Looking for a new approach towards fitness: one that nurtures you on all levels? In our new Autumn issue, we had an opportunity to learn about the principles of inclusiveness, respect and body positivity that guide Universal Space Studio. Founders Mark Logan and Jody Kennedy have a unique aim of uniting mind, body and spirit, in an approach that promotes wellness on all levels of our being. Enjoy our feature below.
health and wellbeing
Positive Nights on Zoom: Exploring Natural Remedies With Amandha D. Vollmer
We are thrilled to announce that we have arranged a new Positive Nights Zoom event with Amandha Dawn Vollmer, who is an acclaimed Herbalist, Reiki Master, and a Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Health Practitioner. Amanda holds a bachelor of science in Agricultural Biotechnology from the University of Lethbridge (2000) in Alberta, Canada and a degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (2008) in Toronto. For most of her life, she has taken an interest in botanical medicine: self-educating on the topic many years before beginning her formal medical training.
Having developed many of her extra senses with martial arts and dance, she realised a natural gift for sensing illness and a laying on of hands. She soon sought answers via the energetic healing arts and became a registered Reiki practitioner and teacher, among other modalities.
After much scholarly and independent study, her passion for the elegant and effective sub-molecular medicine known as homeopathy, brought her to study in South India under Rajan Sankaran. She also volunteered for a month-long intensive medical program in Northern India, shadowing cardiologists, obstetricians, Ayurvedic practitioners and homeopathic doctors.
Amandha has since assisted many people and animals to heal all kinds of acute and chronic diseases. She is the proprietor of Yummy Mummy Emporium & Apothecary in Minden, Ontario, Canada, where she supplies natural solutions for detoxing and healing disease. She is a gardener and wildcrafter, creating powerful herbal blends, as well as developing all natural, botanically infused body care (creams, salves, oils, etc) that are extremely effective. She single-handedly makes over 100 small batch remedies.
Amandha has many interests including orthomolecular medicine, German new medicine, vibrational therapies, gemstone therapies, permaculture gardening, wildcrafting, crochet arts and the natural care of babies and children. She is also the mother of a marvelous, high energy 8-year-old.
She is available for holistic health consultations anywhere in the world, including distance Reiki sessions, Rife machine services, cold laser treatments and more.
Our event with her will explore the topic of natural remedies, as well as her stellar work in the natural healing arena. It will take the form of a 45-minute interview, followed by a Q & A session with the audience.
This event takes place via Zoom at 7.30 p.m. IST on Thursday May 28th. All ticket holders will be emailed a day before the event with login details.
Places on the event are available via a €5 or €10 donation, which would be gratefully received. However, a free option is also available, for those who cannot afford anything at this time. Click here to book your tickets.
Supporting Your Teeth: What Does Your Mouth Say About Your Health?
In our Winter 2018/19 issue, Gemma Hurditch of the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) shared her tips for maintaining excellent dental health, and why this is vital for overall health and wellbeing. We are pleased to share her article in full below!
Health Boosting Nutrients: Revolutionary Study Gives Hope for Heart Health
In this extract from our Autumn 2018 issue, we spoke to Sinead Mitchell of the renowned nutritional supplement and research company Pharma Nord. She had some exciting news to share about heart health, based on a revolutionary Swedish study! If you haven’t had a chance to pick up our Autumn 2018 issue yet, click here to find your local stockist, or here to subscribe to the magazine.
Health Boosting Nutrients
Revolutionary study gives hope for heart health
by Aisling Cronin
Pharma Nord is a Nutritional Supplement Brand renowned for its revolutionary approach to nutritional support. Its high grade supplements are backed by rigorous scientific research, which documents their products’ safety and superior bio-availability (which, in laymen’s terms, refers to how easily absorbed they are). Pharma Nord’s research database contains over 9,000 scientific studies which serve to inform their impressive product development program. To date, more than 300 scientific studies involving Pharma Nord products have been published, one of the most striking being the KiSel-10 study, carried out in Sweden.
I spoke to Sinead Mitchell, Product Trainer for Healthcare Professionals at Pharma Nord to learn more.
‘The KiSel-10 study was a five-year, placebo-controlled, randomised double-blind study,’ Sinéad explained. ‘Two Pharma Nord products were used in the study: Q10 and Selenium. While there has been a lot of research done about the benefits of selenium for heart health, and the benefits of Q10 for heart health – when taken separately – there wasn’t a lot of research out there investigating the relationship between them, or the potential impact of their combination, which was the primary focus of the KiSel-10 research. The KiSel-10 trial was carried out in a small town in Sweden, with Swedish citizens who were aged 70 to 88. 443 participants took part, making it a very rigorous trial.’
The aim of the study was to observe how Selenium and Q10, when taken together, would affect participants’ heart health. Participants were divided into two groups. One group were administered 200 milligrams of BioActive Q10 Gold every morning, combined with 200 micrograms of BioActive Selenium, while another placebo group did not receive either supplement. Once the five-year study was complete, the results amazed researchers: those receiving the Q10 and Selenium combination were shown to have a 54% reduced risk of mortality through cardiovascular disease.
‘In addition to the reduced risk of mortality measured by the KiSel-10 study over the five years, positive effects could also be seen in all of the inflammatory markers, which are used to measure heart health,’ Sinéad revealed. ‘In fact, in many cases, the supplementation eased the inflammatory markers to a point lower than would be considered ‘normal’ for the participants’ age group, which is fantastically encouraging.’
The KiSel-10 study is now referenced extensively in a number of leading health and scientific journals, including the European Journal For Clinical Nutrition. An additional fourteen further studies have since been pulled from the original KiSel-10 data, as health professionals seek to gather even more insight into the heart-protecting effects of long-term Selenium and Q10 supplementation.
It has been known for decades that Q10 – particularly when consumed in the high grade form, ubiquinol – is a very powerful nutrient, so the KiSel-10 study results, demonstrating the immense impact of both Q10 and Selenium on heart health, are not all that surprising.
Coenzyme Q10 (as it is formally known) is a natural, vitamin-like compound that all cells require in order to produce energy. Levels of this nutrient peak in our twenties and decline from that point onward. However, the discovery of coenzyme Q10 by American scientists in 1957, and the array of scientific studies done in the interim, has empowered us with a tool to potentially prevent this ‘energy drop’ from taking place. Selenium, too, has long been known for its incredible immune-boosting qualities. However it appears that these two nutrients have an even more powerful potential when used in combination.
Based on the promising results of the KiSel-10 study, it seems that long-term consumption of these vital nutrients could have the power to unlock new potential for longevity and improved health.
September Vibes: Autumnal Delights Ahead
September Salutations: Good news, Positive Lifers – we have just released our Autumn 2018 issue, and it’s a cracker: filled to the brim with inspiring and thought-provoking content from our regular contributors, invigorating health tips and an exclusive interview with Marianne Williamson. You can pick up your copy in one of our stockists throughout the country, or subscribe here to get a copy delivered right to your door. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the most enticing holistic happenings, products and events we’ve picked out for you this month! We are giving away FIVE TICKETS to the Vitality Expo on our Facebook page today, with the winner announced in the afternoon – click here to read all about it.
Dive into Ireland’s Ancient Energies
Next week, we are thrilled to welcome the acclaimed seer, mystic and author Tantra Maat to Positive Nights. On Wednesday September 12th, from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m., Tantra will join us in the Central Hotel, 1-5 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2. She will discuss the powerful energies present within Ireland, and how they can be utilised to advance the awakening of the Earth. Click here for tickets and further information.
Look Out For These Amazing Beeswax Cloths, Coming Soon
Looking for a convenient way to reduce your plastic consumption? Seidi Salomonson and Marit Nyhuis, who are planning to set up a new beeswax wraps business called PLOT, explain that they liked the idea of beeswax wraps so much, “we started making them ourselves about a year ago.” Marit says, “The main idea was to start using less plastic and clingfilm, and use these instead as much as possible. We buy our pure beeswax from a lady in the next town who has her own bees, so we know where it’s coming from.” Curious? Email Marit at firehorse.66@hotmail.com to learn more.
Marianne Williamson to Hold Seminar in Dublin
Marianne Williamson’s phenomenal work in the field of spirituality and self-development speaks for itself: seven out of her twelve published books have been New York Times bestsellers. Marianne will be speaking in Ireland on Wednesday October 10th 2018, from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. in the Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Road, Co. Dublin. For tickets and further information, follow this Seminars.ie link. To read a sneak peek of our interview with Marianne, just click here.
New Company Offers Super-Charged Turmeric Powder
Recently, the health-enhancing benefits of turmeric have become more widely known. It can reduce inflammation, fight against free radicals, and even boost brain health. Turmerix is a new company that specialises in producing high-quality, fast-acting turmeric powder. This powder also contains an “X-blend” of supporting spices and herbs: cinnamon, coconut powder, green tea, liquorice, kelp, fennel, vanilla, aniseed, caraway, ginger, clove, cardamon and more.
Kangen Water®: Health-Boosting Hydration
Water is an essential component of our daily lives. However, with concerns growing about the range of pollutants and chemical residue that can be found in tap water supplies and bottled water, many people are searching for an alternative to put their minds at ease. Kangen Water® (a.k.a. electrolysed reduced water [ERW], or hydrogen water) begins as tap water. An Enagic® machine filters out chlorine and other impurities from the tap water, then separates the hydrogen and oxygen through a process known as electrolysis. Email adeline@kangenwaterforlife.ie to learn more!
Vitality Expo Hits Dublin This Weekend
This weekend – Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th of September – Dublin’s RDS will play host to the amazing Vitality Expo 2018, brought to you by Health Stores Ireland. The Expo will be dedicated to all things health-related, with a diverse array of wellness, lifestyle, fitness and nutrition talks being delivered by Irish and international speakers and natural health brands. All talks will be hosted by nutritional therapist Jemma Kehoe. The Expo will also boast a Food & Cookery Stage, an outdoor entertainment area, and of course, a vast array of stands, featuring some of Ireland’s established and upcoming brands. Click here to enter our competition for FIVE FREE TICKETS.
Nature’s Answer
Chlorella’s age-defying magic
by Kumiko Kumagai
However hard we try, we’ll never be able to turn back the clock and get back the looks and figure we had when we were younger. However, nature may have the ability to slow things down as we move forward in life, though this help might come in a rather unusual form…
Chlorella is a type of green algae that grows in fresh water. This can be harvested and dried to create a superfood. Those in the know have been taking chlorella for a number of years for its reputed health benefits. Recent scientific research has helped to back up these claims. It appears nature really has provided us with a means to help us look and feel at least a little bit younger.
Scientists have found that chlorella may have an ability to prevent the breakdown of a substance in skin called elastin. As its name suggests, ‘elastin’ is what gives our skin its elasticity. As we get older we begin to lose elastin, which is what causes wrinkles to form. By helping to prevent the breakdown of elastin, it is believed that chlorella may have the ability to keep wrinkles at bay.
Research has also shown that chlorella could have a role to play in helping to reduce weight gain. A protein found in the algae appears able to reduce the increase in size of the body’s fat cells, which is normally seen when eating a diet high in fat.
In this article – featured in our recently released Summer 2018 issue – Patrick Holford shared his thoughts on the upcoming Vitality Expo, set to take place in the RDS, Dublin, on the 8th and 9th of September.
Finding Vitality
Patrick Holford discusses upcoming health show
by Aisling Cronin
This September, Dublin’s RDS will play host to the amazing Vitality Expo 2018, brought to you by Health Stores Ireland. The Expo will be dedicated to all things health-related, with a diverse array of wellness, lifestyle, fitness and nutrition talks being delivered by Irish and international speakers and natural health brands.
The passionate organisers behind the Expo are proud of the fact that this event is Ireland’s only consumer and trade natural health exhibition. Here, you can learn about exciting new products and remedies, meet natural health suppliers, discover the latest natural health trends, and obtain expert advice from the many well-known figures who will be in attendance. Ahead of the Expo, I met with the nutrition expert Patrick Holford, who will be delivering two talks as part of the event. I was struck by his great passion for improving people’s quality of life. He told me that one of the greatest privileges of his career is being approached by people who are eager to share their stories of how his nutritional tips improved their health.
Patrick Holford’s career began in the 1970s, when he trained as a psychotherapist. As his career progressed, he developed a special interest in the areas of boosting intelligence and treating schizophrenia. After learning about the promising results nutritional trials had yielded in this area, he went on to study nutrition in greater depth, and founded the Institute of Optimum Nutrition in 1983. His bestselling nutrition and health titles have included The Optimum Nutrition Bible and How to Quit Without Feeling Sh*t.
The latter title touches upon a subject that has become increasingly important to Patrick in recent years: helping people to tackle their addictions. He believes that we can be addicted to many things: not just substances that commonly come to mind when addiction is mentioned – such as narcotics, prescription medication, or alcohol – but also things like coffee, sugar, and our phones. Technology addiction is increasingly prevalent in modern society. Whatever our addictions are, Patrick believes that appropriate nutritional therapy can hold the key to solving the problem.
“To give you an extreme example,” he explained to me, “two colleagues and I went to an addiction treatment centre and asked them to refer some patients to us – not to change anything the centre were doing, but to add some nutritional therapy to the centre’s methods. We ran blood tests on twenty-three patients and we found out which neurotransmitters were depleted. We then gave them an intravenous drip every day, for six days, containing the exact nutrients that their brains would need to make those neurotransmitters. We followed that up with supplements for about a month, and then asked the treatment centre to follow up with these patients after one year. The normal success rate for the centre was about five percent: that is, one year on, just five percent of patients were still clean, sadly. However, twenty-one out of the twenty-three people we had treated were clean and sober, which is absolutely extraordinary. So at the health show, I’m going to be talking about how to end addiction, whether this is to caffeine, sugar, or even Facebook.”
Another issue he will be speaking about at the Expo is how people can reduce their risk of cancer through the foods that they eat. He said, “Appropriate nutrition can strengthen the immune system. As an example of this, one recent study found that soya actually dampens down the notorious BRCA gene that is responsible for a large proportion of breast cancer diagnoses. What we are really beginning to understand is that the environment of the cell can turn genes up or down. So rather than being unable to do anything about your inherited genes, you are able to empower yourself. This is a whole new field of study called ‘epignetics’ – effectively, the study of the environment of genes.”
Patrick is determined to empower people to take control of their own health. He does this by presenting clear evidence – backed up by rigorous scientific studies – to show that appropraite nutritional intervention can make an enormous difference to our energy, mood, and overall wellbeing.
To learn more about Patrick’s work, go to patrickholford.com. He will be discussing the effective treatment of addiction, cancer and other health issues in greater depth at the Vitality Expo 2018, set to take place on September 8th and 9th in the RDS, Dublin.
The Vitality Expo will feature an exciting array of expert speakers from around the globe. In addition to Patrick Holford, the Expo’s Vitality Stage will play host to Alison Canavan, Vivienne Campbell, Rachel and Hannah Dare, Dr. Robert Verkerk Ph.D, Phil Beard, Dr. Sarah Murphy, Jessica Hatchett and Fiann Ó Nualláin (a bestselling author, horticultural therapist and community gardening advocate). All of the talks will be hosted by nutritional therapist Jemma Kehoe.
Some of the confirmed exhibitors include Abundance and Health, Altrient C, Hifas Da Terra, Creacon Wellness Centre, Dr. Mahers skincare, Emma’s So Naturals soya candles, Genovese Pestos, IINH, Macánta, NaturaLife, Optimal Brain, Pharma Nord, PPC and Sun Chlorella. Many other companies will be present at the Expo too, offering a wide range of products to help boost your wellbeing. Be sure to check out the Vitality Expo’s website or Facebook page to stay up-to-date with all exhibitors, as they are confirmed.
The Expo will will also feature a Food and Cookery Stage. Here, you can experience the best of wholefood cooking with chefs like Marie Power, Henrietta Norton (founder of the amazing natural supplement brand Wild Nutrition), Oliver McCabe and Susan Jane White, to name a few. The Outdoor Entertainment Area is another major highlight, offering live music, yoga and pilates sessions, as well as a kids’ area where they can practice some moves too! At The Village, you can sample tasty delights from over 100 artisan and local health food producers in the Irish marketplace.
vitalityexpo.ie
This article appeared in our Summer 2018 issue, available now through our stockists or via subscription.
Healing, Courage and Honesty
How cancer set me free
by Keith Cullen
When I started chemotherapy at the start of this year, it took me a while to sort through my feelings: the layers of fear and disbelief, the desire to ignore reality (I am well known for this). I finally had to admit to myself – and I am able to say it out loud now – that I have stage 3 bladder cancer.
All the signs were there, telling me my health was unraveling, but it took a medical emergency before I was ready to listen. This I don’t recommend and this is why I want to share my experience will anyone who will listen. Last year was the best year I’ve ever had. I experienced some big personal awakenings, my career was on the rise, my love life was finally worth talking about, the schedule was full, and the lessons I was learning along the way were inspiring me in all the right directions. I was even prepping to attend the Grammys, for a big showcase and for my album.
During that hectic time, I started to notice blood in my urine. I thought I had some sort of infection. Eager to stay on schedule and keep up with the recording, I did the whole “mind over matter” bit, took advice from health experts and finally saw my local doctor.
By December, my symptoms worsened, and while I was on a trip in Sydney, I sought medical help again. Jessica, an Australian doctor I visited for more antibiotics, required me to have an ultrasound instead. That led to another specialist, which led to a CT scan, which led to my laying on the operating table in Sydney. December 8th will be a date I won’t forget, as they removed a large tumour from by bladder, not really knowing the full extent or nature of how the cancer had spread.
I’ve experienced every different type of emotion possible this year, from ‘WHY ME,’ to ‘I got this,’ to ‘I’m okay,’ to ‘This sucks balls.’ I’ve learned to be okay with not being okay.
I’ve been learning the difference between reality and fantasy, and how to be positive within my reality, rather than ignoring it in order to stay positive. I can be happy and have cancer. I can be whole and also sad about my circumstances. I can be afraid and still courageous about what is happening.
‘It takes a lot of strength to share yourself with someone else’ – a lyric of one of my songs written five years ago is back to remind me why it was written!
Being new to cancer and to chemotherapy, I hadn’t imagined it would force me to be so brutally honest and reflective as I currently am. Each decision I make now has meaning and the value attached to survival, and being a source of good has never been stronger at the forefront of my mind.
I’ve been gracefully broken and now am focused on rebuilding a stronger, more knowledgable, kinder Keith who surrenders to my new path and will continue to keep my arms wide open to life’s opportunities, whilst doing some good along the way.
Everyone is different regarding their journey. Please feel free to share yours with me. Just reach out at any point: Keithcullengm@yahoo.ie
May Vibes: Mushroom Coffee, Mantak Chia and Lots More!
Summer is well and truly on its way. If you have your eye out for coffee with a difference, or you want to hear some wisdom from the renowned spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle, the Afro-Irish shaman John Lockley or the Tao master Mantak Chia, this edition of our Positive Vibes newsletter has got you covered – and that’s just a small snippet of what we have in store for you. Read on to learn more about the best events and products we’ve picked out for you this month.
Baavet: The Duvet With the Baa Factor
Baavet specialises in producing high-quality wool duvets, blankets, pillows, and mattress toppers, always made with comfort and luxury in mind. The duvets are also dust mite resistant, hypoallergenic, breathable and temperature regulating. Curious? Check out Baavet’s website below and browse through their wide selection of products. Their duvets are available in various weights: heavy for winter, light for summer, and medium-weight for autumn and spring. While summer is here at last, there are bound to be chillier days ahead … and when they arrive, Baavet will have you covered!
Coffee and Mushrooms: a Winning Combination
When most people think about a really good cup of coffee, they don’t imagine it being made with mushrooms … but the U.S. company Four Sigmatic is challenging that perception. They make use of chaga mushrooms: a product that is quickly gaining a reputation for the delicious coffee flavour it produces, without giving users the energy crash that often occurs after consuming traditional coffee. One of their flavours, in particular – mushroom coffee with lion’s mane – is a genuine taste sensation. We love it! To learn more about Four Sigmatic’s products, visit their website below.
international.foursigmatic.com
Hempfully Amazing
If you are interested in discovering some of the amazing benefits of hemp, you need to check out Hempful’s amazing range of body butters, tea, moisturisers and CBD oils, to name a few. Hempful prides themselves on the great working relationships they have formed with a number of independent hemp farmers throughout Europe, who grow only natural, sustainable crops. Hempful’s range includes: Purely Hemp Body Butter (a rich body butter suitable for everyday use); Hempful CBD Oil in 250mg, 500mg, 800mg or 1500mg varieties; a variety of moisturisers for men and women; and even CDB-rich hemp tea.
Upcoming Positive Nights: John Lockley and Mantak Chia
We are excited to announce two very exciting Positive Nights events set to take place over the next two weeks. The first of these is a book launch, seminar and celebration with John Lockley on Thursday May 10th (Eventbrite link here). He will share the amazing story of his journey to becoming a traditional Sangoma (shaman) with the Xhosa tribe of South Africa – the same tribe to which Nelson Mandela belonged. Our second event is an enlightening seminar with Tao Grandmaster Mantak Chia on Thursday May 17th. He will share information about how the healing practices of the Tao can transform our lives (the Eventbrite link for that is here). Both events will take place in the beautiful setting of the Bewley’s Café Theatre, 78/79 Grafton Street, Dublin 2.
The Mighty Power of Mushrooms
Mushrooms must be in vogue these days, as we are now shining a spotlight on Hifas Da Terra (The Mushroom Pharmacy) – another company that makes use of the humble fungus to create some truly innovative, remarkable health and wellbeing products. Some of the goods they have created include gourmet snacks, skin care creams and lotions, and even nutritional therapy products aimed at improving the wellbeing of cancer patients. Check out their website below to learn more.
Interview With Eckhart Tolle for Your Listening Pleasure
We have reached into our archives this month to share a fascinating interview that we enjoyed with Eckhart Tolle last year. He told us about his thoughts on enlightenment, Jesus, and the joy he finds while spending time with his dogs. This highly accomplished spiritual author and teacher – who has written such seminal works as The Power of Now and A New Earth – has a great deal of wisdom to share. Click here to listen to the interview.
Empowered Women’s Masterclass
Modern women face a variety of challenges in the workplace, but luckily, Maureen Simon and Emily Lane – the two dynamic businesswomen and coaches behind Lane and Simon Consulting– are on hand to help. On May 12th, Lane and Simon are organising a special Empowered Voice and Communications Masterclass for women. The Masterclass will focus on: building confidence, setting boundaries, developing negotiation skills, improving your ability to influence relationships, and learning powerful communication skills. This masterclass can transform how you are perceived and valued in both your professional and personal life. It is designed to have immediate impact and to be a game changer. To learn more, check out the link for the Masterclass here.