Natural Awakenings Houston July 2024

Keep It Cool

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Greetings,

Summer’s here, and with it comes the warm weather we’ve been looking forward to. We’re so lucky to have had those rains earlier this year—they’ve given us a bounty of fresh, local organic food to enjoy. Eating seasonally is not only healthy but also ties in perfectly with Ayurveda, keeping us balanced and feeling great.

Now’s the time to dive into all the delicious fruits and veggies that are in season. These fresh foods are amazing for our skin, giving us that summer glow we all love.

Summer’s also ideal for hitting the water and having some fun. Whether it’s swimming, water aerobics, paddleboarding, or kayaking, there’s no shortage of cool activities to keep us active and refreshed. It’s a great way to enjoy the sun and stay fit at the same time.

So, let’s make the most of this sunny season by eating well and getting out there for some water adventures. Here’s to a healthy, happy summer filled with good food and great times!

Bright Blessings,

Cindy & Mike Hart

PUBLISHERS Cindy & Mike Hart

EDITOR Jane Aylward

CREATIVES Cindy Hart

PODCAST Karesha Brown

LEADS Yasin Rahman

CONTACT US 11428 Debbie Lane Iola, TX 77861

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mike@naturalawakenings-houston.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. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Houston’s Newest Physical Therapy Hub:

FYZICAL Easton Commons

FYZICAL Easton Commons, a new physical therapy clinic, is now open and welcoming patients. The clinic, owned by Aashir Aggarwal, opened its doors on May 13, 2024, at 8526 Highway 6 N, Houston, TX, 77095. FYZICAL Easton Commons offers a comprehensive approach to wellness, assisting clients in recovery from injuries and surgeries while promoting overall health and well-being.

The clinic features a Balance Therapy Program to address the complex range of issues causing balance disorders. The program provides a safe and challenging environment for patients to improve their balance and stability. Aggarwal, a Sugar Land native and University of Texas graduate, brings a unique blend of teaching and healthcare experience to his practice. His background as a teacher through the Teach for America program inspired his interest in the connection between education and health.

Aggarwal emphasizes patient education and collaborative care, aiming to simplify complex medical information and foster a supportive partnership with patients. FYZICAL Easton Commons offers a variety of services to address conditions such as dizziness, balance and neurologic issues, and orthopedic pain or immobility. The clinic is committed to personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit fyzical.com/ easton-commons-tx. FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is a leading physical therapy franchise with over 575 locations across 46 states, providing top-notch, personalized care for muscle, joint, and neurological conditions.

FYZICAL Easton Commons 8526 Highway 6 N, Houston, TX, 77095. fyzical.com/easton-commons-tx

Barbara Palmer

Self-Realization Fellowship 2024 Convocation Offers Spiritual Renewal

The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) will take place from August 4 to 10 in Los Angeles. This annual event offers SRF members and newcomers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda through classes, guided meditations, kirtan, and pilgrimages to various SRF locations. Participants can attend lectures on spiritual topics, group meditations, and enjoy the sense of community among fellow seekers.

“The Convocation brings together thousands of spiritual seekers from around the globe,” says Brother Chidananda, SRF’s president. “It is a profound week of renewal and inner communion with the divine.”

Attendees will experience a comprehensive schedule designed to deepen their spiritual practice. Highlights include inspirational talks by SRF monastics, classes on Yogananda’s teachings, and special ceremonies. The program also features satsangas with Brother Chidananda, group meditations, and virtual pilgrimage tours for online participants. This year, the convocation can be attended in person or virtually, ensuring accessibility for all who wish to participate. While the event is free of charge, donations are welcome to help cover the costs associated with hosting.

The Self-Realization Fellowship, founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920, is dedicated to disseminating his teachings on the Kriya Yoga science of meditation. Yogananda’s vision was to foster a harmonious balance between Western technological advancement and Eastern spiritual wisdom.

For more information, call 323-225-2471 or visit Yogananda.org. The Self-Realization Fellowship is located at 3880 San Rafael Avenue, Los Angeles. See ad on page 12.

MindWorks: Dive into the Ultimate Mind-Bending Exhibit at The Health Museum!

The Health Museum is thrilled to announce the U.S. premiere of MindWorks, an interactive psychology exhibit on loan from the Ontario Science Centre. MindWorks brings the fascinating concepts of decision-making, memory, and emotions to life through engaging, hands-on exhibits rooted in cognitive psychology.

Visitors will delve into their minds, exploring thought processes in playful, immersive ways. From composing songs with building blocks to deciphering personality traits, MindWorks offers a unique learning experience. Attendees can test their negotiation skills on the world’s largest Pac-Man game, squeeze through unusual shapes, and probe consciousness with a humanoid robot.

Designed by the Ontario Science Centre, MindWorks keeps visitors in the moment with reflective questions that encourage deep thinking about everyday mental processes. Whether weighing risks and rewards, analyzing dreams, or crafting digital paintings, participants will uncover the extraordinary capabilities of their minds.

Running through September 29, 2024, MindWorks is included with general admission to The Health Museum. It’s a conversation starter for all ages, delving into perception, decision-making, and emotions. To enhance the experience, the museum will host activities, demonstrations, and speakers discussing MindWorks’ themes.

Visit The Health Museum at 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004. For more information, go to thehealthmuseum.org.

Slow down. Life is crossing the road.

—Debasish Mridha

DETECTING CANCER EARLY

Cambridge University’s Early Cancer Institute recently received an $11.7 million anonymous donation to further its research. The Institute is focused on detecting cancers before they produce symptoms and spread, which then requires expensive medical treatments that are not always effective. One team there is using 200,000 blood samples taken 10 to 20 years ago from ovarian cancer screening participants to identify genetic markers in those that later developed the disease.

Another team developed a cytosponge to collect cells and identify a protein associated with precancerous esophageal cancer. The Institute also has a team that is trying to pinpoint the biomarkers associated with prostate cancer. Their goal is to assist in the development of new and more effective ways to treat cancer.

IN VIVO GENE EDITING

Several companies are experimenting on human subjects to develop gene editing that is performed inside the body. Such therapies differ from a recently approved treatment for sickle-cell anemia that removes bone marrow from the body before editing the genetic material and reintroducing it into the patient.

Intellia Therapeutics and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals are in clinical trials to use gene editing to knock out a gene that causes fibrous protein clumps, which can accumulate in organs and nerves, increasing the risk of heart failure and other serious complications. Verve Therapeutics is enrolling patients to test a gene-editing protocol designed to reverse the effects of a genetic disease that leads to severely elevated cholesterol and increased risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease. One caveat: These therapies carry the risk of editing unrelated genes.

Thicha Satapitanon from Getty

andriano

cz from Getty

Images/CanvaPro

PREGNANCY ADDS TO WOMEN’S BIOLOGICAL AGE

A study by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and published in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences quantified the effect of pregnancy on biological aging. The study included more than 1,700 men and women from the Philippines aged 20 to 22 years old. The researchers concluded that the energy expended in reproduction comes at an expense. Across six epigenetic clock measurements, pregnancy was found to accelerate the women’s biological aging compared to those that had no pregnancies, and multiple pregnancies accelerated the women’s biological age on two of the epigenetic clock measures. Pregnancy did not result in aging of the men in the study.

ACKNOWLEDGING ANIMAL CONSCIOUSNESS

For most of human history, the possibility that animals experience sensations and feelings has been dismissed. The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness, which is signed by nearly 300 university educators and scientists worldwide, challenges this view. The signatories assert that there is “strong scientific support for attributions of conscious experience to other mammals and to birds,” and that “the empirical evidence indicates at least a realistic possibility of conscious experience in all vertebrates (including reptiles, amphibians and fishes) and many invertebrates (including, at minimum, cephalopod mollusks, decapod crustaceans and insects).”

The declaration is supported by 10 years of scientific discoveries about the possibility of animal sentience, including crows that can be trained to report what they see, octopuses that avoid pain and value pain relief, cuttlefish that remember details of specific past events, zebrafish that show signs of curiosity, and bees that display apparent play behavior. The signatories conclude, “When there is a realistic possibility of conscious experience in an animal, it is irresponsible to ignore that possibility in decisions affecting that animal. We should consider welfare risks and use the evidence to inform our responses to these risks.”

VACUUM

The world’s largest pollution vacuum started operating in May. Built in Iceland by Swiss company Climeworks, the direct air capture and storage plant named Mammoth is designed to draw in air, filter out up to 36,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually and either store it permanently underground, reuse it or transform it into solid products.

This is the second large-scale carbon vacuum by Climeworks. Its predecessor, which launched in 2021, captures 500 tons of CO2 each year. Both facilities are powered by a geothermal power plant. According to Jan Wurzbacher, co-founder and co-CEO of Climeworks, the company intends to scale up its technology to remove 1 million tons of carbon per year by 2030 and 1 billion tons by 2050.

WILD ORANGUTAN TREATS OWN WOUND

According to a scientific article published in Nature, a male Sumatran orangutan was observed self-treating a facial wound with medicinal plants in Southeast Asia. Three days after the injury, he ripped off leaves from a liana vine, chewed on them and applied the resulting juice onto the wound. As a final step, the orangutan covered the wound with the chewed leaves. The liana is a tropical plant that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antioxidant properties. This is the first documented case of wound treatment by a wild animal, providing insight into the origins of human wound care.

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Preparing for the 2024 Hurricane Season: What You Need to Know

by Pete Duncanson

Hurricane season begins soon, and this year, meteorologists and weather experts are forecasting another memorable season. This hurricane season is forecasted to be extremely active. With the potential for 30 named storms, the 2024 hurricane season would be the most active of all time.

Over the last few years, extreme weather events have become more common. The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was memorable, with 20 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 storms reaching major hurricane strength. This is the fourth-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record, with 2024 forecasted to top this record. Even though this sounds like a really active season, it was one of the least active in the last decade. 2023 was an El Niño year, evolving into a La Niña year for the 2024 season which is one reason for the activity. And La Niña seasons tend to yield more storms.

Here’s what you need to know about hurricane season 2024:

• The National Hurricane Center issues the yearly tropical weather forecast a few weeks ahead of the beginning of hurricane season in the United States, which begins June 1, 2024, and ends November 30, 2024. But hurricanes don’t wait for an “official season.”

• Emerging from low-pressure systems over tropical waters, tropical storms or cyclones manifest with enclosed wind circulation and a defined core known as the “eye.” Although they typically generate less wind and flooding than hurricanes, they remain capable of causing significant harm to homes, including wind-driven rain, mud accumulation, debris impact, and persistent mold issues.

• As wind speeds escalate to 74 mph, a tropical storm escalates into a hurricane, bringing forth catastrophic repercussions

for homes and businesses. From inundating floods caused by relentless rainfall to structural devastation from mighty winds, and the looming danger of storm surges for coastal areas, the impact is profound.

How to Prepare for the 2024 Hurricane Season

• Stock up on emergency supplies. Have a week’s supply of water, plenty of nonperishable food items, and refill necessary prescriptions for all family members, including pets.

• Create an evacuation route for all family members. Identify two meeting places: one outside your home and one outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home. Make sure all parties have the address and phone number of the meeting place outside your neighborhood.

• Identify the location of community shelters.

• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and make sure you have a car charger for your cell phone.

• Review and understand your insurance coverage. Understand your deductibles for hurricane damage. Investigate flood insurance.

Protecting Your Property If You Must Evacuate

• Bring in loose items outside your home that can be picked up by strong winds.

• Close windows, doors, and hurricane shutters. If you don’t have hurricane shutters, board up windows and doors with 1/2” marine plywood.

• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances. If you lose power or you’ll leave your property, shut off the main switches in the circuit breaker box.

• Take photos/videos of the exterior and interior of your home. Take vital documents (birth certificates, social security cards, bank records, etc.) that must be with you.

Homeowners must be prepared to respond to disasters when Mother Nature strikes; it makes all the difference in a family’s safety.

Pete Duncanson is the Vice President of Training and Development at ServiceMaster Restore. For more information, visit their website. servicemasterrestore.com/residential/ weather-damage/hurricane-damage/

BP Life Coaching Services: Unlock Your Potential with Transformational Coaching

BP Life Coaching Services, founded by Barbara Palmer in 2020, offers innovative health and life coaching aimed at achieving accelerated and impactful transformational results for both men and women. Barbara transitioned from her full-time role as a program director at a private college in Houston, Texas, to online life coaching as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. Motivated by a desire to help adults, particularly women in health and human services, Barbara invested in life coaching certifications and studied evidence-based best practices for transformational methods.

Barbara trained with renowned leaders in the life coaching industry, including Mary Morrissey and the Brave Thinking Institute faculty, Bob Proctor of the Proctor Gallagher Institute, Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi of Mastermind, Birkman International, Dr. Joe Dispenza, and Natalie Ledwell. By August 2020, she established BP Life Coaching Services, LLC, as a registered company in Texas and decided that 2021 would be her final year in her academic role. She retired from Pima Medical Institute in December 2021 and has since dedicated herself to coaching full-time.

BP Life Coaching Services offers personalized and professional coaching, online courses, one-on-one and group coaching (both virtual and in-person), and consulting services. The EMPOWER-HER monthly group coaching sessions help busy women tune into their desires and shift into higher states of being. The next EMPOWER-HER Group Coaching events are on Saturday, July 20, 2024, and August 17, 2024, from 2 pm to 5 pm CDT via Zoom. Each session is unique, featuring energizers, meditation, music, and guided activities, with opportunities to ask questions and engage with others.

Barbara is also an accomplished author, known for her book “Healthy, Happy, Whole: A Health and Wellbeing Workbook,” available on Amazon. BP Life Coaching Services empowers clients to achieve their highest goals while preventing burnout, ensuring lasting, positive change.

BP Life Coaching Services, LLC. 611 Dairy Ashford Road, Houston 77079. 281-942-1116. bplifecoaching.com See ad on page 5

Nosh Simple Revolutionizes Houston: Affordable, Healthy, and Delicious Meals Delivered Daily!

Across Houston, Nosh Simple is solving real-life problems for various communities. This innovative service offers a weekly menu of ready-to-eat, wholesome, made from scratch meals without requiring subscriptions. Boasting daily free delivery, Nosh Simple ensures local, never-frozen meals from over 20 cuisines with a commitment to quality.

Nosh Simple addresses the “Healthy, Tasty, Affordable” dilemma, providing meals that meet all three criteria. By offering fresh, never frozen meals, Nosh Simple eliminates the disappointments of frozen food. It also provides a healthier, affordable alternative to fast food, often costing less than popular chains.

Meal prep can be wasteful and repetitive, but Nosh Simple offers diverse options that enhance health and save time. For busy parents and medical professionals, the service provides stress-free, healthy meals at any hour. Additionally, their sustainable delivery model reduces carbon emissions, supporting environmental well-being. Nosh Simple transforms meal times in Houston with affordable, healthy, and delicious options, offering convenience and sustainability for all. All meals are dietary-friendly, chef-designed, freshly-made, and chilled for easy fridge storage. A nominal $1 bag fee for the reusable thermal bag is the only charge. Meals are delivered free anywhere in the Houston area.

Nosh Simple is giving away a limited number of free delivered meals from its delivery-only kitchen menu, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy wholesome, freshly-made meals delivered straight to your door.

Just click on the link or scan the QR Code then enter one of the 6-digit codes. If it doesn’t work, choose another one.

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See Ad on page 19.

Ayurvedic Seasonal Eating

How to Balance Doshas With the Right Foods

by Carrie Jackson

Each season brings a unique bounty of fresh food to sustain and nourish us. A ripe tomato off the vine in the summer or a hearty winter squash stew highlights what the Earth naturally offers. Seasonal eating is a rhythmic approach that is more sustainable than relying on grocery-store staples and connects us to the world around us. Combining seasonal eating with the Ayurvedic concept of balancing our doshas helps to maintain harmony with nature. It also helps support local farmers, reduce carbon emissions, maximize the food’s nutritional value and nourish holistically.

THE FRESHER THE BETTER

Seasonal eating is intuitive, but modern technology and busy lifestyles get in the way. “For thousands of years, people ate seasonally all the time, as there was no other option,” says Erin Casperson, director at Kripalu School of Ayurveda, a global leader in mindfulness education. “They trusted

that each harvest gave us exactly what we needed to survive and thrive. It is only recently, with the development of refrigeration and modern transport, that we are able to access food from other areas of the world and store it for long periods of time.”

Eating local food when it is fresh not only helps to maximize the food’s nutritional value, it strengthens our connection to its origin. “From an Ayurvedic perspective, we look at the prana, or life force, in food,” explains Casperson. “Generally, the shorter it’s been off the plant, the more life, or nourishment, it will supply. When it’s treated with pesticides and sits in storage or refrigeration for days or weeks, it starts to lose that life force. Looking at a freshly picked strawberry, you can see the value it has. If I pick up a plastic box of spinach at the grocery store, there’s no connection. I have no idea how long it’s been traveling or what it’s been exposed to.”

Kadiatou Sibi, a board-certified Ayurvedic and reiki practitioner and founder of Los Angeles-based A Web of Wellness, recommends frequenting farmers markets, co-ops and grocery stores that offer locally grown food to maximize freshness. “Consuming foods during their harvest honors the natural cycle of the Earth. The crops are brighter, tastier and more nutritionally dense. By purchasing food from a [farmers] market, you are supporting marginalized communities, which historically are often women and families working in the fields. Cultivating locally grown foods also helps to maintain the biodiversity of crops and prevents big corporations from taking over the land.”

Cutting out long-distance transportation doesn’t just increase the food’s freshness, it is better for the environment, too. “When we eat locally, we lower the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions it takes to access the food. It also eliminates the need for pesticides and other harmful agents that make the food last longer,” Sibi explains.

Eating seasonally is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic practices, which Sibi says are rooted in a deep connection with nature. “The idea of seasons is based around the cycles of the moon and sun,” she asserts. “Food is one important way we can balance ourselves holistically. Seasonal eating teaches us to wait for the right time and not rush nature. We can look forward to watermelon in the summer and Brussels sprouts in the winter. We learn to cultivate deep gratitude and respect for the land and all it provides for us. It fosters deep stewardship for the Earth.”

BALANCING OUR DOSHAS

Incorporating the Ayurvedic understanding of doshas into our diet further supports our connection to nature and intuitive eating. “According to Ayurveda, everything and everyone is comprised of five elements: space, air, fire, water and earth,” says Veena Haasl-Blilie, founder of Minnesota-based Saumya Ayurveda. “These elements combine to form three basic energy properties called the doshas. These foundational energies, known as vata, pitta and kapha, are the Zffoto from Getty Images/CanvaPro

building blocks of our universe. While all three doshas are present in every one of us, they manifest to varying degrees. Our distinct physical, mental and spiritual traits are the result of our unique dosha constitution.”

Disruptions in our daily routines, stress and diet changes can cause doshas to get out of balance. By mindfully incorporating dosha-balancing foods and herbs into our day, our bodies and minds can reset. “In Ayurveda, food is medicine. When we eat to balance the doshas, we are eating in the most supportive and nourishing way possible,” explains Haasl-Blilie. “Instead of a one-size-fits-all diet, we are eating what is balancing to us specifically in that season.”

Understanding an individual’s own dosha type is a key starting point. Haasl-Blilie recommends, “Fiery pitta is best balanced through naturally sweet foods like fruit, most grains, squash, root vegetables, milk and ghee. The best tastes for balancing pitta are sweet, bitter and astringent, while sour, salty and pungent tastes should be minimized. Airy vata has a cold, dry, light nature that can be countered with foods that are warm, moist and grounding, such as hearty soups and healthy fats. Sweet, sour and salty foods help to balance it. For kapha’s cool, dense, oily nature, we should favor food that is light, dry and easy to digest, ideally served warm or hot with invigorating herbs or spices. Sweet, sour and salty tastes should be minimized.”

Cooking with seasonal food that supports dosha balance helps to further nourish holistically. Chef Divya Alter is a cookbook author and the co-founder of Divya’s, which combines culinary education, good-for-you packaged foods and a plant-based restaurant in New York City. Aiming to offer practical ways to bridge the ancient wisdom of food with modern living beyond the boundaries of India, she notes, “Part of my mission is to show people how to apply the universal Ayurveda principles to every part of the world, incorporating the ancient principles of food compatibility and digestion into local cuisines.”

THE JOY OF SUMMER FOODS

Alter says that in warmer months, choosing balancing foods helps to naturally regulate our bodies and our doshas. “Summer is the season of outdoor activities, travel, vacationing and more. The heat and exertion tend to deplete our systems, but nature’s peak harvest season provides us with abundant produce to help us replenish. Ayurveda is all about balancing with nature, so in the hot summer, when we tend to sweat more and feel dehydrated, we need to incorporate cooling and hydrating foods. We feel extra pleasure eating the juicy seasonal fruits like peaches, apricots, berries and watermelon because they quickly cool and nourish us. Zucchini, fennel, leafy greens, okra, carrots and green beans are all great vegetables to give us minerals, vitamins and fiber, plus keep our bodies cool.

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Coconut in every form is our best friend in summer because it is very cooling and nourishing. Fresh coconut water is the best natural electrolyte drink, and you can add fresh coconut milk to your curry or smoothie. For plant-based protein, mung beans and red or green lentils are all great choices.”

For a simple complement to any dish, Alter recommends using fresh herbs, most of which can be grown locally. “Cilantro, basil, parsley, dill, rosemary, thyme, curry leaves and tarragon, and the cooling spices such as coriander, fennel, cumin and cardamom, add flavor without overheating the body. I use very little or no chili, and if my digestion needs a bit more heat, then I’d use warming spices like black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger in small amounts,” she says.

Sibi points out that using fresh herbs and spices while cooking also helps to preserve cultural traditions. “While they may not have originated here, locally grown and ethically sourced herbs honor global cooking and

customs,” she says. “Incorporating fresh cilantro into a Mexican dish, turmeric into an Indian recipe, or parsley into a Mediterranean meal reminds us of their origins. Besides the medicinal benefits, the flavors are more palatable, and it’s a valuable way to teach these traditions to a younger generation. They learn that what you put in your mouth doesn’t just affect you, but has a larger global impact.”

While this may seem like a lot to consider when making daily food choices, Casperson recommends starting with seasonal eating and balancing our doshas using ingredients that are readily available. “Seasonal eating is more accessible, because you can literally choose what to eat by what is in the market. From there, have some fun with it,” she suggests. “Look up recipes and menus that you can easily digest to support your dosha balance, and add in herbs grown in your own garden. Sit down and eat in a relaxed setting without distractions and really connect with how you’re nourishing yourself.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

YOU HAVE THE POWER

To Take Control of Your Health and Well-Being

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Nourish Skin From Within

Foods That Enhance Health and Radiance

by Maya Whitman

Our skin is the largest human organ. In addition to protecting us from ultraviolet radiation, bacterial invaders and chemicals, it also provides a visual record of the human story, as it is vulnerable to emotional stress, hormonal rhythms and poor diet. While more research is needed, there is growing evidence that food can be an ally for resolving stubborn acne, preventing certain types of skin cancer and aging gracefully. According to a clinical review published in the journal Medicina, nutrients like vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, may be beneficial for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

“The global market for skincare topicals is estimated at around $180 billion,” says Mark Tager, M.D., an integrative healthcare synergist in San Diego, California, and author of Feed Your Skin Right: Your Personalized Nutrition Plan for Radiant Beauty. “There are some topicals with ingredients that do penetrate the skin. For the most part, these approaches pale in comparison with the power of an inside approach to skin health and beauty.” He reminds us that what we consume is reflected in our skin.

GUT HEALTH AND GLOWING SKIN

Emerging research published in Gut Microbes in 2022 shows the relationship between intestinal flora and skin health and proposes the value of supplemental prebiotics, probiotics and fermented foods. “Trillions of organisms—mainly bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract—produce vitamin K, neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids, each of which plays a role in skin health,” says Tager, highlighting the microbe Akkermansia muciniphila, which produces acetone. “People with acne

have much lower levels of this short-chain fatty acid in their skin microbiome. Raising the acetate levels, along with changing the ratio of good-to-bad gut bacteria, can help with acne.” Tager recommends eating fiber, which is the preferred food of the good bacteria like Akkermansia, as well as taking probiotics.

Deanna Minich, a nutrition scientist, functional medicine practitioner and author of The Rainbow Diet: A Holistic Approach to Radiant Health Through Foods and Supplements, concurs, “An imbalance in the microbiome has been linked to acne. Eating a diverse, colorful, plant-rich diet is a wonderful way to promote a healthy balance of gut bugs.” For acne, she lauds the benefits of green tea.

FULL-SPECTRUM SUSTENANCE

Skin-friendly foods are nutrient-dense and include avocados, sunflower and flax seeds, almonds, walnuts, berries and cold-water fatty fish (herring, sardines and salmon). “Colorful plant pigments or phytochemicals can fortify skin internally,” Minich asserts. “They tend to accumulate in the skin and offer protection from the sun by absorbing UV rays and reducing inflammation. When we eat a colorful diet, we’re eating an array of nutrients and phytochemicals that protect our skin.” She recommends carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene, which are abundant in foods like melons, tomatoes and carrots.

Minich also touts protein to help repair damaged skin, especially plant sources like lentils, beans and tofu, as well as animal proteins such as eggs, fish and lean meats, but warns against charring in the cooking process. “This can create inflammatory compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGE), which can contribute to aging. Instead, prepare foods with low heat and wet cooking methods such as boiling, stewing and steaming.” A 1/3 2019 prospective cohort study of French

women published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition connected a decreased risk of melanoma and basal cell skin cancer with the adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

TRIGGER FOODS

Reducing inflammation and taming a sweet tooth is important. “Too much sugar attaches itself to the collagen in our skin, making it brittle, and this leads to more fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Tager, advising, “Diets high in saturated fats and fried foods contribute to inflammation and changes in sebum production.” He underscores the possibility of food sensitivities to tree nuts, dairy, fish, wheat, eggs, shellfish, peanuts or soy that can manifest as skin irritations, itching and swelling.

COLLAGEN FACTORS

According to Tager, collagen forms a scaffold within the body and is an essential component of connective tissue that supports the skin’s elasticity. Minich notes, “Collagen

supplements can be helpful to improve the appearance of skin, but the body also creates its own collagen and needs nutrients like zinc and vitamin C to do so.”

A PERSONALIZED APPROACH

Ultimately, better skin depends upon multiple considerations, including diet, lifestyle, genetics, medical history and emotional health.

“The real breakthrough we have seen over the last decade is the rise of personalized nutrition,” Tager observes, encouraging people to work with medical and nutritional professionals to develop a customized plan.

Maya Whitman is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

PINEAPPLE-HIBISCUS DRINK

This delicious and attractive beverage presents with a beautiful ruby color and smooth texture. It stimulates digestive enzymes, soothes the digestive tract and delivers the many benefits of hibiscus and pineapple in a delicious way.

YIELD: 5 CUPS

¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers

2½ cups fresh sweet pineapple juice, strained 2 to 3 Tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Place the hibiscus flowers in a one-quart vessel and pour in three cups of room-temperature filtered or spring water. Cover and leave on the counter for at least eight hours or overnight. Strain and reserve the liquid; discard the hibiscus.

Stir together the hibiscus water and pineapple juice. Add the maple syrup to taste for additional sweetness. Enjoy at room temperature or slightly chilled. Store refrigerated for up to three days.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Chef Divya Alter from her cookbook, Joy of Balance (Rizzoli, 2022).

Reduce or Eliminate Symptoms

Enjoy Medical Science Based:

- East-West Medicine

- Acupuncture

- Functional Medicine

- Regenerative Medicine

DivyaAlter

Rachel Vanni/CanvaPro

Summer Splash

Keeping Cool With Water Fitness

by Megy Karydes

Whenever we’re swimming or participating in other water-based activities, all of our senses are engaged and exhilarated. Aquatic sports can help us stay fit, strong and cool during the hot summer months. Here are a few recommendations to remain safe and reap all of the splashy benefits.

LEARN TO SWIM EARLY

Cullen Jones, a four-time Olympic medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world record, credits his parents for encouraging him to learn to swim even after he nearly drowned at a water park when he was 5 years old. “I recommend getting infants into the water as early as 6 months old. This helps the child get acclimated to the water and pool environment, easing things when it’s time for professional swimming lessons

by a trained instructor,” says Jones, the water-safety expert for Leslie’s Inc., a pool- and spa-care retailer.

Jane Brenner, a water aerobics instructor and lifeguard at YMCA of Metro Chicago, similarly believes that it is never too early to expose young children to water and never too late to learn how to swim. “I see people starting their relationship and journey with water in their 50s, 60s and 70s,” she says. “And I think that’s just as beautiful.”

WATER-BASED EXERCISES

Jones notes that any exercise can be done in the water for the added benefit of staying cool. Activities such as running, aerobics, Zumba, cycling and resistance training become a bit harder in the pool, upping the workout benefits.

Hydrostatic pressure is another advantage. “When you get into a pool, even if you’re just holding on to the wall, even if you’re not doing anything, you are wearing a gentle compression sleeve around your whole body,” Brenner explains. “The water is pushing down on you in a way that you barely even notice. You can’t register that slight increase in pressure, but it’s more than the air, and that’s going to increase blood flow. It’s going to decrease pain and swelling. It’s going to do all that while decreasing impact on joints.”

“While other activities may target only one region of the body, water sports—and in particular, swimming—offer a full-body workout,” Jones asserts. “When it comes to swimming, you are using your legs to kick, your arms to paddle and your core to

hold it all together. Swimming delivers a whole-body workout and mind-enhancing experience.”

While people can and do enjoy being in the water without knowing how to swim, Brenner notes that anyone that feels they can’t learn is selling themselves short. “I really believe that there is space for a relationship with swimming and water in every person’s life,” she says.

Jones admits it took working with five swim coaches before it clicked for him. Had it not been for his parents’ persistence, he never would have become an Olympic swimmer and gone on to win medals.

WATER SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT

According to a 2023 survey commissioned by Leslie’s and conducted by The Harris Poll, only 63 percent of U.S. adults say they are very comfortable being around water, and as much as 36 percent of those surveyed say they do not know how to swim. Nearly half the parents of children under 18 say their child does not know how to swim, and 61 percent say their child has not taken swimming lessons. At the same time, almost 30 percent of parents say they are concerned about their child drowning.

“Swimming lessons save lives,” Jones says. “It’s also an important life skill that can open up a whole new world of recreational and athletic possibilities, such as boating, fishing and competitive swimming, among others.” Still, Brenner and Jones say non-swimmers may enjoy the benefits of being in the water, whether to stay cool in the summer or to stay healthy and fit, both in mind and body.

Brenner teaches water aerobics to people from all walks of life and all ages. She notes that there is a real sense of community that happens in those 50-minute classes. “People are bringing cookies, and others are telling us about the garage sale that’s happening

down the street,” she quips. In addition to the physical benefits of water fitness, coming together at the community pool or in a natural body of water offers mental-health rewards and fellowship.

Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses.

Natural Awakenings Podcast

Enjoy all the enriching content you love in a convenient audio format, perfect for listening on the go.

Want Less Stress, Better Sleep, and Improved Health & Wellness?

Check Out This New Clinical Study

Researchers from California-based Medical Health and Fitness and the University of Michigan Department of Kinesiology have found promising results using breakthrough patented technology from DNA Vibe.

DNA Vibe, a Colorado-based manufacturer, has developed an award-winning technology that helps prevent injuries while improving and accelerating recovery. For over five years, clinical professionals have reported exceptional results for issues ranging from sore backs, necks, knees, elbows, ankles, hands, and feet. This technology has been embraced by professional and Olympic athletes as well as thousands of everyday people looking to live happier, healthier, and more active lives.

Two years ago, a sports rehab clinic provided unexpected feedback to DNA Vibe. Patients reported not only remarkable localized recovery but also better sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved bowel function. Initially dismissed as a fluke, similar feedback soon poured in from other clinics. Perry Kamel, founder and CEO of

DNA Vibe, described this influx as a “deluge,” likening it to the onset of a rainstorm. The most compelling feedback came from a former University of California medical researcher who conducted a private pilot assessment to confirm these unexpected results. This prompted DNA Vibe to participate in a clinical study led by MedHealthFit and the University of Michigan.

Given that Perry Kamel is a decorated combat veteran, the research team decided to conduct the study with Purple Heart battlefield-wounded veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study aimed to bring relief to those who need it most by setting a high bar for stress relief applications.

In collaboration with The Warrior Bonfire Program, which fosters community and fellowship among Purple Heart-wounded veterans through shared outdoor adventures, the research team assembled a cohort of veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The study, conducted between June 6 and August 30, 2023, involved participants using DNA

Vibe’s Jazz Band technology twice daily for 20-30 minutes over their chests while relaxing. Measurements of resting heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, blood pressure, and stress levels were recorded throughout the study.

The results were extraordinary. On average, resting heart rate dropped by 2.6 beats per minute, oxygen concentrations improved by up to 2%, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased by 2.4-3.3 mm Hg. Most notably, stress levels improved by 58%.

While these results are significant, the veterans’ subjective feedback was the most rewarding outcome. Participants reported “life-changing” results, including restful nights, stress-free days, and a return to cherished activities like swimming, hiking, camping, boating, and fishing—activities they had abandoned due to the severe challenges of their conditions. Perry Kamel shared emotional moments with participants who described the relief they experienced and the return to a greater sense of normalcy after struggling with debilitating conditions for over two decades.

Even nine months after the study’s completion, veterans continue to share their joy and appreciation for the life-changing impacts on their quality of life and their families. Perry Kamel recounts these stories with a tear in his eye, highlighting the profound difference the technology has made.

This new clinical trial demonstrates the potential for innovative technology to transform lives, offering hope and relief to those who need it most.

For more information and to take advantage of an exclusive offer for Natural Awakenings readers, please check out their full-page ad on the back cover of this issue.

dnavibe.com/pages/ NaturalAwakenings-Houston

Celebrating Unseen Milestones

by Marlaina Donato

By the time we see our backyard gardens explode with abundance or notice a hillside’s vibrant palette of summer, stealthy forces beneath the surface have been at work for many months. Like nature subtly turning the page to another season or the decaying, secret magic of mycelium networks underground, human milestones are not always obvious. The job promotion, dream vacation or new car promptly gets posted to social media, but emotional and spiritual progress deep within our recesses is not usually announced or even capable of being articulated. In a world that values shiny, tangible successes, the stuff that matters to us most gets lost like rare wildflowers in the underbrush.

We struggle for decades to get out of the stranglehold of trauma, labor silently to refine a spiritual practice or create a new life brick-by-brick after devastating loss. Some of us work late into the night honing a craft or work through addiction recovery programs without a visible support system cheering us forward. Sometimes getting out of bed after a long, debilitating period of depression feels like winning the lottery to which very few are privy.

Whether we put an old grievance to rest in a soft grave of forgiveness or master a yoga pose, our most valuable accomplishments are the quiet kind that rarely inspire commemoration. Too many of us refrain from sharing our hidden harvests because we do not wish to appear foolish, or worse, fear being judged, envied or even dismissed by others. Too many of us feel that our internal achievements are insignificant or unworthy of attention. Too many of us minimize the value of what is utterly invaluable.

For today, take a personal milestone from the shadows by honoring it or sharing it. Inspire someone else to do the same. After all, this deeper work—and the cultivation of our intangible joy—is what makes the human journey exquisitely and arduously worthwhile.

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

mihailomilovanovic from Getty

Calendar of Events

ALL MONTH

Plastic Free EcoChallenge. online. Plastic pollution now contaminates the deepest trenches in the ocean, the highest mountain peaks, and even the air we breathe.To learn more about this issue & take action to affect change, join the team listed below. plasticfree.ecochallenge.org/participants/ join?referral_code=572d4899-ffe9-494d9c7f-5d4c6c212bba&team_id=interfaith-environmental-network-of-houston

MindWorks. 9 am-5 pm. The Health Museum is thrilled to announce the U.S. premiere of MindWorks, an interactive psychology exhibit on loan from the Ontario Science Centre. MindWorks brings the fascinating concepts of decision-making, memory, and emotions to life through engaging, hands-on exhibits rooted in cognitive psychology. The Health Museum at 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004. thehealthmuseum.org.

THURSDAY JULY 4th

Independence Day Flow w/ Guest teacher. 9:00-10:15am. Expect fireworks + freedom! We’ll move and not move :) This class marries the wisdom of yogic philosophy with the experience of a physical practice. Expect to go deeper into self-awareness through meditation, breath work, yogic philosophy, and/or the posture. Classes are accessible to all levels of ability. Union Studio Yoga 600 N. Shepherd Dr. #449 Houston 77007. Investment: $27 momence.com/Guest-Teacher/Independence-Day-Flow/103154389

Star Spangled Salute! by Houston Symphony. 8:30 pm. Celebrate Independence Day with a performance of patriotic favorites performed by the Houston Symphony followed by a grand finale of fireworks.FREE. Miller Outdoor Theatre 6000 Hermann Park Drive. Houston, 77030. milleroutdoortheatre.com

MONDAY JULY 8th

Headaches and Migraines Workshop. 6 pm. Join Dr. Serge Gregoire & practitioners, Mechelle Fisher & Debra Hanna for a workshop discussing Headaches & Migraines. They will discuss: What causes them and alternative therapies for treatment. 81-6163816 or email us at: info@nutrition-houston com to reserve your seat. Mind Body Solutions 210 Genesis St, Suite C Webster, TX 77598. 281-616-3816 nutrition-houston.com

SATURDAY JULY 13th

Let the Sun Shine In – Surya Namaskar Workshop, 1-3pm. Join Ed Fink and Laura Trachtman for a deep dive into surya namaskar - sun salutations. You’ll move through the 12 postures of the Sun Salutation flow and learn the sacred surya namaskar mantra. The combination of chanting and movement makes this familiar set of asanas feel like a moving devotional meditation. Union Studio Yoga 600 N. Shepherd Dr. #449 Houston 77007. Investment: $40. momence.com/Ed-Fink/Let-the-Sunshine-In--Surya-Namaskar-Workshop/102545930

SUNDAY JULY 14th –

SATURDAY JULY 20th

Extended Practice w/Kim: Pranayama + Meditation. 4:00-5:30 pm. Enjoy a 90-minute class that includes philosophy, pranayama, meditation, asana with handson adjustments and an extended savasana. Union Studio Yoga 600 N. Shepherd Dr. #449 Houston 77007. Investment: $35 momence.com/Kimberly-Taurins/Extended-Practice-w%2F-Kim---Pranayama-%2B-Meditation/103154420

Self-Realization Fellowship 2024 World Convocation: Explore the Yoga Meditation Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. 8:00 am - 10:00 pm. Tap into a wellspring of divine joy at the Self-Realization Fellowship 2024 World Convocation with thousands of yogis around the world, during a free, weeklong immersion in the yoga meditation teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, and founder of Self-Realization Fellowship. Attendees can join guided meditations and soul-stirring kirtan (devotional chanting), experience spiritual fellowship, and take part in tours of the meditation gardens and temples in southern California that Yogananda established during his lifetime. FREE. To view the schedule and to register, please visit convocation.yogananda.org

TUESDAY JULY 16th

Understanding Your Hormones. A Path to Hormonal Harmony 6 pm Join Mind & Body Solutions practitioners, Debra Hanna and Mechelle Fisher to learn how you too can balance and harmonize your hormonal system. Seats are limited and reservations are necessary call 281-616-3816 or email info@nutrition-houston.com

SATURDAY JULY 20th

EMPOWER-HER Group Coaching Event. 2-5 pm. Online. If you are a busy woman, this event can help you tune into you desires and shift into higher states of being. Experience energizers, meditation, music, and guided activities, with opportunities to ask questions and engage with others. Email Barbara Palmer at BP Life Coaching for more information and your Zoom link. bp@bplifecoaching.com

SUNDAY JULY 21st

Revitalizing Levy Park. 6 pm online. In the heart of Houston lies Levy Park, a once-neglected space now transformed into a vibrant community hub. Join Stephanie Kiouses, Park Director, as she explores Levy Park’s renewal, restoration, and regeneration, showcasing the transformative power of urban revitalization projects. Please register for this talk at eventbrite.com/e/revitalizing-levy-park-tickets-923157006457. This program will be recorded and the recording distributed to all registrants. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com

FRIDAY JULY 26th

Crystal Bowl Sound Bath + Yoga Nidra w/ Jessica. 6:15 pm. Experience deep relaxation with the sounds and frequencies of quartz crystal singing bowls. Jessica will guide you through a full body scan/yoga nidra meditation to a state of conscious sleep. Union Studio Yoga 600 N. Shepherd Dr. #449 Houston 77007. Investment: $27. momence.com/Jessica-Brock/Crystal-BowlSound-Bath-%2B-Yoga-Nidra/103153311

MONDAY-, JULY 29thFRIDAY AUGUST 2nd,.

Kids Yoga Summer Camp - Under the Sea (Ages 4-6). 9 am-12 pm. Dive into an enchanting underwater adventure with our ‘Under the Sea’ day camp. Through imaginative yoga poses, ocean-themed crafts, and exploration of mermaids and marine life, children will embark on an adventure to explore the depths of the ocean while nurturing their minds and moving their bodies. We will accommodate siblings. Union Studio Yoga 600 N. Shepherd Dr. #449 Houston 77007. Investment: $260momence.com/ Meredith-Smith/Yoga-Summer-Camp---Under-the-Sea-(Ages-4-6)/100742049

PLAN AHEAD

SUNDAY AUGUST 11th

6-Weeks Meditation and Breathing Fundamentals. 6-7 pm. Online. Learn to appreciate the inner and outer sensory experience, transcend limitations, and promote positive behavior change through a comprehensive approach to breathing and meditation without the “woowoo.” Open to beginning and veteran meditators. Classes will be recorded, and you will also receive free audio guided meditations every week. $149. nervousapes.com

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24th & FRIDAY OCTOBER 25th

2024 Lands & Legacies Conference. 9 am-4:30 pm Thursday. 8 am- 2 pm Friday. Join the Coastal Prairie Conservancy and our partners for the 2024 Lands & Legacies Conference, a joint event between the Texas Coastal Prairie Initiative and the Texas Grasslands and Savannas Initiative This conference is a critical opportunity for landowners and conservation partners to come together! General Admission - $68. Landowners FREE. The George Ranch 10215 FM 762 Road, Richmond, TX, 77469 prairiepartner.org/2024conference

Slow down. Life is crossing the road.

—Debasish Mridha

Ongoing Events

Sunday

Free Outdoor Zumba 9 am. Join the party and sweat with Tiny Fitness to rhythms from around the world! This hour-long Zumba fitness class will have you grooving, shaking, and toning to salsa, hip hop, samba, and bhangra beats - and so many more. Open to all fitness levels and recommended for ages 16+ Levy Park, 3801 Eastside. tinyfitnesshouston.com

Traditional Tibetan Buddhist Meditation with chanting, readings, and an opportunity to ask questions. Perfect for newcomers and long time practitioners. 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Free qigong at 10:00 am. On the first Sunday of every month we have qigong at 9:30, free teaching at 10:30, and a free lunch after meditation at noon. Dawn Mountain Tibetan Buddhist Center 4803 San Felipe St. Houston TX 77056. dawnmountain.org

Sunday Celebration 11 am. We gather to renew friendships and enjoy exciting celebrations and encouragements by minister Dr. Jesse Jennings, the music of Geoffry Oshman and guests, and the spiritual support of our practitioners. Creative Life Spiritual Center 5326 Spring Stuebner Rd. Ste. 200, Spring, Texas 77389. creativelife. org and online at facebook.com/creativelifeorg

Kid’s Yoga w/Meredith. 11:30 am-12:30 pm Our children’s yoga classes teach age-appropriate yoga poses, breathing techniques, and mindfulness activities for children ages 5-12 years old. Through movement, games,and stories, children will be invited to grow in their self-awareness, improve their balance and physical strength, and learn tools for their emotional well-being. $27 drop in, class packages also available.Union Yoga Studio 600 N. Shepherd Dr. #449, Houston 77007. momence.com/Meredith-Smith/Children's-Yoga/99388692

Monday

Free Outdoor Zumba 6:30 pm. Join the party and sweat with Tiny Fitness to rhythms from around the world! This hour-long Zumba fitness class will have you grooving, shaking, and toning to salsa, hip hop, samba, and bhangra beats - and so many more. Open to all fitness levels and recommended for ages 16+ Levy Park, 3801 Eastside, Houston 77098. tinyfitnesshouston.com

IGNITE! Sessions 12 noon - 6 pm. Find your purpose with igniter/artist/intuitive guide Sarah Gish in 30- or 60-minute sessions ($50 or $100). You’ll leave with a personal mantra that reinforces what the heart-centered connection uncovered. Call for appointment: 713-993-0550. Body Mind & Soul. 7951 Katy Freeway, Houston

Tuesday

Tai Chi in the Park - Evelyn’s 9 am. These classes are open to the public and are excellent for beginners and all levels of sincere Tai Chi Players. These classes are geared towards health and well-being and are gentle enough for Seniors and those who are recovering from illness or injury. Please join us. 4400 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire 77401. bluedragontaichi.com

Tai Chi in the Park – Woodchase 6 pm. These classes are open to the public and are excellent for beginners and all levels of sincere Tai Chi Players. These classes are geared towards health and well-being and are gentle enough for Seniors and those who are recovering from illness or injury. Please join us. 3951 Woodchase Dr, Houston 77042. bluedragontaichi.com

Dawn Mountain Teaching Tuesday: Buddhist Practice on Western Ground. first and third Tuesdays 7:00-8:30. Online and in person 4803 San Felipe St. Houston TX 77056. Previous sessions recorded and available for viewing. Register at dawnmountain.org

Thursday

Tai Chi in the Park – Levy 7 pm. Thursdays @ 7pm. These classes are open to the public and are excellent for beginners and all levels of sincere Tai Chi Players. These classes are geared towards health and well-being and are gentle enough for Seniors and those who are recovering from illness or injury. Please join us. 3801 Eastside St, Houston 77098. bluedragontaichi.com

Midlife Orphan book study/discussion via Zoom. 7:30 pm CT: Practitioner Sarah Westbrook leads this new book study/ discussion. Who are we when we are fully untethered from our parents? What happens to the rest of the family when our patriarchs and matriarchs are no longer present? Jane Brooks explores these and similar themes in her book Midlife Orphan: Facing Life’s Changes Now that Your Parents are Gone. Please email westbrook500@gmail.com to request a Zoom link

Friday

Tai Chi in the Park – Levy 9 am. These classes are open to the public and are excellent for beginners and all levels of sincere Tai Chi Players. These classes are geared towards health and well-being and are gentle enough for Seniors and those who are recovering from illness or injury. Please join us. 3801 Eastside St, Houston 77098. bluedragontaichi.com

Saturday

Yoga on the Lawn. 8:30-9:30 am. Weather permitting. Complimentary outdoor yoga on the Yoga Lawn at the MKT. Enjoy a 60 min. all levels vinyasa class and fruit sponsored by Central City Co-op after class. Mat rentals: $5 Union Yoga Studio 600 N. Shepherd Dr. #449, Houston 77007. unionstudio.yoga

Tai Chi in the Park – Discovery Green 10:15 am. These classes are open to the public and are excellent for beginners and all levels of sincere Tai Chi Players. These classes are geared towards health and well-being and are gentle enough for Seniors and those who are recovering from illness or injury. Please join us. 3801 1500 McKinney, Houston 77010. bluedragontaichi.com

Reiki Circle 2:00 pm. Reiki Holy Fire Experience healing circle, held on 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. A chosen issue for healing will be the focus of each circle. Everyone is welcome.Location: 9039 Katy Freeway, building 500, suite 504, Houston, TX 77024. Fee: Love offering. Contact: April 713-922-3474. dharmareikiacupuncture.com

Finding Your Tribe

Coming in August

Community Resource Guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com

ACUPUNCTURE

DHARMA REIKI & ACUPUNCTURE

9039 Katy Freeway, Suite 504 Houston, Texas 77024

713-922-3474

dharmareikiacupuncture.com

We are a Traditional Chinese Medicine and Reiki clinic, offering alternative healing services since 2008.

• Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

• Reiki energy healing, individual sessions and classes

• Internal medicine, pain management

• Women’s health, pre-post natal, menopause

• Emotional, trauma healing

• Chakra clearing and balancing

• Stress, anxiety, mood disorders

• Hormone, energy, sleep imbalance

• Diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, gastrointestinal, and more…

FREE CONSULTATION

Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki Practitioner Training is offered monthly. Dates & details on website Reiki Healing Circle on 2nd Saturday of every month. See Calendar of Events.

BATH PRODUCTS

CONNIE’S BATH SHACK

211 Midway St, Bldg E Spring, TX 77373

281-288-9595

conniesbathshack.com

A quaint shop in the heart of historic Old Town Spring Texas, offering unique handmade bath and body products and lots of rubber ducks. Small Batch Handmade soaps by Connie. Wonderful lather and amazing Scents. Enjoy the aroma therapy of a bath in your shower with Shower Steamers. Put little bit of heaven for your bath with Fizzies. We also have bath salts, scrubs, shampoos, lotions, creams, shaving creams & soaps, and batch accessories of all kinds. Shop conveniently on-line or drop by our store.

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY

ADORE DENTISTRY

540 W 19 Street Houston, TX 77008

832-930-7844

adore-dentistry.com

Re-designing dentistry in Houston Heights by creating a personal ized, comfortable, and fun experience to de liver excellent patient satisfaction. From preven tative dentistry to smile makeovers, our team of dental professionals have the skill-sets to provide remarkable quality and compassionate care to give you that smile you’ve always wanted. Ser vices include cosmetic, preventative, restorative, and a full range of family dentistry services. Lead by Drs. Emilyann Pham and Ann Blair our team provides compassionate human-centered patient care. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment. Insurance accepted.

MARILYN K. JONES, DDS

Houston Dental Health Center

800 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057

713-497-1355

houstonbiologicaldentist.com

Natural Dentistry supports the body and the mind by finding the cause of dental problems. The dental examination includes noticing systemic and habitual influences. If you have dental issues or currently have silver amalgam fillings, call me today to schedule an appointment. See Ad on page 2.

BREATHWORK

NERVOUS

APES

“Breath, Meditate, Communicate” nervousapes.com

713-257-0761 info@nervousapes.com

Looking to learn a variety of meditation and breathing techniques without the “woo?” Learn skills that you can use in your everyday life to reduce suffering and increase fulfillment in yourself and others. Learn to practice with consistency. Learn the art of staying with it that will transport you to that really special place, that once you experience, you’ll know without a doubt. Visit our website to receive a FREE pre-recorded breathing and meditation session or to sign up for our upcoming 6-Weeks Meditation/Breathing Fundamentals Course.

COLONICS

JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336 joycelongwellness.com

Established 1989. Call to schedule any of the following services: massage therapies, lymphatic drainage massage and facials, reflexology, infra-red sauna, ion cleanse foot or hand baths, Chinese cupping or colon hydrotherapy (prescriptions only- yours or ours). By appointment only. Be well-Stay well. CALL TODAY!

URBAN COLONICS

Barbara Ellis, Retired RN 5042 Briscoe St. Houston, TX.77033 713-738-8199 urbancolonics.com

Serving Houston and the surrounding area since 1979. We continue to irrigate with State Of The Art Equipment (closed colonic systems cleared by the FDA). We utilize totally disposable colonic set-ups and sterile water. A prescription is required for this procedure. Our Medical Director at a different location will make an assessment and write a prescription for OUR clients only. Visit our website to learn more details. Please call us to schedule an appointment.

See ad page 5.

ENERGY HEALING

SOUL SORCERESS

soulsorceress.com

Bring your body to a relaxed state to encourage your body to naturally begin healing areas you may not pay attention to due to the business of everyday life. I offer Group Sound Baths, Personalized Vibrational, Reiki Sessions, and Cleansings. I seek to assist you in your healing journey and look forward to help you connect with a likeminded community all looking to co-create and elevate our Vibrations! This journey is for all ages and genders and I create a safe, loving environment for all. Visit my website to schedule a session and for information about my upcoming workshops.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

ERIN THOLE, CNHP

ErinThole.com

Thole.erin@gmail.com

Get to the root cause of your health conditions. Erin has been working in the health and nutrition field for over 11 years specializing and working extensively with those suffering from: autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory disorders. She works with each client’s unique biochemistry to determine what dietary, supplementation and lifestyle changes will work best for them as an individual. There is NO one-size-fits-all program. All appointments are conducted via phone! This makes it very easy and convenient to receive care from any location. If you want to reach your true health potential, Email Erin today to schedule your FREE 45 minute initial phone consultation. Hours until 5 pm Fridays.

MIND BODY SOLUTIONS

Dr. Serge Gregoire, Ph.D, CCH 210 Genesis Blvd, Suite C Webster, TX 77598 281-616-3816. nutrition-houston.com

Dr. Serge & his team provide safe, effective, and natural, personalized functional medicine for the entire family and specialize in complex chronic disease and autoimmunity. We are committed to transforming the health and well-being of our patients through a holistic approach that includes evidence-based, natural therapies. Our practice is dedicated to addressing the root causes of illness rather than merely treating symptoms, to help you achieve optimal health outcomes. We feel that it is not just the absence of disease, but also improving our client’s physical, mental, and emotional balance overall that matters.

See ad on page 9

HYPNOSIS

CLAUDIA AUTRY, HYPNOTIST

(by appointment only)

281-849-4610

ca@claudiaautry.com

claudiaautry.com

Want to stop smoking or lose weight? Looking for ways to relax, find balance and increase the joy in your life? Hypnosis can help you. Call SOON to book your appointment. Let’s work together to create the life you want!

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

MIND BODY SOLUTIONS

Melody McClain, FNP-C

210 Genesis Blvd, Suite C Webster, TX 77598

281-616-3816.

nutrition-houston.com

We help you find answers to the cause of your illness and the nutritional and biochemical imbalances that may be making you feel ill. Melody will search for underlying triggers that are contributing to your illness through cutting edge lab testing and tailor the intervention to your specific needs as an individual. She may use diet, supplements, lifestyle changes or medication to treat your illness but will seek the gentlest way to help your body restore balance along with the least invasive treatment possible. She seeks to promote wellness and create hope, health, and healing for her patients.

See ad on page 9

PHOENIX RISING INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

3100 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77098

713-806-9927

phoenixrisingacu.com

We offer comprehensive and customized therapeutic plans that address chronic illness & autoimmune disease for patients seeking support both in-person and virtually. Phoenix Rising Integrative Medicine takes an integrative approach to addressing chronic illness and autoimmune by combining ancient healing tools of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern functional medicine, including evidence-based lab testing, clinical nutrition, lifestyle modifications, herbal medicine and acupuncture protocols that are customized for each patient. We also work with patients suffering from environmental and food allergies, reproductive and fertility issues, breast implant illness, and emotional health issues. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment.

weMED Clinics

4126 Southwest Fwy, Suite 1130

Houston, TX 77027

713-572-3888

wemedhealth.com

Blending ancient wisdom with modern medicine weMed Clinics can help you heal naturally. Our staff of 16, work together to address the root causes of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure, chronic pain, insomnia and more. Our emphasis continues to be preventive and longevity care. Our free weekly webinars on a variety of health issues are listed in the Natural Awakenings calendar. Call or visit our website to schedule a visit or for more information.

See ad on page 20.

KAVA BAR

ELIXIR LOUNGE KAVA BAR

206 Main Street Spring, TX 77373

elixirloungekavabar.com

If you’re tired of the traditional bar scene, the same bar regulars, and what seems to be the same experience, then we urge you to give Elixir Lounge Kava Bar a try. We offer folks from all walks of life a cool spot to enjoy a night out without being pressured to consume alcohol. We offer kava drinks and other treats for those looking to boost their mood with the best alcohol alternatives. Whether you’re coming to relax with a book, have a conversation with friends, play a board game with other patrons, or enjoying a special event, Elixir Lounge has something for everyone.

Emotional

KRATOM

AUSTIN ORGANIC VILLAGE

Online sales only.

833-AUSTIN-1 austinorganicvillage.online

Focused on helping others achieve greater balance in life, our high-quality kratom products combine the best in variety with affordability. Sourced directly from top-rated kratom vendors that share our vision of helping others, Austin Organic Village is proud to offer a diverse line of kratom products for sale online. We believe that nature holds the key to true wellness, and offer our high-quality kratom products in the hopes of improving the health of others, the natural way. We ship nationwide and check out our prices and our quality. Call or visit our website for more information or to place an order. See ad page 4.

KREAT DAY BOTANICALS

1973 W Gray, Suite 23 Houston, TX 77019

713-369-0946

KreatDay.com

A BBB Accredited Business

We provide the choicest healthy Botanicals garnered from some of the most exotic corners of the world. Only The BEST! We ensure quality by going to the source, checking our international vendors 1st hand, and using USDA Certified Organic vendors when applicable. We stand by our products and our services! If you are unsatisfied with your order we will return, exchange and or refund your money. We got you covered! See ads on pages 12.

LIFE COACHING

BP LIFE COACHING SERVICES, LLC

611 Dairy Ashford Road, Houston 77079 281-942-1116 (Office) and 281-301-4820 (Cell). bplifecoaching.com

Unlock your potential with BP Life Coaching Services! Founded by Barbara Palmer in 2020, we offer personalized coaching for transformative results. Specializing in health and life coaching, our services include one-on-one sessions, group coaching, and workshops. Join our EMPOWER-HER sessions for busy women on July 20 and August 17. Transform today! See ad on page 5

NEXT STEP COACHES

nextstepcoaches.com

connect@nextstepcoaches.com

Life is full of magic and tragedy, continuously keeping most of us on an emotional roller coaster. Drawing from Jungian psychology, spiritual practices, and mindset activating techniques, we help clients understand the root of their habits and behavior and make lasting shifts and transform their lives in a profound and sustainable way. Let us help you find the lessons from your challenges and come out stronger. Visit our website today to book your FREE initial consultation.

LYMPHATIC THERAPY

JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street

Rosenberg, TX 77471

281-232-7336

joycelongwellness.com

Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs where it can and may cause blockages. Lymphatic therapy can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. By appointment only. Be well – Stay well. CALL TODAY!

MASSAGE

STAN’S HANDS MASSAGE & WELLNESS

2990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 440 Houston, TX 77098

832-526-6520 stanshandsmassage.com

PHOENIX SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

6600 Harwin Drive

Houston, TX 77036

713-974-0360

themassageschool.com

Learn massage and holistic health. Train for a career you will love. New Program: Online classes combined with on campus classes! Open your own practice. Find employment at Luxury Spas, Fitness Centers & Rehab Clinics. Finish in as little as 5 ½ months. Join one of the fastest growing Health Care Professions.. Visit our website or call today for more information or to schedule a tour of our school.

See ad page 2 and 7.

MEDITATION

DAWN MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR TIBETAN BUDDHISM

4803 San Felipe St. Houston, TX 77056

713-630-0354

dawnmountain.org

The mission of Dawn Mountain is to further the spiritual growth of our diverse community as a living bridge between traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings and curious people everywhere. Dawn Mountain offers weekly meditation from 11am to noon each Sunday, “First Sunday” teachings on the first Sunday of each month at 10:30am, followed by our regular Sunday Meditation. Donations accepted. All sessions are archived on our YouTube channel. Please visit our website for more information and consider taking advantage of our many offerings,

METAPHYSICAL SHOPS

ODYSSEY EMPORIUM

123 Midway St, Bldg C Spring, Texas 77373 888-492-3584

odysseyemporium.com

Are you in pain? Well, you don’t have to live like this. We are here to heal your body and mind through massage and energetic practices. We offer a wide variety of massage modalities designed to fit your needs. We offer both onsite chair and concierge table massage. Call today to book your appointment at 832-526-6520. Our mission is to heal your mind and body. We accept both PSA and HSA cards for payment.

We are a retail shop and also have an online store. We can also custom-make many of our product lines. Our products include a range of metaphysical items, clothing, books, stones, jewelry, candles, soaps, teas, incenses, herbs, blades, and accessories for spiritual work. We also have some unique renaissance festival and gothic clothing and accessories. Check out our gaming and sci-fi themed products as well. We offer daily in-house Tarot reading and conduct private Old Town Spring Ghost tours. Open 7 days a week.

INDIGO MOONS

1900 Blalock Rd Ste P

Houston, TX 77080

281-974-1043

indigomoons.net

We serve our customers with knowledge, enthusiasm, generosity, and humor. Come visit us for a wide range of crystals and gems, fossils and specimens, silver and gemstone jewelry, sage and incense, home decor, new and used books, Tarot and oracle decks, and an ever-growing supply of handcrafted products by local artisans. Or stay informed with upcoming classes and events. Start your journey, learn something new, make new friendsit’s all possible here at Indigo Moons.

See ad on page 14.

MINDFULNESS

REMINDFUL LIVING dailyremindful.com

erika@dailyremindful.com

Are you looking for ways to integrate mindfulness into your daily life? Place our ReMinders around your most commonly used spaces for both work and living, and in this way remain aligned with your intention and more present throughout your activities. RECENTER pause and take a breath. REMEMBER your intention. RECONNECT throughout the day. Order our ReMinders Kit for only $10 and get a 30-day downloadable Mindfulness Program free. Visit our website for details and to order your kit.

NATUROPATH

HOUSTON HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC

“Better Health Naturally”

Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074

713-781-9991

HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Dr. Gracie Chukwu is a Doctor of Naturopathy and a Certified Nutrition Counselor. She has been assisting people for over five years with holistic medicine, diet, nutrition and supplement support to enhance her client’s health and overall well-being. If you are suffering and cannot find relief, give Dr. Gracie a call.

See ad on page 7.

NEW THOUGHT CENTERS

CREATIVE LIFE SPIRITUAL CENTER

5326 Spring-Stuebner Road Spring, Texas 77389

creativelife.org | info@creativelife.org

We’re a spiritual discovery destination built on New Thought principles, as part of Centers for Spiritual Living, offering a fresh look at sacred traditions and the wisdom of the ages. We hold celebration services at 11am CT Sundays, plus they’re live-streamed on Facebook and appear later on our YouTube channel. Virtual classes, book studies and discussions happen online through the week. We’d love to have you check us out!

See ad page 19.

PAIN REMEDY

AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 tinyurl.com/AuntAlberta

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? Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $18 plus postage. Visit website for other options.

See ad on page 19

PERSONAL FITNESS

TINY FITNESS

Tiny changes Big Results 832-730-3048 tinyfitnesshouston.com

Let’s make your life feel amazing! See results fast with personal training...join the Zumba Fitness party, FREE...put yourself to the test in HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), Kickboxing, or Beginner Bootcamp...or just let it all go in a Recovery Workshop...but whatever you do, start today for an even better tomorrow. Visit our website to sign up for a class or make an appointment for personal training.

THERMOGRAPHY

MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY CENTER

“Better Health Naturally”

Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074

713-781-9991

HoustonHolistic HealthClinic.com

Breast thermography has the ability to warn woman up to 10 years before any other procedure that a cancer may be forming; thus, allowing for prompt and timely treatment. Thermography uses no radiation and poses absolutely NO health risks to the patient. If you are a woman, over 20 years old and have not had a breast thermograph, call Dr. Gracie TODAY.

See ad on page 14.

TAI CHI

BLUE DRAGON TAI CHI

832-303-8728

bluedragontaichi.com

Have you ever wanted to learn Tai Chi? Now is your chance. Join us for any of our FREE Tai Chi in the Park classes on Tues., Thurs. and Fri. See page 26 for details. Return your body and mind to its original pure and healthy state and is taught as a life nourishing, restorative and spiritual practice.

VEGAN RESTAURANTS

TRENDY VEGAN

3821 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX 77027

713-621-9488

trendyveganhouston.com

Trendy Vegan offers delicious dining and takeout to Houston, TX. Trendy Vegan is a cornerstone in the Houston community and has been recognized for its outstanding Vegetarian cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. Our Vegetarian restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.

See ad on page 14.

YOGA

THE BREATHING ROOM

200 Westcott St. Houston, TX 77007

713-864-2552

breathingroomhtx.com

The Breathing Room was founded by Alicia Gordy, RYT-500, out of a desire to share with others the movement practices and healing modalities that brought about significant change in her own life. The unique yoga and Pilates studio and wellness center is focused on mindful, breath-based movement, as well as other modalities to support the wellness journey. All levels, from the beginning student to the advanced practitioner are welcome. We have found yoga and Pilates to be complementary, mindful, breath-based practices that when practiced consistently and with attention and care, yield profound results. We also offer sessions in meditation, breathwork and reiki, and share space with other practitioners specializing in physical therapy, massage and esthetics.

UNION YOGA STUDIO

600 N Shepherd Dr., #449 Houston, TX 77007

800-215-3190

unionstudio.yoga

The studio is dedicated to selfstudy through movement, breath and meditation, and is committed to upholding the tenets of authenticity, sincerity, inclusion, and integrity without exception. We offer a variety of classes including Vinyasa, The Rest of Yoga (™), Yin, Hatha, and Myofascial Release. Classes are in-person, streaming and on-demand. Owner and lead instructor, Kim Taurins has been practicing yoga since 2001. She is a 500 hour E-RYT level with an emphasis in yoga therapeutics, Daoism, Reiki, and bodywork. Visit our website for more informationor to sign up.