March 2017 Upstate Natural Awakenings

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Natural Pet

Anderson Eat For Holistic Eye Care PAWS Wellness How to Move Past Taking the Whole Adopt A Pet

Food Sensitivities

Body into Account

March 2017 | Upstate South Carolina | www.UpstateNA.com

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natural awakenings

March 2017

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natural awakenings

March 2017

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contents 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.

26 FEARLESS EATING

How to Move Past Food Sensitivities

by Kathleen Barnes

29 THUMBS-UP ON FATS

Good Fat Doesn’t Make Us Fat

by Judith Fertig

32 FOREVER GREEN

Eco-Burial Options Grow

26

by Avery Mack

34 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ITCHY PETS

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Gentle Ways to Calm Allergies

by Sandra Murphy

36 ANDERSON PAWS:

Adopt A Pet

40 HOLISTIC EYE CARE Taking the Whole Body into Account

by Linda Sechrist

41 HELLO GYRO

Workouts Use Natural Body Patterns

by Aimee Hughes

42 DR. JOSEPH MERCOLA On Simple Steps To Well-Being

by Judith Fertig

40

44 SILENCING

CYBERBULLIES

How to Defuse Bad Actors

by April Thompson

45 REFRAMING YOUR

LIFE STORY

Create Your Own Hero’s Journey

by Kim Schneiderman

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16 10 newsbriefs 16 healthbriefs 20 globalbriefs 22 ecotip 24 community

spotlight 29 consciouseating 20 31 healthyeating

guide 32 greenliving 34 naturalpet 38 localspotlight 40 healingways 41 fitbody 42 wisewords 44 healthykids 22 45 inspiration 46 calendar 48 classifieds 50 resourceguide

advertising & submissions Deadlines: must be received the month prior to the issue.

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EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS To submit articles, news items and ideas, go to UpstateNA.com and choose appropriate form under Contact Us. Deadline for editorial: the 1st of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS to submit calendars for print (no website calendars yet), go to Contact Us at UpstateNA.com. Deadline: 1st.

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letterfrompublisher

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contact us Publisher Roberta Bolduc Managing Editor Barbara Bolduc Contributing Editors Roberta Bolduc Barbara Bolduc Lauren Hanson Diane Irving Advertising Roberta Bolduc Design & Production / Ad Design Susan Jones Wendy Wilson Distribution Wayne Vollentine Ed Wilmot To contact Natural Awakenings Upstate South Carolina Edition: Phone: 864-248-4910 or visit UpstateNA.com and choose appropriate form under Contact Us.

s many of you who are regular readers of Natural Awakenings know, once a quarter, in March, June, September and December, we present our quarterly pet issue. This means at least one article in the magazine will be devoted to the healthy care and feeding of our furry companions.

As a pet lover myself, I was thrilled to hear that in Anderson, where I live, the PAWS animal shelter has a newly appointed interim director, veterinarian Dr. Kim Sanders, who is dedicated to finding “wonderful and loving” homes for the 150 dogs and cats in her care.

Starting with this issue , Natural Awakenings hopes to lend a hand in helping to fulfill that mission with a quarterly pet story highlighting a dog and cat for adoption. On page 36 we happily introduce you to two of PAWS’ star boarders.

First up is Miami, a beautiful and beguiling 3 year-old boxer mix, reported to be a “love bug”. Next is Socks, a handsome, one-year old black and white shorthaired cat who is social and loves chin scratches. Both are waiting for that lucky individual who will be the recipient of their unconditional love and unwavering affection.

With a low adoption fee of $35 for dogs and $0 for cats, complete with all spaying or neutering services, micro-chipping, required vaccines, deworming and flea treatment, there’s no better deal in the Upstate.

I have experienced life with many different types of pets, including guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, fish, birds, and, of course, cats and dogs. I can tell you that the benefits of being a pet owner—better health both physically and emotionally, not to mention the company of a loyal companion—far outweigh any inconvenience or financial commitment.

Pets teach us so much: patience, tolerance, steadfastness, forgiveness, humility, the joy of living in the moment—and of course, the biggie that we as humans struggle with the most—unconditional love. My take on the whole pet/ people scenario is that pets are more than just teachers, they are non-human angels, here to help us with our spiritual evolution.

Who else greets you with the enthusiasm and joy of a dog when you come home in the evening? What can compete with the love of a cat cuddled on your lap, purring blissfully just because she is with you? Love between animals and humans is a connection that can reap unexpected and rewarding benefits. It also reminds us that what we give we get back one hundred fold.

© 2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

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

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

Calendar listings must be emailed by the 5th of the previous month to: Calendar@UpstateNA.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues). Call or email to subscribe.

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Peace and Blessings,

Roberta Bolduc

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March 2017

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newsbriefs Awakening-Touch Announces Bellanina Facelift

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wakening-Touch is announcing the muchanticipated Bellanina facelift massage—a pampering, relaxing massage that improves the appearance of the face through stimulation of the underlying layers of skin and soft tissue. This non-invasive technique can make surface wrinkles less visible, slow down the formation of new ones and help keep facial muscles firm and smooth.

Wendy McCray, LMBT, RM, says, “The Bellanina facelift massage has been utilized by clients around the world since 1989. The technique offers clients a way to naturally lift and tone their facial muscles while experiencing a luxurious and relaxing treatment. Noticeable results are realized with each massage.”

The treatment is now available to try with a 10% discount offered during the month of March. Instructions for self-care between treatments is provided.

In addition, clients can purchase Bellanina skin care products for in-home use.

Awakening-Touch is located at the Healing Center, 3100 Grandview Dr., in Simpsonville. Call 864-270-8520 to schedule an appointment. Visit AwakeningTouch.MassageTherapy.com to learn more about their services. See ad, page 9.

Rustic MAKA Offers DETOX Vegan Underarm Products

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ustic MAKA—a Michigan-based, family-owned, personal care company—announces the launch of DETOX Underarm Care System, a 3-step system which helps accelerate the detox process. As their website explains, “Transitioning from conventional antiperspirants to natural deodorants can be a unique experience and may take your armpits through a process called detox. During this time, the skin purges itself of … particles that have built up over the years. DETOX - Underarm Care System is designed to accelerate the detox process…” Kasai Rothe, CEO of Rustic MAKA, states, “All of our DETOX ingredients are hand-selected for their highest nutrient content and purifying properties for maximum skin benefit and rejuvenation. It took us months of research and testing to ensure their highest quality.” All items are vegan, as well as cruelty-, gluten- and GMO-free.

The “Cleanse” products include the activated charcoal soap that was designed to effectively remove impurities and leave the skin feeling cleansed and refreshed; and the charcoal konjac sponge which gently cleanses without stripping the delicate underarm skin. The “Exfoliate” purifying clays product removes dead skin and promotes natural skin renewal. Finally, the “Balance” antioxidant serum deeply hydrates and restores over-exerted skin. A bundle of all four items is available for $15 less than purchasing each product individually.

To receive a 20% discount, available through the end of March 2017, use discount code “Awakening20” when placing an order.

For more information, email Kasia@RusticMAKA.com, visit RusticMAKA.com, or find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

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Designs on the Boulevard Offers Organic Hair and Skin Care Products

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esigns on the Boulevard, one of an exclusive group of local hair salons that specializes in organic hair and skin care treatments, offers natural paraben- and sulfate-free hair products. Certified as a “Green Spa” by Eminence Organic Skin Care, they proudly plant a tree for every Eminence product sold as a part of the Eminence “Forests for the Future” program. So far their salon has planted 996 trees.

Sulfate-free shampoos are great for those with sensitive scalps and color-treated hair as well as those with sensitivities to sulfates. Some of the chemicals in traditional beauty and personal care products may be linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease. Organic skin care makeup is eco-friendly, contains no harsh chemicals, uses natural fragrance from essential oils, is gentle on the skin and helps prevent signs of premature aging. Designs on the Boulevard carries Dr. Hauschka’s product line.

In honor of Earth Month in April, the salon is promoting the Aveda Light the Way soy candles with 100% of the proceeds going to support clean water projects around the world. Soy wax does not contain the petro-carbon soot found in paraffin wax.

Free consultations are provided by appointment. Saturday and evening appointments can be made for the convenience of clients with busy schedules.

Designs on the Boulevard is located at 1731 Sandifer Blvd., Seneca. Visit DesignsOTB.com or call 864-882-2725 for more information.

Salútem Organic Massage Features Smudging Sticks at Open House

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alútem Organic Massage and Wellness will feature free massage samplings, drop-in style, and introduce the public to the world of smudging during their Open House on March 28. Heather Coe Meuldijk, LMT and esthetician, invites you to come experience Salútem and “take your relaxation destination home with you” by purchasing your own smudging stick(s).

Indigenous peoples around the world have burned smudging sticks—dried herb bundles—for hundreds of years in order to affect the energy levels and mood in a space. The various blends available serve different purposes, such as recentering, clarifying the mind, promoting relaxation or reducing headaches. For instance, the cypress smudge stick is used to help draw positive energy into a space after a cleansing blend is used, such as a sage or mugwort bundle. The sticks are locally grown and hand-made.

Salútem Organic Massage and Wellness is located at 300 Randall St., Ste. F. in Greer (in the Historic Train Depot next to Foodies Farm Shop). For more information, call 864-630-6141 or visit Facebook.com/Salutem.om or Salutem-Om.MassageTherapy.com. See ad, page 22.

Seasonal Allergy Workshop at Life Chiropractic Clinic

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r. Yvette Edwards, founder of Life Chiropractic Clinic, invites the public to a free workshop at the clinic, held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14. The workshop explains three ways to experience fewer seasonal allergies by reducing food sensitivities.

“Seasonal allergies do not have to be a life sentence.

They occur when the immune system reacts to allergens such as dust, pollen, milk, chemicals or dog and cat dander. Chiropractors work to counteract the body’s reaction to the environment. When adjustments are made, the central nervous system is supported to keep the immune system functioning more effectively,” says Dr. Edwards.

Spring will soon be here, bringing with it pollen and other allergens. Those attending the workshop will learn how to experience fewer allergy- and asthma-related symptoms.

Seating is limited, so call to reserve a space. Life Chiropractic Clinic is located at 1272 Woodruff Rd,. Greenville. Call 864-288-2136 to schedule an appointment or reserve a seat at the workshop. Visit DrEdwardsChiro.com for more information.

See ad, page 4.

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newsbriefs The Illuminate Psychic and Healing Arts Expo Returns

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roduced by Julie King and Itha Trantham, The Illuminate Psychic and Healing Arts Expo returns to Flat Rock, North Carolina, on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. The expo celebrates the wonderful holistic and spiritual communities in the upstate and mountain areas of the Carolinas. The first Illuminate Expo, held in July 2016, was a great success and this second event promises to be more expansive. Admission includes free lectures and a raffle.

Illuminate Expo will offer a variety of practitioners, spiritual organizations and tools to enlighten the attendee and to help them thrive during these stressful times.

There will be 35 intuitive, psychic readers and healers offering their services for the low price of $20 per session.

Each day free lectures and seminars feature great speakers on such diverse topics as: symbology, life beyond the veil, meditation, accessing the future, color therapy, chakras, archangels and various forms of healing. The many vendors participating will offer aura photography, gifts, books, healing tools, crystals, jewelry, art, music and much more. The Expo is co-sponsored by Crystal Visions Books, Upstate Natural Awakenings magazine, and Channel 70 Video Productions.

Admission: children, free; adults, $9 per day. Time:10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.

Location: Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall, 180 W. Campus Dr., Flat Rock, NC. Call Julie King at 831-601-9005, email TheIlluminateExpo@gmail.com, or visit TheIlluminateExpo.com for information on presenters, readers, vendors and for exhibitor applications. See ad, page 47.

See What Planting A Seed Can Accomplish

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your ad in all of our magazines - watch your campaign grow to the size of a national forest.

Natural Awakenings is published locally across the nation in over 90 markets, enabling you to reach your target audience with multi-market and multimedia campaigns.

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Positively Priming the Mind Workshop

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im Serafini, founder and CEO of MindPT, will be the keynote speaker at the Positively Priming the Mind Workshop, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., held on Monday, March 27 in Atlanta, Georgia, and on Wednesday, March 29 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Participants will learn more about the research and technology behind the accelerated learning tool called Mind Power Technology (MindPT) that serves businesses, nonprofits, organizations and entrepreneurs in creating positive results by priming the mind to start each day on a positive note.

Serafini is a leading authority on positive priming and how to accelerate learning and change. This workshop is for coaches, practitioners, doctors, healers, educators, advocates, managers, trainers and others. Attendees will leave with real tools to navigate life more easily and beautifully.

“MindPT is a revolutionary new way to integrate new beliefs and cultivate the mindset and habits of happiness and success,” she says. “Traditional personal growth programs often fail to produce the desired results because they require time, effort and discipline, but MindPT is quick and effortless, based on the latest in neuroscience research and proven, positive psychology principles. It is shared in fun and engaging bite-sized lessons on a desktop computer or mobile app in order to create fast, enduring results.”

Cost is $49, including lunch. For location and tickets, visit PositivePrimingForSuccess.com.

See ad page 55. natural awakenings

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newsbriefs Unity Spiritual Center Presents Bob Sima, Consciousness in Concert

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nity Spiritual Center welcomes award-winning, singer-songwriter Bob Sima on Sunday, March 12, and the public is invited. The event, entitled “Bob Sima is Consciousness in Concert” is presented in two sessions. In the first session, Sima will provide an inspiration meditation which will include an inspiring message; rich, live music; and a guided meditation. A potluck lunch will follow the first session. Sima will continue with a concert promptly following the lunch break.

Sima is a true master at holding a space that takes listeners on a beautiful inward journey, and is known for weaving the wisdom of ancient sages and modern spiritual teachers into lyrics for personal and global transformation. He is a teacher, a guide, and mystic all interwoven through the medium of melody, and his music bridges life and soul consciousness. Sima’s unique style shows that the path to transformation is found within the desire to leave what was and embrace what is to come. His music heals and expands the heart, transforming lives forever. “I listen to Bob and I feel like I have a prayer singing to me and then I remember that “I” am a prayer.” ~Terri S., Fan Free; donations welcome. First session 10:30 a.m.-noon; second session 12:30-1:30 p.m. Unity Spiritual Center of Clemson/Anderson is located at 304 Lebanon Rd., Pendleton (American Legion Building). Call 864-646-6114 or visit UnityofClemsonAnderson.org. See ad, page 19.

The Vibe Tea House Opens a Multicultural Tea Room in March

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he Vibe Tea House announces its Grand Opening, March 27 through 31, at the West Main Artist CoOp (WMAC) in Spartanburg. Open house activities are free and open to the public. Each day will feature a sampling of the range of community engagement activities that will be the trademark of the tea house.

Opening The Vibe Tea House at the West Main Artist Co-Op makes the experience of drinking tea more about community, and promotes an appreciation of local artisans.

The tea house will serve exotic cold and hot teas, fruit-infused oxygenated water, fresh fruit, nuts, pastries, cookies and cakes. The tearoom is unique in that it is designed to be a warm, cozy, relaxed and stimulating cultural venue that hosts regular engaging community conversations, storytelling and poetry events, live music, diversity- and health-focused forums, and independent films (films not typically available through normal media outlets) with a discussion afterwards.

Films presented by Independent Lens, The Oneness Project, Brave New World, Educational Resources, and other independent sources will be offered. The community will come to appreciate the tearoom’s slogan that “Tea enjoyed with others is a cup of life and a cup of wisdom.”

The Vibe Tea House is located at the West Main Artist Co-Op, 578 West Main St., Spartanburg. . Hours: Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit TheVibeTeaHouse.com to learn more or call 864-252-8823. See Community Resource Guide, page 51.

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Primary Health Solutions Offers Free Workshops

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rimary Health Solutions in Pendleton is offering free workshops, beginning in March, on topics such as Reducing Sugar Cravings, Dietary Theories, Mind Body Connections and more.

Also available by appointment are integrative alternative therapies such as Biernat therapy, foot detox, magnetic bed therapy and Endermologie, and plans are in the works for yoga instruction, and exercise and cooking classes.

Additionally, the office plans to conduct workshops for health care practitioners who are interested in incorporating more holistic health options into their practice. Practitioners are encouraged to visit the website regularly for details of featured workshops.

Health coach Corky McAuley received her certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and has many years of experience in wellness modalities, including integrative practices and nutritional theories. Her passion is to work with clients who want to reach their health goals in a way that is flexible, fun and free of denial and discipline.

Primary Health Solutions offers new patients a free one-hour consultation to discuss their unique situation and to help them create a plan to reach their personal goals.

Primary Health Solutions is located 6107 Hwy. 76/ Clemson Blvd., in Pendleton. Visit PrimaryHealthSolutions.net or call 864502-0555 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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No Benefit to Cutting Fat in Cheese

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nyone that has struggled to reduce their intake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) may have considered avoiding saturated fat in their diets, although the latest metastudy published in the Annals of Internal Medicine now refutes this. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, conducted a test to determine if consuming low-fat versus regular cheeses impacts LDL cholesterol levels.

The study divided 139 people into three groups. One ate regular fat cheese, one consumed reduced-fat cheese and one didn’t eat any cheese at all for 12 weeks. Both LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) levels were tested at the beginning and end of the period. Researchers found no significant difference in the LDL levels of any of the groups and no difference between the HDL levels of the reduced-fat and regular cheese groups, suggesting that consuming low-fat versions has no measurable metabolic benefit.

An increase in HDL levels among those that abstained from eating cheese altogether was noted.

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he five-second rule is a belief that food that falls to the floor can be safely eaten as long as it’s picked up quickly. Researchers from Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, sought to test its veracity.

Four different food items were tested, including watermelon, bread and butter, plain bread and gummy candy, using four different surfaces—stainless steel, ceramic tile, wood and carpet.

Each surface was contaminated by bacteria and completely dry before the scientists dropped each item for one second, five, 30 and 300 seconds. A total of 128 separate scenarios were repeated 20 times each and 2,560 measurements were taken and analyzed for contamination.

The results proved that longer contact time resulted in more bacterial contamination, but there were also cases of instantaneous contamination, which disproves the five-second rule. The wet surface of a watermelon yielded the most contamination and gummy candy the least. The surface tests yielded surprising results, with carpet transferring significantly fewer bacteria than tile and stainless steel, while wood floors exhibited varied results.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. ~Mark Twain 16

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The Five-Second Rule Debunked

Kids Going Online at Bedtime Sleep Poorly

new study from King’s College London has found that children’s use of electronic devices close to bedtime can reduce their chances of a good night’s sleep. Researchers examined 20 existing studies encompassing 125,000 children between the ages of 6 and 19. They found that youngsters using a device within 90 minutes of falling asleep had an increased likelihood of poor and inadequate sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Study author Ben Carter, Ph.D., says, “Sleep is an often undervalued, but important part of children’s development, with a regular lack of sleep causing a variety of health problems.”

These can include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, reduced immune function and poor diet. Poor food choices and excessive eating can start young, as illustrated in a study from Colorado University, in Boulder, which found a link between sleep deprivation and poor diet choices in preschool children.

The Colorado study followed five girls and five boys, ages 3 and 4, that were regular afternoon nappers. They were deprived of their naps for one day, during which their food and beverage consumption was monitored and compared with their choices on a day when their sleep routine remained intact. During the sleep-deprived day, the children ate 20 percent more calories than usual and their diet consisted of 25 percent more sugar and 26 percent more carbohydrates.

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esearchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, used data from previous studies to discern the association between dairy and animal fats and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in American adults.

The study reviewed dairy fat and other fat consumption data using validated food-frequency questionnaires from more than 43,000 men and 175,000 women during three different studies, each spanning at least 20 consecutive years. Of the subjects studied, 14,815 developed some form of CVD, close to 7 percent of the total.

The researchers found that replacing dairy foods with foods containing polyunsaturated fats—primarily found in vegetables, nuts and fish—in just 5 percent of a subject’s diet reduced the risk of CVD by an average of 24 percent. But replacing the same percentage of dairy fats with other animal fats increased the incidence of CVD by 6 percent.

Eye Health Nutrients Also Aid the Brain

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utein and zeaxanthin are known key carotenoids for eye health, filtering out harmful highenergy blue wavelengths of light and helping to protect and maintain cells comprising the eye.

The human body does not make enough of either nutrient, so we must get them from supplements or food sources such as kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, corn, green peas, broccoli, romaine lettuce, green beans and eggs.

Researchers from the University of Georgia, in Athens, investigated the relationship between levels of lutein and zeaxanthin and cognitive function. They measured the levels of each nutrient in the retinas of 43 older adults with a mean age of 72 and asked that the subjects learn and recall pairs of unrelated words. The study found that those with higher levels of both nutrients did better on the test, suggesting that the enhanced neural efficiency that comes from consuming these nutrients leads to better brain function.

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Veggie, Fish and Nut Fats Preserve Heart Health

Wheezing Toddlers Prone to Food Allergies

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esearchers in Singapore studied the relationship between eczema and wheezing in babies and food allergies in toddlers. They collected data from 849 children that had completed skin prick testing for inhalant and food allergies, including eggs, peanuts and cow’s milk at 18 months and 36 months of age.

The resulting data were compared to information obtained from questionnaires administered to the children’s mothers at several intervals throughout their first three years of life to determine the prevalence of allergic diseases such as eczema and rhinitis, along with wheezing.

The researchers found children that experienced eczema or wheezing within their first 18 months were more likely to have an allergy at 36 months. Occurrences of eczema or wheezing after youngsters were 18 months old appeared to have no notable impact on the later allergy skin test results.

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study from Dijon, France, found that a specific nutrient combination supplement can help reduce feelings of anxiety and tiredness. Researchers studied 242 subjects between the ages of 18 and 70 that complained of stress and fatigue. Each was given a supplement containing magnesium, probiotics, vitamins and minerals to take for one month.

Researchers measured the subjects’ stress and fatigue levels before commencing the test period and again one month later. They found a 22 percent reduction in psychological stress and a 45 percent reduction in fatigue. Thirty days after the supplementation was discontinued, the subjects’ stress and fatigue levels remained reduced.

DHA Boosts Elder Brain Function

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esearchers from Tianjin Medical University, in China, have discovered that regularly taking docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

A total of 219 adults over the age of 65 participated in the randomized, double-blind, 12-month trial. Half of the subjects were given two grams of this omega-3 fatty acid daily, while the others received a placebo.

The researchers measured cognitive function, including a full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) test and two IQ subtests which serve as indicators of both short and long-term memory. The tests were administered after six months and again after 12 months. The DHA group showed a 10 percent higher IQ than the placebo group. There were also significant increases in both IQ subtests and brain hippocampus volume in the DHA group. Decreased hippocampus volume is a primary indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.

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Stress and Fatigue Abate with Combo Supplement

Natural Way to Ease Eyestrain and Impaired Vision

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ension, if left unchecked, can cause eyestrain, blurry vision, mental fatigue, lack of circulation and elevated stress levels. One of the simplest natural and holistic ways to quickly relax the eyes and decrease eyestrain is the gentle practice of palming.

A 2013 study by the Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences through the College of Applied Medical Sciences at King Saud University, in Saudi Arabia, found that palming for six weeks contributed to a significant improvement in visual acuity for patients with myopia (nearsightedness).

To palm, sit comfortably with elbows resting on a table or desk. Rub both hands together briskly to create some heat through friction. Then, cup the palms and gently rest them over closed eyes with the fingers of one hand resting over the fingers of the other hand on the forehead. The center of each palm should be directly over the center of each eye. The hands are cupped so that there is no pressure on the eyes.

Take a few deep breaths, relax the shoulders and imagine the darkest shade of black possible.

The darkness soothes the optic nerves and the warmth relaxes the muscles of the eyes to encourage increased blood circulation and lymph flow.

Begin to focus the mind on a pleasant, happy memory, like a beautiful place or joyful experience. Involve all five senses in this imagining to enhance and deepen the visualization. This process of mental relaxation replaces mental strain and enables the eyes to also relax.

The more time spent palming the better; we cannot palm for too long. It’s okay to do it upon waking and right before going to sleep. Take frequent palming breaks throughout the day to prevent the accumulation of visual strain and to maintain relaxed eyes and a focused mind.

Nathan Oxenfeld is a certified Bates Method teacher who offers individual coaching, group courses and online holistic vision programs for improving eyesight. For more information, call 910-859-1232 or visit IntegralEyesight.com. See ad page 12.

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Celebration Services Sundays 10:30 am Children’s Ministry Available 304 Lebanon Road, P.O. Box 212, Pendleton, SC, 29670, 864-646-6114 UnityofClemsonAnderson.org for calendar of events and more... natural awakenings

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

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Oregano Oil Proves a Safe Antibiotic for Poultry In many large commercial chicken farms, the animals are fed antibiotics to keep them healthy and fight off infections. But due to consumer demand, McDonald’s has eliminated antibiotics used in human medicine from its entire restaurant chicken supply.

Meanwhile, a farm in Pennsylvania owned by Scott Sechler is among the first to rely solely on a mix of oregano oil and cinnamon in the treatment and care of its chickens. In addition to being completely natural, oregano oil supplies the chickens with health advantages, producing a much higher quality of natural chicken in a far more humane method than that attained using antibiotics. Like antibiotics, the oil assists the chickens in battling any infections, reducing the number of birds lost to disease.

Bob Ruth, president of another Pennsylvania farming business, has been testing oregano on his pigs for six months to see if it can outperform prescription antibiotics. Related problems arise when animals live in dirty conditions, making them more susceptible to infections and viruses, which can also be triggered by insufficient cleansing of slaughterhouses that must be hosed down and completely sanitized after each act of butchery. He thinks that drugs should not be a requirement if the farmers keep things tidy.

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Clean Jeans

Laundry Machines Boost School Attendance Kids in middle schools with attendance problems may simply lack clean clothes to wear. An experiment by the Whirlpool company has taken on the issue with significant results.

The Whirlpool Care Counts Program donated 17 pairs of washers and dryers to school districts in St. Louis and Fairfield, California.

Kids with attendance problems were asked to bring their laundry to be cleaned while they were in class. Each student had approximately 50 loads of laundry done at school during the year, and more than 90 percent increased their attendance, with at-risk students attending almost two more weeks in class. Whirlpool is now expanding the program.

Compared to factors such as economic opportunity, unemployment and institutional racism, laundry might seem inconsequential, but for a 10-year-old facing stacked odds, having nothing clean to wear could be the deciding factor in whether or not they want to face their classmates that day.

Seventh-grade teacher Alison Guernsey, in Fairfield, says, “One of my students had more or less withdrawn from school completely. After we started the program, he was more excited about coming and started to actively engage in class. He didn’t feel like an outsider anymore.”

Raw Hide

A Veggie Leather Alternative

Oil Wastewater Irrigating California Fields In the nation’s produce basket, some California water districts are knowingly selling oilfield wastewater to farmers, putting a huge portion of our fruits and vegetables at risk of contamination. Watchdog group Water Defense uncovered one district buying oilfield wastewater to include in the water it sells to farmers to irrigate crops in California’s Central Valley. This year, Food & Water Watch uncovered another district buying this potentially toxic wastewater and selling it to farmers.

A threat to California’s agriculture is a threat to the entire country’s food supply. Some staples of which California is the primary U.S. producer include 99 percent of olives, 99 percent of almonds, 98 percent of garlic, 96 percent of broccoli, 95 percent of celery, 91 percent of strawberries, 91 percent of lemons and 83 percent of fresh carrots.

The government is allowing oil companies to sell their wastewater for use on crops. Citizens must call on their elected representatives to fix this broken system and protect our food supply.

Source: FoodAndWaterWatch.org.

Bag Ban

California Outlaws Single-Use Plastic Bags

Fish Story

African Aquaculture a Success Fish farming has become a way for many Africans to beat poverty and hunger. Hillary Thompson, who lives in Milton Park, a low-density area in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, says, “For more than a decade, fish farming has become a hobby that has earned me a fortune.” He has been able to acquire properties that he rents out as one of many residents that have profited through fish farming. In many African communities, swimming pools and backyards have been converted into small-scale fish farming areas.

Faced with nutritional deficits, some Africans have taken up the practice to improve their diets. In Zimbabwe, an estimated 22,000 people are involved in fish farming, according to the ministry of agriculture. Behind the success of many of them stands the Aquaculture Zimbabwe Trust, established in 2008 to mobilize resources for the sustainable development of environmentally friendly fisheries nationally. Across Africa, fishing provides direct incomes for about 10 million people and provides food for 200 million more.

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California’s ongoing ban on single-use plastic carryout bags, approved by 52 percent of voters, is setting a notable precedent for other states. A coalition of environmental groups, grocers and others are collaborating, and Mark Murray, of Californians Against Waste, welcomes elimination of the 25 million plastic bags that pollute California every day, threatening wildlife.

In 2007, San Francisco first banned plastic shopping bags, setting off a movement that led nearly half the state, including its biggest cities, to do the same. Although the legislature passed a statewide ban on plastic bags two years ago, paper bags are still for sale at grocery stores and other outlets for a nominal fee.

Researchers from Iowa State University have developed a new form of synthetic leather using cellulose fibers taken from kombucha tea, along with vinegar and sugar, made in shallow plastic tanks. When a colony of bacteria and yeast is added, the material grows on the top of the liquid’s surface, where it can be harvested and dried.

The researchers have successfully used the material to make prototype garments, including shoes and a vest. It’s 100 percent biodegradable, so when the fabric gets wet, it softens and becomes less durable; in very low temperatures, it can become brittle.

Young-A Lee, Ph.D., associate professor of apparel, merchandising and design at Iowa State University, in Ames, says, “Fashion, to most people, is an ephemeral expression of culture, art and technology, manifesting itself in practial form. Fashion companies keep producing new materials and clothing, from season to season, year to year, to fulfill consumers’ desires and needs. Think about where these items eventually go. They will take up tremendous underground spaces of the Earth, like other trash.”

Spanish designer Carmen Hijosa has created Piñatex, another fauxleather product made from pineapple leaf fibers as a more sustainable and cruelty-free alternative.

She acted after seeing how leather tanneries operate.

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Toxic Crops

Source: News.iastate.edu

The sweetest of all sounds is praise. ~Xenophon

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Making a Cuppa More Planet-Friendly

Junior Achievement Take the Kids to Work

The Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation (TODASTW) is holding its annual national event on April 27, offering new toolkits and activity guides based on this year’s theme of Dependability at DaughtersAndSonsToWork.org.

The group assists businesses, families, schools and organizations throughout the year initiate their own special work day for children and mentees.

Each year, more than 3.5 million American workplaces open their doors to about 39 million employees and their children on TODASTW Day. “Human resources and marketing professionals are typically responsible for creating this day within their companies,” says Carolyn McKeucen, the foundation’s executive director. “We provide templates and automated planning elements to save them time while ensuring success for planners and participants.”

A Gallup poll last year reported that 64 percent of U.S. adult coffee lovers consume one or more cups daily and the average number of cups quaffed each day is 2.7. We can express our affection for both java and the Earth by following these eco-tips.

4 Forego the convenience of single-cup, plastic pod makers like Keurig. As Mother Jones magazine recently reported, only 5 percent of current pods are made with recyclable plastic, and even those, having hard-to-remove aluminum tops, pose recycling challenges. Keurig plans to make all of its pods recyclable by 2020.

4 Many other simpler coffee-making devices maximize energy use by facilitating more servings and reducing waste. Treehugger.com recommends the Moka Pot, a pressure-driven aluminum stovetop brewer; the Chemex Coffeemaker, a funnel-shaped glass unit with a wooden collar; the Canadian wood product Aeropress; an old-fashioned vacuum pot with two glass chambers connected by a thin neck; and a traditional non-electric stovetop percolator.

4 Some coffee farms exploit their workers, paying subsistence wages, damage rainforests and use unsustainable farming practices. Jake Carney, co-founder of TheAlternativeDaily.com, founded Lucy’s Bru, an organic whole-bean coffee that’s exclusively shade-grown under fair trade conditions, sustainably farmed and free of harsh fertilizers and pesticides.

4 Reuse steel and aluminum coffee cans. ChasingGreen.org details how they can make effective dehumidifiers for damp basements when filled with salt; soak paint brushes in thinner solutions; store items in a garage or work space; and serve as a spot lawn or garden seeder after punching holes in the bottom. The website also lists ways that coffee grounds can be used as a beauty, cleaning, deodorizer and dying agent.

4 Use better filters at home. Instead of paper, single-use filters, INeedCoffee. com suggests reusable or unbleached, biodegradable alternatives such as the Medelco cone permanent filter and a French press.

4For to-go drinkers, many coffee shops and restaurants will pour fresh brew into mugs that patrons bring in. Keeping a clean spoon in the car can save on plastic stirrers.

Sparkle all year long Ammonia-free and chemical-free options Expert haircare Certified master colorist Chicago and European trained

1018 S.Batesville Rd., Greer 864-968-0200 or 864-201-1402

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communityspotlight Circulation Nation Shakes Up The Upstate With Whole-Body Vibration

by Diane Irving

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he secrets to a healthier body are hydration, sweat, nutrition and movement. Without these simple practices, a multitude of health problems can arise. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concludes, “more than one-third of U.S. adults have obesity. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers.” Exercise is one tool that can be used to help prevent these diseases. However, busy lives leave many individuals without time or energy for physical activity. Linda Craig, owner of Circulation Nation, has developed an attainable solution—whole-body vibration machines that can accomplish an hour’s workout in ten minutes.

While living in Florida, Craig was a loyal reader of Natural Awakenings magazine for years. When she visited Greenville with her husband, she realized the magazine wasn’t available in the Upstate. Still a Floridian, she purchased the Upstate territory franchise, began publishing Natural Awakenings magazine in Greenville, and commuted by van with the 10,000 copies that she delivered each month until she moved to South Carolina. Five years later, her interests shifted from arming individuals with information on wellness to providing a service that has a direct impact on their physical well-being: a whole-body vibration company in Florida had caught her eye. In 2012, Craig opened up the first whole-body vibration center in Greer with the catchy name, Circulation Nation. At first, she sold the machines to help existing wellness businesses grow.

Oasis Day Spa, owned by Cynthia Whitfield in Anderson, became South Carolina’s first fractional franchise (a business that opens a smaller operation inside another business).

Craig has developed a unique work-out routine for members: vibration for exercise, an infrared sauna to sweat out toxins, and alkaline hydrogen-enriched water for exceptional hydration. She explains the idea: “We’re a health and wellness fitness studio with a focus on a gentle, but effective, detoxing-and-movement exercising concept.”

The experience isn’t a typical time-consuming trip to the gym. Instead, it’s an energy revival that brings the body back to health. Craig describes the aftereffects: “When you leave our place you will feel rejuvenated.”

The machines are “simulated speed walking,” she explains. It moves the blood and muscles, helps with

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flexibility and toning and has little impact on joints. Fast movement jiggles body fat and melts calories. A woman who comes five to six days a week for four months and also makes small diet changes can lose substantial weight. Craig indicates, “some people have lost 40 to 50 pounds.” Men, however, can often lose the same amount with three sessions a week and no diet change. Members can add resistance bands and moderate weight lifting for further toning. For runners or athletes—who can put too much pressure on the body with harsh workouts—whole body vibration may provide great relief. Aches and pains can be diminished, joint pain reduced, surgeries can be delayed, back problems alleviated and sore muscles may disappear. It’s perfect for any age or fitness level, and it’s scientifically proven to work. “This is actually NASA driven,” Craig points out. Astronauts used it to keep their muscles from deteriorating before and after space travel.

The infrared sauna helps members sweat out toxins, and the heat is tolerable unlike some steam saunas.

Livestrong.com suggests that too many toxins can cause serious problems such as chronic fatigue, inflammation, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, psoriasis, asthma, arthritis, skin agitations, cognitive issues and hormone imbalances. Infrared saunas could also detoxify up to 85% of metals in the body. Minimizing the amounts of bodily toxins may alleviate harmful diseases and may even halt tumor growth.

Circulation Nation is one of the few places Upstate that individuals can drink alkaline hydrogen-enriched water. Cells may benefit more from the purer form of water and flush out excess toxins. Livestrong.com describes what alkaline water can do. “In theory, proponents of alkaline water believe it works by making our bodies less acidic.” Large amounts of acid in the body may cause osteoporosis, anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis, immune problems and spread cancer.

The concept has shaken up the world of well-being for Circulation Nation members. Finally, they have a place to get healthier, share knowledge, spend quality time and feel refreshed. The word has begun to spread and Circulation Nation is growing. Craig reveals that her future plans consist of moving the Greer/Greenville studio to a larger facility on Pelham Road in September of this year. The new location will focus on all-around wellness with more practitioners. Getting healthy should be a celebration in the community, and an experience that provides true transformation inside and out.

Circulation Nation is located at 423 The Parkway in Greer. For more information, call 864-593-8217 or go to CirculationNation.com. To read CDC reports, visit TinyURL. com/z5rapdl, TinyURL.com/ycqcn25, and TinyURL.com/ k5azup2. See ad, page 25.

Diane Irving is a contributing editor for Upstate Natural Awakenings.

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Fortunately, food allergies that trigger such a dramatic, fast, immune response are fairly rare, particularly in adults.

“Most of what we’re seeing today is an uptick in food sensitivities and intolerances, terms that are often used interchangeably to describe foods that are not digested well and can challenge the immune system,” says Solana Beach, California, nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin, author of The Virgin Diet.

Newark, Delaware, medical doctor and allergist Junfang Jiao, Ph.D., attests to increased levels of testing for food allergies and sensitivities in recent years. “I can’t say there are more allergies or sensitivities, but more doctors are aware of the wide-ranging symptoms and more people are getting referred for testing,” he reports.

Many experts agree on at least one underlying cause behind the trend—a widely studied condition called leaky

FEARLESS EATING How to Move Past Food Sensitivities

by Kathleen Barnes

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omplaints of digestive upsets, brain fog, headaches, relentless food cravings and unrelieved stress appear to be at epidemic levels these days.

“These symptoms may be part of newfound awareness of the wideranging and seemingly unrelated health problems caused by food sensitivities and intolerances, which are different from food allergies,” explains microbiologist Kiran Krishnan, from Chicago.

Food Allergies

Food allergies seem to be plaguing America’s children now more than in the past. We know that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, once standard lunchbox fare, have become a no-no.

They’re often outlawed by schools to protect the students that experience extreme peanut allergies.

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The symptoms of food allergies in adults and children, often including hives, rashes and itching, can range from being annoying to life threatening.

For extremely sensitive people, the tiniest fragment of a peanut or a bee sting, exposure to latex gloves or certain medications like penicillin can cause such a sudden strong allergic reaction that it results in anaphylaxis, which makes breathing passages swell shut. If untreated, such extreme allergies can even prove fatal, which is why people with severe allergies carry the antidote epinephrine (adrenaline) with them.

Food allergies are diagnosed by blood and/or skin testing under the supervision of a medical professional, usually a doctor of medicine, osteopathy or naturopathy. Effective treatment, which must be customized to the individual, typically entails avoidance of allergy triggers.

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gut, characterized by intestinal permeability. Microscopic pinholes in an unhealthy small intestine can allow undigested nutrients to pass through intestinal walls, triggering mild immune responses, inflammation and, potentially, the onset of some diseases.

Theories of what causes leaky gut are diverse and sometimes contradictory but experts recommend consulting a medical professional if one suffers from food sensitivities. Each individual is unique, so there is no “blanket solution” for everyone.

Dysbiosis: Leaky gut is often caused by an imbalance in “good” and “bad” intestinal bacteria, sometimes called dysbiosis, says Krishnan. It can be brought on by the use of antibiotics, antibiotic residues in meats and dairy products or a diet high in sugar and processed foods.

Most interesting, he believes, is the discovery that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s weed killer Roundup used on genetically modified (GMO) corn and soy crops, contributes

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Some More Common Issues

to dysbiosis, as verified by Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists in a study published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology. They concluded with a plea to world governments to reconsider policies regarding the safety of glyphosate residues in foods.

GMOs: While this issue has been less widely analyzed, a 1996 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin added to Monsanto’s GMO corn crops to kill pests is not destroyed during human digestion. Danish researchers at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University suggested it may damage cells of the intestinal lining.

Gluten: “Gluten causes leaky gut,” says Port Jefferson, New York, naturopathic doctor Doni Wilson, author of The Stress Remedy, voicing one side of the controversy based on her review of scientific literature. She’s concluded, “Whether you are sensitive to it or not, gluten increases the production of zonulin, which can result in damage to intestinal walls and cause the cells on the outside of the intestines to set off an immune response to anything that passes through. In this condition, what we’re eating—cheese, milk, eggs, corn, soy—is leaking through the gut lining, triggering an immune response and potentially creating multiple food sensitivities.”

Wilson also notes that in her clinical experience, only about half of her patients with gluten sensitivities complain of digestive issues. “I’ve found that gluten causes the immune cells on the outside of the small intestine to affect the nervous system, causing headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia,” she says. Her findings are backed by research from the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Celiac Research and Italy’s University of Catania. The same researchers confirm that non-celiac gluten sensitivity or intolerance can also foster depression; a University of Cincinnati study published in the journal Headache links gluten and headaches.

Other proteins in wheat can be problematic, advises Fiona McCulloch, a Toronto doctor of naturopathy, citing a study presented at the annual European Gastroenterology Conference, in Vienna, last October. The report showed that a family of proteins called amylase tryp-

sin inhibitors can lead to the development of inflammation in tissues beyond the gut, including the lymph nodes, kidneys, spleen and brain.

Glyphosate residues can be a factor in gluten intolerance. Although wheat crops produced in the U.S. are not yet genetically modified, many non-organic wheat crops are sprayed with glyphosate to promote rapid drying, according to the Environmental Working Group.

Inadequate digestive enzymes: Lactose intolerance is the most common result of missing digestive enzymes like lactase, according to the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Avoiding milk products may relieve digestive distress for some.

ings of general well-being so readily that many people don’t even want to bring back the eliminated foods because they feel so much better, she says. Her threeweek diet completely eliminates the most common food sensitivity triggers: gluten-containing foods (largely wheat), dairy, eggs, soy, corn, peanuts, sugar and artificial sweeteners.

“When I say eliminate these foods 100 percent, I mean it,” cautions Virgin.

“You need to give your immune system at least that much time to cool off.” She adds, “You can do anything such as this for just three weeks.”

Virgin also recommends the elimination diet for weight loss because it helps overcome food cravings triggered by the immune system response and leptin resistance, leveraging the horEliminate Items, mone that turns off the body’s hunger Then Challenge signals, a finding confirmed by indeMost experts believe the easiest way pendent studies performed by Sweden’s to deal with food sensitivities is to Lund University and Italy’s University of stop eating the food in question. The Palermo. She’s also documented other so-called “elimination and challenge” positive effects through her own research diet, which has been in use for decades, and experience with participants in her is effective, free and addresses the foods programs, including improvements in responsible for common food intolerenergy, focus, joint pain, skin clarity and ances, says Virgin. bloating, all in the designated short time

Simply avoid the food of concern frames. completely for at least three weeks, then Other Approaches eat a small amount of it and catalog the People with food sensitivities may be results. For some people, it may only able to tolerate occasional indulgences take a couple of hours for symptoms to in their trigger foods once they’ve healed return after eating a piece of bread, cup their digestive systems, notes Krishnan. of milk, an egg or bit of tofu.

Probiotics can help, especially those

Virgin’s seven-food challenge is a encapsulated in spores so they can pass bit more rigorous, but improves feel-

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through the barrage of stomach acid and reach the small intestine where they are most needed.

Krishnan’s research, to be published this spring, showed that half of otherwise healthy young people suffering from leaky gut had a dramatic reduction of symptoms by taking a spore-forming probiotic Bacillus indicus product for 30 days. After the healing period, sensitive people may be able to eat small amounts of certain foods with the assistance of dietary aids and supplements, adds McCulloch.

Get dirty: Johns Hopkins University research has shown that kids raised in an excessively hygienic environment experience much higher rates of allergies and sensitivities. University of Wisconsin researchers found that youths growing up in households that are less than obsessively sanitary among four or five other people and dogs will strengthen and challenge their immune systems as they mature. Adults need to challenge their immune systems, too, says Krishnan.

Eat organic and fermented foods: A widely varied diet helps spread out the immune system challenges of trigger foods. Organic foods don’t contain glyphosate and other potentially harmful chemicals; fermented foods contain digestive enzymes.

Eat prebiotics: Raw onions, garlic, leeks and asparagus are prebiotics.

They help feed probiotic bacteria and improve gut health.

Block sensitivity triggers: Many people with lactose intolerance are able to consume dairy products if they use lactase, the enzyme that helps digest lactose. Similarly, some people with gluten intolerance find they can eat moderate amounts of wheat products with protein supplements like lectin, carb blockers and digestive enzymes that help break down the gluten molecules, according to Virgin.

Supplements that might help: Glucomannan (konjac or elephant yam fiber) contributes to a feeling of fullness and stabilizes blood sugar, says McCulloch. She also recommends the amino acid L-glutamine and digestive enzymes to assist in gut healing.

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

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Food Intolerances Self-Questionnaire

by JJ Virgin Answer each question with never (0), seldom (1), sometimes (2) or often (3).

1. I need a cup of coffee or another caffeinated pick-me-up to jumpstart the middle of my morning or afternoon. _____ 2. I crave baked goods, pasta and other high-sugar impact foods. _____ 3. I have difficulty falling asleep or I awake during the night feeling anxious and struggle to get back to sleep. _____ 4. My bowel movements occur infrequently (less than one a day), which can sometimes be painful and involve straining. _____ 5. My mood can change swiftly and I take out my crankiness and irritation on coworkers and family members. _____ 6. I want to lay my head down on my desk mid-morning or afternoon because I have little motivation to remain productive. _____ 7. During meetings or conversations I zone out and struggle to concentrate for long periods of time on my work. _____ 8. After eating a big meal, I’m hungry and craving more of what I ate several hours later. _____ 9. Doing routine and important tasks takes all the energy and initiative I have. _____ 10. Even as an adult, I struggle with acne, rashes or blotchy skin, even though I use expensive skin cream. _____ 11. I head to the bathroom or step outside after a meal because of gassiness, bloating or other uncomfortable gut issues. _____ 12. The smell of a scented candle, perfume and detergent bothers me. _____ 13. Walking or moving around can create cramping, achiness or joint pain. _____ 14. I develop headaches that prevent me from enjoying the moment and leave me scrambling for a pain reliever. _____ 15. Even though I don’t have other cold/flu symptoms, I suffer from a scratchy throat or sinus trouble. _____ 6. I eat all the right foods in moderation, exercise religiously, and yet struggle 1 intensely to lose every pound. _____ Total Score: ______

What Scores Mean

18 or above – You most likely struggle with food intolerances that create many unpleasant symptoms and stall fat loss. By removing the seven target foods for just three weeks, you’ll see these symptoms disappear and the scales will start moving again.

10 to 17 – You display some of the symptoms that food intolerances can trigger.

You would greatly benefit from eliminating target foods to lose symptoms and those last few pounds.

Below 10 – While you suffer few of the symptoms brought about by food intolerances, you could still benefit from the same regimen. Even the healthiest person can take their game up a notch and ditch those last few stubborn pounds.

Source: The Virgin Diet, by JJ Virgin

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consciouseating

Thumbs-Up on Fats Good Fat Doesn’t Make Us Fat

by Judith Fertig

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n an era of too much information, the role of fats in our diet has been a victim of not enough information.

Today’s turnaround in nutritional thinking acknowledges natural fats as being vital to heart health and weight loss.

Heart Health Benefit

A recent metastudy in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a journal of the American College of Physicians, concluded that saturated fat does not appear to increase heart disease risk, overturning almost 60 years of accepted medical thought. The researchers analyzed data from 76 studies involving more than 600,000 people and found that those that ate the most saturated, or “bad”, fat did not show a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those that ate the least. Note that processed trans fats remain a villain, still deemed a risk to heart health per the metastudy.

The misleading information began in the 1950s, when Physiologist Ancel Keys, Ph.D., discovered a correlation between diets high in saturated fats and higher cholesterol levels. Soon, the lowfat diet was born.

In 2000, further research introduced the concepts of good and bad fats. More

recent analysis confirmed this finding with the refinement that saturated fats increase both types of cholesterol. However, the latest research from the journal BMJ shows that saturated fat does not increase the number of LDL, or “bad”, particles, a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Instead, it makes existing LDL particles larger, a fairly benign situation in regard to such disease.

Weight Loss Benefit

Fat doesn’t even make you fat, claims Mark Hyman, a well-known medical doctor in Lenox, Massachusetts, and author of Eat Fat, Get Thin: Why the Fat We Eat Is the Key to Sustained Weight Loss and Vibrant Health. “The theory that all calories have the same impact on your weight and metabolism remains one of the most persistent nutrition myths,” says this practitioner of functional medicine who points out that we’ve been sidetracked by wrong thinking.

“Eating fat can make you lean.

Healthy cell walls made from highquality fats are better able to metabolize insulin, which keeps blood sugar better regulated. Without proper blood sugar control, the body socks away fat for a rainy day. The right fats also innatural awakenings

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crease fat burning, diminish hunger and reduce fat storage,” he notes.

Whole30, a 30-day diet revolving around clean eating, also emphasizes healthy fats. Devised in 2009 by Dallas Hartwig, a functional medicine practitioner and certified sports nutritionist, and Melissa Hartwig, a certified sports nutritionist, the program aims to reduce inflammation, detoxify the body and reset metabolism. The Salt Lake City, Utah, authors of the New York Times bestselling The Whole30 recommend healthy fats to keep us full and rev up metabolism. Recommended healthy fats include coconut milk and oil, avocados, olive oil, organic ghee (clarified butter) and raw nuts.

Josh Axe, a natural medicine practitioner and clinical nutritionist in Nashville, Tennessee, recommends the healthy fats contained in avocados, organic butter and ghee from grass-fed cows and goats, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds.

“Butter’s experiencing a comeback as a healthy fat as its benefits become more widely known,” says Axe. “The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in butter help the brain function properly and improve skin health.” Ghee, an ancient Indian version of butter, is lactose- and casein-free, while being loaded with fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E, says Axe. These vitamins are best absorbed by the body when they’re in a fat substance and then stored in the

gastrointestinal tract, keeping metabolism and digestion on track, he notes.

Ghee’s high level of vitamin K2, best known as a natural blood coagulator, “also helps strengthen bones, while the fatty acids found in it improve digestion and reduce inflammation.”

Healthy Levels of Fat

“If you’re active, about 40 percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates, another 30 percent from protein and the other 30 percent from fat in general,” says Axe, adding that this

Functional medicine physician Mark Hyman suggests that we include four to five servings of fat in our diets every day. “In the last five years, the scientific evidence has been mounting that high-fat diets outperform low-fat diets for weight loss and for revising every single indication of heart disease risk, including abnormal cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and inflammation,” he says.

Each amount listed indicates a serving size.

Nuts (a handful of walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts or cashews) Seeds (a handful of pumpkin, sunflower of flaxseed) Most plant-based liquid oils (one

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Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

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“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss and health,” Hyman reminds us. “Low-carb, higherfat diets work for most people, but for some, they may not be optimal in the long term.”

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tablespoon of olive, safflower, sesame, avocado, macadamia, grape seed or walnut oil) Fatty fish (4 ounces of salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna or trout) Avocado (one-half to one avocado) Extra virgin coconut oil (one tablespoon) Organic coconut milk (one-quarter cup) Olives (one-quarter cup) Grass-fed animal butter, clarified butter or ghee (one tablespoon) Aim to eat fats that remain liquid (not solid) at room temperature; it’s a sure sign of heart-healthy, unsaturated fats.

Source: Adapted from Eat Fat, Get Thin, by Mark Hyman, M.D.

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greenliving

FOREVER GREEN Eco-Burial Options Grow

Winston Link/Shutterstock.com

by Avery Mack

N

atural burials allow those that lived their principles of an environmentally sound life to complete their days in a planet-friendly, personalized way.

“The number of U.S. cemeteries allowing natural burials has increased by 30 in the last year,” says Elizabeth Fournier, owner of Cornerstone Funeral Services, in Boring, Oregon. “More than 150 cemeteries allow them now. We encourage replacing cut flowers with plants. A multipurpose wooden casket can serve as a bookshelf until needed, or a casket can be made of natural wicker, paper or grass.” Formaldehyde-free embalming fluids made of non-toxic and biodegradable essential oils allow for a synthetic chemical-free burial.

“Green burials tend to be unique and can last from one to four hours,” says Brian Flowers, green burial coordinator for Moles Farewell Tributes, in Bellingham, Washington. “One funeral had 50 Civil War re-enactors in blue and gray outfits, along with a 21-musket and two-cannon salute. Another was led by a shaman. Natural burial isn’t just for the Birkenstock/patchouli crowd. Our area is farm-rich, so a green burial fits with the idea of living close to the land.”

The Moles’ four-and-one-half-acre meadow for natural burial will expand in the next two years to eight acres.

Flowers explains, “It’s an ecological restoration site. We manage invasive

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species and plant three native plants for each burial.”

In Houston, Terry Ward, president and CEO of Country Communities, notes how fast-paced lifestyles can prevent intimate connections among siblings. “At Indigo Fields, we’re able to implant an app-accessible microchip into an urn or stone. The information can include photos, details of the person’s life and stories that might otherwise become lost. It can be updated at any time and serves as a gift for anyone researching the family tree.

It helps the living heal and talk about their fears, too.”

Added Green Alternatives

Cremation has always been an alternative to burial, but is energy intensive; recycling medical parts helps green up this option. Many choices are available for the cremains, the ashes that remain after a cremation.

Many states outlaw burying pet remains in a human cemetery, so Lisa Brambilla, of Yorba Linda, California, invented 100 percent biodegradable Bio Urns. “Before, pet lovers had few choices when it came time to say goodbye. Laying a cremated pet to rest this way makes a loss easier because it’s a physical manifestation of a pet

Upstate South Carolina | UpstateNA.com

in plant form. It hurts a little less,” she says. Each urn comes with a seed for a tree or shrub and the proper soil to help it grow.

“Maka, a keeshond, was the dog my son’s heart bonded with; he was 6 when she died,” Brambilla relates.

“After she grew into a tree, he could smile when he talked about her. It teaches kids to create a new life and to treat the planet well. Death is nothing but a word. The only thing real is life.” Bio Urn expanded to include human clients after Brambilla’s fatherin-law requested to be remembered via a redwood tree and her mother, a Christmas tree.

Eternal reefs are made of ashes mixed with cement placed in the ocean in a military-style ceremony to help support marine life for at least 500 years. Family members retain the reef’s GPS coordinates and can boat or dive to visit it.

Music lovers can choose to have their ashes compressed into a vinyl record. A live recording of goodbyes, a last will and testament or compilation of favorite songs can be prerecorded. Ashes can also be compressed into colorful memorial gemstones ready to be set into jewelry to keep a loved one close.

Resomation, or bio-cremation, liquefies the body in a heated alkaline bath, using far less energy than traditional cremation and without environmentally harmful chemical emissions; afterward, the bones are ground, resembling cremains, and are returned to the family.

Promession is a way to freeze-dry the body by immersion in liquid nitrogen at -321° F. When it becomes brittle, vibrations shake the corpse into small pieces, water is evaporated and the dust that remains can be used as compost.

Invented by Swedish biologist Susanne Wiigh-Mäsak, she feels it’s the utmost Earth-friendly way to return a body to the soil.

As people opt to avoid the higher costs of a traditional funeral and elect practical, eco-friendly ways to exit the human scene, natural burials can become more accepted ways to achieve Biblical dust-to-dust while doing no harm.

Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

natural awakenings

March 2017

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NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ITCHY PETS

Gentle Ways to Calm Allergies Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com

R

ather than routinely giving drugs to dogs and cats to relieve dry, itchy, skin or food allergies, consider more gentle natural alternatives. As with people, knowing what an animal is allergic to is key to finding the right remedy and preventing future outbreaks.

With dogs, about 20 percent of itching and scratching can be attributed to food ingredients.

Symptoms can show up as early as 5 months or as late as 12 years old, often combined with inhalant or contact allergies. Chronic ear infections are often traced to food allergies.

“If a pet is suffering mightily, see your veterinarian for shots or pills for immediate relief. Then ask the vet to allergy test for the specific problem,” advises Veterinarian Laurie Dohmen, owner of Purple Moon Herbs and Studies, in Hartly, Delaware. “This isn’t something you can do yourself. I’ve seen pet owners use what worked for a friend’s dog and make their own pets sicker, despite research and good intentions. What works for one pet won’t necessarily work for another.”

While food elimination testing works, it’s a long process that must be done with precision. “If your pet

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even just nibbles the eliminated food, you have to start all over again,” says Dohmen. Whether commercially prepared or home cooked, the number of ingredients can substantially extend a test period. Each item must be completely avoided for about six weeks for an accurate assessment.

Environmental allergies, which encompass everything unrelated to food, range from common grasses to inhaled pollutants. New carpets or rugs, cleaning supplies, a neighbor’s pesticides, dust and pollen are among the culprits that can cause an allergic reaction. Common symptoms are itchy ears or skin, ear infections, sneezing, runny eyes, scratching, vomiting or diarrhea.

Veterinarian Judy Morgan, owner of Naturally Healthy Pets, in Clayton, New Jersey, also uses herbs in her practice to alleviate food and environmental allergy symptoms. “They can be tinctures or poultices; one herb or a blended mixture. Some are applied externally, some internally.” Giving the proper dosage for the size of the pet is vital.

She particularly likes calendula for hot spots, despite its

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pterwort/Shutterstock.com

by Sandra Murphy

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouis FreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock.com

odor, because it’s antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral, followed by witch hazel to dry them, and then coconut oil or aloe to soothe and soften affected skin—plus Echinacea to boost the immune system. She uses ginger or peppermint to counteract nausea.

“Many people think an allergic pet should be switched to a lamb and rice diet. In some cases, that makes dry, itchy, skin worse,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to know what they are allergic to before trying out new foods or herbal remedies. Find a holistic vet to work with.”

Morgan often prescribes a mixture of herbs for the best results. “I like licorice because it works like a steroid without the side effects. Probiotics help keep gut bacteria and the immune system healthy. Parsley works well for dry, itchy, skin caused by a blood deficiency, or imbalance.

“Parsley brings a protein, as well as several vitamins, to the party,” notes Kimberly Gauthier, a dog nutrition blogger in Marysville, Washington. “It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and also great if your dog’s breath needs a freshness boost.” She suggests rosemary and thyme as ingredients in an antibacterial, antifungal salve; she mixes these essential oils with extra virgin coconut oil and beeswax to create paw balm.

Morgan reminds us that essential oils can be harmful, even life-threatening, for cats. “If Kitty has itchy skin, lavender tea can be used as a rinse on cooperative cats,” she suggests. “For a less cooperative feline, chamomile tea as a drink or as leaves mixed into the food soothes itches.”

Dohmen cautions, “Herbs and other homeopathic remedies or flower essences are medicine and should be given as a prescription by a qualified veterinarian.”

naturalpet

Stem Cell Therapy in Pets

by Samantha Thompson VMD t’s no secret that animal companions keep us happy and healthy. It’s no wonder then that the American Pet Products Association estimates that 70 to 80 million dogs and 74 to 96 million cats are owned in the United States. In fact, approximately 37 to 47 percent of all households in the United States have a dog, and 30 to 37 percent have a cat. Most of these owners would do just about anything to ensure their pets are happy and healthy, too.

Unfortunately, disorders of the joints, such as arthritis, are common in pets, but stem cell therapy is becoming more common in veterinary medicine in an effort to help our pets find relief.

The National Stem Cell Foundation says stem cells are the body’s “master cells.”

They are the building blocks of organs, tissue, blood and the immune system.

Stem cells are harvested from the pet’s own body using either fat or bone marrow as the source. The harvesting procedure usually takes less than a half hour and is performed under general anesthesia. The stem cells are then processed, concentrated and prepared for injection into the damaged tissues or arthritic joints.

According to Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, stem cell therapy is considered a safe procedure (although any procedure requiring anesthesia carries some risk), and since the substance being injected is derived from the dog’s own body, immune reactions are rare, but can occur.

Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. In many tissues, they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing constantly to replenish lost or damaged cells and allowing the body to truly regenerate itself. In fact, the regenerative cells “communicate” with the cells of their local environment

I

through paracrine and autocrine modalities, creating the optimal environment for natural healing, according to VetStem.com. Stem cells are not harmful, have no known side effects and are only beneficial to the body, providing the ability to fight arthritis, heal ligaments and produce a healthy joint environment.

There are many misconceptions about stem cells; here are some of the facts: • They are not harvested from fetuses • They are nothing to do with genetic modification • The process of harvesting stem cells is quick and does not harm the donor • Stem cells can be stored for future use or re-harvested if needed for follow up treatments • Stem cell therapy can be used to help recover from injury, heal after surgery or in some cases prevent the need for surgery • Stem cell therapy can be used for all types of arthritis and can be used in multiple areas on one patient • There are only two cases when stem cells should not be used – in the face of active infection or if any type of cancer is present • Stem cell therapy is the medicine of the future; it is regenerative medicine at its core • There is ongoing studies and research for this modality to be utilized to treat back and spinal cord injuries, as well as uses to treat partially torn ligaments to heal them as good as new The results stem cell therapy in pets has shown to be outstanding and truly gives dogs back their freedom and activity. As our pets our living longer, it is exciting that we have more and more ways to help them naturally keep their own bodies stronger and healthier.

Dr. Samantha Thompson is trained in the use of stem cells and provides the therapy as a new treatment option, harvesting cells from the patient’s own bone marrow under anesthesia.

natural awakenings

March 2017

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Pets at PAWS Need Homes, Donations

A

nderson County PAWS is an openintake shelter that provided help to approximately 7,400 animals last year.

Kim Sanders, their interim director and veterinarian, says the goal of PAWS is to find loving and wonderful homes for each of the 150 dogs and 95 cats that are presently available for adoption.

There is no adoption fee for cats and the fee for dogs is $35. This includes heartworm testing for dogs, and FeLV, FIV for cats. The pets also receive their required vaccines and are microchiped, dewormed, spayed or neutered and receive flea treatment. PAWS is a county-funded organization.

Upstate Natural Awakenings would like to introduce you to a couple of their star boarders. We will repeat this feature in each of our quarterly pet issues which run in March, June, September and December. You can also go on to the PAWS website to view other pets who are waiting for that special person to love.

Miami is a 3 year-old spayed female Boxer mix. She is such a love bug and has a beautiful personality.

Miami gets along well with other animals and all people. Miami has been at Paws 111 days!

Socks is a 1 year-old neutered male shorthaired cat. He is very playful and social, loves his toys and chin scratchers. Socks is still a young guy and has a lot of kitten energy. Socks has been at PAWS 139 days!

If adoption is not an option for you, PAWS is always in need of volunteers and supplies, including canned cat food to prepare for spring kittens, and blankets, towels, canned dog food and peanut butter.

Hours: M, T, Th, Fr, noon-6 p.m.; Sat., noon-4 p.m., closed Wed and Sun. PAWS Shelter, 1320 Hwy. 29 S., Anderson (half a mile from Bypass 28). Visit PetAnGo.com/ AndersonCountyPAWS to view animals available for adoption.

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Upstate South Carolina | UpstateNA.com

Born for Our Times: A Guide to Feeding the Good Wolf

by Joan Borysenko, Ph.D.

W

e are living in what Mark Twain called interesting times. Polls report that the majority of Americans are experiencing anxiety, depression and stress. Staying calm in the chaos is the root of wisdom in these challenging times.

Perhaps you recall the parable of the two wolves. A grandfather tells his grandson that all humans have two wolves battling inside themselves. The good wolf is kind, creative, brave and ready to act when the time is right.

The other wolf is greedy, judgmental, hateful and filled with fear. The grandson thinks about this and then asks, “Which wolf will win?” The grandfather says, “Whichever one you feed.”

Research in mind-body medicine and positive psychology prove the point. Focusing on the positive can help keep stress in check. But more than that, it helps rewire the mind-body system for resilience, happiness and creativity.

Thinking about change as a time of breakthrough, rather than breakdown, is a basic necessity for staying calm and centered. The late Ilya Prigogine, a mathematician and physicist at the University of Texas at Austin, won a Nobel Prize in 1977 for his Theory of Dissipative Structures.

Whether we are talking about an atom or a solar system, disruption leads to re-creation. The energy released when an old system crumbles frees the energy to reconfigure at a higher level of function. That’s the image to hold in mind during these times of rapid change.

“Which wolf will win?” The grandfather says, “Whichever one you feed.”

The journey from breakdown to breakthrough is a classic rite of passage comprising three parts: 1. Separation: the ground beneath us gives way and uncertainty prevails.

2. Liminality: the time between ‘no longer’ and ‘not yet’. The old system is defunct but a new one has not yet emerged. This passage is rife with both danger and opportunity. It is a time for grief, reflection, soul searching, finding allies and mentors, and working together.

3. Return: when the crisis passes, there is a return to an improved level of equilibrium.

When navigating the liminal time—which we are in right now— the most important skills revolve around the care and feeding of the good wolf. Rather than triggering the fight, flight or freeze response in the brain’s amygdala (emotional survival center), staying mindful and present brings an evolutionarily more recent part of the brain online, the prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain witnesses without becoming attached and reactive. It is goal-directed, clear and capable of mediating the constant internal conversation that goes on inside between the two wolves.

This is how one can fire up their wise prefrontal cortex: 1. Benefit finding. It sure beats fault finding. So if you catch yourself complaining, take a few deep breaths and focus on one thing that is good. At the very least, you are still breathing—that’s certainly a fine thing.

2. Installing the good. Rick Hanson, Ph.D., a psychologist and neuroscientist, suggests stopping for 10 to 20 seconds when something good or beautiful comes up. Dwell on it with all your senses. That simple act changes your brain and begins to build up your happiness circuits.

3. Exercise—it’s practically a panacea.

4. Eat more plants and fewer carbs. If you make your gut bacteria happy and diverse by feeding them well, they will release the neurotransmitters of joy, equanimity and wellbeing.

5. Appreciate someone—give them a compliment that is true.

You’ll share a smile and that will lift you both up.

6. 6. Find a dog or a cat to stroke and cuddle. Failing that, take care of a plant or two. Give it water, food, love, light.

Life loves life.

And ... as we start the new year, take a few minutes to retrospect the year that has passed, and give thanks for five things in 2016. Gratitude is the best antidote for stress.

Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., is a Harvard-trained cell biologist, licensed psychologist and New York Times bestselling author of 16 books, living in Santa Fe, NM. Connect with her at JoanBorysenko.com or Facebook.com/ JoanBorysenkoCommunity.

It’s Not the End of the World: Developing Resilience in Times of Change, Hay House, Carlsbad 2009. natural awakenings

March 2017

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localspotlight

Five Shen Wellness & Acupuncture Clinic

Five Element Acupuncture Practiced at Five Shen Wellness

by Barbara Bolduc

A

s people around the world wake up, they begin to realize the inherent power that they have to heal themselves. James Berry, licensed acupuncturist and founder of Five Shen Wellness & Acupuncture Clinic, understands this. “The body has the innate sense to heal itself, and if we get things flowing the way they should, the body can get back into balance,” he says.

Berry was educated in Five Element Acupuncture—a classical approach to this ancient medicine—rather than the Westernized version that is typically practiced today.

“In school they were really adamant that we are part of the conduit between heaven and earth,” Berry reveals, “that energy is coming through us, and that in order to do our best work, we must have integrity in our own practices. The classics, which provide a basis for Eastern Medicine, state how important it is for the practitioner to sharpen themselves as a tool. At Five Shen, we believe that if we aren’t doing the work to cultivate growth within ourselves, we cannot truly make a heart-to-heart connection with patients.”

Berry began his journey into eastern medicine with qigong, a practice similar to tai chi. After a while, he began teaching it, and this led him to study The Five Element Tradition of Acupuncture and eventually to establish the clinic. Additional services offered include herbal remedies, cupping, tuina (eastern version of massage and bodywork), and meditation and/or Qigong teachings to patients who have an interest in learning.

With regards to acupuncture, Berry points out that the

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Upstate South Carolina | UpstateNA.com

process is not just for treating pain. “We often see people with high stress and/or emotional trauma. The world moves so fast that people have come to see stress as normal. This style of acupuncture is helpful because the practitioner gets to tap into pain that’s related to emotional disturbances.

Using practices unique to Five Element Acupuncture, the pain is relieved—but the person can also see an emotional improvement.” He feels rewarded when his clients notice a difference in how they feel. “It’s always interesting to see the shift in someone when their stress comes down a few notches and they realize, ‘This is what I can feel like on a regular basis.’ ” The Clinic maintains a large dispensary of raw herbs, used to make herbal tea formulas. Berry remarks, “Anything I can do with needles, I can do with herbs, but together they are fantastic.” He prefers the raw herbs because they are more powerful than the capsules and powders most providers use. However, for acute cases such as colds and the flu, he may choose the powdered form because of the simplified delivery method. He emphasizes that it is important for an herbalist to be trained in the interactions of herbs—both with other herbs, a patient’s medications and each person’s unique constitution. For instance, he explains, turmeric can be great for treating pain or inflammation in the body but is not appropriate for treating someone with a hot constitution.

After the initial free consultation, a two-hour visit is scheduled, and most of it is spent getting to know the patient, determining symptoms and assessing constitution. Either approach, acupuncture or herbs, requires office visits and a full intake in order to obtain a proper diagnosis. “There are several things we do to keep costs down. We try to be budget-mindful with both the acupuncture and herbs because it is important to us that we reach as many people as we can.” Occasionally herbal follow-ups can be done via phone or email, in order to check progress. Formulas can be finetuned to find just the right customization at which point refills are available without frequent office visits.

Five Shen is not a retail herb store where someone can walk in and purchase bulk quantities. Licensing requirements dictate that the clinic only dispense to patients that have been seen by a licensed Chinese Medicine practitioner.

As part of its mission to give back, Five Shen is expanding its ‘Nourishing Kindness’ program. These special monthly clinics have been available to help veterans with PTSD by offering varying treatment options in a pay-as-you-can format.

The program will soon expand to the public. Berry notes that all visits require an appointment. “We are trying to pay it forward,” he concludes.

Five Shen Wellness & Acupuncture Clinic is located at 1320 Haywood Rd., Greenville. For more information, call 864619-1398 or go to FiveShen.com. See ad, page 11.

Barbara Bolduc is the Managing Editor and a writer for Upstate Natural Awakenings magazine.

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March 2017

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Tuzemka/Shutterstock.com

healingways

Holistic Eye Care Taking the Whole Body into Account

by Linda Sechrist

T

he “old wives’ tale” about eating carrots for healthy vision wasn’t wrong, but fell far short of a holistic approach to eye health. Today’s holistically trained healthcare providers and ophthalmologists believe that properly maintaining the marvelous phenomenon of eyesight requires taking into consideration genetics, diet, toxin exposures, life environments and our belief systems.

“The body does not work as a series of parts in isolation, but as a dynamically integrated living system,” says Marc Grossman, a doctor of optometry, licensed acupuncture physician and co-founder of Natural Eye Health, in New Paltz, New York. “The reductionist method of referring each symptom to the domain of a particular specialist, isolated from the whole person, is slowly being replaced with a complementary view of health care that may include acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We are beginning to look at each person as an integrated being.”

Progressive health providers now consider dietary preferences, general exercise regimens, environmental factors and physical, emotional and mental issues, as well as an individual’s particular symptoms, in determining treatment strategies. “To improve vision, the condition of the whole person needs to be addressed,” says Grossman, whose books include Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision.

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Homeopathic Doctor Edward Kondrot’s practice at Healing The Eye &

40

Wellness Center, which he founded in Zephyrhills, Florida, embraces traditional and alternative therapies. He uses microcurrent, ozone therapy and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved stem cells from a newborn’s umbilical cord in treating serious eye disease.

Kondrot, the author of 10 Essentials to Save Your Sight, systemically understands the eyes as windows to overall health. For instance, his perspective is founded on the fact that a balanced diet is one of the best preventive measures for maintaining eye health. Systemic disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stress-related effects and nutritional deficiencies are easily determined under the scrutiny of his holistic biomicroscope.

According to science published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractic spinal manipulation may also contribute to normal vision; in one case study, 20 treatment sessions helped an individual recover the function of optic nerves and normal vision. It’s generally accepted that chiropractic adjustment realigning the spinal column allows the nervous system to function properly, reduces tension and frees up the body to better transport blood to locations such as the eyes. Additionally, the second vertebra below the skull contains nerves that affect the eyes, optic nerves, auditory nerves and sinuses.

Common eye conditions generally develop so slowly that they may not present noticeable symptoms until deterioration has become severe. “Many factors can affect our eyesight, including

Upstate South Carolina | UpstateNA.com

other health problems. Having a family member with eye disease may mean you’re genetically prone to having that condition as well, but living a healthy lifestyle may prevent the gene from being activated,” advises Kondrot.

Viewing the condition of the eyes as a reflection of whole body health means that lifestyle and diet choices play major roles. The Vision Diet and supplement program recommended in Grossman’s Natural Eye Care has been shown to reduce the intraocular pressure in the eyes of study participants by five to seven millimeters, which generally equates to 10 to 15 percent.

In general, a diet high in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and sulfur-bearing amino acids can be helpful. Foods containing such nutrients include garlic, onions, beans, spinach, celery, turnips, yellow and orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables, seaweed, apples, oranges and tomatoes.

Other dietary and lifestyle options recommended by Grossman are daily drinking one pint of juice made from mostly green vegetables and drinking eight to 10 glasses of purified water to keep eyes hydrated. Managing stress and doing palming and other eye exercises, such as those found at Tinyurl.com/ComputerEyeStrainExercises, as well as daily aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes, are also beneficial. Additionally, Kondrot’s use of multimodal protocols such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, homeopathy, and detoxification can be applied to reverse visual loss.

Kondrot advises that avoiding foods that trigger allergic reactions is important.

“A study of 113 patients with chronic simple glaucoma showed an immediate increase in pressure in the fluid inside the eye when they were exposed to foods to which they were allergic. Take up meditation, yoga, tai chi or any other practice that helps you manage stress and relax,” he advises. “Some consider glaucoma a stress-related condition.”

The best strategy for healthy eyes is to have regular eye examinations. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent significant vision loss.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

photos courtesy Gyrotonic.com

fitbody

Hello Gyro Workouts Use Natural Body Patterns

by Aimee Hughes

I

“

magine an exercise system that strengthens the body enough to be used in training world-class athletes, stretches more safely than any form of yoga and expands the core training concepts of Pilates into natural full-body movements like those used in everyday reaching and walking, along with jumping and swimming. This is the Gyrotonic system,” says Angela Crowley, a Gyrotonic master teacher, trainer and exercise spa owner in Coral Gables, Florida.

A former gymnast and dancer, Crowley took to the Gyrotonic approach after being severely injured in an automobile accident. “Traditional physical therapy only addressed certain aspects without bringing me back to normal,” she says. “Running and yoga felt intolerable.

Gyrotonic exercises became a perfect bridge. I was able to rehabilitate safely while challenging myself to return to normal expectations and now, beyond.” The system of fluid movements leverages specially designed equipment that can be customized for every individual.

Find an illustrative video and search classes by postal code at Gyrotonic.com.

“The Gyrotonic system combines elements from many different modalities into three-dimensional, circular movements. A primary focus is on all the different motions of the spine and how to create rhythmic, flowing movement within the entire body,” says Stefani Schrimpf, Gyrotonic instructor and studio owner of Physiques, in Overland Park, Kansas.

“The exercises strengthen, lengthen and stretch muscles, while stimulating connective tissues around the joints. They also improve balance, flexibility and coordination. This system allows you to push beyond specific limitations and to isolate and fine tune movement skills,” says Schrimpf.

While a Gyrotonic workout has similarities to yoga and Pilates, it is also unique. According to Melissa Jutras, a Pilates instructor, weightlifting coach, personal trainer and gym/studio owner of Big Blue Strength, in Lexington, Kentucky, “Hatha yoga is a series of static postures, whereas Pilates and Gyrotonic movements focus on flow, using equipment to enhance core strength, stability, control, coordination and flexibility. The difference is that Gyrotonic exercises works on three dimensions with every circular movement, like the body naturally moves. It uses weights and a pulley system, whereas Pilates is more linear and uses spring tension.”

Jutras believes the Gyrotonic system, Pilates and yoga all complement weightlifting and strength training, affording a mind-body balance. “The body then experiences low- and high-threshold exercise, low-intensity and highintensity, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activity,” she says.

Crowley sees the Gyrotonic approach complementing virtually any activity. “The exercises help practitioners learn how to move more efficiently, easily, powerfully, gracefully and successfully in every facet of life.”

The method is also offered without equipment in the form of Gyrokinesis, a flowing class done on a chair, mat and standing. This affordable option can be practiced independently at home.

“My youngest client is 7, my oldest is 94,” relates Crowley. “We have clients that have become bored by repetitive exercise and enjoy the limitless variations of movements that keep both their minds and muscles alert. We have chronic pain clients that have exhausted other medical options and are improving their ability to function more optimally and enjoying their lives again.”

Both Schrimpf and her husband, Juan Trujillo, teach the Gyrotonic method. “Our greatest reward is the feedback we get. Once people try it, they’re hooked,” she says. “It transforms how people think about movement and brings a sense of joy and accomplishment. They feel their joints becoming more supple and balanced, and find their bodies responding well to the natural movement patterns.”

Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy and consultant for the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@gmail.com. natural awakenings

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wisewords

Dr. Joseph Mercola on

SIMPLE STEPS TO WELL-BEING

by Judith Fertig

D

octor of Osteopathic Medicine Joseph Mercola has practiced as a boardcertified family physician for more than 30 years.

His educational website, Mercola.com, has been the most visited natural health site for the past 12 years, with 12 million unique visitors each month. His three New York Times bestsellers include Effortless Healing.

With today’s overload of conflicting health information—and the temptation to self-diagnose—how can we accurately assess our status in terms of optimal wellness?

One of the major principles I strongly embrace is to listen to your body and adjust your lifestyle based on the feedback it’s providing you. The seven clinically proven gauges I advise you to assess now and continue to monitor every six months or so are fasting insulin level (normal is less than five micro-international units per milliliter of blood; ideal is less than three); vitamin D level (normal is 40 to 60 nanograms per milliliter); waist-to-hip ratio (ideal for men, 0.8; for women, 0.7); body fat percentage (fitness level for women is 21 to 24 percent; for men, 14 to 17 percent); HDL to total cholesterol ratio (ideally 24 to 30 percent or higher); blood pressure (ideal numbers are 120 over 80 systolic/diastolic without medication); and uric acid level (ideal is three to five milligrams per deciliter).

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It is important to get these levels checked, because it is impossible to know without testing.

In your opinion, what is the greatest health risk Americans face today and what can we do about it right now?

I’m convinced that for the typical American, the most important health step to take is to stop drinking soda, sports drinks, fruit juices or artificially flavored and sweetened waters and replace them with pure water.

Most people are now aware that sodas are laced with processed sugars like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, but many don’t know that their favorite sport and vitamin drinks contain these sweeteners plus a host of frightening extras, including toxic chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, phthalates, BPA [bisphenol A] and disinfection byproducts.

What role do carbohydrates play?

Carbs are a far dirtier fuel than fat and generate far more reactive oxygen species than fat. Some 70 years of following low-fat diet recommendations has resulted in the vast majority of dieters losing the ability to burn fat as their primary fuel.

One of the most powerful strategies to regain this ability is to start a practice of regular intermittent fasting, restricting your eating window to six to 14 hours a day and fast the rest of the day.

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Of course, you will want to replace a high net carb intake, or total carbs minus fiber, with healthy fats such as those in avocados, coconut oil, seeds and nuts.

Avoid industrially processed omega-6 vegetable oils like corn, soy and canola.

Because an indoor, climatecontrolled, sedentary lifestyle may lead to slowly developing chronic disease, what changes do you suggest we make?

Spending time outside with bare feet in contact with the ground even for short periods can yield significant benefits.

It’s even better to do it with the sun shining on your bare skin.

The Earth is an abundant source of free electrons, and when the sun shines on your skin a vital biological circuit forms that helps transfer energy to water throughout the body, which serves as a cellular battery. Albert Einstein won a Nobel Prize for describing this process, called the photoelectric effect.

Reducing the length of time sitting each day and regularly moving is even more important for most of us than getting regular exercise. A good rule of thumb is to stand up every 15 minutes or so.

What can we do better to maintain optimal health?

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight. The problems with carrying excess weight are more than aesthetic.

At the root of obesity is mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic disorders go hand-in-hand with many of the chronic diseases plaguing Americans in record numbers—including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia and cancer—according to numerous studies such as research by the Centers for Disease Control and the Center for the Study of Chronic Metabolic and Rare Diseases, at George Mason University.

The most potent strategy to address such metabolic dysfunction is to make a strong commitment to reaching and maintaining a personally healthy level of body fat.

Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

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healthykids

Muting Meanness Here are some tips to help keep digital spaces safe and civil.

SpeedKingz/Shutterstock.com

* Think twice before posting a photo or comment that could be taken out of context and misappropriated. * Report bad behavior to an adult that can help figure out the right course of action.

Silencing Cyberbullies How to Defuse Bad Actors

by April Thompson

W

hether it’s a damaging rumor posted on Facebook, a humiliating photo shared on Instagram or a threatening text, cyberbullying is increasing among today’s youth. A 2015 Cyberbullying Research Center study of middle school students found that 43 percent had been targeted, while 15 percent admitted to being online bullies. Meanwhile, students, parents and teachers are combating cyber-aggression with initiatives to make the phenomenon socially unacceptable in schools.

Grassroots Action

Tyler Gregory, 23, attended a small, insular high school in rural Ohio where bullying was problematic. As a senior with younger siblings approaching their high school years, he aimed to change the local culture to make bullying uncool.

Gregory decided to make a movie to submit to the NO BULL Challenge, a national organization that provides students a platform to develop and disseminate materials that spark dialogue about such troubling issues. Challenges ranged from teaching himself filmmaking and persuading students to participate to mustering the courage to present the project to his school. He achieved the transformation he sought, 44

beginning with 70 students participating in his production.

“I appealed to classmates by asking, ‘How do you want to be remembered?

Why not choose to be viewed positively, as leaders?’” says Gregory, who later became a spokesperson for NO BULL Challenge. To date, the challenge has received 600 submissions, garnering 23 million impressions through digital and social media, the vehicles of cyberbullies. A recent graduate of Dayton, Ohio’s Wright State University, Gregory has spoken to about 45,000 students in 27 states in school assemblies.

Nancy Willard, director of Embrace Civility in the Digital Age, headquartered in Creswell, Oregon, believes that such initiatives, which shift schools from punitive approaches to making bullying incompatible with accepted social norms, are the only way to bring lasting change. “We need to cultivate a climate where being hurtful is contrary to a school’s expressed values.

Most young people don’t like to see their peers being hurtful and admire those that stand up to peers and have them make amends,” says Willard. The educator’s website, EmbraceCivility.org, offers free materials with concrete steps for students and teachers to foster positive school environments.

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* Don’t portray youth as victims, which can perpetuate the idea they are weak and vulnerable targets. * Save cyber evidence to help officials take appropriate action.

Some schools now have online reporting systems that allow students to anonymously submit screenshots from social media. * Don’t retaliate. It likely will only aggravate unwanted behavior and drag everyone down to the cyberbully’s level of consciousness. * Keep watch. Apps like Online Guardian for Families, CyberSynchs and YouDiligence allow parents to monitor children’s exposure on social media via keywords related to bullying.

Resources: EmbraceCivility.org; Cyberbullying.org; Tinyurl.com/Bully PreventionTips; Tinyurl.com/Apps BlockBullies; StopBullying.gov/ cyberbullying.

Protecting the Vulnerable

Cyberbullying isn’t limited to attacks on unpopular kids that lack satisfying peer relationships. It’s seven times more likely to occur between current or former friends and romantic partners than between strangers, according to a study led by Diane Felmlee, professor of sociology at Pennsylvania State University. Felmlee’s research further found that non-heterosexual youth are four times as likely as their heterosexual peers to be cyberbullied, while popular kids are also frequently targeted.

Two social dynamics seem to be

Helpful Responses

Most youths don’t report cyberbullying, feeling embarrassed, afraid the situation will get worse or doubtful of remedial action. “Schools need to step up their response to bullying, make it known that it won’t be tolerated, set clear policies and enforce them,” counsels Gregory. Because most bullied youths don’t speak up, parents need to communicate openly with kids and be aware of their online activities, advises Felmlee.

Willard notes that it’s also important to address the bullies themselves through understanding their motivation, and then persuading them to accept responsibility and take steps to rectify harm. “This should be about reparation, not punishment.” Gregory’s high school film assures bullies that it’s never too late to make amends.

While it can be hard to stand up to bullies, caring peers can easily express support. “Bystanders have the power to change the atmosphere,” agrees Gregory. “Kindly approaching a student being picked on who may feel alone and ashamed goes further than most students realize.”

Those affected by cyberbullying also can cut off their aggressors, suggests Gregory. “The ‘block’ button is powerful. Cyberbullies want to see a reaction. Blocking them from social media exchanges or texting takes away their power.”

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

inspiration

Reframing Your Life Story Create Your Own Hero’s Journey

by Kim Schneiderman

E

very life unfolds as a uniquely dynamic, purposeful and potentially heroic story that is open to interpretation, especially our own. We are the star and spin doctor of this work-in-progress, with the power to tell our stories as triumphs, tragedies or something in-between. Our life story is filled with suspense: Big and little decisions affect our storyline, including the relationships we choose, our goals, how we live and the ways we nourish ourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

How we tell our story matters. We are constantly sifting through competing narratives to make sense of our world for ourself and others. Whether we consider ourself a heroic figure overcoming obstacles or a tragic victim of destiny often depends on how we choose to read the text of our life and tell our story.

Creating a personal myth is a fundamental way we find meaning. We are always the protagonist, with supporting characters providing love and assistance and antagonists posing challenges that push us beyond our comfort zones.

Rather than narcissism or navel-gazing, the more intimate we become with our own story, the more we realize that everyone has an equally valid and vital narrative in which they are the central character. Understanding that everyone is on their own story journey can help us establish connection and empathy.

In every myth, the protagonist has a character arc; a particular way they mature and develop due to shifting tides in their life story. Similarly, each of us is on an ever-evolving journey of self-discovery with choices about how

to respond to situations, conflicts and happenstance. By reframing our lives as personal growth adventures, we can adapt to plot twists and view unexpected difficulties as opportunities for self-transformation. With gusto, we can reclaim and shape our personal narrative through choice and voice.

Thinking of ourself as the main character in our story can help us shift to novel perspectives on situations we repeatedly face. Instead of staying stuck in the same old storyline, try asking: If I were a character in a novel or movie… n What would I hope the hero would do when faced with these circumstances? n What actions or outcomes would I prefer as the observer of this story? n What might this situation be teaching the star? n How might the protagonist maximize this situation, perhaps becoming a more compassionate, caring, creative or stronger person? n Why would a benevolent author place this character in a particular situation?

With imagination and well-directed self-inquiry, we can step out of our story, check out the landscape and determine whether to stay on our current path or go in a different direction.

We can then transform obstacles into opportunities to break bad habits and improve character to become the real hero of our own living, evolving story.

Kim Schneiderman is a New York City psychotherapist and author of Step Out of Your Story: Writing Exercises to Reframe and Transform Your Life. Visit StepOutOfYourStory.com.

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Lucky Team Studio/Shutterstock.com

at work: “One involves individuals that violate social norms, such as LGBTQ youth, and the other revolves around status struggles,” reports Felmlee. “In the latter case, bullies are vying for popularity, recognition and self-esteem.

Those with higher social status may be attacked because they’re viewed as competition.”

Cyberbullying’s impact can exceed face-to-face aggression, as offensive remarks can spread far and fast, and live online in perpetuity instead of fading away, observes Felmlee. Gregory adds that it can also affect students’ ability to learn when some skip school to avoid tormentors.

APR Eco Yards

Plus: Medical Massage Our Readers are Seeking Providers & Services for Earth-Friendly Landscaping & Therapeutic Massage

calendarofevents Note: Dates are subject to change. Please use contact information to confirm dates and times of events. How to submit: All listings must be received by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Please help by following the format as seen below and email listings to Calendar@ UpstateNA.com. All non-advertiser calendar entries are subject to availability and are $15 per each submission.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 Dr. Connie Casebolt on Jack and Megan Show – 10am. Listen to Dr. Casebolt chat with hosts Jack and Megan about thyroid and other hormones that are out of balance. Find out about a seminar that explains it even more. Free. Wellness by Design. Watch from home on Channel 7. 558-0200. WellnessByDesign. center.

THURSDAY MARCH 2 The Twelve Powers Class - from Fillmore’s Book — 6-8pm. Four weekly sessions through March 30.

Are you interested in exploring the Powers that will set you free, bring balance and wholeness into your life? Interactive; discover your spiritual nature and how to use these gifts.No registration required. Love offering appreciated. Free. Unity Spiritual Center of Clemson/Anderson, 304 Lebanon Rd., Pendleton.

Questions, call 646-6114.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Waking Up to a New You – 10:30am-noon. We are all waking to a clearer recognition of our true Selves.

The “timetable” is up to us. Join us to discuss things we can do to accelerate our growth. No registration required. Love offering appreciated. Free. Unity Spiritual Center of Clemson/Anderson, 304 Lebanon Rd., Pendleton. Questions, call 646-6114.

Ishizaka Ryu Basic Training – 1-5pm. A Traditional Japanese Acupuncture Ishizaka Ryu, history, theory, diagnosis, techniques. Free for NCAAOM members; non members $20/ceu. Kubota Acupuncture, 47-A Orange St., Asheville, NC. 828-713-4755. Naoki.

Kubota918@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 Horse Assisted Women’s Leadership Bootcamp – 6pm. Grow today. Lead tomorrow. Study horses and learn to leverage body, mind and soul to expand leadership skills. Forge your path and lead your tribe to progression, strength and authenticity. Seven sessions on Tuesday evenings. Certificate upon completion.

Introductory investment: $140 for all seven sessions.

Free journal for first 5 sign ups. Equine Flow, 73 Ferguson Rd, Piedmont. 906-7576. EquineFlow.com

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

Thyroid Seminar – 6:15pm. Begins promptly. If you can’t lose weight, stay cold, have fatigue, hair loss or constipation, you could have low thyroid–even if your doctor has told you that you don’t. Come find out the truth about thyroid dysfunction. Free. Wellness by Design, now located at 850 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Ste. 103, Greenville. 558-0200. WellnessByDesign.center

864-248-4910 46

Upstate South Carolina | UpstateNA.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 9 Cosmic Quarterly Forecast – 7-9pm. Join us for an interpretation of coming events through astrology, tarot and Intuitive gifts. A psychic report for the next 3 months from WNC’s top prognosticators: Julie King, JoannaRae Bartages, Sandra Sullivan and Belinda Dunn. $15 cash. Crystal Visions, 5426 Asheville Hwy. / Hwy. 25 (I-26 Exit 44), Hendersonville, NC. 828-687-1193. CrystalVisionsBooks.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 Golden Era of Jazz Benefit Concert – 7pm. Toetapping music by the Upstate Senior Jazz Band. All funds raised go to Spartanburg Methodist College, South Carolina’s only two-year, independent, residential college with trouble-free transfer to senior institutions. Suggested $10.00 donation to benefit college. Disciples United Methodist Church, 185 Riley Smith Rd., Greenville. 297-0382.

MyDisciples-UMC.org MyDisciples@att.net.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 Bob Sima is Consciousness in Concert – 10:30amnoon. Join us for a festive day of song with Bob Sima, award-winning singer-songwriter. Music moves us, joins us together as one, and ignites the spark of God within us all! No registration required. Love offering appreciated. Free. Unity Spiritual Center of Clemson/ Anderson, 304 Lebanon Rd., Pendleton. Questions, call 646-6114.

Pain Relief Through Ishizaka Ryu Japanese Acupuncture – 2-6pm. Pain relief through Ishizaka Ryu Japanese acupuncture, theory, diagnosis, techniques, and Yin Yang, acid alkaline food therapy. Free for NCAAOM members; non members $20/ceu. Kubota Acupuncture, Asian Library, 1339 Baxter St., Charlotte, NC. 828-713-4755.

Naoki.Kubota918@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14 Allergies and Food Sensitivities – 6:30pm. Learn three ways to experience fewer seasonal allergies by clearing out food sensitivities. Get motivated to have a better allergy season with less sneezing and fewer allergy symptoms. Free. Life Chiropractic Clinic, 1272 Woodruff Rd., Greenville. 207-4301.

DrEdwardsChiro.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 Dr. Connie Casebolt on Jack and Megan Show – 10am. Listen to Dr. Casebolt chat with hosts Jack and Megan about thyroid and other hormones that are out of balance. Find out about a seminar that explains it even more. Free. Wellness by Design. Watch from home on Channel 7. 558-0200. WellnessByDesign.center

FRIDAY, MARCH 17 A World of Music – 7:30pm. (Also March 25 at 3pm at Hughes Main Library.) The Greenville Concert Band presents “A World of Music”. Concert includes classical and popular music from around the world.

Small reception to follow the performance. Free.

Greenville Concert Band, College: J. Vern Smith Auditorium, Greenville Tech, 506 S. Pleasantburg

Dr., Greenville. Library: 25 Heritage Green Pl., Greenville. 221-4762. GreenvilleConcertBand.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 Intuitive Arts Fair – 11am-4pm. Treat yourself with intuitive readers, tarot, chair massage and aura photography. Please visit our website for more information on the readers and healers. Most sessions $25 for 20 minutes; aura photography $35.

Crystal Visions, 5426 Asheville Hwy. / Hwy. 25 (I-26 Exit 44), Hendersonville, NC. 828-687-1193.

CrystalVisionsBooks.com Chakra Immersion Series: Solar Plexus – 1-5pm.

An empowering five-senses immersion experience of the solar plexus chakra, including wisdom, tools and traditions from many cultures: color meditation, aromas, stones, herbs, sonic meditation, and qigong exercise, facilitated by four talented presenters.

More info and online registration: Wisdom Ways Workshops Facebook page. $66 before 3/15; $77 at door. Unity Church of Greenville, 207 E. Belvue Rd., Taylors. Shellie@ShellieEnteen.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19 Joy When Growing Spiritually – 10:30am-noon.

Joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Experiencing joy when growing spiritually. No registration required.

Love offering appreciated. Free. Unity Spiritual Center of Clemson/Anderson, 304 Lebanon Rd., Pendleton. Questions, call 646-6114.

MONDAY, MARCH 20 Spring Equinox Celebration – 6:30pm. Celebrate new beginnings at the Spring Equinox Celebration with ceremony at the medicine wheel and drumming led by Rev. Cindy Clark-Heald. Please visit our website for more information. $10 donation.

Crystal Visions, 5426 Asheville Hwy. / Hwy. 25 (I-26 Exit 44), Hendersonville, NC. 828-687-1193.

CrystalVisionsBooks.com

plan ahead SATURDAY, APRIL 1

Thyroid Seminar – 6:15pm. Begins promptly. If you can’t lose weight, stay cold, have fatigue, hair loss or constipation, you could have low thyroid–even if your doctor has told you that you don’t. Come find out the truth about thyroid dysfunction. Free. Wellness by Design, now located at 850 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Ste. 103, Greenville. 558-0200. WellnessByDesign.center

The Illuminate Expo – Through Sun., April 2.

10am-6pm. 2 day event. Over 35 intuitive, psychic readers and healers are available for $20 per session.

Each day great speakers on such diverse topics as: Symbology, Healing, Accessing the Future, Color Therapy, Chakras, Archangels and more.

Other vendors provide aura photography, gifts, books, healing tools, crystals, jewelry, art, music, and much more. $9 per day. Held at: Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall, 180 W. Campus Dr., Flat Rock, NC. Julie King: 601-9005.

TheIlluminateExpo.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

Remaining Open to New Growth – 10:30amnoon. Explore the importance of remaining open to Spirit… to move into a deeper awareness of our true nature. Spirit continues to foster growth in us if we remain open. No registration required. Love offering appreciated. Free. Unity Spiritual Center of Clemson/ Anderson, 304 Lebanon Rd., Pendleton. Questions, call 646-6114.

Southern Dreaming IASD Regional Conference – Through Sat., April 29. See website for schedule.

Calling all dreamworkers and those interested in dreams for an inspiring two-day conference and dream arts festival. Hear world-class speakers, explore your own dreams, and attend workshops and special events. Both days: IASD members/$120; Non-Members/$150; Student or Low Income/$80.

Additional options on website. Held at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1135 State Park Rd., Greenville. Questions, call Deborah at 593-2752, or Latessa at 586-484-5707. ASDreams.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 21

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 Dr. Connie Casebolt on Jack and Megan Show – 10am. Listen to Dr. Casebolt chat with hosts Jack and Megan about thyroid and other hormones that are out of balance. Find out about a seminar that explains it even more. Free. Wellness by Design. Watch from home on Channel 7. 558-0200. WellnessByDesign.center

natural awakenings

March 2017

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ongoingevents

classifieds

Note: Dates are subject to change. Please use contact information to confirm dates and times of events. How to submit: All listings must be received by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Please help by following the format as seen below and email listings to Calendar@UpstateNA.com. Non-advertiser calendar entries are subject to availability and are $15 per each submission.

sunday Southern Flow Hot Yoga – 9am, 4pm, 6pm. Vigorous series of poses accessible to all levels. $15 drop-in; packages available. Southern Om Hot Yoga, 1140 Woodruff Rd, next to Whole Foods Market, Greenville. 329 -1114.

Ashtanga Full Primary Series – 11am-1pm. Intended to realign spine, detoxify body, and build strength/flexibility/stamina. Approx. 75 poses starting with sun salutations, then standing poses, seated poses, inversions, and backbends before relaxation. Minimal heat (85-90°). Taught by MaryAnne Abdulhadi. $15 drop-in; class packages and monthly memberships available. Southern Om Hot Yoga, 1140 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 301 (next to Whole Foods), Greenville. 329-1114. SouthernOM.com.

Info@SouthernOM.com.

monday Southern Flow Hot Yoga – 6am, 10am, noon, 5pm, 7pm. See Sunday 9am listing. Southern Om Hot Yoga.

Monday Morning Mindfulness — 9-9:45am. A drop-in mindfulness meditation for anyone at any experience level. Mindfulness has been shown to carry a number of physical and emotional benefits.

Find out if it can improve your life and relationships. $10 suggested donation. Greenville Relationship Institute, “The Cottage” 710 Pettigru St., Greenville. 990-4442. GreenvilleMarriageCounseling.com

Foundations of Optimal Health & Healing – Every 1st Monday. 6-7:30pm. Learn the crucial basic foundations for health and healing. You will be exposed to the many misconceptions about health and how to avoid them. Free. Auger Family Chiropractic, 1315 Haywood Rd., Ste. 2, Greenville.

322-2828.

The Path to Optimal Health – Every 3rd Monday. 6-7:30pm. We will discuss nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, mental attitude, posture, sleep and the central nervous system that all make up the path to living a happier, healthier, more vibrant life.

Free. Auger Family Chiropractic, 1315 Haywood Rd., Ste. 2, Greenville. 322-2828.

tuesday Southern Flow Hot Yoga – 6am, 8am, 10am, noon, 4pm, 5:30pm, 7:15pm. See Sunday 9am listing. Southern Om Hot Yoga.

Greenville Zoo: Tell Me About It Tuesdays – 10:30am and 12:30pm. Do you have questions about the giraffes, orangutans or toucans? Representative of the Zoo’s Education Department will be at select exhibits answering any questions you might have. Open to the general public. Cost is zoo admission. Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville. GreenvilleZoo.com

JOB POSTINGS Wanted: Speech Language Pathologist. PT 3:30 to 6 p.m. Experience working with children and adults. Email resume and references to Jeannie@BEACONslps.com.

Wanted: Office Staff. PT - 20 to 30 hours weekly, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Minimum 2 yrs. experience in medical and insurance billing required.

Good communication and computer skills.

Must be friendly, team player. Email resume and references to Jeannie@BEACONslps.com.

SEEKING LICENSED HVAC CONTRACTOR to do final 10% of connection for 2 ton, 1300 SEER dual heat pump system for reasonable price. Boxes made, lines run, ductwork and crawl space unit in place. Need electric connected to unit and panel, and unit charged and tested. Contact HouseStuff9@gmail.com.

Integrative Medical Practice hiring part-time, Certified CNA-CMA-MA. Requirements: Clinical experience, great people skills, computer skills, phlebotomy. Email resume to: InfoLW@ LivingWellHealthcare.com.

wednesday Southern Flow Hot Yoga – 6am, 10am, noon, 5pm and 7pm. See Sunday 9am listing. Southern Om Hot Yoga.

Wild for Reading: Wednesdays at Greenville Zoo – 2:30pm. Wiggle on over to the zoo with your little book worm! Starting this fall, the education department will celebrate reading with a new book and animal friend, followed by a live animal presentation. Cost is zoo admission. Greenville Zoo, Farmyard Exhibit, 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville. GreenvilleZoo.com

thursday Learning Safari: Thursdays at Greenville Zoo – 2:30pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Would you like to get close to a snake? How about a Giant African Millipede? Maybe you would like to touch the teeth on a lion skull? Have you ever wondered what alligator skin feels like? Who knows what you might see! Cost is zoo admission. Greenville Zoo, Buck Mickel Education Building, 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville. GreenvilleZoo.com MeetUp: Have You Had A Spiritual Experience? Greenville – 7-8:30p. 2nd Thursday of the month. This Meetup is open to anyone looking for answers and validation of personal spiritual experiences. Topics vary monthly. Join other like hearted Souls seeking God in their everyday life. Free.

Eckankar. Location will vary. 627-0470. Meetup. com/Upstate-Spiritual-Experiences-Group or EckSC.org

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Upstate South Carolina | UpstateNA.com

You’re Living the Healthy Lifestyle Here is Your Business Opportunity to Share It with Others

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March 2017

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

ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE OF GREER

Ruth Kyle, L.Ac. 106 Memorial Dr. 864-877-0111 • Greer

Great results with pain, migraines, frozen shoulder, sciatica, endometriosis, Meniere’s disease and stress.

Specializes in orthopedic issues and more in a tranquil environment. Cupping offered to patients for $30/30 minutes. Call with questions or for an appointment.

FIVE SHEN WELLNESS & ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

1320 Haywood Rd. • Greenville 864-619-1398 • FiveShen.com

Free 30 minute consultation. Five Element Acupuncture & traditional herbal medicine specializing in mental/emotional wellness, PTSD, depression, stress/anxiety, fatigue, sleep issues, migraines and pain.

See ad, page 11.

ALLERGY / NUTRITION WELLNESS BY DESIGN,

850 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Ste. 103, 864-558-0200 • Greenville WellnessByDesign.center

Food sensitivities can cause fatigue, weight gain, migraines, bloating and arthritis. We offer precise testing to identify and treat these disorders. See ad, pages 2 and 3.

TRINITY ALLERGY RELIEF & WELLNESS CENTER 110 Montgomery Dr. 864-760-1006 • Anderson TrinityAllergyRelief.com

Guaranteed relief as sensitivities and intolerances are cleared from the body using a proven method known as BioEnergetic Intolerance Elimination (BIE) that literally clears annoying symptoms within minutes. No needles. No pain. No drugs. See ad, page 7.

HEALING CENTER

Affordable Acupuncture Joan Massey, L.Ac. Hope Dennis, L.Ac, M. Ac., Dipl. Ac. 3100 Grandview Dr. 864-406-3800 • Simpsonville AffordableAcupunctureByJoan.com

We offer affordable community-style acupuncture. Specializing in pain management, aromatherapy, cold wave laser, Chinese herbs and detoxification techniques. Individual private sessions also available. See ad, page 9.

KATIE HAMILTON, L.AC., MACOM Carolina Health Innovations 864-288-8593 • Greenville CarolinaHealthInnovations.com

Acupuncture that’s relaxing and effective! Experience with pain management, migraines, men’s/women’s issues, stress plus more. Come for a session and nourish your body and spirit.

KUBOTA ACUPUNCTURE

Naoki Kubota, L.Ac 3 Bishop St., Ste. 205, Inman, SC 47-A Orange St., Asheville, NC 828-713-4755

AROMATHERAPY GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

27 S. Pleasantburg Dr. 864-242-4856 • Greenville 1601 Woodruff Rd., Ste. A/B 864-603-5550 • Greenville GarnersNaturalLife.com

We have all of the natural products that keep you and your family healthy all year long with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Check out our immune boosting vitamins, pet products, our extensive line of natural cosmetics and much more. Open 7 days a week for your convenience. See ad, page 56.

GOOD TO GO

5000 Old Spartanburg Rd. Beside Pivotal Fitness 864-244-2733 • Taylors GoodToGoJuiceBar.com

Take it all in and enhance your wellbeing. We carry G2™ 100% pure therapeutic essential oils in single and custom blends. See ad, page 31.

Forty years of experience in Japanese acupuncture. Treats the whole body, relieving symptoms and healing the root cause. General health will be restored.

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Upstate South Carolina | UpstateNA.com

BIO-ENERGETIC TESTING AUGUSTA STREET CLINIC Dr. Roger Jaynes, DC, DNBHE 1521 Augusta St. 864-232-0082 • Greenville AugustaStClinic.com

We help people get to the root cause of their health issues where other doctors cannot. We use Bio-Energetic testing methods and incorporate German-manufactured Homeopathic drainage remedies and supplements. Oxygen Therapy and Chiropractic Care also offered. See ad, page 7.

BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY WELLNESS BY DESIGN,

850 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Ste. 103, 864-558-0200 • Greenville WellnessByDesign.center

You don’t have to suffer from night sweats, hot flashes, poor sleep, brain fog, loss of sex drive, weight gain and fatigue. We offer natural hormone replacement therapy customized for each individual patient to address these issues. See ad, pages 2 and 3.

LIVINGWELL INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE Clif Caldwell, MD Cheryl Middleton, PA-C Andrea Wininger, MD, FACOG 838 Powdersville Rd, Ste. G 864-850-9988 • Easley LivingWellHealthcare.com

We help women and men who suffer symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as low libido, weight gain, hot flashes, fatigue and many other symptoms. Call for your personal consult today! See ad, page 12.

BOOKSTORES METAPHYSICAL BOOKSTORE & EVENT CENTER

5426 Asheville Hwy. 828-687-1193 • Hendersonville, NC CrystalVisionsBooks.com

New & Used Books, Crystals, Gemstones, Jewelry, Music, Incense, Candles, Tarot, Statuary, Intuitive Readers, Energy Workers, Event Space, Labyrinth.

We buy books! Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CHIROPRACTOR AUGER FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

1315 Haywood Rd. 864-322-2828 • Greenville AugerChiro.com

It’s not normal to live with neck/ back pain, headaches, IBS, allergies, ADHD, insomnia and more.

Chiropractic care will get you back to normal. Call us now! See ad, page 37.

LIFE CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC 1272 Woodruff Rd. 864-288-2136 • Greenville DrEdwardsChiro.com

We provide advanced spinal correction utilizing low force instrument adjusting. We also offer nutrition testing using muscle reflexes to measure your neurological reflexes and organ functions.

See ad, page 5.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY GREENHILL PHARMACY

2531 Woodruff Rd. (Five Forks Promenade) 864-520-1550 • Simpsonville GreenHillRx.com

Offering compounding solutions for pediatric, veterinarian, dermatolo g y, t o p i c a l p a i n creams, hormone replacement, hospice, sports medicine and more. Covered by insurance. Free and curbside delivery. Pure, natural beauty and nutritional products. See ad, page 30.

mpounding Co

Exp. COUNSELING 5/31/14

ines to meet patients’ unique needs for: THE GREENVILLE an • Dermatology • Pain Creams • BHRT RELATIONSHIP INSTITUTE euticals • Sports Medicine • Geriatrics Andrew Johnston, Mdiv, MA, LPCI Clay Soaps and doTERRA essential oils. u r a n c e s o710 y o uPettigru d o n ’ t h St. ave to!

864-990-4442 • Greenville

Simpsonville GreenvilleMarriageCounseling.com ade) www.GreenHillRx.com

Bringing emotionally-focused couples therapy to the Upstate with professional counseling, educational classes, and special events.

Discover a more effective roadmap to secure, meaningful relationships.

See ad, page 11.

DENTISTRY PALMER DISTINCTIVE DENTISTRY

Dr. Daniel Knause 134 Milestone Way 864-332-4822 • Greenville PalmerDMD.com

We practice biological dentistry and adhere to the highest standards of biocompatible dentistry as defined by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). One visit-crowns, laserassisted periodontal therapy and ozone therapy; fluoride-free office since 1995. See ad, page 23.

PALMER DISTINCTIVE DENTISTRY Dr. Joe Palmer 134 Milestone Way 864-332-4822 • Greenville PalmerDMD.com

We practice biological dentistry and adhere to the highest standards of biocompatible dentistry as defined by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). One visit-crowns, laserassisted periodontal therapy and ozone therapy; fluoride-free office since 1995. See ad, page 23.

EVENT CENTER METAPHYSICAL BOOKSTORE & EVENT CENTER

5426 Asheville Hwy. 828-687-1193 • Hendersonville, NC CrystalVisionsBooks.com

A beautiful setting for your event! Conference room includes 65 chairs.

Private consultation room. Garden includes Labyrinth, Medicine Wheel, Pavilion. Brochure rack rental, snack bar.

EVENT PLANNING EVENTS WITH AMORE

Maria Amore 864-434-9006 • Serving the Upstate EventsWithAmore.com

Let us help you plan a party or meeting. We take away the stress of planning and make your event even greater than you imagined.

FOOD AND DRINK THE VIBE TEA HOUSE

Cindy Ball, Master Herbalist, Tea Enthusiast Online & Traveling Services 864-252-8823 • Spartanburg TheVibeTeahouse.com Cindy@TheVibeTeahouse.com

The Vibe Tea House offers: loose-leaf Lifestyle Tea, herbal workshops & tea tastings, A Cup of Culture tea ceremony, Tea & Tai Chi.

KANGEN IONIZED WATER Joseph Heustess, Distributor 864-364-4913 WatershedSC.com WatershedSC@gmail.com

Drinking the right type of water may be the single most important piece in achieving and maintaining optimal health. See machines at WatershedSC.com and demonstration at KangenDemo.com. 0% financing.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE WELLNESS BY DESIGN,

850 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Ste. 103, 864-558-0200 • Greenville WellnessByDesign.center

We identify the causes of disease rather than just suppressing the symptoms with drugs. We teach you how to implement life-style changes for permanent good health. See ad, pages 2 and 3.

HAIR SALON / SPA NANCY LEE’S HAIR ART

Nancy L. Minix, MC, BS, RA – 20+yrs Exp. Operating in the Greer area 864-320-2359 • Greer

More than hair care. Natural/organic/ammonia-free color and products. Formaldehyde-free keratin treatments. Aromatherapy consultations and personalized products. ION footbath detox.

FARMS HAPPY COW CREAMERY

OXYGEN HAIR STUDIO

Offering high-quality, fresh milk directly from our own grass-fed dairy cows.

Whole milk, chocolate milk, cultured buttermilk and strawberry milk are a few of the products offered at our farm store. See ad, page 33.

Chicago and European trained. Certified master colorist. Hair design, hair care, and creative consultation specialist. Natural, organic, and European hair products available. Open Tuesday through Saturday.

Credit cards accepted. See ad, page 22.

332 McKelvey Rd. 864-243-9699 • Pelzer HappyCowCreamery.com

Marla Rosenburg, Owner/Stylist 1018 S. Batesville Rd. 864-968-0200 • Greer

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• A doctor who knows you like family • An MD with expertise to help translate and navigate health challenges

HEALTH FOOD STORES BELUE FARMS NATURAL FOODS MARKET

3769 Parris Bridge Road 864-578-0446 • Boiling Spring BelueFarms.com

Stocking local, organic and specialty foods including fresh produce, grass-fed beef, pastured meats and eggs, wildcaught seafood, raw milk and cheese, gluten-free staples, wholesome snacks and Paleo, Whole30 and GAPS foods. Eat healthy. Be happy! See ad page 31.

EARTH FARE − THE HEALTHY SUPERMARKET 3620 Pelham Rd. 864-527-4220 • Greenville EarthFare.com

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE MARIA O. CAYELLI, MD

2801 Wade Hampton Blvd., Ste. 15 Hampton Village Shopping Center 864-268-9255 • Taylors

We offer natural groceries, bulk foods, supplements, herbs, homeopathics, essential oils, health and beauty aids at reasonable prices. Let our friendly knowledgeable staff serve you.

864-932-4114 • Anderson ClarityWellnessMD.com

Dr. Dale W. Dingledine 45 Greenland Dr. Specially trained by Dr. Andrew 864-616-5499 • Greenville Maria Cayelli, MD – Anderson, SC Weil in Integrative Medicine. Uses GreenvilleCenter.com the best of modern medicine along American Academy of Family Physicians (Board Certified) with evidence-based complemenMind-Body Medicine Professional tary therapies in a Direct Primary Fellowship Trained in Integrative Medicine Care practice.

Training in Functional Medicine

MASSAGE

Call Us Today at SALÚTEM ORGANIC 844-IDEALMD

MASSAGE AND SPA

300 Randall St., Ste. F idealmd.com 864-630-6141 • Greer Salutem-om.MassageTherapy.com

*Number of memberships limited. offers Salútem Organic Massage Applicationscustomized, accepted based upon space therapeutic availability. massage,

professional grade organic facials, and total body skin treatments.

Located in Historic Train Depot, downtown Greer. See ad, page 22.

MASSAGE / BODYWORK HEALING CENTER

Awakening-Touch Wendy McCray, RM, LMBT 3100 Grandview Dr. 864-270-8520 • Simpsonville Awakening-Touch.massagetherapy.com

Personalized massage incorporating Bellanina Facelift massage, integrated deep tissue and Swedish massage, fire cupping, Reiki, ionic foot detox. Come discover the benefits of therapeutic massage. See ad, page 9.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

1140 Woodruff Rd. 864-335-2300 • Greenville WholeFoodsMarket.com/Stores/Greenville

Imagine a farmer’s market, fresh produce, meats, a fish market, a gourmet shop, a European bakery, the corner grocery store and eatin café, all rolled into one.

Monthly calendar of events. We want to be your neighborhood supermarket.

RESTORATIVE & REHABILITATIVE MASSAGE June Lordi, SC Lic.# 4599 620 Howell Rd. 864-634-3019 • Greenville JuneLordiMassage.com

HEARING HEALTH COME HEAR HEARING CENTER

210 W. Stone Ave. 864-325-3584 • Greenville Jeanne Hahn, BC-HIS Jeremy LeFebre, HIS

Why pay more than you have to for hearing aids?

We feel that by giving you a lower price than competitors we will continue to serve you for years. See ad, page 20.

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GREENVILLE CENTER

777 Senate Parkway Memberships currently available with: FOR MINDFULNESS

Earth Fare offers a fantastic selection of products including local organic produce, naturallyraised meats, seafood, supplements, natural beauty products and an eat-in café, deli and juice bar. Check out our event calendar for upcoming happenings.

MARKET FOR LIFE

MINDFUL COUNSELING

Upstate South Carolina | UpstateNA.com

Pain and stress reduction and injury rehabilitation. Improve circulation, flexibility, athletic performance and posture. 30+ years’ experience. Member of AMTA & NCTMB.

When life happens, explore stressreducing strategies with an experienced, licensed clinical social worker. Relieve mental clutter, anxiety, depression, or life stress with therapeutic methods and counseling. See ad, page 27.

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE FULCRUM OSTEOPATHIC WELLNESS CLINIC

Rebecca J. Bowers, D.O., C-NMM/OMM 4010 E. North St., Ste. 4 864-417-5255 • Greenville

Osteopathically-trained physician using OMM (osteopathic manipulative medicine) to help people reduce pain and discomfort, increase physical performance and improve health and general wellbeing. See ad, page 17.

PAIN MANAGEMENT WELLNESS BY DESIGN,

850 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Ste. 103, 864-558-0200 • Greenville WellnessByDesign.center

We offer several innovative strategies for pain problems. Pulsed Electrical Magnetic Frequency, Bio-Modulation and ozone injections all jump-start the healing process to get YOU out of pain. See ad, pages 2 and 3.

QUANTUM HEALING HYPNOSIS INSIGHT QHHT

Lauren S. Hanson 864-423-8969 • InSightQHHT.com LaurenHansonQHHT@gmail.com

Lauren is a Certified and dedicated Level 2 Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique Practitioner. Past life regression, quantum healing, and some intuitive surprises. Experience multi-dimensional healing in mind, body, and spirit!

RADIO EARTH FM 103.3 WRTH FM The Greatest Hits on Earth 864-242-6240 • Greenville EarthFMWRTH.com

Listen to Love in the Morning on Earth FM 103.3. The Greatest Hits on Earth! See ad, page 47.

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VETERINARY CARE

REIKI / HEALING TOUCH DIVINELY RESTORED

Julie Roberts, CCH,CIEC/CEP 864-354-1106 • Greer DivinelyRestored.com

As a Certified Reiki Master, Crystal Healer and Ethical Intuitive Consultant, Julie is guided by Source as she combines several modalities to provide each client a unique healing experience tailored specifically for them.

ALL ABOUT PETS

Jeanne Fowler, DVM 409 Old Buncombe Rd. 864-834-7334 • Travelers Rest HolisticVetSC.com

Over 30 years’ experience offering holistic and conventional veterinary medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, Chinese herbals, orthopedic manipulation, prolotherapy, laser and stem cell therapy and pet boarding too. See ad, page 35.

RETAIL VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

RELAX THE BACK

1129-A Woodruff Rd. 864-987-0555 • Greenville RelaxTheBack.com/stores/greenville ● Greenville@RelaxTheBack.com

The leading retailer for people seeking relief and prevention of back and neck pain by offering posture and back support products and self-care solutions. See ad, page 13.

SPIRITUAL CENTER UNITY CENTER OF CLEMSON/ANDERSON

304 Lebanon Rd. 864-646-6114 • Pendleton UnityofClemsonAnderson.org

Unity is an inclusive, progressive spiritual community emphasizing personal growth and living consciously. We offer practical teachings that empower abundant and meaningful living. See ad, page 19.

GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE 27 S. Pleasantburg Dr. 864-242-4856 • Greenville 1601 Woodruff Rd., Ste. A/B 864-603-5550 • Greenville GarnersNaturalLife.com

We have all of the natural products that keep you and your family healthy all year long with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Check out our immune boosting vitamins, pet products, our extensive line of natural cosmetics and much more. Open 7 days a week for your convenience. See ad, page 56.

WEIGHT LOSS AUGER FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

1315 Haywood Rd. 864-322-2828 • Greenville AugerChiro.com

Our doctor supervised ChiroThin Weight Loss program is safe, effective, affordable and designed to help you lose weight fast. Lose between 20-35 pounds in six weeks! You can because I did! See ad, page 37.

THERMOGRAPHY HEALING CENTER

Carolina Holistic Health, LLC Christina LeBoeuf Lic.Ac., MAOM; CCT; CLDT 1100 Grandview Dr. 864-516-6868 • Simpsonville CarolinaHolisticHealthLLC.com

WELLNESS BY DESIGN,

850 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Ste. 103, 864-558-0200 • Greenville WellnessByDesign.center

No need to go hungry and no gimmicks! We have an excellent track record for permanent weight loss by teaching life-style modifications, rebalancing hormones and detoxing the body. See ad, pages 2 and 3.

Safe, pain/radiation free imaging.

FDA registered Class I medical device. Imaging starts at $150 (includes free consultation to review the results). Enhancing Chinese Medicine with Modern Technology. See ad, page 9.

THERMAL IMAGING OF THE CAROLINAS

Dr. Lealand Fagan 900 E. Rutherford St. 864-457-2045 • Landrum BreastImagingSC@gmail.com

Thermography, FDA-approved, non-invasive breast screening, no compression. It’s great for women with implants. Younger women can start early detection without radiation concerns. Call for details. See ad, page 6.

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WHOLE BODY VIBRATION CIRCULATION NATION®

864-593-8217 • Greenville/Greer 864-221-5719 • Anderson CirculationNation.com

Shake your way to better health. Low impact, kind to joints, suitable for all ages, including seniors. Hydrate, vibrate, rejuvenate and try the easiest 10 minute workout you’ll ever do! See ad, page 25.

Upstate South Carolina | UpstateNA.com

WHOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTER MOKSHA CENTER FOR WELLNESS

Mary Lydia Wilkinson, CT 201 W Stone Ave. 864-663-2136 • Greenville MokshaGreenville.com • WellnessDirector@ MokshaGreenville.com

Offering colon hydrotherapy, acupuncture, fire cupping, access bars, yoga, qigong, lifecoaching, counseling, massage therapy, sound therapy, reiki, waxing, facials, north node coaching, ionic foot detox, whole body vibration, ear candling, and more! See ad, page 13.

WOMEN’S HEALTH WELLNESS BY DESIGN,

850 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Ste. 103, 864-558-0200 • Greenville WellnessByDesign.center

Say “Goodbye” to fatigue, poor sleep, loss of sex drive, night sweats, poor memory and depression. We are patient-specific, meaning each treatment is specifically designed for the individual. See ad, pages 2 and 3.

LIVINGWELL INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE Andrea Wininger, MD, FACOG 838 Powdersville Rd, Ste. G 864-850-9988 • Easley LivingWellHealthcare.com

Dr. Wininger is a Board-certified, Ob/Gyn physician who is committed to an integrative healthcare approach to patient care. Her focus at LivingWell is to partner with patients in addressing their healthcare needs. She utilizes both her traditional medical background, as well as the best of alternative/holistic therapies to provide personalized patient care. See ad, page 12.

YOGA / PILATES SOUTHERN OM HOT YOGA

1140 Woodruff Rd. 864-329-1114 • Greenville SouthernOM.com

Two Styles of hot yoga.

Designed to stretch, tone, and detoxify your body, mind and spirit. Voted 2015 Best of the Upstate.

See ad, page 6.

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27 S.Pleasantburg Dr. (beside the Fresh Market), Greenville Trenhom Plaza, 4840 Forest Dr., Columbia Mon-Sat: 9am-9pm, Sun: ll am-7pm Mon-Sat: 9am-9pm, Sun 11am- 5pm (864) 603-5550 (803) 454-7770