Natural Awakenings

PCC’s Nutritional Therapy Program Earns National Accreditation

Jason — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:07:49 +0000

A Portland Community College program designed to prepare students for careers in nutrition counseling has been recognized by a national nutrition organization.
The Nutritional Therapy Program, offered through PCC’s CLIMB for Health Professionals, received accreditation from the National Association of Nutrition Professionals in September, 2011. Graduates of the program will now have the opportunity to take the organization’s board exam in holistic nutrition.
“Once they pass their exams and complete 500 hours of practicum, they will become fully certified,” said Sharmila Bose, coordinator of the Nutritional Therapy Program. “Then they can start a consulting business as a nutritional therapist, work in food research and development or in a health food store, partner with other health providers, teach, go into sales … the career options are numerous.”
Nutritional Therapy courses are taught over the duration of four terms, with most courses held on Saturdays and Sundays. Participants can enter the program in any term. Classes will cover such topics as nutritional assessment, pathophysiology, Ayurveda, traditional Chinese herbalism, and business practices.
“This is an innovative and cutting edge program,” added instructor and renowned herbalist K.P. Khalsa, who teaches nutritional assessment and food therapy. “PCC CLIMB for Health Professionals is a leader in this field and always presents quality education. This is a great opportunity for students to enter a rapidly developing field and embark on a career with tremendous current and future potential.”

For more information, visit pcc.edu/climb/health or call 971-722-6673.

Natural Awakenings PDX Fit Club Program

Jason — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:04:10 +0000

Want to make a difference in your health and well-being? Peaceful Roots and Natural Awakenings magazine are teaming up so that YOU, the Natural Awakenings reader, can get fit Mind-Body-Emotion style!
Three lucky Natural Awakenings readers will receive eight (8) weeks of personal training, group training and nutrition counseling, balanced with yoga, flexibility and stress reduction. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, increase strength, train your mind or build muscle, you will be working under the guidance of holistic fitness practitioners to meet your goals.
Here’s the scoop: The group will meet three (3) times a week for a full eight (8) weeks (Yes, HUGE commitment) Tuesday and Thursday evening and Saturday mornings, April 7 through June 2. You must want to put in the work. Making changes requires a commitment‑‑two evenings each week as a group and Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m. There will be homework and you will be asked to write about your experiences. It’s a lot, but we know you can do it!
You must also be willing to disclose personal information about yourself to Natural Awakenings readers: Name, Age, Occupation, Weight (oh yes) and Goals. So if you’ve wanted to be a star, this is your moment! Progress will be tracked and results will be reported to Natural Awakenings readers at the halfway point and at the end.

If you are interested, go to peacefulroots.com and complete the application on the Fit Club page. (Deadline is March 12.)

Dental Designs Community Spotlight by Robin Will

Jason — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:17 +0000

When he sees where his new patients are coming from, Dr. Lance Heppler notices a change‑‑for the good. Lance Heppler, DMD, FAGD, calls his practice “Dental Designs.” Located in southeast Vancouver, WA, it is one of the few holistic dental practices in the Portland area, offering everything patients expect in family dentistry‑‑except exposure to mercury.
More than 1500 names show up on an internet search for dentists with Portland addresses. Of those, “… there are seven or eight dentists like me,” Heppler estimates. Patients come from as far away as Albany to the south, and Centralia to the north.
Two years ago, about 30 to 40 percent of his new patients came specifically because Dental Designs was a mercury-free practice. Some of them were sick from exposure to mercury. Some of them intended not to risk any exposure to mercury, ever. Recently, that number has climbed to about 70 percent. New patients, overwhelmingly, are coming to Dental Designs specifically for holistic dentistry. The referral grapevine is working well for people who suffer from mercury exposure, Heppler surmises, and patients are becoming more educated about choosing the dentist, and the care, that will work best in the long term. To keep up with demand, Heppler has added another dentist to the staff at Dental Designs.
Holistic, or Biological, or Mercury-Free Dentistry‑‑all of those terms apply‑‑is still a controversial field. Holistic spokesmen cite evidence about the dangers of traditional dentistry; traditional voices characterize holistic practitioners as new-age kooks. Heppler is in a position to see the bigger picture. He is one of only about 2 percent of American dentists entitled to write the initials FAGD (Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry) after their names, which indicates continuing education verified by rigorous exams. It took him 10 years to earn the FAGD, and he’s familiar with the arguments on all sides of the issue.
The key, he explains, is seeing individual differences. Some people take in heavy metals, which flush out harmlessly. Other people will experience a slow buildup of mercury on peripheral nervous tissue until they start showing symptoms‑‑tremors, depression, fatigue, unclear thinking, chronic pain‑‑that can be misdiagnosed in a variety of ways. Symptoms start adding up somewhere in a patient’s mid-30s, and some patients suffer for years before the problem is diagnosed correctly.
Once a problem is diagnosed, treatment happens in phases. First, the old amalgam fillings are removed. “Getting them out is riskier than putting them in,” Heppler explains, and there’s a strict protocol for removing the fillings without risking further exposure. When the amalgam is gone, patients are referred to a naturopathic physician who can prescribe ways to remove the residual mercury from their bodies.
Of course, the obvious way to deal with toxicity issues is to never risk them in the first place. That’s the point of a holistic dental practice. Most of the patients at Dental Designs aren’t in crisis. Grownups and kids are getting mercury-free fillings, non-metallic bridge- and crownwork, a metal-free approach to straightening teeth and careful attention to individual tolerances for anesthetics and medications. There’s nothing here that’s likely to make anybody sick‑‑not now, and not 30 years down the road.
There are now two more outposts in the Dental Designs practice. Silver Falls Family Dental (SilverFallsFamilyDental.com) is operating in Silverton, Oregon, and Astoria Family Dental (AstoriaOregonDentist.com) is thriving in Astoria. There are full-time dentists in each location, and Dr. Heppler visits once a week. Staff is hand-picked in all locations, and Heppler can’t stop singing their praises. He describes them collectively as gentle, wonderful, smart and understanding. Because of the broader perspective of the Dental Designs practice, they are especially alert to patients’ concerns and questions.

Dr. Lance Heppler’s practice, Dental Designs, is located at 900 SE Chkalov Drive, close to I-205 on the southeast side of Vancouver. The office phone is 360-896-1449, and the website is dentaldesignsvancouver.com.

The Better Living Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show is returning to Portland by Robin Will

Jason — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:58:31 +0000

The Better Living Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show is returning to Portland Expo Center, March 23-25, 2012. Admission to the event is free, thanks to the sponsors and exhibitors.
For the fifth year, Portland’s Blue Ocean Events is turning the home-show concept inside-out. Instead of offering an out-of-the-way pavilion for green “alternatives,” Blue Ocean has created a wall-to-wall celebration of green technologies, showing us choices that restore health to our lives and our planet, and inviting us to enjoy ourselves heartily while we do it.
There are several points being made here, and this event makes them with panache. First, it’s possible to live well, have fun, and still minimize the impact we have on the earth. The word “celebration” is not just fluff at this event. Second, no matter how green visitors think they are ‑ or are not ‑ everybody will find something useful here. Leave with a good recipe that uses locally-grown produce or a fresh idea about storm windows, and the earth is that much better off! Third, business thrives in a green environment, or all of these exhibitors wouldn’t be at the show.
Look at the event itself: for five years, Blue Ocean Events has produced this show, remaining profitable while eschewing the admission charges that usually make up 40 percent of the revenue for an event such as this one. They’re smart, they’re productive, they’re green. No problem. This isn’t a hype- and sales-driven event, and it does not feel like one. In past years, it has felt like a house party, with guests strolling from room to room. The harsh overhead lighting at Expo is turned off, and each exhibitor is responsible for his or her own ambiance. There is lots of music, there’s absolutely no pressure, and nobody seems to be in a hurry.
Lots of stuff is given away. There will be wine-sampling; food vendors will be handing out freebies; and the folks in Vegan Village will be cooking up a storm. A regional creamery gave away more than 7,000 organic ice cream bars at one of these events. Visitors can come early, stay late, and probably skip dinner.
The Better Living Show is made up fresh every year, reflecting the gathering momentum of green, sustainable, holistic awareness, so old things get a new spin, and there are new developments around every corner. One of the big changes for 2012 is a matter of emphasis. Blue Ocean Events organizers Michael O’Loughlin and Stephanie Frisch realized that everything they were doing was related to health and wellness: healthy bodies, minds and spirits; healthy organizations and cultures; healthy Earth … and as a result, there’s now a dedicated Wellness Pavilion. Natural Awakenings magazine Portland and The Portland Clinic are sponsoring it, and exhibitors will be sharing advice and the best of healthcare practices through the ages.
Another change is a matter of sheer success: the Vegan Village will be bigger this year ‑ again. There is a trend towards healthy cooking with local ingredients, and these folks know how to make it work. Visitors line up for the free samples.
This year, there will be numerous electric cars—because there are more electric cars everywhere. Guests can learn about the cars in a hype-free environment, and talk to the folks from PGE who keep them plugged in. Schnitzer Steel will be hosting a Recycling Plaza ‑ in case anybody needs to be reminded they’re not at an ordinary home show. Bring hard-to-recycle items to the show, and Schnitzer, or one of their recycling partners, will take care of it. The Oregon Food Bank will get a check from Schnitzer for the value of the steel they recycle at this event. The Energy Trust of Oregon will be there to help homeowners figure out what kind of energy-saving upgrades or renewable energy alternatives are appropriate to their situations. Help figuring out the cash incentives and tax credits can be priceless. Many of the energy upgrades will be showcased in NW Natural’s Blue Home. Planet Kids has nature encounters, story times and enough other neat stuff to make parents envious.
Of course, there’s a whole slate of presentations in addition to the floor exhibits. Daryl Hannah will be the keynote speaker; she has been actively practicing a low-impact lifestyle for decades. Who knew? There will be programs on Eco-Fashion. Oregon State University’s “10-Minute University™” will be back with their short and intense classes in sustainable garden and lifestyle topics.

For more information, visit betterlivingshow.org which previews the March, 2012, show, provides contact information, and even lists volunteer opportunities for those who are interested.

Steve Gorn and Benjy Wertheimer in Concert

Jason — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:01:33 +0000

Dive into the sacred ocean
of raga with Steve Gorn on bansuri flute and Benjy Wertheimer on esraj
and tabla. Friday, March 9. 7:30 pm. $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
The Movement Center. 1021 NE 33rd Avenue, Portland.

Emotional Eating by Elisabeth Dunham

Jason — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:58:26 +0000

For many of us the holidays can trigger a wide range of emotions, both positive and negative. It’s not uncommon for many of us to gain five pounds due to the presence of tempting Christmas cookies and other fattening treats. But proximity to sweets is only part of the problem. Often, we reach for food to bring comfort and stability during this high-stress season. Sherri Sacconaghi is a Certified Health Coach and fitness trainer who focuses much of her work on helping people change their relationship to food. We sat down with her to ask her some questions about emotional eating during the holidays and how to make changes.

Q. What exactly is emotional eating?

The way I think about it, there are two categories of food: secondary and primary. Secondary food is the food we eat to nourish our body. Primary foods are the things we do to nourish our soul, fulfill ourselves and make us happy. They include close relationships, a satisfying career, exercise and a strong spiritual practice. When something is lacking in our primary food, we often turn to secondary food to fill the void. We start eating not because we are hungry but because we are using food to comfort ourselves, keep us company and relieve stress.

Q. What are common triggers?

A trigger is different for every person but most triggers will fall into a main primary food category. A person who is not in a satisfying relationship may turn to food for comfort or company. Someone who is in an unsatisfying career may turn to food because they are bored or not fulfilling their creative side. Exercise boosts the happy hormone in our brain and we feel energetic and alive. When someone does not exercise, they reach for sugar to achieve that high. The holidays bring up many emotions. People put pressure on themselves to buy the perfect gifts, perhaps leaving them financially strapped. Sadness over the loss of loved ones can be especially heightened during the holidays. When these emotions are not addressed or acknowledged, we sometimes stuff them down with food so we do not have to deal with them.

Q. What are the main strategies for changing this behavior?

The most important thing you can do is start making the connection between your feelings and the reasons you eat. The most powerful way to do this is start journaling. This takes practice. It means you have to become more aware of your hand going into the bag of chips. When you find yourself reaching mindlessly for food, ask yourself these questions: “Am I really hungry? How am I feeling right now? What is bothering me?” You may wind up eating the bag of chips anyway. But the connection still needs to be made.

Once you are able to recognize the real reason you want to eat a whole pie, you will learn to stop yourself and turn towards a more fulfilling activity. It’s a good idea to make a list of the things you really enjoy doing. Big things and little things. You might include reading a book, taking a walk, gardening, calling a friend. Post this list where you can see it. When you feel yourself reaching for food for emotional reasons, stop and choose something from your list instead.

Q. Many people want a quick fix such as an over-the-counter diet drug or a supplement. What do you think of this strategy?

A drug or a supplement may offer a quick fix by helping suppress your appetite and helping you lose five pounds. But they will not help you make lasting changes. Lasting changes come when you dig deep and address what is dissatisfying in your life. It’s better to make changes to fill yourself up with people and activities that make you happy and start enjoying food for the nourishment it provides.

Q. How frequently do you see this issue come up in your practice and how effective are the strategies for overcoming?

Almost everyone I work with has issues in their life big or small that can be improved. It is rarely ever just about the food. The strategies are very effective when they are practiced on a daily basis. Like learning any new skill, it takes practice on a daily basis to connect your eating habits and your emotions. It is not about will power; it is about taking an honest look at your life and what is working and what is not. Once you fill some of the gaps, a natural shift will occur in your relationship with food.

Sherri Sacconaghi is a Certified Health Coach and Fitness Trainer. She received her training through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and is certified by the American Association of Drugless practitioners and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She works in Portland and has a private practice, coaching clients on how to reach their goals for health, weight loss and stress reduction. Additionally, she presents workshops and lectures on living a healthy, balanced life. Please contact her for more information at themissionofnutrition.com.

Benefits of Reflexology with Nancie Hines

Jason — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:53:45 +0000

Reflexology is bodywork that allows someone to relax deeply and let go of the tension between their ears and across their shoulders.

Imagine someone working on your feet or hands for an hour and you relaxing, fully clothed, in a comfortable position so you can let go of what’s on your agenda even for an hour. The feet and hands are mini-maps of one’s entire body. By using thumb and finger movement and pressure on the feet and hands, a reflexologist can increase circulation and oxygen throughout a person’s entire system, bringing balance, renewal and healing.

Reflexology is not massage because the palpation actually stimulates and decongests the entire body. People with headaches and sinus trouble may get relief in minutes. Those with stiff necks can feel how much looser their necks are at the end of a session. People report back they sleep extremely well the night after a session. Often people will say their feet feel so good they don’t want to walk on them. A well-trained reflexologist knows how to boost hormonal reflexes, spinal and respiratory reflexes as well as digestive and elimination reflexes all through the bottom of one’s feet or hands.

If you like your hands or feet worked on, you’re a good candidate for reflexology and its de-stressing nature.

Portland Reflexology is located in Multnomah Village in SW Portland. For more information, visit portlandreflexology.com.

Health Benefits of Thai Massage – Charles Sharp LMT

Jason — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:50:26 +0000

Thai massage is essentially “an Eastern style of massage with a long list of health benefits,” says Charles Sharp, LMT. He adds that health is “a progressive movement towards physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, also known as balance.”

Thai bodywork takes place on a mat with the person receiving the treatment fully clothed. The receiver will be positioned four ways: face up, face down, on their side, and sitting up. In these four body placements, a series of muscle press and stretch techniques is applied to facilitate a more relaxed muscle state, which means decreasing one’s overall stress buildup. This work alleviates tightness in common problem areas, including the pelvis, back, knees and neck. As a result, one’s body becomes much more flexible, and the range of motion exponentially increases.

Thai massage also has a very cleansing effect on the body’s blood system. Circulatory technique, or artery compression, detoxifies areas of the body that, due to gravity, have a hard time getting rid of the bad stuff. In addition, this work stimulates receptors in one’s circulatory system and then messages the receptors to minimize the workload on the heart.

Touch is the only way a person can maintain a normal plane of existence. Touch will allow a person to console, let go, or just feel good about their experiences in life. Prolonged touch in Thai massage is simply revitalizing.

Sharp, of Intrabodyspaces, located at 833 SE Main, Portland, can be reached at 920-268-8867.

Pearl Health Center, Portland – Now Offers a Pre-Paid Health Plan

Jason — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:49:23 +0000

Being able to afford healthcare is a challenge for most Americans. Costs are only going up, even for the simplest problem. Worse, the average premium excludes many services the public is asking for such as acupuncture, massage, and naturopathy. Furthermore, it takes a linguist to understand terms such as “co-payment, co-insurance, or deductible.” Our country is fighting over how the health insurance industry will function.
In this turmoil, the private citizen is not waiting. In increasing numbers people are searching out low cost “options” frequently less expensive than their own insurance. Not only can they get the exact services they want, but they will know what their costs are and budget accordingly.
The Pearl Health Center has been offering Integrated Medicine for the last seven years. They are the only clinic in Portland that offers such a wide variety of services in one location: Family Practice, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Naturopathic, Mental Health, Massage and Travel Medicine all under one roof.
Their new Pre-Paid Plan allows for six visits a year, to see any of their highly skilled providers, in any combination of visits, for one deeply reduced price of $500. The focus of their plan is to help the consumer assess their needs, care for their immediate concerns and prevent disease in the future. The goal is a true partnership with the consumer. It covers any out-patient service that is offered in the clinic.
To learn more, give the Pearl Health Center a call or visit pearlhealthcenter.com.

Translate Readings into Action with Garden Reading Group

Jason — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:07:57 +0000

Tired of reading stacks of books to find out how to move your garden ahead? Garden Reading Group, hosted by Independence Gardens, welcomes participants on most Thursdays from October through the end of February to share reading reactions and responses in order to develop strategies for “growing” forward.
Reading Group is a great opportunity to get together with others interested in growing their own healthy, organic food to discuss books focused on incorporating edibles into all types of yards and gardens. Participants leave Reading Group knowing how to translate someone else’s garden experience or advice into making progress in their own garden space.
Readings range from how-to manuals to garden-based fiction, with an emphasis on translating others’ advice into hands-on progress. Generally, the discussion is focused on one short selection (a chapter, article, etc.) per session, but sometimes it takes multiple sessions to discuss a single work, such as Robert Kourik’s Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally, coming up on January 19 and 26.

Garden Reading Group meets at 11am at Rain City Coffee on NE 41st Ave., Portland. For more information, visit independencegardenspdx.com.