognized standard for safer, more sustainable products made for the circular economy. Meantime, the European Union has embraced the circular economy as a boon to job creation and a way to significantly address climate change. By shifting to a circular economy, the European growth rate can be increased by an additional 0.6 percent a year and carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 48 percent by 2030, according to a 2017 report by McKinsey & Company. Just how much of the world’s industries must participate to meet these goals is yet to be determined. “That,” Stahel says, “is the billiondollar question.” Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. She can be contacted at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com.
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wise words
Jenny Odell on the Importance of Doing Nothing by Julie Peterson
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photo by Ryan Meyer
J
enny Odell, a visuWhat is the al artist and writer “attention econbased in Oakland, omy” and why California, is known do you believe for her creative use of second-hand imagery it’s important to from Google Maps, resist it? YouTube, Craigslist and The attention economy other online sources. includes anything deHer work has been signed to capture and exhibited locally and direct human atteninternationally, and tion. The entire history was featured in Time of advertising has been LightBox, WIRED, The about exploiting attenEconomist and tion. But the attention The Atlantic. Both social media and economy takes on Odell, who has new dimensions with been teaching internet the cult of productivity something like social art and digital design are seductive, and when media, whose notifiat Stanford University we’re caught up in them, cations, pop-ups and since 2013, says she is we don’t question them. design are aimed at compelled by the ways keeping someone on in which attention a platform…[contributing] to a general (or lack thereof) leads to consequential feeling that one needs to be always on… shifts in perception. Her new book, How participating… available. to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Someone who participates deeply Economy, proposes that we use our in the attention economy is liable to attention to rebel against the seductive be kept in a loop of anxiety, fear and pull of 24/7 availability and manipulation shallow reaction. Ironically, this feeling by algorithms. She tells us that redirecting our atten- drives them back toward the attention economy, creating an unhealthy spiral of tion toward nature allows us to gradually attention that could be more meaningremake our lives and forego the mentality fully directed elsewhere. that tells us that we must have a constant return on investment. True productivity, What inspired you to in the end, may very well be connected rethink conventional wisdom to our role in the environment and our about productivity, progress understanding of happiness, and to make and the mentality that we must those connections, we must put our attention to doing nothing. have a constant return on our
investment—including how we spend our time and where we direct our attention?
Right after the election, in late 2016, a warehouse fire in Oakland claimed the lives of many artists. I became aware of how difficult it was becoming to step away and process anything, not to mention mourn. I found that it was only by stepping away that I was able to ask questions about what it was I really wanted and how I could act meaningfully. Both social media and the cult of productivity are seductive, and when we’re caught up in them, we don’t question them. Understanding anything requires perspective and standing outside of it; productivity is no different. Temporarily ascending to a broader, removed view, you might find that you’re struggling in all the wrong ways, or in the wrong direction.
How is “doing nothing” different from meditation?
It certainly shares some of the same goals. But whereas certain forms of meditation emphasize physical stillness, “doing nothing” for me includes things like wandering and observing.
What is the relationship between our well-being and being unproductive for a part of each day?
When we’re caught up in the idea of productivity, we’re often not
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thinking about our own well-being. And yet, the “unproductive” part of one’s day is likely the one in which you remember to take care of yourself or even listen to the needs of your mind and body at all.
How do we go about challenging the forces that are disconnecting us from nature and each other?
I think the first step is simply a movement of attention. Addictive as social media may be, it is not difficult for me to move my attention from that to what is happening in physical space. Sometimes this leads to meeting other people; I’ve had great conversations with strangers when we were both peering up at the same tree, looking at the same bird.
What do you hope people will take away from the message of your book?
I hope it creates a space in which someone might begin to look at the ways they currently direct their attention and how they might want to change that. I also hope it helps people find each other. Rediscovering one’s bio-region or local history is a great way to meet others who might not exist within your social media bubble. Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin. Reach her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.
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Spinal Solutions Chiropractic Care Yields Unexpected Results
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by Marlaina Donato
hiropractors are often perceived as back pain specialists, but optimal chiropractic care treats the whole person from the inside-out, starting with the nervous system. This means practitioners can address many conditions that transcend typical expectations. The human spinal column sports 31 pairs of nerves, some corresponding directly to digestive, reproductive and respiratory organs, which might explain why regular spinal adjustments and other chiropractic techniques can be helpful for seemingly unrelated conditions like asthma, chronic headaches, hormonal imbalances and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. A scientific review of 179 published papers focusing on various non-musculoskeletal conditions shows benefits of fullbody chiropractic treatment for asthma, infantile colic and cervical vertigo. Results are also promising for middle ear infections in children and pneumonia in seniors. Clinical evidence suggests the nervous system is a cohesive factor in achieving overall wellness. “In chiropractic and
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holistic philosophy, the body is considered a self-healing organism,” explains chiropractic physician and applied kinesiologist Marc Terebelo, of the Chiropractic Wellness Center, in Southfield, Michigan. “The nervous system controls the body, so issues in the toes or fingers may be caused by spinal issues in the neck and low back. Likewise, bladder and menstrual cycle problems can be caused by injury to the low back or pelvic regions.” William J. Lauretti, a New York Chiropractic College professor in Seneca Falls, concurs with the benefits of holistic treatment. “Chiropractors view the body as an integrated unit, and problems in one area might affect a seemingly unrelated area,” he says. “Most chiropractors have a wide variety of treatment approaches to offer, including advice on nutrition, lifestyle, stress management and exercise.”
Chiropractic and Digestion
It’s worth noting that the nerves that innervate important digestive anatomy—from the salivary glands to the stomach down through the intestinal tract—branch off the
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spinal cord at various levels of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. “This means that chiropractic adjustments given to [the] neck, mid-back, lower back and sacrum are important to optimal digestive function,” says chiropractor Sean Cailteux, of Exodus Health, in Shawnee, Kansas. In his practice, Lauretti has observed better digestion as a positive side effect to regular adjustments. “I’ve had a few patients over the years who reported improvement in digestive problems after chiropractic treatment of the mid- and low back. In some of those cases, the improvement was serendipitous, because the patient didn’t discuss their digestive symptoms initially, only after they noticed the improvement.”
Hope for Headaches and TMJ Dysfunction
Chronic tension headaches and migraines can become the norm for too many individuals, but chiropractic care—including spinal adjustments, nutrition advice and addressing emotional causes such as stress and anxiety—can be key in reducing pain and getting to the root of the problem. “Technically, only headaches with a list of very particular characteristics can be properly diagnosed as migraines,” Lauretti explains. “The cause of many cases of chronic, long-term headaches is often from poor function of the muscles and joints in the neck.” These types of headaches often respond well to treatment focused on restoring normal function to the neck, he says. TMJ disorders can cause painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms, including facial and tooth pain and locking of the jaw. Chiropractic treatments often provide reliable relief. “The TMJ is a very important joint in the body, with thousands of neuroreceptors. TMJ involvements can cause headaches, particularly around the ear or side of the head, vertigo, tinnitus and other hearing issues,” says Terebelo. Cailteux notes that aside from experiencing jaw pain and headaches, someone suffering from TMJ disorder may have difficulty chewing, and may experience an audible clicking of the jaw with movement. “Chiropractic adjustments can be particularly helpful, especially when delivered to
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healing ways
the TM joint and the neck. Gentle, softtissue manipulation of the muscles and tendons of the jaw, specifically the masseter, temporalis and pterygoid muscles, is also a highly effective treatment.” For a true holistic approach and lasting success, Lauretti offers this advice: “Look for a doctor who is willing to work
Chiropractors view the body as an integrated unit, and problems in one area might affect a seemingly unrelated area. ~William Lauretti
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~Laura Luciano
Slow Food Takes Root Global Movement on Fast Track by April Thompson
T
he global Slow Food movement is fast gaining momentum, uniting more than 100,000 people in 150 countries with a shared passion for delicious food and a moral conviction about the people and places that sustain it. It satisfies foodies’ hunger for a deeper appreciation and understanding of their meals’ origins, from farm to fork. “The key principles of Slow Food are good, clean and fair,” says Laura Luciano, a board member for Slow Food USA and Slow Food Governor for New York State. “It’s the opposite of fast food, where you are in and out with no idea where your food comes from or the stories behind it.” Fair, says Luciano, means fair to farmers, and paying a fair wage to workers picking and growing food. “Fair also incorporates principles of equity, inclusion and justice. Good means good for the climate, the Earth and us as individuals. Clean means not using GMOs and pesticides in the food,” she explains. Slow Food has its roots in Italy, where food and wine journalist Carlo Petrini took up the cause in 1986 to halt the homogenous fast food chains encroaching on the country’s
rich, diverse food culture. Slow Food USA has taken off since its founding in 2000 with 150 chapters boasting 6,000 members nationwide. Many convene annually at Slow Food Nations, a food festival for all in Denver, to swap stories, share strategies, celebrate victories and of course, break bread together. The backbone of the movement is its local chapters. “Food has a regional identity, connected to history, culture and family,” says Luciano, whose blog Out East Foodie shares the stories of her Long Island edibles. For Bob Quinn, an organic wheat farmer in Big Sandy, Montana, and the founder of the heirloom grain company Kamut International, the Slow Food movement has been a kind of welcome homecoming and acknowledgment of his company’s efforts to protect workers and nourish consumers. “To me, Slow Food is a return to the roots of agriculture and the soul of organic, because it focuses on the food—the end purpose of agriculture—rather than profits and yields that are the focus of the industrial food system,” says Quinn, author of Grain by Grain: A Quest to Revive Ancient Wheat, Rural Jobs, and Healthy Food. “Slow
Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible. 22
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food offers an appreciation for farmers’ efforts to improve the soil and the nutrition, flavor and aroma of the foods we grow.” The Slow Food movement also connects producers like Quinn with chefs like Steven Satterfield, author of Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons and board vice president of Slow Food’s Atlanta chapter. “As a chef, Slow Food to me means honoring your ingredients and going out of your way to get the freshest, most sustainable, seasonal ingredients,” says Satterfield, who came to Slow Food early in his career as a young line cook interested in the provenance of food and protecting its cultural heritage. At Miller Union, Satterfield’s awardwinning Atlanta restaurant, all dishes are made from scratch, mainly from farms in the region, to support seasonal eating and local growing. Satterfield’s dishes also feature traditional Southern varieties from Slow Food’s Ark of Taste, a catalog of more than 200 culturally significant foods in danger of extinction. One Miller Union favorite is a hummus made from sea island red pea and benne seeds, an ancient variety of sesame originally brought by slaves from Africa to the South Carolina coast and cultivated in hidden gardens as a staple food. Beyond engaging diners, chefs and producers, Slow Food also campaigns for big-picture policy changes, like farmto-school programs to introduce fresh produce and get kids excited about healthy eating, says Luciano. “Eating is a political act. The choices we make speak volumes about what we stand for,” says Luciano. “We talk about joy and justice. There is the joy in food and the justice and stories behind it. Slow Food tries to marry both of those worlds.” Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
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We talk about joy and justice. There is the joy in food and the justice and stories behind it. Slow Food tries to marry both of those worlds.
conscious eating
Seven years without a cold?
sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had By Doug Cornell in years.” ore and more people are He asked relatives and friends to try Copper can also stop flu if used early saying they just don’t get it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians colds anymore. he patented CopperZap™ and put it on placed 25 million live flu viruses on They are using a new device made the market. a CopperZap. No viruses were found of pure copper, which scientists say Now tens of thousands of people alive soon after. kills cold and flu have tried it. Nearly Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams viruses. 100% of feedback confirming the discovery. He placed Doug Cornell said the copper millions of disease germs on copper. invented the stops colds if used “They started to die literally as soon as device in 2012. within 3 hours after they touched the surface,” he said. “I haven’t had a the first sign. Even People have used it on cold sores single cold since up to 2 days, if they and say it can completely prevent ugly then,” he says. still get the cold it outbreaks. You can also rub it gently on People were is milder than usual wounds or lesions to combat infections. skeptical but EPA and they feel The handle is New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university better. curved and finely studies demonstrate repeatedly that Users wrote things like, “It textured to improve viruses and bacteria die almost instantly stopped my cold right away,” and “Is contact. It kills germs when touched by copper. it supposed to work that fast?” picked up on fingers That’s why ancient Greeks and “What a wonderful thing,” wrote and hands to protect Egyptians used copper to purify water Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more you and your family. and heal wounds. They didn’t know colds for me!” Copper even about viruses and bacteria, but now we Pat McAllister, age 70, received kills deadly Dr. Bill Keevil: do. one for Christmas and called it “one Copper quickly kills germs that have cold viruses. Scientists say the high conductance of the best presents ever. This little become resistant to of copper disrupts the electrical balance jewel really works.” Now thousands of antibiotics. If you are near sick people, in a microbe cell and destroys the cell users have simply stopped getting colds. a moment of handling it may keep in seconds. People often use CopperZap serious infection away from you and So some hospitals tried copper touch preventively. Frequent flier Karen your loved ones. It may even save a life. surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. Gauci used to get colds after crowded The EPA says copper still works This cut the spread of MRSA and other flights. Though skeptical, she tried it even when tarnished. It kills hundreds illnesses by over half, and saved lives. several times a day on travel days for of different disease germs so it can Colds start after cold viruses get in 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a prevent serious or even fatal illness. your nose, so the vast body of research sniffle!” CopperZap is made in America of gave Cornell an idea. When he next Businesswoman Rosaleen says pure copper. It has a 90-day full money felt a cold about to start, he fashioned when people are sick around her she back guarantee. It is $69.95. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it uses CopperZap morning and night. “It Get $10 off each CopperZap with gently in his nose for 60 seconds. saved me last holidays,” she said. “The code NATA13. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The kids had colds going round and round, Go to www.CopperZap.com or cold never got going.” It worked again but not me.” call toll-free 1-888-411-6114. every time. Some users say it also helps with Buy once, use forever. ADVERTORIAL
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October 2019
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It is nice to see that even dedicated yogis are so open to it. ~Sharon Boustani
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hen 50 to 60 strangers gather in a barn for their first goat yoga experience, it’s a bit awkward and there’s not much interaction—until the goats come in. “It is an immediate icebreaker, and the place suddenly fills with giggles and laughs,” says Sharon Boustani, whose family runs Gilbertsville Farmhouse, in South New Berlin, New York. There is just something about miniature goats walking around on people’s backs while they do yoga that immediately de-stresses people and makes them downright happy, she adds. It may be fun, but it’s also a form of serious therapy that’s taken off across the nation and around the globe in recent years. Yoga by itself is proven to help with stress and pain relief, better breathing, flexibility and cardiovascular health. Add goats to the mix and the benefits are compounded by the well-documented benefits of human and animal interaction.
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A number of studies, like one published in June by the American Educational Research Association, have shown that spending time with animals can lower blood pressure and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Other studies from the fields of psychology, animal welfare, counseling and anthropology note that these interactions offer additional positive health impacts and can reduce loneliness, boost moods and increase feelings of social support. So combining adorable goats with a physically and spiritually beneficial yoga regimen just made sense to Lainey Morse,
People say it’s the best day of their life. It’s something you kind of have to experience to know why it’s so popular. ~April Gould
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by Yvette Hammett
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of Corvallis, Oregon, widely regarded as the mother of goat yoga. In 2015, Morse was diagnosed with a disease and was going through a divorce. “I would go out to my barn or out in the field and just be around my goats,” she says. “I wondered why they didn’t use goats for therapy like they do with horses.” Goats, she says, have a sense of calm. “When you are around them, you take on that energy, and it’s hard to be stressed out and have anxiety. But they are also really funny animals. They make you laugh.” She started with goat happy hour at her farm, inviting friends she knew were going through issues of their own. “Everybody left happy,” she recalls. When she discussed it with a yogi friend, goat yoga was born. Morse now has 13 partnerships around the country where others teach the classes and she handles the business end. “For me, it’s still about nature and getting out in nature.” Morse says she’s not quite sure why it took off like lightning, but she guesses it’s just because many people love the interaction. April Gould and Sarah Williams run their Arizona Goat Yoga classes at the Welcome Home Ranch, in Gilbert, Arizona. It is now a major tourist destination for the state. “Three to four times a week, we walk about 150 people out into one of the pastures,” Gould says. A lot of visitors from out of state return every time they’re in the area, she adds. And many Ari-
zona residents come once, and then bring back friends and family. “People say it’s the best day of their life. It’s something you kind of have to experience to know why it’s so popular,” says Gould. Those that are more experienced can make it as difficult as they want. “And some people just want to play with the goats.” For Bisk Education, an eLearning company based in Tampa, bringing goat yoga to its campus was a way to inspire and de-stress employees. “There is a way to integrate wellness into your corporate programs that makes you a differentiator,” says Chief People Officer Misty Brown. “When it comes to a perk, I want to make sure those investments are memorable. It gives Bisk the reputation as more of a progressive culture.” Boustani calls it an escape experience. “That’s primarily what it is. Yoga in general is kind of geared toward letting go of your everyday worries and trying to come to some peaceful or therapeutic state.” Introducing something so lighthearted to something that many people take so seriously, like yoga, is interesting to watch, Boustani says. “It is nice to see that even dedicated yogis are so open to it.” Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. She can be contacted at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com.
It’s a blessing to have lots of interests and friends. Stay curious to where you are in life and what the world has to offer. October 2019
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The Art of the Nap Unplugging From Life Without Apology by Marlaina Donato
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hildren, four-legged family members, Thanksgiving overeaters and the occasional squirrel on a branch have mastered an art that eludes most of us, and they engage in it without a shred of guilt. Defying our cultural habit of constantly being on the go and embracing the respite can be an active meditation, an invitation to cultivate uncommon stillness. Answering the siren’s call of a nap might very well be one of the most beneficial acts
of self-care we can give ourselves. Both body and psyche crave chill-out times for good reasons. Using study subjects ranging from NASA pilots to emergency room staff, curling up for a 20- to 30-minute siesta has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure, boost immunity, improve motor skills and enhance job performance and creativity. Power naps—the short-but-sweet kind—give us the opportunity to nourish the most neglected part of life, the inner life.
Rest-fueled “me-time” can be a daily ritual punctuated with both practical and aesthetic inspiration. Choosing a spot drenched in inviting natural light or close-curtained tranquility and reserving a favored pillow, chair or luxurious coverlet can usher in blissful time-out. Adding the presence of aromatherapeutic essential oils like lavender, Roman chamomile or tangerine or a vase of simple fresh flowers can signal the ever-diligent sympathetic nervous system to cut back on overtime. Dropping down into unhurriedness like an anchor into port can prompt deeper and longer breaths and offer us the shameless chance to invest in quality daydreaming. Playing recorded sounds from nature—ocean waves, soft rain or gentle wind in the trees—can set the stage for a satisfying nap. Inviting the resident cat or pooch for a sleep-spell can also effect release of beneficial endorphins. Scheduling a nap into the day like any other appointment not only ensures follow-through, but presents a succulent slice of something to look forward to. Putting the computer on sleep mode and turning off the phone signals the brain that it’s time to recharge. Social media interaction and phone chats can wait. The pursuit of wellbeing does not need explanation, apology or, most of all, guilt. Pleasant dreams. Marlaina Donato is the author of several books. She is also a composer of healing and inspiring music. Connect with her at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
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West Michigan Edition
by Ronica O’Hara
hen I feel like I really want to get angry and yell, I sometimes, like, take deep breaths. My brain slows down and I feel more calm and I’m ready to speak to that person.” Those self-aware words come from a 5-year-old Los Angeles girl in the film Just Breathe. A 9-year-old boy in a tough British neighborhood forgets about “all the scary stuff ” when he does “petal breathing”—opening and closing his fingers in time with his breath. “If I concentrate on my breathing, the worrying thoughts just go ‘pop’ and disappear,” he confided to The Guardian newspaper. This is the effect that mindfulness training in the classroom often has on students, and it’s key to why it’s happening all over the world—not just in the U.S. and the UK, but in more than 100 countries, including Australia, Taiwan and India. What started a few decades ago as a small experiment in progressive schools is rapidly gathering speed as emerging research documents the strong positive effects of mindfulness on developing brains.
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A 2015 meta-review from researchers at the University of Melbourne, in Australia, which evaluated 15 studies in six countries involving 1,800 students, showed three broad outcomes: higher well-being, better social skills and greater academic achievement. They were more optimistic, self-accepting and happier, more likely to help others, more able to focus on lessons and be creative, and less likely to be angry, anxious or disobedient. “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally,” is how it’s described by Jon Kabat-Zinn, whose pioneering research at Harvard in the 1980s helped kick off mindfulness as a scientifically based, nonsectarian approach to a calmer, clearer mind. It has spread since then into business, health care and professional sports, as well as schools: Googling “mindfulness in education” brings up 116 million links. “Mindfulness offers children the skills they need today to meet the age-old challenges of growing up within the new
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healthy kids
NOVEMBER
context of social media and often abMindfulness offers children the skills peace. “Because everyone has distracsurdly high expectations,” says holistic they need today to meet the age-old tions and strong emotions, learning to doctor Amy Saltzman, co-founder and observe these inner experiences with challenges of growing up within the curiosity and openness is an impordirector of the Association for Mindnew context of social media and often tant part of all children’s education,” fulness in Education. Mindfulness is now being taught in urban, suburban says psychologist Patricia Broderick, absurdly high expectations. and rural schools in 50 states. Such Ph.D., founder of Learning2Breathe, a ~Amy Saltzman programs can be low- or no-cost, mindfulness curriculum for junior and structured in many ways, taught any senior high school students. time and conducted without special equipment—important for Schools sometimes use parental consent forms to counter cash- and time-strapped schools. concerns about any potential religious implications. Often, a As a grassroots movement, mindfulness programs run school’s program expands organically as one impassioned teacher the gamut. Hundreds of schools and districts nationwide have draws in others. “The one single factor that determines a proincorporated into curricula such evidence-proven mindfulness gram’s effectiveness is the depth and consistency of personal programs as those developed by MindfulSchools.org, Learning practice of those teaching it,” says Saltzman. In fact, a University 2Breathe.org and MindUp.org, which often involve teacher trainof Wisconsin 2013 study found that teachers that practiced a ing and structured lessons. guided meditation 15 minutes a day for eight weeks had less anxi Sometimes mindfulness is simply a grade school teacher ety, stress and burnout during the school year; those conditions ringing a bell signaling five minutes of silence, giving children worsened in the control group. something to focus on with closed eyes: a sound, a bite of fruit, In Middleton, Wisconsin, high school counselor Gust a stuffed animal. A middle school teacher may use a five-minute Athanas has watched as mindfulness exercises have made students guided app meditation from Calm or Headspace to settle down calmer, kinder, more focused and feel closer to each other and to students after lunch. Some schools offer moments of silence teachers: “A number of students have told me it’s the part of the during the day, a quiet room to go to or an optional class school day they look forward to the most!” in mindfulness. Others find that teaching mindfulness during “detention” has Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based natural health writer. Connect a soothing effect, offering oft-traumatized kids a rare feeling of at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.
MINDFUL AIDS
g l a m p in g a c c om m od at ion s aVa il ab le
Mindfulness-building tools: Tinyurl.com/MindfulnessEducation Techniques, Tinyurl.com/ClassroomMindfulnessTools. “Just Breathe”: Four-minute video, shown on Oprah, of 5-yearolds discussing mindfulness. Tinyurl.com/JustBreatheFilm.
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Mindful help for parents: Tinyurl.com/KindergartenersAnd Mindfulness. Calm, a meditation app, offers guided mindfulness exercises and is offered free to any K-12 teacher. Calm.com/schools. Headspace, another popular mindfulness app, is also offered free to teachers, and sometimes works directly with school districts. Headspace.com/educators.
W ed d i ng s | Ev ent s | Ret r e a ts a u n iqu e a n d ru s t ic s et t in g d ef i ned by n at u r a l s p l e n d or gather the people you love most and make a relaxed and unforgettable dream come true. Come to Paint Rock Farm.
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No-Kill Initiative
~Emily Bach
Paws to Consider Best Friends Waiting for Homes
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by Julie Peterson
ade Breunig, of Buckeye, Arizona, had lost his marriage, his job and his house. To combat depression, he went to the local animal shelter to adopt the first cat that “talked” to him. As if on cue, a 2-year-old black cat yowled persistently. During the adoption, Breunig learned that “Bubba” had been scheduled to be euthanized. He was saving a life. Fourteen years later, Bubba died, and Breunig knew he would miss the mischievous, playful companion that loved car rides more than most dogs. Crying, but surrounded by his second wife and kids, he realized, “I didn’t save Bubba’s life. He saved mine.”
Anyone looking to lower blood pressure, ease anxiety or secure companionship can find it all at their local shelter, where homeless dogs and cats are eager to oblige. Emily Bach, public relations and event coordinator at Bishop Animal Shelter, in Bradenton, Florida, has many inspiring stories about adopted shelter animals. “They are often the most devoted pets because they know they’ve been rescued,” she says.
Devoted and Practical
The benefits of the human/animal bond are manifold, supported by an army of studies that speak to pets’ ability to reduce stress, improve mood and even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research into animal-assisted therapy compiled by the University of California, Los Angeles, details the positive mental, emotional and physical effects of this natural modality. 30
West Michigan Edition
Meet Your Match Best Friends Animal Society has a quiz called Paws Like Me (BestFriends.PawsLikeMe.com) to match people with adoptable animals. Shelter workers can also help families select appropriate pets.
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Shelters share success stories of animals that get a “forever home”. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands don’t and are euthanized. Best Friends Animal Society, in Kanab, Utah, is working to change this. By partnering with animal welfare organizations and shelters, Best Friends has a goal to “Save Them All” through an initiative to make all of the nation’s shelters “nokill” by 2025—which means 90 percent of shelter animals might be saved. Euthanasia will be reserved for failed rehabilitation or when an animal has no chance of recovery from an illness or injury. In 1984, when Best Friends was founded, about 17 million animals died in U.S. shelters annually. As of August 2019, that number is down to 733,000, a nationwide save rate of 76.6 percent. Historically, no detailed data was kept on shelters. “For decades, we have worked in the dark to end shelter killing because we lacked accurate information about the problem we were trying to solve,” says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends. The organization recently launched the community lifesaving dashboard (BestFriends.org/2025-goal), a database that anyone can access to help save shelter pets. “With a better understanding of where the trouble spots are and the profile of animals being killed in a community, we can better deploy our collective resources for the greatest lifesaving impact.” Part of the success of the no-kill movement involves increased awareness that kindness toward all species is important. Bach points out that shelter animals are also the lower-cost option for people that want pets; most are vaccinated and neutered before they are adopted out and are often already trained.
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They are often the most devoted pets because they know they’ve been rescued.
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The outdated myth that shelter pets are incorrigible, unlovable animals with behavioral issues no longer holds. Family circumstances—a change of job or residence, death, divorce or illness—can land a confused and well-loved dog or cat in a shelter. Others become accidental strays or are unceremoniously dumped by uncaring owners. Bishop, a no-kill shelter, places about 100 pets every month, showcasing them on social media, news outlets and at outreach events.
natural pet
Getting Ready to Adopt
Before jumping in to help save them all by adopting, potential pet parents should research breeds, crunch numbers and think ahead. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests considering several issues:
Lifestyle: Dogs live 10 to 15 years, cats up to 20. Pets should fit the family now and in the future.
Money: Pets require training, food, toys, equipment, medical exams and treatment.
Breeds: Not all dogs and cats will be a good match for every home. Personality is key.
Safety: Pet-proofing a home includes removing potential dangers
and preventing accidental escape through windows, doors or fences. Not everyone can adopt, but anyone can help. Shelters accept donations and most have a wish list of items. Volunteers are a core need at shelters, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work that can quench the thirst for spending time with animals without adopting any of them. Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin. Contact her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.
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October 2019
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save the date Save The Date Events Must be submitted online each month at NaturalWestMichigan.com. Events priced $80 or more require a corresponding display ad. There is a $40 charge per listing, up to 50 words. Current advertisers, distribution sites or nonprofits, use this listing in place of your two free listings.
mark your calendar FRIDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1-3 Shamama Creativity Retreat – Longing for an inspirational, peaceful retreat that will ignite your soul? We invite you to a weekend long Shamama experience where you will find your authentic voice, tap into your creative source, listen to your inner wisdom, and unleash your power. Creativity Coach, Michele Lussky, will lead us in the inner guidance work of intuitive collaging, shamanic journey walks, breathwork meditation, shadow writing, sacred burning and gentle yoga. Betsie Lodge, Thompsonville. ShamamaGroup.com.
mark your calendar FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1st & 15th Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – 10amNoon. These two workshops are an introduction to Kundalini Yoga for beginners and students who want to understand the powerful technology and health benefits of this mind, body & spirit practice. Individual workshop fee $25. Both workshops $40. Space is limited. Please reserve your spot ahead of time. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225.
mark your calendar SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Body Peace Breathwork Healing – 6-7:30pm. With Sam Kalawart. This is an active meditation using a specific 2-part breathing pattern to connect to your body and vitality, open up space for stagnant old energy and emotions to flow freely, and expand your heart. This is a self-healing practice that facilitates gentle releases of trapped emotions & renews you both mentally+physically. Cost $33.00. Pre-Reg & Pre-Pay Req. 208 W 18th St., Holland. 616-392-7580 or MIbodhitree.com for more info and to sign up.
mark your calendar SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Herbal Medicine Seminar – 10am-Noon. Save the date for a five-hour seminar on herbal medicine. We’ll discuss the difference between herbal medicine and conventional medicine, the history of herbology, herbal science and research, herbs for different body systems and concerns and more. $49, ticket includes swag bag. Space is limited. Please reserve your spot ahead of time. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225.
mark your calendar SATURDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2-3 Healing Body, Mind & Spirit Expo – 3rd Annual Holistic Expo, Professional Healers, Mediums, Intuitives & so much more. Free lectures, speakers & prizes included w/admission $10 daily, (12 & under free). Deltaplex, 2500 Turner Ave NW, Grand Rapids. View exhibitors HealingBodyandSpirit.com. 32
West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com
calendar of events ALL MONTH LONG
Lakeshore Wellness Practitioners – Looking to connect, collaborate and develop relationships with other holistic health providers? This includes anyone who specializes wellness, natural healing or integrative approaches. Meetings will be held monthly. Holland. Info: Amanda@StillGrooving.com. Meetup. com/Wellness-Practioners-on-the-Lakeshore. BVI School of Ayurveda Accepting Applications: Ayurvedic Consultant Certificate Program. Webinar and On-Site Courses, one weekend a month. State Licensed. NAMA Member. The Sambodh Society, Inc. 6363 N. 24th St., Kalamazoo. Info and Catalog: AyurvedaMichigan.org or 269-381-4946.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
Chair/Restorative Yoga at PrivaMD – 6:307:30pm. Improve flexibility, concentration and mood while reducing joint strain. Chair/Restorative yoga provides you with a full body workout while being mindful and safe. $15/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/events/think or call 616-213-0253. Hemp/CBD Oil 101 – 6:30-8pm. Join Cannabis Consultant, Rebecca Stephens, as she discusses the history of hemp, what is our Endocannabinoid System, what is the differences between cannabis, marijuana and hemp/CBD, how can you use hemp/CBD oil, where should you purchase hemp/CBD oil from and why, and what are some of the benefits of cannabis/ hemp/CBD for our overall health and well-being? There will be time for discussion and questions. $15. Simio Health and Wellness, 730 Chicago Dr, Holland. RSVP to Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com or call 616510-6525 for more info.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
VinYin Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Vinyasa yoga infused with Yin yoga, what more could your body want at the end of a busy workday? The beginning of class will build heat in the muscles through an all level vinyasa flow. The rest of the class will be passively
calendar of events
House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225.
held floor poses. These poses activate and lengthen the connective tissues in the body, while relaxing the muscles that are attached to them. $15/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/events/think or call 616-213-0253. CBD: More than just pain relief – 6pm. With Dr Weesies. The Gleason Center, 19084 North Fruitport Rd, Spring Lake.
Think: Functional Medicine Stems Curriculum – 6:30-7:30pm. Is stress causing health concerns or are health concerns causing stress? You have the power to choose how stress impacts your health and well-being. In this Think Class, Dee Kohley, RPh + Health Coach will explore the stages of stress and how it affects your body. $20/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/events/ think or call 616-213-0253.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
Seeing Red Workshop – 6-8pm. With consistently busy schedules it’s easy to get away from a rhythm that works for your life. In this 2-hour workshop Brooke Montel will guide you through understanding your Root Chakra energy center, which is the starting point for building a stable foundation. Rebecca Thomas will show you different ways to tap into your personal power so that you can live your life with confidence and be empowered to achieve your goals. $30. Must register by October 2. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225. Gentle Yoga – 7-8pm. Enjoy 60 minutes of gentle movements and stretching with Kari Jo of Holy Ground Yoga Fit. We will slowly build heat within our bodies to enable us to safely get deeper into stretches, increasing range of motion in our joints and overall flexibility. This practice is for all levels. $15/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/ events/think or call 616-213-0253.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
Gong Sound Bath Boundaries – 7-8:30pm. Join Holly for a deeply relaxing full hour gong meditation. Let the sounds and vibrations lull you into a relaxed meditative state for a truly blissful experience. Refreshments and crystals for each attendee. Come as you are. Please bring a yoga mat or cushion to lay on, a comfy pillow and a friend or two. $30 pre-registration or $40 day of event. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St, Holland. 616-392-7580 or MIBodhiTree.com.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7
Hemp/CBD Oil 101 – 6:30-8pm. Join Cannabis Consultant, Rebecca Stephens, as she discusses the history of hemp, what is our Endocannabinoid System, what is the differences between cannabis, marijuana and hemp/CBD, how can you use hemp/CBD oil, where should you purchase hemp/CBD oil from and why, and what are some of the benefits of cannabis/ hemp/CBD for our overall health and well-being? There will be time for discussion and questions. $15. Simio Health and Wellness, 730 Chicago Dr, Holland. RSVP to Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com or call 616510-6525 for more info.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8
Get to Know Your Gut: Natural Health 101 – 10-11am or 6-7pm. The health of our gut can affect almost every aspect of our bodies such as immunity, respiratory function, glandular health, neurological health, our cardiovascular system, and so much more. Join us in this class to learn the profound effect the gut has on our physical, mental, and emotional health and what herbs and supplements may greatly benefit the healing process. $10. Register in advance, usually space for walk-ins. The Remedy
Loving-Kindness Meditation: How it Can Heal What Ails Us – 9am-Noon. The loving- kindness meditation is based on metta, the Pali term for unconditional friendliness, or loving-kindness, and is a form of blessing/meditation practice. It is sourced in the Buddhist tradition, yet versions of it are found in many spiritual traditions. Presenter: Jan Lundy, DMin. $45, includes continental breakfast. Dominican Center at Marywood, Rm 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids. Register and info at DominicanCenter.com. VinYin Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Vinyasa yoga infused with Yin yoga, what more could your body want at the end of a busy work day? The beginning of class will build heat in the muscles through an all level vinyasa flow. The rest of the class will be passively held floor poses. These poses activate and lengthen the connective tissues in the body, while relaxing the muscles that are attached to them. $15/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/events/think or call 616-213-0253.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
Son Salutation A: Beginner-Advanced Yoga – 7-8pm. Join Kari Jo of Holy Ground Yoga Fit to explore worshiping Jesus, the Son, through a series of postures linked with the breath in this 60-minute class. Beginning with the simple postures of Son Salutation A, we will add variations and modifications until we’ve worked up a sweat. To close our practice, we will enjoy a thoughtful time in final relaxation pose (savasana), leaving the class refreshed and renewed by His presence. All levels are welcome, many modifications are given, but be prepared for a challenge. $15/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/events/think or call 616-213-0253.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
Full Moon Women’s Circle – 7-9pm – Megan Lendman will guide a circle of women through meditation, story, and song. This is a space for sister support and expression. All women are welcome. Limited capacity of 12. Sliding scale donations of $10-35. Must RSVP by October 10. The Remedy House 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Laughter Yoga – 9-10am – Are you someone who wants to bring more laughter and joy into your life? Laughter yoga is simple and profound and is a complete well-being workout. Join us every other Saturday as we workout through laughter. Class fee of $10. Register in advance. The Remedy House 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225.
Social Justice Begins with Me: A Book Club for Kids – 10:30am. Children ages 4-11 can explore social justice topics that impact their daily lives through children’s literature. GVSU, GRPL and community volunteers a will read children’s books on that month’s social justice topic (e.g. celebrating diversity, gender, equity, disability). After the book readings, we discuss the month’s social justice topic in small groups and enjoy a snack and themed craft activity. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
God’s Gift, The Creative Imagination by Eckankar – 10-11am. Discover yourself as Soul - eternal, creative, and sacred at this monthly ECK Light and Sound Service. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Rm 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14
Community Yoni Steam – 6-8pm. Join Becky Haderer for an informative discussion about the amazing benefits of Yoni Steaming. Also called Vaginal Steaming, V-Steam or Bajos, all woman can benefit from this ancient healing ritual, but it is especially healing if you have period cramps, brown blood, clots, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, are healing postpartum, have bladder, yeast or vaginal infections. We will be steaming together but no one will see your Yoni and you are not required to steam if you just want more info. Intake forms will be completed onsite to confirm no contraindications before steaming. $20. Register in advance, space for walk-ins. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
Chair/Restorative Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Improve flexibility, concentration and mood while reducing joint strain. Chair/Restorative yoga provides you with a full body workout while being mindful and safe. $15/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/events/think or call 616-213-0253. Hemp/CBD Oil 101 – 6:30-8pm. Join Cannabis Consultant, Rebecca Stephens, as she discusses the history of hemp, what is our Endocannabinoid System, what is the differences between cannabis, marijuana and hemp/CBD, how can you use hemp/CBD oil, where should you purchase hemp/ CBD oil from and why, and what are some of the benefits of cannabis/hemp/CBD for our overall health and well-being? There will be time for discussion and questions. $15. Simio Health and Wellness, 730 Chicago Dr, Holland. RSVP to Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com or call 616-5106525 for more info.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
Creative Transformation: Creativity and Nature – 6:30-8:30pm. During a contemplative walk, take time to notice what calls out to you and consider all that nature has to teach us. You will then be guided through a creative process that will integrate nature and creativity to promote grounding, introspection, and personal growth. $35. Dominican Center, 2025 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids. Register or more information DominicanCenter.com. Sound of Soul by Eckankar – 7-8pm. Experience chanting HU (inward or aloud) a charged name for God that can spiritually uplift the people of any religion. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Rm 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
5G and EMF Protection with Orgonite – 7-8:30pm. Come and empower your life in this informational presentation about how to protect yourself from harmful 5G and EMF technologies with orgonite. Gary Fields is the founder of Orgone Energy Fields and has 27 years of experience in the field of environmental science and engineering as a chemist. He is uniquely qualified with an extremely diverse background and is on his spiritual path into advancing the technology of orgonite. $20. Register in advance. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225. Total Body Yoga – 7-8pm. This class will challenge your original concept of what yoga might look like. Join Kari Jo of Holy Ground Yoga Fit for a 60-minute, complete body workout as we use the basis of yoga postures to build strength in all areas. You will be challenged in body, mind, and strength but will barely notice as you are encouraged through Scripture and uplifting music. This class is quick paced and fun. All levels are welcome. $15/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/events/think or call 616-213-0253.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
Inspire. Event Topic: Anger – 10am-1pm. Free. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: 616-414-9111 or online at MomentumCenterGH.org Access Energetic Facelift® Certification Class/ Workshop – 10am-5:30pm. Working with the energies that you and your body have access to through a gently soothing touch to your face, neck, head and body, the Access Facelift® works with your body’s cells and energy to restore, enliven and rejuvenate. After one class you will receive a certification and considered an Access Facelift® Practitioner. Class includes manual, facelift charts, facilitation, clearings, certification and more. 1st time class fee $300, repeat class fee $150. Simio, 730 Chicago Dr, Holland. Register online at LFEnergetics.com or contact Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com for more info. DIY Book Planters – 1pm. Create a planter out of a book. This ingenious craft will be a fantastic conversation piece for your home or the perfect gift for a loved one. All supplies will be provided, including one succulent per person. Space is limited. Free. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St, NE, Grand Rapids.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21
Access Bars® Practitioner Certification Class/ Workshop – 10am-6:30pm. Access Bars® is a gentle hands-on technique that quiets the mind and allows for the energetic imprinting of what is no longer serving you to dissipate. Clearing out the old files and programs, deleting the energetic charges that may have been left behind, and allowing you space to create and live a more peaceful life. Class includes manual, head charts, facilitation, clearings, certification and more. 1st time class price - $350; Repeat class price - $175. Simio, 730 Chicago Dr, Holland. Register online at LFEnergetics.com or contact Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com for more info.
Reiki Share – 10am-Noon & 6-8pm. Come check out what reiki is all about, and have a mini session done. Open to those that know reiki and those that don’t. Sliding scale donations of $10-35. Register in advance, call ahead day of to find out if there is space for walk-ins. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse. org. 616-443-4225.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22
Eat: Functional Medicine Stems Curriculum – 6:30-7:30pm. Has processed foods and fad diets led you down a path to inflammation and chronic illness? Let Dee Kohley, RPh + Health Coach get you back on the road to good health by eating real food and making simple changes. Plus, jump-start healthy eating with meal ideas that are easy to make and help kick inflammation and chronic illness to the curb. $20/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/events/eat or call 616-213-0253.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
Reclaim Your Brain: Strategies for Preventing and Reversing Neurodegeneration – 6:30-7:30pm. Adam Strantz, PA-C will uncover the mechanisms and lifestyle factors involved in neurodegeneration and provide strategies to maintain a healthy brain and reverse cognitive decline. Everyone who attends this class will receive materials on general dietary and lifestyle strategies for maintaining a healthy brain, recommendations on brain health supplements and a 15% discount on the Living Matrix to start the process of a more in-depth evaluation. $20/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD. org/events/reclaimyourbrain or call 616-213-0253.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
Cardio Strength Fitness – 7-8pm. Join Kari Jo of Holy Ground Yoga Fit for this exciting cardio, strength and fitness class. You’ll experience joy and freedom as we worship and move our bodies to some fun music and build strength with body-weight exercises (no weights, just the natural weight of your own body). A few extra minutes of intentional stretching will round out this 60-minute class. $15/ person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/ events/think or call 616-213-0253. Dinner and Movie Night – 6pm. Monster Calls. Free. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: 616-414-9111 or online at MomentumCenterGH.org
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Restorative Yoga Teacher Training – Oct 25-27. This Restorative Yoga Teacher Training is a weekend long program that draws upon subtle energy awareness and experience to bring each student into a layer of balance. This training is designed for new and experienced yoga instructors, as well as students who have a sincere interest in deepening their understanding behind the mechanics of restorative yoga. $399. Space is limited to 14 people max for this training. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio,
~Mark Twain West Michigan Edition
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Craft Fair – 9am-5pm. Crafters with handmade jewelry, baby clothes, knick-knacks, decorative items, soaps and bath accessories. Your pre-season gift and shopping bazaar. Lunch available for purchase. Free. 2052 Bourdon St, Muskegon. Call 231-759-7356 for more info. Psychology of Chakras – 10:30-12:30pm. Join Andrea Sulak, a local chakra-based Psychotherapist, to learn about the relationship between trauma, psychological wellbeing and your chakra system. In the introductory class, The Psychology of Chakras, she’ll teach you about: The different developmental stages of each chakra, which childhood trauma events/issues can cause imbalances in your chakra system, how to identify when your chakras are out of balance, and a guided meditation and seed mantra chanting. $15. Space is limited. Reserve your spot ahead of time. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29
Chair/Restorative Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Improve flexibility, concentration and mood while reducing joint strain. Chair/Restorative yoga provides you with a full body workout while being mindful and safe. $15/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven. For more info & tickets, visit PrivaMD.org/events/think or call 616-213-0253.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
Día de los Muertos: Honoring Day of the Dead – Oct 30-Nov 3. Come celebrate Día de los Muertos. This is a time of celebration and joy, filled with talk and memories of those who have died. Altars from members of the community honoring family and friends will be on display. Every altar is unique and together they create a fascinating portrait of what citizens of Grand Rapids hold close to them. Free and open to the public. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St, NE, Grand Rapids. Keto Clinic – 6pm. Keto cooking and intermittent fasting has many benefits to the body and mind. Learn how in this class. $10. The Gleason Center, 19084 North Fruitport Rd, Spring Lake.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. 34
208 W 18th St, Holland. Visit MIBodhiTree.com or call 616-392-7580 for info.
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Sadly, it’s much easier to create a desert than a forest. ~James Lovelock
on going events
Center Annex, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: MomentumCenterGH.org.
NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email NAcalendar@NaturalAwakenings.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit NaturalWestMichigan.com/submit-calendar-events/ to submit online.
Chair Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. Chair Yoga uses a chair for greater support and stability. With an emphasis on breath, alignment, and moving at one’s own pace, Chair Yoga brings simplicity to the practice and easeful connection with the healing and restorative benefits yoga offers. This class it taught by Kathy Julien. $10 per session. 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Register: dominicancenter. com, 616-514-3325.
SUNDAY Yoga Class – 4pm. This is an all levels class taught by various instructors throughout the year. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St, Holland. Visit MIBodhiTree.com or call 616-392-7580 for info. Narcotics Anonymous: Just for Today – 9-10am. Free. Momentum Center Annex, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Call Jessica for more info: 616-632-4775. Student Hot Yoga Night – 7:30-8:45pm. Come for a traditional HOT yoga class, discounted for students! Sign up in advance or just drop-in. Open to non-students as well, but additional pricing options apply. $5 with student ID. 6189 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale. Info: HeartsJourneyWellness.com. Meditation-Self Realization Fellowship – 1011am. Every Sunday we gather to meditate, chant, & explore the wisdom of the Hindu/Yoga tradition as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda. Free will offering. Marywood Center 2025 Fulton, Grand Rapids. Info: Fred Stella 616-451-8041, GrandRapids.srf@gmail. com, GRSRF.org Sunday Worship and Youth Services – 10:30am. A warm and inviting New Thought Spiritual Community, inclusive and accepting of all, honoring diversity, for those seeking spiritual truth. Unity of Grand Rapids, 1711 Walker Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Info: UnityGRoffice@gmail.com or 616-453-9909. Celebration Services – 10:30am. Join us each Sunday for our Sunday Celebration Service. Unity is a positive, peaceful path for spiritual living. We offer spiritual teachings and programs that empower a life of meaning, purpose, and abundance in all good things. We seek to discover the “universal” spiritual truths that apply to all religions. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: office@Unitycsg.org or 616-682-7812. Spirit Space Sunday Worship – 10:30am. An interfaith, non-denominational gathering place for worship and spiritual enrichment. Join for inspiring messages called Reasoning’s. Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck. Info: 616-836-1555 or Spirit-Space.org
Yoga & Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St, Holland. Info: MiBodhiTree.com, 616-392-7580. Qigong and TaiChi Easy Class – 10:15-11:15am. Qigong and Tai Chi Easy™ are moving meditations which use slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to strengthen the mind-body connection, reduce stress and improve circulation thereby enhancing overall health. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St, Holland. Info: MIbodhitree.com, 616-392-7580. Support Group: for Loss of Loved One Due to Addiction – 6-7:30pm. First Monday of every month. This support group is for those who have lost a loved one due to addiction, including, but not limited to death due to drug overdose, addiction-related disease, and suicide. Free. The Momentum Center Annex, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: MomentumCenterGH.org, 616-632-4775. Restorative Yoga – 6:15-7:30pm. This class offers participants time for themselves to relax and unwind in a peaceful environment. Props support restorative poses, giving the body and mind time to fully sink into relaxation. $10 cash drop in, $12 with card. 6189 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale. Info: HeartsJourneyWellness.com. 3rd Monday Support Group – 7-8:30pm. This support group is available for parents, guardians and caregivers of teenagers and pre-teens facilitated by Nicki Kubec, LMSW. Free. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: 616-414-9111. A practice of A Course in Miracles – 7-8:30pm. Learn miracle-mindedness. Got joy? This is how to have it. Hint: You already do. All are welcome. Free. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-458-5095.
TUESDAY 3 Principles of the Path to Enlightenment – 7-8:30pm. Based on a text by 14th century master and founder of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism, Je Tsong Khapa, this course explores the spiritual determination to be free, unlimited compassion and the nature of reality. Free. The People’s Church, 1758 N. 10th St, Kalamazoo.
MONDAY
Trauma Informed Yoga – 6-7pm. Through August 27. Discover the power of GRIT (Grounding, Restoration, Identity and Transformation) the empowering and foundational 6-week system for healing through trauma-sensitive yoga. This model invites you to explore the relationship with yourself through grounding, restoration, identity formation, and transformation as we change the narrative of our lives. $10/session. 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Register/Info: DominicanCenter.com.
Restorative Yoga – 6:45-8pm. All levels are welcome and encouraged to come learn gentle yet powerful poses for the body, mind and spirit. Through these postures one will be seeking and finding balance. This balance will recharge, refresh and rejuvenate. Restorative Yoga is an antidote to stress. Bodhi Tree
Peer Support Group: for Parents of Children with Disabilities – 7-8:30pm. Third Tuesday of every month. Led by Laura Marcus-Nolan, these meeting are an opportunity to share stories and discover resources with other parents of children with developmental disabilities. Free. Momentum
Sunday Series – 6pm. Explore spirituality, universal truths, self-mastery and balanced, positive, loving and joyful living with The Coptic Center and their ongoing offering of enlightening ministers, teachers and guest presenters. Love offering. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr, Grand Rapids. Info: TheCopticCenter.org
Nourishing the Lakeshore – 7pm. Meetings the second Tuesday of each month. Open to the Public! Formed to provide education on the health enriching benefits of traditional diets, to increase access to clean, nutrient dense foods, and to teach traditional preparation and storage methods. Nourishing the Lakeshore of West Michigan is a chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation serving Ottawa, Muskegon, and Oceana counties. The main purpose is to act as a resource for local, clean, nutrient dense food. We also provide informational meetings on health related topics, often those which are politically incorrect. Nourishing the Lakeshore respects that everyone is at a different point on the path to better eating. Our goal is to educate and enrich the wellness of our community. Location: The Century Club on Western Ave, Muskegon. Info:Meetup.com/Nourishing-the-Lakeshore-of-WestMichigan-Weston-A-Price A Course in Miracles – 9:30-11am. A complete self-study spiritual thought system. It teaches that the way to universal peace is by undoing guilt through forgiving others. The Course focuses on the healing of relationships and making them holy. It expresses a non-sectarian, non-denominational spirituality. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: Unitycsg.org. 616-682-7812. $20 off BioMeridian Assessments – Food allergies, environmental allergies, organ function and real food menus and shopping lists for families that are healthy and kid-approved. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176. IntegrativeNutritionalTherapies.com.
WEDNESDAY Chakra Based Power Vinyasa – 10-11am. Each class will focus on one of the seven main Chakras (energy centers/endocrine glands) located in your body. This is a small class of only seven students max which will create an intimate environment for you to focus on your needs and which will allow you to receive more personalized instruction for deeper growth. Individual Class Fee $15. 7-Class Package $99. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225. Chakra Based Slow Flow Vinyasa – 6:30-7:30pm. Each class will focus on one of the seven main Chakras (energy centers/endocrine glands) located in your body. This is a small class of only seven students max which will create an intimate environment for you to focus on your needs and which will allow you to receive more personalized instruction for deeper growth. Individual class fee $15. 7-class package $99. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225. Chakradance™: 7 Keys to Freedom – 6:308:30pm. Oct 30 – Dec 11. 7-week course. Participants are brought back into balance and experience wellbeing through guided meditation, mandala work and the Chakradance™ itself. It is a healing movement
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practice for the chakras, body and the soul. No dance or meditation experience needed. $120 early bird if paid by Oct 1st or $140 thereafter. The Wellness Collective, 1324 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids. Register at SacredPathways1@gmail.com or 616-635-8281. Chakra Based Mindfulness & Meditation – 8-9pm. Each class will focus on one of the seven main Chakras (energy centers/endocrine glands) located in your body. By practicing being in control of your thoughts you will gain more control over your entire life and this will directly lead to a life filled with more peace and joy. Individual class fee $18. 7-class package $111. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225. Yoga at The Market – 9-10am. First Wednesday of each month. The Holland Farmers Market and Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio are excited to announce plans for Yoga at the Market. Join us on second floor of the Holland Civic Center for an hour-long yoga class before you head to the Market to do your shopping. Drop-in class for all ages and skill-levels. No advance sign-up is required. $10. (Ages 18 and under must have a parent/guardian present.) Please bring your own yoga mat or towel. We hope to see you there. Holland Civic Center, 150 W 8th St, Holland. MIBodhiTree.com. Smart Recovery – 6-7:30pm. Recovery through Self-Empowerment: the purpose is to help participants gain independence from any addictive behavior. Individuals seeking recovery should be fully informed about the range of recovery options and free to choose among them. This program encourages participants to take responsibility for their own recovery. The meetings support their capacity to regulate their own behavior. Free. 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: MomentumCenterGH.org. A Course in Miracles – 9:30-11am. A Course in Miracles begins. Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God. As its title implies, the course is arranged throughout as a teaching device. It consists of three books: Text, workbook for students, and manual for teachers. The order in which students choose to use the books, and the ways in which they study them, depend on their particular needs and preferences. Come for a study group. We have an open door policy, meaning guests can come anytime. Guests do not have to attend every
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VOLUNTEERS Volunteer Instructors – Mental illness is a community issue and it requires a community solution. The Momentum Center for Social Engagement offers social and recreational activities for people with mental illness, addictions and disabilities. We are seeking people willing to share their skill, hobby, vocation, or interest with our members once a month or as often as available. We welcome yoga, tai chi, exercise, dance, self-defense, cooking, sewing, and so much more. Extended Grace, 714 Columbus, Grand Haven. Info: Call Jenna, if you want to be part of the solution, at 616-414-9111 or email Office@MomentumCenterGH.org
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week. Love offering. 6025 Ada Drive SE, Ada. Info: Office@unitycsg.org. The Law of Attraction Speaking Club – 6:308pm. Do you want to learn how to apply the law of attraction in your life and in your business? We are a group of like-minded individuals who support each other in our growth. Come to Toastmasters where we provide a supportive learning experience where individuals can become better communicators and leaders. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: lawOfAttractiontm@gmail. com or 616-717-3203. Meditation – 6-7pm. Every Wednesday we meet in our meditation room from 6-7pm. We begin and end meditation time with live, native flute music. Join us for the full hour or any part of the time. Call 616836-1555 for more info or visit our meditation page to learn more. 3493 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. Info: Info@Spirit-Space.org.
THURSDAY Holy Ground Yoga & Fitness at PrivaMD – 7-8pm. Create space in your heart and connect with the Lord by offering your body and strength through yoga and fitness. Kari Jo Shephard, Holy Yoga and Revelation Wellness Instructor will move your body, mind + spirit with postures and workouts that challenge, renew, refresh and enlighten you. Get fit, gain strength and build faith. $15/person. 16986 Robbins Road, Ste 180, Grand Haven. For info and tickets visit privaMD.org/event/eat or call PrivaMD 616-213-0253. Sacred Self-Care: Well-Being for Every Body – 6-7:15. Join Susan Duesbery to care for your whole self (body, mind, and spirit) by committing to selfcare as a sacred practice. This free, weekly class will have an inclusive spiritual focus that weaves together meditation, breath work, guided imagery, chair yoga, and deep relaxation. All are welcome. No yoga experience necessary. Class and parking are free. First Park Congregational Church, 10 E. Park Place, NE, Grand Rapids. Info: visit online: susanduesbery.com Restorative Yoga – 7-8pm. Calm the mind and nourish the body with Restorative Yoga. Restorative poses are held on a mat and deeply supported with yoga props. The practice seeks to balance the physical, mental, and spiritual while also experiencing profound rest and relaxation. Taught by Kathy Julien, certified yoga instructor. $10/session. Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Info and register: DominicanCenter.com, 616-514-3325. Gentle Yoga – 5:30 - 6:30pm. This gentle class offers a peaceful session to gradually build strength and range of motion. With this quiet practice, experience how mindful movement and breath work can deliver much needed nurturing, rest, and clarity. Taught by Kathy Julien, certified yoga instructor. $10/session. Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Info and register: DominicanCenter. com, 616-514-3325. Chair Yoga – 4-5pm. Chair Yoga uses a chair for greater support and stability within the practice. With an emphasis on the breath, alignment, and moving at your own pace, Chair Yoga brings simplicity to the practice and easeful connection with the healing and restorative benefits yoga offers. Taught by Kathy Julien, certified yoga instructor. $10/session. Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St East, Grand
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Rapids. Info: DominicanCenter.com, 616-514-3325. Restorative Yoga – 12-1:15pm & 7:15- 8:30pm. All levels are welcome and encouraged to come learn gentle yet powerful poses for the body, mind and spirit. Through these postures one will be seeking and finding balance. This balance will recharge, refresh and rejuvenate. Restorative Yoga is an antidote to stress. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St, Holland. Info: MiBodhiTree.com, 616-392-7580.
FRIDAY Dinner and Movie Night – 6-9pm. The last Friday of every month, we offer a free dinner & movie night for the whole community. Anyone can join us- we love making new friends. We’ll be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs to have dinner at 6pm. Feel free to bring a dish to pass, or just come as you are. Then at 7pm, we’ll be starting the movie. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: 616-414-9111 or online at MomentumCenterGH.org 3rd Friday Narcan Training and Distribution – 12-2pm. Red Project offers Free Narcan Training and Distribution for those interested. This event is held the Third Friday of every month from 12:00pm2:00pm. Free. The Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: 616-414-9111 or online at MomentumCenterGH.org
SATURDAY Laughter Yoga – 9-10am. Are you someone who wants to bring more laughter and joy into your life? Laughter yoga is simple and profound and is a complete well-being workout. Join us every other Saturday as we workout through laughter. $10. The Remedy House 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Register in advance, usually space for walk-ins. TheRemedyHouse.org. 616-443-4225. Yoga in the Park – 10:30am. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio and the Holland Recreation Division have teamed up to offer our 5th annual outdoor yoga classes at beautiful Kollen Park. Bring your beach towel and your yoga mat and join us by the band shell for this fun, all levels outdoor class. A $5 cash donation will go towards the Sal Perez Youth Scholarship program Hot Yoga – 8-9:15am. Vinyasa style yoga in the Far Infrared-heated yoga room will provide participants with a focused heat that works with their body’s own energy to raise room temperature as they move through the practice. Open to all experience levels. $10 cash drop in, $12 with card. 6189 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale. Info: HeartsJourneyWellness.com. 3rd Saturday Inpire Event – 10am-1pm. SeptMay. Everyone is invited to this collaborative community event. Brunch/lunch served. Registration not required. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus, Grand Haven. Info: 616-502-2078 or online MomentumCenterGH.org Sweetwater Local Foods Market – 9am-12pm. A double-up bucks and bridge card market. Mercy Health Lakes Campus, 6401 Harvey St. Located inside during inclement weather. Muskegon. SweetwaterLocalFoodsMarket.org What is The Third Testament – 8pm. Introduction to The Third Testament by Martinus. Live Stream with live chat. Free. Contact: Infinite808@gmail.com.
community resource guide
COFFEE SHOP / FAIR TRADE
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com to request our media kit.
GLOBAL INFUSION
ACCESS CONSCIOUSNESS
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
REBECCA STEPHENS, CFMW, BF, AFF 730 Chicago Dr., Holland, MI 616-510-6525 LFEnergetics.com
ASEA, RENU 28 & RENU ADVANCED
“All of life comes to me with ease, joy, and glory!”™ Access Consciousness is a different point of view about life. It’s based on the idea that you’re not wrong, that you know, and that consciousness can shift anything. It gives you access to the possibilities that exist when you no longer stick yourself and no longer believe that you are stuck. See ad page 21.
ACUPUNCTURE ALTERNATIVE CARE SOLUTION Raymond Wan 3790 28th St. SW, Ste. B, Grandville 616-419-6924 AltCareSolution@gmail.com
Raymond Wan is a Certified Medical Acupuncture Practitioner, Certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist, Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Holistic Health Counselor. For more information, visit AltCareSolution. com. See ad page 16.
ANTI-AGING ASEA, RENU 28 & RENU ADVANCED Jacque Jennings Carter, Independent Associate 269-779-2900 Jacque@advancinglives.biz AdvancingLives.TeamASEA.com
Age better and live younger longer. A breakthrough science, Redox Signaling molecules help cells communicate more effectively. Cells perform at peak levels which helps us age more slowly, internally and externally. Protect your cells; detect problems within your cells; rejuvenate cells. Look Better. Feel Better. Live Better. See ad page 27.
Jacque Jennings Carter, Independent Associate 269-779-2900 Jacque@advancinglives.biz AdvancingLives.TeamASEA.com
Looking for peak performance or improved recovery time? When everything else is equal, endurance and recovery are everything! Athletes using ASEA experience improved recovery time, less fatigue, less soreness after workouts, lower average heart rates and Ventilatory Threshold endurance gains averaging 12%. See ad page 27. .
CHIROPRACTIC CARE DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Ronda VanderWall 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville 616-531-6050 • DynamicChiro.com
Family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Grandville, Dynamic Family Chiropractic focuses on lifestyle improvements through living a maximized life. A safe and natural approach to health through the combination of exercise, nutrition, detoxification and chiropractic care.
LINDA SQUIRES, D.C., P.C.
3368 East Beltline Ct., Grand Rapids 877-866-5133 LindaSquiresDC@gmail.com LindaSquiresDC.com I am a non-force chiropractor who has practiced 30 years (25 years in the Boston area). I apply myofascial release and energy therapy techniques during treatment and empower patients with exercises to maintain their alignment. Located within Holistic Care Approach. See ad, page 17.
THE GLEASON CENTER
Dr. Dan Gleason DC & Dr. Dan Weessies, MS, DC 19084 North Fruitport Rd, Spring Lake, MI TheGleasonCenter.com 616-638-6234 An alternative, holistic approach combining chiropractic and kinesiology as well as the latest in metabolic and hormone testing. Cold Laser Pain and Neuro treatments for: spectrum disorders, injuries, chronic pain, and pre/post surgical rehab. See ad, page 12.
143 Diamond Ave. SE, Grand Rapids 616-776-9720 WeLoveChai.com Mon-Fri 9-7; Sat 9-5 An eclectic marketplace of fairly traded handcrafted gifts, decor, accessories and more. Offering coffee and chocolate, bulk loose leaf teas, herbs and provisions. Featuring an extensive tea and coffee bar. See ad page 16.
JUST GOODS GIFTS AND CAFE’
714 Columbus, Grand Haven 616-414-9111 JustGoods@MomentumCenterGH.org MomentumCenterGH.org Just Goods Gifts and Cafe’ is located within the Momentum Center for Social Engagement. Fair trade and social cause merchandise. Local baked goods and beverages. Open 9am to 6pm M-F and 10am to 2pm Sat. A creative space for community integration and the end of stigma. See ad, page 2.
COLON HYDROTHERAPY HARMONY ’N HEALTH
Mary De Lange, CCT, LMT 1003 Maryland Ave, N.E., Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 • HarmonyNHealth.net Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment. Using a holistic approach, colonics relieve constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad, page 9.
COUNSELING MARKETPLACE MINISTRY
2020 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids 616-949-4911 MarketplaceMinistry.org Christian Counseling since 1970. Licensed therapist. Negligible fees/ donation. Personal counseling, relationships, life coaching/ adjustment, health concerns, alternative health counseling for catastrophic illness including cancer. Specialties include PTSD incidents including bullying, addiction, alternative health counseling. Also writing skills workshops for personal development.
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ENERGY HEALING
HAKOMI THERAPY
TONYA NICHOLS, RPH
Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner 332 S Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 Info@THCOFLakeview.com THCOFLakeview.com Do you feel like you have no energy? Do you feel disconnected and out of balance? Let Tonya help you find your center again. Combining Emotional Clearing with Full Spectrum Healing, Tonya helps her clients to remove emotional, mental, and energetic blocks that are keeping her clients stuck and preventing them from reaching their full potential for a healthy, happy, and meaningful life. See ad page 27.
ESSENTIAL OILS MOONDROP HERBALS, LLC
Cottage of Natural Elements 351 Cummings, NW Grand Rapids 616-735-1285 • MoondropHerbals.com Your local source for all things natural and botanical. Essential oils, bulk herbs, tea, hand-crafted bath & body products, raw ingredients, containers, local artwork, unique gifts. Practitioner discounts. Space rental and artisan consignment. See ad, page 24.
YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS Marilyn York Independent Distributor # 489656 877-436-2299 myYL.com/naturalhealth4u
Essential Oils – Revered for thousands of years for their naturally-enhancing support of body, mind, and spirit. Become a Young Living Essential Oils Member/Customer, and/or an Independent Distributor. See ad, page 17.
FUNCTIONAL HEALTH SOLANA INTEGRATIVE HEALTH 10 1/2 Blue Star Hwy Douglas, MI & Naples, FL 239-207-7464 SolanaIntegrative@gmail.com SolanaIntegrativeHealth.com
West Michigan Edition
3355 Eagle Park Dr. NE Ste. 107, Grand Rapids 616-262-3848 BodyAndSoulGR.com
Hakomi Therapy can truly change your life. It’s a mindfulnessbased, experiential therapy for transforming the unconscious patterns that keep you from the love, joy, and fulfillment you deserve. Offered with exquisite care and attentiveness.
HEALING SERVICES THE REMEDY HOUSE
Jodi Jenks Natural Health Practitioner, Reiki Master 616-443-4225 TheRemedyHouse.org Certified in bodywork, lymphatic drainage, raindrop therapy, CranioSacral, reflexology, iridology, natural health consultations including a zyto bio-communication scan. Emotional clearing with essential oils and energy work, reiki, Energy Touch. See ad, page 27.
HEALTH FOOD STORES HEALTH HUTT
700 Washington Ave # 170, Grand Haven 3112 Henry St, Norton Shores (Café) 1519 E River Rd, Muskegon 356 W Western Ave, Century Club Muskegon TheHealthHutt.com Your local haven for everything healthy, organic, natural, allergen-free; grocery, supplements, bulk items, sports nutrition, beauty, home care, pet food. Full Deli in Norton Shores with juice, sandwiches, soup, vegan, GF and more. On Facebook. See ad page 13.
HEALTH / WELLNESS CENTER PRIVAMD | WELLNESS
16986 Robbins Rd., Suite 180 Grand Haven, MI 49417 616-312-2438 • wellness@privamd.org PrivaMD.org
Functional health, wellness and nutrition; Certified Integrative health practitioners analyze and screen for nutritional and biochemical imbalances. We create an individualized plan to help you attain desired optimal health, wellness and lifestyle goals. Circulatory and cellular therapies available to strengthen cell, tissue and organ function. Also, BEMER therapy and health and nutrition coaching. Rethink disease! Embrace your healthy self today. Mention NAL for your FREE consult.
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KEN PORTER CST, CHT
PrivaMD |Wellness: A relaxing affordable Functional Medicine practice where our patients become family. Our skilled practitioners work with you to create individualized plans which lead to optimal health. We help you with thyroid health, emotional wellbeing, autoimmune and digestive issue relief, find hormone balance + more. Call for a FREE 15 minute consult! See ad, page 2.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
THE HEALING CENTER
332 S Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 Info@THCOFLakeview.com THCOFLakeview.com Naturopathic/Holistic Practitioners and retail health store. Natural health consultations, classes, oils, herbs, homeopathy, hypnosis, foods, candles, crystals, books, CDs, massage, reflexology, emotional clearing, foot detox, DOT/CDL health cards for truck drivers. See ad, page 27.
HEALTH / WELLNESS PRODUCTS ASEA, RENU 28 & RENU ADVANCED Jacque Jennings Carter, Independent Associate 269-779-2900 Jacque@advancinglives.biz AdvancingLives.TeamASEA.com
Live younger longer, internally and externally. A breakthrough science called Redox Signaling is the basis for a new category of wellness products which rely on molecules native to the human body to enhance vital cellular functioning and improve overall health and wellness. Look Better. Feel Better. Live Better. See ad page 27.
HUMAN RIGHTS/ SOCIAL JUSTICE MOMENTUM CENTER
Barbara@MomentumCenterGH.org 616-502-2078 • MomentumCenterGH.org Extended Grace is a nonprofit grassroots social lab that builds community while solving problems. It does so through: Community Conversations including Inspire! and Deeper Dive events and Town Hall Meetings on Mental Illness; Mudita Gifts; Pilgrim Spirit Tours cultural immersion experiences; Momentum Center for Social Engagement; Just Goods Gifts and Cafe’. See ad, page 2.
LIFE COACH LIA COACHING AND CONSULTING
Pamela Gallina, MA CMC PamGallina@LIAConsulting.org 616-433-6720 • LIAConsulting.org/coaching Pam works with highly– motivated individuals as they aim for their highest self. Focusing on Small Business Development, Major Life Crisis and Change, Weight Loss & Fitness, Relationships, Budget Management & Reorganization, Decluttering Home and Life. Helping you to achieve your very best life! See ad, page 21.
MASSAGE THERAPY DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE THERAPY Jaci Timmermans, MT 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville 616-531-6050 • DynamicChiro.com
Offering Swedish massage with integrated techniques, chosen specifically for your unique body. Relieve those tired and sore muscles and rejuvenate. Call for on-going monthly specials and discounts.
HARMONY ‘N HEALTH
Mary De Lange, CCT., LMT. 1003 Maryland Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 • HarmonyNHealth.net Since 1991, professional, experienced and trained in a complete range of integrative methods. Whether you are seeking relaxation, renewal or treatment for a specific condition, Mary will help find an approach that is helpful for you. See ad, page 9.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION
503 East Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info Educational Programs Offered: Natural Health Program - Four Years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program - One Year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program - Six Months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad, page 25.
THE REMEDY HOUSE
Jodi Jenks, ND Naturopathic Doctor, Reiki Master 5150 Northland Dr NE Ste N Grand Rapids 616-443-4225 TheRemedyHouse.org Ed Certified in bodywork, lymphatic drainage, r a i n d r o p t h e r a p y, CranioSacral, reflexology, iridology, natural health consultations including a zyto bio-communication scan. Emotional clearing with essential oils and energy work, reiki, Energy Touch. See ad page 27.
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY LIVING WELL WITH AUTOIMMUNITY Amanda Chocko Holland, MI 616-212-7703 LivingWellWithAutoimmunity.com amanda@stillgrooving.com
Certified in Nutritional Therapy and an Autoimmune Coach, Amanda helps women reclaim their health and vitality through personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching, using a holistic approach that addresses diet, sleep, stress. This method helps you reduce inflammation, regulate your immune system and promotes healing. Schedule your complimentary nutritional assessment today!
PAIN MANAGEMENT THE LASER PAIN AND NEURO CENTER AT THE GLEASON CENTER 19084 North Fruitport Rd. Spring Lake, MI 49456 info@thegleasoncenter.com 616-846-5410 • TheGleasonCenter.com
Cold laser therapy can provide drug-free pain relief. This noninvasive treatment is for those suffering from arthritis, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, inflammation and other pain syndromes. Our MLS cold laser also treats neurological degenerative conditions like Parkinson’s, ADHD, spectrum disorders and peripheral neuropathy. See ad, page 12.
SCHOOL / EDUCATION NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION 503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info
Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 25.
SKIN CARE MOMMA’S HOME, LLC
Amy Furman 140 W Washington Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464 616-951-1397 MommasHome.com Momma’s Home passionately believes in luxurious, quality skincare at an affordable price. Our all-natural products are “food for your skin” and are naturally safe for the skin, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable. See ad page 26.
NATURE’S REPAIR
Summer Leigh 2885 Sanford Ave SW #45032, Grandville 833-7NATURE / naturesrepair.org Nature’sRepair provides a skincare line that truly is 100% natural, 100% food. Made only from the highest quality superfoods from around the world and delicately balanced for healing. Keep your skin young, healthy and radiant. See ad page 40.
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANCED THERMAL IMAGING OF WEST MICHIGAN
Julie Bennett 616-724-6368 info@advancedthermalimagingllc.com AdvancedThermalImagingllc.com Thermography is a safe, tested, painless, and effective procedure providing information for breast cancer risk assessment, breast cancer prevention and early detection, possible hormone imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, musculoskeletal inflammation, and neurological problems.
YOGA BODHI TREE YOGA & WELLNESS STUDIO
208 W 18th St., Holland 616-392-7580 Info@MiBodhiTree.com • MiBodhiTree.com We are more than just Yoga. We offer diverse classes, workshops, spa treatments, massage, Reiki and meditation training. We are committed to making you stronger and to live a more peaceful, balanced, purposeful life. See ad page 16.
NOVEMBER
Coming Next Month
Natural Sleep Solutions
plus: Optimal Thyroid Function October 2019
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West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com