Natural Awakenings of Virginia's Blue Ridge February 2013

February 2013 | Location-Edition | NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

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12 LUXURIA HOLISTIC CENTER Luxurious Health by Karen Adams

14 REST IN PEACE Sustainable Burials Honor Life by Brita Belli

16 BODYWORK GOES MAINSTREAM Helpful Access Points to Health by Linda Sechrist

19 Natural Awakenings’ BODYWORK GUIDE

23 BULLY BLUES BUSTERS Positive Ways to Promote Kindness by Meredith Montgomery

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

5 newsbriefs

9 globalbriefs

9 actionalert

10 healthbriefs

11 ecotip

12 community spotlight

14 greenliving

16 healingways

23 healthykid

25 calendar

28 resource guide

10

contents

11 16

23

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3natural awakenings February 2013

PublisherTracy Garland

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EditorKaren Adams

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letterfromthepublisher

Tracy Garland, Publisher

Februar-Yay! We are so excited to bring you this special issue of Natu-ral Awakenings. This month, we’ve

expanded our special Bodywork Guide, which now includes 30 more fabulous mo-dalities plus informational websites for your perusal. Our feature article, “Bodywork Goes Mainstream,” discusses how modali-ties such as myofascial therapy, Rolfi ng, structural integration and other specialties use a holistic approach to healing and are

increasingly taking a front seat in complementary and integrative health care. This month’s Green Living article discusses more sustainable, earth-friendly and non-toxic solutions to conventional burial practices, with a sidebar about a local green burial provider, Forest Rest at Mountain View. You can learn about peaceful and positive ways to prevent bullying in our Healthy Kids ar-ticle, which include taking an empathetic approach toward the bully. Our national news briefs are full of great information about how cell phones are becoming less toxic, how the American Heart Association is help-ing us identify healthier choices at the grocery store and how efforts to im-prove sustainability in a corridor in Chicago’s West Side will leave the rest of the country green with envy. We are pleased to bring you more local news from around the region. Here is a sample of what’s inside. Roanoke’s Local Roots, a farm-to-table restaurant, just started a monthly wine club, with which you can sample unique blends and lesser known labels at discount prices. In Concord, near Lynchburg, Concord Veterinary Services, a full-service vet clinic offering homeopathic as well as tradi-tional treatments, celebrates its 20-year anniversary. Around the Alleghany High-lands and Roanoke Valley, Ride Solution’s new transit tool with Google maps can help us all organize a more sustainable transportation plan using our computers, tablets and smart phones. Finally, in this month of celebrating romance, we are pleased to highlight a local author’s newly published book of love poems. February is a special month for me as well, especially this year. On Valen-tine’s Day, the hubby, Allen Linkenhoker, and I will celebrate our 15th wed-ding anniversary. But Valentine’s Day isn’t only about romantic love. It’s also about cherishing all of our loving relationships with friends and family. On February 14, let’s tell all the “sweethearts” in our lives—including grandpar-ents, parents, siblings and friends—how much we love them. And let’s take some time to celebrate the greatest love of all—ourselves. It may seem silly, but taking a few moments to refl ect on, and even write down, what we most appreciate about ourselves can help brighten our day and bring a loving, peaceful feeling to our interactions with others. Happy “Februar-Yay!” I hope that you will enjoy this issue of Natural Awak-enings as much as we enjoyed preparing it for you.

Sincerely,

My husband, Allen, and me at Christmas

4 Southwestern Virginia www.NASWVAmag.com

newsbriefs

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Roanoke’s farm-to-table restaurant, Local Roots, located in Grandin Village, recently announced

it new wine club. Annual membership is $7.Wine club members can sample Local

Roots’ rotating, members-only wine list, which features unique blends and lesser known wines at discounted prices. Members can enjoy a glass of exclusive wines or sample any three of its wines by the glass for only $7 per visit. Guests can simply ask their servers to see the current list for wine club members. “This is a great way to see and try all the wonderful wines we have to offer,” says manager Brian Sallade.

Location: 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke. For more information, call 540-206-2610 or visit LocalRootsRestaurant.com or Local Roots on Facebook. See ad on this page.

Virginia Tech’s Popular Tree App Available at Google Play

Researchers in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment

have developed a new application for Android smart phones that enables users to identify the woody plants around them. The popular app, titled “Virginia Tech Tree Identifi cation,” is available as a free down-load on Google Play. Alumni Distinguished Professor John Seiler and Laboratory Specialist John Peterson of the Department of Forest Re-sources and Environmental Conservation worked with forest landowner and programmer Bob Potts to develop the app. Potts, a frequent visitor to Seiler and Peterson’s “Dendrology at Virginia Tech” website, suggested combining their information with the smart phone’s portability and GPS capabilities. “We want to get the app into the hands of as many people as possible, which is why it was important for us to make it available to the pub-lic at no cost,” Seiler says. The app includes fact sheets for 969 woody plants with descriptions, range maps and more than 6,400 images of leaves, bark, fl owers, fruit, twigs and form. The app can display data for virtually any address, GPS coordinates or location in North America, and users can narrow the list by describing such features as leaves, fl owers and fruits. Seiler and Peterson also recently released the third edition of their DVD-based software program “Woody Plants in North America,” which includes tree fact sheets, species comparisons, a quiz function and photographs. “I’m proud of what we have built,” Peterson says. “John Seiler and I are a good tree identifi cation software team.”

For more information, visit VTNews.vt.edu/articles/2012/12/122012-cnre-treeidapp.html.

John Peterson, Bob Potts and John Seiler


newsbriefs

Ride Solutions Launches New Transit Tool with Google Maps

Ride Solutions has partnered with regional transit providers Valley Metro and RADAR to provide up-to-date routing

and schedule information via Google Maps. The Google Maps service will now provide transit options for trips anywhere in the Roanoke Valley and Alleghany Highlands region in addition to the Smart Way and Smart Way Connector routes between Blacksburg and Lynchburg. The trip planner can be found at RideSolutions.org, Val-leyMetro.com and RadarTransit.org, as well as directly through Google Maps. The tool can also be accessed through smart phones and tablets through the Google Maps app or web browser. “Trip planning via Google Maps will allow us to reach out to new customers and provide them with an alterna-tive to driving by overcoming the biggest fear about riding the bus: the fear of missing it,” says Jeremy Holmes, Ride Solu-tions program director. “Through Google Maps, we can now tell you your exact bus number, arrival time, transfer and rate information, everything you need to know.” From the Ride Solutions home page, travelers can simply enter basic trip information by either street address, cross streets or major landmarks along with the trip date and desired arrival or departure times, for same-day service or weeks in advance. The Trip Planner will then display several options, in-cluding directions to and from the nearest bus stop; applicable route numbers with any transfer information; and total travel times for each option. The trip planner now supports Valley Metro, the Smart Way Bus, the Smart Way Connector, the Star Line Trolley, the Mountain Express and the shuttles for Ferrum and Hollins universities. For more information, visit RideSolutions.org or Facebook.com/RideSolutions.

Local Author Launches Book on Child Identity Theft

Local author and law enforcement offi cer Robert “Bob” Chappell Jr. announces the release of his

book, Child Identity Theft: What Every Parent Needs to Know. He will hold a book launch event from 2 to 4 p.m. on February 16 at the Vinton War Memorial. Chappell reports that each year, more than 500,000 children are affected by identity theft, and half of them are under the age of 6. “This devastat-ing crime can wreak havoc on a child’s future op-portunities,” Chappell writes. Some crimes are not discovered until a young person applies for a driver’s license, credit card or college loan. “My goal in writing Child Identity Theft: What Every Parent Needs to Know was to educate par-ents, law enforcement offi cials, educators, medical professionals, coaches, caretakers, social workers and many others in industries and services that care for our children,” says Chappell, a 27-year law-enforcement veteran who lives in Bonsack and works at the state police headquarters in Salem. “I used the knowledge I gained by working with victims to help publicize and prevent this crime. Our goal, together, should be to protect children in the United States, as well as around the world, from the unfathomable crime of child identity theft,” Chappell says. The book describes child identity theft and the steps that can be taken to protect children and their families. “How many victimized children are out there waiting to be discovered?” Chappell writes. “Has your child been victimized? One hopes not, but if so, this book will give you the tools to fi nd out and get help.” Besides the book launch this month, the book is available on Amazon.com and through more than 300 book distributors throughout the country and the world. Location: Vinton War Memorial, 814 E. Washing-ton Ave., Vinton. For more information, visit Chil-dIDTheft.org/ or ChildIDTheft on Facebook.


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Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op Introduces Wholesale Department

In January, Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op announced its new whole-

sale department, established to better serve co-op shoppers and small busi-nesses that place larger orders. Special orders of $300 or more are now placed through the wholesale de-partment, which can offer signifi cant savings to co-op customers. Special deals are often available from departments throughout the store, including the grocery, wellness and bulk areas. Wholesale orders are placed online only. Shoppers will need to contact the co-op to receive their own user names and pass-words before placing orders. Discounts apply to all shoppers, both members and non-members alike.

For more information, call 540-343-5652, email [email protected] or visit RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop. See ad on page 6.

Concord Veterinary Services Announces Open House to Honor 20th Anniversary

Lori D. Leonard, DVM, announces an open house to celebrate the 20-year

anniversary of her veterinary clinic, Con-cord Veterinary Services, in Concord. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 16, and will feature tours, refreshments and special offers to visitors.

Leonard’s clinic, which was estab-lished on February 15, 1993, serves a variety of domestic and wild animals and livestock. At her full-service veterinary hospital, Leonard provides conventional and holistic care for her patients throughout their lives, from puppy and kitten visits to wellness for elderly animals. She has a special interest in geriatric care and quality-of-life concerns and draws upon a wide variety of options for assisting animals and their people. Homeopathy, in which Leonard earned her credential in England, is the cornerstone of her healing practice. Leonard also uses fl ower essences, animal communications, herbal tinctures and Reiki to support her animal patients. “Homeopa-thy is especially useful for organic farming operations as well as for those who wish to reduce the use of vaccination and conventional drugs in their animals and livestock,” she says. Leonard’s clinic, which is open six days a week, is located in the village of Concord in central Virginia, between Lynchburg and Appomattox. New patients and referrals are welcome. “We gratefully appreciate the support of the local community that we have received over the years,” Leonard says. Cost: Free. Location: 8908 Village Hwy., Concord. For more information, call 434-993-2403 or visit ConcordVetServices.com. See Community Resource Guide, page 31.


newsbriefsRadford Author Announces Book of Sacred Love Poems, Awakened Love

Kanta Bosniak, a Radford-based author, artist and

minister, recently released Awakened Love, her second book of sacred love poetry. Awakened Love follows her earlier book, Love Poems.

In both books, Bosniak explores a blend of spiritu-ality and passion. Both are illustrated with the author’s heart-themed drawings, com-

bined with classic quotes on love. Bosniak says she seeks to “balance depth and meaning with humor and fresh, modern style,” an approach typical of her other books about mind/body/spirit. In writing many of her love poems, Bosniak was inspired by the format of the wedding ceremony. “About halfway though Love Poems, I realized that some of the selections would work well in the spiritual ceremonies that I offi ciate,” Bosniak says. “So I went into the second book with that in mind. I’m excited by the challenge of creating rich new sources of alternative wedding readings.” An artist who has exhibited work at the Grandin Theatre, Jacksonville Center for the Arts, Virginia Tech, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Omega Institute and elsewhere around the country, Bosniak incorporates her colorful folk art paintings in her book covers. Awakened Love is available in Kindle format and will be released as a paperback soon. Love Poems is available in paperback format. Bosniak’s books are available at Amazon.com and on her website, KantaBosniak.com. For more information, visit KantaBosniak.com. See Community Resource Guide, page 29.

Community Housing Partners Receives Certifi cation for Sustainability

Community Housing Partners (CHP), a 501(c)(3) organiza-

tion with offi ces in Christians-burg, Richmond and Berryville, recently received the NeighborWorks Green Organization designa-tion from NeighborWorks America for its comprehensive commit-ment to sustainable operations. CHP is a community development corporation that provides affordable, green, sustainable housing opportunities and services for people and the communities in which they live. CHP’s activities include sustainable development, architectural design, construction, energy services, home ownership, housing management and resident and youth services. CHP’s extensive efforts to promote and imple-ment sustainable practices and policies include the weatherization of more than 17,800 homes; training of more than 30,000 individu-als in energy conservation and green-building skills; development of 20 EarthCraft-certifi ed, multi-family communities and 32 Energy Star-certifi ed single-family homes; the design and construction of a LEED Silver-certifi ed youth resident facility; management of more than 5,200 rental units using established green operations and main-tenance principles; green education programs for 10,000 residents; and the creation of an employee Green Team committed to develop-ing initiatives to further organizational environmental responsibility. For more information, visit CommunityHousingPartners.org.

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Worse & WorseFracking Goes RadioactiveGrassroots Environmental Education, based in New York state, where extensive under-ground hydraulic fracturing—known as fracking—is pro-posed for tapping pockets of natural gas, has issued a report exposing major radioactive impacts of the practice that’s underway in several states and planned for many more. The Northeast’s Marcellus Shale region is coveted for its rich gas deposits trapped in a substrate far below the water aquifer. Fracking not only uses toxic chemicals under high pressure that can contami-nate drinking and groundwater—it can also release substantial quantities of deadly radioactive poisons, bringing them to the surface, where they have the potential to pollute air, water, soil, food crops and animal feed. The report notes that the radioac-tive material includes, for instance, carcinogenic radium-226, with a half-life of 1,600 years, which remains toxic for up to 32,000 years. E. Ivan White, a staff scientist for 30 years on the congressionally chartered National Council on Radia-tion Protection, observes that such radioactive mate-rial could easily bio-accumulate over time and deliver a dangerous radiation dose to potentially millions of people long after drilling is completed. He states, “Neither New York state nor the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would permit a nuclear power plant to handle radioactive material in this manner.” Doug Wood, associate director of Grassroots Environmental Education and editor of the report, says, “Once radioactive material comes out of the ground… it is virtually impossible to eliminate or mitigate. Sooner or later, it’s going to end up in our environment and eventually, our food chain. It’s a problem with no good solution—and the [state] is unequipped to handle it.” Wood believes that releasing radioactive radium from the ground is a moral issue. “We must not bur-den future generations with this. We must say ‘No.’ to fracking now,” he says, “and implement the use of sustainable forms of energy that don’t kill.”

For more details visit, Tinyurl.com/RadioactiveFrack-ing. Join with others protesting fracking locally; fi nd action tools at GlobalFrackdown.org.

actionalertglobalbriefsNews and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefi ts all.

Safer CellsMobile Phones Becoming Less ToxicThe Ecology Center, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in conjunc-tion with technicians at IFixIt.com, has published a list of toxic chemicals found in 36 cell phones from a range of manufacturers. The good news is that companies are responding to consumer and regulatory pressure and these troublesome components are on the decline. The Motorola Citrus, Apple iPhone 4S and LE Remarq were the least toxic cell phones in the analysis. Two of the bestselling models, the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S III, ranked fi fth and ninth, respectively. Among earlier models, the 2007 iPhone 2G was found to contain the most toxic materials. Jeff Gearhart, research director at the Ecology Center, con-cludes, “The takeaway is that mobile phones are chemically in-tensive and full of chemical hazards, but they’ve been getting a lot better.” The center reported that every phone sampled in the study contained lead, bromine, chlorine, mercury or cadmium.

Source: Tinyurl.com/MobileRisk

Good HoodPaving the Way in Sustainable Streets

A one-and-one-half-mile stretch of Cer-mak Road, on Chicago’s West Side, will soon

become one of the greenest streets in the country, and possibly the world. The historic industrial

artery is shedding its smokestacks and cor-rugated steel warehouses for a $16 million makeover by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) that will make the corridor a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum showcase. Improvements range from solar-paneled bus stops to native plants and

pavement that absorbs rainwater. Armed with tax increment fi nancing funds and grant money, the CDOT set to work incorpo-rating what may be the most sustainable elements ever to go into a single stretch of road. In addition, all materials were found within a 500-mile radius of the project. Twenty-three percent of the ma-terials used are from recycled sources, and more than 60 percent of the redevelopment construction waste will itself be recycled. Other cities are studying the project as a blueprint for change.

Source: Grist.com


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healthbriefs

Hot Peppers Help the Heart February is Heart

Health Month, and individuals that like hot peppers have an-other reason to con-tinue their spicy habit, according to recent research. A study presented at the latest National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society focused on the benefi ts of capsa-icin and its fi ery-hot relatives, a piquant family of substances termed capsaicinoids, that give cayenne, jalapeños, habanero and other chili peppers their heat. The research team discovered that these substances boost heart health in several ways: They block the action of a gene producing a substance that makes arteries contract and restrict the fl ow of blood to the heart and other organs; lower cholesterol by reducing its accumulation in the body and increasing its breakdown and excretion; decrease the size of cholesterol deposits already formed in blood vessels that narrow arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes; and reduce overall levels of so-called “bad” cholesterol while not affecting levels of “good” cholesterol.

Red, White and TrueBag the guesswork of grocery

shopping and let the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart-Check mark help identify healthy foods. The red-and-white icon, created in 1995 and now found on product packaging, is a solid fi rst step in building a heart-friendly diet. The AHA is now beginning to in-clude foods with high levels of monoun-saturated and polyunsaturated fats—the “good” fats—in the Heart-Check pro-gram. Updated requirements also cover-ing sodium, sugar and fi ber will take effect in 2014 to allow food manufactur-ers time to reformulate their products.


ecotip

Creative ReuseNew Life for Old BeddingReusing, recycling or repurposing a worn-out mattress is a far better solution than adding another to the 20 million or so that annually end up in landfi lls. Before dis-carding, fi rst check with family members, friends or coworkers, or post a note on a community bulletin board or on the Inter-net (Freecycle.org) about the availability of a free, gently used mattress. Next, offer to donate the mattress to The Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries or a local consignment or thrift shop, church, shelter or disaster relief organi-zation. Note that this option may require professional cleaning prior to donation. Many nonprofi t outlets provide free home pickup of items, which can be claimed as a charitable tax deduction. Crafty individuals may want to disassemble the mattress and make use of buttons, tabs and fabric for sewing pil-lowcases, reupholstering indoor furniture, covering outdoor furniture or as stuffi ng for pillows. Check with local artist centers too, because one or more of their mem-bers may wish to use recyclable materials like the metal springs in their works. The wooden frame and the stuffi ng of the mattress can be used to create a backyard compost pile. The wood slats become the compost bin’s architecture, while the foam padding or cotton stuff-ing serves to shelter compost from the elements and keep the pile warm, which accelerates the composting process. The same stuffi ng also can be used as land-scape fabric to help control the growth of weeds in the garden, and springs make a serviceable trellis to support growing plants.

Some recycling centers do not ac-cept mattresses. Find local resources and policies at Earth911.com.

Sources: Home.HowStuffWorks.com, Tinyurl.com/RadicalRecyclingMattresses

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communityspotlight

Amy Jo Wheeler, founder and director of Luxu-

rious Pampering and Luxuria Holistic Center, in Roanoke’s Grandin Village, knows from per-sonal experience about the restorative power of holistic care. Wheeler came into the world of wellness after a series of personal challenges and heartbreaks, including a divorce, a car accident and, most devastating of all, the deaths of her parents, sister and best friend. Gradually, with the help of various wellness practitioners, she restored her physical and emotional health—and found a new career. “I tell my clients that I am truly on the life path with them,” Wheeler says. “Each thing in my life has led me to this point, and I am always exploring new pathways as well.” Wheeler offers refl exology, Reiki, chakra balancing and BioTurn Therapy via her business, Luxurious Pampering. Her Luxuria Holistic Center, which opened in October, features the work of other wellness practitioners as well, whose modalities include massage, nutritional counseling, personal coach-ing, aromatherapy and hypnotherapy. The center continues to grow, Wheeler explains, because she wants to offer a variety of options for a variety of needs. That approach comes directly from her own life. After graduating in 1987 from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College

(now Randolph College), the Roanoke native worked in Washington, D.C., as a contractor for the Department of Energy; for 16 years, she conducted research on energy issues, including vehicles that use alternative fuel. That work opened her eyes to the world of alternative lifestyles. But it was her personal life that most powerfully revealed to her that there were other ways to live. The fi rst revelation came when a friend healed her severe, unexplained hemorrhaging by switching to an organic vegetarian diet. “I saw how that worked for her, so I did the same thing,” Wheeler says. One thing led to another and, through open-minded-ness and education, Wheeler began to build a life of wellness that would eventually lead her back to Roanoke to open her own business. In 1990 she attended a refl exology workshop, which planted a seed for her future work. “I felt like I was walk-

ing on clouds; it felt so good,” she says. (Eventually she became a certi-fi ed refl exologist.) Several years later, after the unexpected death of her best friend, she had a spiritual awakening that was unexpectedly comforting. “All of a sudden I knew that she was at peace,” says Wheeler, who previ-ously had held no spiritual beliefs. “That began my conscious journey of exploring alternative ways of looking at life and doing things. Her death was the turning point for me.” She found a loving church com-munity as well, which further strength-ened her spiritual life. That support was crucial during Wheeler’s later separation from her husband. During this time, she began receiving chiro-practic and Reiki treatments, and ulti-mately became a Reiki master herself. While suffering from exhaustion, she was helped by BioTurn Therapy, which dramatically shifted her life. “I call it mind work,” says Wheeler, who now practices the therapy with her clients. “We wipe away negative emotions that are the underlying cause for an illness. Our minds are very powerful in shap-ing our daily lives.” After her parents and sister all died in a short time, that training helped Wheeler deal with the overwhelming loss. When Wheeler’s young son strug-gled with ear infections, she found help from a homeopathic pediatri-cian. “She was a traditional pediatri-cian who had retired and decided to combine traditional and alternative medicine, and that was intriguing to me,” Wheeler says. That multifaceted approach is the foundation of Wheeler’s center. There is no one perfect remedy or treatment, she explains, and her goal is to make many of them available at the center and also through a referral network. “I love this work,” Wheeler says. “Because people come in and they know they’re going to feel good when they leave. So it’s incredibly reward-ing. Our tagline is ‘Relax, relieve stress and reduce pain.’ We do that through a combination of different

Luxuria Holistic Center:‘Everyone Deserves Luxurious Health’

by Karen Adams

Amy Jo Wheeler


JI JI JI JI JI1415 Grandin Road SW 540.685.2975

Roanoke ~ One Block from Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op

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M Reflexology M Massage M Stress Reduction M Chakra Balancing

M Classes M Guided Imagery M Aromatherapy M Energy Healing

M Emotional Release M Reiki M Couples Seminars M Enlightening Movie Gatherings M Holistic Nutritional Counseling M Personal Coaching

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therapies and treatments.” Wheeler has helped a variety of people, including some who are recovering from ad-dictions. “Usually I do some BioTurn Therapy to clear out negative emo-tions, because you have to clean out your closet before you can add new clothes. We also do guided mediation and visualization with it, to envision the ideal life.”

Luxuria offers a variety of classes, “playshops” and special events, as well as gift certifi cates and packages. Wheeler, who also earned a master’s degree in education from George Mason University, enjoys the teaching aspect of wellness. She also recently started a monthly movie discussion series, which includes food from lo-cal eateries, such as Local Roots, and organic treats prepared by the center’s nutritional counselor, Karen Scott. The movie discussion events will be held at Valley Community Church, in Roanoke. (The movie for February, in honor of Valentine’s Day, is Chocolat.) “In our offerings, we emphasize playfulness as well as intensity, because life is all of that,” Wheeler says. Other practitioners at the center, besides Scott, include massage therapist David Fultz, life skills counselor John McKimmey, energy healer and playshop leader Alexandria Pederson and color therapist Janice Cusano, and Wheeler hopes to add more. “Even during the lowest points that Amy Jo has had, she’s carried herself with dignity and grace,” remarks Bonnie Cranmer, Luxuria’s business and mar-keting manager. “A lot of people could learn something from her journey.” “I believe in taking some kind of step every day, and no step is insignifi -cant,” Wheeler says. “The end result should be feeling good, joyful and happy, and however the person needs to get there is what the center is all about. Everyone deserves luxurious health, and everyone deserves to feel great all the time.” Luxurious Pampering and Luxuria Holistic Center are located at 1415 Grandin Rd., Roanoke. For more information, call 540-685-2975 or visit LuxuriousPampering.us or LuxuriaHolis-ticCenter.Blogspot.com.


greenliving

Humans are conditioned to the conventional rituals of handling death—the embalmed body in

a casket or ashes sealed in an urn, a procession of vehicles to the burial site, solemnly gathering and scattering fl owers as the remains are lowered into the earth. Many times, planning details are abdi-cated to the judgment of funeral directors. The notion of green burials envisions something different: a ceremony that en-gages family members’ eco-values and nature in a more intimate, sustainable process favoring biodegradable caskets and no toxic chemicals. The movement is gaining in popularity; in 2011, some 300 U.S. funeral homes offered green burial options, up from only 12 in 2008.

High Impact of TraditionTraditional American burial practices make a sizeable environmental footprint and also pose health risks. The carcino-genic embalming fl uid—formaldehyde—is a well-known hazard. A 2009 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Insti-tute found that exposure to formaldehyde over a career of embalming put funeral home workers at signifi cantly increased risk for mortality from myeloid leukemia,

a cancer of the blood cells. Alternatives include formaldehyde-free preservatives made from essential oils, and dry ice. Signifi cant resources are consumed in manufacturing caskets and vaults and maintaining cemetery grass. “A few years back I calculated that we bury enough metal in caskets to rebuild the Golden Gate Bridge each year and put so much concrete in the ground via burial vaults we could build a two-lane highway half-way across the country,” says Joe Sehee, founder of the Green Burial Council. The council certifi es and lists cemeter-ies, funeral homes and casket companies that forgo chemicals and offer natural landscapes. The goal is for burials to leave as little impact as possible on the planet.

Greener PlotsGreensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, in Newfi eld, New York, does not look like a cemetery. Its native grasses and mature trees come alive with color each autumn. Wildfl owers bloom in the spring and birds build their nests in treetop boughs. “Most contemporary cemeter-ies are biological deserts,” observes Greensprings spokesperson and sci-ence writer Mary Woodsen. In contrast,

Rest in PeaceSustainable Burials Honor Life

by Brita Belli

Greensprings’ 100 acres are surrounded by 8,000 acres of protected forests. Loved ones may be buried in coffi ns from locally produced timber, or in shrouds—either professionally made or from a favorite blanket or quilt. Biode-gradable caskets may be constructed of pine, cardboard, bamboo, formalde-hyde-free plywood or hand-woven wil-low or wicker. LastThings.net even offers free plans to make a simple coffi n. Instead of a machine, family mem-bers and friends ceremonially take hold of straps and lower the casket into a concrete vault themselves. Natural, fl at fi eldstones honor loved ones. “People feel, ‘I was part of this,’” says Woodsen.

Cremation OptionsDebate exists over the ecological impact of cremation—a practice expected to be chosen as the end-of-life choice for as many as 46 percent of Americans by 2015. While it reduces the use of large, resource-intensive burial plots, each traditionally cremated body releases 110 pounds of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, including carbon dioxide and monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, mercury and other metals. The Bio Cremation greener alter-native—using 95 percent water and 5 percent of an alkali instead of fl ames and fossil fuels—requires eight times less energy as fi re-based cremation, pro-duces no dangerous byproducts and still yields ashes from the remaining bones. To fi nd the states that have approved the process, visit the legislative section at BioCremationInfo.com. Biodegradable urns are also avail-able, including cornstarch bags accented with leaves and petals, sculpted natural salt containers and baskets made of virgin palm. Sandcastle urns are suited for home display or ocean burial (InThe-LightUrns.com). Memorial blown-glass artwork is another option for remains (TropicalGlassDesign.com). Scattering ashes—whether casting them into the air or over a body of water, burying them or raking them into the soil—provides an intimate burial experi-ence and has minimal environmental consequences. Sehee says it’s legal on private land and also allowed in some parks. “It rarely does harm to the ecosys-tem,” he says. “Calling your local park


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agency is a great idea. Many allow for scattering and some without a fee.”

Burial at SeaThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agencygoverns the disposal of cremated remains at sea—it must take place at least three nautical miles from land and may include artful fl owers and wreaths of decom-posable materials. Even non-cremated remains may be buried at sea, provided it takes place at the same distance from land in water that is between 600 and 1,800 feet deep, depending on the location. Another sea burial option is of-fered by Eternal Reefs, a company that mixes remains into liquid concrete as the centerpiece of a personalized reef ball, lowered to the ocean fl oor to provide a home for marine life. Before the boat heads out, family members are invited to press handprints into the wet concrete and to decorate the ball with shells and other mementos. Reef balls can hold from one to four people, plus a pet. Sites are currently avail-able off the Florida, New Jersey and Texas shorelines and can be revisited at any time. “We don’t look at it as a funeral,” remarks CEO George Frankel. “We’re months or years removed from the pass-ing. This is a celebration of life.”

Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Envi-ronmental Magazine and author of The Autism Puzzle: Connecting the Dots Be-tween Environmental Toxins and Rising Autism Rates. Connect at BritaBelli.com.

The natural, or “green,” burial is seeing a comeback these days. This approach to the end of life

gives environmentally-conscious indi-viduals the opportunity of returning to what was once the “traditional” way to deal with the death of a loved one. The rise of funeral homes and embalming were outgrowths of the American Civil War. This path evolved and grew in popularity through the latter half of the 1800s and into the early 1900s, until embalming, vaults and funeral parlor arrangements became “the norm.” Wide use of the term “living room” arose after families no longer used the home “parlor” for viewing deceased relatives. Many regulations still apply to the death of an individual, however. For this reason, the services of a licensed undertaker continue to be recom-mended to assist families through the various steps of preparing their loved ones for natural burials. For those who wish to take the “green” path to their fi nal resting place, there are several advantages, both envi-ronmental and fi nancial. Since there is no chemical embalming, no vault and

no expensive casket (options include a linen shroud or plain wooden box, both biodegradable)—all of which minimize a burial “footprint” on the environment—many of the major costs attendant to “traditional” funerals and burials are eliminated. Another step to reduce carbon emissions is to have the grave site dug by hand. Further-more, many natural-burial cemeteries, in order to sustain the natural setting, do not use elaborate grave markers. If families wish for some site identifi ca-tion, this usually consists of stones that are natural to the grounds, with simple memorial sentiments etched into them. At this time, the natural-burial op-tion is used infrequently. It is, however, expected to become much more com-mon as the general population grows more familiar with its availability and its environmental and fi nancial benefi ts. Don Wilson is president of Forest Rest at Mountain View, the only “green” public burial ground between Harrison-burg and Raleigh. It is located at 5970 Grassy Hill Rd., Boones Mill. For more information, call 540-334-5398 or visit MountainViewMemorialPark.com. See ad on page 17.

Natural Burials:A Green and Growing Optionby Don Wilson


Once considered a luxury for the pampered few, massage was among the fi rst therapies

to be widely recognized by physicians as a respected aspect of integrative and functional medicine. Bodywork increasingly shares this status, as it is included in conventional medicine’s more innovative healthcare models that embrace a body, mind and spirit approach. One of many examples is Duke Integrative Medicine, in Durham,

North Carolina, where patient services include a form of integrative massage that blends Swedish massage, myofas-cial therapy, refl exology, energy work and somatic therapy techniques. In the public’s view, bodywork is still largely associated with massage, although distinct forms stand on their own, including Rolfi ng, structural integration, shiatsu and myofascial and craniosacral therapies. Bodywork professionals generally belong to the

American Massage Therapy Associa-tion (AMTA), whatever their specialized modality. They may also participate in other professional organizations, such as the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, which has some 80,000 members, many of which are also members of the International Associa-tion for Structural Integrators. These nonprofi ts’ websites help individuals locate practitioners in their area. According to Maureen Moon, past president of AMTA, many massage therapists (which don’t refer to them-selves as bodyworkers) are trained in various bodywork therapies and intui-tively integrate them into their sessions, depending upon each client’s needs. She notes that, “Many AMTA members are so passionate about their profession and meeting the continu-ing education (CEU) requirements that they go far beyond the units required to maintain their license, which can vary from state-to-state.” For example, Moon has trained in spinal refl ex analysis, developed by Dr. Frank Jar-rell, neuromuscular and craniosacral therapies, shiatsu and seven massage therapies. “Most AMTA members are CEU junkies,” quips Moon, who points out that national conventions provide continuing education and chapter meetings frequently introduce attendees to new techniques. Some practitioners discover specialties while in search of pain relief for personal injuries or other conditions.

Myofascial TherapyOlympia Hostler, a myofascial thera-pist in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, had two serious horse riding accidents dur-ing adolescence and three automobile accidents by age 40, which combined, left her so incapacitated that she could barely walk. “I couldn’t work for three years, because I was so debilitated,” relates Hostler. She found her doctor’s diagnosis of severe permanent damage to the body’s soft connective tissue, or fascia, and the prognosis of a lifetime of living with pain unacceptable. So she began searching for something that would help restore health. Her investi-gation of therapies ended with myofas-cial release, an effective whole-body approach to the treatment of pain and

Bodywork GoesMAINSTREAMHelpful Access Points to Health

by Linda Sechrist

The seed holds within itself hints of its magnifi cent maturity. So it is

with the practice of whole-person health care, which has matured

in language, sophistication, credibility and acceptance. In a single

generation, we’ve seen its presence grow from the outer edges of

holistic and alternative wellness to complementary and integrative

health care. Its latest evolution into America’s mainstream is known as

functional medicine. The branch of massage therapy, the germination

point for myriad therapies collectively known as bodywork, patterns

the movement’s development.

healingways


dysfunction, developed by Physical Therapist John F. Barnes. “I had several sessions and found lasting pain relief unlike anything I’d ever experienced,” advises Hostler. Unlike massage therapies focused on improving circulation, inducing relaxation or draining lymph fl uid, the myofascial treatment reached Hos-tler’s deepest layer of fascia to free the restrictions causing her pain. “It was amazing that a hands-on applica-tion of gentle, sustained pressure into areas of restriction in the myofascial connective tissue could begin to re-lieve many years of ongoing, intense pain,” says Hostler.

Rolfi ngAs a Certifi ed (advanced) Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner, Robert McWilliams has been able to pursue his lifelong passion in the fi elds of movement and physical fi tness, which included 25 years as a professional dancer and 14 as a professor of modern dance. He taught at both the Univer-sity of Oklahoma and the University of Florida, in Gainesville. “In the 1980s, while I was still dancing, I had an experience with Rolfi ng, developed by Ida P. Rolf [Ph.D.], that transformed my dancing, increased my athletic performance alignment, coordination, fl exibility, balance, muscle tone, expressive power and overall sense of relaxation onstage, as well as in daily life,” re-lates McWilliams. He currently serves as an assistant teacher at the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, in Boulder, Colorado, where he trained. Although McWilliams’ clients generally see him to treat the pain and discomfort of injuries, he says that they frequently change their focus to how their body is working better overall. “This is because injuries tend to resolve themselves after a few sessions of deep tissue manipulation of the myofascial system,” says McWilliams. A specialized series of 10 sessions works to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body. Each session focuses on freeing up a particular region of the body. The effect releases old limiting patterns and

postures and restores the body’s natural alignment and sense of integration. “Of-ten, as freedom of physical expression increases, so does emotional expres-sion,” comments McWilliams.

Structural Integration “While Rolfers graduate from The Rolf Institute and attend certifi ed train-ing programs in order to maintain their trademark, and structural integrators can attend any of 14 certifi ed U.S. schools, we are all structural integra-tors; our training is based on the work of Ida Rolf,” says Diane Roth, a board-certifi ed structural integrator who has specialized in massage and bodywork for 25 years in the Chicago area. Roth explains that all practitioners in this fi eld of study combine hands-on freeing and realigning of fascial tissue with awareness and movement educa-tion, in order to structurally integrate the whole body. Restoration of postural balance and functional ease greatly helps the body, which, she says, constantly labors against the powerful force of gravity. Like Moon, Roth has studied and incorporated other adjunct therapies and modalities, such as craniosacral therapy and myofascial release. From her perspective, bodywork differs from massage in that it requires more involvement from the client. “I tell my clients that with a veri-table village of treatments available, there is always help for anyone that suffers with aches and pains, regardless of age,” says Roth.

ShiatsuShirley Scranta, owner and director of the International School of Shiatsu, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, discovered The Book of Shiatsu: The Healing Art of Finger Pressure, by Saul Goodman, in a health food store. She subse-quently researched the school that Goodman founded in 1978, based on the theories of masunaga Zen shiatsu, kushi macrobiotic and his own shiatsu shin tai. In 1996, Scranta became one of Goodman’s clients. “I drove a round-trip of 240 miles for weekly treatments because each session made me feel better and stronger. After fi ve sessions, I

A new natural burial section for those wishing to leave a smaller and

greener footprint when we pass.

• No burial vaults—each year millions of tons of concrete and steel are used to make common burial vaults.

• No ordinary embalming chemicals— typical formaldehyde is caustic and

harmful to the planet .

• Non-descript memorials — using natural stone or wood.

• Optional caskets—of readily biodegradable and renewable materials such as wicker and wood may be used.

• Choice of sites in natural wooded area.

• Gathering areas for burial services.

• Special family estate areas.

Forest Rest at Mountain View540.334.5398

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Caring for yourCaring for yourfamily and our planetfamily and our planet


enrolled in classes and graduated later that year,” says Scranta. She believes the widely known form of acupressure helped her body reestablish its own intelligence system, which had been distorted by childhood trauma. “This gentle technique applies varying degrees of pressure to release tension, strengthen weak areas, facili-tate circulation and balance the life energy that fl ows through the merid-ians in the body,” she explains. “In my case, it helped me connect with my body so that I could honor it and do what it needed to rejuvenate itself.”

Craniosacral TherapyChiropractor Lisa Upledger is vice president of The Upledger Institute, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A cra-niosacral therapy (CST) practitioner, educator and wife of CST developer Dr. John Upledger, she advises that tension-related problems are a grow-ing complaint in our modern world. Fortunately, such issues are among the myriad conditions that respond quickly to the gentle touch of this modality. In a 2007 Massage magazine ar-ticle, she advised that the positive ef-fects of the therapy rely to a large ex-tent on the performance of the body’s inherent self-corrective mechanisms. “CST works through the craniosacral system to facilitate this function and

thereby normalize the environment in which the central nervous system functions,” she noted. “As this is ac-complished, a wide range of senso-ry, motor and neurological problems are improved.” CST practitioners listen with their hands to the slow pulsations of the craniosacral system. With a soft touch, equivalent to the weight of a nickel, they explore any fascia restrictions throughout the client’s body, which rests fully clothed in a supine position. Effects of the treat-ment can be wide-ranging, affecting the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardio-vascular and immune systems as well as organs, connective tissues and energy systems. It works to release deeply held physical and psychologi-cal patterns held within the body. A coin with different impressions on each side is still only one coin, a blend of precious metals. When the coin is tossed to reveal either heads or tails, the visible symbol is one interpretation of the whole imprint—an analogy that may best defi ne the difference between massage and bodywork. All variations on the theme share the same goal—restor-ing health to the whole person.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Find other natural living articles at her website, ItsAllAboutWe.com.

For More InformationInternational Association of Structural Integrators, Theiasi.org

International School of Shiatsu, Shiatsubo.com

Myofascial Release Treatment Centers & Seminars, MyofascialRelease.com

Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, Rolf.org

Upledger Institute International (craniosacral therapy), Upledger.com

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Acupressure: Based on the same system as acupuncture, acupressure stimulates body pressure points using fi ngers and hands instead of needles, in order to restore a balanced fl ow of life energy (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”). This force moves through the body along 12 energy pathways, or meridians, which practitio-ners “unblock and strengthen.” Common styles include jin shin, which gently holds at least two points at once for a minute or more; and shi-atsu, which applies fi rm pressure to each point for three to fi ve seconds. (Also see Shiatsu.) Tui na and Thai massage stimulate qi through acu-pressure hand movements, full-body stretches and Chinese massage techniques. (Also see Tui na.) Other forms of acupressure include jin shin do, jin shin jyutsu and acu-yoga. Learn more at Acupressure.com. Alchemical Bodywork: Synthesizes bodywork techniques and hypnosis to address emotional sources of chronic tension and pain held in the body and facilitate their release. Practitioners are typically certifi ed in massage, often in conjunction with hypnotherapy certifi -cation. Learn more at AlchemyInstitute.com.

Natural Awakenings’

Bodywork Guide

Alexander Technique: This awareness practice helps identify and change unconscious, negative physical habits related to posture and movement, breathing and tension. While observing the way an individual walks, stands, sits or performs other basic movements, the practitioner keeps their hands in easy contact with the body and gently guides it to encourage a release of restrictive muscular tension. The technique is frequently used to treat repeti-tive strain injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome, backaches, plus stiff necks and shoulders. Learn more at AlexanderTechnique.com. Amma Therapy: A specialized form of bodywork therapy, amma (which means “push-pull” in Chinese) combines energetic, rhythmic massage techniques on specifi c acupressure points to facilitate blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and muscular relaxation. Suitable for individuals in varying degrees of physical condition, amma addresses challenges related to stress and anxiety; neck, shoulder and low back pain; and digestive health. Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy: Devel-oped by American Ruthie Hardee, it combines

elements of traditional Thai massage, barefoot shiatsu and Keralite foot massage (chavutti thi-rummal) for the treatment of chronic low-back and hip pain. Using overhead wooden bar supports, the therapist employs body weight and gliding foot strokes to apply compression massage along strategic points in the back muscles to relieve irritations on the spinal nerve caused by infl ammation and swelling. Learn more at DeepFeet.com. Aston Kinetics (or Aston Patterning): Created by bodywork visionary Judith Aston in 1977, this integrated system of move-ment education recognizes the infl uence of the body-mind relationship on well-being. It incorporates bodywork, massage, ergonomic adjustments and fi tness training in order to ease acute or chronic pain. Learn more at AstonKinetics.com. Ayurvedic Massage: It’s one part of pan-chakarma, a traditional East Indian detoxifi ca-tion and rejuvenation program, in which the entire body is vigorously massaged with large amounts of warm oil and herbs to remove toxins. With the client’s permission, oil is also poured into the ears, between the eyebrows and applied to specifi c chakras, or body energy centers, in techniques known respec-tively as karna purana, shirodhara and marma chikitsa. These treatments, modifi ed to meet the needs of the West, powerfully affect the mind and nervous system—calming, balancing and bringing a heightened sense of awareness and deep inner peace. Ayurvedic massage techniques are grounded in an understanding of the primordi-al energies of the fi ve elements—ether, air, fi re, water and earth—and of the three basic types of energies, or constitutions, that are present in everyone and everything—vata, pitta and kapha. A knowledgeable therapist selects and customizes various ayurvedic massage tech-niques by selecting the rate and pressure of massage strokes and the proper oils and herbs. Learn more at AyurvedicMassage.com. Bioenergetics plus Core Energetics: A combination of physical and psychological techniques that identifi es and frees areas of repressed physical and emotional trauma in the body. Deep breathing, various forms of massage and physical exercises release layers of chronic muscular tension and defensive-ness, termed “body armor”. The unlocking of feelings creates the opportunity to better un-derstand and integrate them with other aspects of oneself. Core Energetics is based on the principles of bioenergetics, but acknowledges spirituality as a key dimension of healing. Learn more at usabp.org. BodyTalk: Developed by chiropractor and acupuncturist Dr. John Veltheim, BodyTalk is based upon bioenergetic psychology, dynamic systems theory, Chinese medicine and applied kinesiology. By integrating tapping, breath-ing and focusing techniques, BodyTalk helps the body synchronize and balance its systems and strengthens its capability of self-repair. BodyTalk is used to address a range of health challenges, ranging from chronic fatigue and allergies to addictions and cellular damage. Practitioners are usually licensed massage therapists (LMT) or bodyworkers. Learn more at BodyTalkSystem.com. Bowen Technique (also called Bowtech and Bowenwork): This muscle and connec-tive tissue therapy employs gentle, purposeful moves, through light clothing, to help rebal-ance the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

In 2010, the nonprofi t Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in Los Angeles, published the results of research done by its department of psychiatry and behavioral neu-rosciences that confi rmed centuries of anecdotal evidence: People that undergo

massage experience measureable changes in the responses of their immune and endocrine systems. For millennia, therapeutic touch has been used to heal the body and reduce tension. Today, more than 100 types of bodywork techniques are available, with modalities ranging from massage and deep tissue manipulation to movement awareness and bio-energetic therapies. All are designed to improve the body’s structure and functioning. Bodywork may be used to help reduce pain, relieve stress, improve blood and lymphatic circulation and promote deep relaxation; some therapies simultaneously focus on emotional release. The following list includes many of the better-known bodywork systems. Finding an approach that improves one’s mental and physical health is a highly individual process; with professional guidance, several modalities may be com-bined for the greatest personal benefi t.


The practitioner’s subtle inputs deliver signals to the ANS at specifi c locations—muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves—and the body responds in its own time, within its vital capacity. The technique is named after its originator, Australian Tom Bowen, who also introduced the concept of inserting periods of rest between a series of movements within a treatment session. Sometimes called the homeopathy of bodywork, Bowtech addresses imbalances and both acute and chronic pain. Learn more at Bowtech.com. Breema Bodywork: Often described as a cross between partner yoga and Thai massage, Breema is a movement technique designed to restore vitality at an energetic level. It employs standardized sets of movements, based upon more than 300 sequences, none of which require strong exertions or muscular contor-tions. Breema techniques, which identify and emphasize nine principles of harmony, can be administered by a practitioner or by the indi-vidual as Self-Breema. The therapy originated in the Kurdish village of Breemava, in Western Asia. Learn more at Breema.com. Chi Nei Tsang (CNT): Principles of kung fu and Tai chi chuan, known as chi-kung (or qigong), support this holistic approach to massage therapy. CNT literally means, “energy transformation of the internal organs,” and practitioners focus mainly on the abdomen, with deep, soft and gentle touches, to train the organs to work more effi ciently. It addresses the acupuncture meridian system (chi) and all other bodily systems—digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive and musculoskeletal—along with unprocessed emotional charges. Learn more at ChiNeiTsang.com. Craniosacral Therapy (CST): The practitio-ner applies manual therapeutic procedures to remedy distortions in the structure and function of the craniosacral mechanism—the brain and spinal cord, the bones of the skull, the sacrum and interconnected membranes. Craniosacral work is based upon two major premises: the bones of the skull can be manipulated because they never completely fuse; and the pulse of the cerebrospinal fl uid can be balanced by a prac-titioner trained to detect pulse variations. CST, also referred to as cranial osteopathy, is used to treat learning diffi culties, dyslexia, hyperactivity, migraine headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, chronic pain and ear, eye and balance problems. Deep Tissue Bodywork: In this method, stretching and moving the connective tissue that envelops the muscles (fascia) works to lengthen and balance the body along its natu-ral, vertical axis. Distortions of the connective tissue may be caused by internal reactions and complications due to accidents, emotional tensions or past unreleased traumas. The prac-titioner uses slow strokes, direct pressure or friction across the muscles via fi ngers, thumbs or elbows. Deep tissue massage works to detoxify tissue by helping to remove accumu-lated lactic acid and other waste products from the muscles. The therapy is used to ease or eliminate chronic muscular pain or infl amma-tory pain from arthritis, tendonitis and other ailments, and help with injury rehabilitation. Learn more at DeepBodywork.com. Feldenkrais Method: This distinctive ap-proach combines movement training, gentle touch and verbal dialogue to help students straighten out what founder Moshé Pinhas Feldenkrais calls, “kinks in the brain.” Kinks

are learned movement patterns that no longer serve a constructive purpose. They may have been adopted to compensate for a physical injury or to accommodate individuality in the social world. Students of the Feldenkrais Method unlearn unworkable movements and discover better, personalized ways to move, using mind-body principles of slowed action, conscious breathing, body awareness and thinking about their feelings. Feldenkrais takes two forms: In individual hands-on sessions (Functional Integration), the practitioner’s touch is used to address the student’s breathing and body alignment. In a series of classes of slow, non-aerobic motion (Awareness Through Movement), students “relearn” better ways for their bodies to move. Feldenkrais therapy is useful in the treatment of muscle injuries, back pain, arthritis, stress and tension. Learn more at Feldenkrais.com. Hakomi: A Hopi Indian word that trans-lates as, “Who are you?” Hakomi is a body-centered psychotherapy that relies upon touch, massage, movement and structural and energy work to help enable individuals change their “core” material—memories, images, beliefs, neural patterns and deeply held emotional dispositions. Originally created by Ron Kurtz in the mid-1970s and later refi ned, the tech-nique views the body as an interactive source of information about the unconscious mind. Learn more at HakomiInstitute.com. Hellerwork: Expanding upon the prin-cipals of Rolfi ng, Hellerwork combines deep tissue bodywork with movement education and the dialogue of the mind-body connec-tion. Joseph Heller, the fi rst president of the Rolf Institute, believed that specifi c movement exercises could help individuals move more effi ciently, maintain alignment and mobil-ity and enjoy fuller and easier breathing, as well as increased energy. Although primarily a preventive therapy, Hellerwork also helps alleviate stress-related disorders and mus-culoskeletal aches and pains. Learn more at Hellerwork.com. HEMME Approach: Derived from elements of physical medicine, chiropractic, osteopathy and physical therapy, HEMME (history, evalua-tion, modalities, manipulation and exercise) was developed in 1986 by Licensed Massage Thera-pist Dave Lefl et to treat soft tissue injuries and impairments. Pain relief results from restoring alignment and improving myofascial dysfunc-tion. Learn more at HemmeApproach.com. Hoshino Therapy: Professor Tomezo Hoshino’s technique integrates the principles of acupuncture with the art of hand therapy.

Accredited as a doctor of acupuncture, he found that in cases of arthrosis (osteoarthritis) and other painful ailments associated with soft tissue aging, acupuncture afforded only tem-porary relief. Hoshino Therapy is often used to ease soft tissue disorders such as bursitis, tendonitis, muscular tension and back pain. Hot Stone Therapy: (See LaStone Therapy Stone Massage) Integrative Therapeutic Massage: (See Neuromuscular Therapy) Jin Shin Jyutsu: A form of acupressure refi ned from ancient Japanese traditions, jin shin jyutsu acts to harmonize the life force within. Practitioners evaluate pulses, body conformation and symptoms to customize sessions designed to alleviate discomfort while addressing its cause(s). Utilizing the hands as jumper cables to reawaken bodily energy, sequences of vital energy-points are held to guide, redirect and reestablish harmony in spirit, mind and body. Learn more at jsjinc.net. LaStone Therapy Stone Massage: This soothing form of massage employs smooth heated or cooled stones to elicit physical healing, mental relaxation and a spiritual con-nection with Earth’s energy. Stones are placed at different spots on the body for energy balancing or may be used by the therapist on specifi c trigger points. Warm stones encourage the exchange of blood and lymph and provide relaxing heat for deep-tissue work. Cold stones aid with infl ammation, moving blood out of the affected area and balancing male/female energies. The alternating heat and cold of ther-motherapy helps activate all of the body’s heal-ing processes with a rapid exchange of blood and oxygen and an alternating rise and fall of respiration rate as the body seeks homeostasis. Learn more at LaStoneTherapy.com. LooyenWork: This painless, deep-tissue approach works with the connective tissue and fascial components by combining the techniques of Rolfi ng, postural integration and Aston patterning to free tension, remove adhesions and improve freedom of movement. It was introduced in 1985 by Dutch-born bodyworker and counselor Ted Looyen after he received treatment for a serious back injury and decided to develop a massage therapy that would promote recovery from injuries without aggravating the initial trauma. LooyenWork can also address the release and processing of intense emotions. Manual Lymphatic Drainage: This gentle, non-invasive, rhythmical, whole-body mas-sage aims to stimulate the lymphatic system to release excess fl uid from loose connective tissues, thus helping to remove toxins. Lymph glands are part of the body’s defense against infection; blockage or damage within the sys-tem may lead to conditions such as edema, acne, infl ammation, arthritis and sinusitis. By stimulating one of the body’s natural cleans-ing systems, it supports tissue health. It’s also been effective in assuaging lymphedema following mastectomy surgery. Learn more at VodderSchool.com and LymphNet.org. Massage: At its most basic, this ancient hands-on therapy involves rubbing or knead-ing the body to encourage relaxation, healing and well-being. Today, more than 100 different methods of massage are available, most of them in fi ve categories: traditional; Oriental or energetic; European; contemporary Western; and integrative, encompassing structure, func-tion and movement. Massage offers proven


benefi ts to meet a variety of physical challeng-es and may also be a useful preventive therapy. Learn more at amtaMassage.org. Metamorphic Technique: This non-invasive practice can help individuals overcome limiting beliefs that may keep them stuck in particular patterns manifested in physical, mental or emotional problems. During a “Meta” session, the practitioner uses a light touch along spinal refl ex points on the feet, head and hands of the individual. Some people prefer to lie down and may fall asleep during a session, while others prefer to sit up and chat. The practitioner does not attempt to direct energy or outcomes, and sessions do not address specifi c symptoms or problems. Rather, they help individuals con-nect with their own life force. Learn more at MetamorphicTechnique.org. Myofascial Release: This whole-body, hands-on technique seeks to free the body from the grip of tight fascia, or connective tissue, thus restoring normal alignment and function and reducing pain. Therapists use their hands to apply mild, sustained pressure in order to gently stretch and soften fascia. Developed in the late 1960s by Physical Thera-pist John Barnes, myofascial release is used to treat neck and back pain, headaches, recurring sports injuries and scoliosis. Learn more at MyofascialRelease.com. Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET): This mind-body therapy seeks to restore well-being by removing certain biochemical and bioelec-trical charges stored in the brain and mani-fested as illness or imbalances in the body. NET combines techniques and principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine, chiropractic and applied kinesiology to remove blocks to the body’s natural vitality, allowing it to repair itself naturally. Chiropractor Scott Walker formulated NET in the late 1980s. Learn more at NetMindBody.com. Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT): Specifi c massage therapy and fl exibility stretching help balance the musculoskeletal and nervous sys-tems, emphasizing the interwoven roles of the brain, spine and nerves in causing muscular pain. Its goal is to relieve tender, congested spots in muscle tissue and compressed nerves that may radiate pain to other areas of the body. (Also see Trigger Point Therapy.) Learn more at MyofascialTherapy.org. Ortho-Bionomy: A gentle, non-invasive system of healing, ortho-bionomy reminds the body of its natural ability to restore balance. British Osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls devel-oped the technique to stimulate the body by using gentle movement, comfortable position-ing, brief compression and subtle contact to relieve joint and muscle pain and reduce stress. Learn more at Ortho-Bionomy.org. Osho Rebalancing (or Rebalancing): This offshoot of Rolfi ng focuses on compassionate, gentle touch, combining deep tissue massage, joint tension release, energy balancing and verbal dialogue to relieve tension and physical pain, enhance relaxation and facilitate emo-tional healing. Rebalancing is usually done in a series of 10 to 12 sessions that work syner-gistically, although each session is complete in itself. Learn more at Osho.com. Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy: A highly refi ned system of corrective treatment, Pfrim-mer is designed to aid restoration of damaged muscles and soft tissues throughout the body. Fully trained practitioners use specifi ed move-ments to stimulate circulation and help regener-ate lymphatic fl ow, promoting detoxifi cation

and oxygenation of stagnant tissues. Regis-tered Massage Therapist Therese C. Pfrimmer developed this therapy in the mid-20th century and applied it to recover from her own partial paralysis. Learn more at Pfrimmer.org. Physical Therapy: Traditional physical therapy evaluates diffi culties with mobility or function to focus on rehabilitation that entails restorative treatment and instruction on how to make effi cient use of the body in daily activi-ties. Physical therapists use massage, exercise, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and other means to help the patient regain functional movement. Learn more at apta.org. Point Holding (Body Electronics): This variation of acupressure requires multiple practitioners to hold acupressure points, sometimes up to two hours, to remove energy blockages, balance the fl ow of energy within the body’s meridians and help the client achieve associated emotional release. Polarity Therapy: Combinations of thera-peutic bodywork, nutritional guidance, yoga-style exercises and counseling aim at heighten-ing body awareness. Polarity therapy asserts that energy fi elds exist everywhere in nature and their free fl ow and balance in the human body is the underlying foundation of good health. Practitioners use gentle touch and guidance to help clients balance their energy fl ow, thus supporting a return to health. The practitioner’s hands do not impart energy, but redirect the fl ow of the receiver’s own energy. The receiver then recharges himself with his own freed energy. Learn more at PolarityTherapy.org. Postural Integration (PI): This psycho-therapy method simultaneously integrates deep tissue and breathwork, body movement and awareness with emotional expression. Practi-tioners use gentle manipulation, bioenergetics, acupressure and Gestalt dialogue to help indi-viduals increase their sense of emotional and physical well-being. Learn more at icpit.info. Raindrop Therapy: Based on a healing ritu-al of Lakota Native Americans, in which warm fl uid substances are dropped onto the spine, the intention is to relax and open the body’s energy centers. Modern raindrop therapy also blends aromatherapy, soothing heat and gentle massage. Essential aromatic oils are allowed to methodically drip onto the spine from a height of fi ve or six inches. The oils are then gently

brushed up the spine and lightly massaged over the rest of the back, followed by application of a hot compress to facilitate oil absorption and muscle relaxation. Refl exology (Zone Therapy): Refl exology is based on the idea that specifi c refl ex points on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands correspond with every major organ, gland and area (zone) of the body. Using fi ngers and thumbs, the practitioner applies pressure to these points to treat a wide range of health problems. Zone therapy, an earlier name for this natural healing art, sometimes refers to a specifi c form of refl exology. Learn more at Refl exology-USA.net. Reiki: A healing practice originated in Japan as a way of activating and balancing the life-force present in all living things, Reiki liter-ally means “universal life-force energy”. Light hand placements channel healing energies to organs and glands and work to align the body’s energy centers, or chakras. Various techniques address emotional and mental distress, chronic and acute physical problems or pursuit of spiri-tual focus and clarity. Today Reiki is a valuable addition to the work of chiropractors, massage therapists, nurses and others in the West. Learn more at Reiki.org. Rolfi ng Structural Integration (Rolfi ng): Deep tissue manipulation of the myofascial system, which is composed of the muscles and the connective tissue, or fascia, by the practitioners’ hands helps restore the body’s natural alignment and sense of integration. As the body is released from old patterns and postures, its range and freedom of physical and emotional expression increases. Rolfi ng can help ease pain and chronic stress, enhance neurological functioning, improve posture and restore fl exibility. Learn more at Rolfi ng.org. Rosen Method: It’s named for Marion Rosen, a physiotherapist who discovered that when clients verbalized their emotions and sensations during treatment sessions, their conditions would more quickly improve. The non-invasive method uses gentle, direct touch; practitioners, taught to use hands that “listen” rather than manipulate, focus on chronic muscle tension and call attention to shifts in the breath to help individuals achieve greater self-awareness and relaxation. The technique is often effectively used to treat chronic health conditions. Learn more at RosenMethod.com. Rubenfeld Synergy Method: This dynamic system for integrating the body, mind, emo-tions and spirit combines touch, talk and compassionate listening. Practitioners, called synergists, use gentle touch and verbal sharing to access each of these four levels simultane-ously, releasing pain and fears held in the body/mind. The modality, created by Ilana Ru-benfeld, who received a lifetime achievement award from the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy in 2002, facilitates pain management, ease of movement, positive body image and self-esteem, as well as recovery from physical and emotional trauma. Learn more at RubenfeldSynergy.com. Shiatsu: The most widely known form of acupressure, shiatsu is Japanese for “fi nger pressure”. The technique applies varying de-grees of pressure to balance the life energy that fl ows through specifi c pathways, or meridians, in the body. Shiatsu is used to release tension and strengthen weak areas in order to facilitate even circulation, cleanse cells and improve the function of vital organs; it also may help to diagnose, prevent and relieve many chronic


and acute conditions that manifest on both physical and emotional levels. A branch of shiatsu that originated in the United States, called ohashiatsu, includes meditation and exercise. Learn more at ShiatsuSociety.org and Ohashiatsu.org. Soma Neuromuscular Integration (also called Soma): Rooted in structural integra-tion, soma was developed by Bill M. Williams, Ph.D., an early student of Ida Rolf. Through a 10-session format, the modality manipulates the fascia and muscles to release chronic, stored structural aberrations, realign the body and integrate the nervous system. This allows the individual to process experiences more effectively and with greater awareness, which can lead to enhanced learning and perceptual abilities. Learn more at Soma-Institute.org. Sports Massage: The specialized fi eld of sports massage employs a variety of massage techniques and stretching exercises designed to minimize the risk of injury, tend to sports injuries and support optimum performance. Structural Integration: (see Rolfi ng Struc-tural Integration) Swedish Massage: This is the most com-monly practiced form of massage in Western countries. Swedish massage integrates ancient Oriental techniques with contemporary prin-ciples of anatomy and physiology. Practitioners rub, knead, pummel, brush and tap the client’s muscles, topped with long, gliding strokes. Swedish massage is especially effective for improving circulation; relieving muscle tension and back and neck pain; promoting relaxation; and decreasing stress. Practitioners vary in train-ing, techniques and session lengths. Tantsu: This land-based version of watsu was developed by Harold Dull as an alterna-tive way to experience watsu’s free-fl ow and interplay of breath, movement and stillness. Practitioner and client experience breathing, listening and moving as part of a partnered “dance”, without any specifi c intent to heal or fi x something. Learn more at Watsu.com. Thai Massage: A form of body therapy, also called nuad bo-ram, Thai massage in-corporates gentle rocking motions, rhythmic compression along the body’s energy lines and passive stretching to stimulate the free fl ow of energy, break up blockages and help restore general well-being. One of the branches of Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM), it is per-formed on a fl oor mat, with the client dressed in lightweight, comfortable clothing. No oils are used. Thai massage aids fl exibility, inner organ massage, and in oxygenation of the blood and quieting of the mind. Learn more at Thai-Institute.com. Therapeutic Touch (TT): This contem-porary healing modality was developed by natural healer Dora Kunz and nursing professor Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., in the 1970s. Thera-peutic Touch is drawn from ancient practices and used to balance and promote energy fl ow. The practitioner “accesses” the area where the body’s energy fi eld is weak or congested, and then uses his or her hands to direct energy into the fi eld to balance it. Nurses and other health-care practitioners apply TT to relieve pain, stress and anxiety, and to promote wound healing. Learn more at TherapeuticTouch.org. Touch for Health (TFH): Created by Chiropractor John F. Thie in the 1970s, Touch for Health is a widely used kinesiology system aimed at restoring the body’s natural ener-gies through acupressure, touch and massage. Muscle-testing biofeedback fi rst identifi es

imbalances in the body’s energy fl ow to organs and glands; it is designed to then help rebal-ance that energy to improve overall health, while strengthening a person’s resistance to common ailments and physical complaints. Many TFH techniques can be successfully practiced by clients at home. Learn more at TouchForHealth.us. Trager Approach (also known as Psycho-physical Integration): This system of move-ment reeducation addresses the mental roots of muscle tension. By gently rocking, cradling and moving the client’s fully clothed body, the practitioner encourages him or her to believe that physically restrictive patterns can be changed. The Trager Approach includes “men-tastics”, simple, active, self-induced move-ments a client can incorporate into regular daily activities. Trager work has been success-fully applied to a variety of neuromuscular disorders and mobility problems, as well as everyday stresses and discomforts. Learn more at Trager.com. Trauma Touch Therapy (TTT): An innova-tive, somatic approach, TTT addresses the needs of those that have suffered trauma and abuse, including sexual or emotional, witness-ing or being victimized by violent crime, battery, war or surgical trauma. The intent is to create a safe, nurturing environment in which the individual can slowly explore healthy touch and investigate sensation and feeling in their body. Certifi ed therapists encourage empowerment and choice; individualized ses-sions support the psychotherapeutic process. Trigger Point Therapy (Myotherapy): This massage technique is used to relieve pain, similar to Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT). Practitioners apply pressure to specifi c “trig-ger points” on the body—tender, congested spots of muscle tissue that may radiate pain to other areas—in order to release tension and spasms. Treatment decreases the swelling and stiffness associated with muscular pain and increases range of motion. Learn more at MyofascialTherapy.org. Tui Na: A manipulative therapy integral to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tui na (“tui” means to push and “na” is a squeez-ing, lifting technique) that employs Taoist and martial arts principles to rebalance the body. Practitioners possess more than 365 hand

techniques; most are variations of pressing, rubbing, waving, shaking, percussing or ma-nipulating movements. Tui na is used to relieve arthritic joint pain, sciatica, muscle spasms and other pains in the back, neck and shoul-ders. It may also help ease chronic conditions such as insomnia, constipation, headaches and stress associated with tension. Learn more at Tui-Na.com. Watsu (Water Shiatsu): This uniquely nurturing therapy combines the acupressure and meridian stretches of Zen shiatsu with yoga-like postures, all performed in water; this takes weight off the vertebrae and allows for movements not possible on land. In the most basic move, the Water Breath Dance, the practitioner gently fl oats an individual in their arms, letting the person sink a little as they both breathe out, then allowing the water to lift them as they both breathe in. This con-nection is maintained in all the stretches and moves and returned to throughout the session. Pioneered by multilingual author Harold Dull in 1980, watsu’s goal is to free the spine and increase the fl ow of energy along the body’s meridians; he also developed tantsu, which replicates watsu’s nurturing stretches on land. Learn more at Watsu.com. Zen Shiatsu: Founded by writer Shizuto Masunaga, this method of acupressure includes the practice of Buddhist meditation and inte-grates elements of shiatsu with the goal of rebal-ancing and revitalizing chi, or life-force energy. A client lies on a mat or sits in a chair, fully clothed, while the practitioner uses one hand to “listen” and the other to provide the appropriate pressure. Full-body stretches and pressures may be used to release areas of chronic stagnation and blockage; clients are encouraged to breathe deeply into their lines of tension. Zen shiatsu can be effective in conditions where emotional disturbance or stress is an underlying factor. Zen-Touch Shiatsu: This hybrid of shiatsu, acupressure and Asian/Eastern bodywork was created by American Seymour Koblin in 1984. It differs from other forms of shiatsu, includ-ing Zen shiatsu, by its combined use of light, or “hands off the body”, energy work and extensive, passive stretching methods. Practi-tioners apply gentle pressure while stretching the client’s limbs gradually, maintaining an attitude of compassion, respect and energetic empathy that serves to stimulate the fl ow of chi, aiding circulation and vitality. Learn more at SeymourKoblin.com. Zero Balancing: Developed by Fritz Smith, a doctor, osteopath and acupunctur-ist, zero balancing addresses the relationship between energy and structures of the body. Practitioners use moderate fi nger pressure and gentle traction on areas of tension in the bones, joints and soft tissue to create fulcrums, or points of balance, around which the body can relax and reorganize. The goal is to clear blocks in the body’s energy fl ow, amplify vital-ity and contribute to better postural alignment. Learn more at ZeroBalancing.com.

Please note: The contents of this Bodywork Guide are for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be used in place of a visit or consultation with a healthcare professional. Always seek out a practitioner that is licensed, certifi ed or otherwise professionally qualifi ed to con-duct a selected treatment, as appropriate.


The National Education Association estimates that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fears

of being attacked or intimidated by other students. Bullying is more than a buzz-word. According to StopBullying.gov, it’s defi ned as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-age children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Kelly Hughes, a school counselor at Bayside Academy, in Daphne, Alabama, has noticed a dramatic shift in bullying behaviors. She observes, “Kids are not hitting or punching or pushing each oth-er as much as they used to. Rather, they are using in-person relational aggression such as hurtful words, glares, whispering and excluding individuals, exacerbated by social media and cell phones.” While anti-bullying legislation exists in 49 states (Montana is the exception), approaches for addressing this problem vary. Hughes says, “In my job, I spend

a lot of time saying, ‘Just be kind.’ More positive results come from promoting kind behaviors and being ‘pro-hero’ than from simply discussing why bully-ing is hurtful.”

Calmly Taking ChargeEric D. Dawson, president and co-founder of Boston-based Peace First (PeaceFirst.org), also believes in the power of positive language. “We need to move away from harsh language that fo-cuses kids on what not to do and instead ignite their moral imagination—call on them to be problem solvers,” he says. To counter bullying in society, Daw-son suggests that we all need to be role models, and talk about and celebrate peacemaking. “We can’t expect our kids to listen to us when we tell them to be peaceful and share if they then see us aggressively cut in front of others on the road or in the checkout line.

healthykids

BULLY BLUES BUSTERS

Positive Ways to Promote Kindness

by Meredith Montgomery

We can also ask kids how they were peacemakers during their day, in ad-dition to what they learned.” Founded in 1992 in response to the youth violence epidemic, Peace First provides programs and free online tools to help teach students peacemaking skills. The nonprofi t is based on the premise that children have a natural aptitude for it and peacemaking can be taught, just like other subjects; their curriculum teaches and reinforces core social/emotional skills in communica-tion, creative confl ict resolution, courage, cooperation, empathy and civic engagement. A New York City student remarks, “Peace First teaches that even if you don’t like someone, it shouldn’t affect how you work together to accom-plish something... [putting] peace fi rst makes my heart beat lovelier.”

Good for Us and OthersThe International Forgiveness Institute (IFI) (InternationalForgiveness.com), in Madison, Wisconsin, has added its support to the anti-bullying move-ment. Stemming from the research

of IFI founder Robert Enright, Ph.D., and his colleagues, the institute works to forward forgiveness for personal, group and societal renewal. It attests that in forgiving a hurtful person, a personal transformation begins that can enhance self-esteem and hopeful-ness. Enright’s scientifi c studies further demonstrate that when children learn about forgiveness, feelings of anger, depression and anxiety are reduced.

Peace First’s partner schools experience

an average reduction of 60 percent in incidences

of violence and 50 percent fewer weapons brought to school, plus

a 70 to 80 percent increase in observed

student peacemaking.


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Peace in ActionWhen a fi rst-grader returned to class shaken up after being accosted by a fourth-grader in the restroom, his teacher stepped back to see how the class would use Peace First prin-ciples. The boy was immediately embraced by his classmates, who quickly concluded that it was every student’s right, not a luxury, to feel safe, and thereafter implemented a restroom buddy system. The offending fourth-grader was then in-vited into their classroom to hear how each of the fi rst-graders felt personally affected by the incident. He was also required to spend recess with the fi rst-graders for the next two weeks. It became a transformative experience for every-one involved. The older student was recast from victimizer to a responsible, caring individual. He has continued to display improved behavior, volunteering to help in the classroom and fore-going lunch periods with friends to support the fi rst-graders and their teacher. “There’s a misconception that peacemaking is holding hands and singing songs,” says Peace First President Eric D. Dawson. “It’s more a set of skills that’s nurturing human development. It’s working together to solve a problem.”

“We believe that forgiveness is a choice,” explains Enright. “When you forgive, you may benefi t the person you forgive, but you benefi t yourself far more.” Enright recalls his experiences working with incarcerated men that were serving life sentences. “The fi rst thing the as-signed therapists asked the group to do was to tell me their story; tell me about the hurts that had been perpetrated on them. One man began to cry, saying that no one had ever asked for his story.” The therapists listened to a tale of the cruel disciplinary measures he had endured at home as a child and recognized a correlation with the crime he had committed. “I’m not justifying his actions, but we can see that he was an extremely wounded man. Many bullies in school have a story, and we need to take the time to hear their story. “Because those that engage in bullying are often fi lled with rage from having been bullied themselves, they get to a point that they don’t care about the consequences of their actions, including detention,” Enright continues. Instead of focusing on the prevention of unwanted behaviors, he says, “Our program is meant to take the anger out of the heart of those that bully, so they bully no more.” An elementary school-age participant in the Forgiveness Program concludes, “Sometimes it is hard to forgive someone straight away if they really hurt your feelings. It might take longer to see their worth and show them real forgiveness… but it is worth it in the end.”

Meredith Montgomery is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin, AL (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).


All Calendar events must be received by the 5th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Email [email protected] for guidelines and to submit entries.

calendarofevents

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29Meditation Class – Time TBA. 10-week class. Students will be accepted through February 5. Day or evening class will be determined by the students who enroll. Pre-requisite is the Basic Divine Science Fundamentals/Universal Laws Class. $70. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 540-774-5512. vccds.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2Holistic Childbirth Preparation Workshop – 10am-12pm. This workshop is for anyone who is trying to get pregnant or supporting someone during birth and pregnant couples on their journey toward birth. $5/owners; $10 others. Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-343-5652. RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3“The Power of I Am” – 1-3pm. Workshop presented by John Maxwell Taylor. Increase your “Level of Being” and personal magnetism to bring out the best in others and attract opportunities for success. All are welcome. $20 suggested love offering. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke (at the Woodhaven intersection). 540-562-2200. UnityOfRoanokevalley.org. JohnMaxwellTaylor.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4Nature Walks for Preschoolers – 10-11am. Through songs, movement and senses, young children learn

about the wonders of nature around them. These outdoor family programs are geared for ages 3-5; however, younger (or older) siblings are welcome to attend. Topics change every other week. $3/child; free for adults or younger siblings. Greenfi eld Park, Daleville. Pre-register at 706-220-0980 or by emailing [email protected].

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5Smoking Cessation Program with Hypnosis – 7pm. Four-week class. $79. Registration required. Mary Ann Walker, Certifi ed Hypnotist, Serenity Counseling Cen-ter, 4542 Blue Ridge Blvd, Blue Ridge. 540-904-8569. SerenityCounselingCenterVA.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6Midday De-Stress Class – 11:30am-1pm. Healer Amy Jo Wheeler provides monthly guidance through medita-tion, visioning, aromatherapy and other techniques to relax and release stress. $35 includes light lunch from Local Roots. Luxuria Holistic Center, 1415 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-685-2975. LuxuriaHolisticCenter.blogspot.com/p/classes.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7What’s Around You – 4-5:30pm. Look up and look down, dig underground; use your senses to observe nature. This program will earn your Brownies the Earth and Sky Try-It and the Senses Try-It badges. Greenfi eld

Park, Daleville. Pre-register at 706-220-0980 or by emailing [email protected].

Happy Healthy Singles – 5:45-7pm. Learn some fresh, healthy, easy ideas for people who are cooking for one. $10/owners; $20/others. Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-343-5652. RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8Nutritional Supplementation for a Healthy Heart – 12-1pm. Free teleclass. Learn how to lower blood pressure and cholesterol naturally and which supple-ments may reduce your risk of heart disease in the future. Life in Balance Center, 125 Akers Farm Rd, Ste D, Christiansburg. 540-381-6215. LifeInBal-anceCenter.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9Introduction to Qi Gong II Workshop – 10am-2:30pm. Second workshop for Introduction to Qigong with Esther Mabry. $20/owners; $30/others. Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-343-5652. RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop.

Visioning Your Ideal Relationship – 1-3:30pm. Led by certifi ed spiritual life coach Alexandria Pederson. $29. Luxuria Holistic Center, 1415 Grandin Rd, Roa-noke 540-685-2975. LuxuriaHolisticCenter.blogspot.com/p/classes.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10Chocolat: A Sensual Movie Discussion and Tasting – 2-4:30pm. Discussion about attraction, romance, seduction and passion and using food creatively to enhance your relationships. $35. Valley Community Church (behind Oak Grove Plaza), 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 540-774-5512. LuxuriaHolisticCenter.blogspot.com/p/classes.

Jewelry that inspires . . . Created by a local artist from recycled aluminum wire and

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11Nature Walks for Preschoolers – 10-11am. Through songs, movement and senses, young children learn about the wonders of nature around them. These outdoor family programs are geared for ages 3-5; however younger (or older) siblings are welcome to attend. Topics change every other week. $3/child; free for adults or younger siblings. Garst Mill Park, Roanoke. Pre-register at 706-220-0980 or by emailing [email protected].

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12Succulent Toes Tuesday – 10am-7pm. Natural Pedicures with Refl exology Combination. $62, by appointment. Luxuria Holistic Center, 1415 Grandin Rd, Roanoke 540-685-2975. LuxuriaHolisticCenter.blogspot.com/p/classes.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Happy Healthy Singles – 5:45-7:00pm. Learn some fresh, healthy, easy ideas for people who are cooking for one. $10/owners; $20/others. Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-343-5652. RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17Happy Valentine’s Day at Peaks of Otter Winery – 12noon-5pm. Just married? Receive a free gift. Sweethearts love our “grandma’s wines.” Come sit by the fi re with us and taste. Peaks of Otter Winery, 2122 Sheep Creek Rd, Bedford. Free. 540-586-3707. PeaksOfOtterwinery.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15Bingo – 6:30pm. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 540-774-5512. vccds.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16Meditation for Stress Relief – 9am. 30-minute silent meditation. No charge and all are welcome. The Peace Practice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg. 434-609-3437. ThePeacePractice.com.

Mindfulness Matters – 9:30am. Discussion and varied readings and CD recordings exploring topics of mindfulness and meditation, with comfortable chairs or fl oor cushions for all sessions. Come de-stress to start your weekend! No charge. All are welcome. The Peace Practice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg. 434-609-3437. ThePeacePractice.com.

Paddy Dougherty Valentine Concert – 7:30pm. Bedford favorite will offer love songs for a special

Valentine treat at the Bower Center for the Arts. Bower Center for the Arts, 305 N Bridge St, Bedford. 540-586-4235. BowerCenter.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19Experience the Enlightened Passion of Red – 6-7:30pm. Explore the romance of red through folklore, psychology, spirituality and more, con-necting to enchant, uplift, inform and nourish the soul! Session led by Color Therapist Janice Cusano. $29. Luxuria Holistic Center, 1415 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-685-2975. LuxuriaHolisticCenter.blogspot.com/p/classes.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20Nutrition for a Healthy Heart – 6:30-7:45pm. Learn how to eat for a healthy heart! Naturally reduce your risk for heart disease, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol using real food. We will also debunk longstanding myths about nutrition and heart disease, such as “eating fat is bad for your heart.” $5. Life in Balance Center, 125 Akers Farm Rd, Ste D, Christiansburg. Call 540-381-6215 to register. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

Wellness Wednesdays: Heart Health – 6:30-7:30pm. Join us to learn effective steps to reduce the risk of heart attack for yourself andthose you love and optimize your health and wellness. Lec-ture by chiropractor Wendy Brown. Free/owners; $5/others. Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-343-5652. Roanoke-NaturalFoods.coop.

WAHOO: Weight Away—Hypnosis to Overcome Overeating. – 7pm. Six-week group session pro-gram to help overcome overeating using hypno-sis. Registration required. $119 for all six group sessions. Mary Ann Walker, certifi ed hypnotist, Serenity Counseling Center, 4542 Blue Ridge Blvd, Blue Ridge. 540-904-8569. SerenityCoun-selingCenterVA.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22Listening to Frogs – 7-8pm. Join us for an evening stroll near wetlands and ponds to listen for the frogs of the season. Besides learning about frog ecology, we will learn how to gather scientifi c data for a national citizen project on frog surveys. Ages 6 and older. $5/person (half price for May 10 and 24). Walrond Park, Roanoke. Pre-register by calling 706-220-0980 or by emailing [email protected].

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23Passion Vision-Boarding: Piece Together the Relationship You Desire – 1:30-4:00pm. Session includes light organic snack and materials. Led by vision coaches Amy Jo Wheeler and Alexandria Ped-erson. $42. Luxuria Holistic Center, 1415 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-685-2975. LuxuriaHolisticCenter.blogspot.com/p/classes.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25Nature Walks for Preschoolers – 10-11am. Through songs, movement and senses, young children learn about the wonders of nature around them. These outdoor family programs are geared for ages 3-5; however younger (or older) siblings are welcome to attend. Topics change every other week. $3/child; free for adults or younger siblings. Garst Mill Park, Roanoke. Pre-register at 706-220-0980 or by emailing [email protected].

Meditation Classes – 6-6:45pm. Experience various styles of meditation and fi nd out what works best for you. All experience levels welcome. $54 for six weeks. Pre-register at 540-381-6215. Life in Balance Coun-seling and Wellness Center, 125 Akers Farm Rd, Ste D, Christiansburg. 540-381-6215. AngelaMcGoldrick.com. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

Holistic Veterinary Consultants Study Group - 6pm -8pm. This month’s topic is Veterinary Hospice. Ho-listic Veterinary Consultants, 2401 F South Main St, Blacksburg. Call 540-616-WAGS(9247) for details. holisticveterinaryconsultants.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 1Love Potions for Wedding and

Honeymoon Planning6:30-8:30pm. • $26

Session includes food-tasting.

Luxuria Holistic Center1415 Grandin Rd • Roanoke

540-685-2975LuxuriaHolisticCenter.blogspot.com/p/classes

savethedate


mondayA Course in Miracles – 7-8:30pm. A Course in Miracles is a complete self-study spiritual thought system. It teaches that the way to universal love and peace—or remembering God—is by undoing guilt through forgiving others. The course focuses on the healing of relationships and making them holy. All welcome. Love offering. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke (at the Woodhaven intersection). 540-562-2200 x 10. Offi [email protected]. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org.

tuesdayMonthly meeting – 7:30pm. Lynchburg Peace Educa-tion Center, The Peace Practice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg. 434-609-3437. ThePeacePractice.com.

wednesdayMidweek Meditation – 12noon. First and third Wednesdays of the month. Meditation rejuvenates body and soul; no experience necessary. $5. Mary Ann Walker, certifi ed hypnotist, Serenity Counseling Center, 4542 Blue Ridge Blvd, Blue Ridge. 540-904-8569. SerenityCounselingCenterVa.com.

Prayer and Meditation – 12noon-12:20pm. These services are a time for both prayer and meditation.

Add your energy to the peaceful environment of our chapel and be lifted up through the use of positive affi rmations during this sacred time of prayer and fo-cused attention. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke (at the Woodhaven intersection). 540-562-2200. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org.

Beginner’s Yoga – 9:30-10:45am. Instructor: Jennifer Sayre. Increase strength and fl exibility while forming a deeper connection with your body. No experience required. $48/six weeks or $12/class. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125 Akers Farm Rd, Ste D, Christiansburg. 540-381-6215. [email protected]. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

thursdayGirl Scout Nature Programs: Get Brownies Out on Thursdays. Nature Investigations is offering nature pro-grams to get Brownie Girl Scouts outside to experience hands-on science. After each program, girls receive a Nature Investigations patch as a reward. $5/scout; free for adults or tag-alongs. Registration required by calling 706-220-0980 or emailing [email protected].

friday2nd Fridays in Centertown Bedford – 5-8pm. More than 30 local merchants and eateries staying open until 8pm or later for your shopping, dining and exploring pleasure. Centertown Bedford. 540-586-2148. Cen-tertownBedford.com.

ongoingeventsFirst Friday Reiki Healing Circle – 6:30pm. Ex-perience the relaxation and healing energy of Reiki. Practitioners welcome. Mary Ann Walker, Reiki master, Serenity Counseling Center, 4542 Blue Ridge Blvd, Blue Ridge. 540-904-8569. SerenityCounsel-ingCenterVA.com.

Healing Circle – 6:30-7:30pm. First Friday of every month. No-touch or light-touch healing. Meets in the sanctuary. All are welcome. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke (at the Woodhaven intersection). 540-562-2200. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org.

Mankind Project: Men’s Circle – 6:30-8:30pm. Second Friday of every month. Meets in the annex. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roa-noke (at the Woodhaven intersection). 540-562-2200. UnityOfRoanokevalley.org.

Universal Dances of Peace – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Friday of every month. Simple, easy steps; meets in the sanctuary. No prior experience needed. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke (at the Woodhaven intersection). 540-562-2200. UnityO-fRoanokevalley.org.

january 30 – april 4

Season for Nonviolence. Variety of events in celebra-tion of the Season for Nonviolence. Programs include nonviolent communication workshop, movie nights featuring heroes of nonviolence and more. Free; open to the public. Peace Practice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg. 434-609-3437. ThePeacePractice.com.

SUNDAY SERVICESHealing & Meditation • 10:30am

Worship 11:00 am USWA Hall at

1410 W. Main St. Radford

The Truths are One, the Paths are many540-922-2776

www.NRVMeta.com

EXPERIENCE FELLOWSHIP, INCLUSION, LOVE AND COMPASSION.


DENTISTDR. C. FREDERICK SMITH, DDS46 Shelor Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24502434-237-6328MercuryFreeDDS.com

Providing the highest quality of dental care in a mercury-free environment, using safe and biocompatible dental materials. We practice safe removal of old mercury/silver (amalgam) fi ll-ings with the safe mercury/silver fi ll-ing removal protocol outlined by the

International Academy of Oral Medicine, IAOMT. See ad, page 31.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

J & J WEATHERIZATION434-847-5487JoLangford@juno.comJJWeatherization.com

With 30 years of experience in home energy performance, J&J Weath-erization is a full-service company specializing in insulation, home energy conservation and effi ciency. See ad, page 25.

ENERGY HEALINGHEALING TOUCH FROM ABOVEMelinda Bailey540-357-5028

This unique combination of Reiki and Amethyst BioMat therapy can help restore health by balanc-ing the chakras and auras, promoting relaxation, relieving stress and supporting optimal immune-system function. Small-group and one-on-one Reiki instruction available.

LUXURIA1415 Grandin Rd., Roanoke, VA 24015 (near the Co-op)540-685-2975LuxuriousPampering.us

BioTurn Therapy is now available to help iden-tify and release negative emotions so that you feel lighter, happier and more peaceful. See ad, page 13.

GARDEN AND LAWNBLUE RIDGE HYDROPONICS AND HOME BREWING COMPANYLamplighter Mall, 5327-D Williamson Rd., Roanoke, VA 24012540-265-2483BlueRidgeHydroponics.com

Everything you need to create an indoor growing environment. Hy-droponic gardening, indoor lighting and nutrients. Cheese-making and home-brewing kits also available. See ad, page 31.

VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH, DIVINE SCIENCE5000 Carriage Dr., Roanoke, VA 24018540-774-5512VCCDS.com

Teaching practi-cal, spiritual laws based on and found in the ex-ample and teach-

ings of Jesus, as well as the Bible and other great wisdom literature. Through Divine Science teach-ings you can lead a life of joyful inner and outer satisfaction and serenity.

UNITY OF ROANOKE VALLEY Rev. Linda Taylor3300 Green Ridge Rd., Roanoke, VA 24019540-562-2200UnityOfRoanokeValley.org

We are a vibrant, loving, spiritual community, dem-

onstrating Christ consciousness, embracing diversity and inspiring personal transformation. Join us in co-creating a world that works for all! See ad, page 8.

COUNSELINGTHE CASCADE GROUPVicki L. Wells, LPC200 Professional Park Dr., Ste. 4, Blacksburg, VA 2060540-951-4800TheCascadeGroupBlacksburg.com/

Vicki L. Wells specializes in depres-sion and anxiety as well as other di-agnoses. She will be seeing adoles-cents and adults. Private insurance as well as Employee Assistance Pro-gram accepted.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

HEALING CATALYST, LLC Dr. Lauren Scott Jones, DC7474 Lee Hwy., Kroger/Radford Shopping Plaza, Radford, VA 24141540-639-4325TheHealingCatalyst.com

With 30 years of experience in body mechanics and nutrition, Dr. Jones uses a medley of chiropractic health care, craniosacral therapy and her spe-cially designed “Stretch and Strength-en Classes” to help speed you on your

way to wellness. See ad, page 10.

To be included in the Community Resource Guide, email: [email protected] to request our media kit. 6 Month Contracts for $50/month and 12 Month Contracts for $45/month.

communityresourceguide

ALKALINE WATER

HEALTHY WATER FOR ME540-230-7459 or [email protected]

Kangen Water® is a great way to increase hydration, balance body pH, obtain optimal health, neu-tralize free radicals, reduce pain and more. Change Your Water…Change Your Life ™. Call to be-

gin a free three-week alkaline, antioxidant wa-ter challenge today. See ad, page 29.

BURIAL (GREEN)

FOREST REST AT MOUNTAIN VIEW5970 Grassy Hill Rd., Boones Mill, VA 24065540-334-5410MountainViewMemorialPark.com

Green burial for those wishing to leave a smaller footprint. No burial vaults or caustic em-balming chemicals. Biodegrad-able caskets made of renewable materials, simple memorials of

stone or wood, natural wooded areas and special family estate areas available. See ad, page 17.

CHIROPRACTIC

HEALING CATALYST, LLC Dr. Lauren Scott Jones, DC7474 Lee Hwy., Kroger/Radford Shopping Plaza, Radford, VA 24141540-639-4325TheHealingCatalyst.com

With 30 years of experience in body mechanics and nutrition, Dr. Jones uses a medley of chiropractic health care, craniosacral therapy, and her specially designed “Stretch and Strengthen Classes” to help speed

you on your way to wellness. See ad, page 10.

CHURCHES

NRV METAPHYSICAL CHAPELUSWA Hall, 1410 West Main St., Radford, VA 24141540-922-2776NRVMeta.com

Teaching the religion of Divine Metaphysics that is based in Christianity and uses the philosophy of the

Native Americans and Spiritualism along with the liturgy of Christianity. A diverse community where all are welcome. See ad, page 27.


MASSAGE THERAPYREVITALIZE STUDIO436 Peppers Ferry Rd., Christiansburg, VA 24073540-641-1223RevitalizeStudio.MassageTherapy.com

Massage therapy and classes in yoga and movement, Monday through

Saturday. Current classes: Fitness, focusing on core, balance and stretching; Cardio (barefoot); Ashtanga-style fl ow yoga; Gentle, more meditative yoga. Also Swedish, deep-tissue and hot-stone massage. All in-structors and therapists are experienced, knowledge-able and certifi ed. First class is free with package signup. Gift certifi cates available.

THE WILLOW TREEKristina Youker, NCMT7474 Lee Hwy., Radford, VA 24141540-558-9585TheWillowTreeMassage.com

Whether you’re suffering from stress or sport-related injuries, T he Willow Tree is designed to provide the ultimate experience in therapeutic massage and integrated health services.

VITAL TOUCH MASSAGEMiriam Brancato, BIS, CMT200 3rd Ave., Radford, VA [email protected]

Specializing in Ther-apeutic, Sports, Med-ical, Orthopedic, and Relaxation Massage since 1989. Offi ces in

Radford and Floyd and serving the NRV since 1999. Miriam offers classes and workshops in Massage as well as Wellness and Fitness. See ad, page 6.

NATURAL FOODSHOMESTEAD CREAMERY AND FARM MARKET7254 booker T. Washington Hwy., Wirtz, VA 24184540-721-2045

Homestead Creamery products are minimally pasteurized and free of artifi cial hormones and antibiotics. Environmentally friendly, recycled glass bottles keep milk fresh lon-ger. Milk, ice cream, yogurt, but-

ter and non-homogenized cream line. Call for details about home delivery. See ad, page 7.

ROANOKE NATURAL FOODS CO-OP1319 Grandin Rd., Roanoke, VA 24015540-343-5652RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop

Virginia’s largest, cooperative-ly owned natural-foods grocery store. Nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products. We support sustainable envi-

ronmental practices, local organic farmers, local businesses and our community. See ad, page 6.

GUIDED IMAGERYREV. KANTA BOSNIAK, CHTCoach and Author of Abundance Triggers540-577-8854KantaBosniak.com

Spiritual coaching and guided im-agery for weight loss, smoking ces-sation, intuition, life changes, confi -dent interviews, career. Take positive thinking to a deeper level. Get your mojo back…and then some!

HOME HEALTH CARE AND SERVICES

BRALEY AND THOMPSON, INC. Radford 540-731-0360Roanoke 540-989-7175Lynchburg 434-832-1326BTKids.com

Braley and Thomp-son offers the guid-ance and nurturing that abused, neglect-ed children raised in

dysfunctional homes require. Foster parents with healthy, stable homes needed. Call to fi nd out if becoming a foster parent is right for you. See ad, page 7.

HEALTH COACHING

HEALTHY ROOTS, HAPPY LIFEKatie Haines, CHHC443-306-6367Katie@HealthyRootsHappyLife.comHealthyRootsHappyLife.com

Holistic health coaching for tired and busy women. Areas of expertise: thyroid support, healthy weight management and strategies for busy moms and profes-sionals. Private coaching sessions are held in person,

over the phone or via Skype. Workshops and gro-cery store tours also available.

MASSAGE SCHOOLS

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL OF MASSAGE AND YOGAColony Park, Ste. 106, 2001 South Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060540-552-2177BlueRidgeMassage.org

Prepare for a meaningful, well-paid, fl exible career in the growing profession of massage therapy. Gain ex-cellent, varied bodywork

skills and knowledge from experienced, caring instructors. Visit our website to learn more about programs, open house events and workshops or to complete an online application. See ad, page 11.

THE WELL1764 Patriot Lane, Bedford, VA [email protected]

The destination for natural health when looking for science-

based information, superior products, herbal tinctures, supplements, natural foods, bulk foods, spices and teas. The Well has all of this and more. Your benefi t is our business. See ad, page 26.

NATURAL REMEDIESNATURE’S SPECIALISTDorothy Harrell, Pharmacist4620 Lee Hwy., Dublin, VA [email protected]

Specializing in naturopathic con-sultation, natural therapies and hair analysis. Nature’s Specialist also keeps a stock of high-quality vitamins, herbs and nutritionals. Call for an appointment, or stop by

to shop for supplements. See ad, page 25.

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NATURAL PET

NATURE’S EMPORIUM3912 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke, VA 24018540-989-8020MyNaturesEmporium.com

The largest selec-tion of pet gifts, toys, beds and healthy foods and treats for all the

special members of the family. Natural and holis-tic pet food, wild bird and garden supplies. See ad, page 24.

ORGANIC HAIR CARE

ALL ABOUT YOU SALON1386 E. Main St., Salem, VA 24153540-312-6141

Full-service hair salon. Or-ganic hair coloring and perms that are made with certifi ed or-ganic extracts and natural in-gredients that are 100-percent ammonia-free. Spa services include manicures, pedicure,

facials and massage. Flexible appointments for busy schedules. See ad, page 10.

OUTDOOR RECREATION AND ECOTOURISM

CAMP EASTER SEALS UCP1386 E. Main St., Salem, VA 24153540-312-6141CampEasterSealsUCP.com/

Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains in Craig County, Camp Eas-ter Seals / United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) offers numer-ous options for your stay in a beautiful setting. Your group

can participate in fun activities such as canoeing, hiking, enjoying bonfi res, using the climbing wall, outdoor camping, fi shing, swimming and indoor recreation. See ad, page 5.

RECYCLINGBOOKBAG [email protected]

Roanoke-based 501c3 charity keeps two TONS of used school supplies out of the land-fi ll every year. Since 1990 the group has trav-eled each summer to

Belize to deliver supplies to three schools. Email, call or visit the website for more information about making donations.

CLEAN VALLEY COUNCILJefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave., Ste. 319, Roanoke, VA 24016 540-345-5523CleanValley.org

A nonprofi t organiza-tion serving the Roanoke Valley for more than 30 years. Providing edu-cational programming and citizen participation

events to spread the word about litter prevention, re-cycling, waste-stream reduction, storm-water pollu-tion prevention and protecting our natural resources. The go-to resource for local recycling information.

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE VALLEYS2502 Melrose Ave., Ste A, Roanoke, VA 24017540-581-0620GoodwillValleys.com

We put your donations to work by dedicating 90 percent of our re-sources to providing services to the com-

munity. Donations entrusted to us are used to help people with disabilities and disadvantages over-come barriers to employment and achieve a level of independence in life. See ad, page 13.

RESTAURANTSLOCAL ROOTS FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke, VA 24015540-206-2610LocalRootsRestaurant.com

Roanoke’s fi rst true farm-to-table restaurant. Tues-

day through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday family-style supper, 5 to 9 p.m. Full bar and wood-fi re oven. Available for private parties, corporate events, celebrations and catering. See ad, page 5.

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING/ADVISOR

KRULL AND COMPANYP.O. Box 19825, Asheville, NC 28815540-344-2700 / 877-235-3684KrullAndCompany.com

Offering s o c i a l l y and envi-ronmen-

tally responsible investment management for indi-viduals, nonprofi ts and business retirement plans. We help you to align your investments with your values See ad, page 15.

Coming in March

Natural Foods & Gardens

Cultivate the health of people, pets and the planet.

We have vital tips for fresh starts.

For more information about advertising and how

you can participate, call

540-384-1815


SPIRITUAL COUNSELINGLIFE IN BALANCE COUNSELING AND WELLNESS CENTERLaura Rumfeldt, MS125 Akers Farm Rd., Ste. D, Christiansburg, VA 24073540-381-6215 LifeInBalanceCenter.com

Looking for meaning? Want a deep-er spiritual life? Explore your spiri-tuality in a non-judgmental healing space where all beliefs are welcome. See ad, page 11.

VETERINARIANSCONCORD VETERINARY SERVICESLori Leonard, BS, DVM, LFHOM8908 Village Hwy., Concord, VA 24538434-993-2403ConcordVetServices.com

Discover methods of support and comfort for your beloved animals. For 20 years we have offered homeopathy and other holistic modalities as well as con-ventional veterinary care. New

patients welcome!

HOLISTIC VETERINARY CONSULTANTSMarjorie M. Lewter, DVM2401 S. Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060540-616-9245HolisticVeterinaryConsultants.com

Professional guidance for cli-ents with many issues including vaccines, nutrition and special health problems. Geriatric care, cancer support and hospice care. Routine medical care for small animals, farm animals and hors-

es. Integrative medicine including acupuncture, botanical medicines, chiropractic and homeopa-thy. Discover the power of holistic medicine. See ad, page 27.

WELLNESS CENTERS AND SERVICES

LIFE IN BALANCE COUNSELING AND WELLNESS CENTER125 Akers Farm Rd., Ste. D, Christiansburg, VA 24073540-381-6215 LifeInBalanceCenter.com

The Life in Balance team of therapists offers the areas best in psychotherapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, massage therapy, Reiki, yoga classes, creative movement and relaxation class-

es, meditation, workshops, classes and group therapy. Serving the New River Valley and sur-rounding communities. See ad, page 11.

Mercury-Free DentistrySafe removal of mercury/silver fi llings (amalgam) utilizing the protocol recommended by the

International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (see IAOMT.com)

46 Shelor Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502

434-237-6328 www.MercuryFreeDDS.com

Providing comprehensive and cosmetic dentistry

in a mercury-free environment using dental

materials that are safe and biocompatible.

We offer oral sedation to help make your dental visit more relaxing.

One and two studentprivate classes suitable for

those with physicalchallenges and beginners.

Call to begin your path tojoy and harmony today!

540-521-03131415 Grandin RoadRoanoke, VA 24015

[email protected]

One and two studentprivate classes suitable for

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Natural Awakenings of Virginia's Blue Ridge February 2013