Natural Awakenings Charlotte - May 2022 Issue

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

Special Women’s Wellness Issue

FIBROID RELIEF NATURAL APPROACHES OFFER HOPE

JEFFREY BLAND ON RESETTING OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

INTERMITTENT FASTING FOR BETTER HEALTH

MOMS MAKING IT WORK FORGING AHEAD IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

May 2022 | Charlotte Edition | AwakeningCharlotte.com

Are You Looking For A HEALTHY NATURAL Smile?

We Care for More than Just Your Teeth….

• 3D Digital Dentistry • Preventative Dentistry • Mercury Safe Removal • Biocompatible Implants • Ozone Therapy • PRF - (Platelet Rich Fibrin) •Tongue & Lip Tie Release

IAOMT Accredited Mercury Safe Removal Biological/Holistic Family Dentistry in a Caring RelaxedEnvironment Failing Amalgams As true Biological/Holistic (silver fillings) are Dentists, Drs. Eric Kempter, removed using safe Erin Wilbanks and John accredited protective Kempter combine modern protocols. technology & safe protection All of our crowns, bridges, and veneers protocols with advanced are made in-house with CAD/CAM knowledge of biological computer milled technology.

dentistry.

Kempter Holistic Dentistry

Accepting New Patients!

1000 Copperfield Blvd, Ste 160, Concord 3111 Springbank Ln, Ste F1, Charlotte

704-782-0797

KempterDentistry.com

The Next Step in Spiritual Communities!

We invite you to join a Spirit-Guided, Heart-Centered, Christ-Conscious, Loving Community, and be a part of transforming the world by allowing the Heart-light Presence of God to Shine Through US as US!

David Hulse, Spiritual Leader Wed @ 10AM: Mid-week Inspiration Sun @ 11:15AM: Celebration Service Live Stream: HeartLightCharlotte.org

Wedding & Event Space Available in Newly Remodeled Center!

7300 Mallard Creek Rd Charlotte NC 28262 704-599-1180 info@heartlightcharlotte.org www.heartlightcharlotte.org

Direct Primary Care

Affordable convenient care that goes beyond an office visit to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Wellness Programs

Obtain overall wellness with our unique and customized 3 and 6 month packages that get to the root cause of disease.

The Skin Center Medical spa offering skincare products and specialty spa treatments to support your wellness journey while relaxing your body, mind, and spirit.

To Schedule Your Appointment Call: 704-775-6029

Cammy Benton, MD

Dr. Benton has a deep understanding of mainstream medicine and the value of a holistic functional approach.

BentonIntegrative.com | BentonClinical@bimmail.com North Charlotte Location 16415 Northcross Dr. Ste B Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 775-6029

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Charlotte Edition

South Charlotte Location 421 B South Sharon Amity Charlotte, NC 28211 (980) 207-0575

AwakeningCharlotte.com

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Wednesday-Friday noon-6pm Saturday noon-4pm Sunday-Tuesday closed Face Coverings and Social Distancing required Spiritual, Religious, Metaphysical, New Age Supplies, Gifts & Books, Candles, Incense, Smudge Sticks & Accessories, Gemstones & Crystals, Tarot & Oracle Cards, Pendulums, Herbs, Gemstone Jewelry, Talismans, Egyptian, Hindu, Catholic Statuary 3010 Monroe Road • Suite 104 Charlotte 704-632-9911

MamaBessiesPlace.net

May 2022

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We Help You Reach Your Health Goals Naturally Have you tried EVERYTHING and STILL have unexplained health issues?

Dr. Haas has been in practice for 33 years.

He has helped over 15,000 patients return to their highest health potential.

Better Healthcare Now Available Without A Prescription!

Does Your Doctor Offer This?

• 2 Hour New Patient Appointments • Personal Health Care Plans • Doctor’s Cell Phone Number

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Call To Schedule A FREE 15 Minute Consultation

(704) 837-2420

3315 Springbank Ln, Suite 102 • Charlotte, North Carolina

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

We offer: • Acupuncture

• Yoga

• Aromatherapy

• Preventive

• Massage

• Treatment

therapy • Nutritional therapy • Osteopathy • Therapeutic touch

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 4

Publication: Natural Awakenings Charlotte Edition AwakeningCharlotte.com Specs:7.5” x 4.75”

Client: Atrium Health NE Internal & Integrative Med Job#: ATRP-06847

(silver fillings) are removed using safe accredited protective protocols.

All of our crowns, bridges, and veneers are made in-house with CAD/CAM computer milled technology.

FR

EE H E A L T H Y L I V I N G

HEALTHY

PLANET

Special Womenʼs Wellness Issue

FIBROID RELIEF

As true Biological/Holistic Dentists, Drs. Eric Kempter, Erin Wilbanks and John Kempter combine modern technology & safe protection protocols with advanced knowledge of biological dentistry.

Thank you Community KempterDentistry.com Sponsor Kempter Holistic Dentistry

1000 Copperfield Blvd, Ste 160, Concord 3111 Springbank Ln, Ste F1, Charlotte

Accepting New Patients!

704-782-0797

NATURAL APPROACHES OFFER HOPE

JEFFREY BLAND ON RESETTING OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

VISIT US ONLINE @ www.AwakeningCharlotte.com

INTERMITTENT FASTING FOR BETTER HEALTH

MOMS MAKING IT WORK FORGING AHEAD IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

May 2022 | Charlotte Edition | AwakeningCharlotte.com

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May 2022

5

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

An Uncomfortable Reminder CHARLOTTE EDITION PUBLISHER Shannon McKenzie DESIGN & PRODUCTION Patrick Floresca AD DESIGN Helene Leininger EDITORIAL Jane Aylward Allison Gorman

Randy Kambic Martin Miron

CONTACT US P.O. Box 456 Cornelius, NC 28031 Ph: 704-499-3327 • Fax: 866-632-9118 AwakeningCharlotte.com Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Free subscriptions are available for our digital issue by emailing Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com

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his month I find myself in a pickle: I was just diagnosed with shingles, and the area where they chose to manifest on my body is my scalp. (Very considerate, as they are quite unsightly; I know this because my doctor took pictures with my phone.) My head feels itchy and like it’s on fire at the same time, and I am far from comfortable.

Stress is often what triggers shingles, I now understand, and I was feeling particularly stressed last week. This week I’m regretting letting my stress get so out of control, and more than anything I’m realizing the importance of self-care: Understanding situations that cause me stress, and instead of viewing them as something I need to overcome and push through, being open to avoiding or changing those situations to avoid the stress in the first place. Admitting to myself that sometimes that’s OK too.

Wishing you much self-care this month of Mother’s Day, Shannon

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

P.S. We have two Charlotte-area winners

Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo

to announce. Ellen Rosenfeld is the winner

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

of the Natural Awakenings Readership

Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

Natural

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 NaturalAwakenings.com © 2022 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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Charlotte Edition

A holistic approach to women’s health & fertility

Mercier Therapy (4-year research study indicating an

83% pregnancy success rate!)

We are one of the few offering Mercier Therapy in the Charlotte region To Learn More Text 704-401-7428 to schedule A Free Phone Consultation 610 Jetton St, Ste 210, Davidson,NC

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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Fertility Treatment

www.ApogeeFertility.com

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Survey Visa gift card, and Susan Bux is the winner of the Natural Awakenings Charlotte New Year’s giveaway featuring prizes from Farm Fresh Carolinas, The Patio Farmer and Soul Love. Congratulations!

Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of 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.

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12 RESILIENT MOTHERING

How Moms Are Forging Ahead in a Changing World

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16 INTERMITTENT FASTING BASICS

How to Improve Health

by Eating Less Often

20 FENDING OFF FIBROIDS

Natural Approaches Offer Relief

22 JEFFREY BLAND

20

on Rejuvenating Our Immune System

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.

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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 9 dr. cammy benton 10 health briefs 11 global briefs 16 conscious eating 20 healing ways 22 wise words 24 resource guide 27 gaston county

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natural guide

May 2022

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news briefs

Ahlara Expands Crystal and Metaphysical Center

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stablished in 2005, Ahlara International in Mooresville has always enjoyed a reputation for high quality and excellent service in its Spa and Boutique. Recently, Ahlara expanded its Crystal and Metaphysical Center to serve the needs and interests of the community. It contains one of the most complete and exclusive collections in the Charlotte/Greater Charlotte area.

From jewelry—such as pendants, bracelets and earrings—to crystal trees, pendulums and pyramids, Ahlara has achieved an exceptional reputation for variety and quality. Essential oils, oracle cards and exclusive gift items enhance the Crystal Center.

Visitors enjoy browsing the numerous rows of displays featuring small, tumbled crystals to large one-of-a-kind pieces to meet all their spiritual needs and desires. An informed staff provides guidance and assistance in making choices for appropriate crystals or gift items. Classes and workshops are regularly held to provide information on the healing and spiritual properties of individual crystals, how to care for crystals and use them at home for making grids and altars.

Location: 155 Joe Knox Ave., Mooresville. For more information or to register for an event, call 704-662-0946 or visit www.AhlaraInternational.com. See ad, back cover.

Learn Meridian-Opening Qigong at Empower Life Center

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he Empower Life Center, in Charlotte, will present a series of four qigong classes on how to clear and activate the 12 acupuncture energy channels of potential blockages that cause disease from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays from May 3 through 24. Participants may register for individual classes or the series. Attendees will learn the 12 exercises of Meridian Taoist Qigong with one specific qigong exercise taught for each of the 12 energy channels.

The program also includes an overview of the meridian energy system and the meridian-organ network to identify and resolve early warning signs of chronic disease; and how to use the main acupressure meridian energy points for self-healing, correct specific health disorders through meridian qigong, revitalize our immune system and prevent disease, and activate the pathways for life energy and healing.

Location: 14136 Lancaster Hwy. For more information including cost or to register, call 704-542-8088 or visit www.EmpowerLifeCenter.com. See CRG, page 24.

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Lakeside Counseling and Hypnotherapy Now Offers In-Person and Virtual Therapy

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my Bernstein, LCSW, LISWCP, CH, owner and therapist at Lakeside Counseling and Hypnotherapy, moved into a new office in Cornelius and is now seeing clients both in-person and virtually. With 25 years of counseling experience and licensure in both North and South Carolina, Bernstein also offers hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Techniques, and has expanded her education in the past few years to include health coaching, enneagram foundations and intermediate meditation.

Bernstein specializes in helping clients cope with anxiety. Her most popular hypnosis programs are: Calm, Release Worry, Peace of Mind, Clarity, Confidence, Better Sleep, Healthy Weight, Concentration, Holistic, Cope with IBS, Conquer Procrastination, Release Phobias and Smoking Cessation. All hypnosis is customized, recorded and sent as an mp3 download, so clients always have it to listen to.

Hypnosis is often short-term, around two to three sessions. Her Lakeside motto is, “Hypnosis is so easy, all you have to do is sit back, relax and listen.”

Location: 8211 Village Harbor Dr., Cornelius. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-252-1568 or visit www.LakesideTherapy.com. See CRG, page 25.

Spirit and Sound Offers Free New Client Consultations

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arb Griggs has relocated Spirit and Sound from Michigan to the Charlotte area and offers both virtual and in-person sessions. She is a licensed Spiritual Healer and a Certified Vibrational Sound Practitioner and Coach who uses Spirit Communication as a guide when using Solfeggio Tuning Fork techniques to reduce the physical and mental stresses that have impacted so many people.

Her expert use of the tools can assist in the positive change of digging deep and releasing difficult and toxic aspects from our lives that no longer serve us. Griggs invites us to have our energy revitalized; chakras cleared and opened; and balance established instead of burnout in our mind, body, and spirit.

She also offers intuitively created aromatic support using 100 percent pure, fragrant oils as additional means of quietly helping clients to relax, refresh and focus on new directions.

“Let’s ‘name those dragons’ and start the path to clearing, healing, and reclaiming our potential,” she says. “Let’s reawaken the strength and commitment necessary to honor your journey.”

For more information or to book a free initial consultation, call 248-321-6098 or visit www.SpiritAndSound.net. See CRG, page 26.

SupraGanicHealth.com Offers Scalar Energy Aids

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ocal company SupraGanicHealth.com produces Scalar Energy Imprinted Wellness and Awareness Aids. Through a “radionics” procedure, scalar energy (also known as zero-point energy which is a form of electromagnetic energy) imprints specialized frequencies that can address such conditions as allergies, pain, sleep problems plus provide EMF protection and many other benefits.

Unlike other scalar energy products composed of volcanic materials or other minerals that may have naturally occurring radioactivity, Sonny and Leslie Carl use a radionics device to imprint crystals, holograms, gems, metals, water and more.

“We are not jewelry designers, we are people who take our mission of helping people very seriously,” they say. “We work to produce simple, yet attractive aids that are effective in improving your life, both physically and spiritually.”

Leslie started working with Rife and Radionic machines in the early 80s when she was a lab tech for a naturopathic doctor. She also worked with Ed Skilling, one of the pioneers in the frequency and electronic medicine fields. She brings considerable knowledge in herbs, food as medicine, body electricity and lymphology.

Sonny has been a metaphysician for 53 years as well as a psychic, channel, writer, teacher, publisher, and public speaker.

Readers can obtain a 15 percent discount on their first complete order by using coupon code NAM522 upon checkout. Free shipping is also provided. For more information on all wellness and spiritual awareness aids and to place orders, visit www.SupraGanicHealth.com or email cs@supraganichealth.com. See CRG, page 25.

Apogée Fertility Provides Natural Fertility Treatments

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ne of the area’s few and most experienced practitioners, Christan Hunsbedt, owner of Apogée Fertility, in Davidson, has studied natural fertility treatment for 10 years and is a Mercier Therapy practitioner. She provides initial free consultations for those seeking natural fertility treatment protocols and women of all ages searching for more natural approaches to many pelvic issues.

She helps clients achieve natural fertility preparation or to complement or improve success of IVF and IUI; regulate menstrual cycle and ovulation; normalize hormone and endocrine systems; improve ovarian and hormone function for better quality follicles/eggs; increase uterine blood flow and lining; improve Male Factor sperm quality, quantity and motility; decrease miscarriages; and address high FSH, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, premature ovarian failure, luteal phase defects, endometriosis and autoimmune infertility.

Effective for women facing fertility challenges, experiencing pelvic pain, recovering from gynecologic surgery and having undergone traumatic birthing experiences, Mercier Therapy is a safe, gentle, deep, pelvic visceral manipulation protocol that effects better organ mobility and restores blood flow so optimal pelvic organ function returns.

Hunsbedt, LMBT for 12 years, also certified in myofascial release, prenatal massage, cupping, lymphatic, massage labor support and neuromuscular therapy, says, “Since pursuing this work, I have personally witnessed how facilitating the body in its natural process has resulted in natural conception for my clients. Much like when assisting a woman in labor, her body is encouraged to function optimally and take over the process, itself! How beautiful.”

Location: within Abode Wellness Lounge, 610 Jetton St., Ste. 210. For more information, free consultation or to make an appointment, text 704-401-7428, email ApogeeFertility@gmail.com or visit www.ApogeeFertility.com. See ad, page 6.

The First Wellness Hospital in the U.S. in Charlotte

Cammy Benton, Benton Integrative Medicine

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am so excited to announce Compass Integrative Health Center, a non-profit we have launched to ultimately build a new type of hospital that approaches illness with compassion using both traditional and integrative treatments to improve overall health.

We believe integrative therapies are also something patients want and will benefit from in the hospital setting. Chinese medicine is often used in operating rooms in Asian countries with great success, minimizing the need for pain medications and anesthesia for instance.

Compass Integrative Health Center will provide services such as telemedicine, urgent care, inpatient and outpatient care, birthing center, physical rehab, biohacking lab, medical research center, spiritual center and greenhouse/garden.

Along with traditional medicine, the center will use complementary therapies such as nutrition, acupuncture, chiropractic, sound healing, aromatherapy, craniosacral, light therapy, energy and spiritual medicine to treat patients. Our goal is a wellness hospital that is based on a new approach to healthcare that encompasses every possible support to heal. This involves emotional support by the hospital staff, that loved ones are supported and allowed to give support, spiritual support for all faiths and the best in Western and complementary medicine, in a way that is mutually agreed upon. To grow this model, we will have a research arm to study the different modalities and create blueprints so this can spread across the country and revolutionize what “HEALTH” care really should be.

Please visit www.CompassIntegrativeHealth.com to learn more. There you can subscribe to our email list, volunteer or make a taxdeductible donation. If you are an integrative practitioner willing to contribute best practices data/studies, we would love for you to join us.

May 2022

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health briefs

As up to 50 million Americans can personally testify, autoimmune disorders (AD) defy easy treatment, but a new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, offers hope that vitamin D3 supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of incurring these disorders in the first place. Researchers divided 25,871 older adults into four groups: the first took 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily; the second took 1,000 milligrams a day of marine omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil); the third took both D3 and fish oil; and a fourth was given a placebo. After two years, those that took vitamin D with or without the fish oil had a significantly lower rate of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune thyroid disease and psoriasis, compared to the placebo group. While the fish oil alone didn’t lower AD risk, there was some evidence that it had an effect over time. “Autoimmune diseases are common in older adults and negatively affect health and life expectancy.

Until now, we have had no proven way of preventing them, and The 17.6 million Americans living within one now, for the first time, we do,” says first author Jill Hahn, Ph.D., kilometer of one of the country’s 100,000 an epidemiologist. hydraulic fracturing (fracking) facilities face Vitamin D may also protect against COVID-19 severity, rea higher risk of heart problems, cancer and port Israeli researchers in the journal PLOS One. Examining the respiratory disease, recent research sugrecords of 1,176 patients admitted to a hospital with COVIDgests. In the latest study from 19-positive PCR tests, they found that those with a vitamin D Harvard, statisticians found that deficiency (less than 20 nanograms per milliliter in their blood) living near or downwind from were 14 times more likely to have a severe or critical case of a fracking site contributes to COVID-19 than those with levels higher than 40 nanograms per earlier death among elmilliliter. Mortality among patients with deficient vitamin D levels derly people. Combining was 11 times higher than those with sufficient levels—25.6 perthe Medicare records of 15 cent compared to 2.3 percent. million people over age 65 with zip codes of fracking wells, they found that the closer to the wells people lived, the greater their With its slow, rhythmic, controlled movements and synchronized, risk of premature mortaldeep breathing, the ancient Chinese practice of tai chi has been ity. Those that lived closshown to improve balance, reduce falls and enhance the quality est had a statistically sigof life for people with neurological challenges such as strokes, nificant elevated mortality Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. A meta-review of risk (2.5 percent higher) 24 studies by researchers at the University of North Texas Health compared with those that Science Center didn’t live close by, and concluded those living downwind that tai faced a higher risk of chi may premature death than those upwind. The be able to reduce pro-inflammatory contriburesults suggest that tors to cellular activity, increase anti-inflammatory cytokines airborne contaminants that help regulate immune response, decrease oxidative stress emitted by the wells factors and increase neurotrophic factors regulating neural health. are contributing to the Researchers pointed to its “potential effectiveness in neurorehabilitaincreased mortality, the tion,” which aims to improve the functions and well-being of people researchers write. with diseases, trauma or disorders of the nervous system.

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Take Vitamin D to Protect from Autoimmune Disorders and COVID-19 Severity

Avoid Living Near a Fracking Facility

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

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Try Tai Chi to Boost Neurological Health

Prescription Problem

global briefs

Sky High

Massive wind turbines to generate renewable energy are appearing all over the world, but they can be expensive or impossible to install in remote locations and deep waters. A growing complement is the use of huge, specialized kites at an altitude of up to a half-mile, where wind currents are the strongest. Proponents say the solution is ideal for isolated locations. In Mauritius, an island nation off the coast of Africa, a gigantic sail is programmed to make figure-eights overhead and create enough electricity to power up to 50 homes. The International Energy Association predicts wind energy to increase 11-fold by 2050, with wind and solar combined accounting for 70 percent of the Earth’s electricity demands.

In some places, land for wind farms is scarce, and it takes roughly 71 acres to generate a megawatt compared to 12 acres for a fossil fuel plant. Cristina Archer, director of the Center for Research in Wind at the University of Delaware, notes, “The first farms are in the best spots, and the best spots are limited.” Airborne options range from soft wings to complex, rigid designs that carry turbines and generators on board and shuttle electricity down a tether. Wind farms hosting hundreds of kites could be tethered to barges in deep water far offshore. photo courtesy of Sky Sales Power

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Wind Energy Goes Airborne

Pharmaceutical Pollution is Out of Control

A new study by the University of York, “Pharmaceutical Pollution of the World’s Rivers,” in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has determined that pharmaceutical drugs polluting the world’s rivers pose “a global threat to environmental and human health.” Research leader Dr. John Wilkinson says, “What we know now is that even the most modern, efficient wastewater treatment plants aren’t completely capable of degrading these compounds before they end up in rivers or lakes.”

Biologically active compounds cause harm to wildlife such as the feminization of fish, and the presence of antibiotics in the environment increases the risk of drug resistance. The survey sampled 258 rivers in 104 countries and more than a quarter were regarded as unsafe for aquatic organisms. The most extensive global study to date found that the most polluted rivers were in Bolivia, Pakistan and Ethiopia. In the U.S., Dallas ranked in the top 20 percent.

Those in the Amazon rainforest, Iceland and Norway had the least amounts of pharmaceutical pollution. Wilkinson advises, “The World Health Organization and UN and other organizations say antimicrobial resistance is the single greatest threat to humanity; it’s a next pandemic.”

Opening April 2022 The only Yoga, Meditation and Pranic Healing Center directly north of Charlotte in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains

Retreat for an Hour, a Day or a Weekend April-October. *Open all year for Virtual events

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Offering 2 day weekend Pranic Healing courses

Certified Senior Pranic Healing Instructors Dr. Kenneth Williams Connie Williams, M.Ed.

• Seasonal Pranic Healing Courses April-October • Half and Full Day Retreats • Reduce stress and anxiety

Contact Us: 850-380-0561

BlueUnicornRetreat@gmail.com 152 N. Main St. Hillsville, VA 24343 www.BlueUnicorn.PlanetaryPeace.com May 2022

11

Resilient Mothering How Moms Are Forging Ahead in a Changing World

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by Carrie Jackson

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wo years after “coronavirus” became a household word, the pandemic continues to affect every aspect of our lives. Mothers, in particular, have learned to reimagine what it means to be a parent, employee, partner and friend, while still finding time for themselves. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost 70 percent of mothers say that worry and stress from the pandemic have damaged their mental health.

While social distancing, quarantining, remote learning and masking quickly became a new and often unwelcome normal, positive shifts have also been developing. Already resilient mothers are exploring how to adapt to an ever-changing situation and learning when to hold on and when to let go. They are discovering new ways to be available for their children’s mental health, maintain their jobs, stay connected with other moms and prioritize self-care.

Shae Marcus, publisher of Natural Awakenings South Jersey (NASouthJersey.com), says that the pandemic has brought a number of unforeseen silver linings. As a single mother of two 12

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

young children, she has been in a constant state of transition the last two years and is starting to achieve greater balance. “Like most other mothers, my life before the pandemic was nonstop. I was getting by, and at the same time comparing myself to other parents. The world had to slow down so I could catch up, and I’ve been forced to stop, breathe and take it in stride,” she says.

Marcus shares a common concern, that the isolation has affected her kids’ development. “I worry that the lack of social integration over the past two years will have a lasting impact on my children. My son, who is now in third grade, was in kindergarten the last time he had a full year in a ‘normal’ school setting. That’s a lot to miss out on. While he is academically on track, I’m concerned about him being mature enough. Having sports and other extracurricular activities starting back now is helping to get them integrated again, and I’m able to fully appreciate going to an outdoor spring football game that wasn’t able to happen for so long,” she says.

Marcus has discovered that working from home has had ad-

vantages. “Now, I can do a load of laundry in-between meetings, go to the grocery store when I would have been commuting and be more present when my kids are home. Since I’m not worried about rushing out the door, we have time to talk during breakfast, and I’m able to accompany them to the bus stop. Afterwards, I take 10 minutes for myself to walk around the block and gather my thoughts for the day,” she explains.

Reordering Priorities Seventy-one percent of mothers describe being a working mom during the pandemic as very challenging, according to research done by the global consultancy group APCO Impact. As president of Families and Work Institute (FamiliesAndWork.org), a New York-based research nonprofit, Ellen Galinsky has seen employers grant access to a wider variety of benefits that fit their employees’ individual and family needs. “The pandemic, coupled with racial reckoning, has made many of us rethink our priorities. It now is becoming clear that the world that seemed relatively normal before wasn’t working.

Mothers and fathers were thrust on the front lines of schooling and saw firsthand how different teaching and parenting are,” Galinsky notes.

An estimated 82 percent of employers plan to allow their employees to keep working remotely after the pandemic, re-

ports a survey by human resources consultancy Mercer, but that turnaround is just a first step, says Galinsky. “Studies show that having workplace flexibility procedures in place is a floor, but how employers treat you when you need that flexibility matters the most. The pandemic made us all experience collective and multiple losses together and brought some difficult issues to light,” she explains.

In juggling work and life duties, Galinsky shies away from the word “balance”, which suggests that time and energy needs to be split evenly. “Work and home lives are deeply intermingled, and often when one is in sync, the other will follow,” she says. “It’s important for mothers to set realistic expectations for themselves and let go of the notion that they’re not doing a good job, their kids have to be perfect or they don’t have time to take care of themselves. Children will absorb what they see, so being mindful in your words and actions around work will have an impact on them. If you have a stressful meeting and bring that home with you, the energy in the house will change. It’s okay to tell the kids that you’re upset at your boss and are going to call a friend and talk or go for a walk; let them know it’s not their fault and that parents get stressed, too.”

Stress Survival Skills The pandemic also put many mothers in a chronic state of hypervigilance, because

Excess Acidity Starts With What You Eat And Drink Symptoms such as heartburn, gout and indigestion often stem from excess acidity in the body.

Multiforce is formulated with the aim of providing a sustainable response to the root cause – excess acidity Scan to purchase Free Shipping when ordered on Multiforce website www.multiforcehealth.com May 2022

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they not only had to manage their own anxiety, but also help kids manage their experiences. A University of Rochester study of 153 mothers of toddlers found that ongoing strains can disrupt the body’s natural stress response, making it more difficult to respond with patience and sensitivity to a child’s needs.

Elizabeth Cohen, a clinical psychologist and director of the Center for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) in New York City (CenterForCBTInNYC.com), says that a shock to the nervous system can only be

released with the acknowledgement that the trauma is being experienced in the first place. “Having an understanding of how you’re responding to this stress and uncertainty is key to moving through it.

Even going back to the office after so long may trigger a panic attack if the trauma of the past two years isn’t addressed,” she says. “Mothers need to practice compassionate awareness for themselves and what they’ve gone through. They need to be seen, heard and witnessed in the same way their children are.”

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Cohen advises that while part of a mother’s job is to make kids feel emotionally safe, it’s not as effective if they are themselves depleted. She recommends adopting simple, actionable practices throughout the day to help restore and reset the mind and body, suggesting, “Put some Epsom salt in the bottom of the tub and allow your feet to soak for a few minutes during a shower. Before brushing your teeth, take three deep breaths and pay attention to where you might be feeling tension in your body. Keep a gratitude journal handy to reflect and record your observations and interactions.”

She advises us to remember that we have all had different experiences of this trauma, and nobody is the same as they were in 2019. “It’s okay to tell a friend, ‘I’m excited to see you and also, I’m uncomfortable not wearing a mask.’ We’ve also had to be more selective about who we spend time with, and that has allowed us to foster more nurturing relationships,” she says. “Be more discerning about who you spend time with, instead of saying yes to every invitation to get coffee. It’s okay to do less, and making authentic decisions in the moment will help you truly feel aligned with your thoughts and actions.”

Joint Healing Claire Zulkey, a Chicago-based writer and mother of two young boys, has found creative ways to stay connected with other mothers and not feel so isolated. She pens a newsletter, Evil Witches (EvilWitches. substack.com), which gives her a platform to share stories of everyday motherhood triumphs and concerns. Topics have included perimenopause, end-of-life options for the family pet, finding the best hand lotion and other subjects that mothers in her circle think about.

She also maintains a Facebook group of 100-plus mothers, providing a safe place for members to commiserate and support each other. “The group has allowed me to really get to know mothers in a more intimate way, truly understand what they’re going through and appreciate how much they care about their kids,” says Zulkey.

She made a personal decision to stop drinking a few months into the pandem-

ic, a lifestyle choice that she has maintained for the past year.

“While I was not an alcoholic, there were too many times when I would wake up with a hangover or get into a tipsy argument with my husband. I quickly learned to appreciate how much easier parenting is when I’m in a stable mood, and the entire household has benefited, especially during the pandemic, when we were in such close quarters,” she says.

For all of us, moving forward after two years of collective grief, loss and uncertainty will undoubtedly present new unforeseen challenges, yet maintaining a sense of perspective can help if things start to feel overwhelming. “At the start of the pandemic, I started to feel sorry for myself, but soon I realized that I actually was so much better off than a lot of people. Once I oriented myself with that reality, it was easier for me to move on with a sense of gratitude and desire to help others,” says Zulkey.

Carrie Jackson is an Evanston, IL-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

SELF-CARE FOR STRESSED-OUT MOMS

Take Your Next Step To

Better Health STOP

Placing Band-Aids On Symptoms

START

Treating The Underlying Cause Digestion Disorders Autoimmune Diseases • Diabetes Anxiety/Depression • Women’s Health Wellness and Prevention

For mothers trying to juggle it all, making their own mental health a priority is key. Here are some practical ways busy moms can incorporate their overall wellness into a daily routine.

Set Up Self-Care: Sneaking in breaks throughout the day can have a positive cumulative effect. Follow a guided meditation while waiting for soccer practice, use essential oils in the car, keep a favorite lotion next to the bed or savor a favorite nourishing snack.

Cultivate a Network: Nurturing relationships with supportive peers can provide emotional and social support. Meet a friend for a morning coffee or afternoon walk, join a book club, host a potluck with other mothers or volunteer with a community group.

Prioritize Therapy: The right therapist can provide an unbiased and supportive perspective and help process new and lingering issues. Find a practitioner that understands a mom’s unique needs and a modality that resonates with us. Traditional talk therapy works well for some, but be open to exploring other forms, such as movement therapy or art therapy.

Keep Communication Open: Modeling and encouraging dialogue gives kids a safe space to practice sharing and lets everyone feel valued. Find time during car rides, at the dinner table or before bed to check in with the family and share each other’s thoughts.

Take a Class: Learning a new skill can spark creativity and help build a social network. Try a pottery workshop, join a dance club, take a photography class or study a foreign language just for fun.

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conscious eating

Intermittent Fasting Basics HOW TO IMPROVE HEALTH BY EATING LESS OFTEN

tатьяна kреминская/AdobeStock.com

by Sheila Julson

F

asting has been part of religious and cultural practices since ancient times, but now it is entering into everyday American eating habits. Intermittent fasting (IF), which involves restraining from eating for periods ranging from hours to days, was the most popular dietary strategy among Americans in 2020, outpacing low-fat keto diets and “clean eating”, reports the International Food Information Council. About 10 percent of survey respondents reported that they were following IF diet procedures, usually for weight loss and better health.

“Intermittent fasting is a lifestyle,” says Jerron Hill, an anesthesiologist, in Plano, Texas, who has practiced it for two years and found himself with more energy. “Many metabolic syndromes and diseases can be avoided by making IF a way of life.”

Research on the health benefits of IF is ongoing, but Hill says that advantages include stabilized blood sugar levels, because

16

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insulin levels rise after eating meals. “In a fasted state, insulin levels fall, blood sugar stabilizes and fat stores can be utilized as a source of energy,” he says. Other benefits he cites include lowered blood pressure, decreased low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower triglycerides There are several IF methods. The 16/8 method is most popular and involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an eight-hour window each day. The 5:2 plan is for those that would rather fast twice a week and eat regularly the other five days. Another method known as OMAD involves eating one meal a day. While most IF models do not restrict specific foods, they encourage the consumption of nourishing, satiating, whole foods. Snacking is discouraged.

Women’s Fasting Needs Differ “In the United States, 90 percent of Americans are metabolically

unhealthy. Fasting is one of many strategies that can help people improve their metabolic health. That translates to being a healthy weight and having balanced hormones,” says Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner in Washington, D.C., and founder of the Everyday Wellness Project, an online subscription plan. Her new book, Intermittent Fasting Transformation, integrates IF with women’s hormonal needs during every stage of life.

“Women need to fast differently,” Thurlow emphasizes. “A woman in peak childbearing years under age 35 has to account and fast for her menstrual cycle, meaning her body is much more sensitive to macronutrient depletion or changes than a menopausal woman. Younger women need to limit fasting if they are already lean. They need to avoid fasting five to seven days prior to their menstrual cycle and remain attuned to messages their bodies send them in response to sleep, stress, nutrition and exercise.” In general, once women reach menopause, they experience less hormonal fluctuation and thus more flexibility to fast on a daily basis, she says, although they, too, should keep an eye on their experiences with sleep, stress, nutrition and exercise.

Planning for Success The word “fasting” often conjures up thoughts of hunger and starvation, but proper planning will leave us full and satisfied while practicing IF. “When you’re eating a balanced diet and not necessarily following a particular fad or specific type of diet, you can enjoy nourishing meals without restrictions and still practice IF,” says lifestyle coach Laura Fuentes, of Madisonville, Louisiana, author of the e-book Intermittent Fasting for Women.

Fuentes recommends starting with the 16/8 model, because approximately half of the 16-hour fasting time is spent sleeping.

“There’s also downtime in the evening while you’re preparing to sleep. In the morning, most of us are getting ready for work or getting kids off to school, and we don’t eat right away. Those hours are generally not focused on food.”

When it’s time to eat, fasts should be broken with satiating, nutritious food, not a light snack. The first meal of the day should be nutritious, with protein and healthy fats. Breaking a fast with just an apple, or carrots and hummus, will lead to hunger and eventual snacking.

A common misnomer is that we must eat ketogenic or lowcarb diets while practicing IF. While carbs need to be considered, Thurlow emphasizes eating nutrient-dense, whole foods and fewer processed foods, whether they are part of keto, paleo, omnivore or vegetarian diets.

Some people practice “clean” fasting by consuming only water, black tea or other calorie-free beverages during the fasting time.

Others prefer “dirty” fasting and might consume a handful of grapes, walnuts or other foods or beverages containing less than 50 calories during the fast. “I like patients to understand the value of a clean fast,” Thurlow says. “People might think 50 calories doesn’t count, but that is food, and that does break a fast.”

Sheila Julson is a Milwaukee-based freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country.

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½ red onion, sliced 1 cup tzatziki sauce, purchased ready-made or prepared from the following recipe ½ cup crumbled feta cheese Lemon wedges, for serving Fresh dill and parsley for garnish (optional) Tzatziki Sauce 1 cucumber 1 garlic clove 1 cup plain yogurt ½ tsp salt ½ tsp lemon juice ¼ tsp dried dill Rinse and drain farro, then place it in a pot with salt and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain any excess water.

photo courtesy of Laura Fuentes

1 cup cooked farro 3 cups water or stock ½ tsp salt 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts) 3 Tbsp olive oil Zest of 1 lemon 2 Tbsp lemon juice 2 cloves garlic, grated 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 2 cups chopped cucumber 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

HEALTHY BREAKFAST SALAD

2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips Olive oil ½ tsp salt ½ tsp garlic powder Black pepper to taste 6 cups arugula, baby spinach or green blend 4 strips bacon, cooked and coarsely chopped 4 eggs 1 avocado, peeled and sliced Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sweet potato and bell pepper onto the baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Toss to combine.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender when poked with a fork. Remove from oven and set aside.

In a gallonsize zip bag, Spray a non-stick pan and cook eggs sunny side-up over combine medium heat. Assemble the salads by placing a large handful chicken of greens in each bowl and topping with roasted veggies, fried breasts, olive egg, bacon pieces and avocado slices. oil, lemon zest, lemon Recipe courtesy of Laura Fuentes. juice, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Marinate for four hours or overnight. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add the chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 7 minutes, flip and continue to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature has reached 165° F. Discard marinade. Remove chicken from pan and wait 5 minutes before slicing.

To assemble the bowls, place a bed of farro at the bottom of the bowl. Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, tzatziki sauce and feta cheese. Sprinkle with parsley and dill and serve with lemon wedges.

Tzatziki sauce: Line a large bowl with a mesh strainer, place a paper towel into the strainer. Use a grater to grate the cucumber and garlic clove. Transfer to the strainer to remove the excess moisture. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cucumber, garlic, yogurt, salt, lemon juice and dill. Stir to combine and refrigerate for an hour before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Laura Fuentes.

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photo courtesy of Laura Fuentes

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN FARRO BOWLS

photo courtesy of Laura Fuentes

Feel the JOY of LOVE again! photo courtesy of Laura Fuentes

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19

healing ways

Fending Off Fibroids NATURAL APPROACHES OFFER RELIEF

freely/AdobeStock.com

by Marlaina Donato

O

ptimal reproductive health is key to our vitality, which is why living with uterine fibroids can be debilitating. Studies indicate that as many as 80 percent of American women develop these non-cancerous growths during their childbearing years. Oftentimes, the condition is free of symptoms, but an estimated 26 million women currently suffer from associated effects like chronic pelvic and back pain, frequent urination, excessive menstrual bleeding and a swollen abdomen. Also called myomas, fibroids can often be a hidden cause of infertility, even in asymptomatic cases.

Asian women have a lower incidence of fibroids, while African American women are two to three times more likely to develop them than white women, particularly at a younger age. Genetics, obesity, estrogen-promoting foods and environmental toxins can fuel the fire of this condition, but a tailored, natural approach can minimize symptoms and for some, ward off the need for invasive surgery.

Happier Hormones Through Diet While there is no definitively known cause of fibroids, the most accepted theory is a disruption in the ratio between estrogen and progesterone. Italian researchers that examined data from 1990 to 2020 reported in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health last year that diets deficient in fresh fruits, green vegetables and vitamin D increase the risk for the onset and formation of uterine fibroids.

“I do believe prevention is important by avoiding the use of toxic cosmetics and cookware with chemical components, and by choosing lower-inflammatory foods,” says Crystal Fedele, a doctor of Chinese medicine who treats patients with acupuncture and 20

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Chinese herbs at her clinic, Holistic Women and Families Natural Health Center, in Port Orange, Florida.

Conventionally farmed produce and farm-raised fish are treated with environmental estrogens to stimulate growth, which in turn contribute to estrogen dominance and an increased risk of fibroids in women that consume such foods. “It’s important to eliminate dairy and meat raised with synthetic hormones that can act like estrogen in the body,” advises Alisa Vitti, a New York City-based women’s hormone expert and author of In the FLO: Unlock Your Hormonal Advantage and Revolutionize Your Life. “While no diet can guarantee fibroid prevention, altering the food you eat may help slow fibroid growth.

When it comes to food, your first step is to remove inflammatory foods.”

Vitti recommends opting for fiber-rich whole grains that aid in the elimination

of excess estrogen, as well as nixing gluten and all dairy products unless they are made from organic goat or sheep milk. “High insulin levels from white, starchy stuff—which acts like sugar in the body—is a factor in making fibroids grow,” she says.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale and bok choy are allies in the fight against fibroids by boosting detoxifying enzymes in the liver. Regular servings of sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, pumpkin, spinach and other carotene-rich foods are also valuable.

Ancient Healing Modalities Traditional Chinese Medicine offers promising benefits, but when using recommended herbs, it’s important to seek out qualified practitioners rather than self-treat, advises Fedele. “In Chinese medicine, each case is individual, so herbal formulations are often constructed to treat the whole health of the person and modified as we see improvements,” she says. “We also use a lot of supplements that can help regulate hormones—DIM (diindolylmethane) and broccoli seed extract being two that are commonly used for estrogen-related disorders.” Fedele also recommends acupuncture, but says it is most effective when combined with herbals, supplements and dietary therapies.

Susannah Neal, a licensed acupuncturist in Iowa City, Iowa, concurs, saying, “Chinese medicine is highly effective for rebalancing the flow or energy and breaking up old patterns of imbalances.” Neal, certified in the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, attests to this gentle modality designed to invigorate the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems of the digestive and reproductive organs. “Fibroids may be a result of impaired blood flow in the uterus, and while many styles of massage use techniques to improve circulation, these techniques

FOODS TO CONSUME FOR ACHIEVING HORMONE BALANCE Almonds and hazelnuts

Organic wheat germ

Arugula

Radish

Cold-water, deep-sea fish: salmon, tuna, herring, halibut, mackerel, sardines

Reishi mushrooms

Garlic Green tea

Turnips Vitamin E, vitamin B complex, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids Watercress

focus specifically on the reproductive and pelvic organs,” she says.

According to Neal, one benefit of the Arvigo technique is regulation of the menstrual cycle. When applied regularly, the massage may reduce the size and severity of fibroids. In cases of larger, chronic or more severe fibroids, she says that three to six months of treatment or longer may be required, and in some cases will be used only as adjunctive treatment along with therapies prescribed by a medical doctor.

No matter which alternative approach is taken, monitoring progress is key. Fedele says, “I usually suggest six months to a year of trying holistic options under the care of a licensed provider and then at that time re-evaluating the scenario.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and multimedia artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

STRATEGIES TO STAVE OFF FIBROIDS FROM HORMONE EXPERT AND AUTHOR ALISA VITTI: Eat to balance estrogen. Prioritize foods that help modulate and balance estrogen, like flax seeds, beans and whole grains.

Pears and apples are liver-supporting foods that contain lots of fiber, along with a flavonoid named phloretin, which impairs tumor growth. Be mindful of alcohol and caffeine consumption. Just a couple of glasses of wine significantly raises estrogen levels. Coffee suppresses ovulation, thereby suppressing production of progesterone and increasing the likelihood of estrogen dominance. Organic, unprocessed soy in the form of tempeh and miso can be beneficial, with an anti-estrogenic effect on the uterus.

Balance the microbiome. The microbiome contains a colony of bacteria that helps metabolize estrogen. When the good and bad bugs in the microbiome are out of balance, the estrobolome can’t do its job efficiently, and estrogen builds up. Another key to building and maintaining a healthy microbiome is supplementing with a high-quality probiotic.

Cut out the chemicals. Many chemical-free options are less expensive than conventional products, especially when bought in bulk. Use baking soda and vinegar to clean around the house. Refrain from treating the lawn with chemicals. Replace plastic food storage containers with glass and stainless steel options which last a lifetime and don’t leach harmful agents into comestibles. Opt for a shower curtain made of less-toxic materials than plastic.

FROM ACUPUNCTURIST SUSANNAH NEAL: Fibroids that are smaller than two centimeters will respond more quickly to treatment and may only require the use of one or two modalities, such as monthly, professional, abdominal massage; self-care massage at home; and herbal medicine prescribed by a licensed herbalist for three months. Larger, more chronic and severe fibroids may require multiple modalities and a longer course of treatment in addition to these measures, including weekly acupuncture sessions and dietary recommendations.

Three to six months of treatment may be required. Natural medicine understands and respects that each person’s ability and time required to heal is complex and must be individualized.

May 2022

21

wise words

Jeffrey Bland on

Rejuvenating Our Immune System

by Sandra Yeyati

K

ronment and isn’t overreacting or underreacting, while still working as you would like it—to defend us.

What is Immuno-Rejuvenation?

There are two parts to our immune system.

One is the adaptive immune system, which produces antibodies that remember what we were exposed to in terms of viruses or bacteria, and can mount a response if we are reinfected. The other, the innate immune system, is the first line of defense, found on our mucosal surfaces like our gastrointestinal tract, our respiratory tract or on our skin. In the last five to 10 years, immunologists have discovered that the innate immune system can be epigenetically retrained to be more in balance through things like time-restricted feeding, regular activity or exercise, predictably getting into REM sleep and the incorporation of plantderived nutrients called phytochemicals into our diet, which are believed to activate selective autophagy processes. In conjunction with these lifestyle principles, you want to remove exposure to specific chemicals, including agrochemicals, airborne pollutants, heavy metals—things known to increase inflammation.

The innate immune system is cleansed in part through the activity of the lymphatic system, which is circulated by physical motion. If we’re not moving, our lymphatic system becomes sluggish. Many types of physical medicine—massage, acupuncture, manipulation, chiropractic—are ways of activating lymphatic draining. This is a very important additional component for the improvement of our immune function.

Recent discoveries show that exposure to things like a toxin, a serious viral infection or even post-traumatic stress syndrome may create an alarm reaction in our immune system, and the memory of that gets encoded in something called the epigenetic programming of our immune system, becoming a controller of how the immune system functions. This new state of alarm is passed on from immune cell to immune cell, locking the immune system into an imbalanced state that is tipped either towards too much response, which we call inflammation, or too little response, which is immune suppression and increased risk to infection.

A balanced immune system, on the other hand, is resilient and capable of moving forward and backward depending on the exposure that the individual is living through.

We believe we can activate Immuno-Rejuvenation through a process built into our body’s system of renewal called autophagy. Its discovery won a Nobel Prize in medicine and physiology in 2016.

In the immune system, autophagy selectively prunes damaged cells that are carrying bad epigenetic messages, allowing cells that are not predestined to be alarmed to take over, leading to a rejuvenated, balanced immune system that can be more resilient to the envi22

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How can we reset our immune system?

quangho/Shutterstock.com

nown worldwide as the founder of functional medicine, Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., began his career as a professor of biochemistry at the University of Puget Sound, in Tacoma, Washington. In the 1980s, he was chosen

by Nobel laureate Linus Pauling to serve as director of nutritional research at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine. Bland’s expertise and visionary influence helped to popularize sciencebased nutrition and establish standards for evidence-based formulations, quality ingredient sourcing and ethical manufacturing practices in the natural products industry. Bland is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed research publications and several bestselling books, most notably The Disease Delusion. His latest project is Big Bold Health, a company designed to transform the way people think about the immune system.

At Big Bold Health, we put together resources to take people through an assessment of their own immune system by answering a questionnaire and a host of educational assets including videos, podcasts, blogs, recipes and more. You can access these for free on our website, BigBoldHealth.com.

What targeted, phytochemical-rich foods are you excited about?

Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat. Over the millennia of its evolution, this unique plant developed the ability to activate its immune system to defend itself against bugs, pollutants, poor soils, drought, sun. As a result, it has in its genes the ability to produce the highest level of immune-activating phytochemicals of any plant we know—50 to 100 times higher. Human clinical trials indicate that people who consume about 100 grams a day of the whole-meal Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat experience distinctive health advantages, reducing inflammation, lowering blood fats

and blood sugar, and improving insulin sensitivity, all of which are conditions related to dysfunctions of the immune system.

How does the Immuno-Rejuvenation concept relate to women’s health?

Women have evolved mechanisms to modulate the immune system to accommodate pregnancy, but that estrogen/androgen balance that controls pregnancy also influences their immune system, and we’re starting to learn how it can significantly influence immune cell aging and injury. So this process of selective immune autophagy is very important in women who go on to have the most prevalent cases of autoimmunity, meaning they are more sensitive to some of these things that would produce an immune response that would be inflammatory.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

COUNT YOUR CARTONS May is CARTON Recycling Month

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Please recycle your carton containers, like Milk & OJ cartons

Only Recycle Me When Empty!

Learn more at

www.WipeOutWaste.com May 2022

23

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

BODY CONTOURING TRUECARE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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Non-surgical body contouringsafely eliminating excessive fat and tightening skin with laser, lipo, fat-freezing and other technologies-weight loss and optimal health services with a functional medicine approach.

Schedule low price consult, receive credit toward services.

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.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

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

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.

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

DENTISTRY 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 2.

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BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & THE SKIN CENTER

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 421-B S. Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com

Affordable convenient Direct Primary Care from a personalized holistic perspective. Thorough and efficient care with nutrition as the foundation. We want to get and keep you healthy. Schedule a new patient consult today. See ad, page 2.

ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING 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 23.

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.

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FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & THE SKIN CENTER

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 421-B S. Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com The Carolina's only Integrative practice offering membership based Direct Primary Care and Functional Medicine wellness programs. Wellness programs are individualized to the patient and address the root cause of illness.

See ad, page 2.

GARDENING 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.

HOMEOPATHY CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Dr Michael Smith 6404 Bannington 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 15.

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 27.

HYPNOTHERAPY LAKESIDE COUNSELING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Amy Bernstein, LCSW, LISW-CP, CH 8211 Village Harbor Dr, Cornelius 704-252-1568 www.LakesideTherapy.com Create new healthy habits this spring! Hypnosis helps with anxiety, worry, depression, sleep, health, clarity, confidence, healthy weight and more. Customized hypnosis recordings included.

Schedule your free 15-minute call today.

INTEGRATIVE HEALER KATIE SUTTON

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

INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRICIAN INFINITE HEALTH, PLLC

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

NATURAL FERTILITY APOGÉE FERTILITY

610 Jetton St, Ste 210, Davidson www.ApogeeFertility.com 704-401-7428 (text) ApogeeFertility@gmail.com One of the few Mercier Therapy practioners in NC, Christan assists women in natural fertility and hormone balance. Supports all ages wanting natural approaches to pelvic issues. Book free phone consultation today.

See ad, page 6.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Dr Michael Smith 6404 Bannington 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 15.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ACID-REDUCING

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Vegetarian, gluten and soy-free and available in 3 natural flavors. See ad, page 13.

ORGANIC SALON ORGANIC SALON LKN

427 E Mills Ave, Mooresville 704-883-6564 www.OrganicSalonLKN.com Harnessing nature's beauty with professional organic products while creatively designing the ideal hair routine and style to fit your life. Call today for a free consultation. See ad, page 11.

RETREAT CENTER BLUE UNICORN MOUNTAIN RETREAT

152 N Main St, Hillsville, VA 850-380-0561 BlueUnicornRetreat@gmail.com www.BlueUnicorn.PlanetaryPeace.com Join us in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Pranic Healing Courses, yoga, meditation, energy healing sessions and more.

April-October. Dr. Kenneth and Connie Williams, Senior Certified Pranic Healing Instructors. See ad, page 11.

SCALAR ENERGY PRODUCTS SUPRAGANIC HEALTH

704-920-0963 • Charlotte www.SupraGanicHealth.com cs@supraganichealth.com Scalar energy wellness and spiritual awareness aids.

Simple, practical, inexpensive, and imprinted with targeted scalar frequencies to help the body repair itself or work with your consciousness. Free shipping. 15% discount with NAM522.

May 2022

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SOUND & VIBRATIONAL THERAPY Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity Natural Awakenings of its distributors Natural Awakenings throughout the area. appreciates the generosity appreciates the generosity of consider its Please supporting of itsdistributors distributors throughout the area. Pick these major distributors by throughout the area. shopping there and picking up magazines monthly at: up the magazine each month Please consider supporting from one of the racks. these major by Thankdistributors you!

Natural Awakenings

HARMONIC WISDOM

Certified Vibrational Sound Coach 586-291-3320 • Charlotte www.HarmonicWisdom.com Deep Stress Relief. Solfeggio tuning fork frequencies to help facilitate balance, change, and rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit. “Everything in life is vibration.” A. Einstein. Call today for free consultation.

shopping there and picking appreciates the generosity SPIRIT AND SOUND magazine each monthBarbara Griggs, LSH, CVSP, CVSC ofup itsthe distributors barb.griggs04@gmail.com fromthe one of the racks.

Natural Awakenings throughout area.

248-321-6098 appreciates the generosity Thank you! www.SpiritandSound.net Please consider supporting of its distributors Call today for free consultathese major distributors by the area. tion. Discover avenues to overthroughout come uncertainty and fear. As a shopping there and picking licensed spiritual healer, intuitive, Please consider supporting up the magazine each month and Certified Vibrational Sound major distributors by from one ofthese the racks.

Practitioner/Coach, let's awaken the strength and commitment there and picking Thankshopping you! necessary to honor your journey. up the magazine each month from one of the racks.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS Thank you!

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 2.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

401 E Arrowood Rd Sundays at 9:30am UnityofCharlotte.org

Unity features a vibrant Sunday Celebration Service at 9:30 AM, with inspiring messages from a rotating slate of guest speakers. Unity supports your well-being, prosperity and spiritual journey.

SUSTAINABILITY 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

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.

Check out the latest events at www.AwakeningCharlotte.com/Calendar

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

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.

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, back cover.

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.

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.

To place a listing call 704-499-3327 or email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com

The Healing Power of Oxygen Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a safe and non-invasive therapy that enhances the body’s natural healing process, stimulates stem cell production and strengthens the immune system

Effective Treatment for Both Insurance & Noninsurance Covered Conditions: • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) • Lyme Disease • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Autism • Fibromyalgia • Ulcerative Colitis • Diabetic wounds • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Radiation injury • Anti-Aging • Concussion • Stroke • Chrohn’s Disease • Sports Injury • Long COVID During your session you can: watch a movie, listen to music, sleep, meditate, or just plain relax

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Nirvana Hyperbaric Institute • 146 Medical Park Rd, Suite 110 Mooresville, NC 28117• NirvanaHbo.com May 2022

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