Atlas Magazine: The Aura Issue

ATLAS magazine

SPRING 2017 THE AURA ISSUE

ATLAS SPRING 2017

EIC: Lindsey Paradis Managing Editor: Antonia DePace Creative Director: Sam Harton Fashion Directors: Emma Cox and Kristin Bruck

PHOTO Photo: Nora Wilby Photographers: Olivia Gerasole, Hannah Choi, Jacob Cutler, Meagan Leotta, Monika Davis, Andri BLOG Blog: Lauren Lopez Blogger: Jennifer Wood, Jessica Morris, Mia Ek Blog Photographers: Hayley Broderick, Amelia Wright

GLOBE Globe Editor: Jackie DeFusco Writers: Shafaq Patel, Kristi Szczesny, Harmony Taggart

CITY City Editor: Jess Filippone Writers: Giuliana Bruno, Brooke Johnson, Carissa Dunlap HEALTH Health Editor: Alysen Smith Ass Health Editor: Olivia Woollett Writers: Margo Rometo, Elizabeth Hartel

STYLE Style Editor: Melinda Fakaude Writers: Lily Bump, Hannah Brem, Melanie Barreiro CAMPUS Campus: Caitlin Smith Writers: Lilly Milman, Sarah Molloy

MARKETING Marketing Director: Swetha Amaresan Marketers: Rebecca Bass, Jen Litchfield, Maria Elisa Rodriguez

COPYEDITING Head Copyeditor: Katrina Taylor Copyeditors: Lilly Milman, Elle McNamara, Tara McDonough, Kira Venturini, Mia Ek ONLINE Online Writers: Fiona Luddy, Rebekah Scarborough

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MEET THE EDITOR au·ra ôrə/ noun: the distinctive atmosphere or quality

that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing or place.

If we’re doing aura on a color scale, I like to think I would be some shade of pink— loving, tender, artistic, affectionate, compassionate—or maybe purple—intuitive, idealistic, magical, daydreamer.

I believe Atlas has an aura as well. It must. It isn’t just a magazine; it is a compilation of people.

Atlas has continued to evolve every semester—adding new staff positions, creating a second issue and increasing our print quality. I couldn’t be more proud. Yet, through all of this evolution we kind of lost ourselves—our aura. In the past handful of issues, the message and image of who we are is not necessarily the same: Rebel, Remix, Off the Map, Origins. I think this issue is a step in the right direction of reclaiming our aura.

As always, I want to thank the staff of Atlas—the writers, editors, copy editors, designers, photographers, marketers and stylists that made this possible. I get this recognition when I am really a very small piece of the puzzle.

I hope you read and enjoy.

Lindsey Atlas Magazine Editor-in-Chief

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MEET OU CREATIVE DIRECTOR Samantha Harton

MANAGING EDITOR Antonia DePace

CO-FASHION DIRECTOR Emma Cox

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PHOTO EDITOR Nora Wilby

CO-FASHION DIRECTOR Kristen Bruck

UR STAFF BLOG EDITOR Lauren Lopez

GLOBE EDITOR Jackie DeFusco

ASSISTANT HEALTH EDITOR Olivia Woollett

NOT PICTURED HEALTH EDITOR Alysen Smith CITY EDITOR Jess Filippone MARKETING DIRECTOR Swetha Amaresan HEAD COPYEDITOR Katrina Taylor

STYLE EDITOR Melinda Fakaude

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IN THIS ISSUE pg. 36

pg. 22

pg. 18

CITY Climate on the Commons pg. 18 Global warming is real, and it’s hitting Beantown hard.

Dresses for Success pg. 20 Turn the page to this article to see how Dress for Success not only helps women feel confident, but also get jobs.

Live from NoWhere pg. 22 Urban exploring is opening a whole new world to artists alike. Find out why with Emerson college alumni and producers of the series of music videos “Live From Nowhere,” Nico Rivers and Emily Graham-Handley.

Ripples of Emotion Editorial pg. 24

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GLOBE Festivals Abroad pg. 34 If you’re a music festival junkie, but looking to expand your palate, look into these international festivals. You won’t be disappointed.

Superstitions pg. 36 “Knock on wood. Stay away from the number 13. Throw salt over your shoulder.” Find out what all these superstitions mean in this article about the world’s superstitions.

The Trouble with Wanderlust pg. 39 Everyone dreams of wanderlust, but what if we told you that it’s right in front of you?

SPRING 2017

pg. 36

pg. 46

pg. 22

pg. 18 pg. 36

STYLE

HEALTH

Power of the Pantsuit pg. 42 Power to the pantsuit as it takes new light in the fashion industry and celebrity scenes. An article on a growing statement and what it means for women.

The Mystery of Acupuncture pg. 56 Thinking of adding acupuncture into your life? Take a look at this article for the history of the holistic treatment, why it works and what ailment it can help in your life.

Boston Beads pg. 44 Jewelry can do more than just make a statement. With the help of Kyra Benevant, it can be a symbol of where you live.

Bending into Acroyoga pg. 58 Acro yoga is much more than just a practice on your mat. Learn how tumbling and flipping in your yoga practice could benefit you in more ways than one.

SECTION PHOTOS: Nora Wilby, Meagan Leotta

Recipe: Pasta Puntanesca pg. 60 Busy day, and not enough time to cook dinner? Try pasta puttanesca.

Trust us, it’s good.

Winter Beach Editorial pg. 62

Glossier pg. 46 Starting with Into the Gloss blog, this popular makeup brand is taking the world by storm. And guess what? It’s coming to our campus.

ABOVE PHOTOS: Olivia Gerasole, Andri, Mike London, Fiona Luddy, Dice Iida-Klein, Nora Wilby COVER PHOTO: Nora Wilby

STAFF PHOTOS: Nora Wilby

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CITY

Climate on the Commons // pg. 12 Dresses for Success // pg. 16 Live from NoWhere // pg. 18

Climate on the Commons WRITER: Samantha Harton PHOTO: Meagan Leotta

Boston is resilient. As one of America’s oldest and most historic cities, Boston has thrived in the face of physical challenges for centuries. From the Revolutionary War to the Marathon bombing, this City on a Hill has used adversity and hardship as an opportunity to strengthen, not crumble. We are Boston Strong, ready for any challenge. But so far, most of our challenges have been loud, obvious and chaotic. The blizzard of 2015—like a case of mono—exhausted our systems to disuse, so we swallowed some medicine and reclused into our bedrooms until we were able to get back on our feet again. But climate change is Earth’s cancer—aggressive, malignant but still in the early stages. Symptoms are mild, for now, but the disease is spreading, our own cells turning against us. And Boston is not immune.

Few Americans are in denial about our planet’s illness, with only 16 percent of citizens believing there isn’t enough scientific evidence to prove that our planet is in significant environmental danger. But no matter how environmentally conscious one may be, we are all guilty of contributing to the climate crisis. Whether it’s flicking a cigarette butt on the ground or tossing a coffee cup into the garbage instead of the recycling, “From the moment we wake up, we start to add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere,” says William Wyatt Oswald, an environmental scientist and professor of climate change at Emerson College. Those gases add to the greenhouse effect, a phenomenon in which the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space, causing the planet to warm.

If you walk outside on a 70-degree February day, you might feel like Boston has come down with a fever. Our temperature is unusually high for a few days and will eventually break until we return to a normal seasonal temperature, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t still sick. Locally, these high temperatures are a pleasant break from the usually harsh New England winters, but they indicate that something is wrong on a larger scale, a symptom of our global illness.

As these “fevers” become more frequent and more intense, they will begin to have intense and irreversible consequences to our planet’s health. Richard Primack, professor of biology at Boston University, and Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Biological Conservation, says that public health will be one of the more immediate consequences of this warming symptom.

People tend to get sick more often in places with unusually high temperatures, and living in Boston can often make heat harder to cope with because cities typically have much warmer surface and soil areas. “It’s a lot of strain on people whose health is not good and elderly people,” says Primack. “You generally have much higher instances of people showing up in emergency rooms and dying if we experience heat waves associated with climate change.” It also could affect the city economically, as heat waves could make it unsafe for people that frequently work outside—such as construction workers—to do their jobs.

A chain reaction of symptoms begins to occur. As temperatures rise, so do ocean waters. Glaciers are melting, adding to the amount of water in the oceans, and the water itself is

“From the moment we wake up, we start to add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.”

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getting warmer. As ocean water heats up, it expands, causing sea levels to rise even further. The Arctic Circle, Greenland and Antarctica are melting at faster rates than previously projected, and soon dry land will be engulfed by rising tides. According to Primack, Boston is one of the most vulnerable cities to this symptom of climate change as we’ve already seen about 8 or 9 inches of sea level rise. Boston simply can’t afford to have to retreat from the coastlines because so much of it’s economy is built near the water. The rising tides threaten major neighborhoods and could eventually make places like the Financial District and East Boston uninhabitable. Logan International Airport, an important staple in Boston’s economy, is in danger as it is built along the Boston Harbor.

When it comes to rising sea levels, though, having to retreat from coastlines might be the least of our worries. Oswald explains that even though the sea level has only risen by inches thus far, a few inches could make a huge difference in the face of a powerful storm. “When our species lives so close to coastlines, a few inches matter, especially when storms bring higher waters,” says Oswald. “Hurricanes and other coastal storms will bring storm surges several feet above what’s normal, and if you’re adding 6 or 12 inches to that, you’re putting water even deeper into the built environment.”

Because a lot of Boston’s major neighborhoods are built on marshland that has been filled in, it’s susceptible to flooding, making those storms all the more dangerous. The entire area of Back Bay, along with areas of South Boston, Charlestown, Cambridge and Somerville, are built on land that used to be water, but was filled with land during the 19th century. This makes those areas particularly fragile when it comes to extreme weather, and according to Primack, “if we get hit by a big hurricane and a high tide, Boston will completely flood.”

As climate change becomes a larger threat, so do these large storms. “There are hypothesized relationships between global warming and extreme weather events,” explains Oswald. “They have to do with, for example, changes in the patterns of atmospheric circulation that are controlled by what’s happening in the arctic.”

The winter of 2014–15 yielded record-breaking amounts of snowfall, with 108.6 inches of snow, causing the mayor

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to declare a state of emergency and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority to close its services. That winter in itself was abnormal, and the winters of 2016 and 2017 have felt mild in comparison. This seems to be a trend in Boston’s weather records, as peak snow years come every so often and then are followed by a series of relatively mild winters. “Weather has a certain amount of unpredictability to it,” explains Oswald.

“The bottom line is the patterns are intriguing, but we have to wait and see.”

While ocean waters are threatening Boston’s coastline, freshwater ponds that exist farther inland are demonstrating clear symptoms of climate change as well. In the 1850s, Henry David Thoreau kept records of the ice that accumulated on Walden Pond. According to his records, the pond would freeze as deep as 17 feet. In his book, “Walden Warming,” Pri-

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mack explains that this kind of deep freezing isn’t happening anymore in the areas surrounding Boston. What used to be solid ponds of ice, perfect for ice skating, are now thin sheets that are dangerous for people to walk on. The small amount of water that is freezing on New England’s ponds isn’t doing so until much later, and is melting much earlier.

Primack also used Thoreau’s records to note ecological changes that indicate the effects of climate change. Thoreau kept records of foliage behavior in the area surrounding Walden Pond, and today wildflowers are blooming and trees are leafing out much sooner than in the 19th century. As the climate warms, flowers are able to bloom earlier in the year than they did when New England’s harsh winters lasted into April or May. “It’s an indicator that biological systems are responding to the changing climate,” says Primack.

If flowers and trees are already starting to react to this changing climate, it’s only a matter of time before it begins to seriously affect the lives of more sentient beings like ourselves.

“People who are in college today will live well into the century.

We’re not talking about consequences of climate change that will occur generations from now,” says Oswald. “We will see changes in what we think of as normal weather. We’ll most likely see changing frequencies of extreme events, like heat waves. We are likely to see changes in climate related disasters, potentially hurricanes and floods. All of which have have huge social disruption and economic cost.”

Our illness has been diagnosed, but so far it seems manageable, so we aren’t too worried yet. We’ve made a few lifestyle changes—we’re recycling more and driving fuel efficient cars—in hopes to maintain some sort of illusion that we are

working hard to improve our health. But climate change is a beast, and though these efforts may leave cuts and bruises, they only slow its strengthening instead of actively weakening its power. That beast has grown so powerful that only major government regulations can combat our environment’s biggest enemies like large scale deforestation and the fossil fuel industry.

As ordinary citizens, though, it’s our responsibility to do those little things. Whether it’s picking up a piece of trash or calling on government officials to prioritize the environment, every little bit could hold that beast back just a little bit longer.

Because Boston isn’t resilient, its citizens are, and only time will tell whether they are up to their biggest challenge yet.

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DRESSES FOR SUCCESS WRITER: Jess Filippone PHOTO: Jacob Cutler Walking into a job interview always brings opportunities for stress to arise. Whether physically, mentally or emotionally, any of these aspects can impact you significantly when trying to get your dream job. Or in some cases, literally any job.

Thankfully, someone has your back.

Women come into Dress for Success stores nationwide and internationally to help avoid those types of situations. Most of the reported customers are disadvantaged women who are entering or reentering the job market looking for interview clothing. Whether these women are of low-income households or lacking self esteem, this doesn’t have to stop them from getting ready for a job hunt.

When you think about it, how can you afford a suit if you don’t have a job and how do you get the job if you’re not wearing professional clothes?

Since its start in 1997, Dress for Success (DFS) has expanded to nearly 145 cities in 21 countries and has helped more than 925,000 women. The Boston branch opened in 2001, originally fueled entirely by volunteers. That was until Kimberly Todd, an Emerson alumni, saw a posting online for the Executive Director position. Since being hired ten years

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ago, she has been Dress for Success Boston’s first and only Executive Director. “[The Boston] store was started by volunteers with a small budget,” Todd explains. “Now there’s four staff members including myself, 200 volunteers here every year with 60 to 70 common volunteers working as personal shoppers for clients, and a half a million dollar budget.”

But you can’t just walk in and become a volunteer; you must submit an application with completed paperwork, and even then you might not get chosen. Todd also noted that when the Boston branch was smaller in size, they still had a waitlist for volunteers. Volunteers for Dress for Success Boston are usually a specific type of person with a passion for fashion, clothing and shopping. “We’ve never had to seek out volunteers...they always find us.”

Every single woman that walks through the doors of the organization gets help from a volunteer personal shopper.

The women are able to select a professional and work friendly outfit from a variety of fashionable clothes, jewelry and shoes; all of which are free, and donated. The shopper helps her find a suit, shirt, bra, hosiery and the perfect purse needed to make

a great first impression. If they choose, they can also get some new makeup and help with their hair-do.

Jodie Hart, one of the nonprofit’s volunteers, believes a full transformation happens both on the outside and the inside.

“When the client looks in the mirror and sees herself in clothing that makes her feel presentable in a way she hasn’t known how to do, or didn’t have the finances for, there’s a lot of tears,” says Hart. “When they’re finally able to talk, they’re usually very thankful and surprised and they actually begin to believe they can apply for jobs that they thought were out of reach.”

Once she gets a job, the woman can return to the organization and get three to four additional outfits that are specifically appropriate for her new job. After she has been employed for 30 days, she can return and pick out one final outfit. All of this aims to help grow a professional wardrobe.

Julianne Montane, a Dress for Success Rhode Island volunteer, believes every woman gets a boost of confidence just from wearing a nice pair of work slacks.

“I cannot tell you how happy these women are when they find an interview suit or nice slacks, and a blouse to wear to work. They are so grateful to receive gently worn clothing,” Montane explains, “they leave not only with professional attire, but a smile and a boost of confidence.”

The clothes given come in every size possible, ranging from 00 to plus size, and are mostly provided by individuals, although stores like Talbots and TJX have previously donated purses and jewelry. If someone wishes to donate clothes, they must set up an appointment with the inventory department to check out the garments to ensure they are fit for a professional atmosphere. Drop-ins aren’t encouraged.

Malynda Roberto, the boutique coordinator, is in charge of handling the day to day operations in the boutique including in-kind donations, boutique appearances, tracking inventory needs, assisting volunteers with inventory needs and managing donor relations. Roberto claims that Dress for Success Boston has dressed women “from all walks of life.”

“Scientists…engineers...stay at home moms, any woman you could think of,” Roberto says. “And we’re the first step to them getting job interviews; they have so many other obstacles. We try to make the first step very smooth for them.”

The organization also hosts a monthly Professional Women’s Group for clients who are currently employed. The Professional Women’s Group strives to provide practical and helpful information in a safe environment for women. According to Todd, the group covers topics such as “mind over money,” resume building techniques, business and dining etiquette.

Women are able to network with their peers as well as learn from professional women as mentors in a variety of fields.

Meetings consist of a light dinner, topic presentation

and time for networking and recognizing accomplishments.

The Professional Women’s Group curriculum is based on 12 months of workshops and social events. The career center also works on boosting confidence through mock interviewing and providing helpful resume tips to prepare women for the workworld.

The company also strives to incorporate leadership programs into the organization that focus on financial literacy, leadership and civic participation. The organization encourages employed women to continue on their paths to financial freedom, hoping to one day become self-sufficient and economically stable.

Another program offered that has grown a decent amount of traction is the “suiting program.” Those involved work directly with a woman in need of support and encouragement. According to Roberto, they help her find a suit and the confidence that makes her shine to increase her chances of getting a job.

“So many women haven’t had any support,” Roberto says. “Many women are part of abusive relationships, living in cars. But just taking the first step can show these women what they can do.”

“One woman came in, she was living in her car with her two children after leaving an abusive relationship,” says Todd.“After some time we were able to get her a paid internship at Fidelity through career services. And for the first time she had hope. She was happy and excited for the future. She was not afraid of what was going to happen to her and her kids.”

With the recent rise of protests and rallies for women’s rights, women are now, more than ever, trying to make their mark in the workplace. This has been referred to as the “pantsuit nation,” a metaphor for how women seem to be more motivated than ever to make a statement, to be seen or to be heard. This directly correlates to the company because women are looking for well-fitted suits to go nail that interview.

“The Pantsuit Nation has grown exponentially after the election,” says a boutique volunteer. “Style and fashion is absolutely a statement. I think most stylists will tell you that pants are the most challenging article of clothing to find the right fit—the waistline, rise and length are personal to each individual.”

According to Todd, more women usually prefer a pantsuit, but skirts can be just as powerful. “You can still be feminine and powerful at the same time.”

When asking Todd what advice she would give to a lady on the job hunt, she says, “Just dress for the job you want. You have two seconds to make a first impression. Even after you get the job, air on the side of overdressing….you could be on the elevator with the CEO.”

“They leave not only with professional attire, but a smile and a boost of confidence”

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Live From Nowhere WRITER: Jackie DeFusco COURTESY PHOTOS: Emily Graham-Handley, Roger Strang Urban exploring, in short, is the act of going places you aren’t supposed to go. As Urban Dictionary puts it: “Usually illegal, always fun.”

“It’s anything that most people aren’t looking at,” says Mike London, an urban explorer from Massachusetts. London seeks out deserted locations in Massachusetts and beyond to photograph their unique textures, tones and colors. “There’s a lot of places that have been forgotten and left to rot, they create an element of photography you can’t get anywhere else,” he says.

“Live From Nowhere,” a series of music videos produced by Emerson College alumni and Massachusetts residents, Nico Rivers and Emily Graham-Handley, plays off of this urban exploring trend.Their first installment of videos features Massachusetts artists performing live in abandoned and “often very, very wet” locations. “No one was arrested in the making of these videos” their Facebook page notes.

Rivers has always been attracted to pushing the boundaries of what is considered to be a performance space, a passion that manifested into a series of ideas after he accompanied London on an urban exploration of an abandoned theatre. “I

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just brought my guitar, an Ipad and a flashlight and started shooting videos of me playing songs,” Rivers says. That day, as rain spilled through the ceiling crevices, Rivers played an entire live show.

“Generally, urban explorers are photographers but none are musicians. It’s very interesting seeing art forms coming together. The surroundings add a whole new element to the songs,” says London.

Less than two years after the series began, Rivers and Graham-Handley have filmed videos just about everywhere you could describe as the middle of nowhere: the stone foundation of a 17th century house, the middle of a marsh, a closed state hospital, a deserted railroad tunnel, army barracks used in WWI, abandoned bear cages from a zoo and an old prison camp.

All of these locations are in Massachusetts, though the two producers would never disclose where. “There’s definitely an unwritten code that you don’t really give away the location,” says Rivers, “You don’t want it to be overrun or destroyed.”

London reinforced this culture of secrecy among urban ex-

plorers: “All it takes is just telling one person and then it gets lit on fire or the state police shut it down, I’ve seen it happen.”

London and Rivers agree that the secrecy makes the experience more fun. “Going out and looking for a spot that you don’t know exists, that’s not something that people get to do very often, but, I mean, you watch Indiana Jones do it as a little kid and to be able to have a little slice of that is amazing,” says Rivers.

Graham-Handley says one of the hardest parts about the making of the series is finding places that are truly abandoned.

“There are a lot of spaces that we’ve found that existed at one point and then we look deeper into it and it’s like ‘oh, look it’s condos now,’” she says. In fact, the location of one of their most recent videos is currently being made into condos. “Being able to capture this spot, a piece of history that you may not have known even existed in your state before it gets reimagined and redeveloped is really cool,” says Graham-Handley.

Yet finding these places is only half the battle. Shooting in decrepit locations has presented a number of unique challenges, often requiring on-the-spot problem solving. When Rivers and Graham-Handley went out to scout an abandoned hunting lodge in the marshes of the South Shore, they found an interesting surprise. “There was a dude sleeping in that cabin, it’s a hunting lodge so there were definitely guns involved...we got out of there pretty quickly,” says Graham-Handley.

Luckily, there was another abandoned cabin nearby, which would ultimately become the location for their shoot with indie pop band Air Traffic Controller.

The cabin was at the intersection of criss-crossed ocean ravines. On the day of the shoot, they had to time their filming with the tide, as high tide threatened to cut off their “exit strategy.” “The tide came in a lot more than we thought, so we had these big, long wooden planks so we could cross the ravines of the marsh,” says Rivers, “Then all of a sudden we looked out to the first plank that we had dropped next to the cabin and it was just sort of floating... I turned back to Emily very quietly and was like ‘I don’t know how we’re going to get out.’”

Luckily, they did get out, a stroke of luck that seemed to echo the lyrics of the song Air Traffic Controller performed that day, “Water Falls”: “Waterfalls it always has, waterfalls it always will.”

A similar occurrence ensued during a post-snowstorm shoot with Bent Knee,“a genre-​ defying art-rock collective,” at a 17th century stone house foundation.

“We ended up setting a fire in the fireplace and as the fire is going and the snow is dripping off it, the song that they were singing was called ‘Leaked Water’... it was just this beautiful representation,” says Graham Handley.

For both producers, the best parts about the project is seeing artists authentically interact with a space, no matter what fortunes or challenges it brings to the table.

As London puts it, “It’s kind of like nature v. man.”

Rivers, a musician himself, speaks to this experience: “Maybe the day isn’t going well, but just looking around at my surroundings, viewing the world that I’m in, making music, is always something that brings a joy to my soul.”

“Being able to capture this spot, a piece of history that you may not have known even existed in your state before it gets reimagined and redeveloped is really cool”

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RIPPLES OF EMOTION PHOTO: Andri MODELS: Morgan Sung, Chassidy David

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GLOBE Festivals Abroad // pg. 28 Superstitions // pg. 30 The Trouble with Wanderlust // pg. 32

WRITER: Fiona Luddy COURTESY PHOTO: Fiona Luddy The ’60s and ’90s fashion and counterculture-rebellion has woven itself into the lives of modern youth as the free spirit and rebel culture come back into style. Especially when it comes to music festivals. Incredibly popular in the ’60s and ’90s, they have recently surged in popularity again and have become the epicenter of the millennial culture.

Every year—particularly in the summer—tens of thousands of people all over the world come together to enjoy art, discover new music, have fun, make friends and learn something about different cultures. They create a community unlike any other. Travelers from all over the world leave their familiar habitations to immerse themselves in the “otherness” of different cultures and ways of life.

We all know about Coachella, Austin City Limits and Governor’s Ball, but they aren’t the only festivals happening.

Around the world, some of the best current music festivals are happening in Europe and Canada—though they seem to go overlooked when compared to the fame of EDC and Bonnaroo. While music festivals might seem to be predominantly about music, they are really centered around cultivating and sharing cultural experiences, enjoying carnival rides, viewing live art pieces and using clothing as a means for expression.

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TOMORROWLAND Where: Belgium When: July 21–23 and 28–30, 2017 Price: $238 and up For all the EDM lovers out there, Tomorrowland is the be-all and end-all of European festivals. Alternatively, they also have sites in Brazil and the U.S. for those of you who can’t swing the plane ticket to Belgium for a weekend. Tomorrowland emphasizes togetherness and unity as the mission of the festival. Both weekends follow the theme of a fairytale but in the most cartoonish and extravagant way imaginable. A cross between a ’70s acid trip and Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the Tomorrowland fairground looks like it has been digitally enhanced right before your own eyes.

The fashion ranges from medieval fairy to casual cutoffs and t-shirts. Either way, the atmosphere remains magical.

This is inpart a camping festival, though many attendees stay in hotels in the surrounding area. For those who do choose to stay on site, the amenities are luxurious and imaginative.

DreamVille—the Tomorrowland campsite—has an amazing amount of attractions including food, salons, shopping centers and old medieval cartoon-style buildings. This is truly the Disneyland for grown ups, or, the real life World of Warcraft (without all the war).

OSHEAGA Where: Montreal When: August 4–6, 2017 Price: $318 and up With one of the more diverse lineups, Osheaga also features bands ranging widely in popularity—pulling big name as well as local artists. The lineup in the past few years has included names such as The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Florence + The Machine, Death Cab for Cutie, Drake and hundreds of indie and local bands. The mix of musical genres and choices at Osheaga make it the perfect place for any music fan.

The aesthetic? Acceptance. This park in the middle of Montreal, where people walked around with paint on their faces, beads in their hair and wildly printed clothing is one of the most accepting places I have ever been. This festival is a three-day event of rides, water games, prizes and running to and from your favorite bands. After all the dancing, you can grab a delicious snack at one of the many local food trucks and mellow out in a hammock. The shady groves lined with fairy lights and edison bulbs create the perfect atmosphere to just relax.

SZIGET Where: Budapest, Hungary When: August 9–16, 2017 Price: $299 and up I imagine this is what George Ezra meant when he sang about his “beautiful castillo.” With bright banners, flashing lights, flowers in everyone’s hair and glitter flying, Sziget is the place to be this August. This week-long festival is pure insanity with rides, a circus act, fantastic amounts of food and of course, the incredible music. This festival has anything and everything one might need to have a good time. The ticket passes come with access to the campgrounds on the island, which are covered in stunning scenery and beautiful waters and rows on rows of colorful tents. This ensures your time at Sziget will feel like a neighborhood block party that keeps on going after the festival itself ends.

Although the full lineup for 2017 has yet to be released, the already announced artists include Flume, Interpol, Mac Demarco and Major Lazer, making this something to save up for. The tickets are moderately priced for a music festival of seven days—a real steal at $299 (camping is included)—but the plane ticket might push the budget. Regardless of the cost of airfare, the sheer energy of this music festival, with its bright colors and never-ending activities, is enough to justify it being Europe’s number one music festival.

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superstitions WRITER: Shafaq Patel COURTESY PHOTO: Neven Krcmarek

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Knock on wood. Stay away from the number 13. Throw salt over your shoulder.

According to David Shim, a psychology professor at Emerson College, these superstitions originated from ancient times and mythology. “A large part of superstitions is that it helps us to try to control fear—the fear of the unknown,” he says.

Shim says people made up stories to explain certain things before the use of scientific methodology. While science and technology has increased since the origin of these stories, the superstitions continue to live and remain a part of all cultures.

Cynthia Miller, a cultural anthropologist and Emerson College professor, says superstition becomes tradition because humans are fascinated by it. “[Superstitions] make our lives exciting,” Miller says. “They give a whole other meaning to what goes on in other people’s lives—bigger than just the mundane, ordinary, boring explanations.”

Around the world, people believe in different superstitions as they are affected by the natural environment and regional cultures.

UNITED STATES AND EUROPE People throw salt over their shoulder for luck and protection. A lot of superstitions in North America and Europe are related to evil spirits. According to Shim, people believed that these spirits would follow them and these spirits would want to cause harm. But the evil spirits were believed to have some sort of obsessive-compulsive disorder, especially when dealing with salt grains. When people would throw salt over their shoulders, they believed that the spirits would stop and pick up every crystal and this way, the person would be able to escape them.

People in Judeo-Christian countries also believe that the number 13 is bad luck. Shim said that this is because Judas was the 13th apostle and he betrayed Jesus Christ. This led to people fearing the number in its many forms.

KOREA It is to be believed in South Korea that if you sleep in a closed room with a fan on, you will die. Jeong Park, a Korean-American immigrant, says while she doesn’t believe in it, her family does. “Once, I was sleeping in my room and it was really hot, so I turned the fan on,” she says. “When my dad saw, he got so upset. He said it was bad for me to sleep with the fan on in a closed room.”

Park says people in Korea believe that if all the doors and windows are closed off, and the fan is turned on while you are asleep, you will die because of the decrease in oxygen levels.

According to an NPR article, people in South Korea also believe that you can die because of the low temperatures caused by the fan. Fans in Korea are electric and have timers

on them, so they are not on the entire night, especially when the door is closed.

The article also talks about how Chun Rim, a professor at the Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, says sleeping with the fan on is not a real danger. Despite the scientific evidence, the myth still carries on.

CHINA Many of the Lunar New Year traditions stem from superstitions. A big one deals with hair grooming. According to a CNN article, you are supposed to leave your hair as it is on the first day of the Chinese New Year. That means no washing or cutting your hair. This is because people believe you are washing or cutting your fortune.

Ann Zhang, media studies ‘20, a Chinese international student at Emerson, says she does not cut her hair until the second day of the second month of the lunar calendar. “I don’t know exactly where it comes from, but people just believe that if you cut your hair during this time, your uncle will die,” Zhang says.

Other Lunar New Year superstitions include cleaning your home. According to the same CNN article, you should clean your house before midnight on Lunar New Year’s eve because it is “strictly forbidden” to clean anything on the first day. The cleaning is said to rid the home of the previous year’s bad luck.

A Chinese proverb states that “A Purse on the Floor is Money Out the Door.” According to a Time Money article “putting your purse on the ground shows disregard for your wealth.” Since a purse usually contains a wallet with money, you are disrespecting money and your income when you place it on the floor. It is believed that because you disrespected your hard-earned money, you will be unlucky and lose it.

ARAB COUNTRIES You would think receiving a compliment was a good thing, however many people in Islamic nations believe that it could harm you. According to a Live Science article, people believe that others are envious when they give you a compliment. So they are actually jinxing you in hopes that you become ill.

There are many ways people try and protect themselves from the evil eye. Some recite a Quranic verse or say Masha’Allah, “God has willed it,” invoking God’s blessings upon the person being admired. Others have amulets or talismans to protect themselves. In Turkey, Egypt and other Arab countries, the blue eye shaped glass charm is believed to protect people from the curse. The turquoise blue also symbolizes good luck and protection. This blue glass eye has become a popular symbol and many tourists buy it when traveling.

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the trouble with

wanderlust WRITER: Rebekah Scarborough PHOTOS: Nora Wilby and Meagan Leotta

Wanderlust is like getting a dog. It sounds nice, but it’s actually very complicated.

It’s more than booking a flight and following a travel magazine on Instagram. Wanderlust is a way of life. It’s defined by Merriam-Webster as a “strong longing for or impulse toward wandering.” But in this 21st century Pinterest world, wanderlust is an abstract trend millennials are obsessed with, but few practice in their everyday life.

Charlotty Herman, journalism ‘20, is not one of those millennials. She has graced 14 states in America and 10 countries.

Her affection for adventure is arguably hereditary since she began her international travels at age five, alongside her parents. She says, “My dad’s job traveled a lot, so my mom and I went with him to London.”

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She is already beginning to feel eager to get on the road again. “I just have to see more, and I’m always looking for ways to do that,” she says. Her next stop is Cadiz, Spain and possibly Portugal, but she’s not too attached to any one plan.

Herman has experienced the negative side effects of wanderlust first hand, though. “Sometimes I find myself wishing I were somewhere else,” she admits.

And these side effects pose the question: Where does wanderlust begin and escapism end? Escapism is the need for a distraction. It’s running off to a new place to forget, not to discover. Escapism is chasing a fantasy, not adventure.

For those few who are lucky enough to fulfill these “travel goals” as everyone loves to call them, is the echo restlessness? If one is constantly planning their next excursion can they possi-

bly live in the moment? Wanderlust always seems to embody something beyond just travel. It is an enlightened state of being where someone can catch something that they weren’t even sure existed. It’s a place where someone is completely consumed by and in awe of their surroundings.

It’s the place where the Insta-worthy moments and the likes just aren’t important.

If someone scrolls through Instagram or any social media feed they may stumble upon an amazing photo of a waterfall in Costa Rica or an incredible view from the mountains of Montana. Before long, the Amazon shopping cart is filled with language books and the flight deals are up on the computer screen.

But rarely do people follow through with these plans. Life gets in the way. And the “someday” goals get lost in the shuffle.

Travel has never been more accessible to more people. Now, with airlines like Jetblue, you can book a flight from Chicago to New York over spring break for $108, or a flight from Boston to Puerto Rico this coming April for $197. Maybe this has spoiled modern travelers. Last minute cross country trips are nothing. Adventure seekers don’t plan, they just do. It becomes easy to forget that studying abroad or family vacations are not a right, but a privilege.

Joey Teodosio, writing, literature and publishing ‘19, lives on the opposite end of the wanderlust spectrum. After spending the fall semester of 2016 abroad at Kasteel Well in the Netherlands, Teodosio isn’t exactly itching to get back on the road. “It didn’t make me want to pick up roots and travel the world,” he says. “I wanted to get back to Boston, I wanted to get back to work.”

Teodosio has no regrets about his semester abroad, he just didn’t get lost in the romance of European escapades. “There were just these moments where I was like ‘why did I do this?’” he says. Weekly trips to different countries, a full course load and adjusting to the dutch countryside are a lot to take in. “It was not a vacation,” Teodosio emphasizes. “It’s catching a taxi at 4 a.m. so you don’t miss your flight and never sleeping.”

Teodosio may not be heading back overseas tomorrow, but he’s not quite satisfied yet. “I could do Europe again,” he says.

“That would be lovely.”

The trouble with wanderlust is, it has a lasting nature. That innate, deep-rooted need to see the world isn’t a fleeting feeling. Its intensity may ebb and flow, and it may quiet temporarily, but it will never fully disappear. Just remember that a clear perspective can be just as breathtaking as an amazing view.

Wanderlust is not simply a tapestry on your wall; it’s the way you approach your life.

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STYLE Power of the Pantsuit // pg. 36 Boston Beads // pg. 44 Glossier // pg. 46

POWER OF THE

pantsuit WRITER: Lily Bump PHOTO: Andri MODELS: Rosana Pena, Swetha Amaresan STYLE: Emma Cox, Kristen Bruck

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On January 8, 2017, celebrities wearing glamorous gowns and fabulous frocks paraded the 74th annual Golden Globes red carpet, eager to look their best during the star-studded festivities. As always, interviewers assailed female celebrities with the signature question, “Who are you wearing?” In the case of “Westworld” actress Evan Rachel Wood, it wasn’t who she was wearing that made headlines, but what. The Golden Globe-nominated starlet wore a particular outfit that turned heads: a black and white, tight-fitted pantsuit by Altuzarra.

Wood is not the first female celebrity to wear a pantsuit. At the same Golden Globe red carpet, “Hidden Figures” actress Octavia Spencer wore a custom-made navy tuxedo by Laura Boschi. According to Vanity Fair, singer and fellow “Hidden Figures” actress, Janelle Monae, has been rocking suits on the red carpet for years as a tribute to her parents, who wore uniforms as blue-collar workers. And, famously, Hillary Clinton donned a pantsuit throughout her campaign; seeing her without one during the election would’ve been quite uncharacteristic. From Monae’s statement to Clinton’s signature look, it’s become clear that pantsuits aren’t going away anytime soon.

Although the trend seems quite new to some, pantsuits have been around for decades. “Pantsuits got their leg at the end of the 1960s and the early 1970s,” says Jill Carey, professor of historic dress at Lasell College. “They haven’t gone out of the fashion world at all. It’s just that they’re styled differently.”

Pantsuits took off in the 1960s for a myriad of reasons.

Not only was the pantsuit considered more comfortable than dresses, they were far warmer and more suitable for colder temperatures. It was also a convenient outfit suitable for both professional work days as well as more casual social events.

Since pantsuits, at the time, were still seen as a little iffy for women to wear, it was common for the top and pants to be matching in color or pattern, to give the outfit a more maxidress appeal.

As women began gaining more access into the professional world in the 1960s, the pantsuit served as an outfit to allow women to be taken more seriously at white-collar jobs. “Men struggled with this, as they wanted women to embrace their more feminine touch,” notes Carey. Wearing dresses seemed to put women in a more sexual light in the eyes of their male counterparts, whereas pantsuits, indicative of more masculine fashion, were treated with more respect. “Unfortunately, men might be inclined to take you more seriously when wearing pantsuits. Men definitely view you differently. I’ve been president of several organizations, and I always feel like I’m taken a little bit more seriously when I’m in a pantsuit as opposed to a dress,”says Lisa Leonardi, owner of online Etsy shop and pantsuit retailer Crazy Lady Clothing. In order to combat workplace objectification, women worked masculine fashion trends into their wardrobes. Carey adds, “There was masculine influence. It had to happen, and it’s a good thing. Women made [pantsuits] their own.”

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It is no coincidence that pantsuits became popularized when the second wave of feminism began. “Pantsuits have been a symbol of empowerment, for a long time,” says Leonardi. “I think back to women like Katherine Hepburn, or even Diane Keaton in “Annie Hall”, wearing pants; any of the movies where they put on pants in the 1950s and ‘60s helped empower women. At first, it was a threat to men.” This is no lie; the late TV icon, Mary Tyler Moore, was one of the first women to wear pants on television, but executives were so fearful of backlash that they cut back the amount of times she could wear them to only one scene per episode. Nonetheless, she was a trailblazer for working women everywhere.

Nowadays, the culture behind pantsuits has changed significantly. During her interview with Vanity Fair, Evan Rachel Wood said, “I’m not trying to protest dresses, but I wanted to make sure that young girls and women knew that they aren’t a requirement, and that you don’t have to wear one if you don’t want to. Just be yourself; your worth is more than that.” For young girls and women who do not feel comfortable wearing dresses, pantsuits are a great formal-wear alternative.

While pantsuits are still a symbol of empowerment, much like the change in feminism, women are now finding empowerment in their sexualities. While women in the 20th century wore pantsuits to appear ‘less sexy’ at work, pantsuits in the 21st century haven’t shirked away from sexiness. Buttoned pantsuits with no shirts underneath allow a plunging neckline, shown by the likes of brands such as Gucci and Calvin Klein. Pantsuits worn by Octavia Spencer and Evan Rachel Wood were fitted tightly to their bodies, showing their curves in an elegant and feminine fashion. Fashion models, such as Gigi Hadid, even style pantsuits casually, unbuttoned with a crop top underneath for a perfect fall look. “You can still look sexy in pantsuits!” says Leonardi. And with all of the pantsuit trends popping up this year, we definitely believe her.

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BOSTON BOSTON BEADS BEADS BU BUStudent’s Student’sLine LineofofNeighborhood NeighborhoodInspired InspiredBracelets Bracelets

BU Student’s Line of Neighborhood Inspired Bracelets

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WRITER: Lindsey Paradis PHOTO: Monika Davis Kyra Benevant—a Boston University junior and native Rhode Islander—is reinventing how people can show their love for The City on The Hill with her line of neighborhood themed gemstone bracelets.

“When you visit someplace you can get a token that has the name of the city, and it’s kind of generic,” she says. “I really wanted to do something that captured the essence of a certain place, to make something meaningful for my friends and those I know who consider Boston their home but aren’t necessarily from here or maybe won’t stay here.”

Before creating Made by KB—the brand name Benevant sells the bracelets under—she had no real experience in jewelry making or design. Even the bracelet project just started this past summer as a fun creative outlet for Benavent. She was simply making them in her free time after work for friends and family.

“Everybody was like ‘this is a really good idea, you should put them online, do something with it,’” she says. “And I was like ‘yeah, whatever.’

And it just kind of ballooned from there.”

“I just bought beads on Etsy because I was like ‘might as well give this a try,’” says Benavent.

“I played around with what I wanted them to look like, what colors would go with what, and the type of spacers that were in between beads.”

To decide on the colors for each bracelet, Benavent did a brainstorming process of picturing each individual region and jotting down words, colors or symbols she felt reflected that area. She says, “It’s arbitrary obviously, somebody could look at the bracelet and be like ‘the Financial District isn’t really blue and white.’ But when I started doing the lists it came together.”

She’s currently selling five Boston-neighborhood themed bracelets and two Rhode Island inspired bracelets, as it’s her home state. Each bracelet is made with real gemstones. “the back bay” bracelet, for example, is available in two color schemes, number one with larvikite/labradorite stones—which are grey—and green and white jade. The number two color scheme substitutes the larvikite/labradorite with snow quartz. “the north end” style, described by Benavent as stoic and timeless, features a matte red jasper and howlite—a mostly white bead with some grey marble. “the financial district” design is clean looking with snow quartz and sodalite, a dark blue bead. “the chinatown” bracelet is composed of

rainforest jasper rhyolite and maroon jade beads. And the last Boston-neighborhood bracelet, “the newbury” is made with sea sediment jasper and black onyx. “Newbury Street for my friends is a big thing,” says Benevant. And she describes the purple and blue marble pattern of the sea sediment jasper as “gorgeous.”

For the Rhode Island-inspired bracelets, “the providence” features a simple design of larvikite/labradorite and howlite, while “the gansett,” inspired by the beach, is made with botswana agate and blue lace agate beads.

While the bracelets for each neighborhood maintain the same color, the pattern of the beads changes and the design is unique.

Benavent made the decision to start selling the bracelets as a business at the end of the summer, but didn’t start acting on it—buying supplies and creating the website—until around December. The website—madebykb.bigcartel.com—is the only selling outlet for the bracelet as of now. Each bracelet is priced at $28.

On the site customers will see photos of the bracelets along with a summary description. In the future sizing options will be available, but right now they are sold one size fits all. Other options include for some bracelets the type of spacers, whether they be gold, silver or Swarovski crystal.

Bracelets will be shipped from the site and will be packaged in a wax paper-like folded bag. Inside, the bracelet is attached to a cardboard stock with the company’s branding. Benavent wanted a very minimalistic style for the brand.

The desire for minimalism was also why she went with creating her own site instead of selling on Etsy, where Benavent not only buys her beads but a lot of other diy jewelers sell. “It was more of an aesthetic choice,” she says. “I like Etsy obviously, I buy all my beads on there. But I wanted a different look. I have a very specific idea in mind for how I’m presenting these to the world.”

Next on her plate is working on different lines of bracelets. She is currently working to create a sorority stones line, which will include collaborations with different Greek chapters at Boston University. Additionally, Benavent is looking to come out with a cosmic stones line, with bracelets representing the red planet and dwarf planet among others. Benavent also hopes to expand selling her local stones line into local stores.

She’s waiting to reach a certain point of selling individually until making contact with the retailers, but she does have a few in mind.

Creating and running a business while also being a student is quite the challenge, but Benavent wouldn’t change it or go back. “I just really like being creative and expressing that,” she says. “I’m excited to see what happens.”

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glossier

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WRITER: Margo Rometo PHOTO: Olivia Gerasole Jillian Meehan, journalism ‘18, is a representative with Glossier, a line of makeup, skin and hair care products that are “inspired by real life.” Online merchandise fitting the theme of the everyday (e.g. sweatshirts and headbands) is also available, with new products constantly arriving.

How did you first get involved with Glossier, and what was the process of becoming a rep?

I’ve been following Glossier since the very beginning. I used to read Into The Gloss— an online beauty publication—religiously, so when the team behind that site started Glossier, I couldn’t have been more excited. A few weeks ago, someone at Glossier emailed me saying that they liked my Instagram content and thought I’d be a good fit for the rep program.

How many reps are there, and what does your job as a rep include?

There are now over 100 reps, which is really cool. It’s a fun environment, and I’ve loved getting to know all of the other reps.

The rep program is essentially Glossier’s way of digitizing word-of-mouth marketing—we aren’t really employees of Glossier, we’re just fans who get to help spread the wonders of these products we love.

Each rep has their own page for people to shop through, which includes a short video about why we love Glossier and a little bit about our favorite products.

When people shop through a rep’s page, they get 20% off their first Glossier order and free shipping on all orders of $30—plus, the rep gets commission.

What I like about the rep program is there’s no right or wrong way to do it—some reps post pictures featuring Glossier products every day, some reps almost never post about Glossier. It feels really organic that way.

How did you first become interested in makeup?

My mom started doing my makeup for dance performances when I was really young, so my introduction to lipstick and eyelash curlers started early. I didn’t start wearing makeup every day until middle school, and I didn’t really get the hang of it until high school, but I’ve always loved it.

What’s the best and most challenging part of being a rep?

The best part of being a Glossier rep is being involved in such a fun, positive community. I love to see so many people united by a common love of makeup and skin care. I hate to leave this question unanswered, but I don’t really find being a Glossier rep challenging at all. I don’t feel any added pressure to promote Glossier any more than I had been before I became a rep—it just feels very natural to me. I like the products, and I want to share them with my friends. Now I just get credit for it.

Do you feel that you’ve gained any skills (specifically career oriented) from your experience?

I’ve definitely learned a little bit more about digital marketing, but on a very small, personal scale. I never thought of myself as someone who could write beauty copy, but I think I’m getting better at it.

What does the time commitment look like to be a representative?

For me, there really is no added time commitment. Being a rep doesn’t feel like a job, it fits in really easily with my life as it is. Like I said before, I’ve always liked sharing products I love with my friends, now I just have a little added incentive to. The rep program is meant to feel very natural, and it does.

Glossier has always favored growing a community organically to forcing their products down people’s throats, and so far it’s worked beautifully.

Is there anything you want other people to know about being a brand representative/product ambassador, etc.?

You don’t have to be a brand representative to share the things you love with people. If you find something you like— be it lipstick, an album, a book or whatever—share the wealth!

Nothing feels better than bonding with people over shared interests, and that’s really all the Glossier rep program is.

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WINTER

Beach

P

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PHOTO: Nora Wilby MODELS: Annette Choi, Tatiana Melendez, Moses Small STYLE: Emma Cox, Kristen Bruck 49 | Aura

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HEALTH The Mystery of Acupuncture // pg. 56 Bending into Acroyoga // pg. 58 Recipe: Pasta Puntanesca // pg. 61

The Mystery of Acupuncture WRITER: Carissa Dunlap COURTESY PHOTO: How-Soon Ngu There has always been a mystery behind acupuncture. The medical world is filled with skepticism about Chinese medicine and views it as more of a holistic remedy than a science.

According to the National Institutes of Health, over the years, a third of Americans have sought alternative remedies outside of their regular doctors. Most Americans chose to use nontraditional approaches, such as acupuncture, as a complement to conventional care. But about 5 percent of Americans only use alternative medicine.

The earliest known account of acupuncture dates back to the Yellow Emperor’s text the “Classic of Internal Medicine” in the second century BCE. It laid down the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. As of late, traditional Chinese healing practices like acupuncture have grown in popularity. However, with the introduction of alternative healing practices, there has been a widespread misunderstanding of what acupuncture is and its overall effectiveness as a medical practice.

Traditional Chinese medicine finds that good health is a result of the body’s natural harmonious balance—qi. Qi, commonly pronounced as Ch’i, is said to flow through the body along pathways or meridians, and these energy systems can be disrupted by ailments.

Practitioners use the technique of acupuncture to stimulate specific points on the body by inserting hair-thin needles into the skin. The needles will stimulate qi, or blood flow, in the area that remains blocked in the body’s channels or meridians.

According to Chinese medicine, illness or pain occurs when qi cannot flow freely in the body because of different factors such as stress, poor nutrition, infection or injury. The needles will restore the flow of qi and aid the body in natural healing response.

Western acupuncture is an adaptation of traditional Chinese medicine. Western practitioners no longer follow the concept of qi seen in Chinese acupuncture, and instead, view acupuncture through a conventional medical lens. Westernized acupuncture uses current knowledge of anatomy, physi-

ology, pathology and principles of evidence-based medicine in order to provide holistic treatment.

Modern medicine looks at acupuncture through a neuroscience perspective—where nerves, tissues and muscles are all connected. The goal is to stimulate the nervous system in order to restore the body. The needles increase the blood flow; everything the body needs to heal travels through the blood such as oxygen, nutrients, hormones and the body’s natural painkillers.

Western acupuncturists view the restoration of circulation as a way for the body to maintain its health.

According to Angela Martin, acupuncturist and owner of Acupuncture of Boston at Healthy Channels, with any type of illness or injury the main issue is that blood in the area is stagnate. “[The needles] help move the blood, so it can get back into homeostasis faster and the body’s natural healing properties kick in on their own. And we always are relying on the body’s natural energy system,” says Martin.

As well, Martin says that when the needle is inserted, the body goes through many other changes than just the stimulation of blood flow. Many patients will undergo chemical or hormone changes with the release of endorphins—the body’s natural painkiller—and other neurochemicals that are all working together to increase circulation and balance the body’s hormones. Often, patients will begin to feel an overwhelming calming sensation run through body, and describe the whole the experience as relaxing.

“It taps into the body’s perception of pain, it’s called gate-control theory. The brain’s perception of pain is blocked,” she says. Along with other scientists, she believes a psychological factor can have something to do with the treatment of some patients’ medical issues. “There is an endorphin release when the first needle goes in,” Martin says. “There is one I like to put in right away, especially if the patient is really stressed, right between the eyebrows called the calm spirit. When that needle goes in, a patient could go from being really talkative

“I think it’s faced with skepticism because in a lot of ways it’s the antithesis of western medicine and western science,”

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and hyper to just at peace, at ease.”

Critics say there isn’t strong enough evidence to explain how the insertion of needles into the body could ease pain or treat diseases. However, there is evidence that the needles can trigger pain-numbing chemicals to erupt throughout the body, but not enough is released to have a great effect. Many skeptics claim gate-control theory of pain and placebo effect to explain why acupuncture works.

The theory is that the spinal cord contains a neural “gate” that can open and close to reduce or enhance pain messages passing to the brain. Added stress, tension or boredom can open these “gates” and cause some patients to focus on the pain. Relaxation and distraction can close these “gates” and block the thought of pain. Placebos are interventions with no active drug ingredients, which can then stimulate psychological responses instead of physiological responses like changes in heart rate or chemical activity in the brain.

Philip Barlow of North End Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine wholeheartedly believes in the effectiveness and relief of acupuncture, despite Western scientist disillusionment. “I think it’s faced with skepticism because in a lot of ways it’s the antithesis of western medicine and western science,” he says. “The world was flat, until it was discovered not to be flat. When you are having a hard time, quantifying and measuring something, it’s hard to believe in it, and acupuncture is something very difficult to quantify.”

But more studies are coming out that supports the effectiveness of acupuncture. Just recently, the American College of Physicians updated their recommendations for treating lower back pain. Instead of using drug based treatments as the first option, the ACP’s primary recommendation is to try alternative, non-drug approaches like yoga and acupuncture. Many of the drug options offered to help lower back pain provide short-term relief and are less effective at producing a placebo effect. Treatments like acupuncture are aimed at treating the root of the problem and have minimal side effects, except for minor bruising and sometimes discomfort, unlike medicinal drugs which can come with a grocery list of side effects and are not guaranteed to work.

These are a few reasons why Martin found more people switching over to acupuncture and other holistic remedies.

“From what I hear from patients, they are tired, sick and need care. They’re not getting relief from the system of several providers. The drugs weren’t helping and they’re tired of taking medicine,” she says.

Acupuncture is said to treat a wide range of ailments including addictions, migraines, insomnia, digestive issues, arthritic pain and infertility. Before going into a treatment, patients undergo a lengthy consult—averaging around 90 minutes—to discuss their main concern and personal and familial medical history. Chinese medical practices find that previous ailments often have connection to present and future ones. Often during a consult, acupuncturists like to look at the face and the tongue for signs of pre-existing or past conditions. It is the belief that different parts of the tongue are connected to different parts of the body.

“When we look at the tongue, we are looking for a lot of things there. We are looking for the color of the body. Is it pale? Is it very red? What does the coating look like? Is it white? Is it more yellowish, dark, brown? All of this tells us different things about how the systems in the body are functioning,” explains Barlow.

After the initial consult, a new patient is given a 30 to 60 minute session depending on how severe the root issue is. Sometimes a patient will experience a miracle treatment and be cured in one session. Others will continue to return until the issue is fully healed. Usually treatments are accumulative, especially when dealing with chronic issues that have been deeply rooted. The number of treatments is on a case-by-case basis. Many come to alternative routes like acupuncture as their last hope. At times, acupuncture is not enough. Acupuncturists will often pair herbal remedies or cupping to aid in the healing process.

Acupuncture is surrounded by an air of mystery. This alternative form of treatment has had a long history of controversy and talk over its effectiveness. So how do you know it works? Many people argue it is not a matter of if, but simply, it just does. It is an unexplainable cure-all and relief in the everyday stress of life. And it is worth a try, even if just once, because sometimes the most unexplainable things can be the most rewarding.

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Bending into AcroYoga WRITER: Antonia DePace COURTESY PHOTOS: Peter Sedlacik, Arterium, Honza Lafond

Bringing acro into yoga can seem like an impossible task. Watching yogis touch their heads to their butts in a backbend, or being able to easily stretch into an over-flexed split is always amazing to see.

And as social media takes a rise, acroyoga is spreading in popularity because of just this: the ability to see amazing things.

The Instagram niche of yoga will bring you into a world filled with twists, turns, crazy flexibility and a feeling of unbeknownst trust. But what many do not know, is that this newly popular form is much more than just tricks.

According to AcroYoga International—the first group to codify the acroyoga practice—“acroyoga elevates the practice [between] you and others through movement, connection and play.” In simple terms, it is a combination of acrobatics and yoga. With a second look, however, it is much more. The practice, itself, is not only a combination of the two aspects, but of healing arts—ways of healing through creative practices for personal change—as well. Through this, the practice emphasizes the importance of communication and helps to alleviate fears by challenging yourself and others on the mat.

AcroYoga International focuses on three main elements of practice: Solar Acrobatic Practices, Lunar Therapeutic Practices and Yogic practices. Solar Acrobatic Practices breaks down into trust, empowerment and joy. These characteristics are some of what makes this practice, and yoga in general, so special.

Lunar Therapeutic Practices, on the other hand, bring the range of practice into a mental state through listening, compassion and letting go. Yogic Practices bring everything back to the basics of yoga and focus on breath awareness, life balance and connection. All

three of these elements play into one another. Without the ability to let go, one cannot experience trust. Without connection and compassion, one cannot experience empowerment or joy. Like much in life off the mat, how you feel can affect an overall action.

Today, acroyoga has grown in numbers, and people are learning new ways to spread awareness of the practice: through social media. It is in this form that so many are attracted to try, and challenge themselves. Watching a yogi effortlessly stretch through a flow while entrusting their partner for support is almost entrancing, and can inspire others to want to do the same.

Eugene and Pip Elysium—or @acrodanceyoga on Instagram—are instafamous in the world of yogis. With over 20.3k followers, no one would ever think their practice began with a simple video. “We were both inspired by

acroyoga through different leads of inspiration such as videos,

pictures, meeting inspiring teachers,” says Pip. Today, they strive to make every transition as elegant and peaceful as possible so that they can do the same for others.

“Acroyoga can be one of the most aesthetically beautiful types of yoga there is, not only because of the shapes and lines, but because of the connection and trust of two people, the strength and suppleness, support and surrender,” she explains.

The connections between the partners are so strong, in fact, that the Elysium’s believe they can be felt through the videos on social media platforms like Instagram, which is what draws others into the practice.

The connections that can be made between two acro yogi partners builds trust and stability. It is the lessons that you learn from these connections that can be applied both on and off your mat.

According to Claudia LaFond, one of the acro yogis in Instagram’s @yogabeyond duo, acroyoga brings the added benefit of a community aspect. “Students rely on one another to get

“We are all afraid of reaching out and being vulnerable, and this practice creates a safe and playful space to connect, touch, support and be supported”

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into and out of postures safely. Working together in the acro practice, we see teamwork and camaraderie build in record time,” she says.

The physical teamwork that is built in this practice is what helps it stand out from a more traditional one. “We are all afraid of reaching out and being vulnerable, and this practice creates a safe and playful space to connect, touch, support and be supported,” says LaFond.

In other words, acro yogis benefit in more ways than one. It takes trust to allow yourself to practice with only the support of your partner’s feet. Jumping into the unknown is hard, but acroyoga teaches yogis to trust—a characteristic that can help many lead a more happy and holistic life.

Max Lowenstein and Liz Kong—find their journey on Instagram at @maxandlizacro—want to spread the practice through just this: the element of trust. The two met over three years ago, and grew into the practice together as complete strangers. Today, they continue their journey through demonstrations and teaching with the hope to inspire others to take a chance and fly just as they did. “People do things that they never thought they could do before, and then that translates into other aspects of their life,” Max says. “They are like ‘wow I never thought that someone could support me or that I could support someone else.’”

It is that feeling of being supported that makes the acroyoga journey so special. The connection, in itself, can oftentimes be felt over something as simple as a video or photo, as both partners must be able to have a strong focus and understanding of each other’s bodies.

Because of this, Max and Liz emphasize the fact that, although Instagram is a great way to spread awareness, the practice is never as perfect as it looks.

The two try to make this known to their 87.3k audience that the choreography posted is never what is seen on the first try. “On social media, there’s a lot of flexing and putting your best foot forward. But you don’t see the hours that Liz and I spend just practicing the basics and there’s not enough time to portray that in the one minute video,” he explains.

The idea of perfection is unrealistic in this practice. One does not practice yoga to be perfect, but to find peace of mind away from those who are trying to be. Therefore, the balances and flexibility are never meant to dissuade a newcomer, but to show them that anything is possible.

“In our classes, we always make sure to tell people that whether or not they try to do the thing that we are trying to teach, that they are still a great person.

Whether or not you can get upside down, you are still a beautiful and amazing person,” Lowenstein concludes. “It doesn’t matter [about] the physical thing that you do, it’s about what’s inside.”

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PASTA PUTTANESCA WRITER: Andri PHOTO: Nora Wilby SERVING SIZE: 2 INGREDIENTS 4 oz of spaghetti 2–3 fillet of anchovy fillets (in olive oil) 2 garlic cloves 24 oz Italian Tomatoes (preferably San Marzano) Salt & Pepper

OPTIONAL 6 sliced olives (Kalamata) A pinch of crushed dried peperoncino/hot pepper flakes Parsley for garnish Canned Tuna (in olive oil)

DIRECTIONS Boil water in a pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water.

Mince garlic finely.

Put two tablespoons of olive oil on a saucepan and add garlic. Crushed dried peperoncino is optional as it adds some heat to the dish. Put the heat on low and let the garlic infuse with the oil. Keep an eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn.

When the garlic turns lightly brown, increase the heat to medium. Put the anchovies in and sauté them until they dissolve. Use a cooking spoon to help break the anchovies.

Add the tomatoes in the saucepan and crush them with the cooking spoon. Cook them until they’re boiling, then turn the heat on low. If using, add the capers and the olives to the sauce.

Add your pasta in the pot and cook it until al dente (see packaging for the cooking time).

DO NOT BREAK THE PASTA IN HALF. Cook the sauce for 10 minutes. It should be nicely reduced and the texture should have thickened when done. Give a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Add canned tuna (with its oil) if desired.

Drain the pasta then mix it with the sauce.

Serve on a plate. Garnish the dish with some chopped parsley and Buon appetito!

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MEET THE BLOG MIA EK EMERSON CULTURE CREATES A HECTIC ENVIRONMENT It has always been important to take action, but now is an essential time to be advocating for social and political change.

That includes taking action here on Emerson’s campus, in the greater Boston area, or beyond.

But, sometimes advocacy can mean showing solidarity. Or fundraising in support of an issue or movement. That’s why Undergraduate Students for Publishing (or Pub Club) has decided to spend a week selling its back stock to fundraise for Standing Rock. If you’re unfamiliar with Standing Rock, here’s a brief summary: The Standing Rock protests are in response to a proposal to build the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). If built, the pipeline would threaten the water that many indigenous people in the area depend on. Despite the freezing weather, protests have continued at Standing Rock for months now.

JESS MORRIS BACKSTOCK FOR STANDING ROCK WITH PUB CLUB It has always been important to take action, but now is an essential time to be advocating for social and political change.

That includes taking action here on Emerson’s campus, in the greater Boston area, or beyond.

But, sometimes advocacy can mean showing solidarity. Or fundraising in support of an issue or movement. That’s why Undergraduate Students for Publishing (or Pub Club) has decided to spend a week selling its back stock to fundraise for Standing Rock. If you’re unfamiliar with Standing Rock, here’s a brief summary: The Standing Rock protests are in response to a proposal to build the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). If built, the pipeline would threaten the water that many indigenous people in the area depend on. Despite the freezing weather, protests have continued at Standing Rock for months now.

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JENN WOOD IS GLOSSIER LEADING THE NEWEST REVOLUTION IN BEAUTY? It has always been important to take action, but now is an essential time to be advocating for social and political change.

That includes taking action here on Emerson’s campus, in the greater Boston area, or beyond.

But, sometimes advocacy can mean showing solidarity. Or fundraising in support of an issue or movement. That’s why Undergraduate Students for Publishing (or Pub Club) has decided to spend a week selling its back stock to fundraise for Standing Rock. If you’re unfamiliar with Standing Rock, here’s a brief summary: The Standing Rock protests are in response to a proposal to build the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). If built, the pipeline would threaten the water that many indigenous people in the area depend on. Despite the freezing weather, protests have continued at Standing Rock for months now.

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Atlas Magazine | 64

ATLAS magazine

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