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Awakening to Spirit Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us

Sweetly Vegan

No-Bake Holiday Treats

Holiday Treats for Our Pets Natural Fragrances

Made with Essential Oils December 2015 | Columbia Edition | MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

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natural awakenings

December 2015

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contents 7

7 communitynews

12 healthbriefs

14 globalbriefs 18 healingways

12 20 giftguide 26 consciouseating

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30 naturalpet

34 healthykids 36 directory 39 calendar 41 classifieds

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings please contact us at 803-233-3693 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of 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.

15 DETECTING ALLERGIES AND FOOD INTOLERANCES

Cravings May Be a Clue

by Center for Environmental & Occupational Medicine

16 ACUPUNCTURE

Finding Its Place in Our Healthcare System

by William D. Skelton, D.Ac.

17 DENTAL FILLINGS:

Eating Mercury for the Holidays?

18 HEAVENLY SCENTS How to Make Your Own Natural Oil Fragrances

by Kathleen Barnes

22 AWAKENING TO SPIRIT

Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us

26 SWEETLY VEGAN No-Bake Holiday Treats Worth Celebrating

by Judith Fertig

30 EAT, BARK AND BE MERRY

30

Healthy Holiday Treats for Our Pets

by Sandra Murphy

34 GENEROUS

by Jennifer Jacobson

MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

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by Richard Davenport

Teaching Kids How to Care and Share Columbia Edition

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by Joanna S. Dover, DMD

PINT-SIZED GIVERS

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natural awakenings

December 2015

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letterfrompublisher A Little Thought of Encouragement …

H contact us Owner/Publisher Annette Carter Briggs Writers Odell Williams Senior Editor Sara Gurgen Design & Production Kristina Parella Billy Briggs Stephen Gray-Blancett Advertising Sales Annette Carter Briggs Sustainability/ Development Consultant Aloysius Anderson To contact Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition: PO Box # 2812 Columbia, SC 29202 Phone: 803-233-3693 Cell: 803-309-2101 Fax: 877-412-4905

appy Holidays! As you prepare for what I am sure will be a very busy December, I would like to leave you with a thought of encouragement and hope inspired by this month’s editorial theme: Prayer and Meditation.

They are often used interchangeably and, without question, are the source of great discussion, debate and deep exploration. I will leave the philosophical positioning and theocratic arm wrestling for others and simply state that, as for me, the matter is settled: prayer and meditation are real, and if applied correctly and effectively, can be life changing.

If the mind is cluttered with unproductive and self-defeating thoughts, the heart is wrestling with serious life questions and the soul is thirsting for change, effective prayer and focused meditation can help open the door to clarity of mind, rediscovered hope and much sought-after change of self and circumstances. To many, both serve as an official invitation to God, a much higher power, to get intimately and actively engaged in one’s life and circumstances deemed much too difficult to overcome alone. Others refer to it as pure and focused positive thinking.

In both instances, a grounding “faith,” as it were, is required to serve as a tether for an unrelenting hope and belief that change and transformation will absolutely occur as a result of the process—both inside and out.

This is where I stand: As this year comes to a close and 2016 looms just over the horizon, prayer and meditation, in my opinion, can be the keys to finding the right perspective and proper context for those things that left us puzzled, discouraged and frustrated in 2015. It was a difficult and trying year for many S.C. residents. And, the resulting negative thoughts, if not addressed 11/1and replaced by an invasion of new productive thinking, hope and an inspired vision, will most cerSEI-Columbia tainly put at risk all that is hoped for in 2016. As someone once said, “Meditation 540-1213-NA-Reach-PCMT-4x is to dive all the way within, beyond thought, to the source of thought and pure Natural Awakenings consciousness. It enlarges the container every time you transcend. When you come 4.75 x 3.25 out, you come out refreshed, filled with energy and enthusiasm for life.”

PK In love...Annette Briggs, Publisher 10/7

ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2015 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.

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

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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communitynews December Holiday Drop-in at The Balance Institute

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n Tuesday, December 15, The Balance Institute will host a holiday dropin from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Owners Debra Gallup and Liana Marconyak cordially invite local residents to join them in celebration recognizing the Balance Institute’s two-year anniversary at its new location. The Balance Institute has expanded into a 6,000-square-foot health and wellness center, which has such services as massage therapy, personal training, yoga and aikido martial arts.

Hot chocolate, apple cider and Christmas cookies will be served while attendees take informal guided tours of the facility, meeting the institute’s staff and skilled practitioners. Holiday specials on massage gift certificates will be made available for purchase as great stocking stuffers.

Give the gift of health this holiday season.

Cost: Free. Location: The Balance Institute: 1905 Sunset Blvd., Ste. C, W. Columbia. For more information, call 803-796-4807, or visit tbiHealth.net or Facebook.com/TheBalanceInstitute.

“ W e pu t t h e ca r e i n ca r e g i v i n g .”

Do You Need A Helping Hand?

We Offer: Personal Care Companionship 24-Hour Care/Live-In Alzheimer’s Care Monthly Nurses Visits Transportation Meal Preparation Medication Reminders Light Housekeeping Laundry Respite Care (803) 699-1016 | helpinghandscareofsc.com 9444 Two Notch Road | Suite C-3 | Columbia, SC 29223

Crafty Feast,

an Independent Craft Fair

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t’s all about arts and crafts! On Sunday, December 13, highly skilled crafters and artists from all across the Southeast will converge on the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, to sell unconventional and experimental, one-of-a-kind, all handmade goods. The largest indie craft fair for Columbia and the Midlands region by far, more than 100 jury-selected makers from Florida to Pennsylvania will fashion and display for purchase unique gifts, such as quirky letterpress stationery, artisan jewelry, lamps created from vintage gasoline cans, and tiny succulents planted inside wine corks.

Other event highlights include music, food, craft tables and craft beer.

Cost: $3, general admission; free, children 10 and under.

Times: Noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 803-3488861 or email CraftyFeast@gmail.com. Also visit CraftyFeast. com and Facebook.com/CraftyFeastColumbia.

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communitynews ICRC Hosts Santa’s Market Craft Show

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n Saturday, December 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) will host its Santa’s Market Craft Show at Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane, Columbia. Attendees will have the pleasure of enjoying the sights and delights of the holiday season at this free annual event featuring unique gifts, charming decorations and one-of-a-kind crafts. Great gift-giving items will be available for purchase, including art prints and paintings, handmade jewelry, ornaments, painted glassware, holiday wreaths and decor. As a note, vendor applications will be accepted until the show is full.

Cost: Free. For more information, call 803-772-3336 or visit icrc.net.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Presents

Myths and Mysteries Winter Zoo Camp

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rom Monday, December 21, through Wednesday, December 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Riverbanks Zoo & Garden will host its Myths and Mysteries Winter Zoo Camp for children from ages 5 to 10 years old.

Kids, and the young at heart, are full of probing questions about the natural world, like: Are turtles capable of crawling out of their shells? Can opossums hang from their tails? Do crocodiles cry? Parents are encouraged to take the kids out to join the zoo’s detective team. Together, they will uncover the truth about these curious questions and other mysteries of nature. Campers will collect clues through animal visits, crafts, games, storytelling, behind-the-scenes tours and more! Each child will receive a complimentary T-shirt the first day of camp. Riverbanks Zoo requests that campers wear their T-shirts each day of camp.

Additional T-shirts can be purchased online for $15.

Cost: $115, Riverbanks members; $155, general public.

Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia. Pick up: 4 to 4:15 p.m. daily (at gate 6). Note: Drop-off and pick-up location is subject to change. Registered participants will be notified by email prior to the start of camp should a change be necessary. Extended stay and play: 4 to 5 p.m., $30 per camper. Note: Children must be picked up by 5:15 p.m. For more information, call 803-779-8717 or visit Riverbanks.org.

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U.S. Dept. of Energy

Launches Small Business Voucher Program

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he U.S. Department of Energy, in conjunction with a number of national laboratories, recently announced a new small business voucher program for clean-energy businesses.

The initiative is a pilot program that seeks to find clean-energy small businesses with innovative technologies that would benefit from national laboratory technical assistance and capabilities.

The program offers selected businesses up to $300,000 in assistance in the form of lab expertise (e.g., testing and technical input). Selected businesses are matched with handpicked experts at the national labs that use this funding to help businesses create and commercialize new and improved products and processes.

Examples of assistance the voucher program would provide to small businesses include addressing technical problems, testing and validating technologies, developing and testing unique materials, and conducting modeling and analyses. Other examples include providing advanced technology for hardware and software applications, prototyping, improving production and manufacturing processes, scaling up technologies and processes, developing engineering designs, field-testing and conducting techno-economic analyses to understand market value.

Eligible businesses must be for profit with no more than 500 full-time equivalent employees worldwide and be based and owned within the U.S. Products categorized as intellectual property developed under the assistance of this grant must be substantially manufactured within the U.S. For more information about the small business voucher program, call 803-7370411, or visit PalmettoCleanFuels.org or sbv.org.

The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value. ~Charles Dudley Warner

Cayce Hosts Historical Museum Christmas Traditions Open House

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n Saturday, December 5, the city of Cayce and the Cayce Historical Museum will host the 26th annual Cayce Christmas Traditions Open House, starting at 6 p.m., at the Cayce Historical Museum, 1800 12th Street, Cayce. With the help of many volunteers, each room in the museum will be decorated with trees and crafts from the 18th to the 21st century.

Other featured highlights include live entertainment, tour guides dressed in period attire, and light refreshments.

At 6 p.m., as darkness falls, living history encampments and displays will be open to viewers on the museum grounds celebrating the long and important role the city of Cayce has played in the formative history of the S.C. Midlands.

Cost: Free. For more information, call 803-739-5385, email KCarmine@ CityOfCayce-SC.gov or visit CityOfCayce-SC.gov.

natural awakenings

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communitynews KMB Hosts Gala

for Greener Midlands

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eep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) will host its annual Gala for a Greener Midlands on Friday, December 11, from 6 to 10 p.m. The annual fundraiser is designed to support the beautification efforts in the Midlands and to recognize award-nominated “green leaders” within the community. The evening will start with light hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. Dinner will follow, featuring locally sourced foods along with the presentation of the Midlands Green Awards honoring those in the Midlands community that strive to advance the mission and vision of KMB. The night’s activities will also include great music and dancing. Black tie is optional. Established in 1989 to serve Richland and Lexington counties, the mission of KMB is to engage, inspire and educate Midlands residents on the importance of investing in the community through litter prevention, recycling and beautification.

Cost: $75. Location: Holiday Inn & Suites: 110 McSwain Dr., W. Columbia. To sponsor a table or for ticket purchasing, call 803-733-1139 or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.

Columbia Children’s Theatre Presents … Jingle Arrgh the Way

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he Columbia Children’s Theatre will present its holiday musical production, Jingle Arrgh the Way, from Friday, December 4, through Sunday, December 13. This Christmas pirate adventure will feature young pirates solving a riddle to find a special Christmas treasure. Based on a story by S.C. author Melinda Long, the musical features her beloved characters from the book How I Became a Pirate! Opening night will feature a red carpet party starting at 6 p.m. On Saturday, December 5, the Columbia Children’s Theatre will offer a special holiday package that will include breakfast, holiday activities, photos with Santa at 9 a.m. and a performance of Jingle Arrgh the Way at 10:30 a.m.

Cost: $10, adults and children ages 3 and older; free, children under the age of 3; $8, active duty military and seniors; $5, Saturday nights on the main stage.

Location: Columbia Children’s Theatre: 3400 Forest Dr. (Richland Mall, Ste. 57), Columbia. Times vary; visit website for details. For more information, call 803-6914548 or visit ColumbiaChildrensTheatre.com.

Volunteers Needed for Working for Wildlife Day

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he Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge and the S.C. Wildlife Federation will host a workday for staff, friends and volunteers at the National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, December 12. Those interested in volunteering to help are encouraged to call in advance to reserve a space. The workday is an annual project of the S.C. Wildlife Federation Refuge featuring work activities, such as raking around red-cockaded woodpecker trees to exclude them from prescribed burns, trail maintenance, installing trail signs, and building information kiosks. Those joining the team can look forward to a day of learning about refuge wildlife while helping conserve and protect valuable natural resources.

Participants should plan to wear field clothes, comfortable shoes, and bring work gloves, drinks and a snack. Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Headquarters Office, located 3.5 miles east of McBee, S.C., on U.S. Highway 1, in Chesterfield County. The workday will conclude at noon. Participants are welcome and encouraged to picnic at Lake Bee before leaving the refuge. Anyone planning to bring a group should make notification in advance.

Location: Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge: 23734 N U.S. 1, McBee, S.C. To volunteer, call Sara Green at 803-609-4778 or email her at Sara@scwf.org. For more information, call the S.C. Wildlife Federation office at 803-256-0670 or visit scwf.org.

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PSCFC to Loan Alternative Fuel Vehicles

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he Palmetto State Clean Fuels Coalition (PSCFC) will soon have alternative fuel vehicles for individuals to borrow and test drive.

The Southeast Alternative Fuel Vehicle Demonstration Initiative (SADI), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, allows PSCFC to loan vehicles that run on propane (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and electricity.

The goal of the SADI program is to get alternative fuel vehicles into the hands of interested fleet managers so they can try the technology with no cost or commitment. PSCFC and its technology providers will track the vehicle usage data and report back to fleet managers with a summary of miles driven, fuel used and fuel savings based on current fuel prices. The vehicles available for demo include Nissan Leafs; Ford F-150s (CNG); Chevy 1500 pickup trucks (LPG); Bluebird school buses (CNG & LPG); Ford police sport utility vehicles (LPG); and Dodge Charger police pursuit vehicles (CNG).

Each vehicle, with the exception of the Nissan Leaf, can be borrowed for up to two weeks. Vehicles will be available beginning in January. Interested fleet programs and managers are encouraged to submit inquiries and requests in advance.

For more information, including the submittal process steps, call 803737-0411 or visit PalmettoCleanFuels.org. natural awakenings

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healthbriefs

Digital ‘Blue Light’ Reading Disrupts Sleep Rhythms

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ecent findings from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, has determined that reading from a light-emitting tablet or computer before bedtime will disturb sleep and may change the circadian rhythms that govern the body’s clock.

The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, tested 12 people for two weeks. On five nights during one week, the subjects read ebooks on an iPad for four hours before bedtime. Another week, they read from printed books for the same duration.

During the five days of iPad reading, the participants fell asleep later and spent less time in rapid eye movement (REM)-stage sleep. The light-emitting tablet altered the circadian rhythm, changing the body’s natural sleeping pattern. The researchers also tested other blue-light emitting devices, including laptops, tablets, other eReaders, cell phones and LED monitors.

“We found the body’s natural circadian rhythms were interrupted by the short-wavelength enriched light, otherwise known as blue light, from these electronic devices,” says neuroscientist Anne-Marie Chang, Ph.D., one of the study authors.

Dr. Charles Czeisler, Ph.D., a leading sleep researcher, remarks, “In the past 50 years, there has been a decline in average sleep duration and quality. Since more people are choosing electronic devices for reading, communication and entertainment, particularly children and adolescents who already experience significant sleep loss, epidemiological research evaluating the long-term consequences of these devices on health and safety is urgently needed.”

Meditation Linked to Telomere Integrity in Cancer Patients

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aintaining telomere length has been directly linked to longer lifespan in a number of studies. A telomere is the structure at the end of a chromosome that protects it from deteriorating or fusing with other chromosomes. Its length is being used to measure the potential success of integrative therapy for recovering cancer patients; now University of Calgary research has found that mindfulness meditation helps.

The researchers tested 88 breast cancer survivors with a previous diagnosis of stage-one to stage-three breast cancer.

The patients’ telomere lengths were tested after either group-support therapy or mindfulness meditation training that included gentle hatha yoga exercises. Results showed that while the control group’s telomere lengths decreased over time, both the mindfulness group and the support therapy group were on average able to maintain their telomere length throughout the testing period.

Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store. ~Dr. Seuss

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Spirituality is Beneficial for Cancer Patients

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ccording to a new review of research published in the journal Cancer, a strong religious or spiritual belief system may improve a cancer patient’s prognosis physically, emotionally and mentally.

Researchers from Florida’s H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute and North Carolina’s Wake Forest School of Medicine reviewed clinical studies that included more than 44,000 cancer patients. The first review focused on physical symptoms and found that patients with stronger religious and spiritual beliefs reported fewer cancer symptoms and better physical health. They also showed enhanced capabilities in managing their daily lives.

“These relationships were particularly strong in patients that experienced greater emotional aspects of religion and spirituality, including a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as a connection to a source larger than oneself,” states Heather Jim, lead author of the first review.

The second review focused on mental health and found reductions in anxiety, depression and distress among those with greater spirituality.

Lead author Dr. John Salsman comments, “Also, greater levels of spiritual distress and a sense of disconnectedness from God or a religious community were associated with greater psychological distress or poorer emotional well-being.”

In the third review, the researchers found that patients with a stronger spiritual well-being reported better social health, as well.

Garner’s Natural Life

Introduces CBD Oil to Its Product Lineup

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by Emily Crawford, RN

here is a new product on the shelf at Garner’s Natural Life that is garnering attention from many around Columbia, the greater Midlands area and beyond. Cannabidiol oil, also known as CBD oil, has sparked interest from many seeking effective treatment. The responsible use of CBD oil has been shown to be effective in the treatment and symptomatic relief of such ailments as chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, autism and arthritis.

Some are familiar with CBD oil because of its relationship to marijuana oil. It is made from hemp and has a very minute percentage (0.3) of tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana that causes many of the side effects that most recreational marijuana users seek. However, those seeking the use of CBD oil, do so for its proven medicinal benefits.

In South Carolina and in many other states, CBD oil is, in fact, legal. It has been clinically found to exhibit antianxiety, anti-inflammatory and antipsychotic properties. It also seems to serve well as an effective treatment for pain management. In addition, because it activates serotonin receptors, CBD oil has proven to be helpful as an antidepressant.

After decades of analysis and hundreds of medical studies on cannabidiol oil, many doctors now believe that the human body maintains its own endocannabinoid system. States one scientist: “The endocannabinoid system is a sophisticated group of neuromodulators, their receptors and signaling pathways involved in regulating a variety of physiological processes, including movement, mood, memory, appetite, and pain.” Ultimately, the responsible use and application of CBD oil can be an effective remedy for serious ailments.

For more information on CBD oil and its medicinal benefits, the knowledgeable staff of Garner’s Natural Life stands ready to assist. Garner’s carries a wide array of quality CBD oil products, including Palmetto Harmony, a brand produced by an S.C.-based company that manufactures whole-plant organic CBD oil made only from the plant bloom.

Sources: SafeAccessNow.org, ProjectCBD.org and PalmettoHarmony.com.

Garner’s Natural Life is located at 4840 Forest Dr., Ste. 15-A, Columbia. For more information, call 803-454-7700 or visit GarnersNaturalLife.com. See ad, back page.

Emily Crawford is a registered nurse and a wellness associate at Garner’s Natural Life. natural awakenings

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

Fungus Among Us

Mushrooms Offer Pesticide-Free Insect Control Paul Stamets, one of the world’s leading mycologists, invented a fungus (mushroom)-based pesticide in 2006.

An industry executive states, “This patent represents the most disruptive technology we have ever witnessed.”

This “smart” pesticide provides a safe and nearly permanent solution for controlling more than 200,000 species of insects.

Entomopathogenic (insect-destroying) fungi are altered so they don’t produce spores. This actually attracts the insects, which then eat them and turn into fungi from the inside-out. The invention has the potential to revolutionize the way humans grow crops.

Source: Earth. We Are One. View the patent at Tinyurl.com/FungusPesticidePatent.

Interactive Government

White House Responds to Online Petitions President Obama has made it a priority to open a direct channel for people to be heard via online petitions. Jason Goldman, chief digital officer at the White House, says that his staff has responded to dozens of requests to take action on a variety of issues in recent months. “We want to make sure those responses aren’t the final page, but rather the start of an ongoing conversation,” he says.

Change.org has chosen to integrate with the We the People platform, meaning the future signatures of its 100 million users will count toward the threshold of 100,000 for getting an official response from the administration.

“The process of hearing from us about your petition is going to look a little different,” says Goldman. “We’ve assembled a team of people responsible for taking your questions and requests and bringing them to the right people, whether within the White House or in an agency within the administration that may be in a position to say something about your request.”

Visit Petitions.WhiteHouse.gov.

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Greener Globe

World Powers Vow Cuts in Emissions This year’s G7 Summit of the U.S., UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, plus the European Union, has agreed in principle that the global economy must be completely fossil fuel-free by the end of this century to curb destructive climate change.

To that end, the nations agreed to work toward cutting emissions between 40 and 70 percent by 2050.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also announced that the G7 countries would raise $100 billion from public and private sources by 2020 to help poorer nations adapt.

Environmental groups such as Greenpeace praised the action. In a statement, the Sierra Club called it “the first time that the leaders of the world have made clear with one voice that we must get off fossil fuels completely.”

Two hundred countries are expected to commit in writing to specific plans for greening their economies at the United Nations Climate Change Conference this month in Paris.

Source: TheHill.com

healthspotlight

The three most common intolerances are to: 1) Gluten: in all foods containing wheat, rye, spelt, kamut, barley and non-gluten-free oats. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soy sauce, flour thickeners, etc., are common hidden sources of gluten.

2) Dairy products: in all foods containing milk, yogurt, sour cream, cheese, cream cheese, whey solids and casein—also sometimes found in soy or rice milk cheeses.

3) Soy products: in all foods containing tofu, soy milk, soy protein, textured vegetable protein (TVP), large amounts of soy lecithin, etc.

Detecting Allergies and Food Intolerances Cravings May Be a Clue

by Center for Environmental & Occupational Medicine

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he classic picture of a person with food intolerances is that of a chronically thin, pale, listless individual hovering just on the edge of leading a more normal life. Add allergies to the mix and the classic picture gets worse, with clear impairments manifesting both seasonally and year round.

But what if the patient doesn’t fit the classic picture? Some individuals that appear robust and may even be overtly overweight, can rocket through school, sports and career activities. Yet, they complain of stomach pains, fatigue, joint problems, headaches, muscle aches and a thousand varied symptoms that never seem to slow them down—at least to outside observers.

When weight gain accompanies a cluster of symptoms, such as listed above, and diets of different types are followed for weeks on end without much weight loss or relief, then food allergies and intolerances may, in fact, be the problem. In the case of food allergies, placing an individual in an allergy testing room can often dispel any notion or misconception that favored, much-enjoyed foods couldn’t possibly be part of the problem. Patients are often astonished to witness tested areas exhibit the angry, raised, red wheals of a full-blown allergy reaction to a healthful food of choice once assumed to be safe. The reality is that many favorite foods contain ingredients that trigger allergic reactions based upon each individual’s unique biochemistry and specific intolerances. In some cases, by abstaining from food items for a period of 30 to 60 days and then limiting intake to no more than once every four to seven days, an individual can regain tolerance to a particular food item. In other cases, a longer avoidance—occasionally permanently—is necessary to prevent an allergic reaction and support optimal health.

Unlike an allergy, food intolerance requires a trial strictly off that entire category of foods for at least four weeks and often as much as 12 weeks before reaching a true gauge of what benefits can be gained by consistent avoidance.

Unfortunately, gluten, dairy and soy all seem to cross-react against each other in terms of the incidence of intolerance. Often, all three categories must be strictly avoided for complete relief of all symptoms.

What happens when the intolerant person that has intractable excess weight starts to avoid his/her trigger foods? Often, he/she begins to lose weight, slowly and steadily, without nearly the effort required previously. Part of the solution is that his/her symptoms of fatigue, joint pain, headache or gastrointestinal symptoms begin to fade after four to 12 weeks on the diet, which gives the individual more energy to actively exercise. But mostly it seems that the avoidance of intolerant foods allows the individual’s metabolism to heal; high cortisol levels that are triggered by the stress of mal-digested foods to recede to normal levels; and a tendency toward insulin resistance to normalize. Then weight can be lost, especially central midsection heaviness.

As the diet is carefully continued, the person heals. Now that’s true robustness!

Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine specializes in preventative and personalized health care. Schedule a consultation today online at coem.com or call 843-5721600. Email health questions to AskADoctor@ coem.com. See ad, page 2.

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therapyspotlight

ACUPUNCTURE: Finding Its Place in Our Healthcare System

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by William D. Skelton, D.Ac.

ver the past 40 years practicing acupuncture, William D. Skelton, D.Ac., founder and owner of the Acupuncture Clinic, conveniently located at 620 Sims Avenue, in Columbia, has observed the astounding and transformative ways in which acupuncture has enhanced the nation’s healthcare system. To many, acupuncture has earned its place in the medical field by merit and by meeting the health industry’s rigorous demands and expectations for all integrated components of patient care.

Research by respected institutions, such as the World Health Organization, the National Institutes of Health, the Mayo Clinic and others, validate and recommend using acupuncture for more than just the treatment of pain. Such findings have revealed that acupuncture can be an appropriate and effective treatment option for a broad range of health conditions and works well with conventional medical care.

Hospitals and specialty clinics are increasingly adding acupuncture treatment as part of a comprehensive model of care. Skelton, along with his skilled

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staff at the Acupuncture Clinic, has provided acupuncture services for two major hospitals for the past 25 years. Both healthcare facilities offer acupuncture as an effective treatment option in their respective multimodality/ multispecialty clinical portfolios. Due to the success of acupuncture treatment programs offered by clinical providers, such as the Acupuncture Clinic, the Joint Commission recently included acupuncture as a standard nonpharmacological treatment option for pain and behavioral health. The commission is the nation’s oldest and largest accreditation and standards-setting body in health care, accrediting nearly 21,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States.

Pain remains the most common reason patients seek acupuncture.

The list is vast, including such conditions as back pain, migraines, neuropathy, arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica and many others.

There are new and exciting areas of acupuncture use emerging for conditions that are difficult to treat, medically undiagnosed and/or mood and stress related. The Veterans’ Administration

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system, for example, uses acupuncture to treat anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and pain. A Mayo Clinic study on using acupuncture to treat fibromyalgia found it to be beneficial. The study also reported a marked improvement in the care and treatment of individuals suffering from various conditions, including fatigue and anxiety. In fact, major oncology centers now offer acupuncture as a treatment option for conditions such as nausea, malaise, neuropathy, mood fluctuations and fatigue.

Fortunately through research, technology and medical imaging advancements, there is a better comprehension and understanding within the healthcare industry, as a whole, of how acupuncture promotes positive change in a patient’s brain and body, which will ultimately lead to improved application.

The acceptance of acupuncture as a viable treatment option by the healthcare system is largely due to the highly skilled expertise and dedication of acupuncture practitioners that meet the nation’s highest education, safety and examination standards to attain national board certification. Acupuncture has been so efficacious that many other healthcare specialties are exploring variations of acupuncture-like treatment methods typically involving electricity, laser or dry needles. These have vastly different practice and education standards and differ in clinical outcomes. Numerous studies validate and reinforce the many benefits and advantages of comprehensive acupuncture treatment that is administered effectively and professionally by certified practitioners.

Those interested in trying acupuncture or wanting to learn more about the nature and benefits of care should find and contact a practitioner that has been licensed by the S.C. Board of Medical Examiners and holds national board certification with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

For more information about the services provided by William D. Skelton, D.Ac., and the Acupuncture Clinic, call 803256-1000 or visit SCAcupuncture.com.

See ad, page 14.

dentalspotlight

Dental Fillings: Eating Mercury for the Holidays?

by Joanna S. Dover, DMD

H

appy holidays! Lots of chewing happens at this time of the year, and for those with amalgam fillings, you’re getting more than just the turkey! The World Health Organization warns that mercury “may cause harmful effects to the nervous, digestive, respiratory, immune systems and to the kidneys, besides causing lung damage. ... Recent studies suggest that mercury may have no threshold below which some adverse effects do not occur.”

Despite these findings, amalgam fillings continue to be used. They have contained approximately 43 to 50.5 percent mercury by weight for more than a century. Mercury vapor is continuously released from amalgam restorations (see the video of a smoking tooth on iaomt.org), and numerous studies show that the number of amalgam surfaces correlates with brain, blood and urine concentrations of mercury. While the rate and amount of mercury release is dependent on numerous factors, amalgam fillings are the major source of blood mercury for those with fillings that do not work with mercury.

The effects of mercury on neural tissue include mood changes, memory and concentration problems, headache, fatigue, and reduction in hand steadiness and manual dexterity.

Mercury has been shown to be a contributing factor in multiple sclerosis and to create the same damage to brain tissue as that found in Alzheimer’s disease. One study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease even concluded that “the elimination of industrial and medical usage of mercury would be the single most effective public health preventative measure which we could implement.”

But not everyone has adverse effects to low levels of mercury exposure, and it may only take a small amount for others to have adverse effects. Numerous genes have been identified which regulate the toxicity of mercury. Removal, when not carefully performed, can result in a post-removal spike in blood and urine mercury. The International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) recommends certain guidelines to reduce the likelihood and severity of such a spike. The guidelines include using activated charcoal, positive pressure oxygen, a rubber dam or isolite, and special suctions. Nutritional supplements and chelating agents have been shown to be beneficial as well.

Individuals that have their amalgam fillings removed show a 60 to 76 percent reduction in their urine and blood mercury levels after six months. After one year, these individuals have comparable mercury levels to those that have never had amalgam fillings. In many studies—and from personal experience—removal alleviates symptoms that are associated with mercury exposure. There are only a few offices in South Carolina that follow the recommended IAOMT guidelines, and we are the only one in the Columbia area. When having these types of fillings removed, we encourage you to ask your dentist to follow suit.

Take control of your health. Your body is one large system. Dental health is a part of total body health.

Joanna S. Dover, DMD, owner of Forest Drive Dental Care, 5101 Forest Dr., Ste. A, Columbia. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 803-782-8786. See ad, page 35.

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healingways

that interfere with hormone production, cancer-causing phthalates, and synthetic musks that have been linked to hormone disruption, among many other ills.

Naturally Safe Scents

HEAVENLY SCENTS How to Make Your Own Natural Oil Fragrances

by Kathleen Barnes

A

whiff of sweetness can communicate a personal signature of tranquility, alertness or romance, or it can cause a bout of miserable sneezing, wheezing or nausea for those in the vicinity and even the unwitting wearer.

Commercial Chemicals

“When you see ‘fragrance’ on a personal care product label, read it as ‘hidden chemicals,’” warns the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit watchdog Environmental Working Group (EWG). “A major loophole in the [U.S.] Food and Drug Administration’s federal law lets manufacturers of products like sham-

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poo, lotion and body wash include nearly any ingredient under the term fragrance without actually listing the chemical.” Companies that manufacture personal care products are required by law to list the ingredients they use, but fragrances and trade-secret formulas are exempt.

What’s known as a dirty little secret in the fragrance industry is the unlabeled presence of toxic chemicals not only in perfumes, but in any personal care product that includes a scent. Lab tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and analyzed by the EWG confirm the presence of parabens

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“Opting for natural scents from organic essential oils not only offers a toxin-free alternative, the oils’ aromatherapy benefits have time-proven therapeutic value,” suggests Dorene Petersen, president and founder of the American College of Healthcare Sciences, in Portland, Oregon.

Recent research from the Pontificia Universidade Catolica, in Brazil, confirms that lavender oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving properties similar to those of a mild-dose narcotic. Plus, it smells heavenly, says botanical perfumer Roxana Villa, of Woodland Hills, a California-based spokesperson for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

“Considering the part of the plant used will give you an idea of its therapeutic value,” says Villa. “A root base will be good for grounding. Since bark is like skin, oils such as birch will benefit skin and muscles. Oils from flowers are excellent for anything related to the head and mind.”

Oregano and cinnamon oils have powerful antifungal properties, even against Candida-type fungi resistant to prescription drugs, according to Brazilian research from Universidade Federal. A groundbreaking study from the Slovak University of Technology, in Slovakia, even suggests that rosemary oil can kill cancer cells.

These are all scents that can be the foundations of do-it-yourself perfumes.

The 1-2-3s of Blending Oils Base Notes Middle Notes Top Notes sandalwood lavender orange jasmine bergamot lemon myrrh geranium grapefruit vetiver rosemary eucalyptus patchouli tea tree lime cedarwood clary sage peppermint A general ratio of 50 percent base note oils to 30 percent middle notes and 20 percent top notes is recommended.

Source: courtesy of AuraCacia.com

Customized Blends

“It’s fun to experiment with organic essential oils and create that unique blend that becomes a personal signature,” says Charlynn Avery, an aromatherapist with Aura Cacia, in Norway, Iowa. She explains that essential oils have three basic “notes” and blending them correctly will result in a fragrance suited to last throughout the day.

“The base note is heavier and lasts the longest. Patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood and jasmine hang around longer in the atmosphere and on the wearer,” she explains.

Blending the base with a slightly lighter middle note like lavender, rosemary or clary sage and a light and short-lasting top note like orange, lime or peppermint will create a complex and pleasing blend.

“That’s the beauty of the art of it,” says Avery. “You can create synergistic blends that harmonize and complement the attributes of each to such an extent that you may not be

able to detect the scents of the individual oils.”

There are no hard and fast rules, but our experts offer a few guidelines for creating our own unique blends that will be well-received as holiday gifts.

Use a base of oil like jojoba or sweet almond to create a perfumed oil. Note that oils undiluted by a carrier can burn the skin.

For oil-based blends, use a ratio of 50 drops of bottom note oil, 30 drops of a middle note and 20 drops of a top note in two ounces of carrier oil.

Another option is to use an alcohol base of either isopropyl rubbing alcohol or 85-proof vodka to make a spray perfume; the alcohol will evaporate quickly. Alcohol-based blends generally last longer, especially with fragile citrus oils.

A usual ratio is 10 to 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of alcohol-based carrier.

Oil-based blends are ready to use almost immediately.

Alcohol-based blends should age a week or two at least and will become more strongly scented in time.

Store fragrances in bottles in a dark, cool place. Bottles with tiny roll-on caps are commercially available.

“It’s very much trial and error to arrive at a preferred scent, so be creative and keep careful notes of experiments and improve on them as you gain experience,” counsels Avery.

“If you crinkle your nose at patchouli, you probably won’t like an oil blend with it, either. Choose scents you like.”

Kathleen Barnes is author of numerous natural health books including Food Is Medicine. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

GIFT BLEND FOR MEN Western cultures value “manly” Earth scents like sandalwood and cedarwood, while in other cultures, flowery scents are acceptable for men. An appealing woodsy blend for an American male blends cedarwood, clary sage and lime. natural awakenings

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The Holiday This holiday season give gifts of love, health and well-being! Here are some meaningful gift ideas for the most significant people in your life.

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MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

Gift Guide

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AWAKENING TO SPIRIT Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us

by Richard Davenport

By its intimate connection with divine love, Spirit infuses human experience with qualities of amazing grace—unexpected clarity, vision, wisdom, peace, compassion, emotional release, inspirational epiphanies, deep understanding and comprehensive healing of mind, body and soul.

W

hile society abounds with scientific research, products and practices that promise to enhance our mind or body and the mind-body connection, without Spirit in the mix, neither rises to its full potential. A heart open to a higher power exponentially multiplies the effects of this crucial connection.

“Just as a candle spreads light in a darkened room, people who are living in-Spirit give off a higher energy that can bring light to our hearts and minds.

In other words, we can be inspired just by being in their presence,” according to renowned bestselling author Wayne Dyer, Ph.D.

Experiential, non-verbal and life-changing encounters with the unbounded power and presence of Spirit in prayer and meditation are difficult to analyze in the same way as mind-body

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science. However, Dyer points to the works and outcomes of Spirit as visible evidence of how it lifts us up.

We see individuals with rapturous hearts sending out signals that they love the world and everyone in it. Those that live in Spirit tend to see the world as a friendly place, are at peace with themselves, appear to be open and accepting rather than judgmental and harsh, and often report being healed of all sorts of diseases, relationship challenges, career fluctuations and questions of purpose and direction. They attest to how Spirit shines a triumphant light in the midst of dark nights of the soul, redefining the essence of life itself and declaring us worthy in our innermost reaches.

Personal Healing

When a 19-year-old woman entered basic military training at Lackland Air

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Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas, and was undergoing initial medical and psychological screening, she was identified as having body and mind issues that would require her to be separated from the service. These problems included organ failures and spinal misalignment, as well as severe consequences of an emotionally abusive upbringing. It was determined that she could not handle the physical and mental demands of military life. Because the policy was to not treat such problems if identified upon entering the service, authorities allowed her to remain in training until her separation from the Air Force could be processed.

The woman was impressed and also distressed by the finality of the verdict and assessment tools used by mind and body experts among the medical staff. In talking with a chaplain on the base, she came to understand that she could choose to appeal her case to another jurisdiction, a “higher” court of Spirit. Focusing on the voice of divine love, she grew to see Spirit as more than a higher power. She saw Spirit as a higher authority. She surrendered to divine love’s authority as ultimate law, supremely qualified to reorder her whole being. She trusted that aligning with spiritual power could change her view of her identity and the seemingly inescapable consequences of genetics, environment and human history denying her desire to serve her country in this way.

Listening to a higher witness testifying on her behalf and identifying her authentic being as the magnificent expression of the magnificent Creator, she felt encouraged to the point that her mind and body stopped arresting her progress and became more effective servants, responding with greater freedom and joy. One limitation after another fell away, and the military and medical authorities seemed pleased with her progress as she neared completion of training. Finally, performing a mile-and-a-half run within a required time remained the only obstacle to graduation, and she was still 45 seconds too slow.

This helpful passage from the Hebrew prophet Isaiah became central to her prayer and meditation as she

approached her last running attempt: Young people will get tired; strapping young men will stumble and fall.

But those who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength.

They will soar on wings as eagles.

They will run—never winded, never weary.

They will walk—never tired,

never faint. ~Isaiah 40: 30-31 (The Voice)

About Your Health

She passed her final attempt with 18 seconds to spare, running on eagles’ wings.

So, how can we all discern such a divine witness to our original authentic being amidst loud testimony of all the voices and labels shouting in our head and body, including those imposed by others?

Prayer and Meditation

There are two approaches to listening to the voice within, whether we name it God, higher power, Spirit, grace, Eternal One, or divine love or Love.

Complementary, rather than mutually exclusive, both approaches require a capacity, gained through patient practice, of quieting the inner and outer chatter and learning to hear that which calls us to be more than what human experience suggests is possible. It’s who we are in the eyes of grace.

Sanford C. Wilder, of Grafton, Illinois, author of Listening to Grace, offers personal growth and development programs through EducareUnlearning.com that encourage prayer and meditation that emphasize listening. He practices both approaches and makes distinctions between them.

“When I pray, I am directing my thoughts toward God, listening and often affirming what I know to be divinely true. I am yearning to surrender my will and affections in conscious connection with the divine such that I or another receives a blessing,” shares Wilder. In such prayerful listening, he hopes to gain something, often a new insight and corresponding manifestation.

“When I meditate, my intention is to sacrifice every thought, concept, image and feeling to God, the only

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consciousness. I trust that listening and observing with nonattachment helps me release conscious and unconscious conditioned thought patterns permeated by a human sense of self.” Through meditative listening, he hopes to release everything rather than receive anything, accepting that everyone is equipped and able to be open to, witness and experience nonstop blessings.

Helen Mathis has been an educator in the Philippines and Swaziland as well as the U.S., including an instructor of religion at Principia College, near St. Louis; she is now part of a Centering Prayer Circle in Stockton, California.

She explains that centering prayer may be seen as a hybrid that embraces both prayer and meditation, nourishing what’s beneath the preoccupied self to awaken a deeper and vastly more authentic self.

Mathis appreciates what Cynthia Bourgeault explores in her book Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, that, “This confusion between small self and the larger Self… [the] ‘True Self,’ ‘Essential Self’ or ‘Real I’—is the core illusion of the human condition, and penetrating this illusion is what awakening is all about.”

Like Bourgeault, Mathis believes that it’s not about the absence of thoughts so much as detaching from our thoughts, trusting that we can let go and be safe, consent to surrender human will and forgo personal agendas. Only then can spiritual sense come into play.

“The goal is to awaken to, open to and get in touch with our innermost being and Spirit,” Mathis affirms.

“Clearly, centering prayer assumes we each have a spiritual awareness

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Through conscious listening we discover that our true nature—as witnessed by Spirit—though sometimes obscured from view, is never altered from its original beauty and wholeness. ~Helen Mathis

To feel Spirit’s presence, we must surrender our own sense of how it will work, its timeline and the impact on our ego or status quo.

As with anything worthwhile, conscientious practice is essential.

of the divine within us that acts, as Bourgeault puts it, as ‘a kind of interior compass whose magnetic north is always fixed on God.’”

law that responds to our thinking, emotions and attitude; we learn how to use it to stabilize life structures and demonstrate health and well-being.

“Ultimately, in stage three, we become a vehicle of life in service to life.

Instead of using the law, the law uses us. Life fulfills its own nature through us,” he says. “All of life is conspiring for our freedom, liberation, wholeness and health.”

He urges us not to stop and stagnate at stage two, using divine laws only to manifest personal conveniences, stuff and even people for our use; this can hijack views of abundance into materialism and consumerism. He quips, “We are not here to go shopping.”

Core Shift

Dwelling in Spirit

We often approach a Spirit dimension with the attitude of “what it can do for me.” The higher practice that mystics and other deep thinkers of various faith traditions ultimately arrive at instead centers on transforming our whole self to align with Spirit’s purpose for us, which changes everything.

Reverend Dr. Michael Beckwith, founder of the New Thought Agape Spiritual Center, in Los Angeles, and a spiritual mentor to Oprah Winfrey, believes, “The relationship we have with the infinite is more about how we are to serve it than it is to serve us.”

Beckwith describes three primary stages of realizing the power and purpose of divine Spirit expressed as our spirit. The first is that of a victim (feeling powerless, unable to effect change). The second is when an individual learns the existence of universal

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Grace and Spirit work in us, through us and between us, yet we can’t simply summon them up or outline their outcomes.

To feel Spirit’s presence, we must surrender our own sense of how it will work, its timeline and the impact on our ego or status quo. As with anything worthwhile, conscientious practice is essential.

Life, defined by Spirit, gives fresh strength and impetus to mind and body. All three are vital elements of the dance of life.

Richard Davenport is a spiritual life educator (HigherGroundForLife.com) and the founding executive director of an inclusive nationwide Bible and spiritual life community (BibleAndSpiritualLife. org). Now based in St. Louis, MO, he is a retired Air Force chaplain, having served at Lackland and other U.S. Air Force bases on three continents.

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SWEETLY VEGAN No-Bake Holiday Treats Worth Celebrating

by Judith Fertig

“

V

isions of sugar plums” have been part of holiday mindsets since the advent of Clement Moore’s classic 19th-century poem commonly known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.

We love to give and receive special treats and our tastes are evolving. Instead of yesteryear’s sugary bonbons loaded with calories that we’ve come to regret, today’s preferred confections focus more on naturally sweet dried fruits, best-quality chocolate, healthful coconut and crunchy nuts. Vegan, gluten-free delicacies from chefs and culinary experts the world over help us celebrate the season in a deliciously healthy way, including those we highlight this month.

“Christmas isn’t Christmas without a traditional pudding,” says Chef Teresa Cutter, author of Purely Delicious. Cutter is founder and director of The Healthy Chef company, in Sydney, Australia, which creates functional foods for taste and optimal health. Her no-bake desserts such as miniature Christmas puddings and carrot cake take only minutes to make.

Emily Holmes, a Queensland, Australia, wellness coach who blogs at Conscious-Foodie.com, says her favorite is Holmes’ Chocolate Cherry Mini-Cupcakes. She serves them with a pot of peppermint tea.

Houston-based Joshua Weissman is the author of The Slim Palate Paleo Cookbook and blogs at SlimPalate. com. He shares his philosophy on holiday treats: “My first thought is that I don’t want to feel guilty after eating it. My second is that I still want it to taste and look good.” His Almond Butter Pumpkin Pie Truffles fit the festive bill.

In New York City, noted vegan cookbook author and Pastry Chef Fran Costigan is an expert in all things chocolate, including her Chocolate Orange Sesame Truffles.

“When you make something really delicious with real ingredients, your mouth knows it, your brain knows it, your body knows it. You feel satisfied,” she says.

Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle.blogspot. com from Overland Park, KS.

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Photo by Stephen Blancett

consciouseating

No-Bake Festive Vegan Desserts

2 large raw carrots, grated Zest from 1 orange 2 tsp vanilla bean paste

set over a simmering pot of water.

Spoon a little white chocolate over the tops of the puddings if desired and garnish with goji berries, fresh cherries or another fanciful topper.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Serve puddings with chilled mango coconut custard.

Teresa Cutter’s Healthy Christmas Puddings Yields: 6 to 8 small puddings 8 oz fresh pitted dates—approximately 10 to 15 dates, depending on their size Zest from 1 orange 9 oz dried apricots, chopped 1½ cups almond meal/ground almonds 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp ground ginger 1 to 2 Tbsp orange juice 3 oz white chocolate, melted, for decoration (optional) Combine dates, orange zest, apricots, vanilla, ground almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger in a food processor.

Process until mixture is combined and looks like fine crumbs.

Spoon the mixture into a large bowl.

Add the orange juice, and then mix again. Pudding mix should come together when lightly hand-squeezed.

Divide into 6 small puddings. Line the base of 6 small decorative molds with plastic wrap and firmly press the puddings into them.

Once firmly packed in the mold, invert the pudding and remove the plastic wrap.

Melt white chocolate in a small bowl

Mango Coconut Custard 1 mango, chopped ½ cup coconut milk Juice from ½ orange

Combine walnuts, flaxseed, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, orange zest and sea salt into a food processor and run it until mixed and finely chopped. Add dates and apricots. Process again until thoroughly mixed.

Add grated raw carrot and vanilla and then process again until combined. The mix should now form a nice dough.

Spoon into a bowl. Add and knead oats through the raw carrot cake mixture.

Press cake firmly into a 6-inch round baking dish lined with parchment paper.

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Serve chilled with the puddings.

Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing at least 2 hours for the cake to rest.

It will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.

Enjoy as is or garnish with macadamia nut cream, a drizzle of honey and walnuts.

Note: Other raw nuts can substitute for walnuts—try pecans, almonds or macadamia nuts.

Macadamia Nut Cream Combine 1 cup of raw cashew nuts or macadamia nuts with ½ cup of orange juice or coconut water and a little vanilla. Blend in a high-speed blender like a Vitamix until smooth and creamy.

Teresa Cutter’s No-Bake Carrot Cake Yields: 16 servings 2½ cups (9½ oz) shelled walnuts 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed or whole chia seeds ½ cup (2 oz) rolled oats (or gluten-free almond meal) 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground ginger ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp sea salt 1 cup (6½ oz) of 12 large fresh dates, pitted ½ cup (3 oz) dried chopped apricots or pineapple (sulfur-free)

Emily Holmes’ Chocolate Cherry Mini-Cupcakes Yields: 2 dozen mini-cupcakes Cake 1 cup raw, shelled, skinned nuts (such as almonds) 1 /3 cup cacao powder 4 fresh dates, pitted Filling 2 cup shredded coconut 1 cup dried cherries

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¼ cup vegan cream cheese ¼ tsp cinnamon ¼-½ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp fresh grated ginger 1 Tbsp coconut flour 2 packets stevia (like Sweetleaf packets) Coating (vanilla bean white chocolate) 2 oz food grade (not for skin care) cacao butter broken up into small pieces for melting ¼-½ vanilla bean pod, cut in half lengthwise to scrape out the interior, or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 20 drops stevia (like Sweetleaf Steviaclear drops)

6 fresh dates, pitted ¼ cup coconut cream ¼ tsp vanilla powder Pinch of sea salt Topping 3½ oz melted dark chocolate

In a medium-sized bowl, combine everything for the filling, including pumpkin purée, almond butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, coconut flour and stevia. Mix thoroughly until smoothly incorporated and no

Process nuts and cacao powder in a food processor until the nuts are finely ground and the mixture is fully combined. Slowly add the dates until the mixture sticks together.

Place into the refrigerator to set, where it also stores well until served.

Joshua Weissman’s Almond Butter Pumpkin Pie Truffles Yields: About 12 to 16 (1½-inch) truffles Warm winter spices mix with fragrant pumpkin and almond butter to make seasonal truffles hand dipped in fresh vanilla bean-infused white chocolate.

Filling ¼ cup canned pumpkin purée (not pie filling) ¼ cup almond butter

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Turn the heat to low to keep warm and melted. Pull out the hardened filling shaped into balls and one at a time drop them into the white chocolate mixture and roll them around until they’re fully covered with mixture using fingers or a small spoon.

Carefully spoon out each truffle using a spoon, gently tapping the spoon on the inside of the saucepan to slough off excess cacao butter that may pool on it.

Take special care not to drop the truffle.

Gently place each treat back onto the tray. Repeat the whole process until all the coated balls are on the tray.

Let them cool at room temperature and serve immediately or place them in the refrigerator to harden and serve later.

Chilled, truffles will keep for 3 to 5 days.

Local Recipe

Sharon Wright’s Good Life Café Ginger Orange Cookies

Press the mixture into the bottom parts of a 24-cup mini muffin pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

Process filling ingredients in a food processor until well combined. Spoon the filling onto the cupcake base in the muffin cups and then top with melted dark chocolate.

Place cacao butter in the top of a double boiler and melt and add stevia.

Then add vanilla beans and mix well.

cream cheese chunks are left.

Chill by refrigerating the mixture for 10 to 20 minutes or freezing it for 2 to 5 minutes.

Roll chilled filling mixture into mediumto-small-sized balls a little less than an inch in diameter and place them on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Place balls back into the refrigerator for 10 minutes or the freezer for 5 minutes so the balls harden enough to allow dipping.

Heat a double boiler or small pot that fits into a medium pot of gently boiling water over medium-to-low heat.

Scrape out the vanilla bean pod, conserving vanilla beans for adding once the cacao butter is melted.

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Cookies: 2 cups quick oats 2 cups cashew 1 inch fresh ginger, grated Zest of one orange 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder 1 tsp ginger powder 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup molasses

Using a food processor make the flour by placing cashews and oats in the food processor. Process into a fine flour. Add remaining ingredients and process well.

Form into balls, or flatten. Place in a 115 degree dehydrator for 2 to 5 hours, depending on desired dryness.

Spoon into a small shallow container and refrigerate uncovered about 2 hours until the ganache is firm. The ganache can be covered and refrigerated at this point for up to 1 week.

Shape Truffle Centers Remove the ganache from the refrigerator. Use one spoon to scoop out 1-inch pieces of ganache and another to push it off the spoon into the container. When half the ganache has been used, roll into logs about 1-inch long, washing and drying hands as needed. (If at any time the ganache becomes too soft to shape, refrigerate until cold before proceeding.)

Icing: 1 cup vegan cream cheese ½ cup vegan butter 1 cup fresh raspberries 2 cups confectioner’s sugar

Photo by Steve Legato

Blend all ingredients together with an electric hand mixer or by hand. Spread atop dehydrated cookies. Store cookies in the refrigerator.

Fran Costigan’s Chocolate Orange Sesame Truffles Yields: 20 to 24 (1-inch) truffles This creamy chocolate truffle has a slightly chewy texture with a coating for color and crunch. Raw tahini is sweeter than when its roasted and either kind is good.

Truffle Ganache 4 oz dark fair trade chocolate (70 to 72 percent), finely chopped Finely minced zest of half a medium orange 3 Tbsp orange juice ¼ cup agave syrup 1 Tbsp raw or roasted tahini, stirred 1½ Tbsp white sesame seeds, lightly toasted 1½ Tbsp black sesame seeds, lightly toasted

it’ll smooth out with whisking.

Simmer the mixture for 30 seconds until it’s shiny and smooth. Remove from heat and wait about 30 seconds until it’s no longer steaming and then pour it over the chocolate.

Cover the bowl with a plate. Wait 1 minute and then stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Note: The ganache will not be perfectly smooth.

Cool to room temperature, stirring a few times using a silicone spatula.

Cover and refrigerate the truffle centers 15 to 25 minutes to set, before final shaping and finishing with the sesame seed coating.

Truffle Coating Mix the sesame seeds in a small bowl.

Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons on the bottom of a shallow container.

Put a few logs at a time into the bowl of sesame seeds and roll until lightly coated. Pinch the ends to form the oval quenelle (football) shape.

Place the finished truffles in the refrigerator to set for 35 to 45 minutes.

Adapted from Vegan Chocolate, by Fran Costigan, used with permission.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic and non-GMO (genetically modified) ingredients whenever possible.

Place the chocolate in a small heatproof bowl.

Mix the orange zest and juice and agave in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat just to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and add the tahini, whisking vigorously. The mixture will thicken immediately. Don’t be concerned if it looks broken or curdled; natural awakenings

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naturalpet

Eat, Bark and Be Merry Healthy Holiday Treats for Our Pets

by Sandra Murphy

A

s with families everywhere, special taste treats are on the menu for many dogs, cats and wild birds during the holiday season. Owners are cautioned not to share rich, unfamiliar foods from the table that can be detrimental to an animal’s health. Better fare are homemade treats of organic, safe and tasty ingredients—true gifts from the heart.

Homemade assures the quality of ingredients, avoids unhealthy additives and allows the giver to adjust for individual taste or food sensitivities. Most healthy recipes can be made from readily available ingredients.

Wild Birds

Offer them a variety of seeds and fresh water. Always use unsalted, unseasoned seeds. Mix harder-to-crack striped sunflower seeds with the smaller black oil version to attract the largest number of birds. Organically grown peanuts in the shell, dried fruit, oranges, pomegranates or rehydrated raisins offer a burst of energy. Impale round fruits, halved, on a small dowel rod attached to the feeding table to hold them in place.

Note that oats go to waste, shelled sunflower seeds spoil and cracked corn attracts raccoons. Pass on any kind of popcorn.

DIY Suet

Mix one part organic peanut butter with five parts organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) corn meal. Smear into a pinecone to hang from a branch or directly on tree bark for woodpeckers and wrens to enjoy.

Don’t use low-fat peanut butter because birds need to pack in the calories in order to stay warm.

Cats

Organic catnip, fresh or dried and baked into a crunchy treat, will bring kitty running. In recipes, avoid canned tuna because of bisphenol A (BPA) concerns; also minimize the frequency and portion of tuna and salmon treats

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due to mercury accumulation in the fish. Unseasoned tuna or salmon packed in water in a pouch is a better choice. Many recipes labeled for dogs can be converted for cats by making them into smaller bites.

Dogs

“When possible, I put organic and local foods, non-GMO, hormone-and antibiotic-free, grass-fed and humanely raised properties at the top of my list. A healthier dog means fewer vet visits and more years together,” says Tonya Wilhelm, a dog trainer in Toledo, Ohio. “Buy in bulk from a co-op or farmer and maybe share with friends to get the best price.”

Remember that rich or unfamiliar foods can make pets sick. Instead, gift them with their own healthy, safe treats from known ingredients so that everyone has a happy holiday.

Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

Dehydrated Foods

Dehydrating removes moisture from food while retaining nutrients, and comprises a distinct cooking method. Stephanie Raya, resident chef at Excalibur Dehydrator, in Sacramento, California, recommends, “For safe chicken and pork, pre-cook before dehydrating. Beef can be dehydrated from a raw state. My Boston terriers also love dehydrated, sweet potato chips.”

A number of commercial dehydrated meat and fish jerkies have been recalled (search DogFoodAdvisor. com/?s=treats). Homemade treats offer superior control of ingredients.

“When I make my pets’ treats, I know what’s in their food, including the herbs used for flavor,” says Raya. After she’s ensured that the food is thoroughly dried, she packs it in vacuum bags and stores them away from light. She notes that dehydrating takes longer than baking, but is cost-effective at 25 to 50 cents an hour. Veggie options include dehydrated zucchini chips, butternut squash chips, cherry tomato bites, matchstick carrots or peach or other fruit slices.

Make it Festive

A cat’s sense of smell is 10 to 15 times better than ours, but is still modest compared to dogs that out-sniff us by a factor of 30 to 60 times; that’s why putting wrapped treats under a holiday tree or in a stocking is a bad idea. Store them securely and then bring them out when it’s time to open gifts. Use blue tissue paper for easy-to-open Hanukkah gifts, red or green for Christmas (bows, yes; ribbons, no). For dogs that love puzzles, placing treats inside a wrapped box adds to the fun.

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Special Holiday Pet Recipes 1 cup filtered water 10 oz chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into 2-in cubes ½ cup brown rice, dry 1 cup coconut flour 1 Tbsp ground flax seed Place water, chicken and rice in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer covered, for one hour. Strain and let cool.

Coconut Bites Yields: Approximately 20 cookies 1 orange, peeled, seeded, chopped into bite-size pieces 1 banana, peeled, chopped into bite-size pieces ½ cup coconut flour Lemon zest Preheat oven to 275° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Put the orange and banana into a food processor or blender. Purée until smooth.

Combine blended fruit and coconut flour. Mix well. Form into 3-inch flat discs and place on a lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Lightly sprinkle lemon zest on the uncooked treats.

Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Remove cookies and place them on a rack to cool.

Tip: Keep a few treats in an air-tight container and freeze the remainder for later.

Recipe courtesy of Tonya Wilhelm

Chicken Bites Yields: Approximately 24 cookies

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Add hamburger and stir fry until almost fully cooked. Add peppers, kale and figs to the meat. Continue to stir fry until the kale is reduced.

Preheat oven to 275° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Allow mixture to cool. Then, place mixture into a food processor or blender and purée until smooth.

Place cooled chicken and rice mixture in a food processor or blender. Purée until smooth.

Combine the blended mixture and quinoa flour. Mix well.

Place the purée in a large bowl.

Add the coconut flour and flax seed; mix well.

Form into 3-inch flat discs. Place on a lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Remove cookies and place on rack to cool.

Form into 3-inch flat discs and place on a lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Remove cookies and place them on a rack to cool.

Recipe courtesy of Tonya Wilhelm

Cheesy Crunchies

Recipe courtesy of Tonya Wilhelm

Meatball Bites Yields: Approximately 24 cookies 1 Tbsp virgin coconut oil 10 oz grass-fed hamburger, 85 percent lean 4 oz green pepper, washed, seeded, cut in bite-size pieces 2½ oz kale, washed 3 figs, stems removed 1 cup quinoa flour Preheat oven to 275° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Preheat a frying pan on medium heat for three minutes. Add coconut oil. Coat the pan evenly.

MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

2 cups whole wheat flour ¼ cup cornmeal ½ cup cheese (any grated cheese) 1 egg 1¾ cup filtered water ½ cup fine-grated Parmesan cheese Mix all ingredients except Parmesan.

Knead dough until thoroughly mixed.

Roll dough into shapes (like sticks or squares) or use cookie cutter. Roll

shapes in the Parmesan. Dehydrate in a dehydrator at 155° F approximately 4 to 6 hours or until dry. For cats, make much smaller shapes.

Mix meat and broth, and then add oatmeal and egg.

Form into 8 small patties.

Recipe courtesy of Chef Stephanie Raya, Excalibur Dehydrator

Broil one or two at a time, leaving them fairly rare.

Roxanne’s Beef Jerky Strips for Dogs

Allow to cool, and then serve. They’ll keep in the refrigerator up to three days if the meat is fresh.

Use a mixer to blend all ingredients together except the oatmeal. Once combined, fold in oats with a spoon.

If dough is too wet, add more flour.

Roll out cookie dough to ¼-inch-thick sheet and cut with any shaped cookie cutter. Fill cookie sheets.

3 cups ground lean grass-fed beef 1 cup flour 2 tsp brewer’s yeast 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, drained Combine ingredients in medium bowl and mix thoroughly. Spread on a nonstick 1/8-inch-thick drying sheet.

Dry at 155° F until thoroughly dry and then cut into strips.

Recipe courtesy of Chef Stephanie Raya, Excalibur Dehydrator

Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Dog Biscuits

Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until biscuits are hard to the touch.

Cool and place in an airtight container.

Recipe courtesy of Livia J. Washburn, Trick or Deadly Treat

Kitty Patties Yields: 8 small patties ½ lb grass-fed, lean ground beef ½ lb lean ground turkey 4 Tbsp low-salt chicken stock 4 eggs ½ cup oatmeal or 1 packet instant oatmeal

Freeze the other patties until ready to use, good for up to four months.

Recipe courtesy of Janet Cantrell, Fat Cat at Large

Go Go Balls Yields: 30 to 32 balls ½ cup water-packed tuna fish or salmon (from a BPA-free pouch) 4 oz light cream cheese 2 Tbsp dried catnip (or more to taste) Drain the fish. If using salmon, remove the skin and bones.

Using a fork, flake the fish into a bowl and add the remaining ingredients.

Form small, marble-sized balls by hand and store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Recipe courtesy of Janet Cantrell, Fat Cat Spreads Out

Yields: 36 biscuits 1 sweet potato, boiled or baked ¼ cup peanut butter, low in fat, sugar and salt 1 egg 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 Tbsp coconut oil 1 tsp cinnamon, ground 1½ cups organic old-fashioned oats (aka rolled oats) Boil or bake sweet potato. Allow to cool before removing the peel if baked.

Heat oven to 350° F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. natural awakenings

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healthykids

Generous Pint-Sized Givers Teaching Kids How to Care and Share

by Jennifer Jacobson

A

mong a parent’s greatest rewards is seeing their children grow up to be productive, contributing members of society, including knowing how to give back and enrich the communities in which they live. Children can start participating in the giving process as toddlers. Having them observe regular charitable acts can make a strong impression and catalyze later independent initiatives.

Learning how to give and developing the associated skill set is a lifelong journey. Giving becomes a way of life—of looking at the world and determining how to help the causes they feel passionate about. Here’s how to take those crucial first steps.

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Ask kids how they’d like to help. If giving to a cause is new to the household, explain that the family has many opportunities. Then engage children in a conversation about the general areas they may feel strongly about supporting—perhaps individuals or families in need, animals or wildlife habitat—and start a list of those that the family is interested in.

Next, start researching related local organizations, facilities and institutions, and matching them to the topics on the list. Ideas may include food kitchens, pet shelters and animal rescues, nature parks, senior citizens’ residences, camps for low-income or physically or mentally chal-

MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

lenged children, zoos, museums, aquariums and local libraries.

Make a game plan. Get creative about how to actually help the selected causes. Talk it through together, map out activities—like visiting, donating funds or materials or participating in fundraising efforts—and post the results somewhere at home that is highly visible. “Gamify” it to some degree with tasks that turn into goals that turn into accomplishments that result in chits.

Quick tasks can make a big difference. Clear the clutter. Every six to 12 months, launch an all-family household closet cleaning day that includes the toy chest and maybe the garage. Add nonperishable healthy food items they’ve picked out while grocery shopping.

Make a “donate box” positioned where kids can add to it and deliver the donations often, even if it’s small.

Find ways to raise money for donations. Organize a family or neighborhood yard sale or organic bake sale that involves kids at all stages of the project, and give all or a portion of the proceeds to a selected charity.

Associate getting with giving.

For birthdays and holidays, include a handwritten “certificate of giving” that specifies the amount of money available for them to gift to their favorite charity. Take the child to the charity site to make the monetary donation in person, if possible. For non-local organizations, write a check and have the child include a letter with their thoughts and mail it.

Volunteer to do community service. Public gardens need weeding, historic buildings need painting and food banks need hands. Find goodwill tasks that are age-appropriate and engaging.

Grow the mindset. Tell real-life stories about kids or groups of kids that have found creative ways to give back. Encourage empathy by sharing appropriate stories of struggle. Ask kids, “How would you want people to help you in this situation?” Explain the action the family is taking and the resulting benefit to the recipient.

The conversation might be, “We don’t need to store all this stuff when someone else could really use it.” Or, “I bet there is a kid out there who would really like playing with this toy.

I know you used to love it, but how about if you pass it along to someone else so they can enjoy it as much as you have?� Keep the focus on the people in need and your child’s ability to share an experience through an item.

Establishing an impermanent connection to material things can help kids understand the importance of nurturing relationships over acquiring goods.

Develop a language of giving in the household by creating opportunities to incorporate it into regular conversation. Appropriate comments could share concepts such as seeing ourselves as stewards of the planet and the things we think we own; it’s our duty to help those in need when we have abundance; and if there is ever a time when we are without, we hope that others will think of us and help us.

Teaching children how their thoughts, words and actions impact those around them is a lesson that bears repeating.

Jennifer Jacobson lives in Seattle and has served on the boards of several influential nonprofits and other organizations focused on conservation, education and community.

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naturaldirectory Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, call 803-233-3693 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

ACCOUNTING CHRISTINA A. BOSWELL, CPA, LLC Quick Books Pro Advisor CBoswell@CABCPASC.com 803-233-9303 • CABCPASC.com

Christina A. Boswell has more than 25 years accounting and bookkeeping experience.

Boswell is a member of the SCACPA (SC Association of CPAs) and the AICPA (American Institute for CPAs). Her customized services include general ledger review and adjustments, bank reconciliations, light payroll services, quarterly/ annual payroll tax filings (including preparation of W-2s and 1099s), monthly tax filings and more.

ACUPUNCTURE THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

William D. Skelton, DAc 620 Sims Ave, Columbia 803-256-1000 • SCAcupuncture.com

Bill Skelton is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, active lives with safe, gentle and effective techniques.

He has 38 years’ experience and trained in the Republic of China.

Call to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 14.

AROMATHERAPY GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15-A, Columbia Trenholm Plaza, in Forest Acres 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com

Improve your level of stress, depression and mood with natural products from a locally owned family business. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you using aromatherapy for pain, anxiety, energy enhancement and more. We carry several brands of essential oils, including doTERRA. See ad, back page.

BUSINESS COACH/LIFE COACH

CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER INC.

CENTER FOR HEALTH INTEGRATION

Webster Technique certified, Dr. Jones provides family chiropractic care, health information and wellness resources to support the body’s natural ability to heal, allowing one to feel better and enjoy living a more active lifestyle! Call to schedule your appointment or discuss bringing our onsite chiropractic care and health-education services to your business, school or athletic team.

Feeling scattered, disconnected, achy, or fatigued? CHI’s essential touch therapies help to restore, renew and revitalize the wellbeing experience. Services include: Craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, directional healing, sound/vibrational therapies and integrative massage.

CHI also offers accupressure for emotions and young living therapeutic essential oils. See ad, page 17.

Dr. Shelly Jones, DC 5209 Forest Dr, Ste C, Columbia 803-771-9990 • DrShellyJones.com

FAMILY PRACTICE OF CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Jim Minico, DC 203 Amicks Ferry Rd, Chapin 803-932-9399 • DrMinico.com PatientServices.fpc@gmail.com

It is our mission to provide the community with the highestquality chiropractic care possible.

Exceeding your expectations in a caring, modern and positive environment. Restoring the body’s natural healing process.

A holistic approach to health utilizing chiropractic, massage therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition, weight management and homeopathy. See ad, page 23.

COLLABORATIVE LAW LAW OFFICE OF SHANNON K. BURNETT

109 N. Main St. Blythewood 803-786-1758 • Shannon.skblaw@gmail.com

Shannon Burnett helps families through legal issues that normally tend to tear families apart. She works in a collaborative fashion with other trained professionals to minimize the damage done to your family; it is her goal for your family to achieve a successful outcome and healthy resolution. See ad, page 11.

COLON HEALTH

MATRX COACHING

Suzanne Riley Whyte 803-760-6403 • info@MatrxCoaching.com MatrxCoaching.com

Are you struggling to achieve your professional or personal goals? Success in business and success in life go hand in hand. Locally owned Matrx Coaching is uniquely qualified to enhance your inner strengths and incorporate them into your business and personal life. Customized training, tools and instruction. Call to schedule a free consultation.

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CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

SPRING RAIN HYDROTHERAPY

Linda Salyer 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste H, Columbia 803-361-2620 • LSalyer@ymail.com

All disease begins in the colon.

Constipation; slow, sluggish bowel; gas and bloating? A colonic will help to rid you of these problems. Colonics promote good digestion, help speed metabolism, help lower cholesterol, and help relieve joint pain. Linda Salyer is IACN certified and a retired nurse. Special pricing every third week of the month. See ad, page 24.

MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

Pamila Lorentz, MSW, RN, LMBT 6136 Old Bush River Rd, Columbia 803-749-1576 • CenterForHealthIntegration.com

DENTIST FOREST DRIVE DENTAL CARE

Dr. Joanna Silver Dover, DMD 5101 Forest Dr, Ste A, Columbia 803-782-8786 • ForestDriveDental.com

Dr. Dover provides comprehensive, and compassionate dental care. BPA- and Bis-GMA-free composites, BPA-free occlusal guards, natural periodontal therapy, fluoride-alternatives for tooth remineralization, and mercuryfilling removal following IAOMT standards using supplemental oxygen, special filters and amalgam separators to keep toxic metals out of our waterways.

See ad, page 35.

THE ART OF DENTISTRY

Dr. Gregory J. Wych, DDS 7505 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo 803-781-1600 • IrmoCosmeticDentistry.com

Dr. Wych and his staff are committed to giving each patient the quality care and attention each desire and deserve. He believes that in dentistry, discovering the cause of the problem is the key to resolving it and to preventing its recurrence. Something he has done successfully for his patients for more than 28 years. Call today to schedule your appointment.

See ad, page 3.

ESSENTIAL OILS doTERRA-CPTG® ESSENTIAL OILS William Richardson 109 Coots Way, Irmo • 803-665-2943 WRichardson.doterra@gmail.com

Dedicated to sharing, teaching and educating others in the uses and common applications of doTERRA’s Certified Pure Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils. William offers Aromatouch Therapy, extensive knowledge of Reflexology, biological surveys and is available for personal consultations and classes. Call for consultation. See ad, page 18.

ENVIRONMENTAL & FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

HEALTH/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COACHING

BEYOND FITNESS WELLNESS SOLUTIONS LLC

CENTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

KATHY COOPER

Preventative and Personalized Health Care w/more than 75 years of combined medical practice.

Board-Certified Environmental, Functional and Integrative Medicine. We get to the root cause of your illness. Allergy Testing. Autoimmune Diseases. Women’s Health. See ad, page 2.

Kathy Cooper is passionate about helping women live a healthy, balanced life. Each health coaching program is personalized to help improve your mind, body and spirit. Kathy offers individual and group health coaching programs, as well as health and nutrition workshops and cooking classes.

Dr. Weirs Lieberman • Dr. Herbert Lieberman 843-572-1600 • COEM.com

FENG SHUI EASTERN DESIGN AND HOME STAGING LLC

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Certified Holistic Health Coach 803-546-4464 • KathyJCooper.com KathyCooper02@gmail.com

HEALTHY MONEY MANAGEMENT

Gary and Jennifer Mangum Independent Wellness Consultants & Personal Trainers 803-470-6632 LifeByDesign@BeyondFitnessWellness Solutions.com

We cannot train ourselves out of bad diets. Gary and Jennifer offer a life-changing, super-nutrition program and exercise regimen.

Beyond Fitness helps individuals save time by effective coaching through the confusion of it all.

Call to get started with a free consultation. See ad, page 29.

SPLITTING ASSETS

GROWING HEALTHY WITH NEOLIFE

Ivy Ellerby is a certified Advanced Feng Shui Design Professional with a background in clinical and experimental psychology. She specializes in health and wellness improvement by using proven Feng Shui methods to create a balance of energy flow throughout the home, office or other occupied dwelling. Ellerby is also a nationally accredited home stager. Call today to schedule a consultation!

A divorce can be a very stressful and complex time in one’s life, particularly in the area of financial transition. With more than 15 years of experience helping women transition through the financial challenges generated by divorce, certified divorce financial analyst Coulter Roberson can help.

She regularly hosts training for civic organizations, women’s groups and conferences, including oneon-one sessions. Contact her today to begin your journey toward financial recovery and success.

Since 1958, families all around the world have counted on NeoLife to provide whole food nutritional products that are based in nature and backed by science.

Our core products are essential to creating a foundation for health and wellness. Based on cellular nutrition, these products are aimed at getting your cells healthy and feeding them with key nutrients. See ad, page 8.

HEALTH FOOD STORE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Ivy Ellerby, AFDP, ASP, IAHSP PO Box 84421, Lexington 803-470-4567 • DesignAndHomeStaging.com EasternDesignAndHomeStaging@gmail.com

MURRAYWOOD HEALTH FOODS

Richard Beale, Owner • 803-732-3847 7001 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo In Murraywood Shopping Centre Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm

Locally owned and proudly serving Irmo and the Midlands area for more than 25 years, Murraywood Health Foods is a health and specialty food store featuring the very best natural product brands, vitamins and minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies. The store also carries natural and organic gluten-free foods and health and beauty products. Call today for more information or to schedule a special appointment.

Coulter Roberson, CDFA 803-261-3537 • SplittingAssets.com

BACK TO ESSENTIALS LLC (COMPLETE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER) Dr. W. Claire Wages DC 1024 Wildewood Center Dr, Ste B Columbia • 803-736-8633 BackToEssentialsllc.com

Our office is a unique Chiropractic office designed to take care of the total body, mind and spirit! We aim to provide the highest quality of care and education, so that you can live life to its optimum and appreciate your body as a unique organism designed to heal itself.

Lee & Susan Adams, Nutritional Consultants NeoLifeClub.com/GroHealthy 803-781-4690 • GroHealthy@gmail.com

HEALTHY HYDRATION INCREDIBLE WATER

Eddie and Nilah Gann 803-404-1329 • KangenDemo.com

Every functional process that takes place within the human body is dependent upon water in some way. With this foundational element correct, all other body processes function properly.

Incredible Water represents a Japanese company that has been changing lives for over 40 years. Individuals interested in alkaline, antioxidant and cellular hydration are encouraged to call. See ad, page 5.

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naturaldirectory HYPNOSIS SOUTH CAROLINA HYPNOSIS LLC Steven H Lyles, BCH, CI Board Certified Hypnotist & NGH Instructor 7801 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo 803-622-9844 SouthCarolinaHypnosis.com

Free hypnosis screening from professional consultant Steven Lyles. His team gives a 30- to 40minute free screening, including a complete in-depth explanation of hypnotism. A personal evaluation will be completed as well. Weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief and corporate plans are available. Call today.

INTEGRATED HEALING PHOENIX RISING

Katz Delauney-Leija, MSW, EFT-CC, TAEE Psych-K, Health & Wellness Intuitive 803-530-6199 • Katz-PhoenixRising.com

Are you unhappy in your relationships, current job or career choice? Are you frustrated with not feeling well or being in pain? Katz can guide you to greater health and a better life by combining her traditional and intuitive skills to help you. Call Katz Delauney-Leija today to schedule an appointment.

INTEGRATIVE & HOLISTIC MEDICINE EXPECT WELLNESS

Dr. Rachel Hall 130 Suber Rd, Columbia 803-796-1702 • DrRachelHall.com ExpectWellness@sc.rr.com Find us on Facebook for great health tips.

Integrative/Holistic medicine consults for anyone wanting to approach their health more naturally. Dr. Rachel Hall is board certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. Together we will focus on finding the root of the problem, not just treating symptoms. Call today for a consult if you are looking to achieve balance. In-house diagnostic labs and therapies. See ad, page 35.

NATURAL SKIN CARE PRODUCTS JUST WANNA MELT LLC Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063 Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com

A green skin care company that creates high-quality, all-natural products that are gentle on the skin and the environment. Our ingredients include organic oils, butters, herbs, botanicals, local grains, beeswax and honey. Visit our website for a complete list of retail locations.

Happy and Healthy Holidays From the Natural Awakenings Family

ORGANIC PEST CONTROL NATURAL ROOTS ECO FRIENDLY PEST CONTROL Jim Huthmaker 803-404-2488 NaturalRootsPestControl.com

Natural Roots is the only company in the midlands providing interior and exterior ecofriendly pest prevention. Protect the family, pets, property and the environment with nontoxic and botanically based effective products that really work.

The Natural Roots mosquito service is not harmful to essential insects and pollinators, such as honey bees.

SPIRITUAL SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION GROUP

Contact Steve 803-318-1887 • ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/Columbia-Spiritual-Seekers

Eckankar hosts open discussions (meetups), worship services and more at no charge. All are welcome.

Topics include understanding past lives, dreams, coincidences, God’s creative life force, and more. Call ahead: time and date may vary.

THERMOGRAPHY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC.

120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com

About Your Health Inc.’s main focus is health education and health-enhancing services.

Including one-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 23.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a, Columbia Trenholm Plaza 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com

At Garner’s Natural Life, we offer the purest, most innovative highquality natural products. With more than 130 collective years of wellness experience! We are proud to say that our knowledge allows us to encourage choices that will positively impact the heath and future of our community and environment. See ad, back page.

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MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by Dec 12 (for Jan issue) and adhere to our guidelines. To submit listings, visit MidlandsHealthyLiving.com. $20 for 30 words each month.

ALWAYS CALL AHEAD BEFORE ATTENDING EVENTS TO AVOID LATE CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 & 8

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

Kangen Health and Hydration Presentation–6pm. Come learn about the benefits of restructured, antioxidant water. The Pentecostals of Columbia, 6911 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-404-1378, KangenGann.com.

Detox Your Body and Your Home–2:30-4pm. One key to cancer, disease prevention and slowing down aging is to clean up your body and environment.

Learn body detox options along with why you want to replace many toxic products in the home. Cost $10, includes samples. Space is limited. RSVP to Lee or Susan Adams at 803-781-4690.

DECEMBER 1, 9, 18, 23 & 24 Discount Days at Rosewood–8am-8pm. 20% off purchase price; mention this listing. Deli sale items not included. Rosewood Market, 2803 Rosewood Dr, Columbia. Info: 803-530-3270, RosewoodMarket.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 Dances of Universal Peace–7-9pm. Led by Marguerite Frongillo. The dances lift our spirits and open us to awareness of the divine in each other. Free; donations accepted. Near Midtown Mall, in Forest Acres, Columbia. Info/directions: Call Frongillo at 803-743-0731 or email Mff426@gmail.com.

SUN/MON, DECEMBER 6 & 7 Riverland Hills Christmas Concert–7pm. Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo, SC. Info: Call Donna A Brickle, music ministry assistant, at 803-772-3227 or email Donna@ RiverlandHills.org.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 & 14 Kangen Health and Hydration Presentation–6pm. Come learn about the benefits of restructured, antioxidant water. The Pentecostals of Columbia, 6911 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-404-1378, KangenGann.com.

THURSDAYS DECEMBER 10 & 17 Preparing for Conception–6:30-8:30pm. A class for couples planning a pregnancy that are willing to deliberately prepare for a healthy baby because what you eat and how you live matters, and toxins and deficiencies can cause problems. Also for couples with infertility challenges. Cost: $30/couple (can be applied to supplements day of class). Space is limited. Individual appointments available. RSVP to Lee or Susan Adams at 803-781-4690.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 Midlands Green Award Gala–6pm–light hors d’oeuvres and silent auction; 7:30pm–dinner served and awards program; 8:30pm–dancing and festivities. A fundraiser to support beautification in the Midlands. Cost: $75, individual tickets. Table sponsorships available. Holiday Inn, 110 McSwain Dr, W Columbia. Info/ticket purchase: Call Keep the Midlands Beautiful at 803-733-1139 or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org and follow the gala link.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 Holiday Drop-in at The Balance Institute–5:30-7:30pm. Enjoy hot chocolate, apple cider and Christmas cookies while learning all about the services offered. Holiday specials on massage gift certificates will be available. The Balance Institute, 1905 Sunset Blvd, W Columbia. Info: 803-7964807, tbiHealth.net.

planahead TUESDAYS JANUARY 5 & 26 Kangen Health and Hydration Presentation–6pm. Come learn about the benefits of restructured, antioxidant water. The Pentecostals of Columbia, 6911 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-404-1378, KangenGann.com.

THURSDAYS JANUARY 7, 14, 21 & 28 Preparing for Conception–6:30-8:30pm. A class for couples planning a pregnancy that are willing to deliberately prepare for a healthy baby because what you eat and how you live matters, and toxins and deficiencies can cause problems. Also for couples with infertility challenges. Cost $30/couple (can be applied to supplements day of class). Space is limited. Individual appointments available. RSVP to Lee or Susan Adams at 803-781-4690.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 Detox Your Body and Your Home–2:30-4pm. One key to cancer, disease prevention and slowing down aging is to clean up your body and environment.

Learn body detox options along with why you want to replace many toxic products in the home. Cost $10, includes samples. Space is limited. RSVP to Lee or Susan Adams at 803-781-4690.

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

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ongoingevents tuesday sunday Eckankar Spiritual Discussions and Community HU–10am. Free. Every 2nd Sunday. An esoteric approach to God realization without dogma or judgment. 7 Oaks Rec Center, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info: Call Steve Fischer at 803-318-1887, or visit Eck-SC.org or Meetup.com/Columbia-Spiritual-Seekers.

Yoga in the Salt Spa–2-2:45pm–w/Tzima Brown.

Every Sunday. Cost: $25/individual class and $20/ three classes or more. Yoga and salt therapy at the same time. Bring your yoga mat. Breath of Salt Spa, 1410 Colonial Life Blvd W, Ste 250, Columbia. Call to reserve a space. Info: 803-772-7258, 803-3977753 or email BreathOfSalt@att.net.

monday Infant Massage Classes–4-week series on Mondays. Parents and caregivers learn how to build confidence, develop a nurturing touch, and a massage routine for their babies. Cost $75, person; $100, couple. The Balance Institute, 1905 Sunset Blvd, Ste C, W Columbia. Info and class times: Call Liana Marconyak at 803-386-7261 or visit tbiHealth.net.

Kangen Health and Hydration Presentation–6pm. 1st & 3rd Monday. Come learn about the benefits of restructured, antioxidant water. The Pentecostals of Columbia, 6911 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-404-1378, KangenGann.com.

Poetry Night at Good Life Café–5-8pm. Every 3rd Monday. Magnify Magnolias Poetry and Music Night/Open Mic. Good Life Café, 1614 Main St, Columbia. Info: 803-726-2310 or email ABuck@ GoodLifeCafe.

Seidokan Aikido of SC–6:30-8:30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost: Monthly, $40/adult; $30/students; $20/children. The Balance Institute, 1905 Sunset Blvd, Ste C, W Columbia. Info: tbiHealth.net.

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation–6:30-8pm–w/ Anahata Musick. Life-changing yoga exercise, breathing, meditation, mantra. Cost: $96/8 classes.

Frontier Movement, 2730 Millwood Ave, Columbia.

Info: 803-765-2159, YogaAndWellness.com.

Prenatal Yoga–5:30-6:45pm–w/Channing, RYT200. Open to all students. Prepare the mind and body for labor and more. Cost: 1st class free, $10-$14/class packages. Expecting Well, 130 Suber Rd, Ste D, Columbia. Info: 803-661-8452, ExpectingWell.com.

Healing Through the Senses–10-11:15am. A women’s group exploration of healing trauma and chronic stress through reconnecting and grounding one’s sense of self. Learn how to activate personal energy centers through toning, sound healing and aromatherapy. Class is free to Richland County residents.

St. Mark UMC, 3200 Lyles St, Columbia. Info and to register: Call Pamila Lorentz at 803-749-1576.

wednesday Biergarten at Gardener’s Outpost–5:30-7:30pm.

Every 1st Wednesday of the month. Live entertainment and refreshments. Browse Biergarten’s unique garden gifts. Gardener’s Outpost, 709 Woodrow St, Columbia.

Info: 803-252-0041, GardenersOutpost.com.

Stretch and Relax Hatha Yoga–4:30-5:30pm–w/ Anahata Musick. Need help with pain management and mobility? Unwind with breathing, transcendent stretch and gentle waves of the gong sound. Cost: $15 drop-in. Frontier Movement, 2730 Millwood Ave, Columbia. Info: 803-765-2159, YogaAndWellness.com.

Health and Wellness Dimensional Dowsing–7pm–w/Katz Delauney-Leija, MSW. Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday. You can learn new energetic skills to apply throughout your life for better health and wellness. Cost: $20. Anew Acupuncture, 1830 N Lake Dr, Lexington. Info: Call Katz Delauney-Leija at 803-530-6199 or visit Katz-PhoenixRising.com.

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thursday First Thursdays on Main–7-9pm. Live band Flat Out Strangers performs. Good Life Café, 1614 Main St, Columbia. Info: 803-726-2310.

Gentle Yoga and Energy Self-Care–1011:15am–w/Joy Connor, LMBT. Touch for health instructor/practitioner. Learn body awareness and restorative breath techniques. Recommended for women healing from trauma and/or chronic stress.

Class is free to Richland County residents. St. Mark UMC, 3200 Lyles St, Columbia. Info and to register: Call Pamila Lorentz at 803-749-1576.

Group Directional Healing–6-7pm. Every 1st Thursday. A systematic, multidimensional approach to healing the physical and inner body through vibration. Must preregister to confirm; space is limited. Cost: $15. Center for Health Integration, 6136 Old Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info/register: Call Pamila Lorentz at 803-749-1576 or visit DirectionalHealing.com.

Yoga in the Salt Spa–6:30pm–w/Liza Estes. Every Thursday. Cost: $25/individual class, $20/three classes or more. Yoga and salt therapy at the same time. Bring your own yoga mat. Breath of Salt Spa, 1410 Colonial Life Blvd W, Ste 250, Columbia. Call to reserve a space. Info: 803-772-7258, 803-3977753 or email BreathOfSalt@att.net.

friday Columbia Zen Buddhist Priory Orientation–6pm.

Meditation instruction and introduction to our practice. Please make reservations before the Friday you wish to come. 426 Arrowwood Rd, Columbia.

Info: 803-772-7552, ColumbiaZen.org. Please call before visiting.

Rosewood Sidewalk Farmers’ Market–4-7pm.

Every Friday. Meet your SC growers. Rosewood Market, 2803 Rosewood Dr, Columbia. Info: 803530-3270, RosewoodMarket.com.

saturday Prenatal Yoga–w/Rachel Hall, MD, RYT-200. Prepare mind and body for labor, delivery and welcoming new life. Open to all students. Time varies each week. Cost: 1st class free; $10-$14/class packages.

Expecting Well, 130 Suber Rd, Ste D, Columbia.

Info: 803-661-8452, ExpectingWell.com.

Tai Chi/Qigong–10:30-11:45am–w/Suzanne Riley Whyte. Open to all; no training necessary. Experience peace through relaxed movement. Cost: $10.

Lexington Leisure Center, 108 Park Rd, Lexington.

Info: 803-760-6403, MatrxCoaching.com.

Story Time/Halo Therapy for Children–1010:45am. Every other Saturday. Led by Raegan Lubold, a senior at AC Flora High School. Lubold will read a story, sing songs and do some stretching exercises with the children in the salt spa. Parents must accompany their children. Cost: $35, child and parent/guardian. Multiple session passes are available. Call to reserve a space. Info: 803-7727258, 803-397-7753 or email BreathOfSalt@att.net.

classifieds To place a classified listing, email content of listing to ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com or mail with payment to Natural Awakenings, P.O. Box 2812, Columbia, SC, 29202. $20 for 30 words each month.

Additional .50 per word over 30 words. Please include billing contact information. Deadline is the 12th of the month prior.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY LMTCPT is hiring contract personal trainers part-time in the afternoons, evenings and Saturday mornings. Compensation $14 per hour. Need current national certification, CPR certification, and liability insurance. Email resume, along with availability, to Info@lmtcpt.com.

Dare to Dream–If you really want to create wealth, why would you spend your life working for other people? Would you at least like to start a part-time business? To learn more, visit HaveYourOwnOnlineBiz.com.

HELP WANTED Helping Hands Caregivers/Certified CNAs or Experienced PCAs. Must have experience working with the elderly in homes and for an agency.

Please apply in person at Helping Hands Caregivers (Tuesday-Thursday) between 10am-4pm at 9444 Two Notch Rd, Ste C3, Columbia.

South Carolina Mentor is seeking families/individuals willing to foster a child in need of a home.

Must be 21 years or older, and have a spare bedroom, driver’s license, vehicle, high school diploma/GED. For more information, contact LaKeisha Myers at 803-451-3984 or visit SC-Mentor.com.

ROOM FOR PROFESSIONAL Room for rent at About Your Health. Perfect for massage therapists, reflexologists or energy workers. $10 an hour. Call About Your Health at 803-798-8687 for more information.

The Balance Institute is looking for pt/ft practitioners. We’re looking for self-starters, team members, contributors to client health and able to do community service. Email resume to Info@ tbiHealth.net.

SERVICES Integrative Health Clinic – Experience multiple modalities at your church or community organization. Call Pamila Lorentz at 803-749-1576.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Columbia Resilience has been awarded the 2016Richland County disbursement grant to create theHands for Peace Women’s Trauma Clinic.Any experienced alternative health practitionersinterested in volunteering (training available forvolunteers on Trauma Clinic protocols) one day aweek, please contact community health chair PamilaLorentz at the Center for Health Integration at 803-749-1576.

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