March 2020 Natural Awakenings Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley

E E FR

HEALTHY

Powered

by Plants

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

From the Down in Ground Up the Weeds

Modern Herbalism as Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet Grassroots Movement

A Closer Look at CBD

March 2020 | Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com March 2020

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The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center z

The Natural Choice

Optimize Your Smile and Your Health!

Whole-Body Dentistry® provides comprehensive oral health care using traditional and holistic approaches. We understand the "mouth-body connection."

Mark A. Breiner, DDS

Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry Fellow of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology Speaker and best-selling author of WHOLE-BODY DENTISTRY®

Mercury-free for over 30 years. Dr. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of biological and holistic dentistry.

Doesn't It Make Sense To See The Authority?

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501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108 | Fairfield, CT | 203-371-0300 | WholeBodyDentistry.com

Caring Integrative Physicians Offering the Best in Holistic Healing The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

Our integrative approach treats a wide range of conditions including:

Adam Breiner, ND Brain Health Lyme Disease

David Brady, ND, CCN Fibromyalgia Thyroid Conditions

ADD/ADHD Allergies Anxiety & Depression Autism Brain Injuries Chronic Fatigue or Fatigue Concerns

Insomnia Lyme Disease Sports Injuries Stress-related Symptoms Thyroid & Adrenal Issues Toxicities Weight Gain

Difficulting Concentrating Female Concerns Fibromyalgia Gastrointestinal Concerns Healthy Aging Hormonal Issues Immune Disorders

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We can help you get your health back in balance naturally with proven treatments and therapies:

David Johnston, DO Osteopathic Medicine Cranial Osteopathy

Elena Sokolova, MD, ND Oriental Medicine Female Health

Hyperbaric Oxygen Neurofeedback Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Homeopathy Energy Medicine

Colon Hydrotherapy Natural Hormone Therapy Nutritional Assessment Allergy Desensitization Detoxification Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy

Bio-identical Hormone Therapy PRP & Stem Cell PEMF & Bemer IV Nutrient & Chelation Therapy Thermography Cranial Osteopathy

To learn more, watch our website videos.

Whole-Body Medicine, LLC ~ The Natural Approach for Optimal Health 2

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108 | Fairfield, CT | 203-371-8258 | WholeBodyMed.com Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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Contents Live Your Soul's Purpose | Attain Deep Peace Have Balance Around Giving and Receiving Have Loving, Supportive Relationships Have the Career that Sings to Your Soul The Academy for Soul Healing supports the growth and expansion of humanity, individually and on a global scale. "I foresee many students from the Academy becoming the teachers of this integrated way of service." Eilis Philpott, Master Healer & Teacher

March 26 - 29 Rebirthing Breathwork from the 13th Octave

April 16th - 19th Akashic Field Healing

May 14th - 17th 13th Octave LaHoChi

All workshops and training sessions are held from Thursday evening through Sunday at 415 Howe Avenue, Shelton, CT. $555 Investment $200 Deposit Required to Register Payment Plans Available Book early as these events always sell out!

Visit website for more details and to register.

20 FROM LONDON

30

WITH LOVE

Bernard Ilsley Returns to The Ridgefield Playhouse

24 INNOVATIVE THERAPIES IN PRACTICE

A Q&A about Healing Chronic Lyme, Depression, Anxiety and More

26 THE ROOTS OF

GOOD HEALTH

Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet

30 FROM THE GROUND UP

Modern Herbalism Is a

42

Grassroots Movement

36 SPICES OF LIFE

203-767-5954 | www.academyforsoulhealing.com Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com | Fairfield, CT

Pinches and Dashes Boost Health

40 DOWN IN

THE WEEDS

A Closer Look at CBD

REBUILD YOUR BONES NO PHARMACEUTICALS NO SIDE EFFECTS

42 CBD’S NEW FRONTIER

Help for Mental Health

Suzanne’s new DEXA scan shows 8.5% GAIN in bone density since joining OsteoStrong!

44 VEGAN FITNESS

44

A Healthy Choice for Body and Planet

46 MEATLESS MAKEOVER

A Plant-Based Spin on Classic Dishes

48 KIBBLE QUANDARY

A Fresh Look at Pet Food

T H E B O N E H E A L T H CE N T E R

If you don't want to suffer the side effects of osteoporosis drugs, and if you are serious about preventing osteoporosis and building a stronger body, then OsteoStrong is for you. Backed by an ever-expanding body of scientific research, in short, weekly sessions, our members report more bone density gains than any other therapy.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 18 health briefs 20 event spotlight 22 mastering yoga 24 therapy spotlight 42 healing ways 44 fit body

eNaturalAwakenings.com

46 conscious

eating 48 naturally healthy pet 52 calendar 55 classified 56 resource guide 62 inspiration 62 display ad index

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 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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WASTE FAIRE & Sustainable Living Expo

Sunday, March 29th, 2020 11am - 4pm

Wilton High School Field House Sponsored by: LiveGreen/CT Southwestern Area Clean Cities Sustainne Junkluggers BayState Textiles

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Chartwells Natural Awakenings Fairfield County

wiltongogreen.org

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or email FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for News Briefs: the 8th of the month.

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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.

Touch of Sedona The Finest in Southwest Goods & Healing Items

A Unique Boutique with Heartfelt Purpose

Native American Art Turquoise & Silver Jewelry Crystals of all sizes Chakra Jewelry Dreamcatchers Buddhas • Books • Angels Candles • Incense • Oils F

Visit us in Ridgefield and our New Store in Bethel! www.TouchofSedonaCT.com Both Locations 125 Greenwood Ave. 452 Main Street Open Everyday Ridgefield, CT Bethel, CT Until 5:30pm 203-438-7146 475-329-2087 March 2020

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

FAIRFIELD COUNTY/ HOUSATONIC VALLEY Publisher Nicole Miale

Managing Editor Patricia Staino

Editor Michelle Bense

Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills

Contributing Writers Christy Abate Susan Berman Samantha Parker Anastasia Priyanikova Patricia Staino

Sales & Marketing Nicole Miale Social Media Amy Hass

Website Erica Mills Distribution Man in Motion LLC

CONTACT US 137 Danbury Rd, #323, New Milford, CT 06776 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

National Editor Jan Hollingsworth

Managing Editor Linda Sechrist

National Art Director Stephen Blancett

Art Director Josh Pope

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakenings.com © 2020 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

letter from publisher

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he more I study and learn, the more fascinated I become by the realization that much of what we are “learning” today is in fact a rediscovery of what was once known and practiced but supplanted by newfangled information. If we think of human progression as a spiral upwards, that which is old really does become new again, though perhaps at a higher level of understanding.

For this issue, Managing Editor Patricia Staino worked overtime to produce educational and comprehensive pieces on topics that exemplify this old-then-new concept. She examines the trend back toward community Nicole Miale herbalism (you know, like our great-grandparents in the old country might have practiced, and their parents before them). There is an active herbalism community growing in Connecticut, and Patricia spoke to some of the leaders in the area about what makes herbalism both an art and a science, as well as the accessibility factor that makes herbal products so special.

In addition, this month Patricia took on the herculean task of sorting truth from the hype of hemp and CBD. Hemp, a crop that was illegal in U.S. soil for about 50 years, is now reaching for the sun as this no-buzz cousin to marijuana fuels high hopes among farmers, agricultural researchers, manufacturers and consumers for its use in a host of areas. If you’ve been wondering about the potential utility of CBD in your own life, don’t miss Patricia’s deep dive; you’ll learn a lot and be positioned to become a wiser consumer of this remarkable set of products.

In keeping with the “everything old is new again” theme, humans began as hunter-gatherer omnivores when it came to their food supply, but their base diet was heavier on the gathering and less on the hunting simply because meat could be scarce at times.

While meat may be plentiful these days, plant-based diets are experiencing a resurgence in this country, for a variety of reasons and in different forms. This month we include a few articles about the ever-increasing popularity of plant-based eating, providing pointers on how to adjust your diet if you are so inclined, as well as tasty recipes that will leave you satisfied without missing meat.

Lots of great events are coming up this month in our area; be sure to check out the news briefs and calendar section as you plan your time. We hope to see you at many of them!

With love and light,

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

See our display advertiser index on page 62, making it easier to find the resources you need. eNaturalAwakenings.com

news briefs

RMA Doctors Receive Advanced Degrees

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ertility practice RMA of Connecticut, in Norwalk, has announced that Dr. Amy Matton, DACM, LAc, and Dr. Elaine Malin, DACM, LAc, have received Doctorate degrees in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science. The doctoral degree focuses on increasing clinical skills, patient-centered care, working integratively with Western medicine, and evidence-based practice. As the demand for patient-centered integrative care in the field of fertility increases, Matton and Malin will conDr. Amy Matton and Dr. Elaine Malin tinue to provide patients with natural evidence-based care.

“We want to congratulate and acknowledge Dr. Amy Matton and Dr. Elaine Malin for their achievements and dedication in the field of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine,” says Robin Mangieri, CEO of RMA of Connecticut. “We combine the best science has to offer through our esteemed fertility doctors along with our expansive integrative fertility and wellness programs to provide our patients with the best care all under one roof.”

Acupuncture can increase fertility by lowering stress and anxiety, increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, and balancing the endocrine system. It can also increase a couple’s chances of conceiving by helping to keep the normal flow of energy unblocked.

RMA of Connecticut was involved in a landmark study indicating pre- and post-embryo transfer laser acupuncture improves embryo implantation rates by up to 15 percent.

Matton has been providing traditional and laser acupuncture to women undergoing treatment for infertility at RMA of Connecticut for 15 years. She also serves as the Coordinator for the Integrated Fertility and Wellness Programs (IFW) at RMA of Connecticut. She is a graduate of Pacific College of Health and Science with a doctoral degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, a licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist. Matton’s areas of expertise include women’s health and fertility issues, pain management, anxiety, stress and adjunctive cancer care.

Malin is a licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist who has worked with RMA of Connecticut patients for seven years. A general practitioner with a broad range of experience, she has specialized training and experience in women’s health issues including fertility and pregnancy, as well as in treating anxiety, stress and their physical manifestations.

For more information, call 203-750-7400 or visit RMACT.com. Location: RMA of Connecticut, 761 Main Ave, #200, Norwalk.

Practitioner Networking in Sandy Hook

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f you are a local practitioner interested in meeting fellow healers and building your network of like-minded associates, you’ll want to put the Soulful Network Gathering on your calendar for March 8. From 2 to 5pm at the River’s Edge Healing Center, practitioners will gather to build a community of interactive, trustworthy, fun colleagues, where you can find others that have similar soul missions.

Different practitioners will either lead a meditation, play live music, give a talk to support the group’s evolving consciousness or whatever else attendees bring to the table.

The one thing that remains the same in each gathering is a sharing circle where participants share their stories, the obstacles they’ve overcome, where they are headed, what they deeply desire in their work and what they want to accomplish in their lives.

There is a suggested donation of $10 or bring a potluck dish to share.

To register for the event, email CTPractitioners@gmail.com. Location: River’s Edge Healing Center, 5 Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook.

March 2020

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Zero Waste Faire in Wilton

news briefs

Turning Point Welcomes New Practitioners

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he Zero urning Point Healing Arts and Education Center in Ridgefield Waste Faire recently welcomed three new practitioners into the fold. and Sustainable Stacey Decea, CSW, is an evidential psychic medium who began her Living Expo spiritual journey in earnest in 2013 after becoming keenly aware of the returns March spirit world. Decea is available for individual mediumship and psychic 29 to the Wilton readings, as well as mediumship readings for multiple family members. & Sustainable Living Expo High School Stacey Decea She hosts a monthly closed mediumship development circle and also ofField House. Now in its third year, the fers small group gallery events at the center. Decea teaches mediumship th, to educate, Faire is a special event designed in a one-on-one mentorship program to assist you in the development 11am - 4pm inspire, entertain and engage the town of your own mediumship abilities. Contact her at 914-588-6196, of Wilton and neighboring communities Wilton High School Field House Stacey@StaceyDecea.com or StaceyDecea.com. about zero waste and sustainable living.

Karen Serrao is a certified Spiritual Response Therapy (SRT) prac Sponsored By sharing information and ideas by: Karen Serrao titioner and a member of the Spiritual Response Association (SRA), a through speakers, exhibitors, media and certified Angelic Healing Practitioner, a Reiki master practitioner and a LiveGreen/CT Southwestern Area Clean Cities discussions of current issues, the Faire, Sustainne member of the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP), a zero-waste event, will help advance Junkluggers a health coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and an zero-waste practices that benefit everyone.

BayState Textiles ordained priest in the Order of Melchizedek. Serrao is a curious person Last year’sChartwells event featured more than 100 who believes that knowledge is infinite, so she is working on learning and exhibitors and hosted more than 1,000 atNatural Awakenings Fairfield County getting certified in other energy healing modalities. Contact her at tendees of all ages from Connecticut, New Maria Amore 914-215-4774, KMSerrao@me.com or Kspiritual.com.

York and Massachusetts.

Davis Maria Amore Davis is a Reiki master, Karuna Reiki master, an IET

This year’s exhibitors will focus on practitioner and a priest in the Order of Melchizidek. As an ordained minister, she also sustainable living and communities, recyofficiates weddings. Amore Davis’ Reiki healing sessions begin with playing quartz crystal wiltongogreen.org cling and zero-waste initiatives, and will bowls to help clients enter a state of deep relaxation, tapping into emotions waiting to include the Bartlett Arboretum, Noteworbe released. She incorporates many modalities as needed, including Cellular Memory thy Chocolates, the CT Audubon Society, Technique. Sessions end with a Tarot reading to provide insight and direction. Amore and the Electric Vehicle Club of ConnectiDavis also does individual readings and teaches classes. Contact Amore Davis at 203-434cut, among many others. A kid zone will 3411, AmoreMaria106@gmail.com or AmoreMaria.com. feature nature education and activities, All three are available for private sessions by appointment. For more information, with Cyril the Sorcerer and Woodcock call 203-438-3050 or visit TurningPointReiki.com. Location: Turning Point Healing Arts Nature Center, and others. and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, #101, Ridgefield.

The free event runs from 11am to 4pm.

WASTE FAIRE

Sunday, March 29

New Naturopath Joins SOPHIA Natural Health

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li Morales, ND, has joined SOPHIA Natural Health Center in Ridgefield. Morales, who has received advanced training in the treatment of Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses, seeks to empower his patients to activate their body’s natural ability to heal through nutrition, herbs, hydrotherapy and homeopathy.

He is a licensed naturopathic physician who trained at the National Eli Morales University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. He has a special interest in cardiology, diabetes, men’s health and anthroposophic medicine.

Before becoming a doctor, he was an elementary school teacher who was drawn to teaching children about the world around them. As a doctor, he combines his teaching skills and medical training to guide patients through the journey of health. One of the six principles of naturopathic medicine is docere, which is Latin for “to teach”. Educating patients is at the center of his practice.

To make an appointment, call 203-587-8527 or visit INM.center. Location: SOPHIA Natural Health Center, 31 Old Rte 7, Brookfield. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 56.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

2020

For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/ ZeroWasteFair2020. Location: Wilton High School Field House, 395 Danbury Rd, Wilton. See ad, page 5.

UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION In our February article on regenerative medicine, “Renewing Hope: Regenerative Medicine Upends Traditional Prognoses,” our sidebar of local resources incorrectly listed the phone number for Optimum Regenerative Care.

The correct number is 203-917-4774.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our readers or the practice.

March 2020

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news briefs

Women Empowering Women in New Milford

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ew Milford now has its own chapter of the Women Empowering Women Now Networking group.

The chapter, which belongs to a global but locally based networking community, held its first meeting in January.

The group’s goal is to support, educate and empower women entrepreneurs to live and love their best lifestyle businesses. Each month at the chapter meeting, organizers provide training, tips and strategies as well as targeted networking so members can bond with other businesswomen on a deeper level.

Why should women attend WEW? If you are a female entrepreneur, interested in starting your own business, struggling to find clients, or just want to collaborate with other women and be part of a supportive community, this could be the group for you.

“We are looking for women who are ready to ‘start a revolution from within’ and a create a movement of education, support and empowerment together,” says WEW leadership.

The cost to attend each meeting is $10, which includes materials, snacks and water.

For more information about the New Milford Chapter meetings, contact Bonnie Durkin, chapter president at BSKicks@sbcglobal.net.

WCSU 5th Annual Wellness Fair

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estern Connecticut State University’s fifth annual Health, Fitness and Wellness Fair will take place from noon until 3pm on March 31. Join health and wellness experts and practitioners for information, demonstrations, activities, screenings, food and fun. This annual event is co-sponsored by the University Health Services, the Institute for Holistic Health Studies, the HPX department and the Campus recreation department. Admission is free; all are welcome.

For more information call 203-837-8609 or email ShanksA@wcsu.edu. Location: Bill Williams Gymnasium in Berkshire Hall, 181 White St, Danbury.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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Rebirthing Breathwork in Shelton

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he 13th Octave is a process of conscious union within the heart of God—an awareness that is anchored deep within your heart. Rebirthing (or Conscious Connected Breathing) is a simple breathing technique, which can transform your mind, body and spirit as well as how you perceive yourself, others and the world in general. The results are often profound as the process works directly at the core of conscious and unconscious issues.

Over the weekend of March 26 to 29, the Academy for Soul Healing will present a Rebirthing Breathwork workshop where attendees will be initiated into the 13th Octave, joining with Source/Divine energy in order to operate from the 7th dimension while being fully grounded on the planet.

Participants will have the opportunity to give and receive Rebirthing Breathwork sessions.

The benefits of Rebirthing include an increased ability to feel and resolve the effects of the past, increased vitality and aliveness and a more insightful and fulfilling experience of yourself and your relationships.

This weekend will include a 13th Octave Initiation, a group rebirth and two paired Breathwork exchanges.

Some of the topics will include the Council of Love, the 13th Octave, operating from and gifting others the gift of an open heart, history and growth of Rebirthing breathwork, variations in the breath and how they mirror what you are feeling, your "birth script" and much more.

The workshop takes place March 26 from 7 to 10pm; March 27 from 10am to 6pm; March 28 from 10am to 6pm and March 29 from 10am to 5pm. Tuition is $555, and a deposit of $200 is required for registration. Payment plans are available.

Full Moon Tarot Gathering in Trumbull

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oin Beth Leas at Pure Poetry in Trumbull for a special Full Moon TLC Pop-Up Tarot Gathering on March 8 from 5 to 7pm. Leas will harness the energy of the full moon to help you discover what’s in the cards for you.

This playful event is designed for everyone from novices to longtime tarot friends. Leas will focus on answering your most burning questions: What do you need to know? What do you need to do?

And if not now, when? Leas will read for everyone who attends.

This is a popular event and space is limited, so register in advance to secure your place at the table. Tickets are $45.

Beth Leas

To register, call 203-880-5360. For more information, visit ShopPurePoetry.com or BethLeas.com. Location: Pure Poetry, 4244 Madison Avenue, Trumbull. See ad, page 15.

For more information or to register for the event, visit AcademyForSoulHealing.com. Location: 415 Howe Ave, Shelton. See ad, page 4.

March 2020

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news briefs

Spiritual Psychic and Healing Fair in Old Greenwich

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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION MASTER OF ARTS DEGREES

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

rop by the Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism in Old Greenwich on March 7 for its monthly Spiritual Psychic and Healing Fair.

Admission is free, and slots are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis (although you can reserve a time in advance). Practitioners on site include a long list of community readers and mediums, including:

Angel Gomez, psychic and tarot reader, is bilingual and comes from a long family lineage of outstanding intuitive ability.

Angela Pizzarello, intuitive and energy reader, has 30 years of experience; she incorporates tarot with intuition and psychic impressions.

Bob Buchanan, caulbearer, was born with a veil; he listens to the souls who come through to him.

Chris Deserio is a trance medium, energy healer and metaphysical teacher and tutor.

Felisa Rivera is a Spiritual tipster who has been reading tarot cards for nine years. She helps people connect with their inner power and discover their strengths.

James Luse is a medium, past-life reader, channeler and psychometrist in work, business, relationships, family and personal life.

Kathleen James is a spiritual medium who connects with the spirit realm and asks for whatever the sitter needs.

Liz Hoy is a spiritual medium and psychic; her detailoriented readings bring great clarity and evidence that your loved ones in spirit are with you.

Sherry Piechoki is an intuitive psychic and empath who offers intuitive and psychic readings to serve as a vessel for guidance to help others.

Tala Durso is a sound healer, spiritual guide and intuitive who marries science and spirit in sound healing.

Trish Miller is a tarot card reader with more than 40 years of experience.

Valerie Tarangelo offers Reiki healing for people and animals.

Pet healing is also available by appointment between 2 and 4pm (bring leash or carrier, please).

The fair takes place the first Saturday of every month from 11am to 4pm. Admission to the fair is free; readings are $60 and up for 25 minutes; healing sessions are $35 for 15 to 20 minutes.

Cash, personal check and credit cards are accepted.

To make a reservation, email My10Cats@optonline.net. Location: Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Mental Health Symposium in Fairfield

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PTIMUS Health Care is hosting its 2nd Annual Community Breakfast and Mental Health Symposium. The organization is continuing its bold initiative to bring the conversation about mental health to light with special emphasis on the mental health of women and girls.

The event will take place March 5 from 8 to 10am, with registration beginning at 7am. Following the breakfast, keynote speaker Lorna Luft will talk candidly about the challenges of mental illness, the impact it has on women and their children and the courage it takes to seek healing. Luft is a health advocate, Broadway star and author of two books: Me and My Shadows and A Star is Born: Judy Garland and the Film that Got Away. She is also the daughter of the beloved legendary star, Judy Garland.

Sacred Heart University, under the auspices of the College of Health Professions, College of Arts Lorna Luft and Sciences, Davis Henley College of Nursing, St. Vincent’s College and Farrington College of Education is the lead partner for this event.

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For questions, contact Alexandra McGoldrick at 203-696-3260, x3343 or email AMCGoldrick@opthc.org. For more information, visit OptimusHealthCare.org/BUILD. Location: Sacred Heart University, West Campus Guest House, 3135 Easton Tpke, Fairfield.

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PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma

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Stem Cell Therapy

A natural and safe, non-surgical method for healing: • PRP for Hair Restoration • PRP for Arthritis/Joints • PRP for Erectile Dysfunction

• Arthritis / joint problems–avoid steroids and surgeries.

• Stem cells for your joints are being used by leading doctors and institutions around the country.

• Stem cells are being applied for an expanding list of many other conditions.

u Other Services Offered by Dr. Sobo IV Vitamin C and Nutrients Allergy Testing/Desensitization Anti-aging Medicine • Hormonal Health Thyroid • Dementia • Fibromyalgia MTHFR Genetic Mutation • Fatigue

w Call for your FREE CONSULTATION with Henry C. Sobo, M.D. to see if PRP Treatments or Stem Cell Therapies are for you.

203-348-8805

Optimal Health Medical, LLC | 111 High Ridge Rd. Stamford, CT 06905 | www.drsobo.com March 2020

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news briefs

Weekly Shamanic Healing in Westport

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ooking for something empowering, healing and guided by a deeper connection to nature?

Feel like you need to be nourished and nurtured for your own well-being?

On the second Tuesday of each month at Transformation Center CT in Westport, Shamanic practitioners trained and certified by medicine woman Ahalya Running Deer Baguio offer the community the chance to experience these sacred healing sessions.

Shamanism is a term for the most ancient healing developed by indigenous people throughout the planet. Shamanic practices are a method of healing that works on a unique level, reverberating change and allowing you to have new perspectives. These oneon-one, self-mastery Shamanic sessions work with you to create more impactful, positive life experiences.

Shamanic work will allow you to connect more deeply with your body, reduce stress, help heal trauma and release emotional blockages, reduce tension and anxiety, boost your immune system and induce synchronous brain activity (creating connection between hemispheres).

The Transformation Center CT’s Shamanic practitioners are trained to step into the unseen world and detect any disconnections in order to restore personal power toward wholeness. They use certain tools, such as rattles, drum, sage, sound and touch, all with the intention to remove unwanted energy and promote well-being.

Relax and find peace with this method, which has been used for thousands of years in all indigenous cultures to assist in clearing emotional, mental, physical and psychological difficulties. There is a lot of interest in these sessions, so reserve your space in advance.

There is a small suggested donation of $20, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Sessions are held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

To reserve your spot, visit AhalyaBaguio.com. Location: Transformation Center CT, 7 Reimer Rd, Westport.

See Community Resource Guide listing, page 61.

Professional Massage Therapy Swedish Deep Tissue Prenatal Reflexology Customized Sessions

Jaclyn Lynch, LMT 860-946-7450 jaclynlynch@yahoo.com ctmassages.com Marissa Muccio, LMT 860-707-2738 marissakatelmt@gmail.com marissakatelmt.amtamembers.com

Natural Awakenings Looking for Cover Artists

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reative individuals that would like to see their work featured on the cover of a nationally distributed magazine now have an exceptional opportunity. Natural Awakenings is extending a call for cover art and accepting submissions online via a dedicated webpage. Now in its 26th year, the franchised, monthly, healthy living publication that’s available in more than 70 U.S. markets is known for eye-catching covers that feature original works by artists from around the world.

“This is an exciting opportunity for artists to be featured on one of our covers and reach a huge new audience because our monthly readership exceeds 2.5 million,” says founder and CEO Sharon Bruckman. Selected artists that grant permission to have their work appear on a cover are featured in a one-third page, professionally written “Cover Artist” bio-style piece that describes the artist and includes their contact information.

Natural Awakenings covers reflect monthly editorial themes and a variety of selections are distributed to all franchise publishers so they can choose which they want to use. “Our covers are creative and help convey our mission of mapping out alternate routes to a healthier, happier and longer life,” says Bruckman.

“Art that is inspiring, uplifting and occasionally whimsical can unlock our imagination and nurture our spirit.”

For more information, including a list of monthly themes, submission terms and format requirements, visit NaturalAwakenings.com/CoverArt.

Positive & Nature Based Psychology Promoting well-being and resilience.

Happiness • Strength • Hope • Wisdom • Coping • Flourishing Ann C. Reeves, Psy. D, CAPP Licensed Psychologist

30 Bridge Street • Suite 3 • New Milford, CT • 06776 14

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

203-451-6208

annreevespsych@optonline.net • www.annreevespsychology.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com

3 Hollyhock Lane, Wilton, CT 06897

203-856-9566 www.203TLC.com

203 TLC

203 TLC is a community of accredited health and wellness providers offering a wide variety of services and products.

Founded in 1997 by Beth Leas, the TLC Tribe is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health resource - a vibrant and growing community of over 90 Members, committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities. We offer high quality private sessions, products, workshops, classes and resources designed to help you live life well.

Energy Healing/Meditation/Tarot Beth Leas 25+ Years Experience Private Sessions, Workshops, Events In-person or by phone bethleas.com 203-856-9566

Lyme Disease Healing Gregg Kirk, Lyme Recovery Clinic & Detox Center Heal from chronic illness through all-natural herbal treatments, intensive detox, cleanses & energy healing.

528 Post Rd, Darien Gregg.Kirk@gmail.com 203-858-9725

Salt Cave

Essential Oils Wayne Leiss, LMT Centering Our Lives Through Touch. dōTERRA Essential Oils and Symphony of the Cells™ Protocols 20 Fifth Ave, Apt A, Danbury Wayne@WayneLeiss.com WayneLeiss.com 203-994-1207

Massage Therapy Betsy Benham Fruda, LMT Therapeutic Massage, Deep Tissue Melt, Fascial Function, Restorative Movement Westport Therapeutic LLC 16 Ketchum St, Westport Betsybwtllc.com 203-858-0679

Spiritual Counseling

Salt Cave of Darien Salt therapy, massage, meditation & yoga 555 Post Rd, Darien Info@SaltCaveofDarien.com SaltCaveofDarien.com 203-658-7667

Katherine Gray Silvan, LMSW Clear Light Spiritual Counseling Interfaith Minister, Reiki Master Inspirational Speaker katherinesilvan.com 203-912-5252

Hypnosis/Active Dreaming Thea Litsios, CHy Healing Tree Wisdom Norwalk and Stratford HealingTreeWisdom.com 203-693-1493

Meditation & Counseling Meg Reilly, MS, CH Meg Reilly 360 Classes monthly in Norwalk Personalized service by appointment MegReilly360.com 203-952-6272

Transformation Coaching/Healing Katie Augustyn, MA, CPC Transformation Coach, Shamanic Practitioner, Spiritual Evolution Trainer, Energy Healer, TV Host TransformationCenterCT.com 203-820-3800

Get to know us at TLC’s monthly networking breakfast!

Looking for a relaxed group of professionals offering a supportive community, free networking events, many affordable marketing opportunities, and FUN? We meet on the first Tuesday of every month, at Valencia Luncheria, 164 Main St, Norwalk, CT, from 8:30 -10:00am.

Come the first time as Beth's guest - and if you find your time with us worthwhile, we invite you to become a TLC Member.

Please RSVP to Beth Leas at: 203-856-9566 (call/text) orTLCBethLeas@gmail.com so she can reserve your place.

March 2020

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news briefs

Free Open House at Two Coyotes Wilderness School

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wo Coyotes Wilderness School’s annual Open House at Sticks and Stones Farm in Newtown will be held on Saturday, March 28. The free event will include two sessions: a morning session from 10am to 12pm, and an afternoon session from 1 to 3pm. During each session, camp staff will lead all members of the family in nature activities, games, and arts and crafts. All ages are welcome to attend this free community event.

This open house event is for families to get a taste of awesome summer camp experiences for kids up to 17 years old.

Visitors will be able to tour the campground, meet staff and alumni, participate in games and activities, and have the chance to ask questions. This event is rain or shine (just like the camp), so please dress appropriately for the weather.

In addition to information about summer camp, visitors will also learn more about programs that Two Coyotes offers all yearround, including the Forest Learning Program and Homeschool sessions that offer a full day of school in the woods, monthly Wildwood weekend programs, or Coyote Pups Caregiver & Child programs.

When registering, please choose either a morning or afternoon Open House session. Visit TwoCoyotes.org to register or for more information about our summer camp or any of our programs, or contact Stephanie, Program Director, at Programs@TwoCoyotes.org.

Location: Sticks and Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. See ad, page 28.

Passport to Health Spring Expo Call for Vendors

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he Passport to Health & Wellness Expo, to be held Sunday, April 26 from 10am to 5pm at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton, is currently seeking vendors and speakers for the event.

The benefit holistic fair, presented by the Holistic Community Professionals, will feature more than 75 vendors and readers, free raffles all day and a grand prize of a Hilton overnight stay with breakfast for two, as well as a free drum healing closing ceremony.

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with vendors and exhibitors as they learn about available resources to help promote healthy living and overall well-being. Visitors will have the chance to gain inspiration by visiting the booths and participating in the scheduled events which include a keynote speaker and speakers on multiple topics during the day.

Door proceeds will be donated to the CT Children’s Medical Center (ConnecticutChildrens.org) and Hartford Hospitals Integrative Medicine Angie’s Spa fund (AngiesSpa.org). All funds will be used directly for patient care and will be matched to the maximum allowed by the grants for each organization.

Natural Awakenings is proud to be a member of The Holistic Community Professionals and a sponsor of the expo.

Interested vendors can apply online at Tinyurl.com/ SpringExpoVendors.

For more information, call Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033, email YourHolisticEvents@gmail.com or visit ShirleyBloethe.com.

Location: The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton, 42 Century Dr, Bristol. See ad, page 25.

Contemporary Shamanism & Cross-Cultural Energy Medicine Classes, Training, Mentoring, Healing Sessions and more...

• Holistic Shamanic Practitioner Training • Andean Mysticism & Healing • Usui & Karuna Reiki® Training • Classes & Drum Circles • Space Clearings and more...

self-healing, self-empowerment and trauma transformation through the sacred

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

ɲɧɴɩɾ ˪ɪ ɦɨɷɪɩ Deana Paqua, MA, LMT

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w w w. e m b o d y t h e s a c r e d . n e t eNaturalAwakenings.com

cover artist

Victoria F. Shaw, PhD, LPC

Intuitive & Consultant LPC Shaw, PhD, F.Psychotherapist Victoria

Intuitive Psychotherapist & Consultant Combining the best of traditional

psychotherapy with intuitive guidance in Combining the best of traditional psychotherapy with working with children, teens and adults. intuitive guidance in working with children, teens and adults.

Offices in Wilton, Westport and Fairfield.

Offices in Wilton and Westport www.victoriashawpsychotherapy.com

www.victoriashawintuitive.com VictoriaShawPsychotherapy.com • VictoriaShawIntuitive.com 203-254-3403 •• vfshawphd@gmail.com 203-254-3403 vfshawphd@gmail.com

Nantucket Vegetables

Martha Marlette

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over artist Martha Marlette uses watercolors and oils to bring cheerful touches to her varied subjects that range from still life to portraiture. She particularly enjoys collaborating with clients to create realistic portraits of children and adults, as well as homes, gardens, boats, buildings and even bridal bouquets.

“I’m in love with color and light, and try to capture both elements in my paintings,” says Marlette. “I’m drawn to vivid subjects like fruits, vegetables and flowers, and the way the light changes their colors, shapes and forms.”

Nantucket Vegetables was inspired by a hand-woven basket her mother made. “I appreciate the artistry of domestic objects, from a beautiful china pattern to a dish towel.”

A lifelong painter, Marlette received formal training at the Art Students League, Skidmore College and the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, all in New York. Marlette paints in a shared studio space in Buffalo, and also enjoys painting in her backyard’s natural light.

View the artist’s portfolio at MarthaMarlette.com.

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March 2020

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Raise Water Temperature to Boost Metabolism

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here have been many studies proving that the consumption of cold food and beverages, including ice water, actually causes our blood vessels to constrict, slows peristalsis in the digestive tract and solidifies the fats in food we eat, all of which contribute to weakening the body’s ability to digest. One primary hypothesis is that consuming cold reduces our body’s core temperature. Where these revealing studies leaves off, the science Ayurveda takes up the tale.

A very important concept in Ayurvedic medicine is agni. Agni is the energy of metabolism, our digestive fire, which turns everything we consume into fuel for living. A strong agni gives us the ability not only to properly digest food but also to take in and process mental and emotional experiences. Agni is not a physical structure that can be measured by any type of Western medical device—you won’t find it on an ultrasound or a C.A.T. scan. Instead, it is an energy that exists in the lower curvature of the stomach. Our primary agni is the reason why the consumption of cold food and beverages is ill-advised, as we need heat for biotransformation.

Have you ever prepared a meal of grains and veggies or meat with a pot of ice water rather than a bubbling pot of water cooking over a strong flame? Probably not. Nothing would break down, nothing would transform to a digestible state. When the agni in our gut is strong, digestion improves; you don’t get bloated after a meal, you begin to experience healthy daily bowel movements and are better able to “digest” experiences or trauma.

If you are constantly in the habit of consuming cold food and drink, and you are experiencing digestive issues, it might be time to consider the strength of your agni.

One of the easiest methods to begin this repair is consuming foods that are well-cooked instead of raw and room-temperature, as well as drinking warmer beverages rather than those that are chilled. Quite possibly the easiest step in the right direction is just to forget the ice and drink your water at room temperature.

Samantha Parker is an Ayurvedic practitioner and principal of Anjali Ayurvedic Medicine, LLC. Connect with her at 203-246-2578, Samantha@Anjali.Life or Anjali.Life.

Drinking either not enough or too much water can decrease cognitive performance in older women, Penn State University researchers reported in the European Journal of Nutrition. In a nationwide study, 1,271 women and 1,235 men over age 60 gave blood samples, answered questionnaires about the previous day’s food and drinks, and performed cognitive tests to measure working memory, brain processing speed and sustained attention. Women, but not men, performed more poorly if they were not in the “sweet spot” of just enough hydration, typically around two liters a day.

“As we age, our water reserves decline due to reductions in muscle mass, our kidneys become less effective at retaining water and hormonal signals that trigger thirst and motivate water intake become blunted,” explains lead author Hilary Bethancourt, in urging greater attention to hydration levels.

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Now accepting applications for 2020-2021 | Call 860-764-9070 today! | West Granby, CT | www.tiosn.com 18

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

puhhha/Shutterstock.com

Balance Water Consumption for Cognitive Health

health briefs

health briefs

HiLDa DemirJian LaSer & SKin care

A GERD and Veggies: Here’s the Skinny

S i n c e 1974

Love your skin!

Susan Berman, CHHC, MEd, is a Certified Holistic Health Coach who specializes in people suffering from GERD. After losing her husband from esophageal cancer, she has made it her mission to put a halt to this disease. She offers online Group, 1:1 and Do It Yourself programs. Connect with her for a free consultation at Susan@HealingAcidReflux.com or HealingAcidReflux.com. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 57.

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Non-Invasive, Holistic Treatments

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by Susan Berman The reason one individual is susceptible to acid reflux/ GERD might be entirely different from the reason it afflicts another person. One thing that seems consistent, however, are the various foods that seem to trigger a majority of people.

Besides the typical fats, let's look at different plant-based foods that can be tricky. For example, when it comes to fruits, citric acid typically will cause acid reflux.

That said, lemons and limes, as acidic as they are, actually metabolize to be alkaline in one's system. Apples can vary. Red, sweet apples are usually fine to eat, while the sour green apples can cause problems. Believe it or not, many berries carry high levels of acidity. For example, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, strawberries and cherries are all on the "beware" list. Tomatoes are usually too acidic to eat and affect many people; however, yellow tomatoes tend to be easier on the digestive system.

Vegetables, on the other hand, are excellent, although raw onions and garlic may raise some concerns.

Dried versions of both of these would be a better option for many people. Most vegetables, whether eaten raw or cooked, will not typically produce acid reflux. Greens are alkalizing and should be a large part of one's diet.

Grains and seeds are good to incorporate into a daily diet. Most are neutral in acidity, meaning not too acidic or alkalizing. Grains provide a wealth of fiber, complex carbohydrates, minerals and some essential vitamins.

Some grains can actually help to reduce acid reflux, although people who are gluten-sensitive still may find them challenging to digest.

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event spotlight

From London With Love Bernard Ilsley Returns to The Ridgefield Playhouse

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ernard Ilsley, “The London Medium,” is a third-generation psychic who has been a trusted adviser to Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant for many years. Ilsley not only sees the future, but also can contact loved ones and ancient spirits and tap into past lives.

Natural Awakenings connected with Ilsley to discuss his special gift and return performance at The Ridgefield Playhouse on March 31.

How did you make your transition into working as a medium on a full-time basis?

My transition began in my late teens when I would drive my grandmother, who was

a well-known medium, to New Age expos. They were happening every weekend in the UK at the time. As people would be waiting in line, they would ask me, since I was related, if I “could tell them something.” As I did, it became apparent that I had the gift, too. I then went on to develop my abilities in development circles run by my grandmother.

mind by the conscious mind before you sleep. It’s similar to when a person says, consciously, I wish to wake at 6:30am, and then they do. So, before you go to sleep, with your conscious thought, you ask for the person you wish to communicate with and hopefully, eventually, that will happen.

Does prayer help a spirit between dimensions move on?

Prayer does help a person between dimensions to move on. Prayer is a way of raising the vibration of conscious communication. Sometimes if a spirit is in between dimensions, it is lacking the necessary energy and light and purity to transcend to a higher vibration. By sharing that light and divinity, the transition becomes possible.

How do you define the soul?

The soul is a unique mass of conscious divinity.

How do we determine what our soul is here to do?

How can someone connect with a deceased loved one in a dream state?

When in the dream state, we naturally ascend briefly to the higher vibrations of the spirit realm. It is possible to set the higher conscious mind or the subconscious

The best way is by listening to one’s inner self. This can be done through practicing meditation, stilling the mind to listen to the soul, which is an intrinsic part of the divine.

Jessica Hunter

Hunter Healing Hands

Celebrating 10 years in professional practice serving the community.

Integrative & Intuitive Shamanic Wellness Integrative & Intuitive Healing Sessions

Shamanic Healing Shamanic Spirit Communication Soul Retrieval, Extraction, Depossession Curse Unraveling, Crystal Healing, Acupressure

Shamanic, Crystal, & Empath Workshops Shamanic Journey Circles Training Programs in Shamanic Healing and Crystal Healing

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203-916-8381 | www.hunterhealinghands.com | hunterhealinghands@hotmail.com 20

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Albert Einstein said the most important question a person can ask is if the Universe is a friendly place. In the face of what seems like a lot of negative events in the world, what do you think?

From the beginning of time and creation, good and evil has existed—yin and yang.

There is an equal amount of good and an equal amount of bad in the world as energy, exactly the same amount as at the beginning of creation. This energy moves around the earth like clouds, so good and evil can exist anywhere at any time. By using one of the other fundamental spiritual laws, that like energy attracts like energy, we can use our conscious mind and intention to attract the good and repel the evil.

What are you most passionate about right now?

I am passionate about many things, but perhaps at this time, raising the collective consciousness of people to an awareness to help themselves, their loved ones, their environment and planet, is at the top of my list. I hope that such inspiration is gained from my theater shows, and the audience sees proof of connections to their loved ones and the divine, by witnessing the power of love.

The Ridgefield Playhouse is a nonprofit performing arts center. For tickets to the London Medium’s show ($45 to $340, with one-on-one reading upgrades available), visit The Ridgefield Playhouse box office, call 203-438-5795 or visit RidgefieldPlayhouse.org.

For more information, follow on Twitter @RPlayhouse or Facebook at Facebook. com/ridgefieldplayhouse. Location: 80 East, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield. See ad, page 35.

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21

Mastering Yoga

Another month passed, then again, one Friday, she was a no-show. I texted her and her mother. No answer. I called several times, but there was no answer over the weekend or ever. I feel that I would have heard if something tragic had happened, but there has been no neighborhood news.

And so, I pray.

How did you first discover the Friendship Bench program?

Building Community to Heal Depression Yoga-Driven Solution Inspired by African Program

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atural Awakenings recently spoke with Deb Clelland, a Naam yoga instructor in the greater Danbury area, about an initiative she is passionate about: building community to help support those struggling with depression and social disconnection.

When did you become concerned about depression in young people?

Last year a young girl in my neighborhood, around 11 or 12 years old, walked my dog for me after school. She did this for the whole school year. One day in June, I received a text from her saying, “I cannot 22

walk Oscar anymore.”

I texted back, “Is everything okay?” She responded, “My best friend committed suicide and I’m too sad to work.”

The summer passed and I heard from her again in September, saying she felt better and wanted to walk Oscar again, and I agreed. Then, one Friday in October, she didn’t show up. I texted her several times to see if she was okay. Finally, on Sunday she responded: “I’m sorry I didn’t let you know I couldn’t walk Oscar on Friday, but they took my phone away from me when I was in the hospital.” I asked what was wrong, and she texted, “Just my depression.”

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

On TEDx, I heard a psychiatrist from Zimbabwe, Dixon Chibanda, present a talk entitled, “Why I train grandmothers to treat depression.” He spoke about the increase in depression and suicide rates in his country; that 300 million people in the world suffer from depression; and every 40 seconds, someone commits suicide.

The biggest increase has occurred in people ages 15 to 29.

In Zimbabwe, there are only 12 psychiatrists for 14 million people so Chibanda wanted to find a way to help an underserved population. He came up with the idea of training grandmothers (in Zimbabwe, they never leave their communities) to sit on community benches and talk to anyone who sat down and wanted to talk. They wear a uniform—yellow aprons and red berets—so they are recognizable. They call the program “The Friendship Bench.” The grandmothers are trained in evidence-based talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and activity therapy, and they are supported with technology. The first group of grandmothers went to work in 2006. Since then, 30,000 people have received treatment, and six

months after receiving treatment, participating individuals have shown better outcomes than those who were treated by doctors for depression.

Why do you think the program was successful?

In the United States, the rate of suicide has tripled for 10- to 24-year-olds; it increased 27 percent between 2007 and 2017. This increase is attributed to abuse in the home, substance abuse and lack of community which provides social support. In September 2019, the founder of Naam Yoga, Dr. Joseph Michael Levry, visited New York City. He spoke about the epidemic of suicide in young people and warned that it will get worse before it gets better. He said the underlying reason is lack of community and encouraged us all to do whatever we can to build community.

Early intervention can be lifetime intervention. Children need to be taught coping strategies.

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Did you feel moved to take some action at that point?

Salvatore Iacobello, MD, FAPA Board-Certified Psychiatrist

Yes, I reached out to Eileen Earle at Bethel Parks and Recreation and pitched the idea of starting a Naam Yoga Community Class on Sundays, with the proceeds of the class going to help build community. She enthusiastically replied, “YES!” and guided me on how to get everything rolling.

How can community members get involved?

We’d love for them to attend the class and help us build a more supportive community! A donation of $10 per person or $20 per family is suggested, and we’ll use that money to support our local community. Perhaps we can donate a Friendship Bench or two!

Deb Clelland’s Naam Yoga Community Class takes place from 11am to 12:15pm every second Sunday of the month (March 8, April 19 (Easter is the second Sunday), May 10 and June 14. Location: Bethel Municipal Center, 1 School St, Bethel.

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March 2020

23

therapy spotlight

Innovative Therapies in Practice

A Q&A about Healing Chronic Lyme, Depression, Anxiety and More brain fog, such as often happens to a person with tick-borne illness, including chronic Lyme disease. Other conditions in which our immune system inappropriately overreacts may include environmental, seasonal, chemical and food allergies. Low dose immunotherapy promotes immune tolerance to foreign substances by working directly with specific cells of our immune Vicki Sara Blumberg and Veena Verma-Dzik system to significantly decrease inflammatory, autoimmune and allergic atural Awakenings recently spoke reactions.

We match the patient’s treatment to Dr. Vicki Sara Blumberg and directly to the source of their immune Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik of Insight reaction, and each treatment is custom.

Counseling about some of the innovative

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approaches they use in treating patients, and how their collaborative approach boosts patients’ well-being.

Thanks for agreeing to share some of your knowledge with our readers. Can we focus on a unique form of treatment that you both offer for chronic illnesses, Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI)?

Dr. Blumberg: Low dose immunotherapy (LDI) targets symptoms brought on by a dysregulation of the immune system.

This results from an inappropriate overreaction to a substance, or substances, that the body considers to be foreign.

What happens when our immune system cannot tolerate what exists in our environment, whether externally in our surroundings, or internally within our bodies?

Dr. Verma-Dzik: We can begin to develop symptoms ranging from pain, fatigue and 24

Dr. Blumberg: LDI is also extremely valuable in addressing multiple conditions at the same time, without side effects or interactions. For example, a person suffering from a combination of Lyme symptoms, Candida overgrowth and mold allergies can be treated comprehensively and effectively using LDI. Every patient is unique, and LDI offers an alternative to standard medical treatments, such as multiple courses of antibiotics that adversely affect the gut microbiome, which consists of beneficial bacteria.

We now know that these organisms are indeed an integral part of a healthy immune system, neurological system and gastrointestinal system and are vital to our well-being.

Dr. Blumberg, you provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for patients at Insight Counseling.

Can you describe what MAT is?

MAT addresses opioid addiction by utilizing a medication to help block the receptors in the brain associated with crav-

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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ings for narcotics, both oral and injected.

Sustained recovery is attained by daily use of the oral medication or the once-monthly use of an injectable alternative. Patients are closely monitored, and psychotherapy is often utilized in conjunction. MAT also greatly reduces the risk of an overdose, fatal or non-fatal, if a patient uses opiates again. My patients report loss of cravings and an improved mental status, and the data supports MAT as a life-saving treatment for opioid dependence. Some patients even experience psychiatric relief from MAT, as they are not experiencing mental obsession with drug use. It can be a key resource to a sustained recovery.

Dr. Verma-Dzik, you provide consultation and acupuncture treatment for many illnesses, both physical and psychiatric. Can you give us highlights of how acupuncture helps?

Acupuncture has been shown in studies to be effective in helping those with addiction by targeting the release of endorphins, our natural “feel-good” hormone. It works by regulating the neurotransmitters dopamine and GABA, which play a role in addiction and mood disorders. Sustained recovery can be attained by addressing other conditions associated with addiction, such as anxiety and depression, with the use of scientifically proven herbs, as well as by using acupuncture. Another key aspect of one’s health that needs to be evaluated and treated is MTHFR, which stands for methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, an enzyme that converts folic acid into its active, methylated form so that it is available for use in the production of neurotransmitters, DNA synthesis, detoxifying homocysteine and the liver detoxification pathways. A genetic defect associated with this gene has been linked to many health conditions and can affect one’s ability to regain their health. Treating imbalances associated with MTHFR further supports treatment success.

One topic we want to cover with you both is the recent emphasis on CBD in the complementary

medicine culture. Can you tell our readers what CBD is and what exactly it treats effectively?

Dr. Verma-Dzik: CBD, cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant, a cousin to the marijuana plant. In contrast to marijuana, CBD does not contain the psychoactive ingredient, THC. CBD has been shown to be beneficial for inflammation, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and the symptoms associated with chemotherapy.

Dr. Blumberg: However, CBD is not a cure-all, and some people do experience side effects such as GI distress, headache and fatigue. In addition, one must take caution, for CBD interferes with an enzyme involved in the metabolism of certain prescription medications, potentially causing adverse reactions. Furthermore, it is essential to obtain CBD from a high-quality manufacturer, whose product is free from contaminants, heavy metals, mold and pesticides.

You are both experts at treating Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Can you summarize what potential patients might also need to consider, in order to heal from symptoms they may assume are Lyme-related?

Dr. Verma-Dzik: That’s a very good question. The best medical approach is comprehensive, and we cannot assume there is one source for patients’ symptoms.

For people with a history of tick-borne disease who are experiencing neurological symptoms, it is imperative that they see a neurologist to rule out other causes, such as multiple sclerosis (which may be activated by Lyme disease), Parkinson’s, ALS and other serious conditions. Once these are ruled out, specific herbs that help sustain the nerves and help with regeneration can be utilized. A full evaluation of one’s methylation pathways and nutritional status can also successfully address the neurological symptoms.

Dr. Blumberg: An important aspect of treating tick-borne illnesses and chronic Lyme disease is addressing the emotional trauma associated with losing one’s quality

of life. Non-allopathic therapies such as meditation, EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga and acupuncture may be of great value in restoring a healthy and fulfilling life.

Any closing comments?

Dr. Blumberg: It is a great privilege to work with my patients to help them finally experience healing, especially after they have struggled for a long time with unremitting symptoms. The team approach with Dr. Verma-Dzik and the staff at Insight Counseling is the key for so many of my patients.

Dr. Verma-Dzik: I come across so many patients who have been suffering for a long time with no relief in sight. Often times, their ailments and health concerns have not been heard or understood. I am so grateful to be able to help them ultimately find what has created a disruption in their health and bring them the joy of living their lives again.

6th Bi-Annual

Vicki Sara Blumberg, M.D., is board-certified in internal medicine with 34 years of experience. She focuses on a more holistic way of looking at 21st-century disease; especially allergic, autoimmune and chronic illnesses, and the relationship between the immune system and the microbiome. She can be reached at DrBlumberg@InsightCounselingLLC.com.

Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA, is a board-certified naturopathic physician and certified medical acupuncturist who is highly experienced in treating acute and chronic health conditions. Some of her specialties include women’s health, ADD/ADHD, GI conditions, MTHFR, Lyme disease and coinfections, mood imbalances, allergies, fatigue and hormonal imbalances. She can be reached at DrVerma@InsightCounselingLLC.com.

Learn more about these therapies by calling 203-431-9726 or visiting InsightCounselingLLC.com. Location: Insight Counseling, 105 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. See ad, page 21.

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It’s not a diet or a fad; it’s a way of life.

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com

~Ocean Robbins

THE ROOTS OF GOOD HEALTH Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet

by April Thompson

W

hether identifying as vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian or other veggie-friendly variant, a growing number of Americans are moving away from meat products and toward plant-rich foods. Most come to a plant-based diet for personal, planetary or animal welfare reasons; however, they stay for the flavorful foods they discover along their dietary journey and the health benefits they reap.

Marly McMillen-Beelman was prescribed medications to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

“I knew I didn’t want to be on prescrip26

tions, so I decided to change my diet, beginning by giving up meat, dairy and eggs. I immediately felt much better and my symptoms went away naturally,” says the Kansas City, Missouri, author of The Everything Vegan Meal Prep Cookbook and founder of Chopped Academy, an online resource for food bloggers. “Now I eat an even greater variety of food than I did before I went vegan.”

While only 3 percent of Americans identified as vegan and 5 percent as vegetarian in a recent Gallup Poll, a 2018 report by restaurant consultants Baum + Whiteman indicates that about 83 percent

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are eating more plant-based foods.

Embarking on a plant-based diet is a lifelong adventure, but it can take time to adjust. Experts recommend a healthy dose of self-love with the newfound fondness for fruits and veggies. “Give yourself some slack and realize that dietary changes do not happen overnight,” says April Murray, a registered dietician in Costa Mesa, California. “Start with familiar plant-based foods you already enjoy, and ease into trying new foods, whether tempeh or lentils.”

A plant-oriented diet also can be flexible; health advocates encourage

individuals to find a diet that works for them and their families. Leah Webb, the Asheville, North Carolina, author of Simple and Delicious Recipes for Cooking with Whole Foods on a Restrictive Diet, has adapted her diet over time to accommodate her family’s health needs.

Although Webb has always maintained a plant-rich diet, she began incorporating some animal products when her son was born. “He had severe food allergies and asthma, and needed a more diverse diet,” explains Webb, whose daughter also has cystic fibrosis. Cutting out grains was a game-changer in “calming down his gut, where most of immune response lies,” says Webb. “He is now off asthma

“For people with diabetes and blood sugar dysregulation, this high-fiber diet can help lower blood sugar and insulin levels. Heart health will improve, as you’ll be eating less animal products, which can be high in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Many individuals also find themselves losing unwanted weight as they get filled up so quickly with these whole foods.”

Plant-Based Nutrition Made Easy

While some worry about getting suffi-

cient nutrients on a largely plant-based diet, nutrition experts say these fears are unfounded. “People think they need to calculate every nutrient, but if you eat a plant-centered, whole-foods diet, you will get every vitamin and mineral you need to thrive,” says Ocean Robbins, co-founder of the Food Revolution Network and author of The 31-Day Food Revolution: Heal Your Body, Feel Great, and Transform Your World. Legumes, nuts and seeds are all healthy, abundant sources of protein and iron.

Start with familiar plant-based foods you already enjoy, and ease into trying new foods, whether tempeh or lentils. ~April Murray medication and the number of allergens he suffers from has dropped from seven to two.”

Webb’s family eats bountifully from their backyard garden, complemented by meat and produce from local farmers’ markets, where she can be certain the foods were produced sustainably and humanely.

“I use meat to flavor soups or accent vegetables, rather than as the star of the show.

I like to focus on real flavors, using lots of garlic, herbs and spices,” says Webb.

Murray, author of The Everything Pegan Diet Cookbook: 300 Recipes for Starting—and Maintaining—the Pegan Diet, follows that diet, a mash-up of paleo and vegan regimens that focuses on whole, fresh and sustainable food high in healthy fats and vitamins. The Pegan diet eschews refined sugar and highly processed foods, while allowing meat, poultry, fish and eggs, as well as gluten-free grains, legumes and dairy products in small amounts.

“This diet can be helpful to different people in so many ways,” says Murray.

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Reed Mangels, author of Your Complete Vegan Pregnancy: Your All-in-One Guide to a Healthy, Holistic, Plant-Based Pregnancy, busts the myth that cow’s milk is a must for growing bones. “Calcium, vitamin D and protein are the nutrients we usually associate with bone health. One easy way to get all three is a soy-based or pea protein-based plant milk that is fortified with calcium and vitamin D,” says Mangels, adding that green vegetables like kale, bok choy, collards and broccoli are great sources of calcium.

“‘Eating the rainbow’ is great way to make sure you’re consuming a variety of nutrients,” offers London-based Ben Pook, who co-authored the cookbook So Vegan in 5 with his partner Roxy Pope.

“Many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants bring their own distinctive colors to fruits and vegetables, so preparing colorful meals is a simple way of getting as many nutrients into your diet as possible.”

Getting Social

Dietary changes can be challenging to

I call myself a secular vegan because I don’t have a dogmatic approach to the way I eat. ~Marly McMillen-Beelman navigate initially, particularly when faced with social situations ranging from family gatherings to cohabitation. Having a good plan going into such situations can help ease the transition, say experts. “Never show up to an event hungry. You will be more likely to make a good decision if you are nourished. On the way there, remind yourself why you are making the transition to plant-based eating,” suggests Murray.

“I call myself a secular vegan because I don’t have a dogmatic approach to the way I eat. If I go to a family dinner and someone has made something special for me, but they used a non-vegan cheese, I will respect my family member’s effort and eat some of it. These situations will pop up from time to time,

and the more you can be compassionate with yourself, the better,” says McMillenBeelman.

“If you are living with people who are not joining you in making a dietary shift, agree to respect each other’s choices.

Make it a shared learning journey rather than a power struggle,” says Robbins. For example, he suggests making a vegetarian base and allowing those that want animal products to add them as toppings. A burrito bar can accommodate all diets by allowing people to add their own fixings to a base of beans and tortillas, whether those be dairy options like cheese and sour cream or vegan-friendly guacamole and salsa.

For families with kids, being flexible and inclusive can help make changes feel more positive and sustainable. “We never eat processed foods at home, but parties are that time I tell my kids they can eat whatever they want,” says Webb.

“Get your children involved, so that they are more engaged in the eating experience. Let your children pick out recipes

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or snacks for the week. Make the food look pretty and it will taste more satisfying,” adds Murray.

Plant Prep Made Easy

Plant-based chefs have plenty of kitchen hacks for making food prep and planning fun and easy. Robbins suggests finding go-to recipes to put on repeat. “Your prep time goes down a lot as you make the same dish, and the familiarity will help you develop lasting habits around new food patterns,” he says.

Webb incorporates a healthy protein, fat and vegetable into every meal, even breakfast, but cooks in batches and freezes portions or repurposes leftovers to simplify mealtimes. “You’ll get burned out if you try to cook something from scratch every meal,” says Webb. “We eat a lot of eggs because we raise chickens, so I’ll do baked frittatas I can reheat during the week.”

Advance meal prep can take the pressure off busy times like the weekday breakfast rush, adds Robbins. One of his favorite breakfasts involves soaking oats and chia seeds overnight, which he tops in the morning with some unsweetened soy or coconut milk, chopped banana, frozen blueberries, and a dash of maple syrup, vanilla and nutmeg. “It’s full of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants and phytonutrients,” he says.

Webb encourages people to get out of their food comfort zones by experimenting with approximate ingredients, like swapping kabocha or honeynut squash for butternut squash.

Robbins also suggests making social connections with others on the same path by cooking them a meal, organizing a meal swap or sharing extras. “It’s not a diet or a fad; it’s a way of life. Start where you are and remember it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Have love, dignity and compassion toward yourself and others along the journey,” he says.

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

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From the Ground Up Modern Herbalism Is a Grassroots Movement

by Patricia Staino

A

s long as herbs have grown, their cultivation, gathering, preparation and sharing have synergized a kind of grassroots movement, spurred by neighbor helping neighbor and “hyped” by word of mouth. Herbalism goes back thousands of years, to early healers and mystics, although in the last century or so, its purpose was obscured and its practice frequently misunderstood.

“I’ve been working as an herbalist for nearly 25 years, and one of the things I hear more than anything else is people don’t know what [herbalism] means,” says Lupo Passero of Twin Star, a New Milford-based apothecary and school of herbal and energetic arts. “They either think I grow cannabis for a living or that I’m a naturopathic or homeopathic doctor, which I don’t and I’m not. There’s a lot of confusion about what an herbalist is.”

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Better Together According to the American Herbalist Guild, herbalists are people who dedicate their lives to working with medicinal plants. They include, but are not limited to, native healers, scientists, naturopaths, holistic medical doctors, researchers, writers, herbal pharmacists, medicine makers, wild crafters, harvesters, herbal farmers and possibly your own grandmother.

The scope of related vocations makes sense when you realize how many of their tools are rooted in the soil under our very feet. Joan Palmer, a nutritionist and community herbalist, found the connections intriguing; the symbiosis of food, health, healing and lifestyle motivated her to start The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition in West Granby.

She had completed her degree in human nutrition, but felt that her course of study,

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and many like it, focused narrowly on a statistic of what food is.

"I was really frustrated because I knew that the nutrients found in a carrot are not the same if they are grown with chemicals in lifeless soil as opposed to being grown by sustainable, regenerative gardening practices,” she says. “I knew we couldn’t talk about nutrition and not also talk about the health of the soil, herbs and what grows in our area, both wild and cultivated. From there it became a whole picture of sustainability.”

The one-year certificate program Palmer developed around sustainable nutrition takes her students on a journey from science to gardening and foraging, to culinary skills like fermentation, to herbalism, preparing healing remedies, and even mixing up their own cleaning and body care products. While some students attend to round out their professions, many more attend to educate themselves on sustainable practices to improve their well-being. “This is truly a community movement,” she says.

Back to Basics Herbalism fell out of favor about 100 years ago, but there’s been a resurgence in people returning to the earth, beginning with the counter-culture of the ‘60s and increasing since, especially during the past decade.

Passero, an herbalist, educator and flower essence practitioner, was inspired by her grandmother, who was born in Italy and spent her life as a homesteader who wildcrafted her own plants and grew a lot of her own medicines. “She was raised with the old-world ideology of finding your food and medicine in your own backyard,” says Passero.

Since Twin Star opened 10 years ago, Passero has seen interest in the field grow and, at any given time, there are around 150 students enrolled in classes and programs. Students—those who attend one-off, drop-in seminars as well as those who attend programs lasting nine months to three years—learn all aspects of herbalism, including how to identify plants, work

with them to brew herbal remedies, and then get the plants into the hands of people who need them.

Local herbalists say they see many people seeking support for mood disorders, anxiety, depression, inflammation and reproductive and fertility issues. One of the most popular reasons for seeing an herbalist is to find natural treatments for colds and flu and first aid, as well as beauty and skin care.

“The thing I feel most passionate about is helping people remember that this is what our ancestors have done from the very beginning…that keeps me inspired every day. And seeing people get well, in a time where so many people’s needs are not being met by the current medical system, particularly the millions of folks that do not have insurance,” says Passero.“They can come into the apothecary with $2 in their pocket, and I can scoop out $2 worth of the dried herbs and send them home to make their teas and help them be well. It’s really an affordable way to give access to proper health care to all.”

Helpful Healing Gayle Nogas, a master herbalist, longstanding member of the Connecticut Herb Association and a member of Northeast Herbal Association, began her journey to herbalism more than 25 years ago while searching for relief from anxiety and panic attacks.

“The only answer at that time was, ‘Here are some tranquilizers, just go home and get drugged up and you’ll be fine.’ As a single mom raising three kids, I didn’t have time to be drugged up and in Lalaland,” she remembers.

One day, she attended a luncheon at Caprilands Herb Farm in Coventry, where a leading figure of herbalism (and the farm’s owner)—Adelma Simmons—was speaking. Simmons, who died in 1997, was one of the leading herbalists of the 20th century.

Caprilands was her family farm and she made her first attempt to grow vegetables there while raising goats. Goat farming didn’t pay the bills, however, and her early attempts at growing crops failed due to the rocky soil. Eventually, she tried her hand at herbs, and the farm flourished. She left her entire estate to the Caprilands Institute, a nonprofit educational organization that furthered her research in herbs, plants and flowers.

“Adelma started talking about medicinal herbs for relaxation, and that just opened up the whole door to everything,” says Nogas. “I bought all her books, went there as often as I could and learned everything I could from her lectures. I realized the doctors could take their prescriptions and shove them because I didn’t need them; I had alternatives.”

Nogas opened her own herb shop in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and soon banded together with like-minded enthusiasts to start the Connecticut Herb Association (CHA).

The group’s primary goal is to educate and share the diverse world of herbs with one another and throughout the state, as well as compiling a local network of herb-related resources. They do so

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by hosting a monthly medicinal herb study group and events focused on topics like plant spirit medicine, bitters recipes, product swaps, plant propagation and more.

Nogas says she is seeing an uptick in interest in herbs and herbal medicine, and the group’s membership is diverse in age and background. Young mothers, in particular, have been seeking out the group’s resources, as they look for a more natural, healthy way of bringing up their babies: “They’re making their own baby foods and cleaning products. We’re all realizing

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now that we’re being poisoned, and young mothers don’t want to raise their kids like that.”

Palmer, who reminds her students that “food can be medicine, too,” agrees that an interest in sustainable nutrition and herbalism takes many forms, and doesn’t always stem from furthering oneself in a health-related career: “We have people that just want to make changes in their lives, that just want to bring this to their families, people who have health issues, teachers who want to share with their students, carIntroducing…

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penters even—people from all careers and all walks of life. They just want to improve their well-being and the environment.”

One Giant Leaf for Mankind What kind of impact could herbalism have on a community if more people took an interest? “I think it would have an empowering impact, to be able to take care of yourself and your family, to support vitality and longevity, and to have a more healthful lifestyle,” says Passero.

Similarly, Palmer believes sustainable nutrition could be the much-needed salve to boost overall mood, health and outlook, a hope that drives her mission every day. “The impact could be significant. I know we’d be healthier. I think we’d be happier. I think this epidemic of anxiety and depression, even now with our young children, a big piece of it is dietand chemical-related. This information is paramount to health and happiness.

I think we are seeing behavior, mood, health in general being impacted by our food and our environment.”

Patricia Staino is a freelance writer and editor living in North Carolina, who is also the managing editor of Natural Awakenings’ Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley and Greater Hartford editions.

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Twin Star Herbal Education and Apothecary Lupo Passero New Milford • 860-350-0077 Info@TwinStarTribe.com TwinStarTribe.com Anastasia Pryanikova Herbalist 203-354-9808 MudRootsAndMoonlight.com

Japanese knotweed is a perfect example; it’s a vilified invasive, and it is one that wants to take over everything, but it also is a very important plant for emerging bacterial infections like Lyme disease. A lot of these invasives are also edible, so rather than just putting them in big plastic bags and sending them off to a landfill, we could be harvesting, preparing and consuming them. Many of the wild plants are more nutritious and mineral-rich than much of the produce found in our grocery stores.

So, pulling these invasives solves two problems?

Foraging Your Own Path

B

by Patricia Staino

eyond offering a one-year certification in sustainable nutrition, The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition in West Granby often runs sustainable foraging walks to educate the public on the nutritional and medicinal value of Connecticut’s wild, indigenous plants, how to identify them, and how to responsibly gather and utilize them.

Natural Awakenings recently talked to the Institute’s founder, Joan Palmer, about the growing interest in local foraging.

What excites you about sustainable nutrition?

for the plants, is good for the animals, the environment and us.

Why is foraging an important part of nutrition education?

We try throughout the year to get students out foraging to learn about some of the really plentiful herbs/weeds, trees, shrubs and more in our region, even some of the “invasives.” There’s a vendetta to get rid of the invasives and weeds in our area, but many of them, from an herbalist’s and nutritionist’s perspective, are useful. A lot of them have powerful medicine in them.

Using invasives helps the native plants not be “out-competed” and gives us access to important plant medicine, much of which is also edible and nourishing.

As foraging becomes more popular, we worry about the impact of overharvesting noninvasive plants in our wild spaces, so we emphasize sustainable foraging. If you find a stand of a certain plant, what are the criteria to know if that is something you should be harvesting? What are the numbers of plants in that local stand, regionally, nationally? Is it in a clean location? How much can you take without impacting the survivability of the group?

How much do you really need? We teach students that there’s an ethical concern we have to address when we start foraging.

For more information on programs through The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition, or to sign up for its next foraging walk, visit TIOSN.com. See ad, page 18.

It’s important to understand what wants to grow in our area and how we can grow and prepare it without impacting the rest of the world. How do we grow our food and medicine so we’re not shipping in amendments and fertilizers—even organic products—from around the world, where we don’t know how the workers and the land were treated? Why aren’t we using fermentations and local minerals that work on the health and biology of the soil? What’s good for the soil is good March 2020

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How to Choose An Herbalist

H

by Patricia Staino

erbalists feel deep connection to plants and the earth; they like to speak of their relationship with plants and the respect for what they contribute to the earth.

“Once you spend enough time with plants, you get to know them and see what they have to offer, their generosity, their beauty, their scent,” says Lupo Passero of Twin Star, a New Milford-based apothecary and school of herbal and energetic arts. “Just following nature and paying attention to the beautiful order that was created for us is so intriguing. And it’s a

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never-ending study, so it’s not likely you’ll ever get bored. One could study herbal medicine for 50 lifetimes and still wouldn’t learn all that there is to learn about the plants just in their immediate ecosystem.”

There are currently no state or federal laws regulating herbalists, which suits Passero just fine: “I think that’s a blessing because I would hate to see the government get their hands on something that is really a birthright of all people. A lot of herbalists could have gained their knowledge directly from indigenous people, or their own grandmother, or an elder in the

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community who has worked with plants for a lifetime. Just because someone went to the best herb school in the country doesn’t mean they’re going to be a better herbalist than someone who has studied with their grandmother or a First Nation’s person for the last 10 years.”

That being said, herbalists do selfregulate, following guidelines set forward by the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), which was founded in 1989 in the mountains of Breitenbush, Oregon. While there are no formal “degree” programs, herbal education, like yoga teacher training, is based upon the hours spent learning. The AHG recommends that a practicing herbalist have more than 1,600 hours of training.

An herbalist’s education should include medical applications of the plants, botany, plant identification, phytochemistry, understanding herb/drug interactions, medicine-making and proper formulation.

Passero recommends students study for two-and-a-half to three years before going out to practice on their own. And while not all students become herbalists, they do find ways to incorporate what they’ve learned into the paths they’ve been traveling. For example, a massage therapist may start working with botanical oils, while a therapist may use flower essences with patients and a chef may add new herbs to her menu.

“There are many different ways to share this knowledge, and that’s why we call it an art as well as a science,” says Passero.

Customers should be comfortable asking herbalists very specific questions, such as where they studied, what they studied and how long they studied. A good herbalist should learn by getting outside and working with the plants, not only studying them on the internet. In addition to affirming an herbalist’s knowledge, clients should be comfortable with their personality and most importantly, their personal philosophy of health and healing.

“My personal philosophy is looking at folks’ emotional, mental and spiritual needs as well as the physical needs because they’re all connected,” says Passero. “But clients should follow their gut and their

own intuition when choosing someone to work with. Just because somebody is a professional doesn’t mean they will be the right fit as your practitioner.”

Gayle Nogas, a master herbalist and longstanding member of the Connecticut Herb Association, also stresses that those seeking herbal remedies should educate themselves on herbs, treatments and especially possible interactions with pharmaceuticals.

“I wish I could get the word out there to people: Don’t be stupid, don’t be stupid,” she says. “A health magazine, vitamin shop or someone on TV tells you an herb is good for you, and you want to take it. But you have to be in charge of your own health. If you are on medications or have a serious illness—heart conditions, COPD, high blood pressure—herbs can interact with them. They’re not something to play with it. You really need to find knowledgeable people to discuss it with and do the research.

An organization like the Connecticut Herb Association would be a good place to start.”

Clients should also ask where an herbalist sources their herbs. According to Passero, many herbs can be grown locally, so there’s no reason they shouldn’t be organic, locally sourced or wildcrafted. “You don’t really want to go with herbs that have been shipped in from India or China unless they are plants indigenous to those areas that we can’t grow here,” she says.

Additionally, when browsing in a local herb shop, Nogas encourages customers to use their own discerning eye and sense of smell. Herbs should be colorful and fragrant. If they’re not, they are most likely well past their useful prime: “When I teach my students, I show them crappy herbs and compare them to really good herbs, so they know the difference.”

Most importantly, a reputable herbalist will not offer a diagnosis for what ails you. While they can recommend herbal remedies that have supported similar symptoms, they are not qualified to offer medical advice.

However, many clients visit an herbalist with a diagnosis in hand, often after conventional medical treatment has not worked or may have exacerbated symptoms. Again, while the herbalist cannot offer a “cure,” they can recommend herbs that have been shown to offer relief from symptoms or to support body systems that are not working at full capacity.

The traditional medical establishment usually doesn’t recommend herbal treatments due to regulatory issues (since herbalism is not a regulated industry, medical doctors can’t prescribe herbal remedies as treatment or cure). Yet, Passero says doctors, nurses and pharmacists alike attend classes at Twin Star to learn more about herbalism; as many of their patients increasingly seek out alternative, natural and herbal remedies to ease what ails them, the more conventional medical practitioners want to be more knowledgeable about their use and potential interactions.

Patricia Staino is a freelance writer and editor living in North Carolina, who is also the managing editor of Natural Awakenings’ Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley and Greater Hartford editions.

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35

SPICES OF LIFE Pinches and Dashes Boost Health

by Anastasia Pryanikova

S

pices offer so much more than flavor, providing both food and medicine.

Spring is the perfect time to sort through the spice drawer’s contents, toss the old, faded jars and pick new herbs that may better serve our evolving needs and health goals. A healthy digestion plays an enormous part in our overall vitality and the functioning of other body systems.

Fortunately, the gut responds well to herbal remedies and diet changes.

Herbs that support gut health are known as carminatives. They improve digestion, dispel gas, and relieve bloating and cramps.

Many of our aromatic culinary spices fall into this category. Why not restock the spice drawer with these gut-friendly plants, taking into account some important considerations for buying and storing herbs and spices?

herb suppliers online as well.

Once you get your herbs home, a good storage system should protect spices from air, heat, humidity and light to keep them fresh and potent longer. Small glass containers or mason jars with air-tight lids are the best when it comes to keeping air and humidity out. Glass containers will need to be stored in a dark, cool place, like a drawer or a cabinet. Metal containers with tight lids can also work well. It is better to avoid the store-bought plastic containers.

Label spices, even if you think you can recognize what is inside the container. Along with the ingredients, include the expiration date or the date of purchase. Most dried herbs will lose their potency after a year of proper storage. Keep in mind that seeds go rancid much faster due to higher oil content.

Source and Store

Toss and Transfer

When purchasing herbs and spices, some factors to consider include quality, sustainability, organic farming and fair trade.

Avoid herbs that are polluted, sprayed, improperly stored, moldy or too old. Choose to protect medicinal plants that may be overharvested and endangered. To do this, buy from sources you trust. Check out local herb growers, herb farms and farmers’ markets to source herbs locally whenever possible. There are many reputable organic 36

The process is simple; open that spice drawer, examine the spices and get rid of: • Anything past the expiration date.

• Damaged containers or any others that show signs of having been exposed to too much air, heat, humidity or light.

• Jars with contents you can’t identify.

• Spices faded in color or those that have lost their scent or show other signs of damage.

View this task as an opportunity to

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learn how to identify fresh herbs from stale ones. Using spices is a sensory experience, so engage the senses of vision, smell and touch while examining the herbs.

Next, transfer spices worth keeping into new containers and label each container immediately.

When pouring the herbs from one container to another, study their appearance and smell them. Don’t rush. Many herbalists attest that they love sorting herbs, making herbal remedies and engaging with plants because the process feels soothing, nourishing and meditative.

Remember not to breathe in hot peppers, powders and other small particles as they can irritate delicate mucous membranes. An earloop face mask can be helpful in this situation.

Now, let’s look at some common spices with surprising digestive health benefits.

They can be a good start for any culinary apothecary.

Chew On Fennel and Dill with It Sweet, licorice-like flavored seeds of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) are known to bring immediate gastrointestinal relief.

They are safe and effective and appear in many “gripe water” recipes for children with colic. Fennel is also an antispasmodic herb, known for soothing muscle tension and digestive spasms. Try chewing fennel seeds after a meal for improved digestion and a fresh taste in the mouth. Herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt, in her book Alchemy of Herbs, suggests steeping fennel seeds in boiled water for five minutes for a healthy tea that also has been found to stop hiccups.

Sprinkle fennel seeds on root vegetables before roasting them. Dill, another member of the Apiaceae plant family, has similar digestive benefits.

Cool It Down With Peppermint Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a classic

digestive tonic that relieves nausea and gas and freshens the breath. The oil extracted from the leaves is rich in menthol, which is a potent antispasmodic used to soothe stomach cramping and spasms. Menthol is also responsible for the distinctly cooling effect of peppermint. Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of peppermint, specifically enteric-coated capsules of peppermint oil, in reducing pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar suggests making tea with equal parts of peppermint and chamomile for indigestion and headaches linked to indigestion.

Warm It Up With Ginger Ginger (Zingiber officinale) warms up the digestive system, inhibits gut pathogens and helps to relieve bloating, gas, pain and nausea. Ginger is used to decrease inflammation, support detoxification and reduce blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that people taking ginger emptied their stomachs faster than those who were taking a placebo. A cup of ginger-lemon tea can be wonderful on a cold, dreary day. For a warming mocktail, try a shot of lemon and ginger juice topped with some sparkling water and a pinch of cayenne.

People taking blood thinners, however, should consult their doctor before taking ginger in large doses due to its blood-thinning properties. It’s not recommended in high doses during pregnancy.

Sweeten With Cinnamon Cinnamon is a delicious spice made from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon, or the “true” cinnamon, and Cassia, which is comparable but less sweet.

Cinnamon tends to warm up digestion and can ease indigestion, gas, cramping and diarrhea. It has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, decreasing inflammation in the body. Studies show its capacity to lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes, as well as reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar. Most studies used the dose of one to six grams per day of powdered cinnamon. Try a cup of cinnamon tea after dinner to stimulate digestion and help regulate blood sugar. Cinnamon can also thin the blood, so people who take blood-thinning medications should consult their doctor before taking it in large doses.

Small spice jars hide many superpowers, waiting to be released as we sprinkle, boil and brew. Are you ready to strengthen the digestive fire in your belly?

Anastasia Pryanikova is an herbalist and certified wellness coach.

She offers herbal workshops, herbal remedies, consultations and custom formulations. Connect at 203-354-9808 or MudRootsAndMoonlight.com.

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How Can You Use Shungite?Â

The Healing Properties of Shungite

S

by Christy Abate

hungite is a Precambrian carbonaceous natural stone estimated to be around two billion years old. It is black, shiny and consists of a large quantity of carbon, sometimes up to 98 percent. It was first discovered in the Lake Onega region of Karelia, Russia, and the main deposit of the stone lies in the Zazhoginskoye field. Shungite has been called the stone of life, a miracle and a neutralizer of harmful energy.

Shungite use was first documented in the 18th century when Russian czar Peter the Great set up a spa in Karelia and purified water with shungite for the Russian army. Also, in the 18th century, humans began using shungite to produce a pigment for black paint.

Along with its antibacterial qualities, it is the only natural mineral that contains fullerenes, which are powerful antioxidants that shield our bodies from free radicals. The scientists who discovered the carbon structure of shungite and the existence of fullerenes won a Nobel Peace Prize for Chemistry in 1996.

In addition to using shungite to heal your body and spirit by reducing negative energy and geopathic stress, you can use the stone to purify and mineralize your drinking and bathing water. It has been suggested that consuming or bathing in shungite water can combat disease; improve chronic respiratory issues, headaches, and body aches; promote healthy digestion; and alleviate skin-related problems such as inflammation and acne. After washing the stones to remove any debris and dirt, simply soak them in water for as long as desired to cleanse and energize them. Shungite also has been shown to protect from electromagnetic frequency radiation (EMF) emitted by our phones, computers and other electronic devices. By holding onto or being near shungite, you can reduce the EMF radiation that has become a hazard to our daily lives.

What are the Forms of Shungite?

There are three types of shungite, based on the level of carbon within the stones: Type III, or what we know as regular shungite, contains 30 to 50 percent carbon; Type II, named Petrovsky shungite after Peter the Great, contains 50 to 70 percent carbon; Type I is known as noble or elite shungite and contains 90 to 98 percent carbon. Elite shungite is extremely rare, has a bright silvery surface and possesses exceptionally high energetic potential.

If you own shungite, it is recommended to clean the stones with warm water every so often and let them sit outside in direct sunlight for at least three hours. Cleansed and recharged, the stones can be reused an unlimited number of times.Â

Fairfield County residents are fortunate to be able to experience the effects of shungite in the first and only shungite room in the U.S., located at The Angel Cooperative in Ridgefield.

Christy Abate is co-owner of The Angel Cooperative, the site of the first and only shungite room in the U.S. For more information, call 203-431-2959, visit TheAngelCoop.com or stop in for a visit. Location: The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield.

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39

DOWN IN THE WEEDS A Closer Look at CBD

A

by Patricia Staino

s with many holistic approaches to wellness, cannabidiol (CBD) has been around a long time but is experiencing a resurgence in interest and popularity. One of the many naturally occurring chemical compounds, or cannabinoids, found in both hemp and marijuana plants, CBD is mentioned in Hindu and Chinese healing texts dating back to 1500 B.C. Today, CBD is available in just about everything, including lip balm, gummies, chocolates, bath bombs and dog treats, and there’s quite a bit of confusion around what it can and can’t do.

Let’s start with the science: Yes, CBD does alleviate symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and more, because it acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps maintain homeostasis, through receptors located throughout the body. The receptors, which have been identified in nearly every major organ system, react uniquely to each type of cannabinoid, so the effects felt after ingesting or applying a CBD product will depend on which compound the product contains. So, one person could be experiencing stress, another could be experiencing joint pain, and both could use a CBD product to soothe those ills.

“CBD tailors itself to what a body needs,” says Jonathan Mickens, owner of Your CBD Store in Danbury. “It runs to where the fire is and takes care of it.”

Because of this, Dr. David Tolk, of Tolk Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Simsbury, recommends patients choose their CBD product wisely, depending on the cannabinoid it contains, in order to achieve the desired result. CBN (cannabinol) contains more sedation mechanisms, while cannabichromene (CBC) reduces pain and inflammation and cannabigerol (CBG) has been shown to relieve anxiety and stress.

40

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

“Each cannabinoid, depending on the ratio used, acts a little differently,” says Tolk. “You really need to find a product that fits what you’re looking to achieve to be sure you’re driving the right reactions.”

Researchers continue to discover more applications for cannabinoids, which may transform healing in the future. For example, cannabidivarin (CBDV) may be particularly valuable for people suffering neurological disorders. Preliminary studies on mice have shown its efficacy as an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic, which could profoundly change the lives of those living with epilepsy and Parkinson’s.

If it works so well, why would such an effective product with a storied history be so misunderstood? For the uninitiated, many confuse it with THC, a psychoactive compound found in hemp and marijuana plants which gives users a “high,” which CBD won’t. THC is extracted from the hemp plant—which produces better-quality CBD than the marijuana plant—before the CBD compounds are extracted for use, so contrary to many misconceptions, CBD is not a hallucinogenic.

That’s only part of the story; basically hemp fell victim to a propaganda war waged by Big Industry. In the early days of this country, hemp was used in paper and fabric. But after the cotton gin was invented, it fell out of favor because cotton made softer clothing and was also cheaper to produce. Things got worse in the early 1900s when William Randolph Hearst’s newspapers ran propaganda about a new drug derived from the “marihuana” plant, which it claimed was causing people of color to rape and kill white women. After the release of the movie “Reefer Madness” in 1936, cannabis was believed to be the most dangerous drug in the world. Following all the bad press and misinformation surrounding cannabis, Congress passed the Marihuana Tax Act in 1937.

The Act didn’t criminalize possession or usage, but it did include provisions that penalized marijuana, cannabis and hemp handlers. Finally, in 1970, the Controlled Substances Act was passed, which labeled hemp—still lumped in with cannabis—a Schedule 1 drug, effectively banning hemp farming.

That has turned around now, first with passage of the 2014 Farm Bill, which allowed institutions of higher education and state agriculture departments to grow hemp if state law permitted it. It also defined “industrial hemp,” setting the THC threshold at 0.3 percent. This was further codified with the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp’s cultivation, transport and sale.

With hemp back in production, CBD products are flooding the market as consumers seek out natural remedies for pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and more. In many circles it is being considered as a solution for the opioid crisis, as CBD is non-addictive. In fact, Hemp Helps Inc., based in Norwalk, is a registered non-profit organization that raises money from the sale of CBD products on its website to support local treatment programs for opioid addiction.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What should you buy and how much should you take? These are among the first questions most consumers ask when they first seek out CBD products, and

eNaturalAwakenings.com

the answers can be found by talking with someone knowledgeable, whether it’s a wellness practitioner or a retailer who specializes solely in CBD.

Paul Nedovich, of Hemp Helps Inc., says he often meets people who say they’ve tried CBD, but it’s done nothing for them.

“When they tell me the brands they’ve tried and the dosage amounts, it usually becomes clear that they are not taking nearly enough pure product to be effective,” he says. Often this is because they tried CBD without any professional guidance or feared the effects of taking too much.

Nedovich, who takes a CBD tincture twice a day to address chronic pain, says he takes larger doses because “I’m a big guy. I definitely wouldn’t expect a 100-pound woman to take the same dosage as me.”

However, while CBD products for pets can make dosage recommendations on their labels, they can’t do the same for people, due to FDA regulations. Such direction would be considered acting like a doctor or a pharmacist, which CBD purveyors are not licensed to do.

“I talk about a titration system to get started,” says Tolk. “I’d rather you start with less and add more than start with more and not know how little you can take for the effect. This stuff is not cheap, so the goal is to take as little as possible to achieve the desired effect.”

Misconceptions about CBD also are fueled by its lack of approval/recommendation by the FDA. Because it hasn’t been tested and approved for treating specific conditions, many people assume it is ineffectual or, worse, detrimental to their health. “The FDA also hasn’t approved a lot of vitamins, but that doesn’t mean vitamins are bad for you,” Mickens notes.

Since CBD is not FDA-approved, medical doctors can’t prescribe it, nor can it be packaged and sold as a cure for any condition or illness. Tolk says while it is undeniably effective, it shouldn’t be viewed by anyone as a panacea.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about CBD is that it’s a cure-all,” says Tolk.

“It doesn’t cure a thing. Actually, it builds on the body’s natural ability to manage

stress levels. The leading cause of disease is stress, and when we experience stress, our bodies are in a state of fight or flight, which is the opposite of a parasympathetic state that allows rest, digestion, recovery, and healing. CBD allows you to rest and get the stress levels down so that your body can heal better and easier. To me it is a stress reducer, and in the process of reducing stress, it helps to manage the other processes of your body better.”

Researchers continue to discover more applications for cannabinoids, which may transform healing in the future.

Your CBD Store Danbury, which carries CBD oils, water solubles, topical creams, edibles, pet products and beauty products, also provides customers with information and education about CBD’s benefits and how it can be used. “The most important thing people can do is to get educated,” says Mickens. “Because CBD has become so popular, sadly there are a lot of companies taking advantage of the lack of knowledge people have about it.”

Can a price point be a guide to the “real” thing? With CBD products, you really do get what you pay for. Mickens recommends shopping around and determining a relative “average” cost for the type of product you’d like to purchase. Anything significantly cheaper is probably subpar quality, and anything much more expensive is probably taking advantage of a health trend.

With so many CBD products flooding the market, it’s also important to verify the quality of the products you buy. Mickens, Nedovich and Tolk all suggest that the CBD products found in grocery chains and drugstores are probably not the highest-quality products in terms of purity and efficacy. “If you go into a store and buy a product that is 5 or 10 percent CBD, it’s probably not going to benefit you very much,” says Nedovich.

“I see a lot of people buying hemp oil, for example,” notes Mickens. “CBD does come from the hemp plant, but when you’re processing it, the cannabinoid com-

pounds are extracted out of the plant first.

Some companies are packaging the hemp oil and giving buyers the impression that they’re getting CBD when they’re not.”

Nedovich emphasizes that third-party testing of CBD products lends a lot of credibility and can help consumers guard against “bathtub gin” companies. “If a manufacturer can’t or won’t tell you what their product is made of, they aren’t reputable,” he says. “I don’t care how long the company has been around, they should have that information available.”

Tolk, Nedovich and Mickens sell only products that make available their lab tests and results, showing the ingredients and ratios in each product, so customers are fully informed about the products they purchase.

All noted that reputable companies selling quality products will offer transparency into how the CBD is sourced, processed and tested. Tolk exclusively sells Vitalibis at his practice, after fully vetting its products and results, while Hemp Helps Inc. makes testing results available on its website for the products sold there. And Your CBD Stores have a QR code on every product’s label that enables a customer to scan the code with their phone and automatically access the lab test results breaking down the product’s ingredient percentages.

“There is no reason to hide that kind of information,” says Mickens. “We’re all on the same side, trying to help the customer, not taking advantage.”

Patricia Staino is the managing editor of Natural Awakenings’ Hartford and Fairfield County editions.

Local Resources: Your CBD Store Danbury 52 Padanaram Rd, Danbury 203-826-7560 • YourCBDStoreCT.com Hemp Helps Inc 11 Isaac St, Ste 2, Norwalk 877-711-7716 • HempHelpsInc@gmail.com HempHelpsInc.com Tolk Chiropractic and Wellness Center 102 Hopmeadow St, Weatogue 860-651-3521 • TolkWellnessCenter.com March 2020

41

SAVE THE DATE

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a free experiential expo open to the public Saturday, April 25 • 12:00-5:00 The Angel Wing

49 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield, CT Please join The Angel Cooperative and sponsors Inner Source Ayurveda and Natural Awakenings for our first

Mind Body Spirit Wellness Expo

an event to connect our surrounding communities to alternative means of supporting a healthy, balanced emotional, physical and spiritual lifestyle.

Featuring practitioners and vendors who are authentic, local experts in their fields, including: reiki, holistic nutrition, yoga, sound healing, herbalism, mediums, spiritual counselors, tarot card reading, life coaching, meditation, music and art, and more.

Entry to the EXPO is FREE! Registration is strongly recommended.

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42

CBD’s New Frontier Help for Mental Health

by Julie Marshall

W

hen Kaye Her- It’s really important issues, experts say, pointbert’s husband for people to know ing to anxiety, depression brought home and stress as the top three their options and a free sample of cannabiapplications. to keep looking for diol (CBD) oil, she didn’t However, as an unreghesitate to give it a try. ulated supplement, CBD what works for them.

Having heard about its presents a challenge for ~Peter Bongiorno calming effects, she gave consumers in its ubiquity CBD to her three sons, from CBD-infused pillows whose attention deficit hyperactivity disto gummies, soaps and even pet food. order made home-schooling difficult due Discerning purity, dosage and safety are to frequent tantrums and lack of focus. “I real concerns for those that may grab any didn’t expect CBD to be miraculous, but bottle off the shelf.

I was surprised that my kids’ frustrations

Consumers must become well were greatly reduced,” says the Austin, informed, especially when replacing medTexas, mom. “We weren’t seeing the ications for serious disorders, experts say. severity of meltdowns.”

But for anxiety and emotional well-being,

The use of CBD in tinctures, capCBD is largely heralded as a safe and sules and lotions has grown exponentially, natural choice by providers well-versed along with the science to prove its efficacy in CBD, such as Peter Bongiorno, past in remediating physical pain. Newer, but president of the New York Association of equally as robust, is the viability of CBD Naturopathic Physicians. “It’s really imas a remedy for mental health-related portant for people to know their options

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

We imagine the people suffering who need support and think about how we are growing the plants to help them.

and to keep looking for what works for them,” he says.

The Feel-Good Molecule

CBD, a compound extracted from the hemp plant, is appealing because it can raise the level of cannabinoids—feel-good molecules naturally created within the human body. “When we can’t sleep or are stressed out, cannabinoid levels go way down,” Bongiorno says. While prescription drugs overwhelm the body with adverse side effects, CBD can healthfully bring back balance.

But CBD won’t trigger an altered state because there is little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that produces a high, he says, adding that he starts patients at a low daily dose of 25 milligrams.

It’s important to talk with a physician about drug interactions, Bongiorno says. For instance, CBD can increase levels of blood-thinning medications, according to a 2017 study published in Epilepsy & Behavior Case Reports.

CBD can possibly treat a wide range of conditions, from fear of public speaking to bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorders, but more research is needed, experts say. A 2018 clinical trial published

~Lara Miller in JAMA Psychiatry suggests CBD offers potential in treating psychosis. More recently, researchers in a 2019 case study of 27 patients published by the Permanente Journal concluded, “Cannabidiol may hold benefit for anxiety-related disorders.”

Seeds of Hope

The most important step consumers can take to find a safe, quality product is to know where their CBD comes from, experts say. Lara Miller is an organic farmer in Lafayette, Colorado, who in 2017 dedicated a parcel of her two-acre farm to growing hemp for her business, North Field Farmacy. “I added in hemp because it is a dynamic plant that produces fiber, seed and medicine for us humans, all at the same time,” she says.

Miller’s small, women-owned business grows the leafy plants outdoors in organic soil and harvests by hand.

“We test in the field, post-harvest, during extraction and in the final product,” she says. “We know our product is clean and pure and potent.”

This isn’t always the case. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that in 84 CBD products sold online by 31 companies, 26 percent contained less CBD than the amount listed on the label.

Miller receives weekly calls from those wanting to purchase her plants and start a CBD business. “What bothers me the most is that not one person has asked how my hemp is grown,” she says. “It all feels like a big grab; the integrity isn’t there.”

Miller continues to decline these requests and spends her days on the farm, where—come harvest time—she, alongside her crew, engages in some visualizations. “We imagine the people suffering who need support and think about how we are growing the plants to help them.”

Julie Marshall is a Colorado-based writer and author of Making Burros Fly: Cleveland Amory, Animal Rescue Pioneer. Connect with her at FlyingBurros@gmail.com.

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by Marlaina Donato

T

ennis champion Venus Williams and New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady are among the athletes that opt for healthy, plant-dominant diets to reach their personal best, a trend that belies some misconceptions about what it means to be vegan. “Going vegan implies a larger, lifestyle choice based on personal ethics, but athletes report that they just feel better,” says Brenda Carey, editor-in-chief of Vegan Health and Fitness Magazine.

“They’re also surprised at how well they put on muscle after making this dietary change.”

A balanced vegan diet can provide everything an active body needs for muscle mass, stamina and recovery while lowering the risk of heart disease. A 2018 meta-analysis of 40 studies published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One concludes that a plant-powered diet fosters a healthier cardio-metabolic profile.

According to Dutch researchers, amping up nutrition from plants may also lower the risk of insulin resistance and Type

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

2 diabetes. Devotees report unexpected perks.

“I recover faster. I also have more natural energy without the need for caffeine and reduced inflammation, as confirmed in blood tests,” says Matt Tullman, managing partner of the community-building website NoMeatAthlete. com and CEO of vegan supplement maker Complement, in Boulder, Colorado.

Nutritional Superpowers

Bolstering the diet with foods like quinoa, chia seeds, nut butters and vegan energy powders, as well as combining foods for a more complete protein profile, is important. For example, pairing whole-grain rice with beans makes a complete protein, says Stefanie Moir, international vegan fitness coach and founder of VeganAesthetics. co.uk, in Glasgow, Scotland.

“Eating a wide variety of foods across the plant kingdom ensures that you reach your fitness goals,” says Moir, who trains six days a week and opts for a breakfast of oats with nut butter and chia seeds. “If you

want a ‘superfood’ component, you can add cacao powder for antioxidants and a great chocolate taste.”

Tullman acknowledges that there are some exceptions to protein requirements—especially for the elderly, individuals with certain chronic diseases and pregnant women—but he notes that daily protein needs are less than we’ve been conditioned to believe. “If you track your macronutrients through a day, you’ll find that you’re getting adequate protein.”

Professional bodybuilder Torre Washington, in Tamarac, Florida, keeps it simple. “We’re all unique individuals, so it’s up to each person to test things without fear of lack.” The National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified coach loves antioxidant-rich blueberries, filling apples and potassium-packed bananas, and tends to choose calorically lower, nutritionally dense foods during periods that he’s competing.

Carey suggests vegan meal delivery services as an option and vegan-friendly

Mentally, it’s given me more depth of thought and spiritually connected me with the “YOUniverse” as a whole. ~Torre Washington restaurants in a pinch, but attests to an easy system of meal prep for consistency.

“Some people like to meal prep one day a week—cooking brown rice, quinoa and chopping veggies. This way, you can just throw it together when it’s time to eat,” she says. “You can also eat more simply and throw a bunch of yummy fruits or veggies into the blender for smoothies or soups.”

For added fortification, some experts recommend supplementing with vegan sources of vitamin B12, especially for active women in their child-bearing years and older individuals, because B12 absorption is compromised as we age. Adding a vegan source of vitamin D is also a wise choice if exposure to natural sunlight is not adequate.

The Big Picture

For the vegan athlete, workout gear that doesn’t contain wool or leather is the way to go. “Making conscious choices expands beyond your plate, and a lot of brands have vegan-friendly shoes,” says Moir.

“The difference between ‘plantbased’ and ‘vegan’ has to do with ethical motivations and treatment of animals,” says Tullman. “Natural fibers such as cotton and synthetic fabrics like polyester are fine.”

The path of vegan fitness can not only offer health benefits, but also a personal connection to the Earth. “It’s given me an opportunity to share my journey with others and to allow them to reach their own specific goals,” says Washington.

“Mentally, it’s given me more depth of thought and spiritually connected me with the ‘YOUniverse’ as a whole.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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Meatless Makeover A Plant-Based Spin on Classic Dishes

W

by April Thompson

hen contemplating a shift toward a plant-based diet, some may prematurely mourn the loss of their favorite meaty classics.

Luckily, enterprising vegan chefs have experimented with flavors and textures that will lure almost any palate into loving a plant-based version of their favorite dishes without resorting to processed foods.

“Plant-based versions of classic dishes offer all the nutritional benefits of plants without the cholesterol and saturated fats from animal products,” says chef and author Marly McMillen-Beelman. “You don’t have to abandon all your favorite foods to become vegan—just veganize them.”

The Kansas City chef makes carrot “dogs”, for example, by roasting carrots in a savory mix of tamari, agave, miso, paprika and garlic for a cookout-worthy treat. McMillen-Beelman’s cookbook The Everything Vegan Meal Prep Cookbook also offers many bean- and legume-based versions of classic sandwiches, like a vegan “Big Mac” with quinoa and pinto beans; a

46

burger made from oats, black beans and pecans; meatballs from tofu and lentils; and a chicken salad based on tempeh, a fermented, soy-based, high-protein product with a nutty flavor.

“A lot of people like using tempeh, tofu or jackfruit for a meaty texture. It needs to be well seasoned, but so does meat,” suggests Ocean Robbins, author of The 31-Day Food Revolution: Heal Your Body, Feel Great, & Transform Your World.

“To mimic cheese, some combination of nuts and nutritional yeast, cultured nut cheeses or plant-based milks works nicely.”

McMillen-Beelman likes using jackfruit for a “pulled pork” sandwich or taco, the tropical fruit being packed with vitamin C, protein, calcium, potassium and iron. Her slow-cooked version leans on whole-food ingredients, including pear and cranberries, to add natural sweetness and phytonutrients.

“I use canned jackfruit because it’s much easier to find and cook with than the expensive jumbo whole fruit,” she says.

Ben Pook, the London co-author

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

with Roxy Pope of So Vegan in 5, says mushrooms lend substance and umami flavor to vegan dishes such as a mushroom, sage and onion Wellington as a substitute for the classic beef Wellington. “We use portobello mushrooms for their meaty texture, which we surround with a sage and onion stuffing—all wrapped in vegan puff pastry to create a centerpiece worthy of any dinner party,” says Pook, whose cookbook features dozens of plant-based recipes that contain only five ingredients each, such as a broccoli alfredo with cashews, broccolini, tagliatelle pasta, nutritional yeast and garlic.

Nuts can also work wonders in a vegetarian dish, such as Pook and Pope’s walnut meat tacos, which blend toasted walnuts together with spices like cumin, paprika, garlic and chili powder to create a mince-like texture built into a taco with toppings galore.

Many classic dishes can also be adapted by simply leaving out the meat and letting the spices, herbs and vegetables shine through; for example, in a vegan shepherd’s pie, go with penne pasta with red sauce or a garlicky pesto with extra nuts, greens and olive oil in lieu of cheese.

Sweet tooth cravings can be satisfied with healthy, plant-based versions of classic desserts, substituting aquafaba (the starchy liquid left over from canned beans) instead of frothy egg whites, or olive oil or avocado for butter.

Nut butters can also add a touch of richness to a dish, whether sweet or savory.

“I love making a peanut coconut milk curry soup with onions, mushrooms and bok choy, with peanut butter, lime juice and soy sauce blended into the coconut milk for a luxurious flavor and texture. It’s great over potatoes, quinoa or rice,” says Robbins.

“Vegan food doesn’t need to be expensive, boring or complicated,” Pook says. “There really are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with plants, so don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own twist.”

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

Karl Allgaeuer/Shutterstock.com

conscious eating

photo by Andrew Hayes-Watkins

Magical Meatless Meals

photos by Andrew Hayes-Watkins

(Extra-firm tofu contains very little moisture, so this step isn’t always necessary.)

Then slice the block in half and break the tofu into bite-sized pieces with hands.

Season the tofu on both sides with salt and pepper; dip tofu into the flour, followed by the milk mixture, then the crisp mixture. Repeat until all the tofu pieces have been coated.

Vegan Popcorn ‘Chicken’ Yields: 4 to 6 servings 10.5 oz extra-firm tofu Sea salt and pepper ½ cup flour Vegetable oil Dry ingredients: 3.5 oz paprika-flavored chips 4 Tbsp flour 2 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp garlic powder Wet ingredients: ½ cup plant-based milk ½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp hot sauce To serve: Tomato ketchup Vegan mayonnaise Crush the paprika crisps between a clean tea towel using a rolling pin until no big pieces remain. Transfer to a bowl along with the remaining dry ingredients and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spoon to mix everything together, then set aside.

Combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar in a separate bowl. Let sit for a minute or two until the milk curdles and turns into a “buttermilk”. Then add the hot sauce and mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined. Set aside.

Meanwhile, add the flour to a small plate and set aside. Press the tofu if required.

Add the vegetable oil to a pan until it’s ¼-inch deep. Tip: Use a wok to reduce the amount of oil needed. Heat the oil on medium-high. Drop a tiny amount of the dry mixture; if it starts sizzling as soon as it hits the oil, it’s ready.

Carefully add half a dozen or so tofu pieces to the hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes on each side or until the tofu begins to brown and is extra crispy. It’s important to not overcrowd the pan, as it can lower the temperature of the oil.

When the tofu is ready, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a plate lined with parchment paper; immediately season it with some extra salt, which will help make it even crispier. Repeat until all the tofu pieces are cooked. Serve with a favorite dip, such as one made by combining equal amounts of tomato ketchup and vegan mayo.

Adapted from So Vegan in 5 by Roxy Pope and Ben Pook.

Mushroom, Sage and Onion Wellington An absolute showstopper and the perfect dish to make for friends on a Sunday afternoon alongside some tasty, roasted vegetables.

Yields: 4 servings 8 Portobello mushrooms 3 onions 10 sage leaves 4.2 oz walnuts 2 (11 oz) sheets of dairy-free puff pastry Preheat oven to 425° F and line a large baking tray with baking paper. Wipe any excess dirt off the mushrooms and place five of them in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle with

olive oil and season with sea salt and pepper, then bake for 15 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the oven and set aside, leaving the oven switched on for later.

Meanwhile, quarter the remaining mushrooms; peel and roughly chop the onions and add to a food processor along with sage leaves, walnuts, ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Process to form a smooth paste, then fry in a pan over a medium-high heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Roll out one sheet of pastry onto the lined baking tray. Spread a third of the paste down the middle of the pastry lengthways, spreading it 2 inches wide and leaving the same length clear at each end.

Turn the baked mushrooms upside-down to drain excess juices, then place three of the mushrooms, gills facing up, on top of the paste along the middle of the pastry.

Add the remaining two mushrooms, gills facing down, between the three mushrooms. Spoon the remaining paste around the mushrooms to cover them on all sides.

Place the second sheet of pastry on top and use your fingers to seal the edges together. Trim around the Wellington roughly one inch away from the filling, discarding the excess pastry as you go. Lightly score the Wellington with diagonal lines at 1-inch intervals and brush with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 50 minutes, until the pastry turns a lovely golden brown.

Remove from the oven and serve in slices.

Adapted from So Vegan in 5 by Roxy Pope and Ben Pook.

For additional meatless meals, visit eNaturalAwakenings.com March 2020

47

Chendongshan/Shutterstock.com

natural pet

The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

Kibble Quandary A Fresh Look at Pet Food

E News, articles, resources, events— all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered and scaled animal companions For information on how you can be a part of a future issue, call

203-885-4674 or email NicoleM@NaturalAwakenings.com

48

by Julie Peterson

ating healthy is than 130 toxins and We are seeing more a family affair, contaminants linked to cancer, neurologic and that includes cancer and other conconditions and kidney ditions. Results showed the family pet. However, disease, and there what works for humans cadmium, a heavy may be less than optimetal, in 94 percent is evidence that the mal for Fluffy or Fido, as of the products, along increase in these each requires a spewith arsenic and lead. diseases may be due cies-specific, nutritionContaminants to harmful ingredients ally balanced regimen. aren’t the only concern.

Most pet parents opt for “Up to 50 percent of in commercial, commercial dog or cat commercial foods are meat-based foods. food that comes in a bag composed of meat meal ~Armaiti May or a can, but many are and byproducts,” says beginning to consider Armaiti May, DVM, more natural options. “Kibble is often the owner of Dr. May’s Veterinary House Calls, most economical way to feed your pet. But in Los Angeles. its processed state makes it the least optiThese can include meat from dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals, and even mal,” says Angie Krause, DVM, at Boulder rendered dogs and cats from animal shelHolistic Vet, in Colorado. ters, says May. “We are seeing more cancer,

Canned food is also heavily proneurologic conditions and kidney disease, cessed and potentially toxic. In 2017, and there is evidence that the increase in Clean Label Project, a nonprofit testing these diseases may be due to harmful ingrelaboratory, completed a study of 1,084 pet dients in commercial, meat-based foods.” food products, screening them for more

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Healthy Alternative Diets

Owners that switch from commercial foods report their animals display thicker coats, brighter eyes and greater energy. However, dogs and cats require specific ranges of vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates, so it’s important to ensure that nutritional needs are met and a healthy balance is maintained.

n Home-Cooked

Helpful Resources Report cards regarding toxicity for dog and cat food brands: CleanLabelProject.org/pet-food.

Raw, vegan or otherwise, sign up for dog and cat food recall alerts via email: DogFoodAdvisor.com.

Definitions of common ingredients in pet food: Tinyurl.com/PetFoodIngredientDefinitions.

Chendongshan/Shutterstock.com

Pet food recalls have prompted some families to start cooking for Recommended reading from the American Holistic Veterinary their charges, but it’s not as simple as sharing the family dinner.

Medical Association includes Home-Prepared Dog and Cat “There are online calculators that can help you create and balance Diets, Second Edition, by Patricia Schenck, and Dr. Pitcairn’s recipes for dogs and cats. Balancing a diet can be tedious and Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, Fourth often requires added supplements,” says Krause.

Edition, by Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM.

Seeing a four-legged friend thrive was worth the extra time and cost for Yvonnda Stamp-Agent, a homemaker from Rockvale, TenScientific literature, published articles and biographies of dogs nessee. Emma, a schnauzer mix, suffered from itchy skin, anal gland living on a plant-based diet: PlantBased.dog. leakage, kidney crystals, vomiting and other problems. “We switched to home-cooked wild salmon and flounder protein with fresh organic n Vegan and Vegetarian vegetables and fruits, along with vitamin and mineral supplementaFor ethical and environmental reasons, homemade or pre-made, planttion.” Emma recovered and is now an energetic 5-year-old. based diets for companion animals are becoming more popular. “If the 163 million dogs and cats in the U.S. were their own country, it would n Raw be the fifth-largest meat-eating country on the planet,” says May. The biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diet, as described at Cats cannot survive without meat, which provides the high BarfWorld.com, contains raw meats, vegetables and cooked grains protein, amino acids and other nutrients their bodies require. and legumes. Proponents say it improves health from tooth to tail. However, a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American “Buddha, my orange tabby, is 22 and no longer has an issue with Veterinary Medical Association suggests that plant-based diets, hairballs,” says Kim Bolin, a Reno, Nevada real estate agent, who possibly supplemented with vitamins B12 and D and some amino has fed raw for three years. acids, can meet nutrition requirements of dogs.

Stephanie Krause, in Keego Harbor, Michigan, says her three “Dogs are omnivores, and can thrive on balanced, complete, dogs are more relaxed, probably from the time and effort needed plant-based diets. They have nutrient requirements, not ingredito eat large bones—and they haven’t needed a teeth cleaning since ent requirements,” says May. going raw. “After eating raw bones, there was plaque laying all

Pet diets aren’t an all-or-nothing choice, says Angie Krause. over the floor.”

“Eventually, my patient will always reveal what works for them.

The BARF diet can be homemade, although most choose preListen to your pet’s body.” pared frozen or freeze-dried products to ensure nutrient balance or to avoid handling raw meats. Angie Krause says the diet is controJulie Peterson lives in rural Wisconsin. Connect at versial, largely due to human health risks from pathogenic bacteria.

JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Kibble is often the most economical way to feed your pet.

But its processed state makes it the least optimal. ~Angie Krause

Final Journey,

LLC

( Pet Euthanasia Service )

Kristen Klie, D.V. M. and Associates

( 203 ) 645-5570 www.finaljourneyllc.com

March 2020

49

pet resource guide

VETERINARY SERVICES

ADOPTION/RESCUE ANIMALS IN DISTRESS INC

NFSAW

238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 • Animals-In-Distress.com

223 State Rt 37, New Fairfield 203-746-2925 • NFSAW.org

BRIDGEPORT ANIMAL CONTROL

PET ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY INC (PAWS)

236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport 203-576-7727

504 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-9572 • PAWSCT.org

COMMUNITY CATS

PET PROTECTORS

PO Box 4380, Stamford CommunityCatsCT@yahoo.com CommunityCatsCT.org

2490 Black Rock Tpke, #453, Fairfield 203-330-0255 PetProtectorsRescue.org

DANBURY ANIMAL WELFARE

RIDGEFIELD OPERATION FOR ANIMAL RESCUE (ROAR)

SOCIETY (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297

45 South St, Ridgefield 203-438-0158 • ROAR-Ridgefield.org

FRIENDS OF FELINES INC

STRAYS AND OTHERS

PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org AdoptAPet.org

PO Box 473, New Canaan 203-966-6556 StraysAndOthers@hotmail.com

LOOKING GLASS ANIMAL RESCUE

WESTPORT ANIMAL SHELTER ADVOCATES (WASA)

Ridgefield • LGARinc.org On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

1 Tower Ridge, Westport 203-557-0361 • WestportWASA.org

50

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

NUTMEG SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC 25 Charles St, Stratford 203-690-1550 • NutmegClinic.org

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, high-volume facility for cats and dogs, the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services during the spay/neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/neuter vouchers at face value from adopted shelter pets and qualified low-income families, and offers further low-cost incentives to nonprofit rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats.

See ad, page 50.

PET ASSISTANCE, INC

PO Box 2015, New Preston 860-355-PETS GetaPet@gmail.com • PetAssistanceInc.org Pet Assistance helps keep pets in their homes in times of financial and medical crises, providing emergency veterinary subsidies to pet owners in financial need. We only give grants for pets that have a good prognosis, unless the knowledge we gain from the treatment or surgery may help future animals in need.

Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity of its distributors throughout the area. Please consider supporting these major distributors by shopping there and picking up the magazine each month from one of the racks. Thank you!

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calendar of events All Calendar events must be received by the 12th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Calendar submissions must be entered online at eNaturalAwakenings.com: click on “submit calendar” at the very top of the page.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Ayurvedic Antidotes for Healthy Travel – 7-8:30pm.

This workshop will provide a deeper understanding of why travel can impact health negatively and how routines that are followed prior and during travel can offset illness from travel. Create a toolbox complete with Ayurvedic antidotes for common imbalances experienced during travel. $29. Staples High School, 70 North Ave, Westport. Anjali.life.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Witch Crafting Wednesday: Smudge Fans – 6:30-8:30pm. During this circle we will explore the messages that feather medicine and the air element have for us witches. Participants will bind, craft and adorn their very own feather wand to be used in cleansing rituals, plant smudges and more. $35/ pre-register; $40/walk-in. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077.

TwinStarTribe.com.

March Fourth (FORTH!) – 7-8:15pm. We’ll gather in The Nest for education and connection to explore ways to support your emotional well-being during times of grief and loss. Focus on how you can empower yourself with two primary tools: The Grief Recovery Method, as well as essential oils, and how they can be used to affect your mood, stimulate self repair and balance chemical reactions. The Nest: A Wellness Collective, 3064 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. RSVP to Kristen@InterplayHealth.com. InterplayHealth.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 Yoga for Pelvic Floor Health – 6-7pm. Great for ladies who want to strengthen this region of the body that might have weakened due to childbirth or natural aging. Beth will lead a brief informative discussion followed by an asana practice designed to work this area of the body that supports the entire female lower abdomen and pelvic region. $35. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury.

203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

markyourcalendar ZERO WASTE FAIRE AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING EXPO March 29 •11am-4pm The Faire is a special event to educate, inspire, entertain and engage the town of Wilton and neighboring communities about zero waste and sustainable living. Speakers, exhibits, interactive events.

Wilton High School Field House, 395 Danbury Rd, Wilton For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/ ZeroWasteFair2020 52

13 Moons: Moon Magic – 6:30-8:30pm. Circle up with us this month as we revel in the moon and her magic. We will explore ancient themes of our connection to the moon as women and humans, and tap into her energy in each of her phases. $25. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford.

860-350-0077. TwinStarTribe.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Reiki 1st Degree Workshop – 10am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki Master (22 years). Includes latest info.

Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Two manuals and certificate. $125.

Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Yoga Nidra – 7:30-8:30pm. Join Allison for Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, to experience full-body relaxation and a deep meditative state of consciousness.

This is a deep relaxation technique that leads you to experience the relief of stress, restful sleep and a greater sense of harmony and balance throughout your daily life. $35. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Reiki Level 1 Workshop - 10am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki Master (22 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Two manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk.

203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net.

AngelHealReiki.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Art of Meditation (21 Day Meditation Challenge) – 6:30-7:45pm. This 4-week Meditation Course combined with a 21 day challenge is an excellent program

markyourcalendar HONORING THE PEQUOTS Monday, July 13 A Sacred Shamanic Ceremony for Healing and Honoring the Victims, Perpetrators, and the Land connected with the Pequot War Please join us for an evening of Ceremony Exchange: $40 - all of the proceeds will be donated to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Registration: Ceremony is open to the public, no experience needed to attend.

for beginners and also a great place for seasoned practitioner who desire to go deeper, to find more in their meditations. $15/ week (4 week series). Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Across from Big Y Market Plaza, Bethel. 203-730-1893. Yogaspace-CT.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 9 Resilience Documentary and Discussion – 6:308:30pm. This one-hour documentary delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences and a new movement to treat and prevent Toxic Stress.

Open to the public. Free. First Congregational Church of Greenwich, 108 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-1791. FCCOG.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Yoga for Back Pain – 9:30-10:30am. Lower back pain plagues many of us. Learn to use your yoga practice to help alleviate pain by building stronger lower back muscles and developing healthy posture. Semi-private lessons are limited to 6 students. $35. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury.

203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

Fairfield Health and Fitness Expo 2020 – 11am4pm. 80+ exhibitors providing services for all ages.

Visit bit.ly/HealthFitness2020 for more information, exhibitor listing and directions. Free admission and free parking. Open to the public. Fairfield University RecPlex, 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield.

Tinyurl.com/FairHealthandFitnessExpo2020.

Restorative Yoga: Unwind From The Grind – 3-5pm. If you’ve been longing for a true “time-out”, a reset for your nervous system, and a peaceful night’s sleep, this special Saturday afternoon retreat will leave you in a peaceful state of deep relaxation. $32/advance; $38/day of. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-1893. Yogaspace-CT.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 Herbalicious Sprouts – 11am-12:30pm. Kids ages 5 to 7 will make a nice relaxing tea blend and sleep pillow to enjoy and take home. We will also learn about herbs through fun games and hands on activities. RSVP by 3/13 to ensure enough supplies. $25/first child; $15/sibling discount. Sticks and Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

Tinyurl.com/HerbaliciousSprouts.

markyourcalendar WCSU 5TH ANNUAL WELLNESS FAIR March 31 • 12-3pm Western Connecticut State University’s fifth annual Health, Fitness and Wellness Fair includes health and wellness experts and practitioners for information, demonstrations, activities, screenings, food and fun.

Admission is free; all are welcome.

Please visit HunterHealingHands.com for full ceremony description and Registration instructions.

Bill Williams Gymnasium in Berkshire Hall, 181 White St, Danbury

RSVP must be by June 13, 2020 (a month before ceremony) to attend. Space is limited.

For more information, call 203-837-8609 or email ShanksA@wcsu.edu

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

MONDAY, MARCH 16 12-day Transformative Ayurvedic Deep Spring Cleanse – 7-8pm. With Samantha Parker, Ayurvedic Practitioner. Spring, more than any other season, is the season to detox the body. One-hour informational session into resetting digestion and improving overall health. Registration required to attend. Free. Turning Point Healing Arts & Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield.

Samantha@Anjali.life. Anjali.life.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 Plant Wisdom Wednesday: Invasive Plants as Medicine – 6:30-8:30pm. Join Haley Neddermann for an overview of some of the invasive species in our area, and how we can use them as medicine and better understand their place in the landscape. $30/pre-registered; $35/walk-in. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. TwinStarTribe.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 Candlelit Restorative Workshop – 7:30-9:30pm.

The soft glow of flameless candles creates unforgettable ambiance in this relaxing, restorative practice. Cultivate joy, embrace the acts of giving and receiving, and release physical and mental tensions while you create the perfect platform for manifesting abundance and good health. $35. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-7300250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Detox for the Equinox – 2-4:30pm. Workshop includes a kundalini kriya for detoxing, visualization and art. No prior art or Kundalini experience necessary. You will have an opportunity to: Set your intention for the rest of the year, reset your energy, visualize how you want to direct your energy. Art supplies provided. Bring a pen and journal. $32/in advance; $39/day of event. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-1893. Yogaspace-CT.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 Satsang – 7:30-8:30pm. Doors open at 7pm for quiet contemplation. Program begins promptly at 7:30pm and consists of a talk, meditation and chanting, and concludes with Darshan/Blessing. Offerings of gratitude lovingly received when Darshan (Blessing) is given.

Program ends at 8:30pm followed by light refreshments. The evening ends at 9:00. Gratitude offering.

Transformation Center CT, 7 Reimer Rd, Westport.

203-820-3800. TransformationCenterCT.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 10am-5:30pm.

With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (22 years).

Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. Two powerful energy connections from Gigi’s short Japanese/Usa Lineage.

Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150.

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki. com. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet. net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Awaken Healing Energy Through The Tao – 7pm. Free Introductory talk and practice led by Jampa Stewart. Learn about an ancient Chinese energy meditation that can heal your body, calm negative

emotions and awaken your spirit. Valley Spirit Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. ValleySpiritWellness.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Reiki Second Degree – 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (22 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. Two powerful energy connections from Gigi’s short Japanese/Usa Lineage.

Two manuals and certificate $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150.

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki. com.203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet. net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Taoist Microcosmic Orbit Meditation – 12-6pm.

3/28 and 3/29. With Jampa Stewart. Discover how to actually feel your Qi, your life force energy, and how to use your mind to direct it anywhere in your body for self-healing, centeredness, and inner peace. Valley Spirit Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. ValleySpiritWellness.com.

Early Spring Plant Walk – 1-3:30pm. What’s emerging now, and how can we identify plants in the early stages of their lifecycle? Join Haley Neddermann for this afternoon walk and discussion of wild and medicinal plants. We will meet at Sega Meadows in New Milford. $35. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. TwinStarTribe.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 Ayurveda for Healing – 4-5:30pm. Participants will learn ayurvedic techniques for detoxing and useful information about the three doshas. Come with an open heart and connect with like-minded men and women who want to grow, heal, and achieve balance through mind and bodywork. $20. Rivers Edge Healing Center, 5 Riverside Rd, Newtown.

Tinyurl.com/AyurvedaForHealing2020.

markyourcalendar PASSPORT TO HEALTH SPRING EXPO Sunday, April 26 • 10am-5pm Presented by the Holistic Community Professionals, featuring 75+ vendors and readers, free raffles all day and a grand prize of a Hilton overnight stay with breakfast for two, as well as a free drum healing closing ceremony.

Door proceeds donated to the CT Children’s Medical Center (ConnecticutChildrens.org) and Hartford Hospitals Integrative Medicine Angie’s Spa fund (AngiesSpa.org).

The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton 42 Century Dr, Bristol Interested vendors can apply online at Tinyurl.com/SpringExpoVendors For more information, call Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033, email YourHolisticEvents@gmail. com or visit ShirleyBloethe.com.

ongoing events

sunday Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:30-10:45am.

Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/ level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-5210359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org.

Satsang Meditation – 9:30-11am. Satsangs are wonderful spiritual and community gatherings of like-minded people. Satsangs with Shanti Mission Healers are filled with music, mantra, meditation, spiritual instruction/discourse and spiritual blessings to help you reset, recharge and get ready for the week ahead. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@ gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

New Beginnings in Community Sunday Service – 10am. Join this group of spiritually minded people embracing and honoring all world religions, belief systems, cultures and traditions. Free. Mystics By The Sea, 394 New Haven Ave, Milford. 203-980-6272.

NewBeginningsInCommunity.Weebly.com.

Family Meditation Program – 10-11:30am.

Second and fourth Sunday. Ages 4-13. While the adults are meditating in the main building, young people can connect with others in their age-group, learn about mindfulness, compassion toward self and others. 203-244-3130. MMKeeler@gmail.com.

ReddingMeditation.org.

markyourcalendar ALBERTSON MEMORIAL CHURCH UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, March 7 and April 4 • 11am-4pm Spiritual, Psychic & Healing Fair • $35+ Tuesday, March 17 • 6:30-8:30pm Roland Comtois and His Purple Papers $50/general admission; $45/ church members

ONGOING EVENTS: Sundays Service • 11am-12:30pm Bereavement Group for Parents • 1-2pm Wednesdays Spirit Speaks – Developing Psychic & Mediumship Abilities with Rev. Ana Reluzco 7-9pm • $20 Cancelled events will be posted on our website Email: Info@AlbertsonChurch.org Website: AlbertsonChurch.org Facebook: Facebook.com/ AlbertsonMemorialChurchofSpiritualism Meetup: Meetup.com/ AlbertsonMemorialChurchofSpiritualism March 2020

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ongoing events Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am.

Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness.

A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Celebration Service – 10:30am-12pm. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports your spiritual unfolding with thought provoking, soul -healing topics and uplifting music. By donation.

Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk.

203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

Sunday Morning Meditation – 11-11:45am.

Experience stillness and peace, establish a regular practice, reduce stress and tension and enhance health and well-being. Meditation class for beginners and experienced meditators. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC.Yoga.

Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org.

Naam Yoga Community Class – 11am-12:15pm.

Secomd Sunday. 3/8, 4/19, 5/19, 6/14. Using mantra, asanas, pranayama, laughing and music, Naam Yoga works on all aspects of your being, physical, emotional and spiritual. $10/per person; $20/per family.

Bethel Municipal Center, 1 School St, Bethel. Deb Clelland: 203-994-5815.

Sunday Albertson Memorial Church Service – 11am-12:30pm. Join us for inspirational sermons, meditation, energy healing and messages from Spirit. By donation. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615.

Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org.

monday Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am and 11am-12pm.

Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the U.S. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com.

SoulSynergy.org.

Heart Speak – 11am. Start your week off relaxed and invigorated. Listen to this 2-minute audio which inspires and uplifts, a part of you that speaks inspiration, wisdom, and happiness. Rotate to another GEM each Monday you will feel refueled and refreshed.

Contact@heartspeak.life. Heartspeak.life.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm.

Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Reiki Share – 7:30-9:30pm. Fourth Monday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each

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other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.

tuesday Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm.

Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness.A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Monthly Information Sessions at The Graduate Institute – 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for an info session every 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Graduate Institute. Please contact us to let us know that you’ll be attending. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252.

contribution. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail. com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Reiki Healing Shares – 7:30-9:30pm. First and third Tuesdays. With Gigi Benanti, Usui Reiki Master/ Teacher. For Reiki practitioners only. Includes short instruction and discussion. Must RSVP. $20.

Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk.

203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net.

AngelHealReiki.com.

Yin Restorative Yoga with Rob Farella – 7:308:45pm. Yin practice focuses on postures that lengthen the muscles surrounding the hips, pelvis, and lower back. Postures are held with support for 3-5 minutes per side to lengthen and stimulate connective tissue that surrounds the joints. $20.

Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642.

Yogaspace-CT.com. Info@Yogaspace-CT.com.

wednesday

Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga – 6-7:15pm. This nurturing and fun gentle yoga class is designed to strengthen, stretch and embrace the changes in a woman’s body during and after pregnancy. $20. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642.

Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. Yogaspace-CT.com.

Power Yoga/Vinyasa – 9:30-10:30am, 11am-12pm & 5:30-6:30pm. Power yoga is a general term used to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga. $20. Soul Synergy Wellness, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org.

Yin Yoga – 6:15-7:45pm. With Jennifer Duncan, Certified Yoga Instructor. 90-minute class while receiving the healing benefits of the Cave. Yin Yoga is a slower paced practice, meditative in nature, where you sink into poses for 3-5 mins targeting the body’s connective tissue. Please bring a yoga mat. $35. Salt Cave of Darien, 555 Post Rd, Darien.

203-658-7667. SaltCaveOfDarien.com.

Tai Chi Classes – 6:30-7:30pm. With June Fagan, Tai Chi Instructor. A slow movement meditation for all levels of fitness. Known to reduce stress, increase focus and balance and improve self and well-being. $25/drop-in; $85/1 class per week; $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 1197 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-938-3690.

NAMI Support Group – 6:30-7:45pm. Third Tuesday. A place where families and friends of individuals living with mental health challenges can come together in a safe and compassionate forum. Meetings are confidential. Free. Rowayton United Methodist Church, 5 Pennoyer St, Norwalk. 203-428-6864.

ClaudiaDevita1123@gmail.com. NAMISouthwestCT.org.

Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 6:45-8pm.

Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/ level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-5210359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org.

Shamanic Healing Clinic – 6:30-8:30pm. Second Tuesday. This relaxing and peaceful method helps clear emotional and psychological hindrances and has been used for thousands of years in all indigenous cultures.

Limited sessions available. $20/suggested donation.

Transformation Center CT, 7 Reimer Rd, Westport.

203-820-3800. TransformationCenterCT.com.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm.

Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Reiki Share – 7-8:30pm. First Tuesday of the month. With June and Tracy. Come join our circle of practitioners for sharing and caring and healing. All levels of practitioners are welcome. Please RSVP. $20/drop-in. Kindred Spirits, 197 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-938-3690.

Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Meditation that often includes chanting, music and requires your active participation. All faiths and cultures are welcomed.

By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com.

MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Intermediate Evidential Mediumship – 7-9pm.

This class is designed for those who know how to connect to spirit and wish to deepen the connection and get more specific evidence. Once a month we work with the public to gain experience. $20. 135 Clover Hill Dr. 203-344-9311.

Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. Second Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, 156 East Ave, Norwalk.Home.Homewebs.com/ HMNFairfieldCtyCT.

Reiki Share – 7-9pm. Second Tuesday. Practice and enhance your Reiki healing and grow your intuition. All will receive healing time and practice time. You must have completed at minimum Reiki Level I in order to fully participate. $15/suggested

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Women Empowering Women Networking: New Milford Chapter – 7-9pm. Second Wednesday.

Global, locally based networking community who’s goal is to support, educate and empower women entrepreneurs to live and love their best lifestyle businesses. $10, includes materials and snacks. Ah Yoga,

65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-233-8061. Bskicks@ sbcglobal.net. WomenempoweringWomenNow.com.

Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Wednesdays. Offering support, healing, advocacy, resources and education for women in the process of, or recently divorced. $20, $150/10-session card. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointShare.com.

thursday Kundalini Yoga and Music Meditation – 9:3010:30am. With Leesa Sklover, PhD, C-IAYT, Certified Yoga Therapist, Kundalini Yoga Teacher. Experience the yoga of awareness weekly to heal your mind and your life. All welcome. $15 per class/monthly discount. Short Beach Union Church, 14 Pentacost St, Branford. 917-860-0488. DrSklover@gmail.com.

LoveLifeProductions.net.

Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am and 11am-12pm.

Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the U.S. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20.

Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com.

SoulSynergy.org.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 9:30-11am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness.

A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding.

203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 6:45-8pm.

Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/ level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-5210359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org.

Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. First Thursday. All welcome. Share and experience Reiki. Please join us while we enjoy a peaceful, powerful night of healing. Hosted by Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. $20. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, Norwalk.

203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net.

AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

friday Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am and 11am-12pm.

Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the U.S. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org.

Reiki Share – 9:30-11:30am. First Friday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.

Post-Natal Yoga – 11am-12pm. Improve your posture while strengthening and lengthening the areas that pregnancy, birth and motherhood impact in a friendly, supportive community. Learn breathing skills to help you through the stressful times of this new lifestyle. Adoptive mothers welcome. Mom’s only. $21/drop-in. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

Kundalini Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Kundalini yoga moves energy to create a clear and calm mind, strong and resilient body and open spirit. Learn to strengthen and balance your bodily systems, cultivate objective awareness and experience greater clarity and emotional balance. No experience necessary. All levels welcome. $20. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-7309642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. Yogaspace-CT.com.

Discussion with The Higher Realms – 7-9:30pm.

Last Friday. Bring your heartfelt questions and receive the wisdom of The Ascended Masters and The Divine Feminine specifically for you as channeled by Ginny Brown. $45. Address provided upon registration.

HeartAndHealing@hotmail.com. GinnyBrown.net.

saturday Saturday Dharma and Morning Meditation – 7:308:15am. Join us for studies in dharma and meditation.

Every week we will discuss various works. Discussion followed by a 30-minute guided breath-based meditation. Proceeds are donated to our charity of the month. $10. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:3010:45am. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC.Yoga.

Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am.

Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

New Men’s Group – 10:30-11:30am. This therapeutic support group is designed for men who are dealing with issues related to a relationship from their past, present or future. Limited seating available. $30 per session insurance accepted.

Wolf Spirit Wellness and Counseling Center, LLC, 125 Main St N, Woodbury. 203-263-3175.

WolfSpiritWellness@gmail.com. WolfSpiritWellness.org.

Spondylitis Support Group – 11am-12:30pm.

Last Saturday. Led by Dr. Andrew Cummins, naturopathic physician. Having lived with the chronic inflammatory disease Ankylosing Spondylitis for the last 18 years, Cummins understands what living with chronic pain and limited mobility is all about. Group provides education, empowerment, understanding and support. Free. Shalva Clinic, 8 Lincoln St, 1st Fl, Westport. 203-916-4600.

DrCummins@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

Spiritual, Psychic and Healing Fair – 11am-4pm.

First Saturday. Would you like a second opinion on your life issues, or a personal message from a departed loved one? Are you curious about your purpose in this life, or seeking a bit more direction and focus? Come join us. $35+. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org.

AlbertsonChurch.org.

New Women’s Group – 1pm. For women ages 29 through 35 who have difficulty navigating social situations that are interested in making new friends.

This group will be working on understanding the nuances of social behavior and how to set attainable goals and boundaries. Space is limited. $20/ session. Wolf Spirit Wellness and Counseling Center, LLC, 125 Main St North, Ste 2B, Woodbury.

203-509-8602. WolfSpiritWellness@gmail.com.

WolfSpiritWellness.org.

Open Mic Night – 7-9pm, 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany you at the piano for your moment at the microphone. Comedians, poets, writers and musicians welcomed as well. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk.

203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

classifieds To place a Classified Listing: $1 per word. $25 minimum.

Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication. Email copy to NicoleM@NaturalAwakenings.com.

HELP WANTED DISTRIBUTORS WANTED for monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings and other local publications. Perfect for a retired person or stay-at-home mom looking to earn some extra income and connect with their local community. Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com.

DO YOU LOVE NATURAL AWAKENINGS? Help us spread the word! We’re looking for Community Street Team Members to work with us at upcoming events all over CT. Please send an email (subject line: COMMUNITY) and resume to NicoleM@NaturalAwakenings.com.

EARN PT OR FT INCOME IN THE NATURAL HEALTH INDUSTRY. Openings for 2-3 people. Flexible schedule. Supportive team. Earn $20,000 bonus in 2020. To schedule a confidential interview text Michael Rosenbaum 914-589-3601.

March 2020

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community resource guide

CHIROPRACTIC

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakenings.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAC Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness Cooperative 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com

Compassionate professional care for those suffering from pain, internal disorders, menstrual issues and menopause, infertility, depression and anxiety, insomnia, addiction, fatigue, tune-ups and more.

ASTROLOGY MARJORIE PARTCH

Jungian Astrology • Tarot • Reiki 40 Richards Ave, Norwalk 203-912-3520 or Skype CyberAstrologer@Outlook.com Rather than predictions following the default mode, the Jungian approach provides insight into patterns and cycles of time, empowering you to transform challenges into opportunities.

AYURVEDA NEERU KAUSHIK, ND, MS ACU, MS, MA Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-331-9111 DrKaushik@AyurvedicInstituteCT.com AyurvedicInstituteCT.com

A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma.

See ad, page 12.

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BIOFEEDBACK ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

Advanced Bio-Regulation (BRT) is a unique approach to health and wellness that uses Biofeedback and PEMF-based Electromagnetic Technology to help the body better self-regulate, adapt and heal naturally. It is used for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, hormonal issues, Lyme, etc. See ad, page 43.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Ste D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 AlbaThermalImaging.com

Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body. Safe, painless, noninvasive, FDA registered.

SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Ken Hoffman, DACM, LAc, Medical Director 31 Old Rte 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 INM.Center Women’s Health: hormonal balancing, breast cancer prevention.

Breast and full body thermography screening. Screening and treatment of chronic inflammation using medical infrared thermography (MIT). Safe, painless and non-invasive, thermography can detect early changes in breast tissue up to eight years before a mammogram. FDA-registered, our high-definition camera is the most advanced in the region.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

PETER BRAGLIA, DC

True Health Family Chiropractic 7365 Main St, Stratford 203-923-8633 TrueHealthCT.com As a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Dr. Braglia has received advanced training in Pediatric Adjusting and Prenatal Care, including the Webster Technique. We are proud to serve patients from all over Fairfield and New Haven Counties with our unique and gentle approach to health care.

COLONICS COLONICS

914-921-LIFE (5433) LifelineHygienics.com Experience and personalized service you can trust.

The finest in colonic irrigation and personal care. Serving the tri-state area since 1993.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY/ ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE VINCENT FRASER, CST, CAT, SEP Craniosacral Therapy, Alexander Technique, Somatic Experiencing Greenwich and Norwalk 203-570-2059 Vincent@VincentFraser.com

Vincent offers paths to wholeness which lead to resolving pain and trauma, ease of movement in one’s body and life, and a fuller conscious embodiment.

EDUCATION THE GRADUATE INSTITUTE 171 Amity Rd, Bethany 203-874-4252 Info@Learn.edu Learn.edu

The Graduate Institute is a state-accredited graduate school dedicated to promoting an integrative and holistic worldview through the study of health, wellness, education, and personal and professional transformation.

Enrolling now for 2020 programs. See ad, page 12.

INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH STUDIES

THE INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION

We offer a unique certification program blending the science of nutrition with the hands-on components of sustainable gardening practices. We use food and herbs to make kitchen medicine, teach basic culinary skills, and practice foraging for and using nutrient-rich wild food. Now enrolling.

See ad, page 18.

TWO COYOTES WILDERNESS SCHOOL

P.O. Box 711, Monroe TwoCoyotes.org Facebook.com/TwoCoyotes Instagram.com/TwoCoyotes Two Coyotes Wilderness School is a non-profit nature organization dedicated to creating a healthier, more connected future by connecting people to nature, community, and their personal empowerment. We offer year-round wilderness-based mentorship programs, including summer camps, for all ages. See ad, page 28.

ENERGY HEALING BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 15.

I sell doTERRA essential oils and teach practitioners how to implement high quality oils into their practice to enhance client experience. I also work with individuals who seek to reduce toxicity load and support their overall health and wellness naturally.

Mark Breiner, DDS, is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. His patients have found solutions to baffling, unresolved and seemingly unrelated dentalrelated health problems. He is the author of the award-winning book, Whole-Body Dentistry. See ad, page 2.

WAYNE LEISS, LMT

20 Fifth Ave, Apt A, Danbury 203-994-1207 Wayne@WayneLeiss.com WayneLeiss.com Y

NELE

I SS

113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby 860-764-9070 Joan@TIOSN.com TIOSN.com

WHOLE BODY DENTISTRY

Certified Essential Oil Educator 203-856-1790 JenniferBlake2@yahoo.com my.doterra.com/JenniferBlake2

A

The mission of the IHHS is to provide the University and Greater Danbury area with an opportunity to engage in and explore different aspects of holistic and integrative health through programming and instruction. Programs include Wellness Wednesday lunchtime workshops, monthly meditation program, lecture series, health wellness and fitness fair.

HOLISTIC DENTIST

JENNIFER BLAKE

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Western Connecticut State University Christel Autuori, RDH, RYT, MA, Director 181 White St, Danbury 203-837-8559 WCSU.edu/IHHS

ESSENTIAL OILS

Centering our lives through touch. Essential oils address

stress reduction, pain relief and overall well-being. They are used in topical, internal CENTERING OUR LIVES and aeromatic applications.

THROUGH TOUCH Improve physically, emotionally and spiritually as I teach you about the benefits and uses of massage with natural and pure dōTERRA Essential Oils. See ad, page 15.

HEALING ACID REFLUX HEALING ACID REFLUX NATURALLY Susan Berman, Med, CHHC 860-670-4152 Susan@HealingAcidReflux.com HealingAcidReflux.com

I work with health conscious individuals to help heal their acid reflux or GERD to avoid further damage and prevent esophageal cancer. Find your unique food and lifestyle triggers. Offers 1:1 coaching via Zoom, Skype, or a DIY program.

HEALTHY EATING CHEF ELIANA GRUBEL, CHC

Mark A Breiner, DDS 501 Kings Hwy East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com

HOLISTIC HEALTH MICHAEL WALD, DC, DIETICIAN, BOARD CERTIFIED 20 Sunderland Ln, Katonah, NY 914-552-1442 Info@BloodDetective.com

Do you suffer from chronic health problems like cancer, autoimmune, GI or neurological issues? You need a Blood Detective! Dr. Wald will work with you personally over the phone, as a house call or at his Katonah office. Call today, you deserve personal attention. See ad, page 9.

HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY DAVID LONDON, MD

544 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-557-6574 Contact@DavidLondonMD.com DavidLondonMD.com David London, MD, honors emotional, spiritual and biochemical individuality to assist healing psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

Sophisticated genetic and lab testing help identify underlying causes. Treatment may include acupuncture, psychotherapy, EMDR, herbs, vitamins, nutrients, lifestyle changes, medication.

Licensed and Insured In-home Cooking Services 203-559-8946 • CleanFood4UrType.com As a Board-Certified Health Coach by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and member of the U.S. Personal Chef Association, Eliana’s passion is her clients’ success. She has been serving CT for more than 15 years and now offers short-term detoxes, meals to freeze, dinner parties, homegrown microgreens and fermented, locally grown vegetables as well as personalized coaching programs. See ad, page 31.

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HYPNOSIS HEALING TREE WISDOM

Thea Litsios, CHy Locations in Norwalk and Stratford 203-693-1493 • HealingTreeWisdom.com Use the power of your whole mind to transform your life: Hypnosis for weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief, and past life review.

Certified teacher of Active Dream work. Individual dream consultations available, as well as workshops and monthly Dream Groups. See ad, page 15.

MIND-BODY TRANSFORMATION Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx 1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-595-0110 MindBodyTransformation.com

Fast, effective methods for weight, stress, fear, pain, smoking, etc.

Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy, Time Line Therapy, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989.

See ads, pages 23 and 29.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN HENRY C. SOBO, MD

Optimal Health Medical LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 • DrSobo.com Advances in Regenerative Medicine allow Dr. Sobo to offer cutting-edge technologies such as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatments and adult stem cell therapy. Dr. Sobo’s integrative approach addresses a variety of conditions such as: food allergies, Alzheimer’s/ dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome, weight loss, hormonal health, fibromyalgia, anti-aging medicine, and MTHFR-Genetic Mutation. See ad, page 13.

INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER Ken Hoffman, DACM, LAc, Medical Director 31 Old Rte 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • INM.Center

Using naturopathic and Chinese medical principles, we get to the source of your health concerns.

Diagnostic methods include functional testing such as advanced bloodwork analysis, cardiovascular testing, hormone evaluation and thermography. Our customized treatment program includes acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, diet and lifestyle counseling and more. Most insurance accepted.

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WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

Adam Breiner, ND, Director David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN David Johnston, DO Elena Sokolova, MD, ND 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Using state-of-the-art science combined with holistic medicine, our caring integrative physicians correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. We treat many conditions including Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, immune disorders, allergies, thyroid conditions, pain, neurological conditions, stroke, concussion, ADD/ ADHD, depression, insomnia and more. We offer hyperbaric oxygen, neurofeedback and neurotherapies, osteopathic medicine, functional medicine, IV nutrient and chelation therapy, energetic medicine, homeopathy, Japanese Reiki, nutrition, colonics and detoxification, enhanced brain, athletic, scholastic performance, and more. See ad, page 2.

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 444 Westport Ave, Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd, Southport • 203-255-4005 1425 Bedford St, 1M, Stamford • 203-357-0204 CTEyeCareAssociates.com We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy.

See ad, page 29.

IV THERAPY WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

501 Kings Highway E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com IV nutrient therapy bypasses the digestive process and delivers 100% of pure quality nutrients to your cells. Custom drips support your immune system, help you recover from long work hours, hangovers, jet lag, and increase stamina, support muscle recovery and growth, aid in detoxification, provide anti-aging benefits for youthful skin and glow, promote weight loss, help brain function, provide an energy boost and more. See ad, page 2.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

LYME DISEASE EDUCATION/SUPPORT LYME CONNECTION

400 Main St, Ridgefield Info@LymeConnection.org LymeConnection.org Lyme Connection is an all-volunteer, community-based task force providing support and resources to patients and their families coping with tickborne disease.

See ad, page 11.

MEDITATION CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS & INSIGHT MEDITATION

9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 • ReddingMeditation.org We teach and practice Mahasati meditation.

Mahasati meditation cultivates self-awareness through attention to the movement of the body and, at more advanced levels, to the movement of the mind. No prior meditating experience is necessary.

Ongoing weekly meditation classes, retreats and events. Please check monthly event calendar or visit ReddingMeditation.org for updated information.

METABOLIC OPTIMIZATION MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 DrMarvinSchweitzer.com

We help you unleash your own body’s ability to heal. Cutting edge evaluations and 25+ years experience help to determine precisely which individualized therapies – including energy medicine, oxygen therapies, homeopathy, botanicals, nutrition, allergy/toxin testing and treatment are used to nourish, cleanse, balance and repair. We collaborate with you in a caring environment. See ad, page 45.

METAPHYSICAL STORE THE ANGEL COOPERATIVE

51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte. 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube The Angel Cooperative is a unique lifestyle boutique featuring the first and only Shungite room in the USA. Wide selection of crystals, jewelry, candles, essential oils and soaps. Spiritual gifts, statuary, oracle decks and tarot and home décor. Available in The Shungite Room: readings, Reiki, meditation, sound therapy, energy work and workshops. See ads, pages 32 and 42.

THE RUBY TREE

Metaphysical Shop and Healing Space Woodbury 203-586-1655 TheRubyTreeCT.com An energetically inviting space in the historic town of Woodbury, CT. Daily readings, metaphysical supplies, crystals, gifts, jewelry, blessed candles, incense; Reiki healing and classes, reflexology, cranial sacral therapy, massage, Ideal Protein clinic, workshops and more! Check us out on Facebook and Instagram.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN ADAM BREINER, ND

Whole-Body Medicine LLC 501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 WholeBodyMed.com Dr. Adam Breiner has helped patients with a wide variety of neurological conditions—including stroke, concussions, TBIs, ADD/ADHD, depression and anxiety—as well as seeing patients for enhanced sports, scholastic and workplace performance. His center was the first facility in the country to offer the powerful combination of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and neurofeedback. Dr. Breiner also has natural and cutting-edge approaches for the treatment of Lyme disease. See ad, page 2.

NEERU KAUSHIK, ND, MS ACU, MS, MA Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-331-9111 DrKaushik@AyurvedicInstituteCT.com

A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma.

See ad, page 12.

SHALVA CLINIC LLC

Ellen M Lewis, ND, Director 8 Lincoln St, Westport 203-916-4600 ShalvaClinic.org Dr. Lewis offers comprehensive holistic care for women including well-women exams, fertility, thyroid and menopause support. She also has a special interest in pediatrics and utilizes a variety of natural modalities when working with patients with ADD/ADHD, autism, allergies, eczema and asthma. Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy and more. See ad, back cover.

NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, all-natural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions; restore balance; and treat the mind, body and spirit. Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 38.

I want people to get over the stigma about hemp.

These seeds can’t make you high, but they will make you feel good. ~Ziggy Marley

HEALTHY LIVING

HEALTHY PLANET

2020 EDITORIAL CALENDAR Grassroots Climate APR • Strategies

• Creatures Great and Small

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

MAY • Autoimmune Breakthroughs • Lyme Disease

JUN

• Inspired Lifestyle • Brain Health

JUL

• Food Connection • Gut Health • Education Out of the Box

Prospering through AUG • Transition

SEP

• Expressive Arts and Movement • Emotion Quotient • Exploring Other Realms

OCT • Transcending Physical Health

• The Sugar Challenge

NOV • Stress Management

& Connection DEC •• Community Get Your Glow On

DEPARTMENTS HEALTH BRIEFS | GLOBAL BRIEFS ECO TIP | GREEN LIVING HEALING WAYS | FIT BODY CONSCIOUS EATING HEALTHY KIDS | WISE WORDS INSPIRATION | NATURAL PET

March 2020

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NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 DrMarvinSchweitzer.com

We help you unleash your own body’s ability to heal. Cutting edge evaluations and 25+ years CMYK 1, 99, 1, 0 help to determine experience precisely which individualized therapies – including energy CMYK oxygen therapies, medicine, 58, 79, 0, 0 homeopathy, botanicals, nutrition, allergy/toxin testing and treatment are used to nourish, cleanse, balance and repair. We collaborate with Aleo – Bold See ad, page 45. you in a caring environment.

CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79 P R O X I M A N O VA – S E M I B O L D

NEUROFEEDBACK

NEUROFEEDBACK ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

We work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families around a variety of issues with non-medication therapies. We provide brainbased treatments like neurofeedback, biofeedback, EFT, hypnosis, meditation, etc. Our staff provides non-judgmental support to help alleviate stress and promote wellness. See ad, page 43.

CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79

ADAM BREINER, ND

The NeuroEdge Brain Performance Center Division of Whole-Body Medicine Full ColorHighway E, Ste 108, Fairfield One Color 501 Kings 203-371-8258 TheNeuroEdge.com The NeuroEdge is dedicated to keeping your brain sharp and high-functioning. We treat head injuries and brain traumas such as concussion and stroke as well as help athletes, students and businesspeople improve their performance. Learn and view our cutting-edge neurotherapies at TheNeuroEdge.com. See ad, page 2.

The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.

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PSYCHOTHERAPY

ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC Knockout White 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield (For Dark Backgrounds) Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

Our highly trained and experienced therapists utilize a variety of brain-based tools and techniques that allow the CNS to calm down so one can address their issues without heightened anxiety. We specialize in pediatrics, parenting and supporting individuals with chronic issues. See ad, page 43.

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW Family, Child, Individual and Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 RobinOrdanLCSW.com

Robin has more than 18 years of experience working with families and children.

Specializing in divorce, parent/child conflict, grief, attachment/bonding, child development and parenting.

See ad, page 31.

~Kobe Bryant

NANCY SCHERLONG, LCSW

Coaching/Psychotherapy/Consulting Offices in Danbury and Ridgefield 914-572-3167 WellnessMetaphors.com Manage stress with relaxation techniques. Rediscover your creativity through writing and the expressive arts. Resolve trauma with EMDR, IFS or SE. Or book an experiential workshop! Nancy has over 20 years of experience with children, families, groups, adults and corporate wellness programs.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

REIKI GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1150 AngelHealReiki.com

Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly.

All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.

JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com Berta Prevosti is a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master and has been practicing Reiki for over 20 years. We also have several experienced Reiki Masters and practitioners. We offer private Reiki sessions for physical and emotional pain. We also have ongoing Reiki classes that are taught in the traditional Usui method by Berta.

TURNING POINT REIKI LLC

JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointShare.com JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with cancer, Lyme disease and back pain. All Reiki levels taught.

THE SHUNGITE ROOM THE ANGEL COOPERATIVE

51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte. 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube The first Shungite room in the USA. Shungite is the only natural material known to contain fullerenes, a unique carbon molecular structure. It is believed to have active metaphysical properties with strong healing powers. The Shungite Room hosts readings, Reiki, meditation, sound therapy, energy work and workshops. See ads, pages 32 and 42.

SOUND HEALING HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA

Barbara (Bobbi) Soares New Milford 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com HummingbirdSoundYoga.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga Barbara (Bobbi) Soares, MA, CYT, is a sound yoga and vocal yoga teacher, blues/jazz singer, and Reiki master, certified in several modalities of energy and sound healing. She offers hummingbird sound yoga and sound healing immersions for groups and private sessions. Using earth, dance and symphonic gongs, bowls, tuning forks and humming-for-health meditations, her goal is to help individuals experience becoming “one with sound” to promote a deep relaxation response that balances energy and encourages healing. See ad, page 7.

SPA VALLEY SPIRIT WELLNESS COOPERATIVE

6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com We offer a unique blend of integrative medicine, classes and self-care options. Therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork, massage, holistic psychotherapy, holistic art therapy and intuitive healing. Classes include yoga, meditation and tai chi.

TAI CHI/QIGONG JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAC Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness Cooperative 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com

Develop physical and mental fitness and find a new harmony of the mind, body and spirit using these ancient Chinese movement arts. Starting with basic movements, warm-up techniques and breathing exercises, you will learn a set of flowing natural movements done slowly with calmness, balance and awareness. Weekly classes, weekend workshops and retreats.

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE WESTPORT THERAPEUTIC LLC Betsy Benham Fruda LMT 16 Ketchum St, Westport BetsyBWTllc.com 203-858-0679

Therapeutic massage. Deep tissue melt. Fascial function.

Restorative movement. The goal of my work is creating fascial function and wellness. You leave feeling lighter, standing taller and like something different just happened. I “de-glom” your body using deep tissue melt, cupping, structural integration and myofascial release techniques. See ad, page 15.

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING KATIE AUGUSTYN, MA, CPC

Transformation Coach - Shamanic Healer TransformationCenterCT.com 203-820-3800 TransformationCenterCT@gmail.com Katie will assist you in reaching your true potential and heal what has been holding you back. You will experience real self-acceptance and start to live in alignment with who you truly are so you can create a life you love, a life of meaning and purpose. See ad, page 15.

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 15.

WELLNESS CENTER THE ANGEL WING, A DIVINE SPIRITUAL CENTER

Located next door to The Angel Cooperative 49 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte. 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 •TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube The Angel Wing hosts workshops, yoga classes, retreats, energy work sessions, readings, Reiki and guided meditations. It is available to rent on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Optional rental spaces include a large open room and/or an intimate private room with massage/ Reiki table. See ads, pages 32 and 42.

SALT CAVE OF DARIEN

555 Post Rd, Darien 203-658-7667 Info@SaltCaveofDarien.com SaltCaveofDarien.com Our wellness destination offers a rich lineup of therapies: community salt cave sessions, special events with local healers, lunchtime meditation class, coffee chatter sessions and weekly yoga and stretch classes.

See ad, page 15.

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformation, healing and grounding for mind, body and spirit.

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC Eilis Philpott Fairfield • 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com

Eilis is a master healer and teacher and certified in numerous modalities as both a practitioner and teacher. She offers soul-level healing, which clears any blocks, obstacles and challenges that are preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential.

See ad, page 4.

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display ad index 203TLC 15

LIVING IN SYNCHRONICITY

The Power of Meaningful Coincidence

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by Meg Lundstrom

hen we have an inner need that converges with an outside event, it is a meaningful coincidence known as synchronicity, and it happens to us all. It can be simple, like a playful sprite: recurring numbers or dates, all the lights turning green as we race to meet an appointment or a call from a faraway friend just when we want to talk to them. Or it can be profound: a chance meeting with an employer looking for exactly our skills, unexpected money appearing when we’re in a pinch, a timely rescue or our grandmother’s favorite, obscure song coming on the radio or app just as we’re feeling teary-eyed on the anniversary of her death.

Whether they are lighthearted or life-changing, synchronicities link us to an underlying order in the universe that is profoundly reassuring. They open us to mystery and delight. They give us a sense of being taken care of. They nudge us to grow in scary, but life-affirming directions. They awaken a sense of awe, which studies have shown to be the emotion most likely to make us reach out generously to others—and that evokes even more synchronicity. And they can make daily life a lark.

By its very nature, we can’t create synchronicity, but we can live life in a way that encourages it to show up. The more engaged we are spiritually—whether that means prayer, meditation, walking in nature or loving others deeply—the more likely synchronicity is. Being open, self-honest, courageous, engaged, grateful and fully present summons it, which is where therapy, yoga and bodywork can be useful. But we don’t have to be saintly or enlightened; synchronicity is there for us all. It is simply the way the Universe works.

The first step is to notice synchronicity when it occurs, and honor it. As with humans, when we give it our attention and say thank you, it makes it more likely to show up in our life again.

At some point as our trust builds, synchronicity becomes simply the way our life works. Things show up as we need them and we are in the right place at the right time. Even when occurrences seemingly go awry, we glimpse an underlying order that gives us strength and purpose. Life becomes a steady stream of meaningfulness and inner and outer exploration. We find ourselves living in flow, attuned to life’s deepest currents and awash in deep gratitude.

Meg Lundstrom is the co-author with Charlene Belitz of The Power of Flow: Practical Ways to Transform Your Life with Meaningful Coincidence. Connect at FlowPower.com.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Danna Anderson, MEd, LPC

31

The Angel Cooperative/ Angel Wing

32

Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center 23, 29 Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales

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Natural Health & Wellness Center

38

Nature’s Temptation

51

Nature’s Way

51

New Morning Market

51

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

50

Chamomille 51

Optimal Health Medical/ Henry Sobo, MD

13

Clean Food 4 Ur Type/ Eliana Grubel

Robin Ordan, LCSW

31

The Angel Cooperative/Angel Wing Mind Body Spirit Expo

42

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical

2

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental

2

CannaHealth 23

31

CopperZap 63

OsteoStrong Darien & Greenwich 4

Country Tick & Mosquito

42

Embody the Sacred

16

Passport to Health & Wellness Holistic Expo

Eyecare Associates

29

Professional Massage Therapy 14

Final Journey LLC

49

Ann Reeves

14

Theresa Galuszka

37

The Ridgefield Playhouse

35

Go Organic LLC

29

The Graduate Institute

12

Roseann Capanna-Hodge & Associates

43

Harbor Harvest

32

The Sacred Spirit/Ohempo

33

Health & Wellness Fair

35

Salon Aponte

21

Saltana Cave

34

Shalva Clinic

Back Cover

Hemp Helps Inc Hilda Demirjian Laser & Skin Care Center

3 19

Hummingbird Sound Healing & Meditation

7

Hunter Healing Hands

20

Dr. Salvatore Iacobello, MD

23

Insight Counseling

21

Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies

12

25

Victoria Shaw, PhD Soul Healing Journey

17 4

Sustainne 13 Touch of Sedona

5

Two Coyotes Wilderness School 28 The Office of Michael Wald

9

Institute of Sustainable Nutrition 18

Wellness Institute/ Marvin Schweitzer, ND

45

Kleinsleep 10

Whole Foods

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Litchfield County Computer

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Wolf Spirit Wellness

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Lyme Connection

11

Your CBD Store Danbury

17

The Market

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Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education Conference 27

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Zero Waste Faire & Sustainable Living Expo

5

frankie’s/Shutterstock.com

inspiration

Seven years without a cold?

had colds going round and round, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 a way to kill viruses and in years.” years since. bacteria.

Copper can also stop flu if used early He asked relatives and friends to try Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. placed 25 million live flu viruses on a he patented CopperZap™ and put it on Colds start CopperZap. No viruses were found alive the market. when cold viruses soon after.

Soon hundreds get in your nose.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams of people had Viruses multiply confirming the discovery. He placed tried it and given fast. If you don’t millions of disease germs on copper. feedback. Nearly stop them early, “They started to die literally as soon as 100% said the they spread and copper stops colds if they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery.

People have even used copper on used within 3 hours In hundreds cold sores and say it can completely after the first sign. of studies, EPA prevent outbreaks.

Even up to 2 New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university The handle is days, if they still researchers have confirmed that viruses curved and finely get the cold it is milder than usual and and bacteria die almost instantly when textured to improve they feel better. touched by copper. contact. It kills germs Users wrote things like, “It stopped That’s why ancient Greeks and picked up on fingers my cold right away,” and “Is it Egyptians used copper to purify water and hands to protect supposed to work that fast?” and heal wounds. They didn’t know you and your family.

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote about microbes, but now we do.

Copper even kills Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills deadly germs that Scientists say the high conductance colds for me!” cold viruses. of copper disrupts the electrical balance have become resistant Pat McAllister, 70, received one in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in for Christmas and called it “one of the to antibiotics. If you are near sick seconds. best presents ever. This little jewel really people, a moment of handling it may Tests by the EPA (Environmental keep serious infection away. It may even works.”

Protection Agency) show germs die save a life.

Now thousands of users have simply fast on copper. So some hospitals tried The EPA says copper still works stopped getting colds. copper for touch surfaces like faucets even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of People often use CopperZap and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent MRSA and other illnesses by over half, serious or even fatal illness. used to get colds after crowded flights. and saved lives.

CopperZap is made in America of Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave pure copper. It has a 90-day full money times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When back guarantee. It is $69.95.

“Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Get $10 off each CopperZap with exclaimed. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA18.

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call gently in his nose for 60 seconds. people are sick around her she uses “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold CopperZap morning and night. “It saved toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

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