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Welcometo our October issue, a tribute to the enduring legacy of Ancient Healing practices passed down through generations of Indigenous peoples worldwide. Our featured article, Traditional World Healing Wisdom: Returning to Our Roots, by Carrie Jackson, unveils the resurgence of Traditional and Indigenous healing practices now gaining recognition in Western medicine. From herbalism’s revival to the transformative power of herbs, Indigenous energy healing, and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s holistic approach, our writers delve into their profound relevance in modern life (page 16).
Continue on this enlightening journey with Dawn Carr’s Honoring Indigenous Peoples (page 12). This article transcends history, inviting you on a global odyssey through Indigenous cultures, sustainability, wellness, and advocacy. Discover their contributions, innovative agriculture, environmental stewardship, and unwavering commitment to human rights, emphasizing the importance of respecting their traditions for a sustainable, inclusive world.
In the Conscious Eating Department, Veronica Hinke presents The Modern Macrobiotic Diet: More Than Tofu and Seaweed (page 27). Chef Christina Pirello emphasizes variety, balanced nutrition, and seasonal alignment, inspiring choices that nourish your body and nurture self-love.
The journey continues with Carrie Jackson’s Discovering the World of Martial Arts (page 24). Explore the world of martial arts and its lifelong benefits, from improved fitness to personal growth, guided by Illinois-based trainer John Fonseca.
In our Healthy Kids Department, Sheila Julson uncovers how music fosters
childhood development (page 20). Discover its role in nurturing rhythmic patterns, accelerating brain development, and enhancing problem-solving, creative thinking, language awareness, and social skills.
Sandra Yeyati’s Wise Words Department presents an inspiring conversation with Sophie Haruna Klimcak (page 22). As co-founder of Wild Awake, Sophie shares her vision for nature-based learning experiences that awaken awe and wonder, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the world.
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May the wisdom and inspiration found within these pages light your path to wellbeing, harmony, and interconnectedness. Explore each article and unveil diverse realms of knowledge. As we celebrate Indigenous wisdom, remember that wellness lies in cherishing our connection with the world, finding beauty in every moment, and nurturing the bonds that unite us all.
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Forgetfulness can be an early sign of cognitive decline, a precursor to the devastating conditions of dementia and Alzheimer’s that affect countless individuals. Fortunately, there are natural methods to safeguard our brain cells and overall brain health. As a dedicated biological dentist, I am committed to daily eradicating the neurotoxins that harm our neurons and brain cells, beginning with their source in the mouth. However, the journey to healing doesn’t end there; it requires a thoughtful strategy. Let’s explore this together.
Inspired by the remarkable progress of our star patient of the month, “PJ,” I am delighted to share some steps you can take after the removal of neurotoxins from your mouth. It is crucial not to undertake these steps before firstly eliminating neurotoxins from your oral cavity.
This month, we celebrate the remarkable individuals who have entrusted us with their health. Their journeys have led them to prioritize oral detoxification and explore natural methods for healing. PJ, our featured patient, recently completed a full-mouth rejuvenation and detoxification process. Her primary concern was the removal of mercury, aluminum, lead, and mycotoxins that had accumulated over a lifetime, leading to short-term memory challenges. PJ is overjoyed with the results.
Not only does she now sport a radiant smile reminiscent of her youth, but her facial proportions adhere to the golden rule. By expanding her vertical dimension, she has gained increased airway space, alleviating her sleep apnea and enhancing oxygen flow to her brain during sleep. Additionally, her mandible no longer impacts her ear area or temporomandibular joint, eliminating
ringing in the ears, headaches, and tension in the neck and cervical vertebrae.
Most importantly, with the removal of all metals from her mouth, PJ has embarked on a cellular detoxification journey, targeting mycotoxins, heavy metals, mercury, lead, cadmium, and aluminum. Her cells are on the path to restoration and regeneration, striving for equilibrium.
During our recent visit to Hania, Greece, we had the pleasure of exploring a local’s garden, abundant with vegetables, herbs, olives, and olive oil. The fragrant herbs, including wild rosemary, thyme, lemon cilantro, and oregano, left a lasting impression. As we ventured into the mountains and gorges, we discovered these herbs growing wild. The benefits were undeniable, and it reinforced our commitment to making them an integral part of our health regimen. We believe that embracing these natural remedies should become the standard for everyone.
I have been inspired by healing herbs that, once your toxic loads are removed, are amazing to remember to put in your cooking. Most of these herbs may be found in your kitchen.
1. Rosemary: This aromatic herb, commonly used in cooking and teas, offers a multitude of benefits. It enhances memory and concentration; inhibits tumor growth; possesses antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties; stimulates hair growth when used as an oil; and provides protection against EMF radiation. Its versatility is truly remarkable.
2. Oregano: Originating from the mountains of Greece, oregano elevates the flavors of savory dishes. When used as an oil, it can heal small wounds, protect against bacterial infections, and even regulate blood sugar. However, caution is necessary, as it is potent and not suitable
for pregnant women, individuals taking blood thinners, or those with mercury, lead, or heavy metal dental restorations.
I put a few drops under my feet before I go to sleep or place in my foot bath before I detox.
3. Thyme: A member of the mint family, thyme—in oil form—offers anti-inflammatory benefits and has historically been employed as an antibiotic for various ailments, including pneumonia, kidney, and liver toxicity. A few drops under your feet before bedtime or in a foot bath for detox purposes can be especially effective.
4. Chlorella and Moringa: These superfoods play a pivotal role in binding heavy metals like mercury and cadmium, assisting the body in flushing them out effectively.
5. Cilantro (Coriander): While cilantro has the unique ability to rid the body of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, aluminum, lead, and mercury, it can also cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially causing migraines. It offers anti-anxiety properties and facilitates detoxification pathways in the liver and kidneys. It should be used in moderation and with care.
6 Biblical Remedies: The Bible contains powerful references to natural remedies for healing, emphasizing the multi-healing properties found in leaves and seeds from trees.
Whether you have dementia symptoms and don’t understand the root of the problem, have toxic loads in your mouth that need attention, or are starting your safe detox journey by adding healing herbs into your daily routine - we are here to guide you on your healing journey.
For more information about how to optimize your health from the inside out, call us!
Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources, and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
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12 HONORING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES WORLDWIDE: Guardians of Culture, Sustainability and Wellness
16 TRADITIONAL WORLD HEALING WISDOM Returning To Our Roots
20 A SYMPHONY OF SKILL-BUILDING How Music Spurs Childhood Development
22 SOPHIE HARUNA KLIMCAK on Finding Awe and Wonder 24
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Dental Center, in Plantation, with Aurel Chebanu, DMD at the helm, is committed to natural therapies and holistic health solutions. Their biocompatible and holistic dentistry approach ensures that each patient’s overall health is taken into consideration.
Integrated Dental provides a latex-free, mercury-free environment. Through Biocomp Labs, they screen the patient’s blood against 89 chemical groups and families, providing a comprehensive report on the compatibility of over one-thousand dental materials, enabling them to choose the safest materials per each patient’s specific needs.For those seeking mercury removal, the office is specially trained in safe removal procedures. They use ionizers and special vacuums to eliminate any mercury vapors in the air, while the patient is protected with suctions, rubber dams, and a continuous flow of oxygen. Once the amalgam filling is removed, the tooth is restored with non-metal crowns, resin composite, or porcelain restoration, depending on the patient’s preferences.
Location: 333 NW 70th Ave., Ste. 207, Plantation. For more information and/or to book an appointment, call 954-792-6266. See ad page 9.
Discover a holistic approach to health and wellness at New Start Nutri Center, in Boca Raton. A family-focused practice, their dedicated team is passionate about promoting wellbeing through live blood analysis, mineral testing, and heavy toxin assessment.
Research indicates that three main factors contribute to degenerative diseases, including cancer: emotional conflicts, toxins in the bloodstream, and poor nutrition. To prevent such illnesses, it’s essential to maintain a balanced life, embrace a wholesome diet of natural foods, and ensure blood is free from harmful toxins.
Through live blood analysis, New Start Nutri Center can identify toxins in the blood such as excess sugar, uric acid crystals, and fatty plaques, as well as inflammation, acidity levels and other predispositions to illnesses. Mineral testing reveals deficiencies and/or imbalances that may affect overall health, including an excess of heavy toxins like aluminum, silver, and mercury. Armed
Hair Holistic Eco Salon, in Boca Raton, sends an invite to join the all-natural revolution in hair care. Committed to providing eco-friendly salon services, reducing toxicity while delivering exceptional results is their priority.
IntegratedHair Holistic’s mission revolves around using natural, organic, and non-toxic haircare products, ensuring clients’ safety and wellbeing. Bid farewell to harsh chemicals like ammonia, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances in your hair care routine. Explore their innovative Henna Hair Coloring, a natural plant-based dye renowned for its conditioning properties. Free from harmful chemicals, this dye bonds with the hair while Ayurvedic herbs nourish both hair and scalp. Customized to each client’s unique style, shades ranging from red to brown are achieved.
Hair Holistic also provides alternative plant-based dyes, including indigo, cassia, amla, and more. Each offers distinct shades to enhance one’s look, all naturally derived. The salon’s commitment to sustainability ensures the ethical sourcing of henna powder, supporting eco-friendly practices and local communities.
For those interested in holistic scalp services and eco-friendly hair care, Hair Holistic Eco Salon can be a pleasant and healthful step into natural beauty and wellness.
Location: 141 NW 20th St., Ste. B7, Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-372-5354 and/or visit their website: IbanaVillasenor.webs.com/henna. See ad page 30.
with the knowledge from these analyses, clients make informed lifestyle changes, creating a healthier future.
For those seeking natural and effective ways to improve health, an appointment with Antonio and Viviani Lima, boardcertified holistic health practitioners, may be an evolutionary step in that direction.
Location: 23257 SR 7, Ste. 104, Boca Raton. For more information and appointments, call 561-566-0019 or Instagram:@newstartnutricenter. Services in English, Portuguese, Spanish. See ad page 31.
Face masks are used to reduce the transmission of airborne diseases. Nevertheless, for certain people, extended use of an N95 mask may be problematic, and that is what Chinese researchers set out to study in a randomized clinical trial published this year in JAMA Network Open
For 14 hours in a controlled setting, 30 healthy participants were randomly assigned to receive various interventions with and without the N95 mask, including two 30-minute, light-exercise sessions. Biometric measurements and blood samples were taken before, during and after each testing period.
The scientists found that wearing an N95 mask resulted in reduced respiration rate and oxygen saturation within one hour, and an elevated heart rate two hours later, which continued until the mask was taken off. During exercise, mask-induced cardiopulmonary stress was further exacerbated, as heart rate and blood pressure increased, and respiration rate and oxygen saturation decreased. Energy expenditure and fat oxidation were elevated.
After the 14-hour masked period, blood pH markers decreased, which may cause drowsiness, stupor and
Taurine, one of the most abundant amino acids in the body, is vital for health of the eyes, muscles, brain and heart. Research has found that taurine levels decrease with age. In a study published in the journal Science, researchers found that taurine supplementation improved the lifespan and healthspan of middle-aged mice.
The scientists noticed improvements in bone, muscle, pancreas, brain, fat, gut and immune function. The median life span of taurine-treated mice increased
even coma in extreme cases, according to the National Institutes of Health. The study authors note that chronic cardiopulmonary stress may increase cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality in elderly individuals, children and those with cardiopulmonary diseases. Further investigation is needed to explore the effects of different masks on various populations.
by 10 to 12 percent, and life expectancy at 28 months increased by about 18 to 25 percent. Similar effects were observed in monkeys and cellular worms. The researchers also found a link between lower circulating taurine levels and higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, obesity and hypertension.
The researchers speculate that taurine’s anti-aging and disease-preventing benefits could be due to its effects on reducing cellular death, inflammation, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and other hallmarks of aging. They also found that exercise increased concentrations of taurine metabolite levels in the blood.
While more research is needed on taurine supplementation, dietary sources can be prioritized. Shellfish (scallops, clams and mussels) are the best dietary source of taurine, followed by lamb, beef, pork and chicken.
The consumption of fermented products is on the rise as drinks like kombucha and kefir have become popular. They are a source of tryptophan, an amino acid critical to producing serotonin, the brain chemical that influences mood, and may also contain neurotransmitters in their raw form. Research has shown that eating fermented foods may have long- and short-term impacts on brain function, such as reducing stress.
Led by researchers at University College Cork, in Ireland, a new large study has begun to compare 200 fermented foods from around the world to pinpoint which ones are the most beneficial for brain health. Although still in its initial stages, preliminary results have already revealed some surprises. Almost all of the fermented foods display the potential to improve gut and brain health. While more research is needed, sugar- and vegetable-based fermented foods are likely to top the list, according to the lead researcher.
According to the American Cancer Society, about one man in eight will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, with six in 10 of these cases in men 65 years and older. Non-Hispanic Black men have a 75 percent higher risk and are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men, with genetics accounting for some of these disparities.
Researchers from The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio evaluated the impact of yoga on quality of life, as well as on immune and inflammatory responses. Published in the Journal of Urology, the study included 30 men with cancer that were scheduled for radical prostate removal. Half of the patients performed 60 minutes of yoga twice a week for six weeks before surgery and for three to six weeks after surgery. The other patients received standard care.
The group that performed yoga reported higher qualityof-life scores, including reduced fatigue and improvements in physical, sexual, functional and social wellbeing. Based on blood samples, the scientists also found that yoga promoted an anti-tumor immune response and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels.
A study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters shows that the pumping of groundwater impacts the tilt of Earth’s rotation and further exacerbates climate change. The study reports that in less than two decades, Earth has tilted 31.5 inches because of pumping groundwater, equating to about a quarter of an inch of sea level rise.
Previous research from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 2016 demonstrates that because the Earth moves on a rotational pole, the distribution of water on the planet impacts the distribution of mass. In other words, the Earth spins a little differently as water is moved around due to pumping, ultimately impacting its tilt. Researchers believe this shift could have serious consequences in the long term—from changes in climate patterns to more frequent seismic activity if Earth’s core moves as a result.
Human activities, such as irrigation, water consumption and global droughts have led to a considerable amount of groundwater pumping in the last few decades, with the water eventually relocating to the oceans. Conservationists are using this data to understand how to rethink water usage and work toward preventing continued sea level rise and other climate issues.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the education sector, bringing unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning experiences and teaching assistance. AI can help teachers identify gaps in students’ understanding, enabling a swift, tailored response. AI tools can also be used as study aids, reinforcing classroom concepts and driving student engagement.
Two organizations—California-based online educator Khan Academy and Seattle-based computer science education nonprofit Code.org—have joined forces to create a free, five-part AI training series for teachers.
In a landmark climate case in Montana, a group of young people has emerged victorious. The judge ruled in Held v. Montana that the state’s failure to consider climate change when approving fossil fuel projects was unconstitutional, thereby placing the burden on state agencies to take action to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.
This decision marks a significant win in the fight against government support for oil, gas and coal, which have contributed to global warming. The ruling means that Montana must now take climate change into account when deciding whether to approve or renew fossil fuel projects. The state attorney general’s office intends to appeal the decision.
This case is part of a larger wave of climate-change litigation that targets companies and governments around the world. Other states and cities have sued major companies seeking damages from climate disasters, while individuals have sued governments for enabling the fossil fuel industry and failing to protect citizens. The case, which was the first of its kind to go to trial in the U.S., sets an important precedent for similar cases in other states and may have reverberations around the world.
Code.org also offers two instructional videos for teachers, students and the public.
Despite the potential for AI in the classroom, teachers’ contributions remain crucial as facilitators of technology tools to foster enriched learning environments. Teachers can also identify if students are leveraging AI assistance, such as ChatGPT, helping ensure the ethical usage of these tools. Khan Academy, Code.org and others are providing teachers and administrators with the tools they will need to keep pace with emerging technology.
According to a new analysis from the journal Nature Communications, the Atlantic Ocean’s sensitive circulation system has become slower and less resilient. Scientists are concerned that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could collapse any time between 2025 and 2095.
The AMOC plays a critical role in transporting warm, salty water from the tropics to the North Atlantic and sending colder water back south along the ocean floor. Because Arctic ice is melting at a rapid pace due to global warming, there is an overabundance of cold freshwater in the system, putting it in danger of irreversible collapse. Such a collapse could dramatically alter weather patterns, lowering temperatures in North America and Europe, propelling severe storms in the tropics and elevating sea levels on the U.S. Atlantic coast.
To measure the AMOC’s strength, scientists use buoys and proxy indicators, such as microscopic organisms and tiny sediments from the seafloor, and according to the data, it is at its weakest state in more than 1,000 years. Other experts suggest that the entire ocean system must be studied to more accurately predict the effect of these AMOC changes.
Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death.
At Coast to Coast Chiropractic Healthcare we specialize in measuring and eliminating the stress on your nervous system that’s holding you back from your maximum potential!
Magpies and crows in Scotland, Holland and Belgium are using metal spikes—originally intended to deter bird perching—to build their nests. The spikes appear to provide several nesting benefits, such as structural support, protection against predators and even as a signal of mate quality.
According to researcher Auke-Florian Hiemstra from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center and Leiden University, in the Netherlands, the metal spikes seem to provide a similar function to more natural materials, such as thorns. However, manmade materials in nests can be dangerous. For example, metal may get cold at night and harm chicks, or the spikes can collect materials that can be harmful to the birds. This is not the first documentation of birds using harsh, manmade materials for nesting. The first account of a crow’s nest made of barbed wire dates back to 1933, and more modern examples include the use of nails, screws and syringes.
Since we live in this world, we have to do our best for this world.
—Aung San Suu Kyi
by Dawn Carr
Indigenous peoples, often residing on the fringes of modern society, constitute a diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions worldwide. With approximately 476 million Indigenous individuals representing over 5,000 distinct languages, these communities have contributed significantly to our modern world.
Despite making up about 6.2 percent of the global population, Indigenous peoples bear a disproportionate burden, accounting for about 19 percent of the world’s extreme poor. In the United
States, 4.3 million Indigenous people represent 2 percent of the population, while in Canada, 1.7 million make up 5 percent of that nation’s population.
In this exploration, we embark on a global journey through the realms of culture, sustainability, wellness, and advocacy to understand why honoring Indigenous peoples is not merely a matter of history but a vital aspect of our collective future.
In the sunny lands of the Arctic, Indigenous peoples designed a remarkable invention—sun goggles. These ingenious eyewear innovations—typically carved from wood or bone—featured narrow slits to protect the eyes from the blinding glare of snow and ice. This ancient technology served as a precursor to modern
sunglasses, reminding us that innovation knows no bounds.
The remarkable development of corn, a staple crop vital to modern agriculture, owes its success to the innovative agricultural practices of Indigenous peoples. Through generations of cultivation, they selectively bred maize to enhance its nutritional value, yield, and adaptability. This expertise laid the foundation for the global cultivation of corn, showcasing the invaluable wisdom of Indigenous farming.
Indigenous communities have practiced sustainable agriculture for centuries, emphasizing the use of raised bed gardens. These gardens conserve water, enhance soil fertility, and minimize erosion. Today, these practices have found renewed importance in the face of climate change and growing environmental concerns. Indigenous wisdom in agriculture underscores the importance of working in harmony with nature.
Indigenous cultures have an intimate connection with the environment, viewing the Earth as a living being worthy of reverence. These perspectives, deeply rooted in spirituality and tradition, offer vital lessons on sustainable living. The wisdom of Indigenous communities underscores the need to protect our planet’s resources for future generations.
Including Indigenous peoples in the conversation regarding policy and law is not only a matter of justice but also a necessity for safeguarding the world’s resources. Many Indigenous communities are on the front lines of environmental degradation, battling issues like deforestation, land encroachment, and resource
exploitation. Their ancestral knowledge is a valuable guide for creating sustainable policies and practices.
A recent positive change at the federal level in the United States highlights the importance of incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into scientific and policy decisions. Recognizing that Indigenous Knowledge is essential for informed decision-making, the federal government now values and respectfully includes it. This shift acknowledges that Indigenous peoples are not only stewards of their lands but also bearers of vital knowledge that can guide us toward a more sustainable future.
1. Preserving Indigenous Languages: The Keys to Cultural Continuity
Language is the vessel through which
In September of 2007, the United Nations issued a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples. Professors James Anaya and Siegfried Wiessner commented that the Declaration, although itself not legally binding on states, was reflective of customary international law, as already found by Professor Wiessner in a Harvard Human Rights Journal article from 1999. To prove this contention, the International Law Association created a Committee on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, meeting in Toronto in 2006, and with Professor Anaya as its chair. In 2008, Anaya was appointed U.N. Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, and Professor Wiessner succeeded Anaya as chair of the ILA Committee. The Committee reviewed the law and practice of states regarding indigenous rights on a global scale and confirmed the existence of customary international law rights of indigenous peoples to wide-ranging self-government, cultural heritage, and traditional land and resources. The findings were approved by the ILA Plenary Assembly in a conference at Sofia without any opposition, resulting in ILA Resolution 5/2012. The Resolution evidences the state of customary international law on this subject and was a milestone in the collective re-empowerment of indigenous peoples. It recommends, in part, that ”civil society, in all its components, ought to promote a favourable environment for the affirmation of indigenous peoples’ rights, especially by nurturing a positive understanding within society as a whole of the value of indigenous cultures as well as of the positive role which may be played by indigenous peoples to further sustainable life in the world.”
culture is passed down through generations. The preservation of Indigenous languages is an essential step toward ensuring the continuity of these rich cultures. Organizations and initiatives dedicated to language revitalization are vital in preserving this linguistic heritage.
Respectful engagement with Indigenous communities is fundamental. It involves listening to their voices, understanding their histories, and acknowledging their rights to self-determination. Recognizing the importance of cultural customs and traditions is not just a sign of respect but a pathway to stronger, more inclusive societies.
Indigenous activists and leaders have played a pivotal role in advocating for human rights and social justice. They have courageously fought against discrimination, land dispossession, and the violation of Indigenous rights. Figures like Winona LaDuke and Rebecca Adamson have tirelessly campaigned for Indigenous empowerment and self-determination.
Indigenous communities have often been the first to experience the devastating impacts of environmental degradation.
They have been at the forefront of environmental justice movements, demanding accountability from industries and governments. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline is a testament to the power of Indigenous-led movements in shaping policy and discourse.
Indigenous communities are not only the custodians of their cultures and traditions but also the guardians of our planet’s biodiversity. In fact, Indigenous peoples are responsible for safeguarding a staggering 80 percent of the Earth’s biodiversity, nurturing and preserving the delicate balance of life in the forests, deserts, grasslands, and marine environments where they have thrived for centuries.
John E. Fa, an expert from the Center for International Forestry Research and Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK, has underscored the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in environmental conservation. He remarked, “Where I work in central Africa, Indigenous peoples are synonymous with tropical rainforests in the best condition. But change is happening fast. Empowering Indigenous peoples will be key to conserving these forests.”
Indigenous communities understand that their wellbeing is intricately linked to the health of the environment. Their practices emphasize sustainability, harmony with nature, and the importance of maintaining the delicate ecosystems that sustain us all. Whether it’s the preservation
of old-growth forests, the protection of vital waterways, or the sustainable management of fisheries, Indigenous communities are at the forefront of these efforts, leading the charge to ensure a more balanced, resilient, and biodiverse world for current and future generations.
In recognizing the remarkable contributions of Indigenous communities to environmental conservation, we not only honor their rich cultures but also acknowledge their profound insights into how we can best protect the Earth we call home. By partnering with and learning from these communities, we take crucial steps toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for all beings who share this planet.
The world’s Indigenous peoples, with their deep-rooted cultures, sustainable practices, unwavering advocacy, and now, federal recognition, offer invaluable lessons for our planet’s well-being. Indigenous activists and leaders have illuminated the path toward a more just, sustainable, and culturally rich world, reminding us that their wisdom, resilience, and determination are not only essential but also transformative.
To honor and respect Indigenous communities is not merely a moral imperative, it is a means to embrace a more holistic approach to wellness for all. As we look to the future, it is our shared responsibility to ensure that Indigenous voices are heard, their cultures preserved, and their contributions recognized and celebrated. By doing so, we embark on a journey of greater inclusivity, understanding, and shared wellness for the benefit of all peoples and the Earth we call home.
Dawn Carr is a high-powered national and international consultant to charitable and human rights organizations, governments, and multinational corporations. She has worked with notable personages in government and media, as well as the arts, entertainment, and health and wellness industries.
Scientists prove pure copper kills germs in seconds, just by touch, including viruses, bacteria, and fungus. High-power microscopes show germs instantly start dying when copper touches them.
The new studies explain why ancient Greeks, Egyptians and others used copper to fight infections and heal wounds. They didn’t know about germs, but now we do.
The National Institutes of Health, the EPA, and the American Society for Microbiology all vouch for the power of copper to kill germs. It even kills the really bad germs that have become antibiotic resistant CopperZaps® are made of pure copper, shaped to reach bad germs where they lurk in your nose, mouth or skin. The inventor has gone 11 YEARS without even a single cold. Now over 100,000 sold.
Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. They have less stress, less medical cost, more time to enjoy life, perhaps even a longer life to enjoy.
People use CopperZaps against: Colds, Flu, Covid
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Getting sick after Air Travel
The all-copper handle is curved and textured for maximum contact with fingers and hands in case you touch things a sick person touched and pick up their germs.
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Easy to use. Easy to clean. Comes with Directions. EPA tests show tarnish does not reduce copper’s germ-killing power. Never wears out. Use again and again. Made in USA of pure American copper.
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See CopperZap.com or call 888-411-6114 toll-free. Live people answer 9-4 Pacific on business days. Statements not evaluated by FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
With time-tested wisdom and natural roots, traditional and Indigenous medicine has been an integral resource for centuries in communities around the world. According to the World Health Organization, 88 percent of all countries are estimated to use traditional medicine, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and shamanism. The contribution of these practices is increasingly being recognized by Western medicine, especially in collaboration with integrative, holistic and regenerative medicine. The pandemic prompted renewed interest in traditional treatments, and incorporating them into wellness and healing modalities is easier and more valuable than ever.
Herbalist and spiritual coach Lucretia VanDyke integrates rituals, plant-spirit meditation, holistic food and ancestor reverence into her practice. An expert on Southern folk healing, VanDyke notes in her book, African American Herbalism, that Indigenous practices were never lost, but people had to go underground for fear of persecution.
“Herbal and sacred ceremonial practices of enslaved people of African descent were highly regulated or banned by the United States government in an effort to control the people most affected by colonization,” she explains. “In the mid-18th century, Virginia and South Carolina made it a capital offense to practice herbalism, resulting in harsh punishment or even execution if found guilty. Additionally, in 1883, the U.S. Department of Interior came up with the Code of Indian Offenses, which implemented laws that applied only to Native people until 1978. They were punished for dances and feasts by imprisonment or withholding food rations for up to 30 days.”
Noting a resurgence of these once-forbidden practices, VanDyke adds, “Today, I see people trying to branch out on their spiritual journey and seeking sources outside their Christian upbringing to answer questions within themselves with practices like herbalism and African traditional religion coming more into the mainstream.”
Linda M. Conroy, MSS, MLSP, is an educator, herbalist and community organizer who dedicates her life to connecting with the green world. She is the founder of two annual gatherings: the Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference and the Mycelium Mysteries Women’s Mushroom Conference. She also provides herbal education, workshops and individual consultations through her Wisconsin-based business, Moonwise Herbs.
“Herbalism is a practice where people connect and work with plants for healing and nourishment,” she says. “Plants, herbs and mushrooms have been around long before we have and provide an innate connection to the earth. Everyone has ancestors that grew and foraged for their own food, and we remember that in our being. It’s a different experience from buying a plant or pill from the store shelf.”
Misconceptions about herbalism are common in America, Conroy asserts. “In other countries such as Cuba, Germany and China, conventionally trained physicians still learn about more than 50 herbs in their training, but the United States all but
abandoned herbalism after the development of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals,” she explains. “The pandemic has helped spawn a resurgence of interest, with people increasingly disappointed by Western medicine and turning to herbs for respiratory support, stress management and other conditions.”
Conroy stresses that working with herbs is both an art and a science. Learning their unique properties is key. “In order to be truly effective, it’s imperative that people know how to properly choose and use the correct herb for each situation. This includes
being mindful of the dosage, method of delivery and sourcing. Herbs are much safer than most things out there, and with the right assessment skills, they can be truly transformative,” she says. Another recommendation is to establish a wellness routine that incorporates herbs as maintenance to remind the body of their healing value. “Herbs are not drugs but can work in synergy with them. Many common ingredients can be used every day, such as a stinging nettle infusion to nourish the kidneys and lungs, and oats to fortify the nervous system,” Conroy says. “Acquiring our herbs and foods from local sources also strengthens our connection to the plants. Most things we need, such as garlic, cabbage, eggs and raw honey, we can find in our own garden, from neighbors or at a farmers market.”
Billie Topa Tate’, a member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, is founder of MSI Wellness, in Evanston, Illinois, and author of the upcoming book, Spirit Guide Invocations: Seeking Wisdom from Sacred Helpers. Dedicated to creating a sacred space one person at a time through her Indigenous teachings, she is a mentor, teacher and healer. Her work has been shared by several universities and publications.
Although Indigenous healing practices do not have scientific studies to support their efficacy, they do have the observational and traditional support of her people, Topa Tate’ says. “The Apache learned medicinal properties from the plants and honored the position of being stewards of the land,” she asserts. “We learned from our virtuous elders that plants provide us with medicine and food, as well as spiritual qualities, such as smudging, essential oils and incense, which help to cleanse the body, mind and spirit.”
According to Topa Tate’, a shamanic journey is a visit to the energy world and can lead someone to insightful wisdom regarding their life’s purpose. “The spirit world provides a release of the
thoughts that limit us and brings us into a realm where we can be guided by higher thought,” she explains. “Visiting the spirit world with proper guidance allows us to access the worlds of healing, wisdom, angels, the past, the future and even the symbolic energies of our present lives through our mind. Another way to find this release is to understand that words are energy carriers and can provide our mind, body and spirit with a source of enlightenment. We do this through our drumming songs and ceremonies, but also by becoming more aware and harnessing the power of words as medicine in everyday actions.”
Energy work can help us reconnect with that part of ourselves that facilitates healing, says Topa Tate’. “I recommend beginning the day with a five-minute morning ceremony that gives thanks to the creator for a beautiful day and invokes our helpers to offer assistance with particular projects. As a healer, it is important to teach people how to manage their stress with more productive platforms, such as meditation, nature walks and seeking out their life’s purpose. There is a misconception that only Native people can do this energy work, but we are all one family and can learn how to integrate the natural wellness that the Native people have used for centuries,” she explains.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the philosophy, experiments and experiences indigenous to Chinese culture. It has been practiced for more than 2,500 years and is used for health maintenance as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental illness. According to Dr. Heming Zhu, NCCAOM, a board-certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, author, educator, scientist and founder of Harmony Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, in Maryland, the basis of TCM lies in the belief that the human body is a holistic system deeply connected to the universe.
“TCM is influenced by the flow of vital energy called qi. To restore the balance of qi and gain the harmony of life’s paired aspects known as yin and yang, TCM practitioners use various
techniques, including acupuncture, moxibustion [burning herbs at acupressure points], herbal medicine, massage, qigong and dietary therapy,” Zhu explains.
Zhu says that TCM modalities fit into either a physical therapy or chemical therapy category and can be introduced for regular maintenance. “Acupuncture is commonly used for addressing fatigue, stress, pain, gastrointestinal issues, arthritis and improving overall well-being. Cupping is beneficial for relieving stress and muscle soreness. Tui-na, a form of therapeutic massage, is used for musculoskeletal disorders, digestive issues, pain and more. Gua sha helps manage stress and alleviate muscle tension and pain. Moxibustion can boost energy, improve digestion and address cold-related ailments. Qigong and Tai Chi are gentle, mind-body exercises that reduce stress and promote relaxation and overall mental well-being. Chemical therapy includes herbal medicine and dietary therapy to emphasize the connection between food and health,” he says.
TCM can be incorporated into an established wellness routine, and Zhu offers a few guidelines to ensure the best results. “People should seek education on the basic principles of TCM and be intentional not to judge it by Western medicine standards. They should find a licensed and experienced TCM practitioner and keep an open mind in initial consultations. Simple TCM practices, such as mindful breathing,
gentle stretching or drinking herbal teas, can be incorporated into a daily wellness routine, and lifestyle changes, such as sleep routines and stress management, are part of the healing process,” Zhu says.
“There are multiple factors to illness, but often our emotions and trauma, either intergenerational or personal, are at the core,” VanDyke says. “Creating ceremonies based on the old ways gives you the strength to show up for yourself and makes it a little easier to move through the experience. Grief is a multilayer process, and it takes a holistic approach to co-create a path to a new normal. Our emotions are like invisible chains that bind us in a trauma loop, and having support for that is important. Nurturing the spirit is one thing that Western medicine does not talk about. I find that laughter, joy, pleasure and feeding the child-like spirit in us helps with this when life gets heavy. Ask yourself how you prioritize joy, and create your own rituals that center traditions while honoring your true self.”
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com
by Sheila Julson
Researchers at the University of Washington Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences discovered that play sessions with music helped 9-month-old babies learn to detect rhythmic patterns, an important skill for both music and speech. According to lead author Christina Zhao, “This means that early, engaging musical experiences can have a more global effect on cognitive skills.”
In a five-year study involving 6- and 7-year-olds, neuroscientists at the University of Southern California Brain and Creativity Institute, in partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, found that music instruction appeared to accelerate brain development in young kids, particularly in the areas of the brain responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception and reading skills.
“Music learning, such as studying to
play a musical instrument or singing in tune, are very complex activities for the brain. They use multiple senses but also require those senses to interact and exchange information in a highly synchronized way,” explains Dr. Anita Collins, founder of Bigger Better Brains and author of The Music Advantage: How Music Helps Your Child Develop, Learn, and Thrive. She asserts that complex musical activities are like full-body workouts for the brain, which sharpen a child’s ability to solve problems and think creatively and divergently. As these skills are mastered, they can be transferred to other types of brain activities.
Collins advises that singing to and with children at a young age can help them gain control of their voices, as well as their speech enunciation and processing, and to hear nuances in sounds. She recommends interacting with the world of sound while
For adults, music has the power to instill feelings of joy, relaxation and calmness, or to motivate us when we are exercising or performing a task, but for children, there are added benefits. Whether listening to a live orchestra, engaging in rhythmic games, learning to play an instrument or singing in a choir, musical pursuits have been proven to help with early brain development and teach kids important life skills.
outdoors and adds, “Getting a young child to focus their ears onto a particular sound can help train auditory attention, which trains the attention network in general.”
Kids need to listen actively, rather than passively, most of the time, Collins notes. “Passive music listening is hearing music in a mall. Active music listening is focusing our auditory processing on a particular instrument, on the melody line over the bass line or mirroring the rhythmic ostinato of the drum part.”
Silence also plays an important role in early development. “The biggest mistake is not thinking about a child’s auditory environment and always having the TV on or having a highly stimulating auditory environment all the time. Children need variety in their food, and sound is food for the brain. They need quiet times, unusual sounds, unexpected sounds and repetitive sounds,” says Collins.
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Joan Koenig, author of The Musical Child: Using the Power of Music to Raise Children Who Are Happy, Healthy, and Whole, says that engaging in a musical practice can help kids develop language awareness and social skills. Such positive results are possible even without expensive music classes or instruments. Simple call-and-response exercises can be effective in the brain development of babies and toddlers. “We are an orchestra within ourselves; we can create rhythm, melody and harmony,” Koenig explains. “A parent or caregiver can initiate a call-and-response game by singing a song, tapping a wooden spoon on pots and pans or singing nonsense words. Babies will imitate it. When the baby is involved in this game during the first year of life, they are experiencing a connection with the person that’s doing it. It is visceral proof that they are being listened to and understood long before the development of language. You’re giving them the building blocks for both music and language. It’s about repetition and engagement.” Basic life skills can also be learned with the assistance of music. “A march-and-stop song game allows children to practice stopping something fun and waiting, which can carry over to stopping when we’re upset and waiting until we have a thoughtful response,” says Elise Pennington, chair of the early childhood program at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, in Milwaukee. “Playing games like Ring Around the Rosie or Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes can help with a number of areas. Enrolling in an organized music class where children are active participants and being challenged will help exercise a wider range of skills in a deeper way.”
“When children or adults make music together, they become part of the musical creation,” Koenig says. “When a young child feels this kind of visceral belonging, anxiety is low and empathy and confidence are high. These are the ideal conditions for all learning.”
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Sophie Haruna Klimcak is the cofounder and program director of Wild Awake, a nonprofit in San Francisco. Drawing from her Japanese and Eastern European roots, she designs immersive, nature-based learning experiences that nurture deep caring for people and the planet. Klimcak holds a master’s degree in education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and bachelor’ s degrees in philosophy, neuroscience and psychology from Washington University, in St. Louis.
Whether in an after-school setting with children or an outdoor adventure among adults, she and her team of naturalists, artists and healing practitioners invite people to mindfully gaze at the stars, invigorate the senses with ocean sound-baths, experience healing and community in a song circle, build empathy and connection through storytelling, and express creativity by painting with botanical pigments.
In the summer of 2020, my co-founder Shasha Du and I took a weeklong trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Every night we experienced this feeling of awe and wonder and reverence as we stared up at this stunning night-sky portal of infinite
space and blazing stars. On the last night, we brought binoculars and stayed up to see the comet NEOWISE. At 4 a.m., it appeared on the horizon—this icy rock moving toward the sun and releasing all these gases behind it in a glorious paintbrush streak—and we literally screamed and held each other because we had never seen anything like that before. As educators, we decided that we wanted to keep those feelings alive in our hearts, and design for awe and wonder in learning.
You don’t have to travel to places like Joshua Tree or see a comet to experience wonder and awe. With the right amount of
mindfulness and attention, everything is worthy of such appreciation—our backyards, our houses, everything. Feeling a sense of wonder requires us to take time to appreciate the textures of something in its entirety and realize where it might have been sourced from and how it’s supporting us and we’re supporting it—remembering that we’re interconnected. We offer local experiences to help people see that magic exists where they live.
Learning is super-creative, constructive, collaborative and social. The best kind of learning is when you’re following a thread of your own intuition and asking questions that are joyful for you. They’re not questions someone told you to ask. You’re building your own worlds by a process of inquiry. I think wakefulness comes from bringing that attention to whatever it is that you want to go deeper into.
One of our most experiential offerings was a wildflower therapy workshop, which brought people in community to see the superblooms in the Bay Area. To make this a wonder-based experience, I created this little booklet for a mindfulness walk,
inviting folks to choose one flower to develop a relationship with over the course of an hour and a half.
The booklet had multisensory prompts to deepen that relationship, and I asked them to record a conversation with their flower. When do people stare at a flower that long, right? But it does wonders, helping you move a little bit slower in the world.
The next time they walk by flowers, they’ll notice them in a different way because they took intentional time to develop a relationship to local flora and to their own joy and wonder. Little steps like these can be radical in developing a love for what we may lose if we don’t protect and care for this world.
Living in San Francisco with the bay surrounding us, we are always in a relationship with the ocean. It cools the planet, making it livable for us; it’s an amazing place to play and enjoy water sports; and it nourishes us through seafood. So, we designed a program that takes folks out to forage for seaweed.
It’s not about filling our buckets with as much seaweed as possible, but rather bringing mindfulness to the experience. We marvel at the diversity of seaweed; you can see dozens of different kinds along our shoreline. People are curious about what makes seaweed a certain color or how it nourishes us. We learn how to harvest seaweed from rock in a way that it can regenerate and grow more seaweed. We make an offering to
the ocean, saying, “Thank you,” remembering our mutual reciprocity.
One of the most accessible ways of connecting to nature is by connecting to your own body. Putting one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart and noticing your breath can really help you drop into that space of deep calm and deep knowing. If you can, find your local dark sky and go out to see the stars. Look at the moon. Notice the way planets and stars move through the sky. Or, notice a leaf or a flower and be in a relationship with it by noticing it over time, returning to it and seeing how it has changed and how you’re changing inside, too.
Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.
Traditional martial arts date back more than 2,000 years and have blossomed into about 200 styles. While originally devised to assist in hunting and protect against enemies, these practices also offer philosophical and spiritual guidance as practitioners establish a mind-body-spirit connection. According to Statista, a German-based market research company, nearly 6.2 million people in the U.S. participate in some form of this sport.
“Martial arts are for everyone, and it’s never too late to start,” says John Fonseca, an Illinois-based trainer specializing in karate, jiu-jitsu and other self-defense modalities. He is the first karate athlete in the world to win repeat gold medals at the Pan American Games, the first American to medal at the Karate World Championships in almost 16 years, and the first American to win the Paris Open in more than 30 years.
According to Fonseca, “Short-term benefits of any martial art include improved fitness, self-confidence and stress relief. While long-term benefits are hard to count, they may include increased discipline, self-defense skills and a sense of personal growth. Remember: Every black belt was just a white belt that never gave up.”
When advising beginners, the champion says, “It’s important to choose a style that suits your goals and fitness level. Each modality offers unique benefits. Find a reputable instructor or school, start gradually to avoid injury and maintain a consistent practice routine for better progress.”
With origins in Okinawa, Japan, dating back to the 17th century, the guiding principles of karate include respect, humility, perseverance and self-discipline. “A karate practice starts with kihon, or basic fundamentals, that include a variety of punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, blocks and stances,” Fonseca explains. “These techniques are practiced repeatedly to develop muscle memory, accuracy and power. They are further developed in choreographed sequences called kata, which simulate various applications for self-defense situations.”
Practitioners perform these routines solo in a specific order and then practice the bunkai, or applications, with a partner to develop self-defense skills. “Lastly, kumite is the sparring component of karate training to develop timing, distance, adaptability and the ability to receive and deliver strikes. It involves practicing techniques and strategies against a live,
resisting opponent. Depending on the training level and focus, kumite can range from controlled, pre-arranged drills to freestyle sparring with varying levels of contact,” says Fonseca.
A martial art disguised as dance, capoeira is performed to music and traditional songs, including rhythmic clapping and drumming. Players form a circle, at the center of which two participants engage with one another in a combination of fighting and dancing. The art form was created in Brazil by African slaves in the mid-16th century. Although banned by the government after the abolition of slavery in 1888, many people continued to practice in hidden spaces. Modern capoeira
was later developed around 1930, with several styles taking on their own characteristics. Emphasizing deception, flexibility and fluidity, participants learn discipline, confidence and self-control, while the use of music and instruments provides a multisensory experience.
Aikido, which means “the way of harmony with the spirit,” originated in 14th-century Japan and was modernized during the 1920s. Although it is mainly a throwing and pinning art, practitioners also utilize strikes, kicks, sweeps and come-alongs.
According to Greg O’Connor, chief
Numerous karate masters have bequeathed us with mottos and aphorisms that underscore the significance of nurturing not just one’s physical prowess and diverse techniques, but above all else, one’s inner character. For instance, my sensei, Great Grand Master Hwa Chong, imparted the wisdom that initiating an attack should never be one’s initial course of action. He expanded on this principle by emphasizing that martial art skills should never serve as a means to incite, promote, or initiate conflict. Rather, their primary purpose should be self-defense, with the ultimate goal being conflict resolution through non-violent means.
Karate is a sport of truly global reach, captivating roughly 100 million practitioners across 192 countries, spanning five continents. As a martial arts instructor, my role is driven by a deep passion, revolving around nurturing students from complete novices into accomplished martial artists. While physical progress and development hold their importance, in my over five decades of teaching, I find even greater fulfillment in witnessing students’ monthly confidence growth and self-assurance.
Remarkably, after nearly half a century, I have had the privilege of observing former students evolve into grandparents who, inspired by the profound impact of martial arts, introduce their own children and even grandchildren to its teachings, inspired by the profoundly positive influence it exerted on their lives.
Martial arts, deeply rooted in principles of honor, respect, humility, and unwavering perseverance, transcends its role as a mere combat discipline. As a martial arts instructor, my life’s mission revolves around aiding others in realizing their ultimate physical and mental potential. It’s a life worth embracing!
Grand Master Saleem Jehangir is an 8th Dan, Vice-President & Board Member of the World Kang Duk Won Federation, and author of Tae Kwon Do Pakistan
instructor at Aikido Centers of New Jersey, “Aikido is the most challenging and most ethical of the martial arts, and the most difficult to achieve any level of black belt rank. Our practice requires working with a partner on the specific attack and technique demonstrated by the instructor. Each partner takes turns in this practice with safety for each other in mind, and we train to handle an aggressor with the full awareness that there are no rules in a selfdefense situation.”
O’Connor describes aikido as a magical skill, because as the participants learn to be patient and persevere, they often discover eye-opening alternatives to violence. It requires full integration of mind, body and spirit, as well as an awareness of how our minds and emotions can work against us, he says.
Jiu-jitsu originated in Japan, evolving
over centuries, with Brazilian jiujitsu further developing in the early 20th century. Fonseca says that the practice focuses on leverage, technique over strength, control and adaptation. Students will first learn and practice positions, transitions, escapes and submissions, then engage in those techniques with a partner to refine their movements, timing and muscle memory.
“Live sparring, known as rolling, is a crucial aspect of jiu-jitsu training. During rolling, practitioners engage in controlled but dynamic matches with resisting opponents. The goal is to apply learned techniques, gain positional control and attempt submissions,” Fonseca explains. “Rolling helps students develop timing, adaptability and practical application of techniques; enhances concentration, awareness, self-esteem and focus; and creates a sense of balance and calm.”
The Koreanbased practice of taekwondo was developed during the 1940s as a blend of native fighting styles. Students learn kicking, punching and blocking techniques, which are applied to various forms of self-defense. According to the International Taekwondo Association, the philosophy is to build a more peaceful world, and that starts with developing individual character and positive morale. Through repeated practice and exercises, students learn courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and an indomitable spirit. These five tenets are recited at the start and end of every class and become the foundation of both the students’ development as individuals and as martial artists.
order—with the seasons—is an essential concept of the macrobiotic diet and includes fall, winter, spring, summer and a fifth season, “late harvest.” The idea is to follow our intuition, Pirello advises: “If you walk into the supermarket in November, you’re not immediately attracted to cherry tomatoes and strawberries, but the winter squashes, pumpkins and parsnips call your name. Macrobiotics allows us to understand that—even here in the United States where foods are so widely available that you can have strawberries at Christmas.”
So much has evolved in the 100 years since Japanese educator George Ohsawa created the macrobiotic diet. For one thing, the recipes have become more flexible, empowering people to save time and use ingredients that they love. “The modern macrobiotic diet is about much more than tofu, seaweed and miso,” says chef and author Christina Pirello, the Emmy Award-winning host of Christina Cooks, on PBS. “It’s about seasonal, whole, unprocessed food cooked in accordance with each person’s condition and lifestyle.”
“In the beginning, there was rigidity that didn’t give you the freedom to say, ‘I don’t want to eat adzuki beans again,’” Pirello
says. “Variety is key. You can’t just eat kale and drink smoothies and hope for the best. You have to get balanced nutrition with enough protein, fats and carbohydrates.”
According to Pirello, “What we eat determines how we move through the world. Are we comfortable or uncomfortable? In Chinese medicine, we are either in a state of ease or dis-ease, which became the word disease, but in Chinese medicine, it really means uncomfortable. What do you do to get back into that state of ease, or balance? That’s really what macrobiotics is about; how do you rebalance the body— the organs—to be comfortable?”
Eating in accordance with the natural
Her recipe for Winter Squash Risotto, which is featured in her new cookbook, VegEdibles, is just one example of the delicious macrobiotic dishes she has developed. “This risotto is perfect for cooler weather, when we need to keep energy in our middle organs so we are warm and cozy, centered and balanced,” Pirello says. “Come winter and fall, we want foods that are going to help the body hold onto heat. Squash, pumpkin, turnips and rutabaga are going to help relax the body and the middle organs and help us keep grounded, centered and warm. The risotto is cooked really long, so there’s a lot of warming energy that will help you in cold weather.”
“There has to be a period when the body transitions from the heat of summer into the cool of the fall,” says Chicago areabased macrobiotic counselor Karla Walter. “That’s when we have those beautiful orange foods starting to come out, and the squashes start arriving. We have this really lovely, sweet time of the year that actually nourishes the body and helps the immune system ramp up and get ready for colder weather.”
Walter recommends the macrobiotic diet for finding calmness and rhythm. “When we eat healthy foods that sustain us, our goals come to the surface where we can see them a lot clearer. People don’t
Yield: 8 servings
3½ cups fresh tomatoes, diced
1 15-oz can tomato sauce
1 15-oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked pinto beans)
1 15-oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked kidney beans)
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked black beans)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
½ small red onion, finely diced
½ small yellow onion, finely diced
1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, finely diced
1 zucchini, finely diced
2 carrots, finely diced
know their potential until they start to feel good about themselves,” she says.
Lisa Books-Williams, a plant-based chef, educator and therapist in the San Francisco area, encourages people to find their own plant-based path. “I found my answer at the end of a fork, instead of in a bottle of pills,” she says. “The most loving thing I ever did for myself started with changing my food choices. Sure, it would be more delicious to be eating a pizza, but eating a salad with beans and rice is how I love myself.”
Books-Williams believes that taking the extra time that is required to follow a plant-based lifestyle is worthwhile. “We can eat well inexpensively if we are willing to take an extra couple of hours each week to chop vegetables. We are worth the time
2½ Tbsp chili powder
1¼ tsp cumin
⅛ tsp cayenne powder
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 can diced green chilies (optional)
1 cup fresh or frozen white corn
1 cup cashews, soaked for 2 hours
½ cup pure water
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Place all of the ingredients, except corn, in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook until the chili begins to boil. Note: For a meatier consistency, before placing them in the pot, place all of the veggies (except corn, tomatoes and green chilies) in a food processor fitted with an “S” blade, and pulse-chop until the ingredients become confetti size, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the corn, cover and simmer an additional 5 minutes.
Serve over brown rice with the cashew sour cream.
To make the cashew sour cream, use a blender to combine all of the ingredients together, pulsing until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste. Seal and store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Recipe courtesy of Lisa Books-Williams.
it takes to batch-cook and freeze beans in single servings so we have them when we need them. Each of us has to be committed to our own well-being. No one is going to do it for us.”
While much has changed since Ohsawa introduced the macrobiotic diet, Pirello still adheres to its three core ingredients. “I still eat rice, seaweed and miso soup,” she says. “Not as much as I used to, but I still do, because miso is the greatest probiotic on the planet, followed by kimchi. Those are the greatest macrobiotics we could ever eat in our lives, and both are delicious.”
Veronica Hinke is a food historian and the author of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining and Style and Titanic: The Official Cookbook. Learn more at FoodStringer.com.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 2
Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM) Intern Clinic! — 9am5pm. Inexpensive acupuncture and herbal treatments. Students supervised by a Licensed Acupuncturist. ATOM, 100 E Broward Blvd, Ste 100, Ft Lauderdale. Appointments Mon-Sat: 954-763-9840 ext. 201, atom.edu
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4
Journey Through Sound! — 7pm (6:15 doors open). $45. Sound Navigator Kathleen Haden. Artists include Thomas Dawson, Joe Reilly, & John Anthony. Cox Science Center & Planetarium, 4801 Dreher Trl N, West Palm Beach. 561-318-1578.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
Tai Chi classes to the public! 5-7pm. 1st Saturday each month, $20 (cash only). Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM), 100 E Broward Blvd., Ste 100, Ft Lauderdale. Call 954-63-9840 to sign up. ATOM.edu.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Frequency 432 Healing and Wellness Expo – 11am-5pm. Are you a Patron or Interested Vendor that is a Holistic Healer, Helper, Wellness Practitioner, or Metaphysical Practitioner? Contact for more info: frequency432.us. Location: Carlin Park, Jupiter.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 2
Earn a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 36 months! — 9am-5pm. Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM), 100 E Broward Blvd, Ste 100, Ft Lauderdale. Financial Aid available 954-763-9840 ext. 213 or admissions@atom.edu, ATOM.edu.
sunday
Flower Picnic in the Park — 10:30amNoon $111 (& Monday - Thursdays), Enjoy a purposeful picnic! Create a fresh flower crown, dine brunch alfresco. Register, limited space. TY Park, 3300 N Park Rd, Hollywood, FL. Jowana at houseofpetali@ gmail.com.
Healers Network Sound Bath Meditation & Psychic Fair — 1–6pm. 1st & 3rd Sundays. $40. Unlock Spiritual Potential. Healing, Insights, & Connect with Experts. ADAPT, 14901 NE 20th Ave, 2nd Floor, N Miami. SheriKaplan.com.
IANDS South Florida - International Association for Near Death Studies
1st Sunday monthly, 3-5pm Meeting - Discussions include Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies are welcomed. Locations vary, call for details. Reverend Gail Fein, 305-798-8974.
tuesday
Nia Fitness Dance Class of conscious, safe movements — 10-11am, $13. Fun, no impact, conscious exercise we call “adult recess” for strength, balance, flexibility, confidence and rhythm. Star Ballroom, 2305 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, 954-383-9667.
thursday
Weight Loss Tips with Naturopath Ahuva Gamliel (Dr. G.) — 9-9:30am. Free. Different topics, 3rd Thursday each month. Learn how to manage weight naturally, followed by Q&A. ZOOM ID: 838 039 7818 Passcode: M3WM0n tinyurl.com/DrGamliel
friday
Inner Child Work — 2:45-3:45pm. Fourth Friday monthly. Lauderdale by the Sea Community Center, 4501 N Ocean Dr, Fort Lauderdale. Register (or details) call Ilka at: 754-222-6971.
saturday
Paddle With A Purpose, Waterway and Shoreline Cleanup 9–11am, help remove trash (third Saturday monthly). Kayaks, and canoes available on a first come, first serve basis; bringing your own. Location varies. Robert Figueroa, 917-652-1050.
Talk@Ten Saturday with Jon Albee — 10-11am, free. Regenerative backyard gardening protocols with an occasional seed exchange. Diversity for richness and balance. Urban Farming Institute (UFI), 1101 NE 40th Ct, Oakland Park, 954.696.9577.
The Mindful Thinker Group Discussion Talk — 3-4:15pm, $25, The law of attraction discussion, what it means, how to use it, and apply it to your life. Bombay Room Yoga, 3354 NE 33rd St, Fort Lauderdale 954-567-1110.
CLASSIFIEDS
Order Classified Ads online: NAbroward.com/pages/classified. Due date — 10th of the month.
MEDITATE EMPATHS SPIRITUAL – Raise our vibration together! FREE Meeting Every 2 Weeks. See my Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/self-love-circle/
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. Order online: NAbroward. com/pages/directory
ONENESS PERFUME
OnenessPerfume.com
Oneness ~ Let the beauty of this essence and its message inspire peaceful co-existence; may it encircle all nations and all peoples with the loving gift of gratitude to encourage co-creation and renewal of our sacred planetary home – knowing in spirit – We Are All One. Scan the display ad’s QR code. See ad page 2.
CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN
COAST TO COAST CHIROPRACTIC HEALTHCARE
716 NE 2nd Ave, Ft Lauderdale, 33304
954-300-2065
Coast2CoastChiropractic.com
We’re committed to providing the highest-quality chiropractic care possible in order to improve the lives of our members and change society’s current sick care paradigm. See ad page 11.
JODY’S NIA DANCE
Jody Dancer, Black Belt Nia Teacher
954-383-9667, Pompano Beach
JodyDancer@yahoo.com
StarBallroomDance.com
Nia? Natural, lyrical dance moves that energize and strengthen your body, uplift your spirit, intrigue your mind, and bring J oy and friends to your life.
THERMAE STILLNESS RETREAT
604 S. Federal Hwy.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33301
954-604-7930
ThermaeRetreat@gmail.com
ThermaeRetreat.com
FB: @ThermaeRetreat
IG: Thermae.FtLauderdale
Thermae reTreaT
An organic serene daily retreat to prevent or heal. Infrared saunas, massage, skincare, body scrubs and masques, holistic healing, energy therapy. Yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy.
ADVANCED DENTAL WELLNESS CENTER
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD
104 SE 1st St., Fort Lauderdale FL 33301
954-525-5662
ADWCenter.com
Dr. Lipovetskiy specializes in natural, biological, and cosmetic dentistry offering latest in technology in our relaxing environment. We provide mercury safe dentistry, metal-free braces, and biocompatible metal-free zirconia implants. He specializes in TMJ and sleep apnea.
GO NATURAL DENTISTRY
Yolanda Cintron, DMD
2021 E Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
855-381-6001
954-945-7355 (new patients)
GoNaturalDentistry.com
All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, biocompatible dentistry.
INTEGRATED DENTAL CENTER
Aurel Chebanu, DMD, PhD
333 NW 70th Ave., Ste. 207
Plantation FL 33317
954-792-6266
Chebanudmd@comcast.net
Dr. Chebanu recognizes the importance of natural therapies and health solutions. His office specializes in Biocompatible and Holistic Dentistry, Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, Ceramic Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, and TMJ Disorders. See ad page 9.
ATLANTIC INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE (ATOM)
100 E Broward Blvd., Ste. 100 Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-763-9840
ATOM.edu
ATOM offers a Master’s degree and a Doctoral degree in Oriental Medicine. ATOM has an Intern Clinic that is open to the public. See ad back page.
TRUE SOURCE HEALING
Paula Centofanti, PA-C 954-779-4498
Paula@TrueSourceHealing.org
TrueSourceHealing.org
Tried Everything? Still can’t lose weight, suffer from rapid aging, joint pain, digestives issues? Schedule your free discovery call and Finally Heal! Virtual/ telehealth visits.
HAIR HOLISTIC ECO-FRIENDLY STUDIO
Ibana Villasenor
141 NW 20th St., Ste. B7
Boca Raton FL 33431
561-372-5354
HairHolistic@gmail.com
• Removing of toxic metals
• Sedation dentistry
• Replacing them with bio-compatible materials
• Laser dentistry for painless surgeries & extractions
• Zirconia/ ceramic implants
• Natural bone augmentation
HairHolistic.com
• Oral DNA Testing
/ Plasma Rich Growth Factor
• Add gums to receding gums. See ad page 5..
Hair services & products with a truly holistic approach like scalphair detox, and jet rejuvenation. Hair coloring with Henna or ecofriendly dyes, and formaldehydefree keratine.
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
—Mother Teresa
NEW START NUTRI CENTER
23257 State Rd 7, Ste 104, Boca Raton 561-566-0019
Instagram @NewStartNutriCenter
Holistic healers specializing in Live Blood Analysis, mineral testing, and toxin assessment. Prevention - a pillar of natural medicine. Book your appointment today! Spanish/Portuguese
SINGULAR NUTRITION SERVICES
754-367-2765, Davie
SNS@SingularNutritionServices.com SingularNutritionServices.com
Experience affordable tele-health services prioritizing gut health and auto-immune concerns. Attain peak well-being via tailored nutritional and lifestyle modification support. Your wellness is my primary concern.
SPIRIT IN TRANSITION
Matthew Koren
954-406-8199, Oakland Park Activate.SpiritInTransition.com
Discover the transformative power of the Mystery School – King Salomon’s Lineage. Embrace your mission to serve globally. Join us for advanced spiritual training and growth.
CHOICE THERMOGRAPHY
Nicole Austin, C.T., L.E 2740 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 101 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33306 954-261-9032
ChoiceThermography.com
Get to the root cause and monitor your body for inflammatory changes. Nicole Austin, Clinical Thermographer, offers NonInvasive Full Body & Breast Imaging.
Servicing both Men & Women.
YCC TUNING FORK THERAPY
Yvette C. Candelario
5130 N Fed Hwy, Ste 7, Ft Lauderdale 929-554-0281
YCCHealingTherapy.com
Best Therapy Services include 3-step healing technique: sound, touch, crystal healing. Most popular: 30-minute Tuning Fork therapy with 30-minute crystal healing, $130. Medium & Intuitive Readings.
EPIC CLINICS POMPANO BEACH
41 N Federal Hwy, Suite D Pompano Beach, FL 33062 754-432-3653
EpicClinicsPompanofl@gmail.com
EPICClinics.com
Most innovative chiropractic technique utilizing spinal engineering software and soundwave technology fixing the root cause of dis-ease in the body without neck twisting or cracking.
TELEHEALTH & WELLNESS
Ahuva Gamliel, AP 786-537-0771
Mibaso.org
Homeopathic rapid weight loss specialists. Lose weight, feel great! Nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine, vitamins, telehealth consultations for the family. Free 15-min consultation. Schedule now!
BOMBAY ROOM YOGA
Michelle Morris 3354 NE 33rd St, Ft Lauderdale, 33308 954-567-1110
BombayRoomYoga@yahoo.com
BombayRoomYoga.com
Experience guided spiritual and physical growth on your yoga journey. Disconnect from the outside world and connect within with our expert instructors. Join us now!
954-630-1610
