Farmers’ Markets and CSAs Food Security on a Local Level

A trip to the market helps one learn where food comes from and to make sustainable choices that benefit health and the environment. Read More »

Letter from The Publisher

I hope you enjoy the feature article’s focus on the new stories we are writing and telling that reinforce our essential interconnectedness. It’s this interconnectedness and sense of community that I want to focus on in 2021. How can we best support one another? How can we learn to focus more on our shared values and dreams? I hope you’ll join me. Read More »

Kudos ~ Oriental Medicine Specialists

Oriental Medicine Specialists, the office of Dr. R. Keith Bell, DACM, celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2020 by reinventing the way they practice while staying focused on patients’ needs, helping them cultivate the health and resilience needed now. Read More »

Kudos ~ Amber Adaire

Health InSyncs provides individualized care using functional diagnostics, gentle structural balancing, clinical nutrition and advanced electromagnetic therapies. They blend ancient healing practices and advanced health technologies to enhance the body’s natural abilities to recover from disease and increase vitality and function. Read More »

REJUVENATION SPACE~T. Mecca Blount~Wellness Profile

Rejuvenation Space Wellness spa offers a healing and therapeutic spa services in a calm and relaxing environment. Our mission is to promote wellness and healing for the mind and body. Read More »

ANNE WRINN, C. HYP.~Rapid Transformational Therapist~Wellness Profile

My hypnotherapy business serves clients who deal with drinking, smoking, addiction, depression, anxiety, insomnia, procrastination, weight and physical issues. Read More »

Restoring the Earth Together

Threats to our environment may be classified as natural or anthropogenic (manmade), but despite current mitigation efforts, the climate crisis of global warming is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. Read More »

Natural Awakenings Richmond - March/April 2021

Enjoy articles from our March/April Issue Read More »

Letter from The Publisher

Enjoy this issue and all it has to offer, from articles about more natural farming methods and indoor gardening to Earth Day and farmers’ markets. Read More »

Green Street Coming to Bellemeade

The James River Association has been working alongside the city of Richmond, Groundwork RVA, 3north and Timmons Group to design and implement a “green street” that improves walkability and adds green infrastructure to a half-mile stretch of Minefee Street. Read More »

Urban Baby Beginnings Receives $1 Million Grant

Urban Baby Beginnings, a Richmond, Norfolk and Virginia Beach community-based maternal health hub and home-visiting program designed to reach birthing and postpartum families regardless of income Read More »

What’s the Buzz? Project Plant It! Supports Pollinators

To celebrate the 15th observance of Project Plant It! in spring 2021, Dominion Energy has added a bee pollinator feature and will give participants a free packet of wildflower seeds that attract bees and other pollinators, in addition to free redbud tree seedlings. Read More »

Free Food From RVA Community Fridges

The RVA Community Fridges community collective is run on a, “take what you need, leave what you can,” platform to give Richmonders better access to fresh food and produce and foster a greater sense of mutual aid within the community. Read More »

Studio Two Three Receives Grant

The $20,000 grant will support Make Art Work, a residency program launched in the spring that acknowledges the whole-person needs of artists. Read More »

Give Black Richmond to Help End Nonprofit Discrimination

Give Black Richmond is a database designed to make finding and supporting Black-founded community organizations in the metro Richmond area easier. Read More »

The Science of Love at The Innerwork Center

Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D., the Kenan Distinguished Professor of Psychology and director of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will speak on the Science of Love from 7 to 9 p.m., April 29, via Zoom. She will take a refreshing look at love—what we think it is and what science actually tells us. Read More »

Seniors in Need of Assistance

The Shepherd’s Centerof Richmond (TSCOR) is looking for volunteer drivers to take seniors 60 and older to medical appointments. Read More »

Prime Opportunity for Enlightened Entrepreneur

Alchemists, Books and Gifts for Nurturing the Soul, a beautiful, body-mind-spirit-focused shop located in the Stony Point Fashion Park, is known across the country for its lovely décor, uplifting ambiance and tasteful offerings, attracting nationally known authors and teachers over the years. Read More »

New Femme Jock Support Device for Women

The patented Femme Jock is designed to be worn over underwear to support the pelvic muscles, the perineum and rectal soft tissue, prevent damage and provide stability. A lift reduces elevated pelvic floor muscle tension and supports weak pelvic floor muscles. Read More »

Canine Obesity: When Doggies Need Diets

How to determine the ideal weight for dogs and healthy ways to achieve weight loss through proper nutrition, including fresh organic raw food, diet and exercise. Read More »

Caribbean Offshore Drilling Threatens Florida Beaches

The Bahamas Petroleum Company has begun exploratory oil drilling 150 miles from South Florida despite warnings of the potential for severe or catastrophic impact if a spill occurs. Read More »

Down to Earth: The Promise of Regenerative Organic Farming

Regenerative organic farming holds great promise to rebuild soil, draw carbon from the atmosphere and ultimately grow healthier food. Read More »

Economical Carbon-Neutral Jet Fuel

Researchers have developed a carbon-neutral way to produce jet fuel using carbon dioxide as a main ingredient. Read More »

Getting Pregnant: Lifestyle Strategies to Boost Fertility

Natural approaches such as healthier diets, supplements, detoxed living, herbs, acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tips for boosting fertility to achieve pregnancy. Read More »

Green Smoothie Bowl

This healthy green smoothie bowl recipe combines tender, mild shoots along with buckwheat sprouts for a little extra satiety. Read More »

Guys and Infertility

Studies show that for 40 percent of infertile couples, the problem lies in male sperm that is too sparse, slow, damaged or misshapen. Here are natural strategies to improve sperm quality. Read More »

Hazardous Pollutants Found in Mount Everest Snow

Manmade perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in snow at the top of Mount Everest, posing a risk for trekkers, climbers and residents that drink the water. Read More »

Healing from Grief: Four Ways to Find Peace

How to discover the light side of grief and identify and embrace the invitations that lay within its deep layers to find inner peace and healing. Read More »

Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol: A Primer on the Latest Research

The latest research on the proven health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), the effects on anxiety and depression, how to get started, ways to administer and more. Read More »

Honey Bees Have a Dirty Secret

Although honey bees symbolize sustainability and are vital to farmers, they also have a distressing effect on the environment—destabilizing natural ecosystems by competing with native bees. Read More »

Improve Children’s Brain Health with Better Nutrition

A new study finds that six months of nutritional supplements can improve working memory and blood flow in children’s brains. Read More »

Indoor Edible Gardening: Grow Veggies, Sprouts and Microgreens Year-Round

With a little light and creativity, anyone can grow edible plants indoors on a windowsill or kitchen countertop, making fresh herbs, sprouts and greens available year-round. Read More »

Jeff Tkach on Regenerative Healthcare

Rodale Institute Chief Impact Officer Jeff Tkach discusses a prevention-based approach to human and environmental health by unlocking the transformational power of regenerative healthcare. Read More »

Noodle Soup with Coconut, Sprouts and Shoots

This warming, healthy soup with just the right amount of chili spice is simple to make and full of delicious, curry flavors. Read More »

On a Roll: Foam Rollers Ease Pain and Workout Recovery

Foam rolling targets trigger points or painful knots in muscles and is a valuable tool for reducing chronic pain and enhancing workout recovery. Read More »

Plug and Pedal: The Benefits of Using Electric Bikes

An Earth-friendly alternative for work commutes or pleasurable neighborhood spins is the e-bike, powered by pedaling and an electric motor. Read More »

Saving Coral Reefs Worldwide

The International Coral Reef Initiative has urged governments to take action to save the planet’s remaining coral reefs and their attendant fish populations. Read More »

Sprouted Hummus

This sprouted version of hummus is a tasty twist on the classic Middle Eastern recipe. Read More »

The Benefits of Renewable Geothermal Energy

Despite its enormous potential, geothermal energy supplied just 0.4 percent of U.S. electricity in 2019. Read More »

The Healing Potential of Psychedelic Medicines: Promising Studies on Stress Disorder, Depression and Addiction

Studies show that psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA can help heal trauma, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, addiction and other mental and behavioral conditions. Read More »

Try Ginger to Lower Diabetes Markers

Ginger root can help to decrease levels of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in Type 2 diabetes patients. Read More »

Try Mindfulness to Improve Cardiovascular Health

Mindfulness training can lower blood pressure and positively influence behavior that promotes cardiovascular health, report researchers. Read More »

Use Colored LED Lights to Relax

Taking note of businesses that use lighting to create a mood, researchers demonstrated that patient unease in imaging centers can be modified with the use of colored LED lights. Read More »

Use Green Tea Extract and Curcumin to Ward Off Oral Cancer

Two natural chemopreventive agents—green tea extract and curcumin—have been shown to significantly reduce oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) biomarkers. Read More »

New Digs for Studio D YOGA

Studio D YOGA was founded in 2009 to provide a healing space for a variety of practices south of the James River. They offer gentler styles of yoga, including kundalini, yin, chair and Men on the Mat. Read More »

Learn About Hidden Oxalate Hazards

“People don’t know that foods such as spinach, soy, beets, sweet potatoes and almonds can be a problem because of a naturally occurring chemical, oxalic acid,” says Norton. Read More »

Project Yoga Richmond Unveils New Logo

the flower represents the organization’s next phase of growth and community impact. The flower is part human, part nature and has no specific age, race, ability, gender or income level. Its arms are spread wide, open to all in a spirit of inclusivity, open to possibility, empowerment and love. The circular bloom represents the infinite nature of their work together. It is never-ending, balanced, unified and whole, yet connected to its roots. Read More »

Online Film Festival Celebrates the Environment

The 11th annual RVA Environmental Film Festival (EFF) will be held from February 12 through 28 and will virtually showcase more than 25 free local and national films selected to raise awareness of environmental issues relevant to the Richmond region, the nation and the planet. Read More »

Rabbi and Scholar Presents The Innerwork Center’s Winter Keynote

Sixteen hundred years ago, the rabbinic sage Abaye revealed a teaching kept secret for centuries: at any given moment there are 36 people acting as a blessing to all the families of the Earth (Gen. 12:3) and it is because of them that humanity survives. Read More »

Agriberry Offers Fresh Fruit for the Winter

During the winter months, Agriberry sells high-quality apples from trusted partner farms throughout the Appalachian foothill region at their Hanover farm at 6289 River Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, and noon to 3 p.m., Saturday. Read More »

The James River Matters

Protecting Public Health and Environment in a Pandemic Read More »

Becoming Heart-Minded

Meditation teacher Sarah Blondin explains how drawing our attention inward and focusing on our heart center can help us become more kind, calm, loving, accepting, inspired and creative. Read More »

Big Love From Small Animals: The Joy of Furry Little Companions

Smaller pets, such as hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice or guinea pigs, can be the furry friend that a family may long for without the long-term commitment and higher care costs of a dog or cat. Read More »

Blueberry and Pumpkin Seed Yogurt Bark

This frozen yogurt bark recipe can be an easy breakfast alternative that balances high-quality protein, dietary fiber and heart-healthy fats. Read More »

Childhood Immunity Enhanced by Natural Environment

Research finds that switching a child’s playground from gravel to natural forest floor could foster a better immune system by exposing them to a greater variety of skin and gut bacteria. Read More »

Climate Change Makes Hurricane Destruction Worse

Research suggests hurricanes will remain stronger and persist longer after making landfall, causing greater and more widespread destruction, because of ocean waters heated by climate change. Read More »

Consider Melatonin to Lower COVID-19 Risk

Melatonin, a hormonal sleep aid, appears to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 30 percent, report researchers from the Cleveland Clinic. Read More »

Disaster Fatigue Influences Decisions

Extreme levels of stress from wildfires, hurricanes, floods and the pandemic can induce “disaster fatigue”, a form of emotional exhaustion that may reshape how people make choices. Read More »

Earth-Friendly Engagement Rings

From conflict-free or ethical diamonds to inherited pieces or alternative gems, here are green, sustainable and meaningful jewelry for engagement rings. Read More »

Eat Chili Peppers to Live Longer

Regular consumption of chili peppers can reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 26 percent and from cancer by 23 percent, suggests a review of thousands of studies. Read More »

Europe Tightens Methane Emission Monitoring, But U.S. Does Not

62 oil and gas companies acting as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership have adopted framework to report methane emissions, but none of them are in the U.S. Read More »

Halting Hypertension: Exercises to Lower High Blood Pressure

Fortifying healthy lifestyle changes with aerobic exercise, yoga and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help prevent and manage high blood pressure readings. Read More »

Heartfelt Eating: Best Foods for a Heart-Healthy Diet

The basics of heart-healthy eating with plant-based foods to incorporate into diets for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Read More »

Lentil, Raisin and Pecan-Stuffed Acorn Squash

With lean proteins from the lentils, complex carbohydrates from the squash and heart-healthy fats from the pecans, this well-balanced vegan recipe is nourishing and delicious. Read More »

Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: Integrative Cardiologists on Preventing Heart Disease

Research shows that simple lifestyle changes can prevent 80 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths through diet, exercise and other holistic prevention options to improve heart health. Read More »

Low-Carbon Cement Offsets Climate Change

The manufacture of cement creates up to 8 percent of the total global carbon dioxide generated by humans, but a variety of approaches are being explored to lower these worrisome emissions. Read More »

Plastic Particles Ingested in Food and Water

Researchers estimate people that drink bottled water ingest an additional 90,000 microplastic particles annually compared to 4,000 microplastics for those that drink only tap water. Read More »

Quinoa, Edamame and Carrot Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing

Edamame’s flavors pair well with quinoa, crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw, and combine seamlessly with the spicy, toasty notes of the ginger-sesame dressing in this heart-healthy recipe. Read More »

Saying ‘I Do’ to the Planet: Green Weddings Embrace Sustainability

Ways to green up your wedding through eco-friendly, sustainable invitations, venues, flowers, vegan food, favors and other planning details. Read More »

Shefali Tsabary on Conscious Relationships

Clinical psychologist, international keynote speaker and bestselling author, Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., discusses conscious relationships, intimacy, romance and love. Read More »

Shoes Off! Keep Germs Outside

Prevent the spread of germs, including viruses and bacteria, from entering the home via shoes with these helpful tips. Read More »

Special Valentine’s Offer from NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com is having a sale to help singles connect with like-minded individuals looking for loving relationships online through the conscious dating website. Read More »

Take Propolis and Vitamins A, E and D for Respiratory Tract Infections

Studies find that propolis and vitamins A, E and D help to reduce symptoms and durations of upper respiratory tract infections. Read More »

Tools for Inner Peace: Exploring Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness, which puts us into the moment, and meditation, which accesses deeper levels of consciousness, offer science-backed benefits for body and psyche, helping us achieve inner peace. Read More »

Veggie Tricks: How to Get Kids to Eat Better

Parenting bloggers and nutritionists share effective ways to get even the pickiest of children to eat more vegetables. Read More »