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Health & Wellness Why Metabolism Matters Live Long & Beautifully Eating for Happy Hormones Everyday Energizers Overcoming Perfectionism Eco-Friendly Floors
January 2015
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contents balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge 8 5 newsbriefs information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal 8 healthbriefs growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle. 10 globalbriefs 15 consciouseating 12 IT’S ALL ABOUT 16 healthykids METABOLISM Getting to the Root 18 fitbody Cause of Disease 10 20 healingways 12 15 HORMONE-HAPPY 22 wisewords FOODS The Right Choices 23 inspiration Make Our Bodies Hum 16 24 greenliving Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more
by Linda Sechrist
by Linda Sechrist
26 naturalpet 28 calendar 29 classifieds 30 resourceguide
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advertising & submissions
16 AN APP A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY Keep Kids Engaged in Healthy Living by Julianne Hale
18 INTERVAL TRAINING KNOCKS DOWN BLOOD SUGAR
HOW TO ADVERTISE
Exercise Bursts are Fast and Effective
Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Contact Us to advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit. 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com
20 ENERGY BOOSTERS
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS* Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words. Content limited to special events and other announcements. No advertorials, please. Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
by Lisa Marlene
Four Ways to Recharge by Kathleen Barnes
22 LOUISE HAY ON
LOVING YOURSELF TO AGELESS HEALTH by S. Alison Chabonais
23 NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Calendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.
When ‘Good Enough’ Is Perfect
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*All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisher’s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.
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by Elizabeth Lombardo
24 ECO-FRIENDLY FLOORS by Avery Mack
26 PET ANESTHESIA
How to Make it Safe and Easier on Everyone by Shawn Messonnier
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letterfrompublisher “Give me the power to produce heat, and I will cure all disease.” ~Hippocrates, 460 BC
contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 404-395-9634 Co-Publisher, Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 256-476-6537
My understanding of how the body works and what the body needs to maintain health has undergone a huge shift in the last year. Prior to that, it had taken me a long time to realize that there are really only four main factors that largely determine overall health status—Hydration, Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise. If you take care of those factors, your body will take care of you for the most part. However, I would now like to add one more factor: Heat. Yes, good old fashioned body heat. The idea has come from my purchase of an Amethyst crystal BioMat made by Richway International. I’ve used the BioMat for a few months now and it has radically accelerated my long climb back to health. The BioMat is a specialized heating mat filled with amethyst and tourmaline crystal. Amethyst crystal is considered a “healing stone” because it emits an inherent wavelength (32.876 KHz) that enhances vital cellular activity. The BioMat generates far infrared rays through the amethyst crystal that penetrate six inches into the body, which is much deeper than any other external source of heat can penetrate.
Design and Production Melanie Rankin Natural Awakenings Birmingham 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 Facebook.com/nabirmingham © 2015 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. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. 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. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
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It is extremely therapeutic to penetrate heat that far into the body and keep it there for any length of time. A 30 to 60 minute session on the BioMat will soothe aching muscles, reduce pain and inflammation, increase blood circulation, stimulate metabolism, strengthen the immune system, and eliminate toxins. The BioMat reduces stress hormones, including cortisol, by 78%. The BioMat reduces fatigue, relieves anxiety, improves sleep, reduces allergy symptoms, relieves migraine and tension headaches, burns calories, and improves muscle tone. Most recently, the BioMat reduced what would undoubtedly been two weeks’ worth of flu to just three days. I found that the BioMat significantly relieves even the worst flu symptoms while laying on the mat on the high heat settings. How does it do all of this? Heat: the right kind, at the right wavelength. A temperature increase of 1° Celsius increases vital enzyme activity by more than 40%. By contrast, if body heat drops by only 1°C, there are more than 3000 essential enzymes that cannot perform their function. I never had any idea that heat was so important to virtually every process in the body. Sickness is, in very large part, caused by insufficient body heat. Fat, especially belly fat, is caused by a lack of heat. Cancer cells thrive at low body temperature. All of our internal organs start to cool slightly as we age, and getting a penetrating heat to these organs makes everything function better. And it feels wonderful.
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newsbriefs
New Year, New You with The Wholesome Weigh
Don’t Miss the 2nd Annual Embody Winter Retreat
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hoose either Saturday or Sunday, January 25 or 26 to join the therapists and teachers at Embody Practice Center for a day to disconnect from outside stresses and reconnect with yourself. We will turn off our phones and plug into awareness through breath work, yoga, meditation and relaxation. Herbal tea, a nourishing lunch and short bodywork sessions of Craniosacral therapy, reflexology or neck massage will provide external support for full unwinding. Yoga practices lead by Margaret Pittenger, Becca Impello and Lauren Rae Brown will include gentle movement with breath, active hatha yoga and restorative yoga. Andrew Brown will share the benefits of herbal tea and lead meditation. Supportive and relaxing bodywork will be supplemented by the experienced hands of all of our therapists. Treat yourself to this opportunity to be present, relax and rediscover yourself. $150 for full day. Register by email: Info@EmbodyBirmingham.com or call 205-637-0299 and specify which day you’d like to attend. Location: 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. EmbodyBirmingham.com. See ad, page 18.
Learn Reiki in the New Year
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oming into the new year is a perfect time to learn a new skill, especially one that is for improving one’s health and wellness. Reiki, a system of natural healing, is just that kind of skill to learn. Reiki a system that anyone can personally learn to utilize. You don’t have to be gifted or psychic. It’s a universal energy that is available to everyone. Learning how to care for one’s self is very important for health and happiness. Reiki balances the body, mind and spirit. Terri A. Heiman of Natural Forces Studio begins her Reiki Certification Classes for the new year starting this month with a Reiki 1 class on Saturday, January 10 from 8am-6pm. This is the foundation class that offers the history, the principles, an introduction to the energy fields and the chakra system. The sacred Attunements are given that offer the student the ability to work with the Reiki energy. Practice time for self care is offered as well as time for working on others. Reiki 1 certificate awarded and NCBTMB 10 CE hours available. The next level class, Reiki 2 will be offered on Saturday, January 17 from 8am6pm. Reiki Level 1 certification required. Included in this practice are additional Attunements, long distance healing, empowerment, and emotional and mental balancing. Reiki 2 certificate awarded and NCBTMB 10 CE hours available. Contact: Terri Heiman, 516-457-3885 Terri@NaturalForcesStudio.com. Location: Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St South inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForceSstudio.com. See ad, page 21.
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very January, most people make resolutions to become healthier, exercise more and lose weight. Sandra Scott, owner of Sage Wellness & Lifestyle, a health and wellness company invite you to start your new year with a Healthy Kickoff Brunch & Open House featuring a festive spread of tasty vegan dishes prepared without sacrificing taste. As a natural health and wellness coach, vegan chef and cooking instructor, Sandra provides services that work toward creating a healthy, wholesome, and sustainable lifestyle, rather than trying to make changes based on the short-term fad diet strategies that are impossible to maintain and are often unhealthy themselves. Clients gain awareness of how to achieve the results they want, how to shop for healthy foods, cook meals that are simple, easy and delicious and how to increase body movement in an enjoyable way. Other benefits typically experienced are increased energy levels, better sleep, a stronger spiritual practice, and the ability to decrease or get off medications with food and nutrition. Mark your calendar and plan to join Sandra for great food, prizes and to learn more about her coaching services. Date: January 10, 11am-2pm. RSVP: Sandra Scott, 205-6870238. Location (Irondale): Will be provided at time of RSVP. SandraEScott.com.
natural awakenings
January 2015
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It’s innovative cold therapy that helps start the body’s natural healing process. It’s a very dry, comfortable cold.
What does it do?
Cryotherapy decreases inflammation in the entire body and decreases whole body pain. It will also help recovery from trauma such as an injury or post surgery. It can increase immunity, boost health and facilitate better skin. It can also increase energy!
How long does it take?
You are in the machine 3-4 minutes.
How much does it cost?
All sessions are just $25 each. Buy 9 and get the 10th free.
www.CryotherapyBirmingham.com
Sounds cold...
Tap Away Your Body Issues
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motional Freedom Techniques, or EFT (often known as Tapping or EFT Tapping), is a universal healing tool that can provide impressive results for physical, emotional, and performance issues. EFT operates on the premise that no matter what part of your life needs improvement, there are unresolved emotional issues in the way. Even for physical issues, chronic pain, or diagnosed conditions, it is common knowledge that any kind of emotional stress can impede the natural healing potential of the human body. This is especially true when dealing with body issues and weight. EFT works like “emotional acupressure” to quickly, gently and easily address the true emotional causes of our body issues and emotional eating. EFT has been known to not only relieve food cravings but also the underlying emotions. And once these issues have been addressed, weight and body maintenance come easily. Join in this 4-week program to tap away your body issues. Beginning Saturday, January 24th and ending Saturday, February 14th. Cost: $40 Info or to Register: Terri Heiman, 516-457-3885 or Terri@ NaturalForcesStudio.com. Location: Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St South inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForces Studio.com. See listing, page 30.
Clinical Herbalist Cameron Strouss joins Embody Practice Center
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linical Herbalist Cameron Strouss of Deep Roots Apothecary and Clinic (Calera, AL) is now scheduling appointments weekly at Embody Practice Center in Birmingham. Cameron offers individual consultations utilizing iridology, pulse/tongue assessment, physical assessment, and a full dietary assessment. She focuses on nutritional counseling, lifestyle Cameron Strouss changes, correcting possible nutrient deficiencies, and according to each person’s specific needs utilizes herbs, diet, and supplements to correct imbalances. In addition, she leads educational community workshops at Embody and around town on preventative care utilizing herbal techniques. She is seeing clients, by appointment only, on Tuesdays at Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Road, Suite 100 in Birmingham. Contact Cameron at DeepRootsApothecary@gmail.com or by calling 205-790-4102 to inquire or schedule an individual consultation. DeepRootsApothecary.com.
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photo by A.E. Simonton
What is Cryotherapy?
1816 28th Ave S, Suite E, Homewood. 414-0404
CRYOTHERAPY BIRMINGHAM
Whole Body Cryotherapy for Wellness & Recovery
January at The Gardens
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s The Gardens’ welcomes 2015, it welcomes new Adult and Family and Certificate in Native Plant Studies classes. “A Few of My Favorite Things” will be led by Bradley Gilbert on January 11 from 2-4pm and offer participants a chance to learn create a tablescape that defines who they are using our favorite containers, favorite flowers and the objects they surround themselves with. The all-new Junior Master Gardener will get into full swing starting January 24 from 9-12pm. The program is an international youth gardening program that engages children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment and cultivate the mind. For more information, visit BBGardens.org/classes. A pair of Certificate in Native Plant Studies classes will be offered. “Understanding Botanical Names,” an elective, comes on January 10 from Kaul Wildflower Garden Curator John Manion. Students will learn how fascinating, enlightening and humorous botanical names can be. Dr. Tom Diggs brings “Introduction to Plant Taxonomy/Classification,” a core, to the series on January 17. The day-long class will teach students about the history of modern taxonomy, the basics of naming plants, the fundamentals of phylogenetics (plant family trees), the plant classification hierarchy and the use of keys in plant identification. To learn more about both classes and to register online, visit BBGardens.org/PlantStudies. Birmingham Botanical Gardens is open from dawn until dusk 365 days per year. Admission to The Gardens is free.
Healing Waters • • • • • • • • • •
Colon Hydrotherapy Lipo-Ex® Infrared Sauna Computerized Biofeedback BioCleanse Massage Therapy Pain Management Light Therapy VibaBody Slimmer Korean-Style Hip Bath
720 23rd Street South Birmingham, AL 35233
205-323-7582
Bernadine Tillman Birdsong, Owner I-ACT Certified, Colon Hydrotherapy Instructor
MoreThanColonics.com
Release, Relax and Find Your Balance Counseling and Massage for Mind and Body Wellness
Emily Tucker
Tiffany Alexander
Jeff Burchett
205-261-1417
205-538-3099
205-209-2891
Counselor, LPC, NCC, CHT Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Couples and Family Counseling Grief Counseling Stress Management Conflict Resolution Hypnotherapy
Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC
Trauma and PTSD Recovery Addiction and Recovery Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Relationship Counseling Anger Management Adjustment Stress Issues
Alexander Wellness Center Wellness Packages Available
LMT #4054
Neuromuscular Massage Trigger Point Therapy Deep Tissue Massage Swedish Massage Geriatric Massage Raindrop Technique
300 Office Park Dr, Ste 220 Birmingham, AL 35223
Young Living Essential Oils Available natural awakenings
January 2015
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healthbriefs
Eucalyptus Oil Inhibits Spread of TB
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any of the natural compounds in the essential oil of Eucalyptus citriodora may prevent the airborne spread of the tuberculosis (TB) bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), according to a study from the Institute for Tuberculosis Research at the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy. Several of the compounds in the eucalyptus oil inhibited the airborne spread of the infection by 90 percent, while the major component of the oil was only weakly active, at 18 percent. The scientists used an array of analytical laboratory tests to measure the airborne spread of TB from contagious patients. They also identified 32 active airborne compounds within the essential oil of eucalyptus and studied the impact of the interaction of multiple components in artificial mixtures. The researchers undertook the study because “the rapid emergence of extensively and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has created a pressing public health problem… and represents a new constraint in the already challenging disease management of TB.”
Legumes, Nuts and Corn Cut Risk of Breast Cancer
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Harvard Medical School study concluded that eating more peanut butter, corn, nuts and beans, including lentils and soybeans, during adolescence significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer later on. The researchers followed 9,039 young women that were between 9 and 15 years old when the study started in 1996, having the subjects complete diet questionnaires every year through 2001, and also in 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2010. When the women were ages 18 to 30, the number of benign breast diseases that had developed was recorded. The statistics associated a daily serving of nuts and legumes at age 14 with a 66 percent reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. Just a single serving of peanut butter once every three days at the age of 11 was associated with a 44 percent reduction of breast cancer risk. Intake of at least one serving of corn every three days was correlated with a 39 percent reduction in the disease. Earlier studies by Harvard researchers found that eating pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, soybeans, tofu and other vegetable fats also reduces breast cancer risk. 8
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SECONDHAND SMOKE DAMAGES CHILDREN’S HEARING
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esearchers from São Paulo’s School of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa have found that secondhand smoke negatively affects a child’s hearing. The researchers tested 145 students between ages 8 and 10 that showed normal hearing in standardized tests. Their secondhand smoke exposure was measured by the level of a nicotine metabolite in the children’s urine. The 60 youngsters that had been exposed to secondhand smoke showed significantly lower responses to certain frequencies in both ears when compared to the others that weren’t exposed to the smoke. Researchers suspect that the affecting mechanism may be the acrolein gas that forms from burning tobacco cigarettes. The chemical was found to damage ear cells in a study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. A 2012 study of diesel exhaust, which likewise produces acrolein gas, by the Republic of Korea’s Dongguk University, also showed damage to middle ear cells. Supporting these results, a study published in the American Medical Association Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery journal found that smoking during pregnancy almost triples the risk of lowfrequency hearing loss in the child. The study tested 964 adolescents between ages 12 and 15, of whom 16 percent were exposed to prenatal smoking.
AVAILABLE AT
CHIRO WELLNESS CENTER DR. JOHN KENNEDY 1951 HOOVER COURT, SUITE 101 BirminghamFatLoss.com
205-979-5692
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January 2015
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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Corn Guzzler
Downsides of Ethanol Ethanol, which makes up 10 percent of the gasoline available at filling stations, together with other biofuels made from crops, appeared to be a way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, recent research shows that the federal government’s push to up production of corn-derived ethanol as a gasoline additive since the U.S. Renewable Fuels Standard was enacted in 2007 has instead expanded our national carbon footprint and contributed to a range of other problems. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group warns that continued production of corn ethanol is both worse for the climate than gasoline and bad for farmers, the land and consumers. “It’s driving up food prices, straining agricultural markets, increasing competition for arable land and promoting conversion of uncultivated land to grow crops,” according to this watchdog organization. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reportedly weighing a proposal to cut the amount of ethanol currently required by law to be blended into gasoline by 1.39 billion gallons, equivalent to taking 580,000 cars off the roads for a year. Researchers have been trying to develop greener forms of ethanol, but none are ready for market yet. For more information, visit epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels.
Smart Solar Japan Floats New Nuclear Alternative Two companies in Japan will begin building two huge new solar power islands that will float on reservoirs, following the inception of the Kagoshima floating solar plant as the country’s largest, which opened in late 2013 just off the country’s southern coast. The new direction comes as Japan looks to move on from the Fukushima atomic disaster of 2011 and meet the energy needs of its 127 million people without relying on nuclear power. Before the incident, about 30 percent of the country’s power was generated by nuclear plants, but Fukushima destroyed public confidence, and with earthquakes highly likely in regions containing reactors, Japan is looking for alternatives. Solar islands could also be a solution for other countries where space or nuclear concerns are an issue. It’s possible that one day a significant portion of Europe’s power could come from use of the technology; experts believe the engineering challenges can be surmounted. Source: DailyGalaxy.com 10
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Om-Based Care
Holistic Healers Reach Out to the Underserved An annual report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that up to 33 percent of uninsured people are avoiding needed treatment for economic reasons. Lifestyle changes and natural remedies like yoga and massage therapy can be highly effective when treating conditions such as high blood pressure, depression or aching joints, and groups nationwide are making these modalities more affordable for everyone. At California’s Healing Clinic Collective (HealingClinicCollective. Wordpress.com), in Oakland, women receive a day of free holistic health care—from acupuncture to massage therapy and nutritional counseling— and discounted rates for follow-up appointments. The Third Root Community Health Center (ThirdRoot.org), in Brooklyn, helps arrange for acupuncturists, herbalists, Reiki practitioners and others to treat low-income people in New York City, especially community organizers and activists that are often overworked and lack the resources for these types of care. The Samarya Center (Samarya Center.org), in Seattle, Washington, uses revenue from its yoga studio to provide free yoga to critically ill patients served by the city’s Bailey-Boushay House and the local VA hospital, and also to patients with chronic pain at the Pike Place Medical Clinic, which treats many homeless and lowincome Seattle residents. Source: YES! magazine
Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense by Steve Dupont, RD, LD
It’s Time to Kick the (Soda) Can
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et me just say, I hate soda. Soft drinks, pop, Coke, whatever you want to call it. We are a society addicted to the stuff, and it’s eroding our public health just as it’s eroding our teeth and bones. In fact, two recent studies on soda consumption shocked me. The first, in the journal Nature, showed that diet soda can cause glucose intolerance (i.e., early diabetes) by negatively altering the gut microbiota—that is, it kills the good bacteria. This partly explains why diet sodas have also shown to promote weight gain. The second, and even more alarming study, in the American Journal of Public Health, compared chromosomal telomere length between soda drinkers and non-soda drinkers. Basically, the shorter your telomeres, the closer you are to a natural demise. And guess what, the soda drinkers had significantly shorter telomeres. That said, we really don’t need any more studies to prove that soda—regular or diet—is unhealthy. There’s little debate about whether it’s linked to dental cavities as well as diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and GERD, yet we keep drinking the stuff with reckless abandon. This is especially concerning when it comes to our children, who have been getting fatter and sicker over the past few decades: • Obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. • The percentage of obese children aged 6-11 years increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of obese
12-19 year-olds increased from 5% to 18% over the same period. • Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes. • Health care providers are finding more and more children with type 2 diabetes, a disease usually diagnosed in adults aged 40 years or older. Unfortunately, Alabama is among the worst examples. According to the CDC, Alabama ranked first in the nation, both for obese teenagers and amount of soda consumed by teenagers. Coincidence? I think not. Now to what actually sparked this rant… My children attend Mountain Brook Elementary School, which follows national school lunch regulations by not serving sodas in the cafeteria. Yet, this past fall, a school Halloween Carnival hosted by the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) did serve Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite to children as young as five years old. I tried to reason with them, to no avail. I also contacted Coca-Cola of Birmingham, who donated the beverages, and their director of youth markets (outrageous they even have such a position) informed me that it was up to parents to educate their children [about the harmful effects of soda]. He didn’t say that part in brackets, but what else would there be to educate about? About how to “drink responsibly?”
Mountain Brook has a Wellness Policy, but unfortunately the policy is as toothless as a lifelong soda drinker, and thus far my appeals for change to the nutrition director and superintendent have fallen on deaf ears. It’s very disconcerting when those very people you entrust to care for your children let you down. But we’re all to blame, including me. This whole “everything in moderation” thing is not working. The fact is that sodas are formulated to be addictive, and thus should be treated as any addictive substance. If you’re a soda addict, it’s time to admit you have a problem. In 2015, resolve yourself to kick the can for good. Even if you’re not a soda drinker, stop enabling those who are! If you’re brave enough, confront your friends and loved ones about their destructive habit, and offer alternatives. Suggested alternatives may include sparkling water like Perrier, San Pellegrino or La Croix. Plain, pure water can also be flavored with citrus and/ or infused with fresh mint—to infuse, bring water to a boil, add a few torn mint leaves and let sit for 10 minutes. Lightly sweeten with erythritol, xylitol or stevia if desired. Finally, for a shot of caffeine, try green tea or a natural, low-sugar energy drink like Pollen Burst from Youngevity. I know it’s a cliché, but your body really will thank you! Steve Dupont, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and founder of Dupont Dietary Consulting LLC. Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense is now a podcast, available on iTunes! Visit SteveDupont. com to learn more. Steve may also be reached at 205-213-7953 or steve@ stevedupont.com.
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This past August, 12 nationally recognized functional medicine experts participated in the country’s first online Metabolic Revolution Summit to discuss the importance of recognizing the dots that connect the majority of today’s chronic diseases—high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, pre-diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, weight gain, obesity, fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer and even infertility. All of the panelists pointed to the root cause that links them all—the craze for a highcarbohydrate, low-fat diet starting in the 1990s combined with a sedentary lifestyle. When several complex conditions exist simultaneously, medical science refers to them as a syndrome. Regardless of how such intricate interrelationships become manifest, all of these syndromes have early-stage signs that include inflammation, high blood sugar and insulin resistance, which can affect metabolic health.
A Holistic Approach
Doctors that specialize in functional integrative medicine strive to improve the health and well-being of patients by
It’s All About Metabolism Getting to the Root Cause of Disease by Linda Sechrist
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ttempts to tender lay explanations of how to attain and maintain better health have become fragmented and compartmentalized, with complex scientific cause-and-effect explanations of disease regularly reduced to isolated infographics and sound bites in the media. But understanding our body’s sophisticated, self-regulating, selfcorrecting and interdependent physiological systems, which work in collaboration with each other and inform us of the body’s status by means of symptoms, deserves a whole-systems frame of reference. Stepping back from immediate concerns to grasp the bigger picture allows for rethinking the Western approach to health. A perspective that connects all the dots works best, beginning with the foundation of wellness—the functioning of 73 trillion cells that are organized into a variety of tissues, including interconnected systems of organs. Optimally, they function together harmoniously to achieve homeostasis, the overall chemical and energetic balance that defines metabolic health.
The Reign of Metabolism
Many perceive the role of metabolism as limited to determining energy expenditure via the number of calories burned per day, but it does much more. Metabolism actually encompasses thousands of physical and chemical processes that take place in the functioning of every cell, the building blocks of life; healthy cell function produces proper endocrine (hormonal) functioning, influencing homeostasis. 12
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engaging them in their own healing process. One popular approach is practiced by Durango, Colorado, Doctor of Chiropractic James Forleo, author of Health is Simple, Disease is Complicated: A Systems Approach to Vibrant Health. He starts by educating people about the basic functioning of the major body systems involved in their specific health challenges. “To maintain metabolic health, no one should overlook that the body’s intelligence works 24/7 to solve multiple problems simultaneously, including balancing their metabolism. The more complex the pattern of symptoms, the more systems are involved. Whether a single or group of symptoms indicate metabolic dysfunction, it means that numerous systems that rely on healthy cells are unable to perform their normal functions,” explains Forleo. For example, blood sugar issues, excess circulating insulin and buildup of excess glucose stored as fat can lead to metabolic dysfunction. The pancreas, thyroid and gastrointestinal tract—primary glands in the endocrine system that plays a major role in balancing body chemistry by secreting hormones directly into the circulatory system—are negatively impacted. Well-functioning adrenals are necessary to balance blood sugar and one role of the pancreas is to produce insulin. When four of the eight major organ systems—immune, endocrine, cardiovascular and digestive—are impacted by metabolic dysfunction, a more holistic and systemic approach to health can provide a broader understanding of how they interrelate, and why preventive measures can preclude having to later pursue ways to reverse serious chronic diseases.
Pioneering integrative doctors are connecting the dots that point to the root causes of the majority of today’s chronic diseases.
Transform Your Body Exilis treatment for fat reduction and skin tightening
Lifestyle Factors
Functional medicine’s integrative approach to metabolic health is based on proper nutrition and regular exercise. “The inflammatory agents present in much of the food consumed at each meal in the standard American diet—highglycemic refined carbohydrates, high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats—are the biggest offenders,” says Forleo, who notes that the body instead needs good fats, such as those obtained from olive and coconut oils. Factors over which we can exercise some control— physical activity, stress, sleep, diet and circadian rhythms— all play roles in metabolic health. Unfortunately, “We are moving further away from our ancestors’ healthier diet and lifestyle. We’re overfed and undernourished because we’re no longer eating for nutrition, but for entertainment,” remarks Doctor of Chiropractic Brian Mowll, the medical director of Sweet Life Diabetes Health Centers in Pennsylvania and Delaware. He characterizes metabolic dysfunction as the ultimate problem because it’s the doorway to many other ailments. “A hundred years ago, infectious diseases plagued humanity. Today and in the future, it’ll be metabolic disorders such as obesity, cancer, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders and other endocrine problems, diabetes and Type 2 diabetes,” predicts Mowll.
Metabolic Health Education
Dr. Caroline Cederquist, author of The MD Factor Diet: A Physician’s Proven Diet for Metabolism Correction and Healthy Weight Loss, and founder of Cederquist Medical Wellness Center, in Naples, Florida, conducted a one-year study of patients to identify their health issues via blood work analysis. Eighty-nine percent of the men, women and children showed evidence of insulin resistance. This often-overlooked metabolic condition affects how the body processes glucose, a simple sugar and the body’s primary fuel, making gaining weight easy and losing it difficult. Treated with proper diet, lifestyle changes and supplements, plus medication in advanced stages, Cederquist found that metabolic dysfunction is reversible. She explains that long-term insulin resistance can lead to fatty liver disease, high blood sugar and eventually, diabetes. It also directly affects cholesterol levels and can induce triglycerides, high blood pressure, low HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol), increased waist circumference and heart disease. In Cederquist’s young adult patients, metabolic dysfunction was also associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a cause of infertility. Germany’s Dr. Wolf Funfack, a specialist in internal and nutritional medicine and creator of a well-regarded
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A painless, non-surgical method called Exilis uses radio waves to heat body fat to a temperature that dissolves unwanted fat. The fat byproducts are then naturally removed by your body’s lymphatic system.
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Birmingham Integrative Health Melanie Miller, MD Janet Baker, RN 159 Main St. Trussville, AL 35173 BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.com facebook.com/melaniemillermd natural awakenings
January 2015
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metabolic balancing program, noted that insulin resistance both increases the production of stress hormones and blocks production of the anti-inflammatory hormones that slow the aging process. Funfack’s all-natural, personalized nutrition plan, backed by more than 25 years of scientific study, is designed to bring hormonal balance, optimize health and lead to long-term weight management. Cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, author of Metabolic Cardiology, goes a step further. He believes that metabolic dysfunction involving cells, hormones and inflammation encompasses the molecular-based essence of all disease. He observes, “Individuals diagnosed with several conditions can leave a doctor’s office with three or four prescriptions, rather than the one solution for reversal and prevention—a healthy lifestyle and non-inflammatory diet to offset and neutralize weight gain, blood pressure elevation and other abnormalities such as high blood sugar.” Mowll agrees that many conventional healthcare practitioners don’t address the root cause of metabolic disorders or provide lifestyle interventions. “They simply reach for the prescription pad,” he says. This growing problem presents an opportunity to educate the entire populace. Bestselling Virgin Diet author JJ Virgin, who characterizes the human body as a “chemistry lab,” adopts an easy-tofollow nutritional and fitness approach for metabolic health. She recommends eating the types of healthy fats found in wild fish, raw nuts and seeds, coconut, avocado and olives. Virgin prefers the clean, lean protein of grass-fed beef and wild fish, plus low-glycemic lentils and legumes and plenty of low-glycemic fruits like raspberries, blueberries, pears and grapefruits. Low-glycemic vegetables on her list include green peas, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, onion and eggplant. “When you eat this way, there’s a slow release of sugar, and insulin remains at lower levels,” advises Virgin. As in any systems theory, the whole must be understood in relationship to the parts, as well as the relevant environment. Experts agree that it’s paramount to take an expanded, systemic approach to metabolic health, rather than fixating on only one or two aspects at a time. Metabolic health—from basic cells to the most sophisticated of organized systems—can only be achieved and sustained when the whole system is healthy. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings and host of the online Metabolic Revolution Summit. Visit her website ItsAllAboutWe.com for a free audio sample.
How to Talk with a Doctor by Carol L. Roberts
M
any patients, both men and women, have a hero-worshipping attitude toward their physicians and can be intimidated during visits. They may feel it’s impolite to question a doctor, even to get information needed to make critical decisions for one’s self or a loved one. Some doctors seem to have forgotten they are still just people with a medical degree. Patients should remember this if they encounter any perceived aloofness or arrogance. Too often, such an unhelpful attitude may be acquired along with professional experience. Getting ready for a visit to a doctor often entails following instructions, but should also include preparing questions you want answered. If a serious health issue has surfaced, such as an abnormal lab test or a diagnosis that requires treatment, make key questions count: “Where did this come from? Is there anything I can do for myself? What is the recommended treatment? What are the expected effects and unintended side effects of the proposed treatment? Are there alternative forms of treatment? Can I speak to one of your patients that has undergone this treatment?” Then, do online research upon returning home. The Internet has placed the entire library of medicine at our fingertips. Sift out the science from the hype, refine questions and go back for deeper answers. Get a second opinion from another medical doctor or naturopath (some states license them) or doctor of Oriental medicine (acupuncture and herbs). No matter if the proposed treatment is as seemingly simple as a course of antibiotics or as serious as surgery, question it before automatically submitting to a diagnosis and drug prescription. Each of us is the only person on Earth with the unique vantage point of living inside our body. We shouldn’t let anyone label us as depressed if a sick body says otherwise, that “It’s all in your head,” if it’s real, or that there’s no cure. That’s where alternative medicine usually begins and miracles can happen. The best results come from standing up for ourselves. Dr. Carol L. Roberts practices integrative medicine at the Perlmutter Health Center, in Naples, FL (PerlHealth.com). She is a founding diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.
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Hormone-Happy
FOODS The Right Choices Make Our Bodies Hum by Linda Sechrist
O
ur body’s hormones work like an orchestra. When one instrument is out of tune, the entire production struggles to maintain harmony. Each plays a part in influencing the others and determining how well the whole concert works. Fortunately, our body has masterful conductors, including the endocrine system, which coordinates all of the glands and the hormones they produce. “Players” include the adrenal, hypothalamus, pancreas, pineal, pituitary, reproductive and thyroid/ parathyroid glands. “A healthy endocrine system is essential to making hormones in appropriate amounts throughout our life,” says Theresa Dale, Ph.D., a naturopathic doctor who practices as a traditional naturopath and clinical nutritionist in Oxnard, California, and has authored Revitalizing Your Hormones. “For example, when the ovaries shut down after menopause, the adrenal glands continue producing progesterone and other essential hormones.” Dale, dean and founder of the California College of Natural Medicine, further assures that contrary to assertions from some conventional medicine reports, the body is able to produce necessary hormones throughout our entire life. Hormones function as chemical messengers that commute through the bloodstream as part of the information
superhighway that connects the brain to the DNA managers of the body’s cells. “Hormones communicate with chemicals produced by the brain called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which greatly influence energy levels, moods and other bodily functions such as moving memories from short- to longterm storage,” explains Dale. For 20 years, she has seen patients with critical hormonal imbalances respond to her recommended threemonth, endocrine-rebuilding diet, comprising three daily meals of steamed, sautéed and raw foods, fish, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, plus two raw vegetable or seed snacks. The regimen strives to balance metabolism, cleanse the body, restore immune function and revitalize the endocrine system. Kokomo, Indiana, resident Sylvia Egel, national director of coaching and education for Metabolic Balance, a personalized nutrition plan to balance metabolism and hormones, optimize health and increase energy at any age, agrees that hormones can be restored and balanced via proper food selections. “Our lifestyle and dietary choices strongly affect our metabolism and hormonal health, as do stress levels and sleep patterns. Eating at the wrong time, in the wrong place or in the
wrong order, and even poor combinations of healthy foods, can be almost as problematic as eating junk food,” says Egel. She also warns against snacking, emotional eating, eating on the go, skipping breakfast and waiting too long between meals. Diana Hoppe, author of Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You, an obstetrician and gynecologist in San Diego, California, who leads clinical trials related to women’s health at the Pacific Coast Research Center, also sees firsthand how what we eat directly affects our hormones. She attests that our bodies need a balance of three macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein and fat. “But for 20 years, we have been advised to decrease fat intake in favor of fat-free options that have been detrimental to us, because we need fat to produce hormones and maintain healthy hormone function. Certain fatty acids and cholesterol serve as building blocks in hormone production and cellular function, especially the reproductive hormones of estrogen and testosterone,” says Hoppe. Food can be medicine for hormones. One of the most important hormone-balancing fats is coconut oil, which heals skin, increases metabolism and supplies a quick source of energy. Egg yolks are a good source of choline and iodine, essential to the production of healthy thyroid hormones, plus are rich in vitamins A, D, E and B-complex vitamins. Avocados have lots of healthy fat that helps absorb and utilize nutrients. Nuts and seeds, olive oil and salmon are all rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids that help stabilize hormone levels. Eating the right foods and incorporating healthy fats into meals increases overall energy, reduces hormonal fluctuations and helps us feel more balanced. Says Dale, “The majority of individuals are surprised to learn that hormone health doesn’t depend on age, but rather on a complex of factors, like the air we breathe, the water we drink, the quality of our diet, good sleep and adequate exercise, plus the relative health of our relationships and emotional life—and that’s just for starters.” Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.
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January 2015
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healthykids
no idea how the information pertains to them. The award-winning app “allows children to input their age, gender and level of physical activity to measure their individual caloric need,” says De Wulf. “When they choose a food to ‘smash’ and see that eight grams of sugar cubes are in a can of soda, they’re able to process healthy food information.” Smash Your Food features audio/ video of actual food smashing. “Kids are sensorial and different kinds of learners. It’s more effective than using cartoon images,” she observes. It’s $2.99 in the iTunes App Store.
An App a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Keep Kids Engaged in Healthy Living by Julianne Hale
I
n today’s technology-fueled society, kids spend many hours of their free time staring at smartphones or tablets instead of exploring nature, riding bikes or playing outdoor games with their friends. Rather than just imposing radical reductions in screen time, parents and caregivers can meet youngsters halfway by adding apps to their handheld devices that provide tips on healthy eating, exercise and behavior. Here are five that are fun for kids and promote healthy lifestyle choices. Super Stretch Yoga HD. Super Stretch is the primary character in this yoga adventure in which players are encouraged to, “Create a peaceful, balanced life by living a NAMASTE mission: Nothing is impossible; Always be honest; Make the world a better place; Act with kindness; Share with others; Trust and believe in yourself; and Enjoy and have fun.” Creator and founder Jessica Rosenberg, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, explains, “I translated a curriculum that I’ve been using for kids into an ‘edutainment’ app that combines gaming and real-life kids
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as characters that bring yoga to life.” Players are challenged to master the skills presented by each of the game’s 12 main characters, increasing awareness of breathing and other aspects of how the body works, plus promoting self-esteem. Free in the iTunes App Store. If, the Emotional IQ Game. An adventure game inspired by If, a well-known poem by Rudyard Kipling, players go on a quest through Ziggurat, a fantasy world where they enlist energy creatures called Vims to rid their avatars of dark energy. Youngsters are challenged to complete missions using emotional language. The character traits required to complete the tasks include patience, teamwork and other skills that help kids build emotional intelligence. Free in the iTunes App Store. Smash Your Food. Nutritionist Marta De Wulf, from Bellevue, Washington, felt compelled to develop her innovative app when she realized that while kids understand that certain foods contain too much sugar, fat or carbs, they have
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Oh, Ranger! Park Finder. Instead of vaguely suggesting that kids put down their electronic devices and head outdoors, why not ask them to choose an adventure for the whole family? Using the Oh, Ranger! Park Finder app, kids can search for nearby outdoor recreation areas from a comprehensive database of national parks, state parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, Bureau of Land Management sites and U.S. Army Corps recreation areas. Kids can further seek out specific activities from 20-plus categories that range from birdwatching and hiking to boating and camping. Free in the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Kids Making Healthy Choices. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that rates of childhood obesity have doubled in the past 30 years. This kid- and parent-friendly app is designed to help. It springboards from San Diego, California’s Merilee Kern’s children’s book of the same title. Embedded via an e-reader, kids can play games, print coloring sheets and explore healthy recipes while parents check out the news section and resource page for links with information for keeping youngsters healthy. “Surveys show that parents often don’t realize that their child has a weight problem,” notes Kern. “It’s important to discuss this topic within the family, and the app helps facilitate this in a non-threatening, helpful way.” It’s $2.99 in the iTunes App Store. Julianne Hale writes and edits for Natural Awakenings franchise magazines and blogs about motherhood at AnotherGrayHair.wordpress.com.
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January 2015
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of active recovery time, moving at a lower intensity that allows you to catch your breath and lower your heart rate,” she explains. Two easy examples of this are sprinting to burst and then walking to recover, and running up stairs to burst, and then walking down them to recover. “This should be repeated for a total of four to eight minutes of highintensity bursts per session. Overall, this will take 20 to 30 minutes,” says Virgin. She notes that the increase in stress hormones that occurs during HIIE are counteracted by the simultaneously raised levels of anabolic-building hormones. “Short bursts train the body in how to handle stress and recover. Repeated intense bursts raise the lactic acid level, which in turn raises growth hormone production and supports fat burning. The research is clear that the more intense the exercise, the bigger the metabolic benefit is afterward.”
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The Skinny on Glycemic Foods by Kathleen Barnes
T
hose wanting to reduce carbohydrate intake by eating foods with a low glycemic index based on their impact on blood sugar levels might consider using newer tables that instead measure glycemic load, suggests New York City Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Susan Weiner. She explains that the glycemic index only considers how quickly sugars from food are released into the bloodstream. The glycemic load charts a more accurate accounting of the amount of carbohydrates in an actual serving, rather than the 50-gram (1.76-ounce) portion used in calculating a food’s ranking on the glycemic index scale of 1 to 100. “Glycemic load is a better indicator of how a carbohydrate food will affect blood sugar in realistic portions, especially in combination with other foods, including proteins and fats,” advises Weiner. Here are a few compelling comparisons:
Food/Snack Carrot Watermelon Graham crackers Baguette Snickers bar Cornflakes Baked Potato
Glycemic Index 35 (low) 72 (high) 74 (high) 95 (very high) 51 (medium) 93 (very high) 111 (very high)
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January 2015
19
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Four Ways to Recharge by Kathleen Barnes
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tress saps energy, and Americans feel stressed more than ever, with 20 percent of us experiencing “extreme stress” at least weekly, according to the American Institute of Stress. Could latenight TV and the ubiquitous presence of electronic devices be the culprits? Partly, according to information published by Harvard Medical School. While all light stimulates the brain, the blue light from electronic devices and some eco-light bulbs disrupt circadian rhythms, prevent production of melatonin and block deep, healthful, restorative sleep. Fortunately, there’s an easy remedy, say Harvard experts: Seek abundant exposure to bright natural sunlight, and then turn off all electronic devices an hour before bedtime. Some experts even suggest wearing orange-colored goggles for the last two waking hours to neutralize the energy-sucking blue rays. Here are a few more energy thieves and ways to neutralize them.
Avoid Energy Vampires
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Problem: We all know someone that exhausts us, according to Dr. Judith Orloff, Venice Beach, California, author of the new book, The Ecstasy of Surrender. Maybe he or she talks endlessly about personal matters, is incessantly negative, a gossip or a guilt-tripper.
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Solution: “Take control. Get in the driver’s seat,” advises Orloff. “Create a circle of positive people around you. Stay calm and centered. Distance yourself from energy vampires and if they’re family, limit time spent with them and establish boundaries.”
Recognize Time Leeches
Problem: We fall into the black hole of Facebook or cute kitten videos. Hours pass and we fall behind in more productive activities and then feel drained and groggy. Solution: Time management is essential to preserving energy, says Orloff. Limit time spent on social media. Check email once or twice a day instead of every 15 minutes. “The Internet is addictive, almost like a drug,” explains Orloff. “When you’re online, your energy is cut off and you become a zombie; you’re not in your body. Take a technology fast. Talk to your mate. Make love. Go for a walk in the woods. See your best friend.”
Get Rid of Clutter
Problem: We all have way too much “stuff,” says Linda Rauch Carter, author of Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life. “If you don’t have room, you shut your-
self off from the flow of energy in your home and become exhausted,” says the Tustin, California, feng shui expert. “When I ask a client to take half of the stuff off a shelf and then ask how it feels, they almost always take a deep breath. The clutter literally chokes off breath and vitality.” Solution: “Clear out what isn’t needed,” counsels Carter. “Keep a balance by making it a habit when bringing new things into a home or work environments to let go of a comparable number of old things at the same time.” Beware of clutter creep, the slow accumulation of energy-sapping clutter, she says. “I believe the lack of energy so many of us experience is a nearly undetectable, chronic energy drain that seems slight, yet over time becomes a big problem.”
More Ways to Recharge Take a walk. A brisk 10-minute walk gets the cobwebs out and neutralizes the four o’clock energy slump, says Dr. Judith Orloff. Just spending time outside is a simple, time-tested way of boosting energy. Recent Scottish research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine confirms the energy-enhancing power of nature in general, noting that people that live near trees have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Just Say No. “’No,’ is a complete sentence,” says Orloff. “You don’t have to be mean or angry about it; just firmly say ‘No,’ when someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do or because you already feel overcommitted or overwhelmed. You don’t have to explain or make excuses.” A commitment isn’t necessarily final either, remarks Orloff: “If you dread it and can’t delegate it, renegotiate the earlier agreement.”
Stop Electromagnetic Pollution Problem: We are all surrounded by energy-draining electromagnetic fields (EMF) from myriad electronic devices and systems in homes and offices, plus cell phone towers and transmission lines. All of these operate on frequencies that can be major energy drains, says Carter. Japanese research physician Ryoichi Ogawa found that 80 percent of his chronic fatigue patients were frequent users of electromagnetic technologies (Omega-News). Solution: Minimize indoor exposure to EMFs by using land lines with corded phones, power strips and shutting off electricity to nonessential appliances when not in use. “I’ve been preaching this for 20 years,” says Carter. Protecting sleep space is a primary consideration. “Make sure no beds are near electrical outlets and cell phones. Get rid of cordless phones, which are like mini cell towers, right there in the house,” she adds. The easiest solution, Carter says, is to put bare feet on bare earth for 15 to 20 minutes a day. “It will pull some of that excess EMF charge right off of you.” Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books and publisher at Take Charge Books. Connect at Kathleen@KathleenBarnes.com.
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January 2015
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wisewords
Louise Hay on Loving Yourself to Ageless Health
Do you have a special event in the community? Are you opening a new office or moving? Recently become certified in a new modality?
Let us know about it!
by S. Alison Chabonais
A
renowned leader of the self-help movement from its early days, Louise Hay is celebrated worldwide for teaching—by personal example and through her bestselling book, You Can Heal Your Life—how each of us can transform our mind, body and spirit by changing the way we think. Her positive philosophy has sparked an industry and her Hay House publishing group. Nourishing mind and body, loving life, learning and growing, giving back and moving ahead—these comprise Hay’s program for creating health, happiness and longevity. At 88, she continues to travel for business and pleasure, embracing vital, joy-filled days with a thankful smile. Her new book, Loving Yourself to Great Health, co-authored with Ahlea Khadro and Heather Dane, explains how she’s taking all she knows to the next level.
Why does first applying love and forgiveness to yourself make a happy, healthy and long life possible?
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Loving yourself is the foundation for living the life you want. A healthy and happy life is rooted in self-love, and forgiveness is an act of self-love. It all comes down to how you think and treat yourself. What we give out we get
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back, so it all starts with us. Remember, no matter what the problem is, there is only one answer: loving yourself. Start with small steps and be gentle. If you start there, magical things will happen.
How do you manage to engage in a stream of loving affirmations 24/7? Practice, practice, practice! Slowly, bit-by-bit, start each day with a loving act towards yourself. Loving affirmations and worrying about things take up the same amount of time; you still get the same things done along the way, but worrying creates stress, while affirmations will brighten your life. It can be exhausting if you fight the shift and make it difficult. If you make kindness to yourself and others a simple part of everyday life, it isn’t exhausting at all.
What are some key elements to crafting a life experience that supports and nourishes ageless being? Choose thoughts that bring love into your life and laugh a lot. Say yes to life and the magic it brings. I trust that life will bring me exactly what I need, and part of that is realizing that I don’t need to know everything, because life brings me people like Ahlea and Heather. A third of our life is spent eating, and
it’s essential that we know the best way to do this. Start your day with water and an act of self-love. Eat real food; seasonal, organic, natural foods are a positive affirmation to your body. Poop every day, figuratively and literally. Learn to listen to your body and its wisdom. Choose exercise that you love and that makes you feel good. Also, go on a media diet. Filter out from your consciousness any messages that say you are not good enough or that separate you from the beautiful and lovable person you are. Surround yourself with like-minded people that share good news and love to laugh.
The core belief founding your lifework is that every thought we have is creating our future. Is scientific research now supporting that? When I began teaching people about affirmations, there wasn’t any science to support it, but we knew it worked, and now studies verify that. I particularly love Bruce Lipton’s scientific research showing that we are not controlled by our genes because the genetic blueprint can be altered through positive changes in our beliefs. I hear reports every day of how people are healing their lives by changing their thoughts through cultivating selflove and personal affirmations. They are seeing healing of autoimmune diseases, obesity, addictions, post-traumatic stress and many other so-called incurable illnesses. It’s amazing what happens when you are kind and loving to yourself.
What is your secret to aging gracefully through the years? It’s simple. It’s about getting your thoughts and food right and having fun along the way. If you are thinking positive thoughts but feeding yourself processed, unnatural or sugary foods, you are sending yourself mixed messages. Feed yourself nourishing foods and think loving thoughts. Any time you don’t know what else to do, focus on love. Loving yourself makes you feel good, and good health comes from feeling good. S. Alison Chabonais is the national content editor for Natural Awakenings magazines.
inspiration
New Year, New You When ‘Good Enough’ Is Perfect by Elizabeth Lombardo
D
oes it sometimes feel like if we can’t do something perfectly, why should we bother doing it at all? Perfectionism feeds on such an all-ornothing approach in following rigid self-imposed rules that can sabotage relationships, health and happiness. Instead, try adopting a “better than perfect” mindset that embraces life’s imperfections without guilt or shame. A clean enough house or a good enough job is in many ways better than perfect. Here are helpful approaches to reframe the internal discussion. Remember what matters. In planning a big birthday party for her husband, one wife was so stressed trying to manage every detail that she had to stop and ask herself: What is most important—having everything look perfect, or having a fun party they would enjoy and remember for the rest of their lives? Thinking about our values keeps things in perspective and perfectionism in check. Perfection isn’t likable. We often try to be perfect to gain other people’s attention and approval, but no one wants to be around a person trying to be someone they aren’t. No one’s life is perfect. Social media often present idealized versions of people’s lives. Few post about fighting with their partner or coping with an unhappy infant; we most often hear about vacation
adventures and baby’s first word or step. We can avoid feelings of dissatisfaction by avoiding comparisons with others. It’s not failure, it’s data. Rather than personalize a perceived failure, take it on as an opportunity. If a New Year’s resolution to work out more isn’t kept, ask why: Is the exercise location too far away or is the class schedule inconvenient? It feels better to adopt a more successful strategy than to beat ourself up about falling short. Perfectionism is a treadmill. People often think, “I’ll be happy when I weigh this or achieve that,” always seeking the next level of self-improvement. Appreciating who we are right now is a path to happiness. Perfectionism is a learned behavior, and anything learned can be unlearned at any age. As we continue to strive for excellence, we can learn to embrace what’s good. Take a perfectionist self-assessment quiz at Tinyurl.com/PerfectionismQuiz. Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the author of Better than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love plus A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. Connect at ElizabethLombardo.com.
natural awakenings
January 2015
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greenliving
Calendar A wonderful resource for filling your workshops, seminars and other events.
ECO-FRIENDLY
FLOORS Sustainable Beauty Underfoot by Avery Mack
T Two styles available: Calendar of Dated Events: Designed for events on a specific date of the month. 50 words. n
Calendar of Ongoing Events: Designed for recurring events that fall on the same day each week. 50 words. n
Contact us for guidelines so we can assist you through the process. We’re here to help!
256-340-1122
Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com 24
Birmingham, AL
ruly good flooring is beautiful, practical and eco-friendly. The best choices may change from room-to-room, as well as with geography, depending on family needs. Here are some key factors to consider for an optimum installation.
Added Value–Hardwood Wood comes in many colors, polished to a high gloss or textured, and can be refinished when styles change. “Timber used to float downriver to the sawmill and not all of it arrived. We salvage logs from the bottom of the Penobscot River for flooring and other products,” says Tom Shafer, co-owner of Maine Heritage Timber, in Millinocket. “Our wood is as fresh as the day it was cut decades ago.” Cold water preserves the resource and adds a natural patina. Removal of the estimated 700,000 cords of underwater wood will help restore the waterway’s natural eco-system. Note: Wood can scratch or dent and be susceptible to water damage. Even recycled wood might not be eco-friendly. “Wood reclaimed from manufacturing plants can contain machine oils, harsh chemical residue, lead paint or asbestos,”
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explains Shafer. “Know where it came from; follow the chain of evidence.”
High Traffic, Pets, Long Life–Linoleum
Linoleum is made from linseed oil, wood powder, resins and ground limestone. Mineral pigments provide rich color throughout, which prevents paler worn spots. A personalized pattern may include borders using linoleum sheets or tiles. It’s long-lasting, durable, fireresistant, biodegradable, has no harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC) and repels dirt and dust. Note: Vinyl, made from unnatural chlorinated petrochemicals, won’t wear as well or last as long as linoleum.
Long-Lasting–Tile
Bottles recycled into glass tile reflect light, brightening smaller rooms like the bath. Long-lasting ceramic or porcelain tile has no VOCs, is easy to clean and won’t host germs, bacteria or dust mites. Note: Look for lead-free glazed tile. Glass tile may be cost-prohibitive for larger spaces. Most tile can be slick when wet; texturing increases safety.
Child-, Pet- and Elder-Friendly, Warm and Comfy–Cork Cork is lightweight, flexible and can mimic stone, granite, tile, marble and wood, while providing comfortable cushioning. “Cork assumes the ambient temperature in the room, keeping feet warmer. It holds up to dogs, too,” says Tim Tompkins, a Portuguese Cork Association committee member in Greenville, South Carolina. “Cork is both healthy for the consumer and sustainable for the environment.” Note: Due to its cushioning nature, heavy furniture or high-heeled shoes may make indentations.
Wood-Like and Sturdy–Bamboo
Bamboo generally regrows in three to five years, is twice as hard as red oak and can be stained almost any color. Edge-grained bamboo, banded together, turns flooring into a statement. Note: “It’s shipped from Asia and may have formaldehyde glues and durability problems, so shop carefully,” advises David Bergman, a New York City green architect and author of Sustainable Design: A Critical Guide.
Long-Wearing Classic Look–Stone Travertine, limestone, granite, slate and marble are all stone flooring options. Stone can increase home value, has a classic look and is a piece of history that adds to any décor, although it’s not a renewable resource. Cork or nonpetroleum-based laminated floors can
give the look of stone without destroying an in-situ natural resource. Note: Large blocks of stone are cut at quarries and transported to processing plants, cut into slabs and transported to a processor to be cut again, shaped and polished before being shipped to the store—a big carbon footprint.
The Great Imitator–Concrete
editorial calendar
2015 JANUARY
whole systems health plus: energy boosters FEBRUARY
enlightened relationships plus: healing grief MARCH
Easy-to-clean, durable concrete never needs to be replaced. Small repairs can be patched. Large repairs, such as a broken pipe beneath the surface, may require refinishing the entire floor to match the stain color. Some homeowners have created a faux rug using other stain colors to disguise the repaired area. Finishes can make concrete look like hardwood, painted tile, carpet, marble or granite, including terrazzo options. For an entryway, homeowners can design a custom welcome mat, perhaps incorporating a family crest, monogram or motto. Finishes can be textured to varying degrees to increase foot traction. Note: Ensure the structure is sturdy enough to bear the extra weight of concrete. It feels cold underfoot in winter and cool in summer. Epoxy coatings don’t let concrete breathe, so any moisture emanating from the concrete slab will be trapped. Test for the moisturevapor emission rate; problem areas can include sections covered by furniture. Avery Mack is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect via AveryMack@ mindspring.com.
FUN FLOOR FACTS
animal rights
plus: new healthy cuisine APRIL
nature’s wisdom
plus: healthy home MAY
breast health
plus: natural birth JUNE
healing addiction
plus: balanced man JULY
food democracy
plus: inspired living AUGUST
parenting with presence plus: creativity SEPTEMBER
agelessness
plus: yoga benefits OCTOBER
working together
plus: natural antidepressants NOVEMBER
true wealth
plus: beauty DECEMBER
prayer & meditation plus: holiday themes
n Mixed and matched floors create a planned flow in an open-concept house. Find fun ideas at Tinyurl.com/FlooringTransits. n Most carpet is chemical-laden and not so health- or eco-friendly, although there are some exceptions. n Sustainably produced handwoven wool rugs backed with jute are susceptible to the jute retaining spills and pet odors; its yellow-tan pigment also can color rug fibers. Jute eventually disintegrates, leaving clumps of unsecured wool fibers. n In Portugal, bark is hand carved off the tree as cork, which is healthy for the tree. Trees are grown on protected land that also benefits insects and birds. NASA, Mercedes and BMW sometimes find cork a lightweight, durable replacement for steel. The Library of Congress has relied on its original cork flooring for 75 years. n Kinetic energy from people dancing or walking on special flooring can light up the area and send energy back to the grid (see Joycott.com/energy-floors). natural awakenings
January 2015
25
naturalpet
Both the family and the veterinarian need to feel comfortable with treatments. Ask questions before submitting an animal to any anesthetic or surgery or other medical procedure. Talk with the veterinarian about using this gentle, natural approach to help relieve any concerns if a pet needs sedation or anesthesia. Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. For more information, visit PetCareNaturally.com.
PET ANESTHESIA How to Make it Safe and Easier on Everyone by Shawn Messonnier
M
any pet parents and some veterinarians have an unnecessary fear of animal anesthesia. Addressing some misconceptions about this common medical procedure can be helpful, particularly in regard to older pets.
Myth #1: Anesthesia is Dangerous Modern anesthesia has evolved into a safe medical practice since it was introduced in 1799 and uses much safer drugs than earlier versions. Still, all medications need to be approached cautiously for the welfare of all individuals connected to its use. Both injectable anesthetic drugs and inhalant anesthetic drugs (gases) can be used safely if properly chosen for a specific condition, accurately dosed and continuously monitored.
Myth #2: Grogginess is a Given When a high-quality medication is properly administered, a groggy state 26
Birmingham, AL
lasting from several hours to a day or more following a procedure shouldn’t occur. Lower-quality anesthetic drugs injected during discounted spaying and neutering procedures may produce such prolonged recovery periods. It’s safer to use a high-quality, quick-acting, short-term injectable anesthetic, followed by gas anesthesia for anesthetic maintenance, during surgical procedures, including for spaying and neutering. Patients wake up quickly following surgery and can be sent home fully awake soon afterwards.
Myth #3: A Pet is Too Old
No pet is too old for proper medical care. Because older pets don’t metabolize some drugs as well as younger ones, the correct anesthesia must be chosen for the pet’s age and current state of health or medical problems. Too often, pets haven’t received proper care, especially dental cleanings and tumor removals, because their current veterinarian has deemed them too old for anesthesia.
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PRINCIPLES OF HOLISTIC ANESTHESIA by Shawn Messonnier n Each patient is unique and has unique anesthetic needs. n Giving the least amount of anesthesia needed ensures the safest possible procedure. n Analgesics are used to minimize discomfort and meet anesthetic needs. n Some anesthetic drugs may be used to minimize the depth of anesthesia obtained. n Light levels of anesthesia are preferred for minimally painful procedures. n Carefully monitoring the patient during anesthesia helps ensure a good outcome. n Patients should wake up from anesthesia immediately following the procedure. n Patients are sent home immediately following anesthetic recovery. n An older pet can be safely anesthetized by a holistic vet as part of its anti-aging care.
natural awakenings
January 2015
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calendarofevents THURSDAY, JANUARY 1
Yoga Nidra – 2-4pm. Yoga nidra or “yogi sleep” is among the deepest possible states of relaxation while still maintaining full consciousness. This practice has been used for thousands of years and has served to elevate consciousness as well as to reduce such physical discomforts as tension and anxiety. $25. BirminghamYoga.com.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Art Show – through Jan 24: 6-9pm (Tues), 9am-9pm (Wed), 9-11am and 4:30-9pm (Thu), 9am-12pm (Sat). Red Dot Gallery presents small, affordable works by local artists. Offering paintings, pottery, sculpture, drawings and ornaments by favorite Birmingham artists. Red Dot Gallery, 1001 Stuart St, Birmingham. 205-870-7608. RedDotGallery.com.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
Manifest Your Dreams: A Kundalini Yoga Workshop – 9:30am-12pm. Each of us holds the power to create a life of joy, health and abundance. In this workshop, we will practice a yoga set to jump start your life force and vitality, clearing out old blocks and baggage. $25. 205-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. 3rd Annual New Years Day Hike – 10:30am. 3rd annual hike to Hawk’s Ridge Overlook for a communal reading of The Birmingham Pledge, affirming our commitment to ending racism one person at a time. Free. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st St South, Birmingham. 205-245-4146. Vision Board Workshop – 12-2pm. Embody will host this annual opportunity for you to put a concrete, artistic form to your New Year’s resolutions. Magazines and poster boards provided, but you are free to bring your own. Free. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with Info@EmbodyBirmingham.com. Embody Birmingham.com.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 Garden Lecture Series: Edible Landscaping – 10-11:30am. How to mix edibles into your existing landscape without looking like a farm. See images of vegetables and fruits that are as pretty as any shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Free. Emmet O’Neal Library, 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook. 205-445-1118. Stories Under the Stars – 7-8:30pm. Enjoy a crisp, cold night bundled up around a warm toasty fire listening to entertaining stories from Storyteller Zechariah Hook. This event is perfect the entire family. $4. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st St South, Birmingham. 205-833-8264 x13.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5 Yoga Basics with Lauren Rae Brown – 5:30-7pm. This weekly class covers the basics of yoga including skillful pose alignment, pose modifications to suit each body, mindful movement, guided relaxation, all while cultivating awareness of breath. $15/ class or $72/6-week series. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register: Lauren@ EmbodyBirmingham.com. Traditional Foods Support Group – 6:30-7:30pm. A open space within which people can share ideas, discuss struggles, and find community around food. Bring a well labeled healthy dish and your favorite cook book. $5. Mill House Natural Foods, 507 11th Ave SW, Alabaster, AL. 205-664-7434 or 205-7904102. DeepRootsApothecary.com.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8
Therapeutic Yoga for Low Back – 9-11am. Learn stretches that create more mobility in the spine and strengthening poses that support good posture and daily function. Appropriate for all levels and for people with low back problems. $25 advance/$35 door. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register: SOSyoga.com. Becca@ SOSyoga.com.
Feng Shui for Life Improvement with Katie Rogers: Resolving Clutter – 6:30pm. If the idea of living a simplified, uncluttered life with less stuff sounds attractive, this program with certified Feng Shui consultant Katie Rogers is for you. Free. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd. 205-332-6620.
Meet the Doulas: A BirthWise Open House – 2-3pm. Come learn about doulas, childbirth classes, placenta encapsulation, prenatal yoga and massage and more. Hire a doula, meet your backup doula, sign up for a childbirth class. Free. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. BirthWisein Birmingham.com.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
Restore & Rest – 4:30-6:30pm. Savor the deep relaxation of restorative yoga postures, then move into the guided module of Yoga Nidra, a de-programming of our central nervous system to encourage integrated rest and relaxation. $25 advance/$35 door. Embody Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register: Sgraham@bham.rr.com. Embody Birmingham.com.
Restorative Yoga – 6-8pm. Join Lauren Brown for a full session of restorative yoga, where your mind and body can rest and renew with the help of props and massage to support the body’s relaxation. $25 advance/$35 door. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with Lauren@EmbodyBirmingham.com. Embody Birmingham.com.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 Reiki 1 Certification Class – 8am-6pm. Reiki is a Universal Life Force Energy and system of natural healing. This certification class is the first level for Reiki attunement. NCBTMB 10 CE hours. Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St South, inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com. Terri Heiman, 516-457-3885. Being the Body: The Yoga of Sacred Presence – 9am-12pm. We will explore the roots of yoga practice, accessible for all ages, body types and levels of practice. Led by Anne Markham Bailey. $25 suggested donation. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register: Anne@ MarkhamBailey.com or 205-907-7347. Anne MarkhamBailey.com. Garden Lecture Series: Art in the Garden – 1011:30am. How to position art for best effect in your landscape. Images of great garden ornaments to inspire you. Where to find cool stuff. Free. Emmet O’Neal Library, 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook. 205-445-1118. 5th Annual MLK Unity Walk – 12-2pm. The goal of this event is to replenish the Greater Birmingham Ministries food banks. Free, though monetary donations are accepted, and please bring canned goods for the hungry. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham. 205-529-2404. Understanding Botanical Names – 12:30-4:30pm. Learn how fascinating, enlightening and humorous
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Birmingham, AL
botanical names can be. You’ll be surprised how much you can discern about a plant based only on its botanical name. $40-$45. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd. 205-414-3950.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 Reiki 2 Certification Class – 8am-6pm. This is a certification class for the second level of Reiki attunement. Reiki 1 attunement required. Learn Reiki symbols for use in long distance healing. NCBTMB 10 CE hours. Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St South, inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio. com. Terri Heiman, 516-457-3885. Introduction to Plant Taxonomy/Classification – 8:30am-4:30pm. Participants in this class will learn about the history of modern taxonomy, the basics of naming plants, the plant classification hierarchy and the use of keys in plant identification. $80-$90. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd. 205-414-3950. Garden Lecture Series: Historic Gardens – 1011:30am. See beautiful images of historic gardens and landscapes in Europe as well as glimpses of early gardens built in this country. Free. Emmet O’Neal Library, 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook. 205-445-1118. 10 Tips for a Healthy New You and Year – 6:307:30pm. Learn some of Clinical Herbalist Cameron Strouss’s favorite quick additions to home, diet, and ritual for sleep, energy, and a happier healthier You. $5. Organic Harvest, 1580 Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham. Register: 205-978-0318. DeepRoots Apothecary.com.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 Therapeutic Yoga for Neck & Shoulders – 9-11am. Join physical therapist Becca Impello for a
class geared at releasing neck and shoulder tension. Appropriate for all levels and for those with neck and shoulder issues. $25 advance/$35 door. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register: SOSyoga.com. Becca@SOSyoga.com.
ongoingevents wednesday
Alabama Dance Festival Showcase – 2:30-4:30pm. This performance features dance companies and ensembles selected from Festival participants across the Southeast. $8-$15. Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 Rev Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham. 205-322-4444. Reflect and Rejoice: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr – 3pm. The voices of the Aeolians of Oakwood University join the Alabama Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the legacy and leadership of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. $33-$79. Alys Robinson Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave South, Birmingham. 205-975-2787.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 Neuroscience Café: Schizophrenia – 6:30pm. Join us as UAB neuroscience doctors and researchers Dr. Adrienne Lahti and Dr. Lynn Dobrunz report on the latest research and treatments for schizophrenia. Free. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd. 205-332-6620.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 Embody Winter Retreat – 9am-3pm (Sat-Sun). Disconnect from outside stresses and reconnect with yourself with breath work, hatha and restorative yoga, meditation and relaxation, lunch and short bodywork sessions. Choose Saturday or Sunday when registering. $150. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register: Info@ EmbodyBirmingham.com. Self–Defense for Women – 9:30am. Detective Juan Rodriquez, owner of the Summit Training Academy, will teach special techniques for handling threatening situations. Free, registration required. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd. 205-332-6620. All About Non-Native Medicinals – 10am-12pm. Clinical Herbalist Cameron Strouss will share preparations, uses, and tips for common non-native industry medicinals. $15. Petals from the Past, 16034 County Rd 29, Jemison, AL. Register: 205-646-0069. DeepRootsApothecary.com.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 Share Care: An Introduction to CranioSacral Therapy – 8:30am-4pm. Join Physical Therapist Rene’ Danos Yerby to learn techniques to relieve pain and promote relaxation. Explore the history of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and a basic understanding of the craniosacral system. $100. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register: Rene@EmbodyBirmingham.com.
plan ahead
daily 40 Days to Free Yoga Series – Jan 5 to Feb 16. This 40-day commitment to mindfulness will guide you towards freeing yourself from attachments that create static in our everyday lives. Each week a new focus will be introduced. Includes unlimited drop-in classes and additional workshops. See VillagerYoga. com for details.
sunday Sunday Service – 11am-12:30pm. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham. 205251-3713. UnityBham.com. A Course in Miracles – 5-6:30pm. On-going discussion group. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.
tuesday Manna Market Organic Food Co-op – Pick up, deliveries and co-op store will be on Jan 6 and 20. Order online. Purchases can be delivered or picked up at one of the convenient locations. Co-op store hours are 1:30-3:30pm at Valley Christian Church, 2600 Cherokee Pl, Mountain Brook. MannaMarket. net. 205-566-2533. Restorative Yoga with Reiki & Essential Oils – 6:45-8pm. Relax, refresh renew. Drop the stress out of your nervous systems. Reiki and Essential Oils used during class to enhance relaxation. Beginners welcomed. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South. BirminghamYoga.com.
Yoga for Beginners Series – 9:30-11am or 6-7:30pm (Jan 7 to Feb 11). This 6-week series focuses on the foundations of Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa (flowing) in a hands-on, “how-to” format. Traditional poses and breathing exercises will be introduced. For beginners and those wanting to rediscover their practice. $85. Register: VillagerYoga.com.
saturday EFT: Tapping Away Body Issues – 3-4pm (Jan 24 to Feb 14). 4-week workshop utilizing Emotional Freedom Technique. Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St South, inside Birmingham Yoga. Natural ForcesStudio.com. Terri Heiman, 516-457-3885. Yoga for New Moms 6-Week Series – 1-2:30pm (Jan 10 to Feb 14). This series will focus on key areas affected through pregnancy and early months of motherhood. For moms 6-weeks to 2+ years out from delivery. $85. Register: VillagerYoga.com.
classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month. HEALTH COOKWARE SALADMASTER sales and service. 256-502-9845.
OFFICE FOR RENT ONE ROOM OFFICE for rent. Adjacent to chiropractic office. Hoover $500. Homewood $400. Perfect for massage, acupuncture, or other natural healing services. 205-871-1888.
Learn from the past and let it go. Live in today. ~Louise Hay
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Herbs in the Boudoir – 1-3pm. How to spice up your night life with fun herbal preparations that are safe for the yoni and make everyone tingle. $25. Embody Practice Center, 3928 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register: DeepRootsApothecary@gmail.com or 205-790-4102. DeepRootsApothecary.com.
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communityresourceguide ACUPUNCTURE ASHLEY LUNDY, LAC
Doctor of Oriental Medicine 104 S Chalkville Rd, Ste 105 Trussville, AL 35173 205-661-0054 Alacupuncture.com DocLundy@alacupuncture.com Specializing in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Using noninvasive treatment to help treat pain, high blood pressure, fertility issues, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and weight loss. Located inside Eastern Chiropractic. Call today for your appointment. See ad, page 18.
ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR ANDREA J ROSS
Wholestic Pet Services 205-492-1000 • WholesticPetServices.com Andiross@bellsouth.net WholesticPetServices@gmail.com Animal Communicator, Reiki M a s t e r, A n i m a l M e d i c a l Intuitive, Dog Behaviorist/ Trainer. Natural and alternative healing remedies, aroma therapies, essential oils, herbal remedies, and T-Touch. Natural Flea & Tick Remedies. Creating and living a chemical free environment.
COLON HYDROTHERAPY HEALING WATERS
Bernadine Birdsong I-ACT & NBCHT Certified Instructor 720 23rd St South, Birmingham, AL 205-323-7582 • MoreThanColonics.com
COUNSELING ANDREA MATHEWS, LPC, PHD 2112 11th Ave South, Suite 522 Birmingham, AL 35205 205-328-0780 AndreaMathews.com Andrea@AndreaMathews.com
Andrea offers both Transpersonal Therapy and Cognitive Therapy to adults, couples (including alternative relationships), for a variety of issues and diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, histories of physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and supportive therapy for GLBT issues.
EMILY TUCKER LPC, NCC
300 Office Park Dr, Ste 220 Birmingham, AL 35223 205-261-1417 • EmilyTuckerLPC@gmail.com Birmingham-Counseling.com Empathy, compassion and reflection are the foundation of her practice with each client. Specializing in Addictions, relationship issues, trauma recovery, depression and anxiety, wellness coaching. Call today for your free consultation. Wellness Packages now available; pay once—no hassles. See ad, page 7.
ENERGY HEALING REV. TERRI A. HEIMAN, RMT, RYT Natural Forces Studio, LLC Birmingham, AL • 516-457-3885 Terri@NaturalForcesStudio.com NaturalForcesStudio.com
Detox your body with Colon Hydrotherapy, Infra Red Sauna, and BioCleanse Therapy. We are the only hydrotherapist in Alabama providing colonics with ionized, microclustered, antioxidant, alkaline water. We offer Lipoex®, a non-invasive way to melt fat, reduce cellulite, and tighten skin. Computerized Biofeedback, Massage therapy, pain management, light therapy, Korean-style Hip Bath, and VibaBody Slimmer also available. See ad, page 7.
O ff e r i n g p r i v a t e s e s s i o n s , workshops and classes in Reiki Energy Healing, Angels, Meditation and Yoga. Spiritual Healing Certification Program, Spiritual Development Academy™ at Spiritual-Development-Academy. com. To Your Spirit!
FAMILY MEDICINE BIRMINGHAM INTEGRATIVE HEALTH Dr. Melanie Miller 159 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 205-655-2110 BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.com Facebook.com/Birmingham IntegrativeHealth
Dr. Miller brings a commitment to integrative health to her patients in the greater Birmingham area. Her definition of good health goes beyond freedom from disease. She strives for both physical and mental well-being. She is a Family Medicine Doctor with interest in adrenal, thyroid, hormone balancing, nutrition, food allergies, weight loss, herbs, supplements and acupuncture. See ad, page 13.
HOMEOPATHY CONSULTANT JOAN SCOTT LOWE
Homeopathic Consultant 1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-871-1288 Joan@HomeopathyBeWell.com HomeopathyForWellness.com Call or email Joan Scott Lowe, Homeopathic Wellness Consultant, to determine your individual constitutional remedy, the FDA-approved nontoxic homeopathic remedy based on the totality of your mental, emotional, and physical condition, chosen according to the Law of Similars (“like heals like”). Achieve wellness and freedom from illness!
NUTRITION AND GIFTS GOLDEN TEMPLE, NOW 3 LOCATIONS 1901 11th Ave. South, Birmingham: 205-933-6333 3309 Lorna Rd, Suite 7, Hoover: 205-823-7002 110 N. Chalkville Rd, Suite 148, Trussville: 205-655-0353 Since 1973, we have been bringing you the best in healthy living. We offer a wide variety of merchandise including vitamins, herbs, supplements, natural foods, organic produce, incense, clothing, books, and gifts.
PAST LIFE REGRESSION DR. ANN J CLARK
3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Suite 213 Vestavia Hills, AL 35242 205-637-3599 BirminghamHypnosis.com Explore your past lives or visit the spiritual realm in a Life between Life Regression. Also offering hypnotherapy, advanced energy work and meditation class. Certified in clinical hypnotherapy, Past Life Regression, and Life between Life Regression. Reiki Master.
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Birmingham, AL
Facebook.com/nabirmingham
CONTEMPLATIVE PSYCHOLOGY CHUCK WHETSELL, PH.D.
Transformative Psychology Services 2011 9th Ave South, Suite 200B Birmingham, AL 35205 205-901-6438 • PeaceOfNowness.com CWhetsell@PeaceOfNowness.com
To be
beautiful
YOURSELF
means to be
-Thich Naht Hanh
Using principles of meditation, clients are guided in going more deeply inwards to explore life’s difficulties. Contacting one’s inner wisdom gives access to strength and purpose, which translates into personal guidelines for going forward in life. Individual and group sessions, including Peace of Nowness groups for working with anxiety.
VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS BELL LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS 800-333-7995 BellLifestyle.com
Formulated natural health supplements intended for pain control, urinary health, preventive illness, virility, stress relief, weight control and other common conditions. See ad, page 2.
DECEMBER HAPPY FOR THE HOLIDAYS CLASSES: > YOGA & MINDFUL NUTRITION > SLOWING DOWN & FINDING INTENTION
YOGA BIRMINGHAM YOGA STUDIO
605 37th Street South Birmingham, AL 35222 • 205-637-4228 Contact@BirminghamYoga.com BirminghamYoga.com Serving the community, Birmingham Yoga offers and hosts: ongoing yoga classes in two beautiful studios, 200-hour yoga teacher training accredited with Yoga Alliance, morning meditation, exciting workshops and class series, monthly community kirtan, musical events, and rental space for guest speakers and teachers.
JANUARY SERIES: > 40 DAYS TO FREE > YOGA FOR BEGINNERS > INTRO TO THE SPINE > ALIGNING THE CHAKRAS > BEFORE THE BUMP > YOGA FOR NEW MOMS > YOGA FOR KIDS
Learn more & register at villageryoga.com | 262-2012
EMBODY PRACTICE CENTER 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35213 205-637-0299 Info@embodybirmingham.com EmbodyBirmingham.com
Embody Practice Center offers Yoga for all ages, levels, and health conditions. Classes include All Levels Yoga, monthly Yoga Nidra and Restorative Yoga, Beginner’s Series, and series specific to injuries (such as neck and shoulders or low back). EPC also offers Tai-Ji Quan (Tai Chi), Breath/ Feldenkrais® Class, Meditation workshops, and various other community and professional workshops. See ad, page 18.
FRESH TASTES BETTER....
Farm to Table, Organic, Local, Sustainable
Manna Market Organic Food CO-OP We deliver to your home, office, restaurant, school; Or pick up at one of our drop off locations.
10% OFF All New Orders Store Open Every Other Tues: 2600 Cherokee Place Mountain Brook, AL 35216
205-566-2533 MannaMarket.net
natural awakenings
January 2015
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Before
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