Natural Awakenings October 2014

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Rethinking Communities

P L A N E T

FREE

Eco-Concerns are Changing Neighborhoods

Take a Breather

Powerful Techniques to Magnify Well-Being

Easy as Apple Pie

The Rising of the Sun

Solar Power’s Boom Can Mom’s Superfruit Wards Fire Up Planetary Change Off Disease and Aging

October 2014

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Tennessee Valley

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contents 8 5 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 9 therapy

spotlight

11 globalbriefs

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 SUSTAINABLE CITYSCAPES

Urban America is Going Green in a Big Way

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11 16 greenliving 18 healingways 16 THE SUN’S 20 fitbody ELECTRIFYING FUTURE Solar Power is a Worldwide 22 naturalpet Eco-Goldmine 24 consciouseating 20 16 26 calendar 18 DYNAMIC DUO Combining Chiropractic and 29 classifieds Acupuncture Energizes Health 29 resourceguide

by Christine MacDonald

by Linda Sechrist

by Kathleen Barnes

advertising & submissions 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.

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.

20 BREATH-TAKING WISDOM

Six Ways to Inhale Energy and Exhale Stress

by Lane Vail

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22 NEW CANCER

TEST FOR DOGS

Detects Illness in Time for Effective Treatment

by Shawn Messonnier

24 AN A FOR APPLES

It’s a Top-Ranked Superstar Fruit

by Tania Melkonian

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ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@Natvalley.com *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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October 2014

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letterfrompublisher “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” ~Dorothy Day

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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $20 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

It is said that the wealth of the future will not be measured in money but in access to clean, organically grown food, clean air, and clean water. The true mansions of the future will be small, ultra-efficient dwellings set on a plot of land near to nature. True wealth will be the economic freedom that smaller houses provide by avoiding the yoke of 30-year mortgages, high property taxes and energy costs. Freedom in general will be the new aspiration, supplanting the desire for status materialism.

Free time, economic freedom, and freedom from pollution and toxicity will be the cornerstones of thriving communities. Community, itself, the sense of it, the nurturing dynamism of it, will also be sought and cultivated, once again, as a critical component of positive living.

Our feature article this month by Christine MacDonald covers all of the aspects of what goes into making sustainable communities. These include the small-house movement and healthy housing in general, walkable neighborhoods with urban gardens, green mass transportation, clean and renewable energy, the local food or “locavore” movement, and waste reduction and recycling. Another, critically important factor to add to the list is one that was popularized and given credence by the Himalayan nation of Bhutan, which measures “Gross National Happiness” instead of Gross National Product. Thanks to Bhutan, happiness has now become a measurable quantity and an official goal for communities and countries to aspire to.

There is another factor that I would like to add to the list of components of healthy sustainable communities. For this I am indebted to Chief Golden Light Eagle, Sundance Chief of the Yankton Nakota Sioux. In his writings on the Star Laws, he has much to say about community, but one of the things that has really stayed with me is from the following passage:

“The Grandfathers remind you that the purpose of the human being here upon our Mother Earth is first to learn. Learn as an equal with all beings. Then, serve as the protector of Life—Life which has its own Free Will. Therefore, when this power known as the Universal Law of Free Will is invoked, it sets up a radiance of protection in a whole area within an individual and in the surrounding environment. This protection is called ‘respect.’”

Respect as a radiance of protection, like an energy field, surrounding each individual within a community. This is the glue that holds the fibers of the community together, and is the space in which harmonious living is possible.

“The strongest way to get what your heart desires is to respect one another,” writes the Chief. “Feel first and then act.”

Respect—for self, for others, for the community, for all living creatures, and for the Earth. Surely this is the true cornerstone and catalyst for the sustainable communities of the future.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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newsbriefs Natural Healing Solutions

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all is in the air, and you know what comes with the beautiful fall leaves and cooler weather….allergies, viruses and the stress of the upcoming holidays. Do you want to learn how to protect you and your family from the well-publicized viruses hitting our country today? Do you want to reduce your pain and stress this holiday season?

Let licensed massage therapists, Christine and Nadine, share with you natural solutions for your health and well-being.

Register now to learn how at NaturallyHealingOils.com. Attend a free beginner’s class on essential oils, Saturday October 18 at 2pm. Receive this free guide when you register: 101 Uses for Essential Oils.

Christine and Nadine have been providing long-lasting benefits for their clients through massage and education on the power of essential oils. They are Certified AromaTouch therapists and they use a clinical application of essential oils.

The AromaTouch Technique reduces stress and inflammation, provides immune support, and brings your body back into balance.

Visit their office and learn more about essential oils, how to administer them, safety considerations, and how to use them for common symptom relief. Experience for yourself the power of essential oils and discover why doTERRA’s Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential oils represent the safest, most beneficial form of essential oils in the market today!

Call or email for more information: 256-206-2800. CC@NaturallyHealingOils.com.

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

ONGOING SERVICES AND CLASSES! New Thought Classes

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

Revealing Services Sundays 9:45am

Celebration Services Sundays 10:30am

Meditation

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6:00pm

The Paranormal Study Center Welcomes Robyn Andrews: ‘Past Life Regressions & Their Hidden Meaning’

Satsang

Wednesdays 6:30pm

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obin Quail-Andrews, C.Ht., C.S., D.D is considered a pioneer in past life regression therapy and her extraordinary work with UFO abductions and contactees. She is a certified hypnotherapist, rebirther, para-psychological counselor, ordained minister and intuitive.

She will speak about her vast knowledge based on her guided imagery work, past life regressions, spiritual release therapy and a number of related processes. She has been Robin Quailfeatured on CNN, HBO, a Canadian network special, and Andrews numerous documentaries in the US and Europe. Along with Dr. Raymond Moody and Dannion Brinkley she was invited to Moscow to speak and appeared on two national television specials in Russia.

Robyn has worked with hundreds of UFO contact cases and assisted many UFO support groups. She has conducted thousands of regression sessions to explore altered states of consciousness and she facilitates memory retrieval.

For at least twelve years she has become involved with the Rennes le Chateau mysteries and the secrets of the Templars, traveling many times to southern France.

She has interfaced with resident archaeologists to unearth the secrets of this amazing area referred to in the best selling novel, “The DaVinci Code” that was recently brought into the mainstream attention.

Location: The Hilton Garden Inn, 4801 Governors House Dr, (next to Landry’s Seafood), Friday, October 24 at 6:30-9pm. Public Admission is $10. For more information, visit ParapsychologyStudyGroup.com or Meetup.com/Huntsville-Paranormal-Study-Center.

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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News to Share?

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!

newsbriefs Breathing & Meditation Workshop Offered

by Institute of Spiritual Healing (ISH)

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egular practice of Pranayama (Breath Regulation) helps achieve success in dhyana (Meditation).

Pranayama significantly improves a number of chronic physical and mental conditions and addictions. In that sense Pranayama is an alternative therapy without any medicine (allopathic, homeopathic or herbal) regimen. There are a variety of benefits achieved by practicing Pranayama.

Dhyana is an unbroken stream of concentration, whereby very little “sense of self” remains. At this level, it becomes increasingly more difficult to use the conscious mind to describe the experiences of yoga. Dhyana transcends our material human experience and everything that is related to it.

If you have any one of the following conditions: • Feeling stressed out at the job and at home • Feeling run down and fatigued out at the end of the day • Feeling angry with yourself and others • Feelings of anxiety • Problems sleeping at night • Feeling lazy and lacking enthusiasm • Lacking concentration and focus Then you may consider learning breathing exercises and how to meditate to revitalize your body’s immune system and experience wellness. In this workshop you will learn how to do pranayama and dhyana.

Date: Oct 25-26, 8am-12pm. Location: TBA. Cost: $35 per day. Please respond by Oct 10. For questions: 256-604-6927 or Lutreja7@gmail.com. InstituteOfSpiritual Healing.com.

Continuing Education Classes for Licensed Massage Therapists

N 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 6

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CBTMB & Alabama Approved Provider, Marsha Mathes, will be having 2 classes that offer 16 CEs for licensed massage therapists.

The Foot Reflexology class will be held in Birmingham, AL at the Embody Center for two days on October 18 & 19.

The cost is $325 with an early bird special of $295 if paid by Oct 4th. Please visit EmbodyBirmingham.com for location information.

The Ultimate FaceLift Massage class will be held in Huntsville at Parkway Office Center for two days on November 1 & 2. The cost is $355, but if paid by Oct 18, the early bird special is $325.

Marsha Mathes

To register, please contact Marsha Mathes, at 256-698-2151 or Mathes79@ knology.net. For further details, please visit MarshaMathes.SkinCareTherapy.net.

See listing, page 30.

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Young Living Essential Oil Zyto Compass Now Available in Decatur

Inner Wellness Center for

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he Zyto Compass technology enables us to perform a Bio-Survey of your body addressing 76 biomarkers in the body through a hand cradle. This allows us to know exactly which areas of the body that need support to bring it back in balance.

Using the Zyto Compass is a helpful way to identify the Young Living Essential Oils and products that are most beneficial for your body. Take the guesswork out of determining which produces are most helpful and zero in on what the body needs. The scans are fast and efficient.

The Zyto Compass technology uses quantum physics as well as established Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) technology to measure fluctuations in electrical conductivity of the skin. When the client places their hand on the cradle, the Zyto software sends stimuli to the body using digital signatures that represent actual things, and the fluctuations in the GSR are measures and interpreted. The response helps the person to see how the body responds to items being assessed, which ones it prefers, and how much it prefers them. This helps the client to choose the right solutions for their body.

The scans cost $25 for the initial scan and $15 for follow up. Discounts available for groups. After the scan is completed each client will receive a print out showing how many bio-markers are out of balance and which products are recommended.

To schedule your appointment, call Cindy Wilson at 256-476-6537. See ad, page 7.

A Different Kind of Workout Offered At Madison Ballroom

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odyFlow, the Yoga/Pilates/Tai Chi-based fitness program from Les Mills International has found an enthusiastic home at Madison Ballroom. “My body craves these classes,” says BodyFlow participant Wanda W. “I can already feel the benefits in my increased strength and flexibility.”

The program incorporates controlled breathing and concentration to create a holistic body-mind workout that leaves participants feeling centered and calm.

As each class ends with a relaxation and meditation exercise, BodyFlow reduces stress levels as well as burns calories.

Instructor Kim Kerr encourages anyone interested in BodyFlow to come try a class: “Beginners are always welcome, and everyone works within their own comfort zone and abilities. My goal is to challenge you without overwhelming you.” New participant Rick S. agrees, saying, “The exercises are do-able, even for someone like me—old, overweight and under-exercised. There are different levels of intensity for each of the moves, so I was able to participate at an appropriate level right from the start.” Advanced participants are offered higher-level options to maximize their workout.

The poses and moves can be adapted for expectant mothers as well. Pregnant women are asked to contact the studio in advance, so the instructor can be prepared.

No advance registration is required. New participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes and to bring a yoga mat, if they have one.

BodyFlow classes are offered at Madison Ballroom on Hwy 20 every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-7pm. Classes are pay-as-you-go, with no minimum commitment.

256-461-1900. Dance@MadisonBallroom.com. See ad, page 23.

Creating Positive Change Through Hypnotherapy, Breathwork & EFT/Matrix Reimprinting • Stress and Anxiety • Fears/Phobias • Release Negativity • Let Go of the Past • Pain Management • Weight Loss • Smoking Cessation

Call For More Information.

Becky Waters, CHT, BMSC 256.348.5236 3322 South Memorial Parkway Suite 643 Huntsville, AL 35801 www.centerforinnerwellness.com

Breathe. Love. Live.

Want a Life of Wellness, Purpose and Abundance?

Explore the benefits of Young Living’s Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils

Call today to schedule your one-on-one session or host a group class.

Business opportunities available.

Cindy Wilson #1873782

256-476-6537 Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com

natural awakenings

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Elite Bioidentical Hormone Center of Madison

healthbriefs

Lower Breast Cancer Risk

by Eating Colorful Veggies

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esearch published in the British Journal of Nutrition discovered that the risk of breast cancer decreases with increased consumption of specific dietary carotenoids, the pigments in some vegetables and fruits.

The research was based on five years of tracking 1,122 women in Guangdong, China; half of them had been diagnosed with breast cancer and the other half were healthy.

Dietary intake information was collected through face-to-face interviews. The women that consumed more beta-carotene in their diet showed a 46 percent lower risk of breast cancer, while those that consumed more alpha-carotene had a 39 percent reduced incidence. The individuals that consumed more foods containing beta-cryptoxanthin had a 62 percent reduced risk; those with diets higher in luteins and zeaxanthins had a 51 percent reduction in breast cancer risk.

The scientists found the protective element of increased carotenoid consumption more evident among pre-menopausal women and those exposed to secondhand smoke.

Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and dandelion greens top the list of sources rich in luteins and zeaxanthins, which also includes watercress, basil, parsley, arugula and peas. The highest levels of beta-carotene are found in sweet potatoes, grape leaves, carrots, kale, spinach, collard and other leafy greens.

Carrots, red peppers, pumpkin, winter squash, green beans and leafy greens contain alpha-carotene. Red peppers, butternut squash, pumpkin persimmons and tangerines are high in beta-cryptoxanthin.

Water Fluoridation Gets Another Thumbs-Down

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256-722-0555 1230 Slaughter Rd, Suite C Madison, AL 35758

MadisonFamilyCare.com 8

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n extensive review of research from the UK’s University of Kent has concluded that fluoridation of municipal water supplies may be more harmful than helpful, because the reduction in dental cavities from fluoride is due primarily from its topical application instead of ingestion. Published in the Scientific World Journal earlier this year, the review, which covered 92 studies and scientific papers, concludes that early research showing a reduction of children’s tooth decay from municipal water fluoridation may have been flawed and hadn’t adequately measured the potential harm from higher fluoride consumption.

The researchers note that total fluoride intake from most municipalities can significantly exceed the daily recommended intake of four milligrams per day, and that overconsumption is associated with cognitive impairment, thyroid issues, higher fracture risk, dental fluorosis (mottling of enamel) and enzyme disruption.

The researchers also found clear evidence for increased risk of uterine and bladder cancers in areas where municipal water was fluoridated.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating October 6 to 12 as Naturopathic Medicine Week.

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therapyspotlight Important Therapies for Breast Health and Wellness

by Dixie Phillips

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reast cancer is the most common form of malignancy in women, with approximately 200k being diagnosed in the USA every year and 40k fatally succumbing to this disease. Along with early breast cancer detection, there are many techniques that may benefit prevention and survival rates.

Lymph nodes and lymph vessels collectively comprise the breast’s lymphatic system and work with a chain of lymph nodes that run up the center of the breast bone called the mammary chain and all drain to the lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary) region. The lymphatic system works as the body’s garbage collection system, clearing the area of infection, bacteria, metabolic waste and any other stagnation. With as many as 500 lymph nodes in the neck, chest, breast and axillary areas, it becomes more evident how maintain a free flowing lymphatic system aids in the well-being of a woman’s breast.

Additional causes that can compromise the health of the breast are issues that women are truly becoming aware of: stress, poor diet, poor posture, trauma and even the possibility of excess debris from the lungs becoming lodged in the fatty tissue of the breast.

Today, women are becoming more proactive when it comes to breast health and are changing their dietary and exercise habits in conjunction with taking part in the benefits of massage therapy as part of their wellness protocol. Massage is looked upon as a foundational treatment for maintaining healthy breast tissue. Techniques used in modalities such as manual lymph drainage, Swedish massage or myo-

fascial release can be used effectively to stimulate circulation and loosen the fascia. If the area has soft tissue restrictions, there can be impeded lymphatic drainage blocking the elimination of waste products, ultimately storing them in the breast areas.

Not only can massage aid in lymphatic flow, stimulation of circulation, stretching of connective tissue and promoting general relaxation, but recent medical studies support the use of massage for increasing the production of the natural hormone oxytocin. Numerous medical reports show that oxytocin induces significant growth inhibition of the breast cancer cells, along with a change in cell phenotype, as well as an ability to remove free radicals associated with cellular metabolic processes.

The techniques used in vacuum therapies are a perfect addition to the previously mentioned modalities and greatly accelerate the benefits of many types of treatments. Vacuum therapies combine the lifting action with pump-

ing movements to stimulate the lymphatic cleansing process and release any drainage restrictions such as adhesions or scars. This cleansing and opening of drainage pathways aids the breast tissue by decreasing the accumulated waste products that often accompany inflammation and the treatment aids in the rejuvenation of the breast, as well as assisting the body to break down any benign cysts in the area. Vacuum therapies have demonstrated a dramatic detoxifying effect, allowing for a healthy pH of the blood and surrounding tissue.

For those who have had procedures such as lumpectomies, cyst removal and even radical mastectomies, vacuum therapies have such amazing benefits that open up and enhance lymphatic drainage, remove restrictions in lymph flow, posture and movement, and reduce pain and discomfort. Large cone-shaped cups are currently used to prepare patients for reconstructive surgeries, aiding or replacing the need for painful tissue expanders. Women who have breast reductions or enhancements have experienced elimination unsightly and restrictive scars with gentle vacuum therapy techniques.

All women can reap the benefits of vacuum therapies for breast health and wellness, whether performed at a professional office or for home care because healthy breast tissue is the best defense against breast cancer.

Contact Dixie’s Sunrise Massage Therapy @ 256-585-0504 or Massage

by Bee at 256-585-4068. Certified LMTs for ACE MASSAGE CUPPING servicing Huntsville and the surrounding area.

See listing, page 30.

FRESH TASTES BETTER....

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Manna Market Organic Food CO-OP We deliver to your home, office, restaurant, school; Or pick up at one of our drop off locations.

10% OFF All New Orders Store Open Every Other Tues: 2600 Cherokee Place Mountain Brook, AL 35216

205-566-2533 MannaMarket.net

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therapyspotlight

What is Myofascial Release Therapy?

by Julie Ryan

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

The fascia is a dense spider-web like tissue that covers everything within your body, wrapping around muscles, nerves, and organs, just underneath the skin. There is no beginning or end to this tissue, it just continually wraps back into itself. The fascia protects the body, to absorb and disperse pressure and force. Stress, trauma, and chronic inflammation can cause the fascia to tighten, which causes pain. Often you can feel this tightness in the form of knots or lumps under the skin.

Scar tissue is another form of bound fascia.

When the body is injured, the fascia will bind around the injury. When that happens, sometimes the tissue can relax naturally, but other times it will bind and stay bound. This binding (or pressure) can cause a lot of the pain that we often refer to as tight muscles.

You may find an old injury bothering you years later, this is because of bound fascia. As fascia is continually bound it twists and pulls on the body, pulling you out of alignment. Because the fascia is interconnected throughout the body, tightness in one area of the fascia may cause referred pain in another area. This is referred to as Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

Myofascial Release Therapy A typical massage will help your muscles relax, but it won’t address the problem of tight fascia. There are several forms of fascia release 10

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therapy including rolfing, cranial sacral therapy, and Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR). MFR is a specific form of bodywork that focuses specifically on reducing the strain and inflammation of the fascia. Myofascial Release Therapy is typically given by a massage or physical therapist, who has been specifically trained in this therapy. They may focus only on MFR or they may combine it with other therapies. During an MFR session, the therapist seeks out the areas where the fascia is bound and applies pressure on that point until the fascia releases.

The initial pressure applied can be painful, but as the fascia releases the pain disperses. One released area of fascia often leads to another.

Myofascial release therapy is usually performed in the same type of setting as a massage. What you wear may depend on whether it is being incorporated into massage, or done as a standalone treatment. You should ask your provider what they suggest. It is important to drink lots of water after treatment, as MFR releases a lot of toxins and you need to expel them from your body. Your therapist will rely on you to give them feedback about the pain you are feeling and the pressure they are applying. This helps them know where they need to move to, or if they need to exert more or less pressure. The average price of a sixty minute session of Myofascial Release (or MFR/ massage combo) is $70.

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Myofascial Release Therapy for Chronic Pain “While deep tissue massage can be helpful and relaxing, the results can’t be maintained in the same way as Myofascial Release” says therapist Tim Landingham, owner of Myofascial Release of Huntsville. He says that clients that used to return to him week after week when he was doing traditional massage, found that they could go longer and longer between sessions. Tim sees a number of chronic pain patients and has found that MFR meets their needs better than traditional massage.

These results have also been proven in many scientific studies, including a 2011 study comparing MFR to placebo, and a 2012 study comparing MFR to Swedish massage. Tim has been providing massage along with MFR therapy for 20 years, however the last few years he has focused solely on MFR, finding that he not only sees better results for his clients, but it also puts less strain on his body.

Lynn Lloyd, of BodyWorks Therapeutic Massage by Lynn Lloyd in Madison, continues to use a combination of deep tissue massage and Myofascial Release Therapy, depending on what she feels her client needs at that moment. She says that the greatest advantage of Myofascial Release Therapy is that while “deep tissue [massage] is not recommended for immediate areas of trauma, but Myofascial Release Therapy can be done immediately and can prevent the injury from being as bad as it might otherwise be.”

Myofascial Release of Huntsville is located inside SportsMed at 4715 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville. 256-9754878. Bodyworks Therapeutic Massage

by Lynn Lloyd is located at 4072 Sullivan St, Madison. 256-698-9653.

Julie Ryan is a freelance writer.

She provides advice and information about related topics at Counting MySpoons.com.

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

Doable Renewables

Engineers Detail a Clean Energy Future Stanford University researchers, led by civil engineer Mark Jacobson, have developed detailed plans for each U.S. state to attain 100 percent wind, water and solar power by 2050 using currently available technology. The plan, presented at the 2014 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Chicago, also forms the basis for the Solutions Project nonprofit. “The greatest barriers to a conversion are neither technical nor economic. They are social and political,” the AAAS paper concludes.

The proposal is to eliminate dirty and inefficient fossil fuel combustion as an energy source. All vehicles would be powered by electric batteries or by hydrogen produced by electrolysis, rather than natural gas. High-temperature industrial processes would also use electricity or hydrogen combustion.

Transmission lines carrying energy between states or countries will prove one of the greatest challenges. With natural energy sources, electricity needs to be more mobile, so that when there’s no sun or wind, a city or country can import the energy it needs. The biggest problem is which companies should pay to build and maintain the lines.

Source: SingularityHub.com

Clever Collaborations

Renewables Gain Ground Worldwide Excess heat from London subway tunnels and an electric substation will soon be funneled into British homes, slashing energy costs and lowering pollution, according to the Islington Council.

Germany’s renewable energy industry has broken a solar power record, prompting utility company RWE to close fossil fuel power plants that are no longer competitive. RWE says 3.1 gigawatts of generating capacity, or 6 percent of its total capacity, will be taken offline as it shuts down some of its gas- and coal-fired power stations.

In China, wind power is leaving nuclear behind. Electricity output from China’s wind farms exceeded that from its nuclear plants for the first time in 2012 and out-produced it again last year, generating 135 terawatt-hours (1 million megawatts)—nearly enough to power New York state. While it takes about six years to build a nuclear plant, a wind farm can be completed in a matter of months.

China also employs a recycling-for-payment program in Beijing subway stations that accept plastic bottles as payment. Passengers receive credit ranging from the equivalent of five to 15 cents per bottle, which is applied toward rechargeable subway cards.

In the U.S., a newly installed working prototype of a pioneering Solar Road project has raised more than than double its $1 million crowd-funding goal to seed the manufacturing process (Indiegogo.com/projects/solar-roadways). Watch a video at Tinyurl.com/NewSolarRoadways.

Fracking Flub

Methane Dangers May Be Three Times the Estimate Results of a meta-analysis of 20 years worth of scientific studies published in Science magazine conclude that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has underestimated the natural gas industry’s climate impact by 25 to 75 percent by not including methane leakage from fracking, gas drilling operations and pipelines. Methane, the main component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researcher Gabrielle Petron voices concern with the discrepancies because, “Emission estimates, or ‘inventories’, are the primary tool that policy makers and regulators use to evaluate air quality and climate impacts.”

For a paper published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, researchers flew aircraft over a heavily fracked region in northeastern Colorado and concluded that emissions from drilling operations were nearly three times higher than an hourly emission estimate published by the EPA.

Try to leave the Earth a better place than when you arrived. ~Sidney Sheldon

Primary Source: Earth Policy Institute natural awakenings

October 2014

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Healthy Housing

SUSTAINABLE

CITYSCAPES Urban America is Going Green in a Big Way

by Christine MacDonald

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oday, buzzwords like “sustainability” and “green building” dominate discussions on how to overcome the unhealthful effects of climate change, extreme local weather events and pervasive pollution. Now, a growing body of research indicates an unexpected upside of living greener; it not only makes us healthier, but happier, too.

It’s all helping to spread the “green neighborhood” idea across the U.S., from pioneering metropolises like New York, San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, to urban centers like Cincinnati, Detroit and Oakland, California.

Rethinking Redevelopment

A sustainable, or “eco”-city, generally runs on clean and renewable energy, reducing pollution and other ecological footprints, rather than on fossil fuels. Along with building entire eco12

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cities, developers also are striving to replace hard-luck industrial pasts and turn problems such as depopulated urban cores into opportunities for fresh approaches.

“We are having a major rethink about urban development,” says Rob Bennett, founding CEO of EcoDistricts (EcoDistricts.org), a Portland-based nonprofit skilled in developing protocols for establishing modern and sustainable city neighborhoods. The group has recently extended help to seven other cities, including Boston, Denver and Los Angeles, applying innovations to everything from streetscapes to stormwater infrastructure.

“The failures of the old, decaying urban and suburban models are evident,” says Bennett. “We’re now learning how to do it well and create environmentally sustainable, peoplecentered districts.”

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The concept of home is undergoing a radical makeover. From villages of “smallest houses” (usually no bigger than 350 square feet), to low-income urban housing complexes, people interested in smaller, more self-sufficient homes represent a fast-growing, increasingly influential segment of today’s housing market, according to experts such as Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Big House. Google reports that Internet searches for information on “tiny houses” has spiked recently.

Economic freedom is one factor motivating many to radically downsize, according to Bloomberg News (Tinyurl. com/TinyHouseDemand).

Cities nationwide have overhauled their building codes. Cincinnati, for example, has moved to the forefront of the eco-redevelopment trend with its emphasis on revamping instead of demolishing existing buildings. Private sector leaders are on board as well; a transition to buildings as sustainable ecosystems keeps gaining ground through certification programs such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and the “living building” movement begun by Seattle’s Cascadia Green Building Council has gone international.

Friendly Neighborhoods

Walkability is “in” these days, along with bike paths, locavore shopping and dining and expansion of public destinations, all of which draw residents out to meet their neighbors. This “new urbanism” is evident in places like Albuquerque’s emerging Mesa del Sol community and Florida’s proposed Babcock Ranch solar-powered city.

While public and private sectors are involved, residents are the catalysts for much of the current metamorphoses. Whether it’s a guerrilla gardener movement—volunteers turning vacant lots and other eyesores into flowering oases—creative bartering services or nanny shares, people-helping-people approaches are gaining momentum.

The Public School, an adult education exchange that began in Los Angeles in 2007 and has since spread to a dozen cities worldwide, the Seattle Free School, the Free University of New

York City, and Washington, D.C.’s Knowledge Commons all have taken the do-it-yourself movement into the realm of adult education. The latter offers more than 180 courses a year, most as free classes offered by and for local residents encompassing all neighborhoods, with topics ranging from urban foraging and vegan cooking to the workings of the criminal justice system.

New York City residents taking an urban walking tour rated the experience better and more exciting when it included an urban garden.

Designing for better public health is a central tenet of sustainability, as well. Active Design Guidelines for promoting physical activity, which first gained traction in New York City before becoming a national trend, intend to get us moving. Banishing the core bank of elevators from central loca~ Charles Montgomery, tions, architects substiHappy City tute invitingly light and airy stairwells. Evolving cityscapes make it easier for commuters to walk and bike.

Upgraded Transportation

Tyson’s Corner, outside of WashWith America’s roads increasingly ington, D.C., has made sidewalk clogged with pollution-spewing veconstruction integral to the overhaul of hicles, urban planners in most larger its automobile-centric downtown area.

U.S. cities are overseeing the expanMemphis recently added two lanes for sion of subway and light rail systems, bikes and pedestrians along Riverside revamped street car systems and even Drive overlooking the Mississippi River, ferry and water taxi services in some while Detroit’s HealthPark initiative has places. Meanwhile, electric vehicles many of the city’s public parks serving (EV) got a boost from four New England as sites for farm stands, mobile health states, plus Maryland, New York, Texas clinics and free exercise classes. and Oregon, which have joined California in building networks of EV charging Clean Energy stations, funding fleets of no- or lowemission government cars and making The ways we make and use energy are green options clearer for consumers. If currently being re-envisioned on both all goes as planned, the nine states eslarge and small scales. Solar cooperatimate that 3.3 million plug-in automotives have neighbors banding together biles could hit the streets by 2025. to purchase solar panels at wholesale

Mass transit, biking and walking prices. Startup companies using comare often quicker and cheaper ways to puter algorithms map the solar producget around in densely populated urban tion potential of virtually every rooftop centers. Car sharing, bike taxis and onin the country. However, while solar line app-centric taxi services are popular panels and wind turbines are rapidly with increasingly car-free urban youth. becoming part of the new normal, they Boston’s Hubway bike-sharing program are only part of the energy revolution addresses affordability with a $5 annual just getting started. membership for low-income residents.

In the past several years, microgrids

One common denominator of the have proliferated at hospitals, military new urbanism is an amplification of bases and universities from Fort Bragg, what’s considered to be in the public in North Carolina, to the University of welfare. Through partnerships among California at San Diego. These electripublic and private sectors and comcal systems can operate in tandem with munity groups, organizations like utility companies or as self-sufficient EcoDistricts are developing ways to help electrical islands that protect against communities in the aftermath of natural power outages and increase energy effidisasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, ciency, sometimes even generating revseasonal flooding and water shortages. enue by selling unused electricity to the Coastal cities, for example, are grappling grid. While still costly and complicated with ways to safeguard public transit and to install, “Those barriers are likely to other vulnerable infrastructure. fall as more companies, communities

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The benefits of urban agriculture are not limited to the provision of food, with many advocates citing community empowerment, environmental justice, public health, and education and training as primary goals. ~ Columbia University and institutions adopt microgrids,” says Ryan Franks, technical program manager with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Local Food

What started with a few farmers’ markets feeding urban foodies has given way to a growing local food movement that’s beginning to also reach into lowincome neighborhoods through mobile markets, a kind of farmers’ market on wheels, and an explosion of urban gardens and city farms. Ohio City Farm (OhioCity.org) grows food for in-need residents on six acres overlooking the Cleveland skyline. In Greenville, South Carolina, the Judson Community Garden is one of more than 100 gardens in the downtown area, notes Andrew Ratchford, who helped establish it in a neighborhood four miles from the nearest supermarket.

Giving residents an alternative to unhealthy convenience store fare is just one of the garden’s benefits, Ratchford says. “We’re seeing neighbors reestablish that relationship just by gardening together.”

Waste Reduction

While cities nationwide have long been working to augment their recycling and find more markets for residents’ castoffs, many are becoming more sophisticated in repurposing what was formerly considered trash. Reclaimed wood flooring in new homes and urban compost-sharing services are just two examples characterizing the evolution in how we dispose of and even think about waste.

We may still be far from a world in which waste equals food, as described by environmental innovators William McDonough and Michael Braungart in their groundbreaking book, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. Nevertheless, 14

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projects certified as cradle-to-cradle are cutting manufacturing costs and reducing pollution.

For example, carpet maker Shaw Industries Group, in Dalton, Georgia, reports savings of $2.5 million in water and energy costs since 2012, when it improved energy efficiency and began using more renewable material in its carpet tiles. Shaw is spending $17 million this year to expand its recycling program.

Stormwater runoff is a pervasive issue facing older cities. Many are now taking a green approach to supplementing—if not totally supplanting —oldfashioned underground sewage systems.

Along with creating new parks and public spaces, current public spaces are often reconfigured and required to do more. Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Portland, among others, are instituting carefully planned and built green spaces to soak up rainwater and cut down on runoff into sewer drains—taking motor oil and other pollutants with it. Using revamped sidewalk, parking lot and roof designs, plus rain gardens designed to filter rainwater back into the ground, municipalities are even successfully reducing the need for costly underground sewer system overhauls.

The proliferation of rooftop gardens in places including Chicago, Brooklyn and Washington, D.C., and new green roof incentives in many cities nationwide further exemplify how what’s considered livable space is expanding. Altogether, eco-cities’ new green infrastructure is saving cities billions of dollars and improving the quality of life for residents by adding and enhancing public parklands and open spaces, a happy benefit for everyone.

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

Visit ChristineMacDonald.info.

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HAPPINESS GOES VIRAL

by Christine MacDonald Since the tiny Himalayan country of Bhutan first came up with the idea of ditching standard measures of prosperity for a more inclusive Gross National Happiness (GNH) about a decade ago (GrossNationalHappiness.com), it has spread around the world. After gaining a U.S. foothold in Seattle, dozens of American cities and institutions have adopted the central tenets—the idea that the time has come to rethink our concept of well-being.

Today, the nonprofit Happiness Alliance (HappyCounts.org) supports grassroots activists that are challenging the idea that economic activity always leads to happiness and is pioneering new ways to think about and measure life satisfaction, resilience and sustainability.

GNH proponents from around the country came together in Vermont last May for their fifth North American conference.

Alliance Executive Director Laura Musikanski says that more than 50,000 people and 100 municipalities, college campuses and businesses have been using the GNH Index, developed to more accurately gauge a community’s happiness, and the group expects to see even more growth as its expanding website tools allow more people to connect online.

“Economic success in terms of money only correlates with happiness up to a certain point,” she remarks.

“After you meet your basic needs, the biggest things determining your happiness are community and feeling that you can trust the people around you and the democratic process.”

While faith may be in short supply when it comes to community and politics today, Musikanski thinks there’s cause for optimism, because happiness is a core value in this country. “We believe in the Declaration of Independence and ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’

These are truly American values.”

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~ Thomas Alva Edison in 1931

Energy Engine

Humankind has sought for centuries to harness the sun because the cumulative energy of 15 minutes of its rays shining on Earth could power the world for a year. Following the invention of the solar collector in 1767, a slow, yet steady evolution of other breakthroughs in the quest have included the photovoltaic (PV) effect, observed in 1839, invention of the first solar cell in 1954 and a solar-powered communications satellite in 1958. Solar summits in 1973 and 1977 led to the inception of the Solar Energy Research Institute (now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory), part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Organization Act signed by then-President Jimmy Carter.

Making the most of the “alchemy of sunlight” that Pulitzer Prize-winning author Daniel Yergin writes about in The Quest: Energy, Security, and the Remaking of the Modern World, has required a global village of inventors,

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visionaries, scientists and engineers.

Pioneering companies have produced technological advancements and reduced manufacturing costs that expand the sun’s services to the world. Today, thanks to solar power, many of the remotest villages in developing countries have electricity.

“Without solar photovoltaics on satellites and those powering the uplink transmitters, downlink receivers and associated equipment on the ground, the isolated residents of developing countries can’t join the modern world,” explains Neville Williams, author of the recently released book, Sun Power: How the Energy from the Sun is Changing Lives Around the World, Empowering America, and Saving the Planet.

As founder of the guerilla nonprofit Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF.org), Williams led the charge for electrifying households in 12 developing countries for 17 years, beginning in 1990, using solar panels and systems funded by

grants. “While we were cost-effective and decisive, the results were due to the honest, hardworking and dedicated people we found there,” he advises.

Williams initiated his pioneering advocacy of solar energy as a media specialist with the DOE during the Carter administration and served as the national media director for Greenpeace, in Washington, D.C. In 1997, he co-founded the solar installation company SELCO-India, which has supplied solar home systems to more than 150,000 families in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam and South Africa. In 2005, he founded the solar solutions supplier Standard Solar Inc., of Rockville, Maryland.

Economic Engine

The U.S. currently has an operating capacity of 13,000-plus megawatts of cumulative solar electricity—enough to power more than 2.2 million average American homes. As the industry grows, so does its impact. The Solar Foundation’s Solar Job Census 2013

reported nearly 143,000 solar workers in the U.S.—a 20 percent increase over 2012—at 6,100 businesses in 7,800 locations encompassing every state.

According to Yergin and Williams, the increasing value of nationwide solar installations has “electrified” the U.S. economy. In 2013, domestic solar electric installations were valued at $13.7 billion, compared to $11.5 billion in 2012 and $8.6 billion in 2011. The top 10 states for annual additions of photovoltaic capacity in residential and commercial applications are California, Arizona, New Jersey, North Carolina, Nevada, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Colorado, New York and New Mexico.

Currently, there are more than 550 major solar projects underway nationally. Under the Obama administration, 16 of these have been permitted on federal lands and will provide 6,058 megawatts of generating capacity.

The two experts expect solar energy to be a major catalyst of global political and economic change. Williams contends that now is the time to fully access

this cheapest form of unlimited energy.

“If millions of poor families in developing countries can get their electricity from the sun, why can’t Americans do the same?” he queries.

In a 2002 National Public Radio Planet Money podcast, Yergin, president of Cambridge Energy Research Associates, in Massachusetts, addressed the concerns of everyone that sees the common sense of relying on solar energy.

“Technology will be central to solutions for our energy challenges,” he says.

“What needs to be done is very, very large, as are the risks and challenges.

What we have going for us is the greatest resource of all—human creativity—and for the first time in history, we are going to see it employed on a global scale.”

To learn more, visit SunPowerBook.com and DanielYergin.com.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAbout We.com for Neville Williams’ recorded interview.

Solar Blocks

by Neville Williams

E

conomics, rather than technological concerns, are now driving the adoption of clean, safe, solar electricity to preserve the environment.

During this transition to a new energy paradigm, we can choose to embrace the solar imperative now, rather than later, and prepare for a post-carbon lifestyle without sacrificing our present quality of life.

Many hurdles have been overcome in the shift away from fossil fuels during the past two decades. Challenges still exist, but the hope is that we are on our way toward a brighter future with solar electricity made universally available. n The cost of solar photovoltaics has dropped 75 percent in the past four years, thanks to China. n Solar electricity is now the least expensive energy source in many markets,

overcoming for the first time the economic argument that it’s too expensive. n Innovative partnerships like that formed by green energy provider Viridian with large, full-service solar provider SolarCity lease solar panels to homeowners and businesses that significantly reduce upfront costs. Installation costs, which once averaged more than $20,000, can now amount to just hundreds of dollars.

storage, which allows the use of sun power at night, well-financed new “smart grid” technologies are rapidly emerging.

n Solar is disrupting the century-old central power generation model, and the challenge is to get the utility industry to change and adopt distributed solar. Utility companies that previously ignored solar energy now fear it might threaten their bottom line if they don’t get with the program.

n The impending showdown will be between corporate power and people power, comprised of homeowners and businesses producing their own electricity. The politics of energy is central to our national future. The question is, Can we change?

n While the next big obstacle is energy

Learn more at NevilleWilliams.com.

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Combining Chiropractic and Acupuncture Energizes Health

by Kathleen Barnes

C Wellness Weekends with Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman October 18, 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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hiropractic manipulation of the spine has long been a remedy for structural malfunctions such as aching backs and recurring headaches.

Today, chiropractors are also treating neck pain from stress, plus tight shoulders and numb fingers from long hours of computer use. An increasing number of them are now incorporating acupuncture into their arsenal against disorders once treated by chiropractic alone, with great success.

“What if you had a nail in your foot? You can do anything to try to heal it, but until you pull the nail out of your foot, you’ll still have a recurring problem,” explains Dr. James Campbell, owner of Campbell Chiropractic Center, in East Brunswick, New Jersey, a certified diplomate and incoming president of the American Board of Chiropractic Acupuncture (ABCA). “Like removing the nail, chiropractic removes the mechanical problem and opens the way for acupuncture to stimulate healing,”

Similarly, a chiropractic adjustment removes obstructions and opens acupuncture meridians to facilitate quick healing, “sometimes even immediately,” says Campbell. “Instead of having the needles in for 20 to 30 minutes, I can actually use a microcurrent device to access the meridians in the ears or on the hands and get the same results in

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five to 10 seconds.” He notes that relief can be both fast and permanent because the healing energy currents are able to circulate freely throughout the body.

Growing Movement

Combining the two modalities has been practiced for more than 40 years, although awareness of the enhanced effectiveness of doing so has been primarily realized in the eastern half of the U.S. The dual therapy is the brainchild of the late Dr. Richard Yennie, who initially became a Kansas City chiropractor after acupuncture healed a back injury shortly after World War II. An acupuncturist smuggled prohibited needles into Yennie’s Japanese hospital room in the sleeve of his kimono for treatments that ended with Yennie’s hospital discharge marked, “GOK,” meaning in the doctor’s opinion, “God only knows” how the intense back pain was healed.

While Yennie went on to teach judo and establish five judo-karate schools, his greatest achievement was bringing the two sciences together in the U.S. He founded both the Acupuncture Society of America and the ABCA, affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association. Certification as a diplomate requires 2,300 hours of training in the combined modalities.

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Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

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Doctor of Chiropractic Michael Kleker, of Aspen Wellness Center, in Fort Collins, Colorado, is also a state-licensed acupuncturist. “I can tailor treatments to whatever the individual needs,” he says.

For patients experiencing pain after spinal fusion surgery, with no possibility of any movement in their spine, Kleker finds that acupuncture helps manage the pain. “We can commonly get the person out of the chronic pain loop,” he says. He also finds the combination helpful in treating chronic migraines, tennis elbow and other chronic pain conditions. “When I started my practice in 1981, few chiropractors knew anything about acupuncture, let alone used it.

Now there are more and more of us,” observes Kleker.

Both Kleker and Campbell are seeing increasing numbers of patients with problems related to high use of technology, facilitating greater challenges for chiropractors and new ways that adding acupuncture can be valuable.

Notebook computers and iPads have both upsides and downsides, Campbell remarks. Users can find relief from repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome by utilizing portable devices. However, he is treating more patients for vertigo due to looking down at screens or neck pain from lying in bed looking up while using the devices.

“Blackberry thumb”, which refers to pain caused by texting, responds especially well to a combination of chiropractic manipulation of the thumb to free up the joint and microcurrent or acupuncture needles to enhance energy flow in the area,” advises Campbell.

Prevention is the best cure for these problems, says Kleker. He routinely informs patients about proper ergonomic positions for using traditional computers and mobile devices. He also suggests exercises to minimize or eliminate the structural challenges that accompany actively leveraging today’s technological world.

In addition to chiropractors that are increasingly adding acupuncture to their own credentials, an increasing number of chiropractors have added acupuncturists to their practices.

Therapy combining chiropractic and acupuncture has yet to be widely researched, but one study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine in 2012 reports the results of two acupuncture treatments followed by three chiropractic/acupuncture treatments for a women suffering from long-term migraine headaches. The migraines disappeared and had not returned a year later. Other studies show the combination therapy offers significant improvements in neck pain and tennis elbow.

Campbell relates a story of the power of chiropractic combined with acupuncture, when his young son that was able to walk only with great difficulty received a two-minute treatment from Yennie. Afterward, “My son got up and ran down the hall,” he recalls.

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Breath-Taking Wisdom Six Ways to Inhale Energy and Exhale Stress

by Lane Vail

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e draw an astounding 22,000 breaths daily, but because breathing is involuntary, we often take it for granted.

Transforming breathing into a conscious activity can provide amazing energy, awareness and control, and dramatically improve our mental, physical and creative performances, according to Al Lee, co-author of Perfect Breathing: Transform Your Life One Breath at a Time. That’s 22,000 opportunities to choose health and wisdom every single day.

Everyday Ease

Lee paints a picture of perfect breathing: “Watch a baby breathe; it looks like there’s a balloon in the stomach that inflates and falls back down. This is belly breathing—pleasant, enjoyable and natural.” During inhalation, the diaphragm pulls down under the lungs, allowing them to expand with air and displace space in the abdomen.

However, “Breathing can fall victim to the same movement dysfunction as any other skill, like running or walking,” says Nick Winkelman, director of movement and education at EXOS, an elite athletic training facility in Phoenix,

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Arizona. He points to “shoulder breathing”, characterized by a lifting of the shoulders with each shallow sip of air, as a common dysfunction perpetuated by too much sitting.

“Hunching over the laptop or sitting in the car binds up the abdominal region and reduces the possibility of expansion there, so the breath moves higher into the chest cavity,” Lee explains.

Replacing shoulder breathing with belly breathing “creates a cascade of positive effects,” says Lee, including lowering blood pressure and boosting the immune system. Deep breathing also clarifies the mind and is used in nearly every spiritual tradition to achieve deeper states of prayer, meditation and contemplation, he notes.

Try these six healing techniques.

Six-Second Breath

Lee’s six-second breath is a simple prescription for stress that can be used anytime, anywhere. Relax the abdominal muscles and inhale for three seconds, breathing through the nose to “disinfect, filter, condition and moisturize the air before it reaches the lungs,” says Lee. Visualize the breath filling the body like a bell, with the flared

bottom expanding completely around the waistline. Pause momentarily and exhale through the nose or mouth for three seconds, gently contracting the abdomen to help expel the air. Practice this whenever needed to ease stress or for five minutes daily to establish a slower, deeper breathing pattern.

Ocean Breath

The yoga breath ujjayi, or oceansounding breath, is achieved by slightly constricting the throat muscles and gently lifting the glottis, so that a soothing hiss is produced when the breath is drawn in through the nose.

Dr. Richard Brown, an integrative psychiatrist, associate professor at New York’s Columbia University and co-author of The Healing Power of the Breath, explains the benefits. “Ujjayi creates resistance to air flow, triggering receptors deep within the lungs’ alveoli, which allows more oxygen to be delivered to the cells. It also stimulates the vagus nerve input to the brain, which promotes calmness and clear thinking.”

Target Breathing

A recent study from the journal Pain Medicine found that deep, slow breathing, combined with relaxation, effectively diminishes pain. “The nervous system represents a physical or emotional trauma in an unregulated pattern of signals,” says Brown. “But the mind and breath can wash away and rewire that pattern.”

Practice target breathing, a technique derived from qigong, by inhaling deeply into the belly and visualizing the breath as a ball of energy which upon exhaling can flow to the place in the body needing healing, advises Lee.

Bellows Breath

Brown has co-authored a review in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine describing the neurophysiological basis and clinical benefits of yogic breathing on depression and post-traumatic stress. Bhastrika, or bellows breath, is a mood-lifting technique wherein one inhales vigorously through the nose while raising the arms above the head, fingers extended, and then forcibly exhales through the nose while

pulling the elbows down alongside the ribs with fingers closing gently. Avoid overdoing it, instructs Brown; three rounds of 15 to 20 breaths are sufficient for healthy individuals.

4-2-10 Breathing

Anxiety attacks often generate feelings of breathlessness, and fixating on each inadequate inhalation reinforces panic. Winkelman recommends 4-2-10 breathing, a technique that emphasizes elongating exhalations. Inhale through the nose for four seconds, hold for two, and then slowly release the breath for up to 10 seconds. Lee explains that after several breaths, the brain will start to shift from reactive emotional thinking to rational problem solving.

“Concentrating on the breath makes it hard to think about the future or rummage around in the past,” says Lee. “It keeps you in the moment, intimately in touch with the mind, body and emotions.”

Lane Vail is a freelance writer in South Carolina. Connect at WriterLane.com.

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New Cancer Test for Dogs Detects Illness in Time for Effective Treatment

by Shawn Messonnier

P

et owners often ask if there’s an accurate, inexpensive way to test dogs for cancer before they develop clinical signs of it. A diagnosis early in the course of the disease is crucial for beginning effective treatment and better outcomes. Until recently, the answer to their question was no.

As a result, most owners have remained unaware of the problem until the cancer was well advanced and had spread throughout the pet’s body. While chemotherapy can help some pets, the treatment is unable to heal most of them due to the advanced stage of most diagnosed cancers, which typically already have been active for six to 12 months or longer.

Early diagnosis would allow both traditional and natural therapies to be more effective. In some cases, chemotherapy might not even be needed, because natural medicines such as astragalus, essential fatty acids, mushroom extracts, ginseng and green tea may be able to reverse the cancer at its earliest stages.

Fortunately, dog owners can now secure an accurate early diagnosis using a new blood panel costing less than $200, including lab processing, that enables veterinarians to detect cancer and other inflammatory diseases before a pet becomes ill. The tests provide valuable information about the dog’s health before overt signs of disease are observed, damage occurs and treatment options become more limited

and expensive. Early detection tests for cancer in cats will be available soon.

The tests measure several aspects of cell irregularity, including abnormal cell division and systemic inflammatory activity, by detecting any increased levels of thymidine kinase and C-reactive protein in the pet’s body.

A study by California’s Veterinary Diagnostics Institute’s VDI Laboratory applying the new blood panel tests to 360 dogs followed their incidences of cancer and other serious diseases for up to a year. The researchers found that nearly all of the cancers that occurred were detected four to six months prior to the pet showing outward signs. Because the cancers were detected early and treated before the pet became overtly ill, costs to the pet owner were greatly reduced and the effectiveness of cancer treatment improved.

The new cancer screening tests, which are designed to be part of a routine wellness plan, constitute the most comprehensive single blood diagnosis available in monitoring overall canine health.

It’s just as important to check the vitamin D status of canine patients. Low levels contribute to increased incidence of cancer and infectious diseases, according to a study published in the journal Veterinary and Comparative Oncology. Supplementing vitamin D levels is easy and inexpensive and may help reduce the incidence of serious disease later in life.

While the new blood panel tests have been shown to be highly accurate in early cancer detection, any test can miss it if the number of cancer cells is too small. Therefore, pets with negative test results should be retested every six months, while positive results prompt further diagnostic tests and initial treatment. Pets with cancer also benefit from these tests because they allow the vet to fine-tune a treatment plan and determine when a cancer may be coming out of remission.

The screening is recommended for all dogs 5 years of age and older. Only a small amount of blood is needed and results are available within a few weeks.

Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. For more information, visit PetCareNaturally.com.

Jin Shin Jyutsu® of Huntsville Sandra Cope

Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu® Practitioner

Assists healing through relaxation and restoring body harmony.

Animal companion sessions are available.

Office: (256) 534-1794 Cell: (256) 509-3540

1108 McClung Avenue SE Huntsville, Alabama 35801

Water, WilloW & Moon

Transformational Bodywork and Shamanic Healing

www.waterwillowmoon.com

Jeffrey rich, lMt 656 jeffrey.rich@gmail.com

256-337-1699

natural awakenings

October 2014

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consciouseating

An A for Apples

It’s a Top-Ranked Superstar Fruit

by Tania Melkonian

N

utrient density—an acknowledged characteristic of apples—is considered the most significant qualification for a superfood. “It’s one of the healthiest foods,” advises Case Adams, from Morro Bay, California, a naturopathic doctor with a Ph.D. in natural health sciences. Apples’ antioxidant power alone could elevate it to status as a superior superfood. Eating apples could help ward off America’s most pressing yet preventable, chronic illnesses, that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cites as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Strategic Eating

Morwenna Given, a medical herbalist and Canadian member of the American Herbalists Guild, from Toronto, explains why and shares an analogy, “The normal metabolic processes of oxidation produce reactive oxygen species (free radicals) with unpaired electrons that hunt and steal partner electrons from the body’s cells. Imagine an electrical plug wherein the grounding wire has been eliminated or compromised.

There is nothing to prevent a surge or

fire.” This is comparable to what happens to a body impacted by a poor diet, lack of exercise, stress and illness; its healthy grounding is compromised.

When the overall damage to cell structure overwhelms the body’s innate antioxidation defenses, conditions are ripe for disease and accelerated aging. Foods high in antioxidants, like the apple, help to neutralize the damage and heal bodily tissues.

Flavonoids—like the quercetin just beneath the peel—are another of the apple’s powerful nutrient partners, notes Adams in his book, The Ancestors Diet. So, even when making applesauce, including the peel is vital.

With the exception of vitamin C, all other nutrient compounds remain intact when the fruit is cooked.

Subtle differences in polyphenol levels exist among apple varieties, according to Linus Pauling Institute testing. Polyphenol compounds ultimately activate the fruit’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Northern spy, Fuji and especially red delicious varieties are the richest in antioxidants; empire and golden delicious harbor relatively low levels.

“Some older varieties that had lost popularity with large-scale commercial farmers are now being grafted again, thanks to a return to organic practices,” remarks Meredith Hayes, schools and student nutrition senior manager at FoodShare, a leading North American food security organization.

Note that conventionally grown apples top the Environmental Working Group’s list of 48 fruits and vegetables tested for pesticide residue (ewg.org/ foodnews/list.php). That’s yet another sound reason, along with better taste and nutrition, to go organic.

Good Genes

“The purpose of any seed is to replicate the species,” explains Given. “The pulp around the seed protects and feeds the seed until it’s burrowed into the soil and germinates. Older species evolved to be protective of their seeds to survive against pests and other insults. Commercially grown produce, however, has generally bred out the secondary metabolites that house so many of a plant’s nutrients.”

It helps to know that imperfectlooking food has potentially synthesized more sugars and nutrients in response to stress in order to survive, making blemishes or irregular shapes more appealing as consumers discover the core value of non-homogenized fruit.

By recognizing and appreciating the apple during this season’s harvest, we honor its versatility, affordability, broad availability and culinary flexibility.

Tania Melkonian is a certified nutritionist and healthy culinary arts educator in Southwest Florida. Connect at EATomology.com.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus 24

Tennessee Valley

Facebook.com/natvalley

– Advertorial –

BRINGING MORE THAN HOMEWORK HOME

By Ryan Hogan It’s that time of year when we’re sending our kids back to school. Unfortunately, while schools are good places to learn they are great places to catch a disease. In fact, children’s Upper respiratory illnesses (URI’s) cause more doctor visits and missed school days than any other illness in the US. Luckily, there are a few things you can do at home to help reduce the chances of your child getting sick at school this year.

sanitizer before eating snacks, lunch and after using a shared computer mouse, pencil sharpener, water fountain or other community objects.

Now, most people know we need to wash our hands, but one thing most people don’t really relate their health to is nasal hygiene. Using a saline spray with xylitol, such as Xlear Nasal Spray, is safe for all ages. Research has shown this natural sweetener is useful in preventing bacterial otitis media (ear infections), among other upper respiratory problems that are most likely to occur in fall and winter months. Additional xylitol studies have also shown a significant reduction in asthma attacks when a xylitol nasal spray is used on a daily basis.

Xylitol affects nose and throat bacteria in two ways:

HOW? Before we talk prevention, we need to know how infection spreads. Many childhood illnesses are caused by viruses and bacteria that are transferred from person to person. URI’s increase in fall and winter as we spend more time crowded indoors. All it takes is one sick child, going to school for the spread to begin. Small droplets from a child’s cough or sneeze travel through the air and land on surfaces like desks, doorknobs and people. These germs are easily spread when someone touches the contaminated object and then proceeds to touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Children’s immune systems are less mature than those of adults, so they’re more vulnerable to these germs. Washing your hands and your nasal passages and also keeping their hands away from their nose, eyes and mouth are the most preventative habits to form at a young age.

•

Decreases the adherence of harmful bacteria on their surface cells.

•

Stimulates the body’s own natural defense system

Since the average American child has six to ten colds a year, using a xylitol nasal spray is a safe and effective way to promote better upper respiratory health, year round.

FINAL HEALTHY TIPS In addition to frequent hand-washing, teach your child some other school health basics: •

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

•

Give your child a package of tissues to keep in his or her desk.

•

Encourage your child not to share water bottles, food or other personal items.

•

Ask your child’s teacher to include hand-washing time before lunch or snacks.

•

Have your whole family practice nasal hygiene and the use of xylitol saline spray like Xlear.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Our best defense is to stop cold germs where they breed.

Good hand-washing is the most effective way to prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, handling trash and prior to touching food to help eliminate germs. Soap and water should be used for 20 seconds (about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). Using alcohol-based hand cleaners is also effective. Remind your child to use the

Even with all of these tips, your kids are bound to come down with something over the course of the school year. We all get sick at some point or another, forming healthier habits and maintaining a positive attitude is all we can do as parents.

For more information, please visit www.xlear.com. natural awakenings October 2014

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 Meet the Author: Robert McCammon – 6:308pm. Internationally acclaimed author Robert McCammon discusses the inspiration and process behind his award-winning works, such as Boy’s Life, Swan Song, and The Wolf’s Hour. Huntsville Main Library, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-2362.

Chevre Cheese Talks: Cheese & Beer – 6:307:30pm. Join Tasia Malakasis, owner and president of Belle Chevre, for a series of lively discussions on all things cheese. Learn easy recipes, how to pair wine with cheese, and much more. Belle Chevre Cheese Shop and Tasting Room, 100 Jefferson St North, Huntsville.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddler’s Convention –Fri-Sat. More than 200 musicians expected to participate, along with 150 booths featuring old-fashioned arts and crafts ranging from traditional artwork to coal-fired metal works. Admission charged. Athens State University, 300 Beaty Street, Athens, AL. Athens.edu/Fiddlers.

Concert on the Dock: The Dawn Osborne Band – 6-9pm. The Dawn Osborne Band is a Huntsville gem with jazzy, soulful roots mixed with a bit of folk to create a unique Americana sound. Free after $2 for parking. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.

256-533-0399.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 Madison Street Festival – 9am-5pm. Great food and entertainment, along with the works of talented local artists. Free parking at the Madison City School Stadium on Celtic Drive. There will be an all day shuttle to take you to and from the festival. Free.

Main Street in downtown Madison, AL

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5 Meet the Huntsville Feminist Chorus – 2-3pm.

This a capella women’s chorus, which has been singing in Huntsville since 1993, will sing an hour of songs to open hearts and minds. Huntsville Main Library, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-2362.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 Guided Hike: Wade Mountain Glade Walk – 10am. (2.5 miles / Moderate). Join Hike Leader Doug Horacek for a stroll to enjoy the Cedar Glades atop Wade Mountain Nature Preserve and to search along the Devil’s Racetrack to find native orchids.

Directions: LandTrustNAL.org. 256-534-5263.

markyourcalendar Natural Healing Solutions Want to reduce your pain and stress this holiday season?

Register now to learn how…

Attend free beginner’s class on essential oils: Orchestra – 6-9pm. This six-piece powerhouse brings gypsy jazz and Americana together with soulful rock and roll that will surprise you with something new every time you listen. Free after $2 for parking. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. 256-533-0399.

October 18 • 2pm Register to receive free guide on 101 Uses for Essential Oils Call or email for information. 256-206-2800.

CC@NaturallyHealingOils.com.

NaturallyHealingOils.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 Guided Hike: Monte Sano’s Young/Kennedy Trail – 10am. (2 hours / Moderate). Join Land Trust Board member David Young on the trail honoring his 26 years of volunteer service. See Smoke Tree groves and many fossils from the ocean that covered North Alabama millions of years ago. Directions: LandTrustNAL.org. 256-534-5263.

Studio Arts @ Bailey Cove Library: Pumpkinology & Maskmaking – 2-4pm. Learn the history of the arts of pumpkin carving and maskmaking. Then create your own mask for Halloween. Supplies provided. For ages 14 to adult. Register at front desk or 256-881-0257. Bailey Cove Branch Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza SE, Huntsville.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12

Foot Reflexology Class – Sat-Sun. 16 CEs for licensed massage therapists. Instructor: NCBTMB & Alabama Approved Provider, Marsha Mathes. $295 by 10/4, $325 after. Register: 256-698-2151 or Mathes79@knology.net. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Ste 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EmbodyBirmingham.com. MarshaMathes.

SkinCareTherapy.net.

Easing Pain with Essential Oils – 2pm. In this class we will learn about the different types of pain, which essential oils to use and how to use them. Specialized Nail Care, 1900 Flint Rd SE, Decatur 35601.

256-476-6537. Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 Hike Hays – 10am. Join us for a one-hour guided hike over easy terrain in various areas of the Preserve. Meet in the parking lot near the picnic area at 10am. Hays Nature Preserve, 7161 U.S. Hwy 431 South, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 Plant ID Walk: Fall color – 2-3:30pm. Identify grasses, blooming perennials, and trees and shrubs with berries and fall color. Instructor: Carol Lambdin, HBG Special Projects Designer. Garden membership/admission. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. 256-830-4447.

Guided Hike: Madison’s Bradford Creek – 3pm.

(3.5 mile round trip / Easy to moderate). Come enjoy a lazy fall afternoon on Madison’s beautiful Bradford Creek Greenway. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Join other walkers for dinner at nearby Saffron Indian Restaurant, if desired. Info and directions: LandTrustNAL.org.

Fickle River: A New Perspective on the Tennessee River – 6-7:30pm. For over a decade photographer and pilot Ron Lowery has used his aerial artistry to capture the beauty of the Tennessee River. See slides and videos of his images. Admission charged.

Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. 256-830-4447.

Women in Jazz – 2:30pm. A dynamic performance by female jazz musicians and vocalist delivering popular jazz standards. Admission charged.

Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St SW. 256-755-8972.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9

Concert on the Dock: Eli Cook – 6-9pm. Eli brings fresh rocking guitar riffs and baritone vocals that make you hear the blues like never before. Free after $2 for parking. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. 256-533-0399.

Saladmaster Cooking School – 6-8pm. Open House and free cooking school for Saladmaster owners. Reservations required by 10/18. Call 256502-9845.

How to Love Your Body and Reach Your Weight Loss Goals – 6-7:30pm. Free to the public. Location: classroom at the Medical Mall Wellness Center, 1963 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville. Please call 256-265-7100 to reserve a seat. Class led by Pamela Brown, MA, LFC, CSCS, Exercise Physiologist & Personal Trainer. HsvWellness.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 Concert on the Dock: The Underhill Family

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Master Your Spiritual Destiny – 7:30-8pm. Inspiring stories and insights from Harold Klemp, spiritual leader and acclaimed author of more than sixty books on Eckankar. Discover five steps to help you master your spiritual destiny and more. Free.

WOW (Knology) Cable Channel 11. 256-534-1751.

Eck-Alabama.org.

Facebook.com/natvalley

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 Concert on the Dock: Megan Jean the KFB – 6-9pm. “A metal band, if it was 1927.” Imagine punk meets its Americana/folk counterpart and their goal is to make you dance. Free after $2 for parking. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.

256-533-0399.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25 Trail of Tears History Walk – 10am. (2-3 hours / Moderate to Difficult). Alabama Trail of Tears Association member John Stanton leads you along an actual TOT route in the Blevins Gap Nature Preserve.

Directions: LandTrustNAL.org. 256-534-5263.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 Guided Hike: Wade Mountain, Stories of the Trees – 2pm. (2.5 miles / Moderate). Dr. Callie Schweitzer is a Land Trust Board member and a Supervisory Research Forester at US Forest Service.

She’ll introduce you to the wonders of the tree canopy and understory. Directions: LandTrustNAL. org. 256-534-5263.

Guided Hike: Tour of McMullen Cove Trails with Jeff Enfinger – 2pm. (2.5 miles / Easy to Moderate).

Enjoy some of the 20 miles of McMullen Cove trails with former Alabama senator Jeff Enfinger. Reservations required: 256-534-5263. LandTrustNAL.org.

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. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org.

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

Celebration Service – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 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. UnityOn TheMountain.org.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 Honeybees and Beekeeping – 11:45am-1pm.

Learn interesting and mostly unknown facts about honeybees—what they do, how they do it and their most unusual physical characteristics. Pollination by honeybees and its value to humankind will be discussed. Huntsville Main Library, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-2362.

Introduction to Essential Oils – 6:30pm. What to know more about essential oils and how to use them? This is the class for you. Learn how essential oils work and how to safely use them for yourself and your pets. Specialized Nail Care, 1900 Flint Rd SE, Decatur 35601. 256-476-6537. Cindy@ AlabamaAwakenings.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 Trick or Treat at Lowe Mill – 6-8pm. Celebrate Halloween with three floors of decorations, costumes, and candy. Kids are invited to come walk the historic mill building and trick-or-treat from participating open artist’s studios. Free. Donated bags of candy appreciated. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. 256-533-0399.

Concert on the Dock: Festival Expressions – 6-9pm. Festival Expressions is a jam band from Birmingham that mixes funk and jazz with rock and roll and blues to create a smooth, original sound.

Free after $2 for parking. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. 256-533-0399.

plan ahead SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Ultimate FaceLift Massage Class – Sat-Sun. 16 CEs for licensed massage therapists. Instructor: NCBTMB & Alabama Approved Provider, Marsha Mathes. $325 by 10/18, $355 after. Parkway Office Center in Huntsville. Register: 256-698-2151 or Mathes79@knology.net. MarshaMathes.Skin CareTherapy.net.

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. 256-895-0255.

LightOfChristCenter.org.

Community Grief Support Group (No Charge) – 2pm, second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Those who have lost a loved one to death share the grief and love, and join the journey forward. Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, Room 122. 256-837-1713.

monday

Program. $10/class and no contract. New participants are always welcome. Madison Ballroom, 9076 Madison Blvd Suite E, Madison, AL. 256-461-1900.

MadisonBallroom.com.

wednesday 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. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

“Exploring the Energy of Spirit” Class – 6:30pm, Wednesdays in November. Instructor: Rev. Grace Gifford. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville, 256-536-2271.

UnityOnTheMountain.org.

thursday

Market at Good Shepherd – 2-6pm, Mondays through 10/27. An open air Farmers and Artisan market featuring fresh produce and arts and crafts from around the valley. Weekly entertainment and kids’ activities. Free. Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal, 3809 Spring Ave SW, Decatur.

Kangen Water Wellness Presentation – 6:30pm.

Bring your BPS-free plastic containers and we’ll make three gallons of the remarkable Kangen Ionized, Micro-Clustered, Alkaline Drinking Water.

Attend our Kangen Water Wellness Presentation starting at 6:30pm each Monday night. Call for directions. G. Boyce Bazzell (Bazz). 256-430-8407.

Bazzell@me.com.

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

BodyFlow – 6-7pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Yoga/ Pilates/Tai Chi-based exercise class that builds strength, tones your body and leaves you feeling centered and calm. Part of the Les Mills Fitness

Greene Street Market at Nativity – 4-8pm. Fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. Organically raised meats. Traditionally made relishes, cheeses, preserves and breads. Church of Nativity in downtown Huntsville, 304 Eustis Ave. Huntsville Hospital HealthWorks Farmer’s Market – 7:30am-12pm. Fresh local produce, delicious artisan breads, herbs, gourmet slaw, cheese, jams, jellies and more. Plaza Resource Center Tram Station at Huntsville Hospital, 101 Governors Dr, Huntsville.

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.

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.

256-895-0255.

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Tennessee Valley

Facebook.com/natvalley

saturday 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.

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. Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Ave NE #3 (near Five Points). 256-534-1751.

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 or 256-289-3331. Peaceful Journey Center, 915 Merchant Walk Way, Suite A, Huntsville.

Ballroom Dance Party – 7:30-10pm. Beginner group class 7:30-8pm, introduction to different ballroom dances each week. Practice dance party 8-10pm, for all levels of dancers. No partner needed. $10/person for group class and party. Madison Ballroom, 9076 Madison Blvd Suites C/D, Madison, AL. 256-461-1900. MadisonBallroom.com.

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 sales and service. 256-502-9845.

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Get Noticed!

Thousands of readers are looking for healthy options.

Call Today!

256-340-1122 Editor@NatValley.com

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.

ALKALINE DRINKING WATER KANGEN WATER

®

Ionized, Micro-Clustered, Alkaline Water Garvin Bazzell (Bazz) Bazzwater.com Bazzell@me.com

CYMATIC THERAPY CYMATIC THERAPY BY LIL Lil Stone, Certified Practitioner 256-656-1606 Lvs@knology.net CymaticsByLil.com

Protect your body from high levels of acidity which contributes to many diseases. Kangen Water Systems produce alkaline water that will help neutralize the acidity in your body. Attend our Water Wellness presentation Monday Nights at 6:30pm.

Contact me for the location.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY CENTER FOR OPTIMAL WELLBEING U’Jeana Wilson Owner/Certified Colon Hydrotherapist Degree in Psychology 256-658-8600

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.

Cymatic & Bioresonance Therapy is based on the study of the structure and dynamics of waves and vibrations. Specific programmed treatments are used for various disorders. 50 years of success in Europe.

Non-invasive. Great for pain.

ENERGY HEALING CENTER FOR DIRECTIONAL HEALING™ Susan Spalding 2225 Drake Ave SW, Ste 18 Huntsville, AL 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 greater balance and health through Directional Healing and Reflexology. The Center now includes free SOQI Therapy with each session for the most complete healing experience.

Information on the energy medicine equipment is available at ChiDvd.com/susan. For healing techniques, articles, and more information on the Center, visit DirectionalHealing.com.

ENERGY PSYCHOLOGY PEACEFUL JOURNEY CENTER

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 19.

Shari Feinman-Prior, MRET, REV 915 Merchant Walk Way, Suite A Huntsville, AL 35801 256-289-3331 • ShariPrior.com Shari1717@gmail.com

Offering an individualized integrative approach to health and healing: Rapid Eye Technology, Inner Counselor Process, Mandala Process, Life Skills Coaching, Healing Touch and Reiki. Reiki Attunements and Personal Mentoring are available upon request.

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.

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ESSENTIAL OILS CINDY WILSON

Young Living Independent Distributor 256-476-6537 Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Want to know why everyone is talking about essential oils?

Learn more about essential oils, their uses and how to safely use them. Classes held monthly or schedule your class with friends and family. For more information call or email. See ad, page 7.

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.

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.

FAMILY MEDICINE MADISON FAMILY CARE

Chad Gilliam, M.M.S. PA-C 1230 Slaughter Road, Suite C, Madison, AL 256-722-0555 MadisonFamilyCare.com Madison Family Care provides medical care for patients of all ages and uniquely blends Natural and Prescription medicines together to help speed the patient’s recovery. Madison Family Care is the patient’s clinic of choice when they would like to understand how natural medicines work along with prescription drugs. See ads, page 8 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!

MADISON COUNTY FARMERS MARKET 1022 Cook Ave,Huntsville, AL 35801 256-532-1661 Open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays Hours 7am – 3pm

Madison County Farmer’s Market is the oldest market in the county. With local growers from Madison, Limestone, Jackson, Marshall counties, and Lincoln County, Tennessee. We have a wide arrange of produce including baked and canning goods. Fresh cut flowers and plants.

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FOOT CARE SPECIALIZED NAIL CARE

1900 Flint Rd SE Decatur, AL 35601 256-476-6537 Cindy@SpecializedNailCare.com Nail care for those that need more than just a pedicure.

Physicians order required for care. Care includes footbath, trimming nails, thinning of thick nails, and removal of calluses and corns. For more information call or email. See ad, page 22.

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

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 7.

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 DIXIE PHILLIPS (LMT #2151)

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.

Facebook.com/natvalley

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 LIGHT OF CHRIST CENTER

4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville 256-895-0255 • LightOfChristCenter.org 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 16.

NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ASSOCIATES

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION 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.

Dr. Deb treats a variety of health problems using natural means.

She looks for why people have symptoms and treats the root cause of those symptoms. Dr. Deb is highly regarded in the integrative and natural approach to wellness. Every patent is unique, and she individualizes treatment for their optimal wellness. See ad, page 19.

SHAMANIC HEALING SHAMANIC HEALING & 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. See ad, page 23.

JANUARY

whole systems health plus: energy boosters FEBRUARY

enlightened relationships plus: healing grief MARCH

animal rights

SUSAN K. JEFFREYS

plus: new healthy cuisine APRIL

Advanced Practitioner Lic.#249 Dr. Ida P. ROLF method 525 Fountain Row 256-508-3351 • RolfGuild.org Serving Huntsville since 1995

nature’s wisdom

“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 15.

Dr. Deb Gilliam, N.M.D. 1230 Slaughter Rd, Ste E, Madison, AL 256-325-0955

editorial calendar

2015

JACI HOGUE

plus: healthy home MAY

breast health

plus: natural birth JUNE

healing addiction

plus: balanced man JULY

PRIVATE YOGA CLASSES YOGA DHARMA DOWNTOWN Suzanne Newton, Director Huntsville, AL • 256-585-3727 Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500 International Association of Yoga Therapists YogaDharmaDowntown.com Suzanne.M.Newton@gmail.com

food democracy

plus: inspired living AUGUST

parenting with presence plus: creativity SEPTEMBER

agelessness

Private Yoga Instruction is an opportunity to receive personalized guidance in traditional techniques of asana, pranayama, and seated meditation. Private sessions designed specifically for you and based on what you aspire to do. 90-min sessions are held in a South Huntsville private studio, near Jones Valley. Contact Suzanne to discuss goals and make appointment.

plus: yoga benefits OCTOBER

working together

plus: natural antidepressants NOVEMBER

true wealth

plus: beauty DECEMBER

prayer & meditation plus: holiday themes

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. ~Robin Williams natural awakenings

October 2014

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MADISON FAMILY CARE and WELLNESS CENTER

Complete Family Practice Sick Visits Hypertension Asthma Thyroid Seasonal Allergy Testing & Drop Treatment

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

• • • •

Laboratory Testing Gynecological Care Chronic Fatigue Fibromyalgia

NEW!

• • • • • •

Dr. Gary Adams, M.D.

Bio-Identical Hormone Pellets 100% Financing Available BHRTvideos.com

Amy Beck, CRNP

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

MadisonFamilyCare.com Progress Toward Wellness & Prevention