May 2014

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Trust Your Intuition Massage for Healing The Power of Probiotics Live Your Song

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

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

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

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

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

Please see Dr. Natalie’s article, “Veterinary Acupuncture,” on page 18 of this month’s issue. You will find her contact information there if you’d like to schedule an appointment for your own furry friend.

contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@Natvalley.com 404-395-9634 Co-Publisher, Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@Natvalley.com 256-476-6537 Design and Production Melanie Rankin Natural Awakenings in the Tennessee Valley 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 Facebook.com/natvalley

© 2014 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

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We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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natural awakenings

May 2014

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contents 5 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs

1 1 globalbriefs

10 11

19 naturalpet

20 consciouseating 22 fitbody

24 inspiration 25 wisewords 26 calendar 27 classifieds

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30 resourceguide

advertising & submissions

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

12 TRUST YOUR INTUITION

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

by Linda Sechrist

16 THE HEALING

POWER OF MASSAGE From Body Repair to Reversing the Blues

12

by Case Adams

19 PAIN-FREE POOCH

Five Natural Therapies that Work

by Jennifer Kachnic

20 FUNNY TUMMY?

16

by Kathleen Barnes

19

Probiotic Foods Can Fix a Troubled Gut

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

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 256-476-6537 or email Editor@Natvalley.com.

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

Content limited to special events and other announcements.

No advertorials, please.

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

22 BODY EASE

Fluid, Flexible Movement Can Be Ours

by Sarah Todd

24 LIVE YOUR SONG

It Keeps Us in Tune with Ourself

by Jill Mattson

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

25 VOLLEYING LIFE

ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@Natvalley.com

by Christine MacDonald

*All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisher’s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.

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Gabrielle Reece on Her Balancing Act

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newsbriefs Master Coach Releases Book, If Not Now, When?

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ife Coach Atul Uchil, Ph.D., certified as a master coach practitioner and life mastery coach, will release his latest book, If Not Now, When?, on May 7. Through the story of the twists and turns of a wild trip to Thailand and a near-death experience, he reflects on his journey of finding peace of mind, as well as meaning, purpose and an awareness of what is important.

Uchil’s last book, Remember Thou Art Mortal: The Chronicles of a Mending Heart, an account of his recovery into a healthy post-heart attack life through eating a natural diet, earned a 2013 Reader Views’ Readers’ Choice Literary Award in the health and wellness category. This is the seventh book authored by the entrepreneur, who has three decades of experience in business management, coaching and public speaking. He spent 18 years in a variety of senior management roles at several large consulting organizations before founding his own business consulting companies.

As an alumnus of the Certified Coaches Federation, Uchil conducts training and certification events in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, PA and TN. For information, call 757-471-1083, email AUchil@Uchil-llc.com or visit BravoMotivation.com. See ad, page 17.

A health food store with more!

Massage Reflexology Clinical Herbalist

Known for Knowledge & Service that sets us apart Locally owned

International Lecture Series of the Bruno Groening Circle of Friends: “Healing on the Spiritual Path—Medically Verifiable”

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Serving Huntsville for nearly 50 years!

ore and more people search for a solution in holistic medicine. On this quest, many people rediscover a completely natural path. The ancient civilizations of humanity spoke of the existence of a higher power that can help and heal. Bruno Groening (1906–1959) called this power “Heilstrom“ or healing force. Among other things, he taught how one can absorb this natural healing power. The healings, even of so-called incurable diseases, are occurring today just as they did during his life. A multitude of medically documented healing reports testify to this. In this lecture, healed individuBruno Groening als will report about their experiences.

There will be an informative lecture by MD B. Wagner on Monday, June 2 at 7pm at Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville, AL. The lecture is open to the public. Admission is free, a voluntary donation is appreciated.

Further information is available online at Bruno-Groening.org/english.

256-883-4127 7540 South Memorial Parkway Rosie’s Shopping Center Huntsville, AL 9:30-5:30 M-F; 9:30-2:30 Sat.

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Support our advertisers For every $100 spent in locally owned business, $68 returns to the community source: the350project.net

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May 2014

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newsbriefs Herb Society Herb Fest at Huntsville Botanical Garden

Celebrate Growing Huntsville 5K Walk/Run

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he Huntsville Herb Society will host their annual Herb Fest on Saturday May 10 from 10am-2pm at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. This is a fun and educational day with many events throughout the herb garden. Learn to make a bouquet garni for cooking or an herb filled sachet. Tasty herb treats will be served. Master Gardener’s will be on hand to answer all your gardening herb questions. Tussie’s Mussie’s will be created as you choose your special flowers and herb combinations. Look for the plant giveaways in front of the herb cottage. Join us for this special event, free with Huntsville Botanical Garden admission or membership.

Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-830-4447. Hsvbg.org.

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

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

The American Coaching School (ACS) was established in Alabama May 2012. ACS began as a faith based school offering classes spiritual studies. ACS grew and quickly and added wellness, lifestyle, business and grief facilitation coaching programs. In 2013, ACS partnered with affiliate Universal-class to offer virtual classroom studies in over 500 different courses and topics.

Currently we provide business professionals with IACET CEU’s and contact hours.

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

For information on our programs or to be a guest presenter, visit American CoachingSchool.com. See ad, page 6.

D

eep Roots of Alabama’s 2nd Annual “Celebrate Growing Huntsville 5K Walk/Run will be held Saturday, May 10 from 8-10am in Big Spring Park in Downtown Huntsville.

Your registration in the 5K walk and run will help increase health educational opportunities in North Alabama.

Deep Roots of Alabama teaches individuals, families and communities how to grow their own food and make healthy sustainable lifestyle choices.

Deep Roots of Alabama teaches “Farm to School, Seed to Plate” concepts to over ten schools in north Alabama reaching over 1,200 students.

Your donation helps combat issues like food security and childhood obesity while helping create healthy communities. Deep Roots of Alabama encourages healthy neighborhoods one garden at a time.

For more information or to volunteer with Deep Roots of AL, please visit DeepRootsOfAlabama.org.

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Facebook Follow our Facebook page Natural Awakenings in the Tennessee Valley and stay up-to-date with local happenings!

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Understanding Lactose Intolerance with Jeanette N. Keith, M.D.

News to Share?

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young woman developed severe abdominal cramps after consuming dairy foods. The diagnosis of “lactose intolerance” was made with the suggestion to eliminate dairy foods. She became vitamin D and calcium deficient. A new doctor utilized updated research to re-introduce dairy foods into her diet. She is now healthy and enjoys dairy foods with almost no symptoms.

Are you lactose intolerant? Lactose intolerance occurs when there is not enough of the enzyme (lactase), to digest all of the milk sugar, resulting in abdominal discomfort. When these symptoms occur, you may be diagnosed as “lactose intolerant.” However, lactose intolerance does not mean dairy avoidance.

In the U.S., dairy foods are the main sources of calcium and vitamin D in our diet. Three servings of milk, yogurt or cheese each day can help prevent diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity, and vitamin deficiencies. The re-introduction of dairy foods to the diet should be a gradual process for lactose intolerant individuals. Begin with small amounts of low lactose dairy foods such as yogurt and natural cheeses. Gradually add foods like cottage cheese and 2-4 ounces of milk.

Drink real milk that is lactose–free or flavored with chocolate or strawberry. Don’t believe the myths about dairy foods and lactose intolerance. The research shows that lactose intolerance does not mean dairy avoidance. Dairy avoidance has unintended health consequences. Dr. Keith should know—the young woman she speaks of is herself.

Do you have a special event in the community?

Are you opening a new office or moving?

Recently become certified in a new modality?

Let us know about it!

Visit Decatur Gastroenterology at BHIP.us.com to learn more. For appointments, call 256-350-0153 See ad, page 23.

Group Hypnosis for Weight Management

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ypnosis can effectively help reprogram thought patterns from old, undesirable ones to new ones to promote a healthy relationship with food, exercise and especially self-talk. Normally, old thought patterns are focused on dieting, being thinner, dreading exercise, and unhealthy self-talk. By releasing these old thought patterns that are no longer in your best interest and replacing them with thoughts of being, happy, healthy, and having a better relationship with food, can cause phenomenal changes.

Focus should not be on what you don’t want; it should be on what you do want in life.

Marsha Mathes Weight management can be an almost effortless undertaking when the focus is put on creating a positive relationship with food and just plain feeling good. Through hypnosis, new thought patterns are introduced to bring forth new desires to be healthy, happy and feeling comfortable around food. New patterns of being naturally attracted to healthier foods will be set up as well. It is amazing the transformation that can take place.

These group sessions will meet once a week for four weeks beginning on Thursday, May 15th at 6:30pm, and the cost is $100 for all four sessions. You will receive a hypnosis CD and other effective tools to do at home in between classes to enhance your results.

Location: Parkway Office Center, 3313 Memorial Parkway SW, Ste 116, Huntsville, AL 35801. For more information, contact Marsha Mathes at 256-698-2151 or Mathes79@knology.net. See listing, page 30.

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

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

natural awakenings

May 2014

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newsbriefs The Paranormal Study Center Welcomes Jeffrey Rich: “Understanding Curses, Spirit Attachments & Clearings”

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ecause we humans are energetic beings and our mass is mostly empty space, we can be influenced by energy fields around us and in which we immerse ourselves while at work, play, worship, and at rest. Our natural human mediumistic quality helps to keep us safe and serves as an energetic “early warning system” to try and keep us out of trouble.

In this presentation, we will exJeffrey Rich plore the meanings of curses, hexes, and bindings, and the influences of spirit attachments and some of the common symptoms seen of each. We will explore a little bit about how these things are often seen together, specifically, how spirits get bound into family lines and lineages, or to individuals. Jeffrey will also present case studies as we look deeper into these very real and very common phenomena and see what other cultures believe and how these energetic phenomena can be cleared in an ethical, non-coercive, compassionate, and safe way for all involved.

Jeffrey is a shamanic practitioner and shamanic instructor specializing in the shamanic energy disciplines. He lives and works in Huntsville, with a full-time healing practice providing skilled therapeutic massage and a broad range of shamanic healing modalities to the public. His new clinic, Shining Mountain Healing Center, opens soon in Five Points.

Location: The Hilton Garden Inn, 4801 Governors House Dr, (next to Landry’s Seafood), Friday, May 23 at 6:30pm. Public Admission is $10. For information, visit ParapsychologyStudy Group.com or Meetup.com/Huntsville-Paranormal-StudyCenter. See ad, page 8.

Water, WilloW & Moon

Transformational Bodywork and Shamanic Healing

Organic Herbal Cooking with Tamara Huron

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rganic Herbal Cooking is a local business started by Tamara Huron. Tamara’s passion for gardening and cooking with organic herbs led her to develop the company.

Organic Herbal Cooking is a two-sided business. The first is the internet-based business with the slogan “Give the Healthy Gift of Cooking with Fresh Organic Herbs.” The organic herb of the Tamara Huron month club is available in 1 month, 3 month and 6 month subscriptions. The gift recipients receive a fresh organic herb wrapped in organic burlap accented with natural raffia for the appropriate holiday. Each herb comes with 6 photo recipe cards crated by Tamara that highlight the herb. Included are herb fun facts and a brief history. Education is the other side of Organic Herbal Cooking. Tamara gives cooking classes for small and large groups. At the events, attendees are treated to sampling the healthy herbal dishes she has prepared.

The fresh organic herb of the month makes a wonderful natural gift for cooks, gardeners and family. “It’s the perfect organic gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day,” said Tamara.

Organic Herbal Cooking next cooking venue will take place on May 13 at Burritt on the Mountain. For more information to the herb workshop, email Pattcowart@me.com. Tamara is currently the President of the Huntsville Herb Society affiliated with the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

Visit Organic Herbal Cooking’s website to follow Tamara’s blog or to place an order for an organic herb of the month. Folks have loved this natural healthy gift. Follow her on Facebook where she posts healthy recipes and interesting herb ideas.

OrganicHerbalCooking.com. Facebook.com/OrganicHerbal Cooking. 256-852-6375. OrganicHebalCooking@gmail.com.

See ad, page 8.

Give the Gift of Cooking with Fresh Organic Herbs The Organic Natural Gift for Mother’s Day & Father’s Day

www.waterwillowmoon.com

Jeffrey rich, lMt 656

OrganicHerbalCooking.com Phone 256-852-6375 to order

jeffrey.rich@gmail.com

256-337-1699

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Tennessee Valley, AL

1 month, 3 month & 6 month subscriptions Healthy Recipe Cards included that highlight the featured Herb

Facebook.com/natvalley

Are Allergies Making Me Feel This Way?

by Chad Gilliam M.M.S. PA-C

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bout 1 in 5 people suffers from allergies. Allergies can manifest themselves in a host of different ways. The most common are the hay fever-variety—a runny or stuffed-up nose, sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes, etc.

But there are plenty of other symptoms that have their root in allergy.

Asthma: Most asthma is allergy-related. Allergies cause the airways to swell, obstructing normal breathing. The majority of my asthmatic patients show marked symptom relief once they start allergy treatment. There’s a strong link!

Eczema/Hives: Most people think

these skin problems are a dermatology issue, but they are usually a by-product of allergy. Many of my new patients have cycled through multiple derma-

tologists and even more prescription creams, but no amount of cream can fix the problem if it’s allergy-related.

Chronic sinus and ear infections:

One or two sinus infections a year may be normal, but any more than that indicates allergy. Allergy causes the lining of the sinuses and ears to swell so they don’t drain properly. When mucus accumulates, bacteria can flourish. Kids’ allergies make them especially prone to repeated ear infections which can, in some cases, affect speech and longterm hearing.

Chronic cough: Allergies lead to mucus production in the nose and throat (post-nasal drip) which irritates the lining of the airways, causing you to cough. Frequent coughs or coughs that

STOP

last longer than 7 to 10 days indicate allergy. One of my patients had a cough that lasted for 40 years. He thought he had asbestos poisoning, but it was really allergies. The cough went away shortly after he started allergy treatment.

Other symptoms include headache and fatigue. I have also found a link between allergy and tics/Tourette syndrome. In short, when the immune system is depleted by constantly fighting off allergens, your health suffers in a variety of ways!

If you suspect that you have allergies, talk to your physician about getting allergy treatment—either through shots or through under-the-tongue allergy drops that can be taken at home.

Chad Gilliam M.M.S. PA-C is located at Madison Family Care. He has helped many patients overcome allergies and asthma. His office can be reached at 256-426-8507. MadisonFamilyCare.com.

See ads, pages 9 and 32.

ALLERGIES & ASTHMA THE EASY WAY - NO SHOTS!

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*Endorsed by the World Health Organization. Featured in Scientific American, Reader's Digest and on NBC and ABC News.

Allergy testing is covered by most insurance plans.

1230 Slaughter Road, Suite C Madison, Alabama 35758

256.722.0555 MadisonFamilyCare.com

natural awakenings

May 2014

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healthbriefs

Healthy Homemade Infant Food Reduces Kids’ Allergies

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

Multivitamins with Selenium Counter HIV

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

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

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

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

Roundup Toxin Accumulates in GM Soybeans

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

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

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Merciér Pelvic Massage Boosts Women’s Fertility

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

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

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

globalbriefs

Forests Preserve Trees Rescue Urbanites from Dirty Air

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

Greening Garbage

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

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

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

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

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

The scientists recommend that people everywhere plant more trees.

Source: AmericanForests.org

Sinking Reptiles World Turtle Day Sounds Alarm

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

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

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

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

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

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

Radical Fuel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Linda Sechrist

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

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

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

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

Changing Directions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awakening to our gut feelings, personal power and self-love restores the wholeness left behind in pursuit of external sources of happiness. the director of education and lead teacher of the Amrit Method of Yoga, at the facility in Silver Springs, Florida, Desai instructs on listening to the voice of intuition identified as prana in yogic tradition, which she characterizes as “the energy that enlivens and carries out all balancing and life-giving processes in nature.

“It speaks through the body as sensations, impulses and urges,” she says. “This ‘inner divining rod’ informs us what feelings, thoughts and actions are moving us into alignment with our source and what is moving us out of alignment.”

Quieting the mind and strengthening the directives of prana through meditation, yoga and being in nature moves us away from what we tell ourselves and back to directly responding to its promptings. “Absorbed in the present moment and bodily sensations, we connect with inner guidance,” explains Desai. “With practice, our mind becomes a servant to inner intelligence. It can both direct our lives and make us sensitive to early symptoms suggesting oncoming illness,” she adds.

“There is growing interest in energy medicine and developing a deeper connection to the body’s intelligence through yoga and energy practices like qigong and tai chi be-

cause people are tired of taking medications that don’t heal the root cause of health problems,” comments Dr. Sue Morter, founder of Morter Health Center, near Indianapolis, Indiana, and the healing phenomenon she terms Energy Codes. A regular practice of any one of these disciplines expands sensory function to encompass internal recognition and referencing of subtle information.

Morter teaches how to awaken gut feelings, personal power and self-love to restore wholeness left behind in pursuit of external sources of happiness.

“Participants learn to trust their gut more than the opinions of others, which turns up the volume on the whispers of intuition,” she explains.

After Pat Hall, a therapeutic bodyworker in Augusta, Georgia, read Jill Bolte Taylor’s My Stroke of Insight, she was certain a habit of listening to mental chatter interfered with feeling and interpreting her body’s helpful promptings. “Jill’s experience of her body as

energy and her mind as silent when the left lobe of her brain shut down due to a stroke was my ‘Aha!’ moment,” says Hall. For her, heeding inner guidance took practice and a commitment to dismantling reactive thought patterns and habits, plus discerning between intuition and distracting chatter.

“Mind chatter generally creates fear, negativity and pressure to do something,” she explains. “Intuitive guidance is gentle, expansive and undemanding.”

Hall believes in the Buddhist concept that mindfulness of the body allows us to love fully. She finds, “It brings healing, wisdom and freedom.”

She relates how she is led to direct a client’s attention to their own body’s intuition, which works best when she is following her instincts, rather than thinking. “After one session, my client, who had been silently experiencing numerous feelings in her stomach, asked me why I had touched her abdomen. I was just intuitively led to that part of her body.”

Dr. Mona Lisa Schulz, also a Ph.D., medical intuitive and co-author of All is Well, notes that everyone has a connection to intuition. “We get a gut feeling and sadness in our heart from our inner intelligence that we don’t know what to do with. While some individuals consult a practitioner, others listen to their body’s intuitive language and reflect on their insights and

“With practice, our mind becomes a servant to inner intelligence. It can both direct our lives and make us sensitive to early symptoms suggesting oncoming illness.” ~ Yogeshwari Kamini Desai

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

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

Receive everything: Pay attention to what you are feeling.

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

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

Source: Adapted from Born to Receive, by Amanda Owen BHRT_Ad_half-pg_3488:Layout 1

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dreams—the language of soul,” says Schulz. “Intuition can speak softly through symptoms,” she observes. “Eventually, when disregarded, it can become a full-blown illness.”

Biochemist and author of Secrets of Our Cells: Discovering Your Body’s Inner Intelligence, Sondra Barrett, Ph.D., is awed by the body’s cellular intelligence. “Our cells are invisible, so we don’t think of ourselves as cellular beings.

However, a deeper understanding of our constitution and that our cells speak to each other and collaborate harmoniously could inspire us to befriend our body’s intelligence for life,” she says. “We might shift from wanting to fix an ache or pain to understanding that our cells are warning us of something.”

Sonia Choquette, a global consultant who recommends we rely on our sixth sense as our first sense, has authored several books on intuition. She finds, “With intuition, we have a personal compass and an ally in discerning what is authentic and true for us so that we won’t be tugged and pulled in different directions when we make decisions.”

Laurie McCammon, co-author of Enough: The Rise of the Feminine and the Birth of the New Story, was relaxing and reflecting with two friends when intuition graced her with a message of information-laden energy: “I am enough.

We are enough. I have enough. We have enough. Enough!”

The experience inspired them to collaborate on an e-book celebrating the grassroots groundswell toward a major shift in the world. “I believe intuition is an aspect of The Grand Plan, which always moves us toward greater expansion, inclusion

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Fearlessly following our intuition frees us to fully live an authentic and satisfying life. and an ever more mature and loving response to life,” says McCammon.

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

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

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tension following heart surgery among 152 cardiac surgery patients. A study from Japan’s Toho University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences showed that aromatherapy massage significantly reduced psychological stress among elderly nursing home residents.

Reduces Depression

The Healing Power of Massage

From Body Repair to Reversing the Blues

by Case Adams

I

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

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

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

Cody Landis, a licensed massage therapist and instructor at the Swedish Institute’s College of Health Sciences, in

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

Relieves Stress

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

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

Australian researchers reporting in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that massage reduced pain, anxiety and muscle

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

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

Relieves Pain

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

Relief was reported by a third of 110 headache patients in a Turkish medical school study. Dhaka Medical College Hospital, in Bangladesh, found similar results in a study of 500 headache sufferers, many of which had migraines. Research from the University of Miami’s School of Medicine showed that massage reduced arthritis pain and increased both grip strength and range of motion among 42 rheumatoid arthritis patients.

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

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

Expands Acceptance

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

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

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

What Researchers Now Know

tutionalized elderly adults diagnosed with dementia found massage therapy generally helped improve behavior and sleep.

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

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

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

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

Dementia: Research from Spain’s Extremadura University on 120 insti-

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

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

natural awakenings

May 2014

17

therapyspotlight

Veterinary Acupuncture

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

What is Veterinary Acupuncture?

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

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

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

How Does Veterinary Acupuncture Work?

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

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

Veterinary Acupuncture has proven very effective in many conditions, especially: • Joint pain just as Hip Dysplasia • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), traumatic nerve injury and certain types of paralysis • Neurological disorders including seizures • Urinary disorders such as incontinence, chronic urinary tract infections, kidney disease (acute and chronic) • Respiratory disorders such as sinusitis, asthma and coughing • Gastrointestinal disorders including vomiting, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, rectal prolapse and diarrhea • Dermatological disorders such as allergic dermatitis and chronic skin disease • Cardiovascular diseases which include valvular disease and cardiomyopathy • Pain management pre and post surgical procedures Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman recently moved her holistic veterinary practice, Well Being Medicine For Animals, from Colorado to Birmingham. Her mission is to provide affordable veterinary care that combines traditional veterinary medicine with holistic treatments including acupuncture, dietary therapy and herbal remedies. Dr. Natalie will be accepting appointments in Huntsville one weekend per month at Pets, Love & Happiness, 905 Meridian St North. Call 205907-9442 or email WellBeingMedicine@att.net to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 20.

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naturalpet

Pain-Free Pooch Five Natural Therapies that Work

by Jennifer Kachnic

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

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

natural awakenings

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Wellness Weekends with Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackmon Saturday 9am-2pm May 17, 2014 Call 205-907-9442 to schedule appointment Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman is a local veterinarian whose passion is to bring about healing and wholeness in our animal friends using a combination of conventional and alternative modalities of medicine.

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905 Merdian St N Huntsville, AL 256-429-9112

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Funny Tummy?

Probiotic Foods Can Fix a Troubled Gut

by Kathleen Barnes

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

C

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Food Solutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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use a smaller canning jar loaded with marbles or stones.

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

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

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

Primary source: TheKitchen.com

In addition to fermented foods, these foods offer digestive relief.

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

Alexander Technique

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

Sales Rep.: Mike Underwood 48641 Date: by Australian thespian F. Matthias Alexander at Invented t. Sign.: X Please note - quality and size may vary slightly between proof and actual directory the end of the 19th century as a means of improving his onstage presence, the Alexander Technique is highly regarded by actors and entertainers, yet anyone can benefit from it, according to Arcaya.

In typical one-on-one sessions, Alexander movement practitioners use a light, gentle touch and verbal instruction to show students how to realign their head, neck and upper back while standing in front of a mirror, which helps the rest of the body attain a more natural position. Next, students learn to move through routine activities like sitting, walking and bending in ways that replace damaging habits with easier movements.

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

256-325-0955

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walked with a freedom and a lightness,’ he said, ‘I didn’t want to stop.’”

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

Feldenkrais Method

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

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

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

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

Trager Approach

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

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

All three bodywork techniques can help people banish bad habits for good. “Gradually, aches and pains will go away,” Arcaya says. “You can undo the imbalances that have done you wrong.” Then go forward, doing things right.

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

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Light Of Christ Center Every Sunday: A Course In Miracles Study Group

9:15am Sundays

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inspiration

LIVE YOUR SONG It Keeps Us in Tune with Ourself

Affirmations, Music, Mystery Message, Fellowship, An Open Communion Table

This Month: Building Budget Benefit Lunch 12:30pm Sun, May 4, $6 Introduction to Astrology Begins 7pm Thu, May 8 Monthly Movie Night 7pm Saturday, May 10 Open Clearance Session 7pm Fri, May 16

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by Jill Mattson

L

isten to a traditional West African Griot story: When a tribal woman knows she is pregnant, she goes into the wilderness with a few friends to pray and meditate until they hear the song of the child. They recognize that every soul has its own vibration that expresses its unique flavor and purpose.

When the women attune to the song, they sing it out loud. Then they return and teach it to everyone else.

When children are born into the tribe, the village community gathers and sings their song, one unique melody for each unique child. Later, when children begin their education, the village again gathers to chant each child’s song. They sing upon the initiation of adulthood and at the time of their marriage. If at any time someone commits a crime or aberrant social act, the villagers will circle the individual and chant their song, recognizing that the proper correction is love and the remembrance of identity, because when you recognize your own song you have no desire or need to do anything that would hurt another. Finally, when the soul is about to pass from this world, family and friends gather at the bedside, as they did at birth, and sing the person to the next life.

In any culture, a friend is one that knows our song and sings it to us when we have forgotten it. Those that love us are not fooled by the mistakes we’ve made or the dark images we hold about ourself. They remember our beauty when we feel ugly; our wholeness

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when we are broken; our innocence when we feel guilty; and our purpose when we are confused.

Life always reminds us when we are and when we’re not in tune with ourself.

When we feel good, we are matching our song. We may feel a little wobbly at times, but so have all the great singers. If we just keep singing, we’ll find our way home. In the end, we shall all recognize our song and sing it well.

Modern pioneers in vibrational energy like Sharry Edwards (bioacoustic biology) and Donna Eden (energy medicine) have independently detected that each of us has a fundamental signature frequency that can be equated to our unique song that persists throughout life. We innately seek natural sounds that reinforce and strengthen our song such as the surf, wind or birds. Even the stars and heavens offer songs out of our hearing range that benefit cell-to-cell vibrations within that we intuitively feel as the magic of a midnight sky.

At one with the universe, our song contributes its part in the infinite chorus of creation.

Jill Mattson is an author, artist, musician and sound healing composer. Her books and CDs, based on 20 years of studying ancient civilizations, support healing and personal growth. Connect at JillsWingsOfLight.com.

The Griot story is based on an interpretation by Jane Maluka and Dan Millman.

wisewords

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

Volleying Life

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

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

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

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

Gabrielle Reece on Her Balancing Act

by Christine MacDonald

G

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

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

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

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

How do you choose to expend your volunteer efforts?

take your kids and you’ll take theirs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit ChristineMacDonald.info.

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May 2014

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calendarofevents Email Editor@Natvalley.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

FRIDAY, MAY 2 World Championship Challenge Race – until dusk (Fri), 8am (Sat-Sun). This is a 3-day model boat race hosted by the Huntsville Model Boating Association. It will feature model boat racers from across the country racing model boats at speeds over 60 mph. Free to spectators. Brahan Spring Park, Huntsville, AL. Concerts on the Dock: The Revelers – 6-9pm.

The Revelers combine Swamp-Pop, Cajun, Country, Blues and Zydeco into a powerful tonic of roots music straight from Southwest Louisiana. Free with $2 suggested donation for parking. Lowe Mill. 2211 Seminole Drive Huntsville, AL 35805.

256-533-0399.

Concert: Spring is Bach – 7pm. The Huntsville Master Chorale members will end the year taking on the exacting demands of the German Baroque. Free, donations appreciated. Faith Presbyterian Church, 5003 Whitesburg Huntsville, AL 35802.

SATURDAY, MAY 3 First Saturday Fitness Classes: Boxing – 8:309:30am. Held the first Saturday of each month from April through October at Big Spring East by the rock fountain. Free. Big Spring Park, 200 Church St, Huntsville, AL 35801.

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

Light Worker’s Celebration – 10am-5pm. A day of metaphysical fun with unique vendors and local artists, including Sensitives, Mediums, Intuitives, Aura Photography, Speakers, Healers, Herbalists and more. $5. The Dream Maker, 4004 Triana Blvd, Huntsville, AL (Just south of Drake Ave).

256-883-8446. DreamMakerShop.com. MK@ DreamMakerShop.com.

First Saturday Fitness Classes: Insanity – 1011am. Robert Jackson from University Fitness Center leads you in cardio and plyometric drills with intervals of strength, power, resistance, and core training. Free. Big Spring Park by the rock fountain, 200 Church St, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Trail of Tears Walk and Talk – 10am. (2-3 hours / Moderate to difficult). The Land Trust’s Blevins Gap Nature Preserve protects a portion of the Benge Route—part of the Trail of Tears. Directions and info: LandTrustNAL.org. 256-534-5263.

Spiritual Experiences Guidebook – 2-3pm. Free introductory presentation and discussion for people of all faiths. Learn how to have real experiences with the divine love that is always available to you.

Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, #3 (near Five Points). 256-534-1751. Eck-Alabama.org.

SUNDAY, MAY 4 The Forests of Lovely Green Mountain – 2pm.

(2-3 hours / Moderate to difficult). Forester Brian Bradley will take the lead on the Bill and Marion

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Tennessee Valley, AL

Southeastern Outings Cahaba Lily Walk, Hargrove Shoals along the Cahaba River in Bibb County – 10am. Come with us to see the largest display of blooming Cahaba lilies in the world, acres and acres of them spread out over the water in the river. Info: Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680 or seoutings@bellsouth.net. SEOutings.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 13 MadFood – 5-8pm. An evening food festival showcasing the best food and chefs around. Admission charged. Best Western Plus, 9035 Madison Boulevard Madison, AL 35758. 256-325-8317.

Tuesday Evening Concerts at the Library – 6pm.

Featuring Rocket City Latin Band. Free. Huntsville Public Library, 915 Monroe Street Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-532-5975.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 Certain Trail on Blevins Gap Nature Preserve. Directions and info: LandTrustNAL. 256-534-5263.

THURSDAY, MAY 8 Amanda Shires In Concert – 8-9:30pm. Amanda Shires, singer-songwriter and fiddle player, is an undeniably talented Americana, alt-country musician. $26. Tangled String Studio, Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-533-0399.

FRIDAY, MAY 9 Concerts on the Dock: Eli Cook – 6-9pm. Blending the influences of Blues masters and modern rock, Eli Cook has forged a fresh sound, alive with the southern Blues tradition. Free with $2 suggested donation for parking. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-533-0399.

Rocket City Brewfest – 7-11pm (Fri), 4-8pm (Sat). Sample some of the best beer available in the Tennessee Valley, with an emphasis on local and regional breweries. Admission charged. Huntsville Depot & Museum, 320 Church St, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-564-8100.

City Lights and Stars Concert Series featuring Mambo Gris Gris – 7:30-9:30pm. Huntsville’s hottest Latin band. This six-piece group of accordion, bass, saxophone, vocals and guitar creates a sound that will make you want to dance. Admission charged. Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Dr, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-536-2882.

Play: The Fox on the Fairway – 7:30pm (Fri-Sat), 2pm (Sun). Recalling the Marx Brothers’ classics, this furiously paced comedy is about love, life & man’s eternal love affair with...golf. Admission charged. Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe Street Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-536-0807.

SATURDAY, MAY 10 Combatting Youth Obesity – 9am-12pm. Featuring Family Activities, Exhibitors, Vendors, Demonstrations, Giveaways and more. Free and open to all ages.

Alabama A&M Student Health and Wellness Center, 4900 Meridian St North, Huntsville, AL 35810.

Mayor’s Bicycle Ride – 10am. Ride with Mayor Tommy Battle and other VIPs. An easy 4-mile loop around downtown, with a bailout option at 2 miles.

Come early to enjoy music and some Earth Fare goodies. Helmets required. Free. Corner of Fountain Circle & Williams Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801.

256-427-5000.

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Health Matters @ Madison: Cardiovascular Health and Wellness – 12-1pm. Brenda Styles, a clinical nurse specialist from Madison Hospital, will present a free seminar on Cardiovascular Health and Wellness. Madison Public Library, 130 Plaza Blvd, Madison, AL 35758. 256-461-0046.

THURSDAY, MAY 15 Group Hypnosis for Weight Management – 6:308pm (5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5). You will receive a hypnosis CD and other effective tools to do at home in between classes to enhance your results. $100.

Marsha Mathes, Certified Consulting Hypnotist: 256-698-2151 or mathes79@knology.net. Parkway Office Center, 3313 Memorial Parkway SW, Ste 116, Huntsville.

FRIDAY, MAY 16 Concerts on the Dock: Unknown Lyric – 6-9pm.

By fusing classical Beethoven with urban grooves and contemporary sounds, the Atlanta instrumental duo Unknown Lyric is on a mission to make instrumental music cool again. Free with $2 suggested donation for parking. Lowe Mill. 2211 Seminole Drive Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-533-0399.

A Night in the Garden with CASA of Madison County – 7-10pm. An evening of local feasting and fun, wine and beer tasting, cooking demonstrations, music and dancing, and supporting our local community. $75. CASA Community Garden, 4725 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville, AL 35805.

CASAMadisonCty.org.

All Has Meaning – 7:30-8pm. Inspiring stories and insights from Harold Klemp, spiritual leader and acclaimed author of more than sixty books on Eckankar. Learn for yourself why all has meaning for the Soul going home to God. Free. Knology Cable Channel 11 (Huntsville/Madison). 256-5341751. Eck-Alabama.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 17 Super Saturday in the Park – 9am. Enjoy a free morning of Healthy Huntsville classes and vendors in Big Spring Park. Class times at 9, 10, and 11am. Free classes include Pilates, Yoga, Crossfit, Hoola Hooping, Zumba, Cardio Boot Camp and more. Big Spring Park, 200 Church St, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Super Saturday in the Park: Cooking demonstration at the Gazebo – 11:30am-12:30pm. Ashley Ramirez of Mason Dixon Bakery will prepare

chicken and shrimp with avocado cream sauce over zucchini noodles. Great for paleo diets and healthy eating. Samples available. Big Spring Park, 200 Church St, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Working in the Garden – 1:30-2:30pm. Every Drop in on our historic interpreters every Saturday and Sunday to enjoy demonstrations of historic skills and crafts in the historic park. Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Dr, Huntsville, AL 35801.

256-536-2882.

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

FRIDAY, MAY 23 Concerts on the Dock: Iron Horse – 6-9pm. Enjoy the innovative, hard-driving instrumental licks and strong, precise harmonies of this extremely progressive Bluegrass Band. Free with $2 suggested donation for parking. Lowe Mill. 2211 Seminole Drive Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-533-0399.

City Lights and Stars Concert Series featuring Alex de Grassi – 7:30-9:30pm. Grammy nominated Alex de Grassi is a unique voice in the world of acoustic guitar, known for his evocative compositions and arrangements, and for his sheer virtuosity.

Admission charged. Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Dr, Huntsville, AL. 256-536-2882.

SATURDAY, MAY 24

SATURDAY, MAY 31

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

Fern Festival & Sale – 9am-3pm. Presented by the Huntsville Fern Society, the annual Fern Festival includes the sale of many types of garden ferns, as well as information and educational activities. Admission charged. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-830-4447.

Alabama Down Home Blues Festival – 12pm. An outdoor celebration with emphasis on new and legendary Soul and Blues artists. Admission charged.

Jaycee Community Building, 2180 Airport Rd, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-679-3272.

MONDAY, MAY 26 Cotton Row Run – 7-11am. Run the Cotton Row 10K (6.2 miles), run/jog/walk the 5K Run (3.1 miles) or the 1-Mile Fun Run through the historic downtown area of Huntsville in the premiere Memorial Day running event in the South. CottonRowRun. com.

TUESDAY, MAY 27 Tuesday Evening Concerts at the Library – 6pm.

Featuring Microwave Dave. Free. Huntsville Public Library, 915 Monroe Street Huntsville, AL 35801.

256-532-5975.

FRIDAY, MAY 30 Health Matters @ Madison: Free Seminar on Breast Cancer – 12-1pm. Sandra Cross, RN, from Huntsville Hospital, will present a free seminar on Breast Cancer. Madison Public Library, 130 Plaza Blvd, Madison, AL 35758. 256-461-0046.

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

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

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

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Publish a Natural Awakenings Magazine in Your Community Share Your Vision and Make a Difference • Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training

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ongoingevents Email Editor@Natvalley.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am.

Shared reading and group discussions. Extra books available. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville, AL. 256-895-0255. LightOf ChristCenter.org.

Revealing Service – 9:45am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Celebration Service – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Unity Church on the Mountain Worship Service – 11am, with Adult Discussion at 9:30am. Unity is a positive path for spiritual living. Rev. Carol Landry. 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville, AL. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.org.

1-Hour Mystery School – 11am. A different service each week including ritual, music, and a message in an open, loving environment. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville, AL. 256-895-0255.

LightOfChristCenter.org.

“The Importance of Self-Love” – 6:30pm. Class will be at Unity Church on the Mountain. Love offering accepted. 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville, AL. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.org.

Satsang – 6:30pm. Through group discussion and inquiry, we reveal the innate wisdom of the one presence living life as each one of us. Meditation 6pm.

Led by Rev. David Leonard. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

thursday Thursday Night Swing – 6:30-10pm. Swing dance lesson, 6:30pm; Dance 7:30pm. $5 covers lesson and dance. Lowe Mill/Flying Monkey, 2nd Floor Theatre, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville, AL.

Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-883-8596.

CSL-Huntsville.org.

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Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00pm Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm Sundays 9:45am

tuesday

A Group for Sensitive People in Huntsville – 6:308:30pm. Free Support Group, Social Activities, Understanding what being sensitive means and how it affects our lives, Guest Speakers, Workshops, Creative Expression, Writing and Art Therapy. 915 Merchants Walk 2nd fl. Call George Kost M.A.P.D. 256-682-5479.

ONGOING SERVICES AND CLASSES!

Revealing Services

friday Public Clearance Session – 7pm. Third Friday each month. Learn effective healing through reception and application of Divine energies. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville, AL. 256-895-0255.

wednesday

A Spiritual Community supporting the practice of knowing God in the heart of every person.

Celebration Services Sundays 10:30am

Meditation

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6:00pm

Satsang

Wednesdays 6:30pm

Madison City Farmers Market – 8am-12pm.

Fresh, quality produce, food products, and handcrafted items, all grown or made in the Tennessee Valley. Trinity Baptist Church, 1088 Hughes Rd, Madison, Alabama 35758. 256-656-7841.

Yoga by the River – 9-10am. Enjoy a relaxing, yet energizing morning of Yoga beside the gentle flowing waters of the Flint River in Hays Nature Preserve. Bring a Yoga mat or towel and dress comfortably. Free. Hays Nature Preserve, 7161 U.S. Hwy 431 South, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763.

256-532-5326.

Artist Market – 12-4pm. Local artists and others are invited to set up a booth and sell their wares to the public. There will be art, jewelry, vintage clothing, records and more for sale. Admission free. Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville, AL. Community HU Song – 1:30-2pm. Join others in singing HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift you in countless ways. Held each Saturday (except 5/24). Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Ave NE #3 (near Five Points). 256-5341751. Eck-Alabama.org.

Reiki Free Clinic (No Charge) – 2-4pm, every Third Saturday of each month. For appointments, contact Shari Feinman-Prior at Shari1717@gmail.com. 915A Merchant Walk Way SW, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Rev. David Leonard Transforming Lives and Making the World a Better Place

www.cslhuntsville.org

308 Lily Flagg Rd.

883-8596

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

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

ENERGY PSYCHOLOGY

CENTER FOR OPTIMAL WELLBEING

CENTER FOR PERSONAL GROWTH

Center for Optimal Wellbeing is the longest operating colonic therapy provider in Huntsville.

First time clients have expressed immediate feelings of increased energy levels and improved efficiency in waste elimination. You will enjoy the experience of your own “personal cleansing spa” as you receive colon hydrotherapy (colonic), far infrared sauna, an optional massaging shower, and ionic footbath services—in a clean, comfortable, and relaxing private environment. Call for directions and a 10% discount on your first service when you mention Natural Awakenings or use code COWB.

“SPARK YOUR LIGHT” FROM WITHIN YOUR TRUE BEING and TRANSFORM your life.

Offering an individualized integrative approach from energy psychology: Inner Counselor Process, Rapid Eye Technology, Healing Touch, Reiki, and Life Skills Coaching, to create change in deep seated patterns of behavior for a healthy and joyful life.

U’Jeana Wilson Owner/Certified Colon Hydrotherapist Degree in Psychology 256-658-8600

HOPE FOR LIFE COLONICS

Tina Pencola Owner/Certified Colon Hydrotherapist 10300 Bailey Cove Rd, Suite-7A Huntsville, AL 35803 256-270-8731 • 256-684-0020 Hope4LifeAL.com Tina.HopeForLife@outlook.com Our goal is to live long and live strong. Young or old, male or female, healthy or sick, will benefit from an internal cleansing. Mention this ad and get $10 off your first colonic session. See ad, page 22.

JARVIS NATURAL HEALTH CLINIC 1489 Slaughter Road, Madison 256-837-3448

I-ACT Certified Colon Hydro Therapists. Do you know that 80% of your immune system is in your colon? Bathe your body from the inside to improve health. Colon irrigation aids in soothing and toning the colon, which makes elimination more effective.

ENERGY HEALING CENTER FOR DIRECTIONAL HEALING™ Susan Spalding 2225 Drake Ave. SW, Suite 18 Huntsville, 35805 256-882-0360 DirectionalHealing.com

For over 20 years, Susan Spalding and the staff at the Center for Directional Healing have been helping people achieve harmonic health through Directional Healing, Reflexology, and now the Amethyst Biomat. Clients may choose a single service, or combine all three for the most complete healing experience. Healing techniques, articles, and more information are available online at DirectionalHealing.com.

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Tennessee Valley, AL

Shari Feinman-Prior, MS, MRET 915-A Merchant Walk Way, SW Huntsville, AL 35801 256-289-3331 Shari1717@gmail.com

FAMILY MEDICINE MADISON FAMILY CARE

Chad Gilliam, M.M.S. PA-C 1230 Slaughter Road, Suite C, Madison, AL 256-722-0555 MadisonFamilyCare.com Progressive Family Medicine provides medical care for patients of all ages and uniquely blends Natural and Prescription medicines together to help speed the patient’s recovery. Progressive Family Medicine is the patient’s clinic of choice when they would like to understand how natural medicines work along with prescription drugs. See ads, page 9 and back page.

FARMERS MARKET MADISON CITY FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays 8am-12pm 1088 Hughes Rd, at Trinity Baptist of Madison MadisonCityFarmersMarket.com 256-656-7841 Local producers provide a diverse selection of vegetables, fruit, herbs, meats, cheese, milk, eggs, honey, jams, pickles, relishes, flowers, plants, baked goods, cards, soaps, woodwork and more. Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted within 100 miles of the market!

MORGAN CO/DECATUR FARMERS MARKET

211 1st Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601 Burl Slaten, 256-476-5595 Open Monday-Saturday from 6am-5pm starting April 19. A variety of vendors selling their homegrown foods. Peas and beans shelled for a fee.

Please support you local farmers.

Facebook.com/natvalley

FENG SHUI FENG SHUI BY TRUDI GARDNER Trudi Gardner, M.S. 256-772-6999 Tygard2000@aol.com

An interior design philosophy that invites serenity and reduces stress. Feng Shui design concepts brings positive energy into your home and office to encourage Prosperity, Well Being, Harmony, and Balance.

HAIR SALON CJ HAIR AND ART STUDIO CJ Denison 105E Church St Madison, AL 35758 256-603-9018

Specializing in NATURAL Hairstyles. Cuts with Texture and Movement. Specializing in Fine Hair, Razor cuts, Men's Hair Pieces with A NATURAL Look. Specializing in Hair Color OFF the Scalp.

Hair Painting. A Safer way to Color or HiLight Your Hair to Help in Decreasing the Exposure to the Scalp. HEALTHY HAIR is HAPPY HAIR. Also Original Art Work and Private Art lessons available.

Call Today for YOUR Appointment.

HYPNOTHERAPY CENTER FOR INNER WELLNESS Becky Waters Certified Hypnotherapist and Professional Breathworker 3322 S. Memorial Parkway, Suite 643 Huntsville, AL • 256-348-5236

Creating positive change through hypnotherapy and Breathwork. Empowering you to live to your highest potential. Relieve stress and anxiety, release negativity, pain management, pre/post medical procedure, fears/phobias, weight loss, smoking cessation, and more. See ad, page 21.

MARSHA MATHES

Certified Hypnotist 3313 Memorial Parkway, Ste 116 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-698-2151 MarshaMathes.SkinCareTherapy.net Hypnosis is a tool to assist you in countless ways to heal your past, empower your present and create your future. Hypnobirthing classes, quit smoking, weight loss, nail and lip biting, teeth grinding, insomnia, anxiety and stress relief, phobias and fears, pain relief, sports enhancement, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), current and past life regressions.

JIN SHIN JYUTSU® JIN SHIN JYUTSU OF HUNTSVILLE Sandra Cope Huntsville 256-534-1794 256-509-3540

Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner. An easy, effective way of restoring health and well-being by balancing the body’s energy pathways to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. See ad, page 23.

MASSAGE A HEALING TOUCH

502 11th St SE Decatur, AL 35601 Robert Jackson LMT#852, 256-351-9566 Cynthia Watkins LMT#3790, 256-606-1735 Massage therapy with a healing touch. Offering signature swedish and deep tissue massage, foot massage, reflexology, and detox foot baths. Medical Massage Practitioners.

Most insurance accepted. By appointment only.

CLOUD NINE IN HOME MASSAGES Evening and Weekend Appointments 256-337-6989

Finally, someone who makes housecalls! Swedish, Ortho and Deep Tissue massage in the privacy of your own home. Gift Certificates also available for any occasion.

DIXIE PHILLIPS (LMT #2151)

Dixie’s Sunrise Massage Therapy 3313 Memorial Parkway, Ste #116 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-585-0504 • Hoss2ride@otelco.net Dixie’s Sunrise Massage Therapy: Come in and experience Dixie’s Combo. This is not the typical massage. MediCupping Therapy is used to relax muscles and increase the blood flow, which accelerates healing. It is also effective on bloating, scars, Fibromyalgia, Sciatica, migraine or tension headaches. See details on services, rates, and possible help with your Tissue Issues at DixiesSunrise.MassageTherapy.com.

MEETING ROOMS/ EVENT SPACE

PRIVATE YOGA CLASSES SUZANNE NEWTON, INSTRUCTOR

Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500 International Association of Yoga Therapists 256-585-3727 YogaDharmaDowntown.com Suzanne.m.newton@gmail.com Private Yoga Instruction is an opportunity to address your specific needs and receive guidance about yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation training. 90-minute sessions are held in a South Huntsville private studio. Contact Suzanne for more information.

Rent our beautiful vintage Centenarian House facility as the ideal venue for weddings, receptions, memorial services, classes/workshops and other gatherings. Call and leave a message if you’re interested in a tour or to speak with someone about your event. See ad, page 24.

JACI HOGUE

256-656-4108 JaciHogue@gmail.com A complete system of body education that balances the physical body, improves posture, and helps resolve chronic pain. Created by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1950s, Structural Integration has been scientifically validated and has withstood the test of time, as millions of people have enjoyed the remarkable benefits.

SUSAN K. JEFFREYS

NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ASSOCIATES Dr. Deb Gilliam, N.M.D. 1230 Slaughter Road, Madison, AL 256-325-0955

Advanced Practitioner Lic.#249 Dr. Ida P. ROLF method 2336A Whitesburg Drive 256-508-3351 RolfGuild.org Serving Huntsville since 1995

Dr. Gilliam treats a variety of health problems with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, heart disease, hormone replacement and thyroid issues being at the forefront. Dr. Gilliam sees patients from around the world due to the reputation she has earned by treating hard to treat medical conditions. Dr. Gilliam works to find the cause of medical conditions and does not simply treat the patients’ symptoms. See ad, page 22.

& Therapeutic Massage Jeffrey Rich, LMT 256-­337-­1699 WaterWillowMoon.com Jeffrey.Rich@gmail.com

Imagine finding your wholeness!

Shamanic Healing is “Medicine f o r Yo u r S p i r i t , ” s a c r e d technology which helps you heal because it addresses the spiritual causes of what is affecting you.

Searching for joy? Something “just not right” with you? Have you “not been the same since” that significant event? Does something block you again and again? Lets unravel it and find the answers for you! Offering you Soul Retrieval, Unraveling of Energetic Blocks, Shamanic Training, experienced Therapeutic Massage.

You always lose by holding back.

YOGA Yoga Center of Huntsville 500 East Pratt Ave, Suite A Huntsville 35801 • 256-533-7979 YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com

SHAMANIC HEALING

You never lose by loving.

“When the body gets working appropriately, then the force of gravity can flow through. Then spontaneously, the body heals itself.” —Ida P. Rolf. See ad, page 13.

CHAIR YOGA

SHAMANIC HEALING

LIGHT OF CHRIST CENTER

4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville 256-895-0255 • LightOfChristCenter.org

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

New chair yoga class will be starting on June 2 on Mondays from 10-11am. All equipment is furnished. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. 1 class $15, a set of 5 classes for $60 or a set of 12 classes for $125.

YOGA TEACHER TRAINING YOGA DHARMA INTENSIVE STUDIES PROGRAM

Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS 200) Suzanne Newton, Director Huntsville AL • 256-585-3727 Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500, Teacher Trainer International Association of Yoga Therapists YogaDharmaDowntown..com Suzanne.m.newton@gmail.com Teacher training and certification require a concentrated period of study: yoga traditions, personal practice development, and teaching methods. Visit the Teacher Training page on the website for more information.

~Barbara de Angelis

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Progressive M ADISON Family F AMILY CARE M edic i n e

Alternative Medicine Associates • • • • • •

Complete Family Practice Sick Visits Diabetes Hypertension Asthma Thyroid

Chad Gilliam, M.M.S., PA-C

• • • • • •

Environmental Allergy Testing Food Allergy Testing Bio-Identical Hormones Laboratory Testing Gynecological Care X-Rays

Dr. Princess Robinson Humphrey, MD

256-722-0555 1230 SLAUGHTER RD, SUITE C MADISON, AL 35758

MadisonFamilyCare.com Progress Toward Wellness & Prevention