Natural Awakenings of Greater Ann Arbor Michigan - November 2021

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HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

THE HAPPY ENDING HOW TO

DIE WELL AND WISELY COGNITIVELY CORRECT How to Preserve Brain Health

DANCING WITH SPIRIT

Movement that Awakens Oneness

Teaching Mindfulness to Stressed Teens

The Healing Power of a Hug November 2021 | Greater Ann Arbor | HealthyLivingMichigan.com November 2021

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Nature’s Virus Killer

not a sniffle!” she exclaimed.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night.

“It saved me last holidays,” she said.

“The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.”

Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said.

By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast.

September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.”

“They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched.

Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished.

Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses.

Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA23. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?”

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for toll-free 1-888-411-6114. and saved lives.

Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever.

The strong scientific evidence gave presents ever. This little jewel really Statements are not intended as inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When works.” product health claims and have not been he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to a smooth copper probe and rubbed it suffering after crowded flights. Though diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any gently in his nose for 60 seconds. skeptical, she tried copper on travel disease.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and ADVERTORIAL

Copper can stop a cold before it starts

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Greater Ann Arbor

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Greater Ann Arbor

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November 2021

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from the publishers A Light in the Darkness

GREATER ANN ARBOR EDITION

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n order to die well, we must live well. This month’s feature

Publishers John & Trina Voell III

story explores the mystery of death and how to navigate

Design & Production John & Trina Voell III

Martin Miron Theresa Archer Randy Kambic

life’s final transition with grace and love. With the onset of cold weather, now is the perfect time to warm up with your cup of Joe or favorite herbal tea, kick back and consider what

A2 Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929

it takes to live a truly meaningful, worthwhile life.

Most of us would like to die at home in our own beds, yet

Detroit Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929

TC Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929

P.O. Box 2717, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 734-757-7929 Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com HealthyLivingMichigan.com facebook.com/NaturalAwakeningsAnnArbor https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCRIOgIjWHjdMaHeTDeKgARg

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

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Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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Greater Ann Arbor

which makes stressful “medicalization” of the dying process more likely.

Although death has its own schedule, we can lower the chances of expiring in the ICU

by attaining clarity as to our values and desires, having discussions about our end-of-life choices, and opening to our spiritual process. “Dying Well: Four Steps to a Good Death,” offers a fresh perspective on how to live life more fully today.

Meditating on my own death and envisioning transition from this life to the next stage

of my journey was a real eye-opener, and has impacted my perspective on how to live my life now so that when all is said and done, I will have done my best. This experience also inspired me to create a playlist of songs I’d love for my family to play for me on my last day here.

NATIONAL TEAM

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often means we defer conversations and practical planning,

CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

only one in five attain that gentle final exit. Anxiety about death

To help shift the old paradigm of inevitable aging and cognitive decline into a new one

based on the brain’s neuroplasticity, functional medicine experts are using strategies to preserve cognitive skills while reducing inflammation. For advice on many of the good practices and benefits, read “Healthy Brain Strategies: How to Prevent Cognitive Decline,” and learn how to reduce exposure to stress and toxins, as well as the importance of restorative sleep.

All dancing is good for our physical and mental health—spirit-infused dance forms,

ecstatic and yoga-inspired kundalini dance fortify the body’s intrinsic life force. The mostly barefoot classes draw from a deep cultural well and often include the infectious heartbeat of live music. “Sacred Dance: Moving into Divine Energy” offers several groovy energy-movement dances.

Hugs have proven power to soothe and nurture us, and it’s not necessary to have another

human to enjoy their benefits. In a time of chaotic uncertainty, isolation and change, hugs can be medicine and a reminder to remain open, willing and beautifully human. Embrace more in this month’s Inspiration department.

We hope you enjoy life’s special moments and the gentle warmth of autumn’s sunlight

on your face. As always, please support the advertisers in this magazine and let them know you saw their service or product in the pages of Natural Awakenings, because they make this free publication possible.

Here is to a healthy and happy Thanksgiving, and big hugs to all!

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue you’ll find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

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Contents 16 DYING WELL

20

Four Steps to a Good Death

20 HEALTHY BRAIN STRATEGIES

How to Prevent Cognitive Decline

22 SACRED DANCE Moving into Divine Energy

24 ECO-DECOR FOR THE HOME

22

How to Buy Sustainable Furnishings

26 DAVID CROW on the Healing Power of Medicinal Plants

28 MINDFULNESS FOR STRESSED TEENS

School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills

30 EAT WELL TO FEEL WELL Thanksgiving Fare that Boosts Mental Health

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32 HONORING THE LOSS OF A PET

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Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal

33 THE HEALING

POWER OF A HUG

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 12 health briefs 13 global briefs 14 eco tip 15 eco alert 19 business

spotlight 20 healing ways 22 fit body

24 green living 26 wise words 28 healthy kids 30 conscious

eating 32 natural pet 33 inspiration 34 calendar 35 classifieds 36 resource guide November 2021

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news briefs

MICHIGAN FRIENDS CENTER AT FRIENDS LAKE COMMUNITY

Try Amare Wellness Products for Brain Health

A Scenic and Tranquil Meeting Place...

We offer the holistic community a nature-oriented meeting space for workshops, meetings, counseling, yoga, youth groups, and family gatherings. Main room accommodates 100 pre-Covid, with two smaller classrooms and kitchen facilities. Hiking trails. Weekend rates range from $200-$400, additional for extensive grounds use, camping. Book your next gathering at https://MFCenter.org/rent “We need to preserve a few places, a few samples of primeval country so that when the pace gets too fast we can look at it, think about it, contemplate it, and somehow restore equanimity to our souls.”

– Sigurd Olson

7748 Clark Lake Road, Chelsea, MI 48118 (734) 475-1892 https://MFCenter.org/rent

Holistic Care

• Mood Support • Cancer Support • Family Medicine • Holistic Medicine • Innovative Medicine • Bioidentical Hormones Marisa Spradlin RD Gaia Kile FNP Danielle Douglas FNP Malcolm Sickels MD 210 Little Lake Dr., Suite 10 Ann Arbor (west side) www.drsickels.com 734.332.9936 • Easy access from M-14, I-94 & Jackson Road • Check drsickels.com for directions & insurance info.

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Greater Ann Arbor

K

ellie Ziehm, a wellness partner of Amare Global, a mental wellness company, says, “We help people optimize their health with holistic, plantbased, natural solutions.” They focus on brain health, gut issues, pain, weight loss and the gut-brain axis, specifically targeting the microbiome. Amare even has a FundaMentals pack for kids.

The Amare FundaMentals Pack for brain health this is their flagship product and winner of the 2018 NutrAward for best new finished product. It has been proven to promote a healthy gut; boost cognitive function and clarity; connect the gut and brain to enhance communication between both brains; improve mood and reduce tension; support the growth and vitality of a range of beneficial gut bacteria; and improve psychological vigor (physical energy, mental acuity and emotional well-being).

For more information and to place orders, call Kellie Ziehm at 734-344-2339 or visit AmareMentalWellness.com. See ad page 15.

Castle Pharmacy Fills Homeopathic Prescriptions

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astle Remedies, Michigan’s only homeopathic pharmacy open to the public, carries more than 1,000 over-the-counter and prescription remedies in potencies as low as 3x and as high as CM, as well as herbal and nutritional supplements from the highest-quality brands available.

They also provide vitamins, nutraceuticals and herbals in both capsule and tincture form, a complete line of aromatherapy from organic and wild-crafted sources and the complete set of Bach Flower Remedies.

After an order is placed by phone, the pharmacy will call with times and instructions when it is ready to pick up. Customers should stay in their vehicle while a staff member brings the order to an outdoor pick-up area designated with a sign. Once they go back inside, the customer can exit the vehicle and pick up the order.

Location: 2345 S. Huron Pkwy., Ann Arbor (phone orders only). For orders and more information, call 734-973-8990, email Info@CastleRemedies.com or visit CastleRemedies.com.

See ad page 10.

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Tell 'em you found them in Natural Awakenings! :)

Holistic Family Dentistry Available in Ypsilanti

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ackard Family Dentistry is a mercury-free, fluoride-free, holistic practice offering emergency to esthetic treatments.

They take the time to educate patients about gum disease, restoration and other treatment options.

Laith Alsamerai, DDS, and Teba Rashid, DDS, Teba Rashid and Laith Alsamerai are committed to holistic dentistry by treating the cause of a problem, not just the symptoms, starting with proper nutrition, avoidance or elimination of toxins and addressing any structural imbalances in the mouth.

Advanced treatment options include Biolase Epic Laser technology, Surgically Clean Air purifiers, DentaPure purification of water lines, ozone treatment and International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology Mercury-Safe protocols.

Rashid says, “Recent studies have established a link between gum disease and your overall health. The good news is that gum disease can be treated successfully, often without surgery. Our commitment to you includes paying meticulous attention to all of your needs for healthy teeth and gums so you not only look your best, but also have optimum overall health.”

Location: 2444 Packard Rd., Ypsilanti. For appointments and more information, call 734-572-4428 or visit PackardFamilyDentistry. com. See ad page 11.

Clear Trauma and Create Peace of Mind with MariEl

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ariEl is an energy healing process for clearing emotional and mental trauma and creating peace of mind. Mary Light, of the Ann Arbor School of Massage, offers one-hour sessions by appointment. She says, “Trauma could be anything from not feeling quite right to PTSD. One could feel as though their past and present

need to be balanced, clarified and cleared. This happens during the integration period in-between sessions; the session itself is a catalyst for change.” Clients report clearing unexpected issues, patterns, beliefs, negativity, memories and pain. This is not counseling or analysis, and there is no need for disclosure or sharing of events. Blog at NaturopathicSchoolOfAnnArbor.net/post/marielenergy-work-for-clearning-trauma-creating-peace-of-mind.

“We are a body, mind and energy system” advises Light. “Our experiences in life—physical, emotional, mental, spiritual—have been downloaded and stored somewhere in or body tissues and energy centers. This principle is accepted by numerous well-known energy medicine practitioners, including Caroline Myss, the late Delores Krieger, Donna Eden and others. We may have processed some of these experiences, but not released the energy. MariEl is not a psychotherapy or analytical session. The client’s body will release what is appropriate at the time and integrate it over the days ahead.” MariEl was created by Ethel Lombardi. Ethel died in 2009.

The first session is $105, cash or check, then $75. For appointments, call 734-769-7794, email nshaaassociates@gmail.com or visit NaturopathicSchoolOfAnnArbor.net. See ad page 38.

RelaxStation is Hiring

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elaxStation Massage of Ann Arbor offers affordable, convenient, high-quality massage therapy with options that include fully-clothed table or chair massage, as well as traditional full-body massage in individual rooms, all in one location. Established in 2002, they are now hiring additional licensed massage therapists in a beautiful setting and work environment with great co-workers.

November 2021

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news briefs

The work of a massage therapist is hands-on and focuses on manipulating the soft tissue muscles in the body. Some of the best reasons that massage therapy is a good career include high demand for massage therapists, great income potential, flexible hours, a variety of potential work settings, opportunities for growth and rewarding work; training is fast and affordable, and it can be a fun and low-stress vocation.

Norwood Pratt (tea author), and studied many aspects of tea cultivation, harvesting, processing and brewing. He is now sharing his knowledge of tea to help promote health protection during the stressful times.”

Location: 2350 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. For more information, call Boehmer at 734-709-8313. See ad page 36.

Smidge Kakadu Plum Capsules for Pure, Real Food Vitamin C

Location: 1202 Packard St., Ann Arbor. For appointments and more information, call 734-623-1951, email RelaxStationAnnArbor@ gmail.com or visit RelaxStation.com. See classified ad page 35.

Try Hot Tea for the Holidays

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nnerspace Holistic is conducting the first real Introduction to Tea class in Ann Arbor at 7 p.m., November 5. It will introduce tea from different countries and discuss what makes each unique. Samples will be brewed and the nuances discussed in detail, as well as special brewing secrets.

Owner Brandy Boehmer says, “Fall is a great time of year to explore the many facets of tea and take the knowledge into the winter season. Tea consumption offers a myriad of health benefits which help boost immunity, increase energy and promote healing.”

“The head brewer was introduced to tea during a Taoist monk tea ceremony in which many hidden treasures of tea were illuminated. He has taken tea classes with Devon Shaw (formerly Chado tea) and Benjamin

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Greater Ann Arbor

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

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midge Small Batch Supplements is now offering Kakadu Plum capsules, a pure, real food vitamin C product. The Australian Kakadu Plum contains the highest amount of vitamin C of any food in the world. Smidge Kakadu Plum is grown and hand-harvested in small batches in Australia. It’s made entirely from the fresh purée of the non-GMO fruit, which is dehydrated with a gentle drying technique that uses infrared light rather than high heat to remove water. This method is unmatched in preserving the fruit’s natural vitamin C. For vitamin C to be most effective, it must come from real food rather than synthetic ascorbic acid. These capsules have no fillers, additives or common allergens. They’re easy on those with sensitive digestive systems and fit in with many dietary protocols.

One serving of Smidge Kakadu Plum extract contains nearly 75 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Supplementing with unprocessed, whole-food vitamin C that contains no additives can support the immune system along with a clean, wholesome diet.

Shop online at GetSmidge.com.

Free Food For Pets

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he Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), Community Action Network and Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels have partnered to help feed the needy furry residents of Washtenaw County, delivering more than 2,000 pounds of pet food in the inaugural week.

HSHV CEO and President Tanya Hilgendorf says, “We don’t want people choosing between feeding themselves and feeding their pets.” Research shows that companion animals aren’t just beloved by many families, they bolster our mental health. During the pandemic, when many people have been isolated, pets have been a saving grace.

Bring dry pet food donations to 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor.

For more information, visit hshv.org.

Food Gatherers are Rockin’ for the Hungry

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member of Feeding America, Food Gatherers, the food re s c u e an d food bank program serving Wa s ht e n aw County, wants to alleviate

hunger and eliminate its causes in our community. Their largest outdoor food and fund drive, Rockin’ for the Hungry, will be hosted by Ann Arbor’s 107.1 (WQKL) and Kroger from November 30 through December 5.

Radio personalities broadcasting outside Kroger on Maple Road in Ann Arbor will be “Freezin’ for a reason.” Residents may join them in person or tune in for interviews with community leaders, donor-sponsored power hours and updates. Food Gatherers seeks to raise 1 million meals for our neighbors. Gifts will be matched one-toone by generous community members and organizations.

For donations and more information, call 734-761-2796 or visit FoodGatherers.org/rockin.

Experience a Healing Sound Bath

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Notes Natural Health will present A Harvest of Sound, a sound bath meditation, from 8 to 9:30 p.m., November 20, with Rob Meyer-Kukan, LMT. He states, “Harvest season is a time to be grateful and to give thanks for the blessings from the labors of the previous seasons. In this time together, we will lift our hearts in gratitude Rob Meyer-Kukan for the blessings in our lives and enjoy the relaxing tones of singing bowls, metal and crystal, as we settle in to a space of peace and calm.” Sound therapy combines powerful vibration and tones to induce an immediate relaxed state with effects ranging from meditative state to deep relaxation.

Cost is $40. RSVP (required) at 248-962-5475, Rob@RobMeyer Kukan.com or 7NotesNaturalHealth.com (closes Nov.19). Location: 3830 Packard Rd., Ste. 120, Ann Arbor.

Protect Your Health with Safe, Fluoride-Free, Mercury-Free, Holistic Dentistry!

We offer many special approaches to safeguard your health, including: n Non-surgical treatment and alternatives whenever possible. n Removal or

avoidance of toxins like silver-mercury amalgam fillings & fluoride treatment. n Oxygen-ozone therapy to treat and prevent gum disease.

“Your health is our primary goal. Every decision we make is focused on holistic dentistry and the connection between your oral and systemic health. We lead with compassion and understanding, taking the time to listen carefully to you so we can help you achieve and keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life.”

Laith Alsamerai, DDS Teba Rashid, DDS

Packard Family Dentistry • 2444 Packard Rd. Ypsilanti 734-572-4428 • PackardFamilyDentistry.com

Holistic Dentistry is a philosophy based on the concept that your mouth is a window to your overall health. The condition of your teeth and gums contributes significantly to the general health of your entire body!

November 2021

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health briefs

Chiropractic Keeps the Body in Tune to Fight Stress

Stress is always fighting against us, which means we must always be fighting back. Our central nervous system is responsible for making us resilient, but often needs help. Chiropractic adjustments assist the body to become stronger and more resilient by training the nervous system in how to properly respond to stress.

Our bodies often need to be reminded of what true function feels like, and this is where chiropractic adjustments excel.

Staying well adjusted helps us stay strong, because in order to take care of those we love, we must first take care of ourselves.

Michigan Family Wellness is located at 2200 N. Canton Center Rd., Ste. 150, in Canton. For more information, call 734-3350533 or visit MichiganFamilyWellness.com.

Boost Kids’ Learning Abilities with Exercise The right kind of exercise can help kids learn vocabulary better, suggests research from the University of Delaware. An article published in the Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research reports that when 48 children between 6 and 12 years of age were taught new words before swimming, they scored 13 percent higher on a test of the words than children that did CrossFit-like exercises or colored pictures. Lead researcher Maddy Pruitt says that exercise is known to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein she describes as the “Miracle-Gro of the brain.” Swimming made a difference, she says, because it is an automatic movement, while the CrossFit exercises were new to them and required mental energy.

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Greater Ann Arbor

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Boost Cognition with Green Tea Compound A single dose of 100 milligrams of the compound L-theanine—the amount found in four cups of green tea—improved reaction times and working memory of men and women in new research from Japan’s Central Research Institute, in Shizuoka. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 69 adults that self-reported cognitive decline reacted more quickly to computer-generated promptings and answered more questions correctly after ingesting the compound compared to the placebo.

Eat High-Flavonoid Foods to Reduce Cognitive Decline Eating foods high in flavonoids—the antioxidant-rich plant compounds found in strawberries, oranges, peppers and apples—can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by 20 percent or more, reports new research published by the American Academy of Neurology.

Researchers followed more than 78,000 people in their late 40s and early 50s for 20 years, asking them what they ate and to evaluate their cognitive skills. They found that those foods with more flavones, such as yellow or orange fruits and vegetables and some spices, reduced cognitive decline the most, at 38 percent—the equivalent of being three to four years younger in age.

Anthocyanins, found in blueberries, blackberries and cherries, were associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of cognitive decline. “The people in our study who did the best over time ate an average of at least half a serving per day of foods like orange juice, oranges, peppers, celery, grapefruits, grapefruit juice, apples and pears,” says study author Walter Willett, M.D., a nutrition and epidemiology professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“And it’s never too late to start, because we saw those protective relationships whether people were consuming the flavonoids in their diet 20 years ago or if they started incorporating them more recently.”

global briefs

Sorting Soirée

Renovating the Recycling Stream

Tree House Knock On Wood

A Swedish method of building using cross-laminated timber (CLT) is emerging as a climate-friendly alternative to traditional, concrete-based construction. The foundation is cement, but multistory wooden structures of 13 floors and higher are possible. Using timber has environmental benefits in the form of lowered carbon emissions. Mathias Fridholm, director of Svenskt Tra (Swedish Wood), an industry organization, says, “Wood is in many ways an excellent material for building in dense cities, because we can prefabricate all the elements in factories instead of onsite.” Prefabrication speeds construction and reduces truck traffic. CLT is not only strong and light, it is breathable; it holds heat, but doesn’t need plastic layers to manage moisture like concrete, which also requires sand, a non-renewable resource that requires drudging seabeds. Managed forests are renewable and serve as a carbon storage facility.

Anna Ervast Oberg, a project manager at Swedish real estate developer Folkhem, advises that just changing the structure of a building to wood from concrete would result in an immediate 50 percent reduction in emissions. “What we have to do now is to stop the emissions, very fast. This gives us a hint of where we should be focusing; where we can make the biggest difference.”

Americans use a single recycling stream in which everything goes into one bin to be sorted and cleaned at the designated collection point; a system that requires too much labor with less-than-stellar results. A study conducted by the South Korean SK Group asked 1,500 U.S. adults about sustainable packaging and found that 72 percent prefer products with easily recycled or reused packaging, but don’t understand what can actually be recycled. Forty-two percent were not aware that containers such as plastic bottles cannot be recycled without removing the label. When dirty and labeled recyclables are deposited with clean recyclables, they contaminate the whole batch, creating massive amounts of unnecessary waste.

SKC Inc. has introduced Ecolabel, the first shrink sleeve label that doesn’t need to be removed from plastic bottles to be recycled. This removes the burden from the consumer and recyclers while making the process easier. Recyclops uses independent drivers to service recycling routes, creating income for locals and sustainable living options for residents. They’re innovating the recycling pickup process by using an Uber Eats-type phone app to enable the pickup of recyclables from areas that aren’t being serviced.

Wicked Wonders

Banned Invasive Weeds for Sale The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has labeled cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), a native plant of Southeast Asia, as one of the world’s worst invasive weeds. It’s banned as an invasive species by the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, but a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment by the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered that this and about 1,300 other invasive plants are sold at garden centers, nurseries and other retailers.

Lead author Evelyn M. Beaury, a graduate student in organismic and evolutionary biology at University of Massachusetts, says that she and her fellows found cogongrass was being sold by 33 outlets in 17 states. She notes, “This is a tricky case, because plant breeders are marketing a sterile cultivar, but research shows these plants are not completely sterile and can still become invasive.” According to the USDA, there are no known effective biological control methods. Beaury states, “While patchy state regulations definitely contribute to the widespread availability of invasive plants in the U.S., it’s clear we as a public also lack awareness about which plants are invasive and how they spread to new areas. If we want to continue to protect native ecosystems, regulators and managers need more resources to do so.”

November 2021

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eco tip

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure Plastic is a petrochemical-based, non-biodegradable pollution nightmare.

As discarded water bottles and shampoo containers pile up for hundreds of years in landfills, we continue to produce more and more of the stuff. Meanwhile, plastic breaks down into microparticles that contaminate waterways, air, soil and even snow. They show up in foods and beverages we consume. While more research is needed to understand the human health impacts of microplastics, here are some ways to avoid ingesting these tiny particles.

Contact us today to start attracting more business.

734-757-7929 Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Liberate yourself from suffering.

Gnosis is the practical, fact-based knowledge of consciousness that guides us to our full potential and innate happiness.

DON’T DRINK PLASTIC-BOTTLED WATER. Plastic-bottled water has approximately double the microplastics of tap water, studies have found. Ditch single-use, plastic-bottled water. Instead, fill reusable stainless steel or glass containers with filtered tap water, chill and enjoy. Filtering tap water can help improve the taste and reduce other undesirable elements, and most carbon block filters with a micron rating of two or less will remove microplastics.

AVOID BEAUTY PRODUCTS WITH MICROBEADS. To reduce exposure to microplastics and dissuade manufacturers from using plastic, avoid any beauty products with microbeads, including certain toothpastes and facial scrubs.

Some words on product labels that indicate microbeads are polypropylene, polyethylene and polylactic acid (PLA).

WEAR NATURAL, NON-SYNTHETIC FABRICS. Synthetic fabrics shed microplastic fibers in the wash and as we wear them. Clothing made with natural fibers such as cotton is preferable.

WASH AND DRY SYNTHETIC CLOTHES DIFFERENTLY. When we wash and dry synthetic fabrics, significant levels of microplastics are released into the environment. To lessen this effect, air dry clothes or decrease their time in the dryer. Products are emerging to help filter and collect small synthetic fibers before they wash down the drain and into our waterways or get released into the air. Among the most promising are a washing bag (GuppyFriend.us), laundry ball (CoraBall.com) and in-machine filtration devices (XerosTech.com).

REDUCE MEAT AND FISH CONSUMPTION. As microplastics proliferate and marine and land animals eat them, they are finding their way into our food supply. We can limit our exposure by eating less meat and fish.

Experience is better than belief.

Learn more at GnosticTeachings.org

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Greater Ann Arbor

VACUUM AND DUST REGULARLY. Our homes are filled with microplastics.

Regularly dusting surfaces and vacuuming with a HEPA filter that traps dust is a great way to reduce these particles in the indoor air environment.

DRIVE LESS. As we drive our cars, microplastic flies off the tires and becomes airborne pollution. Find ways to drive less; opt instead for carpooling or public transportation.

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

eco alert

Cookware Continues to Harbor Toxins A new study by the Ecology Center Healthy Stuff Lab, “Still Cooking: An Update on Toxic PFAS in Cookware Products,” found some cookware manufacturers still use per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) coatings on nonstick products despite claims that their pans are free from them. In a follow-up to a 2020 report, the Ecology Center determined some product claims to be misleading, possibly causing consumers to mistakenly purchase a PFAS-coated pan.

The Ecology Center’s research and published findings on cookware coatings inspired lawmakers on the West Coast to include cookware in the California Safer Food Packaging and Cookware Act of 2021, banning toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in paper-based food packaging

and requiring disclosure of the toxic chemicals in cookware. Nancy Buermeyer, senior policy strategist at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, says, “Until now, no state or federal law required this disclosure, leaving consumers in the dark.”

In 2020, the Ecology Center found that 79 percent of nonstick cooking pans and 20 percent of nonstick baking pans tested positive for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, or Teflon) coatings. This research is a part of their broader mission to phase out nonessential uses of PFAS to protect drinking water. PTFE-based pan coatings can release the toxin into the environment throughout their lifespan. Once dispersed, PFAS pollution is extremely difficult to clean up.

A growing body of evidence indicates some PFAS contribute to liver disease, increased cholesterol, impaired response to vaccines, thyroid disease, asthma, lowered fertility and high blood pressure in pregnant women.

Elevated risks of testicular and kidney cancer have been found in highly exposed people. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a heavily used and well-studied PFAS chemical, as a possible carcinogen. Melissa Cooper Sargent, an environmental health advocate at the Ecology Center, states, “We suggest opting for uncoated pans made from cast iron or stainless steel, or for baking, glass or ceramic.”

Foe more information, visit EcoCenter.org.

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HealthyLivingMichigan.com HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Four Steps to a Good Death

O

by Ronica O’Hara

n his deathbed, Apple founder Steve Jobs looked for a long time at his children, his sister and his wife, then moved his gaze to the space behind them. “Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh wow!” he gasped. No one can know for certain what he was experiencing, but his words point to the deep, mysterious potential of our final hours—the awareness of which can transform our life long before its end.

“An awareness of dying, of death, can wake us up to life. It helps us live a life that’s rich and full and meaningful. When we deny the truth of dying, we live less wholeheartedly, less completely,” says Frank Ostaseski, founder of the pioneering San Francisco Zen Hospice Project and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully.

The pandemic has 51 percent of us thinking more about our own mortality, a survey shows. The subject of death has been slowly opening up in America: TV programs like Six Feet Under and Alternative Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America present dying and grief more realistically; thousands of small conversational gatherings called “death cafes” are being held each year; people are designing their own funerals and choosing green burial sites; and the field of “death doulas” is emerging to help families navigate the legal and emotional shoals. Half a century after the release of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ seminal book On Death and Dying, palliative care to ease pain is offered by two-thirds of American hospitals, and Medicare funding for end-of-life hospice care has grown tenfold over the last two decades.

Yet for many, death remains the last taboo—85 percent of us have not discussed our last wishes yet with loved ones. Thousands of studies in the emerging field of experimental existential psychology have found that when reminded subconsciously of death, people tend to drive faster, drink harder, smoke more and get meaner to out-groups in attempts to lower their anxiety.

But when we look death squarely in the face, that anxiety recedes, the research concludes. Gratitude, self-honesty and the humility of recognizing our place in the larger whole are also proven antidotes. With less fear, we are better able to take the proactive, concrete steps that ease our passage—getting clear on our values and desires, having important conversations, attending to final decisions and opening to our spiritual process. Although death has its own ways and means, these four processes can make it more likely we will die as we would like to.

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Defining What We Value “Deeply consider what your priorities in life are,” says Tarron Estes, founder and CEO of The Conscious Dying Institute, in Boulder, which has trained more than 6,500 doulas since 2013. “Ask yourself, if I had only three months to live, what’s important to me spiritually, emotionally, physically? What do I still need to do or say?” She recommends Stephen Levine’s book, A Year to Live, for exercises and meditations for that process.

“Don’t wait until the time of your dying to discover what it has to teach you,” advises Ostaseski, who has sat beside more than 2,000 hospice patients in their last hours. “When I’m with dying people, the things that are important to them are not their spiritual beliefs, but are more about relationships—‘Am I loved? Did I love well?’ Those two questions are useful inquiries now. They help us to discover where value and meaning can be found.”

By applying our values to the dying process, we can start sorting through options. Do we want to die at home or in a hospital? What medical procedures will we accept or decline?

What measures do we want to be taken to sustain our life? Who do we want to be at our side?

And what do we need to say before that time?

Having Important Conversations As daunt-

Attending to Medical and Burial Decisions Taking care of business—the paperwork aspects of death known as advance directives— spares loved ones from having to make tough decisions later. A last will and testament precludes pain and infighting among family and friends. A living will specifies what treatments are wanted under what conditions. A medical power of attorney designates a trusted person to make medical decisions if a patient is not capable. A Do Not Resuscitate order approved by a doctor means emergency medical workers are less likely to give CPR, which frequently causes trauma and broken ribs in elderly or frail patients. Either cremation or a burial can be decided upon; environmental options such as a forest burial in a wooden casket can be explored. Local hospice options can be surveyed in advance; nonprofits generally are rated better than profit-making groups.

Opening to the Spiritual Process Whether or not we have religious

beliefs to carry us through waves of loss and sorrow, death can spur spiritual insight. “In dying, we withdraw from our outer circles and come Greater Ann Arbor

Joan Tollifson, a Zen-trained spiritual teacher and author of Death: The End of Self-Improvement, concurs: “When the future disappears, we are brought home to the immediacy that we may have avoided all our lives. With no future left to fantasize about, the focus of attention may finally be fully on right Now, the only place where our life ever actually is. Really getting that ‘This is it,’ there may be a sudden recognition of the absolute preciousness and wonder of every simple ordinary thing and of the people around us, just as they are, with all their flaws and foibles. Old grudges and resentments often melt away, and love shines through.

“All the things which may have been part of our self-image—independence, physical strength, cognitive sharpness, good appearance and so on—have either disappeared or are rapidly collapsing, which invites the discovery that none of that really mattered, that what we truly or more fundamentally are is not dependent on any of that.

“The greatest gift we can give to a loved one who is dying,” says Tollifson, is to “simply be present, listen, follow your heart, trust the process.

Everything else will follow from that. There’s no right or wrong way.”

It can be difficult to know what to say to a loved one near the end, but hospice workers recommend five phrases that have deep healing potential, even if a person seems unconscious: “I love you,” “Thank you,” “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” and “Goodbye” or “Until we meet again.” As Butler points out, the first four phrases can be said any time in our lives.

Increasingly in hospice care, loved ones are encouraged to sit with the body after the death, touching it, sharing stories, perhaps gently bathing it and dressing it in favorite clothes. “Touching the body, feeling the coolness, makes the death real to the family,” Ostaseski says. “Research shows that people that went through that process still grieved, but they were able to be with the emotion and not be overwhelmed by it.”

Facing the reality of death—as hard and heartbreaking as that can be—can free us to truly live life, said Jobs. After his terminal cancer diagnosis, he told Stanford students in a commencement address, “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

“Ask yourself, if I had only three months to live, what’s important to me spiritually, emotionally, physically?

What do I still need to do or say?”

ing as the prospect of an end-of-life talk with family and friends may seem, it can start with simple words like “I want to talk with you about something important to me.” Without spelling out our desires, death can become inadvertently medicalized: Nine in 10 of us say we want to die in our homes, but only two in 10 do. “The default systems are all to treat, treat, treat, until someone finally says, ‘No,’ so many people end up on a high-tech conveyor belt to the ICU,” says award-winning journalist Katy Butler, author of The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life. Among people that undertake such talks, 73 percent describe the experience as positive, reassuring and productive. A downloadable Conversation Starter Guide (TheConversationProject.org) provides practical guidance for these critical conversations.

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into the inner circles of our lives—the relationships that matter most to us,” says Ostaseski, who has worked four decades with hospice patients.

“There’s a growing silence that has us becoming more contemplative and reflective. Our sense of time and space changes and we enter into a kind of free flow. The boundaries we have lived by begin to dissolve, and we start to feel ourselves as part of something larger—not as a belief, but as a natural occurrence. Often people realize themselves to be more than the small, separate self they had thought themselves to be.”

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

business spotlight

Everyone’s Welcome to Shop at People’s Co-Op

T

he People’s Food Co-op (PFC) is Ann Arbor’s only full-service downtown grocery store, serving the community with a full range of groceries, produce and environmentally sensitive cleaning products, putting an emphasis on local, sustainable and organic items. They are owned by the community, so every dollar spent at PFC helps to grow the local economy. The PFC café offers organic and fair-trade coffee, as well as hot-bar and salad-bar meals, and a grab-n-go cooler filled with premade meals. Everyone is welcome to shop at the co-op, not just the member-owners.

The Co-op was founded in February 1971 when a group of health-centered activists organized around a desire for fresh and natural foods originally obtained at Detroit’s Eastern Market. Allied with the development of the Michigan Federation of Food Coops, a storefront and food warehouse were created to serve growing interest in the

community. The early example of the PFC and People’s Warehouse helped lead the way for numerous food-buying clubs and eventually several storefront food co-ops across the state over the next few years.

Experienced PFC staff works with local, regional and international growers and vendors to provide an array of healthy

options that meet the needs of our diverse community, prioritizing products that are locally grown or produced; Certified Organic or following organic practices; clean, non-GMO and free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, fragrances, antibiotics, growth hormones, herbicides or pesticides; and socially responsible, which means produced or distributed cooperatively using fair trade on a small scale.

The co-op has a mission to care about the environment, access to healthy food and the sustainability of the community, including the products and the organizations they support. Working together with shoppers, PFC donated approximately 7,594 pounds of food in 2020. To minimize food waste, they work with local food rescues and partner with MYGreenMi to compost food that cannot be eaten. In 2020, they diverted about 69,888 pounds of food scraps and compostable material away from landfills, as well as around 500,000 pounds of cardboard, glass, metal and plastic. PFC has not provided single-use plastic grocery bags since September 2019 and donated more than $21,000 to local nonprofit organizations through their Round Up At The Register program in 2020.

While corporate grocers have also embraced natural and organic foods, PFC still plays an important role in the community.

Their continued commitment to core values, democratic leadership and community ownership though the years is what differentiates them from traditional competitors.

The People’s Food Co-op is located at 216 N. Fourth Ave., in Ann Arbor. For more information, call 734-994-9174 or visit Peoples Food.coop. See ad page 21.

November 2021

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healing ways

Healthy Brain Strategies How to Prevent Cognitive Decline

by Linda Sechrist

A

healthy brain performs mental processes known as cognition, which is the acquiring of knowledge and understanding by means of thought, experience and the senses.

This includes functions and systems such as memory, learning, language, problem solving, decision making, reasoning and intelligence. The aging process, a stroke or a brain injury can cause a mild to severe reduction in healthy brain functioning resulting in

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impaired memory and concentration, and difficulty in learning new things or making decisions that impact daily living.

Functional medicine experts focused on preventive health care agree on the ABC’s for optimizing the brain and protecting against decline: eating a healthy diet, exercising, reducing inflammation and stress levels, balancing hormone levels, cultivating healthy relationships and getting enough restorative sleep. With their expertise, they are helping to shift the old paradigm of inevitable aging and cognitive decline into a new one based on the brain’s neuroplasticity.

Harvard-trained neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor, author of the bestseller My Stroke of Insight and the recent Whole Brain Living, is a true poster child for demonstrating the brain’s neuroplasticity and ability to recover from a massive stroke. She writes about the congenital neurological brain disorder that became a problem when an arteriovenous malformation exploded in her brain’s left hemisphere. For four hours, she observed her brain functions systemically shutting down one by one. On the afternoon of her stroke, she could not walk, talk, read, write or recall any of her life.

Eight years later, she was not only slalom waterskiing again, but also explaining to the world, “We are the life-force power of the universe, with manual dexterity and two cognitive minds. We have the power to choose, moment to moment, who and how we want to be in the world.”

Devaki Lindsey Berkson, author of Sexy Brain, a hormone formulator and former researcher at Tulane University’s estrogen think tank, advises, “Most people think hormones are sexy, reproductive things and when they get older, they’re relieved that they don’t have to think about them. Not true. The body has a virtual physiological internet system. Hormones are the email signals to most cells. While the robustness of hormones and their signals affects lungs, gut, kidney and vocal cord health, it especially affects the brain. Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormones is one solution.”

David Perlmutter, neurologist and co-author of Brain Wash, cites food as the biggest player in both brain and overall health in his books and PBS workshops. “Eating inappropriately causes intestinal permeability, resulting in inflammation, which in the brain, threatens good decision making—from deciding on the foods we

NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI eat to turning off our televisions at night, getting a good night’s rest, making sure that we exercise regularly and connecting with other people. Not good for the gut are dairy products, alcohol, highly processed foods that are low in fiber, high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, as well as antibiotics,” he says, adding that meditation and exposure to nature are powerful ways of reducing inflammation in the body and brain.

As explained by neurologist Dale E. Bredesen, author of The End of Alzheimer’s, stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels that can be toxic to our brains—in particular the memory—consolidating the hippocampus, one of the first structures affected by Alzheimer’s. Studies show that high stress levels can also contribute to brain fog, involving difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and mental fatigue. The Bredesen Protocol, available from health practitioners and online, includes exercising, eating a plant-based diet, supplementing to reduce insulin sensitivity and optimize cognitive function, reducing both gut inflammation and exposure to toxins, treating pathogens and optimizing sleep.

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Meditation and exposure to nature are powerful ways of reducing inflammation in the body and brain.

HealthyBrains.org, Cleveland Clinic’s Healthy Brains Initiative, is an online resource center with information on how to manage brain health and create a brain span that matches a life span. It offers six pillars of brain health as explained by brain health experts, including exercise, sleep, relaxation, mental fitness and social interaction.

Supplementing for brain health should be done wisely, says Mark Hyman, author of Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? and director of functional medicine at Cleveland Clinic. He recommends at the very least taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement, omega-3, extra vitamins B3, B6 and B12, folate and a good probiotic that enhances the brain-gut relationship.

Mastery of the ABC’s in kindergarten is required as the foundation of language and a lifetime of learning. Living the fundamentals for a healthy brain can result in a brain span that equals our life span.

Linda Sechrist is a Natural Awakenings senior staff writer. Connect at LindaSechrist.com.

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November 2021

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coming in the december holiday issue

fit body

SACRED DANCE

Moving into Divine Energy

by Marlaina Donato

Boosting Immune System

plus: Uplifting Humanity

H

eart-healthy dancing of all types is known to promote overall physical and mental health. When they are spirit-infused, forms like African, Middle Eastern, ecstatic and yoga-inspired kundalini dance offer us the opportunity to stay in shape while also fortifying the body’s intrinsic life force.

Classes in these styles of dance, which are most often conducted barefoot, draw upon a deep cultural well and include the infectious heartbeat of live accompaniment. Just about anyone can find their own blissful groove when going with the flow is the focus. “In class, I choose to emphasize the feeling more than the step itself. The goal is always to get a spiritual release,”

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says Darian Parker, a Brooklyn-based West African dance teacher, professor and choreographer. “I always encourage my students to privilege ‘having a good time’ over succumbing to self-criticism from not perfecting a step.”

Modern Moves, Ancient Roots There are more than 3,000 ethnic groups on the continent of Africa, and each dance style has a purpose that is defined by its unique history. In the West African tradition, dances are designed to heal the individual and from the broader perspective, restore community. Parker, a faculty member of Cumbe: Center for African and

Diaspora Dance, in Brooklyn, celebrates the culture and art of the Mande people.

“In short, Mande dance trains your spirit just as much as it trains your body,” says Parker. “In many Mande cultures, the ground is thought to be the habitation of our ancestors, who are thought to animate our bodies when we dance. In this way, you can think of dance as a ritual technology that renews our connections with those who came before us.”

While an African dance class encourages high energy and joyous expression, ecstatic dance can be a portal to self-discovery and connectedness. Springboarding from ancient societies worldwide, modern ecstatic dance is freeform and hallmarked by trance or tribal beats. “Ecstatic dance has offered me a portal to my subconscious, my spirit, my deep knowing. It’s a way to, as Gabrielle Roth, the creator of 5Rhythms, put it, ‘Get out of my head and into my body,’ and in my body there is wonderful wisdom,” explains Heidi Sheldon, a seasoned ecstatic dancer and licensed counselor in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. “Your spirit knows what to do when it hears and feels the rhythms.

You just need to allow your body to follow.”

Belly of Bliss, Heart of Light Middle Eastern dance is comprised of

“In many Mande cultures, the ground is thought to be the habitation of our ancestors, who are thought to animate our bodies when we dance.” many dance styles—folk and tribal, classical and most widely known, belly dancing.

In ancient times, the latter was practiced in rituals for fertile harvests and women’s fertility, including physical preparation for childbirth. In 2017, a pilot study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies showed that belly dance improves depressive symptoms, fatigue and quality of life in women with breast cancer.

“Belly dancing is a tantric form of dance that empowers women to release shame and accept and love themselves and their bodies just as they are. The movements open us to pleasure and sensual bliss in our very own skin. In this way, it is very

healing and therapeutic,” says Banafsheh Sayyad, a Persian dance artist and founder of the Dance of Oneness Academy, in Los Angeles. Sayyad’s movement, a fusion of Persian and Middle Eastern dance, flamenco, contemporary dance and meditative whirling, is deeply connected to an ancient feminine ethos.

As a teacher, she brings the Sama—the dervish (pronounced “darvish” in Persian) dance of the Sufis historically reserved for men—into the hands of women.“In the traditional Sama, the right arm is extended up toward the sky with the palm facing up,” she says. “The left arm is extended out with the palm facing down toward the Earth.

In so doing, you transmit and emanate the light you’ve received into the world through your heart. So, this dance is about becoming a channel for light and love in the world.”

In essence, stepping into any dance class can be good for the soul. Sayyad reminds us, “Every movement and dance style, if done with the intention of surrendering one’s sense of separateness into an experience of the greater or dissolving one’s identity as a drop of water into the greater ocean of oneness, can be sacred.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Solutions for Pain

AND A PATH TOWARD HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Robert Krasnick has been performing regenerative procedures for over 20 years, including Prolotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma, and Stem Cell Therapy.

In addition, Krasnick Regenerative Medicine is offering IV (intravenous) nutrient infusions, including Myers’ Cocktail, Glutathione, and NAD+. Also offered is UBI (Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation) combined with Ozone therapy. These treatments are designed to support your immune system, decrease inflammation and promote health and healing.

If you have chronic pain and are looking for natural alternatives or interested in promoting your health, call and make your appointment today.

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“Prolotherapy a wise choice. I am completely healed, and good as new!” – Self-Verified Patient, 01/20/20

November 2021

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green living

Eco-Decor for the Home How to Buy Sustainable Furnishings

by Sandra Yeyati

W

hile comfort and beauty are clear priorities when shopping for furnishings, sustainability and health should be, too. By asking the right questions and doing a little up-front research, consumers have the power to appoint their sanctuaries with non-toxic, ecologically responsible items that are built to last and won’t pollute the environment.

According to the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) (SustainableFurnishings.org), 80 percent of the environmental impact of any product comes from the materials used to make it, so it’s vital to ask about all of the material components in a piece of furniture.

Sustainably Harvested Wood Because it is long-lasting and sturdy, wood can be an excellent, eco-friendly material. The most important consideration is that it hasn’t contributed to deforestation. SFC Executive Director Susan Inglis recommends third-party certification to confirm that wood was sustainably harvested in ways that preserve the forest’s ecosystem and benefit nearby communities. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC.org) issues one of the industry’s most coveted independent certifications.

Reclaimed wood is another Earth-friendly option. “Perhaps the tree was cut down decades or centuries ago and made into a building, and now it’s being used to make a piece of furniture,” explains Inglis. A third sustainable choice is wood from a plantation that was established more than 25 years ago. “While it is not sustainable to convert natural forests to plantations today because you’re losing biodiversity, wood from long-established plan24

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tations is considered sustainable,” she says, adding that in those settings, new trees are planted to replace those harvested.

Non-Toxic Textiles According to Inglis, the most environmentally sound textiles are made of natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp and wool, which are long-lasting and can be recycled into new textiles. Synthetic fibers are petroleum-based and much less desirable.

Textile manufacturing practices can also be environmentally problematic. “Look for certification that they’re not polluting waters or using toxic dyes,” says Aimee Robinson, owner of EcoBalanza, an organic furniture boutique in Seattle. She points to the Global Organic Textile Standard (Global-Standard.org) as a reliable organization which identifies producers of natural fibers that are

organically grown without pesticides, while also considering the social and environmental impacts of their production systems.

Volatile Compounds and Unhealthy Chemicals The SFC has identified five classes of chemicals commonly found in furniture that have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and immune impairment: volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde found in paints and finishes; flame retardants; fluoridated chemicals used in performance fabrics; antimicrobials; and polyvinyl chloride, known as PVC or vinyl. Inglis recommends that consumers ask about the potential presence of these chemicals when shopping for furniture and avoid them if possible.

Recycled Plastic Recycling plastic to make furniture is trending, and that’s a plus, according to Inglis. “The best thing would be to avoid making anything out of plastic,” she says.

“Plastic is a huge environmental problem, and our use of it continues to go up, especially in the COVID era. Only a small percentage of it is being recycled, leaving a lot of it to break down into microparticles, unfortunately. So, making things out of our plastic waste is good.”

Robinson, on the other hand, refuses to use any plastic in her handmade, all-natural furniture. “Plastics are a

non-biodegradable, petrochemical product,” she says. “They’re polluting everything. The plastics industry is so insidious. Anything we can do on any front to pull away from petrochemicals in every aspect is good.”

Price and Durability “Well-made furniture can get expensive, but you’ll have to replace cheap furniture because it’s not built to last. What’s cheap in the beginning is expensive in the end, because it’s not taking into account the cost of having to replace it or the cost of cleaning up an environment that gets more and more filled with junk,” says Robinson, who

also recommends looking for well-made vintage pieces that can be restored and brought back to life.

“I recommend that you spend the most budget you have on a quality product, because that sofa, if it’s made well, can be reupholstered over and over again,” says Robin Wilson, a New York City designer and founder of Robin Wilson Home. “By keeping that sofa, you’re being eco-friendly to the world because it is not going into a landfill.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ gmail.com.

November 2021

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wise words

David Crow on the Healing Power of Medicinal Plants

by Randy Kambic

D

avid Crow, author of In Search of the Medicine Buddha, among other books, is a foremost expert in botanical medicine and other natural health applications. As a teacher, telemedicine consultant, researcher, certified master herbalist, aromatherapist and acupuncturist, he has studied Chinese, Tibetan, Ayurvedic and Western herbal medicine for more than 30 years. He is a strong advocate of the safe use of herbs and essential oils, and installing gardens in public and private spaces. As one of the first medical pioneers to use essential oils and aromatherapy in clinical practice, integrating them into comprehensive treatments, he is also the founder of Floracopeia Aromatic Treasures.

Why do you feel humanity needs to reconnect a sacred relationship with plants?

For our survival as a species. Plants created the biosphere over hundreds of millions of years, including the ozone layer, the oxygen in the atmosphere, the fertility of the soil, the regulation of the seasons and the foundation of the food chain. From those conditions, higher life was able to emerge and evolve: Humans emerged from conditions created by plants.

Since we cannot live directly on soil and sunlight as plants do, the structure and function of the human body are designed

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so that we can extract those energies in forms that plants provide; our physiology, respiration and metabolism is a mirror image of photosynthesis. We have complete biological dependency on plants in every moment; understanding this is the basis of reverence for nature, which is ecological spirituality, the only long-term solution to the environmental crisis we have created through lack of sensitivity and appreciation of our place in the biosphere.

How is self-care changing to empower people?

The doctor/patient paradigm is changing in many ways as a result of the internet, availability of natural medicines and awareness of the limitations and dangers of pharmaceutical drugs. The availability of nutraceuticals and herbal products from around the world has created a golden age of natural medicine, but has also brought widespread confusion from the overwhelming amount of information combined with marketing of products. People are asking more about drugs and prescribed procedures; they are seeking natural alternatives, and in many cases, either reducing or eliminating their need for pharmaceutical drugs. This change is an important step toward greater health consciousness, which is linked directly to other aspects of creating a healthier society, like the increased demand for organic food that’s driving more organic agriculture.

Why are cultural medical systems inseparable from spiritual and meditative practices?

Classical medical systems such as Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, along with indigenous and shamanic uses of plants for healing, have evolved and are inseparable from the spiritual practices of their cultures.

For example, Chinese medicine evolved from and with the same philosophical roots and practices as qigong and Taoist alchemy, and Ayurveda emerged from and in turn influenced yoga, tantra and Vedic philosophy. The significance of this is that medical practices were used both for healing the body and to support yogic and spiritual practices, and vice versa. Now we have modern scientific research confirming the health benefits of spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer, but more importantly, traditional medical systems remind us that there is an ultimate spiritual goal that is higher than mere physical health.

What is your view on the resurgence of psychedelic plant medicines for healing?

All plants have healing properties and also have potential dangers and toxicity, depending on how they are used. The psychoactive plants, specifically the

entheogens (those that awaken the perception of divinity) have been used in ceremonies and mystery cults throughout history for healing conditions of body, mind and spirit, but those traditions have always been under the care of highly trained and experienced priests, priestesses and shamans.

The experiences while under the influence of these plants are highly dependent on the container of the environment, the cultural mythologies, the ritual, its leaders and the other people present in the ceremony, and it can be highly unpredictable with both good and bad outcomes.

The use of these medicines at higher doses is an excellent opportunity for deep inner transformation, exploration of consciousness and appreciation of the visionary realms that are available to us, but like all intensive spiritual endeavors, requires preparation, orientation and guidance. Using these plants at lower doses, like microdosing daily with psilocybin mushrooms for treating depression and anxiety, offers great benefits for some people without the risks of the psychological, mental or emotional disruptions that can occur at higher doses.

For more information, visit CrowConsultations.com or Floracopeia.com.

Randy Kambic, in Estero, Florida, is a freelance editor and writer.

November 2021

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T

healthy kids

Mindfulness for Stressed Teens School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills

by Erin Lehn

een stress levels often rival those of adults, concludes data collected by the American Psychological Association in 2017. This is especially true these days with the influx of social media expectations, political unrest and a global pandemic to contend with.

Other daily pressures—such as relationship turmoil, bullying, academic challenges, unstable home lives and mood disorders—can add to the stressors. With all of these pressures, it’s no wonder many teens often tune out and turn toward their devices, getting fixated on other people’s lives or compulsively recording their own experiences, but not fully living them.

A wealth of research has demonstrated that one of the most beneficial ways to help teens navigate the ups and downs of these tumultuous years is through mindfulness education. A randomized clinical trial published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 2009 was one of the first studies that provided evidence of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment of adolescents. Since then, there has been no shortage of research findings proving its benefits.

“In a nutshell, mindfulness is about being keenly aware of your life, in the present, versus the automatic tendency to ruminate about the past or worry about the future,” says Gina Biegel, CEO and founder of Stressed Teens, a Campbell, California, business that has been disseminating mindfulness-based programs tailored to adolescents since 2004.

“It’s noticing your thoughts, feelings and physical sensations in the present moment without harmful judgment.”

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“Mindfulness is a practice in the art of aligning your energy, mindset and emotions,” says Tris Thorp, the San Diego-based author of Healing Your Heart and a Chopra Center-trained leadership coach.

“When teens acquire the skills to better navigate what’s happening in the moment, they’ll have more opportunity available to them because they’re calm, centered and grounded.”

“The best moments come when a teen realizes their own wisdom, sees it emerge and is able to grow stronger as a result,” says Jem Shackleford, head of curricula for Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP), a leading nonprofit provider of mindfulness training for schools in the UK and internationally.

According to Biegel, a regular mindfulness-based practice helps rewire the brain when people focus on pleasant, beneficial and positive experiences. “For survival purposes, our brains are naturally wired to the negative, aka ‘negative selection bias’,” she says. “Thankfully, we can train our brains to be more tilted to the positive. In fact, just thinking of a positive memory for 12 seconds can create a benefit for your well-being.”

While there are multiple approaches to weaving mindfulness practices into a school setting, here are two highly effective practices. n Certify teachers in mindfulness training so they can deliver the materials directly to their students. “MiSP curricula are produced by educators that have many years of experience of what works in the classroom. They are also long-term mindfulness practitioners, giving them a unique perspective of how mindfulness can be used and taught effectively in school,” says Shackleford. n Implement a school-wide approach. Stressed Teens offers online mindfulness-based groups and one-on-one therapy and coaching sessions for teens, as well as professional instructor certifications and the Whole-School Mindfulness-Centered Social-Emotional Learning program. This approach, in which an entire school participates for a calendar year, is especially beneficial because everyone is going through the program at the same time. “Typically, schools complete two lessons per week to fit the curriculum into one semester or one lesson per week to spread learning over two semesters,” Biegel says.

While teens can learn and practice these techniques alone, a whole systems approach that involves the family, school and community has been shown to have the biggest impact. “A teenager with a mindfulness practice can have a beneficial effect on other members of the household. However, there needs to be support from every angle in a teen’s environment for it to be sustainable,” says Thorp. “There’s so much evidence-based research and measurables that demonstrate how impactful these programs are in schools and communities. There’s a clear reduction in acting out, reduced conflict, and more participation and engagement.”

“Think of the ripple effect of possible benefits if the whole community and systems a teen are in are also learning and practicing mindfulness,” says Biegel. “Mindfulness-based methods also include and affect positive human values like gratitude, kindness, generosity, self-care, compassion and acceptance. Youth, parents and educators can all benefit from that.”

For more information, including free mindfulness-based resources, visit Stressed Teens.com, MindfulnessInSchools.org and TrisThorp.com.

Erin Lehn is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

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conscious eating

Eat Well to Feel Well thanksgiving fare that boosts mental health

by Christy Ratliff

A

cross America, people of all ages are struggling with mental health issues. Nearly one in five people is living with a mental health condition, and

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the number of people seeking help for anxiety and depression is skyrocketing, reports Mental Health America. According to the organization’s 2021 State of Mental Health

in America Report, suicidal thoughts are increasing among both adults and children, and 9.7 percent of youth is experiencing severe major depression compared to 9.2 percent last year. The highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has only exacerbated these mental health challenges.

The hope and help we seek may be as close as our own kitchen. Accumulating research shows that a diet rich in highly processed foods may increase the risk of developing or worsening various mental health conditions. But a nutrient-based diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables; omega-3 fatty acids; nuts, seeds and legumes; whole grains, fresh herbs and spices; fish and olive oil, may help to support and enhance mental health. We can start this Thanksgiving by serving up healthier, nutrient-rich options to alleviate anxiety and depression, stabilize mood and promote mental health and wellness.

“The gut/brain connection helps us understand the food/mood connection,” explains Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist and author of the national bestseller This is Your Brain on Food. “The enteric nervous system—that is, the nerves supplying the gastrointestinal tract—totals over 100 million neurons and communicates directly with the brain,

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or central nervous system, by way of the vagus nerve, which is responsible for our ‘rest-and-digest’ response.

“It’s also vital to note that the gut contains the highest number of serotonin receptors, and the gut itself produces all the neurotransmitters that are also made in the brain, including serotonin, often called the happiness hormone. In turn, these neurotransmitters are implicated in sound mental health or potential problems when they are deficient.”

“What we eat affects mental health in many ways,” adds Amy Spindel, a functional holistic nutritionist in Plano, Texas, and founder of FoodWithThoughtNutrition.com. “Nutrient deficiencies can cause poor neurotransmitter production. Insufficient vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 can be implicated in depression and anxiety symptoms, as they are all needed for various stages of neurotransmitter production, especially serotonin, dopamine and GABA.” “Traditional sugary, high-carbohydrate foods promote unstable blood sugar and selectively feed inflammatory gut microbes,” Spindel says, suggesting that we skip the typical foods many of us associate with the holidays such as pecan pie, marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole and canned cranberry sauce. “Blood sugar fluctuations cause the body to scramble in an attempt to re-regulate glucose, which may mean spikes of cortisol or adrenaline, as well as insulin. The end result can be depression and anxiety from excessive stress hormones and a glucose-starved brain.”

But making such changes, particularly during the holidays, isn’t easy. “If the thought of changing up the traditional Thanksgiving menu gives you pause, you are not alone—and this is why I believe in adding in habits (and in this case, dishes) which have a positive ripple effect on our bodies and our brain, allowing for a self-sustaining cycle in our lifestyle,” advises Naidoo.

“As a nutritional psychiatrist, I feel that we are more emotionally nurtured by a feeling of abundance in ‘adding’ new Thanksgiving dishes than thinking about this as ‘excluding’ foods,” she notes.

“For example, tossing a fresh, folate-rich spinach and arugula salad with bits of antioxidant-rich strawberries, crisp roasted chickpeas and omega-3-rich olive oil adds color, flavor and a plethora of mood-nourishing ingredients to the dinner table. Even adding extra veggies to existing dishes, such as allicin-rich garlic to green beans or extra celery and fresh herbs to stuffing, adds in powerful phytonutrients with gut-loving fiber.”

“Thanksgiving favorites that are ample in neurotransmitter-producing nutrients include turkey, shellfish, sweet potatoes and acorn squash, asparagus, leafy greens, oranges and green beans,” Spindel adds.

While it’s true that we cannot control a global pandemic or solve the mental health crisis in America with positive thinking alone, we can minimize our feelings of powerlessness and despair by making small but significant dietary changes—not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year.

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Christy Ratliff is a professional health and wellness writer based in Central Florida.

November 2021

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natural pet

family have moved away to other lives and preoccupations, the family pet remains the faithful dinner or TV time companion,” she says. “A cherished pet is often the last true companion.”

Cancelling appointments or taking time off from work after a pet’s passing does not connote emotional weakness. “Treat yourself with the same kindness you would show another person going through this difficult time,” advises Cheryl Wyatt, a certified grief companion at Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a national network of veterinarians that provides compassionate end-of-life care.

“Allow yourself the time to do your mourning work. Tears are cleansing. If they happen to come 10 hours or 10 years from now, you have permission to shed them.”

Compassionate Transitions. Loving an animal until the

last goodbye includes relieving their suffering to the best of our ability.

In-home euthanasia can make a heartbreaking time more bearable for both pet and owner. “Providing beloved pets euthanasia at home differs from a clinical setting because it allows them to remain in their safe, happy place. At home, the veterinarian can greet the pet family and provide the loved one’s peaceful passing wherever they are most comfortable—a favorite bed or spot on the couch—surrounded by all those who love them most,” explains Wyatt.

the absence of emotional baggage, and is therefore capable of provoking grief that equals or exceeds losing a close relative. “This is a deep bond that is never judgmental on how we look, spend money or what we do for a living, as long as we love and nurture. And, in return, we receive undying, unconditional love,” says Pam Baren Kaplan, a pet loss grief counselor and life coach in Chicago.

Pet funerals are becoming more common, and ceremonies are as unique as the animal remembered. Stories, poetry and memories can be shared by family and they can include a living memorial such as a tree planted in the animal’s name.

Stout, also an accomplished artist, finds joy in painting her pets that have gone and suggests “a scrapbook of pictures and memories, because a look back at puppy or kitten pictures can bring an instant smile.”

Kaplan agrees, “Creating what I refer to as ‘a legacy of love’ can be done by the entire family or by one person. This is a book that you put together with favorite photos of your pet and journal the story around the photo. This is a great way to include family member’s memories from their perspective.”

Choosing a unique, handmade vessel for ashes can honor an animal. Mary Jane Panebianco, owner of SpiritpetShop on Etsy. com, was inspired by the passing of a co-worker’s dog. “At the time, I worked in a mixed media art gallery, and she had one of our ceramic artists create her dog Sandy’s memorial urn. It was beautiful and so well done. I did some research on the pet industry, and everything I found was so commercial and mass-produced. I knew pets and their owners deserved another option.”

Panebianco works with a small number of award-winning American artisans and accepts custom orders for handcrafted urns.

“Many of my pet parents have told me how having a beautiful memorial for their beloved pet helps them make peace with their pet’s passing. It’s the last thing you will do for them.”

In the beginning and in the end, it’s all about the love. For Stout, it’s what animals teach us. “To play and dance often, to give unconditional love, loyalty and friendship, to find joy in the little things, and that life is too often short.”

Diane Stout, a pet parent and retired dog groomer in Paupack, Pennsylvania, knows the impact of this unconditional love, especially through life’s changes. “Long after a spouse has died and

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Honoring the Loss of a Pet Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal

F

by Marlaina Donato

rench novelist Anatole France’s sentiment, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened,” rings true for anyone that shares a love story with a beloved pet. Whether we lose a cat, dog, horse, bird or lizard, the final parting can be quite emotional. Society supports us with empathy and rituals of closure when we suffer the loss of a human love, but grieving an animal companion can be a uniquely silent passage. Surrendering fully to the mourning process, creating a joyful ceremony and celebrating the life of a loved one invites healing and solace.

Sacred Grief. The animal-human alliance is hallmarked by

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Greater Ann Arbor

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

inspiration

The Healing Power of a Hug

by Marlaina Donato

W

hen we were children, a hug helped to take the sting out of a skinned knee or quell first-dayof-school jitters. In adulthood, hugs are not as plentiful or practical; many people lack partners or loved ones, and the gesture— both giving and receiving—is too often labeled as sentimentality. As we continue to move through life with pandemic restric-

tions, hugs can feel risky at a time when we need them the most.

A hug elicits a powerful shot of neurotransmitters like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, and we don’t necessarily need another human to reap the benefits.

Wrapping our arms around a breeze-swept tree in the backyard or on a hiking trail can lower heart rate and set our brains

abuzz with feel-good endorphins. Earlier this year, the forestry service in Iceland invited people to cuddle up to trees to offset COVID-19 isolation and get in a good dose of forest bathing. Scientific research, including a study from Carnegie Mellon University, backs what unapologetic huggers have always known: Even the most casual embrace can help to lower stress, boost immunity and promote a better night’s sleep.

Cuddling up with a stuffed animal is a part of everyday life for 43 percent of American adults, with men taking the lead. Befriending a plush toy is part of some trauma recovery programs and has a soothing effect on those navigating the dark waters of grief, loss and chronic anxiety. Snuggling up under a warm, weighted blanket is also akin to a hug, and has benefits much like the real thing.

Holding and being held strengthens the body’s defense systems, as well as romantic partnerships, friendships and our relationship with ourselves. Opening our arms can foster the spiritual discipline of not only giving, but receiving—a vital requirement in self-care. In a time of chaotic uncertainty, isolation and change, hugs can be medicine; they can also be a powerful metaphor and reminder to remain open, willing and beautifully human.

Marlaina Donato is a mind-body-spirit author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

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33

coming in the december holiday issue

calendar of events FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Introduction to Tea Class – 7-8pm. Class will touch upon tea basics and includes specially selected teas to sample. Whether you’re a curious novice, or seasoned tea drinker, this class will have something for you. $55. InnerSpace Holistic, 2350 Washtenaw Ave, Ste 14, Ann Arbor. 734-709-8313.

InnerSpaceHolistic.com.

Uplifting Humanity

plus: Boosting Immune System

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Dexter Winter Marketplace – 9am-1pm. Features art and crafts, bread and baked goods, jewelry, fresh produce, eggs, cheese, meats and more. Dexter United Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Dr, Dexter. DexterMarket.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Brendan James – 7:30pm. Piano-based pop songwriting. $20. The Ark, 316 S Main St, Ann Arbor. TheArk.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Stewards’ Circle​– 5:30-6:30pm. Introducing a whole new Stewards Circle. Join us to share your experiences and learn from your peers. Topic: Perils of Working in Nature. After the discussion group, join us for a happy hour at HOMES Brewery to further connect with other land stewards. Veterans Memorial Park Meeting Room, 2150 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor. StewardshipNetwork.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Saline Fall Craft Show – 8am-3:30pm. Over 150 booths full of beautiful work from all over Michigan. $5/admission, free/age 10 & under. Saline Middle School, 7190 N Maple Rd, Saline. 734-429-5922.

SalineSchools.org/saline-craft-shows.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Dexter Winter Marketplace – 9am-1pm. Features art and crafts, bread and baked goods, jewelry, fresh produce, eggs, cheese, meats and more. Dexter United Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Dr, Dexter. DexterMarket.com.

Lucy Kaplansky – 8pm. A songwriter with an extraordinary feel for human emotions. $20. The Ark, 316 S Main St, Ann Arbor. TheArk.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Stewardship Workday: Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area – 9am-12pm. Family Volunteer Day. Help remove invasive shrubs, providing better native habitat for wildlife. Tools, snacks and know-how provided.

Free. Location given after registration. Pre-registration required: Tinyurl.com/Scarlett112121.

Cacao Ceremony and Ecstatic Dance – 4-6pm.

An exploration in body and spirit. Begin in circle with ceremonial cacao. Then journey into movement through our Ecstatic Dance practice. No prior experience needed. $30. Yoga Roots Petoskey, 444 E Mitchell St, Petoskey. 231-838-8992. YogaRoots Petoskey.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Virtual Education Series – 7:30-9pm. Co-Occurring Eating Disorders & Addiction: Implications for Recovery by Tiffany Schultz, LMSW, CAADC. Free. Via Zoom. For link: DawnFarm.org.

Online: An Expedition to the Uttermost Part of the Earth – 7:30-9pm. The Flora and Vegetation of Isla de los Estados, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. With Michigan Botanical Club, Huron Valley Chapter. Join Garrett Crow for a discussion and reminiscence about this fascinating expedition to the “uttermost part of the Earth.” Free. Register: MichBotClub.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Fall Women’s Circles – 7-9pm. Explore our connection with the Divine Feminine that is within

Greater Ann Arbor

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging – 1-2:30pm.

Presented by Ann Arbor Ikebana Intl Chapter. Create your own seasonal Ikebana arrangement with guidance by a certified instructor. $20. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd. Reservations required: A2Ikebana@gmail.com. mbgna. umich.edu.

Stewardship Workday: Black Pond Woods Nature Area – 9am-12pm. NAP’s 28th Anniversary. Help protect and maintain this important resource by removing invasive shrubs from the woods. Tools, snacks and know-how provided. Free. Location given after registration. Pre-registration required: Tinyurl.com/BlackPond111421.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15

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us all. No prior experience is needed. All spiritual practices are honored. Through the theme of the Triple Goddess, will delve into the 3 dominant stages of a woman’s life: the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone archetypes. $33. Yoga Bellaire, 106 W Cayuga St, Bellaire. Details & to register: Yoga Bellaire.com/events.

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

ongoing events

daily Ypsi Area Online Market – A collaboration between Growing Hope, The Farm at St. Joe’s, Zilke Farm Kitchen, and a growing list of area farmers and food producers. For pick-up sites & to shop: GrowingHope.net/ypsi-area-online-market.

Free 15-Day Meditation Challenge – 6am11:55pm. Join this challenge to get a free 15-day program introducing mindfulness and meditation.

Get daily prompts explaining how to do sitting

meditation plus mindfulness checks at the end of each day. Free. wix.to/kkAZB0A. Teen Mentoring – 9am. Helps teens who may be feeling alone and seek another non-parent to assist them. Helping with guidance, support and motivation. Details: GoodVibzYoga.com.

Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center (TLC) – 12-7pm, Wed-Sun. Offers feline-friendly activities with kittens and cats available to take home. 5245 Jackson Rd, Ste A1, 734-661-3575.

TinyLions.org.

sundays Hudson Valley Humane Society Rescue Reading – 10am-12pm. Includes humane education lessons, group read-aloud and dog meet-and-greet. Dropoff event. $10; space limited. HSHV.org/ RescueReading.

Online Meditation from Anywhere – 11am12pm. Building an international sangha by connecting loving hearts. Donations welcome. To receive a link: CelesteZygmont2@yahoo.com or DeepSpring.org.

Sunday Talk with Demo Rinpoche – 11am-12pm.

Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center, 1129 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor. 734-994-3387.

JewelHeart.org.

The Sunday Artisan Market – Thru Dec 19.

11am-4pm. Unique local arts & crafts. Meet the artists and support local art. Free parking. Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market Pavilion, 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor. SundayArtisanMarket.org.

Reiki Sessions at Evenstar’s Chalice – 2-4pm. 1st & 3rd Sun. Feel the stress fall away as you experience the healing and restorative power of reiki.

Choose a 20- or 40-min session. $1/minute. Evenstar’s Chalice, 36 N Huron St, Ypsilanti. 734-9057980. EvenstarsChalice.com.

Men’s Circle: Stories in Council – 6:30pm. 1st Sun. An open group of men who come together in a safe, confidential space to share and gain from each other’s experience and presence. Free.

Yoga Bellaire, 106 W Cayuga St, Bellaire. Yoga Bellaire.com.

Inspiring Talk by Mata Yogananda – 7pm.

Spiritual talk, pure meditation and silent prayer, with Winged Prayer for all in need at 9pm. Free.

Self-Realization Meditation Healing Centre, 7187 Drumheller, Bath. 517-641-6201. SelfRealization CentreMichigan.org.

Sound Healing Concert – 7-9pm. Rare, therapeutic, chakra-tuned crystal bowls played with recorded soundscape music while reiki is sent to the audience. $20/at door. 3820 Packard, Ste 280, Ann Arbor. 734-358-0218. EnlightenedSoulCenter.com.

mondays Chelsea Online Farmers’ Market – Mon-Thurs. Saturday pick-up. For details: ChelseaFarmersMkt.org.

Virtual Pilates with Gwyn – 9:30-10am. Build a better understanding of your mind & body connections through alignment, posture and natural movement awareness. $5/class. GwynJonesPilates.com.

Meaningful Mondays – 8pm. SevaLight Retreat Centre warmly welcomes everyone, of all faiths, meditation practices and traditions, to join us virtually. Will gather on video conference sharing in song/ chants and inspiring readings from Mata Yogananda Mahasaya Dharmaji’s writings, followed by Pure Meditation and silent prayer. Free. Email by 10am any Monday to receive the info about how to join by video: Info@SelfRealizationCentreMichigan.org.

tuesdays Online Meditation from Anywhere – 9-9:30am.

Building an international sangha by connecting loving hearts. Donations welcome. To receive a link: CelesteZygmont2@yahoo.com or DeepSpring.org.

Online: Realization Process Practice – 6-7:30pm.

With Mara Evenstar. A weekly exploration and practice of the Realization Process developed by Judith Blackstone, PhD. A body-centered approach to personal and spiritual healing and maturity.

Evenstar’s Chalice, 36 N Huron St, Ypsilanti. 734905-7980. EvenstarsChalice.com.

wednesdays

Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S Main St, Ann Arbor. Eck-MI.org.

saturdays Tarot Readers and Healers – Hours vary. Also Sun. Reiki or Jharra Vedic Healing. Cost varies.

Evenstar’s Chalice, 36 N Huron St, Ypsilanti. 734905-7980. EvenstarsChalice.com.

Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market – Thru Dec. 7am3pm. 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor. A2Gov.org.

InterPlay: Dive Deep into Creative Self-Expression – 11am-2pm. 2nd Sat. An active, creative way to unlock the wisdom of the body. Through simple improvisational forms, it uses movement, sound, storytelling, stillness, and contact to provide a powerful forum for creative expression, self-exploration, connection and play. Friends Meeting House, 1420 Hill St, Ann Arbor. 231-421-3120. SoulWaysHealing.com.

Reiki Sessions at Evenstar’s Chalice – 2-4pm.

2nd & 4th Sat. Feel the stress fall away as you experience the healing and restorative power of reiki.

Choose a 20- or 40-min session. $1/minute. Evenstar’s Chalice, 36 N Huron St, Ypsilanti. 734-9057980. EvenstarsChalice.com.

Online: Conscious Leaders Group Coaching – Thru Dec. 3-4pm. A place to receive continuous guidance for leading with compassion and flow. Includes 2 monthly calls, where you can bring questions or issues to be coached around. Learn about your blind spots, tackle your growth edges, and build resilience for your leadership. $222/mo. AmbrosiAlanimals.

MyKajabi.com/offers/Fcot2cjT/checkout.

Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea House Poetry Circle – 7-9pm. 2nd & 4th Wed. Features a reading by a well-published poet followed by open mic. For Zoom link: CWPoetryCircle@gmail.com.

thursdays Massage Clinic with Student Interns – 11am.

Massage therapy sessions at our established student clinic, at our State Licensed School. By appt; private rooms, quiet peaceful environment. $30/hr, $25/seniors 68+. Ann Arbor School of Massage, 3684 W Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor. 734-769-7794.

NaturopathicSchoolOfAnnArbor.net.

Meditation Class – 7-8pm. Short lesson and meditation, followed by discussion with instructor Lori Barresi. Drop-in, every other Thur. $10. Enlightened Soul Center, 3820 Packard, Ste 280, Ann Arbor. 734-358-0218. EnlightenedSoulCenter.com.

fridays Virtual TRX with Gwyn – 8:15-8:45am. TRX is a suspension training workout that will give total-body health benefits for everyone. Modifications given for every move. $10. GwynJonesPilates.com.

Sound of Soul by Eckankar – 6:30-7:15pm. HU is a sacred word to draw Soul closer to God bringing wisdom and awareness. Enhances any faith. Free.

classifieds HELP WANTED LOOKING FOR DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE DISTRIBUTOR / SALES OF ALLNATURAL PRODUCTS. This is not a MLM; this is based on product sales of retail and sales to the public. This will include contacting the public as well as outdoor and indoor events. Calling on stores and businesses. Must be passionate about healthy living and helping others be healthy. Michiganmade products. We are a licensed, insured, certified company. Please contact U.P. Chaga Connection 906-282-0787 (Serious inquiries only).

RELAXSTATION, VOTED A2’S BEST MASSAGE, IS HIRING! Our massage therapists earn $35K to $40K annually as W-2 employees for a 30-hour (including breaks) weekly schedule. New location on Packard Street between Argus Farm Stop and the Buddhist Temple offers traditional full body massage as well as fully clothed table massage, plus onsite chair massage at UT and local businesses.

Free parking. Friendly, diverse and supportive community of co-workers. Relaxstation.com. Ask for Carrie, 734-623-1951.

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community resource guide ALTERNATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT KRASNICK REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

210 Little Lake Dr, Ste 8, Ann Arbor 734-585-5653 KrasnickRegen.com

Krasnick Regenerative Medicine is an alternative practice that provides non-surgical treatments for joint, muscle and back pain using treatments such as prolotherapy, prolozone and platelet-rich plasma. See ad page 23.

AROMATHERAPY ROSY GLOW AROMATHERAPY

Margo Hertzfeld, Certified Aromatherapist 419-360-0169 RosyGlowWellness.com Clinically certified aromatherapist offers holistic consultations with customized blends of professional quality essential oils. Trust Margo to help you understand the complicated world of aromatherapy.

Her holistic approach can help you maximize your benefits from this powerful therapy and minimize side effects. Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to integrate natural healing into your life. Phone consultations are available.

BIOLOGICAL DENTIST ANN ARBOR’S DENTIST

Dr. W. K. Dobracki, DDS 606 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, 48103 734-747-6400 DrDobracki@AnnArborsDentist.com AnnArborsDentist.com Passionate about holistic care while utilizing Bio-Compatible materials and lasers. Our patients can elect to be free from fluoride, mercury and other harmful metals. Filling materials are tooth colored and both BPA & BisGMA free. We offer natural oral health products using fine essential oils, and free of gluten and preservatives. See ad page 5.

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BUDDHIST MEDITATION, YOGA & RETREAT CENTER TRIPLE CRANE MONASTERY AND CONVENT

7665 Werkner Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118 734-757-8567 HuayenWorld.org/usa Triple Crane Monastery and Convent is a place for practitioners of yoga, mediation and spiritual retreats. Along with using our beautiful 10,000-sq-ft. building for our own activities, it is also available to the community, by donation, for residential or day-long, personal or group workshops and retreats. Call for information on weekly classes, residential retreats and building use. All are welcome.

CHAGA PRODUCTS U.P. CHAGA CONNECTION

906-282-0787 MidnightSpcl_59@yahoo.com UPChagaConnection.com

Freshest, cleanest, wildest organic Chaga available in the Upper Peninsula. State certified. Immune-Boosting Superfood. For centuries, people have used chaga mushrooms for medicinal purposes.

Packed with antioxidants, its extract may fight cancer, chronic inflammation, improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. See ad page 30.

COACHING & COUNSELING ARIA MAE EVERTS

Coach, Facilitator, Healer Aria@AriaMae.com AriaMae.com

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Spiritually integrative coaching, healing and retreats for Conscious Leaders. In-person and virtual personal development for those who envision a world where all life is honored. See ad page 25.

NIA SPONGBERG, LIFE COACH

Ann Arbor 734-531-9024 NiaSpongberg.com

Nia is a certified life and productivity coach (ACC, CPC) who helps adventurous people blaze new trails in their time, tasks, and transitions. Her “Walk & Talk” sessions (held at 7 local natural areas) are an especially powerful way to get moving toward your goals. Nia also coaches by phone and Zoom. Get in touch for a free discovery call.

DETOX/COLONIC

INNERSPACE HOLISTIC

Brandy Boehmer, 734-709-8313 2350 Washtenaw Ave, Ste 14, Ann Arbor InnerSpaceHolistic.com Colon Therapy is the slow and gentle insertion of purified water into the colon (large intestine) for the cleansing of poisons, mucous and accumulated fecal matter. It is also used to stimulate the colon to recover its natural shape, tone, and peristaltic wave action. No chemicals or drugs are used—thus it is a safe, gentle health-giving alternative. Brandy Boehmer is National Board Certified in colon hydrotherapy through the International Association for Colon Therapy.

GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY ANN ARBOR SMILES DENTAL GROUP

2365 S Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor & 1795 W Stadium, Ann Arbor 734-887-9667 AnnArborSmiles.com Ann Arbor Smiles is a state-of-the-art general and cosmetic dental office dedicated to treating the whole person in a caring and compassionate manner. Most insurances accepted and financing is available. See ads, pages 3 and 28.

HEATHY HOME EVALUATIONS

HOLISTIC DOCTOR DR. MALCOLM SICKELS, M.D.

DE FILTERS LLC

210 Little Lake Dr, Ste 10, Ann Arbor, 48103 734-332-9936 DrSickels.com

William S. Bathgate, president of DE Filters, LLC, is a certified Building Biology Environmental Consultant (BBEC), a Certified Radio Frequency Safety Officer (RFSO) and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). His company conducts heathy home evaluations and remediations to improve sleeping and concentration, and reduce headaches, stress and fatigue. Some people are identified as being diagnosed as having “Electrically Hypersensitive Syndrome” or EHS which reflects a large number of health conditions resulting from our ever-expanding technology use that the services of DE Filters LLC may help improve.

Malcolm Sickels earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan, where he taught fellow medical students about different approaches to health. Board certified in Family Medicine and Holistic Medicine, he is in solo practice on the west side of Ann Arbor. Learn more at Dr. Sickels.com. See ads, pages 8 and 9.

10909 Monticello Rd, Pinckney 734-627-7610 DEFiltersLLC.com

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY DEXTER DENTAL STUDIO

7300 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd, Ste 300, Dexter 734-426-8360 DexterDentalStudio@gmail.com DexterDentalStudio.com From the moment you walk through the door, you will experience a friendly and relaxed environment where the focus is always on you and your overall well-being. Dentistry is about more than just filling teeth. We place great emphasis on patient education and providing a positive and helpful dental experience. See ad page 27.

PACKARD FAMILY DENTISTRY

2444 Packard St, Ypsilanti 734-519-6191 PackardFamilyDentistry.com

Our doctors are committed to holistic dentistry as the best way to care for our patients and keep them and our team as healthy as possible.

We strive to treat the cause of a problem, not just the symptoms. We provide insight and answer any questions you may have regarding the tools and techniques we use for your care. See ad page 27.

HOLISTIC MENTAL WELLNESS KELLIE ZIEHM

Kellie.Amare@yahoo.com 734-344-2339 AmareMentalWellness.com Come join my team with this ground floor distributor opportunity with the only holistic mental wellness company in direct sales. I’m also looking for healthcare professionals to join our influencer program. See ad page 15.

HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN JOHN B. SMITH, DVM

1954 S Industrial, Ann Arbor 734-213-7447 DogDoctor.us We invite you to partner with us for a naturopathic, patient-centered approach to restoring and maintaining your pet’s health. We focus on health span—not just life span. See ad page 33.

HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACY

INTEGRATED MEDICINE & COLLEGIUM THOMAS KABISCH, DO, MD

2350 E Stadium, Ste 12, Ann Arbor 734-971-5483 DrKabisch.com Offering Wharton jelly stem cell injections. Serving the addiction community for 18 yrs. A variety of LLT lasers including intravenous. Steer from cancer with the Simple Life program.

MOLD TESTING & REMEDIATION MOLDPRO

John Du Bois, CMI, CMR 247 W. Main Street, Milan 734-439-8800 • MoldProllc.com MoldPro offers chemical-free mold remediation, independent certified mold testing, inspection and consultation services all over SE Michigan specializing in mold biotoxin illness clients.

NATURE-ORIENTED MEETING SPACE MICHIGAN FRIENDS CENTER AT FRIENDS LAKE COMMUNITY

7748 Clark Lake Road, Chelsea 734-475-1892 https://MFCenter.org/rent

We offer the holistic community a nature-oriented meeting space for workshops, meetings, counseling, yoga, youth groups, and family gatherings. Main room accommodates 100 pre-Covid, with two smaller classrooms and kitchen facilities. Hiking trails. Weekend rates range from $200-$400, additional for extensive grounds use, camping. See ad page 8.

CASTLE REMEDIES

2345 S. Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor In the Parkway Center 734-973-8990 CastleRemedies.com Discover Michigan’s only homeopathic pharmacy open to the public. Herbs, Nutritional Supplements, Aromatherapy, Distinctive Gifts & Jewelry. Specializing in products for maintaining health & preventing disease. See ad page 10.

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community resource guide PAIN RELIEF

REIKI/VIBRATIONAL SOUND HEALING

AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 Info@AlbertasPainRelief.com AlbertasPainRelief.com Need Relief from Arthritis?

Try Aunt Alberta's Remedy to ease muscular aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues. Get beneficial relief from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout, and more. All-natural ingredients! Do you want to feel a real difference from the nagging aches of arthritis?

Feel less pain & have more range of motion? Use Aunt Alberta's Pain Relief Cream! Get relief today!

Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $15! See website for other options. See what people say about Aunt Alberta's Remedy and Purchase Now on our website.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY ANN ARBOR SMILES DENTAL GROUP

Dr. Heather Hoffman 2900 Golfside Rd Suite 5, Ann Arbor & 1795 W Stadium, Ann Arbor 734-887-9667 AnnArborSmiles.com Ann Arbor Smiles is a state-of-the-art general and cosmetic dental office dedicated to treating the whole person in a caring and compassionate manner. Most insurances accepted and financing is available. See ads, pages 3 and 28.

PERSONAL & SPIRITUAL GROWTH WORKSHOPS INNER LISTENING™ WORKSHOPS

Rev. Julie Chai 231-709-5597 InnerListening.me

Inner Listening™ workshops for compassionate self-awareness, presence, serenity, love, and joy, offer you the theory, practice, and support to move beyond emotional reactions and into deep healing, compassion, and empowerment.

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MANTRA MAMMA HEALING ARTS

734-743-8844 Ann Arbor, MI MantraMammahHealingArts@gmail.com FB: Mantra Mamma Healing Arts Deeply restorative mind-body infusion with reiki, tuning forks, vibrational frame drum massage, crystal and Tibetan bows. Balance the nervous system, calm the mind and open the heart.

SCHOOL / EDUCATION ANN ARBOR SCHOOL OF MASSAGE, HERBAL & NATURAL MEDICINE

734-769-7794 NSHAAssociates@gmail.com NaturopathicSchoolOfAnnArbor.net

Massage therapy training is a one year program that fulfills the 717 hour state licensed professional training with the required 80 hours of clinical internship. The rate for scheduled, Tuesday through Friday appointments at our student massage clinic is $35/ hr. Tips are not accepted and are performed by student interns as required by program standards.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 4.

SMOKING CESSATION FREE AT LAST! HYPNOSIS

Center - A Joyful Journey 734-883-8775

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Stop smoking in one visit. Afraid it’s going to be too painful or too difficult? Our unique specialized and proven system makes it easy.

Become a happy and permanent non-smoker today. See ad page 21.

WEIGHT LOSS FREE AT LAST! HYPNOSIS

CENTER - A JOYFUL JOURNEY 734-883-8775 Lose weight now with hypnosis.

Achieve permanent positive life and habit changes through our safe, rapid and effective system. Tap the potential of your mind to create the health and vitality you’ve always wanted. See ad page 21.

WELLNESS / AYURVEDA YOGA / FITNESS AROGYAVEDA

2458 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor 734-436-1401 Text: 248-736-4633 ArogyaVeda.org ArogyaVeda is a wellness center for holistic science Ayurveda and Yoga. This center offers Classical Hatha Yoga classes, Ayurvedic consultations and treatments, Ayurvedic cooking and nutrition workshops, and Bollywood dance workouts. Call now to take a step towards a happier and healthier life.

WELLNESS CENTERS THRIVE! WELLNESS CENTER

6901 State Rd, Ste D, Saline 734-470-6766 Thrive-Wellness-Center.com

Shannon Roznay, DC, specializes in Nutrition Response Testing and Activator Chiropractic.

Thrive! also carries natural foods, skin and home products. See ad page 26.

WOMEN-ONLY MASSAGE SHER

734-239-3344 SherrelWells@icloud.com Sher.amtamembers.com My goal is to always give the best massage you’ve ever had. I have been a medical massage therapist since 1987. I will get the pain out. Muscular, sciatica, back pain, etc. $75/30 min medical massage and $100/ hr relaxation massage with hot towels.

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