Natural Awakenings Charlotte - February 2025 Issue

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G | H E A LT H Y P L A N E T

COMPLIMENTARY

THE LATEST IN

INTEGRATIVE CARDIOLOGY PLANTING MILKWEED To Preserve Monarchs FUTURE OF

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

THE VERSATILE WORLD OF

COCOA

Happy Heart CHARLOTTE EDITION | AWAKENINGCHARLOTTE.COM | FEBRUARY 2025

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Optimize Your Brain and Feel Good Again Functional Neurology NATURALLY rewires the brain for neurological efficiency and improved brain and body function

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Contents

Departments

15 Charlotte's Nurse Marlin with Symptoms of Sickness

9 News Briefs 14 Health Briefs 15 Local Health Brief 16 Global Briefs

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18 Feature Story 22 Wipe Out Waste Column

15 Dr. Deborah Matthew Explains Hormone Changes and Women's Sexual Health

18 The Latest in Integrative Cardiology

24 Green Living

21 Benton Integrative's Jaime Showmaker

26 Healthy Kids

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28 Conscious Eating 29 Recipes

on The Mind-Body-Desire Connection

24 Saving Monarchs

How Milkweed Gardens Can Make a Difference

32 Resource Guide

26 Advancements in Pediatric Dentistry

35 Gaston County

Natural Guide 35 Mark Your Calendar 35 Classifieds

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28 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate Choosing the Healthiest Cocoa

This Is A Special Section In The

Deadline:

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CHARLOTTE EDITION Publisher Shannon McKenzie Design & Production Patrick Floresca

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Publisher’s Letter

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Happy Entrances A single sentence in this month’s Wise Words article by Sandra Yeyati, “Anil Gupta on Immediate Happiness”— you can find it on our website, AwakeningCharlotte.com—really struck me. According to Gupta, “there are two types of people on the planet: ones that make you happy when they enter a room and ones that make you happy when they leave a room.” My immediate thought: I hope I make far more people happy when I enter than when I leave.

Gupta describes a happiness formula of G (Give) times G (Grateful) times G (Grow), explaining that “what’s beautiful about this formula is that any time you feel low or upset, one of the three Gs has drastically dropped down. All you have to do is work out which of them it is.”

I really like this article because it breaks happiness down to very basic components, and I am drawn to simplicity. Anything remotely convoluted just doesn’t resonate with me. Our world seems to be getting more and more complex, making “simplicity” more elusive and attractive. My quick takeaways are to keep a tab on my Gs and be mindful how I enter the room. Easy.

Wishing you simplicity, ease and many happy entrances,

Shannon

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News Briefs

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Sanctuary Imports Sanctuary Imports, in Charlotte, will host two special events this month along with offer a special promotion, all to help customers celebrate Valentine’s Day. Attendees of a Love Sigil Workshop will be shown

by Katie, the Pythoness of Studio Pythoness, how to create a powerful universal love sigil that blends visual language, meditation and healing, from 2 to 4 p.m. on February 8 ($45). A week later, Julie Fender, proprietress of Sanctuary Imports, will guide guests on preparing a sacred love, ritual, soul-nourishing bath that will attract love, healing and deeper self-connection by using the power of herbs, essential oils, crystals and intention, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. ($50).

Along with taking home a custom bath blend, crystal, and ritual candle, attendees of the February 15 event are eligible for 15 percent off an in-store purchase that day. From February 13 to 16, store customers can get 10 percent savings on self-love and Valentine’s books and decks plus 20 percent off all tumbled stones.

Sanctuary Imports offers many metaphysical goods, including crystals, candles, books, tarot and oracle decks, herbs, incense, essential oils and smoke-cleansing supplies; hosts a variety of events and classes, from workshops to moon circles and sound baths; and features practitioners and readers offering personalized insights and energy work.

Location: 822 Lamar Ave. For more information, register for a class or event or book a service, call 980-237-4780 or visit SanctuaryImportsclt.com or Instagram or Facebook. See ad, page 25.

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News Briefs

Holistic Functional Nutrition Counseling Suzie Franz, owner of Winding Creek Holistic Functional Nutrition, based in Davidson, North Carolina, provides private in-person and virtual consultations and complimentary pre-consultations. She employs holistic strategies to uncover the root causes of illness that can arise from poor nutrition, toxicity, parasites, and other environmental factors. Functional Nutrition counseling utilizes life-changing strategies to help heal modern-day common afflictions such as IBS and gut issues, thyroid problems and hormone dysregulation, metabolic imbalances, weight loss/gain, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune disorders.

Suzie Franz and Sam

Suzie, who is referred by many types of health care providers, has more than 35 years of experience in health care, including expertise in clinical physical therapy, a national board certification in Functional Nutrition (specializing in cellular detoxing), and is a 350-hour certified yoga instructor with advanced pediatric and special needs training.

Suzie stables her three riding horses on her property in Davidson and for over 40 years has rehabilitated many injured horses and dogs, working closely with veterinarians.

Location: 9870 Harvest Lane. For a free pre-consultation or to make an appointment, call or text 618-558-1641 or email WindingCreekfnc@yahoo.com. For more information, visit WindingCreekfnc.com. See CRG, page 32.

Find Inspiration, Comfort and Closure with Kelle • International Psychic Medium with 18 years experience • Award Winning Author • Psychic Investigator on missing persons cases

Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity of its distributors throughout the area.

Majic Face & Lash Studio Opens with Special Offer in Charlotte

Starr Williams, owner of Majic Face & Lash Studio, is opening her business this month at 227 West Fourth Street, Suite 323, in Charlotte. To celebrate her grand opening and Valentine’s Day, she is offering $45 for all facials for the entire month of February.

Clients will “indulge in a luxurious experience, where beauty meets relaxation,” says Williams, an aesthetician, beauty consultant and licensed lash technician. “Our expert estheticians offer personalized treatments designed to rejuvenate your skin, leaving it radiant and refreshed, from natural deepcleansing facials and anti-aging therapies to hydrating and acne solutions.”

Majic Face & Lash Studio offers organic and natural facials, hydro facials, dermaplaning (natural Botox), European facials, antiaging, anti-wrinkle treatments, natural lash extensions, makeup services and more.

For more information or to make an appoint-

Book A Reading Today Naturalment, Awakenings call or text 980-230-0573 or visit them Natural Awakenings

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Best Prep for Pregnancy

Online Event and Expo Offers Fertility Guidance Helping couples make informed decisions about their reproductive health, Best Prep for Pregnancy is a five-day online event and expo from March 25 through 29, featuring more than 30 experts and exhibitors. Attendees will gain insights into the root causes of female and male infertility, and learn about a whole-health approach to optimal fertility that protects parents and their babies. This immersive conference will offer a wealth of vital tips and solutions for those trying to conceive naturally or with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing.

“Combining traditional and modern medicine offers a holistic approach to fertility, enhancing the chances of conception," says event host Dr. Susan Fox, a specialist in reproductive health with more than 23 years of experience. She will be joined by other notable speakers, including Dr. Sarah Green, a leading advocate for integrative fertility methods, and Dr. James Patel, a specialist in egg freezing and IVF technologies.

Sponsored by KnoWEWell and Natural Awakenings magazine, the event will include individual talks, interactive workshops and exhibitor presentations. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with professionals, ask questions and connect with others on similar journeys.

For more information or to register, visit tinyurl.com/PregnancyPrepCLT. See ad, page 17.

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News Briefs

Holistic, Non-Invasive Solution for TMJ Disorders

First-Ever Public 13th Octave LaHoChi Class in Charlotte

Sometimes existing but not involving pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can also take the form of unexpected tooth fractures, frequent dental issues, head and neck discomfort, snoring, sleep apnea, worn teeth or having multiple bite patterns. With offices in Concord and Charlotte, Kempter Dentistry offers BioRejuvenation, a holistic and non-invasive solution to TMJ dysfunctions that can provide lasting relief.

Adrienne Craighead, founder and Chief Illuminator of TorchBearer Tachyon, an energy spa and wellness experience in Cornelius, North Carolina, will present a 13th Octave LaHoChi class publicly for the first time ever from 6 to 9 p.m. on February 14 and 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both February 15 and 16. Attendees will learn about this potent energy frequency that’s been described as many times more powerful than reiki.

This approach was pioneered by Dr. Hal Stewart of The Stewart Center in Flower Mound, Texas, Both Dr. John Kempter and Dr. Eric Kempter have been extensively trained under Dr. Stewart and now bring his innovative techniques to North Carolina.

“During this time of massive awakening of souls and consciousness, many are noticing themselves proceeding, led, drawn—even compelled—to lightwork and the healing arts,” says Craighead. “If you are called to a higher mission, becoming a 13th Octave LaHoChi practitioner can assist you in fulfilling your chosen journey. Whether you want to start or add to your professional healing practice, or support your friends and family, this radiant high-frequency energy will position you to share your own unique healing medicine with the world.”

BioRejuvenation—which restores the natural balance between one’s TMJ, teeth, muscles and fascia without surgery or invasive procedures—involves orthotic therapy, a customized, clear, bioresin orthotic that lasts four to six months to identify the ideal bite position for long-term stability; and then restoration, a minimally invasive process that uses a biocompatible bonded resin that often adds to existing dental structures, preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.

For patients seeking comprehensive cosmetic improvements, veneers or clear aligner orthodontics may be incorporated. Additional therapies, like myofunctional therapy and frenectomy treatments, may be recommended to alleviate muscle tension and address functional challenges.

Locations: 1000 Copperfield Blvd., Ste. 160, Concord; 7510 PinevilleMatthews Rd., Ste. 15B, Charlotte. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-782-0797, email info@KempterDentistry.com or visit KempterDentistry.com. See ad, page 5.

This quantum healing modality, administered via hands-on healing, “is a powerful next-level healing energy that transmits the highest frequencies of light into one’s physical and energetic bodies. It is a gift given to us by God, through the Council of Love, to heal humanity and the planet. It has come forward at this time to facilitate and speed the creation of Nova Being and Nova Earth” and “is an anchoring of the divine Universal Self in physical reality, and direct personal connection with the heart and mind of God.” Cost: $600. Location: 19900 S. Main St. (classroom adjacent to TorchBearer Tachyon), Cornelius. For more information or to register, call 980-689-1803, email AC@TorchBearerTachyon.com or visit SoulHealingJourney.com/13th-octave-lahochi-training. Also TorchBearerTachyon.com. See CRG, page 32.

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FEBRUARY GUESTS BLOG

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Costa Rica Sacred Journey Spiritual Retreat

Not Feeling Like Yourself Lately?

Katie Sutton and Josh Vogt of Zen Within Academy are conducting a Costa Rica Sacred Journey Spiritual Retreat, a transformative, all-inclusive, nine-day getaway from May 24 through June 1, designed to guide participants on a journey of self-discovery, healing and spiritual awakening. The retreat, to be held at the beautiful Tierra De Suenos Lodge, located outside Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica, offers daily yoga, sound healing, guided meditations and many opportunities to connect deeply with nature.

The retreat provides a sanctuary for individuals to reset, heal and realign with their authentic selves in a time when many are seeking meaningful connections and holistic healing.

It combines spiritual practices with the rejuvenating power of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Both Sutton and Vogt are seasoned healers and facilitators with many years of experience in leading transformational retreats. Through the Zen Within Academy, they have helped hundreds of individuals embrace personal growth and spiritual awakening.

Balancing Hormones Naturally Can Help You Feel like ‘YOU’ Again

Millions of men & women are facing hormone imbalances Resuting in: Fatigue, Weight Gain, Mood Changes and Low Libido Learn How Restoring Your Hormones May Help You Age Healthier And Live Better Call to Receive $100 Off Your First Visit 704-655-2719

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See CRG, page 34.

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Health Briefs

Long-Term Health of Cesarean Babies

According to the March of Dimes, nearly a third of live births in the United States are by Cesarean section (C-section), posing increased risks of health problems such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, asthma and allergies. Scientists suspect that the lack of exposure to the microorganisms in the mother’s vagina during birth may be the reason.

Vaginal seeding by wiping a newborn’s skin, nose and mouth with the mother’s vaginal microbes can make the skin and gut microbiome of C-section infants more similar to vaginally delivered babies, but the long-term impacts on health have not been determined.

3D Printed Teeth

Formlabs, a leading supplier of 3D printers, has introduced Premium Teeth Resin, made with biocompatible material that the company claims enhances aesthetics and has been validated for longevity. The resin can be used for 3-dimensional printing of dentures; temporary full-arch implant-supported restorations; and temporary crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers and bridges up to seven units. Formlabs reports that Premium Teeth Resin is cleared for use in the U.S., European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Canada.

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A study published in BMC Medicine compared the effects of a vegan diet versus an omnivorous diet on the biological age of 21 pairs of healthy, adult identical twins. The study comprised two four-week phases: delivered meals and self-provided meals. The participants also received nutritional education about choosing minimally processed foods and building balanced plates. Food intake details were captured at the start of the study and again at week four and week eight. Blood tests were taken at the beginning and end of the study to measure DNA methylation, a marker of biological age. Only the vegan group showed a reduction in biological age, with an average reduction of .63 years after eight weeks on the diet. Reductions in the estimated ages of the heart, hormone, liver, inflammatory and metabolic systems were also noted.

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A study on mice published in the journal Cell may be the first evidence of the positive effect of vaginal seeding on metabolic health.

The researchers found that mice that received fecal transplants from babies exposed to vaginal seeding had more diverse microbiomes a few weeks after the transplant. In addition, male mice that received fecal transplants from babies exposed to vaginal seeding had less abdominal fat than male mice with transplants from babies not exposed to vaginal seeding. Increased abdominal fat has been linked to increased risks of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Diet To Reduce Biological Age

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Local Health Briefs

Symptoms of Impending Sickness

Hormone Changes and Women's Sexual Health

As women age, hormonal shifts can significantly affect sexual health and intimacy. These changes often begin in the perimenopausal years when fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels can lead to symptoms including vaginal dryness, decreased libido and painful intercourse.

fizkes/123rf.com

Many people have been unknowingly living with illness for years. It is like the story of the frog in tepid water that slowly comes to a boil, many signs of illness are gradual, and they are unaware until symptoms become serious. If other family members experience signs of the same illness, we may think it is normal.

But it is important to know there are steps we can take to address health issues and feel better. The first step is understanding when things are not normal.

Hormones are integral to sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction, and many women experience mood changes, fatigue and stress that can further diminish intimacy. For example, estrogen maintains vaginal tissue elasticity and lubrication, while testosterone plays a role in libido. When these hormones decline, so does sexual comfort and drive, leaving many women feeling disconnected from themselves and their partners.

Check for Changes Look for persistent signs or symptoms that do not improve after basic self-care. Emotional: feeling sad, confused, irritable or unhappy with actions or thoughts. Sensory: hearing/seeing things that are not present. Physical: itching, stinging, burning, swelling, redness, bad odor or feeling hot. Abnormalities: excessive sweating, bleeding or unusual drainage, pale, cold or blue extremities, tooth or gum issues and unusual urine or bowel changes (color, size or frequency). Skin: bumps, blisters, discoloration or sores.

Posture and pain: misalignment in hips, shoulders or hands with or without back pain. Digestive issues: gas, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain before/after eating. Sensory and respiratory: dizziness, blurred vision, ringing ears, cough or breathing difficulty.

Temperature: higher than three degrees above normal or below 96. Also, chest tightness/pain, dry or infested hair, clumsiness, stiffness, fatigue, poor adaptation or significant weight changes.

Many women suffer in silence, believing these changes are inevitable or untreatable, but this does not have to be the case. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and functional medicine offer personalized approaches to restore hormonal balance, improve sexual health and revitalize overall well-being.

Identify Triggers Recall events 15 to 30 minutes before symptoms appear. New medications, food/drinks, smoke or fumes. New personal products or environmental exposures. Contact with someone recently sick.

For those experiencing changes in sexual health that leave them feeling less than their best, help is available. A menopause specialist can tailor treatments to their unique needs, empowering them to feel vibrant and confident again. Rediscovering intimacy and taking the first step toward loving the way they feel is a very real possibility.

Deborah Matthew, M.D., is a diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Medicine, the American Board Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, past president of the North Carolina Integrative Medicine Society and owner of Signature Wellness, located at 3125-A Springbank Ln., in Charlotte, and 1105 Spruce St., Ste. 102, in Belmont. Signature Wellness specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, menopause relief, and functional and integrative medicine. For more information, call 704-752-9346 or visit SignatureWellness.org.

Seek Help Inform a healthcare provider, parent or teacher about symptom severity, onset and triggers.

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Registered Nurse Betty Marlin is an adult/child sexual assault nurse examiner and owner of Primary Health-Care of Charlotte, located at 508 Beatties Ford Rd., providing primary care services to the uninsured and under insured. To register for a Spiritual Women’s Retreat, schedule an appointment or make a donation for the completion of Nurse Marlin’s nonprofit Diabetic Heart Kitchen and Teen Wellness Nook, or for more information, call 704-347-1172 or visit GetWellnessCare.com.

February 2025

15

Global Briefs Phasing Out Dry-Cleaning Chemical

primipil from Getty Images/CanvaPro

In December 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a 10-year phaseout for the use of perchloroethylene (PCE), although most uses will be fully phased out in less than three years.

PCE is a solvent used for consumer applications, such as brake cleaners and adhesives, as well as for industrial uses, such as dry cleaning, the production of refrigerants and the processing of petroleum at refineries.

Newly acquired dry-cleaning machines are prohibited from using PCE after six months. The compliance dates for machines that are already in service vary depending on the type of machine; older models will be phased out sooner. Many dry cleaners have already begun the transition to alternative products. The EPA rule is intended to eliminate the health risk to people that work in dry-cleaning facilities.

A 2009 study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that people living in buildings with a dry cleaner had higher rates of kidney cancer.

Are You A HOT MESS? Perimenopause Bothering You?

I CAN HELP YOU: Reduce hot flashes Gain energy Lessen anxiety The only

Comeback of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow

In August 2024, the 1,000th captive-bred Florida grasshopper sparrow was released into the wild. After observing only 50 of these birds in the wild in 2015, conservationists moved the remaining breeding birds into captivity in an attempt to save the species. These fiveinch-tall birds are native to the prairie regions of central Florida and play a crucial part in the local food web, including controlling insect populations. The sparrow’s population decline was due to habitat loss and degradation. Scientists caution that the wild population of Florida grasshopper sparrows is not stable enough to declare the species saved, but the release is a major milestone in its recovery.

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Feature Story

The Thriving Heart Integrative Approaches to Cardiology

by Carrie Jackson

The 100-Year Heart

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, bestselling author and founder of the site NaturalHeartDoctor.com. He pioneered the 100-year heart method, which focuses on what he calls “thrival” nutrition, lifestyle, biohacking and ultra-diagnostics to lead a life filled with vitality, clarity and longevity. “Our approach is root-cause medicine, which puts pharma last,” he explains. “By looking at daily habits and lifestyle choices, we are able to see why people develop cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer worldwide.”

the heart and liver. This is supplemented by foraging for things like eggs, raw dairy, nuts, seeds, avocados, coconuts and other fruits and vegetables.”

How we live has a dramatic effect on heart health, and Wolfson asserts that there are a number of lifestyle factors we can control.

“A thrival lifestyle centers around being outside in natural sunlight and participating in activities we enjoy. When combined with a positive mindset and high-quality sleep, these practices increase longevity and contribute to a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment,” he says. “It’s also essential to avoid environmental toxins, such as air pollution, plastic and indoor pollutants like mold from water damage, to the best of your ability. Finally, managing stress and getting movement

Wolfson notes that cardiovascular health begins by giving the heart the nutrition it needs to thrive. “Food is medicine, and a paleo-based diet like our ancestors followed has been shown to optimize heart function,” he says. “I recommend patients focus on eating wild seafood and pasture-raised meats such as bison, including organs like 18

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throughout your day are key to optimal cardiovascular function.”

A truly holistic approach to wellness combines many interrelated tools. “Find an activity you love to do outside, whether that’s hiking, biking, stand-up paddleboarding or yoga. Before you begin, turn your attention inward and think of three things you are grateful for,” Wolfson advises. “This gratitude practice helps you find your happy place, and it gives you a sense of purpose in a world where that’s becoming increasingly difficult. It engages the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions like heart rate and blood pressure.”

Wolfson believes that for a healthy mind, body and heart, a chiropractor should be the gatekeeper to overall wellness.

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lthough only the size of a fist, our hearts pump blood to our organs and supply oxygen and nutrients to our cells, allowing every system to function optimally. Maintaining a healthy heart is one of the most important factors for overall wellness, and cardiovascular disease is highly preventable. Integrative cardiology, which focuses on treating the whole person rather than just the heart, reflects a shift toward more individualized, patient-centered care. Using personalized nutrition, expansive blood testing, advanced therapies and holistic practices, doctors and patients can blend the best of traditional and integrative strategies for a more balanced and effective approach to heart health.

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To kickstart heart health even further, Wolfson’s 100-year heart method uses thrival biohacking methods such as supplements and non-surgical recovery therapies. “Evidence-based, food-grade supplements from field-harvested animals and wild fish support heart function without chemicals or pharmaceuticals,” he points out. “People also may need additional minerals like magnesium, herbal remedies, probiotics or detox strategies if they’ve been living

Mikhail Nilov from Pexels/CanvaPro

“Chiropractic care uses the manipulations of bones in a purposeful way to make impactful changes to the neurologic system.

It sends out beneficial, efferent signals to all of the cells, tissues and organs, including the heart. It also helps to get us out of the ‘fight-flight-or-freeze’ mode that so many people are operating in,” he remarks.

“Chronic stress from work, family, news and finances keeps the sympathetic nervous system activated, but chiropractic treatments help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which allows us to rest and digest.”

around pollutants. Non-invasive technologies like red light therapy, sauna use, massage, ozone therapy and other cuttingedge treatments help to hack our system and support a healthy heart.”

Treating the Whole Person

Dr. Mimi Guarneri is a California-based cardiologist; the medical director of Pacific Pearl La Jolla; an award-winning researcher, consultant and philanthropist; and president of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. In her practice, she combines conventional, integrative and natural medicine to holistically treat the whole patient.

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Guarneri says that while cardiovascular disease is still largely misunderstood, it is also highly preventable. “People think it’s a disease of cholesterol, but it’s actually due to inflammation, oxidative stress and immune response,” she explains. “Inflammation can come from obesity, stress, sleep apnea, poor food choices and food sensitivities, and that is what causes damage to the lining of the blood vessels. In the conventional medicine realm, that means telling patients to stop smoking, lose weight and get blood pressure and cholesterol under control. From a holistic perspective, we look at all the lifestyle factors that contribute to heart health.”

When treating a patient with heart disease, Guarneri uses the metaphor of a tree with sick branches. “Instead of just cutting them off, you have to look at the soil to see what can be causing the illness. The soil of our lives includes micro- and macro-nutrition, a healthy microbiome, avoiding toxins, highquality sleep, physical activity and mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. All these

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factors contribute to healthy heart function,” she says.

Guarneri uses advanced testing to assess a patient’s baseline heart health. “We begin with a blood and urine micronutrient analysis, which measures the level of antioxidants and nutrients in the body. Then we conduct a microbiome analysis, which is a threeday stool test that shows how someone is digesting their food. We can see every type of microbe, any parasites and if there is dysbiosis [imbalance] or bacteria overgrowth.

Finally, we conduct an in-home study on sleep, which is an integral part of cardiovascular health. Someone with sleep apnea can snore and stop breathing, putting them at increased risk for heart disease, heart failure and high blood pressure,” she says.

Advanced cardiovascular testing shows additional valuable data. “An EndoPAT tells us if the lining of the blood vessels is making nitric oxide, the most important ingredient for heart health. This is a 40-minute, inoffice procedure that does not require radiation. Since cardiovascular disease is an

inflammatory disease, we do advanced lipid testing to measure inflammatory markers.

A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke. A 24-hour blood pressure cuff tells us what’s happening throughout the day, and a continuous glucose monitor shows how blood sugar reacts to foods. It’s also valuable feedback to the patient, who can see how their body responds to what they’re ingesting,” says Guarneri.

With all this data, the team creates a road map to health. “We make recommendations based on each patient’s individual needs, including supplements, food choices and lifestyle modifications,” she says. “I may suggest nutraceuticals to complete something that’s missing, such as vitamin D, or I may use them to treat a problem. We’ll prescribe omega-3 [fatty acids] if your triglycerides are high, but we’re also going to give you a low glycemic index diet.”

Guarneri works with patients to manage stress through mindfulness, meditation,

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514 N NC 16 Business Hwy Denver, NC 28037

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exercise and other lifestyle choices. “If you are in constant ‘fight-or-flight’ mode, you are producing adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol, which cause blood pressure to go up, the coronary arteries to constrict, cholesterol to increase and oxidative stress to develop,” she explains.

Guarneri points to a study involving Black Americans with hypertension that showed a 48 percent reduction in cardiovascular events through the use of transcendental meditation. “Mindfulness has also been shown to improve telomeres, telomerase and other genes of aging. Making conscious decisions in our behavior in response to stress is key to overall wellness and cardiovascular function. If your habit is to go home and have a drink after a hard day, we encourage patients to put on their tennis shoes and take a walk instead,” she says.

The Future of Cardiology

New advancements in cardiology are made all the time. In the coming year, cardiologists and researchers are expected to dig deeper into lipid disorders, obesity management and RNA-based therapies for conditions like cardiac amyloidosis, heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We can also expect to see an increase of awareness and interest in the role lipidology [the study of lipids or fatty acids] has on cardiovascular disease. “Preventive cardiologists and clinical lipidologists like myself have been checking Lp(a) levels for well over two decades now, but there has been little we could do medically to reduce high levels,” says Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI, FACC, FACP, adding that a number of nucleic acid therapeutic trials suggest this may change soon.

Experts stress that despite technological treatment advancements, preventative care is still the most effective way to ensure cardiovascular health. “Everyday lifestyle choices have the biggest impact on overall wellness and living a life of vitality, clarity and longevity,” says Wolfson.

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

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The Mind-Body-Desire Connection Exploring the Heart of Intimacy

by Jaime Showmaker

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esire is one of the most natural and beautiful aspects of human intimacy, but for many, it can feel just out of reach. That’s because desire isn’t simply a matter of attraction—it’s deeply rooted in the intricate connection between the mind, body and emotions. Understanding what influences desire can unlock new possibilities for deeper connection and greater fulfillment in relationships.

But desire isn’t just physical—it’s profoundly emotional. Feeling safe, seen and supported is essential for intimacy to thrive. Emotional wounds, fear of vulnerability or lingering shame from past experiences can create invisible walls that block authentic connection. A lack of trust in oneself or a partner can stifle even the deepest longings.

Mentally, the demands of daily life often make space for desire harder to find. Stress, anxiety and negative beliefs about one’s body or worth can weigh heavily, creating a cycle where intimacy feels more like a chore than

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On a physical level, the body serves as the foundation for desire. Hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen, play a critical role, and imbalances—especially during menopause or other life changes—can significantly impact arousal and interest. Chronic issues like fatigue, pain or stress can drain the energy needed to nurture intimacy.

Even the basics, like proper sleep, nutrition and regular movement, affect how receptive and engaged we feel in our physical and emotional connections.

a joy. Cultural or personal narratives about what intimacy “should” look like can also overshadow the natural, unique rhythms of each relationship.

Fortunately, desire isn’t static. It’s alive, dynamic and deeply responsive to how we care for ourselves—body, mind and soul. By identifying and addressing the root causes of intimacy challenges, it’s possible to reignite the spark and reconnect with both oneself and our partner.

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Jaime Showmaker is a Life Coach and Practice Manager at Benton Integrative Medicine, with offices in Huntersville and Denver, North Carolina. The practice offers compassionate and comprehensive care designed to support every facet of our well-being, from personalized hormone therapy and sexual health treatments to mindset coaching and somatic therapies, all toward providing a holistic path to healing and reconnection. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704775-6029 or visit BentonIntegrative.com.

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Bi-monthly Column food scraps into your home carry bin, and once full, bring it to the special food scrap containers at Hickory Grove or Compost Central. This is free for residents and is not available for businesses currently.

What is NOT Accepted?

Please never throw cans of food or containers inside the bins. We also cannot accept the following items with the food scraps: • Plastic-coated paper plates • To-go drink cups • To-go containers and utensils • Paper towels and napkins • Compostable utensils and plates • Plastic bags, zip-lock bags or snack wrappers or bags

ASK A MECK COUNTY EXPERT

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste experts receive hundreds of residential waste disposal and recycling questions weekly. To educate and empower Natural Awakenings readers, their experts provide updates and answer some of the most frequently asked questions in a bi-monthly column.

Are There Plans to Expand?

Food Scraps Now Accepted

Mecklenburg County Solid Wa s t e i s n ow a c c e p t i n g residential food waste scraps for composting at two fullservice centers: Hickory Grove and Compost Central. This program allows you to deliver food scraps to us. If you desire a home service, there are private companies that offer in the Charlotte region.

What is Accepted?

If it’s edible, it’s acceptable! Residents can bring their food scraps in a bin to either facility (a limited number of small bins will be given away at the start of the program.) Typical food scraps include eggshells, coffee grounds, vegetables and meat. Simply toss the

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Yes! Mecklenburg County Solid Waste plans to expand this program to the Foxhole and North Meck locations by Summer 2025.

We encourage residents to follow our Mecklenburg County Recycling Facebook page to stay up to date on this effort and others.

Full-service centers: Hickory Grove-8007 Pence Rd., Charlotte; Compost Central-140 Valleydale Rd, Charlotte; Foxhole-17131 Lancaster Hwy, Charlotte and North Mecklenburg-12300 Statesville Rd., Huntersville. If you have program questions about recycling, waste diversion or anything else related to waste, please visit WipeOutWaste.com. To submit a waste disposal and recycling question, email SolidWaste@MeckNC.gov. Jeff Smithberger, Director of Solid Waste, answers the top seven residential recycling questions at https://tinyurl.com/MeckRecyleRightFAQs.

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Green Living

Bringing Back the Monarch Butterfly How Milkweed and City Gardens Can Help

by The Field Museum of Chicago staff

“This decision comes after a long process, including science-backed modeling that shows the likelihood of monarchs being extinct by 2080 ranges from 56 to 74 percent for the population east of the Rockies, and greater than 99 percent for the Western monarch population,” says Lead Conservation Ecologist Aster Hasle, of the Keller Science Action Center, at Chicago’s Field Museum. Additional modeling suggests that more than 1.3 billion stems of milkweed need to be added to the landscape to stabilize eastern population numbers. Much of that milkweed could be added in cities, Hasle points out.

Adding milkweed across all landscape types is a key strategy in stabilizing the monarch butterfly population. “In proposing listing the monarch as threatened, the Fish and Wildlife Service provided the flexibility to manage milkweed habitat, as needed, without concerns on impacting monarchs. They did this to encourage more milkweed habitat creation within the monarch’s breeding and migratory range,” says Hasle, a coauthor of the study.

Monarch butterflies have one of the most unusual and demanding migratory patterns of any insect. The eastern population begins the year in Mexico and moves up across North America in the spring and summer. “As they travel, they lay their eggs, and when those adults die, the next generation continues the migration northward.

They will make it all the way to southern

In a 2024 study in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, urban milkweed plants were monitored to learn what makes city gardens hospitable to monarchs. “In this study, we found that monarchs can find the milkweed, wherever the milkweed is, even if it’s in planters on balconies and rooftops,” explains Geographic Information Systems Analyst Karen Klinger of the Keller Science Action Center at the Field Museum, and the study’s lead author.

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Canada, and at the end of summer, a new super generation is born that migrates all the way south and survives through the winter,” explains Klinger.

Because it takes multiple generations of caterpillars to get the monarch population from Mexico to Canada each year, they must rely on milkweed plants throughout their migration path. “There used to be wild milkweed growing along farmland in the Midwest, but now farmers use herbicides that kill the milkweed,” notes Klinger.

Urban milkweed gardens are able to bridge this gap. Klinger was a co-author of a 2019 study led by Field Museum scientists that showed that even “concrete jungles” have room for milkweed plants in people’s yards, alleyways and rooftops. “With our 2019 study, we found that a lot of the spaces where milkweed could

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onarch butterflies, with their striking orange and black wings, are some of the most recognizable insects in North America, but they are in trouble because their caterpillars can eat only the leaves of milkweed, a native wildflower that has increasingly disappeared. The problem is so extensive that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service submitted a proposal to list the monarch as a threatened species last December.

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Klinger and Hasle trained more than 400 community scientist volunteers on how to monitor their milkweed plants for monarch eggs and caterpillars and report back to researchers. Over the course of four years, the team collected 5,905 observations of monarch activity on 810 patches of milkweed in the Chicago metropolitan area. The paper analyzed a portion of this data from 2020 to 2022. “We encouraged participants who had planters on balconies and on rooftop decks, and we saw some of the most amazing things,” shares Klinger.

“There was one participant who had a planter set on the condominium roof that had five large caterpillars in one photo.”

Based on these observations, the researchers developed several theories about what makes for a successful milkweed garden. “There are several native species of milkweed, and we found that common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) was very prevalent in people’s gardens and was really key, both in terms of whether monarchs laid their eggs there and how many they laid,” reports Klinger. “Also, kind of surprisingly, older, more established milkweed plants did a lot better; they were more likely to see eggs than younger plants.” Having a variety of blooming plants was also important for monarchs to lay more eggs on milkweed, as it provided more nectar for the adults.

Growing Native Milkweed in North Carolina Growing milkweed native to our region supports local ecosystems. According to North Carolina Wildlife Federation, key North Carolina species include common milkweed (asclepias syriaca), butterfly weed (asclepias tuberosa), swamp milkweed (asclepias incarnata) and whorled milkweed (asclepias verticillata).

Planting Options: 1. Milkweed Seeds: o Cold Stratification: Seeds need exposure to cold to germinate.

• Fall Planting: Plant seeds outdoors to undergo natural cold stratification.

• Spring Planting: Simulate cold stratification by refrigerating seeds for 30 to 40 days on a moist paper towel or sand before planting.

2. Milkweed Plants: o Match planting conditions to the species’ natural habitat: • Swamp milkweed: Moist or wet soils.

• Butterfly weed and whorled milkweed: Drier soils. o Ensure full sun exposure and space plants 18 inches apart.

Alan Corder is the owner of American Beauty Garden Center, located at 4400 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte. For more information, call 704-334-8651 or visit ABGardenCenter.com. Also visit ncwf.org/blog/milkweed-plants.

While monarchs are just one species of insect, they are indicative of the big-picture health of the ecosystems they inhabit. “Because they cross this big landscape from Mexico to Canada, monarchs are an important indicator of what’s happening across a big area,” Hasle asserts.

For more information, visit FieldMuseum.org/department/ keller-science-action-center.

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grow was inaccessible to scientists—there was a lot of milkweed that we couldn’t account for,” says Klinger. “But we also found that there was a lot of enthusiasm among residents to plant milkweed and support monarchs. We took what we learned while searching for milkweed in residential areas and developed a community science project that became the basis of our 2024 paper.”

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Healthy Kids

the subject worldwide and is the author of the leading textbook Principles and Practices of Laser Dentistry.

Trends in Child Dentistry

Lasers offer many different wavelengths for multiple purposes. For example, lowlevel laser therapy uses light energy to elicit biological responses, such as pain relief, wound healing, muscle relaxation, immune system modulation and nerve regeneration. According to Convissar, this type of laser therapy is used in pediatric dentistry to temporarily interrupt the sensation of pain, permitting fillings and root canal treatments in children’s teeth without injecting an analgesic drug.

Tech Advances Improve Treatment Outcomes

by Claire Stagg, DDS, MS, FAACP

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entistry is at the forefront of technological advances, and children benefit daily from more efficient, economical and even lifesaving care that is made possible by these developments.

Although prevention is always better than restoration, three emerging technologies hold special promise for pediatric dentistry. They are lasers, aligners and digital scanners.

Lasers

Although laser technology was first introduced to the dental profession roughly 35 years ago, it has tremendously improved in the last decade. “Recently, laser technology has advanced so significantly that its use, especially in pediatric dentistry, can fill a textbook,” asserts Robert A. Convissar, DDS, a board-certified laser dentist in New York City. A pioneer in laser dentistry, he teaches

Lasers, aligners and digital scanners are among emerging technologies that hold special promise for pediatric dentistry.

“Ultraspeed CO2 lasers can be used to treat week-old babies whose tongues are not mobile enough to latch onto their mothers’ nipples and nurse properly. The procedure is minimally invasive, quick and painless,” he explains, noting that painful breastfeeding and excessive spitting up are two of the most common signs of a tongue tie. Convissar and the dentists that perform tongue-tie releases work closely with international board-certified lactation consultants to facilitate breastfeeding success.

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“Orthodontists and general dentists are now using CO2, diode and erbium lasers to put the finishing touches on their toothalignment treatments,” Convissar reports.

With these instruments, they are able to fashion tooth length and proportion, as well as shape gum profiles to achieve the ideal smile.

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Aligners

One critical structure of facial development for growing children is that of the roof of the mouth, which is also the floor of the nose.

Sufficient room for the tongue in the palate is important for both upper and lower

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airway development. In the past, maxillary expansion to correct serious tooth misalignment was performed with functional appliance therapy, including expanders and braces. Today, invisible trays, or aligners, which made their first appearance in 1997, offer an aesthetic and “invisible” option that allows better oral-hygiene maintenance, reduces office visits and lowers the incidence of complications.

Until recently, these systems were limited when it came to treating cases involving bone and arch development in growing children. Some systems have now introduced an

expansion component into their aligner tray systems helping to not only realign teeth, but also develop more room, thus possibly avoiding dental extractions.

The Nuvola OP System employs a morphofunctional corrector to be used for 30 minutes per day with the aligners in place, creating intense and intermittent forces that are directed to the cranial bone bases. A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reported “a significant expansion of the maxillary arch, as well as a high degree of patient satisfaction and compliance” with this system.

Digital Scanners

The advent of intra-oral scanners and cameras allows dental practices to take digital impressions in a few minutes with minimal discomfort for patients and outstanding views of the mouth. They have also become more accurate, affordable, smaller, lighter and easier to use.

Dr. Claire Stagg practices holistic, integrative dentistry in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. She is the author of Smile, It’s All Connected! For more information, visit HealthConnectionsDentistry.com.

IN YOUR CURBSIDE RECYCLING

DON’T JUST RECYCLE,

ONLY Recycle these six items

GLASS BOTTLES & JARS

CARDBOARD & SMALL BOXES

(Lids On - Okay)

(Clean Pizza Boxes - Okay)

MILK & JUICE CARTONS

PAPER & MAGAZINES

EMPTY METAL CANS

PLASTIC BOTTLES & JUGS with Necks

NO PLASTIC BAGS Remember, more items are accepted at the Full-Service Centers.

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February 2025

27

Conscious Eating

Chocolate Champions Benefits of Dark Chocolate and Cacao

Therapeutic Indulgence

by Marlaina Donato

“Chocolate affects us deeply when it comes to our emotions. This is why you get it when you are sad, when you are happy or when you want to show your love.

Chocolate doesn’t just hit the heartstrings, it’s also scientific,” says Chris Davis, a private chef and third-generation cocoa devotee from Belmont, North Carolina, who is passionate about the ingredient’s sweet and savory potential.

How Chocolate Is Made

Chocolate production involves a complex set of steps, beginning with a cacao pod that is larger than the palm of a hand. The seeds inside this pod are fermented, dried and roasted to create cocoa beans, which are comprised of nibs, cocoa butter and an outer shell. The nibs are ground and refined to produce cocoa solids, and the shell is ground into cocoa powder. The most beneficial dark chocolate contains 70 to 90 percent cocoa solids with minimal added sugar and no artificial ingredients such as alkali, a flavor enhancer that greatly diminishes flavanol content.

The benefits of dark chocolate can be traced back to its high flavanol content. Researchers have discovered that this antioxidant supports the production of nitric oxide, which is crucial for improving circulation, relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. Flavanols have also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, which could reduce the risk of diabetes. Observational studies have shown that indulging in one or two small squares (approximately six grams) of high-quality chocolate daily reduces the risk of mortality from heart disease.

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“Rich in B vitamins, cacao is full of minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and zinc,” says Sara Ratza, from Tarpon Springs, Florida, a clinical herbalist, health practitioner and author of Drinking Chocolate: Ancient Traditions for Modern Healing. “Traditionally, cacao is given to help raise serotonin and level out dopamine, so the Indigenous people share cacao to help those dealing with addictions. Cacao contains hundreds of chemical compounds such as phenethylamine, which is associated with the production of endorphins in the brain.”

According to Ratza, theobromine, cacao’s main chemical constituent that many confuse for caffeine, has psychological effects that enhance mood. Cacao was an important

Narong KHUEANKAEW from Getty Images/CanvaPro

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ncient Mayans prepared beans from the cacao tree, mixed with spices, to make a ceremonial drink that was both sacred and medicinal for them. Today, the market is filled with all sorts of chocolaty treats, but dark chocolate is the low-sugar, nutritional superhero that tickles the tastebuds, boosts the production of mood-enhancing endorphins and delivers flavanols, the antioxidant compounds linked to improved cardiovascular health.

Another nutritional powerhouse is cacao powder, which is made from raw cacao beans and nibs that are fermented and roasted at much lower temperatures than the beans used to make cocoa powder. Although it is more bitter, cacao powder retains more of the bean’s original nutritional value, including flavonoids and antioxidants.

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CHILI AND COCOA SPICE MIXTURE

The Savory Side

For most of us, our love affair with chocolate is based on its sweet form, but a whole world of gourmet fare celebrates its versatility beyond the candy bar or smoothie. For Davis, “The magic truly happens when applied in a savory way. There is a whole other flavor profile to chocolate before sugar is added to it when you want to add an earthy depth to a dish or add smokiness to a protein. Almost any sauce I make with wild game, red meat or red wine I will add a bit of cacao to give it the flavor and color that no other ingredient will come close to.” One of his favorite Mexican recipes is mole, a rich and savory sauce made from chilis and chocolate.

Opening Our Hearts to Chocolate

Ratza believes that consuming chocolate takes us on a journey, if we allow a little time for it to transport and transform us. “Cacao almost forces you to slow down,” she says. “It is important to sit and close your eyes as you sip a cup of cacao or let a piece of chocolate melt on your tongue.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodsmoke.com.

Quanthem from Getty Images/CanvaPro

½ cup cacao nibs 2 dried chilis 1 Tbsp cumin seeds 1 Tbsp paprika

1 Tbsp salt 1 Tbsp black pepper 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder

Mix everything in batches in a coffee grinder until the mixture is powdered. Store in an airtight container for 30 days.

Recipe courtesy of Chris Davis.

HEART-OPENING DRINKING CHOCOLATE YIELD: 1 SERVING This traditional drinking chocolate does not need milk to froth because the fat from the bean creates the traditional froth at the top of the mug. The main ingredient, cacao paste, contains a higher level of heart-healthy, mood-boosting compounds than found in dark chocolate. For 100 percent pure cacao-bean paste, look for ceremonial-grade cacao, which can be found online or in health food stores.

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Ratza recommends using cacao in the form of nibs or powder from reputable sources.

“If your chocolate has transparency of the origin and/or farm, generally you are buying a higher-quality product,” she explains.

No matter how we revel in dark chocolate or cacao, it is important to opt for the “fair trade” certification that ensures the product was manufactured without child labor and at a fair wage for workers.

This can be sprinkled on anything, but it is especially good on steak, chicken, fish or shrimp.

⅛ to ¼ cup cacao paste Dash of cinnamon Dash of cayenne pepper or Cobanero

chili pepper Sprinkle of sea salt Sweetener to taste (optional)

Put all ingredients in a 12-ounce mug. Add just enough hot water (almost boiling) to cover the cacao. Whisk by hand or with a frother. Once blended, pour additional hot water to fill the cup. Sip slowly with eyes closed and enjoy.

Recipe courtesy of Sara Ratza.

MIGHTY MUSHROOM CACAO BITES YIELD: 6 TO 8 BITES ¼ cup roasted cacao nibs 4 to 6 pitted Medjool dates 1 scoop of mushroom-blend powder, based on recommended serving on package (Can be reishi, turkey tail or lion’s mane)

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part of her own emotional healing while she grieved the loss of both her brother and father. During the COVID pandemic, she owned and operated a brick-and-mortar chocolate factory and shop. “The stories of people coming in and dealing with the trauma of the time is forever ingrained in my heart,” she recalls.

YIELD: 1 CUP

In a high-speed blender, pulse cacao nibs to a flour consistency. Add dates and pulse until completely blended and gooey. Place the mixture into a bowl. Add the mushroom powder and combine by kneading with hands. Roll dough into bite-sized balls or flatten into a pan and cut into squares.

Recipe courtesy of Sara Ratza.

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Conscious Eating CHOCOLATE CHERRY VINAIGRETTE YIELD: 1 QUART As a salad dressing, this pairs wonderfully with goat cheese, mozzarella or feta, as well as almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, avocado or beets. It is also delicious drizzled over chicken or white fish, such as grouper.

Courtesy Chris Davis

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted 3 Tbsp cocoa powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 sprigs fresh thyme ¾ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp lemon juice ½ cup honey 2 Tbsp whole-grain mustard 1½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp salt plus more to taste

Place cherries and honey in a blender and blend until smooth. Add cocoa powder, salt, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, cinnamon and thyme, and continue blending. Add the oil to the blender in a slow and steady pour until the dressing thickens and fully emulsifies.

Will remain fresh for two weeks in the refrigerator.

Recipe courtesy of Chris Davis.

CHOCOLATE-BRAISED SHORT RIBS YIELD: 4 SERVINGS 2 lb short ribs (boneless or bone-in) 1 celery stalk 1 carrot 1 yellow onion 6 garlic cloves 2 Roma (plum) tomatoes 3 sprigs rosemary 1 cup tomato paste

¾ cup cocoa powder 1 bottle red wine 2 to 3 cups chicken stock ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 3 whole cloves Salt and pepper Oil for cooking

Cut up all of the vegetables and set aside.

Generously season all sides of the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven or braising pan and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Carefully sear all sides of the short ribs until brown. Remove the ribs and set aside. Add the vegetables to the pan. Cover the short ribs with the tomato paste and add the ribs back into the pot on top of the veggies.

Courtesy Chris Davis

Deglaze the pan with the entire bottle of red wine and add enough chicken stock to cover the short ribs. Add cocoa powder, rosemary, cloves and vinegar, and mix until the cocoa powder is dissolved.

30

Charlotte Edition

Cover the pan and carefully place it in the oven for six hours at 250° F. Once cooked, remove the short ribs and strain the leftover mixture into a bowl to discard the veggies and rosemary sprigs (except carrots, if desired). Add strained liquid and short ribs back into the pot and serve.

Recipe courtesy of Chris Davis.

AwakeningCharlotte.com

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Community Resource Guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com to request our media kit.

Ayurveda MEGAN HIVELY WELLNESS

16507 Northcross Dr, Ste C, Huntersville Virtual on Zoom · Megan@MeganHively.com 980-272-7038 · MeganHively.com Create harmony within, address the physical and emotional, and cultivate a sense of peace and v i t a l i t y b y i n c o r p o ra t i n g Ayurvedic principles into daily routine. Register today for oneon-one or group sessions.

See ad, page 16.

Bodywork

Chronic & Difficult Cases HAAS WELLNESS CENTER

3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420 HaasWellnessCenters.com

Specializing in chronic and difficult cases and holistic and wellness care. We identify and treat the root cause of your health issues. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation.

See ad, page 4.

TORCHBEARER TACHYON

BRITISH MASSAGE

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2210 Coronation Blvd, Ste C 704-572-1310 BritishMassage.com

Stop suffering and elevate your experience with a transcendent 45-minute tachyon therapy session tuned to target your specific chronic condition. Read our reviews and book your experience for optimal balance and alignment today.

Originally from London, Jessica is highly intuitive, has a natural healing touch and loves to help people feel better physically and e m o t i o n a l l y. M e d i c a l R e i k i Master and offers Reiki classes.

Book massage/reiki today.

See ad, page 22.

Brain/Mental Health DOC BROWN BUSH INTEGRATIVE THERAPY

21000 Torrence Chapel Rd Ste 208, Cornelius 704-491-2216·DocBrownBush.com Customized natural solutions for healing mental health issues, unhealthy behaviors, and brain health problems. Treats ADHD, eating disorders, trauma, stress, anxiety and TBI with counseling, nervous system/stress rewiring, brain balancing and functional medicine/naturopathy.

See ad, page 19.

WINDING CREEK HOLISTIC FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION

Suzie Franz · 618-558-1641 Davidson · WindingCreekFNC@yahoo.com WindingCreekFNC.com Board certified in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition with over 25 years experience as a holistic practitioner. If you are looking for a caring one-on-one approach to healing, call/text 618558-1641 to schedule your complimentary pre-consultation.

GENTRY DENTAL

16930 W Catawba Ave, Ste 206C Cornelius · 980-999-3069 LimitlessWellnessNC.com Jason Scianno specializes in holistic psychotherapy i n te g ra t i n g q i g o n g , s o u n d healing and neurofeedback.

Improve energy, stress levels, relaxation, mindfulness and more with Jason’s mind, body, spirit approach. Accepts many insurance plans. See ad, page 9.

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Biologically minded family dental office offering 3D digital dentistry, preventative dentistry, safe mercury removal and sleep apnea screenings. In a relaxed and caring environment, all patients are given devoted time. Call the office today to request a new patient consultation.

See ad, page 5.

Direct Primary Care BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 514 N NC -16 Bus, Denver 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com

Affordable convenient direct primary care from a personalized holistic perspective. Thorough and efficient care with nutrition as the foundation. We want to get and keep you healthy. Schedule a new patient consult today. See ad, page 20.

Divorce CHARLOTTE COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE PROFESSIONALS

Attorneys, Divorce Coaches, Child Specialists, Financial Experts CharlotteCollaborativeDivorce.com

Divorce doesn’t have to be traumatic - discover a better way with collaborative divorce. The fundamental tenets are respect, transparency, peace, customization, privacy. Visit our website and contact us today. See ad, page 9.

Dentistry 5950 Fairview Rd, Ste 16 704-554-1007 GentryDentalCharlotte.com

LIMITLESS WELLNESS AND NEUROFEEDBACK

KEMPTER DENTISTRY

7510 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Ste 15B 1000 Copperfield Blvd, Ste 160, Concord 704-782-0797 KempterDentistry.com

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Providing the highest quality biological/holistic dental care with compassion and understanding. Modern, spa-like office, state-of-the-art equipment and individualized care and attention. In-office dental savings plan. Call today to schedule appointment.

Eco-friendly Living RECYCLED COMPOST & MULCH

140 Valleydale Rd • 980-314-3880 17131 Lancaster Hwy • 980-314-3845 MeckMulchMadness.com

Supports a 360˚ from your yard to our facility and back again.

Mecklenburg County upcycles your yard waste to create highquality STA approved compost and beautiful mulch at a very affordable price. See ad, page 27.

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SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN

Claudia Josephine Design 860-796-3415 ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com

Proving that sustainable, ecofriendly design can still be stylish, Claudia creates classic, functional, and beautiful interiors. Cer tified Green Accredited Professional.

Specializing in new residential construction and full-service interior design.

Energy Healing

Gardening

Hyperbaric Therapy

AMERICAN BEAUTY GARDEN CENTER

NIRVANA HYPERBARIC INSTITUTE

4400 E Independence Blvd 704-334-8651 ABGardenCenter.com

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

Charlotte’s organic gardening supply store for over 17 years. Knowledgeable staff that answers your questions and makes recommendations. Natural/ organic products, hydroponic solutions, greenhouses, grow lights, and more. Visit us today.

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 11.

Hypnotherapy

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Change your frequency, change your life. Our products have an integrated charged disc to protect against 5G and EMFs along with the added benefits of alleviating pain and improving strength and balance. See ad, back cover.

Holistic Wellness Care PRIMARY HEALTH-CARE OF CHARLOTTE, P.A.

508 Beatties Ford Rd 704-347-1172 • GetWellnessCare.com Serving Charlotte for 36 years with continuous low-cost holistic health care for uninsured and under insured. Physicals, first aid, TB and other tests.

Certified by NC Board of Medical Examiners and NC Board of Nursing. By appointment.

Functional Medicine

PHYSICIAN-LED AUTHENTICITY COACHING

In person & Virtual appointments 980-485-6988 MosaeicSystems.com

Escape the success trap; rediscover your authentic self and achieve purposeful success with Mani Saint-Victor, MD. Align your life with your true values, passions and purpose today. Schedule free consultation. See ad, page 2.

BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 514 N NC -16 Bus, Denver 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com

The Carolina's only Integrative practice offering membership based Direct Primary Care and Functional Medicine wellness programs. Wellness programs are individualized to the patient and address the root cause of illness. See ad, page 20.

Functional Neurology BETTER BRAIN & BODY

11230 Carmel Commons Blvd 704-752-8100 · BetterBrainAndBody.com FrontDesk@BetterBrainAndBody.com

Intuitive Advisor

Hormone Health SIGNATURE WELLNESS

3125-A Springbank Ln, Charlotte 1105 Spruce St, Ste 102, Belmont 704-752-9346 · SignatureWellness.org D e b o ra h M a t t h e w, M D , i s America’s Happy Hormone Doctor; best-selling author, international speaker, featured on national television. Her mission is to create wellness t h ro u g h a n i n te g ra t i ve / functional medicine approach.

Schedule free discovery call today. See ad, page 2.

Ad d re s s t h e ro o t c a u s e o f neurological issues and optimize overall brain & body health at Charlotte’s Human Optimization Center. Non-invasive diagnostics and comforting, safe treatments.

Wellness memberships available.

C a l l to d ay to s c h e d u l e a n appointment. See ad, page 5.

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SPIRITUAL COUNSELOR, HEALER & MEDITATION COACH

Anna Sophia 850-602-0526 PureSophia.com

Anna offers guidance on ideal dates for marriage, promotions, and major life choices. Enhance your health and happiness with Archangels support and personalized meditations tailored to your needs. Discover peace and purpose with Anna.

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Community Resource Guide

Integrative Healer KATIE SUTTON

Psychic

Spiritual Centers

PSYCHIC MEDIUM KELLE

Intuitive Channel, Guided Meditation Coach 828-246-3335 ZenWithinAcademy.com

4371 Charlotte Hwy, Ste 22, Clover, SC 978-420-8213 ·PsychicMediumKelle.com PsychicMedium@verizon.net Psychic medium +18 years, author and radio show host.

Private readings, psychic investigator on missing person cases. Helps those at a crossroads, experiencing unresolved issues or dealing with loss. Call for appointment today.

See ad, page 10.

Katie synthesizes a unique blend of healing modalities with selfactivation techniques–from sound and 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.

Interfaith Minister REV KENDALL HEATH

Interfaith/Interspiritual Minister Spiritual Counselor, Intuitive Medium 704-658-1442 LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com One-on-one services to bridge between higher consciousness and realities of living day-to-day i n t h i s world; integ ra l soul h ea l i ng , m edium rea ding s , spiritual mentorship; also national/international sacred retreats. Schedule your free 30-minute tea & talk today.

See ad, page 16.

Ozone Therapy

Scalar Energy

LIGHT HOUSE SPIRITUAL MINISTRY

Rev Kendall Heath, Interfaith Minister 704-658-1442 info@LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com

Scalar energy wellness and spiritual awareness aids.

Simple, practical, inexpensive, and imprinted with targeted scalar frequencies to help the body repair itself or work with your consciousness. Free shipping. 15% discount with NAM522. See ad, page 7.

Programs to bridge between higher consciousness and the realities of living day-to-day in t h i s wo r l d . G row a n d h ea l spiritually, develop intuition, spiritual ideologies and practices; shadow work and steps to self-realization and integration. See ad, page 16.

704-490-5483 CS@ScalarFrequencyHealing.com ScalarFrequencyHealing.com

SCALAR HEALTH ENHANCEMENT CENTER

704-490-5483 Members@ScalarHealthEnhancement.com ScalarHealthEnhancement.com When you enter the Scalar Health Enhancement Center, you enter a healing zone where the 5th Dimension isn't just a theory, it is a functioning reality! Call for appointment today.

See ad, page 7.

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

3200 Park Rd Sundays at 11am UnityofCharlotte.org

Vibrant, inclusive Sunday Celebration at 11am, led by co-ministers Revs Lisa and Jim. Inspiring messages/ upbeat music support your spiritual growth, well-being, and abundant living.

Shared space with St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on Park Rd.

Spiritual Supply Store MIXED GIRL MAGIK

Sound &Vibrational Therapy SPIRIT AND SOUND

19401 Old Jetton Rd, Ste 100 Cornelius · 704-655-2719 Purefico.com

Barbara Griggs, LSH, CVSP, CVSC barb.griggs04@gmail.com 248-321-6098 SpiritandSound.net

Full line of noninvasive wellness/ beauty services including only local provider of cutting edge Eboo Ozone IV Therapy system. Treats autoimmune disorders, infections, viruses, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease and more. Call and mention Natural Awakenings discount. See ad, page 13.

Call today for free consultation. Discover avenues to overcome uncertainty and fear. As a licensed spiritual healer, intuitive, and Certified Vibrational Sound Practitioner/Coach, let's awaken the strength and commitment necessary to honor your journey.

Charlotte Edition

We are a spirit-guided, heartcentered Christ-conscious, loving family providing an empowering, universal, Christ- centered message grounded in the teachings of m e t a p hy s i c s . M e d i t a t i o n 10:30am. Sunday service 11am. Email Shine@HeartLightCharlotte.org.

SCALAR FREQUENCY HEALING

PUREFICO MEDSPA & THERAPY

34

HEARTLIGHT SPIRITUAL CENTER

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

AwakeningCharlotte.com

4005 Flats Main St, Unit 100 Indian Land · 803-228-0316 MixedGirlMagik.com Spiritual wellness, metaphysical growth and development, h ea l i n g m o d a l i t i e s .

Crystals, novena candles, herbs, oils, salt lamps/walls, smudge sticks, pendulums and more. Tarot card readings. Store hours by appointment only. Call 803-228-0316 to schedule.

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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 WHOLE PET VETERINARY HOSPITALS

4 NC Locations: 3 Charlotte; 1 Coast WholePetVets.com Full, comprehens i ve s e r v i c e s medicine, surgery, dental. Alternatives-acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, detox, ozone, homeopathic. Exotics. Fear Free certified (alleviate fear, anxiety and stress). Delivering outstanding results in a positive, fun environment. See ad, page 4.

gaston county natural guide Connecting Gaston County to leaders in natural health, wellness and green living.

To find out how you can be included in the Gaston County Natural Guide, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com.

Organic Market & Supplements ORGANIC MARKETPLACE

1012 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-864-0605 OrganicMarketplaceNC.com

Weight Loss CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Lidia Adkins, CFMP, DC, PKT 216 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-271-9757 • CWLI.net

D e ve l o p e r o f t h e “4 0 D a y Tra n s f o r m a t i o n ” sy s te m , 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.

9am -7pm M/F, 9am6pm Sat. Reliable community partner, local source for education, organic foods, personal care, products, supplements, aromatherapy, organic wine/beer and pet products.

See ad, page 8.

To place a listing call 704-499-3327 or email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com

Weight Loss CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Gastonia • 704-271-9757 Matthews/Ballantyne • 704-243-8560 CWLI.net D e v e l o p e r o f t h e “4 0 D a y Tra n s f o r m a t i o n ” s y s te m , 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.

Classifieds

Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $40 for up to the first 20 words and $1.50 per word thereafter. To place a classified, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte. com. Deadline is the 9th of the month.

Mark Your Calendar Energy & Frequency Q&A and Family Sessions

How To Be an Ethical Slut – Musical Comedy

When you understand what energy and frequency are and how they work, it is easy to see how they affect our lives and health. The entire family can now enjoy the EESystem in our special family session.

Award-winning one-woman musical comedy by Brooke McCarthy about sexual health, lies, STDs, polyamory, non-monogamy, triads, orgies and love. LGBTQ+ friendly.

Fridays-Q&A · 7-8:30pm · Free

The Rooster 334 W Main Ave, Gastonia

Saturdays-Family Sessions · 4-6pm $10 Kids/$50 Adults Scalar Health Enhancement Center 938 Cloverleaf Plaza, Kannapolis ScalarHealthEnhancement.com 704-490-5483

Feb 21 · 8-9:30pm · $22-$35

TheRoosterGastonia.ticketleap.com/slut 704-616-0291

Home Services MAJOR APPLIANCE REPAIR – high quality repair at reasonable rates, service all major brands, call/text 336-539-1766.

Feb 14

Feb 17

Feb 28

Jobs PART TIME MAGAZINE Delivery - needed primarily for Mecklenburg County delivering Natural Awakenings magazine. Fuel-efficient/ Hybrid/EV vehicle preferred. Work 1-2 days per month, paid per stop. Must be available during business hours. Info: 704-499-3327.

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