Natural Awakenings Charlotte - December 2024 Enjoy the December 2024 edition of Natural Awakenings Charlotte. Looking Forward, Bravely “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” —Martin Luther King Read More » Wipe Out Waste: Ask A Meck County Expert - Give More By Using Less This Holiday Season The average U.S. household produces 30 percent more waste during the holiday season Read More » Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Hormonal Shifts in Perimenopause According to Charlotte Area Dr. Tiffany Brown-Bush, Women’s bodies evolve with each phase of life presenting unique challenges Read More » Repair Your Aging Body and Mind in Lake Norman Cognitive function peeks around the age of 30, and from there begins a slow, steady decline that can eventually lead to dementia or Alzheimer’s. Read More » Burning Bowl Service at Unity of Charlotte Unity of Charlotte will hold a Burning Bowl Service at 11 a.m. on December 29 Read More » Scalar Health Enhancement Center Hosts Family Sessions Charlotte Area Scalar Health Enhancement Center is hosting family sessions from 4 to 6 p.m. each Saturday in their Energy Enhancement System (EESystem) Read More » Maximize Your Home's Value This Holiday Season With spring real estate markets on the horizon, veteran Charlotte realtor Scott Pridemore offers professional guidance Read More » Discover Peace and Purpose with Anna Sophia New clients can experience an initial 30-minute, intuitive, virtual or phone reading with Anna Sophia, owner of Charlotte-based Pure Sophia, for $75 through the end of February 2025 Read More » Charlotte Area Claudia Josephine Design Accepting New Clients Starting in January 2025, Claudia Josephine Design will begin welcoming new clients for comprehensive interior design services Read More » Smith Environmental Solutions Offers Discount for Services Smith Environmental Solutions is offering readers 10 percent off their services through this month and for a limited time in 2025 Read More » Special Offer from Charlotte's Eleven Eleven Wellness Bakery Eleven Eleven Wellness Bakery is offering Natural Awakenings readers an 11 percent discount on first orders Read More » Winter Solstice Healing Event at Mama Bessie’s Place Mama Bessie’s Place, in Charlotte, will host a Winter Solstice Healing event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 21 Read More » Soulful Holiday Gifts: Restorative Presents for Loved Ones The holiday season can be stressful, but self-care is essential. From pampering spa days to thoughtful gestures, learn how to gift and prioritize peace this festive season. Read More » Jean Shafiroff on A Philanthropist’s Calling Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist and author of Successful Philanthropy, shares insights on giving back, inspiring others, and finding purpose through generosity. Read More » Healthier Holiday Cookies: Easy Switches That Don’t Compromise on Taste Delight in holiday cookies with a healthy twist! Discover sugar swaps, gluten-free tips, and wholesome ingredients for festive treats that are indulgent yet nourishing. Read More » Molasses Cookies With Dates Indulge in these spiced molasses cookies. Made with almond flour, ginger, cinnamon, and sweetened naturally with dates and molasses, they’re a wholesome holiday favorite. Read More » Thumbprint Cookies With Jam Savor these delightful vegan thumbprint cookies. Made with almond and whole wheat flour, they're filled with fruity preserves for a festive and wholesome treat perfect for sharing. Read More » Chocolate Coffee Cookies Enjoy these rich, vegan chocolate nut cookies. Packed with dark chocolate, pecans, and hazelnuts, they're a decadent treat perfect for the holidays or any occasion. Read More » Chewy Chocolate Chip Almond Cookies Indulge in these guilt-free, vegan chocolate chip cookies with a nutty twist! Packed with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, oats, and dark chocolate, they're perfect for holiday baking. Read More » From Melancholy to Sweet Remembrance The holidays can stir nostalgia for what never was, yet healing comes through creating new traditions and finding joy in the present. Explore ways to soothe the holiday blues. Read More » Click Local: How Online Shopping Boosts Neighborhood Businesses Support your community while enjoying online convenience. Discover how local businesses combine personal service with digital tools to thrive in today's shopping landscape. Read More » 12 Ways to Fitness These exercises, you can develop strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance, making them a well-rounded routine for overall fitness. Read More » Something To Smile About: A Look at Non-Toxic Dental Products Natural dental care is transforming oral hygiene. From fluoride alternatives to microbiome-friendly practices, explore a healthier, eco-conscious smile revolution. Read More » Practicing Sensory Skills at Home: How To Teach Kids the Senses Boost your child's sensory skills with fun games and activities. From "Eye Spy" to sensory bins and interoception exercises, discover ways to nurture confidence and curiosity. Read More » Caring for Anxious Pets While We’re Away: How To Choose the Right Kennel or Pet Sitter Discover expert tips on easing anxiety in pets when you're away, from choosing experienced sitters to holistic calming strategies like CBD and soothing scents. Read More » Service Dogs Benefit Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder A study of veterans with PTSD found those with trained psychiatric service dogs showed reduced symptoms, lower anxiety, and better social functioning. Read More » Acupuncture for Shingles Acupuncture shows promise as a safe, effective treatment for shingles, easing pain and reducing skin lesions, according to a review of 59 trials with nearly 4,000 patients. Read More » Wet Cupping Therapy for Asthma Wet cupping therapy may improve respiratory symptoms in mild to moderate asthma, offering a complementary option alongside standard treatments, a Turkish study suggests. Read More » Stem-Cell Treatment To Reverse Type 1 Diabetes A phase 1 trial shows promise for reversing Type 1 diabetes: a patient produced insulin independently after stem-cell therapy, remaining injection-free for a year. Read More » Mindfulness App Helps Intensive Care Patients A mobile app-based mindfulness program, including guided meditations and symptom management, significantly eased psychological distress in ICU survivors, a study finds. Read More » Artificial Beaver Dams Protect Wildlife Artificial beaver dams, mimicking nature’s designs, are revitalizing the Northern Great Plains, restoring ecosystems, improving soil and water, and even attracting real beavers. Read More » Sweat Monitor Measures Overexertion A smart elastic band from Northwestern University tracks muscle exertion by analyzing sweat acidity, helping users optimize workouts and prevent soreness. Read More » Linking Biodiversity to Human Health Biodiversity loss has human costs: a study links declining bat populations to increased pesticide use and higher infant mortality, highlighting nature's role in health and agriculture. Read More » Funny but Serious Science The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrated quirky science: researchers showed mammals can breathe through their anuses, and a plant that mimics plastic leaves, sparking laughter and curiosity. Read More » Benefits of Bars Switch to shampoo, conditioner, and dish soap bars for a greener routine. Cut plastic waste, save money, and enjoy natural ingredients with these eco-friendly, long-lasting alternatives. Read More » In-Print