Natural Awakenings of Detroit / Wayne County Michigan - November 2021 by healthylivingmichigan

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FOUR STEPS to a GOOD DEATH DANCE as a Sacred Practice Cognitively Correct

How to Preserve Brain Health

The Healing Power of a Hug November 2021 | Detroit / Wayne County | HealthyLivingMichigan.com November 2021

Nature’s Virus Killer

not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.” Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said. By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast. September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.” “They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched. Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished. Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses. Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA23. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?” Go to www.CopperZap.com or call MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for toll-free 1-888-411-6114. and saved lives. Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever. The strong scientific evidence gave presents ever. This little jewel really Statements are not intended as inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When works.” product health claims and have not been he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to a smooth copper probe and rubbed it suffering after crowded flights. Though diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any gently in his nose for 60 seconds. skeptical, she tried copper on travel disease. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and ADVERTORIAL

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November 2021

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from the publishers A Light in the Darkness

DETROIT / WAYNE COUNTY

n order to die well, we must live well. This month’s feature

Publishers John & Trina Voell III

story explores the mystery of death and how to navigate

life’s final transition with grace and love. With the onset of cold

Design & Production John & Trina Voell III Martin Miron Theresa Archer Randy Kambic

weather, now is the perfect time to warm up with your cup of Joe or favorite herbal tea, kick back and consider what it takes

A2 Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929

to live a truly meaningful, worthwhile life.

Detroit Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929

one in five attain that gentle final exit. Anxiety about death often

TC Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929

Most of us would like to die at home in our own beds, yet only means we defer conversations and practical planning, which makes stressful “medicalization” of the dying process more likely.

Although death has its own schedule, we can lower the chances of expiring in the ICU

by attaining clarity as to our values and desires, having discussions about our end-of-life

P.O. Box 2717, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 734-757-7929

choices, and opening to our spiritual process. “Dying Well: Four Steps to a Good Death,”

Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com HealthyLivingMichigan.com facebook.com/NaturalAwakeningsAnnArbor https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCRIOgIjWHjdMaHeTDeKgARg

offers a fresh perspective on how to live life more fully today.

Meditating on my own death and envisioning transition from this life to the next stage

of my journey was a real eye-opener, and has impacted my perspective on how to live my life now so that when all is said and done, I will have done my best. This experience also inspired me to create a playlist of songs I’d love for my family to play for me on my last day here.

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

To help shift the old paradigm of inevitable aging and cognitive decline into a new one

based on the brain’s neuroplasticity, functional medicine experts are using strategies to preserve cognitive skills while reducing inflammation. For advice on many of the good practices and benefits, read “Healthy Brain Strategies: How to Prevent Cognitive Decline,” and learn how to reduce exposure to stress and toxins, as well as the importance of restorative sleep.

All dancing is good for our physical and mental health—spirit-infused dance forms,

ecstatic and yoga-inspired kundalini dance fortify the body’s intrinsic life force. The mostly barefoot classes draw from a deep cultural well and often include the infectious heartbeat of live music. “Sacred Dance: Moving into Divine Energy” offers several groovy energy-movement dances.

© 2021 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

Hugs have proven power to soothe and nurture us, and it’s not necessary to have another

human to enjoy their benefits. In a time of chaotic uncertainty, isolation and change, hugs can be medicine and a reminder to remain open, willing and beautifully human. Embrace more in this month’s Inspiration department.

We hope you enjoy life’s special moments and the gentle warmth of autumn’s sunlight

on your face. As always, please support the advertisers in this magazine and let them know you saw their service or product in the pages of Natural Awakenings, because they make this free publication possible. Here is to a healthy and happy Thanksgiving, and big hugs to all!

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue you’ll 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.

Contents 20

16 DYING WELL

Four Steps to a Good Death

20 HEALTHY BRAIN STRATEGIES

How to Prevent Cognitive Decline

22 SACRED DANCE

Moving into Divine Energy

24 EAT WELL TO FEEL WELL

Thanksgiving Fare that Boosts Mental Health

26 HONORING THE LOSS OF A PET

Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings, please contact us at 734-757-7929 or email Publisher@HealthyLiving Michigan.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ HealthyLivingMichigan.com. Deadline for editorial: the 12th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events at: HealthyLiving Michigan.com. Deadline for calendar: the 12th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

27 THE HEALING

POWER OF A HUG

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 12 health briefs 13 global briefs 14 eco tip 15 eco alert 20 healing ways 22 fit body

24 conscious eating 26 natural pet 27 inspiration 28 calendar 29 classifieds 30 resource guide November 2021

news briefs

Try Amare Wellness Products for Brain Health

ellie Ziehm, a wellness partner of Amare Global, a mental wellness company, says, “We help people optimize their health with holistic, plantbased, natural solutions.” They focus on brain health, gut issues, pain, weight loss and the gut-brain axis, specifically targeting the microbiome. Amare even has a FundaMentals pack for kids. The Amare FundaMentals Pack for brain health this is their flagship product and winner of the 2018 NutrAward for best new finished product. It has been proven to promote a healthy gut; boost cognitive function and clarity; connect the gut and brain to enhance communication between both brains; improve mood and reduce tension; support the growth and vitality of a range of beneficial gut bacteria; and improve psychological vigor (physical energy, mental acuity and emotional well-being). For more information and to place orders, call Kellie Ziehm at 734-344-2339 or visit AmareMentalWellness.com. See ad opposite page.

Smidge Kakadu Plum Capsules for Pure, Real Food Vitamin C

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midge Small Batch Supplements is now offering Kakadu Plum capsules, a pure, real food vitamin C product. The Australian Kakadu Plum contains the highest amount of vitamin C of any food in the world. Smidge Kakadu Plum is grown and hand-harvested in small batches in Australia. It’s made entirely from the fresh purée of the non-GMO fruit, which is dehydrated with a gentle drying technique that uses infrared light rather than high heat to remove water. This method is unmatched in preserving the fruit’s natural vitamin C. For vitamin C to be most effective, it must come from real food rather than synthetic ascorbic acid. These capsules have no fillers, additives or common allergens. They’re easy on those with sensitive digestive systems and fit in with many dietary protocols. One serving of Smidge Kakadu Plum extract contains nearly 75 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Supplementing with unprocessed, whole-food vitamin C that contains no additives can support the immune system along with a clean, wholesome diet. Shop online at GetSmidge.com. See ad page 31.

Learn more at GnosticTeachings.org

Detroit / Wayne County

Tell 'em you found them in Natural Awakenings! :) HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Order Ahead for an Organic Turkey Day

ure Pastures is providing soy-free turkeys for the first time. Quantity is limited, and size is smaller. Their regular, freerange, pastured, non-GMO birds are fed a blend of whole grains, vegetables, greens and herbal supplements. Sizes run from 10 to 30 pounds. Fresh boneless breast, bone-in breast, bone-in thigh, drums, wings, giblets, necks and tails are all available. Pure Pastures also carries a full line of organic groceries, eggs, dairy, honey and more. Their motto is, “Forget a butcher— know your farmer!” They offer a healthy alternative to the factory-farmed meats sold in every supermarket and deli. The meats come directly from local farmers, as well as organic produce such as beets, dates, mushrooms, lettuce, broccoli, green beans, peppers, cauliflower and spinach, in season. Grass-fed beef generally comes from cattle that eat only grass and other foraged foods throughout their lives. Often, conventional beef cattle eat a diet that includes grains such as corn and even rejected candy—anything to fatten them up fast. Locations: 23309 Ford Rd., Dearborn (313-406-6282); 1192 Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth (734-927-6951). Turkey pickups are Sun. through Wed. Thanksgiving week and home delivery is available. For more information, visit PurePasturesMI.com. See ad page 25.

Start a Career in Health Coaching

he Detroit Wholistic Center & Wholistic Training Institute is a naturopathic education school licensed by the state of Michigan since 1999 and one of few in the country with a comprehensive naturopathic program, attracting students from around the world. They offer certifications in Jesse R. Brown naturopathy, homeopathy, herbology, wholistic health coaching/consulting and more. Owner Jesse R. Brown, ND, states, “We train and certify people who want to help their loved ones or work professionally. Our students are from all over the U.S., and now we offer online training and support.” For more than 30 years, Brown has educated thousands of individuals, facilitated individual and group lectures, and led corporate groups and teams with specific instruction toward wellness. Through improving digestion, losing unwanted pounds and focusing on healthy lifestyle habits, the Wholistic Training Institute has changed lives and supported communities with their expertise. Location: 20944 Grand River Ave., Detroit. For more information, call 313-255-6155, email DetroitWholistic@gmail.com or visit WholisticTrainingInstitute.com. See ad page 21.

Have News or Kudos to Share? Email us at: Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Live Your Best Life Today! The Amare FundaMentals Pack features cornerstone products that are designed to improve every aspect of the gut-brain axis for optimal mental wellness*

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>>> FREE Reboot product with your first FundaMentals pack purchase! We are a featured product in Natural Awakenings BRAIN HEALTH issue. Learn more in our News Brief on page 8 and our biz listing on page 38! *These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Kellie Ziehm, Wellness Partner, Amare Global • Call 734-344-2339 NOW! • FundaMentals info at AmareMentalWellness.com November 2021

news briefs

Detroit Vegan Soul Accepting Thanksgiving Takeout Orders

etroit Vegan Soul, Detroit’s premiere, 100 percent vegan soul food restaurant, features a menu prepared with organic produce, natural ingredients and sweeteners, all non-GMO, made without pesticides, preservatives, additives, refined flours, sugars, dairy, eggs or animal byproducts. There are several soy-free and gluten-free options cooked in a dedicated gluten-free fryer. In support of a sustainable Earth, they use packaging that is 100 percent compostable. Holiday options that include soy-free and gluten-free items include Oyster Mushroom Pulled Roast (SF, GF), Seitan Strip Steaks (SF) with sautéed mushrooms and onions and Classic Smothered Organic Tempeh (GF), pan-fried tempeh smothered in a mushroom gravy. Pair a protein choice with any three of a variety of delicious sides including mac-n-cheese, collard greens and cornbread stuffing. All orders come with cornbread muffins, gravy and peach cobbler. Order as single or family meals. Larger quantities of Thanksgiving sides are available. Deadline for orders is Nov. 13. Pickup is Nov. 24. Location: 19614 Grand River Ave., Detroit. For more info or to order, call 313-649-2759, email Info@DetroitVeganSoul.com or visit DetroitVeganSoul.com.

Pick a Theme Room at Rejuvenation Station

ejuvenation Station, Detroit’s premiere day spa, is offering infrared sauna steams inside their new, two-person sauna or lying inside infrared sauna blankets, plus moist steaming inside spa steam tents. There are three different rooms at the spa: African, Asian and European. Benefits of infrared sauna include detoxification, immune system boost, relaxation and stress reduction, weight loss, cellulite reduction, and chronic fatigue and insomnia reduction, as well as anti-aging, muscle recovery and injury healing. It is appropriate for people with demen10

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tia, cardiovascular conditioning, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and high blood pressure. They provide a variety of massages, such as yoni and Lingham steams, sauna steaming and blanket therapy, facials, body wraps and scrubs and more. Owner Kelly S. Winfrey (“the massage diva”), has more than a decade of experience in the massage industry. She states, “During the beginning of the pandemic, we were shut down by the state for months. We are a family-owned and -operated business, and this was our primary source of income.” COVID-19 protocols are fully enforced at the spa today. Location: 18940 Schoolcraft, Detroit. For appointments and more information, call 248-513-5627 or visit TheRejuvenationStationTeam.org.

Three Motown Artists Team Up for Sustainability

etroit eco-spiritual R&B artist Sister Stone has dropped a new single, “Part of Everything,” featuring Kiyoshi and Maurice Archer in an old-school, spiritually uplifting collaboration on all major platforms. This is more than a song; it’s a whole movement, lifestyle and vision for the future. The record helps us understanding how we must transform adversity into blessings in our lives and come together to heal division between people. Stone says, “We call this music ‘medicine’ because it is just that. It heals. It uplifts and it guides the listeners back home to the heart of their own self-love, sovereignty and connection to the Earth.” Kiyoshi is a premier visionary/inspirational vocalist, musician and songwriter with a deep passion for empowering humanity. Maurice Archer is a peaceful warrior, lyricist, rapper, breakdance teacher and land steward. He is actively homesteading and developing knowledge in permaculture and sustainably living with the land while growing his music, business brand and homeschooling his children. For more info, call 415-960-7349 or email Shayna@Sister-Stone.com.

All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping and Food Truck Rally

hoose to bypass mass-produced items this year. Instead, impress friends and family with a one-of-a-kind gift from a small, local business from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 7, at the Eastern Market. The All Things Detroit Holiday Experience, sponsored by Chase Bank, features 100 local makers offering handcrafted and holiday-themed goods and treats. The food truck rally stands ready to rekindle shoppers’ energy levels before they drop. A Beat the Crowd package includes one hour of shop-

ping before opening to the public; All Things Detroit tote bag; and All Things Detroit mask. Admission is $15 for Beat the Crowd ticket holders, $5 general admission. Kids 6 and under admitted free. Masking is required. Location: 2934 Russell St., Sheds 3, 4 and 5, Detroit. For more info and tickets, visit AskJennyfer.com/events.

Unique Diagnostic Test at Moor Herbs

oor Herbs is a real health food store, serving alkaline water, herbal remedies, grab-n-go healthy comfort food, fresh juices and health consultations, as well as hosting educational/inspirational community events. Their non-invasive diagnostic appointment is a complete health check complete with a bioresonance 7D-NLS analysis, treatment, remedy preparation, nutrition suggestions and supplement testing. Bioresonance therapy measures the frequency of energy wavelengths coming from the body. It does not interfere with conventional treatments and is suitable for children, adults and even sensitive patients. They also sell a host of healthy beauty products such as lotions, deodorants and shaving products made to order to ensure freshness. Brands include Isaiah Orton-Bey, Sheik, and Health Guru. Location: 16140 W. 7 Mile Rd., Detroit. For more info, call 313583-9709, email MoorHerbs13@gmail.com or visit MoorHerbs.com.

Volunteer for the Greening of Detroit

ince 1989, The Greening of Detroit has planted more than 130,000 trees throughout Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. They will be planting more trees from 9 a.m. to noon, November 6, on the east side at Small Ville Learning Farms, and are looking for volunteer help. Because Detroit is an urban area and trees are key to our quality of life and public health, providing innumerable environmental benefits, we need to protect these urban forests now more than ever. Location: 5862 Malcolm St., Detroit. For more information, call 313-237-8733 or visit GreeningOfDetroit.com/events. November 2021

health briefs

Chiropractic Keeps the Body in Tune to Fight Stress

Stress is always fighting against us, which means we must always be fighting back. Our central nervous system is responsible for making us resilient, but often needs help. Chiropractic adjustments assist the body to become stronger and more resilient by training the nervous system in how to properly respond to stress. Our bodies often need to be reminded of what true function feels like, and this is where chiropractic adjustments excel. Staying well adjusted helps us stay strong, because in order to take care of those we love, we must first take care of ourselves.

Michigan Family Wellness is located at 2200 N. Canton Center Rd., Ste. 150, in Canton. For more information, call 734-3350533 or visit MichiganFamilyWellness.com. See ad page 30.

Boost Kids’ Learning Abilities with Exercise The right kind of exercise can help kids learn vocabulary better, suggests research from the University of Delaware. An article published in the Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research reports that when 48 children between 6 and 12 years of age were taught new words before swimming, they scored 13 percent higher on a test of the words than children that did CrossFit-like exercises or colored pictures. Lead researcher Maddy Pruitt says that exercise is known to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein she describes as the “Miracle-Gro of the brain.” Swimming made a difference, she says, because it is an automatic movement, while the CrossFit exercises were new to them and required mental energy. 12

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Boost Cognition with Green Tea Compound A single dose of 100 milligrams of the compound L-theanine—the amount found in four cups of green tea—improved reaction times and working memory of men and women in new research from Japan’s Central Research Institute, in Shizuoka. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 69 adults that self-reported cognitive decline reacted more quickly to computer-generated promptings and answered more questions correctly after ingesting the compound compared to the placebo.

Eat High-Flavonoid Foods to Reduce Cognitive Decline Eating foods high in flavonoids—the antioxidant-rich plant compounds found in strawberries, oranges, peppers and apples—can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by 20 percent or more, reports new research published by the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers followed more than 78,000 people in their late 40s and early 50s for 20 years, asking them what they ate and to evaluate their cognitive skills. They found that those foods with more flavones, such as yellow or orange fruits and vegetables and some spices, reduced cognitive decline the most, at 38 percent—the equivalent of being three to four years younger in age. Anthocyanins, found in blueberries, blackberries and cherries, were associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of cognitive decline. “The people in our study who did the best over time ate an average of at least half a serving per day of foods like orange juice, oranges, peppers, celery, grapefruits, grapefruit juice, apples and pears,” says study author Walter Willett, M.D., a nutrition and epidemiology professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “And it’s never too late to start, because we saw those protective relationships whether people were consuming the flavonoids in their diet 20 years ago or if they started incorporating them more recently.”

global briefs

Sorting Soirée

Renovating the Recycling Stream

Tree House Knock On Wood

A Swedish method of building using cross-laminated timber (CLT) is emerging as a climate-friendly alternative to traditional, concrete-based construction. The foundation is cement, but multistory wooden structures of 13 floors and higher are possible. Using timber has environmental benefits in the form of lowered carbon emissions. Mathias Fridholm, director of Svenskt Tra (Swedish Wood), an industry organization, says, “Wood is in many ways an excellent material for building in dense cities, because we can prefabricate all the elements in factories instead of onsite.” Prefabrication speeds construction and reduces truck traffic. CLT is not only strong and light, it is breathable; it holds heat, but doesn’t need plastic layers to manage moisture like concrete, which also requires sand, a non-renewable resource that requires drudging seabeds. Managed forests are renewable and serve as a carbon storage facility. Anna Ervast Oberg, a project manager at Swedish real estate developer Folkhem, advises that just changing the structure of a building to wood from concrete would result in an immediate 50 percent reduction in emissions. “What we have to do now is to stop the emissions, very fast. This gives us a hint of where we should be focusing; where we can make the biggest difference.”

Americans use a single recycling stream in which everything goes into one bin to be sorted and cleaned at the designated collection point; a system that requires too much labor with less-than-stellar results. A study conducted by the South Korean SK Group asked 1,500 U.S. adults about sustainable packaging and found that 72 percent prefer products with easily recycled or reused packaging, but don’t understand what can actually be recycled. Forty-two percent were not aware that containers such as plastic bottles cannot be recycled without removing the label. When dirty and labeled recyclables are deposited with clean recyclables, they contaminate the whole batch, creating massive amounts of unnecessary waste. SKC Inc. has introduced Ecolabel, the first shrink sleeve label that doesn’t need to be removed from plastic bottles to be recycled. This removes the burden from the consumer and recyclers while making the process easier. Recyclops uses independent drivers to service recycling routes, creating income for locals and sustainable living options for residents. They’re innovating the recycling pickup process by using an Uber Eats-type phone app to enable the pickup of recyclables from areas that aren’t being serviced.

Wicked Wonders

Banned Invasive Weeds for Sale The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has labeled cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), a native plant of Southeast Asia, as one of the world’s worst invasive weeds. It’s banned as an invasive species by the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, but a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment by the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered that this and about 1,300 other invasive plants are sold at garden centers, nurseries and other retailers. Lead author Evelyn M. Beaury, a graduate student in organismic and evolutionary biology at University of Massachusetts, says that she and her fellows found cogongrass was being sold by 33 outlets in 17 states. She notes, “This is a tricky case, because plant breeders are marketing a sterile cultivar, but research shows these plants are not completely sterile and can still become invasive.” According to the USDA, there are no known effective biological control methods. Beaury states, “While patchy state regulations definitely contribute to the widespread availability of invasive plants in the U.S., it’s clear we as a public also lack awareness about which plants are invasive and how they spread to new areas. If we want to continue to protect native ecosystems, regulators and managers need more resources to do so.” November 2021

eco tip

MICHIGAN FRIENDS CENTER AT FRIENDS LAKE COMMUNITY

Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure

A Scenic and Tranquil Meeting Place...

Plastic is a petrochemical-based, non-biodegradable pollution nightmare. As discarded water bottles and shampoo containers pile up for hundreds of years in landfills, we continue to produce more and more of the stuff. Meanwhile, plastic breaks down into microparticles that contaminate waterways, air, soil and even snow. They show up in foods and beverages we consume. While more research is needed to understand the human health impacts of microplastics, here are some ways to avoid ingesting these tiny particles.

We offer the holistic community a nature-oriented meeting space for workshops, meetings, counseling, yoga, youth groups, and family gatherings. Main room accommodates 100 pre-Covid, with two smaller classrooms and kitchen facilities. Hiking trails. Weekend rates range from $200-$400, additional for extensive grounds use, camping. Book your next gathering at https://MFCenter.org/rent “We need to preserve a few places, a few samples of primeval country so that when the pace gets too fast we can look at it, think about it, contemplate it, and somehow restore equanimity to our souls.” – Sigurd Olson

7748 Clark Lake Road, Chelsea, MI 48118 (734) 475-1892 https://MFCenter.org/rent

coming in the december holiday issue

Uplifting Humanity plus: Boosting

Immune System

DON’T DRINK PLASTIC-BOTTLED WATER. Plastic-bottled water has approximately double the microplastics of tap water, studies have found. Ditch single-use, plastic-bottled water. Instead, fill reusable stainless steel or glass containers with filtered tap water, chill and enjoy. Filtering tap water can help improve the taste and reduce other undesirable elements, and most carbon block filters with a micron rating of two or less will remove microplastics. AVOID BEAUTY PRODUCTS WITH MICROBEADS. To reduce exposure to microplastics and dissuade manufacturers from using plastic, avoid any beauty products with microbeads, including certain toothpastes and facial scrubs. Some words on product labels that indicate microbeads are polypropylene, polyethylene and polylactic acid (PLA). WEAR NATURAL, NON-SYNTHETIC FABRICS. Synthetic fabrics shed microplastic fibers in the wash and as we wear them. Clothing made with natural fibers such as cotton is preferable. WASH AND DRY SYNTHETIC CLOTHES DIFFERENTLY. When we wash and dry synthetic fabrics, significant levels of microplastics are released into the environment. To lessen this effect, air dry clothes or decrease their time in the dryer. Products are emerging to help filter and collect small synthetic fibers before they wash down the drain and into our waterways or get released into the air. Among the most promising are a washing bag (GuppyFriend.us), laundry ball (CoraBall.com) and in-machine filtration devices (XerosTech.com). REDUCE MEAT AND FISH CONSUMPTION. As microplastics proliferate and marine and land animals eat them, they are finding their way into our food supply. We can limit our exposure by eating less meat and fish. VACUUM AND DUST REGULARLY. Our homes are filled with microplastics. Regularly dusting surfaces and vacuuming with a HEPA filter that traps dust is a great way to reduce these particles in the indoor air environment. DRIVE LESS. As we drive our cars, microplastic flies off the tires and becomes airborne pollution. Find ways to drive less; opt instead for carpooling or public transportation.

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eco alert

Cookware Continues to Harbor Toxins A new study by the Ecology Center Healthy Stuff Lab, “Still Cooking: An Update on Toxic PFAS in Cookware Products,” found some cookware manufacturers still use per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) coatings on nonstick products despite claims that their pans are free from them. In a follow-up to a 2020 report, the Ecology Center determined some product claims to be misleading, possibly causing consumers to mistakenly purchase a PFAS-coated pan. The Ecology Center’s research and published findings on cookware coatings inspired lawmakers on the West Coast to include cookware in the California Safer Food Packaging and Cookware Act of 2021, banning toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in paper-based food packaging

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and requiring disclosure of the toxic chemicals in cookware. Nancy Buermeyer, senior policy strategist at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, says, “Until now, no state or federal law required this disclosure, leaving consumers in the dark.” In 2020, the Ecology Center found that 79 percent of nonstick cooking pans and 20 percent of nonstick baking pans tested positive for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, or Teflon) coatings. This research is a part of their broader mission to phase out nonessential uses of PFAS to protect drinking water. PTFE-based pan coatings can release the toxin into the environment throughout their lifespan. Once dispersed, PFAS pollution is extremely difficult to clean up. A growing body of evidence indicates some PFAS contribute to liver disease, increased cholesterol, impaired response to vaccines, thyroid disease, asthma, lowered fertility and high blood pressure in pregnant women. Elevated risks of testicular and kidney cancer have been found in highly exposed people. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a heavily used and well-studied PFAS chemical, as a possible carcinogen. Melissa Cooper Sargent, an environmental health advocate at the Ecology Center, states, “We suggest opting for uncoated pans made from cast iron or stainless steel, or for baking, glass or ceramic.”

Foe more information, visit EcoCenter.org.

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Four Steps to a Good Death

by Ronica O’Hara

n his deathbed, Apple founder Steve Jobs looked for a long time at his children, his sister and his wife, then moved his gaze to the space behind them. “Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh wow!” he gasped. No one can know for certain what he was experiencing, but his words point to the deep, mysterious potential of our final hours—the awareness of which can transform our life long before its end. “An awareness of dying, of death, can wake us up to life. It helps us live a life that’s rich and full and meaningful. When we deny the truth of dying, we live less wholeheartedly, less completely,” says Frank Ostaseski, founder of the pioneering San Francisco Zen Hospice Project and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully. The pandemic has 51 percent of us thinking more about our own mortality, a survey shows. The subject of death has been slowly opening up in America: TV programs like Six Feet Under and Alternative Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America present dying and grief more realistically; thousands of small conversational gatherings called “death cafes” are being held each year; people are designing their own funerals and choosing green burial sites; and the field of “death doulas” is emerging to help families navigate the legal and emotional shoals. Half a century after the release of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ seminal book On Death and Dying, palliative care to ease pain is offered by two-thirds of American hospitals, and Medicare funding for end-of-life hospice care has grown tenfold over the last two decades. Yet for many, death remains the last taboo—85 percent of us have not discussed our last wishes yet with loved ones. Thousands of studies in the emerging field of experimental existential psychology have found that when reminded subconsciously of death, people tend to drive faster, drink harder, smoke more and get meaner to out-groups in attempts to lower their anxiety. But when we look death squarely in the face, that anxiety recedes, the research concludes. Gratitude, self-honesty and the humility of recognizing our place in the larger whole are also proven antidotes. With less fear, we are better able to take the proactive, concrete steps that ease our passage—getting clear on our values and desires, having important conversations, attending to final decisions and opening to our spiritual process. Although death has its own ways and means, these four processes can make it more likely we will die as we would like to. November 2021

Defining What We Value “Deeply consider what your priorities in life are,” says Tarron Estes, founder and CEO of The Conscious Dying Institute, in Boulder, which has trained more than 6,500 doulas since 2013. “Ask yourself, if I had only three months to live, what’s important to me spiritually, emotionally, physically? What do I still need to do or say?” She recommends Stephen Levine’s book, A Year to Live, for exercises and meditations for that process. “Don’t wait until the time of your dying to discover what it has to teach you,” advises Ostaseski, who has sat beside more than 2,000 hospice patients in their last hours. “When I’m with dying people, the things that are important to them are not their spiritual beliefs, but are more about relationships—‘Am I loved? Did I love well?’ Those two questions are useful inquiries now. They help us to discover where value and meaning can be found.” By applying our values to the dying process, we can start sorting through options. Do we want to die at home or in a hospital? What medical procedures will we accept or decline? What measures do we want to be taken to sustain our life? Who do we want to be at our side? And what do we need to say before that time? Having Important Conversations As daunt-

Attending to Medical and Burial Decisions Taking care of business—the paperwork aspects of death known as advance directives— spares loved ones from having to make tough decisions later. A last will and testament precludes pain and infighting among family and friends. A living will specifies what treatments are wanted under what conditions. A medical power of attorney designates a trusted person to make medical decisions if a patient is not capable. A Do Not Resuscitate order approved by a doctor means emergency medical workers are less likely to give CPR, which frequently causes trauma and broken ribs in elderly or frail patients. Either cremation or a burial can be decided upon; environmental options such as a forest burial in a wooden casket can be explored. Local hospice options can be surveyed in advance; nonprofits generally are rated better than profit-making groups. Opening to the Spiritual Process Whether or not we have religious

beliefs to carry us through waves of loss and sorrow, death can spur spiritual insight. “In dying, we withdraw from our outer circles and come Detroit / Wayne County

Joan Tollifson, a Zen-trained spiritual teacher and author of Death: The End of Self-Improvement, concurs: “When the future disappears, we are brought home to the immediacy that we may have avoided all our lives. With no future left to fantasize about, the focus of attention may finally be fully on right Now, the only place where our life ever actually is. Really getting that ‘This is it,’ there may be a sudden recognition of the absolute preciousness and wonder of every simple ordinary thing and of the people around us, just as they are, with all their flaws and foibles. Old grudges and resentments often melt away, and love shines through. “All the things which may have been part of our self-image—independence, physical strength, cognitive sharpness, good appearance and so on—have either disappeared or are rapidly collapsing, which invites the discovery that none of that really mattered, that what we truly or more fundamentally are is not dependent on any of that. “The greatest gift we can give to a loved one who is dying,” says Tollifson, is to “simply be present, listen, follow your heart, trust the process. Everything else will follow from that. There’s no right or wrong way.” It can be difficult to know what to say to a loved one near the end, but hospice workers recommend five phrases that have deep healing potential, even if a person seems unconscious: “I love you,” “Thank you,” “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” and “Goodbye” or “Until we meet again.” As Butler points out, the first four phrases can be said any time in our lives. Increasingly in hospice care, loved ones are encouraged to sit with the body after the death, touching it, sharing stories, perhaps gently bathing it and dressing it in favorite clothes. “Touching the body, feeling the coolness, makes the death real to the family,” Ostaseski says. “Research shows that people that went through that process still grieved, but they were able to be with the emotion and not be overwhelmed by it.” Facing the reality of death—as hard and heartbreaking as that can be—can free us to truly live life, said Jobs. After his terminal cancer diagnosis, he told Stanford students in a commencement address, “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

“Ask yourself, if I had only three months to live, what’s important to me spiritually, emotionally, physically? What do I still need to do or say?”

ing as the prospect of an end-of-life talk with family and friends may seem, it can start with simple words like “I want to talk with you about something important to me.” Without spelling out our desires, death can become inadvertently medicalized: Nine in 10 of us say we want to die in our homes, but only two in 10 do. “The default systems are all to treat, treat, treat, until someone finally says, ‘No,’ so many people end up on a high-tech conveyor belt to the ICU,” says award-winning journalist Katy Butler, author of The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life. Among people that undertake such talks, 73 percent describe the experience as positive, reassuring and productive. A downloadable Conversation Starter Guide (TheConversationProject.org) provides practical guidance for these critical conversations.

into the inner circles of our lives—the relationships that matter most to us,” says Ostaseski, who has worked four decades with hospice patients. “There’s a growing silence that has us becoming more contemplative and reflective. Our sense of time and space changes and we enter into a kind of free flow. The boundaries we have lived by begin to dissolve, and we start to feel ourselves as part of something larger—not as a belief, but as a natural occurrence. Often people realize themselves to be more than the small, separate self they had thought themselves to be.”

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Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Emotional Brain Health and Happiness

by Julie Chai

motional health has a lot to do with the chemistry and wiring of the brain, but the reverse is also true. Perceptions, feelings and beliefs have a huge effect on the brain. Neuroscientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor describes four characters of the brain and how they function in her book Whole Brain Living, thus we need not be stuck in only one way to experience reality. When we feel unsafe, the amygdala, part of our primitive brain, is triggered, and we go into fight-or-flight survival mode as blood rushes from the brain to our arms and legs. Hasty decisions made at this time are often regretted because of decreased oxygen in the brain. Because all parts of the brain can have a relationship and influence each other, Taylor suggests that we have a four-character “brain huddle” to help ourselves out of survival mode. These are the four characters, each occupying a physical position in the brain. Left Brain Thinking. I am, the ego, self-awareness. It is in control. Loves order and being the boss. Gets things done. Defines boundaries, social norms, right/wrong, good/bad. Thinks methodically and consciously. Thinks in language. Is time conscious and linear thinking. Loves detail and comparisons. A critical thinker, it judges and is judgmental. Left Brain Emotional. Fight/flight. Projects past into the future. Pushes away and says no. Self-sabotage. Guilt, shame, trauma pain from past. “I’m going to keep myself small and constricted.” The place of reactive emotions of fear, anxiety, paralysis, hopelessness and shame. It compares the past to the present, always asking, ‘Am I safe?” Addictions and cravings are located here. Character two has to be on board in addiction recovery. Right Brain Emotion. In the present moment. There is no judgment. It is experiential and notices how the body feels. Here, we notice the environment and are aware of ourself as energy. This is our creative, messy selves and the innovative genius. The more we do something, the better we get at it. Feels joyful, adventurous, happy, kind, playful and collaborative. The circuit to character three can be established. We can create new habits. Right Brain Thinking. In the present moment. Right here, right now. It is the observer. It is loving, grateful, nurturing, compassionate and one with all. Our mystical god self that experiences the cosmic consciousness, the one. Here we are grateful for being alive. This part of our brain brings the healing energy of the universe into our body. Because there is no “I” in this space, character four gives into

character three for creative expression of this experience in poetry, song, dance, story, paintings and other expressions. Once we are aware that we are in the fight-or-flight mode of Character number 2, we are not stuck there. We can ask the other parts of our brain to assist us by calling a Brain Huddle and getting help from Characters 1, 3 and 4. The more we do this, the better the connections between these characters will become and the less “stuck” in the fight-or-flight reaction we will feel. We can also make it a practice to take a deep breath and ask ourselves, “What am I feeling right now? Where is this feeling in my body?” This will bring us out of fight or flight and back into our body, which is always in the present moment. The present moment is love.

Visualizations and Affirmations Work. A recent publication by David R.

Hamilton, Ph.D., titled “Why Woo Woo Works” gives scientific evidence that repeated affirmations produce physical changes in specific areas of the brain associated with self-processing. “Repeating affirmations didn’t just make the volunteers feel a little better or more positive in the moment, it actually altered brain networks that essentially wired in the feeling. And those brain changes were found to account for a subsequent change in the volunteers’ behavior.” The author notes that it is important to feel what we affirm or visualize to produce the change in the brain. One reason visualizations and affirmations work is because our brain and body do not know the difference between what actually happened and what we imagine. This is why we can re-imagine a bad dream or painful life experience by giving ourselves more pleasant feelings to associate with the experience and taking the negative charge out of the event.

The Kindness Hormones. Hamilton writes, “The main kindness hormone is oxytocin. Well known for its importance in reproduction, breast feeding and even social bonding. Oxytocin protects the cardiovascular system, and just as stress hormones increase blood pressure, this kindness hormone lowers it. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helps with digestion and wound healing, and is even involved in the construction of heart muscle and many other cell types from stem cells.“ Hamilton notes, “Your brain will produce kindness hormones when you’re being kind, witnessing an act of kindness, imagining one or even recalling one.” Spending time in day dream visualizations, loving yourself and others and repeating affirmations are powerful paths to an emotionally healthy brain and a fulfilling life. Rev. Julie Chai is an ordained minister and clairvoyant. For more information, visit JulieChai.com and InnerListening.me. November 2021

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Healthy Brain Strategies How to Prevent Cognitive Decline by Linda Sechrist

healthy brain performs mental processes known as cognition, which is the acquiring of knowledge and understanding by means of thought, experience and the senses. This includes functions and systems such as memory, learning, language, problem solving, decision making, reasoning and intelligence. The aging process, a stroke or a brain injury can cause a mild to severe reduction in healthy brain functioning resulting in

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impaired memory and concentration, and difficulty in learning new things or making decisions that impact daily living. Functional medicine experts focused on preventive health care agree on the ABC’s for optimizing the brain and protecting against decline: eating a healthy diet, exercising, reducing inflammation and stress levels, balancing hormone levels, cultivating healthy relationships and getting enough restorative sleep. With their expertise, they are helping to shift the old paradigm of inevitable aging and cognitive decline into a new one based on the brain’s neuroplasticity. Harvard-trained neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor, author of the bestseller My Stroke of Insight and the recent Whole Brain Living, is a true poster child for demonstrating the brain’s neuroplasticity and ability to recover from a massive stroke. She writes about the congenital neurological brain disorder that became a problem when an arteriovenous malformation exploded in her brain’s left hemisphere. For four hours, she observed her brain functions systemically shutting down one by one. On the afternoon of her stroke, she could not walk, talk, read, write or recall any of her life. Eight years later, she was not only slalom waterskiing again, but also explaining to the world, “We are the life-force power of the universe, with manual dexterity and two cognitive minds. We have the power to choose, moment to moment, who and how we want to be in the world.” Devaki Lindsey Berkson, author of Sexy Brain, a hormone formulator and former researcher at Tulane University’s estrogen think tank, advises, “Most people think hormones are sexy, reproductive things and when they get older, they’re relieved that they don’t have to think about them. Not true. The body has a virtual physiological internet system. Hormones are the email signals to most cells. While the robustness of hormones and their signals affects lungs, gut, kidney and vocal cord health, it especially affects the brain. Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormones is one solution.” David Perlmutter, neurologist and co-author of Brain Wash, cites food as the biggest player in both brain and overall health in his books and PBS workshops. “Eating inappropriately causes intestinal permeability, resulting in inflammation, which in the brain, threatens good decision making—from deciding on the foods we

eat to turning off our televisions at night, getting a good night’s rest, making sure that we exercise regularly and connecting with other people. Not good for the gut are dairy products, alcohol, highly processed foods that are low in fiber, high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, as well as antibiotics,” he says, adding that meditation and exposure to nature are powerful ways of reducing inflammation in the body and brain. As explained by neurologist Dale E. Bredesen, author of The End of Alzheimer’s, stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels that can be toxic to our brains—in particular the memory—consolidating the hippocampus, one of the first structures affected by Alzheimer’s. Studies show that high stress levels can also contribute to brain fog, involving difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and mental fatigue. The Bredesen Protocol, available from health practitioners and online, includes exercising, eating a plant-based diet, supplementing to reduce insulin sensitivity and optimize cognitive function, reducing both gut inflammation and exposure to toxins, treating pathogens and optimizing sleep.

Meditation and exposure to nature are powerful ways of reducing inflammation in the body and brain. HealthyBrains.org, Cleveland Clinic’s Healthy Brains Initiative, is an online resource center with information on how to manage brain health and create a brain span that matches a life span. It offers six pillars of brain health as explained by brain health experts, including exercise, sleep, relaxation, mental fitness and social interaction. Supplementing for brain health should be done wisely, says Mark Hyman, author of Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? and director of functional medicine at Cleveland Clinic. He recommends at the very least taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement, omega-3, extra vitamins B3, B6 and B12, folate and a good probiotic that enhances the brain-gut relationship. Mastery of the ABC’s in kindergarten is required as the foundation of language and a lifetime of learning. Living the fundamentals for a healthy brain can result in a brain span that equals our life span. Linda Sechrist is a Natural Awakenings senior staff writer. Connect at LindaSechrist.com.

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SACRED DANCE Moving into Divine Energy by Marlaina Donato

eart-healthy dancing of all types is known to promote overall physical and mental health. When they are spirit-infused, forms like African, Middle Eastern, ecstatic and yoga-inspired kundalini dance offer us the opportunity to stay in shape while also fortifying the body’s intrinsic life force. Classes in these styles of dance, which are most often conducted barefoot, draw upon a deep cultural well and include the infectious heartbeat of live accompaniment. Just about anyone can find their own blissful groove when going with the flow is the focus. “In class, I choose to emphasize the feeling more than the step itself. The goal is always to get a spiritual release,” says Darian Parker, a Brooklyn-based West African dance teacher, professor and choreographer. “I always encourage my students to privilege ‘having a good time’ over succumbing to self-criticism from not perfecting a step.”

Modern Moves, Ancient Roots There are more than 3,000 ethnic groups on the continent of Africa, and each dance style has a purpose that is defined by its unique history. In the West African tradition, dances are designed to heal the individual and from the broader perspective, restore community. Parker, a faculty member of Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance, in Brooklyn, celebrates the culture and art of the Mande people. “In short, Mande dance trains your spirit just as much as it trains your body,” says Parker. “In many Mande cultures, the ground is thought to be the habitation of our ancestors, who are thought to animate our bodies when we dance. In 22

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this way, you can think of dance as a ritual technology that renews our connections with those who came before us.” While an African dance class encourages high energy and joyous expression, ecstatic dance can be a portal to self-discovery and connectedness. Springboarding from ancient societies worldwide, modern ecstatic dance is freeform and hallmarked by trance or tribal beats. “Ecstatic dance has offered me a portal to my subconscious, my spirit, my deep knowing. It’s a way to, as Gabrielle Roth, the creator of 5Rhythms, put it, ‘Get out of my head and into my body,’ and in my body there is wonderful wisdom,” explains Heidi Sheldon, a seasoned ecstatic dancer and licensed counselor in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. “Your spirit knows what to do when it hears and feels the rhythms. You just need to allow your body to follow.”

Belly of Bliss, Heart of Light Middle Eastern dance is comprised of many dance styles—folk and tribal, classical and most widely known, belly dancing. In ancient times, the latter was practiced in rituals for fertile harvests and women’s fertility, including physical preparation for childbirth. In 2017, a pilot study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies showed that belly dance improves depressive symptoms, fatigue and quality of life in women with breast cancer. “Belly dancing is a tantric form of dance that empowers women to release shame and accept and love themselves and their bodies just as they are. The movements open us to pleasure and sensual bliss in our very own skin. In this way, it is very healing and therapeutic,” says Banafsheh Sayyad, a Persian dance artist and founder of the Dance of Oneness Academy, in Los Angeles. Sayyad’s movement, a fusion of Persian and Middle Eastern dance, flamenco, contemporary dance and meditative whirling, is deeply connected to an ancient feminine ethos. As a teacher, she brings the Sama—the dervish (pronounced “darvish” in Persian) dance of the Sufis historically reserved for men—into the hands of women.“In the traditional Sama, the right arm is extended up toward the sky with the palm facing up,” she says. “The left arm is extended out with the palm facing down toward the Earth. In so doing, you transmit and emanate the light you’ve received into the world through your heart. So, this dance is about becoming a channel for light and love in the world.” In essence, stepping into any dance class can be good for the soul. Sayyad reminds us, “Every movement and dance style, if done with the intention of surrendering one’s sense of separateness into an experience of the greater or dissolving one’s identity as a drop of water into the greater ocean of oneness, can be sacred.”

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Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com. November 2021

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Eat Well to Feel Well thanksgiving fare that boosts mental health by Christy Ratliff

cross America, people of all ages are struggling with mental health issues. Nearly one in five people is living with a mental health condition, and the number of people seeking help for anxiety and depression is skyrocketing, reports Mental Health America. According to the organization’s 2021 State of Mental Health in America Report, suicidal thoughts are increasing among both adults and children, and 9.7 percent of youth is experiencing severe major depression compared to 9.2 percent last year. The highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has only exacerbated these mental health challenges. The hope and help we seek may be as close as our own kitchen. Accumulating research shows that a diet rich in highly processed foods may increase the risk of developing or worsening various mental health conditions. But a nutrient-based diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables; omega-3 fatty acids; nuts, seeds and legumes; whole grains, fresh herbs and spices; fish and olive oil, may help to support and enhance mental health. We can start this Thanksgiving by serving up healthier, nutrient-rich options to alleviate anxiety and depression, stabilize mood and promote mental health and wellness. “The gut/brain connection helps us understand the food/mood connection,” explains Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist and author of the national bestseller This is Your Brain on Food. “The enteric nervous system—that is, the nerves supplying the gastrointestinal tract—totals over 100 million neurons and communicates directly with the brain, or central nervous system, by way of the vagus nerve, which is responsible for our ‘rest-and-digest’ response. “It’s also vital to note that the gut contains the highest number of serotonin receptors, and the gut itself produces all the neurotransmitters that are also made in the brain, including serotonin, often called the happiness hormone. In turn, these neurotransmitters are implicated in sound mental health or potential problems when they are deficient.” “What we eat affects mental health in many ways,” adds Amy Spindel, a functional holistic nutritionist in Plano, Texas, and founder of FoodWithThoughtNutrition.com. “Nutrient deficiencies can cause poor neurotransmitter production. Insufficient vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 can be implicated in depression and anxiety symptoms, as they are all needed for various stages of neurotransmitter production, especially serotonin, dopamine and GABA.”

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“Traditional sugary, high-carbohydrate foods promote unstable blood sugar and selectively feed inflammatory gut microbes,” Spindel says, suggesting that we skip the typical foods many of us associate with the holidays such as pecan pie, marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole and canned cranberry sauce. “Blood sugar fluctuations cause the body to scramble in an attempt to re-regulate glucose, which may mean spikes of cortisol or adrenaline, as well as insulin. The end result can be depression and anxiety from excessive stress hormones and a glucose-starved brain.” But making such changes, particularly during the holidays, isn’t easy. “If the thought of changing up the traditional Thanksgiving menu gives you pause, you are not alone—and this is why I believe in adding in habits (and in this case, dishes) which have a positive ripple effect on our bodies and our brain, allowing for a self-sustaining cycle in our lifestyle,” advises Naidoo. “As a nutritional psychiatrist, I feel that we are more emotionally nurtured by a feeling of abundance in ‘adding’ new Thanksgiving dishes than thinking about this as ‘excluding’ foods,” she notes. “For example, tossing a fresh, folate-rich spinach and arugula salad with bits of antioxidant-rich strawberries, crisp roasted chickpeas and omega-3-rich olive oil adds color, flavor and a plethora of mood-nourishing ingredients to the dinner table. Even adding extra veggies to existing dishes, such as allicin-rich garlic to green beans or extra celery and fresh herbs to stuffing, adds in powerful phytonutrients with gut-loving fiber.” “Thanksgiving favorites that are ample in neurotransmitter-producing nutrients include turkey, shellfish, sweet potatoes and acorn squash, asparagus, leafy greens, oranges and green beans,” Spindel adds. While it’s true that we cannot control a global pandemic or solve the mental health crisis in America with positive thinking alone, we can minimize our feelings of powerlessness and despair by making small but significant dietary changes—not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year. Christy Ratliff is a professional health and wellness writer based in Central Florida.

Seluisauganasda Cherokee Cornmeal Cookies Here’s a creative, nutritious way to celebrate indigenous tradition during the holidays while also being mindful of mental health. ¾ cup softened butter ½ cup organic brown sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla 1½ cups flour ½ cup cornmeal 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt ½ cup raisins (Other versions of this recipe include nuts and dark chocolate pieces.) Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Using a wooden spoon, mix butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add egg and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Add flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Add raisins. Mix well. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonful onto baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until slightly golden. Makes about 2 dozen small cookies. Courtesy of La Potosina. For more information, visit IndigenousFoods.wordpress.com.

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family have moved away to other lives and preoccupations, the family pet remains the faithful dinner or TV time companion,” she says. “A cherished pet is often the last true companion.” Cancelling appointments or taking time off from work after a pet’s passing does not connote emotional weakness. “Treat yourself with the same kindness you would show another person going through this difficult time,” advises Cheryl Wyatt, a certified grief companion at Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a national network of veterinarians that provides compassionate end-of-life care. “Allow yourself the time to do your mourning work. Tears are cleansing. If they happen to come 10 hours or 10 years from now, you have permission to shed them.”

Compassionate Transitions. Loving an animal until the

last goodbye includes relieving their suffering to the best of our ability. In-home euthanasia can make a heartbreaking time more bearable for both pet and owner. “Providing beloved pets euthanasia at home differs from a clinical setting because it allows them to remain in their safe, happy place. At home, the veterinarian can greet the pet family and provide the loved one’s peaceful passing wherever they are most comfortable—a favorite bed or spot on the couch—surrounded by all those who love them most,” explains Wyatt.

the absence of emotional baggage, and is therefore capable of provoking grief that equals or exceeds losing a close relative. “This is a deep bond that is never judgmental on how we look, spend money or what we do for a living, as long as we love and nurture. And, in return, we receive undying, unconditional love,” says Pam Baren Kaplan, a pet loss grief counselor and life coach in Chicago.

Pet funerals are becoming more common, and ceremonies are as unique as the animal remembered. Stories, poetry and memories can be shared by family and they can include a living memorial such as a tree planted in the animal’s name. Stout, also an accomplished artist, finds joy in painting her pets that have gone and suggests “a scrapbook of pictures and memories, because a look back at puppy or kitten pictures can bring an instant smile.” Kaplan agrees, “Creating what I refer to as ‘a legacy of love’ can be done by the entire family or by one person. This is a book that you put together with favorite photos of your pet and journal the story around the photo. This is a great way to include family member’s memories from their perspective.” Choosing a unique, handmade vessel for ashes can honor an animal. Mary Jane Panebianco, owner of SpiritpetShop on Etsy. com, was inspired by the passing of a co-worker’s dog. “At the time, I worked in a mixed media art gallery, and she had one of our ceramic artists create her dog Sandy’s memorial urn. It was beautiful and so well done. I did some research on the pet industry, and everything I found was so commercial and mass-produced. I knew pets and their owners deserved another option.” Panebianco works with a small number of award-winning American artisans and accepts custom orders for handcrafted urns. “Many of my pet parents have told me how having a beautiful memorial for their beloved pet helps them make peace with their pet’s passing. It’s the last thing you will do for them.” In the beginning and in the end, it’s all about the love. For Stout, it’s what animals teach us. “To play and dance often, to give unconditional love, loyalty and friendship, to find joy in the little things, and that life is too often short.”

Diane Stout, a pet parent and retired dog groomer in Paupack, Pennsylvania, knows the impact of this unconditional love, especially through life’s changes. “Long after a spouse has died and

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Honoring the Loss of a Pet Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal

by Marlaina Donato

rench novelist Anatole France’s sentiment, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened,” rings true for anyone that shares a love story with a beloved pet. Whether we lose a cat, dog, horse, bird or lizard, the final parting can be quite emotional. Society supports us with empathy and rituals of closure when we suffer the loss of a human love, but grieving an animal companion can be a uniquely silent passage. Surrendering fully to the mourning process, creating a joyful ceremony and celebrating the life of a loved one invites healing and solace.

Sacred Grief. The animal-human alliance is hallmarked by

Detroit / Wayne County

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

inspiration

The Healing Power of a Hug by Marlaina Donato

hen we were children, a hug helped to take the sting out of a skinned knee or quell first-dayof-school jitters. In adulthood, hugs are not as plentiful or practical; many people lack partners or loved ones, and the gesture— both giving and receiving—is too often labeled as sentimentality. As we continue to move through life with pandemic restric-

tions, hugs can feel risky at a time when we need them the most. A hug elicits a powerful shot of neurotransmitters like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, and we don’t necessarily need another human to reap the benefits. Wrapping our arms around a breeze-swept tree in the backyard or on a hiking trail can lower heart rate and set our brains

abuzz with feel-good endorphins. Earlier this year, the forestry service in Iceland invited people to cuddle up to trees to offset COVID-19 isolation and get in a good dose of forest bathing. Scientific research, including a study from Carnegie Mellon University, backs what unapologetic huggers have always known: Even the most casual embrace can help to lower stress, boost immunity and promote a better night’s sleep. Cuddling up with a stuffed animal is a part of everyday life for 43 percent of American adults, with men taking the lead. Befriending a plush toy is part of some trauma recovery programs and has a soothing effect on those navigating the dark waters of grief, loss and chronic anxiety. Snuggling up under a warm, weighted blanket is also akin to a hug, and has benefits much like the real thing. Holding and being held strengthens the body’s defense systems, as well as romantic partnerships, friendships and our relationship with ourselves. Opening our arms can foster the spiritual discipline of not only giving, but receiving—a vital requirement in self-care. In a time of chaotic uncertainty, isolation and change, hugs can be medicine; they can also be a powerful metaphor and reminder to remain open, willing and beautifully human. Marlaina Donato is a mind-body-spirit author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Is Is Your Your Pet Pet Suffering Suffering from from Chronic... Chronic... • Allergy & Skin Disease • Behavior Problems • Vomiting and/or Diarrhea • Advancing Age Problems • Arthritis • Urinary Tract Infections Functional medicine may be the key to restoring your pet’s health. It combines science with alternative medicine to uncover the root causes of chronic disease.

John B. Smith, D.V.M. Office Hours by appointment

www.dogdoctor.us

(734) 213-7447 Petcare Holistic Veterinary Center 1954 S. Industrial, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 November 2021

calendar of events FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

Introduction to Tea Class – 7-8pm. Class will touch upon tea basics and includes specially selected teas to sample. Whether you’re a curious novice, or seasoned tea drinker, this class will have something for you. $55. InnerSpace Holistic, 2350 Washtenaw Ave, Ste 14, Ann Arbor. 734-709-8313. InnerSpaceHolistic.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Flying Down to Rio (1933) – 8-11pm. A saucy, pre-code musical starring Dolores Del Rio and Gene Raymond and featuring the first on-screen pairing of the dynamic dancing duo of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Senate Theater, 6424 Michigan Ave, Detroit. 313-894-0850. SenateTheater.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Fall Women’s Circles – 7-9pm. Explore our connection with the Divine Feminine that is within us all. No prior experience is needed. All spiritual practices are honored. Through the theme of the Triple Goddess, will delve into the 3 dominant stages of a woman’s life: the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone archetypes. $33. Yoga Bellaire, 106 W Cayuga St, Bellaire. Details & to register: Yoga Bellaire.com/events.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Cacao Ceremony and Ecstatic Dance – 4-6pm. An exploration in body and spirit. Begin in circle with ceremonial cacao. Then journey into movement through our Ecstatic Dance practice. No prior experience needed. $30. Yoga Roots Petoskey, 444 E Mitchell St, Petoskey. 231-838-8992. YogaRootsPetoskey.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Indie Arts & Crafts Fest – 12-8pm. A fun day of holiday shopping featuring handcrafted goods by local artisans. Free admission. MCBW Warehouse, 441 West Canfield St, Unit 10, Detroit. Tinyurl.com/xrw4dbh3.

ongoing events

daily In-Person and Virtual Classes Daily – 7am-6pm. A variety of classes for every body, including seniors. Classes include daily chair yoga classes, candlelight yoga every Sunday, neck and shoulder, as well as hip and back classes. Sacred Space Yoga & Reflexology Centre, 4801 Chrysler Dr, Detroit. 313-352-6788. SacredSpaceYogaDetroit.com.

734-757-7929 Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Detroit / Wayne County

Teen Mentoring – 9am. Helps teens who may be feeling alone and seek another non-parent to assist them. Helping with guidance, support and motivation. Details: GoodVibzYoga.com.

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

sundays Livestreamed Sunday Service – 9:55am. Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile Rd, Livonia. UnityOf Livonia.org. ECK Light and Sound Service –10-11am. 2nd Sun. Dominican Center at Marywood, Lower Level, 2025 E Fulton St, Rm 4, Grand Rapids. 248-546-9224. Eck-Mi.org. Dance Meditation Technique – 10am-12pm. This 90-min, un-choreographed, whole-being workout is a drug-free, scientific technique and art for transforming tension into creativity. $10. Detroit Kung Fu Academy, 1353 Division, Ste 3E, Detroit. 248-910-3351. DanceMT.com. Slow Flow Yoga – 11:30am. All-level practice offering an enjoyable balance between movement and stillness that encourages deeper feelings of calm, stress release and relaxation. A blend of guided flowing sequence of postures. Yoga 4 Peace, 13550 Dix Toledo Rd, Southgate. Y4Peace.org. Peace: Candlelight Yoga – 4pm. For all levels. This class is diffused with essential oils and soothing soaking into your mat music. Sacred Space Yoga & Reflexology Centre, 4801 Chrysler Dr, Detroit. 313-352-6788. SacredSpaceYogaDetroit.com. Men’s Circle: Stories in Council – 6:30pm. 1st Sun. An open group of men who come together in a safe, confidential space to share and gain from each other’s experience and presence. Free. Yoga Bellaire, 106 W Cayuga St, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com.

mondays Sunrise Flow – 7-7:45am. Gentle vinyasa that intentionally opens and challenges the sometimes sleepy and stiff morning body. Citizen Yoga Studio, 1224 Library St, Detroit. 313-502-5450. CitizenYogaStudio.com. Virtual Pilates with Gwyn – 9:30-10am. Build a better understanding of your mind & body connections through alignment, posture and natural movement awareness. $5/class. GwynJonesPilates.com. Let’s Meditate Detroit: Free Guided Meditation – 6:307:30pm. With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we generally sit on chairs to achieve yoga, effortlessly and spontaneously. As such no asanas (exercises) are required, no mat or special clothing. Campbell Library, 8733 Vernor Hwy, Detroit. 315-390-0278. DetroitPublicLibrary.org. Meaningful Mondays – 8pm. SevaLight Retreat Centre warmly welcomes everyone, of all faiths, meditation practices and traditions, to join us virtually. Will gather on video conference sharing in song/ chants and inspiring readings from Mata Yogananda Mahasaya Dharmaji’s writings, followed by Pure Meditation and silent prayer. Free. Email by 10am any Monday to receive the info about how to join by video: Info@SelfRealizationCentreMichigan.org.

tuesdays Virtual Tuesday Connection Group – 8-9am. 1st & 3rd Tues. With Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber. Opportunity to receive business referrals; form lasting business relationships with other

working professionals; give a 10-min presentation about your product/service to an attentive audience; help others you know find the products/services they are looking for and more. RSVP, Melanie Hojnowski: MHSecondStep@yahoo.com. swcrc.com. The Natural Playroom – 9am-3pm. The all-natural materials of wood, silk, wool and cotton impart a warmth and beauty that encourages babies and kids to explore the world around them. Gives kids an inviting space to play. $5-$8/family. Camden Rose Inc, 502 Farmer St, Plymouth. 734-927-5005. NaturalPlayroom.com. Chair Yoga – 10am. With Holy Yoga Detroit. Free. Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood, Ste 213, Detroit. 313-437-1549. DurfeeIS.org. Therapeutic Yoga – 10am. All levels. Perfect for those with back problems, healing injuries, inflexibility, weak abs or back muscles, stress, fatigue, overweight, depression and arthritic conditions. Yoga 4 Peace, 13550 Dix Toledo Rd, Southgate. Y4Peace.org. Family Yoga – 11am-12pm. With Holy Yoga Detroit. All ages welcome. Free. Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood, Ste 213, Detroit. 313437-1549. DurfeeIS.org. Parent-to-Parent Support Group – 12-1:30pm. 3rd Tues. Also 6-7:30, 4th Thurs. For parents and caregivers of children, adolescents and young adults. An open, welcoming group providing dialogue and peer support. Free. The Children’s Center, 90 Selden, Detroit. TheChildrensCenter.com. Iyengar Yoga Detroit – 5pm. Vibrant, dynamic, heart-opening Iyengar yoga class for all levels and abilities. Bilingual Spanish. Free. 313-528-9493. For Zoom link: InfoAtIYDC@gmail.com. Facebook. com/IyengarYogaDetroit.

wednesdays Virtual Wednesday Connection Group – 8-9am. 2nd & 4th Wed. With Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber. Opportunity to receive business referrals; form lasting business relationships with other working professionals; give a 10-min presentation about your product/service to an attentive audience; help others you know find the products/services they are looking for and more. RSVP, Silvia Rainer: SRainer@PayChex.com. swcrc.com. Cooking Matters – 10:30am-12pm. Help end childhood hunger by inspiring families to make healthy and affordable food choices. Program to teach parents and caregivers with limited food budgets to shop for and cook healthy meals. Free. Brilliant Detroit Cody Rouge, 7425 Fielding St, Detroit. RSVP: 313-406-3275. Online: Conscious Leaders Group Coaching – Thru Dec. 3-4pm. A place to receive continuous guidance for leading with compassion and flow. Includes 2 monthly calls, where you can bring questions or issues to be coached around. Learn about your blind spots, tackle your growth edges, and build resilience for your leadership. $222/mo. AmbrosiAlanimals. MyKajabi.com/offers/Fcot2cjT/checkout. ArtBlock Yoga – 6-7pm. Last Wed. Free yoga in the new art-infused space, ArtBlock. 1411 Holden St, Detroit. 313-871-4000 x 3. Tinyurl.com/y4xksa7g. The Sound of Soul: Experience Singing HU – 7-8pm. 3rd Wed. Dominican Center at Marywood,

Lower Level, 2025 E Fulton St, Rm 4, Grand Rapids. 248-546-9224. Eck-Mi.org.

thursdays Virtual Thursday Connection Group – 8-9am. 1st & 3rd Thurs. With Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber. Opportunity to receive business referrals; form lasting business relationships with other working professionals; give a 10-min presentation about your product/service to an attentive audience; help others you know find the products/services they are looking for and more. RSVP, Jen Brown: JBrown@KeyConcerns.com. swcrc.com. Virtual Tai Chi Easy – 10-11am. Tai Chi Easy consists of 5 movements from traditional Yangstyle Tai Chi that can be done sitting or standing plus other gentle movements, breathing exercises and self-applied massage. All movements are gentle. With Erin Reas. Suggested donation: $5/ class. Via Zoom. To register: Erin@ErinReas.com. ReduceYourStressNow.com. Better Backs Yoga – 12pm. All levels. We explore different variations and styles of classic hatha yoga postures. Yoga 4 Peace, 13550 Dix Toledo Rd, Southgate. Y4Peace.org. Parent-to-Parent Support Group – 6-7:30, 4th Thurs. For parents and caregivers of children, adolescents and young adults. An open, welcoming group providing dialogue and peer support. Free. The Children’s Center, 90 Selden, Detroit. TheChildrensCenter.com. Wellness Workouts – 6:30pm. Customized fitness programs adaptable for all fitness abilities including body weight, core strengthening, cardio conditioning, HITT and exercise ball lead. Targets upper and lower body issues, create muscle balance and help increase energy. $10; first class free. Wellness Center of Plymouth, 1075 Ann Arbor Rd, Plymouth. RSVP: 734-454-5600. WellnessPlym.com.

Candlelight Yin Yoga – 6pm. With Rae Golematis. A slow-paced, meditative yoga practice, where postures are held longer than in most other yoga traditions. Yoga 4 Peace, 13550 Dix Toledo Rd, Southgate. Y4Peace.org.

saturdays Eastern Market – 6am-4pm. Year-round. 2934 Russell St, Detroit. EasternMarket.org. Plymouth Farmers’ Market – Thru Oct 23. 8am12:30pm. Find fresh, farm-to-table produce, flowers, baked goods and more. 760 Penniman Ave, Plymouth. PlymouthMich.org. Saturday in the Park – 9am-3:30pm. Six miles of Hines Dr will be closed from Ann Arbor Trail to Outer Drive for the public of all ages to enjoy running, walking, skating or cycling safely on a traffic free road. Free. Parking available at Nankin Mills & Helms Haven Park. Hines Park, 33275 Edward Hines Dr, Westland. 734-261-1990. WayneCounty.com. Fireside Youth Meditation Workshop – 12-1pm. A great workshop for kids who will do activities and learn breathing exercises to help them be more mindful. S’mores kits provided after the event for attendees and hot cocoa from local sponsors during the event. Free. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St, Detroit. DetroitRiverfront.org/youthmeditation2021. Detroit Reiki Share – 6-8pm. 4th & 5th Sat. Join Dr. Zee for an evening of focused intention on healing and connecting with others. A reiki share is a sacred space where practitioners and attendees each have a turn practicing in giving and receiving energy. Everyone welcome. $20 donation. Psychedelic Healing Shack & Vegetarian Cafe, 18700 Woodward Ave, Detroit. 313-366-2247. AKHealingArts.com.

Gong Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. Gong meditation/ sound therapy is a unique type of sound practice that involves using therapeutic gong sounds and vibrations to bring about healing, insight, relaxation, stress and tension relief and so much more. $20. Bloom Transformation Center, 227 Iron St, Ste 122, Detroit. Tinyurl.com/y68tbup8.

fridays Blend – 7-7:45am. Combines the flow of vinyasa with the guided challenge of slow burn. The pace of this class moves from some self-guided warm-ups into long-held postures that slow the body, focus the mind, and work toward a well-earned savasana. Citizen Yoga Studio, 1224 Library St, Detroit. 313502-5450. CitizenYogaStudio.com. Virtual TRX with Gwyn – 8:15-8:45am. TRX is a suspension training workout that will give total-body health benefits for everyone. Modifications given for every move. $10. GwynJonesPilates.com. Integrated Healing at The Shack – 10am-7pm. Receive reiki, energy work, chiropractic care, assisted stretch and breath, talk therapy and more. Direct holistic healing and intuitive counsel consultations available. Cost varies. Psychedelic Healing Shack & Vegetarian Cafe, 18700 Woodward Ave, Detroit. 313-366-2247. AKHealingArts.com.

classifieds HELP WANTED LOOKING FOR DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE DISTRIBUTOR / SALES OF ALLNATURAL PRODUCTS. This is not a MLM, this is based on product sales of retail and sales to the public. This will include contacting the public as well as outdoor and indoor events. Calling on stores and businesses. Must be passionate about healthy living and helping others be healthy. Michiganmade products. We are a licensed, insured, certified company. Please contact U.P. Chaga Connection 906-282-0787 (Serious inquiries only).

November 2021

community resource guide CHIROPRACTIC NEUROLOGY

ACUPUNCTURE

MICHIGAN FAMILY WELLNESS

LUCKY FLOW ACUPUNCTURE LUCKY AARON LI, R.AC. OMD

2200 N. Canton Center Rd, Ste. 150, Canton 734-335-0533 (Call or Text) MichiganFamilyWellness.com

33919 Plymouth Rd, Livonia 734-469-9149 Contact@LivoniaAcupuncture.com LivoniaAcu.com

With a B.A. from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a certification in acupuncture from The China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, Lucky Aaron Li received the teaching from China's leading acupuncturist Dr. Hu Guang, the primary researcher of Tungs' Extraordinary Points: stress, allergies, sinus congestion, depression, infertility, asthma, trouble sleeping, irritable bowel, smoking cessation, fatigue, headaches, migraines, and chronic pains including, but not limited to, feelings of numbing, tingling, burning, cold, hallow, stingy in any skeletal-muscular area of body, and many more ailments. Imagine feeling lighter, energetic and motivated. Wake up refreshed, with a smile on your face and joy in your Heart! We help you become the best you possible with acupuncture!

ALICE HUANG’S NATURAL CHINESE THERAPIES

2939 1st St, Wyandotte, 734-324-1168 1311 N. Main St, Clawson, 248-278-6081 1890 Southfield, Birmingham, 248-582-8888 AliceHuangs.com Alternative and holistic healing specializing in natural chinese therapies: acupuncture, massage, cupping, DDS therapy, colon hydrotherapy, foot detox and more. Multiple locations to better serve you. Make an appointment today. See ad, page 3.

CHAGA PRODUCTS U.P. CHAGA CONNECTION

906-282-0787 MidnightSpcl_59@yahoo.com UPChagaConnection.com

Freshest, cleanest wildest organic Chaga available in the Upper Peninsula. State certified. Immune-Boosting Superfood. For centuries, people have used chaga mushrooms for medicinal purposes. Packed with antioxidants, its extract may fight cancer, chronic inflammation, improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. See ad page 15.

Detroit / Wayne County

At the family wellness clinic, we believe if you fuel your body it will thrive, stress is the enemy, and the chiropractic adjustment is the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Focusing on functional neurology, Dr. Kyle Wallner takes a neurological, structural and nutritional approach to helping you achieve your health goals. Listen to our podcast and schedule online at our website.

CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS WELLNESS CENTER OF PLYMOUTH

Dr. Elizabeth Sisk, DC 1075 Ann Arbor Road W, Plymouth 734-454-5600

The Wellness Center of Plymouth provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to health and wellness. The cornerstone of health is balanced body systems, and our 5 pillars – Chiropractic Care, Laser Therapy, Massage, Weight Loss and Nutrition – work together to bring your body into an optimal state of balance. Reclaim life and vitality by eliminating pain, disease and stress. See ad page 23.

HEALTH & WELLNESS KOFANO AFRICAN NATURAL WELLNESS

Dr. Kofi Annorh 17372 Livernois, Detroit 248-636-8448 KofiAnnorh@gmail.com

Master herbalist, health and wellness coach, Dr. Kofi Annorh’s passion is to consult and help you on your unique healing journey. He is a fifth generation practitioner of Ghanaian ancient knowledge. Dr. Kofi specializes in natural wellness and can help you with lifestyle changes, herbal teas, nutrition, herbal support, energy restoration, detoxification, weight loss, headaches, depression, sleep disorders and much more. Call, visit or email him today.

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

HEALTH FOOD STORES THE BETTER HEALTH STORES

Locations: Dearborn • Plymouth • Novi • Livonia • Ann Arbor • Sterling Heights • Belleville • Southgate • Shelby Charter Twp • Lansing • Grosse Pointe Woods • Beverly Hills • Bloomfield Twp • Windsor, ON, Canada TheBetterHealthStore.com Vitamins, supplements, organic and natural foods. For more information: See ad page 5.

HOLISTIC HEALING DETROIT WHOLISTIC CENTER

Dr. Jesse Brown, ND 313-538-5433 DetroitWholisticCenter.com

Wholistic health services, colon hydrotherapy, reflexology, massage, body wraps, iridology, aqua-chi footbaths and consultations in nutrition and wellness. Colon-cleansing herbal products such as Turkey Rhubarb herbal combination formula and Reneu’ by First Fitness. Lose weight wholistically, relieve constipation and bloating, improve your energy and skin and more. See ad, page 21.

HOLISTIC MENTAL WELLNESS KELLIE ZIEHM

Kellie.Amare@yahoo.com 734-344-2339 AmareMentalWellness.com Come join my team with this ground floor distributor opportunity with the only holistic mental wellness company in direct sales. I’m also looking for healthcare professionals to join our influencer program. See ad page 9.

NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS SMIDGE® SMALL BATCH SUPPLEMENTS

Support@GetSmidge.com 1-888-524-6585 GetSmidge.com

Small-batch supplements crafted with care and the cleanest formulas. Probiotics, digestive enzymes, whole food vitamins and natural minerals made from honest, premium ingredients with critical nutrients. Gentle, no GMOs and no common allergens.

PAIN RELIEF AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 Info@AlbertasPainRelief.com AlbertasPainRelief.com Need Relief from Arthritis? Try Aunt Alberta's Remedy to ease muscular aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues. Get beneficial relief from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout, and more. All-natural ingredients! Do you want to feel a real difference from the nagging aches of arthritis? Feel less pain & have more range of motion? Use Aunt Alberta's Pain Relief Cream! Get relief today! Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $15! See website for other options. See what people say about Aunt Alberta's Remedy and Purchase Now on our website.

PSYCHIC MEDICAL INTUITIVE HEALING UNIVERSAL ENERGY HEALING & MASSAGE THERAPY FOR WOMEN

Christine Bridges 580 Forest Ave., Suite 3C, Plymouth ChristineBridges2@Comcast.net ChristineBridges2.wixsite.com/website 734-934-7271 By appointment only

REFLEXOLOGY

coming in the december holiday issue

R3 REFLEXOLOGY (RELIEVE, RELEASE, RESTORE)

Kristi Holmes, Nationally Board Certified Reflexologist 689 N Mill St, Ste #103, Plymouth 248-872-3042 (Call or Text) From head to toe, anxiety to vertigo, reflexology can help. Reflexology is a science, acknowledged by the National Institute of Health, based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and the feet that correspond with every gland, organ and part of the body. I received my initial Certification in hands and feet from Branch Reflexology Institute before going on to receive my National Board Certification. I am privileged to work with a variety of clients—men, women and children of all ages and the results I see from reflexology both personally and professionally continue to amaze me.

SCHOOL / EDUCATION NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Boosting Immune System

plus: Uplifting Humanity

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 5.

WHOLISTIC TRAINING INSTITUTE

313-255-6155 WholisticTrainingInstitute.com

WTI

Discover a Healer in You. Make a Healthy Living and Better the Life of Others. State of Michigan-licensed school offering professional certifications for the following alternative health practices: naturopathy, homeopathy, herbology, reflexology, colon hydrotherapy, iridology and many more. Find us on Facebook! Twitter: @WholisticGuru. See ad, page 21.

Psychic medical intuitive healer with “X-ray vision hands”. Clients that may benefit from her work, includes anyone suffering from an “itis” (arthritis, colitis, etc.), old injuries, anxiety, depression, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADD, ADHD, autism, OCD, sleep concerns, overly stressed, inability to conceive, or miscarriages, babies, unexplained weight-gain or loss, inability to quit (smoking, drinking, abusing yourself), chronic fatigue, energy maintenance for balance, chronic diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. See ad page 8.

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Detroit / Wayne County

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Natural Awakenings of Detroit / Wayne County Michigan - November 2021

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