tag:www.naturalawakenings.com,2005:/categories/in-print?page=15In-Print | Natural Awakenings Magazine Page 15Healthy Living Healthy Planet2023-11-07T11:01:06-05:00urn:uuid:3ebd386b-6bf4-4714-8a68-9528a81379bc2023-09-18T23:15:54-04:002023-11-07T11:01:06-05:00Traditional World Healing Wisdom: Lost Practices Gain New Respect2023-09-29 09:30:00 -0400Carrie Jackson<p>With time-tested wisdom and natural roots, traditional and Indigenous medicine has been an integral resource for centuries in communities around the world. According to the World Health Organization, 88 percent of all countries are estimated to use traditional medicine, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and shamanism. The contribution of these practices is increasingly being recognized by Western medicine, especially in collaboration with integrative, holistic and regenerative medicine. The pandemic prompted renewed interest in traditional treatments, and incorporating them into wellness and healing modalities is easier and more valuable than ever.<br></p><p><br></p><p><b>Herbalism</b></p><p><b><br></b></p><p>Herbalist and spiritual coach <a href="https://www.lucretiavandyke.com/" target="_blank">Lucretia VanDyke</a> integrates rituals, plant-spirit meditation, holistic food and ancestor reverence into her practice. An expert on Southern folk healing, VanDyke notes in her book, <i>African American Herbalism,</i> that Indigenous practices were never lost, but people had to go underground for fear of persecution. </p><p><br></p><p>“Herbal and sacred ceremonial practices of enslaved people of African descent were highly regulated or banned by the United States government in an effort to control the people most affected by colonization,” she explains. “In the mid-18th century, Virginia and South Carolina made it a capital offense to practice herbalism, resulting in harsh punishment or even execution if found guilty. Additionally, in 1883, the U.S. Department of Interior came up with the Code of Indian Offenses, which implemented laws that applied only to Native people until 1978. They were punished for dances and feasts by imprisonment or withholding food rations for up to 30 days.”</p><p><br></p><p>Noting a resurgence of these once-forbidden practices, VanDyke adds, “Today, I see people trying to branch out on their spiritual journey and seeking sources outside their Christian upbringing to answer questions within themselves with practices like herbalism and African traditional religion coming more into the mainstream.”</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.moonwiseherbs.com/" target="_blank">Linda M. Conroy, MSS, MLSP</a>, is an educator, herbalist and community organizer who dedicates her life to connecting with the green world. She is the founder of two annual gatherings: the Midwest Women's Herbal Conference and the Mycelium Mysteries Women's Mushroom Conference. She also provides herbal education, workshops and individual consultations through her Wisconsin-based business, Moonwise Herbs. </p><p><br></p><p>“Herbalism is a practice where people connect and work with plants for healing and nourishment,” she says. “Plants, herbs and mushrooms have been around long before we have and provide an innate connection to the earth. Everyone has ancestors that grew and foraged for their own food, and we remember that in our being. It’s a different experience from buying a plant or pill from the store shelf.”</p><p><br></p><p>Misconceptions about herbalism are common in America, Conroy asserts. “In other countries such as Cuba, Germany and China, conventionally trained physicians still learn about more than 50 herbs in their training, but the United States all but abandoned herbalism after the development of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals,” she explains. “The pandemic has helped spawn a resurgence of interest, with people increasingly disappointed by Western medicine and turning to herbs for respiratory support, stress management and other conditions.”</p><p><br></p><p>Conroy stresses that working with herbs is both an art and a science. Learning their unique properties is key. “In order to be truly effective, it’s imperative that people know how to properly choose and use the correct herb for each situation. This includes being mindful of the dosage, method of delivery and sourcing. Herbs are much safer than most things out there, and with the right assessment skills, they can be truly transformative,” she says.</p><p><br></p><p>Another recommendation is to establish a wellness routine that incorporates herbs as maintenance to remind the body of their healing value. “Herbs are not drugs but can work in synergy with them. Many common ingredients can be used every day, such as a stinging nettle infusion to nourish the kidneys and lungs, and oats to fortify the nervous system,” Conroy says. “Acquiring our herbs and foods from local sources also strengthens our connection to the plants. Most things we need, such as garlic, cabbage, eggs and raw honey, we can find in our own garden, from neighbors or at a farmers market.”</p><p><br></p><p><b>Energy Healing</b></p><p><b><br></b></p><p>Billie Topa Tate’, a member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, is founder of <a href="https://msi-healing.com/" target="_blank">MSI Wellness</a>, in Evanston, Illinois, and author of the upcoming book, <i>Spirit Guide Invocations: Seeking Wisdom from Sacred Helpers</i>. Dedicated to creating a sacred space one person at a time through her Indigenous teachings, she is a mentor, teacher and healer. Her work has been shared by several universities and publications. </p><p><br></p><p>Although Indigenous healing practices do not have scientific studies to support their efficacy, they do have the observational and traditional support of her people, Topa Tate’ says. “The Apache learned medicinal properties from the plants and honored the position of being stewards of the land,” she asserts. “We learned from our virtuous elders that plants provide us with medicine and food, as well as spiritual qualities, such as smudging, essential oils and incense, which help to cleanse the body, mind and spirit.”</p><p><br></p><p>According to Topa Tate’, a shamanic journey is a visit to the energy world and can lead someone to insightful wisdom regarding their life’s purpose. “The spirit world provides a release of the thoughts that limit us and brings us into a realm where we can be guided by higher thought,” she explains. “Visiting the spirit world with proper guidance allows us to access the worlds of healing, wisdom, angels, the past, the future and even the symbolic energies of our present lives through our mind. Another way to find this release is to understand that words are energy carriers and can provide our mind, body and spirit with a source of enlightenment. We do this through our drumming songs and ceremonies, but also by becoming more aware and harnessing the power of words as medicine in everyday actions.”</p><p><br></p><p>Energy work can help us reconnect with that part of ourselves that facilitates healing, says Topa Tate’. “I recommend beginning the day with a five-minute morning ceremony that gives thanks to the creator for a beautiful day and invokes our helpers to offer assistance with particular projects. As a healer, it is important to teach people how to manage their stress with more productive platforms, such as meditation, nature walks and seeking out their life’s purpose. There is a misconception that only Native people can do this energy work, but we are all one family and can learn how to integrate the natural wellness that the Native people have used for centuries,” she explains.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Traditional Chinese Medicine</b></p><p><b><br></b></p><p>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the philosophy, experiments and experiences indigenous to Chinese culture. It has been practiced for more than 2,500 years and is used for health maintenance as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental illness. According to Dr. Heming Zhu, NCCAOM, a board-certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, author, educator, scientist and founder of <a href="http://harmonyacm.com/" target="_blank">Harmony Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, in Maryland</a>, the basis of TCM lies in the belief that the human body is a holistic system deeply connected to the universe. </p><p><br></p><p>“TCM is influenced by the flow of vital energy called <i>qi</i>. To restore the balance of qi and gain the harmony of life’s paired aspects known as yin and yang, TCM practitioners use various techniques, including acupuncture, moxibustion [burning herbs at acupressure points], herbal medicine, massage, qigong and dietary therapy,” Zhu explains.</p><p><br></p><p>Zhu says that TCM modalities fit into either a physical therapy or chemical therapy category and can be introduced for regular maintenance. “Acupuncture is commonly used for addressing fatigue, stress, pain, gastrointestinal issues, arthritis and improving overall well-being. Cupping is beneficial for relieving stress and muscle soreness. Tui-na, a form of therapeutic massage, is used for musculoskeletal disorders, digestive issues, pain and more. Gua sha helps manage stress and alleviate muscle tension and pain. Moxibustion can boost energy, improve digestion and address cold-related ailments. Qigong and tai chi are gentle, mind-body exercises that reduce stress and promote relaxation and overall mental well-being. Chemical therapy includes herbal medicine and dietary therapy to emphasize the connection between food and health,” he says.</p><p><br></p><p>TCM can be incorporated into an established wellness routine, and Zhu offers a few guidelines to ensure the best results. “People should seek education on the basic principles of TCM and be intentional not to judge it by Western medicine standards. They should find a licensed and experienced TCM practitioner and keep an open mind in initial consultations. Simple TCM practices, such as mindful breathing, gentle stretching or drinking herbal teas, can be incorporated into a daily wellness routine, and lifestyle changes, such as sleep routines and stress management, are part of the healing process,” Zhu says.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Emotional Healing</b></p><p><b><br></b></p><p>“There are multiple factors to illness, but often our emotions and trauma, either intergenerational or personal, are at the core,” VanDyke says. “Creating ceremonies based on the old ways gives you the strength to show up for yourself and makes it a little easier to move through the experience. Grief is a multilayer process, and it takes a holistic approach to co-create a path to a new normal. Our emotions are like invisible chains that bind us in a trauma loop, and having support for that is important. Nurturing the spirit is one thing that Western medicine does not talk about. I find that laughter, joy, pleasure and feeding the child-like spirit in us helps with this when life gets heavy. Ask yourself how you prioritize joy, and create your own rituals that center traditions while honoring your true self.”</p><p><br></p><p><i>Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.CarrieJacksonWrites.com" target="_blank">CarrieJacksonWrites.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:231d0bb8-eacc-4bed-bb1f-22351944caeb2023-09-18T17:06:18-04:002023-10-31T18:50:04-04:00Free Livestream Advanced Screening of Major Alzheimer’s Film2023-09-18 17:06:17 -0400Kristy Mayer<p>KnoWEwell and <i>Natural Awakenings </i>magazine will host a free, advanced screening of <i>Memories for Life: Reversing Alzheimer’s</i>, a documentary-style film that follows the journeys of six Alzheimer’s patients that refuse to accept their prognosis and are instead turning to a new, clinically proven method to help reverse the hands of time and retain their memories. This innovative approach, called the ReCODE (Reverse Cognitive Decline) Protocol, was invented by top neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen.<br></p><p></p><p>Narrated by Grammy Award-winner Michael Bublé and directed by Hideyuki Tokigawa, the film will be live-streamed on KnoWEwell’s Regenerative Whole Health Hub at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT), on October 14. As an added bonus, Dale Bredesen, <i>New York Times’</i> bestselling author of <i>The End of Alzheimer’s</i>, will participate in a live, post-screening Q&A session.</p><p></p><p>This is a rare opportunity to view the film at no charge prior to its formal release and to interact with the creator of this exciting new Alzheimer’s protocol.</p><p>For more information or to register, visit <a href="http://www.Tinyurl.com/memoriesforlife" target="_blank">Tinyurl.com/memoriesforlife</a>. </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:21ee10ad-f7dd-475b-80a2-e0c8e460d7f42023-08-14T20:42:48-04:002023-09-01T12:11:56-04:00 Children’s Physical Activity Declined Since Pandemic 2023-08-31 09:30:00 -0400Kristy Mayer<p>In a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics" target="_blank">JAMA Pediatrics</a><i>,</i> researchers found that children’s physical activity has been greatly reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers looked at data from 22 studies that included 14,216 participants ranging from 3 to 18 years old. The data showed that children’s total daily physical activity decreased by 20 percent (17 minutes), irrespective of pre-pandemic baseline levels, and the reduction was larger for higher-intensity physical activity. This reduction represents almost one-third of the daily dose of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity recommended for young children and adolescents.<br><b></b></p><p><br></p><p>These effects are largely due to social distancing policies and related school closures, which affected 1.5 billion youth worldwide. Under lockdown, children no longer had access to regular physical activities, recreational facilities or outdoor recess, and online learning increased sedentary screen time, disrupting healthy habits. Physical activity affects not only physical health, but also psychosocial functioning and mental well-being. </p><p><br></p><p>The study’s results align with another meta-analysis showing that the pandemic increased the prevalence of youth depression and anxiety symptoms, highlighting the tremendous challenges that public health officials face to revive young people’s interest in physical activity since the pandemic.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:51d1dfc1-5569-4f2c-ac1d-75ff6cfa65fc2023-08-14T20:49:08-04:002023-09-01T12:11:58-04:00Rise in Children With Autism 2023-08-31 09:30:00 -0400Kristy Mayer<p>The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<a href="https://www.cdrg.org/expertise/chronic-disease-research/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoeemBhCfARIsADR2QCvFp1fbrc0xil5ThbA7mlWvjihWgpwDGrWILvRCuo4yEL4rIrZvdi4aAlHxEALw_wcB" target="_blank">CDC</a>) released updated statistics on the rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which has been on the rise. The data is based on reviews of developmental evaluations and records from medical and educational service providers.<br></p><p><br></p><p>One in 36 children was diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2020, or about 2.8 percent of children, up from one in 44 children in 2018 and one in 150 children in 2000, when the CDC first began tracking ASD prevalence in this country. Autism was also 3.8 times as prevalent among boys as girls, and for the first time the prevalence was slightly lower among white children compared to other racial and ethnic groups, which is a reversal of racial and ethnic differences observed in the past. However, Black children with ASD remain more likely than white children with ASD to have a co-occurring intellectual disability.</p><p><br></p><p>The CDC partially attributes these patterns to improved screening, awareness and access to services. They highlight the importance of accessible and equitable ASD diagnostic treatment and services for children of different backgrounds and call for more research to comprehend the emergence of diagnostic differences across states.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:e6887c3b-5b0c-4efd-b166-48bd17120fe32023-08-14T20:54:32-04:002023-09-01T12:12:00-04:00Sucralose May Damage DNA2023-08-31 09:30:00 -0400Kristy Mayer<p>Sucralose is an artificial sweetener 600 times sweeter than table sugar. <a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank">The U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a> has approved its use in baked goods, beverages, chewing gum, gelatins and frozen dairy desserts. A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of North Carolina found that ingesting sucralose may cause the formation of a genotoxic chemical called <i>sucralose-6-acetate</i>. Genotoxicity refers to the breaking up of DNA, resulting in damage that could potentially contribute to health problems. Researchers also found trace amounts of this dangerous chemical in sucralose itself, even before it was consumed and metabolized. <br></p><p><br></p><p>The study included eight projects that exposed human blood cells to sucralose-6-acetate, which researchers found induces the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and cancer. Exposure to certain concentrations of sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose also appeared to impair the gut lining, and sucralose-6-acetate inhibited certain enzymes, which could interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize medications.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:659aa1de-a294-4968-884b-511d273e0df82023-08-14T20:59:23-04:002023-09-01T12:12:01-04:00Testing Acupuncture for Long-Term COVID2023-08-31 09:30:00 -0400Kristy Mayer<p>Long COVID affects nearly 14 percent of adult patients that had COVID-19. It is characterized by symptoms lasting at least 12 weeks after the initial infection, including fatigue, brain fog and breathlessness. Although there is no standard treatment for this clinical diagnosis, researchers in the UK are currently studying the impact of acupuncture on this lingering condition, as the practice has been successfully used to treat similar symptoms associated with other ailments.<br></p><p><b></b></p><p><br></p><p>The randomized trial began in 2022 and is expected to collect data from 160 participants until the year 2025. Participants with long COVID are selected if they have a fatigue score greater than five on the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale. The experimental group will be offered weekly 15-minute acupuncture treatments for six weeks, while the control group will receive no acupuncture treatments. Both groups will be required to complete questionnaires on their general physical and mental fatigue at baseline and at two, six and 12 weeks. Throughout the study, both groups will be provided with general advice on managing their symptoms. As reported by <i>NBC News</i>, the participants receiving acupuncture so far “do seem to be responding” positively to the treatments, according to Dr. Imogen Locke, a clinical oncologist at the <a href="https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/" target="_blank">Royal Marsden Hospital</a>, in London, who is leading the study. </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:3de8baf7-82f4-4641-b3c4-8849fdf3dfd02023-08-14T21:05:34-04:002023-09-01T12:12:03-04:00Impacts of Radio Frequency Radiation2023-08-31 09:30:00 -0400Kristy Mayer<p>The introduction of 5G mobile phones and infrastructure has given rise to concerns about their safety, as more than 1 million new antennas will be required in the U.S. Currently, the<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/" target="_blank"> Federal Communications Commission</a> and <a href="https://www.icnirp.org/" target="_blank">International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection</a> consider only the thermal effects (tissue heating) from electromagnetic frequency (EMF) exposure as potentially harmful. <br></p><p><br></p><p>A group of researchers led by <a href="https://www.ariel.ac.il/wp/en/" target="_blank">Ariel University</a>, in Israel, evaluated the non-thermal effects of exposure to EMF radiation on biological systems and human populations by reviewing <i>in vitro</i> [outside a living organism] and <i>in vivo </i>[inside a living organism] studies, as well as clinical studies on electromagnetic hypersensitivity and the epidemiological evidence for cancer due to the action of mobile-based radiation exposure. Although data derived from these studies was inconsistent, the researchers found supporting evidence that this radiation may contribute to cancer, endocrinological, neurological and other adverse health consequences. The researchers call for a more targeted, interdisciplinary research effort by national governments to ensure public health.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:31e89d1b-88dd-4b9e-a17c-bfb6446af15a2023-08-15T17:08:18-04:002023-09-01T12:12:05-04:00Lighting-Emitting Technology on the Horizon2023-08-31 09:30:00 -0400Kristy Mayer<p>Researchers from Japan and Germany are developing eco-friendly light devices that use a single layer of organic film mixed with light-emitting materials and an electrolyte. These light-emitting electrochemical cells (LEC) are gaining attention due to their simplified structure and because they consume less energy and cost less than the organic light emitting diodes (OLED) currently on the market.<br></p><p><br></p><p>The research team is using molecules called dendrimers, new organic materials that can extend the life of LECs. The electrolyte in an LEC can be made from inexpensive materials, such as biomass-derived cellulose acetate, a compound used in clothing fibers and eyeglass frames, whereas OLEDs use rare or heavy metals. Researchers are also using graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, as the electrode. While the progress is exciting, the developers of this new lighting technology note that more research is needed before it goes to market in order to make the devices brighter and capable of illuminating in three primary colors.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:8bda85f8-4da8-450d-9f3a-8d4a2e525c272023-08-15T17:13:12-04:002023-09-01T12:12:07-04:00Hummingbirds That Don’t Pollinate2023-08-31 09:30:00 -0400Kristy Mayer<p>Every day, hummingbirds must drink nearly their body weight in nectar to survive. Most hover above their food by beating their wings up to 80 times a second and inserting their beaks into the tubes of flowers. As they consume their food, grains of pollen stick to their foreheads, pollinating the next flowers they encounter.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Scientists from the <a href="https://uconn.edu/" target="_blank">University of Connecticut </a>recently identified 66 species of hummingbirds that may be harvesting nectar without pollinating flowers by using tiny toes to cling to a nearby branch rather than hovering above. These birds, which have a longer hallux claw to hold on to a stem and a shorter beak to get in closer, are able to save energy and obtain nectar from previously inaccessible flowers by poking into the side of the flower tube. This method, however, appears to prevent pollination from occurring.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:9ab9f9bb-5237-4ee8-9fff-63664c5ce4902023-08-15T17:20:11-04:002023-09-01T12:12:08-04:00Global Warming May Threaten Heart Health2023-08-31 09:30:00 -0400Kristy Mayer<p>As temperatures rise due to global warming, scientists are worried about how extreme heat may impact heart health. Research published in the <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/journal/jappl" target="_blank">Journal of Applied Physiology</a> warns that air temperatures as low as 93° F may lead to a steady increase in heart rate under humid conditions. This increase, referred to as cardiovascular heart strain, can occur even before a person’s internal temperature starts to rise.<br></p><p><b></b></p><p><br></p><p>The study involved healthy participants engaging in light physical activity inside an environmental chamber. As the chamber got hotter, participants’ heart rates increased and then plateaued. However, when the chamber continued to heat up, heart rates began to rise again and continued to rise even after the experiment. This rapidly increased heart rate indicates cardiovascular strain.</p><p><br></p><p>A related study published in <a href="https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/2051817x" target="_blank">Physiological Reports</a> reported that even at rest, heat can affect the heart. Researchers found that at 50 percent humidity, the heart rate of participants at rest was, on average, 64 percent higher at 122° F than at 82° F. These findings are concerning, as extreme heat events are becoming more common around the world and could be lethal for vulnerable and older populations.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>