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Natural Awakenings
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What does Whole Body Alignment mean to you? Even the most mindful among us can sometimes overlook the balance we need—not just physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. When this happens, it can manifest as pain, injury or even emotional exhaustion. Personally, I’ve learned that regular physical adjustments, like those from my chiropractor (who’s practically on speed dial), keep me grounded. My go-to team of wellness experts, many of whom I’ve connected with through Natural Awakenings, play a vital role in helping me stay detoxed, recovered and whole.
For my mental and spiritual health, I cherish moments of quiet reflection with God, my husband and our new foster dog, Aubie. These moments of stillness help restore balance when life feels chaotic.
Being purposeful about the health network we build around ourselves is key. It’s important to understand what works best for us individually, but we should also stay open to exploring new modalities. In today’s world, the spectrum of wellness options has never been broader. Practices that were once viewed as mere luxuries, like various forms of bodywork, are now recognized for their therapeutic value in managing a wide range of health conditions.
Several articles in this month’s issue touch on this theme. For instance, our feature story, "The Rise of Bodywork Modalities", highlights the growing number of over 180 different bodywork options, from cold laser therapy to infrared treatments. These
modalities offer unique benefits for non-invasive pain management and overall recovery, helping us to realign and restore.
Cold therapy, as mentioned in the article, supports a wide range of health benefits, including:
• Hormonal balance
• Metabolism and weight management
• Recovery from inflammation
• Immune system support
• Skin health and anti-aging
• Cardiovascular and reproductive health
Additionally, our Fit Body column, "Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play", offers insights into how small adjustments in posture can make a significant impact on our overall well-being. Repetitive movements—whether we’re sitting at a desk, playing golf or creating music—can strain our bodies. Paying attention to ergonomics can prevent discomfort and long-term issues.
So, as you explore this issue, I encourage you to be kind to yourself. Discover something that resonates with you within these pages, and take the first step toward a new, healthy habit today—because why wait for tomorrow?
•
To Your Health, Michelle Smith Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach
Joy is not a season, it’s a way of living.
—Kalley Heiligenthal
Aubie
Film enthusiasts can immerse themselves in four days of screenings at multiple downtown Fairhope venues. The lineup includes 30 films ranging from shorts to award-winning feature films. For more information or to purchase tickets visit: FairhopeFilmFestival.org FILM TITLES WILL BE ANNOUNCED OCT. 21ST
Eastern Shore Rolfing Relocates to Daphne
Eastern Shore Rolfing® has relocated to 809C Daphne Avenue, near Main Street and Highway 98, in Daphne. The practice continues to offer high-quality, individualized care under the guidance of certified Rolfer Pam Reaves and new clients are currently being accepted.
Reaves, a graduate of the Rolf Institute in Boulder, specializes in Rolfing Structural Integration, a unique bodywork technique that focuses on aligning the body through fascia and connective tissue, rather than the skeletal system. This approach sets Rolfing apart from chiropractic care and helps clients improve posture and correct long-standing body patterns. Reaves is one of the few practitioners in the area offering this specialized service.
Rolfing sessions are 75 minutes long. Reaves begins with an evaluation of the client’s past injuries, chronic use and compensatory patterns. A movement assessment follows to pinpoint areas of tension and restriction. Once identified, Reaves applies slow, intentional pressure on specific areas while collaborating with the client for real-time feedback. “It’s like going on a journey with the client,” Reaves explains. The process is interactive, allowing for client input and facilitating better results.
After the session, another evaluation is conducted to assess changes, and Reaves provides guidance on integrating these improvements into daily activities. This could include advice on posture while sitting in an office chair or adjustments for long car rides.
Mind Performance Center Offers Multi-Directional Approach to Brain Disorders
At the Mind Performance Center, Dr. J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, merges deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (DTMS), brain pathway rehabilitation and metabolic enhancement through functional medicine to address brain disorders like anxiety, memory issues and dementia. Treatment plans are customized to meet the individual needs of patients.
“Treating the brain without including the functional medicine approach is unsuccessful,” Brown emphasizes.
Functional medicine takes a whole-body approach to healthcare. Instead of solely diagnosing and treating symptoms, it promotes overall well-being through nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes. Unlike traditional medicine, which focuses on alleviating symptoms, functional medicine seeks to identify and treat the root cause of the condition.
For example, while a traditional doctor might prescribe pain medication for joint pain, a functional medicine provider looks for long-term solutions, perhaps suggesting weight management and joint-strengthening exercises to address the underlying cause.
At Mind Performance Center, Dr. Brown applies key principles of functional medicine. First, he prioritizes treating the underlying illness rather than simply masking symptoms. This includes encouraging preventive screenings and regular checkups.
Additionally, the functional medicine approach involves viewing health as a combination of physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. Brown collaborates with each patient, taking time to understand their symptoms and concerns to create personalized treatment plans.
“Past illnesses or poor health don’t define you,” he says, adding that this approach empowers patients to regain control over their cognitive health.
Location: Mind Performance Center, 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL, is accepting new patients. Call 251-597-8787 or visit MindPerformance Center.com. See ad, page 3.
Pam Reaves
Fairhope Film Festival
Unrivaled Films Coming to Downtown Fairhope in November
The Fairhope Film Festival organizers are excited to announce details for this year’s festival. The lineup includes 30 films ranging from shorts to award-winning feature films, November 7 through 10.
Film enthusiasts can immerse themselves in four days of screenings at Coastal Alabama Community College Fairhope Campus, Fairhope Public Library, University of South Alabama Baldwin County Campus and the Fairhope Film Festival Theater.
The festival kicks off Thursday, November 7, at 5 p.m., with the screening of the Opening Night Film, which will be immediately followed by the Opening Night Party at The Balcony in Fairhope.
Every morning from 9 to 10 a.m., industry professionals will pop into the Book Cellar at Page and Palette for Coffee Talks. Stop into Latte Da for a coffee, enjoy a complimentary pastry in the Book Cellar and engage with filmmakers, industry insiders and more. The daily event is free to attend, and all are welcome.
The Red Carpet Party, Saturday, November 9, will celebrate all things film. The entertaining event will take place at the Eastern Shore Art Center and will feature delicious food and great music from Kenny on the Keys, who is described as “a pocket full of talent matched with decades of experience.”
The Fairhope 48 for Future Filmmakers’, a new addition to the festival in 2023, encouraged budding high school filmmakers in Baldwin and Mobile counties. This year, the competition is open to all residents in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Participants receive a list of ‘Fairhope Elements,’ which must be depicted somewhere throughout the completed short film. After a shotgun start, a time limit of 48 hours is allotted to produce, record, edit and deliver the finished piece. The completed shorts will be judged and exhibited at a dedicated awards function at the end of the weekend. More details will be announced on the Fairhope Film Festival website in the coming weeks.
“I think movies are the ultimate art,” said Mary Riser, Fairhope Film Festival director. “Movies have everything: music, choreography, motion, acting, scripts, set and scenery. Film is the complete artistic package.”
The complete lineup for the 2024 Fairhope Film Festival will be announced October 21.
For more information about the Fairhope Film Festival or to purchase tickets, visit FairhopeFilmFestival.org, which is updated weekly. Sponsorships are available. See ad, page 5.
All
photos by Stephen Savage
Experience the Difference of Wholistic Healthcare
Non-Invasive Breast Thermography is Safe and Comfortable
Breast Cancer Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of early detection in overcoming the disease. Carolyn Olson, Certified Clinical Thermographer and owner of Thermography Advantage in Mobile, promotes breast thermography as a strategic tool for monitoring breast health.
A rising trend in breast cancer detection is the use of non-invasive imaging techniques, which can be complementary to other screening methods. Thermography is gaining attention for its ability to monitor breast health without radiation and compression, offering a safe and comfortable option for women seeking early detection strategies and improved outcomes.
Olson advocates for the benefits of breast thermography technology, saying, “Women should have the freedom to make informed choices about their health. Breast thermography empowers them to do just that.”
Thermography, which uses infrared imaging to detect temperature variations on the surface of the breast, allows for earlier, more frequent screenings, especially for women under 40, who may not yet be scheduled for mammograms but may have concerns about breast cancer due to family history or a proactive approach to healthcare. Thermography can detect early changes in the breast related to estrogen dominance and lymphatic or vascular changes which may be precursors to disease. These types of early changes may not be seen on a mammogram.
Thermography technology works alongside other forms of imaging, such as mammography and ultrasound, providing a comprehensive approach to breast health. When thermography is combined with traditional screenings, women have more tools for prevention, early detection, treatment and positive outcomes.
Thermography Advantage has locations in both Mobile and Foley. Call 251-6232225 for a free consultation. ThermographyAdvantage. com. See ad, page 33.
Carolyn Olson
Revolutionary Laser Treatments for Pain Relief
Low back pain is a common struggle affecting millions of people every day. Whether it’s a chronic condition or an injury, the daily battle to enjoy life without pain is familiar to many. Daniel Bishop, DPT, owner of Bishop Physical Therapy in Daphne, has dedicated his career to providing relief and healing for those in pain, without relying on medications or invasive procedures.
After years of battling his own pain from a spinal fusion in 1993, along with struggling through degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis, Bishop has developed expertise in treating even the toughest pain conditions.
“My goal is to help patients relieve and heal their pain while retraining their bodies to prevent future issues,” says Bishop. “We want people to live functional, pain-free lives, doing what they love.”
To enhance the non-invasive treatments, Bishop Physical Therapy has introduced the CureWave laser system, an advanced form
inflammation, soreness and orthopedic injuries in a comfortable and calming setting.
How the CureWave Laser Works
The CureWave laser uses infrared light therapy to penetrate deeper into tissues than previous technologies, reaching up to 5.5 inches below the surface. This allows the laser to target joints, nerves and discs in the spine that were previously difficult to treat. The infrared light stimulates tissue repair and increases energy production in damaged cells, promoting faster healing and immediate pain relief.
"With this technology, we’re able to address even the toughest-to-treat conditions," says Bishop, "The laser’s ability to reach deep into body tissues offers relief that wasn’t possible with other modalities."
Conditions Treated
The CureWave laser is effective in treating a variety of conditions, including:
• Chronic back and joint pain
• Post-surgical pain
• Inflammation and soreness
This non-invasive, drug-free treatment offers hope to those who have struggled for years with unresolved pain. Laser treatments at Bishop Physical Therapy are safe, quick and available now.
Muscle and tendon injuries
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 251-626-7778 or visit BishopPhysicalTherapy.com. See ad, page 19.
Daniel Bishop
Evening Primrose May Ease Childbirth
Cervical ripening is the natural process of softening and opening the cervix before labor begins. Pregnant women that need labor induction, have an overdue pregnancy or encounter risks to their health or their baby’s health, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, may need assistance ripening the cervix. In a study published by Complementary Medicine Research involving 96 low-risk women with term [39 to 40 weeks] pregnancies, half of the participants received a daily vaginal capsule of evening primrose oil prior to delivery; the other half received a placebo. The need for labor induction was significantly higher in the placebo group, showing that the vaginal use of evening primrose oil could be safe and effective for cervical ripening in low-risk, full-term pregnant women.
Forever Chemicals Linked to Metabolic Disease
A study led by researchers from Pennsylvania State University and published in Environmental Health Perspectives evaluated the effects of early-life exposure to forever chemicals. The researchers focused on the effects of tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCFD), a persistent organic pollutant, on a group of 4-week-old mice that were fed TCFD for five days, compared to the control group that did not ingest the chemical. They examined the animals’ gut microbiomes and other markers of metabolic disease after the initial five days and again three months later. The scientists found that the TCFD permanently disrupted the gut microbiome and caused a higher body weight and glucose intolerances after three months. These results suggest that human exposure to chemicals such as TCFD during childhood could contribute to metabolic disorders like obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Synthetic Protein May Slow Alzheimer’s Progression
Experiments on mice with Alzheimer’s at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have made significant progress in slowing cognitive decline and improving memory, using a synthetic protein called PHDP5 delivered through the nasal cavity that can cross the blood-brain barrier to directly affect the memory center. Researchers believe this protein could also prevent Alzheimer’s symptoms if administered early in the disease’s progression.
Brain cell communications depend on the health of nerve synapses and synaptic vesicles, which need the protein dynamin to function properly. In Alzheimer’s, the tau protein, which usually stabilizes structures inside neurons, detaches and binds to dynamin, disrupting synaptic vesicle recycling and causing communication problems between neurons. As the disease progresses, tau forms tangles that further damage synapses. PHDP5 works by preventing tau from interacting with dynamin. Researchers note that turning this discovery into an approved treatment for humans will likely be a long process.
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, the disease is expected to affect 78 million people by 2030 and 139 million by 2050 globally, leading to high economic costs. Alzheimer’s is a complex disease caused by a mix of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, making it hard to treat, especially after symptoms appear.
Heike Brauer from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Hank Grebe from Getty Images
Pro/CanvaPro
Antoine2K from Getty Images/CanvaPro
New Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease currently relies on cognitive exams and the observation of symptoms, followed by a brain scan or spinal tap to look for the buildup of beta-amyloid protein. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association involving more than 1,200 Swedish patients with memory complaints showed promise for a blood test diagnosis, which would be easier and less costly to administer.
Participants received an initial diagnosis by a primary care physician or specialist doctor and then got the blood test— which is developed by C2N Diagnostics (C2ND) and measures the buildup of tau proteins—as well as a confirming brain scan or spinal tap. While the doctors’ initial diagnoses were 61 percent (primary care) and 73 percent (specialist) accurate, the C2ND blood test proved to be 91 percent accurate. Approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the works for this and other competing blood tests.
Studying Animals From Space
In 2025, the Max Planck Society, a German research organization, plans to launch into space five miniature satellites, each the size of a Rubik’s Cube, as part of the International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space (ICARUS) project, which is designed to track the movements and body temperature of tagged animals, as well as the surrounding air temperature, air pressure and wind speed. Tiny solar-powered tags and artificial intelligence applications will allow scientists to gather and evaluate data on migration, nesting and mating patterns, while also determining the environmental and human conditions that may lead to an animal’s death. Because of advancements in tagging modalities and ICARUS’s relatively low cost, tags may also be employed to follow more obscure species, as well as things such as glaciers and plastic debris.
Boy Scouts Save Life Mid-Flight
On a Southwest Airlines flight to LaGuardia Airport, a flight attendant asked over the public address system if there was a doctor on board. Three doctors and a nurse responded to the request and began treating a man in cardiac arrest with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Because CPR is exhausting to do for more than a few minutes, the professionals needed help, at which point a group of boy scouts returning from the Philmont Scout Ranch, in New Mexico, jumped into action and helped perform CPR for 40 minutes until the plane was able to make an emergency landing in Pittsburgh.
To receive training and certification in this life-saving skill, contact the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
European Union Bans Mercury Dental Fillings
Dental amalgam, a material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay, is made by mixing a powdered alloy of silver, tin and copper with liquid mercury. The European Union already bans its use for treating children under 15 years old, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women. New rules adopted by the European Council completely ban the use of dental amalgams for all ages starting in 2025, unless deemed strictly necessary by the dental practitioner to address the specific medical needs of a patient. In this country, the use of dental amalgam is permitted even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that exposure to mercury may pose a greater health risk to pregnant and nursing women, newborns and infants, children younger than 6 and those with neurological disease, impaired kidney function or an allergy to mercury.
claffra from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Space Sailing
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully launched a new solar sail propulsion system. Similar to the way a sailboat is powered by wind, solar sails are powered by the pressure of sunlight and offer very low, but constant, acceleration. Made of a flexible composite polymer material reinforced with carbon fiber, this innovation is designed to replace electric and consumable chemical propellants, possibly enabling the use of lighter spacecraft to carry larger payloads or achieve greater speeds. NASA officials predict that future large-scale systems could be used for earlywarning space weather satellites, nearEarth asteroid reconnaissance missions or communications relays for crewed exploration missions.
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Smashing Pumpkins
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans purchase 1.3 billion pounds of Halloween pumpkins and throw away more than 1 billion pounds, most of which winds up in landfills, where they release methane as they decompose. Diverting jack-o-lanterns away from landfills and turning them into compost can reduce the environmental footprint of this popular holiday tradition, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enriching the soil.
Across the nation, people are hosting pumpkin smash parties to compost the spooky gourds. These events foster a sense of community spirit, provide a forum to discuss broader environmental issues and turn a post-Halloween chore into a fun, eco-friendly activity.
Planning Tips
• Time and Place: Schedule the party shortly after Halloween when people are looking to dispose of their pumpkins. Choose a centrally located area such as a public park, community center or school playground. Be sure to obtain any required permits and coordinate with the waste management department.
• Partnerships: Contact environmental groups, schools or businesses to help with logistics, promotion and the distribution of educational materials about composting and sustainability. Local farms or community gardens may be interested in receiving the composted pumpkins.
• Promotion: To attract participants, it is important to explain the purpose of the pumpkin smash and how it benefits the environment. Spread the word on social media using engaging visuals
and hashtags related to Halloween, pumpkins and sustainability. Design and distribute eye-catching flyers. Contact or send a press release to local newspapers, radio stations and TV channels.
Event Recommendations
• Smashing Station: Create a designated area for pumpkin smashing and offer instructions on how to safely smash the pumpkins. Be sure there are enough tools for everyone, including mallets, hammers or even baseball bats. Safety is paramount, so provide goggles and gloves for proper protection. Set up a first-aid station in case of any minor injuries.
• Compost Collection and Distribution: Create a designated area for compost collection and ensure there are clear signs directing participants to take their smashed pumpkins there. Coordinate with local farms or gardens for compost pickup. Ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned up, leaving no debris behind.
• Educational Booths: Set up stations where participants can learn about composting and the benefits of reducing food waste. Provide brochures, posters and hands-on demonstrations to engage both kids and adults, and consider inviting local experts to give short talks or answer questions.
Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast to Launch 2025 Natural Living Directory
Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast is gearing up for the release of its 2025 Natural Living Directory set to launch in April. This highly anticipated annual guide will serve as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to embrace healthier, more balanced lifestyles while connecting them to businesses that specialize in holistic health, wellness and sustainable living.
The 2025 Natural Living Directory will be widely available in both print and online with copies distributed monthly starting in April 2025 to about 600 locations. These locations span across Mobile and Baldwin counties in Alabama as well as Harris, Hancock and Jackson counties in Mississippi. In addition to the print edition, readers will have access to a digital version making the directory easily accessible throughout the year on multiple platforms.
Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast has been a trusted voice in the community since its inception in 2002 following the nationwide launch of Natural Awakenings in 1994. Since then, it has grown into a multifaceted resource offering content across print, digital and social media platforms. The magazine’s readership is engaged with topics like holistic healthcare, healthy living, personal development, ecological lifestyles and socially responsible investing. The most recent readership survey indicates that 90% of readers share their copy with others, further expanding the magazine’s reach.
For businesses in the health and wellness industry, the 2025 Natural Living Directory offers an opportunity to engage with a like-minded health-conscious audience. There are several ways to participate in
the directory, including standard listings, health and wellness practitioner profiles and discounted advertising packages. Entries include a category name, business name, contact information, logo and a brief description while profiles allow businesses to present a more detailed 250-word overview of their services. These options give businesses year-long exposure to readers who actively seek natural products and services.
The directory will also feature a glossary designed to educate readers about various natural health modalities and wellness practices. This A to Z guide is expected to become a go-to reference for consumers looking to make informed decisions about their health and the environment. Businesses that participate will not only benefit from increased visibility but will also gain credibility by aligning with a well-respected publication known for promoting sustainable living.
With its long-standing presence and growing readership, the Natural Living Directory is an essential marketing tool for businesses looking to connect with individuals seeking to improve their quality of life through natural health, wellness and sustainable living. Don't miss the chance to be part of this important issue, which consumers will keep at their fingertips all year long.
Early bird registration for the 2025 Natural Living Directory starts on November 1 and ends December 31. Current advertisers are encouraged to contact Michelle Smith directly for special pricing. For more information on how to reserve a space in this essential guide, call 251-990-9552 or email MichelleS@ NAGulfCoast.com. See ads, pages 13 and 35.
Yoga Pilates
Yoga Teacher Training Mental Health Services
Inspiration and Support for your Health & Wellness since 2006
Contact 228-369-0266 or visit RiverRockYoga.com
3670 Groveland Rd. Ocean Springs, MS
H & H Healing Sanctuary
Reiki and Energy Healing Services in Foley
Clear Energy Blockages
Clay Hale and client
H& H Healing Sanctuary, led by Reiki Master Clay Hale, is now offering a variety of energy healing services for both individuals and their pets. Located at 112 West Section Avenue, Suite 109, the sanctuary specializes in in-person and distance Reiki sessions, with a focus on the balance and interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit.
Hale, a certified Usui and Karuna Reiki Master Teacher and Pure Energy Healing practitioner, brings years of experience and mentorship under some of the most profound healers. In addition to his Reiki practice, Hale is also a certified Crystal Healing practitioner. His holistic approach aims to complement the services provided by local natural health practitioners, promoting balance and healing in both the energetic and physical bodies.
“Our goal is to help clients tap into their inner wisdom and access their own innate healing powers,” says Hale. “We believe that balancing the energetic body can have a profound and positive effect on the physical body. Imbalances in energy often manifest in physical symptoms, and our work helps address these at their root.”
H & H Healing Sanctuary operates by appointment, offering services seven days a week. The sanctuary plans to expand its offerings later this year with classes and workshops focused on Reiki and energy healing. Natural Awakenings readers receive a 10% discount on services.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call 251-850-8823 or visit HH-HealingSanctuary.com. Hale is also available for consultations via phone or email at HHPureEnergy@gmail.com. See ad, page 16.
The Rise of Bodywork Modalities
Integrating Innovative and Ancient Healing Arts
by Marlaina Donato
Only a few decades ago, healing modalities like chiropractic care and acupuncture received little attention in the realm of conventional medicine. Today, the wellness spectrum is much more diverse, and although additional research is needed to confirm their efficacies and treatment guidelines, many forms of bodywork once associated with only spa pampering are now considered allies in the treatment of a wide array of health conditions. With new therapies emerging annually, there are more than 180 bodywork modalities, including cold laser therapy for non-invasive pain management and ancient massage techniques.
Full-Spectrum Acupuncture
According to the market research company Technavio, the global acupuncture market is predicted to expand by $16.83 billion from 2023 to 2027, with much of the growth attributed to an aging population opting for non-invasive, drug-free solutions.
Cancer patients are increasingly accessing this 2,500-year-old therapy, as well. The National Institutes of Health reports that acupuncture is used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation at major treatment centers, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, and Memorial
Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in New York, with the latter offering the modality in their accredited continuing education programs. According to a 2023 study published by JAMA Network Open, both integrative acupuncture and massage applications for advanced cancer patients over the course of 26 weeks were associated with decreased pain and improvements in sleep and quality of life.
“Our patients love having one more expert on their integrative medicine team, an additional professional to help them navigate the rollercoaster stressors of cancer treatment, recovery and survivorship,” says Pauline Sok Yin Hwang, an acupuncturist, registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and the clinical director of Hillgreen Oncology Acupuncture & Herbs, in Toronto, Canada. Hwang also employs other therapeutic elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine that harmonize well with oncology acupuncture, including herbal applications; nutrition; moxibustion, the burning of dried mugwort near parts of the body; cupping; and electroacupuncture, which combines electrical pulses with needles to target specific energetic points on the body.
“Given a prompt, every tiny cell knows where it is and what it should do. The relationship between cells allows them to calibrate, but cancer cells have lost this connection, causing them to proliferate,” explains Jill Blakeway, an acupuncturist and founder of The Yinova Center, in New York City and Long Island. Blakeway adds that acupuncture can also stimulate the nervous system to release serotonin and other endorphins that can dial down pain and elevate mood, something that is much needed by anyone enduring a cancer diagnosis.
Feel-good neurotransmitters are major players in the complex journey of addiction recovery, as spotlighted in a clinical trial published earlier this year in Annals of Internal Medicine. Participants given acupuncture treatments three times a week for eight
Mariah Maven/CanvaPro
weeks reduced their methadone dosage by 20 percent or more as compared to subjects that received placebo treatments.
For those that are squeamish about needles, Hwang says, “About 40 tiny acupuncture needles can fit into the hole at the end of a hypodermic needle,” adding that most of her clients do not experience pain throughout treatment, and they are able to relax and even fall asleep by the end of a session.
Moxibustion—an extension of acupuncture that utilizes an herb called Ai Ye may be promising for chronic kidney disease as a complementary therapy. A 2020 meta-analysis published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows the potential of moxibustion to significantly reduce serum creatinine, 24-hour urine protein excretion and blood urea nitrogen—all of which are indicators of compromised kidney function—and markedly improve quality of life of chronic kidney disease patients.
Say Goodbye to Aches and Pain:
Daniel Bishop, DPT,
Cert. SMT, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Nearly 20 years of experience with hands on spine and sports care. Bishop has a unique training experience and skillset that brings great value to those struggling with even the most severe back and neck
Chiropractic Goes High-Tech
With 150 techniques in its toolbox, today’s chiropractic medicine incorporates more sophisticated and gentler methods than ever before, especially for individuals with osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. Fueled by advanced software, modern diagnostic tools give doctors an edge over standard evaluation methods to provide personalized treatment plans.
The chiropractic use of electric current-based muscle stimulation encourages circulation in muscles along the spine to minimize pain, a technique that is safe for patients with fragile bones or spinal stenosis. Another method—cold laser therapy—springboards from traditional ultrasound using specific wavelengths of light. Also known as low-level laser therapy, cold laser aids injured tissues by amping up the production of adenosine triphosphate, a molecule crucial for energy production within cells, to reduce in-
flammation and pain and promote healing. A 2021 systematic review published in the Journal of Medicine and Life reports that cold lasers can be effective for decreasing pain and may also improve coexisting emotional factors associated with temporomandibular joint disorders in the jaw.
As with traditional chiropractic care, the objective of modern styles is to address the root cause of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, which, if not treated, can lead to health issues and pain. “When the body is unable to adapt to chemical, physical or emotional stressors, tension within the nervous system is a common result. This often shows up as misaligned vertebrae [bones in the spine], but it can manifest in many ways,” says Brian Stenzler, a chiropractor and author in Sarasota, Florida, and vice president of operations at KnoWEwell, P.B.C. “Every organ, muscle, gland, tissue and cell of the body knows exactly what to do, when to do it and how to do it, as long as the ‘communication lines’ are clear between those body parts and the brain.”
Stenzler notes that because only a small percentage of nerves transmit information about pain, it is unreliable for determining if a chiropractic adjustment is needed. Instead, chiropractors use a combination of objective measures to identify misalignments causing nerve interference, such as posture, x-rays, motion and static palpation, range of motion, heart rate variability, thermography and surface electromyography, which assesses muscle function using electrodes placed on muscle groups.
New Horizons
Swedish and deep tissue massage have long given sore muscles and overextended nervous systems balm, but massage modalities are expanding their scope. Ancient massage systems making their way out of the shadows include Egyptian (Pharaonic), Balinese and gua sha, among others. More traditional approaches are being used to release trauma held in the body and to aid challenging
conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and cancer. “After a mastectomy, for example, a patient may experience swelling in the arm due to obstructed lymph flow. Specialized massage practitioners can offer lymphatic drainage massage to treat lymphedema, a common side effect of cancer treatment,” says Blakeway.
Tuina, one of the four branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is believed to be the oldest form of bodywork and, like acupuncture, targets acupoints, but without the use of needles. In research from 2018, this modality—when combined with other aspects of Chinese medicine—shows promise for early-stage diabetic foot disease, a condition resulting from peripheral artery disease or sensory neuropathy.
Guided by overhead bars for balance and support, practitioners of the Japanese modality ashiatsu primarily use their feet to ease their clients’ tight muscles. “The foot’s broad surface allows for comprehensive muscle manipulation, targeting larger groups while maintaining precision for specific areas. While we may combine foot and hand techniques for certain areas such as the neck, the primary focus is on harnessing the foot’s unique capabilities for a truly transformative experience,” explains Mariah Maven, a licensed massage therapist, ashiatsu educator and owner of THE SPACE, in Spokane, Washington.
Maven points out that ashiatsu can help stabilize the shoulder while gently stretching the neck, creating an unparalleled sense of traction and release, as well as promote better posture, flexibility and quicker recovery from sports injuries, but cautions that “it is contraindicated for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia [reduced bone mass].”
Ortho-Bionomy, pioneered by British osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls, has gained attention for its positive effect on pain and postural problems by working with the body’s natural capacity to find balance and
reset the nervous system. “Pauls took the osteopathic principle of positional release, gently placing the body in a position of optimal comfort and adding gentle compression into a joint from its position of greatest ease. He found that this stimulated proprioceptor nerve endings [sensors in muscles, tendons and ligaments] and produced a release response,” explains Donna Racik, a certified Ortho-Bionomy practitioner in Leonia, New Jersey, adding that she has found this modality to be effective in relieving pain, restoring alignment and improving the flow of blood and lymph.
Stenzler, who believes that tomorrow looks brighter with the education and guidance of integrative health providers that encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles, says, “While helping people overcome health challenges is very noble and an extremely important aspect of health care, I strongly believe that the future should lie in a salutogenic model,” which focuses on the origins of health and well-being rather than the causes of disease.
Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Mariah Maven/CanvaPro
Resurrecting From Life’s Darkest Hours
by Marlaina Donato
“My bones knock together at the pale joints, trying for foothold, fingerhold, mindhold,” wrote Mary Oliver in “Crossing the Swamp”, a visceral poem about finding opportunity to thrive from the bog of life’s dark challenges. If we live long enough, most of us experience a rising from the ashes after burning in the fires of loss, failure or trauma, but sometimes even the most sure-footed and resilient individuals can unexpectedly slip into a deep chasm of futility or questioning.
Dark nights of the soul can follow great periods of growth and clarity, descending upon even the strongest of psyches, rattling
the bones with intensity. The black wave can come softly at first, simply inviting us to take inventory or retreat into contemplation. Other times, it sucks out our life force and swallows us whole upon impact.
Unlike other varieties of depression or contraction, the soul’s dark night submerges us until we surrender to metamorphosis. The gestation of a new self can be difficult, and it is easy to forget that the darkness in which we find ourselves is a nourishing womb. We just need to allow ourselves to experience the process.
Despite the internal urge to disengage from the world and curl into a fetal ball, finding support from spiritual mentors, trusted friends or family members is vital. Expressing our vulnerability can be the most frightening yet most sacred of acts that can light the way for a spirit that feels broken when it is actually breaking open.
Oliver compared herself to a “poor dry stick” in the great swamp, a bough that “after all these years, could take root, sprout, branch out, bud—make of its life a breathing palace of leaves.” We, too, can be reborn with a greater capacity to give and to receive—to reach into a heaven of possibility because our roots survived an unprecedented storm.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
pierluigipalazzi
A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets
Press & Co. Celebrates One Year of Juicing and Healthy Eats on the Eastern Shore
Press & Co. is celebrating its one-year anniversary of bringing clean, healthy food and beverage options to the Eastern Shore community.
Press & Co. is an organic-focused café, coffee shop and cold pressed juicery all in one–a new concept in Baldwin County. Its owner, Daphne local Kimberly Cox, wanted to provide residents with the same access to convenient and healthy foods that residents of larger cities typically enjoy. Her vision is to support others on their health journey by offering locally sourced, delicious choices in an environment filled with positive energy. Press & Co.’s mantra, “Health is life”, is embodied in every detail of its meticulously designed, coastal-chic inspired interior and exterior.
One year into this venture, the community has rallied around the concept and continues to prove that there is a demand for healthier dining options.
Since its inception, the café’s menu has evolved to include exciting new options, while keep-
ing fan favorites like the Avocado Toast and Sweet Potato Hash Bowl. From the addition of a Grass Fed Burger to new pressed juice varieties and an expanded kids’ menu, there is something nutritious for everyone to enjoy.
Customers frequently share 5-star reviews about the positive energy and exceptional dining experience at Press & Co. The restaurant also offers take-out, curbside pickup and a newly added catering menu.
For more information, follow @pressnco on Instagram or visit pressnco.com. 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, Alabama. See ad, page 23.
Brooke Lark/unsplash
All images Jennie Tewell Photography
COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET
Committed to Baldwin County’s local community & agriculture. 781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, AL CoastalAlabamaMarket.com
CROOKED CARROT FARMS
Delivering to Mobile & Baldwin Counties, the purest organically grown microgreens and other superfoods. Fresh, local and delivered to your doorstep. 251-656-4117 • Crooked-Carrot.com
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS
Homegrown in the South since 1975. 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Fairhope, AL • 251-928-0644
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
FAIRHOPE JUICE COMPANY
Nourish the body. Fuel the soul. Battles Wharf Market 18327 Scenic Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL FairhopeJuiceCompany.com
MCKENZIE FARMS
Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community. 17558 A Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL MckenzieFarmMarket.com
OX KITCHEN
Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL TheOxKitchen.com
Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
SUNFLOWER CAFÉ MOBILE
Loved for its healthy, delicious offerings, featuring daily specials. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 • Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
THE HAPPY OLIVE
Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave., Fairhope, AL HappyOlive4.com
THE INTERNATIONAL GOAT
Always fresh, all-natural ingredients prepared to melt in your mouth. Located inside Piggly Wiggly 100 Plantation Pointe Rd., Fairhope, AL Call ahead to order, 251-928-0239
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS
2024 Nappie Best Health Food Store. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
WAREHOUSE BAKERY & DONUTS
A neighborhood eatery serving made-fromscratch, vegan friendly, gluten-free goodness 759 Nichols Ave., Fairhope, AL WarehouseBakeryAndDonuts.com
WILDFLOWERS & FRESH FOOD
Simple and colorful high-vibe cooking classes, events and fresh recipes. 251-656-9112
WildflowersAndFreshFood.com
WILD MAGNOLIA KOMBUCHA
Brewed with love, laughter and a dash of Southern sarcasm. Info@WildMagniliaLife.com 251-463-6233 • WildMagnoliaLife.com
For an online list of local healthy food sources, visit NAGulfCoast.com/ healthyeats
To list your healthy market, restaurant or cooking event/class, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com.
Sweet Nostalgia
Celebrating National Dessert Month
by Deborah Bevilacqua
Many of us have beloved memories filled with the treasures of the family kitchen—the clanging of baking pans and metal mixing bowls, flour dusted across the counter and the amazing aromas of chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon filling the entire house. That wonderful anticipation of a homemade treat coming out of the oven was pure childhood magic.
“There is nothing better than the smell of home-baked goodies,” says Lynn Feder, owner of Lynn’s Life Breads, an allergen-free bakery. Infused with the best ingredients and dollops of love, desserts are more than just a tasty indulgence. They celebrate longheld family recipes, cultural traditions and
the transformative effect of shared pleasures. October is National Dessert Month, a perfect time to explore the history, nostalgia and nutritional gifts of these delicious delights.
From Ancient Times to Modern Bites
Desserts have evolved from simple combinations of fruits and nuts to elaborate confections. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans enjoyed honey-sweetened treats. By the 16th century, sugar had made its way to Europe from Southeast Asia, paving the way for decadent cakes and pastries. Today, each culture brings unique flavors and techniques to homes, bakeries and confectioneries around the globe.
American Favorites
Beloved for its chewy texture and rich flavor, the chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield, a chef, dietitian, educator and author from Walpole, Massachusetts, who also owned a tourist lodge with her husband, Kenneth, that they named the Tollhouse Inn.
Brownies originated in Chicago in 1893 at the Palmer House Hotel, where Bertha Palmer asked her chefs to create a portable dessert that could be served at the World’s Columbian Exposition. These cake-like, fudgy squares may contain nuts, chocolate chips or caramel swirls.
Apple pie is synonymous with American culture. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, and is often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In today’s health-conscious households, ice cream is not made with just cow’s milk. Scrumptious varieties are available featuring milks derived from cashews, oats or coconuts.
“The best ice cream is made from scratch in small batches with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients,” says Chloe Bowman, manager of Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts, in Crested Butte, Colorado. “One of our adult favorites is Cookie Monster ice cream made with homemade chocolate chip cookies and all-natural pea flour so it doesn’t make your mouth blue.”
While attempting to recreate a French version, William Lawrence, a New York dairyman, invented the now-classic New Yorkstyle cheesecake. It features smooth, rich cream cheese and a graham cracker crust that can be customized with various toppings.
The Sweet Benefits of Desserts
Aside from satisfying our sweet tooth, some desserts come with nutritious benefits. Dark chocolate contains flavanols that help lower blood pressure and fight cell damage, as well as polyphenols that, according to a 2022
Scukrov/CanvaPro
study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, help maintain a better mood. Fruits and nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which play an important role in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Indulging in a sweet treat may even lead to a sweeter disposition, according to research led by North Dakota State University.
Healthy Alternatives
Dessert time is not always kind to people that are diabetic, vegan, on restricted diets or have gluten sensitivities or allergies to ingredients like eggs, diary and nuts. “I can adapt any recipe to make it delicious and allergy-free. Today, we have so many options,” says Feder, who began baking allergen-free products as a result of her own health issues and allergies.
Dairy substitutes are plentiful in the grocery store, including milk made from oats, almonds, soy, coconut and rice. Alternatives to butter include nut butters, sunflower oil and coconut oil. For those with nut allergies, the texture, taste and nutritional value can be supplanted with rolled oats, granola, crisp rice cereal, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, or dairyand nut-free chocolate chips.
For those looking to reduce their consumption of sugar, there are a number of healthier natural sweeteners, including monk fruit extract, raw honey, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia and blackstrap molasses. Stevia and monk fruit extract are derived from plants and have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. A quick search online will provide guidance on measurement equivalents. Monk fruit, which does not raise blood-sugar levels, can be up to 250 times sweeter than sugar.
Celebrating National Dessert Month
To celebrate National Dessert Month, consider hosting a dessert-themed party where invitees can share their favorite recipes, and be sure to include low-sugar, vegan and gluten-free options, to accommodate everyone’s preferences and dietary restrictions.
Deborah Bevilacqua is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.
The scan was very easy & comfortable. I have a much more complete picture of my health now. I will definitely do this again to track my progress & ensure I’m protecting my muscle & bone mass while losing fat.”
US HWY 98 | Suite 3 Fairhope, AL
Lynn’s Pumpkin Cheese-Less Cake
YIELD: 10-12 SERVINGS
BASE
1¾ cups raw almonds
8 dates, pitted
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅛ tsp Himalayan salt
FILLING
3 cups raw cashews
1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
¾ cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 15-oz can of pumpkin puree (or equivalent of fresh-cooked mashed pumpkin)
2 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ to ½ tsp nutmeg, to taste
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp cloves
½ tsp Himalayan salt
1 cup melted coconut oil
For the base, soak the dates in boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove dates from water and put in food processor with salt, almonds and vanilla, and blend until the nuts are broken down into small pieces and the mixture is sticky when pressed between fingertips.
Line a springform pan with parchment paper. Gently hand-press the pie crust onto the bottom and sides of the pan. Set aside.
For the filling, soak cashews in water overnight or cover cashews with boiling water and allow to soak for 2 hours. Strain the soaked cashews and add them with the other filling ingredients except the coconut oil to a food processor. Blend for 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Then add the melted coconut oil and blend until well incorporated into the mixture.
Pour filling into pie crust. Set in freezer for 2 or more hours until the center is solid.
Remove and refrigerate for a few hours until it thaws before serving.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.
Courtesy of Lynn Feder
Carol Orsborn
on Growing Whole, Not Just Old
by Sandra Yeyati
For five decades, Carol Orsborn has been a leading voice of her generation and a bestselling author, having written 36 books on quality of life, spirituality and aging. Her latest book is Spiritual Aging: Weekly Reflections for Embracing Life, to be published in December. Designed to be read weekly over two years with 120 readings, it focuses on the issues and concerns that arise among those that view aging as a path to spiritual transcendence.
Orsborn earned a master’s degree in theological studies and a doctorate in history and critical theory of religion from Vanderbilt University, completing her postgradu-
ate work in spiritual counseling at the New Seminary, in New York City. She served on the faculties of Pepperdine University, in Malibu, California; Loyola Marymount University, in Los Angeles; and Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C. She has appeared on Oprah, NBC Nightly News and The Today Show, and presented talks at the Omega Institute, American Society of Aging and Vanderbilt University Hospital.
What do we get wrong about aging?
There have been two dominant theories about aging that have influenced the stereotypes, and each one gets aging wrong in its own way. The first is that aging is a period
of sad, slow decline and the best you can do is try and put old people behind gated communities and facilities and keep them as happy as possible.
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The flip side, which has been holding sway and is just as insidious, is called “activity theory”. It keeps older people active—the more active they are, the longer they are active, the better it supposedly is. So, we say things like “60 is the new 30” as we try to extend midlife, turning us into desperate robots.
What is a better way to look at aging?
Getting old is a life stage with meaning and purpose of its own. You have the freedom to choose how you want to live your life. Sometimes you may want to be contemplative, quiet and take time away from the limelight. Other times, you may want to roar like a lion; you might have a lot left in you that you want to give.
How do you define spiritual aging?
The first tenet of spiritual aging is accepting reality as it is while believing that there is meaning and purpose to life. The second is loving yourself no matter what. Spiritual aging treats the process of getting old not as a problem to be solved, but rather as a spiritual experience in and of itself. This is your last
Carol Orsborn courtesy of Carol Orsborn
chance to embrace all of life and to have the freedom to pick what you want to do because your soul is telling you to do it.
As we confront physical and mental diminishment, what role does grief play in this spiritual experience?
Grief can shake you from your faith. You can hit bottom a lot of ways and feel that life is meaningless and hopeless. In my book, I talk about a place I call “the void”, where reality outstrips your ability to cope and you go to a place that feels bottomless, dark, scary and hopeless. Every spiritual and religious formulation that I’ve ever read has a place like that—like the dark night of the soul in Christianity—where the status quo loses hold of you, and yet it also seems like a holy place because it allows you to let go of the illusions and what used to be, and to reconstruct yourself from the ground up in a way that is more in alignment with reality.
Is it never too late to find your purpose in life?
Of course not. In fact, I would say the opposite. It takes growing old to finally be able to live with some degree of purity of purpose, because you’re not going to be as distracted by what society’s expectations are of you. For those with physical and mental impairments, there is an opportunity to find meaning and purpose not only despite those challenges, but through them. If you’re taking a walk and you’re going much slower than you’re used to, you’re much more likely to notice the flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk, for instance.
Our generation has been told all our lives that we should follow our heart and passion. That was hard when we were in our 40s because if you followed your heart and you wanted to be a poet, you couldn’t make a living at it. But now in your 70s, 80s or 90s, if you want to be a poet, go for it! There’s a lot of late-life blooming going on, tempered by what our hearts are telling us and by our physical and mental abilities. That’s what the reinventing should be about.
As we age, we become increasingly dependent on others. What are the spiritual lessons there?
We don’t receive well. The tendency in older people is to complain or get mad at their caregivers if they aren’t giving to us perfectly. So it’s about learning to receive, but also learning to be gracious and put other people before yourself—allowing your caregiver to feel good about what they’re doing for you.
Look, the bottom line is learning to love and be loved. I keep learning every day. I have family issues that may never resolve, but I’m learning I’m beloved anyway. I’m seeing love where I didn’t see it before. I’m having compassion where I didn’t see it before. At 76, suddenly I see things with so much depth that I see the love that was there all along.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit online at TinyURL.com/Orsborn-NAGC or scan the QR code.
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Stress gets a bad reputation, but some forms can be quite beneficial. Hormesis, a self-imposed stress to the body, teaches it to become resilient. Cold therapy is a popular method used by athletes, biohackers and others looking to optimize their performance and physical health.
According to Molly Maloof, a concierge physician, biohacker and consultant to more than 50 companies, there are several types of cold therapy, including a cold shower or cold plunge in 50 to 59°F water; an ice bath in water that is 41 to 50°F; and cryotherapy, which exposes the body to extremely cold air (-166 to -220°F) in a specialized chamber. Maloof notes, “Women may not need as cold a plunge as men because women shiver at higher temperatures and are more sensitive to cold.”
Benefits of Cold Therapy
According to Tom Moorcroft, a board-certified physician specializing in chronic, tick-borne illnesses, “People with chronic inflammatory conditions generally do really well [with cold therapies], both from a perspective of lowering inflammation and dealing with the stress of chronic illness. Patients with chronic, tick-borne infections typically report less pain and inflammation, improved energy and better overall quality of life with even a short 60- to 90-second cold shower daily. A cold plunge three to four times a week improves symptoms even more.”
Maloof notes the following benefits:
• Hormonal Effects: Cold therapy can increase production of norepinephrine and endorphins, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Metabolism and Weight Management: Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), increasing calorie burn. Women typically have more BAT than men, potentially making cold therapy more effective for a metabolic boost.
• Inflammation and Recovery: Cold-water immersion can be beneficial post-exercise to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. While men’s bodies naturally redirect blood flow after a workout,
women’s bodies tend to keep blood in the skin. A cold plunge can help women push that blood back to the muscles, aiding recovery. This benefit may be particularly useful for those experiencing inflammation during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.
• Immune System: Regular cold therapy may strengthen the immune system, and the effects may be more pronounced in men than women due to differences in responses to stimuli.
• Skin Health: Cold therapy, especially plunging the face into a bowl of ice water, can improve skin tone and reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels.
• Fertility and Reproductive Health: Cold therapy might improve fertility in women by reducing inflammation and balancing hormones, but more studies are needed.
• Cardiovascular Health: Cold exposure can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation. This benefit is important for women, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease after menopause.
Contraindications
Moorcroft states that common side effects of cold therapies include cold skin, temporary dizziness, lightheadedness or headache, an increase in blood pressure and, rarely, frostbite or skin rash. According to both Maloof and Moorcroft, cold therapies are contraindicated for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, an inability to sense the extremities, an allergy to cold, Raynaud’s disease, pregnancy, open wounds, skin infections or recent surgery.
Cold therapy might also be inadvisable for people with eating disorders, as it can exacerbate a disordered metabolism. Cryotherapy is not recommended for those with cardiovascular conditions, stroke history, claustrophobia, severe anxiety disorders, deep vein thrombosis or serious respiratory problems. Cold plunges or ice baths are not recommended for those with epilepsy, diabetes or hypothyroidism.
Tips for Taking the Plunge
Maloof recommends beginning with cool showers and slowly decreasing the temperature for brief periods. Her other recommendations for safely experiencing the benefits of cold therapies include:
• Start cold plunges for short durations of 30 seconds to two minutes.
• Limit cold-water immersion to below the shoulders or neck.
• Keep immersion times to two rounds of 30 seconds with two minutes in-between at the lowest temperatures, and a maximum of six rounds of three minutes with two minutes in-between at the highest immersion temperatures.
• Listen to the body and do not push beyond a level that is comfortable. Remember that women are more sensitive to cold.
• Warm up properly afterward by having warm, dry clothes ready.
• Stay hydrated with water before and after a cold therapy session.
• A cool shower before bed may help with sleep, especially for menopausal women.
“[Cold showers] are more accessible, and more people I work with are likely to start with these than a cold plunge or a cold chamber,” says Moorcroft. “Personally, I prefer a cold plunge by a long shot. It’s a more Zen and focusing experience.”
Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.
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Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play
How Good Posture and Mindful Habits Prevent Injury
by Maya Whitman
Regardless of lifestyle, many people experience everyday aches as they strive to balance work and play. Recurring movements while sitting or standing with bad posture can take a toll on the body. Jobs involving typing, hairstyling, power-tool use or assembly-line tasks, as well as asymmetrical recreational activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, electronic gaming or even playing musical instruments, can amplify the risk for chronic pain.
The American Heart Association reports that 80 percent of all U.S. jobs are mostly sedentary, a problem even without the added burden of too much screen time, poor sitting positions and the longterm effects of repetitive motion. The National Spine Health Foundation offers three recommendations for office workers: be mindful of posture, don’t look down at screens and get up and move around on a regular basis.
The importance of prevention cannot be ignored when we look at the cost of workers’ compensation cases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021 claims included $4.7 billion for awkward postures and $1.7 billion for repetitive motions involving “microtasks” performed in a matter of seconds or a few minutes, such as typing.
Pressure Points
According to Margie Bissinger, a physical therapist and integrative health coach in Parsippany, New Jersey, one of the most common conditions caused by repetitive movement is carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from pressure on the median nerve, which extends along the hand, arm and shoulder. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in the thumb and fingers.
“Ergonomics is the design of working environments to help individuals use the best postures and habits that will keep their bodies healthy and avoid injuries,” Bissinger explains, noting that good posture is designed to maintain the inward curve of the lower
Imágenes de Hassel/CanvaPro
back. To reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, pain on the pinkie-finger side of the wrist or other related injuries, she recommends keeping the shoulders relaxed, the wrist in a neutral position, the thumb in line with the forearm and elbows close to the body while typing.
Gamers are prone to tendinitis in the hands and forearms, notes Shari Berkowitz, biomechanist, ergonomist and founder of The Vertical Workshop, in Beverly Hills, California. She remarks that compression in the neck can lead to not only carpal tunnel syndrome, but also double crush syndrome, a condition associated with compression at more than one location along a nerve path.
“Gamers have a lot of repetition of movement in small joints, as well as holding patterns in the arms, shoulders and spine over a prolonged period. They would benefit from using ergonomic devices that require very little force to press buttons, toggle, etc.,” she advises, adding that players should position themselves to support the entire body, not just the wrists. Whether working or playing, Berkowitz stresses the need to step away from the desk every hour for five minutes to get something to drink, go to the bathroom or just move around.
Bissinger cautions that slouching at the desk or while playing electronic games is a surefire way to set off pain patterns. “You don’t want to be on the couch hunched with your low back rounded,” she says. “You should make sure your neck is looking straight ahead, not up or down, for extended periods of time.”
Exercise Ergonomics
Bad habits in the gym or on the yoga mat can foster chronic pain in the lower back, knees, neck, shoulders and wrists. “Learn about proper joint alignment for whatever exercises you’re doing and then try to achieve that for each movement,” advises Berkowitz. “When a set of muscles that are primary to a movement is fatigued, synergists, or assistant muscles, must work more than they are supposed to. That means strain is going to happen.” She recommends stopping as soon as there is a feeling of muscle fatigue and decreasing the weight and repetitions.
For a well-rounded approach to exercise that aids in preventing issues, Berkowitz suggests mobility training such as Pilates, yoga, tai chi and dance, along with running, walking or strength training. She also suggests replacing backless shoes like flip-flops and slides with ankle-supporting, foot-forming options such as Flux Footwear.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings
Connecting you to local resources for natural health and green living. To find out how you can be included in this directory or the 2025 Natural Living Directory, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com or call 251-990-9552.
Acupuncture
BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY
Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC
Patrick Miller, LAc 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com
Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com
Beauty
Offering 25 years of combined experience in successfully treating a variety of conditions including chronic back and neck pain, headaches, and tinnitus. See ad, page 19
TMAC’S HAIR STUDIO
Old Government, Mobile: 251-607-6666 2101 Hwy. 98, Daphne: 251-725-4334
TMACsHairStudio.com
A relaxing salon environment that is free of harmful chemicals, impurities and fragrance. Offering customized hair services and regenerative treatments with 100% vegan organic products and essential oils. Ask about following the lunar calendar for effective hair treatments. See ad, page 21.
Biofeedback Services
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE
Carolyn Olson, Owner, Therapist
Laura Worthington, Assistant, Therapist Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225
Offering multiple biofeedback services such as the AO Scan Technology by Solex™, which includes the scan, consultation and custom imprinted patches that can be worn 24 hours a day to continue frequency balancing, along with listening to daily frequencies on your smartphone. AO Scan provides impactful results as does EVOX BY ZYTO emotional therapy. Call today to determine which service will best meet your needs. The first AO Scan is complimentary. See ad, page 33.
Bio-Magnetism Therapy
BIOMAGNETIC THERAPY PRACTITIONER
Missy Richardson, RN, NHP 80 White Oak Lake, Fayette • 251-610-6397
MissyRichardsonBioMagnetic.com
Remote and in-person sessions. Biomagnetic therapy is a non-invasive alternative therapy that utilizes magnets to restore balance to the body's electromagnetic energy fields. Imbalances in these fields can lead to various health issues, by utilizing magnets to specific points on the body, equilibrium can be restored, thereby promoting healing. See ad, page 21
Bioresonance Therapy
HARMONIC HEALTH ALABAMA
9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL
251-374-7707
HarmonicHealthAlabama.com
Harmonic Health Alabama features the Harmonic Egg, a sciencebased, sound and light therapy for physical, emotional and spiritual energy healing. Please call, text or visit our website for more information. See ad, page 6
Breast Screening
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE
Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225
ThermographyAdvantage.com
FDA registered thermography offers breast/fullbody screenings that are non-invasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early-stage breast disease and more. Also offering Electro-Lymphatic Therapy. See ad, page 33.
All the trees are losing their leaves, and not one of them is worried.
—Donald Miller
CBD Health & Wellness
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS
280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 26.
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL
251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, tablets, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 26.
Dementia Help
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC
112 West Section Ave., Foley, AL
251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is non-invasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessment. See ad, page 3.
Depression Relief
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC
112 West Section Ave., Foley, AL
251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
We can reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. Our treatments often deliver improvement when nothing else has worked. 70% of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50%. See ad, page 3.
Detox Spa
HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY
217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL
251-270-7200
PeakAlkalinity.com
Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 31
Energy Healing
HARMONIC HEALTH ALABAMA
9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL 251-374-7707
HarmonicHealthAlabama.com
Harmonic Health Alabama features the Harmonic Egg, a sciencebased, sound and light therapy for physical, emotional and spiritual energy healing. Please call, text or visit our website for more information. See ad, page 6
H&H HEALING SANCTUARY
112 West Section Ave., Ste. 109 251-314-9464
HH-HealingSanctuary.com
Certified Reiki Master in Usui & Karuna Reiki, Pure Energy Healer, Crystal healer, Intuitive Healer, energy healing for pets. A Japanese healing technique, Reiki promotes balance and relaxation. It's based on universal lifeforce energy flowing through all living things. Reiki and Pure Energy Healing are techniques used to promote healing, restore balance and alleviate trauma. See ad, page 16
S. ALEXANDER INTEGRATIVE BODYWORK & YOGA
Susan Cameron, Certified Chakra Balancing 1260 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 224-213-3018 • SAlexanderBodywork.com
S. Alexander Integrative Bodywork is rooted in the belief that we have the innate ability to facilitate our own healing. Offering crystal healing, sound healing & aromatherapy, as well as a variety of massage modalities to assist you in your physical & energetic healing journey. See ad, page 16
THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND
Jeff Nursey, Customer Service
850-207-6621
TheNewYouMiracleBand@gmail.com tnymb.com
Change your frequency, change your life! Our healing jewelry has an integrated charged disk to protect against 5G and EMFs along with the added benefits of alleviating pain and improving strength and balance. See ad, back cover
Farmers Markets
COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS
MARKET
781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, AL 251-709-4469
CoastalAlabamaMarket.com
Open year-round on Saturdays only, 9am-2pm. Featuring local farms with seasonal produce, meat, eggs, honey, jellies, baked goods, seafood, hand-crafted soaps and more. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest
Food & Nutrition
A BETTER WAY
HEALTH FOOD STORE
Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN 7857 Hwy 59, Foley, AL 251-955-5322 • ABetterWayHealth.net
Complete health food store with full-service human and pet products (alkaline pet food), vitamins, supplements and nutritious snacks. Additional health and wellness services include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, hair tissue mineral analysis and affordable non-invasive stem cell therapy. Call for an appointment. See ad, page 31.
NATURAL DIRECTORY LISITNG
$159 for 1st listing
$79.50 for 2nd listing (50% off)
$79.50 for 3rd listing (50% off)
NATURAL DIRECTORY PRACTITIONER PROFILE
Quarter page profile $275 or FREE with placement of 1/3 page or larger display ad.
Your business name contact name phone / email website URL *SAMPLE LISTING*
Description: 40 words. Our Community Resource Guide is a reference tool that allows readers to find you when they are in need of your product or services. Logo/pic is included, along with a page reference for display ads. (See ad, on page xx).
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ
280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 26.
PRESS & CO.
Organic, cold-pressed juicery and eatery 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com
Accessible, delicious and nutritious options for people who want to make healthier choices. Committed to serving a wide range of healthy food options, including plant-based, gluten-free and low-sugar. Open 7 days a week 7am to 2:30pm. Breakfast, lunch, smoothies, coffee, tea, juice. Come in or order online. See Healthy Eats guide or see ad, page 23.
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL
251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 26.
Functional Medicine
GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING
Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach
251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com
GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com
Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life— healthy meals, exercise, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I’ll offer guidance + tools that work. See ad, page 13.
HILLSTAR HEALTH
28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL
251-241-4346
HillstarHealthAl.com
Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner Tara McLellan addresses the root cause of disease with integrative medicine—a blend of traditional western medicine and sciencebased functional medicine. Ask about our custom weight loss program. See ad, page 25.
MANYA WHOLE HEALTH & YOGA
109 Upham St., Mobile, AL
251-408-9980
DrManjaPodratz.com
Holistic health coaching with an emphasis on brain-based wellness and hormone balance. Services based on quantum medicine principles. Holistic breast cancer prevention and complementary services for cancer patients. Private and group coaching, corporate wellness programs and monthly health talks. Healing is possible with the right support. See ad, page 33
Healing Jewelry
THE CRYSTAL SHOPPE ON MAIN
Meghan and Patrick Brewer, Owners 251-509-4816
TheBrewersAlley@gmail.com
TheBrewersAlley.com
Our shop is a serene sanctuary where seekers of inner balance and spiritual harmony find solace. We have jewelry of all shapes and sizes ranging from the inexpensive to the high end. Live intentionally. Live mindfully. See ad, page 19
THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND
Jeff Nursey, Customer Service
850-207-6621
TheNewYouMiracleBand@gmail.com tnymb.com
Change your frequency, change your life! Our jewelry has an integrated charged disk to protect against 5G and EMFs along with the added benefits of alleviating pain and improving strength and balance. See ad, back cover.
Health & Wellness Clinic
CONNEXUS CLINIC
2864 Dauphin St., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36606 251-300-8724 • TheConnexusClinic.com
A wellness clinic specializing in weight loss, body sculpting, lymphatic compression and infrared sauna therapy in a safe, compassionate environment. Live better. Look better. Perform better. See ad, page 25
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
Pilates, weight loss, fatburning systems, food programs, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 27.
Health & Wellness Performance
GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach 251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com
Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life— healthy meals, exercise, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I’ll offer guidance + tools that work. See ad, page 13.
HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY
217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200
PeakAlkalinity.com
Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 31
PATH TO WELLNESS
Priscilla Condon, MSN, RN, MNT
Catherine Cubbage, BA, MNT, LMT 240 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 251-943-5885 • PathToWellness.llc
Offering personalized health solutions and massage therapy including specialized testing for microbiome and cellular energy deficiencies, rejecting the notion of ‘one-size-fits-all.’ Founded in 2007, the focus is on uncovering root causes to promote sustained vitality. A large choice of quality supplements are available. Therapeutic massage experience handcrafted just for you. See ad, page 19.
Hypnotherapy
ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE
Mary Beth Svatek, M.A. Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912
EnergyModelOfChange@gmail.com
35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing & streamlining, pain management. See ad, page 17.
Infrared Sauna
HILLSTAR HEALTH
28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346 HillstarHealthAl.com
Infrared light therapy offers many stand-alone health benefits and pairs well with our services at Hillstar Health. Infrared sauna therapy is beneficial for natural healing and illness prevention because of its ability to penetrate human tissue resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat. It is known to assist with sleep, detoxification, immunity, heart health, muscle recovery, weight management, anti-aging and relaxation. See ad, page 25.
Part One of Special Series on Fertility
The Eye-Opening Truth About Fertility
by Dr. Susan Fox
Global declines in birth rates have made headlines, but the rise of male and female infertility has largely been overlooked. Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after trying for one year. In 2021, Scientific American reported that the world-wide fertility rate dropped by almost 1 percent per year from 1960 to 2018.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 in 5 American married women in their reproductive years have difficulty in either getting pregnant or carrying to a live birth, and 11.4 percent of men ages 15-49 have some form of infertility.
For women, a study found a 1 percent per year increase in reported miscarriage rates in the US over a two-decade period. The increase in infertility among women has manifested itself in the increased use of assisted reproductive technologies, including egg freezing and in vitro fertilization among younger women, not just those that waited to start families until after age 35. There also has been an increasing trend in the use of gestational surrogacy as family has taken on a wider definition than traditionally, and as corporations have begun to include fertility benefits in their employee compensation packages.
Numerous studies have identified an increase in male fertility issues, including:
• Declines in sperm concentration (52 percent) and total sperm count (nearly 60 percent) between 1973 and 2011. At this rate, average sperm count could be zero by the middle of this century.
• Decreases in testosterone levels of almost 1 percent per year during recent decades in excess of natural, agerelated declines.
• Declines in total testosterone levels among adolescent and young adult males from 1999 to 2016.
• Increases in testicular cancer rates.
• Increases in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among younger men.
Susan Fox is Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Marin County, California, and has specialized in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenge for more than 20 years. Connect at healthyouniversity.co and drsusanfox.com.
There is hope! Watch in November for our next article in this series. Also, learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the very special January 20-24 fertility immersive event. Scan the QR Code.
Lymphatic Drainage
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE
Carolyn Olson, Certified Lymphatic Therapist Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com
Electro-Lymphatic Therapy is noninvasive, painless and calming. Like a light touch massage, the certified lymphatic therapist uses two small handheld wands that are lightly moved across the body in a direction that correlates to the body’s lymphatic flow. The proper flow of lymphatic fluid can help with conditions such as inflammation, colds/flu, sinus problems, edema, water retention, heart disease, fibrocystic and tender breast, cellulite, enlarged prostate and cancer. See ad, page 33.
Massage Therapy
JUBILEE HEALING ARTS
Jennifer (Adams) Killgo, LMT #3263 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, Daphne, AL 251-616-4201 • JubileeHealingArts.com
Intuitive integrative massage techniques are used to facilitate the body into a state of healing without the “no pain no gain” mentality. Over 15 years’ experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field. See ad, page 16.
PATH TO WELLNESS
Priscilla Condon, MSN, RN, MNT Catherine Cubbage, BA, MNT, LMT 240 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 251-943-5885 • PathToWellness.llc
Offering personalized health solutions and massage therapy including specialized testing for microbiome and cellular energy deficiencies, rejecting the notion of ‘one-size-fits-all.’ Founded in 2007, the focus is on uncovering root causes to promote sustained vitality. A large choice of quality supplements are available. Therapeutic massage experience handcrafted just for you. See ad, page 19
S. ALEXANDER INTEGRATIVE BODYWORK & YOGA
Susan Cameron, LMT 1260 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 224-213-3018 • SAlexanderBodywork.com
S. Alexander Integrative Bodywork is rooted in the belief that we have the innate ability to facilitate our own healing. Offering crystal healing, sound healing & aromatherapy, as well as a variety of massage modalities to assist you in your physical & energetic healing journey. See ad, page 16
Naturopath
J.S. TRAINING SYSTEMS
DR. JIMMY STEGER’S WHOLISTIC HEALTHCARE
Dr. Jimmy Steger, ND, PhD, DNM 4412 Government Blvd., Mobile, AL 251-660-1240 • DrJimmySteger.com
World-renowned naturopathic doctor, nutritionist and doctor of natural medicine with 41 years in wholistic healthcare. Helping all ages with a comprehensive approach via a full-service health club, martial arts training facility and wholistic healthcare clinic. See ad, page 8
Personal Growth
ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE
Mary Beth Svatek, M.A. Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912 EnergyModelOfChange@gmail.com
35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing & streamlining, pain management. See ad, page 17.
Pet Health
A BETTER WAY HEALTH FOOD STORE
Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN 7857 Hwy 59, Foley, AL 251-955-5322 • ABetterWayHealth.net
Complete health food store with full-service human and pet products (alkaline pet food), vitamins, supplements and nutritious snacks. Additional health and wellness services include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, hair tissue mineral analysis and affordable non-invasive stem cell therapy. Call for an appointment. See ad, page 31.
Physical Therapy
BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY
Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com
Our goal is to help patients overcome pain and conditions in a timely and costeffective manner. We offer a unique experience by combining physical therapy, dry needling and joint alignment. See ad, page 19
Pilates
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
Pilates, weight loss, fatburning systems, food programs, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 27.
Plant-Based Food
THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ
320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL • 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
An organic café offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 26
THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
An organic café offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 26.
Rolfing® is a holistic approach to manual therapy that seeks to improve your health and function by reestablishing the natural alignment and structural integration of the human body. See ad, page 21.
Wellness Studio
DEXAFIT - FAIRHOPE
Located inside CONNEXUS CLINIC 23937 Hwy 98, Ste. 3, Fairhope, AL 251-929-8233 • DexaFitFairhope.com
A wellness studio focusing on body composition analysis, metabolic testing and smart gym resistance training. Guiding you toward a leaner, stronger and healthier self with AI-enhanced DEXA scans, VO2max tests, RMR analysis, Smart Gym workouts and more. See ad, page 25.
Yoga
MANYA WHOLE HEALTH & YOGA
109 Upham St., Mobile, AL 251-408-9980 • YogaWithManja.com DrManjaPodratz.com
Private, group, and corporate yoga classes, health coaching and retreats. Additional offerings: Reiki, Yoga Nidra, auriculotherapy, meditation classes, monthly crystal bowl sound bath and guided breathwork to erase limiting beliefs and painful trauma and help you blossom. Healing is possible with the right support. See ad, page 33
Mark Your Calendar
ALABAMA COASTAL BIRDFEST & NATURE EXPO
5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort, AL
FRIDAY, OCT 4 – SUNDAY, OCT 6
Dive into expert-led birding tours, exciting new workshops and endless family fun. Nature Expo on October 5 featuring interactive exhibits, marine critters, raptor demos and more.
Registration open Aug 5 – Sept 23. For more information, visit SouthAlabamaLandTrust.org or call 251-990-5004. See ad, page 9.
Mark Your Calendar
12TH ANNUAL FAIRHOPE FILM FESTIVAL
THURSDAY, NOV 7 – SUNDAY, NOV 10
Multiple venues in downtown Fairhope, AL. The lineup includes 30 films ranging from shorts to award-winning feature films. Film titles will be announced Oct. 21. For tickets or more information, visit FairhopeFilmFestival.org or call 251-725-2040.
See ad, page 5.
Infertility
Learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the January 20 through 24 event . SCAN ME
CHANGE YOUR CHANGE YOUR FREQUENCY FREQUENCY CHANGE YOUR CHANGE YOUR LIFE LIFE
ALLEVIATE PAIN FROM ALLEVIATE PAIN FROM ARTHRITIS, ARTHRITIS, FIBROMYALGIA, FIBROMYALGIA, CARPAL TUNNEL, CARPAL TUNNEL, AND OTHER JOINT AND OTHER JOINT AND BODY ACHES AND BODY ACHES ALLEVIATE SEASICKNESS ALLEVIATE SEASICKNESS IMPROVES YOUR IMPROVES YOUR STRENGTH AND BALANCE STRENGTH AND BALANCE
