August 2025 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

Harmonious Living

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© 2025 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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There’s something about the word harmony that instantly evokes peace—within ourselves, in our homes, and out in the world. Whether it’s the sound of waves lapping at the shoreline, a favorite song from years past (yes, the Beach Boys’ iconic hit “Good Vibrations” instantly comes to mind), or that rare moment when everything feels aligned, it’s a feeling we all crave.

This month’s theme, Harmonious Living, explores how we can create more balance in our daily lives. We look at ways to realign with our true selves, harness the healing power of sound, design mindful workouts, and bring intention into our spaces. Harmony isn’t just a goal—it should be a daily practice.

For me, harmonious living always includes heading to the beach! Pensacola Beach is my go-to spot when I need to unwind, reset and renew. There I find friends, laughter, adventure and solace. This “just because” tradition started in the mid-90s when my sister and I made our first trip to the Blue Angels air show the weekend after July 4th. Each year, we made new friends, reconnected with old ones, danced, ate great food and simply relaxed. Years later, I met my husband on Pensacola Beach, got engaged there, and honeymooned in the Virgin Islands—always a tropical choice when it comes to travel. To this day, we return to Pensacola Beach when we want to celebrate, decompress or reflect on a big decision. It’s truly a haven for the mind, body and soul.

Living in harmony also means surrounding ourselves with people and places that support our well-being. I’m grateful for the many local businesses that make up our Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast family—from health food stores and wellness centers to holistic practitioners and green businesses. Our advertisers are true partners in the mission to help you live more naturally and intentionally. For more than 30 years, this magazine has connected readers with trusted resources, and that tradition continues—stronger than ever.

As summer slowly winds down, may you find new ways to nurture harmony in body, mind, spirit and space.

With gratitude,

Michelle Smith

Publisher, Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast

Michelle Smith, Publisher

Each month, a credentialed expert in natural or integrative health shares clinical insights, success stories, or emerging evidence from their field. Professional Pulse offers an informed and inspiring look at the positive impact of holistic approaches to health and healing. If you would like to contribute evidence-informed stories from your practice—client successes, emerging research, or innovative approaches that are making a difference—please email your name, credentials, area of expertise, and a brief summary of your story idea. We would love to hear from you!

Hillstar Health Blends Science and Soul in Functional Medicine

Tara Miller, BSE, MSN, is the heart behind Hill star Health in Daph ne, where she merges the science of conventional medicine with the art of holistic care. As a family nurse practitioner and certified functional medicine practi tioner, Miller takes a whole-per son, root-cause approach to health— empowering patients with knowledge, tools and support to restore balance naturally.

“Rather than masking symptoms with medication, we ask why the body is out of balance in the first place,” Miller explains. “Then we support the body’s innate ability to heal.”

Founded in 2019 and now thriving in its new location, Hillstar Health offers personalized

wellness plans that address detoxification, hormone balance, gut health, autoimmune conditions, and many more chronic conditions. Miller’s functional medicine model blends nutrition, movement, stress management and high-quality supplementation to help patients regain energy, reduce inflammation, and feel like

Clinical Outcomes That Inspire

The results coming out of Hillstar Health are both encouraging and deeply transformative. “Many of my patients—men and women alike—have found meaningful relief from hormone dysfunction, including andropause and menopause symptoms like

decreased sex drive, hot flashes, fatigue and mood swings by following a personalized protocol,” says Miller. “Others have seen reduced joint pain, increased energy, improved emotional balance, and noticeable relief from autoimmune-related discomfort.”

Digestive health is another area where patients are seeing significant breakthroughs. “Those struggling with chronic bloating, constipation and diarrhea are finally experiencing real, lasting change,” she adds. “As gut health improves, so does their overall quality of life.”

These stories aren’t just success anecdotes— they’re a reflection of what’s possible when functional medicine addresses the root causes of imbalance rather than simply masking symptoms. Through personalized care and holistic strategies, Hillstar Health is helping patients reclaim their vitality from the inside out.

Empowering Patients, Naturally

Miller is deeply committed to helping others live vibrant, empowered lives through evidence-informed care and a deep respect for the body’s wisdom. She also serves as a wellness educator in the community, bridging clinical insight with compassion.

Hillstar Health, located at 28720 U.S. 98, Ste. 1, in Daphne, AL, is currently offering a Back-to-School Special: $75 off new patient appointments during August. For more information and to book your appointment, call 251-241-4346 or visit HillstarHealthAL.com. See ads, pages 4 and 31.

Natural Beauty

Discover beauty rooted in nature. NATURAL BEAUTY partners offer products and services that nourish the body and honor the planet, prioritizing clean ingredients, holistic care and sustainable practices. From holistic skincare to therapeutic treatments, this page celebrates gentler, healthier, natural ways to look and feel your best.

Spotlight on Natural Beauty The Art of Clean Beauty at Tmac’s

At Tmac’s Hair Studio, beauty is more than skin deep—it’s a conscious, soulful experience rooted in wellness, sustainability and self-expression.

With locations in Mobile and Daphne, Alabama, Tmac’s is evolving into a full-spectrum sanctuary for hair and scalp wellness. Guests can access specialized scalp treatments and the support of an in-house trichologist, offering expert care for hair thinning, hair loss, and scalp imbalances.

“Clean beauty isn’t the same as minimalism, but they overlap,” explains Tara McAdams-May, master cosmetologist and owner of Tmac’s. “It means choosing fewer products—only what works for your skin and hair type—with pure formulas that truly perform.”

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Beyond hair care, McAdams-May leads with vision and heart, mentoring the next generation of mindful stylists through a robust apprenticeship program, intimate shadow days, and transformative handson classes for professionals and salon owners alike.

Tmac’s spaces are intentionally designed with nature and art in mind—creating an eco-friendly, relaxing environment that nurtures guests and stylists alike. “There are many ways in which we strive to reduce our impact on the environment,” says McAdams-May. “But it all begins with how we care—for ourselves, our clients and the planet.”

For more information visit TmacsHairStudio.com. See ad, page 7

Interested in being featured?

We welcome natural beauty practitioners, product makers and wellness professionals to be part of this dedicated advertising space. If your brand aligns with clean, holistic and sustainable beauty, we’d love to spotlight your offerings in an upcoming issue. Learn more about advertising, contact Michelle Smith, publisher, 251-990-9552.

Delaying Menopause for Longevity

Menopause, which occurs at the end of a woman’s reproductive years, brings about changes in body composition and heightened health risks, including bone density loss, insulin resistance and an elevated propensity for cardiovascular disease. Notably, women that naturally enter menopause after age 55 have better health outcomes and a longer lifespan than those experiencing earlier menopause. Researchers and industry stakeholders are actively investigating ways to postpone its onset.

Yale University has devised an experimental procedure originally developed to preserve fertility for women undergoing cancer treatments. It involves surgically removing the outermost layer of the ovary, which contains hundreds of thousands of immature eggs, when a woman is in her late 30s. The tissues are cryogenically preserved for reimplantation years later as menopause approaches.

Columbia University is studying how to delay ovarian aging through the administration of low doses of an immunosuppressant drug, thus inhibiting a cellular pathway implicated in the aging process. Gameto, a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing treatment options for women, is conducting animal testing on engineered young ovarian support cells derived from stem cells. Celmatix Therapeutics is working on a drug designed to slow ovarian reserve depletion. Other researchers are advancing senolytic drugs engineered to selectively target and eliminate old, damaged cells.

New Defense Against Superbugs

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that antimicrobial-resistant infections affect more than 2.8 million Americans annually, resulting in more than 35,000 deaths. These “superbugs” have developed the ability to resist medicines used to eradicate them, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics.

In 2019, a systematic review proposed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a potential strategy for the decolonization of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDRO), as well as for the prevention of recurring MDRO infections. The researchers suggested that the implantation of good bacteria could restore normal gut microbiota, giving patients the ability to fight off resistant infections without need for other medical interventions.

A small, randomized trial in the United Kingdom recently tested the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of FMT delivered in capsule form. Among the subjects with invasive infections, 20 received FMT capsules, while 21 were part of the placebo group. The findings published in the July issue of the Journal of Infection indicated that encapsulated FMT was safe, well-tolerated and effective in colonizing the gut with healthy bacteria and eliminating superbugs. This study establishes the groundwork for a larger-scale investigation.

Scharvik from Getty

Healthy-Aging Properties of Caffeinated Coffee

In June, a large-scale study by Tufts University sought to determine the health benefits of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee with and without the addition of sugar and saturated fat. The results published in The Journal of Nutrition suggest that drinking a low-to-moderate amount of caffeinated coffee daily lowers the risk of all-cause mortality; however, the benefit drops when an overabundance of sugar and saturated fat are added.

The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 1999 and 2018 involving more than 46,000 American adults. Individuals that consumed one to three cups every day were about 15 percent less likely to die in the next nine to 11 years compared to those that did not drink coffee at all. This benefit was negated for those that added more than half a teaspoon of sugar, one tablespoon of half-and-half, or three-and-a-half tablespoons of whole milk. Drinking decaffeinated coffee was not associated with healthy aging.

limpido from Getty Images Pro/CanvaPro

Wellness Cars of the Future

As many vehicles advance toward automation, passengers are presented with a range of new possibilities. Without a human driver, the car’s interior can be transformed to cater to the desires of the traveler with entertainment, media and digital connections seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s ecosystem. Routes can be customized to optimize the journey, ranging from the quickest to the offbeat, with the ability to identify interesting and historically significant landmarks, locations, features and objects along the way.

In the car of the future, integrated artificial intelligence assists in planning scenic detours and dining experiences. Because the vehicle drives itself, enhanced lie-flat seating that incorporates massage and optimal body positioning ensures passengers arrive at their destination feeling well-rested. High-quality audio and video systems, coupled with atomizers that release the occupants’ favorite aromatherapy scent, provide an opportunity to enhance the overall sense of well-being. Biometric sensors monitor heart rate and stress levels, prompting relaxation or meditative activities. Companies such as Cadillac and BMW are already working to make these concepts a reality.

Sustainable Building Materials

Julee Herdt, an award-winning architect, inventor and professor of architecture at the University of Colorado, has developed a range of high-performance, sustainable building materials called BioSIPs. Herdt’s technology enables the construction of structural panels, beams, interior partitions and furniture from paper, agricultural and bovine waste, as well as unwanted biomass such as hemp, wood and aromatic flowers, eliminating the need for synthetic binders or toxic resins. She has also developed insulation made from mushrooms that bonds to the BioSIP products.

These building materials are fully renewable, repulpable and recyclable. In a full-scale test, a solar home constructed with BioSIP

Reusing Forever Chemicals

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as forever chemicals, have been linked to a number of health concerns. In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labeled a specific PFAS known as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and its salts and isomers as hazardous chemicals.

Scientists from the UK’s University of Oxford and Colorado State University have developed a novel method for both destroying PFAS and reusing some of their elements in new products. Their method, published in the journal Nature, involves reacting PFAS with potassium phosphate salts and then grinding the PFAS and salts together using ball bearings to break the carbon-fluorine bonds. This process facilitates the reuse of the fluorine content in the manufacture of medicines and other products.

products outperformed standard and sustainably designed solar homes in terms of energy efficiency, environmental standards and occupant comfort.

Aflo

Images from Aflo/CanvaPro

frender from Getty Images Signature, 3dalia from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Health Hut Offers Exclusive

All-In-One Master Tonic

The Health Hut, a trusted source for holistic wellness for over 40 years, is proud to offer the exclusive All-In-One Master Tonic—a powerful, natural elixir designed to support digestion, energy, immune function and more.

Crafted with a synergistic blend of familiar ingredients, the tonic combines the benefits of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, turmeric and honey. Each ingredient is celebrated for its wellness-enhancing properties—like supporting blood sugar levels, calming inflammation, encouraging healthy circulation, and promoting gut balance.

“Master Tonic has truly become part of my daily morning routine,” says regular customer Forrest Williams, a busy senior account executive. “It gets my metabolism going and gives me a boost of energy. I consider it my go-to supplement for gut health and would recommend it to anyone ready to make real lifestyle changes.”

While the exact formulation remains proprietary, the combination of these time-honored ingredients results in a tonic that’s both potent and versatile. “Whether you’re starting a new wellness regimen or looking to upgrade your current one, this daily elixir may be the natural edge your body needs,” affirms Trey Galloway, owner of The Health Hut.

Available exclusively at The Health Hut in Mobile and Daphne, this local favorite is helping customers of all ages take control of their health—one sip at a time.

The Health Hut locations: 680 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile. Call 251-6330485 and 6845 U.S. Hwy. 90, Daphne. Call 251-621-1865. For more information visit HealthHutAL.com. See ad, back cover.

Anti-aging & Skin Care: LifeWave, Andalou, Shikai,...

Gluten-free and Snack Options: Yummy Keto Bars, Nuts, Berries,...

Supplements & Vitamins: Terry’s Naturally, Nature’s Plus, Solaray,... Pet food & Supplements: Dr. Marty’s, Canine Caviar, Solid Gold,...

Immune System

The Authentic Lifestyle

Learning To Realign With Our True Selves

by Carrie Jackson

Harmony in our daily routine provides a sustainable and fulfilling rhythm. A life in balance accommodates ambition and rest, effort and ease, honoring our individual energy and purpose. Instead of pursuing future goals and equating success with monetary gain or accomplishments, we can learn to appreciate the present moment and align our choices with personal values. By shifting from a rigid, externally oriented idea of success to a more holistic, harmoniously driven approach, we can experience greater joy, purpose and authenticity.

Connecting to the Web of Life

In 2022, Yoli Maya Yeh, a yoga teacher, shiatsu therapist and educator whose work revolves around Indigenous preservation, healing arts and social justice, embarked on an adventure of global nomadism and worldschooling her now 13-year-old child. Their journeys have taken them to many countries, including Morocco, Italy, Malta and Senegal. Yeh asserts that her lifestyle was not the result of a single decision but rather the culmination of focus, willpower and the strength of those that have walked before her.

“While entrepreneurship flows through my veins, without a clear vision, a sense of purpose and a deep well of confidence, I would not be able to be this assertive and daring in my approach to how I want to fulfill my dreams. I could decide to play small and feel contracted in my body, but that was not the intuitive guidance I have come to trust,” Yeh explains. “My vision is a life where I can be in spaces of belonging, collaborating and problem solving, dreaming and world-building

our collective liberated future. In the present moment, I explore my inborn gifts and hone them to be of maximum service.”

She maintains that a path of development cannot be solely cerebral, sharing, “A traveling lifestyle provides me with a high level of changefulness in which I can cultivate growth and adaptation through constant new experiences that challenge me to navigate unknowns. We must bring the transformative process into the body through active restoration tools and meaningful engagement with self.”

Harmony and resistance are felt in the body, and tapping into those signals enables us to deeply connect with our true selves. As Yeh puts it, “Perpetual analysis in the mind disconnects us from the experience of reso-

nance, thus distancing us from actual alignment. A daily centering practice that draws on a collage of breathwork, mantra and meditative techniques allows us to hone our connection to the sensations in the body.”

As a respite from the demands of modern society, Yeh turns to yoga nidra, a yogic sleep meditation originating in South Asia, as well as other Indigenous wisdom traditions. “Living in the modern era presents us with contradictory factors,” she says. “We have more automation and digital support, while at the same time, we are cut off from our ancestral rejuvenation practices such as sacred dreaming, ritual and community celebration.”

Another valuable practice is rematriation, or “returning to the Sacred Mother,” which

emphasizes the restoration of Indigenous knowledge and connection. “In this practice, we lay our tired bones down on the earth to rest and revive the ancestral wisdom that lives within. Like so many meditative and trance practices, one explores liminal states of consciousness where the mind expands well beyond the confines of the awake, thinking mind and amplifies creativity and a sense of freedom,” Yeh explains. “To experience fulfillment in life, we need a recipe that combines resonance of expansion and a sense of belonging. Success is the embodied expression of this connection to self and collective at the same time.”

Fulfilling Our Journey

Brianna Wiest is the bestselling author of numerous books, including 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think, The Pivot Year and The Mountain Is You. Her personal reflections are derived from years of self-inquiry and meditation practice, and her writing emphasizes emotional intelligence and self-awareness as keys to meaningful success.

She notes that the conventional standard of success varies depending on an individual’s upbringing, network and environment. “There are ways in which society measures and corroborates a concept of success, and many people feel beholden to this definition. But this can become more defeating than motivating, as the idea of success is often divorced from the essence of what it should actually mean,” she says. “Success is effectiveness, but the question becomes: Effectiveness at what? Fulfillment is when we’re effective at something meaningful. It’s an internal gauge, rather than an external measure. Fulfillment is when we feel deep

peace and inner satisfaction, regardless of how others may perceive our endeavors or pursuits.”

Shifting the focus away from the outcome, and more on our journey, is a practice that strengthens within the interplay of momentum and inertia. Wiest states, “The more we acknowledge and feel good about the progress we’re making, the more inclined we feel to make more of it. Often, we use the inverse on ourselves: We try to focus on the ways in which we’re falling behind (or imagine that we are) so as to motivate ourselves to move forward. This usually just compounds the mindset that we are incapable, and it’s not worth the effort. The best way to become more of anything is first to find evidence of the ways in which you already are that thing.”

Wiest recommends striking a balance between ambition and rest by fine-tuning intuition and strengthening the ability to

respond effectively. “There’s no right way to divide up your time, and everyone’s needs differ,” she points out. “Rather than waiting until you’re at the point of depletion to think about taking care of yourself, sit honestly with the question of where you’d like your bandwidth to expand and how your body and mind signal that it’s time to decompress. In the same way that you have to rest a muscle after exercising it for it to strengthen, repair and grow, the rest of the body works similarly. It’s part of the process, not antithetical to it.”

Taking an Energy Inventory

by Carrie Jackson

In a world that can be overwhelmingly stimulating, taking a moment to focus on mindfulness helps us reset and refocus. “Your body is your temple, and your intuition is your oracle,” says dharma coach Sahara Rose Ketabi. She recommends meditation, intuitive journaling and embodied movement as catalysts for connecting to our inner guidance and discovering life’s purpose.

• Meditation enhances listening skills, emotional awareness and overall human well-being. Turn off all distractions and notice any thoughts that arise.

• Journaling transforms intangible thoughts into visible reflections. Take five minutes every day to jot down observations, feelings and sensations.

• Embodied movement releases trapped tension, stress and trauma within the body. Start each day with a fluid, sensual and grounding movement session to foster greater joy, creativity, bliss, pleasure and peace.

Reflective practices such as meditation and journaling can enable us to be more mindful and make decisions that align with our values, instead of acting impulsively. Wiest suggests looking at life from the perspective

Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective.

—Doe Zantamata

Frizi from Getty Images/CanvaPro

marekuliasz from Getty Images/ CanvaPro

Greyerbaby from pixabay/CanvaPro

of our 90-year-old self and considering what we would have done differently. “Mindfulness is a way of both stilling the waters of the mind and calming the inner chaos, while at the same time, giving us the chance to pause between having a thought and a feeling and then immediately responding to it,” she says. “It’s that gap of time where we get to consciously decide how we will react that ultimately creates our personal freedom.”

Living Our Soul’s Purpose

Author, podcaster and co-founder of the Dharma Coaching Institute, Sahara Rose Ketabi helps people discover their soul’s purpose. “Your dharma is the big reason why you are here,” she explains. “It’s your sacred mission, your truth and the sacred intersection of your joy and the world’s needs. When you’re aligned with your dharma, life begins to feel like a divine dance—yes, with

challenges, but also with deep meaning. It’s not about being the best at something; it’s about being you, fully and unapologetically.”

Ketabi contends that the pursuit of success alone does not yield happiness; it is happiness that brings true success. “Success isn’t just about ticking boxes or climbing ladders. It’s about alignment,” she clarifies. “We can shift this mindset by tuning into our bodies, emotions and passions, asking, ‘Does this feel expansive? Does this nourish my soul?’ When your success is in service of your dharma, it feels sustainable, fulfilling and soul-led.”

Ketabi incorporates Ayurvedic wisdom into her teachings to help people tune into their own energy. “Ayurveda is the science of life, and your dharma is the reason you’re alive. They’re inherently connected. By understanding your dosha—vata, pitta or ka—you understand your strengths, challenges and soul gifts,” she explains. “It’s not just about food or herbs; it’s about rhythm. If you’re a fiery pitta trying to force your purpose, you may burn out. A dreamy vata may need structure to bring ideas through. Ayurveda teaches you how to work with your energy, not against it, so your dharma can blossom naturally.”

Living as your most authentic self ultimately has a butterfly effect for making positive changes in the world. “When one person lives in their dharma, it shifts the field for everyone around them. It creates a ripple of remembrance,” says Ketabi. “I believe that your dharma is not just about you, but it’s about the impact you create through being you. It is not selfish to follow your joy; it’s necessary. When you do what you love, you become magnetic. You inspire others to stop settling, to heal and to rise. You become the permission slip they didn’t know they needed. Living your dharma is the highest form of spiritual activism.”

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

Baking Soda: The All-Purpose Dynamo

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a versatile and economical household cleaner and personal care product that offers numerous benefits. Its non-toxic and biodegradable properties make it an environmentally friendly choice.

Cleaning and Freshening

• Kitchen Surfaces: Sprinkle on a damp sponge to clean countertops, sinks and greasy stovetops. Adding a few drops of tea tree, lemongrass, peppermint or orange essential oil will enhance the antibacterial properties.

• Pots and Pans: Use as a gentle abrasive to scrub pots and pans—even stainless steel.

• Drains: Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Allow it to fizz, then rinse with hot water. This is not a substitute for clearing clogs.

• Laundry Booster: Add half a cup to a load of laundry to soften the water, boost detergent effectiveness and neutralize odors. This natural solution is safe to use with baby items.

• Bathroom Fixtures and Surfaces: Mix an equal amount of baking soda and water or vinegar to form a paste for scrubbing sinks, tubs, tile and grout. For a deeper clean, combine with Castile soap instead of water or vinegar.

• Toilets: Use as a powdered cleanser, adding a few drops of a germ-fighting essential oil such as lavender, tea tree or lemon.

• Carpets: Mix a cup of baking soda with a few drops of geranium, lavender or ylang ylang essential oil and sprinkle it evenly over the carpet. After half an hour, vacuum thoroughly.

• Natural Deodorizer: Place an open box in the refrigerator to keep it smelling fresh. Sprinkling baking soda in garbage cans, shoes or gym bags can help eliminate unpleasant odors.

• Produce Cleaner: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of cold water and soak strawberries or other produce for 12 to15 minutes. Gently rub the fruit or vegetables, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry. This method can reduce dirt, bacteria and some pesticide residues.

• Sterling Silver Polisher: Combine two tablespoons of lemon juice or distilled vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda.

With a soft cloth, gently rub the mixture onto sterling silver items and rinse thoroughly. Allow more tarnished items to soak in the mixture for a few minutes before cleaning.

Personal Care

• Teeth Whitening: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the palm of the hand, dip a damp toothbrush into the solution and brush as usual. This method should only be used sparingly, as baking soda can damage tooth enamel.

• Skin Relief: Add half a cup of baking soda to a bath to soothe skin irritation. This solution is beneficial for eczema, poison ivy and dermatitis.

• Hair Cleansing: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a solution. Massage the mixture onto wet hair and rinse thoroughly. This shampoo alternative helps to reduce excess oil and buildup of styling products, restore pH levels, treat dandruff and lighten hair dye. It can also serve as a dry shampoo by simply combing it through dry hair. Long-term or excessive use is not recommended, as baking soda’s abrasive properties can cause split ends, irritate the scalp and strip hair of natural oils.

Prostock-studio/CanvaPro

Small but Mighty

Growing and Enjoying Microgreens and Sprouts

by Chloe Karydes Krecun

Microgreens and sprouts are small but mighty, delivering considerable benefits for the health conscious. Whether grown at home or purchased fresh from a local grocer or farmers market, these superfoods make for an easy and accessible way to add texture, flavor and nutrients to everyday meals.

Subtle differences distinguish these two remarkable plants. Microgreens are edible, immature seedlings grown in soil or a similar medium and harvested upon the appearance of the first few cotyledon leaves. Sprouts are germinated seeds that are cultivated in water until they grow into an edible plant. Their roots, seeds and leaves are edible.

“Anyone can grow a small tray of microgreens on a windowsill or around a kitchen counter,” says Katie Staudt, owner and head grower of Meraki Urban Farm, in Chicago. She points out the common misconception that microgreens can only be grown in a liquid solution. While some do-it-yourself kits employ hydroponic techniques, they are not the most efficient growing method and may lead to mold growth.

“You don’t have to have a green thumb if you have the right information,” says Staudt. Because they can be easily propagated in small trays, microgreens are ideal for small, indoor spaces. She suggests using soilless media made of peat, coconut coir or hemp that allow for proper drainage while hold-

ing the right amount of moisture. The plants demand little maintenance and are usually harvested when the greens are one to three inches tall, making them a perfect choice for individuals with limited gardening experience. Staudt recommends beginning with the radish sprout, which can grow and be ready to eat in as little as seven days. Kale, purple kohlrabi, red acre cabbage, bok choi and wasabi mustard sprouts are also easy-togrow varietals.

Sprouts can be more challenging to grow because they require greater oversight to

preserve food safety. It is important to soak the seeds in water and rinse them daily with clean water to maintain a moist environment while also reducing the risk of bacterial growth. According to agricultural experts at Penn State Extension, bacteria in the sprouting seeds “can continue to thrive if proper food handling techniques are not practiced during harvest, processing and preparation.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides good agricultural practices for growing, harvesting, packing and holding sprouts, which include using clean water, wearing disposable sterile gloves when handling the seeds and sprouts, and cooling the sprouts to 32° F immediately after harvesting. The FDA strongly recommends cooking sprouts thoroughly before consuming them to eliminate harmful bacteria. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw sprouts altogether.

According to Dominique Kline, farm manager of The Hope Farm, in Alabama, “Radish or broccoli sprouts would probably be

the easiest ones to start out with at home, just because those are some of the most reliable and have the fastest turnover.” Alfalfa, mung bean and sunflower sprouts are also relatively easy to grow.

Packed With Power

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, microgreens contain five times greater levels of vitamins and carotenoids than their mature plant counterparts, including vitamins C, E, K and A, as well as beta carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin and violaxanthin.

“You can eat 50 cups of broccoli or a single cup of broccoli sprouts for similar nutrition and benefit,” explains Emily Ho, nutrition professor and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, in an article published by the American Heart Association.

It is important to understand that these plants’ shelf life is short once they are cut. “The closer they are to being alive, the better they are for you,” Kline asserts. For those that prefer to purchase their produce instead of growing it, local farmers markets or select grocery stores also offer fresh microgreens and sprouts that provide the

same nutritional benefits and quality. This can be a convenient way to not compromise on freshness or effectiveness.

From Garden to Plate in Seconds

Not only are microgreens and sprouts relatively simple to grow, they are even easier to eat. Incorporating them into meals is quite straightforward. Kline recommends adding them to any hot or cold food as an easy nutrient boost. Sprinkle them on salads, eggs or pizza for added texture, contrast and flavor. Arugula and radish microgreens add a delightful peppery flavor, while mung beans offer a milder, slightly sweet experience, and sunflower sprouts lend a nutty flavor to any dish.

Whether enjoyed fresh from a windowsill at home or sourced from a local market, microgreens and sprouts bring nutrient density along with delicious flavors and textures, making them an attractive green to incorporate into everyday meals

Chloe Karydes Krecun is a sophomore at University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign. Connect at LinkedIn.com/in/chloe-karydes-krecun.

MICROGREEN SMOOTHIE

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1 cup frozen organic berries

1 cup coconut water

1 frozen banana

1 oz broccoli microgreens

2 Tbsp hemp seeds or chia seeds

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Recipe courtesy of Katie Staudt.

SPICY-SWEET TOFU AND BEAN SPROUTS

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

1 pkg extra firm tofu

2 cups bean sprouts, rinsed (approx. 16 oz)

1 Tbsp smoked paprika

1 Tbsp ginger, freshly grated

½ tsp ground coriander seed

½ tsp sea salt or smoked salt

¼ tsp smoked chipotle powder

¼ tsp cinnamon powder

3 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil

1 Tbsp maple syrup

1 Tbsp molasses

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Drain water from tofu then wrap it in paper towels and place it on a plate. Wait 10 minutes before gently pressing the tofu, causing excess water to be absorbed by the paper towels. Unwrap the tofu and cut it evenly into one-inch cubes. Set aside.

Add avocado oil or olive oil to a cast iron or other frying pan, set on medium-high heat until the pan is hot. Tilt the pan back and forth until the oil covers the entire surface. Be careful not to overheat the oil—it smokes if overheated.

Add the paprika, ginger, coriander, salt, chipotle, cinnamon, maple syrup and molasses to the pan. Using a fork, evenly distribute all of the ingredients in the hot oil.

When the spicy mixture bubbles, place the tofu cubes by hand into the pan. Lower the heat to medium. Brown the tofu about 2 minutes and then carefully turn it over to brown for another 2 minutes. Once browned, place the tofu onto a serving plate.

Add bean sprouts to the hot pan, stir with a fork until sprouts are hot. Add toasted sesame oil. Stir again and then remove pan from the stove.

Cover tofu with hot bean sprouts and serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

Bon Appétit!

A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets

Cultivating Wellness One Microgreen at a Time

The Story of Crooked Carrot Farms

Just west of Mobile, Crooked Carrot Farms is more than a microgreens business—it’s a mission to inspire vibrant health and sustainable living. Founded by Tracey Feeney, a passionate advocate for plant-based wellness and food justice, Crooked Carrot Farms was born out of a simple but powerful desire: to reconnect people with real food that heals.

Crooked Carrot Farms sprouted from Feeney’s personal health journey and commitment to whole-food, plant-based living.

After experiencing firsthand the transformative power of nutrient-dense foods, she set out to make that same vitality accessible to others—starting with the tiniest plants that pack the biggest punch: microgreens. What began in a small indoor grow space has now blossomed into a licensed, trusted local farm serving individuals, families, wellness providers and chefs throughout Alabama.

What sets Crooked Carrot Farms apart is its commitment to both quality and education. Feeney grows small, intentional batches using organic soil, non-GMO (mostly organic) seeds, and sustainable practices. “These microgreens aren’t just garnish—they’re nutrient powerhouses,” she says. Feeney also helps customers learn how to easily incorporate them into daily meals, from smoothies and grain bowls to sandwiches and salads.

Popular offerings include sunflower, pea, radish, broccoli, basil, cantaloupe and vibrant blends—harvested to order for maximum freshness. “Microgreens may be tiny, but their impact is huge,” says Feeney. “This is about food as medicine, and I want to make that accessible to everyone.”

Crooked Carrot Farms offers subscription delivery and appears at local farmers markets. An upcoming Microgreens Tasting & Wellness Pop-Up will offer free samples, growing tips and giveaways. Details will be announced on social media.

New subscribers receive 10 percent off their first microgreens order through September 15. For more information, call 251-656-4117, email TFeeney@ Crooked-Carrot.com, follow @crookedcarrotfarms on Instagram, or visit Crooked-Carrot.com.

Brooke Lark/unsplash

BB'S HEALTH FOODS

Personalized guidance through living right for your blood type. 8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL BBsHealthFoods.com

CHICKPEAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Amazingly delicious plant-forward options and more for the entire family! 850 Blackburn Dr., Mobile, AL 251-264-2461

COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET

Committed to Baldwin County’s local community & agriculture. 781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, AL CoastalAlabamaMarket.com

CROOKED CARROT FARMS

Delivering to Mobile & Baldwin Counties, the purest organically grown microgreens and other superfoods. Fresh, local and delivered to your doorstep. 251-656-4117 • Crooked-Carrot.com

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

Homegrown in the South since 1975. 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Fairhope, AL • 251-928-0644 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

FAIRHOPE JUICE COMPANY

Nourish the body. Fuel the soul. Battles Wharf Market 18327 Scenic Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL

To list your healthy market, restaurant or cooking event/class, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com.

GRAZE CRAZE CHARCUTERIE

Artful Displays, Beautiful Boards & Boxes, Stress-Free & Delivered to your door! 2104 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 251-408-9551 • GrazeCraze.com

HEALTH HUT

Experience the Difference. 40+ years earning your trust. 680 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile, AL 6845 Hwy 90, Ste. 108, Daphne, AL Mobile 251-633-0485 • Daphne 251-621-1865 HealthHutAL.com

MCKENZIE FARMS

Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community. 17558 A Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL McKenzieFarmMarket.com

OHANA POKE

Poke combines ingredients of a delicious sushi roll into a quick meal. 561 Fairhope Ave. #102, Fairhope, AL OPFairhope.com

OX KITCHEN

Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL TheOxKitchen.com

PRESS & CO.

Eastern Shores newest organic café. Breakfast. Lunch. Juice. Smoothies. Coffee. 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com

For an online list of local healthy food sources, visit NAGulfCoast.com/healthyeats

SOUL BOWLZ FOLEY

Feed your soul with super fruit Acai bowls, smoothies & parfaits.

119 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 251-304-4764 • SoulBowlz.com

SUNFLOWER CAFÉ FAIRHOPE

Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

SUNFLOWER CAFÉ MOBILE

Loved for its healthy, delicious offerings, featuring daily specials. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 • Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

THE HAPPY OLIVE

Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave., Fairhope, AL HappyOlive4.com

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS

2024 Nappie Best Health Food Store. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

WAREHOUSE BAKERY & DONUTS

A neighborhood eatery serving made-fromscratch, vegan friendly, gluten-free goodness. 759 Nichols Ave., Fairhope, AL WarehouseBakeryAndDonuts.com

WILD MAGNOLIA KOMBUCHA

Brewed with love, laughter and a dash of Southern sarcasm. Info@WildMagnoliaLife.com 251-463-6233 • WildMagnoliaLife.com

Listening to Kids Without Judgment

Nurturing Habits of a Harmonious Family

by Christina Connors

In an era when children are growing up in digital landscapes unfamiliar to many parents, establishing connections can feel like navigating a maze. But harmonious living is attainable through small, intentional moments that cultivate trust and emotional safety. Rather than solely emphasizing control or screen-time restrictions, deeper bonds can be created by tuning in with curiosity, presence and empathy. Here are some strategies that parents and caregivers can employ to bridge the gap and foster connection.

Validating Emotions

“For decades—perhaps centuries—children have received consistent messaging about emotions: control them, contain them and, whenever possible, conceal them. This approach wasn’t necessarily malicious; it reflected cultural values that prioritized stoicism and social harmony. The ‘good child’ was often the quiet child, the composed child, the one who didn’t ‘make a scene’,” says Lee Sowles, founder and CEO of Kind Mind, a program that teaches adults and children how to co-regulate, be kind and feel ready to learn. “When we support our kids’ emotions, we teach them that all feelings are valid—even the difficult ones—and then we can empower them with the skills they need to process emotions in healthy ways. This fosters trust, emotional resilience and a more harmonious home environment where everyone feels seen and safe, which is crucial because children thrive when they feel understood and connected.”

Remaining Calm and Present

To communicate effectively and foster positive exchanges with our children, it is critical to keep emotions in check. According to Janet Philbin, a clinical social worker, certified conscious parent and life coach, as well as the author of Show Up for Yourself: A Guide to Inner Awareness and Growth, if a child comes to us upset, crying, whining or demanding, the best response is to remain level-headed and attentive.

“Pausing and tuning in allows us to come into harmony because we are moving from a sympathetic state of fight/flight to a state

of calm and presence,” she says. “We are regulated, and our child can come to us with their emotions, feeling safe. We do not react; instead, we become grounded and present, allowing us to meet our child where they are and tune in to what they need, which is underneath the behavior we’re seeing. This is how harmonious relationships are created, because we have regulated our nervous system, and our child can regulate theirs.”

Keeping a Shared Journal

An effective method to foster mutual trust and respect with a child is with a shared journal in which parents and kids are able to

communicate with each other through the written word. “Using the journal creates space to respond from a place of our loving hearts without judgment and putting aside the need to fix,” explains Phil bin. “Our children will feel heard and safe, ultimately creating har mony in the relationship.”

Philbin shares how her family makes use of a shared journal, noting, “Our kids write to us about what they are struggling with and leave the journal for us in a safe space. When we find the journal, we take our time to respond to our child. In that response, we can let them know we hear them, that their feelings matter and that their struggle is real. We stay away from solving the problem, and instead just let them know that we are supporting them to work it through. Then we hand the child back the journal, and this process continues.”

Establishing Rituals for Connection

Building a robust connection with a child doesn’t require grand gestures. Instead, it is about creating consistent, small moments that build an emotional rhythm. Here are a few suggestions:

• Make it a habit to take screen-free walks after dinner.

• Regularly journal about a common prompt—such as recounting a memorable or unexpected event—and then read the journal entries out loud to each other.

• Find opportunities to share common interests and spend quality time together, perhaps by playing the child’s favorite board game or video game.

Living harmoniously, particularly in parenting, is not solely about achieving balance, but also about cultivating presence. When we approach our children with empathy, curiosity and intention, we do not merely hear them; we genuinely see them. In this act of seeing, connection begins.

Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of a YouTube series for children. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.

The Harmonious Home

Décor Strategies That Promote Well-Being

by Megy Karydes

The spaces we call home hold untapped potential to become powerful allies in our pursuit of wellness and tranquility. Creating a truly restorative environment goes beyond incorporating organic cotton throws and essential oil diffusers. The secret lies in recognizing that homes are living entities rather than mechanical constructs for shelter.

Nature’s Blueprint

The human eye instinctively gravitates toward the soft curves and organic forms found in natural settings. Social psychologist Erich Fromm coined the term biophilia to describe an intrinsic affinity between living things. In architecture, biophilic design aims to create living spaces that foster well-being through a connection with nature.

One way to mimic nature indoors is through the use of curves and organic shapes, according to Lauren Riddei, a wellness interior designer and founder of Haus Holistics, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For instance, consider replacing angular coffee tables with round styles or swapping rectangular mirrors for curved versions.

Riddei recommends starting with one curved element at a time, making it “a goal that any new piece of art, furniture or accessory brought into the space has curves in them.” The recent trend toward rounded furniture reflects our innate craving for spaces where energy flows freely, unobstructed by sharp corners where it tends to get stuck.

Color psychology extends this natural approach beyond shapes. Rather than following fads, hues should be chosen based on current life needs, according to Lisa Morton, a holistic interior designer and founder of Pure Living With Lisa Morton. “Maybe the client doesn’t need calm. Maybe they’re in a rut and need revitalization, in which case they need oranges, yellows and pinks,” she advises, adding that if the pri-

mary objective is to create a soothing environment, blues, greens and creams should be considered.

Morton also recommends that homeowners follow the seasonal rhythms as a way to “remind our body of being outdoors even when we can’t be.” For example, during the fall and winter months she incorporates chunky rugs and throws crafted from natural fibers.

As she explains, such textures resonate with the earth element of feng shui—the ancient Chinese practice of creating harmonious living spaces—thereby creating a sense of stability and grounding.

Intentional Energy Flow

The Bagua Map, a feng shui blueprint for energy centers, charts a path for establishing harmony throughout the home. “The centermost area of your home connects to every other important energy center,” Morton asserts. “By lifting the energy of your center area, it affects every other part of your home.”

This intentional care radiates outward. Identifying the home’s center point (imagine a bird’s-eye view of the floor plan) and showering it with attention involves replacing burned-out bulbs, thoroughly vacuuming, fluffing pillows and adding thriving plants or fresh flowers. “If your whole home feels stuck and stagnant, and you do work on this living area, it’s going to radiate out,” she remarks.

According to Morton, the front door deserves equal attention, because in feng shui, it is associated with new opportunities and fresh energy. “A lot of people don’t use their front door. They come and go through the garage,” she observes, recommending that people find ways to regularly use the front door—whether walking the dog or taking morning strolls—as a way to invite new, restorative energy into the home. Shaking out welcome mats, ensuring the smooth functioning of locks and adding seasonal wreaths all contribute to this goal.

Licensed therapist turned interior designer and author of Home Therapy Anita Yokota takes this intentional approach further with her concept of “core desire”. Rather than making design decisions first and seeing how they make inhabitants feel, she flips the process by asking, “How do you want to feel and be in this space? What relationships do you want to thrive here?” This therapeutic approach ensures that every choice serves deeper needs, rather than following external trends.

Creating Sensory Sanctuaries

Another overlooked aspect of holistic home design is sound. While homeowners may obsess over visual elements, they often ignore how acoustic pollution affects well-being. “We are sensitive to loud noises and vibrations,” Riddei says. “We need an environment that won’t keep us on edge when we come home from a long day.” Her unconventional solution involves wind chimes tuned to the healing frequencies of 432 or 528 Hertz (Hz), which she asserts are associated with peace and love. This is particularly helpful for people that live on a noisy road.

Research published in the journal Health found that music tuned to the frequency of 528 Hz significantly reduced stress after only five minutes of listening. For those sensitive to auditory stimulation, Yokota suggests implementing additional insulation or sound-absorbing wall panels.

Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.

Good Vibrations

Harnessing the Power of Sound To Promote Healing and Relaxation

by Marlaina Donato

From the haunting drone of an Australian didgeridoo to the steady heartbeat of a frame drum, cultures around the world have used sound to facilitate healing for thousands of years. In modern times, scientific research corroborates what native cultures have intuitively known: Sound-based vibration and resonance affect our body at the cellular level.

“As you consider the efficacy of sound vibration in the body, it is important to understand that our cells, organs, bones, tissue and cerebral spinal fluid are all composed of water. We are more than 70 percent water, and sound travels four times faster in water than in air. The human body is a natural resonator for sound,” says Ellen F. Franklin, Ph.D., co-founder and chief executive officer of the Acutonics Institute of Integrative Medicine, in Llano, New Mexico, who draws from East Asian medicine, Western science, psychology, physics and music theory to provide sound vibration therapies.

The use of Tibetan or crystal singing bowls, percussion instruments, calibrated tuning forks, gongs, cymbals, chimes, flutes and vocaliza-

tion affects brain waves by inducing parasympathetic relaxation and modulating pain perception. Directly impacting the vagus nerve, strategic sound applications can alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, chronic pain and trauma response, and can be useful for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Improved sleep quality, heightened creativity and inner calm are additional potential benefits.

Cutting-Edge Soundwaves

Histotripsy, a new U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved technology, employs high-pitched, focused ultrasound energy to break up liver tumors. Similarly, lithotripsy uses ultrasonic shock waves to eliminate kidney stones. Acoustic engineering has also emerged as a promising tool for diagnosis, encompassing brain seizures, heart disease modeling and medication screening.

According to Franklin, co-author of Acutonics From Galaxies to Cells: Planetary Science, Harmony and Medicine, the vagus nerve can be activated via the application of calibrated tuning forks crafted from aerospace-grade metal to key acupuncture points along the body’s meridians (energy pathways). “A number of studies have shown that the vagus nerve is particularly sensitive to sound vibration. DU 20, a key acupoint, addresses stress and trauma, as it can be used to help people wake up the brain and open the mind, and is often used for cognitive disorders and many stress-related symptoms,” she explains, adding that this work is currently being used in clinical settings for patients that do not respond effectively to conventional methods or exhibit drug resistance.

Trauma, Tranquility and Brain Health

The rhythmic patterns of electrical activity in the brain produce distinct frequencies that are associated with mental states, emotions and cognitive functions. Throughout our waking and sleeping life, the brain shifts through gamma, beta, alpha, theta and delta states. When we transition to the alpha state using sound therapies like drumming, binaural beats, singing bowls or gongs, we feel calmer and more joyful. Either by playing or listening, therapeutic hand drumming synchronizes the left and right hemispheres of the brain and may be valuable in augmenting cognitive function, retraining the brain after a stroke or improving the management of conditions such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

“The frame drum can significantly influence brain waves, primarily through a process called rhythmic entrainment. The pulses of the drum, especially when played at specific tempos, can induce the brain to synchronize with these rhythms, leading to shifts in brain wave patterns,” says Michael McCullough, a sound healing practitioner at The Healing Sanctuary, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. “Using the perfect fifth, or a 128 Hertz, tuning fork can also boost

the body’s production of nitric oxide and balance the autonomic nervous system, releasing antibacterials, antivirals and free radicals on a microscopic level.”

Incorporating therapeutic sound modalities in our healing regimens can broaden the potential for physical and mental well-being. McCullough recommends trying a group sound bath, which is a meditative session where participants lie on a yoga mat or blanket and listen to a diverse range of sounds. He acknowledges that private sessions with a skilled practitioner may also be beneficial because they can be tailored to individual needs and provide a more comprehensive experience.

While Franklin also recommends such sound healing experiences, she cautions, “Frequencies can be used to promote health and well-being, but we always advise people to educate themselves. When working with sound medicine therapeutics, less is more.” Excessive sound therapy—too much or too often—could aggravate the nervous system in some individuals, causing unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, disorientation or headaches.

Marlaina Donato is an author, musician and painter. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

In ammation can be a precursor to: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Cancer

No contact, no compression

Medical doctor provides a written interpretation

Take Control of Your Health Today!

Great Way To Monitor Your Progress when reducing in ammation through: Lymphatic Drainage and Detoxing

microgen from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Antoni Shkraba from Pexels/CanvaPro

Mindful Workouts

Introducing Mental Wellness Modalities at the Gym

by Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN

Mental wellness is no longer considered a separate pillar of health; it is becoming deeply integrated into physical fitness routines across the country. As the discourse surrounding emotional and psychological well-being becomes more open and less stigmatized, there is a shift in how people approach exercise. Not only is fitness focused on building muscle and burning calories, but increasingly it is about fostering resilience, restoring balance and supporting the mind as well as the body.

This integration of mental wellness emphasizes practices such as breathwork, guided meditation, intentional recovery and nervous system regulation as core components of a comprehensive fitness regimen. For health-conscious individuals seeking vitality and longevity, this is a natural evolution of holistic living.

“The physical body reflects what is mindfully and energetically present,” shares Dawn Coleman, a certified personal trainer and life

transformation coach based in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. “Honoring the body’s physical well-being requires that we consider energetic pathways that allow the nurturing of the soul and mind, which, in turn, promotes physical fitness.”

Mind-Body Integration

Today’s approach goes beyond the endorphin rush of a workout. Wellness buffs are looking for fitness environments and tools that help calm the mind, process emotions and foster inner strength. Gyms and studios are responding by incorporating stress-relieving modalities into their offerings. It is not uncommon to find yoga classes ending with a 10-minute guided meditation or strength sessions that begin with focused breathwork. Even high-performance athletes are embracing these new tools, recognizing that mental clarity and nervous system regulation enhance both performance and recovery.

• Breathwork: According to Coleman, conscious breathing exercises help regulate the nervous system and lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. A 2023 meta-analysis published in the journal Nature found that breathwork may be effective for improving stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Techniques like box breathing, diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing can be layered into warm-ups, cool-downs or standalone sessions.

• Meditation and Visualization: Whether it’s a guided meditation before sleep or a visualization practice to prepare for a race, meditation trains the brain for focus, reduces anxiety and enhances emotional resilience. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology affirms that tailored visualization improves athletic performance and establishes the mental toughness needed to achieve both long-term and short-term goals.

• Recovery Rituals: Recuperation is a vital part of training. Therapies involving infrared saunas, float tanks, cryotherapy and contrast baths support muscle repair while simultaneously calming the nervous system and promoting mental relaxation. A 2023 randomized crossover study of 20 basketball players, published in Biology of Sport, reported improvements in muscle recovery and reduced soreness when exercise was followed by an infrared sauna session. A peer-reviewed article in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise reported that exercisers that followed highintensity interval training with a one-hour floatation session experienced enhanced recovery from sore muscles and improved performance readiness.

• Tai Chi and Qigong: These mindful movement disciplines emphasize intention, awareness and breath, creating space for physical vitality and mental clarity.

Reimagining the Gym

The design of fitness spaces is evolving toward environments that promote wholeness and healing. Lighting and music are intentionally curated to create inviting atmospheres, while recovery lounges are incorporated for meditation or breathwork practices. This evolution has been particularly meaningful for women experiencing burnout, hormonal fluctuations or chronic stress.

Rather than pushing through fatigue or anxiety, individuals are adopting restorative practices that align with their physical needs. Many gyms, as well as yoga and Pilates studios, are offering supplemental therapies to support mental and physical fitness objectives. Sauna, red light and cold plunge therapies have become more accessible than ever.

Enduring Wellness

Mental wellness integration is more than a trend; it is a redefinition of what it means to be fit, challenging the old “no pain, no gain” model and replacing it with a deeper, more sustainable approach to health.

This shift is being embraced not only because it feels good in the moment, but also because it supports long-term well-being. People are learning to treat their minds with the same care and intention as their muscles. By doing so, they are redefining strength, not as something visible, but as something profoundly felt—steady breathing, calm thoughts, inner peace. In a fast-paced world that often demands more and more, mental wellness integration offers a path toward greater equilibrium, presence and joy throughout the journey.

Jordan Peschek has a background in personal training, yoga instruction and mental health nursing. She publishes the Milwaukee and Twin Cities editions of Natural Awakenings.

Yan Krukau from Pexels/CanvaPro

Lorraine Maita

on A Natural Path Back to Health

by Sandra Yeyati

Lorraine Maita is a triple board-certified physician specializing in functional, integrative and anti-aging medicine. She is the author of Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier. The self-professed “Hormone Harmonizer and Detoxifier” has been featured on national media outlets, including ABC News and Forbes. She has served as chief medical officer at Prudential Financial, medical director of The Pfizer Health Leadership Team and medical director of North America for Johnson & Johnson Global Health Services.

Maita maintains a medical practice in New Jersey and is the CEO and founder of The Feel Good Again Institute, which offers doit-yourself courses, supplement protocols, strategies, resources, coaching and live classes focusing on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, gut health, detoxification and improving the healthspan. The institute aims to provide health education and self-care options for those that cannot afford or do not have access to functional medicine.

What is a hormone imbalance?

If any hormone level is off, you’re going to feel off. For example, high cortisol levels can drive down other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and the thyroid hormones, causing elevated blood sugar, blood cholesterol and blood pressure; weight gain; puffiness; fatigue; and forgetfulness. In women, estrogen dominance during PMS and perimenopause occurs when progesterone is low or absent, leading to anxiety, irritability, insomnia, weight gain, tender breasts, fibroids, irregular bleeding and physical aches, among other things. Those are just two examples of imbalances.

How do you treat hormone imbalances?

We always start with lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise and stress management, which help normalize cortisol levels, allowing other hormones to balance naturally. Initially, I’ll run tests to measure the levels of everything, and then we’ll start an elimination and detoxification diet to reduce inflammation, the root cause of illness. I may also add herbs and supplements to decrease inflammation, heal the gut and detoxify the liver.

After this process, 80 percent of people feel good to great. For those that don’t, further investigation into the gut microbiome, mold, metals, infections or other inflammatory diseases may be needed. During menopause or late perimenopause, when eggs are depleted, progesterone and estrogen production may decline, necessitating hormone replacement therapy, as well.

Can you explain your detoxification protocol?

From the time you’re born, toxins accumulate in your fat and bone marrow, and even if you follow a clean lifestyle the effects of toxins can worsen, especially when women start to lose bone in menopause, because those metals and toxins start coming out.

Courtesy Lorraine Maita

To detoxify, you need to move your bowels every day. You need exercise to release toxins when you sweat and carbon dioxide when you breathe deeply. You need to hydrate to flush toxins through the kidneys. When you exercise the muscles, you bring toxins into your lymph system, which then get pumped into your bloodstream and liver to get detoxified.

What advice do you have for people taking conventional drugs for high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar?

Too much cortisol raises your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels. Stress can stimulate your body’s stress reaction, causing cortisol to go up, and that’s why many people are overweight and have high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol.

We can measure cortisol very easily. If your cortisol is too high, that’s a wake-up call to change your lifestyle and slow down. Sometimes people need permission to say I don’t have to do absolutely everything on my todo list and drive myself crazy.

Getting enough good-quality sleep is also important. Too many people get to bed too late. They’re on their tablets and phones, and all that blue light disrupts their hormones, so they don’t get a deep sleep, which is where you repair, rejuvenate and restore health, and also restore your hormones.

What advice do you have for people that struggle with cravings?

Sugar is as addictive as cocaine, and just like

any addiction, you have to stay away from it long enough to stop the cravings. My “15-minute rule” is that you have to distract yourself for 15 minutes to forget about the cravings. Supplements like L-glutamine can help, but the best approach is a minor withdrawal period, such as two weeks, to diminish cravings.

Healing the gut will also help to eliminate cravings. Processed foods and simple carbohydrates promote yeast growth and cravings, while fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats support beneficial bacteria. Our approach combines detoxification, elimination, a healthy diet and sleep to make gut healing a habit.

When it comes to making lasting changes, what comes first, the emotional or the biological?

It depends on the person. The biological will drive the emotional and the emotional will drive the biological, and that’s why having a good night’s sleep is important. When you’re tired, you’re going to crave more. When you’re tired, you’re going to be less inclined to move or develop healthy habits.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL. com/MaitaWW or scan the QR code.

Courtesy Lorraine Maita

Courtesy Lorraine Maita

Community Resource Guide

Connecting you to local resources for natural health and green living. To find out how you can be included in this directory, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast. com or call 251-990-9552.

Acupuncture

BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY

Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC

Patrick Miller, LAc 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com

Offering 25 years of com bined experience in suc cessfully treating a variety of conditions, including chronic back and neck pain, headaches and tin nitus. See ad, page 29

Arts & Festivals

FAIRHOPE FILM FESTIVAL

122 Fairhope Ave., Ste. 1, Fairhope, AL 251-725-2040

FairhopeFilmFestival.org

Brain Health Coaching

MANYA WHOLE HEALTH AND YOGA

Dr. Manja Podratz

109 Upham St., Mobile, AL

251-234-4771 • DrManjaPodratz.com

Manja@DrManjaPodratz.com

Dr. Manja has been trained by Dr. Daniel Amen to apply the Amen Clinic brain health coaching protocols to assist with ADD, depression, PTSD and anxiety. Modalities offered include hypnotherapy, auriculotherapy, Irlen screening, brain nutraceuticals, HRV monitoring and EEG monitoring.

Brain Therapy

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER

CBD Health & Wellness

FAIRHOPE

HEALTH FOODS

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 9

Christian Counseling

PURPOSE WITHOUT LIMITS

Rev. Dr. Dallas Teague Snider, Christian Counselor and Healer PurposeWithoutLimits.com Dallas@DallasTeague.com

The Fairhope Film Festival brings films to big screens in the picturesque small town of Fairhope. The Monthly Film Series, January through May, offers two screenings a month in the Ben Gall Theater located inside the Festival office. The 13th annual Fairhope Film Festival, Nov. 13-16, 2025, brings film enthusiasts, industry professionals and filmmakers to Fairhope for four days of films and events. Registration and ticket information is available on the website.

Beauty

TMAC’S HAIR STUDIO

Old Government, Mobile: 251-607-6666 2101 Hwy. 98, Daphne: 251-725-4334

TMACsHairStudio.com

A relaxing salon environment that is free of harmful chemicals, impurities and fragrance. Offering customized hair services and regenerative treatments with 100% vegan organic products and essential oils. Ask about following the lunar calendar for effective hair treatments. See ad, page 7

J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine

Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com

Our unique approach is non-invasive and merges deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (DTMS), brain pathway rehabilitation, and metabolic enhancement through functional medicine, to address brain disorders like anxiety, memory or behavior issues and dementia. Treatment plans are customized to meet the individual needs of patients. See ad, page 5

Breast Screening

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley • 251-623-2225  ThermographyAdvantage.com

FDA registered thermography offers breast/fullbody screenings that are non-invasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early-stage breast disease and more. Also offering Electro-Lymphatic Therapy. See ad, page 27

You have a Unique Soul Expression. Unlock your limiting beliefs and get unstuck from patterns that no longer serve you. As an intuitive vessel for the Holy Spirit, Dallas offers inspirational messages, Christian counseling, healing prayer and Agape Healing Sessions.

Community Teaching Farm

HOPE COMMUNITY

Corner of Twin Beech Rd. & S. Section St., Fairhope HopeCommunity23@gmail.com Info@HopeCommunityAL.org

Hope Community envisions a thriving and interconnected community where all individuals have access to locally sourced healthy foods, employment opportunities, and cultural enrichment through a teaching farm, teaching kitchen, and community center. Learn more at HopeCommunityAL.org.

One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.

—Jean Vanier

Dementia Help

MIND PERFORMANCE

CENTER, LLC

J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine

Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com

Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is non-invasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessment.

See ad, page 5

Depression Relief

MIND PERFORMANCE

CENTER, LLC

J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine

Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com

We can reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. Our treatments often deliver improvement when nothing else has worked. 70% of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50%.

See ad, page 5

Detox Spa

HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY

217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200

PeakAlkalinity.com

Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 11

Electromagnetic Therapy

ENRG WELLNESS

620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com

RIFE therapy uses targeted electromagnetic waves to promote healing, reduce inflammation, relieve pain and enhance immunity, addressing symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue and inflammation. Receive a complimentary consultation to determine eligibility and learn more about our introductory offer. See ad, page 27

Environmental Health

SMART HEALTHY HOMES

Thomas Clay

Certified Indoor Air Quality Specialist

Thomas@SmartHealthyHomes.com 251-233-9582 • SmartHealthyHomes.com

All houses are susceptible to HIDDEN MOLD in the Gulf Coast’s humid environment. Allergenic and toxic molds mutate and evolve quickly, much like the viruses. Traditional duct cleaning equipment does not effectively remove the pervasive molds that grow in ductwork. We use custom-designed, commercial-grade tools for the most effective mold remediation. See ad, page 18

Essential Oils

THE HEALTH HUT

680 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile, AL 6845 Hwy. 90 Ste. 108 Daphne, AL Mobile 251-633-0485 Daphne 251-621-1865 HealthHutAL.com

Locally owned and operated health food store for over 40 years! “Experience the Difference” at both of our locations, Mobile and Daphne. We have knowledgeable staff who are here to help and will treat you like family. See ad, back cover.

Farmers Market

MCKENZIE FARMS

17558A S. Greeno Rd. S., Fairhope, AL 251-278-4669 • MckenzieFarmMarket.com

Locally grown, fresh from the farm. For more than 50 years our mission has been to provide the Fairhope community as well as our distributors with fresh produce direct from our family farm. See Healthy Eats listing, page 21

Food & Nutrition

A BETTER WAY

HEALTH FOOD STORE

Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN 7857 Hwy. 59, Foley, AL 251-955-5322 • ABetterWayHealth.net

Complete health food store with full-service human and pet products (alkaline pet food), vitamins, supplements and nutritious snacks. Additional health and wellness services include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, hair tissue mineral analysis and affordable non-invasive stem cell therapy. Call for an appointment. See ad, page 11

BB’S HEALTH FOOD STORE

8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com

We offer you individualized support to help you reach your optimal health goals, from immune support to weight loss. We carry a variety of quality supplements, herbs, grains, pet products, household goods, beauty aids, oils, tinctures, grocery items and more. Come experience the difference at BB's. See ad, page 4

Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective.

—Doe Zantamata

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 9

THE HEALTH HUT

680 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile, AL 6845 Hwy. 90, Ste. 108, Daphne, AL Mobile 251-633-0485 • Daphne 251-621-1865

HealthHutAL.com

Locally owned and operated health food store for over 40 years!

“Experience the Difference” at both of our locations, Mobile and Daphne. We have knowledgeable staff who are here to help and will treat you like family. See ad, back cover.

PRESS & CO.

Organic, cold-pressed juicery and eatery 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com

Accessible, delicious and nutritious options for people who want to make healthier choices. Committed to serving a wide range of healthy food options, including plant-based, gluten-free and low-sugar. Open 7 days a week 7am to 2:30pm. Breakfast, lunch, smoothies, coffee, tea, juice. Come in or order online. See Healthy Eats guide or see ad, page 21

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL

251-479-3952

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Exten sive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 25

Functional Medicine

GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING

Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach

MANYA WHOLE HEALTH AND YOGA

Dr. Manja Podratz 109 Upham St., Mobile, AL 251-234-4771 • DrManjaPodratz.com Manja@DrManjaPodratz.com

251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com

Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life— sleep, healthy meals, exercise routine, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I offer guidance, tools and accountability to ensure success. See ad, page 31

HILLSTAR HEALTH

Tara Miller, Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner

28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346 • HillstarHealthAL.com

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner Tara McLellan addresses the root cause of disease with integrative medicine— a blend of traditional western medicine and science-based functional medicine. Ask about our custom weight loss program. See ads, pages 4 and 31

Dr. Manja, board-certified doctor of natural medicine, offers hormone balancing, detox and longevity wellness programs based on functional lab testing including the DUTCH test, hair tissue mineral analysis and GI mapping. Full list of available modalities on our website.

Healing Retreats

PURPOSE WITHOUT LIMITS

Rev. Dr. Dallas Teague Snider PurposeWithoutLimits.com Dallas@DallasTeague.com

Awaken the Spirit Within retreats to restore your soul through sacred ceremonies: healing body, mind and Spirit. Group sizes are limited to allow an intimate personal experience for those who attend. Your best life awaits. Reserve your spot today.

Health & Wellness Performance

BB’S HEALTH FOOD

STORE

8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com

We offer you individualized support to help you reach your optimal health goals, from immune support to weight loss. We carry a variety of quality supplements, herbs, grains, pet products, household goods, beauty aids, oils, tinctures, grocery items and more. Come experience the difference at BB’s. See ad, page 4

GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING

Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach

251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com

GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com

Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life—sleep, healthy meals, exercise routine, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I offer guidance, tools and accountability to ensure success. See ad, page 31

HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY

217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL

251-270-7200

PeakAlkalinity.com

Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 11

Hypnotherapy

ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE

Mary Beth Svatek, M.A.

Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912

EnergyModelOfChange.com

MaryBeth@EnergyModelofChange.com

Infrared Sauna

HILLSTAR HEALTH

28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346

HillstarHealthAL.com

Infrared light therapy offers many stand-alone health benefits and pairs well with our services at Hillstar Health. Infrared sauna therapy is beneficial for natural healing and illness prevention because of its ability to penetrate human tissue resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat. It is known to assist with sleep, detoxification, immunity, heart health, muscle recovery, weight management, anti-aging and relaxation. See ad, page 4

Iridology

IRIDOLOGY ACADEMY

Betty S. O’Brian, ND, CII, MS 228-257-1946

DrBettySueOBrian@gmail.com IridologyAcademy.org

Betty O’Brian, current IIPA Instructor of the Year and Past President of the International Iridology Practitioners Association, offers online training, books, in-person analysis, charts, eye scopes and mentoring for IIPA Certification to Iridologists around the globe. Location doesn’t matter. Zoom and Facetime available.

Lymphatic Drainage

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Lymphatic Therapist Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225

ThermographyAdvantage.com

Electro-Lymphatic Therapy is noninvasive, painless and calming. Like a light touch massage, the certified lymphatic therapist uses two small handheld wands that are lightly moved across the body in a direction that correlates to the body’s lymphatic flow. The proper flow of lymphatic fluid can help with conditions such as inflammation, colds/flu, sinus problems, edema, water retention, heart disease, fibrocystic and tender breast, cellulite, enlarged prostate and cancer. See ad, page 27

VINTAGE ROOTS

LYMPHATIC THERAPY

Amber Crouse, BC-CLTP-HHP VintageRootsLT@gmail.com 251-949-2893 VintageRootsLymphaticTherapy.com

ELECTRO-ASSISTED

LYMPHATIC THERAPY is a non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate the proper flow and drainage of lymphatic fluid, enhancing immune function at a cellular level. By promoting optimal circulation and drainage of lymphatic fluid through frequencies that align with the body’s natural rhythms, it helps to decongest and detoxify, restoring balance. See ad, page 17.

More than 35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing and stream-lining, pain management.

—Sara Teasdale

Massage Therapy

JUBILEE HEALING ARTS

Jennifer (Adams) Killgo, LMT #3263 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, Daphne, AL 251-616-4201 • JubileeHealingArts.com

Intuitive integrative massage techniques are used to facilitate the body into a state of healing without the “no pain no gain” mentality. Over 15 years’ experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field. See ad, page 7.

Metaphysical Services

REGRESSION WITH DEBRA

Debra Richardson Baxter, M.Ed., Regressionist

251-769-3580

IntuitiveRegressionist@gmail.com

Explore your history, tap into your consciousness, and find clarity on your life’s journey. Debra, a certified Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) and Introspective Hypnosis Facilitator, Reiki Master, Experiential Medium, and Akashic Record Reader, guides you toward healing and self-discovery through powerful insights and imagery.

Natural Birth

MOTHER’S COMFORT MIDWIFERY, INC.

228-285-0132

Info@MothersComfortMidwifery.com Facebook.com/MothersComfortMidwiferyInc

Mother‘s Comfort Midwifery is here to provide evidence based care while considering the wellness and safety of both mother and baby. Your unique pregnancy journey will include continuity of care along with personal support during your labor, birth and postpartum time.

Naturopath

PATHWAY HEALTH

Betty Sue O’Brian, MS, ND, CIII Biloxi, MS

228-257-1946 (cell) www.bettysueobrian.com www.iridologyacademy.org

Dr. O’Brian teaches around the world - iridology, naturopathy and herbalism. Join any of our online classes via Zoom as available or attend in-person iridology classes in Biloxi. Virtual appointments available for iridology and naturopathy. See website or contact Pathway Health for more information.

Personal Growth

ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE

Mary Beth Svatek, M.A.

Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA MaryBeth@EnergyModelofChange.com 251-300-9912 • EnergyModelOfChange.com

More than 35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing and stream-lining, pain management.

Pet Health

A BETTER WAY HEALTH FOOD STORE

Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN 7857 Hwy 59, Foley, AL 251-955-5322 • ABetterWayHealth.net

Complete health food store with full-service human and pet products (alkaline pet food), vitamins, supplements and nutritious snacks. Additional health and wellness services include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, hair tissue mineral analysis and affordable non-invasive stem cell therapy. Call for an appointment. See ad, page 11

Physical Therapy

COMPLEX SPINE THERAPY

Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy. com

Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com

Our goal is to help patients overcome pain and conditions in a timely and costeffective manner. We offer a unique experience by combining physical therapy, dry needling, high intensity light therapy, shockwave, PEMF and joint alignment. See ad, page 29

OSTEOSTRONG

FAIRHOPE - FOLEY - MOBILE Unique System for Developing Skeletal Strength

Josh Fandrich, Owner

333 Greeno Rd., Ste. 2B, Fairhope, AL 2724 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D, Mobile, AL 3828 McKenzie St., Foley, AL Fairhope@OsteoStrong.me

MidtownMobile@OsteoStrong.me

Just 15 minutes, once per week with your personal coach, on our proprietary, osteogenic loading equipment can help you build a stronger you. See ad, page 14

Plant-Based Food

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL • 251-929-0055

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

An organic café offering delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 9

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

An organic café offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 25.

Plant-Forward Medicine

USA HEALTH INTEGRATIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Fairhope, AL: 21950 Hwy. 181 Mobile, AL: 75 S. University Blvd., Ste. 6500 251-660-6441

IHWP@Health.SouthAlabama.edu USAHealthSystem.com/Specialties/ Integrative

The Integrative Health and Wellness Program at USA Health combines evidencebased nutrition and culinary medicine to promote healthier eating habits. Through handson cook-ing classes and demonstrations, participants learn to make delicious, nutritious meals that support overall well-being and prevent chronic disease.

Quantum Therapy

QUANTUM ENERGY

WELLNESS BED

Thermography Advantage

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley • 251-623-2225

ThermographyAdvantage.com

Raise your voltage with the Quantum Energy Wellness Bed. Featuring full body grounding, personalized frequency therapy, infrared radiant energy, Quantum Light Energy Antenna Technology and magnetic polarization. Improve cellular function and blood flow, stimulate ATP production, accelerate tissue repair, decrease inflammation and more. See ad, page 27

Vitamins and Supplements

THE HEALTH HUT

680 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile, AL 6845 Hwy. 90, Ste. 108, Daphne, AL Mobile 251-633-0485

Daphne 251-621-1865

HealthHutAL.com

Locally owned and operated health food store for over 40 years.! “Experience the Difference” at both of our locations, Mobile and Daphne. We have knowledgeable staff who are here to help and will treat you like family. See ad, back cover.

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL

251-479-3952

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, tablets, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 25

Weight Loss

ENRG WELLNESS

620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com

Pilates, weight loss, fatburning systems, food programs, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 27

HILLSTAR HEALTH

Tara Miller, Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner

28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346 • HillstarHealthAL.com

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner Tara McLellan addresses the root cause of disease with integrative medicine— a blend of traditional western medicine and science-based functional medicine. Ask about our custom weight loss program. See ads, pages 4 and 31

Wellness Studio

OSTEOSTRONG

FAIRHOPE - FOLEY - MOBILE

Unique System for Developing Skeletal Strength

Josh Fandrich, Owner

333 Greeno Rd., Ste. 2B, Fairhope, AL 2724 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D, Mobile, AL 3828 McKenzie St., Foley, AL Fairhope@OsteoStrong.me MidtownMobile@OsteoStrong.me

Just 15 minutes, once per week with your personal coach, on our proprietary, osteogenic loading equipment can help you build a stronger you. See ad, page 14

Three-Month Planner

SUPPORT LOCAL ADVERTISING

Classifieds

$1 per word, per month (minimum $40; maximum 50 words). Email content to MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

Classes/Training

IRIDOLOGY/SCLEROLOGY: SUMMER SPECIAL PRICE

Looking for a new modality? Learn Iris analysis. It reveals genetic and health weaknesses and strengths. Email or text for 1/2 price classes online or in person. DrBettySueOBrian@ gmail.com. 228-257-1946.

For Rent/Lease

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR COMMUNITY. LET US HELP YOUR BUSINESS — CONTACT US TODAY TO ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE: 251-990-9552

OFFICE SPACE. Perfect for Holistic Wellness Professionals. Looking for a professional space to grow your practice? Office available in our integrative medicine practice ideal for acupuncture or other wellness professionals. Access to the reception area and other amenities. Call Tara McLellan, 251-241-4346. Hillstar Health 28720 U.S. Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne. HillstarHealthAL.com.

OFFICE SPACE for Holistic Health and Wellness Professionals available at MANYA Whole Health & Yoga. If you are looking for the right space to offer your services and integrative collaboration with others, join our holistic wellness center in Mobile Midtown. Call 251.234-4771 or email Contact@ drmanjapodratz.com to schedule a showing.

For Sale

Natural Awakenings is a monthly publication for our community to pick up free of charge, made possible by the ongoing support of the advertisers you see within the pages of this magazine. If you enjoy the content provided within this publication, please support the advertisers who make this free magazine possible. NAGulfCoast.com

Instruments for Sale – Great Deals! Bundy B-flat Clarinet (needs new case) $225, Super Tempo Silver Trumpet with case $350, Yellow Daisy Rock Electric Guitar (needs strings) $300, Hughes & Kettner 3DFX amplifier $80, Gibson Epiphone 6 string acoustic guitar $275. All OBO. Text: 251-510-5822 to snag your new favorite instrument!

Mark Your Calendar

SoulReset’s Yoga Playground Day Retreat: Sample, Discover, Vibe

Hosted by Kimberly Moritz River Rock Yoga and Pilates

Saturday, August 30 • 8:30am-4pm

Rejuvenating DAY RETREAT to awaken, energize and restore your body and mind. Carefully curated journey through unique styles of yoga—ranging from calming, gentle flows to vibrant healing practices.

Entire Day $187 • Single Class $37 3670 Groveland Rd., Ste. A Ocean Springs 228-369-0266 • RiverRockYoga.com

Opportunities

Flexible opportunity to earn extra income! Help generate leads or sell ad packages for Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast to local businesses and wellness practices. Must live locally and have reliable transportation. Performance-based pay: commissions or lead fees. Covers AL/MS Gulf Coast counties. Contact Michelle Smith at 251-990-9552 or MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com.

OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ONCE A MONTH distributing Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast monthly magazines to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Ocean Springs to Long Beach. Must have a clean driving record, reliable transportation and be available the last week of every month. Get paid per location. Call for details, Michelle Smith 251-990-9552.

Services

LIVE NUTRITIONAL BLOOD ANALYSIS to Eat Right For Your Blood Type. BBs Health Foods, 8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley. 251923-5700. BBsHealthFoods.com. Call for an appointment or stop by the shop.

HIRE YOUR OWN HEALTH & WELLNESS PERFORMANCE COACH: Are you struggling to prioritize your health with meal planning, daily exercise, managing stress and sleep? Michelle Smith, Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, will take you by the hand to design a weekly ACTION PLAN. Find out how. 251635-6250 or TryMyCoach@gmail.com.

August is like the Sunday of summer.

—Unknown

Calendar

Check out the latest events at NAGulfCoast.com

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Make a meaningful impact in your community by becoming the owner of a Natural Awakenings magazine.

Empower others with current, valuable insights and resources to enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

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