Natural Awakenings Naples/Fort Myers- October 2023

Dr Pint uses IAOMT protocols which provide layers of protection to minimize oral exposure to Mercury

He is experienced with full mouth revisions and complex restorations providing a personal approach and excellent result He uses the latest technology available to ensure a pleasant, positive office visit

Read more at www.bonitadentalstudio.com

COLLIER / LEE EDITION

Publisher Sharon Bruckman

Editors Linda Sechrist

Martin Miron

Randy Kambic

Theresa Archer

Design & Production C. Michele Rose

Lisa Avery

Contributing Writers Linda Sechrist Sandra Yeyati

Sales & Marketing Christine Miller

Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

Accounting Amie Delozier

Website Kristy Mayer

CONTACT US

Publisher: 239-207-2775

SharonB@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

Collier County Sales: 239-272-8155

ChristineM@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

Lee County Sales: 239-851-4729

LisaD@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

Digital subscriptions are available through SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

National Editor Sandra Yeyati

Editor Brooke Goode

Copy Editor/Proofreader Melanie Rankin

Design & Production Gabrielle W-Perillo

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main St, Ste 9B, Bedminster, NJ 07921

Ph: 239-206-2000

NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

©2023 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.

If you have questionable amalgam restorations that need to be replaced, removal should be done with caution.

dynamic energy!

Staying in the Flow

Every month, I’m amazed when I see how our talented graphic designer Michele Rose has joined all of the individual puzzle pieces into a cohesive and beautiful new edition. Her artistic magic and brilliant problem-solving skills are evident on every page.

I feel a similar, deep appreciation for every single person on the team, including the writers, editors, proofreaders, marketing and salespeople, web and digital experts, my bookkeeper and the distribution company that delivers our magazines to more than 500 locations. After so many years, we form an exquisite orchestra of well-tuned instruments playing together in harmony. I invite you to take a look at our masthead on page 4 to see all of their names.

As I proof an upcoming edition, I also look at every ad, blessing each advertiser and feeling deep gratitude for their trust in us, as well as their financial support which makes all of this possible. I hope you feel the love and commitment that our team and advertisers bring to each monthly issue.

Our extremely talented senior editor Linda Sechrist did another terrific job this month interviewing several local health practitioners for the feature story, “Menopause: A Normal Transition in a Woman’s Life,” on page 14. When I asked Linda what she had learned after speaking with all of these women, she said, “I was amazed at how much valuable information about menopause and its three phases—perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause—I was able to squeeze into 1,500 words. Medical research has come a long way since the 1700s, helping us to understand the mysteries of a woman’s body, but there is still far to go.

It’s comforting to know that, at each stage, we have access to self-care alternatives (herbs, acupuncture, detox methods) and preventive measures (DITI, medicinal grade supplements, hormone replacement therapy). It’s also sad to learn that while menopause is a natural transition for every female on the planet, the subject is rarely discussed among most women and girls. Indigenous cultures celebrate menopause as a welcome transition that honors women as community leaders. We can learn from them.”

Meeting monthly magazine deadlines, going through menopause or experiencing a health challenge can feel overwhelming. When I realize that I’ve stepped out of the stream of well-being, I remind myself that I need to get back into the flow.

By shifting my attention away from all the “doing” and taking a few minutes to appreciate the things that are working and the love and support that surround me, I seem to attract what I need more easily and my world begins to feel softer and more inviting again. This usually requires conscious thought and lots of gratitude, but the effort is well worth it.

To your health and well-being,

Sharon Bruckman, Publisher

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.

HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, contact Christine Miller at 239-272-8155 or email ChristineM@ SWFLnaturalawakenings.com for Collier County or Lisa Doyle at 239-851-4729 or email LisaD@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com for Lee County. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Email articles, news items and ideas to: SharonB@ swflNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. Or visit: SWFLnaturalawakenings.com/ Resources

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Submit print and online events at swfl.NaturalAwakenings. com/pages/calendar-listings. Email NAMcalendar@ SWFLnaturalawakenings.com with questions

REGIONAL MARKETS

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! NaturalAwakeningsPublishingCorp.isagrowingfranchised familyoflocallyownedmagazinesservingcommunitiessince 1994.Toplaceyouradinothermarketscall239-206-2000.For franchisingopportunitiescall 239-206-2000oremailNatural Awakenings@KnoWEwell.com.

Global Unity Gathering

Hosts Sai Maa Awakened

Life will present a Global Unity Gathering, featuring interacting and engaging with Her Holiness Sai Maa, from December 14 to 17 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. As a worldrenowned spiritual master, healer and humanitarian, she will bring her unique fusion of Eastern spiritual wisdom, Western therapeutic knowledge and energetic mastery through teaching sessions and deep energetic work for the personal and global awakening of participants.

Attendees will be able to shift their consciousness to resonate with their inner knowing and take what’s happening in their lives to the next level—whether it’s a new job, relationships or adventures—by working with her as she embodies a wealth of knowledge in life’s vast domains as a gifted teacher eager to support everyone.

Cost: Online interactive event - $697; energy sessions$250. Other options for Awakening Mastery and Grand Design memberships. Sai Maa Consciousness membership - free. Location: 400 S. Collier Blvd. For more information or to register, visit AwakenedLife.Love. See ads, pages 33 and 43.

Take the Plunge for Better Health at Purely You Spa

To herald the addition of two anti-aging treatments, the Cold Plunge and Glo2Facial, along with other new services early this month, Purely You Spa, in Naples, will host an H20 and Bubbles Launch Party at 5:30 p.m., October 18. The Cold Plunge can boost the immune system, stimulate circulation, improve the quality of sleep and concentration, and relieve stress and tension.

“Since mental health is such an issue in today’s society, the Cold Plunge certainly helps with confidence and a feeling of accomplishment and a healthy euphoria,” says CEO Jennifer Alvarez Linguidi. For those that have chronic arthritis or pain, the holistic specialist, integrative functional health coach and corporate wellness consultant recommends enjoying their infrared sauna after the Cold Plunge for some contrast therapy. “It’s wonderful for athletes, as well for muscle recovery.”

Free admission for first 20 guests in party; fees for services. Location: 3066 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 302. For more information, register for the party or make an appointment, call 239-3318266, text 239-233-9633 or visit PurelyYouSpa.com. See ad, page 2.

Sai Maa

Photo provided by Patti O'Toole

Caloosahatchee Mindfulness Events

Caloosahatchee Mindfulness will present many online and in-person events in our area this month, including the Wednesday Morning Book Club, facilitated by Helen Leddy, at 10 a.m.; Caloosahatchee Rising Tide Sangha’s Midweek Mindfulness, hosted by Anne Louise Kracmer, at 5 p.m., also on Wednesday; and both the Take a Time Out: Friday Morning and Evening Meditations, at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., respectively, with Maggie Stevens, all available free online via Zoom.

Vicki Durso, certified in yoga and the art processes of Neurographic, a simple drawing technique that bypasses rational thinking and reaches into the unconscious, and Zentangles, will lead a Mindful Art session from 7 to 9 p.m., October 4, at the Behind the Buddha Studio, in Fort Myers ($30/members, $40/non-members). A Drawing on Nothing: An Introduction to Yoga Nidra, presented by Jamie Verley, will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., October 18, at the Lotus Blossom Clinic, in Fort Myers ($20/ members, $25/non-members).

Locations: Behind the Buddha Studio, 9290-1 College Pkwy.; Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd., Ste. 2 . For more information or to register, call 941-888-0116 or visit CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org. See ad, page 5.

Mystic Faire Returns in November

The20th anniversary fall Mystic Faire is set from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., November 25, at Etudes Dance Studio, in Naples. The event will gather many healers and psychics providing massage, reiki, animal communications, angel portraits and tarot readings, with vendors offering crystals, candles, incense, spiritual art, books jewelry, Native American art and drums, angel art, mandalas and more.

Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods to be collected for local food banks and can enjoy food served at the event.

Admission is $5, free for children 12 and under. Location: 3285 Pine Ridge Rd. For more information, call 239-949-3387 or visit MysticFaires.com. See ad, page 41.

Art images provided by Anne Shroeder, Caloosa Mindfulness

Are you re A dy to feel gre At?

Age-Reversing and Regeneration Retreat in Mexico

An advanced age-reversing healing and quantum regeneration retreat with pioneering doctor in psychology and holistic health Aurora Juliana Ariel, Ph.D., a Naples-based leader among a team of experts in cutting-edge stem cell therapies, will take place from January 17 to 23, 2024, in Cancun, Mexico. Highlights include a blend of advanced anti-aging stem cell therapy protocols, along with spiritual psychology technology, age-reversing subconscious re-coding, Master Divine healers and more, all geared to restore youthful health and beauty from the inside-out.

Participants will experience the Total Regeneration Training and Healing protocols each day, plus a partial day of stem cell therapy IV and treatments of their choice, all at an outstanding, world-class clinic. Healing circles will address the inner causes of aging, distress and disease that can cause the body to degenerate.

The basic retreat cost of $4,444.00 includes staying in a luxurious oceanfront resort room, healing circles and trainings with Dr. Ariel and a free consultation with a top U.S. doctor in stem cell therapy to design an individual plan at additional costs for optional stem cell therapy packages, along with free transportation to and from the nearby clinic.

For more information or to register, call 239-207-2775 or visit ioah.org. See ad, page 27.

New Location for RB Institute in Fort Myers

The RB Institute, Inc., owned by C. Robyn Filkill-Berry, recently relocated to 12651 McGregor Boulevard, Suite 500-502, in Fort Myers. The Florida-licensed colonic and massage therapist with more than 33 years of experience and many accreditations, provides gravity-enclosed UV/oxygen/ozone medical-grade, filteredwater colonic hydrotherapy.

She also provides deep tissue, sports, traditional Thai and relaxing pure Fiji massage, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, raindrop therapy, ionic detox foot baths, ear candling, manual lymph drainage, XP2 system and many other services and treatments.

For more information or to make an appointment, call or text 239-939-4646 or visit RobynBerry.com. See ad, page 9.

Aurora Juliana Ariel, Ph.D.

Robyn Filkill-Berry

Photo provided by Aurora

ozone sauna safely and powerfully detoxifies the body.

levels.”

avE Maria, Fl

Fermented Foods for Brain Health

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.

Hair Tapping

New methods for cultivating healthy hair growth have been gaining traction amongst young people on social media platforms, including hair tapping, a technique popularized in Korean and Japanese hair spas. According to haircare experts, hair tapping is similar to a scalp massage and involves gentle drumming movements along the scalp with the fingers. Hair-tapping techniques draw from acupuncture, the practice of releasing energy by accessing certain landmarks in the body.

Like other kinds of scalp massages, hair tapping may relieve scalp tension, stimulate blood flow and improve lymphatic drainage. A Japanese study found that four-minute daily scalp massages over a 24-week period increased hair thickness by changing the expression of human dermal papilla cells in tissue under the skin. And a 2019 self-assessment survey found scalp massages improved hair growth for individuals with hair loss.

metamorworks/AdobeStock.com

RECYCLED ART TRANSFORMING

TRASH INTO TREASURE

by Gisele Rinaldi

It takes a special kind of artist to create a work of art out of discarded items. These imaginative, multimedia visionaries see beauty and purpose in the most mundane materials, including paper, computer parts, bits of plastic, leftover fabrics, used tires and random game pieces. Their thought-provoking, surprising works reduce waste that would otherwise populate landfills and prove that trash can indeed become treasure.

Motivated by a desire to educate and inspire, many upcycle artists often interweave a message of environmental consciousness into their artwork, thus spreading awareness about issues or making social commentary. Plastics found along the beach may become a collage of a thriving sea turtle, for example. Old, rusty metal parts may be transformed into a steampunk clock face or a modern hanging sculpture that spins in the wind.

Creating to Preserve Our Planet

Artist and interior designer Noelle Turco, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, comes from a legacy of artists that found ways to be creative with things that were left behind. “Repurposed and upcycled art is inventive and gives a second or third life to every-

thing from packing materials and wood to bottle caps and string,” she explains. “It’s one of my favorite things to do and challenges me mentally because it makes me think about how I am going to take the treasures that I have found—the bits, pieces and even words on paper— and make them into art.”

Cesar Aguilera, art curator at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, in Fort Myers, Florida, makes art to create consciousness about what humans use and consume. “My personal artwork and the exhibitions I design encourage others to reconsider how much we throw away,” he says. “There is not another species on Earth that creates the amount of waste that does not naturally decompose. All that we create has an impact.”

Jen Hardwick, a mixed-media artist who resides in Longview, Washington, loves working with vintage game pieces, toys, wood and metal. “When I moved to Seattle in the late 80s, I started going to markets, junk stores and donation centers, and I would collect all these little ‘treasures’. A lot of these materials would end up in a landfill, so I hope that by using them in my art pieces, it’s helping the environment in a small way.”

Artist Gracie Berry, who also lives in Lancaster, loves the challenge and inspiration that creating upcycled and repurposed art brings. “It allows me to use my creativity to rename things from my perspective,” she explains. “While each of my creations has their own stories and set of rules, a common message is that my art is purposeful and needs to be here.”

Ideas Unfold Into Art

Aguilera, Berry, Hardwick and Turco concur that when making repurposed art, the creative process unfolds in a messy, nonlinear way. Sometimes they begin with an idea in mind, but inspiration occurs while working with the pieces, so the work often takes a different direction.

Moonlit Hare mixed media painting, printed papers

Photo by Gracie Berry_shelovesthepeople@gmail.com

Moko Jumbi mixed media, natural materials

Photo by JenHardwick/ redheadhardwick@gmail.com

Canvas, wood, metal and fabric become foundations for intricate layers of found items placed, sewn and nestled into nooks and crannies, like puzzle pieces fitting oddly together.

“Materials seem to find me way before I ever go looking for them,” Berry shares. “Sometimes the material itself gives me inspiration for my next piece. It’s magical the way it all unfolds. I welcome challenges when it comes to learning techniques that work for specific projects. It’s exciting to find solutions through trial and error, cementing techniques that can be used again.”

Aguilera makes art from discarded computer parts, fabric and furniture. “Technology consumes precious resources but gets discarded as newer inventions become the focus,” he explains. “Showcasing the interior workings of a computer draws attention to hidden beauty. A fresh coat of paint or a design remodel breathes new life into a piece of furniture or clothing.”

Creative Materials Are Accessible

“For those just starting out, simple

projects can be created using magazines, cardboard, yarn and glue,” explains Turco. “Visit secondhand and thrift shops. Often, these stores are nonprofits, so by shopping there, we are not only keeping stuff out of landfills, but also supporting our local communities.”

“Choose materials that inspire you. Pieces can be as simple or detailed as you want them to be, but most importantly, have fun,” enthuses Hardwick. “I love all the things I collect individually, but putting them together to create a robot or a bug or an animal opens up a whole new world for me.”

Look for beauty in unexpected places. Berry suggests that repurposing upcycled objects is not only more sustainable for the planet, it also allows creativity to be accessed anywhere. “When we think outside the box, we can create change through art,” believes Aguilera.

Gisele Rinaldi is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings publications.

Photo by Noelle Turco/nturco@hilancaster.com

Goddess Tree recycled toys, beads, jewelry, wire, metal

It's All About the Bass circut board, bass guitar

Photo by Cesar Aguilera/artcurator.sbdac@gmail.com

MENOPAUSE A Normal Transition in a Woman’s Life

by Linda Sechrist

Menopause, a point in a woman’s life 12 months after her last period, still seems to create angst because of all the negative stigma that has been attached to it over the years. In the 1700’s, when a woman was going through this transition, she was automatically prescribed opium because the medical understanding of menopause was minimal. Generally diagnosed with hysteria, a few centuries later, doctors recommended valium for what was likely nothing more than mood swings. In our more enlightened times, mood swings became associated with this inevitable and natural stage of a woman’s life that has three phases—perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. Other common issues associated with these phases are vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive, weight gain, sleep problems, brain fog, hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, depression and anxiety.

According to the National Institute on Aging, the phases in total last about seven years from beginning to end but can be as long as 14 years. The duration depends on variable lifestyle factors such as smoking, the age when it begins, race and ethnicity. During perimenopause, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly and the transition affects each woman differently. Her body begins to use energy in different ways, fat cells change and she may gain weight more easily. Women can also experience changes in bone or heart health, body shape, composition or physical functioning.

Acupuncture for Menopausal Symptoms

“Menopause is not a disease. It’s nothing women should fear,” says Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) Terri Evans, owner of Tae Healthy Aging, in Naples.

“It is simply another transition in life, one in which women are recognized for their wisdom and power as elders, if they can get beyond the societal stigma that their child-bearing purpose is over. We fully understand the transition from childhood through puberty into the stage of giving birth and nurturing children. Now we need to begin understanding and learning the purpose for this natural transition that in Indigenous cultures such as the Iroquois and Navajo, is celebrated as a welcomed transition to community leaders and an increase in status for older women.

“I don’t treat uncomfortable symptoms of this transition; I

seek out the imbalance that is creating the symptoms and address that. I do this with functional medicine. Many times, it is an imbalance in function that is misunderstood. I get the person back to function, and the symptoms are less uncomfortable. Sometimes it is necessary to treat the anxiety of the stigma of menopause with an acupuncture balance treatment for stress,” says Evans, who often refers patients with more difficult menopausal symptoms to Xiu Qiong Cen, DOM, at the Acupuncture Center of Naples, or Phyllis Weber, a licensed acupuncturist and owner of Gulf Coast Acupuncture & Herbs, in Fort Myers. Both acupuncturists specialize in menopause.

Xiu Qiong Cen

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

The earliest sign of changes, vaginal dryness, occurs in perimenopause between the ages of 40 to 44. According to Dr. Lindsey Berkson, author of Safe Hormones

Smart Women, this is a flashing red light. “It’s insufficient hormone signaling, the body’s warning that bones are beginning to thin, the brain’s structure, activity and neuron connectivity are beginning to decline, and the aging process has begun. This is the perfect time to begin bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Treating only the vagina is minimized medicine. It’s so important to find a doctor who practices functional medicine, has completed continuing education hours in HRT and nutrition and who has experience in these areas,” says Berkson, who practices at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine (NCFM) and is presently a continuing education professor for doctors and pharmacists.

Berkson recalls a presentation she gave for the North Carolina Integrative Medical Society regarding the vindication of estrogen, especially in high-risk patients such as those with breast cancer. She presented the results of 41 studies conducted at such prestigious institutions as the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School. “The female breast cancer patients were given estrogen after their treatment and went on to have less recurrence and fewer deaths. Even if they had recurrences, they had a much higher quality of life.

“Most of what doctors learn in medical school about hormones is minimal, if they receive any instruction at all. What they do learn is wrong, especially in relationship to cancer. Many doctors and patients incorrectly think that hormones cause or drive cancer, or they don’t believe in them. Not only is this mindset unfair for patients, it’s also physiologically and scientifically inaccurate.

Hormones are the most powerful physiological signaling molecules in our body. They rule our brains, gut, kidneys, blood vessels and even our vocal cords,” says the author of 21 books focused on hormones, antiaging and medical nutrition, particularly for

Terri Evans

Dr. Lindsey Berkson

breast cancer survivors. One of her books, Hormone Deception, is a textbook in numerous colleges and universities. NCFM now includes HRT administered by tiny pellets inserted under the skin. The pellets provide steady, predictable, time-released dosages compared to other methods of delivering HRT, including creams, pills and patches. The pellets, which are the size of a grain of rice and are inserted near the hip, contain compounded hormones made from organic plant material with the bioidentical molecular structure of naturally occurring hormones.

Nutritional Support

“I’m a big proponent of HRT, but I really want to know the genetics before I put women on bioidentical hormones, says registered dietician-nutritionist and Institute of Functional Medicine-certified practitioner, Dee Harris. If a woman can’t detox estrogen, she’s more at risk for breast cancer, as well as endometriosis and fibroids, both conditions that affect the uterus. I use the DUTCH Test to measure the inactive byproducts, known as metabolites of estrogen, which are excreted in urine. Estrogen metabolites can be “good” or “bad”, depending on the pathway. The 2-hydroxy pathway is considered “good” because it has the lowest risk for cancer. The 16-hydroxy and 4-hydroxy pathways are considered “bad” because they are associated with higher risks of breast cancer. The best workaround I have for women who fall into this category is supplementation with specialized formulations of diindolylmethane (DIM), a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale. It helps them detox estrogen that is dangerous at higher levels.

Harris asks many women who go through menopause experience hot flashes and night sweats about their history to determine if they had terrible premenstrual syndrome earlier in life. “If they did, it’s likely they had difficulty with hormones to begin with. As functional medicine practitioners, we have different supplements that help promote healthy estrogen levels, detoxing or to alleviate their perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms. We also have medicinal-grade substitutes for women dealing with symptoms who don’t want to do HRT, things like wild yam, a phytoestrogen for relieving vaginal dryness and hot flashes or chaste berry an herb for PMS, sleep and mood swings,” advises Harris who often refers menopausal women out to Sheri Clary, a physician assistant who works out of two compounding pharmacies in Naples.

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI)

According to PubMed Central, for women over 60 that are concerned about breast cancer, diet and lifestyle changes are essential as preventative measures, along with early detection. “While most medical care providers rely on the mammogram

Beneficial Herbs for Perimenopause and Menopause

by Carmen Portner

Black cohosh – hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, vaginal dryness, prolapsed uterus and bladder, vaginal and uterine atrophy, phytoestrogen effects.

Motherwort – palpitations, hot flashes, sloughing of the lining, phytoestrogen effects.

Wild Yam – muscle and menstrual cramps, prevents bone loss, regulates moods (PMS, depression).

Vitex – water retention, depression, uterine fibroids, breast lumps, menstrual flooding, skin breakouts.

Dang Gui – nourishes and builds blood, hot flashes, irregular cycle, dry vagina.

Nettles – water retention, weight gain, strengthens bones (high in calcium and other minerals).

Black haw – menstrual cramps and pain, flooding or excessive bleeding.

Passionflower – Insomnia, anxiety, nervous tension.

Ginseng – tiredness, poor memory and concentration, anxiety, insomnia (from deficiency), low libido.

Epimedium – hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness; tonifies yin and yang.

These herbs can be tried separately or in combination. Desired results can take about two to three months. Many women find that these natural approaches provide relief to their symptoms, or at least enough to avoid pharmaceuticals, without the risks and side effects of conventional treatments.

These herbs can be found at major health food stores or online at Herb Pharm, Herbalist & Alchemist as well as Mountain Rose Herbs. If after trying a few of the herbs, individuals are still not getting relief, it means that the chosen herbs are not exactly right for the condition, or it requires the assistance of a clinical herbalist.

Carmen Portner is a clinical herbalist and owner of Holistic Harmony, which specializes in personalized herbal solutions. For more information, call 239-688-4585 or visit HolisticHarmonyllc.com. See ad, page 5.

Dee Harris

Self-Care for Perimenopause and Menopause

by Sue Mahany

Self-care during perimenopause and menopause can significantly ease the transition into the glorious years of no longer having a cycle. Everything a woman can do, from eating clean, taking a break from alcohol and consciously detoxifying the body of metals, plastics and chemicals will smooth the transition. HerbDoc.com offers great, affordable herbal protocols to clean the bowels, kidneys, liver and gallbladder.

Menopause is an opportunity to balance critical hormones, including cortisol, thyroid, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Ideally, an individual can work with a functional medicine doctor to learn their exact levels and rebalance them. But there is a lot that can be done on one’s own if there are budgetconstraint issues, including using herbs to balance cortisol (ashwagandha) if stressed. Natural, desiccated thyroid is helpful when one suspects they are one of the 80 percent of the population that has an under-functioning thyroid (ForeFrontHealth. com has great educational resources and products), and vaginal suppositories from Bezwecken.com have estriol, progesterone and DHEA (a testosterone precursor). These suppositories go right where support can be useful in terms of lubrication and libido, and they work systemically, as well. An added bonus is that often estrogen helps with bladder urgency.

A critical issue to focus on is the prevention of bone loss. The two years after menopause are known to be pivotal in terms of maintaining bone density, so it is wise to consume plenty of food sources of calcium such as soy and leafy greens. Be sure to take vitamin D with A and K included, as well as magnesium to keep bone density and overall function optimized. Weightbearing exercise is also necessary to keep bone density.

In cleansing and strengthening the body, remember to clean out and strengthen the mind. Letting go of past issues and focusing on being grateful for having made it this far is key. Loving What Is, by Byron Katie, is a beautiful book that offers easy and real ways to tame and train the mind so everyday life can be enjoyable.

Self-care during perimenopause and menopause can significantly improve the transition. To appreciate the precious body, apply some discipline to get through the experience even stronger than when it began. It’s a time for women to celebrate accomplishments and set themselves up for enjoying the next

for early detection, there is another tool, thermography. This noninvasive adjunctive diagnostic screening procedure focuses on abnormalities in the physical or anatomical structure within the breast. An infrared scanning device is used to convert infrared radiation emitted from the skin surface into electrical impulses that are visualized in color on a monitor. Medical DITI’s major clinical value is in its high sensitivity to pathology in the vascular, muscular, neural and skeletal systems, and as such, can contribute to the pathogenesis and diagnosis made by a clinician that interprets them,” advises Kim Lemons, owner of Sun Coast Thermal Imaging, LLC, in Cape Coral. An obstacle to medical professionals embracing thermography is that it is missing from the curriculum of medical schools, which means that doctors know little about it.

Lemons sees thermography as a commonsense option for women that intuitively have concerns about the potential harm of mammography’s repeated radiation exposure and breast compression. The National Cancer Institute has noted potential harms due to radiation exposure, and a study published in the British Journal of Radiobiology states that the type of radiation used in X-ray-based screenings is more carcinogenic than previously believed.

Powering through the menopausal years is no longer necessary because there are functional medicine practitioners in the area to help and online organizations such as Women’s Health Network and The North American Menopause Society. Women can join Red Hot Mamas and start a support group in the area. Founder Karen Gilbrin designed the RedHotMamas.org website to help women understand that menopause is a normal life transition and to encourage women not to view it negatively.

Local Resources

D-Signed Nutrition, Bonita Bay Executive Center, 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd., Ste. 300, in Bonita Springs. 239-676-5249. D-SignedNutrition.com. See ad, page 19.

Naples Center for Functional Medicine, 800 Goodlette Rd. N., Ste. 270, in Naples, 239-649-7400, NaplesCFM.com. See ad, page 47.

Suncoast Thermal Imaging, 308 SE 43rd Ln., in Cape Coral; 239-540-1002, MedicalThermograms.com. See ad, page 44.

Sue Mahany is owner of Spark Health Technologies located at 11983 N. Tamiami Tr., Ste. 150, in Naples. For appointments and more information, call 802-752-6342 or visit SparkHealthTechnologies.com. See ad, page 10.

Tae Healthy Aging Center, 11983 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 100A, in Naples; 239-430-6800 TaeHealthyAging.com. See ad, page 32.

Kim Lemons

Meet Ann Smith

Naples Resident

Work: Co-founder and convener of the GreenTentCircle.com

Proudest Achievement: Co-created and trained hundreds of Women of Vision Trainers who then presented a women’s spiritually-based experiential leadership program around the world, replacing hierarchies with circular structures and leadership where everyone is equally valued and equally shares the information, decision-making, resources, power with and for others. Women of Vision Trainers in Africa became AIDS prevention teachers, saving thousands of lives.

Expectations for the Future: Circle structures and shared leadership become the model in developing resilient, sustainable, inclusive and loving communities and organizations. Learning how to transform consumerism by living more simply and sustainably, reuse, reduce, recycle, repurpose. Use non-violent communication in confronting discrimination and environmental deregulation and becoming allies with people of color to end systemic racism. Working together as equals in bringing about a new world of justice, peace and equality for all creation. Stop the use of fossil fuels and plastics, and pass the Right to a Clean Water in Florida and the Right to a Healthy Planet in every state, as well as the United Nations.

What you are passionate about that brings you joy: Being part of the Green Tent Circle, an international sacred circle of women from many parts of the world who come together and share stories, wisdom based on experience, prayers for those in need and great ideas for a better world. We use our website to share information and highlight women’s leadership and successful programs. There is so much love, creativity and wisdom in our weekly Zoom calls that are open to all. We make sure we are not structured, think or interact in a patriarchal way, learning and becoming nature’s way. We have fun, laugh and cry together. At the Parliament of World Religions convening in Chicago in August, the Green Tent was an oasis of calm, holding sacred circle conversations, ceremonies and celebrations, including two celebrations of life. It was a sacred place for meeting and just being.

Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: Wealth of information and resources to live a natural life.

Local causes supported: SWFL RESET Center and other environmental organizations. Gather the Women of SW Florida, which has been in existence since 2005.

This local and global organization supports sacred circles for healing, empowerment and actions. It is now part of the Green Tent Circle of SW Florida with a focus in caring for Mother Earth.

Most frequented healthy food restaurant: Harvest & Wisdom at Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs.

Where I pick up my copy of Natural Awakenings: Dr. Anne Ray, chiropractor.

How I invest in my community: I give my time, talent and money.

Favorite inspirational quote: “All shall be we well, and all manner of things shall be well.” ~ Julien of Norwich

What I am doing to be the change I want to see in in the world: Daily prayers, meditation, deep listening to non-verbal and verbal beings, reflection, appreciations and savoring each day, being of service to others.

The Modern Macrobiotic Diet

MORE THAN TOFU AND SEAWEED

by Veronica Hinke

So much has evolved in the 100 years since Japanese edu cator 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 uncomfort-

able. 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 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 attract-

ed 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.”

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 area-based 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 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 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

Healing Artisan Jewelry

Sage & Incense

Aura Photos

Crystals

Readings/Healing

Inspirational Gifts

(239) 228-6949

600 Goodlette Road N. Naples FL 34102

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.

Classes & Events

Psychic Development

2 Monthly Psychic Fairs

Goddess Gatherings

Energy Healings

www.goddessiam.com

Dr. Gerald Lorino and Dr. Suzanne Lorino

WINTER SQUASH RISOTTO

YIELD: 4-6 SERVINGS

FOR THE BROTH:

¼ red onion, diced

½ carrot, diced

¼ cup diced winter squash

Splash of white wine or mirin

3 cups spring or filtered water

FOR THE RISOTTO:

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ red onion, finely diced

¼ tsp sea salt

Splash of white wine or mirin

½ cup carnaroli or Arborio rice

¼ winter squash, unpeeled and finely diced

4-5 sprigs fresh basil, leaves removed, hand-shredded

To make the broth, combine all of the listed ingredients in

a large saucepan over low heat and simmer for 30 minutes before making the risotto. This can be done the day before.

For the risotto, place the olive oil in a deep skillet along with the onion over medium heat. When the onion begins to sizzle, add a pinch of salt and cook, stirring until translucent. Add the rice and a generous splash of wine, and cook, stirring until the wine is absorbed. Add ¼ cup broth and cook, stirring frequently, until the broth is absorbed. Add another ¼ cup of broth and repeat the process. Stir in half of the diced squash and cook, stirring.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, place the remaining squash with enough water to cover halfway. Add a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the squash is soft, about 20 minutes.

Continue adding the remaining broth to the rice—¼ cup at a time—and stirring until the rice is tender but al dente, about 25 minutes.

Take the remaining squash and use an emulsion blender or a food processor to purée until smooth. Stir the puréed squash into the cooked risotto. Season it lightly with salt and cook over low heat until the squash is absorbed into the rice.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.

Is Your Home Making You Sick?

• Mold is microscopic. By the time you see it, a 1 inch square has over a million spores!

• Mold produces a by-product called MYCOTOXINS, a light-weight vapor molecule that easily travels through your HVAC, is easily inhaled and absorbed through your skin.

• It is well known that mold and MYCOTOXINS cause health issues.

• A water issue - even years earlier - could still be haunting your home.

Photo by Paul Parisi

Photo by Paul Parisi

BEETROOT AND ORANGE MISO SOUP

YIELD: 4-6 SERVINGS

4 medium beets, washed and with stems trimmed to about 1 inch

2 tsp ginger, finely chopped

2 Tbsp green onions, finely chopped

2 cups water or vegetable stock

1¼ cup orange juice

2 Tbsp raspberry vinegar

1 Tbsp barley (mugi) miso

½ cup chopped chives or green onions

Place the beetroot in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, about 40 minutes. Drain the beets.

Next, run the beets under cold water and peel them. The skin and stalks should fall off easily. Chop the beets into ½-inch cubes.

Reserve ⅓ cup chopped beets and set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the remaining beets, ginger, green onions, water or vegetable stock plus one extra cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in orange juice.

Purée soup in small batches in a blender until smooth.

Remove a small portion of the soup into a bowl and dissolve the miso. Add miso back into the soup and stir through. Add the vinegar and stir through.

Garnish with the chives or green onions.

Recipe courtesy of Karla Walter.

COMPLIMENTARY

ADVANCED SCREENING

hosted by

October 14, 2023 8pm ET, 5pm PT

Movie and Q&A Streamed Live in KnoWEwell's Regenerative Whole Health® Hub (Access will be available for only 24 hours after screening)

Dr. Dale Bredesen

WITH Live post-screening Q&A with Dale Bredesen, MDNew York Times

Bestselling author of The End of Alzheimer’s

A DOCUMENTARY FILM BY HIDEYUKI TOKIGAWA

NARRATED BY MICHAEL BUBLE

LASAGNA WITH TOFU RICOTTA AND VEGGIE BOLOGNESE

YIELD: 6-8 SERVINGS

FOR THE LASAGNA:

¾-1 lb whole wheat or regular lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions

6-8 oz frozen spinach

1 large zucchini, cut into fettucine-shaped noodles with a vegetable peeler

1 eggplant, cut into ¼-inch rounds and salted

FOR THE VEGGIE BOLOGNESE:

5-6 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 medium carrot, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

½ lb fresh mushrooms, finely chopped

1 zucchini, finely chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried basil

¼ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp salt

½-¾ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 Tbsp olive oil or water

1½ tsp sweetener (coconut or date sugar)

12 oz tomato paste

5 fresh tomatoes, diced

1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes (plain or with basil)

½ cup chopped Kalamata or black olives

2 Tbsp capers, rinsed

¼ cup red wine

FOR THE TOFU RICOTTA:

1 lb medium tofu, drained

¼ cup unsweetened almond or soy milk

1 tsp dried oregano

1 Tbsp dried basil

2 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp nutmeg

2 Tbsp lemon juice

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, chopped

To make the veggie Bolognese, in a large pot over high heat, sauté the garlic, onion, carrot, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, oregano, basil, thyme, pepper, salt and red pepper flakes in the olive oil or water until the onions are tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the sweetener, tomato paste, tomatoes, olives, capers, wine and ¾ cup water. Cover, and simmer over mediumlow heat for 30 minutes.

Photo by Lisa Books-Williams

Serve with pasta or use in lasagna.

To make the tofu ricotta, blend all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor until it achieves the consistency of cottage cheese, about 3 to 5 minutes. If mixture is too thick, add a little water.

To salt the eggplant, wash and dry the outside of the eggplant. Line a 9- by 12-inch cookie sheet with 2 layers of paper towels. Cut eggplant into ¼-inch rounds and place each round on the sheet pan. Sprinkle ⅛ teaspoon or less of salt on each round and gently massage it into the eggplant. Let rest for 10 minutes. Use paper towels to remove the water that is being expelled from the salting process. Flip the eggplant and repeat process. For best results, remove the salt and expelled liquid.

For the lasagna, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the bottom of a 9- by 13inch cake pan in a thin layer of sauce, then cover with a layer of the lasagna noodles. Place the salted eggplant rounds on top of the noodles. Place a dollop of tofu ricotta every 1 to 2 inches. Cover with the zucchini noodles, followed by a layer of sauce. Cover with the spinach, followed by a layer of sauce. Finish with a top layer of lasagna noodles, covered with sauce and sprinkled with dollops of the tofu ricotta.

Cover loosely with aluminum foil or a baking lid and bake until it is hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes. Optional: Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to brown the ricotta topping. Remove from oven and set it on the countertop for 20 minutes before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Lisa Books-Williams.

TRADITIONAL WORLD HEALING WISDOM

LOST PRACTICES GAIN NEW RESPECT

by Carrie Jackson

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.

Herbalism

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 Wisconsinbased 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 ances-

tors 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.”

Energy Healing

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

ND STOCK/AdobeStockcom Caphira

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

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.

Emotional Healing

“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.

Advanced Age-Reversing Healing Retreat

w/Pioneering Doctor in Psychology & Health, Aurora Juliana Ariel PhD

& Top USA Doctor & Team in Cutting Edge Stem Cell Therapies

7 Glorious Days at Oceanfront Resort Cancun, Mexico • January 17-23, 2024

A Blend of Advanced Anti-Aging Stem Cell Therapy Protocols with a Cutting-Edge Spiritual Psychology Technology, Age Reversing, Subconscious Re-coding, Master Divine Healers Assisting & More!

Restoring Your Youthful Health & Beauty from the Inside Out

This is an intimate retreat providing you with quality attention and support

Stem Cell Therapy is a Light Force Restoring Youthful Body

Each day there will be an advanced application of Age Reversing Total Regeneration Trainings and Healing plus a partial day receiving a Stem Cell Therapy IV (We only use consensual purest high grade quality stem cells) and any other treatment you want (injections directly into knees, etc, a fantastic PRP w stem cells/exosomes and more at a cutting edge world class clinic (with no extra cost for the different applications).

$4444 for Retreat includes:

7 Day Quantum Regeneration Retreat with Aurora Juliana Ariel, PhD

Premium All Inclusive King Ocean Front Room + Lots of Amenities

Free Consultation w/ top US Doctor in Stem Cell Therapy Field to Design Your Anti–Aging, Stem Cell Regenerative Treatments starting at $2950 for Wide Range of Conditions

Any Treatment Free w/purchase of Stem Cell Anti Aging/Age Reversal IV package  (shots in knees, shoulder, PRP, and more)

Free Transport to & from Stem Cell Therapy Treatment Center near Clinic

Powerful Healing Circles w/ Dr. Aurora Ariel & Divine Master Healer Team  Receiving Major Upgrades, Re-coding, Clearings,  Training, Knowledge & Quantum Self Actualization Activations

Not Included:

Plane Flights, Airport Transport to & From Hotel ($70 RT), Extra food/meals outside of hotel or that are not included, Stem Cell Therapy Package

For more information call 239-207-2775 or visit ioah.org.

Christina Carlin

Living a Holistic Lifestyle

by Yvette Lynn

In her early 20s, yoga training sparked a gradual succession of awakening moments during the years that followed for Christina Carlin, owner of the Ayurveda, Massage & Yoga Institute, in Naples. Carlin eventually found her way in a weekend adult education class to Ayurvedic lifestyle wisdom for preventing disease and living with vitality. “I went to a weekend course where a woman biologist delivered a course on Ayurveda, which translates as ‘the knowledge of life.’ I had already learned something about it from my yoga classes, and felt the information resonating with me. The class was so interesting that I knew it was something I really wanted to learn more about and to create a lifestyle around its principles for the remainder of my life,” says the native of Germany.

Carlin lives a holistic Ayurvedic lifestyle that aligns and connects her with nature, which is part of Ayurvedic wisdom. “Nature is part of you, there’s no separation. Some people only live one part of it. They take herbs or they just meditate or practice yoga. Some just eat an Ayurvedic diet. My lifestyle encompasses all aspects of Ayurveda, and thus addresses body, mind and spirit, opening me to my own natural wholeness. Ayurvedic principles remind me that we are all self-healing creatures, and that we can maintain or regain good health by choosing healing foods, a balanced lifestyle and inner calm,” advises Carlin.

By practicing Ayurveda, Carlin learned that she should not do things just for herself. “I should do things to raise consciousness. A holistic lifestyle means I consider the environment and nature, and I don’t waste something just because I can. I respect our natural resources, the animal and plant kingdoms. I particularly love being in my gardens or in any natural environment. It’s where I feel such clarity,” she says.

Meditation is part of Carlin’s daily routine to maintain a clear mind. “Maintaining a clear mind, I make the right choices that not only affect me, but benefit others. With a clear mind when

someone asks me for advice, I can give them a logical answer for their problem. I’m raising consciousness by talking to people about simple things, such as how I plant a garden that benefits all creatures without using pesticides, avoid wasting water, repurpose items that were produced using energy and valuable resources. I’m planting seeds in an individual’s consciousness. They start to think about the ideas and maybe make different decisions. It’s like role modeling,” she advises.

Carlin has been living a holistic lifestyle for more than 30 years and has integrated that lifestyle with her work as a professional massage therapist who specializes in highly individualized Ayurvedic treatments and yoga therapy. She also offers panchakarma and Ayurvedic skincare treatments, as well as lifestyle and health consultations. “It’s been a little-by-little process,” she says. “Over the years, life and work have come together and beautifully. It’s what I envisioned from the beginning.”

Christina Carlin

A holistic lifestyle means I consider the environment and nature, and I don’t waste something just because I can. I respect our natural resources, the animal and plant kingdoms. I particularly love being in my gardens or in any natural environment. It’s where I feel such clarity.

~Christina Carlin

Ayurveda, Massage & Yoga Institute is located at 501 Goodlette Rd. N., Ste. A107, in Naples. Call 239-450-6903. See ad, page 4.

Sophie Haruna Klimcak

ON FINDING AWE AND WONDER

by Sandra Yeyati

Sophie Haruna Klimcak is the co-founder 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.

What inspired you to start Wild Awake?

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.

How do you define the learning process?

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.

How do you help people awaken to that learning spirit?

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.

Can you describe one of your favorite programs?

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.

What advice do you have for people that want to connect with nature?

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.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

photo courtesy ofWild Awake

Ensofic Reiki and the Spirit World

by Lisa Marlene

Licensed Massage Therapist

Renee Walsh, owner of Alchemy of Love and Truth, in Naples, is trained in Ensofic Reiki. A spiritual healing art with roots in Japan, rei means “universal life” and ki means “energy”. Not affiliated with any religious practice, reiki is a subtle and effective form of energy work using spiritually guided life force energy that flows through all living things. Mikao Usui developed the energy healing technique that promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch in the early 1900s. Practitioners like Walsh use their hands to deliver energy to the body, improving the flow and balance of an individual’s energy to support healing.

According to the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), an interest in complementary health care since 1990 has led to reiki being accepted and practiced in more than 800 hospitals and clinics across the U.S. A meaningful and cost-effective way to improve patient care, reiki has been reported to cause patients to heal faster. ICRT also reports that a research study at Hartford Hospital, in Hartford, Connecticut, indicated that reiki improved patient sleep by 86 percent, reduced pain by 78 percent, reduced nausea by 80 percent as well as reducing anxiety during pregnancy by 94 percent.

Describing Ensofic Reiki, Walsh says,

“In this modality, the breath of God is used to awaken the ‘I am’ presence within an individual, helping them to feel more connected to the oneness of all that is. This healing modality is a process of reorienting body, soul and spirit to each other for absolute alignment. First, by destroying imbalanced physical, mental and emotional patterns that prevent our highest potential. Second, by sealing our physical vessels (bodies) to contain this highest vibration. And third, by harmonizing our structures (mental, emotional and physical) so that we can create a full life resolved of conflict.

“In the last 20 years, I’ve studied esoteric and metaphysical principles which prepared and aligned me so well for an understanding of the important basis for being a clear channel for this work. This is a great modality for those lacking passion for life, desire and feeling, as if they are stuck in a rut or off track from their potential and purpose. It awakens the desire to love and manifest the limitless light here in the physical. Space is very specially prepared. A virtual temple is created as the world of spirit is called in,” says Walsh.

For more information, call 239-250-5115, email Renee@AlchemyOfLoveandTruth.com or visit AlchemyOfLoveAndTruth.com. See ad, page 22.

half

consultation that analyzes a series of facial measurements to help determine the moSt Flattering hair Style that you can wear now.

Renee Walsh

FACELIFT

Keeping Pharmaceuticals Out of Our Environment

by Linda Sechrist

There is a growing concern about the incidence of pharmaceuticals found in aquatic habitats and drinking water. Operation Medicine Cabinet is an effort to educate the community about how to properly dispose of unused medications and the potential consequences when people fail to dispose of them properly. “Pharmaceuticals get into the water supply via human excretion and via the many residents that simply flush unused or expired medications down their toilet,” says Deborah Comella, executive director of Drug-Free Lee, which offers Deterra drug deactivation disposal bags for free from her office at The Collaboratory, in Fort Myers, or at Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida.

Operation Medicine Cabinet-Lee County

Operation Medicine Cabinet-Lee County is supported by the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades County and is raising awareness of the importance of disposing of unused and expired pharmaceuticals using the Deterra bags. “The activated carbon in the bags, which can be disposed of in the trash, is highly effective at firmly binding to the active ingredients in prescription and over-the-counter medications, rendering them inert, unavailable for misuse and safe for disposal in the normal trash,” says Comella.

The disposable bags have been lab-tested and proven to deactivate leftover prescriptive or over-the-counter medications no matter the form—pills, liquid, creams, films, and patches—permanently and irreversibly. They also deactivate dangerous narcotics such as opioids and psychoactive medications such as ketamine.

Operation Medicine cabinet is also active in Collier County, and the 13 permanent drop-off sites are listed on the DrugFreeCollier.org website.

Pharmaceuticals in Seafood

According to the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) website, a three-year study by Florida International University (FIU) and BTT, pharmaceutical contaminants have been discovered in the blood and other tissues of bonefish found in Florida waters. The study began in 2018 with FIU scientists and BTT research associates in partnership with Sweden’s Umeå University and the University of Agricultural Sciences. Researchers sampled 93 fish in South Florida, finding an average of seven pharmaceuticals per bonefish, and even 17 pharmaceuticals in a single fish.

The list includes blood pressure medications, antidepressants, prostate treatment medications, antibiotics and pain relievers. Researchers also found pharmaceuticals in bonefish prey—crabs, shrimp and fish—suggesting that many of Florida’s valuable fisheries are exposed, and not only in the bonefish fishery. Posing a formidable threat to fisheries, the pharmaceuticals threaten human health.

safe, effective, non-surgical procedure for facial rejuvenation and muscle toning.

Allini Water Filters

Allini Water Filters, in Naples, notes other types of contaminants that science and new technologies are finding in water, making it necessary for Florida residents to protect themselves with water filters in homes and businesses. Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has in place unenforceable water quality goals and enforceable drinking water standards (MCL), which means a concentration of a contaminant that does not pose any known health risk to humans. Of the 85,000 industrial chemicals used in the U.S., only 24 of the new contaminants have been considered for regulation since 1996, and none have been regulated in the last 20 years. MCLGs and MCLs are established with the best of intentions to monitor and regulate water pollution effects to keep individuals safe and healthy.

Allini’s website notes that the frequent discrepancy between the guideline (MCLG) and the enforceable standard (MCL) indicates that other factors play a significant role. The legal goals and limits set are most times determined by economic and political factors to reduce costs.

For more information on Operation Medicine Cabinet, call Drug-Free Lee at 239-560-1929 or Drug-Free Collier at 239302-6717. For more information on water filters, call Allini Water Filters at 239-4514393 or visit OrganicWaterSystems.com. See ad, page 23.

The Healing Arts of Qigong and Tai Chi

WELL-BEING THROUGH INTENTIONAL MOVEMENTS

by Nadia Linda Hole, M.D.

Qigong is more than a modern wellness practice. It’s a 5,000-year-old Chinese healing art steeped in tradition. At its core, qigong revolves around the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”), considered to be the life-force energy that permeates the universe. Like love, qi can act as a potent healing agent, restoring inner peace, balance and harmony. Gong refers to the dedication and effort invested in mastering this skill, a journey marked by patience and repetition. Qigong is a moving, meditative practice aimed at harmonizing internal energies, and it is related to tai chi, which originated as a martial art.

Benefits and Scientific Validation

The practice of qigong involves breath work, movement, mindfulness and stretching. It is performed with intention, yet emptiness (wuji), enabling practitioners to cultivate a stronger, deeper mind-body-spirit connection that allows for heightened stillness, clarity, vitality, awareness and sense of self. It has been clinically documented to alleviate stress, enhance energy levels, improve physical fitness and promote cardiopulmonary and immune function.

A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Medicine reported that qigong improved balance and coordination in older adults. In presenting their scientific approach and rationale, the researchers noted, “Qigong is an integral part of both ancient and modern Chinese medical practice and is now a popular mind-body wellness technique in the United States, as well. An estimated 2.9 million U.S. adults practiced either tai chi, qigong or both in 2012.”

In a 2012 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that tai chi could enhance brain size and improve neuropsychological measures in elderly individuals, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s. A systematic review of 11 studies involving 1,061 seniors with mild cognitive impairment suggested that tai chi training could

be effective in improving cognitive function, including memory, learning, mental speed and attention. And, a 10-week study by Brown University researchers reported that cancer patients that practiced qigong displayed clinically significant improvements in fatigue.

Accelerating the Healing Process

“Knowing yourself is the real practice,” says David Stokes Hone, a naturopathic doctor, medical qigong master and founder of the Elements of Life Institute. “As practitioners, all we’re doing is reminding people of the divine connection that’s inside of them. Qigong helps clear blockages and move the stuck qi out. Just doing the practices, we allow our bodies to heal through the movement that helps us have the faith to heal. The blocks and addictions melt into the light formed by the exercises.”

According to Hone, the profound transformations achieved through qigong can range from the dramatic, such as restoring sensation in a paraplegic’s legs, to the more subtle, like the emergence of a smile. He recalls the story of a young woman entrenched in addiction who managed to turn her life around after embracing the practice.

Kevin Chen, Ph.D., a qigong master and associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, introduced qigong to his father with chronic back pain as a way to alleviate his suffering and avoid a recommended surgery.

Principles of Qigong

For beginners, Tai Chi Master Violet Li emphasizes relaxation and mindfulness. “True relaxation is more a state of mind,”

Sergey Nivens/ShutterStock.com

she explains. “When we pay attention to our body, the qi will follow.”

Troy Bennett, a doctor of acupuncture and qigong master from Newfoundland, Canada, shares eight principles that he learned from Qigong Grandmaster Effie Chow.

MEDITATE. Whenever a problem arises, meditate and wait for the answer to come. If you come to the conclusion that you can’t fix the problem, then it’s not in your hands, so don’t worry about it.

BE LIKE THE WILLOW TREE. Learn to be flexible in the body, mind and spirit.

BREATHE The quality of your breath will determine the quality of your life. Breathe like a newborn baby.

CONNECT. Everyone and everything in the universe is connected through qi. Remember the smallest thing you do in life will have an effect on the universe. Always hold the intention of love.

TRAIN FOR SUCCESS. Remember to always help people become the best that they can become.

LEAVE A BLESSING. Whenever you meet someone, always give a blessing. Your kindness can have the most powerful effect on someone’s life and transform them in ways you can only dream of.

EXPERIENCE EIGHT HUGS AND THREE BELLY-ACHING LAUGHS DAILY Don’t take life so seriously. Learn to laugh and enjoy life.

LIVE When Dr. Chow was asked, “What happens when you die?” she laughed and said, “I cannot answer that question. There is no such thing as death. There is only life.”

Nadia Linda Hole is a medical doctor, qigong master and pioneer in bridging Oriental, Western and energy medicine with Hawaiian-style qigong. She served as a consulting editor for the book Chinese Medical Qigong and contributing author in medical textbooks on complementary medicine.

If a metal does this to your skin... Imagine what it will do implanted inside of your body?

Discovering the World of Martial Arts

A LOOK AT FIVE POPULAR MODALITIES

by Carrie Jackson

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 mil-

lion 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.”

Karate

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

Meschanov Anton/Shutterstock.com Nomad_Soul/ShutterStock.com

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.

Capoeira

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 multi-sensory experience.

Aikido

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 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 self-defense 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

Jiu-jitsu originated in Japan, evolving over centuries, with Brazilian jiu-jitsu 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 appli-

cation of techniques; enhances concentration, awareness, self-esteem and focus; and creates a sense of balance and calm.”

Taekwondo

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.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

A Symphony of Skill-Building

HOW MUSIC SPURS CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

by Sheila Julson

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.

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.

Building a Better Brain

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.

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 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.

ORION PRODUCTION/Shutterstockco,

Learning Life Skills

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.”

Nature’s Germ Killer

Stop bad germs before they stop you!

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

Sinus trouble from germs

Cold sores or fever blisters

Canker sores that get infected

Mold allergy, Warts, Ringworm

Sleep loss due to Congestion

Pink Eye, Styes, Thrush

Infected sores or skin lesions

Cuts or wounds getting infected

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.

Sheila

Julson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“The kids all got sick, but not me.”

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

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.

90-day Money-back Guarantee. Top BBB rating. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each with code NATA38

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.

ADVERTORIAL

Kill germs in nose, mouth, skin

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

SUPPORTING PETS WITH ANCIENT HEALING WISDOM

by Kiki Powers

For years, we have seen a growing appreciation in contemporary culture for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the complementary role it can play within Western medicine. Based upon thousands of years of observation, this natural healing approach can be valuable not just for humans, but also for animal companions.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) includes the use of food therapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and tui-na massage to maintain health and treat disease. Some pets with chronic arthritic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, nerve damage,

epilepsy, cancer and other long-term ailments may not respond well to conventional treatments, or the side effects of Western medicine may cause even more problems. That is when TCVM can intercede to provide relief.

There are a few basic principles governing TCVM. Qi is the life force that flows freely when a pet is healthy and may be blocked or weak when a pet becomes ill. Yin-and-yang refers to the interplay between natural dualities—such as light and dark or hot and cold—and the need to maintain a balance between these opposing properties. There are five elements— wood, fire, earth, metal and water—which also need to be in balance for optimal health. During an examination, a TCM vet will determine what is out of balance and develop a customized treatment plan.

Food Therapy

Dr. Ruth Roberts, an integrative veterinarian and pet health coach, applies TCM principles when designing a whole-foods diet to optimize pet well-being and support healthy longevity. “Under TCM principles, foods have warming, cooling or neutral properties when they interact with a pet’s natural energy, and the goal is to find a balance,” she explains. “Many pet ailments may stem from or be related to imbalances within the body, as well as environmental factors, all of which underscore the need for the proper nutritional balance.”

According to Roberts, in a hot climate, a pet might need cooling foods, such as turkey, fish, banana, celery, kelp, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber and melon. In colder temperatures, warming foods such as mutton, deer, chicken, ginger, squash and pumpkin are advisable. When designing a balancing diet, neutral foods may be needed, including pork, bison, salmon, tuna, carrots, green beans, peas, olive oil and shiitake mushrooms.

Acupuncture

Veterinary acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular to relieve pain or treat ailments, including allergies, seizures, reproductive problems and liver and kidney disease. The procedure involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points

on the body, thereby stimulating nerve endings, which then conduct impulses to the brain and spinal cord. It is best to consult an experienced, licensed acupuncturist or TCVM specialist that specifically treats pets.

In a 2017 study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal, researchers found, “Acupuncture alone or in combination with analgesics reduced pain and improved quality of life in dogs with neurological and musculoskeletal diseases. Dogs with musculoskeletal disorders had a better improvement in chronic pain and locomotion than those with neurological disorders.”

Chinese Herbs

TCVM uses a number of herbs, roots, mushrooms, bark and other plant-based ingredients to help pets with immune dysfunction, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, liver and kidney disease and other long-term, chronic conditions. When it comes to more serious pet health issues, such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer), Roberts suggests the strategic use of full-spectrum hemp extract (CBD), cannabis oil (THC) and medicinal mushrooms. Dosages will differ for each individual pet. It is best to consult an integrative veterinarian or pet nutritionist. “In several documented cases, a combination of homeopathy, TCM, medicinal mushrooms and CBD-THC solutions working together synergistically with a healing diet have helped dogs outlive their bone cancer diagnosis without harmful side effects, stressful procedures or complicated vet visits, all at a dramatically reduced cost,” Roberts says. “As they say, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ especially where our beloved animal family members are concerned.”

Tui-Na Massage

Also under the TCVM umbrella, tui-na massage uses kneading, pressing and rolling techniques to improve a pet’s health and balance. Among the condi-

tions that respond well to this type of massage are arthritis, muscle tension and soreness, stress and anxiety, joint paint and mobility issues. The technique focuses on stimulating acupuncture points and energy pathways, or meridians, that promote the smooth flow of qi throughout the body. This treatment can be used in conjunction with complementary therapies to enhance results.

Integrative Medicine

“I strongly believe Traditional Chinese Medicine is good medicine. Western medicine is great medicine. However, the best medicine is an integration of both because each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses,” says Dr. Huisheng Xie, DVM, Ph.D., a clinical professor of integrative medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, in Gainesville.

According to Xie, TCVM is weak in diagnosis because it does not have sophisticated diagnostic technology. Western medicine’s weakness is the large amount of side effects associated with conventional drugs. “That’s why the best medicine is to integrate both to avoid the weaknesses and take advantage of the strengths of each,” he says.

Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plantbased nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at RawKiki.com.

Monika

Marcy

Duron Lee,

calendar of events

The events described in this section were scheduled to take place at the time we went to press. Please check ahead to confirm their status.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

H 20 and Bubbles Launch Party – 5:30pm. The Cold Plunge can boost the immune system, stimulate circulation, improve the quality of sleep and concentration, and relieve stress and tension. Free admission for party for first 20 guests; fees for services. Purely You Spa, 3066 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 302 Naples. 239-331-8266, text: 239-2339633. PurelyYouSpa.com. See ad on page 2 and news brief on page 8.

Drawing on Nothing: An Introduction to Yoga Nidra – 6:30-8:30pm. With Jamie Verley. $25/ nonmember, $20/member. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ft Meyers. CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

Sound Bath with Harmonic Alignment – 4:456pm. With Natalie Batty. Relax and recharge yourself through the healing vibrations of seven crystal singing bowls, Native American flute, drumming, Koshi chimes, singing, toning and more. $35. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter. com. See ad, page 13.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

Mindful Art – 7-9pm. With Vicki Durso. Freeflowing meditative art practice with mindful drawing using Neurographic Art is a beautiful meditative process based in mindfulness. $30/ member, $40/nonmember. Behind the Buddha Studio, 9290-1 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org. See ad on page 5 and news brief on page 9.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

Sound Bath with Harmonic Alignment – 4:456pm. See Oct 1 listing. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

KundaFlow Yoga and Gong Bath – 123pm. With DamaDé. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Great Bones Book Club and Food Sampling – 1:30-3pm. Are you looking for answers to help with osteopenia or osteoporosis? Learn how lifestyle changes help regrow your bones. Join Dr. Yaroslov Pererva, Deb Martín and Vickie Gelardi to learn about supportive foods for bones and enjoy tasty samples. In-person and virtual. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register, Deb: 303-929-4972. LotusBlossomClinic.com. See ad, page 45.

plan ahead

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Mystic Faire – 10am-6pm. Gathering of area psychics, healers, artists and others. Massage, reiki, animal communication, tarot, mediums, angel portraits and art, feng shui, crystals, candles, incense, spiritual art, books, jewelry, Native American art

and drums, mandalas and more. $5, free/age 12 & under. Etudes Dance Studio, 3285 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. 239-949-3387. MysticFaires.com. See ad on page 41 and news brief on page 9.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14

Global Unity Gathering – Dec 14-17. Her Holiness Sai Maa will bring her unique fusion of Eastern spiritual wisdom, Western therapeutic knowledge and energetic mastery through teaching sessions and deep energetic work for the personal and global awakening of participants. Online interactive event, $697; energy sessions, $250. Other options for Awakening Mastery and Grand Design memberships. Sai Maa Consciousness membership, free. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, 400 S Collier Blvd. AwakenedLife. Love. See ad on page 33 and news brief on page 8.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17

Age-Reversing and Regeneration Retreat: Cancun, Mexico – Jan 17-23. With Aurora Juliana Ariel, PhD, a leader among a team of experts in cutting-edge stem cell therapies. Highlights include a blend of advanced anti-aging stem cell therapy protocols with a leading spiritual psychology technology, age-reversing, subconscious re-coding, master divine healers and more. For more info or to register: 239-207-2775 or SacredAlchemy.com. See ad on page 27 and news brief on page 10.

BreaSt cancer

Words NO ONE should EVER hear!

Dramatically increase your chances of detecting Breast Cancer or abnormalities in their earliest stages - years before a tumor is present.

Early enough to use preventative measures.

ongoing events

daily

Electromagnetic Frequency Assessments – Renee Walsh, owner of Alchemy of Love and Truth Healing Arts, in Naples, is providing electromagnetic frequency (EMF) home assessments with corresponding mitigation strategies at residences throughout our area. For more info, arrange for a free, 15-min consultation or to schedule, call 239250-5115 or email AlchemyOfLoveAndTruth. com. See ad, page 22.

is:

NORMAL Good thermal symmetry with no suspicious thermal findings.

DUCTAL CARCINOMA

The upper left breast was suspicious and investigation indicated a mass.

The only non-invasive way to image Pain and Pathology anywhere on the body.

Sunset/Bird Rookery Kayak To ur – 5:308:30pm. GAEA Guides on the Caloosahatchee River. See thousands of birds coming in to roost for the night and a great view of the sunset. $60 includes all equipment and naturalist guide. Other tours available. Ft Myers. 239-694-5513. GAEAGuides.com.

sunday

Yin Yoga – 6:30-7:45pm. In-studio with Tara. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

monday

Healthy Happy Hour – 2-5pm. Also held Wed and Fri. Specially priced IV nutrient/rehydration therapy and vitamin injections from the IV nutrient experts. Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine, 12734 Kenwood Ln, Ste 56, Ft Myers. 239-425-2900. rtcausesmd.com/iv-therapy.html. See ad, page 32.

Max Meditation – 5:30pm. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-6929747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Ashtanga Mysore Open Studio – 6-8:30am. Mon-Fri, except moon days. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-6929747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

tuesday

Kayak Tour: Royal Palm Park Caloosahatchee River and Creeks – 10am-1pm. Also held Sat. Many birds nest on the island we will go near. We also go up some wild creeks in the Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve. $60. Ft Myers. RSVP: 239-6945513 or GAEAGuides.com.

Estuary Kayak Tour in Estero Bay – 10am-1pm. Also held Sat. Birds, dolphins, manatees and more. Paddle on the beautiful waters of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and the inside waters of Lovers’ Key State Park. GAEA Guides. $60. Bonita Beach. 239. 694-5513. GAEAGuides.com.

Kundalini – 11am. With DamaDé. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

With Helen Leddy. Free to Members. Zoom. 941-888-0116. CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

Caloosahatchee Rising Tide Sangha’s Midweek Mindfulness – 5pm. Facilitator: Anne Louise Kracmer. Free. Zoom. 941-888-0116. Register: CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

A Search for God Edgar Cayce Study Group – 6-8pm. Weekly study group meeting based on the Edgar Cayce readings. New members welcome. Free. Unity of Fort Myers Sanctuary, 11120 Ranchette Rd, Ft Myers. 850-556-7604. JaneSelman@gmail.com. UnityOfFortMyers.org.

thursday

Kundalini Class – 11am. With Julie. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Crystal Bowls Sound Healing – 6:15-7:15pm. Relax while frequencies reverberate through the body, bringing it back to a state of harmonic resonance, promoting deep relaxation and healing on all levels. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register, Stephanie Niles: ananyaj1025@gmail.com. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

friday

Take a Time Out: Friday Meditations – 10am and 5pm. With Maggie Stevens. Free. Zoom. 941-888-0116. CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

Sound Healing – 1-4pm. With Alyssa. nuYou Naples, 3415 Radio Rd, Ste 101, Naples. 239285-0094. nuYouNaples.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-2132222. FoodAndThought.com.

saturday

239-540-1002

Kimberly Lemons, CCT lemons2860@aol.com

wednesday

Wednesday Morning Book Club – 10-11:30am.

Love Flow – 10-11:15am. In-studio with Tara. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-2132222. FoodAndThought.com.

community resource guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email ChristineM@swflNaturalAwakenings.com for Collier County or LisaD@swflNaturalAwakenings.com for Lee County to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE

ACUPUNCTURE CENTER OF NAPLES

Dr. Xiu Qiong Cen, AP, OMD (China) 5683 Naples Blvd, Naples 34109 P: 239-513-9232 • F: 239-513-9293 DrCenAcupuncture@gmail.com

Licensed acupuncture physician with 28 years experience in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Experienced in pain management, women’s health, insomnia, migraines, digestion issues and much more. See ad, page 4.

LOTUS BLOSSOM CLINIC

Acupuncture – Oriental Medicine

David Martin, AP, DOM Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita 239-277-1399 • LotusBlossomClinic.com

Offering treatment for many health issues: pain, anxiety, stress, PTSD, fertility, heart, strokes, digestive and immune disorders. U.S. veterans: no cost with a V.A. referral.

PHYLLIS C. WEBER, AP

Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine

6249 Presidential Ct, Ste E, Ft Myers 33919 239-841-6611 • GulfCoastAcupuncture.com

Specializing in pain, chronic disorders, overall wellness, allergy treatments (NAET) and kinesiology. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s ability to heal all on its own! AP771.

AYURVEDA

CHRISTINA CARLIN, AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER

Ayurveda Clinic, Massage & Yoga Therapy

501 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, Ste A107, Naples 34102 • 239-450-6903

Practicing holistic medicine since 1987. Professional Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, specializing in highly personalized Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle consultations, massage and individual yoga sessions for chronic and acute problems. Pancha Karma, Shirodhara and skin care. Ayurveda and Yoga Study program available. MA0023929, MM0008584, FB0716888. See ad, page 4.

BODYWORK

ART OF HOLISTIC MASSAGE Est. 1991 Alvina Quatrano, LMT FL MA 50896 For Info or Appt: 732-266-5276 AOHMassage.com

Zero Balancing, Process Acupressure, Reiki. Webinar classes all discounted; call for registration. Reflexology, SEVA Stress Release, Insomnia, MT’s get CEs. Free self-massage video at AOHMassage.com.

PAULA TERRY, LMT

239-821-3088, by appt. (Collier & Lee)

Trained at the Upledger Institute, Paula utilizes CranioSacral Therapy combined with Heart-Centered Therapy, Somato Emotional Release™, Lymphatic Drainage, love and nurturement to foster the healing your body needs. Doula services. MA35358.

CHIROPRACTOR

NETWORK CHIROPRACTOR

Dr. Michele Pelletiere 3411 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 302, Bonita Springs • 239-949-1222

N.S.A. Practitioner level III. “Healing waves” release tension throughout the body, increasing wellness and quality of life, promoting new strategies for a healthy spine and nervous system.

COLON THERAPY

RB INSTITUTE, INC.

C. Robyn Berry, LMT, CRR, CCT, CLDT 12651 McGregor Blvd, Ste 5-502, Ft Myers 239-939-4646 • RobynBerry.com

Since 1993, Gravity enclosed Colonics using UV/oxygen/ozone sterilized medical grade water. Also more than 33 years Veteran Therapeutic Massage Therapist. Proficient in deep tissue, sports and Relaxing Pure Fiji massage. Reflexology, Crainosacral, Visceral Manipulation, Manual Lymph Drainage and Xp2 System, Heart Centered Therapy, Raindrop Therapy, ear candling, MPS, Halo Photonic BlueViolet Lazer Botanical System, Asyra/Qest4 MSA Biofeedback Meridian Stress Analysis, ozone steam cabinet and applied ozone therapies, infrared sauna, ionic foot detox by AMD, BEMER, Power Plate, hyperbaric chamber. MM7376. MA18351. See ad, page 9.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

UPTOWN CHEMIST

Pharmacy, Compounding, Wellness

Norman Ruiz-Castaneda, PharmD, Owner/Pharmacist

2700 Immokalee Rd, Ste 24, Naples 239-431-4217 • UptownChemist.com

Norman is a licensed pharmacist with 15+ years of experience, specializing in compounding. He offers a personable approach in consultation, practicing with integrative medicine and fostering a relationship with the prescribing doctor; creating a “hometown” pharmacy for all of our patients.

DENTAL HEALTH

GO NATURAL DENTISTRY

Yolanda Cintron, DMD 2021 E Commercial Blvd, Ste 208 Ft Lauderdale FL 33308 • 855-381-6001 954-945-7355 (new patients)

GoNaturalDentistry.com

All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, bio-compatible dentistry. Sedation dentistry. Removing of toxic metals, replacing them with bio-compatible materials. Laser dentistry for painless surgeries and extractions. Zirconia/ceramic implants. Natural bone augmentation/ plasma rich growth factor. Oral DNA testing. Add gums to receding gums.

NAPLES FAMILY DENTIST

Paul D. Mabe, DDS 877 111th Ave N, #3, Naples, 34108 239-566-7737 • GotMySmileBack.com

Biological dentistry for totalbody wellness. Metal and toxinfree. Biocompatible Zircon Implants and metal-free crowns. BPA-free ceramic fillings. PRF: Platelet Rich Fibrin. Ozone Therapy. Sleep Apnea. See ad on back cover.

ROGER J. PINT, MPH, DMD 9200 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 111 Bonita Springs, 34135 • 239-676-8730

BonitaDentalStudio.com

Dr. Pint can join your health journey and play a role in minimizing toxicity; this includes protection while removing dental materials plus consultation. All Xrays are digital and minimal. See ad, page 4.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Dr. Lindsey Berkson, MA, DC, CNS, DACBN, CAN 800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com

Dr. Lindsey Berkson is a hormone scholar and functional medicine specialist focusing on hormones, anti-aging and medical nutrition at Naples Center for Functional Medicine. See ad, page 47.

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

George Moricz, MD

800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com

Specializing in hormonal management and women’s health, Dr. Moricz has more than 20 years of experience. He is experienced in hormone optimization, medical bariatrics and anti-aging therapies. See ad, page 47.

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Carol L. Roberts, MD

800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com

Carol L. Roberts, M.D. has practiced functional/integrative/holistic medicine for 25 years. She provides patients with testing to uncover causes of chronic illness, guidance in resolving health issues and education to assist the patient in her own healing. She is Medical Director at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine, formerly the Hughes Center. See ad, page 47.

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Lina Sakr, MD

800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400

• NaplesCFM.com

Dr. Sakr is a board-certified internist specializing in metabolic and nutritional medicine, antiaging medicine and women’s health at Naples Center for Functional Medicine See ad, page 47.

ZORAYDA “JIJI” TORRES, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP

Internal Medicine, Functional Medicine

Office: 239-444-5636 • UpstreamMD.com

Dr. Torres is a board-certified internist with over 17 years of experience and knows the limitations of conventional internal medicine. She is among the few Certified Practitioner M.D.s, trained by the Institute For Functional Medicine. See ad, page 9.

HEALTHY DINING

FOOD & THOUGHT

ORGANIC FARM MARKET & CAFÉ

2132 Tamiami Trl N, Naples

239-213-2222 • FoodAndThought.com

Open: Mon-Sat, 7am-9pm; and Sun, 8am-4pm. Florida’s only 100% organic market and café. Fresh produce delivered daily. Homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner. See ad, page 8.

HOLISTIC CENTER

ACCESS HOLISTIC HEALING & HYPNOSIS

Michele Durham, CHHP, AANWP, CH, MBA 840 111th Ave N, Ste 8, Naples, 34108 239-776-2211 • info@accessholistichealing.com

AccessHolisticHealing.com

Certified Holistic Health & Hypnosis Practitioner specializing to rebalance the mind/body/spirit. Offering sound and light therapy for pain, medical-grade dry salt and infrared sauna, crystals, books and more. See ad, page 35.

NATURAL & ORGANIC MARKET

ADA’S NATURAL MARKET

7070 College Pkwy, Ft Myers 33907

Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 9am-7pm

Ph: 239-939-9600 • Fax: 239-288-6210

AdasMarket.com

Natural and organic produce and grocery items. Vitamins and supplements. Organic juice and smoothie bar. New Green Leaf Café. Market-prepared foods. 1000s of glutenfree items. See ad, page 3.

NATURAL & ORGANIC PRODUCTS

ANATTA

447 Broadway, Ste 204 New York City, NY 10013

347-762-1268 • AnattaMarket.com

Anatta is a global online marketplace for natural, organic and raw products from farmers worldwide. The newly-formed company’s products include a variety of essential oils and waters, and its unique business model eliminates overhead costs by connecting customers directly with farmers.

NUTRITION

D-SIGNED NUTRITION, LLC

Dee Harris, RDN, LDN, CDE Bonita Bay Executive Center 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd, Ste 300, Bonita Springs • 239-676-5249

D-SignedNutrition.com

Nutrition is our lifeblood. Healing with food starts with a personalized plan to address inflammation, nutrient insufficiencies, toxic burden and imbalances in the body. See ad, page 19.

MARCY HESS, BS

501 Goodlette Rd N, Ste C208, Naples 239-231-6028

ThePerfect10Strength@gmail.com

Looking and feeling strong and healthy is the first reason for working with a nutrition coach. Let me help you get back on track for life without dieting! See ad, page 42.

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

PEACEFUL SUMMIT COUNSELING

Jennifer Vear Hoy, MS

1048 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, #201, Naples, 34102 • 239-450-8090

Specializing in grief/loss, assertiveness training, anxiety, anger management, addictions, depression and relationship problems.

See ad, page 5.

TRAVELING MASSAGE THERAPY

TOUGH LOVE WELLNESS

Dianne Nolan, LMT, MLD-C ToughLoveWellness.com • 239-399-0314

In-home bodywork, flexibility, fitness and wellness coaching, serving Marco Island to Cape Coral. Specializing in post-surgical lymphatic drainage, cupping therapy, athletic performance, headaches/ TMJ, neuropathy, scar tissue, fibromyalgia/“invisible disease” pain management and trauma-informed bereavement/grief massage.

YOGA

MEREDITH MUSICK, LMT, E-RYT 2000 239-269-8846

Master Yoga Teacher and massage therapist with 28 years experience, serving Naples since 1999. Sundamaged skin repair clinician, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, sports and neuromuscular therapy, cranio facial and TMJ relief, heal injuries. Improve posture: alignment-based yoga and posture classes.