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
FREE
CALM DOWN
Natural Ways to Relax Deeply
HAPPY HEART
Emotions Matter as Much as Cholesterol
LOVE MAGNET
Drawing True Love Our Way
February 2014 | South Central Wisconsin Edition | AwakeMadison.com
letterfrompublisher The heart-centered month of February embroidered with Valentine’s Day smack in the middle is a perfect moment for passing the torch from founder Danelle Pretasky, to me, your new publisher, Donald (Don Donnie) Beran of Natural Awakenings South Central Wisconsin edition. I join you in thanking Danelle for establishing this valuable resource here. She continues in my heart as the visionary soul of this community magazine. We wish her well as she and the love of her life prepare to welcome their first child into the world. I discovered Natural Awakenings during lunch breaks at Madison’s TIBIA Massage School in 2010-2011. Then, a few months back, an ad offering this edition for sale caught my attention. I had been seeking an appropriate and companionable labor of love to complement my career as a massage therapist. A still small voice gently nudged me to take the series of actions that culminated in acquisition of the franchise rights, and here we are together. As a new field of professional endeavor, I expect to have innumerable opportunities to experience my own natural awakenings. I am eager to discover and explore new ways of being right along with you that allow for fuller expressions of health, wellness and sustainable living. Our current territory comprises seven surrounding counties centered by the highly livable, lovable city of Madison. One of my goals is to see us all embrace and economically support our growing holistic community as one interwoven unified entity. As I embarked on the journey of preparing this issue, I found myself learning to trust the process. I have appreciated the collaboration of our national support team and local contributors like Franciska Anderson, an acupuncture and wellness provider in Oregon, Wisconsin, featured in this month’s Community Spotlight; Ron Inda, a local chiropractor and assisted-living provider writing on causes and treatments of Alzheimer’s and mild dementia; and my friend, author Sarah Lozanova who offers helpful ways to reduce our exposure to cell phone radiation. I’d also like to highlight Linda Sechrist’s national feature article, “Rethinking Heart Health,” and some fun tips from Kathleen Barnes for “Natural Stress Busters.” Thank you for welcoming me in my new role as publisher; I have heartfelt admiration and love for our South Central Wisconsin community. Although that still small voice has yet to deliver a distinct mission statement, we’re working on it. I do pledge to devote my heart and soul to serving you well. To heartfelt living,
contact us Publisher Donald Beran Editor Lauressa Nelson Julianne Hale Tisha Temple Design & Production Danelle Pretasky Distribution Koari Nelson Martine Davis
To contact Natural Awakenings Phone: 608-721-2254 Fax: 866-645-4412 P.O. Box 3394 Madison, WI 53704 Publisher@AwakeMadison.com www.AwakeMadison.com © 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.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues) to the above address.
Donald Beran, Publisher
Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.
contents 5 newsbriefs 7 healthbriefs 9 globalbriefs 11 community
7 spotlight 9 12 healingways 20 consciouseating 22 greenliving 24 wisewords 26 naturalpet 27 inspiration 28 healthykids 29 calendar 10 30 resourceguide
advertising & submissions How to Advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 608-721-2254 or email Publisher@AwakeMadison.com. Medit kit with advertising prices can also be found on our website. Deadline for ads: 12th of the month. Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@AwakeMadison.com Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. calendar submissions Deadline for calendar: the 12th of the month. Email your formatted listing to Publisher@AwakeMadison.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.
11 Personal Experience Informs Healing at Pivotal Point Acupuncture
by Sheila Julson
12 SIMPLE STRESS
BUSTERS Natural Ways to Slide into
a State of Calmness by Kathleen Barnes
11 14
14 RETHINKING
HEART HEALTH
Pioneering Doctors and Patients Reinvent Cardio Care by Linda Sechrist
20 CHOCOLATE AS
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HEALTH FOOD
Boosting Diets and Heart Health by Judith Fertig
22 HOME SAFE HOME
Practical Pillars of Well-Being
by Christa O’Leary
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24 LOVE MAGNET
Katherine Woodward Thomas on Drawing True Love Our Way by Debra Melani
26 CARDIAC CARE
FOR PETS
How to Keep Little Hearts Humming by Dr. Shawn Messonnier
www.AwakeMadison.com 4
27 HEALING HURT
A Hawaiian Mantra Lets Love Back In
26
newsbriefs Wildwood Institute Herbal Apprenticeship
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he Wildwood Institute, in Madison, will offer a six-month, one-weekend-permonth Herbal Apprenticeship program beginning from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 17 and 18. This handson, comprehensive training program is for aspiring practitioners and those that want to learn to use herbs safely and effectively. Topics include how to use herbs safely and effectively, scientific validation of herbal medicine, how to make different kinds of herbal preparations, how to ethically harvest medicinal plants, and plant identification. Participants will also discover how to make their own Materia Medica and how to tell the difference between safe and toxic herbs.
Free Introduction to Explorations Dance Therapy
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ance and Movement Therapist Grace Valentine will offer a free introductory session to Explorations, a dance movement therapy group for women, from 6 to 8 p.m., February 6, at the Hancock Center for Dance/Movement Therapy, in downtown Madison. Valentine will introduce the format and some examples of experiential activities. The session is open to all women and no prior movement or music experience is necessary. RSVP required. Location: 16 N. Hancock St., Madison. For more information, call 608-251-0908.
Cost: $1834. Applications due by Apr. 1. Late fees may apply. Location: 946 Burr Oak Ln., Madison. To fill out an application, visit WildwoodInstitute.com. For more information, call 608-663-9608 or email Kathleen@WildwoodInstitute.com. See ad, page 25.
Fifth Annual WELL Expo at Monona Terrace
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he fifth annual WELL Expo will be open from 1 to 7 p.m., February 7, with a spa and organic wine tasting from 4 to 7 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., February 8, at Monona Terrace, in Madison. Featured speaker Dr. William Davis, author of the bestselling book, Wheat Belly, will take the stage at noon on February 8. Other Main Stage speakers include Local Fitness Trainer and Wellness Coach Ali McWilliams, Fit Moms for Life Founder Dustin Maher and a Women’s Health Forum with five medical professionals to answer audience questions. WELL Expo is the largest event in the Madison area devoted to showcasing local resources for weight loss, medical care, wellness programs, healthy foods, green living, beauty and more. More than 100 exhibitors will offer free screenings, services, food and beverage samples and product demonstrations. Attendees may receive free admission by wearing red to honor National Wear Red Day, in partnership with the American Heart Association, or by bringing two nonperishable food items for the River Food Pantry on February 8. Cost: $5. Location: 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison. For more information, visit WellExpoMadison.com.
WELLLIFE MindBody-Spirit Expo
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his year’s WELLLIFE Mind-Body-Spirit Expo features the theme, Passionate Abundance and Generosity: Be All that You Can Be, and takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 8, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 9, at the Sheraton Hotel, in Madison. The Expo features arts and crafts workshop, natural product and service vendors, local talent and performers, psychic readings and guidance, and consults in clairvoyance, astrology, palmistry, psychometry, numerology, past lives-Akashic, Chinese divination, Celtic Runes, angel readings and more. Twenty percent of the proceeds go to Grace Hospice Care and Porchlight Homeless Shelter. Cost: $5. Location: 706 John Nolen Dr., Madison. For more information, call 608-256-0080 or visit WellLife.org. See ad, page 8. 5
kudos
newsbriefs Go for a Walk on the Lake
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Navaho song transposed from the desert southwest to our Lake Mendota, “With beauty before me, beauty behind, above and below me, I am beauty within”. Beginning from Warner Park, we will walk six miles in an afternoon sun, into sunset at Marshall Park, Middleton, with the moon rising there behind us. Join us on a mild, wind-free afternoon, and experience the song and natural world of your Madison home. Walk starts between 2 and 3 from Warner beach boat landing, and finishes between 5 and 6 at Marshall. Park at landing or bus to Sherman Avenue, and bus from Marshall will take us back into Madison. To schedule a walk on a sunny, bright, weather-appropriate afternoon, call Karl at 608-244-6555 or email KarlLang2@gmail.com.
Family Ki and Heart Workshops
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he Tao Sangha Madison Center is offering families a chance to learn holistic and spiritual health practices while having fun together. The monthly family workshop, geared for children ages 6 and up, will take place from 11 a.m. to noon, February 1 and March 1. Ki is the Japanese word for life energy that flows through every living thing. Participants learn how to make ki energy positive, healthy and strong for the benefit of themselves, their families and everyone else. Each workshop begins with fun exercises based on a ki theme such as gratitude, good fortune or trust, and includes art, games, partner yoga, family shiatsu healing, martial arts and Buddhist meditations. Cost: $10 for parent/child pair. RSVP required. Location: 2330 Willard, Madison. For more information, call Deb Bachmann at 608-257-4663, email Madison@ TaoSangha-Na.com, visit TaoSangha-Na.com or visit Tao Sangha Madison on Facebook.
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Sarah Lozanova, an environmental and health journalist featured in this issue, has relocated with her husband and two children from Madison to Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage, in Belfast, Maine. The 36-unit, multigenerational community is located on 42 acres in midcoastal Maine. A collaborative venture in which residents intentionally participate in the design and operation of their neighborhoods, Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage features near net zero homes, community gardens and walking trails. The common house is currently under construction and will offer a large dining room, living room, commercial kitchen, play room and guest bedroom. Shared dinners will be served a few times a week and automobile access is limited, creating a safer environment for children to roam. For more information, visit MaineCohousing.org. On January 14, Artterro closed on an equity deal with an investor that shares its company values of sustainability, quality and creativity. The deal provides growth capital to scale up Artterro’s operations and emulates the local food movement’s Slow Money model of investment with a structure of gradual return over the course of many years and an emphasis on creating high-quality jobs and sustainable growth. By partnering with this private investor, Artterro joins an ecosystem of complementary businesses that together will bolster the regional economy and help to create a more sustainable future. Founded in 2008, Artterro designs eco art kits, mixed-media arts and crafts projects carefully curated for kids and families, meeting a growing demand from parents for higher quality, unplugged, eco-friendly gifts and activities. Artterro sells direct to consumers online and wholesales to more than 500 brick and mortar retailers in the U.S., Canada and abroad. For more information, visit Artterro.com.
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.
Nostalgia Arms Us for the Future
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aving lingering fond memories of happy times, once actually thought to be a psychiatric disorder, have now been confirmed as a healthy and, ultimately, positive activity. Most people experience nostalgia at least once a week and nearly half of those surveyed reported experiencing it three or four times a week, say researchers at England’s University of Southampton. When speaking wistfully of the past, individuals are usually reconstructing happy memories of family and friends, and typically become more optimistic about the future, reports lead researcher and Social Psychologist Constantine Sedikides, Ph.D., who observes, “Nostalgia makes us a bit more human.” The Southampton paper, presented to the American Psychological Association, meshes well with another study confirming that nostalgic memories inspire positive feelings of joy, high self-regard, belonging and meaningfulness in life. In two studies, social psychologists at North Dakota State University found that past fond memories help us become more self-confident and cope better in the present. “We see nostalgia as a psychological resource that people can dip into to conjure the evidence they need to assure themselves that they’re valued,” says lead researcher Clay Routledge.
Traditional Health Benefits of Hawthorn Berries
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erbs comprise a substantial part of traditional health care. Many may be consumed with food or infused into tea while others work well applied directly to the skin. For example, celery is used for joint health, sage for digestion and rosemary for circulation. According to the American Journal of Health, Hawthorn berries prove helpful in supporting aging vascular systems, which can lose elasticity and become increasingly rigid due to lack of copper in the diet, which helps build flexible collagen. This can be exacerbated by poor vitamin C intake, resulting in scarring on the inside of the blood vessels. With the heart continually pumping blood through the body, a rigid vascular structure can raise blood pressure, causing the heart to work harder and the other systems to become stressed. Hawthorn berries work to tone the heart muscle and relax vasculature tissues. According to HerbalWisdom.com, this two-phase effect is generally noticeable within the first week of taking Hawthorn berries. Whole berries are preferred to tinctures or extracts that fracture or leave out essential nutrition components that work best in combination. Hawthorn berries have even been associated with the correction of some arrhythmias, easing of congestive heart failure symptoms and improvement in the condition of the interior walls of blood vessels, as reported in the American Journal of Medicine. Hawthorn berries, like many other herbs, are available in supplement form under many brand names. New users should test a few to figure out which brand works best and store the bottle in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life. Steve Frank is the founder and managing partner of Nature’s Rite LLC. For more information, email SteveF@NaturesRiteRemedies.com or visit MyNaturesRite. com/blog. See ad, page 16.
natural awakenings February 2014
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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.
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.
MIND BODY SPIRIT EXPO WELLIFE
March 8-9, 2014 10 am to 6 pm - Sat. & Sun.
Sheraton Hotel
706 John Nolan Drive, Madison WI
Admission Just $5 20% Goes to Local Charity...
Event Includes Special Features & Presentations: An Exhibition Hall Full of Rich Opportunities
WELLNESS • ARTS & CRAFTS UNIQUE WORKSHOPS • EXPERT PSYCHIC CONSULTANTS HEALERS- ENERGY WORKERS • AND MORE... 8
South Central Wisconsin
www.AwakeMadison.com
Info: Call Ken or Karen
608-256-0080 • www.wellife.org
globalbriefs
www.peacefulheart.net
News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
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and you can too with our unique crystals & stones
Wild Valentines
check out our great selection at reasonable prices
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/Animal MatesSlideshow.
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To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. ~Buddha
Sweet Solution
Turning Agri-Waste to Good Use Cement that incorporates waste ash from sugar production is not only stronger than ordinary cement, it also qualifies as a greener building material. Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, have found that cement made with sugar cane ash mixed in is stronger, can withstand higher pressure and crumbles less than ordinary cement. In countries where sugar cane is grown, such as Cuba and Brazil, this agricultural waste product has been added to cement for years. Extracting sugar from the cane typically leaves a lot of fiber waste that is burned into ash, discarded and then requires disposal. Using sugar cane ash also can lower the energy use and carbon footprint of cement production. Heloisa Bordallo, a researcher at the Institute, comments, “You are saving both CO2 emissions and raw materials.� Source: EcoSeed.org
natural awakenings February 2014
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coverartist globalbriefs Star Trekking
Voyager 1 Enters Interstellar Space The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) recently confirmed that after 36 years, the Voyager 1 probe crossed the boundary of the heliosphere, or the extent of our Sun’s influence, a year ago. It’s the first manmade object to venture into interstellar space. At a distance of about 12 billion miles from the Sun, the latest data indicates that Voyager 1 has been traveling through the plasma, or ionized gas, present in the space between stars. The journal Science notes that this corroborates the existence of a longhypothesized boundary between the solar plasma and the interstellar plasma. Voyager 2, a companion craft launched at the same time, is also expected to break the barrier.
Planted Hearts
Source: EarthSky.org
Darlene Seale
“Each heart image has its unique markings and patterns, just as our own heart experiences make us who we are,” explains cover artist Darlene Seale. She created Planted Hearts on an iPad using a digital painting program with a specialized stylus as her brush. “I make every stroke by hand as if I were using traditional paint and a brush,” she says. Inspired by Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky, she shares, “I admire artists that combine unusual elements that invite the viewer in. There’s always more to explore the deeper one is willing to look.” As a child, Seale discovered color via crayons and paint and recalls the power they gave her. “Those tools suddenly opened my eyes to so many possibilities,” she recalls. Seale’s artistic explorations are executed in a variety of media, with a primary focus on graphic design, blending art and words. She shares, “I believe art heals the heart and its creation promotes joy. For this reason, I find myself drawn to making iconic images using an abundance of color, texture and pattern.” Seale creates art and teaches art workshops in her home studio near San Diego in Fallbrook, California. She remarks, “When I make something and it evolves into art that’s quite different than what I expect, I love it. It’s both humbling and joyful.” View the artist’s portfolio at BadBirdStudio.com. 10
South Central Wisconsin
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
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 informationcrammed 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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communityspotlight
Personal Experience Informs Healing at Pivotal Point Acupuncture by Sheila Julson chance encounter with nationally renowned chiropractor Dr. Howard Loomis, Jr., changed the life of Franciska Anderson, who is now an acupuncturist and the owner of Pivotal Point Acupuncture & Wellness Center, LLC, in Oregon, Wisconsin. Anderson was an athletic youth, playing basketball as a child and picking up a passion for rowing at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Latin. Despite her zest for life, Anderson suffered from digestive ailments during and after college and never felt well. “No one could figure out what was going on,” recalls Anderson. “All my tests came back normal, yet I was having pain and lots of symptoms. I had a lot of stress and financial issues.” While working a post-college job as a print consultant, Anderson connected with Loomis and began working as his editor. Through his educational division, the Loomis Institute of Enzyme Nutrition, Loomis taught a class for massage therapists, where Anderson volunteered to be the subject of an examination. “Without asking me any questions, he explained to the class that my body was under stress and was struggling to maintain its balance,” Anderson recounts. “At the time, he had no way of knowing how sick I was feeling, and yet there he was, discovering the source of my stress and pain and explaining how he could help. He restored my hope.” This inspiring experience landed Anderson in the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, in Racine, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine. She obtained her diplomate in acupuncture certification with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Anderson opened Pivotal Point in November 2008, and has since faced daunting emotional and physical challenges. Her mother died after a brief battle with cancer in October 2011, and Anderson subsequently made frequent trips to Wauwatosa to care for her father, who struggled without his wife of 44 years, until his passing in August 2013. In 2012, Anderson suffered from a severe case of shingles and almost went blind in her right eye. She experienced firsthand the efficacy of both Western and Eastern medicine, crediting Western diagnostics with finding her breast cancer, while valuing the use of both herbal medicines and antiviral pharmaceuticals with helping save her eyesight. “I believe in marrying together Western and Eastern medicine,” she affirms. “According to the ophthalmologist, I should have lost my eyesight because the lesion was so bad,” she recounts. “He commented that although he didn’t know much about herbal medicine, he knew that whatever I had done to save my eye had worked.”
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Soon after, Anderson was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer. “I used my knowledge of nutrition and acupuncture to help myself throughout all of it—the surgeries, chemo, radiation and the stress,” she says. “I was able to keep working, and I surprised the heck out of my doctors with how well I did under the circumstances.” Anderson specializes in digestive disorders, but notes that acupuncture clearly helps with stress management. “The stress in life can be overwhelming; it sometimes feels like you are living the saying ‘When it rains, it pours,’” she remarks. “It is how you respond to the stress and manage it that can make the difference in the long run. Acupuncture can help with resetting the body’s balance, so the harmful effects of longterm stress aren’t as pronounced. The exact mechanism of how acupuncture works isn’t completely understood, but that’s coming.” She also cites the support of family and friends, such as Kari-Ellen Radl, who is now the office manager at Pivotal Point, with helping her get through the rough spots. “Kari-Ellen is the one who introduced me to Dr. Loomis, and here she is, working with me,” says Anderson, who remains in close contact with her mentor, Loomis. “It’s been amazing to have him in my sphere,” she says. Pivotal Point Acupuncture & Wellness Center offers acupuncture, nutritional counseling and herbal supplements. Patients come from as far away as Iowa and Illinois. Recently, the Oregon Chamber of Commerce issued the President’s Award to Anderson. “I’m just grateful that I can help people every day,” she comments. “Dr. Loomis always told me that you change the world one patient at a time. I try to live that every day.” Pivotal Point Acupuncture & Wellness Center, LLC, is located at 106 N. Main St., in Oregon. For more information, call 608-835-9355 or visit Pivotal PointOnline.com. See ad page 17. Sheila Julson is a freelance writer in Milwaukee. Connect with her at SJulson@wi.rr.com.
natural awakenings February 2014
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healingways
Simple Stress Busters Natural Ways to Slide into a State of Calmness
by Kathleen Barnes
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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 12
South Central Wisconsin
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.
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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 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,
Breathe Deeply 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
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 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 stressreleasing body movement. Source: GreenMedInfo.com
Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books, including 10 Best Ways to Manage Stress. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.
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RETHINKING HEART HEALTH Pioneering Doctors and Patients Reinvent Cardio Care by Linda Sechrist
I
n 1977, Dr. Dean Ornish began to think beyond an allopathic medicine paradigm that defined the reversal of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and the hypertensive diseases such as heart failure and stroke, as physiologically implausible. Undaunted by the challenge of funding his research, he pushed forward. Results of his foundational 1986 to 1992 Lifestyle Heart Trial, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, proved that individuals with preexisting coronary atherosclerosis 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 14
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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
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to improving heart health highlighted in his book, The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up, and an upcoming PBS special, concern lifestyle factors capable of shrinking plaque, improving circulation and strengthening the heartbeat. “Abnormal plaque growth is preventable 90 percent of the time,” states the president of Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida. While conducting research on the heart health of nearly 1,000 patients over a period of 20 years, Masley suspected that the traditional assessment approach of measuring cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure didn’t effectively address the biochemistry within arteries. Testing intima-media thickness (IMT) using a simple 10-minute external ultrasound confirmed it. The test bounces high-frequency sound waves to measure the thickness of the carotid arteries’ innermost two layers on either side of the neck. “This valuable tool allows for an 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
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.
Essential Spirit
~ Dr. Dean Ornish, Love & Survival 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 otherwise. “Cholesterol is not the reason for heart disease,” advises Sinatra, founder of HeartMDInstitute.com and author of The Great Cholesterol Myth. “The body produces and needs cholesterol to convert sunlight to vitamin D, to make sex hormones, vital semipermeable membranes for the body’s trillions of cells, plus bile salts for digestion. Even your brain makes and uses cholesterol to build connections between the neurons that facilitate learning and memory.”
Real Perpetrators
Go Red for Women campaign emphasizes the vital need to take preventive basic actions, including adopting an exercise routine, healthier diet and doctor visits for appropriate non-invasive tests.
Sinatra names the real perpetrators of heart disease—stress, inflammation and overeating sugar and processed foods containing saturated fat. He counsels that the heart benefits less from a lowfat, high-carbohydrate diet than one low in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats, overturning widespread medical mantras. Also, a high-fructose, high-grain carbohydrate diet raises triglycerides, increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and contributes to insulin resistance, causing the liver to produce more cholesterol, as well as more inflammatory, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) particles, all of which increase the risk for CHD, diabetes and stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that metabolic syndrome, which affects nearly 35 percent of American adults, may overtake smoking as the leading risk factor for CHD. The AHA currently is focused on increasing awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women. Its
Dr. James Forleo, a chiropractor in Durango, Colorado, with 30-plus years of clinical experience, maintains that health is simple, disease is complicated (also the title of his book). He counsels patients, “If mental stress is present in your life, you owe it to your cardiovascular system to change to a healthier lifestyle. Your life may depend on it.” Forleo has recognized that an individual’s state of mind can be a big help or hindrance in maintaining a healthy heart. “The heart represents a different realm of experience entirely, one that cannot be explained by logic and reason,” comments Forleo. He champions the link between maintaining normal spinal function and healthy heart function, along with supporting the inner presence of Spirit, which he calls the healthy heart’s ultimate elixir. “Its essence relaxes the heart, opens the mind to possibilities greater than itself and provides the perspective that the heart and the mind are complementary,” he observes. He explains that when our emotions get bottled up, something in our heart or circulation has to give. “If you or someone you know experi-
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It is no coincidence that we address our physical and emotional heart by the same name. Our physical heart usually reflects the state of our emotional heart, and vice versa. ~ Dr. James Forleo ences heart problems, chances are that unresolved emotions lie directly below the surface,” he says. “There are exceptions, and genetic problems can explain many heart defects, but heart problems don’t usually show up unless emotions are involved.” Forleo’s concept is supported by the work of Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., executive vice president and director of research at California’s Institute of HeartMath. His research papers include The Energetic Heart: Bioelectromagnetic Interactions Within and Between People. “Today, evidence suggests that the heart may play a particularly important role in emotional experience. Research in the relatively new discipline of neurocardiology has confirmed that the heart is a sensory organ and acts as a sophisticated information encoding and
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processing center that learns, remembers and makes independent functional decisions that don’t involve the cerebral cortex,” advises McCraty.
To Happy Hearts
Pioneering integrative medical doctors Masley, Sinatra, Forleo and Mona Lisa Schultz, who also holds a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience, agree that in matters of heart disease, emotions take center stage. Schultz, who recently co-authored All is Well: Heal Your Body with Medicine, Affirmations and Intuition, with Louise L. Hay, a leading founder of the self-help movement, applies her 25 years of experience as a medical intuitive with the best of Western clinical science, brain research and energy medicine. Shultz observes, “Every illness has an emotional component, which tells
us intuitively that something or someone in our life or environment is out of balance and needs to be addressed. Our use of language—such as frustration makes our heart race, anger boils our blood—and our common sense are telling us what we don’t need more studies to confirm. If we can’t deal with our anger in a timely fashion, name our feelings, respond effectively and release them, we increase our chance of illness, ranging from hypertension to cardiovascular events.” According to the American Journal of Cardiology, the U.S. spends 10 percent of all healthcare dollars for cardiovascular disease prevention and medical management versus 90 percent on medical treatment procedures and hospital care. For individuals interested in taking charge of their heart health, working with a physician that embraces the emerging paradigm of integrative lifestyle changes and prevention can be a drug-free, lifesaving decision. Linda Sechrist is the senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAboutWe.com for full interviews.
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Madison Champions Lung Cancer Cause at Free to Breathe Event
M
adison residents are invited to join the third annual Free to Breathe Yogathon, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, February 22, at University of Wisconsin, Union South, in Madison. The inspirational event, which raises funds for lung cancer research, will feature an opening rally, followed by 108 minutes of instructor-led yoga, meditation and breathing (with breaks) for all levels, as well as live music, family entertainment and awards for top finishers and fundraisers. Attendees can enjoy a silent auction, door prizes, refreshments and a large wellness expo featuring many local businesses, yoga studios and organizations. Proceeds from the event support the programs of the National Lung Cancer Partnership, a nonprofit comprising doctors, researchers, patient advocates and lung cancer survivors dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. Since the inception of the Free to Breathe Yogathon in 2012, community members, teams and local businesses have raised more than $55,000 to help patients and families affected by lung cancer. Lung cancer claims more lives in Wisconsin than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. In addition, lung cancer’s five-year survival rate is only 16 percent, much lower than that of many other cancers. Through community efforts like Free to Breathe, the Partnership funds groundbreaking research to enable the early detection and treatment that can save lives. Since the National Lung Cancer Partnership started the Free to Breathe event series with a single 5K run and walk in Philadelphia in 2006, $8 million has been raised, and 100 percent of the net proceeds directly fund programs to help those affected by lung cancer.
Cost: $25 before Feb. 20, $30 at the door. Location: 1308 W. Dayton St., Madison. To register, donate online or start a personal fundraising page, visit FreeToBreathe.org. For more information, call 608-233-7905 or visit NationalLungCancer Partnership.org. See ad page 21.
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Hope For Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Dementia by Ron Inda
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lthough many sources seem to frame Alzheimer’s disease as a dehumanizing, one-way trip to the grave, some theories give hope that the disease, as well as mild dementia, can be stopped and even reversed. One theoretical explanation for these diseases is that they result from toxins trapped in a healthy brain. Because the brain is a big consumer of oxygen and food, it naturally produces a
significant amount of metabolic waste. One of the processes that scientists believe happens during sleep as part of the body’s renewal is the processing of such waste. Five steps may assist the body in cleansing itself. First, an alkalizing, low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet may benefit people with Alzheimer’s and mild dementia, according to research by Dr. David Perlmutter, a board-certified neurolo-
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The Latest Local Food Trends Good at Home and On the Go To advertise or participate in our March edition, call 608-721-2254 18
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This comprehensive lifestyle blueprint promotes good health and longevity for all ages and most conditions. gist and author of Grain Brain, and others. Because glucose metabolism by the brain is impaired in Alzheimer’s disease, it is best to avoid simple carbohydrates such as soda, starches, grains and alcohol. Second, a naturopathic or chiropractic nutritional counselor can help develop a diet and supplement program that promotes healthy digestion for seniors. This may include non-alcoholic fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt, kombucha, buttermilk and fermented vegetables, because the partial breakdown by natural enzymes that occurs during fermentation makes the foods easier for seniors to digest, providing a significant amount of readily available nutrients. Third, increasing active and passive exercise clears toxins by raising heart rate and moving lymphatic fluids. Simple active exercises, including tai chi, qigong, walking, Exerstriding (using a cross-country skiing technique to walk with two poles, also known as Nordic pole walking) or singing, which provides a form of deep breathing, work the diaphragm and raise the pulse and blood oxygen levels. Simple passive exercise includes saunas and hot baths with bath bombs (a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and a weak acid), as well as whirlpools with harmonic frequencies applied to the water. When bath bombs dissolve in the bathwater, they release carbon dioxide that can be absorbed by the body, lowering the pH level of the blood. Individuals should consult with their healthcare provider to evaluate the best form of exercise for them. Fourth, stimulate the brain while awake. Activities such as reading, solving puzzles, using the Internet, writing and communicating with others keep the brain healthy. Fifth, using cranial and spinal massage may be the most effective technique to pull together the first four elements into a comprehensive detoxification and healing program. Seniors find pleasure, joy and relaxation with touch therapies, including Reiki. Chiropractic care may offer physical modalities that assist cranial detoxifications, tone the body and speed positive results. This comprehensive lifestyle blueprint promotes good health and longevity for all ages and most conditions. Positive results can be observed within as little as eight weeks. Because no drugs are involved or needed, it is safe and without known side effects. With the assistance of a health professional, starting immediately or as soon as signs of cognitive decline begin is a proactive approach. Waiting for a definitive Alzheimer’s diagnosis wastes precious time as damage to brain cells continues. Dr. Ron Inda is a licensed Wisconsin chiropractor, nutritional counselor and galvanic certified practitioner. He operates a private suite holistic-care senior living facility at 1109 Menomonie Lane, in Madison, that is Alzheimer’s/dementia compatible. For more information, call 608-245-0836 or visit TCWRoom.com. See ad page 9.
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CHOCOLATE AS HEALTH FOOD Boosting Diets and Heart Health by Judith Fertig
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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 20
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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 Clini-
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cal 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 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 Artistry 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 Patric Chocolate, Patric-Chocolate.com Taza Chocolate, TazaChocolate.com
AWAKENING AMERICA 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
It is difficult for me to even comprehend the enormous collaboration, deliberation and master-minding that has gone into creating what this publication has become.
In all the newspapers, magazines and other areas of print advertising that I have done, the Natural Awakenings magazine has not only given me the greatest response, but has also been a source guide for those who are looking for my services. ~ Lori Bilbrey, Moon Haven Studio, Georgia
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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 well-being. 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. 22
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That’s why we periodically feel impelled to clear unsettling clutter from our private spaces. It’s an irritant that disrupts 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 short-tempered 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.
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wisewords
LOVE MAGNET
Katherine Woodward Thomas on Drawing True Love Our Way by Debra Melani
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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 24
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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.
www.AwakeMadison.com
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.
Five Ways to Reduce Exposure to Cell Phone Radiation by Sarah Lozanova
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ith more than 6 billion subscribers globally, cell phones have become extremely widespread. Despite how common they are, there is little evidence to assure us that the technology is safe. Sources such as Environmental Working Group (EWG) report that cell phones change brain activity, and Mercola.com claims between 20 and 60 percent of a cell phone’s radiation may be transmitted into the head, even deeply enough to affect the brain. A few simple steps can do a great deal to protect us from cell phone radiation. Use a cell phone with a low radiation level. The specific absorption rate (SAR) is a measure of the quantity of radio frequency energy absorbed by the body when using the phone. Although all phones emit some, we will receive less radiation if we use a cell phone with a low SAR. The limit for public exposure from cellular telephones proposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is 1.6 watts per kilogram. Yet, SAR varies widely among phones, and it is possible to find some as low as .3 watts per kilogram. The FCC lists manufacturer websites to help consumers find SAR data, and websites like Cnet.com and Ewg.org rank phones by SAR levels. Hold the phone away from the body. If the phone’s handset has a speakerphone feature, utilize it as much as possible. Using the speakerphone keeps the phone, and therefore the radiation, away from the body. Although headsets seem like a logical solution,
some sources, like Mercola.com and Aegis.com (both of which sell radiation-protective devices), are concerned that earpieces and headsets also emit radiation and although their levels are lower than that of cell phones, the source is even closer to the brain. Do not allow young children to use cell phones. Because their brains are still forming and the skull around the brain is thinner, cell phone radiation is especially concerning for children. The bone marrow of a child absorbs 10 times more radiation from a cell phone than an adult does, according to Devra Davis, Ph.D., founder and president of Environmental Health Trust and author of Disconnect: The Truth about Cell Phone Radiation. Make calls when the cell phone signal is strong. Cell phone radiation levels vary depending upon how hard the phone is working. When a cell phone has a low signal, it must work harder, emitting higher levels of radiation to enable a clear conversation. A cell phone’s signal will typically be strongest when the user is outside and near a cell phone tower. Before making long calls, check the phone’s signal strength. Store the phone away from the body. Cell phones emit a signal even when no one is speaking so that they can receive incoming data. Many people are in the habit of carrying their phones in their pockets, very close to their bodies. To minimize radiation, keep the phone away from the body or turn it off when it is not needed. Having it just a couple feet away reduces the exposure level. Sarah Lozanova is a freelance environmental writer with an MBA in sustainable management.
-- natural awakenings February 2014
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naturalpet
Cardiac Care for Pets How to Keep Little Hearts Humming by Dr. Shawn Messonnier
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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-andsee approach, only intervening when the disease progresses to irreversible heart failure. 26
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The better approach is to do further testing and evaluation at the first sign of a murmur, including chest Xrays, an electrocardiogram (EKG) 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.
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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 vegetable 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 antiinflammatory) 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 angiotensin-1-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.
inspiration
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. 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.
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 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
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healthykids
Eric Utne on Education and Parenting the Waldorf Way by Linda Sechrist
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n 2000, Eric Utne walked away from the Utne Reader, the bimonthly magazine that he founded 30 years ago. The digest of forward-thinking ideas—now put out by Ogden Publications, which also publishes Mother Earth News—not only still bears Utne’s name, but also prints his column in every issue. Eric Utne Burned out from publishing and editing the magazine for 16 years, Utne needed a break and took a sabbatical. He picked up a book by Rudolph Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, which he had attempted to read while in his 20s. “I couldn’t understand it when I was young, but 30 years later, the words leapt off the page.” As the father of four sons that attended Waldorf schools, Utne could hold some sort of record for spending 30 continuous years as a Waldorf parent. His appreciation of the value of the Waldorf curriculum, along with his knowledge of the need for more Waldorf teachers, were just two of the reasons that he responded to an invitation to become a class teacher at City of Lakes Waldorf School, in Minneapolis. “If you’d have me, I’d love to do it,” he told administrators. The decision began an educational and spiritual odyssey for Utne as he prepared to teach his seventh-grade students. “I went to a number of summer teacher training programs to learn the art of Waldorf teaching, and I had a wonderful menSouth Central Wisconsin www.AwakeMadison.com 28
tor who was one of my son’s teachers. Still, I often stayed up until 2 a.m., trying to stay a half-step ahead of my students. Rather than being viewed by my students as an authority, I tried to be a role model for striving to learn,” he explains. Utne’s students were 12 and 13 years old, and he stayed with them through the eighth grade. “I was that age at the time of my parents’ divorce,” he recalls. “I felt that it was a privilege to go through that stage of life again, this time with my students. It was an opportunity to complete something that was incomplete for me.” Utne says many Waldorf graduates have a sense of, “I can do anything,” largely because they develop tremendous social skills and are able to meet all types of people, of all ages, and be comfortable with them. “Waldorf students are happy and independent self-starters who have a genuine optimism for the future.” This happens, he believes, because the Waldorf curriculum gives the children time to play and develop their imaginations and their social and emotional intelligence. “And these skills, according to Daniel Goleman, author of the bestselling Emotional Intelligence, are much more reliable predictors for success in life than IQ or SAT scores,” remarks Utne. Waldorf does not push children to read and do math too early. While worrisome to many parents, Utne thinks his sons are proof that play may be more important than reading and math in the early years. He says, “Leif (now 42) learned to read at age 8, while Sam (32), Oliver (28) and Eli (22) learned to read at 7. They all did well in college, have successful careers and, more importantly, are sensitive, creative and funloving people. They care deeply about the environment and social justice, and each is working in his own way to make a difference in the world. Who could ask for more?” Utne will be the keynote speaker at the 2014 Community Education Conference, titled Weaving a New Web: Education and Parenting in an Era of Technological Change. The fifth annual event, to be held at Prairie Hill Waldorf School, March 1, is a collaboration between Madison Waldorf School, Tamarack Waldorf School, Prairie Hill Waldorf School, the Great Lakes Waldorf Institute and LifeWays Early Childhood Center–Milwaukee. “There is a crisis in American education and in our society—iPads, computers and cell phones are overwhelming people’s attention spans, their ability to communicate and their sense of community. I believe that parents need to minimize their children’s screen time and get them outdoors to play,” asserts Utne. “Waldorf schools are oases of safety and creativity, and greenhouses for the cultivation of social and emotional intelligence. They allow children to be children.” Harvard University, Silicon Valley and public education are now discovering the benefits of Waldorf education, according to Utne, who says, “I believe Waldorf schools are the education of the future.” The 2014 Community Education Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., March 1, at Prairie Hill Waldorf School, located at N14 W29143 Silvernail Rd., in Pewaukee. Cost (includes lunch): $30 if registered by Feb. 15, $35 after and $40 at the door. For more information, call 262-646-7497, ext. 12, email Admissions@PrairieHillWaldorf.org or visit TinyUrl.com/WaldorfTix.
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ongoing
Submit your calendar of event by the 12th of each month to publisher@awakemadison.com. $10/listing. DAILY CALENDAR
A Walk On the Lake – A Navaho song transposed from the desert southwest to our Lake Mendota, “With beauty before me, beauty behind, above and below me, I am beauty within”. Beginning from Warner Park, we will walk six miles in an afternoon sun, into sunset at Marshall Park, Middleton, with the moon rising there behind us. Join us on a mild, wind-free afternoon, and experience the song and natural world of your Madison home. Walk starts between 2 and 3 from Warner beach boat landing, and finishes between 5 and 6 at Marshall. Park at landing or bus to Sherman Ave, and bus from Marshall will take us back into Madison. Contact me for a sunny, bright, weather-appropriate afternoon. Karl: 608-244-6555. KarlLang2@gmail.com.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Awakening Through A Course In Miracles – 6:308pm. Everyone can find love and joy as we explore the amazing ideas of transformation that this course offers. Beginners and seekers from every spiritual endeavor are welcome. The power of healing that is within and is released through forgiveness and vision. 608-432-2238, questions or need for healing. Offered on a donation basis. Tibia/Whitedoor Center, 6225 University Ave, Madison. Alden. Darla@Charter.net.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Introductory Session to Explorations, a dance/ movement therapy group for women – 6:30-8 pm. Dance/movement therapist Grace Valentine will introduce the format and some examples of experiential activities of this therapy group for women. No prior movement or music experience necessary. Registration for the 8-week group is not required to attend this intro session. Free. RSVP. Hancock Center for Dance/Movement Therapy, 16 N Hancock St, Downtown Madison. HancockCenter.Net. 608-251-0908.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
WELL Expo 2014 – 1-7pm, also Saturday, 10am4pm. More than 100 exhibitors showcasing local resources for weight loss, medical care, wellness programs, healthy foods, green living, beauty and more. $5/Friday, or wear red for National Wear Red Day for free admission. $5/Saturday, or bring 2 nonperishable food items for the River Food Pantry for free admission. Exhibit Hall A and Lakeside Commons, Monona Terrace, One John Nolan Dr, Madison. 262-245-1000. WellExpoMadison.com for Main Stage and class schedule.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Transforming the Lives of Madison’s Homeless – 4:30-5:30pm. A powerful presentation to learn about family homelessness and solutions in Madison, Dane County and other areas. Free, donations accepted. Tao Sangha Madison Center, 2330 Willard Ave (Atwood area). RSVP 608-257-4663. Madison@TaoSangha-NA.com. TaoSangha-NA.com.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Explorations: A Dance/Movement Therapy Group for Women – 6:30-8pm. 8-wk group, 2/13 thru 4/10 (no group 3/20). Discover movement qualities and how they shape what you do. Explore strengths and how they can create new paths of growth. Facilitated by Grace Vanetine, MA, DTRL, LPC. $35/week, for 8 weeks. Hancock Center for Dance/Movement Therapy, 16 N Hancock St, downtown Madison. 608-251-0908. Info@ HancockCenter.net. HancockCenter.net.
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
Back in Harmony Open House – 2-4pm. Refreshments, discounted gift certificates. Free chair massage. 437 S Yellowstone Dr, Ste 109, Madison. 608-332-9581. BackInHarmony.org.
MARCH 8-9
WELLIFE Mind-Body-Spirit Expo – 10am-6pm. Exhibit Hall, opportunities, wellness, intuitive, alternatives, arts, crafts, unique workshops. Free parking. Sheraton Hotel, 706 John Nolen, Madison. 608-256-0080. Wellife.org.
Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
Buddhist Chanting – 7-8:30pm. The second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Tao Sangha Madison Center, 2330 Willard Ave (Atwood area). Free, donations accepted. Buddhist Chanting Meditation, known in Japan and the East as Nembutsu Samadhi, can heal deep wounds and also cultivate deep gratitude in our hearts. No experience necessary. RSVP 608-257-4663. Madison@TaoSangha-Na. com. TaoSangha-Na.com.
Family Ki and Heart Workshops – 11am-12pm. Tao Sangha Madison Ctr, 2330 Willard Ave (Atwood area). $8-10/parent/child pair. Learn and practice how to make our energy and heart positive and strong through fun holistic practices including yoga, family shiatsu healing and Buddhist meditations. RSVP 608-257-4663. Madison@TaoSangha-NA. com. TaoSangha-NA.com.
Power of Ki: Good Fortune from the Buddha – 2-4:30pm. Tao Sangha Madison Center, 2330 Willard Ave (Atwood area). Free, donations accepted. Gain an understanding of Eastern holistic approaches to health and healing by experiencing how our state of heart, words, and images can shape and improve our lives. Includes intro and practice of Buddhist Chanting. RSVP 608-257 4663. Madison@TaoSangha-na.com. TaoSangha-Na.com.
Open your eyes, look
within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living? ~Bob Marley
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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 NAadvertising@naturalawakeningsmag.com to request our media kit.
ACUPUNCTURE
HOLISTIC HEALTH
PIVOTAL POINT ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESS CENTER, LLC
Dr. Reek - Walnut Grove Clinic 4200 University Ave Madison, WI 53705 WomenLivingNaturally.com WomenLivingNaturally@WomenLiving Naturally.com
106 N Main Street Oregon, WI 53575 608-835-9355 PivotalPointOnline.com
At Pivotal Point Acupuncture & Wellness Center, many holistic and complementary treatments are provided to promote healing and well-being. Services include acupuncture, massage, digestive and nutritional support through the use of herbal and enzyme supplements. See ad page 17.
BODYWORK/HEALING ARTS
629 Spruce St Madison WI 608-256-0080 • Wellife.org
Leora Weitzman, WI LMT #3833-146 437 S Yellowstone Dr, Ste 109 Madison, WI 53719 608-332-9581 BackInHarmony.org Therapeutic massage, Reiki, intuitive work for humans and animals, myofascial release, gentle deep tissue. Lasting comfort and mobility.
THE CHAKRA HOUSE HEALING STUDIO & BOUTIQUE
664 W. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 608-237-6128 TheChakraHouse.com
QUIT SMOKING-LOSE WEIGHT & MORE. Ken-Adi Ring, CH, Consulting Hypnotist, offers you an opportunity to be free of addictive habits and to feel GOOD! Ken is the only NGH Certified Instructor (CI) in Madison. Specialized treatment suited to your kneads/requests is available.In addition to private sessions, Ken teaches the course that prepares you for certified practice. Contact him for services that will help release you from patterns, become strong and embrace a better, way of being.
DENTISTRY
The Chakra House is a space to become balanced physically, emotional and spiritually. Join us for a Yoga or Zumba class, have a Chakra Balancing, take Energywork Training Courses and Workshops or just visit our boutique of candles, jewelry, crystals, music and more. It’s a candy shop for the soul!
South Central Wisconsin
HYPNOSIS KARING Hypnosis and Therapeutic Massage
BACK IN HARMONY HEALING FOR BODY & SPIRIT
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Helping restore true health through holistic alternatives, hormone testing, herbal and nutritional therapy, blood and saliva testing for chronic unresponsive conditions that have compromised your health and well being. Voted Madison Favorite - Isthmus.
integrative dental solutions 23770 Capitol Drive Pewaukee, WI 53072 MyNaturalDentist.com
At Integrative Dental Solutions (IDS), doctors Ingo Mahn and Supriya Shetty are committed to providing holistic dental care and using materials and methods that are the most beneficial to the overall health of their patients. See ad on back page.
www.AwakeMadison.com
MOVEMENT THERAPY HANCOCK CTR FOR DANCE/ MOVEMENT THERAPY
16 N Hancock St Downtown Madison 608-251-0908 HancockCenter.net Hancock Center is a nonprofit organization providing dance/ movement therapy services and wellness education to people of all ages and abilities.
PRODUCTS/SERVICES Peaceful Heart Gifts & Books 123 South Main St., Oregon, WI 608-835-5288
We strive to provide products and gifts with a light-hearted, fun or in s p ir a tio n a l q u a lity. Indulge your inner diva with great jewelry, healing music or an insightful book. Pick up a calendar of events featuring healers, readers, classes and other special events, or visit our website at www. peacefulheart.net. See ad page 9.
SCHOOLS/TRAINING Tao Shiatsu Training Program Tao Sangha Center, 2330 Willard Avenue 608-257-4663 USA@TaoShiastu.com TaoShiastu.com
The International Tao Shiatsu Society has one of the highest standards and most vibrant systems of shiatsu training. The unique hands-on curriculum allows students to realize the core principles of Oriental Medicine and become effective Tao Shiatsu therapists.
SENIOR LIVING FACILITY TCWROOM
1109 Menomonie Ln, Madison, WI 53704 608-245-0836 TCWRoom.com Dr. Ron and Connie Inda invite you to visit the beautiful, affordable, two-bedroom Senior Living Facility, overlooking Cherokee Marsh. Personal Assistant, Chauffeur, specialized meals, on-site Holistic Health Care. Alzheimer’s/dementia capable. See ad page 9.
UNEARTH YOUR MARKETING POTENTIAL Our readers are digging through our pages for the latest healthy food trends.
Grow your business by advertising in Natural Awakenings’
Special Food & Garden March Issue Reach health-minded enthusiasts including: • Health-Conscious Eaters • Energy-Saving Technologies • Gardeners & Farmers • Plant-Care Specialists • Chefs & Cooks • Earth-Friendly Landscapers • Dietitians • Organic Consumers • Food Bank Providers • Co-op Marketers • Healthy Dining Spots • Recyclers — and this just scratches the surface
Contact us at: Friendly Salesperson (123) 456-7890 608.721.2254 or adsales@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com Additional Contact Information publisher@awakemadison.com