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February 2013 | Las Vegas Edition | NaturalAwakeningsLV.com

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contents 9

5 newsbriefs 9 healthbriefs 1 1 globalbriefs 13 wisewords

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14 healthykids 1 5 inspiration 20 healingways 22 consciouseating

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24 greenliving 27 calendar 29 classifieds 30 resourceguide

advertising advertising& &submissions submissions how how to to advertise advertise To To advertise advertise with with Natural Natural Awakenings Awakenings or or request request aa media media kit, kit, please please contact contact us us at at 201-564-7476 702-483-3255 or or email email Publisher@NanorthNJ.com Publisher@NA-LV.com. .

Deadline Deadline for for ads: ads: the the 10th 10th of of the the month. month. editorial editorial submissions submissions Email Email articles, articles, news news items items and and ideas ideas to: online at: Editorial@NAnorthnj.com.

NaturalAwakeningsLV.com or email to: Deadline Editor@NA-LV.com. for editorial: the 10th of the month.

Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. calendar submissions Email calendar Calendar submissions Events to: Calendar@Nanorthnj.com.

Deadline Submit Calendar for calendar: Events theonline 10th of at:the month.

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

13 courting

marriage success

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Relationship Expert Stephanie Coontz Shares Go-To Guidelines

by S. Alison Chabonais

14 bullY blues busters

Positive Ways to Promote Kindness

by Meredith Montgomery

16

16 bodYwork goes mainstream

Helpful Access Points to Health

by Linda Sechrist

20 Feel-good massage

People’s Hands-Down Favorites

by Rachel Mork

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22 Food & mood Solutions for Emotional Eating

by Judith Fertig

24 rest in Peace Sustainable Burials Honor Life

by Brita Belli

22

www.nanorthnJ.com NA-LV.com natural awakenings

February 2013

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letterfrompublisher

contact us

contact us Publishers Mary Ruetten Nancy Somera

managing editor Nancy Somera editor Martin Miron marketing/advertising Tina Moden design & Production Michele Rose Helene Leininger Chelsea * Rose National Franchise sales John Voell 239-530-1377 Natural Awakenings Las Vegas 80 Corporate Park Drive Henderson, NV 89074 PH: 702-483-3255 Publisher@NA-LV.com NaturalAwakeningsLV.com © 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. it is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRiPTiONS Free subscriptions are available for our digital edition by signing up for email list at: NaturalAwakeningsLV.com

Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink.

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All publishers of Natural Awakenings magazines (at last count there are 83) often joke that our magazines are our babies.

They are conceived by a purchase, labored during the prelaunch phase and then birthed when the premiere issue hits the stands for the first time. And as with all children, there comes a time to let others help them grow up. That is where we are with Natural Awakenings Las Vegas—we are looking for a new publisher to help our baby grow up. Natural Awakenings Las Vegas is for sale.

Our edition was conceived two years ago out of a desire to share my wellness journey and the knowledge I gathered in order to pave the road smoother for others. I had no publishing experience, but with my Managing Editor, Nancy, we were motivated to educate, inspire and empower people toward a healthier life for themselves, their families and for the planet we live on, and to connect community members with the numerous resources available right here in Las Vegas.

Exactly two years later, I find my personal goals have moved me in other directions and it is time to open the doors to pass Natural Awakenings to another publisher. There is an abundance of opportunity and potential in the magazine, waiting for another leader to implement and carry forward. A strong foundation and dedicated team is in place for the magazine to grow and flourish, bigger and brighter.

Although Nancy has relocated with her family to Rhode Island, she still runs many tasks remotely to bring the rich editorial in print, web, social media and e-newsletters to our community of readers. Our other remote team members in place support our Design and Production department and provide the final edits and proofs for the magazine.

Tina Moden celebrates six months as our marketing consultant and community liaison. She is passionate about healthy living, healthy planet and sports her hybrid around the valley to meet advertisers that want to reach our readers. Distribution continues to grow as more readers and advertisers find us each month, and NALV has a full calendar this year of events to meet the community and gather local editorial.

Natural Awakenings is the proud sponsor of the Women’s Expo on February 16 and Beauty Health and Fitness Expo on March 9 and 10 (see ad, page 12). We are a Premier Media Sponsor of the Earth Day event, GREENFest, to be held in collaboration and partnership with the UNLV Communities Festival on April 20 (see ad, page 19). We are also in the planning stages of being the headline sponsor for a Holistic Wellness Expo in November.

The framework is set, a strong team is in place, support tools from corporate are in abundance and the community of businesses and readers is building to support the passion and vision of the next NALV publisher. Do you know someone that would be a great fit? Or… is that publisher you?

Yours in health,

Mary Ruetten, Publisher Natural Awakenings of Las Vegas practices environmental sustainability by using post-consumer recycled paper and soy-based ink on uncoated stock, avoiding the toxic chemicals and huge energy costs of producing shiny, coated paper that is harder to recycle. For more about why we look the way we do, visit NaturalAwakeningsLV.com.

newsbriefs Earth Day Festivals Combine Forces

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he fourth annual GREENFest and the 17th annual Festival of Communities are coming together to honor National Earth Day and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of UNLV and the Las Vegas Valley from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 20, on the UNLV Campus. Together, they will educate southern Nevadans about environmental topics, culture diversity, innovation and how to create a more enjoyable and sustainable lifestyle.

Festivities include green vendors, live entertainment, performances, activities, food and drink, recycling and conservation exhibits, campus tours, fashion shows, art, mascots and a beer garden.

GREENFest also showcases the UNLV Solar Decathlon project. At the Festival of Communities, students and local communities will highlight the rich cultural diversity of the Las Vegas Valley with more than 130 booths and a variety of kidfriendly activities. The combined festivals invite community partners, nonprofits, organizations, schools, students and families to explore and be inspired.

For vendor and sponsorship opportunities, visit GREENFestLV.com and Festivals. unlv.edu. See ad, page 19.

Hands-On Permaculture Gathering with Larry Santoyo

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reat Basin Permaculture will host Madre Tierra: Introduction to Permaculture, from April 5 to 7, featuring guest speaker Larry Santoyo, an environmental design expert and leader in the worldwide permaculture movement. Santoyo is the founder of EarthFlow Design Works, based in Los Angeles. Residents of urban Las Vegas, situated in the Mojave Desert ecosystem, will particularly benefit from his expertise in eco-urban design and sustainable land-use planning.

One full day of instruction includes a real-life design challenge, a hands-on installation project and a networking mixer. Landscape designers, city planners, downtown revitalization advocates, real estate agents, students, homeowners, businesspeople and others interested in interacting with their environment in a more authentic and beneficial way are encouraged to attend.

Permaculture serves to unite diverse individuals and groups around a common purpose: the smart, efficient and respectful use of resources. Permaculture takes a whole systems approach to critical issues such as environmental conservation; water, energy and food security; and personal health and wellness. This approach requires a simple shift in focus from discrete design elements to the connections between them.

For more information, call 702-338-6488, email KanaBGardener@gmailcom or visit GreatBasinPermaculture.org.

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News to share?

submit editorial online at NA-LV.com (deadline: the 10th of the month) natural awakenings

February 2013

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newsbriefs Juvenile Diabetes Symposium

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he third annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Hope and Health Diabetes Symposium, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., February 23, at the Cashman Center, in Las Vegas. This event is open to adults and children with insulin-dependent diabetes, along with their families and the healthcare community.

Lectures and open forum sessions prepared for a wide range of age groups and specific diabetes needs will be presented by professional guest speakers. Topics such as the importance of nutrition and physical activity, body and mind well-being, diabetes management, treatments and research will be addressed. Sessions for children run simultaneously with the adult sessions, and include field games and ageappropriate diabetes and nutrition education.

Admission is free. Registered participants will receive a complimentary lunch and attendees can visit the vendor exhibit hall throughout the day.

Location: 850 Las Vegas Blvd. N. For more information and to register, visit jdrflv.org. See ad, page 7.

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Free Hands-On Energy Medicine and Bodywork Workshop

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xplore the many ways to balance and increase the body’s natural energy at a free, hands-on energy medicine and bodywork workshop from 1 to 4 p.m., March 23, at the Paseo Verde Library. The workshop will be led by Grieg de la Houssaye, an energy medicine facilitator for more than 15 years.

He earned a Master of Philosophy degree Grieg de la from George Washington University and is a Houssaye licensed massage therapist in Nevada.

During this workshop, Houssaye will discuss the findings of Christine Northrup, M.D., who has written, “Today, mind/body research is confirming what ancient healing traditions have always known: that the body and the mind are a unity. There is no disease that isn’t mental and emotional, as well as physical.”

Experience techniques and discuss concepts and strategies for releasing blockages or imbalances that result in pain and illness. In addition, Houssaye will incorporate treatment modalities such as craniosacral therapy, lymph drainage, acupressure, jin shin jyutsu, pranic healing, applied biomechanics and the works of Donna Eden and Hanna Kroger.

Location: 280 S. Green Valley Pkwy., Henderson. For more information, call 702-525-9622 or email HolisticHealth Solutions@yahoo.com. See ad, page 17.

Receive a Free Radon Test Kit

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lark County Cooperative Extension encourages all residents to test their homes for radon and are offering Community Radon Awareness presentations at 2 p.m., February 2, at West Charleston Library; 11 a.m., February 9, at Enterprise Library; 5 p.m., February 13, at Summerlin Library; 11 a.m., February 23, at Centennial Hills Library; and 5 p.m., February 26, at Sahara West Library. Attendees to the free community presentation will receive a free radon test kit.

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil and enters homes through foundation cracks, openings and some of the porous materials used to construct foundations and floors of homes. The odorless, colorless, invisible gas is the leading cause for non-smoking cancer, and can reach harmful levels when trapped indoors. “Winter is the ideal time to test your home for radon, as most of us keep our homes closed up during cold weather,� says Laura Au-Yeung, southern area radon program coordinator. Most problems can be fixed at a cost similar to that of many common home repairs, but it is best to use a qualified professional.

For more information, call Au-Yeung at 702-257-5550 or visit RadonNV.com.

New Dental Benefits from Four Seasons

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our Seasons Dental Spa is conducting an outreach campaign to help individuals that carry dental insurance get the most out of their policies, making the assertion that many patients neglect to take full advantage of their benefits, which are typically lost if not used.

Jim Wright, DDS, AIAOMT, AIABDM, a holistic, biological, cosmetic and general dentist at Four Seasons Dental Spa practices mercury-free dentistry, with safe mercury removal and BPA-free white filling material. Their staff includes seven dentists that provide minor and major dental care in a comfortable spa setting.

Even without dental insurance, Four Seasons offers several in-house saving plans that begin at $99. Zero percent financing plans are also available. A new patient initial visit includes a comprehensive exam, full-mouth X-rays, regular cleaning, Velscope pre-oral cancer screening and the new early cavity, Doppler radar-like detection device. New patients are invited to experience all this for $139, or Four Seasons will bill dental insurance.

Those that are unsure of their dental needs may call Four Seasons for a comfortable consultation to strategize an economical dental plan. Refer a friend and receive a $60 gift certificate.

Location: 8855 W. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas. For more info, call 702-309-4600 or visit FourSeasonsDentalSpa.com. See ad, page 11. natural awakenings

February 2013

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insp newsbriefs Experience the Ultimate Girls Day Out

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et away from the daily duties of life and make plans with girlfriends to attend the Women’s Expo, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., February 16, at the Suncoast Hotel, where women of all ages can view and sample products and services that enhance their minds, bodies and spirits. Attendees will find new resources, home business opportunities and ideas that empower and renew their ambition to make a change in their lives for the better.

All visitors will receive $10 in vendor bucks to purchase fashion-forward jewelry, clothes, cosmetics and many other unique products from local and regional vendors. Try some gourmet treats and even spoil yourself with a makeover or little luxuries and indulgences for stylish gals, moms and tots.

Location: 9090 Alta Dr. Coupons for $3 off admission are available online at WomensExpo.biz. Last-minute booths are available. For more information, call 702- 331-1350. See ad, page 12.

New Therapy Available at Stella Chiropractic

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tella Chiropractic Wellness Center and Hormone Centers of Nevada are teaming up to provide allnatural treatment protocols that help clients feel youthful and alive again. Dr. David Stella, a chiropractor, is introducing Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) at his center. Using state-of-the-art equipment, the EWOT Dr. David Stella (left) and brings the body into a state of oxygenation, energizing Dr. Orlandis Wells the brain and alleviating symptoms associated with migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and chronic pain.

Complementing Stella’s work is Dr. Orlandis Wells, a hormone specialist and wellness medical doctor who uses functional medicine to treat fatigue, weight gain, depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems and hormone imbalances.

Together, both doctors are helping patients improve their lives and achieve weightloss New Year’s resolutions.

Location: 375 N. Stephanie, Henderson. For more information call Angela Drake at 702-932-1978, or visit StellaChiropractic.com. See ad, page 6.

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Corporations Care

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book written by John Mackey, cofounder and coCEO of Whole Foods Market, and Raj Sisodia, a business professor at Bentley College, Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business, describes how conscious businesses, including Whole Foods Market, identify their higher purpose, outperform competitors and create value for all.

The book is in part a personal memoir of Mackey’s own awakening as a capitalist determined to do good.

It aims to be a bold new blueprint for capitalism, where business is grounded in ethical consciousness with a higher purpose beyond profits.

Net profits from sales of the books sold in Whole Foods Market stores will go to the Whole Planet Foundation, which supports poverty alleviation and entrepreneurship in developing countries. Mackey will also donate his royalties to the foundation.

For excerpts, visit ConsciousCapitalism. org/resources/538. The book is on sale at all Whole Foods Markets and can be purchased online at WholeFoodsMarket. com/online-ordering.

nspiration healthbriefs THE SALTSHAKER THiEF

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efore reaching for the saltshaker, consider that excessive dietary salt not only burdens the kidneys and increases the risk of hypertension; it may also deplete vital calcium. Research by Canadian medical researchers at the University of Alberta recently discovered an important link between sodium and calcium, which appear to be regulated by the same molecule in the body. When sodium intake becomes too high, the body excretes it via urine, taking calcium with it and creating a risk for developing kidney stones and osteoporosis. So, pass the pepper instead.

SucceSS iS within Reach. now’S the time to take the fiRSt Step.

For over a decade, the Brain Balance Program® has helped kids overcome their academic, social and behavioral challenges by addressing the root cause, not just treating the symptoms.

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reading helps teens beat the blues

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ooks stimulate the mind in more ways than previously known, and may even help reduce the risk of depression in teenagers, according to a new study published in the journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers report adolescents that spend more time reading books are less likely to experience a major depressive disorder than those listening to contemporary music.

Participants were called up to 60 times during five extended weekends over two months and asked if their attention was currently devoted to television, movies, music, video games, the Internet, magazines, newspapers or books.

Teens that spent the most hours listening to music were 8.5 times more likely to be depressed than those that spent the least amount of time absorbed in tunes. In contrast, adolescents that read the most (primarily books) were one-tenth as likely to be depressed as those that read the least.

Major depression is thought to affect one in 12 teenagers, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Brian Primack, the assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics who led the study, remarks, “These findings may help clinicians and parents recognize links between media and depression. This is worth emphasizing because overall in the United States, reading books is decreasing, while nearly all other forms of media use are increasing.”

call

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702.778.9500

11 S. Stephanie Street, Suite 120

brainbalancehenderson.

Henderson, NV 89012

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www.wholefoodsmarket.com Henderson • Fort Apache • Las Vegas Blvd • Tenaya natural awakenings

February 2013

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healthbriefs

mindful meditation eases loneliness

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alentine’s Day can increase feelings of loneliness, especially for the elderly, and may pose an additional risk factor for health problems such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s. A new study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, offers fresh evidence that mindfulness meditation reduces negative thoughts about being alone in older adults and also improves their physical health. The ancient practice dates back to the time of Buddha and focuses on creating an attentive awareness of the present moment.

In the study, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pennsylvania, recruited 40 healthy adults between the ages of 55 and 85 that were interested in learning the technique. Subjects were assessed at the beginning and end of the study using an established loneliness scale, and blood samples were collected.

After eight weeks of meditation training, participants reported decreased feelings of loneliness, and new blood samples revealed reduced pro-inflammatory gene expression (manifestion of encoded information). Inflammation is thought to promote the development and progression of many diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

Lead researcher J. David Creswell reports, “Mindfulness meditation training is a promising intervention for improving the health of older adults. It’s important to train your mind like you train your biceps in the gym.”

Leanne L. Earnest, Ph.D., teaches Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction classes in Las Vegas. For more information, visit StressLessLasVegas.com.

HOT PEPPERS HELP THE HEART

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ebruary is Heart Health Month, and individuals that like hot peppers have another reason to continue their spicy habit, according to recent research. A study presented at the latest National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society focused on the benefits of capsaicin and its fiery-hot relatives, a piquant family of substances termed capsaicinoids, that give cayenne, jalapeños, habanero and other chili peppers their heat.

The research team discovered that these substances boost heart health in several ways: They block the action of a gene producing a substance that makes arteries contract and restrict the flow of blood to the heart and other organs; lower cholesterol by reducing its accumulation in the body and increasing its breakdown and excretion; decrease the size of cholesterol deposits already formed in blood vessels that narrow arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes; and reduce overall levels of so-called “bad” cholesterol while not affecting levels of “good” cholesterol.

PEEL-GOOD ENERGy

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onsumers do not need to buy overpriced, sugary sports drinks in order to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes during or after exercise, say researchers at the Appalachian State University Human Performance Lab at the North Carolina Research Campus, in Kannapolis. Instead, just grab a banana. The tasty fruit not only offers the same performance boost as sports drinks, but additional advantages, as well. Bananas provide antioxidants not found in the manmade beverages, plus a greater nutritional boost, including fiber, potassium and vitamin B6. Bananas also boast a healthier blend of natural sugars than sports drinks.

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ALExANDER TECHNiqUE LESSENS BACK PAiN

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otoriously difficult to treat, chronic back pain may be behind more disability and days off from work than any other health condition. A recent study published by the British Medical Journal, involving more than 500 patients, concludes that practicing the Alexander Technique, an awareness practice to identify and correct unconscious negative physical habits related to posture and movement, breathing and tension, combined with moderate exercise, can help.

The patients were either given normal physician care, massage or six or 24 lessons of the technique, which helped them learn to align the head, neck and back muscles, release unnecessary restrictions and improve overall balance. Half the patients in each group were also assigned to walk briskly for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Massage provided pain relief for the corresponding group for the first three months, and then the benefit had to be reinstated. Patients trained in how to daily use knowledge acquired from practicing the Alexander Technique reported less pain and an ability to do more by the end of the year. Individuals that received six lessons and stuck to a recommended exercise routine did nearly as well as those that had 24 lessons.

For more information, visit AlexanderTechnique.com.

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

Safer Cells

Mobile Phones Becoming Less Toxic The Ecology Center, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in conjunction with technicians at IFixIt.com, has published a list of toxic chemicals found in 36 cell phones from a range of manufacturers. The good news is that companies are responding to consumer and regulatory pressure and these troublesome components are on the decline.

The Motorola Citrus, Apple iPhone 4S and LE Remarq were the least toxic cell phones in the analysis. Two of the bestselling models, the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S III, ranked fifth and ninth, respectively. Among earlier models, the 2007 iPhone 2G was found to contain the most toxic materials.

Jeff Gearhart, research director at the Ecology Center, concludes, “The takeaway is that mobile phones are chemically intensive and full of chemical hazards, but they’ve been getting a lot better.” The center reported that every phone sampled in the study contained lead, bromine, chlorine, mercury or cadmium.

Source: Tinyurl.com/MobileRisk

Good Hood

Paving the Way in Sustainable Streets A one-and-one-half-mile stretch of Cermak Road, on Chicago’s West Side, will soon become one of the greenest streets in the country, and possibly the world.

The historic industrial artery is shedding its smokestacks and corrugated steel warehouses for a $16 million makeover by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) that will make the corridor a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum showcase.

Improvements range from solar-paneled bus stops to native plants and pavement that absorbs rainwater. Armed with tax increment financing funds and grant money, the CDOT set to work incorporating what may be the most sustainable elements ever to go into a single stretch of road. In addition, all materials were found within a 500-mile radius of the project. Twenty-three percent of the materials used are from recycled sources, and more than 60 percent of the redevelopment construction waste will itself be recycled. Other cities are studying the project as a blueprint for change.

Source: Grist.com natural awakenings

February 2013

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wisewords

Courting Marriage Success Relationship Expert Stephanie Coontz Shares Go-To Guidelines by s. alison chabonais

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tephanie Coontz, professor of history and family studies at The Evergreen State College, in Olympia, Washington, shares her learned perspective in an intriguing oeuvre of books—Marriage, A History: How Love Conquered Marriage; The Way We Never Were; The Way We Really Are; and A Strange Stirring. She’s also co-chair and director of public education at the University of Miami’s research-based nonprofit Council on Contemporary Families. As a speaker, she shares good news on marriage, based on her extensive study and observations.

taller, more powerful and slightly scary, and some men still want an admiring, yielding woman, the trend favors valuing more individualized traits.

In a reversal from 40 years ago, men are much less interested in a partner’s cooking and housekeeping than in her intelligence, humor and accomplishments.

Women value a mate that shares household chores more than one that is a high earner. (See more results of a Pew Research Center survey at Tinyurl.com/PewTrends.)

Is marriage becoming passé?

Be truly interested in your partner’s ideas and activities; take pride in their achievements; use endearments or offer tactile affection without being asked; have a sense of humor about differences; and never let irritation or anger slide into contempt.

While marriage as an institution is less powerful than it used to be, people have higher expectations of marriage as a relationship. Precisely because most Americans no longer feel they have to marry, they are more specific about what they want from it. When a marital relationship works today, it is fairer, more intimate, more mutually beneficial and less prone to violence than ever before. Yet, individuals are less willing to stay in a relationship that doesn’t confer these benefits.

Which qualities do people most desire in a mate today?

The old model of married love held that opposites attract. Men wanted mates that were pliable and nurturing; women wanted men that were ambitious, powerful and protective. The new model is based on similarities of interests and talents. While some women are still attracted to men that are richer,

What guidelines foster a rewarding marriage?

How can small, daily interactions contribute to intimacy?

We all have moments when we are irritated, angry or emotionally or intellectually unresponsive. A mate will tolerate these as long as he or she trusts you to be loving and attentive most of the time. It’s an emotional line of credit— each partner needs to keep replenishing the reserves of trust and good will, rather than drawing them down.

Psychologist and researcher John Gottman, Ph.D., suggests people need about five positive interactions for every negative one in an intimate relationship.

It’s less the occasional over-the-top gesture and more the regular, small deposits

that count—a few words of appreciation, a loving touch, an expression of sexual attraction. If we have trouble remembering to regularly express appreciation, we may do better by asking, “What would have been harder about this day if my partner wasn’t in my life?”

Why do the new realities of marriage emphasize play over work?

Successful marriages used to depend upon specialization. Men and women couldn’t substitute for one another in accomplishing tasks. A typical woman couldn’t support herself financially; a typical man didn’t know how to feed himself, do laundry or manage childrearing. Even if couples didn’t share many mutual interests, the partners often took pleasure in being indispensable.

Now women can support themselves and men cook and clean. Thus, shared interests and leisure activities, rather than specialized work roles, increasingly serve as the glue of marriage. Play takes people off the work-centric treadmill and introduces novelty into the relationship. Spending leisure time with others also produces higher levels of happiness than cocooning, according to the GallupHealthways Well-Being Index. So make it a double-date night.

How do current and potential partners benefit from game changers—from cell phones to the Internet?

The Internet makes it easier to meet partners. Once in a partnership, technology can help daily tasks get accomplished efficiently, leaving more leisure time. It also allows us to check in with each other while apart.

But e-devices are no substitute for face time. The best way to nurture a relationship is to unplug from the grid and plug into real life. I see many couples reinvigorated by each other’s company after a few hours together engaged in a fun outdoor recreational activity.

For relevant articles and interviews, visit StephanieCoontz.com.

S. Alison Chabonais is the national editor of Natural Awakenings magazines.

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healthykids

and reinforces core social/emotional skills in communication, creative conflict resolution, courage, cooperation, empathy and civic engagement.

A New York City student remarks, “Peace First teaches that even if you don’t like someone, it shouldn’t affect how you work together to accomplish something... [putting] peace first makes my heart beat lovelier.”

Good for Us and Others

BULLy BLUES BUSTERS

Positive Ways to Promote Kindness by meredith montgomery

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he National Education Association estimates that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fears of being attacked or intimidated by other students. Bullying is more than a buzzword. According to StopBullying.gov, it’s defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-age children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.

Kelly Hughes, a school counselor at Bayside Academy, in Daphne, Alabama, has noticed a dramatic shift in bullying behaviors. She observes, “Kids are not hitting or punching or pushing each other as much as they used to. Rather, they are using in-person relational aggression such as hurtful words, glares, whispering and excluding individuals, exacerbated by social media and cell phones.”

While anti-bullying legislation exists in 49 states (Montana is the exception), approaches for addressing this problem vary. Hughes says, “In my job, I spend a lot of time saying, ‘Just be kind.’ More positive results come from promoting kind behaviors and being ‘pro-hero’ than from simply discussing why bullying is hurtful.”

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Calmly Taking Charge Eric D. Dawson, president and cofounder of Boston-based Peace First (PeaceFirst.org), also believes in the power of positive language. “We need to move away from harsh language that focuses kids on what not to do and instead ignite their moral imagination—call on them to be problem solvers,” he says.

To counter bullying in society, Dawson suggests that we all need to be role models, and talk about and celebrate peacemaking. “We can’t expect our kids to listen to us when we tell them to be peaceful and share if they then see us aggressively cut in front of others on the road or in the checkout line. We can also ask kids how they were peacemakers during their day, in addition to what they learned.”

Founded in 1992 in response to the youth violence epidemic, Peace First provides programs and free online tools to help teach students peacemaking skills.

The nonprofit is based on the premise that children have a natural aptitude for it and peacemaking can be taught, just like other subjects; their curriculum teaches

The International Forgiveness Institute (IFI) (InternationalForgiveness.com), in Madison, Wisconsin, has added its support to the anti-bullying movement. Stemming from the research of IFI founder Robert Enright, Ph.D., and his colleagues, the institute works to forward forgiveness for personal, group and societal renewal. It attests that in forgiving a hurtful person, a personal transformation begins that can enhance self-esteem and hopefulness. Enright’s scientific studies further demonstrate that when children learn about forgiveness, feelings of anger, depression and anxiety are reduced.

“We believe that forgiveness is a choice,” explains Enright. “When you forgive, you may benefit the person you forgive, but you benefit yourself far more.”

Enright recalls his experiences working with incarcerated men that were serving life sentences. “The first thing the assigned therapists asked the group to do was to tell me their story; tell me about the hurts that had been perpetrated on them. One man began to cry, saying that no one had ever asked for his story.” The therapists listened to a tale of the cruel disciplinary measures he had endured at home as a child and recognized a correlation with the crime he had committed. “I’m not justifying his actions, but we can see that he was an extremely wounded man. Many bullies in school have a story, and we need to take the time to hear their story.

“Because those that engage in bullying are often filled with rage from having been bullied themselves, they get to a point that they don’t care about the consequences of their actions, including detention,” Enright continues.

Instead of focusing on the prevention of unwanted behaviors, he says, “Our program is meant to take the anger out of the heart of those that bully, so they

communityspotlight Peace First’s partner schools experience an average reduction of 60 percent in incidences of violence and 50 percent fewer weapons brought to school, plus a 70 to 80 percent increase in observed student peacemaking. bully no more.”

An elementary school-age participant in the Forgiveness Program concludes, “Sometimes it is hard to forgive someone straight away if they really hurt your feelings. It might take longer to see their worth and show them real forgiveness… but it is worth it in the end.”

Meredith Montgomery is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin, AL (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).

Peace in Action When a first-grader returned to class shaken up after being accosted by a fourth-grader in the restroom, his teacher stepped back to see how the class would use Peace First principles. The boy was immediately embraced by his classmates, who quickly concluded that it was every student’s right, not a luxury, to feel safe, and thereafter implemented a restroom buddy system.

The offending fourth-grader was then invited into their classroom to hear how each of the first-graders felt personally affected by the incident.

He was also required to spend recess with the first-graders for the next two weeks. It became a transformative experience for everyone involved.

The older student was recast from victimizer to a responsible, caring individual. He has continued to display improved behavior, volunteering to help in the classroom and foregoing lunch periods with friends to support the first-graders and their teacher.

“There’s a misconception that peacemaking is holding hands and singing songs,” says Peace First President Eric D. Dawson. “It’s more a set of skills that’s nurturing human development. It’s working together to solve a problem.”

inspiration The Gift of Empathy

How to Be a Healing Presence by margret aldrich

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hen someone is suffering, it can be agonizing just to listen—we feel compelled to jump in with advice or stories of our own trials, filling any awkward space or moments of silent air with word upon word. The first rule of empathy, however, is listening in silence.

Miki Kashtan, writing for the Tikkun Daily interfaith blog, points out that giving our full presence is the most important step in practicing true empathy, and it doesn’t require us to utter a thing: “There is a high correlation between one person’s listening presence and the other person’s sense of not being alone, and this is communicated without words. We can be present with someone whose language we don’t understand, who speaks about circumstances we have never experienced or whose reactions are baffling to us. It’s a soul orientation and intentionality to simply be with another.”

When we achieve full presence, empathic understanding follows, Kashtan continues. “Full empathic presence includes the breaking open of our heart to take in another’s humanity. We listen to their words and their story, and allow ourselves to be affected by the experience of what it would be like.

“Then we understand. Empathic understanding is different from empathic presence.

We can have presence across any barrier, and it’s still a gift.

If we also understand, even without saying anything, I believe the other person’s sense of being heard increases, and they are even less alone with the weight of their experience.”

There are signs that empathy might be on the decline, with narcissism elbowing it out of our modern lives. As reported in the Utne Reader, University of Michigan Psychologist Sara Konrath, Ph.D., found that empathy levels among college students measured on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index plummeted between 1979 and 2009. The greatest drops were in empathic concern and perspective-taking—the ability to imagine another person’s point of view.

But don’t yet lament the death of human compassion. According to scientific studies, empathy is built into us. In recent research at the University of Southern California, Professor Lisa Aziz-Zadeh, Ph.D., pinpointed where and how the brain generates empathy, regarding it as a naturally occurring emotion. “It appears that both the intuitive and rationalizing parts of the brain work in tandem to create the sensation of empathy,” Aziz-Zadeh told The Times of India. “People do it automatically.”

However we get to that utterly tuned-in, selfless state of empathy, providing a listening ear, giving our full presence and being moved by another can be gifts not only to the others, but to ourselves, as well. Concludes Kashtan, “Allowing into our heart the other person’s suffering doesn’t mean we suffer with them, because that means shifting the focus of our attention to our own experience.

Rather, it means that we recognize the experience as fully human, and behold the beauty of it in all its aspects, even when difficult.”

Margret Aldrich is a former associate editor of Utne Reader.

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Bodywork Goes MAINSTREAM Helpful Access Points to Health by linda sechrist

The seed holds within itself hints of its magnificent maturity. So it is with the practice of whole-person health care, which has matured in language, sophistication, credibility and acceptance. In a single generation, we’ve seen its presence grow from the outer edges of holistic and alternative wellness to complementary and integrative health care. Its latest evolution into America’s mainstream is known as functional medicine. The branch of massage therapy, the germination point for myriad therapies collectively known as bodywork, patterns the movement’s development.

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nce considered a luxury for the pampered few, massage was among the first therapies to be widely recognized by physicians as a respected aspect of integrative and functional medicine. Bodywork increasingly shares this status, as it is included in conventional medicine’s more innovative healthcare models that embrace a body, mind and spirit approach. One of many examples is Duke Integrative Medicine, in Durham, North Carolina, where patient services

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include a form of integrative massage that blends Swedish massage, myofascial therapy, reflexology, energy work and somatic therapy techniques.

In the public’s view, bodywork is still largely associated with massage, although distinct forms stand on their own, including Rolfing, structural integration, shiatsu and myofascial and craniosacral therapies. Bodywork professionals generally belong to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), whatever their specialized

modality. They may also participate in other professional organizations, such as the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, which has some 80,000 members, many of which are also members of the International Association for Structural Integrators. These nonprofits’ websites help individuals locate practitioners in their area.

According to Maureen Moon, past president of AMTA, many massage therapists (which don’t refer to themselves as bodyworkers) are trained in various bodywork therapies and intuitively integrate them into their sessions, depending upon each client’s needs.

She notes that, “Many AMTA members are so passionate about their profession and meeting the continuing education (CEU) requirements that they go far beyond the units required to maintain their license, which can vary from state-to-state.” For example, Moon has trained in spinal reflex analysis, developed by Dr. Frank Jarrell, neuromuscular and craniosacral therapies, shiatsu and seven massage therapies. “Most AMTA members are CEU junkies,” quips Moon, who points out that national conventions provide continuing education and chapter meetings frequently introduce attendees to new techniques. Some practitioners discover specialties while in search of pain relief for personal injuries or other conditions.

Myofascial Therapy Olympia Hostler, a myofascial therapist in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, had two serious horse riding accidents during adolescence and three automobile accidents by age 40, which combined, left her so incapacitated that she could barely walk. “I couldn’t work for three years, because I was so debilitated,” relates Hostler. She found her doctor’s diagnosis of severe permanent damage to the body’s soft connective tissue, or fascia, and the prognosis of a lifetime of living with pain unacceptable. So she began searching for something that would help restore health. Her investigation of therapies ended with myofascial release, an effective wholebody approach to the treatment of pain and dysfunction, developed by Physical Therapist John F. Barnes.

“I had several sessions and found lasting pain relief unlike anything I’d ever experienced,” advises Hostler.

Unlike massage therapies focused on improving circulation, inducing relaxation or draining lymph fluid, the myofascial treatment reached Hostler’s deepest layer of fascia to free the restrictions causing her pain. “It was amazing that a hands-on application of gentle, sustained pressure into areas of restriction in the myofascial connective tissue could begin to relieve many years of ongoing, intense pain,” says Hostler.

Rolfing As a Certified (advanced) Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner, Robert McWilliams has been able to pursue his lifelong passion in the fields of movement and physical fitness, which included 25 years as a professional dancer and 14 as a professor of modern dance. He taught at both the University of Oklahoma and the University of Florida, in Gainesville.

“In the 1980s, while I was still dancing, I had an experience with Rolfing, developed by Ida P. Rolf [Ph.D.], that transformed my dancing, increased my athletic performance alignment, coordination, flexibility, balance, muscle tone, expressive power and overall sense of relaxation onstage, as well as in daily life,” relates McWilliams. He currently serves as an assistant teacher at the Rolf Institute of Structural Inte-

gration, in Boulder, Colorado, where he trained.

Although McWilliams’ clients generally see him to treat the pain and discomfort of injuries, he says that they frequently change their focus to how their body is working better overall.

“This is because injuries tend to resolve themselves after a few sessions of deep tissue manipulation of the myofascial system,” says McWilliams.

A specialized series of 10 sessions works to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body. Each session focuses on freeing up a particular region of the body. The effect releases old limiting patterns and postures and restores the body’s natural alignment and sense of integration. “Often, as freedom of physical expression increases, so does emotional expression,” comments McWilliams.

Structural Integration

“While Rolfers graduate from The Rolf Institute and attend certified training programs in order to maintain their trademark, and structural integrators can attend any of 14 certified U.S. schools, we are all structural integrators; our training is based on the work of Ida Rolf,” says Diane Roth, a boardcertified structural integrator who has specialized in massage and bodywork for 25 years in the Chicago area.

Roth explains that all practitioners

in this field of study combine handson freeing and realigning of fascial tissue with awareness and movement education, in order to structurally integrate the whole body. Restoration of postural balance and functional ease greatly helps the body, which, she says, constantly labors against the powerful force of gravity.

Like Moon, Roth has studied and incorporated other adjunct therapies and modalities, such as craniosacral therapy and myofascial release. From her perspective, bodywork differs from massage in that it requires more involvement from the client.

“I tell my clients that with a veritable village of treatments available, there is always help for anyone that suffers with aches and pains, regardless of age,” says Roth.

Shiatsu

Shirley Scranta, owner and director of the International School of Shiatsu, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, discovered The Book of Shiatsu: The Healing Art of Finger Pressure, by Saul Goodman, in a health food store. She subsequently researched the school that Goodman founded in 1978, based on the theories of masunaga Zen shiatsu, kushi macrobiotic and his own shiatsu shin tai.

In 1996, Scranta became one of Goodman’s clients. “I drove a roundtrip of 240 miles for weekly treatments because each session made me feel

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better and stronger. After five sessions, I enrolled in classes and graduated later that year,” says Scranta. She believes the widely known form of acupressure helped her body reestablish its own intelligence system, which had been distorted by childhood trauma.

“This gentle technique applies varying degrees of pressure to release tension, strengthen weak areas, facilitate circulation and balance the life energy that flows through the meridians in the body,” she explains. “In my case, it helped me connect with my body so that I could honor it and do what it needed to rejuvenate itself.”

Humans May be Predisposed to Healthy Touching

by chuck williams hroughout history, there has been a concept of healing touch. The simple practice of washing of the feet is, in fact, a form of healing touch. Two thousand years ago, it was also very practical. Shoes of the day were simple at best, and usually absent. If a person contracted any kind of wound of the foot, they could not walk, could not work and might die from a simple infection.

Craniosacral Therapy Today, many people see massage and bodywork as an indulgence or special treat, but in fact, our bodies are hardChiropractor Lisa Upledger is vice president of The Upledger wired to require touch therapy. With all of our technological Institute, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A craniosacral gains, we have lost something fundamental—the intuitive therapy (CST) practitioner, educator and wife of CST deknowledge of what we need to stay healthy—the ability to veloper Dr. John Upledger, she advises that tension-related touch and be touched to help one another. problems are a growing complaint in our modern world.

When a child falls and hurts itself and runs to Mother, Fortunately, such issues are among the myriad conditions that she scoops them up in a hug, the hurt is gone and they go respond quickly to the gentle touch of this modality. off to play again. “Want me to kiss it and make it better?” is In a 2007 Massage magazine article, she advised that a familiar parental refrain. How much truth is there to that the positive effects of the therapy rely to statement? a large extent on the performance of the According to John Hopkins Unibody’s inherent self-corrective mechaversity, when the touch, pain or heat nisms. “CST works through the craniosasensors in our skin are stimulated, they cral system to facilitate this function and send electrical pulses to our neurons, thereby normalize the environment in which act as a relay team, passing along which the central nervous system functhe electrical pulse from neuron to tions,” she noted. “As this is accomplished, neuron until it reaches the spinal cord, a wide range of sensory, motor and neurowhich takes the incoming signal and logical problems are improved.” sends it to the brain. Once the brain CST practitioners listen with their receives the signal from the spinal cord, hands to the slow pulsations of the cranioit translates the electrical signal. sacral system. With a soft touch, equivalent This same healing flow going from to the weight of a nickel, they explore any mother to child is found between a clifascia restrictions throughout the client’s ent and a bodyworker that is trained use body, which rests fully clothed in a supine touch to bring the body to homeostasis position. Effects of the treatment can be (balance). Then, areas of constriction wide-ranging, affecting the musculoskelrelax, fluids flow again, cells get more etal, nervous, cardiovascular and immune nutrients and more toxins move into the systems as well as organs, connective tisblood and lymphatic system. sues and energy systems. It works to release When we reach out and touch a deeply held physical and psychological person on the shoulder to console them patterns held within the body.

International Association of or embrace them in a hug, we can think A coin with different impressions on Structural Integrators, Theiasi.org about that flow of electrical pulses. To each side is still only one coin, a blend of touch and be touched is hardwired into precious metals. When the coin is tossed to International School of Shiatsu, us. It is found in every culture on the reveal either heads or tails, the visible symShiatsubo.com planet, much the same as is art, music bol is one interpretation of the whole imMyofascial Release Treatment and dance. Embrace bodywork for what print—an analogy that may best define the it is; a valuable and necessary aid to difference between massage and bodywork. Centers & Seminars, MyofascialRelease.com keeping our body healthy, mind happy All variations on the theme share the same and soul free. goal—restoring health to the whole person.

Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, Rolf.org Chuck Williams is a licensed massage Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer Upledger Institute International therapist in Las Vegas. To schedule an for Natural Awakenings. Find other natu(craniosacral therapy), Upledger.com appointment, call 702-285-8321 or visit ral living articles at her website, ItsAlMassageHelpsThat.com. lAboutWe.com.

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For More Information

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healingways

due to edema. It’s important for expectant mothers to find a therapist trained in prenatal massage.

Hot Stone Massage

FEEL-GOOD MASSAGE People’s Hands-Down Favorites by rachel mork

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ccording to the American Massage Therapy Association, 53 percent of those that seek out professional massages do it to manage and relieve stress. Healthcare professionals recommend it as a way to support overall well-being, and its popularity continues to grow with some 38 million current U.S. massage enthusiasts.

But which form of massage is best?

It depends on our personal preferences as well as which benefits we need, which may change from time to time.

Natural Awakenings asked several expert licensed massage therapists to distinguish among the most widely used massage therapies to help us make the right choice.

Swedish Massage

“I’ve always wanted to create a bumper sticker that says, ‘Massage Prevents Road Rage,’” quips Kris Richardson, of Kristine Richardson Massage Therapy, in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. She’s 20

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witnessed firsthand how, “Anyone that feels stressed can benefit from a Swedish massage.” During 12 years in the business, she’s helped clients ranging from Navy Seals to athletes from the Admirals professional hockey team, of Norfolk, Virginia, and Brown University’s swim team, in Providence, Rhode Island.

Swedish massage consists of long, gliding, gentle strokes on upper muscle layers, often abetted by kneading, pummeling, brushing and tapping. Swedish massage is especially effective in improving circulation and relaxation; relieving muscle tension and back and neck pain; and decreasing stress. As the lymphatic system is stimulated, oxygen flow to muscles increases, resulting in a relaxed, almost dreamlike state.

Prenatal Swedish massage is also popular among pregnant women.

Therapists apply minimal pressure to reduce back pain and to encourage drainage of the excess fluid that may collect in the legs and lower extremities

Hot stones enhance a Swedish or deep tissue massage through strategic placement of heated stones on the body to encourage the exchange of blood and lymph and provide ultimate relaxation of tense, tight muscles. Richardson particularly suggests it to counter “mouse syndrome”—her term for the nagging discomfort people can get from performing repetitive motions at a computer.

Typically, the therapist first places a group of preheated stones on stubborn muscles, allowing the heat to penetrate knots, and then uses the stones to further massage muscles back to normal.

Deep Tissue Massage Nicole Russo, of Evolve Body Therapy Center, in Charlotte, North Carolina, is among America’s corps of therapists whose specialties include deep tissue massage. Nine years in, she has performed massage on sore pro football players with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as Cirque du Soleil artists.

The primary goal of this style is to repair injured or overstressed muscles, which also leaves clients feeling better, sounder and more flexible. Russo advises, “Injuries are a result of uneven wear and tear, which results in postural imbalances.” So she applies slow strokes, proven kneading techniques and directed pressure via fingers, thumbs or elbows to work muscles from end-to-end, where they are attached to bones, addressing postural distortions, inflammatory pain and stored emotional tensions to restore muscle health.

Russo says deep tissue massage is usually targeted and intense, but, “It’s a massage that produces lasting results. My clients also often report that they don’t get headaches or backaches anymore.”

Shiatsu Massage Shiatsu massage is designed to leave a client feeling, “clear, sparkling and ready to do the next thing,” says Dawn Grey Lapierre, of Intuitive Massage Therapy, in Santa Cruz, California. She describes the experience as active, rather than passive.

A licensed massage therapist for nearly 20 years, she also incorporates and applies principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into each session.

For shiatsu massage, the fully clothed client lies on a mat.

The therapist will apply pressure from the fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees and feet in a stimulating manner and also move the body into various positions in deep stretching. Shiatsu is used to release tension and strengthen weak areas in order to facilitate even circulation, cleanse cells and improve the function of vital organs.

Lapierre describes the experience as both invigorating and intimate. “I’m moving around on the floor with you, using my knees on the back of your thighs, or my feet on your back.

I’m using any part of my body that will be useful in promoting better energy flow along the meridians in your body.”

Shiatsu delivers a vigorous massage; aficionados of more basic styles may graduate to using it.

Thai Massage Lapierre describes Thai massage as, “partner yoga, during which you’ll get stretched and pulled until I’ve worked every inch of your body.” She likes to focus on acupressure points and kneads sore muscles until energy blockages are cleared and energy flow fully restored.

Thai massage also incorporates gentle rocking motions, rhythmic compression along the body’s energy meridians and passive stretching. It promotes flexibility, inner organ massage, oxygenation of the blood, quieting of the mind and general well-being.

Traditional Thai therapy is performed on a mat using no

oils, with the client fully clothed. Thai massage is a favorite among yoga students.

Reflexology For those new to massage and interested in trying it out, reflexology is a good way to start. Reflexology is performed only on the hands and feet, via finger and thumb massage, with the client fully clothed. It is based on the belief that specific reflex points on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands correspond with every major organ, gland and area of the body.

Lapierre works reflexology into all of her massages, explaining, “A lot of healing can be accomplished simply through working the hands and feet, because every part the body is mapped out to related pressure points on the hands and feet. Thus, we can clear energy channels and release tension throughout the body just by working these specific points.” Lapierre describes reflexology as calming and soothing.

Reflexology is especially suited for anyone wary about being touched; it is often incorporated with other forms of massage, as well.

Practitioners encourage everyone to find the form of massage that suits them best. “You will surely find one that brings you renewed vitality,” concludes Lapierre. “Massage not only feels good, it’s a good way to increase physical, mental and emotional health by reducing the effects of everyday stress. If you can’t take the day off to unwind, at least find an hour to get a massage.”

Rachel Mork is a freelance copywriter, editor and novelist in Charlotte, NC. Connect at RachelMork.com.

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consciouseating

Food & Mood Solutions for Emotional Eating

by Judith Fertig

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stressful day might have us seeking solace in ice cream, pizza or potato chips. Other times, we may feel a second donut or another high-calorie treat is our reward for a task well done. Occasional food indulgences are one of life’s pleasures, but habitually eating in response to our emotions can cause weight gain and health problems.

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Core Issues “Emotional hunger represents an appetite, craving or desire to eat in the absence of true physiological hunger cues,” explains Julie Simon, author of The Emotional Eater’s Repair Manual: A Practical Mind-Body-Spirit Guide for Putting an End to Overeating and Dieting. “Emotional hunger often feels the same as physical hunger,” she adds, yet

it might represent an unconscious longing for pleasure, calm, comfort, excitement or distraction.

It can also have a physiological basis. A 2011 study from the University of Leuven, in Belgium, shows that stomach-based hormones can connect directly to the brain, setting up cravings for sugary and fatty foods, suggesting that we are hardwired to want the foods that provide the greatest number of calories in the smallest quantities.

Sugary, starchy, salty and fatty foods also push the brain’s “reward” button, prompting the production of more dopamine, the neurotransmitter of pleasure and well-being. Dr. Pam Peeke, Ph.D., author of The Hunger Fix: The Three-Stage Detox and Recovery Plan for Overeating and Food Addiction, maintains that these foods also create a difficult-to-break addiction cycle. According to Peeke, an assistant clinical professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, in Baltimore, the more high-calorie foods we eat, the more we need the “high” they produce. Soon, increased amounts of foods like cheeseburgers, potato chips or chocolate chip cookies are necessary to help us feel good again.

Handling emotions without turning to food can be a knotty problem, health professionals agree, involving interweaving physical, emotional and spiritual strands.

Physical Signals One solution is to simply pay attention to what our body is saying. Are we truly feeling hunger pangs? “When we eat in the absence of hunger cues, regularly choose unhealthy comfort foods or continue eating when we’re already full, something is out of balance,” observes Simon at OvereatingRecovery.com.

Identifying “trigger” foods might also enlighten us, advises Peeke.

“You’re out of control if you have a particular food in your hand and you can’t just enjoy it, walk away and say, ‘Ahh, that was wonderful.’ Life’s okay without that particular food.” The key is being smart about which foods we need to eliminate and which ones will help us feel good and enjoy an overall better quality of life.

“When you follow a plant-based,

unprocessed, whole foods eating plan, your body chemistry becomes balanced and your biochemical signals (hunger, cravings and fullness) work well,” explains Simon. “Each time you eat, you feel satisfied and balanced, physically and emotionally.”

Emotional Underpinnings Once we understand the physical component of emotional hunger, we can address the feelings that cause it.

Most famous for their Rescue Remedy herbal and floral drops that help soothe anxiety, Bach Flower Essences recently created an Emotional Eating Support Kit that includes homeopathic essences of crabapple, cherry plum and chestnut bud. They maintain that four daily doses can help us think clearly and calmly when we fear losing control, plus objectively observe mistakes and learn from them.

Some feelings, however, can’t be “gentled” away. “Soothe the small stuff, grieve the big stuff,” Simon advises.

Experiencing abandonment, betrayal, domination or violation may require therapy. Lesser stressors can often be soothed by music, being outdoors, talking to a friend, taking a warm bath, walking, meditative yoga or pausing to pray—instead of eating.

“No matter how sophisticated or wise or enlightened you believe you are, how you eat tells all,” maintains Geneen Roth, author of Women, Food, and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything. “Your world is on your plate.” Roth came to terms with her own food addictions and now leads retreats to help others do the same.

When we begin to understand what prompts us to use food to numb or distract ourselves, the process takes us deeper into realms of spirit and to the bright center of our lives, says Roth. She urges us to be present in the moment and to use good food as a sort of meditation.

Notice the beautiful greens in the salad and bless the farmer that grew them.

It’s one path to realizing the essence of food that’s good for us is a blessing we deserve.

Award-winning cookbook author Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle. blogspot.com.

Transforming Emotional Eating by victoria stitzer ealing with intense emotional sitution to a stressful situation. Identifying ations without raiding the kitchen outdated beliefs leads to a transformafor more chocolate ice cream or other tion in character. comfort food is difficult sometimes.

During the reprogramming proBeing overweight represents a cess, it is helpful to breathe slowly and need for protection, and sometimes we deeply when dealing with a stressful seek protection from hurts, criticism, situation that causes tension and anxiabuse or fear of life in general. Weight ety. Breathing is like a geyser, allowing often increases when insecurity, stress, the release of built-up pressure. This tension or anxieties become part of will help bring tranquility and balance life, even for those that are not typito the body. cally classified as heavy or overweight.

Breathe deeply in-between every When the perceived threat is gone, the bite of food, chewing it slowly and excess weight may fall off by itself. deliberately. This helps oxygenate the Learned behaviors, conditioning, blood to optimize digestion so that programming and the environment we the nutrients are utilized properly, grew up in all combine to create a beand speeds up the brain’s satisfaction lief system that is used to filter how we response. The result is eating less. perceive our environment and respond It also is helpful to write the folto situations in life. However, if the cur- lowing three questions on an index rent emotional response to a situation card and review them before eating: is no longer desirable, then a change in Am I hungry? What can I have that programming needs to occur. that tastes good and also supports my This begins with acknowledgweight management goal? What will ing and accepting that limitations exist. this food look like on my body later?

Take responsibility for life and begin These tips will help reprogram the mind to forgive others for the past, moving and begin to build new eating habits. beyond the limitations that keep us from creating a life we desire. Discover Victoria Stitzer is a transformational programming that is invalid, outdated therapist, expert in rapid behavior or no longer applies to the person modification and owner of Transformawe are today and begin to build new tions Wellness Center, in Las Vegas. habits, new patterns, new concepts and Contact her at 702-405-9375. See ad, ideas that will allow for a different reac- page 31.

D

Improve Your Physical and Mental Health Enroll now in an intensive, 8 week mindfulness training program that helps reduce stress, improve communication and health.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (or MBSR) has helped people take an active role in managing their health & well being for more than 30 years.

To Learn More Contact:

Leanne Earnest, Ph.D. 702-222-1812

DrEarnest@StressLessLasVegas.com Or visit website:StressLessLasVegas.com natural awakenings

February 2013

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healingways

greenliving

Rest in Peace Sustainable Burials Honor Life by brita belli

E

very great inspiration is but an experiment. ~ Charles ives

H

umans are conditioned to the conventional rituals of handling death—the embalmed body in a casket or ashes sealed in an urn, a procession of vehicles to the burial site, solemnly gathering and scattering flowers as the remains are lowered into the earth. Many times, planning details are abdicated to the judgment of funeral directors.

The notion of green burials envisions something different: a ceremony that engages family members’ ecovalues and nature in a more intimate, sustainable process favoring biodegradable caskets and no toxic chemicals.

The movement is gaining in popularity; in 2011, some 300 U.S. funeral homes offered green burial options, up from only 12 in 2008.

High Impact of Tradition

Traditional American burial practices make a sizeable environmental footprint and also pose health risks. The carcinogenic embalming fluid—formaldehyde—is a well-known hazard.

A 2009 study in the Journal of the 24

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National Cancer Institute found that exposure to formaldehyde over a career of embalming put funeral home workers at significantly increased risk for mortality from myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells. Alternatives include formaldehyde-free preservatives made from essential oils, and dry ice.

Significant resources are consumed in manufacturing caskets and vaults and maintaining cemetery grass. “A few years back I calculated that we bury enough metal in caskets to rebuild the Golden Gate Bridge each year and put so much concrete in the ground via burial vaults we could build a two-lane highway halfway across the country,” says Joe Sehee, founder of the Green Burial Council.

The council certifies and lists cemeteries, funeral homes and casket companies that forgo chemicals and offer natural landscapes. The goal is for burials to leave as little impact as possible on the planet.

Greener Plots

Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, in Newfield, New York, does not

look like a cemetery. Its native grasses and mature trees come alive with color each autumn. Wildflowers bloom in the spring and birds build their nests in treetop boughs.

“Most contemporary cemeteries are biological deserts,” observes Greensprings spokesperson and science writer Mary Woodsen. In contrast, Greensprings’ 100 acres are surrounded by 8,000 acres of protected forests. Loved ones may be buried in coffins from locally produced timber, or in shrouds—either professionally made or from a favorite blanket or quilt. Biodegradable caskets may be constructed of pine, cardboard, bamboo, formaldehyde-free plywood or hand-woven willow or wicker.

LastThings.net even offers free plans to make a simple coffin.

Instead of a machine, family members and friends ceremonially take hold of straps and lower the casket into the grave themselves. Natural, flat fieldstones honor loved ones.

“People feel, ‘I was part of this,’” says Woodsen.

Cremation Options

burial (InTheLightUrns. com). Memorial blown-glass artwork is another option for remains (Tropical GlassDesign.com).

Scattering ashes—whether casting them into the air or over a body of water, burying them or raking them into the soil—provides an intimate burial experience and has minimal environmental consequences. Sehee says it’s legal on private land and also allowed in some parks.

“It rarely does harm to the ecosystem,” he says. “Calling your local park agency is a great idea. Many allow for scattering and some without a fee.”

Burial at Sea

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency governs the disposal of cremated remains at sea—it must take place at least three nautical miles from land and may include artful flowers and wreaths of decomposable materials. Even non-cremated remains may be buried at sea, provided it takes place at the

same distance from land in water that is between 600 and 1,800 feet deep, depending on the location.

Another sea burial option is offered by Eternal Reefs, a company that mixes remains into liquid concrete as the centerpiece of a personalized reef ball, lowered to the ocean floor to provide a home for marine life. Before the boat heads out, family members are invited to press handprints into the wet concrete and to decorate the ball with shells and other mementos.

Reef balls can hold from one to four people, plus a pet. Sites are currently available off the Florida, New Jersey and Texas shorelines and can be revisited at any time.

“We don’t look at it as a funeral,” remarks CEO George Frankel. “We’re months or years removed from the passing. This is a celebration of life.”

Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine and author of The Autism Puzzle: Connecting the Dots Between Environmental Toxins and Rising Autism Rates. Connect at BritaBelli.com.

Debate exists over the ecological impact of cremation—a practice expected to be chosen as the end-of-life choice for as many as 46 percent of Americans by 2015. While it reduces the use of large, resource-intensive burial plots, each traditionally cremated body releases 110 pounds of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, including carbon dioxide and monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, mercury and other metals.

The Bio Cremation greener alternative—using 95 percent water and 5 percent of an alkali instead of flames and fossil fuels—requires eight times less energy as fire-based cremation, produces no dangerous byproducts and still yields ashes from the remaining bones. To find the states that have approved the process, visit the legislative section at BioCremationInfo.com.

Biodegradable urns are also available, including cornstarch bags accented with leaves and petals, sculpted natural salt containers and baskets made of virgin palm. Sandcastle urns are suited for home display or ocean natural awakenings

February 2013

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calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Submit listings online at NaturalAwakeningsLV. com. For extended event descriptions and additional listings visit NA-LV.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Ultrasound Heart Screenings – 10am-5pm. Ultrasound is a non-invasive screening that is safe and painless. No radiation or injections are used for these screenings. Screenings offered are: echo, carotid, abdominal aorta. Free. Must make appointment.

West Charleston Library, 6301 W Charleston Blvd, LV. 369-4216.

Senior Memoir Writing Class – 10:30am-12pm.

Also, Feb 8, 15, 22. Four week course to help older adults record their life stories for themselves and future generations. Free. Las Vegas Family Search Library, 509 S 9th Street, LV. 940-5423. LifeStoriesNevada.org.

A Course in Miracles Study Group – 7-8pm. Life changing concepts. Let us explore them together in this open discussion forum. Free. Angel Blessings Wellness Spa, 4485 S Buffalo Dr, LV. 782-4727.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Stitch In Public Day – 10am-2pm. Help the local chapter kick off National Embroidery Month.

Members of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America will be here stitching and answering questions in our art gallery. Free. West Charleston Library, 6301 W Charleston Blvd, LV. 507-3964. lvcld.org.

Girls on the Run Coaches Training – 10am-3pm.

Girls on the Run of Las Vegas is dedicated to helping pre-teen girls realize just how incredible they are.

Come to coaches training and learn how you can make a difference in the lives of the young girls of Las Vegas. Free. Turnberry, 322 Karen Ave. #2404, LV. GirlsOnTheRunLV.org.

Radon Awareness Presentation – 2-3:30pm. Clark County Cooperative Extension encourages all residents to test their homes for radon and are offering Community Radon Awareness presentations in February. Radon test kits will be handed out to all participants. West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., LV. 257-5550. RadonNV.com.

Kundalini Chakra Yoga Class & Trunk Sale – 3-7pm. Enjoy a complimentary Kundalini Chakra yoga class and trunk sale featuring Manipura Yoga clothing, jewelry & accessories. Class 3-4 pm followed by a social hour and trunk sale with original designs. RSVP Sunny at 702-553-6819 or JustBreatheSunshine@yahoo.com. Free. Just Breathe Wellness Center, 5333 S Arville St, Ste 206, LV. 682-6119. Susan@ManipuraYoga.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Feng Shui: The Year of the Snake – 2-3:30pm.

Learn the top 10 prosperity cures for the Chinese New Year. Have family fun implementing these Feng Shui cures in your home. Class is taught

by Mary Swick, The Feng Shui Lady. Free. West Charleston Library, 6301 W Charleston Blvd, LV. 507-3964. lvccld.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Energy Yoga – 10-11am. Increase your body’s natural energy. First class free. $10 for each class thereafter. Angel Blessings Wellness Spa, 4485 S Buffalo Dr, LV. 493-1614.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 All About Tomatoes Workshop –10-11:30am.

Master Gardener Helen Brown presents a gardening class on tomatoes. Learn which varieties grow well in this area. Registration required. Free. UMC Family Resource Center, 1120 Shadow Ln, LV. 3832229. unce.unr.edu/blogs/southernarea.

LVBNM Red Hot Expo – 6-9pm. 50 exhibits, Chefs Corner, free tasty food, raffle, drawings, live entertainment. First 100 attendees receive a goodie bag.

Free. Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Dr, LV. 639-6964. PJProductionLive.com/LVBNM.html.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Yoga for Stress Relief – 6-7pm. Yoga postures and meditation techniques for serenity. First class free.

Each class $10 thereafter. Angel Blessings Wellness Spa, 4485 S Buffalo Dr, LV. 493-1614.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Free Informational Seminars – 6:30pm. Do you, or someone you know, struggle with attention/ focus, anxiety, learning issues, sensory integration, Tourette’s, ASD, and more? Come to one of our free informational seminars. RSVP to info@ BrainSolutionsNv.com or call 340-2248. Free.

Brain Solutions Inc, 8515 Edna Ave, Ste 110, LV. BrainSolutionsNV.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Ultrasound Heart Screenings –10am-5pm. See Feb 1 description. Must make appointment. West Charleston Library, 6301 W Charleston Blvd, LV. 369-4216.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 EZ Trim Down with Trampoline – 9:30-11am.

Lose weight, improve energy, reduce pain. Join Victoria for this eye-opening inspirational class which will change your life. By donation. The Lakes, 9291 Starcross Ln, LV. 405-9375. TransformationsLasVegas.org.

Free Informational Seminars – 10:30am. Do you, or someone you know, struggle with attention/ focus, anxiety, learning issues, sensory integration, Tourette’s, ASD, and more? Come to one of our free informational seminars. RSVP to info@ BrainSolutionsNv.com or call 340-2248. Free.

Brain Solutions Inc, 8515 Edna Ave, Ste 110, LV. BrainSolutionsNV.com.

Radon Awareness Presentation – 11am. See de-

scription Feb 2. Enterprise Library, 25 E Shelbourne Ave, LV. 257-5550. RadonNV.com..

Movie Screening –11am-2:30pm. Watch Eat Well, Move Well, Think Well movie with question and answer session with Dr. James Le Fever, DC following the film. Free. West Charleston Library, 6301 W Charleston Blvd, LV. 507-3964. lvccld.org.

Akashic Records Seminar – 12-3pm. Transform your life today in a spiritual journey and receive personal insights and purpose of your soul by looking into your own records. 3 hour workshop with meditations. Just Breathe Wellness Center, 5333 S Arville, Ste 206, LV. 350-1777. Rfricht@aol.com.

Caregiver Lecture – 2-3pm. Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health presents: “ Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss”. Come learn about the social services, education programs and other resources available and free to caregivers.

Free. West Charleston Library, 6301 W Charleston Blvd, LV. 507-3964. lvccld.org.

Book Discussion – 4-5pm. Animal lovers, join our book discussion “Animals Are Soul Too!” Enlarge your awareness of our divine kinship with animals as soul and as carriers of divine love. Free.

The Spirit Within U, 4780 W Ann Rd, Ste #4, LV. TheSpiritWithinU.com.

Valentine’s Potluck Networking Singles Party – 5-8pm. Meet single entrepreneurs. Participate in a speed networking process. Music, dancing, door prizes. Business owners, bring an item (or a gift certificate) as door prize. Must RSVP. Free. The Lakes, 9291 Starcross Ln, LV. 405-9375. TransformationsLasVegas.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Spring Into Gardening – 2-4:30pm. Learn what to plant and how to grow vegetables for the spring and summer months from Don Fabbi, Master Gardener with 65 years experience. Free. West Charleston Library, 6301 W CharleSton Blvd, LV. 507-3964. lvccld.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Girls on the Run Spring Session – 2-4pm. 12- week curriculum of games, activities, discussions, and running for girls in grades 3-5 to experience the joy of simply being themselves. A culminating 5K run ends each session. $130. Register for sessions at various school sites. GirlsOnTheRunLV.org.

Chanting with Judith Gabriel – 6-7pm. Uplift yourself. Beginners welcome. Discover how chanting helps you evolve and shift your consciousness. $25.

Just Breathe Wellness Center, 5333 S Arville St, Ste 206, LV. 553-6819. JustBreatheWellnessCenter.com.

WE STILL ON? Call ahead to confirm that the event details haven’t changed and tell them you saw it in Natural Awakenings of Las Vegas.

natural awakenings

February 2013

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Radon Awareness Presentation – 5pm. See description Feb 2. Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Dr, LV. 257-5550. RadonNV.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Gardening in Small Places – 8am-12pm. Workshop designed to show you how to make the most of your small space. Topics such as types of containers, differences in potting mixes, using artificial light, fertilizers, success with seeds and more will be covered. Pre-registration required. $25. Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Rd, LV. 257-5573.

Fagine@unce.unr.edu.

savethedate SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Diet With DNA – 9am-12:30pm. Lose 10 pounds in 14 days by dieting with science. Achieve your optimal weight loss goals with a breakthrough in genetic science. Presented by local celebrity Dr. Dan Royal, of the Royal Medical Clinic and Dr. Paul Tai, author of The Thin Factors. First three attendees receive free DNA testings. Limited to first 100 attendees.

Free. Westin Hotel & Resort Lake Las Vegas, 101 MonteLago Blvd, HD. DietWithDNA.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Seat Belt Safety Awareness – All day. The Monica Mapile Foundation (TMMF) is holding a fundraiser at all 9 Buffalo Wild Wings locations in LV and HD. 15% of all food purchases accompanied by the attached flyer will be donated to TMMF. Must bring flyer: tinyurl.com/tmmfbww2013. Free. 290-9753.

LoveClickLive.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Radon Awareness Presentation – 11am. See de-

scription Feb 2. Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N Buffalo Dr. 257-5550. RadonNV.com.

Ultrasound Heart Screenings – 10am-5pm. See Feb 1 description. Free. Must make appointment.

West Charleston Library, 6301 W Charleston Blvd, LV. 369-4216.

JDRF Hope & Health Diabetes Symposium – 8:15am-3:15pm. 3rd annual educational conference featuring guest speakers. Topics include the importance of nutrition and physical activity, body and mind well-being, diabetes management, the latest treatments, research updates. Free w/preregistration. Cashman Center, 850 Las Vegas Blvd, LV. 732-4795. jdrflv.org.

Manifest Your Soul Mate –10-11:30am. “Intentional Attraction” Group Meeting. Topic: Manifesting Your Soul Mate. Free healthy breakfast at 9:30am. RSVP. Space limited. Suggested donation $10-$20. The Lakes, 9291 Starcross Ln, LV. 4059375. Transformations-LasVegas.org.

Charleston Library, 6301 W Charleston Blvd, LV. 507-3964. lvccld.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Raw Living Food Class: Hot & Cold Breakfast –12:30-2:30pm. Learn to prepare delicious, nutritious hot & cold raw breakfast for every day of the week, so you never get bored. RSVP. $12 plus actual cost of food, not to exceed $7. The Lakes, 9291 Starcross Ln, LV. 405-9375. Transformations-LasVegas.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Radon Awareness Presentation – 5pm. See description Feb 2. Sahara West Library, 9600 W Sahara Ave, LV. 257-5550. RadonNV.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 Story & Song with Ziba Shirazi –7:30-9:30pm.

Celebrate International Woman’s Day with Ziba Shirazi, an accomplished international female poet, singer, songwriter, and raconteur from the Persian land of wine and poetry -Shiraz. Free. West

savethedate SUNDAY, MARCH 3 The Way of the Shaman: Shamanic Journey, Power & Healing – 10am-4pm. During this experiential workshop, participants are introduced to core shamanism for problem solving and healing.

Learn the classic shamanic journey, one of the most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to explore the hidden universe. Students will be initiated into shamanic journeying, aided by drumming, for awakening dormant spiritual abilities and discovering their own individual power animals and spiritual teachers. $215 if registered by Feb 15. Angel Blessings, LV. Call Beth at 541-708-0473. ShamanicUniverse.com.

Fruit Trees: Selection and Care for Desert Climates – 2-4pm. Informative class about fruit trees for our desert climate. Free. West Charleston Library, 6301 W Charleston Blvd, LV. 507-3964. lvccld.org.

savethedate SATURDAY, MARCH 9 ASPIRE Conference for Women – Spend a powerful day of sharing, laughing, bonding and celebration in a unique intimate setting with remarkable local speakers. Registration includes all day conference, exclusive expo, lunch, live entertainment. Early bird special $49 ends Feb. 15. Bring a friend special available. Networking mixer March 8, 6-9pm. The Alexis Park Hotel, 375 E Harmon Ave, LV. 406-8051. AspiringConferences.com.

ongoingevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Submit listings online at NaturalAwakeningsLV. com. For extended event descriptions and additional listings visit NA-LV.com.

daily Bikram Yoga – See website for class schedule and rates. Bikram Yoga Green Valley, 1550 N Green Valley Pkwy, Ste 310, HD. 463-0671. BikramGreen Valley.com.

Bikram Yoga – See website for class schedule and rates. Bikram Yoga Las Vegas, 5031 Wagon Trail Ave, Ste 109, LV. 547-9642. BikramLasVegas.com Daily Meditation Classes – 4am, 9am, 2pm, 5pm.

1-hr classes. Chaiya Meditation Monastery, 7925 Virtue Ct, LV. 456-3838. ChaiyaCMM.org.

Falun Gong Exercise & Qigong Meditation – 8-10am Mon-Sat; 9-11am Sun. Advanced traditional Chinese meditation system designed to improve mind and body through slow, gentle and smooth exercises. Free. Desert Breeze Park, 8268 Spring Mountain Rd, LV. 773-3667. FalunDafaLasVegas. blogspot.com

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weekdays Staying Healthy! Radio Show – Mon-Fri. 8-9am & 5-6pm. Hosted by Jeffrey Burke, ND, MH on KLAV 1230 am. Enrich your knowledge and learn how to stay healthy all year long. Free. 731-1230.

StayHealthy.info.

sunday Hot Pilates & Yoga – One week unlimited access.

Free. Body Heat, 8876 Eastern Ave, LV. 432-0028.

BodyHeatYoga.com.

Yoga & Meditation – See Website for daily class schedule. Just Breathe Wellness Center, 5333 S Arville St, Ste 206, LV. 553-6819. JustBreathe WellnessCenter.com.

Yoga & Pilates – See website for class schedule and rates. Vegas Hot!, 5875 S Rainbow Blvd, Ste 206, LV. 257-8171. VegasHot.com

fresh52 Farmer’s & Artisan Market – 8:30am2pm. Lively, friendly, open-air market. Free. Sansone Park Place, 9480 S Eastern, HD. fresh52.com.

Botanical Garden Tours at Lake Loews – 9am.

Learn interesting details and receive great information while exposing your senses to Loews’ botanical wonderland. Free. Botanical Gardens at Lake Loews, 1605 Lake Las Vegas, LV. 567-6000.

Zen Meditation – 9-10:30am. Sitting and walking meditation practice with pre-recorded Dharma talks from the Chung Tai Monastery. Free. Lohan School of Shaolin, 3850 Schiff Dr, LV. 217-1498.

ZenBuddhismLasVegas.com.

monday Meditative Nutrition Class –11am-12:30pm. Learn what you can do to reverse and prevent many health conditions in the EZ Weight Loss Series. $12.50.

The Lakes, 9291 Starcross Ln, LV. 405-9375.

Transformations-LasVegas.org.

Yoga with Jeff – 6:15-7:15pm. Improve your strength, flexibility and endurance, while clearing your mind with the power of Yoga. Donation. Herbally Grounded, 4441 W Charleston Blvd, LV. 558-4372.

Yoga & Qigong – 7:45-9:15pm. Multi-level ashtanga yoga class and qigong infuses balancing chi (energy). $10 donation. 107 E Charleston, LV. 325-9923. GoldLightYoga.com.

tuesday Momma’s Milk Circle – 10am-1pm. Support group for nursing moms and babies of up to one year of age hosted by lactation specialists. Well Rounded Momma Homestead, 3556 E. Patrick Ave, LV. 7952500. WellRoundedMomma.com.

Beginner’s Yoga – 4:30-5:45pm. Classical Ashtanga yoga. A multi-level class created for new and intermediate students; an emphasis on play, heart opening, and alignment. Blue Sky Yoga, 107 E Charleston, LV. 325-9923. GoldLightYoga.com.

Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. Relax and de-stress in a safe, serene environment of friends and practitioners. Free. 2595 S Cimarron, LV. 702-327-3720.

AllAboutLove.ReikiConnection@yahoo.com.

wednesday Brain Balance Open House – 2:30-4:30pm. 2nd Wed. For all parents, teachers, educators, administrators and support staff. Learn about ground breaking, drug free program that helps kids with ADD, ADHD, Aspergers,Tourettes, OCD, PDD. Free. Brain Balance Achievement Centers of Henderson, 11 S Stephanie St, HD. 778-9500. BrainBalanceCenters.com.

Inspirational Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. Natural healing through guided meditation. Relax and recharge your mind and body. $5. Call for location.

405-9375. Transformations-LasVegas.org.

thursday Green Drinks – 2nd Thurs. Network with other eco-friendly business professionals. Times/locations vary. Facebook.com/GreenDrinksLV. Country Fresh Farmers’ Market: Water Street – 9am-4pm. Free. Events Plaza, 240 Water St, HD. 579-9661. CountryFreshFarmersMarket.com.

‘Bet on the Farm’ Farmers Market – 10am-1pm.

Mario Batali’s and Joe Bastianichу’s sustainable market. Free. Springs Preserve, 333 S Valley View Blvd, LV. BetOnTheFarm.com.

Momma’s Milk Circle – 10am-1pm. Support group for nursing moms and babies of up to one year of age hosted by lactation specialists. Well Rounded Momma, 6000 S Eastern Ave, Ste 9A, LV. 795-2500.

WellRoundedMomma.com.

Solar NV Monthly Meeting – 6:30pm. 3rd Thurs.

Featuring speakers from variety of renewable energy disciplines and great place to network with people who

share an interest in renewable energy. Free. UNLV, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, LV. 507-0093. SolarNV.org.

South Valley Rose Society Meeting – 7-8pm. 4th Thurs. Various gardening topics each month. Clark County Cooperative Extension Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Rd, LV. 257-5555.

friday Downtown3rd Farmers Market – 9am-2pm. Locally grown fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers and artisanal selections. Guest chef demonstrations.

Kids craft zone. Dog park. Largest indoor Farmers Market in the valley. Free parking. 300 N Casino Center, LV. Downtown3rd.com. fresh52 Farmer’s & Artisan Market – 9am2pm. Lively, friendly, open-air market. Free. Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd S, LV. 900-2552. fresh52.com.

Country Fresh Farmers’ Market – 10am. Free.

Henderson Pavilion, 200 S Green Valley Pkwy, HD. 579-9661. CountryFreshFarmersMarket.com.

Judith Pinkerton Radio Show – 12pm. Call between 12:06 and 12:58 pm at 609-7626 and ask important questions about the right music for stress.

All Talk Radio.net. Music4Life.us.

Community Hu – 3:15-3:45pm. Open your heart to divine love and experience uplifting joy, healing, relaxation and spiritual connection. Free. The Spirit Within U, 4780 W Ann Rd Ste #4, NLV. 224-4328.

Winder Farms Farmers Market – 4-8pm. Farm fresh products, produce, meats, salads, juices, etc. from local vendors. Free. Galleria at Sunset, 1300 W Sunset Rd, HD. First Friday – 6-12pm. Arts festival on 1st Fri each month. Food, drink, art and entertainers. Free.

Downtown Arts District, LV. 384-0092. FirstFridayLasVegas.org.

Community Hu – 6:15-6:45pm. 4th Fri. Open your heart to divine love and experience uplifting joy, relaxation and spiritual connection. Free. Pure Health Foods, 7575 Washington #129, LV. 224-4325.

Northwest Las Vegas Reiki Circle – 7-8:30pm.

3rd Fri. A safe, sacred healing circle that comprises a healing exchange along with instilling spiritual insights and empowerment. The Reiki Gal LLC, 7495 W Azure Dr, LV. 875-2967. TheReikiGal.com.

Drum Circle – 7:30-9:30pm. 2nd & 4th Fri. Shake away the stress. Come drum, listen, dance, meditate or just be. Tea and Hummus served. $10. Just Breathe Wellness Center, 5333 S Arville St, Suite 206, LV. 553-6819. JustBreatheWellnessCenter.com.

lage, 302 S Rampart, LV. 900-2552. fresh52.com.

Boot Camp in The Park – 9-10am. Affordable, structured fitness program. $15person/$20pair.

Reunion Trails Park, 44 Chapata Dr, HD. CertifiedPersonalTraining@yahoo.com.

Chi Kung & Tai Chi Classes – 9-11am. Chi Kung (Qigong) is the art of developing internal energy particularly for health and vitality, mind expansion and spiritual cultivation. $10. Rainbow’s End Natural Foods, 1100 E Sahara Ave, LV. 324-0353.

EarthPowers.com.

5 Tibetan Rites – 9:30-10:45am. Introduction to The 5 Tibetan Rites. Free. Call for location. 4059375. Transformations-LasVegas.org.

Las Vegas Electric Vehicle Club – 10am. 2nd Sat. Informative discussion about and display of electric vehicles. Free. Call for location. 277-7544. lveva.org.

Kids Rhythm Club – 11-11:45am. 2nd Sat. Drum together for fun, make new friends. $3.

2975 S Rainbow Blvd, Ste B, LV. 702-889-2881.

DrumCirclesLasVegas.com.

The Art of Spiritual Dreaming Book Discussion – 2-3pm. 4th Sat. Recognize dreams as a source of inner truth and as a key element of spiritual growth.

Free. Starbucks, 2120 Rampart, LV. 224-4325.

classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY NATURAL AWAKENINGS LAS VEGAS MAGAZINE FOR SALE − Own a business that makes a difference. The current owners wish to transition this turnkey opportunity to someone with similar passion, enthusiasm, and vision. No experience necessary. Training provided. Call John Voell.

239-530-1377.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS A SPIRITUAL WORKSHOP ON OAHU − March 24-28, 2013. Energy Healers Kia Abilay and Dorinda Gay. CEU classes offered 3/22 and 3/23. LedInHawaii@gmail.com. LedInHawaii.com.

845-679-6911.

BECOME A CERTIFIED HYPNOTIST − Increase your income as you help people lose weight, stop smoking, reduce stress. Intense training event, Feb. 17-24, 2013. Register now to receive, with your program tuition, a free LV hypnosis convention ($350 value). Only 20 seats. Call today: 888-851-5606 for details. AcademyOfHypnosisTraining.com.

saturday fresh52 Farmer’s & Artisan Market – 8am-2pm.

Lively, friendly, open-air market. Free. Tivoli Vil-

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

ADD/ADHD TREATMENT brain balance achievement center oF henderson

11 S Stephanie St, Ste 120, HD 89012 702-778-9500 • BrainBalanceHenderson.com Offering individualized plans to help children with learning difficulties reach their greatest physical, mental, social and academic potential. Customized programs correct imbalance and reduce/eliminate negative behaviors. We are brain-based, not drug based. See ad, page 9.

CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS red rock chiroPractic & wellness center

Dr. Margaret R. Colucci 2085 Village Center Circle, Ste 110, LV 89134 702-880-5335 • RedRockChiropractic.com Dr. Colucci, a 1989 Palmer graduate, serving the Las Vegas valley for over two decades.

Specializing in treating the whole body in family wellness care, pediatric & pregnancy chiropractic care, auto, work & sports injuries.

Serving Summerlin.

stella chiroPractic wellness center

Dr. David Stella, DC 4225 E Stewart Ave, Ste 111, LV 89110 702-932-1798 • StellaChiropractic.com Chiropractic solutions for overall wellness and pain relief.

Individualized care since 1998. Anti-aging, body work, a r o m a t h e r a p y, n u t r i t i o n a l counseling, detox programs. We welcome you to live the life you were meant to live. See ad, page 6.

CLEANING SERVICES green clean

Perry Dau 702-522-1898 GreenCleanCS.com Certified green cleaning company using Green Seal Certified cleaning chemicals and supplies. Sanitary and safe service eliminates gross soils (DIRT) with little to no chemical residual or odor.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY solutions sPecialtY PharmacY 8579 S Eastern Blvd, Ste B, LV 89123 702-792-3777 • VegasCompounding.com

We design medicines made for each unique patient and their specialized needs including bioidentical HRT for men and women. We consider a customer’s general well being and offer consultations with appointments.

ENERGY HEALING healing energies Qi gong

ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPING sunstate comPanies

6590 Boulder Hwy, LV 89122 702-798-1776 info@SunstateCompanies.com Water Smart contractor specializing in landscape construction, grounds maintenance, fertilizer, masonry, concrete, interlocking pavers and tree service. Call for a consultation. See ad, page 25.

FAMILY DENTISTRY generations dental

Dr. Truvella “Trudy” Reese, DMD 7480 W Sahara Ave, LV 89117 702-982-0400 • GenDental.com Eco-friendly, family-friendly dentistry with state of the art technology. Specializing in personal attention and conscientious oral health care. Accepting most insurance plans, new patients welcome.

Christy Berry-Ugarte 702-239-2680 HealingEnergies.vpweb.com

The practice of this serene, balancing and energizing exercise will open your energy meridians and balance your Chakras. I will empower you with flowing movement, breath, color therapy techniques and meditation. See ad, page 22.

HOLISTIC DENTIST bell center For biological and holistic dentistrY Dr. Michael Bell, DDS 8068 W Sahara Ave, Ste A, LV 89117 702-256-7666 • LVtmjDentist.com

linda PerrY Pt

productb4plana.com 702-239-1069 • 1-800-871-3554 Share the “fountain of youth” or the closest thing to it in a bottle with Product B. Formulated by genitist/researcher Bill Andrews and Master Formulator John Anderson.

ENERGY MEDICINE

Holistic dentistry with a whole body approach to create a healthy smile and body. Live microscopic viewing of mouth bacteria. Laser gum disease treatment.

Computerized TMJ and bite analysis. Mercury testing and removal. Nutritional testing. Autonomic nervous system analysis. Invisalign. See ad, page 22.

Four seasons dental sPa

stella chiroPractic wellness center

Angela Drake 375 N Stephanie, Ste 1213, HD 89014 702-932-1798 • StellaChiropractic.com

Dr. Jim Wright, DDS, AiAOMT 8855 W Flamingo, LV 89147 702-281-9900 • HolisticDentistLasVegas.com

Healing modalities for inner harmony and wellness. Certified in Holodynamic Life Coaching, iLipo Ultra + Specialist, DNA Theta Healer, Deeksha Giver, Clairvoyant, H.U.N.A Healer, Energy Healing, Raw Food Fusion and Juice Cleansing. See ad, page 6.

G

estures, in love, are incomparably more attractive, effective and valuable than words. ~ Francois Rabelais

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Las Vegas

NA-LV.com

Practicing holistic, mercury-free cosmetic and general dentistry in a relaxing spa atmosphere.

Specializes in veneers, Lumineers, Invisalign braces, All-on-4 Dental Implants, sleep dentistry, sedation dentistry and teeth whitening. See ads, page 11.

hormone centers oF nevada

Dr. Orlandis Wells, MD OB/GyN 2649 Wigwam Parkway, Ste 101, HD 89074 702-568-6108 • HendersonNVobGyn.com Functional medicine to treat fatigue, weight gain, depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, and hormone imbalances. Treating the root problem – not symptoms, we help patients enjoy their lives and their relationships.

roYal medical clinic

Mindy Marolies -Nurse Practitioner 9065 S Pecos Rd, Ste 250 HD 89074 702-938-5055 RoyalMedicalClinic.com Do you have fatigue? Low sex drive? Poor memory? It could be your hormones. See Mindy, a BioIdentical Hormone specialist, at Royal Medical Clinic, and get your life back today. See ad, page 21.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE roYal medical clinic

Daniel F. Royal, DO, HMD, JD 9065 S Pecos Rd, Ste 250 HD 89074 702-938-5055 RoyalMedicalClinic.com We treat causes not symptoms with unique and natural therapies that are not available anywhere else.

They failed? Get the Royal Treatment for energy, weight loss, pain relief, Bio-Identical hormones, testosterone, diabetes and more. See ad, page 21.

LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPY

rePublic services

702-735-5151 RepublicServicesVegas.com Facebook.com/RepublicServicesVegas Republic Services o ff e r s c o m p l e t e waste and recycling solutions for residential, commercial, industrial and construction customers. Offering free recycling assessments to meet the needs of any sized business or project.

Massage has been an essential element of the wellness lifestyle for thousands of years the world o v e r. F o r $ 3 9 / h r y o u c a n experience these traditional techniques. Call today. Feel better now.

LIFE COACHING anika raY

Akashic Records Expert Practitioner/ C.C. Life Coach 800 N Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107 702-370-5277 • anikaray88@hotmail.com Akashic Consultations and Life Coaching Sessions. Get clarity and guidance; get rid of the negative patterns and blocks and bring balance into your life. Free initial phone consultation/coaching session.

Wellness Center & intl. School of Reiki Victoria Stitzer, Expert in Rapid Behavior Modification • 702-405-9375 Transformations-LasVegas.org Transform your “Fears into Power”; “Pain into Joy” through powerful proven Mind-Body t e c h n o l o g i e s : N L P - E F TRegressions-Detox-Reiki-Pranic & Thetahealing. Free Reiki circles Wednesdays @7pm. Call 702659-2390.

SOLAR ENERGY

YOGA

solar universe

bikram Yoga las vegas

Solar by the ProsNABCEP. Tier 1 product line, best in the business.

Best price guaranteed on comparable products.

Multiple finance options available – Lease, Zero Down, Non-equity.

Lose Weight, Tone Your Body, Energize Your Life! The newest certified Bikram Yoga facility offering 26 classic hatha yoga stretching postures and two breathing exercises taught in a 90minute class. See ad, page 8.

Las Vegas & Henderson SolarUniverse.com 877-43-SOLAR (7-6527)

Oleg Vydra, Director / Owner 702-547-yOGA (9642) BikramLasVegas.com

bodYheat hot Pilates & Yoga

STRESS REDUCTION stress less las vegas

Leanne L. Earnest, Ph.D. 2340 Paseo Del Prado D-307, LV 89102 702-222-1812 • StressLessLasVegas.com Dr. Leanne Earnest is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years experience integrating mindfulness meditation with traditional psychotherapy. She teaches proven programs to reduce stress, improve mental and physical health. See ad, page 23.

8876 Eastern Ave, Ste 105, LV 89123 702-432-0028 BodyHeatyoga.com

Hot Yoga, Hot Pilates, Body Sculpt, and Boot camp classes are taught in a state of the art environment with the optimum atmosphere. We have a variety of classes to suit all levels. See ad, page 24.

HO

WEIGHT LOSS

chuck williams, nvmt4937

3315 W Craig Rd, Ste 105, NLV 89032 702-285-8321 • MassageHelpsThat.com

transFormations

RECYCLING

HORMONE HEALTH

ene Fre

om medical

305 702

Dr. Anil Patel 6841 S Eastern Ave, Ste 100, LV 89119 702-456-7546 • OmMedical.org Providing specialized personal care in weight loss and preventative medicine to avoid major medical problems. Nutrition and fitness counseling, cardiac screening, supplements. Anti-aging and skin rejuvenation services matches inner health with outer beauty.

your and b i FitN

WELLNESS cie aura

Violet Malagon 702-334-2713• VioletM.CieAura.com Sleep better, increase energy, relieve allergies, manage weight.

Revolutionary holographic chips create total balance for life. Like acupuncture without needles. Old Wo r l d m e e t s N e w Wo r l d Technology. No meds, no drugs, non-transdermal, natural, safe. See ad, page 23.

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It’s Always a Bright, Sunshiny Day When You Love Your Work. fu O ll rg pa an g ic e B ad ey on

d

Don’t miss this opportunity to own one of Las Vegas’ most exciting businesses.

Las Vegas Natural Awakenings Magazine is For Sale

This is a turnkey business. The current owners wish to transition the publication to someone with similar passion, enthusiasm and vision.

• Huge Income Potential • No Experience Needed • Training Provided

call 239-530-1377 today for more information

www.naturalawakeningsmag.com