Naturally Fresh & Free From by Wellness Warehouse

MARCH 2017

helping you live life well

Naturally

FRESH FREE-FROM Meet Angela Guastella and Nathan Byren, owners of Sanctuary Sushi

The Wellness Warehouse Magazine

R20 (incl. VAT)

Offers valid from 1 - 31 March 2017. Selected items may not be available at certain stores. We reserve the right to limit quantities. E.&O.E.

FREE TO WELLNESS REWARD CARD HOLDERS

20 42 34

SWEET ALTERNATIVE

Deliciously free from sugar

A GUIDE TO YOGA STYLES

Find your place on the mat

HEALTHY HAPPY JOINTS

Naturally liberated & pain free

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 1

2 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

Shows improvement in joint comfort within 7 days The Next Generation after glucosamine

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 3

4 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

Publisher: Dr. Sean Gomes Editor: Robyn Wilkinson robyn@wellnesswarehouse.com

Editorial Contributor: Lara Potgieter lara@holistica.co.za

Designer: Karla Kelder karla@wellnesswarehouse.com

Dietitian: Hayley Cimring hayley@wellnesswarehouse.com

Advertising & Directory Enquiries: Sue Dall | cell: 084 707 4477 wellmag@wellnesswarehouse.com

Printed by: Paarl Media Paarl

Wellness Support Office 261 Bree Street, Cape Town 021 003 3552 www.wellnesswarehouse.com Wellness magazine takes no responsibility for the content of the advertising material supplied directly by advertisers. We accept advertising in good faith and do not research advertising claims. Kindly consult a professional should you have any doubt as to the efficacy of any claims made.

Our new stores Brooklyn | 012 460 9159 Shop 329, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn Mall, Veale street & Fehrsen street, Brooklyn, Pretoria 0181 Menlyn Maine | 012 348 44 44 Shop 11, Menlyn Maine Central Square, 210 Amarand Ave, Newlands, Pretoria, 0100 Menlyn Park | 012 348 4677 Shop 80, Menlyn Park Corner of Atterbury & Lois Avenues, Menlyn Park, Pretoria, 0063 The Grove | 012 807 5445 Shop L55, The Grove Mall, Lynnwood Road, Equestria, Pretoria East 0184 Woodlands | 012 997 3022 Shop 18 B, Woodlands Boulevard Corner of Garstfontein road and De Villebois Mareuil drive, Pretorius Park, Pretoria East 0081

cover ON THE

Models: Angela Guastella & Nathan Byren Photographer: Stephanie Papini Make-up and Hair Stylist: Safiyah Khan Stylist: Karla Kelder Location: Bo Kaap

After going vegan, co-founders of Sanctuary Sushi, Angela and Nathan were frustrated with the limited vegan sushi offerings available. What started as fun sushi-making nights-in, turned into a creative passion and the idea to extend their skills to the public was born. What is your favourite wellness tip?

Coming Soon *Clearwater Mall *Thrupps Illovo Centre *Kyalami *Parktown

As the saying goes, “food can either be the most powerful medicine or the slowest poison.” We are huge believers in the power of plants and that the more of them you can include in your diet, the better. How do you ‘live life well’?

Wellness Warehouse magazine is also on sale at Starke Ayres at both the Rosebank and West coast branches in Cape Town

Adopting a vegan diet has had such a positive effect on our health, well-being and energy. It’s also great living in a city where the most amazing mountain trails are always just a few minutes away, so our passion for trail running is kept really well-fed. Find Sanctuary Sushi at the OZCF Market in Cape Town. They also offer catering. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram @sanctuarysushi. www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 5

note

EDITOR’S

NATURALLY FRESH & FREE-FROM You must have noticed our new magazine design. We’re delighted to welcome Karla Kelder onto our magazine team and think she’s done a sterling job of updating our pages with a new look. Other exciting news is a whole bunch of new store openings. In Pretoria, we have five new stores and there are another four opening up in Gauteng as we speak. We’re extending our national footprint and spreading wellness into many more corners of the country. Our March issue is focused on ‘free-from’ ingredients. Choosing to cut out all the potentially unhealthy ingredients from your life is a beautiful gift you can give yourself, an offering to your body to help it flourish the way it wants to. Once you’ve done it, it’s easy to live a lifestyle that’s just that much healthier. This issue provides an immense amount of help in this endeavor. We look at dairy-free, gluten-free and sugar-free in ways that will inspire and motivate you. People are often so surprised that the alternatives are more delicious than the food they’re giving up. Mostly, they’re foods that are better for the planet and less damaging all round. We also look at traditional African foods, we love the idea of eating local produce and we’re sure you will too. It’s great to know that fermented food has been used in Africa for centuries. Our body care feature looks at getting the best hair care help you can find. Using natural ingredients and cutting out unnecessary chemicals is another brilliant way of improving overall health. Fixing creaky joints is also possible and something to incorporate in a lifestyle context. We give you countless lifestyle tips to lead a joint happy life. Catching up with Sean Gomes on his Iron Man training is an invitation to set up a personal challenge of your own. If you are thinking of getting into yoga, well then our guide to different styles is just what you need. From leading trends to living lightly, come on our March journey for an informative ride on a wellness journey that’s highly empowering. Here’s wishing you a happy sugar free month

Robyn

6 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

contents MARCH 2017

EAT

CONNECT

GLUTEN-FREE IN A JIFFY Gluten-free is easier than you think. Take action towards better health for yourself and your family with quick meals and snacks in a gluten free format.

TRENDS WE’RE WATCHING From a foodie blogger to multi-sensory wellness centres, here are some of the trends we’re watching.

SWEET ALTERNATIVE Going sugar-free can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your concentration, increase your energy, stabilise your mood, balance your hormones, and more. We show you how.

DAIRY DIARY Follow our 5 day plan towards changing your dairy consumption to fabulous new alternatives. From milk to cheese and everything in between, here’s a guide that’ll inspire you to make the change.

DEEP PEACE If you’ve ever thought of going on a retreat, read on and you’ll be convinced of the far reaching and life changing benefits. Jennifer Radloff reflects on her transformative experience at Dharmagiri Retreat Centre in Southern Drakensburg.

FOOD FROM AFRICA Even though indigenous African foods tend to be sidelined by mainstream nutrition advice, Africa has some immensely healthy options. Healthy living expert Asunta Simoloka outlines four traditional African foods with amazing nutritional benefits.

AFRICAN SPINACH STEW Cook up this delicious recipe in a true African style. NURTURE

THE SHAPE OF SHAMPOO From the type of shampoo to use, the latest in natural ingredients, maintaining the right balance of natural oils, washing frequency and more, we bring you the best in natural hair care tips.

GREEN 52

REGULARS 10

8 NATURAL WAYS TO JOINT RELIEF There are so many reasons joints get stiff or sore or creaky. Rather than fixate on the reasons, simply choose to feel amazing by following all the healthy joint advice you can fit into your lifestyle. MOVE

FIT BY FOURTY We follow Iron Man participant Sean Gomes on his training journey with tips on training techniques, mindful training, sports nutrition and more. A GUIDE TO YOGA STYLES If you’re wondering which yoga class you might enjoy best, browse through the many styles on offer and while you’re at it, see how yoga covers more than just physical postures.

EDITOR’S CHOICE Looks at our favourite products in March.

EVENTS Browse through a list of interesting workshops, training & courses.

READ WELL Easting guidelines, recipes and expert dietary advice is covered in our March selection of books.

FINDING HEALING We interview 6 natural health practitioners on a healing journey.

CLASSIFIED Find out what’s happening in your wellness community with workshops, retreats, therapies and more.

5 FREE-FROM FAVOURITE’S Try out some of our favourite ‘free from’ staples set to enhance your healthy life journey.

HEAL 34

GROWING HERBS IN WATER Make your herb garden even easier by growing herbs in water from your kitchen. Here’s a list of herbs and instructions on how to do it.

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 7

out &

ABOUT Make yours a memorable March by planting a tree, tapping into one of the many powerful forms of energy healing, or learning how to bring the joys of yoga to children.

GREENPOP REFOREST FEST 10 to 19 March 2017 Greenpop is hosting its 7th annual Reforest Fest in the ancient Platbos Forest Reserve, a 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town in the Overberg region. The festival takes place over two weekends each year. The Family Weekend (10 – 12 March) is for parents and children to connect in nature while planting trees, enjoying great family entertainment and participating in activities for all ages. The Friends Weekend (17 – 19 March) is for those who would like to get their hands dirty and make a positive impact on the environment, plant trees, enjoy eco-talks, yoga, live music and much more. For more information contact info@greenpop.org or visit www.greenpop.org. THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SOUND HEALING 10 to 31 March 2017 Every atom in the universe is in a constant state of motion. At our most fundamental level, we are vibration, and vibration creates sound. When we work with sound, we are working with the very fabric of existence. Sound has been used by various cultures since antiquity as a tool for healing and to enter into altered states of consciousness. This series of four Friday night classes in Cape Town offers an introduction to the use of sound as a tool to facilitate self-awareness and healing. For more information contact info@ intuitionandhealing.co.za or visit www.intuitionandhealing.co.za.

8 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

YOGA4KIDS TEACHER TRAINING 11 to 12 March 2017 South Africa’s leading provider of children’s yoga classes and children’s yoga teacher trainings, Yoga4Kids has been successfully spreading children’s yoga and life skills throughout South Africa since 2003. Yoga4Kids is represented nationally, with teachers in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Their teacher trainings offer internationally accredited children’s yoga teaching certifications that allow graduates to teach either under the Yoga4Kids brand or on their own steam. The training consists of three modules. This weekend will offer Module 1 in Cape Town. For more information contact suzie@yoga4kid.co.za or visit www.yoga4kids.co.za. BIO-ENERGY WORKSHOP 18 to 19 March 2017 Bio-energy is a powerful form of healing that aims to locate energy disturbances within and around the body using an established sequence of hand movements tailored to restore harmony to the body, mind and soul. During a treatment, the therapist will outline any immediate measures to be taken regarding diet, exercise, rest, attitude, etc. Become a bio-energy practitioner by enrolling in this European Diploma Course presented in Durban. The full course takes place over four weekends. This weekend will offer Level 1, Module 1 of the curriculum. For more information contact dianasmith@ vodamail.co.za or visit www.hiddenmind.net.

INTRODUCTION TO METAPHYSICS ONLINE COURSE 30 March to 9 December 2017 Metaphysics is the study of the underlying principles of life and the application of these principles in mastering our own lives. This online course is a journey into self-discovery, offering a solid foundation of metaphysical tools to support consciousness and growth. It’s divided into four modules - self-awareness, control of the mind, energy perception and intuitive development. For more information contact info@metavarsity.com or visit www.metavarsity.com. If you have an event you want to share with our readers email lara@holistica.co.za

MARCHevents

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 9

EDITOR’S

choice

“The foods we eat impact our wellbeing, not just on a cellular level, but on a whole life level. They influence how we feel, how much energy we have, how clearly we think and how we relate to the world.”

CLEAN AND CREAMY COCONUT My transition into a dairy-free lifestyle has seen me fall in love with coconut yoghurt! Made from coconut milk, it’s a great source of fibre and important vitamins and minerals, and contains the beneficial live cultures except without the cow’s milk. It’s also rich in healthy fats in the form of medium-chain triglycerides, which offer a host of health benefits including improved cognitive function and increased energy. We love the Le Coquin Plain Coconut Yoghurt, as it’s made of just coconut milk and live cultures, with no naughty ingredients sneaked into the mix. Pure guilt-free, creamy bliss!

BENTONITE AND BAOBAB Bentonite clay has been used by cultures throughout history for its nutrients and powerful detoxifying effects. Composed of aged volcanic ash, the healing clay carries a strong negative charge that bonds to the positive charge in many toxins. The organic, vegan African Organics Baobab Clay Wash combines the power of bentonite clay with nourishing baobab, which contributes to the collagen formation that supports a healthy, glowing skin. Proudly South African, cruelty-free and made with fair trade ingredients - we really can’t fault it!

NUTTY DELIGHT Almond milk is my go-to substitute for cow’s milk. It contains 50% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E (essential to skin health) and plenty of B vitamins for muscle strength and healing. It’s also low in carbs, which means it won’t significantly impact your blood sugar levels. Last but certainly not least, its fibre content will help keep your digestion in check. And you don’t need to compromise on taste either, as most people actually prefer the flavour to that of cow’s milk! We love the Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk as it offers a touch of the natural sweetness of almonds without added sugar.

GUILT-FREE PASTA If your new wheat-free lifestyle has you dying for a bowl of pasta, I’m about to make your day. Happy Earth People have created the most delicious gluten-free pasta made from 100% pure chickpea flour! Now you can enjoy the high protein, fibre, vitamin and mineral content of chickpeas in one of your favourite quick and comforting dishes. We tried it with vegan beetroot pesto and pine nuts and we’re sold.

A SENSUAL INDULGENCE I love spoiling myself to the luxury of a beautifully fragrant candle from time to time. Charisma is one of my go-to brands, as the powerful scent of its luxurious candles adds ambience to the whole house, and the artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary designs make for great gifts. My current favourite is their Cinnamon and Clove Hue Candle, which combines the concentrationenhancing aroma of cinnamon with the nurturing effects of clove - a wonderful gift for yourself or a loved one.

NATURAL SWEETNESS A great tasting alternative to cane sugar, coconut sugar is made from coconut palm blossoms. It’s low GI, rich in minerals and contains plenty of potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron. Even Gandhi was a fan, explaining that, “The juice of the coconut tree can be transformed into a sugar as soft as honey... Nature created this product such that it could not be processed in factories.” If that’s not enough to tempt you – the fact that it tastes a lot like toffee might just do the trick!

shop all online at www.wellnesswarehouse.com

10 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 11

MOMENTS WITH US WIN SHARE YOUR WELLNESS AND STAND A CHANCE TO

R500

Live life well by sharing your wellness moments with us on social media. Every month weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll select our favourite social media post to win R500 to spend at any Wellness Warehouse or online. Remember to tag us in your posts: @WellnessWarehouse on Facebook and Instagram and @Wellnews on Twitter

thNeER

WIN

connect, share

& SPREAD SOME LOVE Congratulations to @andriamackinnon for being our February winner! Thank you for being a wonderful customer and we hope you enjoy spoiling yourself with many more yummy smoothies from our cafes with your R500 Wellness voucher.

12 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

New and

exclusive

Whether you are vegan, gluten free, prefer organic food or a full raw diet, we are here to support you on your wellness journey. Our new range of staples are the perfect fit for every pantry and will help provide you with the nutritional boost your body needs.

Kickstart your

journey today!

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 13

eat

Gluten-Free IN A JIFFY Going gluten-free is easier than you think. Take action towards better health for yourself and your family by preparing quick meals and snacks free from the health-impairing substance. by Lara Potgieter

14 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

ouou probably know byby now that you don’t need toto probably know now that you don’t need have celiac disease oror even bebe gluten-sensitive toto have celiac disease even gluten-sensitive experience an upset stomach and mental fog or fatigue after eating too much gluten. As it stimulates appetite, wheat can be found in a startling array of processed foods. Ditching the convenience of processed foods might mean more effort preparing food from scratch but it is certainly possible to switch to a wheat- and gluten-free lifestyle without too much time in the kitchen.

MAKE A DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS GLUTEN-FREE MEAL IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES. Wheat Belly (Rodale) author William Davis has created a wonderful selection of tasty, healthy, gluten-free meals that can be made in 30 minutes or less. Here are a few of our favourites:

ALL - PURPOSE BAKING MIX MAKES 5 CUPS TOTAL TIME | 5 MINUTES INGREDIENTS *4 cups almond meal/flour *1 cup ground golden flaxseeds *1/2 cup coconut flour *2 teaspoons baking soda *1 teaspoon ground psyllium seed (optional)

✓ ✓ ✓

METHOD 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond meal/ flour, flaxseeds, coconut flour, baking soda, and psyllium seed (if desired). 2. Store in an airtight container, preferably in the fridge.

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 15

eat

COCONUT - CHOCOLATE QUICK MUFFIN MAKES 1 MUFFIN - TOTAL TIME | 12 MINUTES INGREDIENTS *1/2 cup All - Purpose Baking Mix *2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder *1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut *1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon *Sweetener equivalent to 2 tablespoons sugar *Pinch of sea salt *1 egg *2 tablespoons milk *1 tablespoon butter, melted

METHOD 1. In a medium bowl, combine the baking mix, cocoa, coconut, cinnamon, sweetener, and salt. 2. Whisk in the egg. 3. Add the milk and butter and whisk thoroughly. 4. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the mixture into a large mug. 5. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. 6. Allow to cool.

BASIC FOCCACIA FLATBREAD MAKES 6 SERVINGS - TOTAL TIME | 25 MINUTES INGREDIENTS *2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil *2 tablespoons vinegar *1/4 cup water *1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)

*1/2 teaspoon sea salt *3 eggs, whisked

GLUTEN-FREE FLOUR ALTERNATIVES *Almond flour *Chia flour *Coconut flour *Chickpea flour *Ground golden flaxseeds *Ground psyllium seeds *Pecan meal *Pumpkin seed meal *Seasame seed meal *Sunflower seed meal

DID YOUknow?

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. 2. Grease a large rimmed baking tray. 3. Place the baking mix in a large bowl. 4. In a small bowl or cup, combine the oil, vinegar, water, xantham gum (if desired), and salt. 5. Add to the baking mix and quickly mix together. 6. Let sit for 1 minute, then add the whisked eggs and mix together thoroughly. 7. With moistened hands, place the dough on the baking sheet and shape into a rectangle. 8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until highly browned. 9. Cut into six smaller pieces with a pizza cutter or knife. 10. Store in the fridge. TIP Be aware that most canned soups, ice cream, soy sauce, salad dressings, sausages and processed meats contain wheat.

Gluten is a substance found in cereal grains that is responsible for the elastic texture of dough. While wheat is the most well known culprit, non-wheat sources of gluten include barley, rye, bulgar and oats.

16 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

Rooibos

Peach Smoothie

This recipe is one of our favourites. We love to add chilled brewed tea to our smoothies, adding the health benefits of tea to the nutrition in Kabrita Instant Full Cream Goat Milk Powder, the fruit and seeds. One glass packs a protein and fibre punch, together with one- fifth of your calcium requirements for the day. Rooibos is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C from the fruit and various minerals that help give your immune system a much needed boost. Kabrita Instant Full Cream Goat Milk Powder and hemp seed adds protein power. Plus, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cow milk-free and great for adults and children with a cow milk sensitivity. Give it a try! It may soon become your favourite smoothie too!

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Makes 2 servings INGREDIENTS * 400ml of water * 2 Rooibos teabags * 50g Kabrita Instant Full Cream Goat Milk Powder * 2 Peaches â&#x20AC;&#x201C; large, ripe & peeled * 1 tablespoon Chia seeds * 1 tablespoon Hemp seeds * 10 ml Honey, optional * 6 - 8 ice cubes

METHOD 1. Boil the water and use the 2 rooibos teabags to brew 400ml of rooibos tea. 2. Cool down the rooibos tea (suggestion: make the tea the night before and put it in the fridge to chill overnight). 3. Combine all ingredients except the ice cubes in a blender. 4. Blend on high until fully liquefied. 5. Optional: add ice cubes one at a time and blend until fully incorporated. 6. Pour into a glass, serve & enjoy!

GET ALL THE INGREDIENTS AT YOUR FAVOURITE WELLNESS WAREHOUSE STORE. www.kabrita.co.za * info@kabrita.co.za * tel. 021 788 2093 www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 17

eat

cassava

PIZZA

Cassava Pizza Supplied by Health Riot

Health Riot Cassava Flour 450g

Zambezi Gold - Honey Organic 500g

Prince AlbertExtra Virgin Olive Oil 250ml

Wellness Himalayan Salts Assorted Variants

NOW R79 SAVE R20

NOW R59 SAVE R10

NOW R39 SAVE R20

SAVE R5

18 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

SLIMMING

Aid weightloss

Naturally We have

A NEW LOOK

With The Same Quality Nutrition.

The Originals

INGREDIENTS *1 cup Cassava Flour *5 tsp arrowroot powder *2 tsp xantham gum powder *1 tsp Himalayan salt *1 large free range egg *1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil *1/2 cup warm water *1 sachet yeast *1 tbsp raw unheated honey METHOD 1. Sieve all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. 2. In a separate bowl, add the honey to the warm water and stir to dissolve, then add in the yeast and stir. Set aside for a couple of minutes until bubbles start to form. 3. Add the egg and wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and using a fork, stir to thoroughly combine. 4. Cover with a damp towel and leave somewhere warm for an hour. 5. Preheat oven to highest setting. 6. Flour your hands, rolling pin and working surface liberally. Place your dough on the flour and sprinkle some more flour on top. Using your hands and rolling pin, roll out the dough in different directions. You may need to rub a little more flour to prevent the dough from sticking. 7. Once you have your desired thickness, pick up your pizza base and transfer to an oven pan. 8. Bake in the oven on its hottest setting for around 4 minutes. Take the pizza out the oven and smear your tomato sauce over your pizza, followed by your favourite toppings. 9. Place back into the oven for another 4 minutes or until the base is nicely browned. 10. Remove from the oven and enjoy

New Additions

Available at WELLNESS WAREHOUSE

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 19

eat

embrace A SUGAR-FREE LIFESTYLE Going sugar-free can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your concentration, increase your energy, stabilise your mood, balance your hormones, and more. by Lara Potgieter

uitting sugar is not about going on a diet – it’s a change in lifestyle. By necessity, it cuts out pretty much all processed foods, allowing you to eat like your great-grandparents once did, without all the junk that comes in packets and boxes these days. One hundred years ago, we ate just 1 kg of sugar per year. This has risen to a staggering 60 kg a year today. Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and cholesterol are all issues that were rare - if not non-existent – in our forefathers’ days. We can return to a simple, clean way of eating, but it takes a genuine commitment to our long-term wellbeing. Studies have shown that sugar is more addictive than cocaine, and it’s hidden in many of our seemingly innocent foods. You may be surprised to learn, for example, that there are up to 5 teaspoons of sugar in a muesli bar, 7 in a serving of low-fat yoghurt, 10 in a glass of apple juice, and 12 in a serving of tomato pasta sauce!

REPLACE SUGAR WITH HEALTHY FATS AND PROTEIN TO REMIND YOUR BODY OF WHAT IT NEEDS, RATHER THAN WHAT IT CRAVES. While the commercial food industry is set up around our addiction to sugar, our bodies don’t actually need it. It’s true that we need a bit of glucose (a simple sugar that is a component of many carbohydrates), but we could certainly do without fructose (the very sweet monosaccharide sugar). Replacing sugar with healthy fats and protein is a great way to bring our bodies back to their natural appetites so we live according to what we need, rather than what we crave. Eating more fat and protein will get your body burning the right kind of fuel, as well as rid you of those nasty blood sugar dips and see you naturally eating less, less often. 20 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

WOMENS Fats and protein have corresponding hormones that coordinate with the brain to switch off our appetite when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve eaten enough. As fructose doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a corresponding â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;off-switchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hormone, we can just keep eating and eating it. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, fat is actually required to activate metabolism, as well as to absorb many of the essential vitamins from the fruit and veg we eat. Adding healthy fats like butter, olive oil, macadamia oil, coconut oil, ghee, avocado, nuts and seeds is the simplest way to ward off the sugar cravings and ensure that your body is satiated by nutrients rather than the addictive non-essentials. Prioritising and adding extra leafy greens to each meal is another great way to satisfy your body so it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t succumb to its habitual cravings. If you really want to indulge in a little something sweet, stevia and rice malt syrup are healthy sugar alternatives. While xylitol and dextrose can be used in moderation, other artificial sweeteners should be avoided.

This delicious recipe from I Quit Sugar author Sarah Wilson (Pan Macmillan) proves just how delicious sugar-free indulgences can be.

CHOC MINT SLICES - MAKES 25 SLICES INGREDIENTS *Base *2Â˝ cups almond meal *1/3 cup raw cacao powder *1/4 cup arrowroot *2 tsp baking powder *3 eggs *1/2 cup rice malt syrup *1/4 cup water *Mint Filling *3 cups shredded coconut *2 Tbsp boiling water *1 Tbsp peppermint extract *1/2 cup coconut oil, melted *Ganache Topping *1/2 cup cream (use coconut cream as an alternative)

*100g dark sugar free chocolate (85% cocoa), roughly chopped

DID YOU know? THE LOWDOWN ON LOW-GI Low-GI is a ranking for carbs that determines the extent to which blood sugar levels are raised after eating them. However itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always a useful guide, as one of the easiest ways a manufacturer can reduce a productâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GI is by adding fructose! Fructose is one of the lowest GI substances around, and the reason a chocolate bar can have a lower GI than a carrot!

METHOD *Base 1. Preheat the oven to 180Â° and line a 20 cm square baking tin with baking paper. 2. Combine the almond meal, cacao, arrowroot and baking powder in a bowl. 3. Whisk together the eggs, syrup and water, then pour into the dry ingredients and mix well. 4. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked. 5. Set aside to cool completely on a wire rack. *Mint Filling 1. Pulse the shredded coconut with the boiling water and peppermint extract in a food processor until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 2. Add the coconut oil and continue to pulse until combined. 3. Press the mixture onto the cooled base and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or freeze for about 10 minutes, to set.

Beautiful

Feel free

Move Naturally

Rejuvinate and revitilize skin cells. Smooth wrinkles and improve skin elasticity & firmness. Improve the appearance of cellulite. Soothe joint discomfort and aid mobility. Promote the re-growth of cartilage. Support muscle tissue recovery. Helps regulate sleep patterns.

FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE QUALITY NUTRITION

NEW LOOK! SAME PRODUCT

*Ganache Topping 1. Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan. 2. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, whisking well until all the chocolate is melted. 3. Set aside to cool and thicken slightly. 4. When the ganache has cooled, you may need to whisk it again briefly before pouring it over the mint filling. 5. Return to the fridge until set. 6. Cut into squares before serving.

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 21

eat

DAIRY DIARY

Give yourself five days to explore the tasty, healthy alternatives to your favourite dairy foods, and you’ll be amazed by how much you enjoy the transition to a dairy-free lifestyle. by Lara Potgieter

he term ‘dairy’ refers to any food product made from the milk of a mammal. This includes milk from a cow, goat, buffalo, mare, reindeer, moose, yak and camel, as well as derivatives and products made with milk (like cream, butter, cheese, custard, ice cream and yoghurt). While dairy remains a staple for many cultures around the globe, lactose intolerance affects about 75% of the world’s population, as many of us don’t have the lactase enzyme necessary to digest the milk sugar lactose. Commercial dairy products have become the poster children for inflammation and other health concerns in the modern Western diet. Dairy products increase mucus production in the body, which exacerbates many chronic issues - including acne, arthritis, asthma, constipation, eczema, and joint pain – to name a few. Recent research has also suggested that dairy may be linked to an increase in various cancers, including prostate, testicular, ovarian and breast cancer.

GOING DAIRY-FREE NEEDN’T BE A SACRIFICE FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR HEALTH – IT CAN INTRODUCE YOU TO AN ARRAY OF AMAZING NEW CREATIONS YOU’LL LOVE. Cutting out the dairy may seem like a no-brainer in theory, but the prospect of missing out on some of our favourite foods can see us repeatedly shirking the task. In 1981, researchers found trace amounts of morphine – a highly addictive opiate – in cow and human milk. It’s no wonder we have such a hard time giving up our cheese! Luckily, the ingenious creators of Easy Living Food (Earthshine) and The Magic of Superfoods (Soaring Free) have concocted the most delicious recipes to replace some of our favourite dairy staples. You may be surprised by how far you progress along the journey towards a dairy-free lifestyle by opting for just one alternative a day…

22 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

NUTRILIFE

DAY 1: MILK Milk may seem almost irreplaceable in your daily diet. Luckily, there’s a range of delicious healthier alternatives to cow’s milk available. Those in the know prefer almond to soy or rice milk, as it’s lower in calories and carbs, high in healthy fats, and contains significant amounts of vitamin E, various B vitamins, and digestive fibre. For people with nut allergies, hemp and coconut milk are great alternatives. You could also experiment with textures and tastes by making one of these delicious and super-nutritious non-dairy milks at home:

gut

It’s about your Feeling

CHIA OMEGA SUPER-MILK - Serves 2 INGREDIENTS *3 cups water *1/4 cup hemp seeds *1/8 cup chia seeds *1/4 cup lucuma powder *1 – 2 tablespoons honey *1/2 teaspoon vanilla seeds METHOD Blend all ingredients together and allow to stand for 1 – 2 minutes to thicken.

Improves immunity, general health and assists with; candida control, flora balance, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps & indigestion.

WARM MULBERRY MILK - Serves 2 INGREDIENTS *2 cups hot water *1/4 cup dried white mulberries *1/4 cup cashews *1 tablespoon hemp seeds *1 tablespoon honey METHOD Blend all ingredients together. DAY 2: CHEESE Most people find cheese the hardest dairy product to give up. If you’ve tried a good vegan alternative, though, you’ll know that it is indeed possible to enjoy something just as rich and creamy, without all the negative side effects. Here are our favourite non-dairy cheese recipes: HEMP CHEEZE - Makes 2 – 3 cheese logs or rounds INGREDIENTS *1 cup hemp seeds, soaked *2 cloves garlic *Juice of 1 lemon *1 teaspoon salt *1/4 teaspoon black pepper *Dried herbs or ground pepper for rolling into logs or rounds

Available at WELLNESS WAREHOUSE

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 23

eat

METHOD 1. Soak nuts and hemp seeds together for one hour and then strain, discarding the soak water. 2. Blend with the remaining ingredients in a power blender until smooth. 3. Wet your hands slightly and roll the cheeze into log shapes or rounds. 4. Dip or roll in dried herbs or black pepper. CREAMY NUT CHEEZE - Makes 2 cups INGREDIENTS *1½ cups nuts – macadamia, brazil or cashew *3/4 cups water *1/4 cup lemon juice *1/2 teaspoon salt METHOD Blend everything together on high using the tamper until smooth, for about 1 minute.

METHOD 1. Cut off the cauliflower florets – the tender stems can be cut into thin slivers and added too. 2. Place the cauliflower in a serving dish, pour hot water over and let it stand for about 10 minutes. 3. Blend all the other ingredients on high for about 1 minute until the cheeze sauce is smooth and warmed. 4. Drain the water from the cauliflower and add the warm cheeze sauce. 5. Mix everything and serve immediately. HOLLANDAISE - Makes about 1 cup INGREDIENTS *1 cup cashew nuts *1/4 cup apple cider vinegar *1/4 cup warm water *1 pinch salt

DAY 3: CREAM

METHOD Blend on high until smooth (around 30 seconds in a highspeed blender, or 60 seconds in a regular blender).

Replacing this decadent addition is easier than you think! All you need is a blender and a coconut…

DAY 5: DESSERT

FRESH COCONUT CREAM - Makes about 1 ½ cups INGREDIENTS *1 young coconut METHOD 1. Cut away the husk from the pointed end to reveal the top of the coconut shell. 2. Using a heavy chef’s knife, make a few sharp blows around the top edge of the shell until it can be prised off. 3. Pour the coconut water into a blender jug. 4. Scoop the flesh out into the jug. 5. Blend for about 30 seconds. DAY 4: CREAMY SAUCE There’s no denying how a good creamy sauce can revolutionise almost any meal. Put the dairy-free alternatives to the test by trying these spin-offs of two of our most popular cream sauce dishes… CAULIFLOWER CHEEZE - Makes 2 – 4 servings INGREDIENTS *1 small cauliflower head *1 cup cashew nuts *3/4 cup warm water *1 tablespoon nutritional yeast *1/2 teaspoon salt

24 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

You’re probably going to be most thrilled by your creations on the last day of the dairy-free challenge. Did someone say healthy ice-cream and chocolate brownies?! ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES - Makes 1 tray INGREDIENTS *2 cups brazil nuts *2 cups cacao powder *1 cup coconut flakes *1 cup honey *3/4 cup water *1 tablespoon vanilla powder *1/4 teaspoon salt METHOD 1. Blend all ingredients together. 2. Blend the coconut flakes into a fine flour and set aside. 3. Blend the nuts and water into a smooth paste. 4. Add all the ingredients to the food processor and process with the S-blade until smooth for about three minutes. It is possible to use a high-speed blender but be very careful not to overheat your chocolate. 5. Rub a little coconut oil onto the solid sheets of a dehydrator. 6. Pour the mixture onto the sheets and spread it out, about 150 mm thick. 7. Dry for about 6 hours and then cut into squares.

8. Return to the dehydrator for a further 18 hours. 9. Remove the brownies from the solid sheets and return them to the dehydrator on trays for a further 24 hours. VANILLA ICE CREAM - Serves 2 INGREDIENTS *2 cups bananas - skins removed, chopped and frozen *1 teaspoon vanilla powder METHOD 1. Peel and chop the bananas into small pieces. 2. Lay out onto trays and put in the freezer until hard. This takes up to 2 days. 3. Put the fruit and other ingredients into a high-speed blender in small batches. The jug must not be more than Â˝ full. 4. Work hard with the tamper on high for a few seconds until smooth. 5. Do not over-blend, or it will warm and you will have a smoothie!

DID YOUknow?

Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best calcium sources are actually dark leafy greens such as kale, collards, mustard greens, and turnip greens. The calcium in these foods is absorbed at double the rate of dairy calcium.

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 25

eat

CREATE YOUR OWN POST-WORKOUT

smoothie

SUPERSHAKE

Smoothies are an effective way of consuming nutrient dense superfoods, and offer a way to fuel the concept of ‘small frequent meals’. The combination of high fat, high protein contributes to overall satiety and prevents blood sugar imbalances throughout the day. This in turn helps to prevent binge eating on high sugary snack foods and ultimately the weight gain that ensues.

HEMPFUL POST-WORKOUT SMOOTHIE - MAKES 1 INGREDIENTS *300ml Water *1 Tbsp Green Supershake *2 Tbsp Hemp Protein Powder *1 Tbsp Hemp seeds *1 Tbsp Honey *1 Banana METHOD Blend until smooth and creamy TIP Add 1-2 Tbsp of melted coconut oil or cacao butter to your smoothie.

HIGH ENERGY SMOOTHIE - MAKES 1 Make your own dairy-free Superfood smoothies, simply and easily by using the Superfood Supershakes, which are packed with over 8 nutrient-rich Superfoods in each pack. INGREDIENTS *1 – 2 Tbs Superfood Shake (Vanilla or Cacao flavour) *1 Banana or 2 frozen Bananas *1 cup Dairy Free milk (Almond, Hemp Milk or plain water) *2 Tbs sweetener (coconut blossom nectar or raw honey) *Add 2-4 Tbs Cacao Nibs (for an extra chocolatey taste) METHOD Blend until smooth and creamy

BURSTING BERRY BLAZE SMOOTHIE - MAKES 1 This Berry Blaze smoothie is a simple and delicious way to get organic, anti-oxidant rich super-berries into your body throughout the year, even when fresh berries are out of season. INGREDIENTS *1 cup Dairy-free milk of choice *1/2 cup Superfoods berry mix *1- 2 frozen bananas *2 Tbsp - sweetener if desired (coconut blossom nectar or raw honey) METHOD Blend until smooth and creamy

26 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

SUPERFOODS 101 Superfoods are a powerful tool for transformation, enabling us to live our lives to the fullest.

Fuel your body, open your heart and activate your mind. BREAKFASTS:

As simple as 1,2,3! Oaty Chia (Vanilla or Chocolate) and Chia Meal, are 3 breakfast options that are loaded with a variety of superfoods and are quick and easy to prepare. Simply pour into a bowl, add water (hot or cold), or a nut or seed milk of your choice and honey or coconut nectar for extra sweetness, if desired. SIMPLE, delicious and nutritious!

SMOOTHIES:

The Superfood Shakes make the most delicious Smoothies of all time! They are so rich in nutrition that they can easily become a meal replacement, pre- or post- workout drink and anything in between! Available in 3 flavours - Green, Vanilla and Chocolate, they can be used any time of day to alkalise (green) and energise (vanilla and chocolate).

WHAT ARE SUPERFOODS & WHICH ONES SHOULD WE USE? Superfoods deliver MORE, more nutrients, energy and power. They are raw, whole foods, high in minerals, vitamins and nutrient dense. They are easily absorbed and utilised by the body and, most importantly, they are foods that have been revered by ancient cultures and medicinal systems around the world for thousands of years as healing and nourishing to the human body.

Our Soaring Free Superfoods range consists of over 20 superfoods, each individual powerhouses in their own right. However, with our background as chefs we have made it incredibly simple to get your daily dose of our wide range of Superfoods by incorporating our 9 Superfood Mixes into your lifestyle. Smoothies, breakfasts, snacking and chocolate options are all taken care of in a nutrient-dense THE ULTIMATE Superfoods way, easy to use SUPERFOOD SNACK: and delicious! The simplest and best way to get Superfoods into your body is with the NEW Superfoods Raw Chocolate Bar! We stone grind 20 superfoods and tonic herbs into our chocolate. This chocolate bar is the ultimate way of taking in superior nutrition EVERY DAY.

SNACKING:

Our NEW Berry Mix, consisting of dried golden berries (gooseberries), black and white mulberries and goji berries, is outrageously delicious, and is a perfect on-the-go snack for in your handbag, on your desk, kids lunch box filler, hiking and other outdoor activities. Our Trail Mix consists of goji berries and white mulberries plus brazil nuts and cacao nibs for an extra crunch.

SOARING FREE SUPERFOODS

www.rawlicious.co.za

Rawlicioustribe

Soaring Free Superfoods imports the highest quality, organic and wild-harvested superfoods from around the world. With high integrity sourcing from farms and forests, plus concentrated nutritional potency, these Superfoods represent ancient wisdom combined with great taste for abundant energy. www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 27

eat

Food

FROM AFRICA

by Asunta Simoloka

Even though indigenous African foods tend to be sidelined by mainstream nutrition advice, Africa has some immensely healthy options. Those following traditional African diets rich in indigenous food have markedly low rates of obesity, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Healthy living expert Asunta Simoloka outlines four traditional African foods with amazing nutritional benefits. FERMENTED FOODS Fermented foods are essential for good health because they provide health-promoting bacteria known as probiotics. Traditional African diets are steadfast sources of these healthy bugs obtained from different forms of fermented foods like fermented milk and mageu drink prepared the traditional African way, free of unhealthy flavour, colour, and other additives found in commercially produced versions. Other fermented foods originating from different parts of the world include sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), kimchi (fermented cabbage and spices), miso (fermented soy), tempeh (fermented mixture of soy and barley and or rice), and kombucha tea (fermented tea). Probiotics are widely touted for their role in promoting healthy digestion and overall wellbeing. Healthy bacteria ensures proper absorption of nutrients and wards off cancers affecting the digestive tract like colon and stomach cancer. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, foods containing probiotics are excellent for suppressing disease-causing bacteria, curbing allergies, boosting the immune system, promoting mental wellbeing, and maintaining vaginal health and hygiene. Probiotics also have a remarkable anti-diabetes effect because they promote glucose tolerance, the speed at which the body is able move sugar from the blood stream into body cells. SORGHUM Sorghum is an extremely nutritious grain. Like other grain foods, sorghum can only maintain its nutritional attributes when eaten as a whole grain and this means the edible outer layer or bran must not be removed. Wholegrain sorghum is rich in fibre which is vital for maintaining healthy digestion. Fibre keeps bowels regular, helping prevent toxins from accumulating in the body and assisting with toxic expulsion. Fibre also serves as a prebiotic, meaning that fibre nurtures healthy bacteria, allowing them to multiply and function optimally. Sorghum also happens to be rich in phenolic compounds (concentrated in the bran section) as well as several beneficial compounds. These nutrients act as antioxidants and fulfill a multitude of healthpromoting roles. According to scientists in Madrid, phenolic compounds in sorghum may be helpful for treating melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. Another study conducted by the University of Georgia concluded that phenolic compounds may inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products or AGEs, harmful substances that form in people with diabetes due to poor blood sugar control. Advanced glycation end products are blamed for triggering serious diabetes complications like heart disease, kidney disease, amputation, and blindness. Being naturally gluten-free, sorghum is ideal for people battling conditions related to gluten intolerance like celiac disease. PUMPKIN LEAVES Pumpkin leaves are eaten by different cultures in Africa. Just like other vegetables, pumpkin leaves are fibre-rich, making them ideal for balancing cholesterol and maintaining general cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) health. Also present in pumpkin leaves is magnesium. Researchers have tied diets rich in magnesium to an ever growing list of benefits including keeping blood vessels relaxed and dilated. Blood vessels in this state facilitate ample blood and oxygen supply to the heart and brain, substantially cutting the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. Some experts further assert that magnesium increases the odds of recovering from stroke and speeds up the healing process. Pumpkin leaves also provide beta carotene. The body converts beta carotene into Vitamin A, vital for healthy eyes and a strong immune system. Apart from supplying Vitamin A, beta carotene acts as an antioxidant and can neutralise harmful radicals that cause cancer, premature aging, and other conditions.

28 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

COWPEA Cowpea, known locally as Dinawa, Dinaba, Munawa, Imbumba, or Akkerbone, is chockfull of nutrients. For starters, cowpea is high in protein, making it a healthier alternative to meat. Diets rich in plant-based protein produce far better health outcomes than eating meat protein. This is clearly demonstrated by the low incidence of cancer, hypertension, heart disease, and other chronic conditions among followers of Mediterranean and rural African diets which are low in meat and high in legumes. On the other hand, chronic conditions tend to be more common among people eating high meat diets. Prostate cancer, for instance, is more prevalent among men whose diets are high in meat compared to men who eat little or no meat. In addition to protein, cowpea is a rich source of B Vitamins. It lowers blood homocysteine, a substance said to be harmful in large amounts. Experts say that having too much homocysteine is associated with a slew of conditions including heart disease, cancer, dementia, stroke, and diabetes. Furthermore, cowpea an essential nutrient for supporting general prostate health. When it comes to prostate cancer, zinc not only provides protection, it also induces mass suicides of prostate cancer cells. What’s more, contains zinc, zinc is renowned for boosting men’s sexual potency and it is so relevant that inadequate amounts of the nutrient may

result in impotence. With epic doses of fibre and various antioxidants, cowpea is perfect for controlling blood sugar, regulating blood pressure, balancing cholesterol, promoting heart health, combating cancer, and slowing down the ageing process. All four of the above attest to the remarkable medicinal powers of indigenous African foods and diets. What’s more, wild fruits and vegetables are better than most conventionally grown foods because wild foods are completely devoid of the genetic modification and fertilisers many conventional foods are exposed to. The impressive nutritional attributes of indigenous African foods also suggest that the increasing incidence of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic diseases has a lot to do with people ditching healthy traditional diets and opting for unhealthy modern diets high in meat, processed foods, and unhealthy fats. ABOUT ASUNTA SIMOLOKA Asunta Simoloka is a published author and healthy living expert and activist. Look for her ebook ‘Diabetes Bootcamp’ which is sold on amazon kindle store, and other ebook retailers or you can contact Asunta on asimolok@gmail.com or Cell: 084 353 3201

A Turmeric, Cacao, Coconut & Superfoods Golden Hot Chocolate

From the makers of www.takaturmeric.com Sugar Free

...

Dairy Free

...

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 29

Preservative Free

eat

PREPARE THE SPINACH

30 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

GOOD HEALTH BEGINS FROM THE INSIDE OUT.

“A healthy gut is essential for an overall healthy body and mind.” DID YOU KNOW THAT HEALTHY GUT BACTERIA:

Promotes normal gastrointestinal function Regulates metabolism Helps maintain a normal weight Allows for better absorption of vitamins & minerals Provides protection from infection as it comprises more than 75% of our immune system

THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION: Bad bacteria produces toxins that trigger the immune system in the gut

The brain is altered to inflammation by the immune system via protein molecules in response, the brain releases stress hormones, & neurotransmitter levels are altered This can lead to a variety of mental health problems: Anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder ; Depression ; Insomnia ; Behavioural disorder such as autism and ADD/ADHD

MODERN LIFESTYLE, HOWEVER, OFTEN HARMS OUR GUT. Poor eating habits, drinking chlorinated water, exposure to mercury from dental fillings and fish, stress and some medications can lead to a microbial imbalance? This may result in flatulence, diarrhoea, reduced immunity, hormone imbalances, eczema, vaginal infections and allergies.

THE SOLUTION Future He alth Probiotic Oral Spray ideal for the whole family! Future Health Probiotic Oral Spray has been scientifically formulated to assist in the restoration and maintenance of the intestinal microflora, resulting in good overall health.

More BUGS for your Bucks!

Probiotic Assist may help alleviated the following symptoms:

25 ml = 90 dosages

• Constipation • Diarrhoea

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Each squirt (250 ul) contains in total 1 billion CFU (colony forming units) of: Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Lactobacillus, resides predominantly in the small intestine.

• Food Allergies Immune Disorder • Allergies • Spastic Colon • Leaky Gut Syndrome • Post-Antibiotic Gut Dysfunction

Bifidobacterium, resides in the large intestine.

NEW IN STORE: Shop in store or online at www.wellnesswarehouse.com For more information visit www.futurehealth.co.za

62 Constantia Avenue, Mnandi, 0157 Tel: (012) 668 3019 Email: pharmacist@mcpharma.co.za www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 31

nurture

the

SHAPE

OF SHAMPOO

We’ve all seen the shampoo ads – a woman with long, shiny locks who emerges from her bedroom looking like she’s just had a whole team of hairdressers attending to her. Beautiful hair is something most people want to achieve; here’s how to get the most out of your shampoo routine.

xperts don’t always agree about the best frequency for washing your hair; what it does boil down to is your individual hair needs. If your hair is especially oily, you may need to wash it daily, but for dryer hair, every second or third day is completely acceptable. To keep your hair fresh between washes, you can rinse in luke-warm water (not hot water as that will break up your natural hair oils) and use a natural hair brush to distribute the natural oils from your scalp to the rest of your hair. Dry shampoos can work in a pinch to soak up too much oiliness, but should be used sparingly. WHAT TO BUY Whether you wash daily or prefer to spread your washes out a bit to retain your hair’s natural oils, buying the right shampoo is essential. Stay away from shampoos that contain sulphates and phosphates. These ingredients make the shampoo lather and spread better when mixed with water, but they also strip natural oils from your hair and can clog pores, which impair your hair follicles from producing new and healthy hair. Using products that strip your hair are a sure fire way to achieve dry and damaged scalps and hair that’s lifeless, brittle and dull. Instead, look for natural, organic ingredients that don’t have any chemicals. While using a more natural shampoo means that it won’t 32 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

lather as chemically enhanced shampoos do, you’ll soon get used to no bubbles. In addition to all natural base ingredients, a few others can help you choose the right shampoo for your hair type, such as: *Lavender – incredibly helpful in the treatment of alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that results in hair loss, usually at the top of the head or crown). *Shea butter – great for treating dandruff as it’s a fantastic moisturiser. It also has antiinflammatory properties and is packed with minerals and vitamins. *Gingko biloba – stimulates blood circulation which help hair growth. *Avocado oil – filled with vitamins and assists the hair follicles in retaining moisture. Amino acids in avocado oil also help promote healthy hair growth. *Olive oil – improves hair elasticity, which helps prevent breakage, bring back the shine and reduce frizz. *Jojoba oil – helps to unclog pores and is a great moisturiser. *Aragan oil – easily absorbed oil that restores lustre and softens hair. *Keratin – can be found in many shampoos – hair is made of keratin, which is a protein, so it makes sense to put this back into the hair – however, coupling keratin with harsh chemicals will reduce its efficacy.

TIP: Mix one part Apple Cider Vinegar with two parts water and use it as a rinse once or twice a week – leave in for about two minutes. Apple Cider Vinegar helps keep the pH levels in balance and closes up your hair follicles, which helps prevent damage. TO CONDITION OR NOT TO CONDITION It’s unusual to go to a hairdressing salon and not have conditioner slathered all over your hair before your stylist gets to work. So, the assumption is that hair stylists all agree conditioner is a must. It’s important, though, to avoid conditioners with silicone - this actually strips your hair of its natural conditioning properties. How you condition your hair depends largely on the type of hair you have (dry, oily, thin, curly); a rule of thumb is to put the majority of conditioner on the ends of your hair, avoiding your scalp and roots. Rather shampoo these areas, and apply conditioner to the rest. That way, you won’t be messing around with natural oil secretion but will get to the ends and tips where it’s needed. TIP: Very often conditioner isn’t completely rinsed out of your hair, leaving it slightly limp and with less volume. Conditioning before shampooing can help ensure your hair looks and feels healthier.

Do the best for yourself, do the best for our planet. It’s the intelligent, caring thing to do.

• Organically Certified • Cruelty Free • Vegan • Microbiome Friendly

LESS IS MORE Most salon branded shampoos recommend a walnut-sized amount of shampoo for your hair, and this is true for all shampoos. Leaving any amount of shampoo on your hair after washing can cause your scalp to dry out and lead to dandruff or fungal issues. When shampooing your hair, rinse it extremely well. The same is true for conditioner – you’ll already use less if you don’t condition the root and scalp area. ITS NOT JUST ON TOP, IT’S INSIDE TOO As with every aspect of health and beauty, it’s not just what you put on, its’ what you put in. A healthy diet and regular exercise also contribute to beautiful locks. Take dry hair for example; anxiety causes dehydration in your body, and this will in turn affect your hair. As mentioned, your hair is made up of a protein called keratin (eat biotin-rich foods such as onions, cauliflower and kale) – ensure you get enough of them through your diet – it’s always more effective to feed your body’s needs from the inside. Smoking restricts blood vessels and can result in brittle hair, while dry hair could indicate a lack of zinc or iron.

DID YOUknow?

Hair grows slightly faster in hot weather, simply because heat stimulates circulation.

www.africaorganics.co.za

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 33

heal

natural

8 ways

TO FIX STIFF, CREAKY & SORE

JOINTS

34 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

A FLEXIBLE MIND TRANSLATES INTO A FLEXIBLE BODY – PUTTING ENERGY INTO LETTING GO OF FRUSTRATION, ANGER OR IRRITATION WILL ALLOW MORE FLEXIBILITY INTO YOUR BODY. There are so many reasons joints get stiff or sore or creaky. Rather than fixate on the reasons, simply choose to feel amazing by following all the healthy joint advice you can fit into your lifestyle. We look at simple daily habits that make a huge difference like natural supplements, movement, mind and body correlation, diet and lifestyle changes. Sometimes, all it takes is to make your body more alkaline or to adapt your diet slightly. Here’s to having excellent mobility, feeling free and fluid and having the ability to move whichever way you want without feeling any restriction. TURMERIC Some say you’ll never need any other medicine if you take turmeric every day. It’s particularly good for stiff and painful joints and is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory. Curcumin, the active component in turmeric has been said to have an equal effect to the over-the-counter Ibuprofen but obviously with no side effects. Lately, we’ve seen a number of turmeric based beverages from teas to smoothies and kefir mixes, which makes it easy to get our daily dose. There are also a number of curcumin based supplements you can take. If you are making up your own brew, add ginger and bromelain (from pineapple) to make it extra effective and to help with pain relief. CAYENNE Cayenne is great as an external application or taken internally. It’s available in capsule form or can be purchased as a spice and added to a teaspoon of honey (find an organic brand). It also works well topically. Repeated topical applications of cayenne pepper has been shown to reduce arthritis pain significantly. For a topical balm, mix 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper with 1/2 cup of cocoa butter, lanolin, or coconut oil. Rub it directly onto the sore joint. Another option is to mix 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and soak sore hands or feet for 20 minutes to reduce pain and inflammation. PECTIN & GRAPE JUICE Pectin, found in the cells of many plants, is believed to relieve fluid buildup in arthritic joints. This, added to grape juice can be beneficial to those with inflammation and joint pain. Grape juice has loads of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which are credited for their effect on reducing inflammation. When choosing both of these ingredients make sure you get the best quality, free from additives, natural and organic. Mix 1/2 cup of grape juice with 2 tablespoons pectin. Dilute this mixture with water if you like. Drink this twice a day for at least 6 weeks. LICORICE Licorice inhibits the enzyme production involved in the inflammatory process and so has a natural anti-inflammatory effect. It also decreases free radicals at the site of inflammation and eases pain and frequency of arthritis flare-up’s. Glycyrrhizin is the important component in licorice that acts on inflammation by monitoring the body’s cortisol release. Look out for licorice in supplement form, you can also find it in tea, tinctures or sold as confectionary. If you opt for confectionary, make sure it is sugar free and contains licorice not just licorice flavourant. Licorice is not recommended for people with high blood pressure but is beneficial for low blood pressure.

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 35

heal

FLAXSEED Most people know that Omega-3s are important for a strong immune system, but Omegas also help fight inflammation. Because animal fats are best avoided if you are prone to inflammation, flaxseed is an excellent vegan source of Omega-3 fatty acid. Buy a good quality flaxseed, keep it in the fridge and use your grinder or nutri-bullet to grind up small quantities at a time. Have two tablespoons a day. You can sneak it into almost anything – oats, muesli, salad dressing, yoghurt or even sprinkle it into your soup, sauce or stew. STINGING NETTLE This plant, although it has fine hairs that irritate the skin, when placing whole leaves on the affected area of the skin, is believed to interfere with pain receptors and add relief. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Stinging nettles have a multitude of beneficial components that are easily absorbed by the body. Vitamins A, B complex, C and D alongside protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, beta-carotene, and a host of minerals like boron and silicon. It is a renowned herbal remedy for all types of arthritis and gout. Take stinging nettle as a tea, capsule or tincture, apply the leaves directly on the skin or mash them up into a poultice. MOVE With a stiff achey body you may feel like avoiding any form of exercise but movement is just what you need. If you have a severe condition, swimming or moving around in water is the best option. Mild yoga or Pilates or light weights will strengthen the muscles around the joints and help your body be more effective. Circulation is key and whether it’s Tai Chi, Qiqong, walking, dancing or cycling, make sure you are active in some way. If you are totally immobile then regular massage is a must. EATING & ALKALINITY Many foods help reduce inflammation and swelling. Flax seed, nuts and fatty fish, have inflation fighting Omega-3s. Other great sources to add to your shopping list are include blueberries, kelp, horseradish, mustard, garlic, onions, watercress, parsley, celery, pickles, lemon, and rose-hip tea. Keeping an alkaline diet is one of the most effective things you can do. Download a list of alkaline foods and eat most of your food from that list. MEDITATION & VISUALISATION There’s a definite connection between mind and body and you might want to explore your emotional landscape to see if there’s anything that needs work. Metaphysicians like Louise Hay look at ailments in terms of mental patterns of thinking. Stiffness may imply rigid, stiff thinking; arthritis she classifies with feeling unloved, criticism and resentment. These attitude or thinking states can be improved and overcome with healing and through meditation and visualization.

DID YOUknow? Most of the prescription medicines for achey joints like ibuprofen, naproxen, and other anti-inflammatory medicines can be harsh on your body, affecting your liver and stomach. Adapting your lifestyle and taking harm-free measures might be a better long term strategy or may greatly limit the amount of medication you need. If you are taking medication, check with your health advisor or doctor before taking additional herbal options.

36 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

DAily AcHeS AND PAiNS? Chronic inflammation is the leading cause of pain experienced by so many of us on a daily basis. Bio-Curcumin offers a natural antiinflammatory, which Is clinically tested and found to be as effective as leading pharmaceutical drugs without any of the side effects. Trusted by thousands of doctors and millions of people around the world to reduce inflammation fast and effectively. THe fAcTS SPeAk for THeMSelveS BCM-95 is the most researched curcumin extract available with 23 human clinical studies. Proven 700% increased absorption of free curcumin over regular curcumin extracts. Contains no artificial additives, polysorbate 80 or piperine The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No. 1 selling curcumin extract Starts working within 2 hours If you purchase Bio-curcumin and after 3 days if you are not satisfied with the results, please contact us directly so that we can ensure you have been using it correctly. If you are still not satisfied, we will have you refunded.

Now available in South Africa at leading Pharmacies, Health Shops and Medical Practitioners For more information contact Coyne Healthcare 021 421 9144 info@coynehealthcare.co.za www.coynehealthcare.co.za

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 37

move

FIT BYFOURTY W

hen last did you set yourself a target, aim for a goal or resolve to do something that really challenges you? Being in a comfort zone sometimes creeps up on us and we discover we’re going in a direction we hadn’t necessarily planned. An amazing antidote is a dose of self-evaluation and scrutiny, and a challenge to match. That’s exactly what Iron Man participant and Wellness Warehouse co-founder, Sean Gomes decided when he signed up for the Iron Man 70.3 challenge. First find a motivating reason or a ‘why’ advises Sean. Having had the slogan ‘fit by fourty’ in the back of his mind, and with the big 4-O coming up fast, it was time to put in some training. Entering the Iron Man challenge was a perfect goal and one that matched his intended outcome. Besides the ‘why’ it helps to have a wake-up call. Sean’s wake up call came when he realized he’d packed on a few kilos too many. “My favourite jeans had gotten too tight and after the festive season I got a bit of a fright when I stepped on the scale.” If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy for the kilos to pile up. “I was having to buy a whole size up from my normal size.” The last couple of years Sean had two sons Zac and Kai and found that with increased fatherhood responsibilities, he’d put training on the back burner. He’d also had a series of injuries starting from his rugby days at school and then University. After operations on both his knees, his foot, his wrist and both

38 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

shoulders, his training regime was severely restricted. “I’ve simply got damaged knees and joints and can’t manage to run for longer than ten minutes. Endurance sports are just not for me,” was his evaluation.

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE EXTREMELY GOOD FOR GENERATING SELF-RESPECT, WITH ACCOMPLISHMENT REWARDING ON MANY DIFFERENT LEVELS. Love of exercise and sport was never the problem, from rugby to kitesurfing, boxing and gym, Sean had a history of being active. After weighing 82 kilos at school and not going above 85 kilos in his varsity days, he stood on a scale at his mother-in-law’s house after a long Sunday lunch and his weight had crept up to 93. Now, there was no space for excuses, and injuries or not, he decided to do whatever it took to train. That day he entered the Knysna Half Marathon, got an online training programme and began to work towards completing his first half marathon in almost 20 years. “It’s all mind over matter and mental perseverance,” says Sean. “Oh, and using professionals is extremely helpful too.”

To compensate for my injuries I was seeing three professionals to help keep my body in check. My personal trainer emphasized building core strength and I was having Lyno coaching as well as fortnightly massages. After 8 months of training, I lost 12 kilos, I feel great about my fitness and more than that - I’ve enjoyed it so much, I’m determined to make endurance training a key part of my life. Sean completed the East London Iron Man 70.3 successfully in January, a week before turning 40, and has signed up for his next challenge, Durban Ironman 70.3 in June.

CMY

SEAN’S 5 FAVOURITE TRAINING TIPS 1. Join a ‘coached’ group Something I really enjoyed was the group camaraderie with others who were also training. Psychologically it’s really good too. We were all on a whatsapp group and with everyone speaking about the next training appointment or cycle or swimming engagement, if you’re not in, you feel like you are missing out. It’s very encouraging and motivating and provides a bit of healthy competition to spur you on. Sean joined coach Steve Atwell’s East London 70.3 programme with Embark (www.embark.co.za). 2. Involve your family Being active is not necessarily something I have to do on my own. With a young growing family it’s good to find ways to exercise that include the family. I loved running the Knysna half marathon with my wife Melissa. We ran the whole way together. It was a great bonding exercise for us. 3. Learn more about your body Even though I have a medical qualification and I’ve been in the Wellness industry my whole career, when actually training I got a much deeper understanding of my body and its requirements and abilities. I find I’ve spent a lot of time

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 39

reading about nutrition and endurance and it’s taught me a lot that I am able to use in my daily life. 4. Use professional advice The right advice has allowed me to train optimally and given me focused effort in the right areas. An old injury on my knee has left my patella with poor tracking making it prone to patella tendinitis, but with care I can work around it and still achieve the fitness goals I want. Using Lyno coaching, performance coaching and physiotherapy has also been key to looking after my body. 5. Enter an event and tell everyone This is probably the most powerful motivator. Start with something manageable, give yourself time, enter it and then tell your friends and family….even challenge a few of them to enter it too. With a clear short term and achievable goal, you’ll build confidence to take on even bigger challenges.

FAVOURITE SUPPLEMENTS & TRAINING HACKS 1. L-Glutamine For muscle recovery and to prevent soreness 2. Foam rolling To help muscle recovery, flexibility, and prevent injury 3. Magnesium, Zinc, high dose vitamin C and a good multi For mineral replacement and immune boosting. Did you know, that during bouts of intense exercise your immunity takes a dip and you are more prone to catching a flu or cold?

40 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

4. Post exercise recovery drink Hammer Recoverite optimal mix of protein, amino acids and carbohydrate to aid muscle recovery and replace depleted muscle glycogen stores. There is a window of opportunity lasting about an hour after intense exercise where your body is best at converting carbohydrates to muscle glycogen. After that, the body tends to store excess carbs as fat. 5. The right equipment tailored for your individual need Get the right running shoe. Visit RUN on Bree Street for a personal assessment – they’ll give you professional information like whether your feet are neutral or pronated. Make sure your bike is correctly set up for your geometry. A seat height too high or too low can cause injury – visit The Giant Concept Store by Olympic Cycles at the bottom of Bree for a professional bike fitment.

DID YOUknow? The Iron Man Triathlon is widely regarded as one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world. It consists of a marathon swim, then cycle and lastly a run raced in that order without a break between.

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 41

move

A GUIDE TO

YOGA

styles

There are many different styles of yoga, each with its own distinct lineage and methodology. If you’re wondering which yoga class you might enjoy best, browse through the options and see which one appeals to you the most. Hatha yoga is the most well known in the West. Meaning ‘sun’ (ha) and ‘moon’ (tha), Hatha can in fact be used to describe any yoga practice that uses asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing practices) to explore the subtleties of the body in relation to the conditioning of the mind. What most don’t realise, is that there are schools of yoga that focus on so much more than just the physical practice. Many of us are familiar with Ashtanga yoga as a sequence of poses. Traditional Ashtanga (meaning ‘eight limbs’) is the broad system of yoga built on establishing an ethical framework and incorporating all eight limbs of the practice: yama (universal moral principles), niyama (personal discipline), asana (physical postures), pranayama (control of the breath), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (focused attention), dhyana (meditation), samadhi (selfrealisation/enlightenment) A less well-known approach is Jnana yoga, which is a deep search into the way the mind works. Jnana prioritises intelligence and our ability to inquire deeply into the nature of things. Then there’s also Bhakti yoga, otherwise known as the yoga of love and devotion. This incorporates deep emotion, and examines and cultivates the primacy of the practitioner’s relationship to others and the divine. Karma yoga is the yoga of work or action, and is great for applying yogic principles off the mat. It trains the practitioner to eliminate the ego from daily work, transforming it into an art and a source of satisfaction in and of itself. An important aspect of Karma yoga is devoting one’s work to the service of the divine or other beings. You may be surprised to hear that Buddhism is also a version of yoga. Gautama Buddha taught the practices and philosophies of traditional yoga, but rejected the authority of the then dominant Vedic religion in the existing schools. Each of these primary schools of yoga has given birth to numerous subsets. As we practise mainly Hatha yoga in the West, let’s take a look at the various styles of Hatha yoga available.

42 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

by Lara Potgieter

HATHA While Hatha yoga is a generic term that refers to any yoga that includes physical postures, some classes are simply marketed under this name. If this is the case, it will usually be a gentle introduction to the basic yoga postures. While it isn’t necessarily physically rigorous, it offers a good introduction to yoga breathing and postures. *The slower pace of Hatha yoga is well suited to beginners. ASHTANGA The Ashtanga most of us know today was popularised and brought to the West by Pattabhi Jois in the 1970s. It involves six established and strenuous pose sequences, practised sequentially as progress is made. The Ashtanga practitioner always does the same poses in the same order, with each movement linked to intentional breathing. *Perfectionists and type-a personalities who enjoy strict guidelines and routine tend to take well to Ashtanga. VINYASA Another popular subset of yoga is Vinyasa, an active and athletic style adapted from the traditional Ashtanga system to appeal to Westerners in the late 1980s. One Vinyasa or ‘flow’ class can be vastly different to the next. What you can expect every time is a fluid, movement-intensive practice choreographed to smoothly transition from pose to pose. *Vinyasa classes are popular amongst those who enjoy rigorous exercise and are less inspired by routine. IYENGAR A purist yoga named after founder B.K.S. Iyengar, this style uses props like blocks, straps, harnesses, and incline boards to get students perfectly into positions. It’s a meticulous practice that prioritises proper alignment in each pose. While there isn’t a lot of rigorous movement involved, it can still be extremely physically and mentally challenging. *Detail-oriented people who are interested in the finer nuances of movement, anatomy and form will love Iyengar yoga. KUNDALINI Kundalini yoga features constantly moving, invigorating poses aimed at moving the kundalini energy in the body. Kundalini is an energy supply thought to be coiled - like a sleeping serpent - at the base of the spine. Tapping into this energy is believed to have a transformative effect on the body, mind and spirit. *People looking for a spiritual practice often gravitate towards Kundalini yoga. BIKRAM A Bikram class includes a series of 26 basic yoga postures, each performed twice. The catch? The sequence is practised in a sauna-like room heated up to 40°, with 40% humidity. Developed by Bikram Choudhury about 30 years ago, the style has become very popular despite its often-exhausting physical demands. *Those who enjoy a challenge but are not yet well versed in yoga’s many postures will enjoy Bikram for its predictable sequence within a physically demanding environment. HOT YOGA While hot yoga also takes place in a heated room, its sequence deviates from Bikram’s. Poses can vary according to class and studio, and the room is generally heated to a temperature anywhere between 30° and 40°. *Those who love to sweat will enjoy this tough practice, which is guaranteed to leave them drenched. www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 43

move ANUSARA Anusara means ‘flowing with grace’ and is a relative newcomer on the yoga block. Developed by American yogi John Friend in 1997, it’s based on the belief that we’re all filled with an intrinsic goodness, and that the physical practice of yoga can help us let this inner goodness shine through. Classes are specifically sequenced by the teacher to explore one of Friend’s Universal Principles of Alignment, and are rigorous for both the body and the mind. *Anusara yoga is suited to those who would like to connect with others and express their full potential through yoga. JIVAMUKTI Jivamukti yoga pushes the limits of body and mind to reintegrate yoga’s traditional spiritual elements into the Western practice. Each class has a theme, and includes Sanskrit chanting and references to ancient scripture alongside the asana and pranayama practices. *This style appeals to those looking for both a physically and spiritually demanding experience. KRIPALU Kripalu is a three-part yoga practice that teaches you to get to know, accept, and learn from your body. It begins with exploring the workings of the body through various movements, before moving towards poses held for an extended time (with meditation included in the mix). Finally, it aims to tap deeply into the being to find spontaneous flow in postures, allowing the body to take over as the teacher. *People who want to connect to their bodies at a deeper level tend to enjoy Kripalu yoga.

SIVANANDA Sivananda yoga is an unhurried practice that focuses on the same 12 basic poses (or variations thereof) in every class. Sun salutations introduce the sequence, and the class is concluded in savasana (corpse pose). The system is based on the philosophy that proper breathing, relaxation, diet, exercise and positive thinking work together to form a healthy lifestyle. *Yogis who enjoy a gentle, structured routine will take well to the Sivananda practice. VINIYOGA Each student learns to adapt poses and goals to his or her own needs in this highly individualised practice. Viniyoga uses the principles of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, which basically means that the muscles are warmed up and contracted before stretching. *Viniyoga is best for those who like to do their own thing and find what works best for them individually. YIN Also called Taoist yoga, Yin is a quiet, meditative practice that focuses on lengthening connective tissues. It is meant to complement yang yoga styles such as Ashtanga and Iyengar. The poses are long and passive, with students relaxing and patiently letting gravity do all the work. *People who need to unwind and are looking for deep flexibility find Yin yoga particularly beneficial.

DID YOUknow?

Yoga has a rejuvenating effect on all the bodily systems including the circulatory, glandular system, digestive, nervous, musculoskeletal, reproductive and respiratory systems.

44 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 45

connect

THIS MONTH WE’RE

watching WHISKING IT L

exi Mozeglio, creator of the Whisking It blog takes our spotlight this month with a realm of clean eats and occasional treats to inspire a free-from lifestyle. Founder Lexi Monzeglio is a passionate foodie who’s discovered a way to incorprate great taste and creativity into her own gluten-, sugar- and dairy-free diet. “I’m not one for extreme behaviour and crazy rules – I eat this way because I can feel the difference in my body, skin and mental state,” she says of her decision to pursue the healthier way of eating and living. The Whisking It recipes are mainly Paleo and plant-based, and include nutritious breakfasts, hearty mains, delicious desserts and an array of tasty healthy sides and snacks. Our favourites are the blackberry coconut oat bars, the cauliflower pizza and the Paleo pumpkin pie! Have a look at all the tasty goodness on offer at www.whiskingit.co.za.

46 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

New and

exclusive Load up on our

essential minerals

Stock up on calcium and magnesium to improve bone health, support muscle contractions, and fight fatigue. Combine these minerals with our trusted range of nutraceutical supplements. www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 47

connect

trends WE LOVE

MULTI-SENSORY

WELLNESS

ver felt really good thanks to just the right combination of feedback from your senses? Multi-sensory wellness centres seem to be the new trend on the block, helping visitors experience a natural high by indulging all their senses. “Multisensory experiences are immersive. By actively engaging the senses and the mind, we empower people to be fully absorbed in the present moment. That immersion allows for something to enter into a state of ‘being’ when often we are all in a state of ‘doing,’” says Khajak Keledjian, founder of Inscape multisensory meditation centre in Manhattan. The studio offers fully immersive audio-guided group experiences for relaxation, using specific lighting, sounds, scents, drinks and bites to complement the process of inner reflection. A similar centre is Woom, which offers a full mind/body/spirit experience through yoga, sound, audiovisuals, essential oils and organic vegan cuisine. Alas, it’s also in New York. While we wait for something similar to open closer to home, why not create your own multisensory experience at home? Create a playlist of soothing tunes; stock up on essential oils, incense and scented candles; make sure there are always tasty, healthy snacks in the kitchen; clear the clutter and add splashes of your favourite colours to your deco; and treat yourself to satin sheets, chenille throws and faux fur rugs.

48 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 49

connect

DEEP

Peace Jennifer Radloff reflects on a transformative experience at Dharmagiri Retreat Centre nestled in a mountain on the Lesotho border in the Southern Drakensburg.

t wasn’t until I started listening to my heart and paying attention that my journey became possible. The retreat was an Insight Meditation Retreat aptly called Calming the Mad Mind, Knowing the Luminous Heart, hosted by two wonderfully wise teachers, Kittisaro and Chandasara. Recently, the poetry of Mary Oliver has been my refuge. Her words inspire such intense joy and help me direct my heart. I relate to the way she finds herself in nature; her belief in sacred silence; the praise of aloneness in order to connect meaningfully with others; and what I interpret from her lessons on non-separation between all living beings. She is my praise poet. As she says, “To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.” I carry volumes of poetry wherever I go. Hiking in the canyons or in the mountains, when I travel to other countries. I write lines of poetry in my diary which I carry with me all the time. But I forgot to bring them when I went on retreat. This turned out to be a blessing as one of the many lessons I learnt during the talks was to give my full attention to ‘reading the book of the heart’ (attributed to Ajahn Chah). For me, this was profound. I came to the retreat to learn how to calm my loud and busy mind; to find my way back to a steady sitting practice and to respond to a deep and persistent longing to go deeper

50 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

into the experiences of my heart. I was feeling overwhelmed with the mysteries, the suffering, the gratitude, the confusion, the tenderness, the wide-open joy and the pain of this one human life. I wanted quiet amidst the noise of my work and my world. I felt tired and as if I was not being of much service in my work any more.

I READ POETRY DAILY. I GO TO POETRY TO BE OPENED UP, TO FIND A BALM, TO BE REMINDED THAT LIVING MEANS TIMES OF SUFFERING - THAT THERE WILL ALWAYS BE HOPE. I READ TO BE REMINDED OF MY CONNECTION TO ALL THINGS AND TO KNOW THERE IS ALWAYS A WIDE OPEN SKY OF FORGIVENESS AND GRACE. I was not reflecting on my life, my heart or my path. I was not listening to myself and barely hearing others. I was meditating

erratically. My Mom had recently passed away and her death had stunned me as no other loss had. And yet she had given me the greatest gift. The grief I felt was huge but so was the joy. I was proud of her life. She is everywhere now. She exists in me, in the sky, the wind, the rain. I wanted to honour this beautiful being by truly seeking to know myself better. So, I went to the mountain. The symbolism of ‘going to the mountain’ represents a pilgrimage of aspiration - of moving towards consciousness, of closeness and contact with celestial bodies. Going to Dharmagiri sitting at the foot of the sacred Mvuleni mountain, in the province of my birth, felt right. I had spent the past few years seeking a place, a practice and teachers to guide me. I slowly found my way to Dharmagiri through friends and reading the book “Listening to the Heart : A Contemplative Journey to Engaged Buddhism” written by the retreat hosts Kittisaro and Thanissara. Our mornings started in the quiet pre-dawn when the stars are still visible and the wild sounds of jackals can be heard howling. To chant and bow in the dark of early, cold mornings with a warm fire and candles on the shrine with Kuan Yin’s sacred presence, alone but with an unspoken connection to the sangha, gave me deep comfort. While sitting on my cushion, wrapped in a blanket and in quietness as the sun rose and

the mountain of Mvuleni in all her grace, power and steadfastness, became visible, I felt I had come home to myself.

prayer as we let each thought dissolve and sought the silence between the thoughts. We rested together in the silence and the peace.

Each day we went deeper into our practice, guided with such gentleness and wisdom. The profound and lived knowledge of both teachers fed us during the dharma talks. We energised our bodies through chi kung and walking meditation. In Noble silence we ate delicious and carefully prepared food with each meal being blessed and each one of us expressing gratitude for the comfort of nourishment and shelter.

On our final day we spent time finding flowers, a stone, a branch – something from the environment which we could place on the alter and dedicate to a person, people, a cause – what we chose to honour and bring into the room. We each had time to place our offering and to reflect and to witness others. Noble silence was suspended as we gathered in small groups each with a few minutes to speak whilst others listened to our experience of the retreat.

During daily sessions with our teachers we found more insight into ourselves, each other and the practice through the thoughtful questions of the Sangha and the generous and reflective responses from our teachers. Each of us contributed mindful work through washing dishes, cleaning spaces and chopping vegetables, all in silence. The silence was welcome as it allowed us to turn inward and still be aware of our connectedness. As my friend who was also on retreat said to me: “I have known you for many years but through this seven days of silence I know you more deeply.” The silence woke me up to so much more and to communication with self and others which goes beyond anything language can explain. At night we gathered for chanting, meditation, a dharma talk and the sharing of blessings. The meditation room was full of quiet and of

I love storytelling and listening to stories. So for me, it was an intimate storytelling circle and it reminded me of what Muriel Rukeyser said: “the universe is made of stories, not of atoms.” And what the poet Rumi said :“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” From the stories of others, from their experiences and reflections, we learn, we breath in and are one with them and with all of creation. Through listening to others, we find parts of ourselves.

gratitude to have been there and to know I can return. For more information log on to: http://www.dharmagiri.org/

DID YOU know?

The meditation practice at Dharmagiri is inspired by the ethos of the Theravada monastic contemplative life of the Forest School which traces its roots back to the Buddha. It is also inspired by the Bodhisattva intention of compassionate response symbolized by Kuan Yin through the lineage of Chinese Mayahana Buddhism. This ethos encapsulates the two great wings of Buddhism, wisdom and compassion.

Mary Oliver in her poem “The Old poets of China” tells us how, because the world is so busy and often we need quiet to re-connect with our hearts, the poets went “so far and high into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.” Dharmagiri offers a place of quiet refuge and generosity. I have such deep

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 51

green

GROWING HERBS in water

Here’s a life-hack that will change the way you look at keeping kitchen plants. If you love the idea of having easy access to your favourite go-to herbs but aren’t endowed with ‘greenthumbs’, this is the perfect project for you.

rowing your herbs, vegetables or houseplants in water is similar to hydroponic farming; in which farmers grow crops in a mixture of liquid nutrients and water rather than in soil. This method for growing plants is great for novice indoor gardeners because it’s low-maintenance and keeps the plant largely free of disease or pest problems. Water-grown herbs are just as flavoursome as those you grow in the garden. You don’t have to mess with soil or worry about regular watering or changing seasons. PICK YOUR PLANT The easiest way to bring living herbs into your kitchen is to put a few cut stems or ‘cuttings’ in water. You can either use stems cut from your own garden or some bought in a bunch from your local food market. Even the fresh herbs you buy in the produce section of a supermarket can be fresh enough to thrive and grow for weeks or months in a jar of water. Basil, mint, pineapple sage, oregano, sage, stevia, thyme, lemon balm, and many other herb cuttings will thrive in a jar of water on your windowsill for weeks on end. The only herbs that don’t grow well in water are annual herbs, such as dill and cilantro. Annual herbs are designed by nature to grow for one season, produce seeds, and then die. Perennials will keep coming back and producing more leaves as long as you keep 52 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

pinching off the older leaves as they grow to full size. So, before you pick your plant, make sure you’re working with the perennial variety.

– it’s a super handy herb to have around the house. Take cuttings of actively growing soft branches and place them in water. This little herb likes as much light as possible, so place it in a warm place in your kitchen to keep it full of sweetness.

EVEN THE FRESH HERBS YOU BUY IN THE PRODUCE SECTION OF A SUPERMARKET CAN BE FRESH ENOUGH TO THRIVE AND GROW FOR WEEKS OR MONTHS IN A JAR OF WATER.

Basil – Basil loves warmth so will grow happily in a water-filled container as long as you provide it good light. Take cuttings any time before the herb begins to flower. If you have several varieties of basil, growing cuttings in water is the best way to preserve your collection during colder months.

Here are five herbs that will happily thrive in water: Thyme – The best time to take cuttings of Thyme is mid-spring to early summer, before the plant begins to flower. The thin stems of thyme can dry out fairly quickly, so it’s best to put them in water as soon as you cut them. Spray the portion that sits above the water when necessary. Once your Thyme starts to grow, cut the stems to promote branching. Stevia – Add this sweet plant to freshly brewed teas and beverages, or even desserts

Peppermint – A brilliant plant to have for medicinal uses as it contains high amounts of menthol. It gives a unique cooling sensation on the skin or tongue, but without actually causing any temperature variation. Growing peppermint in water is super simple; just place fresh cuttings in water to grow new plants. Sage – It’s best to take soft cuttings in the spring and root them in water. You may need only one or two sage plants because only small amounts are enough to impart flavour. These plants are happiest in bright light and in a well-aerated place because this herb is prone to mildew. SET UP & GROW For a simple herb stand in the kitchen, you can root herb cuttings in plain water in glass bottles. Roots generally like to grow away

DID YOU know?

Disliking coriander is in your genes. A study by genetic testing firm 23andMe found people who describe coriander as tasting like ‘bubble-bath’ all shared a particular gene called OR6A2.

from light, so coloured bottles, specifically amber coloured ones are best. When it comes to the water you’re using, it’s best to avoid chlorinated water directly because the bleaching chemical is quite harsh to plant tissues. Tap water that’s been left to air overnight should be fine, and so is stored rainwater. Spring water or well water is the best choice as it has some of the dissolved minerals that plants can use. Avoid distilled water as the distilling process removes some essential minerals that allow the herbs to grow. When choosing your glass containers, a narrow-mouthed container has an advantage: they can support the cuttings and keep them nearly upright. However, the mouth of the container shouldn’t be too narrow or seem to suffocate the cutting. Roots have to breathe, and the mouth of the container should allow free movement of air. If you’re using a wide-mouthed container, you can always cover the top with nylon or wire netting and insert the cuttings through the holes; this will offer some support to the cuttings. Another advantage, especially in warmer areas, is that the netting prevents mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water and multiplying.

HERBS, VEGETABLES & PLANTS THAT GROW IN WATER

*Lettuce *Spinach *Tomatoes *Peppers *Cucumbers *Celery *Rosemary

Herbs that root in water thrive partly by absorbing moisture through the bottom of the stem; so clip each stem end at an angle to increase the surface area of the stem bottom. Place the herb stems in your jars filled with water and put them in a spot where they get at least six hours of sunlight every day. Clip off each leaf as it grows to full size. This will encourage the stem to produce more leaves at the top. The stem will grow for months in this way, long enough to keep your kitchen stocked with fresh herbs until the next generation of plants grows in the spring.

Get all your garden essentials from

Starke Ayres Garden Centre supply plants, gardening products and landscaping services. They have a range of flowers and seed, and expert advice to help you with growing.

WIN WIN WIN

WIN

Both the Rosebank and West Coast branch of Starke Ayres Garden Centre will be issuing a prize consisting of a R250 gift voucher. All you have to do is attach your purchase slip with your name, phone number and email address into the instore competition box. Note that this applies to all purchases over R150 and is valid for the month of March 2017. Starke Ayres Garden Centre will contact the winner telephonically at the end of March 2017. Starke Ayres Rosebank, 21 Liesbeek Parkway, Rosebank, Cape Town Tel: 021 685 4120 Starke Ayres West Coast Garden Centre, West Coast Village Shopping Centre, Sunningdale, Cape Town Tel: 021 554 8450

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 53

green

A HOME FOR everyHOUND Two incredible women rally their support to reduce stray dogs and cats in gauteng. by Lara Potgieter Over 10,000 dogs and cats are euthanised in shelters across South Africa each week due to the lack of homes available for them. This equates to 40,000 per month, and close to half a million each year! An amazing little non-profit animal welfare organisation, Cause 4 Paws aims to reduce these heartbreaking statistics by offering sterilisation and vaccination outreach programmes throughout Gauteng. Cause 4 Paws was founded by Catherine Rollinson and Lindsay Seller. When noticing a lack of animal welfare services they set to work in Johannesburg’s Southern Suburbs, Alberton and township areas. The ladies have 11 years of experience in animal welfare between them, and their passion is palpable. Their aim is to sterilise and vaccinate as many domestic dogs and cats as possible, and educating the public about the importance of this forms an integral part of their work. The education programmes focus specifically on the local youth, and aim to debunk the dangerous fallacies and old wives’ tales that see people neglecting or being cruel to animals. While the current focus of Cause 4 Paws is their township outreach programme, they would eventually like to secure land for the purpose of housing and rehabilitating animals in a warm and loving environment before re-homing them when they’re ready and the right family has been found. HOW YOU CAN HELP *Sponsor a sterilisation & Sponsor a veterinary treatment *Donate an item on the Cause 4 Paws wish list *Support the Cause 4 Paws Pet Product Shop online or at the Rietvlei Lifestyle Centre in Johannesburg South *Attend a ‘Muddy Puppy’ obstacle course fundraising event *Get your company to sponsor a ‘spayathon’

Visit www.cause4paws.co.za for details.

54 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

SPEAKING

in smiles

Being on the autism spectrum means you will have challenges that could include social, behavioural or communication difficulties. Some of these make life incredibly difficult. Tamara Arden highlights the life of Adiel Dorfman and offers us an opportunity to help. by Tamara Arden A smile has the power to ignite. It’s contribution is sublime, and it’s gesture gives hope. Nonverbal, like many children on the autism spectrum, a smile leads with heart. It pleads to be acknowledged and acts as an exchange between the sharer and the receiver. For Adiel Dorfman, a smile is all he can contribute to this hostile world, because his developmental disorder limits his social functions and emotion recognition abilities. Growing up, we were told that smiling is contagious. Science reveals there is truth to it: we mimic facial expressions of others because it helps us better understand what other people are feeling. Individuals wrestling with autism have inhibited emotions; no space to copy another expression. This makes Adiel’s smile all the more valuable: it’s how he expresses himself when his world feels unknown. Highly sensitive to life around him and unable to speak, he retreats into his own world where he feels safe. To meet him on his level, his family join him there. This way, he doesn’t have to leave the safety of his world and enter theirs It is a challenge for Adiel to occupy spaces that will never be kind to him. Specifically so when it comes to the first day of school, a rite of passage not easily forgotten. While most parents mark the momentous occasion, Adiel’s parents are unsure they’ll ever see their boy experience this. There are now medical treatments for autism. The procedure involves transplanting umbilical cord tissue stem cells into the body. However, the treatment is extremely expensive and the family is in desperate need of funding. Adiel is on the spectrum and unfortunately that will define him repeatedly without the treatment. Allow him the opportunity for a life full of dialogue, expression and valued firsts by donating to the fundraising campaign #StemCells4Adiel

www.gogetfunding.com/stemcells4adiel/ Picture credit: Heidi Furman

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 55

BOOK

by Lara Potgieter

Many fabulous health enthusiasts have forged the way with eating guidelines and recipes to assist with a healthy diet. Here are some of our favourite books to collect and if your head is in the stars, you’ll love the 2017 Sky Guide.

Sababa: More Middle Cut the Carbs! Eastern and Mediterranean Food Tori Haschka (Quadrille) Tal Smith (Jacana) Sababa Kitchen and Deli has introduced Capetonians to the wonders of wholesome food with their wonderful restaurants offering Middle Eastern and Mediterranean treats. Owner Tal Smith delighted fans by sharing some of her popular recipes in her first cookbook, Sababa: Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Food. The popularity of the title led to the creation of this sequel, which continues to feature simple family recipes with easy to find ingredients.

We all know that bread, potatoes, pasta and rice aren’t going to leave us in shape and filled with energy, but what do we do when we’re really in need of some hearty comfort food? Tori Haschka offers a solution in the form of 100 delicious recipes that satiate without the white carbs. Her own experience of the detrimental effects of eating excess carbohydrates led her to experiment with ways to avoid them, taking inspiration from all over the world and falling in love with seeds and pulses. Our favourite creations in the book are the almond blueberry pancakes, quinoa and courgette fritters and baked white bean gnocchi. Yum!

Crazy Sexy Kitchen Wheat Belly: 30-Minute (Or Less!) Cookbook Kris Carr with Chef Chad Sarno (Hay House) William Davis (Rodale) If you’re thinking of revolutionising your health with a vegan diet, Kris Carr’s your girl. The cancer survivor turned health enthusiast invites us to discover how the goodness born in our kitchens can extend throughout the rest of our lives. Suitable for novices and gourmands alike, Crazy Sexy Kitchen is filled with inspiration, education and over 150 nourishing plant-based recipes. Learn to harmonise your body at a cellular level with everything from delicious veggie juices to guilt-free festive feasts.

2017 Sky Guide Astronomical Society of Southern Africa

(Penguin Random House)

This little book is an invaluable practical resource for anyone who has even a passing interest in the night skies of southern Africa. Prepared yearly by the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa, it’s a great reference for the novice, amateur and professional astronomer. Learn about the sun, moon, planets, comets, meteors and bright stars in the 71st edition of the title.

56 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

Going gluten-free needn’t be a complicated and time-consuming affair. William Davis shows us how to lose the wheat and the weight in this simple and fun cookbook filled with 200 delicious recipes that can all be made in a jiffy. While you’ll find everything from delightful dressings to hearty mains, we were particularly taken by the dessert section. Think strawberry-coconut biscuits, chocolate peanut butter cake and cinnamon rolls – all wheat-free!

SHOP THE BOOKS ONLINE OR AT SELECTED BOOK STORES

Look deep into

nature

and you will understand

everything better - Albert Einstein

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 57

heal

FINDING healing There’s an amazing wealth of practitioners working in creative ways to assist people towards healing and wholeness. We feature various practitioners with different healing disciplines and techniques, a healing tea house and a spiritually based travel company.

DIANA SMITH - HIDDEN MIND I am an energy healer based in Cape Town. I represent HiddenMind/ Bio-Energy (Europe) and The Living Threads (Australia) in South Africa. The HiddenMind programme has proven beneficial in treating special needs and persistent conditions like dyslexia, autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, asthma, arthritis, back ache, chronic pain, insomnia, migraines, schizophrenia and more. Sound frequencies have been used by different practitioners around the world for decades to improve healing rates and restore homeostasis and balance. The sounds I use in the HiddenMind Protocol are at a pitch that amplifies the body’s energy and frequencies to bring them into a corrective state. The primary aim of a Bio-energy treatment is to locate any energy disturbances within and around the body using an established sequence of hand movements tailored to restore harmony to the body, mind and soul. During a treatment, the therapist will outline any immediate measures to be taken regarding diet, exercise, rest, attitude, etc. At the end of the sessions, patients are aware of exactly what is required of them in order to regain the health that is rightfully theirs. A HiddenMind or Bio-energy treatment takes approximately 45 minutes per session, and is performed over three consecutive days. As well as offering treatments, I also present diploma courses where aspiring healers can train to become HiddenMind practitioners in their own right. Becoming a HiddenMind practitioner allows you to use the programme’s powerful techniques to heal yourself and others. A European Diploma is issued upon successful completion. The HiddenMind Investigative & Corrective Sound Diploma Course takes place over six three-day weekends, and the HiddenMind Bio-energy Diploma Course can be completed in two-day weekends and three-day weekends. I also run workshops on meditation and metaphysics at the Novalis Ubuntu Institute in Wynberg. Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban | Tel: 082 309 9798 Email: dianasmith@vodamail.co.za | www.hiddenmind.net

58 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

KAVI KARNAPURA DASA - EYE OF THE VEDAS Vedic astrology is the astrology of past and present India, and is based on the teachings of the Vedas. The Vedas are the earliest known literary records of the Indo-Aryan culture of ancient India, and by some estimations the oldest books in the human library. The Vedic corpus consists of the revelations of seers or Isis who, through prolonged meditation, came to know reality in both its ultimate and finite sense. Vedic astrology allows you to unlock your past, present and future. We come into this life as a fragment of primordial consciousness propelled by the karma of countless past lives. Our conditioned consciousness is a complex and often contradictory array of hopes and fears, desires and aversions that we know very little about but that guide the choices we make and the lives we build. I offer a number of services drawing on this ancient knowledge. My birth chart readings give an overview of a person’s psychophysical disposition, vocational potential and spiritual inclination. The birth chart reveals - amongst other things - how the present life is a continuity of past lives, and what the major lessons are. I also offer compatibility readings, which assess the synastry (relationship astrology) between partners in a couple, and prashna or horary readings, in which the client is able to ask a specific question (this can be in relation to a lost object or person, a financial or relationship decision, etc.). For those looking for a longer-term reading, my year reports describe the karmic tide for the year ahead. If you’d like to learn more about Vedic Astrology and meditation, you can also attend one of my workshops and seminars. Western Cape | E-mail: aum.yantra@gmail.com www.eyeofthevedas.com

ELYSE HARMONY - MASSAGE I am a highly trained and experienced mind/body relaxation and healing facilitator. Aside from managing stress and relieving pain, massage allows the body to find its natural rhythm and restore balance and harmony to the immune system. A 60-minute massage can revitalise you in the same way that seven to eight hours of sleep can! Massage boosts immunity by increasing the white blood cells that ward off disease, and stimulates the release of endorphins - the body’s natural painkillers. It also reduces the stress hormone cortisol in the body, which helps to elevate mood and lower blood pressure. I specialise in deep tissue and Ayurvedic massage. Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscles to realign them. The strokes are slower and the pressure deeper than classic massage therapy. This is a good approach for clients with chronic pain or tension in specific areas like the neck, shoulders and lower back. Over 5,000 years of empirical research has refined Ayurvedic massage into an art that combines skilled knowledge of the body with knowledge of oils, music, and bodywork techniques for balancing the body and mind. Oil massage is consistently used throughout Ayurvedic massage treatments. The oils enhance the process of purification and regeneration. Shown to permeate the dermis in five minutes and all seven layers of skin in eight to ten, Ayurvedic oils can be infused with up to 75 different herbs, increasing the therapeutic effect immeasurably. In an ideal world, Ayurvedic massage would be carried out every day to promote positive health, overcome fatigue, strengthen the nervous system, improve eyesight, nourish the bodily tissues, increase longevity, normalise sleep, instill flexibility and sturdiness, and maintain good general health. I also offer sports; full body; back, neck and shoulders; and head and foot massage.

SHAMBALLAH - TEA HOUSE & HOLISTIC CENTRE Legend has it that Shamballah is a land of enlightened beings - a ‘Pure Land’. The word ‘Shamballah’ is derived from a Sanskrit term that translates as ‘tranquil-certain’. According to some, Shamballah is a real place, but one that exists in a very rarified state, unreachable and imperceptible to the profane. The Dalai Lama spoke about Shamballah at an initiation: “Although those with special affiliation may actually be able to go there through their karmic connection, nevertheless it is not a physical place that we can actually find. We can only say that it is a pure land, a pure land in the human realm. And unless one has the merit and the actual karmic association, one cannot actually arrive there.” Fortunately, there’s a Shamballah you can reach in the real world, near the Cape Point Nature Reserve! It’s a Tea House, sanctuary and apothecary for body, mind and soul. Set on acres of glorious nature, Shamballah Tea House & Holistic Centre offers a space to gather, teach, learn and work wonders - a real haven on the road to heaven. The Tea House offers beautiful views and a big outdoor fire pit for your enjoyment. The space can host up to 40 guests spread between seven dining tables and three comfy lounge tables. A large, light and airy space, the yoga studio is excellent for dance, meditation, yoga and retreats. It boasts large glass sliding doors leading out onto a spacious deck with beautiful views. It also has access to a small kitchen for catering purposes. There is also a therapy room, which is an intimate space perfectly suitable for therapy, consultations and counselling sessions. Cape Point | Tel: 072 634 9043 E-mail: ana@shamballah.co.za | www.shamballah.co.za

Plettenberg Bay | Tel: 072 711 0910 E-mail: elizeharmony99@gmail.com

www.wellnesswarehouse.com | 59

YASHIKA DOONARIAN - THE TRAVEL ARCHITECT Have you allowed yourself to be awe-struck by India? Nowhere on Earth does humanity present itself in such a dizzying, creative burst of cultures and religions, races and tongues. Thanks to successive waves of migration and marauders from distant lands, every different community left an indelible imprint that was absorbed into the Indian way of life. What about Thailand – that wondrous kingdom featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife and spectacular islands? Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food and sensuous massage, Thailand features a modern capital city and friendly people who epitomise its ‘land of smiles’ reputation. You can visit these places and more with as little hassle as possible thanks to The Travel Architect – a dynamic young travel service provider that curates seamless healing journeys. I established the company in 2009, and attribute its success to our philosophy of nurturing ongoing relationships and always giving the best possible personalised service. Our travel desk offers highly personalised 24/7 service, highly skilled staff, in-house tour operator portals, a range of quotes, budget management, global deals, leverage with suppliers and full reporting on travel management. Although every trip is as unique as the person taking it, we always have exciting specials and packages on the go. Our Exploration Tour of India at the end of this month, for example, will see journeyers nourishing their souls through their own brand of spirituality, yoga, meditation, self-care, alternative medicine, personal growth and stress release. Think awe-inspiring mosques, soaring temples, ancient sacred sites, yoga and meditation sessions, Ayurvedic treatments, stress relief workshops, vegetarian cuisine, traditional rituals and ceremonies, and of course the Ganges and Taj Mahal.

TAMAR BEZUIDENHOUT - AURAESSENCE Essence is what sums up the heart and soul of something. It is the core quality of a person or object. It can be the concentrated scent of a flower or the core flavour of an orange. It can be the deep colour of a rose or the purity of the sound of a waterfall. For me, Essence is the nature of the true self – the soul. Many people are sensitive to subtle energies and blind to the fundamental necessities of proper breathing, diet, exercise and prana. It’s astonishing to me how some healers tend to categorically ignore the health of their own auric fields. A weak, collapsed or punctured aura is particularly susceptible to lower energies, psychic vampirism, difficult experiences, mental illness and even disease. AuraEssence explores the different paths to finding your Essence that aspect of yourself that might be asleep right now but that you are yearning to wake up. Your true essence is beautiful, perfect and perfectly aligned to its higher purpose. We align you to your essence through different modalities, but our main specialty is auric cleansing and energy healing. Our healing studio is based at our home, where we facilitate healing processes and sacred teachings. Our range of products, channelled and handcrafted, creates and assists the clearing process. Our products contain keys of sacred geometry and essences from all over the world, and are charged with light, sound and colour frequencies and vibrations. As well as auric healing, AuraEssence specialises in the clearing of unwanted goolies and goblins in your body and/home, higher chakra activations, karmic re-patterning, metaphysical counselling, life purpose readings, auric and chakra workshops, spiritual art, home clearings and colour feng shui. Bloubergrant | Tel: 0817279939 E-mail: tamaressence@gmail.com | www.auraessence.co.za

Global | Tel: 072 724 6887 | E-mail: yashika@travelarchitect.co.za www.travelarchitect.co.za IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE LISTED AS A NATURAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER ON HOLISTICA CONTACT LARA@HOLISTICA.CO.ZA

60 | www.wellnesswarehouse.com

New and

exclusive Pamper yourself with our

bath salts