Health Food Stores - Your Source Of Natural Health Products

Wild Oats is a franchise in many cities and when you go into the store, you can tell right away that the basic Mom and Pop operation had changed. This particular chain began eighteen years ago in Boulder, Colorado and has expanded over the years to include more than 110 stores in 24 states and British Columbia. It is clear to see how this company became the standard for the organic market industry.

At first glance, their store looks like any other large grocery store, and you can probably find many of the same items that you would in a standard grocery store - but with one twist. Everything is organic. Usually when you hear the word organic, you might think two things; bland and expensive. However, with all the options and improvements in the way of organic foods are produced, there are many items that are very tasty, and the prices have become comparable to those of a conventional grocery store.

The overall concept of the health food store hasn't changed. They still offer a wide range of organic foods and herbal remedies. They are filled with all kinds of products to heal the body, mind and spirit. You can find aromatherapy candles, essential oils, books, tapes, and DVD's on meditation and yoga. You can take cooking classes and learn how to make your own herbal remedies. There are still aisles dedicated to environmentally safe products for household cleaning and recycling.

Some additions are a pleasant surprise, though. There can be four different "deli" counters. There is usually a butcher counter with free-range chicken and beef and a plethora of fresh seafood. Another counter may display an array of amazing baked goods (bagels, cakes and pastries), and in many stores there is yet another section that caters full meals for a quick healthy lunch or a dinner party. The modern health food store also had a section for wine and beer, an astounding array of cheeses, and an extensive frozen foods section.

The mega-health food stores of today are truly a modern marvel. They are larger and offer far more than their predecessors did. Because these larger stores can buy more in bulk, the discounts they receive can be passed on to the consumer, making it possible for anyone to enjoy the benefits of shopping in the health food store.

Traditional Healing in Modern Medicine

You've heard that it's takes a village to raise a child, but Dr. Mehl-Madrona believes that it often takes a community to heal someone who is ill. The indigenous ways have much to teach us. In his books and this interview he tells us stories that he's told to his patients to help in their healing process. These stories give us universal wisdom and strength.

• Discover how to use the community to help your friends and family heal
• See how to integrate contemporary medicine with traditional healing
• Learn the traditional meaning of the Four Directions
• See how you can use stories to enhance the healing process
• Discover the hidden meaning of the Native American Medicine Wheel
• Be Inspired to live in harmony with the seasons and nature
• Learn about the real meaning of “success” in healing
• Explore how to use our ancestors’ spirits in healing and story
• Find out what the benefits of ceremony can be in your life
• Learn to create your own ceremonies for daily living
• See how the Ravens Beak story relates to modern health issues

Lewis Mehl-Madrona holds an M.D. from Stanford University and has been a practicing doctor for over 20 years. An experienced healer who has led many Native American healing ceremonies, Dr. Mehl-Madrona has also headed traditional medical clinics, helping AIDS and cancer patients as well as researching the benefits of relaxation techniques to aid in the natural correction of breech positioned babies. He is currently an Associate Professor of Family Practice at the University Of Hawaii School Of Medicine. He has been studying and working in the field of Native American and indigenous healing for many years.