Natural Awakenings Charlotte - October 2023 Issue

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Dr. Eric Kempter

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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

During your session you can: watch a movie, listen to music, sleep, meditate, or just plain relax

HOURS

3010 Monroe Road • Suite 104 Charlotte 704-632-9911

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Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Making New Memories

Irecently returned from a trip to Washington State and North Idaho, where I grew up. My sister had an international business trip and needed someone to stay with her daughters, our father’s 75th surprise birthday party was over Labor Day weekend, and our stepfather entered memory care in Spokane last year and I hadn’t visited him yet. So three birds with one stone. Earlier in the summer, I had a conversation with my sister after she visited our stepfather, and she said that as she was leaving, he’d asked how I was doing. I assumed he’d forgotten who I was, so that gave me more urgency to visit. The stars were certainly aligned with this excursion—and my visit with my stepfather ended up being a highlight. Arlo was drafted and played in the NFL for a short time until he was injured, and then he played several more years in Canada. When I was growing up, he was a high school football coach and teacher. I remember him being demanding and a bit impatient, but also gregarious and the life of the party. His football players practically worshipped him. He always made an impression.

In memory care, Arlo was still the life of the party. The nurses told me they call him “coach,” and during my visit every time they walked by his room they exchanged banter. I found he had lost a lot of weight (I remember him regularly exercising to keep his weight under control and thought he’d be happy with it now.) And he was organizing his room, placing various items in neat piles: socks, magazines, random things. I wondered if he was trying to make sense of his new reality. He did not remember me—I had prepared myself for that—and several times during our conversation, he asked how we knew each other. He talked about a woman who lived in the closet of his room, and sometimes he’d shift to a completely different train of thought that I could not follow. A couple of times I moved in my seat and something fell on the floor, and he immediately said something to the effect of, “It’s OK—don’t worry about that,” almost going to an extreme to assure me it was no big deal. It was sweet and out of character. And the best memory I have of our visit.

So for me, this month’s free livestream prescreening of Memories for Life: Reversing Alzheimer’s, hosted by KnoWEwell and Natural Awakenings magazine, is timely. (See the details on page 9.) I’m still processing my visit with Arlo, and I’m sure attending this event will help with that.

Wishing you a happy, healthy October,

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

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

© 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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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.

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Shannon

Please consider supporting these major distributors by shopping there and picking up the magazine each month from one of the racks. Thank you!

Please consider supporting these major distributors by shopping there and picking up the magazine each month from one of the racks. Thank you!

Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity of its distributors throughout the area. Pick up magazines monthly at:

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COVER IMAGE BY nikolaydonetsk/AdobeStock

Brown-Bush Leads Online Brain Health Event

Dr. Tiffany BrownBush, an Integrative Mental Health Therapist, Traditional Naturopath, and board-certified Doctor of Natural Medicine, will lead Brain Warrior’s Way, a free online, highly informative event that lays the foundation for our brains to heal focus issues, brain fatigue and rollercoaster feelings in ourselves and our families, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on October 20. The session will provide more options for mental and brain health and neurological divergence than those limited to medication, talk therapy or that don’t include holistic and natural interventions.

“As the holidays approach, it can become much more challenging to manage issues,” she says. “Also, at this point, young people have been in school for a while and their struggles have become more apparent.”

Brown-Bush, who specializes in brain health and food struggles for individuals, couples, and families, is the creator of the Doc Brown-Bush protocols with 23 years of experience in coaching fitness and nutrition, 14 years as a Neuro Psychotherapist, specializing in eating disorders and ADHD, and has offered functional medicine and naturopathy for nine years. She combines Rational Living Therapy (a form of CBT), QNRT (trauma reset), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Functional Neurology with Brain Retraining, Naturopathy, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, exercise, supplementation, and lifestyle modifications.

To register for the free special event, visit linktr.ee/docbrownbush. For more information or to schedule a free 15-minute phone consult, call 704-491-2216, email AdminTeam@DocBrownBush.com or visit DocBrownBush.com. See ad, page 21.

Sustain Charlotte Presents Annual Biketoberfest

Sustain Charlotte will hold its ninth annual Biketoberfest from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, starting and ending at Triple C Brewing Company in the South End of Charlotte.

Biketoberfest is a fun, scavenger-hunt-style event for all ages and abilities and a great way to explore and discover new places around central Charlotte without a car. It is also one of Sustain Charlotte’s major annual fundraisers with all proceeds going to support the organization’s mission to help make the Charlotte area more vibrant, healthy, and equitable for all. Participants choose a route and bike, walk, jog or ride transit to local businesses, parks, and greenways, collecting stamps in their Biketoberfest passports along the way. Stamps are then traded in for raffle tickets for chances to win prizes during the after-party.

There will be parties with live music at Triple C Brewing Company on Friday, October 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. for participants to pick up event packets, and on Sunday, October 22 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring raffle drawings and a special Biketoberfest beer.

Tickets are $40 through Oct 22. Location: 2900 Griffith St. For more information or to register, visit Biketoberfestclt.org. See CRG, page 31.

Free Livestream Advanced Screening of Major Alzheimer’s Film

KnoWEwell and Natural Awakenings magazine will host a free advanced screening of Memories for Life, Reversing Alzheimer’s, a new, documentary-style film that follows the journeys of six Alzheimer’s patients who are turning to a new, clinically proven method to help reverse the hands of time and retain their memories, at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on October 14.

Narrated by Grammy award-winner Michael Bublé and directed by Hideyuki Tokigawa, the film, to be livestreamed on KnoWEwell’s Regenerative Whole Health Hub, shares the stories of these patients who refuse to accept their prognosis and are instead turning to an innovative approach called the ReCODE (Reverse Cognitive Decline) Protocol, invented by a top neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen.

As an added bonus, Bredesen, New York Times’ bestselling author of The End of Alzheimer’s, will participate in a live, post-screening Q&A session.

This is a rare opportunity to view the film at no charge prior to its formal release and to have the opportunity to interact with Bredesen. The recording will be available to those who register for 24 hours after the live screening.

For more information or to register, visit Tinyurl.com/memoriesforlife. See ad, page 22.

Dr. Tiffany Brown-Bush

Ratliff Hosts Webinar on Navigating Health Care Board-certified

family medicine physician Dr. Melissa H. Ratliff, owner and CEO of Ratliff Integrative Family Medicine, which opened last May in Waxhaw, North Carolina, will present a free webinar on navigating health care at 7 p.m. on October 19. Those who register but cannot attend on October 19 will receive a link to the recording after the event. As most employer-based insurance companies host open enrollments in November for 2024, session attendees will learn beforehand about many other options that can save money on insurance costs and healthcare expenses.

Information will be provided on ways to lessen costs by not paying into large insurance company plans, what type of coverage may be best for individuals, how small businesses can offer health care to employees without using insurance companies and more.

“I’m committed to bringing the health care you deserve to your family and community,” says Ratliff, who also trained in integrative medicine and is licensed to practice in North Carolina and South Carolina. “Your relationship with your doctor is key in your healing. I’ll meet you where you are and help to bring you forward in your health journey. I will help you save money on health care by practicing outside the limitations of insurance. Above all, I provide great value, create space for open communication and build trusting relationships.”

For more information including about direct primary care or to register for the event, call 704-443-8530 or visit DrMelissaRatliff.com/webinar. See ad, page 2.

Longtime Local Business Supports Fall Gardening

Withfall upon us, many are looking to plant and transplant trees, take advantage of mild weather to work on a winter garden, and do further preparation of our gardens for spring planting. To help, American Beauty Garden Center, in Charlotte, specializes in supporting organic gardens and yards, and offers all the expert advice and needed supplies for successful related efforts.

“We also will help you get started with a hydroponic solution, have grow lights, greenhouses and much more and the expertise to advise you on the best solution for your situation,” says owner Alan Corder. “We have a vast array of chemical and pesticide-free products and do not sell Round Up or similar products. Providing natural, organic solutions is our highest priority.”

American Beauty Garden Center, that has been in business for 17 years, has a highly knowledgeable staff that strives to provide excellent customer service.

Location: 4400 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte. For more information, call 704-334-8651 or visit ABGardenCenter.com or on Facebook or Instagram. See CRG, page 29.

Fermented Foods for Brain Health

Yoga for Prostate Cancer Patients

The consumption of fermented products is on the rise as drinks like kombucha and kefir have become popular. They are a source of tryptophan, an amino acid critical to producing serotonin, the brain chemical that influences mood, and may also contain neurotransmitters in their raw form. Research has shown that eating fermented foods may have long- and short-term impacts on brain function, such as reducing stress.

Led by researchers at University College Cork, in Ireland, a new large study has begun to compare 200 fermented foods from around the world to pinpoint which ones are the most beneficial for brain health. Although still in its initial stages, preliminary results have already revealed some surprises. Almost all of the fermented foods display the potential to improve gut and brain health. While more research is needed, sugar- and vegetable-based fermented foods are likely to top the list, according to the lead researcher.

According to the American Cancer Society, about one man in eight will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, with six in 10 of these cases in men 65 years and older. Non-Hispanic Black men have a 75 percent higher risk and are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men, with genetics accounting for some of these disparities.

Researchers from The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio evaluated the impact of yoga on quality of life, as well as on immune and inflammatory responses. Published in the Journal of Urology, the study included 30 men with cancer that were scheduled for radical prostate removal. Half of the patients performed 60 minutes of yoga twice a week for six weeks before surgery and for three to six weeks after surgery. The other patients received standard care.

The group that performed yoga reported higher qualityof-life scores, including reduced fatigue and improvements in physical, sexual, functional and social wellbeing. Based on blood samples, the scientists also found that yoga promoted an anti-tumor immune response and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels.

N95 Masks May Cause Cardiopulmonary Overload

Face masks are used to reduce the transmission of airborne diseases. Nevertheless, for certain people, extended use of an N95 mask may be problematic, and that is what Chinese researchers set out to study in a randomized clinical trial published this year in JAMA Network Open.

For 14 hours in a controlled setting, 30 healthy participants were randomly assigned to receive various interventions with and without the N95 mask, including two 30-minute, light-exercise sessions. Biometric measurements and blood samples were taken before, during and after each testing period.

The scientists found that wearing an N95 mask resulted in reduced respiration rate and oxygen saturation within one hour, and an elevated heart rate two hours later, which continued until the mask was taken off. During exercise, mask-induced cardiopulmonary stress was further exacerbated, as heart rate and blood pressure increased, and respiration rate and oxygen saturation decreased. Energy expenditure and fat oxidation were elevated.

After the 14-hour masked period, blood pH markers decreased, which may cause drowsiness, stupor and even coma in extreme cases, according to the National Institutes of Health. The study authors note that chronic cardiopulmonary stress may increase cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality in elderly individuals, children and those with cardiopulmonary diseases. Further investigation is needed to explore the effects of different masks on various populations.

ASK A MECK COUNTY EXPERT

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste experts receive hundreds of residential waste disposal and recycling questions weekly. To educate and empower Natural Awakenings readers, their experts provide updates and answer some of the most frequently asked questions in a bi-monthly column.

It Is Fall: Do I Need Mulch or Compost for My Plants or Yard? What is the Difference Between the Two?

Fall is generally when we prepare yards, gardens, and green areas for the winter season. Mecklenburg County produces several varieties of mulch, along with organic compost for use on plants and yards. Frequent questions we receive are: how do you know which to use, where to get it, and how much does it cost?

Mulch is the woodytype material that generally goes around trees, shrubs, and plant beds and is beneficial because it holds moisture. Meck County makes several types

of mulches from the separated yard trim materials that we receive. The first type is Brush Mulch made from leaves and woody tree materials. Brush Mulch is free to all county residents at any of the county’s full-service recycling centers. It is aged to meet temperature requirements from the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources to destroy any bad bacteria that may be present.

The second type of mulch is Select Hardwood Mulch. It is made from grinding tree bodies and does not contain leaf materials. It is generally a lighter color and is sold at $13.99 a cubic yard. Select Mulch is also sold in bags for $2.50 each. Dyed or colored mulch is also available in limited quantities from the Compost Central location. Meck County has started coloring mulch in dark brown and black for those customers who desire a more finished and consistent look. The price for dyed mulch is $26 a cubic yard.

Compost is the fine-grained organic product that is the result of 9 months of aging organic materials. Mecklenburg County compost is available at any of the full-service centers and is a great soil amendment material for growing plants and grasses. It generally needs to be mixed in with existing soils and will help soil retain water and provides a rich organic mix to the clay-ridden ground of NC.

The County also has a website specifically dedicated to your mulch and compost needs: MeckMulchMadness.com. You can view products or even find a company to haul the materials to your home.

If you have program questions about recycling, waste diversion or anything else related to waste, please visit WipeOutWaste.com. To submit a waste disposal and recycling question, email SolidWaste@MeckNC.gov. Jeff Smithberger, Director of Solid Waste, answers the top seven residential recycling questions at https://tinyurl.com/MeckRecyleRightFAQs.

Birds Using Anti-Bird Spikes to Build Nests

Magpies and crows in Scotland, Holland and Belgium are using metal spikes—originally intended to deter bird perching—to build their nests. The spikes appear to provide several nesting AI

benefits, such as structural support, protection against predators and even as a signal of mate quality.

According to researcher Auke-Florian Hiemstra from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center and Leiden University, in the Netherlands, the metal spikes seem to provide a similar function to more natural materials, such as thorns. However, manmade materials in nests can be dangerous. For example, metal may get cold at night and harm chicks, or the spikes can collect materials that can be harmful to the birds.

This is not the first documentation of birds using harsh, manmade materials for nesting. The first account of a crow’s nest made of barbed wire dates back to 1933, and more modern examples include the use of nails, screws and syringes.

TRADITIONAL WORLD HEALING WISDOM

LOST PRACTICES GAIN NEW RESPECT

by Carrie Jackson

Herbalism

Herbalist and spiritual coach Lucretia VanDyke integrates rituals, plant-spirit meditation, holistic food and ancestor reverence into her practice. An expert on Southern folk healing, VanDyke notes in her book, African American Herbalism, that Indigenous practices were never lost, but people had to go underground for fear of persecution.

“Herbal and sacred ceremonial practices of enslaved people of African descent were highly regulated or banned by the United States government in an effort to control the people most affected by colonization,” she explains. “In the mid-18th century, Virginia and South Carolina made it a capital offense to practice herbalism, resulting in harsh punishment or even execution if found guilty. Additionally, in 1883, the U.S. Department of Interior came up with the Code of Indian Offenses, which implemented laws that applied only to Native people until 1978. They were punished for dances and feasts by imprisonment or withholding food rations for up to 30 days.”

Gabrielle W Perillo/SpiritOfTheOwl.com

With time-tested wisdom and natural roots, traditional and Indigenous medicine has been an integral resource for centuries in communities around the world. According to the World Health Organization, 88 percent of all countries are estimated to use traditional medicine, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and shamanism. The contribution of these practices is increasingly being recognized by Western medicine, especially in collaboration with integrative, holistic and regenerative medicine. The pandemic prompted renewed interest in traditional treatments, and incorporating them into wellness and healing modalities is easier and more valuable than ever.

Noting a resurgence of these once-forbidden practices, VanDyke adds, “Today, I see people trying to branch out on their spiritual journey and seeking sources outside their Christian upbringing to answer questions within themselves with practices like herbalism and African traditional religion coming more into the mainstream.”

Linda M. Conroy, MSS, MLSP, is an educator, herbalist and community organizer who dedicates her life to connecting with the green world. She is the founder of two annual gatherings: the Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference and the Mycelium Mysteries Women’s Mushroom Conference. She also provides herbal education, workshops and individual consultations through her Wisconsin-based business, Moonwise Herbs.

“Herbalism is a practice where people connect and work with plants for healing and nourishment,” she says. “Plants, herbs and mushrooms have been around long before we have and provide an innate connection to the earth. Everyone has ancestors that grew and foraged for their own food, and we remember that in our being. It’s a different experience from buying a plant or pill from the store shelf.” Misconceptions about herbalism are

common in America, Conroy asserts. “In other countries such as Cuba, Germany and China, conventionally trained physicians still learn about more than 50 herbs in their training, but the United States all but abandoned herbalism after the development of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals,” she explains. “The pandemic has helped spawn a resurgence of interest, with people increasingly disappointed by Western medicine and turning to herbs for respiratory support, stress management and other conditions.”

Conroy stresses that working with herbs is both an art and a science. Learning their unique properties is key. “In order to be truly effective, it’s imperative that people know how to properly choose and use the correct herb for each situation. This includes being mindful of the dosage, method of delivery and sourcing. Herbs are much safer than most things out there, and with the right assessment skills, they can be truly transformative,” she says.

Another recommendation is to establish a wellness routine that incorporates herbs as maintenance to remind the body of

their healing value. “Herbs are not drugs but can work in synergy with them. Many common ingredients can be used every day, such as a stinging nettle infusion to nourish the kidneys and lungs, and oats to fortify the nervous system,” Conroy says. “Acquiring our herbs and foods from local sources also strengthens our connection to the plants. Most things we need, such as garlic, cabbage, eggs and raw honey, we can find in our own garden, from neighbors or at a farmers market.”

Energy Healing

Billie Topa Tate’, a member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, is founder of MSI Wellness, in Evanston, Illinois, and author of the upcoming book, Spirit Guide Invocations: Seeking Wisdom from Sacred Helpers. Dedicated to creating a sacred space one person at a time through her Indigenous teachings, she is a mentor, teacher and healer. Her work has been shared by several universities and publications.

Although Indigenous healing practices do not have scientific studies to support

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their efficacy, they do have the observational and traditional support of her people, Topa Tate’ says. “The Apache learned medicinal properties from the plants and honored the position of being stewards of the land,” she asserts. “We learned from our virtuous elders that plants provide us with medicine and food, as well as spiritual qualities, such as smudging, essential oils and incense, which help to cleanse the body, mind and spirit.”

According to Topa Tate’, a shamanic journey is a visit to the energy world and can lead someone to insightful wisdom regarding their life’s purpose. “The spirit world provides a release of the thoughts that limit us and brings us into a realm where we can be guided by higher thought,” she explains. “Visiting the spirit world with proper guidance allows us to access the worlds of healing, wisdom, angels, the past, the future and even the symbolic energies of our present lives through our mind. Another way to find this release is to understand that words are energy carriers and can provide our mind, body and spirit with a source of enlightenment. We

do this through our drumming songs and ceremonies, but also by becoming more aware and harnessing the power of words as medicine in everyday actions.”

Energy work can help us reconnect with that part of ourselves that facilitates healing, says Topa Tate’. “I recommend beginning the day with a five-minute morning ceremony that gives thanks to the creator for a beautiful day and invokes our helpers to offer assistance with particular projects. As a healer, it is important to teach people how to manage their stress with more productive platforms, such as meditation, nature walks and seeking out their life’s purpose. There is a misconception that only Native people can do this energy work, but we are all one family and can learn how to integrate the natural wellness that the Native people have used for centuries,” she explains.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the philosophy, experiments and experiences indigenous to Chinese culture. It has been practiced for more than 2,500

years and is used for health maintenance as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental illness.

According to Dr. Heming Zhu, NCCAOM, a board-certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, author, educator, scientist and founder of Harmony Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, in Maryland, the basis of TCM lies in the belief that the human body is a holistic system deeply connected to the universe.

“TCM is influenced by the flow of vital energy called qi. To restore the balance of qi and gain the harmony of life’s paired aspects known as yin and yang, TCM practitioners use various techniques, including acupuncture, moxibustion [burning herbs at acupressure points], herbal medicine, massage, qigong and dietary therapy,” Zhu explains.

Zhu says that TCM modalities fit into either a physical therapy or chemical therapy category and can be introduced for regular maintenance. “Acupuncture is commonly used for addressing fatigue, stress, pain, gastrointestinal issues, arthritis and improving overall well-being. Cup-

Ron Torrance, DO

James Leiber, DO

Ignatios Papas, DOLisa Valastro, DO Duron Lee, DO

ping is beneficial for relieving stress and muscle soreness. Tui-na, a form of therapeutic massage, is used for musculoskeletal disorders, digestive issues, pain and more. Gua sha helps manage stress and alleviate muscle tension and pain. Moxibustion can boost energy, improve digestion and address cold-related ailments. Qigong and tai chi are gentle, mind-body exercises that reduce stress and promote relaxation and overall mental well-being. Chemical therapy includes herbal medicine and dietary therapy to emphasize the connection between food and health,” he says.

TCM can be incorporated into an established wellness routine, and Zhu offers a few guidelines to ensure the best results. “People should seek education on the basic principles of TCM and be intentional not to judge it by Western medicine standards. They should find a licensed and experienced TCM practitioner and keep an open mind in initial consultations. Simple TCM practices, such as mindful breathing, gentle stretching or drinking herbal teas, can be incorporated into a daily wellness routine, and lifestyle changes, such as sleep routines and stress management, are part of the healing process,” Zhu says.

Emotional Healing

“There are multiple factors to illness, but often our emotions and trauma, either intergenerational or personal, are at the core,” VanDyke says. “Creating ceremonies based on the old ways gives you the strength to show up for yourself and makes it a little easier to move through the experience. Grief is a multilayer process, and it takes a holistic approach to co-create a path to a new normal. Our emotions are like invisible chains that bind us in a trauma loop, and having support for that is important. Nurturing the spirit is one thing that Western medicine does not talk about. I find that laughter, joy, pleasure and feeding the child-like spirit in us helps with this when life gets heavy. Ask yourself how you prioritize joy, and create your own rituals that center traditions while honoring your true self.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

Back to the Roots

by Cammy Benton, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP

It is unfortunate that after some doctors finish family medicine residency, they realize that they have become pill pushers. It is at that moment they recognize how truly helpless many people are. Most people don’t even know how to manage a cold without antibiotics due to decades of societal training. Our modern medical system has disenfranchised people, leaving them with few tools to manage basic health needs.

The medical system has convinced people that it knows their bodies better than they do, that home and natural remedies are quackery, and that anything that works must be learned in medical school. Although the many pharmaceuticals and modern medical advances are at times a godsend, their over-the-top marketing results in people disavowing traditional methods of healing and heeding their own common sense. People need to know how to care for themselves.

Doctor means “to teach” in Latin. Teaching people how to manage things like colds, abscesses and other ailments is critical to feeling empowered and helping people understand their own bodies. Medicine men and women using nutrition and herbal remedies show us that this is just the tip of the iceberg in supporting our health and living in symbiosis with the world around us. Great herbalists and medicine people find medicine all around them.

In urban areas, we kill the valuable herbs as weeds with toxins and replace them with grasses that then need harmful fertilizers to grow. We throw away grass clippings and buy mulch. We fill our yards with grass and other plants that need extra attention but serves no purpose other than to support a

societal aesthetic and big business in place of edible foods. Those dandelions we kill are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and the roots are great for liver detox. This is all part of the industrialization and supporting of a material system that we truly need to reconsider as we move forward.

We can still learn the ancient medicine and wisdom of the Earth. Females often served as medicine women in ancient times, and it is time to bring that back to families. Beautiful, strong, creative women are yearning for this ancient connection to our inner medicine women, our inner wise woman. They are finding the rites of passage that color our ancestral lineage. God created so much of what we need on the Earth, and now is the time for us all to move back to the roots of who we are.

Let’s use the best of modern medicine, but slow down, dig deep, look around and undo the training of the past 100 years. Let’s shift our dependence on medicine to understanding our bodies, our connections, our environment, our food, and herbals. Let’s love and hug each other and share what we learn. Let’s rediscover the powerful medicines that are all around us.

Cammy Benton is an integrative and functional medicine medical doctor and the owner of Benton Integrative Medicine and the Medspa, located at 16415 Northcross Dr., Ste. B, in Huntersville (also includes Medspa) and 514 N. NC-16 Bus Hwy, in Denver. For more information, call 704-7756029 or visit BentonIntegrative.com/blog.

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Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day

by Kiki Powers

October 9 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Its origin traces back to 1977, during the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, but it was not proclaimed an official U.S. holiday until 2021. During this national holiday, we celebrate the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognize their inherent sovereignty and commit to our treaty obligations with tribal nations.

The federal government recognizes 574 American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities in the U.S. According to the United Nations, there are more than 476 million Indigenous peoples living in 90 countries worldwide, accounting for 6.2 percent of the global population.

Here are a few ways to celebrate.

HONOR THE LAND. Visit Native Land Digital (native-land.ca) to learn the location and history of lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples around the world. The website, which includes an interactive map, identifies territories, languages and treaties.

LEARN THE HISTORY. Winner of the 2015 American Book Award, An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a compelling history of the United States told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples.

CONNECT WITH NATURE. Indigenous peoples are exemplary stewards of the land that they inhabit, and we can take their lead by spending time in nature, acknowledging our dependence on the land and becoming good stewards of the local ecosystem.

BUILD A GARDEN. There is much to learn from Indigenous gardening techniques. Companion planting, for example, is the idea that certain plants grown together improve

each other’s health and yield. Choose native plants as much as possible to support the local ecosystem. Grow healing herbs and flowers. At the end of a season, save the seeds of plants that thrived for future use.

SUPPORT INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES. On this day and every day, consider supporting Indigenous businesses for handmade jewelry and clothing, body-care products, home decor and artwork.

VISIT A MUSEUM. The National Museum of the American Indian is part of the Smithsonian Institution, with locations in Washington, D.C., New York City and Suitland, Maryland. It curates one of the world’s largest collections of native artifacts.

TAKE UP STORYTELLING. Historically, Indigenous peoples have used storytelling to educate, inform, entertain and preserve their distinct legacy for future generations. Gather with friends and family to learn about and practice this life-affirming art.

EXPLORE INDIGENOUS ART FORMS. From traditional masks that narrate origin stories to handmade jewelry, crafts and dreamcatchers that memorialize healing dreams, there are so many wonderful art projects that we can appreciate and learn.

Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at RawKiki.com.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

A PROMISING ALTERNATIVE FOR AUTISM

by Dr. Roger Hunter

There is currently no cure for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As such, many physicians are looking to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a treatment that is showing great promise. It targets the source of the condition by treating damage and inflammation in the brain. As a result, parents and children are seeing positive results. For people with autism, HBOT has shown improvement in behavior, memory, social interaction, language and verbalization, cognitive function, reduction in repetitive behavior, increased eye contact, improved sleep patterns and motor skills, and a decrease in gastrointestinal complications.

HB OT is a safe non-invasive, painless therapy where the patient breaths 100 percent oxygen under pressure. The treatments last 90 minutes, five days per week. Usually, a parent will be in the chamber with the child. It reduces the inflammation in the body but especially the brain, stimulating an 800 percent increase in the body’s production of stem cells. HBOT addresses mitochondrial dysfunction commonly associated with ASD, increases the production of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase to reduce oxidative stress, and stimulates the immune system.

The cause of ASD is unknown but is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect the brain ranging from increased inflammation to a surplus of synapses, or connections, between brain cells. Research has shown that in non-ASD brains, the number of synapses decreases by 50 percent by late childhood versus 16 percent in ASD brains. HBOT has proven to be a very potent anti-inflammatory and promotes neuroplasticity in the brain.

Studies show that the blood flow in the ASD brain is increased in some areas and

decreased in other areas versus the nonASD brain.

Research shows that in people with ASD, the connections established across brain regions stay connected for a much longer period than non-ASD brains. These connection times are very short in non-ASD brains but may last up to 20 seconds in an ASD brain. There is an association between the connection time and ASD severity. This may be the limiting factor in allowing the ASD brain

to shift from one stimulus to another, causing a sensory overload to lights, pain, sounds, tastes, and smells.

Previous research has shown that microglial cells, which are the immune cells of the nerves in the brain responsible for fighting infection, are always activated, resulting in constant inflammation in the brain. Dr. Shai Efrati and his group published a research article in 2022 that studied autism in an animal model which reported that HBOT reduces inflammation and improves blood and oxygen supply to the brain, thus improving brain function.

The gastrointestinal system is another area that is often affected by a correlation between incidence and severity of ASD symptoms. This is associated with high levels of inflammation and an overgrowth of certain harmful bacterial and fungal organisms. HBOT helps reestablish healthy gut flora, reduce the associated inflammation and heal the intestinal lining.

Dr. Roger Hunter is the owner of Nirvana Hyperbaric Institute, located at 146 Medical Park Rd., Ste. 110, in Mooresville. For more information or a free consultation, call 704471-4100 or visit NirvanaHBO.com.

The Modern Macrobiotic Diet

MORE THAN TOFU AND SEAWEED

by Veronica Hinke

So much has evolved in the 100 years since Japa nese educator George Ohsawa created the macrobiotic diet. For one thing, the recipes have become more flexible, em powering people to save time and use ingredients that they love. “The modern macrobiotic diet is about much more than tofu, seaweed and miso,” says chef and author Christina Pirello, the Emmy Award-winning host of Christina Cooks, on PBS. “It’s about seasonal, whole, unprocessed food cooked in accordance with each person’s condition and lifestyle.”

“In the beginning, there was rigidity that didn’t give you the freedom to say, ‘I don’t want to eat adzuki beans again,’” Pirello says. “Variety is key. You can’t just eat kale and drink smoothies and hope for the best. You have to get balanced nutrition with enough protein, fats and carbohydrates.”

According to Pirello, “What we eat determines how we move through the world. Are we comfortable or uncomfortable? In Chinese medicine, we are either in a state of ease or dis-ease, which became the word disease, but in Chinese medicine, it really means uncomfortable. What do you do to get back into that state of ease, or balance? That’s really what macrobiotics is about; how do you rebalance the body—the organs—to be comfortable?”

Eating in accordance with the natural order—with the seasons—is an essential concept of the macrobiotic diet and includes fall, winter, spring, summer and a fifth season, “late harvest.” The idea is to follow our intuition, Pirello advises: “If you walk into the supermarket in November, you’re not immediately attracted to cherry tomatoes and strawberries, but the winter squashes, pumpkins and parsnips call your name. Macrobiotics allows us to understand that—even here in the United States where foods are so widely available that you can have strawberries at Christmas.”

Her recipe for Winter Squash Risotto, which is featured in her new cookbook, VegEdibles, is just one example of the delicious macrobiotic dishes she has developed. “This risotto is perfect for cooler weather, when we need to keep energy in our middle organs so we are warm and cozy, centered and balanced,” Pirello says. “Come winter and fall, we want foods that are going to help the body hold onto heat. Squash, pumpkin, turnips and rutabaga are going to help relax the body and the

middle organs and help us stay grounded, centered and warm. The risotto is cooked really long, so there’s a lot of warming energy that will help you in cold weather.”

“There has to be a period when the body transitions from the heat of summer into the cool of the fall,” says Chicago area-based macrobiotic counselor Karla Walter. “That’s when we have those beautiful orange foods starting to come out, and the squashes start arriving. We have this really lovely, sweet time of the year that actually nourishes the body and helps the immune system ramp up and get ready for colder weather.”

Walter recommends the macrobiotic diet for finding calmness and rhythm. “When we eat healthy foods that sustain us, our goals come to the surface where we can see them a lot clearer. People don’t know their potential until they start to feel good about themselves,” she says.

Lisa Books-Williams, a plant-based chef, educator and therapist in the San Francisco area, encourages people to find their own plant-based path. “I found my answer at the end of a fork, instead of in a bottle of pills,” she says. “The most loving thing I ever did for myself started with changing my food choices. Sure, it would be more delicious to be eating a pizza, but eating a salad with beans and rice is how I love myself.”

Books-Williams believes that taking the extra time that is required to follow a plant-based lifestyle is worthwhile. “We can eat well inexpensively if we are willing to take an extra couple of hours each week to chop vegetables. We are worth the time it takes to batch-cook and freeze beans in single servings so we have them when we need them. Each of us has to be committed to our own well-being. No one is going to do it for us.”

While much has changed since Ohsawa introduced the macrobiotic diet, Pirello still adheres to its three core ingredients. “I still eat rice, seaweed and miso soup,” she says. “Not as much as I used to, but I still do, because miso is the greatest probiotic on the planet, followed by kimchi. Those are the greatest macrobiotics we could ever eat in our lives, and both are delicious.”

Veronica Hinke is a food historian and the author of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining and Style and Titanic: The Official Cookbook. Learn more at FoodStringer.com.

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A DOCUMENTARY FILM BY HIDEYUKI TOKIGAWA

NARRATED BY MICHAEL BUBLE

hosted by

DELICIOUS, EASY THREE-BEAN CHILI

cept corn, tomatoes and green chilies) in a food processor fitted with an “S” blade, and pulse-chop until the ingredients become confetti size, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the corn, cover and simmer an additional 5 minutes.

Serve over brown rice with the cashew sour cream.

To make the cashew sour cream, use a blender to combine all of the ingredients together, pulsing until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste. Seal and store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Recipe courtesy of Lisa Books-Williams.

FOR CHILI

3½ cups fresh tomatoes, diced

1 15-oz can tomato sauce

1 15-oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked pinto beans)

1 15-oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked kidney beans)

1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked black beans)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

½ small red onion, finely diced

½ small yellow onion, finely diced

1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, finely diced

1 zucchini, finely diced

2 carrots, finely diced

2½ Tbsp chili powder

1¼ tsp cumin

⅛ tsp cayenne powder

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 can diced green chilies (optional)

1 cup fresh or frozen white corn

FOR CASHEW SOUR CREAM

1 cup cashews, soaked for 2 hours

½ cup pure water

Juice of 1 lemon

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Place all of the ingredients, except corn, in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook until the chili begins to boil. Note: For a meatier consistency, before placing them in the pot, place all of the veggies (ex-

In addition to purifying the body; Ozone IV Therapy can be useful for patients with: infections caused by bacteria and viruses, fungal/yeast conditions, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders and much more.

YIELD: 8 SERVINGS

Photo by Lisa Books-Williams

Photo by Lisa Books-Williams

LASAGNA WITH TOFU RICOTTA AND VEGGIE BOLOGNESE

YIELD: 6-8 SERVINGS

FOR THE LASAGNA:

¾-1 lb whole wheat or regular lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions

6-8 oz frozen spinach

1 large zucchini, cut into fettucine-shaped noodles with a vegetable peeler

1 eggplant, cut into ¼-inch rounds and salted

FOR THE VEGGIE BOLOGNESE:

5-6 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 medium carrot, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

½ lb fresh mushrooms, finely chopped

1 zucchini, finely chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried basil

¼ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp salt

½-¾ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 Tbsp olive oil or water

1½ tsp sweetener (coconut or date sugar)

12 oz tomato paste

5 fresh tomatoes, diced

1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes (plain or with basil)

½ cup chopped Kalamata or black olives

2 Tbsp capers, rinsed

¼ cup red wine

FOR THE TOFU RICOTTA:

1 lb medium tofu, drained

¼ cup unsweetened almond or soy milk

1 tsp dried oregano

1 Tbsp dried basil

2 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp nutmeg

2 Tbsp lemon juice

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, chopped

To make the veggie Bolognese, in a large pot over high heat, sauté the garlic, onion, carrot, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, oregano, basil, thyme, pepper, salt and red pepper flakes in the olive oil or water until the onions are tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the sweetener, tomato paste, tomatoes, olives, capers, wine and ¾ cup water. Cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.

Serve with pasta or use in lasagna.

To make the tofu ricotta, blend all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor until it achieves the consistency of cottage cheese, about 3 to 5 minutes. If mixture is too thick, add a little water.

To salt the eggplant, wash and dry the outside of the eggplant. Line a 9- by 12-inch cookie sheet with 2 layers of paper towels. Cut eggplant into ¼-inch rounds and place each round on the sheet pan. Sprinkle ⅛ teaspoon or less of salt on each round and gently massage it into the eggplant. Let rest for 10 minutes. Use paper towels to remove the water that is being expelled from the salting process. Flip the eggplant and repeat process. For best results, remove the salt and expelled liquid.

For the lasagna, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch cake pan in a thin layer of sauce, then cover with a layer of the lasagna noodles. Place the salted eggplant rounds on top of the noodles. Place a dollop of tofu ricotta every 1 to 2 inches. Cover with the zucchini noodles, followed by a layer of sauce. Cover with the spinach, followed by a layer of sauce. Finish with a top layer of lasagna noodles, covered with sauce and sprinkled with dollops of the tofu ricotta.

Cover loosely with aluminum foil or a baking lid and bake until it is hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes. Optional: Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to brown the ricotta topping. Remove from oven and set it on the countertop for 20 minutes before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Lisa Books-Williams.

•

The Healing Arts of Qigong and Tai Chi

WELL-BEING THROUGH INTENTIONAL MOVEMENTS

by Nadia Linda Hole, M.D.

•

•

•

•

Qigong is more than a modern wellness practice. It’s a 5,000-year-old Chinese healing art steeped in tradition. At its core, qigong revolves around the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”), considered to be the life-force energy that permeates the universe. Like love, qi can act as a potent healing agent, restoring inner peace, balance and harmony. Gong refers to the dedication and effort invested in mastering this skill, a journey marked by patience and repetition. Qigong is a moving, meditative practice aimed at harmonizing internal energies, and it is related to tai chi, which originated as a martial art.

Benefits and Scientific Validation

The practice of qigong involves breath work, movement, mindfulness and stretching. It is performed with intention, yet emptiness (wuji), enabling practitioners to cultivate a stronger, deeper mind-body-spirit connection that allows for heightened stillness, clarity, vitality, awareness and sense of self. It has been clinically documented to alleviate stress, enhance energy levels, improve physical fitness and promote cardiopulmonary and immune function.

A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Medicine reported that qigong improved balance and coordination in older adults. In presenting their scientific approach and rationale,

Sergey Nivens/ShutterStock.com

the researchers noted, “Qigong is an integral part of both ancient and modern Chinese medical practice and is now a popular mind-body wellness technique in the United States, as well. An estimated 2.9 million U.S. adults practiced either tai chi, qigong or both in 2012.”

In a 2012 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that tai chi could enhance brain size and improve neuropsychological measures in elderly individuals, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s. A systematic review of 11 studies involving 1,061 seniors with mild cognitive impairment suggested that tai chi training could be effective in improving cognitive function, including memory, learning, mental speed and attention. And, a 10-week study by Brown University researchers reported that cancer patients that practiced qigong displayed clinically significant improvements in fatigue.

Accelerating the Healing Process

“Knowing yourself is the real practice,” says David Stokes Hone, a naturopathic doctor, medical qigong master and founder of the Elements of Life Institute. “As practitioners, all we’re doing is reminding people of the divine connection that’s inside of them. Qigong helps clear blockages and move the stuck qi out. Just doing the practices, we allow our bodies to heal through the movement that helps us have the faith to heal. The blocks and addictions melt into the light formed by the exercises.”

According to Hone, the profound transformations achieved through qigong can range from the dramatic, such as restoring sensation in a paraplegic’s legs, to the more subtle, like the emergence of a smile. He recalls the story of a young woman entrenched in addiction who managed to turn her life around after embracing the practice.

Kevin Chen, Ph.D., a qigong master and associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, introduced qigong to his father with chronic back pain as a way to alleviate his suffering and avoid a recommended surgery.

Principles of Qigong

For beginners, Tai Chi Master Violet Li emphasizes relaxation and mindfulness. “True relaxation is more a state of mind,” she explains. “When we pay attention to our body, the qi will follow.”

Troy Bennett, a doctor of acupuncture and qigong master from Newfoundland, Canada, shares eight principles that he learned from Qigong Grandmaster Effie Chow.

MEDITATE Whenever a problem arises, meditate and wait for the answer to come. If you come to the conclusion that you can’t fix the problem, then it’s not in your hands, so don’t worry about it.

BE LIKE THE WILLOW TREE. Learn to be flexible in the body, mind and spirit.

BREATHE The quality of your breath will determine the quality of your life. Breathe like a newborn baby.

CONNECT Everyone and everything in the universe is connected through qi. Remember the smallest thing you do in life will have an effect on the universe. Always hold the intention of love.

TRAIN FOR SUCCESS Remember to always help people become the best that they can become.

LEAVE A BLESSING Whenever you meet someone, always give a blessing. Your kindness can have the most powerful effect on someone’s life and transform them in ways you can only dream of.

EXPERIENCE EIGHT HUGS AND THREE BELLY-ACHING LAUGHS

DAILY. Don’t take life so seriously. Learn to laugh and enjoy life.

LIVE. When Dr. Chow was asked, “What happens when you die?” she laughed and said, “I cannot answer that question. There is no such thing as death. There is only life.”

Tai Chi Qigong

Classes at 3Nergy Wellness in Pineville

CamiloSanchez, a licensed acupuncturist with a master’s degree in Oriental medicine, is teaching a class on the foundation 24-form movements short form of the Hun Yuan system of tai chi from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays at 3Nergy Wellness, in Pineville, North Carolina. The system of Hun Yuan was developed by Grand Master Feng, and it combines the practices of tai chi and qigong into an integrated form of self-healing and mind-body wellness.

Tai chi and qigong are gaining popularity as alternative mind-body disciplines that are gentle to practice, not strenuous, require no equipment, open to all ages and relatively easy to learn. They are both time-honored practices of self-healing, health promotion, selfdefense and mind-body wellness that incorporate gentle movement, breathing techniques, postures, guiding vital energy and awareness.

Nadia Linda Hole is a medical doctor, qigong master and pioneer in bridging Oriental, Western and energy medicine with Hawaiian-style qigong. She served as a consulting editor for the book Chinese Medical Qigong and contributing author in medical textbooks on complementary medicine.

With 35 years of experience in teaching and also clinical work, Sanchez is a 20th generation lineage instructor of Hun Yuan Tai Chi and Taoist Qigong under 19th generation Master Zhang of Beijing.

Cost: $85/month. Location; 14136 Lancaster Hwy. For more information or to register, call 704-542-8088, email info@3NergyWellness.com or visit 3NergyWellness.com.

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community resource guide

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

3NERGY WELLNESS

Camilo Sanchez, L.Ac, MAOM

704-542-8088

3nergyWellness.com

35 years’ experience in acupuncture, Chinese medicine, integrative health, bioenergy therapies. Expertise correcting root cause of chronic pain, digestive disorders, stress, women’s health and chronic issues. Offering authentic Tai Chi, Qigong and Taoist Yoga classes.

ALZHEIMER'S RECODE PROTOCOL

THE ALZHEIMER’S ALTERNATIVE EndCognitiveDecline.com

Robyn@EndCognitiveDecline.com

908-407-1000

Certified ReCODE Health Coach based in Charlotte executing Dr. Dale Bredesen’s protocol nationwide based on groundbreaking 30+ years of research. Studies in 2022 and 2023 have proven success. Schedule call/Zoom today. See ad, page 5.

BODYWORK

BRITISH MASSAGE

2210 Coronation Blvd, Ste C 704-572-1310

BritishMassage.com

Originally from London, Jessica is highly intuitive, has a natural healing touch and loves to help people feel better physically and emotionally. Medical Reiki Master and offers Reiki classes. Book massage/reiki today. See ad, page 12.

BRAIN/MENTAL HEALTH

DOC BROWN BUSH INTEGRATIVE THERAPY

19109 W Catawba Ave, Ste 200, Cornelius 704-491-2216 • DocBrownBush.com

Customized natural solutions for healing mental health issues, unhealthy behaviors, and brain health problems. Treats ADHD, eating disorders, trauma, stress, anxiety and TBI with counseling, nervous system/stress rewiring, brain balancing and functional medicine/naturopathy. See ad, page 21.

CBD & HEMP

APOTHECA

9 Charlotte Area Stores

Apotheca.org

Shop trusted and tested cannabis, kratom and mushroom products in a welcoming environment. Edibles, flower, drinks, powders and other natural goods, and friendly, educated staff. Use AWAKE20 for 20% off one purchase online or instore. See ad, page 7.

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.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

3120 Latrobe Dr, Ste 200 704-370-6612

StanleyRX.com

NC’s most experienced and trusted compounding pharmacy. Women’s and men’s hormone health, sexual and functional/ integrative medicine. Expert pharmacists work with healthcare providers statewide to customize medication therapy to the patient. Call to find a provider today. See ad, page 5.

CONCIERGE MEDICINE

WELLCOMEMD

8035 Providence Rd, Ste 315, Charlotte 152 Fairview Rd, Ste 325, Mooresville 980-294-4937 WellcomeMD.com

DENTISTRY

GENTRY DENTAL

5950 Fairview Rd, Ste 16

704-554-1007

GentryDentalCharlotte.com

Providing the highest quality biological/holistic dental care with compassion and understanding. Modern, spa-like office, state-ofthe-art equipment and individualized care and attention. In-office dental savings plan. Call today to schedule appointment. See ad, back cover.

KEMPTER 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.

DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & THE MEDSPA

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 514 N NC -16 Bus, Denver 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 10.

RATLIFF INTEGRATIVE FAMILY MEDICINE

104-D Waxhaw Professional Park Waxhaw · 704-443-8530

DrMelissaRatliff.com

Experience concierge medicine that is more personal and effective. Comprehensive and proactive approach, limited number of patients, unhurried 30-minute consultations for a personal relationship with your physician. Schedule free tour today. See ad, page 7.

One of few integrative practices offering direct primary care. Dr. Ratliff is dedicated to longer appointments and developing patient relationships at affordable monthly membership rates. Contact us to schedule free meetand-greet. See ad, page 2.

ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING

MOLD REMEDIATION, HOME WATER CONTROL

Sedona Waterproofing Solutions

704-960-7906

SedonaWaterproofing.com

Address moisture issues in your home resulting in healthier indoor air and increased energy efficiency. Basements, crawlspace, drainage and foundation issues. Call today for a free inspection and quotation. $250 discount with code NACLT. 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 13.

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. Specializing in new residential construction and full-service interior design.

ENERGY HEALING

MANIFEST THE REALITY YOU DESERVE

True Star Coaching™

980-213-7777 • TrueStarCoaching.com

Ebba helps connect you with your higher self to manifest the reality you deserve. Private and group coaching, quantum mechanics (QM) therapy (only practitioner in the U.S.), private meditation, sacred journeys and retreats.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & THE MEDSPA

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 514 N NC -16 Bus, Denver 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 10.

WELLCOMEMD

8035 Providence Rd, Ste 325, Charlotte

152 Fairview Rd, Ste 325, Mooresville 980-294-4937 • WellcomeMD.com

30-plus years in public and private settings, Dr. Klein uses a functional medicine approach to develop personalized plans that helps patients get healthy and stay healthy. Schedule free tour today. See ad, page 7.

GARDENING

AMERICAN BEAUTY GARDEN CENTER

4400 E Independence Blvd

704-334-8651

ABGardenCenter.com

Charlotte’s organic gardening supply store for over 17 years. Knowledgeable staff that answers your questions and makes recommendations. Natural/organic products, hydroponic solutions, greenhouses, grow lights, and more. Visit us today.

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.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CARE

PRIMARY HEALTH-CARE OF CHARLOTTE, P.A.

508 Beatties Ford Rd

704-347-1172

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Serving Charlotte area for 35 years with continuous low-cost holistic health care for uninsured and under insured. Physicals, first aid, testing. Certified by NC Board of Medical Examiners and NC Board of Nursing. By appointment only.

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 4.

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 MEDICINE

STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

3120 Latrobe Dr, Ste 200

704-370-6612

StanleyRX.com

NC’s most experienced and trusted compounding pharmacy specializing in integrative and root-cause medicine for men and women. Expert pharmacist team works with healthcare providers and patients to prepare custom medications. Call to schedule consult today. See ad, page 5.

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.

INTERFAITH MINISTER

REV KENDALL HEATH

Interfaith/Interspiritual Minister

Spiritual Counselor, Intuitive Medium

704-658-1442

LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com

Offering Sunday fellowship 2 x a month, monthly women’s group and one-on-one services including integral soul healing, medium readings, and spiritual mentorship; also national/international sacred retreats. Schedule free 30-minute tea & talk today. See retreat profile, page 26.

ORGANIC SALON

ORGANIC SALON LKN

427 E Mills Ave, Mooresville

704-883-6564

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 19.

OZONE THERAPY

PUREFICO MEDSPA & THERAPY

19401 Old Jetton Rd, Ste 100 Cornelius · 704-655-2719

Purefico.com

Full line of noninvasive wellness/ beauty services including only local provider of cutting edge Eboo Ozone IV Therapy system. Treats autoimmune disorders, infections, viruses, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease and more. Call and mention Natural Awakenings discount. See ad, page 23.

PSYCHIC

PSYCHIC MEDIUM KELLE

978-420-8213

PsychicMedium@verizon.net

PsychicMediumKelle.com

Psychic medium +18 years, author and radio show host. Private readings, psychic investigator on missing person cases. Helps those at a crossroads, experiencing unresolved issues or dealing with loss. Call for appointment today. See ad, page 9.

SCALAR ENERGY

SCALAR FREQUENCY HEALING

704-920-0963

CS@ScalarFrequencyHealing.com

ScalarFrequencyHealing.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. See ad, page 2.

SCALAR HEALTH ENHANCEMENT CENTER

704-920-0963

Members@ScalarHealthEnhancement.com

ScalarHealthEnhancement.com

When you enter the Scalar Health Enhancement Center, you enter a healing zone where the 5th Dimension isn't just a theory, it is a functioning reality! Call for appointment today. See ad, page 2.

SOUND & VIBRATIONAL THERAPY SPIRIT AND SOUND

Barbara Griggs, LSH, CVSP, CVSC

barb.griggs04@gmail.com

248-321-6098

SpiritandSound.net

Call today for free consultation. Discover avenues to overcome uncertainty and fear. As a licensed spiritual healer, intuitive, and Certified Vibrational Sound Practitioner/Coach, let's awaken the strength and commitment necessary to honor your journey.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS

EVOKE DIVINITY

Retreats & In-Home Ceremonies

803-554-1831 • FB, IG

EvokeDivinity.com

Experience deep spiritual awakening with only ceremony of its kind on East Coast. Sacred plant medicine, emotional release breathwork, quantum healing administered by credentialed practitioners. Retreats and In-home.

Addiction, PTSD, trauma, depression/anxiety, feeling stuck. See retreat profile, page 17.

HEARTLIGHT SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev David Hulse, Spiritual Guide 7300 Mallard Creek Rd 704-599-1180

HeartLightCharlotte.org

We are a spirit-guided, heartcentered Christ-conscious, loving family providing an empowering, universal, Christcentered message grounded in the teachings of metaphysics. Meditation 10:30am. Sunday service 11am. Email Shine@HeartLightCharlotte.org. See ad, page 18.

LIGHT HOUSE SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev Kendall Heath, Interfaith Minister

704-658-1442

info@LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com

LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com

2nd & 4th Sundays, Interfaith/ Interspiritual Fellowship Services 10am-11:30am at Soul Wellness, Mooresville. Heart-centered exploration of esoteric, mystical, wisdom teachings of many faiths/ spiritual philosophies. Services include teachings, dialogue, experiential group learning, and music. See ad, page 26.

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

3715 Rea Rd

Sundays at noon

UnityofCharlotte.org

We offer a vibrant, inclusive Sunday Celebration at noon, led by co-ministers Revs Lisa and Jim. Inspiring messages and upbeat music support your spiritual growth, well-being, and abundant living. Space shared with Wesley United Methodist Church.

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.

TACHYON

TORCHBEARER TACHYON

20200 Zion Ave, Ste 11

Cornelius • 980-689-1803

TorchBearerTachyon.com

“Connect to Source” through a 45-minute meditation experience with tachyons. Experience spiritual alignment, clarity, and downloads that improve your mental and physical health. Read our reviews and book your experience today.

VETERINARIAN WHOLE PET

VETERINARY HOSPITALS

4 NC Locations: 3 Charlotte; 1 Coast WholePetVets.com

Full, comprehensive services-medicine, surgery, dental. Alternatives-acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, detox, ozone, homeopathic. Exotics. Fear Free certified (alleviate fear, anxiety and stress). Delivering outstanding results in a positive, fun environment. See ad, page 15.

WEIGHT LOSS

CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Gastonia • 704-271-9757

Matthews/Ballantyne • 704-243-8560

CWLI.net

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, page 2.

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

classifieds

Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $40 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.

JOBS

PART TIME MAGAZINE Delivery – needed primarily for Mecklenburg County delivering Natural Awakenings magazine. Fuel-efficient/ Hybrid/EV vehicle preferred. Work 1-2 days per month, paid per stop. Must be available during business hours. Info: 704-499-3327.

FOR SALE

FIRST AID KITS – Scouts fundraiser. Prices range $16 - $120. 704-778-6863.

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.

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.

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The most creative act you will ever undertake is the act of creating yourself.

—Deepak Chopra