Natural Awakenings Charlotte - February 2022 Issue

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

MINDING THE HEART Why the Heart-Brain Connection Matters WHY SEX IS SACRED PROTEIN POWDERS AND SHAKES TO KEEP YOU STRONG FERMENTING FOR FOODIES

CHARLOTTE TOP TEN CITY FOR WILDLIFE

February 2022 | Charlotte Edition | AwakeningCharlotte.com

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February 2022

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MINDING THE HEART Why the Heart-Brain Connection Matters WHY SEX IS SACRED

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

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TOP TEN CITY FOR WILDLIFE

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Find additional articles online at AwakeningCharlotte.com. Go to the homepage and explore local businesses, recipes, and articles exclusively from Natural Awakenings.

DAVID PERLMUTTER

on the Role of Uric Acid in Metabolic Health

SECONDHAND FASHION

Online Used Clothing Stores Good for the Wallet and Planet

PARENTS AS ROLE MODELS

How to Help Kids Discover Positive Behaviors

FOSTERING LOVE

Tips for First-Time Pet Foster Parents

HEALTHY FOOD GUIDE www.AwakeningCharlotte.com/ Businesses

LIVING IN THE FREQUENCY OF LOVE

CALENDAR

Check out the latest events at www.AwakeningCharlotte.com/Calendar

February 2022

5

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

Putting the Universe on Notice CHARLOTTE EDITION PUBLISHER Shannon McKenzie DESIGN & PRODUCTION Patrick Floresca AD DESIGN Helene Leininger EDITORIAL Jane Aylward Allison Gorman

Randy Kambic Martin Miron

CONTACT US P.O. Box 456 Cornelius, NC 28031 Ph: 704-499-3327 • Fax: 866-632-9118 AwakeningCharlotte.com Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Free subscriptions are available for our digital issue by emailing Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

R

ecently a friend forwarded to me an email her son sent her to convince her he needed a new laptop. I thought it showed ingenuity for a ninth grader, and it reminds me that when I’m faced with a desire, I should explore a full portfolio of creative ways to address it. Also, good job Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for teaching kids the structure of an effective argument. The email begins : “First of all, I’d like to state that my current laptop is 9 years old. 9. To put that into perspective, I was 5 when this computer was created.”

Then there’s my favorite part of his argument: “While I’m impressed this computer has lasted so long, I realize that it’s getting to the age where it’s beginning to fail. My first problem is the fans. Sometimes they randomly start exploding, they sound like an attack helicopter, even when I’m only viewing emails, doing schoolwork, or scrolling through YouTube. It is really unfortunate, especially when I’m in a silent class, and then everyone suddenly drops and jumps under their desks because they think they hear an attack helicopter about to blow up the school.”

He went on to state a couple of additional problems, but in the end, his effort did not result in a new laptop—not yet anyway. Still the “want” is out there, and I can’t help but think that’s a good thing. When I admit what I truly want, whether I end up getting it is not the entire point. It helps me to be honest (even when it’s a silly want, something I’m ashamed to admit is a want at all) and ultimately get to know myself better. Plus I’m putting it out to the Universe—and I really believe the Universe wants to help us all.

I haven’t lived most of my life this way, but I’m getting better about it and I’m grateful for this reminder from a ninth grader.

Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day and a February of embracing your wants.

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103

Shannon

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Charlotte Edition

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Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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11 CHARLOTTE’S ERNIE MCLANEY

On Wildlife Habitat Certification for Your Space

11

12 PURPOSEFUL SHOPPING

How Fair Trade Can Change the World

14 THE HEART-MIND CONNECTION

How Thoughts and Emotions Affect Our Heart Health

17

17 TRULY MAKING LOVE Sex and Intimacy as a Healing Force

18 POWER UP

YOUR WORKOUTS

A Guide to Protein Powders and Shakes

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 704-499-3327 or email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline for ads: the 9th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline for editorial: the 9th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events on AwakeningCharlotte.com.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

18

20 FERMENTING FOR FOODIES

Preserving Food and Traditions

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 10 local health brief 10 health brief 12 eco tip 17 healing ways 18 fit body 20 conscious eating 24 resource guide 26 gaston county

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natural guide

February 2022

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news briefs

Qigong to Enhance Energy and Prevent Chronic Health Issues

Okra Launches New Hemp and Stone Offerings

O

ifu Camilo Sanchez, L. Ac, MAOM, will lead an Essential Qigong Exercises for Strengthening Your Life Energy class beginning on March 3 at the Empower Life Center, in Charlotte. In the first of four weekly editions, attendees will learn how the method can help harness and bolster our inner life energy, prevent and reverse chronic health imbalances by eliminating toxic and blocked energy from the body, absorb healthy energy from nature, upgrade and renew qi energy, as well as balance and integrate life energy.

Qigong meditation for experiencing stillness and clarity of spirit will also be experienced.

Sanchez is an experienced teacher and practitioner of Chinese holistic medicine, qigong and tai chi, and a 20th-generation Taoist Qigong instructor.

kra Charlotte, with two adjacent locations in Plaza Midwood, recently established Okra Pharms as a specialty within its Gumbo Gifts and Goods operation. This development, being celebrated with a special offer, features the availability of many high-quality crystals and gemstones from around the world along with powerful varieties of hemp products to support healing, pain relief, meditation, focus and relaxation.

During Okra’s Hemp and Stone Launch in February, all hemp and stone products are being offered at 20 percent off their low everyday prices and one-hour Crushed Crystal Therapy Mat sessions can be experienced at the reduced cost of $20.

Gemstones and crystals include all shapes and sizes with crystal types such as black tourmaline, amethyst, jade, citrine, labradorite, lapis and more. Hemp strains include sativa, indica, hybrids, d 8 through10 along with flower, tinctures, carts, pre rolls, chocolates, gummies and other edibles, plus d9 shots and d8 seltzers.

Customers need to be 21 or older to purchase hemp products.

Location: 14136 Lancaster Hwy. For more information or to register, call 704-542-8088 or visit www.EmpowerLifeCenter.com.

See CRG, page 24.

Location: 1912 and 1916 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-266-1443 or visit www.OkraCharlotte.com. See ad, page 3.

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Charlotte Edition

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Eco-Friendly Interior Design Services in Charlotte

C

laudia Ricciardone, a certified GREEN Accredited Professional (AP) and a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), provides full-service, luxury, interior design services with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly furnishings and décor through the company she founded, Claudia Josephine Design, in the greater Charlotte area.

“Creating high-end living environments doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the environment,” says Ricciardone, also a Maria Killam True Colour expert. “We provide full-service interior design services with a focus on health and sustainability.”

GREEN AP certification provides an excellent grounding in sustainability issues ranging from sourcing eco-friendly materials and understanding eco-safe processes to designing green interiors end-to-end.

The SFC is based in North Carolina and is a coalition of manufacturers, retailers and designers dedicated to raising awareness and expanding the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices across the home furnishings industry.

For more information or to arrange for a consultation, visit www.ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com. See CRG, page 24.

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February 2022

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health brief

Stress-Based Adrenal Fatigue is on the Rise

Keep Moving to Sidestep Depression

Adrenal fatigue is described as a decrease in the function of the adrenal glands that characteristically manifests as a reduced output or alteration in the diurnal pattern of the adrenal gland hormone secretion, including cortisol. People suffering from decreased adrenal function commonly complain of fatigue, but may also experience sleep disruptions, weight changes, salt and/or sugar cravings, allergies, anxiousness, nervousness, low blood pressure and numerous other symptoms.

Saliva testing reveals adrenal fatigue is widespread in the United States. Functional medicine clinics have observed that more than 80 percent of patients experience some level of adrenal dysfunction or adrenal fatigue in men and women at any age. Many individuals in their early 20s today are already experiencing adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal fatigue may begin abruptly or because of prolonged, repeated stress. Sources include recurrent disease and illness; physical stress (injury, diet, surgery, tobacco, alcohol addiction, etc.); emotional stress (marriage, divorce, death of a loved one, strenuous work relationships, a new baby, financial insecurity, etc.); and environmental stress (chemical pollution of air, water, food, etc.).

Successful support and treatment protocols for people with decreased adrenal function include lifestyle modification to include exercise, healthy sleep patterns with ideal sleeping hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., balanced diet high in vegetables, including healthy fats and proteins, frequent laughter, and deep breathing exercises; and avoidance of food allergies/sensitivities, caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars.

Individualized treatment plans may include the following depending upon saliva testing results (phase I, phase II or phase III): supplementation of dietary cofactors necessary for adrenal function including vitamins C, B5, B6 and E; physiologic cortisol supplementation; and phosphorylated serine (elevated cortisol levels only).

It is important to note that the different stages of adrenal fatigue may all present with the same symptoms, yet treatment protocols can be significantly different, based on the diurnal pattern and volume of cortisol production for each individual patient. Testing adrenal function is a critical first step in devising the correct treatment plan.

Kenneth Haas, DC, CCSP, is the founder of Haas Wellness Center, located at 3315 Springbank Ln., Ste. 102, in Charlotte. For more information or to set up a no-charge consultation, call 704-837-2420, email Reception@HaasWellnessCenters.com or visit www.HaasWellnessCenters.com.

10

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, people were sitting around a lot more and getting depressed, report researchers from Iowa State University.

Analyzing data between April and June 2020 from 3,000 participants throughout the country, they found that people that ordinarily met the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines of exercising 2.5 to five hours a week reported cutting back their exercise routines by 32 percent when pandemic restrictions kicked in.

The same participants reported feeling more depressed, anxious and lonely. In a second study in the following months, people’s mental health generally improved as they adjusted to life’s new rhythms.

“But for people whose sitting times stayed high, their depressive symptoms, on average, didn’t recover in the same way as everyone else’s,” says lead author Jacob Meyer, assistant professor of kinesiology. He suggests taking short walks before and after Zoom calls at home, as well as walking around the block before and after the workday to mimic the pre-pandemic commute.

viorel sima/AdobeStock.com``

local health brief

viorel sima/AdobeStock.com``

eco spotlight

Submit Entries for Wildlife Habitat Certification

T

he alland responsible volunteer use of natural Charlotte resources Wildlife Stewwhen conards (CWS), the sidering a Charlotte Chapmove to this ter of the North area. Growth Carolina Wildshould not solely life Federation be measured by (NCWF), invites GNP, population submission of enand Fortune 500 tries of properties companies located Ernie McLaney to be certified as here. Quality of wildlife habitats by the National Wildlife life (for all living things) is becoming more Federation. Opportunities are open to any crucial as we consider the long-term efproperty and can be located anywhere and fects of development on human health. A include residential properties, business more natural landscape is not only better campuses, schools, places of worship, for the environment, it’s better for our parks and more. pets, our family and the future of our city.

Multiple global studies indicate human Applicants do not need to own the property to pursue having it certified health benefits associated with a connecalthough working with the property tion to nature.” owner is suggested.

Certification means less chemicals, more native plants, less turf and a more “Charlotte can be both economically strong and provide high-quality landscapes sustainable, natural ecosystem, creating for local wildlife to thrive,” says Ernie more trees, flowers, pollinators, songbirds McLaney, a Charlotte native and co-founder and other opportunities to connect with of CWS. “It’s a very positive thing for all of us.” nature. Certification enhances habitat far beyond property lines. By transforming Since 1973, the National Wildlife our landscapes, providing food, water, Federation certification process has been cover and places to enhance healthy ongoing. Charlotte now averages addgardening practices, we can offset what ing about two new wildlife habitats each has been lost to development. Landscapes week. Charlotte is one of the Top Ten Cities for Wildlife as reported by the don’t need to be perfect; most properties National Wildlife Federation. already qualify for certification and are ready to be added to the official wildlife By 2013, when the area chapter began, habitat count.

Charlotte had certified about 829 properties. Today, it’s more than 1,470.

Cost to engage in certification process: $20.

“This is a little known, yet priceless NCWF location: 1346 Saint Julien St., jewel about Charlotte,” says McLaney, Charlotte. For more information includa certified Wildlife Habitat Steward, a ing criteria of certification by the National Master Naturalist and a volunteer with Wildlife Federation, call 704-332-5696, NCWF since 2007. “We should all be proud of this unique and positive quality.” email CharlotteWildlifeStewards@gmail.com or visit www.CharlotteWildlife.org. Also He adds, “People and businesses look visit www.ncwf.org or www.nwf.org. in part, for evidence of sustainable growth

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February 2022

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eco tip

Purposeful Shopping How Fair Trade Can Change the World International, increased almost 10fold between 2004 and 2016, from $939 million to $8.9 billion.

Consider these steps to achieve ethical, sustainable shopping:

netrun78/AdobeStock.com

Protect the rights of produce workers. Fair trade bananas, avocados, coconut products and cashews often come from small growers in Africa, Latin America and Asia, where cooperatives ensure them a living wage and better working conditions.

These products may cost marginally more, but are readily available at many supermarkets.

F

air trade is an alternative international business model that puts people and the planet first. It is designed to help growers and producers in developing countries achieve sustainable, fair relationships with exporters and consumers in wealthier parts of the globe. It focuses particularly on commodities like coffee, tea, textiles and seafood, and works to ensure sustainable prices, better working conditions and higher environmental standards.

According to the Fair World Project, “The fair trade movement shares a vision of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices both at home and abroad, so that everyone through their work can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood.”

At least five fair trade organizations certify compliance. While the criteria of each varies, certification typically requires companies to allow a third party to audit their business practices and monitor production to ensure standards are met.

Fair trade goods can cost slightly or significantly more than conventionally traded purchases, which may explain why ethical and fair trade products make up only 1 percent of the total market. But the trend is growing: In 2018, sales of fair trade produce in the U.S. rose by 30 percent, with 60 products available. International sales of a major German-based certifier, Fairtrade

12

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Protect sustainable tea and coffee farming. On fair trade tea and coffee farms, agrochemicals and genetically modified organisms are strictly prohibited, sustainable farming methods are encouraged and stringent programs for water conservation and proper waste disposal provide environmental stewardship.

Protect the oceans with fair trade cotton. Buying clothing made with fair trade cotton means less synthetic apparel, so washing won’t shed microplastics that make their way into the ocean, fish and then our dinner plates.

Help build strong communities with fair trade cosmetics. When the shea butter, cocoa butter, sugar and coconut oil used in many skincare products comes from fair trade producers, a fair price is paid, decent working conditions without child labor are assured and a portion of the money is returned to infrastructure or community projects.

Makers of fair trade cosmetics often use vegan ingredients and animalfree testing, as well.

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The Heart-Mind Connection How Thoughts and Emotions Affect Our Heart Health

by Ronica O’Hara

Unveiling the Heart’s Role

In Western medicine, the heart has been downplayed historically as a pump mechanistically taking orders from a bossy brain, but recently, the heart’s role is being reexamined: With 40,000 neurons, it sends more signals to the brain than it receives. As integrative cardiologist Mimi Guarneri, author of The Heart Speaks, puts it, “The heart is a multilayered, complex organ, possessing intelligence, memory and decision-making abilities independent from the mind.”

The electromagnetic field it generates is about 100 times stronger than the brain’s magnetic range and can be detected up to three feet away from the body, report researchers at the pioneering HeartMath Institute, in Boulder Creek, California. They found that one person’s brain waves can synchronize to another person’s 14

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

wayhome studio/AdobeStock.com

“D

oes your wife show you her love?” In a study of 10,000 married men, this question turned out to be revelatory. Among men with high levels of anxiety, a whopping 93 percent that answered “No” developed anginarelated chest pains within five years—nearly twice the rate of those answering “Yes.” This 1976 Israeli study was one of the first to clearly document how emotions affect the physical heart. Today, the research is so vast and compelling that last year, the American Heart Association issued a statement urging that psychological factors be taken into account in cardiovascular care—which may result in doctors asking patients about depression and anxiety as well as testing for blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

“What’s on your mind really does affect your heart,” says leading researcher and cardiologist Michael Miller, M.D., author of Heal Your Heart and director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical System. “Our hearts require emotional health in order to maintain cardiovascular health.”

Two emerging fields are probing the mind-heart connection: neurocardiology, which studies their neurological interplay; and behavioral cardiology, which examines how psychological and social factors lead to heart disease. Increasingly, researchers are documenting that the brain and the heart form an intricate feedback loop that works neurologically, biochemically and electromagnetically to optimize well-being. What hurts one—be it artery-clogging foods or angry outbursts—can hurt the other.

What heals one—be it exercising or a good belly laugh—can heal the other. There’s good news in that, says Miller: “You can heal your heart by actively engaging in positive emotions each and every day.”

heart and two hearts can synchronize to each other, which may help explain why people are drawn to or repelled by each other.

When the heart’s rhythm pattern becomes erratic and disordered during stress and negative emotions, they report, the neural signals traveling to the brain’s emotional centers also get disrupted, hindering clear thinking and reasoning—which may help explain why we make dubious decisions under stress.

The High Toll of Tough Emotions

Although scientists debate whether emotions start in the brain, heart or from physical sensations elsewhere in the body, it’s clear through magnetic imaging technology that it’s the brain’s task to process and regulate emotions via the flow of neurotransmitters through the amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and other brain regions. Emotions like anger, fear, grief and anxiety set off a cascade of reactions involving the hormone cortisol and proteins called cytokines, creating an inflammatory response that, if it becomes chronic, can promote the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that can become unstable and rupture, triggering blood clots that lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Surveying 25,000 participants in 52 countries, the landmark INTERHEART Study in 2004 concluded that about 30 percent of heart attacks and strokes are due to psychological factors, and ongoing research supports this finding.

DEPRESSION. Adults that are depressed are twice as likely to develop heart disease. In one study, moderate to severe depression quadrupled the death rate in heart failure patients.

ANXIETY. Researchers have linked chronic anxiety with a 48 percent increased risk of cardiac-related death over 11 years. It has

also been shown to be a risk factor for angina, heart attacks and ventricular arrhythmia.

SHOCK. A sudden emotional or physical shock, like a death in the family or an earthquake, can trigger stress cardiomyopathy, known as broken heart syndrome, which resembles a heart attack.

ANGER. An episode of intense fury—described as “body tense, clenching fists or teeth, ready to burst”—increases by 8.5 times the risk of a heart attack within the next two hours.

LONELINESS. Being socially isolated and lonely is linked to a higher risk for cardiovascular death than hypertension and obesity—alarming information since more than 60 percent of Americans report feeling lonely, left out, poorly understood and lacking companionship, according to a 2020 survey.

Boosting Both Brain and Heart

“There’s no damage caused by negative emotions that positive emotions can’t heal,” says Miller. A large body of research has shown that cardiovascular disease risk can be reduced by up to half with optimism, a sense of humor, forgiveness, social support, religious faith, vitality, gratitude, altruistic behavior, emotional flexibility and coping flexibility. People that are optimistic are less likely to be rehospitalized or die from heart disease, Finnish researchers report.

“For optimal health, maximize the health of both brain and heart. For example, if you eat well and exercise, but are still stressed out, your heart will suffer. Conversely, if you are not stressed out, but overeat and do not exercise, your brain will suffer,” says Miller. Some heart-and-mind-healthy strategies include:

Take Your Next Step To

Better Health STOP

Placing Band-Aids On Symptoms

START

Treating The Underlying Cause Digestion Disorders Autoimmune Diseases • Diabetes Anxiety/Depression • Women’s Health Wellness and Prevention

DOING THE BASICS. Exercising a half-hour daily and eating a largely plant-based, Mediterranean-type diet that’s low in saturated fats has been found in numerous studies to lower the risk of both cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Working with health practitioners to get blood pressure, blood sugar and inflammation levels under control, perhaps using supplements or medications, is also a key preventive step.

GIVING AND GETTING HUGS. Oxytocin, the “love hormone” released from the pituitary gland during touching and hugging, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and regenerates new heart tissue in animal studies. Proactively reaching out to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers can nurture affectionate ties, but if a human isn’t nearby, even hugging a teddy bear has been shown to release oxytocin—which may explain why 40 percent of U.S. adults sleep with stuffed animals. Owning a dog, but not necessarily a cat, makes us more likely to survive a heart attack, report researchers.

MINDFULLY LETTING GO. As studies with police officers, healthcare workers and firefighters have demonstrated, mindfulness training effectively lowers anxiety and depression, even for those in life-threatening situations. “To be present, ever acutely aware of our thoughts, emotions, feelings and how we are

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choosing to react is critical,” says cardiologist Cynthia Thaik, author of Your Vibrant Heart and the founder of the Holistic Heart Healing Center, in Los Angeles. “Once we are aware of our reaction, the ability to let go—of judgment, doubt, anger, resentment, fear, all our negative thoughts, emotions and feelings—is crucial to our healing process.”

LAUGHING A LOT. Many of us have a chuckle deficit in our lives: The average 5-year-old laughs up to 300 times a day, the average adult only four. To lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, find ways to laugh long and hard—such as watching hilarious films or videos on YouTube or TikTok. Physiologically, the endorphins

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released by a hearty belly laugh bind to receptors that release nitric oxide, relaxing blood vessels.

BREATHWORK. To bring the mind and heart into a healthy, coherent rhythmic pattern, the HeartMath Institute suggests heart-focused breathing, which involves imagining that we are breathing in through the heart as we inhale in a smooth, comfortable manner to the count of five or six, then breathing out for five or six counts while visualizing that the breath is flowing out of the heart.

MEDITATION. People that practice meditation are significantly less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, perhaps because it has been shown to lower heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, oxygen consumption and cortisol levels. Alzheimer’s expert Dharma Singh Khalsa, author of Meditation as Medicine, advocates kirtan kriya, a 12-minute, daily meditation that includes chanting, finger movements and visualization. Research has demonstrated that it slows cognitive decline, eases depression and increases anti-aging telomerase activity at a cellular level by 43 percent in eight weeks.

YOGA OR TAI CHI. In studies, yoga has been shown to lower inflammation and metabolic syndrome markers linked to heart disease and reduce atrial fibrillation episodes. The slow, graceful movements of tai chi reportedly lower blood pressure and strengthen the hearts of people with heart failure.

MUSIC. Whether it involves listening, playing an instrument or singing, music has been shown to lower heart rate, reduce inflammation, enable longer exercise periods, ease anxiety after heart surgery and heart attacks, and help stroke victims regain the ability to speak. Choose music of whatever genre inspires joy and sing along for extra benefit, advises Miller.

“If your partner is flummoxed by your enthusiasm for yodeling or your neighbor doesn’t exactly approve of your attempts at arias, kindly inform him or her it’s doctor’s orders,” he jokes in Heal Your Heart.

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

healing ways

Therapist Kurt Smith, clinical director of Guy Stuff Counseling and Coaching, in Roseville, California, advocates limiting phone use and engaging in non-technological activities. “Phones have moved from being used as a communication device to becoming many people’s connection to the rest of the world. Unfortunately, when used as such, they pose a threat to the emotional connection with our partners,” he says. “With all distractions removed, sit on the sofa, face each other and talk. This suggestion can make many people very uncomfortable, because they have no idea what they’d say to their partner. Actually, talking to your partner without a purpose other than to just listen and connect with each other has become rare.”

An element of fun can go a long way in the quest to stay connected. “Approach your sex life like a science experiment or an art project instead of a math problem,” says Jamie Elizabeth Thompson, a holistic intimacy expert in Austin. “It’s an exploration with no one right answer. Attitude is important when it comes to sex because people can take it so seriously and place crippling pressure on having this fantasy Hollywood sex life.”

Truly Making Love Sex and Intimacy as a Healing Force

by Marlaina Donato

deagreez/AdobeStock.com

Aphrodite’s Plate

I

ntimately connecting with a loved one is one of life’s most precious gifts, but it’s easy to lose sight of our innate sensual energy in the maze of the mundane. Through lovemaking, we can harness our life force, and according to abundant research, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, manage pain and improve brain health. A significant correlation also exists between higher ejaculation frequency and a reduced risk for prostate cancer later in life, Boston University researchers report in European Urology.

Making love is also good for boosting our natural immunity.

College students that engaged in amorous activity once or twice a week—especially with long-term partners—had 30 percent higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A in their saliva, concluded research by Wilkes University, in Pennsylvania.

Stripping Down to Basics A few lifestyle adjustments can do wonders for worn-out romance. Quality sleep itself can be a potent aphrodisiac. Women are more likely to be “in the mood” after a good night’s sleep, even with just an extra hour of shut-eye, according to a 2015 pilot study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin all contribute to the pleasure response, and sharing luscious food with a lover can be sensuous, as well as endorphin-friendly. Nutritious foods such as almonds, walnuts, asparagus and avocados support reproductive health, and a dessert of dark chocolate and honey-drizzled fruits like berries, figs and cherries can support libido in both women and men. Nixing excessive alcohol and sugar is also a good romantic investment.

Partnership as Sacred Deep relationship is only possible when we are willing to be vulnerable. “Porn is a drug that people unknowingly use to selfmedicate and manage uncomfortable thoughts and emotions,” explains Smith. “Many men have no idea what they’re missing because they’ve never had an emotionally intimate relationship without the negative influence of porn. Porn makes sex self-focused, rather than what it’s supposed to be, which is the intimate connection of two people. Porn is selfish, rather than loving, giving and sharing with a partner.”

Thompson attests that lovemaking can help us align with the divine, especially “when people have reverence for the power of their erotic life force. When people open their view of what sex is, it can become an act of worship.”

Love prompts us to become more ourselves. “When erotic life force is flowing freely, the body is vital and the system is turned on. When channeled properly, this energy is highly creative,” muses Thompson. “It’s the fuel of your vehicle, the charge of your battery, and when you are full on life force, it organically overflows into service.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

February 2022

17

The Protein Promise

fit body

Whipping up a protein drink before or after a workout can foster muscle and joint integrity, and it can nourish soft tissue after injury. “Protein is vital for muscle synthesis. An individual who exercises at a higher intensity should focus on getting more protein in their diet to aid in better recovery,” says Hannah Davis, a personal trainer and owner of Body By Hannah, in Cleveland, Tennessee. “Protein is also important in overall nutrition to better balance hormones that control hunger, blood sugar and mood.”

Dominic Kennedy, a Los Angeles trainer and the creator of The Dominic Effect health and fitness app, concurs. “Protein is considered a ‘macronutrient’, which means we typically need a large amount to stay healthy. Certain protein powders can be very healthy for you and help to build and repair tissue.”

The average daily protein requirement for adults is 50 to 70 grams, but can be higher during times of stress, injury, illness, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Vegan fitness and nutrition coach Karina Inkster, in Powell River, British Columbia, gives a nod to protein shakes for their convenience, but advises, “Just make sure you’re not relying just on protein powder to hit your daily protein.” She highlights the importance of diet diversity with other protein sources like tofu, tempeh, legumes, nutritional yeast, nuts and seeds.

POWER UP YOUR WORKOUTS a guide to protein powders and shakes

by Maya Whitman

expressiovisual/AdobeStock.com

Choosing Nutrition, Nixing Added Sugar

P

rotein, from the Greek proteios, means “primary,” which sums up its vital role in the human body. Its structure of amino acids enables myriad bodily functions, from repairing and building tissues to creating biochemical reactions that form enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters, and maintaining pH and fluid balances. When we fortify our diet with digestible, nutritionally dense, non-meat protein, we also amp up our fitness efforts, enhance immunity and offset premature aging. Wholefood and plant-based proteins like pea, quinoa and chia seeds are also strong allies against Type 2 diabetes, research shows.

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Thirty years ago, heavily sweetened, incomplete protein powders seemed to be the only game in town. “Nowadays, we have countless plant-based options for protein powders—pea, rice, soy, hemp, pumpkin seed, quinoa … the list goes on,” says Inkster. “I like to stick to the basics, as I have a lot of serious food allergies.

I go with brown rice and/or pea protein. Single ingredients, no flavors and no sweeteners.”

For Kennedy, shakes and powders with sugar and dairy can contribute to bloating and store fat in the body, “which we need to work harder to burn off. I cannot stress the difference this has made in my body once I gave it up years ago. Not only do I look better physically, but most importantly, I feel better on the inside.

Sugar is highly addictive and can also affect your mood.”

Davis prefers sourcing her protein requirements from whole foods, but recommends whey-based powders when her clients want a reliable power shake and can tolerate it well.

Protein-to-carbohydrate ratio is paramount, especially for those with weight-loss goals or blood sugar instability. Reading labels is important, especially when food intolerances are an issue. Kennedy recommends experimenting with various protein sources. “If you are using whey protein and having trouble digesting it, it may just be a lactose intolerance. Trying one that is plant-based could be a game-changer.”

Among Inkster’s clients, brown rice and pea protein powders score high for digestibility and assimilation.

Fortifying Additions

From antioxidant-rich pomegranate powder to blood-sugarsupportive monk fruit and adrenal- and thyroid-nourishing

maca, nutritional extras abound. However, Inkster notes that supplemental products marketed as superfoods, including collagen, do not necessarily pack a powerful punch to an already nutrient-dense diet.

“When we ingest collagen or a vegan alternative, this protein gets broken down into amino acids in the exact same way as any other protein we eat.”

Kennedy points to super-green and pomegranate powders as ways to help the body combat chronic disease. “It’s a great way to get more greens and vegetables

and in turn, promote a healthy immune system. We could all use more of that.”

Davis reminds us that one person’s nutritional ally can be another’s bane. “Supplementation is very personal. I always encourage focusing on a whole foods diet that includes a lot of variety to create a micronutrient balance in the body and then experiment with some supplements to see how they may help.”

Maya Whitman writes about natural health and living a more beautiful life. Connect at Ekstasis28@gmail.com.

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conscious eating

Fermenting for Foodies Preserving Food and Traditions

by April Thompson

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I

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f fermented food is a trend, it’s the oldest one on the planet. More and more people are rediscovering the time-honored foodways of fermentation to promote health, boost flavor and preserve the bounty of the seasons. “There is huge potential to use high-quality fermented foods to enhance our health and well-being,” says Sandor Katz, a so-called “fermentation revivalist” in Liberty, Tennessee, and the author of several bestselling books on fermentation, including the newly released Sandor Katz’s Fermentation Journeys: Recipes, Techniques, and Traditions from Around the World.

Katz caught the fermentation bug after moving from New York City to rural Tennessee in the 1990s and being faced with the “positive problem” of an overly plentiful garden to preserve. He’s since wandered the globe teaching and learning about fermentation traditions, from Korea’s spicy kimchi to Mexico’s funky pineapple tepache drink.

Fermentation is defined as the chemical breakdown of a food by bacteria, yeasts or other microorganisms. An estimated one-third of all foods are fermented, including coffee, cured meats, cheese, condiments and chocolate. Pickles and yogurt are traditionally fermented through lactic acid bacteria, while beer and bread are typically fermented through yeast. Kombucha, an ancient tea drink, is made using a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria.

Pascal Baudar, a Los Angeles writer, instructor and self-proclaimed “culinary alchemist,” turned to fermentation techniques to preserve the precious wild ingredients of the fleeting seasons. His books and workshops cover unusual

Fermentation transforms the nutrients in food in several ways, Katz explains. In a process known as predigestion, it breaks macronutrients down into more digestible forms (think proteins turned into amino acids) and renders minerals more bioavailable. Gluten, too, is broken down by fermentation, he says, as are potentially toxic compounds in foods such as cyanide and oxalic acid. The process also releases vitamins B and K and other micronutrients as metabolic byproducts.

Fermentation reduces the short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and are prone to absorb water and ferment in the colon, causing gas and bloating.

Found in wheat, beans and other foods, they can pose digestive problems for people with irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions, says Tayler Silfverduk, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in celiac disease.

“The most profound nutritional benefit of fermentation is the live bacteria itself. You are ingesting a rich biodiversity of beneficial bacteria that can potentially improve immune function,” says Katz, an AIDS survivor who considers fermentation an important part of his healing process.

No Starter Required “There is nothing you can eat that can’t be fermented, but the easiest and safest place to begin is with vegetables, which need no special equipment or a starter like sourdough, kefir or kombucha,” says Katz. To make sauerkraut, for example, simply shred cabbage, lightly salt and season it, and submerge it in a jar under its own juices, “burping” it daily for a week to 10 days to release the fermentation gases.

Katz and Baudar both like to debunk myths that fermenting foods is difficult or dangerous. “You don’t have to sterilize everything or have precise laboratory control conditions. People have been practicing fermentation for years, and they began before they knew bacteria was a thing. To the contrary, fermentation is a strategy for food safety,” says Katz.

While yeast or mold can grow on the top layer that is exposed to oxygen, Katz says “a lot of sauerkraut is needlessly discarded.

Most such growth is harmless and normal, and can be skimmed off the top.”

Baudar, a University of California Master Food Preserver, has kept foods he’s fermented for up to three years and only once encountered mold. “You need to work with the ferment,” he says.

“That means regularly burping it, then shaking or stirring to promote the acidity that prevents bad bacteria from taking hold.”

“If it looks or tastes bad, throw it away,” he adds. “Some of my early experiments tasted horrible, but I just took my failures as learning and kept experimenting. The more you understand the

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Fermented Pickled Carrot Sticks YIELD: 1 QUART-SIZE JAR OF PICKLES 2 sprigs fresh dill 1-2 cloves garlic 2 lb whole carrots 1 Tbsp sea salt 1-2 cups distilled water Wash and peel the skins of the whole carrots. Cut the peeled and washed carrots into carrot sticks. Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves. Wash and dry 2 sprigs of dill.

In a wide-mouth, quart-size jar, pack in the carrot sticks. (Tilt the jar to locate more places to squeeze in the sticks.) Add in the sea salt, then the sliced garlic and sprigs of dill.

photo provided by Tayler Silfverduk RDN

Fermentation with Benefits

fermentation process, the more you can play with it creatively and push the envelope.”

Cover the ingredients with distilled water (Be sure to leave about an inch of free space from the waterline to the opening of the jar.)

Place an airtight lid on the jar and let it sit for a week or until the carrots have reached desired taste. Make sure to burp the jar at least every two days while fermenting.

Once the carrot sticks have reached their desired taste, place the jar in the fridge for storage. Enjoy.

Notes: If using organic carrots, leave the skin on and just wash the carrots very well before chopping into snacking sticks.

When burping the jar, use this time to check on fermentation to make sure it’s growing healthy. Look for bubbles on top of the water and along the water line. Seeing mold is a sign that good bacteria is struggling to start a culture and we may need to try again.

nataliya vaitkevich/Pexels.com

culinary territory, like fermented and aged vegan cheeses from acorns and “seaweed” made from fermented broadleaf plantain, a common weed, using methods he’s studied and perfected. “I investigate new and lost flavors, and conserve them as gourmet foods through preservation,” he says.

Courtesy of Tayler Silfverduk, registered dietitian nutritionist.

February 2022

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2 lb organic cabbage head 2 Tbsp sea salt ½ cup organic yellow onion, thinly sliced ½ cup shredded carrot 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp fresh, grated ginger (1 Tbsp ground powder alternative) ½ Tbsp ground coriander ½ Tbsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground cayenne pepper ½ tsp ground turmeric ½ tsp curry powder ¼ tsp black pepper ¼ tsp cinnamon First, rinse all of the produce. Then peel the outer layers off the cabbage, saving a couple of the cabbage leaves.

Cut the cabbage in half (through the core), then in half again, then core the cabbage by placing wedges up vertically on a cutting board with the core touching the board and holding it at the tip. Position the knife at the start of the core and slice downward, cutting off the hard portion.

Place the cabbage on a flat side and slice shreds to desired thickness (about ¼ inch). Start at the tip and work down.

Thinly slice the onion and then shred carrots using a cheese grater.

Place it all into one very large or two non-reactive bowls (not metal). Pour the spices on top. Massage the mixture of veggies and spices until a lot of brine has been created and the mixture has shrunk down to about half its original size.

Take the massaged veggies and spices, and start packing them into a 1-quart fermenting jar with an airtight lid. (The packing will help

22

Charlotte Edition

Vinagre de Piña (Mexican Pineapple Vinegar)

Fold up the saved cabbage leaves and put them on top of the cabbage in the jar.

(Make sure the brine goes over the top of the cabbage leaves.) Place the weight—either a fermenting weight or rocks inside of a bag—on top of the cabbage leaves. Leave about 1 to 2 inches at the top of the jar.

Pineapple vinegar, vinagre de piña, is delicious and super-acidic. Many Mexican recipes call for pineapple vinegar, although it can be used in place of any kind of vinegar. Since this uses only the skin of the pineapple, we are eating the pineapple flesh. This recipe was inspired by a recipe in The Cuisines of Mexico, by Diana Kennedy.

Close the jar’s lid and put it in some sort of basin (I use a casserole dish) to catch the brine that comes out. The brine will come out of the jar because the cabbage will swell during the fermentation process, and the basin will catch the brine instead of it spilling onto counters.

Notes: Over the next few days, the mixture will turn into curry kraut through a lacto fermentation process. Bubbles and the bright green cabbage will become yellow. How long to wait depends on the level of sourness desired and how warm the house is kept.

Check the curry kraut for taste. It’s good to check after about three to five days to see if it’s sour enough. It’s also good to do a quick check for mold. It’s likely a white, scummy-type substance will form at the top of the brine; this is okay and part of the process. It can be scraped off or left there.

When curry kraut reaches desired taste, take out the cabbage leaves and the weight, close the lid and put it in the fridge.

Make sure to start with a clean surface and utensils. Dirty supplies can mess with the bacteria in the fermentation.

Courtesy of Kyrie Luke, Healthfully Rooted Home.

AwakeningCharlotte.com

siriwan/AdobeStock.com

YIELD: 1 QUART

bring the brine to the surface.) After every scoop that’s put into the jar, pack it down with a fist. Leave several inches at the top of the jar.

YIELD: 2 CUPS/500 MILLILITERS 2 Tbsp sugar Peel of 1 pineapple (organic, because the skin is used; overripe fruits are fine) Combine the sugar with 2 cups/500 milliliters of water in a jar or bowl. Stir to dissolve. Coarsely chop and add the pineapple peel. Use a small plate to weigh down the pineapple and keep it submerged. Cover with a cloth to keep flies out.

Ferment at room temperature. Stir daily while the pineapple peels are in it. Strain out the pineapple peels and discard after about one week when the liquid is darkening.

Ferment the liquid for an additional two to three weeks, stirring or agitating periodically. Bottle and enjoy.

From Sandor Katz’s book, Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2016).

siriwan/AdobeStock.com

Curry Kraut

siriwan/AdobeStock.com

siriwan/AdobeStock.com

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HYPERBARIC THERAPY NIRVANA HYPERBARIC INSTITUTE

146 Medical Park Rd, Ste 110 Mooresville • 704-471-4100 NirvanaHBO.com

Dedicated to healing, forwarding the science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and providing patients a tranquil place to heal. Highly effective in treating many conditions, some covered by insurance. See ad, page 2.

INTEGRATIVE HEALER KATIE SUTTON

Intuitive Channel, Guided Meditation Coach 828-246-3335 ZenWithinAcademy.com Katie synthesizes a unique blend of healing modalities with selfactivation techniques–from sound & vibrational therapy, to intuitive channeling, to guided meditation– in order to deliver healings tailored to each person's needs.

INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRICIAN INFINITE HEALTH, PLLC

Sheila Kilbane, MD 2201 Park Rd, Ste B 704-626-6771 • SheilaKilbane.com Dr. Kilbane is a board-certified integrative pediatrician who specializes in finding the root cause of illness including reflux, eczema, allergies, recurrent ear and sinus infections, asthma, constipation, abdominal pain and more.

NATURAL DOCTOR DARRYL ROBERTS, ND

Haas Wellness Center 3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420 • DoctorDarrylND.com DrDarryl@HaasWellnessCenters.com Heal. Recover. Thrive. Modern wellness for a modern world.

Specializing in emotional and digestive disorders with children and adults using non-toxic treatments. Call today for a free consultation.

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

401 E Arrowood Rd Sundays at 9:30am UnityofCharlotte.org

Unity features a vibrant Sunday Celebration Service at 9:30 AM, with inspiring messages from a rotating slate of guest speakers. Unity supports your well-being, prosperity and spiritual journey.

SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE AKASHIC RECORD READINGS

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Dr Michael Smith 6404 Bannington Rd, Ste A 704-486-2448 CarolinasNaturalHealth.com Diabetes, Depression, Digestive Disorders, ​A llergies, Auto​ nxiety,​ ​ ADHD. immune disease, A C h a r l o t t e ’s o n l y d o c t o r specializing in homeopathy. We focus on treating YOU to uncover the cause of your health condition and empower you to better health!​ See ad, page 15.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ACID-REDUCING

MINERAL BASED MultiforceHealth.com Info@MultiforceHealth.com Achieve the right balance between alkalinity and acidity to support immune system and optimum health.

Manufactured under pharmaceutical standards.

Vegetarian, Gluten and soy-free and available in 3 natural flavors. See ad, page 16.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS HEARTLIGHT SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev. David Hulse, Spiritual Leader 7300 Mallard Creek Rd 704-599-1180 HeartLightCharlotte.org

We are a Spirit-Guided, HeartCentered, Christ-Conscious, Loving Family providing an empowering, universal, Christ-centered message grounded in the teachings of metaphysics. Sunday Service 11:15 am. Email Shine@HeartLightCharlotte.org.

See ad, page 11.

Charlotte, NC • 704-236-1413 AmyGrayCunningham.com Amy@AmyGrayCunningham.com

The Akashic Records are like a Google search for your soul. Call today and rediscover who you are at soul level, clear negative karmic patterns and begin living the life you truly desire. See ad, page 11.

SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAIN CHARLOTTE

SustainCharlotte.org

A nonprofit organization working to inspire choices that lead to healthy, equitable and vibrant communities across the Charlotte metro region for generations to come.

Become a member today.

VETERINARIAN ATRIUM ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Kim Hombs, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CTui-Na 6520 McMahon Dr 704-542-2000 AtriumAnimalHospital.com Comprehensive holistic/ integrative animal medicine practice in the Charlotte region.

Alternative vaccine approaches, double certified acupuncturist and herbalist, cold and class 4 laser, TCM food therapy, Tuina, animal rehabilitation with underwater treadmill.

WEIGHT LOSS CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Gastonia • 704-271-9757 Matthews/Ballantyne • 704-243-8560 CWLI.net Developer of the "40 Day Transformation" system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

February 2022

25

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Natural Awakenings of its distributors Natural Awakenings throughout the area. appreciates the generosity appreciates the generosity WEIGHT LOSS ORGANIC MARKET & of consider its Please supporting of itsdistributors distributors SUPPLEMENTS CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS throughout area. Pick these major the distributors by throughout the area.

INSTITUTE ORGANIC MARKETPLACE shopping theremonthly and picking up magazines at: Lidia Adkins, CFMP, DC, PKT 1012 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia up the magazine each month 216 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-864-0605 Please consider supporting 704-271-9757 • CWLI.net from one of the racks.

OrganicMarketplaceNC.com these major distributors by Thank you!

Developer of the “40 Day Natural Awakenings 9am -7pm M/F, 9am-6pm

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Natural Awakenings personal care, products, throughout area. supplements, aromatherapy, organic wine/beer appreciates the generosity Thank you! and pet products. See ad, page 8.

Please consider supporting of its distributors these major distributors by the area. throughout SPA shopping there and picking Please consider supporting up the magazine each month HC WELLNESS CENTER & SPA major distributors by1308 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia from one ofthese the racks. there and picking704-823-1577 Thankshopping you!

HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com up the magazine each month Offering traditional and from one of the racks. alternative therapies seven days a week to help you achieve Thank you!

optimal health, wellness and balance. Colon hydrotherapy, massage, far-infrared sauna therapy, energizing foot spa and yoni or v-steam.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Visit us at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com 26 Charlotte Edition AwakeningCharlotte.com February 2022

LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD ESRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL

Healthcare with a holistic approach NorthEast Internal & Integrative Medicine combines traditional primary care with evidence-based, alternative medicine therapies to promote wellness.

We offer: • Acupuncture

• Yoga

• Aromatherapy

• Preventive

• Massage

• Treatment

therapy • Nutritional therapy • Osteopathy • Therapeutic touch

annual physicals of chronic disease • Non-narcotic treatment of chronic pain • Healthy lifestyle changes

Schedule an appointment today at 704-403-7050 704-403-7050.

Our services are covered by most insurance plans.

NorthEast Internal & Integrative Medicine 707 Memorial Blvd., Concord, NC 28025 AtriumHealth.org/NorthEastInternal Publication: Natural Awakenings Specs:7.5” x 4.75”

Client: Atrium Health NE Internal & Integrative Med Job#: ATRP-06847