September 2023 Natural Awakenings Volusia/Flagler Counties Florida edition

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Enjoying the Journey

Throughouthistory, humans have embarked on pilgrimages in pursuit of wealth, good fortune, divine enlightenment or other blessings, and these journeys could be considered the earliest manifestations of the type of adventure travel known today as spiritual tourism—some places qualify by virtue of their natural beauty or due to some historical, mythological or religious significance. For a trip that fosters mind-bodyspirit self-care with a generous portion of adventure, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for you in this month’s feature story.

Yes, travel can be an amazing way to invigorate the senses, stimulate imagination, refresh your mental framework and invite in new ideas and personal insights. I fondly recall the summer of 1976 when I was 13 and my mother shared the most marvelous news that my aunt Carol and uncle Leon, who lived by the ocean in Jacksonville, North Carolina, had invited me to visit for the summer. What a surprise for me, the oldest of seven children and right hand to my single mom working two jobs. Needless to say, the promised adventure felt like a miracle!

From the first moment I laid eyes on the Atlantic Ocean, I felt a closeness to our expanding universe like I never had before. It energized and enraptured me, and taking a deep, enlivened breath, I ran right to the water and jumped in. Body surfing felt like second nature to me. The gently rolling waves rocked me and eased my mind. I’d found a special place for my inner being to rest; soothed, calmed and comforted.

Even now, I still say that summer changed my life, and I’m forever grateful for my dear ones reaching out to gift me a much needed respite and an extraordinary opportunity for communing within. Many times since then when I’m at a crossroads, I find my heart beckoning me to the ocean for some ionized fresh air and clarity.

Wherever the path leads you this month, we hope that you find inspiration along the way to fill your soul with a passion and delight for life and the world around you. You’re sure to find plenty to nurture yourself and your loved ones in this issue, too. Let’s embark together on a new day and all that it has to offer. We invite you to explore the possibilities with us!

Happy Trails, John and Trina Voell, Publishers

ON THE COVER:

We are delighted to have Nathan Crane and Sylvie Beljanski, of the prestigious Beljanski Foundation, grace this month’s front cover. Crane is a researcher and holistic cancer coach, inspirational speaker and bestselling author. Beljanski. a lawyer by trade, is a health advocate for holistic medicine, public speaker, internationally known author and entrepreneur. The Beljanski Foundation’s mission is to study and share knowledge of effective, non-toxic natural solutions that work alone and in synergy with traditional Western medicine to cure cancer and other chronic diseases the natural way.

Be sure to attend the Beljanski Integrative Cancer Conference, Winning the War on Cancer, from October 13 to 15 at the Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk. We will be glad to see you there! See ad opposite page.

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue you’ll 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.

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Stop Pain with Laser Therapy

Back in Balance Chiropractic & Day Spa, the office of Dr. Tonya J. Dacko, DC, offers Class IV laser therapy for pain in the feet from neuropathy or other conditions. She says, “Pain is one of the top health problems in the United States. The most common include arthritis, lower back, bone/joint pain, muscle pain and fibromyalgia. People with chronic pain have difficulty finding doctors who can effectively treat their pain. Class IV laser therapy may be the solution you’ve been searching for.”

Laser therapy is a safe, pain-free treatment that only takes a few minutes per visit. It does not require the use of drugs or surgery, and there are no side effects or risks that may occur with other forms of treatment.

The primary mechanism of laser therapy is photobiomodulation, which causes the stimulation of cells and tissue repair that has demonstrated positive physiological effects of infrared wavelengths on cellular organelles and electron-chain molecules.

Other services such include non-surgical decompression treatment, adjustments, personal injury recovery treatment and more. Spa services include massage, hair removal and energy healing.

Complimentary consultation. Location: 2006 S. Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona. For appointments and more information, call 386-238-9740, email Info@bibchirodayspa.com of visit bibchirodayspa.com.

Family Relationship Workshops

Endeavors Counseling

and the DeLand Family YMCA will host a Child-Parent Relationship workshop based on the Filial Therapy Model for parents of 3-to10-year-olds from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., September 2, facilitated by Ella Sheperd, NCC, a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Endeavors Counseling, and Jesi Luxon, BS, an academic coach. They will also meet on October 7, November 4 and December 2.

Participants will have the opportunity to use these new skills with each other, share struggles and successes, and grow together with the support of two caring professionals. They do not have to be the primary parent or legal guardian to benefit.

Cost is $200 in full or in four $50 payments. Location: 761 E. International Speedway Blvd., DeLand. For more info or to register, call 407-900-8010 or visit EndeavorsCounseling.com.

Celebrate the Fall Spirit

The second annual Fall into the Holidays will take place on September 23, the first day of autumn, at the Flagler County Fairgrounds, with inside and outside vendors, entertainment, food trucks, face painting and more. For the Love of Shopping, the Volusia County husband and wife team of Jennifer and Shawn Atkison, say, “We work with hundreds of local vendors, crafters, artists and businesses. We strive to always have something new to see at our events.”

They share. “Gaining a deeper understanding of your community is one of the biggest takeaways from attending a local fall festival. You can meet and support the who’s who of the local business and arts communities. This can also be a time to gather the family together for some bonding and special experiences. Celebrating the new season and all it has to offer can be fun. Plus, attending gets you outdoors. You can find unique (often one-of-a-kind) gifts for the upcoming holiday season, too.”

Admission is free. Location: 650 County Rd. 13, Bunnell. For more information, visit ForTheLoveOfShopping.net/events-1.

Keto Cooking Class with Rina Hatton

This workshop is a grown-ups-only gathering at which to learn and practice techniques to identify, communicate and regulate adult emotions; identify, reflect and co-regulate a child’s emotions; set boundaries; and develop enforceable consequences.

Ella Shepherd

Oil& Vinegar Daytona Beach is hosting a Keto Cooking Class with Rina Hatton from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., September 15. Participants can enhance their cooking skills while learning more about the keto lifestyle in a supportive class setting. The menu includes refreshing gazpacho soup; spiced cilantro-lime coconut shrimp and cauliflower rice; and chewy Italian almond cookies. Every dish in this class adheres to the guidelines of the ketogenic diet. As a healthy and lifestyle consultant, Hatton will introduce an array of delightful flavors in a wholesome keto fashion.

Hatton, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthy Lifestyle Coaching, is the owner of Nexus Wellness. Oil & Vinegar Daytona Beach hosts a variety of events to connect and engage with the lo-

cal community featuring live music, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and more.

Cost is $65. Location: 2644 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach. For more information, call 386-256-7336, or email OilAndVinegarDaytona@ gmail.com.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

off-campus Volusia County Extension will present Edible Landscaping and Plants in Local History, part of the ReGrow the Loop collection, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., September 30, at the Ormond Beach Regional Library.

Extension agents, that serve as the county’s teachers, reach more than 2 million people each year through presentations, telephone calls, lab diagnoses, pamphlets and other outreach programs in sustainable agriculture, natural resource conservation, commercial horticulture, residential horticulture, energy conservation, food and nutrition, finances and home purchasing, child and family development and 4H youth development.

Hosted by Dream Green Volusia, Reid Farm and Tomoka State Park Rangers, participants can learn Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles to grow food in their yard and the importance plants have played in the history of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, a 30-mile, double-loop of roadways traversing some of the most beautiful and diverse natural scenery remaining in all of coastal central Florida. Experts will be on hand to provide an informative and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Admission is free with RSVP to 386-676-4191. Location: 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach. For more information, visit VolusiaLibrary. evanced.info/signup/list.

Wig Out For Cancer

Deltona City Commissioner

Dana McCool and Joseph Hearn invite the public to Wig Out For Cancer, a fundraiser to support nonprofit Deltona Strong and select local charities that directly support cancer patients. The spotlight will shine brightly on wigs, symbolizing the courage and strength of cancer patients that don vibrant headpieces in their battle against cancer. Participants are encouraged to wear their boldest wigs, enjoy dazzling entertainment and bid at the live auction and raffles to empower cancer patients.

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In a world where the fight against cancer is a collective endeavor, they proudly present an event that is bold, vibrant and above all, fiercely determined to make a difference. Step into a realm of eccentricity and empowerment at Wig Out For Cancer, a charity extravaganza like no other.

$75 general admission. Location: 1640 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Deltona. For tickets and more information, email Info@WigOutForCancer.com or visit WigOutForCancer.com.

KUDOS

Donations to the 25th annual Operation Backpack school supply campaign will provide 9,000 filled backpacks, teacher and student supply kits to 89 schools across two counties from Edgewater to Palm Coast. The effort is bolstered by the donation of $197,850 to the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties by longtime Volusia County entrepreneur and philanthropist L. Gale Lemerand. Federation president Marvin Miller notes that his gift ranks as the largest contribution from a single donor in the organization’s history.

The annual backpack drive is among the community-oriented legacies established by Gloria Max, the longtime executive director of the Jewish Federation. She was hailed as an indefatigable advocate for children and families in need after her death two years ago at age 80 following a six-year cancer battle.

For more information or to donate, visit MightyCause.com/story/Backpacks-2023.

Back to Eden Vegan Vegetarian Café is celebrating 10 years in business. Owner and Chef Maria Serrano says, “Since 2013, we’ve been making all nutritional homemade meals from scratch. Thank you all for your wonderful support and trusting me to become creative with your healthy lifestyle.”

They offer handmade from scratch burgers, pizzas, veggie wraps, gluten-free desserts, sandwiches, salads, soups, juice smoothies, weekly meals, juice programs, dairy- and sugar-free items. They do catering, use

DoorDash for delivery and service the Flagler Beach farmers market.

117 W Howry Ave • Suite 105

DeLand • FL 32720

Within Da Vinci Design Studios

(386) 748-2084

HOURS:

Tuesday-Saturday 11am-4pm

Closed Sunday & Monday

WildVioletVintage.com

@wildvioletdeland

Serrano says, “We are completely raw-living, fully vegan. We offer takeaway and delivery counter dog-friendly service with outdoor seating. Reservations are available.”

Location: 210 S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach. For more information, call 386-693-4930, email BackToEdenCafe14@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/backtoedencafe.

Winning the War on Cancer

Major Upcoming Conference in Jacksonville

Maison Beljanski was initially named Natural Source International, Ltd. until the purchase of the building in the heart of New York City that became known as Maison Beljanski, offering the Beljanski® Products. Hailed by people worldwide that have sought support in coping with cancer and other chronic diseases, it’s an exceptional line of plantbased supplements developed by Dr. Mirko Beljanski, for more than 26 years, stemming from his legacy of 40 years of cutting-edge, pioneering and revolutionary research.

The company attests that as the body has the power to repair itself with the proper support, specific extraction procedures can yield selective extracts that will not harm healthy cells, but support eliminating unhealthy ones. Rather than advocating for an either/or choice between conventional and natural treatments, Maison Beljanski emphasizes the importance of combining both approaches to achieve optimal health outcomes, thus offering a comprehensive and holistic solution for individuals seeking

improved health and overall well-being.

Along with providing healthy products, Maison Beljanski gives back to society and community through philanthropic efforts such as supporting cancer research and related educational events. By offering seminars and workshops, and organizing conferences, they equip people with helpful information for them to confidently take charge of their own health journeys.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the company’s operations is its unwavering commitment to rigorous scientific research and work with esteemed scientists and researchers. This dedication ensures that all of its innovations are backed by sound science, instilling confidence in both healthcare professionals and individuals seeking natural alternatives.

Maison Beljanski is the platinum sponsor of “Winning the War on Cancer”—The Beljanski Integrative Cancer Conference, taking place October 13 to 15 in Jacksonville. This project results from the partnership between the nonprofit Beljanski Foundation, Panacea Community and Healing Life International.

The main purpose of the conference is to fund a new breakthrough cancer research program on breast cancer stem cells (BCSC), the presence of which is a critical contributing factor to the recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Unlike regular cancer cells, which can be targeted by chemotherapy and radiation therapy, BCSCs possess the unique ability to evade these treatments, leading to tumor regrowth and metastasis. Hence, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the biology and behavior of BCSCs is imperative for devising more effective breast cancer treatments.

Conference attendees—cancer patients, caretakers, doctors, coaches and experts along with others wanting to learn about preventing or healing cancer using functional and integrative medicine—will learn how to prevent and heal cancer using natural, holistic and integrative methods from world-leading doctors and cancer conquerors. The event will be marked by education, inspiration, community, networking, presentations, workshops, technology, scientific breakthroughs, entertainment, fundraising and a “dress to impress” gala dinner.

The Beljanski Foundation aims to study the combined effects of three botanicals— Pao pereira, Rauwolfia vomitoria and green tea extract—in inhibiting breast cancer stem cells. This novel approach presents promising possibilities, but further research is necessary to understand any potential limitations or side effects.

By providing scientists with essential samples for their research programs, Maison Beljanski strives to make a meaningful impact in the ongoing fight against cancer. With a strong commitment to scientific rigor and excellence, the company strives to empower individuals with safe and effective natural solutions for different health challenges, staying true to its mission of advancing holistic approaches to wellness.

Natural Awakenings readers receive 10 percent off in-person or virtual tickets for the conference with the promo code NATURAL AWAKENINGS. Location: Southbank Hotel, 1515 Prudential Dr., Jacksonville. For more information or to register, call 212-308-7066, email Info@MaisonBeljanski.com or visit MaisonBeljanski.com and IntegrativeCancer Conference.com. See ad page 3.

therapy spotlight

Nutrition as an Approach to Optimal Health and Wellness

Thyroid and general nutrition practitioner, hormone and weight-loss specialist, and life and certified metabolic balance coach Tina Kozman, B.Sc., M.Ed., says, “Nutritional consulting and counseling is not a therapy per se, but is rather an approach to health and wellness that focuses on the interconnectedness of nutrition, lifestyle and overall well-being. One of the initial benefits clients enjoy by working with me is the ability to sleep more deeply and soundly; they wake feeling rested and refreshed. They lose weight as a result of proper nutrition and keep it off without feeling deprived. They stop experiencing heartburn or uncomfortable bloating, have less cramping and agitation around their cycle, reduced hot flashes and they feel more energized through the day. Most clients receive compliments on their glowing skin and notice a more radiant complexion.

The best part is they end up having a much better understanding of the types of foods their bodies need to thrive and have less intense cravings for sweets or salty foods because they learn how to provide their bodies with adequate nutrition.”

Clients receive a cookbook that provides simple recipes they can incorporate in daily meal preparation, exclusive discounts on supplements through an online store and access to a supportive online community.

She advises, “A holistic nutrition practitioner recognizes that weight-loss efforts need to go beyond simple calorie restriction and exercise, taking into account the complex hormonal interactions within the body and the importance of balanced nutrition to support hormone health and weight management.” A holistic approach focus-

es on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourish the body and provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.

“My clients are always impressed with how simple and easy it is to lose weight, while supporting thyroid and hormonal health. They start noticing results within two weeks and are absolutely thrilled, especially if they have tried and failed at other weight-loss programs. Anyone can do it, from a busy mom to an executive and anyone in-between, and all weight-loss plans are completely based on the individual, which is why my clients experience such a high level of success,” advises Kozman. “I don’t guess. I test, using blood work and specific metabolic blood work markers, to populate a variety of nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods that support the structure and function of the cells for optimal health and well-being, as well as to help support weight loss and healthy weight management. Fully integrated online services help save time while still providing exceptional service in the comfort of your own space. My counseling and consultations can be provided regardless of where you are.”

Kozman is planning an upcoming Masterclass focusing on the three pillars of weight loss and optimal thyroid and hormonal health.

Book a complimentary 25-minute discovery call at Calendly.com/ tina-374/30min. For more information, email Tina@TrinityHealth.ca. Learn about upcoming Masterclasses at IG; @trinityhealth20.

Tina Kozman

Life Force Energy Wellness Center

Through a free private membership association, they are dedicated to the optimal wellness and vitality of members. Clients can lie back for two or more hours and experience the technology that generates life-enhancing energy fields. Scalar sessions naturally and effortlessly allow them to tap deep into their own inner resources to recalibrate, rebalance and restore.

The Energy Enhancement System (EESystem) generates bio-active, life-enhancing fields, including scalar waves, which can provide our bodies the ultimate fuel for improving circulation, oxygenation and increasing cellular energy. At optimum energy levels, the body can rejuvenate and recalibrate itself back to hemostasis.

Sisters Lilly Castro and Cookie DeMarziani, founders of Life Force Energy Wellness Center, have a passion for healing through natural ways connecting mind, body and spirit. “Our desire is to provide a hyper-healthy environment assisting your own body’s natural healing mechanism, so you can have a healthy beautiful life!” they affirm.

Lilly, a licensed massage therapist with certification in myofascial release, has been an integrative bodyworker, Reiki Master and Holistic Health Coach for 30 years. Cookie has been a Reiki II practitioner for 20 years, volunteering with hospice, participating in reiki shares and private sessions.

The salt therapy room is a natural, holistic, drug-free therapy that can aid with asthma, allergies, sinus infections and sinusitis, psoriasis, eczema and acne, coughs, colds and flu, COPD, emphysema and bronchitis, ear infections, cystic fibrosis and more. Pure sodium chloride (salt), which is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, is dispersed into the air of the salt room. The particles penetrate deep into the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli to aid with respiratory issues.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can reduce or prevent fluid retention, filters toxins and stimulates the immune system. Reiki/ Therapeutic Touch is a universal life force that helps maintain balance and harmony. Post-surgery MLD helps prevent fibrosis, which is the development of thick, fibrous scar tissue under the skin as well as reduces swelling, bruising and pain.

Life Force Energy Wellness Center recognizes that all healing requires a change in consciousness, and their intention is to facilitate that transformation through education and healing services. They offer packages and special pricing for veterans, first responders and children under 10 years old.

Life Force Energy Wellness Center is located at 12276 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 713, in Jacksonville. For more information, call 904-323-4411, email LifeForceEnergyWellness@gmail.com or visit LifeForceEnergy WellnessCenter.com.

“Our desire is to provide a hyper-healthy environment assisting your own body’s natural healing mechanism, so you can have a healthy beautiful life!”

Impacts of Radio Frequency Radiation

The introduction of 5G mobile phones and infrastructure has given rise to concerns about their safety, as more than 1 million new antennas will be required in the U.S. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection consider only the thermal effects (tissue heating) from electromagnetic frequency (EMF) exposure as potentially harmful.

A group of researchers led by Ariel University, in Israel, evaluated the non-thermal effects of exposure to EMF radiation on biological systems and human populations by reviewing in vitro [outside a living organism] and in vivo [inside a living organism] studies, as well as clinical studies on electromagnetic hypersensitivity and the epidemiological evidence for cancer due to the action of mobile-based radiation exposure. Although data derived from these studies was inconsistent, the researchers found supporting evidence that this radiation may contribute to cancer, endocrinological, neurological and other adverse health consequences. The researchers call for a more targeted, interdisciplinary research effort by national governments to ensure public health.

Children’s Physical Activity Declined Since Pandemic

In a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics, researchers found that children’s physical activity has been greatly reduced by the COVID-19

pandemic. The researchers looked at data from 22 studies that included 14,216 participants ranging from 3 to 18 years old. The data showed that children’s total daily physical activity decreased by 20 percent (17 minutes), irrespective of pre-pandemic baseline levels, and the reduction was larger for higher-intensity physical activity. This reduction represents almost one-third of the daily dose of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity recommended for young children and adolescents.

These effects are largely due to social distancing policies and related school closures, which affected 1.5 billion youth worldwide. Under lockdown, children no longer had access to regular physical activities, recreational facilities or outdoor recess, and online learning increased sedentary screen time, disrupting healthy habits. Physical activity affects not only physical health, but also psychosocial functioning and mental well-being.

The study’s results align with another meta-analysis showing that the pandemic increased the prevalence of youth depression and anxiety symptoms, highlighting the tremendous challenges that public health officials face to revive young people’s interest in physical activity since the pandemic.

Sucralose May Damage DNA

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener 600 times sweeter than table sugar. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its use in baked goods, beverages, chewing gum, gelatins and frozen dairy desserts. A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of North Carolina found that ingesting sucralose may cause the formation

of a genotoxic chemical called sucralose-6-acetate. Genotoxicity refers to the breaking up of DNA, resulting in damage that could potentially contribute to health problems. Researchers also found trace amounts of this dangerous chemical in sucralose itself, even before it was consumed and metabolized.

The study included eight projects that exposed human blood cells to sucralose-6-acetate, which researchers found induces the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and cancer. Exposure to certain concentrations of sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose also appeared to impair the gut lining, and sucralose-6-acetate inhibited certain enzymes, which could interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize medications.

Rise in Children With Autism

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated statistics on the rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which has been on the rise. The data is based on reviews of developmental evaluations and records from medical and educational service providers.

One in 36 children was diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2020, or about 2.8 percent of children, up from one in 44 children in 2018 and one in 150 children in 2000, when the CDC first began tracking ASD prevalence in this country. Autism was also 3.8 times as prevalent among boys as girls, and for the first time the prevalence was slightly lower among white children compared to other racial and ethnic groups, which is a reversal of racial and ethnic differences observed in the past. However, Black children with ASD remain more likely than white children with ASD to have a co-occurring intellectual disability.

The CDC partially attributes these patterns to improved screening, awareness and access to services. They highlight the importance of accessible and equitable ASD diagnostic treatment and services for children of different backgrounds and call for more research to comprehend the emergence of diagnostic differences across states.

TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE

NINE DESTINATIONS FOR SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT

by Kiki Powers

Throughout history, humans have embarked on pilgrimages in pursuit of wealth, good fortune, divine intervention, spiritual enlightenment and other blessings. These journeys could be considered the earliest manifestations of one type of adventure travel, while today some of these would be defined as spiritual tourism.

The notion of “spirit” refers to both our conscious and subconscious minds. A spiritual practice, then, is any activity that enables us to step away from the noisy parade of life and explore our emotions, where any concept of the human spirit resides. This spiritual self-care includes any ritual or practice that helps connect us with our most authentic higher self.

Travel can be an amazing way to explore metaphysical interests with new people, sites and scenes, in order to invigorate the senses, stimulate the imagination, refresh the mental framework and invite new ideas and personal insights. Some places qualify for spiritual travel by virtue of their natural beauty, or due to some historical, mythological or religious significance. For a trip that fosters mind-body-spirit self-care with a generous portion of adventure, check out these sacred sites.

Mount Shasta

Amy Wilinski/SpiritOfTheOwl.com

This Northern California treasure is believed to be a powerful spiritual vortex that has long captured the imagination of spiritual seekers. By some accounts, Mount Shasta is reputed to be the Earth’s root chakra, in keeping with the belief that, like the human body, planet Earth possesses chakra energy centers

This majestic mountain, which is associated with healing, transformation and spiritual awakening, is a stunning backdrop for the many spiritual retreats and workshops offered locally that include meditation, energy healing, yoga, sound therapy and other restorative modalities.

Spiritual guide Andrew Oser, who has led Mount Shasta retreats for decades, says, “I can help you allow Mount Shasta’s transforming energies into the core of your very being, and by utilizing my direction to harness the mountain’s heightened vibration, you will feel it almost magically dissolve all of your fears.”

Sedona, Arizona

Surrounded by red rock canyons, whimsical forests and waterfalls, Sedona’s natural beauty inspires spiritual reflection. It is also part of one of the most powerful energy vortexes in the world and a New Age Mecca for those seeking transcendence through energy healing, yoga, sound baths and a host of other spiritual offerings.

From venturing to the bright turquoise waters at Havasu Falls nearby to visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, there are many activities in Sedona for those wishing to connect more deeply to nature and themselves.

Bali, Indonesia

Known as the “Island of the Gods”, Bali is a captivating destination with a serene, spiritual ambiance. Nestled amidst lush greenery and terraced rice fields, the town of Ubud, in the uplands of Bali, enjoys international recognition for its spiritual offerings and welcoming vibe for those seeking inner peace and self-discovery.

Holistic healing options in Bali include energy therapies, sound healing and traditional Balinese massage. Yoga enthusiasts will be delighted with the varied class options, immersive programs and specialized workshops. Along with

wellness spas offering rejuvenating treatments that harmonize the body, mind and spirit, Bali offers beautiful meditation areas for quiet contemplation.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Spirituality runs deep in the Peruvian culture, from the ancient temples of the Incas to the living history of shamanism in the Amazon jungle. Machu Picchu has long been a revered site, and historically the place for worshipping the sun, the main Inca deity. Seekers can explore Machu Picchu on their own or participate in guided spiritual meditations—either way, it is a beautiful destination for a mindbody-spirit getaway.

For those seeking a deep mystical experience, Peru Sacred Tours provides a safe haven for spiritual advancement with the individualized attention and guidance of indigenous practitioners, including the herbalist shamans of the rainforest, Q’ero Inca priests of Cuzco or Moche San Pedro shamans of Chiclayo.

Egypt

Egypt is considered a land of majesty and mystery, attracting treasure hunters, history buffs and adventure seekers, as well as those searching for spiritual transformation. This world-renowned destination has a long history of spirituality, with a colorful tapestry of beliefs and practices. The ancient Egyptians were convinced of the existence of a spiritual plane, while also maintaining deep reverence for the natural world, and these concepts continue to inform contemporary Egyptian culture and spirituality.

In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for spiritual tours in Egypt, particularly for meditation workshops in iconic places like the Great Pyramid of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Mount Sinai and Nile River. One of the more well-known tour guides is Freddy Silva, a leading researcher of ancient civilizations, sacred sites and their interaction with consciousness, as well as the bestselling author of The Divine Blueprint

Varanasi, India

Varanasi may be the world’s oldest city, settled more than 4,000 years ago. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, it is regarded as the spiritual heart of India, with a tradition of Hindu mythology, as well as Buddhism. Religious, humanist and secular visitors frequent the evening aarti ceremony, when sadhus [sages] show their devotion by raising flaming lamps amid the aroma of incense.

If this strikes a chord, renowned author and spiritual teacher Andrew Harvey is offering a 14-day pilgrimage to the artistic, historical and spiritual soul of North India in November. He is the founder and director of the Institute for Sacred Activism, an international organization that inspires people to take up the challenge of our contemporary global crises by becoming effective, practical agents of institutional and systemic change.

Kyoto, Japan

Imbued with the rich heritage and history of Zen Buddhism, this enchanting city is an ideal destination for seekers to explore close to 2,000 Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as the iconic Golden Pavilion, where centuries of devotion and wisdom have been housed. Many of these sites also provide inspiring settings for quiet contemplation, meditation and discussions of The Buddha’s teachings.

The traditional tea ceremony offered at numerous venues around the city is a refreshing, meditative practice that cultivates a sense of tranquility and connection to the present moment. Kyoto is also home to exquisite Japanese gardens that illustrate the profound relationship between nature and spirituality in this gentle culture.

Italy

As there are many sacred sites in Italy, a guided experience or wellplanned itinerary may help facilitate an immersive spiritual journey. This is a labor of love for Phil Cousineau, author of more than 40 books, teacher, editor, independent scholar, documentary filmmaker, travel leader and storyteller. His lifelong fascination with art,

PET PORTRAIT ARTIST

All I need is a photo... Sara Gurgen

literature and history of culture has taken him on journeys around the world.

Author of The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred, Cousineau has stated, “To shine the light of your own natural curiosity into the world of another traveler can reveal wonders—to remember the mysteries you forgot at home. What matters most on your journey is how deeply you see, how attentively you hear, how richly the encounters are felt in your heart and soul.”

In partnership with Sacred Earth Journeys, Cousineau has prepared a guided tour in November entitled The Sweet Life of Mythic Italy, which will explore sacred locations in Rome, Perugia, Assisi, Montepulciano, Florence, Verona and Venice. To learn more, visit Tinyurl.com/SweetLifeTour

Stonehenge, England

Every year, more than a million people make the spiritual voyage to Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, England. Archaeologists are still seeking a plausible explanation as to how the stones weighing multiple tons were transported to the site. This ancient masterpiece of prehistoric engineering remains shrouded in mystery to this day.

There is further spiritual charm in myths around the purpose of Stonehenge. People ask, “Was it intended as a funeral monument, an astronomical observatory, a tool to predict the seasons or a sanctuary where the sun was worshipped?” Stonehenge is believed to be an epicenter of Earth energy with as many as 14 ley lines converging on the site—powerful channels of energy associated with places of ancient and primordial significance.

It is plain to see that when we are ready to invest in our spiritual well-being in a fun, mind-expanding way, many mindbody-spirit travel options abound.

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

Stephen Cope ON

Specializing in the relationship between Eastern contemplative traditions and Western psychology, Stephen Cope has been a scholar-in-residence for more than three decades at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, the largest residential yoga center in North America. He also founded the Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living, a global network of scientists that researches the effects and mechanisms of yoga-based practices. Cope is a classically trained pianist, dancer and psychotherapist, as well as the bestselling author of Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, The Wisdom of Yoga and The Great Work of Your Life. His latest book is The Dharma in Difficult Times: Finding Your Calling in Times of Loss, Change, Struggle and Doubt.

Why is it important to find our calling?

In classical yoga, there’s a view that everybody has a vocation. The earliest myth that supports this dates back several thousand years to the Vedic tradition in India and involves the god Indra, who is said to have cast a vast net over the entire universe. At each vertex of this net there’s a gem, and that gem is an individual soul whose job is to hold together the net at that point.

This introduces the view that each of us has a responsibility to contribute our gifts in such a way that we hold together our little piece of the net. If we don’t, the net starts to unravel. Dharma is Sanskrit

FINDING YOUR CALLING

by Sandra Yeyati

for sacred vocation or sacred duty, which comes from the root dhri, “to hold together”. It’s this fascinating notion that we have a responsibility to our own idiosyncratic genius, which sustains not only us by providing a fulfilling life, but also the whole world by taking care of our corner of the world.

How can we find our life’s purpose?

The practice of yoga and meditation is about increasing our connection with the subtle, internal world. Thoreau called it the distant drummer. While our culture constantly draws us out and distracts us, Eastern contemplative traditions invite us to quiet our monkey mind and listen inside to that still, small voice that is attuned to our deepest needs and to the way the world works. It’s that awake, or enlightened, part of the mind that can connect you to your true calling.

There are three questions that people can ask themselves.

First: What lights you up? This is an energetic experience in our bodies when we come close to the occupation or endeavors that are important to our soul. Get familiar on a day-to-day basis with what lights you up, then slowly move toward those things and integrate them into your life.

Second: What duties do you feel called to? I don’t mean those onerous things that are imposed on us by our culture. I mean a duty that if you don’t do it in this lifetime, you’ll feel a profound sense of regret and self-betrayal.

Third: What problems or difficulties are you facing in your life right now? Difficulties can point you to something that might be your dharma. Marion Woodman, a good friend and feminist who was diagnosed with bone cancer in her mid-60s, decided to close her psychoanalytic practice and devote the rest of her life to being in relationship with the cancer, investigating it as her calling. Very often, somebody’s calling is something really difficult they’re experiencing, like an unhappy marriage or dissatisfaction in career, and their dharma is to investigate what this means for their life.

How do we follow the still, small voice when it feels like we’re stepping off the cliff?

Robert Frost stepped off a series of smaller curbs that added up to a cliff. He was concerned, as we all are, about security, making

photo courtesy of Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

money and keeping his family safe, so he became a teacher. But there was a point at which he had to give up teaching and follow this deep voice that said, “Poetry is your calling.” He was 38 when he made the final decision to let go of other sources of income, and when he did that, his poetry came alive.

What advice do you have for fulfilling our life’s work?

In the Bhagavad Gita [Hindu scripture], there are four pillars of dharma. The first is discernment—finding your calling in this lifetime. The second—the doctrine of unified action—is to bring everything you’ve got to whatever you decide is your calling. Third is to let go of the outcome, also known as relinquishing the fruit. The ancient yogis discovered that if you’re grasping for a particular outcome, it takes you out of the moment and into some future fantasized moment. By letting go, you empower yourself to be more present to the possibilities of the moment. The fourth pillar is to turn the whole process over to God or to something bigger than just yourself. My friends who don’t believe in a higher power or god understand that concept of dedication to the planet, to humanity or to all beings.

Are you hopeful about the future?

Very hopeful. The contemplative traditions discovered that human beings who were jivanmukta, or soul-awake, were special versions of human beings in that they had capacities of compassion, lovingkindness, joy, generosity and selflessness. Those qualities, which are developed in the practice of yoga and meditation, add to the common good. I’m hopeful that as we become everything we can be, we will have the capacity to solve some of the huge problems that we have. As reckless as we are these days with our world, human beings have very often risen to the challenge of complex dilemmas and resolved them. As we come together, we start manifesting unified action. The power of human beings working together for the common good is almost limitless.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings

Savor the Present Moment

HOW TO ADD MINDFULNESS TO MEALTIME

by Veronica Hinke

Recipes That Enrich Mindful Eating

The Ann Wigmore Natural Health Institute, in Aguada, Puerto Rico, offers a mindful eating class that invites diners to practice with a bowl of Ann Wigmore’s Energy Soup—a recipe by the institute’s founder containing an array of vegetables, legumes and grains. “It’s fulfilling, nutritious and cleansing, all in one,” says Executive Director Carolyn Marin. “Key in what makes this a mindful eating meal is that while it is pulsed in a blender, it is not a liquid, and it requires chewing. Also, it is served at room temperature, which helps with mindful eating and proper digestion.”

There is a sharp difference between grabbing a fast-food burger at the drive-through and paying full attention to a home-prepared meal. For many of us, busy schedules and harried lifestyles get in the way of a more introspective dining experience. Mindful eating—the practice of slowing down, appreciating the present moment and becoming consciously aware of the ingredients, flavors, aromas and textures that we consume—can be a worthwhile meditative endeavor.

“If we’re mindful of what we eat, when we eat and how we eat, we are supporting the vibrancy of what our bodies are so capable of,” says Dr. Carrie Demers, medical director at the Himalayan Institute, in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. “Studies show that when people stop to sit down and chew their food carefully,

they not only eat less, but they actually get more enjoyment out of their meal. Food tastes better when we are actually present with it.”

“When we slow down, we become more aware,” says Shawngela Pierce of Seek Within You, who leads spiritual retreats in Sedona, Arizona. “Sometimes people eat out of habit, but when we become more mindful, we start to notice patterns that, once understood, can help us harness a whole new way of eating and living.”

Mindfulness can begin before we even sit at the dining room table, “when we aren’t distracted by watching television or something else, and we take the time to think deeply about what we are preparing,” Pierce says, adding that calm focus can even help us when shopping for ingredients at the farmers market or grocery store.

While soft music plays in the background, students of the mindful eating class are instructed to slowly pick up their spoons, place a serving of soup in their mouths, set their spoons down and unhurriedly chew 30 times. “They look out at the ocean, breathing carefully, eating consciously and slowly, taking their time and getting their body out of fight-or-flight mode and into healing mode. It can be very emotional,” Marin explains. “Mindful eating also aids in digestion because the person is chewing the food fully and allowing it to spend more time in the mouth, where digestion begins. Many of our guests have experienced noticeable improvement with acid reflux, stomach aches and nausea.”

Four Aspects of Mindful Eating

Marc Demers, head chef at The Himalayan Institute, says there are four aspects

of mindful eating—right food, right time, right quantity and right attitude or environment—each of which can be individualized and honed to deepen awareness and improve health. Here are his recommendations.

RIGHT FOOD: Eat fresh, whole foods that are easy to digest and give energy. We need mindfulness to notice which foods support us and which cause indigestion, mucus or fatigue.

RIGHT TIME: Our bodies naturally digest better in the daytime and when we feel hunger. Stop eating at least three hours prior to bedtime. We need mindfulness to notice the difference in digestion between eating ice cream at 3 p.m. and at 11 p.m.

RIGHT QUANTITY: Eat just the right amount of food—enough to feel satisfied and fuel the day’s activities, but not so much that we feel lethargic or sleepy. Mindfulness helps us notice our hunger and fullness, as well as how we feel after we eat.

RIGHT ATTITUDE OR ENVIRONMENT: Sit down in a peaceful place, ideally with people we like, rather than eating while driving, working or walking. Don’t eat when stressed or angry. If we are upset, it is better to take a moment to mindfully breathe and calm the nervous system before eating. The goal is to welcome the food with gratitude and openness.

Take It Slow and Steady

For those struggling to commit to mindful eating, Pierce says, “Start practicing mindful eating with the food that you enjoy the most. Don’t try to do it all at once. Just try one meal each week as a start. Make it a priority. Set a reminder if it helps. Have fun with it. Make it a playful practice. Say, ‘Today is going to be my mindful eating day.’ That opens the gateway to something that will become an integral part of your spiritual life.”

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

Understanding Light Pollution

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND ACHIEVABLE REMEDIES

by Sheryl DeVore

humans. Human-made lighting threatens approximately 30 percent of nocturnal vertebrates and 60 percent of nocturnal invertebrates, and it “is increasingly suspected of affecting human health,” writes scientist Christopher Kyba, lead author of the report.

At Montana’s Medicine Rock State Park, visitors have a rare opportunity to look up at the night sky and see an awe-inspiring display of planets and constellations, as well as the Milky Way, our spiral-shaped galaxy that contains about 100 billion stars, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is a magnificent sight, but those of us that live in or near cities with artificial lights beaming out of buildings and cascading over parking lots and highways may never get the pleasure.

“Because of light pollution, up to 80 percent of people living in North America are unable to see the Milky Way where they live,” says Sabre Moore, executive director of the Carter County Museum, in Ekalaka, Montana. “Medicine Rock State Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and the Carter County Museum has committed to safeguarding it in perpetuity.”

The park’s sanctuary certification was issued by the nonprofit International DarkSky Association, based in Tucson, Arizona, with a grassroots network throughout the world. The organization offers five dark-sky designations based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and relies on the help of community stakeholders, such as Moore, who serves as a volunteer dark-sky preservation advocate. At Medicine Rock, she helps host sky-parties for people to enjoy the celestial show and learn about the negative impacts of light pollution.

Threats Posed by Artificial Lighting

The skies around cities are hundreds, if not thousands, of times brighter than they were 200 years ago, according to 2017 research published in Science Advances. In addition to robbing us of the Earth’s nocturnal skyscape, outdoor illumination negatively affects many plants and animals, including

The mechanisms by which these life forms are affected vary. For example, when birds migrate, they fly into buildings that are lit up at night. Scientists estimate that at least 100 million bird deaths in the United States annually are related to light pollution. “Bobcats and bats rely on the cover of darkness for their survival and are also being affected,” says Moore, adding that artificial light interrupts human circadian rhythms, thereby affecting our REM [rapid eye movement] sleep, which is vital for our well-being. The flight patterns of night-active insects are disrupted by outdoor lighting, which partially explains their declining numbers worldwide.

A Simple Switch Saves Turtles

It is possible to reduce these negative impacts, as the Sea Turtle Conservancy has proven. By getting people to modify the positioning and types of lights used in buildings along Florida and Texas beaches, the nonprofit has been able to rescue loggerheads, leatherbacks and green sea turtles from the brink of extinction.

Female turtles have evolved to instinctively lay their eggs on the beach, allowing the hatchlings to emerge at night and head toward the light of the horizon into sea. Humans, however, have interrupted this natural course with artificial light emanating from the windows of high-rise condo-

miniums, garden spotlights and outdoor lamps.

“When hatchlings erupt out of their nests in the middle of the night, the bright horizon today is in the direction of the land. They go the wrong way into roads, parking lots, swimming pools or dunes, where they are run over by cars or subject to predation,” explains David Godfrey, executive director of the conservancy.

Researchers have discovered that lights with longer wavelengths that are amber, orange and red in color do not disturb the turtles, as opposed to outdoor fixtures that emanate shorter-wavelength blue and white light. According to Godfrey, the good news for these sea creatures is, “LED can be programmed to emit the specific wavelength you want.”

The conservancy works with coastal counties, beachfront property owners and others to switch to turtle-friendly lighting, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation often provides grants to pay the retrofitting costs. As a result, Godfrey reports, there has been increased nesting in areas with changed lighting and greater survivorship by the hatchlings.

“We are saving tens of thousands of hatchlings every season, and homeowners are seeing a reduction in their utility bills. People love it. They’ve found the longer wavelengths are more pleasing to the eyes,” Godfrey asserts. “Since we know that light pollution affects various other forms of wildlife and humans, the managed use of lighting at night is something that everyone should pay attention to.”

Tips to Address Light Pollution

n Avoid blue-light fixtures.

n Turn off unnecessary lights in the evening.

n Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors.

n Close curtains and blinds at night to stop indoor lights from beaming to the outdoors.

n Visit Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky, an exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, D.C. (NaturalHistory.si.edu/exhibits/lights-out).

n Get involved at GlobeAtNight.org, a citizen-scientist group that monitors light pollution.

n Support dark-sky designated areas (Tinyurl.com/Dark SkyPlace).

Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.

Nature’s Germ Killer

Stop germs before you get sick

Science proves pure copper kills germs fast.

CopperZaps® are made of pure copper, shaped to reach bad germs where they gather in your nose. The inventor has gone 11 YEARS without a cold. Now many thousands of people use CopperZaps.

germs in nose, on skin

Pure copper is scientifically proven to kill germs by touch in seconds, including viruses, bacteria, and fungus.

Use a CopperZap against:

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Infected sores or skin lesions

Cuts or wounds getting infected

Getting sick after Air Travel

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about germs, but now we do.

The National Institutes of Health, the EPA, and the American Society for Microbiology vouch for the power of copper to kill germs, including antibioticresistant ones.

Users say:

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Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. Less stress, less medical cost, more time to enjoy life.

Independent scientists placed millions of viruses on copper. “The viruses started to die literally as soon as they touched it,” said head scientist Dr. Bill Keevil.

The handle is curved and textured for maximum contact with your fingers and hands in case you touch things a sick person touched and pick up their germs.

EPA tests show copper works just as well when it is tarnished. Easy to clean. Easy to use. Comes with Directions. Use over and over again. Never wears out. 90-day Money-back Guarantee. Top BBB rating. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each with code NATA37

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Statements not evaluated by FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Medical Tourism

NAVIGATING THE RISKS AND REWARDS

by Sheila Julson

Many Americans have experienced sticker shock upon receiving a medical or dental bill, whether or not they have health insurance. As healthcare costs continue to rise in the United States, patients are grabbing their passports and turning to medical tourism—the act of crossing borders to obtain quality medical care at a lower cost.

“We have a great healthcare system in the United States, but it is priced out of the market for millions of people at the bottom of the economic pyramid,” says Josef Woodman,

CEO of Patients Beyond Borders, a medical tourism resource. He estimates that to date, 2.1 to 2.4 million Americans have intentionally crossed borders specifically for medical care. Approximately 65 percent of those people sought complex dental treatments.

The town of Los Algodones, Mexico, located just over the U.S.-Mexico border near Baja California, has approximately 300 dental clinics. Known as “Molar City”, the town is a mecca for people looking for more affordable dentistry. U.S. travelers also head to Costa Rica, Turkey and Thailand for elec-

tive cosmetic surgery, bariatrics, infertility treatments, orthopedic medicine, cardiology and cancer care, or to obtain low-cost pharmaceuticals.

Add holistic treatments to the list, says David G. Vequist IV, Ph.D., the founder and director of the  Center for Medical Tourism Research at the University of the Incarnate Word, in San Antonio. “People are very interested in how Asian countries naturally combine both alternative and traditional medicine. Philosophies like ‘food as medicine’ are commonly used in treatments there,” says the 15-year scholar of medical tourism trends.

Planning for the Best Outcomes

According to Vequist, “The best Mexican hospitals are using the same standards that we have in the U.S.” In 2009, for example, when Mexico’s General Health Council set out to create national hospital certification standards in their country, officials followed protocols established by Joint Commission International, an influential U.S.-based nonprofit that has served as a global driver of health care quality improvement and patient safety for the past 20 years.

Nevertheless, it is important to understand that complications may arise during a healthcare procedure regardless of where it is performed. Vequist cautions that the farther a patient travels from home, the more likely they will be exposed to bacteria that is unfamiliar to their body. Also, traveling in a pressurized airplane after complex surgical procedures should be avoided, and seeking medical care outside of a patient’s regular care network may break the continuum of care, leading to miscommunication and errors in the transfer of medical records.

“Although global health care isn’t for everyone, those who try it will find the quality is the same or better than at home, with modern facilities at a fraction of the cost,” says Paul McTaggart, founder of two specialized travel agencies—Medical Departures and Dental Departures—that help patients become informed about the best and most appropriate clinics and doctors around the world for their medical needs. They also book appointments, forward medical records and make travel arrangements.

McTaggart vets medical providers outside of the U.S. by verifying doctor credentials with local regulatory authorities; measuring web reputations; conducting onsite inspections when possible; posting authentic, patient-verified reviews; removing partners that consistently receive poor reviews; and checking the web for legal and other claims against hospitals or clinics.

Woodman advises that extensive research of foreign hospitals, clinics and providers is crucial for a positive medical-tourism outcome and cautions against making a decision based solely on cost. “There are some bad actors out there that advertise mostly on price to attract U.S. patients. If a clinic advertises that you’ll save 80 or 90 percent off U.S. healthcare prices, be wary—that’s way too high of a discount.”

Other red flags include clinics that are located in strip malls or a lack of verifiable credentials for a provider. “A medical tourist needs to be a little more adaptable and critical of their surroundings,” Woodman says, adding that even if they’ve made the trip, when the circumstances seem off, a patient should never feel pressured to go through with the treatment or procedure.

Jonathan Edelheit, president of the Medical Tourism Association, recommends using healthcare providers that are certified or accredited by international organizations like Global Healthcare Accreditation. “Be careful of trusting any website,” he warns. “Some medical tourism facilitators are middlemen or agencies that receive a commission. Some will refer you to the best provider, but some will refer you to a provider that provides the largest commission, but who isn’t the best.”

Edelheit believes that with proper research and planning, cost-effective, quality health care is possible. He reminds travelers to avoid countries where the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory, and he recommends speaking with several patients that have gone through the same procedure to get a firsthand review and manage expectations. He asserts, “The value you receive and being able to immerse yourself in another culture and integrate a vacation is something that most medical tourists treasure and cherish.”

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

EDUCATE. CONNECT. THRIVE.

Embrace the Winding Road

by Marlaina Donato

Life’s transitions can feel like a broken bead necklace, with scattered pieces of ourselves waiting to be restrung. When we pack up our lives to move into a new home or organize neglected drawers, we may stir up clouds of bittersweet memories. Watching our kids leave the nest, we might wonder where the time has gone. As a new self struggles to emerge from the chrysalis, our hormones might take us on a rollercoaster ride before unveiling breathtaking wings.

At times, we have one foot on shifting sands and the other in midair, waiting to connect to solid ground. Inspirational author Neale Donald Walsch says, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”—wise words for those of us that are halfway across the rickety swinging bridge of change.

Breaking our own rules can gift us with a brand of freedom that we’ve only imagined. Seasoned travelers and weekend adventurers might agree that setting aside plans and maps invites unforeseen magic. Ordering something we cannot pronounce on the menu, turning left instead of right or revisiting an old dream might be a wonderful decision.

When we take our hands off the wheel and float into possibility, the universe smiles and nudges our secret longing for something new, something more harmonically aligned with our own unique frequency. Meeting life in the moment, wherever we happen to be, can be a challenging but rewarding spiritual discipline.

When we take a deep breath and turn the page, life deepens in color and gets more interesting. When we resist the well-meaning way that has been carved out for us and choose to go off the beaten path despite the uncertainty ahead, we will meet ourselves more deeply, no matter what happens. Perhaps this is the meaning behind it all—the magical door we seek. Honoring the sanctity of change is the key to fulfillment.

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at JaguarFlower.art.

calendar of events

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Sound Bowl Meditation with Nicole – 10-11am. Experience the soothing vibrations of singing bowls as they guide you into a state of deep relaxation and inner peace. Nicole is an expert facilitator who will help you let go of stress and tension, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the healing sounds of the bowls. Our Lady of Lourdes 1014 North Halifax Avenue, Daytona Beach. 386-366-4768. Caregivers Support Group – 11am-12:30pm. Connect with fellow caregivers who truly understand your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Build meaningful relationships, share stories, and foster a sense of belonging within a compassionate community. Free. Our Lady of Lourdes 1014 North Halifax Avenue, Daytona Beach 301-515-1717.

Family Relationship Workshop – 11am-1pm. This workshop is a grown-ups-only gathering at which to learn and practice techniques to identify, communicate and regulate adult emotions; identify, reflect and co-regulate a child’s emotions; set boundaries; and develop enforceable consequences. $200. 761 E. International Speedway Blvd, DeLand. Register at EndeavorsCounseling.com or 407-900-8010.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

16th Annual Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup – 8am-1pm. volunteer to protect and enjoy nature by removing the trash within your development or along city paths, walkways, and waterways. Participation in the event is not restricted to those on foot. Boaters are encouraged to volunteer while walkers can clear the paths and trails alongside the waterway. 160 Lake Avenue, Palm Coast. Pre-register at ParksAndRec.fun and select the Special Events tab or visit PalmCoast.gov/events. 386-986-3701.

Raising Healthy Families – 10:30am-12pm. At this workshop you will discover the 6 top chronic health conditions that affect U.S. kids today, learn the top disease-causing toxins and how your child might be exposed to them, and find out what nutrients are critical for your child’s development. Free. New Journey Chiropractic 292 N Nova Rd Ormond Beach. NewJourneyChiropractic.com. 386-236-8085.

Spirit Messages – 3-5:30pm. Learn how to tell the difference between Spirit Messages and your own thoughts. Online Zoom class. $41. IFSK.org. 407247-7823.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Divorce Healing - Coffee & Conversation –7-8:30pm. At this gathering, we aim to provide a safe and understanding environment where you can connect with others who have experienced similar challenges. Whether you’re looking for guidance, empathy, or simply a listening ear, our community is here for you. Free. Our Lady of Lourdes 1014 North Halifax Avenue Daytona Beach. 301-515-1717.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Bach Flower Remedies Advanced Studies - Tier 2 – 4pm. Advanced Studies on the Bach Flower Remedies. Deepen your personal relationship

with the flowers. Learn simple steps to bring Dr Bach’s philosophy to life in your daily life. Practice choosing remedies via case studies, exercises and thoughtful discussion with peers in this master class. $450.00. BachFlowerEducation.com/Level_2.html.

Keto Cooking Class with Rina – 5:30-7:30pm. Participants can enhance their cooking skills while learning more about the keto lifestyle in a supportive class setting. $65. 2644 LPGA Blvd, Daytona Beach. 386-256-7336.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Spirit Messages – 10:30am-1pm. Learn how to tell the difference between Spirit Messages and your own thoughts. Online Zoom class. $41. IFSK. org. 407-247-7823.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Celebrate the Fall Spirit – 10am-3pm. Second annual Fall into the Holidays will take place at the Flagler County Fairgrounds with inside and outside vendors, entertainment, food trucks, face painting and more. Admission is free. 650 County Rd. 13, Bunnell. ForTheLoveOfShopping.net/events-1.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Florida 101 – 9-11am. Florida 101 is a four-week course designed for both new and seasoned residents of Flagler County who are interested in learning about the ecology of Florida and how to best take advantage of our unique climate, flora and fauna. $40. Interested residents can register through Eventbrite at TinyURL.com/Florida101 or by calling UF/IFAS Extension at 386-437-7464.

and raffles to empower cancer patients. $75. 1640 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Deltona. WigOut ForCancer.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Florida-Friendly Landscaping – 10-11:30am. Hosted by Dream Green Volusia, Reid Farm and Tomoka State Park Rangers, participants can learn Florida-Friendly landscaping principles to grow food in their yard and the importance plants have played in the history of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail. Admission is free with RSVP to 386676-4191. 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach. Volusia Library.evanced.info/signup/list.

Psychic / Mediumship Class – 2-4:30pm. Where, when and how to use your Psychic / Mediumship skills in your everyday life. $40. Orange Park, call for location and to register. IFSK.org. 407-247-7823.

ongoing events

daily

Pregnancy, Childbirth, Postpartum and Newborn Classes – 6-7pm. Classes are held virtually online lead by our top instructors utilizing state of the art visual aids and activities to keep it fun and engaging while presenting the latest evidenced based material on each topic. $35 per class. Childbirth-Classes.com.

monthly

Rainbow Tuesday – Save 20% off regular price 1st Tuesday every month. 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City. 386-775-7002. DebbiesHealthFoods.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Wig Out For Cancer – 7:30pm. Support nonprofit Deltona Strong and selected local charities that directly support cancer patients. The spotlight will shine brightly on wigs, symbolizing the courage and strength of cancer patients that don vibrant headpieces in their battle against cancer. Participants are encouraged to wear their boldest wigs, enjoy dazzling entertainment and bid at the live auction

Gongs and Sound Healing – 6:30-7:30pm. 4th Wed. Take in the vibrational healing sounds of gongs and alchemy crystal bowls. Relaxing and letting go while lying down or sitting. Also if you choose you can have vibrational bowls placed on your body and gently tapped plus experience of tunning forks and crystals to help clear and rejuvenate you. $15-$20. Sundari Yoga Studio, 46 North Brevard Ave, Cocoa Beach. SundariYogaStudio.com. 321-591-4457.

Wellness and Retreat Center in Hallandale, Florida

If you have arthritis, diabetes, kidney problem, fatty liver, psoriasis, Obesity, Low immune system, Anxiety Our center is right place for you!

7•10•14 DAY ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLISTIC PACKAGES

Holistic Package includes:

n Comfortable rooms near the ocean

n Low carb diet food (lunch, dinner)

n Oxygen cocktail, Green cocktail

n Yoga classes

n 4 treatments a day

n Transportation From airport

We work with each individual to find the right treatment. We are with you every step of the way as you improve your health!

Treatments we are offering:

• Ionic detox

• Lymph drainage

• Cupping massage

• Reflexology massage

• Hot stone massage

• Classical massage

• Infrared wrap with collagen and Dead

Sea application

• Electromagnetic therapy

• Jade application

• Ultrasonic cavitation

• Lipo laser treatment

• Vitamin IV

• Much more

ongoing events

sundays

Farmers Market and More – 9am-5pm. Shop rain or shine for farm fresh produce, plants, trees flowers, herbs and spices, gourmet coffee and teas, honey, jams, salsas and more. Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Bch.

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: Sunday Adult Lyceum – 9:30-10:15am. Anyone having the desire to learn more about the science, philosophy and religion of Spiritualism may wish to attend Adult Lyceum held in the Colby Memorial Temple on Stevens Street. A different teacher each week will provide an instructive format in which one may learn the truths of Spiritualism and other related subjects. 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. 386-2282880. Cassadaga.org.

Live & Give Dynamic Hatha Charity Yoga – 1011am. 100% of donations go to a different charity monthly. Hatha Yoga, no reservation required. Cost is a donation amount of your choice. Harness Up Fitness, 1868 Rockledge Blvd. 321-626-7494.

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: Sunday Church Service – 10:30am. Services are held in the Colby Memorial Temple on Stevens Street. Sunday Morning church service consists of hymns, a guided meditation healing, a lecture by a different speaker each week, a musical interlude and messages. Everyone is welcome to attend all our services. 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. 386-228-2880. Cassadaga.org.

Senior Discount Days – Noon-6pm. Seniors save 10% off all regularly priced items. Debbie’s Health Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City. 386-775-7002.

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: Sunday Message Service – 12:30-1:30pm. a message service where mediums and students demonstrate the continuity of life in a public setting. This message service is open to the public. Several certified and student mediums work together to bring short messages from spirit to as many people as possible in this thirty minute Service. 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. 386-228-2880. Cassadaga.org.

Yoga Therapy Certification Program – 6pm. 1st SunFriSat. Course meets monthly: Friday (6-9pm), Saturday & Sunday (11am-7pm) in a Zoom online format. IAYT Accredited Clinical Yoga Therapy Certification Program expands professional development for certified yoga teachers and prepares them to use yoga therapy to increase health and well-being. aumhomeshala.org/trainings/clinical-yoga-therapy-certification.

mondays

Monday Madness – 8am-6pm. 1st Mon. Save 25% on supplements and food items. Healing Zone, 515 Canal St, New Smyrna Bch. 386-402-7825.

tuesdays

Rainbow Tuesday – First Tuesday of the month. Save 20% on regular priced items at Debbie’s Health

Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd. in Orange City and 3850 S. Nova Rd. in Port Orange.

MLD Tuesdays – 9am-4pm. Karen Hedley, LMT, Reiki Master is offering Manual Lymphatic Drainage. MLD addresses post-op swelling, pain, scar tissue formation, migraines, and chronic fatigue. Certified Advanced MLD from ACOLS. $100 for 75 minute session. Brevard Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, 1978 US 1, #107, Rockledge. Karen Hedley.com. 321-802-1046.

Yoga at Natural Concepts – 10-11am. Natural Concepts Revisited is a retail store dedicated to health, wellness and sustainable practices. 142 W. International Speedway Blvd.

Beginner Yoga – 4-5:15pm. Flow at a slow pace and explore the foundation of yoga postures with a focus on alignment, safety and modifications to a moving soundtrack of music. Straps, blocks and bolsters provided. Drop ins $16, class cards, packages and new student special available . Kula Yoga, 230 E. Merritt Island Cswy, Ste 102, Merritt Island. KulaYogaMerrittIsland.com. 321-978-5116.

Nicotine Anonymous – 6-7pm. 12-Step Support Group. Free. Cafeteria: (Annex Conference Room), AdventHealth Hospital Daytona Beach (Main Entrance). 301 Memorial Medical Parkway, Daytona Beach. Nicotine-Anonymous.org.

wednesdays

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: Wednesday Message Service – 7pm. This service is held at Colby Memorial Temple, Healing Service is from 7:00pm to 7:20pm, Message Service begins at 7:20 pm and is a demonstration of Spirit Messages. Greetings from Spirit are delivered from Mediums and Student Mediums to as many people as possible during the 90-minute service. $5.00 donation. 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. 386-228-2880. Cassadaga.org.

thursdays

Ormond Beach Farmers Market – 8am-1pm. Fresh produce, local honey, fine crafts and yummy treats. City Hall Plaza, 22 S. Beach St. Ormond Beach.

Senior Discount Day – 9am-7pm. Seniors save 10% off all regularly priced items. Two locations: Debbie’s Health Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City. 386-775-7002.

Animal Flow – 11am-12:15pm. Animal Flow is an innovative fitness program that combines quadrupedal and ground based movements incorporating elements from various movements practices. Animal Flow is a fun, challenging workout that emphasizes multi-planar, fluid movement and can be used as a standalone workout or can be integrated into existing fitness routines. Drop ins $8. Kula Yoga, 230 E. Merritt Island Cswy, Ste 102, Merritt Island. KulaYogaMerrittIsland.com. 321-978-5116.

Canal Street Nights – 5-8:30pm. Third Thursday of month, fun-filled evening with expanded streetside dining, vendors, kids’ zone and specialty food vendors.

fridays

Yoga at Sundari – 9-10:15am. Join Pam as she weaves a varied sequence of breath work, tapping, stretches, standing shapes, short flows and many stress alleviating techniques. Prepare to be lightheartedly guided using breath, alignment and anatomy. $10 drop in $85 10-class pass. Sundari Yoga Studio, 46 N. Brevard Ave, Cocoa Beach. SundariYoga Studio.com. 321-591-4457.

Farmers’ Market and More – 9am-5pm. Shop rain or shine for farm fresh produce, plants, trees flowers, herbs and spices, gourmet coffee and teas, honey, jams, salsas and more. Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Bch.

First Friday Garden Walk – 10-11am. Join a ranger for a garden walk and learn the history of Washing Oaks while exploring the formal gardens. Washington Oaks, Palm Coast.

saturdays

Original Strength Training at Natural Concepts – 9:15-10:15am. Natural Concepts Revisited is a retail store dedicated to health, wellness and sustainable practices. 142 W. International Speedway Blvd.

Tai Chi Class with Laurie Gomon-Ring at Natural Concepts – 10:45am-noon. Natural Concepts Revisited is a retail store dedicated to health, wellness and sustainable practices. 142 W. International Speedway Blvd.

Classic Car Cruise-In – 9am-1pm. 1st Sat. The market welcomes more than 300 classic and collector cars. Enjoy the music of DJ Frank in the west parking lot during the Cruise-In. Daytona Flea & Farmers Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd. 386-253-3330. DaytonaFleaMarket.com.

Flagler Beach Farmers Market – 9am-1pm. Featuring prepared foods, produce, handmade products, local art and more. Wickline Park, Flagler Beach.

Art & Artisan Stroll on Canal Street – 9am-3pm. First Saturday of the month. Historic Canal St. in New Smyrna Beach.

Farmers Market and More – 9am-5pm. Shop rain or shine for farm fresh produce, plants, trees flowers, herbs and spices gourmet coffee and teas, honey, jams, salsas and more. Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Bch.

Raw/Vegan Potluck at Natural Concepts Revisited – 3-5pm. Natural Concepts Revisited—a retail store dedicated to health, wellness and sustainable practices in Daytona Beach—invites the community to a Raw/ Vegan Potluck. Every 4th Saturday of the month. Natural Concepts Revisited, 142 W. International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach. 386-341-5068.

Gallery Walk – 4-7pm. First Saturday of every month. Stroll down Canal, Douglas and Magnolia and enjoy the beautiful galleries and amazing art community in New Smyrna Beach.

Canal Street Classic Cruise Car Show – 5-8pm. Every month on the second Saturday. Stroll beautiful Canal Street while viewing cars of all years, makes and models. A new beginning for the tradition with the active participation of the Canal Street Merchants Association and the City of New Smyrna Beach. Music by DJ Frank. Historic Canal St. in New Smyrna Beach.

community resource guide

ACUPUNCTURE PHYSICIANS

ACUPUNCTURE & PAIN

MANAGEMENT CENTER

You Chang Hu, DOM, AP

Kunning Li, DOM, AP

• 2135 S Ridgewood Ave, Daytona Beach

386-760-2112

• 50 Leanni Way, Palm Coast 386-445-0098

AcupuncturePainMgmt.com

Dr. Hu and Dr. Li are graduates of Traditional Chinese Medical universities in China. They have practiced acupuncture and Chinese medicine for a combined 45+ years. See ad on page 19.

ACUPUNCTURE & SKIN CARE CLINIC

LORENZO PHAN, DOM, AP

725 W Granada Blvd, Ste. 15, Ormond Beach 386-615-1203

Dr. Phan has great success in promoting fertility with acupuncture and herbal supplements. Non-surgical modalities for natural pain relief include acupuncture, trigger-point therapy, Chinese herbal remedies, cupping, neuromuscular therapy and cold laser for neck injuries, chronic lower back pain, sciatica, hip/knee arthritis and migraines and more. MM20928. See ad on page 5.

EAST COAST ACUPUNCTURE

Lisa Sweeters, Acupuncture Physician

99 Old Kings Road South #4, Palm Coast 386-302-5363

EastCoastAcupunctureFL.com

Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, additional TCM studies in Guang Zhou, China. Individualized holistic care for fertility issues including IVF, chronic & accute pain, digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia, prostatitis, sports injuries. Celluma Low-Level Light Therapy for arthritis, muscle & joint pain, acne, skin tone, edema. In-network provider for VA patients. See ad on page 15.

CBD PRODUCTS

YOUR CBD STORE

• 117 W Howry Ave, DeLand 386-627-6715 • DeLandFL.CBDrx4u.com

• 160 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste A105 386-627-5271, Palm Coast Palm Coast.CBDrx4u.com

Offering Certified Organic CBD products exclusive to Your CBD stores. Products are formulated using other cannabinoids and terpenes, creating unique synergies that increase efficacy, target specific ailments and increase the binding of CBD. Stop in and try a free sample. See ad on page 17.

CHIROPRACTIC

BE WELL CHIROPRACTIC

515 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach 386-402-8997 • BeWellNSB.com

Drs. Wendy and Christian Edwards are dedicated to providing holistic patien-centered care. In addition to chiropractic, they offer Class IV laserm Frequency Specific Micro-current, functional medicine, pregnancy care and pediatrics. Through specific testing they locate imbalances and recommend natural natural approaches. See ad on page 15.

COACHING & HYPNOSIS

KEYBI INTUITIVE COACH & HYPNOSIS

Mikki Milligan

Mikki@KeybiCoach.com KeybiCoach.com

Mikki is a certified life coach, hypnosis practitioner, and empath who guides clients towards living the best version of themselves. Her empathic abilities allow her to connect with people's thoughts and emotions, and understand others on a deeper level. Her authentic approach has helped others cultivate a conscious mindset and find direction, comfort, and self-healing. Use discount code: BESTME20 to receive 20% off. See ad page 13.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

BEACHSIDE COLONICS

Lidia Nash

18 Bovard Ave Ste A, Ormond Beach

386-760-0035 (Call or text)

Gentle rinsing of the colon removes toxic waste that can contribute to pain, inflammation and disease. Relaxing and effective. Lidia also offers ionic foot cleanse, infrared detox wraps and healthy food preparation classes. MA46199.

FACIALS

DERMA BOTANICA

Kimberly Hover

1710 S.R. 44, New Smyrna Beach (inside Colors Hair Studio)

386-956-9823

Derma-Botanica.com

A holistic facial studio offering restorative, massage-based, holistic facials and non-invasive skincare treatments that relax the body and nourish the skin with handcrafted, organic, botanical potions for healthy, vibrant, natural results. FB9788258.

HEALTH COACH

NEW MOON CANCER CARE

LISA MATEJKA, ND, MS

Naturopathic Doctorate & Energy Worker

Dr.Lisa@NewMoonCancerCare.net

971-319-0410

YouTube @Dr.LisaMatejka

NewMoonCancerCare.net

Offering a diverse array of health coaching; naturopathic consulting, life coaching, and the metaphysical healing arts. Certified Thera Wellness practitioner. See ad page 11.

THE DIVINE IS WITHIN ENERGY HEALING & COACHING

Melina Stroumpis, Certified Emotion Code & Body Code Practitioner

386-319-5577, Volusia/Flagler

TheDivineIsWithin.com

The Body Code taps into the body's inner knowing to release imbalances contributing to mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual issues. Effective for anxiety, PTSD, sleep issues, chronic pain, atigue, and much more. Donation-based sessions. Pay what you can. Suggested $40-$90. See ad page 29.

HEALTH FOODS

HEALTH FOODS FOR LIFE

Bob Lewandowski

122 E Rich Ave, DeLand

386-734-2343

Open Monday-Saturday, 10am5pm. Bob has been in business more than 39 years with specialties including: non-allergenic foods, energizing weight reduction, organic skin care, herbs and vitamins.

HEATH’S NATURAL FOODS

600 E 3rd Ave, New Smyrna Beach 386-423-5126

HeathsNaturalFoods.com

Largest selection of supplements, organic produce & natural foods. Grocery, organic produce, wines and beers, CBD/Delta8, Kombucha on tap, acai bowls, fresh juice and smoothies, best deli in town and more. See ad on page 17.

LOVE WHOLE FOODS

CAFÉ & MARKET

• 275 Williamson Blvd, Ormond Beach 386-677-5236

• 1633 Taylor Rd, Port Orange 386-767-6543

LoveWholeFoods.com

Open Monday-Friday, 9am7pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm and Sunday, 11am-5pm with friendly, knowledgeable staff. Get involved in your community, shop local and support organics. Save more with our “Get Healthy, Get Rewarded” program.

NATURE’S GARDEN NATURAL

HEALTH FOODS

2405 Enterprise Rd, Orange City 386-774-1222

OpenMonday-Friday, 10am–6pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm. Quality vitamins, minerals, herbs, body building and dietary supplements, personal care, children and pet products, essential oils, books and mail-order available. 20% discounts every day.

HERBS/TEAS/OILS

SPICE OF LIFE HERBS

214 Beresford Ave, DeLand 386-734-0035

SpiceOfLifeHerbs.net

Visit us Wednesdays-Saturdays, Noon-5pm., or shop onine Herbs by the ounce. teas, infusers, specialty collector teapots, and more. Essential oils and diffusers for home

and auto, aromatherapy books and jewelry, soy candles in many sizes and scents. Visit and like SunSpirits Tea Room on Facebook. Serving wine, beer, tea and coffee.

PEST CONTROL NATURAL

NATURALLY GREEN PEST SOLUTIONS

PO Box 354591, Palm Coast Info@NaturallyGreenPest.com 386-237-9663

NaturallyGreenPest.com

Offering pest solutions for your home and lawn with a natural focus. Unwanted pests in your home can negatively affect your family’s health and your peace of mind. Eliminate them with a program you can feel good about.

SOLAR ENERGY

SOLAR-FIT

1523 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Volusia • 386-441-2299

Flagler • 386-445-7606

Solar-Fit.com

Relax and let the sun do the work for you. Solar-fitting your home or business is a smart, economical and environmentally sound investment. We offer a wide range of options to make your home more energy efficient. We are making America energy-independent one home at a time.

SPA

NATURE IN BEAUTY

An Organic Beauty Boutique & Parlor

314 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach 386-576-6730

NatureInBeautyOrganics.com

Nourishing products for professional hair care, manicures and pedicures, facials, massage, reflex-ology, makeup, spa packages, Girl’s Night In. See ad on page 7.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS

CASSADAGA SPIRITUALIST

CAMP & BOOKSTORE

1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga 386-228-2880

Cassadaga.org

Established in 1894, our community has Mediums, Healers, Classes, Workshops, Tours and Events year-round. Seekers are welcome and self-exploration is encouraged. Check out our large Spiritual Book & Gift store. More info on website. See ad on page 7.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION / ROLFING

LAUREE MORETTO

Soft Tissue Specialist

321-271-1678, Flagler & Daytona Beach

LaureeMoretto.com

90% of pain is linked to structural misalignment. Your pain is really just a symptom. My work addresses the cause to give you lasting relief. Get your life back now. 25 years experience. MA20965.

THERMOGRAPHY

FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

June Drennon, CCT 2008

JuneDrennon@FloridaMedicalThermography.com 727-729-2711

FloridaMedicalThermography.com

Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography! Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you.

VETERINARY SERVICES

GENTLE PET PASSINGS

Dr Gayle Burrell 386-279-8525, Volusia/Flagler

GentlePetPassings.com

Saying goodbye to your beloved friend is a loving, but difficult decision. Spend those final precious moments with your pet in the comfort of their home surrounded by all that they love. See ad on page 29.