Natural Awakenings Boston August 2020

EE R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

No-Waste

CUISINE Tasty Choices for Overlooked Plants

NITRIC OXIDE

Boost Your Cardiovascular Health Now

MUSTAFA SANTIAGO ALI

on Applying Social Justice to the Environment

MINDFUL WALKING FOR WELL-BEING August 2020 | Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

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THE SELF-EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

SEPTEMBER

Emotional Well-Being plus: Adaptive Yoga

OCTOBER

Stress Management plus: Joint Health

Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services: Counseling/Therapy Energy Healing Life Coaches Hypnotherapy Holistic Health Care Providers Wellness Trainers Meditation & Inspirational Music Spas & Retreats Spiritual Practices Yoga Apparel & Gear ... and this is just a partial list!

THE DIABETES CHALLENGE ISSUE

NOVEMBER

Personalized Diabetes Strategies plus: Skin Care

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DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 10 eco tip 12 health briefs 12 health alert 13 global briefs 14 fit body 18 inspiration 20 conscious eating 24 plant medicine 28 classifieds 29 resource guide Due to the fluidity of the coronavirus situation and massive amounts of event cancellations, please visit our website for calendar listings. Please also be sure to confirm events prior to the date of the event.

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Natural Awakenings | Boston | August 2020 issue

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14

HOW AWE CAN TRANSFORM OUR LIVES

14 MINDFUL WALKING

Meditative Steps for Well-Being

16 MUSTAFA SANTIAGO ALI on Healing America Through Social Justice

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19 A BETTER CHOICE IN TREATING ORAL CONDITIONS Ozone Therapy in Dentistry

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24 FULL-SPECTRUM VERSUS DISTILLATE CANNABIS PRODUCTS

26 NITRIC OXIDE’S ROLE IN CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

NO-WASTE GARDEN EDIBLES Ways to Maximize Your Garden’s Bounty

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from the editor Awe-Inspiring Trip A year ago, my spouse and I decided that in the summer of 2020 we would take a cross-country trip in our Airstream.

Up until now, work and family-rearing responsibilities hadn’t allowed for extended time away together. Our plan was to spend a week in Yosemite in between two California work-related weekends in June, so at exactly 7 a.m., January 15, we were poised in front of our computers, ready to click “Reserve” the moment the reservation system opened up. (For anyone who has tried, campsites in Yosemite fill up within minutes six months in advance.) “Yes, we got one!” we cheered, and the planning began, knowing that outside of those two weekends we would be free to roam wherever our whims and fly rods took us.

Then COVID-19 hit. Then national parks and campgrounds closed. We weren’t sure if venturing outside our quarantined lives would be wise, but when stay-at-home orders were lifted and the country began to slowly open up, we decided to hit the road. We were hopeful that Yosemite would open in time, and besides, we craved some new scenery and could work remotely from anywhere for as long as we liked.

We left on Memorial Day, returned on the Fourth of July weekend, and every day in between was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Being in nature from the moment we woke up until the moment we laid our heads down was exactly what our COVID-weary souls required. Most of our days were spent on rivers where negative ions are generated in large quantities, entering our bloodstream and producing increased levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress and boost daytime energy. Trust me, it worked!

Hiking alongside Nevada Falls, in Yosemite, was absolutely majestic, but Jonah Paquette reminds us in “How Awe Can Transform Our Lives” on page 18 , that any moments that make us go, “Wow!” can be the very moments that lastingly change our lives for the better. Many of my “wow” moments came while sitting quietly listening to the birds or trying not to move in fear of scaring off a deer that nonchalantly ambled into our campsite.

Since re-entry to everyday life, I have experienced a sort of whiplash from its daily chores and responsibilities, media exposure and COVID rules and regulations that we were fortunate to get a break from while living in the woods. I recognize that while in nature it’s much easier to slow down, listen and just be; our “Mindful Walking” article, on page 14, teaches us that even a meditative walk on a high school track can help calm our spirits, too. In it, spiritual teacher, Carolyn Sinclair, in Houston, shares that “walking meditation allows us to be in the world, but not attached to the chaos and drama.” With chaos and drama at an all-time high right now, any opportunity to detach from it gets an enthusiastic welcome from me until I can pursue my wanderlust again.

Have an awe-some month!

Nancy Somera, Managing Editor

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August 2020

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news briefs Our pharmacy family has grown. Please visit:

Theatre Pharmacy

1784 Massachusetts Ave. Lexington, MA

781.862.4480

Eat Local MA Mobile App Launches for 2020 Campaign

Sustainable Business Network’s (SBN) fourth annual Eat Local MA campaign has been expanded from August through September this year. The campaign includes a number of online purchasing opportunities and virtual events that aim to increase marketing exposure for local food businesses during the economic crisis, encourage restaurants to source from local farms and fisheries, and incentivize consumers to purchase more food that is grown and harvested in Massachusetts and greater New England.

Starting this month, the campaign will feature the launch of the Eat Local MA mobile app, which will allow consumers to search for local food options including farmers’ markets, farm stands, fisheries and restaurants. By downloading the app and signing up to participate in Eat Local MA, participants are eligible to win prizes.

Participation is free for all groups. To win prizes, consumers will submit either pictures of their local food receipts or pictures at consumer-facing establishments. This campaign is meant for businesses that sell direct-to-consumer or farmers’ markets.

Cost: Free to participate; price of meals and food items vary.

Locations throughout Massachusetts. For more information, visit EatLocalMonthMA.com.

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news briefs

Get Ahead with Brain Training!

If your child struggles with:

• ADHD • Autism • Executive Function • Learning Issues • Anxiety • Depression • Behavioral Problems • School Refusal We Can Help!

Safe, effective, and drug free. Starting with a QEEG Brain Map, we create an individualized wellness plan that corrects brain imbalances and promotes sustained improvement.

See Dr. Ross on Facebook Live every other week

Boston GreenFest Pivots to Virtual to Bring the World to Boston

Freed from the constraints of time, Boston GreenFest 2020 Virtual will begin at midnight on August 20, and continuously run until 11:59 p.m., August 23, providing a novel experience for those wishing to explore environmental sustainability and green technologies through art, film, dance, music and more. Free and open to all internet users as well as cable TV viewers, this event will unite people across the planet to celebrate the progress made and the future envisioned.

Throughout the festival, guests can explore environmental issues and groundbreaking solutions. Documentaries will offer insights into current key topics. From the comforts of home, guests can explore fitness and food that will benefit both the body and planet, and chefs will demonstrate the joys of cooking sustainably.

For those trapped inside, Janice Goodman, owner of Cityscapes, a company greening up spaces across the Boston area, will speak about the benefits of plants and bringing nature back into peoples’ lives. Instructors, such as Sherry Zak Morris, co-founder of YogaJP, will demonstrate the power of movement through yoga. Guests can also watch as artists, such as the Jo-Mé Dance Company and Grammy-winner Joanne Shenandoah, take the virtual stage. At EcoFashion 2020, designers will show just how good sustainability can look.

Cost: Free. Location: Viewers can access content via Amazon Fire Stick, Roku and the online portal at BostonGreenFest.org.

For more information, visit BostonGreen Fest.org.

w Call Noree for a F lt Consu Special thanks to Dole & Bailey for supporting us with home delivery in their customer orders.

We appreciate you very much!

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Instead of its annual Customer Appreciation Day, Johnson Compounding & Wellness (JCW), in Waltham, is holding a week-long event to thank its customers while keeping everyone as safe as possible. During the week of August 24 to 30, all online and phone orders will be eligible for a 20 percent discount.

JCW provides three ways to place a Customer Appreciation virtual order: online at Shop.NaturalCompounder.com, email your order to CA@Natural Compounder.com (they will call for credit card information) or call 781893-3870, x3.

When orders are ready, customers will receive a call for parking lot or store pickup, or orders can be shipped directly. Keep in mind that some items may be out of stock, but when they arrive the 20 percent discount will be applied.

For more information, visit Natural Compounder.com. See ad on page 27 and Resource Guide on page 30.

news briefs

Participate in Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival in the West of Paramahansa Yogananda and his founding of SelfRealization Fellowship (SRF), the 2020 Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation, a free global online spiritual gathering, will be presented from August 9 through 15. This event will bring thousands of seekers together for spiritual renewal and upliftment during these challenging times and an immersion in the yoga meditation teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda (Autobiography of a Yogi), widely regarded as the father of yoga in the West. All sessions will be free, led by SRF monks and nuns, and livestreamed on the organization’s website.

This spiritual gathering will provide strength, solace and spiritual guidance to seekers through the power of group meditations, united prayer, kirtan and talks on the yoga teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, who through his many books and recordings, has introduced millions to India’s timeless science of the soul.

The event, ideal for those that are new to meditation or want to deepen existing practices, is a practical way to explore yoga meditation with one of the oldest and most respected yoga organizations in the country and meditate online in real time with like-minded yogis worldwide.

For more information or to register (required), call 323-225-2471 or visit Yogananda.org/ convo2020. See ad on page 8.

eco tip

Don’t Sweat It

Eco-Friendly Home-Cooling Tips Summer is here, prompting homeowners to crank up their air conditioners, but that can bump up electricity bills and strain the environment. Here are some eco-friendly tips to stay cool at home with minimal or zero use of the AC. Fans to the Rescue During daylight hours when outside temperatures are highest, close all windows to seal out the humidity and heat. Open them at night to expel hot air and welcome the night’s fresh breezes. To speed up ventilation, place a window fan on the east side of the house blowing in to pull in cooler night air, and another window fan on the west side blowing out to expel warm air.

Ceiling fans are great, but technically, they cool people, not the house, so there’s no need to run them in empty rooms. Set the 10

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rotation counterclockwise to push air down and at the fastest setting for maximum relief. Fan blades collect dust; regular wiping is recommended to maintain good air quality. Blade size and angles matter—choose those big enough for the room, set at 12-to-15degree angles.

Sun Blockers White reflects heat and black absorbs it. Paint the roof white or another light shade and insulate attic floors to keep from transferring heat into living spaces. The sun’s effect intensifies as it radiates through windows. Shutters, awnings and external blinds will keep unwanted heat outside, as can strategically placed trees and shrubs that shade east- and west-facing windows. Reflective or sun- control film on windows reduces solar heat and keeps out ultraviolet rays. Close curtains (preferably with white backs) in any room that gets direct sunlight.

Too Hot for Summer Replace heat-generating items around the house with cooler alternatives. Choose eco-friendly LED lights instead of traditional, hot-to-the-touch lightbulbs. Hang-dry clothes in the sun rather than running the dryer. Grab the slow-cooker, Instant Pot or outdoor barbecue and give the oven a break. Ditch the dishwasher’s heated drying option; choose the air-dry cycle instead.

AC TLC On a scorching day, the air conditioner may be the only option.

Replace an old unit with a newer, high-efficiency model and invest in a smart thermostat that can be programmed based on daily schedules and weather conditions. Dirty filters use much more energy than clean ones, so replace or clean them regularly.

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Virtual Customer Appreciation Week

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Text NABOSTON to 22828 to get started!

It’s That Easy.

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August 2020

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Children and young adults diagnosed with celiac disease have been found with elevated blood levels of toxic chemicals found in pesticides, nonstick cookware and fire retardants, reports a new study from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine published in Environmental Research.

Researchers analyzed levels of toxic chemicals in the blood of 30 children and young adults ages 3 to 21 after being diagnosed with celiac disease. They compared those results to those of 60 other young people of similar age, sex and race.

Girls with higher than normal exposure to pesticides known as dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylenes were at least eight times more likely to have celiac disease. If they had elevated levels of perfluoroalkyls (nonstick chemicals found in products like Teflon), they were five to nine times more likely to have the disease. Boys were twice as likely to receive a celiac diagnosis if they had elevated blood levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (fire-retardant chemicals).

Increase Focus by Reducing Saturated Fat Eating a meal heavy in saturated fat can hinder the ability to concentrate, even five hours later, a new study from the Ohio State University College of Medicine shows. Researchers tested 51 women on computer games that measured attention spans and response times, and then fed them a 930-calorie meal that mimicked the fare of fastfood restaurants. For half the subjects, their meal was cooked in saturated fat, and for the others it was cooked with sunflower oil that is high in unsaturated fat. Five hours later, the women that ate the saturated fat meal had erratic and slower response times on the 10-minute concentration tests and they were less able to maintain their attention.

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The more a couple shares affectionate hugs, kisses and cuddles, the more satisfied they are in the marriage, a new study from the State University of New York at Binghamton shows. It tested 184 heterosexual couples on the effects of non-sexual intimate touching like holding hands or cuddling while watching TV rather than actions intended to lead to sex. The more affection the couples routinely experienced, the more they felt satisfied with their partners’ touch, even if they had “avoidant attachment styles” and ordinarily were more reserved with physical displays of affection. “Interestingly, there’s some evidence that holding your partner’s hand while you’re arguing de-escalates the argument and makes it more productive,” says lead author Samantha Wagner.

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Avoid Toxic Chemicals to Prevent Celiac Disease

Hug a Mate for a Happy Relationship

health alert

Fake Sanitizers Containing Methanol Being Sold in U.S.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its investigation and public safety warnings concerning fake sanitizers being sold in the U.S. Instead of ethanol (i.e. ethyl alcohol), the fraudulent sanitizers contain methanol which is an extremely dangerous chemical that can cause nausea, headaches, coma, permanent blindness and damage to the nervous system and even death. Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is not an acceptable active ingredient for sanitizers.

The labels of the fake products may include “FDA-approved,” yet the FDA doesn’t approve sanitizers. Some of these bootlegs have extravagant claims such as 24-hour effects or the ability to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Consumers that have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol and are experiencing symptoms should seek immediate treatment for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.

HAND SANITIZER

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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health briefs

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global briefs

Bug Bites

Bumblebees Chew Leaves to Hasten Pollen Production

When trying to establish colonies in early spring, bees rely on flower pollen as a protein source for raising their young. Consuelo De Moraes, a chemical ecologist and entomologist at Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, in Switzerland, reported in Science that at least three species of bumblebees use their mouth parts to snip little confetti bits out of plant foliage, and that the biting gets more widespread when there’s a pollen shortage. Experiments show that mustard and tomato plants nibbled by Bombus terrestris bees bloomed earlier than unbitten plants by days or weeks. In a cagedbee test, bumblebees trapped with non-blooming plants were more likely to poke holes in foliage after three days without pollen than a bee group buzzing among plentiful flowers. When researchers switched the bees’ situations, those trapped without blooms started nibbling leaves, too. Professor of Biology Dave Goulson, at the University of Sussex, in England, says, “I can imagine that hungry bees unable to find flowers might try biting leaves in desperation.”

Pretty Kitty

Rory Mccann

Some Animals Garner Lion’s Share of Conservation Donations

Sarah Papworth, a conservation biologist at the University of London, and artist Rory McCann designed a menagerie of imaginary beasts to find out which animals people were most willing to support. “Donations are really key to a lot of institutions,” says Diogo Veríssimo, a conservation biologist with the nonprofit San Diego Zoo Global. “Without them, many of the largest conservation organizations would struggle to survive.” It is common knowledge that people favor those they find adorable—tigers over turtles, for instance—but no one knows exactly which physical and nonphysical features motivate donors. From all the different body shapes, sizes, colors, eye positions and furriness, hundreds of past conservation donors ranked the imaginary species. Animals that were larger and more colorful were most likely to solicit donations, as reported in Conservation Letters. But it turns out that cuteness is not the only thing that matters, because the formula doesn’t account for the impact of popular culture. A study in Poland found that proboscis monkeys, once labeled the world’s ugliest primate, received a surge in donations through crowdfunding after starring in popular memes poking fun at their appearance.

Maybe there really is no such thing as bad publicity.

Cooling Towers More Nuclear Reactors on the Way

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is spending $230 million this fiscal year to start building two new prototype nuclear reactors over the next seven years as part of an Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.

Both will be built in equal partnership with an industrial firm and could receive up to $4 billion in funding from the DOE. Commercial nuclear generators supply 20 percent of U.S. electrical power and 50 percent of our carbon-free energy. The inventory comprises 96 reactors, down from 113 in the early 1990s. More reactors are slated to close, and the nuclear industry’s share of the electricity supply is expected to fall, yet engineers continue to develop designs for reactors they say will be safer and more efficient. Proponents of nuclear power doubt the program will spur construction of new commercial reactors as long as natural gas and renewable energy remain relatively cheap. Robert Rosner, a physicist at the University of Chicago, says, “New builds can’t compete with renewables.”

Open your eyes, look within.

Are you satisfied with the life you’re living? ~Bob Marley Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

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fit body

Mindful Walking Meditative Steps for Well-Being

by Marlaina Donato

The health benefits of walking, such as stress reduction, improved joint mobility, lower blood pressure and increased oxygen, are well known, but walking or hiking with a meditative focus offers some other unexpected perks. Mindful walking that fosters focus on each step can combat depression, anxiety and unhealthy food cravings by boosting neurotransmitters. Studies from the University of Exeter, in England, reveal that chocolate cravings and consumption are reduced after just a 15-minute walk, and a German study found overweight people that walked briskly for 15 minutes had less desire for sugary snacks.

A 2016 study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that meditative walking for 30 minutes three times a week reduced arterial stiffness and the stress hormone cortisol in a 12-week period. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes also had healthier blood sugar levels.

Further, the group that employed mindful walking exhibited significant improvement compared to the control group that engaged in regular, non-meditative walking.

Mindful Me-Time

Like seated meditation, meditative walking fosters mind-body awareness that can nourish the spirit. “Some of the world’s greatest artists, like Johann Sebastian Bach and William Blake, were well aware of this, and spent much time on long walks exploring their inner worlds,” says Reino Gevers, of Majorca, Spain. The author of Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul, he sees walking meditation as an invitation to tap into the bigger matrix of life. “Deep walking, also pilgrimage walking, is spending time alone in nature to walk off the things that are weighing heavy on your shoulders. These could be hurtful and traumatic events like the loss of a family member, divorce or financial loss. While practicing mindful walking, there is a reconnection to the natural rhythm of life.”

Meditative walking calms the amygdala, the portion of the brain that can become hyper-reactive from trauma and keep us in the loop of anxiety. Introduced to meditative 14

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walking by a spiritual teacher, Carolyn Sinclair, in Houston, found deep healing from depression after a devastating divorce.

“Even though I knew tai chi, qigong and sitting meditation, I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow, couldn’t sleep and wasn’t eating,” says Sinclair, who relinquished all medications after six months of taking mindful steps. Today, she blogs at WalkingMeditation.com and attributes her capacity to feel joy and her improved emotional resilience to the practice. “We cannot stay in sitting meditation all day long, and life will always throw us a curve ball,” she says.

“Walking meditation allows us to be in the world, but not attached to the chaos and drama. This form of meditation helps train the mind to reside in the present moment during our everyday activities.”

Resetting Body and Soul

Going for a mindful walk can cultivate sensory nuance, especially to changing angles of sunlight and the dance of turning seasons. Psychologist Hugh O’Donovan, in Cork, Ireland, the author of Mindful

Walking: Walk Your Way to Mental and Physical Well-Being, says, “The body is a powerful instrument of connection. It appears too simple, but this is a necessary aspect of mindful walking for the beginner right through to the more experienced practitioner. It is in this slowing down that you begin to notice.” In 2015, he traversed the entire length of his native country and was reminded, he says, that “In this mindful walking space, the world can come alive at every sensory level. You can see the colors, the textures, the contrasts, the shade, the magic.”

Gevers concurs, “There is a major difference in just walking for exercise and deep walking. When you do mindful walking, you open your senses to the world around you. What do you smell, hear and feel?”

Buddha Steps

Mindful walking begins with communing with each step, heelto-toe, on Mother Earth. “The beauty of walking meditation is that once it becomes a habit, we can bring it everywhere, naturally,” emphasizes Sinclair.

O’Donovan, whose mantra is, “Show up, slow down and notice”, inspires us all when he says, “You might think, ‘I’ve seen grass a million times; I know grass,’ but this limits the possibility to know in a deeper way. Grass is not just grass when you walk mindfully.”

Marlaina Donato is a composer and body-mind-spirit author. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

TIPS ON MEDITATIVE WALKING From Carolyn Sinclair: n Find a safe, quiet place to walk. A park, your yard, in nature is best, but you can even choose a mall before the stores open. n Set aside a specific amount of time to walk and start with 10- or 15-minute increments. n Wear shoes and set your gaze about 12 to 15 feet angled toward the ground in front of you. Relax. Keep arms and shoulders loose; head and neck in alignment. n Observe the smell of the earth, flowers and trees. Feel the moisture in the air and how it effects your skin; recognize the temperature. Notice how you maintain balance as you walk; how a rock and uneven surfaces feel underfoot. n Notice any tension without trying to change it—just observe and avoid analyzing, comparing or editing. n Experience the sensation of feeling the soles of the feet as each foot touches the ground. One shouldn’t be fooled by its simplicity. The mind will always wander; consequently, it’s not necessary to try to stop the mind from thinking. All that is needed is to bring attention back to feeling the soles of the feet, again and again. They contain energy meridian lines and

acupuncture and chakra points that communicate energetically to every cell and every organ of the body. n Avoid headphones or music whenever possible. With mindfulness, you will be tapping into the music of your sole/soul and experience peace and tranquility. n If you don’t have time to go out, practice in the living room, going slowly in a clockwise direction, or walk down a hallway in your home or office. n Something miraculous happens when we bring our awareness to the feet. This is one of the deepest secrets of the Buddha. Bring your awareness to the soles of your feet when grocery shopping or when you are standing in line at the bank. Always bring your awareness to the soles of your feet, even when sitting at a desk or waiting in the doctor’s office.

From Reino Gevers: n Start with a short 10- to 15-minute walk and do it every day of every week. You will soon begin to notice the positive effects on body and mind. If you put yourself under pressure by wanting to do too much too soon, you will inevitably fail and get frustrated. It’s a small change in one’s daily habit that has an enormous positive impact.

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August 2020

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Mustafa Santiago Ali on Healing America Through Social Justice

by Sandra Yeyati Mustafa Santiago Ali has dedicated his career to fighting for environmental justice, public health, resource equity and political empowerment to uplift the most vulnerable communities in America. For 24 years, he served at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is currently vice president of environmental justice, climate and community revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation. He is a renowned public speaker and has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, VICE TV, Black Entertainment Television, Democracy Now! and other networks.

Does the Black Lives Matter movement feel different than other moments in our history?

Yes. This is a transformational moment. So many different types of folks are coming together in large numbers, not just in our country, but across the planet, saying that change has to happen and we have to eliminate systemic racism and discrimination.

They want the 21st century to look like the 21st century, and not something from the 1950s or the 1940s or even the 1960s.

federal, state, county or local level—are reflective of what people are asking for. Then we focus on getting engaged in the civic process—voting.

Dr. King said, “I cannot pass legislation to make you love me, but I can pass legislation to stop you from lynching me.” When we fast forward that to today, we can pass legislation that addresses social ills, disparities and other egregious types of behaviors. We can also make sure that our organizations are representative of what America looks like—in our hiring practices and on our boards—and make sure that our philanthropic organizations are moving in the right direction where they are helping to fund and support folks who are doing this transformative work. It really is a holistic set of actions.

How do you remain hopeful in light of America’s turbulent history?

How can we keep the momentum going?

I see many artists and entertainers who are getting engaged in an effective way, and they have the ability to reach so many folks.

Even more critical are the thousands upon thousands of incredible young leaders who are pushing, willing to put their bodies on the line, creating their own organizations and investing their time to make real change happen.

By bringing all kinds of different folks together, building authentic coalitions that are rooted in change, harvesting the energy of this moment and making sure that the right types of legislation—whether at the

I see people at the local and state level changing laws that have been entrenched for decades. I see organizations that would not normally see themselves in these types of conversations or actions saying, “You are

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right. I apologize for not being here sooner, but we’re going to do everything we can now to stand in solidarity with this change that’s happening.” My hope is anchored in the fact that people are already doing the work and we’re seeing fruits from the seeds that people planted sometimes hundreds of years ago, but definitely decades ago.

What kind of justice are you fighting for?

We’re fighting for housing, transportation, economic and public health justice, and of course, the environment.

Which vulnerable communities are you fighting for?

I fight for communities of color. I fight for lower-wealth white communities. I fight for indigenous brothers and sisters. And I fight for the planet. I know that disproportionately, these are the communities that are often unseen and unheard, and I know if we can give voice to those communities, then it will benefit everyone. Social justice gives us the opportunity to make America whole—to be stronger and better, as we become anchored in real justice. We have to be focused on moving our most vulnerable communities from surviving to thriving.

What is your contribution to the National Wildlife Federation?

I sat down with President Collin O’Mara to have real conversations about what a 21st-century organization and their 6 million members would look like. I thought that if I could get 10 or 20 percent of those members to embrace environmental justice and to stand in solidarity with folks, then that could help the movement and make real change happen. The National Wildlife Federation board has just approved a full environmental justice analysis of all of its programs, policies, activities and budgeting decisions. No other organization in our country does that, and it sends a clear message to all the other organizations that are out there that these are the types of things you have to do to be a 21st-century organization.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a freelance writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

August 2020

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inspiration

How Awe Can Transform Our Lives

by Jonah Paquette

What do you feel when you gaze up at the night sky, listen to a soul-stirring piece of music or witness an act of great courage or inspiration? What happens in your body, and what emotions arise, when you come face-to-face with these sorts of moments?

This feeling—often complete with goosebumps and a shiver down the spine—is known as awe. And as it turns out, this underappreciated and often misunderstood emotion just might hold the key to a happy, meaningful and healthy life.

Although we might think of awe as a rare experience, awe-inspiring moments are all around us. We don’t have to climb to the summit of Mount Everest or stand atop the Eiffel Tower to reap the many benefits of awe. Instead, we can learn to

notice the changing colors of the leaves, truly see the joy in a child’s eyes or allow ourselves to be uplifted by the kindness of a stranger. When we do, it not only feels good in the moment—it actually can change life in lasting and profound ways.

In fact, cutting-edge research has shown that awe holds many benefits, ranging from improved mental health, stronger immune systems, increased compassion, strengthened social bonds and much more. In short, the moments that make us go, “Wow!” can be the very moments that lastingly change our lives for the better.

Here are some ways we can find more awe in our daily life:

Seek out nature: Connect to the natural

world, even by just visiting a local park, and notice the beauty all around.

Appreciate the good: Slow down and appreciate the small stuff—the aroma of morning coffee, time with loved ones, having a roof over our heads or even just the breath.

Look for inspiration: The current challenges around the world have also shown some of the best of humanity. Spend time learning about the people making a difference and experience a sense of awe through their courage.

Expand the mind: Learning about

mind-expanding topics like astronomy, the human brain or anything else that captures the imagination can be a great way to harness a feeling of awe.

Foster connection: The next time we’re with the people we love, take a moment to appreciate how awe-inspiring it is to have the capacity to love and forge bonds the way that we do.

Jonah Paquette is a psychologist, author and international speaker specializing in the science of happiness and well-being. His newest book, Awestruck, explores how moments of awe and wonder can transform our lives. For more information, visit JonahPaquette.com.

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A Better Choice in Treating Oral Conditions Ozone Therapy in Dentistry

by Amparo David Ozone is a chemical tool that has been used in medicine and dentistry for many years now. Ozone is found naturally in Earth’s stratosphere and is comprised of three oxygen atoms. Initially discovered in the early 1800s, ozone has been experimented with given its bacteriostatic properties. Ozone is often used in cleaning supplies to disinfect settings such as buildings or hospitals, but rarely are people aware of its use by healthcare professionals for a patient’s benefit.

Ozone is available in three different forms. This includes gas, liquid and oil. Ozone can be infused into drinking water with favorable outcomes. Through ingestion of ozone water, the ozone effectively kills harmful bacteria and viruses that could reside in the body. For this reason, ozone makes for a perfect pre-rinse for patients at the dental office. Restorative dental procedures involving the drill, or hygiene procedures involving a cavitron, produce dental aerosol. Dental aerosol contains particles of water and a patient’s saliva contents in a fine mist produced through the activation of these tools. By pre-rinsing with ozonated water, harmful viruses and bacteria within the mouth will be eliminated and the dental aerosol produced is less harmful to be exposed to.

Ozone in its gaseous form is often used in the dental setting. This type of ozone is formed with the use of oxygen within tanks that flow through an ozone generator. Gaseous ozone is an incredible component in dental procedures, especially hygiene procedures including scaling and root planning. These deep-cleaning procedures are indicated when a patient’s gum tissue is inflamed due to a high accumulation of plaque biofilm containing harmful species of bacteria. The scaling procedure is meant to remove the harmful bacteria to allow gum tissue to heal and become healthy again.

In some cases, a deep scaling alone will not produce a strong outcome due to a patient’s underlying health conditions. This could include health conditions like diabetes. Health conditions that compromise the body’s ability to fight infection make gum disease a higher risk. By utilizing ozone during the deep-cleaning process, the procedure becomes more effectual in removing more harmful bacteria and inhibiting plaque formation that will eat away at the gums and bone in the mouth.

Another condition that affects oral health is oral lichen planus.

This is an inflammatory condition that affects the soft tissue in the mouth and can result in painful open sores. Studies have shown that by incorporating gaseous or liquid ozone to the sores, the healing process to close the wounds is significantly faster. Patients also report that pain is managed well during and after the administration of ozone on open lesions. Those that suffer from

oral lichen planus would often be prescribed steroidal medication, which can be harsh on the liver when processing it. Now that ozone therapy has been proven to treat this condition without harmful side effects, it could replace steroidal treatment altogether for this condition and others that are similar.

As mentioned earlier, ozone can be a better choice in treating oral conditions as opposed to other options that are not biocompatible for the body. One major therapy in dentistry is fluoride, and ozone has been shown to be effective in replacing this therapy as well. Fluoride has always been recommended for its anti-cavity qualities, but studies have revealed fluoride can be harmful to a patient’s biology. Although it does help manage cavity prevention, additional fluoride applications at the dentist can result in an excess amount that lingers in the body. Because of this build-up of fluoride in the body, they will start to attach themselves to hormone receptors and prevent the natural movement of hormones throughout the body. This results in poor functioning of the organs involved, especially the thyroid gland.

The good news is we have a biocompatible mechanism to prevent cavities that no longer involves fluoride. Furthermore, ozone has the ability to kill the harmful bacteria in the mouth, including the species involved with the breakdown of tooth enamel that leads to cavities. By simply rinsing with ozone water, receiving gaseous ozone therapy or using ozonated oil in the mouth periodically, the risk of cavities is greatly reduced.

In conclusion, ozone has slowly been incorporated in dental settings and is taking the place of other therapies due to its biocompatible properties. Because ozone therapy can by utilized in almost all aspects of dentistry, it makes for a reliable form of treatment. When administered correctly, ozone is a safer mechanism in removing infection-causing bacteria. This is ideal when treating open lesions from both health conditions and surgical procedures or simply to prevent cavities. As time progresses, ozone will hopefully be considered a common accessory to needed dental treatments.

Dr. Amparo M. David, DMD, has her own practice, Dentistry by Dr. David, located at 563 Main St., Bolton, where she practices general and cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. She also has completed a residency in dental sleep medicine and sleep apnea and is able to assist some of her patients with this common problem. For more information, call 978-779-2888 or visit BoltonDental.com. See ad on page 18 and Resource Guide on page 30.

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August 2020

19

conscious eating

No-Waste Garden Edibles

Ways to Maximize Your Garden’s Bounty

by April Thompson

Most gardens are loaded with delicious, nutritious food that goes uneaten and overlooked, from edible greens like sweet potato leaves to flavorful flowers like tulips, marigolds and wisteria. Getting better acquainted with the edible parts of common backyard plants opens up a world of culinary possibilities. With continued concerns around potential exposure to COVID-19, maximizing a garden’s bounty while minimizing trips to the grocery store is an added benefit.

“Food foraged from your backyard is fresher, tastier and cheaper than storebought food,” says Ellen Zachos, the Santa Fe author of Backyard Foraging: 65 Familiar Plants You Didn’t Know You Could Eat. “There is also the novelty factor. People don’t expect to be served a BBQ sauce made from crabapples or a curd made with flowering quince fruit. You simply can’t buy those flavors.”

Many plants and trees commonly thought of as being ornamental have edible parts.

Hostas are a common one that Zachos loves to nibble on as much as the deer do.

“You can harvest at a couple stages: First, when spears are poking up and the leaves have not unfurled. A little later in the season, you can blanch them and put in a stir fry or quiche, or roast them as you would asparagus,” explains Zachos.

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Roses are another multipurpose ornamental, with organically grown rose petals making aromatic additions to sweet or spicy treats. Leaving the roses to decay after the first frost rather than dead-heading them yields rose hips rich in vitamin C for teas and jams.

Tip-to-Root Eating Several common vegetables are edible from leaf to root, including broccoli, beets, chard and radishes, says Josh Singer, a garden specialist with the U.S. Department of Parks and Recreation, in Washington, D.C., who teaches classes on “alternative edibles” from the garden. “One of my favorite recipes is a hummus made with chard stalks in place of chickpeas. It’s so creamy and delicious.”

Singer also cites borage, passionflower and squash flowers as favorite floral foods.

“Unfortunately, it does mean making a hard choice between having beautiful flowers in your garden and eating them,” he adds. “It can also mean the plant not producing fruit or vegetables, but you can hand-pollinate female flowers in the case of squash and just use the male flowers for cooking. They make delicious fritters.”

Marie Viljoen, author of Forage, Harvest, Feast: A Wild-Inspired Cuisine cookbook,

has one tip for daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva) that overagressively multiply: eat them. “Daylilies are nose-to-tail eating: their tender, cooked shoots are as melt-in-your-mouth as leeks, and their firm, underground tubers are delicious snacks, raw or cooked. I like to roast them with olive oil, like mini-home fries,” says the New York City forager, instructor and chef. “Their buds are juicy snacks and their open, fresh flowers are edible—and stunning in a salad—but so are the older, dried flowers, the so-called ‘golden needles’ that one can sometimes find in Chinese stores.” Viljoen cautions that a small percentage of people have a bad reaction to daylilies, and they should be eaten in moderation, especially when trying them for the first time.

Lindsay-Jean Hard, a food writer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and author of Cooking with Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, and Stems into Delicious Meals, points out some common fruits with edible greens. Strawberry greens can be used to make a pesto or flavor water. Tomato leaves can flavor a tomato sauce (sparingly, as they pack a strong taste)—a tip found in Harold McGee’s On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen.

Carrot tops and celery leaves also make great pesto, says Tama Matsuoka Wong, a New Jersey forager, chef and author of Foraged Flavor: Finding Fabulous Ingredients in Your Backyard or Farmer’s Market. While pea shoots have gotten to be a trendy item on many menus, Wong says they have long been an off-menu item at Chinese restaurants. “You won’t find it on the menu, but Chinese people eat pea shoots instead of beans all winter long, often stir fried with sesame oil, garlic and bamboo shoots.”

Many scrappy cooks know to use garden produce that fails to ripen before the season ends or bolts too soon. Singer uses unripe tomatoes to make green tomato chili, muffins and bread, whereas Hard likes working with flowers from bolted herbs and greens, including arugula, basil, chives, chervil, kale, sage, rosemary and others. “I mainly use them as garnishes, but every year, I make a batch of chive blossom vinegar,” she says.

Leaving a plant like cilantro to bolt and flower not only feeds pollinators, but also provides free spices at the season’s end, says Singer. Simply let cilantro dry on the stalk, then gather the seed pods for home-harvested coriander seeds. Letting annuals go to seed (and saving the seeds) provides the start for next year’s food plot.

April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

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August 2020

21

Flower-ful Feasts

Daylily Salad This strikingly beautiful salad marries the sweet crunch of pea pods with crisp orange daylily petals and creamy cheese.

Eat the flowers in moderation.

6 daylily flowers (Hemerocallis fulva) 2 cups snap peas or fresh garden peas in pods 2 Tbsp soft goat cheese (can substitute vegan cheese or leave out for a vegan version) 2 tsp toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp aged balsamic vinegar 2 field garlic flower heads, separated With a sharp knife, slit some of the flowers down the middle. (Remove the anthers and the pistil if following traditional Chinese preparation.) Top and tail the peapods if they have strings.

Split half of them down the middle to expose the peas.

Kale Stem Hummus Yields: 6-8 servings 1 cup dried chickpeas 1 tsp baking soda Stems from 1 bunch kale 3 garlic cloves, minced ⅔ cup tahini 1 tsp fine-grain sea salt ⅔ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Ice water Extra-virgin olive oil for serving The night before making the hummus, put the chickpeas in a large bowl, cover them with at least twice their volume of water and leave to soak overnight at room temperature.

The next day, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Put them, along with the baking soda, in a medium-size pot over high heat.

Stir constantly for about 3 minutes.

Add 6 to 8 cups water until the chickpeas are covered by a few inches, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot and simmer until the chickpeas are very tender—45 to 60 minutes—checking on them occasionally to skim off any foam on the surface.

Skim off any chickpea skins that float up as well, but there’s no need to try to remove the skins if they don’t come off. They were softened by the baking soda and will blend smoothly into the hummus.

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Meanwhile, fill another medium-size pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the kale stems and cook until they are very tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Drain them.

Arrange the peas and flowers on a plate.

If using cheese, crumble and scatter across the salad. At this point, the salad can be covered and chilled to make it ahead of time.

Blend the kale stems, garlic and tahini in a food processor, scraping down the sides as necessary until well blended.

To serve, drizzle first the sesame oil, then the soy and balsamic vinegar, across the top. Finish with the field garlic flowers.

Serve within 10 minutes.

Once the chickpeas are cooked, drain them, add them to the kale stem mixture in the food processor along with the salt and lemon juice, and process until smooth.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Forage, Harvest, Feast: A Wild-Inspired Cuisine by Marie Viljoen, (Chelsea Green Publishing).

Add 2 tablespoons of ice water and process until the hummus is very smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add up to 2 additional tablespoons, one at a time, and process again as necessary.

To serve, spoon into a shallow bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

Note: The hummus can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. After thawing frozen hummus, we might need to adjust the seasoning—taste and add salt and lemon juice as necessary. Also, try this hummus with other scraps like Swiss chard stalks or cauliflower cores. Follow the same cooking method as outlined, boiling until very tender, 15 to 30 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Cooking with Scraps, by Lindsay-Jean Hard.

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

SEPTEMBER

THE SELF-EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

Coming Next Month

Emotional Well-Being

THANK YOU

To the healthcare professionals who are risking their lives during this epidemic, thank you for fighting COVID-19 on the front lines.

Plus: Adaptive Yoga

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August 2020

23

PLANT MEDICINE

Full-Spectrum Versus Distillate Cannabis Products

by Matthew Herrold A national observance of the cannabis market reveals that as state cannabis industries mature, consumer preferences for full-spectrum products often rise while distillate products remain popular.

Charlie Yon, director of operations at Native Sun Wellness and formerly the director of operations at CommCan Inc, shares that some Massachusetts dispensaries have begun to offer full-spectrum edibles. Thus far, the majority of edibles available in Massachusetts dispensaries have been infused with cannabis distillate or isolate. “That’s what the patients want—full spectrum cannabinoids in a non-smokable option,” Yon says. He speculates that consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of full spectrums of cannabinoids and terpenes and suggests that some people may have distillate fatigue.

Eminent consulting firm’s co-founder and cannabis educator, Emma Chasen, whose company provides scientific-based educational initiatives to both consumers and companies, explains why people should care about the difference between full spectrum and distillate products. She says, “If you care about the kind of experience you will have with a cannabis product, you should care about the extraction methodology used to produce that product.”

Full spectrum and distillate products are created with different extraction methodology. Chasen explains, “Full spectrum and distillate products have quite a different range and diversity of compounds present in the product itself. With the understanding that greater compound diversity equates to greater therapeutic value, the extraction methodology used to make distillate, full spectrum, or isolate will have a dramatic impact on the overall experience that you will have when consuming cannabis.”

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The Differences

According to Chasen, full spectrum retains the unique fingerprint of the plant material used to produce that product.

This means that a large range of cannabinoids and terpenes are present in the product. Distillate requires a thermal distillation process that fractions compounds from each other and results in thermal degradation of terpenes, often leaving a high concentration of one cannabinoid—typically tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—with lower concentrations of other minor cannabinoids present.

Distillate products with terpenes mix the terpenes into an extraction that’s been distilled separately where full spectrum extractions can keep terpenes and cannabinoids together throughout the process. For distillate products, terpenes must be extracted from cannabis, set aside and mixed back in. The terpenes mixed into distillate products are not necessarily from the same cannabis

cultivar, or as many would say the same cannabis strain.

Two potential advantages of distillate products that Chasen points out are that distillate products have very high cannabinoid concentrations, and leave little cannabis taste when making cannabis edibles. “So in cases where very high cannabinoid concentrations are preferable, or when an option without cannabis taste or odor is ideal, a distillate product may be a good choice,” she suggests.

Full-spectrum products, Chasen says, “have greater therapeutic value, as the cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically to encourage the highest potential for therapeutic efficacy.”

The strongly supported entourage effect theory, a proposed mechanism by which cannabis compounds other than (THC) act synergistically with it to modulate the overall psychoactive effects of the plant, agrees with her. For example, CBD can reduce the high from THC. That’s because CBD is known to block the production of a more potent form of THC in the

liver as it is metabolized after consumption. This can allow some patients and consumers to consume higher amounts of THC with a reduced high and uncomfortable feelings.

There are also more potentially helpful synergies between terpenes and cannabinoids. Full spectrum offers a complex mixture of up to hundreds of these compounds. “That’s one reason why terpenes may be added to distillate,” Chasen says.

“There’s still a lot left to learn.”

Weighing Options

When determining which is better, Chasen offers this advice. “First check in with yourself about what kind of experience you would like to have with cannabis. How do you want to feel from consuming cannabis? What is important to you in regards to the experience? Is it more about the feeling, the taste, the consumption method, or all of the above?”

This information will allow individuals to have a better idea of their cannabis goals, which can then be shared with their budtender or patient care consul-

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tant at a local dispensary. This will allow for more informed product recommendations based on the desired experience. In Massachusetts, these cannabis employees are known as dispensary agents. It is also a good idea to ask different dispensary agents the same question. In this way, patients and consumers can learn a lot of helpful information.

For information on how to become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient, read Accessing Cannabis Medicine During COVID-19 from Natural Awakenings Boston’s July edition.

For more information on Eminent Consulting Firm, visit EminentConsultingFirm.com.

Companies that work with Eminent learn how to build their business model with a craft cannabis ethos and how to install education into the core of their brands.

Matthew Herrold is a certified wellness program coordinator and currently helps to develop the Massachusetts marijuana industry through branding and education.

Connect at Matthew.Herrold@gmail.com.

July 2020 August

25

N-O

Nitric Oxide’s Role in Cardiovascular Health

by Gary Kracoff

Nitric oxide (N-O) is a compound in the body that causes blood vessels to widen and stimulates the release of certain hormones, such as insulin and human growth hormone. This process is called vasodilation, which causes blood vessels to widen and increase circulation. Vasodilation has been shown to increase performance in athletes, decrease blood pressure and increase blood flow to certain areas of the body, like hands and feet.

N-O production is essential for blood, nutrients and oxygen to be able to travel throughout the body. It is also important to live a healthy and active lifestyle for many reasons, one being that people that live sedentary lifestyles lose the ability to generate nitric oxide. Physical activity is one of the best ways to stimulate nitric oxide production in the body and support cardiovascular health.

How to Naturally Boost Nitric Oxide Levels

By the time we turn 40 years old, our bodies make 50 percent less nitric oxide than they did as a teenager. As we age, the body produces less and less nitric oxide, so it is important to consume foods that boost nitric oxide levels, such as meat, poultry, garlic, dark chocolate, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and beets, or take a supplement.

Exercise Performance

Many successful athletes have been using beetroot as a supplement to enhance their training performance. Professional athletes, long distance endurance athletes, power lifters and everyday people that exercise have all seen great benefits when taking a beetroot supplement. Nitric oxide is very beneficial for both pre-workout and post-workout. Since the effects of taking beetroot increase blood flow in the body, this can increase performance by bringing more oxygen to the blood vessels and help athletes push harder and longer. Beetroot can also be taken post-workout, by decreasing fatigue and enhancing muscle recovery.

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Decrease Blood Pressure

More than 100 million Americans are diagnosed with high blood pressure. High blood pressure/hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Impairment of N-O bioavailability is also an important risk factor for both hypertension and CVD. Evidence suggests that N-O plays a major role in treating the effects of hypertension. Taking a N-O supplement like beetroot or consuming more sources of foods containing nitric oxide is a great first step and can greatly help those at risk of hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

Erectile Dysfunction

Studies have shown that taking nitric oxide may reduce erectile dysfunction (ED) in mild to moderate cases. In the United States, about 30 million men and 30 percent of individuals with hypertension complain of ED. Nitric oxide supplementation is the most efficient natural remedy to combat erectile dysfunction.

Cold Hands and Feet

Having cold hands and/or feet can be an indication that nitric oxide levels are too low and not enough blood flow is getting to the extremities. Consider taking a supplement or mix some beetroot powder with water or a smoothie if this is commonly experienced.

Remember, diet and lifestyle are very important, and no amount of supplementation can replace good life habits. Adding a wellformulated nitric oxide supplement can help provide the extra boost many people need.

Dr. Gary Kracoff is a naturopathic doctor and registered pharmacist at Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, located at 577 Main St., Waltham. For more information on supplementation, call 781893-3870 ext. 2 or visit NaturalCompounder.com. See ad on next page and Resource Guide on page 30.

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August 2020

27

BOSTON COMMUNITY All Calendar events for the September issue must be received by August 10 and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com for guidelines and to submit entries. For extended event descriptions and additional listings, visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com/events/new.

Due to the fluidity of the coronavirus situation and massive amounts of event cancellations, please visit our website for calendar listings. Please also be sure to confirm events prior to the date of the event. Thank you, Natural Awakenings.

NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com/calendar

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Dr. Iveta Iontcheva-Barehmi DMD, MS, D.SC. 1842 Beacon St, Ste 305, Brookline, MA 617-868-1516 BostonDentalWellness.com Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi is an accomplished dentist and specialist in Periodontics and Implants with a holistic approach to medicine and dentistry. To schedule your comprehensive exam and share the excitement of a healthy smile, call: 617-868-1516. See ad, page 23.

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Johnson Compounding & Wellness 781-893-3870 x 104 Tamara@NaturalCompounder.com Tamara Luck, RDN, LDN, is excited to help you along your wellness journey. She uses a whole body and functional nutrition approach to help you reach your goals related to gut health, anti-inflammatory lifestyles, weight loss and optimizing your overall wellness. See ad on page 27.

Integrative Veterinary Medical Care MASH MAIN ST ANIMAL SERVICES OF HOPKINTON Margo Roman, DVM 72 W Main St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-435-4077 MASHVet.com

A full-service integrative veterinary clinic offering caring and healthful options and modalities like acupuncture, functional nutrition, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbs, ozone therapy, surgery and dentistry. See ad, page 11.

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Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

Intuitive Life Coaching SCOTT DORY CERTIFIED LIFE COACH 954-770-0052 ScottHasHeart@gmail.com ScottDory.com

Intuitive life coaching for career, health and relationships. I use my intuitive skills to identify and remove subconscious blocks.

Attract your dream life with ease.

Mind-Body Medicine BODYMIND REPATTERNING

Alison Shaw APRN, LMT, CEH 109 Massachusetts Ave Lexington, MA 02420 781-646-0686 Alison@BodymindRepatterning.com BodymindRepatterning.com An innovative blend of bodycentered counseling, integrative bodywork and energy medicine to uncover and release bodymind patterns that limit your life and health. See ad, page 11.

Naturopathic Medicine GARY KRACOFF, RPH & NMD

Johnson Compounding and Wellness 781-893-3870 Gary@NaturalCompounder.com Dr. Gary Kracoff provides guidance and in-depth consultative services to find the “why” to what is happening physically and mentally, working with individuals to restore balance in the body.

Specializes in customizing medications to meet individualized needs of patients, and he suggests nutritional supplements, natural products and homeopathic remedies to aid in faster healing and recovery. See ad on page 27.

Reiki

Tantra/Sacred Sexuality

BOSTON REIKI MASTER

SACRED TEMPLE ARTS

34 Lincoln St, Newton Highlands 617-633-3654 BostonReikiMaster.com Are you stressed from the pressure of your job, home life, kids or an illness? Do you want to feel calm and relaxed?

Experience reiki. Certified Reiki Master/Teacher with over 20 years’ experience in energy medicine providing pure Usui Reiki healing/relaxation sessions.

Sacha L. Fossa, Masters Health Arts & Sciences, Certified Sex & Tantric Educator, Licensed Erotic Blueprint Coach, Healing Arts Practitioner 978-309-9399 SacredTempleArts.com Ready to have better sex and love your life more, partnered or not? Holistic, cutting-edge sex, intimacy and relationship coaching, energy and bodywork, for your sexual healing and empowerment. In-person and/or virtual sessions and programs.

See ad, page 9.

BRENNER REIKI HEALING

324 Central St, Newton 02466 617-244-8856 Elise@BrennerReikiHealing.org BrennerReikiHealing.org

Wellness Resources

Providing you with reiki healing sessions, reiki meditation and reiki training to support you in reaching your goals of mind-body-spirit wellness and wholeness.

Spiritual Energy Healing KRISTI BORST, PHD

Healing Resonance Wells, ME 207-216-0473 Phone/Skype worldwide ReleaseItAll.US Inner child healing/reconnection, getting unstuck from trauma/abuse, energy balancing, pain release. Healing Resonance LLC with Kristi Borst spiritual healer/medical-emotional intuitive. Support for healing: mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically. All ages; private, couples, groups.

BETH GARDNER

Acton Pharmacy Keyes Drug West Concord Pharmacy BGardner@DinnoHealth.com 508-259-7851 Certified lifestyle educator and the director of health and wellness at Acton Pharmacy, Keyes Drug and West Concord Pharmacy. Beth Gardner works one-on-one with patients to help create ways to improve diet and overall health as a means for disease and illness prevention. See ad, page 8.

Yoga CECILE RAYNOR

Certified Alexander Technique Teacher; Certified Thai Yoga Therapist 33A Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02445 617-359-7841 OffTheMatYogaBlog.com Your yoga can release or create tension depending on the quality of your daily movements. Learn to let your postural mechanism work for you and notice excess body tension ease away on-and-off the mat.

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August 2020

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