Natural Awakenings Lowcountry April 2018 by Natural Awakenings Lowcountry

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

HEALTHY

PLANET

A GUIDE TO CLIMATEFRIENDLY FOODS

Gardening Asanas Yoga Poses to Stay Pain-Free

HEALING THE CLIMATE & OURSELVES Why We Personally Need a Healthy Planet

Healthy House

Easy Ways to Green It Up

April 2018 | Lowcountry Edition | NALowcountry.com

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letter from publisher

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn’t feel like a giant. I felt very, very small. ~ Neil Armstrong.

everal weeks ago, I reached out to groups on Facebook and Instagram offering free Earth Day event calendar listings to appear in this issue. Much to my surprise, I got a lot of likes, but I did not get even one event submission. I Googled and found only three local events, which wasn’t enough to create a special Earth Day events calendar. You will find the MUSC Earth Day festival, Charleston County Environmental Management’s Free Shredding Day and the Barrier Islands 5k race embedded within our regular calendar. There is also an Outdoor Festival going on at James Island County Park, which isn’t specifically an Earth Day event, but getting out and having fun in nature is always a great way to celebrate Mother Earth. This year, more than ever, I think it is important to celebrate this holiday. It is hard not to get discouraged when we see legislation that aims to undo decades of environmental protections, but we can’t afford to get trapped in feelings of hopelessness. This is a time to empower ourselves, and this issue is full of actionable steps you can take to lighten your environmental impact. It is also a time to amplify our individual impact through education and action. It is more important than ever to examine each political candidate’s stance and voting record before casting our own vote. This year’s international Earth Day theme is, “A World Without Plastic Pollution.” Kudos to the Isle of Palms and Folly Beach, which already have plastic bag bans in place, and to the Mount Pleasant Town Council that is working to finalize their own ban. Speak out against the “ban against the bans” bill H3529, which aims to take the right to enact this sort of ban away from municipalities, leaving it in the hands of the general assembly. I attended a town council committee meeting recently and was moved by all those who showed up and spoke up for the ban in Mount Pleasant. Individual citizens can and do make a difference. Their voices deserve to be heard. More kudos to great organizations like the Coastal Conservation League, Charleston Waterkeeper, the SC Aquarium and Surfrider Foundation. This month, we feature the Charleston Surfrider Foundation in our Community Spotlight on page 14. Learn what they are doing to clean up and protect our ocean and waterways and see how you can help. You can also learn about their Ocean Friendly Restaurant membership program and the local restaurants that worked to meet the criteria. Be sure to reward these restaurants with your patronage and thank them for doing their part. While the news can be depressing, these local groups and individuals give me hope and inspire me. I hope this issue inspires you. In the words of fellow publisher Gabrielle Buchnik, “We’ve only got one Earth, and it should not be up for sale to the highest bidder. It’s ours, so let’s reclaim it.”

To reclaiming it,

Toni Owen Conover, Publisher

The environment is in us, not outside of us. The trees are our lungs, the rivers our bloodstream. We are all interconnected, and what you do to the environment, ultimately you do to yourself. ~ Ian Somerhalder 4

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LOWCOUNTRY Edition

OWNER/PUBLISHER Toni Owen Conover

SENIOR Editor Martin Miron Design & Production T.W.S. graphics sales & marketing Gail Azain Jana Davis Ana Haugsoen Sherry Kachanis

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© 2018 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

Contents 16 AIR QUALITY IN THE HOME

17 PUTTING THE EARTH

IN EARTH DAY

18 HEALTHY CLIMATE,

HEALTHY PEOPLE

Why a Warming Planet is Harming Our Health

22 CHANGING OUR DIET

TO COOL THE CLIMATE

Good Food Choices Enable Global Health

25 TOUCHING THE EARTH The Healing Powers of Going Barefoot

27 GARDENING ASANAS

Yoga Poses to Stay Pain-Free

advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 843-821-7404 or email PublisherNALowcountry@gmail.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: PublisherNALowcountry@gmail.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. calendar submissions Submit Calendar Events to: NALowcountry.com/eventcalendar-entry.html. Submit Ongoing Events to: NALowcountry.com/ongoing-events-calendar-.html. Deadline: the 10th of the month. 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.

28 YOGA DIRECTORY 30 HEALTHY HOUSE Easy Ways to Green It Up

32 INTO THE WOODS Nature Helps Kids Build Skills and Character

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 10 health briefs 11 local health

brief 12 global briefs 14 community spotlight 15 reader snapshot 22 conscious eating 25 healing ways

27 fit body 30 green living 32 healthy kids 34 calendar 38 resource guide

April 2018

cover artist

news briefs

Interfaith Gathering for Religious Freedom on April 29

harleston will join 19 other cities across the globe simultaneously celebrating religious freedom at the Interfaith Gathering for Religious Freedom: Malice Toward None. The event takes place at Unity Church on April 29 at 4:30 p.m. and is sponsored by the Coastal Interfaith Community and Unity Church. Locally, representatives of different religions will share their scriptures or founder’s views on religious freedom and why religious discrimination is unhealthy. The event also includes music and interpretive dance.

Red-Eyed Tree Frog and Starry Night Nick Gustafson

or artist Nick Gustafson, the natural world is a creative catalyst. “Nature is the only thing I’ve ever been interested in painting,” says the Forest Grove, Oregon, artist. “I go hiking nearly every weekend and like to spend time in the wetlands.” He also enjoys wildlife photography, using his photos as inspiration for his canvases. Gustafson uses a variety of media, including acrylics, watercolors and colored pencils to render whimsically styled, brightly patterned horses, trees, mushrooms, flowers, frogs and insects. He typically photographs his paintings to edit them digitally, amplifying the colors. The artist’s family, including his five children, is another source of inspiration and support; he and his daughter recently captured first place in the adult and youth categories of a local area chalk art festival. An artist since childhood, Gustafson studied at the Art Institute of Seattle and Art Institute of Phoenix. His paintings have been exhibited in venues throughout the West. Gustafson has also donated works to some of his favorite wildlife charities, including Save the Frogs! and the Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue. The artist’s portfolio can be viewed at Nick-Gustafson.pixels.com. 6

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Location: 2535 Leeds Ave., Charleston. For more information, call 843-566-0600 or visit InterfaithMarch.com. See ad, page 13.

Incluza-Palooza Celebrates Diversity and Unity

ponsored by the Women’s & Gender Studies Department at the College of Charleston, IncluzaPalooza is part variety show and part community action event, bringing together local performers, community members, college students and activists for a fun and positive evening at 7 p.m., April 13, to honor the rich diversity that makes Charleston great. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment includes music, dance, comedy and spoken word. By focusing on empowerment through voting, organizers hope to gather together people looking to volunteer, donate and support local nonprofits. We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concerns. Rather than responding with fear and division, Incluza-Palooza reminds us of the importance of discussion and voting in a healthy democracy as we celebrate community diversity and unity. Admission is $5 suggested donation. Location: College of Charleston Stern Student Center, 71 George St., Charleston. For more information, email LindaBeisen@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/events/2035670526703603.

Escape the Rat Race to Improve Heath

he Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF) will present bestselling author Florence Williams discussing her latest book, The Nature Fix, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., April 17. She will explore state-of-the-art research from three continents that illustrates the enormous impact of the great outdoors on our well-being. Williams is an award-winning journalist with a gift for storytelling. Her research into the science behind nature’s positive effects on the brain began with a personal need. She was mystified why she felt so out of sorts after moving to a suburban community near the airport of a major city. The move transformed her from cheerful and upbeat to miserable and depressed; she wanted to find out why, and what she might do to regain her optimistic outlook. After learning about such activities as forest bathing, power trails and rambling, Williams discovered the powers of the natural world to improve health and immunity, promote reflection and innovation, and strengthen relationships. Her book is accessible and filled with useful information to help us compensate for modern living in cities and suburbs. Cost is $25 for PCF members/$35 for nonmembers. Location: 701 Whaley St., Columbia. For more information, call 803-771-0870.

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09-17 – Revised 2-18 for new size

CHarleston HolistiC Center, llC

Beach Season Preparation!

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The Sophia Institute Presents Building Beloved Community

news briefs

Save the Bees

he Charleston Honey and Bee Expo will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 8, at Cinnebarre, in Mount Pleasant. This fun, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet with beekeepers, learn about bees and how to help them. There will be presentations by experts, honey tasting, local honey and honey cotton candy for sale, live music by the V-Tones of Charleston, food trucks serving local honey items and more. The Charleston Area Beekeepers Association is a volunteer organization for beekeepers, researchers and people that enjoy beekeeping as a hobby or simply wish to promote bees and beekeeping to benefit our local and global economy, educate our youth and improve our overall health and wellness. Admission is free. Location: 963 HoustonNorthcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC. For more information, email CharlestonBees@ gmail.com or visit CharlestonBees.org.

Exercise and Have Fun with Contra Dancing

harleston Folk hosts contra dancing to live music from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on the first and third Friday of the month. Contra dance is a fun, interactive way to exercise, but is more fun than exercising alone. Cost is $8. Location: usually the Felix Davis Community Center in Park Circle, but confirm on the website first. For more information, visit CharlestonFolk.weebly.com.

nne LeClaire will talk about her national bestselling novel The Halo Effect and how we can form blessed community from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., April 20, and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., April 21. The Friday event starts with a screening of the 57-minute film Divining The Human: The Cathedral Tapestries of John Nava, which inspired the book. A half-day workshop, Saintseeing in Charleston and the World Beyond, held on Saturday, is a deeper exploration into the ideas that emerge from Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program. LeClaire will explore non-duality and unity, seeing the humanity in others rather than the differences, practical ways of fostering acceptance rather than judgment and exploring our deep connection to each other and the Earth. A former actor, print journalist and radio broadcaster, LeClaire is an acclaimed author who leads popular seminars and workshops exploring silence, creativity and deep listening, most recently at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, in Lenox, Massachusetts. Cost for the Fri. night lecture is $25 in advance/$35 at the door; full retreat, including lecture, is $70. Location: Lance Hall, Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., Charleston. For more information, call 843-720-8528, email Info@TheSophiaInstitute.org or visit TheSophiaInstitute.org. See ad, page 24.

GreenWay Fit Challenge and Feel Good Festival

n the natural cycles of the ayurvedic clock, spring is the season of reawakening, with more movement, more socialization and new growthâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a great time to join the Fitness and Detox for Life Club. Seed of Life Alternative Health Collective will hold a 75-minute GreenWay Fit Challenge and Feel Good Festival beginning at 10 a.m., May 12. Late registration ends at 9:15 a.m. The free festival follows, featuring local vendors, musicians, food trucks and entertainment. Established in 2016, The Seed of Life Alternative Health Collective has been promoting community health and fitness through fundamental movement training, ayurvedic lifestyle medicine, beauty and self-care. Health coaches Andrew Dean and Melody Rogers lead a team of trained professionals from different backgrounds and specialties to promote fitness, beauty and health as an integration of body, mind and spirit. Cost to participate is $20 before May 1, $25 May 1 through May 12. Fee includes two weeks of detox therapy and two prep workouts. Location: 621 Wappoo Rd., Charleston. For more information and registration, visit SeedofLifeCollective.com. See ad, page 2.

Mark Nepo To Appear at The Sophia Institute

he Sophia Institute will host Mark Nepo, a poet, philosopher and bestselling author who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for 40 years in a weekend retreat from May 18 through 20 based on his new book, Things That Join the Sea and the Sky: Field Notes on Living. Times are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., May 18, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 19, and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May 20. Drawn from his journals, the book comprises 145 entries gathered over the last 15 years, taking the reader through 17 sections organized around archetypal thresholds that include Stopping the Noise, Unraveling Our Fear, The Gift of Deepening, The Practice of Relationship, The Reach of Kindness and The Radiance in All Things. Through reflection, journaling and dialogue, each participant will have the chance to personalize their own path to being a spirit in the world. Cost for the Fri, night lecture alone is $25 in advance/$35 at the door. The full retreat, including lecture, is $250 before Apr. 5/$295 after. Location: Lance Hall, 150 Meeting St., Charleston. For more information, call 843-720-8528, email Info@TheSophiaInstitute.org or visit TheSophiaInstitute.org. See ad, page 24.

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INTUITIVE GUIDANCE

j a n n ab ake r. co m

Spirituality Meditation Wellness April 2018

health briefs

Whole Grains Help Us Eat Less DeryaDraws /Shutterstock.com

When overweight adults exchange refined grain products such as white bread and pasta for whole-grain equivalents, they tend to feel full sooner, eat less, lose weight and experience a reduction in inflammation, the journal Gut reports. Researchers from Denmarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Food Institute and the University of Copenhagen studying 50 adults at risk for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease found that test volunteers realized these benefits by eating whole grains, and rye in particular.

Ingesting a combination of five herbs while making healthy lifestyle changes significantly reduced symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome in a recent Australian study of 122 women published in Phytotherapy Research. The herbs were Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Hypericum perforatum (St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wort), Paeonia lactiflora (peony) and Tribulus terrestris (tribulus). Menstrual cycles returned to normal duration for 55 percent of the women, and significant improvements occurred in body mass index, pregnancy rates, hormones, insulin sensitivity and blood pressure. Subjects also exhibited less depression, anxiety and stress.

High-Fat Diet Risks Multiple Sclerosis Relapse A high-fat diet increases the risk of relapse of multiple sclerosis in children by as much as 56 percent, reports The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. A multi-university study of 219 children also found that each 10 percent increase in saturated fat as a share of total calories tripled the risk of relapse. Inversely, each additional cup of vegetables per week cut the risk of the disease by 50 percent.

ZenFruitGraphics/Shutterstock.com

Herbs Ease Polycystic Ovary Symptoms

A Harvard study of 325 women undergoing fertility treatments found that those consuming the most produce high in pesticide residues, such as strawberries, spinach and grapes, were 18 percent less likely to become pregnant and 26 percent less likely to have a live birth compared to women eating the least amount of pesticide-laden produce. Study co-author Dr. Jorge Chavarro suggests that women trying to conceive should eat organic produce or low-pesticide choices like avocados, onions and oranges. 10

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All kind of people/Shutterstock.com

FRUIT PESTICIDES LOWER FERTILITY IN WOMEN

DeryaDraws /Shutterstock.com

Less REM-Stage Sleep Linked to Dementia Risk

People that get less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may have a greater risk of developing dementia, according to a new study published in Neurology. Following 321 people over age 60 for 12 years, Australian researchers found that those that developed dementia spent an average of 17 percent of their sleep time in REM sleep, compared to 20 percent for others. It also took them longer to get to that dream-generating stage.

Nature Videos Calm Prisoners

Maximum-security prison inmates in Oregon that spent an hour a day for a year watching nature videos were involved in 26 percent fewer violent acts compared with fellow inmates, and reported feeling significantly calmer, less irritable and more empathetic. The University of Utah study, published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, states, “An estimated 5.3 million Americans live or work in nature-deprived venues. Such removal from nature can result in an ‘extinction of experience’ that can further lead to disinterest or disaffection toward natural settings, or even biophobia (fear of the natural environment). People that infrequently or never spend time in nature will be deprived of the numerous physical and emotional benefits that contact with nature affords.”

Luis Louro /Shutterstock.com

Air Pollution Linked to Psychological Distress Air pollution takes a toll on mental health, University of Washington researchers have concluded. By linking health data for 6,000 people to census tracts, they found that people living in areas with the highest levels of airborne fine particulate matter scored 17 percent higher in measures of psychological distress, including sadness, nervousness and hopelessness. The higher the level of particulates—emitted by car engines, fireplaces and fossil fuel power plants—the greater the impact.

ADV E R TO RI A L

local health brief

Stop Cooking with Chemicals Most people realize that there is chlorine in our tap water, but few understand that chlorine is also easily absorbed by cutting boards and other surfaces. No one wants to eat food that’s been covered in pesticides and herbicides. These poisons are often oil-based to prevent rainwater from washing them off. Oil and water just don’t mix, unless it’s chlorine-free Kangen Strong Water. With a pH of 11.5, it actually emulsifies oil, effectively removing these chemicals. It also makes vegetables taste better and extends their shelf life. This water may also be used for cleaning around the home, eliminating the need for chemical cleaning products. Margaret Blalock is the owner of YourWaterGirl Hydration Specialist. For more information, visit YourWaterGirl.com. See ad, page 26.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

April 2018

Clear Gain

A study published in the journal Science found that forests across Asia, Latin America and Africa release 468 tons of carbon per year, equivalent to nearly 10 percent of the annual U.S. carbon footprint. Thus, tropical forests may no longer be acting as carbon sinks and could be releasing more carbon than they store. Lead author Alessandro Baccini, with the Woods Hole Research Center, in Massachusetts, says, “These findings provide the world with a wake-up call on forests. If we’re to keep global temperatures from rising to dangerous levels, we need to drastically reduce emissions and greatly increase forests’ ability to absorb and store carbon.” Researchers think nearly 70 percent of this loss of carbon storage capacity is caused by small-scale degradation from logging, drought and wildfire. Researchers say that policies to curb deforestation, reduce degradation and restore the integrity of the land could turn forests back into carbon sinks.

Distributed Power Energy Users Control Own Supplies

Some municipalities spend between 20 and 40 percent of their annual budgets on the energy needed to operate wastewater treatment plants. The city of Thousand Oaks, California, has transformed their biggest energy user into an energy generator. Across the U.S., energy users of all sizes are taking control of their power supply and relieving stress from the grid. That’s the idea behind distributed energy. Atlantic Re:think and Siemens have partnered to explore this burgeoning energy revolution. View a video at Tinyurl.com/ TheThousandOaksSolution.

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Solar energy is now the cheapest form of new energy in dozens of countries, with record-setting solar farms being built worldwide. Researchers have been investigating ways to make transparent solar panels that resemble glass that could be used as window panels at the same time as converting the light that shines on them into electricity. “Highly transparent solar cells represent the wave of the future for new solar applications,” explains materials scientist Richard Lunt, Ph.D., from Michigan State University. “We analyzed their potential and show that by harvesting only invisible light, these devices have the potential of generating a similar amount of electricity as rooftop solar while providing additional functionality to enhance the efficiency of buildings, automobiles and mobile electronics.” As reported in Nature Energy, his team has developed a transparent, luminescent, solar concentrator that looks like clear glass, covered in small, organic molecules adept at capturing only ultraviolet and near-infrared wavelengths of light. The visible light that enables human vision isn’t obstructed, so we can see through the cell. If scaled up to cover the billions of square feet of glass surfaces throughout the U.S., it could potentially supply about 40 percent of our country’s energy needs.

SVIATLANA SHEINAtterstock.com

Tropical Forests Releasing Excess Carbon

Dirk Ercken/Shutterstock.com

‘Sink’ Setback

Window-Like Solar Cells Could Power 40 Percent of U.S. Needs

Scientists’ Security

France Welcomes Beleaguered Climate Researchers

French President Emmanuel Macron awarded 18 climate scientists from the U.S. and elsewhere millions of euros in grants to relocate to his country for the rest of Donald Trump’s presidential term. Macron’s “Make Our Planet Great Again” grants are meant to counter Trump’s intent on the climate change front following his declaration to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accord. One winner, Camille Parmesan, of the University of Texas at Austin, who is working at an experimental ecology station in the Pyrenees charting how human-made climate change is affecting wildlife, says that in the U.S., “You are having to hide what you do.”

Big Pants Production/Shutterstock.com

global briefs

Transforming Plastics

Peter Bernik/Shutterstock.com

Mobile Trashpresso Turns Trash into Tiles

UK furniture and design company Pentatonic has invented the Trashpresso, a solar-powered, mini-recycling plant that transforms plastic waste into usable architectural tiles. Pentatonic doesn’t use raw goods that create excess waste because they are committed to using materials for their products that incorporate some element of recycling, says co-founder Johann Bodecker. They want their products to be reusable, too, so they don’t use glues, resins, paints or formaldehydes to create them, a philosophy that influences all company decisions. The Trashpresso can be used in offthe-grid places where traditional recycling plants would be impractical. It sorts, shreds and compresses trash into plastic fibers to create fully formed tiles. The invention has attracted the attention of companies that want to reduce their own contribution to plastic waste and ocean pollution. Starbucks UK, for example, has commissioned Pentatonic to turn their coffee shop waste into furniture, including bean bag chairs produced from plastic bottles and cups.

Interfaith Gathering

for Religious Freedom:

Malice Toward None Come join 19 other cities across the globe simultaneously celebrating religious freedom with inspirational speakers, music and dance from 15 different religions.

Sunday, April 29, 2018 4:30 pm

Unity Church

2535 Leeds Ave. Charleston, 29405

843-566-0600

www.interfaithmarch.org

Top Polluters

Photomontage/Shutterstock.com

Just 100 Companies Emit Most Global Emissions

In July 2017, historic new research from environmental nonprofit CDP, in collaboration with the Climate Accountability Institute, revealed in The Carbon Majors Report that 71 percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988 can be traced to just 100 fossil fuel producers. It’s the first in a series of planned publications to improve transparency and highlight the role companies and their investors could play in tackling climate change. Offenders ExxonMobil, Shell, BP and Chevron are among the highest-emitting investor-owned companies. If fossil fuels continue to be extracted at the same rate for the next 28 years as they were between 1988 and 2017, global average temperatures would be on course to rise by 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of this century, likely causing catastrophic consequences, including substantial species extinction and global food scarcity risks. Read the report at Tinyurl.com/ CarbonTop100List.

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April 2018

community spotlight

Surfrider Charleston

An Interview with Marlo Shedlock, chair program aims to work at the core of plastic pollution by recognizing restaurants that use environmentally friendly packaging. To be part of the program, restaurants must not use plastic bags or EPS foam ware. They must recycle, and if a customer is dining in, they must be provided real silverware. If a patron is getting a to-go order, the restaurants must ask if cutlery is needed. Restaurants must choose three of another six optional criteria.

How did your organization get started?

The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots, nonprofit environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waves and beaches. The Charleston Chapter is one of 84 across the country dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s waterways through a powerful activist network. We focus on beach access, coastal preservation, ocean protection and plastic pollution. Jana Davis manages our Ocean Friendly Restaurant program, which launched in Charleston in August of 2016, and was the first of its kind in the Southeast. It had previously only been in operation in Hawaii and California. The

How do you serve the Lowcountry?

Surfrider Charleston is dedicated to protecting our Lowcountry beaches and marshes through a wide network of activists. We work to support policies that protect our coast, raise awareness for issues facing our shores and work to keep the Lowcountry waterways and beaches beautiful and free of trash.

What volunteer opportunities do you have for the public?

We are looking for a beach/marsh coordinator, as well as an outreach coordinator. We are also in need of volunteers to help us staff our table at local events, promote our Ocean Friendly Restaurant and Strawless Summer

programs, as well as help organize outreach and beach clean-ups. If you have a green thumb, we are in need of a volunteer to oversee our Ocean Friendly Gardens Program (OFG). OFG reaches out to citizens to educate them on what plants are good for our Lowcountry wildlife, beach and marsh areas.

What have been some of the greatest successes of your organization?

Surfrider was instrumental in passing plastic bag bans on the Isle of Palms and on Folly Beach. We have signed on over 30 Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFR). OFR restaurants are required to not use polystyrene foam cups and containers or plastic to-go bags, and to follow other environmentally friendly guidelines. We have been successful with our Strawless Summer campaign, with many local restaurants permanently switching over from plastic straws to paper or reusable metal. We have installed over 12 cigarette butt receptacles on Folly to collect butts, which are made up of 90 percent plastic and are not biodegradable. We continue to have successful beach, marsh and neighborhood trash clean-ups and have joined the Adopt-a-Highway program, overseeing trash clean-ups from Sullivan’s Island to Mount Pleasant. For more information contact Chair@ Charleston.Surfrider.org or visit Surfrider. org. For more information on the Ocean Friendly Restaurant Program contact Ofr@ charleston.surfrider.org

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reader snapshot

Who’s a Natural Awakenings Reader? Meet Debby Moore by Victoria Hargis

ebby Moore is a teacher, foster mom and clean enthusiast. She says, “I am from South Florida, having moved here 10 years ago. I love Charleston! There is great energy here. The people moving here from all over bring diversity. Beaches and fishing drew us to this wonderful place. I live in Mount Pleasant with my husband of 28 years, our daughter and two dogs rescued from Pet Helpers. We are still trying to figure out what breeds they are!” Moore professes, “I am passionate about my faith in God, my family, my dogs and children. I enjoy reading—currently, I’m on a Liane Moriarty kick! It is pretty easy to catch me playing Scrabble, going to the beach with my daughter or doing yoga. Strolling around downtown with my husband, we can enjoy the culture, history and restaurants.”

Moore taught school for more than 20 years, including Montessori. “I left so that I could have a more flexible schedule and spend time with my daughter. We recently became foster parents and have a passion for helping kids who need support.” “We currently do respite care, taking care of kids who are already in foster care when their foster family needs to go out of town—or just to give the foster parents a needed break for a night or two. There is still a huge need for foster parenting and respite care in Charleston. We trained through an organization called Lifeline and have met some amazing people and teens on our journey so far.” “Since we have moved to Charleston, we have learned a lot about living a healthy lifestyle. For us, that means health

care through naturopathic doctors. We incorporate massage therapy, yoga, using essential oils and eating clean foods, as well,” she relates. “I had some horrible reactions to bleach and toxic chemicals a couple of years ago and learned about the harmful, sometimes long-term effects those products can have on your respiratory system, brain, nervous system and skin. It was then that a friend introduced me to essential oils. I’m not going to lie, I was skeptical! But as I began using them myself and with my family, we all saw some immediate health improvements. I was also really impressed by the results of the natural cleaning products and have used them in cleaning other’s homes and businesses in addition to my own.” “I like Natural Awakenings because it’s full of great articles. The information and advertising support a healthy lifestyle for everyone in the area. It also has an easy-to-read format that I find refreshing, as I sometimes only have a few minutes to read.” For more information, call Moore at 843-822-4141 or email cleanest1@ att.net. Victoria Hargis is an author, speaker and post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and grief coach. Connect at SoileirCoaching.com.

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drifting out of the flooring and merging with the air and dust inside homes. Thermal imaging is one way to determine if air quality is affecting health. These scans reveal heat imbalances in the body that indicate inflammation and the need for further investigation. They can be used for possible early cancer detection and to prevent future health issues.

Air Quality in the Home by Shanna Rivera and Noemia Strapazzon

ccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors at home or in an office. Thermographic screenings reveal the impact of air quality on health in everything from sinus infections to chronic inflammation. They have demonstrated that these conditions improve significantly when air quality is improved. Air quality includes air circulation, humidity and the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOC), an off-gassing byproduct found in pesticides, cleaning chemicals, paint, nonstick pans, furniture and some types of flooring. Humidity should remain between 30 percent and 50 percent. Most houses will need a dehumidifier to maintain this level. Choose solid wood furniture over pressed wood products. Much of the furniture and cabinetry on the market today is made from particleboard, plywood or medium-density fiberboard, all which offgas formaldehyde. Also consider the finish

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on solid wood furniture. Ideally, select furniture with low-VOC, water-based or wax-based finishes. Tile is generally a safe, non-toxic flooring option and is easy to maintain. It’s important to ask about the safety of the grout, the ventilation process used during installation and any other materials used that could cause toxic fumes. Hardwood floors make removing dust and other allergens relatively easy. It’s important to choose a non-toxic finish. Linoleum flooring is made from all-natural and biodegradable materials that include linseed oil, cork dust, pine resin and wood. It is very resilient and can last as long as 30 to 40 years. Carpet and vinyl are not good choices. New carpet installation is a huge contributor to indoor air pollution and involves formaldehyde, benzene and stain repellents. One recent study found that most vinyl flooring contains toxic phthalates, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants and other toxic chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution by

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Shanna Rivera is a certified clinical thermographic technician and the owner of FlowWell. For more information, visit FlowWell. org. See ad page 19.

More Ideas • Open the windows for at least 20 minutes daily, even in the winter months, to improve air quality and reduce the CO2 level. • Mop or vacuum at least once a week. Avoid carpet in the bedrooms. Wash sheets and blankets once a week. • Choose unscented, plantbased detergents; use castile soap or washing soda and borax for laundry. • Add plants to help improve the air: ~ Aloe Vera is easy to grow and filters benzene, commonly found in paint and chemical cleaners. ~ Peace Lily is a beautiful plant that reduces the levels of mold spores. In bathrooms, it can help keep shower tiles and curtains free from mildew, and the plant can absorb harmful vapors from alcohol and acetone. ~ Spider plant leaves grow quickly and help to absorb harmful substances like mold and other allergens, so it is the perfect plant for those that have common dust allergies. It also helps to absorb small traces of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.

Putting the Earth in Earth Day

by April Magill

irt is a healthy building material, and buildings are made with earth, clay and mud all over the world, including walls, floors, paint and plasters. They are not restricted to arid climes nor washed away by the rain. Adobe and rammed earth are among the first known building methods in the world, dating back 7,000 years. Earthen buildings exist on every continent but Antarctica in every kind of climate, including monsoon regions. When properly built, earthen structures are extremely durable and stand the test of time. There are even 200-year-old rammed earth structures in South Carolina that are still in great shape. Earthen buildings such as adobe, rammed earth, compressed earth block and Hempcrete structures are on the rise once again, appearing in Dwell magazine or Architectural Record. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the construction industry contributes more to landfill waste than any other industry, and buildings

consume more energy than anything else globally. People are rapidly developing chemical sensitivities and sick building syndrome due to the toxic chemicals and off-gassing found in most new construction. The many positive benefits that earthen homes have to offer are quickly being recognized by those working within the building industry, as well as the endusers that desire to live in a healthy building with a minimal carbon footprint. In contrast to static, often toxic, one-size-fits-all modern-day wall systems, earthen walls are living, breathing, organic and dynamic systems. Much like our body or the plants growing outside, earthen walls shift and change in response to the sun, the shade, the winds and the microclimate of which they are a part. When designing buildings made of earth, these structures are considered a product of their environment, versus an inert product disconnected from its environment. Earthen buildings eventually return to the

ground from whence they came, with very little waste created in-between. Benefits include rot-proof/moldproof, termite-proof, fire-resistant, floodresistant, breathable (interior stabilization of humidity and temperature levels), superior thermal performance, durable, low-maintenance, lower lifecycle costs and low-carbon footprint. Clay soil uses easy-to-learn DIY techniques that can be applied to a new or old conventional home for interior finishes such as clay paints, plasters and natural floor finishes, as well. Building with dirt is also fun. Working with the community to sculpt a mud oven is an experience unlike anything else. It is empowering to take such a simple, everyday material like dirt and turn it into something so beautiful and useful. April Magill is an architect, natural building consultant principal of Root Down Designs. She is hosting two upcoming Natural Building workshops in Charleston. For more information, visit RootDownDesigns.com/ workshops/workshops. See ad, page 25.

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April 2018

Why a Warming Planet is Harming Our Health by Lisa Marshall

amantha Ahdoot’s son Isaac was 9 years old when he collapsed from the heat while playing clarinet at band camp. It had been a record-hot summer following a mild winter and early spring, and Dr. Ahdoot, an Alexandria, Virginia, pediatrician, had already noticed a string of unusual cases: A toddler had contracted Lyme disease in the once tick-free region of Northern Maine. A teenager had suffered an asthma attack in February, a full month before she usually started taking allergy medicine. A displaced grade-schooler from out of town arrived traumatized after fleeing a hurricane-ravaged home with her family. But it wasn’t until she saw her son laying on a gurney in the emergency room with an IV in his arm that she fully connected the dots. 18

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“I was aware that the weather had changed a lot since I was kid. But it really didn’t hit home until that day that climate change could affect my health and the health of my children personally,” recalls Ahdoot. “I realized it would be a betrayal of my duty as a pediatrician to sit back and do nothing about it.”

Health Care Alert

Ahdoot, now a vocal climate change activist, is among a growing number of healthcare professionals that have begun to reframe climate change not as a concern for elsewhere or the future, but as a pressing U.S. public

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Ase/Shutterstock.com Boris Ryaposov/Shutterstock.com

Healthy Climate, Healthy People

health issue today. In one recent survey of 1,200 allergists, 48 percent said climate change is already affecting their patients a “great deal” or a “moderate amount.” In another survey of lung specialists, 77 percent said they were seeing patient symptoms grow more severe due to worsening climate-related air quality. In a sweeping review published last October in The Lancet medical journal, a team of healthcare professionals proclaimed that the human symptoms of climate change are “unequivocal and potentially irreversible,” noting that since 2000, the number of people in the United States exposed to heat waves annually has risen by about 14.5 million, and the number of natural disasters annually has increased 46 percent. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also begun to weigh in with a Climate-Ready States and Cities Initiative to help local health departments brace for everything from the hazardous air quality associated with more forest fires to the spread of vector-borne diseases like Zika and West Nile as the range and season of mosquitoes and ticks expands. Meanwhile, groups like the newly formed and expansive Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health, to which Ahdoot belongs, are being proactive. Its doctors are greening their offices, swapping cars for bikes, buses or carpooling, lobbying lawmakers and encouraging their patients to undertake measures to prevent the problem from worsening. In the process, they say, they might even improve their own health. “We want the public to understand that climate change is not just about polar bears or receding glaciers in the Arctic, but also about our children and our health here and now,” says Ahdoot.

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Flora and Fauna Issues

During the past century, average temperatures have increased between 1.3 and 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit, with annual increases accelerating in recent years as 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017 all set records for ambient heat. Such rising temperatures, combined with increased rain and record-high atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, can have a significant impact on plants— both those that irritate or nourish us, says Howard Frumkin, a medical doctor who co-authored the Lancet report and teaches environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington, in Seattle. Wild, allergy-inducing plants like ragweed and poison ivy are flourishing. Poison ivy is growing faster, larger and more toxic as excess carbon prompts it to produce more of its rash-inducing compound, urushiol. “We are seeing the season for ragweed productivity expanding, with pollen levels rising higher and earlier and lasting longer by several weeks,” advises Frumkin. In 2016, residents of Minneapolis, Minnesota, endured a ragweed season that was 21 days longer than in 1990. Other, desirable crops, like grains, do worse in hotter carbonrich climes, producing less protein and other nutrients, Frumkin notes. Meanwhile, bugs are thriving, with longer seasons and wider ranges in which to reproduce. Mosquitoes’ capacity to transmit dengue fever— the world’s fastest-growing mosquitoborne illness—has risen by 11 percent since 1950, more than half of that just since 1990, according to the Lancet report. Further, the tick that carries Lyme disease is now present in 46 percent of U.S. counties, up from 30 percent in 1998. “My physician colleagues used to treat two or three cases a month during tick season,” says Dr. Nitin Damle, a physician at South County Internal Medicine, in

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Wakefield, Rhode Island. “Now each of us sees 40 to 50 new cases each season.”

Heat Pollution

Rising heat can also aggravate lung conditions because it promotes the production of ozone, a major lung irritant. With prolonged heat often come wildfires. When one burned for three months in North Carolina in a recent summer, researchers discovered that residents of counties affected by the smoke plume showed a 50 percent increase in emergency trips due to respiratory illness. Like Isaac, more kids are ending up in hospitals due to soaring temperatures, with U.S. emergency room visits for heat illnesses up by 133 percent between 1997 and 2006. Ahdoot recalls a young football player from Arkansas that showed signs of weakness and fatigue during practice, but wasn’t treated right away. He ended up with heat stroke, kidney failure and pulmonary edema and ultimately required kidney dialysis. “Every summer now, I see the impacts of increasing temperatures and heat waves on kids,” she says. Climate change can also impact mental health, according to a recent review by the American Psychological Association. Exposure to natural disasters can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Plus, according to research institutions including the University of California, San Diego, and Iowa State University, chronic heat, especially at night, can interfere with sleep and even lead to aggressive behavior. Then there’s the worry about what to do about it, and whether it will be enough. “When you talk with people about what is affecting them, climate is definitely one of the things stressing them out,” says Thomas Doherty, Psy.D., a psychologist in Portland, Oregon. “There’s a sense of mystery and powerlessness around it that weighs on people.”

Fresh Perspective, New Hope

Mona Sarfaty, a family physician who is now director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health, attests that 69 percent of Americans are aware that climate change is occurring, and more than half agree that human activities are at least partly to blame. Yet only a third believe it could ever harm them personally. “So much of the early focus was on the receding glaciers and the penguins,” she says. “People today still think it will affect ‘those

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other people over there,’ but not them.” She agrees with the recent focus on imminent health issues, and is encouraged that a growing number of healthcare professionals feel it’s their duty to inform their patients about climate change to mobilize action. “When you talk about climate change not only in terms of the health impact it has on individuals and families, but also in terms of the real-time benefits of taking action against it, people are a lot more interested in doing something,” says Sarfaty. For instance, shifting to clean energy sources like wind and solar instead of coal can effect better air quality and easier breathing now. Cycling or walking to work rather than driving can reduce carbon emissions, boost feel-good brain chemicals and keep weight in check. Writing letters to editors or attending rallies to urge lawmakers to pass climate-friendly policies can not only fend off the anxiety and depression that comes with feeling helpless, but also effect real change. Ahdoot is taking these steps now. She has solar panels on her roof, is assisting the local hospital to reduce its carbon footprint, takes public transportation to work and encourages her kids to walk whenever possible. “I don’t feel powerless at all. I feel empowered and optimistic,” she says. “The more we know, the more we are moved to act. We can all do something small every day to protect our climate.”

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Earth Day should encourage us to reflect on what we are doing to make our planet a more sustainable and livable place. ~Scott Peters

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Changing Our Diet to Cool the Climate

Good Food Choices Enable Global Health by Judith Fertig

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hree years ago, the New York Times added a new word to the world’s food vocabulary: Climatarian (n.) A diet whose primary goal is to reverse climate change. This includes eating locally produced food (to reduce energy spent in transportation), choosing pork and poultry instead of beef and lamb (to limit gas emissions), and using every part of ingredients (apple cores, cheese rinds, etc.) to limit food waste. Changing our food choices to support this model can have a ripple effect. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in a 2017 study published in the journal Climatic Change, looked at how diets impact personal health, the healthcare system and climate. They found that adopting a more plant-based diet reduces the relative risk of coronary heart disease, colorectal cancer and Type 2 diabetes by 20 to 40 percent. National annual health care costs could drop from $93 billion to $77 billion. Direct greenhouse gas emissions could annually drop 489 to 1,821 pounds per person. Such an approach involves considering the related water usage, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint—the energy required to cultivate, harvest and transport food—plus processing associated food waste. Here are some top choices.

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Hydroponic greens are hands-down winners. The Shelton Family Farm, near Whittier, North Carolina, weekly produces 10,000 to 12,000 heads of hydroponically grown Bibb lettuce. The controlled environment and carefully engineered nutrient delivery systems maximize all resources. “It’s an enclosed system that runs 24/7, and it’s highly efficient from a waterusage standpoint because we recycle the water,” says William Shelton Jr., a fourthgeneration family farmer. “The only water that’s actually consumed is what’s taken up and transpired through the plants.” In a moderate climate, energy costs to recycle the water and keep the plants at an even temperature are moderate, as well. Dry-tilled heirloom tomatoes, okra, melons and quinoa are drought-tolerant and only use available rainfall.

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conscious eating

Foods that Go Easy on Greenhouse Gases

Plants beat meat. “Livestock farming produces from 20 to 50 percent of all manmade greenhouse gas emissions,” says nutritionist and climate activist Jane Richards, of GreenEatz, in Mountain View, California. “You can reduce your footprint by a quarter by cutting down on red meats such as beef and lamb.” An exception is the vegetarian staple of rice. According to researchers at Project Drawdown, a climate solutions organization in Sausalito, California, rice cultivation is responsible for at least 10 percent of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and up to 19 percent of global methane emissions. New farming techniques, like mid-season draining of the rice paddies, could cut methane emissions by at least 35 percent. Richards notes, “Meat, cheese and eggs have the highest carbon footprint; fruit, vegetables, beans and nuts, much lower. The carbon footprint of a vegetarian diet is about half that of a meat-lover’s diet.” Root crops such as carrots, radishes, potatoes and beets have a lower carbon footprint than above-ground plants due to less food waste. A beautiful beet is easier to grow than a bell pepper that blemishes more easily. Seasonal, regional fruit, vegetables, herbs and honey have a lighter carbon impact because they are transported shorter distances. Usually what grows best in a region and is consumed locally is also best for the climate. Foods naturally suited to their environment grow and taste better, and are packed with more nutrients, reports Sustainable Table, an educational nonprofit that builds healthy communities through sustainable eating habits (SustainableTable.org).

Hopeful Developments

New agricultural developments can also benefit our climate environment. According to Project Drawdown research, perennial grains and cereals could be pivotal in reaching soil, carbon and energy targets. The Land Institute, in Salina, Kansas, has been working with the Rodale Institute, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, to develop a perennial wheat that would not have to be planted from seed each

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year. This would save soil, carbon and both human and machine energy. Kernza, a new perennial grain proven to prosper in natural grasslands like the Great Plains, is not yet widely distributed. Maria Speck, author of Simply Ancient Grains, advises, “With up to 15-foot-long roots, it can be harvested for five years and uses less fertilizer than conventional wheat. Kernza tastes almost like a cross between rice and wheat—sweet, grassy, mesmerizing.” Michael Pollan, author of Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual and creator of the film Food, Inc., suggests we keep it simple: “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” Climatarians would add another guideline—eat as locally as possible. Judith Fertig writes cookbooks plus foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

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~Edith Wharton

healing ways

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In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous. ~Aristotle

Touching the Earth The Healing Powers of Going Barefoot

by Martin Zucker

elanie Monteith, of San Diego, California, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 24 and plagued by symptoms for 14 years. Simple daily tasks became challenging. She relied on walking aids and walls to keep from falling. Eventually, she quit her job. Every day tested her survival skills. Then, in late

2017, Monteith tried grounding and it changed her life. Grounding, also called Earthing, refers to the discovery of major health benefits from sustained contact with the Earth’s natural and subtle electric charge. Recent research published in the Journal of Inflammation, Integrative Medicine:

A Clinician’s Journal, Neonatology and Health indicates that grounding stabilizes the physiology in many ways, drains the body of inflammation, pain and stress, and generates greater well-being. Grounding can be as simple as going barefoot in nature, including the backyard, for 30 to 60 minutes once or twice a day on surfaces like grass, soil, gravel, stone and sand. If this isn’t practical, special grounding mats and pads are available online for convenient indoor use while sitting or sleeping; people with compromised health often benefit from more time being grounded. The activity restores a primordial electric connection with the Earth that has been lost with modern lifestyles. We wear shoes with insulating, synthetic soles and live and work elevated above the ground. These overlooked lifestyle factors may contribute to increasing global rates of chronic illnesses. Grounding revitalizes us, akin to charging a weak battery, because our bodies operate electrically and our movements and thoughts are based on electrical signals. We are bioelectric beings. Eighteen years of grounding research in a variety of indoor settings, plus grassroots feedback from around the world, clearly show that our bodies operate more effectively when grounded. We sleep better, have less pain, more energy and even look better. Here are some of the documented benefits.

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Reduction of chronic inflammation “Inflammation is intimately linked to most chronic and aging-related diseases,” says Gaétan Chevalier, Ph.D., a visiting scholar at the University of California, San Diego, who has conducted multiple grounding studies. “Grounding seems to be nature’s way to reduce inflammation.”

Enhanced blood flow Thick, sludgy blood is a common feature of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Several grounding studies have demonstrated a significant decrease in blood viscosity and enhanced blood flow. “Grounding represents a potent circulation booster; a simple, yet profound preventive and therapeutic strategy,” says integrative cardiologist Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, of Manchester, Connecticut, co-author of the book Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever!

Decreased stress Tracy Latz, a medical doctor and integrative psychiatrist in Mooresville, North Carolina, has found, “Patients with anxiety issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and depression, often benefit from grounding.”

Improved vagus nerve function The vagus nerve connects with and regulates key organs,

including the lungs, heart and intestines. In one study, doctors at the Penn State Children’s Hospital, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, grounded hospitalized premature infants and documented improved vagal function that could potentially boost resilience and reduce complications. “These babies have a lot of health challenges,” observes Dr. Charles Palmer, former chief of the center’s division of newborn medicine. “It seems that they are more relaxed when grounded.” More research is needed. Within a few months of grounding both day and night, Monteith’s disease symptoms receded dramatically. Her balance and stability improved when standing and walking. She sleeps more deeply and has more energy. An eye issue for which there is no drug subsided. She says her health continues to improve and she looks forward to living each day. Troy Baker, a recovery consultant for special populations and chief program officer of the nonprofit Adapt Functional Movement Center, in Carlsbad, California, who has been overseeing Monteith’s exercise training schedule, has observed a reduction in the effects of multiple sclerosis since she started grounding. “Her body is more fluid, not as stiff. She moves much better, with increased energy and stamina.” For more information on grounding, visit EarthingInstitute.net. Martin Zucker, a former Associated Press correspondent, has written about alternative medicine for 40 years and is co-author of the book Earthing.

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body’s messages such as, ‘It’s time for a rest,’ or, ‘That’s too heavy,’” recommends Schwartz. Remember to take regular breaks to rest, stretch and drink water.

fit body

Subbotina Anna/Shutterstock.com

Strike a Pose

Doing yoga regularly will condition the body, but incorporating asanas, or poses, while gardening can be both a fun and practical way to avoid overstressing certain muscle groups and keep the spine and hamstrings supple. Using props in the garden environment such as fences, a wall or a chair can provide convenient support. Feel free to perform all poses before or after gardening, and all except numbers one and five in the garden.

1. Downward Facing Dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana) with feet placed against a support

2. Warrior 1 pose (Virabhadrasana I) 3. Straddle Forward Fold pose (Prasarita Padottanasana) 4. Standing Scissor Twist (Parivrtta Hasta Padasana) standing close to and bracing against a wall or fence

Gardening ASANAS Yoga Poses to Stay Pain-Free

5. Locust pose (Salabhasana) 6. Squat Pull Spinal Traction (Ardha Malasana in traction)

Take a Breath

“Conscious breathing involves both the body and the mind. Long,

by Marlaina Donato

ardening is good for body and soul, but long hours and repetitive movements can negatively impact even the fittest body. While stiffness and pain patterns might manifest in the lower back, shoulders, legs and hands, performing a few yoga poses can lessen pain, increase flexibility, boost stamina and prevent injury. “Every action needs a counter action for structural balance to be maintained. Repetitive movements can tighten fascia, restrict movement and compromise nerve impulses,” explains Asheville, North Carolina, yoga teacher and back care specialist Lillah Schwartz, author of Healing Our Backs with Yoga: An Essential Guide to Back Pain Relief. “What goes into spasm tends to remain in spasm,” observes Schwartz, who has helped many people overcome back pain and other chronic structural issues. Practicing yoga before, during or after spending time outside also promotes mind-body awareness which helps us tune into our body’s natural rhythms and prevent physical problems in the first place. Here are some basics to consider when working in the garden.

Be Aware

Great agility and strong muscles cannot compensate for being in one position too long, over-reaching or fatigue. “Listen to your April 2018

D I R E C T O R Y Charleston Power Yoga

557 King St, Charleston, and 857 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mt Pleasant • 843-513-3400 Info@CharlestonPowerYoga.com CharlestonPowerYoga.com A heated power yoga studio specializing in sweat, transformation and community. Two convenient locations—one in downtown Charleston and one in the Whole Foods Shopping Center in Mt Pleasant.

The Healing Gallery

56 1/2 Queen St, Charleston 760-419-0534 TheHealingGalleryCharleston@gmail.com The-Healing-Gallery.com The Healing Gallery offers yoga, acupuncture, herbs and massage therapy in an elegant gallery in the French quarter of downtown Charleston.

Healing Hara & Wellness

209 Stallsville Loop Rd, Summerville 843-810-5953 HealingHara.com Offering Beginner, Senior, Meditative, Flow, Power, Jivamukti Yoga and more. All levels, ages 13 and up, six days a week.

Healing Tree Holistic Health & Yoga James Island • 781-353-1553 Moira@HealingTreeCharleston.com HealingTreeCharleston.com

slow inhalations and exhalations help us tune into our body,” says Schwartz. “Using long breaths when stretching in the garden can help muscles find relief.” To reduce pain: n Stop and breathe. Take slow, deep breaths with a pause (inhalation retention) between inhalation and exhalation. n Don’t resist the pain or allow self-judgment.

Moira Duggan provides loving support and guidance in yoga, holistic health and spiritual exploration to assist you on your path to selfrealization. Group classes, workshops, events and private instruction.

n Wait for a release.

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Bringing mindfulness to garden work not only helps prevent injury, but helps make it a more enjoyable experience. Here are a few more tips.

843-817-5493 Marlene.Cuggy@gmail.com

Offering Senior Yoga, Gentle Yoga and Yoga Warriors to help alleviate symptoms of stress and PTS.

Seed of Life Alternative Health Collective 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston 843-343-6726 SeedOfLifeCollective.com

The Seed of Life Collective oozes with motivation and education on fitness, nutrition, body mechanics, and the ancient teachings of ayurveda and yoga.

Kundalini Yoga w/ LisaSukhAman Khalsa 843-819-2757 lpb3d@yahoo.com

Happy to bring these healing teachings to your business, workshop, studio or home. Great for PTSD, anxiety and well-being. Text 843-819-2757.

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Enjoy Being Outside

n If rising early, begin time in the garden with a Warrior 1 pose while facing east. n Be mindful of feeling the breeze when it brushes the skin and pause to breathe deeply. n Notice the music of the birds or other pleasing sounds in the surrounding environment. n Stop to drink some water and take pleasure in the garden’s beauty and bounty. Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.

photos by Michelle Van Sandt

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April 2018

Healthy House Easy Ways to Green It Up

by Avery Mack

iving green isn’t difficult or expensive. Start small, one room at a time.

In the Kitchen Defrosting trays have been available for a while, and although they aren’t a miracle solution, they are ecofriendly and easy to clean; thawing most meats, seafood and vegetables usually takes just 30 to 60 minutes. It’s one way to avoid using the microwave. Most cutting boards of sustainable

On the Floor bamboo or cork originate in China, creating a big carbon footprint. Glass boards are breakable and hard on knives. Consider planet-friendly boards made of recycled cardboard and food-grade plastic combined with flax husks.

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A countertop convection oven set about 25 degrees lower circulates heated air to cook food 25 to 30 percent faster and more evenly than a conventional oven; it uses less energy and has fewer emissions. Foods come out crispier, which also makes for great veggie chips. A conventional oven is still best for soufflés, breads or cakes that rise as they bake. Replace chemical-coated nonstick pans, disposable parchment paper and aluminum foil with reusable, eco-friendly, U.S. Food and Drug Administrationapproved silicone mats. They are easy to clean, affordable and available in many sizes and shapes. Run the dishwasher when full and at night. Off-peak hours won’t cut the electric bill, but are more efficient for the power plant, reducing its energy footprint. Skip the garbage disposal to save water and energy. Use food waste for plantnurturing compost. Plastics numbered 1, 3, 6 or 7 are prone to leaching into food or drinks. Recycle or repurpose those already on hand to store craft items, small toys or office supplies.

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Keep floors clean and healthy by leaving shoes at the door. They track in dirt, pesticides, chemicals, pet waste and leaked fluids from vehicles. Slippers or socks with a grip sole keep feet warm and prevent falls. Bamboo flooring is sustainable and eco-friendly, but is also shipped from China. Using local products reduces shipping costs, supports American businesses and can give the home a unique design. “Logs salvaged from the bottom of the Penobscot River turn into flooring, ceilings and accent walls,” advises Tom Shafer, co-owner of Maine Heritage Timber, in Millinocket. “The cold temperature preserves the wood and gives it a natural patina. It’s now available in peel-and-stick, affordable planks called timberchic. Planks have an ecofriendly, UV-cured finish.” For more flooring tips, see Tinyurl. com/Eco-FriendlyFloors.

In the Bathroom

Instead of air freshener sprays, hang pet-

Ase/Shutterstock.com

green living

and child-safe plants. Use fast-drying towels up to four times before washing. Hand towels see more frequent use, so change every other day. Longer wear makeup stays longer on a washcloth; to prevent reintroducing germs to the face, use a facecloth only once. All-natural cleaning products are easy to find or make. For some tips, see Tinyurl. com/LovelyEcoLoo.

In the Bedroom

From sheets and bedding to a fluffy robe, choose eco-friendly organic cotton in white, or colored with environmentally safe, non-metallic dyes. Blue light from a smartphone, computer, tablet or TV can foster sleeplessness. “I keep all devices out of my bedroom and block all unnatural light,” says Leslie Fischer, an eco-minded mom and entrepreneur in Chicago, who reviews mattresses for adults and babies at SustainableSlumber. com. “I sleep on a fantastic mattress that won’t fill my room with pollution.” A good pillow is a necessity. Citrus Sleep rates the Top Ten Eco Options at Tinyurl.com/NaturalPillowPicks. Mattresses should be replaced every eight years. In the U.S., an average of 50,000 end up in landfills each day. California law requires manufacturers to create a statewide recycling program for mattresses and box springs. An $11 recycling fee, collected upon each sale, funds the Bye Bye Mattress program. Connecticut and Rhode Island also recycle them. “An alternative is extending mattress use with a topper,” says Omar Alchaboun, founder of toppermaker Kloudes, in Los Angeles.

What and Where to Recycle Find out where and what to recycle at Earth911.com. Enter the item and a zip code or call 1-800-cleanup. Going green is money-saving, environmentally wise and coming of age, which makes eco-friendly products easier to access. Earth Day is a perfect time to make simple changes that can have long-lasting and far-reaching results. Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

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April 2018

INTO THE WOODS Nature Helps Kids Build Skills and Character

by April Thompson

movement is afoot to get kids grounded in nature. Wilderness awareness programs, also known as primitive skills or Earth-based education, teach life-changing survival skills that build courage, compassion and camaraderie. “We help youth experience a true aliveness in nature. Kids gain knowledge of the outdoors and increase awareness, confidence and self-reliance, while having fun, positive experiences,” says Dave Scott, founder of the Earth Native Wilderness School (EarthNativeSchool.com), in Bastrop, Texas. They often go on to enthusiastically share what they’ve learned about natural flora and fauna with their families.

Experiential Learning

Youth engaged with organizations like this one enjoy gaining nature-oriented survival skills, such as making bows, baskets, shelters and fire. “By making a bow out of a particular type of tree, children discover what type of habitat the tree prefers and how to harvest it sustainably. Indigenous skills like animal tracking also help them relate to wildlife and develop empathy for animals,” says Scott. “When you learn to trust rather than 32

NA Lowcountry Edition

fear nature, you’re more likely to take care of it,” adds Rick Berry, founder of 4 Elements Earth Education (4eee.org), a Nevada City, California, nonprofit that helps kids and adults connect with planet Earth via immersion in nature. Leaving room for spontaneity and improvisation is important. While infusing indigenous knowledge into their curriculum, wilderness programs emphasize universal principles such as deep understanding of local environments and life’s interconnectedness. “Fire making is for everybody. Shelter making is for everybody. We are all caretakers of the land,” says Berry. Physical and other challenges, such as walking blindfolded through the woods, heighten sensory perception while building confidence. “The landscape is a great teacher with its uneven ground and obstacles, posing an opportunity to learn agility, practice balance and ultimately, expand awareness,” says Simon Abramson, associate director of Wild Earth (WildEarth.org), in High Falls, New York. Nature-immersion programs like Wild Earth’s further help kids sharpen their observation skills through activities like learning to identify birdsongs and trees.

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During a popular activity called “sit spot”, children learn to sit quietly, listen and observe from a specific location they may revisit over the course of a day or year to witness nature’s varied beauty. Another time, they may try “foxwalking”, creeping silently and slowly, or test their “owl vision”, using peripheral vision. For younger kids, instructors may incorporate such skills into a game like “coyote or rabbit,” where by staying still, they can avoid detection by a predator. Kids learn to listen both to nature and their own inner voice, which can be challenging in the midst of dominating peers and authority figures. “We build on the tradition of vision quest, in taking time to get quiet in nature and hear what the heart is saying,” says Berry. Activities may be patterned after natural cycles of the seasons, the four directions and diurnal rhythms. On a bright morning, emphasis is on high-energy, outward-facing activities; day’s end brings a pause to reflect, glean and share what participants have made and learned.

Lasting Life Lessons

Mother Nature’s lessons can be hardearned, but the outdoor trials that kids experience are often their most honored and memorable moments. Whether youths try out a wilderness program for a season or stay on for years, Earth-based learning can have an enduring impact. They help foster healthy relationships not only with the Earth, but with other people, according to Samuel Bowman, a program coordinator with the Wilderness Awareness School (Wilderness Awareness.org), in Duvall, Washington. Team-driven activities like building a communal shelter can help kids learn how to work through conflict, listen to others and appreciate differences. “The kids that have come through our programs prove to be creative problemsolvers prepared to handle just about anything. They have focus and commitment, and tend to be service oriented,” observes Abramson, noting that 60 percent of their instructors are alumni. “Thinking back on kids we’ve worked with, you can often see their wilderness journey reflected in their paths as adults, how they are making choices with their

Hurst Photo/Shutterstock.com

healthy kids

heart and pursuing their passions,” concludes Berry. Connect with April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

More Wilderness Resources

hese resources will help parents and educators connect with quality, naturebased learning.

Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature (CoyotesGuide.com) is an inspirational publication for teachers, mentors and parents based on ancient worldwide cultural wisdom, including mythic animal stories, nature-based ceremonies and survival tools. The Tracker School (TrackerSchool.com), founded by wilderness expert Tom Brown in 1978, offers 75 classes on wilderness survival skills and a list of tracker clubs and affiliates across North America and beyond. Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Nature and Survival for Children is another respected resource. Children & Nature Network (ChildrenAnd Nature.org) connects children, families and communities with nature through evidence-based resources and tools, broad-based collaboration and grassroots leadership. This international initiative was co-founded by Richard Louv, renowned author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Earth Skills Alliance (EarthSkills Alliance.com) is a collective of youth program leaders dedicated to Earth skills instruction. Its annual conference and other platforms share best practices and experiences. April 2018

calendar of events Submissions for the May issue must be received no later than April 10 and can be entered at NALowcountry.com/event-calendar-entry.html. Submit ongoing events at NALowcountry.com/ongoing-events-calendar-.html. $15 per entry. Plans ChangeCall ahead to confirm events will occur as scheduled.

monday, april 2 GreenWay Fit Challenge Prep Classes – 1011:30am. This 4-week functional fitness training class involves exercising the body and mind to be prepared for everyday life. Classes will be held on the West Ashley GreenWay every Mon and Wed at 10am in April to prepare for the final GreenWay Challenge in May. $80. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com. 4-Week Fit Challenge – 6-7:30pm. Improve your fitness in a small group setting with health coach Andrew Dean. This is a 4-week fitness challenge where you can learn the fundamentals of exercise and have fun doing it, no matter what fitness level you are at. 8 total classes. $80 for new clients. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com.

wednesday, april 4 GreenWay Fit Challenge Prep Classes – 1011:30am. This 4-week functional fitness training class that involves exercising the body and mind to be prepared for everyday life. Classes will be held on the West Ashley GreenWay every Mon and Wed at 10am in April to prepare for the final GreenWay Challenge in May. $80. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com. 4-Week Fit Challenge – 6-7:30pm. Improve your fitness in a small group setting every Mon and Wed. This is a 4-week fitness challenge where you can learn the fundamentals of exercise and have fun doing it, no matter what fitness level you are at. 8 total classes. $80 for new clients, $15 for jump in class. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com. Learn How to Get Cleaner/Healthier Water From Your Tap – 7-8:30pm. Have you ever wondered if your tap water is safe to drink? Would you like to have toxins like chemicals and prescription medications removed to have the best water possible to consume and bathe in? Educate yourself. Free admission, free appetizers and free shipping. Hilton Garden Inn, 300 Wingo Way, Mt Pleasant. 843-327-3726. NoWaterCompares.info. Mediumship - Communicating with Spirit – 7-8:30pm. Join us as we focus on enhancing your ability to communicate with people who have passed over to the other side. Includes meditation, shared experiences and group support. Facilitator: Jeffrey Duncan. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-Op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant, Shaftism@gmail. com. blissSpiritualCo-op.org.

thursday, april 5 De-mystify Meditation and Make It Easy with Judith Moore – 10:30-11:30am. Every Thurs.

NA Lowcountry Edition

Mindfulness meditation is a simple, practical way to meditate, even if just for one minute, regardless of where you are or what your skill level is. Learn to stop, breathe and slow down. It works. $9. Bridge to Avalon, 757 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston. 843-974-5676. Jeannine@BridgeToAvalon. com. BridgeToAvalon.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Usui Reiki Level 3/Master Practitioner – Apr 6-8. 5-8pm. Reiki III is a three-day, 15 CEU, intensive designed for you to delve deeply into the consciousness of Reiki. The Third Degree enhances your capacity to transmit the Reiki and the final Usui symbol is taught. Prerequisite Levels 1 and 2. $555. Joti Reiki, 772 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston. 843-327-4761. JotiReiki.com. Wellness Workshop – 7-8pm. Find out why The 21st Century Pharmacist has doctors and personal trainers amazed at how he’s helping people get off side effect laden prescriptions and over-thecounter medications and helping them melt weight off by turning their bodies into a fat burning machine. Free. 776 Daniel Ellis Dr, Ste 1A, James Island. Please RSVP: 843-327-3726. Johnny@ NoWaterCompares.com. OptiYouRx.com. An Evening of Spirit Communication with Priscilla Keresey – 7-8:30pm. This special event provides an opportunity for you to witness evidential mediumship and receive specific messages from loved ones in the Afterlife. There will be plenty of time for questions and validation in this upbeat, joyful and very entertaining evening. $22. Bridge to Avalon, 757 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston. 843-974-5676. Jeannine@BridgeToAvalon.com. BridgeToAvalon.com. Emergence of Integral Ecology: Celebrating a New Vision for a New World – Apr 6-8. 7pm, Fri, thru 1pm, Sun. Integrating prose, poetry and prayer, participants will envision a new world that is creative and compassionate as they listen to the music of the universe and experience the beauty of the Earth. Ends with liturgy. $275. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843382-9777. Springbank@SpringbankRetreat.org. SpringbankRetreat.org. Contra Dance – 7:30-10:30pm. Contra dance is fun for all ages. No experience needed. Beginners arrive at 7:30pm for the beginner lesson. The caller, Doug Singleton will explain everything. Live music provided by Charleston’s very own Hungry Monks. $8 (supervised children under 13, $4; under 5, free). Charleston Folk, 4800

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Park Cir, N Charleston. CharlestonFolk.weebly. com.

saturday, april 7 Cooper River Bridge Run – 8am. Info at Bridgerun.com. P3 Workshop Presence, Peace & Personal Empowerment – 11am-12:30pm. Unity of Charleston Jackie McCullough Life Options Coach/Counselor presents practical, easy to use, emotional options tools. Change your beliefs for peace of mind, be happy consistently, get unstuck from unhappy feelings, improve relationships; joy is a choicechoose joy. JoyChoice.net. Donation. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-5660600. UnityCharleston@msn.com. Unitychs.org.

Sunday, april 8 Charleston Honey and Bee Expo – 11am-4pm. A fun, family friendly event. Learn more about bees and how to help them. Attend presentations by experts, meet with beekeepers, buy local honey and honey cotton candy. Free honey tasting, live music by the V-Tones of Charleston, food trucks and much more. Free. Charleston Bees Cinnebarre, 963 Houston-Northcutt Blvd, Mount Pleasant. CharlestonbBees@gmail.com. CharlestonBees.org. 4th Annual Lowcountry Kids Expo – 12-5pm. In its 4th year, the Kids Expo celebrates the best products, services and entertainment for children and families. Kids can enjoy free bounce houses, face painting, demos, photo booth, special guests and so much more. Accepting sponsors and vendors. Free. Sunshine Family Expos. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St, Charleston. 813-463-2712. For more info, Events@ SunshineFamilyExpos.com. Wellness Workshop – 1:30-2:30pm. Find out why The 21st Century Pharmacist has doctors and personal trainers amazed at how he’s helping people get off side effect laden prescriptions and over-thecounter medications and helping them melt weight off by turning their bodies into a fat burning machine. Free. 776 Daniel Ellis Dr, Ste 1A, James Island. Please RSVP: 843-327-3726. Johnny@ NoWaterCompares.com. OptiYouRx.com. Rise UP: Now is the Time Workshop – 1:303pm. David Hiller presents a new workshop at Unity of Charleston for personal empowerment about retraining the brain, subconscious reprogramming, healing, meditation and fear release. With all that is happening in our world we must learn to overcome our challenges, speak and live our truth. DavidHillerMinistry.com. $20. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-5660600. UnityCharleston@msn.com. Unitychs.org. Teens Supporting Teens – 6-7pm. This twice a month support group is for all middle school and high school kids struggling with life challenges including a learning disability, ADD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, social concerns, new changes in your life or are a victim of bullying. Also offered on 4/22. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-Op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. julie.koewler@yahoo.com. blissSpiritualCo-op.org.

monday, april 9 GreenWay Fit Challenge Prep Classes – 1011:30am. This 4-week functional fitness training class that involves exercising the body and mind

to be prepared for everyday life. Classes will be held on the West Ashley GreenWay every Mon and Wed at 10am in April to prepare for the final GreenWay Challenge in May. $80. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com. Healing Properties of Cannabis & Hemp Oil... History, Research and Uses! – 6-7pm. Learn about our Endo-Cannabinoid System, phyto-cannabinoids and hemp oil. There is research on over 250 conditions and cannabidiol. Hemp oil might be the most important supplement you add to your health regimen. We will discuss Cannabis and those who would like can sample it. Free. Bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. 843-324-0489. PrimeAndBloom@gmail.com. Bloom1.PrimeMyBody.com. 4-Week Fit Challenge – 6-7:30pm. Improve your fitness in a small group setting every Mon and Wed. This is a 4-week fitness challenge where you can learn the fundamentals of exercise and have fun doing it, no matter what fitness level you are at. 8 total classes. $80 for new clients, $15 for jump in class. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com.

tuesday, april 10 Indigenous Wisdom and Pottery – Apr 1020. 11am, Tues, thru 2pm, Fri. Participants will learn to share the ancient wisdom and ways of relating to the natural world with greater reverence. They will create earthen vessels for ritual using a hand-building technique and primitive sawdust firing process. No art experience necessary. $775. Springbank Retreat,1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382-9777. Springbank@ SpringbankRetreat.org. SpringbankRetreat.org.

wednesday, april 11 GreenWay Fit Challenge Prep Classes – 1011:30am. This 4-week functional fitness training class that involves exercising the body and mind to be prepared for everyday life. Classes will be held on the West Ashley GreenWay every Mon and Wed at 10am in April to prepare for the final GreenWay Challenge in May. $80. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com. MUSC’s Earth Day – 11am-2pm. Features environmentally conscious companies, organizations and artists that contribute to healthier lives and a healthier planet. Food trucks and vendors serving locally-sourced food to raise awareness about our food systems, and to showcase a more sustainable alternative. Free. Horseshoe at MUSC, 169 Ashley Ave, Charleston. Facebook.com/events/223647091533273/. Cannabidiol Hemp Oil And Tasting Lunch and Learn – 12:30-1:30pm. Learn about our EndoCannabinoid System, phyto-cannabinoids and hemp oil. There is research on over 250 conditions and cannabidiols. Hemp oil might be the most important supplement you add to your health regimen. Distribution opportunity will also be presented for those interested in the “Green Rush.” Free. Ampersand, 1965 Riviera Dr, Ste 1, Mt Pleasant. 843-324-0489. PrimeAndBloom@gmail.com. Bloom1.PrimeMyBody.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

thursday, april 19

Friday Night Speaker Series with Dave Howard - “A Crack In The Looking Glass” – 7-8:30pm. The ancients believed each life was a mirror of our own beliefs. This topic will introduce how to use what you see in the reflection to achieve your highest potential. $22. Bridge to Avalon, 757 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston. 843-974-5676. Jeannine@BridgeToAvalon.com. BridgeToAvalon. com.

Healing Properties of Cannabis and Hemp Oil...History, Research and Uses at The Salt Oasis – 6:30-8:30pm. Learn about our Endo-Cannabinoid System, phyto-cannabinoids and hemp oil. There is research on over 250 conditions and cannabidiols. Hemp oil might be the most important supplement you add to your health regimen. Distribution opportunity will also be presented on the extraordinary “Green Rush.” Free. Salt Oasis Spa & Wellness Center, 103 Harth Pl, Ste B, Summerville. 843-324-0489. PrimeAndBloom@ gmail.com. Bloom1.PrimeMyBody.com.

Spirit Quest – Apr 13-15. 7pm, Fri thru 1pm, Sun. Spirit Quest is a deeply prayerful, insightful experience. Its focus is on being open and receptive to the Spirit and listening in the profound quiet of the natural world. Prayer is an integral part of the experience. $200. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382-9777. Springbank@ SpringbankRetreat.org. SpringbankRetreat.org.

Sunday, april 15 Race and Culture Film Series – 1-2:30pm. At Unity of Charleston view a meaningful film. Discussion follows to understand the history of America and how it has shaped the way we live. Every 3rd Sunday in this series we show films on the history of different groups of people in our society. Donation. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-566-0600. UnityCharleston@ msn.com. Unitychs.org.

monday, april 16 GreenWay Fit Challenge Prep Classes – 1011:30am. This 4-week functional fitness training class that involves exercising the body and mind to be prepared for everyday life. Classes will be held on the West Ashley GreenWay every Mon and Wed at 10am in April to prepare for the final GreenWay Challenge in May. $80. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com. Aligned Life Series with Linda Devito – 6:308pm. Every 3rd Mon. Aligned Life is a series of classes/workshops created to assist you in clearing the blocks that are responsible for these challenges. We will deal with a new topic each month from a spiritual perspective. $20. Bridge to Avalon, 757 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston. 843-974-5676. Jeannine@BridgeToAvalon.com. BridgeToAvalon.com.

tuesday, april 17 Autoimmune Support Group – 6-7pm. Anyone with any chronic pain or disease is certainly welcome to join because we all need a support system. This is a great way to make new friends that you can share your experiences with and hear from others. Facilitator: Janice Georgallas. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-Op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. JGeorgallas@yahoo.com. blissSpiritualCo-op.org.

wednesday, april 18 4-Week Fit Challenge – 6-7:30pm. Improve your fitness in a small group setting every Mon and Wed. This is a 4-week fitness challenge where you can learn the fundamentals of exercise and have fun doing it, no matter what fitness level you are at. 8 total classes. $80 for new clients, $15 for jump in class. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 It’s “420” Day! Cannabis and Hemp Oil Tasting, Information and Celebration – 6:30-8pm. Learn about our Endo-Cannabinoid System, phyto-cannabinoids and hemp oil. There is research on over 250 conditions and cannabidiols. Hemp oil might be the most important supplement you add to your health regimen. Distribution opportunity will also be presented on the extraordinary “Green Rush.” Free. Verdant EcoSpa & Organic Oasis, 938 Savannah Hwy, Charleston. 843-324-0489. PrimeAndBloom@gmail.com. Bloom1.PrimeMyBody.com. Friday Night Speaker Series with Judith Moore: Who Said We Have To Grow Up? – 7-8:30pm. Just because we’ve reached “adulthood” doesn’t mean we have to be all serious and adult all the time. Actually, this may be the time we finally get to be who we’ve always wanted to be. Let’s explore and have fun beginning to figure all that out. $22. Bridge to Avalon, 757 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston. 843-974-5676. Jeannine@ BridgeToAvalon.com. BridgeToAvalon.com.

saturday, APRIL 21 Earth Day Free Shred Events – Times and locations to be announced. For more information go to Facebook. c o m / Ch a r l e st o n Co u n t y E n v ir o n m e n ta l Management/. Barrier Island Earth Day 5K – 9am. Run, walk, or hike the route’s trails, dirt roads and beach, leashed dogs welcome - benefits the Barrier Island Local Outreach Program brings environmental education to local Title 1 schools. Adults $28 Under 18: $18. 2810 Seabrook Island Road, Johns Island. StChristopher.org/EarthDay5k/. Charleston Outdoor Festival – 9am-5pm, through Sunday, April 22, 9am-4pm. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, slacklining, mountain biking, archery, disc golf—there’s something for everyone! East Coast Paddlesports Symposium will also be held with a number of races and competitions. Live music and food. $2 to get in gate, $10 for festival, $8 for 12 and under. James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston. Call 843-795-4386. CCPRC.com/1542/ Charleston-Outdoor-Fest.

Sunday, april 22 Reiki II – 11am-5pm. Learn the skills you need to practice Reiki at a higher level. Reiki II is considered the “professional” level. You will learn the basic symbols, deepen your understanding of Reiki in general and how to utilize it in your life.

April 2018

A full manual, attunement, and light lunch included. $250.Charleston Holistic Center, 2366 Ashley River Rd, Ste 8, Charleston. 843-225-2024. CharlestonHolisticCenter.com. Dances of Universal Peace: P3 Workshop Presence, Peace and Personal Empowerment – 4-5:30pm. Race and Culture Film Series, Interfaith Gathering for Religious Freedom, Malice Toward None, Rise UP, Now is the Time Workshop. Meditation in movement using mantras from many of the world religions. Easy-to-do spiritual circle dances with live music guitar, violin and flute. This is a special outdoor Earth Day gathering at Hampton Park Gazebo. Next meeting 5/19 at 7pm at Unity of Charleston. Donation. Unity of Charleston, Hampton Park Gazebo, 30 Mary Murray Dr, Charleston. 843-566-0600. UnityCharleston@msn.com. Unitychs.org.

monday, april 23 GreenWay Fit Challenge Prep Classes – 1011:30am. This 4-week functional fitness training class that involves exercising the body and mind to be prepared for everyday life. Classes will be held on the West Ashley GreenWay every Mon and Wed at 10am in April to prepare for the final GreenWay Challenge in May. $80. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com. 4-Week Fit Challenge – 6-7:30pm. Improve your fitness in a small group setting every Mon and Wed. This is a 4-week fitness challenge where you can learn the fundamentals of exercise and have fun doing it, no matter what fitness level you are at. 8 total classes. $80 for new clients, $15 for jump in class. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com.

wednesday, april 25 GreenWay Fit Challenge Prep Classes – 1011:30am. This 4-week functional fitness training class that involves exercising the body and mind to be prepared for everyday life. Classes will be held on the West Ashley GreenWay every Mon and Wed at 10am in April to prepare for the final GreenWay Challenge in May. $80. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. SeedOfLifeCollective.com. Wise Women Circle – 7-8:30pm. What is a Wise Women Circle? A space for women who want to stay empowered, learn, change, grow and believe in your own innate wisdom. This month we will discuss the Language of Flowers because they speak to all of our senses. Facilitator: Carmen Young. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-Op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr , Mt Pleasant. CarmenYoung7@yahoo. com. blissSpiritualCo-op.org.

thursday, april 26 Healing Properties of Cannabis and Hemp Oil...History, Research and Uses at Ampersand – 6-7:30pm. Learn about our Endo-Cannabinoid System, phyto-cannabinoids and hemp oil. There is research on over 250 conditions and cannabidiols. Hemp oil might be the most important supplement you add to your health regimen. Distribution opportunity will also be presented on the extraordinary “Green Rush.” Free. Ampersand, 1965 Riviera Dr, Ste 1, Mt Pleasant. 843-324-0489. PrimeAndBloom@gmail.com. Bloom1.PrimeMyBody.com.

NA Lowcountry Edition

Thermography Workshop – 6-7:30pm. Attend this workshop and learn the benefits of medical thermography. Presented by Janelle Solomon, Certified Thermographic Technician. Also featuring Dr. Seth and Dr. Katally Strauss from Ideal Posture and Spine. Flow Well, 757 Long Point Rd, Ste C, Mount Pleasant. 803-270-1422. Janelle@flowwell.org. FlowWell.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 27 Friday Night Speaker Series with Cindy Boehley: Collaborating with Spirit – 7-8:30pm. This evening program will be an opening meditation of the awareness activating the core of your being, followed by a brief talk on the topic of connecting to your inner guidance, intuition and the consciousness of our love ones in spirit. $22. Bridge to Avalon, 757 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston. 843-974-5676. Jeannine@BridgeToAvalon.com. BridgeToAvalon.com. Retreat with Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry – Apr 27-29. 7pm, Fri thru 1pm, Sun. Through a celebration of Earth, Art, and Spirit, participants will anticipate a mutually enhancing world more beautiful than all the pasts. $275. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382-9777. Springbank@ SpringbankRetreat.org. SpringbankRetreat.org.

saturday, april 28 Rammed Earth Bus Stop: Community Building Workshop – 9am-5pm. A hands-on, building workshop course. Participants will learn the ancient method of building with mud. Construct a rammed earth carta bus stop Downtown. Discover the benefits: healthy, durable, sustainable, rot resistant, thermal performance. Be empowered, engage with community and have fun building together. $105. Root Down Designs LLC, 357 Howle Ave, Charleston. 843-696-1007. April@ RootDownDesigns.com. RootDownDesigns.com/ workshops. Walk for Autism – 9am Registration, 10 am Walk. Walk is held during the month of April to celebrate Autism Awareness month. It is a family friendly walk through historic Hampton Park, with free refreshments, live music, jump castles, silent auction, autism merchandise, haircuts by Great Clips, and therapy dogs. $27.50 individual, team pricing available. Hampton Park, Charleston. 843-991-8390. walkforautism@outlook.com. WalkforAutismcharleston.org/our-main-event/. Charleston Theosophical Study Center Metaphysical Studies – 4-5:50pm. We meet the last Sat of each month studying subjects which include Reincarnation, Karma and Life After Death. All are welcome. Free, study book is offered. Charleston Theosophical Study Center, Otranto Regional Library, 2261 Otranto Rd, N Charleston. 843-899-0619. JoanHaye61@yahoo.com.

sunday, april 29 Blessing of the Fleet –11am - 5pm. Pays tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry, offering a boat parade, live music, craft show. Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd, Mt Pleasant. ExperienceMountPleasant.com/events/blessingof-the-fleet/.

NALowcountry.com

Interfaith Gathering for Religious Freedom: Malice Toward None – 4:30-6pm. Unity of Charleston is sponsoring a special Interfaith event with other churches in the U.S. and internationally (InterfaithMarch.com). Various religions share their scriptures or founder’s views on religious freedom and why religious discrimination is unhealthy. We will also have music and interpretive dance at the gathering. Donation. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843566-0600. UnityCharleston@msn.com. Unitychs. org.

plan ahead saturday, may 12 GreenWay Fit Challenge Prep Classes – 1011:30am. Test your skills and stamina on the Fitness Challenge Course on the GreenWay. $20 to participate, includes 2-week supply Kangen ionized water and water bottle. Spots are limited. Pretraining sessions and classes are available. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. Register at SeedOfLifeCollective.com. Feel Good Fest – 12-4pm. Free community health and fitness event. Music, food, local Charleston vendors, gift giveaways and more. Join us at 10am on the same day for the GreenWay Fit Challenge. Seed of Life Collective, 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston. For more info or to register for the Challenge: SeedOfLifeCollective.com.

friday, may 18 The Gift of Deepening and The Radiance in All Things with Mark Nepo – May 18-20. 6:30-8:30pm, Fri; 9:30am-5pm, Sat; 9:30am-12:30pm, Sun. Mark will open a heart space through which participants can understand their relationship to the gift of deepening and the radiance in all things. $25-$295. The Sophia Institute, 150 Meeting St, Charleston. TheSophiaInstitute.org/events/the-gift-ofdeepening-the-radiance-in-all-things.

monday, may 21 Natural and Clay-Based Interior Construction Methods – May 21-25. 9am, Mon thru 5pm, Fri. A 5-day intensive course (facilitated by American College of Building Arts) where participants will work on a Rammed Earth construction site practicing interior finishing methods: clay paints and plasters, cob sculpting, earthen floors and more. Discover the health benefits of natural diy finishing methods. Root Down Designs LLC, 357 Howle Ave, Charleston. 843-696-1007. April@rRootDownDesigns.com. RootDownDesigns.com/workshops.

thursday, may 24 MUSC Center on Aging Senior Expo – 9am-2pm. All seniors, caregivers and senior service providers welcome to attend for free health screenings, exhibits and more. (Originally scheduled for March 2.) Free. MUSC Center on Aging, 176 Patriots Point St, Mt Pleasant. Dillonk@musc.edu. Musc.edu/aging.

ongoing events

sunday Zen Meditation Group – 8:15am. Three half-hour rounds of sitting along with walking meditation. Email to find out the best time for you to arrive. Free. Holy Cow Yoga, 10 Windermere Blvd, West Ashley. Info@CharlestonZen.org. CharlestonZen.org. Unity of Charleston Services – 9:30 & 11:15am. Are you more spiritual than religious? So are we! Do you believe in many paths to God? Then join us. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-566-0600. Unitychs.org. Unity of Mt Pleasant – 10-11am. Unity is a Positive Path for Spiritual Living. We lovingly welcome people of all faiths and inspire them to live with Passion. Free. Unity of Mt Pleasant, 3100 Tradition Cir, 2nd Floor, Somerby at Park West, Mt Pleasant. 843-814-1322. lleshay@comcast.net. New Spirit Books & Gifts – 10:30am-1pm. Spiritual, metaphysical and inspirational books, crystals, incense, tarot/oracle cards. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-566-0600. NewSpiritbg@gmail.com.

monday Complimentary Natural Female Hormone Balancing Consultations – 10am-4pm. With Dr. Stephanie Zgraggen. Lime and Lotus, 925-F Wappoo Rd, West Ashley. Call to schedule: 843-2142997. LimeAndLotus.com. THRIVE Domestic Violence Support Group – 12:30-1:30pm. Connect in a safe, confidential forum with others who are experiencing or have experienced violence in their relationships. In an atmosphere of respect, safety and empathy, draw comfort and empowerment from those who understand. Facilitator: Leigh Wildt. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. 843-345-7061. Leigh@Thrivesc.Life. blissSpiritualCo-op.org. Beginners Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. New to Yoga? Now is the best time to start! This class explores the foundations of yoga, breaking down the poses, working on safe alignment, modifications, and lots of hands-on assistance. Come with an open mind and leave your limitations at the door. All are welcome. $12. Healing Tree Holistic Health & Yoga, Mount Pleasant. 781-353-1553. Moira@HealingTreeCharleston.com. Preregistration required at HealingTreeCharleston.com/book-online. Beginners Yoga – 6-7pm. Join us with Cassie Branning in our tranquil yoga room. Since our classes are smaller than most, you get to really understand how the poses are preformed correctly and Cassie is able to lay healing hands on each Yogi. Come learn to flow and stretch. $12. Charleston Holistic Center, 2366 Ashley River Rd, Ste 8, Charleston. 843-225-2024. Info@CharlestonHolisticCenter. com. CharlestonHolisticCenter.com. Zen Fusion – 6-7pm. Searching for Simplicity a Path To Enlightenment by incorporating Meditation, Loving Kindness, Contemplation, Buddhist Psychology, and Devine Centering Prayer. We encourage you to go within to experience this search

(quest) for meaning, simplicity and a wise heart in our troubled conflicted world. Facilitator: Tommie Williams. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. 843-345-7061. islandtommie52@live.com. blissSpiritualCo-op.org. Group Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Discover how to quiet the mind, find peace and ease stress. Gain control of your wandering overactive brain. Reconnect to your source of peace and centeredness. Guided visual meditations, inward reflection, peace in the present moment. Join us! Preregistration required via website or call. $12. Healing Tree Holistic Health & Yoga, Mount Pleasant. 781353-1553. Moira@HealingTreeCharleston.com. HealingTreeCharleston.com/book-online/groupmeditation-1.

tuesday Homemade Soup, Warm Bread, & Camaraderie – 1:10-2:30pm. Join us for camaraderie, homemade soup & fresh bread after Hatha Yoga with Jill Keefer. Need to get back to work quickly after Jill’s Yoga class? We have you covered with to-go containers for soup you can take with you. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. 843-345-7061. blissSpiritualCo-op.org. Free Monthly Essential Oils Class – 6-7pm. 1st Tues of the month. Learn Healthy Habits, use Essential oils, Make ‘N’ Take items to use or give away to loved ones, Refreshments served, Recipes and RAFFLES! Free. 1164 Northbridge Rd (West Ashley), Charleston. 843-270-9913. ChiroAnn@ yahoo.com. DrAnnJenkins.com. Yoga – 6-7pm. Join us in a small yoga room where you are guided through the right poses for your body by a compassionate instructor. The space can only hold 6 yogis, so please sign up through our website. $12, $10 for new yogis. Charleston Holistic Center, 2366 Ashley River Rd, Ste 8, Charleston. 843-225-2024. Info@CharlestonHolisticCenter. com. CharlestonHolisticCenter.com. The Reiki Connection – 7pm. With Chrys Franks, Reiki Master/Teacher. Guided meditation followed by mini reiki sessions by certified practitioners. Love offering. (1st Tues for practitioners only.) Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-364-5725. Unitychs.org.

wednesday Complimentary Natural Female Hormone Balancing Consultations – 10am-4pm. With Dr. Stephanie Zgraggen. Lime and Lotus, 925-F Wappoo Rd, West Ashley. Call to schedule: 843-2142997. LimeAndLotus.com. Weekly 12-Step Support Group – 2-4pm. We hear you. We’ve been there. We care. No RSVP needed. Drop-ins welcome. Cross talk permitted. Dan Gannon and Marsha Blyth lead this group using the Al Anon Workbook and support group dynamics. The workbook can be purchased at bliss or on Amazon. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. DanTheBeachMan@gmail.com. blissSpiritualCo-op.org.

Guided Meditations – 6:30-7:15pm. Through visually guided meditations, together, we will raise our vibrational frequencies. Weekly sessions are 45 minutes, beginning with a Spirit-channeled visualization/meditation. Upon completion, everyone will have an opportunity to share visions, insights, breakthroughs and more. $10 donation. Bridge to Avalon, 757 St Andrews Blvd, West Ashley. 843-974-5676. Jeannine@BridgeToAvalon.com. BridgeToAvalon.com.

thursday Reiki for Vets –1-2pm. Free drop-in Reiki clinic for veterans and their spouse or caregiver. VAapproved volunteers will provide free 15-minute Reiki sessions to any disabled vet receiving services through the VA. No appointment necessary! Call or visit website for more information. Free. Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, 101 Naval Nuclear Power Training Command Cir, Goose Creek. 843-425-4906. Reiki4Vets@gmail.com. ReikiForVets.org. THRIVE Domestic Violence Support Group – 6-7pm. Connect in a safe, confidential forum with others who are experiencing or have experienced violence in their relationships. In an atmosphere of respect, safety and empathy, draw comfort and empowerment from those who understand. Facilitator: Leigh Wildt. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. 843-345-7061. Leigh@ThriveSC.Life. blissSpiritualCo-op.org.

friday Weekly Course in Miracles – 10:30am-12pm. This is a self-study course that is spiritual rather than religious in its perspective. The Course combines aspects of Buddhism and Christianity to teach a non-dualistic thought system dealing with universal spiritual themes. Please join us at 10am for an optional Guided Meditation before class. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. 843-345-7061. JanetHerron98@gmail. com. blissSpiritualCo-op.org. Contra Dance – 7:30 - 10:30pm. This fun for all ages event occurs on the 1st and 3rd Fridays each month. The caller will explain everything at 7:30. New dancers please arrive on time. Upcoming dances on 4/6, 5/4 (free dance) and 5/18. Check website for venue changes. $8; Supervised Children under 13, $4, Under 5, Free, 4800 Park Circle, N Charleston. CharlestonFolk.weebly.com

saturday Compost Daze – 10am-2pm. Compost Rangers Compost Daze volunteer monthly workday every 2nd Sat of the month. Location will vary, so follow Compost Rangers on Facebook or visit CompostRangers.org and sign up for email reminders. Simply Meditate – 10:30am-12pm. 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Drop-in classes with guided meditations, suitable for beginners and experienced alike. Circular Church, 150 Meeting St, Charleston (classroom below Lance Hall). $10 or $5/students/seniors. MeditationInSouthCarolina.org.

April 2018

community resource guide

bIOMAGNETIC THERAPY

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email PublisherNALowcountry@gmail.com.

ACUPUNCTURE

Ayurveda

CHARLESTON COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE

EARTHEN APOTHECARY

1307 Savannah Hwy, West Ashley 843-763-7200 FeelGreatCharleston.com Voted best acupuncturist three years running. We treat most ailments, including stress, pain management, autoimmune issues, infertility, migraines, fatigue, allergies, diabetes and much more. Sliding scale payment option $20-$40 (return visits).

ALTERNATIVE HOLISTIC MEDICINE DR. PATRICK S. LOVEGROVE Merge Medical Center Mt Pleasant • 843-469-1001 MergeMedicalCenter.com

AMA board-certified MD specializing in family medicine, holistic internal medicine, Antiaging, Chinese medicine, naturopathy. Merge Medical Center … where modern thinking meets natural healing. Services include Primary Care, Weight Loss, Fatigue management, Bioidentical hormones, Colonics, Acupuncture, Massage, Reiki, Chiropractic, IV vitamins, and Bemer therapy.

Jennifer Byrne, MPH, NAMA-Certified Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor 232A Ashley Ave, Charleston • 843-743-8373 Jennifer@EarthenApothecary.com EarthenApothecary.com Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of health and longevity. An Ayurvedic consultation can help you understand your unique constitution and identify how your system manifests imbalances. Individualized dietary, lifestyle and herbal recommendations are tailored to address any current imbalances. Call/email for scheduling. See ad, page 2.

SEED OF LIFE COLLECTIVE Melody Rogers 843-343-6726 SeedLifeMelody@gmail.com SeedOfLifeCollective.com

Want more Energy? Deeper Rest? Better Focus? Ayurvedic Lifestyle Medicine and Personalized Health Coaching can Help You! Text or email about your Free Consultation today! See ad, page 2.

beauty consultant YOUR GROOMING GURU

astrology ALEXANDER MALLON

Charleston 845-802-6111 • AstrologySpirit@gmail.com AstrologySpirit.com Consultations, Spiritual Coaching and Counseling with a primary focus on a client’s gifts and talents, illuminating natural cycles and phases of growth for individuals and couples. Alexander’s training in Body Centered Gestalt Counseling and Art Therapy, coupled with his Astrological/ Intuitive training powerfully help clients achieve clarity of goal and purpose.

1319 Savannah Hwy, Ste C Charleston (in Artisans Inc Salon) 843-813-1838 YourGroomingGuru.com Your Grooming Guru, Barbara Brant-Williams, is an experienced hair-stylist, makeup artist and certified Organic Color Specialist practicing out of the Artisans Salon. Charleston’s go-to source for hair, makeup and beauty product knowledge. See ad, page 29.

beauty & sKIN cARE Seed Of Life Alternative Health Collective Ashley Kramer 621 Wappoo Road, Charleston (843)566-4422 Ashley.SmoothSpa@gmail.com SmoothBrazilianWaxing.com

Brazilian waxing, Full body waxing, Threading, Facials, and Microdermabrasion. 10 years of experience. Men are welcome. Please Book Yo u r A p p o i n t m e n t s a t SmoothBrazilianWaxing.com.

NA Lowcountry Edition

NALowcountry.com

Paula McGuire

Mt Pleasant/Charleston 843-732-0293 • Paula@ireinst.com ireinst.com BioMagnetic Therapy can help create balance, restore vitality within the body and facilitate clearing of viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic infections; allergies; ADD; autism; autoimmune issues; heavy metal and other toxicity; chronic pain; infertility; herpes; MS; among other conditions.

bodywork LOTUS HOLISTIC MASSAGE

Abigail McClam, BA, LMBT 232A Ashley Ave, Charleston 843-724-9807•Abigail@LotusCharleston.com LotusCharleston.com Licensed holistic massage and integrative bodywork practitioner offering massage, aromatherapy, energy healing and breathing techniques to help individuals nurture health, restore balance, manage pain, trauma and injury as they learn to embrace their own body/mind wisdom. See ad, page 2.

DANICA TODD, CERTIFIED DOULA, MASSAGE THERAPIST 720 Magnolia Rd, Ste 15, Charleston 843-826-0660 CharlestonMassageTherapies.com

Avondale’s premier massage therapy and advanced Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® practice. Learn more about my journey at DanicaTodd.com. See ad, page 17.

CBD OIL, PRODUCTS EUCALYPTUS WELLNESS & ELIXIR BAR 280 W Coleman Blvd, Ste E Mt Pleasant • 843-388-4956 Info@EucalyptusWellness.com EucalyptusWellness.com

We offer the largest selection of CBD Oil products in the Lowcountry. Our staff is trained to answer any of your CBD questions. Store hours Monday thru Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 12-5pm.

COACHING

CHILD TUTOR/COUNSELOR PAULA STRONG, PHD 843-694-5766 Paula.Strong@gmail.com ChildAdvancement.com

Elementary teacher, Holistic P s y c h o t h e r a p y. S p i r i t u a l l y channeled creative lessons in subject matter combined with coaching in self-awareness, ages 6 and up. Formats improve gifted (supernatural) child’s ability to learn, express, focus, build confidence, realize DNA purpose. Parent/ teacher consultant.

CHIROPRACTORS ACCURATE CHIROPRACTIC

3373 S Morgans Point Rd, Ste 307 Mt Pleasant 843-971-8814 CoursonChiropractic@gmail.com MtPleasantChiro.com Holistic Family Care practice, offering a variety of techniques and therapies to help improve overall health and wellness. Proudly serving the Charleston area for 17 years.

SHERRY KACHANIS

North Charleston 843-743-9488 SherryKachanis@gmail.com SherryKachanis.com Transformational Coach and Shamanic Healer. Break through unconscious barriers to fully LIVE the LIFE you desire! Monthly Meditation/Shamanic Healing, Moon Ceremonies and Healing

Retreats.

COLON HEALTH A CENTER FOR WELL-BEING

Grass Roots Health Care Since 1991 843-769-6848 ACenterForWellbeing.com Therapeutic Massage, Colon Hydrotherapy, Detox Foot Baths. Healthy Food Choice Coaching, NBCTH-certified and I-ACT members. Offering people a vehicle to help improve their quality of life. Specializing in probiotic education.

CHARLESTON COLONICS

Dr. Gina Colucci 1806 Trolley Rd, Summerville 843-875-5700 • ColucciChiropractic.com

Dr. Ann Jenkins, Not Your Ordinary Chiropractor 1164 Northbridge Dr, Charleston (West Ashley) 843-270-9913 DrAnnJenkins.com

Exclusive to the area: Whole Body Magnetic Therapy. Mention Natural Awakenings for a free onehour session. Holistic family care. Relief of neck, back and emotional pain. Homeopathy and essential oils.See ad, page 29.

CHURCHES Unity Church of Charleston Rev. Ed Kosak, Minister 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston 843-566-0600 • Unitychs.org

Sunday Services: 9:30 and 11:15am. Are you more spiritual than religious? Do you believe in many paths to God? Then please join us. See ad, page 13.

Coming Next Month

Personalized Medicine Plus: Natural Care First

May articles include: Maintain Healthy Habits Exercise for Menopause Cats Help Relieve Stress Alternative Healing

Neda Smith 250 Mathis Ferry Rd, Ste 101, Mt Pleasant 843-469-1001

COLUCCI CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER

Serving the Summerville area for 29 years. Specializing in holistic care; weight loss and nutritional cleansing; pain management; bio-identical hormones; sugar detox; stress testing; chiropractic; peripheral neuropathy; detox footbaths; emotional (TBM/NET) and wellness care.

MAY

appointment.

Increase energy and concentration, improve digestion, eliminate constipation, jumpstart weight loss, detox and hydrate the body! If we take good care of the bowel, we can have better health. Call for more information and to schedule an

COUNSELING HOLISTIC YOU COUNSELING

Angel Muehlenkamp, MA Professional Counseling Summerville 843-327-1440 • LivingAngel777@gmail.com UniquelyuNow.com We are here to live in the fullness of who and what we truly are. Angel uses her unique ability to Connect to Source to assist you in moving beyond daily limitations. Open to a brand new way of living. Talk, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy; Quantum-Touch; Reiki; Intuitive Counseling; Art of God; Life Coaching; and Spiritual Counseling.

DENTISTRY DELITE DENTAL

Dr. Hayan Lee & Dr. Young Kim 320 Midland Pkwy, Ste A, Summerville 843-486-2022 • DeliteDental.net Stop being a cavity victim. Dental health is more than just brushing and flossing two times a day. See the dental revolution of a compassionate, holistic office. Call and ask for current promotion.

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

843-821-7404

or email PublisherNALowcountry@gmail.com April 2018

I SMILE MATHIS FERRY DENTISTRY Wendy S. Haefner, DDS 1571 Mathis Ferry Rd, Mt Pleasant 843-884-1215 • MathisFerryDentistry.com

Biological dentistry using IAOMT protocol. Natural products free of BPA and mercury. Mercury-safe filling removal. Now offering ozone therapy! See ad, page 21.

FITNESS SEED OF LIFE COLLECTIVE

Andrew Dean, ISFTA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and Exercise Therapist 621 Wappoo Rd, Charleston • 843-475-2156 TransformUniversalFitness@yahoo.com HolisticHealthTrainer.com Specialized in the Fundamental Movements of the Body and the Natural Laws in Nutrition. Interested in the 8 Fundamental Movements of Exercise and the Natural Laws of Nutrition? Classes and Programs available now! Call Today!

JULIE OBENCHAIN, DDS

924 Tall Pine Rd, Mt Pleasant 843-884-0701 • PleasantSmilesCFD.com BPA and bis-GMA free dental fillings and BPA-free night guards. Mercury free, mercury safe. Accepting new patients and emergency appointments. Please call for consultation. See ad, page 15.

JAMES SEXTON, DMD, MAGD

HEALTH FOOD STORES EUCALYPTUS WELLNESS & ELIXIR BAR 280 W Coleman Blvd, Ste E Mt Pleasant • 843-388-4956 EucalyptusWellness.com

Vitamins and supplements, CBD oil, bulk herbs, Wyndmere and doTerra essential oils, alkaline ionized water, facial and body care. New Elixir Bar! Herbal elixirs, blended drinks and fresh raw juices. Open Monday thru Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 12-5pm.

Please call for appointment: Mt Pleasant • 843-881-1418 Myrtle Beach • 843-293-6700

Holistic, preventive dentistry. Safe removal of mercury fillings since 1975, following IAOMT protocol. Offering anti-aging dentistry and biocompatible materials. See ad, page 20.

eco-cleaning ABOVE & BEYOND CLEANING LLC Kimberly Henderson • 843-901-4779 AboveAndBeyondCleaningllc.com

Healthy living starts with an ecoclean home or office. Health and wholeness are our top priorities by providing our clients with a “green” clean by using natural and botanical cleaning products.

ESSENTIAL OILS YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS WITH LISA BAYOREK Lisa Bayorek, Member #10796546 Charleston Linktr.ee/lisabayorek

Curious about essential oils? I would love to share Young Living with you! I offer classes on family wellness, chemical-free cleaning, business opportunities and more!

VITAMIN PLUS+

Herbs and Health Foods 119 N Goose Creek Blvd, Ste K Goose Creek • 843-797-3200 Best selection of herbs in South Carolina. Organic teas, spices, supplements, essential oils, wheat-free and gluten-free products. 10am-7pm Mon-Sat; closed Sunday.

HEALTH & WELLNESS KANGEN IONIZED WATER

Change your water, change your life! Thomas P Meletis, Distributor 843-729-7837 • TPM13@aol.com Water is the single most important element that goes in our body. Drinking the right type of water may be the single most important piece in achieving and maintaining optimal health. Visit KangenDemo. com to see a comparison. View all eight machines at TopShelfWater.net. Financing at zero interest.

HEMP OIL PrimeMyBody Hemp Oil 843-324-0489 PrimeAndBloom@gmail.com Bloom1.PrimeMyBody.com

cover.

NA Lowcountry Edition

NALowcountry.com

Learn about our Endo-Cannabinoid System, Phyto-Cannabinoids and Hemp Oil! There is research on more than 250 conditions and cannabidiol. Hemp oil might be the most important product you add to your health regimen! See ad, outside

HOLISTIC ANIMAL HEALING THE ART OF REIKI CHARLESTON Margaret Ravenel 843-304-3364 Margaret@ArtOfReikichs.com ArtOfReickichs.com

Animal reiki, crystal therapy and aromatherapy, Grounding/Earthing, Alpha-Stim (FDA-approved unit for stress relief, pain management, trauma recovery).

HOLISTIC CENTER CHARLESTON HEALTH

Dr. Amanda McNabb and Dr. Karyn Meadows 318 N Cedar St, Ste B Summerville 843-879-8224 • admin@CharlestonHealth.org CharlestonHealth.org

See ad, page 9.

Healthy people are happy people. Unwanted weight, indigestion, pain, depression or stress? Offering hair/saliva testing, bioidentical nutrition, essential oils, and chiropractic. Where AWESOME happens!

HEALING TREE

Moira Duggan 1261 Caperton Way, Charleston 781-353-1553 • MLDuggan22@gmail.com HealingTreeCharleston.com Holistic Healing through Mind~Body~Spirit Reconnection. Offering: Reiki Healing Therapy, Energy Medicine, Yoga and Meditation, Mindful Nutrition, Intuitive Counseling, Soul Realignment, Sacred Oils, Workshops and Private Sessions.

IDEAL POSTURE & SPINE

Dr. Seth Strauss 757 Long Point Rd, Ste C Mt Pleasant 843-352-9966 Info@PostureAndSpine.com MyCharlestonChiropractic.com We are a unique state-of-the art facility where we help families improve their quality of life when other solutions have failed. See ad, page 2.

HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY LANCE GARLAND

Charleston Holistic Center 2366 Ashley River Rd, Bldg 8, Charleston 843-225-2024 CharlestonHolisticCenter.com Licensed, full-service counselor specializing in all aspects of anxiety. Certified in Hypnotherapy, EMDR, E F T, P a s t - L i f e R e g r e s s i o n , Mindfulness and Dream Analysis. Whatever you’re experiencing, we can help you find your way to a happier life. See ad, page 7.

INTEGRATED MEDICINE BACK2HEALTH

Adam Hall 588 Old Mt Holly Rd Goose Creek 843-203-8313 Wanda@pmHealthAlliance.com Back2HealthSC.com Back2Health Physical Medicine is a multi-specialty practice with a unique approach to pain. Our goal is to successfully restore your quality of life to its maximum potential. See ad, page 3.

INTUITIVE GUIDANCE CAROL COTTRELL, INTUITIVE MEDIUM

By appointment only 815 Savannah Hwy, West Ashley 843-324-6460 • Carol@CCottrell.com CCottrell.com Connect with passed loved ones to experience healing, love and guidance. Individual or group readings available in person or via Skype. Mediumship classes also available.

life coach Victoria Hargis 843-284-6810 VictoriaHargis.com

Eliminate emotional barriers and live life free! PTSD intervention, anxiety and trauma release. Leadership Coach. Fast and permanent results. Master Coach Certified. NLP, brain retraining, PSTEC. Services pro-vided in HIPPA compliant platform online or in person.

Jennifer Iamele Savage, MEd Certified Life Coach 508-942-0402 InspirationAndBliss.com

A trained Montessori educator and intuitive life coach, specializing in transitions and soul purpose coaching. Eliminate blocks, work through transitions, and discover your purpose. Courses on the use of essential oils for healing, journaling and vision boards to manifest your dreams.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS SEA ISLAND NURSE

Gail D. Azain, RN, MS, MSN, FNP 2052 Sterling Marsh Ln Seabrook Island 864-351-8787 • TurtleRock89@yahoo.com Ms. Azain, a nurse practitioner, is a distributor of Shaklee Products— nutrition, beauty and household products for a healthier home and you!

MASSAGE A WORLD Of WELLNESS MASSAGE THERAPY

Pam Olivier 3226 2B Maybank Hwy Johns Island 843-708-8923 • Massage@PamOlivier.com MassageOnJohns.com A simple place for a sophisticated massage. Whether dealing with disgruntled muscles from stress or injury from an accident, we will design the correct massage for you. Techniques used include sports massage, neuromuscular, Thai yoga massage, and manual lymph drainage. Look for the addition of Watsu (water massage) this spring.

NATURAL HEALTH ECOHEALTH WELLNESS CENTER & DETOX SPA Tiffany Jackson 1051 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Ste B Mt Pleasant • 843-884-4466 Info@EcoHealthWellness.com EcoHealthWellness.com

Tiffany Jackson specializes in chronic GI disorders, correcting nutritional deficiencies, personalized diet plans and detoxification. EcoHealth offers Infrared Saunas, Migun Massage and Alkaline Water. See ad, page 7.

NEUROFEEDBACK SYMMETRY NEURO-PATHWAY TRAINING Dianne Kosto 844-272-4666 Dianne@SymmetryNeuroPT.com SymmetryNeuroPT.com

Symmetry provides neurofeedback for individuals and families at our Centers, makes it easy for schools and professionals to implement neuro-pt, and now provides systems for safe use at home. Brain training to address negative characteristics of ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, memory, improving performance and more.

NUTRITIONIST JANA DAVIS, MS, RD, CDE

Mt Pleasant/Charleston 843-801-4686 CarolinaGreenLiving@gmail.com Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 25 years of experience. Private consultations, grocery store tours, public speaking. Owner of Carolina Green Living LLC, which focuses on teaching clients about avoiding toxins and other environmental factors that can impact health.

ORGANIC SALON & BOUTIQUE COTTAGE AROMA BELLA DAY SPA

2671 Ft Trenholm Rd, Johns Island 843-266-3619 • CottageAromaBella.com Relax and renew your mind, body and soul while enjoying our luxurious services. All treatments are tailored just for you using the finest all-natural products. See ad, page 23.

SALON INDIGO

732 S Shelmore Blvd, Ste 100 Mt Pleasant (Shelmore Village) 843-991-6835 Our experienced team of hairstylists and skin care specialist use 100 percent-certified organic products. We specialize in haircutting, coloring and make-up application. We sell All Nutrient™, Moroccan Oils, Dr. Hauschka™, 100% Pure™, iLike™ and many other boutique items.

April 2018

reiki

SPIRITUAL LIFE COACH

JOTI REIKI

Maureen Donohue 772 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston 843-327-4761 • MDonohue321@gmail.com JotiReiki.com Client-focused, heart-centered joti reiki therapeutic Reiki, Medical Reiki and

LAURA GRIFFITH GARLAND

Charleston Holistic Center 2366 Ashley River Rd, Bldg 8, Charleston 843-452-7996 DrLaura.Coach@gmail.com CharlestonReikiAndTarot.com Transform your life from the ordinary to the extraordinary by understanding how the aspects of your being interact and block your progress. Together, we can heal your past and find your true future. See ad, page 21.

Distant Reiki Sessions. Maureen is a Usui Reiki/Master Teacher in practice since 2003. She offers NCBTMB-Approved Workshops Treatments - Classes throughout the U.S. See ad, page 25. jotireiki.com 843-327-4761

soul coach

WE EMPOWER CONSCIOUSNESS

Dr. Wendy M. Perrell, Certified Soul Coach and Shaman 907-317-2483 • wperrell@wppec.com DrWendyEmpowers.com Meetup: Charleston~Align with Your Soul’s Purpose

THERMOGRAPHY Flow Well

Shanna Rivera 877-315-7226, ext 447 Shanna@FlowWell.org FlowWell.org Early detection and alternative prevention. Thermography: radiation-free full body and breast cancer screening. See what you need to work on now to potentially avoid future health issues. See ad, page 19.

Your Soul speaks to me! I channel Archangel Raphael to help you heal fear, guilt, shame, unworthiness and unlovable energy that holds you back from your Soul’s purpose. We provide spiritual tools and practices that enlighten and empower you to enjoy love, wealth, health, joy and balance.

WATER NoWaterCompares.com

Johnny Zecopoulos, BSME 843-327-3726 • Johnny@ NoWaterCompares.com NoWaterCompares.info (for filtration) ThisWaterChangesLives.com (for Kangen ionizers) Your one-stop source for cleaner water through NSF/WQA certified filtration and/or healthier water through life-altering devices known as Kangen Water ionizers.

WOMEN’S HEALTH LIME AND LOTUS – HEALING ARTS CENTER Stephanie Zgraggen 925 Wappoo Rd, Ste F, Charleston 843-214-2997 • Hello@DrZgraggen.com HealYourHormonesNow.com

Painful periods? Hot flashes? Fatigue? Weight gain? Dr. Stephanie takes a holistic, individualized approach toward natural female hormone balance with natural effective therapies.

Why don’t we use antibiotics to treat sinusitis anymore? Because they make the problem WORSE.

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We get calls every day from sinus sufferers like you thanking us for bringing them our fine products. Nothing makes us happier than hearing our customers proclaim, “I can breathe again”. Check-out our website & see all of the wonderful products that we offer to help you maintain your health naturally. Here at Nature’s Rite, we’re ridding the world of sinusitis… one nose at a time. Why don’t we heal yours next?

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while clearing your mind ® Ja’Mi Products aromatherapy essential oil body and room sprays assist in healing the mind, body and soul. Balance the physical and metaphysical energies of the body, hydrate skin, balance chakras, awaken the senses and clear your mind to manifest love, peace and prosperity. 15% off all sprays with online code: NA18

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DISCOVER YOUR WELLBEING AT PHILIPSTEIN.COM

If you choose to return your Philip Stein goods, please do so within 30 days of receipt in perfect condition and in the original packaging.

Available online and at Whole Foods Markets, Spas, Wellness Centers and other retail locations.

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April 2018

02-2018

ENHANCE YOUR HEALTH IN WAYS YOU NEVER KNEW POSSIBLE...

ENERGY & MOOD IMMUNE SUPPORT PAIN & DISCOMFORT NEURO-PROTECTIVE Phyto-cannabinoids may become the most important product you add to your health regimen.

DID YOU KNOW?

We all have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), first discovered in the late 1980s. The ECS are receptors located in the brain and organs and are specifically tasked to receive and process nutritional cannabinoids. The ECS is responsible for regulation and balance (homeostasis). This elaborate cellular network is part of our immune system and when activated by taking phytocannabinoid diols (cannabinoids from cannabis) we have a better ability to fight, resist and assist in repairing the mind and body.

• Phytocannabinoid Diols Hemp Extract • High Grade • Nano-Enhanced Liposomal Delivery (6 To 10X More Absorbable Than Others) • Legal In All 50 States • Gluten And Soy Free, Non GMO • For All Ages

Come to one of our local events to hear how this oil is changing lives! Hear the research and science behind this one-of-kind nano-enhanced liposomal delivery system and be able to taste the oil. Stay after the presentation to learn more about this ground-floor business opportunity. Check the Calendar in this magazine for locations and times.

“My 10-year-old daughter has had episodes of spasms since she was 9 months old. She recently started primemybody hemp oil and has not had an episode since. I believe in this product.” ~ Bethany Y, Charleston. For more inFormation: bloom1.primemybody.com • primeandbloom@gmail.com • 843-324-0489 The statements in this advertisment have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.