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
FREE
Special Edition
CONSCIOUS GIVING
Awakening Humanity
ECKHART TOLLE
GIFT GUIDE!
On Everyday Practical Spirituality
WORLD PEACE
DIET How What We
Eat Creates a More Peaceful World
Healthful, Sustainable Ways to Show You Care
5
Ways to Embrace Life Fully
December 2013 | San Antonio Area | NaturalAwakeningsSA.com NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
1
2
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
3
PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON A HEALTHY REGIMEN in 2014!
We can help you create a 6-month or 12-month marketing plan that fits your budget.
Start by advertising in our special
Health & Wellness January edition Our readers seek specialists offering: • Acupuncture • Alternative Healing • Aromatherapy • Ayurveda • Bodywork • Chelation Therapy • Chiropractic • Counseling/Therapy
• Dental Care • Energy Healing • Fitness/Health Clubs • Herbalists • Homeopathy • Hypnotherapy • Integrative Physicians • Iridology
To participate, call 210-854-0362 or email joel@naturalawakeningsSA.com
• Natural/Organic Foods • Physical Therapy • Wellness Trainers & Coaches • Retreats/Workshops • Skin Care • Spas • Spiritual Practices • Yoga ... and this is just a partial list
contents
Natural Awakenings is your monthly guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find helpful, cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, sustainable living, creative expression, and the products and services that support a healthy, earth-friendly lifestyle.
12 6 localbriefs 10 businessspotlight 1 1 eventspotlight 16 NEAR-DEATH 16 12 healthbriefs EXPERIENCES Proof of Life after Death 14 globalbriefs 18 healingways 18 ‘TIS THE SEASON 20 wisewords TO BE WISE 22 inspiredliving A Prime Time to Rejuvenate and Birth Creativity 23 organizedliving 18 24 giftguide 26 familybalance 20 HUMANITY’S 27 integrativewellness ETERNAL QUEST Eckhart Tolle on the Kingdom 28 functionalhealth of Heaven Within 30 consciouseating 34 activeliving 26 24 CONSCIOUS GIVING GIFT GUIDE 37 calendar 4 1 resourceguide 26 SHOPPING SANITY by Linda Sechrist
13
by Lane Vail
by Eric Nelson
14
advertising & submissions how to advertise
You are welcome to call 210-854-0362 or email us for a media kit at info@NaturalAwakeningsSA.com. Necesita ayuda en español? Comuniquese con Adriana, 210-325-7009.
submissionS & CONTENT Submit calendar events, display advertisements, articles and news items to us at info@NaturalAwakeningsSA.com. Deadline for all is the 10th of the month prior to publication.
NATIONAL markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines. For expanded marketing opportunities, call 239-449-8309 or visit the corporate website at www.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
CONNECT Phone: 210-854-0362 I En Español: 210-325-7009 Fax: 210-428-6292 I NA Corporate: 239-499-8309 www.NaturalAwakeningsSA.com www.NaturalAwakeningsNetwork.com (local search: SAHC) www.Facebook.com/NaturalAwakeningsSanAntonio
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
Tips for Merry and Bright Holiday Shopping Trips by Dr. Zach Petter, DC
28 HOLIDAY HIGH
28
Simple Tips to Feel Great and NOT Gain Weight this Holiday by Dr. Michael Boss, DC
30 PEACE ON OUR PLATES Mindful Eating for a
More Peaceful World
by Judith Fertig
35
35 HOLIDAY TrAINING
Plan Ahead to Stay On Track During the Holiday Rush by John A. Ruibal
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
5
localbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Make a New Year Commitment to Fitness, Balance! contact us Publisher/Editor Joel Shuler Copy Editor Jennifer Taylor Editorial Assistant Cassandra Key Sales & Marketing Joel Shuler Online Editor Susan DeLancey Layout & Production Earth Studio Graphic Design Wendy Wilson
Phone: 210-854-0362 Fax: 210-428-6292 info@naturalawakeningsSA.com www.NaturalAwakeningsSA.com www.facebook.com/ NaturalAwakeningsSanAntonio NAN Project (Discount Cards) www.NaturalAwakeningsNetwork.com Use keyword SAHC to view local partners
FREE ELECTRONIC SUBSCRIPTION Sign up at www.naturalawakeningsSA.com or we will mail magazines to you for $30/year © 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, with prior permission obtained in writing. A free community publication, Natural Awakenings is available at more than 375 locations throughout the greater San Antonio area. You can find us at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Green Fields Market, Juicer Heroes, CVS Pharmacies, health food and vitamin stores, medical and wellness centers, doctor and practitioner offices, fitness studios and gyms, spas, local coffee shops, healthy restaurants, libraries, and many more area locations. 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.
Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with an ecofriendly soy-based ink.
6
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
Beginner Classes for Yoga, Pilates start Jan. 4 at inBalance
A
commitment to fitness is a commitment to better physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. You can make that commitment (or give the gift of fitness during the holidays) by signing up for either a five-week beginner yoga series or a five-week beginner Pilates series at inBalance studio in Leon Springs. Both intro workshops start Jan. 4 and continue through Feb. 1. The yoga series is a great introduction for someone new to yoga, says Hope Cargill, who owns inBalance. “This is perfect for the beginner yogi who wants to learn about yoga or someone with some experience who wants to further their yoga practice and put some meaning to the movement.” The focus will be learning how to strengthen and open your body and calm your mind. The Pilates series introduces participants to fundamental principles and proper form, tailored to your body. The workshop introduces breathing techniques to utilize your deepest core muscles. Cost for each five-week intro workshop is $85. inBalance is located at 23535 IH-10 West in Leon Springs. Visit www.inbalancesanantonio.com or call 210-852-4020 for more information.
It’s HERE! Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market Cookbook
H
ere’s a great gift for foodies on your gift list: a Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market cookbook! Some may recall that this past May the Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market turned 2. At that time market coordinator Heather Hunter announced that the market would celebrate its second year anniversary by creating a community cookbook, because “paper” is the traditional gift for a second-year anniversary. Fortunately, the cookbooks are finished in time for the holidays! Each one is filled with more than 70 recipes from market members, chefs, food cognoscenti, food writers, customers and other like-minded contributors. These recipes are tried and true, seasonal and absolutely delicious. The cookbooks will be available for purchase at the market each Sunday in December (starting Dec. 1!). It’s a great gift idea for the person on your wish list who loves to cook, or the person who needs a little delicious inspiration. For information about the cookbooks, call 210-722-5077 or visit www.quarryfarmersmarket.com.
International Artisan Fair at the Pearl, Dec. 14, 15
A
rtisans from 14 countries bring their work to San Antonio on Saturday, Dec.14, to share and sell at the International Artisan Fair non-profit event, located at the Pearl. The event brings creative people from all over the world together to share their stories and traditional art forms with the public, as well as give them the opportunity to make a decent living from what they love most – art! Of art sold at the event, 90 percent goes back to the artists, both individual artists and those who represent an artist cooperative in their home country. Tickets for the Preview Party on Friday, Dec. 13, are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Admission Dec. 14 is $5 and $3 on Dec. 15. Children under 16 get in free both days. The International Artisan Fair takes place at the Pearl, 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 110. For more information visit www.sahearts.com.
COMING IN 2014! Señor Veggie Opening First Restaurant in Southtown in January
L
ocal vegan Chef Jose Cruz and his wife Tiffany have created a devoted and faithful following through their active vegan catering business and their weekly presence at The Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market. But they’ve had a bigger dream, and it’s coming true for all San Antonio residents in January. They’re opening their first vegan restaurant in Southtown at 620 S. Presa. “We’re so excited,” says Jose. “This is what we’ve been working so hard for, and it’s amazing to see it finally happening – we can’t wait to start serving our food to Southtown residents and people throughout San Antonio.” For more information about Jose and Tiffany Cruz and about Señor Veggie, visit www.senorveggie.us or call 210-788-8430.
Vegeria December Vegan Cooking Classes
L
earn how easy and fun it can be to create delicious vegan dishes from San Antonio’s resident expert vegan chef, Vegeria’s Chef Fred Anthony Garza. He is offering three holiday vegan cooking classes in December. Raw Holiday Class – 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Candlelit six-course dinner and pointers to create an ultra healthy and tasty raw holiday meal. Includes recipes, dinner, dessert and drinks. $30. A Chocolate Holiday – 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Everything Chocolate! Learn how to make truffles, raw chocolate, fudge and a chocolate cheesecake. Includes recipes, chocolates, snacks, drinks and hot cocoa. $20. Vegan Foodie Gifts – 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Learn to make several tasty, fantastic gifts that any vegan would love. Includes lunch, snacks, drinks, two take-home gifts and recipes. $20. Participate in all three classes for $50. To register, call Vegeria at 210826-4223. Classes will take place in Vegeria’s main dining room. Vegeria is located at 8407 Broadway, adjacent to the Viva Bookstore. For additional information, including their menu, visit www.myvegeria.com.
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
7
Revolucion Coffee + Juice Debuts Philanthropic Coffee Concept to Benefit Local Charities
“Conscious Coffee” Offered During Holidays, Benefiting Girls Inc.
R
Chilly Chase 5K/10K Run Debuts Jan. 11
Winter Run Benefits Girls on the Run
W
hen it’s chilly out, the best remedy is getting your feet moving. The inaugural Chilly Chase 5K10K Run will help you do just that on Saturday, Jan. 11. Founded by local realtor Shannon McShane, the event benefits Girls on the Run, a physical activitybased youth development program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade. The program, which strives to unleash confidence and boost self-esteem while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness, culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K running event. The event will begin at the Valero Trailhead of the Leon Creek Greenway System. Runners will gather in the parking lot of Appleby’s and the Drury Inn, just west of IH-10 and south of Loop 1604. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and runners start at 8:30 a.m. The event is coordinated by Split Second Productions, affiliated with locally owned iRun Texas.
For more information visit www.chillychase. com. For information about Girls on the Run visit www.gotrsanantonio.org.
8
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
evolucion Coffee + Juice isn’t satisfied with just brewing and juicing delicious, healthful coffees and juices at its Alamo Heights location. This holiday season owner Angie Carral is launching a new philanthropic coffee concept that will allow Revolucion to offer an exclusive brew, dubbed “Conscious Coffee,” to patrons for a limited period of time, with 100 percent of profits from Conscious Coffee sales going to a local charity. The concept is part of a partnership with micro-roaster Klatch, which is roasting a crop of selected El Salvador Las Mercedes coffee beans exclusively for Revolucion Coffee + Juice. The result is a “microlot” cup of coffee you can only get at Revolucion. The first beneficiary of Carral’s Conscious Coffee concept is Girls Inc., a local non-profit that “inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold.” It’s a mission that resonates with Carral. “Being female-owned and managed, female empowerment is something Revolucion believes strongly in,” she says. Carral is also inspired by the history of the Las Mercedes coffee farm, the source of Revolucion’s Conscious Coffee beans. “Las Mercedes was run by Miss Mercedes Rivera from 1898 to 1941, a true female pioneer of her day,” Carral says. “She took over the entire farm when her husband died; this is remarkable since it was during a time when it was not common for women to be business leaders.” Girls Inc. has roots that date back to 1864, making it the oldest girl-centered organization in the country. Girls Inc. offers innovative programs that help girls confront subtle societal messages about their potential and self-worth, and prepares them to lead successful, independent and fulfilling lives. Revolucion Coffee + Juice is located at 7959 Broadway in San Antonio. To learn more visit www.revolucionsa. com or call 210-701-0725. To learn more about Girls Inc. visit www.girlsincsa.com.
A Winter Festival for Coffee, Dec. 14
C
elebrate coffee during San Antonio’s Coffee Festival! The coffee beans will be roasting and coffee will be flowing at La Villita on Saturday, Dec. 14. Fill your cup with a full day of coffee celebration, including fresh, locally roasted coffee from all over the world. Meet coffee artisans, attend workshops and demonstrations, and enjoy live music, art and food. Learn the history of coffee, how to grind coffee, home brewing how-tos and much more. Tastings, workshops, holiday shopping and entertainment take place from 10 a.m – 5 p.m. La Villita Historical Arts Village is located downtown between South Presa and South Alamo streets. For more information visit www.sacoffeefest.com.
A Batty Christmas Educates About Night Fliers
J
oin Nyta Brown at Eisenhower Park on Saturday, Dec. 14, for A Batty Christmas celebration. Brown will share the life history of local bats and where to see them. Participants enjoy holiday crafts and hot chocolate. The fun starts at 10 a.m. at the large gated pavilion. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 210-207-5320 or by emailing peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov. Suggested donation: $3 per individual or $5 per family. Eisenhower Park is locate at 19399 NW Military. For more information visit www.bexaraudubon.org.
Alamo Heights Chiropractic Health Center
Do You FEEL Holiday STRESS? Holiday Traffic
Junk Food & Desserts
Parties & Alcohol
Little or No Exercise
Cooking All Day
THOSE Relatives
These are STRESSES that affect your health as well as your attitude. Your healthy, fit & aligned body handle stress well! Call us today for a check-up! Get more energy & be nice during the holidays . You can do it!
We can Help You Love the Holidays Again!
828-9211
Public Invited to Attend New TV Show Taping Events
“T
Go Batty During the Holidays
“Ask the Angels” Events on Jan. 4, 5 Reveal Angelic Guidance
Chiropractic . Massage . Fitness
ahchc.com
he angels are among us” is a common belief. Many of us “talk” to our angels, seeking guidance and comfort. Local intuitive and psychic counselor Briana Brooks helps people “see” and “speak” to their angels. Known as “The Angel Psychic,” Brooks is a psychic counselor who uses her Divine gift of clairvoyance to help clients receive the messages their angels are trying to communicate. “I believe that we are all Divinely inspired and that we are sent answers and messages on a daily basis, but we aren’t always open to receiving them,” Brooks says. Those curious and open to Brooks’ psychic gifts can participate in a unique television event on Jan. 4, 5. On those days Brooks will be taping a new television show called “Ask the Angels,” and residents are invited to participate as members of the studio audience. During the taping, Brooks will give “angel readings” to randomly selected members of the studio audience. The two tapings will take place at The Playhouse Theater in San Antonio. The Jan. 4 taping begins at 7 p.m. and the Jan. 5 taping begins at 3 p.m. Cost to participate is $10; tickets must be purchased in advance at www.angelpsychic.com. The Playhouse Theater is located at 800 West Ashby in San Antonio. For more information about Briana Brooks and her event, visit www.angelpsychic.com.
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
9
businessspotlight All’s Fair World Gifts Fair Trade for a Better World Editor’s Note: Natural Awakenings Readers are unique in many ways. During the holiday season, for example, many readers are more thoughtful about their gift-giving, preferring healthy, planet-friendly options over the plethora of disposable, unsustainable choices. All’s Fair World Gifts offers the unique option of supporting and lifting up small global businesses – it’s a place where you can both feel good about your gift and about supporting small fair trade businesses across the globe. We asked owner Hollye Schwartz to share more about her business with NA readers.
Tell us about the origin of All’s Fair. What is your business and why did you open it? All’s Fair is a fair trade gift shop, which means the handcrafted items are made from people around the world, probably in a disadvantaged situation, and they were fairly compensated for their work. This also includes food items, such as coffee, tea and chocolate, and the farmers have not been cheated for their crops by a middleman. I opened this store in 2008 to bring more awareness of the concept of fair trade to San Antonio.
Hollye Schwartz, right, with Collines Angwech from Uganda with Hope for Humans
What do you enjoy most about All’s Fair?
One of the things I enjoy the most at my store is when a first-time customer comes in and discovers all the delightful, unique items. The phrase I have heard the most is, “It’s amazing how creative these people are!” With 52 countries represented in the store, there is a lot to be admired.
For readers looking for unique gift ideas, what will they find at your business? The recycled crafts are probably the most unique gifts in the store. There are pull-tab purses from Mexico, recycled
wire bowls from India, recycled paper nativities and ornaments from Vietnam, orange peel jewelry from Colombia, recycled fork bracelets from Peru, recycled aluminum can art from South Africa and banana fiber art from Kenya, just to name a few!
What else would you like readers to know about All’s Fair?
All’s Fair is really more than a gift store. I call it a “Global Awareness Center.” For the most part, the items are arranged by country, so it is like a museum for a trip around the world. Many times I invite a guest speaker from one of these countries to share some of their culture and history with customers. I love to show children around the store and teach them about some of the crafts made from nature. I especially love to host birthday parties or scout groups because we don’t just have fun, we LEARN something new! All’s Fair World Gifts is located at 2267 NW Military Hwy in Castle Hills. For more information, visit www.allsfairworldgifts.com or call 210-979-0087. 10
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
eventspotlight FREE Event Offers Holistic Guidance for High Blood Pressure, Type 2 Diabetes & Blood Lipid Issues
Learn From Local Holistic MD, Dr. Louis Esquivel, on Jan. 8
D
uring his quarter century as a practicing physician, Dr. Louis Esquivel has consistently seen three chronic issues working together to devastate his patients’ health: high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes and blood lipid problems. As a physician who embraces an integrative, holistic approach to health and healing, Dr. Esquivel has wanted to help educate the public on a broader scale than the one-on-one consultations that happen in the examination rooms of his medical practice. He has finally created that opportunity through a free teleseminar taking place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The teleseminar format allows participants to learn from Dr. Esquivel from the comfort of their own homes by phone or through the Internet. Participants will learn what they can do right now to improve all three issues, how to reduce and potentially eliminate the need for prescription medications, and how to receive the positive benefits of greater energy, more vitality, fewer aches and pains and achieve a healthier body weight. Dr. Esquivel owns Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health of San Antonio. He is a board certified family physician with more than 25 years of practice experience. His focus is blending the best of conventional medicine and holistic healing methods to promote optimum health and superior patient care. Dr. Louis Esquivel’s practice is located at 3740 Colony Dr., #LL102 in San Antonio. To learn more about Dr. Esquivel and his practice, visit www.dresquivel.com or call 210-745-0918. To register online for the teleseminar, visit www.naturalhealthseminars.com/registration.
CLICK! Point Your Life in a Healthy Direction Visit Our New Website Browse the local news, events calendar, resource guide, coupons and contests, plus all the wonderful articles that support and inspire a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Now just a click away!
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com www.wakeupnaturally.com NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
11
Well. Well. Well.
A clinic that takes alternative & traditional medicine - and you, seriously. Imagine an entire group of independent health care practitioners. Alternative and traditional. All experienced and fully certified or licensed. And all dedicated to unique ideas. That you should participate in your own health care, for instance. That your first line options shouldn’t be harsh, but subtle and quiet, encouraging your body to heal itself. Yet where traditional medical prescriptions and treatment should still be available if your conditions require them. Congratulations. You’ve just envisioned the idea behind the Center for Complementary Medicine. Classical Homeopathy * Myofascial Release * Massage Therapy * Medically Supervised Metal Detox Program * CranioSacral * Lymphatic Drainage * Polarity & Reiki * Comprehensive Diagnostic & Nutritional Testing * Stress Relief * *Nutritional Evaluation & Counseling * Depression * Anxiety * Menopause & Osteoporosis Treatment * Women’s Health * Trauma * Chronic Pain Therapy* Intravenous & Oral Chelation Therapies * Natural Bio-Identical Hormones Replacement * Intavenous Micro-Nutrient Therapy * Individual, Couple, Family & Group Psychotherapy * Weight Management * First Line Therapy Lifestyle Program * Guided Imagery & EMDR Hypnosis
The Center for Complementary Medicine A Group of Independent Practitioners 7300 Blanco Road, Suite 503 San Antonio, Texas 78216
(210) 733-0990
www.complemed.net 12
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
healthbriefs
Sprinkle Cinnamon to Avert Alzheimer’s
C
innamon is known as an excellent antioxidant that improves fasting blood sugar levels and prevents heart disease. Now new research offers yet another benefit and reason to add this potent spice to our daily diet. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have confirmed that cinnamon helps protect against Alzheimer’s disease. They found that the cinnamon compounds cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin help stop the formation of “tangles” of tau protein in the brain, hallmarks of the memory-robbing neurodegenerative disease. The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, says these powerful antioxidants that give cinnamon its potent flavor and scent defend mental function in a unique way. “Take, for example, sunburn, a form of oxidative damage,” explains Roshni Graves, of the university’s Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. “If you wore a hat, you could protect your face and head from oxidation. In a sense, this cinnamaldehyde is like a cap,” protecting against tau proteins. The findings suggest that sufficient cinnamon consumption might stop the progression of Alzheimer’s or even prevent it.
Meditation Helps Heal Traumatized Veterans
T
ranscendental Meditation (TM) has a dramatic healing effect on people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can also result in lower blood pressure, according to two new studies. TM—a technique to avoid distracting thoughts, decrease stress and promote a state of relaxed awareness—reduced PTSD symptoms in combat veterans by as much as 50 percent in just eight weeks, according to a study from Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C., published in the journal Military Medicine. The veterans also reported decreased depression and improved quality of life, with a greater ability to come back to their civilian lives after returning from duty. Vietnam War vets randomly assigned to TM sessions at a Denver Veterans Center also experienced greater reductions in alcohol usage, insomnia and depression than those in conventional counseling. At the conclusion of a landmark three-month study, 70 percent of the meditating veterans felt they no longer required the services of the center. A separate American Heart Association report on the general U.S. population showed that the practice of TM generally reduced systolic blood pressure in subjects by five points and diastolic by three points, enough to put many of them into normal range. Previous clinical trials have shown that lower blood pressure through TM practice is associated with significantly lower rates of death, heart attack and stroke. TM is usually practiced for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day by sitting comfortably and focusing on an individually selected word or series of words.
Cranberries Support Healthy Circulation
R
egularly drinking cranberry juice may help control blood pressure, according to new findings presented at the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions. Cranberry juice, the researchers note, is rich in antioxidants—naturally occurring molecules that have been associated with the blood pressure-lowering benefit. U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers discovered a moderate systolic pressure reduction—about three points—for people that drank two eight-ounce glasses of cranberry juice every day for eight weeks. Because of the sugar calories in juice, consider the alternative of a whole-food cranberry supplement.
To Get More, Give More
G
iving away money or spending it on others increases the giver’s sense of personal wealth, according to research by Michael Norton, of Harvard Business School, and coauthor Elizabeth Dunn, of the University of British Columbia. The latest in a series of studies showed that people that support others, from helping with homework to shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, feel that they had more time in general and that giving time away relieved the sense of “not having enough time,” even more than gaining unexpected free time.
Cocoa Calms Inflammation
F
ew can say no to a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night. “Enjoy!” say Penn State researchers. They have found that a little bit of cocoa may be a powerful diet aid in helping to control inflammation and ameliorate related diseases, including diabetes. Numerous current studies link obesity to inflammation in the body. Cocoa, although a common ingredient of chocolate, by itself has low-calorie, low-fat and high-fiber content. The researchers fed laboratory mice the human equivalent of 10 tablespoons of cocoa powder—about four or five cups of hot cocoa—along with a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. The control group ate the same diet without the cocoa. Lead researcher Joshua Lambert, Penn State associate professor of food science, says the study results surprised the team, which did not expect the “dramatic reduction of inflammation and fatty liver disease” associated with obesity. Although the animals lost no weight, the cocoa powder supplement reduced liver triglycerides by 32 percent and plasma insulin levels by 27 percent, indicating it might be a powerful obesity-fighting tool. But there is a catch: Adding sugar, an inflammatory substance in itself, to healthy cocoa will likely neutralize the benefits. Try stevia as a sweetener instead; it’s been used for decades to lower blood sugar. NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
13
globalbriefs Arctic Rescue
Finland Calls for North Pole Sanctuary
T Escalating Thirst Endangered Western Tree Habitats
A
team of scientists at the University of Grenoble, in France, have isolated ultrasonic pops 100 times faster than what a human can hear in slivers of dead pine wood bathed in a hydrogel to simulate the conditions of a living tree. They exposed the gel to an artificially dry environment and listened for the noises that occurred as air bubbles built up, blocking water uptake, similar to what occurs to trees during drought. As leaves on a tree collect carbon dioxide, they open their pores, a process that leaves them particularly vulnerable to water loss. Douglas firs and pine trees can repair this damage as frequently as every hour, says Katherine McCulloh, a plant ecophysiologist at Oregon State University. However, the bubbles are deadly for other species. Today, the typical forest in the often thirsty American West contains an unnaturally high density of 112 to 172 trees per acre. Besides intercepting rain and snow that would otherwise enter the groundwater supply, such an overabundance threatens native species. “Deprived of [the effect of] low-intensity, naturally occurring fires, aspen, lupine, sequoia and fireweed can’t reproduce,” notes Jamie Workman, of the Environmental Defense Fund. “Deer lose edge habitat. Threatened owls and raptors can’t navigate through increasingly dense thickets.” Workman argues that thinning out small trees is the answer. Contributing source: Utne.com
14
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
he Finnish government has adopted a new Arctic Strategy that calls for a global sanctuary around the North Pole as one of the key demands of the growing Save the Arctic movement, reversing its long-held position of backing corporate interests over the environment. The populace responded strongly to a series of actions taken by Greenpeace against government icebreaker ships aiding corporate oil exploration in order to heighten awareness of the issue. The new Finnish policy reflects a mounting world citizenry’s view that the Arctic deserves protection. Greenpeace points out that companies can wreck the Arctic with little penalty and the current Arctic Council oil spill agreement does nothing to protect the Arctic or impose liability in this the most vulnerable place on Earth. The hope is that the other seven Arctic Council countries will see the light, as well. Sign the petition and pitch in at SaveTheArctic.org.
Sustainable Solutions
Competition Launched to Measure Ocean Acidification As part of their mission of “making the impossible possible,” organizers of the XPrize, a global leader in incentivized competitions, have launched the $2 million Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPrize contest. Schmidt is president of the Schmidt Family Foundation, which strives to advance the development of clean energy and support wiser use of natural resources. The program aims to spur innovators to transform our understanding of ocean acidification—a grave problem associated with the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide—via breakthroughs in ocean pH-sensing technologies designed to monitor and sustain ocean health. For information and to register, visit xprize.org or Facebook.com/xprize.
relax, you’ve found the perfect gift
Alon Town Centre
10003 NW Military Hwy Suite 1102 San Antonio, TX 78231 p. (210) 541-4050
North San Antonio Stone Ridge Market
21019 US Hwy 281 N Suite 838 San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 497-7770
GIFT CARDS
2 FOR $90 - 55 MINUTE MASSAGE SESSIONS New clients only. May not be combined with other offers. Gift cards not included. Expires 12/31/13.
Power Walking
Shoe Insert Generates Electricity
T
wo Carnegie Mellon graduates, Matt Stanton and Hahna Alexander, are the founders of SolePower, a company making a shoe insert that stores the power generated by walking and running into a battery that can be instantly accessed via a USB port. Beta testing on the prototype has begun, with release expected next summer. The insert can be paired with any shoe type and feels like a regular, cushy insole, according to Stanton. The battery attaches to the ankle or the top of the shoe, and is charged after 2.5 miles of footsteps with enough power to run an iPhone. Runners needing to power heat-producing mittens in the winter could also benefit. Another application is emergency charging of cell phones and radios during power outages. People in developing nations likewise will have a reliable power source for mobile phones and other essential small electronics.
Six Ploys to Avoid in Eco-Purchases
Source: SolePowerTech.com
A
Tagging Toxins
Online Database Identifies Safe Products
S
Genuinely Greenwashed
afeMarkets.org offers a new clearinghouse of information gathered by advocates investigating toxic chemicals in food, baby products, toys, furniture, construction materials and other consumer goods. Families, municipalities, builders and businesses can use it to identify potentially harmful products and find safer alternatives. Hosted by the Workgroup for Safe Markets (WSM), it’s a one-stop shop to provide information for consumers, retailers and manufacturers that are demanding safer products, says Beverley Thorpe, a WSM co-leader and consulting co-director for Clean Production Action. Mia Davis, vice president of health and safety at Beautycounter, who is expecting her first child, sees it as a resource for parents to find a full complement of safe products for their families. “More than ever,” she says, “people understand how important it is to shop with companies they trust and to support businesses working to create truly safe products.”
report by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing exposes these six “greenwashing” marketing ploys to watch out for when shopping: 1. Hidden Trade Off: A refurbished plasma TV might reduce the need of buying new at first, but new or not, such TVs are energy hogs. 2. No Proof: Can a third party verify claims such as “organic” or “all-natural”? 3. Vagueness: Beware of products claiming to be “chemical-free” or “no hormones added.” 4. Irrelevance: Claims that have no relationship to the product or might be made with any other product in the same category, such as [chlorofluorocarbon] CFC-free shaving gel. 5. Fibbing: A falsehood that can’t be backed up, such as “certified organic” for products for which no such certification exists. 6. Lesser of Two Evils: An attempt to put a green twist on a product that’s inherently harmful to humans and the environment, such as organic cigarettes.
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
15
Near-Death Experiences Proof of Life after Death by Linda Sechrist
T
he advice that the White Queen gave to young Alice in Lewis Carroll’s Through the LookingGlass might be some of the best to offer non-believers and skeptics that question the credibility of near-death experiences (NDE). When Alice protests, “One can’t believe impossible things,” the White Queen famously retorts, “I daresay you haven’t had much practice. When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
Glimpses of Grace
The majority of physicians and clinical researchers in the medical community continue to consider NDEs as impossible and merely pure fantasies generated by a surge of electrical activity as a dying brain runs out of oxygen. However, according to a Gallup poll, the 8 million Americans whose transcendental NDEs freed their consciousness to leave the body and enter into a wondrous reality that exists completely free of physicality, believe them to be real, meaningful and lifechanging experiences. Recently, the renowned NDE narratives of Anita Moorjani, author of Dying to Be Me: My Journey from Cancer to Near Death, to True Healing, and Dr. Eben Alexander, author of Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife, have sparked fresh public interest in NDEs, a word coined by Raymond Moody, Ph.D., in his 1975 classic, Life After Life. Moody, a psychiatrist and professor of philosophy who has spent nearly 50 16
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
years investigating what happens when people die, has interviewed thousands of individuals that have personally experienced an NDE. “Over the past 20 years there have been enormous strides in resuscitation technology. Defibrillators and public access defibrillation programs, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, are major factors that allow modern medicine to bring people back from a state that 100 years ago would have been labeled death,” observes Moody. Through his research, he has identified numerous common elements that occur in NDEs—an out-of-body experience, the sensation of traveling through a tunnel, encountering a bright light (usually interpreted as God, Jesus or an angel), communicating with deceased relatives, feeling emotions such as profound peace, well-being and love, plus a flood of knowledge about life and the nature of the universe. Perhaps the most significant element he reports is the supremely conscious and superbly blissful state that exists beyond both limitations of the senses and intellect and the confines of space and time—the pure conscious form of each one’s truly real Self.
Life as Love
Rushed to the hospital in a coma, Moorjani, whose body had been devoured for four years by cancer of the lymphatic system, describes the real self that she discovered during her NDE. “There I was, without my body or any physical traits, yet my pure essence continued to exist. It was not a reduced element of my whole self; in fact, it
felt far greater and more intense and expansive than my physical being. “I felt eternal, as if I’d always existed and always would, without a beginning or end. I was filled with the knowledge that I was simply magnificent,” explains Moorjani, whose cancer completely disappeared within five weeks after her release from the hospital. “Not only did I come back with a clean slate, I brought back one of my biggest lessons—to love myself and be an instrument of love. I also returned to life here with a sense of purpose—to fearlessly be as authentically me as I can be. This means,” she clarifies, “that in whatever I do, I am acting from my sense of passion and the sheer joy of doing it.” During Alexander’s seven-day coma in a hospital, brought about by antibiotic-resistant E. coli meningitis that attacked his brain, he left his mortal identity behind. “My brain wasn’t working at all,” he relates. “My entire neo-cortex, the part that makes us human, was entirely shut down. I had no language, emotions, logic or memories of who I was. Such an empty slate granted me full access to the true cosmic being that I am, that we all are,” says Alexander. He further recalls that as his NDE unfolded, it occurred to him that he was being granted a grand overview of the invisible side of existence. He also had a lovely ethereal companion that floated along on a butterfly wing, telepathically teaching him to accept the universal truth that, “You are eternally loved and cherished, you have nothing to fear, and there is nothing you can do wrong.” “If I had to boil the whole message down to just one word, it would be Love—the incomprehensibly glorious truth of truths that lives and breathes at the core of everything that exists or will ever exist. No remotely accurate understanding of who we are and what we are can be achieved by anyone who does not know it and embody it in all their actions,” Alex ander now understands. Prior to his life-threatening illness, this neurosurgeon’s sophisticated medical training had led him to dismiss the possibility of NDEs. Today, he works at returning to his NDE state of oneness and unconditional love by using meditation and sacred acoustics, as
well as quantum mechanics, to explore the nature of consciousness and higher brain function. Like Moody, Alexander studies the ancient Greek philosophers Parmenides, Pythagoras and Plato, who took the notion of an afterlife seriously and questioned “what” survives bodily death. Alexander’s consequent nonprofit organization, Eternea, fosters cooperation between science and spirituality by sponsoring research and education about spiritually transformative experiences and holistic consciousness beyond conventional definitions. “I had to learn a whole lot more about consciousness than I had to know about neuroscience,” quips Alexander, who now believes that the brain blocks access to knowledge of higher worlds. “We need to accept—at least hypothetically—that the brain itself doesn’t produce consciousness. That it is, instead, a kind of reducing valve or filter that dumbs down consciousness for the duration of our human experience. “Neuroscience can’t give you the first sentence about how the physical brain creates consciousness,” he states,
while many are finding how science and spirituality strengthen each other. At age 37, a blood vessel exploded in the left hemisphere of Jill Bolte Taylor’s brain. A Ph.D. Harvard-trained scientist specializing in anatomy of the brain, she was fascinated to observe the breakdown of her brain-related functions. As described in her book, My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, she became the witness to her stroke, which initially left her unable to talk, walk, read, write or remember anything prior to that occurrence. As her left brain shut down, Taylor lost her ability to process all language; with her mind suspended in newfound silence, she experienced an unprecedented sense of deep peace. She also experienced an inability to visually distinguish edges and boundaries between herself and the outer world. Absent conventional orientation, “I could actually see that my skin was not my physical boundary. “As a result of such a glorious state of blissful realization that I am—as we all are—connected to everything and everyone around us, I no longer see
myself as a single, solid entity, separate from other human beings,” advises Taylor. “Although my left mind still thinks of me as a fragile individual, capable of losing my life, my right mind realizes the essence of my being as eternal life.” She now understands that she is part of the cosmic flow of energy, which she characterizes as a tranquil sea of euphoria.
Present Possibility
In The Hidden Face of God: Science Reveals the Ultimate Truth, author Gerald L. Schroeder, Ph.D., suggests that each of us is a part of the universe seeking and finding itself. Could it be that without the mental filter and self-limiting beliefs, we are free to consciously know our higher state of wholeness and the truth of our magnificence? Upwards of 8 million people that have experienced their own NDE are trending the world toward a tipping point into the comforting awareness that anything is possible. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAboutWe. com for the recorded interviews.
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
17
healingways
‘Tis the Season to Be Wise A Prime Time to Rejuvenate and Birth Creativity by Lane Vail
F
or California acupuncturist Daniela Freda, counseling patients that grapple with low energy during winter is routine. “They’re often concerned something is wrong, since our society expects us to feel the same way year-round,” says Freda, who maintains a private practice in San Francisco. “But in fact,” she adds, “everything is right.” According to a study published in Psychiatry Research, only 4 to 6 percent of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), characterized by a predictable seasonal pattern of major depressive or bipolar disorder. For the vast majority of the population, a slight seasonal variance in mood and behavior is normal, confirms Kathryn
18
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
Roecklein, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and prominent SAD researcher at Pennsylvania’s University of Pittsburg. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), like Freda, view decreased energy in nature’s wintertime as a reflection of the season’s energy. In this philosophy, rising (yang) and falling (yin) energies cycle as the seasons turn. Winter is governed by quiet, slow, introspective and creative yin energy. As winter yields to spring, the bright, fast, expansive and extroverted yang energy gains momentum to peak in summer. “Nature expresses universal energies in a big way,” says research psychologist and mind-body medicine expert Joseph Cardillo, Ph.D., author of The Five
Seasons. Who can ignore a blossoming spring or an abundant autumn? “Those same energetic cycles,” says Cardillo, “are mirrored in the microcosmic human body and human experience.”
Chill Out
Although the December 21 winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, temperatures in most of the U.S. continue to fall through February. Cardillo advises embracing winter’s chill because it diverts our attention from daily activities so that we pause to consider what’s important. “The effect is similar to splashing cold water on our face,” he remarks. As the cold draws animals into hibernation and plants into dormancy, it also beckons us to enjoy extra sleep, notes Freda, as we follow the sun’s path: Earlier to bed; later to rise. She encourages her clients to incorporate restorative activities into daily routines. “Intentionally set aside time to connect with the breath and quiet the mind,” she counsels. Try gentle yoga or t’ai chi, listen to relaxing music, curl up with a cozy book or take nature walks, flush with fresh sensory experiences. Cardillo explains that slowing down naturally creates space for the contemplative and creative qualities of yin energy to rise. Meditating, visualizing and journaling promote access to one’s inner wisdom. “Winter is a perfect time to examine the myriad ideas you’ve dreamt up and assemble them into a new you,” says Cardillo. “Now you are prepared to use the robust energy of spring to scatter those ideas abroad.”
Reflect on Water
In TCM, the element of water,
symbolizing focus and purity, is closely associated with winter. Highly adaptable, water can be solid, liquid or formless vapor; it can flow over, under, around or through obstacles with ease; and it can be still and contained. Contemplating the power of water in any of its forms can help synchronize one’s consciousness with the season’s gifts. “When your mind is unstuck and flowing like water, your dreams start becoming real to you, simply because you’re in the flow, the present moment,” observes Cardillo, who also authored Be Like Water. He suggests looking to water for guidance in creating solutions, sharpening focus or moving effortlessly on to the next step.
Find Balance
Freda points out that within the strong yin energy of winter, “There are yang moments, celebratory moments, to keep us going.” An imbalance can occur when the slowness of winter is completely counteracted by too much high-energy socializing, working or rushing through the day. “An excess of yang during the winter,” counsels Freda, “rather than a glimpse of it, can deplete us,” contributing to stress, fatigue and depression. Conversely, for those with an already predominantly yin personality (quiet, introverted, low energy) that overindulge in the yin energy of winter, an attempt at restoration and quietude can lead to lethargy and isolation. “I see this clinically,” says Freda. “Instead of embracing a little extra rest and relaxation, some people become exhausted and lose their motivation altogether. They become stuck in the yin.” Cardillo recommends that such individuals engage in mood-brightening outdoor activities to help restore balance. Roecklein agrees, noting that SAD sufferers undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (which emphasizes positive thinking and beneficial behaviors) likewise are encouraged to participate in physical and social activities that bring joy and meaning. Lane Vail is a freelance writer in South Carolina. Connect at WriterLane.com.
BEGINNING IN EARLY 2014!
at
The Silver Spur Guest Ranch, located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, is the perfect place to unplug from the busyness of daily life, fully relax, and focus on some “me” time to nurture, nourish, and empower your mind, body, spirit health and wellbeing. During your All-Inclusive retreat in a true rustic ranch environment, you will enjoy: • Comfortable Overnight Accommodations • Healthy Meals, Snacks, & Beverages • Swimming, Hiking, Horseback Riding • Historical Hayride, Evening Campfire
• Daily Holistic Wellness Workshops & Classes • Daily Healing Therapies, Body Movement Classes • Creative & Expressive Arts • Private Sessions with Featured Practitioners
Eden Energy Medicine Foundation Program Begins in May 2014.
Learn more at: www.silverspur-retreat.com | info@silverspur-retreat.com | 830-796-3037 Gift Certificates Available | 9266 Bandera Creek Rd., Bandera, TX NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
19
wisewords
Humanity’s Eternal Quest Eckhart Tolle on the Kingdom of Heaven Within by Eric Nelson often an assumption that it’s about something too ethereal to be practical or too elusive to be achieved in this lifetime. This is exactly the point that Tolle, one of the world’s most well-known spiritual teachers and authors, rebuffed during a talk earlier this year at California’s Stanford University. “Some people awaken spiritually without ever coming into contact with any meditation technique or any spiritual teaching,” he said. “They may awaken photo by David Ellingsen
T
o listen to Eckhart Tolle is to be reminded that anything is possible— for anyone. We’re not talking about living a life of leisure, filled with expensive cars, beach homes and extravagant vacations, but an experience brimming with the kind of spiritual insights that make this life not only worth living, but decidedly more fulfilling. The problem is that when people hear the words “spiritual insight”, there’s
simply because they can’t stand the suffering anymore.” He went on to cite examples of those that have either been told they have a short time to live or have been given an exceptionally long prison sentence. In both cases, any thought of a future has been effectively dashed, forcing these individuals into what Tolle describes as an intense awareness that there is only the present moment, with no more future to escape into mentally. The result is a lot less suffering. “That is the real spiritual awakening, when something emerges from within you that is deeper than who you thought you were,” says Tolle. “So, the person is still there, but one could almost say that something more powerful shines through the person.” The good news, according to Tolle, is that in order to experience this awakening, “You don’t have to wait for the diagnosis by the doctor or to be put in prison… nor do you have to do 30,000 hours of meditation or live in an ashram for 20 years. Once you get a glimpse of it, you can invite it into your daily life.”
Alternative Holistic Dentistry
DR. PAUL G. WILKE, DDS, AIAOMT, ACN General Dentistry
SpeCIALIZIng In:
Dr. Paul Wilke is one of the first dentists in the U.S. to become Certified in Biological Dentistry.
• Adult and Children’s Orthodontics • Cosmetic Dentistry • Full Hygienics • Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal • Zirconia Implants • Laser Surgery • Oral Sedation • Deep Bleaching
Call us TOdaY to improve your smile, and your health!
210-495-5588
TECHNOLOGY • CEREC® • PerioLase® • Diagno-dent® • Digital X-rays • Micro-prep®
TotalMouthFitness.com | 14310 Northbrook, Ste. 150
20
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
For a growing number of people, it’s this understanding of the always present “spiritual you” shining through that has led to significant improvements in their lives, not the least of which is better health. This would seem to indicate that these kinds of spiritual insights aren’t the least bit ethereal or elusive, but decidedly practical. “Spirituality and religion belong in the healing paradigm,” writes Airdre Grant, Ph.D., of Australia’s Southern Cross University, in a study published in the Journal of the Australian TraditionalMedicine Society. “They are determinants of health and they are factors in recovery, well-being and longevity.” So where do these insights come from? Is it simply a matter of wishful thinking? Or is it perhaps something more reliable, more effective than that? “Jesus said, ‘The kingdom of heaven is within you,’” observes Tolle, implying that this health-inducing understanding may be a lot closer than we thought. “I think if he lived nowadays, instead of ‘kingdom’, he would have said, ‘dimension’. And ‘heaven’ refers to a sense of vastness or spaciousness. So if we retranslate the words of Jesus into modern terms, [it would be] ‘the dimension of spaciousness is within you.’” “And then Jesus said—when they asked him, ‘Where is the kingdom of heaven and when is it going to come?’— he said, ‘The kingdom of heaven does not come with signs to be perceived. You cannot say, ah, it’s over there or look, it’s over there, for I tell you the kingdom of heaven is within you.’” How comforting it is to be reminded that the proverbial “kingdom of heaven” we’ve been hearing about for at least two millennia—this “dimension of spaciousness”, or what might be characterized as the understanding of our true spiritual identity—is “within you.” It’s within us all, here and now. All that remains is the willingness—and the humility—to put this insight into practice. Eric Nelson is a Christian Science healing practitioner from Los Altos, CA, whose articles on the link between spiritual consciousness and health appear regularly in national online publications. Connect at norcalcs.org.
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
21
inspiredliving
EMBRACING EACH MOMENT Accepting What Is by Melinda Gates
F
rom a young age I was paralyzed by fear, anxiety and a deep sense of shame and discontent. Unable to tolerate what was happening and how I was feeling each moment, I became hardened to life as a way of protecting myself. I resisted everything under the sun – including the sun! I developed melanoma and an autoimmune response to sunlight, and I suffered from the darkness of depression and addiction. After years of searching, believing the next doctor, teacher, book or spiritual practice could give me the joy, peace and freedom I craved, I wondered, “How much more work will it take before I find what I’m seeking?”
22
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
My endless searching provided intermittent relief, but I longed to feel consistently whole and content. I now know that the one thing I lacked was a deeper intimacy with this moment. My resistance to how life was showing up, not anxiety, fear, or shame, was the real cause of my suffering. I was never “broken;” life simply brought experiences, feelings and thoughts that were painful. Afraid to accept and feel them, I unwittingly prolonged my search – and my pain. What does this mean for you? It could mean that the things you have been seeking are well within reach. Life always provides opportunity for growth right now. The key for me, and perhaps for you, has been a willingness to fully
be with what I am experiencing at any moment, not avoiding, denying or seeking some therapy to make it go away. As we let go of resistance to what life brings, we are expanded and transformed. Our seeking is always an attempt to avoid the pain we fear this moment holds. When we face our fears, however, the perceived threats can dissolve. Any feeling fully felt enables it to rise through the transformative power of our presence. This enlarges us into the felt sense of wholeness we have been seeking. This new understanding awakens you to the possibility each moment offers. You will find yourself increasingly present. Celebrate this expanded awareness, no matter what you might be feeling. Gently turn from the ongoing chatter of thoughts and story by embracing the sensations and feelings in your body. They may be uncomfortable; it’s okay. Simply feel the sensations; it’s all just energy moving. It will move. Whatever your experience, silently affirm, Yes, this too is allowed. As you align with life, you discover that what you’ve been seeking is always here and now. MELINDA GATES is the owner of “Awakening to Yes” bodywork, coaching and counseling. Her passion is helping people move from struggle to freedom, one conscious choice at a time. She has been a Rosen Method Bodywork™ practitioner since 1998. In 2013 she was initiated to transmit Grace as a Divine Openings™ Guide. MelindaGates@awakeningtoyes.com, www.awakeningtoyes.com
organizedliving
Organization Station Ways a Little Organization Can Beat the Holiday Madness by Helene Segura
‘T
is the season to be fun and festive, but flailing about in a disorganized frenzy will certainly dampen anyone’s spirits. Getting it together pays big dividends, so here are three ways to do that:
1. Decorations
As you haul out your boxes, bags and totes full of holiday cheer, take the time to do a little purging and planning. Discard anything that’s broken, melted or so faded that you can’t tell what color it used to be. Donate decorations that you haven’t used in the past few years. Keep a running list of any replacement supplies to keep an eye out during the post-holiday sales. When it’s time to un-deck the halls and put everything away, divide up your lidded plastic containers into categories so that next time it will be easier to find what you need. Some people prefer to divide their containers by room (den, porch, living room, etc.); others categorize by type – figurines, tree ornaments, wall hangings, etc.
How much is enough? That depends on how much storage and display space you have. If you have an entire room that you can devote to holiday storage, have at it! If not, dedicate one specific area (a single shelf, one shelving unit, a portion of your attic, etc.) to your holiday decorations so that they’re in a single location.
2. Gifts
Many times I’ve helped a client clear out an area only to hear, “Oh, I bought that to give to my niece two years ago.” If you keep hiding places all around the house, you’ll forget where those secret places are. Whether you pick up and stash gifts year-round or you wait until the day before Hanukkah or Christmas or Kwanzaa to make a mad dash, you should designate a specific spot in your house for gift storage. In that same area, keep all of your giftwrapping supplies: paper, ribbon, bags, tags, cards, scissors, pens and tape. If your gift station is not located
near a table or counter that can provide workspace, consider having a giftwrapping session and bring in a card table, chair and refreshing beverage. If any of the gifts need to be shipped, have the shipping supplies on standby so you can take care of that at the same time. Be sure to check www.usps.com for mailing deadlines.
3. Parties
If you want to throw the party of the season, it won’t just suddenly come together the night before. Let the lists begin! At the minimum, you should have an invite/RSVP list, a menu/ grocery list, and a house-prep task list. If you have a partner in crime, be sure that person knows what his/her responsibilities are so that you’re not glaring at each other, asking who was supposed to pick up the appetizers - all as your guests arrive. If you’ll be on the holiday party circuit, have a selection of thoughtful host gifts ready to grab from your gift station as you run out the door. Be as organized as possible, but don’t obsess so much about perfection (unobtainable, by the way!) that you forget to let your hair down. Enjoy this wonderful time of year! Author, speaker and productivity expert Helene Segura, MA Ed, CPO®, is the owner of LivingOrder® San Antonio. A Certified Professional Organizer®, she helps stressed out folks regain control of their chaotic living and working spaces. For more information visit www.LivingOrderSA.com or call 210-892-4990.
Offering Individual, Group, Business, and Team Coaching.
CoaCh VeroniCa will help you to:
•Define and reach your goals •Focus your intentions •Take your life and/or business to the next level Veronica Wilson, CPCC
Set up your free Sample SeSSion now
512-489-6495 CoachNeXtGen.com
CoachV@CoachNeXtGen.com
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
23
GIVING
Meaningful gifts for the most meaningful people in your life. This holiday season give gifts of health, well-being and sustainability.
Essential Oils – The Natural Gift of Healing, Wellness & Love!
Personal Development Coaching – The Gift of Joy, Empowerment
Personal Training with Kyle Koehler KX2 FITNESS
Give the healthful, natural gift of doTerra essential oils. doTerra essential oils calm, energize, balance, heal, rejuvenate and purify your mind, body and emotions. doTerra’s Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils are 100% pure, natural, aromatic compounds extracted from pesticide-free plants. Inhale 2 drops of Peppermint when you feel a headache coming or when you need a boost in your day. Sinus issues? Let Lavender calm your sinuses with a couple of drops between your eyes.
Soul Nourishing is a practice that helps nourish and rejuvenate heart, mind, body and soul through a variety of healing choices. Personal Development Coach Elizabeth Garland can help your loved one overcome stress, grief and other life obstacles preventing joy and progress.
San Antonio’s premier personal trainer!
To purchase the oils visit www.mydoterra.com/ joaniebrooks. For discounted wholesale prices, contact Joanie directly. Joanie Brooks Passionate Independent doTerra Product Consultant 210.286.7631 brooks.joanie@gmail.com
inBalance Studio Yoga, Pilates, Barre & Dance Give the gift of health, fitness and balance through an introduction to inBalance Studio, conveniently located off IH-10 West in Leon Springs. We offer more than 20 classes each week in our beautiful, safe sanctuary nurtured by compassionate, knowledgeable and dedicated teachers. DECEMBER SPECIAL! Get a week of unlimited yoga, pilates, Booty Barre, Zumba and dance for $20. inBalance’s mission is to inspire and nurture the human body, physically and spiritually, to provide a sense of belonging and community with our students, while creating a space for all of us to be ourselves. inBalance Studio 23535 IH 10 West, Ste. 1206 210-852-4020 www.inbalancesanantonio.com info@inbalancesanantonio.com
24
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
In December, purchase an initial session for a loved one and save 50%! Through your gift, your loved one will: • Identify obstacles holding them back from success. • Discover new strategies for your life. • Create a Soul Nourishing life! Elizabeth Garland, M.S., CPLC, MNLP, GRS Founder & Personal Development Coach with Soul Nourishing, LLC 210-218-2075 www.soulnourishing.com egarland@soulnourishing.com
Wildway Granola
Gluten & Grain free, Sweetener-free, Vegan & Raw Give the gift of healthy snacking this holiday season with our artisanal granola, handmade right here in San Antonio: Banana Nut, Apple Spice, and our seasonal holiday favorite, Gingerbread! Act now and get 10% off with promo code WWHoliday. Order today at wildwayoflife.com. Wildway – Simple. Real. Delicious. info@wildwayoflife.com Facebook: wildwayLLC
1:1 & semi-private training, nutrition coaching and adventure race training programs. Contact Kyle today for a FREE training or nutrition coaching session. Don’t wait for 2014 to see results. Get started today! Early bird special: Get 10% off AND two FREE nutrition sessions with all training packages purchased through Dec. 31! Kyle Koehler Owner, KX2 FITNESS 979-966-3710 Kyle@kx2fitness.com www.Kx2fitness.com
Hot Mix Yoga! Give San Antonio’s HOTTEST Gift Nothing warms you up in these winter months better than Hot Mix Yoga, San Antonio’s newest and “hottest” hot yoga. Founded by Dr. ReBeca Drury, ND, Hot Mix Yoga follows the Bishnu Ghosh lineage with the traditional standing and floor postures and two breathing exercises. Rehabilitative, therapeutic and detoxifying, Hot Mix Yoga ENHANCES cardio endurance, flexibility, strength and overall wellbeing! Holiday special! Through Dec. 31, purchase 5 classes for $35, redeemable through Jan. 31, 2014! Hot Mix Yoga Located in The District 2424 Broadway, SATX 78215 210-387-6174 www.hotmixyoga.com FIRST CLASS IS FREE!
Healthy Living, Healthy Planet, Healthy Holidays! Give the Gift of Juice! Juicer Heroes is San Antonio’s Original Raw Juice Bar. A gift certificate to Juicer Heroes is a ticket to a healthier, more vibrant life! December Gift Special: Skinny Jeans Reset! $100 Gift Pack includes 9 juices, 3 Fitness Kitchen ELEVATE meals and 1 snack food. PLUS a 1:1 consultation with an Elevate Life health care practitioner ($175 value). Juicer Heroes provides a menu of the freshest fruit and vegetable juices with varieties for every taste, and pricing to fit every budget. A visit to Juicer Heroes guarantees EXTRORDINARY service that includes enthusiastic personal attention, helpful education and thoughtful attention to your specific tastes and needs. Juicer Heroes 15337 San Pedro 210-233-9958 www.juicerheroes.com Coming SOON to Stone Oak & Eilan!
Give the Gift of Health This Season Holiday Special: A Spatini Holistic Health basic detoxification for only $65! Also, in December sign your loved one up for a FREE consultation for our Lifestyle Change Programs. Spatini Holistic Health provides life-enhancing treatments through a range of holistic services. Spatini owner Miriam Figueroa is a holistic wellness coach, a licensed massage therapist and an M’lis® Nutrition Counselor. Her passion is educating Spatini clients and helping them improve their health and reach their weight-loss goals. Spatini offers M’lis® Wellness Programs and healthful products. Beautiful face… Beautiful body… Beautiful soul…
Spatini Holistic Health
105 E. Ashby, San Antonio, 79212 210-549-4088 www.spatinisa.com
Meet Me Under the MistleTOE! Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage! Get under our feet for a deeper-than-deeptissue, yet pain-free, delicious massage. Give the gift of Ashiatsu barefoot massage from Heeling Sole! Special holiday gift offers through Dec. 5: • Buy any package of 3 massages at 10% off and receive a free 1/2 hour session! • A package of 6 massages at 15% off earns you a free hour! • All packages of 9 massages at 20% off receive a free 90-minute massage! PLUS during the entire month of December, every 90-minute Gift Certficate purchase receives 1 free pass to a Couples Barefoot Massage class in 2014! Offers available online only; visit www.HeelingSole.com Heeling Sole Barefoot Massage Therapy Jeni Spring, LMT, MTI MT#047987 www.heelingsole.com
Efficient Exercise
Your Health and Fitness Concierge! Give the gift of efficient health and fitness! Holiday gift special: Purchase a gift certificate for three personalized training sessions for $40. That’s 3 for the price of 1! Efficient Exercise offers a proven, resultsoriented personal fitness training model that maximizes your health and minimizes your time. Efficient Exercise specializes in highly efficient 30-minute workouts designed to achieve maximum health and fitness return with minimum time spent. We help make health and fitness a reality for those who have very little time to workout. Efficient Exercise San Antonio 19178 Blanco Road 210-573-6680 www.efficientexercise.com Visit our website to schedule your free workout!
The Gift of Healthy Meals From The Fitness Kitchen
The Gift of Life-Enhancing Skin Care!
The Fitness Kitchen, led by Fitness Chef Simon Toozoff, will help you achieve balanced nutrition through tasty, nutritious, bloodsugar-stabilizing meals that integrate science and physiology to properly fuel your body. Including gluten-free with vegetarian options!
Patented, self-preserving and nourishing skin care makes a wonderful gift! This is not makeup – it is nutrition for the skin, the largest organ in your body. Offering daytime emulsion, ph-balancing toner, cleanser, citrus-scented body wash, clean shampoo and a conditioner that doubles as a hair masque. Wonderful stocking stuffers, teacher gifts or holiday items for your office staff!
Holiday Friends & Family Special: Receive any 13 ELEVATE meals for $99, only available at Juicer Heroes, 15337 San Pedro. Email Chef Simon directly for the weekly menu: simon@thefitkitchen.com. Pick-up and delivery available. The Fitness Kitchen 210-846-0252 www.thefitkitchen.com
Preferred Pricing with an extra 10% discount for auto-orders shipped directly to you. Wonderful gift options $2 and up! Shop the online store: www.crossover2freedom.com. Nutrition coaching, products for adding life to your life! Marci Klemcke Health Coach 210-639-1649
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
25
familybalance
SHOPPING SANITY Tips for Merry and Bright Holiday Shopping Trips by Dr. Zach Petter, DC
T
he holiday gift-giving season should come with joy, as people look forward to shopping for the perfect gift and spending time with family and friends. The hours spent shopping for gifts and party supplies may be exciting, but for children with learning and behavioral disorders, hours spent in a shopping mall can mean endless opportunities to become overstimulated. Shopping trips can become shopping nightmares when children may
become restless, fidgety, tired, cranky, and hungry. So much for fa-la-la-la-la. For some parents, hiring a babysitter to stay at home with their children may be the perfect solution. For others, the holiday budget may not include such a luxury. As someone who specializes in helping children who have learning and behavioral disorders, I offer some techniques to ensure
stress-free, enjoyable holiday shopping trips: n Break down shopping trips into short excursions, rather than daylong events. Set aside a specific amount of time to be in the mall, and let the children know how long the trip will take. Children often can behave for a short time, especially when they know there is an end in sight. Going to the mall for one to two hours is usually long enough for young children. n Avoid shopping on an empty stomach. Children who are not hungry are normally better behaved. Feed children before leaving the house or bring healthy protein-packed snacks and water so children stay full and satisfied. Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar as they can cause a sugar rush and the inevitable sugar crash. n Let children help decide on gifts. Involving children in the gift-giving process helps them to
Does your child struggle with social, academic or behavioral issues? ADHD Asperger’s Learning Disability
Processing NO Disorder DIAGNOSIS Dyslexia NEEDED Plus Many More
Schedule an Assessment Today! Now in San Antonio!
210.620.7378 1742 N Loop 1604 East, Ste. 121
Address the CAUSE, not the the symptoms! 26
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
www.BrainBalanceSATX.com
integrativewellness you DO want to deliberately spoil your appetite before dinner!
feel important and teaches them the importance of giving gifts, rather than always receiving them. n Plan the shopping trip ahead of time. Take time before the trip to make a shopping plan or list with children. Allow the children to take part in crossing items off of the list. This will ease the anxiety of a never-ending shopping day. It will also prepare the child to smoothly transition into what is coming next. n Determine rewards and consequences before leaving the house. Let children know what will happen if they behave well during the time at the mall and what will happen if they do not behave correctly. Rewards can be the playtime after shopping or selecting a new toy or game at the end of the trip. Consequences may be going to bed early or losing special privileges. Remind children throughout the shopping trip of the rewards and consequences. Dr. Zach Petter and his wife Amanda own Brain Balance Achievement Centers of San Antonio, which helps children reach their academic and social potential through a unique drug-free, whole-child approach. The Brain Balance program utilizes customized sensory motor and cognitive activity plans, coupled with nutrition guidelines to address the root cause of most learning and developmental disorders. Brain Balance Achievement Centers of San Antonio is located at 1742 N. Loop 1604 E. Suite 121. For more information and additional resources, call 210-620-7378 or visit www.brainbalancecenters.com.
Drink lots of water. Water is one
Figure-Friendly Tips for Holiday Parties by Elizabeth Keller
H
ere we go again; the holidays are upon us. Along with plenty of good cheer comes a lot of good food. How would you like to be prepared for the cultural onslaught of treats and eats throughout Christmas and New Year’s? We can arm you right now to enjoy yourself without regretting it when you get on the scale in January! As the owner of a practice that includes expertise in weight loss, here are my “figure-friendly” holiday eating tips:
Suppress your appetite. You’ll
eat less if you feel full at the next holiday party or potluck. Psyllium seed husks, for instance, or other fiber supplements expand in your stomach when you add at least 8 ounces of water. This works like a temporary gastric bypass! Another option is homeopathic HCG drops, an overthe-counter appetite suppressant. While the drops do not have the same effectiveness as the prescription strength HCG injections, they can still blunt your appetite safely.
NEVER go to a restaurant or party hungry. Eat a nourishing,
filling, high-fiber meal before you go. Yes, when it comes to holiday gorging,
of the best and least expensive weight loss secrets of all time. Log in 3 to 4 liters (quarts) a day. Drink before you eat your meal, or begin with a hearty soup. Drink flavored water with no calories if you just can’t seem to get plain water down.
Snack throughout the day. Limit your sit-down meals to one a day. Eating small meals frequently keeps you from “pigging out,” and it evens out your calorie intake throughout the day. This is how you can avoid massive sugar spikes in your bloodstream that lead to fat storage, and diabetes! Calm your stress, naturally. If
you are under a lot of emotional stress during these holidays, remember that you may tend to eat more comfort foods. When that happens, the stress hormone cortisol will turn it into fat. Consider a supplement like Kavinace that supports your nervous system to calm you down. Another alternative is the Bach Flower Essence Rescue Remedy, which can be taken every 5 minutes; four drops under the tongue in times of great need. It sure beats an emergency intake of chocolate chip cookies. Above all, remember that life is a rollercoaster, and weight is part of life. You always have the next bend, the next bright idea, the next opportunity to make a positive change.
Elizabeth Keller, APRNCB, LPC, NP, is a nurse practitioner who is board certified in family practice and psychiatry. Life Motivations (www. LifeMotivationsSA.com) is her holistic private practice that specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement, HCG weight-loss programs, and the mental game of weight loss. For more information, visit her Life Motivations website or call 210-704-1018.
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
27
funtionalhealth
HOLIDAY HIGH Simple Tips to Feel Great and NOT Gain Weight this Holiday by Dr. Michael Boss, DC
“I
t’s the most wonderful time of year!” so the song goes. So often I hear that this time of the year is a guaranteed 10-15 pound weight gain. Overindulgence is a common theme during the holidays. It’s true that various sweets and libations are commonplace this time of year, but that is no reason to gain a pant size or two this season. There are a few simple strategies that can reduce your chances of having to return those clothing gifts for a larger size. These are things you can start TODAY and still experience a holiday season that is just as fun, just as cheery and feels a whole lot better than last year.
28
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
1. Maintain a regular eating schedule
The seasonal sweets can wreak havoc on your blood sugar metabolism and leave you craving for more. By maintaining a regular, high-nutrient-content meal schedule (lean proteins, good fats, nutrient-dense carbs), you will sustain better blood sugar levels, provide the nutrients your body needs and avoid the crashes and cravings. Then you can have a holiday sweet here and there and not feel guilty or bloated.
2. Share
This is the season for giving, but how about sharing? Try a taste of that pie, but instead of eating it all, share it with a
friend or two. You all get a taste, satisfy your palate and move on to the more nutritious options. Studies show that the first bite of a sweet provides the most pleasure, so indulge those pleasure centers of your brain, then feed your body some healthy nutritious food.
3. Maintain regular exercise routines
Even if the whole family is coming to visit, schedule time to exercise. That regular schedule is very important to overall metabolic and physiological function. I have clients who will tell me that they have to take December off from exercise due to their schedule, but they plan to “hit it hard” in January. What happens is it’s often the end of January before they get back in the regular swing. Even if you cut back a bit, make time for exercise.
4. Eat the nutrients
Regular intake of vegetables and fruits provides those important nutrients: vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, enzymes and phyto-chemicals. These are the compounds your body needs to function and respond properly. Eat them or juice and drink them daily. Your body will thank you.
5. Stick to a regular sleep schedule
Holiday parties and social gatherings are fun and important, but they can take their toll on your health by ruining your sleep schedule. Getting solid sack time is vital. If you are a poor sleeper or wake up a lot, you need to find out why. Schedule a functional consult and determine what you need to do to solidify your sleep patterns.
6. Limit the offenders
What are they? The processed bunch: processed grains, highrefined sugars, trans fats, low-to-no-nutrient packaged items. These produce inflammation, stomach and gastrointestinal irritation, drive blood sugars through the roof and just plain make you feel bad. Stick as much as possible to non-processed options.
7. Stay hydrated
Special adult libations and beverages make for festive fun, but don’t forget the water. Alcohol, coffees and other holiday drinks can actually dehydrate cells and tissues. Stick with water - you will stay hydrated and fend off cravings by keeping your body hydrated. The holidays are a fabulous times and should be spent with friends and families. Reflect on the year and plan for the year to come. Make health and wellness your goal for 2014! Dr. Michael Boss, DC has been a practicing chiropractor and wellness practitioner for more than 20 years. He is co-founder of Elevate Life, and he provides treatment programs that focus on functional health care, nutrition, acupuncture, exercise, hormone function and balance, chronic diseases, nutriceuticals and more. He co-hosts the weekly ELEVATE LIFE Wellness Hour on 550 KTSA. Call 210-264-2570 for an individual consultation, or visit www.elevatelifewellness.com to learn more.
GE
10% T Mentio OFF! n this
ad 10% s avings for !
Imagine the thrill of climbing 32 feet... and then letting go. Please visit our website, give us a call, or send an email for more information, or reservations.
210.542.2420
Reservations@ClimbSA.us ClimbPortableRockWall We are fully insured.
www.ClimbSA.us
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
29
Peace on Our Plates Mindful Eating for a More Peaceful World by Judith Fertig
A
s Earth’s population grows to a projected 9 billion people by 2050, can our global community keep eating flesh like we’ve been doing for centuries? No, according to a 2010 report by the United Nations Environment Programme, an international panel of sustainable resource management experts. Examining the food demands of a growing population and associated environmental and sustainability issues, Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Consumption and Production recommends “substantial worldwide diet change away from animal products.” Making the case for a holistic view, Will Tuttle, Ph.D., suggests in World
30
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
Peace Diet: Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony that we start to see the connections between our food choices and the health and well-being of ourselves, our families, communities and the world.
Web of Understanding
At the center of the web of life is the food we all share to sustain our bodies. Tuttle insists that we celebrate this and regard each meal as a feast. “Food preparation is the only art that allows us to literally incorporate what we create. It is also the only art that fully involves all five senses,” he says. We honor this wonderful activity most by sharing our cooking efforts with others, blessing the food and eating mindfully.
photo by Stephen Blancett
consciouseating
The problem at the center of life, maintains Tuttle, is that we involve animals in our food chain, an act that “introduces suffering, whether physical, mental or emotional.” This is a truth we try to hide from, what he calls the ”cultural shadow”. “The worst examples include factory farming, but even the best methods ultimately involve killing other animals for food,” he says. One of Tuttle’s more controversial claims is that the herding culture— raising, dominating, selling, killing and owning animals—sets up a harmful physical, emotional and cultural dynamic, extolling domineering and aggressive behavior. “The herding culture requires male dominance and a mentality that might makes right,” observes Tuttle. “It also sees females as primarily breeders, not beings.” Based on contemporary research in anthropology, sociology and psychopathology, he maintains that the actions required to both dominate animals and eat their meat can lead to more aggressive and violent behavior. One recent study seems to support his claim. Dr. Neil Barnard, in his book, Foods That Fight Pain, remarks that, “Plant-based diets also help tame testosterone’s activity.” Barnard cites a Massachusetts male aging study of 1,552 men ages 40 to 70, which indicated that men eating more fruits and vegetables than meat were less domineering and aggressive, because the increased sex hormone-binding globulin produced by plants helps keep testosterone in check. “If we continue the meat-centric way of eating, we’re going to continue to have the problems that come with it,” says Tuttle. “The way forward is plant-based agriculture.”
Practicing a World Peace Diet The Tuttles shop for fresh, organic and non-GMO (genetically modified organism) foods and favor what they call “blueprint recipes”, that vary from day to day. Each outlines the makings of a dish and encourages cooks to be intuitive in how they fill in the details. For a typical breakfast, for example, Tuttle and his wife, Madeleine, will make a green smoothie that includes kale, banana, apple, grapes, ground flax, chia seeds, cinnamon and fresh ginger. “It’s a flexible drink,” says Tuttle. “We will swap out whatever organic fruits and vegetables we have so that we vary the flavor from time to time.” For example, they might use parsley, spinach, or chard leaves in place of kale, or citrus in place of grapes. Lunch is usually a wrap-type sandwich, sometimes using fresh leaf lettuce or a whole-wheat tortilla. One recent example of such a wrap combined tomatoes, peppers, sprouts, walnuts, tempeh
and avocado. A dinnertime blueprint recipe involves a base of cooked rice, quinoa, pasta, mashed potatoes or polenta, topped with a vegetable ragout, cooked or raw. “You could live the rest of your life mixing and matching these ingredients and never have the same meal twice,” notes Tuttle. “We have
been doing it for 30 years. If we all choose to eat like this, the world could feed everybody on a fraction of the land now consumed by agriculture.” Learn more at WorldPeaceDiet.org/ articles.htm.Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.
Rituals Reverse Winter’s Blues Unpleasant winter memories can affect one’s emotional experience of the season every year like clockwork, says Dr. John Sharp, a physician, psychiatrist and author of The Emotional Calendar. Fortunately, it is possible to take a personal inventory, be aware of such behaviors, innovate on traditions and create a new experience. Holistic Psychologist Joseph Cardillo goes further, suggesting that we create a “personal prescription” to mindfully manage difficult emotions during wintertime. He encourages activating the senses and combining two or more sensory experiences to amplify the effectiveness. Appealing options include: n Light scented candles or diffuse essential oils (citrus brightens; lavender soothes) n Invite bright colors into living spaces (reds excite; greens, blues and whites calm) n Nourish the palate with winter vegetable stews n Create a playlist of soothing nature sounds or uplifting music n Warm up near a cheery fire after spending time in the frosty outdoors
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
31
Peace Blueprint Recipes When sitting down to eat, look at what’s been created to nourish all those gathered. Enjoy the colors, smells, tastes and love that blesses the food. May the principle of Oneness govern all beings.
Green Smoothie
To start the day, use a high-powered Vitamix-type blender to reduce whole fruits and vegetables to a smooth juice. If using a regular blender, cut the fruits and vegetables into small pieces and strain the purée after blending. Yields two servings 1 banana, sliced 1 large apple, peeled, cored and chopped ½ cup seedless green grapes 1 cup chopped kale leaves 1 cup baby spinach leaves 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds ¼ cup ground chia seeds ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
er: Winn st SA Be New ! urant Resta
¼ tsp ground cloves 1 cup purified water Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Strain, if necessary, to remove larger pieces; pour into two glasses and serve.
Whole Wheat and Vegetable Wrap
For lunch, a simple wrap can provide a daily change-up mixing in different fresh ingredients plus a plant-based flavoring like dried herbs, spices or garlic stirred into the Vegenaise or homemade eggless mayonnaise. Yields two servings 2 10-inch whole-wheat tortillas 2 Tbsp Vegenaise 1 tsp prepared horseradish, or to taste 1 cup fresh lettuce, torn into pieces ½ cup sprouts ½ cup chopped fresh tomatoes ½ cup shredded fresh carrots
Enjoy ou organ r ic and l ocal ing re dient s!
½ cup diced fresh cucumber 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced ¼ cup toasted walnuts Toast walnuts by placing them on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. Cool, and then chop. Place the tortillas on a flat surface. In a small bowl, mix the Vegenaise and horseradish together. Spread the mixture on the tortillas. Top each tortilla with half the lettuce, sprouts, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, avocado and walnuts. Roll each tortilla into a wrap and serve.
Raw Vegetable Ragout with Brown Rice Start dinner with a base of cooked rice, potatoes, quinoa or polenta and top it with a vegetable medley. Yields two servings Rice: 1 cup brown rice 2¼ cups water Raw Vegetable Ragout: 1 cup red bell pepper, cut into strips ½ cup finely chopped celery ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped ¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley ¼ cup toasted, chopped walnuts 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp coarse kosher or sea salt Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat and simmer covered until tender, about 40 minutes. While the rice is cooking, combine the red bell pepper, celery, Kalamata olives, Italian parsley and walnuts in a medium-sized bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, stir until well blended, and then let rest until the rice is done. To serve, spoon the cooked rice onto each plate and top with the raw vegetable ragout. Source: Adapted from Intuitive Cooking, by Madeleine Tuttle (WorldPeaceDiet.org).
32
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
OVER COOKED Cooked Food and Nutrition Don’t Always Go Together by Josh Taylor
I
love getting the family together and getting some real quality time, especially those times when we break out the grill and cook up some delicious hamburgers and steaks, together with some succulent chicken fajitas and awesome kabobs. A lot of cooking happens during the holidays, and during this time most of us consume more deliciously prepared foods than our bodies need. What you may not realize is eating cooked food isn’t always the healthiest way to eat.
Cooked BEYOND Perfection
Cooking your food can definitely make it taste amazing, and foods like raw chicken or beef need to be cooked to be safely consumed, especially considering today’s food supply. But for many other foods (veggies, for example), cooking them can diminish their nutritional value. Here is some of what happens when we cook food: n The majority of the enzymes are destroyed. Enzymes are essential for the body to metabolize food properly. n Nutrient ratio is affected. This decreases the bioavailability of the nutrients and makes the food more difficult for the body to digest and assimilate. n The “life” of the food diminishes, thereby hastening its death. n The water content of the food decreases. As water is drawn out of food, nutrients drain out with the water, which is why broth is so nutritious – that’s where the vital food nutrients have gone. All of these things can be prevented by simply not cooking certain foods.
Because of the constant consumption of cooked and over-cooked foods, your body becomes depleted of many nutrients. One common side effect is over-eating. Your brain recognizes that you are eating food, but what you’re eating contains little-to-no vital nutrients. Your brain then sends the signal that you need to eat again because your body needs the nutrients it didn’t receive in the previous meal. Many Americans are over-fed and under-nourished because of this very thing. Your body can exhibit many signs of malnourishment. These include headaches, fever, diarrhea, colds, sinusitis, nausea and more. I used to have terrible acne that plagued my skin for years. It wasn’t until after I introduced a surplus of healthy, raw foods to my diet that my acne began to disappear.
80/20 Rule
I’m not suggesting that you eliminate cooked foods from your diet. I eat cooked foods on a regular basis. What I do suggest is increasing your intake of raw unadulterated natural foods. I call it eating by the 80/20 rule. Eat good clean healthy foods as the bulk of your ongoing diet, and then you can afford to eat other foods that could, when over-consumed, be bad for your health. One simple way to consume many more raw nutrients is through juicing. This allows you to concentrate the fruits and vegetables and increase the bioavailability of the nutrients at the same time. This happens because you no longer have to work to process the insoluble fiber present in the fruits and vegetables. Instead the nutrients are exposed, and you simply assimilate them. Yes, you can drink your healthful raw fruits and veggies, and they taste great! When you make positive changes to your diet, your body creates a healthy internal environment. Your body is designed to thrive, not simply exist. You will be amazed what your body can do for you when it has all the nutrients and tools it needs. Josh “Superfood” Taylor is co-founder of Juicer Heroes, located at 15337 San Pedro in San Antonio. He loves speaking, particularly to children and teens, about nutrition and healthy eating. Visit www.juicerheroes.com or call 210-233-9958 to connect with Taylor.
Cooked Food Invasion
When cooked food enters your body, it is received as a pathogen, and your body reacts by sending a flurry of white blood cells to the digestive tract. This can leave the rest of the body vulnerable to attack because in addition to your body attempting to digest the food consumed, it is having to battle what it thinks is an army of foreign invaders. Because cooked food lacks enzymes, your body cannot properly digest the food. When your body desperately tries to break down the food, ulcers can sometimes result. Other signs that your body is not breaking down food properly are things like indigestion, smelly gas, bloating and acid reflux. NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
33
activeliving Prevent Health & Fitness Sabotage Have a Plan for Family and Friends Who Undermine Your Efforts to Improve by Jennifer Trimmier
W
hen you decide to commit to a new fitness and wellness program, you need the support of family and loved ones. Achieving new health and fitness goals is hard work, and we need all the encouragement and support we can get! But what happens when your support system feels more like sabotage? Maybe your best friend buys you multiple calorie-laden drinks at happy hour even though you’ve said you didn’t intend to drink that night. Or your husband brings home pizza and unhealthy takeout a few nights a week “to give you a break” from cooking duties. Yes, sabotage happens. Understanding why it happens and how to overcome it is just as important as sticking to your training regimen.
Why Friends and Loved Ones Sabotage n They’re jealous. When friends start to see you change and reap the rewards of a new healthy lifestyle, they may wonder why they aren’t able to do the same. This can put more focus on their
34
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
own need to make improvements. Instead of making their own positive changes, they become jealous and start to derail your efforts. n They’re afraid of you changing. Change, in relationships, careers, lifestyles, is scary! When something rocks the boat, we tend to react negatively or defiantly. Friends or family may worry that the improvements you are making will change the way you feel about them. This is actually a natural reaction to change. Finding ways to proactively and positively address these feelings is important for both the saboteur and sabotaged. n They’re being selfish. Your loved ones most likely enjoy spending time with you. When you devote more time to gym/workout/fitness, they may feel that you’re taking something away from the relationship they share with you. As you can see, sabotage most often happens when friends and loved ones are focused on themselves – not on you.
Dealing with Sabotage
Your job is learning to recognize sabotage and being ready to respond when it happens. Here are some ways to address and overcome sabotage, which is key to reaching your health and fitness goals. n Create a support system. Find friends with similar goals and stick together. This will help you feel better and help you find new ways to cope when you feel like those closest to you aren’t being supportive. n Communicate; share you feelings. Let the saboteur know how
you feel. Then tell this person what he or she can do to help you. For example, if your husband brings home unhealthy takeout, ask him to instead buy dinner from a healthy eating restaurant or to help you prepare the healthy meal you planned to cook. Remember, it’s possible that your saboteur doesn’t realize that he or she is undermining your efforts. His or her awareness can change the behavior immediately. n Be encouraging. Because sabotage often emerges from feelings of fear or inadequacy, be a source of positive energy and encouragement. When people receive encouragement for their pursuits, whether career or hobby or new fitness goal, their attention naturally shifts away from trying to change you. A wonderful thing about human nature is we tend to get what we give, so giving more support and encouragement to others will bring more our way. Finally, remember why you started your journey. Stick to your plan, no matter what! When others see that you aren’t swaying from original intentions, they’re less likely to continue coercive behavior. Stubbornness often wins the day, and your perseverance and positive results are sure to inspire others. Jennifer Trimmier is an ACE-certified personal trainer who owns Strong Body San Antonio Fitness & Wellness Coaching. She provides at-home and on-location personal training and wellness coaching for individuals and groups. To learn more, visit www.strongbodysa.com or call 210-445-0448.
holiday TrAINING Plan Ahead to Stay On Track During the Holiday Rush by John A. Ruibal
O
ne of the hardest times of year to keep your training on track is during the holidays. Research shows that Americans typically gain 1-2 pounds during this period. That extra weight can make a difference if you have a half marathon or full marathon planned in January or February. The key is planning ahead, so here are a few tips to keep your training plan on track.
alternative so that you have something guilt-free to graze on. n Don’t go on an empty stomach. Eat something light prior to attending so that you can make better choices when you arrive. n Watch out for the alcohol. In addition to the extra calories, too many drinks may cause you to skip the next day’s workout. Drink a glass or bottle of water between alcoholic beverages.
Holiday Eating
Holiday Training
First, enjoy your traditional holiday meal, which is a major production involving many people. Take time to run or exercise earlier in the day so you can enjoy the good food and good company guilt-free. Holiday parties can be more challenging. Here’s some guidance to plan ahead: n Offer to bring a dish. Bring a healthy
your schedule if he or she knows your schedule in advance. n Plan ahead to get your key workouts in. Know your key workouts for the week and make it a priority to get these workouts in. For a half or full marathon, for example, the long run is going to be your key workout. n Be accountable. Keep your training partners accountable, and make sure they do the same for you. n If you miss a workout, let it go and stick to your training schedule. Each of your workouts is designed for a specific purpose, and trying to make up workouts may not give your body the proper work rest cycle. Doubling up workouts could increase your risk of injury. n Wear appropriate safety gear. Make sure you are seen while running on the roads. If you are distracted this time of year, so is the person behind the wheel, and the one on two legs never wins if there is an accident. Remember to think about the real meaning of the season, and know that come January “taper time” is right around the corner.
John Ruibal is a registered dietitian and Eating, of course, is only part of the battle. is board-certified in You’ve still got to train. Here’s how: sports nutrition from the n Work out in the morning. This may Academy of Nutrition mean getting up a little earlier than and Dietetics. He coordinates the normal, but it ensures that you will get distance running classes available at your workout in for the day. both iRun Texas locations in San Antonio. He has been running for more n Recover the day AFTER social activities. Schedule your easy or recovery than 40 years and coaching for 25. To connect with John or learn more about workouts for the day after holiday social his classes, visit www.iruntexas.net. commitments. Your coach can adjust
FINDING FINDINGYOUR YOURSTRIDE STRIDE FINDING YOUR STRIDE Lifestyle changes happen here. Lifestyle changes happen here. FINDING YOUR STRIDE Get fitfit ...... Get Lifestyle changes Lifestyle changeshappen happen here. here. Getfitfit...... Get
$10 $10 $10 $10
OFF OF
Purchase ofOFF $50 or more Purchase of $50 or m
OFF OneOne certificate per per cus-cuscertificate Purchase of $50 ormore more Purchase of $50 or
tomer. Not Not validvalid withwith other tomer. oth One certificate per offers or Certifioffers or Certi One certificate perdiscounts. cus-discounts. One certificate per cuscustomer. Notvalid valid tomer. Notcate valid with other cate valid only at the timetime of only at the www.iruntexas.net www.iruntexas.net tomer. Not valid with withor other offers orother offers discounts. Certifipurchase and cannot be be purchase and cannot discounts. cate valid onlyCertificate at the Certifitime of www.iruntexas.net offers or discounts. used on previous purchases. used on be previous purchas purchase and cannot valid only at cate valid only atthe the time of www.iruntexas.net Stone OakOak Location Bitters Location Stone Location Bitters Location used on previous purchases. time of and purchase and purchase cannot be 20079 Stone OakLocation Pkwy 2602 NW Loop 1604 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy 2602 NW Loop 1604 cannot be used on Stone Oak Bitters Location Suite 3120 Bldg 1, Ste 106 Suite 3120 1, Ste 106 used on previous purchases. 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy 2602Bldg NW Loop 1604 Suite 3120 BldgSan 1, Ste 106TX 78248 SanSan Antonio, TX 78258 San Antonio, Antonio, TX 78258 Antonio, TX 78248 previous purchases. Stone Location Bitters Location San Oak Antonio, TX 78258 San 210-479-7200 Antonio, TX 78248 210-494-7869 210-479-7200 210-494-7869 60307 Code: 60307 210-494-7869 210-479-7200 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy 2602 NW Loop 1604 Code: Code: 60307 stoneoak@iruntexas.net bitters@iruntexas.net stoneoak@iruntexas.net bitters@iruntexas.net stoneoak@iruntexas.net bitters@iruntexas.net Suite 3120 Bldg 1, Ste 106 San Antonio, TX 78258 San Antonio, TX 78248 210-494-7869 210-479-7200 Code:2013 60307 stoneoak@iruntexas.net bitters@iruntexas.net NaturalAwakeningsSA.com December 35
36
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
calendar WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 Ford Holiday Boat Caroling—6:30-9:30pm at the San Antonio River Walk. The River Walk comes alive with more than 185 groups singing traditional carols on cruising boats. Includes bell choirs, folk groups and Latino ensembles. www. thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 Abundant Living Seminar – Blood Sugar Metabolism—6:30pm at Revolucion Coffee + Juice, 7959 Broadway. Stay healthy this holiday season. Get motivated to learn from Dr. Jacob Torres of UC4Life. Learn about blood sugar metabolism, the silent killer and the main reason for obesity and behavioral health issues. RSVP – seating is limited. Call 210-701-0725 or visit www. revolucionsa.com to reserve your seat. Upgrade Your Health…3.0 – One Crate. One Week—6:30-8:30pm at Jamilina Holistic Health Institute, 3201 Cherry Ridge St., Ste 205-1. Rosemarie Montgomery will teach you how to take a single crate of locally grown, chemical free vegetables and turn it into a week’s worth of delicious meals for under $30. Free. For info call 210-602-8761. To RSVP, visit facebook.com/ UpgradeYourHealth or email healthupgrade3@ gmail.com.
accepted. For info call 210-207-3106 or visit www. philhardbergerpark.org. San Antonion Children’s Museum Kids’ Gingerbread Event—9am-12pm and 1-5pm at San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston Street. Children at the Kids’ Gingerbread event are supplied a gingerbread house or gingerbread cookie to decorate with candy and icing. $8 per adult; $8 per child under 2. www.sakids.org. Holiday Peace Class with Patricia Wickman at inBalance—9:30-11:30am at inBalance Studio, 23535 IH-10 West, Ste. 1206. As temperatures drop and holiday madness escalates, Vata begins to accumulate in the system, increasing the air element in the body-mind-spirit. This triggers coldness, headaches, migraines, dry skin, thinning hair, brittle bones, tinnitus, anxiety, fear, insomnia and other ailments. This class will include education on Vata grounding, breath centering, exercises for the pelvic floor muscles, spinal awakenings and more. $20. www.inbalancesanantonio.com. Toy Day—10am-2pm at the Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. Free admission for children under 12 when they bring a new, unwrapped toy for the San Antonio Fire Department toy drive. An ambulance, antique fire truck and modern fire truck will be on site to explore. www.visitsanantonio.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Our Lady of Guadalupe-Tonantzin—6:30pm at the UNAM Campus, HemisFair Park, 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way. The Eternal Feminine is forever present in the story of the apparitions of our Lady Guadalupe-Tonantzin to Juan Diego on the Hills of the Tepeyac, Mexico, as recorded in the Nican Mopohua. This lecture-slides presentation retells the 482-year-old story. Free. For info call 210-912-3071, or visit www.ageac.org.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 Holiday Concert—8-10pm at Southwest School of Art, Coates Chapel, 300 Augusta. Celebrate the season with a special holiday-themed performance by San Antonio Blues band, Cryin’ D.T. Buffkin and the Bad Breath. They’ll play holiday classics as well as their own musical pieces. www.swschool. org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Girls on the Run 5K—9am at 3503 Martin Luther King Dr. Join Girls on the Run as they complete their fall 2013 season. The mission of Girls on the Run is to inspire girls through accomplishment as well as provide a framework for setting and achieving life goals. www.athleteguild.com.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
Tamales! Holiday Festival—12-6pm at Pearl Brewery. Join the 2013 celebration with live music and performances, activities for children and delicacies from 40+ tamale makers. Free and open to public. www.atpearl.com.
Trees are the Answer—9-11am at Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South. Arborist Mark Bird will discuss ways to increase the San Antonio tree canopy. One mile interpretive walk and free one-gallon trees to first 25 families. Kid craft included. www.bexaraudubon.org.
(Boerne) Dickens on Main—6-10pm Dec. 6, 7 in downtown Boerne. Festivities include the Boerne Village Band, the Tannenbaum Trail, pet parade, Weihnachts parade and much more. www. dickensonmain.com.
Jingle Bell Run/Walk—3-9pm at Valero Headquarters, 1 Valero Way. Run/walk a 5K in a holiday-themed costume to raise funds to fight arthritis. For info contact Pat Bodet at pbodet@ arthritis.org or visit www.kintera.org.
A Batty Christmas—10am-12pm at Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. Nyta Brown will share the life history of local bats and where to see them. Christmas crafts and hot chocolate included. www.bexaraudubon.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Boerne Weihnachts Parade—6-10:30pm in downtown Boerne. Enjoy Boerne’s traditional Christmas parade and watch up to 100 lit entries travel north on Main Street from River Road to Johns Road. www.visitboerne.org.
26th Annual Blessing of the Animals—12-6pm at Market Square, 514 W. Commerce. Free petfriendly event. Includes pet parade, live music, food and blessing of all attending animals. www. visitsanantonio.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
San Antonio Coffee Festival—10am-7pm at La Villita, S. Alamo Street. Learn all about coffee at free workshops, participate in hands-on demonstrations, meet local coffee artisans, enjoy live music and food, taste local coffee and much more. www.sacoffeefest.com.
San Antonio 5K Santa Boogie—8:30am at Tower of the Americas. Run, walk or boogie in full Santa costume (provided at registration) in downtown San Antonio. www.athleteguild.com. Dinosaur George at Phil Hardberger Park—911am at the Gathering Hall in the Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center, 8400 NW Military. George Blasing, AKA “Dinosaur George,” shares his wisdom about the dinosaurs of Texas. His enthusiasm for dinosaurs has been entertaining and educating families for more than 34 years. Kid-friendly craft included. Free; donations
Raw Holiday Vegan Cooking Class at Vegeria— 5:30pm at Vegeria, 8407 Broadway. Candlelit six-course dinner includes pointers to create an ultra-healthy and tasty raw holiday meal. Includes recipes, dinner, dessert and drinks. $30/person. www.myvegeria.com.
(Boerne) Kid’s Club: Winter Birdfeeders—1011:30am at Cibolo Nature Center Visitor Center,
Hold your next retreat, wellness program, meeting, or celebration at the Silver Spur Guest Ranch in Bandera, TX We have everything you need to make your event a success! Overnight Accommodations Healthy Meals, Snacks, and Beverages Jr. Olympic-Sized Pool, Hiking Trails Historical Hayrides, Evening Campfires Various Indoor & Outdoor Areas for Event Activities
Enhancement Options:
• Guided Horseback Rides • Western Entertainment • Health & Wellness Workshops • Wellness Therapies - (begins 02/14)
at
We will customize your event package to meet your needs and budget. Contact us today at 830-796-3037 or info@silverspur-retreat.com. Visit www.silverspur-retreat.com NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
37
140 City Park Road, Boerne. Kids and adults will learn how to make winter birdfeeders for their backyard. Suggested donation of $5 per family. www.cibolo.org. International Artisan Fair—9am Dec. 14, 15 at Pearl Brewery. Folk Art artisans from 14 countries, individual artisans and representatives of artisans’ collectives bring work to the International Artisans Fair. $5 for adults, 16 and under free. 90% of sale proceeds go to artisans. www.atpearl.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 A Chocolate Holiday Cooking Class at Vegeria— 2pm at Vegeria, 8407 Broadway. Learn to make truffles, raw chocolate, fudge and a chocolate cheesecake. Includes recipes, chocolates, snacks, drinks and hot cocoa. $20. www.myvegeria.com.
Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got. ~Art Buchwald
The Mind: Understanding How it Works—4-6 pm at the Hannah Landa Branch Library, 233 Bushnell Ave. Part 1 of a two-day seminar on the mind and meditation. Our mind needs to flow in a serene, silent and delicious way like a crystalline spring of shining beauty beneath the august thunder of thought. Free. For info call 210-912-3071 or visit www.ageac.org. Vegan Foodie Gifts – Cooking Class at Vegeria— 5pm at Vegeria, 8407 Broadway. Learn to make several tasty, fantastic gifts that any vegan would love. Includes snacks, drinks, two take-home gifts and recipes. $20. www.myvegeria.com.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 Meditation: Learning to Journey Inwards—6-8 pm at the Hannah Landa Branch Library, 233 Bushnell Ave. Part 2 of a two-day seminar on the mind and meditation. The object of meditating is simple; we wish to calm ourselves and attain peace. When we submerge in meditation, we seek inner peace. Free. For info call 210-912-3071 or visit www.ageac.org
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 Abundant Living Seminar – Men’s Health— 6:30pm at Revolucion Coffee + Juice, 7959 Broadway. Stay healthy this holiday season. Get motivated to learn from Dr. Jacob Torres of UC4Life. Do you have symptoms of low testosterone (Low T)? Learn more about causes and ways to improve, naturally. RSVP – seating is limited. Call 210-701-0725 or visit www. revolucionsa.com to reserve your seat.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 Jingle Trails Run 5K/1K—8am at Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. Put on your Santa hat, reindeer antlers, elf suit, or just your running gear and participate in the 5K/1K to benefit Any Body Can. Jump ropes, basketballs, etc. will also be collected for individuals with special needs. www.athleteguild.com. (Boerne) Cowboy Christmas at Enchanted Springs Ranch—10am-5pm at 242 Hwy 46 West, Boerne. An active western town and movie set has shows, hayrides, caroling, a petting zoo and a cowboy Santa. www.enchantedshpringsranch.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Celebrate San Antonio - New Years Eve Event— 6pm-12:30am at 200 South Alamo Street. Enjoy live music, entertainment, great food and libations. www.saparksfoundation.org.
plan ahead THURSDAY, JANUARY 2 Abundant Living Seminar – SPECIAL Juicing/ Detox Seminar—6:30pm at Revolucion Coffee + Juice, 7959 Broadway. Stay healthy this holiday season. Get motivated to learn from Dr. Jacob Torres of UC4Life. REBOOT for the new you in the New Year. Learn what a “detox” is and why it’s good for you. RSVP – seating is limited. Call 210-701-0725 or visit www.revolucionsa.com to reserve your seat.
Sunday, DECember 15 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
January 19, February 16, March 16
wholisticfestival@yahoo.com
38
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3
savethedate C e l e b r a t e Yo g a o n B u l v e r d e ’s 1 s t Anniversary—Jan. 3-5 at Yoga on Bulverde, 26605 Bulverde Road, Building C. Friday, Jan. 3: Agnihotra (Fire) Ceremony with Kerry Meath-Sinkin, C. Ayur. Saturday, Jan. 4: Satsang – music, practice, meditation. Sunday, Jan. 5: Open House! Visit www.yogaonbulverde.com for information, or follow us on Facebook.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4
markyourcalendar “Ask the Angels” Event at The Playhouse Theater—7pm Jan. 4 and 3pm Jan. 5 at The Playhouse Theater, 800 W. Ashby. Local intuitive and psychic counselor Briana Brooks is taping a new TV show called, “Ask the Angels.” Be a member of the studio audience as Brooks will provide “angel readings” to randomly selected members of the studio audience. Brooks uses her Divine gift of clairvoyance to help people “see” and “speak” to their angels. See news brief on page 9. www.angelpsychic.com.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 Free Teleseminar – With Local Holistic MD, Dr. Louis Esquivel—7pm. Learn about holistic, natural options for controlling and potentially healing high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes and blood lipid issues. Teleseminar is free and enables participation from the comfort of your own home via telephone or the Internet. Hosted by Dr. Louis Esquivel, MD, who has practiced
more than 25 years and who owns Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health of San Antonio. www. dresquivel.com or www.naturalhealthseminars. com/registration to register for the free teleseminar. See news brief on page 11.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 Chilly Chase 5K/10K Run—8:30am at the Valero Trailhead of the Leon Creek Greenway. Participate in this inaugural event benefitting Girls on the Run, a physical-activity-based youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. www.gotrsanantonio.org.
markyourcalendar Overcoming Anxiety with the Tools of Yoga— 1:30-4pm every other Saturday Jan. 18-Feb. 15 at My Lotus Blossom Yoga Therapy Clinic, Yoga on Bulverde, 26605 Bulverde Road, Building C. A four-part evidence-based clinic designed for people living with anxiety, GAD, panic disorder, PTSD. Taught by Michelle L. Bowles, Integrative Yoga Therapist RYT 500, Certified Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher. $160 for all sessions and materials; some scholarships available. Email mlbowlesyoga@gmail.com with questions. Visit www.yogaonbulverde.com for info and registration.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 Zootennial—San Antonio Zoo. Celebrate the 100th anniversary with the opening of Zootennial Plaza, featuring a 300-person restaurant and one-of-akind carousel. The animal component of the zoo’s celebration will be a newly refurbished giraffe exhibit. www.sazoo-aq.org/zootennial.
Stop Itching Within Seconds!
Introducing DermaClear,
TM
the Amazing New Skin Repair Salve from Natural Awakenings All-natural DermaClear will simply feel good when applied. The proprietary blend of clays and homeopathics brings cool, soothing relief to sufferers of: • Shingles • Psoriasis • Allergic Rash • Eczema • Surface Burns • Jock Itch • Insect Bites • Stings • and more 4-oz jar
29.99
$
This season, shop online for these and other natural or green products at:
NAWebstore.com or call 888-822-0246
*to receive 10% off on these products, use coupon code SAVE10
savethedates Sisterhood of the Triple Being
The Sisterhood is a group of curious, openminded individuals, both men and women, who have fun while learning from one another. The group offers classes designed to expand knowledge and provide opportunities for self-help. The Sisterhood is the unity of body, mind and spirit.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Gong, Tibetan Bowls and Theta Meditation for Reclaiming your Power—2:45-5pm. Be immersed in healing sound vibration in the blessed wooden yurt! A guided meditation will release blockages, support self and address root, sacral and solar plexus chakras. Regain a sense of peace and purpose!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
Reiki Open Forum—6-8:15pm. Discussion of myths and misunderstandings. Learn how to best use Reiki in your professional and personal life.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
Soul Retrieval—6:15-8:30pm. Embark on a Shamanic journey and discover your power totem animal. This connection brings clarity into your life.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Winter Soltice Bonfire, Drum Circle and Potluck—5-8pm. Come celebrate this season of change as we commune with one another and grow in spirit. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w. SisterhoodoftheTripleBeing.com or call Karen Reines at 210-394-8682 or Gabriele Wolf at 210859-6600. For event locations, sign up at www. meetupcom/SisterhoodoftheTripleBeing.com.
Have a Happy, Pain-Free Holiday
You’ve tried the rest, now try the best!
Dr Emu’s Rx for Pain, STOPS PAIN PLUS is formulated with pure essential oils, known for their abilities to increase circulation by promoting detoxification that can restore a positive mood and increase energy levels. STOPS PAIN PLUS is designed to alleviate: • Neuropathy • Fibromyalgia • Knee & Foot Pain • Sports Injuries
• Arthritis • Sore Muscles • Sciatica • Stiff Joints • Neck & Back Pain • Inflammation & Swelling
STOPS PAIN PLUS works faster, penetrates deeper and lasts longer than any other topical product or your money back! 4-oz spray bottle
19.99
$
FREE trial size of Dr Emu’s STOPS PAIN PLUS included with each order of DermaClear or STOPS PAIN PLUS to share with a friend or family member. Buy one of each and get two trial sizes – a $13 value. • SPECIAL SHIPPING - $5 for up to 5 jars or 8 bottles •
Offer ends 12/31/2013
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
39
ongoing sunday Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market - Year-Round– 9am-1pm (rain or shine). In the parking lot near Whole Foods Market. www.quarryfarmersmarket.com. Celebration Circle–11am-12pm at Jump-Start Theater, 108 Blue Star Arts Complex. Community of spirit-seekers with a creative approach to spirituality honoring a variety of traditions through poetry, ritual, art and soulful music. www.celebrationcircle.org or 210-533-6767. Free Sundays at SAMA–10am-12pm at the San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 West Jones Ave. Sponsored by the Mays Family Foundation. Call 210-978-8100, or visit www.samuseum.org. Wholistic Festival–11am-6pm. 3rd Sundays. Free admission. Free parking. Free bio-mat sessions. Free dream interpretations. Drawings for services and products. Hilton Hotel, 611 NW Loop 410. Info at 210-334-0782 or visit www.wholisticfestival.com.
Lunchtime Yoga at the Integrative Healing Institute–1212:50pm. All welcome. Supplies provided. $10 per class. www.naturalreflexes.com or 210-967-4400.
Tai Chi Easy/QiGong-2pm and Yang Tai Chi 24 Form– 3pm. Held at St Paul’s, 1018 E. Grayson. For info call 210-226-0345.
Hatha Yoga–12:30-1:30pm and 1:30-2:30pm. at Tri-Point, 3233 N. St. Mary’s. Limited space so come early. Meeting Room 3. Donation requested.
Vegan Night at the Cove–1st Thursday. Try dishes with fresh ingredients from local farmers. 606 W. Cypress.
Free Tuesdays at SAMA–4-9pm at the San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 West Jones Ave. Sponsored by HEB. 210-978-8100, www.samuseum.org. SA Green Drinks–1st Tuesday. An Eco-friendly happy hour! Contact Michellekry@hotmail.com. Fibromyalgia/Arthritis/Chronic Pain Support Group–67pm. 2nd Tuesday. Free. Open meeting at HealthLink education room, 288 W. Bitters. 210-297-9900. SA Native Plant Society of Texas–7pm. 4th Tuesday. Lions Field Adult Center, 2809 Broadway. San Antonio Sustainable Living–4th Tuesday. Details at www.meetup.com/SAEnvironmental. Sketching in SAMA’s Galleries–6-8pm every Tuesday at the San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 West Jones Ave. Free. 210-978-8100, www.samuseum.org.
Raw Food Potluck Meetup–2nd Sunday. Meet, mingle and share. $5. Counter Culture Cafe & Patio/Spectrum Club. RSVP christa.emrick@yahoo.com.
Reiki Healing Circle–7-8:30pm. 2nd Tuesday. Free at Briana Brooks’ Classroom, 6323 Sovereign, #186. Reiki is a discipline that restores flow and balance physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Free. Briana Brooks, 210-365-1400 for more info.
Yoga 4 A Cause–3pm. All proceeds from Y4aC support important causes. For more information visit our website www.loka-studios.com.
MS & Beyond Self-Help Group–6:30-8pm. 3rd Tuesday at North East Methodist Hospital, 12412 Judson Rd. in Live Oak. Call 210-289-3445 for info.
Parkinson’s Young Onset Support Group–1pm. Second Sunday each month. Free. Sunset Ridge Church of Christ, 95 Brees Blvd. Call Dianne at 210-567-6688.
Wellness Orientation–7pm. 3rd Tuesday. You’ve tried diets and gyms and haven’t gotten the results you want. Learn a different way to think about food and movement that will change your life! Alamo Heights Chiropractic, Call us at 210-828-9211 or visit www.ahchc.com.
Boerne Market Days–Every 2nd weekend. Free. Arts, crafts, and more! Main Plaza. Visit www.Boerne.org.
monday St. Andrews Lutheran Church Farmers Market–8am1pm. 16320 Huebner. Therapeutic Exercise Class–Monday-Friday @ Alamo Heights Chiropractic–11:30am & 4:30pm. Learn a simple set of exercises and stretches that will make you feel and function better regardless of your current condition. Call 210-828-9211. Awakening Qigong–6-7:15pm. Open to all. Focusing on healing, awakening and evolving the body, heart and consciousness through gentle movement, breathing and meditation practices. 1st class is free. Visit our website www.daointegrativehealth.com. Open Writing Workshop–6:30-8:30 pm. Last Monday of every month. Gemini Ink. Free. Call for more information at 210-734-9673. Qigong–5:30-6:30pm. Angelique Garden Room at the Village at Incarnate Word. Call 210-829-7561 for info. Healing Hartwork: Alternative Cancer Support Group– 6:30pm. 3rd Monday of most months. Call to verify. Whole Foods training room, Hwy 281 N, at Basse Road. Free. Call 210-316-6385 for information. Meditation and Pranic Healing–7-9pm at Unity Church of San Antonio, 1723 W. Lawndale. Love offerings welcome. 210-445-9234.
tuesday Main Plaza (SA Food Bank’s) Farmers Market–10am2pm. Cash, check and EBT cards accepted.
40
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
Alamo Sierra Club’s Monthly Meeting–Most 3rd Tuesdays. Witte Museum. Details? 210-362-1984. SA Road Runners–7-8:30pm. 2nd Tuesday. Catz Sports, 1218 Arion Pkwy, #122. SARoadrunners.com.
wednesday Beginners Yoga Flow–6-7pm at Lou Hamilton Center, 10700 Nacogdoches Rd. $10. Visit our website for more information at www.bringyourownmat.com. Mommy & Me Yoga–10am. For Moms-to-Be and new Moms. Details at www.loka-studios.com. Lunchtime Yoga at the Integrative Healing InstituteNoon-12:50pm. Beginners welcome. Supplies provided. $10 per class. www.naturalreflexes.com or call us at 210-967-4400. NLP San Antonio Meetup–7pm. Discover how NLP can improve your life at Intro to NLP classes one Saturday each month or third Wednesday Meetup groups. Details at joytechconnect@yahoo.com; www.meetup.com/ nlpsanantonio. SARR Wednesday Night Zoo Run–6:15pm. Brackenridge Park. www. saroadrunners.com. Meditation Circle–7:30-8:30pm. Gentle blend of guided and silent meditation offered by Celebration Circle at SA Friends meetinghouse, 7052 Vandiver. Call 210-533-6767 or visit www.celebrationcircle.org.
thursday Kirtan–8:05-8:35pm at Two Hearts Yoga, 5309 McCullough Ave. Experience the practice of Bhakti yoga through devotional chanting. Free. www.twohearts.net.
In Search of Being & Meaning–6:30-8pm each Thursday at Alamo Hospice of Boerne, 118 W. Bandera Rd, Boerne. 830-816-5024, 830-388-9796 for Jenny Russell. Open to all seekers; parking in back of Alamo Hospice.
friday Yoga For a Cause: Community Yoga–4-5pm. Every Friday (also Mon & Wed). A donation-based class with all proceeds going to Haven for Hope. $5 and up donation. Visit our website www.acpoweryoga.com. Watersaver Tours–10am. 1st Friday. Tour SA Botanical Garden’s Watersaver Gardens. SABOT.org. Gentle Hatha Yoga Class for Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors–8-8:45am. Reservations required. Free. Northeast Baptist Hospital. 210-297-2627. Parkinson’s Caregivers Support Group–1pm. Every 3rd Friday. Free. Call Dianne, 210-567-6688. Wellness Class–11am-12pm, Pan American Library, 1122 W. Pyron. Call 210-294-8164 for info. Qigong–12-1pm at Pan Am Library, 1122 W. Pyron. Call 210- 294-8164 for info. Hatha Yoga–3-4pm at Tri-Point, 3233 N. St. Mary’s. Meeting Room 3. Donation requested.
saturday Yoga Basics with Jo Anne–5:30-6:45pm at Two Hearts Yoga, 5309 McCullough Ave. Great class for beginners. Focus on alignment of postures and breathing techniques. Free or by donation. www.twohearts.net. Beginners Yoga Flow–3:45-4:45pm at Lou Hamilton Center, 10700 Nacogdoches Rd. $10. www.bringyourownmat.com. Aryuvedic Yoga with Shamim - Integrative Healing Institute–9:30-10:40 am. Learn ancient Aryuvedic Yoga techniques to improve healthy function of your body on all levels. Supplies provided. $10 per class. Call 210-967-4400 or visit www.naturalreflexes.com. Meditation in the Japanese Gallery at SAMA–10:15-11am Saturdays at the San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 West Jones Ave. Free with museum admission. Call 210-978-8100, or visit www.samuseum.org. WELLNESS MATTERS–5-6pm on WOAI 1200 AM. Learn ways to improve your health. (Boerne) Farmer’s Market at Cibolo Nature Center– 8:30am-12:30pm. Living Dao: A Path and a Practice–10-11am. Open to all. 1st class is free. A practical study of the Dao De Jing and how it informs our daily life. www.daointegrativehealth.com. Pearl Farmer’s Market–9am-1pm (rain or shine) 200 E. Grayson. www.pearlbrewery.com/pages/eat.html. (Boerne) Cibolo Nature Center–2nd Saturday Volunteer Service Workday. Arts & Crafts–1-3pm. Every 2nd Saturday. $10 pp for family art fun. Register at 210-207-3270. www.sabot.org. Leon Springs Farmers Market–8:30am-12pm. Leon Springs Baptist Church, 24133 Boerne Stage Road. Market days at Old Town Helotes–1st Saturday of the Month. N. of 1604, just off Hwy. 16 North.
communityresourceguide ANIMALS/PETS VCA Castle Hills Companion Animal Hospital vcacastlehills.com 210-492-5519
Offering conventional veterinary care and holistic care including acupuncture and chiropractic services.
B&Bs/RETREAT CENTERS Bella Green BED & BREAKFAST www.bella-green.com 830-522-4661
Come for a romantic getaway or journey solo to relax, refresh and enjoy the views! On-site massage, infra-red sauna, life coaching, specialized retreats and gourmet breakfasts catered to your preferences.
SILVER SPUR GUEST RANCH
www.silverspur-retreat.com 830-796-3037, silverspur@gmail.com 9266 Bandera Creek Rd., Bandera, TX
VITAL LIFE WELLNESS CENTER & SPA
2520 Broadway, Suite 100 210-595-1019 www.vitallifewellness.com
www.GroundedMonkey.com
BIRTHING & BABY CARE tranquil SEASONS DOULA CARE Pregnancy, Labor and Postnatal Support for Moms 210-548-8800 www.tranquilseasons.com
Our doulas will make this exciting time in your life as peaceful and stress-free as possible. We provide you with childbirth education classes (customized to meet your unique needs) in your own home, and we ensure your physical, emotional and informational support during labor/ delivery and after birth.
105 E. Ashby, SA 78212 210-549-4088 www.spatiniSA.com (featuring M’lis products)
Feel better, lose weight! We are here to help you make the lifestyle change you have been searching for. Detoxification ~ Lifestyle Programs ~ Body Contour ~ Holistic Skin Care.
Not just a foot rub, I massage your whole body with my feet using bodywork techniques that are effective, relaxing, grounding & safe. Heeling Sole is Deep Tissue Body Surfing - catch the wave of relaxing footprints!
SAN ANTONIO INSTITUTE OF NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY AND NATURAL THERAPEUTICS www.frizzellwellness.com 8607 Wurzbach Rd, Bldg Q 210-558-3148
School offering Licensed Massage Therapist Program (500 hours) and Natural Therapeutics Specialist Certification Program (600 hours), both of which prepare students for rewarding careers in natural, holistic health and wellness. Student interns offer bodywork sessions for $29.99. See display ad on page 36.
THE MASSAGE STUDIO
www.themassagestudiosa.com 210-722-8835, #MT116614
De-stress, relax and revitalize your body and mind. Custom massages to meet your needs: Swedish, deep, hot stone, aromatherapy and more! Employers, treat your employees to the best perk in town: in-office chair massage. We coordinate chair massage events of any size for corporations and special events. See display ad on page 22.
DIANE WHITE ALFORD, LMT
Natural collagen is a 210-601-2845 revolutionary breakthrough in Providing massage for pain and stress anti-aging skin care! Obtained management, relaxation and more. For event registration, call (830) 796-3037 from the skins ofBandera freshwater Reflexology, too! 20 years of dedicated silverspur@gmail.com | www.silverspur-ranch.com | 9266 Creek Road, Bandera, TX 78003 fish, natural collagen experience. See display ad on page 13. replenishes the collagen deficit in skin and increases its production. It is the only cosmetic product naturally promoting collagen production by ELEMENTS THERAPEUTIC stimulating existing cells. Available in a full line of MASSAGE cosmetic products – schedule your personalized Stone Ridge Market location: 21019 US Hwy 281 N • 210-497-7770 consultation today! See display ad on page 3.
SPATINI
Jeni Spring, LMT #047987, MTI 210-560-1992 • heelingsole.com 7122 San Pedro, #106, SA jeni@heelingsole.com
Achieve more energy, vitality and better balance with our unique delivery system of bio-identical hormones! Our medical providers offer the best in Advanced Preventive Healthcare. Schedule your hormone consultation or wellness exam today, because your life is worth living. See display ad on page 47.
Consider holding your next BODYWORK/MASSAGE health and wellness retreat, seminar or workshop at the ABSOLUTE TRANSFORMATION Silver Spur Guest Ranch, located on 300 beautiful acres MASSAGE & HOLISTIC HEALTH near Bandera. We have everything you need to make www.absolutetransformation.org This historic ranch in the texas Hill country is RAnch PAckAge 11106 Huebner Rd., Ste. 216 your next event a success includingAll-InclusIve accommodations, the perfect place to rest, relax and recharge. enjoy • Spacious guest rooms for individuals, families and groups 210-745-2270, MT025253 the big sky, fresh air and beautiful surroundings • Delicious and healthy meals during your stay meals, facilities, resources and more! See display while participating in a health and wellness• Snacks and beverages available all day Specializing in orthopedic massage, we ad onevent page and 37. focused at the19 ranch. our all-inclusive ranch • Break-time games and activities partner with you to help you reduce or package will take care of all your needs so you can • Miles of hiking trails fully enjoy your learning experience. • Activities include swimming, hay rides, evening campfire eliminate chronic pain, often caused by For event registration, call (830) 796-3037. on-going stress. Call to set your appt today and BEAUTY & WELLNESS improve your quality of life or simply relax - either NATURAL COLLAGEN way you’ll feel so much better than you did! See Ela Polanska display ad on page 18.
210-362-0521 ela.truecollagen@yahoo.com
Heeling Sole Barefoot Massage
Alon Town Centre location: 10003 NW Military • 210-541-4050 www.elementsmassage.com
Not all massage is created equal! Experience the rejuvenating benefits of massage therapy including relief from back and neck pain, stress reduction, increased circulation and improved range of motion. Therapeutic massage is a medically proven method of supporting your health and wellness. Call to schedule your appointment today! See display ad on page 14.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE & SPA
10014 Johns Road, Boerne, TX 830-816-2621 www.boernespa.com
chiropractic services ALAMO HEIGHTS CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Sandra Carrell Tremblay 4501 McCullough, Ste 107, SA 210-828-9211 • ahchc.com
Try our Live Fit Plan, a comprehensive wellness program that provides dramatic changes to your health potential. It will optimize how you think, eat, supplement, exercise and care for yourself, all in one convenient location. See display ad on page 9.
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
41
OLIVER CHIROPRACTIC 110 Melrose Place 210-826-3292
We help you heal naturally and pain free and now offer the latest in laser technology to manage pain, increase mobility, reduce inflammation and speed recovery. See display ad on page 21.
SAN ANTONIO FAMILY INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Dr. Jay Sweeney 210-340-2150 1931 N.W. Military Hwy., #2 mysanantoniochiropractor.com
COACHING ELIZABETH GARLAND Soul Nourishing 210-218-2075 www.soulnourishing.com
Would you like more JOY in your life? In a relaxed setting, we’ll explore and discover YOUR solutions.
NEXT GENERATION COACHING www.coachnextgen.com 512-489-6495
Offering a professional service to individuals, groups, businesses and teams that provides feedback, insights and guidance. Get the support and coaching you need to break through, achieve your goals and be the BEST you can be! See display ad on page 23.
colon therapy HEAL INSIDE FIRST
Colon Therapy 210-736-0995, clinic 210-209-3114, mobile healinsidefirststep@gmail.com www.healinsidefirst.com
Providing cleansing colon hydrotherapy. A prescription from a licensed physician is required for colon therapy sessions. Rebecca Gonzales has been practicing colon therapy since 2003. She believes at all healing begins from the “inside first.” See display ad on page 30.
counseling AWAKENING TO YES
Melinda Gates Counseling, Coaching & Bodywork Sessions 210-326-8963, www.AwakeningToYes.com
JAYNE MORGAN-KIDD, LPC
EDUCATION AND TREATMENT
210-530-1024 www.jaynemorgankidd.com
Psychotherapist practicing innovative techniques including Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and EMDR. See display ad on page 13.
SANDRA M. BAEZ-CURCIO, PH.D, LCDC, LPC-I 210-784-0505 www.drsandrabaez.com
Providing individual, couple and group counseling with specialization in therapy for mood disorders, dual diagnosis, couples counseling, stress management, addiction and recovery, conflict resolution, anger management, adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression and emotional disturbance. Dr. Baez-Curcio offers a highly personalized approach to fit each client’s individual needs. See display ad on page 30.
DENTAL SERVICES Cosmetic dentistry of San Antonio
Dr. Edward J. Camacho & team 16535 Huebner Rd., #102, SA 78248 • 210-493-9944 www.cosmeticdentistryofsa.com
See display ad on page 2.
HEYING ORTHODONTICS Dr. Scott S. Heying 13406 NW Military Way 210-341-3123 www.heyingortho.com
Offering fully customized orthodontia services including Invisalign ® , ceramic braces, self-ligating braces and traditional metal braces for children, teens and adults. See display ad on page 29.
HOLISTIC DENTISTRY
M. A. (Tony) McRedmond, Jr. DDS At The Office of Matt Daggett, DDS 303 E. Hildebrand, SA TX 78212 www.mcredmonddds.com•210-828-1392
MACCMA-LLC
The Educational Division of Dr. Jeri Penkava’s Developmental Pediatric Practice (ADHD Plus, Inc.) 210-404-1135 • www.maccma-llc.com
In addition to traditional medical services, MACMA-LLC offers complementary therapies to help individuals and families move into healthier, more conscious living.
Fitness iRUN TEXAS
Two locations: Stone Oak 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy 210-494-7869 Bitters: 2602 NW Loop 1604 (at Bitters) 210-479-7200 www.iruntexas.net
iRun Texas is a running specialty store. We carry fitness gear including shoes for runners and walkers. We have running classes and events for run, savings, and fitness. Check us out at www.iruntexas.net, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. See display ad on page 35.
STRONG BODY SAN ANTONIO
Jennifer Trimmier ACE Certified Personal Trainer 210-445-0448, www.strongbodysa.com
Voted one of the best personal trainers of 2013 by the San Antonio Current! Strong Body San Antonio provides athome and on-location personal training and wellness coaching for individuals and groups. Proudly creating strong bodies at all ages and all fitness levels. We can make a Strong Body out of anyone! See display ad on page 34.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE lawrence “LARRY” cohen, md Medical Director, The Center for Complementary Medicine 210-733-09907 • 300 Blanco Rd., SA www.complemed.net
Alternative Holistic Dentistry
TOTAL MOUTH FITNESS DR. PAUL
G.
Classically trained and former emergency room physician, offers a full complement of therapies to treat people, taking a whole person perspective. Ask about our Intravenous Nutrition protocol we are using to aid the body in healing itself from the inside out. WILKE, DDS, AIAOMT, ACN See display ad on page 12.
Dr. Paul Wilke Board 14310 Northbrook, Suite 150Certified Biologic Dentist ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE & 210-495-5588 HOLISTIC OF SAN At Total Mouth Fitness, our goal is toHEALTH improve the www.totalmouthfitness.com
ANTONIO Dr. Paul Wilke is ahealth board-certified overall of our patients. We hold ourselves Louis H. Esquivel, MD, biologic dentist. Total Mouth Fitness Awakening to Yes will help you to a higher standard in the use ofMedical the most Director offers adult and children’s orthodontics, deliberately awaken to this moment biocompatible materials on the market today. Dr., #LL102, SA 3740 Colony cosmetic dentistry, full hygienics, safe so you can unlock your potential 210-745-0918 Mercury amalgam removal, Zirconia as a conscious creator. Melinda www.dresquivel.com implants, dental surgery, deep bleaching. Gates’ passion is helping people Dr. Esquivel is a board certified family physician See display ad on page 20. SpeCIAlIZIng In: move from struggle to freedom, Dr. Paul Wilke has been with more than 25 years of practice experience. His one conscious choice at a time. Gates is a Rosenserving San Antonio with medical practice is knownCall for its us unique blendingto im today • Adult and Children’s Orthodontics Method Bodywork™ practitioner and a Certified safe and innovative dental of the best of conventionalyour medicine and holistic Divine Openings™ Guide. See display ad on page smile, and you • Cosmetic Dentistry • methods Full Hygienics procedures for more than of healing to promote optimum patient 22. • Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal 30 years. He is one of the care. Visit his website for more information, and first dentists in the United sign upSurgery for his free monthly newsletter. See display • Zirconia Implants • Dental TECHNOLOGY States to become Board ad on page 11. • Oral Sedation • Deep Bleaching • CEREC® • PerioLase® • Diagn Natural Awakenings San Antonio Certified in Biological 42 Dentistry. • Digital X-rays • Micro-prep®
210-495-5588
SAN ANTONIO FAMILY INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Dr. Jay & Dr. Lara Sweeney 1931 N.W. Military Hwy, SA , #204 210-340-2150 • www.sa-fam.com
We are the doctors you’ve been looking for but could never find—a husband-and-wife complementary/alternative family practice that focuses on Functional Medicine, Nutritional Counseling, and whole body chiropractic care. Hosts of the Gluten Freedom Support Group.
Healthy EATING Gourmet Country Store
2114 Mannix Drive, San Antonio, TX 210-858-9795
Koch Ranches Gourmet Country Store carries natural, locallygrown produce as well as beef from their cattle which are raised on 4400 acres and fed natural grass resulting in lean, healthy and nutritious meat. See display ad on page 31.
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH ALPHA ALTERNATIVE CARE CENTER
Dr. Doreen Lewis, 210-764-5731 1004 Central Pkwy S. in San Antonio www.sanantonionutrition.org
ACA Board Certified in Internal Diagnosis, ACA Board Certified in Nutrition, Certified in Acupuncture, Christian Family Chiropractor. We are a full service, professionally staffed, Christian office that utilizes a completely holistic approach to evaluate and treat you.
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE
Barbara McDermott, BBA CNM, CNHP, CCH 830-832-8304 www.allaboutlivinghealthy.net Boerne, San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos
Natural-Alternative Solutions to Health Problems. Over 20 years experience in natural/holistic healthcare, Live & Dried Blood Cell Analysis, Urine & Saliva Analysis, Hair Analysis, Complete, Whole Body Workup, Far Infrared Therapy - Fibro, chronic fatigue, allergies, etc.
BRAIN BALANCE
Dr. Zach Petter, DC, and Amanda Petter 1742 N. Loop 1604 E, Ste. 121 210-620-7378 www.brainbalancesatx.com
We offer an individualized, comprehensive, non-medical approach to helping children with neurobehavioral and learning difficulties overcome their unique challenges. Our program has helped thousands of kids reach their physical, social/ behavioral and academic potential. Specializing in children with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia and Asperger’s. See display ad on page 26.
DIET & HEALTH CENTER
Beverly Meyer, Holistic Nutritionist www.ondietandhealth.com 210-826-0034
An integrated approach to restoring health using food, supplements, hormones, homeopathy and more. Sign-up for our free newsletter on health news and classes. In practice since 1985. See display ad on page 19.
Grounded Monkey
Helping People Heal Themselves Naturally www.groundedmonkey.com 210-445-4005 Frank Detrick
We offer energy healing, Bio-Mat sessions, and Quantum-Touch classes. CE and CNE provider.
JAMILINA HOLISTIC HEALTH INSTITUTE
3201 Cherry Ridge St., Ste. 205-A 210-858-7523, www.jamilina.com
Jamilina is a holistic health educational institute that emphasizes wellness promotion rather than disease management. Our focus is empowering people the greater San Antonio area to take responsibility for their health by learning to make wise healthcare choices, engaging in activities that promote wellness and longevity, and reducing behaviors that lead to disease and chronic illness. See display ad on page 17.
LIFE MOTIVATIONS
Susan Seydler, Reiki Master, LMT 210-325-6145 sseydler@gmail.com
Offering guidance, clarity, balance and healing through intuitive coaching, bodywork, energy work and Reiki. Each session is customized for you. Reiki classes also available.
THE CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 7300 Blanco Rd, #503 210-733-0990 www.complemed.net
Experience and care are found within this group of independent practitioners working together with your best interest in mind. Come experience a more integrative approach to care, where an MD, homeopath and psychologist cooperate, and where specialists in nutrition, body work, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and other therapies work together to treat the whole person. See display ad on page 12.
The Dao of Integrative Health Fred Chavez, MQP 210-393-4016 www.daointegrativehealth.com
Medical Qigong Therapy, tai chi and qigong. See display ad on page 33.
JUICING JUICER HEROES AND ELEVATE LIFE
Elizabeth Keller, NP Holistic Nurse Practitioner 210-473-1619 www.lifemotivationssa.com
Services offered include weight loss with HCG, bioidentical hormone replacement, counseling and life coaching, integrative psychiatry and functional medicine.
MARIPOSA NATURALS
www.juicerheroes.com 15337 San Pedro, 210-233-9958
Juicer Heroes provides a menu of the freshest fruit and vegetable juices with varieties for every taste. Through the Elevate LIFE Wellness Program, Juicer Heroes helps people of all ages improve their health and THRIVE. See display ads on page 28.
Barbara McNeely, Natural Health Coach 210-383-5842 www.mariposanaturals.com
MEDIA
Mariposa Naturals focuses on providing each client better health, naturally. We specialize in natural whole foods detoxes, health coaching for headaches, migraines and more. Also offering expertise in chemical sensitivity. See display ad on page 15.
www.earthstudiodesign.com Facebook/earthstudiodesign Join us on Fabook for gree living tips and updates.
RAW FOOD
NEUROMUSCULAR PAIN & NUTRITION CENTER www.frizzellwellness.com 8607 Wurzbach Rd, Bldg R 210-558-3112
Earth Studio
c-Me-CHANGE - CHRISTA EMRICK www.cme-change.com
Natural health and healing center offering acupuncture, massage therapy, structural balancing, Ayurvedic body treatments, yoga, qigong and Tai-Chi. See display ad on page 36.
NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
Teaching gourmet raw food classes. See our website for full list of classes, potlucks and more. See display ad on page 13.
December 2013
43
call 210.542.2420 www.ClimbSA.us
RECREATION
Reservations@ClimbSA.us
Facebook/ClimbPortableRockWall
CLIMB
Portable Rock Wall 210-542-2420 www.climbsa.us
Premier 32-foot portable rock wall that is rentable for parties, corporate events and teambuilding, and community activities. Features four climbing stations with auto belays – 2 beginner stations, 1 medium and 1 advanced. Safe and fully insured. Visit our website for pricing and customer reviews. See display ad on page 29.
CERTIFIED ROLFER® AND ROLF MOVEMENT TEACHER KATHLEEN MCBRIDE
Carolyn Maloney
Registered Reiki Teacher REIKI SAN ANTONIO 210-289-9722 www.reikisanantonio.com
rolfer.kathleen@gmail.com 210-317-4242 or 830-537-3458 www.rolferkathleen.com
I have been a Reiki Teacher/Sensei since 1995, teaching locally, and an Adjunct Instructor at SAC, Nursing from 1998 to 2011. Reiki San Antonio is built on the principles of ethics, honor, quality and providing reliable service. Our diversified range in teaching continues to grow by following trends, improving our standards, and listening to the students and clients.
Rolfing® focuses on integrative deep tissue holistic bodywork. Kathleen has offices in San Antonio, Boerne and the Hill Country. Rolfing helps you to feel better and stronger. It realigns/balances the body, relieves aches and pains, improves posture, increases flexibility and athletic performance, and reduces stress. A natural choice solution that will have you feeling better and standing taller. See display ad on page 19.
REadings ROLFING
READINGS BY KATHLEEN
Available through Unlimited Thought Bookstore 210-525-0693 to schedule a reading.
Offering individual readings by appointment through the channel most convenient for you: face-to-face, phone, instant messenger/text, email or Skype. Available for parties or special events. See display ad on page 23.
REIKI Briana brooks
SPIRITUALITY
BELINDA ESSEY
CERTIFIED ADVANCED ROLFER® 210-320-ROLF (7653) essey40@aol.com
CENTER FOR PRACTICAL SPIRITUALITY The Living Church of Today 210-201-3396 202 Holland Ave. www.c4ps.org
Improve your body and your health! Rolfing Structural Integration is a system of bodywork that improves posture, decreases tension, stretches and reorganizes your body’s connective tissue. With 15+ years as a certified practitioner, Belinda Essey can help remove the stress patters from your body and promote structural integration. See display ad on page 21.
Replenish, renew, rejuvenate. Join us Sundays 2-3 p.m. The Center for Practical Spirituality (C4PS) practices an extremely positive approach to life, seeking to accept the good in all people and in all life. God is seen as having many attributes, the most important being, “God is LOVE.” See display ad on page 21.
REIKI/HYPNOSIS 210-365-1400 www.brianabrooks.net
See display ad on page 17.
PUBLISH YOUR OWN Natural Awakenings publishes in over 88 NATURAL AWAKENINGS markets across the U.S. and Puerto Rico • Oklahoma City, OK • Indianapolis, IN • Birmingham, AL • Portland, OR* • Lafayette, LA • Huntsville, AL MAGAZINE • Bucks/Montgomery • New Orleans, LA • Mobile/Baldwin, AL* WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
• • • • • • • • • • • •
For more information contact Anna Romano at: (239) 530-1377 or go online to: NaturalAwakeningsMag.com 44
Natural Awakenings San Antonio
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Little Rock/Hot Spg., AR* Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA Los Angeles, CA* San Diego, CA Denver/Boulder, CO Fairfield County, CT Hartford, CT New Haven/ Middlesex, CT Washington, DC Daytona/Volusia/ Flagler, FL NW FL Emerald Coast Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jacksonville/St. Aug., FL Melbourne/Vero, FL Miami & Florida Keys* Naples/Ft. Myers, FL North Central FL* Orlando, FL Palm Beach, FL Peace River, FL Sarasota, FL Tampa/St. Pete., FL FL’s Treasure Coast Atlanta, GA* Chicago No. Shore, IL
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Boston, MA Western, MA Ann Arbor, MI East Michigan Grand Rapids, MI Wayne County, MI Minneapolis, MN Asheville, NC* Charlotte, NC Triangle, NC Central, NJ Hudson County, NJ Mercer County, NJ Monmouth/Ocean, NJ North NJ North Central NJ South NJ* Santa Fe/Abq., NM Las Vegas, NV Albany, NY Central NY Long Island, NY Manhattan, NY Rockland/Orange, NY Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY • Central OH • Cincinnati, OH • Toledo, OH
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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, 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
COURSE IN MIRACLES WORKSHOPS www.miracleslibrary.org 210-286-0244
Presented by the Miracle Study Center. Workshops provide basic information about “A Course in Miracles,” and encourage self-study. “Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God.”
CELEBRATION CIRCLE
13310 N. New Braunfels Ave. (SA Garden Center) 210-533-6767 www.celebrationcircle.org
Inclusive, interfaith community gatherings open to all. Embracing a creative approach to spirituality expressed through inspirational talks, soulful music, poetry and ritual. Sunday service 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Vehicle Dealership NORTH PARK SUBARU 9807 San Pedro Ave. (888) 842-0105 www.npsubaru.com
SPECIAL EDITION
North Park Subaru is your premier retailer of new and nearly new Subaru vehicles. The dedicated North Park sales team and top-trained technicians are available to make your auto shopping experience fun, easy and financially advantageous. See display ad on back cover.
AC POWER YOGA 210-296-7718 Amanda Cepeda www.acpoweryoga.com 3619 Broadway, SA 78209
DITI IMAGING
10918 Vance Jackson, Ste. 101. 210-705-1232 • www.ditiimaging.com
Digital thermography is a “do no harm” approach to breast screening that does not require a doctor’s referral and is totally pain free—nothing touches the body. Early detection is important, and thermography is a great way to help identify an abnormal physiology. When used with other procedures, the best possible evaluation of breast health is made. See display ad on page 20.
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN SENÕR VEGGIE www.senorveggie.us 210-788-8430
We are a local catering company that specializes in local, organic cuisine that is delicious, unique and vegan. Find us at the Quarry Farmers and Ranchers Market on Sunday mornings. See display ad on page 7.
VEGERIA 210-826-4223 • 8407 Broadway, Ste. 1 www.myvegeria.com
Located in the VIVA Bookstore complex! Open: M-F, 11am-8:30pm & Sat 10am-8:30pm. Healthy Tex-Mex & Catering. See display ad on page 32.
VEGgytopia 512-843-7700 www.veggytopia.com
You’ll love San Antonio’s NEW Plant Powerful Meal Delivery Company! Healthy & delicious meals are only a click or phone call away; gluten-free options available. We make life simple, convenient, affordable and also offer Signature Sweets “baked goods.” We cook and deliver FRESH (never frozen) meals. See display ad on page 15.
Health & Wellness Rev Up Healthy Choices in the New Year
YOGA
THERMOGRAPHY
Coming Next Month
Southtown Yoga Loft 724 S. Alamo, Suite 2,78210 210-838-0643 www.southtownyogaloft.com
Local & National Experts Show You How
It’s edgy with a dash of zen! Southtown Yoga Loft brings Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini and Kid’s Yoga to residents, patrons and professionals in the downtown and Southtown communities of San Antonio. Whether you’re visiting the Alamo City, a regular at First Friday, or a friendly neighbor who’s been longing for a local yoga studio, SYL invites you!
TOTAL HARMONY YOGA 555 W. Bitters Rd. (210) 748-8247 www.totalharmonyyoga.com
At Total Harmony Yoga we provide our students with a solid physical, mental and emotional foundation through the practice of yoga. We are committed to introducing the elevating experience of your own unique greatness by sharing age-old techniques that foster compassion, forgiveness, courage and respect for yourself and others.
YOGA IN MOTION 8055 West Ave., 210-979-9642 www.yogainmotionsa.com
Providing well-balanced, welldesigned yoga and meditation classes with the intent of enhancing overall physical, mental and spiritual balance. It is essential in today’s fast-paced world to provide each student with effective tools to de-stress, find peace and establish quietness. See display ad on page 35.
For Formore moreinformation information about aboutadvertising advertising and and how how you youcan canparticipate, participate, call call
210-854-0362 000-000-0000 NaturalAwakeningsSA.com
December 2013
45
A DV E RTO R I A L
Natural Iodine Supplementation W
A Must for Most Americans
e all need iodine, yet most of us don’t get enough of it through our diet. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that iodine deficiency in the developed world has increased fourfold in the past 40 years and now affects nearly three-quarters of all adults. Numerous U.S. practicing physicians quoted widely in the media estimate that the incidence of hypothyroidism in our adult population may be between 30 and 70 percent. Thus, we can’t efficiently produce the thyroid hormones that serve as chemical messengers triggering nearly every bodily function. The presence or absence of iodine affects our every cell.
Be Aware of Hypothyroidism Symptoms Low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, is the most recognized and obvious indicator of low iodine intake because the thyroid gland contains more concentrated iodine than other organs.
Symptoms can range from extreme fatigue and weight gain to depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, fibrocystic breasts and a variety of skin and hair problems. Hypothyroidism can further cause infertility, joint pain, heart disease and stroke. Low iodine levels also have been associated with breast and thyroid cancers. In children, insufficient iodine has been strongly linked with mental retardation, deafness, attention deficient and hyperactivity disorder and impaired growth, according to studies by Boston University, China’s Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and France’s National Academy of Medicine. The answer is simple: Taking the right kind of iodine in the right dosage can rebalance thyroid function and restore health to the thyroid and the whole body.
A Few Drops Can Change Your Life! You 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. An essential component of the thyroid, iodine replacement has been reported to give relief from: • Depression • Fibromyalgia • Hypothyroidism • Radiation
• Weight Gain • Low Energy • Hyperthyroidism • Bacteria & Viruses
4-6 week supply ONLY $19.99
Order Online Today at
NAWebstore.com Or Call: 888-822-0246
FREE trial size of Dr Emu’s STOPS PAIN PLUS included with each order of Detoxified Iodine to share with a friend or family member. Also buy new Natural Awakenings DermaClear and get two trial sizes, a $13 value. • SPECIAL SHIPPING - $5 for up to 8 bottles •
This Season, Shop Natural Awakenings’ Online Webstore for More Special, Green and Natural Products
*to receive 10% off Detoxified Iodine, use coupon code SAVE10 - offer ends 12/31/2013
Natural Awakenings Detoxifed Iodine is 100 percent natural, raw iodine in an ethyl alcohol solution. We thank all those that are benefiting from this product and enthusiastically telling us their great results. Available only at NAWebstore.com My wife, who suffered from extreme fatigue and other symptoms, saw a dramatic increase in energy after just a few days of taking the natural iodine drops. Now if she misses a day, she’ll end up falling asleep in the middle of the afternoon, like she used to do before taking the iodine. It works! ~ Aaron My doctor told me that I had a hypothyroid condition, prescribed medication and was happy with the follow-up test results, yet I noticed no positive effects on my overall wellbeing. Within two weeks of using the Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine, I had more energy, felt more awake and enjoyed clearer thinking and greater peace of mind. People even comment that I look younger. I am a fan! ~ Larry
Reasons Behind Iodine Deficiency Radiation: Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation emitted by cell phones, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens and other electronic devices. Iodized table salt: The human body cannot utilize the iodine added to this product. Low-sodium diets: Failure to use healthy salts to fulfill sodium requirements, plus overuse of zero-nutrient table salt in foods, leads to iodine depletion. Bromine: This toxic chemical overrides iodine’s abilities to nourish the thyroid, adrenal and other hormone-producing glands. A known carcinogen, it is used as an anticaking ingredient found in almost all baked goods, unless the ingredients specifically cite unbromated flour. Iodine-depleted soils: Due to poor farming techniques, iodine and other minerals in soil have declined, so most foods today are devoid of naturally occurring iodine. Proper iodine supplementation with a high-quality product like Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine can prevent harm by protecting the thyroid and other endocrine glands and restoring proper hormone production.
Crosstrek Hybrid Arriving early December, just in time for the holidays!
Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first.) See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations. Customer must take delivery before 1-2-14 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility.
Subaru is the ONLY 2013 FULL LINE
2012
5 Star Top IIHS Safety Pick.
Visit Us @ www.NPSUBARU.com
Hablamos Espa単ol
9807 San Pedro 800.280.5780 Direct Service (210) 426-3246
Direct Parts (210) 341-8846
Vehicle Art For Illustration Purposes Only. $17 per $1000 financed with approved credit. *Financing offers on select models. Offer expires 12/31/2013. Subject to vehicle insurance and availability. **Purchase or lease any 2013 or 2014 model and receive a complimentary factory maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for recommended maintenance intervals, coverages and limitations. Also covers certain wear items. At participating dealers only. See dealer for details. ***This Claim Is Supported By Subaru Of America 2012 Year End Sales Recap.