Natural Awakenings Magazine ~ East Bay, March 2017 by Celeste Souza

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

EAT FOR WELLNESS How to Move Past Food Sensitivities

Holistic

Eye Care Taking the Whole Body into Account

Dr. Joseph Mercola’s

Core Health Care Plan Healthy Fats Boost Brain Health and Metabolism

March 2017 | East Bay Area Edition | NAEastBay.com

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March 2017

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You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. ~ Unknown

contact us Publisher/Editor Celeste Souza National Editor S. Alison Chabonais Proofreader Randy Kambic Writer Tessa Rigdon Design & Production Stephen Blancett Kim Cerne Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Franchise Sales Anna Romano 239-530-1377

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© 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

rowing up co-parented by my maternal grandparents afforded me ample opportunities to learn wise little lessons from them. Sometimes they directly guided and schooled me; other times they just planted a thought seed with an idea or simple phrase. I took to the opportunity of having the advantage of knowing things without learning them the hard way like a duck to water. That’s not to imply I understood them fully. During the past 15 years, when an experience has created an "aha" moment regarding something my dear grandparents attempted to offer insight on, I find myself wishing they had explained it again and again, in different contexts, until I truly got it. It would be nice to have been able to skip some of my own life lessons, even if I realize they each have had a purpose. We spent a lot of time talking and staying connected, always laughing and playing little pranks. Grandfather was an intelligent man who successfully played the stock market and not so successfully played the horses. When he intoned, “Come on, let me get my eyes on,” it meant he needed his glasses to see something and also it was time for a lesson I didn’t even realize I was learning. The part I missed in “Let me get my eyes on” was the specifics of his need for rather thick bifocals. Only recently I’ve begun to wonder about it because of my new need to don reading glasses to more easily read electronic screens. I’ve always taken my 20/20 vision for granted and now find that the more I use glasses, the more I seem to need them. My goal is to nip this problem in the bud. Past snippets of information I’ve come across about holistic eye care and strengthening eye exercises to improve vision have now become a personal priority. I yearn to learn more. How pleased we are to share Linda Sechrist’s article, “Holistic Eye Care: Taking the Whole Body into Account,” which offers options to consider on our eye care journey. It reminded me to also reread last year’s look at the subject at NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Healing-Ways-Archive/The-Eyes-Tell-Our-Story. In addition, check out this month’s Health Brief on easing eye strain and impaired vision, including a palming exercise worth exploring. I will be! In good health,

Celeste Souza, Publisher

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $32 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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contents

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

10 6 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs 14 FEARLESS 12 globalbriefs EATING How to Move Past 18 healingways Food Sensitivities 11 20 consciouseating 18 HOLISTIC 22 wisewords EYE CARE Taking the Whole Body 23 fitbody into Account 24 calendarofevents 12 20 THUMBS-UP 26 ongoingcalendar ON FATS Good Fat Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t 29 resourceguide Make Us Fat by Kathleen Barnes

by Linda Sechrist

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 925-557-7583 or email Ads@ NAEastBay.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Editorial@ NAEastBay.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

by Judith Fertig

18 22 DR. JOSEPH MERCOLA on Simple Steps To Well-Being by Judith Fertig

23 HELLO GYRO

Workouts Use Natural Body Patterns by Aimee Hughes

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online at NAEastBay.com or email to: Calendar@NAEastBay.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th 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 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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March 2017

newsbriefs Biophoton Services Provides Whole-Body Healing to Clients of All Ages

lameda-based Biophoton Services, an integrative therapy practice that serves vaccine-injured children at no cost, also helps adults find relief from chronic pain and freedom from prescription medications. When 62-year-old Alicia Ruiz arrived at Biophoton Services, she presented a variety of debilitating health issues, including pre-Alzheimer’s disease, inflamed arteries in her brain, memory loss, arthritis, migraines, leg pain, depression, anxiety and nervousness. “I came to Biophoton Services out of desperation and as a last resort,” says Ruiz. “My doctor prescribed many medications for me, but didn’t offer any long term solutions. My daughter worried about the side effects, and whether or not I would be able to live by myself. I was referred to Biophoton Services by a close friend. After six months of consecutive weekly Biophoton sessions, I am happy to say I am now clear of all my symptoms and am off all my prescriptions. I have never felt happier and healthier and I am beyond grateful for Biophoton Services.” Biophoton light therapy is a gentle practice used to identify disturbances in the body and promote self-healing. A unique biofeedback instrument called a Chiren is used to measure and assess light emissions within cells. This process neutralizes chaotic cells, amplifies coherent cells, and helps to naturally restore clients’ overall health. Sessions are non-invasive and do not require medications or supplements. Disturbances in biophotons are commonly attributed to environmental toxins, electromagnetic frequencies, physical and emotional stress, traumas, food poisonings and heavy metals. Biophoton Services commonly treats clients suffering from dyslexia, migraines, allergies, asthma, arthritis, attention deficit disorder, digestive issues, Lyme disease, hormonal imbalances, multiple sclerosis, blood pressure issues, cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, herpes, prostate issues, anxiety and depression. Biophoton also offers free Friday appointments for children under 12 who have sustained vaccine injuries, including neurological conditions, allergies and autism. “It’s part of our mission statement at Biophoton Services to give back to the community by seeing children for free, and by providing sustainable solutions for all those in need,” says Biophoton cofounder Kathy McIntire, who is also a Registered Nurse and a Certified Biophoton Practitioner. Location: 1151 Harbor Bay Pkwy., Ste. 100, Alameda. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 510-217-8677, email Lillia@ BiophotonServices.com or visit BiophotonServices.com. See listing, page 29.

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Local Pain Remedy Uses Time-Tested Ingredients

.E. Smith, a local entrepreneur, has introduced Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to the market. Her Aunt Alberta mixed natural herbs to develop remedies that “cured everything that ailed you.” Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues. Several timetested ingredients, oil of wintergreen, iodine, and castor oil are combined to bring effective pain relief results. Oil of wintergreen is extracted from leaves of a small evergreen herb. The plant has been used for rheumatoid arthritis and for respiratory conditions such as chronic mucus discharge, but is mainly employed for joint and muscular pain relief from conditions such as lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, gout, and fibroblast. Wintergreen is often added to liniments and ointments to help ease muscle and joint pains. Wintergreen should not be used by people who are allergic to aspirin. It should never be ingested only used topically. Wintergreen is a fine addition for supporting joint and muscular aches and pains. The Remedy combines oil of wintergreen with Atomidine Iodine, a natural product that influences physical and mental growth and nerve and muscle tissue function. It is easy to absorb through the skin and is an essential nutrient. The active ingredients are combined with castor oil to penetrate deep into tissues, to soften and enrich the skin cells for renewed pliable skin. For more information, visit AlbertasPainRelief.com. See listing, page 30.

San Ramon Holistic Health Practice Welcomes New Massage/TraumaRelease Expert

acific Integrative and Functional Medicine, in San Ramon, is an out-patient holistic medical practice that evaluates and addresses root causes of chronic illnesses. The therapies Andrea Willoughby they utilize include nutrition, herbal support, mind-body medicine, acupuncture, ayurveda, homeopathy and energy medicine/touch therapies. The team’s newest member is Andrea Willoughby, a certified massage and trauma-release expert who currently offers a free, monthly, 30-minute group information session. After suffering for many years with chronic illness, Willoughby found the right mix of holistic healing practices that led to her own peace and wellness. She was then inspired to study many of those same techniques and incorporate them into her 15-year private practice. Willoughby joins a team of skilled practitioners who work with clients to implement treatment plans designed to address a number number of chronic health problems, including immune and infectious illnesses, metabolic and cardiac conditions, gastrointestinal issues, musculoskeletal and joint pain, neurologic and emotional disorders. Location: 210 Porter Dr., Ste. 230, San Ramon. For more information, call 925-658-0464, email Info@Pacific FunctionalMedicine.com or visit PacificFunctionalMedicine.com. See ad, page 8.

Healing Arts Chiropractic Introduces Light Therapy Treatment, Offers Pricing Special

elluma is a low-level light therapy device that simultaneously delivers blue, red and near-infrared light energy to safely treat a wide variety of conditions. Celluma is commonly used by chiropractors, acupuncturists, wellness practitioners and skin specialists, and is now available at Healing Arts Chiropractic, in Oakland, at a discounted price of $40 for one session or $280 for eight sessions. Based on scientific research pioneered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Celluma light energy device is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat musculoskeletal and skin conditions, including inflammatory acne vulgaris, diminished local blood circulation, muscle and joint stiffness and pain, muscle tissue, tension, muscle spasm, arthritis and wrinkles. Compared to low-level light therapy delivered by certain lasers, there is no harmful thermal effect to tissue and no danger to the eye. This makes the Celluma a viable, safe and affordable alternative to cold lasers, which have similar indications for use. At Healing Arts Chiropractic, each person and the severity of their condition is assessed on an individual basis. Generally, Celluma therapy is most effective when administered in eight half-hour treatments during the course of four weeks. However, in some cases, fewer or more treatments may be necessary. Healing Arts Chiropractic also offers discounts on supplement packages to enhance the effects of Celluma. Location: 187 40th St. Way, Oakland. For more information, call 510-356-7832, email Dr.Sokolski@gmail.com or visit HealingArtsChiro.com. See ad, page 15.

Restore Your Health! Do you have Frozen Shoulder/ Shoulder Pain? Our staff will take care of it! Eastern Medical Center is a full-service natural family health care clinic since 1982 bringing 5,000 years of traditional Chinese healing methods of Acupuncture, Acupressure, Cupping, and Chinese Herbs to the East Bay. 5933 Coronado Ln #100 • Pleasanton, CA 94588

(925) 847-8889

www.EasternMedicalCenter.com

natural awakenings

March 2017

newsbriefs Modern Mystery School Presents Empower Thyself Program and Initiation

J Natural Awakenings East Bay

! s U n i P

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oin Kathleen Temperani for a two-day Empower Thyself program and initiation of the Modern Mystery School, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 25 and 26, in Pleasant Hill. Temperani is a Guide, Healer and Ritual Master in the Modern Mystery School, one of only seven ancient mystery schools open to everyone. Deeply rooted in the old shamanic wisdom, lineage of the mystery schools can be traced back 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon. The mystery schools were shrouded from the public and accessible to only those in the family lineage of that school, and new initiates were invited only if and when they were ready to preserve and protect the sacred and ancient teachings. Today, the Modern Mystery School is open to the public to help us learn to control and affect change in our lives, bring balance in our emotions, make better choices, and positively impact the direction of our lives. Temperani’s Empower Thyself program is the first step in the study of the Modern Mystery School. “Mystery Schools hold the keys of the ancient wisdoms,” says Temperani. “As humans, we are both physical and spiritual in nature. The teachings and initiations of the ancient mystery schools have worked for centuries to connect us with our dual nature and provide the tools to do more, be more alive and bring more purpose to our lives. The initiations increase the light we bring to the world and provide tools to affect change in our lives and the world.” For more information including cost and location, call 925-997-7518 or email Kathleen@TheHealing.Place. See listing, page 31.

Nathalie Bera-Miller, MD, MPH Victoria Rivera, PA-C, NC, MIM Rashana Sharma, BHMS, CCH, AWP Phone 925.658.0464 210 Porter Drive, Suite 230 San Ramon, CA 94583

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Susan Blanc, NC Benjamin Dierauf, MS, LAc Andrea Willoughby, LMT Fax 925.407.8344 info@pacificfunctionalmedicine.com www.pacificfunctionalmedicine.com

Court Rules Against Monsanto, Allows Cancer Warning Label on Roundup

C Award-Winning Elements Massage Opens in Walnut Creek

lements Massage is a clientfocused, high-end and affordable massage therapy studio, now open at 2870 Ygnacio Valley Road, in Walnut Creek. Exclusive to Elements Massage is The Elements Promise, a guarantee that if a massage does not meet or exceed a client’s expectations, the next one is on the house. “We are unique in that we are exclusively a massage business. We focus on one thing and do it very well,” says owner Monica Hahn, who also owns the Elements studio, in Greenbrae. “We want every client to feel that their entire experience was personalized for them, and leave feeling that they had the best massage possible.” A recent Best Massage in East Bay award winner, Elements Massage takes the client experience seriously. From the tranquil check-in and waiting area, to the customized massage therapy sessions, the Elements experience is designed to promote ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation for clients of all walks of life. Says Hahn, regular massage therapy is vital to athletes, prenatal mothers, and to anyone seeking relief from muscular pain, stress and tension. “I’ve tried several massage therapists and many massage studios over the last 10 years, and I have never been able to settle with one. I finally discovered Elements and I will never go anywhere else,” says a current Greenbrae client. For more information, call 925-2437880 or visit ElementsMassage.com/ Walnut-Creek.

alifornia may soon become the first state to add a cancer warning label to the popular herbicide Roundup. A Fresno County Superior Court judge recently ruled against Monsanto in a lawsuit filed by the multinational agrochemical company to prevent California regulators from listing the chemical compound glyphosate, an active ingredient in Roundup, as a carcinogen. Health and environmental advocates celebrated the tentative ruling issued by Judge Kristi Culver Kapetan in January. According to a report by the Associate Press, California regulators are waiting for the formal ruling before moving forward with the label. Once a chemical is added to a list of probable carcinogens, the manufacturer has a year before it must attach the label. Monsanto filed the suit last year after the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment issued a notice of intent to add glyphosate to its Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer. Monsanto has denied any link to cancer through the use of Roundup, a product used by farmers and gardeners throughout California since the 1970s and currently sold in more than 160 countries. For more information about the ruling, visit Fresno.Courts.CA.Gov.

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March 2017

he five-second rule is a belief that food that falls to the floor can be safely eaten as long as it’s picked up quickly. Researchers from Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, sought to test its veracity. Four different food items were tested, including watermelon, bread and butter, plain bread and gummy candy, using four different surfaces—stainless steel, ceramic tile, wood and carpet. Each surface was contaminated by bacteria and completely dry before the scientists dropped each item for one second, five, 30 and 300 seconds. A total of 128 separate scenarios were repeated 20 times each and 2,560 measurements were taken and analyzed for contamination. The results proved that longer contact time resulted in more bacterial contamination, but there were also cases of instantaneous contamination, which disproves the five-second rule. The wet surface of a watermelon yielded the most contamination and gummy candy the least. The surface tests yielded surprising results, with carpet transferring significantly fewer bacteria than tile and stainless steel, while wood floors exhibited varied results.

No Benefit to Cutting Fat in Cheese

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new study from King’s College London has found that children’s use of electronic devices close to bedtime can reduce their chances of a good night’s sleep. Researchers examined 20 existing studies encompassing 125,000 children between the ages of 6 and 19. They found that youngsters using a device within 90 minutes of falling asleep had an increased likelihood of poor and inadequate sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. Study author Ben Carter, Ph.D., says, “Sleep is an often undervalued, but important part of children’s development, with a regular lack of sleep causing a variety of health problems.” These can include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, reduced immune function and poor diet. Poor food choices and excessive eating can start young, as illustrated in a study from Colorado University, in Boulder, which found a link between sleep deprivation and poor diet choices in preschool children. The Colorado study followed five girls and five boys, ages 3 and 4, that were regular afternoon nappers. They were deprived of their naps for one day, during which their food and beverage consumption was monitored and compared with their choices on a day when their sleep routine remained intact. During the sleep-deprived day, the children ate 20 percent more calories than usual and their diet consisted of 25 percent more sugar and 26 percent more carbohydrates.

The Five-Second Rule Debunked

nyone that has struggled to reduce their intake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) may have considered avoiding saturated fat in their diets, although the latest meta-study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine now refutes this. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, conducted a test to determine if consuming low-fat versus regular cheeses impacts LDL cholesterol levels. The study divided 139 people into three groups. One ate regular fat cheese, one consumed reduced-fat cheese and one didn’t eat any cheese at all for 12 weeks. Both LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) levels were tested at the beginning and end of the period. Researchers found no significant difference in the LDL levels of any of the groups and no difference between the HDL levels of the reduced-fat and regular cheese groups, suggesting that consuming low-fat versions has no measurable metabolic benefit. An increase in HDL levels among those that abstained from eating cheese altogether was noted.

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Kids Going Online at Bedtime Sleep Poorly

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healthbriefs

ension, if left unchecked, can cause eyestrain, blurry vision, mental fatigue, lack of circulation and elevated stress levels. One of the simplest natural and holistic ways to quickly relax the eyes and decrease eyestrain is the gentle practice of palming. A 2013 study by the Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences through the College of Applied Medical Sciences at King Saud University, in Saudi Arabia, found that palming for six weeks contributed to a significant improvement in visual acuity for patients with myopia (nearsightedness). To palm, sit comfortably with elbows resting on a table or desk. Rub both hands together briskly to create some heat through friction. Then, cup the palms and gently rest them over closed eyes with the fingers of one hand resting over the fingers of the other hand on the forehead. The center of each palm should be directly over the center of each eye. The hands are cupped so that there is no pressure on the eyes. Take a few deep breaths, relax the shoulders and imagine the darkest shade of black possible. The darkness soothes the optic nerves and the warmth relaxes the muscles of the eyes to encourage increased blood circulation and lymph flow. Begin to focus the mind on a pleasant, happy memory, like a beautiful place or joyful experience. Involve all five senses in this imagining to enhance and deepen the visualization. This process of mental relaxation replaces mental strain and enables the eyes to also relax. The more time spent palming the better; we cannot palm for too long. It’s okay to do it upon waking and right before going to sleep. Take frequent palming breaks throughout the day to prevent the accumulation of visual strain and to maintain relaxed eyes and a focused mind. Nathan Oxenfeld is a certified Bates Method teacher who offers individual coaching, group courses and online holistic vision programs for improving eyesight. For more information, call 910-859-1232 or visit IntegralEyesight.com. See ad, page 18.

DHA Boosts Elder Brain Function

esearchers from Tianjin Medical University, in China, have discovered that regularly taking docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. A total of 219 adults over the age of 65 participated in the randomized, double-blind, 12-month trial. Half of the subjects were given two grams of this omega-3 fatty acid daily, while the others received a placebo. The researchers measured cognitive function, including a full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) test and two IQ subtests which serve as indicators of both short and long-term memory. The tests were administered after six months and again after 12 months. The DHA group showed a 10 percent higher IQ than the placebo group. There were also significant increases in both IQ subtests and brain hippocampus volume in the DHA group. Decreased hippocampus volume is a primary indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.

Stress and Fatigue Abate with Combo Supplement

Find Us On

study from Dijon, France, found that a specific nutrient combination supplement can help reduce feelings of anxiety and tiredness. Researchers studied 242 subjects between the ages of 18 and 70 that complained of stress and fatigue. Each was given a supplement containing magnesium, probiotics, vitamins and minerals to take for one month. Researchers measured the subjects’ stress and fatigue levels before commencing the test period and again one month later. They found a 22 percent reduction in psychological stress and a 45 percent reduction in fatigue. Thirty days after the supplementation was discontinued, the subjects’ stress and fatigue levels remained reduced.

naturalawakenings_eastbay

natural awakenings

March 2017

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Natural Way to Ease Eyestrain and Impaired Vision

Bag Ban

California Outlaws Single-Use Plastic Bags California’s ongoing ban on singleuse plastic carryout bags, approved by 52 percent of voters, is setting a notable precedent for other states. A coalition of environmental groups, grocers and others are collaborating, and Mark Murray, of Californians Against Waste, welcomes elimination of the 25 million plastic bags that pollute California every day, threatening wildlife. In 2007, San Francisco first banned plastic shopping bags, setting off a movement that led nearly half the state, including its biggest cities, to do the same. Although the legislature passed a statewide ban on plastic bags two years ago, paper bags are still for sale at grocery stores and other outlets for a nominal fee.

greeting the sun gives the mountains. ~John Muir

Toxic Crops

Oil Wastewater Irrigating California Fields In the nation’s produce basket, some California water districts are knowingly selling oilfield wastewater to farmers, putting a huge portion of our fruits and vegetables at risk of contamination. Watchdog group Water Defense uncovered one district buying oilfield wastewater to include in the water it sells to farmers to irrigate crops in California’s Central Valley. This year, Food & Water Watch uncovered another district buying this potentially toxic wastewater and selling it to farmers. A threat to California’s agriculture is a threat to the entire country’s food supply. Some staples of which California is the primary U.S. producer include 99 percent of olives, 99 percent of almonds, 98 percent of garlic, 96 percent of broccoli, 95 percent of celery, 91 percent of strawberries, 91 percent of lemons and 83 percent of fresh carrots. The government is allowing oil companies to sell their wastewater for use on crops. Citizens must call on their elected representatives to fix this broken system and protect our food supply. Source: FoodAndWaterWatch.org.

Botanical Breakthrough

Oregano Oil Proves a Safe Antibiotic for Poultry

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How glorious a

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

In many large commercial chicken farms, the animals are fed antibiotics to keep them healthy and fight off infections. But due to consumer demand, McDonald’s has eliminated antibiotics used in human medicine from its entire restaurant chicken supply. Meanwhile, a farm in Pennsylvania owned by Scott Sechler is among the first to rely solely on a mix of oregano oil and cinnamon in the treatment and care of its chickens. In addition to being completely natural, oregano oil supplies the chickens with health advantages, producing a much higher quality of natural chicken in a far more humane method than that attained using antibiotics. Like antibiotics, the oil assists the chickens in battling any infections, reducing the number of birds lost to disease. Bob Ruth, president of another Pennsylvania farming business, has been testing oregano on his pigs for six months to see if it can outperform prescription antibiotics. Related problems arise when animals live in dirty conditions, making them more susceptible to infections and viruses, which can also be triggered by insufficient cleansing of slaughterhouses that must be hosed down and completely sanitized after each act of butchery. He thinks that drugs should not be a requirement if the farmers keep things tidy.

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globalbriefs

African Aquaculture a Success Fish farming has become a way for many Africans to beat poverty and hunger. Hillary Thompson, who lives in Milton Park, a low-density area in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, says, “For more than a decade, fish farming has become a hobby that has earned me a fortune.” He has been able to acquire properties that he rents out as one of many residents that have profited through fish farming. In many African communities, swimming pools and backyards have been converted into small-scale fish farming areas. Faced with nutritional deficits, some Africans have taken up the practice to improve their diets. In Zimbabwe, an estimated 22,000 people are involved in fish farming, according to the ministry of agriculture. Behind the success of many of them stands the Aquaculture Zimbabwe Trust, established in 2008 to mobilize resources for the sustainable development of environmentally friendly fisheries nationally. Across Africa, fishing provides direct incomes for about 10 million people and provides food for 200 million more.

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Fish Story

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A Veggie Leather Alternative

Source: News.iastate.edu

A New Way to Help Heal

Source: FarmAfrica.org

Researchers from Iowa State University have developed a new form of synthetic leather using cellulose fibers taken from kombucha tea, along with vinegar and sugar, made in shallow plastic tanks. When a colony of bacteria and yeast is added, the material grows on the top of the liquid’s surface, where it can be harvested and dried. The researchers have successfully used the material to make prototype garments, including shoes and a vest. It’s 100 percent biodegradable, so when the fabric gets wet, it softens and becomes less durable; in very low temperatures, it can become brittle. Young-A Lee, Ph.D., associate professor of apparel, merchandising and design at Iowa State University, in Ames, says, “Fashion, to most people, is an ephemeral expression of culture, art and technology, manifesting itself in practical form. Fashion companies keep producing new materials and clothing, from season to season, year to year, to fulfill consumers’ desires and needs. Think about where these items eventually go. They will take up tremendous underground spaces of the Earth, like other trash.” Spanish designer Carmen Hijosa has created Piñatex, another faux-leather product made from pineapple leaf fibers as a more sustainable and cruelty-free alternative. She acted after seeing how leather tanneries operate.

Sara Yo Healing Jewelry: fter 25 years experience in medical practice and research, Dr. Hannah Hershoff decided to leave her lucrative medical doctor career to create healing jewelry. A phone chat with a cousin who took a trip from China totally changed Dr. Hershoff’s life. Dr. Hershoff learned that the mystical stones from a remote area of Southeast China near her hometown have incredible spiritual healing properties. After extensive research, Dr. Hershoff discovered that the key element of the stones is a crystalline mineral, Kaolin, formed millions of years ago. During a long process using local water, wood and fire in a special kiln, the stones not only permanently formed their gorgeous colors and shine, but also gained their Five-Element natural energy. About 2,000 years ago, the Chinese Royal family exclusively owned the mines. This information excited Dr. Hershoff enormously. She further consulted with spiritual healers and decided to test the healing effects of the stones. Dr. Hershoff created her bracelets with these healing stones and gifted or sold to women with various levels of spirituality. A few weeks after wearing these eye-catching bracelets, three out of four women reported they gained confidence, improved their self-image, sensed more connections to loved ones, and experienced a reduction in anxiety. A year later, Hannah and her husband started a company and named their kaolin-comprised pieces, Sara Yo Healing Stones. Hershoff says, “I am so glad I have made this career change decision, as each day I learn more about how Sara Yo helps women physically and emotionally. I am so fortunate to do something I am extremely passionate about!” For more information, visit MySpiritJewel.com/sara-yo.html natural awakenings

March 2017

Some More Common Issues

“Most of what we’re seeing today is an uptick in food sensitivities and intolerances, terms that are often used interchangeably to describe foods that are not digested well and can challenge the immune system,” says Solana Beach, California, nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin, author of The Virgin Diet. Newark, Delaware, medical doctor and allergist Junfang Jiao, Ph.D., attests to increased levels of testing for food allergies and sensitivities in

FEARLESS EATING How to Move Past Food Sensitivities by Kathleen Barnes

omplaints of digestive upsets, brain fog, headaches, relentless food cravings and unrelieved stress appear to be at epidemic levels these days. “These symptoms may be part of newfound awareness of the wide-ranging and seemingly unrelated health problems caused by food sensitivities and intolerances, which are different from food allergies,” explains microbiologist Kiran Krishnan, from Chicago.

Food Allergies

Food allergies seem to be plaguing America’s children now more than in the past. We know that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, once standard lunchbox fare, have become a no-no. They’re often outlawed by schools to

protect the students that experience extreme peanut allergies. The symptoms of food allergies in adults and children, often including hives, rashes and itching, can range from being annoying to life threatening. For extremely sensitive people, the tiniest fragment of a peanut or a bee sting, exposure to latex gloves or certain medications like penicillin can cause such a sudden strong allergic reaction that it results in anaphylaxis, which makes breathing passages swell shut. If untreated, such extreme allergies can even prove fatal, which is why people with severe allergies carry the antidote epinephrine (adrenaline) with them. Food allergies are diagnosed by blood and/or skin testing under the su-

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recent years. “I can’t say there are more allergies or sensitivities, but more doctors are aware of the wide-ranging symptoms and more people are getting referred for testing,” he reports. Many experts agree on at least one underlying cause behind the trend—a widely studied condition called leaky gut, characterized by intestinal permeability. Microscopic pinholes in an unhealthy small intestine can allow undigested nutrients to pass through intestinal walls, triggering mild immune responses, inflammation and, potentially, the onset of some diseases. Theories of what causes leaky gut are diverse and sometimes contradictory but experts recommend consulting a medical professional if one suffers from food sensitivities. Each individual is unique, so there is no “blanket solution” for everyone. Dysbiosis: Leaky gut is often

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pervision of a medical professional, usually a doctor of medicine, osteopathy or naturopathy. Effective treatment, which must be customized to the individual, typically entails avoidance of allergy triggers. Fortunately, food allergies that trigger such a dramatic, fast, immune response are fairly rare, particularly in adults.

caused by an imbalance in “good” and “bad” intestinal bacteria, sometimes called dysbiosis, says Krishnan. It can be brought on by the use of antibiotics, antibiotic residues in meats and dairy products or a diet high in sugar and processed foods. Most interesting, he believes, is the discovery that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s weed killer Roundup used on genetically modified (GMO) corn and soy crops, contributes to dysbiosis, as verified by Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists in a study published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology. They concluded with a plea to world governments to reconsider policies regarding the safety of glyphosate residues in foods. GMOs: While this issue has been less widely analyzed, a 1996 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin added to Monsanto’s GMO corn crops to kill pests is not destroyed during human digestion. Danish researchers at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University suggested it may damage cells of the

intestinal lining. Gluten: “Gluten causes leaky gut,” says Port Jefferson, New York, naturopathic doctor Doni Wilson, author of The Stress Remedy, voicing one side of the controversy based on her review of scientific literature. She’s concluded, “Whether you are sensitive to it or not, gluten increases the production of zonulin, which can result in damage to intestinal walls and cause the cells on the outside of the intestines to set off an immune response to anything that passes through. In this condition, what we’re eating—cheese, milk, eggs, corn, soy—is leaking through the gut lining, triggering an immune response and potentially creating multiple food sensitivities.” Wilson also notes that in her clinical experience, only about half of her patients with gluten sensitivities complain of digestive issues. “I’ve found that gluten causes the immune cells on the outside of the small intestine to affect the nervous system, causing headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia,” she says. Her findings are backed by research from the Massa-

chusetts General Hospital Center for Celiac Research and Italy’s University of Catania. The same researchers confirm that non-celiac gluten sensitivity or intolerance can also foster depression; a University of Cincinnati study published in the journal Headache links gluten and headaches. Other proteins in wheat can be problematic, advises Fiona McCulloch, a Toronto doctor of naturopathy, citing a study presented at the annual European Gastroenterology Conference, in Vienna, last October. The report showed that a family of proteins called amylase trypsin inhibitors can lead to the development of inflammation in tissues beyond the gut, including the lymph nodes, kidneys, spleen and brain. Glyphosate residues can be a factor in gluten intolerance. Although wheat crops produced in the U.S. are not yet genetically modified, many nonorganic wheat crops are sprayed with glyphosate to promote rapid drying, according to the Environmental Working Group. Inadequate digestive enzymes: Lactose intolerance is the most com-

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March 2017

Food Intolerances Self-Questionnaire by JJ Virgin Answer each question with never (0), seldom (1), sometimes (2) or often (3). 1. I need a cup of coffee or another caffeinated pick-me-up to jumpstart the middle of my morning or afternoon. _____ 2. I crave baked goods, pasta and other high-sugar impact foods. _____ 3. I have difficulty falling asleep or I awake during the night feeling anxious and struggle to get back to sleep. _____ 4. My bowel movements occur infrequently (less than one a day), which can sometimes be painful and involve straining. _____ 5. My mood can change swiftly and I take out my crankiness and irritation on coworkers and family members. _____ 6. I want to lay my head down on my desk mid-morning or afternoon because I have little motivation to remain productive. _____ 7. During meetings or conversations I zone out and struggle to concentrate for long periods of time on my work. _____ 8. After eating a big meal, I’m hungry and craving more of what I ate several hours later. _____ 9. Doing routine and important tasks takes all the energy and initiative I have. _____ 0. Even as an adult, I struggle with acne, rashes or blotchy skin, even though 1 I use expensive skin cream. _____ 1. I head to the bathroom or step outside after a meal because of gassiness, 1 bloating or other uncomfortable gut issues. _____ 12. The smell of a scented candle, perfume and detergent bothers me. _____ 3. Walking or moving around can create cramping, achiness or joint pain. 1 _____ 4. I develop headaches that prevent me from enjoying the moment and leave 1 me scrambling for a pain reliever. _____ 5. Even though I don’t have other cold/flu symptoms, I suffer from a scratchy 1 throat or sinus trouble. _____ 6. I eat all the right foods in moderation, exercise religiously, and yet struggle 1 intensely to lose every pound. _____ Total Score: ______

What Scores Mean

18 or above – You most likely struggle with food intolerances that create many unpleasant symptoms and stall fat loss. By removing the seven target foods for just three weeks, you’ll see these symptoms disappear and the scales will start moving again. 10 to 17 – You display some of the symptoms that food intolerances can trigger. You would greatly benefit from eliminating target foods to lose symptoms and those last few pounds. Below 10 – While you suffer few of the symptoms brought about by food intolerances, you could still benefit from the same regimen. Even the healthiest person can take their game up a notch and ditch those last few stubborn pounds. Source: The Virgin Diet, by JJ Virgin

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mon result of missing digestive enzymes like lactase, according to the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. Avoiding milk products may relieve digestive distress for some.

Eliminate Items, Then Challenge

Most experts believe the easiest way to deal with food sensitivities is to stop eating the food in question. The so-called “elimination and challenge” diet, which has been in use for decades, is effective, free and addresses the foods responsible for common food intolerances, says Virgin. Simply avoid the food of concern completely for at least three weeks, then eat a small amount of it and catalog and the results. For some people, it may only take a couple of hours for symptoms to return after eating a piece of bread, cup of milk, an egg or bit of tofu. Virgin’s seven-food challenge is a bit more rigorous, but improves feelings of general well-being so readily that many people don’t even want to bring back the eliminated foods because they feel so much better, she says. Her threeweek diet completely eliminates the most common food sensitivity triggers: gluten-containing foods (largely wheat), dairy, eggs, soy, corn, peanuts, sugar and artificial sweeteners. “When I say eliminate these foods 100 percent, I mean it,” cautions Virgin. “You need to give your immune system at least that much time to cool off.” She adds, “You can do anything such as this for just three weeks.” Virgin also recommends the elimination diet for weight loss because it helps overcome food cravings triggered by the immune system response and leptin resistance, leveraging the hormone that turns off the body’s hunger signals, a finding confirmed by independent studies performed by Sweden’s Lund University and Italy’s University of Palermo. She’s also documented other positive effects through her own research and experience with participants in her programs, including improvements in energy, focus, joint pain, skin clarity and bloating, all in the designated short time frames.

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leeks and asparagus are prebiotics. They help feed probiotic bacteria and improve gut health. Block sensitivity triggers: Many people with lactose intolerance are able to consume dairy products if they use lactase, the enzyme that helps digest lactose. Similarly, some people with gluten intolerance find they can eat moderate amounts of wheat products with protein supplements like lectin, carb blockers and digestive enzymes that help break down the gluten

molecules, according to Virgin. Supplements that might help: Glucomannan (konjac or elephant yam fiber) contributes to a feeling of fullness and stabilizes blood sugar, says McCulloch. She also recommends the amino acid L-glutamine and digestive enzymes to assist in gut healing. Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Other Approaches

People with food sensitivities may be able to tolerate occasional indulgences in their trigger foods once they’ve healed their digestive systems, notes Krishnan. Probiotics can help, especially those encapsulated in spores so they can pass through the barrage of stomach acid and reach the small intestine where they are most needed. Krishnan’s research, to be published this spring, showed that half of otherwise healthy young people suffering from leaky gut had a dramatic reduction of symptoms by taking a spore-forming probiotic Bacillus indicus product for 30 days. After the healing period, sensitive people may be able to eat small amounts of certain foods with the assistance of dietary aids and supplements, adds McCulloch. Get dirty: Johns Hopkins University research has shown that kids raised in an excessively hygienic environment experience much higher rates of allergies and sensitivities. University of Wisconsin researchers found that youths growing up in households that are less than obsessively sanitary among four or five other people and dogs will strengthen and challenge their immune systems as they mature. Adults need to challenge their immune systems, too, says Krishnan. Eat organic and fermented foods: A widely varied diet helps spread out the immune system challenges of trigger foods. Organic foods don’t contain glyphosate and other potentially harmful chemicals; fermented foods contain digestive enzymes. Eat prebiotics: Raw onions, garlic,

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March 2017

Holistic Eye Care Taking the Whole Body into Account by Linda Sechrist

T The secret of

getting ahead is getting started. ~Mark Twain

he “old wives’ tale” about eating carrots for healthy vision wasn’t wrong, but fell far short of a holistic approach to eye health. Today’s holistically trained healthcare providers and ophthalmologists believe that properly maintaining the marvelous phenomenon of eyesight requires taking into consideration genetics, diet, toxin exposures, life environments and our belief systems. “The body does not work as a series of parts in isolation, but as a dynamically integrated living system,” says Marc Grossman, a doctor of optometry, licensed acupuncture physician and co-founder of Natural Eye Health, in New Paltz, New York. “The reductionist method of referring each symptom to the domain of a particular specialist, isolated from the whole person, is slowly being replaced with a complementary view of health care that may include acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We are beginning to look at each person as an integrated being.” Progressive health providers now consider dietary preferences, general exercise regimens, environmental factors and physical, emotional and mental issues, as well as an individual’s particular symptoms, in determining treatment strategies. “To improve vision, the condition of the whole person needs to be addressed,” says Grossman, whose books include Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy

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Vision. Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Homeopathic Doctor Edward Kondrot’s practice at Healing The Eye & Wellness Center, which he founded in Zephyrhills, Florida, embraces traditional and alternative therapies. He uses microcurrent, ozone therapy and U.S. Food and Drug Administrationapproved stem cells from a newborn’s umbilical cord in treating serious eye disease. Kondrot, the author of 10 Essentials to Save Your Sight, systemically understands the eyes as windows to overall health. For instance, his perspective is founded on the fact that a balanced diet is one of the best preventive measures for maintaining eye health. Systemic disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stress-related effects and nutritional deficiencies are easily determined under the scrutiny of his holistic biomicroscope. According to science published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractic spinal manipulation may also contribute to normal vision; in one case study, 20 treatment sessions helped an individual recover the function of optic nerves and normal vision. It’s generally accepted that chiropractic adjustment realigning the spinal column allows the nervous system to function properly, reduces tension and frees up the body to better transport blood to locations such as the

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healingways

eyes. Additionally, the second vertebra below the skull contains nerves that affect the eyes, optic nerves, auditory nerves and sinuses. Common eye conditions generally develop so slowly that they may not present noticeable symptoms until deterioration has become severe. “Many factors can affect our eyesight, including other health problems. Having a family member with eye disease may mean you’re genetically prone to having that condition as well, but living a healthy lifestyle may prevent the gene from being activated,” advises Kondrot. Viewing the condition of the eyes as a reflection of whole body health means that lifestyle and diet choices play major roles. The Vision Diet and supplement program recommended in Grossman’s Natural Eye Care has been shown to reduce the intraocular pressure in the eyes of study participants by five to seven millimeters, which generally equates to 10 to 15 percent. In general, a diet high in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and sulfur-bearing amino acids can be helpful. Foods containing such nutrients include garlic, onions, beans, spinach, celery, turnips, yellow and orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables, seaweed, apples, oranges and tomatoes. Other dietary and lifestyle options recommended by Grossman are daily drinking one pint of juice made from mostly green vegetables and drinking eight to 10 glasses of purified water to keep eyes hydrated. Managing stress and doing palming and other eye exercises, such as those found at Tinyurl.com/ComputerEyeStrainExercises, as well as daily aerobic exercise

for at least 20 minutes, are also beneficial. Additionally, Kondrot’s use of multimodal protocols such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, homeopathy, and detoxification can be applied to reverse visual loss. Kondrot advises that avoiding foods that trigger allergic reactions is important. “A study of 113 patients with chronic simple glaucoma showed an immediate increase in pressure in the fluid inside the eye when they were exposed to foods to which they were allergic.

Take up meditation, yoga, tai chi or any other practice that helps you manage stress and relax,” he advises. “Some consider glaucoma a stress-related condition.” The best strategy for healthy eyes is to have regular eye examinations. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent significant vision loss. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

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consciouseating

Thumbs-Up on Fats Good Fat Doesn’t Make Us Fat by Judith Fertig

n an era of too much information, the role of fats in our diet has been a victim of not enough information. Today’s turnaround in nutritional thinking acknowledges natural fats as being vital to heart health and weight loss.

Heart Health Benefit

A recent metastudy in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a journal of the American College of Physicians, concluded that saturated fat does not appear to increase heart disease risk, overturning almost 60 years of accepted medical thought. The researchers analyzed data from 76 studies involving more than 600,000 people and found that those that ate the most saturated, or “bad”, fat did not show a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those that ate the least. Note that processed trans fats remain a villain, still deemed a risk to heart health per the metastudy. The misleading information began in the 1950s, when Physiologist Ancel Keys, Ph.D., discovered a correlation between diets high in saturated fats and higher cholesterol levels. Soon, the low-

fat diet was born. In 2000, further research introduced the concepts of good and bad fats. More recent analysis confirmed this finding with the refinement that saturated fats increase both types of cholesterol. However, the latest research from the journal BMJ shows that saturated fat does not increase the number of LDL, or “bad”, particles, a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Instead, it makes existing LDL particles larger, a fairly benign situation in regard to such disease.

Weight Loss Benefit

Fat doesn’t even make you fat, claims Mark Hyman, a well-known medical doctor in Lenox, Massachusetts, and author of Eat Fat, Get Thin: Why the Fat We Eat Is the Key to Sustained Weight Loss and Vibrant Health. “The theory that all calories have the same impact on your weight and metabolism remains one of the most persistent nutrition myths,” says this practitioner of functional medicine who points out that we’ve been sidetracked by wrong thinking.

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“Eating fat can make you lean. Healthy cell walls made from highquality fats are better able to metabolize insulin, which keeps blood sugar better regulated. Without proper blood sugar control, the body socks away fat for a rainy day. The right fats also increase fat burning, diminish hunger and reduce fat storage,” he notes. Whole30, a 30-day diet revolving around clean eating, also emphasizes healthy fats. Devised in 2009 by Dallas Hartwig, a functional medicine practitioner and certified sports nutritionist, and Melissa Hartwig, a certified sports nutritionist, the program aims to reduce inflammation, detoxify the body and reset metabolism. The Salt Lake City, Utah, authors of the New York Times bestselling The Whole30 recommend healthy fats to keep us full and rev up metabolism. Recommended healthy fats include coconut milk and oil, avocados, olive oil, organic ghee (clarified butter) and raw nuts. Josh Axe, a natural medicine practitioner and clinical nutritionist in Nashville, Tennessee, recommends the healthy fats contained in avocados, organic butter and ghee from grass-fed cows and goats, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds. “Butter’s experiencing a comeback as a healthy fat as its benefits become more widely known,” says Axe. “The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in butter help the brain function properly and improve skin health.” Ghee, an ancient Indian version of butter, is lactose- and casein-free, while being loaded with fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E, says Axe. These vitamins are best absorbed by the body when they’re in a fat substance and then stored in the gastrointestinal tract, keeping metabolism and digestion on track, he notes. Ghee’s high level of vitamin K2, best known as a natural blood coagulator, “also helps strengthen bones, while the fatty acids found in it improve digestion and reduce inflammation.”

Healthy Levels of Fat

“If you’re active, about 40 percent

Prime Sources of Healthy Fats

of your calories should come from carbohydrates, another 30 percent from protein and the other 30 percent from fat in general,” says Axe, adding that this has the added benefit of helping prevent arteriosclerosis. “Some people may consume a greater percentage of healthy fats if the goal is to become a fat burner.” “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss and health,” Hyman reminds us. “Low-carb, higher-fat diets work for most people, but for some, they may not be optimal in the long term.” Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Functional medicine physician Mark Hyman suggests that we include four to five servings of fat in our diets every day. “In the last five years, the scientific evidence has been mounting that high-fat diets outperform low-fat diets for weight loss and for revising every single indication of heart disease risk, including abnormal cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and inflammation,” he says. Each amount listed indicates a serving size. Nuts (a handful of walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts or cashews) Seeds (a handful of pumpkin, sunflower of flaxseed) Most plant-based liquid oils (onetablespoon of olive, safflower, sesame, avocado, macadamia, grape seed or walnut oil)

ring, mackerel, sardines, tuna or trout) Avocado (one-half to one avocado) Extra virgin coconut oil (one tablespoon) Organic coconut milk (one-quarter cup) Olives (one-quarter cup) Grass-fed animal butter, clarified butter or ghee (one tablespoon) Aim to eat fats that remain liquid (not solid) at room temperature; it’s a sure sign of heart-healthy, unsaturated fats. Source: Adapted from Eat Fat, Get Thin, by Mark Hyman, M.D.

Fatty fish (4 ounces of salmon, her-

natural awakenings

March 2017

wisewords

Dr. Joseph Mercola on

SIMPLE STEPS TO WELL-BEING by Judith Fertig

octor of Osteopathic Medicine Joseph Mercola has practiced as a boardcertified family physician for more than 30 years. His educational website, Mercola.com, has been the most visited natural health site for the past 12 years, with 12 million unique visitors each month. His three New York Times bestsellers include Effortless Healing.

With today’s overload of conflicting health information—and the temptation to self-diagnose—how can we accurately assess our status in terms of optimal wellness? One of the major principles I strongly embrace is to listen to your body and adjust your lifestyle based on the feedback it’s providing you. The seven clinically proven gauges I advise you to assess now and continue to monitor every six months or so are fasting insulin level (normal is less than five microinternational units per milliliter of blood; ideal is less than three); vitamin D level (normal is 40 to 60 nanograms per milliliter); waist-to-hip ratio (ideal for men, 0.8; for women, 0.7); body fat percentage (fitness level for women is 21 to 24 percent; for men, 14 to 17 percent); HDL to total cholesterol ratio (ideally 24 to 30 percent or higher); blood pressure (ideal numbers are 120 over 80 systolic/diastolic without medication); and uric acid level (ideal is three to five milligrams per deciliter). It is important to get these lev-

els checked, because it is impossible to know without testing.

In your opinion, what is the greatest health risk Americans face today and what can we do about it right now? I’m convinced that for the typical American, the most important health step to take is to stop drinking soda, sports drinks, fruit juices or artificially flavored and sweetened waters and replace them with pure water. Most people are now aware that sodas are laced with processed sugars like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, but many don’t know that their favorite sport and vitamin drinks contain these sweeteners plus a host of frightening extras, including toxic chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, phthalates, BPA [bisphenol A] and disinfection byproducts.

What role do carbohydrates play? Carbs are a far dirtier fuel than fat and generate far more reactive oxygen species than fat. Some 70 years of following low-fat diet recommendations has resulted in the vast majority of dieters losing the ability to burn fat as their primary fuel. One of the most powerful strategies to regain this ability is to start a practice of regular intermittent fasting, restricting your eating window to six to 14 hours a day and fast the rest of the day. Of course, you will want to replace

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a high net carb intake, or total carbs minus fiber, with healthy fats such as those in avocados, coconut oil, seeds and nuts. Avoid industrially processed omega-6 vegetable oils like corn, soy and canola.

Because an indoor, climatecontrolled, sedentary lifestyle may lead to slowly developing chronic disease, what changes do you suggest we make? Spending time outside with bare feet in contact with the ground even for short periods can yield significant benefits. It’s even better to do it with the sun shining on your bare skin. The Earth is an abundant source of free electrons, and when the sun shines on your skin a vital biological circuit forms that helps transfer energy to water throughout the body, which serves as a cellular battery. Albert Einstein won a Nobel Prize for describing this process, called the photoelectric effect. Reducing the length of time sitting each day and regularly moving is even more important for most of us than getting regular exercise. A good rule of thumb is to stand up every 15 minutes or so.

What can we do better to maintain optimal health?

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight. The problems with carrying excess weight are more than aesthetic. At the root of obesity is mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic disorders go hand-in-hand with many of the chronic diseases plaguing Americans in record numbers—including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia and cancer—according to numerous studies such as research by the Centers for Disease Control and the Center for the Study of Chronic Metabolic and Rare Diseases, at George Mason University. The most potent strategy to address such metabolic dysfunction is to make a strong commitment to reaching and maintaining a personally healthy level of body fat. Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

photos courtesy Gyrotonic.com

fitbody

Hello Gyro Workouts Use Natural Body Patterns by Aimee Hughes

“

magine an exercise system that strengthens the body enough to be used in training world-class athletes, stretches more safely than any form of yoga and expands the core training concepts of Pilates into natural full-body movements like those used in everyday reaching and walking, along with jumping and swimming. This is the Gyrotonic system,” says Angela Crowley, a Gyrotonic master teacher, trainer and exercise spa owner in Coral Gables, Florida. A former gymnast and dancer, Crowley took to the Gyrotonic approach after being severely injured in an automobile accident. “Traditional physical therapy only addressed certain aspects without bringing me back to normal,” she says. “Running and yoga felt intolerable. Gyrotonic exercises became a perfect bridge. I was able to rehabilitate safely while challenging myself to return to normal expectations and now, beyond.” The system of fluid movements leverages specially designed equipment that can be

customized for every individual. “The Gyrotonic system combines elements from many different modalities into three-dimensional, circular movements. A primary focus is on all the different motions of the spine and how to create rhythmic, flowing movement within the entire body,” says Stefani Schrimpf, Gyrotonic instructor and studio owner of Physiques, in Overland Park, Kansas. “The exercises strengthen, lengthen and stretch muscles, while stimulating connective tissues around the joints. They also improve balance, flexibility and coordination. This system allows you to push beyond specific limitations and to isolate and fine tune movement skills,” says Schrimpf. While a Gyrotonic workout has similarities to yoga and Pilates, it is also unique. According to Melissa Jutras, a Pilates instructor, weightlifting coach, personal trainer and gym/studio owner of Big Blue Strength, in Lexington, Kentucky, “Hatha yoga is a series of static postures, whereas Pilates and Gyrotonic movements focus on flow, using equipment to enhance core strength, stability, control, coordination and flexibility. The difference is that Gyrotonic exercises works on three dimensions with every circular movement, like the body naturally moves. It uses weights and a pulley system, whereas Pilates is more linear and uses spring tension.” Jutras believes the Gyrotonic system, Pilates and yoga all complement weightlifting and strength training, affording a mind-body balance. “The body then experiences low- and high-threshold exercise, low-intensity and high-intensity, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activity,” she says. Crowley sees the Gyrotonic approach complementing virtually any activity. “The exercises help practitioners learn how to move more efficiently, easily, powerfully, gracefully and successfully in every facet of life.” The method is also offered without equipment in the form of Gyrokinesis, a flowing class done on a chair, mat and standing. This affordable option can be practiced independently at home. “My youngest client is 7, my oldest is 94,” relates Crowley. “We have clients that have become bored by repetitive exercise and enjoy the limitless variations of movements that keep both their minds and muscles alert. We have chronic pain clients that have exhausted other medical options and are improving their ability to function more optimally and enjoying their lives again.” Both Schrimpf and her husband, Juan Trujillo, teach the Gyrotonic method. “Our greatest reward is the feedback we get. Once people try it, they’re hooked,” she says. “It transforms how people think about movement and brings a sense of joy and accomplishment. They feel their joints becoming more supple and balanced, and find their bodies responding well to the natural movement patterns.” Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy and consultant for the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@gmail.com. natural awakenings

March 2017

calendarofevents All Calendar events for the April issue must be received by March 10 and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NAEastBay.com or email Calendar@ NAEastBay.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 Botanical Garden | Berkeley 9am-5pm. Open to the public year-round. The garden was established in 1890, and has over 13,000 different types of plants from all around the world. The landscaped garden covers over 34 acres for your viewing pleasure. Parking is limited. Free/today. UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley. 510643-2755. More information is available at BotanicalGarden.Berkeley.edu.

Urban Cycling 101 Classroom Workshop | UC Berkeley 1-3pm. Open to the public, but if you’re a ticketed cyclist, you may qualify for a fine reduction. A fun workshop taught by certified instructors where you’ll learn the basic rules of the road. How to equip your bicycle, fit your helmet, avoid bike theft, ride after dark and how to prevent common crashes. No bike is required, and it’s a great workshop for adults and teens! Free. Dwinelle Hall, Room 209, UC Berkeley. 510-845-7433 x 2. Robert@ BikeEastBay.org. Register at BikeEastBay.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

MONDAY, MARCH 6

Adventure Run, Scavenger hunt & Beer Garden | Berkeley 5:30pm. A 60-minute, scavenger-like fun run, filled with hundreds of giveaways, raffle prizes, music, best of all friends and a beer garden. All happening today! RSVP is required. Arrive early to collect supplies. Free. Road Runner Sports, 1326 10th St, Berkeley. 510-900-6272.

SATUDAY, MARCH 4 Spring Ride: Fruitvale to Fremont BART | Oakland 9:30am-1pm. Open to all. This 32-mile flat ride will start at Fruitvale BART, out into Alameda, down the Bay trail through San Leandro to Hayward, with an option of ending there, or to continue on into Alameda Creek trail, ending at the Fremont BART station. Please bring your own bike, helmet, water, snacks, sunscreen and money. Rain will cancel or postpone event. Please register in advance so we know how many to count on; and so we may update you. 3401 E 12th St, Fruitvale BART Station, Oakland. 510-845-7433 x 1008. Rachel@BikeEastBay.org. BikeEastBay.org.

Angelic Opening & Shielding Crown Chakra, Level 1 | Walnut Creek 7-9pm. Initiations from angelic kingdom opens your chakra in amount considered safe by angel. Also, gives higher self-ability to place temporary shield around the chakra whenever appropriate. Can also be arranged as private workshop. $75. To register, 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com. Course descriptions at Spiritual Initiations.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival | Oakland 6:30-9pm. Featuring the best nature, science and wildlife films with topics as diversified as the race to save African lions from extinction to the Bat Man of Mexico Rodrigo Medellin. It will feature films from the 2015 festival. $12-$20. Zimmer Auditorium Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland. OaklandZoo.org. Huna (Hawaiian Spirituality) | Walnut Creek 7-8:30pm. Learn how you can access these beautiful energies to celebrate life, merge matter and spirit, connect with the earth, your body and your emotions. Receive

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an energy demonstration and heart light attunement. Free lecture. To register, 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno. com. Course descriptions at Spiritual-Initiations.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8 Acro Yoga Class | Berkeley 7:30-8:30pm. No previous yoga experience necessary. Join us and learn the skills, balance and art of acrobatic partner yoga. Using basic yoga poses, learn how to combine them into partner balancing and dynamic movements. Free. Sports Basement, 2727 Milvia St, Berkeley. 510-984-3907.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 East Bay Bike Party | East Bay 7:30pm. A monthly mobile party for riders of all ages, experience levels, and bike types, to meet, ride, and play together in the streets. Nearly 400 riders check the Bike Party website to find what East Bay BART station they will be meeting at. Every month is a different costume theme, so dress your best and bring some music too. Free. More information at SF.FunCheap.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 Adults & Teens Learn-to-Ride Class | Oakland 10am-1pm. If you’ve never learned to ride a bicycle, or maybe it’s been a long time since you’ve ridden a bike, here is the perfect opportunity for a refresher course! This class is for adults and teens who need some help with balancing, steering and pedaling. Our nonjudgmental instructors are here to assist, and help you get back to a safe start of riding again. You will need a working bike and helmet to participate. Rentals are available for $30. Rentals require a reservation. Shafter Ave & Forest St, Rockridge BART (west side parking lot), Oakland. 510-845-7433 x 2. Robert@BikeEastBay. org. Register at BikeEastBay.org. Jack of All Trades | Oakland 11am-5pm. Jack of All Trades will fill Jack London Square with a curated mix of local makers, indie designers, antique dealers, collectors, artists, start-ups and more brought together by the Treasure Island Flea. Free to the public, this eclectic market will feature one-of-akind items, live music and several free DIY workshops for all ages. Jack of All Trades will take place on the second Saturday of each month. Jack London Square, Broadway, Oakland. For more information please call 415-898-0245. JackofAllTradesOakland.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14 Urban Cycling 101 Classroom Workshop | Freemont 6:30-8:30pm. A fun workshop taught by certified instructors where you’ll learn the basic rules of the road. How to equip your bicycle, fit your helmet, avoid bike theft, ride after dark and how to prevent common crashes. Attending this or any other classroom workshops qualifies you to sign up for our free “Day 2” on-the-bike road classes and earn a free set of bike lights! Fremont Main Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fukaya Room, Fremont. 510-845-7433 x 2. Robert@BikeEastBay.org. Register at BikeEastBay.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 East Bay Green Drinks: Free Snacks & Networking | Oakland 5:30pm. This group started back in the year 2000. A community and networking event for people involved in sustainable business, environmental and social causes,

local and organic food, green architecture and design, media, communications, education, construction, clean energy and more. Always complimentary snacks and drink specials. RSVP required. Free. 2040 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. SF.FunCheap.com. Celluma Light Therapy | Oakland 6-7:30pm. Presented by Dr. Katie Sokolski. Join us to learn about our Celluma light therapy treatments! We will be discussing the variety of uses for this technology including acne, wrinkles, chronic pain and neuropathy. Free. Healing Arts Chiropractic, 187 40th St. Way, Oakland. Space limited! RSVP at 510-356-7832. HealingArtsChiro.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17 Lindsay Wildlife Experience | Walnut Creek Noon-5pm. Bring the whole family for an up close and personal interaction with fascinating animals. More than 50 species of live, non-releasable, native California animals are on exhibit. Here we save animals lives, teach and inspire children and adults to strengthen their connection between humans and the natural world. Join us for a fun-filled day back to nature, and watch a Great Horned Owl eat lunch! Free. Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 1st Ave, Walnut Creek. More at Lindsay Wildlife.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 HUNA (Hawaiian Spirituality) Workshop, Level 1 | Walnut Creek 1-5:30pm. Huna offers a profoundly beautiful philosophy of life. Receive attunements to work with: 3 selves, open heart to “life”, mental and subconscious cleansing, connect to earth, Huna meditation and more. Can also be arranged as private workshop. $100. To register, 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com. Course descriptions at Spiritual-Initiations.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19 Antahkarana Workshop | Walnut Creek 1-6pm. Receive powerful attunements for strengthening the connection between your personality and higher self, strengthening the antahkarana and specific, little known procedures along with in-depth information about the antahkarana. Can also be arranged as private workshop. $75. To register, 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com. Course descriptions at Spiritual-Initiations.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 21 Pineal Gland Workshop, Level 1 | Phone Workshop Your pineal gland has many key metaphysical and spiritual functions: clairvoyance, linking to your higher self, accessing advanced states of consciousness and more. Receive attunements to permanently heighten these functions of your pineal gland. Can also be arranged as private workshop. $75. To register, 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com. Course descriptions at Spiritual-Initiations.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 Zyto Bio-Communication Scan | Oakland 6-7pm. Presented by Dr. Katie Sokolski. Join us to learn about our Zyto hand scanner! This demonstration will give the first 5 attendees the chance to have their whole body scanned, and to get an idea of where to focus for their health goals. Free. Healing Arts Chiropractic, 187 40th Street Way, Oakland. Space limited! RSVP at 510356-7832. HealingArtsChiro.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 Family Cycling Workshop | Dublin 1-3:30pm. A family that rides together thrives together. This is a great way for your family to have a fun-filled day of quality time spent together. There will be fun games, safety drills, skill building and a neighborhood friendly ride. Best for children who are capable of riding their own bikes, and ready to take to the roadways and paths with their parents. Learn skills of proper helmet fitting, bike safety checks, communicating with drivers, riding in a straight line, avoiding objects as well as avoiding crashes and playing fun games. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own working bike and helmet. Each child will receive a free reflective vest. Wells Middle School, 6800 Penn Dr, Dublin. Register at BikeEastBay.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 & SUNDAY, MARCH 26 The Empower Thyself Class & Initiation | Pleasant Hill 10:30am-6pm. Saturday, 10:30am-5pm. Sunday. Live life more fully. Spread more light in the world and receive proven tools to affect change in your life, and the world around you. Align with your divine purpose. Access the ancient mysteries of creation; gain access to the tools used by the great masters, as taught in by Solomon in his temples. Step into your power. 925-9977518. Info@TheHealing.Place.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 27 Yoga in the Library | Central 6-7pm. With instructor Stacey Singleton. Join us as you learn to relax your mind and body. This class is for both beginners and those with experience. Stacey will provide a limited number of mats but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have one. Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St (at Shattuck), Berkeley. 510-981-6100.

planahead APRIL 4 - JUNE 20 Ascension Meditation & Healing Class | Livermore 6:30-9pm. On the odd Tuesdays of the month. Skype or in person. Connect with your higher power to deepen your ability to heal and transform your life. Open to anyone interested in working with energy. 510-3862467. JanetMyatt@Live.com. Enroll at JanetMyatt.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5 Workshop for Parents & Kids with Autism, ADD & ADHD | Pleasanton 7pm. With therapist Tatyana. Offering surprising information that not even doctors know about. Parents and kids will learn to understand why it’s been affecting their lives, and how to work with the challenges. You will gain a new perspective about your family member and how to help them, as well as have tools to work with. Other workshops to follow. Also, workshops for kids with POTS and people with chronic pain. Free. Eastern Medical Center, 5933 Coronado Ln #100, Pleasanton. To register and stay connected, go to Facebook.com/EasternMedCenter.

APRIL 17 -JUNE 5 Empowered Parenting, Practical Tools for Parents & School-Aged Children | Online At your leisure. Expert speakers in this online class share their most important advice to help you be a better parent, plus provide practical tools you and your children can use. $48/person. Contacts are Kate Mackinnon & Lauren Doko, 925-456-4817. OnlineClass@ KMackinnon.com. EmpoweredParenting.online.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28 Get Started with Pilates | Livermore 10am. Have you been thinking about getting in shape but fear has been stopping you? Whatever may be holding you back from getting reconnected with your body, Pilates could be a great solution for you to increase your strength, flexibility and mobility. Most importantly, Pilates is a mind, body, spirit exercise regime, that can increase your self-love and feel powerful in your skin. Come check it out! $40. Heidi Steele, 408-623-6302. Heidi@PilatesByHeidi.com. PilatesByHeidi.com. Volunteer Night | Oakland 5pm. Join us as we gather together to tackle large scale projects, while we socialize with our fellow bike members and supporters of the East Bay area. Snacks and dinner is always provided. No need to register, just show up! You must be a current member to attend. Bike East Bay office, 466 Water St, Oakland. More information is available at BikeEastBay.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31 Family Fun Night | Oakland 6-9pm. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun! The purpose of our gathering is to encourage and educate our younger generations. Our evenings include games, arts and crafts, more games, food, lots of energy and most of all, fun! Free. Memorial Tabernacle Fellowship Hall, 5801 Racine St, Oakland. For more information please call, 510-652-4915. Grow@MemorialTabernacle.org.

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natural awakenings

March 2017

ongoingcalendar All Calendar events for the April issue must be received by March 10 and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NAEastBay.com or email Calendar@ NAEastBay.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday Tibetan Nyingma Meditation | Berkeley 9am. One of the best ways to take care of yourself, is through meditation. All are welcome to clear their mind, and to grow with inner tranquility. Each session has a brief instruction of Nyingma meditation, then silent sitting. Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Place, Berkeley. For prices or more information, please contact 510-809-1000. Swarm Urban Farming Bike Ride with Fleet Farming | Oakland 9-11am. If you’ve been thinking about checking out Fleet Farming in your area, now is your chance! A moving workshop done bi-weekly, that will let you get your hands dirty with seeding, tending beds, harvesting and other farming activities. We bike ride to all three of our farmlettes. Bottoms Up Community Garden, 814 Peralta St, Oakland. More information at BikeEastBay.com. FB.com/ FleetFarmingOak. Community Sing & Meet Up | Oakland 11am. Meets the 4th Sunday of the month. Join in with us to sing, laugh, think, and listen, and build your community together. Speakers from local science and humanities communities typically offer a way to donate to local organizations. Free. Oakland Peace Center, 111 Fairmount Ave, Oakland. 510451-8822. OaklandPeaceCenter.org Soul Sanctuary Dance | Berkeley 11am-1pm. All ages are welcome to dance to the blend of funk, soul, world music, positive hip-hop, reggae, dance classics, jazz, blues, electronica and other music to free the mind, body and soul. Wheelchair accessible. No scented products please. Shoes optional. Donations accepted. Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley. SoulSanctuaryDance.com. Nia | Berkeley Noon-1pm. Also, Friday at 8:45am. Expand your dance, increase your joy. Give the body the gift of learning the Nia language with teacher Alexis Mulhauser. Namaste Yoga, 2820 7th St, Berkeley. Info@FloraMotion.net. FloraMotion.net. 100+ Free-to-Play Tabletop Games | Berkeley Noon-6pm. Meet the 3 Sunday of every month. If you’re into board games new or old, come out and join in on the fun. Maybe you’re a designer of games, or a play tester? Everyone is welcome here. Food and drinks are available next door. Free. Games of Berkeley, 2151 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510-540-7822. More information is available at Events@GamesOfBerkeley.com. rd

Needle Crafters | San Leandro 1:30-3:45pm. If you enjoy any type of needle crafts, such as knitting, crocheting, needle point, you’re welcome to join us. While working on our individual projects, we discuss movies, books, and everyday life. Fun and casual, so come and relax. If you are a beginner and would like to learn more, this is the place. Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro. For more information please call, 510-577-3970. Shamanic Drum Circle | Dublin 3-4:15pm. Second Sunday of every month. With Ashleigh Pevey. A trained clinical certified hypnotherapist, Shamanic healer and Reiki practitioner. Drumming helps you gain access to your inner guidance and learn to work with your helping spirits. Enhance your relationship with yourself and spirit. Move from just trusting that your guides are there, to knowing and working with them. Allow the mystery of life to unfold. One of the great benefits of shamanic journeying is learning that we are never alone, and are loved unconditionally. $10-25/ suggested love offering. Unity of Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, #108, Dublin. 925-829-2733. UnityOfTriValley.org. Community Lounge Rumba | Berkeley 3:30-6pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday each month. Rumba is the word used for a group of related communityoriented music and dance styles in Cuba. These jam sessions welcome drummers, singers and dancers who perform rumba. Free. La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510-849-2568. LaPena.org.

monday Private Grocery Tour | East Bay Need help navigating your health food store? Discover new foods and create quick, easy, healthy delicious meals. Budget and kid-friendly. The easiest investment to make you get started on your health journey. 60-minute private Grocery Tour. $125/complete grocery lists, menus and recipes. Alexandra Le Ny, CHC. 925-858-2133. AlexandraLeNy@yahoo.com. AlexandraLeNy.com. Radio Show-Life Insights Live, Personal Growth Radio 7-8am. This week featuring Practical Mystic, Scout Bartlett. This will be replayed on Wednesdays from 7-8am. Various topics of self-understanding, personal growth and spiritual perception discussed. A 2 ½-minute group meditation each Monday at 7:30am. We are on the air broadcasting to the Bay Area on KEST, 1450AM. Simulcast and archived for later listening on IfIdKnownThen.com. Community Healing Circle | Dublin 7-8:30pm. First Monday of every month. Individual and group healing techniques from various disciplines are demonstrated to re-align the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Facilitated by Claudia Scott. $10/love offering. Unity of Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, #108. 925-784-5956. JoyOf Healing@ClaudiaJ.com. East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-10pm. Biodanza, which means Dance of Life, is a system that integrates music, movement and authentic interactions to provide experiences of intense perceptions, of being in the here and now. Mixed beginner/intermediate level. Registration required. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single session; $65-$80/monthly pass. Finnish Hall, 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. Biodanza.us.

Free Kundalini Meditation | Walnut Creek 5-6:30pm. Kundalini meditation is an ancient Tantric practice that allows every individual to deeply experience their direct, inner connection to the divine. Class includes shaktipat transmission, guided meditation and discussion. Scheduled appointment for introduction is required for first-timers at 4pm. 2910 Camino Diablo, Walnut Creek. 510-917-2349. Ellen@TrikaShala.com. Barefoot Boogie | Berkeley 7:30-11pm. Enjoy freestyle dancing in a casual, friendly environment. Boogie is a healthy alternative to the club scene. Smoke, scent and alcohol free. The first hour is slow music for stretching and unwinding, and then the pace picks up to an aerobic, ecstatic high. Our DJs play a great mix of Latin, African, Funk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Blues, house, pop, oldies, and more. This is real music for real people. $8-$15/sliding scale; $5/first-timers. 8th Street Studios, 2525 8th St at Dwight, Berkeley. SFBarefootBoogie.com.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

tuesday Heart-Centered Meditation 10am. Are you seeking spiritual healing and renewal? Discover an ancient Sufi meditation practice to cleanse your heart of the blocks that keep you from living in conscious connection to divine love. Get started today with an eCourse, and join us live for guided meditation calls. Free. SufiUniversity. org/INFO. Yoga at Bishop Ranch 15 | San Ramon 12:05-12:50pm. Please arrive a few minutes early. Take a midday break to reconnect with yourself while you relax and rejuvenate with gentle hatha Yoga. Build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Deepen your self-awareness and inner peace. Please bring a mat. All levels are welcome. $42/5 class package, $75/10 class package. 12667 Alcosta Blvd, Ste 135, (BR15), San Ramon. Clar ityWithSusan@gmail.com. ClarityWithSusan.com.

South Berkeley Farmers’ Market | Berkeley

Gentle Yoga | Oakland

2-6:30pm. Go outside the box, the big box stores that is. Enjoy fresh produce and products from the area. Not only is this a healthier way of living, but you’ll be supporting the local businesses in the area. Adeline St and 63rd St, Berkeley.

1-2pm. No experience needed. Wear comfortable clothes. Designed for women who have, or have had cancer. Class includes gentle asana practice, as well as restorative poses. Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. 510-420-7900. WCRC.org.

Teens, Come and Make Some Things | Berkeley 4-5pm. Come to the library and express yourself through arts and crafts. It’s a laid back, self-paced workshop where you can have some fun, and meet and make new friends. South Branch Library, 1901 Russell St, Berkeley. 510-981-6260. Team Lemon Run Club | Walnut Creek 6:30pm. Social and fun run for all levels of runners. Runs are 3 or 5 miles through downtown Walnut Creek and along local trails. Pace is moderate. Free. Lululemon, 1201-A South Main St, Walnut Creek. 925-274-1253. Lululemon.com/WalnutCreek. Korean Zen Meditation | Oakland 7-9pm. Taught by Buddhist nun Jaguang Sunim. A relaxed meditation to free yourself from life’s stress, and find your inner center of wisdom. Dharma talk. Sitting and walking meditation, tea and discussion. By donation. Sixth Ancestor Zen Center, 100 Monte Cresta Ave, Oakland. 510 8444164. SixthAncestorZen.org. Comedy at the Layover | Oakland 8-10pm. The last Tuesday of every month. Grab your friends, your spouse, any one you choose, and head on out. Be ready for fun and laughs with comedians from HBO, Comedy Central, and Late Night TV. Must be 21 and over. RSVP is requested. Free admission. The Layover, 157 Franklin St, Oakland. For information and updates call 510-834-1517.

wednesday ThetaHealing & New Offerings at IRE | Oakland & Modesto Not only distributors, we have displays of both dōTerra Oils and Nikken products in both locations. IRE staff members are offering introductory sessions to instruct and support you. $50. We are available for your inquiries or registration at 510654-1405. Info@IREInst.com. IREInst.com. Quiet the Mind & Open the Heart | Pleasanton 7pm. First Wednesday of the month. This workshop is for people looking for a life transformation and support, to build new healthy habits and routines. You will have the opportunity to learn about connections and dependencies between our physical, mental, and spiritual bodies. The talks are 1½ hours, and include lecture, discussions, and practical exercises. Free. For more information, go to TheSacredHealingWell.com or MTHWellnessCenter. MassageTherapy.com. Transcendental Meditation | Berkeley Noon. Learn about transcendental meditation. Berkeley TM Center, 950 Gilman St, #100, Berkeley. 510-872-2287. Berkeley@TM.org.

Turn ON San Francisco | San Francisco Preferred arrival: 7:15pm. Doors locked: 7:30pm. Through three guided round-robin style games, you’ll express yourself and gain new (and maybe surprising) insight into yourself and others. All this in a room full of cool, fun people engaging in honest, humorous, playful conversation. Topics are based on thoughts that we only would have in our head. Singles and couples welcome. Registration preferred. Those without reservations will be put on a wait list until 7:20pm. 47 Moss St, San Francisco. 408-390-2095. Awakening360.com. Acro Yoga Class | Berkeley 7:30-8:30pm. Every second Wednesday of the month. No previous experience necessary. Join us and learn the skills, balance and art of acrobatic partner yoga. Using basic yoga poses, learn how to combine them into partner balancing and dynamic movements. Free. Sports basement, 2727 Milvia St, Berkeley. 510-984-3907. East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-9:30pm. Also on Thursday. Beginner level, open to new participants. Biodanza, which means Dance of Life, is a system that integrates music, movement and authentic interactions to provide experiences of intense perceptions of being in the here and now. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single session; $65-$80/monthly pass. Jeffery Bihr Studio, 5390 Miles Ave, Berkeley. 415-717-3578 or 415505 9482. Biodanza.us.

environment. No yoga experience necessary. $12/ class; $38/month. Yoga Works, 1131 Locust St, 2nd Flr, Walnut Creek. 925-478-7272. InfoNorCal@ YogaWorks.com. Coloring Club | Dublin 5:30-6:30pm. Do you ever feel like you just need to calm down and unwind for a little while? Here is a great way to do just that! Color. That’s right, coloring can have such a calming effect over you, and relax for one hour, and do just that. Meet the third Thursday of every month. Please bring your supplies. Dublin Library, 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin. 925-803-7252. Any questions? Email A.Dunn@ DublinLibrary.org. Weight-Loss Class | Castro Valley 6-7pm. Come to the Nature’s Sunshine Health Center weight loss class. We are currently working on a one-on-one basis. $25/week. Nature’s Sunshine Health Center, 21709 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley. Please call to schedule your appointment at 510-582-8482. Change Your Water, Change Your Life | Walnut Creek 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for a presentation to learn how alkalized, ionic Kangan water can bring your body into a state of balance. Eliminating toxic pesticides and household chemicals from your daily life. RSVP. 925-609-4426. Free Kundalini Meditation | Berkeley 7pm. See Sun listing for details. Free. Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th St, Berkeley. 510-4868700. Ellen@TrikaShala.com. Lake Merritt Oneness Blessing and Meditation | Oakland

Yoga at Bishop Ranch 15 | San Ramon

7-9pm. The purpose of Lake Merritt Oneness is to support the awakening of humanity; by cultivating direct experience of oneness consciousness through universal teachings, meditation and oneness blessings. The Oneness Blessing is the sacred technology that advances each person’s journey into the direct experience of awakening. This gift to humanity helps to deepen our personal connection to the divine. These blessings have catapulted many people from around the globe into an awakened state and deeper awareness. The Blessing allows us to completely experience and dissolve old hurts, fears, and worries. It also silences repetitive thinking. Suffering decreases naturally. Lake Merritt Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland. LakeMerrittOneness.org.

12:05-12:50pm. Please arrive a few minutes early. Take a midday break to reconnect with yourself while you relax and rejuvenate with gentle Hatha Yoga. Build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Deepen your self-awareness and inner peace. Please bring a mat. All levels are welcome. $42/5-class package, $75/10-class package. 12667 Alcosta Blvd, Ste 135, (BR15), San Ramon. ClarityWithSusan@gmail. com. ClarityWithSusan.com.

Game Night | Berkeley 7-11pm. Not sure what you feel like doing on a Thursday night? Open game night is the place to be! Your options are many with all types of board games, card games, miniature games, games of dice, or bring your own game. Open to all ages. Free. 924 Gilman St, Berkeley. Information and confirmation is available at 924GameNight@ gmail.com.

Youth Yoga | Walnut Creek

Ballroom & Social Dance | Livermore

thursday Beginner Computer Class | Berkeley 10-11am. Learn the basics of using a computer. You will be taught to correctly use a mouse, the keyboard, how to set up email, also to search/surf the internet. Free/drop-in classes. Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley. 510-981-6100.

3:45-4:30pm. Ages 5-8. 4:45-5:45pm. Ages 9-11. Members and non-members welcome. This class is designed to work with pre-teens in developing a strong sense of self. Students are taught relaxation techniques, yoga postures and breathe work. Age-appropriate activities are used to promote self-love, community and an awareness of the

7:30pm. Join instructor Joallyn Bohn and learn the beginner steps to the Tango, (American style). This class if for adult students. A partner is recommended but not required. Smooth-soled shoes are much better to war than rubber soled shoes. Free. Organized by Livermore Area Rec & Park District, 522 South L St, Livermore. Register at Active.com.

natural awakenings

March 2017

Artwalk | Alameda

Parents' Night Out | Emeryville

7:30-9:30pm. Second Friday of every month. This is a gallery/studio home for the Alameda artists group. It’s open to the public on the second Friday for the gallery walk. Artists are encouraged to bring their projects, sketchbooks, or their lastest projects. Free, $5-$10 suggested donation. Studio 23 Gallery, 2309 Encinal Ave, Alameda. Contacts are Wes-NJess. 415-580-2309. Art@AlamedaArtists.com. Studio23Gallery.com.

6-10:30pm. This is a great night out for everyone in the entire family. Children’s ages are 4 and up, and must be potty-trained. The kids get to jump, frolic, flip, while in a safe environment. Then they can enjoy pizza and an appropriate movie. All while parents get a night out. $35. Head Over Heels Athletic Arts, 4701 Doyle St, Bldg F, Emeryville. For questions and more information please call 510-655-1265. Diedra@HohAthleticArts.com. HOHAthleticArts.com.

East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-9:30pm. Beginner level, open to new participants. See Wednesday listing for details. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single session, $65-$80/monthly pass. Jeffrey Bihr Studio, 5390 Miles Ave, Berkeley. LauraLouc@gmail.com. KRohnem@Galileo Web.org. Biodanza.us.

friday Nia | Oakland 8:45am. See Monday listing for details. Namaste Rockridge, 5416 College Ave, Oakland. Info@ FloraMotion.net. FloraMotion.net. Block Party | Oakland 5-9:30pm. The first Friday of every month. A great community experience. The Koreatown/Northgate area of town comes to life with this event. You won’t want to miss the street artists, performers, musicians, dancers, DJs, poets and others. Thousands of people come from all over the Bay area and beyond to experience the great foods, the live music, and to take part in the eclectic city attraction. Free. Telegraph Ave from West Grand to 27th St, Oakland. More information at SF.FunCheap.com.

Concert in the Park | Pleasanton 7-8:30pm. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music from the 50’s, 60’s, rock, and soul. West Grand Boulevard has performed for a countless number of people at weddings, festivals, fundraisers and clubs. Support your local restaurants by picking up some dinner to bring with you. Concert is free. Lions Wayside Park, 4401 First St, Pleasanton. 925-4842199. PleasantonDowntown.net. Drop-In Volleyball | Walnut Creek 7-10pm. Open to the first 45 participants. $5. Tice Valley Community Gymnasium, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. 925-256-3572. WalnutCreekRec.org. East Bay Bike Party | 7:30pm. Held on the second Friday of every month. A mobile party for riders of all ages, experience levels, and bike types, to meet, ride, and play together in the streets. Nearly 400 riders check the Bike Party website to find what East Bay BART station they will be meeting at. Every month is a different costume theme, so dress your best and bring some music too. Free. More information at FrSF.FunCheap.com.

Family Fun Night | Oakland 6-9pm. The first Friday of every month. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun! The purpose of our gathering is to encourage and educate our younger generations. Our evenings include games, arts and crafts, more games, food, lots of energy and most of all, fun! Free. Memorial Tabernacle Fellowship Hall, 5801 Racine St, Oakland. For more information please call, 510-652-4915. Grow@ MemorialTabernacle.org. Roller Boogie Street Jam | Oakland 6-9:30pm. The first Friday of the month. Bring your skates and bring your friends and come out and dance! There will be plenty of food trucks if you get hungry, and lots of entertainment and art alon the streets. A great chance for a night out and to have a lot of fun. Skating is free. Telegraph Ave & 23rd St, Oakland. SF.FunCheap.com.

Farmers’ Market | Pleasanton 9am-1pm. Stop by and visit the market that offers a diversity of fresh fruits and vegetables. Open year round, every Saturday. Rain or shine, you can purchase the freshest items from the farmers that planted and harvested these crops. Downtown Pleasanton, E Angela St, Pleasanton. 925-484-2199. Health & Awakening | Oakland 10-11am. Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th St, Suite 290, Oakland. 510-637-0455. Info@ ShaolinMaster.org. Castro Valley Farmers’ Market | Castro Valley 10am-2pm. Join us very week for the freshest and the best produce and baked goods our state can offer. Many vendors to choose from. Open all year round. Castro Valley BART Station, Redwood Rd and Norbridge, Castro Valley. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call Ron Radini, 510-745-7100. Morning Meditation | Berkeley 10:30-11:30am. Become focused. Learn to clear your mind. Remove the stress that is in your life! An instructor with more than 15 years of experience is here to teach you what you need to know. North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley. More information at 510-981-6250. BerkeleyPublicLibrary.org. Bloomin’ Belly Flow Prenatal Yoga | Walnut Creek 11am-12:15pm. Bloom Retreat, 1444 S Main St, Walnut Creek. 925-939-6262. BloomRetreat.com. Cartooning Workshop

saturday

Candlelit Labyrinth Walk & Live Music | Berkeley 6-7pm. Last Friday of every month. Come rain or shine because the labyrinth is located indoors. Open to all ages, faiths and walks of life. Guests have the option to just sit and listen or walk around. Walking the winding path reminds us that even though life has many twists and turns, we always end up at the center. RSVP is preferred. Free. Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St, Berkeley. Lots more information is available at SF.FunCheap.com.

What more is there to ask for? Free admission. Railroad Ave, Municipal Parking Lot, Downtown Danville. 925-825-9090.

Webinar Series: The Degrees of Woman in Sufism Join Susan Rahima Schmall to learn how spiritual connection affects illness as it manifests in the physical, emotional and mental bodies. Incorporate spiritual healing for the physical body. Gifted at creating a safe nurturing space for people with physical illness and emotional pain can find peace. She is passionate about helping students develop their own gifts as healers and human beings. SufiUniversity.org/Distance-Learning/Webinars/. Fun Run with Fleet Feet | Pleasanton 9am. Distances range from 2-8 miles, and is great for everyone with a pace from walkers on up. It’s always a fun time! 925-699-4926. EthanFalls@ comcast.net. Basement Pilates | Walnut Creek 9-10am. All levels welcome. Bring mat, towel and water for Pilates class by local instructor. Free. Sports Basement, 1881 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek. 925-941-6100. Farmers’ Market | Danville 9am-1pm. One of the best things about living in California is our fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables grown locally, and served on our tables.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

11am-12:30pm. If you like to draw and enjoy comics, this is where you need to be! Children ages 10-16. This class will teach you how to create your very own cartoon characters with their own expressions to tell their own stories. Any skill level welcome. Fee includes material. City of Berkeley, 1947 Center St, First Flr, Berkeley. More information and registration at Active.com. Jack of All Trades | Oakland 11am-5pm. Jack of All Trades will fill Jack London Square with a curated mix of local makers, indie designers, antique dealers, collectors, artists, start-ups and more brought together by the Treasure Island Flea. Free to the public, this eclectic market will feature one-of-a-kind items, live music and several free DIY workshops for all ages. Jack of All Trades will take place on the second Saturday of each month. Jack London Square, Broadway, Oakland. For more information please call 415-898-0245. JackofAllTradesOakland.com. Bellydance Class | Oakland Noon. Build your self-confidence! This class is also a great low-impact workout focusing on basic bellydance steps, muscular technique, isolations and musicality. No experience required. Wear yoga pants, capris or shorts so instructor can see your leg positions. Tank top or another workout shirt. You don’t have to expose your belly. Hip scarves are optional. Bare feet or thin-soled dance shoes. $25/3 classes for new students, $16/drop-in. Yoga Love Oakland, 3851 Market St, Oakland. HolisticBellydance@gmail.com.

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NAEastBay.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE EASTERN MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Teresa Shen, LAc, PhD China 5933 Coronado Ln, Ste 100, Pleasanton 925-847-8889 EasternMedicalCenter.com Award-winning natural family healthcare clinic brings 5,000 years of traditional Chinese healing and 4 generations of expertise including acupuncture, acupressure, cupping and herbs. See ad, page 7.

AYURVEDA & HOMEOPATHY RASHANA RAUNIAR SHARMA (BHMS, CCH, AWP)

Chetna Center for Health and Wellness 110 Ryan Industrial Ct, Suite #1 San Ramon, CA – 94583 925- 255- 5375 ChetnaCenter. com Certified practitioner of ayurveda, homeopathy and reiki serving the Bay Area for over 15 years. We provide safe and natural health care alternatives for all ages with concerns on digestive issues, stress, anxiety, allergies, recurrent cough and cold, constipation, insomnia and other immune related issues. Therapy is designed and customized per individual’s unique body constitution and includes Natural and Herbal remedies, Diet & Lifestyle changes and Meditation. We also provide Reiki initiation and healing. Consultation can be given in person or via Skype or phone.

BIOPHOTON LIGHT THERAPY BIOPHOTON SERVICES

Kathy McIntire 1151 Harbor Bay Parkway, Suite 100 Alameda, CA 94502 510- 217-8677 BiophotonServices.com Biophoton therapy restores the body’s ability to self-heal. This is done by influencing the biophotons (light) emissions of the body, neutralizing chaotic light and strengthening coherent light. Causes of biophotons disruption range from whiplash/scars to environmental toxins, GMOs, heavy metals, electromagnetic radiation, etc.

BODY WORK THE BREEMA CENTER 6076 Claremont Avenue Oakland, CA 510-428-0937 Center@Breema.com Breema.com

Breema is a simple, natural form of touch and body movement supported by universal principles that provides a unique approach to experiencing body-mind connection. The aim of Breema is to bring us to a tangible experience of presence that becomes our foundation for a new dimension of health and consciousness. See ad, page 9.

CHIROPRACTOR HEALING ARTS CHIROPRACTIC

Katie Sokolski, D.C. 187 40th Street Way, Oakland, CA 94611 510-356-7832 Dr.Sokolski@gmail.com HealingArtsChiro.com Healing Arts Chiropractic offers a whole-body approach to wellness that utilizes applied kinesiology, personalized nutrition programs and massage therapy. Our holistic treatment plans are designed to facilitate wellness from the inside—what you feed your body, as well as the outside—keeping your mind, body and spirit moving in a healthy way. See ad, page 15.

MICHAEL REHL, DC

Chiropractic & Advanced Holistic Health Care 1280 Boulevard Way, Ste 211, Walnut Creek Michael@MichaelRehl.com MichaelRehl.com

BUSINESS SAVVY SELLING NOW! Leslie Ellis 925-338-2924 office 925-299-1920 mobile

healing process.

As a healer, you love helping people! Do you enjoy the business side of your practice? I work with entrepreneurs to help them become more comfortable with all aspects of sales. If you are going to be wildly successful, you need to be good at selling! Contact me for a free strategy session. Leslie@ SavvySellingNow.com or 925-338-2924.

BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS SAN RAMON HOLISTIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com/ Ca-San-Ramon MeetUp.com/San-Ramon-HolisticChamber-of-Commerce

We are an expanding organization representing holistic professionals, practitioners and businesses. We encourage and promote healthy living, and support the professionals and businesses that make it possible. Together, we can make a difference. Want to be seen (and found) at The Holistic Chamber of Commerce—come and join this community and learn how folks can find you via the web and locally. See ad, page 8.

Offering a holistic approach to chiropractic care, Dr. Rehl incorporates nutrition, applied kinesiology and deep tissue work into his practice. By treating the whole body, Dr. Rehl’s treatment plan engages his patients so that they are an integral part of their

EDUCATION SINGING STONES SCHOOL 2491 San Miguel Dr. Walnut Creek, Ca 925-948-5006 SingingStones.org

Singing Stones School will provide an education based on the Waldorf philosophy from kindergarten through high school for children in the Tri-Valley area of Contra Costa County. It is holistic in nurturing the whole child and also in terms of its commitment to community.

UNIVERSITY OF SPIRITUAL HEALING & SUFISM (USHS) 800-238-3060, option 5 Outreach@SufiUniversity.org SufiUniversity.org

USHS offers transformational programs for those who want to be agents of divinely-guided healing. Programs are based on establishing a deep connection with Divine Love, then opening to streams of healing light from God, transforming physical illness and emotional pain into states of greater health and spiritual wholeness.

natural awakenings

March 2017

HOLISTIC COUNSELING & GRIEF RECOVERY

HEALING CENTERS SOUL CONNECTION HEALING CENTER

Kate Mackinnon & Lauren Doko Tri-Valley SoulConnectionHealingCenter.com Hello@SoulConnectionHealingCenter.com

The Soul Connection Healing Center is comprised of practitioners passionate about healing and supporting your whole person. It›s a central hub of holistic and complementary approaches to health. Discover this TriValley resource for experienced holistic, complementary care.

HERBAL MEDICINE

TINA KOPKO, LMFT, CGRS® Berkeley & Oakland 510-813-9811 Tina@AuthenticiTina.com AuthenticiTina.com

Do you struggle to validate your desires, emotions & feelings? Have you experienced a life transition that has left you confused, bewildered, and lethargic? Are you grieving a loss from years ago? Time does not necessarily heal all wounds. The Grief Recovery Method will help you discover unresolved emotional issues related to any kind of loss, and take action steps to become complete and regain a sense of vitality and love of life. New groups begin in March. Call me for a free initial 30-minute consultation. (See calendar items on Mondays and Saturdays.)

Health reflects how one is balanced in the different expressions of ourselves; mind, body and soul and our perception of life experiences, our environment and our food. Disease in any of these categories will in some degree be reflected in all others. Dis-ease healed naturally leaves a person stronger. Integrating herbs and healing modalities of the greatest healing systems and cultures in the world; Western, Ayurvedic, Chinese Traditions and Shamanism, I work with individuals to achieve and maintain vital health, wellness and longevity.

HOLISTIC CAREGIVING HOLISTIC CAREGIVERS

Leni Pratte 1-877-7800-CARE Info@HolisticCaregivers.net HolisticCaregivers.net Our holistic approach to caregiving offers wellness-oriented families a higher level of care sprinkled with holistic practices. We believe that the individual is multi-faceted with needs and wants beyond the basic standard of care in this industry. From whole food nutrition to breathing exercises to meditation, we follow a program that is client and doctor-approved, with many options for growth and stimulation.

ALEXANDRA LE NY HEALTH COACHING

925-858-2133 AlexandraLeNy@yahoo.com AlexandraLeNy.com As a certified Health Coach with the AADP, clients are guided in improving their health and happiness through dietary and lifestyle changes. With support and direction we focus on balancing their primary foods (work, relationships, spirituality and exercise) and secondary foods (diet). This is achieved through a holistic approach on health, taking into account diet, lifestyle, environmental toxins, and disease prevention. Healing is supported through knowledge in nutrition, supplements, herbs, aromatherapy and homeopathic options.

HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN

ANCIENT TRADITIONS HEALING Erin Massengale 624 Ferry St. Martinez, 94553 925-725-1067

HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH

HOLISTIC DENTIST FREMONT NATURAL DENTISTRY DR. Colin Yoshida, DDS Fremont Natural Dentistry 3885 Beacon Ave, Suite C Fremont 510-745-1800 FremontDentistry.com

Fremont Natural Dentistry is a comprehensive holistic dental provider using options such as Ozone Therapy, safe mercury amalgam removal, Laser Gum Therapy, minimally invasive restorations and an overall biodental health experience. Give us a call to schedule your next holistic dental appointment today. See ad, page 19.

NEW ERA DENTISTRY

Dr. David Partrite, DDS 520 La Gonda Way, Ste 103, Danville 925-837-3101 Info@NewEraDentistry.com NewEraDentistry.com Whole-body dentistry approach; David Partrite, DDS, facilitates your body’s detoxification through a mercury- and fluoride-free practice, utilizing the most bio-friendly materials and a clean, safe environment through filters and ionizers. From cosmetic dentistry to safe mercury filling removal to working closely with your other holistic practitioners, every visit is a health-promoting experience. See ad, page 18.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

ALTERNATIVES FOR ANIMALS Jennifer Luna-Repose, DVM 919 Moraga Road, Lafayette 925-283-6160 AlternativesForAnimals@gmail.com Alternatives4Animals.com

We are one of the few veterinary clinics in the Bay Area that is exclusively dedicated to Holistic Medicine. We offer acupuncture, chiropractic, Chinese herbal m e d i c i n e , h o m e o p a t h y, Bioresonance therapy, nutrition, flower essences and laser therapy. Our treatments address the whole animal and the root cause of disease, not just the symptoms.

HOMEOPATHY PAIN RELIEF AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 AlbertasPainRelief.com

Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to ease joint and muscular aches and pains from sciatica, gout, arthritis, neuralgia, fibromyalgia and more. Great buy! Get a 4 oz. jar for $15. See website for more optoins. All natural ingredients! Refer a friend and get 10% off your purchase. Read what people are saying about Aunt Alberta’s Remedy at our website.

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. ~E. M. Forster

HYPNOTHERAPY ADVANCED HYPNOTHERAPY Barbara Lynn Allen, MS, CCHT, DCEP 510-528-4976 Berkeley, Ca 94709 TherapyMaster@earthlink.net AdvancedHypnotherapy.com

I offer a unique blend of hypnotherapy, energy therapy and wise counseling to quickly and permanently solve emotional, physical and relationship problems. With 25 years of experience, I rapidly clear your core issues while offering gentle relief from depression, anxiety and blocks to success. Call for your free phone consultation.

ARLENE THOMPSON CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST, C.HT., M.ED. 925-485-7997 Pleasanton Arlene_Thompson@att.net ThompsonHypnotherapy.com

Get rid of blocks to your personal growth, by harnessing the power of your subconscious to reach your goals. Full-service, individualized hypnotherapy, 21 years in business. Free initial phone consultation.

DRAKE BEAR STEPHEN, BA, CHT 925-348-3336 DrakeInnerPrizes.com DrakeBearStephen@pacbell.net

Ever wonder who you were in a past life? Have you created your affirmation for the afterlife you want? Drake is a hypnotherapist and shamanic energy medicine practitioner that specializes in integrating past lives with present lives. Call for a free consultation today.

NUTRITIONIST NUTRAPARTNERS

Kathy Napoli, Registered Dietician 3189 Danville Blvd, Ste 260, Alamo 925-831-3900 KNapoli@NutraPartners.com NutraPartners.com Restore health and vitality through personalized nutrition and lifestyle programs, including the 8-wk program Lighten Up. Kathy’s clients achieve increased energy; improved blood sugar and lipid levels; and relief from digestive issues and food allergies. With 20 years experience as a clinical nutritionist and nutrition consultant, Kathy teaches workshops throughout the Bay Area on topics such as Age-Proof Your Skin, Get Lean and Strong and Stop Inflammation. She holds a Masters of Arts in Holistic Health Education from JFK University.

ROLFING/STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

SPIRITUAL TEACHING JANET MYATT, MA

Spiritual Counselor, Teacher, Healer 510-386-2467 Janetmyatt@live.com JanetMyatt.com

MEDICINEVOLUTION

Chris Corrales 925-922-2246 Chris@MedicinEvolution.com MedicinEvolution.com Deemed a master by his peers, Chris Corrales’ 15 years of private practice have given him a reliable reputation as one of the best massage and bodywork practitioners in the Bay Area. His ability to discern and treat the causes of injury and imbalance has proven unique and profound.

SOMATIC THERAPIST

WELLNESS CENTER

NEAL WINBLAD, MFT, SEP 780 Main St, Ste 201, Pleasanton 925-963-9786 NWinblad.com

See ad, page 3.

Discover the higher power, divine intelligence, and spiritual purpose within you. Learn how the creative process of life works and create meaningful change. Heal the wounds within that create repeating patterns of limitation and confusion. Using a blend of spiritual and psychological tools and techniques, Janet helps you move out of limiting and painful ways of thinking and feeling into an awakened awareness that is limitless, loving, and powerful. Private counseling and spiritual awakening classes available in person and online.

PLEASANTON FAMILY WELLNESS CENTER

Somatic Experiencing is the gold standard for resolving complex trauma. In most cases trauma is quite easy to treat, doesn’t require a lot of talk and doesn’t need all the emotional catharsis so common in psychotherapy. Call me today for a free consultation and sample session.

SPIRITUAL CENTER UNITY OF TRI-VALLEY

7567 Amador Valley Blvd, Suite 108, Dublin 925-829-2733 UnityOfTriValley.org We are a welcoming spiritual community for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Unity is a positive path for spiritual living. Whoever you are and wherever you are on your spiritual journey, YOU are welcome here!

THE HEALING PLACE

Ancient mystery school teachings and activations 925-997-7518 Kathleen@TheHealing.Place TheHealing.Place Awaken your potential with the Life activation. Release energy drains with a Cord Cutting. Protect your space with Sacred Geometries. Be empowered through the Empower Thyself class & Initiation! Experience greater health & empowerment with once secret, ancient mystery school teachings & healings. Call for a consult. Kathleen, Guide & Ceremonial Master in the Lineage of King Salomon.

Kathleen Beaulieu, CMT, IMT 1491 Cedarwood Ln, Ste A Pleasanton 925-600-0503 Kathleen@PleasantonWellness.com PleasantonWellness.com Discover your body’s healing potential. Nutritional and diagnostic counseling for lifestyle changes including weight loss, gastrointestinal, thyroid, hormone, allergies and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Expert massage therapy, 20 years experience specializing in pregnancy, automobile injuries and post-surgery recovery.

WORKSHOPS SPIRITUAL UNFOLDMENT NETWORK™

Loretta Metzger, certified teacher Walnut Creek, CA 925-954-7908 sun88@juno.com Spiritual-Initiations.com S.U.N. offers workshops from many ancient traditions for personal and spiritual transformation through initiations empowering student to progress at their pace. Loretta teaches nationally and internationally since 1992 including Enlightenment Society United Nations. She also offers feng shui consulting and classes.

The rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together. ~Saadi

natural awakenings

March 2017

Tur� Your Passion Into a Business

Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine Our publishers ranked us among the highest in franchise satisfaction for our Training, Support, Core Values and Integrity!*

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can empower yourself and others to create a healthier world while working from your home earning an income doing something you love! No publishing experience is necessary. You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

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