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GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29TH 1-4 PM


Tour our new facility and see our
state-of-the-art Evolution float pods
Complimentary snacks and beverages
Win free float sessions
Special discounts
Mini health expo with free services

Give your body


and mind a time-out
from the stresses of
daily life

The Float Factor - Floatation Therapy Center


326 Junction Road, Madison WI, 53717
hello@thefloatfactor.com 608-279-1009 facebook.com/floatfactor
twitter.com/floatfactor instagram.com/thefloatfactor

BOOK ONLINE!

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DIVINE BODY & STYLES


ORGANIC SALON & SPA

5440 WILLOW ROAD, SUITE 104, WAUNAKEE, WI 53597 608.242.4247

Specializing in Organic Salon & Spa Services

BRING A FRIEND AND SAVE!


Make an appointment for you and a friend and you recieve 50% off your service
Both must receive the service on the same day.
Person scheduling the appointment receives the 50% off.
Cannot be combined with any other special offers.
(Service must be $40 or more, 1 per person.
The friend must be a new customer please.)

Bring this offer in.


Offer valid thru 08/31/2015.

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SERVING MADISON AND


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608.242.HAIR (4247)
August 2015 | Natures Pathways

CONTENTS
SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN August 2015

26

FEATURE STORY
Memorial Pet Services, Inc.

Providing you peace of mind in honoring


your pet with the utmost care

ON THE COVER:
MARK MEINHOLZ - Owner of Memorial Pet Services
TY MEINHOLZ - Greeter
Photography by Melissa Alderton Photography

DEPARTMENTS

6 LETTER FROM THE TEAM

7 
MAKING CONNECTIONS
IN THE COMMUNITY

10 HEALTHY PETS

These dog breeds are especially
compatible with seniors

18 HEALTHY KIDS

Fostering healthy eating habits in

8 Turn fear of death into a love for life


9 Floating and meditation
11 Adventures in self-awareness
12 Creativity: 5 ways to shut it down
14 Brainspotting: A revolutionary new therapy

children

16 Making over your eyes safely

24 CHARTING A COURSE

Leo Oh, what joy!

19 The grace of water

28 HEALTHY EATING

Homemade ice cream makes for the
perfect summer treat
32 HERB BLURB

Garlic
46 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
50 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
50 ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

20 Essential oils for a strong immune system


21 Opiate and narcotic medication
22 Five ways to take back control of your own health
29 Happiness habit: Choose your perspective
30 Is Invisalign for me?
33 What to know before, during and after a massage
35 What exactly is floatation therapy?

11

36 Love, change, hurt


37 Stretch dollars on your next road trip
41 Exercise benefits the brain, too
42 Acupressure for insomnia

20

30
THE NATURES PATHWAYS MISSION
To provide relevant information on personal wellness by connecting
healthy living experts with the communities they serve.

22

AM

LETTER FROM THE TE

magazine
AUGUST 2015
We know its going to inevitably happen each year, and indeed it has
happened again: the first part of the always anticipated summer has flown by.
While back-to-school promotions and autumn events are beginning to pop
up, we shouldnt fast forward too much. We still have the delightful month
of August to savor the last warm days of the season.
Wisconsin packs in a lot of fun events and happenings during this time,
and weve scoured Travel Wisconsin to compile a list of some of our favorite
below.
Mile of Music Appleton Aug. 6 - 9
Dane Dances Madison Aug. 7
Classic & Wooden Boat Festival Sturgeon Bay Aug. 7 and 8
Wild West Days Viroqua Aug. 14 - 16
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days Sun Prairie Aug. 25 -27
Manitowoc County Fair Manitowoc Aug. 25 30
Visit www.travelwisconsin for great photos and
descriptions, plus even more
great activities for
August and the
coming months. We
hope you check them
out and enjoy all our
great state has to offer!

REGIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER


Trisha Bloom
tbloom@naturespathways.com
608-320-9432
MANAGING EDITOR
Grace Olson
editing@naturespathways.com
920-209-6900
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kim Byrne
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sarah Van Abel
design@naturespathways.com
920-209-6900
OPERATIONS ASSISTANT
Ann Hanson
CONTRIBUTORS
Melissa Alderton Photography

The Natures Pathways


Team

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES:
To advertise with Natures Pathways, LLC
or request additional information,
please contact us at 877-479-7209
or info@naturespathways.com.

Connect with us!

OM YOU
WE WANT TO HEAR FR
facebook.com/naturespathways
twitter.com/naturespathways
naturespathways.com
877-479-7209
info@naturespathways.com

Deadline for advertising is the first


of the month prior to publication.

Natures Pathways is a medium for experts to
share relevant information on wellness-related
topics, including sometimes-controversial
issues. This magazine offers multiple viewpoints so that readers are exposed to all sides
of such issues and able to make informed decisions decisions that are right for them and
the lifestyles they wish to lead. The opinions
presented in this magazine are not necessarily
shared by Natures Pathways.

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Turn fear of
death into a
love
for life

By Doris Deits

he older I get, the more affected I am by the deaths of


people I know. Not in the grieving, sorrow kind of way but
in the, Hmmm, is my time coming soon? kind of way.
The recent loss of a classmate from my spiritual group seems
to have deeply affected me, even though we werent personal
friends or particularly close. Joel was having some pain in his leg
and went to the doctor. The diagnosis was shocking advanced
cancer throughout the body. Surprise!
Since his death, I find my anxiety levels are elevated with any
changes or fluctuations within my physical body. Death can
surprise you. Just like Joel, I may not even see it coming!
Logically, I know I am in good physical health, but for some
reason my body is in overdrive looking for signs of its own imminent demise. Many unpleasant scenarios march through my mind
on a daily basis.
Vertigo is now the precursor to an inoperable brain tumor.
Even the slightest deviation in heartbeats causes an alert status of
possible aortal blowout.
I even feel fearful of going to sleep each night, possibly because
Ive always said that I wanted to die in my sleep. Now my body
thinks Im trying to kill myself by going to sleep at night!
As much as I enjoy a cocoon of denial, Ive come to that point
where confronting my fear of death is inescapable. Sure, there are
lots of stories about a nice bright light and singing angels, but the
closer one gets to that particular benchmark, the more skeptical
one becomes. Fear has a powerful grip.
Fear of death and the unknown are instinctual in every human.
While our higher soul consciousness doesnt experience death,
the physical body does cease to exist as it once did.
This is the duality of a spiritual being having a human experience.
The soul is okay with the death process, the body not so much.
While I am absolutely convinced that physical death is merely
a transition for my spiritual essence, I cannot deny the fact or
the power of the bodys fear of death. I cannot make it go away.
What I can do is figure out how to manage the fear so anxiety isnt
running rampant through my veins every day.
8

Natures Pathways | August 2015

Theres a metaphysical technique called redirection that can be


used when irrational fears move in. The idea is if your thoughts are
going places you dont want them to go, change the direction and
move your thoughts on to something more positive. Even better
would be putting those positive thoughts or ideas into action.
For example, if one is entertaining fears of dying (as I am), the
goal would be to turn the mind toward something more positive
like, How do I want to live my life? Then make a list: I choose to
live a long life, I choose to live a happy and peaceful life, I choose
to live a life of service to my community, I choose to live a healthy
life, etc.
When I take a positive action, like exercising, eating more
vegetables, taking an art class or calling a friend, it reinforces my
choice to put my mind and energy toward things I like to do. If I
do things that bring meaning and fulfillment to my life, maybe I
wont feel cheated when death does make its appearance.
Appreciation is another powerful technique to have in your
positivity toolbox. Redirecting ones focus to things that bring
even the smallest comforts and joys can uplift our energy. Indoor
plumbing, hot showers, mocha lattes, sketchers, lilacs, raspberries
the list is endless.
So if you are getting overwhelmed with fearful or negative
thought patterns, remember to acknowledge them and then redirect your thoughts to something better. Use the art of appreciation. Even if you have to do it a hundred times a day, eventually
you will train your mind to think from a new perspective.
No, we cant escape death, and facing our fear of death doesnt
make it go away, but its possible to come to terms with it. In the
end, I hope to have the courage to face my own death with gratitude for the life I got to live.
Doris Deits is the owner of Peaceful Heart Gifts and Books, located at 123 S.
Main St., Oregon. Doris is a student of metaphysics and offers her perspective
of over 20 years of research and experience in the field. Through the products at
Peaceful Heart, they strive to offer products that can connect people to their own
innate wisdom and spirituality. For more information, visit www.peacefulheart.
net or call 608-835-5288. See ad on page 17.
www.naturespathways.com

Floating and
meditation

By Maria Welch

n an ideal world, we would all take regular timeouts to


recharge not just our cell phones, but our personal batteries too. Given the amount of information we process every
day, regular infusions of peace, quiet and solitude are essential for
maintaining ones sanity. Activities like meditation, yoga, time in
nature, listening to soothing music or becoming engrossed in a
book are all great ways to relax and recharge.
Essential or not, my brain often doesnt want to quiet down
enough to reap the benefits of relaxing activities, or even to
engage in them at all. I know stress isnt healthy, and I feel more
peaceful and connected when I meditate, but there is so much to
do, so many emails to answer, so many people who need things.
Sometimes my regular practice becomes pretty irregular.
For the relaxation challenged, floatation therapy offers an
alternative. Originally developed in 1954 by neuroscientist John
C. Lily, MD, to limit sensory input in research he was conducting
on the brain, Lily discovered the sensory deprived environment of
the float tank had surprising physical and mental benefits, providing the most profound rest and relaxation I have ever experienced. He went on to develop the first commercial float tank in
1973. Modern day tanks are higher tech and more user-friendly
but the basic concept is the same.
In a nutshell, the float tank, pod or chamber is a dedicated
place to relax. Unlike floating in a swimming pool or lying in bed,
several hundred pounds of Epsom salt dissolved in skin temperature water keeps your body fully supported with no sensation of
physical pressure or temperature, no effort, and no way you can
sink, even if you fall asleep. These factors create a kind of bodiless,
floating in space experience.
For meditators, a similar freedom from discomfort and distraction is the ticket to a deep experience and may take many months
or years of regular practice to achieve. In a float tank, the average
person has a good chance of experiencing this in one 60-minute
session. How can this be? Meditation trains the mind to screen out
www.naturespathways.com

sensory input and internal dialogue through focusing on breath,


a mantra or visualization. In a float tank, you get a head start.
Rather than inducing a state equivalent to limited external stimulation, floating provides an actual state of limited external stimulation, providing a kind of shortcut to the benefits of meditation.
As meditation deepens, the brain shifts from higher frequency
beta waves to lower frequency alpha and theta waves. Theta waves
are associated with deep relaxation, improved memory, heightened intuition, spiritual awareness and insight, vivid imagery
and creative ideas. Experienced meditators are able to generate a
theta state at will. Studies have shown significant increases in the
production of theta waves after one hour in a float tank. Usually
theta waves are experienced only just prior to falling asleep, but
the floater stays awake. This allows the floater to experience these
benefits both during and after a float session.
Deep relaxation and theta waves are also associated with
decreases in fight or flight chemicals in the brain such as norepinephrine and cortisol and increases in beneficial chemicals such
as GABA, the brains own tranquilizer. This rebalancing of brain
chemistry leads to a number of health benefits, including more
restful sleep, reduction of anxiety and stress and improved immune
function and healing. A number of studies on floating have found
the same beneficial shifts in brain chemicals during float sessions.
The positive effects may last for hours and even days.
The float tank is a great environment to both deepen meditative
practice and experience the benefits of meditation if you have not
tried it. Regular float sessions offer an easy way to recharge your
battery.
Maria Welch, MS, RD, CD is a registered dietitian nutritionist with more than
20 years of experience in health care and research and the co-owner of The Float
Factor, Floatation Therapy Center, located at 326 Junction Road in Madison. The
Float Factor offers the ultimate environment for natural relaxation, rejuvenation
and recovery - floatation therapy sessions in state of the art Evolution float pods,
infrared saunas and a relaxation lounge. For more information or to book a float
or sauna, visit thefloatfactor.com or call 608-279-1009. See ad on page 2.
August 2015 | Natures Pathways

healthyPETS

These dog breeds


are especially
compatible with
seniors


ets often make ideal companions. They are around when


a person needs support, they can provide protection for
those living alone, theyre always willing to lend an ear
to problems, and many tend to offer unconditional love. Seniors
facing an empty nest or the loss of a spouse may find pets can
buoy their spirits. Studies have shown that seniors can benefit
both mentally and physically from having a pet around. Pets can
alleviate anxiety, depression and boredom.
While pets can provide comfort and companionship, they remain
a significant responsibility. Seniors should find an animal that will fit
in with their lifestyles. This is an important consideration for those
seniors who travel frequently or have mobility issues. In addition,
men and women living in senior communities or assisted living facilities should determine if there are any pet restrictions in place.
Those seniors who have decided that a dog will be the best fit can
choose among several breeds that may be a good match for their
needs. When selecting a dog, consider both size and temperament.
Smaller dogs tend to be easier to handle and will need less maintenance. They are easily carried and wont take as long to bathe and
groom. Smaller dogs also consume less food than larger breeds,
reducing the expense of dog food and the hassle of wrangling large,
heavy bags of chow. Temperament is also important, as some breeds
tend to be more easygoing than others. Larger breeds may be preferable to a smaller breeds, which tend to be hyperactive. However,
always remember there are pros and cons to each breed, and each
dog will demonstrate his own personality traits.

The following are some dogs that can be


especially compatible with seniors.

Pomeranian: Pomeranians look like big balls of fur and can bring
a smile to an owners face. The breed tends to be perky, can display
dominance and can be difficult to train. Because Pomeranians can
be dog-aggressive, they may be best as the only pet in the house.
Yorkshire Terrier: The Yorkie is a diminutive breed in size only,
as they tend to have exuberant personalities that dwarf their
stature. The ideal lap dog, Yorkies want to lie around and lounge,
though some do like to bark. If the fur is kept short in a puppy
cut, the dog can be easy to maintain.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: This medium-sized dog hails from
Wales and typically requires only moderate exercise and little
grooming. They are easy to train and moderately dominant. They
dont bark excessively, and they often get along with other dogs.
Schnauzer: Available in three sizes, Schnauzers are good
companions and protectors. This is an intelligent and loyal breed
and will need to be kept amused to stave off boredom.

Pug: Equally playful and willing to be a lap dog, the pug requires
little exercise and grooming. The breed is typically nonaggressive
and submissive. Pugs are good-natured and playful; they dont
often bark and are easy to train.

Brussels Griffon: These dogs do not shed, but they will require
professional grooming at least once every 3 months. If socialized early,
the Griffon can be a good companion but will likely remain wary of
strangers. They are good watchdogs and devoted to their owners.

Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu lives for attention, but this breed can be
dominant and difficult to train. The Shih Tzu will be alert to its
surroundings and, despite its small stature, can be a good watchdog.

Source: MetroCreative Connection.

10

Natures Pathways | August 2015

www.naturespathways.com

Adventures in
self-awareness
The balancing act of
parenting, part 2

By Nikki Cohen-Wichner, MS, LMFT

The greatest thing a father can do for his children is to respect the
woman that gave birth to his children. It is because of that person
that you have the greatest treasure in your life. You may have moved
on, but your children have not. If you cant be your exs soulmate,
then at least be thoughtful. Whom your children love should always
be someone that you acknowledge with kindness. Your children
notice everything and will follow your example. Shannon L. Alder

hope you can allow the true spirit of this quote into your heart
and mind and forgive the limits of language inherent to it.
The spirit is why its been chosen.
Summer is almost over. What memories will your children
carry with them as they prepare to enter another year of preparation for the rest of their lives? Has there been a healthy mix of
relaxation and fun this summer along with life skill development
activities? Have you given them opportunities to feel your trust
(even if you were filled with many moments of doubt) that they
are capable of accepting responsibility for increasing levels of
independence on personal and community level chores?
How well have you and your parenting partner(s) modeled the
creation of healthy relationship skills? Who are those partners?
Many in our culture get stuck on the idea that their co-parenting
partner is the other parent of their child. For many of the youth
I work with in my clinical practice there are no birth parents
involved; for others there is an array of parenting partners.
Parenting partners are those people who support the growth
and development of a child. From my perspective co-parenting is a
process that parenting partners engage in to support each other in
the toughest job humans face: raising their young to become healthy
independent adults (or as independent as the childs abilities allow).
My June article encouraged readers to engage in a conversation with their own parents about the parenting process. Some
may have become stuck on some of the language I used as it
was limiting if the reader defined parents only as birth parents.
Go back to that article and frame the concept of parenting in a
context of parents being any adult who influenced your growth
www.naturespathways.com

"Parenting partners are those


people who support the
growth and development of
a child. From my perspective
co-parenting is a process that
parenting partners engage
in to support each other in
the toughest job humans
face: raising their young to
become healthy independent
adults (or as independent as
the childs abilities allow)."
and development. My guess is that if you are reading articles in
this magazine, you are a person who cares about being healthy.
Even if you had horribly unhealthy birth parents, I believe there
likely was at least one adult in your life who cared about you.
Navigating the sometimes turbulent waters of co-parenting
relies entirely on one thing and one thing alone: respect. Some
of the most powerful parenting I have witnessed in my years as a
therapist has taken place in families where parents have extreme
levels of distrust and deeply held feelings of anger and resentment
within their own personal relationship with one another. This has
involved co-parents who were birth parents as well as those who
continued on page 13
August 2015 | Natures Pathways

11

Creativity: 5
ways to shut
it
down

By Barry Kerr and Kristine Gay

re you creative? For some, its an easy answer: Yes! All the
time. For others, the question feels intimidating: Sometimes, maybe, but not compared to others. Does that
second answer sound like you?
At times, creativity can feel competitive. Art, music and
other contests judge peoples creations. And if judged very high,
someone just might make money and become famous. Those are
the people that are truly creative, right?
Well, heres the secret about creativity: its not about comparisons. Creative urges that focus on comparisons actually morph
into imitations. Thats not innately a bad thing. Imitating can
improve technique and skill, and very good imitators can also
make money and become famous, but its not the same of creating.
Most of us shut down our own creativity by confusing the two.
Lets say you get a creative inspiration: a song, a dance, a recipe,
anything. It might be in a spontaneous moment like singing a
song while washing dishes or dancing at a party. Or it might come
in an ongoing series of imaginings that seem to be building on a
vision of a more designed creation. Either way, you can feel it in
you. Something about it feels uniquely personal and the thought

of being able to express it into action and form feels fun and enlivening. That is your passion. That is the wellspring of your joy.
However, what happens next is critical to whether you let that
creative juice flow outward or get bottled up inside you. If your
thoughts turn toward comparisons or judgments, watch out.
Youre likely to lose your juice. Here are a few examples of typical
life-sucking thoughts you might have:
People are watching.
How embarrassing.
But look how good he is.
No ones going to like this.
I wish I knew how.
Im not talented.

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For more info, visit: www.wellife.org


12

Natures Pathways | August 2015

www.naturespathways.com

"Do other people need to


enjoy you as much as you
do? No! Some will, some
wont. Who cares?"
All of these thoughts are ways your ego can shut down your life
force and disconnect from your soul. Yes, its your ego that is
afraid of being judged as not good enough or selfish. But, your
soul wants to be expressed without concern for judgment and
comparison. Your soul has a beautiful intention that only your
ego, your unique personality can express into the world. Nobody
else can possibly do it like you can.
1. Do you need to know what your soul intention is before you
risk acting on it? No! Just feel the potential for fun and joy,
then act. Follow your bliss.
2. Do you need to know exactly how to go about doing it? No!
Trust the thrill of delight you get by taking action, taking risk.
Learn as you go. Its OK to fumble.
3. Do other people need to enjoy you as much as you do? No!
Some will, some wont. Who cares? If you arent enjoying it,
then most certainly nobody else will either. Often, there doesnt
even need to be anyone else present for you to be creative. You
can dance in a crowd or dance alone at home. Either way, its
about you enjoying your expression. Some creativity is actually better done alone, like writing or painting.
4. Does it matter how well you do? No! Your soul doesnt care
about winning. But if competition tends engage your ego to
fire up your creativity, then use it. Your soul wants to be felt, by
you and others. When you are authentically in your passionate expression, feeling your joy in it, thats what matters. Some
may judge you as less than and frown. Others will connect to
your joy and passion and feel it as a gift of your unique expression, undistracted by comparisons. Thats the real win.
5. But, isnt the purpose of self-growth/spirituality to get rid of
the ego? No! Spirituality leads us to know that our ego is a
temporary illusion of self, not who we really are. Once we
know our true self (our eternal soul), we practice surrendering
the ego to serve the soul. However, by strengthening the ego,
including our personality, we give our soul a more powerful
instrument through which to express. Creativity develops our
ego in alignment with our soul.
Follow your bliss and create more joy in your life.
Barry Kerr, an evolutionary astrologer and certified life and
relationship coach, and Kristine Gay, a licensed psychotherapist, own Choose Conscious Living in Madison.
Both have extensive training in soul-guided, transformational healing of mind, body, heart and spiritual systems.
They offer healing, coaching, therapy, mindfulness and astrology services for singles,
couples and groups. For more information, visit www.ChooseConsciousLiving.com.
Call or email for a free consultation and questions. See ad on page 24.
www.naturespathways.com

ADVENTURES IN SELF-AWARENESS CONTINUED FROM 11.

had adopted children while together and then later separated.


That co-parenting power came from one decision that changed
their childrens lives forever: each individual parents decision to
set aside personal issues enough to see that the basic act of treating the other parent with respect in EVERY action (verbal and
non-verbal). This wasnt easy for the parents I speak of here. They
had to work at it each and every day. What they had no way of
knowing at the moment they made a commitment to respect the
other parent was that the process they were using to choose on a
daily basis to be respectful provided a model for their children
far more powerful than anything a therapist or life coach could
possibly provide for their children.
If the mere idea of co-parenting with someone who has hurt
you deeply leaves you leary, I encourage you to read Forgiveness Is A Choice (Enright, 2001). I worked with the author on
research conducted to support the texts use in couple therapy but
often use it when working with parents who struggle with anger
toward each other. This book gently challenges concepts of false
forgiveness and guides the reader in the process of giving themselves the gift of forgiveness.
Summer might be nearly over but you have a lifetime to model
to your children how to use healthy relationship skills by choosing each day to treat with respect the adults who share your love
of them. Choose each moment to BREATHE DEEPLY and allow,
allow, allow.

Suggested reading

www.thepowerofforgiveness.com
www.naturenet.com is a great resource for busy parents who

want to get their kids connected to nature this summer in


inexpensive yet meaningful ways.

Nikki Cohen-Wichner, MS, LMFT, is an AAMFT clinical fellow and


licensed family therapist. She feels honored each time she is trusted
to help individuals, couples and families in their growth and/or endof-life journey. She and her husband of 28 years are co-creators of
Healing Horsemanship, a nationally recognized Equine Assisted
Activities and Therapy program. She is a nationally certified therapeutic horsemanship instructor and serves as Region 6 Mental Health Representative for PATH
International. For more information, email healinghorseman@aol.com or call
608-347-2392. See ad on page 25.

August 2015 | Natures Pathways

13

Brainspotting:
A revolutionary
new
therapy

By Jennifer M. Warner, MSE,
LPC & Holistic Psychotherapist

vents and episodes occur all the time. Even ones that seemingly are rather ordinary can cause people to develop symptoms that give rise to clinical features. The brain can protect
and guard us from experiencing emotions by putting us into shutdown mode, which keeps us completely cut off from our emotions
or body feelings. The state of dissociation is a deeply unconscious
survival mechanism. The goal of brainspotting is to help people move
out of these states and back into balance and a state of equilibrium.
When the brain is developing, especially in the case of a child,
it is not equipped to deal with and process all emotional input.
So this can mean that some events, episodes and occurrences in
our lives are not integrated, but become suppressed because of
the inability to process them at the time. Often as children, we do
not know how to deal with our emotions, so we likely turn them
inward and create beliefs about ourselves that later limit us. Such
beliefs can be its all my fault, I am a bad person, I am not
good enough and I dont matter. Such beliefs and thoughts can
create maladaptive habits and patterns in our lives that keep us
stuck and unfulfilled.

Holistic Psychotherapist
Individuals Couples Families
Jennifer M. Warner, LPC
660 W. Washington Ave., Suite 308, Madison

www.jmwassociatesonline.com

608.251.6590

M I N D
14

B O D Y

Natures Pathways | August 2015

S P I R I T

"The therapist inquires about


what the person would
like to work on and then
determines if the person
is activated when talking
about it. Where you look
affects how you feel. In other
words, when you look left
or right or up or down, you
experience things differently."
Brainspotting is a way to access these suppressed emotions and
thus deeper core issues so that one can heal emotionally, mentally,
physically and spiritually.
Brainspotting gives us a way to heal and accelerates the healing
process. It brings one back to their natural state of resilience.
The brain scans itself to reveal where it is holding traumas, these
reflexive cues are what tell the brain that it has found something
that needs to be healed.

An example of a brainspotting session

The therapist inquires about what the person would like to work
www.naturespathways.com

on and then determines if the person is activated when talking


about it. Where you look affects how you feel. In other words,
when you look left or right or up or down, you experience things
differently. And when you focus on something that you have
strong feelings about, this looking left/right or up/down difference will be more pronounced. So why do you react differently
when you look in different directions? Well, shifting your eye
position somehow changes whats happening in your brain. The
therapist then looks for reflexive responses in the person. The next
step is to numerically rate the level of activation of the chosen
issue on a 0-10 scale. This also helps to track the progress through
the process with the goal of reaching the baseline 0, which is no
activation.
Next, the therapist goes to the somatic responses felt in the
body. We dont ask about thoughts, beliefs or emotions because
we are looking for the client to drop down into their body and
brain, and away from analysis and thought. Body activation can
be felt anywhere in the body by the client.
From there the therapist then identifies a brainspot by having
the client visually track a pointer held by the therapist as it is
micro-slowly moved across the clients field of vision. This evinces
the reflexive response based on the eye position, while observing
the clients eyes, face and body. Any reflexive response, whether
subtle or pronounced, counts. It is these signs that reveal the
information held in the brain and is reflected in the body that
focuses the healing process. Once the therapist identifies the
reflexive location, the client is guided to mindfully observe their

inner process, wherever it goes. All that is needed is curiosity,


openness and no expectations. See what comes next and then
what follows. No one directs the process but the brain and the
body. The focused mindfulness processing may include thoughts
or conscious memories, or it may be comprised entirely of body
sensations that continually shift from one part of the body to
another. Sometimes it jumps around rapidly, other times it may
seem to be in slow motion. David Grand, Ph.D., says it is his guess
that we are observing a rapid synaptic, neuroplastic journey down
vast, intricate neural pathways. In other words, we are witnessing
our own brain healing itself. How do we know that healing is actually occurring? Because when we return to our starting point with
the 0-10 scale with the chosen issue and there has been a change,
a reduction in activation and symptoms. Sometimes it can be a
subtle shift or a dramatic shift that presents. So if you are ready
for a revolutionary new therapy for rapid and effective change,
perhaps brainspotting is for you.
For more information, go to: www.brainspotting.com.
Jennifer M. Warner, MSE, LPC, is a Holistic Psychotherapist,
brainspotting practitioner, avatar master, and Reiki practitioner who uses holistic and experiential therapies to empower
individuals, couples, and families to heal and transform their
lives, so each of them is able to live to their fullest potential.
You can reach her at 608-251-6590; for more information, visit her website
at www.jmwassociatesonline.com.
References: Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and
Effective Change. David Grand, Ph.D.

Together We Can
Change Lives!
Coaching and Consultation Services
Spectrum Movement and Exercise Classes
Environmental Enrichment & Developmental Therapy
Alternative Health Treatments
Essential Oils
Nutritional Support

DEBBIE ARMSTRONG Autism Consultant, Certified Life Coach and Relaxation Specialist
4705 Dale-Curtin Drive, McFarland | 608-577-5733
www.biomat4autism.com | darmstrong@biomat4autism.com
www.naturespathways.com

August 2015 | Natures Pathways

15

Making
over your
eyes
safely

By Angela Kowieski

Tips from professionals on


how to enhance your eyelashes
safely

As an owner of an Organic Concepts Salon &


Spa, I am always on the lookout for safer and
healthier professional beauty and wellness
products and services for our clients. One
of the new biggest trends to hit the beauty
stream is eyelash extensions. Many people

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16

Natures Pathways | August 2015

wonder: Are they safe? Will they harm my


natural eye lashes? Does it hurt? And what is
the upkeep on this type of service?
All of these questions are pretty basic
and are heard on a regular basis when
clients are considering professional eyelash
extensions. I grabbed lead estetician,
Miriam Tsukanova, a certified Butterfly
Eyelash extensionist, to get the lowdown
on these answers as well as safety tips and
precautions for curious consumers.
My first question to Miriam was: are
eyelash extensions safe? Her professional
response was, Well Angela, as with any
type of service, whether it be open heart
surgery or applying hair color there
are always precautions and procedures
involved that if not followed in the correct
manner can lead to disaster. I have seen
customers that have had some pretty unsafe
eyelash extension applications performed
on them and unfortunately for some, it led
to permenant damage to their lashes and
some even their eye site. I have noticed that
a lot of unlicensed individuals opening up
eyelash boutiques and not having proper
training, which can leave the patron with
some serious damage due to lack of training, cheap products and uncleanliness. To
answer your question, yes the service can
be safely performed by a licensed practitioner and with regular maintenance you can

have gorgeous eyelash extensions.


So Miriam, when you mention permanent damages, what are you referring to and
what should consumers be asking before
they receive eyelash extensions? Miriam
states, Angela, I have noticed customers coming in to the salon with horribly
performed eyelash extension applications.
Some practitioners think that if they place
layers of lashes giving the customer really
long and unnaturally thick lashes it will
enhance their eyes. What they are really
doing is causing permanent damage by
placing too many lashes and layering them
on the patrons natural lashes. This will be
too much weight on the customers natural
lashes, hence causing them to break or fall
out. This starts the permanent damage
and the customers natural lashes start
thinning. I recommend enhancing the
customers natural lashes with thin layers
of the lashes and never double layering
them. This will prevent causing damage to
the customers natural lashes but will still
give them long beautiful lashes.
Whats the difference between mink and
synthetic? Another unsafe practice I have
been noticing is the use of mink lashes or
adhesive with formaldehyde. When choosing your lash type, I highly recommend
asking if they are mink or synthetic lashes.
I use the synthetic lashes because the mink
www.naturespathways.com

"Some practitioners think that if they


place layers of lashes giving the
customer really long and unnaturally
thick lashes it will enhance their
eyes. What they are really doing is
causing permanent damage by placing
too many lashes and layering them
on the patrons natural lashes."
lashes most likely have been treated with
many chemicals, as well as you never
know what types of bacteria or diseases
the mink have had prior to their hair being
harvested (not to mention being aware of
cruelty to animals!) As for the adhesives,
formaldehyde in the eye area is a huge no
no! Some people have reported eye ulcers
and permanent vision loss due to the adhesive. The use of clean and sterile utensils is
always required, yet this step sometimes
is not always followed. Making sure that
your practitioners station looks clean and
you see them wash their hands is recommended. I wouldnt want my doctor to
perform surgery on me not knowing if the
area was clean! Miriam reports.
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Now that we know what we should be


looking out for, inquiring minds want
to know: Does that application hurt and
what is the maintenance like to keep your
eyelash extensions maintained and looking
top notch? Miriam giggles, Most of my
clients are snoring by the time I am done
with a full set! They are painless, you just
need to lay down on our comfy heated
table, close your eyes and relax. As far as
maintenance goes, it depends on how well
you follow the instructions for at home
care. Most customers come in for regular
fills anywhere between 2-4 weeks. This
is due to your natural lash cycle of shedding. Most customers get a full set once
a year and then just keep refilling with

maintenance appointments. I do recommend at least every 4 weeks minimum for


a maintaining your lashes otherwise they
just dont look that great. It would be like
getting your hair colored blonde once
and not touching it up. The maintenance
appointments are essential for keeping
your investment of eyelash extensions
looking their best!
Wow! Now that I got all of those important details out of Miriam, I asked her: What
is the most important thing you should
do prior to making an eyelash extension
appointment? I would say make sure to ask
as many questions as possible and if youre
still unsure you should request a consultation appointment. This would be a great
time to see their facility, if it looks clean, and
to find out what kind of lashes they use as
well as their procedures, she says.
If you would like more information
regarding eyelash extensions, Miriam will
gladly answer any of your questions or
concerns.
Angela Kowieski is a certified organic
hair colorist and owner of Divine Body &
Styles Organic Salon & Spa, 5440 Willow
Road, Suite 104 in Waunakee. She strives
to find products that are made with as
many organic ingredients as possible. Divine Body &
Styles Organic Salon & Spa is an environment where
beauty means not having to sacrifice your health. For
more information, call 608-242-4247 or visit http://
divinebodyandstyles.net. See ad on page 3.

Memorial Center for Pets


Your pet is an important part of the family
and deserves a dignified farewell. When the
time comes and you must say goodbye to your
beloved pet, know that we are here for you.
Veterinary or home pickup and delivery
Cremation options tailored to fit your needs
Private comfort rooms for memorial services,
on-site euthanasia or just to spend additional
time with your pet
Memorial items (urns, burial markers, jewelry)
Pet loss resources and grief support

4319 Twin Valley Rd., Suite 15, Middleton


608.836.PAWS (7297)
Email: info@memorialpetservices.com
Website: www.memorialpetservices.com

Hrs: Mo-Fr 10-6; Sa 10-5; Su 12-4

www.naturespathways.com

August 2015 | Natures Pathways

17

healthyKIDS

Fostering healthy
eating habits in
children


f kids had their way, pizza, chicken fingers and French


fries would make up a significant portion of their diets.
But parents know they must make kids culinary choices
for them so youngsters get all of the vitamins and nutrients
they need to grow up strong and healthy.
Parents also tend to know how difficult it can be to convince
kids to embrace healthy eating. Healthy eating habits can help
kids live healthier lives and perform better in the classroom while
setting them up for a lifetime of making the right choices at mealtime. Though encouraging kids to eat healthy may not always be easy,
the following are a few tips for parents hoping to foster healthy eating
habits in their children.
STICK TO A SCHEDULE. Parents should establish a regular eating

schedule, for both meals and snacks, so kids learn the importance of
not skipping meals. Kids who learn to eat at regular intervals are more
likely to continue doing so as they grow older. When kids stick to a
meal schedule, they are less likely to overeat and theyre likely to have
more energy throughout the day, which should help them stay attentive at school and be more engaged in their extracurricular activities.
INVOLVE KIDS WHEN CHOOSING THE MENU. Kids might

be more excited about eating healthy when you involve them in


choosing the menu. Invite them along on trips to the grocery store
and allow them to choose one of their favorite foods for the meal
in exchange for eating the healthy fare you have chosen. Parents
may end up eating a lot of side dishes of macaroni and cheese, but
their youngsters will also end up eating their vegetables.
PLAN HEALTHY DESSERTS. Dessert is often considered an

unhealthy indulgence, but theres plenty of nutritious desserts that are


so delicious kids likely will not realize theyre eating healthy. A dessert
of fresh fruit and a small serving of yogurt can provide the same postmeal refreshment as ice cream or cake, but it does so with much fewer
calories and a lot more nutrients and vitamins. Whats more, kids will
come to look at dessert as a chance to eat fresh fruits instead of an
18

Natures Pathways | August 2015

opportunity to load up on ice cream or other, less healthy alternatives.


SERVE HEALTHY PORTIONS. Sometimes its not just what is

on the plate but how much is on the plate that can be healthy or
unhealthy. When doling out portions for the family, create healthy
portions so kids are not encouraged to overeat. Kids who grow up
eating healthy portions are more likely to continue doing so into
adulthood. Overeating is one of the culprits behind being overweight and obese, so kids who learn to control their portions are
much less likely to overeat and gain excess weight.
DONT REWARD KIDS WITH FOOD. Some parents try to reward

youngsters with food, allowing kids to indulge in unhealthy fare


in acknowledgement of a good report card or something else kids
should be proud of. But using food as a reward is an unhealthy
eating habit that can lead to problems down the road as kids
become adults responsible for their own eating habits.
Set a positive example. Kids are more likely to eat healthy
when mom and dad are healthy eaters. If your first choice at snack
time is to reach for a bag of potato chips, then dont be surprised
when your kids opt for chips over healthier fare like a piece of
fruit. Do as I say, not as I do is a tough sell to youngsters when
it comes to their eating habits, so parents should set a positive
example for their kids by ensuring their own diets are healthy.
Source: MetroCreative Connection.
www.naturespathways.com

The grace of
water
A parable of release

By Cecilia Farran

ater comes in many forms and evokes many feelings. Wendall Berry wrote of the sweetness, to wake
in the night after days of dry heat, hearing the rain.
Carl Sandburg penned, Sheer waters show the russet of old stone
remembering many rains. Louise
Erdrich in her novel The Last Report of the Miracles at Little
No Horse describes a fantastical flood that carries the heroine on
an inexorable spillway of power, which although she escapes her
past, traps her in a strange future.
My daughter Celia recently experienced the power of too
much water as a weeklong outdoor festival of 1,200 campers was
evacuated after days of constant downpour turned grassy ground
to sodden swamp. It was crazy, insane, heroic and painful, but
the banding together of this tribe of people left me speechless.
Through evacuating folks to higher ground, mud and water up
to our knees, flood waters streaming over the land, pushing cars,
moving tents, making room for displaced people and forgetting
about being dry, we all felt the power of mutual grace.
Yes, water can uplift, nurture and refresh. Or destroy. What it
does often depends on our choices. Here is a parable of one mans
clenched fist response. Ask yourself what your response might be
to this terrible beauty.
There was once a man who wouldnt let go. When the rains
came and the water began to rise, he took the beliefs, fears, history
and pain of his life and put them all carefully into a sturdy box that
he called My Precious, and crawled onto the roof of his house to
wait for his God had said, Do not fear, I will save you.
A man rowing in a small boat came along and said, Have no
fear, I will save you, but the man on the house said, No need. I
have my box and my God will save me. And the man in the green
boat rowed on.
And the rains came and the water rose. The man on the house
clutched his black box of his precious truths and crawled higher
onto the roof.
A small motor boat came by and the man in the boat said, Have
no fear, I will save you. Throw down your box and jump into my
boat. But the man on the roof shook his head and clutched the
box. No thank you, he said. I shall hold my box for it is precious
www.naturespathways.com

to me and my God will save me.


And the rains came and the waters rose and the mans house
began to tilt. He crawled onto the chimney. A tug boat sent to
save the people came in view. I am here to save you, shouted
the man in the boat over to the man on the chimney, for now the
waters had risen so that the chimney was almost at water level. I
will come close. Toss me that box and then step over into my boat.
I shall steady it for you. But the man on the roof clinging to the
chimney and his box said, No. Go away. I entrust no one with
the struggles of my life. I shall hold on and my God will save me.
And as the boat pulled away, the house tipped and the man was
swept away in the tide.
Clinging to the box with one hand, he made a fist with the other
and shook it at his God.
And where was your saving, for now I am truly lost.
And God answered back, I sent a row boat, a motor boat and a
tug. But you would not release what you thought to be precious in
order to climb aboard. I sent water to wash your darkness. Grace
can save only with release. Since it was your choice to cling on to
pain and old beliefs there is nothing I can do. I am sorry.
The waters rose and the man with the weight of his precious box
disappeared beneath the waves.
Whether water comes into your life as a gentle wash or a torrent
of power, may your hands release to its cool flow and bring you
renewal and sustenance in the beauty of every sweet drop.
Cecilia Farran owns 43/90 North Earth Gifts, in Spring Green, a
full service source for new thought and spiritual support. The name
marks the global location where visitor-seekers are always welcome
and special events aim to bring out the wisdom and fun in the spiritual path. North Earth is located at 136 South Albany Street in the
Albany Shops Courtyard, Spring Green, across from the General Store & Cafe.
Cecilia invites you enjoy a peaceful day trip to Spring Green to visit and bring
your own parables to share. See ad on page 22.
August 2015 | Natures Pathways

19

Essential oils
for a strong
immune
system

By Debbie Armstrong

hen I was first introduced to essential oils by a friend


I had no idea how much I would relish these drops of
nature. Essential oils are an amazing gift, from their
wonderful aromatic fragrances to their incredible health benefits.
As I discovered more about the incredible healing properties
of pure essential oils, I began to discover just how beneficial they
were to our immune system. When you have a strong immune
system, your body is more able to defend itself from chronic
ailments and illnesses. With back to school in sight and the flu
season just around the corner, now is the time to support our
immune system.
Essential oils have the same function in a plant as our blood
does to us. Blood cleanses a wound and kills bacteria so that
the tissue can regenerate. Blood also carries oxygen to the cells.
Without healthy cells and tissues, we become ill. Oils serve as the
plants defense system.
When we use essential oils on the human skin, they carry the
same healing energy as they do to the plant. Essential oils also
carry high concentrations of oxygen, which when used on humans
ultimately possesses the highest level of oxygenating molecules of
any substance on Earth.
This is the time of year that we begin to get exposed to some
certainly horrible germs and bacteria. Almost all essential oils can
help the immune system since they have varying properties that
safeguard against virus, bacteria and fungus.
One easy and powerfully effective way to use essential oils is to
breathe or diffuse them. Diffusing oils that support the immune
system is an ideal daily first line of defense. Research has shown
that oils can kill most airborne microorganisms. Lemon and
protective blend essential oils contain powerful cleansing properties that purify the air we breathe, which produces positive effects
on the immune system.
Healing begins in the brain and when you breathe in oils, that
is exactly what you are doing. There are 800 million nerve endings
in the nose that detect aromas. The nerve from the olfactory bulb
extends back toward the mid-brain and then on to the pituitary
and pineal glands and finally to the amygdala. When diffused,
essential oils go directly to the lungs where they are rapidly
20

Natures Pathways | August 2015

absorbed into the blood stream as they cross the airway and capillary system. The molecules are then transported throughout the
body and into all of the cells within minutes.
Another effective way to use essential oils is to apply them directly
to the skin. This method is effective because the oils penetrate to
every cell within the body in 21 minutes. A group of essential oils
that are thought to increase the immune systems activity include:
cinnamon, eucalyptus, frankincense, oregano and sage. This group
of oils are strong and are suggested to be used only when you have
been exposed to viruses and disease producing organisms. If you
want to just build up some immunity in your body you could try
bergamot, Roman chamomile, lavender, lemon, myrrh, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme and vetiver. This group of oils works with the
body to fight infection and to help heal itself.
Cleaning surfaces that are frequently touched, such as door
knobs, shopping carts, cell phones and keyboards are another
important part of minimizing exposure to harmful particles that
can compromise your immune system and cause illness. Protective blend essential oil has also been found to be highly effective in
cleaning surfaces. Other oils you could try include: lemon, grapefruit, wild orange and cleansing blends.
By developing a daily essential oil routine and integrating these
tips consistently into your life, you can easily and effectively keep
you and your family healthy throughout the year.
Debbie Armstrong is the owner of BioMat 4 Autism. She has been
working alongside children with autism and other disorders, as well
as their families for the past 29 years. Her areas of expertise are in
BioMat therapy, child development, social engagement, life coaching,
natural health consulting, ABA and play therapy, essential oils, color
therapy, primitive reflexes and allergy testing. Debbie also regularly holds informative talks and classes at her office. For more information, visit www.biomat4autism.
com, call 608-577-5733, or email darmstrong@biomat4autism.com. Follow Debbie
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BioMatForAutism. See ad on page 15.
References: Protecting our Immune System. Living Magazine. David K. Hill.
Antibacterial activity of essential oils and their major constituents against
respiratory tract pathogens by gaseous contact. Journal of Antimicrobial
Chemotherapy #47. H. Yamaguchi et al.
More Than a Scent: Essential Oils Aid the Immune System. http://www.huffingtonpostcom/jane-g-goldberg-phd/essential-oils-health_b_868303.html.
www.naturespathways.com

Opiate and
narcotic
medication

By Jed Downs

his is the last in my series to discuss medications used for


chronic pain. It concerns the use of opiate/narcotic medications. There was a forum at the most recent American
Academy of Neurology meeting that discussed this controversial issue. The consensus was that opiates should not be used for
chronic pain management. To quote one of the speakers, Gary M.
Franklin, MD, MPH, chronic opiate prescribing has led to the
worst manmade epidemic in modern medical history. There have
been over 140,000 deaths from overdose of prescription narcotics
and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations for overdose; the
argument is that the risk doesnt justify the ends of using opioids
for chronic pain. There are millions of individuals in the country
dependent upon or addicted to the medications.
Most physicians despise the headaches that come with chronic
opiate management. There are often interruptions from patients,
demanding prescription refills NOW! If staff are not properly
prepared to handle these requests via an intelligent protocol, this

can wreak havoc


with a physicians
overbooked schedule. These requests
come because patients have consumed their allotted number of
pills too early because they have been allegedly stolen (which
does happen) or they have accidentally been damaged or lost,
e.g. I dropped my pills down the drain or into the toilet. They
may come from patients who divert some or all of their supply to
someone else for profit motives. I had a patient who supported her
gambling habits by selling her prescriptions.
Narcotics work for pain but their side effects are legion. The
most feared is sedation with respiratory depression as that is
the usual pathway to death from overdose. This can happen as a
physician and patient change doses or change medications. The
most common opiate side effect is constipation, which occurs in

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August 2015 | Natures Pathways

21

Five ways to
take back
control of
your own
health

By Sonya Sullins

ur advances in medicine are truly amazing, and I know


Im personally grateful to have access to such sophisticated care. However, my preference is to do what I can
to maintain or regain optimum health and wellness in the most
natural, safe and non-invasive way possible. I hear from my clients
every day how frustrating it can be to feel dependent on someone
else for your health. Whether it is seeing a medical doctor regularly to monitor your conditions and prescriptions, or it is seeing
your naturopath, acupuncturist or massage therapist regularly to
receive treatments, your care is in someone elses hands.
If you want to be empowered to take control over your
health, and if you want convenience, flexibility, improved health
outcomes, and even reduced cost of care, read on to learn what
you can do to heal in your own home, office or even on vacation!
The first two approaches are treatments I use with my clients: the
Amethyst BioMat and the Wellness Pro. Of course, you have the
option of receiving your treatments. However, if you like the added

convenience and flexibility of healing from home, you may want


to purchase your Amethyst BioMat or Wellness Pro. Both are
FDA-cleared medical devices, and both have a money back guarantee. Lets look at both approaches in a little more depth.
1. Amethyst BioMat. The Amethyst Biomat uses far infrared,
negative ions, and amethyst crystals (a superconductor of the
far infrared) to increase cellular regeneration, oxygenation,
metabolism and circulation. If you want to reduce pain and
inflammation, improve sleep and reduce stress, boost your
immunity, or detoxify your organs, this is a very user-friendly

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Artisan cheese. Espresso. Wine. Lunch.


Join us for fresh Wisconsin Trout Dinner,
Fridays 5-7 p.m. RSVP by Thurs. at 10 a.m.

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You are invited to browse and enjoy.

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22

Natures Pathways | August 2015

www.naturespathways.com

option. With eight temperature settings, you can choose to


sleep on the BioMat overnight, relax or meditate for a couple
of hours, or intensely detox for a hour, all by adjusting the
temperature.
2. Wellness Pro. The Wellness Pro is Bio Electrotherapy that
uses frequencies to heal the body by homeopathically neutralizing the incorrect frequencies. This allows the body to use its
own innate abilities to heal without harmful interventions.
This is a very specific treatment because you apply the exact
frequencies you need for the condition you are treating. It is
widely used by medical doctors and spans nearly every pain
type and disease process. Consider Wellness Pro for treatment
of cold and flu, pain from arthritis or injury, or even complications from cancer, Lyme disease or other chronic conditions.
The next three approaches, acupressure, EFT (tapping) and
lymphatic self-massage, are treatments that I regularly suggest
to my clients. All three are personal favorites of mine as well. I
find that combining modalities creates a synergy in which your
healing outcomes are better than if you did just one thing in isolation. More information on how to actually perform these techniques on yourself can be easily found on the Internet!
3. Acupressure. I happen to be a bit of an acupuncture junkie
if only I could put those needles in myself! Instead, I can
enjoy a similar response by triggering acupressure points on
myself. Acupressure is a technique related to acupuncture
where the energies of the body are regulated by manipulating
points on the body. This has effects on emotions, tension and
physical conditions.
4. EFT. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) uses tapping with
your fingertips on energy meridians. EFT is a form of psychological acupressure based on the same energy meridians used
in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional
ailments for over five thousand years.
5. Lymphatic self-massage. Lymphatic massage is a type of
gentle massage that is intended to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from
the tissues back toward the heart. The lymph system has no
pumping mechanism of its own (like the circulatory system),
so its vital to encourage drainage through self massage.
My hope for you is to feel empowered when it comes to your
health. Your body wants to be healthy, and given the right support
and environment, it will achieve optimal health. Each of these five
approaches will help you restore and maintain health and wellness. Please connect with me to learn more about tools you can
add to your toolbox for your continued health and healing.
Sonya Sullins, MBA, is the owner of Luminous Lotus Healing.
Luminous Lotus Healing works with people who want to live pain
free, stress free and disease free. Healing therapies include Far
Infrared Therapy with Amethyst BioMat, Bio Electrotherapy with
Wellness Pro, Reconnective Healing, and Access Consciousness
BARS. Experience healing treatments on the BioMat and with the Wellness Pro.
You may receive treatments in-office, or you may purchase the medical devices
for home use. Gift certificates available online. Check back regularly as I offer
classes and hold events. Visit www.luminouslotushealing.com, call 608-620-5171
or email sonyasullins@gmail.com for more information. See ad on page 51.
www.naturespathways.com

OPIATE AND NARCOTIC MEDICATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

40-95 percent of patients on long-term opiates. Other side effects


include nausea and vomiting, physical dependence, tolerance
to the medication with a need for increasing doses, dry mouth,
immunosuppression, muscle rigidity, myoclonus a form of
coarse tremor sleep disturbance, endocrine disturbance, and
in the case of methadone, cardiac arrhythmias. The endocrine
disruption leads to decreased energy, libido, erectile dysfunction,
painful periods and depression.
A curious side effect from opiate medications is their ability to
cause hyperalgesia or an increased sensitivity to painful stimuli.
This becomes a real problem when there is a need to withdraw
pain medications from a patient. The increases in pain sensitivity are in part due to the body increasing and changing the types
and number of opioid receptors on nerve cells as well as the cells
that support them. Opiates seem to cause cell death to some nerve
cells whose purpose is to suppress pain perception.
Complete pain relief is not really possible with narcotic medications and shouldnt be a treatment goal or patient expectation.
The narcotic medications are used first and foremost to improve
a patients level of function and secondly to decrease their day in,
day out pain. There are pharmacologic ways to attempt to manage
the above side effects.
High dose narcotic management requires a level of skill and
a systematic approach to managing the risks associated with the
medications, many of which are mandated by the federal government. Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson actually cosponsored a bill
mandating stricter measures for narcotic management among VA
patients; at the time of this writing that bill is coming up for a vote.
Narcotic management is time consuming and costly. Urine
drug screens are necessary to monitor patient usage to rule out
the use of other illicit drugs and non-authorized narcotics. Pharmacy based alert systems help physicians keep tabs on doctor
shopping on the part of patients to get narcotic pain medication
from multiple providers.
The upshot of the articles I have written over the past 4-5
months is that externally controlling the internal milieu in an
effort to mask pain, while it can be useful, is easy for providers,
and takes little personal commitment on the part of the patient has
inherent risks and side effects. A natural approach that normalizes
structure and function may interrupt more pain syndromes than
is typically recognized by those without such treatment skills and
experience.

Jed Downs, M.D., MPH, has been studying osteopathy since


1995. Formerly, he worked in occupational medicine until pursuing his passion full time at Madison Manual Medicine, 2940
Chapel Valley Road in Fitchburg. He uses osteopathic techniques
to manage consequences (pain and loss of function) of trauma
regardless of etiology, be it birth, sport, MVA, repetitive strain or living life. For
more information, call 608-512-7177, visit www.MadisonManualMedicine.com
or email madmanmed@gmail.com. See ad on page 31.
References: www.painphysicianjournal.com/2008/march/2008;S105-S120.pdf.
Three major controversies in Neurology - A debate. Medscape Neurology.
Bret S Stetka.
August 2015 | Natures Pathways

23

chartingAcourse

Leo Oh,
what joy!
Dates: July 21 Aug 20
Ruled by: Sun
Element: Fire

By Barry Kerr

New Moon, August 14, 2015

hough true for everyone, the following information


will feel more relevant to you if your sun, North node,
chiron and/or a group of other planets are in Leo on
your birth chart.

What is Leos intention?

Having satisfied our need for love and belonging in the soulbabtismal waters of Cancer, we now turn ourselves outward with
a radiant shine of pride and warmth, knowing we are a child of
God, ready to share our special gifts with those around us. Oh
what joy its Leo.
Just as the sun radiates warmth into our solar system, so our
inner sun shines our inspired individuality into the physical world
through our ego/personality. It is by expressing our creativity,
playfulness, passion and joy that we fulfill the egos limited sense

Choose Conscious Living


Transforming Lives & Relationships
Mind Body Spirit
Individuals Couples Groups

Barry Kerr, BA, SA

Kristine Gay, MS, LCSW

Life & Relationship Coach


Advanced Energy Healer
Spiritual Astrologer
608-345-2470

Advanced Energy Practitioner


Licensed Psychotherapist, Spiritual Guide
Insurance Accepted

608-345-3552

ChooseConsciousLiving.com
24

Natures Pathways | August 2015

of purpose in life. This is generally very different than our souls


purpose in this lifetime, but is necessary for the soul to reach its
goals. To lend our unique talents to the collective creation, we must
first know how to actually manifest our own vision and talents.
When conscious in this expansion into Leo, we learn to strengthen
our individuality, follow our hearts desire, be willing to take center
stage, increase our willpower, enthusiasm and self-confidence. By
being willing to take risks and look at life as a game, we learn how
to have fun and relate to the childlike qualities in others.
Our unconscious Leo might insist on getting its own way, make
changes just to show its power and become addicted to taking risks.
We might demand others attention, create melodrama, or be overly
prideful in the face of fear. At times, we might be overly concerned
with whats expected instead of following our own heart.

What needs healing and growth?

Our Leo ego, if wounded in youth, can feel that we cannot express
our self, or that our creative expression has been squashed, our
self-worth damaged or missing. We can feel we are not a part
of the celebration of life, we are not creative, talented, inspired
enough or in any way special. Or we may not feel like we are given
our due respect or adoration.

What can I do this month?

To heal and evolve your Leo self, notice if you have a fear of being
seen, recognized, put in the spotlight. Do you feel unworthy of
notice, lacking talent or any gift to share? Conversely, do you find
yourself trying too hard to be seen, applauded or loved? Do you
steal attention at the same time you are feeling unworthy? Do you
have a hard time accepting accolades, compliments or attention?
www.naturespathways.com

"Make having fun the priority,


as if you were a child,
without regard for outcomes."
Do you live primarily through others achievements? Perhaps
your childrens.
Things to do: Give yourself permission to shine. Let go of standards, comparisons and judgments. Just follow your creative urges.
Draw, sing, sculpt, craft, write, perform. Make having fun the priority, as if you were a child, without regard for outcomes. Play a sport.
Compete in a game. Laugh and feel your inner child radiate joy and
warmth to those around you. Take pride in yourself.

FOR YOUR
HEALTHY, HAPPY
& BALANCED PET
Holistic
Grooming

Holistic
Daycare

Pet
Products

Dog
Training

Additional support (current planetary transits)

During the Leo New Moon on August 14, Venus (relationships


and values) conjoins with the luminaries, which trine with Uranus
(individual intuition). This will be a good time to set your intentions for the following month to strengthen your ability to radiate
your unique expression of love into all your relationships. Just be
aware, as Saturn squares this new moon, that you are responsible
for paying attention to the affects you have on others and being
vulnerable to ask for and accept feedback.
Jupiter and Saturn square each other through most of March, so
expect to feel a struggle between your need for fun-loving adventure and play and your need to remain disciplined and responsible. There might be a working vacation or an office party.
After the release of the five year Uranus-Pluto square in May,
weve seen some of the results of the deep shifts in our societal
landscape that have taken place behind the scenes during that
time. Expect to see more evidence as the summer and year unfold
and these transiting planets trigger yet more revealing events.
Barry Kerr is a soul-based, evolutionary astrologer and life coach,
with 35 years of experience and an international clientele. He is
also an advanced energy healer, with extensive training in soulguided healing of mind, body, heart and spiritual systems. Barry
offers astrology, energy healing and transformational coaching by
phone, Skype or in person in Madison. Inquiries are welcome free 15 minute
consultation to explore if this is for you. Visit www.ChooseConsciousLiving.com
for more information.

Holistic Pet Services and Supplies

Middleton 608-841-1133
& Fitchburg 608-277-5900

WWW.TABBYANDJACKS.COM

Plant it Forward!
Make a Northwoods casket or cremation urn
part of your end-of-life plan and we will
plant 100 trees in Wisconsin
at our next spring or fall planting.

http://www.northwoodscasket.com/plant-it-forward
www.naturespathways.com

August 2015 | Natures Pathways

25

Providing you peace of


mind in honoring your pet
with the utmost care
BY GRACE OLSON
According to just about any animal lover and even detailed research by
WebMD, pets are good for you. Theyre mood enhancers, can help keep
blood pressure and cholesterol in check, promote physical fitness, and
are simply fun to have around. Some instances more than others, as
Mark Meinholz can attest.
A dog lover who is very familiar with the chaos and playfulness
pets can bring to your life, he even has a couple of stories about his past
canine friends that far exceed mischief in the typical pet sense.
Thor (a black lab) made it on TV when he burned down the house,
Mark remembers. And before him was Zena (another black lab) who
shifted my car into neutral and crashed into another car in the parking
lot. It was April Fools Day to boot!
He laughs fondly when he recalls his infamous pets escapades, and
acknowledges that along with memories of out of the ordinary antics
and adventures comes an overflowing amount of love and companionship, a fact certainly not lost on the owner and founder of Memorial Pet
Services in Middleton.
Theyre not just pets, Mark says. Theyre buddies and they go
through a lot of history with you big things and little things.
26

Natures Pathways | August 2015

A MISSION TO PROVIDE
PETS THE UTMOST CARE
Often it is the small things that we remember most when a loved one
passes. We remember the good, forget the bad and simply treasure our
time and memories with them. Its no different when were dealing with
our pets end-of-life journey, and Memorial Pet Services ensures that the
process is honorable and filled with compassion and care.
Mark began the memorial center for pets when Thor was aging and
he began researching possible next steps. When he discovered that there
truly was nothing like what he was looking for in the area, it changed his
life course forever.
I spent 20 years in the computer industry as a programmer/systems
analyst, he explains. I started to assess my skillset. I really wasnt rewarded
mentally the way I wanted to be, and I decided it wasnt the career for me.
There are many pet-loving families glad he made that choice. In
2006, Memorial Pet Services was born out of his own need for a different memorial environment for animals, and it has been growing in its
mission ever since.
www.naturespathways.com

The goal has always been to provide a place where


pets and their owners are treated with the utmost
care, with the highest standards in mind. Whether
its on the logistical side of the process or the more
sentimental, Mark understands that it can be a
stressful time and is quick to offer help to grieving families in a multitude of ways.
We call ourselves a memorial center for pets,
but we help with a lot of the end-of-life and aftercare
pieces of it, Mark says. Yes, we do cremation services
for pets. But we help with anything from pre-planning,
giving ideas about how to memorialize their pet, transportation
and grief support at the end of everything.

people to know that we do what we say we do here.


Trust us as a funeral home, which is what we are for
pets. Well take care of your loved one.

MEMORIALIZING YOUR
PET YOUR WAY

One of the more tangible ways Memorial Pet


Services helps is by providing an array of options for
memorializing your pet whoever, or whatever, that
may be. While dogs and cats are first on peoples minds
when it comes to family pets, Mark recognizes that emotional
attachments to animals come in all shapes and forms.
We see so many different types of animals come in
that all play different roles in peoples lives, Mark
says. Weve had snakes, turtles, rats, guinea pigs,
hamsters, a skunk, fish, pot belly pigs, goats. No
matter what, people want to do something nice
for their pet and to bring them home with them.
One of the most honorable aspects of the center
Welcoming people into Memorial Pet Services
is their devotion to helping families during the
is a large urn display holding urns and memorial
tough time surrounding losing a pet. Mark is
items, from marble urns to customized wooden
a certified pet loss professional trained in grief
urns made from exotic woods and metal. Different
counseling, as are many other staff members.
packages for cremation are available, some of which
Its their understanding of what families are going
include a memorialization of some sort from a high-end
through that catapults the center to the next level
urn to other special keepsakes. Items such as pendants and
of care.
rings made to hold the cremains or hair of your beloved
Its really about helping people understand and explain
pet are offered along with more traditional clay paw
that what theyre going through is OK, Mark explains.
prints, burial markers and garden stones, and
A lot of people will come in and say, You probframed, custom artwork.
ably think Im crazy. Theyre not crazy at all.
Ive had people walk through the front
The emotions theyre experiencing are very
door who are very uncertain. Its their pet
common.
We promise to provide pet parents
and theyre scared and they want the best
Those who may be struggling more
with the highest standard of pet cremafor them, Mark says. They walk through
than what Mark and the other grief
tion and aftercare services available by
the front door, look around, sigh and
counselors of Memorial Pet Services can
providing pet parents peace of mind and
think that theyre going to be OK just by
help with are directed to two licensed
assurance that their pet will be handled
seeing what we offer. It relieves so much
certified therapists who offer assistance
with the utmost care, dignity, honor
pressure we have an image and we back
in both one-on-one sessions and also
and respect at all times. By followthat image. They can trust us.
monthly support meetings, a free service
ing our six-step process, we guaranWhether its their cheerful greeter Ty
provided by the center. People are able to
tee that the cremated remains
Meinholz, Marks black lab, or the overall
share their experiences and memories with
returned are those of the pet
feeling of compassion and care that surrounds
likeminded individuals.
entrusted to our care.
them, there is an obvious number of pieces that
Its about taking care of people, Mark says.
make Memorial Pet Services an all-encompassing
People dont realize that this is an option and
and cherished memorial center for pets. But above all,
that there is something like this out there. The biggest
its a simple philosophy that makes it such a success.
comment we get is that its an amazing thing, but that they
The honesty and integrity of what we do is so impordidnt know it existed.
tant, Mark says. We truly do care.
He also mentions that its difficult to understand
all of the little things that are necessary during this
time of need, and how Memorial Pet Services can
help with them all in the most respectful manner,
4319 Twin Valley Road, Suite 15
whether its visiting a home and transporting the
Middleton
pet gracefully, or ensuring a variety of documents
608-836-7297 (PAWS)
throughout the process.
info@memorialpetservices.com
Theres a level of respect for you and your
www.memorialpetservices.com
pet that is unmatched, Mark says. I really want

AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING
HIGH STANDARD
OF CARE

MEMORIAL PET
SERVICES PROMISE

Memorial Pet Services

www.naturespathways.com

August 2015 | Natures Pathways

27

healthyEATING

Homemade ice cream


makes for the perfect
summer treat


ce cream is synonymous with summer, when rising temperatures and vacations from school and work call for some
refreshing celebration. Those who want to experiment with
homemade ice cream may want to consider the following recipe
for Dulce de Leche Ice Cream from Lou Seibert Pappas Ice
Creams and Sorbets (Chronicle Books).

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

2 cups half-and-half or milk


4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
12 ounces butterscotch chips, divided
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prepare a large bowl or pan of ice water.


In the top of a double boiler, heat the half-and-half over
simmering water until steaming. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks
28

Natures Pathways | August 2015

until blended, then whisk in the sugar. Whisk in about half of


the hot half-and-half and pour the yolk mixture into the pan
of half-and-half. Stir with a silicone spatula or spoon and cook
over simmering water for about 8 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of the
chips and continue stirring until blended in and the custard
coats the back of the spatula, about 2 minutes more. Immediately place the custard pan in the ice bath and stir the custard
occasionally until it cools to room temperature. Transfer to a
container and stir in the cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 3 hours.
Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturers
instructions. When the ice cream is almost frozen, add the remaining 1 cup chips and churn until blended in, about 15 seconds more.
Transfer to a container, cover and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
Makes about 1 quart.
Source: MetroCreative Connection.
www.naturespathways.com

Happiness habit:
Choose your
perspective

By Lysianne Unruh

id you know, according to popular thought, we are the sum


of the five people we hang out with the most? If this is true,
then our tribe contributes to whether or not we live up to
better versions of ourselves, or if we wimp out on our standards.
I saw this in action on a recent bike ride with several girlfriends.
We were cycling from Hayward to Waunakee, and we had to get
from point A to point B, every day for 5 days. Mostly we had enjoyed
sunshine, puffy white clouds, 68 degrees, beautiful scenery, and
smooth roads ideal conditions for a bike ride, especially when
you add evenly matched, gregarious riding companions to the mix.
Mother Nature had done her part and cooperated for days at a
time. And then, BOOM, down came the hammer: She needed to
see what we were made of. She made this decision the third day into
our five-day, 425 mile ride. Apparently, she felt we were getting soft.
Saturday dawned cool and gloomy; within the first 20 miles of
our 96 mile day, it began to rain a drizzly, soggy rain. Luckily it
was not of the pelting, thunder and lightening variety. It simply
dripped down our necks and splashed water from the road and
bike tires onto sunglasses and totally soaked us, the parts not
covered by rain gear.
Now, in most cases, this is not the weather I would CHOOSE
to ride in. Similar to other life events beyond our control, we
can wrest back a bit of control by choosing our perspective and
thereby, our attitude.

around and no one was particularly chatty. It allowed her to focus


exclusively on the act of biking and her technique.

Four ways to improve your perspective

Food for thought: What circumstances in your life are you viewing
as permanent? What would change about your attitude if it was
temporary?
Who are the members of your tribe willing to support and
champion your best self?

Permanence. This key aspect influences how we navigate our


circumstances. How permanent versus temporary do you believe
the current conditions of your life to be? In our case, we knew
the rain would stop and we had hot showers, laundry service, and
steak and martinis waiting for us at the hotel. Yet, it would have
been easy to be miserable by focusing on how long the rain was
lasting, instead of how amazing it would be to arrive at the hotel.
Pervasiveness. Will you let a negative event take over be
pervasive and spill into other areas of your life and bring down
your happiness levels in all aspects of your life? Or will you be
able to compartmentalize? One rider noted how riding in the
rain became a meditative experience since it wasnt as safe to look
www.naturespathways.com

Compare down. Happy people tend to compare down, not to


be smug, but because it helps round out their recognition of what
is right even in what is going wrong. As I rode alongside several
of my fellow riders, we talked about what would be worse than
riding in the rain. Not surprisingly, stories of riding in other more
dramatic rainstorms emerged, and we recalled huddling inside a
strangers garage as lightening crashed overhead. Even worse than
riding in the rain was the threat of boredom and having nothing
to do at the hotel other than watch day-time TV or soak in the
hotel hot tub, toe fungus and kid piss guaranteed.
Power of tribe. Now, in the spirit of full disclosure, we did have
a SAG wagon, meaning a mini van and driver, as a support vehicle
to carry our overnight bags from town to town. Not once did
anyone discuss the option of abandoning the day of riding and
getting into the SAG. Why not? It wasnt necessarily hard-core
heroics; however, it was the power of positive peer pressure. As a
group we had had committed to a five-day ride and no one wanted
to be the first one to call Uncle and get into the van. We stayed
the course. The attitude of the day became Were tough, we can
do this and Whats a little rain? Bring it!

Lysianne Unruh, Happiness Strategist and Coach, CPCC. Lysianne is a Happiness Strategist who takes people from stressed out,
survival mode to energetic and thriving. She is on a mission to help
women (and men) claim, and design, their one wild and precious
life! Whether it is managing every day stress or transitions which
beg the question, Now what do I do? like divorce, facing an empty nest, navigating hardships, or heartbreaks, the goal is to transform these challenging times
into victory and opportunity. When you decide to take the first step to create
the life youve been dreaming of, incredible things happen. Ultimately, you will
design a rich and vibrant life in which you thrive. See ad on page 21.
August 2015 | Natures Pathways

29

Is Invisalign
for
me?

By James W. Hill, DDS, MS, FAGD

MANY ADULTS AND teens can benefit

from Invisalign versus traditional metal


braces.

Invisalign can be used to


correct the following types of
mild dental problems:

Overly crowded teeth. When there

is not enough room in the jaw for


all of the teeth to fit comfortably or
normally

Widely spaced teeth. When there is

too much space between the teeth due


to abnormal growth of the jaw or shifting of the teeth due to missing teeth
Overbite/overjet. When the upper
teeth bite over the lower teeth
Crossbite. When the upper and lower
jaws are misaligned, causing one or
more upper teeth to bite on the inside
of the lower teeth, on either the front
and/or sides of the mouth

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Natures Pathways | August 2015

Mild relapse. After traditional

braces have been removed, when


some relapsing tooth movement has
occurred

Invisalign may also be a treatment alternative for certain simple malocclusions (bite
irregularities).
The use of a series of removable aligners
for the adjustment of occlusion (bite) is not
new. The Invisalign method is based on a
concept first introduced in the 1940s and
revisited in the 1970s that required a series
of dental impressions to determine the
optimal position of the teeth. The Invisalign method is simpler than its predecessors, requiring only one set of impressions
and photographs of the teeth taken during
an initial consultation.
These impressions are used to create a
three-dimensional computer projection of
how the teeth could be moved incrementally, forming the basis for developing a
series of custom-made aligners designed
to accomplish this movement.
Invisalign aligners are manufactured
at the dental laboratory using design/
computer-aided manufacturing processes.
The aligners are sent to the dentist, who
typically dispenses them in groups of one
or two at a time during regular checkup
appointments (about every four to six
weeks) so that treatment can be properly
www.naturespathways.com

"A number of
studies have
confirmed what
dentists and
orthodontists
have known for
decades: oral
health has a strong
correlation to
overall health."
managed. Each aligner must be worn in
its specific order for about two weeks,
during which time it moves the teeth in
small increments. Although the aligners
are removable (for eating, drinking certain
beverages and brushing/flossing), they
must be worn at least 20 hours a day in
order to reposition the teeth successfully.
A typical Invisalign treatment requires
20 to 30 aligners for both the upper and
lower teeth. Most adults complete their
treatment in less than one year. However,
treatment time depends on the specific

WHOLE BODY
APPROACH TO
DECREASING PAIN
AND INCREASING
FUNCTION
STRUCTURAL, FASCIAL, CRANIAL
& VISCERAL TECHNIQUES

Madison Manual Medicine


Madison
Manual Medicine

Jed Downs, MD, MPH


2940 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg
608-512-7177 www.madisonmanualmedicine.com

www.naturespathways.com

alignment problem.
There are many benefits to straight teeth
and an aligned bite beyond dental benefits,
including healthier teeth, healthier gums, a
cleaner mouth and increased overall health.
When teeth are crooked, they form
nooks that are difficult to clean and invite
bacteria and calculus buildup that can cause
gum problems, cavities and possible tooth
loss. In addition to helping prevent decay
and cavities, straightening the teeth can also
reduce a number of dental issues caused by
misaligned teeth, such as jaw stress, trauma
to jaw bone and jaw joints, chipping, grinding, and abnormal or uneven wear on the
teeth and gum issues. Overcrowding can
cause gums to become swollen and red and
invite gum disease, which can have systemic
as well as local implications. With Invisalign, aligners can be removed for thorough
brushing and flossing, which is not always
possible with braces. Furthermore, braces
are notorious for trapping food. Invisalign
aligners are removed before eating, eliminating this dental hygiene problem. With
Invisalign, patients are able to keep their
teeth cleaner than many brace wearers can,
reducing the oral bacteria and plaque that
can cause cavities, mouth sores, bad breath
and tooth loss.
A number of studies have confirmed
what dentists and orthodontists have
known for decades: oral health has a strong

correlation to overall health. In a study


conducted by the American Dental Association, researchers found that oral infections can contribute to much more serious
conditions, including heart disease, pneumonia, diabetes and stroke. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are
removable so that patients can thoroughly
brush and floss, reducing the likelihood of
cavities and oral infections that can lead to
serious health conditions.
Straightening the teeth with Invisalign
can also alleviate a number of additional
conditions that are caused by crooked
teeth or a misaligned bite, such as headaches, jaw tension, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and eating and
speaking difficulties.
Dentists are trained by Align Technologies and certified as Invisalign providers.
Google to find dentists certified in your
area.

James Hill, DDS, MS, FAGD is a


partner at Excellence in Dentistry,
which has locations in Madison and
Cottage Grove. Dr. Hill received his
doctorate from the School of Dentistry
at the University of Minnesota and holds a masters
degree in administrative medicine from the University of Wisconsin. He is a fellow of The American
Dental Implant Association, holds fellowship status
in the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry and
Academy of General Dentistry and is on the advisory board of The Academy of Comprehensive
Esthetics. For more information, call 608-318-4350
or visit www.excellenceindentistry.com.

Relationship-Based Dentistry
www.excellenceindentistry.com

Call today for your


free Invisalign
consultation!

DRS. HILL, SERGEANT AND BATCHELOR

1001 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison


(608) 318-4350
226 W. Cottage Grove Road, Cottage Grove
(608) 478-2011

General and Family Dentistry


August 2015 | Natures Pathways

31

herbBLURB

Garlic
Allium sativum


arlic is the edible bulb from a plant in


the lily family. It has been used as both a
medicine and a spice for thousands of years.
Garlics most common folk or traditional uses as a dietary
supplement are for high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood
pressure. Other folk or traditional uses include prevention of
certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancers.
Garlic cloves can be eaten raw or cooked. They may also be dried
or powdered and used in tablets and capsules. Raw garlic cloves
can be used to make oils and liquid extracts.

What the science says

Some evidence indicates that taking garlic can slightly lower


blood cholesterol levels; studies have shown positive effects for
short-term (1 to 3 months) use. However, an NCCIH-funded
study on the safety and effectiveness of three garlic preparations
(fresh garlic, dried powdered garlic tablets and aged garlic extract
tablets) for lowering blood cholesterol levels found no effect.
Preliminary research suggests that taking garlic may slow the
development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), a
condition that can lead to heart disease or stroke.

Restoring
Body & Mind
Therapeutic Massage BioMat CranioSacral Reiki
Access Conscience Bars Raindrop Technique
60
$25 for aioMat
minute Bssion
only se
(Reg $50)

$50 Reiki
session

$55 for a
60 minute massage
on the BioMat
(Reg $80)

32

Restorative Massage LLC Tracy Jobe LMT


6425 Odana Rd., Suite 1B Madison, WI 53719 608-628-0045
restorativemassagellc.com tracypollock@hotmail.com
www.facebook.com/RestorativeMassageLlc

Mention this ad while booking to receive discounts

Natures Pathways | August 2015

Evidence suggests that taking garlic may slightly lower blood


pressure, particularly in people with high blood pressure.
Some studies suggest consuming garlic as a regular part of the
diet may lower the risk of certain cancers. However, no clinical
trials have examined this. A clinical trial on the long-term use
of garlic supplements to prevent stomach cancer found no effect.
Recent NCCIH-funded research includes studies on how garlic
interacts with certain drugs; its effects on liver function and the
dilation and constriction of blood vessels; and the bioavailability
(how well a substance is absorbed by the body) of allicin, the main
active compound of garlic.

Side effects and cautions

Garlic appears to be safe for most adults.


Side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn, upset
stomach and allergic reactions. These side effects are more
common with raw garlic.
Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) in
a manner similar to aspirin. This effect may be a problem during
or after surgery. Use garlic with caution if you are planning to have
surgery or dental work, or if you have a bleeding disorder.
Garlic has been found to interfere with the effectiveness of saquinavir, a drug used to treat HIV infection. Its effect on other drugs
has not been well studied.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary
health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
For tips about talking with your health care providers about complementary health approaches, see NCCIHs Time to Talk campaign.
Source: Garlic. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/garlic/ataglance.htm.
www.naturespathways.com

What to know
before, during
and after a
massage

By Tracy Jobe

hether you are a brand new or a seasoned massage


client, here are a few tips to help you completely relax,
and get the most out of your massage.
When scheduling your massage appointment, make sure to
schedule it when most of your obligations for the day are going
to be out of the way. Always arrive promptly, if not a few minutes
early. If this is your first time seeing your therapist, they will have
an intake form for you to fill out. Fill out the form completely.
Massage affects many body systems, not just your muscles. It is
important to know your health history, medications, injuries, etc.
Your massage therapist should ask questions, inform you of the
treatment plan and not rush this process. This means that if you
are scheduled for a 60-minute massage, you should plan for at
least 75 minutes in your schedule to allow for consultation before
and after.
Your therapist will go through what to expect, and should give
you the option not to have an area worked. A full body massage
includes the back/back of neck, glutes, back of legs and feet. You
are turned face up, and the front of the legs, arms, chest (no
breasts), neck, face, and scalp are worked. If you are wanting
specific areas worked, the therapist will still go through which
areas they will be addressing. You will be draped at all times, with
a sheet and blanket, and only the area being worked on will be
undraped. You will be instructed to either start on the table face
up or face down, and how much to disrobe. How much to disrobe
is always left up to the individual. I always instruct clients to get
undressed to their comfort level, and yes that is a wide range of
things, the biggest question for most is undergarments. Most
women take off their bra, and it is up to the individual to leave
their underpants on or not. It truly is up to you, the individual. I
have had clients completely clothed, and clients completely bare.
The therapist will leave the room while you are getting undressed
and onto the table, and will knock before they enter back into the
room. A massage therapist is a professional, and treats you as an
www.naturespathways.com

individual with care and respect.


I personally prefer to use massage cream instead of oil, but it
is usually the therapists preference, and depends on the type of
work being done. If you are concerned with allergies or sensitivities, check with the therapist when scheduling your massage especially if there is a particular ingredient you need to avoid. I ensure
everything used is of good quality and free of common allergies.
I am always asked about talking during a massage. Common
practice is to be quiet, this helps the process of relaxation, and
being in tune with yourself. If you have questions related to your
massage, certainly feel free to ask them at any time, do not feel
shy about that. If you have feedback of any kind or adjustments
need to be made, please bring them up as well. I always tell clients
if you arent enjoying having a certain area massaged, please let
me know, and I can move on. Sleeping/snoring is allowed in the
treatment room, and lets the therapist know that they are doing
a good job.
When you are done, you are usually relaxed and ready to hit the
road. Just as important as the consultation before, is the feedback,
self-care, and recommendations at the end of your treatment. This
empowers you to take your health into your own hands, and to
be a part of your healing. It is important to stay well hydrated
and take it easy. It is never a good idea to do strenuous work or
exercise after a massage because your muscles are relaxed and you
could set yourself up for injury by doing so. Taking a hot bath or
shower afterward keeps you loosened up. Massage is very healing,
and should not be done in a revolving door fashion.
Tracy is a licensed massage therapist and Reiki Master. Tracy has been practicing
therapeutic massage for 10 years, dealing with a wide variety of populations and
conditions. Tracy uses a variety of modalities including Cranio Sacral, Raindrop
Technique, Cupping, Reiki, Access Bars and the Amethyst BioMat, treating everyone individually, facilitating the bodys own natural ability to heal, restoring body
and mind. She is located at 6425 Odana Road, Suite 1B in Madison and can be
contacted at 608-628-0045. For more information, visit restorativemassagellc.com.
August 2015 | Natures Pathways

33

businessPROFILE

The Organic Skin


Meet
Shawna
Peterson


hawna Peterson added TheOrganicSkin.com to her already


existing business Refined Beauti, Inc. in January of 2015. She
was a Salon Consultant for 12 years before her passion led her
to start her own beauty supply distributor 5 years ago. She is more of
a boutique distributor based in Green Bay that partners with professional salons to enhance the experience of their customers. She has
also coordinated numerous charity events that help salons give back
to their local community, and that alone, is extremely rewarding.
In October of 2013, she was vacationing in Greece with her
family, and having fair skin in the Greek Islands, she was in
desperate need of sunscreen. Her grandmother was from Greece;
however, she did not inherit her beautiful Mediterranean skin.
She came across Olivaloe Skin, Body, & Hair products in a little
boutique in Crete, Greece. After trying the sunscreen and a few
other products, she was amazed at the results. The thing she liked
most about the products were their ingredients organic olive
oil and organic aloe vera were the base of every product. They
also do not use silicone, paraben, Vaseline, propylene glycol or
mineral oil in their products. All of the Olivaloe products meet
Gift Shop & Event Center
Kathy Milanowski
Master/Teacher
Usui Holy Fire Reiki
Ra-Sheeba Reiki
Karuna Reiki

the European guidelines, which tend to be very strict.


Olive oil, otherwise known as liquid gold, has incredible nourishing benefits without clogging your pores. Then there is aloe
vera gel, known as the plant of immortality, which has countless
benefits for your skin. When you marry these two ingredients,
which have been around for hundreds of years, you see incredible
benefits:
Moisturizes without clogging your pores (dry skin loves olive oil)
Is incredibly healing, including scars
Balances sebum production in the skin (excellent for acne)
Is rich in antioxidants, which helps fight free radicals
(anti-aging)
Reduces inflammation (excellent for under eyes)
Soothes skin as it protects against bacteria
After Shawna got back from Greece, she couldnt stop thinking
about how great it would be to have Olivaloe available for people
in the United States. After working out the logistics, Shawna saw
that it was a perfect fit for her company, a high quality product that
provides excellent results, at an affordable price for consumers. She
received the first shipment in November of 2014, and with great
excitement, she outgrew her warehouse and moved into a larger
space to accommodate the growth of her business. In January
2015, Shawna launched TheOrganicSkin.com. Now people from
all over the United States can experience these phenomenal products. After all, its the treatment your skin deserves.

THE ORGANIC SKIN


119 South Main Street, Deerfield 425.220.6283
Beautyofcompassion@gmail.com ReikiTransformations.com
34

Natures Pathways | August 2015

www.theorganicskin.com
888-295-4333
Facebook: The Organic Skin

www.naturespathways.com

What exactly
is floatation
therapy?

By Greg Griffin

eve all heard or have experienced by now just how


powerful massage, yoga, chiropractic, mindfulness,
nutrition, exercise and meditation are as modalities
for healing and enhancing the body and mind. But the word about
floatation therapy and its seemingly infinite benefits is still making
its way into mainstream consciousness. What exactly is floatation
therapy and why isnt it as popular as the other modalities? Well, it
is popular in many parts of the world and is continuing to grow as
more people float and discover the benefits it has to offer.
If you havent heard of floatation therapy, perhaps you have heard
of sensory deprivation tanks, isolation tanks or float tanks. No
matter what you call it, they all offer you the experience of floating
in a futuristic looking pod or room with reduced external stimuli.
A float center is set up like a massage studio or a spa. You walk
into a reception area where you are welcomed and offered a cup of
water or tea while you briefly relax while waiting for your turn to
float. You will be led to a float suite where you will be instructed
on what to do. Its pretty easy you lock the door, put in ear
plugs, rinse off in the shower and climb into the float tank. Usually
each float suite has its own private shower, changing area and of
course, a float tank. Some float suites will house float pods and
the others are float rooms. Both are types of float tanks. They have
lights inside that are controlled by the user and the option to plug
in an mp3 player to listen to calming music or podcasts. The float
rooms are twice the height of the float pods, which helps first time
floaters ease into the experience.
In the pod or room about 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt is saturating 10 inches of clear, skin temperature water. This creates a nearly
gravity-free environment, where everyone that comes in will float
effortlessly on the surface. Not having to fight gravity, your muscles,
bones and joints unwind and relax while you absorb the mineral
rich Epsom Salt. You dim the lights and your senses are completely
relieved from the noise and stress of your busy day. Your mind shifts
to a more relaxed state refocusing its energy on healing the body
and boosting creativity and thought. Stress, pain and anxiety melt
away. You are left with an exhilarating feeling for days to come!
Floatation therapy offers a plethora of benefits. The near zero
www.naturespathways.com

gravity environment helps to relieve pain, speed up recovery from


athletic performance and mitigates pregnancy discomfort. The
reduction in external stimuli alleviates stress, anxiety and depression. With your mind free from external stressors, it eases into
the meditative state where creativity, learning and performance
are enhanced. Though there are thousands of anecdotes touting
the seemingly infinite benefits, there is also plenty or scientific
research to back it up. You can find out more by researching floatation therapy. More and more information is being provided
about the benefits each day.
From the stressed out office worker to the elite athlete, floating
is one of the greatest tools in helping you feel your best. It should
be there right alongside any health and fitness regimen!
Greg Griffin is the owner of Float Madison opening downtown this September.
He has over 7 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. To achieve
his goal of providing his neighbors in the Madison area with the best possible
float experience, he apprenticed with the countrys largest float center. Greg also
holds his first aid, CPR, AED and Pool Operators certifications. For more information, visit www.floatmadison.com, www.facebook.com/floatmadison, email
greg@floatmadison.com or call 608-217-3524.

50% OFF F IRS T F L O AT


Visit floatmadison.com

Madisons premier floatation center 608 217 3524


August 2015 | Natures Pathways

35

Love,
change,
hurt

By Kirsty Blattner

e are a household of two humans, two rescue cats and


a rescue dog. We are known as Cris, Kirsty, Sonny,
Smudge and Sky Dog. In mid-June, the unthinkable
happened. Cris and I were out having lunch in the backyard, the
sun was shining and it was a perfect day. We were all going inside,
when Sky Dog decided to take a detour. Cris ran up the road after
him and I ran inside to get his lead rope. I walked out the front
door of our house, lead in hand and saw the most horrific site.
The desperate noise coming from Sky Dog was heartbreaking, his
legs were in positions that are impossible and there was blood. My
first thought was that it was all over there is no way Sky could
survive this trauma. I vaguely remember the driver of the car that
hit Sky a stone faced man in his late 50s. I remember scooping
up our broken dog onto the mat in Criss Vibe and getting to our
vet as fast as we could. Every bump and turn was extreme pain for
Sky and trying to keep him still was near impossible. Cris told me
later that after he was hit, he tried to run away on broken limbs.
The image, the sound, the feelings were etched into our mind,
body and soul.
The next few weeks were a blur of visiting the UW Vet Clinic
twice a day, crying, fretting about money ($18,000 vet bill) and
living in past memories where Sky Dog was running to his hearts
content. I couldnt focus on running my business, I felt nonstop
emotions and was so tired. It was like a blanket of exhaustion and
hurt was draped over me and I couldnt take it off. We would see
some progress, then Sky would take a turn for the worse. It was an
emotional and heartbreaking roller coaster. Our beloved Sky Dog
is now home with us, he cant bear weight on his back legs yet but
he is getting stronger and more incredible every day!

What I have and am still learning from this


experience

Life is precious. Kiss, hug and spend quality time with those
you love, NOW!
Accept help when it is offered. My friend offered to make Cris
and me dinner one night. I felt a little unworthy of such a
generous offer. I mean, it wasnt like I couldnt prepare a meal
myself. Then I realized that it wasnt that I couldnt, its that I

36

Natures Pathways | August 2015

wasnt! There was a disconnect with having the knowledge and


ability and actually doing it! We ate her delicious meal and
savored every bite. It was such a treat and not only energized
and nourished my body, but my soul and spirit as well.
Getting outside can heal you on the inside and out. Cris put
some blankets in the wheelbarrow and a pillow, so we could
take Sky for his favorite walk. Seeing his face, his nose in
the air and his head turning to see all the sights and take in
all the smells, was heartwarming. We may have received a few
strange glances, but it was worth it to see the positive effects
fresh air gave Sky Dog.
The power of community. I realized how lucky we were to experience such love and that Sky Dog has created a community of
animal lovers all over the world. People have experienced his
recovery on Facebook, with us and through this shared experience. It has lightened my stress load and increased my love load!
As a health and life coach, Sky has taught me much in both these
areas. There are times when trust and or faith are ALL you have.
There are times when love can break your heart and there are also
times when change can be just what you need. To lead an exceptional life, it takes a support crew, a mountain of love and passion.
Sky Dogs ability to not only survive, his ability to THRIVE, is an
inspiration and a reminder that anything is possible. Sky Dog has
given us many gifts, his love and spirit are etched into my heart
for eternity.
Kirsty brings 10 years of experience, has a Masters degree in
Teaching, a Bachelors in Leisure Science, is certified in life and
health coaching and is a qualified Neuro-Linguistic Programmer.
She provides executive life and health coaching services, group
wellness workshops and is a well-known speaker for organizations
and events. Kirsty will rewire your lifes desire! She is available through Heathy
Harmonized You. For more information, email kirstyblattner@gmail.com or call
608-381-5755.
www.naturespathways.com

Stretch dollars
on your next
road
trip
...................................................................

n an era of escalated airline ticket prices and extra travel


expenses, road trips have emerged once more as a popular and
cost-conscious mode of vacationing for individuals and families.
Nearly 80 percent of leisure trips in 2012 were made by car, says
the U.S. Travel Association. Fodors Travels advises taking road
trips across Canada in the summer, when temperatures average 74
degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius) and snow and slush are
a distant memory. Various trips exist that can take you through
urban or rural areas.
Those making road trips may be concerned about keeping costs
down, particularly if saving money is the catalyst behind the road
trip vacation.

The following are a few tips to stretch dollars


that much further on your next road trip.

Dine out sparingly. Road stops and drive-thru food expenditures can quickly add up during the course of a road trip. Therefore, pack the majority of the food you will eat in a cooler. Not
only will this save money, it will mean food is at the ready when
hunger strikes. Food need not be all cold snacks, like sandwiches.
Frozen burgers or refrigerated frankfurters can be cooked on a
camp stove or tossed on a grill at a parks picnic area. Save restaurant dining as a special treat during the vacation.
Look for inexpensive lodging. While on a road trip you may
need to compromise some of the comforts of home to save some
money. Motel rates are another trip budget-buster. But by mixing
overnights at motels with less expensive options you may be able
to mitigate costs. Camp out at a safe campsite and purchase a
shower ticket so you can enjoy a cheap, hot shower the next day.
Spend a few nights under the stars; just be sure you have the right
gear. Some also like to plan road trip routes between where relatives live and make pit stops at a friend or family members home.
When seeking motels, try to bargain and see if youre eligible for
any rebates or coupons due to age or military status.
Map out cheaper gas stations. Todays smartphones have apps
that enable you to find nearby gas stations. Such apps may even
shed light on which filling stations offer the best prices on gasoline.
www.naturespathways.com

Dont speed. In addition to being illegal, speeding wastes gas.


Stick to the speed limit to avoid potentially costly tickets and
improve fuel efficiency.
Bring friends along. Friends will not only make the trip more
fun, but they also can take turns driving and sharing the costs of
the excursion.
Join a roadside assistance club. Vehicle problems are inevitable if you are a frequent road-tripper whos driving an older car.
Avoid potentially costly towing costs by joining a roadside assistance club that will pay for your vehicle to be towed if necessary.
Have the proper paperwork. Keep a current copy of your car
registration, license and proof of insurance with you on a road
trip. This makes it much easier to deal with traffic stops along the
way. Individuals and their passengers planning on visiting another
country should have their passports available and follow the laws
regarding bringing food or goods over the border to avoid fines.

Road trips can be enjoyable excursions that cost far less than other
vacations. Road-trippers can stretch funds even further with
some handy tips.
Source: MetroCreative Connection.

Healthy Harmonized You

HEALTH COACH
Resetting your body to return to an
energizing, nourished alignment
Delicious Cleanse Workshop
Meals Prep2Plate in 5-15 minutes
Gluten Free, Vegan AND Delicious!

KIRSTY BLATTNER

MEd. Certified Life & Health Coach & NLP Practitioner


608-381-5755 www.kirstycoach.com kirstyblattner@gmail.com
August 2015 | Natures Pathways

37

businessPROFILE

New Well-Brain
program offers
hope for children
and adults
suffering from
brain-based health
problems


r. Laura Konopacki recently completed advanced studies


in the holistic and natural management of brain-based
health problems and is offering a new service that brings
hope to thousands of families in our community. Today, 18
percent of adults suffer from a mental, behavioral or emotional
disorder and 21 percent of children currently or in their lifetime
will suffer from a seriously debilitating mental disorder.
One in 42 boys is diagnosed with autism, 8 percent of children suffer from ADHD, traumatic brain injuries have increased
70 percent in the last 10 years affecting 2.5 million people every
year and by 2050, one new case of neurodegenerative disease will
appear every 33 seconds. And were not even talking about everyone who suffers from brain fog or decreased cognitive stamina,
explains Dr. Laura Konopacki. The common denominator is
the brain and more and more people are becoming aware of the
importance of keeping ones brain in top shape.

Think you
could benefit?
Well-Brain Program:
Gentle adjustments
(no popping or cracking)

Brain-balancing exercises
Lifestyle modifications

FREE 15
minute
consult

Dr. Laura Konopacki


2984 Triverton Pike Dr. Ste. 102 Fitchburg, WI 53711
608.444.9906 www.bodywavechiro.com bodywavechiro@gmail.com
38

Natures Pathways | August 2015

Body Wave

C h i r opr a c t ic We l l ne s s C e nt e r

Over the last decade, a growing number of scientific studies


have shown that most brain-based health problems and disorders
such as ADHD, migraines, chronic pain, depression, Alzheimers disease or even post-traumatic stress disorder and concussions have the same underlying triggers and causes. There are
definitely some genetic factors involved, comments Dr. Laura,
but then there are a multitude of environmental factors, such as
nutrition, food intolerances, blood sugar regulation issues, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and toxins that converge to create inflammation and improper neuronal communication, two mechanisms
that are at the underlying root of many brain issues.
In my practice, many patients displayed early signs of brain
demise and many had broken brains. Often, medicine doesnt
have much to offer except for covering the symptoms with medications. My fear was that not addressing the causes of the problem
would lead to permanent disability, and possibly pave the way
for later neurodegenerative diseases but as a conventional chiropractor I did not have all the tools necessary to really help them.
This is why I attended the Brain First Wellness Training, noted
Dr. Laura. The Brain First Wellness Training is a post-graduate
program that equips doctors of Chiropractic and other professionals with the tools to take care of patients with brain-based
health problems in a holistic and natural manner, explains Dr.
Yannick Pauli from Lausanne, Switzerland, the co-founder of the
program.
For the past 15 years, Pauli has been working in a specialty
www.naturespathways.com

"Thanks to very specific


clinical evaluation and
technology such as heart
rate variability that gives
us a peak in the balance
of the autonomic nervous
system we can create a
step-by-step, customized
program that is specific to
the need of each patient.
clinic focusing on brain-based issues.
Our program teachers doctors how to evaluate patients with
brain-based issues. The goal is not to diagnose a specific disorder. We
are much more interested in understanding the processes that have
led to the appearance of symptoms, not to give a name to a condition.
We look at all the neurological and metabolic imbalances that
can be treated naturally to help the patients overall functioning.
Whereas a medical neurologist would look at hard neurological
signs, such as those found after stroke or brain cancer, we look

at soft neurological signs, or subtle imbalances that are sufficient


enough to handicap our patients but that are not yet severe enough
to be diagnosed as a condition by medicine, clarifies Pauli. As a
result, were not only able to help a lot of people with brain-based
issues, but we can also detect early imbalances and correct them
before they create too much damage in the brain. Thanks to very
specific clinical evaluation and technology such as heart rate
variability that gives us a peak in the balance of the autonomic
nervous system we can create a step-by-step, customized
program that is specific to the need of each patient.
With this new knowledge and experience being mentored by
experts like Dr. Pauli, I am now better equipped to help adults
and children with all kinds of problems conventional approaches
couldnt help. By combining chiropractic with specific brainbalancing exercises, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations in
a structured and easy-to-follow program, we bring clarity where
there was confusion and give patients new hope for their future,
summarized Dr. Laura.

BODY WAVE CHIROPRACTIC


WELLNESS CENTER
2984 Triverton Pike Drive, #102, Fitchburg
608-444-9906
www.bodywavechiro.com

Wer e
Like getting this magazine for free?
Thank our advertisers! Let them know
you spotted them in Natures Pathways!
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August 2015 | Natures Pathways

39

businessPROFILE

Pilates Method
Meet
Ellen Utter


ifteen years ago I attended my first stretch class at Golds


Gym on Madisons East side. Stretching at this time was
not second nature to me. I loved the way it felt to move and
stretch all of my muscles. After encouragement from the instructor,
I decided to sign up for Pilates mat techniques training. In this class
I learned the basic breathing, alignment and the sequence of the
beginning mat exercises. This transitioned into regular mat classes
that Ive attended over the years and teach at the present time.
Most of my fitness routines up until that point included biking,
walking, swimming, treadmills and elliptical machines at the
gym. During this same time, I regularly took hatha yoga classes
at the gym and at the State Department of Health Services. Yoga
complemented Pilates mat for me. I discovered that mindful
movement, strength training and stamina could be achieved
without a circuit of weighted machines and a lot of repetitions.
The human body is like an instrument that can be finely tuned
with the right exercises and movements. After taking many hours
of Pilates classes and both mat and yoga classes, the decision to
become a certified instructor was a no brainer. There was still so
much to learn from other instructors. Guess what? Im still learning and improving every day. The disciplines of Pilates and yoga
have taught me the power of a mind/body connection. If you
carefully listen and picture the imagry I give you as I cue, your
brain and your body will follow along.
My certifications include Power Pilates, AAA/ISMA in both
yoga and Pilates mat, PiYO, and Basi Fit just recently. Ive also
received training in a downtown Barre studio. I began teaching
barre classes over the past year and apply core fusion, Stott and
Barre3 principles. It just keeps getting better. My best teacher,
role model and the one who inspired me to teach owns a Pilates
studio in Madison. Clients learned how to deepen and really
work so many more muscles. The cueing became easier for me
as I took hours of Master Training in the winter of 2012. After
40

Natures Pathways | August 2015

this comprehensive training was complete, I had made it my own.


Today I apply the methods based on Joseph Pilates, the founder
of this truly phenomenal exercise method and teach pure Pilates,
pure yoga, a blend of both, and Pilates barre.
The barre classes apply the basic Pilates method of alignment
something I myself had to correct and improve upon. I really
am committed to teaching new clients and some Ive taught for
years. There is always a new cue that makes more sense, or the
satisfaction of having given someone a great feeling of confidence
and new energy.

Testimonials

The Pilates barre class taught by Ellen Utter is a wonderful way to


promote core strength, balance and intensive toning. The class energizes while strengthening your muscles. Classes are always a little
different and time just flies. This class also reshapes your body! 

Karen Haagensen
I highly recommend Ellen Utters Pilates barre classes. Your core
is strengthened and toned. Your posture and balance improve. The
classes provide intensive toning of your body!Emily Howell

Visit Ellens website for more descriptions of her classes:


www.utterstrength.com
Contact her at 608-334-3773 or emutter27@gmail.com
Visit Facebook for updates, new classes, schedules and pricing:
www.facebook.com/ellen.utter.9

www.naturespathways.com

Exercise
benefits the
brain,
too
...................................................................

egular exercise can benefit the body in many ways, helping


men and women maintain healthier weights and lower their
risks for developing potentially deadly diseases. Though
many people are quick to associate exercise with its physical benefits, those hours spent on the treadmill also can boost brain power.
According to Dr. Barry Gordon, professor of neurology and
cognitive science at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and coauthor of Intelligent Memory: Improve the Memory That Makes You
Smarter, exercise has a direct impact on the brain. Thats because
exercise works directly on brain tissue, improving the connections
between nerve cells, creating new synapses, growing new neurons
and blood vessels, and improving cell energy efficiency. So while
many people may begin an exercise regimen with a goal of trimming their waistlines or toning their bodies, they might be happy
to know that those physical benefits are accompanied by several
cognitive benefits as well.
As the American Psychological Association acknowledges, the
connection between exercise and mental health is hard to ignore,
and the APA notes that the following are just a few of the mental
benefits men and women might reap from regular exercise.

Improved mood

Many people feel great after exercising, especially if that exercise


comes at the end of a particularly stressful day. However, those extra
laps on the track or those hours spent on the treadmill dont just
pay short-term dividends. In a controlled trial overseen by Duke
University researcher and clinical psychologist James Blumenthal,
sedentary adults with major depressive disorder were assigned into
one of four groups: supervised exercise, home-based exercise, antidepressant therapy, or a placebo pill. Those in the exercise and antidepressant groups had higher rates of remission than those in the
placebo group, and Blumenthal concluded that exercise was generally comparable to antidepressants for men and women with major
depressive disorder. In addition, in following up with patients a year
later, Blumenthal found that those who continued to exercise had
lower depression scores than those participants who were less active.
Blumenthals study was not the only one to conclude that exercise
can have a positive impact on mood. In a review of 11 studies that
www.naturespathways.com

examined the effects of exercise on mental health, Boston University professor of psychology Michael Otto and his colleagues found
that exercise could be a powerful tool when treating clinical depression, and even recommended clinicians include exercise as part of
their treatment plans for depressed patients.

Antidote to anxiety

Some researchers, Otto included, have begun to examine the


effects of exercise on treating and possibly preventing anxiety. The
bodys nervous system responds quickly when people feel frightened or threatened, often causing the bodys heart rate to increase
and sweating and dizziness to occur. Those people who are especially sensitive to anxiety respond to these feelings with fear, and
that makes them more likely to develop panic disorders. But Otto
and fellow researcher Jasper Smits of the Anxiety Research and
Treatment Program at Southern Methodist University studied the
effects that regular workouts might have on people prone to anxiety.
Since exercise produces many of the same physical reactions, such
as sweating and an elevated heart rate, the body produces when
responding to fear or threats, Otto and Smits wanted to determine
if exercise might help people prone to anxiety become less likely
to panic when experiencing fear or threats. In studying 60 participants with heightened sensitivity toanxiety, Otto and Smits found
that the subjects who participated in a two-week exercise program
exhibited marked improvements in anxiety sensitivity compared to
those participants who did not take part in the exercise program.
Otto and Smith concluded that this improvement was a result of
the exercise group participants learning to associate the symptoms
common to both fear and exercise, such as sweating and an elevated
heart rate, with something positive (exercise) instead of something
negative (anxiety).
Regular exercise benefits the human body in numerous ways, not
the least of which is its impact on the brain. More information on
the link between exercise and improved mental health is available
at www.apa.org.
Source: MetroCreative Connection.
August 2015 | Natures Pathways

41

Acupressure
for
insomnia

By Kathy Bryant

s a long time advocate for cures to insomnia (read: the


positive side of suffering from), I have tried a lot of
different sleep remedies. White pills, yellow pills, blue
pills (theyll really put you in LaLa Land), exercising before bed,
positive imaging, mantras, different sleep positions, going to
bed and waking up at the same time, etc. All of them had their
benefits and drawbacks, but I was not able to stick with any until
now. Applying a few simple and quick acupressure points before
bed has me knocked out until my alarm goes off a sweet and
welcome respite from many, many sleepless nights.
Acupressure, for those of you who havent tried it, is an ancient
Chinese healing method where you place pressure on certain
points of your body to release the qi, or energy, that has been built
up or blocked. It provides a wonderfully easy and simple way to
relieve many ailments like stress, pain, anxiety, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and lowered immunity among
others. Here you will learn a few points for insomnia and some
other techniques to help you relax into a deep and restful sleep.
There are several points to focus on for insomnia. The first two
we will be looking at are called, Joyful Sleep and Calm Sleep.
The point for joyful sleep is located on the inside of your leg just
below the ankle (about a pinky fingers width). Find the dip and
place light to moderate pressure there with your thumb. An alternative to holding this point is to press three times then draw tiny
circles three times, repeat two more times (total of three). Do
whatever feels best to you.
Calm Sleep is found on the outside of the leg also just below
the ankle. To find this one, rest your shin on top of your opposite
knee, then reach down with your hand and rest your thumb on
the joyful sleep point. Wrap your hand around the back of your
heel. Next, let your other fingers fall naturally on the outside ankle.
Your middle or pointer finger should fall exactly where the calm
sleep point is (whichever falls naturally just below your ankle).
Dont worry about getting this exactly right. Just have the intent
that it will work. Hold these two points for about two minutes.
42

Natures Pathways | August 2015

Another important pressure point is the one that is in the


corner of each eye to the side of the nose. This point is called Eyes
Bright. Lightly place a finger there on each side of your nose and
press up toward your brow. Hold this point for a minute. The last
point we will focus on is called, Mastoid Process, located in the
hollow behind the ear. If you take your hand and lay it on your
head with your palm covering your cheek/touching your nose,
then let your pointer finger naturally fall just under the lobe and
behind the ear. It will lay about where the dip is. This point is
especially good for insomnia created by stress and tension. Hold
for a minute, then relax.
After youve held these four points, take a deep breath. Imagine
yourself getting tired, open your mouth up and yawn, take
another deep breath, and fake another yawn. Stretch your arms,
your legs, roll your eyes in circles and then crisscross to the left
and right (eye stretches), fake another yawn (are you starting to
feel sleepy?). Doing these few points and steps is a great way to put
you into relaxation mode.
Still dont feel sleepy after trying this? You may need to look
at other things you are doing. Things like eating habits, how you
handle stress, your thought patterns and whether or not youre
taking medications can all affect how sensitive you are to acupressure and energy changes in your body in general. Practicing these
tips will help change that and provide you with many benefits, the
least of which are a good nights sleep!
Kathy Bryant practices acupressure and is a Reiki Master Teacher.
She owns and operates White Lotus Healing, a whole bodybased healing business, out of her home and contracts with Renu
Massage, Energy and Bodywork part time. For more information
or to set up an in-home appointment, contact her at 608-217-8249
or go to www.whitelotushealingwi.com. If youd rather have an enjoyable session
in a spa like setting, go to www.renumadison.com or call 608-438-5342.
References: AcuTouch Facial course. www.cherihaines.com. Cheri Haines.
Insomnia and Sleep Disorders Acupressure Points and Tips. http://www.
acupressure.com/blog/index.php/insomnia-sleep-disorders-acupressurepoints-tips/. Michael Gach Reed, Ph.D. See ad on page 44.
www.naturespathways.com

Grow yo
u
commun r
ity

Eat, Drink
& Buy Local

businessPROFILE

hen we think about pets, what usually comes to mind


is a cute furry little kitten, or a happy, playful puppy.
What happens as these pets we come to love inevitably
age and come to the end of their lifes journey? How will we make
decisions for them that puts their welfare first over our emotional
needs? Who can we talk to about our concerns?
Dr. Katie Hilst, founder of Journeys Home Pet Euthanasia LLC,
has been providing pet owners with peaceful in-home euthanasia for over 13 years. Her journey into this business began when
she worked in busy veterinary clinics where other veterinarians would shy away from difficult conversations, finding them
emotional and tiring. I found that having honest, thoughtful
discussion with clients about what was best for their pet, and
helping them to assess their pets quality of life was very fulfilling
to me. Through listening and helping people work through their
concerns, Dr. Katie could help their pets. She has authored a pet
quality of life scale called JOURNEYS, after which her business is
named. Dr. Catie Hawkins and Dr. Laura Purdy have joined Dr.

6417 Normandy, Suite 208, Madison


Book online at renumadison.com
(608) 438.5342
We offer the following services:
Cupping therapy & TuiNa techniques
Reiki & Acupressure
Couples massage packages
Infrared sauna
Hot stones & Aromatherapy
Personal training

44

Natures Pathways | August 2015

Dr. Catie holding her dog, Nilly, Dr. Laura and Dr. Katie
holding her dog, Jack

Katie in providing in-home euthanasia. Dr. Caties background


as a middle and high school science teacher has given her the
ability to help families work through difficult situations. Dr. Laura
brings with her years of experience working at UW Madison in
the canine oncology lab with pets and families, and working as
an elite dog trainer helping furry friends be the best they can be.
Journeys Home offers
in-home euthanasia 7 days a
week within an hour radius
of Madison. Families can say
goodbye to their pet in the
peaceful privacy of their own
home, where their pet is most
comfortable. Pets are given a
sedative/pain reliever/anesthetic combination first, so
they are comfortably asleep
before the euthanasia. Journeys Home offers cremation
services through Memorial
Pet Services, transports pets
Dr. Laura holding a cat up for
to the crematory, and returns adoption - George
the cremains back to the home.
The doctors also make a clay paw print impressions for families
to treasure.
In addition to home euthanasia, Journeys Home offers free
phone consultations for owners about end-of-life pet concerns.
www.naturespathways.com

Anyone wishing to discuss their concerns may call 608-347-1897,


or visit JourneysPet.com to email the doctors questions. After
families have lost their furry loved one, Journeys Home sponsors
a memorial service called Remembering Our Pets annually on
National Pet Memorial Day (the second Sunday in September).
Invitations are sent out to all families who have lost a pet in the
previous year. The event is a way to offer community and support
to all who are grieving the loss of a pet.
Journeys Home offers help with the decision-making process,
a peaceful end to the journey and support for families afterward.
Dr. Katie is certified in Pet Loss & Grief Companioning, a certification through the Pet Loss Professionals Association, of which
she is a member. Focusing on end-of-life concerns and euthanasia
has helped Drs. Katie, Catie, and Laura see the value in laying pets
to rest in a familiar setting surrounded by the family that loves
them. They all feel it is very important to honor our pets because
they provide love without judgement. Their advice to pet families
is to celebrate your pets life, treasure every moment and live for
today. Celebrate the bonds you have with your loved ones (including those with fur and those without)!

Drs. Katie, Catie, and Laura can be reached via the website
www.JourneysPet.com, or by calling 608-347-1897. Business hours
are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - Friday,
and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

A final
act of caring
Available 7 days a week
Serving communities within
an hour of Madison

DR. KATIE HILST


608.347.1897 | JourneysPet.com

Rethink
Natures Pathways n. Your

resource to share information of


health, wellness & sustainability
with a natural perspective.

www.naturespathways.com

SuStainable &
Organic living
cOmmunity
nutritiOn
WellneSS
balance
FitneSS
August 2015 | Natures Pathways

45

COMMUNITY

partners

BODYWORK
Renu Massage, Energy & Bodywork
6417 Normandy Lane Suite 208, Madison
608-438-5342
renumadison.com
The licensed massage and bodywork therapists at Renu Massage
and Day Spa on Madisons west side all specialize
in Asian bodywork therapies while promoting organic and sustainable living. The team of therapists strive to achieve balance in each session using energy work as well as other therapeutic
techniques, including cupping therapy, aromatherapy and reiki. For more information, visit
renumadison.com.

BOOKS & GIFTS


43/90 North Earth Gifts
South Albany Street Shops
PO Box 688, Spring Green
608-588-3313
www.northearth.com
A haven for new thought. A sanctuary for peaceful browsing. Fountains, statuary, peace poles, chimes
and whimsy to help you create a
garden grotto. Wisdom Oak Reading Room.
Books to increase understanding. Crystal bowls.
Gemstone gallery. Symbolic gemstone jewelry.
Inspired and life-affirming personal gifts. Journals, clothing, CDs, incense, oils and candles. Angels. Fairies. Open in the winter: Friday, Saturday
and Sunday.

PLEASE
RECYCLE!
Give this copy
to a friend

46

Natures Pathways | August 2015

Peaceful Heart
123 South Main St., Oregon
608-835-5288
www.peacefulheart.net
Peaceful Heart strives to offer
products and services that promote and enhance emotional
and spiritual well-being. We have many tools
available in the form of books, CDs, classes,
events and speakers to assist in understanding
what our emotional needs are as individuals. We
also have a wide selection of unique, fun and uplifting gifts including jewelry, music, scarves, crystals and Angel Cards.

CHIROPRACTIC
Body Wave Chiropractic
Dr. Laura Konopacki
2984 Triverton Pike Drive, Suite 102, Fitchburg
608-444-9906
www.bodywavechiro.com
Dr. Laura specializes in working with kids and
families looking for natural ways to stay healthy.
ADHD, autism, sleep disorders, digestive problems, depression and pain are some of the more
common conditions she helps kids and adults
with. Using gentle, mindful chiropractic treatment along with lifestyle changes she helps each
person upgrade their brain function, allowing the
body to heal.

DENTISTRY
Excellence in Dentistry
Drs. Hill, Sergeant and Batchelor
Madison: 1001 N. Sherman Ave 608-318-4350
Cottage Grove: 226 W Cottage Grove Road
608-478-2077
www.excellenceindentistry.com
Drs. Hill, Sergeant and
Batchelor invest the time
and care you deserve to
develop a customized treatment plan for your
overall health. Excellence in Dentistry believes the
mouth is the gateway to health and wellness. As
advocates in your team of health care providers,
we will assess your oral health to ensure you have
healthy gums, teeth, and bite, and most importantly, that you are proud of your smile!

Support our local


businesses in the
healthy living industry!

Integrative Dental Solutions


N35 W23770 Capitol Drive, Pewaukee
Office: 262-691-4555 Fax: 262-691-4579
www.WiNaturalDentist.com
Biological or holistic dentistry is different from
conventional dentistry in
that it recognizes the importance of a healthy
mouth in achieving optimal overall health. Our
office understands that every patient has specific
needs. Drs. Mahn and Shetty will even be happy
to work with your health care practitioner to help
you reach your goals.

EQUINE ASSISTED ACTIVITIES


AND THERAPIES
Healing Horsemanship Foundation, Inc.
Nikki Cohen-Wichner, LMFT
Interstate Horse Center
2655 County Road BN, Stoughton
www.healinghorsemanship.org
Healing Horsemanship Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable
community organization that supports Equine Assisted Activities
and Therapies (EAAT) and other nature-based
therapeutic and educational activities held at The
Forever Farm (aka Interstate Horse Center or
IHC). It was founded in 2007 in honor of the late
Marilyn Cohen, past financial director of Atwood
Community Center, who dreamed of a day when
nobody would be turned away from these services due to inability to pay. There is always a
need for volunteers; a few key current needs include board members and development staff,
grant writers, gardeners, landscape maintenance,
carpenters, mechanics and Horse Heroes.

FLOAT CENTER
The Float Factor
326 Junction Road, Madison
608-279-1009
www.facebook.com/floatfactor
www.thefloatfactor.com
The Float Factor brings the
best possible float experience to Wisconsin. Their
new center, opening this July on Junction Road in
Madison, will feature private float suites with the
most sophisticated equipment available. Their
Evolution pods contain about 10 inches of water
www.naturespathways.com

saturated with Epsom salt to create buoyancy


that allows your body to float effortlessly. The
pods are filtered 3 times between each client,
with individualized sound and lighting options
and easy accessibility. Maria Welch and her team
look forward to meeting you!
Float Madison
608-217-3524
greg@floatmadison.com
www.floatmadison.com
www.facebook.com/floatmadison
Located just a few blocks from the capital, Float
Madison is the perfect place to escape the stresses
of everyday life. Choose from their Evolution pods
or Ocean Float rooms, each housed in one of their
private float suites and containing 1,000 pounds
of Epsom salt saturated in 10 inches of clear, skin
temperature water. The saltwater solution allows
you to float effortlessly, giving your body a much
needed break from the effects of gravity. With options to control lighting and music, you can create
the perfect environment for your float. Their stateof-the-art float pods and float rooms are equipped
with the best water filtration systems on the market, cleaning the saltwater 3 times between clients
to ensure a sterile environment. Float Madison is
owned and operated by Greg Griffin, a Madison
resident who is looking forward to meeting you
when he opens up this September!

FUNERAL SERVICES
Northwoods Casket Company
109 N. Lincoln Ave., Beaver Dam
www.NorthwoodsCasket.com
The Northwoods Casket Company plants
100 trees for every casket they build. Founders Jonas and Julie Zahn are
committed to plant 10 million trees in their lifetimes. All Northwoods caskets are handcrafted in
Wisconsin from locally grown and sustainably harvested woods. Caskets are finished with environmentally safe milk paints and natural oil finishes.
The company delivers caskets to every funeral
home in Wisconsin. Their casket and furniture gallery is located at 109 N. Lincoln Ave. in Beaver
Dam and displays a wide range of burial and cremation caskets and urns as well as art, furniture,
eco-friendly milk paints, and natural oil finishes for
sale. Wisconsin families can rest assured that,
when the time comes, a handcrafted casket provided by Northwoods Casket Co. will help in their
mission to create skilled jobs in Wisconsin, bring
craft back to casket-building, enhance personalization in funeral service, and of course, leave a
natural legacy by planting lots and lots of trees.

COMMUNITY

partners

www.naturespathways.com

GIFT SHOP & EVENT CENTER


Carriage House
Kathy Milanowski
119 S. Main St., Deerfield
425-220-6283
www.reikitransformations.com
www.facebook.com/Reiki.Transformations.com
Under one roof there is an array of gifts for your magical,
holistic and health needs, plus
a center for spiritual growth.
We are a cheerful, loving, compassionate bunch
who enjoy and embrace our connection process
with ourselves and creation. No matter what our
paths are, we are all learning to cherish our own
temple and we invite you to join us.

HEALING, GROWTH
& TRANSFORMATION
Choose Conscious Living
Kristine Gay, MS, LCSW and Barry Kerr, SA
608-345-3552 and 608-345-2470
www.ChooseConsciousLiving.com
Kristine and Barry have dedicated their personal and professional lives to growth and
spiritual transformation. Professionally, they
bring a heart-centered focus, with intuition
and spiritual guidance, to the many modalities they skillfully use. They each have over 30
years experience as transformational catalysts,
successfully assisting others to heal past traumas,
adjust to lifes challenges, and make decisions to
improve outcomes. They work with individuals,
couples, marriages, separations and co-parenting. You dont need to be broken or sick to
get professional help. Call today. Dont let life
pass you by. Let Barry and Kristine compassionately guide you through the inner landscape of
your human experience to create the life you
want.

HEALTH & WELLNESS


BioMat 4 Autism
Debbie Armstrong
4705 Dale-Curtin Drive, McFarland
608-577-5733
darmstrong@biomat4autism.com
www.biomat4autism.com
www.facebook.com/BioMatForAutism
BioMat 4 Autism provides a wide
range of safe, proven and effective
treatment options like the far
infrared Amethyst BioMat,
AromaTouch technique, essential oils, nutritional
supplements, nutritional coaching, primitive
reflexes, color phototherapy, autism consultation
and parent coaching. Spectrum Movement and
fitness classes are also available. Optimal health
is within your reach! Schedule your complimentary consultation today!

Luminous Lotus Healing


Sonya Sullins, MBA, CRHP
6808 University Ave., Suite 115, Middleton
608-620-5171
sonyasullins@gmail.com
www.luminouslotushealing.com
At Luminous Lotus Healing, optimal health is within your reach!
You can improve sleep, relieve
pain and regenerate at a cellular
level and you can do it with all-natural and
safe approaches like the far infrared Amethyst
BioMat, Reconnective Healing, crystal healing,
intuitive readings, and even Divine Guidance
business coaching. Schedule your complimentary
wellness consultation today!

HOLISTIC PET SERVICES


& SUPPLIES
Tabby & Jacks
2970 Cahill Main, Fitchburg
608-277-5900
www.tabbyandjacks.com
Tabby & Jacks mission is to provide healthy and safe food, quality accessories, and holistic pet
services at a fair price with your
pets best interest at heart. Tabby & Jacks carries
only the best and most biologically appropriate
products; all foods must pass a nutritional test,
with no corn, wheat, soy or animal byproducts.
They also offer holistic grooming and the Madison areas only holistic doggie daycare, focusing
on the dog as a whole, exercising the mind and
body; they learn basic commands throughout the
day, have constant staff supervision and interaction, and maintain small group sizes of no more
than 15 dogs per day.

HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Jennifer M. Warner, LPC
660 W. Washington Ave., Suite 308, Madison
608-251-6590
facebook.com/jenniferwarnerholistic
www.jmwassociatesonline.com
Jennifer M. Warner, LPC, is a holistic psychotherapist. Her passion is to empower individuals,
couples and families to call upon their personal
strengths to create mental, emotional, physical
and spiritual balance in their lives. It is through
the combination of talk therapy and experiential
approaches that she assists each of her clients to
go more deeply into their own process. Jennifer
is also a certified equine assisted psychotherapist
and specializes in working with women and in
eating disorders.

COMMUNITY

partners

August 2015 | Natures Pathways

47

HOLISTIC
RELATIONSHIP THERAPY
Nikki Cohen-Wichner, LMFT
NikkiCohen-Wichner.com
Disconnected relationships are at the core of
many personal, family and professional problems. Nikki Cohen-Wichner, LMFT, is a licensed
marriage and family therapist specializing in nature-based animal-assisted therapy with an emphasis in equine facilitated psychotherapy. She
finds true joy in helping others connect to their
authentic selves through relationships with animals and nature, and believes when one is selfaware and at peace with self, relationships evolve
on a healthier path. Nikki works with individuals,
couples, families and organizational leaders and
staff in private, group and retreat formats. Intensive programs that integrate camping and farm
life can be individually designed.

HOME VET EUTHANASIA


Journeys Home Pet Euthanasia LLC
608-347-1897
www.JourneysPet.com
Dr. Katie Hilst provides gentle,
compassionate pet euthanasia
in the privacy of your home,
seven days a week. She serves
communities within an hour radius of Madison.
She will take your pet for cremation if desired.
Phone consultations are welcome and free. Her
Journeys Pet Quality of Life Scale is available at
www.JourneysPet.com. She can be reached at
608-347-1897

HYPNOSIS & MASSAGE THERAPY


Tri-Unity Wellife Associates
629 Spruce St., Madison
608-256-0080
kenadiring@gmail.com
wellife.org
Tri-Unity Wellife offers Karing hypnotherapy for individuals and groups
looking to overcome addiction disorders and phobias, including smoking
cessation, weight loss, sleep deprivation and
more. Ken-Adi Ring, CH, CI, LMT, consulting hypnotist, offers an opportunity to be free of addictive habits and behavioral issues to change your
life! Ken is the only NGH-certified instructor in
Madison. Ken-Adi is an NGH certified instructor,
licensed massage therapist and Reiki master
teacher. Mr. Ring uses all modalities to also treat
pain, tension and stress. For more information
and to book a session, contact Ken-Adi at 608256-0080 or visit wellife.org.

COMMUNITY

partners

48

Natures Pathways | August 2015

MASSAGE THERAPY

ORGANIC FOOD MARKET

Restorative Massage
6425 Odana Rd., Madison
608-628-0045
tracypollock@hotmail.com
restorativemassagellc.com

Driftless Depot Organic Market, Deli & Cafe


140 S. Winsted St./Hwy. 23, Spring Green
(next to the railroad tracks)
608-628-1001 www.driftlessdepot.com
Open Tuesday-Sunday

At Restorative Massage, therapeutic massage is offered with


the goal of obtaining a therapeutic benefit. Therapeutic massage is more restorative and
healing, and the healing effects
of the massage last longer. Tracy Jobe is specially
trained in multiple modalities: myofascial release,
trigger point therapy, deep tissue, postural assessments and cupping, all techniques used as
part of the therapeutic massage. You will experience a more healing, relaxing and therapeutic
massage with these customizations than with just
a traditional massage.

Mindfully sourced, quality, organic


and locally farmed foods. International gourmet specialties, sandwiches, soups, espresso, wines,
microbrews, gelato, custom picnic baskets, gift
baskets and local artists creations. Fresh Wisconsin trout dinners every Friday RSVP by Thursday. Discover what is in season!

MEDITATION
Kadampa Meditation Center Madison
1825 S. Park Street, Madison
608-661-3211
www.meditationinmadison.org
Kadampa Meditation Center Madison is a friendly, welcoming place
for everyone and offers classes,
meditation, conversation and
more about Buddhism and modern Buddhist practice. Join us for classes, guided
meditation, chanted prayers and special events
designed to be both uplifting and filled with information for practical use in a busy life. Our
Dharma Center is dedicated to helping everyone
find inner peace, happiness and freedom from
stress and problems. Open afternoons every day
except Monday. Please drop in!

MEMORIAL PET SERVICES


Memorial Pet Services, Inc.
4319 Twin Valley Road, Suite 15, Middleton
608-836-7297
www.memorialpetservices.com
Memorial Pet Services is a leading-edge pet funeral home providing the highest standards of
aftercare and cremation services to pet parents
and veterinary practices in southern Wisconsin.
Our professional and compassionate staff can
help you with pre-planning for your pets aftercare, throughout the cremation process and with
emotional support when healing from your loss.

ORGANIC SALON & SPA


Divine Body and Styles Organic Salon & Spa
608-242-4247
divinebodyandstyles@gmail.com
www.divinebodyandstyles.net
We strive to find professional
beauty
products that are made with as many organic, natural and eco-friendly ingredients safe for you and
us! We only get one body and one earth, so its time
that we are all conscious of what we are doing to
both of them with the products we use!

OSTEOPATHIC THERAPY
Madison Manual Medicine
Dr. Jed Downs
2940 Chapel Valley Road, #1B, Fitchburg
608-512-7177
madmanmed@gmail.com
www.madison-manual-medicine.com
At Madison Manual Medicine our
goal is to assist your body to remove
barriers to movement, whether of
joints, connective tissue or fluids within the body. Those restrictions can cause multiple
types of symptoms and preclude you from having
optimal function and health. We use osteopathic
manual therapy (OMT), a hands-on treatment approach capable of interacting with your body at
multiple tissue levels.

PERSONAL COACHING
Time to Thrive Coaching
Lysianne Unruh, CPCC
www.TimeToThriveCoaching.com
www.facebook.com/TimeToThriveCoaching
As a personal happiness
strategist, I understand
that life is unpredictable. Your well-being doesnt
have to be. I support clients in creating effective,
thriving strategies and establishing powerful happiness habits. Turn your times of challenge and
change into a source of personal power, victory
and opportunity. Design your vibrant life today.
www.naturespathways.com

Healthy Harmonized You


710 West Olin Ave., Madison
608-381-5755
kirstyblattner@gmail.com
www.kirstycoach.com
Are you ready to be harmonized and
amplified to extraordinary heights?
Want to excel beyond belief and design your own
odyssey? If your pipe dreams or bucket list alchemized into reality, how would that feel? My
executive three-month coaching program will
change the direction of your life. My one-month
customized group coaching program will allow
you to experience transformational change. You
will be inspired to live your passionate, purposeful life. Youll feel freedom, energy, motivation
and harmony. Reach high, dream BIG and imagine that view from your new amplified balanced
perspective. What will you do with your revamped, extraordinary life?

tion program resources from the ICRT, International Center for Reiki Training.

SHAMANIC ENERGY HEALING


Reconnect Spiritual Sanctuary
Julie Hogan
112 S. Spring St., Suite 1, Beaver Dam
920-342-8955
www.reconnectspiritually.com
Reconnect Spiritual Sanctuary is
owned and operated by Julie Hogan. Her studio offers shamanic energy healing in the traditions of the
ancient Inca, guided meditation,
and various classes and ceremony
helping to reconnect to your souls journey. Take
time to reconnect. Come away to a quiet place
and rest for a while.

Certified Pilates and yoga instructor Ellen Utters method is that of mindful body awareness
through breath, imagery and proper alignment.
She demonstrates and leads everyone in her class
through the very basic techniques and deep abdominal access skills, before moving into the mat
routines. She teaches basic Pilates techniques,
beginning and intermediate mat classes, PiYO
strength group classes (a blend of yoga and Pilates), individual or group instruction and Pilates
barre classes.

Organic Skin offers a full skin,


body and hair care line imported
from Greece, called Olivaloe.
TheOrganicSkin.com is the first
to sell Olivaloe in the United
States. Every product starts with
organic olive oil and organic aloe vera and they
never use paraben, propylene glycol, mineral oil,
silicone or Vaseline. The Organic Skin - The Treatment your skin deserves.

SKIN CARE

PILATES
Pilates Method with Ellen Utter
608-334-3774
teutter@sbcglobal.net
www.tbmverona.com

The Organic Skin


Founder, Shawna Peterson
888-295-4333
www.theorganicskin.com
Facebook: The Organic Skin

Qet Botanicals
P.O. Box 32, Cross Plains
608-630-4393
www.qetbotanicals.com
facebook.com/qetbotanicals
Qet Botanicals was born out of the
need for fresh and effective care for our
face, body and hair without the use
of toxins, synthetics, harmful chemicals
or preservatives. We arent beauty brokers; were
formulators and purveyors of premium, personal
care products. We handcraft our 100 percent natural formulas without a single drop of synthetic
chemicals. Proudly formulated, manufactured, filled
and shipped in Cross Plains.

REIKI TRAINING

SUBSCRIBE
TODAY!

Carriage House
Kathy Milanowski
119 S. Main St., Deerfield
425-220-6283
www.reikitransformations.com
facebook.com/Reiki.Transformations.com
Reiki master Kathy Milanowski is a
Certified Reiki Practitioner, Reiki
master/teacher of Usui Tibetan
Reiki, Karuna Reiki, Ra-Sheeba Reiki and other
healing modalities. She offers classes and internship programs in her teaching facility. Certifica-

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PAYMENT OPTIONS:
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Natures Pathways, PO Box 2735, Appleton, WI 54912.

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49

communityCALENDAR
Sundays 10-11:15 a.m.
Prayers for World Peace/Dharma for Kids
Mindful Living: Prayers for World Peace is a way to start
the week with confidence and renewed enthusiasm in
creating outer peace in our own personal worlds and
the world in general. Dharma for Kids melds the principles of Buddhist practice to meet the challenges of
raising children in todays hectic times. Parents and kids
are welcome to join. Cost: Free. Location: Kadampa
Meditation Center and Bookstore, 1825 S. Park St.,
Madison. For more information, call 608-661-3211 or
visit www.MeditationInMadison.org.
Wednesdays and Fridays 12-12:30 p.m.
Noontime Meditation
Take 30 minutes in the middle of a busy weekday to let
go of stress and tension, experience an inner stillness
and sense of well-being. Meditation brings our intellectual understanding down to our heart where we
can experience our own inner peace, which is always
there beneath stress and tension from the busyness of
our daily lives. Everyone is welcome to attend these
guided meditations. They are suitable for everyone, regardless of background or experience. Walk-ins are encouraged you will be pleasantly surprised! Location:
Kadampa Meditation Center and Bookstore, 1825 S.
Park St., Madison. For more information, call 608-6613211 or visit www.MeditationInMadison.org.
Monday, Aug. 3 and 17 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Happy Hour the Healthy Way
Join BioMat 4 Autism for Happy Hour the Healthy
Way. It is a great way to spend the first and third
Monday of each month. Come learn and share information on doTerra Essential Oils on topics that are
important to your daily life. doTerra Essential Oils
are therapeutic grade and are approved for internal
use. Come experience essential oils and how they can
improve your life and the life of your loved ones. August topics are Immune Support and Allergy Relief.
Join us from 6:00 to 6:30 for socializing, networking, healthy appetizers and nutritious drinks, and get
the latest information on hot topics from 6:30 to 7:30
p.m. Most events will end with make and take
time to create some of the recipes/oils that you learn
about. The cost to make is $6 per product made or 4
for $20. Location: McFarland Family Wellness Center,
4705 Dale-Curting Drive, McFarland. For more information, go to www.biomat4autism.com/essentialoils or to register, call 608-577-5733 or email darmstrong@biomat4autism.com. You may also register
online at https://v1.bookwhen.com/biomat4autism.
Saturday, Aug. 8 through Aug. 27 Daytime
ThetaHealing Classes with Suzanne
ThetaHealing is a technique that teaches how to put
to use our natural intuition, relying upon unconditional love of the Creator Of All That Is to do the actual
work. Suzanne Dann from Sedona AZ, will be visiting our Inner Essence Center in Madison to teach several ThetaHealing courses, including Basic, Advanced,
Dig Deeper, Family Ties, World Relations and Crystal
Viewing. Dont miss this special opportunity take one
50

Natures Pathways | August 2015

or more of these classes. Call 608-333-3538 or visit


SacredHealingLight.com for more information.
Sunday, Aug. 16 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
(Also open dates/times that fit your schedule!)
Community Care Days at The Forever Farm/
Healing Horsemanship Foundation

advertiserDIRECTORY
43/90 North Earth Gifts22
BioMat 4 Autism15

The Forever Farm needs your help to continue providing $30,000+ annually in free or discounted Equine
Assisted Activities and Therapy services to our community. Volunteers provide time and talents in areas
such as: Building boxes for raised beds in the WKLC
Garden of Hope; Bi-weekly care of gardens; Nature
Trail care; landscape care.
Whatever your skills, we have projects that could benefit, including organizing, office work, marketing/publicity, event management, board of director membership
and more. We hope to establish a Veterans Volunteer
Corps at The Forever Farm. Please share this with military-connected persons who may know someone that
could benefit from having a new mission to serve. Our
vision includes having veterans take charge of leadership and supportive roles required to get the farm shipshape over the next year. For more information or to
volunteer, contact Nikki at healinghorseman@aol.com
or www.healinghorsemanship.org.

Body Wave Chiropractic Wellness Center38

Friday, Sept. 4 6 p.m.


Learn the Art of Zentangle

Kadampa Meditation Center, Madison12

Hands-on workshop with certified zentangle teacher


Sara McGregor. Beginning with simple lines, learn
to make the stunning black ink zentangle designs
that can become as intricate as you wish them to
be. Astound yourself with the simplicity. Delight in
your ability to create these beautiful pieces. For more
information, see www.zentangle.com. No art ability
needed. Must pre-register/pre-pay for materials and
space in class. $35 covers materials kit, which you
can use again and again and instructor fee. Location: 43/90 North Earth Meeting Place, Albany Street
Courtyard, 128 South Albany Street, Spring Green.
For more information or to reserve a spot, call 608588-3313 or email cecilia@northearth.com.
Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20
9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Usui Holy Fire Reiki I & II Workshop
Join Usui Holy Fire Reiki Master Teacher Kathy Milanowski. Cost: $350 with a $150 nonrefundable deposit. Location: Carriage House, 119 S. Main Street,
Deerfield. For more information, call 425-220-6283
or visit www.reikitransformations.com.
Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4
Usui Holy Fire Reiki ART
Join Holy Fire Reiki Master Teacher Kathy Milanowski.
Lunch, snacks, and materials provided during this
3-day class. Class times are 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Cost:
$775 with a $275 nonrefundable deposit. Location:
Carriage House, 119 S Main Street, Deerfield. For
more information, call 425-220-6283 or visit www.
reikitransformations.com.

Choose Conscious Living24


Divine Body & Styles Organic Salon & Spa3
Driftless Depot22
Excellence in Dentistry31
Float Factor2
Float Madison35
Healing Horsemanship25
Healthy Harmonized You37
Integrative Dental Solutions3
Jennifer M. Warner, LPC14
Journeys Home Pet Euthanasia45

Luminous Lotus Healing51


Madison Manual Medicine31
Memorial Pet Services17
Nikki Cohen-Wichner LMFT13
Northwoods Casket Company25
Peaceful Heart Gifts & Books17
Pilates with Ellen Utter16
Reconnect Spiritual Sanctuary30
Renu Massage Day Spa44
Restorative Massage32
Tabby & Jacks25
The Carriage House34
The Organic Skin52
Time to Thrive Coaching21
Tri-Unity Wellife, LLC12

Advertise your event in the

COMMUNITY CALENDAR
$20 per entry (advertisers)
$50 per entry (non-advertisers)
877.479.7209
info@naturespathways.com

www.naturespathways.com

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