Back in February, I wrote about how much I appreciated the article From Negativity to Self-Compassion: A Conversation With Shauna Shapiro, especially her practice of looking in the mirror first thing each morning and saying, “Good morning, I love you.” It’s a simple but powerful act of self-compassion based on the idea that “what you focus on grows stronger.”
Inspired by her words, I decided to begin the same practice myself. I’m happy to share that I’ve stayed committed to it most mornings— though I’ve added my own touch: “Good morning, I love you, I matter, I forgive you.” Sometimes I change the order depending on what I need most that day. Having good intentions is one thing; following through consistently is another, so I wanted to share this small personal victory with you.
We’d also love to hear about the self-compassion tools or practices you’ve implemented in your own life. Feel free to share them with us at Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com.
This June “Men’s” issue is filled with timely and meaningful content. As the parent of a teenage son, I found Developing Minds in a Digital World: Helping Boys Navigate What They Are Not Ready to See especially important. Its insights extend far beyond young men, reminding all of us to be mindful of how social media scrolling, shocking headlines and unexpected online content can affect our mental and emotional well-being.
On a more hopeful note, Finding Meaning and Hope in Troubled Times: A Conversation With Jeffrey Rubin beautifully rounds out the issue with this reminder: “People have to live in two worlds simultaneously. They have to recognize what’s wrong and continue pursuing what they value.”
Wishing you purpose, self-compassion and the pursuit of what matters most this month of Father’s Day,
Shannon
Brewing Your Blueprint
An Evening of Tea and Self-Discovery
For those that may feel like they are working against the grain of their own lives and that they are “hustling”, but still hitting resistance, consider putting down the struggle and picking up a cup. Adrienne Craighead, founder and owner of TorchBearer Tachyon, the first and only chamber of its kind in the area, will present a captivating 90-minute immersion into Human Design—a profound system that maps our unique energetic
DNA—from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on June 14 at Sincerely Tea House, in Davidson, North Carolina.
By blending ancient wisdom (astrology, I Ching, chakras) with modern science (genetics, quantum physics), Human Design offers a practical “user manual” for one’s personality, decision-making and life’s purpose. Attendees will learn how to navigate the world with more peace, less friction and total authenticity.
Psychic Medium Kelle Ends In-Person Readings
Psychic medium Kelle Sutliff’s readings will now exclusively be done via Zoom, FaceTime or phone for her clients. She’ll continue to read for people all over the world and in our area as she splits her time between Boston and the Carolinas.
She is currently working on her third book, an autobiography of her life expected to be published in November, that’ll feature many stories and factual evidence of how Spirit has worked with her during the last 25 years.
Sutliff has demonstrated in conducting readings worldwide throughout this period that the psychic world is very real and her gifts and insights have provided inspiration and comfort to many people dealing with grief and loss. She has appeared on numerous TV and radio programs worldwide and is a sought-after psychic investigator, having worked with families and law enforcement departments on current and cold cases with great success.
Her first book, Listen Up! The Other Side IS Talking, won the internationally acclaimed Reader’s Favorite and Mom’s Choice book awards. Her more recent book Spirit Speaks Within You, has become an international bestseller and won the Mom’s Choice, Book Excellence and NYC Big Book Award in the Mind, Body and Spirit category.
For more information or to arrange for a virtual reading, call 978-420-8213 or visit PsychicMediumKelle.com. Her latest predictions are on YouTube. Both books are available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and other bookstores. See CRG, page 38.
“Consider this your invitation to meet your truest self through the lens of Human Design,” says Craighead, who began her spiritual awakening at the age of 4, in Hawaii, when she realized she could talk to animals. “Come steep in self-discovery as we unlock the secrets of your unique energetic blueprint—one sip at a time.”
Despite being raised in a small-town Southern Baptist Church, she expanded her views by taking a world religion class in college. Studying overseas to earn her master’s degree in New Zealand connected her to the beauty of the Maori people and their cultural and spiritual traditions expanded her horizons ever further.
Cost: $44. Location: 108 S. Main St., Ste C, Davidson. For more information or to register, scan the QR code, visit bit.ly/HD-And-Tea-June2026 or call 980-689-1803. See CRG, page 36.
Brain Health Initiative for Firefighters During
Men’s
Mental Health Month
As June marks Men’s Mental Health Month, Better Brain & Body, led by owner Dr. Alicia Brown, is offering complimentary ExoMind Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment packages for local male and female firefighters this month as part of a community mental wellness initiative. The treatment protocol, valued at $3,800, includes six free sessions and two pre- and postqEEG brain maps to establish baselines and track objective data.
TMS helps strengthen the prefrontal cortex, a brain region responsible for many executive functions, including mood regulation, focus and attention, organization and planning, and impulse control. Additionally, it supports stress resilience and cognitive performance in individuals operating under sustained, high-demand conditions.
First responders represent a clear example of intensive occupational stress exposure in adulthood. Similar patterns of strain are increasingly being observed earlier in life especially among young men navigating education, employment, relationships and identity formation during our challenging times.
Experts have cited aggregated national trends affecting young men, including lower college completion rates than women, reduced workforce participation, rising indicators of social isolation and the increasing rates of suicide, as recently updated data reports that 40,000 American men now take their lives each year, plus issues of substance addiction and incarceration.
When non-invasive ExoMind TMS is paired with qEEG brain mapping, it provides a structured, data-informed approach to assessing and supporting brain resilience under chronic stress load.
Better Brain & Body is also offering discounts on treatment packages for non-firefighters and free consultations for all Natural Awakenings readers.
Location: 11230 Carmel Commons Blvd., Ste. B, Charlotte. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-752-8100 or visit BetterBrainAndBody.com. See ad, page 19.
NeoGenix’s Follows Unique Process for Platelet Rich Plasma T reatments
As NeoGenix believes in utilizing cutting-edge innovation to produce the best results for their patients, they have forged partnerships with industry-leading inventors to create the highest dosing possible for their Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cell protocols. While PRP has become more common in orthopedic and interventional pain practices, not all of it is created equal.
They contend that putting a low dose of blood in an easyto-use centrifuge machine and pushing a button doesn’t create the high-dose PRP necessary to facilitate the healing process in an injured area.
The key to producing high dose or high-platelet count PRP is starting with the right amount of blood. NeoGenix draws a minimum of 120cc’s of blood to treat a joint or injured area of the body and then utilizes the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved, three-spin centrifuge system to create the PRP instead of a more standard two-spin system.
NeoGenix uses a desktop version of what blood banks and the American Red Cross use. By doing a third spin, billions of autologous exosomes and Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) healing properties are added to the PRP that some other clinics discard.
Those interested can meet with one of their board-certified medical doctors that are national recognized experts in the regenerative medicine field to see if PRP is appropriate. The practice offers realistic assessments without false promises or high-pressure tactics.
Locations: 16147 Lancaster Hwy., Ste. 140, Charlotte and 19475 Old Jetton Rd., Ste. 102, Cornelius. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, scan QR code, call 704-7276551 or visit NeoGenixStemCells.com. See ad, page 5.
With A Servant’s Heart Massage Offers Three Separate
Customized Sessions
With A Servant’s Heart Massage, in Matthews, North Carolina is introducing its new offering of Custom Aromatic Massage Sessions using doTERRA’s CPTG (Certified Pure Tested Grade) Oils as well as Young Living’s Seed to Seal Premium Oils. Included in every session is either a Raindrop Treatment designed with Young Living or an Aroma Touch Treatment designed by doTERRA.
In addition, other select oils are customized into the mix depending on each client’s individual objectives such as achieving greater relaxation, relief from stress or pain relief or others.
For a limited time, the studio is offering three separate sessions at special introductory prices: one-hour Custom Aromatic Swedish/Deep Tissue massage ($59); 90 minutes (one-hour massage plus Photon Red Light Treatment with far infrared heat) ($77); and two hours (90-minute package plus custom Thai Bodywork) ($98).
Hal Smith, owner of With a Servant’s Heart Massage, is a licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist, is certified in Thai Bodywork, aromatherapy, Myofascial Release, Raindrop (Young Living) and Aroma Touch (doTERRA).
Location: at the Souder Properties Campus at 1122 Sam Newell Rd., Ste. 113, Matthews. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call or text 980-433-2721 or email info@WithAServantsHeartMassage.com. See ad, page 21.
Scalar Health Offers Plasma Bed Sessions
The Scalar Health Enhancement Center, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, now offers a new plasma bed. According to co-managers Sonny and Leslie Carl, they are the only facility on the entire East coast (north of Florida) that provides 90-minute plasma energy sessions, that it’s the method that Royal Rife used to cure cancer in 1934 and “we are using one of the closest forms of plasma technology to what he was using that is currently available.”
Along with individual Rife Plasma sessions, that work with a single targeted condition at a time, their plasma bed utilizes three plasma units and three contact Rife units that combine to conduct up to six different approaches to multiple targeted conditions at a time. This reduces the amount of time a client needs to be in any one session and increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
They have a menu of session parameters that can be utilized for either the individual plasma sessions and the Plasma bed. Any session needs outside the available offerings must be customized.
Leslie Carl has been working with energy and frequency wellness since 1986 when she worked with and was trained by Dr. James Saloman and Ed Skilling, early pioneers in the energy and frequency field.
Session cost: $135. Special plans are available for multiple sessions in 30-day period. Location: 938 Cloverleaf Plaza, Kannapolis. For more information or to schedule a session, call 704-4905483, email cs@ScalarHealthEnhancement.com or visit ScalarHealthEnhancement.com. See ad, page 27.
Anxiety and Neurological Dysfunction
Knowing the Differences is Helpful in Health Care
Many people experiencing symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, brain fog, fatigue, nausea or feelings of panic are often told that anxiety is the primary cause. While anxiety can absolutely affect the body, neurological dysfunction is frequently overlooked as a potential root contributor to these symptoms.
The autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating automatic bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and breathing, plays a major role in how the body responds to stress and environmental demands. When this system becomes dysregulated, individuals may experience symptoms that closely resemble anxiety, even when the primary issue is neurological in nature. Patients often report feeling stuck in “fight-or-flight mode”, unable to calm their bodies despite trying traditional stress-management techniques.
Neurological dysfunction can develop from a variety of factors including concussions, chronic stress, viral illnesses, vestibular disorders, dysautonomia, inflammation or disruptions in sensory processing. In many cases, routine testing can appear normal, leaving patients frustrated and searching for answers while symptoms may persist.
A functional neurological approach focuses on identifying areas of dysfunction within the brain and nervous system and improving communication within these systems through targeted rehabilitation. This may include therapies involving eye movements, balance training, sensory integration, autonomic rehabilitation and other non-invasive neurological exercises designed to promote neuroplasticity or the brain’s ability to adapt and change.
Lifestyle factors also play an important role in supporting nervous system health. Proper sleep, hydration, blood sugar regulation, movement, stress management and reducing sensory overload may help improve overall nervous system resilience. Consistency is important, as neurological rehabilitation often requires repetition and frequency to encourage lasting changes within the brain.
Lauren Brindisi, DC, DACNB, is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist and the clinical director of Carolina Functional Neurology Center, located at 16905 Northcross Dr., Ste. 150, in Huntersville, North Carolina. CFNC specializes in the evaluation and treatment of complex neurological conditions using a functional neurological approach. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-661-0085, email infoclt@CarolinaFNC.com or visit CarolinaFNC.com.
Concerns with Pharmaceutical Research
Greater Scrutiny Is Advised
Pharmaceutical research is widely regarded as the gold standard for evidence-based medicine, yet a growing body of literature raises concerns about systematic bias and manipulation within the industry. While drug development has produced life-saving therapies, the integrity of the research process is sometimes compromised by financial incentives, selective reporting and regulatory gap.
One of the most well-documented issues is publication bias—the tendency for positive trial results to be published while negative or inconclusive findings remain unpublished. This skews the medical literature and creates an inflated perception of a drug’s effectiveness. A landmark analysis published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that studies with positive outcomes were significantly more likely to be published than those with negative results. This can help create a distorted evidence base upon which physicians rely.
Industry sponsorship can also play a significant role. Studies funded by pharmaceutical companies are more likely to produce results favorable to the sponsor’s product according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. This does not necessarily imply overt fraud, but rather subtle influences such as study design choices, comparator selection and statistical interpretation. For example, comparing a new drug to a placebo instead of an existing standard treatment can sometimes exaggerate perceived benefits.
Selective outcome reporting is another concern. Researchers may measure multiple endpoints, but only report those that achieve statistical significance. This practice, sometimes referred to as “p-hacking”, can undermine the validity of clinical trials. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have implemented trial registration requirements through ClinicalTrials.gov to improve transparency, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
Historical cases highlight the real-world consequences of manipulated or incomplete data. The withdrawal of Vioxx, manufactured by Merck & Co., revealed that cardiovascular risks were downplayed in early publications reported the New England Journal of Medicine. This led to widespread harm before the drug was ultimately removed from the market.
Ghostwriting is another controversial practice in which pharmaceutical companies hire professional writers to produce manuscripts that are later attributed to academic researchers. This can obscure the true source of the data interpretation and introduce bias into supposedly independent research.
From a clinical perspective, these issues emphasize the importance of critical appraisal. Physicians and patients alike should look beyond abstracts and headlines, examining study design, funding sources, and full datasets whenever possible. Independent replication and meta-analyses provide more reliable insights than single industry-funded trials.
While pharmaceutical research remains essential to modern medicine, it’s not immune to manipulation. Greater transparency, stricter regulatory oversight, and increased reliance on independent research are necessary to restore trust and ensure that clinical decisions are based on accurate and unbiased evidence.
Kenneth Haas, DC, CCSP, is the founder of Haas Wellness Center, located at 3315 Springbank Ln., Ste. 102, in Charlotte. For more information, appointments or a free consultation, call 704-837-2420, email Reception@HaasWellnessCenters.com or visit HaasWellnessCenters.com.
ADHD and Learning Disabilities Share Genetic Origins
A 2025 study in Psychological Science looked at how shared genetic and environmental factors might affect the chance of having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia (trouble with reading) and dyscalculia (trouble with math) at the same time. The scientists used data from the Netherlands Twin Register involving approximately 19,000 twins and 2,000 siblings, analyzing teacherprovided information and standardized test scores at ages 7 and 10.
The study showed that 77.3 percent of the children had only one of these specific conditions, but the risk for multiple conditions was two to three times more likely because the three conditions share similar genetic predispositions, not because one disorder causes another. The researchers noted that although these neurodevelopmental conditions are deeply connected, each condition should be assessed and treated separately because treating one condition is unlikely to automatically improve the others.
Curcumin’s Potential to Clear Cataracts
A 2025 systematic review in the European Journal for Integrative Medicine explored whether curcumin, a natural antioxidant and the main compound in turmeric, could help prevent or treat cataracts. A leading cause of blindness, cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, often because of damage from oxidative stress.
The researchers evaluated the results of 17 studies conducted on animals (in vivo), lab-grown cells (in vitro), or both. All the studies showed that curcumin helped prevent cataracts from forming or slowed their progress by reducing damage to fats in cells and by boosting antioxidant enzymes that protect the eye.
Brain-Cleaning Mechanism Discovered
A recent study from the Medical University of South Carolina, published in iScience, reveals that the middle meningeal artery doesn’t just supply blood to the brain—it might also play a role in keeping it clean. By using enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and high-resolution spatial mapping on five heathy adults, the researchers discovered a previously unknown, slow and steady outflow of brain fluids into the lymphatic system, which is responsible for waste removal. The findings align with similar results from studies on rodents.
This study helps scientists gain a deeper understanding of how a healthy human brain functions normally. The next step is to compare these results to those of individuals with brain disorders to see if a malfunctioning drainage system and waste accumulation could be damaging to brain cells and contributing to memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and brain injuries.
While curcumin seems promising, no human clinical trials have been conducted yet because it does not dissolve well in water, making it difficult for the body to absorb efficiently through the digestive system. The scientists believe that making curcumin easier to absorb will be the key to determining if it can be used to treat cataracts.
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Jasmina
The Facts About Low Testosterone
What Every Man Should Know
by Marlaina Donato
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), available as injections, patches, gels, pills and implant pellets, was a global market worth nearly $2 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach nearly $3 billion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research. Yet TRT is often misused for symptoms like fatigue or for athletic enhancement, when it is actually meant to treat clinically diagnosed low testosterone.
While this pivotal sex hormone is responsible for male puberty, sperm production and healthy libido, it also acts as a critical metabolic regulator and driving force behind physical energy, healthy muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production and mood regulation. When men experience a decline in performance—whether at work, in the gym or in the bedroom—it may be easy to assume that low testosterone levels
are to blame, but the misuse or overuse of TRT places users at risk for undesirable side effects.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the potential risks of TRT include: worsening sleep apnea; skin reactions, including acne; noncancerous growth of the prostate and growth of an existing prostate cancer; enlargement of the breasts; a reduction of sperm production; and overproduction of red blood cells, which could lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. In addition, according to a 2018 study in the World Journal of Men’s Health, TRT can cause infertility.
Reaching the Correct Diagnosis
The American Urological Association defines low testosterone as a total blood serum level below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) on at least two separate early morning tests, accompanied by symptoms like low sex drive and performance, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat and depression.
“Many men are seeking TRT to treat nonspecific symptoms like general fatigue, weight gain or a slight dip in motivation— issues that are often the result of lifestyle factors, rather than low testosterone,” says Dr. Joel Fuhrman, president of the Nutritional Research Foundation and the author of several books, including Eat for Life and Eat to Live Cookbook. In light of the trend of TRT over-prescription and the considerable risks, Fuhrman stresses the importance
of considering effective natural methods to restore hormonal balance.
Men can experience a decline in their testosterone levels for reasons beyond testosterone deficiency. “Thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency, high prolactin [hormone], chronic stress, certain medications, opioids and antidepressants all suppress testosterone or mimic its symptoms. Run a full panel before assuming it’s your testosterone. You might be chasing the wrong problem,” advises Nelson Vergel, a hormone therapy researcher, men’s health educator and creator of ExcelMale.com, an online men’s health and TRT forum.
Vergel highlights the devastating effects of chronic unresolved stress, which “tells the brain to dial back testosterone production. It’s a survival mechanism; your body prioritizes threat-response over reproduction. It makes sense in the short term, but it’s devastating long-term.”
Raymond Wohl, the medical director of Chicago Male Clinic in Chicago, Illinois, says, “A decline in performance, libido or confidence is often an early warning sign of underlying issues such as elevated stress, reduced blood flow, hormonal imbalance or metabolic dysfunction.” Men are often surprised to discover that improvements in energy, sleep, weight management and mood frequently
accompany enhanced sexual performance. Wohl emphasizes, “Sexual health is not separate—it’s a powerful indicator of total wellness. We recommend TRT only after a thorough evaluation, including lab work, symptom analysis and lifestyle review.”
Functional medicine specialist and men’s health coach Dr. Andreas Boettcher, in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, also recommends a comprehensive approach. “You need to look at the full hormonal picture, including cortisol patterns across the day; levels of DHEA-sulfate, pregnenolone, estradiol and prolactin; thyroid function, including free T3 conversion; and insulin markers,” he explains, naming multiple hormones besides testosterone.
Addressing the gut-hormone axis—the network involving the gastrointestinal tract, gut microbiome and endocrine system—is also high on Boettcher’s radar. “Hormone metabolism, balance and excretion are deeply dependent on your gut,” he points out. “The gut microbiome influences the signaling of virtually every hormone in the body, but the gut-hormone axis is a twoway communication highway, and when it breaks down—through gut permeability, dysbiosis [imbalance of gut flora] or chronic inflammation, hormone balance becomes nearly impossible to achieve, regardless of what else you do.”
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Boettcher attests that approximately 80 percent of men receiving hormonal support no longer need TRT once the underlying factors are adequately addressed. Given the right environment, he explains, the endocrine system begins production at levels that restore vitality, energy, lean muscle mass and libido. During his mid-to-late 40s, Boettcher quadrupled his testosterone levels without resorting to TRT or shortcuts. Now approaching 60, he maintains a single-digit body fat percentage, which he attributes to consistent daily choices. He asserts that men are biologically designed to be lean, strong and metabolically healthy well into the latter half of life.
Testosterone Disruptors and Supporters
Vergel reports that a significant portion of his patients that were convinced they had low testosterone turned out to have undiagnosed sleep apnea. “Just one week of sleeping only five hours a night drops testosterone by 10 to 15 percent in otherwise healthy men,” he says. “That’s not trivial. Everything else you’re doing— diet, training or supplements—gets undermined if you’re chronically sleep-deprived. Fix the sleep, and testosterone often comes back on its own.”
Psychological factors should also be considered. “Men who have carried unaddressed trauma for years often look hormonally like someone 15 to 20 years older with lower testosterone, lower DHEA [a testosterone precursor], disrupted sleep and blunted growth hormone,” says Vergel. “No dose of TRT fully compensates for an unresolved psychological load. You have to work both sides.”
Boettcher emphasizes the role of alcohol as an underestimated and significant contributor to hormonal anomalies. “Even moderate, consistent alcohol consumption impairs liver function, and your liver is the primary site of estrogen clearance,” he explains. “Disrupt that clearance and estrogen accumulates, testosterone declines and the hormonal balance tips in exactly the wrong direction.”
Boettcher also highlights the potential damage caused by Ibuprofen, a common over-the-counter medication. Over time, chronic use can damage the gut lining, impair nutrient absorption and disrupt the raw materials the body needs to produce hormones.
Before making a lifelong commitment to hormone therapy, Fuhrman believes that most men can significantly improve their bioavailable testosterone levels by reducing body fat. “Adipose tissue contains high levels of the enzyme aromatase, which converts your existing testosterone into estrogen. Losing weight keeps your natural testosterone in circulation.”
He recommends resistance training, specifically compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses and curls to trigger a metabolic and hormonal signaling environment. He also suggests a diet rich in green salads and vegetables, including broccoli, kale and arugula; polyphenol-rich foods such as beans to promote a healthy gut microbiome; and omega-3-rich nuts and seeds (walnuts, chia, flax and sesame seeds) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Vergel cautions against ultra-processed food and excessive sugar consumption, which contribute to abdominal fat accumulation. He emphasizes the importance of clean protein and healthy dietary fats. “Don’t fear fat,” he remarks. “Testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol, so olive oil, eggs, avocados and quality meat protein aren’t your enemies.”
Vitality at Any Age
Ultimately, feeling well enough to live life to the fullest is not exclusive to a fortunate few. Vergel asserts, “The men I’ve seen most vital in their 60s and 70s are the ones who didn’t accept decline as inevitable. They asked questions, found good doctors and stayed in the game.”
Wohl offers hope and inspiration, saying, “Aging is inevitable, but decline is not.
Sexual health does not have an expiration date. With the right interventions, men can maintain, and often regain, high levels of vitality well into later decades. Our oldest patient is 84 and still thriving.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodsmoke.com.
Alicia Brown
DR. ALICIA BROWN
Integrative and Functional Medicine Approach for Improved Men’s Wellness
Low energy. Brain fog. Decreased strength or motivation. Many men assume these changes are just part of getting older—but often, they’re signals that the body is out of sync.
True vitality isn’t driven by a single hormone. It’s the result of how well the body’s systems—hormonal, metabolic, neurological and cellular—are working together. Chronic stress, poor sleep, nutrition and environmental exposures can all disrupt this balance, leaving men feeling like they’re “pushing through” in dealing with their symptoms rather than performing at their best.
A more comprehensive approach focuses on men’s vitality and resilience as a whole. This includes providing personalized hormone balancing, along with targeted support such as peptides, which can help to optimize recovery, cellular signaling and overall performance. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, care is tailored to how each individual’s body is functioning—and where it needs support upstream.
Emerging therapies like Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation (EBOO) add another layer, helping support circulation, oxygenation and cellular efficiency—key components of sustained energy and longevity. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may also help support recovery, cognitive clarity, tissue healing and overall cellular resilience by increasing oxygen delivery throughout the body.
nervous system regulation. When these are aligned, the body is better equipped to adapt, recover and thrive.
Cammy Benton, M.D., is an integrative and functional medicine physician and owner of Benton Integrative Medicine, located at 16415 Northcross Dr., Ste. B, in Huntersville, North Carolina and 972 NC-16 Business Hwy., in Stanley, North Carolina. The practice offers comprehensive wellness support, including personalized hormone balancing, peptides, IV therapy, EBOO, HBOT, GAINSWave, acoustic wave therapy, P-Shot, sauna, red light therapy, acupuncture and integrative approaches designed to support vitality, recovery, resilience and longevity. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-775-6029 or visit BentonIntegrative.com.
The foundation for improved wellness, however, remains consistent: strength training, restorative sleep, nutrient-dense nutrition and
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Finding Meaning and Hope in Troubled Times
A Conversation With Jeffrey Rubin
by Sandra Yeyati
Jeffrey Rubin, Ph.D., is a psychoanalyst and a pioneering expert in meditative psychotherapy, which integrates Western psychotherapeutic modalities with Eastern meditative traditions. In practice since 1978, he treats patients in New York City and North Salem, New York. Rubin is an international lecturer and keynote speaker, as well as a faculty member at The American Institute of Psychoanalysis, The Object Relations Institute and the C.G. Jung Institute of New York. An author of eight books and numerous articles, his latest works include Meditative Psychotherapy and
Courtesy of Jeffrey Rubin
Psychoanalysis: Pathways to Healing and Transformation and Psychotherapy Case Studies: Escaping the Prison You Didn’t Know You Were In.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of psychotherapy?
In most schools of Western psychotherapy, the emphasis is on identifying and addressing what is wrong with people. In my book The Good Life I explain that we need a double focus—not just looking at what challenges us, but also exploring our untapped potential.
Psychotherapy is a search for meaning and self-awareness, as well as an inquiry into relationships as a vehicle for self-transformation. These are its strengths. In therapy, relationships tend to be carefully described and understood, looking into the complexities and obstacles.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of meditation?
Even if you practice with 100 people, meditation offers less insight into relationships compared to psychotherapy. It doesn’t focus on meaning. A woman once told me in therapy, “I don’t want to travel to Tibet to learn about Buddhism,” then paused, “I said ‘don’t’—is that a Freudian slip? Maybe I’m going to Tibet only because my boyfriend wants to go.” A meditation teacher would dismiss her slip as a glitch, while a psychotherapist might see it as symptomatic. As an adult, you have to learn to distinguish between symptoms and glitches, and one of the dangers of meditation is that you often stay on the surface of things.
As for strengths, meditation teaches you to greet the present moment freshly with minimal biases, minimal expectations, maximal openness and the innocence of a child. Meditation also reduces selfcriticism, and fosters self-compassion and acceptance.
What
is meditative
psychotherapy?
It is what I call the marriage of mindfulness and meaning. You need to be present and centered like a meditative discipline teaches, while also willing to investigate and inquire into things. Analyzing your feelings is difficult if you’re emotionally reactive. Meditation allows you to explore emotions, delve deeper, form thoughts and notice details. I call this “expanding inner space.” Inner space is not a place, but a capacity that you develop to become centered, reflect and broaden your perspective. Once you cultivate this capacity, psychotherapeutic investigation becomes easier.
What symptoms are you seeing more often in therapy sessions?
Greater alienation, powerlessness and loneliness. People are overwhelmed, foggy-headed and frazzled. As we face relentless tough news cycles, economic uncertainty and social divisions, people act like pinballs in a machine, ricocheting off walls and lashing out with road rage and impatience towards loved ones.
I think we’re seeking cotton-candy self-care. People watch Law and Order reruns and isolate themselves because they’re overwhelmed, so anything becomes too much. They seek quick routes to peace, but it’s like empty carbs for the spirit. Tastes good, and the next second, you’re hungry for more.
The alternative is to sit with the uncomfortable feelings, which is a trainable ability. As we learn to sit with more discomfort, we become more patient and tolerant, allowing us to eliminate adversarial relationships and form closer connections with less friction and meanness.
How can we learn to handle difficult emotions?
I call it equanimity training. Equanimity means accepting whatever happens with a calm, matter-of-factness. I’m okay if there’s pleasure; I’m okay if there’s pain. In The Art of Flourishing, I wrote about our obsession with happiness. Although it’s nice that people are trying to cultivate positive emotions, eliminating discomfort reduces our tolerance for tough times.
To expand your tolerance for uncomfortable feelings, start by focusing on less emotionally triggering things in your meditation practice. For example, learn to master sitting with increasingly uncomfortable sounds. Begin with a pleasant sound—hear it, let it wash over you. If your mind wanders, gently return your attention to the sound without judgment. Once you can do that, move to a neutral sound. Hear it. Let it wash over you. After mastering that, progress to an irritating sound, and eventually move to more challenging ones like a crying baby or a police siren.
Apply this practice to all five senses to develop presence, concentration and equanimity. Whether you’re observing a beautiful flower or a war-torn village, the skill set remains the same. You’re not numbing yourself; you’re experiencing without clinging or attachment. Simply let it wash over you and remain open to the next moment, greeting the present with freshness. You can then apply this to your emotions. If you’re scared, sit open to the experience, let it touch you and let it wash over you. This is a concrete way of calming ourselves.
What self-care measures do you recommend?
People have to live in two worlds simultaneously. They have to recognize what’s wrong and continue pursuing what they value. Keep chasing your passions, spending time in nature, connecting with life-spirited people and supporting older relatives. Stay active and eat healthy. Prioritize quality rest and strive for a meaningful life.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
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Smarter Summer Grilling
Making Barbecue More Flavorful and Healthy
by Maya Whitman
Summer would not be the same without dinner on the grill. For many Americans, backyard barbecuing is revered as an art form. In recent years, the classic menu of sizzling meats and charred corn on the cob has expanded to include healthier options such as plant-forward burgers, gut-friendly marinades and anti-inflammatory approaches that lower smoke points and use antioxidant-rich herbs and spices to reduce the formation of cancer-causing compounds.
Despite some evidence of an increased risk for colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancer from high consumption of barbecued, welldone and fried foods, research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2018 highlights an increase of good gut bacteria from grilling (and roasting) compared to less heat-intense forms of cooking. Swapping out bottled sauces with questionable
ingredients for healthy homemade marinades, avoiding blackened meats and embracing a broader food spectrum will lower health risks while satisfying every palate.
Mouthwatering Enhancements
“Rather than only sticking with the typical hot dogs or burgers at your next barbecue, try introducing some creativity into the mix,” recommends Anne Mauney, a registered dietitian in Washington, D.C., and founder of the FannetasticFood.com recipe blog. “One of my favorite grilled meals is shrimp skewers with chimichurri [made with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes]. The chimichurri does double duty as a marinade and sauce, and it’s incredibly fresh and delicious.”
One of her favorite things to do is to serve proteins on ample salads, such as her Summer Grilled Corn and Peach Salad With Chicken on a bed of spring mix lettuce. The corn, peaches and chicken are all grilled, and the lightly sweet dressing (and marinade) is made with honey, lime and fresh cilantro.
For traditionalists that love grilled burgers, Mauney suggests adding chopped red bell peppers or shallots to healthier, leaner meats like grass-fed ground beef, turkey or chicken. She also likes introducing finely diced mushrooms into a beef burger patty to increase nutrient density (fiber plus vitamins) while making it more tender and juicy.
Meatless Options
Plant-based chef Julia Dunaway, in Azle, Texas, is influenced by her mother’s Japanese heritage and cooking style, which included grilled ingredients and an unforgettable homemade teriyaki sauce. Dunaway’s black bean burger cooked on the grill, griddle or grill pan, is topped with cashew cheese sauce and the usual burger toppings on a whole-grain bun. “This burger, served with grilled vegetables and even grilled potato slices, is better than any meat-heavy cookout,” she asserts.
David Tuthill/Shutterstock
Other grilled favorites include Tex-Mex vegetable fajitas, large marinated mushrooms, zucchini and corn on the cob. Grilling eggplant sprinkled with cumin, asparagus with fresh garlic and stone fruits like peaches, plums and nectarines with cinnamon or ground cloves are delicious ways to pile anti-inflammatory goodness onto summer plates.
Healthy, Flavor-Boosting Hacks
According to Oncology Nursing News, grilling meat at high temperatures or over an
open flame can produce cancer-causing substances called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To reduce the risk of carcinogen formation, cooking over indirect heat is recommended. Eating charred meat should be avoided. Marinating meat for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking can also keep the surface of the meat from getting too hot. Adding antioxidant- and polyphenolrich herbs like basil, rosemary and mint along with citrus juices or vinegar will provide great flavor, as well as disease-fighting nutrients.
When brushing ingredients with oil, avocado oil is recommended for its health benefits and high smoke point. Olive oil is also nutrient-dense, flavorful and anti-inflammatory. Dunaway’s favorite marinade replaces oil with tahini, a sesame-seed paste, and incorporates plenty of herbs and spices with vegetable broth to keeps vegetables moist throughout grilling.
“I use a gas grill with a large grilling surface, making sure it is very clean. Heating the grill on high for several minutes and cleaning the grates is essential. The marinated vegetables and tofu won’t stick on a clean grill,” Dunaway explains. “Once clean, reduce the heat to medium to avoid charring, while still getting a light grill mark. Just plan to cook the vegetables on a lower heat for a longer time so they are tender and cooked throughout.”
Jazzing things up with probiotic-rich sides, including colorful slaws and fermented kimchi or kraut adds another healthy, tasty dimension. Swap everyday potatoes for sweet potatoes and drizzle with a tangerine vinaigrette for a different twist on potato salad or toss chickpeas with kalamata olives and feta. Creative pairings are the heart of a good grill, and the sky’s the limit.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
Scalar Health
THE BEST BLACK BEAN BURGERS
YIELD: 8 BURGERS
1 cup oats
1 cup walnut pieces
1 cup red onion, finely chopped
⅔ cup cremini mushrooms, chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup carrots, diced
2 Tbsp jalapeño peppers, chopped
3 cups home-cooked black beans (or 2 cans, rinsed and drained)
2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp seasoning blend (such as Kirkland Signature No Salt Seasoning)
2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup cooked brown rice
Pulse the oats and walnuts in a food processor until finely ground. Set aside.
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, sauté the onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots and jalapeño peppers until lightly browned. Add a little water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the beans to the walnut and oat mixture in the food processor along with the ground flaxseeds, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, seasoning blend, soy sauce and salt. Pulse a few times. Use a silicone spatula to distribute the ingredients and pulse again once or twice. Keep some of the beans chunky.
Remove the mixture from the food processor, add the cooked brown rice and mix well with the spatula. Divide into 8 patties using a ½ cup measuring cup. Place the patties on a cleaned grill, on indirect heat (medium), and cook for 10 minutes on each side.
Serve on whole-grain buns with any desired toppings such as lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, onions, avocado and condiments like ketchup or mustard.
Recipe courtesy of Chef Julia Dunaway.
COLD SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH
ARUGULA
YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS
5 medium-sized sweet potatoes
2 cups arugula, finely chopped
2 tangerines, peeled and segmented
1 tangerine for its juice
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 sprig of fresh mint, chopped
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Peel and chop raw sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces, then boil or steam until tender. Once cooked, drain and place them in a large bowl and refrigerate until cold.
Take chilled sweet potatoes out of the fridge and squeeze one tangerine over the pieces before adding vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, mint and the tangerine segments. Gently combine before folding in the arugula. Serve cold.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
Julia Dunaway
Rui Elena/Shutterstock
GRILLED FAJITA VEGETABLES AND TOFU WITH MARINADE
YIELD: 2 TO 3 SERVINGS
MARINADE
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp Mexican oregano
1 tsp red chili powder
VEGETABLES
2 portobello mushrooms, stems removed, sliced into strips
1-2 bell peppers, sliced into large pieces
2 cups zucchini or summer squash, sliced
1 Tbsp tahini
2 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
1 sweet onion, sliced
1 white or sweet potato, baked or steamed ahead and cooled, sliced
Jalapeño peppers to taste
Other in-season vegetables, especially eggplant and okra
1 16-oz block of super-firm tofu
Mix the marinade ingredients and place in a large measuring cup.
Place the vegetables (except the baked potatoes) in a shallow baking dish or gallon-sized plastic bag and add about half of the marinade. Allow the vegetables to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Cover the block of tofu with the remaining marinade, reserving a quarter cup to be used later. Place the marinating tofu in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, then cut it into 8 slices.
Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat (high heat will burn
ALL-PURPOSE FRESH GINGER, CILANTRO AND CHILE PEPPER MARINADE
This marinade is ideal for use with vegetables and meats either on the grill or in the oven.
the vegetables). Grill the tofu 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Grill the vegetables on one side for 3 to 4 minutes or until grill marks appear, then turn them over and reduce the heat to low.
Brush the vegetables with the reserved marinade and close the grill or cover the vegetables with a dome lid or foil tent. Continue grilling the vegetables until they are tender but not burned, basting them a couple more times with the remaining marinade.
Serve the grilled tofu and vegetables on a large platter with flour tortillas, guacamole, salsa and beans on the side.
Recipe courtesy of Chef Julia Dunaway
YIELD: ⅓ TO ½ CUP
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 limes, juiced
2 Tbsp liquid aminos or tamari
2 Tbsp maple syrup
¼ tsp smoked salt
1 dried whole chili pepper, halved
1 large raw garlic clove, crushed
2 raw shallots, quartered or chopped
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Combine all ingredients in a glass measuring cup or small bowl and stir well. Marinate meats for up to 24 hours or vegetables for half an hour. Grill as usual.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
ASK A MECK COUNTY EXPERT
Recycle Right This Summer
Summer means beach trips, pool days, picnics, festivals, and sports—and Mecklenburg County Solid Waste wants residents to recycle right while enjoying the season.
You can always recycle plastic bottles and jugs with necks, cardboard, cans, cartons, paper, and glass bottles curbside. Some summer items can also be recycled at the fullservice centers.
Plastic bottles & metal cans
Recycle soda cans, water bottles, sports drink containers, and other beverage containers curbside or at county recycling centers.
Leave caps on bottles and avoid crushing cans to help the recycling process.
Foam coolers & cups
Clean, dry white rigid foam coolers and foam cups are accepted at full-service recycling centers. Remove stickers, lids, and straws first. Look for the Foam-a-Saurus Rex bin. Recycled foam is turned into products like picture frames and hangers.
Aerosol sunscreen cans
Empty spray sunscreen aerosol cans are recyclable curbside. Plastic sunscreen tubes and bottles are not recyclable.
Old
towels & swimsuits
Textiles such as towels, swimsuits, shoes, hats, sheets, and accessories can be dropped in the big blue textile bins at full-service centers.
What Not to Recycle
Broken pool floats & inflatables
Most are made from PVC and cannot be recycled.
Broken plastic toys
Buckets, shovels, diving sticks, and similar toys are also typically made from PVC and should be thrown away.
For more information on full, staffed and self-service locations and about recycling, waste diversion or anything else related to waste, visit WipeOutWaste.com. To submit a waste disposal and recycling question, email SolidWaste@MeckNC.gov. Jeff Smithberger, director of Solid Waste, answers the top seven residential recycling questions at tinyurl.com/MeckRecycleRightFAQs. See ad, page 31.
Developing Minds in a Digital World
Helping Boys Navigate What They Are Not Ready To See
by Christina Connors
The internet was not designed for children. And yet, for many boys today, it is where they are forming their earliest ideas about identity, relationships and what it means to be a man, often without a trusted adult anywhere nearby. According to the American College of Pediatricians, a 2022 survey of teens found that 54 percent had seen pornography by the time they were 13, and 15 percent had been exposed to it prior to age 11.
Unlike the previous generation, this is not simply curiosity at play. The content itself has changed dramatically, and boys are not just stumbling upon things. Young people
are being pulled in by algorithms designed to keep them watching.
Effects on the Brain
Dr. Yasmine Saad, a psychologist and founder of Madison Park Psychological Services, in New York City, wants parents to understand that the real issue is not just what a boy sees, but also what happens inside him in response. “His nervous system is activated,” she explains. “The emotional centers of the brain light up quickly. But the part of the brain responsible for making sense of what he’s seeing, regulating impulses and contextualizing the experience is still developing. So what happens is not
just exposure. It’s an unprocessed emotional imprint.” He may feel curiosity, excitement, confusion and shame simultaneously, without internal tools to decode any of it.
According to Tara Beall-Gomes, a psychotherapist, certified school counselor and founder of Grit and Grace Recovery, who specializes in treating sex addiction and betrayal trauma, “The adolescent brain is wired for reward, not regulation. What may begin as curiosity can evolve into compulsive patterns as the brain starts to associate arousal with artificial stimulation, rather than connection.” A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry underscores this, finding that the consequences of underage pornography exposure may parallel post-traumatic symptoms, affecting the developing sense of self and how boys understand bonding and connection.
Why Boys Are Especially Vulnerable
Saad points to something deeper than brain chemistry: “Boys, especially during development, are navigating identity through action, performance and exploration. They are naturally drawn to novelty and experiences that help them answer, ‘Who am I?’ Digital environments capitalize on this. They amplify intensity, dominance and performance-based versions of masculinity, while stripping away emotional context entirely.”
Beall-Gomes adds a clinical dimension: “Pornography teaches connection—false,
Dmitrii Pridannikov/Shutterstock
of course—without connection. Youth are learning about intimacy from a screen that removes emotion, consent and mutual respect. Whether the behavior is occasional or more compulsive, the relational impact can be significant and long-lasting.”
Responding Without Shame
Boys often encounter this content not at home, but on a friend’s phone, in a gaming chat or through a social media link. While parents cannot control every environment, they can control what happens next. Saad cautions, “If the response a child receives is panic, punishment or shame, he learns ‘this part of my experience is not safe to share.’ Instead, guide him toward understanding what happened together.” She suggests starting the discussion with comments like, “Sometimes we come across things we’re not ready for. What did you notice or feel when you saw it?”
Beall-Gomes says, “You do not need the perfect script. You just need to stay calm and stay curious. Let him know he is not in trouble. When kids feel safe, they talk.” Her suggested openers include, “Have you ever come across anything online that felt confusing or uncomfortable? What do you think healthy relationships are supposed to look like? What questions do you have about what you’ve seen or heard?”
Building Discernment
“What we want to build is inner clarity,” Saad asserts. “Discernment is the ability to ask, ‘What am I seeing? What is this making me feel? Does this align with who I am?’ This is a skill that develops through relationships. When children feel safe to share, they
learn to trust their internal signals instead of suppressing them.”
Schools can create language and awareness. Mentors and father figures can model emotionally grounded masculinity. But Saad suggests, “Boys are not just learning from what they are told. They are learning from what they see embodied. The experience is not the problem. What remains unprocessed becomes the problem.”
For those already concerned about a child’s exposure or patterns, Beall-Gomes offers, “You have not missed your opportunity to help. With the right guidance, youth can build healthy relationships, restore emotional connection and develop a more grounded sense of self.”
Christina Connors is a burnout prevention specialist, keynote singer and author. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.
Overeaters Anonymous Weekly Meetings Program of recovery from compulsive overeating, food restricting, and other obsessive food behaviors using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA; fellowship and support.
Reclaim your agency and learn practical tools to interrupt deep-seated patterns and to quiet a restless mind. Participants get an understanding of the nine-week Compassion-Based Resilience Training, and to opt in for a deeper practice.
Jun 13-14 · 10am-12pm · Free Zoom link upon registration 704-619-7690
Kimberly@MindfulMichi.com MindfulMichi.com
Brewing Your Blueprint: An Evening of Tea and Self-Discovery
Join Adrienne Craighead, founder of TorchBearer Tachyon, for an immersion into Human Design-a practical “user manual” for one’s personality, decision-making and life’s purpose.
Jun 14 · 5-6:30pm · $44
Sincerely Tea House 108 S Main St, Davidson 980-689-1803 bit.ly/HD-And-Tea-June2026
Islamic New Year Begins
June 16
The Reset One-Day Immersive Retreat
Designed for women experiencing burnout, overwhelm and emotional exhaustion. Includes catered lunch and blends biomagnetic healing, sound therapy, somatic release and guided connection to support deep nervous system regulation and meaningful community.
Jun 27 · 10am-4:30pm · $175 Myers Park address upon registration 828-246-3335
Katie@ZenWithinAcademy.com ZenWithinAcademy.com
Classifieds
Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $40 for up to the first 20 words and $1.50 per word thereafter. To place a classified, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte. com. Deadline is the 9th of the month.
Home Services
MAJOR APPLIANCE REPAIR – high quality repair at reasonable rates, service all major brands, call/text 336-539-1766.
For Rent
PRACTITIONER SPACE – Full-time space, plenty of parking in Oakhurst. Massage therapist, energy worker or similar quiet practice. $750/mo includes utilities, 704-936-0591, Hello@TheHolisticHarmony.Life.
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com to request our media kit.
Acupuncture
FIERY SAGE HEALING
11220 Elm Ln, Ste 200 910-444-1893
fsHealing@gmail.com
fsHealing.com
Feel your best naturally through the power of acupuncture. Ballantyne location includes Traditional and 5 Element Acupuncture, cupping, electronic stimulation, herbal medicine, nutrition support, sound therapy. Complimentary consultations. Insurance accepted, including Medicare Advantage C Plans.
Bodywork
BRITISH MASSAGE
2210 Coronation Blvd, Ste C 704-572-1310
BritishMassage.com
Originally from London, Jessica is highly intuitive, has a natural healing touch and loves to help people feel better physically and emotionally. Medical Reiki Master and offers Reiki classes. Book massage/reiki today.
Cannabis/CBD/Hemp
APOTHECA CANNABIS DISPENSARY
15 Charlotte Area Stores
Apotheca.org
Shop trusted and tested cannabis, kratom and mushroom products in a welcoming environment. Edibles, flower, drinks, powders and other natural goods, and friendly, educated staff. No medical card required. $5 off in-store with coupon. See ad, page 3.
Chronic & Difficult Cases
HAAS WELLNESS CENTER
3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420
HaasWellnessCenters.com
Specializing in chronic and difficult cases and holistic and wellness care. We identify and treat the root cause of your health issues. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation. See ad, page 4
TORCHBEARER TACHYON
19900 S Main St, Cornelius Unit 4, Ste E · 980-689-1803
TorchBearerTachyon.com
Stop suffering and elevate your experience with a transcendent 45-minute tachyon therapy session tuned to target your specific chronic condition. Read our reviews and book your experience for optimal balance and alignment today.
Compulsive Eating/ Spiritual Recovery
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
Meetings throughout Charlotte Area
Piedmontintergroup.org
Helping compulsive overeaters/ food restrictors find recovery through Twelve Steps, patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. Free in-person and online meetings in Charlotte area provide fellowship, support and anonymity. Meetings open to everyone. Join us today.
Dentistry
GENTRY DENTAL
5950 Fairview Rd, Ste 16 704-554-1007
GentryDentalCharlotte.com
Providing the highest quality biological/holistic dental care with compassion and understanding. Modern, spa-like office, state-of-the-art equipment and individualized care and attention. In-office dental savings plan. Call today to schedule appointment.
Biologically minded family dental office offering 3D digital dentistry, preventative dentistry, safe mercury removal and sleep apnea screenings. In a relaxed and caring environment, all patients are given devoted time. Call the office today to request a new patient consultation. See ad, page 6.
Direct Primary Care
BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 972 NC-16 Bus, Stanley 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com
Affordable convenient direct primary care from a personalized holistic perspective. Thorough and efficient care with nutrition as the foundation. We want to get and keep you healthy. Schedule a new patient consult today. See ad, page 2.
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Supports a 360˚ from your yard to our facility and back again. Mecklenburg County upcycles your yard waste to create high-quality STA approved compost and beautiful mulch at a very affordable price See ad, page 31.
SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN
Claudia Josephine Design 860-796-3415
ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com
Proving that sustainable, ecofriendly design can still be stylish, Claudia creates classic, functional, and beautiful interiors. Certified Green Accredited Professional. Specializing in new residential construction and full-service interior design.
EESystem
SCALAR HEALTH ENHANCEMENT CENTER
704-490-5483
CS@ScalarHealthEnhancement.com
ScalarHealthEnhancement.com
When you enter the Scalar Health Enhancement Center, you enter a healing zone where the 5th Dimension isn't just a theory, it is a functioning reality! Call for appointment today. See ad, page 2 7.
The Carolina's only Integrative practice offering membership based Direct Primary Care and Functional Medicine wellness programs. Wellness programs are individualized to the patient and address the root cause of illness. See ad, page 2.
Address the root cause of neurological issues and optimize overall brain & body health at Charlotte’s Human Optimization Center. Non-invasive diagnostics and safe and effective treatments. Wellness memberships available. Schedule your free consultation today. See ad, page 19.
Chiropractic neurology facility that is dedicated to helping patients with complex neurological conditions such as dysautonomia, migraine, dizziness, movement disorders, concussions and neurodevelopmental disorders. Schedule your $50 consult today. See ad, page 33.
Gardening
AMERICAN BEAUTY GARDEN CENTER
4400 E Independence Blvd
704-334-8651
ABGardenCenter.com
Charlotte’s organic gardening supply store for over 17 years. Knowledgeable staff that answers your questions and makes recommendations. Natural/ organic products, hydroponic solutions, greenhouses, grow lights, and more. Visit us today.
Holistic Business Guidance
BIG JOY THEORY
704-312-0780
joy@BigJoyTheory.com BigJoyTheory.com
Transformative coaching and business guidance blending psychology, intuition, and strategy to elevate wellness leaders into aligned, joyful growth— where purpose, prosperity, and presence unite through the frequency of joy. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 7.
Holistic Wellness Care
PRIMARY HEALTH-CARE OF CHARLOTTE
508 Beatties Ford Rd
704-526-0328 · GetWellnessCare.com
Serving Charlotte for 39 years with continuous low-cost holistic health care for uninsured and under insured. Physicals, first aid, TB and other tests. Certified by NC Board of Medical Examiners and NC Board of Nursing. By appointment.
Hyperbaric Therapy
NIRVANA HYPERBARIC INSTITUTE
146 Medical Park Rd, Ste 110 Mooresville • 704-471-4100 NirvanaHBO.com
Dedicated to healing, forwarding the science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and providing patients a tranquil place to heal. Highly effective in treating many conditions, some covered by insurance. See ad, page 4.
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Integrative Healer
KATIE SUTTON
Intuitive Channel, Guided Meditation Coach
828-246-3335
ZenWithinAcademy.com
Katie synthesizes a unique blend of healing modalities with selfactivation techniques–from sound and vibrational therapy, to intuitive channeling, to guided meditation–in order to deliver healings tailored to each person's needs.
Intuitive Healer/Advisor
INTUITIVE CHANNEL & HEALER
DavidHarrisSpirituality@gmail.com
704-577-8977
DavidHarrisSpirituality.com
David offers clear, channeled guidance and healing energy— through spoken messages, Akashic Records insight, and healing light language—to facilitate deep healing, release blocks, and align with your highest self. Medical intuitive. Also works with pets.
MetaPhysician
KOKAYI HEALTH SERVICES
425 S. Sharon Amity Rd, Ste. B 5803 Wilkinson Blvd, Belmont 310-713-5764
KokayiHealth.com
The MetaPhysician- Yale trained MD combining cutting edge medical therapies with the wisdom of traditional medicine. Extraordinary holistic, integrative medical care, supporting optimal health and effective treatment alternatives. 38 Years Holistic Primary Care. See ad, page 11.
Mindfulness/Meditation
MINDFUL MICHI
704-619-7690
Kimberly@MindfulMichi.com
MindfulMichi.com
Kimberly Stewart draws on 20 years' teaching experience to share contemplative healing methods, offering Nalanda Institute's evidence-based CBRT to reduce stress and cultivate resilience in the mind, heart, and body. Schedule free 15-minute consult. See ad, page 31.
Naturopathic Doctor
DR MICHAEL SMITH
6404 Bannington Rd, Ste A 704-708-4404
CarolinasNaturalHealth.com
Diabetes, digestive disorders, anxiety/depression, autoimmune, women’s health, wellness/prevention and more. We uncover the root cause and customize a holistic individualized, compassionate program so you reclaim your health. Book your free discovery call today. See ad, back cover
Ozone Therapy
PUREFICO MEDSPA & THERAPY
19401 Old Jetton Rd, Ste 100 Cornelius · 704-655-2719
Purefico.com
Full line of noninvasive wellness/ beauty services including only local provider of cutting edge Eboo Ozone IV Therapy system. Treats autoimmune disorders, infections, viruses, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease and more. Call and mention Natural Awakenings discount. See ad, page 15.
Psychic
PSYCHIC MEDIUM KELLE
978-420-8213
PsychicMedium@verizon.net PsychicMediumKelle.com
Psychic medium +18 years, author and radio show host. Private readings, psychic investigator on missing person cases. Helps those at a crossroads, experiencing unresolved issues or dealing with loss. Call for appointment today.
Psychotherapy/ Hypnotherapy
SACRED BEGINNINGS PSYCHOTHERAPY
1816 East 7th Street 704-774-6031
SacredBeginningsPsychotherapy.com
Liz Hudson, LPA, MHt, holistic psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, specializing in transformative modalities to uproot, release and re-integrate. Blends integrative psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, breathwork, somatic healing, subconscious/ trance work and mind body approaches. Schedule your appointment today.
Regenerative Medicine
NEOGENIX
16147 Lancaster Hwy, Ste 140 19475 Old Jetton Rd, Ste 102, Cornelius 704-727-6551
NeoGenixStemCells.com
All natural, non-surgical treatments for joint, muscle, tendon and ligament pain performed by experienced, board-certified medical doctors 100% dedicated to stem cell and PRP treatments. Schedule your free consultation today. See ad, page 5.
Retreat
SACRED GROVE RETREAT
15750 Collie Rd, Gold Hill, NC 704-299-5124
SacredGroveRetreat.com
Soul-nourishing sanctuary nestled in nature, offering transformational experiences, healing energy, a vortex, a labyrinth, and starlit skies— where clarity dawns and miracles take root. Available for personal stays and organized retreats. Reserve your visit today.
Scalar Energy
SCALAR FREQUENCY HEALING
704-490-5483
CS@ScalarFrequencyHealing.com
ScalarFrequencyHealing.com
Scalar energy wellness and spiritual awareness aids. Simple, practical, inexpensive, and imprinted with targeted scalar frequencies to help the body repair itself or work with your consciousness. Free shipping. 15% discount with NAM522. See ad, page 27.
Sound & Vibrational Therapy
SPIRIT AND SOUND
Barbara Griggs, LSH, CVSMT
Barb.griggs04@gmail.com
704-603-7759 • SpiritAndSound.net
Vibration and sound, through tuning forks, are an important healing art that bring balance and well-being to our body, mind and spirit. Licensed spiritual healer, intuitive, and CVSMT. Learn more in free consultation.
Spiritual Centers
AWAKEN SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY
7300 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte Info@AwakeningCarolina.org AwakeningCarolina.org
Awaken is not your average church—we teach ancient spiritual truth, including biblical wisdom, through the empowering lens of Science of Mind and New Thought. Come as you are. Leave empowered, inspired and awakened.
HEARTLIGHT SPIRITUAL CENTER
Rev David Hulse, Spiritual Guide
7300 Mallard Creek Rd
704-669-7300 HeartLightCharlotte.org
We are a spirit-guided, heartcentered Christ-conscious, loving family providing an empowering, universal, Christ-centered message grounded in the teachings of metaphysics. Meditation 10:30am. Sunday service 11am. Email Shine@HeartLightCharlotte.org.
UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP OF L AKE NORMAN
Quaker Meeting House
625 South St, Davidson UULakeNorman.org
980-689-0630
We are a welcoming, inclusive spiritual community, united in worship, friendship, and social action. All are welcome to visit and connect. Sundays at 3pm.
UNITY OF CHARLOTTE
3200 Park Rd
Sundays at 11am
UnityofCharlotte.org
Vibrant, inclusive Sunday Celebration at 11am, led by co-ministers Revs Lisa and Jim. Inspiring messages/ upbeat music support your spiritual growth, well-being, and abundant living. Shared space with St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on Park Rd.
Stress Relief
HOLISTIC HARMONY
4830 Monroe Rd, Unit B
704-936-0591
Hello@TheHolisticHarmony.life
TheHolisticHarmony.life
Integrative healing combining Thai massage, sound therapy, energy work, and stress reduction coaching. Transform anxiety into calm through personalized sessions and sustainable wellness practices. Charlotte's Oakhurst neighborhood. Book your appointment today. See ad, page 7.
Sustainability
SUSTAIN CHARLOTTE
SustainCharlotte.org
What if Charlotte grew in ways that made it easier for current and future generations to live healthy lives? Sustain Charlotte is working to make that possible. Learn more and become a member today.
Weight Loss
CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS
INSTITUTE
Gastonia • 704-271-9757
Matthews/Ballantyne • 704-243-8560
CWLI.net
Developer of the “40 Day Transformation” system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.
gaston county natural guide
Connecting Gaston County to leaders in natural health, wellness and green living. To find out how you can be included in the Gaston County Natural Guide, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com.
Inclusive mental health practice serving youth, adults and couples in Gaston County and virtually across NC, SC and MI. Offers online scheduling, evening and weekend appointments, diverse experienced providers, and accepts most major insurance plans.
To place a listing call 704-499-3327 or email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com
care, products, supplements, aromatherapy, organic wine/beer and pet products.
9am -7pm M/F, 9am6pm Sat. Reliable community partner, local source for education, organic foods, personal care, products, supplements, aromatherapy, organic wine/beer and pet products.
See ad, page 8
Weight Loss
CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE
Lidia Adkins, CFMP, DC, PKT 216 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-271-9757 • CWLI.net
Developer of the “40 Day Transformation” system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique meta-bolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.
