In this issue, we explore therapies that plumb the connection between mind and body, seeking ways to create either health or illness. We also share some of the responses from participants in our Wellness survey.
arts
Vandercooked Poetry Nights celebrate the intersection of art and writing
If athletics and poetry seem like strange bedfellows, then you haven’t read Gabrielle Calvocoressi’s sports desk columns for The Best American Poetry blog. “Two days later it still feels awfully…Luna Ray brings mantra-based music to The Altamont Theatre
Local musician and kirtan leader Luna Ray calls mantras — sacred syllables or groups of words — ancient science that allows people to open up. “It’s technology with which to…Smart bets: A Chorus Line
“A Chorus Line is a brilliantly complex fusion of dance, song and compellingly authentic drama,” reads a press release for the forthcoming Asheville Community Theatre production. Directed by Chanda Calentine…Smart bets: Hope Griffin
“I’m ecstatic to finally deliver [Say What You Will] into everyone’s most patient hands,” says folk Americana singer-songwriter Hope Griffin of her upcoming EP release party. Not one to rush…Smart bets: Worldline
The photos for local sci-fi rock band Worldline, on the group’s website, all evoke the fantastical otherworldly environs of planetariums, film sets or well-conceived theme parties. Suspended orbs and strands…Smart bets: Miniatures art show
“This is the most anticipated show of the year. Our artists love it, we love it, and our clients love it!” says Betsey-Rose Weiss, owner of American Folk art gallery…Asheville’s Goldie & The Screamers fashion soul music from disparate influences
“We were going to make Goldie its own entity,” says CaroMia Tiller, lead singer and keyboard player for local indie-soul act Goldie & The Screamers. “It didn’t work out that…Book learning: ABA’s Winter Institute comes to Asheville
It may be a closed industry event, but, having to do with books, booksellers and the publishing industry, ABA's Winter Institute is bringing a "powerhouse of authors" to Asheville —…food
Hidden chocolate
Asheville has its cacao fortresses — the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, the Chocolate Fetish and Chocolate Gems — but our sweet town also harbors countless hidden chocolate sanctuaries.Eat no evil: The plant-based meats of No Evil Foods
“I think we have consistently proven that our products don’t fit into either of those categories of being vegetable meat or being the substance that wants to taste like meat,”…Beer Scout: Pitch for Pitchers
I’ll be the first to admit that here on the beer pages the news is usually fun. To the extent that it intersects with business news, it’s generally about crazy-fast…Small Bites: The Hop looks to summer with Hopsicles
The Hop rolls out Hopsicles, winter tailgate markets are underway, Asheville Art Musuem readies for Toast Asheville and a local garden shop and wine store partner for a unique happy…living
Wellness survey reports mind-body treatments
Our survey results about mind-body medicine show that 76 percent of respondents provide mind-body therapies. Respondents report a wide variety of mind-body therapies used in their practices. The most frequently…Global ChiRunning springs forth from Asheville headquarters
The world headquarters for ChiWalking/Running occupy a quaint two-story house adjacent to Interstate 240 in downtown Asheville. “People think we’re a $5 million or $10 million business. We’ve had people…Neurofeedback and other brain training exercises are yoga for the brain
After a traumatic car accident left her with nightmares and chronic pain, “Donna,” a 36-year-old Asheville mental health counselor, started taking medication to help her sleep. “I would try to go…Hypnosis for well-being benefits both mind and body
You are getting sleepy … very sleepy. This Hollywood hypnosis cliché — complete with a swaying pocketwatch dangling in front of a paralyzed rube — couldn’t be further from the…Healing trauma through Somatic Experiencing
A head-on motorcycle collision in Thailand sent Corey Costanzo, co-owner of Still Point Wellness, on an unexpected journey. “It was the middle of the night, and another motorcycle veered…How to draw on the miracle of sleep
When it comes to sleep, where we spend nearly one-third of our lives, many individuals in our culture are finding it more and more difficult to accrue the quality rest…Chinese medicine encompasses mind, body and spirit
In the health and wellness world, “mind-body connection” has become something of a buzzword. But in Chinese medicine, understanding the relationship between psychology and physiology is ancient — not trendy. Mary…The mind-body wellness issue
Scientists now know that mind and body are inextricably linked, interacting in ways that can create either health or illness. In two back-to-back wellness issues, Xpress explores the art and…Conscious Party: A singing surprise
The Celebration Singers of Asheville have banded together for the fourth year in a row to send singing Valentine’s to unsuspecting lovers in the Asheville area.news
Location, location, location: Asheville’s 2014 brick-and-mortar business development by the maps
Where were Asheville’s “hot spots” for brick-and-mortar businesses in 2014? Despite ample buzz about growth in downtown’s South Slope, local development was surprisingly modest, according to an Xpress analysis of city data. A heat map…Astronomy Club of Asheville educates, amazes at UNCA’s Lookout Observatory
To gain perspective on one’s life, sometimes a look skyward into the inky nocturnal abyss is all it takes to realize just how small we really are. “Life is more…Asheville Council lays out hopes for the year
Sidewalks, housing, public data systems and leaf collect al popped up on Asheville City Council's all-day retreat Jan. 30.Asheville Council retreat gathers information on economics, affordability and quality of life
Asheville City Council members unveiled their 2015 strategic operating plan Jan. 30, collecting data on three focus areas: economic growth and sustainability, affordability and economic mobility and high quality of…Online initiatives aim to increase engagement with Asheville Council
As Asheville City Council heads into an important election year, a variety of new local projects are in the works that aim to increase civic engagement.opinion
Bad breaks
Dealing with crime and vandalism is both frightening and annoying enough for a business, but dealing with it over… and over… and over again can make you think you are…Letter writer: Off-duty rescue workers saved my life
I have been hearing about the Asheville “vortex” ever since moving here in 2011 but did not realize that the city is also host to a number of angelic beings.…Letter writer: Asheville’s reactions to growth show how people dislike change
It seems that a lot of Asheville residents have strong opinions as to what our city should be and the types of people who should live here. I cringe to…Letter writer: Blaming visitors will not solve community’s problems
I have been reading more and more calls to make Asheville for locals, and it feels unnecessarily divisive. Who is a local? I moved here with my family in 1966…