As autumn settles in with its vibrant colors and cooler temperatures, we are reminded of the beauty of change and the importance of staying in tune with our bodies, minds, and spirits. This month's theme, whole body alignment, invites us to explore how we can bring all aspects of ourselves into harmony, ensuring we are grounded, centered, and ready to embrace the season ahead.
In this issue, we delve into the fascinating world of body alignment through various lenses. Our feature article, “The Rise of Bodywork Modalities,” explores the increasing popularity of therapeutic practices like massage, chiropractic care, and energy healing. These modalities offer profound ways to release tension, correct imbalances, and support the body’s innate ability to heal.
Life’s journey isn’t always smooth, and sometimes we find ourselves in need of deeper healing. In “Resurrecting from Life’s Darkest Hours,” we share inspiring stories of individuals who have overcome tremendous challenges, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of finding inner alignment even in the face of adversity.
For those who enjoy a fun, seasonal take on wellness, don’t miss “Smashing Pumpkins,” where we explore the nutritional benefits and creative ways to incorporate this autumn favorite into your diet. From savory soups to delectable desserts, pumpkins offer a wealth of health benefits that align perfectly with the season.
I’m also excited to remind you about our upcoming Natural Awakenings HealthFest on October 12th! This day-long celebration of health and wellness will bring together over 30 vendors, two delicious food trucks, live music, wellness workshops, and much more. It's the perfect opportunity to explore new pathways to whole-body health, connect with local practitioners, and immerse yourself in a community dedicated to vibrant living. Learn more and secure your spot by visiting NARichmond.com.
As we navigate the changing seasons, let’s remember that aligning our body, mind, and spirit is not a destination but an ongoing journey. I hope this issue inspires you to explore new ways to nurture yourself and to find joy in the process of becoming more balanced and whole.
Thank you for being part of our Natural Awakenings family. Your commitment to wellness and growth fuels our passion for bringing you the very best in health and holistic living.
In gratitude and alignment,
Regina
Publisher, Natural Awakenings Magazine of Greater Richmond
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The Natural Awakenings magazine of Richmond Healthfest 2024 premiere wellness event will take place from noon to 4 p.m., October 12, at the Dewey Gottwald Center of the Science Museum of Virginia, to celebrate holistic health and wellness, and provide the attendees opportunity to discover natural products, services and resources from some of the region’s top wellness experts.
Highlights include a vendor marketplace featuring more than 30 wellness vendors offering natural products, health services, eco-friendly goods and more; live demonstrations from wellness experts covering topics such as natural healing, stress reduction and healthy lifestyle habits; and delicious, health-conscious meals and snacks from local food trucks, Arroz RVA and Eddie Rose Coffee.
Sponsored by Essential Natural Health, Omni Family Chiropractic, Veronica Jones Massage, Hudson Farm and Magnolia Wellness Teas, Healthfest 2024 is designed to inspire healthy living and mindful practices through an immersive experience that connects attendees with the best in holistic care.
The first 200 attendees receive a free tote bag. Get free tickets (required) online at Tinyurl. com/NA-Healthfest2024 or eventbrite.com. Location: 2301 W. Leigh St., Richmond. For more information and vendor opportunities, call Regina Rudolph at 804-495-0325, email Regina@ NARichmond.com or visit NARichmond.com. See ad, back cover.
WISE TRADITIONS IN FOOD, FARMING AND THE HEALING ARTS
2025 Whole Living Class Enrollment Now Open
Forrest Green Farm, in Louisa, Virginia, provides an immersive, hands-on experience in herbalism, gardening and seasonal eating on 13 Thursdays spread throughout the growing season, providing students 78 hours of in-class learning on a working herb farm.
Participants will explore more than 125 herbs, with topics ranging from wildcrafting to medicine making. They will learn the ethics and safety of harvesting wild plants, the proper timing for gathering medicinal herbs and effective drying methods.
The course also covers building a personal medicine chest, equipping participants with knowledge on using herbs for first aid, colds, flu and everyday ailments, as well as making teas, tinctures, syrups, oils and fermented drinks. Practical lessons in herbal body care, food as medicine and seasonal recipes are key highlights, along with a full recipe cookbook.
Request a free copy of our 28-page booklet about Dr. Weston A. Price’s research: Timeless Principles of Healthy Traditional Diets: westonaprice.org/infopack (703) 820-3333
A $200 discount is available for payment in full at checkout using the code “Wellness200.” For more information and registration, visit Tinyurl.com/ForrestGreenWholeLiving. The Weston A. Price Foundation teaches about healthy foods of the past and how to incorporate them in the present. We explain the science of why certain foods are healthy, where to get them and how to prepare them.
The class also offers guidance on gardening from seed to harvest, including soil health, fertilization, companion planting and organic pest control. Students receive an apothecary of more than 70 herbal remedies and a certificate of completion.
VegFest at Byrd Park
The 21st annual Richmond VegFest will be held from noon to 6 p.m., October 5, at Wlliam Byrd Park, with more than100 vegan-friendly vendors offering food, drinks and products, as well as live entertainment on three stages. Attendees can enjoy cooking demonstrations, speaker sessions and performances. A dedicated “Kids' Patch” area will provide activities such as arts and crafts and face painting.
The festival aims to promote a plant-based lifestyle for reasons ranging from health and environmental sustainability to reducing animal suffering. It offers a fun and inclusive environment for everyone in the Richmond area to explore the benefits of vegan living. In case of light rain, the event will proceed as planned, but severe weather may postpone it to October 6. Parking is available in the Dogwood Dell lot and along certain streets in Byrd Park.
Admission is free and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. For more information, visit VeggieFest.org.
Kudos
Magdalena Rhea, DNP, FNP, has joined InHealthRVA to provide physicals, medication refills and other holistic primary care needs. She has been training in Ayurvedic medicine and naturopathy, with seven years in emergency medicine and cardiac surgery telemetry
Her deeply patient-centered approach combines the best conventional medical practices, traditional medicine and alternative therapies to develop personalized treatment plans that promote optimal health and wellness.
For appointments and more information, call 804-288-1111, email Info@InHealthRVA.com or visit InHealthRVA.com/magdalena-rhea-dnp-fnp.
Saving Lives with Thermography
Exclusive Discounts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Throughout the month of October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Debbie Troxell, RN, MSNH, a local thermographer and owner of Lifestyle Designs, LLC, is offering special pricing on all thermography services. One region of the body is $185 (save $20), half-body with abdomen is $385 (save $40), half-body without abdomen is $325 (save $40) and fullbody is $547 (save $50). Returning clients always receive the special pricing for follow-up studies on the same region. These services are often covered by FSAs and HSAs. By detecting heat patterns and blood flow in body tissues, thermography’s preventative and diagnostic applications include breast health, cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal disorders, dental health, sinus and allergies, thyroid health and full-body health maintenance. Thermographic images are interpreted by Dr. Matthew C. Lee, MD, RPH of eLEEte Physicians.
To make an appointment, call 804-683-7774 or visit LifestyleDesignsWellness.com.
New Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease currently relies on cognitive exams and the observation of symptoms, followed by a brain scan or spinal tap to look for the buildup of beta-amyloid protein. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association involving more than 1,200 Swedish patients with memory complaints showed promise for a blood test diagnosis, which would be easier and less costly to administer.
Participants received an initial diagnosis by a primary care physician or specialist doctor and then got the blood test—which is developed by C2N Diagnostics (C2ND) and measures the buildup of tau proteins—as well as a confirming brain scan or spinal tap. While the doctors’ initial diagnoses were 61 percent (primary care) and 73 percent (specialist) accurate, the C2ND blood test proved to be 91 percent accurate. Approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the works for this and other competing blood tests.
Forever Chemicals Linked to Metabolic Disease
A study led by researchers from Pennsylvania State University and published in Environmental Health Perspectives evaluated the effects of early-life exposure to forever chemicals. The researchers focused on the effects of tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCFD), a persistent organic pollutant, on a group of 4-week-old mice that were fed TCFD for five days, compared to the control group that did not ingest the chemical. They examined the animals’ gut microbiomes and other markers of metabolic disease after the initial five days and again three months later. The scientists found that the TCFD permanently disrupted the gut microbiome and caused a higher body weight and glucose intolerances after three months. These results suggest that human exposure to chemicals such as TCFD during childhood could contribute to metabolic disorders like obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Toxic Metals Found in Tampons
Tampons are used by the majority of menstruating women. An inaugural study published in Environment International measured the concentration of 16 metals and metalloids (elements that have characteristics of both metals and nonmetals) in 30 tampons from 14 brands and 18 product lines. The researchers detected all 16 metals in at least one sampled tampon, including elevated concentrations of toxic metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic. Nonorganic tampons were higher in lead concentrations, and organic tampons were higher in arsenic. The metals may come from agricultural or manufacturing processes. Additional research is needed to determine whether and to what extent the vagina’s highly absorptive tissue assimilates these metals.
GreenApple78 from Getty Images Pro/CanvaPro
A Big Thank You to Our Healthfest 2024 Sponsors!
We are incredibly grateful to the amazing sponsors who have partnered with us to make the Natural Awakenings Richmond Healthfest 2024 a success. Their dedication to promoting holistic wellness, healthy living and community connection is what makes this event truly special.
Meet Our Sponsors:
Essential Natural Health
Essential Natural Health, led by Dr. Micah Allen, ND, LAc, FABORM, is committed to providing personalized holistic health care in Richmond, Virginia. We combine timetested acupuncture with innovative medical solutions to deliver significant and lasting results. Specializing in chronic conditions like peripheral neuropathy, infertility, and pain, our goal is to help individuals live fulfilling lives. At Essential Natural Health, we view each patient as a whole person, developing customized preventive and natural medicine plans for all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Our approach harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities through tailored treatments that effectively address individual needs. For more information, visit DrMicahAllen.com.
Veronica C. Jones Licensed Massage Therapist
Veronica C. Jones has over 10 years of experience in massage therapy, beginning her career in 2012 with franchises like Massage Envy, Hand and Stone, and Elements Massage. Now based in Richmond, Virginia, she specializes in custom massages for chronic pain management, focusing on
individual client needs for long-term relief. Veronica is excited to join Richmond’s wellness community and looks forward to helping locals reduce stress, improve range of motion, and enhance overall well-being through therapeutic massage.
Omni Family Chiropractic
We specialize in familybased wellness care, focusing on correcting spinal structure and optimizing nervous system function. Our goal is to help families achieve their healthiest potential naturally. By addressing spinal alignment and nervous system health, we enhance overall well-being and support long-term health. For more information, visit TheRichmondChiropractor.com.
Magnolia Wellness Teas
expertise in functional health and somatic work, we focus on uncovering the root causes of your symptoms rather than simply managing them. Recognizing that every individual is unique, we create personalized health protocols based on functional lab insights, detailed lifestyle and medical history, and compassionate coaching. Our goal is to empower you to take control of your health and thrive for years to come. For more information, visit BlendedHealthCompany.com.
NeuroFlow Wellness
It’s time to return to nature’s pharmacy. Magnolia Wellness offers a collection of premium herbal teas crafted to support mind, body and spirit well-being. Their products focus on reducing stress, boosting immunity, promoting weight loss, and detoxifying the body. Sourcing directly from small farmers ensures high-quality, farm-to-table ingredients. With a mission centered on self-healing, they provide blends rooted in medicinal herbs to enhance overall health. They also offer automatic tea makers, accessories, and convenient bundles. For more information, visit, Wellness-Teas.com.
Blended Health
Blended Health is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal wellness through a mind-body-centered approach. Combining
NeuroFlow Wellness specializes in helping individuals achieve lasting calm, energy and resilience through Embodied Neurofeedback. Located in Richmond, Virginia, they offer a natural, neuroscience-based approach to retrain the brain and nervous system, addressing chronic stress, trauma, anxiety and other issues without medication. Led by Dr. Naomi Iguchi, they focus on unlocking clients' potential by enhancing nervous system regulation for overall well-being and clarity. For more information, visit NeuroFlowWellness.com.
Thank You for Supporting Wellness!
Together with our sponsors, we’re creating a space where wellness thrives, connections are made, and inspiration abounds. Be sure to visit their booths and learn more about how they can support your journey to optimal health and well-being.
See you at Healthfest 2024!
The Rise of Bodywork Modalities
Integrating Innovative and Ancient Healing Arts
by Marlaina Donato
Only a few decades ago, healing modalities like chiropractic care and acupuncture received little attention in the realm of conventional medicine. Today, the wellness spectrum is much more diverse, and although additional research is needed to confirm their efficacies and treatment guidelines, many forms of bodywork once associated with only spa pampering are now considered allies in the treatment of a wide array of health conditions. With new therapies emerging annually, there are more than 180 bodywork modalities, including cold laser therapy for non-invasive pain management and ancient massage techniques
Full-Spectrum Acupuncture
According to the market research company Technavio, the global acupuncture market is predicted to expand by $16.83 billion from 2023 to 2027, with much of the growth attributed to an aging population opting for non-invasive, drug-free solutions.
Cancer patients are increasingly accessing this 2,500-year-old therapy, as well. The National Institutes of Health reports that acupuncture is used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation at major treatment centers, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, and Memorial Sloan
Kettering Cancer Center, in New York, with the latter offering the modality in their accredited continuing education programs. According to a 2023 study published by JAMA Network Open, both integrative acupuncture and massage applications for advanced cancer patients over the course of 26 weeks were associated with decreased pain and improvements in sleep and quality of life.
“Our patients love having one more expert on their integrative medicine team, an additional professional to help them navigate the rollercoaster stressors of cancer treatment,
recovery and survivorship,” says Pauline Sok Yin Hwang, an acupuncturist, registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and the clinical director of Hillgreen Oncology Acupuncture & Herbs, in Toronto, Canada. Hwang also employs other therapeutic elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine that harmonize well with oncology acupuncture, including herbal applications; nutrition; moxibustion, the burning of dried mugwort near parts of the body; cupping; and electroacupuncture, which combines electrical pulses with needles to target specific energetic points on the body.
“Given a prompt, every tiny cell knows where it is and what it should do. The relationship between cells allows them to calibrate, but cancer cells have lost this connection, causing them to proliferate,” explains Jill Blakeway, an acupuncturist and founder of The Yinova Center, in New York City and Long Island. Blakeway adds that acupuncture can also stimulate the nervous system to release serotonin and other endorphins that can dial down pain and elevate mood, something that is much needed by anyone enduring a cancer diagnosis.
Feel-good neurotransmitters are major players in the complex journey of addiction recovery, as spotlighted in a clinical trial published earlier this year in Annals of Internal Medicine. Participants given acupuncture treatments three times a week for eight
weeks reduced their methadone dosage by 20 percent or more as compared to subjects that received placebo treatments.
For those that are squeamish about needles, Hwang says, “About 40 tiny acupuncture needles can fit into the hole at the end of a hypodermic needle,” adding that most of her clients do not experience pain throughout treatment, and they are able to relax and even fall asleep by the end of a session.
Moxibustion—an extension of acupuncture that utilizes an herb called Ai Ye—may be promising for chronic kidney disease as a complementary therapy. A 2020 meta-analysis published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows the potential of moxibustion to significantly reduce serum creatinine, 24-hour urine protein excretion and blood urea nitrogen—all of which are indicators of compromised kidney function—and markedly improve quality of life of chronic kidney disease patients.
Chiropractic Goes High-Tech
With 150 techniques in its toolbox, today’s chiropractic medicine incorporates more sophisticated and gentler methods than ever before, especially for individuals with osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. Fueled by advanced software, modern diagnostic tools give doctors an edge over standard evaluation methods to provide personalized treatment plans.
The chiropractic use of electric current-based muscle stimulation encourages circulation in muscles along the spine to minimize pain, a technique that is safe for patients with fragile bones or spinal stenosis. Another method—cold laser therapy—springboards from traditional ultrasound using specific wavelengths of light. Also known as low-level laser therapy, cold laser aids injured tissues by amping up the production of adenosine triphosphate, a molecule crucial for energy production within cells, to reduce inflammation and pain and promote healing. A 2021 systematic review published in the Journal of Medicine and Life reports that cold lasers can be effective for decreasing pain and may also improve coexisting emotional factors associated with temporomandibular joint disorders in the jaw.
As with traditional chiropractic care, the objective of modern styles is to address the root cause of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, which, if not treated, can lead to health issues and pain. “When the body is unable to adapt to chemical, physical or emotional stress ors, tension within the nervous system is a common result. This often shows up as misaligned vertebrae [bones in the spine], but it can manifest in many ways,” says Brian Stenzler, a chiropractor and author in Sarasota, Florida, and vice president of operations at KnoWEwell, P.B.C. “Every organ, muscle, gland, tissue and cell of the body knows exactly what to do, when to do it and how to do it, as long as the ‘communication lines’ are clear between those body parts and the brain.”
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Stenzler notes that because only a small percentage of nerves transmit information about pain, it is unreliable for determining if a chiropractic adjustment is needed. Instead, chiropractors use a combination of objective measures to identify misalignments causing nerve interference, such as posture, x-rays, motion and static palpation, range of motion, heart rate variability, thermography and surface electromyography, which assesses muscle function using electrodes placed on muscle groups.
New Horizons
Swedish and deep tissue massage have long given sore muscles and overextended nervous systems balm, but massage modalities are expanding their scope. Ancient massage systems making their way out of the shadows include Egyptian (Pharaonic), Balinese and gua sha, among others. More traditional approaches are being used to release trauma held in the body and to aid challenging conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and cancer. “After a mastectomy, for example, a patient may experience swelling in the arm due to obstructed lymph flow. Specialized massage practitioners can offer lymphatic drainage massage to treat lymphedema, a common side effect of cancer treatment,” says Blakeway.
Tuina, one of the four branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is believed to be
the oldest form of bodywork and, like acupuncture, targets acupoints, but without the use of needles. In research from 2018, this modality—when combined with other aspects of Chinese medicine—shows promise for early-stage diabetic foot disease, a condition resulting from peripheral artery disease or sensory neuropathy.
Guided by overhead bars for balance and support, practitioners of the Japanese modality ashiatsu primarily use their feet to ease their clients’ tight muscles. “The foot’s broad surface allows for comprehensive muscle manipulation, targeting larger groups while maintaining precision for specific areas. While we may combine foot and hand techniques for certain areas such as the neck, the primary focus is on harnessing the foot’s unique capabilities for a truly transformative experience,” explains Mariah Maven, a licensed massage therapist, ashiatsu educator and owner of THE SPACE, in Spokane, Washington.
Maven points out that ashiatsu can help stabilize the shoulder while gently stretching the neck, creating an unparalleled sense of traction and release, as well as promote better posture, flexibility and quicker recovery from sports injuries, but cautions that “it is contraindicated for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia [reduced bone mass].”
Ortho-Bionomy, pioneered by British osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls, has gained attention for its positive effect on pain and postural problems by working with the body’s natural capacity to find balance and reset the nervous system. “Pauls took the osteopathic principle of positional release, gently placing the body in a position of optimal comfort and adding gentle compression into a joint from its position of greatest ease. He found that this stimulated proprioceptor nerve endings [sensors in muscles, tendons and ligaments] and produced a release response,” explains Donna Racik, a certified Ortho-Bionomy practitioner in Leonia, New Jersey, adding that she has found this modality to be effective in relieving pain, restoring alignment and improving the flow of blood and lymph.
Stenzler, who believes that tomorrow looks brighter with the education and guidance of integrative health providers that encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles, says, “While helping people overcome health challenges is very noble and an extremely important aspect of health care, I strongly believe that the future should lie in a salutogenic model,” which focuses on the origins of health and well-being rather than the causes of disease.
Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Smashing Pumpkins
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans purchase 1.3 billion pounds of Halloween pumpkins and throw away more than 1 billion pounds, most of which winds up in landfills, where they release methane as they decompose. Diverting jack-o-lanterns away from landfills and turning them into compost can reduce the environmental footprint of this popular holiday tradition, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enriching the soil.
Across the nation, people are hosting pumpkin smash parties to compost the spooky gourds. These events foster a sense of community spirit, provide a forum to discuss broader environmental issues and turn a post-Halloween chore into a fun, ecofriendly activity.
Planning Tips
• Time and Place: Schedule the party shortly after Halloween when people are looking to dispose of their pumpkins. Choose a centrally located area such as a public park, community center or school playground. Be sure to obtain any required permits and coordinate with the waste management department.
• Partnerships: Contact environmental groups, schools or businesses to help with logistics, promotion and the distribution of educational materials about composting and sustainability. Local farms or community gardens may be interested in receiving the composted pumpkins.
Event Recommendations
• Smashing Station: Create a designated area for pumpkin smashing and offer instructions on how to safely smash the pumpkins. Be sure there are enough tools for everyone, including mallets, hammers or even baseball bats. Safety is paramount, so provide goggles and gloves for proper protection. Set up a first-aid station in case of any minor injuries.
• Compost Collection and Distribution: Create a designated area for compost collection and ensure there are clear signs directing participants to take their smashed pumpkins there. Coordinate with local farms or gardens for compost pickup. Ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned up, leaving no debris behind.
• Educational Booths: Set up stations where participants can learn about composting and the benefits of reducing food waste. Provide brochures, posters and hands-on demonstrations to engage both kids and adults, and consider inviting local experts to give short talks or answer questions.
• Promotion: To attract participants, it is important to explain the purpose of the pumpkin smash and how it benefits the environment. Spread the word on social media using engaging visuals and hashtags related to Halloween, pumpkins and sustainability. Design and distribute eyecatching flyers. Contact or send a press release to local newspapers, radio stations and TV channels.
Sweet Nostalgia
Celebrating National Dessert Month
by Deborah Bevilacqua
Many of us have beloved memories filled with the treasures of the family kitchen—the clanging of baking pans and metal mixing bowls, flour dusted across the counter and the amazing aromas of chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon filling the entire house. That wonderful anticipation of a homemade treat coming out of the oven was pure childhood magic.
“There is nothing better than the smell of home-baked goodies,” says Lynn Feder, owner of Lynn’s Life Breads, an allergenfree bakery. Infused with the best ingredients and dollops of love, desserts are more than just a tasty indulgence. They celebrate long-held family recipes, cultural traditions and the transformative effect of shared pleasures. October is National Dessert Month, a perfect time to explore the history, nostalgia and nutritional gifts of these delicious delights.
From Ancient Times to Modern Bites
Desserts have evolved from simple combinations of fruits and nuts to elaborate confections. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans enjoyed honey-sweetened treats. By the 16th century, sugar had made its way to Europe from Southeast Asia, paving the way for decadent cakes and pastries. Today, each culture brings unique flavors and techniques to homes, bakeries and confectioneries around the globe.
American Favorites
Beloved for its chewy texture and rich flavor, the chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield, a chef, dietitian, educator and author from Walpole,
Massachusetts, who also owned a tourist lodge with her husband, Kenneth, that they named the Tollhouse Inn.
Brownies originated in Chicago in 1893 at the Palmer House Hotel, where Bertha Palmer asked her chefs to create a portable dessert that could be served at the World’s Columbian Exposition. These cake-like, fudgy squares may contain nuts, chocolate chips or caramel swirls.
Apple pie is synonymous with American culture. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, and is often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In today’s health-conscious households, ice cream is not made with just cow’s milk. Scrumptious varieties are available featuring milks derived from cashews, oats or coconuts.
“The best ice cream is made from scratch in small batches with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients,” says Chloe Bowman, manager of
Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts, in Crested Butte, Colorado. “One of our adult favorites is Cookie Monster ice cream made with homemade chocolate chip cookies and allnatural pea flour so it doesn’t make your mouth blue.”
While attempting to recreate a French version, William Lawrence, a New York dairyman, invented the now-classic New Yorkstyle cheesecake. It features smooth, rich cream cheese and a graham cracker crust that can be customized with various toppings.
The Sweet Benefits of Desserts
Aside from satisfying our sweet tooth, some desserts come with nutritious benefits. Dark chocolate contains flavanols that help lower blood pressure and fight cell damage, as well as polyphenols that, according to a 2022 study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, help maintain a better mood. Fruits and nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which play an important
role in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Indulging in a sweet treat may even lead to a sweeter disposition, according to research led by North Dakota State University.
Healthy Alternatives
Dessert time is not always kind to people that are diabetic, vegan, on restricted diets or have gluten sensitivities or allergies to ingredients like eggs, diary and nuts. “I can adapt any recipe to make it delicious and allergy-free. Today, we have so many options,” says Feder, who began baking allergen-free products as a result of her own health issues and allergies.
Dairy substitutes are plentiful in the grocery store, including milk made from oats, almonds, soy, coconut and rice. Alternatives to butter include nut butters, sunflower oil and coconut oil. For those with nut allergies, the texture, taste and nutritional value can be supplanted with rolled oats, granola, crisp rice cereal, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, or dairy- and nut-free chocolate chips.
For those looking to reduce their consumption of sugar, there are a number of healthier natural sweeteners, including monk fruit extract, raw honey, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia and blackstrap molasses. Stevia and monk fruit extract are derived from plants and have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. A quick search online will provide guidance on measurement equivalents. Monk fruit, which does not raise blood-sugar levels, can be up to 250 times sweeter than sugar.
Celebrating National Dessert Month
To celebrate National Dessert Month, consider hosting a dessert-themed party where invitees can share their favorite recipes, and be sure to include low-sugar, vegan and gluten-free options, to accommodate everyone’s preferences and dietary restrictions.
Deborah Bevilacqua is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.
Part One of Special Series on Fertility
The Eye-Opening Truth About Fertility
by Dr. Susan Fox
Global declines in birth rates have made headlines, but the rise of male and female infertility has largely been overlooked. Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after trying for one year. In 2021, Scientific American reported that the world-wide fertility rate dropped by almost 1 percent per year from 1960 to 2018.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 in 5 American married women in their reproductive years have difficulty in either getting pregnant or carrying to a live birth, and 11.4 percent of men ages 15-49 have some form of infertility.
For women, a study found a 1 percent per year increase in reported miscarriage rates in the US over a two-decade period. The increase in infertility among women has manifested itself in the increased use of assisted reproductive technologies, including egg freezing and in vitro fertilization among younger women, not just those that waited to start families until after age 35. There also has been an increasing trend in the use of gestational surrogacy as family has taken on a wider definition than traditionally, and as corporations have begun to include fertility benefits in their employee compensation packages.
Numerous studies have identified an increase in male fertility issues, including:
• Declines in sperm concentration (52 percent) and total sperm count (nearly 60 percent) between 1973 and 2011. At this rate, average sperm count could be zero by the middle of this century.
• Decreases in testosterone levels of almost 1 percent per year during recent decades in excess of natural, agerelated declines.
• Declines in total testosterone levels among adolescent and young adult males from 1999 to 2016.
• Increases in testicular cancer rates.
• Increases in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among younger men.
Susan Fox is Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Marin County, California, and has specialized in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenge for more than 20 years. Connect at healthyouniversity.co and drsusanfox.com.
There is hope! Watch in November for our next article in this series. Also, learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the very special January 20-24 fertility immersive event. Scan the QR Code.
Volcano Surprise Brownie Cupcakes
YIELD: 12 CUPCAKES
STRAWBERRY LAYER
3 large fresh strawberries, quartered
1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
CARAMEL LAYER
¼ cup smooth cashew or almond butter
¼ cup maple syrup
1 date, pitted
BROWNIE MIXTURE
2 Hu brand chocolate bars (choice of hazelnut, cashew, almond or cashew raspberry)
1 cup smooth cashew butter
1 large egg
½ cup maple syrup
Preheat oven to 350° F.
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp gluten-free vanilla extract
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp Himalayan salt
½ cup mini chocolate chips, plus extras to sprinkle on top
Prepare the strawberry layer by combining the strawberries, maple syrup or honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from stove and pour off the liquid, retaining the strawberries. Place the strawberries in the refrigerator to cool while preparing the other layers.
To make the caramel layer, first soak the date in boiling water for 2 minutes, then cut it into small pieces and drop them in a blender along with the other ingredients, blending for 40 seconds until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
Place the brownie mixture ingredients in a bowl, except the chocolate chips and Hu chocolate bars. Blend using an electric, hand-held mixer. Once combined into a batter, fold in the chocolate chips.
Line a 12-cupcake baking tray with unbleached paper liners. Put one heaping tablespoon of the brownie mixture in each cupcake liner to coat the bottom. Break Hu chocolate bars into squares and place one square on top of the brownie mixture. Spread one teaspoon of caramel sauce on top of the chocolate. Add strawberries to the caramel layer. Top with additional brownie mixture until the liner is three quarters full. Sprinkle with a few mini chocolate chips.
Bake cupcakes for 20 minutes. Remove and place on a cooling rack. They are delicious at room temperature, cold from the refrigerator or frozen.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.
Courtesy of Lynn Feder
Lynn’s Pumpkin Cheese-Less Cake
YIELD: 10-12 SERVINGS
Apple
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
YIELD: 8-10 SERVINGS
BASE
STRAWBERRY FILLING
1¾ cups raw almonds
8 dates, pitted
BASE FILLING
3 cups raw cashews
1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
¾ cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 15-oz can of pumpkin puree (or equivalent of fresh-cooked mashed pumpkin)
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅛ tsp Himalayan salt
2 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ to ½ tsp nutmeg, to taste
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp cloves
½ tsp Himalayan salt
1 cup melted coconut oil
For the base, soak the dates in boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove dates from water and put in food processor with salt, almonds and vanilla, and blend until the nuts are broken down into small pieces and the mixture is sticky when pressed between fingertips.
Line a springform pan with parchment paper. Gently hand-press the pie crust onto the bottom and sides of the pan. Set aside.
For the filling, soak cashews in water overnight or cover cashews with boiling water and allow to soak for 2 hours. Strain the soaked cashews and add them with the other filling ingredients except the coconut oil to a food processor. Blend for 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Then add the melted coconut oil and blend until well incorporated into the mixture.
Pour filling into pie crust. Set in freezer for 2 or more hours until the center is solid.
Remove and refrigerate for a few hours until it thaws before serving.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.
2½ cups almond flour
2 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp Himalayan salt
⅓ cup melted coconut oil
⅓ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
RHUBARB FILLING
2 cups rhubarb stalks, sliced
1 Tbsp coconut sugar or maple syrup
2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
2 tsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp maple syrup
APPLE FILLING
2 large honey crisp or pink lady apples, peeled and sliced thin
2 Tbsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp lemon juice
CASHEW STRAWBERRY CREAM TOPPING
1 cup raw cashews
3 Tbsp boiling water
2 tsp lemon juice
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Courtesy of Lynn Feder
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp maple syrup
4 large fresh strawberries
Mix all base dry ingredients together in a bowl until there are no lumps. In a separate bowl, mix the base wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients and blend with a fork to form a loose dough.
Grease a 9-inch pie dish with coconut oil. Gently pat the dough onto the bottom and sides of the pie dish. Place in oven for 10 to 12 minutes until light brown. Remove and let cool. Set aside.
Place strawberry filling ingredients in saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from stove and drain off fluid. Set strawberries aside to cool.
Place rhubarb filling ingredients in a saucepan, cover with water and simmer for 8 minutes. Drain off fluid and set aside to cool.
Place apple filling ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the apple slices are slightly tender, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Drain fluid and set aside.
Blend the cream topping ingredients together in a blender until smooth.
Arrange the apples in a circular pattern on the pie crust followed by the strawberries and rhubarb. Spread the cashew strawberry cream on top of the pie, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.
Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play
How Good Posture and Mindful Habits Prevent Injury
by Maya Whitman
Regardless of lifestyle, many people experience everyday aches as they strive to balance work and play. Recurring movements while sitting or standing with bad posture can take a toll on the body. Jobs involving typing, hairstyling, power-tool use or assembly-line tasks, as well as asymmetrical recreational activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, electronic gaming or even playing musical instruments, can amplify the risk for chronic pain.
The American Heart Association reports that 80 percent of all U.S. jobs are mostly sedentary, a problem even without the added burden of too much screen time, poor sitting positions and the long-term
effects of repetitive motion. The National Spine Health Foundation offers three recommendations for office workers: be mindful of posture, don’t look down at screens and get up and move around on a regular basis.
The importance of prevention cannot be ignored when we look at the cost of workers’ compensation cases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021 claims included $4.7 billion for awkward postures and $1.7 billion for repetitive motions involving “microtasks” performed in a matter of seconds or a few minutes, such as typing.
Pressure Points
According to Margie Bissinger, a physical therapist and integrative health coach in Parsippany, New Jersey, one of the most common conditions caused by repetitive movement is carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from pressure on the median nerve, which extends along the hand, arm and shoulder. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in the thumb and fingers.
“Ergonomics is the design of working environments to help individuals use the best postures and habits that will keep their bodies healthy and avoid injuries,” Bissinger explains, noting that good posture is designed to maintain the inward curve of the lower back. To reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, pain on the pinkie-finger side of the wrist or other related injuries, she recommends keeping the shoulders relaxed, the wrist in a neutral position, the thumb in line with the forearm and elbows close to the body while typing.
Gamers are prone to tendinitis in the hands and forearms, notes Shari Berkowitz, biomechanist, ergonomist and founder of The Vertical Workshop, in Beverly Hills, California. She remarks that compression in the neck can lead to not only carpal tunnel syndrome, but also double crush syndrome, a condition associated with compression at more than one location along a nerve path.
Imágenes de Hassel/CanvaPro
“Gamers have a lot of repetition of movement in small joints, as well as holding patterns in the arms, shoulders and spine over a prolonged period. They would benefit from using ergonomic devices that require very little force to press buttons, toggle, etc.,” she advises, adding that players should position themselves to support the entire body, not just the wrists. Whether working or playing, Berkowitz stresses the need to step away from the desk every hour for five minutes to get something to drink, go to the bathroom or just move around.
Bissinger cautions that slouching at the desk or while playing electronic games is a surefire way to set off pain patterns. “You don’t want to be on the couch hunched with your low back rounded,” she says. “You should make sure your neck is looking straight ahead, not up or down, for extended periods of time.”
Exercise Ergonomics
Bad habits in the gym or on the yoga mat can foster chronic pain in the lower back, knees, neck, shoulders and wrists. “Learn about proper joint alignment for whatever exercises you’re doing and then try to achieve that for each movement,” advises Berkowitz. “When a set of muscles that are primary to a movement is fatigued, synergists, or assistant muscles, must work more than they are supposed to. That means strain is going to happen.” She recommends stopping as soon as there is a feeling of muscle fatigue and decreasing the weight and repetitions.
For a well-rounded approach to exercise that aids in preventing issues, Berkowitz suggests mobility training such as Pilates, yoga, tai chi and dance, along with running, walking or strength training. She also suggests replacing backless shoes like flip-flops and slides with ankle-supporting, foot-forming options such as Flux Footwear.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings
Inspiration
Resurrecting From Life’s Darkest Hours
by Marlaina Donato
“My bones knock together at the pale joints, trying for foothold, fingerhold, mindhold,” wrote Mary Oliver in “Crossing the Swamp”, a visceral poem about finding opportunity to thrive from the bog of life’s dark challenges. If we live long enough, most of us experience a rising from the ashes after burning in the fires of loss, failure or trauma, but sometimes even the most sure-footed and resilient individuals can unexpectedly slip into a deep chasm of futility or questioning.
Dark nights of the soul can follow great periods of growth and clarity, descending upon even the strongest of psyches, rattling
the bones with intensity. The black wave can come softly at first, simply inviting us to take inventory or retreat into contemplation. Other times, it sucks out our life force and swallows us whole upon impact.
Unlike other varieties of depression or contraction, the soul’s dark night submerges us until we surrender to metamorphosis. The gestation of a new self can be difficult, and it is easy to forget that the darkness in which we find ourselves is a nourishing womb. We just need to allow ourselves to experience the process.
Despite the internal urge to disengage from the world and curl into a fetal ball, finding support from spiritual mentors, trusted friends or family members is vital. Expressing our vulnerability can be the most frightening yet most sacred of acts that can light the way for a spirit that feels broken when it is actually breaking open.
Oliver compared herself to a “poor dry stick” in the great swamp, a bough that “after all these years, could take root, sprout, branch out, bud—make of its life a breathing palace of leaves.” We, too, can be reborn with a greater capacity to give and to receive—to reach into a heaven of possibility because our roots survived an unprecedented storm.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
pierluigipalazzi from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Fair-Trade Environmentalism
How Our Purchases Help Workers and the Planet
by Megy Karydes
In a 2021 study by sustainability consultancy GlobeScan, 41 percent of U.S. respondents said they had changed their purchasing choices to make a difference on economic, social or environmental issues. Walk into a grocery store today and the likelihood of finding fair-trade coffee or chocolate is higher than five years ago. The same GlobeScan study found that about 80 percent of U.S. consumers were aware of the Fairtrade America certification, viewed it favorably and would pay up to 35 percent more for Fairtrade coffee. The trend is clear: people are increasingly seeing their everyday shopping as an important way to make a difference.
None of this is by accident. Large and small nonprofits—such as the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (Oxfam) America, which fights global inequality to end poverty and injustice, and Chicago Fair Trade, a grassroots coalition—as well as independent retailers have been raising awareness by advocating on behalf of farmers and producers for years. Another growing trend in the fair-trade space is an understanding that environmental concerns need to be part of the conversation.
Sustainability Goals
Eric Muñoz, associate director for Inclusive and Resilient Food Systems at Oxfam America, notes one of the key issues of concern for their organization is an acknowledgement that hunger and poverty are concentrated in
rural areas. Fair-trade efforts address those inequalities while also supporting community engagement and dialogue, democratic participation in decision-making and women’s empowerment.
“Some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities and households are those that rely on agriculture for their livelihoods,” he remarks. “Farmers involved in or selling into global supply chains, or even regional or national value chains, find themselves at a disadvantage. They are least able to negotiate a good return on the cost of their goods, or access markets that are going to adequately compensate them for their work and benefit
from their labor. Fair trade is an effort at getting at that issue.”
Environmental concerns are inextricably involved in fair-trade negotiations. Nancy Demuth, director of outreach for Chicago Fair Trade, cites the example of coffee bean farmers in East Africa that are dealing with the negative impacts that unpredictable weather patterns have on their yields. “Those farmers will be farming less, and that means they’re earning less money,” she explains. “If they are using unsustainable environmental techniques, then that might be negatively impacting their soil health, and in 10 to 20 years’ time, their soil will be less productive.”
To be Fair Trade Certified, farmers must improve soil and water quality, avoid harmful chemicals and reduce waste and emissions.
Retailers Leading the Way
Since 2010, Tracy Zhu has been selling fairtrade items at her clothing shop, Tango Zulu, in Port Gamble, Washington, and about two years ago, many of her customers began to ask for environmentally responsible products. “There seems to be more awareness of the waste and pollution in the garment industry,” Zhu says. “People are interested in sustainable clothing and also items made from clothing scraps, like upcycled kantha dish towels [made of quilted rags].”
Melissa Kendrick of Sojourns, a fair-trade retailer in Birmingham, Alabama, has likewise changed her inventory to serve a burgeoning interest in conservation. “Upcycled items received lots of attention, and more and more, we saw customers reacting to the information we posted about sustainability aspects of our products,” she says. “Now we see them actively asking about and seeking out items that have a smaller environmental footprint. We even have a section in our online shop that highlights items that are exceptionally eco-friendly.”
Zhu and Kendrick are responding to a rising and vocal support for companies and brands that align with their interests and values. Consumers increasingly ask questions about issues beyond the working conditions or compensation of the people producing the items. They want to know how fair trade impacts the environment and are willing to shift their purchasing power accordingly.
Reducing Consumption
Dampening uncontrolled consumerism is also a concern. “Part of what we do is talk about stopping the madness of mindless consumption,” notes Katherine Bissell Cordova, executive director of Chicago Fair Trade. The nonprofit hosts free clothing swaps, fashion shows featuring recycled garments and opportunities to engage with other advocates at
the Chicago Fair Trade Museum, the first of its kind in the U.S.
What consumers do makes a difference, and Demuth encourages individuals to do all they can where they live. “Pick something that is of interest to you and see if you can make one switch,” she recommends.
“Do one thing to make a positive difference, rather than overwhelm yourself by trying to suddenly shop 100 percent ethical, because it’s impossible to do that in our society.”
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.
WITHIN REACH
Taking the Cold-Therapy Plunge
From Icy Showers to Cryotherapy Chambers
by Madiha Saeed, M.D.
Stress gets a bad reputation, but some forms can be quite beneficial. Hormesis, a self-imposed stress to the body, teaches it to become resilient. Cold therapy is a popular method used by athletes, biohackers and others looking to optimize their performance and physical health.
According to Molly Maloof, a concierge physician, biohacker and consultant to more than 50 companies, there are several types of cold therapy, including a cold shower or cold plunge in 50 to 59°F water; an ice bath in water that is 41 to 50°F; and cryotherapy, which exposes the body to extremely cold air (-166 to -220°F) in a specialized chamber. Maloof notes, “Women may not need as cold a plunge as men because women shiver at higher temperatures and are more sensitive to cold.”
Benefits of Cold Therapy
According to Tom Moorcroft, a boardcertified physician specializing in chronic, tick-borne illnesses, “People with chronic inflammatory conditions generally do really well [with cold therapies], both from a perspective of lowering inflammation and dealing with the stress of chronic illness. Patients with chronic, tick-borne infections typically report less pain and inflammation, improved energy and better overall quality of life with even a short 60- to 90-second cold shower daily. A cold plunge three to four times a week improves symptoms even more.”
Maloof notes the following benefits:
• Hormonal Effects: Cold therapy can increase production of norepinephrine and endorphins, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Metabolism and Weight Management: Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), increasing calorie burn. Women typically have more BAT than men, potentially making cold therapy more effective for a metabolic boost.
• Inflammation and Recovery: Coldwater immersion can be beneficial post-exercise to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. While men’s bodies naturally redirect blood flow after a workout, women’s bodies tend to keep
blood in the skin. A cold plunge can help women push that blood back to the muscles, aiding recovery. This benefit may be particularly useful for those experiencing inflammation during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.
• Immune System: Regular cold therapy may strengthen the immune system, and the effects may be more pronounced in men than women due to differences in responses to stimuli.
• Skin Health: Cold therapy, especially plunging the face into a bowl of ice water, can improve skin tone and reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels.
• Fertility and Reproductive Health: Cold therapy might improve fertility in
women by reducing inflammation and balancing hormones, but more studies are needed.
• Cardiovascular Health: Cold exposure can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation. This benefit is important for women, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease after menopause.
Contraindications
Moorcroft states that common side effects of cold therapies include cold skin, temporary dizziness, lightheadedness or headache, an increase in blood pressure and, rarely, frostbite or skin rash. According to both Maloof and Moorcroft, cold therapies are contraindicated for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, an inability to sense the extremities, an allergy to cold, Raynaud’s disease, pregnancy, open wounds, skin infections or recent surgery.
Cold therapy might also be inadvisable for people with eating disorders, as it can exacerbate a disordered metabolism. Cryotherapy is not recommended for those with cardiovascular conditions, stroke history, claustrophobia, severe anxiety disorders, deep vein thrombosis or serious respiratory problems. Cold plunges or ice baths are not recommended for those with epilepsy, diabetes or hypothyroidism.
Tips for Taking the Plunge
Maloof recommends beginning with cool showers and slowly decreasing the temperature for brief periods. Her other recommendations for safely experiencing the benefits of cold therapies include:
• Start cold plunges for short durations of 30 seconds to two minutes.
• Limit cold-water immersion to below the shoulders or neck.
• Keep immersion times to two rounds of 30 seconds with two minutes in-between at the lowest temperatures, and a maximum of six rounds of three minutes with two minutes in-between at the highest immersion temperatures.
• Listen to the body and do not push beyond a level that is comfortable. Remember that women are more sensitive to cold.
• Warm up properly afterward by having warm, dry clothes ready.
• Stay hydrated with water before and after a cold therapy session.
• A cool shower before bed may help with sleep, especially for menopausal women.
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Infertility
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“[Cold showers] are more accessible, and more people I work with are likely to start with these than a cold plunge or a cold chamber,” says Moorcroft. “Personally, I prefer a cold plunge by a long shot. It’s a more Zen and focusing experience.”
Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.
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Financial Planning for Pet Illnesses
How Pet Insurance Can Help
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Although approximately 82 million U.S. households own a pet, only a small fraction—around 5.4 million—were insured by the end of 2023. A 2018 survey by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition found that 28 percent of American pet owners encountered barriers to pet care in the past two years, primarily due to financial constraints.
Pet insurance can provide crucial financial support during unexpected emergencies or costly treatments, but deciding whether to invest isn’t always simple. Some pet owners are hesitant due to concerns about cost, policy complexity or the belief that insurance might not be necessary. However, many that do opt for insurance report significant benefits.
Eases Financial Worries
One of the most significant benefits of pet insurance is the peace of mind it provides, allowing families to focus on their pet’s health without constantly worrying about the financial implications. Patrons of Trupanion Pet Insurance have noted how insurance has made managing their pet’s health care easier because they have to meet the deductible only once per new condition, after which 90 percent of the costs are covered. Trupanion also covers alternative treatments like acupuncture.
Simplifies Decision-Making
AKC Pet Insurance covers preexisting conditions after 365 days—a crucial factor when a pet has medical problems at the time of adoption. If a pet later develops a related ailment that requires costly testing, the insurance will cover these costs, allowing a pet owner to make the best decision for their pet without financial constraints.
Promotes Preventive Care
Many insurance plans, like those offered by Pets Best, include coverage for preventive care such as check-ups, vaccinations and wellness visits, which encourages pet owners to maintain regular veterinary visits. By catching potential health issues early, pet owners can avoid more costly treatments down the road, ensuring that their pets live healthier lives.
Reduces the Burden of High-Cost Treatments
Facing a high-cost treatment can be daunting, and in such cases, an insurance company that provides this level of coverage can be a lifesaver, enabling pet owners to provide the necessary care without the fear of financial ruin. A study published in Animals found that pet health insurance significantly increased the amount spent at the veterinarian, with insured dog owners spending an average of $211 more on veterinary care compared to those without insurance. While extra spending appears to be an argument against the value of pet insurance, the study’s authors present it as a positive, noting that as pet insurance alleviates owners’ financial stress, it encourages them to invest more in their pet’s health care.
Tikhonova from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Saves Lives
The financial strain of veterinary care can often lead to emotional distress for pet owners, particularly when they are forced to make difficult decisions in an emergency. A 2020 study published in Frontiers of Veterinary Science showed that insured dogs had a significantly lower pre-surgical euthanasia rate (10 percent) compared to non-insured dogs (37 percent). This suggests that pet insurance allows owners to choose lifesaving treatments rather than face the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia due to financial constraints.
Pet Insurance Shopping Guidelines
• Preexisting Conditions: Most pet insurance policies do not cover preexisting conditions. To ensure coverage, enroll a pet in an insurance plan before any significant health issues arise.
• Waiting Periods: Many pet insurance plans include waiting periods before coverage begins, during which illness or injury may not be covered.
• C overage Limits: Pet insurance policies vary in their coverage limits, including annual, per-incident or lifetime caps. Review these provisions carefully to understand the maximum amount the insurance will pay in different scenarios.
• Deductibles and Reimbursement Levels: Policies differ in how they handle deductibles and reimbursement levels. Some may have higher deductibles but offer higher reimbursement rates. Choose a plan that fits both the budget and healthcare needs.
• Alternative and Holistic Care: Not all plans include coverage for holistic treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care, so the selected policy should align with the owner’s preferences.
• Understanding Exclusions: Some insurance plans may exclude services for routine wellness care, dental cleanings or certain hereditary conditions. Understanding these exclusions can prevent unpleasant surprises when filing a claim.
• Plan Flexibility: Some insurance providers offer customizable plans, allowing pet owners to choose their deductible, coverage limits and options. While this flexibility can be beneficial, it requires careful consideration to ensure the best value for the money.
Deciding whether to invest in pet insurance is a personal choice that should align with the owner’s financial planning, the pet’s health and the priorities set for their pet’s care. Pet insurance can be a useful tool for managing veterinary expenses, offering peace of mind when unexpected medical issues arise.
Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.
The Case for Cloth Diapers
Saving Money and the Environment
by Kelcie Ottoes
Disposable diapers hit the shelves in 1948 and have become a household staple. The International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group estimates that 28.8 billion diapers were sold in 2023 in the United States. Parents concerned with environmental, monetary and other associated costs of disposables are moving back to cloth diapering.
“Both my husband’s mom and my mom mentioned that they cloth-diapered. They said it was really no big deal. Cloth diapers used to be the norm just a few generations ago,” says Kate Sawyer, a water and wastewater professional in Durango, Colorado.
Health Benefits
Babies are more susceptible to harmful chemicals due to their thinner, more
permeable skin. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require diaper manufacturers to test their products for toxins other than lead. A 2019 study published by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety tested 23 bestselling disposable diapers and found toxic substances, including volatile organic compounds like naphthalene, styrene, toluene, chlorobenzene, phthalates, formaldehyde, pesticides and dioxins. A 2000 study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood showed that boys exhibited a higher scrotal temperature when wearing disposable diapers than cotton varieties, posing possible fertility issues in later life.
Cloth diapers are made of natural, breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo
or hemp, which generally do not contain perfumes, polyacrylate (a super-absorbant polymer) or chlorine that can strip away protective bacteria, causing a baby’s skin to become dry and irritated. Look for organic versions free of toxins from the farm and factory.
Unlike disposables designed to absorb moisture quickly and keep it away from the skin, cloth diapers need to be changed as soon as they are wet or soiled, and the baby’s bottom must be cleaned well and allowed to dry before applying a fresh diaper.
Toddlers wearing cloth diapers can feel the wet sensation against their skin and are more aware of when they have relieved themselves, making potty training easier. According to an article in Parenting Science , approximately 60 percent of American children in 1947 were potty trained by 18 months old, whereas the average age rose to 37 months by 2004, in part due to the use of disposable diapers, researchers believe.
When washing cloth diapers, follow the manufacturers’ instructions, use recommended amounts of detergent, run an extra rinse cycle to thoroughly remove all the soap, and avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can be irritants. Responding to parents that don’t want to deal with the messiness of cloth diapers, Sawyer says, “No matter what, you’re going to deal with poop as a parent. Using cloth diapers actually gives you a process to deal with poop, so when a blowout happens—cloth diaper or not—you can deal with it quickly and efficiently.”
A Cleaner Option
Each year, 3.6 million tons of disposable diapers are sent to landfills. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that a child will require up to 3,000 diapers in the first year, and about 8,000 by the time they’re potty-trained. Most disposable diapers are made of cellulose, polypropylene,
Zuzule from Getty Images/CanvaPro
polyethylene and absorbent polymers that take up to 500 years to break down. The fecal contents can also leach into groundwater.
Parents that use cloth tend to buy between 20 and 40 diapers, which can last up to 400 washes if they’re well maintained and can be repurposed into dust rags to extend their life. Although they usually do not pile up in landfills, cloth diapers still pose some environmental concerns. Hot water and energy are needed to wash and dry them. Cotton is also a chemically dependent crop, but when regenerative organic principles are employed, the cotton-growing process conserves water, protects biodiversity and avoids toxic fertilizers and herbicides.
Cheaper in the Long Run
The average cost of one disposable diaper is 29 cents; cloth diapers are about $2 to $21 each. “It can be expensive to get started [with cloth diapers], but the long-run savings more than make up for the up-front costs,” says Leah Black, a mom and founder of Cheeks Ahoy, a reusable baby-wipe company in Canada. “You don’t have to buy all brand-new stuff. Well-made cloth diapers will last much longer than your child’s diapering stage, so there is nothing wrong with looking for gently used cloth diapers.”
A Flexible Approach
Families that want the benefits of cloth diapering do not have to make it an all-or-nothing decision. Many use disposable diapers when a newborn first comes home, because they require so many changes at that time, and then switch to cloth diapers once the child is a few weeks old. Some parents choose to use cloth diapers only during the day and avoid fuss by using disposables at night when they are tired and trying to get back to sleep. Others go with cloth diapers at home and disposables when they are out, so they aren’t carrying around soiled diapers at the grocery store or park.
Kelcie Ottoes is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.
Calendar of Events
NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Regina@NARichmond.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit NARichmond.com to submit online.
Featured Event
Richmond Healthfest 2024
Celebrate holistic health and wellness and provide the opportunity to discover natural products, services and resources from some of the region’s top wellness experts. More than 30 wellness vendors offering natural products, health services, eco-friendly goods and more; live demonstrations from wellness experts covering topics such as natural healing, stress reduction and healthy lifestyle habits; and delicious, health-conscious meals and snacks from local food trucks, Arroz RVA and Eddie Rose Coffee.
Dewey Gottwald Center of the Science Museum of Virginia October 12 • noon to 4 p.m Regina Rudolph at 804-495-0325, email Regina@NARichmond.com or visit NARichmond.com.
Featured Event
VegFest at Byrd Park
More than 100 vegan-friendly vendors offering food, drinks and products, as well as live entertainment on three stages. Attendees can enjoy cooking demonstrations, speaker sessions and performances. A dedicated "Kids' Patch" area will provide activities such as arts and crafts and face painting. In case of light rain, the event will proceed as planned, but severe weather may postpone it to October 6. Parking is available in the Dogwood Dell lot and along certain streets in Byrd Park. William Byrd Park October 5 • noon to 6 p.m
Admission is free and leashed, wellbehaved dogs are welcome. For more information, visit VeggieFest.org.
Grateful Aging
Coming in November
Ongoing Events
Sunday
Rescue Dog Hike – 7:45-10am. Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) hosts hikes with its resident rescue dogs led by knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers, and the public (adults and children) is invited to join in on the fun and exercise for both humans and four-legged friends. No experience is necessary to go on the hikes, and the age to walk dogs is 16 and up. Hikers meet at the ODHS center at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg, VA. OldDominionHumaneSociety.org.
5Rhythms Movement Meditation – 11am12:30pm. Journey of movement practice, music and community. $20. TurnRVA. 3105 W Moore St. AfterBefore.live.
Goat Yoga Brunch & Bubbly – 11:30am1:30pm Pactamere Farm and Goat Yoga RVA are hosting morning goat yoga followed by a delicious brunch with unlimited mimosas. During the 45-minute class, your certified instructor will guide you into a series of poses with the assistance of our 26 Nigerian dwarf goat yogis. Pactamere Farm 15577 Stone Horse Creek Rd Glen Allen, VA Tickets available at PactamereFarm.com. $65.
Monday
Level 2 Flow Yoga – 9-10:15am. Start your week right with a yoga class that is beyond a beginner's level. Participants will incorporate new poses and increasingly challenging options. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in.Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy, 804-7415267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Beginner Qigong with Jonah Marsh5:30-6:45pm. Qigong is an ancient practice which combines graceful movements with abdominal breathing and mindfulness, allowing us to connect with Nature and
balance the body's circadian rhythms. Jonah has been studying Chinese internal martial arts and qigong since 2011. $5-$25 sliding scale. LivingWaterrva.com 1000 Westover Hills Blvd Richmond, VA.
Ageless Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. A balanced practice that incorporates basic yoga postures, breath awareness and relaxation. Poses are modified to meet individual needs. Students transfer to and from the floor and the class generally includes a vinyasa flow of standing poses, guided by breath for a portion of class time to increase stamina and strength. Students continue to develop body awareness to keep the joins safe, increasing range of motion and improving balance. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Tuesday
Beginner-Level Yoga – 9-10:15am. Balanced practice that incorporates basic yoga postures, breath awareness & relaxation. Postures modified to meet individual needs. Online & in-person. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Yoga for Bone Health – 9:45-11am. Increase bone & muscle through the use of yoga with a combination of dynamic & static yoga poses. Chris Riely. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. Registration required: 804-741-5267 or GlenmoreYoga.com.
Fundamentals Pilates Mat Class –10:45am-12pm. This Pilates Mat Class with Dianne Powers will include the basic exercises emphasizing alignment, elongation of the spine and healthy posture. It will focus on the execution of efficient movement achieving improved core strength and endurance. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Slow and Gentle Yoga – 11:30am-12:45pm. An in-studio or online class with a yoga therapist. $70 for 4 classes in a month; $20 drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Mixed Level 1 & 2 Yoga – 5-6:15pm. This Mixed Level 1 & 2 yoga class is both instudio and online. End your work day with this yoga class that will move through all the muscles and joints, transitioning from beginner yoga poses into more challenging poses. If joining online, please register in advance to get the Zoom link. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Tuesday Night Gentle Flow into Restoration – 6:30-7:30pm. A nourishing and relaxing 60-minute gentle hatha yoga flow with restorative yoga poses (using
props). Suitable for any level, sliding-scale, drop-in & props provided. Leave feeling relaxed, restored & rejuvenated. Like all Living Water classes, this one is sliding scale, $5-25. Living Water Community Center. 1000 Westover Hills Blvd. LivingWaterrva.com/events.
Men’s Grief Discussion – 1:30-3pm. This group is peer-led, free and a place to listen or share grief experiences with others with similar grief experiences. Open to anyone that has lost a significant other or spouse. Bliley's Funeral Home 3801 Augusta Avenue Richmond, VA 804-355-3800.
Qigong – 5:30-6:30pm. Qigong refers to movement practices developed in ancient China and literally means energy work or energy skill. Qigong movements are done slowly and in harmony with one's mindintention and breath, fully bringing one into the present moment and fostering an alert yet calm state of mind. 804359-0384 Register at InnerworkCenter. org Innerwork Center 213 Roseneath Rd. Richmond, VA $17+.
Wednesday
Yin Yoga (In Studio & Online) – 9-10:30am. This quiet practice with Erin Forsyth, ERYT 500, focuses on the deep connective tissue in the lower back, hips and pelvis. Poses are generally limited to seated or reclined. The poses apply passive pressure to the joints, ligaments and tendons and are held for 3 to 5 minutes. While holding, students practice staying mentally attentive by focusing on the breath and to what their body feels in the pose. For the online class, please register in advance to get the Zoom link. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com. $20.
Intermediate Flow Pilates Mat Class –9:15-10:30am. A Pilates mat class with a focus on intermediate mat exercises. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Ageless Yoga – 10:45am-12pm. A balanced practice that incorporates basic yoga postures, breath awareness and relaxation. Poses are modified to meet individual needs. Students transfer to and from the floor and the class generally includes a vinyasa flow of standing poses, guided by breath for a portion of class time to increase stamina and strength. Students continue to develop body awareness to keep the joins safe, increasing range of motion and improving balance. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Gentle Yoga – 11am-12:15pm. This class features gentle yoga stretches, postures, breath awareness and relaxation to improve flexibility, strength, range of motion, balance and energy. Designed for those recovering from injuries, illness, inactivity or other health considerations. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Vino Vinyasa – 12-1pm. Join instructor Ann Marie Lewis for a strong yoga practice that will leave you feeling revitalized on every level! Rinse out your body and mind with a dose of structural, functional flow yoga at beautiful Ashton Creek Vineyard. You are encouraged to stay after class to enjoy some locally produced wine and nibbles! Bring a yoga mat, 2 blocks and a strap. Ashton Creek Vineyard 14501 Jefferson Davis Hwy Chester, VA 804-536-5869. $15. Creative Wink – 5:30-7pm. Join us for a transformative program designed to nurture your creative spirit. Through engaging activities such as simple art, writing, movement, and interactive games, you'll be guided to tap into your innate sense of childlike wonder. 804359-0384 Register at InnerworkCenter.org Innerwork Center 213 Roseneath Rd. $25+.
Thursday
Aerial Yoga – 9-10 am. This beginnerfriendly class for adults of all ages combines traditional yoga with the support of a suspended silk hammock. You will be guided through a series of poses and flows designed to strengthen, lengthen, and open the body, leaving you feeling confident, connected, and relaxed. $20 Host of Sparrows Aerial Circus, 97 Manchester Road, Richmond, VA. 804615-0309. HostOfSparrows.com.
Vinyasa Flow – 9-10:15am. Join Glenmore Yoga's Randi Weiss, E-RYT 500, for an inperson or online Vinyasa Flow class that incorporates all aspects of a traditional Hatha yoga class - postures, breath & meditation while challenging your coordination through flow. Please register in advance. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/dropin. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Intermediate Vinyasa Flow – 9:1510:30am. Incorporates all aspects of a traditional hatha yoga class: postures, breath & meditation, while challenging the coordination through flow. In-person & online. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/dropin. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Chair Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. This online Chair Yoga class via Zoom for older adults offers a balanced yoga practice which incorporates basic yoga postures, breath awareness and relaxation. Students continue to develop body awareness to keep the joints safe, increase range of motion and improve balance. Please register in advance to get the Zoom link. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Fundamentals Pilates Mat Class –10:45am-12pm. This Pilates Mat Class with Dianne Powers will include the basic exercises emphasizing alignment, elongation of the spine and healthy posture. It will focus on the execution of efficient movement achieving improved core strength and endurance. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
YOGAbility – 11am-12:15pm. This in-studio therapeutic yoga class is designed to educate, assess and help you progress in everyday life skills including functional abilities of work, rest and play. Highlighted are abilities of aligned posture, dynamic balance and increased mobility. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-7415267. GlenmoreYoga.com. $20.
Online Beginner Yoga – 6-7:15pm. A balanced practice that incorporates basic yoga postures, breath awareness and relaxation. Postures are modified to meet individual needs. Please register in advance to get the Zoom link for this online class. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-7415267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Friday
Yin Yoga - 9-10:15am. This 75-minute instudio yin yoga class is a great way to end the week. The quiet practice focuses on the deep connective tissue in the lower back, hips and pelvis. Poses are generally limited to seated or reclined. The poses apply passive pressure (muscularly soft) to the joints, ligaments and tendons and are held for 3-5 minutes. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com. $20.
Online Tibetan Rites – 10:30am-11:45pm. The Five Tibetan Rites is a system of exercises reported to be more than 2,500 years old. The Rites are said to be a form of Tibetan yoga similar to the yoga series that originated in India. The Five Tibetan Rites enhance mental clarity and memory, balance the hormones, improve health and support emotional well-being. This is an online-only class; please register in advance to get the Zoom link. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com. Level 1 & 2 Yoga – 10:45-12pm. This in-studio traditional yoga class takes students beyond the beginner level. The class will flow through poses and include more challenging options, ending with a relaxation session. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/ drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.
Saturday
Mixed-Level Yoga – 9-10:15am. Start the weekend off right w/a yoga class appropriate for all levels. Guidance given throughout practice, offering individual students a number of appropriate options. In-person & online. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/ drop-in. Zoom. Register, Glenmore Yoga, 804-741-5267 or GlenmoreYoga.com.
Community Resource Guide
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Regina@NARichmond.com to request our media kit.
Chiropractor
DRS. MAXINE AND JOE ABRETSKI
Omni Family Chiropractic 6806 Patterson Ave. Richmond, VA 23226 804-214-6236
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We specialize in family-based wellness health care, focusing on correcting the structure of the spine and the function of the nervous system. Our goal is to help families live to their healthiest potential naturally. By addressing spinal alignment and nervous system health, we aim to enhance overall well-being and support longterm health!
Concierge Medicine
WELLCOMEMD
2500 Gaskins Rd, Ste A 866-942-4522 · WellcomeMD.com infoRichmond@WellcomeMD.com
Experience concierge medicine with a functional medicine approach. Comprehensive and proactive, limited number of patients, unhurried 30-minute consultations for a personal and effective relationship with your physician. Schedule a discovery call today. See ad, page 2.
Counseling
LINDA ZAFFRAM, LCSW, CYT200, PMH-C
Healing Circle Counseling 2819 N. Parham Road, Suite 130 Richmond, VA 23294
804-924-7600
HealingCircleCounseling.com
Linda Zaffram is the founder, owner and CEO of Healing Circle Counseling and Services. Linda’s areas of expertise include adults, women’s issues, depression, panic/anxiety, PTSD, grief/ bereavement, perinatal loss/ stillbirth/miscarriage, perinatal mood disorders, maternal mental health, fertility/reproductive issues, NICU families, emotional, physical & sexual abuse, trauma, birth trauma, stress management, relationship issues, life transitions, communication skill building and developing coping skills. See ad, page 12.
Counseling/ Neurofeedback
CHERYL DESVERNINE
Braniac Wellness
804-250-3450
BraniacWellness.org
Cheryl is board-certified (BCN) in neurofeedback and has been practicing neurofeedback over the last eight years. We offer neurofeedback, eye movement therapy and traditional counseling to clients ages 6 and up. Neurofeedback is an intervention that improves symptoms associated with ADHD, anxiety, panic, PTSD, trauma, depression and more that is holistic and does not require medication.
(Biological/Holistic)
NEIGHBORS AND HEROD FAMILY DENTISTRY
Dr. Brian Herod 1009 Crowder Dr., Midlothian, VA 23113 804-794-8745 • MidloDental.com
Dr. Brian Herod centers his holistic dentistry practice on the connection between oral and systemic health. He is a member of the IAOMT, providing an integrative approach to dental care. Safe amalgam removal, metal and BPA-free fillings, ceramic implants, biocompatibility testing, fluoridefree, 3-D cone beam.
Doctors
NANCY A. POWELL, M.D.
River’s Way Healthcare of Virginia 5500 Monument Ave, Ste T 804-379-4560
RiversWayHealthcareVA.com RiversWayVA@gmail.com
Offering expanded healing services. Providing traditional primary care and alternative approaches to support the body’s ability to heal itself. Extensive study in the mind-body connection to achieve optimal health. Certified by the Board of Family Medicine and by the American Board of Scientific Medical Intuition.
Holistic Gynecology
VERA DUBOVOY, M.D.
Dubovoy Integrative Health 1404 Starling Dr., Richmond, VA 23229 (Inside the Wellness Village) 757-603-3034
VAIntegrativeHealth.com
Vera Dubovoy, M.D., is dual board-certified in OB-GYN and Lifestyle Medicine. She has over 1,000 hours of training in integrative medicine and functional medicine including health and wellness coaching, nutrition, and herbal medicine. She believes in personalized wellness and nourishing our physical, emotional and spiritual health. She and her husband offer a range of progressive therapies designed to fit the treatment needs of the patient.
PCM Insurance is your premier destination for Medicare enrollment services. With decades of experience in the industry, our dedicated team of experts is committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of Medicare with ease. See ad, page 2.
Laser Therapy
HEALTH INSYNCS
9210 Forest Hill Ave, B-3, Richmond 804-377-2222
HealthInsyncs.com
Laser therapy can reduce the pain and swelling of strained muscles and tendonitis, irritated discs and inflamed nerves, and can stimulate tissue repair and regeneration from old and new injuries. See our website for mor e information about laser therapy.
find out how to be
Massage Therapy
ESCAPE MASSAGE
15500 WC Commons Way, Midlothian 804-794-0445
EscapeMassage.com
We offer a variety of massages including Swedish, Therapeutic Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Aromatherapy and CBD. We also offer energy therapy, reiki and halotherapy services. We have a team of professional, experienced, and caring licensed massage therapists and reiki masters ready to cater to your self-care needs. See ad, page 28.
RESETTING TOUCH
MOBILE MASSAGE
571-207-6717
MassageBook.com/biz/resetting-touch
Offering massage services at your location with options including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Sports, and M.M.A. (Mixed Massage Arts). Couple these services with aromatherapy, CBD, cupping, and guided stretches for full body relaxation. Schedule an appointment today. See ad, page 2.
Medical Cannabis Provider
NARITA C. SNEAD, MPH, MSN, APN-BC
Certified Medical Cannabis Provider
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Registered Practitioner for Medical Cannabis
804-475-8904
Green-Healing.co
Find relief from chronic pain, anxiety and other health conditions with our Medical Cannabis Certification. Get your valid written medical cannabis certification card today. Unlock the natural healing properties of medical cannabis.
Natural Medicine
MAGNOLIA WELLNESS
Regina Rudolph MagnoliaWell@gmail.com
804-495-0325
Wellness-Teas.com
Promoting self-care and disease prevention through the use of our crafted collection of premium wellness teas designed to reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen the immune system, promote weight loss and release harmful toxins. Magnolia Wellness also assists people on their journey to better health and wellness through classes and private sessions. See ads, pages 4 & 26.
Naturopathic Doctor
DR. MICAH ALLEN, ND, LAC, FABORM
Essential Natural Health
804-464-3315
DrMicahAllen.com
Dedicated to providing personalized holistic healthcare solutions in Richmond, Virginia. Our practice focuses on integrating time-tested acupuncture techniques with innovative medical solutions to achieve significant and enduring results for our patients. Specializing in challenging chronic conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, infertility and pain, we strive to help individuals live fulfilling lives. At Essential Natural Health, we prioritize understanding each patient as a whole person. We develop customized preventive and natural medicine health plans for all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Our approach is grounded in harnessing the body's inherent healing abilities through tailored treatment plans designed to address individual needs effectively.
Pharmacy
RX3 COMPOUNDING PHARMACY
12230 Ironbridge Rd, Ste C, Chester 11934 W Broad St, Henrico Ph: 804-717-5000, Fax: 804-717-8300
Rx3Pharmacy.com
RX3, Virginia’s First Nationally Accredited Compounding Phar macy, has been an industry leader for 23+ years. Specialists in customized compounding, bioidentical hormones, veterinary/equine compounding, traditional pharmacy, palliative care, professional quality supplements, CBD experts, Food Inflammation Testing, and more. See ad, page 21.
Thermography
DEBBIE TROXELL, RN, MSNH Thermographer
The Wellness Village 1404 Starling Dr, Richmond 804-683-7774
RVAThermography.com
Safe, non-invasive, radiationfree imaging. Preserve your breasts, heart health and much more. Live happier and healthier longer! Interpreted by Matthew Lee, MD, RPh. See ad, page 2.
Yoga
GLENMORE YOGA & WELLNESS CENTER
Far West End Location
10442 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico 804-741-5267
Info@GlenmoreYoga.com
GlenmoreYoga.com
Incorporate yoga into your life at Glenmore with in-person and online student-focused, multi-level classes from Ageless Gentle, Beginner and Yin to Vinyasa Flow, Restorative and Meditation. 200- and 300Hour Teacher Training. Voted best Richmond Yoga Center.
DIRECTORY
Find local businesses with ease at NARichmond.com/businesses
Register to Attend
Location: Dewey Gottwald Center at Science Museum of Virginia
