Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey / January 2021

HEALTHY

LIVING

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HEALTH & WELLNESS EAT RIGHT FOR

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TERRY WAHLS

RETHINKING CHRONIC ILLNESS ON

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ECO-ANXIETY

January 2021 | Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex Co. | NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

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Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

The Holistic Dental Center Working Together with Other Holistic Practitioners to Create a True Holistic Approach to Your Health

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team approach to your overall health and it starts at the Holistic they don’t see, I do, and vice versa, seeing dental infections and Dental Center in Millburn, New Jersey, with their highly skilled how they can affect organ systems through meridians or directly and team of trained professionals in holistic and biological dentistry. From utilizing the benefits of networking with a holistic practitioner can and their award winning doctors and their state of the art technology to does make all the difference in patient care…I wouldn’t have it any their use of ozone and self-healing therapies, they are committed other way,” Dr. Gashinsky says about working with other practitioners. to not only treating your dental related symptoms, but also, the root So if you’re looking for an approach that is inclusive of all aspects cause thereby eliminating disease and promoting optimal health. of holistic care, visit Dr. Gashinsky and his team at The Holistic Dental Little did conventional practitioners know so many years ago that Center in Millburn, New Jersey. It’s their priority to ensure complete it took more than just looking at the mouth. A generation ago there holistic care by promoting the benefits of holism. “It’s not just your was a disconnect, a thought that our mouth and teeth had no bearing teeth anymore,” as he says, “It never was,” but now they have the on the health of the rest of our body. Now more and more research ability to not just treat overall disease but truly prevent and promote has been showing that there is a strong connection between dental whole body wellness. disease and systemic health. Dr. Gashinsky, Holistic Dentist, has always known that. A holistic approach to health is multifaceted, so he Other than being a dentist for 40 years, Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky, is a certified nutritional consultant, Accredited by the International Academy has built a network of healthcare practitioners to assist his patients in of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, SMART certified and a Naturopathic obtaining their desired level of optimal wellness. doctor “My passion for learning is never complete, I will continue to Working hand in hand with Naturopaths, Functional Medicine research and learn the latest in alternative treatments and team up practitioners and many others in the field of holistic medicine has with the best in the fields of holistic and alternative medicine to bring expanded Dr. Gashinsky’s ability to help more people. “I find it to be my patients the best treatments available, this I can assure you.” incredibly fulfilling to work synergistically with these practitioners to be able to improve patients’ health so dramatically. Some are coming Holistic Dental Center is located at 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, to me so very sick and by working together we’re seeing drastic New Jersey. For more information, call (973) 457-4688 or visit improvements in their quality of life,” says Dr. Gashinsky.

HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com.

Dr. Gashinsky feels strongly in the need to practice in such a manner as to take patients whole health into consideration. So much so, that he traveled to Switzerland this past spring to visit the Paracelsus Clinic and Swiss BioHealth Clinic; two healthcare models that promote the oral-body connection, to study their holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Gashinsky says, “To truly practice holism; the thought that everything is understood in relation to the whole and not just its parts, it’s important to remember that when treating a person it’s not just what one practitioner does, but how they can work together for your appointment today! to improve the final outcome.”

“Finding and working with like minded practitioners to help my patients has not only been professionally satisfying, but also on a Mercury Free and Mercury Safe personal level knowing that my patients are being well taken care of,” Metal Free Implants say Dr. Gashinksy. “Finding and addressing the root cause of disease Fluoride Free • Holistic Cleanings in all our disciplines is the key to success in our patients’ health. What __________________________________________ A D V E R T O R I A L __________________________________________

Looking for a “TRUE” Holistic Dentist?

Call 973-457-4688

January 2021

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Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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34 28

16 TERRY WAHLS

on Taking Control of Chronic Conditions

18 HOUSE BLESSINGS

for Clearing and Protecting Spaces

20 LOSE WEIGHT

WITHOUT DIETING

How to Eat to Feel and Look Your Best

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22 INTEGRATIVE HOSPITAL CARE

Medicine Embraces Holistic Modalities

26 FRUGAL WELLNESS

Healthy Living on a Tight Budget

28 CLIMATE ANXIETY Navigating Our Emotions as the Planet Changes

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30 HEALING PETS ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 908-405-1515 or email Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for editorial: Articles (5th of the month); News and Health briefs (10th of the month).

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit calendar events online at NaturalAwakeningsNJ. com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets, call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

Serving the counties and surrounding areas of Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex. Natural Awakenings ~ your muse for a healthy YOU and a healthy PLANET.

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Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

HOLISTICALLY

Integrative Vets Treat Root Causes

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 9 business spotlight 10 health briefs 12 global briefs 14 now open 15 virtual fare 18 inspiration 16 wise words 20 conscious

eating 26 healing ways

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

28 green living 33 teen voices 30 natural pet 36 local yoga 37 yoga corner 38 calendar 39 classifieds 40 business

directory

publisher letter

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Optimism and Hope in 2021

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ever have I wanted to put a year in my rear-view mirror as I do with 2020. As with many of you, I am sure the year of 2021 seems to be offering us what we all need at this point—optimism and hope.

Eight years ago, I purchased my first Natural Awakenings magazine in Central New Jersey.

Since then, we have been blessed with the opportunity of expanding our business with two Joe Dunne, Publisher additional magazines, one in North Central New Jersey and one in Bucks-Montgomery, Pennsylvania. For me it was, and still is, an ongoing life changing event. Over these years I have tried to write a publisher’s column drawn from my life’s experiences (I’ll be 77 this month!). I have written about love, parenting, acceptance, gratitude, empathy, the ability to be non-judgmental. Passing it on as it has been passed to me is a self-serving action. I am so grateful that this magazine has given me the opportunity to express my feelings and experiences. What a joy it is to receive feedback and know that we have given even one reader a tiny bit of inspiration, something to ponder or an awareness that affects them in a positive way.

As we look to 2021, I hope we can all agree to change, whatever that means for you. I hope we can spread the word of peace, love, empathy, understanding and patience. Our hope is that we can be that model of good, to be kind, extend the hand, help others and grow in positive ways.

I am always aware that in the mirror I will find most of my problems and all of my solutions. I can be who I want to be, I can act as I want to act. It is up to me, up to me to lay out the model and be the person I want to be in 2021. For me, it is all about my thinking, paying attention, practice being me, accepting and improving. How do I do that?

By aligning my thoughts, to see the good, do the right thing, consider others, stay on a path I am proud of, as a friend, father, husband, person.

As we welcome in this new year, I wish all of you joy, happiness, and peace, along with good health and a reminder—Smile, pass it on, make it contagious.

With peace, love and laughter,

NORTH CENTRAL NJ EDITION

Publisher Joe Dunne Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-405-1515 • Fax 877-635-3313

Managing Editor Kathy Tarbell Kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-912-4569 • 770-867-2101 direct

Design & Production Kathy Tarbell Social Media Tiffany Brackens

Website Kristy Mayer Accounting/Billing Asta Dunne Asta@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-405-4040

SALES & MARKETING Joe Dunne • Bedminster, NJ 908-405-1515 Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com Visit our Facebook page for the latest health updates and information, or to post your events and comments.

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NATIONAL TEAM

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

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Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. 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.

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January 2021

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Directory of Advertisers

Thank you for being part of our community!

Aesthetic Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . 34, 44 Ayni Healing Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Be the Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Bee You Yoga & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Blossoming into Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Cathy Ludwig Ed.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Center for Systemic Dentistry . . . . . . . . . 21 Deborah Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Farm for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Fortis Farms - Grow Tower . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Functional Brain Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Hair for Life Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Holistic Dental Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 17 Jean O’Toole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 K&P Holistic Health & Fitness . . . . . . . . . 36 KnowWEwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Leslie Lobell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Linda LaMarca Mindful Experiences . . . 11 Lisa’s Thermography & Wellness . . . . . 42 Living Waters Wellness Center . . . . . . . 23 Mederi Cosmetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Modern Acupuncture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Morning Star Family Health . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Mountain Lakes Organic Coop . . . . . . . . 21 Natural Awakenings Singles . . . . . . . . . . 35 Natural Home Cleaning by Basia . . . . . 27 Niyama Yoga Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Personally Yours Lingerie . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Phyzeke Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Pro Touch Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Shakti Yoga & Living Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Share International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Starseed Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Studio Yoga Madison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Sussex County Food Co-op . . . . . . . . . . 40 Transform Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Whole Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 * New / Returning Advertisers Let them know you found them in

Natural Awakenings North Central NJ!

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news briefs

Non-Surgical Hair Restoration in Englewood

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ver 5 million women experience hair loss at some point in their lives. Some of the conditions may be hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorder, autoimmune disease, stress and a unique disorder called trichotillomania (hair pulling).

After years of research and testing The Hair for Life Center has developed a non-surgical solution called the Intralock after before Process™. This proprietary method of hair enhancement blends real human hair strands between fine thinning areas to make hair full again. The procedure can take as little as 2 to 3 hours to restore a full head of hair without the use of glue or damage to existing hair. Since 100% real human hair is applied, clients can wash, condition and use any styling tools desired on their newly restored head of hair. There are no special restrictions or limitations put on day to day activities.

The Hair for Life Center offers free private consultations with a free demonstration.

The center’s hair experts want clients to actually see how they could look with their hair restored. “We know how important hair is for women. We feel that for women hair is not a luxury—it’s a necessity!”

Location: 163 Engle St., Bldg. 4A, Englewood. For more information and to schedule a free private consultation, call 201-731-3530. Learn more at TheHairForLifeCenter.com. See ad, page 8.

A Whole Body Approach to Physical Therapy

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cott Gander and Zarina Vitebsky met in 2009 as physical therapists working in an outpatient facility. While working together, they discovered a shared passion for treating patients from a whole body perspective. With Vitebsky’s interest in pelvic floor therapy and Gander’s devotion to orthopedic physical therapy, the two realized their specialties could be used to complement each other in finding the absolute root of dysfunction in patients.

Treating the patient this way would ultimately result in long lasting relief for even some of the most difficult-to-treat conditions. “We realized that a large number of patients seeking pain management were not previously finding relief because only the affected area was receiving attention. We choose to focus on the cause instead of only the symptoms,” states Vitebsky.

In 2015, they formed ProTouch Physical Therapy in Cranford. It was the first practice of its kind in the area offering such a well-rounded service. “Our custom-tailored program, which includes hands-on manual therapy, and our family-oriented atmosphere is what keeps our business going,” says Gander. In addition, ProTouch PT implements a combination of traditional methods along with alternative modalities for even greater results.

Some of the techniques that ProTouch PT uses include manual therapy, Arvigo fertility massage, cupping, cold laser therapy, ultrasound guided treatment, and blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy. Earlier this year, ProTouch PT also launched its own in-house CBD topical brand, giving patients the option for CBD-applied manual massage during rehabilitation.

Location: 570 S. Avenue, Bldg. G, Ste. C, Cranford. Costs are based on insurance coverage.

For more information, call 908-325-6556, email contact@protouchpt.com or visit ProTouchPT.com. See ad, page 7.

Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Peace, Clarity, and Health are within reach Get Unstuck in All Areas of Your Life!

Janet StraightArrow’s unique blend of ancient wisdom with practical methods opens the door for discovering your true self.

Meet Your True Self free of fear & anxiety free from trauma free to grow in love

Awaken

Deep Love, Complete Healing, Practical Spiritual Living.

Shaman, Healer, Teacher, Yogi, Sage

973-647-2500 | BeTheMedicine.com Workshops, Shaman & Reiki Training, Energy Healing Private Sessions | Remote, Virtual, In-Person

January 2021

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news briefs

FEBRUARY

RELAx into Conscious Living

Coming Next Month

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Heart Health

Plus: Eco-Friendly Weddings

atural Awakenings is pleased to welcome Linda Lamarca Schuler, MA, LPC, who blends professional training with a mystic understanding to help those who desire to live more consciously. “Stress and fear have been the common thread for 2020,” states Schuler. “We all can learn to live with more peace, love and joy in our lives despite the external stressors. It is a practice and choice, with lessons to learn every day.” In addition to one-on-one sessions, Schuler offers two online courses: RELAx and Parenting.Easier.

“Recognizing Emotions, Learning Awareness Experiences” (RELAx) is a six-week online course offering practice and lessons on stress reduction, mindfulness, conscious lifestyle and awakening. Schuler explains “It’s super sweet when you gather a group of family or friends to take the course, or you may make some new friends! Research shows that the practice of conscious breathe builds your brain.” Course begins January 16.

Parenting.Easier is a Montessori, heart centered, consciously aware reflective journey into the world of being a parent. This six-week online course begins at 10 a.m., on January 10.

In addition to counseling and therapy, Schuler offers coaching on conscious lifestyle, yoga, exploring life paths through kundalini numerology or evolutionary astrology, chakra balancing and music therapy. “Linda is a teacher and an old soul. Expect to be awakened, challenged and inspired.”

Course fee: $150. Counseling services may be covered by insurance. For more information, schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation or sign up for classes, please email lindaschuler@rocketmail.com or visit LindaLamarca.com. See ad, page 11.

Do you suffer from hair loss?

If you are one of the many women who struggle from hair thinning or hair loss The Hair for Life Center can help!

» 100% Human hair blended with your fine strands » Results in as little as 3 hours » Non-surgical method » Private rooms

Call Today

for a Free Consultation before

201-731-3530

after

The Hair for Life Center 8

Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

163 Engle St., Bldg 4A, Englewood

TheHairForLifeCenter.com

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

business spotlight

WELLthier Living Online Healing Resources at KnoWEwell.com

by Patti Trenchak

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magine a one-stop, online site for healing, health and well-being information, resources and screened providers in a caring, supportive environment. KnoWEwell has launched a personalized, private and secure online community and marketplace to transform health care. KnoWEwell’s mission is to proactively prevent harm, address chronic diseases and inspire and empower individuals to achieve WELLthier Living.

Driven by a series of healthcare challenges in her family that began more than a decade ago, founder and CEO Kimberly B. Whittle embarked on a journey to search for solutions. She immersed herself in research, attended conferences and joined several nonprofit provider organizations along the way. Using a multitude of Regenerative Whole Health (RWH) approaches—including natural, integrative and functional medicine, as well as lifestyle wellness practices—and collaborating with caring practitioners, Whittle created a personalized, integrated wellness approach to prevent and heal chronic conditions.

Motivated to share this transformative knowledge, she started KnoWEwell to help people easily connect with global healing approaches, therapies, providers and organizations that together can cultivate and regenerate humanity, other living species and our planet.

Whittle’s personal healing journey wasn’t easy, but she is determined to make the path easier for others. She also wants to acknowledge and thank the many health

and well-being providers and professional organizations that assisted, guided and educated her in this process. Whittle designed KnoWEwell to serve as a role model for using business as a force for good, not just profits. In recognition of her innovative approach and leadership, Whittle was honored as one of Industry Era magazine’s 10 Best CEOs of 2020.

Research is proving the effectiveness of ancient healing therapies and confirming that our lifestyle can modify the way our DNA is expressed, pushing us toward or away from chronic diseases. Studies also reveal that there is about a 17-year lag between new scientific discoveries and their adoption into medical practice and patient care.

KnoWEwell is bridging that knowledge gap by creating a centralized online destination with the latest evidence-based research and connecting the dots between soil, food, lifestyle choices, people’s health and the health of the planet. KnoWEwell received the Top 50 Healthcare Companies award in 2019 from the International Forum for Advancements in Healthcare for its contributions to health care, industry impact and spirit of innovation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has sharpened the focus on chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity and respiratory diseases because they increase the risk of serious and deadly consequences of the virus. As an online platform, KnoWEwell provides a new community outlet for like-minded individuals to share their experiences,

Kimberly B. Whittle challenges and triumphs. It is empowering its members to navigate today’s RWH knowledge and resources, as well as find their best-matched, vetted providers to help prevent and address the root causes of their chronic diseases. Members can engage in immersive learning from thought-leading professional organizations and these trusted providers.

“Our DNA may be our ancestry, but it does not have to be our destiny. We are building a global healing community, rooted and united through love of humanity and our planet. We are sharing healing success stories to inspire hope, foster meaningful connections and ensure that mission-aligned organizations prosper,” says Whittle. “KnoWEwell brings an unparalleled depth of health and well-being benefits to individuals and families and the entire Regenerative Whole Health ecosystem. Together, WE inspire and empower WELLthier living—happy, healthy, abundant and purpose-filled living.”

Natural Awakenings is proud to be a collaborative partner with KnoWEwell. With gratitude for 27 years of sharing its mission, the magazine is pleased to provide its readers with the gift of a free, basic, annual KnoWEwell membership for individuals and providers. The new platform can be found at KnoWEwell.com.

To begin a WELLthier Living journey, see ad, page 2, which includes free membership codes.

January 2021

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Avoid Fluoride to Lower Risk of Behavioral Issues in Children

Fecal Transplant Helps Caesarean Babies

Storyblocks.com

A downside of the rising number of caesarean (C-section) births is that it deprives babies of contact with bacteria from the mother’s gut microbiome, which impoverishes the baby’s own microbiome and raises the risk of allergies and obesity later in life, as studies show. Previously, researchers swabbed C-section babies’ mouths with vaginal bacteria, but it had no effect. In fact, the valuable gut bacteria are released in the mother’s fecal matter during the messy process of birth.

In a pilot study, doctors from the University of Helsinki tested 17 mothers that were about to need C-sections and chose seven that had fecal matter free of pathogens and antibiotics. After the babies were born, doctors used a syringe to feed the infants a tiny amount of the previously harvested fecal matter mixed with breast milk. The babies had no negative responses. Within three weeks, those babies’ gut flora came to resemble more strongly the gut flora of babies born vaginally than that of those born through C-sections.

Vitamin D Important for Reducing Risk of Preeclampsia

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Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

Storyblocks.com

Something as simple as a mother’s vitamin D level can have a future impact on her children, a study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows. Researchers examined 20 years of health data from 754 Boston-area mothers and their children and found that preeclampsia— abnormally high blood pressure during pregnancy—was linked to a higher systolic blood pressure in the children during their early and teen years. However, the effect was minimized or even eliminated among children exposed to higher levels of vitamin D in the womb, as measured by blood levels in the umbilical cord.

Fluoride is added to public water supplies to reduce tooth decay, but its effects on health are contentious enough that only 38 percent of Canadian and 3 percent of European public water supplies are fluoridated, compared to 74 percent in America. Its effects on neurodevelopment in children are a particular concern: a meta-analysis correlated high levels of fluoride in water with a seven-point drop in children’s IQ scores. Two new studies have linked fluoride exposure to ADHD and other behavioral issues in children.

Canadian researchers that collected urine samples and tap water information on 1,877 children between ages 6 and 17 found those that lived in areas with fluoridated water had 2.8 times the incidences of ADHD diagnoses, as well as increased symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention. The effect was most pronounced in teenagers, suggesting a cumulative effect over time, wrote the authors in the journal Environment International. In a Chinese study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 325 children between ages 7 and 13 were studied, and higher levels of fluoride exposure were correlated with rises in behavioral issues, especially psycho-somatic symptoms.

Storyblocks.com

health briefs

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Storyblocks.com

Try Ginger Extract for Hay Fever For people suffering from the miseries of allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever, ginger extract can be just as effective as the popular pharmaceutical product loratadine (Claritin), concludes a study from Thailand’s Thammasat University. Eighty hay fever patients were given either 500 milligrams of ginger extract or loratadine. After three and six weeks, the ginger group’s improvements in nasal symptoms and quality of life matched those of the loratadine group, but those taking ginger had fewer side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness and constipation.

Improve Muscle Strength with Schisandra

Natural Awakenings is proudly distributed at: Bound Brook (Bridgewater) 319 Chimney Rock Rd.

Clark 1255 Raritan Rd. Unit 150

Madison (Rose City) 222 Main St.

Metuchen 645 Middlesex Ave. alex coan/AdobeStock.com

Schisandra chinensis, an ornamental, woody vine with pink leaves and bright red berries, has long been used as an adaptogen in China and Russia to lower stress, improve immunity and enhance energy.

Korean researchers in a new study in Phytochemical Reviews report it may also be a boon for aging muscles.

They tested 45 post-menopausal women that were given 1,000 milligrams of Schisandra chinensis or a placebo for 12 weeks. Compared to the control group, the Schisandra group had significantly increased quadriceps muscle strength and lower lactate levels, indicating greater endurance.

Proud to Distribute at:

Millburn-Union 2245 Springfield Ave. Vauxhall

Montclair 701 Bloomfield Ave.

Morristown

Mindful Experiences

modern psychology meets ancient insight & tools for mindful, authentic living

Are you hesitant to use traditional therapy?

You aren’t alone.

Many people rightly fear that their spiritual experiences will be misunderstood or that the transformative illuminations they have received will be lost if they ask for help.

Linda’s classic training combined with her unique background and understanding of ancient wisdom allows her to respect your experience and gently help you find your own balance within a new life.

Call Today for Free Consultation 908-689-6896

LindaLaMarca.com

Linda LaMarca Schuler, MA, LPC

110 Washington St.

Newark 633 Broad St.

Parsippany 60 Waterview Blvd

Princeton 3495 US Rt 1 S

Ridgewood 44 Godwin Ave.

West Orange 235 Prospect Ave.

Licensed Professional Counselor January 2021

11

Microscopic Compass

global briefs

Bacteria Powers Animal Magnetic Sense

Generosity Fosters Increased Longevity

kzenon/AdobeStock.com

A new study published in the journal PNAS suggests that people that share more live longer because the act of giving and receiving increases well-being. The recipient benefits directly from the gift, while the giver benefits indirectly through emotional satisfaction. Co-authors Fanny Kluge and Tobias Vogt found a strong relationship between a society’s generosity and the average life expectancy of its members. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, in Rostock, Germany, conclude that people are living longer in societies where members support each other with resources.

Residents of African countries such as Senegal and South Africa share the lowest percentage of their lifetime income and have the highest mortality rate of the countries studied. Western European countries and Japan transfer more to the youngest and oldest, and their mortality rates are lower. Kluge notes that the relationship between generosity and lifetime income doesn’t depend on whether the benefits come from the state or from the wider community.

Surf’s Up

A new paper in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B may explain why some animals, including birds, fish and lobsters, are able to sense the Earth’s magnetic fields. It allows sea turtles to return to the beach where they were born.

Researchers hypothesize that this ability comes from a symbiotic relationship with magnetotactic bacteria that are influenced by magnetic fields, including the Earth’s.

In support of this theory, Robert Fitak, assistant professor at the University of Central Florida Department of Biology and co-author of the paper, drew from one of the largest genetic databases of its kind, the Metagenomic Rapid Annotations using Subsystems Technology, to identify the presence of these magnetotactic bacteria in animal samples. The researchers are working to develop a genetic test to help with further study. They have not yet identified exactly where the bacteria live in the animals, although they theorize that it could be associated with nervous tissue like the eye or brain.

Learning how organisms interact with magnetic fields could facilitate our use of them for navigation, while also understanding how human modifications of magnetism—such as constructing power lines—might be affecting biodiversity. This knowledge may also help develop therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Storyblocks.com

Some Beaches Can Survive Rising Sea Levels

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petrovich12/AdobeStock.com

Grateful Giving

An international team of coastal scientists from the United Kingdom, France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. has disproved the theory that half the world’s beaches will become extinct over the course of the 21st century (see Tinyurl.com/SandyCoastlinesUnderThreat) in a paper published in Nature Climate Change. The team re-examined the data and methodology underpinning the original study and published their rebuttal in the same journal, after concluding that it is impossible to make such global and wide-reaching predictions with the data and numerical methods available today. The new report sees potential for beaches to migrate landward as sea level rises and shorelines retreat.

Beaches backed by hard coastal cliffs and structures such as seawalls are likely to experience “coastal squeeze”, resulting in decreased width, and eventually be submerged because they are unable to migrate, but those with space to move inland will retain their overall shape and form.

As such, removal of coastline structures or beach nourishment may be the only methods to safeguard at-risk beaches.

Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Winning Grins

Smiling Makes for More Positive Thoughts

neemias seara/Pexels.com

According to research from the University of South Australia published in Experimental Psychology, the act of smiling and moving facial muscles can trick our mind into taking a more positive attitude.

The study evaluated a real smile as well as an artificial one induced when participants held a pen between their teeth, finding that in either case, this facial muscular activity alters our perception of facial and body expressions and generates more positive emotions.

The research found that the practice of forcefully smiling will stimulate the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain, which releases neurotransmitters to encourage an emotionally positive state. By inducing the brain into perceiving stimuli as happy, the mechanism could potentially be used to boost mental health.

January 2021

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Here is a collection of local businesses whose doors (or windows :) are Open for Business as (Un)Usual.

Be The Medicine

Fortis Farms, LLC

Janet StraightArrow, Shaman, Healer, Sage Online Sessions and Classes Home Base Morristown 973-647-2500 Janet@Bethemedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com

Monika Christian and Kiley Doll

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Hemberger Structural Integration Edward Hemberger 550 West Main St Boonton, Entry #2 & Flowers Healing Arts, 460 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair Mon-Fri, 10 am-8 pm; Sat 10 am-2 pm 973-462-3112 ed_hemberger@verizon.net HembergerStructuralIntegration.com

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wise words

Terry Wahls on Taking Control of Chronic Conditions

by Sandra Yeyati

T

wenty years ago, University of Iowa Clinical Professor of Medicine Terry Wahls was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Conventional treatments didn’t work, and her health deteriorated to the point where she was wheelchair-bound and facing a progressively grim future. Through rigorous scientific study and clinical trials, she developed a groundbreaking diet and lifestyle protocol that allows people to take control of their health, reversing many chronic disease states, including her own. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles, as well as an accompanying cookbook, The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life.

What is your personal journey with multiple sclerosis?

In 2000, I had problems walking, which led to the MS diagnosis. After consulting the best doctors and taking the newest drugs, I went downhill anyway. At my lowest point, already in a tilt-recline wheelchair, I realized that conventional medicine wasn’t going to stop my decline into a bedridden, possibly demented state with intractable face pain due to trigeminal neuralgia.

My physicians introduced me to the work of Loren Cordain, who developed the paleo diet, so after 20 years of being a vegetarian, I went back to eating meat; gave up grains, legumes and dairy. I also studied

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the basic science for animal models of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and ALS, and decided that mitochondria—the organelles that generate the energy that cells use to run the chemistry of life—were leading to my early loss of myelin and brain cells. I also discovered The Institute for Functional Medicine and took their course in neuroprotection. Based on the science, I devised a supplement program to support my mitochondria. My decline slowed.

Then came my “Aha!” moment: What if I redesigned my paleo diet, combining ancestral health with functional medicine principles, relying less on supplements and more on food to support my mitochondria? I did that, and my pain, brain fog and fatigue resolved. I began to get stronger, started walking. In three months, I was able to go for a bike ride with my family around the block for the first time in six years. It felt miraculous.

It changed the way I think about disease and how I practice medicine. I now talk to patients about diet, lifestyle, exercise, toxics exposures and stress management, and I’m able to stabilize, reverse and greatly improve their blood pressure, blood sugar, pain and chronic diseases that I was struggling to manage using the latest drugs.

What have you learned about resilience?

People who maintain a sense of control

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have more robust immune function and are generally healthier. Many of my patients say that their diagnosis ended up being a tremendous gift because it allowed them to take stock of their lives and understand their priorities. That’s true for me. If I eat gluten, dairy or eggs, or I’m exposed to too much stress or toxins, my trigeminal neuralgia will turn on and I’ll have horrific facial pain, but I consider it to be a tremendous gift, because that’s my barometer for the inflammation levels in my brain, which reminds me to look at my triggers and recommit to my selfcare. We teach patients how to track their biosensors.

Are you cured of MS?

No. I still have the genetic vulnerability and lesions in my spinal cord, and will always be sensitive to gluten, dairy and eggs. If I become severely stressed or don’t sleep, I’ll probably have a problem again.

I caution all of my patients: If you go back to your previous diet and lifestyle, your disease states will return.

Isn’t it easier to just take a prescription drug for symptoms?

It’s a smaller level of effort, but they’re not cures, either. The underlying disease state progresses, so people typically need higher doses of their medications. They also develop co-morbid diagnoses that require new medications. Conventional medicine is effective for some symptom improvements, but it has never been evaluated for improving global health, whereas studies have shown that improving diet quality and incorporating exercise and meditation will improve multiple chemical pathways in the body, gene expression and your microbiome, and dramatically improve health outcomes across many disease states.

For more information, including diet protocol guidelines and online courses, visit TerryWahls.com.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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inspiration

HOUSE BLESSINGS for Clearing and Protecting Spaces

M

by Marlaina Donato

el-toned vases, scattering fresh rose petals over the threshold or misting the air with ethereal scents consecrates what might otherwise seem mundane. Singing a favorite song, whispering a spontaneous prayer or reciting a Buddhist chant during the flurry of unpacking invites calm and attracts benevolent influences. Pungent smudges of dried, white sage, sweetgrass, pine or lilac flowers help dissolve unpleasant memories and energetic imprints from the past.

Honoring the four elements of earth, air, fire and water can create balance and celebrate ancient customs. Adding one or more essential oils to a spray bottle filled with distilled water or culinary rose water is an easy way to mist the air and the space inside drawers, closets and cupboards before filling or refilling them. Hanging fresh evergreens, leafy branches or tufts of blossoms over doorways evokes what 10th-century mystic and healer Hildegard of Bingen called veriditas—the greening energy of the Earth. Employing a crystal or Tibetan singing bowl, beating a shamanic drum or playing an instrument in select rooms can charge the atmosphere with fiery hope. Opening windows, even briefly during cooler seasons, invites in the fresh air of possibility.

Stepping into a new life—or revitalizing an existing one—is one of the most beautiful acts of caring for soul and self. Blessing our spaces is also an expression of gratitude, something that can make any life wonderful.

oving into a house, office or religious elements, blessing a new dwelling any new space prompts us to takes the concept of housewarming to a envision bright days ahead sacred level. A house blessing can temper filled with hope and joy. Perhaps this is the hair-pulling stresses of a move and be a why, from first-century Christians praying wonderful way to restore harmony after life to dissuade evil influences to the Maygives us a jolt, be it a job loss, a broken relaans smudging herbs to welcome positive tionship, a loved one’s passing or an illness. energy, the act of blessing a house is such a Simple gestures of intention, sprinkled time-honored tradition. with some beauty, enable us to claim our Massage • Shamanic Healing Ceremony • Mediumship Marlaina Donato is an author and recording Certified Programs Past aLife • Ministerial Services • Events and Retreats

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19

Lose Weight Without Dieting How to Eat to Feel and Look Your Best

by April Thompson

O

ne of the top New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight, and to that end, millions of Americans go on a diet each year. As we look to reset after holiday indulgences, nutrition experts say it’s a great time to cultivate healthy, longterm eating habits rather than unsustainable diets that lead us in circles.

“A ‘live it’ is better than a diet: small, manageable changes you can live with over time,” says Lisa Mallonee, a registered dietician and professor at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, in Dallas. “People get focused on losing 15 pounds, but once they get to the finish line, they don’t have a plan for after and often end up regaining the weight.”

While navigating the labyrinth of nutrition information can be tough,

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eating better is actually simple, says David Katz, M.D., founder of both the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center and the nonprofit True Health Initiative, and co-author of How to Eat: All Your Food and Diet Questions Answered.

“There are two general shifts to make: first, to less processed foods, and second, to more plant-based foods,” says Katz.

In making such shifts, Mallonee suggests applying the 80/20 rule to food. “If 80 percent of the time you are making healthy choices, and the other 20 percent of the time you allow splurges, you’re less likely to feel deprived and revert to old ways.”

Katz agrees that small shifts are more likely to stick, in part because of

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our adaptable palates. “If you commit to improving your diet little by little, you will find that taste buds are adaptable fellas that will learn to love the foods they are with. For example, try something as simple as switching from regular soda to diet to seltzer to water over time.”

The good news for dieters with questions, suggests Katz, is there is no one superior diet. “You can have a high-quality diet whether you are flexitarian, pescatarian or vegetarian, low-carb or high-carb,” he says.

For Jill Weisenberger, a registered dietitian nutritionist, in Yorktown, Virginia, and author of The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition, a healthy diet comes down to three meals a day, each with a good source of protein and fiber. “When losing weight, it’s especially important to eat enough protein so you don’t lose muscle mass with the fat,” she says, suggesting a target of 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day, achieved through a diverse diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables and legumes.

Katz, Mallonee and Weisenberger all caution against a diet like keto that restricts many nourishing foods only because they contain carbs. “There is no evidence of long-term safety or benefit of keto,” says Katz. “A truly keto diet cuts out a lot of highly nutritious foods like fruit, grains and beans, all associated with better health and longer life. I think a diet excluding these foods would be a colossal mistake.”

Weighing In While it’s not healthy to obsess over numbers on the scale, it is important to understand the health risks of carrying extra weight, particularly around the middle. “Belly fat is a concern for co-morbidities like pre-diabetes, diabetes, increased blood pressure and even sleep apnea,” says Mallonee, stating that women should aim for a waist circumference of less than 35 inches and men of less than 40.

Katz advises that the effects of abdominal fat can vary. “Certain ethnicities are extremely vulnerable to excess

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conscious eating

weight around the middle, which can result in insulin resistance and metabolic mayhem. However, many people can gain considerable amounts of weight and show no metabolic effects,” he says, suggesting that a comprehensive health checkup can clear up any doubts.

Physiologically, it is hard to keep weight off, says Weisenberger, but people should not get discouraged if they fall short of their goals. “If you are overweight, you will get an enormous boost from the first 5 to 10 percent of weight loss—it’s much more important than that last 5 to 10 percent.”

While weight loss is an exercise in delayed gratification, the power of high-quality food is immediate, advises Katz. “You can improve the quality of your immune response with a single meal. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, too, as those positive health benefits accumulate over time.”

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

”To think is easy. To act is difficult. To act as one thinks is the most difficult.”

- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

January 2021

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Integrative Hospital Care Medicine Embraces Holistic Modalities

by Marlaina Donato

T

hirty years ago, hospital patients were treated for symptoms based on the Western medical model, and holistic modalities were excluded, largely due to a lack of reliable scientific studies. More recently, because of promising research, the traditional template is expanding. The Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health encompasses 75 university health centers and health systems that offer integrative approaches—a remarkable seven-fold increase in 21 years. America’s top hospitals, including the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Mayo Clinic, the Duke University Medical Center and the Yale New Haven Hospital, now offer therapies such as acupuncture, reiki, homeopathy, touch therapy, yoga, clinical aromatherapy and chiropractic.

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According to a report in Advances in Medical Education and Practice, nearly half of Americans receiving medical care use alternative medicine (although 80 percent don’t inform their doctors) and physicians agree on the importance of further research and training in such modalities.

A 2017 University of California survey published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that hospital patients of all ages were willing to pay out of pocket for healthier food, therapeutic massage and energy work.

Disease: The Big Picture

“Research has repeatedly shown that even with full medical access and optimal medical treatments, a population’s health improves by only about 15 to 20 percent. The rest comes from lifestyle, environment and

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the social and personal determinants of health. Even factors like emotional health, what you feel is your purpose in life and what motivates you to be healthy plays a role,” says physician Wayne Jonas, in Alexandria, Virginia, a clinical professor of family medicine at Georgetown University and former director of the World Health Organization Center for Traditional Medicine. As executive director of Samueli Integrative Health Programs, which aims to make integrative health regular and routine, Jonas emphasizes that patients become healthier and medical costs are reduced when they are engaged in the healing process.

For Jonas, the shift toward integrative health care has become most evident during the current opioid crisis and the search for non-pharmacological ap-

proaches like acupuncture and therapeutic massage therapy for pain management.

“The evidence body for many of these approaches has grown tremendously over just the past five years, and has shown a spotlight on what works and what doesn’t.

These approaches are now recommended in national guidelines as mainstream for chronic pain.”

Denise Millstine, integrative physician and internal medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, concurs: “The opiate crisis is an example of the need to broaden our clinical toolbox to incorporate care strategies that are less risky. I believe this change has been multifactorial, based on patient demand and more awareness of the importance of lifestyle management.”

Patient demand is also fueled by a desire to avoid medication side effects. In 1998, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that 106,000 hospital deaths take place each year from adverse reactions to prescription drugs. With more than half of Americans already taking a pharmaceutical drug, and three being the average, adverse side effects can easily mount in a hospital setting.

For Millstine, integrative medicine offers many solutions. “We might recommend the best medication or provide cutting-edge therapies, but without considering stress management, resilience, movement and what people ingest, it’s hard to get optimal results. Integrative medicine expanded my approach to include nutrition, exercise, mind-body (connection), spirituality and other medical philosophies like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the patient’s therapeutic plan.”

Whole-Patient Cancer Care

A 2016 meta-analysis by Taipei Medical University published in the journal PLOS ONE concluded that certain applications of acupuncture reduce pain and opioid use on the first day after surgery. Acupuncture—an ancient modality based on the concept of energy meridians in the body—is also offered in many major hospitals to offset the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Acupuncture treatments at the Mayo Clinic are given in a calming atmosphere

of soft lighting and music, and performed by trained doctors, as well as licensed acupuncturists with a firm TCM foundation.

Integrative health care addresses the emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis, and patients undergoing conventional treatment now have access to not only acupuncture but therapeutic massage, meditation, movement therapy, clinical aromatherapy, herbal applications, biofeedback and yoga. Millstine says of theMayo Clinic, “We have oncology-trained massage providers who are comfortable with what is and what isn’t safe after someone has had a cancer diagnosis and/ or treatment.”

Jonas highlights that when given under the supervision of a doctor and with conventional cancer care, complementary therapies may help people to manage cancer symptoms, boost overall well-being, better handle side effects of treatment and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. “Integrative cancer care can help by activating one’s ability to heal and feel better physically and emotionally,” he says. “Lectures on nutrition, yoga classes and support groups for cancer patients are now common.”

The Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program, launched by American fashion designer Donna Karan in 2009 after her husband died from cancer, partners with heavy hitters such as the American Cancer Society and the Beth Israel Medical Cen-

ter, in New York City. In many hospital settings, Urban Zen is creating “Zen dens”, calming nooks where staff can discuss cases with colleagues, take a break for selfcare or talk to their patients in a nurturing environment. Urban Zen’s dedication to healthcare integration is international and promotes therapeutic applications of reiki, essential oil therapy, nutrition and other contemplative care.

Energy Medicine Goes Mainstream

“Alternative therapies are no longer considered ‘alternative’ when conventional medicine adopts them—for example, using calcium and vitamin D supplements, which are a standard consideration,” says Millstine. “With high-deductible plans, many patients are accustomed to paying out of pocket for care, thus making payment for alternative providers possibly more palatable.”

Reiki, a Japanese form of energy medicine once considered alternative, is now offered at major hospitals like Yale New Haven, where it’s given free of charge to cancer patients. Many hospitals are also offering classes in energy work to families of patients, hospital staff and the community.

“A medical doctor introduced me to the practice when my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer,” says Denise

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Baron, a Philadelphia-based reiki practitioner who works with referrals from clients and wellness professionals. “A hospital does not hire me directly, but the staff know I am available. I’ve worked on patients post-surgery, during and after births, people with cancer and people in hospice. I would say 96 percent of clients walk away with a deep experience of peace, harmony and lower stress levels.” Most recently, she has seen an increase in nurses asking for support during stressful times, with many wanting to learn how to practice reiki themselves.

According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, reiki is more effective than a placebo and activates the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve. Results include lower blood pressure and less anxiety and depression. Other research shows that the modality also reduces nausea, improves appetite and lessens fatigue.

Holistic Nursing’s Role

Collaborating with physicians and holistic practitioners, nurses play a key role in integrative hospital care. “We all work together to facilitate the client towards a higher level of well-being. Each profession brings something to the table,” says Margaret Erickson, in Cedar Park, Texas, CEO of the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.

The nurse’s role in a patient’s healing journey is an intimate one, and holistic nurses ensure that the whole patient is tended to. “The roots of holistic nursing, grounded in holism, were verbalized over 150 years ago by Florence Nightingale,” says Erickson. “She believed in the mind-body-spirit-emotion connections and that all aspects need to be nurtured in order for people to heal.”

Due to increased demand, more nursing schools are creating educational programs grounded in holistic philosophy, she says. “What makes a nurse holistic is not the skills or alternative therapies she/he/they do, but rather how they show up in their interactions with others. They value and recognize that they are gifted with sharing a person’s most vulnerable moments, and that this shared space is sacred.”

Some holistic nurses may use healing therapies such as guided imagery, aromatherapy, energy work, bodywork, deep breathing, mindfulness and meditation to help both their clients and other healthcare providers.

Those in the field of integrative medicine agree that the future of medicine is now. “People are becoming more selfaware and taking responsibility for their health and life. Consciousness is growing [by] leaps and bounds,” says Baron.

Jonas, drawing on 40 years of experience, agrees. “By working as partners with our patients to help find the care that works for them, we can help them achieve better health and quality of life.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer.

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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ADVERTORIAL

The Awakening of Humanity

By Lynne Girdlestone

T

oday we are all experiencing one or more of the negative effects of an incredibly destructive ‘agent of change.’ Although horrific things happen every day on this planet, they usually affect other people elsewhere. COVID-19, however, can potentially reach anyone, anywhere, upending our lives in a multitude of ways. The obvious questions—how do we stop this virus, will a vaccine help, will the global economy recover—are all unknowns. They occupy our thoughts and emotions with every newscast.

For some, the crisis is merely an inconvenient interruption in their ‘business as usual.’ For others it has created new ways to profit at the expense of others.

But for most, it’s an amplified survival issue.

We know that nothing happens by chance: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” and “As you sow, so shall you reap.” What is happening today has its roots in everything that has gone before. When dysfunction reaches a tipping point, something extraordinary happens to get our attention. This pandemic may be saying “STOP... NOW ... look at the world you’ve built ... untold suffering amidst obscene excess ... all life forms and the planet itself in mortal danger!”

The slowing and isolation are giving us the opportunity to consider these issues deeply and emerge with a better Plan B. That so many people are getting the message is an incredibly hopeful sign. Neighbors are helping each other; service organizations are expanding their roles and methods; scientific organizations around the world are sharing their research findings on possible treatments and vaccines; governments are trying to lift the financial burden of their citizens.

What would happen if this behavior were to continue post-Covid-19? Could it lead to treating a recovering planet as a ‘global village’ and its citizens as the one human family it is? It would take time, but we can start by demanding of our ‘leaders’ that we all push the ‘reset’ button and begin to move in that direction!

Fortunately, at this very time, a little-known cosmic event is also taking place. As we move into the Aquarian age, characterized by energies of synthesis, unity and cooperation, the spiritual custodians of human evolution—the Masters of Wisdom—have once again sent one of their great ones into the world to act as a teacher for the coming time. Some of the past teachers we have known historically as Confucius, Krishna, Buddha, the Christ and Mohammed.

Major world religions all expect another great teacher at some future time, and his imminent appearance has been foreseen by some writers since the late 1800s.

For more than 40 years, British esotericist and lecturer Benjamin Creme informed the world of a coming change— of the collapse of our old structures to make way for the new. He served as a herald for the World Teacher for this age, Maitreya—the one expected by many and longed for by millions (consciously or not), who has come now to guide us through this perilous time and into a cleansed and transformed new world.

Maitreya has advised humanity to make the needed changes to put our world on a saner, fairer path: “He [Maitreya] will show that essentially men are one, no matter the colour or the creed, that the bounty of Earth belongs to all, and that sharing of that

bounty is the key to man’s future.

Only sharing, and the justice which it will bring, offers hope to man. Only justice wrought out of sharing will end the plagues of war and terror.

Only sharing and justice can bring men to that Brotherhood which is their true inheritance. When men see this they will rise to the challenge and tackle one by one the many problems which daunt us now.” (Benjamin Creme’s Master from ‘Transformation,’ Share International magazine) Maitreya and his group have worked behind the scenes for millennia to guide our human family. Now, with these powerful, incorruptible allies openly in the world for the next 2,000 years and beyond, we have the opportunity to build a new world that works for everyone. Will we take it? In response to today’s injustices, we are marching. We are protesting. We are sharing resources and helping others.

We are agitating for change. We are on the right track! Let’s not even consider returning to ‘business as usual.’

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In The Awakening of Humanity, Benjamin Creme leads us on a journey of hope for the joyful world-changing events that are on the way.

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healing ways

FRUGAL WELLNESS Healthy Living on a Tight Budget

L

by Yvette C. Hammett

iving healthy on a tight budget may seem like a daunting task, but by setting up a self-care plan, prioritizing and shopping smart, the barriers can seem not quite so tall. With so many people unemployed or under-employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for workable options is more important than ever.

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A sports and nutrition company, My Protein, did a study that shows the average American spends $155 per month on health and fitness. That’s $112,000 over a lifetime. There are, however, strategies that can lower these costs.

Jen Smith, a financial writer and cohost of the podcast Frugal Friends, often talks about ways to spend less, save money

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and be in control of our spending. “You may spend more up front or more on the things you really care about, but cutting out the waste or things that are not so necessary can be a huge cost savings. This is not just for a penny-pinching, stay-athome mom. Being frugal doesn’t mean you are a cheapskate, but being wise with the limited resources that you have.”

Smith says she had a pricey membership to a cross-fit gym, but in the long run, staying in shape can greatly reduce the costs of health care and prescriptions.

“Any way you can stay active is what you need to do. Spending money in any way that gets you to commit to and consistently move your body is the answer.” Focus on eating good food and moving your body, Smith says. “When emphasis is placed more on that and on self-care, you save more money.”

The National Institute on Aging recommends several ways to eat healthy on a budget: use coupons, consider purchasing store brands, know that convenience costs more, focus on priority foods, buy store-brand organics and forgo fresh for frozen organics. Sotiria Everett, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Family, Population & Preventive Medicine at the Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, in New York, agrees. “One thing to consider is seasonality. If out of season and organic, that will increase the cost. If you want clean living and healthy eating for the planet, that doesn’t make sense either, because of the cost of fuel and the pollution involved.”

Everett recommends frequenting

farmers’ markets because they offer seasonal, fresh, local, organic produce that is easier on the wallet and better for health.

Her favorite tip is, “Learn how to plant foods. You don’t need a lot of space, but do need sun and water access. You can keep it organic. A couple of seeds can give you a whole season’s worth of produce.”

Jody Gatewood, assistant state nutrition program specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and a registered dietitian, works with people on tight budgets through the university’s Spend Smart Eat Smart program. “We do a lot with families with young children,” she says. “They are on a budget and concerned about having enough food to eat. One thing we teach a lot, and it helps with a budget, is to plan your meals. Look and see what is on sale at the grocery store. If there’s a big meat sale, buy it then and use it throughout. I think what happens is if we don’t plan, we go to a restaurant or get convenience foods which can really add up.”

Fresh, frozen, canned and dried foods can all have a part in our diet, she says. “I use a lot of frozen vegetables. If you use frozen, you just heat it up and it is ready to go. Protein can be expensive, so have some meals where black beans or lentils are the source of protein. Have that balance.”

As for healthcare costs, Smith recommends to those that cannot afford typical insurance or costly prescriptions in their budget to consider using manufacturer discounts and a service like GoodRx.com, which details how much prescriptions will cost at different pharmacies.

Consider using a “sharing ministry” for other costs, Smith says. With Liberty HealthShare, for example, people pay in every month and are billed like a cash payer when they have a medical bill while Liberty pays the cash. “When a doctor or hospital is billing an insurance company, they try to get as much as they can, but cash payers pay a lower amount,” she says.

Yvette C. Hammett is a freelance writer from Valrico, Florida. She can be reached at YvetteHammettHull49@gmail.com.

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CLIMATE ANXIETY Navigating Our Emotions as the Planet Changes

F

by Sandra Yeyati

ollowing a record-breaking hurricane season, out-of-control wildfires and a deadly prolonged pandemic, many of us are anxious and fearful, prompted by the growing realization of being in a state of environmental insecurity. These inklings of impending doom are nothing new for members of the youth climate movement—kids in their teens or younger—succumbing to hopelessness, anger and rage as they learn the science and watch leaders do nothing to address it.

Hardest hit are “marginalized communities, including indigenous people, climate refugees, farmers struggling with drought and communities of color, who disproportionately suffer from the health effects of polluting industries,” says Jennifer Atkinson, associate professor of environmental studies at the University of Washington-Bothell.

Some of us are affected in more subtle ways. Perhaps we’re noticing slow-moving changes around us, like the gradual loss of bees or a disappearance of trees, and we develop a sense of loss the philosopher Glenn Albrecht coined “solastalgia”, which plays on the concept of nostalgia—a longing for a time or place we can’t go back to.

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Or, we’re standing in front of a package of blueberries at the grocery store feeling confusion and ambivalence. A desire to be healthy and adopt a sustainable, vegetarian lifestyle is playing tug-of-war with the fact that these blueberries were flown in from South America, are wrapped in plastic and were grown in a monoculture that depletes the soil. It’s hard to know whether to eat or boycott them. “The greater this dissonance grows, the more likely we’ll tell ourselves that the problems are too big. We decide that we can’t make a difference, so why try? We check out,” says integrative psychotherapist Leslie Davenport, author of Emotional Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change.

The first step to alleviate this anguish is to validate and normalize the dark feelings. “It’s important to remember that there’s nothing wrong with you. What’s happening is actually painful and difficult; there’s a lot of loss involved. Eco-anxiety is a natural response to having your heart and mind open, being an attentive and caring person, if you tune in to what’s happening in the world,” says Davenport, adding that good self-care, including mindfulness practices, will expand our tolerance for

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green living

dealing with tough times.

Another powerful antidote can be found in community, according to Sarah Jaquette Ray, associate professor of environmental studies at Humboldt State University, in Arcata, California, and author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet. “People feel like they can’t impact the world because they’re only one person.

But when they start to shift the lens toward the collective, it allows them to realize that the positive things that are happening in the world are actually happening at scale, and it allows them to feel like they’re part of some larger purpose,” says Ray.

As we accept climate-related anxiety and seek the company of like-minded people to affect change, surprisingly positive emotions will arise, including joy, laughter, dancing and camaraderie at street protests.

“Those positive feelings help us process grief and anger, engage us in the work long term and help us maintain the stamina we need for sustained work,” Ray says.

“Think of climate anxiety as a kind of superpower, a signal that goes off to tell us something’s wrong and needs to be addressed,” says Atkinson, the creator and host of the climate-anxiety podcast Facing It. She points to grief as a compelling motivator. “You can’t feel grief without love,” she explains. “Grief is an expression of compassion and connection to others and to the pain we feel when those lives are destroyed. Love is far more powerful in motivating us to fight than any other affect.

There’s no limit to the lengths we’ll go to protect what we love.”

We are only limited by a lack of ecological imagination, Davenport proposes.

“Our contemporary Western culture emphasizes the rational, cognitive way of thinking, which is linear and analytical.

But another part of the brain—the imaginative, creative and intuitive part—views the world synergistically and holistically. If we open up to this ecological imagination, we can have a visceral knowing of interconnectedness, making it simpler to act in a way that’s beneficial to all of us.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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natural pet

Healing Pets Holistically Integrative Vets Treat Root Causes

E

by Julie Peterson

mma, a mini-schnauzer mix, was 4 years old when she started acting like a senior lacking zest for running or playing. After being treated by an integrative veterinarian for one month, she regained vibrancy. “She’s 6 years old now, and she’s her normal, barky, running, zig-zagging self,” says Yvonnda Agent, a volunteer with animal transport rescue operations, near Rockvale, Tennessee.

Agent’s practitioner determined Emma had kidney issues that were slowing her down. Upon deeper investigation, these problems were found to be the only visible symptom of a tick-borne illness.

Once given immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and liver-detox herbs, the dog made a full recovery.

tend to treat the symptoms, versus treating the root cause of disease, which is why a majority of the time, the symptoms return when the drug is finished,” says veterinarian Katie Woodley, in Fort Collins, Colorado, who blogs at TheNaturalPetDoctor.com.

“With a holistic approach, we look at the nutrition, gut health and how all the systems are connected … and resolve the imbalance.”

Holistic veterinarians may specialize in acupuncture, herbal medicine, kinesiology, chiropractic, laser therapy or any of many other natural modalities as an adjunct to conventional medicine. They first must earn a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree and then may pursue optional holistic training. Following this path can take a great deal of time.

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Getting to the root cause of the condition is what integrative veterinarians are known for. They combine both conventional and holistic medicine, may use fewer drugs and limit vaccinations.

“With conventional medicine, we

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At the Franklin Road Animal Hospital, in Brentwood, Tennessee, Mark C. Ingram, DVM, has found inadequate nutrition from low-quality foods at the root of most health problems. High-quality food helps animals absorb nutrients needed for

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optimal well-being. “The first ingredient should always be meat, and we like limited-ingredient foods due to the numerous allergies we see,” says Ingram. “Every case of cancer that we have seen in the last 20 years has food allergies. Every torn cruciate and every paralyzed dog with disc problems has food allergies. It is also the most underlying cause for ear infections and cystitis.”

This was the case with Gabby, a 3-year-old mini-schnauzer that Agent rescued about a year ago. “She came to us with a bottle of ear solution and a history of green pus in her ears,” says Agent.

Gabby’s medical history indicated that the ears, in addition to digestive problems, had been unsuccessfully treated with antibiotics and changes in diet.

“Our holistic vet recommended a raw diet with no grains and no starchy vegetables. Gabby hasn’t had a single instance of ear irritation since,” says Agent, who believes that whole foods served as medicine and now serve as prevention for her pets.

Vexing Vaccinations

There is ongoing debate whether pet vaccination boosters that may be required by law or strongly recommended by vets provide increased protection or are harmful. Mounting evidence says that they are often overdone: for example, both fivepound and 100-pound dogs receive the same dosage. Yet vaccinations do prevent some serious diseases. “We do not like to over-vaccinate, but provide appropriate protection by minimal vaccination and encourage titers,” says Ingram. Titers are blood tests used to determine if a pet’s antibodies are high enough from a previous vaccination to warrant a booster shot for the specific disease.

“Many of the core vaccines that your pet needs to be protected from diseases like parvovirus and distemper actually provide lifelong immunity with one vaccine,” says Woodley.

Choosing a Veterinarian

Commonly, people seek holistic veterinarians after they have had success with human integrative medicine. But finding

such a provider isn’t simple. “My clientele regularly travels one to four hours for a consultation,” says Ingram, who fully understands that demand is outstripping supply for integrative veterinary care.

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, which has 1,500 members, has a search-by-state feature that also lists the modalities practiced by each veterinarian at ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian. In addition, Woodley, Ingram and others offer telehealth or long-distance consults. In lieu of finding a vet that is listed as holistic, pet parents can call clinics to ask questions about alternative treatments. Some facilities are more flexible than others.

Choosing a veterinarian is a personal decision for owners. “I feel that traditional versus holistic care is simply sick care versus well care,” says Agent. “Their quality of life is so important to me and they’re solely dependent on the choices I make for them. I’m going to choose well care.”

Jean O’Toole has been empowering people to live their best lives for over 20 years. She is a Nationally certified JourneyDance facilitator who

3131 embraces expressive arts and nature meditation to guide people to design the lives of their dreams.

Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin and has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade. Contact her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

“Where there is great love there are always miracles.”

- Willa Catherw

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Thirty Minutes of Zen Modern Acunpuncture, in Florham Park, Delivers Relief in a Difficult World

By Chantal Kolber

I

t took me a long time to recognize that anxiety is my constant companion— like a close relative who stops in now and then and stays way too long. For years I managed to power through difficult times anyway, relying on exercise and determination.

Then a couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with a tumor in my parotid gland, in the back of my head. It was non-cancerous but had to be removed quickly. The surgery was potentially disfiguring.

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I got through it with better-than-expected results and began the healing process with incredible support at home and work. One of my biggest supporters was Joan Arata, my boss at Everyday Health.

In addition to following my surgeon’s advice—getting rest and doing basic head and neck stretches—I acted on Joan’s recommendation and started practicing restorative yoga. I recovered quickly enough to return to work in eight weeks. Yet the surgery left me with lingering jaw pain.

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Seeing me wince every time I took a bite of anything, Joan had a new recommendation: acupuncture.

I hesitated. I had always been scared of needles. Plus everything I knew about acupuncture came from movies and television, involving mysterious back rooms.

It seemed too off the beaten path for a person like me. I looked up acupuncturists in my neighborhood but didn’t know how to evaluate them. I put it off and continued hoping my jaw pain would go away.

teen voices

Happy 2021!

by Isabella Dussias

A

s we look to the new year, teens are hopeful. While it has been a very difficult year for many people both in health and finances, we are hopeful that we will be able to beat this virus and return to some normalcy.

We, as teens, are just starting to shape our lives and make choices that will affect the direction of our path. This has been difficult in an uncertain world. Some of us have altered where we are applying to Isabella Dussias college because the pandemic has not allowed for travel. Some of us are exploring different industries because those we might have chosen have been substantially hurt economically.

Yet, during these uncertain times, teens are still optimistic. When I speak with my friends, I realize we are all still hopeful. We all still have dreams of what we will become. We are all still eager to forge our future as we look to brighter days.

So, here’s to 2021. Here’s to hope. Here’s to a healthier, more prosperous 2021 and here’s to hoping that we keep hoping because without it we lose sight of our dreams and who we are meant to become.

Isabella Dussias is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter/composer from New Jersey. She enjoys writing about issues that are important to today’s youth, and she believes music is an important outlet to connect people and share messages through the creativity of lyric and melody. For more information, please visit IsabellaDussias.com.

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A few months later, Joan left Everyday Health and opened two Modern Acupuncture clinics—one in Soho and the other in Florham Park, New Jersey. While I missed Joan at work, the move made perfect sense for her. She’s been a registered nurse for more than 30 years, and a constant advocate for health, wellness and life balance.

When I went to visit Joan at her Florham Park clinic, I was blown away—especially when I saw the Zen Room, with its spa atmosphere. Herbal teas, large massage chairs, relaxing music. It was a sensory delight.

As a working mother, I’ve always found it difficult to commit to self-care.

But I booked a standard session at Modern Acupuncture in Soho to finally give it a try.

Thirty Minutes of Zen My first experience was simple and relaxing, and immediately put me at ease. There was no waiting room or disrobing. Joan welcomed me into the Zen Lounge, where I sat in an oversized zero-gravity leather chair with heat and gentle massage settings.

My acupuncturist, Diana, and I spoke a little about my jaw and right-arm pain, which extended to the tip of my pinky (un-diagnosed carpal tunnel, I believe). I told her I was nervous about needles, and she showed me how small and thin they were. Then she put the first one on my hand so I could see and feel how it worked.

A “pinch” is too strong a word to describe the slightest prick of the needle. She then started placing the needles around my ears, head, face, lower arms, hands, lower legs and feet. The whole process took less than five minutes. Then she instructed me to lie back and relax for 20 minutes.

I closed my eyes, listened to the peaceful music and drifted off. Before I knew it, Diana was back and gently removing the needles. I put on my shoes and socks, gathered my things and was greeted with a to-go cup of herbal tea. The whole thing took less than 30 minutes, and I felt like I’d had a full night’s sleep. Invigorated and blissful, I proceeded with my day.

Acupuncture’s Hidden Benefit The Soho clinic was a 10-minute walk from my office. I began going two or three times

a week. If I had a session at lunch, the rest of my day was more productive and stress free. If I went after work, the daily grind melted away. The anxiety that had been my constant companion was melting away too; I fell asleep more easily at night and woke feeling more rested than ever.

I barely feel pain in my arm anymore, and while the jaw pain from my surgery may never go away, the overall stress relief was acupunctureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hidden benefit.

Acupuncture has been around for more than 2,500 years.

Yet according to the CDC, just 3 to 5 percent of Americans have tried it. Being in the healthcare industry, and having great respect for modern medicine, I never thought I would turn to an ancient alternative medicine. Modern Acupuncture made the experience accessible and familiar, allowing me to overcome my preconceived notions and the very anxiety it ended up relieving.

Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anxiety is high now as we continue to live with this pandemic. Fortunately, both the Soho and Florham Park Modern Acunpuncture clinics are open, with multiple safety precautions in place. I have found that learning to relax my mind and body makes every day easier. Acupuncture is now another relaxation technique I have to help me live my healthiest life.

Locations: 65 West Houston St., New York, NY (917-388-2886); 176 Columbia Turnpike; Florham Park, NJ (973-765-9500). For more information, visit ModernAcupuncture.com. See ad, page 43.

Chantal Kolber is director of marketing for AdhereTech, a healthcare technology company.

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Yoga Corner Sunshine On My Shoulders

by Nicole Zornitzer

A

s 2021 begins, I find myself in a quandary of mixed emotions. In my personal life, I have just completed my worst year on this earth thus far; having watched my mother cross to the other side. Many of my clients have endured a difficult year; managing an international pandemic, riddled with fear and legitimized stress. Some have also lost a loved one, cancelled a wedding, been alone for a holiday, home schooled their children, had a less than stellar college experience, lost a job and faced financial ruin. I am comfortable saying that if given a poll, the majority of this country is happy to put 2020 behind them. However, when I go back to my yogic roots and teachings, I find myself challenged to simply kiss 2020 goodbye.

As I reflect upon 2020, I see that I was not living, I was preparing to die.

Had you asked me 25 years ago; all that I wished for was more time to spend with my father who died a tragic suicide, all that I wanted was one more day. Well, 2020 gave me not just one day, it gave me nearly 365 days to be exact, to prepare for death. My opinion—be careful what you wish for because preparing for death is almost worse than death. In hindsight, while 2020 presented me with the most difficult of situations, it also changed my perspective on this one life I was given.

My family and I spent every day in 2020 with my mother, truly embracing the moment. We sat outside and watched the birds, we observed as each new season brought different sounds, smells and colors. We paid attention to the smallest

of things, like lady bugs, frogs and butterflies. We ate each meal with a new sense of taste. We embraced one another with love, fear and enormous sadness.

The rawness of these emotions brought an already close family closer.

I prepared for death because part of me was in fact dying as the person I loved became a glimmer of what she had once been. Through this death experience, my mother smiled. She smiled until the day she decided to cross because in her own way, she was still being Mom and was caring for us as best as she could.

The last week of her life, as we held her hand and kissed her goodbye, we played the song “Sunshine on My Shoulders” by John Denver repeatedly. I chose this song because I remembered my parents playing it on a road trip when I was younger. It brought back joy and fullness of heart for me and I know, fond memories to my mother. I gazed at my mother’s weak hands as I held them tightly. I fully embraced every moment of this one life she was given and her impact on myself,

my brother, my children and nephews.

Through death, I found life; this life for all of its challenges is the one life I will live as far as we all know.

Life is not even close to being perfect, even if you live it fully.

Life is a challenge each and every day we rise if we are truly experiencing all there is to experience. However, these hurdles, these depressions, these joys, these tears are all meant to be felt fully. As Mark Nepo, a New York Times bestselling author who wrote about his struggles with cancer, explains, when we’re knocked off our horse, we’re brought closer life. In my case, I have been knocked off my horse more times than I care to know. When we are knocked off our horse, we are given a sacred opportunity for a rebirth of sort, whether that be emotionally, spiritually or physically.

As we all enter this new year of 2021, instead of creating goals or aspirations that may or may not come to fruition, I encourage us all to reflect on 2020.

Look for the lessons, the messages from source, the smallest of moments with a full heart (even if temporarily broken) and appreciate this one life we are given. If you glance behind you, you will always find sunshine on your shoulders.

Nicole Zornitzer, ERYT 1000, yoga therapist, founder of Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala, located in Randolph, New Jersey, and Upper Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey.

NiyamaYogaShala.com. See ad, page 26.

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daily & ongoing

JANUARY 2021

All calendar events for the February 2021 issue must be received by January 10 and adhere to our guidelines. To submit, visit https://www. naturalawakeningsnj.com/pages/calendar-listings or email kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for submission form.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10

West Windsor Community Farmers Market – 10am-1pm. 3535 US-1, West Windsor/ Princeton. Outdoor market held on the Meadow Road area of the mall’s parking lot.

For more information, call 609-933-4452.

WWCFM.org.

Parenting.Easier – 10am. Led by Linda LaMarca Schuler, MA, LPC. A Montessori, heart centered, consciously aware reflective journey into the world of being a parent.

6-weeks. Expect to be awakened, challenged and inspired. We all can learn to live with more peace, love and joy in our lives. It is a practice and choice, with lessons to learn every day.

For more information, email LindaSchuler@ RocketMail.com. LindaLaMarca.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 4 Intuitive and Spiritual Development Classes Via Zoom – Times vary: Mon pm, Wed am, Sat am. Blossoming Into Light invites you to join our weekly class to explore, develop and learn to trust intuitive abilities. Includes guided meditation, discussion and practice exercises. Non-refundable deposit of $50 holds your spot. Weekly cost $25. RSVP/ Questions: Call or text Sue at 862-222-4268 or email info@blossomingintolight-chester. com. BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 Tai Chi with Sal via Zoom – 6:30-7:30pm.

Learn Tai Chi from the comfort of your home via Zoom. When permitted will include in-person option. $35. RSVP/Questions: Call or text Sue at 862-222-4268 or email info@blossomingintolight-chester.com.

BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 Wo r k s h o p R e i k i E n e r g y M e d i c i n e , Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Join us on Zoom for a fun and exciting way to experience Reiki, energizing you, direct healing, and meditation with Master Teacher-Healer Janet StraightArrow. Sliding scale $30-$60.

Sign up hours by visiting BeTheMedicine. com under events Zoom Class for Zoom link. For more information email Janet@ Bethemedicine.com. BeTheMedicine.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 Reiki I Certification – Noon-5pm. Become attuned to the practice of the ancient, hands on healing modality, Reiki. Discover the history and hand positions, become familiar with the chakra system, experience receiving and giving Reiki. You will be certified, in possession of one Reiki symbol, able to give reiki treatments to yourself, family, and pets.Completion eligible for Reiki 2. Led

by Reiki Masters Donna and Terry Pollin. $150 per person. Yoga Central, 953 US Hwy 202 North, Branchburg. 908-707-0759.

YogaCentralNJ.com.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 Reiki Practitioner Healing Circle – 7-9pm.

Share Reiki’s beautifully loving, healing energy, work together in class, and send Reiki to one another. Skills are developed, and your own personal healing occurs. All levels of Reiki and schools are invited. Reiki Master TeacherHealer Janet StraightArrow. Sliding scale $30$60. Sign up hours by visiting BeTheMedicine. com under events Zoom Class for Zoom link. For more information email Janet@ Bethemedicine.com. BeTheMedicine.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 SOUL SHAMANISM 101 TRAINING – 1/132/10; 7-9:30pm. Experience your-soul-self.

This class offers a profound experience and practice to know who you are as a soul and personality. Live more fully each day. $425.

By 1/6; $450 thereafter. Instructor: Janet StraightArrow. Sign up ASAP by visiting BeTheMedicine.com under events Zoom Class. For more information email Janet@ Bethemedicine.com. BeTheMedicine.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 RELAx: Recognizing emotions, learning awareness experiences – Time TBD. Led by Linda LaMarca Schuler, MA, LPC. RELAx is a 6-week online course offering practice and lessons on stress reduction, mindfulness, conscious lifestyle and awakening. It’s super sweet when you gather a group of family or friends to take the course, or you may make some new friends! Research shows that the practice of conscious breathe builds your brain. The cost is $150. Class limited to 10. For information, email LindaSchuler@ RocketMail.com. LindaLamarca.com.

West Windsor Community Farmers Market – 10am-1pm. 3535 US-1, West Windsor/ Princeton. Outdoor market held on the Meadow Road area of the mall’s parking lot.

For more information, call 609-933-4452.

WWCFM.org.

Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Body Freedom Workshop - Randolph – 12noon-2pm. Join Niyama Yoga Studio for a spiritual experience through the body.

We will focus on creating acceptance and freedom as we begin a new year. This program includes Yin Yoga to open the heart, meditation, yoga nidra and meditation. $35. Register via website. Niyama Yoga Wellness, 1250 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph.

For information call 973-500-2939 or visit NiyamaYogaShala.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 Yin Yoga 30 Hour Teacher Training Program – 1/22-24, 1/29-31. Two Weekend Experience.

Are you interested in deepening your understanding and application of Yin Yoga?

This program is meant for yoga practitioners as well as existing yoga instructors who are looking to understand or potentially teach Yin Yoga. Training runs over 2 weekends (Friday evening - Sunday afternoon) to accommodate those that work other jobs or have other obligations. This is the perfect training for all yogis! This program is accredited by the International Yoga Alliance and all participants will receive 30 hours of CEU credit with this organization. $695. Register via website. Niyama Yoga Wellness, 1250 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph.

For information call 973-500-2939 or visit NiyamaYogaShala.com.

Straube Galleries Presents: New Beginnings – 6-8pm. Opening night reception for a wonderful collection features many local artist including works by Barry Hantman, Lynn Nicoletti, Elissa Goldberg, Deborah Easter, Andrea Casey and more. Refreshments served, and masks to be worn while visiting indoor galleries. Attendance is free. Show runs through 4/23. Straube Galleries, 108 Straube Center Blvd., Pennington. For more information, call 609-737-3322 or email Jennifer@Straube.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 Reiki 1 & 2 Self & Distance Healing Others on Zoom – 1/28-3/4; 7-9:30pm. Blending the attunements and teachings help you build your immunity, stay well, energize, and learn to send healing energy to people, animals, more at distance. $450. Certificate.

Instructor: Janet StraightArrow. Sign up ASAP by visiting BeTheMedicine. com under events Zoom Class. For more information email Janet@Bethemedicine. com. BeTheMedicine.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 The Healing Journey: Myofascial Release – 3-5pm. Virtual class. Introduction to the John F. Barnes approach to Myofascial Release (JFB-MFR), led by Rachele DeCrescenzo, PT, MPT. This safe, gentle and consistently effective therapy produces results that last!

Relief from headaches/migraines, chronic and acute pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness is common. Class will also demonstrate some basic MFR self-treatment techniques. One lucky participant will also win a one-hour personalized MFR session with DeCrescenzo in her Clinton office. Virtual lecture link: https://bluejeans.com/8077671642/. For questions, call 908-627-7030. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit TheHealingJourneyMFRPT.com.

ONGOING DAILY Qi Gong for Beginner Series – Times and days vary. Four 1-hour classes. Begin the gentle movements of a Qi Gong Tai Chi journey featuring Patty Pagano live online. First 1-hour class is Free! Check schedule or register at https://forms.gle/k2kcv9tVJ6X1QfpD8 . For information contact Patty at 908-3921313 or PattyQigongforHealing@gmail.com.

QiGongForHealing.com.

WEDNESDAY Focus on the Joints – 8:45-10am. This class focuses on warming up the body and moving the joints. Small movements reap big rewards as

we move stuck energy through the body! Simple pranayama (breath work) and asana sequence is followed by relaxing savasana. Adults $18, Seniors/Students $16 or class card. Yoga Central, 953 US Hwy 202 North, Branchburg.

908-707-0759. yogacentralnj.com.

THURSDAY Qigong –7-8pm. In person or Zoom. Qigong is a way to create balance, harmony and wellbeing. Join Sal each week in-person (limited space for in-person) or via Zoom. $35 per class. To RSVP, text/call Sue at 862-2224268 or info@blossomingintolight-chester. com. BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com. $35. Blossoming into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave Suite 105, Chester. 862-222-4268.

BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com.

SATURDAY Crystal Healing Certification Program via Zoom – Monthly, begins 1/23; 12:30-4:30PM. Three levels of four months each. Cerficate given for each level completed. In Level I program the student will embark on a journey of exploring crystals. The program will be offered virtually via Zoom. Additional monthly zoom on a Tuesday evening from 8-9pm. All times are EST. Schedule with dates of all classes provided at the start of class. Blossoming into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave Suite 105, Chester. To RSVP, text/call Sue at 862-222-4268 or email info@blossomingintolight-chester.com.

BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com.

classifieds Have a business opportunity, job opening, space for rent or other need?

Place your classified ads here, 30 words for $30, extra words $1 each.

Email to Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication date.

HELP WANTED MASSAGE THERAPIST WANTED: We’re MassageOfHunterdon.com. Start at 50% of fee, which scales up, plus tips and promotions. NMT training provided. Start Part-time, some Saturdays prefered.

Call Gail 908-534-1930.

INTUITIVE SERVICES READINGS: Oracle card and palmistry readings offered in person, phone, parties welcome. Spiritually guided channeled messages are for your highest good. Let my gifts guide you! Reasonable rates. Cheryl 908-268-8029.

MUSIC SERVICE I CHING MUSIC: Email: Transitions@ MikeLegge.com for free week into the Transitions Portal. Transitions musically & vibrationally represent the 64 symbols of the Yi Jing. For more info see 64Transitions.

MikeLegge.com.

SPACE AVAILABLE SPACE AVAILABLE: Holistic Center in Hunterdon County: HunterdonHealingArts. com. $150 per day of the week for the month.

Quiet environment, 10x10 office, internet, shared bathroom fridge & microwave.

Gail 908-534-1930.

SUPERFOOD SEA MOSS: the superfood of the sea. Rids mucus, supports thyroid, 92 minerals, mood enhancer, weight loss, sexual health and fertility, joint health. Available in gel and raw form. Visit VibesOfLuxuryApothocary.com or email StarrScott@PuffsandPetals.com for wholesale information.

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North Central New Jersey Community

business directory

Your local source for natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

Join the community! Request our media kit today by emailing Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Acupuncture

Bakery/Specialty

Modern Acupuncture – Florham Park

Starseed Bakery

Joan Arata 176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park 973-457-4467 ModAcu.com/nj001

Linda Beg 100 Hibernia Avenue, Rockaway 973-957-0500 StarseedBakery@gmail.com StarseedBakery.com

Modern Acupuncture is revitalizing the ancient practice of acupuncture with enhanced fullbody treatments using tiny needles (smaller than human hair) to access distinct points to help restore the body’s balance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, promote relaxation and/or improve overall well-being. See ad, page 43.

100% gluten-, dairy-, soy- and GMO-free retail and wholesale bakery. Available products: artisan breads, custom cakes, pies, cookies, desserts, seasonal, vegan, Paleo, natural sugars, nut-free. See ad, 32.

Agri-business

FBT - Functional Brain Training

Fortis Farms, LLC Monika Christian and Kiley Doll 18230 Edwards Shop Rd., Elkwood, VA 540-409-6871 hello@growfortisfarms.com GrowFortisFarms.com Fortis Farms’ goal is to create easy access to fresh, local food sources in a sustainable, resource-conserving system. We use and distribute aeroponic garden solutions to produce more, local, lower cost, healthy food in smaller spaces. See ad, page 29.

Coaching Law Of Attraction Life Coach David Scott Bartky, CLOALC 973-444-7301 David@LifeCoachDavid.com LifeCoachDavid.com D a v i d i s a ce r t i f i e d a n d experienced Law of Attraction life coach. His clients all have great success because he teaches them powerful processes and techniques so they can attract what they want, instead of what they don’t want in all areas of life (both materialistically and emotionally). The Law of Attraction is always responding to you, so if you’re ready to say “Yes!” to attracting what you want, and/or improving your life in some way, contact David today.

Coaching sessions are held over the phone and the first session is always free.

Coaching/Counseling/ Therapy Mindful Experiences Linda LaMarca Schuler, MA, LPC

Brain Training Dr. Don Joergens 862-777-8612 info@functionalbraintraining.com FunctionalBrainTraining.com Unlike conventional medicine we assess the function between areas within the two sides of the hemispherical brain. This allows a deeply revealing approach to where unbalanced strengths and weaknesses create your issue.

Then we physically create symmetry, making you whole. See ad, page 13.

908-689-6896 lindaschuler@rocketmail.com LindaLaMarca.com

Your mental and emotional well-being is key to living an abundant, healthy, peaceful existence yet reaching out to a therapist may feel uncomfortable. I employ a spiritual, holistic, educational and heart centered philosophy. Virtual sessions are judgment free; HIPPA secure. Plus online courses. See ad, page 11.

Colon Hydrotherapy Living Waters Wellness Center Ann Ochs • Colon Hydrotherapist I-ACT Certified, Advanced Level Certified National Board for Colon Therapy, Body Ecology Diet Certified 26 Elm St, Morristown 973-998-6550 • ColonHealthNJ.com AnnLivingWaters@aol.com Ann Ochs has more than 20 years experience as a colon hydrotherapist. She holds an advanced certification from the International Association of Colon Therapists (I-ACT), is certified by the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy, and is a certified body ecologist.

Living Waters offers the Angel of Water®, an advanced colon hydrotherapy system, designed to offer the ultimate in privacy and dignity. Call today Cosmetics – Organic

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Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Cosmetics – Organic

Functional Medicine

Holistic Healing & Therapy

Mederi Cosmetics

Morning Star Family Health Center

Awakening Wellness, LLC

Terry Martin 570-575-8185 Terry@MederiCosmetics.com MederiCosmetics.com Terry Martin, mother of five, is CEO, owner and founder of Mederi Cosmetics, offering both natural/organic and paramedical makeup lines (mainly for accident and burn survivors). Medical esthetician and paramedical makeup artist, motivational and lay ministry speaker, author of Makeup & More and Beyond Makeup, radio talk show host, newspaper founder. See ad, page 39.

Energy Healing

Balanced Healings LLC

54 Old Highway 22, Clinton 908-735-9344 MorningStarFHC.com MorningStar’s team of health professionals cares for you like family. Our membership-based practice cares for men, women and children age 8 and up with a functional approach to primary care. See ad, page 31.

Healing Arts Ayni Healing Arts Center Rev. Denise and Joshua Zoppi Newton, NJ Call or Text: 862-268-3213 AyniHealingArtsCenter.com

Ines Calderon PA-C Energy Healing Practitioner Reiki, Esoteric Healing, & Craniosacral Therapy 3108 Route 10 W, Unit 6, Denville 973-664-7613 balancedhealings@gmail.com balancedhealings.com

Massage, Shamanic Healing C e r e m o n y, P a s t L i f e , Mediumship, Spiritual Counseling, Certified Shamanic Training, Mentorship, Soul Midwifery, House Blessing, Dream Interpretation, Lectures, Retreats. In-person or Virtual Sessions. See ad, page 18.

Ines has training in reiki, esoteric healing, and craniosacral therapy.

She integrates the three modalities to serve her clients by reducing stress and improving their mindbody-spirit connection. Her goal is to empower her clients to create balance in their lives and establish optimal health. She is currently offering remote energy healing sessions, both reiki and esoteric healing can be done remotely.

Holistic Dental Center

Enzyme Nutrition Next Level Healing Of NJ, Inc. Susan Richter, RN, Nutritionist, CCH, LDHS Denville • 973-586-0626 NextLevelHealing.com Enzyme nutrition is rapidly becoming a sought after therapy for the underlying digestive issues related to autism, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, skin problems, mood disorders, bowel issues and allergies. The system of analysis is scientific, non-invasive, and based on anatomy and physiology.

The methods of correction are food-based, drugfree, and have no side effects. Regardless of age or diagnosis, correcting digestion, supporting the immune system, and following guidelines for healthy choices are the backbone of Susan’s successful private practice of 36 years. If you are looking for a gentle approach to healing, call her.

Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn 973-457-4688 HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com Holistic dental care that is good for the body as well as teeth and gums. By treating the cause, not just the symptoms, Dr. Gashinsky helps improve his patients’ quality of life through dental care that respects and honors the body. See ads, pages 3, 17.

Hilary D. Bilkis, MS, CST CranioSacral Therapy • SomatoEmotional Release Work • Visceral Mobility Energy Healing • MELT Method Instruction 973-479-2229 • Awakening4Wellness.com Hilary uniquely blends CranioSacral Therapy with other healing modalities to alleviate chronic pain, headaches, stress and accumulated tension.

Treatment benefits physical, emotional and energetic levels.

Hilary facilitates the body’s selfhealing process; gently releasing restrictions in the connective tissue and removing energy blockages. Using her intuitive abilities, she also helps release stored injury, trauma, memories and emotions. Clearing the body of stuck stress improves health, feelings of wellness, ability to feel calm, centered and empowered.

Hypnosis Morris Hypnosis Center Linda West, BA, ACH 55 Madison Ave, Morristown 973-506-9654 MorrisHypnosisCenter.com Advanced Clinical Hypnosis using an interactive, personalized technique; based on a lengthy interview at our first session and dialogues at following sessions. I don’t talk “at” you; we both speak before and during your hypnosis. I also teach you self-hypnosis. Specializing in weight, stress, smoking, chronic pain, releasing the past, performance, obsessive thoughts, substance use, sleep, fears, confidence and attention issues.

Hypnosis can get you unstuck in virtually any area of your life. If you have constraints that you can’t seem to break through, hypnosis can free you and put you back in charge. Come for a free consultation to learn how you can reframe your past and design your future.

Holistic Healing Services Heartmath+♥

Linda Sercarz Certified Heartmath Coach Serving North Jersey & surrounding area 973-714-8650 • Sercarz@aol.com Heartmath+♥ consists of simple heart-focused, science-based meditations. The techniques are designed to change the way your body responds to stress by learning to self-regulate. They create more resilience, coherence, c l a r i ty (eve n i n s t re s s f u l situations), and the capacity to self-regulate.

Heartmath+♥

“In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: They must be fit for it. They must not do too much of it. And they must have a sense of success in it.”

- John Ruskin January 2021

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Orthopedic & Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Past Life Regression Therapy & Hypnotherapy

ProTouch Physical Therapy

Cathy Ludwig, Ed.S., LPC

Scott Gander, MSPT & Zarina Vitebsky, MSPT 570 South Avenue, Bldg G, Ste C, Cranford 908-325-6556 contact@protouchpt.com ProTouchPT.com We are a holistic Physical Therapy practice focused on treating patients from a whole body perspective.

Fro m h a n d s- o n m a n u a l massage to cupping, we use a custom tailored approach with a variety of modalities to treat our patients. We take insurance. See ad, page 7.

Psychotherapy Leslie Karen Lobell, MA, LPC Pompton Plains (Rte 23) and Montclair 908-577-0053 • Leslie@LeslieLobell.com LeslieLobell.com Do you suffer from anxiety or stress? Do you want to lose weight, stop smoking, gain self-confidence or change a habit? Do you need support and guidance through a life or career transition? Are you ready to achieve your goals, pursue your dreams and actualize your potential? You CAN create the Life You Desire... I can help you MAKE IT HAPPEN! Using proven techniques such as Holistic Psychotherapy, Hypnosis, Stress Reduction, Reiki and Dream Interpretation, I help teens & adults create happier, healthier, more peaceful and fulfilling lives. Allow me to assist you! See ad, page 34.

109 Main St., Suite 1B, Succasunna 201-738-8311 ludcat@optimum.net CathyLudwig.com Do you want to make peace with your past? Self-acceptance and clarity are yours when you determine how the past is influencing the present and when you make conscious choices about the future. As a licensed psychotherapist, Cathy helps you experience healing in all areas of your life. Using the powerful and effective treatments of Past Life Regression Therapy or Hypnotherapy alone or in combination with talk therapy, Cathy helps you develop your full potential, resolve conflict and have more compassion for yourself and others. Call to discuss which treatment option will work best for you. See ad, page 33.

Thermography Lisa’s Thermography and Wellness Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC Thermographer and Holistic Counselor See website for locations in NJ, NY & PA 855-667-9338 Lisa@LisasThermographyAndWellness.com LisasThermographyAndWellness.com Thermography gives an early look at the most important indicator of a potential health problem – inflammation. Early stage disease screening is an area in which thermography excels. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, or you are merely curious about the state of your health, thermography can help provide answers.

Radiation-free breast and full body screenings for men and women. See ad, page 42.

Spiritual Healing, Teaching

Yoga/Wellness

Be The Medicine

Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala

Janet StraightArrow 973-647-2500 Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com Shamanic Healing, Energy Medicine, Past Life, Medical Intuition, Life, Health, Spiritual Coaching, Astrology Readings, House and Land Clearings. In p e rs o n , p h o n e o r S ky p e.

Professional Reiki, Shamanism, and Medical Intuitive Training.

Retreats. 40 years’ experience. See ad, page 7.

Nicole Zornitzer, Founder 1250 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph 270 Sparta Ave., Upper Lake Mohawk, Sparta 973-500-2939 NiyamaYogaShala.com Vinyasa, hot vinyasa, yin yoga, HIIT, barre fusion, yogalates, Pilates and Iyengar rope wall, plus private yoga therapy, ayurvedic counseling, reiki healing and Thai yoga bodywork. All programs are International Yoga Alliance

accredited. See ad, page 26.

Thermography is “Health Discovery” a very important part of your preventive wellness program.

Radiation Free Breast and Full Body Thermography for Both Women & Men

Find out if you have inflammation before it becomes a problem.

Non-Invasive-Pain Free Imaging World class state of the art Infrared technology high quality images.

All reports approved and written by Board Certified M.D.s

FREE Dry Brush for new clients only ~ Visit Website for Test Locations in NJ, NY & PA ~

Call for your appointment today! 855-667-9338

Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC • LisasThermographyAndWellness.com

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NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

FEBRUARY

Coming Next Month

Eco-Friendly Weddings Plus: Heart Health

FLORHAM PARK & SOHO Text GO FLO or GO SOHO to 89000 For $59 INTRO OFFER* 176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park, NJ 07932 | 973-765-9500 | modacu.com/nj001 65 West Houston Street, NY 10012 (SOHO) | 917-388-2886 | modacu.com/ny001

PAIN | STRESS | BEAUTY *New patients only. Must be local resident. Expires by 1/31/2022. The laws relating to the practice of acupuncture vary from state to state. Please visit modacu.com for clinic ownership information, offer details and any state specific disclaimers. Individual results may vary. Not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Franchises Available.

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