Natural Awakenings Northwest Florida- October 2023

THE WISDOM OF INDIGENOUS MEDICINE

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“When I came here, I was a hot mess with emotional baggage and health issues. I literally feel like a plug has been pulled out of my head to let all the garbage out. I feel lighter and more relaxed... Oh, and I’ve lost 40 lbs in 5 months!”

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letter from publisher

Coming together with our vibrant and health-conscious communities at our annual Holistic Health Expo is an experience that fills our hearts with profound gratitude and inspiration. Our conversations during this gathering were nothing short of invigorating and filled with hope, as we uncovered a treasure trove of new modalities and wellness products available in our area, all aimed at helping us achieve our holistic well-being goals.

Seeing the diverse motivations that brought us together under one roof was heartwarming. Some among us sought solutions to life's most formidable challenges, while others relished moments of encouragement among like-minded individuals. Some came to connect with the beautiful furry souls seeking new homes, and through it all, we collectively understood the significance of our unity. In the words of Mother Teresa, "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

This month’s stories testify to the rich tapestry of healing traditions worldwide. We embark on a journey that takes us from the roots of indigenous medicine to the multicultural embrace of healing arts like Qigong, Tai Chi, and Martial Arts. The realization of our shared need to learn from one another has never been more apparent than when curating these stories. Over the past decade, the concept of "East meets West" has permeated the realm of holistic health, but now more than ever, we recognize that ultimate wellness transcends binaries; it is unequivocally about embracing both this and that.

Our featured article, "Traditional World Healing Wisdom,” on page 26, highlights the myriad benefits of ancient healing practices, encompassing herbalism, energy healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and emotional healing. "Discovering the World of Martial Arts" on page 20 invites us to explore proven practices honing fitness for over two millennia. Meanwhile, on page 34, we delve into the marvels of 5,000-year-old Chinese healing arts. Our exploration continues as we learn about TCM for pets, offering insights into maintaining their health and treating ailments naturally.

And don't forget to visit NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com for a plethora of additional articles, including "Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day," "Why You Should Not Rake Leaves This Fall," and "From Trash to Treasure: Finding Beauty in What We Discard."

As we welcome the arrival of the fall season, our deepest hope is that it inspires every one of you to come together with others, to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, to share in laughter, and above all, to revel in the profound feeling of well-being.

Wishing you a joyous and fulfilling fall,

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Celebrating 22 Years of Dragonfly Yoga

Dragonfly Yoga of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has recently marked its 22nd birthday with a studio refresh. “This rejuvenation is not just a makeover; it's a symbol of hope and renewal as we emerge from the challenges of the past few years. It's a testament to our commitment to come together, rebuild and rekindle the spirit of our yoga community,” says owner Laura Tyree.

Tyree shares that the transformation was made possible through the dedication and hard work of Dragonfly Yoga staff in collaboration with the Retail Project Management Inc. team of Fort Walton Beach. “The result is a space that seamlessly blends modernity with timeless elegance,” she affirms. “As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a deep velvet black ceiling that embraces and calms the senses, setting the perfect backdrop for your practice. The clean, warm white walls create an inviting and peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to reconnect with your inner self. Rest assured; the beautiful energy that has always defined Dragonfly Yoga remains untouched.”

“Whether you are just beginning your yoga journey or have cherished it for a lifetime, Dragonfly Yoga is here for you,” assures Tyree. “We invite you to come and experience the Heart Center of Dragonfly Yoga, where you can restore your body, mind and soul through the transformative practice of yoga.”

Location: 184 Brooks St SE, Unit 2, Fort Walton Beach, FL. For more information, call 850-244-0184 or visit DragonFlyYoga.com.

A Day of Eco Education and Art

First City Art Center and Earth Day Pensacola are excited to offer EcoKids a free community festival held October 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First City Art Center in Pensacola, Florida. This fun-filled day features environmental education, hands-on art activities using upcycled materials, food trucks, outdoor activities, music, games and more.

EcoKids strives to bring increased awareness of environmental issues that impact our community and planet; information, ideas and projects that will lead our community toward environmentally beneficial solutions; and inspiration through education on how to make eco-conscious choices as an individual and how those small steps are part of a long-term, collective impact on our environment.

“We are inspired to bring on this fall event to help the younger generation learn how they can make a difference in creating a cleaner future,” says Christian Wagley Wagley is coastal organizer for Healthy Gulf, working on water quality, energy, and climate issues along the coast of NW Florida and South Alabama. “This event catalyzes to unite individuals and groups working to preserve and protect the earth for future generations. We are committed to acknowledging businesses and organizations dedicated to this mission.”

Ecokids is seeking local vendors and exhibitors who make a positive difference in Pensacola and want to celebrate Earth Day daily with the community.

Cost: Free, with all ages welcome to attend. Location: First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St., Pensacola. For more information and to submit a vendor application, search for EcoKids 2023 in Facebook events.

Note: Natural Awakenings magazine is seeking newsworthy announcements and kudos that our readers appreciate. Whether you’ve opened a new office, have a special event coming up, or are offering a new therapy, we want to hear about it. Do you have someone in mind who deserves special recognition for a recent achievement? Did you just pass your licensing exam? We want to let everyone know in a Kudo. For more information about news, kudo and article submissions visit NaturalAwakeningsNWF/submissions

N95 Masks May Cause Cardiopulmonary Overload

Face masks are used to reduce the transmission of airborne diseases. Nevertheless, for certain people, extended use of an N95 mask may be problematic, and that is what Chinese researchers set out to study in a randomized clinical trial published this year in JAMA Network Open.

For 14 hours in a controlled setting, 30 healthy participants were randomly assigned to receive various interventions with and without the N95 mask, including two 30-minute, light-exercise sessions. Biometric measurements and blood samples were taken before, during and after each testing period.

The scientists found that wearing an N95 mask resulted in reduced respiration rate and oxygen saturation within one hour, and an elevated heart rate two hours later, which continued until the mask was taken off. During exercise, mask-induced cardiopulmonary stress was further exacerbated, as heart rate and blood pressure increased, and respiration rate and oxygen saturation decreased. Energy expenditure and fat oxidation were elevated.

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Taurine, one of the most abundant amino acids in the body, is vital for health of the eyes, muscles, brain and heart. Research has found that taurine levels decrease with age. In a study published in the journal Science, researchers found that taurine supplementation improved the lifespan and healthspan of middle-aged mice.

The scientists noticed improvements in bone, muscle, pancreas, brain, fat, gut and immune

After the 14-hour masked period, blood pH markers decreased, which may cause drowsiness, stupor and even coma in extreme cases, according to the National Institutes of Health. The study authors note that chronic cardiopulmonary stress may increase cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality in elderly individuals, children and those with cardiopulmonary diseases. Further investigation is needed to explore the effects of different masks on various populations.

function. The median life span of taurine-treated mice increased by 10 to 12 percent, and life expectancy at 28 months increased by about 18 to 25 percent. Similar effects were observed in monkeys and cellular worms. The researchers also found a link between lower circulating taurine levels and higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, obesity and hypertension.

The researchers speculate that taurine’s anti-aging and disease-preventing benefits could be due to its effects on reducing cellular death, inflammation, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and other hallmarks of aging. They also found that exercise increased concentrations of taurine metabolite levels in the blood.

While more research is needed on taurine supplementation, dietary sources can be prioritized. Shellfish (scallops, clams and mussels) are the best dietary source of taurine, followed by lamb, beef, pork and chicken.

Hair Tapping

New methods for cultivating healthy hair growth have been gaining traction amongst young people on social media platforms, including hair tapping, a technique popularized in Korean and Japanese hair spas. According to haircare experts, hair tapping is similar to a scalp massage and involves gentle drumming movements along the scalp with the fingers. Hair-tapping techniques draw from acupuncture, the practice of releasing energy by accessing certain landmarks in the body.

Like other kinds of scalp massages, hair tapping may relieve scalp tension, stimulate blood flow and improve lymphatic drainage. A Japanese study found that fourminute daily scalp massages over a 24-week period increased hair thickness by changing the expression of human dermal papilla cells in tissue under the skin. And a 2019 self-assessment survey found scalp massages improved hair growth for individuals with hair loss.

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The consumption of fermented products is on the rise as drinks like kombucha and kefir have become popular. They are a source of tryptophan, an amino acid critical to producing serotonin, the brain chemical that influences mood, and may also contain neurotransmitters in their raw form. Research has shown that eating fermented foods may have long- and short-term impacts on brain function, such as reducing stress.

Led by researchers at University College Cork, in Ireland, a new large study has begun to compare 200 fermented foods from around the world to pinpoint which ones are the most beneficial for brain health. Although still in its initial stages, preliminary results have already revealed some surprises. Almost all of the fermented foods display the potential to improve gut and brain health. While more research is needed, sugar- and vegetable-based fermented foods are likely to top the list, according to the lead researcher.

Note: Natural Awakenings magazine is seeking newsworthy announcements and kudos that our readers appreciate. Whether you’ve opened a new office, have a special event coming up, or are offering a new therapy, we want to hear about it. Do you have someone in mind who deserves special recognition for a recent achievement? Did you just pass your licensing exam? We want to let everyone know in a Kudo. For more information about news, kudo and article submissions visit NaturalAwakeningsNWF/submissions.

Yoga for Prostate Cancer Patients

According to the American Cancer Society, about one man in eight will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, with six in 10 of these cases in men 65 years and older. Non-Hispanic Black men have a 75 percent higher risk and are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men, with genetics accounting for some of these disparities.

Researchers from The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio evaluated the impact of yoga on quality of life, as well as on immune and inflammatory responses. Published in the Journal of Urology, the study included 30 men with cancer that were scheduled for radical prostate removal. Half of the patients performed 60 minutes of yoga twice a week for six weeks before surgery and for three to six weeks after surgery. The other patients received standard care.

The group that performed yoga reported higher quality-of-life scores, including reduced fatigue and improvements in physical, sexual, functional and social wellbeing. Based on blood samples, the scientists also found that yoga promoted an anti-tumor immune response and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels.

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Judge Rules for Youths in Climate-Change Trial

In a landmark climate case in Montana, a group of young people has emerged victorious. The judge ruled in Held v. Montana that the state’s failure to consider climate change when approving fossil fuel projects was unconstitutional, thereby placing the burden on state agencies to take action to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.

This decision marks a significant win in the fight against government support for oil, gas and coal, which have contributed to global warming. The ruling means that Montana must now take climate change into account when deciding whether to approve or renew fossil fuel projects. The state attorney general’s office intends to appeal the decision.

This case is part of a larger wave of climate-change litigation that targets companies and governments around the world. Other states and cities have sued major companies seeking damages from climate disasters, while individuals have sued governments for enabling the fossil fuel industry and failing to protect citizens. The case, which was the first of its kind to go to trial in the U.S., sets an important precedent for similar cases in other states and may have reverberations around the world.

Earth Has Tilted Due to Groundwater Pumping

A study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters shows that the pumping of groundwater impacts the tilt of Earth’s rotation and further exacerbates climate change. The study reports that in less than two decades, Earth has tilted 31.5 inches because of pumping groundwater, equating to about a quarter of an inch of sea level rise.

Previous research from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 2016 demonstrates that because the Earth moves on a rotational pole, the distribution of water on the planet impacts the distribution of mass. In other words, the Earth spins a little differently as water is moved around due to pumping, ultimately impacting its tilt. Researchers believe this shift could have serious consequences in the long term—from changes in climate patterns to more frequent seismic activity if Earth’s core moves as a result.

Human activities, such as irrigation, water consumption and global droughts have led to a considerable amount of groundwater pumping in the last few decades, with the water eventually relocating to the oceans. Conservationists are using this data to understand how to rethink water usage and work toward preventing continued sea level rise and other climate issues.

Teachers Face Big-Tech Challenges and Opportunities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the education sector, bringing unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning experiences and teaching assistance. AI can help teachers identify gaps in students’ understanding, enabling a swift, tailored response. AI tools can also be used as study aids, reinforcing classroom concepts and driving student engagement.

Two organizations—California-based online educator Khan Academy and Seattle-based computer science education nonprofit Code.org—have joined forces to create a free, five-part AI training series for teachers. Code.org also offers two instructional videos for teachers, students and the public.

Despite the potential for AI in the classroom, teachers’ contributions remain crucial as facilitators of technology tools to foster enriched learning environments. Teachers can also identify if students are leveraging AI assistance, such as ChatGPT, helping ensure the ethical usage of these tools. Khan Academy, Code.org and others are providing teachers and administrators with the tools they will need to keep pace with emerging technology.

Alexander Limbach/ShutterStock.com

Aaron/AdobeStockcom

Critical Ocean Current May Be Near Collapse

According to a new analysis from the journal Nature Communications, the Atlantic Ocean’s sensitive circulation system has become slower and less resilient. Scientists are concerned that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could collapse any time between 2025 and 2095.

The AMOC plays a critical role in transporting warm, salty water from the tropics to the North Atlantic and sending colder water back south along the ocean floor. Because Arctic ice is melting at a rapid pace due to global warming, there is an overabundance of cold freshwater in the system, putting it in danger of irreversible collapse. Such a collapse could dramatically alter weather patterns, lowering temperatures in North America and Europe, propelling severe storms in the tropics and elevating sea levels on the U.S. Atlantic coast.

To measure the AMOC’s strength, scientists use buoys and proxy indicators, such as microscopic organisms and tiny sediments from the seafloor, and according to the data, it is at its weakest state in more than 1,000 years. Other experts suggest that the entire ocean system must be studied to more accurately predict the effect of these AMOC changes.

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Introduction to Water-Only Fasting

by Dr. Frank Sabatino, D.C., PhD.

By definition, water-only fasting means the abstinence from all food and liquids except water for some extended period of time. I myself have fasted thousands of people over the past 45 years for a wide variety of health concerns, and there is an extensive body of evidence supporting the use of wateronly fasting in a wide range of health problems, including obesity.

The loss of appetite and fasting are natural to all animals, including humans, in response to disease and stress. If you observe animals in the wild or even your own house pets, you will notice that when they are injured or diseased they will often retire to a quiet and comfortable place, stop the intake of all food and continue drinking water only. When less energy is required for eating, digesting and procuring food, more energy is available for healing and repair.

When you stop eating, blood sugar levels begin to drop, and the body is forced to satisfy its blood sugar and energy needs with protein in our muscles and fat in our fat cells. There is more protein metabolism and lean muscle breakdown in the first few days of fasting, but within a few days, protein loss begins to slow down as the body shifts to fat metabolism. The ketones produced by fat metabolism in the fast are used directly by the brain as the primary source of energy during extensive periods of fasting.

The loss of protein and the depletion of blood sugar is more comfortably regulated by ensuring that the fasting person maintains maximum rest. In fact, it is important to see fasting as a deep physiological resting process.

In fasting, the body shifts from, a typical phase of growth to a phase of energy conservation maintenance and repair. As evidence of this, the insulin-like growth factor (ILG-F), which is abnormally increased by eating refined foods and animal products and can promote cancer and tumor growth in adults, is reduced during fasting.

Not only is fat an available energy reserve in the body, but it also serves as a vehicle for the storage of waste and toxic fat-soluble chemicals that we are routinely exposed to. Many of the environmental toxins, and even internal toxic waste products, are typically dissolved in our fat cells. So not only do fat cells of the body provide a primary source of energy, but they also work like a garbage dump, hiding and storing our toxic load.

The energy that is harbored in the fasting process can enhance the mobilization of waste stored in body fat and remove this waste through organs and tissues of elimination like the skin and lungs in a process of detoxification. In fasting, the body demonstrates an

intelligent control over the processes of detoxification and elimination. So that the body will utilize what it needs least to provide support for organs it needs most and through autophagy, a process of self-digestion and housecleaning that is increased in fasting, it can dissolve tumors or cysts and support the vital organs of the body.

What makes fasting even more beneficial is that while many pathological conditions are improved, there is also significant fat and weight loss, as much as one to two pounds a day. I have had people lose 20 pounds in two weeks of fasting, and as much as 30 pounds or more in a month.

Fasting is not a mystical process. Although it has been used by a variety of spiritual traditions as a tool for introspective evaluation and spiritual growth, fasting is truly just a simple process of deep physiological rest. The goal is to harbor as much energy as possible for the healing work at hand. That means rest on every level, including all the senses. The more time spent being quiet, serene and introspective, the better. For this reason, fasting is also a profound tool for creating a more mindful, self-aware life, and resolving compulsive addictive behavior.

Fasting promotes fat breakdown, weight loss, detoxification and repair like nothing else, and is one of the most powerful approaches for resolving inflammation and the complications of autoimmune disease. The body-mind changes evoked by the fasting process make it one of the most efficient and powerful tools to jumpstart any new health program in general, and a significant and successful long-term weight loss program in particular.

Dr. Frank Sabatino is a chiropractic physician with a Ph.D. in cell biology and neuroendocrinology from the Emory University School of Medicine. He is the author of the book WEIGHTLESS: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life and the online course: Lean for Life: The Science of Effective Weight Loss. He serves on the medical advisory board of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and is the Director of Health Education for The National Health Association as well as a research consultant for the True North Health Foundation and the Complementary Medical Association (CMA) in England.

Balance for Life Florida is a retreat center where people can experience supervised water-only fasting. Call 954-947-5888 or visit BalanceForLifeFlorida.com for program and reservation information. See ads on pages xx and xx.

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Discovering the World of Martial Arts

A LOOK AT FIVE POPULAR MODALITIES

by Carrie Jackson

Traditional martial arts date back more than 2,000 years and have blossomed into about 200 styles. While originally devised to assist in hunting and protect against enemies, these practices also offer philosophical and spiritual guidance as practitioners establish a mind-body-spirit connection. According to Statista, a German-based

market research company, nearly 6.2 million people in the U.S. participate in some form of this sport.

“Martial arts are for everyone, and it’s never too late to start,” says John Fonseca, an Illinois-based trainer specializing in karate, jiu-jitsu and other self-defense modalities. He is the first karate athlete in the world to win repeat gold medals

at the Pan American Games, the first American to medal at the Karate World Championships in almost 16 years, and the first American to win the Paris Open in more than 30 years.

According to Fonseca, “Short-term benefits of any martial art include improved fitness, self-confidence and stress relief. While long-term benefits are hard to count, they may include increased discipline, self-defense skills and a sense of personal growth. Remember: Every black belt was just a white belt that never gave up.”

When advising beginners, the champion says, “It’s important to choose a style that suits your goals and fitness level. Each modality offers unique benefits. Find a reputable instructor or school, start gradually to avoid injury and maintain a consistent practice routine for better progress.”

Karate

With origins in Okinawa, Japan, dating back to the 17th century, the guiding principles of karate include respect, humility, perseverance and selfdiscipline. “A karate practice starts with kihon, or basic fundamentals, that include a variety of punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, blocks and stances,” Fonseca explains. “These techniques are practiced repeatedly to develop muscle memory, accuracy and power. They are further developed in choreographed sequences called kata, which simulate various applications for self-defense situations.”

Practitioners perform these routines solo in a specific order and then practice the bunkai, or applications, with a partner to develop self-defense skills. “Lastly, kumite is the sparring component of karate training to develop timing, distance, adaptability and the ability to receive and deliver strikes. It involves practicing techniques and strategies against a live, resisting opponent. Depending on the

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training level and focus, kumite can range from controlled, pre-arranged drills to freestyle sparring with varying levels of contact,” says Fonseca.

Capoeira

A martial art disguised as dance, capoeira is performed to music and traditional songs, including rhythmic clapping and drumming. Players form a circle, at the center of which two participants engage with one another in a combination of fighting and dancing. The art form was created in Brazil by African slaves in the mid-16th century. Although banned by the government after the abolition of slavery in 1888, many people continued to practice in hidden spaces. Modern capoeira was later developed around 1930, with several styles taking on their own characteristics. Emphasizing deception, flexibility and fluidity, participants learn discipline, confidence and self-control, while the use of music and instruments provides a multi-sensory experience.

Aikido

Aikido, which means “the way of harmony with the spirit,” originated in 14th-century Japan and was modernized during the 1920s. Although it is mainly a throwing and pinning art, practitioners also utilize strikes, kicks, sweeps and come-alongs.

According to Greg O’Connor, chief instructor at Aikido Centers of New Jersey, “Aikido is the most challenging and most ethical of the martial arts, and the most difficult to achieve any level of black belt rank. Our practice requires working with a partner on the specific attack and technique demonstrated by the instructor. Each partner takes turns in this practice with safety for each other in mind, and we train to handle an aggressor with the

full awareness that there are no rules in a self-defense situation.”

O’Connor describes aikido as a magical skill, because as the participants learn to be patient and persevere, they often discover eye-opening alternatives to violence. It requires full integration of mind, body and spirit, as well as an awareness of how our minds and emotions can work against us, he says.

Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-jitsu originated in Japan, evolving over centuries, with Brazilian jiu-jitsu further developing in the early 20th century. Fonseca says that the practice focuses on leverage, technique over strength, control and adaptation. Students will first learn and practice positions, transitions, escapes and submissions, then engage in those techniques with a partner to refine their movements, timing and muscle memory.

“Live sparring, known as rolling, is a crucial aspect of jiu-jitsu training. During rolling, practitioners engage in controlled but dynamic matches with resisting opponents. The goal is to apply learned techniques, gain positional control and attempt submissions,” Fonseca explains. “Rolling helps students develop timing, adaptability and practical application of techniques; enhances concentration, awareness, self-esteem and focus; and creates a sense of balance and calm.”

Taekwondo

The Koreanbased practice of taekwondo was developed during the 1940s as a blend of native fighting styles. Students learn kicking, punching and blocking techniques, which are applied to various forms of self-defense. According to the International Taekwondo

Association, the philosophy is to build a more peaceful world, and that starts with developing individual character and positive morale. Through repeated practice and exercises, students learn courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and an indomitable spirit. These five tenets are recited at the start and end of every class and become the foundation of both the students’ development as individuals and as martial artists.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

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Sophie Haruna Klimcak

ON FINDING AWE AND WONDER

by Sandra Yeyati

Sophie Haruna Klimcak is the cofounder and program director of Wild Awake, a nonprofit in San Francisco. Drawing from her Japanese and Eastern European roots, she designs immersive, nature-based learning experiences that nurture deep caring for people and the planet. Klimcak holds a master’ s degree in education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, neuroscience and psychology from Washington University, in St. Louis.

Whether in an after-school setting with children or an outdoor adventure among adults, she and her team of naturalists, artists and healing practitioners invite people to mindfully gaze at the stars, invigorate the senses with ocean sound-baths, experience healing and community in a song circle, build empathy and connection through storytelling, and express creativity by painting with botanical pigments.

What inspired you to start Wild Awake?

In the summer of 2020, my co-founder Shasha Du and I took a weeklong trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Every night we experienced this feeling of awe and wonder and reverence as we stared up at this stunning night-sky portal of infinite space and blazing stars. On the last night, we brought binoculars and stayed up to see the comet NEOWISE. At 4 a.m., it appeared on the horizon—this icy rock mov-

ing toward the sun and releasing all these gases behind it in a glorious paintbrush streak—and we literally screamed and held each other because we had never seen anything like that before. As educators, we decided that we wanted to keep those feelings alive in our hearts, and design for awe and wonder in learning.

You don’t have to travel to places like Joshua Tree or see a comet to experience wonder and awe. With the right amount of mindfulness and attention, everything is worthy of such appreciation—our backyards, our houses, everything. Feeling a sense of wonder requires us to take time to appreciate the textures of something in its entirety and realize where it might have been sourced from and how it’s supporting us and we’re supporting it—remembering that we’re interconnected. We offer local experiences to help people see that magic exists where they live.

How do you define the learning process?

Learning is super-creative, constructive, collaborative and social. The best kind of learning is when you’re following a thread of your own intuition and asking questions that are joyful for you. They’re not questions someone told you to ask. You’re building your own worlds by a process of inquiry. I think wakefulness comes from bringing that attention to whatever it is that you want to go deeper into.

How do you help people awaken to that learning spirit?

One of our most experiential offerings was a wildflower therapy workshop, which brought people in community to see the superblooms in the Bay Area. To make this a wonder-based experience, I created this little booklet for a mindfulness walk, inviting folks to choose one flower to develop a relationship with over the course of an hour and a half.

The booklet had multisensory prompts to deepen that relationship, and I asked them to record a conversation with their flower. When do people stare at a flower that long, right? But it does wonders, helping you move a little bit slower in the world.

The next time they walk by flowers, they’ll notice them in a different way because they took intentional time to

photo courtesy ofWild Awake

develop a relationship to local flora and to their own joy and wonder. Little steps like these can be radical in developing a love for what we may lose if we don’t protect and care for this world.

Can you describe one of your favorite programs?

Living in San Francisco with the bay surrounding us, we are always in a relationship with the ocean. It cools the planet, making it livable for us; it’s an amazing place to play and enjoy water sports; and it nourishes us through seafood. So, we designed a program that takes folks out to forage for seaweed. It’s not about filling our buckets with as much seaweed as possible, but rather bringing mindfulness to the experience. We marvel at the diversity of seaweed; you can see dozens of different kinds along our shoreline. People are curious about what makes seaweed a certain color or how it nourishes us. We learn how to harvest seaweed from rock in a way that it can regenerate and grow more seaweed. We make an offering to the ocean, saying, “Thank you,” remembering our mutual reciprocity.

What advice do you have for people that want to connect with nature?

One of the most accessible ways of connecting to nature is by connecting to your own body. Putting one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart and noticing your breath can really help you drop into that space of deep calm and deep knowing. If you can, find your local dark sky and go out to see the stars. Look at the moon. Notice the way planets and stars move through the sky. Or, notice a leaf or a flower and be in a relationship with it by noticing it over time, returning to it and seeing how it has changed and how you’re changing inside, too.

Why Have Colonic Hydrotherapy?

• Supports hydration of the colon.

• Elimination of waste matter in the gut.

• Approved preparation for colonoscopy.

• Relief of IBS symptoms or Gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and constipation.

• Colonic Hydrotherapy reaches the full length of the large intestine for a better cleanse and benefits

Improves Digestion Health. Enjoy the fresh, light feeling and enhanced energy levels that often comes from the treatment.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings

TRADITIONAL WORLD HEALING WISDOM

RETURNING TO OUR ROOTS

by Carrie Jackson

With time-tested wisdom and natural roots, traditional and Indigenous medicine has been an integral resource for centuries in communities around the world. According to the World Health Organization, 88 percent of all countries are estimated to use traditional medicine, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and shamanism. The contribution of these practices is increasingly being recognized by Western medicine, especially in collaboration with integrative, holistic and regenerative medicine. The pandemic prompted renewed interest in traditional treatments, and incorporating them into wellness and healing modalities is easier and more valuable than ever.

Herbalism

Herbalist and spiritual coach Lucretia VanDyke integrates rituals, plant-spirit meditation, holistic food and ancestor reverence into her practice. An expert on Southern folk healing, VanDyke notes in her book, African American Herbalism, that Indigenous practices were never lost, but people had to go underground for fear of persecution.

“Herbal and sacred ceremonial practices of enslaved people of African descent were highly regulated or banned by the United States government in an effort to control the people most affected by colonization,” she explains. “In the mid-18th century, Virginia and South Carolina made it a capital offense to practice herbalism, resulting in harsh punishment or even execution if found guilty. Additionally, in 1883, the U.S. Department of Interior came up with the Code of Indian Offenses, which implemented laws that applied only to Native people until 1978. They were punished for dances and feasts by imprisonment or withholding food rations for up to 30 days.”

Noting a resurgence of these once-forbidden practices, VanDyke adds, “Today, I see people trying to branch out on their spiritual journey and seeking sources outside their Christian upbringing to answer questions within themselves with practices like herbalism and African traditional religion coming more into the mainstream.”

Linda M. Conroy, MSS, MLSP, is an educator, herbalist and community organizer who dedicates her life to connecting with the green world. She is the founder of two annual gatherings: the Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference and the Mycelium Mysteries Women’s Mushroom Conference. She also provides herbal education, workshops and individual consultations through her Wisconsin-based business, Moonwise Herbs. “Herbalism is a practice where people connect and work with plants for healing and nourishment,” she says. “Plants, herbs and mushrooms have been around long before we have and provide an innate connection to the earth. Everyone has ancestors that grew and foraged for their own food, and we remember that in our being. It’s a different experience from buying a plant or pill from the store shelf.”

Misconceptions about herbalism are common in America, Conroy asserts. “In other countries such as Cuba, Germany and China, conventionally trained physicians still learn about more than 50 herbs in their training, but the United States all but abandoned herbalism after the development of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals,” she explains. “The pandemic has helped spawn a resurgence of interest, with people increasingly disappointed by Western medicine and turning to herbs for respiratory support, stress management and other conditions.”

Conroy stresses that working with herbs is both an art and a science. Learning their unique properties is key. “In order to be truly effective, it’s imperative that people know how to properly choose and use the correct herb for each situation. This includes being mindful of the dosage, method of delivery and sourcing. Herbs are much safer than most things out there, and with the right assessment skills, they can be truly transformative,” she says.

Another recommendation is to establish a wellness routine that incorporates herbs as maintenance to remind the body of their healing value. “Herbs are not drugs but can work in synergy with them. Many common ingredients can be used every day, such as a stinging nettle infusion to nourish the kidneys and lungs, and oats to fortify the nervous system,” Conroy says. “Acquiring our herbs and foods from local sources also strengthens our connection to the plants. Most things we need, such as garlic, cabbage, eggs and raw honey, we can find in our own garden, from neighbors or at a farmers market.”

Energy Healing

Billie Topa Tate’, a member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, is founder of MSI Wellness, in Evanston, Illinois, and author of the upcoming book, Spirit Guide Invocations: Seeking Wisdom from Sacred Helpers. Dedicated to creating a sacred space one person at a time through her Indigenous teachings, she is a mentor, teacher and healer. Her work has been shared by several universities and publications.

Although Indigenous healing practices do not have scientific studies to support their efficacy, they do have the observational and traditional support of her people, Topa Tate’ says. “The Apache learned medicinal properties from the plants and honored the position of being stewards of the land,” she asserts. “We learned from our virtuous elders that plants provide us with medicine and food, as well as spiritual qualities, such as smudging, essential oils and incense, which help to cleanse the body, mind and spirit.”

According to Topa Tate’, a shamanic journey is a visit to the energy world and can lead someone to insightful wisdom regarding their life’s purpose. “The spirit world provides a release of the thoughts that limit us and brings us into a realm where we can be guided by higher thought,” she explains. “Visiting the spirit world with proper guidance allows us to access the worlds of healing, wisdom, angels, the past, the future and even the symbolic energies of our present lives through our mind. Another way to find this release is to understand that words are energy carriers and can provide our mind, body and spirit with a source of enlightenment. We do this through our drumming songs and ceremonies, but also by becoming more aware and harnessing the power of words as medicine in everyday actions.”

Energy work can help us reconnect with that part of ourselves that facilitates healing, says Topa Tate’. “I recommend beginning the day with a five-minute morning ceremony that gives thanks to the creator for a beautiful day and invokes our helpers to offer assistance with particular projects. As a healer, it is important to teach people how to manage their stress with more productive platforms, such as meditation, nature walks and seeking out their life’s purpose. There is a misconception that only Native people can do this energy work, but we are all one family and can learn how to integrate the natural wellness that the Native people have used for centuries,” she explains.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the philosophy, experiments and experiences indigenous to Chinese culture. It has been practiced for more than 2,500 years and is used for health maintenance as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental illness. According to Dr. Heming Zhu, NCCAOM, a board-certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, author, educator, scientist and founder of Harmony Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, in Maryland, the basis of TCM lies in the belief that the human body is a holistic system deeply connected to the universe.

“TCM is influenced by the flow of vital energy called qi. To restore the balance of qi and gain the harmony of life’s paired aspects known as yin and yang, TCM practitioners use various techniques, including acupuncture, moxibustion [burning herbs at acupressure points], herbal medicine, massage, qigong and dietary therapy,” Zhu explains.

Zhu says that TCM modalities fit into either a physical therapy or chemical therapy category and can be introduced for regular maintenance. “Acupuncture is commonly used for addressing fatigue, stress, pain, gastrointestinal issues, arthritis and improving overall well-being. Cupping is beneficial for relieving stress and muscle soreness. Tui-na, a form of therapeutic massage, is used for musculoskeletal disorders, digestive issues,

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pain and more. Gua sha helps manage stress and alleviate muscle tension and pain. Moxibustion can boost energy, improve digestion and address cold-related ailments. Qigong and tai chi are gentle, mind-body exercises that reduce stress and promote relaxation and overall mental well-being. Chemical therapy includes herbal medicine and dietary therapy to emphasize the connection between food and health,” he says.

TCM can be incorporated into an established wellness routine, and Zhu offers a few guidelines to ensure the best results. “People should seek education on the basic principles of TCM and be intentional not to judge it by Western medicine standards. They should find a licensed and experienced TCM practitioner and keep an open mind in initial consultations. Simple TCM practices, such as mindful breathing, gentle stretching or drinking herbal teas, can be incorporated into a daily wellness routine, and lifestyle changes, such as sleep routines and stress management, are part of the healing process,” Zhu says.

Emotional Healing

“There are multiple factors to illness, but often our emotions and trauma, either intergenerational or personal, are at the core,” VanDyke says. “Creating ceremonies based on the old ways gives you the strength to show up for yourself and makes it a little easier to move through the experience. Grief is a multilayer process, and it takes a holistic approach to co-create a path to a new normal. Our emotions are like invisible chains that bind us in a trauma loop, and having support for that is important. Nurturing the spirit is one thing that Western medicine does not talk about. I find that laughter, joy, pleasure and feeding the child-like spirit in us helps with this when life gets heavy. Ask yourself how you prioritize joy, and create your own rituals that center traditions while honoring your true self.”

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Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

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Dr. Dale Bredesen

hosted by

The Modern Macrobiotic Diet

MORE THAN TOFU AND SEAWEED

by Veronica Hinke

So much has evolved in the 100 years since Japanese educator George Ohsawa created the macrobiotic diet. For one thing, the recipes have become more flexible, empowering people to save time and use ingredients that they love. “The modern macrobiotic diet is about much more than tofu, seaweed and miso,” says chef and author Christina Pirello, the Emmy Award-winning host of Christina Cooks, about seasonal, whole, unprocessed food cooked in accordance with each person’s condition and lifestyle.”

“In the beginning, there was rigidity that didn’t give you the freedom to say, ‘I don’t want to eat adzuki beans again,’” Pirello says. “Variety is key. You can’t just eat kale and drink smoothies and hope for the best. You have to get balanced nutrition with enough protein, fats and carbohydrates.”

According to Pirello, “What we eat determines how we move

through the world. Are we comfortable or uncomfortable?

In Chinese medicine, we are either in a state of ease or dis-ease, which became the word disease, but in Chinese medicine, it really means uncomfortable. What do you do to get back into that state of ease, or balance? That’s really what macrobiotics is about; how do you rebalance the body—the organs—to be comfortable?”

Eating in accordance with the natural order—with the seasons—is an essential concept of the macrobiotic diet and includes fall, winter, spring, summer and a fifth season, “late harvest.” The idea is to follow our intuition, Pirello advises: “If you walk into the supermarket in November, you’re not immediately attracted to cherry tomatoes and strawberries, but the winter squashes, pumpkins and parsnips call your name. Macrobiotics allows us to understand that—

even here in the United States where foods are so widely available that you can have strawberries at Christmas.”

Her recipe for Winter Squash Risotto, which is featured in her new cookbook, VegEdibles, is just one example of the delicious macrobiotic dishes she has developed. “This risotto is perfect for cooler weather, when we need to keep energy in our middle organs so we are warm and cozy, centered and balanced,” Pirello says. “Come winter and fall, we want foods that are going to help the body hold onto heat. Squash, pumpkin, turnips and rutabaga are going to help relax the body and the middle organs and help us stay grounded, centered and warm. The risotto is cooked really long, so there’s a lot of warming energy that will help you in cold weather.”

“There has to be a period when the body transitions from the heat of summer into the cool of the fall,” says Chicago areabased macrobiotic counselor Karla Walter. “That’s when we have those beautiful orange foods starting to come out, and the squashes start arriving. We have this really lovely, sweet time of the year that actually nourishes the body and helps the immune system ramp up and get ready for colder weather.”

Walter recommends the macrobiotic diet for finding calmness and rhythm. “When we eat healthy foods that sustain us, our goals come to the surface where we can see them a lot clearer. People don’t know their potential until they start to feel good about themselves,” she says.

Lisa Books-Williams, a plant-based chef, educator and therapist in the San Francisco area, encourages people to find their own plant-based path. “I found my answer at the end of a fork, instead of in a bottle of pills,” she says. “The most loving thing I ever did for myself started with changing my food choices. Sure, it would be more delicious to be eating a pizza, but eating a salad with beans and rice is how I love myself.”

Books-Williams believes that taking the extra time that is required to follow a plant-based lifestyle is worthwhile. “We can eat well inexpensively if we are willing to take an extra couple of hours each week to chop vegetables. We are worth the time it takes to batch-cook and freeze beans in single servings so we have them when we need them. Each of us has to be committed to our own well-being. No one is going to do it for us.”

While much has changed since Ohsawa introduced the macrobiotic diet, Pirello still adheres to its three core ingredients. “I still eat rice, seaweed and miso soup,” she says. “Not as much as I used to, but I still do, because miso is the greatest probiotic on the planet, followed by kimchi. Those are the greatest macrobiotics we could ever eat in our lives, and both are delicious.”

Veronica Hinke is a food historian and the author of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining and Style and Titanic: The Official Cookbook. Learn more at FoodStringer.com.

WINTER SQUASH RISOTTO

YIELD: 4-6 SERVINGS

FOR THE BROTH:

¼ red onion, diced

½ carrot, diced

¼ cup diced winter squash

Splash of white wine or mirin

3 cups spring or filtered water

FOR THE RISOTTO:

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ red onion, finely diced

¼ tsp sea salt

Splash of white wine or mirin

½ cup carnaroli or Arborio rice

¼ winter squash, unpeeled and finely diced

4-5 sprigs fresh basil, leaves removed, hand-shredded

To make the broth, combine all of the listed ingredients in a large saucepan over low heat and simmer for 30 minutes before making the risotto. This can be done the day before.

For the risotto, place the olive oil in a deep skillet along with the onion over medium heat. When the onion begins to sizzle, add a pinch of salt and cook, stirring until translucent. Add the rice and a generous splash of wine, and cook, stirring until the wine is absorbed. Add ¼ cup broth and cook, stirring frequently, until the broth is absorbed. Add another ¼ cup of broth and repeat the process. Stir in half of the diced squash and cook, stirring.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, place the remaining squash with enough water to cover halfway. Add a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the squash is soft, about 20 minutes.

Continue adding the remaining broth to the rice—¼ cup at a time—and stirring until the rice is tender but al dente, about 25 minutes.

Take the remaining squash and use an emulsion blender or a food processor to purée until smooth. Stir the puréed squash into the cooked risotto. Season it lightly with salt and cook over low heat until the squash is absorbed into the rice.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.

Photo by Paul Parisi

Photo by Paul Parisi

BEETROOT AND ORANGE MISO SOUP

YIELD: 4-6 SERVINGS

4 medium beets, washed and with stems trimmed to about

1 inch

2 tsp ginger, finely chopped

2 Tbsp green onions, finely chopped

2 cups water or vegetable stock

1¼ cup orange juice

2 Tbsp raspberry vinegar

1 Tbsp barley (mugi) miso

½ cup chopped chives or green onions

Place the beetroot in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, about 40 minutes. Drain the beets.

Next, run the beets under cold water and peel them. The skin and stalks should fall off easily. Chop the beets into ½-inch cubes.

Reserve ⅓ cup chopped beets and set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the remaining beets, ginger, green onions, water or vegetable stock plus one extra cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in orange juice.

Purée soup in small batches in a blender until smooth.

Remove a small portion of the soup into a bowl and dissolve the miso. Add miso back into the soup and stir through. Add the vinegar and stir through.

Garnish with the chives or green onions.

Recipe courtesy of Karla Walter.

healing ways

The Healing Arts of Qigong and Tai Chi

WELL-BEING THROUGH INTENTIONAL MOVEMENTS

by Nadia Linda Hole, M.D

Qigong is more than a modern wellness practice. It’s a 5,000-year-old Chinese healing art steeped in tradition. At its core, qigong revolves around the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”), considered to be the lifeforce energy that permeates the universe. Like love, qi can act as a potent healing agent, restoring inner peace, balance and harmony.

Gong refers to the dedication and effort invested in mastering this skill, a journey marked by patience and repetition. Qigong is a moving, meditative practice aimed at harmonizing internal energies, and it is related to tai chi, which originated as a martial art.

Benefits and Scientific Validation

The practice of qigong involves breath work, movement, mindfulness and stretching. It is performed with intention, yet emptiness (wuji), enabling practitioners to cultivate a stronger, deeper mind-body-spirit connection that allows for heightened stillness, clarity, vitality, awareness and sense of self. It has been clinically documented to alleviate stress, enhance energy levels, improve physical fitness and promote cardiopulmonary and immune function.

A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Medicine reported that qigong improved balance and coordination in older adults. In presenting their scientific approach and rationale, the researchers noted, “Qigong is an integral part of both ancient and modern Chinese medical practice and is now a popular mind-body wellness technique in the United States, as well. An estimated 2.9 million U.S. adults practiced either tai chi, qigong or both in 2012.”

In a 2012 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that tai chi could enhance brain size and improve neuropsychological measures in elderly individuals, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s. A systematic review of 11 studies involving 1,061 seniors with mild cognitive impairment suggested that tai chi training could be effective in improving cognitive function, including memory, learning, mental speed and attention. And, a 10-week study by Brown University researchers reported that cancer patients that practiced qigong displayed clinically significant improvements in fatigue.

Accelerating the Healing Process

“Knowing yourself is the real practice,” says David Stokes Hone, a naturopathic doctor, medical qigong master and founder of the Elements of Life Institute. “As practitioners, all we’re doing is reminding people of the divine connection that’s inside of them. Qigong helps clear blockages and move the stuck qi out. Just doing the practices, we allow our bodies to heal through the movement that helps us have the faith to heal. The blocks and addictions melt into the light formed by the exercises.”

According to Hone, the profound transformations achieved through qigong can range from the dramatic, such as restoring sensation in a paraplegic’s legs, to the more subtle, like the emergence of a smile. He recalls the story of a young woman entrenched in addiction who managed to turn her life around after embracing the practice.

Kevin Chen, Ph.D., a qigong master and associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, introduced qigong to his father with chronic back pain as a way to alleviate his suffering and avoid a recommended surgery.

Principles of Qigong

For beginners, Tai Chi Master Violet Li emphasizes relaxation and mindfulness. “True relaxation is more a state of mind,” she explains. “When we pay attention to our body, the qi will follow.”

Troy Bennett, a doctor of acupuncture and qigong master from Newfoundland, Canada, shares eight principles that he learned from Qigong Grandmaster Effie Chow.

MEDITATE. Whenever a problem arises, meditate and wait for the answer to come. If you come to the conclusion that you can’t fix the problem, then it’s not in your hands, so don’t worry about it.

BE LIKE THE WILLOW TREE. Learn to be flexible in the body, mind and spirit.

BREATHE The quality of your breath will determine the quality of your life. Breathe like a newborn baby.

CONNECT Everyone and everything in the universe is connected through qi. Remember the smallest thing you do in life will have an effect on the universe. Always hold the intention of love.

TRAIN FOR SUCCESS. Remember to always help people become the best that they can become.

LEAVE A BLESSING. Whenever you meet someone, always give a blessing. Your kindness can have the most powerful effect on someone’s life and transform them in ways you can only dream of.

EXPERIENCE EIGHT HUGS AND THREE BELLY-ACHING LAUGHS DAILY Don’t take life so seriously. Learn to laugh and enjoy life.

LIVE When Dr. Chow was asked, “What happens when you die?” she laughed and said, “I cannot answer that question. There is no such thing as death. There is only life.”

Nadia Linda Hole is a medical doctor, qigong master and pioneer in bridging Oriental, Western and energy medicine with Hawaiian-style qigong. She served as a consulting editor for the book Chinese Medical Qigong and contributing author in medical textbooks on complementary medicine.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

SUPPORTING PETS WITH ANCIENT HEALING WISDOM

by Kiki Powers

For years, we have seen a growing appreciation in contemporary culture for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the complementary role it can play within Western medicine. Based upon thousands of years of observation, this natural healing approach can be valuable not just for humans, but also for animal companions.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) includes the use of food therapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and tui-na massage to maintain health and treat disease. Some pets with chronic arthritic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, nerve damage, epilepsy, cancer and other long-term ailments may not respond well to conventional treatments, or the side effects of Western medicine may cause even more problems. That is when TCVM can intercede to provide relief.

There are a few basic principles governing TCVM. Qi is the life force that flows freely when a pet is healthy and may be blocked or weak when a pet becomes ill. Yin-and-yang refers to the interplay between natural dualities—such as light and dark or hot and cold—and the need to maintain a balance between these opposing properties. There are five elements— wood, fire, earth, metal and water—which also need to be in balance for optimal health. During an examination, a TCM vet will determine what is out of balance and develop a customized treatment plan.

Food Therapy

Dr. Ruth Roberts, an integrative veterinarian and pet health coach, applies TCM principles when designing a whole-foods diet to optimize pet well-being and support healthy longevity. “Under TCM principles, foods have warming, cooling or neutral properties when they interact with a pet’ s natural energy, and the goal is to find a balance,” she explains. “Many pet ailments may stem from or be related to imbalances within the body, as well as environmental factors, all of which underscore the need for the proper nutritional balance.”

According to Roberts, in a hot climate, a pet might need cooling foods, such as turkey, fish, banana, celery, kelp, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber and melon. In colder temperatures, warming foods such as mutton, deer, chicken, ginger, squash and pumpkin are advisable. When designing a balancing diet, neutral foods may be needed, including pork, bison, salmon, tuna, carrots, green beans, peas, olive oil and shiitake mushrooms.

Acupuncture

Veterinary acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular to relieve pain or treat ailments, including allergies, seizures, reproductive problems and liver and kidney disease. The procedure involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body, thereby stimulating nerve endings, which then conduct

impulses to the brain and spinal cord. It is best to consult an experienced, licensed acupuncturist or TCVM specialist that specifically treats pets.

In a 2017 study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal, researchers found, “Acupuncture alone or in combination with analgesics reduced pain and improved quality of life in dogs with neurological and musculoskeletal diseases. Dogs with musculoskeletal disorders had a better improvement in chronic pain and locomotion than those with neurological disorders.”

Chinese Herbs

TCVM uses a number of herbs, roots, mushrooms, bark and other plant-based ingredients to help pets with immune dysfunction, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, liver and kidney disease and other long-term, chronic conditions. When it comes to more serious pet health issues, such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer), Roberts suggests the strategic use of full-spectrum hemp extract (CBD), cannabis oil (THC) and medicinal mushrooms. Dosages will differ for each individual pet. It is best to consult an integrative veterinarian or pet nutritionist.

“In several documented cases, a combination of homeopathy, TCM, medicinal mushrooms and CBD-THC solutions working together synergistically with a

healing diet have helped dogs outlive their bone cancer diagnosis without harmful side effects, stressful procedures or complicated vet visits, all at a dramatically reduced cost,” Roberts says. “As they say, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ especially where our beloved animal family members are concerned.”

Tui-Na Massage

Also under the TCVM umbrella, tui-na massage uses kneading, pressing and rolling techniques to improve a pet’s health and balance. Among the conditions that respond well to this type of massage are arthritis, muscle tension and soreness, stress and anxiety, joint paint and mobility issues. The technique focuses on stimulating acupuncture points and energy pathways, or meridians, that promote the smooth flow of qi throughout the body. This treatment can be used in conjunction with complementary therapies to enhance results.

Integrative Medicine

“I strongly believe Traditional Chinese Medicine is good medicine. Western medicine is great medicine. However, the best medicine is an integration of both because each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses,” says Dr. Huisheng Xie, DVM, Ph.D., a clinical professor of integrative medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, in Gainesville.

According to Xie, TCVM is weak in diagnosis because it does not have sophisticated diagnostic technology. Western medicine’s weakness is the large amount of side effects associated with conventional drugs. “That’s why the best medicine is to integrate both to avoid the weaknesses and take advantage of the strengths of each,” he says.

Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plantbased nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at RawKiki.com.

ongoing events

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Publisher@NaturalAwakenings NWF.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Or visit NaturalAwakenings NWF.com/advertising to submit online.

sunday

30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Closed 12/25/2022 and 1/1/2023. Find local grass-fed beef; whole chickens; eggs; goat milk; cheese; produce; hydroponic lettuce; herbs; microgreens; local and regional honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch breads, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautifully handcrafted soaps. Free. 28 N Barrett Sq, Rosemary Beach. 850499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. 30AFarmersMarket.com

Free Yoga in Maritime Park – 9:30-10:30am.

First Sun of the month. Sponsored by Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center, this one-hour yoga class is

open to all ages and experience levels. BYOM (bring your own mat), water, and other props you enjoy. Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St, Pensacola. Facebook.com/PlayPColaParks.

Community Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm. Enjoy a yoga class and support a charity at the same time, with donations for this class going to PAWS, Children in Crisis, Headstart, Southern Dog Rescue and more. Donations accepted. Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 184 Brooks St, Ste 2, FWB. DragonflyYoga.com.

monday

Veterans Talking Circle – noon-1pm. For and by veterans discussing veteran issues that affect your daily life. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB. 850-863-1044. RootsShoppe.com.

Celebrate Recovery – 6pm. Open to everyone as a safe place to heal from hurts, habits and hang-ups. This is a 12-step program that uses the traditional steps and 8 Principles in the Beatitudes from the bible. We recognize Jesus Christ as our higher power. Dinner is also available from 5:15-5:45pm, $5-adults, $3-children, and no one turned away. Community Life Church, 4115 Soundside Dr, Gulf Breeze. Facebook.com/ CRatCommunityLifeChurch/

tuesday

Okaloosa County Farmers’ Market – 7am-2pm. Tue, Thur & Sat. Find seasonal vegetables, fruits and flowers. Free. 1954 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach. 850-689-5850.

Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market – 8am-1pm. 2nd and 4th Sat. Find seasonal vegetables, fruits, handcrafted jams, hot sauces and local honey. Free. 139 Brooks St SE, FWB.

Refuge Recovery Meeting – 6:30-7:30pm. A Buddhist-oriented, non-theistic recovery program offering recovery from all forms of addiction. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB. RefugeRecovery.org.

Let’s Talk about Gut Health (Zoom) – 7pm. Weekly discussions about gut health and why it matters. Also, we will discuss the science of the microbiome and disease. Free. Email to register: PCBPlexus@gmail.com.

Denise P. Lett | Dreamstime.com

Ganna Tugolukova | Dreamstime.com

wednesday

‘Movers’ & ‘Shakers’ Low Impact Dance Fitness – 9-9:45am. Wed. Join instructor Emily Mixon for an interactive and low impact dance class for seniors 55+. Free. Bayview Senior Center, 2000 E Lloyd Street, Pensacola. 850-436-5190.

friday

Walton County Farmers Market – 1-5pm. Find locally grown fruits; vegetables; grass-fed meat; local vendors; and small businesses. Free. 3001 Brown Rd, Defuniak Springs. 850-834-2084. PonceDeLeonFL.com.

Essential Oils for Beginners – 6:30pm every 3rd Friday. Natural ways to improve your health. HH Arts, 100 Beal Pkwy, FWB. 850-543-1619.

saturday

Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Find grass-fed beef, whole chickens, eggs, goat milk, cheese, produce, hydroponic lettuce, herbs and microgreens. Also, the best honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch breads, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautifully handcrafted soaps. Free. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 600 Grand Blvd (in Grand Park between Tommy Bahama and Cantina Laredo), Miramar Beach. 850-499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. GrandBoulevardFarmersMarket.com.

Niceville Florida Community Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Local and regional produce, honey, mushrooms, farm fresh eggs, bakery items, teas, fresh local seafood and hand-crafted jewelry. Free. Palm Plaza, 1003 C. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville.

Palafox Market – 9am-2pm. Find live plants; local fruit; vegetables; herbs; fine art; and antiques. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on N Palafox St between Wright St and Garden St, Pensacola. 850-434-5371. PalafoxMarket.com.

Healthy never tasted so good!

WHAT IS HONEYMED?

HoneyMed is a delicious blend of raw honey and three powerful superfoods: Turmeric, Ginger and Cayenne pepper.

Come see us at the Farmers Market! Every Saturday & Sunday 10AM - 2PM Farmers Market at the Village of Baytowne Wharf (inside San Destin resort in MIramar Beach, FL)

Every Wednesday 10AM - 2PM Monet Garden i Grayton

Fee for classifieds is $20 for the first 20 word and $1 per additional word per month. To place listing, email content to Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com Deadline is the 10th of the month.

ROOMMATE WANTED

SEEKING A FEMALE ROOMMATE –or a Furnished room/Studio in or around FWB area. I am Spiritual, honest and over 55. Contact: Jolene @561-767-5448.

SERVICES

KELLEY HANDYMAN – John and Sherri Kelley, owners are BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms, and kitchen. Honest and affordable we provide estimates you can count on. 850-378-6262. KelleyHandyman@gmail.com. KelleyHandyman.com.

SPIRITUAL COUNSELING AND COACHING – Spiritual counseling and coaching available with Rev Jamie Sanders. Metaphysical approach, meditation and affirmative prayer. Jamie1118@aol.com. 850-438-2277.

WEDDING SERVICES

BEAUTIFUL MARRIAGE CEREMONIES – Spiritual marriage ceremonies with Rev Jamie Sanders at Unity of Pensacola or your location of choice. Packages available. 850-438-2277. UnityPNS.org.

YOGA APPAREL

WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE – Carrying unique yoga apparel, jewelry and accessories with men's and women's coastal fashion. Gifts for everyone. 127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin. 850-687-3023.

community resource guide

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 Community Resource Guide, email Advertising@NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE

NAVARRE ACUPUNCTURE AND WELLNESS

Pamela Purser, DACM, AP., L.Ac.

7287 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre

850-710-3288

Navacuwell.com

Navarre Acupuncture and Wellness offers quality acupuncture and Chinese herbology, cupping therapy, moxibustion and Acupuncture Injection Therapy.

BEAUTY

ORGANIC CONCEPTS BY CAMY AT LE VOGUE SALON

609 W Chase St, Pensacola 850-582-0177

CamyKilker@gmail.com

Providing an organic solution to beauty in a world full of chemicals. Organic Salon Systems gives you clean and healthy hair with ammoniafree hair color and chemicalfree styling products. See ad, page 19

BODY CONTOURING

SCULPSURE BODY CONTOURING

Karen Kennedy, MD

1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Ste 201, GB 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre

KarenKennedyMD.com

SculpSure is a non-surgical laser treatment for the reduction of stubborn fat in areas like the abdomen, love handles, back, and inner and outer thighs; and chin contouring. Amazing results with zero down time and without drugs. See ad, page 2

BRAIN HEALTH

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

(Located inside Path to Wellness)

240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com

Our non-invasive, drug-free approach helps brain injury patients improve speech, balance, limb and finger control, memory and mental focus, plus the restoration of personality traits. See ad, page 9

BREAST SCREENING

RADIANT BODY THERMOGRAPHY

Candace Parmer

Clinical Thermographic Technician 503-775-1812

RadiantBodyThermography.com

Call to learn how we can assist you and your doctor in protecting breasts from disease, excess hormonal activity and over diagnos breast cancer. See ad, page 17.

CBD OIL

GOLDEN ALMOND

HEALTH FOOD STORE

339 Racetrack Rd NW, Ste 3, FWB 850-863-5811 • GoldenAlmond.com

Hours: M-F 9-6, S 10-5, Closed Sun

Providing the largest selection of CBD oils, tinctures, sprays, softgels, balms and vape liquid in the area, including high-dose options for pain, anxiety, sleep and much more. See ad, page 3.

OLIVE LEAVES HEALTH

FOOD CENTER

In the Publix Shopping Center 634 W 23rd St, Panama City 850-763-8871 • OliveLeavesPC.com

Olive Leaves provides the best CBD oil and hemp products from Carun and the finest quality, fresh, natural, organic and whole foods; nutritional products; body care products; and health information in a fun, comfortable, clean, safe environment.

CHIROPRACTIC

COASTAL MEDICAL INTEGRATION

Sheila Decker DC, MS, CAC Barbara Wade, MD 3481 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze 850-903-1708

Providing highly specialized chiropractic care for all ages, focusing on the entire body to treat chronic and acute conditions and improve quality of life.

HENARD FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

Dr Karen Henard-Carter, DC 4566 Hwy 20 E, Ste 205, Niceville 850-897-1105 • HenardChiro.com

A second-generation chiropractor, Dr Henard is committed to chiropractic wellness for the family, improving health naturally. More than 23 years’ experience in pediatrics, sports and automobile injuries. Most insurance accepted and affordable cash plans.

DR TONY SALAMAY,DC, MS, FASA 520 N Macarthur Ave, Panama City 850-785-9372

TheBayDoctor.com

Treating conditions through chiropractic, functional neurology and clinical nutrition, such as fibromyalgia and thyroid issues. We treat the root causes and not just masking your symptoms. Always accepting new patients

The most creative act you will ever undertake is the act of creating yourself.

—Deepak Chopra

DR GABRIEL WATERMAN, DC

850-565-9600

Info@DiscoverDynamic.com

DiscoverDynamic.com

Dr. Gabriel and his team focus on the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, nerves and the spinal structure that protects this delicate system—essential to the body’s ability to function, restore and preserve health. We help individuals and families overcome health obstacles and reach their fullest health potential. See ad, page 31

CLEANING PRODUCTS

NORWEX

Abbie Robinson

850-341-9211

AbbieRobinson.norwex.biz

A deeper clean with only water for a healthier home with fewer harmful chemicals, less plastic and less worry. Text or call Abbie for more information. See ad, page 13.

COLON IRRIGATION

COYLE INSTITUTE

9295 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola

850-637-8258

CoyleInstitute.com

Colon Hydrotherapy (CHT)—a safe process for colon cleansing. CHT works by gently introducing warm water into the colon for the purpose of softening and eliminating waste. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Coyle, DO, our patients are in the best possible hands. Call to schedule your session today. See ad, page 23.

COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH

HEALING MOTION

Kirsten Wilkinson, MA, TCTSY-F, E-RYT 500, RCYT

HealingMotionKW@gmail.com

334-492-0837 • Healing-Motion.org

A private practice that offers somatic therapy, coaching, and embodied practices that support mental health through nervous system self-regulation, lifestyle choices, diet balance and personalized wellness programs.

DEMENTIA

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

(Located inside Path to Wellness)

240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com

Our non-invasive, drug-free approach helps dementia patients that originally scored in the teens on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment be restored to the point of scoring normal (26-30). See ad, page 9.

DENTISTRY

DR SUSAN WELCH, FAGD

106 Wright Pkwy SW, FWB 850-243-1534

WrightParkwayDentalCenter.com

Healthy digestion, well-aligned physical structure, proper breathing and a good night’s sleep begin with a healthy mouth. We treat snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ disorders, plus crowns, teeth whitening, bridges, veneers, implant restorations, aligner orthodontics, cleanings, digital X-ray imaging and CO2 laser periodontal treatment. No mercury fillings. See ads, pages 15 and 47.

DEPRESSION

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

(Located inside Path to Wellness)

240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com

Offering Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Brainsway—a proven tool in the fight against depression that is non-invasive, painless and drug-free) with functional medicine and brain pathway rehabilitation for the most robust changes possible. See ad, page 9.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

30A FARMERS’ MARKETS

850-499-4697

30AFarmersMarket.com

Locations:

•30A Farmers’ Market at Palm Plaza

1003C John Sims Pwy, Niceville

9am-1pm Saturdays (Year Round)

•Sandestin

Grand Boulevard Hwy 98

600 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach

9am-1pm Saturdays (Year Round)

Serene, beautiful, distinctive and exclusive is the best way to describe the 30A Farmers’ Market Family. European and coastal-inspired markets feature local farmers, makers, bakers, and specialty vendors in an inviting market experience. See ad, page 39.

FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS

EARTHQUAKE EDDIE BEE

Pollen Based Nutritional Supplements

112 E Shipwreck Rd, Santa Rosa Beach 850-582-6765

Info@EEBSF.com

We utilize bee pollen, Royal Jelly and other plant-based foods that are full of lifesustaining nutrients in all of our formulations. Our formulations include a generous portion of bee pollen due to its active role in promoting a strong immune system, increased energy and an overall feeling of good health. See ad, page 4.

GOLDEN ALMOND

HEALTH FOOD STORE

339 Racetrack Rd NW, Ste 3, FWB 850-863-5811 • GoldenAlmond.com

Hours: M-F 9-6, S 10-5, Closed Sun

Natural supplements, herbs, skin care and essential oils, plus organic and specialty foods. In-store 100% organic café (weekdays 9-4) with juices, smoothies, etc. Very knowledgeable staff. See ad, page 3.

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.

—Mother Teresa

HONEYMED

Rosemary and Grand Blvd

Farmers’ Market

850-797-2786

HoneyMedBiz@gmail.com

HoneyMedBiz.com

HoneyMed is a delicious blend of raw honey and three powerful superfoods: turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper. HoneyMed is true nature’s medicine with antiinflammatory, antibacterial, revitalizing and immunity-boosting properties. See ad, page 39.

OLIVE LEAVES

HEALTH FOOD CENTER

In the Publix Shopping Center

634 W 23rd St, PC

850-763-8871 • OliveLeavesPC.com

Olive Leaves is here to provide you with the finest-quality, fresh, natural, organic and whole foods; nutritional products; body care products; and health information in a fun, comfortable, clean, safe environment.

STAFF OF LIFE

HEALTH FOOD STORE

(New Location)

1107 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville

850-678-8411

Niceville's only fully stocked health food and supplement store. In our new expanded location providing all of your favorite brands, and hardto-find products to keep you healthy. We also carry local farm-raised beef (grass-fed & finished), pork, chicken, eggs and dairy products. Knowledgeable staff. See ad, page 13.

HANDYMAN

KELLEY HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC

John and Sherri Kelley-Owners

KelleyHandyman@gmail.com

850-378-6262

KelleyHandyman.com

BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of Handy Man repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms and kitchens. Honest, affordable and with a smile we provide estimates you can count on. See ad, page 14.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

HEALING MOTION

Kirsten Wilkinson, MA, TCTSY-F, E-RYT 500, RCYT HealingMotionKW@gmail.com

A private practice that offers somatic therapy, coaching, and embodied practices that support mental health through nervous system self-regulation, lifestyle choices, diet balance and personalized wellness programs.

HOLISTIC MEDICINE

EMPATHIC PRACTICE

2701 N 12th Ave, Pensacola Pensacola • 850-777-3334

Contact@EmpathicPractice.us EmpathicPractice.us

Empathic Practice is focused on wellness beyond medication. We believe that mindfulness, not medication alone, will lead you to your best self. Compassionate care for a new path to healing. .

HEALING MOTION

Kirsten Wilkinson, MA, TCTSY-F, E-RYT 500, RCYT HealingMotionKW@gmail.com

A private practice that offers somatic therapy, coaching, and embodied practices that support mental health through nervous system self-regulation, lifestyle choices, diet balance and personalized wellness programs.

KAREN KENNEDY, MD

Board-Certified Gynecologist

1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, GB 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre

KarenKennedyMD.com

Board-Certified Gynecologist MD, offering full GYN services and proud to feature MonaLisa Touch Laser, a non-invasive treatment for symptoms of low hormones or menopause. Stop suffering and start living. Call for an appointment. Offices in Gulf Breeze and Navarre. See ad, page 2.

DR TONY SALAMAY, DC, MS, FASA

520 N Macarthur Ave, Panama City

850-785-9372

TheBayDoctor.com

Treating conditions through chiropractic, functional neurology and clinical nutrition such as fibromyalgia and thyroid issues. We treat the root causes and not just masking your symptoms. Always accepting new patients

HOME REPAIR

KELLEY HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC

John and Sherri Kelley-Owners

KelleyHandyman@gmail.com

850-378-6262

KelleyHandyman.com

BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of Handy Man repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms, and kitchens. Honest, affordable and with a smile we provide estimates you can count on. See ad, page 14.

HORMONE THERAPY

AGELESS SOLUTIONS

Cave, MD • Barber, MD

Janis Cook, RN

8990 Ortego Park Dr, Navarre

850-529-0770

Ageless Navarre.com

We offer multiple techniques and programs to get you on the right track to better health and a better body. Our services include behavioral therapies, nutritional strategies, hormone replacement pellet therapy, stem cell therapy, prescription medications and, best of all, the support of a caring staff. See ad, page 43.

KAREN KENNEDY, MD

Board Certified Gynecologist

1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, GB 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre

KarenKennedyMD.com

Board Certified Gynecologist MD, offering full GYN services and proud to feature MonaLisa Touch Laser, a non-invasive treatment for symptoms of low hormones or menopause. Stop suffering and start living. Call for an appointment. Offices in Gulf Breeze and Navarre. See ad, page 2.

HOT YOGA STUDIO

HOT YOGA OM

222 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Unit A Downtown Fort Walton Beach 850-430-9434 • HotYogaOM.com

Hot Yoga Om features far infrared heat, radiant heat, radiant life. Daily classes, amazing teachers, great benefits. Experience it for yourself. See ad, page 8.

HYPNOSIS

BAYSIDE HYPNOSIS

700 S Palafox St, Ste 200A, Pensacola Michelle@BaysideHypnosis.com BaysideHypnosis.com

A full-service weight-loss, smoking-cessation, and anxietyreduction center. We also help people with changing habits, personal development, confidence and self esteem improvement. See ad, page 5.

METAPHYSICAL SHOP

MYSTICAL PATHS OF PEA RIDGE

5151 Dogwood Dr, Milton

In the Dogwood Plaza

850-586-6224

A metaphysical store helping people of all faiths to find the tools to follow their path. Crystals, stones, books, tarot cards and much more. See ad, page 23.

STONE SOUP INTUITIVE

SPIRITUAL CENTER

314 Carmel Dr, FWB

850-533-6565

IntuitiveSpiritualCenter@gmail.com

Fort Walton’s newest eclectic intuitive center. Locally made crafts by local artisans. Intuitive readings, jewelry, paintings, incense, crystals, pottery, semi-precious stones, wind chimes, diaper cakes and handpainted furniture. See ad, page 15

WILD FLIER

127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin

850-687-3023

ShopWildFlier.com

KAREN KENNEDY, MD

Board-Certified Gynecologist

1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, GB

7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre

DR SUSAN WELCH, FAGD

106 Wright Pkwy SW, FWB

850-243-1534

WrightParkwayDentalCenter.com

We carry a wide selection of crystals, jewelry and yoga apparel. Find your inner zen and fly high with us. See ad, page 31.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

LAURA TYREE

Myofascial Release Massage Therapist

LauraTyree Health

in Hot Yoga Om (Downtown FWB)

850-642-1015 • LauraTyree.com

A healing sanctuary that relieves stress and alleviates damage caused by tension and strain. Fostering physical, mental and emotional relaxation while performing postures and breathing techniques with the underlying philosophy and relaxed attitude continuing outside of the studio into life. Classes for all levels and private classes upon request. See ad, page 8

PHYSICIANS

COYLE INSTITUTE

Dr. Michael Coyle, DO FACOOG, FPMRS

9295 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola

850-637-8258

CoyleInstitute.com

Dr. Coyle offers an unparalleled level of medical care to women all over the Gulf Coast, hoping that, in providing his patients with treatment and relief from the conditions that have so greatly affected their ability to live free from pain, he is offering them renewed hope and enriching their lives. See ad, page 23.

EMERALD COAST RHEUMATOLOGY

Aymen A Kenawy, MD

850-215-6400

3890 Jenks Ave, Lynn Haven/PC Info@ecrheum.com

DrKenawy.com

Aymen A Kenawy, MD, FACP, FACR, Board-Certified Rheumatologist, specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, and stem cell and infusion therapy.

KarenKennedyMD.com

Board-Certified Gynecologist MD, offering full GYN services and proud to feature MonaLisa Touch Laser, a non-invasive treatment for symptoms of low hormones or menopause. Stop suffering and start living. Call for appointment. Offices in Gulf Breeze and Navarre. See ad, page 2.

SPINE & JOINT, LLC

Sheila Mohammed, MD, PhD

4507 Furling Ln, Ste 213, Destin

850-281-8186

DrSheilaMohammed.com

A medical clinic that treats pain naturally through remedies such as prolotherapy, prolozone, ozone, platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments. See ad, page 21.

PILATES STUDIO

PURE PILATES

Gulf Breeze Proper

221 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, 850-932-3424

Downtown Pensacola

426 S Palafox, 850-607-2772

PurePilatesPensacola.com

Join us at Pure to experience the largest Pilates studio on the coast. Variety of equipment and mat classes are offered 6 days a week. Tone your core with Pure.

SLEEP DISORDERS

GULF COAST SLEEP CENTER

2202 State Ave, Ste 104

850-U-SNOOZE

850-876-6693

GulfCoastSleepCenter.com

Gulf Coast Sleep Center is a stateof-the-art sleep research and diagnostic facility with the latest technology for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. A comfortable, new and clean setting. All COVID protocols observed. No referral required, most insurance accepted.

Healthy digestion, well-aligned physical structure, proper breathing and a good night’s sleep begin with a healthy mouth. We treat snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ disorders, plus crowns, teeth whitening, bridges, veneers, implant restorations, aligner orthodontics, cleanings, digital X-ray imaging and CO2 laser periodontal treatment. No mercury fillings. See ads, pages 15 and 47.

SPIRITUAL CENTER GIFTS

STONE SOUP INTUITIVE

SPIRITUAL CENTER

314 Carmel Dr, FWB

850-533-6565

IntuitiveSpiritualCenter@gmail.com

Fort Walton’s newest eclectic intuitive center. Locally made crafts by local artisans. Intuitive readings, jewelry, paintings, incense, crystals, pottery, semi-precious stones, wind chimes, diaper cakes and handpainted furniture. See ad, page 15.

UNITY OF PENSACOLA

Jamie Sanders, Minister 189 W. Airport Blvd. 850-438-2277

UnityOfPensacola.org

Unity of Pensacola offers spiritual teachings that empower abundant and meaningful living. We provide philosophy that is spiritual, not religious, and love-based, not fear-based. Rev Jamie Sanders offers spiritual counseling. See ad, page 40.

STEM CELL THERAPY AGELESS SOLUTIONS

Cave, MD • Barber, MD • Janis Cook, RN 8990 Ortego Park Dr, Navarre 850-529-0770 • Ageless Navarre.com

Stem Cell Therapy is utilized to seek out inflammation in the body and regenerate any damaged tissue, applying our body’s natural internal repair system. Our services include behavioral therapies, nutritional strategies, hormone replacement pellet therapy, stem cell therapy, prescription medications and, best of all, the support of a caring staff. See ad, page 43.

THERMOGRAPHY

RADIANT

BODY THERMOGRAPHY

Candace Parmer

Clinical Thermographic Technician

503-775-1812

RadiantBodyThermography.com

Medical Infrared (MIR) technology developed by NASA provides an early, objective warning system that may show neurochemical signals far in advance of damage to the body. See ad, page 17.

THETA-HEALING

LAURA TYREE

ThetaHealing Healer

LauraTyree Health in Hot Yoga Om (Downtown FWB) 850-642-1015 • LauraTyree.com

ThetaHealing is a meditation technique and spirituality philosophy, accepting of all religions, with the purpose of getting closer to your beliefs Creator. A holistic healing technique allowing you to clear limiting beliefs with meditation and prayer. See ad, page 8

TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS)

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

(Located inside Path to Wellness)

240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com

DTMS increases the brain’s ability to regenerate and release neurotransmitters. We pair this with brain pathway correction and the nutritional program of Alzheimer’s researcher Dale Bredesen for quick, profound, positive results. See ad, page 9.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

AGELESS SOLUTIONS

8990 Ortega Park Dr, Navarre 850-529-0770

AgelessNavarre.com

More than 20 years of medical assistance with a weight-loss program that helps you reach your perfect weight while maintaining your energy and health. See ad, page 43.

BAYSIDE HYPNOSIS

700 S Palafox St, Ste 200A, Pensacola Michelle@BaysideHypnosis.com

BaysideHypnosis.com

Hypnotic weight-loss works because it combines common sense, realistic nutrition, and teaches how to think like a naturally thin person with the most advanced hypnotic technology available, performed by skilled, experienced master hypnotists. See ad, page 5.

COASTAL MEDICAL INTEGRATION

Sheila Decker, DC, MS, CAC

3481 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze

Increase your confidence, decrease joint pain and improve overall health with our medical weight loss program that includes custom nutrition counseling and vitamin supplementation.

YOGA APPAREL

WILD FLIER

127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin 850-687-3023

ShopWildFlier.com

A NIGHT OF DEEP, RESTORATIVE SLEEP IS WITHIN REACH

We carry a wide selection of crystals, jewelry and yoga apparel. Find your inner zen and fly high with us. See ad, page 31.

YOGA STUDIOS

DRAGONFLY YOGA STUDIES

184 Brooks St SE, Bldg 2

Downtown FWB • 850-244-0184

DragonFlyYoga.com

Serene environment for the study and practice of hatha yoga. Certified instructors. Owner/Director Laura Tyree, E-RYT 500. See ad, page 8

HOT YOGA OM

222 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Unit A

Downtown FWB • 850-430-9434

HotYogaOM.com

Hot Yoga Om features far infrared heat, radiant heat, radiant life. Daily classes, amazing teachers, great benefits. Experience it for yourself. See ad, page 8

Susan M Welch, DDS FAGD

Diplomat, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine

Diplomat, American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine

Diplomat, American Board of Craniofacial Pain

Fellow, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and Sleep Medicine

Member, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

Dr. Welch focuses a large part of her practice on assisting you in obtaining the best night’s sleep, through simple oral appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. If you have difficulties using, or are intolerant, with a CPAP machine, an oral sleep appliance could be the solution to getting the sleep you deserve.

THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND

CHANGE YOUR FREQUENCY CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Jeff was hit by a pickup truck in 2007, two years later he was still in pain, and his leg was still broken.

13 years ago, I told my orthopedic surgeon Dr. Roland Hester to cut my left leg off because it hurt so bad.

Dr. Hester told him he was not going to be able to walk again. He was on 100% disability and trying everything to manage his pain.

He was gifted a Miracle Band and didn't think it would work, but he was wrong!

Jeff Nursey (R) with Homer Gibbins 2x world champion boxer (L)