Natural Awakenings Charlotte - January 2026 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

Baby Steps to a

Life Well Lived

Clean, Nonstick Cookware

COMPLIMENTARY

SOULFUL SOURDOUGH

Why This Bread Still Heals

DISCOVERING

Health

at Benton Integrative in Lake Norman

Dean Mitchell

on Conquering Candida DIGITAL FLIPBOOK

Health & Wellness CHARLOTTE EDITION | AWAKENINGCHARLOTTE.COM | JANUARY 2026

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HAAS WELLNESS CENTER

Charlotte Natural Wellness

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January 2026

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Departments

Contents

9 News Briefs

16 Back to Your Nature Winter Retreat

16 Event Spotlight

Only Three Hours From Charlotte

18 Health Briefs 20 Local Health Brief

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22 Business Spotlight 24 Inspiration

22 Discovering Health Through Connection, Insight and the Body’s Innate Wisdom at Benton Integrative in Lake Norman

26 Green Living

24 Baby Steps to a Life Well Lived

28 Conscious Eating 30 Recipes

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34 Wise Words

26 Clean, Nonstick Cookware

Transforming the Kitchen for Human and Planetary Health

37 Mark Your Calendar 37 Classifieds

28 Soulful Sourdough

Why This Bread Still Heals

38 Resource Guide 43 Gaston County Natural Guide

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34 Dean Mitchell

on Conquering Candida

Scalar Health

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

CHARLOTTE EDITION Publisher Shannon McKenzie Design & Production Patrick Floresca

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

Ad Design Patrick Floresca Helene Leininger Editorial Jane Aylward Allison Gorman Randy Kambic

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle CMO Vee Banionis Sr. VP Operations Brian Stenzler, DC National Editor Sandra Yeyati Editor Brooke Goode Copy Editor Melanie Rankin Print Production Specialist Kevin Rankin Design Director Agnes Mazeikaite Production Flip180 Customer Service Dani Bucad

SUBSCRIPTIONS Free subscriptions are available for our digital issue by emailing Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com

CONTACT US Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921 Ph: 239-206-2000 NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

Cover image by AdobeStock_1819417838 Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.

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© 2026 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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Publisher’s Letter

cbrt

Baby Steps It is a time of year-end reflection and New Year intention-setting for many of us, and I find myself feeling deeply grateful for the natural health and green-living businesses featured in this magazine—and throughout Charlotte and the greater Charlotte region.

These are largely small businesses striving to make both our communities and our planet healthier, helping to elevate our collective frequency. This is noble work, and the world desperately needs to be operating at a higher frequency. Thank you to all who have chosen this as your vocation.

As for my own New Year intention, I’d like to be operating at a higher frequency myself. The good news is that we continue to feature events, workshops, retreats, and practitioners who offer services that ultimately help us do just that. This January 2026 issue feels especially rich in that regard.

In this month’s Baby Steps to a Life Well Lived, Marlaina Donato writes, “This year, instead of lofty resolutions, let’s choose baby steps toward better health or a more peaceful life….”

I love the idea of taking baby steps toward a higher frequency. Every issue of the magazine offers those kinds of small, meaningful steps, making it a valuable resource. I look forward to adopting some new ones in the year ahead—and to looking back at this time next year knowing they truly made a difference.

Wishing you a peaceful and intentional 2026,

Shannon

KOKAYI

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News Briefs

Reiki Tummo

2026 Predictions with Astrologer Reynolds at HeartLight

Start the new year with clarity, insight and a greater sense of empowerment as HeartLight Spiritual Center welcomes back renowned karmic astrologer and intuitive Susan Reynolds for her highly anticipated 2026 Predictions event, available in-person or via livestream, from 1 to 3 p.m. on January 11. Each year, she offers a uniquely practical and spiritually grounded look at the energies shaping the year ahead—always blending astrology, intuition, and decades of experience.

Her past predictions have included political shifts, economic trends and significant geographical events, many of which have unfolded just as she described including her prediction in January 2025 that prices would go up.

This time around, Reynolds will share what the planetary configurations reveal about what lies ahead for the U.S. and our political landscape, how the economy will fare in 2026, potential geographical or global changes, the major themes and energies influencing the collective and how to align with them to create positive change in our lives.

She will also offer a brief forecast for each zodiac sign, providing personal insights into relationships, opportunities and life decisions for 2026.

“I have worked as a professional astrologer for more than 40 years,” Reynolds says. “Astrology continues to excite me and astound me every day.”

Cost: $35. Location: 7300 Mallard Creek Rd., Charlotte. Recording available to all ticket holders for 60 days after event. For more information or to register, leave a voicemail at 704-669-7300 or visit HeartLightCharlotte.org. See CRG, page 43.

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January 2026

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News Briefs

Wellness Getaways Provides Vacation Rentals, Sponsors Reiki Tummo Workshops

Kelly McDade, CEO of Wellness Getaways, arranges for vacation rentals in the North Carolina mountains where guests can experience a low-allergen, low-toxic stay including using dyefree, fragrance-free soaps, detergents and other cleaning products, Teflonfree cookware, organic linens and medical-grade air purification.

Kings Mountain Preserve

Wellness Getaways is also sponsoring two upcoming workshops—Reiki Tummo Level 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 14 ($220) and Reiki Tummo Level 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 15 ($330) at Holly’s Bodyworx, in Fort Mill, South Carolina. McDade, who has been a Uusi reiki master since 2001 and switched to practicing Reiki Tummo in 2008, has found that the Reiki Tummo attunements connect us better to the Earth, gently awaken our Kundalini and open our spiritual hearts to be more connected to our Creator, surpassing the old attunements.

The first three registrants for the workshops will receive a free night on a Wellness Getaway and will be entered into a drawing for a free two-night stay over Valentine’s weekend.

(Cleaning fees additional, minimum night stays apply and are subject to availability. Only one prize per registrant.)

Holistic Harmony

“There is a new energy on the planet, and Reiki Tummo harnesses that vibration to bring us to the highest spiritual levels and the healing that comes with it,” says McDade. “This is not your grandma’s reiki.”

Location of workshops: 3125 Highgate Dr., Fort Mill. For more information or arrange for a getaway, email info@TheWellnessGetaways.com or visit TheWellnessGetaways.com. For more information or to register for either workshop, email ReikiTummo.clt@gmail.com or visit bit.ly/RT12Mar2026. Also, call 843-970-1406. See ad, page 9.

Sutliff’s Predictions for 2026 Are Available Online Late December

Predictions for 2026 by Kelle Sutliff, International Psychic Medium, are now available by visiting PsychicMediumKelle.com/blog.

Known for her accurate predictions regarding world events and her clients’ personal lives, she is also a sought-after Psychic Investigator, consulting on missing persons and cold cases both nationally and internationally, and collaborating with families and private investigators on active and unsolved cases. Her clients include celebrities, high-level professionals and business executives.

Her forecasts for the year include topics of politics, media, celebrities, the environment, the economy, international developments and more.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 978-420-8213, email PsychicMedium@verizon.net or visit PsychicMediumKelle.com. See CRG, page 42.

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Sacred Grove Retreat Hosts Soulful Sundays Monthly Through March

Sacred Grove Retreat Center, in Gold Hill (only an hour from Charlotte), invites the community to gather for Soulful Sundays at the Grove, a new monthly series taking place on the second Sunday of each month from January through March that features respected local voices sharing insight, inspiration and practical tools for personal growth. The first edition on January 11 will present Secrets of Manifestation taught by Nicole Mitchell from Rise With Me, guiding participants through the core principles of conscious creation, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; and an Aura Workshop with Diana Joy of 3rd Eye Gifts, including live aura photography and intuitive interpretation, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Attendees of the events in the series will learn from local healers and practitioners about their gifts, and at the conclusion of the day, socialize while enjoying hot apple cider by the bonfire.

For nearly two decades, owner Ellen Whiteside, lovingly known as the Goddess of the Grove, has been the guiding spirit of Sacred Grove Retreat. She has welcomed hundreds of guests into the sanctuary she’s nurtured since 2006. Her gift is simple yet powerful: making everyone who arrives feel at home, inspired and part of something truly special.

Sacred Grove Retreat Center is available for personal nightly stays as well as for retreats and gatherings.

Cost: $27 per class or $44 for both. Location: 15720 Collie Rd., Gold Hill, NC. For more information or to register for a Soulful Sunday event, visit tinyurl.com/SoulfulSundays2026, also call or text 704-299-5124 or visit SacredGroveRetreat.com. See CRG, page 42.

Sanctuary Imports

Unity of Charlotte to Present a White Stone Ceremony Unity of Charlotte will present a White Stone Ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. on January 4, 2026 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. The White Stone Ceremony is an ideal complement to the Burning Bowl and an incentive to get started on setting an intention for what the new year could bring.

The event is an invitation to listen to Spirit within and discern “a word” to guide us in the new year and to be worked on throughout the year. As a wonderfully intuitive process, the activity is about knowing and trusting that we are being guided by Spirit within to aspire to the highest expression of our divinity.

Writing the word on the white stone is a declaration of faith that we are foremost spiritual beings and an important reminder that we do not undertake our worldly changes and challenges alone. With that word—strength, power, change or anything else that comes to us— we can greet the new year with an inner fortitude that mere human willpower cannot match.

Free admission. Location: 3200 Park Rd., in Charlotte. For more information, call 704-5659626, email info@UnityOfCharlotte.org or visit UnityOfCharlotte.org. See CRG, page 43.

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January 2026

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News Briefs

Claudia Josephine Design Expands Staff Claudia Ricciardone, owner and lead designer of Claudia Josephine Design, has expanded her team to enhance the client experience while continuing to offer high-end, eco-luxe interior design services. This growth supports clients that are looking for beautiful, luxurious homes without compromising their environmental values.

The additional experts will provide for even more personalized service, improved project timelines and continued focus on non-toxic, eco-conscious materials—making luxury living healthier and more accessible for environmentally mindful homeowners.

Claudia Josephine Design, based in Waxhaw, North Carolina and serving the Greater Charlotte area, is a luxury residential interior design firm specializing in eco-luxe, wellness-focused interiors that blend sustainability with timeless style.

“It is easy to make design decisions based on current trends that don’t have longevity and are expensive to remedy,” says Ricciardone, a Green-Accredited Professional and a three-time nominee for the Sustain Charlotte Awards. “My goal is to help clients make choices that are timeless, classic, and still feel relevant years from now.”

For more information or to make an appointment, call 860796-3415, email Claudia@ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com, visit ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com or follow the company on Instagram.

See CRG, page 39.

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IN YOUR CURBSIDE RECYCLING

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GLASS BOTTLES & JARS

CARDBOARD & SMALL BOXES

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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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News Briefs

Stewart Leads Compassion-Based Resilience Training Program

Certified instructor Kimberly Stewart of Mindful Michi, LLC will conduct a nineweek Nalanda Institute CompassionBased Resilience Training (CBRT) on Zoom beginning in January. The complete, evidence-based training in stress reduction and self-healing—developed and tested at Columbia and Cornell University Hospitals where it has been offered continuously since 1998—is being offered at a New Year’s special cost of $250 per participant.

CBRT was developed in 1998 by Joe Loizzo, M.D., Ph.D., founder and director of Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, by integrating timeless techniques of contemplative self-regulation from India and Tibet with contemporary breakthroughs in neuroscience, positive psychology and optimal health.

Research studies conducted at Weill Cornell Medicine and Albert Einstein College of Medicine with women recovering from breast cancer found that CBRT reduces biomarkers of stress, improves quality of life, lowers social-emotional and cultural role stress, enhances resilience and overall functioning and markedly decreases post-traumatic symptoms including intrusive thinking and traumatic avoidance.

“After experiencing childhood and adult trauma and living for years feeling adrift and reactive to the world around me, I discovered the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation” says Stewart, with 10-plus years of mindful living and meditation practice experience and a graduate of Sukhasiddhi Foundation’s Dharma Training and Bodhi Programs and currently enrolled in the Vajrayana program. “Now, through dedicated practice, I am able to choose my responses and react calmly and thoughtfully. It has made all the difference in my life, and now I want to bring this training to as many people as possible.”

For more information including start date, to register, to join the waitlist or for a free 15-minute consultation, call 704-619-7690, email Kimberly@MindfulMichi.com or visit MindfulMichi.com.

See ad, page 8.

N I R V A N A HYPERBARIC

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Kempter Dentistry Offers Unique Insurance Plan Many people lack dental insurance coverage. To help, Kempter Dentistry, with locations in Charlotte and Concord, now offers its KD VIP memberships. The program entirely covers two exams, two nonperiodontal cleanings and one emergency exam per year; annual bitewing and other needed X-rays; oral cancer screenings; customized home care guidance; and a dental fitness scorecard.

Members also receive discounts for other services including CT scans, fillings, crowns, orthotics, ozone therapy and laser treatments. A treatment coordinator can customize a plan specifically for every family’s needs that includes flexible payment options. Those that join the KD VIP program during their new-patient visit receive 25 percent of their first-visit fee credited

Eric Kempter, John Kempter

toward future out-of-pocket expenses (excluding annual membership fee).

The program cannot be combined with insurance or other dental plans; it excludes sedation products, specialist and hospital referrals.

“We take a whole-body approach to addressing dental needs, often partnering with specialists, physicians, toxicologists, oral surgeons and sleep physicians to offer patients personalized, comprehensive and collaborative care,” says co-owners Dr. John Kempter and Dr. Eric Kempter. “To provide the highest quality dental health care, we must spend the time needed to establish a relationship, level of trust and gather data. We want to know why you are here and how we can cater care towards your specific needs.”

Locations: 7510 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Ste. 15B, Charlotte; 1000 Copperfield Blvd NE, Ste. 160, Concord. For more information, to enroll in the insurance program or make an appointment, visit KempterDentistry.com or call 704-782-0797. See ad, page 7.

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Event Spotlight

Back to Your Nature Winter Retreat Returns to Elohee, Georgia Sarah Choi, creator of Bae Retreats, will host their annual Back to Your Nature winter retreat from February 6 to 8 at Mandala Hall in the Elohee Retreat Center, in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia. Attendees at this special weekend event will have their nervous system soothed, center their pleasure and return to themselves in the healing energy of nature, all while reveling in collective wisdom and joy in community with other ladies also seeking to prioritize their well-being and hone their intuition for greater confidence and satisfaction in life.

“There is no more important time than now to rest and preserve oneself, to foster wholeness and light during such dark times,” says Choi. “The retreat is a wonderful way for individuals to heal and restore themselves, but the bigger benefit is the beautiful community that gathers and

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creates life affirming energy, which inspires us to bring it back home to our loved ones and the communities we live in daily.

“This weekend retreat reminds us of the dignity, agency and power we already embody daily—to stay in our true nature of being whole, wise and powerful enough to reject the fear, manipulation and reactivity of today’s world. Staying whole, connected and in our pleasure is an antidote and birthright, not a privilege. Today’s institutions have made our thriving and organic being a luxury, but we can reclaim it to stay awake and engaged in the world.”

At last year’s winter retreat, 18 ladies from eight separate states met on top of Bald Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Centrally located in the southeast region, the Forest Studio of Elohee was the ideal location for this

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healing and joyful community weekend, nestled within the central woods of the 220-acre property and steps away from the private hiking trails, comfortable cabins, living pond and more.

This year’s retreat will take place at Mandala Hall, a beautiful circular meeting space sitting at the peak of Elohee with 360-degree views of the mountains and treescape.

“We can’t wait to enjoy the nourishing food, community and activities again this year,” added Choi.

Location: 251 Elohee Dr., Sautee Nacoochee, GA, three hours from Charlotte in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Friday check-in begins at 3 p.m. and Sunday departure is 1 p.m. For more information or to register, email Sarah@BaeRetreats.com or visit BaeRetreats.com or Elohee.org. See ad, page 4.

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Health Briefs

Alicia Brown

Natural Propolis Mouthwash Outperforms Synthetic Counterpart

Bees create propolis, a glue-like substance, using tree resin, sap and their enzymes to seal and protect their hives. Traditional herbal remedies have long included propolis for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. In oral care, it has been shown to help reduce plaque, soothe gums and prevent infections naturally.

A 2024 Malaysian clinical trial published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies compared the effectiveness of chlorhexidine-based mouthwash to propolis-based herbal mouthwash in reducing plaque and gingivitis.

While chlorhexidine, a synthetic chemical, is effective at killing bacteria and reducing plaque and gum inflammation, it can stain teeth, alter taste or irritate the mouth.

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The study divided 45 adults with chronic gingivitis into three mouthwash groups: propolis, chlorhexidine or a placebo. Participants used each mouthwash for multiple 21-day phases, with a 15-day washout period in between.

Dental plaque and gum inflammation were measured at the trial’s start and after each 21-day phase. Results showed that the propolis mouthwash achieved the greatest reductions in both plaque and gingival inflammation, outperforming chlorhexidine and the placebo.

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Reducing Anxiety With Virtual Sound Therapy

Exercise Beats Sauna at Heavy-Metal Detoxification

Participant surveys revealed significant reductions in anxiety, negative emotions and perceived stress after the treatments. They also reported feeling more positive and less overwhelmed. The practitioners observed a decrease in negative emotional language by the participants, indicating a shift to a more positive emotional state. Although the study was small, the results suggest that soundbased energy healing could be an effective, low-risk option for managing anxiety.

Six male and six female university students provided sweat samples after running on a treadmill or sitting in a sauna. The samples were tested for arsenic, copper, lead, mercury and nickel. While mercury levels remained constant across conditions, the other heavy metals were secreted in higher concentrations during exercise than during sauna exposure. This difference is likely due to the fact that exercise increases the body’s core temperature, drawing more metals from deeper within the body into the sweat, whereas sauna heat excretes only metals that are closer to the skin’s surface.

marekuliasz from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Sweating effectively detoxifies heavy metals from the body. A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health investigated how various sweating conditions affect metal excretion.

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Biofield tuning (BT) balances the body’s energy field using sound vibrations. A 2023 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine involved 15 participants that received three weekly hourlong BT sessions over Zoom from certified practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hazardous Release of Microplastics From Baby Food Containers

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BananaStock from Photo Images/CanvaPro

A research team from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln studied the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic baby food containers and pouches under various conditions. Their findings, published in 2023 in Environmental Science & Technology, revealed that refrigeration and room temperature can release millions to billions of microplastics and nanoplastics over six months. Heating in a 1,000-watt microwave for just three minutes released more than 4 million microplastic and 2 billion nanoplastic particles per square centimeter of plastic. Polyethylene-based food pouches emitted more particles than polypropylene containers. A laboratory study showed that the extracted microplastics and nanoplastics killed three-quarters of cultured embryonic kidney cells after 48 hours of exposure.

January 2026

19

Local Health Brief

Traumatic Brain Injuries From Concussions Can Be Prevented

Concussions are acute injuries to the brain that occur from a wide range of impacts, including youth and professional sports, automobile accidents and everyday mishaps.

Symptoms may include headaches, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, vision disturbances, sound sensitivity and ringing in the ears. When an acute concussion doesn’t fully resolve itself, it can progress into a chronic condition known as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBIs can severely affect quality of life, causing persistent headaches, cognitive impairment, job loss, emotional instability, depression and, in extreme cases, suicide.

Research underscores the seriousness of these outcomes: In a large study of more than 400,000 youths ages 5 to 18, Dr. Andree-Anne Ledoux found that children that experienced a concussion had significantly higher risks of mental health challenges, self-harm and psychiatric hospitalization.

Big Joy Theory

A concussion injures the brain because the organ floats within cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull. When the head is struck, the brain rebounds against the hard interior surface of the skull, causing bruising, inflammation, swelling and sometimes hemorrhaging. Unlike bruising on the skin, the brain cannot expand outward; instead, swelling increases internal pressure, restricting blood flow and depriving brain cells of oxygen. Prolonged pressure can kill these cells, creating long-term TBI. Additionally, once someone has sustained one TBI, the brain becomes more vulnerable, making potential subsequent concussions far more damaging. Early treatment of the initial concussion is therefore essential.

Although some symptoms improve with time, leaving a concussion untreated can lead to lasting physiological injury. Dr. Daphne Denham, M.D., FACS, FACCWS, clinic founder and medical director of Healing With Hyberbarics, a leading expert in concussion recovery using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), has treated over 500 patients with a reported 98 percent resolution rate. Her clinical experience shows that HBOT is most effective when administered within the first 10 days of injury, often requiring only four treatments. HBOT can rapidly reduce swelling—more effectively than steroids or diuretics—and restore oxygen to compromised brain cells, keeping them alive until normal circulation returns.

HBOT involves breathing 100 percent oxygen under pressure in a specialized chamber. This therapy significantly boosts stem cell production, reduces inflammation and has decades of scientific evidence supporting its ability to accelerate healing of the injured brain.

Dr. Roger Hunter is the owner of Nirvana Hyperbaric Institute, located at 146 Medical Park Rd., Ste. 110, in Mooresville. For more information or a free consultation, call 704471-4100 or visit NirvanaHBO.com.

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Your Marriage Has Just Reached the Breaking Point

Y

our spouse has just arrived home and now there is the typical tension in the air. Later a verbal fight begins over the usual topics, but something is different about tonight. Instead of threats of divorce, your spouse indicates clearly that a family lawyer will likely be consulted next week. Divorce is your new reality. Your heart begins to race, and your mind is flooded with fear and anger.

You ask yourself, “What happens now? What do I do? How can I protect myself? I never thought it would go quite this far.”

You know you need help and information as soon as possible. In your agitated state, you’re not sure about the difference between consulting a lawyer and retaining a lawyer. Consulting a lawyer involves gathering pertinent information and paying a professional fee to obtain legal advice. Retaining a lawyer to represent you in a divorce usually involves signing a specific legal agreement stating the details of the representation and paying a retainer to the chosen lawyer.

There are many family lawyers from which to choose. First, choose your preferred method!

When you look for a Collaborative family lawyer, make sure that the lawyer has specific Collaborative Divorce training and significant experience over time with a fair number of cases. Your Collaborative lawyer will likely offer you the names of other Collaborative lawyers with whom your spouse may consult. Your individual lawyers will be your respective advocates and confidential advisors, and they will also assist each of you to discuss settlement options and reach an acceptable agreement. Sometimes financial specialists and mental health professionals will be part of the Collaborative team that will help you both reach an acceptable agreement and move into the next phase of your life. Your first step is consulting a Collaborative Family Lawyer!

Kate Culligan, a mental health professional for 30 years, has been a Coach and Facilitator on Collaborative Divorce teams since 2005 and has assisted more than 100 couples to move successfully through the Collaborative process. She also maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Charlotte. For information, please contact her at 704-2465775 or kculligantherapist@gmail.com.

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What method will you use? Anger and fear cause many people to immediately think of retaining a family lawyer with an aggressive reputation as a litigator. Now it’s war! If you do not let anger control your choice, your long-term best interests can help direct you on a rational path forward.

You can opt for a lawyer who is a skilled negotiator. Both you and your lawyer can still be strong advocates. Often upon reflection, divorcing couples would at least like to maintain a civil relationship in public after the divorce is final. If you have children that you need to raise together, setting a tone of civil communication with your ex-spouse is imperative for successful co-parenting and the wellbeing of your children.

Many couples who decide they want to maintain privacy, deescalate conflict, preserve assets, and actively negotiate a divorce agreement by discussing and choosing settlement options, choose Collaborative Divorce as the preferred method. Your first step is to consult with an established Collaborative family lawyer to learn about your options. Collaborative Divorce has been practiced since the early 1990s and exists in all 50 states and 25 countries. Yet, many Americans have never heard of it. It may be new to you, but Collaborative Divorce is 30 years old.

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January 2026

21

Business Spotlight

Discovering Health Through Connection, Insight and the Body’s Innate Wisdom

by Randy Kambic

D

r. Cammy Benton founded Benton Integrative Medicine in 2016 based on a guiding belief that shapes every aspect of the practice: When patients are given time, truth and the right tools, the body already knows how to heal. With more than 25 years of experience as a physician and over a decade devoted specifically to integrative and functional medicine, Benton approaches health care as both a science and an exploration—one rooted in curiosity, connection and trust in the body’s innate intelligence.

As an Integrative and Functional Medicine physician who is onsite daily, Benton provides a depth of clinical oversight that distinguishes her practice from many wellness clinics. She actively supports both patients and the nurse practitioners who work alongside her, ensuring continuity of care, 22

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clinical rigor and shared learning across the team. Her commitment to growth is reflected in extensive advanced training, including certification through the American Board of Holistic & Integrative Medicine, the Institute for Functional Medicine and ongoing education in peptides, hormone health, nutrition, Ayurveda, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, ketamine-assisted therapies and psychedelic medicine. This broad foundation allows her to look beyond symptoms and address root causes, empowering patients to truly understand and participate in their healing process.

Benton Integrative Medicine positions itself as a practice that goes “Beyond Medicine.” It blends Direct Primary Care with Functional Medicine, Hormone and Peptide Optimization, Sexual Health services and vitality-focused wellness therapies. The

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practice emphasizes prevention, personalization and partnership, pairing conciergelevel access with deeply individualized care.

Patients are not rushed through appointments; instead, they are given the time and space to feel seen, heard and supported as collaborators in their own health journey.

At the heart of the practice is Benton’s signature framework: Explore, Educate, Empower and Equip. Patients are invited to explore their health story, physiology and patterns with curiosity rather than judgment. Education helps them understand the “why” behind symptoms and imbalances, while empowerment and practical tools enable meaningful, sustainable change. This approach often leads to what Benton calls “motivation, momentum and magic”—a shift that occurs when patients feel aligned, informed and supported. She

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often says, “Our bodies hold intelligence, our stories hold answers, and our healing holds power.”

The clinic offers a comprehensive range of services under one roof. Direct Primary Care and Functional Medicine form the foundation, allowing for relationshipdriven care, advanced diagnostic testing and continuity over time. Hormone Optimization and Peptide Therapy provide evidence-informed tools to support vitality, metabolism, longevity and overall wellness. Sexual Health and Intimacy Medicine address confidence, connection and quality of life through both medical and integrative approaches.

The practice also offers a variety of wellness and vitality therapies designed to enhance energy, recovery, detoxification and wholeperson well-being including BioCharger sessions, red light therapy, acupuncture, infrared sauna therapy, health coaching and integrative chiropractic and naturopathic support. By combining primary care, functional testing, coaching and therapeutic modalities, a seamless and empowering patient experience is fostered.

The Benton Integrative Medicine team includes 13 dedicated staff members: one medical doctor, two nurse practitioners, a naturopathic doctor/chiropractor, two health coaches, a phlebotomist and clinical support specialist and a skilled administrative team. Each role supports a shared mission of delivering accessible, conciergestyle care centered on connection, autonomy and vitality.

A unique aspect of the practice is its focus on possibility rather than disease management alone. Patients are encouraged to explore root causes, optimize physiology and actively participate in their care. Timerich relationships, patient autonomy, informed consent, integrative therapies, functional diagnostics and wellness optimization tools come together to create an environment where individuals feel validated and empowered to make meaningful lifestyle changes.

Looking ahead, the practice is expanding its educational and community offerings, including monthly courses, live Q&A sessions with Benton, expanded coaching services and guided group and BioCharger sessions open to the community. These initiatives will deepen connection, foster understanding and strengthen a growing community centered on prevention, vitality and self-discovery.

Ultimately, Benton Integrative Medicine helps patients connect more deeply with themselves by offering what traditional

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health care often lacks: time. With it comes understanding—of one’s story, body, emotions and intuition. This association transforms healing from a purely clinical process into a deeply personal and empowering journey, rooted in trust in the body’s inherent capacity to heal.

Benton Integrative Medicine is located at 16415 Northcross Dr., Ste. B, in Huntersville, and 972 NC 16 Business Hwy., in Stanley.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-775-6029 or visit BentonIntegrative.com. See ad, page 27.

January 2026

23

Inspiration

Baby Steps to a Life Well Lived

by Marlaina Donato

B

reathing in the fresh air of a new year can be both invigorating and a little intimidating. We are encouraged to set resolutions, dive headfirst into greater and better lives, and release outdated beliefs. What can begin as a promising path of good intentions may quickly become overwhelming. By spring, some of us may not even remember our January aspirations. But if we silence the well-meaning shoulds and have-tos, it is possible to confidently step into a new chapter at our own pace, increasing our chances of success.

This year, instead of lofty resolutions, let’s choose baby steps toward better health or a more peaceful life, basing our hopes on realistic simplicity and modifying our goals into small dedications—sacred vows we uphold and share only with those we trust. Just as a tiny seed lies dormant in the frozen earth waiting for the right moment to transform, we can rise at the perfect time and reveal our vibrant potential. Allotting a little time each day to baby steps can become something to eagerly await—writing another paragraph of that novel-in-progress, cooking something delicious that nourishes the body, learning a few words in a language course or simply saying no to anything that distracts us from nurturing our growth or bliss.

Twelve months is not long to transform, build a business or heal on the cellular level. Reaching the end of another year without crossing our personal finish line does not mean we have failed. It simply offers us another opportunity, another 12 months, to continue investing in our baby steps. New year’s resolutions can be a way of living without deadlines.

• Allot 10 minutes twice a day for true self-care, which might include meditation, stillness, listening to music or a few invigorating stretches.

• Allocate three hours a week for a cherished project.

• View goals as sacred.

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

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Green Living

Clean, Nonstick Cookware Transforming the Kitchen for Human and Planetary Health

by Marlaina Donato

F

rom omelets to air-fried treats, modern nonstick cookware makes cooking effortless with minimal cleanup. However, many of these pots, pans, baking sheets, waffle irons, slow cookers, countertop ovens and more are coated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—known as “forever chemicals”. These substances can leach into food, accumulate in the body and pose serious health risks, including hormone imbalances, altered immunity, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes and cancer. They also harm the environment, affecting wildlife, soil and water.

Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as hazardous, and the manufacture of PFOA was voluntarily phased out by 2015 in this country, imported products may still contain them.

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“Even when a label claims PFOA-free or PFOS-free, manufacturers often substitute newer fluorinated chemicals like GenX or PTFE [polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon] derivatives which still fall under the PFAS family and pose risks to the liver, hormones and

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immune system,” warns Kali Storm, a functional nutritionist and founder of Root Level Living, in Clear Lake, Wisconsin.

After recovering from a severe illness linked to mold exposure, Storm replaced her nonstick cookware with healthier options like cast iron. She advises caution with imported products, which may not disclose the presence of glazes, adhesives, bonding agents or sealants in multi-layer cookware that can introduce phenols, phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

High-quality ceramic cookware is generally considered safe. Beth Bollinger, an integrative health practitioner and the founder of Nest Wellness, in Sonoma County, California, points out that true ceramic is stoneware and porcelain. However, she notes that many ceramic nonstick pans are actually metal pans with a sol-gel ceramic coating that can contain nanoparticles, lead, cadmium or PFAS. “Always look for third-party testing certifications and avoid inexpensive ceramic-coated cookware from unknown brands,” she cautions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration imposes cookware safety regulations, but it does not test the products. The State of California goes further with Proposition 65, which requires manufacturers to disclose whether their cookware contains lead, cadmium or certain PFAS. And the European Union sets the strictest limits on cookware

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Choosing Cleaner Options

Like Storm, Bollinger cleaned up her food and home environment, including kitchenware, after a health diagnosis, and she believes those modifications led to significant improvements in energy, mental clarity and overall well-being. Her kitchen essentials include enameled cast iron, for its nonreactive nature with acidic foods, and carbon steel, which is lighter than cast iron and heats quickly and evenly.

Storm loves cast iron’s slick surface for egg dishes and golden-edged pancakes. “The same pan can easily go from stovetop to oven. We’ve made lasagna, casseroles, cornbread, skillet meals, roasted vegetables and even apple crisps in cast iron. For stews or chili, a covered cast iron Dutch oven retains heat beautifully.” To season cast iron, she recommends using avocado oil, flaxseed oil or beef tallow, and avoiding budget vegetable or seed oils that may contain fillers and oxidize easily.

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in our overall well-being, and opting for cleaner, more sustainable cookware is a wise choice. As Storm points out, “When you remove toxins from what you cook in, breathe in and live around, the body can finally stop fighting and start healing.”

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

Cast iron pans naturally add small amounts of iron to food, especially when cooking acidic ingredients like tomato sauce. This can be beneficial for healthy individuals or those that are deficient, but people with too much iron in their blood might want to minimize or avoid using cast iron altogether.

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Bollinger suggests, “Start out with stainless steel, because it’s the most versatile and user-friendly option. High-quality stainless steel—18/10 with an aluminum or copper core for even heat distribution—is durable, nonreactive, dishwasher-safe and works for almost any cooking method, be it sautéing, searing, boiling or baking.” She acknowledges the challenge of finding air fryers and slow cookers without chemical coatings but recommends models with stainless steel baskets and true ceramic or stoneware inserts for slow cookers. She also advises verifying with the manufacturer that their ceramic is lead- and cadmium-free.

For Storm and her family, cast iron is a versatile and reliable choice. “Cast iron is incredibly user-friendly once you learn how to use and clean it,” she explains. “Many don’t realize how naturally nonstick it becomes when well-seasoned. If you cook in your cast iron regularly and clean it properly with no soap,

Making the Switch

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coatings, banning specified heavy metals and harmful chemicals, including PFAS. Third-party organizations that test products to ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations include Greenscreen Certified (GreenScreenChemicals.org), SGS (sgs.com) and Intertek (Intertek.com).

just hot water and a scrub, you’re technically seasoning it a little bit every time.”

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January 2026

27

Conscious Eating

Soulful Sourdough

A Belly-Friendly Treat

Why This Bread Still Heals

by Maya Whitman

S

ourdough, made from flour, water, salt and starter, is the oldest form of leavened bread, originating with the ancient Egyptians. Unlike most yeast breads, sourdough has a low glycemic index and does not spike blood sugar levels.

A 2024 study in Foods highlights its benefits compared to other types of bread, including improved digestibility, high mineral and antioxidant content, better blood sugar control and improved dietary fiber composition, including prebiotics to feed healthy gut bacteria.

Artisans that master its versatility also find sourdough to be a source of emotional nourishment. “You hear the crust crackle as

it cools, smell the warmth of grain and time, and know that something very old and very human has happened in your own kitchen,” says Lisa Robitaille, founder of Great Lakes Sourdough, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

With knowledge, a good starter and patience, sourdough can become a lifelong friend, offering more than just the iconic crusty loaf. “The same living starter that makes a loaf rise can become the morning’s pancakes, the evening’s pizza or even a tray of chocolate chip cookies,” says Robitaille. “Once you understand how the culture behaves, you can shape it into nearly anything: soft rolls, bagels, waffles, muffins, even pastry.”

While many yeast breads cause bloating and other gut discomforts, sourdough is gentler. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular consumption of sourdough can improve the intestinal microbiome. “During a long fermentation, the yeast and bacteria produce enzymes that help break down gluten and some carbohydrates and reduce phytic acid, a grain compound that can block mineral absorption. The result is a sourdough bread many people find easier to digest,” explains Katya Nikolov, a cancer research scientist and owner of Dubuque Bakery, in Snohomish, Washington. “My view is simple and sciencefirst: When it is slowly fermented and made with high-quality flour, sourdough can be a delicious, gut-friendly ally within a varied, balanced diet.”

According to Emily Harryman, owner of Plain Jane Bakes, in Keller, Texas, and author of the upcoming cookbook Plain Jane Sourdough, her customers with irritable bowel syndrome and gluten intolerance attest to sourdough’s superiority. “I had one customer in particular who relayed to me that my bread was the only bread she could eat,” Harryman boasts. “She took my sourdough class before she moved out of state so she could replicate it in her new home. It was such a blessing to her.”

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Tips for Beginners

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A sourdough starter is a live, active, fermented culture made from flour and water that acts as a leavening agent for baked goods, replacing commercial yeast and providing a signature tangy flavor. Sourdough starters vary greatly depending on water-to-flour ratios (from liquid to stiff), flavor profiles (from tangy to sour to slightly sweet) and flour types (from whole grain rye to whole wheat to unbleached all-purpose). The secret to sourdough success is letting nature take its course.

Fresh herbs, fruit, cheese, seeds or chocolate can be folded into the dough for a delicious taste experience, but behind every

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fresh-from-the-oven masterpiece is a good starter. Each one is unique, thanks to a mélange of elements. As Harryman explains, “When the wild yeasts from the starter mingle and consume the sugars in the flour, carbon dioxide gas is released. The dough’s gluten network traps the gas, causing the dough to rise, yielding sourdough’s renowned, airy crumb.”

“Sourdough bread baking isn’t just following a recipe; it’s understanding the living system in your bowl and a constant response to a changing environment like temperature, season, humidity and flour,” says Nikolov, who recommends using a scale, keeping notes and aiming for steady, comfortable temperatures between 72° and 78° F for both the starter and dough. She generally prefers clean, non-processed, organic whole-grain flours milled directly from the grain, as well as ancient wheats like einkorn and spelt.

For reliability and depth of flavor, Harryman suggests acquiring a mature starter fed with organic flour, ideally dark rye. This can be accomplished by connecting with a local sourdough baker or ordering a well-reviewed, dehydrated sourdough starter. “They are fairly easy to revive, and some are nearly 100 years old in maturity,” she explains. For a gluten-free option, she recommends building a starter from scratch to be sure of its purity.

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Robitaille underscores the importance of time, grain and imagination for flavor. “Red Fife [a North American heirloom wheat with stores across the greater Charlotte area variety] brings a quiet sweetness; rye adds depth and spice; and whole wheat speaks FIND A STORE of the harvest field,” she explains. In a busy NEAR YOU world, baking bread can be a grounding, meditative act that also nourishes family and friends. “There is a kind of stillness Must be a rewards member or sign up for member rewards. No minimum purchase required in the act of baking that feels sacred. You watch a living culture transform simple ingredients into sustenance,” she muses.

“That, to me, is magic.”

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Conscious Eating

EVERYDAY SOURDOUGH LOAF WITH HONEY

time may vary. Watch the dough, not the clock, looking for a noticeable rise of about 60 to 75 percent, a slightly domed surface, bubbles on the surface and an airy feel with a gentle jiggle.

YIELD: 1 LOAF

Once the dough has proofed, lightly dust the counter with rice flour. Turn out the dough onto a clean work surface and shape it into a ball by hand—this is called a pre-shape.

Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes on the counter uncovered.

Combine all ingredients except the rice flour in a bowl or stand mixer. Mix just until no dry flour remains and the dough is cohesive. The bulk fermentation process begins as soon as the starter is mixed with the other ingredients, which means that the dough will rise and grow in size while it ferments. Cover the dough with a damp linen kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour at 73° to 75° F room temperature.

Stretch and fold the dough as follows: With lightly wet fingertips, grab a portion of the dough and stretch it upward. Fold the dough over toward the center of the bowl.

Give the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the stretch and fold. Continue to turn, stretch and fold until the circle is complete. Cover the dough and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Repeat this stretch-and-fold process three more times, letting the dough rest for 30 minutes in between.

After the fourth set of stretch-and-folds, cover the dough with a linen cloth or towel and allow it to ferment at room temperature. Let the dough proof (rise until the needed bulk is complete) approximately 5 hours, but the

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Shape the dough and place it seam-side up in a rice-flour dusted banneton (or extra-large bowl lined with a linen cloth). Let the shaped dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour to start fermentation before the cold proof.

To cold proof the dough, cover the loaf with a damp linen kitchen towel and refrigerate 12 to 16 hours.

Place an oven-safe cast iron Dutch oven with the lid onto the center rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 480° F for 1 hour.

Invert the cold dough onto parchment paper, score the loaf, load it into the hot Dutch oven and cover it with the lid. Bake covered for 20 minutes to trap steam and drive dough expansion.

After 20 minutes, remove the lid, reduce the oven to 450° F and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the loaf is deep golden. It is ready when the internal temperature is 205° to 210° F. Let the loaf cool for 1 to 2 hours before slicing, so that the crumb can set.

Recipe courtesy of Katya Nikolov of Dubuque Bakery.

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3 cups white-bread or all-purpose flour 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1½ cup water ½ cup active sourdough starter ¾ Tbsp honey 1¾ tsp salt Rice flour for dusting

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SOURDOUGH CINNAMON CARDAMOM BUNS YIELD: 6 BUNS FOR DOUGH 2 large eggs 1 cup active sourdough starter ¼ cup sugar 1⅓ cup whole milk 5¾ cups bread flour 2½ tsp salt 8½ Tbsp softened butter

FOR FILLING 8½ Tbsp softened butter ¾ cup brown sugar 2 Tbsp Ceylon cinnamon 1 tsp ground cardamom FOR FROSTING 7 oz cream cheese ⅓ cup or 2.67 oz softened butter ½ cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add the eggs, sourdough starter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix to combine.

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With the machine running, slowly pour in the milk. Add the flour and salt. Mix until a rough, sticky dough forms, about 1 minute.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

Switch the stand mixer to the dough hook. Knead on medium-low speed for 6 to 8 minutes. The dough should be soft, supple and pull away from the sides.

Gradually incorporate the softened butter, one piece at a time, allowing each addition to fully absorb. Continue kneading until the dough is elastic and slightly tacky.

Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 2 hours.

Transfer to the refrigerator and cold proof for 12 to 18 hours.

The next morning, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour.

Roll the dough into a 9-by-12-inch rectangle.

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and cardamom into a smooth filling. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Using a pizza wheel, cut the dough into 6 strips about 2½ inches wide.

Roll each strip tightly into a spiral to form tall, distinct buns.

Arrange the spirals in a 9-by-12-inch ceramic pan, leaving space between each one to allow for expansion during proofing.

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Cover and let rise in a warm spot such as an oven with the light on or near a sunny window for 1 hour. Buns are ready to bake when they look puffy, jiggly and spring back slowly when pressed.

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and fully set in the center.

To prepare the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy. Spread frosting over warm buns and serve.

Recipe courtesy of Lisa Robitaille.

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Conscious Eating

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To caramelize the onions, heat the beef tallow in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the onions and stir to coat. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply browned and caramelized, about 45 minutes to an hour. Keep the onions in the refrigerator until they are ready to be used.

In a large glass bowl, combine the flour, active starter, water, beef stock, salt, chives and caramelized onions. Mix thoroughly. The bulk fermentation process begins as soon as the starter is mixed with the other ingredients, which means that the dough will rise and grow in size while it ferments. Cover the dough with a damp linen kitchen towel and let it rest for 1 hour at room temperature.

Stretch and fold the dough as follows: With lightly wet fingertips, grab a portion of the dough and stretch it upward. Fold the dough over toward the center of the bowl. Give the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the stretch and fold. Continue to turn, stretch and fold until the circle is complete. Cover the dough and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Repeat this stretch-and-fold process two more times, letting the dough rest for 30 minutes in between.

Evenly distribute the cheese over the surface of the dough and perform one more set of stretch and folds.

Continue to ferment the dough for 2 to 4 more hours until it has proofed or domed in the bowl with various sized bubbles visible along the sides of the dough. (The dough will ferment faster on a warm day and slower on a chilly day.)

Once the dough has proofed, turn it out onto a clean work surface and shape it into a ball by hand—this is called a pre-shape. Let it rest for 10 minutes on the counter uncovered.

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After this pre-shape, it is time to shape the dough. The goal is to create good tension that will help keep the dough’s shape while it bakes.

Prepare a banneton (or extra-large bowl) lined with a linen cloth generously dusted with flour. Turn the dough top side down, then perform a letter fold, folding top to center then bottom to center.

Remove the loaf from the oven and immediately transfer it to a wire rack to cool.

Roll the loaf like a burrito and crimp the sides. Place the loaf into the banneton. If any cubes of cheese are sticking out on the bottom of the dough, tuck them in by pulling a bit of dough over them. This will prevent the bottom of the crust from burning.

Recipe courtesy of Emily Harryman.

Cut the loaf once it has fully cooled and store it wrapped in a linen kitchen towel at room temperature for up to three days.

Transfer the banneton basket to the refrigerator and let the loaf cold proof for 12 to 24 hours.

Place an oven-safe cast iron Dutch oven with the lid onto the center rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 490° F.

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Once the oven has preheated, remove the loaf from the refrigerator and turn it out onto a 12-by-12-inch piece of unbleached parchment paper. Using a bread lame knife (or sharp paring knife), score the loaf down the center. Top with finely grated Gruyère and fresh chives.

Transfer the loaf on the parchment paper into the Dutch oven and seal it with the lid. Bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes uncovered.

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33

Wise Words

experience, he combines conventional and integrative care to address the root causes of disease and educate patients on sustainable wellness solutions.

Dean Mitchell

Mitchell, an adjunct assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, is also a published author of several books and host of a popular podcast, The Smartest Doctor in the Room, where he interviews renowned medical specialists. His latest book is Conquering Candida: The New 30-Day Protocol for Restoring Your Microbiome and Health, co-authored with his daughter-in-law, Joelle Mitchell, a registered dietitian.

on Conquering Candida

Candida is a type of yeast that can live on the skin and in the body without causing problems, but an overgrowth can lead to an infection called candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, which can range from mild to severe and affect various parts of the body.

by Sandra Yeyati

D

ean Mitchell, M.D., is a board-certified immunologist and a pioneer in holistic immunology. As a founder of the Mitchell Medical Group with his wife, Dr. Ricki Mitchell, in New York City, he specializes in diagnosing and treating candida overgrowth, mast cell activation syndrome and toxic mold exposure. With more than 30 years of practical

What is a candida overgrowth?

A healthy microbiome is diverse, with all kinds of different bacteria, viruses and yeast, whereas an unhealthy microbiome is distorted because the good bacteria have been wiped out, leaving candida, a highly resistant organism, as the dominant species. A candida overgrowth occurs when candida yeast microorganisms predominate, affecting the microbiome and resulting in a range of unpleasant symptoms.

What are the most prevalent symptoms of a candida overgrowth?

After treating thousands of patients, I have categorized symptoms into four distinct levels. The initial stage manifests as gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, constipation or diarrhea. The next stage involves leaky gut syndrome, where the yeast moves out of the intestine. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in women who develop chronic vaginal yeast infections. The third stage of candida overgrowth occurs when the candida penetrates deeper into the body, leading to symptoms like brain fog. This occurs because excessive yeast production generates acetaldehyde, a substance that can cause cognitive impairment. The fourth stage is when the candida becomes deeply ingrained, resulting in chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and widespread muscle pain.

What causes an overgrowth of candida?

Courtesy Dean Mitchell

Long-term use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors or acid blockers, birth control pills and even steroids—including the ones you inhale or take orally—can disrupt the natural balance of the gut microbiome, leading to candida overgrowth. The other big culprit is excessive glucose intake.

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Disruptions in the endocrine system can also lead to candida problems. That includes people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome who tend to have high insulin and high blood sugar levels. And when you’re under a lot of stress, your cortisol levels go up as a defense reaction, which can also increase blood sugar levels and precipitate a candida imbalance.

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In your 30-day candida proto- little bit of candida in the form of sub- interventions. Essentially, it involves col, what dietary changes do you lingual drops to stimulate the body’s stimulating protective antibodies to keep own immunity and build up a toler- the candida in check. recommend?

Initially, avoid processed sugar, dairy (including cheese and yogurt), grains (especially wheat-based), fermented foods and alcohol.

You can consume fiber-rich foods, which benefit your microbiome. Apples and berries are good, but avoid very sweet fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe or pineapple. Include a variety of vegetables, especially cruciferous ones and greens, but avoid corn (too sugary) and mushrooms (too yeasty). Skip potatoes and rice, which spike your sugar. Quinoa is a better alternative. Ensure you have quality protein sources like chicken, fish, turkey and meats. Drink water and teas, but avoid soda or diet soda. Gradually, we reintroduce certain foods.

ance. This approach aims to empower the body to effectively manage candida without the reliance on future antifungal

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.

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

Carolina Functional Neurology

What about the next prong of your treatment—the antifungal medications?

There is a big misunderstanding about the dangers of antifungals, even among some doctors. From my experience, they tend to be very safe medications. Several FDAapproved options work very well. Patients typically require a minimum of three to four weeks of treatment, with some needing more, potentially extending to several months, to eradicate candida when it has deeply infiltrated the tissue.

What type of supplementation do you recommend?

I have patients come in, especially when I’m prescribing the antifungals, for intravenous vitamin therapy known as the Myers’ cocktail, comprised of B-complex vitamins, magnesium, vitamins C and D3, plus the antioxidant glutathione. People who are having medical issues like candida need extra support. Intravenous vitamins also mitigate the Herxheimer reaction, a flu-like response that occurs when candida begins to die off and releases toxins, triggering an immune response.

Could you explain the sublingual immunotherapy drops included in your protocol?

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Mark Your Calendars January 1

Soulful Sunday at Sacred Grove Join us for the first of a monthly series through March that features respected local voices sharing insight, inspiration and practical tools for personal growth.

Jan 11 · 1-4:30pm · starts at $27

Overeaters Anonymous Weekly Meetings Program of recovery from impulsive overeating, food restricting, and other obsessive food behaviors using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA; fellowship and support.

Sacred Grove Retreat Center 15720 Collie Rd, Gold Hill, NC tinyurl.com/SoulfulSundays2026 704-299-5124

January 19 Martin Luther King Jr Day

Saturdays-Denver · 10am · Free Saturdays (2nd & 4th)-Lincolnton · 10:30am · Free Saturdays-Charlotte · 12pm · Free Mondays-Ft Mill · 10:30am · Free Thursdays-Rock Hill · 1pm · Free Ft Mill · 4:30pm · Free

12th Annual Healthy Living Expo & Symposium Experience a dynamic showcase of health, wellness, and fitness innovation and explore exhibitors, demos, and expert insights all focused on empowering your well-being.

Jan 31 · 11am-6pm · Free

St Luke’s Lutheran Church 3200 Park Rd, Charlotte info@UnityOfCharlotte.org 704-565-9626 UnityOfCharlotte.org

The Streets at Southpoint 6910 Fayetteville Rd, Durham 469-759-0449 distinctiveevents5@gmail.com

Jan 4 · 4:30pm · Free Awaken Spiritual Community 7300 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte info@AwakeningCarolina.org AwakeningCarolina.org

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

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.

Jan 4 · 11am · Free

Eddie Watkin Jr. Concert and Celebration Service Legendary Motown artist and New Thought pioneer Eddie Watkins Jr. performs soul-stirring concert and a Sunday Celebration Service.

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.

Jobs

PiedmontIntergroup.org/oa-in-person-meetings

White Stone Ceremony at Unity of Charlotte Join us in this perfect complement to the Burning Bowl Ceremony to set an intention for what the new year could bring.

Classifieds

Seeking Rental PHYSICIAN TO SUBLET – Room with space for exam table, small desk and 2 chairs with convenient parking for part-time use.

704-561-1302.

Get “Back to Your Nature” at Bae 2026 Winter Retreat Soothe your nervous system and revel in collective wisdom, healing and joy in the Blue Ridge Mountains – only a three-hour drive from Charlotte.

Feb 6-8 · Starts at $1012 Elohee Retreat Center 251 Elohee Dr, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 917-232-7653 BaeRetreats.com/2026-winter-retreat

Find additional calendar events online at AwakeningCharlotte.com/Calendar

2026 Predictions with Astrologer Susan Reynolds Start the new year with clarity, insight, and a greater sense of empowerment with karmic astrologer and intuitive Susan Reynolds

Reiki Tummo Level 1 & 2 Workshops There is a new frequency on the planet and Reiki Tummo reflects that.

Heal physical and emotional blockages, safely experience Kundalini energy and more.

Jan 11 · 1-3pm · $35

Mar 14-15 · Starts at $220

HeartLight Spiritual Center 7300 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte HeartLightCharlotte.org 704-669-7300(vm)

Holly’s Bodyworx 3125 Highgate Dr, Fort Mill, SC 843-970-1406 bit.ly/RT12Mar2026

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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.

Acupuncture

IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com

FIERY SAGE HEALING

11220 Elm Ln, Ste 200 910-444-1893 fsHealing@gmail.com fsHealing.com

Feel your best naturally through the power of acupuncture. Ballantyne location includes Traditional and 5 Element Acupuncture, cupping, electronic stimulation, herbal medicine, nutrition support, sound therapy. Complimentary consultations. Insurance accepted, including Medicare Advantage C Plans.

Karen McKinney, LCMHCA, holistic counselor specializing in trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, and crisis intervention, integrating body, mind, spirit, and nutritional p sych o l o g y i n h e r t h e ra py approach. A la carte, packages, memberships. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

Cannabis/CBD/Hemp APOTHECA CANNABIS DISPENSARY

IVY INTEGRATIVE

15 Charlotte Area Stores Apotheca.org

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com A s h l ey Pa ra i s o, a l i ce n s e d acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, specializes in fertility, pain management, women’s health, and chronic conditions, promoting self-healing through A c u p u n c t u re a n d O r i e n t a l Medicine. A la carte, packages, m e m b e rs h i p s . B o o k a f re e consult today. See ad, page 2.

Shop trusted and tested cannabis, kratom and mushroom products in a welcomFlower | Edibles | Drinks | Concentrates | Kratom ing environment. Edibles, flower, drinks, powders and other natural goods, and friendly, educated staff. No medical card required. $5 off in-store with coupon. See ad, page 3.

The Best in the �ueen City

Chiropractor with stores across the greater Charlotte area

IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com Must be a rewards member or sign up for member rewards. No minimum purchase required

BRITISH MASSAGE

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.

IVY INTEGRATIVE

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

Meetings throughout Charlotte Area Piedmontintergroup.org

Helping compulsive overeaters/ food restrictors find recovery through Twelve Steps, patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. Free in-person and online meetings in Charlotte area provide fellowship, support and anonymity. Meetings open to everyone. Join us today.

Craniosacral Therapy IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com R e l i eve s t re s s a n d m i g ra i n e s , re c ove r from trauma, restore palate deformation, address tinnitus, and improve sleep with IVY Integrative's craniosacral therapists. A la carte, packages, memberships.

Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

Dentistry

HAAS WELLNESS CENTER

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

Rachel Crawford Oruko, MA, is a double board-certified art therapist and counselor supporting healing from trauma, grief, burnout, and reproductive challenges through compassionate, personcentered care. A la carte, packages, memberships. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

Charlotte Edition

Compulsive Eating/ Spiritual Recovery

Chronic & Difficult Cases 3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420 HaasWellnessCenters.com

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com

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S OME E X CLUS IONS MAY AP P LY

Dr. Jeffrey Dunnigan, DC, brings over 20 years of experience combining chiropractic and acupunc ture to treat pain, injuries, and restore balance through holistic, patientc e n te r e d c a r e . A l a c a r te , packages, memberships. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

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

Brain/Mental Health

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.

FIND A STORE NEAR YOU

Map Data 2024 Google

Bodywork

TORCHBEARER TACHYON

19900 S Main St, Cornelius Unit 4, Ste E · 980-689-1803 TorchBearerTachyon.com

AwakeningCharlotte.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.

GENTRY DENTAL

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.

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KEMPTER DENTISTRY

7510 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Ste 15B 1000 Copperfield Blvd, Ste 160, Concord 704-782-0797 KempterDentistry.com 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 7.

Direct Primary Care BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 972 NC-16 Bus, Stanley 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 27.

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.

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.

Eco-friendly Living RECYCLED COMPOST & MULCH

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

Suppor ts a 360˚ from your yard to our facility and back again. Mecklenburg County upcycles your yard waste to create high- quality STA approved compost and beautiful mulch at a very affordable price.

See ad, page 12.

BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 972 NC-16 Bus, Stanley 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 27.

EESystem CHARLOTTE ENERGY ENHANCEMENT

1713 Cleveland Ave 704-334-5454 CharlotteEnergyEnhancement.com

Discover the remarkable power of scalar technology to safely promote cell regeneration and naturally detoxify, shield from harmful EMFs and create ideal environment for body to heal itself of disease. Charlotte’s only 24-Unit center. See ad, page 15.

SCALAR HEALTH ENHANCEMENT CENTER

Divorce

Functional Medicine

704-490-5483 CS@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 6.

Energy Healing

IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com Dr. Marissa Boyd, a naturopathic doctor, hydrotherapist, and craniosacral therapist, blends science with natural therapies to support men’s health, stress, and gut issues—meeting patients where they are with empathy and exper tise. A la car te, packages, memberships. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com Dr. Yelena Okhotin, a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and craniosacral therapist, specializes in women’s health, stress management, hormones, and pain relief using holistic practices. A la carte, packages, memberships.

Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND

Jeff Nursey, Customer Service Sales@tnymb.com 850-207-6621 · TNYMB.com

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.

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IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com Charlotte's number one holistic clinic offering 17+ alternative services by research-based licensed clinicians. Enjoy one service at a time or save big with packages and memberships.

A la carte, packages, memberships. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

January 2026

39

Community Resource Guide

Functional Neurology BETTER BRAIN & BODY

11230 Carmel Commons Blvd 704-752-8100 · BetterBrainAndBody.com Info@BetterBrainAndBody.com 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 safe and effective treatments.

Wellness memberships available.

Schedule your free consultation today. See ad, page 18.

CAROLINA FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY CENTER

Herbal Medicine IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com Dr. Chelsea Birch, naturopathic doctor and registered herbalist, formulates personalized botanical medicine to empower those with chronic conditions seeking effective, natural, and alternative healing solutions. A la carte, packages, memberships.

Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

Holistic Business Guidance

16905 Northcross Dr, Ste 150 Huntersville · 704-661-0085 CarolinaFNC.com

Chiropractic neurology facility that is dedicated to helping patients with complex neurological conditions such as dysautonomia, migraine, dizziness, movement disorders, concussions and neurodevelopmental disorders. Schedule your $50 consult today. See ad, page 35.

MASTER NEUROHEALTH

1701 First Baxter Crossing, Ste 201F Fort Mill, SC · 803-992-2473 DrMichaelMaster.Health Compassionate, caring, Carricktrained chiropractic neurologist with 25+ year ’s experience, including functional neurology and child neurodevelopment credentials. Holistically attending children and adults with complex health conditions without use of drugs or surgery.

Schedule your consult today. See ad, page 29.

BIG JOY THEORY

704-312-0780 joy@BigJoyTheory.com BigJoyTheory.com Transformative coaching and business guidance blending psychology, intuition, and strategy to elevate wellness leaders into aligned, joyful growth— where purpose, prosperity, and presence unite through the frequency of joy. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 20.

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

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

508 Beatties Ford Rd 704-347-1172 • GetWellnessCare.com Serving Charlotte for 39 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.

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Charlotte Edition

Hormone Health IVY INTEGRATIVE

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

IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com Dr. Marissa Boyd integrates a therapeutic use of water that dates back thousands of years to gently and effectively address digestion, chronic pain, detoxification, and immune support. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

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 14.

Integrative Healer KATIE SUTTON

Gardening AMERICAN BEAUTY GARDEN CENTER

Hydrotherapy

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Dr. Stephanie Hendershot is a functional naturopathic doctor that blends modern science with natural medicine to treat hormones, digestion, skin, and fertility—empowering patients to heal from the root. A la carte, packages, memberships. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

Intuitive Channel, Guided Meditation Coach 828-246-3335 ZenWithinAcademy.com Katie synthesizes a unique blend of healing modalities with selfactivation techniques–from sound and vibrational therapy, to i n t u i t i ve c h a n n e l i n g , to guided meditation–in order to deliver healings tailored to each person's needs.

Intuitive Healer/Advisor INTUITIVE CHANNEL & HEALER

DavidHarrisSpirituality@gmail.com 704-577-8977 DavidHarrisSpirituality.com

David offers clear, channeled guidance and healing energy— through spoken messages, Akashic Records insight, and healing light language—to facilitate deep healing, release blocks, and help you find clarity and align with your highest self.

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Lifestyle Optimization IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com Dr. Katherine Lanning, OTD, OTR/L, occupational therapist helping individuals with chronic health concerns optimize routines, habits, and environments for better health and life satisfaction. Mindfulness, f u n c t i o n a l g o a l s e tt i n g fo r conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, chronic pain. See ad, page 2.

MetaPhysician KOKAYI HEALTH SERVICES

726 East Blvd, 2nd Floor 310-713-5764 KokayiHealth.com

The MetaPhysician- Yale trained MD combining cutting edge medical therapies with the wisdom of traditional medicine. Extraordinary holistic, integrative medical care, supporting optimal health and effective treatment alternatives. 38 Years Holistic Primary Care. See ad, page 8.

Mindfulness/Meditation MINDFUL MICHI

14316 Reese Blvd W, Ste B-1700 Huntersville • 704-619-7690 Kimberly@MindfulMichi.com MindfulMichi.com Kimberly Stewart draws on 20 years' teaching experience to share contemplative healing methods, offering Nalanda Institute's evidence-based CBRT to reduce stress and cultivate resilience in the mind, heart, and body. Schedule free 15-minute consult. See ad, page 8.

Naturopathic Doctor IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com

IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com Dr. Kellyann Tomko, a naturopathic doctor and health coach, specializes in metabolic health, gut health, menopause, cognitive health, and holistic approaches to chronic conditions and wellness.

A la carte, packages, memberships. Book a free consult today See ad, page 2.

Editorial Calendar Three-Month Planner

Nutrition IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com Elena DiPerri, CNS, combines science and compassion to help clients balance hormones, boost energy, and improve metabolic health through personalized, sustainable nutrition and Bowen therapy. A la carte, packages, m e m b e r s h i p s . B o o k a f re e consult today. See ad, page 2.

Nurture the Heart February

Ozone Therapy PUREFICO MEDSPA & THERAPY

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

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.

Nourish & Flourish March

Pelvic Floor Therapy CHARLOTTE NATURAL WELLNESS

10722 Carmel Commons Blvd, Ste 450 704-543-5540 info@CharlotteNaturalWellness.com CharlotteNaturalWellness.com

Dr. Caitlan Readhead, a licensed naturopathic doctor, specializes in treating tick-borne illnesses, mold toxicity, chronic fatigue, and underlying viruses naturally.

A la carte, packages, memberships. Book a free consult today.

See ad, page 2.

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Naturopathic practice founded

by Dr Michelle Dillon specializing in natural, non-invasive treatments of the root cause of conditions including incontinence. One of few Charlotte providers of Emsella Chair. Book your free first session today. See ad, page 4.

Sustainable Together April

January 2026

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SUPPORT LOCAL ADVERTISING

Community Resource Guide IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com Dr. Mièka Bryan, DPT, specializes i n p e l v i c f l o o r t h e ra py, empowering patients of all ages to overcome pain, dysfunction, and restore wellness through expert, compassionate care. A la carte, packages, memberships.

Book a free consult today. See ad, page 2.

Physical Therapy IVY INTEGRATIVE

1520 South Blvd, Ste 228 704-569-5489 info@IVYIntegrative.com IVYIntegrative.com

SMALL BUSINESSES

Dr. Sarah Kingsley, PT, DPT, combines physical therapy, m yo f a s c i a l re l ea s e , B owe n Therapy, and yoga to help clients of all ages relieve chronic pain, reset the nervous system, and reconnect with their bodies for lasting wellness. See ad, page 2.

ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR COMMUNITY. LET US HELP YOUR BUSINESS— CONTACT US TODAY TO ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE: 704-499-3327

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

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Charlotte Edition

Psychic PSYCHIC MEDIUM KELLE

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.

Psychotherapy/ Hypnotherapy SACRED BEGINNINGS PSYCHOTHERAPY

1816 East 7th Street 704-774-6031 SacredBeginningsPsychotherapy.com Liz Hudson, LPA, MHt, holistic psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, specializing in transformative modalities to uproot, release and re-integrate. Blends integrative psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, breathwork, somatic healing, subconscious/ trance work and mind body approaches. Schedule your appointment today.

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Regenerative Medicine NEOGENIX

16147 Lancaster Hwy, Ste 140 19475 Old Jetton Rd, Ste 102, Cornelius 704-727-6551 NeoGenixStemCells.com All natural, non-surgical treatments for joint, muscle, tendon and ligament pain performed by experienced, board-certified medical doctors 100% dedicated to stem cell and PRP treatments.

Schedule your free consultation today. See ad, page 5.

Retreat SACRED GROVE RETREAT

15750 Collie Rd, Gold Hill, NC 704-299-5124 SacredGroveRetreat.com

Soul-nourishing sanctuary n e s t l e d i n n a t u re , o f fe ri n g transformational experiences, healing energy, a vor tex, a labyrinth, and starlit skies— where clarity dawns and miracles take root. Available for personal stays and organized retreats.

Reserve your visit today.

Scalar Energy SCALAR FREQUENCY HEALING

704-490-5483 CS@ScalarFrequencyHealing.com ScalarFrequencyHealing.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 6.

Sound &Vibrational Therapy SPIRIT AND SOUND

Barbara Griggs, LSH, CVSMT Barb.griggs04@gmail.com 704-603-7759 SpiritandSound.net Sound and vibration, primary elements of creation. Clear and balance your mind, spirit and body through vibrations of tuning forks. Licensed spiritual healer, intuitive and Certified Vibrational Sound Master Teacher. Call for free consultation.

Support the Small Businesses that Advertise in Natural Awakenings Charlotte

Spiritual Centers

Stress Relief

Weight Loss

AWAKEN SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY

HOLISTIC HARMONY

CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

7300 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte Info@AwakeningCarolina.org AwakeningCarolina.org

Awaken is not your average church—we teach ancient spiritual truth, including biblical wisdom, through the empowering lens of Science of Mind and New Thought.

Come as you are. Leave empowered, inspired and awakened.

HEARTLIGHT SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev David Hulse, Spiritual Guide 7300 Mallard Creek Rd 704-669-7300 HeartLightCharlotte.org

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.

UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP OF LAKE NORMAN

Quaker Meeting House 625 South St, Davidson UULakeNorman.org 980-689-0630

We are a welcoming, inclusive spiritual community, united in worship, friendship, and social action. All are welcome to visit and connect. Sundays at 3pm.

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

3200 Park Rd Sundays at 11am UnityofCharlotte.org

4830 Monroe Rd, Unit B 704-936-0591 Hello@TheHolisticHarmony.life TheHolisticHarmony.life

Gastonia • 704-271-9757 Matthews/Ballantyne • 704-243-8560 CWLI.net

Integrative healing combining Thai massage, sound therapy, energy work, and stress reduction coaching. Transform anxiety into calm through personalized sessions and sustainable wellness practices. Charlotte's Oakhurst neighborhood. Book your appointment today. See ad, page 10.

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.

Sustainability SUSTAIN CHARLOTTE

find out how to be

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.

included IN THIS SECTION

Call 704-499-3327

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

Weight Loss CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

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

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

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 32.

Developer of the “40 Day Transformation” system, a physician designed and administered functional a p p r o a c h w i t h programming tailored to the unique meta-bolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

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.

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

Natural Awakenings—in print and online at: AwakeningCharlotte.com

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

January 2026

43

Happy

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AT ORGANIC MARKETPLACE ALL TNYMB PRODUCTS AT $10 OFF FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY

HICKORY, NC (828) 322-5316

AVAILABLE AT

GASTONIA, NC (704) 864-0605

CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 525-6311

CONCORD, NC (704) 782-1650

WAYNESVILLE, NC (828) 452-3663