February 2010 "Natural Awakenings"

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more love completely

February 2010

FREE

LOVE The Five Love Languages

by Gary Chapman

FIT BODY Core Fitness

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February 2010

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Grow Your Business Naturally with Natural Awakenings Magazine.

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At Natural Awakenings, we know the cost of glossy coatings on a magazine’s pages: n 33-54% increase in energy consumption, wastewater, air pollution emissions, solid waste n Coated paper is very difficult to recycle (the quantity of waste clay coating removed nearly equals that of the usable paper fiber) n The sealant coating/varnish commonly contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) n Inks that often contain heavy metals and VOCs n Higher costs to print, resulting in higher costs for advertisers —Sources: Buy Recycled Business Alliance; Turning the Page by the PAPER Project partnership; Magazine PAPER Project (CoopAmerica.org/programs/woodwise/publishers/ magazines/index.cfm For more information, visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com/WhyRecycled.pdf Join our family of “green” readers and advertisers. Call 352-629-4000. www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

February 2010

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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.

13 Healing Ways Massage

by Paula Felps

Publisher Carolyn Rose Blakeslee Regional Editors Diane Childs Kim Marques, Calendar National Editors Sharon Bruckman S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Design + Production Stephen Gray-Blancett Carolyn Rose Blakeslee Advertising Carolyn Rose Blakeslee Corporate + Development Larry Levine John Voell II

14 The Five Love Languages

by Gary Chapman

18 Laugh More

Why Feeling Tickled Is Good For Us

by Enda Junkins

Contact Us Natural Awakenings P.O. Box 1140 Anthony, FL 32617 352-629-4000 Fax 352-351-5474 www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com Info@GoNaturalAwakenings.com Subscriptions Mailed subscriptions are available for $36/year.

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22 Coverage: The

Organic Food & Film Festival

Natural Awakenings does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in its articles or advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products or services contained herein.

In the case of health-related articles and ads, to determine whether a particular product or service is appropriate for you, consult your family physician.

30 Core Fitness Middle Management: Core Fitness Is Key to Strength

Copyright ©2010 Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted if that permission has been obtained in writing.

by Paula Felps

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NewsBriefs

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HealthBriefs

10, 17, 21

ConsciousEating

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Soda Nation

NationalBriefs 24

NaturalPet

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Feed Me-ow!

Inspiration 27 The Art of Meditation

HealingWays

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Aromatherapy

CalendarofEvents

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ResourceGuide

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Advertising & Submissions how to advertise n To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 352-629-4000 or email Ads@GoNaturalAwakenings.com. n Deadline for ads: the 14th of the month. n For your convenience, our media kit is online at www.

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Editorial submissions n For submission guidelines, please visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com/services.htm. n Email articles, news items and ideas to: Carolyn@GoNaturalAwakenings.com. n Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. calendar submissions n Visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com /news.htm. n Deadline for calendar: the 15th of the month. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

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PublisherLetter Hi, Friends,

Wow. Thank you for making our first Organic Food and Film Festival such a success. Despite happening on a bitterly cold night in January, every ticket was sold. Our vendors were happy, and attendees were happy, too. “I had no idea,” reported one visitor. “It was really an eye-opener. The film [“Food Matters”] was wonderful—I learned so much.”

A few celebrities were spotted, including Marty Mesh, executive director of Florida Organic Growers (www.foginfo.org); jazz pianist, Lenny Wilson; and Rick Allen, food and features writer extraordinaire at the Ocala Star Banner.

During the last few months, I’ve lost 15 pounds using many of the principles in the film, but I have another 30-35 to go. So, the day after the Festival, I resurrected my 15-year-old Vitamix Total Nutrition Center, which had been in early retirement in our food pantry. We’ve started pureeing fresh veggie soups and fruit smoothies. Yummy! What a way to be a loser.

If you couldn’t come to our festival and would still like to see the film, visit www.foodmatters.tv where you can watch the film online for a modest fee. Our report on the Festival, complete with pictures by Cindy Mendola Williams, a.k.a. “Cindi With An I Photography,” starts on page 22.

We’ll be hosting another Organic Food & Film Festival soon, perhaps making it an all-day event and showing the selected film more than once so we don’t have to turn anyone away.

And who can let February go by without covering Valentine’s Day and love? Enjoy this issue—and enjoy each other.

Love, Carolyn P.S. The December issue’s lovely cover painting, Angel Dove, was created by Lynn Bywaters. I apologize for forgetting to print her credit and bio. Here is some more information about her.

From her home overlooking the Connecticut River and Glastonbury meadow, she is inspired by the abundant wildlife she observes and often includes them in her work along with angels.

A successful illustrator, Lynn recently finished a children’s book, a retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” published by Chronicle Books.

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

February 2010

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NewsBriefs Chinese New Year Celebration

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Seeking sales associates in Gainesville and The Villages. Email resume to: Carolyn@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

n Friday, February 19, from 6:308:00 pm, Dragon Rises College will host a celebration of the Chinese New Year to welcome the Year of the Tiger. Tours of the college and student intern clinic, including presentations and demonstrations of acupuncture and Oriental medicine will be offered.

Students, faculty, and staff will be available to provide information and answer questions. Local artists will have Chinese themed work available for presentation and sale.

Dragon Rises College is an accredited college granting a concurrent Bachelor of Health Science degree and Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree. The school offers a low-cost health clinic, where student interns receive real-world experience by working with patients while supervised by licensed practitioners.

The student clinic is open weekly to the public and offers Oriental diagnostic services and treatment including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Asian bodywork.

Dragon Rises is located at 1000 NE 16th Avenue, Building F, Gainesville, FL. For more information visit www.dragonrises.edu.

Temple of Sound Weekend

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mrit Yoga is bringing the Temple of Sound to the area with Bhagavan Das and Yogi Amrit Desai February 19-21. Participants are invited to experience the ecstasy of chanting and the power of mantra to open all the body’s energy centers, vibrate every cell, and dissolve the mind into a flood of energy.

The program runs Friday afternoon through Sunday lunch. $395/includes Friday night kirtan, meals, and accom-

COUPON Valentine’s Special: $25.00 off one-hour massage Offer expires 2/13/09 6

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NewsBriefs modations. Details are online at www. amrityoga.org. For more info, email info@amrityoga.org or call 352-685-3001.

Earth Day 40th Anniversary Celebration

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n Earth Day this year—Saturday, April 17—The Alachua County Fairgrounds will come alive with a full day of activities, demonstrations, lectures, vendor booths, music and food. The event is being produced by The Greening Journey.

Area-wide vendors with earthfriendly and energy-saving products will be on hand. Building supplies, transportation, native plants, food, clothing, and home products are just a few of the participating businesses.

Environmental and community groups will be demonstrating how our citizens are working to save Alachua County resources and how you can help.

A convenient drop-off will be provided for various recycling items.

Children will be offered games, giveaways and activities designed to save energy, reduce waste and conserve resources. A variety of healthful foods, educational talks and music will be available to enjoy as well.

This one-day event is an opportunity to learn about our community resources and bring home ideas for taking another step on your greening journey. For more information or to find out how to be a part of the Earth Day celebration as a vendor or volunteer, visit www.TheGreeningJourney. com or call 352-378-5995.

Barry Byrne, M.D., Ph.D., a UF pediatric cardiologist and director of the Powell Gene Therapy Center at the College of Medicine, is an expert in treating Pompe disease, a form of muscular dystrophy that usually takes

Gainesville Goes to Hollywood

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UF physician-scientist played an important role in the true story depicted in the motion picture “Extraordinary Measures.” The movie stars Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser and was released in theaters January 22.

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February 2010

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NewsBriefs a child’s life before age 2. Byrne has dedicated his career to studying the use of gene therapy to treat the complex disorder and has worked for years with John Crowley, the man played by Fraser who risked his family’s future to pursue a cure for his two children.

Byrne has been involved in the treatment of Crowley’s children, who also are portrayed in the movie.

In addition to providing technical expertise, Dr. Byrne was an extra in the movie.

Unity of Gainesville Events

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Clown Ministry Playshop will be held Saturday, February 6, from 10-4. Facilitated by Rev. Marciah(mello) McCartney, ordained “Clown Minister” and minister of

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Unity of Gainesville, the playshop is, she says, “a joyful, safe and nurturing experience designed to reintroduce you to the laughter, giggles and childhood dreams of your past and future.” The fee is $25 but no one will be turned away.

On Friday, February 12 at 7:00 pm, Unity’s “Night at the Movies” will feature the movie “The Blue Butterfly,” starring William Hurt. Inspired by a true story, the movie is about 10-yearold Pete Carlton (Marc Donato) who is diagnosed as terminally ill. Funny and intelligent, yet somewhat shy, Pete is stoic and incredibly courageous when it comes to his condition. He seeks refuge by observing the miniature world of cocoons and insects that he collects. Given only months to live, Pete has one wish; to catch the most beautiful butterfly on earth, the legendary Blue Morpho, the Mariposa Azul. He is convinced that this butterfly with the azure wings can reveal the mystery of life to him. Tickets cost $5/person.

On Sunday, February 21, from 1-3:30, Rev. Julie Keene, former minister at Unity of Gainesville, will present a special healing workshop called “The Gifts of Change and Challenge: Clearing a Path to the Sacred Heart of God.” She says, “The workshop includes forgiving and releasing exercises and the opportunity to bless and embrace all of our experiences on this journey, including the painful ones. We look at what is changeless, deathless and permanent at the core of our being.”

All events occur at Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, 352-373-1030.

Hypnotherapy Course Begins March 5th

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ix months to a new career! The Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy is starting a new course on March

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NewsBriefs 5, 2010. The six-month course leads to certification and the beginning of a new career; no prerequisites are required.

The Institute offers flexible pay-

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

ment options, and weekend classes enable participants to continue to work or go to school during the week.

In addition to supervised hypnotherapy training, marketing skills are covered extensively.

For more information, refer to the bound-in insert in this issue, or contact the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy, 4051 N.W. 43rd St., Suit 37, Gainesville, FL, 352-378-5746, www.tfioh. com.

February 2010

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HealthBriefs

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Roughing It

The Case for Fiber

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iber is considered a cornerstone of good nutrition because its benefits are profound. At bottom, fiber binds with harmful toxins in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, so poisons aren’t reabsorbed into the body. Fiber helps reduce cholesterol for heart health. Plus it’s reported to reduce the risk of many cancers. Now researchers at the Medical College of Georgia shed light on how this unglamorous foodstuff accomplishes needful business.

Cell biologists explain that as bulky foods make their way down the GI tract, they run into cells, tearing them and freeing lubricating mucus within, which promotes the health of the tract. As the injured cells rapidly repair themselves they free even more mucus into the system. In the end, mucus helps protect the inner world from the outer, and keeps us regular, fit and trim.

Scientists warn that caustic substances such as alcohol and aspirin can produce so much cell damage that natural mucus-producing recovery mechanisms can’t keep up. Still, they doubt that we can ever overdose on roughage in foods.

Medical College of Georgia, research funded by NASA

Gut IQ?

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es! A recent study published by University College London has found that instinctive snap decisions can be more reliable than decisions taken using higher level cognitive processes—in other words, you are more likely to perform well if you follow your gut instinct rather than your head, which relies heavily on thinking. When study participants were asked to pick the odd one out of a screen displaying more than 650 symbols, those who were rushed in making their decision outperformed those who had more time to take a closer look and thoroughly analyze the symbols. “This finding seems counter-intuitive,” says Dr. Li Zhaoping, of the UCL Department of Psychology.

“You would expect people to make more accurate decisions when given the time to look properly.” The researchers concluded that falling back on our inbuilt, voluntary subconscious processes for certain tasks, is actually more effective than using our cognitive functions.

University College London

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HealthBriefs Why a Smile is More than a Smile

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omantics everywhere may be happy to hear why the adage, “Smile and the whole world smiles with you,” holds true—at least according to a psychological study which proved just seeing a smile activates the muscles in our face that make that expression, even if we’re unaware of it. The psychologists further discovered that positive emotion words, such as “laugh” or “funny,” also influence our facial muscle activity, as well as our judgement.

In the experiment, volunteers were subliminally shown emotion verbs and adjectives while watching cartoons. Half of the participants held a pen to their lips to prevent them from smiling, while the remaining group did not have their facial muscles blocked. The results revealed that volunteers found cartoons to be funnier when they were preceded by smiling-related verbs rather than frowning-related verbs.

More, those who had been free to smile while watching the cartoons judged them more positively.

Association for Psychological Science, 2009

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Sprinkle dried lavender on floors and carpets before vacuuming. The herb’s natural oils will heat up and circulate in the vacuum and air, leaving their fragrance behind.

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February 2010

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HealthBriefs Paper de-cluttering and office organization our specialty.

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Does His Face Say Love?

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an you judge a man’s faithfulness by his face? How about whether he would be a good father, or a good provider? According to a study carried out by University of Michigan and published in the academic journal Personal Relationships, many people believe they can do just that.

Social psychologist Daniel J. Krueger conducted an online experiment showing 854 male and female undergraduate students versions of composite male faces that had been altered to look more or less masculine. As it turned out, men with highly masculine faces were judged more likely to get into fights and sleep with many women, whereas those with more feminine features were judged more likely to be good fathers, great with children and work harder at their jobs, even if they did not like them. Interestingly, both male and female students would prefer the less masculine version as dating partners for their daughters.

“It’s remarkable that minor physiological differences lead people to prejudge a man’s personality and behavior,” said Krueger,“…but facial masculinity may serve as a visual cue in female mate choice.”

University of Michigan

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Hospital Roulette

Pump Up for Post-Surgery Wound Healing

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ike Adams, a.k.a. “The Health Ranger,” recently zeroed in on risks associated with post-surgery recovery and how hospital patients can boost chances of staying healthy in a sickbed environment. He recommends starting on herbs and supplements “well known for helping the body to heal more quickly following surgery or trauma” before going under the knife.

Key wound-healing nutrients include non-synthetic full spectrum vitamin C, zinc, bromelain, chlorella, gotu kola, silica and colloidal silver.

He has seen accelerated wound healing with moderate exposure to sunlight, LED phototherapy and acupuncture.

And he warns against exposure to junk food, both in and out of the hospital.

Adams also notes that “inflammation is not always a bad thing” because it’s part of the body’s vital healing response. If a doctor insists on an antiinflammatory, he turns to Recovazon by the Amazon Herb Company.

For the full article see www.naturalnews.com/021797.html. For details on natural aids to wound healing, immune function and inflammation, check out SupplementReference.com.

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The Healing Touch Massage covers a broad range of ailments, from stress to sports-related injuries

by Paula Felps

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or a society that’s so stressed out, we’ve pretty much mas tered the art of relaxation. From vegging out on the couch with a remote control in hand to taking yoga classes, each of us has our own way of

benefits in treating sleep disorders, high blood pressure, infertility, immunity disorders, low back pain, depression and much more. While we tend to think about the tactile pleasures of massage, its health benefits alone make it worth scheduling a rubdown on a regular basis.

How it works

Massage increases the body’s circulation, which allows for the blood to carry more oxygen and nutrients to the body’s organs. It also releases endorphins into the body, which are nature’s own painkillers. That makes massage a great option for individuals recovering from surgery or suffering from chronic illness. It has also been shown to help migraine sufferers, leading to a decreased need for medication.

Athletes, whether weekend warriors or serious competitors, can use massage as an important supplement to their training. Massage can help reduce the amount of recovery time needed after strenuous exercise, and also can help alleviate any pain that might be lingering as a result of activities. It helps soften injured or overused muscles, and also can reduce the amount of cramping or spasms experienced. unwinding from the day’s demands. But few things can compete with a good massage when it comes to total body relaxation.

Massage doesn’t just feel good; it also provides relief to a number of different health concerns. Stressrelated tension is cited as the culprit in as much as 90 percent of all disease in America, and massage has proven www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Who’s it for?

With so many benefits, it seems that massage would be a universally beneficial treatment, but that’s not the case. In some individuals, massage is not recommended. People who should avoid massage treatments can include individuals with certain forms of cancers, cardiac problems and phlebitis.

In addition, some skin conditions and

infectious diseases make it unwise to seek massage therapy. Always be honest and upfront with your massage therapist about any medical conditions or health concerns that you have; it may affect the type of massage your body needs.

Finding the right massage therapist

These days, you don’t have to look far to find a massage therapist— but how do you know which one is right for you? There are some wonderful massage therapists right here in Natural Awakenings. Read about their specialties, give them a call, explain what you are looking for, and ask questions like the ones below. Another way to find a massage therapist is through friends or co-workers; ask them for referrals to therapists they’ve been pleased with.

You can also contact the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org) to find a qualified massage therapist. Keep in mind that massage is not a “one size fits all” treatment. With so many styles of massage out there, you might have to look for a while to find someone who practices the kind of massage that best meets your needs. Interviewing your massage therapist beforehand is a good way to narrow down your choices. Questions you should ask include:

* Did you graduate from a credible, accredited massage school? * Are you nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork? * Do you belong to a credible, professional agency, such as the AMTA? * How much experience do you have? * What styles of massage do you use?

Like dating, you may not find the perfect fit on your first try. But keep at it—it’s well worth the effort and helps create a more relaxed, healthier you!

February 2010

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The Five Languages

by Gary Chapman

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e each come to love relationships with our own distinct personality and history, with different expectations, different ways of approaching things and different opinions about what matters in life. We need not agree with our partner about everything, for instance, but we must find ways to handle our differences so that they do not become divisive.

I am convinced that no single area affects a relationship as much as meeting the individual emotional need for love. We must learn to speak our partner’s love language if we want them to feel loved. Here’s how to tune in.

Words of Affirmation

Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Verbal appreciation speaks powerfully to persons whose primary love language is words of affirmation.

Simple statements of approval and encouragement are sometimes all a person needs to hear to feel loved.

Examples include: reinforcing a difficult decision; calling attention to progress made on a current project; and acknowledging a person’s perspective on an important topic. Such affirmations can help a loved one overcome insecurities and develop greater confidence.

Quality Time

Quality time is more than proximity. It’s focusing all our energy on our partner. A husband watching sports while talking to his wife is not quality time. Without focused attention, even

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an intimate dinner for two can come and go without a minute of true sharing.

Quality conversation—sharing experiences, thoughts, feelings and desires in a friendly, uninterrupted context—is crucial to a healthy relationship. A good partner listens, offers advice and responds. Most people don’t expect us to solve their problems; they simply need a sympathetic listener.

Quality activities are equally essential. Spending time together enjoying shared interests brings a couple closer and fills a memory bank for future mutual reminiscences.

Receiving Gifts Some people respond well to visual symbols of love, treasuring any gift as an expression of affection.

Fortunately, this love language is one of the easiest to learn.

Natural spenders have no trouble buying gifts for their partner. However, a partner accustomed to investing and saving may have a tough time spending money as an expression of love. It helps to understand that the true investment is not in the gifts, but in deepening the relationship. Gifts need not come every day or week or cost a lot. If a partner relates to the language of gifts, any visible sign of love will leave them feeling happy and secure.

Sometimes all a partner desires is a loved one’s presence, navigating the same trials and experiencing the same things. The gift of self can become a powerful physical symbol of love.

Acts of Service Performing simple chores around the house is another undeniable expression of love. Even simple tasks, like doing laundry and taking out the trash, require planning, time and effort.

Often, both partners render acts of service. The key is to understand which acts a partner most appreciates; otherwise, it’s like communicating in two different dialects. For example, a wife may spend her day washing the cars and walking the dog, but if her husband believes that laundry and

dishes are the priorities, he may feel unloved, regardless of her contributions. Effective service sometimes means humbly stepping out of gender stereotypes.

It is important to act out of love and not obligation. A partner whose help is motivated by guilt or fear will inevitably speak a language of resentment, not love. Heartfelt acts come from a place of kindness and help ensure happiness.

Physical Touch

Many mates feel most loved when they receive physical contact from their partner. For a mate who speaks this love language loudly, physical touch can make or break the relationship.

Sexual intercourse can engender feelings of security and love in a marriage, but it is only one dialect of physical touch. Many parts of the body are extremely sensitive to stimulation.

Discovering how our partner responds to these touches, physically and psychologically, can help us become fluent in this love language, which is different for everyone.

A partner whose primary love language is physical touch would much rather be held in silence during a crisis than offered advice.

Yet, the type of touch that helps one partner feel secure may be irritating or uncomfortable for the other.

We need to learn the touches our mate likes. They may be big acts—such as back massages or lovemaking—or smaller gestures—like a hand on the cheek or shoulder.

By learning each other’s dialects, we can communicate most lovingly through our hugging, kissing and other physical contacts.

Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of numerous books, including The Five Love Languages series, written for couples, singles and children. A relationship counselor, he speaks to thousands of couples nationwide through his weekend marriage conferences and syndicated radio program, A Growing Marriage. Visit FiveLoveLanguages.com.

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Romancing the Scent

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eduction by scent is at least as old as Cleopatra, who was said to have scented the sails of her barge with rose water to attract Mark Anthony.

Today, Indian women traditionally wear garlands of jasmine flowers in their hair and Mediterranean brides adorn themselves with orange blossoms on their wedding day. Scent has historically contributed to romantic power.

The reason is found in the olfactory lobe of the brain, which is part of the limbic system, the same area that produces sexual desires. It’s why essential oils may be found in health food stores and specialty shops in personalized blends used to scent a room and as ingredients in massage oils and seductive perfumes.

Sweet orange, neroli, rose, jasmine, coriander, ylang-ylang, patchouli, ginger or sandalwood may be selected to enhance the mood of a romantic encounter. If used directly on the skin, essential oils should be diluted in a base, such as jojoba or almond oil. A few drops of these potent oils go a long way.

Adapted from Essential Oils for Body and Soul by Anne Simons

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

The 7 Days of Valentine’s Start a week before Valentine’s Day: Day 1: Light a candle at dinner Day 2: Give a pair of tickets to a movie, show or game Day 3: Write three short love poems to say how you feel Day 4: Fly four balloons that proclaim, “I love you” Day 5: Give five favorite flowers or songs Day 6: Sweeten Valentine’s with six chocolate hearts Day 7: Enjoy a celebration you both will remember

February 2010

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ConsciousEating

Soda Nation Rx for an Overweight Populace Hooked on Soft Drinks

by Susie Ruth

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oft drinks take a hard toll on Americans’ health. According to Beverage Marketing Corporation we consume a yearly average of 50 gallons of soda per per-

trients and includes harmful chemicals is more impetus to break the habit, as many people are starting to realize.

“The average American gets 22 percent of their calories from beverages,” says registered dietitian Rachel Johnson, a researcher at the University of Vermont. She advises that everyone read labels and consume the most natural drinks.

Many like-minded nutritionists suggest that

showed middle school students choosing sodas and other sugar-sweetened drinks over other beverages three-toone at school vending machines. It also concluded that those who eat at fast-food restaurants are more likely to load up on sugary beverages. Another recent study published in The Journal of Pediatrics determined that the average 19-year-old American girl now drinks three times more soda and 25 percent less milk than she did as a child.

“Because milk provides an important source of calcium in the diets of children and adolescents, the decline in girls’ milk consumption at a time when bone mineral deposition may predispose to eventual osteoporosis is a major concern,” writes Dr. William Dietz, commenting on the findings as director of the division of nutrition and physical activity at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The heavier soda drinkers in the study also tended to

A single 12-ounce glass of regular soda contains up to 12 teaspoons of sugar (typically high-fructose corn syrup) at 15 calories a teaspoon.

son. At about 150 calories a pop, that’s a high price to pay for a little thirst quenching, especially among those who are watching their weight. The fact that such “liquid candy” lacks nu-

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adults limit their soda consumption to one 12-ounce can a day or less, and that kids drink soda no more than once a week, on special occasions. Johnson says that soft drinks have no place at all in the diets of children 11 and younger.

The reasons are many, starting with empty calories. A single 12-ounce glass of regular soda contains up to 12 teaspoons of sugar (typically high-fructose corn syrup) at 15 calories a teaspoon.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s suggested limit is 12 teaspoons of sugar a day from all food sources in its baseline 2,000-caloriesa-day diet.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association

weigh more.

If empty calories and endangered bone health aren’t reason enough to give it up, soda fans should consider their teeth. General Dentistry reports that both regular and diet soft drinks, especially light-colored drinks and canned iced tea, appear to “aggressively” erode tooth enamel. No matter how they are sweetened, the phosphoric acid in soda “approaches the level of battery acid,” confirms Kenton Ross, a spokesman for the Academy of Dentistry.

Even health care workers themselves are not immune to the effects of soda consumption. A Harvard School of Public Health study of more than 50,000 nurses published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that those who drank one or more servings of soda or fruit punch a day not only gained an extra 10 pounds, but also ran an 80 percent increased risk of developing Type 2 dia-

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betes. “There is epidemiological work done in children as well as adults that links obesity and Type 2 diabetes with the consumption of sodas,” observes Dr. Sonia Caprio, a Yale University professor of pediatric endocrinology.

The beverage industry typically refutes the health implications of such research, admitting only to the risk of tooth decay. Yet a slight slowdown in soda sales since 2005, paired with

Tips: Better Drinks n Have a sweet soda only as a dessert, and only rarely. n Try natural alternatives from Izze, R.W. Knudsen, Santa Cruz Organic, Steaz, WaNu and White Rock beverages. n Experiment with homemade herbal or green teas or lemonade sweetened with stevia, seltzer splashed with juice, and juices diluted with club soda. n Stick with mainstays of 100 percent fruit juices, nonfat milk or flavored milk, and plain or naturally flavored water.

Better yet, juice it yourself.

HealthBriefs

For Love and Heart

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ark chocolate comprises a true gift of the heart, both pleasing the palate and keeping the risk of heart disease at bay, according to a recent article published in The Journal of Nutrition. A moderate amount of the sweet treat works best.

In their study, researchers focused on the complex mechanism of inflammation, a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. They note that the high amounts of antioxidants in the cocoa seed, in particular flavonoids and other polyphenols, appear to have a beneficial effect on the inflammatory state. But the amount of chocolate consumed also plays a crucial role. An average of 6.7 grams per day, corresponding to one small square of chocolate, two to three times a week, is sufficient to reap chocolate’s protective effect. Beyond these amounts the benefits tend to disappear.

Incidentally, milk chocolate does not have the same heart-healthy effects, because its milk content interferes with the absorption of cocoa’s antioxidants.

Source: Catholic University, 2008

Weird Science

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Americans’ move toward healthier foods, has prompted soda makers to hedge their bets by offering bottled waters and juices as well as “light” and “fortified” carbonated drinks.

The most significant change came last year, when America’s major beverage makers agreed to halt nearly all soda sales in public schools. Thanks to collaboration between the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the American Beverage Association, as of 2009, elementary and middle schools will sell only water, juice (with no added sweeteners), and fat-free and low-fat milk.

High schools will sell only water, juice, sports drinks and diet sodas under the new plan.

ext time you want to give your significant other roses for that special, occasion, make sure she has already gotten out of bed. Why? Researchers have found that our sensitivity to smells is greater when we are sitting up rather than lying down. When test subjects were exposed to 16 different concentrations of rose odor while sitting upright or lying down, the majority (63.9 %) reported a decreased sensitivity to the smell when lying down. The research was conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Marilyn Jones-Gotman at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) at McGill University. Previous studies have pointed out that lying down negatively affects our other senses too, such as hearing and spatial perception. It is not exactly clear why this is so, but it should be taken into consideration, says Jones-Gotman, since many of our studies involve test subjects lying supine in scanners such as an MRI or PET, and if perceptional ratings depend on body position, then reliable “threshold measure” or points of comparison can be difficult to obtain.

Additional Sources: MedicineNet.com, EMagazine.com, InteliHealth.com, PreventDisease.com

Source: McGill University Health Centre, Canada

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

February 2010

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by Enda Junkins

Laugh More

WHY FEELING TICKLED IS GOOD FOR US

Be aware. When the corners of our mouth turn up involuntarily and we must swallow unsolicited giggles, we may be giving way to laughter addiction.

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he high that we gain when we laugh until we hold our sides, roll about on the floor and feel the tears streaming down our cheeks is addicting. So, what protects us from such loosey-goosey, nonsensical fun?

Only our own serious, controlled approach to life, from sex to the family vacation.

Human beings are not born serious. We begin life fully equipped with an innate playfulness and the ability to laugh freely. Sadly, most of us curb our playfulness and laughter as a sacrifice to the serious business of adulthood. In order to keep laughing, we need to be in a partial state of playfulness, either consciously or unconsciously. Laughter therapy is one way to help us ease our adult seriousness and retrieve that lost sensation of play.

Laughter is not only fun; it is also good for us. At last, something good for us that is also enjoyable. There is no need for yucky-tasting diet concoctions, profuse sweating in concentrated exercise or tough changes for this particular pursuit of health. All that’s required is pure, unrestrained, oldfashioned laughter.

Laughter heals the body and eases painful emotions like anger and fear (see this month’s Healing Ways depart-

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ment). It helps us cope with daily survival in a pleasant and effective way.

Contrary to common perceptions, in my 20 years as a laughter therapist I have found that laughter is born of tension, stress and pain, so most people need not worry about being able to laugh. Stress has been called the number one health problem today; we’ve all got it.

Laughter therapy is about learning to laugh freely again at the many things we deal with that aren’t otherwise funny. Children will play with almost anything except direct pain.

Adults were intended to do the same.

When we can play with our pain, we laugh. When we laugh, we shift our perspective and problems shrink to

LAUGH TO:

Relieve stress Resolve conflict Enhance communications Enrich relationships Have fun a manageable size. We don’t diminish their importance, but we feel less overwhelmed.

Laughter is warm, bonding and contagious. It connects with those we

love and with our fellow human beings. We need to feel good. We need to feel connected. We need to feel safe. We need to laugh more.

Anyone can join the laughter movement. All it takes is a willingness to risk some loss of control. The timid may start with a few shy giggles. The courageous may jump in with deep belly laughs. A sense of humor is not required. There’s more than enough stress to go around, and absurdity abounds in our daily lives. All we have to do is believe, let go and clap our hands, and laughter will live again.

So will we. When we laugh, we feel deeply, which allows us to live fully.

We can encourage everyday laughter at home by being playful with our families. Wear a clown nose when putting children to bed. Break up chores by indulging in a pillow fight.

Ease conflict by saying something light and unexpected. Let hand puppets help with family communication or say it with a humorous hat. Life at home doesn’t have to be serious; it’s far too important for that.

We can slip laughter into the workplace with a few lighthearted windup toys. Play with frustrations by writing them on shoe soles and walking on them. Wear a temporary tattoo

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Laughter is the human gift for coping and for survival; ringing, pealing, roaring, bubbling laughter. Chuckling.

Giggling. Snickering. Snorting. These are the sounds of soul-saving laughter that springs from our emotional core and helps us feel better, see things more clearly and creatively weigh and use our options. Laughter helps us roll with the punches that inevitably come our way. We unleash the power of laughter every time we laugh. that expresses our mood for the day.

No one need see it. Find ways to celebrate stress; we might as well enjoy it. We can practice laughing, so that we can laugh when we need it most.

Mother Nature laughs. She created people playful and funny. She also created laughter. Why, in pursuit of serious things, have we short-circuited both our play and our laughter? In our frenzy to succeed and to have it all, we have shortened everything. We have fast food, fast banking, fast fun, fast shopping, even fast sex. Today, life is a longer process on a shorter schedule, and for that, we need lots of laughter.

Our natural laughter is neither fast-paced nor high-tech. It isn’t expensive and it can’t be bought. Others can’t do it for us. All of us can do it ourselves, however, because we’re born with it, and it’s our right to reap all its benefits. On the off chance that we occasionally find ourselves headed off to “smell the roses” from a drive-in window, at least we can laugh at our own folly.

Enda Junkins, known as “The Laughing Psychotherapist,” is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For information on her keynote talks, seminars and workshops, visit LaughterTherapy.com. www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Tips for More Laughter in Life 1.

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Practice laughing five minutes a day; fake it ‘til you make it.

Look for humor around you—on signs, in people’s behavior, on TV, in newspapers, things others say and the crazy things that happen to you.

Keep a journal.

Share your embarrassing moments with others.

Learn to play with things that are serious, like work, social issues and money. You might use word play, silly songs or develop a comical view of the issue to help you cope.

Laugh with others when they laugh.

Wear a smile; it puts you closer to laughing.

Seek out entertainment that makes you laugh.

Amuse yourself with your own sense of humor.

Buy and listen daily to a tape of laughter, a laugh box or a laughing toy.

Play around with games and mindless toys that make you laugh.

Wear hats that make you laugh.

Cultivate your innate playfulness.

Be creative with fun.

Do at least one silly, nonconforming thing each day.

Give yourself permission to laugh at anything you need to.

Make sure you have fun.

Source: Enda Junkins

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Look for the funny things that always exist, like typos, the funny actions of coworkers and your own funny behavior.

Give projects comical names, like Quasimodo or Thumper.

Keep mindless toys on your desk and take short breaks to play with them.

Wear a creative hat to express or change your attitude.

Use cartoons to help with communication.

Play with the idea of stress and learn to celebrate it.

Laugh with coworkers for a few minutes for no real reason at all.

Under your clothes, wear a T-shirt with a saying that lightens you up.

Find playful ways to ease conflict with coworkers. For example: Employ toys that diffuse conflict; develop lightly humorous things to think or say; or use comical visualizations that help you keep perspective.

Exaggerate and play with the issues that annoy you most.

Incorporate elements of a game into your work. For example: Give yourself a prize for completing a project; divide the project into a football field and see each stage of completion as a first down; give yourself a cheer; or develop a ritualized, playful way of turning on your computer.

Laugh for five minutes on the way to work.

Wear lighthearted, temporary tattoos that serve as handy reminders.

Wear a fun tie, scarf or other piece of clothing that makes you feel good and playful. If it is a serious day or a big meeting and outer attire must match accordingly, wear fun underwear.

Source: Enda Junkins

February 2010

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Ways to Fun-up Relationships

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Smile at each other when you first wake up.

Exaggerate your affection for each other. Make everything bigger than it is and add a dash of silliness. For example: Holler “I love you;” speak of your undying love in terms the universe; or romantically describe each other’s eyes with over-the-top comparisons, such as blue as the deep blue sea, green as a rajah’s emeralds.

Laugh together at the funny things seen and experienced on a daily basis.

Go on a spur-of-the-moment picnic.

Dance together in the living room, in the parking lot, on the street or in the mall.

Read to each other before you go to sleep at night.

Cuddle up together on the couch when you watch TV. Find some time during the day to enjoy a long passionate, romantic kiss.

Walk together holding hands, and swing those hands.

Share at least one bit of humor each day.

Tell each other the good things about one another.

Make a special time each day to laugh and talk for just the two of you.

Practice hanging out together over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

Develop lots of different, playful ways to say, “I love you.” You might, for instance, use different accents or languages; make a banner for the living room; create a card; or write it on the mirror in lipstick.

Use your imagination to develop playful greetings for each other, like a dramatic hug, enthusiastic joy at seeing each other and overdone messages about missing each other.

Source: Enda Junkins

“Social psychology research shows that children laugh, on average, 150 times a day; adults, only six times a day. During an average day, a child will smile 400 times; an adult no more than 15 times.” ~ Robert Holden, Ph.D., founder of The Happiness Project, in Living Wonderfully

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HealthBriefs

Baby Safe

Glass Baby Bottles Return

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ales of glass baby bottles have soared as parents respond to a recent Environment California report that five leading brands of plastic baby bottles leach the toxin bisphenol A into liquids coming into contact with them. Though the plastics in question have been commonly used in everything from baby bottles to toddler toys for 25 years, parents aren’t taking any chances.

Environmental health advocates recommend that consumers avoid bottles and food containers made of clear, hard polycarbonate plastic, which may be labeled #7 or PC on the underside, as well as polyvinyl chloride, which contain phthalates and may be labeled #3 or PVC. Instead, advocates recommend parents choose bottles, cups and food containers made of plastics #1, #2 or #4 (polyethylene) and softer opaque #5 (polypropylene). In any case, avoid washing plastic dishware with harsh dishwashing soap and hot water.

Better yet, go for glass or stainless steel. Glass may be breakable, but it worked for earlier generations, and just makes more sense.

Links.SFGate.

com/ZCM

Clean Fact T

he ubiquitous and oh-so-handy reusable kitchen sponge can harbor a flotilla of harmful bacteria, yeasts and molds.

Scientists found that microwaving a sponge killed 99.99 percent of the bacteria present and proved more effective than soaking the sponge in bleach solutions or lemon juice or running it through the dishwasher.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Magnolia Farms Organic CSA Farm Start your 2010 eating healthier!!!

Thank you Gainesville/Ocala for supporting our small sustainable farm allowing us to deliver our organic produce from farm to table. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Now taking applications for winter/spring shares.

Hurry~Shares are limited~$225 for 8 weeks

Weekly delivery to Gainesville/Ocala Application online: www.MagnoliaFarms.org 386-364-6450 / mcelwee87@windstream.net

February 2010

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Snapshots from Cindi Williams www.cindi-withaneye.com

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Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

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hat a great evening! Our vendors brought organic veggies, jellies, pickled goods, organic eggs, prepared foods such as pumpkin bread and an orange and sour-cream loaf, grass-fed beef, and smoothies—even holistic pet food and products.

Attendees got to try goat-milk-based skin-care products including soaps, lotions and facial cleansers. Other products represented included a home gluten-testing kit available from Elisa Technologies, an environmentally friendly and high-efficiency hotwater heater from Hefner Plumbing Co., and many nutritional products.

Holistic practitioners included Symphony Wellness, homeopathic veterinarian Dr. Gerry Wessner, Ocala Chiropractic, Novak Acupuncture, Ocala Integrative Medicine, Clark Dougherty Therapeutic Massage Clinic, Health and Healing Center of Ocala, and more.

Our featured film, “Food Matters,” was very well received. We will definitely do it again soon with a new movie. Watch these pages for details.

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

February 2010

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NationalBriefs

Truth or Dare Real or Fake Grouper?

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he Florida Department of Agriculture Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture has posted notice that an increasing number of Florida wholesalers, retailers and restaurants are substituting less costly fish from places like China or Vietnam for wild-caught Florida grouper. Such mislabeling is patently illegal, subject to fines and should be reported by suspicious consumers.

FL-Seafood.com notes that because of its limited supply and relatively high price, grouper has been targeted by unscrupulous merchants who lure unwary diners with low prices. This website clues us in to the differences in appearance, texture and taste of false fillets and where to find thick firm “Fresh from Florida” certified real grouper.

On the web at FL-Seafood.com/consumers/grouper_ substitution.htm.

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Winged Prayer Restored Flight of Eagles Shows the Way

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n one of the most remarkable comebacks by a U.S. species, the bald eagle has rebounded from near extinction to delisting as a threatened bird under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). From a meager 417 breeding pairs in 1963, 9,700 or more nesting pairs now grace the states from coast to coast.

Although this national symbol remains protected by law, continuation of its legacy is primarily attributed to the ESA’s protection of key habitat and elimination of DDT pesticides. The job now is “to make sure the eagle population stays stable and healthy,” says Mike Dalton, director of conservation policy at the National Audubon Society.

Meanwhile, new study data from Audubon and the U.S. Geological Survey presents a wider reality check.

Trends show that 20 common species of North American birds are in a tailspin, with populations down 54 to 80 percent since 1967. Habitat fragmentation from development is the main culprit. Birds in trouble include whippoorwills, meadowlarks, bobwhite, terns, scaup and snow bunting.

So far, none of the “common” bird species cited is in danger of extinction, says Dr. Greg Butcher, Audubon’s bird conservation director. But their struggle mirrors a global trend among endangered migratory songbirds and tropical species.

Kieran Suckling, policy director of the Center for Biological Diversity, concludes. “We hope and expect that the eagle’s success is just a hint of things to come.”

The Christian Science Monitor

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NaturalPet

Cat’s Meow Chicken Mix

Feed Me-ow!

Makes 1 cup / To reduce bacterial risk, always freeze meat for 72 hours prior to use and defrost in the refrigerator.

Introduce new foods into your cat’s diet a dot at a time, doubling the amount every second meal until you work up to a regular serving. It can take cats several weeks to adjust to a new food.

by Deborah W. Johnson

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f you’re one of the 35 million cat guardians in the United States, you undoubtedly want to know whether your feline is getting the food it needs for optimal health. For the domestic housecat, the wrong diet can contribute to health problems ranging from kidney disease and diabetes to allergies and cancer. To make the most of its nine lives, your cat requires a diet that strengthens its immune system— and that means the natural foods that closely resemble the diet of its ancestors.

Cat evolution

Felis catus has been lounging around since antiquity, living for most of that time on birds, insects, and anything else it could get its claws on— especially small animals that nibbled wild grasses, seeds, and nuts. Bones of small prey cleaned teeth, fur provided fiber, and innards provided moisture and small quantities of grains and berries. It all added up to a wild but well-rounded diet. As cats’ domesticity evolved, so did their food; mice and

Nature’s toothbrush Randy Klein, owner of Whiskers Holistic Petcare in New York City, suggests giving your cat bites of raw chicken neck once a week to exercise and clean gums and teeth. Simply freeze a chicken neck, defrost in the refrigerator, cut into nickel-size pieces, and serve. squirrels were replaced by dry kibble.

But, according to Michael Dym, VMD, a homeopathic veterinarian in Morristown, New Jersey, dry food “is not in [cats’] evolutionary diet.” Because feline biology isn’t suited for kibble, many holistic veterinarians believe that dry, processed food is a main cause of illness and premature death in the modern cat.

Cats’ digestive systems are short www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

1/2 pound cooked chicken (thigh or breast meat), cut into pea-size pieces 2 drops olive oil 1 egg yolk 1 tsp. bone meal 1/2 tsp. fish oil 1 cat multivitamin/serving, crushed

Because feline biology isn’t suited for kibble, many holistic veterinarians believe that dry, processed food is a main cause of illness and premature death in the modern cat. and acidic, meaning they can handle and process meat, bones, and most bacteria quickly and effectively. But a grain-heavy or purely vegetarian diet spells trouble for a cat’s tiny fermentation system. Carb-rich foods, such as dry grain and plant material, are difficult to digest and cause an imbalance in the normal pH levels of a cat’s urinary system, potentially leading to irritation of the bladder lining and increasing risk for urinary tract infections. Overworked by production of the digestive enzyme amylase, the pancreas becomes stressed; undigested grains and a pH imbalance create toxins in the kidneys and bladder; and the weakened immune system can’t fight off illness.

Dry foods also deprive cats of the moisture they need to digest foods and remain hydrated. “A cat cannot drink enough water to compensate when eating a total dry-food diet,” says Sue Green, co-owner of the Whole Cat in Denver. Many veterinarians agree that drinking a lot of water is usually a sign of a physical imbalance. “In a pure

Pet digestive enzymes (read label for correct dose) 1 tbsp. vegetable baby food, such as carrot, squash, or peas (no onion powder), optional Mix together all ingredients until well blended. Feed an adult cat as much as it will eat in 20-30 minutes: about 1/2-3/4 cup for a small cat, 3/4-1 cup for a medium cat, and 1-2 cups for a large cat. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

Cat Nips Makes about 5 cups / Freeze in zip-top bags, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.

1/2 cup brown rice flour 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1/2-1 tsp. wheat germ 1/2 cup chicken broth 1 tbsp. steamed broccoli, mashed 1-2 drops soy sauce 1 15-ounce can salmon, undrained 2 egg yolks 2 drops olive oil Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and blend well. Spread in a well-oiled 9x13-inch pan and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Cut into 1/4-inch squares. Serve up to 12 pieces daily, 3 times per week.

Recipes By Karin Lazarus and Phil Klein

February 2010

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Alternative Wholistic Health Care “To Achieve Optimal Health using Alternative Complementary Medicine with State of the Art Technology” Michael Badanek, Chiropractic Physician, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition and Promoter of Alternative Complementary Medicine.

28 Years of Clinical Practice in Marion County Florida FREE SEMINARS on Alternative Health Care. See Web-sites for dates, times and locations of Seminars Same day emergency appointments Courtesy consultations available (352) 622-1151 3391 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite B Ocala, FL 34470 www.alternativewholistichealth.com www.ocalaalternativemedicine.com

state of health, they should be thirstless,” says Dym.

Going raw

Dry food may be the preferred option for many feline caregivers, yet in a purr-fect world, cats would eat moist, low-carb diets, with supplements as necessary. Raw food holds sway with many holistic vets, who cite the research of Francis M. Pottenger, MD, and his controlled-feeding study on cats from 1932 to 1942 (see www.price-pottenger.org). While experimenting on the function of cats’ adrenal glands, Pottenger discovered that felines fed a raw-meat diet were much healthier than those given cooked meats, particularly over several generations. Sara Winikoff, DVM, of Rockland Holistic Veterinary Care in Blauvelt, New York, adds that a raw diet “will most likely prevent intestinal cancer, cystitis, and immune-system disorders.”

Natural switch

Raw or cooked, the safest meats for cats are chicken, turkey, and beef, especially if raised in free-range and grass-fed conditions. Organ meats are crucial for the vitamins and minerals they offer cats, according to Marty Goldstein, DVM, a Palm Harbor, Florida-based holistic vet.

Vegetables—particularly puréed pumpkin, green beans, broccoli, zucchini, and carrots—supply fiber, vitamins A and C, and water. Vets also recommend salmon or other fish oils for omega-3 fatty acids, plus finely ground eggshells and ground bones for calcium.

A few cat-food cautions: Avoid onions; they destroy red blood cells and cause anemia in cats. Many holistic veterinarians forgo feeding fish to cats because of mercury concerns; fish treats two to three times a week are a better option, says Don Hamilton, DVM, author of Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic, 1999).

And under no circumstances feed your cat chocolate; even a tiny amount can kill. Chocolate contains the chemical theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Although theobromine levels vary with the type of chocolate,

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any type or amount ingested by a cat should be treated as life-threatening.

Whether homemade or purchased, a diet that doesn’t meet your cat’s nutritional needs is still a raw deal. Consult with your veterinarian or an animal nutritionist to find a recipe that is suited to your cat and has been used by others with healthy results.

And naturally, kitty can’t tell you when it’s hurting, so learn to recognize what’s normal and pay attention to any changes in your cat’s usual habits.

Deborah W. Johnson dedicates this article to her cat, Ninja, who passed away at age 19. Perhaps on a raw diet, he would have lived to be 30.

3 TOP FOODS FOR CATS BRAVO!

Made by Bravo!

The Diet Designed by Nature www.bravorawdiet.com 866.922.9222 Convenient, all-natural raw food that comes frozen in a tube. The company regularly makes product and money donations to shelters and fundraisers.

SPOT’S STEW

Made by Halo, Purely for Pets www.halopets.com 800.426.4256 All-natural pet food made with USDA-approved chicken and vegetables. Call the company’s toll-free number for free holistic pet-care advice.

WELLNESS

Made by Old Mother Hubbard www.oldmotherhubbard.com 800.225.0904 High-quality canned foods made with a variety of fresh meats and without fillers (such as corn, wheat, and rice). The company also donates food to shelters.

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Inspiration

The Art of Meditation Quick escapes to focus your mind and soothe away stress.

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f you’re searching for a cure for stress and anxiety, look no further than your own mind. The calming mental practice of meditation is a powerful tool; practiced regularly, it can induce a state of awareness, serenity and wellbeing.

The following simple brain games will enable you to flex your mental muscles, improve your concentration and revive your spirit. This is what total fitness is all about.

If you have never meditated before, here are tips to get you started: • Find a place you can be comfortable, either sitting or lying down.

• Avoid distractions. Turn off the TV and take the phone off the hook.

• Close your eyes.

• Breathe slowly, expanding your rib cage, allowing the air to fill your belly; don’t breathe shallowly from your chest.

• Try to stop thinking. If thoughts do come up—as they likely will—observe them without getting involved. Instead, concentrate on your breathing, a visual image or a mantra.

10-minute meditation First, get comfortable, either seated or lying down, and close your eyes.

As you begin to breathe rhythmically, imagine your body relaxing.

Inhale fresh, clean oxygen; exhale negativity and tension out. With each breath, imagine your entire body letting go. If you have trouble staying centered, picture a beautiful place, such as a beach, to focus your mind. Imagine the smell of the air and water, feel the warmth of the sun and the sand around your body.

Now begin with your feet: Clench your toes and release them a few times, then let them relax. Move up your body in the same fashion— tense and release your legs, hips, hands, arms, spine, chest and neck.

Let the tension melt from between your eyes and soften your mouth. If you notice any particular knots of tension, “breathe” into these spots as you exhale, allowing them to unwind. Once your body is completely relaxed, you’ll notice it’s easier to quiet the mental chatter that comes with constant stimuli and tension.

Rouse yourself out of this space slowly; it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Less than 10:

One-minute respites and five-minute breaks Use these easy techniques to get a quick energy boost, focus your mind and release stress.

February 19-21, 2010 Temple of Sound Weekend with Bhagavan Das and Yogi Amrit Desai

Say “om”: Chant a mantra (such as “om” or another repetitive word or phrase) to quiet your mind and get you focused in the zone.

Breathe easy: Inhale and exhale through your nose, creating a rhythmic pattern that lengthens progressively.

Inhale for four counts, exhale for four counts; then inhale for five counts, exhale for five counts, and so on.

Move and repeat: Along with your breathing, repetitive movement like walking, jogging, swimming or t’ai chi can be used to induce a meditative state.

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Join two of the world’s most renowned yoga masters

in a workshop that has proven transformational to thousands of people around the world.

Bhagavan Das,

Yogi Amrit Desai

is a world renowned yoga master who has been sharing authentic yogic teachings in the U.S. since 1960 and is the founder of Kripalu Yoga and the Amrit Method of Yoga and Yoga Nidra.

Salt Springs, FL

a devotee of Neem Karoli Baba and mentor to Ram Das, ushered in the New Age spiritual movement and is the first widely known kirtan artist in America.

Visit www.amrityoga.org, or call 352-685-3001 for details.

February 2010

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TheMarketplace “Ganga� Diane Hanson Reiki, Pranic Healing, Hypnosis, Spiritual Counseling Rev. B.S.W., C.Ht. Amrit Yoga Institute PO Box 5340 Salt Springs, FL 32134 352-685-3001 904-382-5823 gangafl@hotmail.com www.dianekhanson.net

Intuitive Touch Reiki and Massage Therapy Specializing in Therapeutic/medical and relaxation massage, intuitive Reiki sessions and lymphatic drainage

Susan Domfort LMT/COTA Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Certified in Holistic Manual Lymphatic Drainage MA #53889 MM #22664

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1294 SE 24th Road Ocala, Florida 352-804-7617 Now accepting PIP and BC/BS insurance for medically necessary massage.

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HealingWays

The Art of Aromatherapy Making Sense of Scents for Holistic Healing

by Lee Walker

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lant oils have a long history of contributing to our psychological and physical well-being. Ancient Egyptians extracted vegetable oils from plants by pressing them through cloth. The resulting ointments were used in their spiritual practices, cosmetics and medicines, and for embalming the dead. We also know that the Greeks particularly enjoyed using essential oils in their bathing rituals.

The Romans added to the knowledge of essential oils by recording the beneficial properties of hundreds of plants.

In the year 1,000, Avicenna came along to invent the basic distillation process that we use today. The use of essential oils then grew popular in France, England and Germany, where the scents were available from apothecaries by the 16th century. But it wasn’t until 1930 that French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term “aromatherapy” after he discovered that lavender oil had healed his burned hand without leaving a scar.

Current Applications

Today, the popularity of aromatherapy in the United States, combined with the influx of modern synthetic oils, creates a need to redefine its terms and practices.

“Unfortunately the word aromatherapy has become so commercialized that it tends to conjure images of scented www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

candles, perfumes and cleaning products, rather than the incredibly natural therapeutic agents of essential oils,” observes Elizabeth Jones, director of the Botanical College of Healing Arts (COBHA) in Santa Cruz, California. In the emerging medical field of essential oil therapy, COBHA meets the certification standards set by the Association of Holistic Aromatherapists. Jones also supplies therapeuticgrade essential oils to hospitals and health care practitioners.

“Our oils originate all over the world,” says Jones. “We routinely test the chemical profile and, if there are any other substances present, the oils are returned as unsuitable for therapeutic purposes.”

Jones explains that the fat-soluble nature of essential oils accounts for their easy passage through the blood.

During a massage, for example, fragrance molecules are immediately transported from the skin into the bloodstream to effect healing. They also translate into neuronal information through sensors at the back of our nostrils.

Different essences affect different parts of the body and mind. Often, the scent that a person finds most pleasing will prove to have the healing action that individual needs.

Essential oils can remain in the body for between four and twenty-four hours before they are eliminated through the lungs and kidneys, and the healing effects may continue even after the substance has left the body. They leave no toxic buildup because they are natural substances.

“I love that essential oils are holistic,” says Jones, “acting on a physical cellular level, as well as on emotional, mental, spiritual and energetic levels. They have no unwanted side effects, as so many modern pharmaceutical drugs do.”

Aromatherapist Kimla Stewart is a board-certified holistic nurse and owner of Lavender and Quartz in Naples, Florida. She uses oils on herself each day and with her clients at work. “My clients revel in the scents and physical benefits of the essential oils that I use on their hands and feet during our Healing Touch sessions,” Stewart says.

Talking with clients before a treatment to assess their energy levels helps Stewart choose scents that are capable of eliciting the client’s deepest state of relaxation and encouraging a healing response. She says that her clients find oils like lavender and rosemary to be comforting. She, too, chooses oils based on her daily needs.

“I stand in front of the mirror in the morning and ask, ‘What do I need today?’” explains Stewart. “If I didn’t sleep well and need to be sharp, I’ll choose rosemary. If I need to be alert and relaxed, I’ll add peppermint, to provide an extra lift. The next day, I may feel like I want a bright and sunny day, so I’ll make a mist with lemon and lemon grass and spray it throughout my house.”

Like Jones, from whom she buys her oils, Stewart cautions that synthetic oils can cause negative reactions. She recommends that clients select and use only pure natural products.

For information about the oils distributed by Elizabeth Jones, visit www.ElizabethVanBuren.com or call 877-321-7346.

February 2010

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FitBody

Middle Management Quest for Inner Strength Key to Core Fitness

spend in the gym, I’d spend it on core fitness.” Anyone looking to start any kind of fitness program should first begin with core fitness.

She notes that whether we’re sitting at a desk or doing laundry or bicep curls, we’re always using our core, so keeping it strong is essential.

Achterberg notes that the sedentary character of contemporary society has made such training more

Core fitness training also serves up a number of side benefits, including increased energy, improved posture, a trimmer body and greater muscle strength.

by Paula Felps

I

n an age of belly-baring baby T’s and low-slung jeans, the search for perfect abs has become a seemingly universal quest. But flying in the face of our best intentions and wishful thinking, that taut, toned midsection of youth eventually, inevitably surrenders to time and gravity. We know we want it. Now we know that our need for a tight torso goes beyond simple vanity.

“Core strength is essential for optimum good health,” explains Dallasbased chiropractor Jean Achterberg.

Among other benefits, “having a strong

core minimizes low back pain and injuries.”

“The core” collectively refers to the body’s abdominal and back muscles. Core fitness exercises help develop pelvic stability and abdominal control. Effectively developing a strong back creates strong abs, and vice versa. Both are crucial to looking good, and feeling good as well.

“Focusing on core strength training is probably the single best use of your exercise time,” Dr. Achterberg says. “If I only had 15 minutes to

important than ever before. “We’re sitting at our desks, in our cars, and at home. That’s a lot of pressure on the discs and nervous system, and people who don’t maintain good core strength leave themselves vulnerable to injury,” she says. “Without core fitness, there’s a loss of mechanical balance and degeneration of the tissue.”

Among rookie and veteran exercisers, back injuries are common and usually could be avoided. Strengthening muscles that support the spine helps ward off such injuries.

Core fitness training also serves up a number of side benefits, including increased energy, improved posture, a trimmer body and greater muscle strength. Not only can previ-

www.backinbalancemassagetherapy.com

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ous back pain symptoms disappear, but the body experiences an overall boost in strength.

The good news is that everyone can begin working on core fitness at any age–and get noticeable results.

Core Fitness Options Pilates – Originally used by dancers or for recovery from injury, Pilates has become the darling of the contemporary fitness scene. Renowned for its focus on strengthening the body’s core, Pilates is an excellent way to build strength while creating a sleeker physique.

Yoga – Some forms of yoga are perfect for building core strength. Power yoga, in particular, will help concentrate exercisers’ efforts on back and abdominal muscles while providing plenty of cardiovascular benefits.

Martial Arts – From tae kwon do and kung fu to karate and tai chi, martial arts is a great way to build core strength. Different arts suit various shapes, sizes and interest levels. Beginners absent a regular fitness routine often begin with tai chi and work their way up to more challenging levels.

Stability Ball – Also known as a Swiss ball, these large, lightweight, often-colorful balls have shown up in fitness centers, homes and offices.

Doing basic yoga or Pilates exercises on a stability ball demands that the body keep more muscles engaged in order for the exerciser not to lose his or her balance. (It can also be used in lieu of a computer chair, which amazingly enough puts ab muscles to work without even hitting the gym.)

Hula-hooping – This schoolyard pastime has grown up, bringing with it larger, lighter hoops and a truly fun way to tighten and strengthen the body’s center. Look for hoop dancing classes at local fitness centers.

Belly dancing – Ranking among the world’s oldest traditions, bellydancing combines enticing moves with abdominal and pelvic movements that build deep core abdominal strength.

Look for classes that pursue this dance as a form of fitness as well as fun. www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

February 2010

31

CalendarofEvents February 5-7

Usui Reiki I and II w/Audrey & James Pearson. Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs. $350/includes meals, accommodations, manual, certificate of completion. 352-685-3001, info@ amrityoga.org, www.amrityoga.org.

British Medium Jan Marshall Demonstration Thursday, March 11, 7:30-9:00 p.m., $25 Workshop Saturday, March 13, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., $25 Private readings by appointment Held at Unity of Gainesville 8801 N.W. 39th Avenue

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Saturday, February 6

African Shell Divination w/ Omialadora Ajamu,10-3, $60/hr. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs, 386-454-8657.

Clown Ministry Playshop, 10-4, Love Offering $25 (no one will be turned away). To register, call 352-3731030. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville.

Folkkeepers’ Workshop: Beeswax Candles. $25+$2/materials fee. 10 A.M. until 3 P.M. Pre-registration is required. Crones Cradle Conserve, Citra, catcrone@aol.com or 352-595-3377.

Friday, February 12

Friday Night at the Movies, 7 pm.

“The Blue Butterfly.” $5/person. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave., 352-373-1030.

February 12 and 13

Annual Unity of Ocala yard sale from 7-2. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113, www.unityocala.org.

De-Stress Zone with Amrit Desai.

Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs. $95/ day. www.events.stonewaterstudio. com/

February 12-14

Conscious Relationship Training w/Audrey & James Pearson. Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs. $299 includes meals and accommodations. 352685-3001, info@amrityoga.org, www. amrityoga.org.

Valentine Couples Getaway & Workshop. Join Richard & Diana Daffner, authors of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples. Discover intimacy, Tantra. $595/couple. Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota. 1-877-282-4244.

Saturday, February 13

Valentine’s Day Astrological Tarot Love Readings with Mary Alice Warren, 1-6 pm, $60/hr. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs, 386-454-8657.

Friday, February 19

Celebrate Chinese New Year, 6:308 pm. Free. Dragon Rises College, Gainesville, 352-371-2833, www. dragonrises.edu.

February 19-21

Temple of Sound Weekend w/ Bhagavan Das and Yogi Amrit Desai.

Friday evening: Kirtan with Bhagavan Das, $25 in advance/$30 at the door.

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CalendarofEvents Full Week-end: $395 includes kirtan, all sessions, meals, lodging. Register early. Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs, 352-685-3001, info@amrityoga.org, www.amrityoga.org.

February 19-23 Soul Essence Portraits with Melissa Harris. By appointment. $195 if pd by Feb. 9, $225 after. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs, 386-454-8657 Saturday, February 20 Folkkeepers’ Workshop: Sumac Hide Tanning. $25. 103. Pre-registration required. Crones Cradle Conserve, Citra, catcrone@aol.com, 352-595-3377.

One Heart Tarot and Energy Balancing with Nena Elantra Roberts, 1-6. Sliding scale. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs, 386-454-8657.

Sunday, February 21 Healing Workshop w/Rev. Julie Keene, “The Gifts of Change and Challenge: Clearing a Path to the Sacred Heart of God.” 1-3:30. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, 352-373-1030.

February 26-28 Couples Beach Getaway & Workshop. Join Richard & Diana Daffner, authors of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples.

Discover intimacy, Tantra. $595/couple. Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota. 1-877-282-4244.

Introduction to Meditation w/Yogi Amrit Desai and Chandrakant John Hiester. Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs. $295/includes all sessions, meals, lodging. info@amrityoga. org, 352-685-3001, www.amrityoga.org.

Saturday, February 27 Connecting with the Angelic Kingdom w/Seth Bouymaster, 11 am. Mystic Glenn, 3315 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, 352-401-1862.

“Exploring the Fabulous Treasures of the 2010 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show” Workshop with Sharron Britton.

1-4 PM. $20. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

Saturday, March 6 Metaphysical Fair, 10-4. Mystic Glenn, 3315 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, 352-401-1862.

Mind, Body & Spirit Crystals & Gemstones Celtic Jewelry Books & CDs Candles, Incense & Oils Herbs & Sage Statuary & Altar Items Tapestries Dragons & Fairies Leanin’ Tree Greeting Cards Readings & More

Mystic Glenn

March 11 Psychic Mediumship Demonstration w/Jan Marshall.

7:30-9 pm, $25. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave., www.ifsk.org 407-673-9776. Private readings available.

3315 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala In Chelsea Square (352) 401-1862 www.mystic-realms.com

March 13 Mediumship Development w/Jan Marshall. 10-4, $100.

Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, www.ifsk.org 407-673-9776. Private readings available.

Monday-Saturday 10-6:30 Metaphysical Fair Saturday, March 6

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

February 2010

33

CalendarofEvents Ongoing Tuesdays

A Course in Miracles. 12-1:30 pm, and 6-7:30 pm. Love Offering. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-6872113, www.unityocala.org

Beginners’ Yoga, 7-8:30 pm, w/Lori Hunt. Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy, 4051 N.W. 43rd St., Suit 37, Gainesville, 352-378-5746, www.tfioh.com.

Wednesdays

Silent Unity Meditation Service. 12-12:30 pm, Free.

Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113, www. unityocala.org.

Wednesdays

Hypnosis and Meditation Group, 6-7:10 pm w/Matthew Brownstein. A Course in Miracles Study Group, 7:15-8:45 pm w/Matthew Brownstein. Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy, 4051 N.W. 43rd St., Suit 37, Gainesville, 352-378-5746, www.tfioh.com.

Thursdays

Citra Growers Market, 4-7 pm. Growers and artisans.

For an application, call 352-595-3377.

Yoga w/Maryann Holden, 6-7:30 pm, $8. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113, www.unityocala.org Fridays

Melrose Farmers Market, 4-7 pm, Heritage Park on Bellamy Avenue (SR 26), Melrose. http://melrosefl.com/MCFM/ Saturdays

Farmstead Saturdays. Free, 9-3. Crones Cradle, 6411 NE 217 Pl, Citra. 352-595-3377, www.cronescradleconserve. com.

Classifieds Business Opportunities

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Romantic Vacation/Workshops: Florida, Mexico.

Create Magic in Your Relationship. Deepen Intimacy, Discover Tantra. Brochure. 1-877-282-4244, www.

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Cherokee Colloidal Silver Water. 1-Liter, 10ppm of Silver Mineral (99.99%). $25.00/bottle + S&H. Call 1-800-994-2385. Credit cards and money orders accepted.

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Ads: Per-issue cost is $25/up to 30 words, $1/each additional. Fax ad with credit/debit card number + exp. code to 352-351-5474, or scan/email same to Ads@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

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Our Family Tree Is Growing Strong As a Natural Awakenings publisher, your magazine will help thousands of readers to make positive changes in their lives, while promoting local practitioners and providers of natural, earth-friendly lifestyles.

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To be included here, visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com, call 352-629-4000, or email Ads@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

These attractive, full-color ads cost as little as $66 per issue, and include two FREE Calendar listings per month (a $30 value).

Colonics Aaron Perry, AP, LMT Life Family Practice Center 1501 U.S. Hwy. 441 North The Villages / 352-750-4333 Focusing on your health and well being, I integrate acupuncture, massage, homeopathy, colonics and NAET (allergy elimination) to enhance your quality of life.

Medicare, Insurance accepted.

Gentle Waters Healing Center 352-374-0600, Gainesville info@gentlewatershealing.com The therapists at Gentle Waters Healing Center will assist each individual with detoxing using colon hydrotherapy, Far Infrared Sauna, and/or Aqua Chi Lymphatic Drainage. We also carry probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other products for overall health. Proud sponsors of Barley Life Nutritional Products. Call Dawn Brower for more information or visit www.gentlewatershealing.com.

MA41024, MM15426.

Craniosacral Therapy Rose Dotson R.N., B.H.A Energy Healing, Reiki Master Teacher 6528 C.R. 248, O’Brien, FL 32071 386-935-2972, rdotson@isgroup.net Experience gentle hands-on healing. Effective for chronic neck and back pain, scoliosis, migraine headaches, TMJ, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Central Nervous System disorders.

Holistic Medicine Hanoch Talmor, M.D. Gainesville Holistic Center 352-377-0015 www.betterw.com We support all health challenges and the unlimited healing potential of God’s miracle: your body.

Chelation, Nutrition, Cleansing, Homeopathy, Natural Energy Healing, Detoxification, Wellness Education and more.

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Michael J. Badanek BS, DC, CNS, DACBN Chiropractic Physician, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition 3391 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite #B Ocala, Florida 34470 / 352-622-1151 www.alternativewholistichealth.com www.ocalaalternativemedicine.com Proudly serving Marion County for 28+ years with alternative holistic complementary health services. “Helping patients achieve optimal health using Alternative Complementary Medicine with State of the Art Technology.” Treating the body to support all health challenges with Holistic Integrative Medicine. Treatment modalities include, but not limited to: Chiropractic, acupuncture, applied kinesiology, EAV testing, nutrition, physiotherapy, massage therapy, functional medicine diagnostic testing, laboratory testing, heavy metal testing/ treatment, detoxification. Available to lecture to groups/meetings. Same day emergency appointments; courtesy consultations available.

Nelson Kraucak, MD, ABCMT Life Family Practice Center 1501 U.S. Hwy. 441 North The Villages / 352-750-4333 Look into Holistic Integrative Medicine for your health.

Chelation is a holistic approach for heavy metal toxicity and is believed to benefit those with heart disease. Neurotherapy, acupuncture, and many other services available.

Holistic Psychotherapy Diane Alther, LCSW, RN, CHt Traditional and Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher Ocala and Dunnellon locations / 352-425-1992 www.emdrtherapistnetwork.com Combining conventional counseling with body, mind, energy therapies including EMDR, EFT, hypnosis, full wave breathwork, meditation and Reiki to facilitate change and mental and emotional balance.

Life Coaches Cynthia Christianson, M.A., CCC Inner Relationship Coaching Body Felt-Sense Therapy / 352-374-7982 www.AvantiCoaching.com www.KeepMovingForwardBlog.com The process of self-improvement starts with a healthy inner relationship. If you feel stuck; want a way to handle overwhelming emotions; release blocks or addictions; release self-criticism; increase self-love and acceptance; make clear and centered decisions, then let the wisdom of your body teach you what it feels like to be happy.

Vickie Haren, CCLC, CCHt 352-502-3898 / www.wix.com/VickieH/ Vickie Office and classroom: All About Art/Enrichment Room, 5162 SE Abshier Blvd. (Hwy 441), Belleview Vickie is clinically certified as a Life Coach and Holistic Health Practitioner with studies in Hypnosis, Reflexology, Reiki (Master/Teacher), Neuro Linguistic Programming, Non-Directive Imagery, EFT, Body Talk, Psych-K and Somatic Healing. She is also owner of Endless Spiritual Journeys which features an annual Women’s Spiritual Retreat in Fruitland Park.

Kim Marques, CHt, Reiki Master Teacher www.ItsAllPerfect.com 352-804-9006 in Ocala Change your vibe, change your life!

Free Info and Spiritual Energy by appointment. Embrace the mind, body and spirit with hypnosis, energy sessions and training, spiritual guidance, Life Wise workshops and support groups, meditation, Goddess Weight Loss, attraction power kits and more.

Invest in yourself!

Reach an estimated 65,000 readers per month with your ad in Natural Awakenings Magazine.

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CommunityResourceGuide Massage Tiara L. Catey, LMT Center for Balance 1705 N.W. 6th St., Gainesville 352-642-4545 / www.tiaracatey.com Cultivate relaxation, relieve pain and manage stress by including massage as an essential part of your self-care practices.

Relaxation and therapeutic massage ($60/hour), lomilomi ($80/hour), shiatsu ($70/hour), includes aromatherapy. Holistic approach. NY massage education. See www.tiaracatey.com for more details. MA41831.

Clark Dougherty Therapeutic Massage Clinic 850 N.E. 36th Terr., Ocala 352-694-7255 / www.ClarkDougherty.com Offering a variety of therapeutic massage techniques for pain relief, improved flexibility, and other wonderful benefits. PIP and WorkComp always accepted, also group/private insurance in some instances. All credit cards accepted. Gift certificates are available now for Valentine’s Day with 25% discount on a second session.

MA27082, MM9718.

Stuart Feinman Healing Springs Massage Therapy www.healingspringsmassage.com 352-812-3853 Quality mobile therapeutic massage. Home, hotel suites, or office. Licensed professionals. Deep tissue, sports performance, yoga therapy, healing hot stones, myofascial, trigger points, pain management, medical. MA49878.

Traditional Thai massage Ariela Grodner LMT 900 N.W. 8th Ave., Gainesville arielasthaimassage.com / 352-336-7835 Ariela offers an ancient massage modality known in the west as Thai Massage, sometimes referred to as “lazy man’s yoga.”

It is a fusion of yoga and the martial arts in a massage modality. Call to reserve an appointment or to find out about classes held locally.

37 www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Flying Horse Healing Arts Valerie Macri, LMT MA54723 Ocala / 877-762-4535 toll-free www.flyinghorsehealingarts.com Rejuvenate body, mind and spirit with a therapeutic massage. Deep tissue, Energy balancing, Reiki, Aromatherapy.

Holistic stress and pain relief for you and your horse.

Neuromuscular Massage By Design 1920 S.W. 20th Pl., Suite 202, Ocala 352-694-4503 Offering neuromuscular massage, craniosacral release therapy, ETPS acupuncture. Most insurance accepted, as well as PIP and WorkerComp. 20% discount for prepurchase of four or more sessions. Referrals from physicians and chiropractors accepted. MA22645.

MTT Sandra Wilson, MTT, MCHt Meridian Tapping Techniques 352-454-8959 www.SandraWilson.org Prime yourself for success!

Remove the blocks keeping you from your goals. Eliminate anger, guilt, grief, and fear quickly and easily. Evenings and Saturdays by appointment.

Personal Fitness Hip Moves Fitness Studio Rona Bennett, BS, CPT Holistic Health, Personal Fitness Coaching 708 N.W. 23rd Ave., Gainesville www.hipmoves.com / 352-692-0132 An intimate fitness studio focusing on creativity and holistic health. Classes and private lessons in Belly Dance, Yoga, Pilates, and Personal Training.

Rental space available.

Piano Services Hendrix Piano Service 352-895-5412 / Serving north central Florida Tuning, repairs, cleaning, fine maintenance of your acoustic piano.

Playing services including accompaniment, weddings, other church services, concerts. Call today!

Publishing/Editing Diane Childs Editing, Writing, Consulting, Research 352-375-1120 / Gainesville editordiane@cox.net Impress agents, publishers, customers or employers with professionally written books, articles, marketing materials or resume. Nonfiction or fiction.

Specialties: query letters, book proposals, autobiography, personal growth, health, spirituality, novels.

Rolfing Carol L. Short / Certified Advanced Rolfer™, Craniosacral Therapist Gainesville and North Central FL / 352-318-0509 Rolfing® is a system of body restructuring through systematic manipulation of muscle and fascial tissues. It promotes the release and realignment of long standing patterns of tension and dysfunction, bringing the body to greater balance, mobility, vitality, and ease.

A holistic approach to mobility, vitality and balance. MA16337/MM18921.

The Work/Byron Katie Celia Chapman Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie 352-505-5651 / ccthework@netzero.com www.thework.com/cchapman.asp Imagine being HAPPY right now without needing to change a person or thing in your life. Anyone with an open mind can do The Work and end their suffering. Call or e-mail for appointment (evenings and weekends).

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February 39 Printed on recycled paper to protect the 2010 environment February 2010 39

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Introduction to the Hypnotic State Understanding the Subconscious Mind Multiple Styles of Induction Deepening and Testing for Hypnosis Effective Suggestions and Affirmations Visualization and Guided Imagery History of Hypnotism Self-Hypnosis Smoking and Weight Loss Protocols Florida Law and Practice Ethics

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Month Six - Past-Life Regression Therapy

Hypnosis in Pain Management Anatomy and Physiology Producing Analgesia and Anesthesia Hypnosis in Childbirthing Medical and Dental Hypnosis Working with Medical Professionals Physician Referrals Working in Medical and Hospital Settings Healing with Hypnosis Methods for Accelerated Healing

Macro- and Microcosmology Theories of Karma and Reincarnation Yogic Philosophy and Psychology Past-Life Regression Therapy Life-Between-Life Regressions Special Instances of Altered State Work Stages of Spiritual Growth Out-of-Body and Near-Death Experiences Remote Viewing Meditation - Ancient and Modern

"I have been in social services for nearly 20 years, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for 5, and have long known that hypnosis, and its related modalities, were key tools in effecting change and growth. I had been collecting an education on it for years, including several courses on basic and advanced hypnotherapy. These classes met the state requirements for practicing hypnosis but did not foster any confidence in my personal use of the techniques with clients. I was seeking a solid grounding in hypnosis and a place to become confident in those skills. I found both in Matthew's classes, and more. The experiential nature of the class, and the surperb supervsion is tremendous training, and rare. Not only did I integrate a stronger appreciation of the power of our subconscious minds, but I came to a new understanding of mental, emotional and physical health that will forever guide my work and my personal life. Thank you, Matthew, and may your work continue to grow."

Tamera L. Fontenot, LMHC CHt Licensed Mental Health Counselor