I have heard your grumblings. They are low and cautious, but ever present. You didn’t stick to your resolution diet long past January 1st. You said you would get your core ready for a brand new bikini, but you haven’t found the time. Yet, you are overextended. There is a huge obstacle between you and the gym: traffic. You don’t drink enough water and your skin is suffering. You do not ingest slow food on a regular basis. You despise the color green and anything that reflects the term “leafy.” You are fatigued. You feel sluggish. You want to feel better. You want to look better. The only option for change that can seemingly fit into your schedule is a magic wand. Well, I don’t have one. I do, however, have an alternative. Its like a magic wand except it’s not magic, and the only wand involved is an extension of your blender.

Hold on now, I am not going to suggest you go on a liquid diet. I am not talking about a painless quick fix, either. I’m talking about a 3 week commitment; a purification program that will enable you to shed some unwanted weight, improve your hair, skin and nails, detoxify your liver, kidneys and intestines and, best of all, propel you into forming healthy eating habits (which will improve your overall physical health!).

Before you start thinking about the horrible person I must be to suggest that you, YOU, starve yourself senseless and end up on the brink of insanity, hear this: bodies need to be fed to thrive, not starved. Ok, ok… I admit that you will be starved of refined sugars and flours, processed foods, excessive amounts of carbohydrates and fats, dyes, preservatives and a few other things you just hate to love. I can hear you now…” but, but, but…well what about you???” Listen, I HAVE DONE IT. Doc and Julia have done it too! We all survived it. I actually liked it. That’s right. I liked it. I felt and still feel better than ever. My body changed, my skin improved, my nails grew. I became more alert and dumped more than a few bad habits.

How can 21 days of delicious slow food be anything but awesome? You will enjoy fruit smoothies and raw juice (which are all the rage, by the way), a vast array of fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fresh fish. This program is NOT a raw diet! Standard Process graciously lends you delicious recipes to ease your transition into better health. You can enjoy creamy red pepper soup, herb salmon, garlic-lemon chicken kabobs, stuffed whole sea bass…etc. You get it.

The Purification Program includes:

• SP Complete, a protein supplement that also provides amino acids, essential fatty acids, antioxidant protection and an array of vitamins
• SP Cleanse, a whole food supplement which aids in the purification of organs
• Gastro Fiber, a whole food dietary fiber which promotes gut health and encourages bowel regularity
• SP Green Food, a supplement which supplies essential vitamins and minerals as well as supports detoxification of the liver.

You’ll also get a Patient Guide to Purifying, Nourishing and Maintaining a Healthy Body and Weight (a nutritional guide, daily journal, recipe booklet and shopping list).

Come on. A ten minute trip to NHC and you will have everything you need to get ready for that bikini and long days of good summer living. You have nothing to lose but bad eating habits, both external and internal toxins and the last of that winter chub! POOF! You just decided to go for it.

I have been searching for years for a natural deodorant that works. I have no desire to use any of the chemical ones out there, but I also have no desire to smell bad when working out or at any other time for that matter. I have tried them all, the regular “naturals” you find at the grocery store, drug stores and health food stores. I have tried the rock salt, the liquid rock salt, spray naturals, roll on naturals, and bar naturals.

My adolescent and teen age girls, who actually don’t really smell much at all, have complained that those just don’t work and I found them sneaking around using “Secret” samples they obtained from the school nurse after one class about puberty. “AHHH! No! Why are you keeping Secret a secret?!” That really put me on the hunt for a natural deodorant that my girls would swear by. At last we found it and as an extra perk it is made LOCALLY!

Our Lost River Naturals Freedom Deodorant Cream I cannot live without and is undeniably THE BEST Natural Deodorant. My quest has finally ended. I can now confidently say “I do not stink after my 2 hour spinning session, or after kayaking in the hot sun, or after a cleaning marathon.” Even more amazing….I have found that even if I forgot to put it on for an early morning workout….it still works from the day before. Seriously!

Freedom Deodorant Cream comes many scents including, Lavender/Orange, Lavender/Clove, Patchouli/Cedar, Tea Tree/Bergamot and White Chocolate for Sensitive Skin Types… but in all reality the scent fades and is not very strong. You will end up with no scent which is much better than layering a flowery or spicy scent over a stinky scent.

This deodorant contains Organic Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Coca Butter, Natural Beeswax, Baking Soda, Clay and Cornstarch and any organic essential oils.

You must be thinking… wow, this sounds too good to be true, and it surely is out of my price range. But, WAIT, the cost is less than all the other “naturals” out there, and the 2.5 ounce jar lasts for weeks. I am only half way through my first jar that I started 6 weeks ago (and I have been sharing with daughters).

Another thing I LOVE about this product is it is not the typical roll on, put bacteria back into the product, kind of application. It comes in a jar and you take a pea size portion and apply it under your arm like a cream….very sanitary especially if you have people in your house, who think they can use all your cosmetic stuff whenever they want, like I do.

Stop in today and check out FREEDOM DEODORANT. If you are curious but not fully committed yet just try our ultra small ½ ounce (this even lasts for weeks!) for only $2.00 and test it out yourself.

The stink test is ON!

Natural Health Center would like to welcome Amy Robertson to our family!

Having returned from two years teaching, traveling and studying in southeast Asia, Amy has settled into our fine community and joined our staff as a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist.

Amy’s original interest in the healing arts developed fluidly from her life-long love affair with the natural world. After studying Environmental Policy and Planning at Virginia Tech, Amy moved to the West Coast for seven years and nurtured her passion for sustainable agriculture by providing nourishing foods and herbs to the local community. More recently, Amy has lived in both China and South Korea where she uncovered a deep curiosity in Traditional Oriental Medicine as well as meditation. Amy considers this time in Asia to have been the beginning of a spiritual journey and in 2009 she decided to integrate her passions for holistic health – of mind, body, and spirit – by attending the Asheville School of Massage and Yoga in Asheville, NC. Amy sees herself to be just beginning a life-long study and discovery of the healing arts, and considers herself blessed to have been able to participate in the diverse program at ASMY.

Amy’s mission statement is to provide safe, comfortable, nurturing, and beneficial bodywork treatment. To work with the understanding that each of us – in body, mind, and spirit – has the power to heal from within, and to facilitate that healing process.

She happily offers a range of techniques in her treatments at Natural Health Center including:

• Swedish Massage
• Deep Tissue and Cross Fiber Therapy
• Neuromuscular/Triggerpoint Therapy
• Chair Massage
• Reflexology
• Tuina (Traditional Chinese Acupressure)
• Aromatherapy
• Reiki

Amy uses all natural essential oils – organic or wild-crafted whenever possible – to assist in restoring well-being, balance and harmony.

Her education includes:

• Asheville School of Massage and Yoga, Asheville, NC
• Licensed in South Carolina, License # 8048
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, B.S. Environmental Policy and Planning, Blacksburg, Virginia
• 1st Year Mandarin Chinese, Zhejiang Forestry University, Lin’an, Zhejiang, China

Please join us in welcoming Amy back to the United States and to the Natural Health Center. Lets show her some Charleston love!

On a daily basis, the staff at NHC has the opportunity to speak with our patients about their past and current states of health. In the springtime, whether it comes early or late, we hear many of you express discomfort because of seasonal allergies. We hear you sneezing, sniffling and coughing too! We want you to feel your best no matter what time of year it is. You deserve it!

Did you know that relief isn’t confined to your local drugstore? Many over the counter allergy medicines temporarily relieve uncomfortable symptoms caused by various airborne local pollens. They often consist of chemical additives that allergy sufferers introduce into their systems, treating symptoms from the outside in. Unfortunately, sometimes those same medicines also cause unwelcome side effects such as drowsiness or dry mouth and nasal passages, rapid heart rate and even hyperactivity.

Here at Natural Health Center, we like to treat our allergy symptoms from the inside out. After all, our bodies were made to fight histamines naturally! We are huge supporters of Standard Process; a family owned and operated whole food supplement company established in 1928. Located in Palmyra Wisconsin, the Standard Process Farm organically grows over four million pounds of crops annually for use in their supplements.

For the next several weeks, we will be promoting a few products that we believe in, that we use, and that we trust are safe, organic and work with our body to support self healing.

ALLERPLEX: Allerplex, with vitamin A and C complexes, supports the body’s response to seasonal, environmental, and dietary stressors.

• Supports the body’s natural ability to loosen up mucus
• Supports healthy liver functioning
• Supports healthy lung and respiratory function

CAL-AMO: Cal-Amo supports normal cellular pH.

• Contains compounds that are useful in supporting proper acid/alkaline balance
• Supports respiratory function

ANTRONEX: Antronex contains Yakriton, a liver fat extract discovered by Japanese researchers that is used to support the body’s normal detoxification mechanisms.

• Supports the liver and the body’s natural antihistamine function

DRENAMIN: Drenamin supports adrenal function and helps maintain emotional balance.

• Promotes healthy adrenal gland function
• Encourages a healthy response to environmental stresses
• Maintains energy production
• Supports a balanced mood

Another product that we love is the Nasal Cleansing Pot, also known as a Neti Pot. The practice of nasal irrigation has been used by practitioners in India for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Many people (including the staff at NHC) use the Neti pot to keep their sinuses clean and improve their ability to breathe clearly and freely. It effectively releases dust, pollen and other pollutants from nasal passages and sinuses. It also relieves nasal dryness and removes excess mucous caused by allergies or colds.

Stop in and find out more about how you can help yourself the natural way with whole food supplements! While you are here, stock up on Neti Sticks, or purchase a ceramic Neti Pot and cleansing salt. We hope to see you soon!

Image: prozac1 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Congrats to Anganel Pinet, our Wellness Contest WINNER!

NHC thanks ALL of you for your participation and sends a special shout out to Vanessa who stayed strong to the end! You guys ROCK!

We know this event will continue to grow every year. Our ultimate goal is to spread the news about natural health and healing….. and Natural Health Center is your one stop shop for it all!

Yours for Natural Health,

Doc, Lea, Julia and the staff at NHC

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Our 2012 Wellness Contest is underway and ends on Monday February 9, 2012.

Go to our Facebook page and write why you should win! Ask all your friends to “like” your post. Whomever has the most “likes” will win.

Only 1 lucky winner will get to build a wellness package for themselves, courtesy of Natural Health Center, from the following services and/or products:

Choose ONE of the Following:
• 60 Minute Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage Session
• Hair Analysis with Nutritional Counseling (2 Visits)
• Full Chiropractic Exam with X-Rays

AND

Choose TWO of the Following:
• Ear Candling Session
• 30 Minute Lifestyle and Nutrition Consultation
• $25 Credit toward the purchase of any Standard Process whole food supplements
• Your choice of Deep Steep Organic foaming hand wash, body lotion and body spray

This contest is open to FACEBOOK PARTICIPANTS ONLY, so “like” our page and get ready to win!

Natural Health Center resolves to assist you on your road to complete wellness this New Year. We are committed to offering our community a variety of services and products that will support a healthy body, mind and spirit in the coming months. You must be wondering what that has to do with to YOU.

We have decided to jump start 2012 with an online contest that will WOW you with wellness!! It’s fun, simple and has an awesome reward! You won’t want to miss out on this!

Only 1 lucky winner will get to build a wellness package for themselves, courtesy of Natural Health Center, from the following services and/or products:

Choose ONE of the Following:
• 60 Minute Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage Session
• Hair Analysis with Nutritional Counseling (2 Visits)
• Full Chiropractic Exam with X-Rays

AND

Choose TWO of the Following:
• Ear Candling Session
• 30 Minute Lifestyle and Nutrition Consultation
• $25 Credit toward the purchase of any Standard Process whole food supplements
• Your choice of Deep Steep Organic foaming hand wash, body lotion and body spray

This contest is open to FACEBOOK PARTICIPANTS ONLY, so “like” our page and get ready to win!

We are very excited about the two new restaurants which have opened across the street from us!

Opal opened June 27th, and Basil followed a few weeks later on August 1st. They have been bursting with customers. While Opal is only open for dinner, Basil is open for both lunch and dinner. Seaside Farms has been buzzing with activity every night since.

This liveliness has created more traffic and some parking issues for patrons at the Shoppes at Seaside Farms and for our patients. Be aware that there is plenty of parking directly behind our building (in front of the Piggly Wiggly) with a passage through to our sidewalk next to 3D Chat.

Natural Health Center goes PINK for Lowcountry Pink for the Cure!

Dr. Vanderpool’s daughter Victoria and patient Abby Rumph, high school students at School of the Arts, were the artists for our wonderful window display. We placed in the top 10 for the window display competition for all of Charleston.

A great feature of our display were the flowers Honoring or in Memory of someone who has been touched by breast cancer. Patients were able to honor or remember friends or family members with pink flowers and ribbons with their names. Natural Health Center honored current patients and past patients as well.

Our window display brought a great deal of awareness about breast cancer and the Race for the Cure. The “facts” posters about warning signs and prevention were an educational aspect for our display as well.

Did you know that research on Chiropractic therapy in women with breast cancer has show to help relieve headaches and back and joint pain in women who have had breast cancer treatments?

With kids back in school, and a little chill starting to blow down our coast we are hearing from patients more and more about “this cold” and “that bug”. Some kind of sickness inevitably reaches most of the population sooner or later. Don’t stand by and become a victim without some natural amunition on hand.

Stop by Natural Health Center and check out our Cold and Flu table with great information about many products we carry to help arm your family to stay healthy or to help you fight those colds naturally and less painfully.

Featuring:
Neti Pots and Neti Sticks: Breathe easy and cleanse your nasal passages… when you feel the first sign of a tickle in your throat or a drip from your nose use the Neti Pot to keep from getting a full blown cold.

Counter Attack Immuno-Response: Activate your Natural Immunity and Speed Recovery. The most powerful way to speed natural recovery during Cold & Flu season, clears and relieves respiratory system with NO side effect health risks.

EO Hand Sanitizer: Sanitizes and moisturizes without water. Keep germs out…protect yourself with this first line of defense. Great for kids, in the car, at work or school. Small purse or backpack sizes available. EO Hand Sanitizer keeps both hands refreshed, healthy and clean whild keeping germs out of the picture. Organic, plant based alternative to chemical laden hand sanitizers.

Many more products on display….come by and check out our suggestions to stay healthy and naturally fight cold and flu season. ~Julia