Natural Awakenings Charlotte - June 2021 Issue by Shannon

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

Beat The Blues Naturally drug-free ways to treat depression

i n t e g r at i v e a p p r oac h e s to men's top h e a lt h c o n c e r n s

t h e s u s ta i n a b l e tourist: p l a n e t - f r i e n d ly ways t o t r av e l

pl ant-based recipes e at i n g v e ga n o n t h e r oa d

June/Early July 2021 | Charlotte Edition | AwakeningCharlotte.com

Recycle your GLASS with CLASS Bring your glass recycling to one of our Full Service Recycling Centers for separate recycling – in the Big Yellow Bins.

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CHARLOTTE EDITION PUBLISHER Shannon McKenzie DESIGN & PRODUCTION Patrick Floresca AD DESIGN Helene Leininger

EDITORIAL Allison Gorman Randy Kambic Martin Miron Jeanette Watkins

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letter from publisher

Lessons from the Shortage

he Colonial Pipeline reopened almost two weeks ago, after being shut down for less than a week, and Charlotte has been short on gas until recently. I haven’t had to buy gas since the shortage began, but I did drive by a gas station today and saw people filling their tanks and no plastic bags covering any pumps, so I assume the problem is resolved. Several things surprised me about all this: 1. I have no tolerance for not being able to get what I need. When I learned of the shortage, the worst thing I could think of was going to one station after another and finding no gas. The thought made me crazy. I figured out how to minimize my driving, do more biking and walking—anything but having to find gas in a shortage environment. 2. I’m too helpless without a car. Maybe this partially explains my own gas station phobia as well as the general gas-buying panic when we learned the shutdown could affect supply. Most places I need to be, I’ve always gotten to by car. Figuring out alternative modes of transportation seemed daunting. 3. How quickly we forget. The percentage of gas stations without gas was in the news daily until it abruptly wasn’t. I only noticed because I was almost on empty and was looking to the news to let me know when I could easily find gas again. Now it seems like the pipeline shutdown and gas shortage never even happened. 4. We tend to not solve problems in a sustainable way because we think the current way is the only way. I recall reading of a proposal to build more pipelines in our area for redundancy. Yet less than a year ago, a gas leak in the Colonial Pipeline was discovered in the Charlotte area, and the NCDEQ now calls it one of the largest gasoline spills in the country. Why introduce more of that? So off I go to get gas, mindful that I did reduce my car use during this shortage and hopeful that I won’t forget the lessons I learned. I plan to keep biking and walking, explore even more transportation options—and urge our leaders to find sustainable solutions to issues.

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakenings.com © 2021 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. 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. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Happy June and Father’s Day,

Shannon

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Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 50 healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

14 INTEGRATIVE

HEALTH FOR MEN

Natural Approaches for Robust Vitality

18 BEAT THE BLUES NATURALLY

Drug-Free Ways to Treat Depression

22 TRAVELING FOR THE PLANET

Sustainable Ways to Explore the World

23 PLANT-BASED RECIPES

Eating Vegan On The Road

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 704-499-3327 or email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline for ads: the 9th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline for editorial: the 9th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events on AwakeningCharlotte.com. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 12 global briefs 13 health briefs 18 healing ways 22 green living 23 conscious eating 24 resource guide 26 gaston county

natural guide

June/Early July 2021

news briefs

Special Offer at Your CBD Source

our CBD Source in Matthews, which provides the largest selection of the best, most reliable CBD, hemp and Delta8 products in North Carolina, is offering a special way for readers to experience their products which are all third-party tested to ensure safety and reliability. Customers who mention Natural Awakenings or use code “Natural20” when ordering online, can obtain a 20 percent disPick up magazines count on all their products for a limited time. Your CBD Source knows the source of all of the products they carry. They have the monthly at: largest selection of tinctures, topicals, pet products, vape/cartridges, and edibles such Natural Awakenings as gummies, fresh-baked CBD and Delta8 brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and ppreciates the generosity much more. of its distributors They also offer CBD products for pets to address pain, anxiety and stress. The experienced and knowledgeable staff knows the product options available to customers throughout the area. and guides and instructs them on how to use products. Different products serve different ailments for various customers and knowing their customers and what helps best sets lease consider supporting them apart. They also have medical personnel available to answer questions. hese major distributors by Scientific studies show that CBD can relieve pain, reduce anxiety and depression, alhopping there and picking leviate cancer-related symptoms such as nausea, and may reduce acne, have neuroprotecNatural Awakenings tive properties, benefit heart health, have anti-tumor effects and prevent diabetes. p the magazine each month

Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity of its distributors throughout the area.

from one ofappreciates the racks. the generosity Location: 10416 E. Independence Blvd., Ste. 610. For more information or to order Awakenings of its distributors Thank you!Natural products, call 704-443-7003, email GenuineCBDHempOil@gmail.com or visit appreciates throughoutthe thegenerosity area. YourCBDSourceNC.com. See ad, page 5. of its distributors Please consider the supporting throughout area. these major distributors by Natural Awakenings Please consider supporting Ekologicall: Small Changes shopping there and picking appreciates the generosity major distributors by Make Big Impacts upthese the magazine eachCan month of its distributors kologicall, and picking a zero waste and refill shop based in from onethere of the racks. throughoutshopping the area. Charlotte, offers non-toxic and eco-friendly alternaup the magazine each month Thank you! tives for home and personal care products. They conduct Please consider supporting from one of the racks. workshops to help participants transition to a low-waste these major distributors by Thank you! lifestyle including offering a free initial session; provide shopping there and picking

up the magazine each month from one of the racks. Thank you!

home delivery services; and participate at the South End Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at the North End Farmers’ Market. “Our mission is to empower our community to lead the way to a healthier, simpler and more sustainable lifestyle by changing our consumption habits,” says owner Valerie Gackiere. “We help you reduce waste and the use of plastic and harmful chemicals with reusable, refillable and compostable products. Small changes can make big impacts.” In addition to finding Ekologicall at the farmers’ markets, customers can also leave their clean and empty containers outside their front door and the company stops by and refills them. Gackiere has a wide selection of refillable products from shampoo, conditioner, shower gel to laundry detergent and organic jojoba oil. Studies say that if we don’t change our consumption habits, there’ll be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Only 9 percent of the plastic ever produced in the USA has been recycled. Gackiere adds, “It is time for a change.” Market locations: South End – Charlotte Rail Trail, Atherton/Tremont; North End – between Mount and Keswick at Camp North End. For more information, call 980-216-9836, email contact@ekologicall.com or visit www.ekologicall.com.

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June/Early July 2021

news briefs

cover artist

New Book Promotes Inclusion of Those with Disabilities

Rotary Clock Tower on Sugar Creek Greenway

David Woodley

avid Woodley specializes in ink drawings and watercolors of animals, buildings, homes, landscapes, and decorative maps. He identifies and grows attachments with his surroundings through his love of art. Woodley has lived in Charlotte with his family since 2000. To see more of David Woodley’s work, visit @davidwoodley2 on Instagram.

enelope Editions, a Penny Candy Books imprint, released The Year of the Buttered Cat in April, a mostly true, middle-grade and up memoir by Charlotte-based co-authors Susan and Lexi Haas. The book, that has already nearly sold out of its first printing and is available on Amazon.com, Indiebound.org and at most other online booksellers, has been named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, and Booklist gave it a starred review, calling it “moving, Susan, Lexi and Kenneth Haas inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny.” Lexi, the daughter of local holistic practitioner Dr. Kenneth Haas of Haas Wellness Center, is one of the most well-known people in the U.S. with kernicterus, a rare form of brain damage caused by untreated newborn jaundice. She can’t talk or use her hands but is brilliant. She began spelling and reading at just 10 months old. Susan and Lexi worked together for five years to complete the book, which documents both heartbreaking and hilarious moments of Lexi’s life. It was born out of Lexi’s desire to promote inclusion of persons with disabilities and Susan’s drive to help the public understand the potentially devastating consequences of newborn jaundice. The dual timeline story follows 13-year-old Lexi as she counts down the hours to her second brain surgery and 5-year-old Lexi in the titular year when she discovered what happened to leave her with an uncontrollable body. For more information, visit the book trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJrznItVEso

Daemon Jones Joins Carolinas Natural Health Center

JULY Coming Next Month

Food as Medicine Plus: Better Sleep

arolinas Natural Health Center, in Matthews, recently welcomed Dr. Daemon Jones to its staff of practitioners. A naturopathic physician, writer, speaker and wellness course creator, she’s a longtime friend and colleague of the center’s owner and naturopathic physician Dr. Michael Smith. Jones offers the center and patients access to a new Daemon Jones wealth of information, from online courses to one-on-one visits. She loves to teach and coach, helping practice members improve their nutrition, live a healthier lifestyle, reverse chronic conditions like diabetes and address issues like stress, anxiety and depression. Jones attended the University of Bridgeport’s College of Naturopathic Medicine and owned a naturopathic practice in Washington, D.C. Location: 1114 Sam Newell Rd., Ste. A. For more information or to book a free discovery call, phone 704-486-2448 or visit www.CarolinasNaturalHealth.com. See ad, page 21.

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Beat The Blues Naturally DRUG-FREE WAYS TO TREAT DEPRESSION

I N T E G R AT I V E A P P R OAC H E S TO MEN'S TOP H E A LT H C O N C E R N S

T H E S U S TA I N A B L E TOURIST: P L A N E T - F R I E N D LY WAYS T O T R AV E L

PL ANT-BASED RECIPES E AT I N G V E GA N O N T H E R OA D

June/Early July 2021 | Charlotte Edition | AwakeningCharlotte.com

Does Your D

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under control without medication. My foot pain has gone away and I AwakeningCharlotte.com Plus my energy level is so much better without the help of caffeine! feel better without medication and get my allergies under control. All and more.The staff is helpful, friendly and very knowledgeable. ONLINE EXCLUSIVES It’s comforting to know that there are healthy alternatives. Dr Haas h

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“I’m amazed with everything that has changed for the better in just 1

12 weeks have beenGo a great Find additional articles online at AwakeningCharlotte.com. toexperience. the I would absolutely recomm - L.H., Charlotte, NC homepage and explore local businesses, recipes, and articles exclusively from Natural Awakenings.

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ANDRIA SOMERS on Being United for Better Parenting June/Early July 2021

global briefs

Gale Force

Offshore Wind Power Gaining Momentum

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An 800-megawatt project, Vineyard Wind, off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, is awaiting final approval by the Army Corps of Engineers. Laura Daniel Davis, principal deputy assistant secretary of land and minerals at the U.S. Department of the Interior, says, “The demand for offshore wind energy has never been greater. The technological advances, falling costs, increased interest and the tremendous economic potential make offshore wind a really promising avenue.” Some two dozen offshore wind projects are in development along the East Coast. According to the International Energy Agency, wind could provide more than 18 times the world’s present electricity demand and is well-suited to serve heavily populated areas. For instance, almost 40 percent of Americans live near the coasts. Offshore wind power could assist in relieving the dependence on carbon-based sources of electricity and relieve congestion on the grid for Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Houston and Seattle. Offshore turbines are in open waters where wind is strong and abundant. As the technology has matured, the turbines have gotten bigger and further out to sea.

Burn Notice

Sunscreens Harm Hawaiian Reefs

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Bill 132, banning sunscreens containing the chemicals avobenzone or octocrylene, has progressed through the Hawaiian House and Senate. If it passes, the bill will go into effect January 1, 2023, to prohibit the sale or distribution of any sunscreen containing the targeted chemicals unless the buyer has a valid prescription. The outlawed chemicals can make corals more susceptible to viral infections and bleaching. Octocrylene can disrupt human hormones and harm marine animals. Avobenzone is an endocrine disruptor and can make coral less resilient to high temperatures. Maxx Phillips, Hawaii director and staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, says, “This is great news for our imperiled coral reefs and marine life. People can protect their skin without harmful petrochemicals while Hawaii protects public and environmental health.” For those needing to protect themselves from the sun without harming ocean life, scientists and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommend products containing non-nanoized titanium dioxide and non-nanoized zinc oxide.

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Nix Sweeteners to Avoid Spreading Antibiotic Resistance

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Four widely used artificial sweeteners—saccharine, sucralose, aspartame and acesulfame potassium—promote the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in both environmental and clinical settings, report researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia, in The ISME Journal. They found that these four nonnutritive sweeteners promote horizontal transfer of the genes between bacteria, furthering the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes in the intestine. The researchers say the findings provide insight into the spread of antimicrobial resistance and point to a potential risk associated with ingesting the artificial sweeteners.

Research from the University of Queensland, in Australia, has found that peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, along with other gut disorders, are linked to depression. The researchers analyzed health data from more than 450,000 people and found eight genetic variants that predispose people to peptic ulcers and other gut diseases, often with depression as a comorbidity. Lead author Yeda Wu says the research supports a holistic approach to identifying and caring for patients with gastrointestinal diseases, noting, “As a medical student, I noticed how some patients’ gastrointestinal symptoms improved after psychotherapy or psychiatry treatment.”

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health briefs

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH FOR MEN Natural Approaches for Robust Vitality by Ronica O’Hara

tatistically speaking, living long and well is an uphill battle for most American men. Compared to women, they eat worse, smoke more, drink harder, exercise less and suffer more injuries. They live on average five fewer years than women. At birth, they outnumber women 105 to 100, but by age 60, it’s flipped to 95 to 100. Of the 15 leading causes of death, the only one men don’t lead in is Alzheimer’s, because many of them don’t live long enough to develop it. Men are markedly slow to consult doctors. Seventy-two percent would rather do household chores like cleaning toilets, one survey found, and 37 percent admitted that they withheld information from doctors to avoid hearing a bad diagnosis. When more serious symptoms arise like chest pain or painful urination, they can turn to medical specialists and the latest technology to get heart stents inserted, kidneys flushed out and pain lowered with pharmaceuticals. By then, however, disease can be advanced and the prognosis dimmer. But that “macho man” approach is ebbing as men—especially millennials—increasingly adopt proactive integrative strategies to take control of their health. “As traditional gender roles continue to fade with the times, there will be less of a stigma around men’s health care and we’ll start to see more and more men placing greater importance on their health,” says integrative internist Myles Spar, M.D., co-author of Integrative Men’s Health and chief medical officer of Vault, a men’s health care organization. By dealing head-on with not just a condition’s symptoms, but also with its physical, mental and emotional roots, men can become better equipped to enjoy long years of robust health.

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HEART DISEASE The leading cause of death for men in the U.S., heart disease kills one in four men. Half of those who died suddenly exhibited no previous symptoms. Men develop heart disease 10 years younger than women on average, possibly because estrogen has a protective effect on coronary arteries. Stress, especially in economically beleaguered occupations and areas, takes a toll, as evidenced by rising drug abuse among men nationwide. “Overall, it appears that men’s coping with stressful events may be less adaptive physiologically, behaviorally and emotionally, contributing to their increased risk for coronary heart disease,” concludes a State University of New York at Stonybrook study.

of new patients with ED are under age 40, mild and moderate ED affects approximately 50 percent of men in their 50s and 60 percent in their 60s. Integrative medicine offers potent strategies such as exercise, weight loss, good sleep and a varied diet, factors that can reverse ED, according to Australian researchers. “Men aren’t ever going to stop eating hotdogs in the name of ‘wellness’, but if you tell a man that eating hotdogs will impact his ability to get erections, he’ll never eat a hotdog again,” says Spar.

SYMPTOMS: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, sensations in arms and legs such as pain, swelling, weakness or tingling.

NEW RESEARCH: In a survey of 12 studies involving 8,300 participants, the longer-lasting erection drug Cialis (tadalafil) beat out Viagra (sildenafil) as the drug of choice by a three to one margin. Cornell researchers found that of the 48 percent of older men in one study with ED, only 7 percent had tried an erection drug, and fewer than half refilled the initial prescription, partly due to unpleasant side effects.

NEW RESEARCH: Active, 40-ish men who were able to do 40 push-ups had a 96 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years than men doing less than 10 push-ups, a Harvard study concludes. A 10-year study of 134,297 people from 21 countries found that eating six ounces or more each week of processed meat like bacon, sausages and salami was linked to a 46 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 51 percent higher risk of death. INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES: “An integrative model for heart disease, when done properly, hunts down chronic inflammation in the body wherever it is and attempts to remedy it naturally, which is why we have had so much more success and significantly fewer side effects than conventional medicine,” says naturopathic cardiologist Decker Weiss, of Scottsdale, Arizona, a pioneer in the field. Typically, integrative cardiologists will interview a patient to determine the root causes of inflammation, including diet, physical activity and emotional stress. After targeted lab tests, they may prescribe botanicals along with pharmaceuticals like diuretics and beta blockers to manage fluids and vital signs. They often focus on repairing the gastrointestinal tract with specific probiotics and restoring the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) with nutrients like magnesium, coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid. They’ll encourage patients to switch to healthier, plant-based diets; perhaps to undergo a colon, liver or lymph cleanse; and exercise and use stress-reducing practices like meditation or martial arts.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex, often drives a man to seek medical care. An erection—a complex interplay among the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels—can be hampered by such conditions as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, insomnia and alcohol use. Although a quarter

SYMPTOMS: repeated difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, reduced sexual desire.

INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES: An integrative strategy typically involves a doctor checking and increasing a man’s testosterone levels if necessary; a thorough checkup and lab tests to detect and treat causes such as diabetes and high cholesterol; and vetting and replacing medications such as antihistamines and blood pressure drugs that might cause ED. For relationship problems, anxiety or depression, a cognitive behavioral therapist might be recommended and mindfulness meditation might be encouraged to reduce stress. A weight-loss plan featuring more produce and less meat is typically suggested: men with a 42-inch waist are 50 percent more likely to have ED than men with a 32-inch waist. Some foods like arginine-rich oatmeal and antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice, as well as supplements like DHEA, L-arginine, zinc and panax ginseng have also proven helpful in studies. Effective exercises include Kegels to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, Pilates to build core strength and aerobic workouts to strengthen blood vessels. Just 30 minutes of walking each day was linked to a 41 percent drop in risk for ED, Harvard researchers found.

PROSTATE CANCER Prostate cancer affects one in eight men, 60 percent of which are over age 65. African American men get prostate cancer younger, have more severe cases and are twice as likely to die from it. Although it’s not as virulent as most other cancers, it requires monitoring, sometimes for decades, which compels some men to get serious about diet and exercise. “If you hear you have cancer, the rug is pulled out from underneath you and you feel you’ve lost your locus of control to surgeons and

June/Early July 2021

other doctors,” says integrative oncologist Donald Abrams, of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. “But lifestyle changes are important, useful and have an impact, and they’re something patients themselves have control over and can decide to do.” SYMPTOMS: They may be silent or involve frequent urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, urinary leaking, needing to urinate frequently at night, blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction or discomfort when sitting. NEW RESEARCH: The more faithfully that men with localized prostate cancer followed a Mediterranean diet, the better their disease fared, report University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers. Drinking several cups of coffee every day may be linked to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, suggests a pooled data analysis in the online journal BMJ Open. A new urine test for prostate cancer is so accurate it could have eliminated the need for one-third of biopsies in a recent study of 1,500 patients in the Journal of Urology. INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES: In a 2018 comprehensive review of prostate cancer studies published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Abrams recommends a plant-based, antioxidant-rich diet that emphasizes cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, soy, pomegranate, green tea and fish-based omega-3s; limiting meat, sugary drinks and saturated fats; supplementing with vitamin D3 and omega-3s while avoiding selenium and vitamin E; exercising daily, with yoga and tai chi especially

providing mind-body benefits; and using acupuncture to manage the side effects of conventional treatments. To combat the anxiety that can arise during the period between a diagnosis and surgery, Abrams suggests stress-reducing therapies like mindfulness training, reiki and support groups.

DEPRESSION Up to one-third of men may experience depression, but it’s marked more by bravado than tears. “Rather than appearing sad, men with depression are more likely to react with anger, selfdestructive behavior, self-distraction, or numbing of pain with substance use, gambling, womanizing and workaholism,” concludes a major University of Michigan study in JAMA Psychiatry. Irritability, blowing up at minor annoyances, sudden spells of aggression and risky behaviors are other hallmarks. Men are far less likely than women to seek treatment and four times as likely to die by suicide. SYMPTOMS: Besides anger and irritability, depressed men are more prone to lose weight rather than gain it, become obsessivecompulsive rather than anxious and experience physical problems like headaches, stomach ailments and chronic pain. NEW RESEARCH: Men with moderate to high levels of what Russian researchers call “vital exhaustion,” marked by excessive fatigue, demoralization and irritability, are 16 percent more likely to have a heart attack within 15 years. The risk doubles for men who

CELEBRATING 27 years in THE business of

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never married, were divorced or became widowed. INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES: “First, it is important to get a lab screening to rule out low testosterone, vitamin deficiencies, anemia and thyroid problems,” says holistic psychiatrist W. Nate Upshaw, M.D., medical director of NeuroSpaTMS, in Tampa. He also checks for sleep disorders, treats with cognitive behavioral therapy and after getting lab results, suggests such supplements as vitamins B12, D3 and methylfolate. His lab focuses particularly on transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, which a 2020 Stanford study found to be 90 percent effective in relieving drug-resistant depression. “It restores healthy brain function without medications, and with essentially no side effects,” says Upshaw, adding that the approach is particularly good for men that want to avoid the sexual side effects of antidepressants. Natural health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

New Hyperbaric Hope for Erectile Dysfunction

rectile dysfunction (ED) is caused by endothelial dysfunction, a narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessels (atherosclerosis), and microvascular disease that disrupt the penile blood flow, creating insufficient blood supply to the penis. Atherosclerosis is part of the aging process, starts early in life and results in decreased blood supply to all tissue, including the penis. Stem cells are the body’s way to repair this damage, but as we age, their numbers and effectiveness decrease. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) not only stimulates the body to produce large numbers of stem cells to repair these damaged tissues, but also induces new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) into all tissue and organs in the body that have insufficient blood supply, including the penis.

Dr. Shai Efrati, director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, in Israel, has shown for the first time that penile angiogenesis and improved erectile function can be induced by HBOT in men suffering from chronic, non-surgical ED as shown by perfusion MRI analysis. Following the completion of the 40 HBOT sessions, erectile function improved by 88 percent, and 80 percent of the patients reported a positive outcome. Roger Hunter is the cofounder and CEO of Nirvana Hyperbaric Institute, located at 146 Medical Park Rd., Ste. 110, in Mooresville. For appointments or more information, call 704-471-4100 or visit www.NirvanaHBO.com. See https://tinyurl.com/ED-HBOT-Research for research detail.

Healthcare with a holistic approach NorthEast Internal & Integrative Medicine combines traditional primary care with evidence-based, alternative medicine therapies to promote wellness.

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annual physicals of chronic disease • Non-narcotic treatment of chronic pain • Healthy lifestyle changes

Schedule an appointment today at 704-403-7050 704-403-7050. Our services are covered by most insurance plans.

NorthEast Internal & Integrative Medicine 707 Memorial Blvd., Concord, NC 28025 AtriumHealth.org/NorthEastInternal Publication: Natural Awakenings Specs:7.5” x 4.75”

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healing ways

Beat the Blues Naturally Drug-Free Ways to Treat Depression

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by Julie Peterson

ack of interest, low energy, changes in weight, difficulty concentrating and feelings of worthlessness are some of the symptoms that can occur in varying degrees with depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 17.3 million adults in the U.S. experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017. With the pandemic, the rate tripled, with 27.8 percent of adults reporting symptoms, according to a September 2020 study published in JAMA Network Open. Mainstream medical doctors typically prescribe antidepressant drugs, but the plethora of adverse effects such as anxiety, digestive disturbances, headaches, weight gain and sexual dysfunction can cause additional woes. In addition, efficacy is in question. In The Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth, Irving Kirsch, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the UK University of Hull, declares, “The belief that antidepressants can cure depression chemically is simply wrong.” Antidepressants may merely mask symptoms. “Covering over symptoms is a missed opportunity to resolve the root cause of the problem,” says Manhattan-based holistic psychiatrist Kelly Brogan, author of A Mind of Your Own and co-editor of the textbook Integrative Therapies for Depression.

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Further, because many depressed people do not receive treatment due to financial, cultural or personal reasons, effective alternative therapies are necessary for improving public health.

Nature’s Medicine Before starting any treatment, it’s important to verify that depression exists and rule out potential conditions like nutritional deficiencies, low thyroid function, food allergies or other issues. Many people find that herbs provide gentler action and fewer adverse effects than conventional antidepressants. Even some conventional health practitioners are beginning to get on board. Women’s health expert Nicole Galan, RN, wrote in a 2019 article in Medical News Today, “Medications and counseling are conventional ways to alleviate the symptoms of depression. However, some herbs and supplements may also help.” Common herbs include St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), which has been shown to work about the same as antidepressants for mild and moderate depression; American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), which improve mental clarity and energy, and reduce the effects of stress; and saffron (Crocus sativus), which is safe and effective, although

CBD for Depression

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Mental illness has been on the rise, yet unfortunately not discussed enough because of its negative connotation and perception. CBD and its widespread benefits are the latest in the search for an alternative and more holistic approach to the use of pharma meds. During these trying times of COVID-19, there’s been an increase in cases of depression, along with other stressors and many people are seeking options to improve their emotional distress. CBD affects the endocannabinoid system by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and to CB2 receptors throughout the body, which can benefit the whole body, alleviating mental conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical ailments including muscle spasms, pain, and inflammation. It comes from the hemp plant, and is produced in various ways to enable people to take it in the form most beneficial to them. CBD comes in oil/tincture taken sublingually, topicals which come in the form of creams or roll-ons, flower/vapes, edibles and even products for our beloved furry pets. CBD is a highly suitable product that can help many people with depression and other conditions. Chris Cintron-Pecoraro is co-owner of Your CBD Source located at 10416 E. Independence Blvd., Ste. 610 in Matthews. For a limited time, those that mention Natural Awakenings or use code “Natural20” when ordering online, can receive 20 percent off their order. For more information or to order online, call 704-443-7003, email GenuineCBDHempOil@gmail.com or visit www.YourCBDSourceNC.com.

Depression, Chinese Medicine and Tai Chi Chinese medicine views depression as resulting from congestion of the liver function (liver qi) and weakness of the kidney function (kidney qi). Constrained liver qi fails to regulate the storage, release, and further distribution of glycogen (stored blood sugar) to the muscle tissue and the brain resulting in low energy, alternating mood and depression. On the other hand, weakness of the kidney qi results in hypo-activity of the endocrine system and insufficient hormonal production which can cause deep-seated depression. In addition, gut dysfunctions lead to poor assimilation and synthesis of important neurotransmitters necessary for healthy brain function and mood. Tai chi is an excellent mind-body exercise that has been utilized to improve mood by activating the flow of liver qi, strengthening the kidney qi, supporting digestion and increasing vital energy. Camilo Sanchez is founder of Empower Life Center located at 14136 Lancaster Hwy., in Pineville, has a Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is a tai chi, qigong and Taoist yoga instructor. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704542-8088, email Info@EmpowerLifeCenter.com or visit www.EmpowerLifeCenter.com. June/Early July 2021

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expensive. While herbal medicines are available over the counter, it’s important to consult with a doctor or herbalist, as some are not safe in conjunction with other medications or during pregnancy. Homeopathic remedies are more complex, personalized and diluted, but have no contraindications. Lone Pedersen, a certified classical homeopath in Seattle, says that homeopathy treatments are “gentle, safe, non-toxic and side-effect free.”

Clean Food Improves Mood Several studies have found that eating a poorquality diet high in processed meat, sweets, fried food, refined cereals and high-fat dairy leads to a higher likelihood of depression. “The single greatest thing anyone can do for their health is to eat whole foods, including organic vegetables, fruits, high-quality proteins, whole grains and healthy fats,” says Dorothy Calimeris, an author and wellness coach in Oakland, whose cookbooks promote anti-inflammatory diets for optimal health. Inflammation has been linked to numerous health issues, including depression. To

start an anti-inflammatory diet, eliminate foods that commonly trigger inflammation, starting with gluten, soy, corn and the biggest culprit of all, sugar. A 2019 study by University of Kansas researchers and other studies indicate that sugar itself is a trigger for mental health issues. Don’t forget about the “food” the skin absorbs. Switching to organic body care and home cleaning products minimizes exposure to biology-disrupting toxins that have been linked to depression.

Set the Endorphins Free Many studies have shown that exercise reduces the symptoms of depression. Extra boosts come from getting outside to increase levels of vitamin D and exercising with a friend to enhance social support. Just 20 to 30 minutes of activity several times each week improves well-being. The best news is that any movement helps—walking, tai chi, gardening, dancing—anything that feels good. “Taking a yoga class helps to relieve depression by increasing focus and attention, releasing endorphins and oxytocin,

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stretching the body, relaxing tension, creating community and adjusting breathing patterns,” says Rose Kress, owner and director of LifeForce Yoga Institute, in Lebanon, Oregon, and author of Awakening Your Inner Radiance with LifeForce Yoga. She recommends determining one enjoyable pose and practicing it every day: “Five minutes a day is enough to make a change.” Julie Peterson writes about wellness and environmental issues and has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade.

Next Steps “Mental health requires the ‘whole enchilada’, as the saying goes. Bring it all in! I use crystals, music, meditation, chanting, massage, painting, images, vitamins, essential oils, prayer, food, exercise, nature, friends and psychotherapy to remind me that I am already whole. Yoga is just one ingredient in the enchilada of mental health,” says Rose Kress, owner and director of the LifeForce Yoga Institute, in Lebanon, Oregon, and author of Awakening Your Inner Radiance with LifeForce Yoga. “If it brings you a sense of ease around your feelings of depression, use it. If you are not sure, ask your support network for help.” Psychologists, support groups and counselors can be found through the Anxiety and Depression Association of America or by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357), the national helpline of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Both are free, confidential referral and information services. Depression can become severe and warrant intervention. If someone is suicidal, stay with them and contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, a 24/7 national network of local crisis centers, providing free and confidential emotional support to people in emotional distress. Alternative modalities for depression could fill volumes, and they have. Check these out for more information: n Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety: Nourish Your Way to Better Mental Health in Six Weeks, by Drew Ramsey, M.D. n Ayurveda for Depression: An Integrative Approach to Re-

storing Balance and Reclaiming Your Health, by L. Eduardo Cardona-Sanclemente

n How Come They’re Happy and I’m Not?: The Complete

Natural Program for Healing Depression for Good, by Peter Bongiorno, ND

n How to Heal Yourself from Depression When No One Else

Can: A Self-Guided Program to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t, by Amy B. Scher

n Yoga for Depression: A Compassionate Guide to Relieve Suf-

fering Through Yoga, by Amy Weintraub “While it may take dedication to embody the peace you seek, the glimpse of that peace can be enough to fuel you through the times you want to give up,” adds Kress.

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Virtual Appointments Available June/Early July 2021

green living

Traveling for the Planet Sustainable Ways to Explore the World

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by Sandra Yeyati

fter more than a year in social isolation, many of us are ready to hit the road, meet new people, fly to exotic locations and enjoy the sights and flavors of anywherebut-here. Although the travel industry is raring to serve pent-up demand, this unprecedented respite can be an opportunity to reset priorities. When choosing hotels, modes of transportation, places to shop and dine, and other activities, consider their sustainability. Tourism need not harm the planet. With proper planning, it can enrich it while benefiting the people living in the places we visit.

Fly Direct and Economy “Flying is the most carbon-intensive thing we can do in our lives,” says Holly Tuppen, author of Sustainable Travel: The Essential Guide to Positive Impact Adventures. To reduce emissions, she recommends flying direct in space-saving economy seats; taking longer, less frequent vacations; and using trains or other overland transportation whenever possible.

Take it Slow In 2010, Tuppen travelled around the world without flying for 20 months. “We walked, biked, sailed across the Atlantic, got on a container ship across the Pacific, took trains, hitchhiked—a whole heap of transport cobbled together,” she recalls. “It’s not that 22

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bucket-list idea of flying into a place, doing everything quickly and ticking off experiences. With slow travel, you’re letting the journey be part of the experience and inevitably, you meet more people along the way.”

Don’t Overdo It In another eco-friendly aspect of that excursion, Tuppen visited places that weren’t tourism hotspots. “From Venice to Bali to Mexico, there are examples of places that before the pandemic had too many visitors—more than the infrastructure could handle,” she says. “That’s a massive problem, because it harms the life of local people. When the cruise industry started to stop in Dubrovnik, Croatia, for example, local amenities like hairdressers and grocery stores became souvenir shops.”

Keep it Local According to Tuppen, the needs of locals should take precedence over those of tourists. A related problem is tourism economic leakage. “If you spend $2,000 on a trip to Thailand, my hope would be that I’d be contributing $2,000 to the economy in Thailand, but in reality, the way that the tourism supply chain is set up, a huge proportion of that money will end up in the hands of international companies,” she explains. “Ideally, we should be looking

for accommodations, experiences, stores, restaurants that are all locally owned rather than being part of an international chain. If you’re booking a hotel, 70 percent or more of the workforce should be local.”

conscious eating

Recipes for Plant-Based Eaters

Pack for a Purpose

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To help travelers express their gratitude to a community for their hospitality, Rebecca Rothney founded PackForAPurpose.org, which lists items locals need and the accommodations and tour companies that deliver them to more than 450 community projects worldwide. Travelers dedicate a portion of their luggage space to carry in-kind donations and drop them off when they arrive at their hotel or meet their tour guide. Common items are medical and school supplies, as well as crafting materials for women to make and sell items like jewelry and trinkets, providing money to pay for their children’s education. “A stethoscope weighs less than a kilo, but it can touch 10,000 hearts,” she says.

Book Kind Hotels Finding sustainable accommodations can be challenging and time-consuming, but KindTraveler.com is helping to change that. Recognized by Travel + Leisure as a 2020 Global Vision Award recipient, the hotel booking platform offers exclusive rates and perks from vetted, Earth-friendly accommodations when travelers make a nightly donation to a local charity that positively impacts the community visited. “A $10 donation will provide care for a rescue kitten for one month in Belize, clean 250 pounds of trash out of a waterway in Sonoma, California, or provide 40 nutritious meals to individuals in need in New York City,” says co-founder Jessica Blotter. There are hundreds of participating hotels in 22 countries benefitting 70 global charities with an emphasis on fighting poverty, advancing environmental sustainability and reducing inequalities in communities. “It’s a way to connect, feel good and have meaningful experiences, knowing that your travel dollars are leaving the destination better than before you arrived,” Blotter says. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

Japanese Noritos 2 sheets nori 1 tsp low-sodium miso paste ¼ cup cooked brown rice ½ small Persian cucumber, julienned 1 ½ Tbsp shredded carrots (chard, dandelion greens, kale and/or spinach) 1 tsp low-sodium tamari 1 tsp sesame seeds Place nori sheets on a flat surface. Gently and evenly place miso paste on half of each nori sheet. Add brown rice, Persian cucumber and shredded carrots on top of miso paste. Drizzle with tamari and lightly sprinkle sesame seeds over top. Tightly roll the nori sheets like a burrito from ingredient-filled side. Slice into pieces to make them easier to eat. Courtesy of Julieanna Hever. For more information, visit PlantBasedDietitian.com.

Almond Cinnamon Granola 1 12-oz jar unsweetened applesauce 10 dates, pitted 1 Tbsp vanilla extract 1 tsp cinnamon 6 cups plus 2 Tbsp thick rolled oats 1 cup sliced raw almonds (optional) 1 cup raisins (optional) Blend the applesauce, dates, vanilla, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of oats in a blender until smooth. In a large bowl, combine the applesauce mixture with the remaining oats. Spread mixture evenly onto dehydrator racks or baking sheets. Cook in a dehydrator set on high (160º F) for 7 to 8 hours or in an oven set at 225º F for 1½ hours until slightly brown and crunchy.

If using an oven, make sure to break up the granola and turn it every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, add almonds and raisins, if desired. Courtesy of Micaela Karlsen.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins 1 medium banana, mashed 15-oz can sweet pumpkin puree ¼ cup 100 percent pure maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups gluten-free, all-purpose, whole-grain flour blend ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp ground ginger 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (grainsweetened) Preheat oven to 375° F. In a large bowl, combine mashed banana, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and vanilla. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Transfer dry mixture to large bowl and mix together gently until well combined. Avoid over-mixing to prevent toughness in the final product. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon batter into silicon muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are lightly browned. Remove muffins from the oven and let cool for five minutes. Store in an airtight container. Courtesy of Julieanna Hever. For more information, visit PlantBasedDietitian.com. June/Early July 2021

community resource guide

DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

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 Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com to request our media kit. ACUPUNCTURE EMPOWER LIFE CENTER

Camilo Sanchez, L. Ac, MAOM 704-542-8088 EmpowerLifeCenter.com 28 years of experience in acupuncture, Chinese medicine and integrated health. Specializing in identifying and correcting the root cause of your health concerns. P ain c onditions, digestive disorders, stress, women’s health and chronic disorders. Classes in authentic Qigong, Tai Chi and Taoist yoga.

CHRONIC & DIFFICULT CASES HAAS WELLNESS CENTER

3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420 HaasWellnessCenters.com

Specializing in chronic and difficult cases and holistic and wellness care. We identify and treat the root cause of your health issues. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation. See ad, page 4.

COLONICS

ALLERGY AAIR OF CHARLOTTE

Elizabeth, Blakeney, Steele Creek 704-910-1402 AAIRofCharlotte.com

HC WELLNESS CENTER & SPA

1308 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia 704-823-1577 HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com

Our principle service is Colon Hydrotherapy, but we also offer a wide variety of other services. We o ff e r b o t h t r a d i t i o n a l a n d alternative therapies to assist clients in achieving optimal health, wellness and balance.

Dedicated to the progressive treatment of allergy, asthma and i m m u n o l o g y p a t i e n t s . D r. O’Connor is one of only three specialists nationwide to complete the University of Arizona Fellowship of Integrative Medicine. See ad, page 20.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

CBD STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

3120 Latrobe Dr, Ste 200 704-370-6612 StanleyRx.com/CBD

Charlotte’s CBD experts. CBD consultations available with a licensed Pharmacist ($50 per ½ hour). Consultation fee applied to any CBD purchase. Professional grade CBD products available in store and online.

CBD is highly individualized and we have the largest selection in NC of the best, most reliable CBD/Hemp/Delta8 products. Sources verified for safety and reliability. Experienced, knowledgeable staff recommends products, dosages, and modifications. See ad, page 5.

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Charlotte’s most experienced & trusted compounding pharmacy. Skilled pharmacist can prepare custom medications to meet needs of the individual patient. Specializing in women’s & men’s health as well as veterinary medications.

DENTISTRY

YOUR CBD SOURCE

10416 E Independence Blvd, Ste 610 Matthews • 704-443-7003 YourCBDSourceNC.com

STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

3120 Latrobe Dr, Ste 200 704-370-6612 StanleyRx.com

KEMPTER HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

3111 Springbank Ln, Ste F1 1000 Copperfield Blvd, Ste 160, Concord 704-782-0797 KempterDentistry.com Biologically minded family dental office offering 3D digital dentistry, preventative dentistry, safe mercury removal and sleep apnea screenings. In a relaxed and caring environment, all patients are given devoted time. Call the office today to request a new patient consultation. See ad, page 5.

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BLUE SKIES FAMILY MEDICINE

Katherine Weeks, MD, FAAFP 363 Williamson Rd, Ste 103, Mooresville • 704-663-7819 BlueSkiesFamilyMedicine.com

Monthly fee model supports timely/higher quality appointments at lower overall costs as well as transparency and clear expectations. Ideal for small businesses and individuals with co-op or catastrophic plan coverage. Call for meet-thedoctor appointment.

ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING A GREENER CLEAN LLC

704-765-2035 Info@AGreenerClean.net AGreenerClean.net

Local Christian owned toxin free maid service covering Iredell and parts of Mecklenburg. Our probiotic cleaner will leave your home sparkling and truly clean. Call or email today for estimate. Free EnviroMist with first appointment. See ad, page 6.

RECYCLED COMPOST & MULCH

140 Valleydale Rd • 980-314-3880 17131 Lancaster Hwy • 980-314-3845 MeckMulchMadness.com Supports a 360˚ from your yard to our facility and back again. Mecklenburg County upcycles your yard waste to create highquality STA approved compost and beautiful mulch at a very affordable price. See ad, page 2.

SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN

Claudia Josephine Design 860-796-3415 ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com

Proving that sustainable, ecofriendly design can still be stylish, Claudia creates classic, functional and beautiful interiors. Certified Green Accredited Professional. Maria Killam True Colour Expert.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & MEDICAL SPA

421-B S. Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte 16415 Northcross Dr, Ste C, Huntersville 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com Charlotte’s only Integrative MD offering membership based direct primary care. Also safe and natural therapies and skincare as well as healing for mind, body and spirit at MedSpa. See ad, page 9.

HYPERBARIC THERAPY NIRVANA HYPERBARIC INSTITUTE

146 Medical Park Rd, Ste 110 Mooresville • 704-471-4100 NirvanaHBO.com

Dedicated to healing, forwarding the science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and providing patients a tranquil place to heal. Highly effective in treating many conditions, some covered by insurance. See ad, page 9.

INTEGRATIVE HEALER

GARDENING

KATIE SUTTON

THE PATIO FARMER

Charlotte, NC • ThePatioFarmer.com ThePatioFarmer@gmail.com @thepatiofarmer on IG and FB Confidently grow food at home with Consultations, Installation and Maintenance Plans. Also, check out Plant Club for in-depth gardening know-how. Contact us today and start enjoying food from your own plants.

Intuitive Channel, Guided Meditation Coach 828-246-3335 ZenWithinAcademy.com Katie synthesizes a unique blend of healing modalities with selfactivation techniques–from sound & vibrational therapy, to intuitive channeling, to guided meditation– in order to deliver healings tailored to each person's needs.

INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRICIAN

HEALTHY PET

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Dr Michael Smith 1114 Sam Newell Rd, Ste A 704-486-2448 CarolinasNaturalHealth.com Diabetes, Depression, Digestive Disorders, A llergies, Autoimmune disease, A nxiety, ADHD. C h a r l o t t e ’s o n l y d o c t o r specializing in homeopathy. We focus on treating YOU to uncover the cause of your health condition and empower you to better health! See ad, page 21.

NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTH CONSULTING HEALTHY SOLUTIONS FOR ALL

Michelle Tonkin, ND 877-955-HEAL HealthySolutionsForAll.com

15+ years’ experience with Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Online health store with discounts and free shipping on all orders $50+. Call today for a free 10-minute consultation.

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FOR THE LOVE OF DUTCH

Sheila Kilbane, MD 2201 Park Rd, Ste B 704-626-6771 • SheilaKilbane.com

Charlotte • 704-576-7916 Hello@ForTheLoveofDutch.com ForTheLoveofDutch.com

Dr. Kilbane is a board-certified integrative pediatrician who specializes in finding the root cause of illness including reflux, eczema, allergies, recurrent ear and sinus infections, asthma, constipation, abdominal pain and more.

Nourish your pet the natural way. Ready-to-serve, handcrafted food for your dog made with fresh, seasonal produce and sustainably sourced meat from local Carolinas farms. See ad, page 9.

HOMEOPATHY

NATURAL DOCTOR

CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

DARRYL ROBERTS, ND

Haas Wellness Center 3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420 • DoctorDarrylND.com DrDarryl@HaasWellnessCenters.com

Dr Michael Smith 1114 Sam Newell Rd, Ste A 704-486-2448 CarolinasNaturalHealth.com C h a r l o t t e ’s o n l y d o c t o r specializing in homeopathy—a power system of natural medicine that stimulates your body’s natural ability to heal, without side effects. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, eczema, auto-immune disease, hormonal imbalance, and much more. See ad, page 21.

Heal. Recover. Thrive. Modern wellness for a modern world. Specializing in emotional and digestive disorders with children and adults using non-toxic treatments. Call today for a free consultation.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS HEARTLIGHT SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev. David Hulse, Spiritual Leader 7300 Mallard Creek Rd 704-599-1180 HeartLightCharlotte.org

We are a Spirit-Guided, HeartCentered, Christ-Conscious, Loving Family providing an empowering, universal, Christ-centered message grounded in the teachings of metaphysics. Sunday Service 11:15 am. Email Shine@HeartLightCharlotte.org. See ad, page 20.

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

Marty Bacher, Spiritual Leader UnityofCharlotte.org 704-523-0062 Unity features a vibrant, joyous Sunday Celebration Service at 10:30am with terrific music, inspiring messages and a warm, welcoming spiritual community. Offering classes and workshops throughout the week with activities that support your health, wellness and spiritual journey.

DIRECTORY Find local businesses with ease at AWAKENINGCHARLOTTE.COM June/Early July 2021

SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE AKASHIC RECORD READINGS

Charlotte, NC • 704-236-1413 AmyGrayCunningham.com Amy@AmyGrayCunningham.com

The Akashic Records are like a Google search for your soul. Call today and rediscover who you are at soul level, clear negative karmic patterns and begin living the life you truly desire. See ad, page 12.

gaston county natural guide Connecting Gaston County to leaders in natural health, wellness and green living. To find out how you can be included in the Gaston County Natural Guide, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE HEALING PLATFORM

Amber Pederson, DC, CFMP 29 E Woodrow Ave, Belmont 704-755-4088 • HealingPlatform.com Info@HealingPlatform.com

SUSTAINABILITY

We empower people to take control of their health by educating and providing tools that enable clients to implement simple nutrition and lifestyle strategies. In person and virtual visits.

SUSTAIN CHARLOTTE

SustainCharlotte.org

A nonprofit organization working to inspire choices that lead to healthy, equitable and vibrant communities across the Charlotte metro region for generations to come. Become a member today.

VETERINARIAN ATRIUM ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Kim Hombs, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CTui-Na 6520 McMahon Dr 704-542-2000 AtriumAnimalHospital.com Comprehensive holistic/ integrative animal medicine practice in the Charlotte region. Alternative vaccine approaches, double certified acupuncturist and herbalist, cold and class 4 laser, TCM food therapy, Tuina, animal rehabilitation with underwater treadmill.

WEIGHT LOSS CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Lidia Adkins, CFMP, DC, PKT 216 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-271-9757 • CWLI.net

Developer of the “40 Day Transformation” system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

ORGANIC MARKET & SUPPLEMENTS ORGANIC MARKETPLACE

1012 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-864-0605 OrganicMarketplaceNC.com 9am -7pm M/F, 9am-6pm Sat. Reliable community partner, local source for education, organic foods, personal care, products, supplements, aromatherapy, organic wine/beer and pet products. See ad, page 20.

To place a listing call 704-499-3327 or email

Ads@Awakening Charlotte.com

SPA HC WELLNESS CENTER & SPA

1308 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia 704-823-1577 HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com

Offering traditional and alternative therapies seven days a week to help you achieve optimal health, wellness and balance. Colon hydrotherapy, massage, far-infrared sauna therapy, energizing foot spa and yoni or v-steam.

Gastonia • 704-271-9757 Matthews/Ballantyne • 704-243-8560 CWLI.net Developer of the "40 Day Transformation" system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $25 for up to the first 20 words and $1 per word thereafter. To place a classified, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline is the 9th of the month FOR SALE FREE EXCLUSIVE PLANT BASED SUPPLEMENTS - Try Terra Power Greens for Free! Just pay shipping. TerraLifeStore.com, click free sample set or Amazon. 954-459-1134.

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

5 ACRES IN MARION NC – Heavily wooded, lightly developed subdivision. 30 minutes to Linville Falls, 40 minutes to Asheville. 704-778-6863.

Dr. Tom O'Bryan Chief Health Off icer, KnoWEwell

"WE ARE TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE" Personalized. Diverse. Inclusive. Regenerative Whole-Health and Well-Being Benefits. It’s how KnoWEwell is transforming the future of healthcare. Award-winning. One global online destination for today’s trusted Regenerative Whole Health knowledge, resources, and ecosystem collaborating to inspire and empower individuals to prevent harm, address chronic diseases and achieve WELLthier Living – Happy. Healthy. Abundant. PurposeFilled. Join the movement as we share knowledge and healing success stories, access to evidence-based resources, immersive learning opportunities from the experts, and help create meaningful connections.. Take control and optimize your health and well-being by visiting: KnoWEwell.com As a Natural Awakenings reader, receive 50% off your first year of membership. Individuals apply: NAPUB0221 Practitioners apply: NAPUB0221P

June/Early July 2021

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Natural Awakenings Charlotte - June 2021 Issue

Articles inside

health briefs

green living

healing ways

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH FOR MEN

letter from publisher

news briefs

global briefs

conscious eating