Natural Awakenings Washington DC October 2015 by Natural Awakenings DC

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Natural Mood Boosters Safe Alternatives to Antidepressants

EPA: A Muzzled Watchdog Vallianatos Seeks to Put Bite Back into the Agency

The Zen of Slow Cooking One-Pot Dishes for the Autumn Harvest

Awakening the GLOBAL HEART

Compassionate Activists Unite to Write Earth’s New Story

October 2015 | Washington, D.C. Edition | NaturalAwakeningsDC.com natural awakenings

October 2015

Your Path to Healing Starts Here a n i n t e g r at i v e a p p r o a c h t o yo u r h e a lt h GeorGe WashinGton Center for inteGrative MediCine offers you a unique health care program principled in science and tradition where the patient is treated as a whole person and respected as an individual. With your visit to the Center, a highly-trained practitioner—licensed, certified and credentialed in his or her specialty—will develop with you a care plan tailored to fit your needs and honors your personal healing process. natural & inteGrative health ChoiCes W e prov i de C a r e f o r …

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October 2015

letterfrompublisher Dear friends, contact us Publisher, Editor in Chief Robin Fillmore Contributing Editors Jessica Bradshaw Randy Kambic Grace Ogden Design & Production Irene Sankey Marketing Director Beverly Nickerson Sales Director Malika Hook Muhammad Outreach Director Samantha Hudgins Editorial Intern Tisha Claudia Lim Natural Awakenings of Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-505-4835 Fax: 202-827-7955 4938 Hampden Lane Bethesda, MD 20814 Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com NaturalAwakeningsDC.com ©2015 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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It feels like only a few months ago, we were all wrapped up in the 2012 election, “enjoying” the nonstop television and radio commercials on every candidate and issue that was set before us—but it wasn’t a few months ago. Unbelievably, it was nearly three years ago, and we are already well into the next election cycle. The debates have started. There has been a good bit of hand shaking, baby kissing, barbecue eating and good old fashioned campaigning from the longest list of candidates I thought we would ever see. Like many others here in the D.C. area, I love politics. While my girlfriends were watching soap operas in the afternoon, I was watching televised Cleveland City Council meetings and the drama that was unfolding with then-Mayor Dennis Kucinich. My undergrad and graduate degrees were in political science. I taught freshman classes on American government and state and local politics at a few different universities over my career. I also did a stint on the Hill, with an office strategically placed between the Supreme Court, the Capitol and the Dirksen Senate Office building. It is thrilling to be in the midst of that, because it reminded me (on the good days) that the ultimate goal of our political system is to answer the textbook question, “who gets what, when and how” in a way that is most equitable to all who live collectively here. The problem that we face, again, is that we have an election to live through before the governing can really take place. Initially, my fascination with U.S. politics was the real-world, high-stakes drama of geopolitics and possible nuclear annihilation (this was during the Cold War). As I deepened my understanding of the systems that surround us, I came to realize that it was my idealistic nature to seek justice and equality for those outside of it, often voiceless, that drew me to a vocation in politics. What I learned is that, at times, more can be accomplished by stepping outside of the process and engaging people where they are. My favorite quote of all time remains the words beautifully written by cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” These musings were stirred up by this month’s feature on “Awakening the Global Heart” by Linda Sechrist that shares stories about activists throughout the U.S. and across the world, that are building momentum and coalitions to write a new story about our earth and our capacity to live together on it peacefully. It is important to remember, as we drown in political commercials from the candidates and their Super PACs, that there is more to the movement of this country and this world than what happens inside the beltway on November 8, 2016. So rather than watch that next debate (especially since the highlights will be replayed incessantly the following day), I urge you to invest your energy in finding a cause that stirs your heart and helps to write a new story for you and your community. Peace,

Natural Awakenings practices environmental sustainability by using post-consumer recycled paper and soy-based ink on uncoated stock, avoiding the toxic chemicals and huge energy costs of producing shiny, coated paper that is harder to recycle.

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contents 6 6 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs 1 6 globalbriefs 26 yogaguide 30 dentalhealth 3 1 fitbody business 10 34 spotlight 35 inthedistrict 36 education

spotlight 37 yogaspotlight 38 leadingedge 16 40 healthyhome 4 1 healthyaging 45 calendar 50 resourceguide

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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

18 AWAKENING THE GLOBAL HEART

Compassionate Activists Unite to Write Earth’s New Story by Linda Sechrist

22 EARLY PUBERTY The New Normal? by Kathleen Barnes

24 THE ZEN OF

SLOW COOKING

Savor Your Autumn Harvest in One-Pot Dishes by Judith Fertig

27 EPA: A MUZZLED WATCHDOG

E.G. Vallianatos Seeks to Put Bite Back into the Agency

28 NATURAL MOOD BOOSTERS

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Deadline for editorial, news briefs and health briefs are due by the 10th.

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HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 202-505-4835 or email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online: NaturalAwakeningsDC.com within the advertising section. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

Safe Alternatives to Antidepressants by Kathleen Barnes

31 GROUND RULES A Guide for Running on All Terrains by April Thompson

32 NATURAL PET CARE Integrating Natural Healing Into Your Pet’s Health Care

by Nicholas Albano

41 60 AND BEYOND Tips for Sexual Health and Function by Mary Kendell

42 HEAVEN WITHIN It’s a State of Mind by Wayne Dyer

natural awakenings

October 2015

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newsbriefs Hot Yoga Hits Ivy City

raditional Chinese Medicine has an extra season—late summer—which is central to the five-season cycle of the year. Late summer is a time for followers to slow down and balance Earth, the element of this season. Ivy City residents won’t have to travel far to seek this balance now with the opening of Bikram Hot Yoga Ivy City (BHYIC) at 1510 Okie Street NE. Recently, BHYIC, tucked back on the rapidly developing Okie Street, near CrossFit Hierarchy, MOM’s Organic Market and Planet Fitness, opened its doors to the public. In honor of its grand opening, BHYIC held a free traditional Bikram yoga class September 12 for the public led by studio co-owner, Kendra Blackett-Dibinga, who also owns Bikram Hot Yoga Riverdale Park, Prince George’s County’s first hot yoga studio. Blackett-Dibinga led the class of 25 as they sweated out Bikram poses and breathing for 90 minutes to christen the studio’s 1,700-square-foot hot room heated to 105 degrees with 40 percent humidity. “I’m happy to be a part of the Ivy City redevelopment. This area of Washington, D.C. has long been neglected and to see the changes come about is amazing,” says Blackett-Dibinga. The addition of the studio is rapidly making this the fittest building on the block, but true to yoga, the studio also aims to create a place of community and connection. “I think we will build a strong yoga community here. With each new business that pops up, there is interest in yoga. People need a place in this area to come in and forget what’s going on in the world for 90 minutes and get back in touch with themselves. That’s what we want to do here,” explained other studio co-owner, Omekongo Dibinga. If the opening weekend is any indication, it is safe to say, they are on their way. The studio is currently offering traditional Bikram yoga, but plans to expand its offerings to include hot vinyasa. For more information about new member specials and rates/packages, and the studio schedule, call 202-288-5745 or visit BikramYogaRiverIC.com.

Holistic Pet Care Options Expanding for Metro Region

serious health diagnosis for your family pet, such as cancer, a neurological condition or liver disease, can be devastating. Fortunately, for pet owners living in the D.C. metropolitan region, the availability and quality of specialty veterinary care is top-notch. For those pet owners interested in and desiring to integrate holistic care into the treatment plan for their dog or cat, the options and availability continue to grow and expand. Jordan Kocen, DVM, CVA, a local veterinarian practicing Chinese medicine ; and homeopathy, opened the Veterinary Holistic Center (VHC) in September, in North Springfield. The first of its kind in Northern Virginia, the center is home to a team of 10 clinical associates and four local trainers, offering acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical therapy and rehabilitation, chiropractic care and therapeutic massage, as well as training classes. “Holistic veterinary care can be beneficial in treating a variety of conditions in dogs and cats,” Kocen explains. “At our new facility, we are now better positioned to offer a full spectrum of options under one roof.” Six exam rooms, a 1,600-square-foot open space room for workshops and training, dedicated space for an underwater treadmill (planned for the future) and a small retail area comprise this animal- and family-friendly space. “At VHC, we work with you and your regular veterinarian to bring together the best options from Eastern and Western medicine philosophies for your pet,” adds Kocen. “We share the common goals of healing and improving quality of life.” For more information, visit Vhcnova.com.

Growing Wild, LLC, Now Offers Permaculture Solutions in the D.C. Region

hat is permaculture? Definitions of permaculture are numerous and seemingly diverse. According to Bill Mollison, co-creator of the word, “Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable human environments.” Growing Wild, LLC, is now offering a service to area residents to incorporate permaculture solutions into their daily lives. Mollison’s concept of permaculture focuses on “thoughtful designs for small-scale intensive systems which are labor efficient and which use biological resources instead of fossil fuels. Designs stress ecological connections and closed energy and material loops. The core of permaculture is design and the working relationships and connections between all things. Each component in a system performs multiple functions, and each function is supported by many elements.“ These are concepts that can, with the correct guidance, be incorporated into any home. Growing Wild, LLC, can help design solutions for the home or business, specializing in suburban applications in cool temperate regions. They can teach integrated solutions for the home and garden that will help save time and money, while helping the environment. The Growing Wild team can alsohelp to reduce food and energy waste while helping to keep our water clean. They offer comprehensive site analysis in the form of a Permaculture Design Plan (PDP) and can apply those solutions with a highly customizable Implementation Plan (IP), building on your ideas. Ask about their free analysis. For more information, contact Stephen Trauger at 540-550-2355, PermaSteve@gmail.com or visit GrowingWildPermaculture.com. See listing, page 53.

Fourth Annual Achieving Optimal Health Conference at Georgetown University

ive-Love-Breathe—is the motto for an upcoming conference, Achieving Optimal Health, to be held on October 24 at Georgetown University. If you are seeking a recipe for change and are ready to create a masterpiece: a life you love—you are encouraged to attend. At the Achieving Optimal Health Conference, health experts from around the country share their thoughts on how to achieve one’s own optimal health. This year’s luminaries in the field of health and wellness will guide you to a healthier, stronger you. Attendees will learn why sleep is the cornerstone of optimal brain health, while also learning how to deal with stress through mindfulness. There will be sessions on only how to eat healthy and a chance to hear from a world-renowned chef on how to get children to start asking for their veggies. Nutrition is not difficult and raising healthy eaters does not have to be a battle, when parents are equipped with the right information. Attendees will also learn groundbreaking information on ovarian cancer and how it could be a thing of the past. The organizers of this event offer this challenge, “When was the last time you truly focused on how best to care for the most important person in your life, you? Well, get back to YOU and join us for the fourth annual Achieving Optimal Health Conference at Georgetown University.” Location: Edward B. Bunn, S.J. Intercultural Center at Georgetown University, 37th St. NW. For information and to purchase tickets, visit AchievingOptimalHealth.com. See ad, page 21.

natural awakenings

October 2015

newsbriefs Minds Incorporated Offers Special Mindfulness Events for Parents and Teachers

inds Incorporated works with students, teachers and parents to teach mindfulness practices. There is ample evidence to show the benefits of a mindfulness practice for young people and those who work with young people on a regular basis. This fall, Minds Incorporated will be offering a six-week course on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for parents at Madison High School, in Vienna, beginning October 13. They will also be offering a weekend retreat for teachers from October 30 to November 1, at George Mason University, in Fairfax. Registration for both is now open. The course, Mindfulness Patricia Jennings For Parents, introduces wellresearched and practical tools to help bring a greater sense of patience, kindness and empathy into the home, greater calm and balance to the life of the family as well as a renewed sense of joy and strength to the family. This course will be taught by longtime meditator and mother of three young children, Trisha Stotler. She is a teacher and workshop leader for beginners and more advanced meditators in the greater D.C. area and an instructor of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). In CARE for Teachers, exercises in relaxation, movement, deep listening Trisha Stotler and more, all with real-time classroom applications, will be offered to help our area’s teachers avoid burnout and improve educational outcomes for their students. This event is being sponsored by Mindful Nation and Garrison Institute. It will be taught by Patricia Jennings, M.Ed., and Ph.D., a professor in the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia and an internationally recognized leader in the field of mindfulness education. CEU’s are available for this training. Cost: Mindfulness for Parents is $250 and CARE for Teachers is $295 (through September 30)/$325 (until October 25). Locations: Mindfulness for Parents will be held at Madison High School, 2500 James Madison Dr., Vienna; CARE for Teachers will be held at George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax. For more information or to register, visit MindsIncorporated.org.

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American Holistic Nurses Association Regional Conference

olistic Self-Care: Your Secret Power for Enhancing Patient Care, a regional conference of the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) will be held November 14 at the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will learn about self-care and why it is essential to both personal thriving and quality patient care. The keynote speaker will be American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) Past President, Peggy Burkhardt, Ph.D., FNP, AHN-BC. Burkhardt has been a holistic nurse for more than 25 years and practiced as a family nurse practitioner. She is a current Associate Professor Emerita at the West Virginia University School of Nursing, Charleston Division, and has published numerous articles, chapters and books related to Holistic Nursing Ethics and Spirituality. Joined by other holistic presenters, each session of this workshop will discuss holistic self-care and touch on how nurses can develop and regularly incorporate self-care practices into their lives and nursing practice. Founded in 1981, AHNA delivers valuable resources and offers superior networking opportunities to a vibrant and expanding universe of health care by increasing awareness and promoting education as well as personal communitybuilding among nurses, other healthcare professionals and the public. AHNA currently services almost 4,500 members through 143 local chapters/networks in the U.S. and abroad. Cost: $150 registration fee for the daylong conference includes continental breakfast, lunch and 6 CNE’s (Fees increase to $175 after November 9). Location: 3800 Reservoir Rd. Register at AHNA.org/cne. For information, call 800-278-2462 or email Kaylee Ferguson at Communications@ahna.org.

Summer ends, and autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night. ~Hal Borland

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Be More, Do More, Have More A Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains

estore your soul and connect with the deeper core of your being during a weekend of fun and exploration in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The Be More, Do More, Have More experience invites participants to explore their senses with chocolate, wine and local Virginia food, body movement and spiritual connection. The retreat will be offered November 6 to 7. The following day, Tracy Revell offers an additional day to explore in a playshop. The retreat and playshop will be held at Heartsone Retreat in Buena Vista, Virginia. Speakers on Friday and Saturday include Jen Feazelle of Seven Doors Winery, Gayla d’Gaia of Sacred Beauty, Martha Kastler of Mount Pleasant Yoga, Sarah Beth Jones of No BS Biz Coach and featuring Tracy Revell of Embodied Confidence from Denver, Colorado. On Sunday, Revell leads a more intimate group through Moving Your Inner Goddess Playshop, exploring the Sacred Feminine. These speakers offer a wonderful blend of delicious food, drink and opportunities to restore one’s soul. The Heartstone Retreat offers beautiful views and comfortable accommodations, along with the weekend’s programs. Join them for an enlivening and refreshing experience, only a short drive from the city. For more information, call 540-598-8829 or visit TravelVirginiaExperience.com/Events. This event is presented by Travel Virginia Experience. See ad, page 20.

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Disclosures: This plan is NOT insurance. The plan is not insurance coverage and does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act or Massachusetts M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This plan provides discounts at certain healthcare providers for medical services. This plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The plan member is obligated to pay for all healthcare services but will receive a discount from those healthcare providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization. This discount card program contains a 30 day cancellation period. The range of discounts for medical or ancillary services provided under the plan will vary depending on the type of provider and medical or ancillary service received. Member shall receive a full refund of membership fees, excluding registration fee, if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days after the effective date. AR and TN residents: A refund of all fees will be issued if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days. Discount Medical Plan Organization: New Benefits, Ltd., Attn: Compliance Department, PO Box 671309, Dallas, TX 75367-1309, 800-800-7616. Website to obtain participating providers: MyMemberPortal. com. Not available to KS, UT, VT or WA residents. natural awakenings

October 2015

healthbriefs

Red/Purple Produce is Best for Our Weight and Heart

ew research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found the color of the fruits and vegetables we eat may affect our weight and heart health differently. The study followed 1,272 people over a three-year period, beginning in 2006 and 2008. The researchers compared their respective diets over both periods with levels of cholesterol, weight and waist circumference—all measures of obesity. The research grouped fruits and vegetables into red/purple, yellow, green, orange or white. Among women, greater consumption of red/ purple fruits and vegetables was related to lower weight and abdominal fat, lower blood sugar and reduced total cholesterol. Meanwhile, greater consumption of yellow fruits and vegetables was linked to weight gain over the same period. Among men, the researchers found those that ate more red/purple fruits and vegetables had reduced weight and waists compared to those that ate othercolored foods over the three-year period by an average of 13 and 14 percent, respectively. Greater yellow fruit consumption was linked to lower total cholesterol levels. Green and white fruits and vegetables were associated with reduced abdominal fat gain over the three-year period.

Colon Cancer Linked to Gut Bacteria

study from the University of Minnesota has found that two strains of virulent bacteria in the gut significantly increase the incidence of colon cancer, and a change in microbiology of the gut often coincides with colon cancer. The study tested 88 people, of which half had colon tumors. The scientists sampled and analyzed gut bacteria within the subjects to assess their microbiomes. They found that colon cancers were linked to those with microbiomes that had increased levels of Fusobacteria and Providencia species of bacteria. The latter is considered more virulent and responsible for the production of certain enzymes that have been previously linked with colon cancer. These two species of bacteria have also been linked with higher rates of inflammation and infection in other research. Fusobacteria has been found prevalent among people with ulcerative colitis. Providencia species include E. coli and Klebsiella, both found among urinary tract infections, throat infections and others. Microbiological science over the past half a century has found that better food choices can bring about significant healthful changes in the body’s microbiome. These include incorporating prebiotic and fermented foods into one’s diet. 10

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Natural Recovery from Depression by Dr. Piamas Puatrakul

epression can occur when you lose sight of your passion and purpose in life. Love yourself enough to take the actions required for your happiness. Emotional and physical healing begins with self-love and compassion. Practice mindfulness to observe your thoughts, to see if they come from a place of self-criticism or selflove. Make a conscious effort to practice positive self-talk and gratitude. Focus on the things that you enjoy each day, and be around supportive uplifting people. Nutritional deficiencies can affect your mood. Before you decide to take prescription medications for depression, check to see if you have a nutritional deficiency. Deficiencies in vitamin B3, B6, folic acid, zinc and magnesium have been linked to depression. Include serotoninrich foods and foods with omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. There is evidence that EPA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, is a natural antidepressant. Investigate food intolerances, and consider a food allergy test for gluten, dairy, soya, yeast and eggs. If you have a food intolerance and you are not aware of it, your body and mood will be affected when you ingest these foods. Natural herbs that have been taken for depression are turmeric and saffron. St. John’s Wort and SAMe are popular herbs taken for depression, but they can interact with several medications. Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any herbs and supplements that you are taking to make sure that there are no interactions with medications. Dr. Piamas Puatrakul is a Natural Health Pharmacist and offers a limited number of free initial consultations each month. She addresses physical imbalances, along with mental-emotional factors that impact overall health. Call 301-760-6924 to schedule a free consultation. For more information, visit LotusHealthAndHealing. org. See ad, page 22.

Brain-Lymphatic Discovery May Hasten Science

study at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine has found that the brain is directly connected to the body’s immune system through a previously unknown set of lymphatic vessels. The discovery furthers the understanding for medical scientists of how the brain’s immune system works. While it’s been known for decades that lymphatic vessels transport immune cells through the rest of the body, confirming that this also occurs within the brain has been elusive. The discovery is attributed to Antoine Louveau, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at UVA. He says, “It changes entirely the way we perceive the neuro-immune interaction. We always perceived it before as something esoteric that can’t be studied, but now we can ask mechanistic questions.” According to researchers, physicians can now examine the physical connection between the immune system and the brain instead of only studying how the brain responds to immune issues; it might also improve how diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, autism and others are understood and treated.

Non-Natural Painkillers Double Depression Risk

2015 study has found that larger opioid medication doses increase the incidence of depression in a Veterans Administration study of 355 pain patients. An opioid is a pharmaceutical compound, such as morphine, that produces an analgesic effect in the nervous system. The study, published in the Journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain, followed patients with low-back pain for two years. The patients were taking varying doses of opioid pain killers, rated by their morphine-equivalent dose. The researchers found that higher doses resulted in a doubling of depression incidences. According to Dr. James Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy, natural herbal alternatives to painkiller drugs that are free of the side effect include meadowsweet, ginger, willow bark, clove, lavender, eucalyptus, red pepper and rosemary.

Music and Audio Books Help Kids Move Past Pain

U.S. Kids Not Drinking Enough Liquids

study published in Pediatric Surgery International has determined that children that listened to music or audio books experienced significantly less pain after undergoing major surgery than those that did not. Pain scores were monitored before and after treatments. Fifty-six children, ages 9 to 14, were divided into three groups—one heard 30 minutes of songs chosen by the children from a list of popular music, another listened to audio books and the third (control) wore noise-canceling headphones. Pain scores were monitored before and after treatments. Those that listened to the music or audio books experienced significant reductions in pain compared to the control group.

2015 study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has found that more than half of American children are dehydrated. The research analyzed data from the 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for children 6 to 19 years old. The study also found that boys have a 76 percent greater likelihood of being dehydrated, and African-Americans were 34 percent more likely to not drink enough water compared with U.S. Caucasians. “Dehydration accounts for hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations each year due to a number of illnesses that can lead to depletion of fluids and electrolytes from the body,” says Dr. Daniel Rauch, associate professor of pediatrics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City. It can be difficult for parents to gauge the level of hydration in children. Researchers from the University of Arkansas have determined that urine color provides a reliable indicator of hydration levels, with darker urine indicating increasing levels of dehydration.

Autumn... the year’s last, loveliest smile. ~William Cullen Bryant

natural awakenings

October 2015

healthbriefs where healthy food comes naturally

Epigenetics: Preventative Medicine Tailored To Your Genes by Dr. Isabel Sharkar

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s the epigenetic field is in its infancy, we are just beginning to understand genetic variants and how to nutritionally support them nutritionally. As the field grows and changes, so shall we. A combination of genetic variants, hormonal imbalances, toxins and infections, along with other stressors can lead to a cascade of immune dysfunction and illness. With the advancements in the field of epigenetics, we are able to better understand the various substances that regulate gene activity. As we learn more and more about our genetic expression, we are able to focus on the specific individual nutrients and foods to prompt healthy gene expression, by activating metabolic pathways or inactivating detrimental pathways so that you can thrive. Saliva testing is used to acquire your genetic data. The most commonly used test is from 23AndMe.com. Their website states that they do ancestry testing and no medical interpretations. Specialized practitioners are able to use the raw data from the saliva test to create a comprehensive genetic variant report. This report focuses on methylation pathways, variants that impact gut health and digestion, genes that support the production of cell energy, detoxification capacity, folate pathways, neurotransmitters and many more. The comprehensive genetic variant report ultimately guides practitioners in creating individualized supplementation, based on your genetic variants and conditions. Dr. Isabel Sharkar, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician and co-owner of Indigo Integrative Health Clinic, in Georgetown. For more information, call 202-298-9131 or visit IndigoHealthClinic.com. See ad, page 3.

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Raisins are Rich by Tisha Claudia Lim

lthough raisins may not look appealing from the outside, these small, dark and wrinkled dried fruits have so many health benefits. Raisins are primarily made from drying up several types of grapes. They are rich in fiber, minerals like potassium and calcium and folic acid, which is crucial in promoting growth. More importantly, raisins are a great source for B-complex vitamins and iron. According to University of California-San Francisco Medical Center, iron is an important element for blood production in our body. Without sufficient iron intake, one would easily feel cold and tired, and this would be even more exhausting especially when the weather is getting colder as the winter months are approaching soon. There are mainly two types of raisins on the market: golden raisins and regular raisins (dark purple). Regular raisins are more beneficial when it comes to treating anemia and promoting blood circulation. To get the best nutrition out of raisins, choose organic over conventional ones and choose brands that do not have added-sugar. Inexpensive and readily available at almost any supermarket, raisins could be used in almost any recipe. They could be used as toppings on cereal or oatmeal and can be eaten as snacks for a quick energy boost. Raisins are also excellent as a cooking ingredient. Besides desserts, they are a great complement with salads and could even be added onto fried rice for a more aromatic taste and aesthetic value. Tisha Claudia Lim is a fourth-year journalism student at the University of Maryland, College Park and an intern at Natural Awakenings Washington, D.C. She can be contacted at TishaLim01@gmail.com.

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aving difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can be very distressing and tiring. According to Healthline and WedMD, insomnia could reduce immune functions and impair concentration on daily performance. Rather than relying on medications, there is a simpler and gentler remedy in treating insomnia—dried longan-red dates herbal tea. Longan (also known as “dragon eye” in Chinese) is a fruit originated from China and South-East Asia. Fresh longan resembles the appearance of a dragon eyeball— white and translucent in color and round in shape. The fruit is nutritionally dense (a great source for vitamin C) and is frequently used in Chinese dishes. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, dried longans (dark brown) promote calmness and tranquilize the mind. Along with red dates, which are known for their warming properties and a great source for promoting blood circulation, this herbal tea helps one achieve a good night’s sleep. There is no caffeine in the beverage, and it has a warming, sweet and soothing taste. For a cup of longan-red date tea, add 300ml of water and add four to five red dates and dried longans respectively into the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and boil the water at high heat for 15 minutes. Turn the heat off and the tea is ready to be served. A handful of Goji berries can also be added 10 seconds before turning the heat off. Goji berries helps in protecting the eyes and in alleviating many common health problems such high blood pressure. Dried longan and red-dates can be easily located at any Asian supermarket. If not, organic longans can be purchased at online stores such as Amazon. Note that Chinese red dates are different from regular dates; they are softer in texture and are less sweet in taste. In additionally to the three ingredients mentioned above, people in Asia would add Astragalus, white fungus and lotus seeds into the tea, as they help in curing insomnia and alleviating anemia. Tisha Claudia Lim is a fourth-year journalism student at the University of Maryland, College Park and an intern at Natural Awakenings Washington, D.C. She can be contacted at TishaLim01@gmail.com.

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Calming and Soothing Chamomile by Laina Poulokas

hamomile is a small daisy-like flowering plant. It grows aromatic, whole flowers with yellow centers. These flowers are the part of the plant that are typically used for their beneficial properties. Chamomile is helpful in dealing with a variety of ailments, but is especially useful in calming and soothing nervousness. A tea can be made from the flowers to calm colic in babies. Combine two to three teaspoons of the tea with either juice or water for the baby. Chamomile tea is also great during teething because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile is often used to calm one’s nerves. It is useful in easing anxiety and tension. Before a stressful situation, drinking a cup of chamomile tea can help to relieve stress. A cup before bed can also help provide a more restful sleep. Many mothers have used chamomile for their families and have always found it to be quite useful. Even children who struggle with ADHD can benefit from this tea and bring it with them in a thermos for an iced tea at lunch. Children know when they are starting to become fidgety or distracted and can take a few sips to calm down. Chamomile tea in a staple in many pantries because it has antiseptic properties and can be useful when suffering from a cold or other illness. Its calming affect can help one to rest. However, if you suffer from hay fever, you may be sensitive to chamomile, so use it with care.

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October 2015

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Story Glory

National Festival Celebrates the Art of Storytelling Mix public speaking, acting, comedy and music and we get the performance art of storytelling, practiced by the likes of Mark Twain and Garrison Keillor. The largest related celebration is the 43rd annual International Storytelling Festival, held from October 2 through 4 this year in Jonesborough, Tennessee. More than 15 award-winning storytellers scheduled include Kim Weitkamp, who mixes humorous personal and family stories and original songs; Charlotte Blake Alston, who tells traditional and contemporary stories of African and African-American oral culture, accompanied by native instruments; and Andy Offutt Irwin, known for his mouth noises and the adventures of his 85-year-old Aunt Marguerite Van Camp. Attendees can also tell stories at Story Slam! and Swappin’ Ground events and workshops. Festival producer the International Storytelling Center, together with the Library of Congress and American Folklife Center, also conducts a 26-week Teller-in-Residence training program. Storytelling is not only mentally challenging, it facilitates family and community bonding in a highly social and entertaining format. For more information and preregistration, visit StorytellingCenter.net.

Nano No-No

EPA to Regulate Nanotechnology Pesticides The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin to regulate new nanomaterial pesticides due to a lawsuit filed by the Center for Food Safety (CFS). In 2008, a coalition of nonprofits filed a legal petition requesting that the agency recognize the growing class of nanosilver consumer products and their risks, and regulate them as new pesticides. After the EPA failed to acknowledge the petition last December, the coalition sued the agency last March to force it to respond. Nanotechnology manipulates materials at the atomic and molecular levels; they are so tiny they cannot be seen with an ordinary microscope and possess extraordinary mobility and unique chemical and biological properties that increase the potential for biological interaction and toxicity. There are no labeling requirements for nanoscale products. The EPA has since agreed that nanosilver products intended to kill microorganisms qualify as pesticides, and that developers of such products must now seek EPA review and approval before the products are marketed. The agency has not committed, however, to undertake enforcement actions against currently commercialized products that haven’t undergone the EPA registration process, although it has taken action against some noncompliant manufacturers.

Warnings Heeded

New York State Bans Fracking The Empire State has now officially banned fracking after a seven-year review process. New York Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens states, “After exhaustive research and examination of the science and facts, prohibiting high-volume hydraulic fracturing is the only reasonable alternative. Highvolume hydraulic fracturing poses significant adverse impacts to land, air, water, natural resources and potential significant public health impacts that cannot be adequately mitigated.” A findings statement concludes, “There are no feasible or prudent alternatives that adequately avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts and address risks to public health from this activity.” Two groups heavily involved in the campaign, New Yorkers Against Fracking and Americans Against Fracking, praised the decision. Industry groups have threatened to sue, but the attorneys at Earthjustice (Earthjustice.org) are confident that the New York Department of Environmental Conservation’s exhaustive review will withstand any legal challenges and the nonprofit pledges to stand alongside the state in case of such actions. Vermont outlawed the practice in 2012. Source: EcoWatch.com

Source: OrganicConsumers.org 16

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Fragrant Fix

Smell-Based Pheromones Offer Pesticide-Free Bug Control Semios, a Vancouver, Canada, provider of real-time agricultural information and precision pest management tools, has been given U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval for the first aerosol pheromone-scent products shown effective in disrupting the mating of the codling moth and oriental fruit moth by attracting males to the females’ scent in spots devoid of mates. Pheromones are natural chemicals that many animals use to communicate within their species. Unlike pesticides that kill a wide variety of insects, each pheromone targets a single pest species, leaving beneficial pollinators like bees and predators such as ladybugs unconfused and unharmed. One dispenser is hung in each acre and nothing is sprayed directly on the fruit. Pheromones don’t affect any other organisms, including humans, and can be used by both organic and conventional growers. David Knight, owner of Knight’s Appleden Fruit, Ltd., in Colborne, Ontario, has used the Semios system for two seasons as part of a regulatory trial. He says, “I could see this technology becoming completely mainstream in our industry in the next five or six years.” Traditional insecticides are expensive to buy and time-consuming and laborintensive to apply. Because they’re toxic, workers can’t enter the orchard for a specified number of days after spraying. Knight adds that fruit growers that rely heavily on pollinators to produce their fruit are also keenly aware of the environmental risk posed by pesticides and welcome a natural and less costly alternative; only tiny amounts are needed. Kirk Hillier, Ph.D., a biologist at Canada’s Acadia University, in Nova Scotia, who studies how insects communicate with pheromones, confirms that such scents have also been shown to be effective in both controlling a wider variety of agricultural and household pests and monitoring insects destructive to forests. Source: Canadian Broadcasting Company

Bright Future

Upbeat Forecast for Long-Term Emissions New data from the U.S. Department of Energy shows that overall domestic energy consumption is slowing and isn’t expected to grow much over the next 25 years, despite a growing economy and population. Usage is forecast to rise 0.3 percent annually between now and 2040, or just half the expected population growth rate, and dramatically less than the 2.4 percent projections for economic growth through 2040. Greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels are expected to increase only 0.1 percent in the same period. Thanks to a public embrace of energy efficiency, residential fuel consumption may not grow at all over the next quarter-century. With more Americans driving electric and other energy-efficient vehicles, energy use in the transportation sector will decline slightly and gasoline consumption is expected to drop more than 20 percent by 2040. Industrial energy use is expected to grow at less than 1 percent. College students nationwide are supporting the reported progress by conducting divestment campaigns at universities, including Divest Harvard. At a recent event, alumni, including Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, and former Colorado Senator Tim Wirth, joined students in protesting any investment of the school’s huge endowment fund in fossil fuel companies.

Corn Row

Farmers Sue GMO-Maker Over Lost Revenue Swiss biotech giant Syngenta AG may have destroyed much of the corn export business that U.S. farmers count on. China has rejected huge shipments of U.S.-grown corn, largely because Syngenta released a GMO (genetically modified organism) version before it was approved. Consequently, $1 billion in class action suits are being brought in federal court by farmers in three states. The MIR162 strain of GM corn comprises only about 3 percent of U.S. crops, but it cannot be contained due to cross-breeding. The National Grain and Feed Association estimates that the Chinese refusal of U.S. corn has reduced corn prices by 11 cents per bushel, and it has asked Syngenta to stop selling the GM corn seed varieties. Syngenta was formed in 2000 by the merger of Novartis Agribusiness and Zeneca Agrochemicals. Source: Tinyurl.com/SyngentaLawsuit

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus

Source: eia.gov/consumption/residential natural awakenings

October 2015

AWAKENING THE GLOBAL HEART Compassionate Activists Unite to Write Earth’s New Story by Linda Sechrist

s individuals and in groups, more people today are expressing deep inner caring and compassion for fellow humans and all life on this planet by hitching their heartfelt energies to powerful actions that hold the promise of a sustainable future. In This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate, author Naomi Klein attests that the power of ferocious love is underestimated by companies and their government advocates. Suggesting that climate change be considered a framework for broader social improvements instead of a single issue, she invites “seizing the moment of discontent” to advance healing the planet and its broken economies and communities. Stories about how ordinary people are energizing local and online communities of practice to improve intergenerational communication, eliminate monetary influence in politics and restore democracy, and support social

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justice, community wealth building, independent media, sound health care and clean food and water are frequently missing from mainstream media. Pioneering efforts by activists such as Mario Tigueros, Pachamama Alliance program manager for the Game Changer Intensive; Joshua Gorman, founder of Generation Waking Up; and Cole Kleitsch, founder and director of Walking Civics, warrant widespread attention and support.

Hearts Afire

When hundreds of participants in Pachamama’s Awakening the Dreamer symposium, held in cities throughout the U.S., kept asking “What’s next?” Tigueros facilitated the creation of Game Changers, which explores present challenges and possibilities and ways to create a new future. He says, “We wanted to help them in awakening to their personal qualities and strengths before setting out to change the world. While engaging with others and creat-

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ing a global society for all beings to flourish is a goal to strive for, we came to recognize that it takes a collective and collaborative approach within a community of practice to keep the message alive and implement what’s learned in the 12-week training.” A love for social justice prompted Tigueros to recognize the corporate capture of America’s democracy. “Suggesting that symposium participants work with Move to Amend and Citizens’ Climate Lobby made sense,” he explains. One is a nonpartisan coalition of organizations and individuals seeking to end corporate personhood and demand true democracy; the other empowers individuals to exercise their political power. It takes love to inspire the youth of GenY, Generation We and the Digital Generation, all names for the Millenials, to create a new story and transform their lives and communities. Gorman is counting on his peers to help make it happen. “We’re writing a different story than the worn-out one we’ve been led to believe is inevitable,” he says. Some of Generation Waking Up’s young leaders have formed local communities of practice that campaign to get big money out of politics, pressure universities to divest fossil fuel investments, build local and just food systems, end mass incarceration, enroll residents to go solar and inspire everyday citizens to live in more just, sustainable ways.

People have the power, when we choose to use it, to act on it, to dedicate ourselves to change. ~Rebecca Solnit “Young people have a leadership role in spearheading the change our world is calling for. Ultimately, it will only come about with every generation working together,” observes Gorman, who operates from Oakland, California. He’s encouraged when Generation Waking Up members say they want to learn from older adults that spent decades struggling for positive social change.

If we are brave enough, often enough, we will fall. When we own our stories of struggle, we can write our own new endings. ~Brené Brown, Rising Strong A deep love for the potential of civic engagement prompted Gladstone, New Jersey, resident Kleitsch’s Walking Civics initiative. The intergenerational nonprofit, endorsed by the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, trains military veterans and students as young as 16 as poll workers. “I want to inspire future voters by letting them learn how to do the job competently and with integrity, and lead them to participate in democracy’s most cherished act of voting,” advises Kleitsch. It’s currently active in several jurisdictions across the country and will scale up for 2016 and beyond.

Hearts Joining Hearts

At 15, Kelsey Juliana’s love of family, friends and future generations far outweighed any trepidation she felt in acting as one of two plaintiffs in a legal strategy to protect the atmosphere, guided by Mary Christina Wood, a law professor and author of Nature’s Trust. Wood created the Oregon nonprofit Our Children’s Trust, now operating in all 50 states and internationally, to enforce the duty of government to protect natural resources for present and future generations. It supports youth in bringing legal action in courts, administrative agencies and local legislative bodies. In local Sierra Club chapters, organizers work with facilitators to educate and empower youth to lead campaigns with town councils, legislative chambers and the courts.

Mounting research is confirming what many have long suspected— extensive media coverage of negative news can trigger stress, fear and trauma. Images & Voices of Hope (ivoh) Executive Director Mallary Tenore cares deeply about how the media can benefit the world by catalyzing change and meaningful awareness of issues such as those raised by Our Children’s Trust. “At ivoh, we believe in focusing on the world we want to live in—not only problem-solving in the world we have. We are currently helping our global community of media practitioners tell ‘restorative narratives’, stories that show how people and communities are making a meaningful progression from despair to resilience. Instead of focusing solely on tragedy and trauma, these narratives extend the storyline by showing signs of renewal, recovery and restoration,” explains Tenore.

On-Task Learning Curve

James Maskell wishes every media outlet would cover the doctors and health professionals that are applying the “functional/integrative/root cause” approaches to health care. Formerly a vendor of supplements to health professionals, Maskell has morphed his focus to found the Evolution of Medicine Functional Forum, a monthly educational Web show for health professionals and industry insiders. After becoming captivated by functional medicine at a trade show,

he developed this fresh, high-tech concept that combines the latest health news, functional medicine research, practice developments and health technologies in a mixed-media format. Offered free on YouTube, it combines interviews, TED-style talks, videos and audience interaction. “With health politics raising more questions than answers and with technology changing the healthcare landscape, there’s never been a more ripe time for health innovation and accelerating a shift toward what works for most doctors,” remarks Maskell, who also recently collaborated with the Institute for Functional Medicine to live-stream Genomics and Functional Medicine, the most cuttingedge clinical Functional Forum to date. Andrew Brandeis, a licensed naturopathic doctor in San Francisco, developed a challenging new skill set in creating the easy-to-use, mobile Share Practice app, launched 18 months ago and now also available on the Internet. It’s already used by 15,000 doctors nationwide to rate and review the effectiveness of drugs, herbs and supplements. They also ask questions and receive quick feedback about patient treatments. Brandeis sees an even bigger future opportunity. “As we spot trends and see what is working where and why, we can direct research dollars. There are all kinds of off-label uses for drugs, herbs and supplements that we’ll support when we see that 10,000 doctors are using them in the same way for the same thing,” says Brandeis, who enjoys the meaningfulness of this collective contribution. Gery Juleff, of Hopewell, New Jersey, reinvented himself and his career to serve a greater good. Seeking to inspire change through intelligent discussion

Corralling Ocean Plastics Boyan Slat, 21, of the Netherlands, has devoted his youth to founding and forwarding The Ocean Cleanup, a system in which plastics in our oceans, driven by currents, would amass in accessible zones, reducing cleanup time from theoretical millennia to a manageable period. Leading a team of 100 scientists and engineers for one year, they turned the concept into a potentially viable method to clean up half the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 10 years. Crowdfunding will launch the pilot phase in Japanese waters in 2016. Slat has been named a United Nations Champion of the Earth. The Ocean Cleanup is a recognized Design of the Year by the London Design Museum. natural awakenings

October 2015

The only ethical decision is to take responsibility for our own existence and that of our children. ~Bill Mollison, Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual on environmental issues he founded and hosts the Green Radio Hour broadcast on GreenHourRadio.com. He was formerly a member of the British Foreign Service, serving for 25 years as a diplomat, mostly in Africa and Brazil. In Juleff’s last London foreign office assignment, he dealt with policies on climate change, renewable energy technology and energy security. “My love of Africa, the continent likely to be affected the most by climate change, quickened my sense of needing to do whatever I could to limit any negative effects,” he says. Even though he was innocent about the scope of such an undertaking, “When the station owner suggested I use my knowledge to host a radio show, I said yes.” In What Then Must We Do? Straight Talk About the Next American Revolution, economist and co-founder of the Democracy Collaborative Gar Alperovitz provides many examples of successful community wealth building. He’s been part of a team partnering with others in cities that include Cleveland, Ohio; Jackson, Mississippi; Rochester, New York; and Washington, D.C. As co-chair of The Next System Project, he’s dealing with the bigger picture of long-term systemic change.

“The economics of sustainability focus on partnerships with local assets like universities, hospitals and cultural institutions to facilitate broad-based economic security for the entire community,” says Alperovitz. He’s deeply committed to the concept of an ecologically sustainable society, where problemsolving activities nurture democracy.

Waking Up

This small sampling of individuals whose actions are affirming their heart’s directives is not random and signals a larger movement. It represents author Anodea Judith’s explanation for the evolution of our human journey, captured in the title and essence of her book Waking the Global Heart: Humanity’s Rite of Passage from the Love of Power to the Power of Love. James O’Dea, author of The Conscious Activist, says, “As we evolve, we recognize that it’s the heart which holds the great key to our collective healing, to real civility, the courage to face our own shadow and true progress.” Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAbout We.com for the recorded interviews.

Join the Heartbeat of Change Common Dreams CommonDreams.org Conscious Elders Network ConsciousElders.org Democracy Collaborative DemocracyCollaborative.org Democracy Now! DemocracyNow.org Functional Forum FunctionalForum.com Generation Waking Up GenerationWakingUp.org Green Hour Radio GreenHourRadio.com Images and Voices of Hope ivoh.org James O’Dea JamesODea.com Naomi Klein NaomiKlein.org Nature’s Trust/The Children’s Climate Crusade BillMoyers.com/episode/full-showclimate-crusade Pachamama Alliance Pachamama.org The Next System Project TheNextSystem.org Transition United States TransitionUS.org Walking Civics WalkingCivics.com

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It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody. ~Maya Angelou

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October 2015

healthykids

EARLY PUBERTY The New Normal? by Kathleen Barnes

21st-century girls are reaching puberty at dramatically earlier ages than their mothers and grandmothers.

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any American girls today are experiencing budding breasts and pubic hair before they are 7 years old, according to the government’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The threshold age has been steadily falling for decades, with the most dramatic decrease between 1997 and 2011. A pivotal 2011 study from the University of Cincinnati showed that U.S. Caucasian girls on average entered puberty at 9.7 years old, three to four months younger than the average age reported by University of North Carolina scientists 14 years earlier and much younger than data from the 1960s. Girls of other ethnicities are also entering puberty at earlier ages, but at less dramatic rates. A 2009 Danish study also showed that their country’s girls were developing breasts a full year earlier than those born 15 years earlier.

Burgers, Fries and Sodas to Blame

The rise in childhood obesity is the major culprit in today’s lower ages of puberty, according to the 2011 study’s lead researcher, Dr. Frank Biro, director of adolescent medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. He explains, “Body mass index [BMI] is the overwhelmingly predominant factor in the age at which a girl reaches puberty. It’s become more important than race or ethnicity. Heavy white girls and heavy black girls are all maturing earlier.”

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Science has long shown that fat tissue produces hormones, including estrogen, that can accelerate the process of puberty, especially early breast development, according to Dr. Louise Greenspan and Julianna Deardorff, Ph.D., authors of The New Puberty. Greenspan specializes in pediatric endocrinology at San Francisco’s Kaiser Permanente Hospital; Deardorff is a clinical psychologist researching pubertal development at the University of California, Berkeley. They cite one foundational study from the 1980s that showed for every BMI point increase, the age of first menstruation dropped by about one month.

Toxic Soup

Ubiquitous hormone-disrupting chemicals are undoubtedly a culprit in the early puberty epidemic, says Doctor of Naturopathy Michael Murray, of Phoenix, Arizona, who publishes widely on the topic of natural medicine. Endocrine disruptors that trigger the body to produce excess amounts of estrogen include chemicals in clothing, especially children’s sleepwear, furniture and carpets, anything plastic, personal care products, cleaning solvents, glues, dry cleaning chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and non-organic meat and milk. Collectively, they trigger puberty before its natural time. “There’s certainly a link between these persistent pollutants and obesity,” Murray observes. Antibiotics contained in commercial meat and dairy products may be a

greater risk than the added hormones, says Greenspan. “Chronic, low-dose antibiotic exposure could affect the body’s microbiome [the microorganism colony in the digestive tract], which can lead to obesity and may also influence puberty.”

The Stress Monster

“Considerable research now supports the notion that excessive stress early in life can affect the timing of puberty,” says Greenspan. Stressors can range from sexual or child abuse to stressful family relationships, low emotional investment on the part of parents or a depressed mother. “Girls that grow up in homes without their biological fathers are twice as likely to experience early menarche as girls that grow up with both parents,” advises Deardorff. Biro points out that stress is associated with higher levels of cortisol and obesity. Cortisol, the stress hormone, has been directly related to belly fat in numerous studies.

Added Risks

“Early puberty also increases social risks,” says Deardorff. “Girls that develop ahead of their peers have more anxiety, a higher incidence of depression, poorer body image and more eating disorders.” Research from St. Thomas’ Hospital, in London, reports that reaching puberty early may also increase risks for diabetes and breast cancer later in life, says Biro, the latter “possibly due to greater lifetime exposure to female hormones and the susceptibility of rapidly developing breast tissue to environmental toxins.” Framingham Heart Study results published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism support

12 Foods to Buy Organic The Environmental Working Group reports that these foods are the most heavily contaminated with pesticides, so look for organic versions and prioritize them on the family grocery list. 1. Apples 2. Peaches 3. Nectarines 4. Strawberries 5. Grapes 6. Celery 7. Spinach 8. Sweet bell peppers 9. Cucumbers 10. Cherry tomatoes 11. Snap peas (imported) 12. Potatoes earlier studies that found menstruating before age 12 may contribute to a 23 percent greater risk of developing heart disease and 28 percent higher risk of dying from heart attack or stroke.

Parental Strategies

These experts all agree that a clean diet is one of the most powerful strategies to protect young girls. Murray recommends reviewing the Environmental Working Group’s list at Tinyurl.com/ EWGDirtyDozen. He says, “If you buy these foods organic, you’ll both avoid hormone-disrupting pesticides and herbicides and give children the protection of antioxidants that can help protect against other toxins.” Kathleen Barnes is author of numerous natural health books, including Food Is Medicine. Connect at Kathleen Barnes.com.

Signs to Watch for in Boys Scant information exists charting puberty trends in boys, although medical researcher Dr. Frank Biro’s findings show that unlike overweight girls, some obese boys tend to reach puberty later than average. Professionals at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio, suggest talking with a doctor if

a boy starts experiencing any of the following before reaching age 9: 4 Growth of testicles or penis 4 Growth of pubic, underarm or facial hair 4 Rapid height changes 4 Voice deepening 4 Acne 4 Adult body odor

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natural awakenings

October 2015

Connect with your Inner Glow!

consciouseating

Celebrate physical & emotional balance at

Sumona Yoga Company

photo by Stephen Blancett

Sumona Apsara Parii is a dedicated yoga and dance teacher & Indian classical dancer. She incorporates her passion of dance & meditation into her Hatha Yoga teachings, while encouraging her students to engage in a loving, compassionate, patient and centered relationship with their minds, bodies and spirits.

The Zen of Slow Cooking

Offering private YOGA instruction for women in Falls Church, VA

yoginidancesumona.wix.com/sumonayoga 310-809-0418

Savor Your Autumn Harvest in One-Pot Dishes Beautiful, Intimate, Childbirth the way it was designed, Naturally! NOVA Natural Birth Center provides: • Certified Professional Midwife Team • Luxurious serene birthing suites with water birth tubs • Home Births • Childbirth Classes, Nurses and Doulas • Chiropractic Care • Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist • Prenatal Yoga Classes

NOVA Natural Birth Center 4200 A Technology Court • Chantilly VA 20151

703-357-3808 NovaBirthCenter@gmail.com www.NovaBirthCenter.com

Washington, D.C.

by Judith Fertig

utumn’s shorter days remind us how precious time is, especially when we can spend the hours with good friends and loved ones. That’s why Chicago mothers and bloggers Meg Barnhart and Jane McKay decided to try slow cooking with a Zen approach in creating family meals. With the time they save in food preparation—especially when one recipe can yield an extra lunch or dinner—they free up moments for both family interaction and their own spiritual practices. “Slow cooking with the sacred intention of slowing down creates a sense of peace and calm after a full day of work and school,” says Barnhart. Once she transitioned to this kind of meal planning and preparation on a regular basis, she realized that it allows her to be more attentive to her family’s needs while a healthy, tasty dinner basically cooks itself. With extra time for meditation and yoga in her daily life, she realizes increased clarity and focus for other interests and demands.

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McKay enjoys the creative challenge of making family-pleasing, whole food recipes and converting conventionally cooked recipes for use with a slow cooker. “I especially love the bounty of the autumn harvest, which includes seasonal picks from our family’s urban garden,” she says. She’s found that root vegetables, squash, pumpkin, leeks, mushrooms, leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, apples, pears and nuts all translate well to lower temperature cooking for a longer period. Whether it’s a quick preparation that allows for other activities or a more contemplative, mindful endeavor that can be relaxing in itself, the recipes on the pair’s website, TheZenOf SlowCooking.com, are highly suited for busy people.

Slow Cooking 101

Slow cookers have come a long way since they were first introduced in the 1970s. Today, they come in all shapes and sizes, with inserts, timers

and a wide range of Fresh garnishes, October is Vegetarian settings. Barnhart and such as the roasted Awareness Month McKay recommend pumpkin seeds or fried the five-to-six-quart sage leaves for the size with a removable insert as the Butternut Squash Soup, make a crisper most practical. Food cooks in the incontrast to the softer texture of slowsert, which can be washed and dried cooked foods, notes McKay. separately, so there’s no need to put Dishes like Sweet and Spicy Apples the entire slow cooker in the sink to can be made the day before; leftovers clean up afterwards. taste delicious for breakfast with a dol Because the slow cooker’s low lop of yogurt. Barnhart and McKay make temperature is about 200° F and the their own Sweet & Spicy Ground Spice heat is indirect, the appliance uses Blend, available on their website, with less liquid than conventional cooking. proceeds funding cooking classes for Many of Barnhart and McKay’s easier adults with developmental disabilities. recipes simply require putting the ingredients in the slow cooker, selecting Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAnd the temperature, replacing the lid and Lifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland turning the appliance on. Park, KS.

photos by Stephen Blancett

Mindful Fall Recipes

Butternut Squash Soup Yields: 6 servings Prep Time: 5-10 minutes 5-6 cups butternut squash, diced ½ cup or 1 carrot, chopped 1 cup or 1 small bunch scallions or spring onions, chopped 8 whole sage leaves, fresh (or 1 Tbsp dried) 1 Tbsp rosemary, fresh (or ½ Tbsp dried) 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth 1 cup organic dairy or non-dairy milk Suggested toppings: Slices of freshly toasted bread, drizzled with olive oil and cubed 1 /3 cup roasted pumpkin seeds 8 additional fresh sage leaves, fried 4 slices of lean bacon or tempeh, crispy and crumbled

Place the squash, carrot, scallions, sage leaves, rosemary, chicken broth and milk into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high setting for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. Then, blend using an immersion blender until smooth and leave covered until ready to serve. Make the toppings available to sprinkle and stir.

Root Vegetable Gratin with Mushrooms and Blue Cheese Yields: 6 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes 1 cup or 2 medium parsnips, diced to ½ inch 2 cups or 3 medium carrots, diced to ½ inch 1 cup or 2 medium turnips, diced to ½ inch 6 oz Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth 4 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup organic olive oil 1 Tbsp dried oregano 8 oz sliced Portabella mushrooms 1 large onion, sliced into half moons 6 oz blue cheese, crumbled, or vegan cheese 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/3-inch slices Black pepper to taste

Put the vegetables into the slow cooker with the garlic and stir in the olive oil and oregano. Layer the mushrooms on top of the vegetable mixture, followed by a layer of onions. Next, sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles on top. Pour the broth over the vegetables and cheese mixture, and lay the sliced potatoes on top. Season the potatoes with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours.

Millet and Miso Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sriracha Dressing Yields: 4 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Coconut or organic olive oil 2 acorn squash, halved and deseeded 1 cup millet or quinoa ½ can garbanzo beans ½ cup raisins 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp black pepper 3 Tbsp fresh chives, snipped ¼ cup lemon juice 2 Tbsp white miso paste Olive oil 4 Tbsp pine nuts, toasted Dressing: 2 tsp Sriracha sauce 1 Tbsp lime juice ¼ cup plain or coconut milk yogurt natural awakenings

October 2015

Oil the insert of the slow cooker with coconut or olive oil. On a chopping board, halve the acorn squash and scoop out the seeds. In a separate bowl, add the millet, garbanzo beans, raisins, garlic powder, black pepper and 2 tablespoons of the chives. Mix the lemon juice, miso and 2/3 cup water in a cup and pour over the millet mixture. Stir well. Spoon the millet filling into the acorn squash. Cover and cook on low setting for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Mix the ingredients for the Sriracha dressing in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. Once cooked, remove from the slow cooker and sprinkle with the remaining snipped chives and toasted pine nuts. Serve with the Sriracha dressing alongside.

Sweet and Spicy Baked Apples Yields: 4 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Coconut oil 5 medium or 4 large apples 2 tsp lemon juice ¼ cup soft brown, maple or date sugar ½ cup walnuts 1 Tbsp Sweet & Spicy Ground Spice Blend or apple pie spice blend Ice cream topper to serve Oil the inside of the slow cooker insert with coconut oil. Halve and core the apples and sit them in the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Pour the lemon juice over the apples. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, walnuts and spice blend and press onto and into the apples. Cover and cook on low setting for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. All recipes adapted from TheZenOf SlowCooking.com by Meg Barnhart and Jane McKay. 26

Washington, D.C.

Be Here Now Yoga & Wellness Where yoga and healing is accessible to all—regardless of experience, with a community of supportive people 411 8th St SE, Washington DC 20003 BeHereNowYogaDC.com 202-643-8875 Casey Health Institute Yoga Therapy in Integrative Primary Care 800 S. Frederick Ave Gaithersburg, MD 20877 CaseyHealth.org 301-355-2030 East Meets West Yoga Center An oasis of peace in the Vienna/Tysons Corner 8227 Old Courthouse Road, Ste. 310, Vienna, VA 22182 EastMeetsWestCenter.com 703-356-9642 Info@EastMeetsWestCenter.com

The Source Yoga Ashtanga, Heated Vinyasa, iRest Yoga Nidra, Flow, Yoga Therapy 1420 Beverly Rd., McLean, Ste. 140, McLean, VA 22101 TheSourceYoga.com 703-992-0785 Sumona Yoga Company Dedicated, passionate yogini and Indian classical dancer, also certified in hatha yoga and meditation. Offering private instruction in yoga for women in Falls Church yoginidancesumona.wix.com/ sumonayoga yoginidancesumona@gmail.com Therapeutic Yoga of Greater Washington An integrative medical model— Serving greater Washington and Virginia’s Eastern Shore TherapeuticYogaDC.com

GW Center for Integrative Medicine 908 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Ste. 200 Washington, DC 20037 GWCIM.com YFlusberg@gwcim.com

Vinayam Vinyasa, Hatha, Meditation, Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga Specialist Private In-Home Yoga Instruction & Meditation in VA and MD Vinayam.com 571-488-2522

M Street Yoga Southwest DC’s Premier Yoga Studio 300 M Street SW, #NG2 (see website for details) MStreetYoga.com MStreetYoga@gmail.com

Yoga with Nya Dedicated to building community through the practice of yoga in the greater D.C. area YogaWithNya.com Nya@YogaWithNya.com

The Mindfulness Center Yoga and Integrative Yoga Therapeutics 4963 Elm St., Ste. 200, Bethesda, MD The MindfulnessCenter.org 301-986-1090

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wisewords

EPA: A Muzzled Watchdog E.G. Vallianatos Seeks to Put Bite Back into the Agency by Randy Kambic

Of the many cases you cite of the EPA failing to curb industry wrongdoing, which one most compellingly signals the problem? It has to do with laboratories that test for human health and environmental effects of chemicals used by farmers and drug

manufacturers. Adrian Gross, at the EPA, accidentally discovered the greatest fraud [in this field], committed by a massive laboratory outside Chicago named Industrial Bio-Test that was confirmed by inspector colleagues at the Food and Drug Administration and eventually the EPA. It was being paid by the industry to test their chemicals, and instead of doing an honest accounting of chemicals registered with and approved by the government, they would fix the numbers to secure approval for the drugs or chemicals. The EPA shut down this laboratory in 1983, yet continues to outsource much of its responsibilities. Despite this and other illegal and criminal activities, the government still allows the chemical industry to test its own chemicals. It casts tremendous doubt on the reliability and credibility of the process. It’s the Achilles heel of the regulatory system. Science has been the greatest victim of this manipulation. Industry should be forbidden to test its own products and we need to establish truly independent laboratories. photo by Sonja Stump

.G. Vallianatos firmly believes that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is failing to adequately protect us. His deeply rooted conviction springs from 25 years of working for the agency. His latest book, Poison Spring: The Secret History of Pollution and the EPA, co-authored with environmental journalist McKay Jenkins, chronicles what he attests are numerous cases of lack of enforcement, corruption and misuse of science and public trust that have transformed it into a “polluter’s protection agency.” He especially documents the dangers of chemicals that enter our air, soil and water every day that are either approved—or sometimes ignored—by the agency. He’s the author of four previous books, including Harvest of Devastation and This Land is Their Land: How Corporate Farms Threaten the World, and blogs for The Huffington Post. Vallianatos, who transitioned from championing integrity from inside the EPA in 2004, recommends ways to change how the agency operates. Key needs include improved site selection for garbage dumps, oil refineries and manufacturers; and strong support for organic, sustainable and small-scale farming.

on what’s in their bodies to their newborn. We have forced women to put the next generation at risk. If anyone wants to know the biggest factor on why the healthcare system is failing, this is it.

Fracking is the latest crisis of which the EPA is, in your words, “once again looking the other way.” How can we halt it? Fracking sends tremendous volumes of water mixed with more than 100 toxic chemicals deep into the Earth using intense pressure, smashing bedrock and other sediments to release gas and perhaps petroleum. Fracking not only contaminates groundwater, escaping methane gas is entering the atmosphere and warming the planet. It also causes lots of earthquakes. People can demand a ban of fracking in their neighborhoods. States and communities are beginning to do so.

Is it possible that the EPA can become truly independent, and how can we move forward together toward integrity? As more people are affected by the way industry is poisoning our environment, they’ll face the reality that we need the EPA to be much more strongly protective and isolated from the political corruption that’s been tying its hands. I love that the EPA employs many vitally important and capable scientists. Criticisms stem from its overall corruption by the political system. We need to have a Supreme Court-like EPA with an overall administrator appointing deputies, people with integrity that are open-minded as to what must be done if this country is to be healthy. Randy Kambic is a freelance writer and editor in Southwest Florida who regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.

In Poison Spring, what do you mean by, “Women have long been getting the brunt of global pollution”? In 1977, a former colleague testified to Congress on the discovery of DDT and other chemicals in mother’s milk. Today, we find it includes many more widely used chemicals such as Monsanto’s herbicide glyphosate. Breast milk has been contaminated by what mothers eat, breathe and drink. Even beyond milk, they have no option not to pass

When everything looks like a magical oil painting, you know you are in Autumn! ~Mehmet Murat ildan

natural awakenings

October 2015

healingways

caused by any number of factors that we can determine and often correct using the right approach.”

Effective Supplements

NATURAL MOOD BOOSTERS Safe Alternatives to Antidepressants by Kathleen Barnes

adness darkens the world of the 16 percent of Americans diagnosed with clinical depression and the untold millions more that try to cope without a formal diagnosis, according to a University of Colorado study published in Clinical Therapeutics. Just as daunting, an estimated 30 million Americans take prescription antidepressant drugs for premenstrual discomfort, chronic pain and anxiety, as well as depression, according to Dr. James Gordon, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. He founded and directs the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, in Washington, D.C., and is the renowned author of Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey Out of Depression. While conventional medicine offers a smorgasbord of antidepressants, many are ineffective or produce harmful side effects. One University of Pennsylvania study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found scant evidence that they benefit people with mild to moderate depression because the drugs work no better than a placebo in at least 80 percent of cases. Side effects of traditional antidepressants included nausea, headaches, weight gain, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, agitation, irritability, anxiety and even violent behavior and suicidal thoughts, according to the University of Colorado research involving more than 40,000 patients. It further showed that nearly 70 percent of patients stop taking the prescription drugs within three months, largely because of intolerable reactions. Some safer and healthier alternatives exist. “We know that depression is more a symptom than a diagnosis,” says Dr. Hyla Cass, author of numerous related books, including Natural Highs. “It’s a sign of imbalance in biochemistry, 28

Washington, D.C.

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Curcumin, the rhizome of the turmeric plant that gives curry powder its distinctive yellow color, addresses both the symptoms of depression and its underlying causes, says Ajay Goel, Ph.D., director of the Baylor Center for Gastrointestinal Research, in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. A recent study by Goel in Phytotherapy Research showed that this natural spice helps generate new, properly functioning brain cells that manufacture mood-elevating neurotransmitters. Along with being as effective as Prozac (fluoxetine) without the side effects, curcumin can neutralize the suicidal thoughts and violent behavior sometimes displayed in people with major depression taking prescription antidepressants. “We also know that prescription antidepressants become less effective the longer you take them,” says Goel. “Curcumin doesn’t lose its effectiveness over time.” Rhodiola rosea, the well-researched root of an Arctic plant, has brought relief even to some of Cass’ severely depressed patients. Cass points to its ability to help balance stress hormones and stimulate production of the feel-good brain chemical serotonin, much like the claims of prescription drugs, but without any known side effects. A new study published in Phytomedicine confirms that rhodiola is at least as effective as the prescription antidepressant Zoloft (sertraline) in fighting major depression. Cass also recommends 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), an extract of the seeds of an African shrub that produces the critical serotonin with no negative side effects. A recent Indian study from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences comparing the effects of 5-HTP and Prozac confirms that “5-HTP definitely has antidepressant effects in patients with depression.”

A Holistic Approach

An integrative approach that emphasizes physical activity and a meditation or other spiritual practice can be highly effective in treating all levels of depression, according to Gordon. “It’s a way to get unstuck, to help us move through and beyond depression and other difficulties in our lives,” he says. Exercise triggers rises in mood at least equal to those generated by antidepressant prescription drugs, according to new Duke University research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. People that are depressed often don’t want to move, Gordon comments. “Start with what you can do. Walking a couple of blocks a day is a good beginning.” He notes, “I teach specific meditation techniques such as slow, deep, soft-belly breathing and mindful walking and eating. All have been shown to decrease levels of anxiety and stress, enhance mood and optimism, and promote greater emotional stability and more reliable judgment.” A healthful diet emphasizing vegetables, fruit and healthy fats; strong support from friends and family; creative activities; and connecting with a higher power comprise Gordon’s integrative prescription for a happy life. Kathleen Barnes is author of numerous natural health books, including Food Is Medicine. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

GMOs Link to Depression Monsanto’s genetically modified organisms (GMO) go hand-inhand with the company’s patented Roundup-ready crops, and therein lie the seeds of depression, says Jeffrey Smith, founding executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology and producer of the award-winning documentary, Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives. Several studies—beginning with one published by German researchers in 1980 and most recently reinforced by Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists—show that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup weed killer, ingested with our food, disrupts the shikimate pathway. “Monsanto has bragged for years that the shikimate pathway is why Roundup kills plants, but has no impact in humans, since we don’t have the shikimate pathway,” says Smith. But our gut bacteria do use this pathway to produce the amino acid building blocks for mood-lifting brain chemicals. “Since glyphosate blocks the shikimate pathway, it can impair the ability of intestinal bacteria to produce the ingredients for the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin, melotonin and dopamine. Their deficiencies are linked to depression and other serious health problems,” he explains. Consumers need to understand that Roundup is sprayed on nearly all GMO crops to control weeds, and the doses continue to increase; it’s further used on wheat, rye, rice, lentils, barley and numerous other non-organic crops just before harvest to accelerate drying. Glyphosate has been widely found in water, rain and air samples, plus in breast milk, blood and urine, meaning virtually everyone has been exposed to this toxic chemical.

natural awakenings

October 2015

dentalhealth

Bioceramic Dental Implants Are Here Replacing Missing Teeth Is Now Safer than Ever by Dr. Sammy Noumbissi

healthy, beautiful smile is an essential part of our appearance. Missing teeth can cause many problems, like not being able to eat essential foods like raw vegetables, nuts or fruits, as well as cause embarrassment that can make you withdraw from otherwise pleasant social or important business situations. Neglecting to replace missing teeth will lead to bone loss in the jaw, allow the remaining teeth to shift and ultimately fall out. When you have bone loss in your jaw as a result of missing teeth, this can lead to further tooth and jaw pain, along with an unattractive smile. Today, most dentists and patients prefer to replace their teeth with nonremovable teeth or bridges that are supported by implants. Most often, the replacement for missing teeth are metallic implants made from titanium

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alloys. However researchers have found that titanium implants can, over time, corrode in the body and potentially cause a myriad of dermatological and general health problems. Choosing the right material is very important in the process of constructing or repairing your smile. Bioceramics have become the material of choice both in medicine and dentistry. They are used to repair broken bones, make artificial heart valves, and (for the last 15 years) replace the lenses of the eyes. Medical-grade zirconia has been used both in Europe and more recently in the United States, for teeth replacement. These implants are tooth-colored so they blend with the remaining teeth and will not cause dark gray lines that alter the color of your gums. Zirconia ceramic implants have quickly become the stronger, 100 percent metal-free, nontoxic and

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more natural choice, because of their unique ability to withstand the chemical changes and bite forces that occur in the mouth when we eat and drink. With its structure similar to cubic zirconia, medical-grade zirconia is a very stable and inert material, made of the hardest material next to diamonds. Unlike titanium and its alloys, it is not susceptible to corrosion, does not breakdown or release metal ions in the bones and the rest of the body. Medical and dental scientific literature have well documented the incidence of metal sensitivity in humans. Recent research has shown increasing evidence of immune problems, skin rashes, joint pains, digestive problems, fatigue, vertigo and other ailments associated with metals in the body or the oral cavity. Such symptoms can appear hours or years after implant placement. With the pollution around us, it is estimated that 15 percent of the population can be sensitive to metal compounds such as cobalt, chromium, aluminum and vanadium all of which can be found in titanium alloy implants. The immune system will typically respond to non-compatible dental materials as if they were infections or “invaders” by initiating a cascade of reactions to eliminate that “invader”. The difference is that with implanted toxic dental materials, the source of the problem is permanently imbedded in the mouth, and therefore there is no way for the “infection” to be eliminated by the immune system. Dental implantology was one of the last areas of dentistry where there was no metal-free option. Thanks to the advancements in biomaterials, people with metal allergies, those who are concerned about metal in their bodies or those who simply choose now have a totally metal-free option of tooth replacement. Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, DDS, MS, holds a certificate and a master’s degree in implant dentistry. He is an author, educator and world-renowned speaker in the field of metal-free implant dentistry. For more information, call 301-5880768 or visit MilesOfSmilesDental.net. See ad, page 29.

fitbody

We are like water flowing downstream: Water moves differently when interacting with rock and sand. If we’re present when running on different surfaces, we can move more effortlessly and float along with the surface, rather than fight with it.

Ground Rules for

RUNNERS A Guide for Running on All Terrains by April Thompson

any fitness-seekers run because it’s so simple and adaptable. Running can be done in groups, pairs or alone, with little equipment, skill or planning needed. Anyone can run virtually anytime, anywhere—an indoor treadmill, scenic trail, beach or sidewalk. But all surfaces are not created equal. Recently, opponents of running on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt claim they are more apt to cause injuries or pain than dirt or grass. According to body-movement researcher Daniel Ferris, Ph.D., director of the Human Neuromechanics Laboratory at the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology, no evidence currently supports the theory that running on harder surfaces leads to more injuries. “However, we see a difference in the injury types,” he reports, noting that it’s likely related to differences in how people strike their feet on different surfaces, thus delivering a different stress load to the rest of the body. Running on hard surfaces is more often correlated with issues like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon injuries; softer surfaces are more often linked with soft-tissue injuries such as knee problems. According to Michael Sandler, a running coach and author who has developed a variety of helpful resources on mindful running (MindfulRunning. org), being present is paramount to safer running on varied surfaces. “Enjoy music while running, but you have to be

tuned in to your surroundings, too,” says Sandler, currently based near New York City. “Sometimes runners get injured when changing footwear or surfaces without being aware of how that affects their running. You’re more likely to move faster on cement, than on grass; each surface dictates a different stride.” Some softer surfaces such as grass, trails and sand tend to be more uneven, which can lead to trips, falls and related injuries and require more exertion. In a recent University of Michigan study, walkers expended up to 25 percent more energy on an uneven surface than on a smooth one, while runners experienced no difference in exertion levels. This benefits those that may be walking for weight loss, accelerating calorie burn.

Helpful Change-Ups

Ferris recommends that runners and walkers mix up terrains to recruit different muscle groups and make them work in new ways. As a result, a strong inland runner may struggle to complete a run on a beach, which draws more upon the calf muscles. Whether it’s a change of surface or training shoe, Ferris cautions to ease into it, rather than making an abrupt shift. Gail Fuller, a 10-time marathoner and certified running coach in Silver Spring, Maryland, believes that variety is the spice of running. “I love to switch it up; I get bored easily. I’ll run on trails

~Michael Sandler one day, tracks the next,” says Fuller, an asthmatic who took up running 13 years ago to mitigate its effects. Fuller encourages new runners, even those with preexisting conditions, to consider different types of runs. “I recently coached a woman working toward her first 5K in Baltimore. She said she had bad knees and only felt comfortable running on a treadmill,” relates Fuller. “We’ve slowly worked in trail runs and hill work to the point where she now enjoys training on hills to get strong for a race.” However, Fuller ultimately tells runners to follow their body’s intuition regarding training. “I dislike treadmills, so I don’t use them. If you don’t like something, even if another seasoned runner recommends it, don’t do it,” she counsels, recalling her own unhappy event runs on Venice Beach sand and a New Jersey boardwalk. “Your body will tell you what it needs.” Being conscious of the mind-body connection can deepen the benefits of running and other workouts—mentally, physically and spiritually—according to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, worldwide leader of the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, nine-time marathoner and author of Running with the Mind of Meditation. “Instead of spacing out [during] exercise, say, ‘I’m going to be present and relate to my breathing and movement’,” he counsels. “That’s healthy for the mind and the body.” Whatever’s beneath their feet, mindful runners can discover the joys of physical and mental synchronization. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

natural awakenings

October 2015

healthypet

Natural Pet Care Integrating Natural Healing Into Your Pet’s Health Care by Dr. Nicholas Albano

ets occupy a special place in our hearts as true members of our families. Their complete trust of, and devotion to, their human caretakers amounts to a great deal of responsibility for us. For those of us who balance natural alternatives with conventional medicine for our own health, it can be hard to know how to do the same for our pets, especially since it is our pets’ nature to often not show signs of illness to us. Overall, integrating natural care is a very viable and manageable practice you can start doing for your pet today. Daily health care begins with diet. It is important that diets be balanced, wholesome and possibly even address

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specific needs. There are thousands of pet foods out there, so how do we choose? Think of the advice you would give yourself about diet; the same is true for pets. First, you’d say to eat a balanced diet, making sure you have all the vitamins and minerals you need. Most commercial pet foods meet such requirements, but we know good health is more than just a multivitamin supplement. You would also tell yourself to eat fresh, ideally organic foods, while minimizing processed foods. Minimize dry food use, add fresh meats and petsafe veggies and consider some raw or home-cooked foods.

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Lastly, we would eat a varied diet. Tomatoes and cucumber are great foods, but you might not be in the best health if that’s all you ate every day. For pets this means it can be acceptable to change foods. Some meals can be dry food mixed with a little meat, others could be raw, canned or home cooked. It is good to feed the same mix of options for a while, but every four to eight weeks, try to slowly transition to a new mixture of foods. Daily exercise is another way to improve your pet’s health. Exercise is an important, and often overlooked way, to improve your pet’s physical and mental health, especially if they sit at home all day while you work. Regular exercise not only strengthens muscles, but it also keeps joints limber, improves digestion, improves glucose metabolism in the body and fosters the deep human-animal bond in your pet’s mind. Finding a veterinary partner is very important, especially in times of illness. Veterinarians receive excellent and detailed training in science and medicine, however, not every veterinarian is as versed in natural alternatives. In fact, veterinarians receive little training in such areas unless they go out and learn it themselves. Find a veterinary practice that has experience using natural, holistic or integrated medicine. These terms have a great deal of overlap and broad definitions, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take your pet’s care into your own hands and find a practice that matches your beliefs. This could include things like natural diets, acupuncture, herbal supplements, exercise therapy and Reiki. There are numerous ways natural medicine can help with specific health problems. Perhaps your dog has arthritis. Conventional medicine often starts with pills or some basic supplements. Many medications can result in liver, kidney and stomach problems, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are bad—they do serve a purpose. Is it the only way to go? Not at all. A dog like this could begin with joint supplements and acupuncture instead. Studies have shown again and again that acupuncture can reduce pain, improve range of motion and decrease inflammation resulting in improved muscle strength and a healthier body.

Over time, carefully chosen herbal supplements can help further without any serious side effects. Research has proven that turmeric can stabilize cell membranes, inhibit inflammation in some cases and without associated stress on other organs. Boswellia and ginger have been shown to inhibit inflammatory mediators and reduce arthritis pain. It is possible there will be focal areas of arthritis in this dog that may need more attention. There are simple exercise techniques and manual therapies you can do daily at home to help with pain and muscle weakness in specific areas of the body, and a trained veterinarian can help show you what to do. Over time, some aches and pains may start to break through a bit and medication is needed. Certain medications are much more stressful on certain organs than others and it could be a factor in choosing which medication and what dosage. Even nature can help. Milk thistle has been proven to not only reduce liver toxicity, but also reduce kidney toxicity and help stabilize cell membranes, which can be a great benefit to animals on conventional pharmaceuticals. Similar pathways could be traced for respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disorders or almost any other ailment. The bottom line is that natural care for your pet does not mean denying them good quality medicine. It simply offers a way to prolong quality of life and promote overall well-being. Dr. Nicholas Albano is trained in acupuncture, Eastern and Western medicine as well as rehabilitative care. He has done advanced studies in herbal medicine and food therapies as well. Albano practices at Veterinary Holistic Care in Bethesda, Maryland. See ad, page 14. natural awakenings

October 2015

businessspotlight

Whole Pet Central Celebrating 10 Years With Events for the Community by Robin Fillmore

he local natural pet food and supply store, Whole Pet Central, is celebrating 10 years of serving the greater D.C. area with a great celebration on October 24 at their three stores, in Rockville, Maryland and Ashburn and Herndon, in Virginia. At each of the stores there will be multiple events and promotions, including adoptions, product demonstrations, free samples, goodie bags and other giveaways. Members, and those who request a membership card, will receive doublepoints and everyone will be eligible to participate in a raffle for prizes. The grand prize is a gift card worth $1,000 of free food and supplies. Whole Pet Central is co-owned by John McGeehan and Liora Robinson, who between them, have more than 30 years of experience in the pet food 34

Washington, D.C.

industry. Prior to launching Whole Pet Central, McGeehan had been in the pet supply business as a district manager with a major retailer for a number of years, but became uncomfortable with the quality of the foods that were offered in the major pet stores. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew there were higher quality foods available, so I decided to start my own company emphasizing the better, all-natural pet foods,â&#x20AC;? notes McGeehan. Knowing that launching any business takes time and experience, he asked Robinson, who was one of his employees, to join him with an equity interest in the company. Robinson took him up on the offer and is a minority owner. Whole Pet Central is noted for their high-quality pet food that contains only natural ingredients. There are no meat by-products, wheat gluten, animal

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digest, artificial preservatives nor any other inferior ingredients. Their first store opened in Rockville in 2005 and they were able to double the size of that location in 2013. Their second store, in Ashburn, opened in 2008 and two years later their third store was opened, in Herndon. For those who are unable to reach these locations easily, they opened their Web store, with most of their product line available in 2009. All are invited to celebrate this milestone anniversary with McGeehan, Robinson and their committed staff at any of the locations. Locations: 1306 East Gude Dr, Rockville; 43330 Junction Plaza, Ste. 176, Ashburn, and 304 Elden St. For more information, visit WholePetCenteral. com. See ad, page 12.

inthedistrict

FitDC Coach Carrye Brown helps DC residents meet their nutrition goals as part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s FitDC inititative, creating a fresh start for health and wellness in DC. Learn more at FitDC.com

FitDC Coach Carrye Brown

looking to the past for a healthier future by Catherine McCarthy

t was a history lesson that made D.C. resident and FitDC Coach Carrye Brown, 63, reconsider what she was eating. “Three years ago, I decided I wanted to know what the enslaved people ate in the Middle Passage,” says Brown, referring to the stage of the Atlantic slave trade where captives were taken by ship to North and South America. “If they could make it over and survive, I know we can too.” While researching the topic, Brown discovered a curriculum based on the culinary traditions of enslaved Africans in the Americas. “If you look back at the foods that went where enslaved people were taken, they are grains, greens, lots of spices instead of salt. They didn’t have

meat in the Middle Passage.” Brown and her husband presented their research to their parish, St. Mark’s Baptist Church, in Southeast D.C. “It was a beautiful experience to be able to present it,” says Brown. “[and] encourage our parishioners to eat better to honor our ancestors. It’s not your heritage as an African-American to have high blood pressure.” Brown found the experience so “meaningful and moving,” that she has taught the course two more times, first at a senior wellness center in Northwest D.C., and later to a group of parents at a community center in Southeast D.C. She’s also taken on a new role as a FitDC Coach, working with Mayor

Muriel Bowser’s FitDC initiative to educate seniors in the community about healthy choices they can make. “I was teaching my elders, and learning from them. It all triggered a change in my mind, and attitude,” she adds. Brown now substitutes fresh and dried herbs and spices for salt when cooking for her family, and gives new healthy spins to old favorites. “In my family we used to cook greens for an hour or more, and season them with fat-back pork. Now I sauté them with olive oil, garlic that I mince, chopped bell pepper and onion.” Brown calls “onions, celery and bell pepper” the “trinity,” and says adding these three vegetables to any dish, raw or cooked, adds color, flavor and nutrients. Growing up in “cattle country” in East Texas, meat used to take up the majority of her dinner plate. Now Brown makes vegetables the star of every meal, and continues to find new ways to incorporate more vegetables into favorite dishes. For example, a classic potato salad that previously consisted mostly of mayonnaise and starchy potatoes can incorporate red onion, bell pepper, and celery for flavor and crunch. Pairing roasted cauliflower or braised asparagus with spices like smoky paprika is “absolutely off the chain delicious,” says Brown. The curriculum that Brown teaches is rooted in the concept of Sankofa, a symbol of the African Diaspora that means “reach back and get it”. Brown says it reminds her to “look at the past to move forward into the future,” one healthy change at a time. Catherine McCarthy lives in Washington, D.C. Follow her on Twitter at @Ciao Catherine For more information about FitDC and the coaches, visit FitDC.com.

natural awakenings

October 2015

educationspotlight

Success in Learning for All Students

A Spotlight on Empowered Learning Transformation Center by Robin Fillmore

ucked off Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda, Peter Riddle and his team at the Empowered Learning Transformation Center (ELTC) are helping hundreds of children of all ages and abilities, as well as adults, overcome learning challenges using groundbreaking and highly successful techniques developed over the past 30 plus years. Riddle, a Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, and with his cofounder, Dr. Richard Reutter, a nationally known developmental pediatrician, developed tests to understand the challenges faced by all types of learners, as well as the training programs used to overcome sensory-motor and visual processing obstacles. ELTC goes well beyond tutoring by discovering the foundational issues that impair a person’s capacity to learn effectively and efficiently. Thus, ELTC is a haven for children who struggle with ADHD as well as good students, who are faced with hours of homework each night. Hundreds of children labeled as ADHD have been able to go off their medication when the root cause of their problems was identified. College-bound students, 36

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who regularly would take five hours for homework each night, have been able to drastically cut the time needed for this evening ritual after learning which pieces of the physiological puzzle had to be exercised to overcome their brain inefficiencies. The empowered learning paradigm employed at the center is designed to uncover foundational challenges to learning. At the base level, students are evaluated as to their capacity for sensory-motor learning. For example, a small red ball on a wand measures eye convergence, which is the ability to bring the eyes together and hold them, as an indication of the capacity of the person to focus. Riddle’s insights into convergence came from his own experience as a young student who needed to take long breaks when reading his school material. He had been diagnosed with “wall eye”, where one of his eyes would drift off to the side. With the help of a developmental optometrist and two years of exercises, Riddle trained his eyes to hold the focus without the need to take breaks. Physical balance is an indication of a student’s ability to focus and is also

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measured in the initial screening. The inability to stand on one leg for at least 10 seconds with eyes shut is an indication of inefficiency in the brain and how it processes information. In additional to the space for testing and a computer lab, the center offers a gym where controlled chaos provides an environment where students (and adults) conduct exercises that enable them to maintain focus and find success while working sensory motor skills and vision at the same time. As many students are in the gym at the same time, the possibilities for distraction is great—which is the point. In the classroom or in the office, there is almost always something to distract. The goal of the gym is to develop the skills needed to perform an exercise in the midst of distractions, so that when the student is required to sit in the classroom, distractions can be avoided and learning can take place. Likewise, the team at ELTC works with students and adults to develop cognitive skills and teaches learning strategies, such as chunking. Within the first session with Riddle, students walk away with the capacity to spell a 29-letter word—both forward and backward. Everything can be learned when it is broken down into smaller parts. With that strategy learned, students gain confidence to succeed at the center, which translates to success in the classroom and home. Riddle and Reutter, who are joined in the Bethesda location by clinical psychologist Dr. Herb Bilick, offer an innovative and highly successful program for self-development for students, but also work with families to incorporate the exercises into the home. Lowering the stress level within the family is an important component to changing the dynamic. The brain of a student who is under stress, quite possibility from parental pressure, is distracted as “fight or flight” overtakes the student’s brain’s capacity to focus on the work at hand. Parents, who are permitted to witness the initial testing, gain understanding of the challenges facing their child and can see the exercises used to overcome them. For more information about Empowered Learning Transformation Center, visit ELTCenters.com. See ad, page 6.

yogaspotlight

Compassionate Care for your Pet We view your animal as a whole and focus on the root of the disease for projected long term healing.

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Knowing Yoga’s Benefits It’s Not Enough

Acupuncture •Dentistry Stem Cell & PRP Therapy Food & Ozone Therapy•Herbs Chiropractic•Homeopathy Surgery•Lab•X-Ray•Laser Therapy We now offer grooming services

240-715-6570

12627 Wisteria Drive, Suite C&D Germantown, MD HolisticVeterinaryHealing.com

by Dawn Curtis

e all know that yoga has many benefits, and that is exactly why this article isn’t going to discuss them. Knowing the benefits is not enough. We can know plenty of things, but making changes is hard. Excuses and habits keep us stuck right where we are. Don’t give up—the process of changing habits is just one part of yoga. As we start to witness our thoughts, we can begin to make better choices. This practice isn’t easy, but when one is ready, acceptance happens. Acceptance allows us to suspend our usual responses. Here are some typical reasons people use for avoiding yoga:

“I don’t have the time or can’t afford it.”

We all have responsibilities to be met. A consideration is that you feel you need to block out hours of time or take expensive lessons. Instead, you could practice a few minutes each day or

find group classes. However, only you can decide when yoga is important enough to you.

“I am not flexible.”

This response may be quite true but will not improve with avoidance. If you want to learn something new, you go to a class and learn from a qualified teacher.

“I’m too tired.”

This is an interesting excuse because many others also attend yoga classes, even though they are tired or feel exhausted. Many times people choose the wrong style of yoga to help them feel better. The practice should complement your life—so keep exploring different styles. Dawn Curtis helps those looking to overcome their yoga excuses at East Meets West Yoga Center, in Vienna. For more info, visit EastMeetsWest Center.com. See listing, page 26. natural awakenings

October 2015

leadingedge

Chronically feeling depleting emotions such as anger, frustration, anxiety and worry leads to disorder in the heart rate variability and what is termed an incoherent state.

HeartMath Bringing Relief By Connecting Heart, Mind and Emotions by Dr. Ilana Seidel

icture this scenario: A quickly beating heart, sweaty palms, shallow breath and focusing on one thing—staying alive. Driving downhill in Pittsburgh on black ice petrified him. His mentor, however, entered the office with a smile and calmly shook the snow off her boots. Notice that the stressor was the same. One chose a sympathetic nervous system mediated

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response, while the other chose a more coherent response. When one chronically chooses to respond with depleting emotions, such as anxiety or fear, these emotions create a sympathetic nervous system cascade and a stress hormone cascade. The sympathetic pathway regulates the “fight or flight” response, which was historically used to intermittently run away from

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tigers and bears. Today, one experiences chronic triggers such as work, travel, family and health issues. The parasympathetic system is used for “rest and digest”. Both pathways are essential for our survival and comprise the autonomic nervous system. However most people tend to overuse the sympathetic pathway, leading to sequela, including constricted heart vessels and increased blood pressure. Fear and anxiety also induce cortisol production, a stress hormone. Chronically elevated cortisol levels may lead to obesity, diabetes, immune suppression and activation of the sympathetic pathway. HeartMath is a heart rhythm feedback method that teaches how to balance one’s system. Heart rate variability (heart rate changes over time) changes when combining heart-focused breathing with renewing emotions such as love and appreciation. The ensuing autonomic nervous system and hormonal cascade benefits the entire body, creates more order and induces what is called coherence. This coherence indicates a balance of the autonomic nervous system. Chronically feeling depleting emotions such as anger, frustration, anxiety and worry leads to disorder in the heart rate variability and what is termed an incoherent state. Notice the difference between the two graphs (below).

How does one use the HeartMath method mentioned? A sensor clipped to the earlobe transfers information from the body onto a screen. The graph produced indicates whether a person is more or less coherent. Using colorful graphics, heart-focused breathing, simple techniques and games included in the HeartMath computer program, patients are guided toward a state of coherence. An individualized plan is created with a practitioner to maintain coherence. Doctors are using HeartMath with patients coping with a number of symptoms including hypertension, POTTS, performance anxiety, ADHD, PTSD and metabolic syndrome.

One local patient with performance anxiety shares her story: “I felt that before HeartMath, I had a very difficult time performing interviews under pressure. I would often lose my train of thought, thus leading to lack of clarity in my speech and a lack of flow throughout the course of the interview. During HeartMath, I admittedly found myself frustrated at several points due to staying in the ‘red’ more often than not. However, while working with my doctor, we found that the phrase ‘feet on the ground’ resonated with me to the point where it would place me in coherence. I utilized this phrase while taking my next performance-based exam and felt that it helped immensely. I did not find myself flustered or terrified at any point throughout the interviews. I am sincerely thankful for this opportunity and will continue to use this throughout my career.”

Meditation Teacher Training (160 Hours) • Yoga Teaching Training (200 Hours) The Mindfulness Center • 4963 Elm St., Ste. 100 • Bethesda, MD 301-986-1090 • TheMindfulnessCenter.org The Mindfulness Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

yoga with nya ∙ private instruction ∙ specialty workshops ∙ sunday community classes at Union Market ∙ workplace yoga

yogawithnya.com nya@yogawithnya.com washington, dc ∙ 202.212.9304

Ilana Seidel, M.D., is a board-certified Family Medicine practitioner who has completed her Integrative Medicine fellowship and HeartMath training. She is currently practicing at the George Washington Center for Integrative Medicine using functional medicine, osteopathy, Reiki, integrative medicine and HeartMath. She has no financial disclosures and no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program. To schedule an appointment with her or attend a stress-busting session, visit Gwcim.com. See ad, page 2. natural awakenings

October 2015

healthyhome

The Downside of Dust The Benefits of a Natural Latex Mattress by Robin Fillmore

t’s a beautiful day. You brush back the curtains and open windows to enjoy the gentle breeze that glides through your home. Light shines off the dancing dust motes in the air. Those dreamy little particles swirl in sunbeams, catching your glance, and for a moment seem to be performing just for you. But their dance will inevitably end—as dust collects in your carpet or under the bed. Sometimes, dust isn’t so dreamy. When it comes to the synthetic foams in most sofas and mattresses, the dust those foams produce is dangerous. All foams, natural or synthetic, will degrade over time. The difference is that some off-gas chemical vaporizes directly into the air you breathe. These gases may have a sharp chemical smell or be completely odorless. Foams also emit tiny dust particles and every time you sit down on your couch or lie on your bed, more of them whoosh into the air. So what’s wrong with a little dust?

Washington, D.C.

Medical researchers say that ordinary house dust particles act like tiny chemical sponges. The compounds in furniture foam are absorbed every day into the dust you and your family breathe in, touch or ingest. And if that foam contains chemical flame retardants, which most sofas and mattresses do, you may be taking in compounds that have been linked to cancer, obesity, infertility and developmental brain disorders such as ADHD and autism. This may even lower the IQ in children. Researchers are alarmed at the proliferation of these toxic compounds. They’re not only accumulating in our bodies, they’ve even been found in Arctic wildlife and they’re especially dangerous to children. Think about a toddler’s sticky fingers and how often they go into their mouths. Research has shown that babies and young children absorb nearly five times as much house dust as adults do, which makes safe foams extremely important in homes

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with children. So what can an informed consumer do? One choice is to select mattresses and sofas made with natural latex foam and without chemical flame retardants. Natural latex is made of tree sap. The pure liquid serum of the rubber tree is collected, whipped into froth and baked into sheets of supple latex foam. Natural latex foam is extremely comfortable, contains no chemical flame retardants or other dangerous compounds that are common in synthetic foams, polyurethanes or blended latex—even in formulas that are part plant oil. Most importantly, it creates a luxurious surface on which to sit or sleep. For more information about natural latex foam mattresses and sofas, that are luxurious, durable and safe, visit one of the showrooms of Savvy Rest, located in Rockville and Vienna or visit them online at SavvyRest.com. See ad, page 21.

healthyaging

Redefine intimacy.

Despite the healthiest of life styles, sexual intercourse is sometimes not possible. Place your emphasis on mutual pleasure rather than performance. Remember how much fun you had as a teenager before you had sex?

Communicate.

Discuss your wants and needs with your partner and ask them what they like and need. Neither of you are mind readers. Good communication skills are the first step in a healthy sexual relationship.

Plan.

60 and Beyond

Preplan your sexual activity to accommodate for your energy level and health issues such as pain. Preplanning for sex can also increase desire.

Tips for Sexual Health and Function by Mary Kendell

es, contrary to popular beliefs, older folks do engage in sexual activity. In fact, a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 20 to 30 percent of men and women stay sexually active well into their 80s. Data from the University of Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Social Life, Health and Aging project (NSHAP) found that men and women ages 57 to 85 consider their sexuality an important aspect of their lives. While both sexes find sexual activity later in life more satisfying than they did in their 20s (according to AARP in 2004), maintaining good sexual function at midlife and beyond can have its challenges. For women, the loss of hormones including estrogen and testosterone can result in a decrease in desire, arousal, lubrication and an associated increase in discomfort with sexual activity. For men, several different medical conditions can result in erectile dysfunction. Additionally, pain, illness and disability can affect the sexual functioning of both men and women. Needless to say, a healthy lifestyle is essential to maintaining a healthy sex life. Strategies for maintaining a healthy sex life include:

Take care of your health. See your healthcare provider regularly to identify and manage health related issues. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have sexual concerns.

Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats will help protect your heart and arteries including those small vessels necessary for arousal and pleasure. Nutrient-dense foods such as almonds provide important trace minerals. Citrus fruits provide antioxidants that help fight disease. Highfiber foods will fill you up not out. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before sexual activity.

Maintain your weight or lose weight if necessary. This will improve your overall health as well as your body image and your self esteem. Feeling attractive enhances sexual desire.

Exercise. Regular exercise improves circulation, flexibility, energy and stamina, all of which are necessary for good sexual function.

Try new things.

Experiment with different positions to accommodate for pain from arthritis and other joint related problems. Incorporate the use of a vibrator to compensate for the decrease in the sense of touch that occurs with aging. Use lubricants to avoid discomfort with intercourse. Consider the use of a penis ring to help maintain an erection.

Be present.

It is hard to enjoy sexual activity if you are thinking about your grocery list. Having a regular meditation or mindfulness practice can help you stay focused in the moment.

Bring patience, understanding and a sense of humor to the bedroom. You may be older but with these ingredients, sex will definitely be a rich and satisfying experience.

Mary Kendell is a board-certified womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care nurse practitioner and ASSECT-certified sexual health counselor. Specializing in sexual health concerns, Kendell uses an integrative approach to health and wellness. For more information, call 202-833-5055 or email MKendell@Gwcim.com. See ad, page 2.

natural awakenings

October 2015

inspiration

HEAVEN WITHIN It’s a State of Mind by Wayne Dyer

eaven is a state of mind, not a location, since Spirit is everywhere and in everything. You can begin making a conscious decision to look for the unfolding of Spirit in everything and everyone that you encounter. I personally do this by making an effort to look upon my world as if I were observing it through lenses that filter out the form and all of the material aspects of what I’m seeing, and I can only view the spiritual energy that allows what I’m noticing to exist. Try putting on these imaginary magical lenses and see how different everything appears. I now see spiritual energy in everyone I encounter. When I’m tempted to judge anyone, I remind myself to view them through my special lenses.

Washington, D.C.

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When I can do so, all negative judgment dissolves. I feel more peaceful knowing that I’m not just this body that I’m destined to discard. I also feel the life-giving Spirit within me on a daily basis, and it’s exhilarating! Being more balanced spiritually and physically gives me the opportunity to be in a continual state of gratitude and awe. I see miracles everywhere. Try changing your view of the world to one of awe and wonder. Rather than looking for miracles, shift to seeing everything as miraculous. By being in a state of awe, you won’t be able to mentally experience boredom or disappointment. Try seeing the invisible Divine flowing through and supporting everyone and everything. A rainstorm becomes a miraculous event, the lightning a

You’ll seldom experience regret for anything that you’ve done. It is what you haven’t done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it. ~ Wayne Dyer

fascinating display of electrical fireworks, the thunder a booming reminder of the invisible power of nature. Live the mystery by beginning to perceive what average eyes fail to notice. Wayne Dyer, Ph.D. (May 10, 1940 – Aug. 29, 2015), affectionately called the “Father of Motivation” by his fans, was an internationally renowned author, speaker and pioneer in the field of self-development. Over the four decades of his career, he wrote more than 40 books (including 21 New York Times bestsellers), created numerous audio programs and videos and appeared on thousands of television and radio shows.

HAVE YOU BEEN LABELED?       

Low Thyroid Chronic Fatigue Fibromyalgia Autoimmune Pre-Diabetic or Diabetic Arthritic Conditions Peripheral Neuropathy

HAVE YOU BEEN MEDICATED? Without improvement or you are suffering from NEGATIVE SIDE-EFFECTS? You may also be concerned about the LONG-TERM EFFECTS.

HAVE YOU BEEN TOLD?  This is the best we can do  This is normal as we age.  Medicine doesn’t have all the answers.

ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED & CONFUSED?

Modern healthcare isn’t what you were led to belief and you are left to feel that this is all there is - so NOW YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT.

REGAIN YOUR HEALTH NOW! Learn more about what modern science -based functional medicine and natural healthcare can do for you.

It all starts with a FREE  No-Risk Consult  Records Review

CALL 703-821-1013 Dr. Craig D. Sanford, DC, FIAMA, CFMP

American Association of Integrative Medicine

DrWayneDyer.com includes information on his new book, Memories of Heaven: Children’s Astounding Recollections of the Time Before They Came to Earth, released this month.

Two Locations:  1485 Chain Bridge Rd, # 100, McLean, VA 22101  12801 Darby Brooke Ct, #102, Woodbridge, VA 22192

natural awakenings

October 2015

A DV E RTORIA L

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Proper iodine supplementation with a high-quality product like Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine can prevent harm by protecting the thyroid and other endocrine glands and restoring proper hormone production.

A Few Drops Can Change Your Life! You could feel better, lose weight or increase energy and mental clarity with a few drops of Natural Awakenings DETOXIFIED IODINE daily in water or topically on the skin. The supplementation of iodine, an essential component of the thyroid, has been reported to give relief from: • Depression • Weight Gain • Fibromyalgia • Low Energy • Hypothyroidism • Hyperthyroidism • Radiation • Bacteria • Viruses

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Washington, D.C.

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The Hidden Deficiency Having the proper amount of iodine in our system at all times is critical to overall health, yet the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that iodine deficiency is increasing drastically in light of an increasingly anemic national diet of unpronounceable additives and secret, unlabeled ingredients. This deficit now affects nearly three-quarters of the population.

Causes of Iodine Deficiency

Radiation

Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation

Low-Sodium Diets

Overuse of zero-nutrient salt substitutes in foods leads to iodine depletion

Iodized Table Salt

Iodized salt may slowly lose its iodine content by exposure to air

Bromine

A toxic chemical found in baked goods overrides iodine's ability to aid thyroid

Iodine-Depleted Soil Poor farming techniques have led to declined levels of iodine in soil

A Growing Epidemic Symptoms range from extreme fatigue and weight gain to depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, fibrocystic breasts and skin and hair problems. This lack of essential iodine can also cause infertility, joint pain, heart disease and stroke. Low iodine levels also have been associated with breast and thyroid cancers; and in children, intellectual disability, deafness, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impaired growth, according to studies by Boston University and the French National Academy of Medicine.

What to Do The easy solution is taking the right kind of iodine in the right dosage to rebalance thyroid function and restore health to the whole body.

calendarofevents

labor. $40/pair for pre-registration online or $50/pair on event day. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: Bit.ly/1MNjQZF. Info: LilOmm.com.

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

Swakriya Workshop – 2-5pm. With Swami Gurusharanananda. In Swakriya yoga there are different movements, mantras, breathing processes and postures which accelerate the awakening process. Experience this unique Yoga. All levels. $40. BE yoga and Children of MA at BE yoga, 45406 Lakeside Dr, Sterling, VA. Register: Info@ BEyogaYurt.com. Info: BEYogaYurt.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 Gluten Intolerance Group Meeting – 7pm. $5 donation requested. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA. RSVP: NeckBackAndBeyond@ gmail.com. Info: 703-865-5690.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 extendYoga 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training Program – 5pm. Nine weekend sessions through Jan. Whether you are interested in learning about the art of teaching yoga or would like to deepen your own practice, extendYoga’s 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training Program will prepare you to empower yourself and others on the path of selftransformation. $3,000. (Payment plans available, please contact for more info.) extendYoga, 12106 Wilkins Ave, North Bethesda, MD. Register: extendYoga.com/Workshops/Training. Info: 301881-3330 or Arlet@extendYoga.com. Sutras, Science and Psychology Series – 6:309:30pm. This workshop will help us understand how our practices help us as we re-shape these practices towards a recipe for more desirable living. This will be a led discussion using the sutras of Patanjali, combined with scientific findings, our practices, and life experiences. Donations welcome. Yoga District, 1922 I St, NW. Info: YogaDistrict.com. Ladies Night Out: A Fundraiser Honoring Room to Rebloom – 7:30-9pm. The evening will start with a gentle flow and ease into a rejuvenating relaxation. After yoga there will be time to sip wine and discuss upcoming Room to Rebloom projects and Mission. Donations accepted. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit.ly/1P4Cidq. Register: LilOmm.com. Vocal Toning - Vibration Meditation – 7:308:30pm. Amazingly simple, yet peacefully powerful. Deep relaxation. Close eyes and resonate vowel sounds in a circle with crystal bowl, to release stress and rejuvenate body and spirit. No commercial, religious or political affiliation. $5. Unity of Gaithersburg, 111 Central Ave,

Gaithersburg, MD. Register: Info: Ericf3719@ gmail.com or UnityOfGaithersburg.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 The Root Chakra Workshop – 10am-2pm. This workshop combines meditation, gentle movement and more to explore the first chakra, or energy center, for cultivating a resilient sense of safety and stability. $80. The Spectrum Center for Natural Medicine, 8555 16th St, Ste 402, Silver Spring, MD. Register: ShiraOzSinai.com/classes.html. Info: 240-839-1661 or Info@ShiraOzSinai.com. Intro to Teaching Toddlers and Family Yoga – 5-9pm. This training is recommended for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to include yoga into the lives of young children. It will cover teaching tips and tools, development, where to teach class and an outline sample class. $100. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit.ly/1JMYYQU. Info: LilOmm.com. Kirtan – 7-9pm. Kirtan with Swamiji from Central India and Gita from Gita’s Dream. A kirtan not to be missed. All money benefits a school Swamiji is building in Rural India. Donations accepted. BE Yoga, Gita’s Dream and Children of MA Anandamayi at BE Yoga, 45406 Lakeside Dr, Sterling, VA. Info: BEYogaYurt.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 Seasonal Qigong Workshop – 12-4pm. Join us for a workshop on the seasonal energy of late summer/fall with Mike Basdavanos. This will be an Earth element-oriented workshop. Themes will include nourishing blood and clearing the mental faculties. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or Info@TheMindfulnessCenter.org. Prenatal Partners Massage and Movement – 1-2:30pm. This workshop is for pregnant women and their partners at any trimester. Partners will learn prenatal massage techniques to use during and after pregnancy, as well as breathe techniques and comfort measures which are useful to induce and facilitate

Moms Up: Trust – 6:30-8:30pm. Self-doubt and guilt are all-too-common symptoms of motherhood. Reconcile with the voices and habits that support these symptoms and learn to connect with your intuition. First out of Series of four Moms Up retreats (Trust, Energetic Strength, Creative Flow, Balance). $40/retreat or $120 for all four. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit.ly/1PiDwB2. Info: LilOmm.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 Morning Lark Yoga and Dance Party – 6-8:30am. Begin your morning with a yoga practice (6-7am), which transitions into dancing to celebratory kirtan and ecstatic dance music (7:15-8:30am). $30/yogi or $20/yogi for yoga or dance. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit. ly/1JwQsUS. Info: LilOmm.com. Eating for Allergies: Beyond Elimination Diets – 6:30-8:30pm. Join us as we recommend foods and demonstrate recipes that can help support your immune system and healthy digestion. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 Exploring SoulCollage – 12-2pm. Using the SoulCollage® process, play with images and your creativity to create personal cards to tap into inner wisdom. All materials provided. No artistic experience necessary. $30. Elise Lewis, Certified SoulCollage Facilitator, Bethesda, MD. Register: HollyMaeDesigns@icloud.com. Info: SoulCollage.com/Elise-Lewis.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 Drishti Fest – 5:30am-6:30pm. Through Oct 11. A four day festival of music, film and art centered around yoga. Master yoga instructors and local

A Spiritual Healing & Yoga Center

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October 2015

Adrienne Hausman

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Inhalation Treatments for Relaxation Gentle Hand Massage Individual Consultations

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

Denese Cavanaugh. Whether you are new to Mind /Body awareness techniques or a seasoned athlete, the Integral Postural Alignment Therapy method (IPATH®) will help create the ideal posture. Cost: $25. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

Singles Sangha – 7–10 pm. A welcoming community of people who gather to experience a shared connection with others who are, by choice or by circumstance, single at this time in their lives. All varieties and ages of single people are encouraged to join. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Children’s Sangha – 4:15-5:30 pm. For 5-12 year olds, accompanied by parents. The class provides young children with a Buddhist framework to explore their inner life, understand the causes of emotional stress, and develop peace, wisdom and kindness. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Restorative Yoga – 7:15-8:15pm. Relax, renew and restore in this all-levels class. Prenatal students welcome. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. $20. Register: Bit.ly/1MtjyFO. Info: LilOmm.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

teachers will lead 90-plus practices and educational sessions. $207-$549. Drishti Fest LLC at Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel, 3501 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA. Register: DrishtiFest.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 Organic Valley Farm Discovery Farm Tour – 10am-3pm. Visit an Organic Valley Farm. Learn about pasture, milking and herd health on an organic farm. Sample OV products. Fun for all ages. Holterholm Farms, LLC, 5903 Holter Rd, Jefferson, MD. Register: OrganicValley.coop/ Who-is-Your-Farmer/Farm-Discovery/Northeast. Yoga for Dudes – 3:30-5pm. Yoga workshop for men who don’t do yoga. Practice basic yoga postures in a safe, challenging workshop led by an experienced instructor. $25. Barre Tone Studio, 370 West Maple Ave, Unit 1, Vienna, VA. Register: Barre-Tone.com/Schedule.html.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 A Reconnective Healing Experience – 1-5pm. An experiential workshop where each participant experiences the powerful frequencies of Reconnective Healing, a healing that brings us back to our source and wholeness. $55/early registration or $66/at the door. Soul Source, 18015 Muncaster Rd, Derwood, MD. Info: TheSoulSource.net/Index. php/Register-Pay-For-Events. Belly Dancing – 1-3pm. You’ll learn a little history, culture and foundation moves of belly dance. We’ll put it all together for some fun dance combinations that will put a shimmy in your step and a smile on your face. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090. Info@TheMindfulnessCenter.org. IPATH Postural Alignment – 2:30-4pm. With

Washington, D.C.

Webinar: Four Herbs to Support Your Fitness Goals – 12-1pm. Join us to learn about the four most powerful herbs to help you achieve your fitness goals this fall and throughout the seasons. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu. Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. The session ends with a silent meditation. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughterYoga@yahoo.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 Webinar: Spotlight on Workplace Wellness – 7-8pm. Workplace health programs help employees to stay healthy, increase productivity and feel positive about their work environment. This webinar showcases several workplace wellness jobs. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

inspirational and informational. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu. Breast Thermography Health Talk – 7pm. Breast Awareness and Women’s Health Talk. Currently scheduling breast thermography imaging sessions. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA. Info: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackandBeyond@gmail.com. Menstruation to Menopause: Holistic Approaches to the Cycles and Phases of Women’s Lives – 7-9pm. Kelly Valceanu, CNM, IBCLC, of Midwifery Care Associates in Rockville, MD, will talk about women’s monthly cycles and what happens as they near their end. Learn about natural approaches to mood swings and moving through menopause with ease. Holistic Moms Network at Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA. Info: HolisticMomsArlAlex@gmail.com or HolisticMomsArlAlex.BlogSpot.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 Breast Thermography Clinic – 10am-4pm. Through Oct 19. Breast Thermography Imaging. Currently scheduling breast thermography imaging sessions. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA. Info: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackandBeyond@gmail.com. The Art of Masterful Living – 6pm. With Todd Norian. We are all made of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and sky. Masterful living is achieved when these elements are balanced within. $195. East Meets West Yoga Center, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna, VA. Register: EastMeetsWestCenter.com. Info: 703-356-9642. Sutras, Science and Psychology Series – 6:30-9:30pm. See Oct 2 for details. Donations welcome. Yoga District, 1922 I St, NW. Info: YogaDistrict.com.

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – 6-9pm. Through Oct 18. This program is perfect for the avid yoga student who wants to become a yoga teacher or anyone that wants to deepen their personal practice. Scholarships available. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 Roxanne@TheMindfulnessCenter.org.

Rhythm of the Seasons: Fall Women’s Retreat – 7:30-9:30pm. In this evening of self-care, we honor fall’s harvest and savor the season through yoga, meditation, and connection. We gather inspiration from readings and focus on our own intentions, hopes, and goals for the season. $40/ person. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit.ly/1Wd9Ift. Info: LilOmm.com.

Integrative Health Graduate Fair – 6:30-8:30pm If you’re considering an academic program at MUIH, either in the spring or fall or beyond, please join us for this special event designed to be fun,

Vocal Toning - Vibration Meditation – 7:308:30pm. See Oct 2. $5. Unity of Gaithersburg, 111 Central Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: Info: Ericf3719@gmail.com or UnityOfGaithersburg.org.

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5RHYTHMS Righteous Ignition – 8-10pm. With Margaret H. Wagner. We’ll use the 5Rhythms as our guide to explore how we ignite ourselves individually, in partnership and as a tribe in ways that really matter. $20/cash at the door or $10/ newcomers or $15/students and 65 years and up. Carderock Springs Swim and Tennis Club, 8200 Hamilton Spring Ct, Bethesda, MD. Information: 301-448-6243 or SueGreen301@yahoo.com or DanceInTheUSA.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 Admissions Open House – 9:30-11am. This is an Open House for interested families to learn about the school. Oneness-Family School, 6701 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase MD. Register: 301-652-7751. Salamander Exhibit Opening – 10am-2pm. The National Zoo has a new salamander exhibit called Jewels of Appalachia. This exhibit is sponsored by The Nature Conservancy chapters of Maryland/D.C. and Virginia. The National Zoo and The Nature Conservancy, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW. Info: Goo.gl/Ht9MYi. Yoga for Runners Workshop – 2:30-3:30pm. Experience a yoga and meditation practice that can unwind your body and mind from the tightness created by running. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit.ly/1CRT7nF. Info: LilOmm.com. Yoga Nidra: Creating and Maintaining Meaningful Connections – 3:30-5:30 pm. With Hari-kirtana das. In this workshop, Hari-kirtana will guide participants through a meditation will create a safe psychic space that supports emotional openness, allow us to let go of things that prevent us from accepting and offering love and usher us through a transformation from a constraining sense of material identity to a liberating spiritual sense of identity. $30. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 The Inner Warrior – 10am-12pm. With Dolly Lee and Hubert Guy. Inspired by the peaceful warriors that have and continue to pass down the teachings and practices, this class will explore how life becomes a transformative point in awakening our innate capacity for compassion, courage, strength and wisdom. $35. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com. Light Like a Cat: Methods for Improving Jumpbacks and Jump-Throughs – 2:15-5:15pm. With Rexx Samuell. Jumpbacks and jump throughs are distinguishing elements of a dedicated ashtanga

practice. Join Rexx to learn the tools to learning, cultivating and refining the jumps. $30. Buddha B Yoga Center Woodley Park, 2639 Connecticut Ave, Ste 102, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com. Yin Yoga: Energize, Rebalance, and Restore – 6:30-8:30pm. Enter into a deep meditative space in this two hour practice inclusive of yin postures, pranayama, meditation and restorative poses. $35. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit.ly/1NuMLSi. Info: LilOmm.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 Exploring SoulCollage – 12-2pm. See Oct 7 for details. $30. Elise Lewis, Certified SoulCollage® Facilitator, Bethesda, MD. Register: HollyMaeDesigns@icloud.com. Info: SoulCollage.com/Elise-Lewis.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 Pause with Purpose 1-Day Retreat – 9am3pm. We will use yoga practice, journaling and meditation to deepen our connection to ourselves and give ourselves a much needed break from the fast pace world we live in. $100. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit.ly/1L0mnwc. Info: LilOmm.com. Acuthon – 12-2pm and 4-7pm Join MUIH, the first accredited acupuncture school in the U.S. for free acupuncture treatments to celebrate National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day. Beginner or experienced, you are welcome to attend and can expect to leave feeling relaxed. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 Webinar: Eating for Allergies: Beyond Elimination Diets – 7-8pm. See Oct 5 for details. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@ MUIH.edu.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 United Nations Day – 10am-1pm. A celebration and honor of world cultures and how we are all one family of the human race. Oneness-Family School, 6701 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD. Register: 301-652-7751. Weekend Meditation Retreat – 6:30-9:30pm. Through Oct 24. Experiential in nature, the Advanced Meditation Seminar takes the student deep into the realms of personal awareness and integration with the universal field of awareness,

ultimate consciousness. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301986-1090 or Info@TheMindfulnessCenter.org. iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation – 6:45-7:45pm. Join Shira Oz-Sinai for an inquiry into the mystery of meditation. No physical exercise involved, just an effortless and restorative awareness practice. $25. The Spectrum Center for Natural Medicine, 8555 16th St, Ste 402, Silver Spring, MD. Register: ShiraOzSinai.com/Classes.html. Info: 240-8391661 or Info@ShiraOzSinai.com. Restorative Yoga – 7:15-8:15pm. Relax, renew and restore in this all levels class. Prenatal students welcome. $20. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit.ly/1LVy2PU. Info: LilOmm.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 Emotional Eating Retreat – Through Oct 31. Through meditation, yoga, and other wellness techniques, our All-Inclusive Emotional Eating Retreat helps unlock the tools to overcome the vicious cycle of emotional overeating. $2950. White Crow Yoga, Yogaville, VA. Register: KalyaniPena@gmail.com. Info: WCYRetreat.wix. com/Emotional-Eating. Achieving Optimal Health Conference – 9am4pm. A one-day conference open to the public dedicated to energizing, educating and inspiring you to take charge of your physical, mental and spiritual health. Make simple changes to live a healthier, happier life. $75. BB&R Wellness Consulting and GU Wellness at Georgetown University (Main Campus), DC. Register: 202-549-0040 or AchievingOptimalHealthConference.com. Introduction to Yoga Philosophy – 12-3pm. With Hari-kirtana das. In this workshop we’ll de-mystify the terminology of yoga philosophy, look at some of its more challenging propositions, and examine a few different schools of thought that have shaped our ideas about yoga. $30. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com. Infant Massage Workshop – 2:30-3:30pm. Learn about reading your baby’s cues; tailoring massage to meet your baby’s unique needs and laying the foundation for nurturing touch and healthy communication for years to come. $60/infant or $80/twins. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit. ly/1KTjblU. Info: LilOmm.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 Flu-U: Holistic Massage for Family Care – 1-2:45pm. Gentle massage is a crucial tool for

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October 2015

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 Family Halloween Concert – 10-11am. A family sing-along for children ages 2-7. Oneness-Family School, 6701 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase MD. Register: 301-652-7751.

plan ahead MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. The session ends with a silent meditation. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughterYoga@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 family caregivers to help comfort a sick child, aid their recovery, and avoid getting sick themselves. Learn what to do at the first sign of a cold, and what do when colds strike. $40/person. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit.ly/1MLzaWd. Info: LilOmm.com. Tap Fit Workshop – 3:30-5pm. Tap, tap, it’s time to try something new. Our fun Tap Fit class combines barre fitness and tap dance. No tap experience necessary, just fun attitude. $25. Barre Tone Studio, 370 West Maple Ave, Unit 1, Vienna, VA. Register: Barre-Tone.com/Schedule.html.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 7th Positive Aging: Tools for Creative Aging – 8:30am-3pm. Fair attendees are offered the opportunity to participate in interactive and informative workshops promoting active aging through healthy lifestyles. The fair is geared for adults 50 plus and includes a Laughter Yoga session. $25. Northern Virginia Jewish Community Center, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA. Info: JCCNV.org/Events/2015/10/29/ Upcoming-Events/7th-Positive-Aging-Fair-Toolsfor-Creative-Aging. Movie Night – 7- 9pm. We will be screening the documentary May I Be Frank? This film documents the transformation of Frank’s life when he stumbles into a local raw and vegan restaurant, becomes friends with the staff, and strikes an agreement to turn his life over to three 20-something young men to be coached physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our resident raw foods expert, Luzy Perez of Raw Living Light, will be serving an array of tasty raw treats. $5. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA. Info: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackandBeyond@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 Sutras, Science and Psychology Series – 6:309:30pm. See Oct 2 for details. Donations welcome. Yoga District, 1922 I St, NW. Info: YogaDistrict.com. JourneyDance for Women – 7:15-8:15pm. Come, unplug, let your bodies move, your spirits play and let it flow through a journey of music, movement and dance to (re)discover your natural intuitive movement. $20. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave NW, Tenleytown. Register: Bit.ly/1VJQBsa. Info: LilOmm.com.

Washington, D.C.

National Kids Yoga Conference – 5pm. Through Nov 15. Geared toward yoga teachers, educators, school administrators, mental health professionals, researchers, parents, and anyone interested in bringing yoga and mindfulness to kids. Teen track available for ages 14-17. YoKid at George Washington University. Register: KidsYogaConference.org. Sutras, Science and Psychology Series – 6:309:30pm. This workshop will help us understand how our practices help us as we re-shape these practices towards a recipe for more desirable living. This will be a led discussion using the sutras of Patanjali, combined with scientific findings, our practices and life experiences. Donations welcome. Yoga District, 1922 I St, NW. Info: YogaDistrict.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 American Holistic Nurses Association Regional Conference – 9am-5pm. Regional Conference for holistic nurses focusing on how self-care enhances patient care. 6 hours CNE. $150. (Includes continental breakfast and lunch.) American Holistic Nurses Association at Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd, DC. Register: AHNA.org/cne. Info: 800-2578-2462. Thanksgiving/Christmas Raw Food – 3-6pm. Learn to prepare a complete five-course raw dinner for the holidays: carrot/ginger soup, stuffing, cranberry sauce, the happy turkey, pumpkin pie with snow cream. All raw, gluten free, processed sugar free, lactose free and soy free. $60-90/ couple. Fairfax, VA. (Exact location TBA.) Info: 571-471-2891 or RawLivingDlight.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 Healthy Gut Rebuilt with Homemade Probiotics – 3-6pm. For a healthy immune system, improve digestion/absorption/elimination, good intestinal flora is necessary. Learn how to prepare home probiotics: fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, rejuvelac (grain fermented milk) and almond yogurt. $60-99/ couple. Fairfax, VA. (Exact location TBA). Info: 571-471-2891 or RawLivingDlight.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

immune system. The session ends with a silent meditation. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughterYoga@yahoo.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 Roots and Culture Tour: Traditional Food and Herbal Medicine Journey – Through Jan 13. The Roots and Culture Tour is an incredible opportunity for all those interested in sustainable and just local agriculture as well as traditional herbal medicine. Join us in the amazing Talamanca Region of Costa Rica. Registration and payment in full due by Dec 1. $1,150 (shared room). Centro Ashé, Manzanillo, Costa Rica. Register: 301-375-6082 or Info@CentroAshe.org. Info: CentroAshe.org/Costa-Rica-Roots-CultureTour-Traditional-Food--Herbal-Medicine.html.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Flower Essence Practitioner Training – Through Feb 11. Centro Ashé is honored to host Flower Essence Practitioner and Community Herbalist Lupo Passero of Twin Star Herbs and Education for our first ever Flower Essence Practitioner Training. Join us in the abundant Talamanca region of Costa Rica for this in-depth immersion into flower essences. $1,675/person. Centro Ashé hosts Lupo Passero of Twin Star Herbs and Education, Mazanillo, Costa Rica. Register: 301-375-6082 or Info@ CentroAshe.org. Info: Centroashe.org/Tropical-FlowerEssence-Practitioner-Training-in-Costa-Rica.html.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Family Herbal and Tropical Adventure – Through Feb 23. Join us with the whole family in tropical Costa Rica for an incredible week of breathtaking natural beauty while exploring grassroots approaches to herbalism and plant healing. This tour will bring you in contact with some of the most incredible depths of the Costa Rican jungles, as well as the beauty of the famous coastlines. Registration and payment due by Dec 1. $1,350 (shared room and does not include flight to Costa Rica). Molly Meehan of Centro Ashé and Lupo Passero of Twin Star Herbs and Education, Costa Rica. Register: 301-375-6082 or Info@ CentroAshe.org. Info: CentroAshe.org/CostaRica-Family-Herbal-Adventure.html.

ongoingevents

thursday

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday Sunday Morning Meditation Class – 10:30am12:30pm. With Hugh Byrne. An oasis in a busy week, including 30-minute guided meditations, a 10-minute walking meditation and 30-minute discussion. A mini-retreat. Drop-ins welcome. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LivingMindfully.org. Live in Balance: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living – 2-4pm. This holistic self-care program is designed to provide you with the understanding, guidelines and tools to achieve a life of balance based on the wisdom and beauty the ancient sciences of Ayurveda and Yoga. $35/ session or $100/series. Blue Nectar Yoga, 513 W Broad St, Ste 110c, Falls Church, VA. Register: 703-667-0465. Info: BlueNectarYoga.com. Grow Sprouts and Micro Greens in Your Home Year Round – 2:30-5:30pm. 4th Sun. Indoor growing: wheatgrass, sunflower, broccoli and more. $50 (includes handouts and kit). Raw Living D’Light, Fairfax, VA. Register: Luzy@ RawLivingDLight.com.

monday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. A beautiful way to start your day, with a 30-minute meditation and optional 15-minute discussion following. Drop-ins welcome. A project of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington

(IMCW). The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. .

tuesday

Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. The Calm Mom Coaching Circle – 1011:30am. Through Nov 3. Supported by your coach and alongside a group of like-minded Moms, you will experience proven coaching tools and techniques to help you identify what fuels and triggers stress in your everyday life and help you develop calmer (less-stress) living habits. Lil Omm Yoga IMCW Studio (3rd floor), 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. $40/per retreat or $120 for all 4. Register: Bit. ly/1MN9g3o.Info: Lilomm.com. Women’s Health and Empowerment Group – 2pm. As women, we serve a role as caretakers, often putting our own needs last. This class is about taking the time to care for ourselves and explore evidence-based, mind-body therapies to improve well-being. In community, we build a support network on trust and compassion. This class is appropriate for women with health concerns. Donations accepted. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Info: 301-986-1090 or Info@TheMindfulnessCenter.org.

wednesday

Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Outside the Lines – 10:30am-12:30pm. 1st and 3rd Wed. Learn how to use art making as a tool for healing through guided creative projects. Bi-monthly. $10 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. Continuing Yoga – 12-1:15pm. See Tues for details. $18/class. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org.

friday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. .

saturday

Grow Sprouts and Micro Greens in Your Home Year Round – 9:30am-12:30pm. 4th Sat. See Sun for details. $50 (includes handouts and kit). Raw Living D’Light, Fairfax, VA. Register: Luzy@RawLivingDLight.com. Respectful, Chemical-Free Beekeeping – 10am12pm. 1st Sat. New and experienced beekeepers enjoy learning our unique style of hive management that is based on respect for the honeybee. $50/ person (free for hiveshares and their guests). Azure B. LLC, 4730 Bicknell Rd, Marbury, MD. Register: AzureBLLC.com/#!Education/c6za. Info: 301-743-2331 or Info@AzureBLLC.com.

Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Wednesday Afternoon Rest and Restoration – 1-2pm. 2nd and 4th Wed. Join Shira Oz-Sinai for an afternoon of relaxation and restoration with a meditation practice that is effortless, easy, and profound. No experience necessary. All props provided. $25. The Spectrum Center for Natural Medicine, 8555 16th St, Ste 402, Silver Spring, MD. Register: ShiraOzSinai.com/classes.html. Info: 240-839-1661 or Info@ShiraOzSinai.com. Introduction to Transcendental Meditation – 6:30-8pm. The TM technique is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice and cultural neutral. It takes 20 minutes twice daily, reducing stress and cultivating transcendence. Transcendental Meditation Center of Bethesda, 11300 Rockville Pike, Ste 408, Rockville, MD. Register: 301 7705690 or Bethesda@TM.org or TM.org/Bethesda.

natural awakenings

October 2015

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com to request our media kit. ACUPUNCTURE JOÃO M. ALVAREZ, LICENSED ACUPUNCURIST

1010 Rockville Pike, Ste 305, Rockville, MD JMA.Acupuncture@yahoo.com 301-337-7115 • ElementWellness.net By combining acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxabustion and nutrition, João develops a comprehensive, individualized treatment strategy to promote optimal health. Major insurance accepted. See ad, page 47.

NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE NOVA CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

4635 Chain Bridge Rd, Ste 100, McLean, VA 703-229-3106 NOVAAlternativeMed.com

Our holistic approach gets to the nexus of your pain and treats your pain’s cause, not just your symptoms. Dr. Sanford’s approach and treatment will greatly improve your quality of life. Specializing i n p e r i p h e r a l n e u r o p a t h y, chiropractic care, acupuncture, nutrition, physical therapy and functional medicine. See ad, page 43.

AROMATHERAPY

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com

MOTHER’S NATURE STORE

Neck Back & Beyond offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. lasting change to heal the mind, body and soul. Fitness, educational consultant and hypnotist. See ad, page 37.

Certified aromatherapist and herbalist offering lifestyle consultations and handmade products, including soaps, balms, and beard oils. Reach a better state of body and mind. See ad, page 22.

SHAWNA SNYDER Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA Info@RoseWellness.com • RoseWellness.com 571-529-6699

703-851-0087 Laina_Poulakos@hotmail.com MothersNatureStore.com

AUTISM CONSULTING ANNE MAITREPIERRE

301-461-2135 AMaitrepierreMoss@comcast.net Autism consultation and holistic wellness coaching from a veteran autism mom. Provides support for parents of children with autism, including those who have been newly diagnosed.

Shawna Snyder is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in pain management. She effectively relieves pain by custom tailoring a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve optimal results. See ad, page 6.

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com • RoseWellness.com DeBritt Ealey specializes in the treatment of all forms of symptoms associated with allergies and sensitivities with the Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT) therapy. See ad, page 6.

Washington, D.C.

SAVVY REST NATURAL BEDROOM

258 Maple Ave East, Vienna and 12242 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 703-255-7040 (VA) or 301-770-7040 (MD) Maddie@SavvyRest.com • SRNB.com

Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom is the premier retailer of Savvy Rest organic mattresses and bedding, a Virginia manufacturer, and retailer of fine bedroom furniture. See ad, page 21.

BIRTH CENTER NOVA NATURAL BIRTH CENTER 4200 A Technology Ct, Chantilly, VA 703-357-3808 • PeggyFran@gmail.com NovaBirthCenter.com

Beautiful, Intimate, Childbirth the way it was designed, Naturally. See ad, page 24.

BIRTH SUPPORT PEACEFUL EARTH, GRACEFUL BIRTH

202-297-2722 PeacefulEarthGracefulBirth@gmail.com PeacefulEarthGracefulBirth.com Birth and postpartum labor support services. Personal and group childbirth education classes as well as vaginal steaming in our office or your home.

BOTANICAL GARDENS MEADOWLARK BOTANICAL GARDENS 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 703-255-3631 KTomlinson@Nvrpa.org • Nvrpa.org

Wolf Trap in Vienna.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, a public garden for all the senses, a place of peace and reflection. Near

CHIROPRACTOR

ALLERGY MANAGEMENT DEBRITT EALEY

BEDROOM FURNITURE

BARRE BARRE TONE

370 Maple Avenue West Unit 1, Vienna, VA 703-242-TONE (8663) Barre-Tone.com Jazz up your routine and experience the latest trend in full-body workout. Barre Tone is ideal for those who want to sculpt, strengthen and increase flexibility, while enjoying the infusion of dance, aerobics with the benefits of the ballet barre at its core. Leave with renewed energy, a calmer spirit and a new passion for life.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

ASHDALE CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

Dr. Craig Sanford, DC 12801 Darby Brooke Ct, Ste 120, Woodbridge, VA 703-583-1222 • AshdaleChiropractic.com Ashdale Chiropractic and Physical Therapy offers chiropractic care, acupuncture, peripheral neuropathy and physical medicine. See ad, page 43.

NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com Neck Back & Beyond offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. lasting change to heal the mind, body and soul. Fitness, educational consultant and hypnotist. See ad, page 37.

CLEANING MAID BRIGADE CAPITAL REGION

4813-A Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 800-515-6243 Marketing@Maid-Brigade.com MaidBrigade.com

We are Green Clean Certified so you can have peace of mind that your home will be healthier for you, your pets and the environment. See ad, page 13.

CONSULTING GRACE PRODUCTIONS

Grace Ogden, Principal 301-445-6771 • GraceProductions.co Grace Ogden leads this consulting and event production firm that supports progressive social change with an awareness of why spiritual principles and practices matter. See ad, page 23.

COUNSELING MARY KENDELL, MS, NP

Individual and Couples Therapy GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • GWICM.com YourSexualHealthMatters@gmail.com Evaluation, treatment, counseling, and education for all sexual health concerns. See ad, page 2.

NATALIE X. KORYTNYK, PHD

Individual & Couples Therapy GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Natalie Korytnyk is a psychologist with an expertise in relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, work stress, eating disorders and selfesteem. See ad, page 2.

DENTISTRY

ENERGY HEALING

MILES OF SMILES IMPLANT DENTISTRY

LIZETTE AYALA Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com • RoseWellness.co

Bioceramic Dental Implants are here replacing missing teeth. Now safer than ever. Our integrative approach addresses your body’s readiness for dental implants. We systematically test and optimize your immune system prior to implant placement. With 18 years’ experience in implant dentistry, Dr. Noumbissi developed the Natural & Keramik Koncept, a safe protocol for teeth replacement with metal-free ceramic implants coupled with naturally optimized and accelerated bone and gum healing to enhance your smile and improve your quality of life. See ad, page 29.

Lizette Ayala, Energy Health Coach, specializes in teaching the art of self-healing and mind-body health, breaking energy draining patterns and reducing unproductive stress. See ad, page 6.

801 Wayne Ave, Ste G200, Silver Spring PureImplants@MilesofSmilesDental.net MilesofSmilesDental.net • 301-588-0768

DOULA

HEALING GATEWAY 877-534-5534 HealingGateway.com

Sherry Lynn Dmytrewycz invites you to enter into a healthier, unlimited life with an energy clearing for you, your space or your animals. Handson or distance sessions.

HEALTH COACH

THE DC DOULA

202-630-HOOK (4665) TheDCDoula@gmail.com • TheDCDoula.com Picture Plan for your future. Birth and postpartum doula offering a variety of women’s wellness services. We support birth with great confidence and help you welcome your new baby. See ad, page 14.

EDUCATION EMPOWERED LEARNING TRANSFORMATIONAL CENTER

8120 Woodmont Ave, Ste 150, Bethesda, MD 301-654-5919 Bethesda@ELTCenters.com ELTCenters.com Empowered Learning Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n Centers (ELTC) help people of all ages and ability achieve peak performance levels in the areas of learning, focus and attention. See ad, page 6.

WASHINGTON WALDORF SCHOOL 4800 Sangamore Rd, Bethesda, MD 301-229-6107 SSmith@WashingtonWaldorf.com WashingtonWaldorf.org

LOTUS HEALTH AND HEALING

301-760-6924 • LotusHealthAndHealing.org EmpoweredHealth@LotusHealthAndHealing.org Piamas Puatrakul is a health empowerment coach and pharmacist. She believes in the body’s ability to heal through self-awareness, diet change, emotional healing, meditation, and spiritual practice. Combining her background in both Eastern and Western healing practices, Pia helps clients suffering from chronic illness, stress and anxiety to reduce prescription medication and reawaken their natural ability to heal. See ad, page 22.

HEALTH EVENT PLANNING PAM SNYDER EVENTS, LLC 703-402-7223 PamSnyderEvents@gmail.com PamSnyderEvents.com

With over 25 years experience event planning, our concentration is in the area of Health and Wellness. Whether you are interested in a high-energy full-scale conference or a small meeting/workshop, let us help plan your next health and wellness event.

Washington Waldorf offers a holistic education that blends arts, movement, and practical skills with academics at every step. Pre-K-12. Imagine a better way to learn. See ad, page 39.

natural awakenings

October 2015

HEALTHY PETS CHICO’S NATURAL PET DEPOT

6349 A Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 703-750-6675 Chicos@PetDepot.net • ChicosPetDepot.com Chico’s Pet Depot Holistic Pet Care is your neighborhood all natural, organic and holistic pet food, supplements and alternative remedies for all your pet needs. Unique and customized supplies catering to your special needs companion. Pet adoption, grooming, pet events and more. See ad, page 42.

WHOLE PET CENTRAL

HOME ENVIRONMENT MIKHAIL SOGONOV, PH.D.

InSitu EcoTesting LLC GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Sogonov@InSitu-ET.com Consulting company inspecting indoor environment for biological agents negatively affecting human health. Mainly focused on mold, also includes sewage contamination and pet and pest allergens. See ad, page 2.

We are your one-stop destination for all things natural regarding your pet’s nutritional and grooming needs. Shop online or visit one of our stores locations in Rockville, MD, Herndon, VA or Ashburn, VA. See ad, page 12.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Info@RoseWellness.com Dr. Sultana Afrooz specializes in diagnosing and treating patients who have been chronically ill from effects of tick borne infection, mold toxicity, and environmental toxicity. See ad, page 6.

HERBS MOTHER’S NATURE STORE 703-851-0087 Laina_Poulakos@hotmail.com MothersNatureStore.com

Certified aromatherapist and herbalist offering lifestyle consultations and handmade products, including soaps, balms, and beard oils. Reach a better state of body and mind. See ad, page 22.

HOLISTIC PARENTING HOLISTIC MOMS NETWORK ARLINGTON/ALEXANDRIA CHAPTER 571-451-8273 HolisticMomsArlAlex@gmail.com HolisticMomsArlAlex.blogspot.com

A nonprofit resource for parents seeking support in their natural lifestyle choices. All chapters hold monthly meetings and most offer supplemental activities.

CASEY HEALTH INSTITUTE

800 South Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg 301-664-6464 KGill@CaseyHealth.org CaseyHealth.org

Casey Health offers primary care, acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathy, yoga therapy, massage, behavioral health, wellness classes, and health coaching all aimed at getting people healthy. See ad, page 3.

ANGELA GABRIEL, MSOM, LAC, CH GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055, 202-300-4981 Gwcim.com

HOLISTIC PROMOTIONS EARTHLIGHT PROMOTIONS 703-401-9663 BeverlyNickerson@comcast.net EarthLightPromotions.com

Bringing back the indigenous wisdom to our modern world. Organizing sacred retreat, reconnect with nature and sacred sites travel. Promoting holistic healers, traditional ancient medicine and wellness workshops. See ad, page 14.

Washington, D.C.

908 New Hampshire Ave, NW, DC 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com

A clinic that effectively combines use of traditional and conventional evidence-based medical practices through a variety of complementary and alternative therapies and has many years of close collaboration with George Washington University Medical Center and a variety of physicians in most subspecialties. See ad, page 2.

SUSHMA HIRANI, MD SULTANA AFROOZ, DO

Info@WholePetCentral.com WholePetCentral.com

GW CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Classical Chinese medicine, Japanese-style acupuncture, pain and stress management, chronic issues, family care, women’s health, pregnancy, children, Kiiko Matsumoto-style acupuncture, moxibustion, integrative medicine. See ad, page 2.

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com Sushma Hirani, MD, specializes in functional and integrative medicine to treat chronic diseases. She has a special interest in women’s health care, natural hormone balancing, and detoxification. See ad, page 6.

INDIGO INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CLINIC 1010 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 660, DC 202-298-9131 IndigoHealthClinic.com

The body has an innate ability to heal itself and achieve balance from everyday stressors through non-toxic, non-aggressive and highly effective modalities. See ad, page 3.

ILANA SEIDEL, MD

GW Center for Integrative Medicine 908 New Hampshire Ave, Ste 200 202-833-5055 IlanaSeidelmd@gmail.com GWCIM.com Dr. Ilana Seidel’s approach with her patients focuses on their whole health while incorporating her background in functional medicine, Heartmath, osteopathy, Reiki and integrative medicine. See ad, page 2.

MIKHAIL KOGAN, MD

GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com

Dr. Kogan is Medical Director of GW Center for Integrative Medicine where he provides integrative consultations and primary care. In addition, he does geriatric consultations at GW University Hospital and makes home visits to frail patients. See ad, page 2.

ROSE WELLNESS CENTER

2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com • RoseWellness.com At Rose Wellness Center, we practice an integrative approach to medicine by combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine. Services include hormone balancing, acupuncture, allergy management (AAT), energy healing, specialty testing, and detoxification. See ad, page 6. .

MASSAGE

AT EASE: TRAGER AND MASSAGE Lisa Bregman 202-686-7202 LisaBregman@yahoo.com

Deep bodywork that uses rhythmic, wavelike movement to ease pain, joint and muscle tension, and release long-held uncomfortable movement and postural patterns. See ad, page 2.

MEDITATION HUGH BYRNE, PHD

NUTRITION EDUCATION

MIND-BODY THERAPY

JULIE WENDT

THE MINDFULNESS CENTER

JWendt@GWCIM.com GWCIM.com

301-986-1090 TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com TheMindfulnessCenter.org Empowering people to heal. Embracing optimal wellness. Mindfulness classes and services offered: yoga, meditation, tai chi, Nia, acupuncture, massage, Reiki, qigong, craniosacral, hypnosis and more. See ad, page 39.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS DR. KAI PARKER

The Institute of Multidimensional Medicine 202-429-3783 DrParker@timmed.com • DCMidwife.com With advanced training in Eastern and Western Medicine, Dr. Parker combines scientific knowledge with ancient wisdom to provide comprehensive care for all of her patients. See ad, page 12.

Hugh-Byrne.com

Mindfulness-based counseling and meditation instruction. Dr. Byrne teaches classes, retreats, and workshops on Buddhism and meditation in the Washington, D.C. area and nationwide and provides individual counseling.

MIDWIVES DR. KAI PARKER

The Institute of Multidimensional Medicine 202-429-3783 DrParker@timmed.com • DCMidwife.com As a licensed Homebirth Midwife, Kai Parker provides loving support and personalized care in all stages of pregnancy to women in the DC Metropolitan area. See ad, page 12.

NOVA NATURAL BIRTH CENTER

4200 A Technology Ct, Chantilly, VA 703-357-3808 • NovaBirthCenter.com PeggyFran@gmail.com

Beautiful, intimate, childbirth the way it was designed, naturally. See ad, page 24.

My work as a Nutrition Educator is focused on working in partnership with individuals who want or need to implement changes to their diet and lifestyle in order to achieve optimal health See ad, page 2.

NUTRITIONAL THERAPY ASK BABETTE AT NECK, BACK AND BEYOND

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-862-4612 • Info@AskBabette.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com Babette Lamarre, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, offers individualized recommendations for what to eat/how to live for maximum health and happiness given your particular life situation. See ad, page 37.

ORGANIC FOOD DELIVERY

MARIANNA LEDENAC, ND

Adult & Pediatric Naturopathic Medicine GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com Dr. Ledenac is a Naturopathic Physician in family medicine caring for adults and children. She has a special focus in weight management (body composition improvement), nutritional assessments, pediatrics and women’s health including fertility care. See ad, page 2.

WINTERGREEN ORGANICS

ZanaZ@WintergreenOrganics.com WintergreenOrganics.com We are your gateway to local, organic and natural farmers. We are your online grocery store. Sign up, click on your food to add to your cart, get delivered. It’s that easy. Life is good and healthy. See ad, page 29.

PERMACULTURE GROWING WILD, LLC

NUTRITION

Stephen Trauger 540-550-2355 • PermaSteve@gmail.com GrowingWildPermaculture.com

RAW LIVING D-LIGHT

571-471-2891 • Luzy@RawLivingDLight RawLivingDLight.com Alkaline foods to restore your health and nourish your body. Microgreens and sprouts, foods for superior health. Classes, workshops and private consultation. Available for lectures and home growing consultations. See ad, page 13.

We help you design, build and maintain sustainable systems that integrate the following concepts: Swales, natural soil building strategies, ponds, grey water systems, food production, roof water catchment, gardens, composting and much more.

REIKI LUANN JACOBS, SLP/RMT

Reiki-Biofeedback Practitioner GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com Luann provides treatments and trainings in the use of Reiki hands-on and biofeedback for self-care, and Reiki care of others. See ad, page 2.

natural awakenings

October 2015

SPIRITUAL LIVING

VETERINARIAN - HOLISTIC HOLISTIC VETERINARY HEALING

UNITY OF FAIRFAX

2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 703-281-1767 • Admin@UnityOfFairfax.org UnityOfFairfax.org Unity of Fairfax offers a welcoming, environment to explore one’s own relationship with God in a community of like-minded individuals.

THERAPEUTIC YOGA LINDA LANG

GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • TherapeuticYogaDC.com

Pema Choepel Mallu, DVM, CVA, M.Ac, L.Ac Kitty Raichura DVM, CVA 12627 Wisteria Dr, Ste C & D, Germantown 240-715-6570 HolisticVeterinaryHealing.com We offer integrative compassionate veterinary c a r e . We v i e w y o u r animal as a whole focusing on the root cause of dis-harmony for long-term healing. See ad, page 37.

VETERINARY HOLISTIC CARE 4820 Moorland Ln, Bethesda, MD 301-656-2882 Info@VHCdoc.com • VHCdoc.com

A highly experienced practitioner, certified in the medical, therapeutic arena of Cardiac Yoga. Specializing in chronic conditions and degenerative disease. Therapeutic yoga for special conditions and m e d i t a t i o n a r e o ff e r e d b y appointment with GW Center for Integrative Medicine. See ad, page 2.

A holisticveterinary clinic focused on keeping your pet healthy by promoting quality of life while providing excellent integrative medical care in an exceptional environment. See ad, page 14.

THERMOGRAPHY

YOGA

NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com

SUMONA YOGA COMPANY

Falls Church, VA 310-809-0418 YoginiDanceSumona@gmail.com YoginiDanceSumona.wix.com/sumonayoga

Neck Back & Beyond in Fairfax, VA, offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage, and thermography clinics. See ad, page 37.

Sumona Apsara Parii is a dedicated yoga teacher and Indian classical dancer. At present, Sumona is offering private instruction of yoga for women. See ad, page 24.

Natural Abundance

Help others in re-evaluating life goals. Advertise your products and services in Natural Awakenings’

November True Wealth Issue

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call 202-505-4835 54

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

YOGA WITH NYA

Nya@YogaWithNya.com YogaWithNya.com Nya Alemayhu is a yoga instructor in Washington, D.C., dedicated to building community through sharing the practice of yoga. Nya offers private instruction and workplace yoga. See ad, page 39.

Y’S ELEMENTS

202-246-9592 YaelFlusberg@gmail.com • YaelFlusberg.com Experienced yoga therapist/coach available for group and individual sessions drawing from a deep well of creative, somatic and reflective methods to help you flourish. See ad, page 2.

YOGA THERAPY EMOTIONAL EATING RETREATS

KalyaniPena@gmail.com WCYRetreat.wix.com/Emotional-Eating Longtime teacher Mary Irby leads week-long, all-Inclusive retreats that encourage transformation for people who are struggling with emotional overeating and eating disorders. See ad, page 29.

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Natural Awakenings recently won the prestigious FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review. To learn more, visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com awakenings October 2015 55

Visit muih.edu to register for free upcoming events and webinars

Degrees with Meaning for Careers with Purpose Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Programs Enrolling for January and September 2016 Maryland University of Integrative Health is one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only accredited graduate schools with an academic and clinical focus on health and wellness. Here, the ability to be self-reflective and cultivate a healing presence is as critical to your academic success as competence in your chosen field. MUIH offers graduate programs in: Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine | Herbal Medicine Health & Wellness Coaching | Health Promotion Nutrition and Integrative Health | Yoga Therapy

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