May 2014

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

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Special Edition

Women’s Wellness

Trust Your INTUITION Tuning up that Still, Small Voice

Massage Miracles

Pain-Free

from Body Repair to Reversing the Blues

POOCH

Five Natural Pain Relievers for Dogs

May 2014

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contents 5 newsbriefs

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8 healthbriefs

9 globalbriefs 1 8 fitbody

20 consciouseating

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23 naturalpet

24 greenliving 25 wisewords 26 calendar 27 classifieds

20 30 resourceguide advertising & submissions

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 TRUST YOUR INTUITION

Listen to that Still, Small Voice and Let it Lead You

by Linda Sechrist

14 LEPTIN

Ignore at Your Own Peril

by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

16 THE HEALING

POWER OF MASSAGE From Body Repair to Reversing the Blues

by Case Adams

18 BODY EASE

Fluid, Flexible Movement Can Be Ours

20 FUNNY TUMMY?

Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

Contact Us to advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit. 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com

by Kathleen Barnes

Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words.

Content limited to special events and other announcements.

No advertorials, please.

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by Sarah Todd

HOW TO ADVERTISE

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS*

10

Probiotic Foods Can Fix a Troubled Gut

23 PAIN-FREE POOCH

by Jennifer Kachnic

24

Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.

24 FENG SHUI

25

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Dressing with Conscious Intention

Calendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.

ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com *All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisher’s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.

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Five Natural Therapies that Work

FASHIONISTA

by Gail Condrick

25 VOLLEYING LIFE Gabrielle Reece on Her Balancing Act

by Christine MacDonald

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May 2014

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letterfrompublisher

contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 404-395-9634 Co-Publisher, Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 256-476-6537 Design and Production Melanie Rankin Natural Awakenings Birmingham 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 Facebook.com/nabirmingham © 2014 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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

For the last two years I have dreaded the arrival of Spring for one reason only…fleas. My cat Eartha has an allergy to fleas. This was diagnosed in May of 2012 when my beautiful snow-white cat had scratched her neck into a bloody mess. It looked even worse when the vet shaved her neck to reveal multiple large, reddened bumps, called plaques, all over. Diagnosis: plaque dermatitis as a result of an allergy to fleas. This can be life threatening in cats because the plaques can develop on the roof of their mouths, making it too painful for them to eat.

We were thankful for the vet’s traditional “Western medicine” training, because the treatment with steroid injections and antibiotics healed the plaque dermatitis. But then the problem remained: how to keep Eartha free of fleas? Advantix and Frontline were out because they had both failed to protect Eartha. We did try something in a pill form last Spring when the scratching problem returned with the fleas, and it may have killed the fleas but it made Eartha look deathly ill. She did require more steroid shots and antibiotics again last year.

This year we wanted to try something different to head off the problem, and we heard about a Holistic vet named Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman who practices in both Birmingham and Huntsville. Dr. Natalie is a traditional “Western”-trained vet who has added “Eastern” medical training to her practice, forming an integrative approach. I was looking mainly for an effective alternative to keep the fleas away. I had no Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman idea in my mind that Eartha’s underlying allergy itself could be cured with acupuncture and herbal therapy, but that is exactly what we found out upon taking Eartha to visit Dr. Natalie. Imagine my surprise, and my joy!

The “traditional” vets we had seen could effectively treat Earth’s allergic reactions, but none of them had ever talked about a cure for the allergy itself.

Dr. Natalie has a wonderful bedside manner, and Eartha actually seemed to enjoy the acupuncture procedure. It calmed her down, and she seemed to relax as the needles opened up blocked energy channels and restored balance to her system. The allergy itself is an imbalance in the liver channel that can be corrected with Dr. Natalie’s holistic approach. For the fleas, she prescribed Eartha’s acupuncture Diatomaceous Earth, a talc-like powder that is a natural flea killer, safe for pets. It’s easy to apply, and we’ve now got all five cats covered for flea season.

Please see Dr. Natalie’s article, “Veterinary Acupuncture,” on page 22 of this month’s issue. You will find her contact information there if you’d like to schedule an appointment for your own furry friend.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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newsbriefs

News to Share?

Alabama Waldorf School Now Enrolling for 2014-2015

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labama Waldorf School is now enrolling for the 2014-15 school year, with openings in our Nursery class (2- to 3-year-olds), Kindergarten program (3- to 6-year-olds), and 1st through 8th grade elementary and middle school programs. A summer program for students ages 2 ½ through grade 3 is available from June 2 through August 8. Email Admissions Director Rachel Baay (Enrollment@AlabamaWaldorf.org) for information about summer and school year enrollment. Weekly tours of the school continue through the summer on Tuesdays from 9-10am (no tour on May 27, and the final tour will be August 5).

AWS will be graduating its seventh class of 8th graders on Friday, May 23 at East Lake United Methodist Church. Students from the Class of 2014 have been accepted to programs at Alabama School of Fine Arts, Shades Valley High School’s programs, and The Altamont School.

In January, the school purchased the property at 5901 Crestwood Boulevard in Birmingham and will begin a capital campaign in the coming months.

The only Waldorf School in Alabama, Alabama Waldorf School’s mission is to cultivate healthy, confident, compassionate learners who excel academically, socially, and civically.

Do you have a special event in the community?

Are you opening a new office or moving?

Recently become certified in a new modality?

Let us know about it!

Location: Alabama Waldorf School, 1220 50th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222.

Phone: 205-592-0541. AlabamaWaldorf.org. See ad, page 19.

Developing Intuition for Business Success

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ver have a gut feeling that you wanted to act upon but your colleagues might think you were a little crazy?

Ever wanted to make a business decision based on a hunch but just didn’t have the confidence to trust it?

Whether we realize it or not, instinct does come into play on many of the decisions we make in the workplace. We all process energy. Determining our natural gift is the way we begin to trust our own intuitive power.

Terri Ann Heiman Terri Ann Heiman of Natural Forces is offering a free online Webinar for Developing Intuition for Business.

Each week in this 4-part series, we will learn and practice techniques to enhance our intuition and psychic abilities. Learn what your natural gift is and how to apply it to help you live in the flow of life.

This class is a free online Webinar. It can be taken from the comfort of your own home. Recordings of the class are available immediately following for your continued practice. Join live and interact with questions about your natural abilities. Webinar starts Tuesday, May 6 and runs through Tuesday, May 27, 12-1pm.

For more information, contact Terri Ann Heiman of Natural Forces Studio, 609 37th St South, inside Birmingham Yoga. 516-457-3885 or Terri@Natural ForcesStudio.com. NaturalForcesStudio.com. See listing, page 30.

News Briefs We welcome news items relevant to the subject matter of our magazine. We also welcome any suggestions you may have for a news item.

Call 256-340-1122 for additional information, or email Editor@ AlabamaAwakenings.com

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May 2014

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“Nature in the City”

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Join us for our Full Moon Wine and Cheese Hike Saturday, May 10 at 6 p.m.

HIKING • EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS • HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAMS • BIRDING •GEOCACHING Please visit us at www.ruffnermoutain.org

Grow Your Own Business Organically Ethical Company • Earn Extra Income Flexible Hours • Generous Commission FREE Personalized Website

newsbriefs American Coaching School Provides Complete Business Training for Life and Wellness Coaching

O

ften coaching training provides a successful business model but the coach is left scratching their head as to how they are going to coach their clients. If you need help with assessment plans, asking for a professional referral, plans of transition or even serving your community in times of crisis, we can help you serve and prosper.

The American Coaching School (ACS) was established in Alabama May 2012. ACS began as a faith based school offering classes spiritual studies. ACS grew and quickly and added wellness, lifestyle, business and grief facilitation coaching programs. In 2013, ACS partnered with affiliate Universalclass to offer virtual classroom studies in over 500 different courses and topics. Currently we provide business professionals with IACET CEU’s and contact hours.

The Healing Arts Center offers workshops by guest presenters live and virtual.

For information on our programs or to be a guest presenter, visit AmericanCoachingSchool.com. See ad, page 15.

contact me:

Jen Campbell, Independent Group Leader 205-447-8678 www.US.NYROrganic.com/shop/JenniferCampbell

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nutritional blood analysis [the study of live blood] :

- Offers you a snapshot of your body’s internal performance - Helps detect potential, serious health problems - Aids in regaining overall mental & physical well-being TOXIC CELL ALERT! your appointment includes: - A (60) minute, in-depth blood analysis with report

CALL NOW to find out what your blood has to say originofwellness.com (205) 538-2710 Alina Daryab | Certified Blood Analyst | Certified Iridologist CUSTOMIZED PACKAGES AND RATES AVAILABLE

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Reiki & Essential Oils Workshop

E

ssential oils are the volatile liquids that are distilled from plants, creating very powerful antioxidants. Essential oils are antibacterial, anticancer, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, antimicrobial and antiseptic. They help promote emotional, physical, and spiritual healing.

Combining them with Reiki, a hands-on natural system of healing, creates many amazing and powerful healing effects. Healing is a process. We must first release trapped negative emotions before we can receive new positive feelings in our body.

In this class on Saturday, May 23 from 10-11:30am, we will specifically look at the emotions held in the chakras and determine the best oils to release these feelings out of the body.

By combining Reiki, we are able to realign the energy centers in an very efficient manner with a greater level of healing.

This is an Advance Reiki Techniques class. You must be Reiki 1 trained or higher. The cost of the workshop is $35.

For more information, contact Terri Ann Heiman of Natural Forces Studio, 609 37th St South, inside Birmingham Yoga.

516-457-3885 or Terri@NaturalForcesStudio.com. Register at NaturalForcesStudio.com. See listing, page 30.

Functional Medicine: a different approach to get you

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205-655-2110

Most Insurances Accepted

159 Main St. Trussville, AL 35173 BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.com

ONGOING WEEKLY CALENDAR Sundays 9:45am

Reverend Charles and Reverend Christine Perry Bookstore & Church Office Hours

Tuesdays

5:30-6:30pm “Vinyasa Flow Practice” Artie’s Place

Tuesday–Thursday 9:30–4:30 Friday 9:30–3:00

Chaplain Prayer Line 205-251-4365

Silent Unity

24 hrs Prayer Available 1-800-NOW-PRAY

Unity of Birmingham 2803 Highland Ave S Birmingham AL 35205 205-251-3713 UnityBham.org

Conversations with God for Teens, Artie’s Place 10am Adult Sunday School 10:45am Youth Ministry in Artie’s Place 11am Sunday Service in the Sanctuary 5pm “Course in Miracles,” Main Lobby

MAY SERVICE SCHEDULE Wednesday Nights, May 7 – June 4 6:30 – 8:30 pm “Lessons in Truth” Over 100 years ago, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore asked one of the great metaphysical writers of their time, a homeopathic physician named H. Emilie Cady, to compile a short and concise synopsis of the teachings of New Thought teachings which the Fillmores were using in their fledgling “Unity Movement” and Dr. Cady was using in her highly successful healing practice. The result was a book entitled Lessons in Truth, first published as a series of articles in Unity Magazine and then as a single volume in 1903. Since that time, this book has been considered “the” book that best defines the Unity philosophy.

Plan to join Rev. Charles and Rev. Christine Perry in this enlightening book study.

Wednesdays

Noon Prayer Service

Fridays

6:30-7:30pm CODA in Main Lobby 7pm Alcoholics Anonymous

Vinyasa Flow Practice Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm

By “Beyond Yoga Studio” & Lauren Barrus For all levels (Must be 16+ yrs. old) Wear layers/workout clothes, bring water bottle, yoga mat & blanket.

Visit www.VIPyogaBham.org for information.

natural awakenings

May 2014

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healthbriefs

Healthy Homemade Infant Food Reduces Kids’ Allergies

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study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reports that infants that were fed more homemade foods comprising a higher percentage of fruits and vegetables were less likely to develop food allergies. In assessing youngsters of the same age, researchers from the University of Southampton Medical College, in the UK, followed 41 children that had developed food allergies by the age of 2, alongside 82 non-allergic infants. After tracking the toddlers’ diets with food diaries and conducting allergy testing, the researchers found that infants fed more of the healthier homemade diet had a significantly lower incidence of food allergies as toddlers.

Multivitamins with Selenium Counter HIV

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study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that a daily multivitamin supplement with selenium significantly slows the advance of HIV among those with the virus. The researchers tested 878 asymptomatic, HIV-infected people over two years that had never taken antiretroviral medications.

The test subjects were split into four groups, with members of each receiving separate medications—multivitamins, multivitamins plus selenium, selenium alone or a placebo—for five years. The multivitamins contained vitamins B, C and E.

Those given multivitamins plus selenium experienced a 54 percent reduction in low counts of a critical immunity cell factor (called CD4) compared to the placebo group. This group also experienced a 44 percent reduction in other events known to accompany the progression of HIV, including AIDS-related deaths.

The researchers concluded: “In antiviral, therapy-naive, HIV-infected adults, 24-month supplementation with a single supplement containing multivitamins and selenium was safe and significantly reduced the risk of immune decline and morbidity.”

Roundup Toxin Accumulates in GM Soybeans

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study published in the journal Food Chemistry tested soybeans grown from seeds that were genetically modified (GM) to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup. It compared these with organic soybeans and soybeans from non-GM seeds.

The chemical and nutritional analysis of soybean samples from 31 different Iowa farms found the GM soy contained significantly higher levels of the toxin glyphosate, the central chemical in Roundup, than both the organic and the conventional non-GMO soybeans. The organic soybeans contained no glyphosate, plus significantly higher levels of protein and zinc, as well as lower levels of saturated fats.

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Merciér Pelvic Massage Boosts Women’s Fertility

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new, noninvasive infertility treatment has met with highly favorable results. In a recent study published in the journal Midwifery Today, 40 of 48 women between ages 28 and 42 that underwent two or more sessions of Merciér Therapy achieved pregnancy within the first year; 32 of those used the method alone (no other artificial fertilization/insemination techniques). The four-year study was presented at the 2013 World Congress of Low Back and Pelvic Pain.

The Merciér Method was developed by Jennifer Merciér, a midwife and holistic women’s health practitioner. The regimen includes six hours of pelvic organ massage manipulation, along with a supplement program and continuous monitoring. She explains, “Our protocol is a gentle and noninvasive visceral manipulation of the female reproductive organs that helps to increase general organ mobility and blood flow, which enhances optimal function.”

A documentary on the protocol, Fertility: The Shared Journey with Merciér Therapy, premieres this month (MercierMovie.com).

globalbriefs

Forests Preserve Trees Rescue Urbanites from Dirty Air

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

Greening Garbage

Activist Turns City Food Waste into Rural Soil Jeremy Brosowsky had an epiphany at a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, greenhouse a few years ago that set him on a more sustainable path: “What if we could take our garbage and grow food in it?” He was in the Midwest to learn about urban agriculture at Growing Power, the pioneering urban farm of McArthur Genius Fellow Will Allen, and was considering starting a rooftop agriculture business. Allen’s emphasis on the importance and elusiveness of fertile soil intrigued him.

“If you don’t dramatically improve the soil, you cannot grow food in cities,” Brosowsky realized. His solution was to create Compost Cab (CompostCab.com), a Washington, D.C.-based service that picks up and delivers urban food waste to local farms for composting. Nearly 100 cities already divert food waste from landfills, but Brosowsky emphasizes, “Composting is not just about waste reduction.

It’s about food production, education, jobs and creating social benefits.” He hopes to roll out Compost Cabs in other cities.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, poor air quality can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, inflame and damage the cells that line the lungs, make lungs more susceptible to infection, aggravate asthma, aggravate other chronic lung diseases and cause permanent lung damage.

U.S. Forest Service researchers have discovered that the urban forests in 10 cities across the country save on average one person a year from pollution-related death. In New York City alone, that number increases to eight people per year.

The scientists recommend that people everywhere plant more trees.

Source: AmericanForests.org

Sinking Reptiles World Turtle Day Sounds Alarm

Since 2000, people around the globe have celebrated World Turtle Day, held this year on May 23, to increase respect for and knowledge of the world’s oldest creatures.

Susan Tellem, co-founder with Marshall Thompson of American Turtle Rescue (ATR), states, “These gentle animals have been around for about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of the exotic food industry, habitat destruction and the cruel pet trade.” They believe that turtles may be extinct within 50 years and suggest ways to increase their chances for survival for future generations: n Never buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop; it increases demand from

the wild. n Never remove turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick

or injured. n If a tortoise is crossing a street, pick it up and gently place it on the other

side in the same direction it was headed. n Write legislators about keeping sensitive habitats preserved. n Report cruelty or illegal sales to a local animal control shelter. n Report the sale of any turtle or tortoise less than four inches long, which

is illegal throughout the U.S. For more information, visit Facebook.com/AmericanTortoiseRescue or Tortoise.com.

Radical Fuel

Three Automakers Roll Out Hydrogen Models Toyota has announced that it will market a hydrogen-powered car beginning with the 2015 model year, and Hyundai has also committed to rolling out its fuel-cell Tucson model next year. Honda has already begun leasing its hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity to customers in California.

Each of these vehicles can travel about 300 miles without a refill (three times the range of the hybrid Chevy Volt in battery mode), and reach a top speed of about 100 miles per hour. A refill takes just a few minutes, and because the hydrogen is used to produce electricity, the cars drive without the roar of an internal combustion engine. The cost of hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles is expected to continue to fall and eventually match that of conventional cars by 2023. natural awakenings

May 2014

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pushed Teague to take a leap of faith—close her psychotherapy practice and enroll in a filmmaking class.

Teague recognizes that a deeper wisdom activated her response. She observes, “The individuals I was counseling about their restless desire for something better mirrored my own discontent, and my restlessness was an emotional response to what was emerging.

“Today, I no longer concern myself with making the right decision. I trust that whatever the circumstances are, I need to listen, observe and reflect, because ‘now’ contains information for my next step,” she advises.

Amanda Owen, counselor, coach and author of Born to Receive: 7 Powerful Steps Women Can Take Today to Reclaim Their Half of the Universe, has studied the state of receptivity that Teague references. Owen explains, “Receiving is a dynamic and productive state. When the body is relaxed and the mind and nervous system are calm, we become receptive and can feel and intuit subtle information contained in the energy received from external and internal environments.

Trust Your Intuition Listen to that Still, Small Voice and Let it Lead You

by Linda Sechrist

What if you could consistently tap into answers to life’s problems when you need them, knowing deep down that you are on the right track and that the decisions and choices you are making are the correct ones?

O

ur body is a wellspring of priceless wisdom. Yet heeding our innate voice seems constantly tested as society distracts us with the busy acquisition of external knowledge and rewards more visible work. Those used to focusing outwardly over-stimulate their five senses and so tend to disconnect from their body’s deep innate intelligence—our sixth sense, also known as intuition.

The resulting joylessness, discontent, isolation, depression and illness have sent millions in search of a real solution that discerning experts believe already exists within.

Our ultimate guide to the fountain of personal health and happiness, they believe, could well be our own intuition.

Changing Directions

For years, Katie Teague, producer of the documentary film, Money & Life, lived with the consequence of sublimating her intuitive impulse. “I felt a restless itch in my soul,” relates Teague, who intuited that life was prompting her to change careers so she could use her talents in a more meaningful way.

The vision of her 94-year-old self lying on her deathbed and faced with the question, “What are you not saying yes to?”

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“Our parasympathetic nervous system is engaged when we’re in this listening state. In contrast, rushing through the day engages our ‘fight-or-flight’ sympathetic nervous system.

Busyness and mind chatter drowns out the valuable information that intuition provides,” Owen notes.

An intuitive energy therapist, Marilyn Eppolite strongly relies on intuitive guidance in her southern New Jersey practice, believing it emanates from her body’s intelligence. “I listen and it’s always present,” she says. Eppolite shares an example of a time she received a clear image and perceived the bodily sensations of a grieving small child from a female client that a psychotherapist had referred. “When I described what I was sensing, her tears flowed and she also connected to the feeling,” she says. “It provided the needed breakthrough she needed to access her feelings and move forward in therapy.”

Eppolite is keenly aware when roadblocks—busyness, willfulness and a fearful, restless mind—create interference.

“These feed each other and can rarely be separated. I can’t hear or feel my intuition when my energy and attention are willfully directed outward,” she observes.

Abandoning the drive for personal control and surrendering to stillness is how Eppolite signals her body’s intelligence that she’s ready for whispers of guidance. “I sense that surrender as strength and trust that the information received is for my greatest good, even if I don’t fully understand it,” she remarks. “Discernment is necessary because deep wisdom frequently comes in segments that I must piece together and put into action before more of it bubbles up from within.”

The teachings of Yogeshwari Kamini Desai, Ph.D., combine Western psychology and Eastern philosophy. As

the director of education and lead teacher of the Amrit in the Buddhist concept that mindfulness of the body alMethod of Yoga, at the facility in Silver Springs, Florida, lows us to love fully. She finds, “It brings healing, wisdom Desai instructs on listening to the voice of intuition identiand freedom.” fied as prana in yogic tradition, which she characterizes as

She relates how she is led to direct a client’s attention “the energy that enlivens and carries out all balancing and to their own body’s intuition, which works best when she life-giving processes in nature. is following her instincts, rather than thinking. “After one

“It speaks through the body as sensations, impulses session, my client, who had been silently experiencing and urges,” she says. “This ‘inner divining rod’ informs numerous feelings in her stomach, asked me why I had us what feelings, thoughts and actions are moving us into touched her abdomen. I was just intuitively led to that part alignment with our source and what of her body.” is moving us out of alignment.”

Dr. Mona Lisa Schulz, also a

Quieting the mind and strengthenPh.D., medical intuitive and co-author ing the directives of prana through mediof All is Well, notes that everyone has a tation, yoga and being in nature moves connection to intuition. “We get a gut us away from what we tell ourselves feeling and sadness in our heart from and back to directly responding to its our inner intelligence that we don’t promptings. “Absorbed in the present know what to do with. While some moment and bodily sensations, we conindividuals consult a practitioner, nect with inner guidance,” explains Deothers listen to their body’s intuitive sai. “With practice, our mind becomes a language and reflect on their insights servant to inner intelligence. It can both and dreams—the language of soul,” direct our lives and make us sensitive to says Schulz. “Intuition can speak softly early symptoms suggesting oncoming through symptoms,” she observes. illness,” she adds.

“Eventually, when disregarded, it can

“There is growing interest in become a full-blown illness.” energy medicine and developing Biochemist and author of Secrets a deeper connection to the body’s of Our Cells: Discovering Your Body’s intelligence through yoga and energy Inner Intelligence, Sondra Barrett, practices like qigong and tai chi Ph.D., is awed by the body’s cellular because people are tired of taking intelligence. “Our cells are invismedications that don’t heal the root ible, so we don’t think of ourselves as Fearlessly following cause of health problems,” comcellular beings. However, a deeper ments Dr. Sue Morter, founder of understanding of our constitution and our intuition frees us to Morter Health Center, near Indianapthat our cells speak to each other and fully live an authentic olis, Indiana, and the healing phecollaborate harmoniously could inspire nomenon she terms Energy Codes. us to befriend our body’s intelligence and satisfying life.

A regular practice of any one of for life,” she says. “We might shift from these disciplines expands sensory wanting to fix an ache or pain to underfunction to encompass internal recognition and referencing standing that our cells are warning us of something.” of subtle information.

Sonia Choquette, a global consultant who recommends

Morter teaches how to awaken gut feelings, personal we rely on our sixth sense as our first sense, has authored power and self-love to restore wholeness left behind in purseveral books on intuition. She finds, “With intuition, we suit of external sources of happiness. “Participants learn to have a personal compass and an ally in discerning what is trust their gut more than the opinions of others, which turns authentic and true for us so that we won’t be tugged and up the volume on the whispers of intuition,” she explains. pulled in different directions when we make decisions.”

After Pat Hall, a therapeutic bodyworker in Augusta,

Laurie McCammon, co-author of Enough: The Rise of Georgia, read Jill Bolte Taylor’s My Stroke of Insight, she was the Feminine and the Birth of the New Story, was relaxing certain a habit of listening to mental chatter interfered with and reflecting with two friends when intuition graced her feeling and interpreting her body’s helpful promptings. “Jill’s with a message of information-laden energy: “I am enough. experience of her body as energy and her mind as silent We are enough. I have enough. We have enough. Enough!” when the left lobe of her brain shut down due to a stroke was The experience inspired them to collaborate on an e-book my ‘Aha!’ moment,” says Hall. For her, heeding inner guidcelebrating the grassroots groundswell toward a major shift ance took practice and a commitment to dismantling reactive in the world. “I believe intuition is an aspect of The Grand thought patterns and habits, plus discerning between intuPlan, which always moves us toward greater expansion, ition and distracting chatter. inclusion and an ever more mature and loving response to

“Mind chatter generally creates fear, negativity and life,” says McCammon. pressure to do something,” she explains. “Intuitive guid Ute Arnold, founder, director and teacher of the Unergi ance is gentle, expansive and undemanding.” Hall believes School of Body-Psychotherapy, in Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania, natural awakenings

May 2014

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Learning to trust our gut more than the opinions of others turns up the volume on whispers of intuition.

Awakening to our gut feelings, personal power and self-love restores the wholeness left behind in pursuit of external sources of happiness.

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describes several physical signatures of body intelligence that can foster improved self-care. “You feel more expansive, available and receptive—with a sense of a longer spine, a wider and deeper body and feet rooted in the Earth’s powerful energy,” explains the author of Touchback: A Self-Healing Journey with Body, Art and Nature, who also has a master’s degree in fine arts. “Expanded into a condition of soft relaxation, your mind stops talking; you enter a mind-body state of energetic receptive listening, where emotional intelligence is accessible.

“These feelings and sensations are indicative of wholeness. From it, we have access to the eternal place of the fully healed soul, which whispers intuitively, nudging us toward what can heal our life, body and mind.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.

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INTUITION UNLEASHED Spend time with your feelings: Write down how you feel about your job, relationships, house, health and what’s going on in the world.

Build and strengthen feeling receptors: Choose one feeling and spend the day with it. Notice every time you see that feeling expressed in yourself or someone else. Don’t judge it or form an opinion about it; just notice.

Receive everything: Pay attention to what you are feeling.

Don’t worry about what you will do with what you feel or your thoughts about those feelings. Just receive them. You can decide later what you want to do with them.

Maintain a flexible “thermostat”: When you want to freak out or shut down, check in with your feelings instead. Be present, engaged and genuine. The feeling and associated intuition need your attention and the present is the time to attend to them.

Source: Adapted from Born to Receive, by Amanda Owen

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D

o women have the same health needs as men? While many health issues affect both men and women, a number of health issues are more prevalent in women.

Hormones, for instance, play a vital role in every cell, organ and function within our bodies. From metabolism, growth and development to mood and libido, hormones dictate how the body behaves to certain environmental changes.

Estrogen helps prevent coronary artery disease, stroke and cancer while protecting the bones and maintaining the integrity of hair and skin. Progesterone prepares the body for conception and pregnancy in addition to increasing the body temperature during ovulation, relaxing muscles, regulating the immune system, raising the sex drive, converting stored fat into energy and preventing endometrial cancer.

In women, testosterone supports the development of lean muscle mass, promotes healthy bones, regulates the libido and provides an overall sense of well being.

Balancing these hormones is vital to the health and vitality of every woman. When estrogen is over-abundant or progesterone is lacking, this creates an imbalance within the body that can cause various health conditions like endometriosis, migraines, weight gain, low libido, irregular periods, fibroids and breast cancer. Increasing the progesterone level to help balance the estrogen level can create harmony resulting in health benefits such as weight loss, elevated moods, lower LDL levels, better sleep quality, decreased menopausal symptoms, and improved bone density. These benefits are achieved through biologically-identical progesterone or natural human progesterone.

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Kerri Stowers is a licensed Aesthetician, personal trainer, and health coach. She is the owner of Preserve Face & Body located at 14 Office Park Circle, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. For appointments, call 205-542-0801. Mrs. Stowers is also an independent consultant of Young Living Oils. See ad, page 15.

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May 2014

13

Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense

by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

Leptin

Ignore at Your Own Peril

A

few weeks ago, I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn that a mentor of mine, nutritionist Byron J. Richards, had passed away. You’ve likely never heard of him, but believe me when I say he was a titan and a luminary in the field of nutrition. He deserves tribute, not only for having amassed a wonderfully informative and accessible body of work—including several books, hundreds of articles and a weekly podcast—but also for inspiring me to become a nutritionist myself years ago.

While Byron’s knowledge of nutrition and biochemistry was staggering beyond belief, his true gift was the ability to distill that knowledge into simple, practical advice that anyone could understand. Arguably the best example of that, and the cornerstone of Byron’s legacy, is “The Leptin Diet.”

By his account, not only is leptin important, it’s the single most important hormone in the human body, outranking the likes of insulin, adrenaline and even thyroid hormone. Quite simply, this is because leptin is the veritable CEO that directs these—along with nearly every other hormone in the human body—making it the lynchpin of human metabolism.

Don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of leptin. For whatever reason, it’s rarely the subject of news headlines, but by no means is it a fringe topic among biochemical researchers. In fact, as of 2006 when Byron’s seminal book The Leptin Diet was published, more than 11,000 Byron J. leptin-related studies had been Richards published. If you have struggled to lose weight and can’t figure out why, I highly suggest you read this book.

Generally speaking, here’s how leptin works.

Stored in fat cells, leptin keeps tabs on the body’s 14

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energy reserves. It communicates with the subconscious brain (limbic system), which regulates metabolism accordingly. If energy reserves are low, metabolism slows. If reserves are high, it speeds up. When energy (food) enters the system, leptin serves the critical function of delivering a FULL signal to the brain. It also prompts insulin to usher glucose into cells, thus lowering blood sugar. And finally, starting about three to four hours after a meal, it commands glucagon (yet another hormone) to release stored glucose from the liver, preventing low blood sugar.

As a result, the consequences of a leptin malfunction are severe and widespread. The inability to produce sufficient amounts of leptin may be rare, but leptin resistance— similar to insulin resistance—is fairly common. Habitual overeating, habitual snacking and excess body fat cause overproduction of leptin—and eventually the proverbial leptin gas gauge in the brain gets overwhelmed and stuck on EMPTY. Then, no matter how much fuel is poured in, the brain fails to receive a full signal…thus the cravings never stop. That is, until physical pain and discomfort sets in.

The “rules” of the leptin diet are as follows: 1. Never eat after dinner. Allow eleven to twelve hours between dinner and breakfast. Never go to bed on a full stomach. Finish eating dinner at least three hours before bed.

2. Eat three meals a day. Allow five to six hours between meals. Do not snack.

3. Do not eat large meals. If you are overweight, always try to finish a meal when you are slightly less than full: the full signal will usually catch up to you in 10-20 minutes. Eating slowly is important.

4. Eat a breakfast containing protein.

5. Reduce the amount of carbohydrates you eat.

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These rules are not only simple, but well supported. The book cites and annotates more than 100 published studies to back up its claims.

Granted, there’s much more that can be done to lose weight and stay healthy, but I wholeheartedly agree these rules are a good starting point for just about anybody.

Steve Dupont, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and founder of Dupont Dietary Consulting LLC. A “true believer” in the power of nutrition, Steve is committed to serving those wishing to enjoy delicious food while reaping its health benefits. Specialties include weight loss, energy balance, supplements, cooking and meal planning. 205-213-7953.

SteveDupont.com. Email Steve your nutrition questions and have them answered in his future columns (Steve@ stevedupont.com).

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Birmingham, AL

From Body Repair to Reversing the Blues

by Case Adams

I

n 1886, Dr. William Murrell stated in the British Medical Journal, “Massage is of such inestimable value in the treatment of many intractable diseases that it is regretted that so little is known about it in this country, and that it is so rarely employed as a therapeutic agent.”

A 2013 survey by the American Massage Association (AMTA) showed that a majority of us are choosing massage therapy to treat such conditions as stress and pain management, according to Winona Bontrager, the association’s immediate past president. Of 1,007 adults surveyed, 75 percent opted for it within the previous year for stress or medical reasons, and 88 percent view massage as effective for pain relief.

“A growing body of evidence shows that massage therapy can be effective for a variety of health conditions,” reports Bontrager, adding that massage is rapidly becoming recognized as an important part of health and wellness.

Cody Landis, a licensed massage therapist and instructor at the Swedish Institute’s College of Health Sciences, in New York City, explains, “In the last few

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years, massage therapy research has been focusing more on the mechanisms by which the potential health benefits may be occurring—looking at the response of the brain, the immune system and the mechanisms of repair inside of muscle cells themselves.”

Relieves Stress

An AMTA survey reported that 32 percent of positive respondents used massage to relieve stress, and numerous recent studies have confirmed this.

Research from Harvard Medical School shows that massage reduces pain and anxiety while increasing sleep and quality of life among metastatic cancer patients. Boston Medical Center researchers saw similar results among 60 cancer patients that underwent port placement surgery; 20-minute massages before and after surgery reduced participants’ stress and anxiety.

Australian researchers reporting in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that massage reduced pain, anxiety and muscle tension following heart surgery among 152 cardiac surgery patients. A study from Japan’s Toho University School of

Pharmaceutical Sciences showed that aromatherapy massage significantly reduced psychological stress among elderly nursing home residents.

Reduces Depression

A study from Nashville’s Meharry Medical College of 43 HIV patients revealed that Swedish massage reduced their symptoms of depression. Lead researcher Russell Poland, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, observes, “When we designed the study, we didn’t expect to see such a large effect of massage. We remain surprised.”

The benefit was echoed by a University of California-Los Angeles study of 95 volunteers that displayed increases in their production of oxytocin hormone simultaneous with reductions in adrenocorticotropin hormone. Oxytocin is linked to compassion, empathy, maternal affection and social connection, while lowered adrenocorticotropin effects less stress.

Relieves Pain

Researchers in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Brazil’s University of Sao Paulo studied 46 birthing women and determined that lumbar massage during labor reduced pain by 27 percent. In another study at Beijing’s Chinese PLA General Hospital, deep massage brought relief to 64 patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

Relief was reported by a third of 110 headache patients in a Turkish medical school study. Dhaka Medical College Hospital, in Bangladesh, found similar results in a study of 500 headache sufferers, many of which had

migraines. Research from the University of Miami’s School of Medicine showed that massage reduced arthritis pain and increased both grip strength and range of motion among 42 rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Lead researcher Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of Miami University’s Touch Research Institute, says, “We have known that massage therapy reduces substance P, [a neuropeptide] which causes pain, and that it increases serotonin, the body’s natural pain killer.

We also know that deep sleep is critical to lowering substance P, increasing serotonin and reducing pain.”

Expands Acceptance

Lucy Liben, dean of massage therapy at the Swedish Institute, affirms the recent research as evidence documenting the numerous health benefits of massage therapy. “More and more consumers are seeking massage therapy for help with a variety of medical issues and conditions. Doctors are increasingly referring patients for such treatment and hospitals are enlisting more therapists to provide care for patients,” says Liben.

“Perhaps most importantly,” she adds, “research is offering us guidance in our work as massage therapists in how to provide the most effective care for chronic pain or musculoskeletal problems, during cancer treatment, during the changes of pregnancy or for any number of other health-related issues.”

Case Adams is a California naturopath and author of 25 books on natural healing. Learn more at CaseAdams.com.

What Researchers Now Know Breast Cancer: A French study of 129 breast cancer patients found massage generally reduced lymphedema, a swelling of the lymphatic system, following treatments. The total reduction of lymphedema volume was 33 percent among those receiving massages, according to Gynecologic Oncology.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Thirty minutes of massage with trigger point reduced symptoms and improved function in a study of 21 carpal tunnel patients (Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies).

Constipation: Massage therapy increased the average number of bowel movements among 33 hospitalized Korean children, as reported in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.

Dementia: Research from Spain’s Extremadura University on 120 institutionalized elderly adults diagnosed with dementia found massage therapy generally helped improve behavior and sleep.

Migraines: Craniosacral massage reduced migraine occurrence in a study of 20 migraine sufferers from Iceland’s University of Akureyri, as published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

Osteoporosis: A study of 48 postmenopausal women receiving traditional Thai massage showed increased bone formation after just four weeks. The massage group’s serum P1NP levels—which assesses bone formation—increased by 15 percent, while the control group saw no increases (BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine).

Stroke: Massage therapy tended to speed rehabilitation after strokes for 45 Russian patients in a study published in Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult.

natural awakenings

May 2014

17

fitbody

Body Ease Fluid, Flexible Movement Can Be Ours

by Sarah Todd

B

ad habits are hard to break—and it’s even harder to eliminate those we are unaware of. Many people experience pain from unconscious physical patterns such as hunching over a computer keyboard or holding a musical instrument at an uncomfortable angle, but don’t know how to identify and change limiting positions. This calls for body movement re-education.

Alexander Technique

“Let’s say you’re a runner and didn’t realize that you were running in a lopsided way,” explains Alexander Technique practitioner Beret Arcaya, who has taught the practice in New York City for almost 30 years. Students learn to retrain their thinking, movements and posture for better natural alignment. “It helps you understand how you’re making an argument between yourself and gravity,” she says.

Invented by Australian thespian F. Matthias Alexander at the end of the 19th century as a means of improving his onstage presence, the Alexander Technique is highly regarded by actors and entertainers, yet anyone can benefit from it, according to Arcaya.

In typical one-on-one sessions, Alexander movement practitioners use a light, gentle touch and verbal instruction to show students how to realign their head, neck and upper back while standing in front of a mirror, which helps the rest of the body attain a more natural position.

Next, students learn to move through 18

Birmingham, AL

routine activities like sitting, walking and bending in ways that replace damaging habits with easier movements.

The technique is easily modified to meet individual needs, Arcaya says, citing a former student that suffered from hemophilia. “He could hardly bend his knees, and he had little mobility in one elbow; he was terribly stiff,” she recalls. While the technique couldn’t treat the disease, “It allowed him to skillfully use his remaining uninjured tissue.” One day, when he returned from a three-mile walk with his young son, he was beaming. “‘I walked with a freedom and a lightness,’ he said, ‘I didn’t want to stop.’”

A 2008 study in the medical journal BMJ found that patients with chronic back pain experienced long-term benefits from Alexander Technique exercises and lessons. People with Parkinson’s disease also improved their walking, speech, posture and balance through Alexander training, according to a 2002 study in Clinical Rehabilitation.

Feldenkrais Method

Others in need of movement reeducation use the method founded by physicist, electrical engineer and judo black belt holder Moshé Feldenkrais in the mid-20th century. Feldenkrais was familiar with the Alexander Technique, and the two methods share the same fundamental goal of helping students change harmful patterns through movement exploration, touch and dialogue.

The Feldenkrais Method avoids concepts of “right” and “wrong”. Instead, the

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practitioner leads students through gentle, slow-movement sequences, mostly on the floor, while asking questions about subtle details as they experience options. This sharpens sensory awareness of how to perform each movement with maximum ease. In one-on-one sessions, the student is passive while the practitioner’s hands suggest various non-habitual movements to widen his repertoire. It all increases flexibility, balance, fine motor skills and overall physical self-awareness.

Feldenkrais stated, “What I’m after isn’t flexible bodies but flexible brains; to restore each person to their human dignity.”

Seniors that practiced the Feldenkrais Method enhanced their balance and mobility, according to a 2010 study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. It may also alleviate symptoms of nonclinical depression, according to a 2011 pilot study reported in the Journal of the South Carolina Medical Association.

Trager Approach

Another entry point to such a bodily reawakening is the Trager Approach, invented by Dr. Milton Trager, an athlete who suffered from a congenital spinal deformity. “The intention of the practitioner in a Trager session is to introduce the client to a series of playful and pleasurable sensations as the session unfolds,” says practitioner Martha Partridge, of New York City, who works primarily with people that have Parkinson’s disease.

During tablework sessions, practitioners “bring awareness” of a specific movement by rocking, cradling and gently rotating a client’s body, Partridge explains. The feeling of effortless movement is further ingrained through a series of mental gymnastics, termed mentastics, that clients can do at home.

The objective, says Partridge, is to help people have a sense of joy in everyday, common movement.

All three bodywork techniques can help people banish bad habits for good.

“Gradually, aches and pains will go away,” Arcaya says. “You can undo the imbalances that have done you wrong.”

Then go forward, doing things right.

Sarah Todd is a freelance writer in Brooklyn, NY. Connect at SarahToddInk.com.

therapyspotlight This Indicator Is More Important Than BMI To Health

by Bernadine Birdsong, I-ACT Colon Hydrotherapy Instructor

I

n his article entitled, “The One Number That May Best Predict Your Risk Of Sudden Death,” Dr. Joseph Mercola says, “There is scientific evidence that BMI (body mass index) is a very flawed measurement when it comes to predicting your risk of dying from heart disease. Waist size provides a far more accurate benchmark for predicting your risk of death from a heart attack and from other causes.”

Determining your waist size is easy. With a tape measure, measure the distance around the smallest area of your abdomen, below your rib cage and above your belly button. The following is a general guide for healthy waist circumference: • Men: 37 to 40 inches is overweight; greater than 40 inches is obese • Women: 31.5 to 34.6 inches is overweight; greater than 34.6 inches is obese

The reason why waist size is a better indicator of heart disease risk is because your waist size is related to the type of fat that is stored around your waistline, called “visceral fat” or “belly fat.”

It is thought that visceral fat is related to the release of proteins and hormones that cause inflammation, which can in turn damage your arteries and affect how you metabolize sugars and fats. An expanded waistline is associated with insulin resistance, high blood pressure, lipid imbalance, cardiovascular disease, thickening of the walls of your heart, and even increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Healing Waters offers LipoEx, which helps reduce “visceral fat” or “belly fat.” Gail Altschuler, MD of Novata, California, states that this machine is the first of its kind to “demonstrate with CT scans the reduction of both visceral and subcutaneous fat. The studies showed reduction of fat or approximately 0.8 - 1 quart per session.” Dr. Altschuler goes on to say that LipoEx is a “revolutionary system effectively and painlessly eliminating body fat.”

This means that LipoEx is a perfect choice to not only improve looks but also improve one’s overall health. Contact Healing Waters at 205-323-7582 to schedule your appointment or book online at MoreThanColonics.com.

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by Kathleen Barnes

Gas, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation—each of these digestive issues indicates an imbalance of “good” and “bad” intestinal bacteria.

C

hronic digestive discomfort is distressingly common. More than 60 million Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), notes Dr. Mark Pimentel, director of the Gastrointestinal Motility Program at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, in Los Angeles, and author of A New IBS Solution.

Many are too embarrassed to mention it to their doctor, so they suffer silently and learn to live with it.

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While digestive distress can visit most of us occasionally, regular bouts have increased due to high-stress lifestyles and unhealthy diets, according to Dr. Dustin James, a St. Louis, Missouri, gastroenterologist and author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Digestive Health. “Getting home late after a stressful day, eating a high-fat meal and then going to bed is a recipe for problems,” he says.

James advises a food-free interlude of four to six hours before bedtime and notes that prescription and over-thecounter heartburn medications can actually worsen the problem over time.

Pimentel, citing his own research, also suggests that even a minor case of food poisoning may unbalance digestive bacteria enough to cause problems for years. “We think food poisoning leads to bacterial overgrowth,” says Pimentel.

In his clinical experience, James says about 10 percent of IBS cases can be connected to the food poisoning theory. Although such cases are typically treated with an antibiotic, rifaximin, many experts ironically attribute bacterial overgrowth to the

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use of antibiotics. All antibiotics, taken for any reason, indiscriminately kill both good and bad intestinal bacteria, ultimately creating unbalanced bacteria colonies in the digestive tract, says James. “There can be bad long-term effects,” he advises. James’ antibiotics theory is affirmed by a major Australian review of current research on the links between antibiotics and intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Sugar is another culprit as are antibiotics in dairy products and meats, which can also aggravate digestive problems. Sugar feeds the growth of unfriendly bacteria and yeast and antibiotics kill friendly bacteria, contributing to imbalances.

The U.S. obesity epidemic has even been linked to digestive problems.

In a study published in the journal Frontiers of Public Health, researchers at the University

of California-Berkeley warn against long-term exposure to antibiotics through their widespread use in the dairy and meat industries. One animal study from Washington University, in St. Louis, showed that intestinal bacteria tend to extract more nutrients—and more calories—from the same foods when eaten by obese animals than when ingested by thinner ones. This helps explain why obese people tend to stay obese without heroic measures.

Good Food Solutions

There is considerable agreement that probiotics—live bacteria such as those contained in fermented foods like quality yogurt—help rebalance beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and ease ailments that include IBS. Due to U.S. food regulations, yogurt is routinely pasteurized, which kills its probiotic benefits; conscientious suppliers then add active digestive microorganisms, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, back into their products.

“Check yogurt labels for specific names of the species and a certification that it contains live cultures,” counsels Maria Marco, Ph.D., an assistant professor of food science at the University of California-Davis.

Coconut yogurt may be preferred by those with dairy-free diets. Dairy is acidforming and can be difficult to digest.

Many fermented foods can provide the same probiotics to ease digestive woes and restore a healthy balance

of the right bacteria. Sauerkraut, rich in Lactobacillus and other strains of healthy bacteria, is at the top of the list.

It’s easy to make super-healthy sauerkraut at home with shredded organic cabbage and salt.

Other fermented foods to put high on a natural probiotic list include: miso, kefir, tempeh, soft cheese, kimchi, sour pickles and sourdough bread.

James recommends two daily servings of high-quality yogurt or other fermented foods to obtain the 2 to 5 billion live bacteria needed to restore gut health. “Every human is unique; try different products in search of what works,” he says.

Probiotic supplements may be more effective for people with serious digestive distress that need higher bacterial counts and the product label may provide specifics of the bacteria and strains. “For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a strain that has been proven to be effective against antibiotic-induced diarrhea,” Marco explains. High-quality probiotics usually require refrigeration to keep the bacteria alive.

In addition, there are many nonfermented foods, including certain juices, candies and energy bars, with specific strains of bacteria added that have probiotic effects.

Kathleen Barnes is the author of a wide variety of natural health books including 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health, with Dr. Hyla Cass. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Simple Sauerkraut Recipe It’s easy to make a healthy batch of sauerkraut in a glass quart canning jar in as little as three days.

Organic cabbage, finely shredded 1 Tbsp sea salt or other natural salt Mix salt and cabbage together in a large bowl, squeezing the salt into the cabbage. Cabbage will become limp and begin to release its juice.

Tightly pack cabbage and juice into a clean glass canning jar. Keep the cabbage submerged in liquid; if necessary,

use a smaller canning jar loaded with marbles or stones.

Cover jar with a clean cloth or piece of cheesecloth and keep it in a cool place.

Safe Digestive Relief In addition to fermented foods, these foods offer digestive relief.

Ginger: Safe enough to quell the nausea of early pregnancy, ginger can offer relief from nausea, gas and even colic in babies.

Peppermint Oil: A traditional remedy now validated by science, peppermint oil can relieve irritable bowels and heartburn. Consider enteric coated (acid resistant) capsules that can impact the small intestine, where relief is needed.

Fennel: This mildly licorice-flavored seed hasn’t been extensively studied, but lovers of Indian cuisine have traditionally used it to promote smooth digestion after consuming curryladen meals.

Sources: American Botanical Council; Mayo Clinic, MN; Baylor University, TX; University of Michigan; University of Rochester, NY

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Jar contents will begin to bubble, signaling that fermentation is taking place (note that conventional cabbage additives may interrupt the fermentation process).

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It’s ready to eat in three days, but keeps well for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Bernadine Tillman Birdsong, Owner I-ACT Certified, Colon Hydrotherapy Instructor

Primary source: TheKitchen.com

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April May 2014

21

therapyspotlight

Veterinary Acupuncture

by Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman, Well Being Medicine For Animals

What is Veterinary Acupuncture?

Veterinary Acupuncture hasn’t quite been around since the beginning of time, but close enough! The Chinese wrote the first veterinary acupuncture book almost 2,000 years ago.

Veterinary Acupuncture is based on the premise that the life processes of the human and animal body are energetic in nature (not biochemical as conventional medicine believes).

This energy is believed to flow through the body in a series of channels, called meridians. Illness occurs when the free flow of energy in the meridians becomes blocked. Think about this like a river, the energy is the water flowing freely along the course of the river. Imagine building a dam in this river, the flow of energy would be curtailed, causing stagnation of the water behind the dam and flooding upstream. Downstream would be drought conditions. On both sides of the blockage the flora and fauna would be negatively impacted, either by having too much water or too little. If you understand this concept, you understand the very basics of veterinary acupuncture.

How Does Veterinary Acupuncture Work?

Special, very thin needles, placed in very specific spots (acupuncture points) along the meridians are used to manipulate the flow of energy, or as the Chinese refer to it, Chi. By normalizing the flow of chi along the meridians, homeostasis can be restored and the body can then heal itself.

Chinese herbal medicine can be combined with veterinary acupuncture to potentiate the beneficial effects.

Veterinary Acupuncture has proven very effective in many conditions, especially: • Joint pain just as Hip Dysplasia • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), traumatic nerve injury and certain types of paralysis • Neurological disorders including seizures • Urinary disorders such as incontinence, chronic urinary tract infections, kidney disease (acute and chronic) • Respiratory disorders such as sinusitis, asthma and coughing • Gastrointestinal disorders including vomiting, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, rectal prolapse and diarrhea • Dermatological disorders such as allergic dermatitis and chronic skin disease • Cardiovascular diseases which include valvular disease and cardiomyopathy • Pain management pre and post surgical procedures Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman recently moved her holistic veterinary practice, Well Being Medicine For Animals, from Colorado to Birmingham. Her mission is to provide affordable veterinary care that combines traditional veterinary medicine with holistic treatments including acupuncture, dietary therapy and herbal remedies. Until she secures office space, Dr. Natalie is performing house call visits and telephone consultations. To schedule an appointment or consultation, call 205-907-9442 or email WellBeing Medicine@att.net.

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naturalpet

Pain-Free Pooch Five Natural Therapies that Work

by Jennifer Kachnic

Because dogs won’t always let us know when they’re hurting, some people assume they don’t experience pain the same way we do, but that’s not the case. Instincts retained from their wild heritage will generally prompt them to hide pain as it’s a sign of weakness.

T

he truth is that arthritis and muscle or joint injuries are just as uncomfortable for dogs as they are for us, and many canine illnesses generate significant pain. While conventional medications can ease discomfort, they’re not the only or even the best options in many cases.

Alternative therapies can be helpful in managing and relieving pain and work best as part of a whole body wellness program designed for a dog’s individual needs. To that end, always consult with an integrative veterinarian before starting any new treatment. Together, practitioner and owner will note that some of the following modalities may be contraindicated in some situations—for example, massage should never be performed on or near a tumor.

Canine Massage: Dogs love massage because they crave being touched.

Physical contact from another being provides a calming effect and brings comfort. Skin, the largest sense organ in the body, is loaded with sensory receptors and nerve endings that register touch, temperature and pain, and send information to the brain. Massage

therapy relaxes muscles and also stimulates endorphins, increases circulation, elevates oxygen levels, flushes toxins, helps with inflammation, strengthens the immune system and accelerates healing. All of these benefits can contribute to effective pain management.

Acupuncture and Acupressure: Both of these time-honored modalities are based on the concept of keeping vital energy flowing through the body and seek to stimulate key points along the energy meridians beneath the skin. Acupuncture involves the insertion of small needles at these points, while acupressure uses fingers to apply pressure to the same points. Both modalities are widely known to assist in managing pain and anxiety.

Energy Healing: Here, the practitioner improves the flow of energy in an animal’s body using a range of gentle and powerful natural therapies. During a treatment, the trained healer sends subtle energy through the hands to promote physical and emotional balance and healing. While conventional medicine follows the belief that treatments for disease or injury must be strictly biological, energy medicine works to restore

the patient’s health by treating the mind, body and spirit in nonphysical ways.

Energy healing modalities available for dogs include Reiki, qigong, Healing Touch and Tellington Touch.

Cold Laser Therapy: Developed more than 20 years ago, cold laser therapy has become a popular alternative treatment around the world for aches and pains in dogs. It directs highly concentrated coherent light waves to muscles, tissues and organs, reducing inflammation and muscle spasms. It’s also applied to disc and other spine-related issues. Low-level cold laser therapy is painless, noninvasive and takes only minutes. The effects are similar to those provided by non-steroidal medications, with negligible negative side effects.

Hydrotherapy: The benefits of swimming are renowned. When dogs swim, they feel a resistance to movement, which makes a vigorous fiveminute swim virtually equivalent in energy expended to a five-mile run.

Some dogs like swimming even better than running. Hydrotherapy, which includes exercise on an underwater treadmill combined with swimming, is particularly helpful. The effect on senior dogs is especially dramatic, affording them a painless and enjoyable way to move about and exercise.

Water’s natural buoyancy supports the dog, lessens stress on joints, facilitates greater movement and provides a safe and healthful form of exercise for those suffering injuries, disease or pain.

The best choice of therapies for an individual animal will depend on the dog’s condition and recommendations by the family veterinarian. Selected and practiced properly, these complementary modalities can make a major impact in a canine’s physical and emotional well-being, while minimizing or even eliminating the need for medications.

Jennifer Kachnic is the author of Your Dog’s Golden Years: Manual for Senior Dog Care Including Natural Remedies and Complementary Options. She is a certified canine massage therapist, animal Reiki practitioner and certified therapy dog handler with the American Humane Association. Learn more about this president of The Grey Muzzle Organization at GreyMuzzle.org.

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May 2014

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greenliving

clothing design can align perfectly with the colors, shapes, substances and energies of feng shui’s five elements. Because feng shui connects divine energy to physical form, I realized I could dress my client’s spirits, as well as their surfaces.”

Fashion Feng Shui, Maggiore’s international corporate legacy, maintains that combining intention and the five elements with awareness of our personal style attracts what we desire. Holistic image and lifestyle consultant and lead trainer Andréa Dupont, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, states that the first step is discovering our “essence”, or primary element. “You can’t dress yourself until you know yourself.

I ask clients, ‘If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?’ Once we establish an individual’s inner strengths and core element, the results can be life changing.”

Green Choices

FENG SHUI FASHIONISTA

Dressing with Conscious Intention

by Gail Condrick

W

aking up on the morning of a big presentation to secure city funding for a new park, you’re confident that you’ve done your homework: You’ve prepared handouts, memorized key points of an environmental impact study and lined up community supporters. Opening the closet presents a different kind of challenge: What’s the most effective way to dress?

Dressing Our Essence

Wardrobe consultants that apply the principles of feng shui to clothing believe the jacket we choose to wear carries as much impact as our words. Clothing pieces and accessories selected with conscious awareness and intention can bring us into harmony and balance, energize our life and transmit subconscious messages about our values.

Feng shui clothing stylists believe the five elements of nature—wood, fire, earth, metal and water—connect in an unending cycle of harmony that keeps the world in balance.

Following an authentic and harmonious lifestyle connects us with this cycle and the environment in a more natural balance of human motion and planetary sustainability.

As pioneering stylist Evana Maggiore observed in Fashion Feng Shui: The Power of Dressing with Intention, “I came to the conclusion that clothing is your body’s most intimate environment and energetically influences your life in the same way that your home and business décors do. Body coloring and shape, style, personality, lifestyle, goals and 24

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For Denise Medved, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, owner of Feng Shui Style, wardrobe consciousness shows respect for our individuality and the environment. “When I choose to dress in natural fibers such as cottons, leathers, silks or wools, or their vegan complements in manmade fibers, it represents the life force of plants and animals and builds qi, or energy,” says Medved.

She suggests assembling an outfit embracing three of the five elements. “A water/wood/fire triad might be black, woven, silk trousers; an organic, cotton, floral print shirt; and a red, recycled wool jacket. Personalizing this with the surprise of grandmother’s yellow stone pin on the lapel adds creative flair and earth and metal elements.” Nature’s jewelry energizes and circulates qi.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Practicing the three basic tenets of sustainability together with principles of feng shui keeps our wardrobe and closet resonating with life. Consultants agree that a wardrobe representing the five elements allows endless possibilities of creative combinations and reduces the need for having to keep up with new fashion trends. Shopping for such treasures at consignment and thrift stores, plus estate sales, allows us to reuse and repurpose clothing, energizing our budgets, closets and attitudes. Recycling items that pack closets and no longer suit our needs frees space and energy to create a wardrobe that is authentically ours.

The Practical Encyclopedia of Feng Shui, by Gill Hale, also contains helpful advice for bringing out an intended inner message and making a statement. The color green conveys the wood element, or individuals that are public spirited and energetic. Red suggests fire, the color of inspiring leaders. Supportive and loyal earth personalities gravitate to khaki, while resolute, metal people may select grey. Natural communicators that view life holistically will be reflected in the water element of black.

A feng shui philosophy provides guidelines for living in harmony with the natural world and in conscious awareness of life. Each choice expresses a stylistic living intention that will be noticed by the world.

Gail Condrick is an archetypal consultant and Nia Technique faculty member. Connect at GaelaVisions.com.

wisewords

With your busy schedule, how do you find time to work out and stay in shape?

Volleying Life

I think it’s been about momentum. I had the good fortune of training and eating well since I went off to play volleyball in college. That sort of steam made it easier as I added work, a partner and children.

I think it’s more difficult for women that don’t have that experience. When they enter “the real world” and add a big career or long hours, a partner or family, it becomes difficult to establish that grounding in healthy practices.

You have to create the environment in which you are going to succeed. That takes years. At some point, you have to be honest with yourself.

For me, I know I won’t get exercise or anything else done if I stay home. There are some things I can go to a gym to do that I can also do at home but know I won’t, so it’s about creating an environment that activates good intentions.

Gabrielle Reece on Her Balancing Act

by Christine MacDonald

G

abrielle Reece has been called one of the world’s most influential women in sports and one of its most beautiful athletes. In her 20s, she built a career as both a fiercely competitive pro volleyball player and a fashion model. Since then, she’s written books and become an expert on women’s peak fitness and overall well-being, all while raising three daughters with her husband, Hawaiian surfer Laird Hamilton. Plus, she volunteers for environmental organizations such as the National Resources Defense Council and RainCatcher, a nonprofit bringing safe drinking water to people in need.

How do you find time for and balance all the roles you play in life—athlete, spouse, parent, businesswoman and volunteer?

Juggling life is hard for everyone. Living day-to-day, taking care of kids and paying bills is a challenge. There are ways to make it all more manageable, but for me, there is a level of discomfort, challenge and difficulty, as well as moments of joy. I think women are sometimes thrown off-balance by some difficulty, instead of saying, “OK, how am I going to strategize and make it all work for me and my family?”

We don’t give enough credit to having great girlfriends. I don’t mean people you go to lunch with—I mean real allies. People that give you good advice and are strong for you, that will

How do you choose to expend your volunteer efforts?

take your kids and you’ll take theirs.

I think that is an underutilized tool. I always encourage women to approach life with a strategy and use each other to help navigate it, because that makes it a little easier.

Which role is most important to you and where does selfcare fit in?

At this time in my life, being a mother is the most important. When my girls are older and more independent, then their demands on my time will lessen.

But I don’t think I’d ever blindly put one role over the other, because they are all connected. I just approach them with different parts of my personality. My work is intellectual, while being a mom is instinctual. Being in a relationship is a whole other ball of wax that I approach with the same diligence. Taking care of myself is at the center because I wouldn’t be able to do anything successfully if I am not well myself.

Laird and I are usually quick to be on board with anything that involves the environment and people. These causes are near and dear to everybody, but make special sense for us, given the amount of time we have lived and worked outside.

As a mother, do you feel a special concern for being a good environmental steward?

I felt this way even before I had children because I had the luxury of playing beach volleyball. I grew up in the Caribbean and have always tried to be a benefactor of the beautiful outdoors.

It adds another layer of motivation when you start thinking about your kids and the opportunities they will or will not have in their future.

In Hawaii, the Polynesians traditionally didn’t believe in ownership, but in being stewards of an area. That’s how I feel about the place where we live now. The ultimate for me would be to leave it better than I found it.

Christine MacDonald is a freelance journalist in Washington, D.C., whose specialties include health and science.

Visit ChristineMacDonald.info.

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calendarofevents THURSDAY, MAY 1 The Art of the Margarita – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn all about the different types of tequilas and margaritas, and enjoy a free tasting or two. Must be 21 or older to attend, ID required. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. 205-978-4678.

Southeastern Outings Sunday Stroll, Dunnavant Valley Greenway Walking Trail – 1:30pm. The trail winds along a bubbling stream, Yellow Leaf Creek, overhung with majestic American beech, oak, and hickory. There are footbridges over the stream, and, except for a steep patch over a ridge, it’s easy walking. Info: Acyenith Alexander, 205-529-2253.

FRIDAY, MAY 2 Let’s Get Moving: Health, Wellness and Fitness in the New Year – 10am (5/2 and 5/30). Adult program which highlights topics involving personal health, wellness, and fitness. Programs will include exercise instruction, speakers, and resource guides.

Free. Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Old Springville Rd, Birmingham, Alabama 35215.

205-226-4083.

May Montevallo Artwalk – 4-8pm. UM alumni, students, faculty, staff, and regional artists will sell their work as we line Main Street with artists and enjoy food and drink from local restaurants. Free.

Main Street, Montevallo, AL 35115. 205-665-6230.

Candlelight Pilates with Therese Laeger – 6-7:30pm. The class flows through the breath and movement of Pilates mat exercises with soft light and a peaceful atmosphere. $15. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with Therese.Laeger@gmail.com.

Mom’s The Word: Stories and Songs to Celebrate Mothers – 6:30pm (Fri-Sat). Storyteller Dolores Hydock and musical master Bobby Horton celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Mother’s Day with an evening of stories and songs about Mom. $25.

Reservations required: 205-332-6625. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209.

Celebrating Spring With Dance – 9pm (Fri-Sat), 4pm (Sun). Welcome Spring with a blend of choreographic dance styles performed by ASFA’s talented dancers. $10. Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, Alabama School of Fine Arts, 800 19th St North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. 205-490-2345.

SATURDAY, MAY 3 Posture Towards Peace: Spacial Dynamics™ Techniques Workshop – 9am-12pm. Join movement instructor Jennifer Cripps for a workshop

Global Cuisine @ the Plaza: Mexico – 2:30pm.

Coffee-ol-ogy Cafe explores Mexico’s culture and native foods. Complimentary samples provided.

Free. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-444-7820.

TUESDAY, MAY 6 utilizing Spacial Dynamics techniques that will encourage a healthy posture, improve connections with others and decrease dis-ease around the body. $25. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register: JenniCripps@gmail.com or 205-568-1526. EmbodyBirmingham.com.

Southeastern Outings Picturesque Dayhike with Wildflowers, Rushing Stream and Waterfalls – 9am. Enjoy rushing streams, waterfalls, an interesting bridge over the creek and beautiful wildflowers at Hurricane Creek Park, near Cullman, AL. Info: Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680 or dfred4@bellsouth.net.

SEOutings.org.

Introduction to Organic & Natural Gardening Workshop – 10:30am-12pm. Topics include: Garden Designs for Success, Attracting “Nature’s Helpers,” and Tools of the Trade. Special Guest Amanda Clark, Master Gardener & Horticulturist with Birmingham Botanical Garden. Free. McEnally’s Mercantile, 6842 Old Springville Rd, Clay/ Pinson, AL 35126. 205-681-1909.

Trussville City Fest – 11am-9pm. Trussville City Fest (formerly Dog Daze) is a fun, family event in historic downtown Trussville. Fireworks at 9pm. $5, with children under 2 free. Trussville Mall, 225 Parkway Dr, Trussville, AL 35173. 205-655-7535.

SUNDAY, MAY 4 Claim Your Space! With Jennifer Cripps (Ages 10-13) – 12:30-2pm. Enjoy a fun afternoon build-

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ing strength, balance, self esteem, self confidence and spatial awareness of the body while playing and through activities. $15. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register: JenniCripps@gmail.com or 205-568-1526.

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Developing Intuition for Business Success – 121pm. 4-week workshop/Online Webinar Course.

Intuitive training can help develop our sixth sense to improve business decision making. Each week, we will learn and practice techniques to enhance our intuition and psychic abilities. Free. Terri Ann Heiman, Natural Forces Studio. 516-457-3885.

NaturalForcesStudio.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 8 Natural Beauty – 1:30-3pm. A continuation of a series in natural cosmetics, students will assemble and stitch an herbal eye pillow, make a smoothing salt or sugar scrub and make their own fabric freshening spray. $15 Members, $20 Non-Members.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3950.

Light Dreams II – 7:30pm (Thu-Sat). Join us for the second annual Light Dreams festival, a free celebration of art, music, dance, and light. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294. 205-975-2787.

Feng Shui for Life with Katie Rogers: Living/ Family Rooms & Children’s Bedrooms – 6:307:30pm. Learn how to create good energy and balance in the living/family room as well as in your children’s bedrooms and play spaces. Free.

Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6625.

FRIDAY, MAY 9 Restorative Yoga – 6-8pm. Join Lauren Brown for a full session of restorative yoga, where your mind and body can rest and renew with the help of props and massage to support the body’s relaxation. $25 prepaid/$35 drop-in. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Registration required, email Lauren@embodybirmingham.com.

EmbodyBirmingham.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 10 Breath & Feldenkrais with Margaret Pittenger – 9am-4pm. Principles and patterns for functional movement and deep diaphragmatic breath. Every person can experience and keep pain-free, coordinated movement, posture and function, no matter what their history includes. $100. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with mjpittenger@gmail.com or 205-999-9070.

EmbodyBirmingham.com.

Southeastern Outings Cahaba Lily Walk, Hargrove Shoals along the Cahaba River in Bibb County – 10am. Come with us to see the largest display of blooming Cahaba lilies in the world, acres and acres of them spread out over the water in the river.

Info: Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680. SEOutings.org.

Greater Birmingham Humane Society Adoption Day – 10am-12pm. The GBHS Mobile Unit will be in the library’s back parking lot with some beautiful, loveable dogs just waiting for a special home like yours. Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

The Harmony of the Empowered Heart – 1-5pm. Standing postures and core strengthening, a heart-opening breath meditation, and dynamic balancing postures help bring into harmony our self-confidence and self-love in order to achieve our heart’s desires. Instructor: Andrea Brook. $60. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South.

BirminghamYoga.com.

Cool Spaces, Downtown Places – 1-5pm. Tour of Birmingham’s Loft District. Join us as we take a stroll through Downtown Birmingham’s coolest live+work+play spaces. Admission charged. Checkin at John’s City Diner, 112 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 256-503-4958.

Reiki Level 2 – 8am-5pm (Sat), 8am-12pm (Sun).

Reiki Level 2 deepens the student’s abilities to sense and to channel energy, and it introduces the ability to do distance healing. Reiki Level 1 required.

Instructor: Bliss Wood. $225 by 5/9, $250 after.

Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South. 205-6374228. BirminghamYoga.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 18 Southeastern Outings Dayhike, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve – 1pm. Join SEO for a moderate 4-mile hike on the lovely, well-maintained trails in the 1000+-acre Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, one of the largest in-city nature preserves in the country. Info: Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680 or seoutings@bellsouth.net. SEOutings.org.

Dance, Fight, Play…Experience Capoeira! – 3-4:30pm. Capoeira is the Afro-Brazilian martial art of fighting with a smile. The movements of this dance-like fighting style combine elements of dance and music in such a way that make it fun and energetic. $20. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South.

205-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Still Light Centre: Thai Yoga Massage 201 – 9am6pm (Thu-Sun). Join Shai Plonski of Still Light Centre of Toronto to take your practice to the next level. $600. Earn 37.5 hr CEUs for RYT, LMT or PT. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register at Stillightcentre.com or 205637-0299. EmbodyBirmingham.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 16 What to Plant and When – 12-1pm. Come and find out what to plant in your garden this summer. Join us as we learn the do’s and don’ts of hot weather gardening from Roo’s Place, a local nursery. Free.

Gardendale Public Library, 995 Mt Olive Rd, Gardendale, AL 35071. 205-631-6639.

Back Forty Beer Co Presents Beer on the Back Porch Music Series – 6pm. Come relax and support Ruffner on our Back Porch with delicious food, cold drinks and live music. $25 gets you dinner and three drink tokens. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st St South, Birmingham, AL 35206.

205-833-8264.

ASO Regions Masterworks Series: Mozart’s Requiem – 8pm (Fri-Sat). $24-$69. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294. 205-975-2787.

SATURDAY, MAY 17 Southeastern Outings Dayhike, Alabama Nature Center, Millbrook, AL – 10am. The Center contains 350 acres of striking forests, fields, streams, wetlands and parks that are traversed by five miles of boardwalks and trails in three regions. Info: Dexter Duren, 205-393-0927. SEOutings.org.

Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

HEALTH COOKWARE SALADMASTER. Demo Sets 1/2 Price. USA Made. Lifetime Warranty. 256-502-9845.

HOME STUDY PROGRAMS Very affordable CORRESPONDENCE HOME STUDY PROGRAM for students who want professional degrees. Reserve by calling 702-353-2512.

ORGANIC HEIRLOOM SEEDS GLASS GEM CORN SEED for sale. This is a rare heirloom corn that produces a diversity of gorgeous translucent, jewel-colored ears, each one unique. It can be used for popcorn, corn meal or decoration. $7.95/pack. To order call 256-340-1122 or email Cindy@Alabama Awakenings.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 15

Health Matters Film: Food, Inc. – 6:30pm. Food, Inc. lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing how our food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of all else. Free. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

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36th Annual Birmingham Boys Choir Spring Concert – 4-5:30pm. Featuring mostly sacred music, the talented musicians perform to professional standards in their final concert of the season. Free.

Covenant Presbyterian Church, 65 Old Montgomery Hwy, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-767-9219.

MONDAY, MAY 19 Neuroscience Café: Improving Memory – 6:308pm. David Sweatt, Ph.D, Professor and Chair, UAB Department of Neurobiology, presents “Targeting Genes to Improve Memory.” Free. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216.

205-444-7840.

TUESDAY, MAY 20 Learning to Live with Wild Neighbors – 6:307:30pm. Learn about coyotes, fox, squirrels, rabbits, feral mammals, reptiles, birds and other wild animals that we may encounter in Homewood.

Presenter: David Dionne, Executive Director of Red Mountain State Park. Free. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6625.

ASO Concertmaster & Friends: Baroque Trumpet – 7pm. Celebrate the illustrious career of ASO Principal Trumpet John McElroy with an evening of Baroque trumpet favorites. Featuring works from Vivaldi, Albinoni, Handel, Bach and Telemann. $32.

Brock Recital Hall, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209. 205-975-2787.

SATURDAY, MAY 24 Reiki & Essential Oils – 10-11:30am. Combining essential oils with Reiki, a hands-on natural system of healing, creates many amazing and powerful healing effects. Reiki 1 required. $35. Terri Ann Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 609 37th St South, inside Birmingham Yoga. 516-457-3885. Register at NaturalForcesStudio.com.

Southeastern Outings Canoe and Kayak Outing, Big Wills Creek near Gadsden, AL – 10am. This will be Southeastern Outings’ first canoe and kayak trip on Big Wills Creek. This stretch, which some of our members have paddled previously, is fairly easy and without classified rapids. Info: David Shepherd, 205-240-4681 or davidshep2@yahoo.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 25 8th Annual Preserve Jazz Festival – 2pm. An early summer, world-class, outdoor jazz festival. This year we are particularly excited to offer a covered stage area that holds nearly 2,500 seats, all at the Historical Sloss Furnaces in Downtown Birmingham. $35.

Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St North, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205-390-3800.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, AL – 2pm.

An easy, fun Southeastern Outings short Sunday dayhike. Come walk with us through this heavily wooded area. We’ll hike on the new trail that has just been officially opened this past fall. Info: Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680 or seoutings@bellsouth.net.

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• Charlotte, NC • Lake Norman, NC • Triangle, NC • Central, NJ

• Cincinnati, OH • Oklahoma City, OK • Portland, OR* • Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA • Harrisburg/York, PA • Lancaster, PA • Lehigh Valley, PA • Pocono, PA/ Warren Co., NJ • Rhode Island • Charleston, SC • Columbia, SC • Grand Strand, SC* • Greenville, SC • Chattanooga, TN • Knoxville, TN* • Memphis, TN • Nashville, TN* • Austin, TX • Dallas Metroplex, TX • Dallas/FW Metro N • Houston, TX* • San Antonio, TX • Richmond, VA • VA’s Blue Ridge • Seattle, WA • Madison, WI • Milwaukee, WI • Puerto Rico

*Existing magazines for sale

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28 Reiki Circle – 6-7:15pm. Reiki circles offer the community an opportunity to experience the natural healing energy of Reiki in a peaceful and calm environment. $15. Terri Ann Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 609 37th St South, inside Birmingham Yoga.

516-457-3885. NaturalForcesStudio.com.

ongoingevents wednesday

THURSDAY, MAY 29 Iron Giant Percussion – 6:30pm. Four-piece percussion ensemble uses traditional drums as well as found objects like soda bottles, brake drums and propane tanks to make music that has received rave reviews from critics. Free. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216.

205-444-7821.

FRIDAY, MAY 30 ASO Regions Masterworks Series: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto – 8pm (Fri-Sat). Close the season with violin phenom Tai Murray performing the graceful arpeggios and galloping cadenzas of Tchaikovsky’s beloved Violin Concerto. $24-$69.

Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294.

205-975-2787.

SATURDAY, MAY 31 Introduction to Mycology – 8:30am-12:30pm.

Participants will collect specimens of macrofungi in The Gardens for detailed examination and hands-on learning. $40 Members, $45 Non-Members. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3950.

Reiki Level 1 – 9am-5pm (Sat-Sun). Reiki healing energy is profound, yet simple, and it always goes to exactly where it is needed. 14 CE hrs for MT. Instructor: Bliss Wood. $160 by 5/14, $180 after.

Register online at BirminghamYoga.com.

Old Thyme Herbal Remedies of the South – 12:30-4:30pm. Learn about common remedies for common complaints found in Southern Folk Medicine. $30 Member, $35 Non-Member. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3950.

Kirtan: Blue Spirit Wheel – 7-9pm. Join us for Blue Spirit Wheel, a progressive evolution in the world of mantra music. $12 advance, $15 door.

Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205-637-4228.

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Zumba – 6pm. Zumba at Railroad Park is a Latin inspired dance fitness class. It blends easy Latin dance moves with aerobic steps. The class is fun, energizing, and easy to follow. Free. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233. 205521-9933. RailroadPark.org.

daily Birmingham Yoga – View full calendar online at BirminghamYoga.com Embody Practice Center – View full calendar online at EmbodyBirmingham.com.

sunday Sunday Service – 11am-12:30pm. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

A Course in Miracles – 5-6:30pm. On-going discussion group. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713.

UnityBham.com.

monday Pilates for Bone Strength with Therese Laeger – 1-2pm, Mondays in May. A unique Pilates-based workout that uses bone-strengthening techniques, emphasizing alignment and balance. Adaptable to various levels and safe for those with osteoporosis. $15 per class. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with Therese.Laeger@ gmail.com. EmbodyBirmingham.com.

thursday Yoga – 6pm. Yoga is a form of exercise that strengthens and tones the body. It promotes balance and flexibility, and quiets the mind. Yoga is for the beginning as well as advanced student. Free. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

205-521-9933. RailroadPark.org.

friday Happy Feet Friday – 6-7pm. Get your feet moving in the right direction with a 60-minute low-to-high impact walk/run course. Learn proper walk/run techniques to maximize your current fitness goals.

All experience levels are welcome. Free. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

205-521-9933. RailroadPark.org.

saturday

tuesday

Pepper Place Saturday Market – 7am-12pm, starting 4/12. Pepper Place Market brings the best Alabama growers, food producers and artisans to Birmingham each week. April to December. Weekly Musicians and Chef Demonstrations. Free. Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

PepperPlaceMarket.com.

Manna Market Organic Food Co-op – Pick up, deliveries and co-op store will be on May 13 and 22.

Order online. Purchases can be delivered or picked up at one of the convenient locations. Co-op store hours are 1:30-3:30pm at Valley Christian Church, 2600 Cherokee Pl, Mountain Brook. MannaMarket. net. 205-566-2533.

East Lake Farmers Market – 8am-12pm, beginning May 3. The East Lake Farmers Market, established in 2005, makes fresh produce and other resources for healthy living available in South East Lake. We accept SNAP/EBT and Senior Nutrition Coupons. East Lake Farmers Market, 7769 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35206. 205-836-3201.

EastLakeMarket.org.

Thousands of Natural Awakenings readers are looking for healthy options.

Call Today! 256-340-1122 Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com natural awakenings

May 2014

29

communityresourceguide ACUPUNCTURE ASHLEY LUNDY, LAC

Doctor of Oriental Medicine 104 S Chalkville Rd, Ste 105 Trussville, AL 35173 205-234-4033 Alacupuncture.com DocLundy@alacupuncture.com Specializing in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Using noninvasive treatment to help treat pain, high blood pressure, fertility issues, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and weight loss. Located inside Eastern Chiropractic. Call today for your appointment. See ad, page 12.

CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRACTOR & HERBALIST Dr. Jeanne R. Chabot 2116 Rocky Ridge Road Hoover, AL 35216 • 205-822-2177 ChabotChiropractic.com

36 years of Chiropractic experience, certified herbalist, Reiki Master. Conventional Chiropractic adjustments & gentle adjustments, physiological therapeutics, decompression therapy. Private treatment rooms. Massage therapy, Hypnotherapy, Energy Work, Meditation Class, Personal training, and Yoga classes. Most Insurance accepted.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY HEALING WATERS

Bernadine Birdsong I-ACT & NBCHT Certified Instructor 720 23rd St South, Birmingham, AL 205-323-7582 • MoreThanColonics.com Detox your body with Colon Hydrotherapy, Infra Red Sauna, and BioCleanse Therapy. We are the only hydrotherapist in Alabama providing colonics with ionized, microclustered, antioxidant, alkaline water. We offer Lipoex®, a non-invasive way to melt fat, reduce cellulite, and tighten skin. Computerized Biofeedback, Massage therapy, pain management, light therapy, Korean-style Hip Bath, and VibaBody Slimmer also available. See ad, page 21.

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Birmingham, AL

COUNSELING EMILY TUCKER LPC, NCC

300 Office Park Dr, Ste 220 Birmingham, AL 35223 205-261-1417 • EmilyTuckerLPC@gmail.com Birmingham-Counseling.com Empathy, compassion and reflection are the foundation of her practice with each client. Specializing in Addictions, relationship issues, trauma recovery, depression and anxiety, wellness coaching.

Call today for your free consultation. Wellness Packages now available; pay once—no hassles. See ad, page 16.

ENERGY HEALING REV. TERRI A. HEIMAN, RMT, RYT

Natural Forces Studio, LLC 605 37th St South inside Birmingham Yoga Birmingham, AL 35222 205-201-6985 or 516-457-3885 Terri@NaturalForcesStudio.com NaturalForcesStudio.com Workshops, Classes, Private Energy Sessions, Intuitive Readings, EFT, Meditation, Kundalini & Restorative Yoga, Spiritual Counseling, Weddings, Illness.

FAMILY MEDICINE BIRMINGHAM INTEGRATIVE HEALTH Dr. Melanie Miller 159 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 205-655-2110 BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.com Facebook.com/Birmingham IntegrativeHealth

Dr. Miller brings a commitment to integrative health to her patients in the greater Birmingham area. Her definition of good health goes beyond freedom from disease.

She strives for both physical and mental well-being. She is a Family Medicine Doctor with interest in adrenal, thyroid, hormone balancing, nutrition, food allergies, weight loss, herbs, supplements and acupuncture. See ad, page 7.

Facebook.com/nabirmingham

HOMEOPATHY CONSULTANT JOAN SCOTT LOWE

Homeopathic Consultant 1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-871-1288 Joan@HomeopathyBeWell.com HomeopathyForWellness.com Call or email Joan Scott Lowe, Homeopathic Wellness Consultant, to determine your individual constitutional remedy, the FDA-approved nontoxic homeopathic remedy based on the totality of your mental, emotional, and physical condition, chosen according to the Law of Similars ("like heals like").

Achieve wellness and freedom from illness!

NUTRITION AND GIFTS GOLDEN TEMPLE, NOW 3 LOCATIONS 1901 11th Ave. South, Birmingham: 205-933-6333 3309 Lorna Rd, Suite 7, Hoover: 205-823-7002 110 N. Chalkville Rd, Suite 148, Trussville: 205-655-0353 Since 1973, we have been bringing you the best in healthy living. We offer a wide variety of merchandise including vitamins, herbs, supplements, natural foods, organic produce, incense, clothing, books, and gifts.

ORGANIC SKIN CARE NYR ORGANIC

Independent Group Leader, Jennifer Campbell 205-447-8678 CleanOrganicBeauty@gmail.com US.NYRorganic.com/shop/JenniferCampbell Safe. Beneficial. Ethical.

Neal’s Yard Remedies offers award-winning certified organic skincare and wellness products using pure ingredients sustainably sourced and fairly traded. Shop the collections, host a skincare or wellness workshop or start your own NYR Organic business. See ad, page 6.

PSYCHOLOGY CHUCK WHETSELL, PH.D.

Transformative Psychology Services 2011 9th Ave South, Suite 200B Birmingham, AL 35205 205-901-6438 • PeaceOfNowness.com CWhetsell@mindspring.com Peace comes from embracing the energy of our present experience, whatever it may be.

The Peace of Nowness group provides a space to practice acceptance of our emotions through mindfulness meditation. Groups meet weekly for 8 sessions. Please visit the website for details.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS BELL LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS

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800-333-7995 BellLifestyle.com

Formulated natural health supplements intended for pain control, urinary health, preventive illness, virility, stress relief, weight control and other common conditions. See ad, page 2.

YOGA BIRMINGHAM YOGA STUDIO

605 37th Street South Birmingham, AL 35222 • 205-637-4228 Contact@BirminghamYoga.com BirminghamYoga.com Serving the community, Birmingham Yoga offers and hosts: ongoing yoga classes in two beautiful studios, 200-hour yoga teacher training accredited with Yoga Alliance, morning meditation, exciting workshops and class series, monthly community kirtan, musical events, and rental space for guest speakers and teachers.

EMBODY PRACTICE CENTER 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35213 205-637-0299 Info@embodybirmingham.com EmbodyBirmingham.com

Embody Practice Center offers Yoga for all ages, levels, and health conditions.

Classes include All Levels Yoga, monthly Yoga Nidra and Restorative Yoga, Beginner’s Series, and series specific to injuries (such as neck and shoulders or low back).

EPC also offers Tai-Ji Quan (Tai Chi), Breath/ Feldenkrais® Class, Meditation workshops, and various other community and professional workshops. See ad, page 12.

You never lose by loving.

You always lose by holding back. ~Barbara de Angelis

Pleasant Dreams™ contains a blend of safe, natural sleepinducing ingredients including chamomile, valerian root and melatonin which may help to: • Facilitate relaxation without morning drowsiness • Maintain sleep all night • Reduce anxiety symptoms • Improve pain tolerance 60 capsules: $34.99 – shipping: $5 (up to 8 bottles) – ORDER TODAY!

NAWebstore.com or call 1-888-822-0246

Consult a healthcare professional before taking this product. Pleasant Dreams is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or mitigate any disease or other medical condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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Manna Market Organic Food CO-OP We deliver to your home, office, restaurant, school; Or pick up at one of our drop off locations.

10% OFF All New Orders Store Open Every Other Tues: 2600 Cherokee Place Mountain Brook, AL 35216

205-566-2533 MannaMarket.net

People Say They Feel Better and Have Increased Energy!

You too could feel better, lose weight or increase energy and mental clarity with a few drops of Natural Awakenings DETOXIFIED IODINE daily in water or on your skin when used as directed.

See for yourself, go online to NAWebstore.com and read the comments!

19.99 - shipping $5 /up to 8 bottles Order Online Today at NAWebstore.com Or Call: 888-822-0246

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natural awakenings

May 2014

31

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