Natural Awakenings Houston June 2023

MEN’S HEALTH

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As the new month begins, we hope that you and yours are well. Because this is Men’s Health month, as well as Father’s Day, I’d like to share a little of my experiences fathering. I married Cindy when I was 40 and inherited her two teenage boys from a previous marriage. While some people expressed concern about my helping to raise stepsons, I don’t think I could have had a better deal. The younger son came with us to Arkansas, while the older stayed with his dad until he started college, and then joined us for a while. They both have their own families now and are successful in their chosen careers.

My approach was maybe a little different. Rather than rush in and take charge, I observed how Cindy did things, and since they were working pretty well, I didn’t change anything, but tried to follow her lead. I tried to be supportive of the boys, to meet their needs and be available to them.

We were fortunate to be able to take both of them along with us on two international trips to Vietnam with a school where I taught, and to Romania with my church choir, to see them take leadership and supporting roles as young adult men. We are very proud of both of them. I don’t think that there is one best way to father children, but the more tools you have in your parenting toolbox, the better. This month’s Healthy Kids department has a lot to offer. For those of you that are not fathers, there are opportunities for you to mentor and to be a positive example for the young men you come into contact with.

So, until next month, Cindy and I want to remind you to be kind.

Cindy & Mike Hart

HOUSTON EDITION

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news briefs

2023 Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation

From July 30 to August 5, thousands of people will congregate online and in person for guided group meditation, kirtan (devotional chanting), evening classes on the “how-to-live” teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and more. Widely regarded as father of yoga in the West, Yogananda’s book Autobiography of a Yogi continues to inspire people around the world to look within to discover who they truly are.

He has written, “When you sit in the silence of deep meditation, joy bubbles up from within, roused by no outer stimulus. The joy of meditation is overwhelming. Those who have not gone into the silence of true meditation do not know what real joy is.”

Admission is free. For more information, call 323-225-2471 or visit srfyoga.org/Convo2023

Interfaith Justice

The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will present an advocacy workshop online from 2 to 4 p.m., June 11, online. Faith communities typically don’t want to be seen as political, but, as will be covered in this workshop, faith communities can and should provide important education and leadership roles in nonpartisan civic engagement.

Bee Moorhead, executive director of Texas Impact, an interfaith justice advocacy organization, and her colleagues, will talk about what that looks like in real life, and do a deep dive into Texas Impact’s specific Houston-area resources and projects.

Admission is free. Get tickets at Tinyurl.com/InterfaithJustice. For more information, email Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.

Summer Solstice Celebration

The Crystal Bowl Gallery will celebrate the summer solstice with a sound healing ceremony from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., June 21, at Memorial Park Eastern Glades, featuring Gena Davis and CJ Rubenak, with Houston area sound healing practitioners as special guests.

Participants can time to pause and reflect on their dreams for all that life can be, and set intentions for new beginnings while gathering on the longest day of sunlight in the year. Meet on the lawn with yoga mats, blankets, pillows or whatever is needed to be comfortable.

During the sound healing ceremony, they can sit or lie down while sound healing practitioners play the alchemy crystal singing bowls. The sound waves create a sensation of being “bathed” in sound, promoting relaxation, a meditative state and an overall feeling of well-being.

Admission is free. Location: 6502 Memorial Dr. For more information, visit CrystalBowlGallery.com.

health briefs

Daily Intense Activity Prolongs Life

A new study in the journal Nature Medicine suggests that short bursts of intense movement are associated with a lower risk of premature death. The UK researchers analyzed data from about 25,000 non-exercisers with an average age of 62 that wore movement tracking devices on their wrists.

Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) refers to short, sporadic bursts of exertion done as part of daily living, such as walking very fast while commuting to work or climbing stairs. The scientists found that compared to participants that engaged in no VILPA, those that did just one to two minutes of VILPA three to four times daily exhibited a 38 to 40 percent lower risk of death over the course of seven years. They also noted that just a few minutes of VILPA throughout the day reduced cardiovascular disease-related mortality by up to 49 percent.

Similar results were obtained when they analyzed vigorous physical activity in roughly 62,000 participants that exercised regularly. VILPA in non-exercisers appears to elicit similar effects to vigorous physical activity in exercisers, suggesting that VILPA may be a suitable physical activity target, especially in people not able or willing to exercise on a regular basis.

New Insights on Water Consumption Requirements

We have been conditioned to believe that eight glasses of water are required each day, but new research published in Science found that daily water needs vary based on numerous factors. Researchers studied 5,604 people aged 8 to 96 from 23 countries, measuring their water turnover— the amount of water lost and replaced each day. They found that for most healthy adults, drinking eight cups of water a day is unnecessary because water needs vary depending on age, sex, body size, physical activity level, athletic status, pregnancy, socioeconomic status and environmental characteristics such as latitude, altitude, air temperature and humidity. People that lived in less developed countries had higher water turnover than people from developed countries. While hydration should be prioritized, most people that pay attention to their bodies and drink when thirsty are likely drinking enough water.

Herbs and Spices

Promote Gut Health

A 2022 research study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that herbs and spices may be unsung heroes in the quest for gut health. The three-period, randomized, controlled-feeding study involved 54 obese or overweight adults aged 30 to 75 with at least one other risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as elevated glucose or triglycerides.

Participants consumed the same average American diet for four weeks, along with one of three daily doses of spices and herbs—0.5 grams, 3.3 grams or 6.6 grams—which included cinnamon, ginger, cumin, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, basil and thyme. Fecal samples were collected at the start of the study and the end of each diet period.

Researchers determined that consuming 3.3 or 6.6 grams of herbs and spices per day increased levels of the Ruminococcaceae bacteria, a major player in the maintenance of gut health. The highest levels of this beneficial bacteria were observed among those that consumed the highest levels of herbs and spices. The scientists recommend further investigation to identify the metabolic implications of their findings.

Low Vitamin D Linked to Risk of Death

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine determined that vitamin D deficiency increases mortality risk. The findings were based on a survey of the vitamin D levels and genetic data of more than 300,000 people aged 37 to 73 that participated in the UK Biobank, a large-scale cohort study that began in 2006. Almost 19,000 deaths from all causes, as well as from specific causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory illnesses, were recorded through 2020.

Researchers discovered that the risk of death decreased steeply with increasing concentrations of vitamin D, until reaching 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The odds of death from all causes were estimated to increase by 25 percent for participants with vitamin D levels of 25 nmol/L, compared to those with 50 nmol/L.

Dramatic Drop in Arctic Ice Levels

New research published in the journal Nature has found dramatic changes in the composition of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean since 2007 caused by climate change. Norwegian Polar Institute researchers have monitored sea ice thickness in the Fraim Strait (a sea channel connecting the Arctic Ocean and the Nordic Seas that runs between Greenland and the Norwegian archipelago) for the past three decades. In 2007, a “regime shift” was noted in Arctic sea ice composition, from thicker and deformed to thinner and more uniform ice cover.

Researchers found that the amount of thick and deformed ice had dropped by half, and they believe the thinning may be irreversible. They link the ice thinning to a rise in Arctic surface temperatures, more energy absorption because of a reduction in reflected light off the sea ice and warmer ocean water. Younger, thinner ice could result in a loss of habitat for Arctic creatures, as thicker, ridged sea ice can be a haven to hide from predators. There are also consequences for humans. Thinner, more level ice is less challenging for ship navigation and, along with less ice and shorter ice seasons, may permit an increase in Arctic maritime traffic.

HOUSTON METRO Chiropractic Guide

Core Chiropractic

Drs.Natalie & Philip Cordova, DC

1770 St. James Place, #210

Houston 77056

713-622-3300

corechiropractic.net

Innate Chiropractic Healing Arts Center

Dr. Jackie St.Cyr, DC

8100 Washington Ave, #210

Houston 77007

713-521-2104

n8chiro.com

HealthPro Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Dr. Alayna E. Pagnani-Gendron, DC

4101 Green Briar Dr. #135

Houston 77098

281-506-0105

healthprochiro.com

Franson Chiropractic

Dr. Brett V. Franson, DC

1652 South Dairy Ashford Rd.

Houston 77077

281-701-1596

fransonchiropractor.com

Greener Grilling

The aroma of tasty treats sizzling on an outdoor grill evokes memories of laughter among family and friends, picnic tables brimming with colorful foods and the joy of running barefoot in the grass. This year, consider adding a few eco-friendly upgrades to America’s favorite summer tradition.

Fuel Source Matters

The biggest environmental impact from outdoor grilling comes from the fuel source. Here is a handy comparison of the options.

n Charcoal briquettes are little chunks of carbon made by baking wood byproducts, sawdust and other additives. Charcoal burns inefficiently and produces caustic smoke before and after the useful temperature for cooking. To reduce the carbon footprint, consider sustainably sourced bamboo or coconut shells to flame up the barbie.

n Gas grills burn fossil fuels like propane or natural gas. On the other hand, they produce fewer carbon emissions than charcoal, heat more quickly and can be turned off immediately.

n Electric grills may seem more eco-friendly for backyard cookouts, but most electricity is derived from fossil fuels. If the home runs on renewable energy, electric wins. Otherwise, gas grills have a smaller carbon footprint.

n Infrared is the latest in barbecue technology. These pricey outdoor grills can reach high temperatures quickly, use less fuel and cook foods evenly. Because they use electric or gas heating elements that radiate infrared waves to the food, they generally run for less time than other grills. One drawback is that their high temperatures can easily overcook or burn foods, especially ingredients that don’t need high temperatures, like fish, vegetables and other seafood.

Cleaning Is Paramount

Regardless of the fuel source, it is important to keep the grill free of grease and food particles to prevent more smoke. When the grill is still warm, clean the grates with a wire brush. If grates are already cool, scrub with baking soda and water.

Caramelized Fruits and Vegetables

Burgers and ribs may be synonymous with traditional cookouts, but the modern barbecue menu isn’t all about meat. Recipes abound for grilled veggies and fruits that lend a delicious smoky and caramelized flavor to these nutritious foods. Embrace the appeal of slightly charred corn on the cob, browned portobello mushrooms and grill-marked pineapple. If meat-free burgers won’t please the crowd, look for certified organic, grass-fed and locally raised meats.

Sustainable and Reliable Plastic Packaging

by Martin Miron

Plastic packaging plays an important role in virtually every facet of modern life. From the grocery store to the hardware store and the doctor’s office, plastic packages come in a variety of materials from traditional bottles to flexible pouches. The United Nations says that a million plastic bottles are purchased every minute.

The downside is the dramatic increase in plastic waste it produces. The most pressing challenge in the plastic industry is finding a way to balance the needs of the modern world with sustainability initiatives that protect the environment.

“The unfortunate reality is that humans create 300 million tons of plastic waste each year, of which only 15 percent is actually recycled,” says Andrew Meyer, CEO of AeroFlexx. “That means approximately 255 million tons of recyclable plastic enters our landfills and oceans every year. Those who are involved in plastic production cannot ignore those numbers.”

AeroFlexx is leading the change in the liquid packaging industry by thinking outside of the bottle. Its AeroFlexx Pak excels in the area of sustainability by focusing on source reduction, which is the most immediate and impactful approach to reducing any product’s environmental footprint. Source reduction describes efforts to reduce waste at the source. In essence, the aim is to eliminate waste before it is created. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled source reduction as its preferred method of achieving greater sustainability.

Companies seeking to achieve source reduction employ a variety of strategies. Buying in bulk, which often decreases the amount of packaging that must be used, is one; lightweighting, which involves redesigning products to use materials that are lighter, is another. In many cases, source reduction not only reduces the amount of overall waste that is produced, but also reduces the toxicity of the waste.

According to the EPA, waste reduction has a considerable impact on sustainability. It results in a reduction of greenhouse gases and pollution, as well as conserving energy and natural resources. “When you combine creativity with a commitment to sustainability, you can achieve huge gains for the environment,” says Meyer. “The AeroFlexx packaging that we have developed takes source reduction to new heights, suggesting that by using 2.5 billion units of AeroFlexx Paks over the next five years we can eliminate nearly 980.8 million pounds of waste. In addition, our innovations decrease our carbon footprint by more than 256.8 million pounds over the same time period, as well as decreasing fuel needs by 65.3 million gallons of gas and 599.4 million kilowatt-hours of energy.”

It should not be assumed that packaging that is more environmentally friendly is less reliable. In fact, design innovations that drive sustainability can also increase reliability. Example of this iinclude AeroFlexx innovations that improve the reliability of plastic packaging by transitioning from caps to integrated self-sealing, spill-proof valves. By doing away with the cap, plastic bottles can be used with one hand instead of two. The valve allows more precision dispensing of the product, further reducing potential waste.

As sustainability becomes more of an issue in the global marketplace, the value of initiatives like source reduction becomes more evident. Products that take sustainability initiatives to heart will undoubtedly stand out as the best option, both for their improved environmental footprint and their potential for increasing overall financial efficiency. “The reality is that initiatives like source reduction should not be considered optional,” says Meyer. “We have an unwavering obligation to society and future generations to do our part without compromise to achieve greater sustainability and environmental health.”

Massage therapy is a necessity we can’t afford to not add to a healthy lifestyle regime, not just a luxury for the rich and famous. It is a benefit to the mind, body and spirit of everyone. Because of the diversity of massage modalities, there exist many benefits from receiving one of its modalities. A few of the benefits include:

Releasing trigger points in fascia: Trigger points are the tight bands that develop in the connective tissue, or fascia, which surrounds the muscles, bones, organs, ligaments and other structures of the body. When healthy, the fascia is smooth and slippery, and

stretches. When unhealthy, it can get thicker, stickier, drier and tighter, and can cause pain. Deep tissue massage can break though the layers of connective tissue to break up those tight bands and make them more pliable.

Pain Management: Massage can help eliminate some of the pain with proper breathing techniques when we apply pressure. Inhale deeply and once pressure is applied to the area of pain, the slow release of breath from the mouth helps the body relax.

Stress Reduction: The body tends to relax when shaken gently and taken through a slow medication process.

Insomnia Relief: With the help for the senses of sounds, relaxing music, aromatherapy and total release of tension, the body eases the mind to have a better night’s sleep.

Lower blood glucose: Massage therapy can lower blood glucose levels significantly by relaxing the mind and easing the stress level.

Stan McDonald, owner of Stan’s Hands Massage and Wellness. Located at 2990 Richmond Ave., in Houston, has been a massage therapist since 2002 and offers a variety of styles of massage with a concierge mobile service as well. For more information, visit StansHandsMassage.com.

Delivering compassionate regenerative oral healthcare

Family Dentistry

Invisalign

Professional Whitening

Dental Emergencies

Checkup & Cleaning

Biocompatible Fillings

Comfort Dentistry

Airway Therapy

Biological Extractions

Mouth & Sports Guard

Meridian Energy

Invisalign

Veneers

Children’s Dentistry

Safe Mercury Removal

Ozone Therapy

Ceramic Implants

BiocompatibleTest

Biological Perio & Endo

Flouride Free

Adore Dentistry

Reversing Medical Disease Clinic

by Martin Miron

Mary A. Washington, M.D., has practiced nephrology for 25 years. As a kidney specialist, she saw many people that were in the end stages of kidney failure, and became increasingly frustrated that the best she could do was prescribe medication, send them to dialysis and put them on a transplant list.

Knowing that the number one cause of kidney failure is diabetes, and the number one cause of diabetes is obesity caused by poor diet and lack of exercise, Washington began focusing on prevention. “I felt I was only licensed to push pills!” she says. Through her work and travels, Washington became sensitive to the prevalence of diabetes and high blood pressure in the African-American/Latin American communities – thus her alter-ego, “RapperMD” was born and 2016, she founded Reversing Medical Disease Clinic, where she customizes diets and exercise plans and passionately educates her clients, motivating them to take back control of their health.

In addition to her in-person practice, Washington provides educational video packages for those that are unable to come in to the office in order to get started on the road to reversing their serious medical diseases and thus improving and prolonging their lives.

This June, Men’s Health Month, she has put together a fourpart video package, Tuff Words for You Men. Today, more men die from heart disease and die at a younger age than women. The video addresses what happens if men do not get their prostate checked and how starting dialysis puts men in a risk category of dying from a heart attack and/or stroke. What is even more exciting is that there is hope.

Part four address healthy lifestyle changes that can be started today. A comprehensive Men’s Health Video outline PDF accompanies the series and viewers can find recipes at Tinyurl.com/TuffWords

Reversing Medical Disease Clinic is located at 2525 N. Loop West, Ste. 600, in Houston. For more information, call 832306-3941 or visit MaryWashingtonMD.com.

KUDOS

Barbara J. Ellis, owner of Urban Colonics, has added Derrick Conner and Johnathan Morgan to her staff. They both completed their training under Ellis through the HFE Massage School, in Houston. Conner chose to become a colonics therapist after he personally experienced the benefits of colon hydrotherapy for a digestive issue and decided to pursue the career after he learned of its benefits and how it can really help people. Ellis has been operating Urban Colonics for 44 years.

Location: 5042 Briscoe St., Houston. For appointments and more information, call 713-738-8199 or visit UrbanColonics. com.

Seated: Tre’ Hutt, Barbara J. Ellis Standing: Derrick Conner, Johnathan Morgan, and Eugenia Muhammad

WHAT EVERY MAN WANTS

SEXUAL VITALITY AT EVERY AGE

by Carrie Jackson

For men, sexual health is a key, but often overlooked, component of overall wellness. A man in optimal physical shape is able to fully enjoy and participate in sexual activity with an active libido and the ability to sustain an erection. Poor sexual health can lead to depression, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and other troublesome symptoms and conditions.

Fortunately, male sexual function is better understood medically than ever before, and it is more common for men to talk with their doctors and other professionals about topics that seemed taboo not that long ago. New technology is making it easier to diagnose and treat common problems, and it is widely understood that physical, neurological, hormonal, interpersonal and mental factors all play into sexual wellness. By taking a proactive and holistic approach to their overall wellness, men can enjoy a robust sex drive and performance long into their later years.

Maintaining Libido and Energy

Eric Plasker, a licensed chiropractor and author of The 100 Year Lifestyle, attests that sexual health does not have to decline with age, and men can proactively counter that myth with mindful lifestyle choices. “If you’re aging in a healthy manner, your libido does not have to decline. By taking part in activities you find fulfilling and nurturing your mind, body and spirit, your sexual energy can stay naturally high,” Plasker explains.

He recommends that people take an energy inventory to assess which activities and lifestyle choices are serving them. “Make a list of all the things you do that help you gain energy and those that drain your energy. This includes the food you eat, hobbies, habits, even people you spend time with. Then see how you can turn the drainers into gainers. For example, if driving in traffic makes you angry, put on relaxing music and do deep breathing exercises to shift yourself

into a more positive state. These shifts will make you more energetic, stronger, more passionate and present with your partners, and you’ll have more energy to be sexual and loving,” he says.

Sexual health depends on a healthy nervous system, and maintaining a balanced flow of hormones and neurotransmitters is essential for proper neurological function. According to Plasker, disease, inactivity and inflammation—especially in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints—can cause a communication breakdown.

“Blockages in the nervous system flow can cause disruption to the sexual organs and lead to a compromised libido,” he explains. “Chiropractic adjustments, combined with regular exercise, will help raise cortisol, reduce stress and open up these pathways in the body. I recommend that patients find an activity they enjoy, such as swimming or tennis, so it becomes an enjoyable part of their routine,” Plasker says.

Optimizing Hormones

According to Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist in Sarasota, Florida, strong sexual health and desire is a window to overall health. He helps patients reach their sexual potential with a combination of science-based medicine and holistic practices. “The body is one connected system, and great sexual function is an indication that your body is optimized,” he advises.

While testosterone is widely known to affect sex drive, Gapin looks at the interplay of a variety of other hormones, too. Hormone optimization, testosterone therapy and peptide therapy, which utilizes the body’s own amino acids to increase hormone levels, are non-invasive outpatient tools that men can use to analyze and optimize their sex drive.

“The body produces over 50 hormones, which all contribute to regulating biological processes,” he explains. “Low testosterone can lead to weight gain, anxiety, erectile dysfunction and other serious health issues, including diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Men want to optimize their thyroid and DHT [dihydrotestosterone] levels, both of which can lower the sex drive when compromised. Vitamin D helps regulate the gut, which controls the health of the entire body. Neurotransmitters, which help release feel-good endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine, are made in the gut and can affect depression, anxiety and other issues that lower libido.”

Gapin stresses that it is more important to think about “optimal” levels of hormones instead of “normal” ranges and encourages patients to move beyond the basic blood tests to assess their health. “Besides sex drive, testosterone also affects cardiovascular health, muscle and bone strength, fat mass, cognitive health and even longevity, so it’s important to be aware of your own levels,” he says. “Every man is different, and the range in which you feel and perform your best is what’s right for you. With medical advice constantly changing, it can be a challenge to keep track of all the recommended tests. DNA testing, epigenetic age assessments, advanced lipid panels, inflammation markers and thyroid testing can all give insight to how the body is functioning as a whole.”

Treating Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. It is, in fact, the most common cancer among American men. Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men that are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40.

Gapin asserts that preventative and proactive lifestyle choices can drastically reduce the risk. “New, non-invasive MRI treatments are making it easier to detect and diagnose cancer earlier by highlighting suspicious areas in the prostate and targeting them for biopsy,” he explains, adding that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a number of treatment options.

“Traditionally, patients would have the prostate removed and undergo radiation. However, these procedures come with a list of disturbing side effects. A newer, FDA-approved treatment called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive procedure that eradicates prostate cancer,” Gapin notes. “HIFU is an outpatient procedure with excellent oncologic outcomes, minimal side effects and quick recovery times.”

Incorporating Lifestyle Solutions

As an osteopathic doctor and integrative medicine practitioner at the Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tarin Forbes looks at the root causes of disease and dysfunction. She, too, considers sexual health an integral component of overall wellness and gives patients the tools to achieve their desired sexual potential. “While every person is different, optimal sexual health usually means that men wake up with a morning erection, desire intercourse on a daily basis and can reach an erection without stimulation or genital contact,” she remarks. Making mindful choices that prioritize nutrition will naturally improve sexual health. “Nourish yourself with a whole food, plant-based diet rich in nutrients, including nitrate-rich foods and foods rich in vitamin C and folate, which boost nitric oxide, the main compound that increases blood flow,” Forbes says. “Beans, citrus fruits, beets, celery, cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens boost nitric oxide or its bioavailability to improve

blood flow. While getting nutrition from food is ideal, supplements such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and boron can help regulate sex hormones. Avoid certain medications, including over-the-counter medicine such as NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] like Advil, acid blockers and even mouthwash, which blocks nitric oxide.”

Forbes also recommends engaging in high-intensity exercises and weight resistance that help increase testosterone and blood flow to the penis. Reducing environmental toxins is another important step, she notes, as plastics, pesticides and other chemicals can rob men of their testosterone, which not only affects blood flow but also libido.

Forbes cautions that while erectile dysfunction drugs work in the short-term, they can produce unwanted consequences. “Viagra does work to help men achieve an erection by stimulating blood flow to the penis. However, it can cause troublesome side effects including headaches, vision problems and nasal congestion. Non-pharmaceutical alternatives can provide good results without undesirable repercussions. Low-intensity shock wave therapy, a non-invasive outpatient procedure, uses targeted sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis and can be done once or in a series of treatments. Platelet-rich plasma injections use the patient’s own plasma to stimulate new tissue growth in the penis, which can lead to larger and more frequent erections,” she explains.

Forbes says that by having an open dialogue with their medical professionals and exploring holistic treatments, men at any age can feel sexier and more energetic than ever. “Talk about your concerns with your doctor, who may offer referrals to other specialists until the issue is solved. A physical therapist can teach men to strengthen their pelvic floor with Kegels and other exercises. Sexual therapists help men work through mental and psychological issues, which can be as debilitating as physical ones. A psychologist can offer tools for managing depression and anxiety, both of which can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including low libido and performance anxiety,” she says, noting that if a man does not feel comfortable talking with their doctor, it may be time to find a new one.

Many factors contribute to sexual health, and every man’s needs and desires are different. By addressing physical, hormonal, neurological and mental wellness with a combination of conventional and holistic treatments, men can experience sexual performance and enjoyment at any age. “There’s more awareness than ever before about sexual health, and men don’t have to compromise this integral part of their overall wellness,” says Forbes.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie JacksonWrites.com.

Not feeling like yourself anymore?

Gaining weight, no matter what you do? Tired, have brain fog, moody or “hormonal?”

Dr. Lorraine Maita, the Hormone Harmonizer and Detoxifier, can help you have boundless energy, stable moods, a lean body, sharp, clear mind and balance your hormones so you can feel like yourself again and even better.

If you need support in getting your life back, apply for a free clarity call to see if we are the right fit at https://you.feelgoodagaincourses.com/ foundations-program.

The Feel Good Again Institute (formerly HowToLiveYounger.com)

“I want YOU to Feel Good Again”

Dr. Anne Chee

Converting Food to Energy

LEARNING HOW METABOLISM WORKS

by Linda Sechrist

Metabolism is the process by which the foods and drinks we consume are converted into energy. We may not notice the cellular mechanisms that transform fat and glucose into the oomph in our step, but when they start to wane, we definitely know something is wrong. We may feel lethargic and weak, our brains may get foggy or we may start putting on weight around the belly, with blood pressure, blood glucose and triglyceride levels on the rise. In most cases, modifying our diet is the most powerful way to regain vitality and get those biomarkers back on track.

“Metabolic imbalance occurs when the body stores fat but can’t access it or burn it as efficiently,” says Alan Christianson, a naturopathic physician and author of The Metabolism Reset Diet: Repair Your Liver, Stop Storing Fat and Lose Weight Naturally. “In one year, our bodies manage about 1 million calories in and out. We never get exactly what we need on any day, so we must be able to store and release energy in a healthy fashion. However, people get better at storing and poorer at releasing. This is a big part of gradual weight gain and accompanying fatigue.”

Christianson describes good metabolic health as having steady energy levels and maintaining a good body weight. “When there’s too little energy available and the body can’t make energy that well, I see symptoms of metabolic imbalance as mental fatigue and poor memory, less muscular endurance, less recovery from exercise, weight gain and resistance to weight loss,” he explains. “If not addressed, metabolic imbalance can develop into obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, insulin resistance, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

According to Christianson, certain lifestyle choices can throw our metabolism out of balance, including the overconsumption of carbohydrates, processed foods and caffeine; frequent snacking and late-night meals; and poor sleep routines. Too much stress creates a hormonal cascade that promotes storing fat instead of using it.

James Forleo, a doctor of chiropractic and author of Health Is Simple, Disease Is Complicated, recommends the elimination of certain foods that wreak havoc on our metabolism: “The inflammatory agents in much of the food consumed in the Standard American Diet—high-glycemic refined carbohydrates, high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats—are the biggest offenders of metabolic health.”

VEGAN ALTERNATIVES

1. Simply omit meat from the recipe.

2. Subsitute a commercial vegan chicken such as Gardin Untimate Plant-Based Chick’n.

3 Make your own vegan chicken. lovingitvegan.com/vegan-chicken

Correcting Liver Function

“The key mechanism to correct and maintain metabolic health is helping the liver to function well. Once corrected, it is not difficult to maintain metabolic health if people eat reasonably healthy,” Christianson advises. “The liver is the main site for storing the body’s fuel. It does this in the forms of glycogen and triglycerides. When things go wrong, there’s too much of one relative to the other. We need some glycogen, which comes from carbohydrates, to burn triglycerides— kind of like how you need kindling to burn a log. The problem is triglyceride buildup in the liver.”

Fixing the liver is the central focus of Christianson’s 28-day metabolism reset. “To correct a fatty liver, you need adequate protein and adequate nutrients, but a low enough amount of total carbohydrates and healthy fats,” he says. “You also need adequate levels of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that we get from the food we eat. My metabolism reset guides you in eating less refined and processed foods, and more real, nutritious food; pairing carbohydrates with protein; exercising; managing stress levels; and avoiding sugar.”

Personalized Diet Plan and Nutritional Coaching

Metabolic Balance, a German-based company with certified nutrition coaches around the globe, helps people optimize their health with personalized diet plans and follow-up coaching sessions. “The

NEM LUI HUE (LEMONGRASS SKEWERS WITH PORK OR CHICKEN)

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

1 lb ground pork or chicken

1 Tbsp finely minced garlic

1 Tbsp finely minced shallot

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

12-15 stalks of lemongrass

Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients, except the lemongrass stalks, in a bowl and mix with hands or a fork. Cover and place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight), allowing the flavors to develop.

Peel the outer layer of the lemongrass stalks. Rinse in water and dry. Take one handful of the ground mixture and wrap it around the end of a lemongrass stalk, gently pressing and molding the meat around the stalk. Repeat with the remaining meat and place on a baking sheet. Grill skewers over coals or on a gas grill for about 6 to 10 minutes until cooked through. Make sure to rub the grill with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil to ensure the skewers don’t stick to the grate.

CHICKEN CURRY

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1 cup vegetables (mushrooms, leeks, onion or cauliflower), chopped

1 chicken breast, diced

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp mild or medium curry powder

1 tsp garam masala

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp ground ginger

1 garlic clove

Vegetable stock

If using cauliflower, parboil the florets and keep the water they were boiled in. Heat the spices in a dry pan until fragrant. Add garlic and vegetables and coat with spices. Add some oil and pour in some vegetable stock (or the cauliflower water) to deglaze the pan. Cook covered for a few minutes until spices and liquid are well combined and the vegetables are coated evenly. Add the diced chicken. Simmer until the chicken is cooked, stirring regularly. Add more vegetable stock or water for a thinner sauce. Serve with some toasted rye bread to soak up the juices.

Recipes and photos courtesy of Metabolic Balance

COMING IN THE JULY ISSUE Regenerative Organic Farming

program was created by Dr. Wolf Funfack, a specialist in internal and nutritional medicine, whose research revealed that every human body can produce all the hormones and enzymes it needs for healthy metabolism. We need to give it the necessary nutrients with the right food, which is precisely what Metabolic Balance does,” says Sylvia Egel, CEO and director of coaching and education.

“Based on an individual’s personal medical history and blood levels, we determine what substances the body lacks to produce all the enzymes and hormones necessary for their bodily functions,” she explains. “The personal roadmap recommends the right combination of foods to keep the various bodily functions in balance. The foods aren’t

based on their caloric content, but rather on their essential components such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements, and the relationship between carbohydrates, fats and proteins.”

According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, participation in the Metabolic Balance program led to long-term health improvements due to a high degree of adherence by the participants. According to the researchers, “The emphasis of any dietary program should be set on both the aspect of nutrition as well as the aspect of motivation.”

ARUGULA SALAD WITH MANGO DRESSING

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1½ cup arugula

¼ cup olives, pitted

1 Tbsp chopped shallots

1 mango

Balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Peel the mango, remove the flesh from the core and cut into small cubes. Purée the olives with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Purée some of the mango cubes with the dressing and set aside the remainder. Add the shallots to the dressing. Wash, clean and dry the arugula. Mix in the dressing and sprinkle the remaining mango cubes on top. Pair this salad with any protein, such as a fish filet.

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for 20 years.

Keeping Eyes Sharp

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO VISION HEALTH

by Carrie Jackson

As the windows to the world, our eyes are sensory organs that work overtime. They allow us to take in light, see what is before us and send information for the brain to process. While regular eye exams are important, preventative and proactive maintenance is key to achieving healthy vision.

Dr. Marc Grossman co-founded NaturalEyeCare.com to educate professionals and the public about complementary eye care, which can supplement traditional methods. As both a licensed optometrist and acupuncturist, he believes that the health of the eye depends on the well-being of a person’s entire body. “I treat the person behind the eye, not just the condition. When a patient comes in with glaucoma or a cataract, I look at their history and lifestyle choices to see what could be contributing to it,” he says.

Proper nutrition is crucial for proper eye function. Grossman recommends what he calls a “vision diet” based on the Mediterranean diet, which cuts down on sugar and prioritizes organic, low-alkaline foods, leafy greens and fresh juices. “Carotenoids,

found in red or yellow fruits and vegetables, are vital antioxidants for eye health. They include lutein, the yellow pigment in the macula that protects against certain eye diseases, and zeaxanthin, which helps avoid macular degeneration. These nutrients also absorb harmful blue light and are anti-inflammatory. The presence of free radicals and lack of antioxidants in the eyes is directly related to the incidence of many types of eye disease, including macular degeneration. Consuming antioxidants from food is ideal and can be enhanced with supplements such as CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and curcumin,” Grossman explains.

“Regular aerobic activity combined with meditation or another mindfulness practice is ideal to maintain and even improve vision,” he says. “Thirty minutes of brisk walking or another activity you enjoy four days a week can reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other common eye conditions. Qigong, mindful breathing and yoga help the whole body reset and are low-impact ways to improve circulation.”

Proactively retraining the brain can substantially reduce vision dysfunction. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a pioneer in neuro-optometry, helps adults and children unlock their highest potential by remediating visual developmental delays that impact reading and learning, honing visual skills to elevate sports performance and reorganizing the “visual brain” after head injuries.

“We need to look at eyesight and vision as separate entities. While eyesight is the ability to simply see things like letters on a chart, vision is how your brain derives meaning from the world around us and directs the appropriate action,” explains the Maryland-based optometrist.

Through individualized vision therapy, Appelbaum’s patients learn how to train their eyes, brain and body to work together more efficiently. “Most functional vision problems are actually brain problems, and vision therapy teaches you how to use your eyes to retrain your brain. Through a series of exercises, we enhance skills like focus, depth perception, 3D awareness, eye movement control and visualization,” he explains. The first step is a thorough evaluation, and then, if indicated, personalized treatment is prescribed with doctor-supervised sessions in the office that are reinforced with exercises at home.

Appelbaum also helps professional and amateur athletes more accurately connect to their sport through vision. “From an early age we’re told to ‘keep your eye on the ball,’ but not taught how to do that,” Appelbaum asserts. “Sports vision therapy trains athletes to optimize critical components in their visual processing and reaction. We work with baseball and basketball players, gymnasts, skiers, even fencers who learn to coordinate and visualize the optimal movement in relation to their environment, equipment and teammates. With repeated exercises and self-correction, athletes learn to enhance visual reaction time, depth perception, visuospatial knowledge and hand-eye coordination.”

Monitoring screen time is vital to resting overworked eyes. “As a direct result of excessive screen time, we’re seeing a dramatic increase of nearsightedness in young children, as well as headaches, fatigue, eyestrain and motion sensitivity,” Appelbaum says. “I encourage patients to follow the 20/20/20 rule and take a minimum of a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away. This allows both the brain and eyes to disengage from the near visual stress and relax. In general, looking at larger screens that are further away will also lessen the strain.”

Taking a holistic approach to overall health and wellness will not only preserve but can also enhance our ability to see. “People should discuss visual issues and symptoms with their doctor and seek out functional vision testing, as vision could be the limiting factor in a number of conditions,” Appelbaum advises. “With mindful visual training and healthy lifestyle choices, we can maximize our vision and our life’s potential.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie JacksonWrites.com.

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Conscious Fatherhood

BUILDING A BETTER FAMILY

by Julie Peterson

Some dads believe they need to work long hours so that they can purchase better things and go on fancier vacations, but research shows that, outside of escaping poverty, money doesn’t buy happiness. Even for children, it’s not about stuff or destinations; it’s about time spent together. Fortunately, there are men teaching men to embrace the fatherhood role and take action in ways that matter most.

“All men desire to be loved, valued, needed and respected, and to know they are leaving a mark on this world. Many men look for this fulfillment in career and hobbies, but this can be found by embracing their role as fathers,” says Ned Schaut, the Hawaii-based author of The Adventure of Fatherhood. He notes that the way fathers choose to live and perform their parental roles can affect a family for generations.

Learning what fatherhood entails isn’t easy for men that grew up without involved dads, which may leave them doubting that they have what it takes to lead their families. “There are endless resources to help us in our businesses or careers, but our society doesn’t get behind the message that strong families matter, that present, engaged fathers matter,” says Chris Smith, founder of Campfire Effect, a coaching business for entrepreneurs in Arizona. “In business, we apply principles around values, culture, leadership and growth, and then we go home and don’t apply these same principles.”

Define Values

The lack of fatherhood guidance led Smith to develop Family Brand, an eightweek program designed to strengthen familial bonds and create an intentional family culture. Part of the process involves parents and their kids understanding who they are and defining their values. The family joins together to come up with a series of statements to hang on the wall as a reminder of their identity and purpose.

Smith Family Brand Statements

n We believe you can be who you want to be.

n Smiths can talk about anything without judgment.

n Smiths are kindhearted.

n Smiths are creators.

n Smiths do hard things.

n Smiths are healthy and active.

n Smiths love and support one another.

Schaut offers a similar lesson plan called Family Core Values, which prompts families to decide where and how to spend

their time and money, and to identify what they do and do not want. “It helps us make decisions or have conversations about who we are and how we want to treat others,” he says.

A mission statement hangs on the wall at the home of Ben Greenfield, the Washington-based author of Boundless Parenting: Tools, Tactics and Habits of Great Parents. “It’s a collection of the family values, what the family stands for and holds dear, and what the parents want to pass on to their children,” he explains.

These kinds of value statements help promote positive energy in the home. “If the language spoken at home is limiting and negative, those words become energy that create more of that. We need to use language that is about confidence, kindheartedness and teamwork,” says Smith.

Balance Priorities

According to Schaut, “There will not be an equal balance of time in all categories of life.” Fathers need to understand what matters most to them and then dedicate their time, money and energy in alignment with those priorities.

For Smith, his family comes first, and he makes sure that his business revolves around the home. “We always prioritize family, even if that comes at the price of career,” he says.

Greenfield stacks his priorities in this order: faith first, followed by his relationship with his spouse, family, health and business. His time is meticulously scheduled so that he can dedicate quality time to all of his priorities. He regularly

involves his kids in his spiritual practice and exercise routines to set an example and instill positive habits.

Time dedicated to each child is a priority in strong families. Each of Greenfield’s kids has monthly one-on-one dates with Mom and with Dad, two-on-one quality time every Sunday and daily check-ins every morning and during family dinners. “We’ve noticed that our kids will open up and talk to us during a one-on-one,” Smith asserts.

Discipline With Love

Smith suggests reimagining the way dads approach discipline. “If you tell your kid, ‘What you did was bad,’ it’s hard for them to hear what you say next, because you are attacking them. If we talk about working or not working, you can say, ‘That really doesn’t work and here’s why.’ Kids are then more open to hearing and learning,” he explains.

Discipline needs to be thoughtfully appropriate for each child and each situation. “You have to know and be in tune with your kid,” says Schaut. “When you discipline them, it must come from love and you responding as a dad to the situation, not reacting.”

But talking will never overcome modeling. “What they see you doing is more important than the advice you give them,” says Greenfield. “At the end of the day, kids just want to be seen and loved and heard.”

Julie Peterson writes on health, wellness and environmental topics. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

calendar of events JUNE 2023

Send your event information to mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com

THURSDAY JUNE 1st

Phoenix School of Massage Enrollment

Opens Learn holistic health and massage from the premier school in Houston. Program begins Monday, July 10. Both Day and Evening classes available 4 days a week. Two days are online webinar and two days on campus practice. Nationally accredited and listed in all 50 states and regionally acredited byt TDLR, MS0008. Call us at 713-974-5976 or visit themassageschool. com

SATURDAY JUNE 3rd

Mindful Meditation 9 am. Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation, theory and practice. We are resuming in-person events in the clinic. For those of you who prefer joining us online, you have that option also. 4500 Bissonnet Suite 355 Bellaire 77401. To join the Online Guided Meditation, please, Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/3925400245

TUESDAY JUNE 6th

Teaching Tuesdays at Dawn Mountain. 7-8:30 pm. Series of teachings involving mindfulness, buddhist practices and traditions, inclusive of all levels and open to everyone. Teachings are held the first and third Tuesdays of every month. Dr.Mark Yurewicz: Acceptance in psychotherapy and daily life. Online only.https://www.dawnmountain.org/ teaching-tuesdays-2/

SATURDAY JUNE 10th

Holistic Movement – The Power of Play

Hosted by Lance Westendarp. 2:00-4:00 pm

In this fun series, you’ll explore the concept of holistic movement and play from multiple angles: philosophical, energetic, and practical. You’ll work with balance and coordination; spinal mobilization and organic movement practices, including individual work and interactive games design to apply what you learn. You can attend the entire series or individual sessions. unionstudio.yoga

THURSDAY JUNE 15th

Blanket Bingo 6:00 pm. Join us for an exciting new season of Blanket Bingo, benefiting Market Square Park and Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs or snag one of the tables at the park for a night of fun, music and great prizes! Packets will go on sale at 6 PM and Bingo will begin at 7 PM.Market Square Park 301 Milam Street. marketsquarepark.com

SATURDAY JUNE 17th

Holistic Movement – The Power of Play

Hosted by Lance Westendarp. 2:00-4:00 pm

In this fun series, you’ll explore the concept of holistic movement and play from multiple angles: philosophical, energetic, and practical. You’ll work with balance and coordination; spinal mobilization and organic movement practices, including individual work and interactive games design to apply what you learn. You can attend the entire series or individual sessions. unionstudio.yoga

TUESDAY JUNE 20th

Teaching Tuesdays at Dawn Mountain 7-8:30 pm. Series of teachings involving mindfulness, buddhist practices and traditions, inclusive of all levels and open to everyone. Teachings are held the first and third Tuesdays of every month. Dr. Dent Gitchell: Acceptance emotionally and spiritually. Online only.https://www.dawnmountain.org/ teaching-tuesdays-2/

WEDNESDAY JUNE 21ST

Celebrate the Summer Solstice 6:30-7:30 pm. The Crystal Bowl Gallery will celebrate the summer solstice with a sound healing ceremony at Memorial Park Eastern Glades, featuring Gena Davis and CJ Rubenak, with Houston area sound healing practitioners as special guests.The sound waves create a sensation of being “bathed” in sound, promoting relaxation, a meditative state and an overall feeling of well-being 6502 Memorial Drive, Houston. 281-309-2705. crystalbowlgallery.com

Sound, Alchemy and Your Divine Blueprint. 7-8 pm. We invite you to this beautiful group – facilitated by Joshua Inacio and supported by Ascended Master Saint Germain – in which aspects of your Divine DNA will be activated “that you may be gracefully steered on your soul’s path”. We will begin with a sound clearing with the gong and didgeridoo, to remove the static and blockages from your energy field. Come join us and ignite your inner flame! $25. Unity Pyramid 2929 Unity Drive, Houston, 77057 tinyurl.com/UnityBlueprint

SATURDAY JUNE 24th

Holistic Movement – The Power of Play

Hosted by Lance Westendarp. 2:00-4:00 pm In this fun series, you’ll explore the concept of holistic movement and play from multiple angles: philosophical, energetic, and practical. You’ll work with balance and coordination; spinal mobilization and organic

movement practices, including individual work and interactive games design to apply what you learn. You can attend the entire series or individual sessions. unionstudio.yoga

PLAN AHEAD

WEDNESDAY JULY 5th

Teaching Tuesdays at Dawn Mountain. 7-8:30 pm. Series of teachings involving mindfulness, buddhist practices and traditions, inclusive of all levels and open to everyone. Teachings are held the first and third Tuesdays of every month. Lama Rigzin and Lama Namgyal : Discovering your own experience: Discernment as method. Online only. dawnmountain.org/teaching-tuesdays-2/

SATURDAY JULY 15th & 22nd

Bridging Neurobiological and Buddhist Views on Craving, Addiction, and Recovery. 9 am - 12 noon. Please join Dr. Deana Bodnar - a Ph.D. in Neurobiology, practicing Buddhist, and steadfast recovery advocate for this two-part virtual seminar where we will explore craving, addition, and recovery by putting contemporary neuroscientific understandings in conversation with Buddhist beliefs and practices. Offered online only. tinyurl.com/BuddhistViews

THREE TUESDAYS JULY 18th, AUGUST

1st, AUGUST 15th

TEACHING TUESDAY NEW SERIES: FRESH EYES ON GREEN TARA

July 18, August 1, & August 15 7:00-8:30 pm central time Online Only. Come begin or refresh your connection to Green Tara. Tender as spring, swift as the wind, she is your healing friend. tinyurl.com/FreshEyesNatural

SATURDAY AUGUST 20th

Welcome To Dawn Mountain Event. 12:30 central time. Come learn about our Dzogchen lineage and meet our Lamas/ Founders. Learn what we have to offer and meet some of our sangha. Please join us for a complimentary one-hour event via Zoom (or YouTube), or in person at 4916 Main St #100, Houston 77002. tinyurl.com/WelcomeDawnMt

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4th

Annual 2023 Tapestry Gala 6:30 pm. Interfaith Ministries will celebrate dialog, collaboration and service at it’s annual Tapestry Gala at Hilton Americas. Interfaith Ministries

President and CEO Martin B. Cominsky and Board Chairman Randall Evans invite guests and supporters to an inspiring eventing celebrating the work of Interfaith Ministries. imgh.org

monday

Free Outdoor Zumba 6:30 pm. Join the party and sweat with Tiny Fitness to rhythms from around the world! This hour-long Zumba fitness class will have you grooving, shaking, and toning to salsa, hip hop, samba, and bhangra beats - and so many more. Open to all fitness levels and recommended for ages 16+ Levy Park, 3801 Eastside, Houston 77098. tinyfitnesshouston.com

IGNITE! Sessions. 10am-5pm. Find your purpose with igniter/artist/intuitive guide Sarah Gish in 30- or 60-minute sessions ($50 or $100). You’ll leave with a personal mantra that reinforces what the heart-centered connection uncovered. Call for appointment: 713.993.0550. Body Mind & Soul. 7951 Katy Freeway.

tuesday

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am In person and online. A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. South Community Center (The Woodlands) 2235 Lake Robbins Dr, Spring, TX 77380 houston-meditation.org

Gentle Yoga Flow and Sound Medition

6:30-7:30 pm. Strengthen your body, relax your mind, find your center with this dynamic yoga flow sequence with Farinda Meduid and Saumil Manek. FREE Discovery Green 1500 McKenney St. 77010 discoverygreen. com

Qi Gong: 7pm-8pm. Learn to heal yourself using Qi Gong with Master Wong with over 40 years of experience. Qi Gong can calm & reduce stress. Bellaire Yoga Tai Chi 2537 S Gessner Rd #131, Houston77063. Fee $25. bellaireyogataichi.com

wednesday

Blissful Quests® with Doyle Ward-The Pocast. 1:00pm.Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Maybe the real question to explore is not IF you are intuitive, but HOW you are intuitive. Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive medium, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Call in during the show at: 1-760-456-7277, access on-demand episodes or listen live! blissfulquests.com/podcast

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am In person and online. A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. Katy Library 5414 Franz Rd, Katy, TX 77493 houston-meditation.org

Yang Tai Chi: 12 Noon–1 pm. Join Master Wong in this simplified Tai Chi class appropriate for beginners with emphasis on foundation. Good for maintaining health and increasing flexibility. Bellaire Yoga Tai Chi 2537 S Gessner Rd #131, Houston 77063. Fee $25. Website: bellaireyogataichi.com

HIIT Class with FitMix 6:30-7:30 pm A fun and challenging body weight interval training class to burn tons of calories while gaining strength, endurance and empowerment. FREE Discovery Green 1500 McKenney St. 77010 discoverygreen.com

Wednesday Night Satsang. 7-8 pm. At Unity, everyone is recognized as a true spiritual being, awakening to the truth that sets them free. Unity Pyramid 2929 Unity Dr. Houston 77057. https://unityhouston.org/

thursday

Qi Gong: 6pm-7pm. Learn to heal yourself using Qi Gong with Master Wong with over 40 years of experience. Qi Gong can calm & reduce stress. Bellaire Yoga Tai Chi 2537 S Gessner Rd #131, Houston 77063. Fee $25. bellaireyogataichi.com

Chen Tai Chi: 7:10pm-8:10pm. All styles of Tai Chi comes from Chen Tai Chi. This is an authentic class taught in the lineage of Chen Zhao Kui that focuses on self defense and healing. Master Wong has been training in Tai Chi for over 40 years. Bellaire Yoga Tai Chi 2537 S Gessner Rd #131,Fee $25. bellaireyogataichi.com

saturday

Reiki Circle 11:00 am. Reiki Holy Fire Experience healing circle, held on 2nd Saturday of every month. A chosen issue for healing will be the focus of each circle. Everyone is welcome.Location: 9039 Katy Freeway, building 500, suite 504, Houston, TX 77024. Fee: Love offering. Contact: April 713-922-3474. Website: dharmareikiacupuncture.com

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center 4510 C Hwy 6 N, houston-meditation.org

sunday

Free Outdoor Zumba 9am. Join the party and sweat with Tiny Fitness to rhythms from around the world! This hour-long Zumba fitness class will have you grooving, shaking, and toning to salsa, hip hop, samba, and bhangra beats - and so many more. Open to all fitness levels and recommended for ages 16+ Levy Park, 3801 Eastside. tinyfitnesshouston.com

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am Online. A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. houston-meditation.org

Free Weekly Meditation 11:00 am to 12:00 noon Central time, online via Zoom or Youtube, and in person at 4916 Main St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002. Led by senior members of the Dawn Mountain sangha (community), this meditation offers a chance to take a mindful pause from your busy life, enjoy serenity and fellowship, and learn a bit more about Buddhist practice at Dawn Mountain. Free, guided meditation suitable for everyone. Come as you are – dress comfortably and plan to remove your shoes. Free monthly “First Sunday” teachings on the first Sunday of each month at 10:30 am Central time, with the meditation following also being led by our lamas. https://www.dawnmountain.org/sunday-meditations/

healthy living guide

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY

ADORE DENTISTRY

DHARMA REIKI & ACUPUNCTURE

9039 Katy Freeway, Suite 504 Houston, Texas 77024 (713) 922-3474

www.dharmareikiacupuncture.com

We are a Traditional Chinese Medicine and Reiki clinic, offering alternative healing services since 2008.

• Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

• Reiki energy healing, individual sessions and classes

• Internal medicine, pain management

• Women’s health, pre-post natal, menopause

• Emotional, trauma healing

• Chakra clearing and balancing

• Stress, anxiety, mood disorders

• Hormone, energy, sleep imbalance

• Diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, gastrointestinal, and more…

FREE CONSULTATION

Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki Practitioner Training is offered monthly. Dates & details on website

Reiki Healing Circle on 2nd Saturday of every month. See Calendar of Events.

BATH PRODUCTS

CONNIE’S BATH SHACK

211 Midway St, Bldg E Spring, TX 77373 (281) 288-9595

conniesbathshack.com

A quaint shop in the heart of historic Old Town Spring Texas, offering unique handmade bath and body products and lots of rubber ducks. Small

Batch Handmade soaps by Connie. Wonderful lather and amazing Scents. Enjoy the aromatherapy of a bath in your shower with Shower Steamers. Put little bit of heaven for your bath with Fizzies. We also have bath salts, scrubs, shampoos, lotions, creams, shaving creams & soaps, and batch accessories of all kinds. Shop conveniently on-line or drop by our store.

540 W 19 Street Houston, TX 77008

832-930-7844

adore-dentistry.com

Re-designing dentistry in Houston Heights by creating a personalized, comfortable, and fun experience to deliver excellent patient satisfaction. From preventative dentistry to smile makeovers, our team of dental professionals have the skill-sets to provide remarkable quality and compassionate care to give you that smile you’ve always wanted. Services include cosmetic, preventative, restorative, and a full range of family dentistry services. Lead by Drs. Emilyann Pham and Ann Blair our team provides compassionate human-centered patient care. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment. Insurance accepted. See Ad on page 12.

MARILYN K. JONES, DDS

Houston Dental Health Center

800 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057

713-497-1355

houstonbiologicaldentist.com

Natural Dentistry supports the body and the mind by finding the cause of dental problems. The dental examination includes noticing systemic and habitual influences. If you have dental issues or currently have silver amalgam fillings, call me today to schedule an appointment.

See ad on page 24.

SMOKE ENVY/BETTER DAYS CBD

2524 Yale Street, #2, Houston, TX 77008

832-744-9944

18123 Egret Bay Blvd, Houston, TX, 77053 smokenvy.com/

CBD vape pens, gummies, tintures, flower,oils, apparel and accessories. We stock Better Days CBD products.

HYDROSHACK HYDROPONICS

1138 W 20th Street, Houston, TX 77008

Open 7 days a week

713-292-1921

Hydroshack.com

Hydroshack proudly carries some of the most beautiful high-CBD hemp flower and Delta 8 products in Houston! We also sell the highest quality 1.5 gram pre-rolls packed with actual bud and never trim. Our bud-tenders will be more than happy to let you experience true legal Hemp Flower from our open sample jars.While you are in check out our complete line of hydroponic growing products.

See Ad page 21.

COACHING

BLISSFUL QUESTS

Positive change starts now! 832-628-4113

blissfulquests.com

Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Tune in to his weekly PodCast, Wednesdays at 1 pm on inflowradio. com

COLONICS

JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE 1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336

joycelongwellness.com

Established 1989. Call to schedule any of the following services: massage therapies, lymphatic drainage massage and facials, reflexology, infra-red sauna, ion cleanse foot or hand baths, Chinese cupping or colon hydrotherapy (prescriptions only- yours or ours). By appointment only. Be well-Stay well. CALL TODAY!

URBAN COLONICS

Barbara Ellis, Retired RN

5042 Briscoe St. Houston, TX.77033

713-738-8199

urbancolonics.com

Serving Houston and the surrounding area since 1979. We continue to irrigate with State Of The Art Equipment (closed colonic systems cleared by the FDA). We utilize totally disposable colonic set-ups and sterile water. A prescription is required for this procedure. Our Medical Director at a different location will make an assessment and write a prescription for OUR clients only. Visit our website to learn more details. Please call us to schedule an appointment.

See ad page 8.

CONCIERGE MEDICINE

ChiC WELLNESS

Holistic Health at Your Fingertips

Dr. Antonika Chanel LA.c DACM chicwellness.org

Concierge Intergrative medicine is a type of integrative medicine that focuses on providing individualized care to patients. One of the aspects we emphasize is nutritional therapy and food therapy to restore balance in the body and reverse wellness concerns. ChiC Wellness offers a variety of nutritional supplements, meal plans, and cooking classes that are designed to help people improve their health and wellbeing. We focus on providing individualized care to our patients. Visit our website today to book and appointment.

ENERGETIC HEALING

SOUFIANE SATTVA

7951 Katy Freeway Suite N, Houston, TX 77024 713-993-0550

tinyurl.com/SOUFIANESATTVA

Soufiane Sattva is a Certified Crystal Healer, Second Degree Reiki practitioner and Sound Therapist who shares his gift through energetic channels. Soufiane is known for using a unique combination of crystal body layouts, Reiki and sound therapy, to balance and align non-physical energy vortices along the spinal column known as Chakras.Soufiane offices at Body, Mind & Soul. Vist the website for more information or to book a session. See ad on page 8.

ESSENTIAL OILS

OILS.EARTH

Heart-Centered Wellness for every stage of your life. Houston, Texas oils.earth

We focus on keeping nature’s wisdom and power at the heart of all our products.

We strongly believe in the wisdom of plants and their ability to support us in harmonizing our state. All our creations are inspired by nature using therapeutic certified essential oils, and infused and empowered by gemstones. We want to bring forth solutions that are 100% natural, simple, and efficient. Solutions that align with our nature and thus create coherace in every stage of our life. Handcrafted in Houston, TX. Purchase online or scan the QR code for a map to the local stores where you can find our products. Use NATURAL10 for 10% off entire online order. Local pick up, custom blends, workshops and consultations available.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

ERIN THOLE, CNHP

ErinThole.com

Thole.erin@gmail.com

Get to the Root Cause of your Health Conditions. Erin has been working in the health and nutrition field for over 11 years specializing and working extensively with those suffering from: autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory disorders. She works with each client’s unique biochemistry to determine what dietary, supplementation and lifestyle changes will work best for them as an individual. There is NO one-size-fits-all program. All appointments are conducted via phone! This makes it very easy and convenient to receive care from any location. If you want to reach your true health potential, Email Erin today to schedule your FREE 45 minute initial phone consultation. Hours until 5 pm Fridays.

HOLISTIC INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

John D. Gonzalez DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, ANP-C 469-312-0355 info@holisticintegrativehealth.net www.holisticintegrativehealth.net

Our Telemedicine practice, based in Texas, focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of chronic illness. We offer a wide range of services and treatments, including HIV Prep prescription, Nutrition Counseling, Integrative Health Coach sessions, and treatment for conditions such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, obesity, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, brain health. Visit our website for more information or to schedule a consultation.

HYPNOSIS

CLAUDIA AUTRY, HYPNOTIST (by appointment only) 281-849-4610 ca@claudiaautry.com claudiaautry.com

Want to stop smoking or lose weight? Looking for ways to relax, find balance and increase the joy in your life? Hypnosis can help you. Call SOON to book your appointment. Let’s work together to create the life you want!

HEALTHY CHANGES HYPNOSIS

Suzanne Sears, RN, ACCH 9219 Katy Freeway, Ste. 113 Houston, TX 77024 713-562-2864

HealthyChangesHypnosis.com

Our mission is to promote wellness for the wholefamily. We have programs and services for adults, teenagers and children. If you or your child need help coping with anxiety/fear/stress, changing habits, pain management,sleep problems or weight management and more, we can help. Call today to schedule a conultation.

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.

~David Brinkley

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

PHOENIX RISING INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

3100 Richmond Ave

Houston, TX 77098

713-806-9927

phoenixrisingacu.com

We offer comprehensive and customized therapeutic plans that address chronic illness & autoimmune disease for patients seeking support both in-person and virtually. Phoenix Rising Integrative Medicine takes an integrative approach to addressing chronic illness and autoimmune by combining ancient healing tools of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern functional medicine, including evidence-based lab testing, clinical nutrition, lifestyle modifications, herbal medicine and acupuncture protocols that are customized for each patient. We also work with patients suffering from environmental and food allergies, reproductive and fertility issues, breast implant illness, and emotional health issues. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment.

IV THERAPY

REVIVED IV DRIP SPA

3339 W Lamar St, Houston, TX 77019

855-483-7477

myrevived.com

Welcome to a relaxing way to optimal wellness: IV drip therapy in Houston as you’ve never experienced it before. Each IV formula is loaded with hand-selected ingredients provided by high-quality, accredited local American pharmacies. We provide two ways to bring your body back into wellness: at your home through our first-class concierge service, or while taking some time to rest and rejuvenate in our serene wellness lounge. As the premier IV drip spa in Houston, we take pride in being the top-rated experts in the Houston holistic health and wellness community. Revived provides cutting-edge remedies and innovative services catered towards an optimal you. We look forward to our journey together.

See ad page 4

KOMBUCHA

THE KOMBOCHA COMPANY

611 Jackson Street, Suite B Richmond, TX 77469 832-278-9322

Thekambuchacompany.com

Looking for a tasty and healthy beverage, kombucha is the perfect choice! This fermented tea drink is full of probiotics and vitamins that are great for your gut health. Take the short drive down to Richmond and pick up a few bottles or order a starter kit and brew it yourself, at home! Visit our website today. When you order your kit be sure to mention in the order notes that you saw us in Natural Awakenings.

KRATOM

AUSTIN ORGANIC VILLAGE

Online sales only. 833-AUSTIN-1 austinorganicvillage.online

Focused on helping others achieve greater balance in life, our high-quality kratom products combine the best in variety with affordability. Sourced directly from top-rated kratom vendors that share our vision of helping others, Austin Organic Village is proud to offer a diverse line of kratom products for sale online. We believe that nature holds the key to true wellness, and offer our high-quality kratom products in the hopes of improving the health of others, the natural way. We ship nationwide and check out our prices and our quality. Call or visit our website for more information or to place an order. See ad page 7.

KREAT DAY BOTANICALS

1973 W Gray, Suite 23 Houston, TX 77019 713-369-0946

KreatDay.com

A BBB Accredited Business

We provide the choicest healthy Botanicals garnered from some of the most exotic corners of the world. Only The BEST! We ensure quality by going to the source, checking our international vendors 1st hand, and using USDA Certified Organic vendors when applicable. We stand by our products and our services! If you are unsatisfied with your order we will return, exchange and or refund your money. We got you covered!

See ads on pages 2, 6, and 8.

LYMPHATIC THERAPY

JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street

Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336

joycelongwellness.com

Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs where it can and may cause blockages.

Lymphatic therapy can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. By appointment only. Be well – Stay well. CALL TODAY!

STAN’S HANDS MASSAGE & WELLNESS

2990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 440 Houston, TX 77098

832-526-6520 stanshandsmassage.com

Are you in pain? Well, you don’t have to live like this. We are here to heal your body and mind through massage and energetic practices.

We offer a wide variety of massage modalities designed to fit your needs. We offer both onsite chair and concierge table massage. Call today to book your appointment at 832-5266520. Our mission is to heal your mind and body. We accept both PSA and HSA cards for payment.

PHOENIX SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

6600 Harwin Drive Houston, TX 77036 713-974-0360 themassageschool.com

Learn massage and holistic health. Train for a career you will love. New Program: Online classes combined with on campus classes! Open your own practice. Find employment at Luxury Spas, Fitness Centers & Rehab Clinics. Finish in as little as 5 ½ months. Join one of the fastest growing Health Care Professions. Visit our website or call today for more information or to schedule a tour of our school. See ad page 24.

MEDICAL CLINIC

REVERSING MEDICAL DISEASE CLINIC

Dr. Mary A. Washington, FACP 2525 N. Loop West, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77008 832-306-3941 marywashingtonmd.com

Are you overweight or obese? Do you suffer from diabetes or have high blood pressure? Are you ready to take back control of your health? Dr. Mary A. Washington is Houston’s first plant-based kidney doctor and has over two decades of experience as a Nephrologist. Let her design a diet and exercise plan customized just for you. Dr. Washington doesn’t just tell you, but she shows you and motivates you to make the changes you need. Visit her website TODAY for more information about her programs and events or to schedule your first appointment.

See ad on page 13.

DAWN MOUNTAIN

CENTER FOR TIBETAN BUDDHISM

Online only at this time. 713-630-0354 dawnmountain.org

The mission of Dawn Mountain is to further the spiritual growth of our diverse community as a living bridge between traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings and curious people everywhere. Dawn Mountain offers a number of free online services including: Weekly Meditation from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon each Sunday, “First Sunday” teachings on the first Sunday of each month at 10:30 am, and monthly “Dharma Conversations” via Zoom on the first Sunday of each month at 12:00 noon. All sessions are archived on their YouTube channel. Please visit our website for more information and consider taking advantage of our many offerings.

METAPHYSICAL SHOPS

ODYSSEY EMPORIUM

123 Midway St, Bldg C Spring, Texas 77373 888-492-3584

odysseyemporium.com

We are a retail shop and also have an online store. We can also custom-make many of our product lines. Our products include a range of metaphysical items, clothing, books, stones, jewelry, candles, soaps, teas, incenses, herbs, blades, and accessories for spiritual work. We also have some unique renaissance festival and gothic clothing and accessories. Check out our gaming and sci-fi themed products as well. We offer daily in-house Tarot reading and conduct private Old Town Spring Ghost tours. Open 7 days a week.

Indigo Moons

1900 Blalock Rd Ste P Houston, TX 77080 281-974-1043

indigomoons.net

We serve our customers with knowledge, enthusiasm, generosity, and humor. Come visit us for a wide range of crystals and gems, fossils and specimens, silver and gemstone jewelry, sage and incense, home decor, new and used books, Tarot and oracle decks, and an ever-growing supply of handcrafted products by local artisans. Or stay informed with upcoming classes and events. Start your journey, learn something new, make new friends - it’s all possible here at Indigo Moons.

See ad on page 7.

NATUROPATH

HOUSTON HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC “Better Health Naturally”

Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991

HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Dr. Gracie Chukwu is a Doctor of Naturopathy and a Certified Nutrition Counselor. She has been assisting people for over five years with holistic medicine, diet, nutrition and supplement support to enhance her client’s health and overall well-being. If you are suffering and cannot find relief, give Dr. Gracie a call.

See ad on page 6.

PERSONAL FITNESS

ORGANIC HEALTH & BEAUTY PRODUCTS

ALL THINGS ORGANIC BOUTIQUE

By Gelcys Basulto

Helping people pursue a more mindful lifestyle.

1923 Ave G Rosenberg, TX 77471

allthingsorganicboutique.com

832-449-2600

Are your health and personal care products putting your health at risk?

Take the short trip to Downtown Rosenberg and visit A Journey To Wellness. All of our products are 100% Organic and made with natural ingredients. (You can also order online and we’ll ship our products to you.) We also offer Health and Wellness coaching. Book a free consultation and let’s get started embracing your new life in health today!

PAIN REMEDY

AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream

973-715-9097

tinyurl.com/AuntAlberta

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? Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $18 plus postage. Visit website for other options.

See ad on page 11.

TINY FITNESS

Tiny changes Big Results

832-730-3048

tinyfitnesshouston.com

Let’s make your life feel amazing! See results fast with personal training...join the Zumba Fitness party, FREE...put yourself to the test in HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), Kickboxing, or Beginner Bootcamp...or just let it all go in a Recovery Workshop...but whatever you do, start today for an even better tomorrow. Visit our website to sign up for a class or make an appointment for personal training.

THERMOGRAPHY

MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY CENTER

“Better Health Naturally”

Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991

HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Breast thermography has the ability to warn woman up to 10 years before any other procedure that a cancer may be forming; thus, allowing for prompt and timely treatment. Thermography uses no radiation and poses absolutely NO health risks to the patient.

If you are a woman, over 20 years old and have not had a breast thermograph, call Dr. Gracie TODAY.

See ad on page 7.

JUNE: MEN'S WELLNESS SERIES

Ben Greenfield

Key Habits to Create Tough Kids and a Lasting Legacy JOIN US LIVE ONLINE

Don't miss interviews and lifestyle tips for reducing stress.

VEGAN RESTAURANTS

THE TRAVELING CARROT with Raw Chef Renee’ 3427 N. Fry Road

Katy, TX 77449

281-433-5928

thetravelingcarrot.com

Houston’s one and only fully raw, fully vegan eatery. Order online for pickups or deliveries. Walkup orders accepted. Food Truck is open Thurs. – Sat. 11:30 am-4:00 pm. Call to confirm that we are open before driving over. Discover the flavors and the health benefits from eating raw vegan today! You will be glad you did.

TRENDY VEGAN

3821 Richmond Ave.

Houston, TX 77027 713-621-9488

trendyveganhouston.com

Trendy Vegan offers delicious dining and takeout to Houston, TX. Trendy Vegan is a cornerstone in the Houston community and has been recognized for its outstanding Vegetarian cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. Our Vegetarian restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.

See ad on page 7.

YOGA

UNION YOGA STUDIO

600 N Shepherd Dr., #449 Houston, TX 77007 800-215-3190

unionstudio.yoga

The studio is dedicated to self-study through movement, breath and meditation, and is committed to upholding the tenets of authenticity, sincerity, inclusion, and integrity without exception. We offer a variety of classes including Vinyasa, The Rest of Yoga (™), Yin, Hatha, and Myofascial Release. Classes are in-person, streaming and on-demand. Owner and lead instructor, Kim Taurins has been practicing yoga since 2001. She is a 500 hour E-RYT level with an emphasis in yoga therapeutics, Daoism, Reiki, and bodywork. Visit our website for more informationor to sign up.

Forbes, DO, ABFM, ABAARM, FAARFM, ABOIM