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H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Rethinking Heart Health

FREE

Pioneering Doctors and Patients Reinvent Heart Care

Magnetizing

LOVE Attracting Our One True Love

RELAX Natural Ways to De-Stress

House Harmony A Toxin-Free Home Nurtures Well-Being

February 2014 | Lowcountry-Edition | www.NALowcountry.com

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Advertising / Publisher / Editor Sandy Anderson-Austin ads@nalowcountry.com Phone: 843-821-7404 www.NALowcountry.com Natural Awakenings-Lowcountry PO Box 577, Ladson, SC 29456 Design & Production T.W.S. Graphics Distribution Thomas Austin

© 2014 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. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. 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. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. ©2011 HOWARD L. BINGHAM

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Our February issue comes from our heart to yours Starting with our expressive cover art of “Paisley Hearts” held in loving hands and continuing with articles on new thinking about heart care, attracting love into our life, natural ways to de-stress and Hawaiian art of healing hurt. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, you’re your heart some love with luscious, rich chocolate. And for our beloved four-legged friends, some tips on how to keep their little hearts strongly purring.

Did you know? Our heart beats 100,000 times a day, approximately 40 million times a year! It pumps two gallons of blood per minute, 100 gallons per hour, through a vascular system about 60,000 miles in length— two-and-a-half times the circumference of the Earth. (From Sara Paddison, The Hidden Power of the Heart: Discovering an Unlimited Source of Intelligence)

In 2000, I attended a coaching conference where the keynote speaker, Dr. Paul Pearsall, captivated me with his research on the link between our heart and our emotions. Pearsall was the author of 18 best-selling books including The Hearts Code, Tapping The Energy and The Wisdom of Our Heart’s Energy and Super Immunity: Master Your Emotions, Improve Your Health. He proposed that the heart has a code and each cell is imprinted with memories. He also believed that the heart (not the brain) is the link between mind, body and spirit. He supported his theories with research, ancient wisdom, examples from his own practice and personal experience.

At that time, Pearsall was a leader in the emerging field of energy cardiology.

During his life, he received numerous awards for his research on the relationship between the brain, heart and immune system and his groundbreaking research on heart transplant recipients receiving the memories of their donor (PaulPearsall.com).

I often connect my coaching and writing with the heart: You know in your heart. It comes from your heart. Find it in your heart. Keep it in your heart and other heart-terms. Pearsall, and other research in the field of the heart and emotions, provides scientific research to endorse my own empowering wisdom of heart-based living. Perhaps a better way of expressing a holistic view is to consider the heart/mind/spirit connection.

For further reading about the heart/emotion and health connection, HeartMath.org is a wellspring of information. Free services such as Tools for wellbeing from adults to children ages 3 and up; practice tools such as Appreciation, Heart Breathing and Heart Focus; self-assessments, articles and research.

What can one person do?

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Subscriptions are available for $25 (for 12 issues). Please call 843-821-7404 with credit card information or mail a check made out

INSPIRATION

to Natural Awakenings – Charleston, to the above address.

A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. ~Nelson Mandela Wishing you much love & appreciation,

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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NA Lowcountry Edition

Sandy Anderson, Publisher NALowcountry.com

contents 6 newsbrief 7 healthbriefs 10 globalbriefs 1 1 ecotip 15 healingways 17 consciouseating 19 greenliving 21 healthykids 22 wisewords 23 inspiration 24 naturalpet 26 resourceguide 28 classifieds 29 calendar

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advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request our rates, please contact us at 843-821-7404 or email: ads@nalowcountry.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month for the next month’s issue.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE Email articles, news items and ideas to: editor@nalowcountry.com Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month for the next month’s issue.

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Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

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12 RETHINKING

HEART HEALTH

Pioneering Doctors and Patients Reinvent Cardio Care

by Linda Sechrist

15 SIMPLE STRESS

BUSTERS

Natural Ways to Slide into

17

a State of Calmness

by Kathleen Barnes

17 CHOCOLATE AS HEALTH FOOD Boosting Diets and Heart Health

by Judith Fertig

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19 HOME SAFE HOME

Practical Pillars of Well-Being

by Christa O’Leary

21 QUIET KIDS IN

A NOISY WORLD Bringing Out the Best in Introverts

by Meredith Montgomery

22 LOVE MAGNET

Katherine Woodward Thomas on Drawing True Love Our Way

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by Debra Melani

23 HEALING HURT

A Hawaiian Mantra Lets Love Back In

24 CARDIAC CARE FOR PETS

How to Keep Little Hearts Humming

by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

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February 2014

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coverartist

newsbrief Opening Paths To Awaken Our Souls

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Paisley Hearts

hi, The Shaman is now offering Akashic Records Readings. These Records are referred to as the Soul Book, holding all information about the soul’s journey over time.

By connecting with The Masters, Teachers and Loved Ones of individuals, these High Souls offer Spirit-filled guidance for any earthly concern that one may have. The benefits of a reading is a new awareness in which questions of life open up to reveal deeper clarity and insight, allowing one to move into the direction of possibilities.

Chi also offers private sessions to assist in Awakening. She helps people release and heal the core shadow pieces that bind them. These blocks prevent us from being fully free because they unconsciously choose for us against our will.

In releasing the core shadows, we can be free to step into our Soul purposes and destinies.

For further Soul Awakening, Chi offers group workshops tailored to meet the needs of the different levels of awareness that we are stepping into: Climbing Heaven—an introduction to The Course In Miracles, scribed by The Foundation For Inner Peace; A Gathering Of Souls—a study in the practice of The Course In Miracles; Releasing the persona; Healing karmic family wounds; Creating closure with the loss of a person or pet; Guided journeys; Soul Retrieval; Practicing forgiveness; and Lovingly releasing old relationships and creating new Holy ones.

Visit ChitheShaman.com for more information. For personal assistance, please contact Chi by email: gaachi@aol.com or call 843-270-3814. See ad page 20.

Michael Wertz Michael Wertz says he has always found the act of melding the art of illustration and commerce exciting. “I love to direct that passion into crafting an emotive experience that words cannot,” explains the Oakland, California, illustrator. “For me, it means I’ve created an image that distills a moment of clarity.”

Wertz’s bold, energetic visions leap from his imagination through the pencil he always uses to begin an illustration, and finish as digital collage, monoprints or screen prints. He has been creating images for publishers, designers, advertising agencies and musicians since 1995, when he graduated from the California College of the Arts, in Oakland.

The artist’s colorful imagery, commissioned by dozens of national clients, has been featured in Communication Arts and American Illustration and recognized by the Society of Illustrators.

Today, Wertz runs a printmaking shop called Inky Oxnard, in West Oakland, and lives nearby, as a “… friend to the four-pawed and a lover of all things brightly colored, including love.”

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A new business/service/product supporting healthy living, healthy planet.

Bridge to Avalon Opens

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ridge to Avalon, a new transformational healing center and co-working facility, is now open in the Avondale area of West Ashley. It offers transformational workshops, healing services, classes, and special events, and provides an integrated support program and co-working environment for transformational leaders to grow their businesses. The center currently features permanent office spaces, treatment rooms, and several group spaces available to rent for workshops and special events. It also offers three levels of membership.

Learn more at Bridgetoavalon.com, stop by at 757 Saint Andrews Boulevard, or call 843-974-5676.

What’s New? Open a new business or location? Offering a new service or product? Share it with us! If it relates to the subject matter of our magazine, we want to know about it. Send us the information for consideration in a future issue to let our readers know about you. Email: editor@nalowcountry.com.

View the artist’s portfolio at Wertzateria.com.

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healthbriefs

Early Warnings of Heart Troubles Differ for Women

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omen may worry more about breast cancer, but in reality, heart disease is the top killer of American women, claiming 300,000 lives a year, 7.5 times the number that die of breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although heart disease is more often perceived as a men’s issue, since 1984 more women have died of heart disease than men.

Part of the reason may be that women’s heart attacks can differ from men’s and the American Heart Association (AHA) warns that women often fail to recognize the symptoms, ranging from torso aches and pains and nausea to anxiety, shortness of breath, dizziness and extreme fatigue. They may experience subtle symptoms for months and write them off as byproducts of menopause, heartburn or effects of aging. The National Institutes of Health states that 43 percent of women that have heart attacks experience no chest pain.

The difference between the more subtle signs of a heart attack in women and the more dramatic signs in men may help explain why 75 percent of men, prompted to act quickly, survive a first heart attack, while only 62 percent of women do, according to the AHA. “Research shows that women may not be diagnosed or treated as aggressively as men,” notes the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Microcirculation Improves Heart Health

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f the 45,000 conditions or diseases described in medical textbooks that affect humans, 80 percent of them are either caused by or as a result of impaired microcirculation. Our heart pumps blood through arteries and veins, which accounts for only 26 percent of our circulatory system. The other 74 percent takes place in the smallest vessels—microcirculation—where exchange between blood and cells takes place. This is how we get nutrients and oxygen in and waste out of all 100 trillion cells in our body. The smallest blood vessels, which are part of this system act like little pumps, helping the heart do its job. With age, stress, lack of activity and poor diet, these little pumps don’t work as well. When that happens, we become less vital and develop chronic, degenerative illnesses, including cardio vascular disease.

Exercise and activity, reducing stress and eating well are all supportive of heart health. Relief for this condition can also be achieved in only eight minutes by improving our microcirculation. The BEMER is a medical device that uses pulsed electro-magnetic waves, developed and researched in Germany and used in Europe for over 15 years. It has been found to have more impact than any other approach or therapy. Registered as a Class 1 medical device with the FDA means the BEMER is completely safe. Lying on it for only eight minutes, twice each day, results in approximately 30 percent improvement in microcirculation that lasts for 12-16 hours after each session. A wide range of medical conditions and sports performance can be improved with its use.

For more information, visit BemerAmerica.com/homepage. See ad page 10.

natural awakenings

February 2014

7

A Different Breathalyzer Test for Heart Failure

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imply blowing up a balloon may help doctors test heart function, according to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic. Although such examinations usually require expensive and sometimes invasive procedures, the new test can be done in a doctor’s office in 30 seconds, according to the research findings published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The patient simply breathes into a Mylar balloon, similar to a party version, and the air is passed through a machine to produce an individual “breathprint”.

Researchers determined that exhaled breath contains volatile organic compounds that can be easily analyzed to determine potential heart failure.

Zinc Orchestrates Immune Response

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any have heard that zinc can stop a cold in its tracks, and new research from Ohio State University tells us why; it turns out that zinc gently taps the brakes on immune responses, slowing them down and preventing inflammation from spiraling out of control.

The researchers’ work with human cells and animals found that zinc serves to balance the immune response within the cells so that the consequences of insufficient zinc at the time of an infection include excessive inflammation. Of all the zinc contained in our bodies, only about 10 percent of it is readily accessible to help fight off an infection, notes Daren Knoell, professor of pharmacy and internal medicine and lead author of the study, published in Cell Reports.

The research team suggests that proper zinc balance is especially important in battling serious and potentially deadly infections. Zinc deficiency affects about 2 billion people worldwide, including an estimated 40 percent of the U.S. elderly.

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FDA Moves to Ban Trans Fats

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eart-clogging trans fatty acids may soon be a thing of the past. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken the first step to remove trans fats from its GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list, effectively banning their use in food products.

Trans fats, also known as hydrogenated vegetable oils, can be found in many processed foods, including baked goods, microwave popcorn, peanut butter, frozen pizza, margarine and coffee creamers. Created by adding hydrogen to liquid oils to turn them into a solid form, trans fats have been used to improve the texture, shelf life or flavor of foods. For more than a decade, numerous scientific studies have documented that trans fats raise dangerous LDL cholesterol and lower good HDL cholesterol.

The FDA’s proposed ban would require the food industry to gradually phase out all trans fats, likely over several months or years, noting their threat to health. Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said the move could prevent 20,000 heart attacks a year and 7,000 deaths. Many food manufacturers have already phased out trans fats since new nutrition labeling requirements were introduced by the FDA in 2006; plus an increasing number of local laws have banned them.

Happy Marriage, Healthier Lives

Coming Next Month

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University of Missouri expert says that people in happy marriages are more likely to rate their health better than their peers as they age. Evidently, engaging with one’s spouse builds a strong relationship that can improve spirits, promote feelings of well-being and lower stress.

Analyzing data from 707 continuously married adults that participated in the Marital Instability Over the Life Course panel study, a 20-year nationwide research project begun in 1980, researchers found that married people have better mental and physical health and are less likely to develop chronic conditions than their unmarried, widowed or divorced peers.

Thus, researchers recommended involving spouses and families in treatment for any illness. They further suggested that in cases of a strained marital relationship, improving marital harmony would also improve health.

THE WHOLE FISH IS BEST FOR BLOOD PRESSURE

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ver the years, a broad range of research has confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna and sardines promote heart and brain health.

Now researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine have found that taking fish oil supplements isn’t as effective at keeping blood pressure under control as eating an actual fish.

The animal study published in the U.S. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that eating oily fish helped open ion channels, a complex series of membranes in the cells that line blood vessels, letting sodium, calcium and potassium in and out of those crucial cells and helping reduce blood pressure. Because fish oil supplements did not activate the ion channels, they didn’t reduce blood pressure in the same way.

The Latest

LOCAL FOOD TRENDS Good at Home and On the Go

EGG WHITES FUNCTION LIKE BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS

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aintaining healthy blood pressure is vital for long-term heart health, and scientists have now discovered evidence that a component of egg whites may have beneficial cardiovascular effects. Researchers from Clemson University, in South Carolina, found that a peptide in egg white, one of the building blocks of proteins, reduces blood pressure in animals about as much as a low dose of Captopril, a prescription medication for high blood pressure. The RVPSL peptide acts as a natural ACE inhibitor, functioning similar to the entire family of prescription medications that treat hypertension.

To advertise or participate in our March edition, call 843-821-7404 or ads@NALowcountry.com advertising deadline Feb. 10, 2014

natural awakenings

February 2014

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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Wild Valentines

Many Animals Mate for Life Humans like to think of themselves as unique when it comes to taking vows of togetherness. But a surprising number of other species in the animal kingdom provide sterling examples of fidelity, monogamy and lifelong pairing.

Gibbons, of the ape family, are the nearest relatives to humans that mate for life. They form extremely strong pairings and both sexes are on relatively equal footing in their relationships.

Bald eagles, our national emblem, typically mate for life, except in the event of a partner’s inability to procreate.

Wolves, often portrayed as tricksters in folklore, conduct a family life more loyal than many human relationships. Wolf packs typically comprise a male, a female and their offspring, making them akin to a human nuclear family.

Swans form monogamous pair bonds that last for many years or even for life.

Their loyalty is so storied that the image of two swans swimming with their necks entwined in the shape of a heart has become a universal symbol of true love.

French angelfish are seldom found far from their mate, because they live, travel and even hunt in pairs. The fish form monogamous relationships that often last as long as both individuals are alive. In fact, they act as a team to vigorously defend their territory against neighboring pairs.

Other examples include albatrosses, African antelopes, black vultures, Malagasy giant rats, prairie voles, sandhill cranes, termites and, of course, turtle doves.

To view images, visit Tinyurl.com/AnimalMatePics and Tinyurl.com/AnimalMatesSlideshow.

Greenwashing Watchdog

Dr. Bronner Clears Out Imposters The nonprofit manufacturer of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps (DrBronner.com), known in the U.S. for more than 50 years for its devotion to purity and information-crammed product labels, has taken to filing lawsuits against companies that don’t live up to health claims or that employ deceptive greenwashing tactics.

One primary focus is the cosmetics industry’s use of so-called “organic” ingredients. Company president David Bronner reports, “About 80 percent of these companies simply dropped their claims; the others reformulated.” He also lobbies for labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in Washington State.

Source: Worldwatch.com

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Loving Local

Small Retailers Gaining Force While online mega-shopping malls have decimated many types of small businesses around the country, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies notes that independent bookstores are doing surprisingly well. For the last four years, their number and total sales have grown, despite the recent recession. In 2009, citizens patronized 1,651 independent bookstores in the United States; today their number exceeds 1,900.

In addition, local coffee shops have grown faster than the largest chain’s storefronts. Bakers and specialty food purveyors, independent pharmacies and pet, fabric and stationery stores are growing, too.

One reason for the good news is the “buy local” ethic promoted by groups such as the American Independent Business Alliance. Last year, sales at independent businesses in cities benefitting from these campaigns grew 8.6 percent; those without them still increased 3.4 percent.

Independents are winning customer loyalty in part by hosting and sponsoring events that enrich the community. The public is realizing that buying local supports area families, keeps more dollars circulating locally and strengthens a healthy sense of community that benefits everyone.

Source: YesMagazine.org

ecotip

Law of Attraction

Real Estate Chris Cunniffe Realtor

Your Personal Real Estate Expert • Focus on all of the positive aspects of

your current real estate circumstances.

Pulse out a feeling of deep appreciation.

• Relax your body and your mind. Visualize your real estate goal in rich detail.

Imagine this vision unfolding in a harmonious way that is beneficial both to you and to all others involved.

• Generate the feeling tone of excitement

and enthusiasm, as if your new vision was already manifesting right before your eyes. “Happiness is an inside job”!

Beyond Bling True Treasures Avert Eco-Harm Done right, Valentine’s Day and gifts of jewelry go together like love and marriage. Those that have no desire to support the unsafe worker conditions, widespread price fixing and waste associated with gold mining, also linked to pollution, financing wars and terrorism, look for better options. They wish to have no part in underwriting standard ring-making practices which, according to the Worldwatch Institute, create tons of toxic mining waste that can persist for decades and enter the food chain. Happily, there are far more ethical choices.

Alternate routes. Among many sustainable and socially responsible options, jewelry made from recycled gold, silver and titanium plus synthetic gemstones is offered by GreenKarat (GreenKarat.com) while Brilliant Earth (BrilliantEarth.com) provides antiques and also custom makes or helps customers create their own treasured gifts utilizing minerals from pure sources; the company also donates 5 percent of its profits to support communities that have suffered from unethical industry practices.

Heirlooms. A son or grandson gifting a grandmother’s or mother’s cherished piece of jewelry to a spouse or girlfriend expresses a tradition of love and family connectivity, plus gives new life to precious items. Michelle Ercanbrack, a family historian at Ancestry.com, recommends using a family-treasured diamond in a more modern setting or making a ring into a pendant. “Heirlooms link the present to the past—they are part of a family narrative that can increase the present generation’s sense of belonging and identity,” she says.

Native American jewelry. Deborah Nelson, owner of Silver Eagle Gallery, in Naples, Florida, and Highlands, North Carolina, attests that artful jewelry by Native Americans supports their culture and forges a connection to Americana with timeless appeal. Bracelets made by Navajo Indians incorporate turquoise pieces often linked together or set in mosaic form on a sterling band. Sterling silver and golden amber sunburst rings also make good gifts. “The handmade attention to detail is a stark contrast to what’s cast in a mold overseas,” says Nelson.

• Be present and receptive to the flow of life. Be open to coincidences, synchronicity and unexpected opportunities.

• Align your actions, speech, writing, body language and dominant thoughts with your real estate vision.

Buying? Selling?

Call Chris today to schedule a free real estate consultation.

chris@harborcityadvisors.com

www.harborcityadvisors.com Residential and Commercial Real Estate

(843) 805-8011

natural awakenings

February 2014

11

RETHINKING HEART HEALTH

rosis that make intensive, integrated lifestyle changes can begin to experience improvements in their condition after as little as one year without using lipid-lowering drugs.

Based on his 30-plus years of clinical research, Ornish and his colleagues further showed that five years of following proper nutrition, fitness and stress management—which must include love and support—can reduce symptoms of CHD and other chronic conditions. He remarks in Love & Survival: 8 Pathways to Intimacy and Health that despite numerous studies showing a medical basis for its occurrence, the reason why CHD is reversible is still the subject of debate.

Ornish’s work has paved the way for a growing corps of pioneering integrative physicians successfully collaborating with patients to reduce the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.

Plaque the Culprit

The cause of cardiovascular disease is arterial plaque, a fine layer of fatty material that forms within the arteries and blocks blood flow. It is largely the result of food and activity choices, plus the degree of inflammation in the arteries. Dr. Steven Masley’s three keys

by Linda Sechrist to improving heart health highlighted in his book, The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up, plausible. Undaunted by the challenge n 1977, Dr. Dean Ornish began to and an upcoming PBS special, concern of funding his research, he pushed forthinkAwakening beyond an allopathic medicine lifestyle factors capable of shrinking Natural Ad for Rev. Cindy Boehley ward. Results of his foundational 1986 paradigm that defined the reversal plaque, improving circulation and to 1992 Lifestyle Heart Trial, published of cardiovascular disease, including strengthening the heartbeat. “Abnormal For coronary January and February, Revised, sizeMedical for March. in the Journal smaller of the American heart disease (CHD) and 2014. the plaque growth is preventable 90 perhypertensive diseases such as heart fail- Association, proved that individuals cent of the time,” states the president with preexisting coronary atherosclestroke, as physiologically imPlusure2 and CRG Ads. of Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida.

While conducting research on the heart health of nearly 1,000 patients Discover Messages from Loved Ones In Spirit over a period of 20 years, Masley suspected that the traditional assessment and Answers to Life’s Challenges~ approach of measuring cholesterol, Cindy Guides You To Finding Inner Peace! blood sugar and blood pressure didn’t Photo Here Individual or Group Readings effectively address the biochemistry within arteries. Testing intima-media ~ Enjoy An Evening With Cindy ~ thickness (IMT) using a simple 10minute external ultrasound confirmed Rev. Cindy Boehley Connect to Spirit, Guides, Angels & Loved Ones it. The test bounces high-frequency Saturday * Feb 8th - 7:00 PM * Mt. Pleasant SC Direct Voice Medium sound waves to measure the thickness Intuive Healer Call or See Web Site for Details! of the carotid arteries’ innermost two layers on either side of the neck.

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Pioneering Doctors and Patients Reinvent Cardio Care

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Love and intimacy are at the root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, what causes sadness and what brings happiness, what makes us suffer and what leads to healing. ~ Dr. Dean Ornish, Love & Survival

estimate of arterial age. A healthy, young cardiovascular system has less plaque and an unhealthy, old one has more,” advises Masley. IMT, a useful tool for preventing future heart attacks and strokes, differs from standard carotid Doppler ultrasound, which looks for artery obstructions suggesting surgery.

A practitioner of functional medicine, Masley explains heart-related diagnoses differently than his allopathic counterparts. “Rather than diagnosing high blood pressure as hypertension, I categorize it as not enough exercise, not enough fruits and vegetables, high emotional stress and excessive body fat.”

To optimize heart health, Masley employs a broad, holistic matrix of options that enhance the cardiovascular system—the interactions among diet, activity level, weight, environmental toxins, hormones, stress and biochemical factors such as blood sugar control and inflammation levels.

He prescribes heart-healing foods that simultaneously help to manage the aging process, following a customized, heart-friendly supplement plan; engaging in exercise that strengthens the heart and arteries; and learning how to better manage stress.

He contends that cardiovascular events remain the top cause of death because individuals are largely unaware of treatment options before they get into trouble. More, “Most people falsely assume that their condition has been fixed with a medical procedure and/or drugs, and that a lifestyle change isn’t necessary.”

Cholesterol’s Bad Rap

Dr. Stephen Sinatra, an integrative cardiologist, anti-aging specialist and bioenergetics psychotherapist in Manchester, Connecticut, has also shifted his heart health paradigm. He now prescribes a combination of conventional medicine, food, supplements, mind/body strategies and natural healing methods. His book, Heartbreak and Heart Disease: A Mind/ Body Prescription for Healing the Heart, relates many inspiring case histories that address the psycho-emotional component of heart health and illustrate how to repair and reopen a broken heart by releasing long-repressed emotions.

Following two years of Gestalt psychotherapy training and seven years of bioenergetics training, Sinatra likewise realized that heartbreak was one of the major causes of heart disease. An expert in the field of natural cardiology, he had once believed that cholesterol and fat were the primary causes before 40 years of treatment research taught him

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February 2014

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ing and processing center that learns, otherwise. your life, you owe it to your cardiovasremembers and makes independent

“Cholesterol is not the reason cular system to change to a healthier functional decisions that don’t involve for heart disease,” advises Sinatra, lifestyle. Your life may depend on it.” founder of HeartMDInstitute.com

Forleo has recognized that an indi- the cerebral cortex,” advises McCraty. and author of The Great Cholesterol vidual’s state of mind can be a big help To Happy Hearts Myth. “The body produces and needs or hindrance in maintaining a healthy Pioneering integrative medical doccholesterol to convert sunlight to viheart. “The heart represents a differtors Masley, Sinatra, Forleo and Mona tamin D, to make sex hormones, vital ent realm of experience entirely, one Lisa Schultz, who also holds a Ph.D. semipermeable membranes for the that cannot be explained by logic and in behavioral neuroscience, agree that body’s trillions of cells, plus bile salts reason,” comments Forleo. in matters of heart disease, emotions for digestion. Even your brain makes

He champions the link between take center stage. Schultz, who recently and uses cholesterol to build connecmaintaining normal spinal function co-authored All is Well: Heal Your tions between th12 the real perpetrators and healthy heart function, along Body with Medicine, Affirmations and of heart disease—stress, inflammation with supporting the inner presence of and overeating sugar and processed foods Spirit, which he calls the healthy heart’s Intuition, with Louise L. Hay, a leading founder of the self-help movement, containing saturated fat. He counsels ultimate elixir. “Its essence relaxes the applies her 25 years of experience as a that the heart benefits less from a low-fat, heart, opens the mind to possibilities medical intuitive with the best of Westhigh-carbohydrate diet than one low in greater than itself and provides the percarbohydrates and higher in healthy fats, spective that the heart and the mind are ern clinical science, brain research and energy medicine. overturning widespread medical mantras. complementary,” he observes.

Shultz observes,

Also, a high“Every illness has an fructose, highemotional component, grain carbohydrate It is no coincidence that we address our physical which tells us intuidiet raises triglycerides, increases and emotional heart by the same name. Our physical tively that something or someone in our life the risk of metaheart usually reflects the state of our emotional or environment is out bolic syndrome of balance and needs and contributes heart, and vice versa. to be addressed. Our to insulin resis~ Dr. James Forleo use of language—such tance, causing the as frustration makes liver to produce our heart race, anger more cholesterol, boils our blood—and our common as well as more inflammatory, low He explains that when our emosense are telling us what we don’t density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) tions get bottled up, something in need more studies to confirm. If we particles, all of which increase the our heart or circulation has to give. can’t deal with our anger in a timely risk for CHD, diabetes and stroke. The “If you or someone you know experifashion, name our feelings, respond American Heart Association (AHA) ences heart problems, chances are that effectively and release them, we inestimates that metabolic syndrome, unresolved emotions lie directly below crease our chance of illness, ranging which affects nearly 35 percent of the surface,” he says. “There are excepAmerican adults, may overtake smoktions, and genetic problems can explain from hypertension to cardiovascular events.” ing as the leading risk factor for CHD. many heart defects, but heart problems

According to the American

The AHA currently is focused don’t usually show up unless emotions Journal of Cardiology, the U.S. spends on increasing awareness that heart dis- are involved.”

10 percent of all healthcare dollars ease is the number one killer of wom Forleo’s concept is supported by for cardiovascular disease prevention en. Its Go Red for Women campaign the work of Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., and medical management versus 90 emphasizes the vital need to take executive vice president and direcpercent on medical treatment procepreventive basic actions, including tor of research at California’s Institute dures and hospital care. For individuadopting an exercise routine, healthier of HeartMath. His research papers als interested in taking charge of their diet and doctor visits for appropriate include The Energetic Heart: Bioelecheart health, working with a physician non-invasive tests. tromagnetic Interactions Within and that embraces the emerging paradigm Between People.

“Today, evidence suggests that the of integrative lifestyle changes and Essential Spirit heart may play a particularly important prevention can be a drug-free, lifeDr. James Forleo, a chiropractor in role in emotional experience. Research saving decision.

Durango, Colorado, with 30-plus years in the relatively new discipline of of clinical experience, maintains that Linda Sechrist is the senior staff health is simple, disease is complicated neurocardiology has confirmed that writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit the heart is a sensory organ and acts (also the title of his book). He counsels ItsAllAboutWe.com for full interviews. as a sophisticated information encodpatients, “If mental stress is present in 14

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healingways

Simple Stress Busters Natural Ways to Slide into a State of Calmness

by Kathleen Barnes

W

e all encounter everyday stressors and usually find our own ways of defusing them.

However, when chronic stress remains unresolved, it extracts a toll on health that may range from heart disease and stroke to obesity, gastrointestinal problems and depression. Thankfully, Natural Awakenings has uncovered inviting ways to regularly de-stress that naturally make us feel good. Here are some refreshing ideas for immediate rest and relaxation.

Eat Mindfully. Chocolate can be an excellent antidote to stress-related binge eating, advises Dr. Susan Lord, an integrative physician in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, who leads mind-body medicine programs at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in Stockbridge. “We rarely eat mindfully,” comments Lord. “We’re usually gulping down our food while watching TV, arguing with the kids or reading a book.”

She often leads a meditation in which participants are allotted one small piece of chocolate that they must eat slowly and consciously. “Most people discover they have never really tasted their food,” she says. “They are pleasantly surprised to discover that they feel satiated and satisfied on every level.”

Lord’s teaching is supported by a study from an Oregon Research Institute affiliate in Albuquerque, New Mexico, showing that people lost significant amounts of weight by eating slowly and mindfully. Accordingly, Kripalu has encouraged eating in silence for nearly 40 years, a practice Lord heartily recommends to her patients for one meal a day.

Walk a labyrinth. A meditative walk on a labyrinth may be just what the doctor ordered, says physician Esther Sternberg, professor of medicine and research director at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University

of Arizona, in Tucson. “A labyrinth differs from a maze, which has high walls and many dead ends,” notes Sternberg.

“Walking a maze is inevitably stressful; a labyrinth has the exact opposite effect.

There is only one path in and one path out. You go to the middle, meditate and walk back out. It’s a perfectly calming walking meditation.”

In physiological terms, Sternberg explains, the deep breathing induced by labyrinth walking activates the vagus nerve, which prompts relaxation. It does this by interrupting the brain’s stress response and halting the release of adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands.

Our ancestors built labyrinths as early as 4,000 BCE. They exist today in churches, healing centers and backyards all over the world. Finger labyrinths, even as simple as an outline printed on a piece of paper, also have proved to be effective relaxation tools, says Neal Harris, a licensed clinical professional counselor in Barrington, Illinois. His study confirming its relaxing effects was published in the Annals of Psychotherapy & Integrative Health.

Shake (or laugh) it off. Anyone that has ever felt like exploding from tight shoulders, indigestion, headaches or other conditions caused by accumulated stress can benefit from Lord’s recommendation to experience a whole-body shake.

“Just stand with your feet firmly planted and start shaking—first your feet, then your legs, arms, head and neck and eventually, your whole body—for at

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February 2014

15

least two or three minutes,” she counsels. “You’ll shake off all of that tension, energize every cell and probably start laughing, another great stress reliever.”

A good belly laugh is likewise a powerful stress reliever, according to a study by researchers at Indiana State University, in Terra Haute, published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. Results also showed that laughter increased production of the protective cells that boost immune function.

Create a memory garden. For Sternberg, her personal place of peace is an unconscious re-creation combining the sights and smells of her grandmother’s garden with the comfortable “at home” feeling of her parents’ deck and mementos from a happy time in Crete. At the center of Sternberg’s happy memories are fragrant jasmine and gardenia trees, lavender and basil, all reminders of happy times in her life.

She recalls, “It wasn’t until I was finished that I realized what I had done.”

A review of relevant science reported in Neural Plasticity explains that the brain’s hippocampus region, a seat of memory, especially related to place, also normally regulates the production of cortisol. But an excess of cortisol due to stress can impair its memory functions. “When we are in a place that brings happy memories to mind, we let go of stress and stop the release of cortisol,” says Sternberg. “It helps to just think of a place where we have been happy.”

She recommends creating a home space with some plants on a windowsill, photos of happy family gatherings, fabrics or paint in beloved colors and perhaps inherited items that trigger fond memories.

Music Soothes the Soul

Breathe Deeply

Dozens of studies from leading institutions like Brandeis University, in Waltham, Massachusetts, the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center, in Yonkers, New York, and Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, show that music can offset stress, relieve pain, lower blood pressure, improve immune function and support restful sleep. So play a tune or two of much-loved music and let the calming effects induce a state of relaxation.

According to research from the American Society of Hypertension, classical music, the blues and other soothing music work best because they cause the body to release endorphins and slow breathing rates. It’s better yet if our favorite music inspires stress-releasing body movement.

Source: GreenMedInfo.com

Your Resource for Mind/Body Wellness

Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books, including 10 Best Ways to Manage Stress. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Perform this subtle de-stressor while in line at the market or driving. It slows heart rate, oxygenates the body, improves mental clarity and has a relaxing effect on the nervous system. n Sit or stand straight. n Put the tip of the tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind the upper front teeth, and keep it there throughout the entire exercise. n Inhale through the nose for a count of four. n Hold each breath for a count of seven. n Exhale completely through the mouth with a whoosh sound for a count of eight. n Repeat three more times.

Source: DrWeil.com

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CHOCOLATE AS HEALTH FOOD Boosting Diets and Heart Health

by Judith Fertig

R

“

esearch tells us that 14 out of any 10 individuals like chocolate,” quips cartoonist Sandra Boynton.

American chocolate lovers buy 58 million-plus pounds around Valentine’s Day, according to Nielsen Research. Ideally, the dark treat would be as healthy as a salad or an apple. Fortunately, accumulating research is on the way to giving plant-based chocolate superfood status.

All chocolate starts with cacao beans, seeds from the pods of the tropical cacao tree that thrives only in hot, rainy climates in Africa, Indonesia and South America. Local soil and climate conditions determine flavor characteristics, much as with grapes.

Harvested beans are fermented to create the chocolate taste and then dried. Afterwards, chocolate makers add brand-specific ingredients to the cacao solids.

“The percentage number on a bar’s wrapper represents the weight that actually comes from the cacao bean content,” says Robert L. Wolke, professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and author of What Einstein Told His Cook: Kitchen Science Explained. “The higher the number, the lower the percentage of sugar and the less sweet, more bitter and complex the flavor.”

This is significant because dark chocolate contains higher levels of antioxidants which can help reduce cell damage, according to the Integrative Medicine Department at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor.

Alex Whitmore, founder of Taza Chocolate, in Somerville, Massachusetts, recently had one of its bars lab tested for antioxidant levels, called ORAC, or oxygen radical absorption capacity; the higher the value, the more antioxidants. Taza Chocolate’s 80% Dark Bar had a 65 percent higher ORAC than Himalayan goji berries, famed for being a superfood. “This is very high for a chocolate bar,” notes Whitmore.

Cocoa also serves as a superfood for cardiovascular and metabolic health, report two recent studies from separate teams of Harvard School of Public Health researchers. A 2012 meta-analysis of clinical trials published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that consuming dark, unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate can improve blood pressure, vascular dilation and cholesterol levels, plus reduce metabolic precursors like diabetes that can lead

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to heart disease.

In 2011, Eric Ding, Ph.D., a Harvard School of Public Health epidemiologist and nutrition scientist, reviewed short-term trials of subjects ingesting 400 to 500 mg per day of flavonoid-rich cocoa, which he equates to 33 bars of milk chocolate or eight bars of dark chocolate. While Ding feels this is an unreasonable amount to eat because of the extra calories from sugar and fat, he states, “Supplements with concentrated cocoa flavonoids may perhaps be helpful for garnering the benefits discovered. The key is getting the benefits for heart disease while avoiding the calories, and for that, chocolate bars are not likely the best solution.”

Another observational study published in Nutrition shows that eating dark chocolate might help keep the pounds off for teenagers. Researchers with the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence program at the University of Zaragoza, in Spain, knew that chocolate consumption in adults already had been linked to lower body mass index. They found that chocolate consumption was also associated with lower total and midsection fat in European adolescents, reports Sayer Ji, founder of GreenMedInfo.com, a natural health research database.

“The quality and cocoa content they used in their research is probably much higher than in America,” says Ji. “From my perspective, it appears that even when researchers don’t control for type, the results across the board are rather startling. Even American subjects, presumably eating common milk chocolate bars, see benefits.”

So, this Valentine’s Day—and every day—we can happily relish that one-ounce piece of artisan dark chocolate melting slowly in our mouth and know we’re doing it for pleasure and for health.

Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAnd Lifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Chocolate Cookery Vegan Chocolate Pie

Serve this with fresh raspberries and enjoy a little romance.

Yields 8 servings Chocolate Wafer Crust 6½ oz dairy-free chocolate wafer cookies, crushed into fine crumbs 1 Tbsp maple or date sugar 3 oz vegan buttery stick (such as Earth Balance), melted and slightly cooled Chocolate Filling 13 oz dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli) 1 /3 cup strong brewed coffee 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 lb silken tofu, drained 1 Tbsp honey (agave) 1 (9-in) prepared chocolate wafer crust Preheat the oven to 350° F. For the crust, combine the cookie crumbs, sugar and melted vegan buttery stick. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom, up the sides and just over the lip of a 9-inch metal pie pan. Bake on the middle rack of the oven until the crust is set and appears dry, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 1 hour.

A comforting way to enjoy the benefits of chocolate on a cold day.

Yields 4 servings 2½ cups plain rice milk 3 Tbsp maple or date sugar 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder ½ tsp salt ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 pinch ground cinnamon 1 pinch cayenne pepper Bring the rice milk, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon and cayenne pepper to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and whisk until frothy.

Serve immediately.

Source: Recipes courtesy of Judith Fertig

Small-batch, artisan chocolate makers strive to make delicious chocolate in the purest, most ethical and sustainable ways possible. They often travel to meet the growers to source the best cacao beans (organic preferred), use fair trade principles and take a personal interest in making fine chocolate without filler ingredients. Here is a partial list of conscientious members of Craft Chocolate Makers of America: Amano Artisan Chocolate, AmanoChocolate.com Askinosie Chocolate, Askinosie.com DeVries Chocolate, DeVriesChocolate.com Taza Chocolate, TazaChocolate.com

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For the filling, melt the chocolate chips with the coffee and vanilla in a medium metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring often with a spatula. Combine the tofu, melted chocolate mixture and honey in a blender or food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour the filling into the crust and refrigerate for 2 hours or until the filling becomes firm.

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greenliving

Home Safe Home Practical Pillars of Well-Being

by Christa O’Leary

Done right, our home serves as an empowering foundation for wellbeing. Aligning with four key pillars of harmony will facilitate an inspired, healthy and vibrant home that supports body, mind and spirit.

Mainstays of a Home in Harmony

Creating an inspired and healthy home environment soothes the soul and recharges our proverbial batteries.

Making healthful choices in the products we use and consume helps ensure we retain a healthy body and vibrant living in an era when we are inundated with disease-producing toxins in our homes, food, air and water.

Applying simple solutions to slow down helps us maintain a calm mind amidst the frenetic pace of daily life.

Periodically unplugging from the instant demands of technology is a good first step.

Tuning into our life purpose and sharing it with others allows us to shine.

We naturally radiate our inner light in ever-expanding ways.

Mindful Strategies

A study published by the International Academy for Design and Health shows that because our home influences us on many levels, the setting is continually either supporting or depleting its occupants. Consciously creating and sustaining a nurturing environment fortifies the roots from which family members evolve and grow.

Experience shows us how improving our immediate surroundings, ranging from our wardrobe to household furnishings, helps to manifest positive internal transformations. The activity likewise reflects our inner landscape, allowing us to take a step back and observe how we are changing and hope to change.

That’s why we periodically feel impelled to clear unsettling clutter from our private spaces. It’s an irritant that dis-

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rupts order and our sense of beauty; even when it’s stashed in drawers and closets, we still know it’s there. It competes for attention and distracts our focus.

A recently relocated design client felt that her new house was beautiful, but didn’t feel like a home. The woman explained that when she was there, she was shorttempered with her kids, a sharp contrast to her usual demeanor. She yearned to love her home, enjoy her kids and live vibrantly. A key part of the solution was tackling the home’s mudroom entrance that was cluttered with the kids’ detritus, a condition that irritated her the minute she walked through the door.

Many of the home products we buy contain disquieting, hidden elements. Understanding which ingredients are hazardous is imperative to maintaining a safe home environment. Key decisions range from the choice of carpets, couches and bedding to cleaning products, laundry solutions and air fresheners.

Knowing the products we use are healthful enhances peace of mind. As one homeowner said, “I am so relieved to have a better understanding of what products I shouldn’t bring home. I was so scared before that I just ignored the idea that chemicals could be harmful.”

Being informed and alert to the composition of the items we bring into our home—including food—is vital.

More than 80,000 chemicals make up the ingredients in commonly available products that end up in the typical American home, and a large portion of them are toxic.

Nearly 20 percent of the chemicals are not divulged, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA also reports that the average person holds more than 700 toxic chemicals in their body. We inhale myriad chemical byproducts that fill the air both indoors and out, plus ingest numerous toxins in the foods and beverages we consume. Once absorbed, they remain in the body unless flushed out, throwing it out of balance and, as widespread research shows, causing a broad range of diseases.

WebMD.com reports that the psychological impacts of feeling stressed, helpless and overwhelmed by the fear of lurking poisons can directly influence our physical health.

Making informed choices can alleviate such feelings. It only requires taking a series of small and manageable, progressive steps to create our own style of a healthy and harmonious home life.

On a spiritual level, we can rest assured that such caring for our inner temple and larger environment supports a greater good and fosters a deeper connection to life’s Source. We feel more physically, psychologically and spiritually vibrant. Our home becomes a vital wellspring that, cleaned and furnished with holistic awareness, continually refreshes us.

Christa O’Leary is founder and CEO of Home in Harmony, Inc., combining expertise in marriage and family therapy, interior design and green living. Her book, Home in Harmony Lifestyle: Designing an Inspired Life, will be released in November. Connect at ChristaOLeary.com/FreeKit.

healthykids

Quiet Kids in a Noisy World

Bringing Out the Best in Introverts

by Meredith Montgomery

G

abrielle Perillo’s daughter, A’ngel, 11, is a deep thinker, compassionate for all beings (human and not), a defender of justice, spiritual and extremely creative. She pursues any subject she studies with focus and passion. Although other children are naturally drawn to her, A’ngel, a born introvert, generally prefers to play quietly on her own. At first, her mother worried that her daughter was being insensitive to others and not paying attention to her surroundings. But once Mom released her own emotional projections, she recognized how happy her daughter is in her own space and began to appreciate the benefits of this independence.

At least a third of Americans are introverts, yet many parents are prone to mischaracterize their more private children as antisocial, self-centered and lonely. Susan Cain, a former corporate attorney and author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, explains, “Introverts are not antisocial, they just prefer socializing in lower-key ways.” They usually form a few deep and intimate relationships compared to extroverts that often cultivate many friends.

Christine Fonseca, an educational psychologist and author of Quiet Kids, notes the danger in misunderstanding a child’s hesitancy or reserved nature. “Kids can benefit from understanding who they are and what it means to be an introvert. Otherwise, they may compare themselves to their extrovert

friends and feel deficient.”

Introverts own many exceptional qualities. They tend to be deep thinkers able to work independently in highly creative and innovative ways. They may prefer to learn a lot about a few topics instead of a little about many different areas. Often described as empathetic, conscientious and self-aware, introverts make authentic leaders and effective managers as adults.

Introvert and extrovert temperaments are distinguished by how individuals generate energy. Introverts process the world and recharge through solitude; many can flourish in social situations as long as they can rejuvenate by being on their own.

Fonseca notes a defining difference in physiology. “Introverts use part of the nervous system that has a long pathway from point A to point B, so it takes them longer to process information.”

Cain adds, “Introverts also usually have a longer runway than others, so it takes them longer to take off and fly. It’s crucial that the message they’re receiving from parents and teachers is, ‘That’s okay.’”

It’s important that parents balance how they honor a child’s preferences with teaching them skills to thrive.

“Don’t expect them to follow the gang,” says Cain. “Instead, encourage them to

follow their passions.”

Parents can empower children with tools to increase their comfort zone. If youngsters have difficulty speaking up in class, it helps to prepare them with what they want to say beforehand. Cain notes that this lessens anxiety and when they are able to speak up, they’ll feel like part of the class.

Simple tips can offer relief in uncomfortable social situations. Perillo reinforces social manners before she and A’ngel arrive at an event. She focuses on the greetings, reminding her to extend her hand first, speak clearly, make eye contact and smile. Also, because self-promotion doesn’t come naturally to introverts, they often need coaching to highlight their own assets when applying for a club, college or job.

Fonseca encourages families to embrace digital technology. She observes, “Most introverts are extroverts online. While face-to-face communication tends to drain them, that doesn’t happen as much online, plus it’s easier to feel more adept socially there.”

They’ll still need to disconnect and renew after socializing online, so it’s important to set usage boundaries.

Fonseca, who has one introverted and one extroverted child, facilitates dialogue that teaches each of them to communicate with their peers about their needs. “My introvert tells her extrovert friends not to take offense if she needs to take quiet time alone. They offer each other a perspective that makes their own point of view more well-rounded.”

From a neuropsychological perspective, introverts and extroverts can learn from each other, as well. According to Fonseca, extroverts that habitually activate their sympathetic nervous system (“fight-or-flight”) can experience burnout if they don’t learn how to slow down and be calm. However, introverts, relying mostly on their parasympathetic system (“rest and digest”), can be overly calm and slow to respond to situations.

Fonseca notes, “It’s not about one temperament being more positive than the other; it’s about understanding who everyone is, their authentic self and finding balance.”

Meredith Montgomery is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin, AL (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).

natural awakenings

February 2014

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wisewords

LOVE MAGNET

Katherine Woodward Thomas on Drawing True Love Our Way

by Debra Melani

A

fter years of experiencing love going sour, Katherine Woodward Thomas set a goal: She would marry her soul mate within a year. Her quest inspired a surprising awakening that spurred her to look deep inside for the key that would unblock love.

Thomas realized the transformation that enabled her success involved clear steps that could help anyone. Today, the licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert has guided thousands toward successful relationships via her national bestseller, Calling in “The One”: 7 Weeks to Attract the Love of Your Life, and subsequent books and seminars.

What catalyzed your Calling in “The One” professional journey?

I was 41, a card-carrying member of one of America’s largest-growing groups—the never-marrieds. I had bought into the cultural belief that a woman my age had little chance of finding a great husband. I felt anxious and resigned, trying to come to terms with it, but sad inside.

Fortunately, at the time, I was part of a small group supportive of each other’s intentions. So I set the outrageous intention that I would be engaged by my next birthday. I also recognized my longstanding pattern of attracting unavailable men who were engaged, married or alcoholics. A woman in the group said, “Katherine, I will hold that intention with you if you permit me to 22

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hold you accountable to be the woman you would need to be in order to fulfill it.”

Her wake-up call turned my focus from running out to find love to going within to discover the barriers I had against it. Thus I began what became the Calling in “The One” process.

How does it differ from other approaches to finding love?

Many approaches focus on the external reasons love is elusive, such as all the good men are taken, men don’t like powerful women or just not having met the right person. This approach focuses more on the internal reasons—going within to discover and release one’s own conscious and unconscious barriers. For most of us, a gap exists between how much we think we want love and how much we are actually open and ready to receive it. Until we bridge that gap, we will covertly keep love at bay, and won’t even realize we are doing it.

What are the most common hidden barriers to love?

One hidden barrier is resentment. We only resent people to the extent that we’ve given our power away to them.

Uncover your role in what happened.

Even if it was 97 percent their fault and 3 percent yours, zero in on that 3 percent, because you’ll only be able to trust yourself to love again once you’ve taken that responsibility. If you still feel resentful, you have not yet evolved beyond the person you were before.

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Another centers on old agreements—the spoken and unspoken, agreements we make, usually in an emotional time—such as “I’m never going to let myself get hurt again” or “I’ll never love anyone the way I love you.” Such agreements live in our lives as intentions. They may no longer be conscious, yet still set our course.

Another has to do with toxic relational dynamics. To find the best partnership, you need to be your best self. Maintaining a toxic dynamic drains personal power, making it hard to move forward in life. It’s vital to evolve out of this debilitating dynamic so you are in the center of your power everywhere in life.

The fourth area, and probably the most important, revolves around the core beliefs you hold about both yourself and others. You might have a reasonably clear sense of yourself around money, career and friendship, but your core love identity might cause you to believe yourself unworthy of a quality partner. Identifying and challenging these beliefs is critical in learning how to break free from them, helping to raise your value in your own eyes and thus in others.

You believe the best way to find a needle in a haystack is to become magnetic and allow that needle to find you. How does one become magnetic to love?

Being centered in the truth of your own value and the real possibilities you hold for true love is wildly attractive. Love yearns to embrace us, but can’t come to us if it can’t come through us. When we shift into this place of possibility, we can become profoundly magnetic to love.

Learn more at CallingInTheOne.net, ConsciousUncoupling.com or KatherineWoodwardThomas.com.

Explore the qualities possible in an enlightened mate at NaturalAwakenings Singles.com.

Freelance journalist Debra Melani is from Lyons, CO. Connect at DebraMelani.com.

inspiration

mantra, we may elect to select a special word as a substitute for the whole mantra to use as a touchstone, so that when we say or think this word, we are immediately clear and clean of all the pain associated with any erroneous memory data presented. Our heart is healed and family or friends will return to relationships with a lighter heart. We do not need to understand how it works, only that it does.

Source: Adapted from VividLife.me

HEALING HURT A Hawaiian Mantra Lets Love Back In

H

o’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian huna, a secret to facilitating forgiveness within; or simply, the art of forgiveness.

Four healing phrases are employed in a harmonic mantra to help “make things right” or “correct the errors”. It works to cleanse hurt feelings and relieve suffering from being in an unforgiving or unforgiven state. According to the Babylon online dictionary, Ho’oponopono is used to release problems and blocks that cause imbalance, unease and stress in the self; bring peace and balance through physical, mental and spiritual cleansing that involves repentance and transmutation; and create balance, freedom, love, peace and wisdom within individuals, social entities, the world and the universe.

Learn more about Ho’oponopono on Thursday, February 13 with “Let the Love Back In” by local Instructor Dianne Thomas. For details see Calendar page 29, to register call 843-297-2468.

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ho’oponopono Forgiveness Mantra I am sorry.

Please forgive me.

Thank you.

I love you.

These four forgiveness phrases, both individually and collectively, help heal us and our relationships with others, especially loved ones. Each one melts hearts and heals souls. Going deeper, we can voice this mantra in communing with the divine and see the effect both within and without.

Wherever you go

Natural Awakenings can be at your fingertips.

I am sorry for participating in this erroneous memory data.

Please forgive me for not seeing the perfection in this moment, and playing back a universal memory I have received within me that is riddled with wrongs and errors.

Thank you for cleansing me, others, the world and the universe.

I love you. Loving the sweet divine is the greatest power or energy there is in all space. I am now loving everyone involved and affected. I know that my perceptions of them are within me, where this error first occurred and where it can be eradicated.

Like planting a seed in soil that grows into nothing of our making, the divine does the work as we allow it to work through us. As we come to consistently use the Ho’oponopono

For your free E-subscription visit NALowcountry.com Our ezine works on any mobile or desktop device! natural awakenings

February 2014

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naturalpet

Charleston Holistic Center

LLC

Past-Life Regression Therapy Healing of the Mind/Body through the wisdom of the Soul Lance Garland

Licensed Counselor & Hypnotherapist Trained in Past Life Therapy by Dr. Brian Weiss author of “Many Lives, Many Masters” at the Omega Institute of Holistic Studies

843-225-2024 info@CharlestonHolisticCenter.com

CharlestonHolisticCenter.com 2366 #8 Ashley River Rd, Charleston SC 29414

Cardiac Care for Pets How to Keep Little Hearts Humming

by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

Adopt a Lucky Black Cat today!

Prosperity • Sailor’s Protection Feng Shui Harmony • Love Black is slimming & goes with everything 1447 Folly Rd

Looking for new clients?

Call 843-821-7404 or email ads@nalowcountry.com to learn more about how we can help promote your business.

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NA Lowcountry Edition

S

ymptoms that suggest a dog or cat’s heart is not pumping effectively include coughing and fatigue from light exercise. Before the signs are evident, it is far better to check for heart disease during regular twice-yearly visits to the veterinarian. Using a stethoscope, a skilled doctor can pick up telltale heart murmurs during the examination.

A fairly common problem with cats, heart disease tends to occur as cardiomyopathy, an issue with the heart muscle.

In most dogs, where cardiomyopathy is rare, it usually involves damaged heart valves, resulting in “leaks” that allow blood to flow in both directions.

Upon an initial diagnosis of heart disease, one of two mistakes in treatment routinely occur: Either a doctor prescribes strong cardiac medications to “prevent” heart failure from happening (even though no medication has been shown to prevent heart failure), or he takes a wait-and-see approach, only intervening when the disease progresses to irreversible heart failure.

The better approach is to do further testing and evaluation at the first sign of a murmur, including chest X-rays, an electrocardiogram (EKG)

NALowcountry.com

and a cardiac ultrasound to classify the stage of the disease and determine if conventional medications can help.

Follow-up visits every six months allow the doctor to identify the point at which heart disease has progressed toward impending heart failure.

In general, pets with either a diseased or failing heart can benefit from supplements. Individual regimens vary, based on the nature of the patient’s case.

Omega-3

Fish oil contains beneficial docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. The principle metabolites derived from the metabolism of EPA and DHA tend to be anti-inflammatory.

Contrariwise, omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in warm-weather veg-

etable oils, produce pro-inflammatory mediators. Because omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids compete with each other to be converted to active metabolites (pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory) in the body, decreasing the intake of omega-6 fatty acids and/or increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acid levels, available through fish oil, is generally considered beneficial. The differing numbers identifying omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids simply refer to where the carbon-carbon double bonds are positioned in the molecules.

Supplementing with fish oil may also reduce the occurrence of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden cardiac death by decreasing inflammation throughout the body, including in the heart.

Coenzyme Q-10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinol or ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring antioxidant synthesized in most tissues in the body. The highest concentrations are in the heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas. In the diet, CoQ10 is found in foods such as organ meats, poultry, fish, meat, nuts, soybean oil, fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy products.

The Professional’s Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines explains that CoQ10 is used in electron transport in mitochondria—small organelles inside cells that convert carbohydrates and fats into energy. It reports that studies in people with hypertension showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure through CoQ10 supplementation.

Benefits of such therapy studied in people with a heart that has failed in its pumping ability showed increased improved heart function and proper dilation of the blood vessels for improved circulation. It is proving to be one of the best nutrients to help an ailing heart.

Hawthorn

The herb hawthorn is highly regarded for its suitability in the treatment of heart disease due to its flavonoid and other antioxidant content. It provides several beneficial effects for the heart—helping to maintain a normal heart rhythm with decreased risk of arrhythmias; bolstering the force of heart muscle contraction; increasing coronary blood flow; and decreasing the organ’s energy demands. It acts like angiotensin1-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as the medicine Enalapril, used to help regulate blood pressure and reduce the workload of a failing heart.

While other therapies can be used to help pet heart patients, these three are a sound starting point. In some cases, they may be suitable instead of medications that can cause side effects to the kidney and liver, or at least allow for smaller doses. Natural remedies provide a gentler alternative.

Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. For more information, visit PetCareNaturally.com.

Natural Iodine Supplementation A Must for Most Americans

A

study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that iodine deficiency in the developed world has increased fourfold in the past 40 years and now affects nearly three-quarters of all adults.

Taking the right kind of iodine in the right dosage can rebalance thyroid function and restore health to the thyroid and the whole body.

Natural Awakenings Detoxifed Iodine is 100 percent natural, raw iodine in an ethyl alcohol solution. We thank all those that are benefiting from this product and enthusiastically telling us their great results.  Available only at NAWebstore.com  My wife, who suffered from extreme fatigue and other symptoms, saw a dramatic increase in energy after just a few days of taking the natural iodine drops. Now if she misses a day, she’ll end up falling asleep in the middle of the afternoon, like she used to do before taking the iodine. It works! ~ Aaron My doctor told me that I had a hypothyroid condition, prescribed medication and was happy with the followup test results, yet I noticed no positive effects on my overall well-being. Within two weeks of using the Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine, I had more energy, felt more awake and enjoyed clearer thinking and greater peace of mind. People even comment that I look younger. I am a fan! ~ Larry

A Few Drops Can Change Your Life!

4-6 week supply ONLY

19.99

$

Order Online Today at

NAWebstore.com Or Call: 888-822-0246 SHIPPING *$5SPECIAL •up to 8 bottles Wholesale Pricing Available to Stores and Practitioners

natural awakenings

February 2014

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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email ads@nalowcountry.com

BODYWORK

ACUPUNCTURE CHARLESTON COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE

1307 Savannah Highway 843-763-7200 feelgreatcharleston.com Voted Best Acupuncturist in Charleston 2012! Pain Management, Autoimmune, Infertility, Digestion, Migraines, Fatigue, Allergies, Diabetes, Stress and much more. Sliding Scale $20-$40 all return visits.

DANA PAPPAS, MHA, LAc

Lovegrove Health Solutions, LLC Mt. Pleasant 843-469-1001 Lovegrovehealthsolutions.com Licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, holistic nutritionist, & Chinese Medicine specialist practicing integrated medicine with a physician. Specialties include: Fertility, Autoimmune Diseases, Digestion, Thyroid, Fatigue, Arthritis, Allergies, Weight Loss, & Women’s Health.

SUMMERVILLE COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE 127 S. Main St. 843-810-1225 mycarolinamoon.com

Bring us your headaches; back pain, tennis elbow, indigestion or whatever is bothering you! Affordable Acupuncture between $15-$35. PTSD treatments for Veterans $5. Appointments or Walk-ins welcome! See ad page 13.

DR. PATRICK S. LOVEGROVE Lovegrove Health Solutions, LLC Mt. Pleasant 843-469-1001 lovegrovehealthsolutions.com

AMA Board- certified Medical Doctor specializing in alternative/ integrative medicine, holistic nutrition, weight loss, fatigue and pain management. Services include acupuncture, bioidentical hormones, anti-aging, nutraceuticals, detoxification, Chinese/ Ayurvedic medicine, naturopathy, Reiki, & blood/ saliva/urine/hair/stool Functional Medicine lab analysis for treatment of chronic disease.

NA Lowcountry Edition

Ashima Kahrs, CMT Mt. Pleasant & Goose Creek Location 843-813-2834 ashima.cathy1@comcast.net Authorized Continuum Teacher, Certified Wellspring Practitioner, Certified Watsu Practitioner, Fluid Integration Therapy CranioSacral/Sacred Spaces Massage, Chakra Dialog/Tissue Awareness Th e ra py, Ly m p h D ra i n a g e Therapy, Myofascial Release, Raindrop/Aromatherapy Treatment, Nia Blue Belt Instructor (group/private), Primary Facilitator for NCBTMB approved workshops thru JLTM. See web page for details. See ad page 16.

LOTUS HEALING CENTRE

Abigail McClam, LMBT 6411 232 A Ashley Ave, Charleston 843-724-9807 LotusCharleston.com LotusHealingCharleston@gmail.com Massage Therapist and owner of Lotus Healing Centre. Holistic Massage Specialties include chronic pain management, trauma release, athletic training maintenance and integrative wellness. Lotus is a collaboration of holistic health practitioners unified by their mission to inspire, empower and educate our community in mind, body and spirit.

The Lotus Team offers a multidimensional approach to holistic health care through massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, Craniosacral therapy, Reiki and Ayurveda.

VIRGINIA CHAPLIN

Certified Rolfer®, RN rolfingcharleston.com 843-327-5905

ALTERNATIVE HOLISTIC MEDICINE

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JOYOUS LIVING THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE (JLTM)

Rolfing™ Structural Integration is a highly effective hands-on therapy designed to restore alignment and proper function to the body. Rolfing can create dramatic changes in posture and physical structure by addressing the patterns in your body that may be causing pain, poor posture or general feelings that daily activities are harder to do than they used to be.

Re-sculpt, Re-align, Re-charge your life!

NALowcountry.com

BRAIN TRAINING TIDEWATER NEUROFEEDBACK CTR. Mary P. Price, LPC 222 West Coleman Blvd Mt Pleasant 843-224-3966

Increase your focus, alertness and h a p p i n e s s w i t h t h e Pe a k Achievement Happiness Trainer!

The best NEUROFEEDBACK experience ever. Call Mary Price at 843-224-3966 for an appointment. Cognitive Behavioral therapy and the BAUD also available.

CHIROPRACTOR COLUCCI CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. Gina Colucci 1806 Trolley Rd, Summerville ColucciChiropractic.com 843-875-5700 Serving Summerville Area for 27 ye a r s , o f f e r i n g a n a t u ra l approach to; peripheral neuropathy, bio-identical hormones, weight loss/ nutritional counseling, sugar detox, stress testing, detox footbaths, heavy metal testing, Total Body Modification, chiropractic, emotional and wellness care.

DRS. GINA & MICHAEL COURSON

3373 South Morgans Pt Rd, Suite 307, MP coursonchiro.com 426 West Coleman Blvd Ste D, MP mtpleasantchiro.com 843-971-8814 Providing full service health and wellness care.

Many technologies including no twisting and cracking. Massage t h e ra py, n u t r i t i o n a l counseling, energy balance and detox.

Insurance accepted.

Free Consults. Open Saturdays.

DR. KARYN G. MEADOWS

Family First Chiropractic, N Charleston family1chiro.com 843-553-9700 A powerful approach to natural healing through chiropractic and the use of therapeutic grade essential oils. Massage Therapy and Weight Release Counseling av a i l a b l e . Yo u n g L i v i n g Independent Distributor. Most insurances accepted.

CHURCHES RHETT AVE CHRISTIAN CHURCH DOC We are finally back in our church building!

5103 North Rhett Ave, North Charleston Sunday Worship: 11am 843-747-2464

A safe, spiritual place to question & grow! We are an accepting congregation & do not expect total conformity or perfection. U r invited!

UNITY CHURCH OF CHARLESTON 2535 Leeds Avenue 843-566-0600 unitychs.org Reverend Ed Kosak, Minister

Sunday Services: 9:30am & 11:15am. Are you more spiritual than religious? Do you believe in many paths to God? Then please join us!

COLON HEALTH A CENTER FOR WELL BEING

843-769-6848 acenterforwellbeing.com Grass Roots Healthcare since 1991 Therapeutic Massage, Colon Hydrotherapy, TFH, Bioresonance, Detox Foot Baths, Sauna, Cleansing Retreats, Healthy Food Choice Coaching, NBCTH Certified and I-ACT Members.

Offering people a vehicle to help improve their quality of life. Specializing in Probiotic education.

DENTISTRY JARED L. SLOVAN, DMD JAMES H. SEXTON, JR., DMD

924 Tall Pine Rd, Mt Pleasant DrJaredSlovan.com 843-884-0701 Mercury Free—Mercury Safe for over 20 years.

Please call us to set up a free consult. See ad page 17.

ENERGY HEALING DIRECT VOICE MEDIUM & INTUITIVE HEALER

Rev. Cindy Boehley, RM, RYT 200 Charleston 571-432-7891 Cindy@SoulEvolutionSolutions.com Connecting with spirit, Rev. Cindy guides others to discover messages from loved ones passed-over along with answers to life’s challenges, for deeper healing and Inner Peace.

Individual and Group Readings.

See ad page 12.

HARRIETT GRADY MA, MSW, LISW

1209 H Sam Rittenberg Blvd 843-814-0101 mysticlady2@comcast.net Consciousnessofenergy.com Private practice for Psychot h e r a p y, Q i g o n g e n e r g y movements for weight loss, breast health and pain management. Ongoing Qigong Classes Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 10am & 7pm.

heart2mindENERGETICS™

Regenerative Health & CORE-based HEALING Greg L. Turner, BNEH, MYF, E-RYT 200 Charleston 800-269-0802 gturner@h2me.net heart2mindENERGETICS™ combines Eastern Energy Medicine with the latest in Western Bio-Neuro Science creating SUPER-WELLness. It focuses on eliminating real causes of disease and injury.

Individual and Group Programs.

HEALTH FOOD STORES GOD’S GREEN ACRE

1240-C Central Ave, Summerville 843-873-3953 godsgreenacreonline.com

Your doorway to total health. Serving Summerville over 40 years. Natural & gluten-free products. Probiotics, organic oils, vitamins & supplements, essential oils and so much more…

VITAMIN PLUS+

Herbs and Health Foods 119 North Goose Creek Blvd, Ste K Goose Creek 843-797-3200 Best selection of herbs in SC. Organic tea, spices, supplements, essential oils, wheat-free and gluten-free products. 10am-7pm M-Sat, closed Sunday.

HEALTH & WELLNESS BEMER ME

NEW HOPE HEALING CENTER

Darcy Fietsam, MSW, PhD 706 Meeting St, Charleston Newhopebegins.com 843-327-8848 S p i r i t u a l p s y c h o t h e r a p y.

Specializing in treating anxiety, sexual problems, and PTSD. Blending intuitive gifts with professional training, Dr. Darcy is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and licensed therapist.

RESOURCES UNLIMITED

125 S Main St, Summerville 843-875-4543 or 843-870-4462

Joyce B. Stech (Master JAH);

Spiritual Head of Taoist-Yogi Christ Lineage, NA; Spiritual Counseling; Certified Instructor a n d A u t h o r. Th e p a t h o f enlightenment comes in many forms. Explore yours. Psychospiritual approach to discovery and inner/outer empowerment. Classes and private sessions.

Martial Arts, Body Talk, Royal Gems Healing Matrix, Light Language, Karuna Reiki, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage and more. Call 843-875-4543 or explore www.resourcesunlimited1.com.

THE PINK DOLPHIN-REIKI CENTER 301 E Richardson Ave, Summerville Dianne Thomas, Life Mentor & Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher 843-821-0232 thepinkdolphin.com email: underthewillow@earthlink.net

Reiki relieves stress, restores balance and well-being, and promotes healing. Call for appointment. Dianne is licensed with ICRT (reiki.org) and teaches all levels of Usui and Karuna Reiki. CEUs available.

Gerry Schmidt, PhD, partner 843-588-9286 Gerry@bemerme.com Bemerme.com Reverse aging in just 8 minutes, 2X/day with BEMER—reduces inflammation, pain, digestive issues, improves sleep and energy/vitality, plus more. Used

by NASA and Olympic teams, in 42 countries for 15 years. Try it FREE! See ad page 10.

HEALTH FOR LIFE, INC

Penny Mill, Natural Health Professional & Reba Device/Electro-Dermal Technician 843-345-0870 Healthforlifeinc.com Experience optimal health through Reba Device and Computerized Electro-Dermal testing. Identifies physical and emotional issues and isolates the root cause. Brings balance through homeopathics, detoxifiers, herbs, vitamins, minerals, enzymes.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS Center for the Healing Arts 1092 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Ste 112 Mount Pleasant, SC Allison Kirk 843-991-3444 Jean Maczko 843-442-8155

Mount Pleasant’s only fully integrated Healing Arts Center that balances all 5 layers of the human experience: physical, metal, emotional, spiritual and energetic. Our menu of holistic services includes massage therapy, life coaching, meditation, vibrational healing, chromotherapy, plant therapy and more.

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KANGEN IONIZED WATER

REAL ESTATE

Thomas P. Meletis, Distributor Visit: topshelfwater.com tpm13@aol.com 843-729-7837

CHRIS CUNNIFFE, REALTOR

Change Your Water, Change Your Life! Kangen may lower blood sugar, blood pressure, acid reflux; release excess body fat; support colon health; balance body pH; optimize energy and sleep! See ad page 32.

Harbor City Real Estate Advisors, LLC 510 Live Oak Drive, Mt. Pleasant chris@harborcityadvisors.com 843-805-8011 A metaphysical approach to real estate. Attract a harmonious transaction through visualization, generation of a positive feeling tone, and alignment of your actions and dominant thoughts.

Residential and commercial services. See ad page 11.

MARTI CHITWOOD

Health & Recovery Facilitator 843-557-5111 martichitwood.com Weight won’t budge? Tired?

Foggy? Fighting addictions?

Bring your body back into alignment. With over 30 years of professional experience in health, nutrition, detoxification and recovery, I will advise you on the correct products, food and actions to feel your personal best!

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS BELL LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS 800-333-7995 www.BellLifestyle.com

Formulated natural health supplements intended for pain control, urinary health, preventive illness, virility, stress relief, weight control and other common conditions. See ad page 2.

LIFE COACH ALEKA THORVALSON CLSC

YOGA

Aloha Healing Arts Life Strategies Coaching & Hypnosis 843-870-7455 Alekasky.com Lasting change and healing by focusing on the whole self. Release blocks, gain clarity, p u r p o s e , i n s p i ra t i o n a n d motivation. Individuals, C o u p l e s , a n d Fa m i l i e s .

Professionally Certified Holistic Life Strategies Coach.

JESSICA L. RUEGER

843-270-7460 jessica@jessicarueger.com JessicaRueger.com Teaching students to become aware of themselves, accept themselves as they are, and offer tools that support change from where they are right now. From student Marie, “I am grateful for you, Jessica: faithful teacher, full of heart, lover of souls, trustworthy confidant.”

OCEAN TANTRA YOGA

Instructor: Peace Ocean Weaver Mt. Pleasant PeaceWeaver.com Email: Oceanyoga@yahoo.com Feel better, Relate better. Let me guide you through easy mindbody practices, experience pleasure, healing and bliss. Yoga and/or Tantra, private instruction for individuals and couples, beginners thru advanced.

Ancient wisdom for modern enlightenment. In joy!

classifieds Have a space to rent, an item for sale, or a job to fill? List it in our classifieds! First 30 words only $20/month (additional words @ $.50/each). Listing must be submitted by February 10 for March issue. Email listing to ads@nalowcountry.com or mail with payment to Natural Awakenings, P O Box 577, Ladson SC 29456.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY EARN WHILE SHARING WITH FRIENDS – Interested in learning about essential oils while sharing with friends? Host an Essential Oils Home Show! For more information call Dr. Karyn Meadows: 843-471-7743. Check out the products: www.youngliving.com.

FOR RENT SPACE AVAILABLE – Seeking to run your own business with a fraction of the overhead? Multidisciplinary holistic wellness clinic in Mount Pleasant now has an available space for an independent contractor. Contact: wellnessmtp@gmail.com, 843-416-8218.

PRODUCTS 10-DAY TRANSFORMATIONAL CLEANSE – Fastest, simplest, healthiest and least expensive weight loss program on the planet! To order or for more information, call 843-762-2881 or visit: Cleanfood123.com.

SHOPPING SURPLUS STORE – Military and law enforcement clothing, camping/outdoor gear. Shop online at Bravoseven.com or visit Surplus Store (M-Sat), 1024A North Main St (behind the Pawn shop) Summerville, 843-821-1181.

AWAKENING AMERICA

TRACY LIEBMANN, CTACC, MAT Personal Development Coach Intuitive Energy Healing mindbodyspiritu.com 843-343-8956

Professionally Certified Life Coach and Energy Medicine Practitioner combining mind, body and spirit in every session.

Tracy's unique approach utilizes the best of energy psychology and energy medicine to allow for deep and lasting change to occur.

Natural Awakenings

Celebrates 20 Years of Conscious Living Read What People Are Saying About Natural Awakenings I picked up a copy of the new magazine today at Earth Fare and was so impressed — it’s filled with businesses and services right in my neck of the woods that I had no idea existed. I’m thrilled to have such a great resource. ~ Katy Koontz, Tennessee

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NA Lowcountry Edition

NALowcountry.com

It is unusual to see your level of writing and consciousness in a free publication.

Thanks for a great work. ~ Kaih Khriste’ King, Arizona

calendarofevents Our Calendar is filled with classes, workshops and events that feed your mind/ body/spirit and promote a healthy lifestyle. All submissions for the March issue must be received no later than February 10. Basic listings are a maximum of 35 words, not including the day/date. Please email to: calendar@nalowcountry.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga – Sat/Sun The Yoga Loft, Summerville. Immersion Program based on modern interpretations of sacred Vedic wisdom with Nicolle Morgan, RYT-500 & Certified Chopra Center Instructor. Preregistration required: 509-3370, Yogaloftsummerville.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Let’s Do Eyes – 5:30pm Lola Salon, 845 Savannah Highway. Join Your Grooming Guru, Barbara Brant-Williams, for FREE how-to session, learn to apply glamorous eye makeup with confidence! All welcome, limited space, please RSVP: 813-1838.

Lighten Up Series – 6pm Lovegorve Health Solutions, 250 Mathis Ferry Rd Suite 101, Mt Pleasant.

6-week program focused on fundamentals of permanent weight loss based on bio-individuality. 90-minute sessions every Wednesday, $150/program.

RSVP: Meredith@meredithanne.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Contemplative Retreat & T’ai Chi – 7pm-Sun 1pm Springbank Retreat. w/Trina McCormick & Theresa Linehan with Centering Prayer & spiritual T’ai Chi inviting stability and balance. No experience necessary. $225 includes lodging/meals. 843382-9777, SpringbankRetreat.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Reiki I & II Classes – 9am-6pm Sat/Sun Usui/ Karuna Reiki Master, ICRT Certified Teacher Dianne Thomas, Summerville. Turn up your light and learn the art of healing with Reiki energy, Nurses/Massage therapists CEs, $350.

ThePinkDolphin.com, 297-2468.

Connect to Spirit, Guides, Angels & Loved Ones – 7pm Tidewater Exec Center, 222 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant. Rev. Cindy Boehley, Direct Voice Medium & Intuitive Healer. Discover Messages and Inner Guidance. Info: SoulEvolutionSolutions.com, 571-432-7891.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

A Gathering of Souls – 11-12:30pm A study in practice of A Course in Miracles, scribed by The Foundation For Inner Peace, offered by Chi. Visit Chitheshaman.com click on Workshops, email Chi: gaachi@aol.com or call 270-3814.

Pop-up Shop – 11am-2pm Lotus Healing Centre, 232-A Ashley Ave. Celebrate Love with local designers, artists, & goodies to sample &/or purchase!

Discover benefits of Ayurveda & Aromatherapy.

Host: Anney Bennett & Abigail McClam. Info: 724-9807.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Wholeness/Holiness Retreat for Women – 9:30am-Sat 4pm Springbank Retreat. Opening Minds & Hearts w/Margie Hosch. Develop inner strength through spiritual direction, creative expression, prayer and silence. $650 includes lodging/ meals. 843-382-9777, SpringbankRetreat.org.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

The 5 Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss – 6:30pm Colucci Wellness Center, Summerville. FREE Seminar. Learn how to loose weight and keep it off! Seating is limited. Call 875-5700 to reserve your spot today!

Let the Love Back In – 7-8:30pm The Pink Dolpin, Summerville. Join Instructor Dianne Thomas, Usui Reiki Master/Teacher to experience and learn Self-Identity Ho’oponopono, a powerful Hawaiian technique to self love. $25, registration required: 297-2468.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Try the BEMER – Anytime from 2-4pm Lotus Healing Centre, 232-A Ashley Avenue, Charleston.

Try the revolutionary device that improves so many health issues. FREE, RSVP or questions email: Gerry@bemerme.com or call: 588-9286.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

A Gathering of Souls – 11-12:30pm A study in practice of A Course in Miracles, scribed by The Foundation For Inner Peace, offered by Chi. Visit Chitheshaman.com click on Workshops, email Chi: gaachi@aol.com or call 270-3814.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Well-Springs: Celebrate Self & Spirit – 10amTues 4pm Springbank Retreat. Reshape minds, open hearts, invigorate spirits to experience joy and renewed creativity w/Pepper Sarnoff & Faye Townsend. $200 includes lodging/meals. 843-3829777, SpringbankRetreat.org.

Try the BEMER & Presentation – 6:30-7:45pm Seeking Indigo, 445 King Street, Charleston. Learn about and try the revolutionary device that improves so many health issues. FREE, RSVP or questions, email: Gerry@bemerme.com or call: 588-9286.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Playing With Energy Night – 6:30-8pm Natsu Mura, 125 S Main St, Summerville. Night of Sharing, Healing,Learning and Developing our Talents!

Always an interesting evening. Royal Gem download. Everyone welcome. $donation. 870-4462, Resourcesunlimited1.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

12-Step Retreat for Women – 7pm-Sun 1pm Springbank Retreat. Explore w/Kathy McGrogan Native American Spirituality including sage blessings, prayer lodge, drumming and sacred pipe. Open to 12-step members. $195 includes lodging/meals.

843-382-9777, SpringbankRetreat.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Advanced Reiki Techniques (ART) – 10am-6pm Instructor: Dianne Thomas, Usui Reiki Master/ Teacher, ICRT Certified, Summerville. Class includes crystal grid, Aura Clearing, Master Symbol attunement and more. Requires Reiki level II. CEUs available, $275. ThePinkDolphin.com, 297-2468.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Reiki III Master Class – Sun/Mon Dianne Thomas, Usui Reiki Master/Teacher, ICRT Certified, Summerville. Step into your Reiki Mastery and help usher the planet into the Age of Peace. Requires Reiki level II & ART. CEUs available. $600, ThePinkDolphin.com, 297-2468.

A Gathering of Souls – 11-12:30pm A study in practice of A Course in Miracles, scribed by The Foundation For Inner Peace, offered by Chi. Visit Chitheshaman.com click on Workshops, email Chi: gaachi@aol.com or call 270-3814.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Try the BEMER – Anytime from 2-4pm Lotus Healing Centre, 232-A Ashley Avenue, Charleston.

Try the revolutionary device that improves so many health issues. FREE, RSVP or questions, email: Gerry@bemerme.com or call: 588-9286.

Paint Your Prayer – 5pm-Sun 1pm Springbank Retreat. Using techniques of watercolor painting to pray and rejoice in the divine gift of our creative and artistic energy w/Frances Grady. $290 includes lodging/meals. 843-382-9777, SpringbankRetreat.org,

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

New Solutions to Eliminate Joint Pain – 6:30pm Colucci Wellness Center, Summerville. This workshop will educate you on the newest drug-free solutions available for chronic pain. FREE, limited seating. Please call 875-5700 for more information.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Bringing Dreams to Life – 5pm-Sun 1pm Springbank Retreat. Discover ways to remember, record and understand dreams w/Justina Lasley. Gain new awareness; re-energize your life. CEs for counselors/ therapists. $290 includes lodging/meals. 843-3829777, SpringbankRetreat.org.

planahead

Flavorful, Fresh, Fermented Foods – 6:308pm Lotus Healing Centre, 232-A Ashley Ave. Bursting with flavor and health benefits of naturally occurring probiotics, Kenchi Ferments provides samples for tasting & purchase of Charleston Gourmet Kimchi. Info: 724-9807.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

TUESDAY, MARCH 4

Try the BEMER – Anytime from 2-4pm Lotus Healing Centre, 232-A Ashley Avenue, Charleston.

Try the revolutionary device that improves so many health issues. FREE, RSVP or questions, email: Gerry@bemerme.com or call: 588-9286.

Why Am I Shoving Food In My Mouth? – 6-9pm Natsu Mura, Summerville. Do you want to be healthy but keep shoving food into your mouth?

Explore WHY—be free! Instructor: Joyce Stech, $65, 870-4462, Resourcesunlimited1.com.

Fermentation for health workshop – 12-2pm (& 15th) Lotus Healing Centre, 232-A Ashley Ave. Fermentation workshops from kombucha and medicinal vinegars to yogurt, explore the transformative power of food fermentation for health. Info: 724-9807.

Pottery & Native Spirituality – 9:30am (10 days) Springbank Retreat. Learn ways of relating to natural world, experience Prayer Lodge & Vision Quest. Create vessels for ritual. No art experience necessary. $790 includes lodging/meals.

SpringbankRetreat.org, 843-382-9777.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

Spirit Quest – 7pm-Sun 1pm Springbank Retreat.

Prayerful, insightful experience w/Grandmother

natural awakenings

February 2014

29

June Perry & Betsy Bowman. Focusing on being open and receptive to Spirit in seven-hour quest and Prayer Lodge. $200 includes lodging/meals.

843-382-9777, SpringbankRetreat.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

Awakening Spirit Within: Learning to Play the Flute – 7pm-Sun 1pm Springbank Retreat.

Let your soul speak to you through flute-playing and expriessive painting w/ Cerantha Corley. $275 fee includes lodging/meals. 843-382-9777, SpringbankRetreat.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

Drum Making – 9:30am-Wed 5pm Springbank Retreat. Share in ancient wisdom by creating, blessing and awakening your drum in native tradition w/Theresa Linehan. $200 includes lodging/meals plus $100 materials. 843-382-9777, SpringbankRetreat.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21

Radiant Splendor: The Interface of Science & Spirituality – 7pm-Sun 1pm Springbank Retreat.

Explore issues of faith and transformation of consciousness w/Barbara Fiand. $275 includes lodging/ meals. 843-382-9777, SpringbankRetreat.org.

ongoing events monday Gentle Yoga – 9-10am; Pilates Mat – 10:1511:30am; Yin Yoga – noon-1pm; Beginner’s Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm; Energy Flow (Yoga fusion with pilates & zumba moves) – 7-8:15pm. Yoga Loft, 410 N Gum St, Summerville. 509-3370, Yogaloftsummerville.com.

Mommy & Me Ballet Classes – 10-10:45am (ages newborn-2yrs) Ballet Academy of Charleston, 1579 Savannah Hwy Ste B, W Ashley. $45/4 classes or $80/8 classes. Ballet-academy.org, 769-6932.

Nia – 4-5pm Hanahan Senior Center, 3102 Mabeline Rd (near Trident Tech off Rivers Ave). Lively movement class, energetic, embraces The Body’s Way/Nia Way. With Ashima Kahrs, Nia Blue Belt Instructor, 813-2834.

Free Hydration Clinic – 6-7pm (1st Monday) Dr. Marianne Rosen, 776 Daniel Ellis Dr Ste 1A, James Island (right side before entrance to Lowes). Learn how to change your life for the best. 723-6529.

Karate Classes – White/Purple/Blue belts 6-7pm; Green/Brown/Black belts - 7-8:15pm Natsu Mura Karate & Kobudo, 125 S Main St, Summerville. 875-4543 or 870-4462, Natsumura.com.

Bible Study Class – 6pm Rhett Avenue Christian Church (DOC), 5103 North Rhett Avenue, North Charleston. 747-2464.

Mindful Pain Management Course – 6:30-8pm Lotus Healing Centre, 232-A Ashley Ave. Create your own toolkit of skills to ease and understand chronic pain in body and mind with host Abigail McClam. Info: Abigail@lotuscharleston.com or 724-9807.

Adult Beginner Ballet Classes – 7-8:15pm Ballet Academy of Charleston, 1579 Savannah Hwy Ste B, W Ashley. Ballet is the best training for flexibility, strength and posture. $18/class, $75/5-class card.

Ballet-academy.org, 769-6932.

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NA Lowcountry Edition

tuesday Hatha Yoga – 6-7:30am Natsu Mura, 125 S Main St, Summerville. Start with silent meditation followed by hypnotic flow of stretching, flexing and reviving in healing energy. Certified Instructor: Ishwari Yanta. $10/drop-in; $84/6-week sessions. 870-4462, Resourcesunlimited1.com.

Power Flow Yoga – 9-10:15am; Level I/II Yoga – 6-7:15pm Yoga Loft, 410 N Gum St, Summerville. For full schedule, 509-3370, check online: Yogaloftsummerville.com.

Take Control of Your Health – 9am-2pm Dr. Karyn Meadows, North Charleston. Tired of medicine?

Need options to manage your health or de-tox naturally? Mention Natural Awakenings for $15 discount on consultation (regularly $50). Call 553-9700.

Creative Movement (ages 3-4) – 10-10:45am Ballet Academy of Charleston, 1579 Savannah Hwy, W Ashley. $45/4 classes, $80/8 classes, Ballet-academy.org, 769-6932.

CofCs Center for Creative Retirement Weekly Lectures – 1pm St. Joseph Family Life Center, 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd, W Ashley. Weekly lectures on many topics. First time guests are FREE. Information, contact David Barnard: 216-6640.

Charleston PFLAG Meeting – 7-8:30pm (2nd Tuesdays) Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St (Lower Lance Hall behind church).

Support and discussion group for Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays. 619-7354 or PFLAGCharleston@gmail.com.

The Reiki Connection – 7pm Unity Church, 2535 Leeds Ave. All welcome for guided meditation followed by mini Reiki sessions by certified practitioners. Love offering. (1st Tues for practitioners only) Chrys Franks, Reiki Master/Teacher, 364-5725.

wednesday

Creative Movement (ages 3-4) – 4-4:45pm Ballet Academy of Charleston, 1579 Savannah Hwy, W Ashley. $45/4 classes, $80/8 classes, Ballet-academy.org, 769-6932.

3rd Thursday in Summerville – 5-8pm (3rd Thursday of month) Shops and restaurants open late and with special promotions and live entertainment.

Visit Simple to Sublime at 120 Short Central Ave, Simplesublime.com.

Karate Classes – White/Purple belts – 6-7pm; Blue/Green belts – 7-8pm Natsu Mura Karate & Kobudo, 125 S Main St, Summerville. 875-4543 or 870-4462, Natsumura.com.

Shiva Nataraja Qigong – 6-6:55pm Natsu Mura, 125 S Main St, Summerville. Qigong for wellness of body/mind/spirit and Shiva Nataraja (dance) weaving your meridians and energies allowing for integration. $44/series. Comfortable clothing.

870-4462, Resourcesunlimited1.com.

Karttikeyan Yogic Healing Method – 7-8pm Natsu Mura, 125 S Main St, Summerville. Experience healing energy and explore deeper inner self in safe and protected environment. Bring mat/pillow for comfort. Donation, 870-4462, Resourcesunlimited1.com.

1

friday

Yin/Yang Yoga – 9-10:30am; Power Flow Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Yoga Loft, 410 N Gum St, Summerville. For full schedule, 509-3370, check online: Yogaloftsummerville.com.

Nia – 11am-noon Hanahan Senior Center, 3102 Mabeline Rd (near Trident Tech). Lively movement class, energetic, embraces The Body’s Way/Nia Way. With Ashima Kahrs, Nia Blue Belt Instructor, 813-2834.

saturday

Warm Flow Yoga – 9-10:15am; Level I Yoga – 121:15pm; Gentle Yoga –5:30-6:30pm. Yoga Loft, 410 N Gum St, Summerville. For full schedule, check online: Yogaloftsummerville.com, 509-3370.

Kids Yoga – 4pm (ages 3-12) Play Garden, 320 West Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant. Fun way to relax after school at drop-in eco-friendly play space.

KidsPlayGarden.com.

Karate Classes – Brown/Black belts - 6-7:30pm Natsu Mura Karate & Kobudo, 125 S Main St, Summerville. 875-4543 or 870-4462, Natsumura.com.

All Levels Yoga – 9-10:15am Yoga Loft, 410 N Gum St, Summerville. For full schedule, check online: Yogaloftsummerville.com, 509-3370.

Karate Classes – Brown/Black belts – 9:3011am; White/Purple/Blue/Green belts – 11amnoon Natsu Mura Karate & Kobudo, 125 S Main Street, Summerville. 875-4543 or 870-4462, Natsumura.com.

Creative Movement (ages 3-4) – 1-1:45pm & 2-2:45pm Ballet Academy of Charleston, 1579 Savannah Hwy, W Ashley. $45/4 classes, $80/8 classes, Ballet-academy.org, 769-6932.

thursday

sunday

Hatha Yoga – 6-7:30am Natsu Mura, 125 S Main St, Summerville. Start with silent meditation followed by hypnotic flow of stretching, flexing and reviving in healing energy. Certified Instructor: Ishwari Yanta. $10/drop-in; $84/6-week sessions. 870-4462, Resourcesunlimited1.com.

Level I/II Yoga – 9-10:15am: Pilates Mat - 10:3011:30am; Beginner’s Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm; Warm Flow Yoga – 7:15-8:15pm Yoga Loft, 410 N Gum St, Summerville. 509-3370, For full schedule: Yogaloftsummerville.com.

Take Control of Your Health – 9am-2pm Dr. Karyn Meadows, North Charleston. Tired of medicine?

Need options to manage your health or de-tox naturally? Mention Natural Awakenings for $15 discount on consultation (regularly $50). Call 553-9700.

Unity Church of Charleston Worship Services – 9:30 & 11:15am 2535 Leeds Ave, N Charleston.

Are you more spiritual than religious? So are we!

Do you believe in many paths to Unity Church of Mt Pleasant – 10am Meets at Somerby Room at Somerby Retirement Community, 3100 Tradition Circle. For info, contact Rev Janet Herron by email: RevJanetHerron@gmail.com or call 364-4923.

Rhett Avenue Christian Church (DOC) – 1010:45am Spirituality Discussion Group Topics vary.

Worship Service – 11am 5103 North Rhett Ave, North Charleston. 747-2464. U R WELCOME HERE! All Levels Yoga – 4-5:15pm Yoga Loft, 410 N Gum St, Summerville. Check online for up to date schedule: Yogaloftsummerville.com, 509-3370.

NALowcountry.com

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