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SOMATIC WELLNESS Body-Based Practices for Emotional Balance

HEALING HARMONIES

Tapping Into Calming Vibrations

SMART ENERGY

Practical Backup Power for Modern Homes

FIT BODY

Simple Poses for Real-Life Mobility

GULF COAST AL/MS EDITION

Inner Balance SEPTEMBER 2026

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

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2026 EDITORIAL CALENDAR September Inner Balance

November NATURAL AWAKENINGS DEPARTMENTS: Rooted in Gratitude

October December How Healing Works Living Generously

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Finding Our Reset Finding balance sounds wonderful in theory, but putting it into practice when a schedule is full is a completely different reality. Most of us are juggling work, caring for our families and keeping everything running smoothly while maintaining a watchful eye on the tropics during peak storm season. When life gets that demanding, taking time to pause is not a luxury. It is essential to our health and our ability to show up fully for those who count on us.

Jyn Sage, Publisher

Resetting does not require a grand gesture. It can be as simple as stepping outside to clear your head, moving your body with intention or turning off the background noise to listen to music that brings you back to center. This month’s issue offers together practical tools and real perspectives to help us cultivate that stability from every angle. We look at peace of mind through a structural lens with guidance on home energy resilience—an essential consideration for our coastal climate. On the personal health front, Jessica Jones, M.D., shares straightforward guidance on navigating perimenopause and menopause with confidence. We also examine integrative approaches to brain health at the Mind Performance Center, highlight the intersection of martial arts and holistic wellness at Bella Sundries Wellness Studio, explore somatic therapies and sound healing as pathways to relaxation, and look at everyday movement practices that improve mobility. In addition, we showcase seasonal, local nourishment at FIA Farms and share an invitation to step away from daily noise through Keep Alive Tours.

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2025 Natural Living Directory

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Find additional articles online at NAGulfCoast.com. Explore local businesses and events, recipes and articles exclusively from Natural Awakenings.

Read them online at NAGulfCoast.com

Balance is not about getting every single piece of life perfect. It is simply about knowing when to pause, take a deep breath and reset. As you read through these pages, I hope you find something that helps you do just that.

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Take good care,

Clean Clothes, Cleaner Planet

Promoting Calm in Dogs and Cats

September 2026

Mind Performance

Contents 6 Supporting Brain Health 14 Nutritious Nachos

20 Introduction to Somatic Therapies 24 Healing Harmonies 26 Home Energy Resilience

28 Homeopathy Under the Microscope 30 Functional Yoga for Everyday Mobility 32 Mindful Interdependence

34 Sowing Seeds of Promise

Departments 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 18 20

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Professional Pulse 24 Healing Ways Local Spotlight 26 Green Living Gulf Coast Green Living 28 Homeopathy Local Brief 30 Fit Body Global Briefs 32 Wise Words Health Briefs 34 Inspiration Masters of Bodywork 35 Community Resource Guide Conscious Eating 39 Mark Your Calendar Healthy Eats 39 Classifieds Feature Story

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Professional Pulse Each month, a credentialed expert in natural or integrative health shares clinical insights, success stories or emerging evidence from their field. Professional Pulse offers an informed and inspiring look at the positive impact of holistic approaches to health and healing. If you would like to contribute evidence-informed stories from your practice—client successes, emerging research or innovative approaches that are making a difference—please email your name, credentials, area of expertise and a brief summary of your story idea. We would love to hear from you.

Beyond Hot Flashes

Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause With Confidence

enopause is a natural stage of aging marking the end of menstrual periods, with the average woman reaching this milestone at age 51. However, the transitional phase known as perimenopause often begins years earlier—typically in a woman’s 40s and occasionally in her late 30s—lasting anywhere from four to eight years. While this physical evolution is normal, suffering through debilitating symptoms is not, and an expanding array of effective treatment options is now available. Jessica Jones, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist with Springhill Physician Practices – Women’s Health, in Mobile, emphasizes that every individual’s experience is unique. Women commonly report symptoms ranging from hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia to anxiety, depression, brain fog and persistent fatigue. Physical shifts such as low libido, vaginal dryness, joint aches and changes in body composition are also frequent.

Jones says hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause significantly affect emotional health, noting that research shows women are two to four times more likely to experience depressive symptoms during this transition. She stresses that mood changes and anxiety are common, highly treatable medical conditions that should never be ignored. According to Jones, foundational lifestyle measures offer powerful support during this stage. Engaging in regular aerobic exercise, resistance strength training and weight-bearing activities helps maintain bone density and muscle mass. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats—paired with adequate daily lean protein intake—further supports physical resilience. Good sleep hygiene, such as keeping the bedroom cool, maintaining a consistent bedtime, reducing afternoon caffeine and limiting alcohol, also helps improve rest quality.

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For targeted relief, Jones notes that menopausal hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats while improving sleep, mood, bone health and overall quality of life. For women who cannot or choose not to take hormone therapy, nonhormonal prescription alternatives—including fezolinetant, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and gabapentin—provide effective options. Additionally, over-the-counter choices like vaginal hyaluronic acid moisturizers, omega-3 fatty acids, and such herbs as turmeric, ashwagandha and black cohosh may offer relief when guided by a physician. Jones stresses that because menopause affects every woman differently, safe and personalized care is available so women do not have to suffer in silence. Jessica Jones, M.D., is an obstetrician and gynecologist with Springhill Physician Practices – Women’s Health, located at 3715 Dauphin St., Ste. 3A, in Mobile. For more information, call 251-340-7920 or visit SpringhillDocs.com.

September 2026

Local Spotlight

Supporting Brain Health Through Functional Neurology and Integrated Care Innovative noninvasive therapies offer personalized approaches to supporting cognitive and neurological health

or more than two decades, J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP, has worked in the field of brain health and neurological care. Board-certified in neurology since 2003, Brown became interested in the limitations of conventional treatment models, particularly regarding the underlying mechanics of internal physiology and systemic balance. Driven to find more sustainable approaches for complex conditions, he completed advanced fellowship training in functional medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine.

“When we look strictly through a traditional lens, we often find ourselves managing symptoms rather than addressing why the physiological breakdown occurred in the first place,” Brown says. “By combining functional medicine with functional neurology, we can identify the specific metabolic, environmental and systemic factors driving dysfunction. This allows us to create precise protocols that help restore natural balance, support healthy neural connections and give the brain the precise environment it needs to heal.”

Today, as founder of Mind Performance Center, in Foley, Brown integrates functional neurology, functional medicine and traditional neurological principles to create targeted strategies for patients dealing with difficult neurological challenges. His clinic specializes in deep transcranial magnetic stimulation—a noninvasive technology used to modulate neural activity—along with metabolic support, nutraceutical guidance and brain pathway rehabilitation.

This multifaceted approach is used to support individuals with complex conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, treatment-resistant depression, traumatic brain injuries, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and various movement disorders. Through individualized evaluations, Brown assesses everything from cognitive pathways and neurological function to systemic inflammation and nutritional status, developing noninvasive care plans tailored to each patient’s needs. “Seeing a patient regain mental clarity, improve cognitive stability or emerge from severe depression is the most rewarding aspect of this work,” Brown says. “Our core mission is to help individuals realize that a diagnosis does not have to be the end of the road. With the right combination of functional support and targeted brain therapies, it is entirely possible to restore quality of life, regain independence and achieve lasting neurological wellness.”

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Through customized, integrative approaches, Mind Performance Center provides patients across the Gulf Coast with personalized strategies for supporting cognitive health, neurological function and overall well-being.

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Mind Performance Center is located at 112 W. Section Ave., in Foley. For more information, call 251597-8787 or visit MindPerformanceCenter.com. See ad, page 4.

Gulf Coast Green Living

Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo Celebrates 10 Years

he 10th annual Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo returns September 12 and 13 to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, bringing together holistic and integrative health practitioners, wellness professionals, educators, natural product companies and local businesses for a free weekend of education, exploration and community connection. Presented by Natural Awakenings Northwest Florida, the family-friendly event offers attendees opportunities to meet local experts, sample natural products, experience wellness therapies and technologies, attend educational presentations, and explore health and wellness resources available throughout Northwest Florida.

“In a world where we increasingly turn to Google, social media and AI for answers, there’s still nothing like having a real conversation with someone who understands what you’re looking for,” says Daralyn Chase, publisher of Natural Awakenings Northwest Florida and co-founder of the expo. “Whether you’re passionate about holistic health or simply curious, this is a place to explore, ask ques-

tions, try something new and find your tribe.” The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free, all ages are welcome and door prizes will be awarded. Location: 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL. For free Fast Pass advance registration or more information, visit echhExpo. com. See ad, this page.

Tara McLellan

September 2026

Local Brief

Fabrizio Bibi Pinna

Earth’s Creations & Wellness

An Invitation to Reconnect in Sardinia

In a fast-paced world that prioritizes constant productivity, it is easy to lose touch with higher inspiration and intuition. Keep Alive Tours offers smallgroup thematic weeklong journeys for individuals looking to step away from daily routines and make space for personal reflection and higher knowledge.

Founded by Sam Pitzalis, Keep Alive Tours hosts immersive journeys across Sardinia, Italy—an island renowned for its rich natural beauty and ancient megalithic sites, including 100-plus sacred wells, roughly 7,000 stone towers and hundreds of historic giants’ tombs. Having guided more than 90 small-group theme weeks, Pitzalis crafts experiences around these historic sites to help participants foster a deeper internal connection. Thermography Advantage

“Accept this invitation to reconnect with your inner potential and your sense of the sacred,” Pitzalis says. “Through a greater balance between the rational mind, the intuitive heart and the right brain hemisphere, we can strengthen the light within ourselves and in others.” These retreat journeys bring together like-minded travelers focused on authentic personal growth, historical exploration and quiet renewal without rigid schedules or pressure. For more information, email Info@KeepAliveTours.com or visit KeepAliveTours.com. See ad, page 37.

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Global Briefs

Rare Deep-Sea Coral Habitat Discovered

While exploring the seabed of the South Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Argentina, scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute made a remarkable discovery—a rarely seen Bathelia candida coral reef covering at least .15 square miles, which included a diverse ecosystem with basket stars, crabs, octopi, fish and a giant phantom jellyfish. The researchers, who identified 28 potential new species, were surprised to see such a large amount of animals living together in deep waters where food is scarce.

The separation of substances is a crucial process for many manufacturing operations, including drug purification, textile dye treatment and food production, and it accounts for 40 to 50 percent of global industrial energy consumption. A study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society describes a new, nature-inspired technology that could reduce energy use and enhance water reuse. Polymer membranes are recognized as a cleaner alternative to existing separation methods, but they have uneven pore sizes that can change shape during industrial use. The researchers developed crystalline membranes using polyoxometalate (POM) clusters that have a naturally occurring, exactly one nanometer wide opening that does not change shape. Billions of POM clusters are arranged into a continuous membrane using chemical chains, which functions like a high-tech sieve. According to one of the study’s authors, the new technology demonstrated 10 times better performance compared to current separation technologies, while simultaneously remaining flexible, stable and scalable. If implemented in the textile industry, it would effectively remove dye molecules while allowing the water to be recycled, thereby reducing water demand and chemical waste.

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ROV SuBastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute, CC BYNC-SA 4.0

The team used a remote-operated vehicle to traverse the area, which is characterized by perpetual darkness and immense pressure. Habitats like this one appear to thrive on the organic debris, fecal pellets and dead plankton that drift from the sunlit ecosystem above. This newfound, deep sea reef lies beneath one of Argentina’s productive fishing regions, which scientists believe may be sustaining the Bathelia candida. Understanding these types of habitats can help governments, businesses and communities make informed decisions about fishing practices, deep-sea mining and ocean conservation efforts. Protecting ocean biodiversity can benefit marine food webs, which ultimately support coastal economies and food supplies.

Nature-Inspired Membranes Pave Way for Cleaner Industry

Newly discovered coral reef along the Argentine Continental Slope

Ancient DNA Reveals Koalas’ Path to Survival

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A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution revealed that koala faced a near-extinction event approximately 100,000 years ago, long before humans migrated to Australia. Using genomic analysis, researchers counted the number and rate of gene mutations within four parent-offspring trios and applied this mutation rate to 457 koala genomes. This analysis enabled scientists to trace the expansion and contraction of the koala population over thousands of years. They concluded that contemporary koalas in Eastern Australia are all descended from a single population that survived the intense glacial conditions of the late Pleistocene age. The results of the research will help scientists analyze current population changes and improve conservation strategies. Koalas are listed as endangered in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. September 2026

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A subsequent cross-sectional study published this year in the European Heart Journal further evaluated the relationship between plastic pollution and cardiovascular health. The study involved 61 participants suspected of having coronary artery disease who underwent coronary angiography—a specialized X-ray test that uses contrast dye to visualize blood flow through the arteries. The participants were categorized into three groups based on the angiography results: severe, life-threatening heart attack caused by coronary artery blockage; chronic coronary disease (CCD); and normal coronary arteries (control group). Researchers measured the concentration of MNPs in the coronary and surrounding blood of each patient. MNPs were detected more frequently, in higher concentrations and with greater diversity, in the heart attack group (84.2 percent) compared to the CCD (40 percent) and control (31.8 percent) groups. Detection of MNPs was also associated with elevated inflammatory markers. Notably, MNPs were more frequently detected in smokers and those exposed to air pollution. The co-authors of the study noted the significant impact of lifestyle choices and exposure to pollutants on heart health.

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A 2024 study in The New England Journal of Medicine involving more than 300 participants revealed a significant association between carotid artery plaque containing micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death.

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Microbiome Effects on Colorectal Cancer Risk

The Decrease in Peanut Allergies

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CRC is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and the removal of adenomas is one of the most effective prevention procedures. However, people that have undergone this measure still face an elevated risk of developing CRC. The study involved more than 700 participants—half with a history of adenoma and the other half without. Researchers observed that further research is needed to determine whether modifying the gut microbiome through diet and exercise reduces the risk of CRC.

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics looked at how the implementation of the 2015 recommendations affected the peanut allergy rate. Researchers discovered that the overall food allergy rate in children under 3 dropped to 0.93 percent between 2017 and 2020 from 1.46 percent between 2012 and 2015. This 36 percent decrease in the overall rate was driven by a 43 percent drop in peanut allergies, confirming the benefit of the 2015 public health recommendation.

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A study led by Harvard University and published in Cell Host & Microbe found that more than a decade after the removal of a precancerous mass known as an adenoma from the colon, changes in the gut microbiome and certain metabolites persist, potentially contributing to an elevated risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study also found that a poor diet and limited physical activity are more closely associated with the abundance of these CRC-related gut microbes in people with a history of adenoma compared to adenoma-free individuals, suggesting that lifestyle choices play an important role in the gut microbiome of this high-risk group.

Peanut allergies are severe, and approximately 80 percent of affected children fail to outgrow them. For decades, experts have recommended that parents avoid feeding peanut products to infants to prevent the allergy from developing. Then in 2015, a study in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that early introduction of peanut products—at between 4 and 11 months of age—significantly decreased the development of peanut allergies among children at high risk for the allergy. Following this study, early introduction of peanut products has become a standard practice to build immune tolerance.

In June, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) All of Us Research Program unveiled the world’s most extensive health database. More than 747,000 Americans from all 50 states contributed data, encompassing 535,000 complete genomes associated with 482,000 electronic health records and data from wearable technology like Fitbit. The database also includes participants’ socioeconomic information, sleep data and location-based air quality statistics. The database’s most significant advantage lies in its diverse participant pool. By contrast, the other leading health database, UK Biobank, includes genetic and other information on 500,000 participants, predominantly of white European descent.

than 1,400 peer-reviewed publications. Despite the NIH announcement, the program’s funding is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. More than 50 medical organizations have petitioned Congress to allocate new funding or risk losing what has been built.

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Largest Integrated Health Database

The NIH program began enrolling participants in 2018 with a goal of including 1 million Americans for at least 10 years to study the interplay between genes and lifestyle and environmental factors. More than 23,000 researchers have used the database and authored more September 2026

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Mind-Body Mastery and Holistic Defense

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ith more than three decades of dedicated practice, Tonya Ben Mansour offers a rare synthesis of traditional martial discipline, self-defense and holistic healing at Bella Sundries and Integrity Wellness Studio.

A second-degree black belt in IKI Krav Maga, a black belt in taekwondo and a seasoned practitioner with 30 years of wushu and sanda experience, Ben Mansour translates combat arts into transformative tools for self-discovery and resilience. As a reiki master, licensed massage therapist, yoga teacher and certified clinical fitness therapist, she integrates physical discipline with energetic healing. Ben Mansour is also the founder of the Raphael Method, a specialized rapid trauma release modality designed to support the healing power of movement and mental clarity. Through her integrative work, she empowers clients to cultivate balance, physical strength and overall well-being. Tonya Ben Mansour is the founder of Bella Sundries and Integrity Wellness Studio. For more information, call 251-631-0427 or visit IntegrityWellnessAndDefense.com. See ad on this page.

Bella Sundries

September 2026

Conscious Eating

book Nachos for Dinner: Surprising Sheet Pan Meals the Whole Family Will Love. “What I love about nachos is that you can make them with leftovers. Just open your fridge and find a combo of things,” he says. It all begins with a chip base, protein source, colorful vegetables and fiber-rich toppings such as avocado, fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh salsas, homemade slaws, pickled onions, tangy citrus splashes or fresh chiles.

Nutritious Nachos Yummy Ideas Everyone Will Love by Maya Whitman

achos are a classic favorite for fall gatherings, sports parties, game nights and cozy weekends, but traditional versions can quickly become overloaded with oversized portions, excess sodium, unhealthy fats and highly processed ingredients. To make nachos a healthier option, consider making a few simple changes that balance favorite toppings with nutrient-dense ingredients.

Traditionally, nachos are served as an appetizer, but they can easily be elevated to main meal status. Cumin-spiced mushroom and walnut vegan nachos, chicken nachos with zesty Greek yogurt crema, sheet pan sweet potatoes and black beans, or Mediterranean-based whole-grain pita chips with smashed garbanzos and feta are only a few inspiring examples.

Mouthwatering Upgrades

Dan Whalen, a lifelong enthusiast for this popular comfort food, authored the cook-

Steak or pulled pork lovers can opt for shredded leaner cuts, while seasoned, sautéed ground turkey or chicken breast serves as an excellent substitute for ground beef. Vegans can enjoy meaty textures with sautéed, crumbled tempeh or tofu. And everyone can enjoy the flavorful, hearty protein

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“It can be tempting to cover everything in cheese or really pile on the meat, but you can actually dial down these indulgent elements and add so much flavor in healthier ways,” says James Rayner, senior editorial manager

of FoodFaithFitness, an online resource for simple and healthy recipe ideas.

Whalen, also a food blogger and the founder of the online recipe hub The Food in My Beard, reminds us that switching things up doesn’t require eliminating our favorite fixings. “One secret to using indulgent toppings is to make sure everything is chopped up small,” he explains. “You always want to do this anyway, so each chip can hold a mix of all the different ingredients. Doing this with more indulgent nacho toppings allows you to use less but still feel like it is prevalent in the overall dish.”

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provided by pinto, black or red kidney beans. Rayner notes, “Whatever protein you’re going for, don’t forget to add plenty of seasoning. You can also try toasted pepitas [pumpkin seeds] or crushed almonds for added taste and texture.” Whalen suggests upgrading the chips, explaining, “Using crispy plantain chips cuts out the extra carbs and fat in traditional tortilla chips. You can even use dehydrated or baked plantains instead of fried.”

Ethnic Inspirations

Although traditionally Tex-Mex, nachos can be most exciting with creative variation. For Rayner, the use of Indian spices can tanta-

lize taste buds and broaden the possibilities. “Think generously spiced tandoori chicken with red onion, cilantro and a creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and mint,” muses the editor. He also favors the idea of a deconstructed Greek gyro with “thinly sliced lamb or beef, charred bell peppers, chopped herbs and a garlicky Greek yogurt drizzle to finish.”

apricots, plums or mangoes, or bright and spicy Middle Eastern green shatta can add an exhilarating element to any nacho dish.

Assembly Tips

Whalen embraces Italian flavors, recreating a loaded sandwich. “I use all the typical meats, and when it comes out of the oven, I add a ‘salad’ of romaine lettuce, roasted red peppers and pepperoncini.”

For optimal tortilla nachos every time, Rayner recommends briefly toasting the chips in the oven for two to three minutes to unlock nutty flavors and enhance the crunch. “After that, layer your toppings. Veggies can release a lot of moisture, so scatter your protein over your chip base first, then cheese and vegetables afterward. Repeat the layers if you want to go all out.”

Drizzling punchy sauces such as sweet yet savory Mexican chamoy made from pickled

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

KETO-GREEN NACHOS YIELD: 2 SERVINGS FOR THE QUESO

Courtesy of Dr. Anna Cabeca

1 cup raw cashews ¼ cup water 1 tsp sea salt 1½ Tbsp lemon juice 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast ½ tsp turmeric 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies FOR THE NACHOS 1 large zucchini, sliced into round “chips” 2 Tbsp avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil ½ cup bell pepper (any color), chopped 8 oz cooked chicken, shredded 2-3 Tbsp fresh or jarred tomato salsa 1 cup greens of choice, chopped ½ cucumber, chopped 1 vine-ripe tomato, chopped ½ cup guacamole To prepare the queso, place cashews in a small saucepan and cover with water. Heat to boiling. Remove from heat and cover the pot. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then drain and place in a blender. Add ¼ cup water, sea salt, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, turmeric and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Blend until smooth. Store in a jar in the refrigerator, reserving ½ cup for the nachos.

To prepare and assemble the nachos, heat the avocado oil on medium heat in a medium skillet. Add the chopped bell pepper and sauté until it begins to soften. Stir in the shredded chicken and salsa. Cook and stir until heated. Place the mixture in a bowl and keep warm. Heat the zucchini rounds in the skillet until tender. Divide the zucchini between two plates and top it with the chicken, bell pepper and salsa mixture. Heat ½ cup of the queso; stir and spoon it over the “nachos”. Top with chopped greens, cucumbers, tomatoes and guacamole. Note: For variation, use ground beef or tempeh seasoned with taco seasoning; add different combinations of greens and other vegetables; or add nondairy sour cream. Recipe courtesy of Dr. Anna Cabeca. September 2026

Courtesy of FoodFaithFitness

Conscious Eating

CHICKEN NACHOS A cheesy classic gets a makeover with protein-packed shredded chicken.

2 avocados, diced 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional) ⅓ cup green onions, sliced ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped ⅓ cup nonfat Greek yogurt (for serving) Salsa (for serving) Preheat the oven to 350° F. If using frozen corn, thaw it. Arrange half of the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the shredded chicken, black beans, corn and cheese over the chips. Add another layer of chips and top with the remaining chicken, black beans, corn and cheese.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen 10 oz baked tortilla chips (about 8 cups) 2¼ cups cooked, shredded chicken breast 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 1¾ cups shredded, reduced-fat cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese 1 tomato, diced

Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeño slices, green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately with nonfat Greek yogurt and salsa on the side. Recipe courtesy of FoodFaithFitness.

Courtesy of FoodFaithFitness

¼ cup green onion, diced 1 large avocado, diced Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

MEXICAN MINI BELL PEPPER NACHOS Satisfy nacho cravings without the chips. YIELD: 6 SERVINGS ½ lb lean ground beef 26 mini bell peppers 6 Tbsp salsa 1 cup shredded, reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, packed (4 oz) ½ cup tomato, diced 16

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

Preheat oven to 400° F. Heat a medium pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until no longer pink inside. Cut the stem off each pepper and cut in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and white flesh. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange the peppers on it, cut sides up. Stir the salsa into the cooked beef and fill the peppers with the beef mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle on the tomato, green onion, avocado and cilantro. Serve immediately. Recipe courtesy of FoodFaithFitness.

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Courtesy of Dan Whalen

fairhope health

PLANTAIN NACHOS YIELD: 4 DINNER SERVINGS OR 8 APPETIZERS 1 12-oz bag plantain strips (about 80 strips) 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese 1½ cups carnitas 1 cup cooked black beans (homemade or from a can) 1½ cup shredded Chihuahua cheese ½ cup lime crema ¼ cup Habanero hot sauce 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced 1 lime, quartered and sliced into small wedges Preheat the broiler to low with a rack about 4 inches from the heat. Arrange the plantain chips evenly on a sheet pan, overlapping them as little as possible. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on the chips, distributing it evenly. Add the carnitas, then the beans and top with the Chihuahua cheese. Broil until the cheese has melted and the chips are starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. (Watch carefully to make sure they don’t burn.) Remove from the oven. Drizzle the crema and hot sauce on the nachos and top with the avocado and lime. Serve hot. Recipe courtesy of Dan Whalen. September 2026

Healthy Eats Guide

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Bon Appétit! A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets

BALDWIN COUNTY BB'S HEALTH FOODS Personalized guidance through living right for your blood type. 8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL BBsHealthFoods.com COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET Experience the bounty of Baldwin County. 781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, AL CoastalAlabamaMarket.com CROOKED CARROT FARMS Delivering to Mobile & Baldwin Counties, the purest organically grown microgreens and other superfoods. Fresh, local and delivered to your doorstep. 251-656-4117 • Crooked-Carrot.com FIA FARMS & CSA Your local produce box subscription. Enjoy better food with less effort. 850-943-0033 • Contact@FiaFarms.com FiaFarms.CSAWare.com/store MCKENZIE FARM MARKET Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community. 17558A S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL McKenzieFarmMarket.com OHANA POKE Featuring fresh, delicious Hawaiian-style, custom-made poke bowls. Eat in or carry out. 561 Fairhope Ave., Ste. 102, Fairhope, AL 251-517-7760 • OPFairhope.com 18

OX KITCHEN Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL 251-517-7760 • TheOxKitchen.com

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS 2026 Nappie Best Health Food Store. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

PRESS & CO. Eastern Shores newest organic café. Breakfast. Lunch. Juice. Smoothies. Coffee. 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST

SUNFLOWER CAFÉ FAIRHOPE Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center FairhopeHealthFoods.com THE HAPPY OLIVE Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave., Fairhope, AL HappyOlive4.com

MOBILE COUNTY

TIKI FOOD LAB & SUIS GENERIS RESTAURANT Exotic food experiences including fermentation processes, healthy living classes, farm tours and private parties. 5167 Florida Blvd., Pearlington, MS 3219 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 504-338-2986 • TikiFoodLab.com

Do you offer whole foods, locally sourced, vegan, gluten-free or all-natural ingredients?

GRAZE CRAZE CHARCUTERIE Artful Displays, Beautiful Boards & Boxes, Stress-Free & Delivered to your door! 2104 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 251-408-9551 • GrazeCraze.com

Be a part of our Mobile/ Baldwin County or Mississippi HEALTHY EATS GUIDE

SUNFLOWER CAFÉ MOBILE Loved for its healthy, delicious offerings, featuring daily specials. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Call/text 251-990-9552 or email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com

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Your September guide to local healthy food on the Gulf Coast

Reconnecting to Local Roots Through Seasonal Nourishment

rue wellness begins with the quality of the food used to fuel the body every day. Fia Farms & CSA connects households across Northwest Florida and South Alabama with a network of local and regional growers, providing fresh, seasonal produce, farm-fresh eggs and artisan sourdough to members through home delivery and community pickup locations. Rather than operating as a single farm, Fia Farms collaborates with multiple regional farmers utilizing natural and regenerative agri-

cultural practices. This cooperative approach supports local agriculture while providing members with a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables and herbs that naturally change throughout the year. “I think we’ve become incredibly disconnected from the fact that nutrition starts long before food reaches our plate,” says Cetacea Ware, owner of Fia Farms. “It starts with the soil, the way something is grown, when it’s harvested and the people responsible for growing it.”

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By aligning with the natural agricultural cycles of the Gulf Coast, Fia Farms observes a planned summer pause during the intense heat of July, August and September. Deliveries resume in October with rich fall harvests. Fia Farms is utilizing this seasonal pause to expand partner farm relationships and update FiaFarms.com, adding detailed information about member farms to ensure complete sourcing transparency.

To list your healthy market, restaurant or cooking event/class, email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com.

When deliveries resume in October, Fia Farms will deliver to Baldwin County on Wednesdays, Northwest Florida on Thursdays and Mobile on Fridays. In addition to offering convenient home delivery, Fia Farms will have community pickup locations available. For more information, call 850-943-0033, email Contact@FiaFarms. com or visit FiaFarms.com. See ad, page 18.

For an online list of local healthy food sources, visit NAGulfCoast.com/category/conscious-eating.

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Feature Story

Introduction to Somatic Therapies Reconnecting Mind and Body in an Overstimulated World by Sheldon C. Baker

e are often told to “just breathe” when we feel distressed, overreactive, overstimulated, hyper-vigilant, exhausted or digitally overloaded. Stress is a common consequence of modern life, and sometimes, a few deep breaths can provide relief. However, when stress becomes ever-present and deep-seated, we may need a bit more help to release the tension in our muscles and to lower our heightened blood pressure out of fight-flight-or-freeze mode.

Noticing the Body’s Messages

“Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your thoughts. It changes your biology,” explains Daniel Amen, M.D., a double board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist and author of multiple national bestsellers, including Change Your Brain, Change Your Pain: Breaking the Doom Loop to Heal Chronic

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Somatic healing practices can provide a reset through movement and body awareness. According to Gina Nick, Ph.D., a naturopathic physician with 25 years of experience and an integrative medical practice in Los Angeles, “Somatic therapies are designed to ad-

dress physical tension and release the stored emotions and stressors housed in the body.” These practices—which can be performed at home or with the help of a professional— forge a healthy, fluent connection between the mind and body by creating heightened self-awareness and boosting recovery and resilience. The result is sustained calmness and an improved ability to achieve serenity, focus and cognitive clarity.

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Physical and Emotional Pain. “When stress hormones stay elevated for too long, they increase muscle tension, fire up inflammation and contribute to chronic pain. They also disrupt sleep, impair digestion and can even reduce blood flow to the brain, making you feel anxious, exhausted or mentally foggy.” Somatic therapy relies on interoception— awareness of body sensations—to identify and release stress and trauma. These sensations originate from the autonomic nervous system, which governs involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion. Examples of negative body sensations include clenching muscles, racing pulse, stomach churning, temperature fluctuations, tightness around the chest and tingling. Steven Bradshaw, a psychologist, somatic experiencing practitioner and founder of Beyond Psychology Center, in Los Angeles, explains that the autonomic nervous system features two sub-systems that regulate safety: the sympathetic nervous system that mobilizes the body for action in dangerous situations and the parasympathetic nervous system to promote calmness and recovery. Chronic stress or trauma can get stuck in the sympathetic nervous system, causing a state of constant alertness. “The body is safety for the mind,” he remarks. “I use a mind-body approach that engages your inner healer to move from states of anxiety, burnout, disconnection and pain into states of goodness, flow and a deep sense of belonging in your own body.”

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e Healing Arts

Aimie Apigian, M.D., MS, MPH, founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated and author of The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It explains, “Somatic therapies are body-based approaches that work at the level of sensation. Sometimes that means creating a sensation of safety in the body, and sometimes it means creating the sensation of overcoming a moment of powerlessness from the past, often through movement, by finally doing the self-defense movement you were not able to do when the real event happened. The benefit is that we uncouple a sensation from the meaning of danger it got paired with. That can be an internal sensation, like the twisting of your gut, or an external one, like a particular sight or smell. The sensation stops automatically signaling danger, and the body gets to learn a new response rather than only understanding the old one.” Fairhope Organic School

Mind-Body Practices

“As anyone who has ever danced knows, our feelings can be more readily accessed through movement and getting in touch with our body’s sensations, which is what somatic therapy does,” says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., a board-certified internist specializing in chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, sleep and pain, as well as the author of several books, including Pain Relief in 4 Simple Steps: Eliminating the Root Causes of Chronic Pain. While conventional talk therapy focuses on using the rational mind to release embedded stress, daily body-awareness activities can help people learn to process their tension while building emotional resilience. Amen recommends starting with basic practices, including slow diaphragmatic breathing, daily body movements, good quality sleep and time spent in nature. One of his favorite calming strategies is the butterfly hug to soothe the brain and body. “Simply place your hands on your opposite shoulders and gently stroke them downward,” he explains. Other self-somatic therapies can calm the body and mind, creating a sense of safety, which quiets racing thoughts and brightens the person’s outlook. “The aim of a daily practice is to create a sensation of internal safety or a felt sense of support in the body,” Apigian counsels.

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Guided Therapies

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Four-Count Breath: An excellent tension reliever and mental refresh, the four-count breath can be performed anywhere at any time. Inhale fully while counting to four, hold for four, exhale for four and pause for four. Repeat up to five times. Body Scan: This exercise is all about interoception and is done by noticing sensations from head to toe while sitting or lying down comfortably. Full-Body Shake: Standing up and shaking arms, legs and shoulders for 30 seconds not only loosen limbs but also relieves pent-up stress. Rolling the head in a circular motion can also release knotted tension at the base of the neck. Humming: The vibrations from humming (either a tune or single note like an “Om”) physically calms the vagus nerve, which bidirectionally carries information via electrical and chemical messages to and from the brain. A 2023 study published in the medical journal Cureus involving 23 participants revealed that humming significantly lowered stress biomarkers compared to physical activity and sleep, with positive impacts on the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce the fight-or-flight response.

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases physical tension to enhance relaxation. It focuses on the skull, spine and craniosacral system, which includes the cerebrospinal fluid, fascia and soft tissues surrounding the central nervous system. A 2023 study published in Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) involving male firefighter cadets found that five weekly sessions of craniosacral therapy significantly reduced cortisol levels, a primary stress hormone. Rolfing somatic movement is a touch-based technique designed to unblock or release protective posture patterns such as shrugged shoulders, bent postures and clenched jawlines from unresolved stress, anxiety and trauma. According to the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, Rolfing resets the body’s stress response by releasing restrictions in the fascia—the connective tissue network that surrounds, separates and holds together the body’s muscles, bones, organs, blood vessels and nerve fibers. Trauma-sensitive yoga or trauma-informed yoga is designed to cultivate a compassionate awareness of what is happening in the body in the present moment and to develop the ability to take effective action based on that knowledge. It empowers individuals to reconnect with their bodies in a safe, non-judgmental environment and regulate the nervous system. A 2018 qualitative analysis published in International Journal of Stress Management identified key emotional themes that emerged from engaging in trauma-sensitive yoga, including gratitude, compassion, relatedness, acceptance, centeredness and empowerment. Somatic experiencing is a specialized therapy designed to retrain the nervous system by processing trauma in small, manageable sessions. Instead of focusing on the story of the trauma, the therapist guides the client to notice physical sensations, while providing a feeling of safety and well-being. This treatment approach releases vestigial negativity and creates a new, intuitive, more deeply selfaware and empowered way of sustaining emotional well-being. A

Mindful Movement: Moving with intention and body awareness can deepen in-the-moment joy and appreciation while also reducing anxiety, releasing tension and improving mood. Start with deep breathing, then turn attention inward for a head-to-toe body check while moving. This can be practiced while washing the dishes or participating in a fitness class. Guided Imagery: A technique that can be performed alone or with a therapist, guided imagery utilizes breathwork and meditation while envisioning an object or scene, using all of the senses. Capitalizing on the mind-body connection, multi-sensory visualization reduces stress and relaxes muscles. 22

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Long-term, somatic therapies with the help of expert practitioners can result in creating healthier habitual emotional patterns, which contribute to repairing mood imbalance and creating sustained well-being.

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2021 literature review published in European Journal of Psychotraumatology reported that somatic experiencing positively impacts symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder, notably reducing affective and somatic complaints while improving overall well-being.

Eye-Movement Therapies

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) centers on moving the eyes in a specific manner while being guided to process traumatic or stressful memories, which are stored differently than normal or happy ones. Reprocessing helps to repair mind injury caused by the traumatic event.

Brainspotting (BSP), a newer neuro-based therapy, uses eye position or “brainspots” to access and release unresolved emotional energy stored in the limbic system and subcortical region of the brain. Compared to EMDR, BSP is more somatic and intuitive. In a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, just one 40-minute session of EMDR or BSP was found to have beneficial effects in processing distressing memories.

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Finding Relief and Resolution

“Somatic therapies recognize that many emotional and physical symptoms are protective responses rather than a mental disorder, weakness or failure,” says Annie Wright, a licensed psychotherapist and relational trauma specialist. Acknowledging and observing our discomfort paves the way for a healing conversation with ourselves. Sheldon C. Baker is a contributing editor to numerous health, wellness and lifestyle publications.

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September 2026

Healing Ways

Healing Harmonies

These therapies are practiced either by themselves or alongside complementary wellness modalities such as meditation, breathwork, massage and yoga, helping practitioners quiet mental overstimulation and encourage deeper states of rest and presence.

How Sound Therapy Supports Modern Wellness by Zak Logan

s stress, anxiety, burnout and sleep struggles rise, many people are searching for wellness approaches that feel calming, accessible and noninvasive. According to Metatech Insights, the sound therapy market is expected to grow 9.5 percent over the next decade. A number of these types of sessions are rapidly moving from niche wellness spaces into mainstream health culture, supporting relaxation, nervous system regulation, mindfulness and emotional balance through vibration, rhythm and tone. The sound healing field includes vibroacoustic therapy, which employs specialized tables and chairs to gently send sound waves through the body. Sound baths are deeply immersive, meditative sessions involving Tibetan or crystal singing bowls, chimes, gongs and tuning forks, as well as sessions with percussive instruments like hand drums, rattles and melodic tongue drums. Other instruments like the didgeridoo and vocal toning—using the human voice—are also effective for some in turning off the chronic flight-fight-or-freeze stress response. A modality known as binaural beats uses stereo headphones to provide two different sound frequencies, one in each ear. As these two tones are processed by the brain, they align to create a perceived third frequency, which is believed to promote relaxation, focus or sleep.

According to a 2025 article from the University of California, Los Angeles, “Research on the benefits of sound therapy is inconclusive, but growing.” There are a number of studies that seek to determine which sound frequencies are most effective, how much sound therapy is needed to gain benefits and which individuals are the best candidates for this treatment. A 2016 observational study in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine reported that singing bowl meditations increased feelings of relaxation and spiritual well-being while significantly reducing stress, depression, anxiety and anger. The researchers also found significant reductions in physical pain and tension among 40- to 50-year-olds. Because of its positive impact on the central nervous system, sound healing therapy is being used in addiction recovery and post-traumatic stress disorder, reducing relapse triggers and hyperarousal. By boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in response to certain frequencies, participants find it easier to feel, express and release suppressed emotions.

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Energy Affects Energy

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“Sound therapy is the intentional use of sound, vibration and frequency to support relaxation, self-awareness and the overall well-being of body, mind and soul,” explains sound therapist Anthony Profeta, in Vero Beach, Florida, who offers sound bath sessions to private clients and also serves as part of an integrative medical team at the Cleveland Clinic. “Physicians use sound waves therapeutically in procedures like lithotripsy to break up kidney or gallbladder stones. Many healing traditions believe that

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a sound bath operates on the same fundamental principle, working with subtler forms of stuck energy held in the meridians, nadis [in traditional Indian medicine] and other energy centers of the body.” Profeta adds that this physical contact with sound stimulates the vagus nerve—the longest nerve in the body and primary regulator of the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows respiration, decreases heart rate and increases heart rate variability, shifting the body out of stress and into genuine relaxation. Guy Yair Beider, a New York City-based sound healing practitioner, educator and founder of Sound Medicine Academy, emphasizes the zero-effort component of the modality. “In a wellness culture that has, ironically, become exhausting in its own right—with protocols, optimization and self-improvement that starts to feel like another job—sound healing offers something genuinely rare: permission to do nothing and still receive something real.”

Beider believes that the effects of a sound bath or other types of sound therapy can be profound because they cut through our constant mental chatter. “Many of us are extremely skilled at thinking about our feelings without ever actually feeling them. Because sound healing offers nothing to analyze, that loop gets interrupted and whatever has been held beneath the surface often finds room to move,” he points out, encouraging participants to move slowly after a session, drink water and give themselves a few minutes before re-entering the pace of the day. For those new to sound therapy, Profeta recommends a low commitment, 30- to 60-minute sound bath as an introduction, asserting, “Longer is not necessarily better. After about 45 minutes, especially when participants are lying on a thin yoga mat on a hard floor, restlessness tends to increase and those positive effects begin to reverse. The quality of the sound experience matters more than duration,” he says. “Approach sound with curiosity rather than expectation. Sometimes the deepest benefit arrives very quietly: for a few moments, you become still enough to hear yourself again.” Zak Logan is a freelance writer dedicated to holistic healing and getting back to basics. enrG Wellness

Tips for Beginning

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Based on experience, Profeta underscores, “Too great a variety of instruments can actually reduce the therapeutic effect.” We all experience sound differently, he explains. Some feel deeply relaxed, while others notice physical sensations, vivid imagery, vibrant colors, emotional release or a sense of timelessness.

September 2026

ing, air conditioning and security systems. When paired with solar, the system can provide indefinite backup power, assuming solar is available to recharge the battery.

Green Living

Home Energy Resilience Smarter Ways To Prepare for Outages and Rising Costs by Zak Logan

aving backup options in place for unexpected power outages, severe weather events and grid vulnerabilities ensures that life can go on during emergencies without relying on fossil fuel-based systems. According to Environment America, approximately 5 million U.S. households are powered by solar energy and more than 295,000 Americans rely on backup battery systems that store solar energy from their rooftops for use during power outages.

Home Integrated Systems

According to Marriele Mango, senior project director at the national nonprofit Clean Energy Group, a whole-home battery solution such as a Tesla Powerwall can back up an entire home for hours or longer. It stores electricity derived from utility power or solar panels and kicks in during a grid outage to power essential appliances such as the refrigerator, well pump, internet router, light-

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As storms, grid strain, rising utility costs and unpredictable outages become more common, many homeowners are rethinking what energy security means to them. Even those that are not ready to fully commit to rooftop systems are looking for more sustainable and safer options than

gasoline-powered generators. An emerging market includes battery-powered home backup systems, as well as portable, solar-powered generators that can keep essentials like refrigerators, medical devices, lights and internet routers running. These smarter strategies are transforming the idea of preparedness into independence.

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“We’re finding that battery storage systems have a useful life well beyond the typical 10-year warranty, with newer models able to charge and discharge much more frequently than older models,” Mango explains. “The shift from nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is not only more affordable, but also has a longer useful life. It is also a safer chemistry, as it is more resistant to overheating. Where available, a battery can actually generate income for a homeowner during clear sky days, unlike a gas generator, which solely exists to provide backup power.” “Battery technology has advanced significantly,” says Lesley McCain, executive director of the Illinois Solar Energy & Storage Association. “Today’s systems store more electricity, take up less space and can last well over a decade with normal use. Many are managed through smartphone apps that let homeowners monitor energy production, battery levels and household usage in real time.”

Portable Solutions

Portable power stations are different from generators in several ways. They do not use combustion engines to create power, so they are completely silent and produce zero harmful emissions. These compact, rechargeable battery units provide electricity on demand and on the go, making them ideal for both outdoor and indoor use such as camping, tailgating, off-grid living or emergency home backup during outages. Because they are standalone plug-and-play systems, rather than permanent home infrastructure, they do not need county permits, inspections or utility agreements. Different sizes and capacities are available. Smaller portable units can power smartphones, tablets and LED lights. Mid-sized stations are best for laptops, mini refrigerators, fans, internet routers and small medical devices. Larger units, designed for home backup, RV trips or longer off-grid use, are

ideal for powering TVs, small kitchen appliances such as coffeemakers and blenders, or even power tools.

Inner Balance

“Some permissionless plug-in batteries can be charged by smaller solar arrays, even just one or two panels, rather than an entire rooftop,” Mango points out. “Pairing a plug-in battery with even a small solar array could greatly extend the duration of backup power available.”

Getting Started

McCain advises homeowners to understand their average electricity usage, how much backup power they actually need and whether their roof is suitable for solar before purchasing a solar and battery system. Her best tip is to obtain multiple quotes from certified installers and ask for a comprehensive, easy-to-understand estimate of energy production, expected savings, warranty coverage and how the battery will perform during an outage. “Here in Illinois, many residents begin by subscribing to a community solar program, which allows them to receive credits on their electric bill from a nearby solar farm without installing panels on their home,” McCain suggests. “When they’re ready, they can explore adding rooftop solar and battery storage,” she explains.

For renters, portable solar panels like the Renogy 200-watt foldable solar panel are an entry-level apartment backup. In addition, renters may be able to sign up for a community solar program or a community choice aggregation program that allows local governments to procure greener power from an alternative supplier on behalf of their residents.

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Mango notes, “Subscription community solar models help with reducing utility bills without the need to invest in an individual solar-plus-storage system. However, that also means there are no household resilience benefits. In other words, community solar won’t keep your lights on in the event of an outage.”

Zak Logan is a freelance writer dedicated to holistic health and getting back to basics. September 2026

Homeopathy

Homeopathy Under the Microscope An Evidence-Based Look at a Controversial Therapy by Athena Eamon

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Reviewed by Lauri Grossman, DC, CCH, RSHom(NA)

o evaluate evidence-based research for a health treatment, it is important to comprehend the research methodology, study design, included and excluded evidence, and the potential existence of bias in the study’s design, execution or funding. This understanding is essential before drawing any conclusions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evaluating the efficacy of medical treatments with minimal bias and determining if an intervention surpasses placebo effects. However, individualized homeopathy poses unique methodological challenges that differ 28

from testing a standardized pharmaceutical drug. Unlike conventional RCT drug trials, where all participants with the same diagnosis typically receive the same medication and dose and are evaluated uniformly over specified time periods, classical homeopathy is tailored to the individual patient rather than the disease diagnosis. Two patients with migraines, seasonal allergies or arthritis may receive different remedies based on their physical symptoms, emotional state, sleep patterns, food cravings, environmental sensitivities, personality traits and constitution. As a result, researchers designing

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and conducting homeopathy trials face the following challenges that hinder the use of testing models developed for single pharmaceutical compounds: • Participants with the same diagnosis often receive different remedies, making it difficult to standardize interventions across a trial. • Homeopaths frequently adjust remedies as symptoms evolve, whereas conventional RCTs require treatments to remain fixed throughout the study. • Homeopathic care includes lengthy consultations, individualized assessments,

follow-up visits and therapeutic relationships that may independently contribute to outcomes beyond the remedy itself.

conditions and post-surgical recovery, but the certainty of evidence remains low to moderate due to study limitations.

• Patients may seek improvements in well-being, energy, resilience or quality of life in addition to symptom relief, yet clinical trials measure only disease-specific endpoints.

The Scientific Debate Extends Beyond Clinical Trials

What Clinical Studies Demonstrate

Many studies on homeopathy exist, but their quality differs greatly. Some treatments, such as Arnica montana for pain management, show more promising evidence than others. Systematic reviews, which are toptier research tools that compile, evaluate and synthesize empirical studies, find the evidence on homeopathy inconclusive due to issues like small sample sizes, inconsistent study designs, varying prescribing methods, difficulty blinding individualized treatments, publication bias and poor methodologies. These limitations prevent the determination of whether benefits are due to specific homeopathic effects, nonspecific therapeutic effects, placebo responses or a combination of all three.

Some Reviews Reach Divergent Conclusions

Systematic reviews can reach different conclusions due to varying inclusion criteria. One review might include all studies regardless of quality, while another might focus only on larger trials or low-riskof-bias studies. These design differences affect the conclusions. For example, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council found no reliable evidence supporting homeopathy for any health condition after analyzing only studies with strict methodological criteria. By contrast, a meta-analysis conducted by the University of Bern in Germany specifically focused on individualized homeopathy. The analysis concluded that statistically significant effects may exist for treating conditions such as childhood diarrhea, respiratory

Perhaps the greatest controversy about homeopathy pertains to its mechanism rather than its clinical outcomes. Many homeopathic medicines are diluted beyond Avogadro’s limit, leaving no measurable molecules of the original substance. Conventional chemistry and pharmacology struggle to explain how these highly diluted remedies could produce biological effects. Homeopathy researchers argue that these findings, along with advances in understanding complex biological systems, justify further investigation into mechanisms involving nanostructures, water organization, electromagnetic signaling and other physical processes that are not yet fully understood.

A Growing Consensus for More Research Arises

Scientists on both sides of the homeopathy debate agree that future research must combine the methodological rigor of randomized trials with study designs that more accurately reflect clinical practice. This requires larger sample sizes, transparent

reporting, standardized outcome measures, longer follow-up periods and independent replication across multiple research centers. Additionally, homeopathy study designs should better align the research methodology with the intervention being studied without sacrificing scientific rigor. The goal is to maintain the standard for evidence while formulating research questions that accurately represent the personalized nature of homeopathy practice. This approach will yield clearer insights into where homeopathy offers meaningful benefits, where it falls short and how it can best contribute to evidence-informed, patient-centered integrative healthcare. Athena Eamon is a researcher and parent with nearly two decades of experience studying and using homeopathy, integrative health and whole-person wellness. Dr. Lauri Grossman has more than 30 years of experience as an integrative care expert, chiropractor, classical homeopath and global educator. Underwritten by Grato Health, in operation since 1987, dedicated to advancing health and wellness through natural, holistic solutions that support the body’s ability to heal.

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A vibrant weekend of talks, socializing and delicious food SPEAKERS: Josh and Adam Bigelsen, Del Bigtree, Natasha Campbell-McBride, Laura Delano, Ben Edwards, Catherine Austin Fitts, Chris Knobbe, Joseph Ladapo, Thomas Massie, Sally Fallon Morell, Thaddeus Owen, Toby Rogers, Joel Salatin and many others! Volunteer Opportunities • Children’s Program • Saturday Night Banquet Special Rates for 13-20 Year Olds • Continuing Education Units • Farm Tour

3 Days with 5 Meals: $500 wisetraditions.org (703) 820-3333 $50 off registration Sept 1-18. Use code: NA September 2026

Fit Body

Functional Yoga for Everyday Mobility Simple Poses for Real-Life Strength and Stability by Marlaina Donato

oga is often regarded as a practice reserved for the ultra-flexible, deeply spiritual or highly athletic—but at its core, it can simply be a practical tool for helping the body move and feel better. Individuals with compromised mobility can greatly benefit from intentional movements that incorporate stretching, balance and breath awareness. Rather than focusing on achieving perfect poses or extreme flexibility, functional yoga emphasizes sustainable movement patterns that improve joint health, posture, stability and body awareness.

most powerful things a person can do to stay functional and pain-free at any age. It gives us a daily opportunity to counter all the sitting, screen time and repetitive patterns that compress the body over time. The body is remarkably intelligent. Yoga helps us get out of its way and meets you where you are.”

Yoga-inspired movements can reduce stiffness, support recovery, improve balance and help prevent injury—regardless of age, fitness level or experience. The goal is not performance or perfection; it is about maintaining freedom of movement and helping the body function more comfortably in daily activities such as walking, lifting, reaching, driving, cleaning and gardening.

Noting that non-demanding yoga postures like Tree Pose and Mountain Pose encourage ankle, hip and core stability over time, Senesi points out, “We’re lengthening tissues under load and teaching the body to own the space it’s moving into. As we age, this becomes critical.”

Non-Demanding Postures

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Tim Senesi, a Southern California yoga instructor who offers instructional videos for beginners on his Yoga With Tim YouTube channel, says, “Loss of mobility is one of the primary drivers of injury and physical decline later in life. A consistent yoga practice is one of the

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For beginners, he recommends less intensive types of yoga such as hatha or vinyasa slow flow. “Aim for consistency over intensity, and don’t underestimate short sessions,” he counsels. “Ten to 20 minutes done consistently every day will take you further than a long class once a week. The nervous system learns through repetition, not duration, and short, frequent practice is where real change happens.” Senesi recommends the following poses, adding that notable mobility improvements are possible within two to three weeks of consistent practice: Cat-Cow for spinal mobility and low-back health: On hands and knees, inhale as the belly drops and chest lifts, then exhale as the spine rounds up. Let the breath lead the movement.

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personalized attention. “Most importantly, I support learning to work with how your body is now, not how you think it should be,” she says. Here are a few moves in her arsenal; aim for 10 to 20 repetitions per side:

Low Lunge to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting by opening the hip flexors: Step one foot forward, lower the back knee to the floor and breathe. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds per side. Reclined Supine Twist to improve rotational mobility: Lying on the back, draw one knee to the chest and guide it across the body. Hold each side at least 60 seconds. Legs Up the Wall for recovery, improved circulation and calming of the nervous system: Sit sideways as close to a wall as possible before lying down and extending the legs vertically against the wall. Rest in this position for five to 10 minutes.

Living Room Yoga

Tamantha Yanders, a yoga instructor and owner of Living Room Yoga, in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, notes that poor posture is a learned habit, suggesting that rounded shoulders, forward head positions and tight hips can improve with yoga-inspired routines. “Every time you access a joint with movement, you are lubricating the mechanism and supporting mobility,” she notes, adding that even individuals that are not very flexible can benefit from such movements. As a starting point for those with limited mobility, Yanders recommends a gentle or chair yoga class, or even a few private classes for

Side Bends: Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and place hands on the hips. Slowly bend the upper body to the right, return to the center and then bend the upper body to the left. Focus on lengthening the spine on each inhale and deepening the stretch on each exhale. Seated Ankle on Thigh: Sit straight up in a chair, lift one ankle and place it on the opposite thigh. Use one hand to gently press down on the knee of the crossed leg to open the hip. Then cup the crossed knee with the opposite hand and draw it across the body toward the opposite shoulder to stretch the gluteus muscle. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds while breathing normally. Head Twist: Gently and slowly turn the head over each shoulder to release neck tension, keeping eyes level. Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

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How Healing Works October

Rooted in Gratitude

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November

Living Generously December

September 2026

Wise Words

Mindful Interdependence A Conversation With Jeremy David Engels by Sandra Yeyati

eremy David Engels is a liberal arts endowed professor of communication arts and sciences at Penn State University, co-founder of Yoga Lab and a mindfulness and yoga teacher. He has authored six books, including his latest two published this year: On Mindful Democracy: A Declaration of Interdependence to Mend a Fractured World and Living Namaste: A Practical Guide to Mindfulness, Yoga, and Building Community. Engels holds a master’s degree (2003) and doctorate (2006) in rhetoric from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has also studied Sanskrit, yoga philosophy, pranayama (breathing techniques) and

chanting at the prestigious Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. After a pilgrimage to India and Nepal in 2018, following the Buddha’s footsteps, he became a devoted student of mindfulness meditation as taught by Zen master and peace activist Thích Nhất Hạnh. He was certified to teach mindfulness after completing an intensive, two-year training program under Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.

is inherent and influenced by my environment, deeply ingrained in my personality. In high school, I first encountered the works of Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Tolstoy and Thoreau’s writings on civil disobedience and nonviolence. These books spoke to my soul and became a part of who I am. I identify as a peacemaker and relationship builder.

Why did you aspire to be a teacher and peace advocate as a child, and how did you uphold those ideals into adulthood?

My Ph.D. is in rhetoric, which focuses on the power of language to build and break worlds, bring people together and push them apart, incite wars and foster peace. My classes reflect this focus. I teach communication ethics, looking at how people can communicate better to build stronger communities and healthier relationships. I teach a big lecture class on propaganda, exploring how we are manipulated and how to resist it. And, I teach classes on how to deliberate, debate or argue without devolving into a fight.

I grew up surrounded by shouting and naturally became the peacemaker. This trait

What subjects do you teach at Penn State?

Courtesy of Jeremy David Engels

How do you incorporate mindfulness in your college classes?

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Historical writings by the founders of the United States assumed citizens were capable of paying attention without distraction. We can’t make that assumption anymore, given our current world of distractions. Mindfulness is a wonderful practice for this. Everything I teach is better absorbed when students have mindfulness skills.

What do you propose in your book, Living Namaste?

One word I like is “friends”. It’s an invitation to a certain kind of relationship. Instead of preparing for battle, perhaps we should be getting ready for a conversation.

Courtesy of Jeremy David Engels

How can we become more interconnected when our society seems to keep us distracted and divided?

We often say “namaste” to each other at the end of yoga practice, but for me, it doesn’t mark an end but rather a moment of continuation, when we take the practice from the mat into the world. Namaste means, “I bow to you. I honor you. I recognize you. I honor the dignity of you.” Over time, it has become associated with bowing or honoring the divine in someone else. The philosophy of namaste is that every time you say hello to someone, you acknowledge their dignity, worth, beauty and miraculousness, even when you disagree on fundamental things. Our relationships transform when we are willing to meet people on that common ground of shared divinity.

We have never been more connected to news and information in the history of the world. Social media gives us access to more people than ever before, but we feel lonelier because those are not genuine relationships. Real relationships with embodied human beings make life worth living and nourish the spirit. A key motivation behind my books is to encourage people to open up to others and recognize our deep interdependence.

What do you mean by interdependence?

Interdependence is an insight, not just a concept to understand intellectually. It’s something you have to feel in your body. Meditation is one path to this understanding, but not the only one. Many religions, science, theoretical physics and ecology all teach interdependence. A forest exemplifies it. It’s not just that we have to collaborate with people we may have written off, dislike

or rarely consider. It’s that we are already working together in unseen ways. Think about prescription medication: from research and development to your medicine cabinet, it’s staggering to think about the countless individuals that have touched that pill or shot—scientists, medicine developers, trial participants, ingredient harvesters and assemblers, plant operators, label designers, bottle makers, shipping workers, truck drivers and pharmacists. That’s interdependence. I hope my work helps to awaken people to our inherent connection. Imagine how much stronger we would be if we acknowledged this interdependence and actively devoted our attention and energy to building things together. There is such profound untapped power in the human species. Even little bits of awakening to this power will go a long way. Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings. To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL.com/EngelsWW or scan the QR code.

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As a rhetorician, in the spirit of namaste, which words should we use more frequently and which should we reduce?

My next book will include a chapter on the mindfulness of words and noticing how often we bring violent words into everyday conversations. We talk about fighting this or fighting that, going to war, having a battle. We need to become more conscious of this because describing our relationships with others as a war increases the likelihood of those relationships becoming combative. September 2026

Inspiration

Sowing Seeds of Promise

While we may opt for a cozy sweater, it is prudent to keep lighter attire handy for hot days that come before the frost. The end of summer can leave us wishing for a few more watercolor sunsets, and a spontaneous, off-season trip to the beach provides both fire in the sky and unoccupied shores. Fall’s slanted light invites romantic strolls through the city or to a wildflower meadow teeming with goldenrod and asters.

by Marlaina Donato

Sarayut Tanerus from sy/CanvaPro

hether preparing children for a new school year or wondering what to do with an abundance of tomatoes from our garden, this month compels us to learn as we go, despite well-intentioned plans. Like all times of transition, September may feel a bit disorienting as we reintegrate into more structured routines, but it also presents unique opportunities: a plethora of farmers markets, harvest festivals, renaissance fairs and leisurely weekends dedicated to antiquing and visits to eclectic coffeehouses.

Most of all, this period between seasons is imbued with potential, as grasses and milkweed swell and release seeds into the wind, securing next year’s plenty. We, too, can move forward by emulating their example. As human beings in a society fixated on the mythology of youth, it is easy to be swept into believing that “going to seed” means our finest days are behind us. However, by modeling nature’s wisdom, we may not only see our personal journey through a different lens, but also feel inspired to focus on inner enlightenment and nurturing the next generation. In his iconic poem Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking, Walt Whitman refers to the ninth month as a time when the profound beauty and poignant grief of life converge, awakening the poet’s soul. Like the waning moon that gives way to a glorious sunrise, we too may embark on uncharted paths that only maturity can illuminate. Marlaina Donato is an author, painter, composer and recording artist. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Community Resource Guide Connecting you to local resources for natural health and green living. To find out how you can be included in this directory, email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com or call 251-990-9552.

Acupuncture BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY

Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC Patri ck Miller, LAc 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Offering 25 years of combined experience in successfully treating a variety of conditions, including chronic back and neck pain, headaches and tinnitus. See ad, page 10.

Beauty & Aesthetics CŌR WELLNESS

1506 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 104, Foley, AL 251-424-1100 • BaldwinGYN.com For over 30 years, Dr. Judy Corbett and staff at CŌR Wellness (formerly Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics), have served the Gulf Coast community to bring innovative, state-ofthe-art technology and services to enhance wellness and beauty. Check us out online or visit our wellness studio. We look forward to personalizing your wellness journey.

ENRG WELLNESS

620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com New–hyperbaric therapy, weight loss, fat-burning systems, food programs, facials, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 25.

TMAC’S HAIR STUDIO

Old Government, Mobile: 251-607-6666 2101 Hwy. 98, Daphne: 251-725-4334 TMACsHairStudio.com A relaxing salon environment that is free of harmful chemicals, impurities and fragrance. Offering customized hair services and regenerative treatments with 100% vegan organic products and essential oils. Ask about following the lunar calendar for effective hair treatments. See ad, page 23.

Brain Therapy MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER

J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com Our unique approach is non-invasive and merges deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (DTMS), brain pathway rehabilitation, and metabolic enhancement through functional medicine, to address brain disorders like anxiety, memory or behavior issues and dementia. Treatment plans are customized to meet the individual needs of patients. See ad, page 4.

CBD Health & Wellness FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 17.

Dementia Help MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER

J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is non-invasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessment. See ad, page 4.

Breast Screening

Depression Relief

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley • 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com FDA registered thermography offers breast/fullbody screenings that are non-invasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early-stage breast disease and more. Also offering Electro-Lymphatic Therapy. See ad, page 8.

Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.

J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com We can reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. Our treatments often deliver improvement when nothing else has worked. 70% of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50%. See ad, page 4.

—Jana Kingsford September 2026

Community Resource Guide

Detox Spa HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY 217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200 PeakAlkalinity.com

Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 33.

MCKENZIE FARM

17558A S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL 251-278-4669 • MckenzieFarmMarket.com Locally grown, fresh from the farm. For more than 50 years our mission has been to provide the Fairhope community as well as our distributors with fresh produce direct from our family farm. See Healthy Eats listing, page 18.

Food & Nutrition

ENRG WELLNESS

BB’S HEALTH FOOD STORE

New–hyperbaric therapy, weight loss, fat-burning systems, food programs, facials, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 25.

We offer you individualized support to help you reach your optimal health goals, from immune support to weight loss. We carry a variety of quality supplements, herbs, grains, pet products, household goods, beauty aids, oils, tinctures, grocery items and more. Come experience the difference at BB’s. See ad, page 10.

Farmers Markets

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055 FairhopeHealthFoods.com

620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com

CROOKED CARROT FARMS

Tracey Feeney 251-656-4117 • Crooked-Carrot.com Delivering to Mobile and Baldwin counties the purest organically grown microgreens and other superfoods. Fresh, local and delivered to your doorstep. See Healthy Eats listing, page 18.

FIA FARMS & CSA

Cetacea Ware 850-943-0033 • Contact@FiaFarms.com FiaFarms.CSAWare.com/store A community supported agriculture (CSA) program offering fresh fruits, vegetables and thoughtfully sourced foods. Order directly your local produce box subscription. Enjoy better food with less effort. Sign up online at FiaFarms.CSAware.com/store. See Healthy Eats listing, page 18.

8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 17.

PRESS & CO.

Organic, cold-pressed juicery and eatery 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com Accessible, delicious and nutritious options for people who want to make healthier choices. Committed to serving a wide range of healthy food options, including plantbased, gluten-free and low-sugar. Open 7 days a week 7am to 2:30pm. Breakfast, lunch, smoothies, coffee, tea, juice. Come in or order online. See Healthy Eats listing, page 18. See ad, page 19.

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VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II 3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Functional Medicine GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING

Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach 251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life—sleep, healthy meals, exercise routine, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I offer guidance, tools and accountability to ensure success.

HILLSTAR HEALTH

Tara Miller, Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner 28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346 • HillstarHealthAL.com Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner Tara Miller addresses the root cause of disease with integrative medicine— a blend of traditional western medicine and science-based functional medicine. Ask about our custom weight loss program. See ad, page 7.

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ROOT CAUSE HEALTHCARE & FITNESS

Donna Alsop DHA, MBA, RN, Holistic Nurse Coach, Functional Medicine Practitioner 9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL • 251-234-6777 RootCauseHealthcareAndFitness.com Functional medicine clinic focused on uncovering and addressing root causes of chronic illness. Offering peptide therapy, personalized wellness plans, memberships and holistic treatments to help patients achieve long-term health and vitality. Our clinic provides individualized medical care, lifestyle coaching and nutritional support, guiding patients toward optimal wellness through science-backed therapies. See ad, page 13.

Health Holiday KEEP ALIVE TOURS

Samuele Pitzalis, Health Tour Operator WhatsApp 0031-6-11334511 Info@KeepAliveTours.com KeepAliveTours.com Ancient healthy and happy aging inspiration, experienced in compact group weeks on Blue Zone cradle Sardinia, Italy. Ninety-plus weeks of experience. for English-spoken weeks on KeepAliveTours.com.

Health & Wellness Performance APRILLE WILLIAMS

Health & Wellness Performance Affiliate/Consultant AWAffiliates, Mississippi linktr.ee/awaffiliates_106109 Aprille Williams is a brand consultant for multiple wellness brands. Shop natural, organic foods, vitamins and supplements anytime, anywhere. Enjoy a wide variety of trusted brands— protein drinks, bars, meal replacements, electrolytes, super greens, even skin care—available 24/7 to support energy, balance and healthy living. To purchase: Linktr.ee/awaffiliates_106109.

BB’S HEALTH FOOD STORE

8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com We offer you individualized support to help you reach your optimal health goals, from immune support to weight loss. We carry a variety of quality supplements, herbs, grains, pet products, household goods, beauty aids, oils, tinctures, grocery items and more. Come experience the difference at BB’s. See ad, page 10.

EARTH’S CREATIONS & WELLNESS Alex Scott, Founder & Owner EarthsCreationsAndWellness.com Facebook.com/EarthsCreations Tiktok.com/@EarthsCreations.7 Instagram.com/EarthsCreationsAndWellness

Earth’s Creations & Wellness is a holistic wellness brand in Mobile, with 10+ years of experience rooted in detoxification, herbal education, and the power of whole foods. We handcraft small-batch, all-natural remedies and skincare using clean ingredients to support balanced, everyday wellness. See ad, page 8.

GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING

HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY 217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200 PeakAlkalinity.com

Infrared Sauna HILLSTAR HEALTH

28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346 HillstarHealthAL.com Infrared light therapy offers many stand-alone health benefits and pairs well with our services at Hillstar Health. Infrared sauna therapy is beneficial for natural healing and illness prevention because of its ability to penetrate human tissue resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat. It is known to assist with sleep, detoxification, immunity, heart health, muscle recovery, weight management, anti-aging and relaxation. See ad, page 7.

In-Vitro Imaging PEAK A BABY IMAGING & BOUTIQUE

9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL 251-201-8815 PeekABabyImaging.com/OurStudio.html Family‑owned prenatal imaging studio offering advanced 3D, 4D, HD Live and 8K imaging, gender reveal experiences and SneakPeek Clinical Gender DNA testing in a supportive environment where families can bond and create lasting memories. In addition, a curated selection of baby and children’s clothing and gifts create a joyful and meaningful experience for expectant families.

Lymphatic Drainage THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Lymphatic Therapist Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com Electro-Lymphatic Therapy is noninvasive, painless and calming. Like a light touch massage, the certified lymphatic therapist uses two small handheld wands that are lightly moved across the body in a direction that correlates to the body’s lymphatic flow. The proper flow of lymphatic fluid can help with conditions such as inflammation, colds/flu, sinus problems, edema, water retention, heart disease, fibrocystic and tender breast, cellulite, enlarged prostate and cancer. See ad, page 8.

September 2026

Community Resource Guide VINTAGE ROOTS LYMPHATIC THERAPY

Amber Crouse, BC-CLTP-HHP 251-949-2893 VintageRootsLT@gmail.com VintageRootsLymphaticTherapy.com ELECTRO-ASSISTED LYMPHATIC THERAPY is a non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate the proper flow and drainage of lymphatic fluid, enhancing immune function at a cellular level. By promoting optimal circulation and drainage of lymphatic fluid through frequencies that align with the body’s natural rhythms, it helps to decongest and detoxify, restoring balance. See ad, page 8.

Massage Therapy JUBILEE HEALING ARTS

Jennifer (Adams) Killgo, LMT #3263 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, Daphne, AL 251-616-4201 • JubileeHealingArts.com Intuitive integrative massage techniques are used to facilitate the body into a state of healing without the “no pain no gain” mentality. Over 15 years’ experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field. See ad, page 21.

HOLDING SPACE HEALING ARTS Joni Pope, LMT #6676 David Pope, LMT #3956 1203 HWY 98, Ste. 2-E, Daphne, AL 251-487-6546 Instagram @holdingspacehealingarts

A sanctuary for nervous system regulation and deep embodiment, guiding you from survival into a “felt” sense of safety. Joni offers Thai yoga massage, Reiki and energy work, meditation and breathwork. David offers corrective exercises, performance enhancement and behavioral change. See ad, page 12.

Nature School

Quantum Therapy

THE FAIRHOPE ORGANIC SCHOOL

QUANTUM ENERGY WELLNESS BED

8 Marietta Dr., Fairhope, AL 251-928-9347

Communications@FairhopeOrganicSchool.org

FairhopeOrganicSchool.org

Since 1907, the Fairhope Organic School has nurtured children through holistic, child-led discovery, artistic expression and nature immersion. Our campus offers foundational early learning, youth enrichment classes, summer camp, and after-school programs in a nature-rich environment where curiosity thrives and a lifelong joy for learning takes root. See ad, page 21.

Physical Therapy BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY & COMPLEX SPINE THERAPY

Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Our goal is to help patients overcome pain and conditions in a timely and costeffective manner. We offer a unique experience by combining physical therapy, dry needling, high intensity light therapy, shockwave, PEMF and joint alignment. See ad, page 10.

Plant-Based Food THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL • 251-929-0055 FairhopeHealthFoods.com An organic café offering delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 17.

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II 3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

An organic café offering delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 23.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Thermography Advantage Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley • 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com Raise your voltage with the Quantum Energy Wellness Bed. Featuring full body grounding, personalized frequency therapy, infrared radiant energy, Quantum Light Energy Antenna Technology and magnetic polarization. Improve cellular function and blood flow, stimulate ATP production, accelerate tissue repair, decrease inflammation and more. See ad, page 8.

Vitamins and Supplements EARTH’S CREATIONS & WELLNESS Alex Scott, Founder & Owner EarthsCreationsAndWellness.com Facebook.com/EarthsCreations Tiktok.com/@EarthsCreations.7 Instagram.com/EarthsCreationsAndWellness

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055 FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 17.

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II 3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, tablets, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 23.

Weight Loss ENRG WELLNESS

Wellness Studio INTEGRITY WELLNESS AND DEFENSE (BELLA SUNDRIES WELLNESS STUDIO)

3602 Old Shell Rd., Ste. A, Mobile, AL 251-631-0427 BellaSundriesWellness.com Embark upon your healing journey. Offering a wide spectrum of services for mental, physical and spiritual well-being all together in one place. Decades of dedicated practice and experience. See ad, page 13.

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10th Annual Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo Sept. 12, Sat. 10am-5pm Sept. 13, Sun. 11am-5pm Discover a family-friendly weekend celebrating natural health, holistic wellness, and conscious living. Browse a diverse marketplace of wellness practitioners, natural products, and healthy lifestyle resources. FREE FAST PASS registration offers expedited entry and door prize opportunities. Free admission. Destin/Ft. Walton Convention 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB Vendor space and tickets available at ECHHExpo.com

Mark Your Calendar Food Experiences at Suis Generis & Tiki Food Lab Executive Chef Ernie Foundas fosters a daring “food lab” focused on umami research, zero-waste cooking and teaching probiotic-rich fermentation techniques. Includes a class followed by a six-course tasting menu. Each experience is $100. 9/3 Fermented Beverage class & 6 course tasting menu at Suis Generis. 9/26 - Mushroom Foraging & Fermentation w/ mycologist Scott Johnson at the Tiki Food Lab. 5167 Florida Blvd. Pearlington, MS Book and see the full schedule at TikiFoodLab.com or Instagram @sgtikifarm

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Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important. —Stephen R. Covey September 2026

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Restore Your Body Through Fascia Therapy If you’re dealing with chronic tension, stiffness, or pain that keeps coming back…your fascia—the connective tissue throughout your body—may be the missing piece.

Christy Tadlock-Roy

Targeted fascia therapy designed to release tension, improve mobility, and support full-body wellness.

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