Natural Awakenings Fairfield County May 2014

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Special Edition

Women’s Wellness Intuition Unleashed How to Turn Up Your Inner Voice

Massage Miracles

Boosting Immunity & Endorphins

DrugFree Dogs

Effective Natural Therapies

May 2014 | Fairfield County Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

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.

WholeBodyDentistry.com 203-371-0300

5520 Park Ave., Trumbull / Fairfield town line at Exit 47 off Merritt Pkwy

Doesn’t it make sense to see the authority?

The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center Caring Naturopathic Physicians Offering the Best in Holistic Healing

Our integrative approach treats a widerange of conditions including: ADD/ADHD Allergies Anxiety & Depression Autism Brain Injuries Candidiasis Chronic Fatigue (or Fatigue Concerns) Difficulty Concentrating Female Concerns Fibromaylgia

Gastrointestinal Concerns Healthy Aging Hormonal Issues Immune Disorders Lyme Disease RSD Sports Injuries Stress-related Symptoms Thyroid & Adrenal Issues Toxicities Weight Gain

Learn more about our approach. Watch our new therapy videos – all on our website!

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

From left to right:

Dr. Adam Breiner, ND, Director Dr. Elena Sokolova, MD, ND & Dr. David M. Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN

WholeBodyMed.com 203-371-8258

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) EEG Neurofeedback Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Homeopathy Energy Medicine Electrodermal Screening Metabolic Typing

Functional Medicine Colon Hydrotherapy Natural Hormone Therapy Herbal Medicine Nutritional Assessment Allergy Desensitization FDA-cleared Phototherapy Detoxification Abdominal Manual Therapy

FREE CDs on our Whole-Body approach to Lyme Disease.

Call now for details.

Office located on the Fairfield/Trumbull line

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

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

WHY AN ORGANIC MATTRESS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

While we sleep, our immune system recovers and prepares for the day ahead. If your mattress is filled with airborne allergens and chemical toxins, your immune system will battle these rather than repair

itself. Regular bedding & mattresses are laden with polyurethane foam, toxic flame retardants, and water or stain resistant chemicals.

When we found out what was in our mattress, my husband said, ‘Every mother in the world should know what they are putting their child on at night.’ That was 2004, and the Clean Bedroom was born.

—Chris Chamberlin, Co-founder

FIND A HUGE SELECTION OF THE BEST ORGANIC MATTRESSES IN THE WORLD

WHY YOU SHOULD PURCHASE YOUR ORGANIC MATTRESS FROM THE CLEAN BEDROOM We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We research every brand we carry, testing the mattresses and bedding to be sure they meet our rigorous standards for purity and construction. Our extensive product knowledge helps you select the mattress and bedding that is right for you. Our prices are fair. We listen. We recommend. You decide.

TheCleanBedroom TM

The Finest Organic Mattresses & Bedding in the World, all in one place

Greenwich at 79 East Putnam Ave | 203.292.9275 Manhattan at 230 5th Ave | 212.889.1091 eNaturalAwakenings.com May 2014 3 www.thecleanbedroom.com

May Highlights at A Center for Music, Creative Arts and Mindfulness

Mothers, treat yourself to a workshop or class in an historic Sacred Chapel this May! Friday, May 2, 2014 7:30 pm Women Empowerment Drum Circle Invoking the Sacred Feminine

Saturday, May 3, 2014 11.00am The Yoga of Cleaning

Workshop and book signing with Jennifer Avgerinos, Author, and a Chance to Win a Free 1 Hour Private Yoga Session for the First 10 People ($100 value)!

May 17th 2014 11.00am Finding and Honing in on Your Intuitive Gifts!

Two-part Workshop and Intuitive Seminar with Mary Rose Occhino, World Renowned Psychic and TV and Radio Star

Awaken Your Inner Goddess Friday, May 9, 2014 7:30 pm Journey to the Sacred Grove Goddess Meditation

Saturday, May 31, 2014 7:00 pm Awakening the Goddess Within

Creative Workshop Using Essential Oils

NEW! Lunchtime Monthly Workshop Series

MAY Spring Detox - Juicing for Vitality Includes Juice Samples The Balanced Woman Women’s Hormonal Health

JUNE How Do You Take Your Coffee?

Health Benefits of Coffee Enemas Presents SOUND Advice from Discover Your Essence Using Bach Dr. Yvette Whitton, N.D. Flower Essences Mix Your Unique Blend $20 pre-registraion required.

Seating is limited.

Preregistration is required to hold your space.

A Center for Music, Creative Arts and Mindfulness

31 Hawleyville Road, Newtown, CT 203.270.1119 www.soundcenterarts.com 4

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

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

28 Midwife-Led Maternity Care on the Rise

by Ariana Rawls Fine

30 Fitness as Fun,

Expressive Self-Empowerment

by Kristen Rzasa

32 TRUST YOUR INTUITION

Listen to that Still, Small Voice and Let it Lead You

by Linda Sechrist

32 28

38 THE HEALING

POWER OF MASSAGE

From Body Repair to Reversing the Blues

by Case Adams

38

40 BODYWORK PROFILES

52 PAIN-FREE POOCH

Five Natural Therapies that Work

by Jennifer Kachnic

56 Not Just the Blues

52

Postpartum Mood Disorders are Common and Treatable

by Russell Turk, MD

58 Common Problems, Simple Solutions

Tackling Hair Loss and Other Frustrating Symptoms without Medication

by Susanne Saltzman, MD

60 FUNNY TUMMY? Probiotic Foods Can Fix a Troubled Gut

by Kathleen Barnes

60

24

26

65

7 newsbriefs 24 healthbriefs 26 globalbriefs 30 fitbody 40 bodyworkprofiles 48 naturallyhealthypet 52 naturalpet 55 petresourceguide 60 consciouseating 62 healingways 64 healthykids 65 ecotip 67 calendar 72 classifieds 73 resourceguide 79 productmarketplace

advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

Editorial submissions Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for News Briefs: the 5th of the month. calendar submissions Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for magazine calendar listings: the 5th of the month. Website calendar listings may be entered at any time. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

NATURAL HEALTHCARE ALTERNATIVES FOR YOUR FAMILY Family-Based Chiropractic Care Specializing in infants, children & pre- and post-natal women During pregnancy, research shows chiropractic helps: • Eliminate back & pelvic pain • Sciatica • Eliminate neck, shoulder & arm pain • Headaches • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Turn babies who are in breech into a better position for delivery • Reduce the incidence of C-Section

For children, research shows chiropractic helps:

• Ear infections • Asthma & allergies • Scoliosis • Colic • Reflux • ADHD • Sports injuries • Torticollis

CALL DR. RISA M. SLOVES 1 of only 10 chiropractic physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Pediatric and Maternity Care Certified in the Webster and Bagnell breach turning techniques.

Leader of Fairfield County chapter of Holistic Moms Network and Founder of WOWTM (Women of Wellness)

ASSOCIATES IN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC & NATURAL HEALTH CARE, P.C. 156 East Avenue, Norwalk

www.ctChiropractic.com

(203) 838-1555 eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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letterfrompublisher

H

appy Spring! Whether you’re enjoying the warmer weather or suffering from environmental allergies and longing for the colder times (or both, like me!), the change of season has a profound effect on our physical and emotional wellbeing. It is a literal as well as metaphorical time of blossoming and growth… if we choose to experience it as such. What part of your life would you like to nourish and grow?

contact us Publisher/Managing Editor Nicole Miale Assistant Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers Jaime A. Heidel Ana Kranzlin Beth Leas Natasha Michaels Sales & Marketing Nicole Miale Francesca Moscatelli Virginia Trinque Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2014 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

This month’s issue focuses on Women’s Wellness and we shine a spotlight on INTUITION, with multiple articles about the value and amazing utility of your own inner “guidance system.” Too often ignored, our intuition is actually the compass directing us to a more soul-directed and happier path if we would only just pay attention. Culturally we need to be reminded and even trained about how to access and use our natural-given intuition, because for too many generations we have been taught to value rational thought over receiving and using emotional or physical cues. The sad end result is that generations of people were disconnected from their inner selves because of the emphasis on the ego-driven logical mind. There is mounting evidence that such disconnection causes us to miss a critical part of being the best, whole person we can each be, with significant health and mood implications. Our articles, written by national and local experts, are meant to help you tap into and turn up your inner voice.

Nicole Miale

Another path to being your best self is taking the time to better nurture and care for your physical body. Juggling and balancing responsibilities – no matter how loved – can be a challenge. As a small business owner, a partner, a parent (human and furkids), I wrestle with these things just like many of you do. However, my experience has been that when I book the time in my busy schedule for the self-care I need, everything else on my list gets accomplished with less stress and more ease.

As this month’s articles on bodywork indicate, it really does matter that we care for ourselves as well as we do others. It’s not selfish to put yourself on your own list, in fact, it’s necessary. You are worth your own time! We have made it easier to find a bodywork therapist in your area, with profiles from local massage and energy workers who are available and eager to help you feel better in your own body.

May is a busy month in Fairfield County, with some amazing educational and family events. Check out the packed calendar of events and come visit Natural Awakenings and our terrific advertisers at these festivals, workshops, and seminars.

I’ll be on LifeChanges with Mariette this month on May 29, from 9-10, so tune into WICC 600 to hear us live!

With love and light,

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $15 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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Fairfield County Edition

New in 2014: See our advertiser index on page 78.

Making it easier to find the resources you need. natural awakenings

newsbriefs YogaSpace Moving to Bethel

Y

ogaSpace, a northern Fairfield County yoga studio, is moving to 78 Stony Hill Road, Bethel after 12 years in its current space in Brookfield. This May, YogaSpace welcomes current and new students to experience the depth and breadth of yoga practice, with classes and programs for students of every ability. Classes include basics, flow, gentle, balanced and power flow. The studio also offers fertile yoga and prenatal yoga. Several classes are offered on a by-donation basis.

Originally started by Natasha Raymond in December 2001, YogaSpace is currently owned and operated by Gloria Owens, Heather Philip and Saeeda Quaisar. In addition to more than 20 classes offered every week, the space holds a lounge and a yoga shop with books, clothing, jewelry, CDs, artwork and more. Special events for May include Restorative Yoga ~ Unwind from The Grind with Liz Wendel from 3 to 5pm.

For more information, visit YogaSpace-CT.com

Financial Workshop for Women Facing Divorce

B

ill Donaldson of Westport’s Donaldson Financial Wellness Network, LLC will present a seminar for women regarding the financial issues of divorce, titled “Taking Control: A Divorce Financial Workshop for Women.” It will be held from 7 to 9pm, May 6 at Total Life Care (TLC) Center in Norwalk and on 1 to 5pm, May 10 at The Redding Center for Meditation.

Donaldson will educate attendees about the myriad of issues that are critical for women facing divorce or who have recently completed the process to making the best decisions for the future. Topics will include the impact of taxes and strategies to minimize them, how transferring property in divorce works, planning for your future, legal issues to consider and more. The workshop is being sponsored by Donaldson Financial Wellness Network, LLC, Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group’s JoAnn Duncan and Beth Leas, director of TLC Center.

For more information, visit Donaldsonfwn.com. TLC Center is located at 152 East Ave, Norwalk. Redding Center for Meditation is located at 9 Pickett’s Ridge Rd, West Redding.

Clinics Your Partners in Health and Wellness

The UB Clinics, located on the campus of the University of Bridgeport, are staffed by some of the brightest and most talented healthcare professionals of the future. Open to the public, the UB Clinics offer affordable, high-quality care at a fraction of the cost of comparable treatments elsewhere.

• Naturopathic Medicine • Dental Hygiene • Chiropractic • Acupuncture Call our UB Clinics at 203-576-4349 to take advantage of this unique healthcare opportunity located in your own backyard. Or visit www.ubclinics.org

Health Sciences Center, 60 Lafayette Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604

UBRIRE380_natrl_Awkngs_Ad color PRINT.indd 1

4/6/10 4:58 PM

Step Into the Quiet of the Woods at Sticks & Stones to experience this working Farm, Educational and Retreat Center • Cabin & Houseboat Rentals • Food Vendors: Newly Licensed Commercial Kitchen for Rent • Nature Summer Camps, Educational Workshops, Day Retreats Yoga, Drum Circles, Ukulele Club, Foraging & more • Organic Farm Stand • Moss, Stone, Native Plants, Garden Benches, Sculptures • Chartre Labyrinth, 10 Acre Moss Mountain Stroll Garden • Holistic Health Coach, CIA Trained Chef Wellness Cooking Classes, Transformational Weight Loss • Farm Available for Benefits, Special Events, Weddings

201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown • 203.270.8820

SticksAndStonesFarm.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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Eyecare Associates, LLC

newsbriefs

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There’s More To Healthy Vision Than 20/20 Eyesight Eyes Are Important Indicators Of Overall Health • Comprehensive eye exams for all ages • High quality eyeglasses and specialty contact lenses • Exceptional treatment for eye diseases • LASIK and Refractive Surgery co-management • Solutions for dry eyes, computer use, and sports 3 Locations in Southern Fairfield County

6515 Main Street Trumbull, CT 06611 203-374-2020

2600 Post Road Southport, CT 06890 203-255-4005

139 Main Street Norwalk, CT 06851 203-840-1991

“Language Without Words”

Revitalize Your Relationship With Your Partner Learn To Reconnect Through Music and The Language Of Dance No experience in dance or music needed.

Just be willing to learn something new about yourself and each other!

Maria Fiora

Creative sessions to fit your schedule and needs, at our location or yours.

Dance Detective 203-570-5440

www.dancewithmaria.com

Free Open House Session – Call For Details!

456 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT

Yoga ~ Reiki~ Coaching

Create a healthy, relaxed, and joyful you Save 20% on all wellneSS ServiceS

914-393-9221 www.Limitless-Potential.net Beautiful Color Shouldn't Be Hazardous To Your Health The best thing about our products is what we leave out!

No Ammonia • No Parabens No Scalp Staining • No Scalp Discomfort Best Eco Salon

838 Main Street • Monroe • Tollgate Plaza Tues, Wed, Fri 9-5, Thur 9-8, Sat 8-4

203-261-2838 SalonAponte.com

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

New Services at Shalva Clinic

S

halva Clinic, LLC, a center for natural medicine in Westport, has expanded its services.

Tracy Pardo, a certified health coach, recently joined the team and will provide a variety Dr. Ellen Lewis of wellness programs, including free classes on clean eating. Kimberly Davis-Horowitz, ND, who specializes in BowenWork soft-tissue therapy, works with patients with a variety of complaints, including Lyme disease, associated muscle pain and joint dysfunction, TMJ dysfunction and leg cramps.

“The human body has an innate ability to heal itself, and I am thrilled to have like-minded and skilled practitioners such as Dr. Davis-Horowitz and Tracy on the team,” says Ellen Lewis, ND, clinic director at Shalva Clinic.

The clinic offers a range of services, including herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, nutrition therapy, lifestyle counseling, Reiki, biotherapeutic drainage and detox and weight loss programs. Additionally, the clinic offers herbal classes and educational programs on a variety of health topics for community members to learn about natural medicine.

For more information, visit ShalvaClinic.org. Shalva Clinic is located at 260 Riverside Ave, Westport. See ad, page 17.

Growth is the only evidence of life. ~John Henry Newman

ISIS Biodynamic Product in Whole Foods Markets

Two Coyotes Wilderness School

I

SIS Biodynamic Whole Wheat Flour, a product being offered by Sandy Hook-based ISIS Biodynamic, is now available in Whole Foods Markets across the country. The stores will also carry other Biodynamic products, including Crofters, Yellow Barn, Frey, Lakewood, Delallo and The Republic of Tea.

The mother-daughter company, run by Lynda and Jessica Rockwell, works with North Dakota farmer and sustainable agriculture leader Fred Kirschenmann, to source the whole wheat flour they use for their ISIS Biodynamic products.

Kirschenmann’s farm has been certified Biodynamic for more than 31 years. Biodynamic agriculture is an integrated farming system that addresses the health of the entire property as an integrated whole. Certified Biodynamic products are all also certified organic and GMO free.

What Makes A Summer Camp Extraordinary?

Kids age 5-14 learn how to: • • • • •

Build fires Make shelters & forts Create nature art Gather wild edibles Connect more meaningfully to people & nature

Learn More! Visit us at: www.TwoCoyotes.org

For more information, visit isisBiodynamic.com or Facebook.com/isisBiodynamic. See ad, page 30.

Ann’s Place Seeks Golfers, Sponsors and Donors

• Integrated Swedish • Sports • Deep Tissue

O

n June 16, Ann’s Place cancer support services and resource agency will hold its 19th Annual Ladies Golf Classic at Richter Park in Danbury. Those wishing to register as a participant or businesses interested in sponsoring this fundraising event are invited to participate.

In addition to players competing for net and gross individual prizes, a variety of raffle and silent auction items will be offered. All proceeds of the event benefit Ann’s Place cancer support services. The non-profit provides comfort and support to those living with cancer and to their loved ones.

All services are provided free of charge.

For registration or sponsor information, call 203-790-6568, email Events@AnnsPlace.org or visit AnnsPlace.org. The $175 player fee includes greens fee, cart, skill prizes, continental breakfast, lunch at the turn and the awards banquet. See ad, page 43.

122 River Road Ext. Cos Cob, CT 06807 203.869.1764 Pangaeamassage.com

Selected as Best of 2014 by Serendipity Magazine

Hunter Healing Hands For Body, Mind, & Soul

Classes Workshops Drum Circles Reiki Shares Private Healing Sessions by Appointment

Jessica C. Hunter

Shamanic Practitioner & OM Certified Reiki Master Teacher Certified Crystal Therapy Practitioner Empath Intuitive, Shamanic Medium Spiritual Teacher

203-916-8381

www.hunterhealinghands.com hunterhealinghands@hotmail.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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newsbriefs

Mothers for Others Holds Annual Spring Donation Drive

Stamford Debut for Body-Mind-Spirit Expo

A

waken Wellness Fair, the area’s oldest body-mindspirit-green expo, debuts 10am to 5pm, June 1 at the Stamford Marriott Hotel in Stamford.

For 12 years, this wellness, educational and experiential event has attracted more than 100 exhibitors each spring and fall to Westchester. The fair has now expanded to five events each year in the tri-state area, but this Stamford fair will be the first in Fairfield County.

The educational day includes both scientific and metaphysical speakers with a continuous program of talks, intuitive readers, healers and vendors. Discounted rate appointments can be made with readers and healers in advance online after purchasing a ticket online.

For more information or to be a wellness speaker or vendor, visit AwakenFair.com. Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa is located at 243 Tresser Blvd, Stamford. See ad, page 21.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

M

others for Others (MFO), founded by Greenwich resident Karen Giannuzzi, will hold its third annual spring donation drive to collect gently used essential baby equipment, toys, books and children’s clothing. On May 3, MFO will conclude the monthlong donation drive by opening its doors for a “blowout” day, when donations will be distributed and art activities offered to local needy families and their children. This year, Stamford-based Kids Draw Free art program will simultaneously launch its Mother’s Day card and gift design event for children while their parents shop for donated items.

Several local schools have joined forces by holding their own collections in April to donate to MFO. Items were collected by parents at The First Presbyterian Nursery School’s annual Bring Your Own Baby Gear, The Greenwich Country Day School’s April Recycling Drive and MFO Greenwich High School Chapter’s teen clothing donation drive.

The monthlong drive will accept donated items at MFO headquarters in the Second Congregational Church, 139 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich. For more information, visit MothersForOthers.org or Facebook.com/MothersForOthers.

Westport Electric Vehicle Rally

T

he Westport Electric Car Club (WECC) will hold its second annual Electric Car Rally on May 4. The 40-mile event, which begins and ends at the Westport Saugatuck Metro-North station depot, is open to the public.

Entrants must be plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicles.

Registration will occur in front of the Steam Coffee Bar on the New Haven bound side, next to the 4 electric vehicle charging stations. There will be a mid-rally stopping point at the Wilton Go Green Festival and a free public event at the finish in Westport. Rally registration begins at 9am and the rally will start at 10am. The public event will begin at 1pm when the cars are expected to finish. The public will have an opportunity to speak with electric vehicle owners, learn about electric vehicle technology and visit sponsor tents.

Club President Leo Cirino says, “Electric cars are gaining traction in the marketplace as drivers learn that they are good cars, fun to drive and practical… We welcome the public to come and learn about electric vehicles, the efforts of the club, see the exhibits and enjoy a fun, family-friendly event.”

For more information, visit WestportElectricCarClub.com.

Personal Wellness Center Inspiring You to Live Your Best Life!

• Intuitive/Psychic Readings • Mediumistic Readings • Holistic Health Coaching • Health & Healing Program for Cancer Patients

1895 Post Rd, Fairfield Sage Osa 203.767.6237 ~ MyPersonalWellness.com

Three Women Launch Wellness Practice

LISA SINGLEY, N.D. Naturopathic Physician

T

hree holistic practitioners have joined forces to launch 3 Women’s Wellness, a new collaborative practice based in Ridgefield. Janet A. Stevens, LMT, applies a combination of massage therapy, Myofascial Release, energy work, reflexology and intuitive therapy. Rhonda Lackow, LMT, is experienced in Swedish shiatsu, reflexology, trauma, pregnancy and postnatal massage and Myofascial Release. Reiki Master Linda Lee has practiced Reiki since 1988. She is 10th generation in direct lineage from the founder of Reiki, Dr. Mikao Usui.

“Our mission is to facilitate healing for each person individually and to help those whom we treat to find and maintain peace and comfort in their minds, bodies and spirits,” states 3 Women’s Wellness.

For more information on classes, upcoming events and promotions, visit Facebook.com/3Women’sWellness. 3 Women’s Wellness is located at 158 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield.

Natural Solutions to Endocrine Disorders Adrenal Fatigue • Thyroid Disorders • Insomnia Hormonal Imbalances • PCOS • Endometriosis Menopause • Weight Gain • Infertility • PMS Dysmenorrhea • Stress Management Schedule a Consultation And Receive 20% Off All Recommended Supplements.

We accept most health insurance plans!

NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER 203.874.4333 2013 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615 www.nhawc.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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newsbriefs

Intuition Development with Victoria Shaw

Become a Certified Life Coach in Two Days

A

s life grows more complex and challenging, people are turning to coaches for inspiration, encouragement and direction. To meet this growing demand, the Coaching Excellence Institute will offer a Life Coach Certification course May 31 to June 1 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Shelton. These trainings will be led by MaryAnn D’Ambrosio, MBA, MaryAnn D’Ambrosio PhD, giving participants the benefit of her 20-plus years of teaching and coaching experience.

If you’ve got a passion to help others, this content-rich training will equip you with the insights, skills and strategies needed to build a profitable coaching practice. Our proven system is easy to implement, and it will allow you to coach anyone with both clarity and confidence.

Additional classes are scheduled for Avon, CT (May 3-4) and Windsor, CT (June 7-8). For additional information please call 954-448-7648 or 860-924-6992 or visit CoachingExcellenceInstitute.com. See ad, page 20.

V

ictoria Shaw, PhD, LPC, is offering intuition development workshops as part of a monthly series in both Norwalk and Fairfield. Sessions will include a combination of lecture, discussion and hands-on activities to help participants connect with their inner wisdom. Each session will allow sufficient time for questions and answers, as well as intuitive guidance. The Norwalk series will be held from 9:30 to 11:30am, Dr. Victoria Shaw May 28 at the Total Life Care Center (TLC). The Fairfield series will be held from 7 to 9pm, May 29 at Transcend Mind-Body Training.

Workshops will cover a range of related topics, including using intuition to enhance your wealth and career, improve your relationships and boost healing and wellness.

For more information, visit VictoriaShawIntuitive.com or VictoriaShawPsychotherapy.com. Pre-registration is required.

Norwalk Location: TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. Fairfield location: Transcend Mind-Body Training, 1735 Post Rd, Colonial Village Bldg #14, Fairfield. See ad, page 22.

Thousands of Years of Food Wisdom in Twelve Months The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition Offering a one-year Certification Program in Sustainable Health & Nutrition This innovative school integrates the Science of Nutrition with:

Time in the Garden learning to Grow nourishing food and herbs

Moving into the Kitchen to create delicious food

Using Food and Herbs to make Kitchen Medicine

Start in Septemb er

Tuition as s available,

istance

apply early

Identifying and using nutrient dense Wild Foods in delicious dishes

Embark on this life-altering journey and be part of the movement to change the paradigm of our food for future generations.

Join our experienced staff one weekend a month as you use hands on education to delve into and explore diverse aspects of how food and herbs enhance the health of your clients, friends, family, and yourself.

Call 860-764-9070 Today. Now Accepting Applications for 2014/2015 Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Rd., West Granby, CT • www.tiosn.com 12

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Homeopathic Medicine Classes to Begin in Fall

M

edical doctor Susanne Saltzman is a homeopathic physician in Westchester and Rockland counties who will be teaching a course in homeopathic medicine for the lay Dr. Susanne person and health Saltzman professional. Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses natural substances to stimulate the body’s immune system to heal disease.

Dr. Saltzman has successfully treated thousands of adults and children with a wide range of illnesses for the past 22 years. These include allergies, asthma, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, ear infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, headaches (including migraines), fibromyalgia, hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in children, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, Lyme disease and women’s health issues such as PMS, menopause, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts.

Classes will take place one Saturday a month for 10 months in Tarrytown, beginning in September 2014. A second year is offered and is optional. Students will learn homeopathic theory and philosophy, acute prescribing (first aid, influenza, coughs, ear infections, headaches, etc.) and chronic, constitutional prescribing for those chronic conditions named above. Learn in-depth analysis of the most common remedies used in practice today. Dr. Saltzman will draw on many cases from her own practice to illustrate these remedies.

Locations: 250 E. Hartsdale Ave. St. 22, Hartsdale and 252 Old Nyack Tpke., Spring Valley. To make an appointment or to sign up for the classes, call 914472-0666. For more information, visit HartsdaleHomeopathy.com. See ads, page 10 & 29.

nutrition & wellness,

LLC

Gail Perrella, M.S., C.N.S.

BioEnergetic Assessment Natural healing is enhanced by

creating harmony between one’s body and the natural environment.

BEA is a cutting edge, non-invasive, highly comprehensive tool that utilizes a computer-based system of testing to measure “pathways” of energy called meridians which flow through the body.

BEA provides detailed information into a wide range of health-related issues and it’s value should not be underestimated.

Call today for a free consultation 203-710-3925

2103 Main Street Stratford, CT 06615 Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm www.blissnutritionct.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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newsbriefs Unity Center Hosting Networking Event

U

nity Center will be hosting its first Networking Event for Health & Wellness Practitioners led

by Christina Connors (LMT), Theresa Crisci (LMT) and Geri Zatcoff (MS).

The event will take place from 6 to 8pm Friday, May 23. The evening will begin with snacks and open networking followed by a circle where everyone will have the opportunity to share about themselves and their practice. All professionals are welcome to attend – massage therapists, reiki practitioners, acupuncturists, naturopaths, health coaches, colon therapists, sound healers, doctors, intuitives, hypnotists, counselors, spiritual advisors and more.

Unity Center hosts classes and events which focus on the mind, body, spirit connection – couples massage class, reiki healing circle, gonging meditations, drumming circles and health and wellness lectures by experts in their fields.

For more information and to register, visit UnityCenterPS.org or call 203-855-7922. Unity Center is located at 3 Main Street, 2nd fl (above the Ford dealership), Norwalk.

See ad, page 31.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Reiki Shaman to Make Multiple Local Appearances

W

alter Luebeck, shaman, author and musician, will be conducting five events in Connecticut in May. Rainbow Reiki First Degree will be conducted from 9am to 6pm, May 10 and 11, in New Haven. This entrylevel class is based on Usui Reiki, but goes far beyond. Cost is $380.

An Evening with Walter Luebeck and Frank Arjava Petter will be presented from 8 to 10pm, May 10, at the Dolce Norwalk Hotel and Conference Walter Luebeck Center, in Norwalk. These two worldrenowned Reiki masters will talk about Reiki and spiritual healing. Cost is $50.

Rainbow Reiki Second Degree takes place from 9am to 6pm, May 12 and 13, in North Haven. Cost is $700. A Magic Drumming Concert with Walter Luebeck will be held at 8pm, May 13, in North Haven. Cost is $15/$10 for Luebeck students. Rainbow Reiki Advanced Metaphysical Healing will be held from 9am to 6pm, May 14, 15 and 16, in North Haven. $450.

Locations: 473 Washington Ave., North Haven; 32 Weed Ave., Norwalk. For more information, call Marie Marchesseault at 860-933-4349 or email ReikiMarie@gmail.com.

Sometimes you long for something that’s truly natural.

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

15

newsbriefs 8th Annual Lyme Disease Patient Seminar/Health Fair

“L

Healing White Light,

LLC

Gluten sensitivity? Blood sugar issues? Don’t know what to do?

10% Off Your First Coaching Appointment or One Massage/Energy Work Session

Contact Joy Carbino Certified Holistic Health Coach For a Free Consultation

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KES Kmar

Educational Services, Inc. Personal and Business Reinvention www.kmareducation.org 203-505-3660 16

Fairfield County Edition

Healing White Light, LLC 37 Franklin Street, Suite 103 Westport, CT 06880 joy@healingwhitelight.com www.healingwhitelight.com

Lifechanges Friends Will be meeting on May 22, 2014 From 7- 8:30pm in Weston, CT. Our Mission: Fun, Business Networking and Support!

For more information contact Mary at 203-505-3660 Mariette Kammerer

natural awakenings

yme Disease: Body, Mind and Spirit” is the theme for the Ridgefield Lyme Disease Task Force annual WestConn Lyme Awareness Dr. Robert Bransfield Month seminar and health fair on May 13. The event will look at the impact that Lyme disease has upon the whole person, including the brain. Free and open to the public, the event will be held in the University’s Westside Student Center ballroom.

Speakers include former ILADS president and Lyme disease physician Steven Phillips, MD, former ILADS president, psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist Robert Bransfield, MD, and Lyme-literate mental health practitioner Sandy Berenbaum, LCSW, BCD. Presentations will begin with a Courage in Journalism Award being given to Poughkeepsie Journal investigative reporter Mary Beth Pfeiffer for her article series on tick-borne diseases.

A Lyme-focused health fair will begin at 6pm, followed by speaker presentations from 7 to 9:30pm. Event sponsors include BugBeWear, IGeneX, Inc., Master Supplements, Inc., My Health 1st Urgent Care, NutraMedix and Select TCS Tick Control System.

For more information, contact Jennifer@ LymeConnection.org or visit Facebook. com/RidgefieldLymeResource. The WestConn Westside Campus Student Center is located at 43 Lake Ave Extension, Danbury.

Don’t cry because it’s over.

Smile because it happened. ~Dr. Seuss

The Center For Natural Medicine

Come visit us at our new location!

Are You Looking For A Doctor Who Will Address More Than Just Your Symptoms?

• Abnormal Paps • ADD/ADHD • Allergies • Anxiety and Depression • Asthma

• Diabetes • Eczema • Fertility • Food Sensitivities • Hormonal Imbalance

• Insomnia • Pediatrics • Thyroid Disorders • Weight Loss • Women’s Health

Treatments Include: Herbal Medicine • Functional Medicine • Biotherapeutic Drainage Homeopathy • Low-level LaserTherapy • Detoxification programs

Shalva Clinic welcomes

Tracy Pardo and Kimberly Davis-Horowitz, ND to the team!

Tracy Pardo is a certified health coach who will provide a variety of wellness programs, including free classes on clean eating

Kimberly Davis-Horowitz, ND specializes in BowenWork soft-tissue therapy and works with patients with a variety of complaints including Lyme disease, associated muscle pain and joint dysfunction, TMJ dysfunction and leg cramps.

New Location!

260 Riverside Avenue Westport, CT 06880

E D U C A T E

www.ShalvaClinic.org Info@ShalvaClinic.org Shalva Clinic, LLC

Dr. Ellen Lewis Naturopathic Physician

p 203.916.4600 f 203.916.4601

E M P O W eNaturalAwakenings.com E R H E MayA2014L

17

newsbriefs Empowering Women to Unleash Their Limitless Potential

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ina Antolino, a Norwalk-based certified empowerment life coach, Reiki master and registered yoga teacher, is offering several workshops that use an integrative approach to help attendees achieve their highest vision for their personal and professional life. Combining the healing art of Reiki with empowerment life coaching and other mind-body tools, Antolino’s WELL Nina Antolino (Wellness, Empowerment, Leadership, Learning) programs offer a comprehensive approach to promote balance and well-being in each area of your life.

On Monday, May 19 (and the third Monday of every month) Antolino will lead a Mind/Body Fertility Support Group from 7 to 9pm in Norwalk/Westport. The group is intended to support women who are contemplating conception, struggling to achieve a healthy pregnancy, or trying to decide what next steps to take on their fertility journey. Each session will provide women with an opportunity to share experiences and hear from leading fertility professionals who will discuss integrative approaches to support preconception health.

Other programs offered by Antolino’s Limitless Potential include beach yoga and meditation, which occur on Saturday mornings, as well as Reiki certifications and teleseminars which take place on a monthly basis.

For more information, visit Limitless-Potential.net.

Pre-registration is required for the Mind/Body Fertility Support Group. Cost: $40. 914-393-9221. See ad, page 8.

Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group Marks First Anniversary

I

n addition to recently celebrating its first anniversary, the Turning Point Healing Arts S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group has launched a new website, TurningPointShare.com. The site includes information on resources, past and current presenters and topics, uplifting sayings and affirmations, events, testimonials and more.

The group provides support for women who are considering divorce, recently divorced or still healing after this challenging life transition. Bimonthly meetings provide an opportunity for women to share resources, experiences and hope, while exploring positive, proactive ways of managing stress and embracing change. Co-facilitated by JoAnn Duncan, MS, RMT, and Susan Ahlstrom, MS, meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of the month from 7:30 to 9:30pm at The Redding Center for Meditation in West Redding. Each meeting focuses on a different topic. The May meeting topics will be healing and the creative spirit, and grieving during and after divorce.

For information and to register for meetings, email JDuncan@TurningPointHealingArts.com, call 203-438-3050 or visit TurningPointShare.com. Monthly attendance at meetings is not required. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 77.

clean + organic

detox + cleanse Become your radiant self Now is the time to get Clean & Lean in 2014! Grass+Rxoots is a movement that considers the power of organic food in every decision. We specialize in customized detox cleanses created to boost weightloss, vitality and radiance with the highest quality organic ingredients available.

Scan QR code located on this bottle with your mobile device for more information.

www.GrassRxoots.com 197 Sound Beach Ave. Old Greenwich CT 06870 1.203.637.4343

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Wilton Go Green Festival 2014!

T

he fourth Wilton Go Green Festival will be held from 11am to 4pm, May 4 on the Wilton Town Green and at the Wilton Library. The event showcases individuals, nonprofits and businesses that offer ideas or products in keeping with the organization’s mission of educating the community to achieve a culture of conservation and environmental sustainability.

Wilton Go Green Festival will be hosted by Wilton Go Green and the Wilton Library Association. Dozens of educational displays will be featured to foster stewardship of air, land, water, wildlife and other natural resources. Highlights for the Festival include a visit from Atka, the Wolf Conservation Center’s ambassador wolf, sponsored by Deloitte, as well as the Westport Electric Car Club Rally and a variety of live music throughout the day.

W I L T ON

G O GO GREEN

FESTIVAL

For more information, visit WiltonGoGreen.org. The event will take place rain or shine. See ad, page 23.

WHAT DO YOU YEARN FOR? Better Finances, Career, Health, Relationships?

Achieve your personal or entrepreneurial dreams with Vibrational Success Coach, Roberta Russell, LMT • Sessions in person or by phone • Savings Packages available • Coaching utilizes the Law of Attraction and EFT West Redding, CT 10 years coaching experience

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Budgets, spending, saving, earning won’t solve your financial issues. What will?

Discover and heal your relationship with money . . . to the root.

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Judith Barr, LPC, LMhC ... hEaLiNG tO thE rOOt 30 Years Experience • Depth Psychotherapist • Spiritual Midwife Financial Therapist • Professional Training/Supervision • Speaker PO Box 603, Brookfield, CT 06804 • 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr@PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com

Reclaim Your Sparkle!

Women’s Retreat

K

risten Rzasa of Interplay Health and Beth Prins Leas of TLC Center in Norwalk are collaborating to offer their Reclaim Your Sparkle! retreat for women of all ages. Taking place from 1 to 5pm, May 18, this half-day workshop is designed to help women unplug and get away from it all for a few hours and get back to their sparkly, fun-filled self.

The afternoon will be filled with mindful movement, soulBeth Prins Leas ful meditation, joyful play and a community of women. Reclaim Your Sparkle! is designed to be accessible to all women by offering a short retreat at a location in the heart of Fairfield County at a reasonable cost.

The workshop will take place at Redding Meditation Center, located off Route 7 between Wilton and Ridgefield.

For more information, contact Kristen at 203-845-8846 or Beth at 203-856-9566 or visit InterplayHealth.com. Early bird registration is $39. Space is limited. See ad, page 22.

When all else is lost, the future still remains. ~Christian Nestell Bovee

Prescription4 Wellness

Mary Gilbertson MS, BSN, CHHC Nutrition & Wellness Coaching Customized Healthy Lifestyle Plans for Whole Living • Weight Loss and Detox • Nutrition • Disease Management • Stress Reduction and Mindfulness

Call 203-521-4733 today!

www.prescription4wellness.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

19

newsbriefs

NewtowN HypNosis

Natural Awakenings’ Family of Franchises Keeps Growing

31 Hawleyville Road Newtown, Ct 203-641-5481 NewtownHypnosis.com Ronna Brier, M.A., CH

Specializing in: • Hypnosis • Reiki • Shamanistic Healing • Neurolinguistic Programming • Emotional Freedom Technique • Metaphysical Hypnosis Effective treatment for stress reduction, fears and phobias, weight loss, past life regression, communicating with spirit and animal guides.

Are You Searching For A More Fulfilling Career?

Become a Certified Life Coach in 2 Days!

If you have a passion to help others, this course provides you with the skills and tools necessary to create a successful, lucrative coaching practice.

Avon, CT Shelton, CT

May 31-June 1st

Windsor, CT June 7-8th

Call for a free, no obligation, skills assessment to determine if coaching is the right career path for you.

20

Fairfield County Edition

atural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

(NAPC) recently welcomed a group of new publishers that completed an April training program at corporate headquarters in Naples, Florida. The NAPC training staff spent several days with the entrepreneurs now launching new Natural Awakenings magazines in Chicago Western Suburbs; Rochester, New York; and Hawaii.

Company CEO Sharon Bruckman launched the first edition of Natural Awakenings in 1994 and began franchising it in 1999. The company currently publishes 90 Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the United States and in Puerto Rico, with a collective readership exceeding 3.5 million.

“Interest in naturally healthy living that’s good for people and the planet is now influencing mainstream America, thanks in part to our active and growing readership,” says Bruckman. “Natural Awakenings’ dedicated family of publishers, supported by loyal advertisers, connects readers with a wealth of national and local resources mapping out alternate routes to a healthier, happier, longer life.”

For a list of locations where Natural Awakenings is publishing or to learn more about franchise opportunities, visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com or call 239-530-1377.

Have news to share?

May 3-4th

954-448-7648 or 860-924-6992

N

CoachingExcellenceInstitute.com natural awakenings

Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com to submit News Briefs.

Deadline: May 5

Awaken to your best self!

™

A whole new kind of Body-Mind-Spirit EXPO! Sun., June 1, 2014 10am to 5pm

Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa 243 Tresser Blvd., Stamford, CT 06901

Check our website for info about our summertime Psychic/Healer Fair!

Over 100 exhibitors!

Presented by PPC Group, LLC Noted speakers Gifted healers “Green” experts Self improvement vendors ❁ Intuitive readers

❁ ❁ ❁ ❁

Media Sponsor:

Presented by: PPC Group, LLC

Order tickets today!

$10 online through May 30 Pre-book reader and/or healer appointments online! $15 at the door

For more, visit www.AwakenFair.comeNaturalAwakenings.com click on “Stamford, CT” May 2014

21

Total Life Care Center 152 East Ave. • Norwalk, CT • 203-856-9566 • TLCcenter.com Total Life Care Center is dedicated to holistic health by providing you with highly trained and experienced integrated health care practitioners. TLC Center is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health center - with more than 90 Independent Members - and was founded by Beth Prins Leas in 1997 on the premise that a single candle burns brighter in a gathering.

Beth has created a vibrant holistic health and resource center and growing community of people who are committed to living consciously and to offering healthy lifestyle options in the form of private sessions, classes, workshops and special events.

Please visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to learn more about how TLC Center can support you on your journey to living well.

Shift happens...are you ready?

Transformative Healing Beth Prins Leas

Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu,Tarot Balance your body, find peace of mind, reconnect to spirit...

• reduce stress • induce relaxation • relieve chronic and acute pain • speed wound healing • boost immune function • improve memory and concentration • ease anxiety/depression • recover from injury, illness or trauma • raise your energetic frequency to stimulate health and healing private sessions, workshops, events, in-person or by phone Norwalk and Ridgefield locations

www.bethleas.com 203.856.9566 22

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Quality Acupuncture at Affordable Prices

Acupuncture Healing CT Really affordable, based on: Small group acupuncture keeps prices down and allows many more to take advantage of this highly effective, ancient healing art.

Discounted packages allow for better, faster results and lower pricing.

Private sessions also available.

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is a CT licensed acupuncturist with 20+ years experience in treatment of all kinds of pain with immediate & effective results.

Locations in

Norwalk & Trumbull

203-216-2548 AcupunctureHealingCT.com Call for free consultation

coverartist

Wilton Library & Town 11amCenter – 4pm

W I L T ON

W I L T ON GO

GO GO GREEN GREEN FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Sunday, May 4, 2014 11am – 4pm 4pm Wilton Library &11am Town–Center Wilton Library & Town Center

A Community-Wide Celebration of Green Living!

A Community-Wide Celebration of Green Living!

With dozens of educational displays that foster With dozens of that foster stewardship ofeducational our air, land,displays water, wildlife and other stewardship of our air, water, wildlife Festival and other natural resources, theland, Wilton Go Green is all natural resources, the Wilton Go Green Festival is all about the small, thoughtful things we can do every day

A Community-Wide Celebration of Green Living!

Wilton Library & Town Center With dozens of educational displays thatof foster A Community-Wide Celebration Green Living! stewardship of our air, land, water, wildlife and other With dozens of educational displays fosteris all natural resources, the Wilton Go Greenthat Festival stewardship of our air, land, water, wildlife and other about the small, thoughtful things we can do every day resources, theDon't Wilton Gothis Green Festivalfamily is all tonatural make a difference. miss wonderful about the small, things we can do every day day filled with fun thoughtful and discovery. to make a difference. Don't miss this wonderful family Atka: From Conservation Center day filled withthe fun Wolf and discovery.

Westport Electric Car Club Rally Atka: from the Wolf Conservation Center May Pole Celebration: and Fun Children’s Activities Westport Electric Car Club Rally Live Entertainment: by Wilton musicians May Pole celebration: and fun children’s activities Delicious Local and Organic Fare Live entertainment: by Wilton musicians www.wiltongogreen.org more information Delicious local and organicfor fare Attendance is Free. www.wiltongogreen.org for more information Emerald Sponsor Deloitte, Gold Sponsors Clean Energy Finance and Attendance is Community Free. Innovations Grant program, Investment Authority’s

Media Sponsors Ring's End Silver Sponsors Apple Blossom School, Bankwell, Emerald Sponsor Deloitte, Gold Sponsors Clean Energy Finance and Next Step Living, Nod Hill Soap, Realty Seven, and Winters Bros.

Investment Authority’s Community Innovations Grant program, Co-hosted Wilton Go Green and the Wilton Library Association. Media Sponsors Ring's Endby Silver Sponsors Apple Blossom School, Bankwell, Next Step Living, Nod Hill Soap, Realty Seven, and Winters Bros.

The Festival Its Energy Use With Renewables Co-hosted byMatches Wilton Go Green and the Wilton Library Association. the festival matches its energy use with renewables

TM

Serving Monroe for 10 Years

Balance Through Healthy Living

Sending Blessings Lori Portka A former counselor and educator, fine artist Lori Portka delights in the favorite things that inspire her: nature, traveling, animals, yoga and friends. She lets her art pour out in boldly rendered images that burst from each canvas via saturated pastels, paints, chalks and inks to forge a visceral connection between artist and viewer. “I make artwork that is a reflection of gratitude and joy in the world,” says Portka, whose expressive works fulfill her mission of spreading happiness through art.

A personal loss led Portka to begin painting again at 30-something for the first time since the tenth grade, a process she says has opened her heart even more deeply. Inspired by Australian photographer and filmmaker Hailey Bartholomew’s documentary, 365 Grateful, about living on the sunny side of life, Portka embarked upon her own project, A Hundred Thank-Yous, creating and giving away 100 paintings to 100 people that have touched her life, she says, “in a beautiful way.”

“I feel like I am on the right path, doing what I am supposed to do,” she explains. “Art feels like home to me.”

Weight Loss Classes Nutrition • Personal Training Pilates • Pole Sculpting Call 203-767-0623 OR 203-209-7359 Contact us for information and class registration. www.bodysmart.cc • facebook.com/bodysmart 115 Main Street • Unit 11 • P.O. Box 622 • Monroe, CT 06468

Lipo-Light is the new nonsurgical state-of-the-art technology alternative to Liposuction. It is completely non-invasive, does not cause any discomfort, and no down time.

It is based on the principle of biophotomodulation. Infrared light at 635 nanometers is absorbed by fat cells causing the cell’s pores to open and excrete the fatty acid contents into the surrounding fluid. The fat is taken away by the lymphatic system and consumed by body metabolism. The result is immediate loss of inches.

Only One Offer Per Person Restrictions May Apply New Patients Only Offer Expires 6/30/14

View the artist’s portfolio and follow her blog at LoriPortka.com. eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

23

healthbriefs

Drinking Cow’s Milk While Nursing Linked to Infant Eczema

N

ew research has found that if a mother drinks cow’s milk during the period that she is breastfeeding, it raises her infant’s risk of experiencing skin allergies. The study, published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, followed 62 mothers and their infants from birth through 4 months of age.

Researchers from Bangkok’s Mahidol University assembled the mothers and infants into two groups. Mothers in one group drank cow’s milk during the first four months of breastfeeding; the control group did not. Eight of the children with mothers drinking cow’s milk had skin allergies, versus two of the children in the control group. All of the mothers exclusively breastfed their infants throughout this period.

An earlier study published in the British Medical Journal followed 124 mothers, 97 of which breastfed their babies. Of those that breastfed, 48 drank no milk or other dairy products and 49 drank milk. Infants in the milk-drinking group experienced 21 cases of eczema, while the no-milk group had only 11 cases.

Overall, between the breastfed and non-breastfed infants, the breastfed infants had lower incidences of eczema regardless of the mother’s diet.

24

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Roundup Toxin Accumulates in GM Soybeans

A

study published in the journal Food Chemistry tested soybeans grown from seeds that were genetically modified (GM) to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup. It compared these with organic soybeans and soybeans from non-GM seeds.

The chemical and nutritional analysis of soybean samples from 31 different Iowa farms found the GM soy contained significantly higher levels of the toxin glyphosate, the central chemical in Roundup, than both the organic and the conventional non-GMO soybeans. The organic soybeans contained no glyphosate, plus significantly higher levels of protein and zinc, as well as lower levels of saturated fats.

Healthy Homemade Infant Food Reduces Kids’ Allergies

A

study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reports that infants that were fed more homemade foods comprising a higher percentage of fruits and vegetables were less likely to develop food allergies. In assessing youngsters of the same age, researchers from the University of Southampton Medical College, in the UK, followed 41 children that had developed food allergies by the age of 2, alongside 82 non-allergic infants. After tracking the toddlers’ diets with food diaries and conducting allergy testing, the researchers found that infants fed more of the healthier homemade diet had a significantly lower incidence of food allergies as toddlers.

Vitamin D No Help for Bone Mass or Hip Fractures

Your hormones work together to create an environment of balance & harmony. An imbalance can affect weight loss, bloating & decreased stamina.

Proper hormone balancing can help both men & women maintain ideal weight.

Dr. Thomas Worden, DC

U

A

You’ve tried everything… but have you considered your hormone levels?

Contact Dr. Worden for an evaluation and consultation today.

niversity of Pittsburgh researchers that followed 29,862 women for 11 years have found that supplementing calcium with vitamin D does not reduce hip fractures. The study, published in the Journal of Women’s Health, found that women taking calcium plus vitamin D had as many hip fractures as women taking a placebo. Women supplementing with more than 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day also had a 28 percent higher incidence of breast cancer.

Because hip fractures are linked to a reduction in bone density, these findings are compounded by a review of research published in The Lancet, which established that vitamin D supplements typically taken with calcium did not increase bone density among elderly adults. The review analyzed 23 studies among 4,082 participants, 92 percent of whom were women.

Multivitamins with Selenium Counter HIV

Still can’t button your jeans after weeks of dieting & exercising?

study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that a daily multivitamin supplement with selenium significantly slows the advance of HIV among those with the virus. The researchers tested 878 asymptomatic, HIV-infected people over two years that had never taken antiretroviral medications.

The test subjects were split into four groups, with members of each receiving separate medications—multivitamins, multivitamins plus selenium, selenium alone or a placebo—for five years. The multivitamins contained vitamins B, C and E.

Those given multivitamins plus selenium experienced a 54 percent reduction in low counts of a critical immunity cell factor (called CD4) compared to the placebo group. This group also experienced a 44 percent reduction in other events known to accompany the progression of HIV, including AIDS-related deaths.

The researchers concluded: “In antiviral, therapy-naive, HIV-infected adults, 24-month supplementation with a single supplement containing multivitamins and selenium was safe and significantly reduced the risk of immune decline and morbidity.”

Worden Wellness Center Chiropractic • Acupuncture • Nutrition 41 Kenosia Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810

203-748-8093

wordenwellnesscenter

wordenwellnesscenter.com/ hormonal_imbalance_testing

Relax, Enjoy &

Let Your Spirit Shine Thru We offer a variety of healing modalities including:

• Meditation Classes • Intuitive Sessions • Reiki • Tai Chi • Rising Star For more info on classes, workshops and events please call, click or email us!

Kindred Spirits A Center for the Mind, Body & Soul New Location in REDDING, CT JTKindredspirit@aol.com

203-938-3690 KindredSpiritsCenter.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

25

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

Bikes-to-Go

Solar Surge

May is National Bike Month, and more universities continue to commit to bicycling as a sustainable, healthy and environmentally conscious transportation choice. Recently, Harvard University joined Princeton and Yale as an official Bicycle-Friendly University (BFU), and the League of American Bicyclists designated 14 new BFU members, expanding the program to 58 colleges in 30 states across the U.S. with more to come.

When New York City opened registration for a public bikesharing program, Citi Bike, more than 5,000 people signed up within 30 hours. Similar demand for more cycling options is happening across the nation where shared bicycle programs are taking root (see Tinyurl.com/Top50BikeFriendliestCities).

The popular Washington, D.C., Capital Bikeshare program began operating in September 2010, and is now the nation’s largest, with 200 locking docks able to accommodate more than 1,800 bright-red bicycles. As in many programs, people can sign up for a short-term stint or an annual membership using either a credit card online or at a station kiosk.

Then they can unlock a bicycle and return it to any station within the system. All rides under 30 minutes are free, after which escalating fees kick in, encouraging people to make short trips and to keep more bikes available for other riders.

Last year, the U.S. joined Germany, Italy, China and Japan in producing more than 10 gigawatts of solar production nationwide. Now, other countries have awakened to the opportunity and are on their way to catching up. The popular Scandinavian retailer IKEA has sold $10,000 solar panels in 17 British outlets.

Peru recently started a National Photovoltaic Household Electrification Program to connect 2 million of its poorest residents with solar power. In the first phase, 1,601 solar panels were installed to power 126 impoverished communities. The plan is to install about 12,500 photovoltaic systems for 500,000 households at an overall cost of $200 million.

Earth Hour India is helping citizens to switch to solar energy in villages that previously had no electricity. Woodlands stores, in partnership with World Wildlife FoundationIndia, has launched a collection drive across the country, inspiring individuals to donate to help light up more than 100 households in three villages in Madhya Pradesh with solar power. The residents had traditionally depended on forest resources for their energy needs.

Cycling Gains Ground at Colleges and in Cities

For more information, visit BikeLeague.org.

Global Rise in Sun-Generated Power

Experience a Himalayan Salt Cave …Now Here in Ridgefield Experience

Saltana C ve

the Fairfield County's First & Only Therapeutic Himalayan Salt Cave In a salt cave, you are immediately surrounded by tons of Himalayan salt rocks, just as if you were in a salt mine. Relaxing on zero gravity lounge chairs to soothing music, experience serenity & peace in just minutes Salt therapy is: known to significantly improve respiratory issues in children & adults, asthma, allergies, countering the side effects of smoking and pollution, cystic fibrosis, acne naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal ~ Like us on Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saltana-Cave/477550062298188

590 Danbury Road,Ridgefield 203-969-4327 SaltanaCave.com

26

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Dangerous Additive

FDA Finally Regulates Triclosan The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, under a new court agreement with the Natural Resources Defense Council, has agreed to issue a new rule governing the use of Triclosan, a controversial antimicrobial agent used widely in consumer products, by 2016. The action was first proposed in 1978.

Triclosan, a possible endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been found in three-quarters of people from whom blood, urine or tissue has been analyzed as part of bio-monitoring studies; it is also found in the environment after having passed through sewage treatment plants.

Source: TheDailyGreen.com

Greening Garbage

~ equestrian gifts ~ pottery ~ buddas ~ crystals of all sizes ~ books ~ angels

Touch of Sedona

Activist Turns City Food Waste into Rural Soil Jeremy Brosowsky had an epiphany at a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, greenhouse a few years ago that set him on a more sustainable path: “What if we could take our garbage and grow food in it?” He was in the Midwest to learn about urban agriculture at Growing Power, the pioneering urban farm of McArthur Genius Fellow Will Allen, and was considering starting a rooftop agriculture business. Allen’s emphasis on the importance and elusiveness of fertile soil intrigued him.

“If you don’t dramatically improve the soil, you cannot grow food in cities,” Brosowsky realized. His solution was to create Compost Cab (CompostCab.com), a Washington, D.C.-based service that picks up and delivers urban food waste to local farms for composting. Nearly 100 cities already divert food waste from landfills, but Brosowsky emphasizes, “Composting is not just about waste reduction. It’s about food production, education, jobs and creating social benefits.” He hopes to roll out Compost Cabs in other cities.

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Midwife-Led Maternity Care on the Rise

by Ariana Rawls Fine

A

slow but steady increase in the use of midwifery services is being seen nationwide, including Connecticut. In a time of heightened health and environmental awareness, people are taking greater responsibility for their wellness and mothers-to-be seem to be seeking the more personalized, less intervention-oriented care that midwives tend to give their patients. As women strive to control and relax in their changing bodies, a growing number of expectant mothers are using midwives and other complementary services in the U.S. for routine care.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the 2012 cesarean section (c-section) delivery rate equaled close to one-third of all births. Connecticut was above the national average in 2010 with a 35.2% c-section rate, the eighth highest state rate in the U.S. (CDC NCHS, “Births: Final Data for 2010”). In Fairfield County, Connecticut Department of Public Health data shows that St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport displayed the highest rate with

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44.5% in 2007, followed by Bridgeport Hospital with 39% and Stamford Hospital at 38%.

Of all U.S. births, 98.6% occurred in hospitals with certified nurse midwives (CNM) attending 7.6% overall. The American College of Nurse-Midwives has voiced its hope that CNMs and certified midwives (CM) will attend 20% of all births in the U.S. by the year 2020. St. Vincent’s in particular has made a concerted effort to change its c-section rate, with a mother-and baby-friendly emphasis in its maternity wing and a new birthing center supported by midwifery services.

Midwives can deliver at hospitals, birth centers or at home, giving mothers-to-be more birthing options. As part of regular medical prenatal checkups, the midwives take time to consult about nutrition, exercise, holistic treatments, emotional well-being and preparations for birth to increase the chances of a low intervention birth.

The increased demand for midwives can be attributed to physical and emotional factors. Women seem to be reacting to the high c-section intervention rates with a growing desire to feel empowered in their decision to have a more natural birth, according to Sarah Najamy, CNM, of Shelton-based Circle for Life Midwifery. The private, full-scope midwifery practice she founded with Paula Cate, CNM, focuses on a whole approach not only for pregnancy but also well-woman care.

“What we represent is choice,” Cate emphasizes based on her 30 years of experience leading midwifery groups. “The more a woman participates and decides, the stronger she feels during the birthing process and after, even if it is a c-section. If she doesn’t have this opportunity to feel heard and supported in the childbirthing, then that can rob her of the self-confidence she could have had going through that experience.”

With increased time exposure to each patient, the midwife may also be more aware of and address subtle physical and emotional pre- and postnatal changes. Midwives are present more in the delivery room supporting the laboring woman. As nurses, CNMs can administer medications and act as the patient’s advocate with the obstetrician if further medical interventions are needed. In exploring the possibility of using a midwife, it is important to note that there are several certification levels and medical capabilities with CNMs, certified midwives and certified professional midwives all providing different levels of care.

Najamy, who began her midwife journey in 1987 after many years as a LPN and RN, emphasizes how much has changed since she began practicing. “Back in the 1970s, there was much more opposition to midwives than there is now.

Now, we are an accepted part of the medical community.

Paula and I work very well with our collaborative physicians.”

As a sign of that collaboration, The Birthplace at St. Vincent’s Medical Center opened its doors with Najamy and Circle for Life Midwifery in December 2012 as the only in-hospital birthing center offering midwifery services in Fairfield County.

Over the years, both Najamy and Cate found that educating the public and the word-of-mouth support of patients was key to the local medical community’s acceptance.

With the increased integration of midwives is a parallel trend to use other holistic services such as a doula and hypnobirthing to support a healthy pregnancy, labor and

delivery. According to DONA International, a doula provides “continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and after birth.” In clinical studies, the doula’s presence has been shown to reduce a mother’s desire for pain medication and need for low-level medical interventions while labor tends to be shorter with fewer complications.

Janet Hall Padgett, CD, CCE, founder and president of Birth Partners, LLC, attributes part of the increased interest in doula and midwifery services to the popularity of Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein’s The Business of Being Born documentaries. In her 24 years of experience, Padgett found that the recent films enabled more mainstream women and partners to envision what they can do differently for their birth experience. The Fairfield County-based Birth Partners provides pregnancy, birth and postpartum doula services as well as childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care education classes.

As expectant parents increasingly choose to use doulas, Padgett stresses the need to ensure that the provider is certified. She provides even further training to her students beyond the general national certification requirements and attributes her company’s success to the high standard of doula training, service and professionalism she adheres to.

“We have worked with every doctor, midwife and almost every nurse in the state. Twenty years ago was probably when we last had opposition, but I attribute that to the fact that we treat the medical staff as professionals rather than an ‘enemy.’

The client chose that provider and we need to respect that,” states Padgett. Even with the increased public knowledge, she does encounter misconceptions that doulas will take over for the partner and have strong biases about medicated births and doctors. “These are legitimate concerns, but a good, well-trained doula is none of those things. She is there to be a support system for the mother-to-be and her partner and not to change policies or protocol,” Padgett continues.

HypnoBirthing of Connecticut, based in Westport, is also focused on providing that necessary support. “How a

women feels emotionally during her birth is a key part in how that labor progresses, dictating which hormones are released. Instead of the emphasis being on fear, the core of hypnobirthing is about tapping into that innate intuition that we have for giving birth,” explains Cynthia Overgard, MBA, HBCT, owner of the prenatal education center. “In our society, childbirth is viewed as dramatic or traumatic, causing us to spend all this time fearing and dreading it.”

Overgard utilizes a three-fold approach to collaboratively educating expectant parents. She focuses on birth information and enabling them to see that they are in charge of their health and experience. Learning to take control of their mind, body, breath and focus – similar to yoga practices – is part of the empowerment stage. Believing and seeing it is possible to have a normal, safe, calm and joyful birth can help inspire a more positive birth experience. In addition to the HypnoBirthing childbirth course, HypnoBirthing of Connecticut offers birth doula services and midwife-instructed birth preparation classes and breastfeeding workshops.

Ariana Rawls Fine is Assistant Editor of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County. She resides in Stratford with her family.

Local Resources Circle for Life Midwifery 2 Trap Falls Rd, Ste 510, Shelton • 203-944-0242 CircleforLifeMidwifery.com WomensHealthCT.com/Circle_for_Life_Midwifery Birth Partners, LLC 203-375-9963 • BirthPartnersDoulas.com Facebook.com/BirthPartners HypnoBirthing of Connecticut 420 Post Rd West, Westport • 203-952-7299 HypnoBirthingCT.com

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Photo credit Alex C. Thompson

fitbody

Lisa Ellor, BodySmart

Fitness as Fun, Expressive Self-Empowerment

by Kristen Rzasa

P

ole dancing may conjure visions of a smoky bar, the likes of the Bada Bing in Tony Soprano’s neighborhood, rather than a mainstream form of exercise. Yet women across the nation are ditching their treadmills and eschewing their elliptical machines to capture the benefits of this sexy workout regimen and others like it.

Today, pole dancing has become a part of a growing fitness trend, alongside new class formats such as burlesque, aerial arts and belly dancing. Even the usually buttoned-up Martha Stewart took a spin around the pole on her daytime television show.

Rather than track the incline on the treadmill, women from all walks of life long to embrace their bodies, curves and all, and actually enjoy their workouts. The results? Not only a strong core and buff biceps, but a renewed sense of their

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sexuality and increased confidence. Whether in boutique studios or a typical gym’s existing schedule, these unique formats continue to gain popularity. Prevention indicated that the concept of making fitness fun with the addition of classes like aerial arts, belly dancing and the like has staying power and is changing the way women view their workouts.

This is evidenced by the International Pole Dancing Fitness Association (IPDFA) and their growing network of over 14,000 members, as well as Ex-Pole’s claim that every 12 hours a pole dancing studio is opened or a pole is added to an existing business. The IPDFA is even seeking to gain the International Olympic Committee’s recognition of pole dance as a sport.

Sydney Seymour, owner of Bombshell Movement Studio in Chicago, explains what has sparked this trend, “Most women who walk into our studio are far from empowered as it relates to embracing their own femininity and sensuality... they desperately want to feel connected and sexy... the workout is a bonus.”

This is the message supermodel Emme has been preaching for years. Her tribe, EmmeNation, encourages women to re-evaluate their fitness goals by being mindful of not only what their bodies need but what their minds desire. “Bring on the fun and the engagement of the soul to a work out and we’ll be excited and happy to maintain a consistent commitment to our health,” Emme says. “No need for boring repetitive classes or movements to get in shape; try your turn at swinging around a pole and own your sexy self!” This combination of making exercise fun while instilling mental and emotional well-being seems to be a main driver bringing women to the classes.

Former Rockette Christine Oberec, owner of New Milford Jazzercise in New Milford, prides herself on creating a welcoming, non-intimidating and enjoyable environment. This is consistent with other studios offering new styles of workout.

The best workout is usually the one you stick with.

Fitness blogs provide endless tips on staying motivated and committed to an exercise program. It seems the fun factor is as essential as the fitness factor in achieving results and making exercise a lifetime habit.

New Canaan-based massage therapist Alissa Arakelian was invited to her first belly dancing class by a plus-sized friend who was very comfortable in her own skin and anxious to try a class. “It’s a chance to go inward and dance for yourself,” Arakelian says, lighting up as she shares her love affair

Lisa Ellor, BodySmart with belly dancing. “It’s a safe place for women to be comfortable with themselves, no judgment, only respect.”

The stories of transformation extend far beyond the physical. At FormFitting Fitness in Brookfield, owner Kaysa Cruse witnessed a quiet 52-yearold schoolteacher blossom in her pole dancing classes and even perform in a recent showcase. Cruse cites the higher level quality of instructors and performances that has helped to reduce the stigma around pole dancing as well as the appearance of world and U.S. championship competitions. “These events make it not only accessible, but more acceptable,” explains Cruse, three-time organizer of CT Pole Soiree, a popular showcase and competition.

But does fun equate to real results or is it just a mirage of boas and stilettos? Elizabeth Reed, owner of the BodySmart private studio in Monroe, added pole sculpting to the services she offers after experiencing the results herself. The former body builder saw a return to her 30-year-old abs after only a few weeks of training with her friend and fellow instructor, Lisa Ellor.

“Many women are burnt out from their regular exercise routine. Clients leave our classes feeling like a sexy

woman. They walk taller and carry this confidence with them for the rest of the day,” Reed says. Ellor explains that these alternative fitness classes offer the standard benefits of exercise such as cardio, strength conditioning and flexibility, but with the added appeal of a sensuality, fun and self-esteem boost all rolled up in one.

“If we can take a step back and let go of the body-bashing workouts and no-pain-no-gain mentality, we could quite possibly see a real change in the health of America. With such unrealistic expectations in mass media and advertising, we are sure to fail. Fitness must be made interesting, fun and inspiring for all to attain,” Emme says.

At Work It Dance and Fitness in Norwalk, owner Michelle Abbruzzese says the biggest concern she hears from potential clients is that “people are afraid to try these different types of classes. They tell me first they’ll get in shape, then they’ll come to class.”

That logic is backward, Abruzzzese says, because the classes at her studio are for every age, body type or dance background. “You don’t need to be strong to do it,” Abbruzzese says, “you become strong when you do it.”

Kristen Hallett Rzasa is the owner of InterPlay Health, a whole-life wellness company in Norwalk focused on fitness, nutrition and fun for women. She is a Jazzercise instructor, Health Coach and MELT Method instructor. Find her at InterplayHealth.com.

Photos used by permission of Lisa Ellor, Certified Pole Sculpting Instructor at BodySmart studio.

Local Resources FormFitting Fitness 483 Federal Rd, Brookfield 203-702-7026 FormFittingFitness.com BodySmart 115 Main St, Unit 11 (P.O. Box 622), Monroe 203-767-0623 BodySmart.cc

Work It Dance and Fitness 19 North Main St (P.O. Box 452) Norwalk 203-803-9398 WorkItFit.com Jazzercise New Milford 32 Still River Dr, New Milford 860-248-5357 Jazzercise.com Vertical Addiction 100 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-883-8383 VerticalAddictionCT.com Sound Center Arts (belly dance classes) 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown 203-270-1119 SoundCenterArts.com Other Resources: • International Pole Dance Fitness Association (ipdfa.com) • EmmeNation (EmmeNation.com) • U.S. Pole Dance Federation (USPoleDance.com)

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pushed Teague to take a leap of faith—close her psychotherapy practice and enroll in a filmmaking class.

Teague recognizes that a deeper wisdom activated her response. She observes, “The individuals I was counseling about their restless desire for something better mirrored my own discontent, and my restlessness was an emotional response to what was emerging.

“Today, I no longer concern myself with making the right decision. I trust that whatever the circumstances are, I need to listen, observe and reflect, because ‘now’ contains information for my next step,” she advises.

Amanda Owen, counselor, coach and author of Born to Receive: 7 Powerful Steps Women Can Take Today to Reclaim Their Half of the Universe, has studied the state of receptivity that Teague references. Owen explains, “Receiving is a dynamic and productive state. When the body is relaxed and the mind and nervous system are calm, we become receptive and can feel and intuit subtle information contained in the energy received from external and internal environments.

Trust Your Intuition Listen to that Still, Small Voice and Let it Lead You

by Linda Sechrist

What if you could consistently tap into answers to life’s problems when you need them, knowing deep down that you are on the right track and that the decisions and choices you are making are the correct ones?

O

ur body is a wellspring of priceless wisdom. Yet heeding our innate voice seems constantly tested as society distracts us with the busy acquisition of external knowledge and rewards more visible work. Those used to focusing outwardly over-stimulate their five senses and so tend to disconnect from their body’s deep innate intelligence—our sixth sense, also known as intuition.

The resulting joylessness, discontent, isolation, depression and illness have sent millions in search of a real solution that discerning experts believe already exists within.

Our ultimate guide to the fountain of personal health and happiness, they believe, could well be our own intuition.

Changing Directions

For years, Katie Teague, producer of the documentary film, Money & Life, lived with the consequence of sublimating her intuitive impulse. “I felt a restless itch in my soul,” relates Teague, who intuited that life was prompting her to change careers so she could use her talents in a more meaningful way.

The vision of her 94-year-old self lying on her deathbed and faced with the question, “What are you not saying yes to?”

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“Our parasympathetic nervous system is engaged when we’re in this listening state. In contrast, rushing through the day engages our ‘fight-or-flight’ sympathetic nervous system.

Busyness and mind chatter drowns out the valuable information that intuition provides,” Owen notes.

An intuitive energy therapist, Marilyn Eppolite strongly relies on intuitive guidance in her southern New Jersey practice, believing it emanates from her body’s intelligence. “I listen and it’s always present,” she says. Eppolite shares an example of a time she received a clear image and perceived the bodily sensations of a grieving small child from a female client that a psychotherapist had referred. “When I described what I was sensing, her tears flowed and she also connected to the feeling,” she says. “It provided the needed breakthrough she needed to access her feelings and move forward in therapy.”

Eppolite is keenly aware when roadblocks—busyness, willfulness and a fearful, restless mind—create interference.

“These feed each other and can rarely be separated. I can’t hear or feel my intuition when my energy and attention are willfully directed outward,” she observes.

Abandoning the drive for personal control and surrendering to stillness is how Eppolite signals her body’s intelligence that she’s ready for whispers of guidance. “I sense that surrender as strength and trust that the information received is for my greatest good, even if I don’t fully understand it,” she remarks. “Discernment is necessary because deep wisdom frequently comes in segments that I must piece together and put into action before more of it bubbles up from within.”

The teachings of Yogeshwari Kamini Desai, Ph.D., combine Western psychology and Eastern philosophy. As

the director of education and lead teacher of the Amrit in the Buddhist concept that mindfulness of the body alMethod of Yoga, at the facility in Silver Springs, Florida, lows us to love fully. She finds, “It brings healing, wisdom Desai instructs on listening to the voice of intuition identiand freedom.” fied as prana in yogic tradition, which she characterizes as

She relates how she is led to direct a client’s attention “the energy that enlivens and carries out all balancing and to their own body’s intuition, which works best when she life-giving processes in nature. is following her instincts, rather than thinking. “After one

“It speaks through the body as sensations, impulses session, my client, who had been silently experiencing and urges,” she says. “This ‘inner divining rod’ informs numerous feelings in her stomach, asked me why I had us what feelings, thoughts and actions are moving us into touched her abdomen. I was just intuitively led to that part alignment with our source and what of her body.” is moving us out of alignment.”

Dr. Mona Lisa Schulz, also a

Quieting the mind and strengthenPh.D., medical intuitive and co-author ing the directives of prana through mediof All is Well, notes that everyone has a tation, yoga and being in nature moves connection to intuition. “We get a gut us away from what we tell ourselves feeling and sadness in our heart from and back to directly responding to its our inner intelligence that we don’t promptings. “Absorbed in the present know what to do with. While some moment and bodily sensations, we conindividuals consult a practitioner, nect with inner guidance,” explains Deothers listen to their body’s intuitive sai. “With practice, our mind becomes a language and reflect on their insights servant to inner intelligence. It can both and dreams—the language of soul,” direct our lives and make us sensitive to says Schulz. “Intuition can speak softly early symptoms suggesting oncoming through symptoms,” she observes. illness,” she adds.

“Eventually, when disregarded, it can

“There is growing interest in become a full-blown illness.” energy medicine and developing Biochemist and author of Secrets a deeper connection to the body’s of Our Cells: Discovering Your Body’s intelligence through yoga and energy Inner Intelligence, Sondra Barrett, practices like qigong and tai chi Ph.D., is awed by the body’s cellular because people are tired of taking intelligence. “Our cells are invismedications that don’t heal the root ible, so we don’t think of ourselves as Fearlessly following cause of health problems,” comcellular beings. However, a deeper ments Dr. Sue Morter, founder of understanding of our constitution and our intuition frees us to Morter Health Center, near Indianapthat our cells speak to each other and fully live an authentic olis, Indiana, and the healing phecollaborate harmoniously could inspire nomenon she terms Energy Codes. us to befriend our body’s intelligence and satisfying life.

A regular practice of any one of for life,” she says. “We might shift from these disciplines expands sensory wanting to fix an ache or pain to underfunction to encompass internal recognition and referencing standing that our cells are warning us of something.” of subtle information.

Sonia Choquette, a global consultant who recommends

Morter teaches how to awaken gut feelings, personal we rely on our sixth sense as our first sense, has authored power and self-love to restore wholeness left behind in purseveral books on intuition. She finds, “With intuition, we suit of external sources of happiness. “Participants learn to have a personal compass and an ally in discerning what is trust their gut more than the opinions of others, which turns authentic and true for us so that we won’t be tugged and up the volume on the whispers of intuition,” she explains. pulled in different directions when we make decisions.”

After Pat Hall, a therapeutic bodyworker in Augusta,

Laurie McCammon, co-author of Enough: The Rise of Georgia, read Jill Bolte Taylor’s My Stroke of Insight, she was the Feminine and the Birth of the New Story, was relaxing certain a habit of listening to mental chatter interfered with and reflecting with two friends when intuition graced her feeling and interpreting her body’s helpful promptings. “Jill’s with a message of information-laden energy: “I am enough. experience of her body as energy and her mind as silent We are enough. I have enough. We have enough. Enough!” when the left lobe of her brain shut down due to a stroke was The experience inspired them to collaborate on an e-book my ‘Aha!’ moment,” says Hall. For her, heeding inner guidcelebrating the grassroots groundswell toward a major shift ance took practice and a commitment to dismantling reactive in the world. “I believe intuition is an aspect of The Grand thought patterns and habits, plus discerning between intuPlan, which always moves us toward greater expansion, ition and distracting chatter. inclusion and an ever more mature and loving response to

“Mind chatter generally creates fear, negativity and life,” says McCammon. pressure to do something,” she explains. “Intuitive guid Ute Arnold, founder, director and teacher of the Unergi ance is gentle, expansive and undemanding.” Hall believes School of Body-Psychotherapy, in Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania, eNaturalAwakenings.com

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Learning to trust our gut more than the opinions of others turns up the volume on whispers of intuition.

Awakening to our gut feelings, personal power and self-love restores the wholeness left behind in pursuit of external sources of happiness.

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describes several physical signatures of body intelligence that can foster improved self-care. “You feel more expansive, available and receptive—with a sense of a longer spine, a wider and deeper body and feet rooted in the Earth’s powerful energy,” explains the author of Touchback: A Self-Healing Journey with Body, Art and Nature, who also has a master’s degree in fine arts. “Expanded into a condition of soft relaxation, your mind stops talking; you enter a mind-body state of energetic receptive listening, where emotional intelligence is accessible.

“These feelings and sensations are indicative of wholeness. From it, we have access to the eternal place of the fully healed soul, which whispers intuitively, nudging us toward what can heal our life, body and mind.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.

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ARE OFTEN THE ROOT CAUSE OF

INFLAMMATION?

D r M a r v i n S c h w e i t z e r. c o m 2 0 3 . 8 4 7. 2 7 8 8

1 We s t p o r t A v e n u e Norwalk, CT 06851

on the right career path or if a relationship is healthy for you.

Write down anything that comes to you, without analysis or judgment; that is your inner wisdom coming through.

3 Practical Ways to Get in Touch with Your Inner Guidance

by Alyssa Citarella

C

an you recall a moment when, all of a sudden, you had a flash of inspiration and knew how to solve the problem you had been struggling with for days?

Whether that was the first time you became aware of your intuition or you want to learn how to further strengthen that connection, here you can follow three easy ways to tune in to your inner guidance system.

1. Start Writing: Journaling is one of the best ways to get in touch with your intuition. Whether it is done with paper and pen or on a laptop, find a quiet place to relax, take some deep breaths and then begin to write. Jot down anything that comes to mind. Don’t stop to think, just write. Don’t worry about what comes out, just keep going. The goal with journaling is to get all of your thoughts and worries about the past and future out of your head. If you’re worried about an issue at work, write about it. If you are having problems with your kids, write about the issues and how you feel about them. Keep going until you finally run out of things to write about. At this point, you have cleared your mind of chatter and you can now experiment with asking specific questions.

Examples include asking whether you are

2. Spend Time Outdoors: Another way to develop your intuitive connection is to spend time in nature. Go for a walk without your headphones. Listen to the sounds of nature.

If you are in a city, either head to your nearest park or pay attention to the sounds of cars and people and the quiet in between those sounds. Really observe what you see around you, take the time to slow down and actually look around.

Experience your surrounding like a child exploring a new area for the first time. As your mind clears and slows down, be aware of any spontaneous thoughts or realizations that may come to you. You might suddenly remember where you left your missing passport or your glasses. These are intuitive messages – messages that are always there but you might not normally hear when your mind is busy or distracted.

3. Pay Attention to Your Body: Taking care of your body is another way to tap into your intuition. Slow down and listen to what your body is trying to tell you. It is always giving you signs and signals. Have you been having neck and shoulder pain? If so, ask yourself if you have been taking on too many responsibilities. Are you trying to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders? Have you been sick several times this past winter? Your body may be trying to tell you to slow down and take a break. Next time you have a physical ailment, investigate what your body is trying to tell you.

Physical symptoms in your body are actually a manifestation of emotional issues. Tune in to your body to ask what you need to do to address this problem. By following through with the guidance you receive, you will strengthen your connection with your intuition and feel better.

By following these three simple strategies to connect with your intuition, you will nurture the most important relationship of all – the relationship with your inner self.

Alyssa Citarella is a Norwalk-based Intuitive Change Agent who guides and empowers her clients to connect with their own intuition to make positive life changes. Connect with her at IntuitiveChangeAgent.com.

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mistake. Though the email wasn’t intended for her, the job sounded perfect.

She replied to the email and ended up getting an interview. She’s now happy in her new position, which included a promotion and a pay raise.

Using Intuition to Make Big Decisions

by Victoria Shaw

I

ntuition offers a deep well of wisdom that leads us in the right direction.

Intuitive awareness is especially useful in making decisions as it can often illuminate the path that is uniquely right for us. Here are some tips for tapping into your intuition while trying to make a key decision.

Tune into your body. Many people experience intuition as body sensations such as goosebumps, shivers or a twinge in your gut. As a hypothetical example, Juliet was desperate to break her pattern of entering abusive relationships and find a man worthy of her love. She thought she found what she was looking for in Chris. At the start of the relationship, he was so devoted and kind that she ignored that twinge of discomfort she felt in her stomach prior to each date. As the relationship

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progressed, Chris began to show his true colors. He became jealous and possessive, and criticized Juliet for the way she spoke, walked and dressed.

One night he went into a rage and hit her. Juliet promptly ended the relationship. Looking back, she realized how much time and discomfort she could have saved had she heeded her physical internal warning system.

Ask for guidance. Sometimes all we need to do is pose the question and the answer will come to us. Illustrating this by example, Terry was feeling frustrated and unappreciated at work. She longed for more but questioned whether something better was really out there.

One night, after a particularly bad day at work, in frustration she asked the universe for guidance. The next day a job posting appeared in her inbox by

Trust the process. Sometimes those initial flashes of intuition are incomplete or ambiguous. It takes some courage to follow the path when we’re not completely sure where it will lead.

Wendy, for instance, always dreamed of publishing a children’s book. She had a story in mind but needed an illustrator. After a late night spent working and fretting over the book, she had a dream that she went to a local bookstore and saw her book on the shelf. The next morning she came across an announcement for a poetry reading at that very same bookstore. Although Wendy was not a big fan of poetry, this seemed like too much of a coincidence to ignore.

She attended the event and ended up meeting an illustrator to collaborate with on the book.

Practice! Intuition is like a muscle. The more we use it, the stronger it gets.

Over time, it becomes easier to discern between our thoughts and our inner guidance. The more we are able to use our intuition in making decisions, the more peace, joy and love we will bring into our lives.

Victoria Shaw, PhD, LPC, DCC, is a psychologist and licensed professional counselor with a private practice in Wilton, Fairfield and Westport. Visit VictoriaShawPsychotherapy.com or VictoriaShawIntuitive.com for more information. See ad, page 22.

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SPIRITUAL SUNDAY SERVICES AT 10 AM followed by FELLOWSHIP at 11 AM (Visit our website for a detailed description of our Sunday services and for classes & events at the center)

36

Fairfield County Edition

Honoring your spirit, your way

natural awakenings

458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe, CT 203-268-1ARC (1272) arcsacredcenter.org arcsacredcenter@gmail.com

KES

Kmar Educational Services, Inc.

Personal and Business Reinvention www.kmareducation.org

KES Educational Services, Inc. provides a full menu of services for individuals who understand the necessity of personal growth investment in order to be competitive in this world. It is not about how much you know, it is about how, when, what, and where you have applied your Knowledge and Skills Set and the moment of truth: The RESULTS. INTUITION What is it? Can I touch, smell, or feel it? I think I can feel my intuition. It is a little voice with a tiny body, attached, living inside of me. It is 24 hours on duty and tells me good, bad, indifferent, happy, sad, depressed; it is an “environmental barometer” checking out air waves and people’s auras... wherever I go.

This is not all. It has a high intellect, went through Life-College with highest honors, and is employed as a ‘People Judge,’ never, ever wrong. It can detect if a person is an ‘actor’ or truly in touch with their own thoughts and emotions. It detects a person’s inefficiencies, as well as total strengths, gifts, etc., within a very short period of time during the first meeting.

With this precious gift and talent that I have (I never talked about it), I was able to help many people on their business paths, being able to read people’s internal skills–what they have and do not have, and what it takes for them to be successful. This is just one area.

People set out to do things and wonder why things don’t work. Let me tell you why: They never pick up Self Growth Books, and let things go in their life. They never think about their thoughts, emotions, feelings–they are not connected to themselves. Why should they be successful in connecting to others? Can’t happen, will not happen.

I honor my ‘inner voice’; it is never wrong and it’s a Life Saver.

Remembering a couple of situations when I overwrote the voice... they were not good experiences. Do not make excuses, exceptions, whatever. Whatever your voice says, DO IT! Do not question it. You have to practice all the time and earn the trust of your ‘voice.’ It is not the other way around.

Mariette Kammerer To book a private consultation with Mariette call 203-505-3660

lifechanges with mariette

2014 Monthly Conscious Living Events Thursday, May 29, 2014 7�� - 8�� “Reset Your Work and Business Path”

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Join Mariette on the Radio Every Monday From 9 - 10 PM

Life Changes with Mariette is about conquering adversity in life, learning from setbacks, and making changes. Our focus is on: Change, Health and Wellness, Personal Growth, Career, and Taking Action. Featuring great local and national professionals and experts who have the skills to connect with people.

New on Lifechanges! “happyhour on air”

Tune in on the 3rd Monday of each month from 9-10 �� for lively discussions and to be part of the show!

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Contact Mariette at 203-505-3660 if you have special services or treatments that you eNaturalAwakenings.com want us and our audience to knowMay about.

2014

37

Rejuvenation and Healing

Over 25 years providing expert naturopathic solutions for: • Immune strength • Gastrointestinal health • Detoxification • Healthy weight • Increased vitality • Hormonal support • Mental clarity, neurotransmitter and mood balance

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www.AlbaThermalImaging.com 38

Fairfield County Edition

I

n 1886, Dr. William Murrell stated in the British Medical Journal, “Massage is of such inestimable value in the treatment of many intractable diseases that it is regretted that so little is known about it in this country, and that it is so rarely employed as a therapeutic agent.”

A 2013 survey by the American Massage Association (AMTA) showed that a majority of us are choosing massage therapy to treat such conditions as stress and pain management, according to Winona Bontrager, the association’s immediate past president. Of 1,007 adults surveyed, 75 percent opted for it within the previous year for stress or medical reasons, and 88 percent view massage as effective for pain relief.

“A growing body of evidence shows that massage therapy can be effective for a variety of health conditions,” reports Bontrager, adding that massage is rapidly becoming recognized as an important part of health and wellness.

Cody Landis, a licensed massage therapist and instructor at the Swedish Institute’s College of Health Sciences, in New York City, explains, “In the last few

natural awakenings

years, massage therapy research has been focusing more on the mechanisms by which the potential health benefits may be occurring—looking at the response of the brain, the immune system and the mechanisms of repair inside of muscle cells themselves.”

Relieves Stress

An AMTA survey reported that 32 percent of positive respondents used massage to relieve stress, and numerous recent studies have confirmed this.

Research from Harvard Medical School shows that massage reduces pain and anxiety while increasing sleep and quality of life among metastatic cancer patients. Boston Medical Center researchers saw similar results among 60 cancer patients that underwent port placement surgery; 20-minute massages before and after surgery reduced participants’ stress and anxiety.

Australian researchers reporting in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that massage reduced pain, anxiety and muscle tension following heart surgery among 152 cardiac surgery patients. A study from Japan’s Toho University School of

Pharmaceutical Sciences showed that aromatherapy massage significantly reduced psychological stress among elderly nursing home residents.

Reduces Depression

A study from Nashville’s Meharry Medical College of 43 HIV patients revealed that Swedish massage reduced their symptoms of depression. Lead researcher Russell Poland, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, observes, “When we designed the study, we didn’t expect to see such a large effect of massage. We remain surprised.”

The benefit was echoed by a University of California-Los Angeles study of 95 volunteers that displayed increases in their production of oxytocin hormone simultaneous with reductions in adrenocorticotropin hormone. Oxytocin is linked to compassion, empathy, maternal affection and social connection, while lowered adrenocorticotropin effects less stress.

Relieves Pain

Researchers in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Brazil’s University of Sao Paulo studied 46 birthing women and determined that lumbar massage during labor reduced pain by 27 percent. In another study at Beijing’s Chinese PLA General Hospital, deep massage brought relief to 64 patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

Relief was reported by a third of 110 headache patients in a Turkish medical school study. Dhaka Medical College Hospital, in Bangladesh, found similar results in a study of 500 headache sufferers, many of which had

migraines. Research from the University of Miami’s School of Medicine showed that massage reduced arthritis pain and increased both grip strength and range of motion among 42 rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Lead researcher Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of Miami University’s Touch Research Institute, says, “We have known that massage therapy reduces substance P, [a neuropeptide] which causes pain, and that it increases serotonin, the body’s natural pain killer.

We also know that deep sleep is critical to lowering substance P, increasing serotonin and reducing pain.”

Expands Acceptance

Lucy Liben, dean of massage therapy at the Swedish Institute, affirms the recent research as evidence documenting the numerous health benefits of massage therapy. “More and more consumers are seeking massage therapy for help with a variety of medical issues and conditions. Doctors are increasingly referring patients for such treatment and hospitals are enlisting more therapists to provide care for patients,” says Liben.

“Perhaps most importantly,” she adds, “research is offering us guidance in our work as massage therapists in how to provide the most effective care for chronic pain or musculoskeletal problems, during cancer treatment, during the changes of pregnancy or for any number of other health-related issues.”

Case Adams is a California naturopath and author of 25 books on natural healing. Learn more at CaseAdams.com.

What Researchers Now Know Breast Cancer: A French study of 129 breast cancer patients found massage generally reduced lymphedema, a swelling of the lymphatic system, following treatments. The total reduction of lymphedema volume was 33 percent among those receiving massages, according to Gynecologic Oncology.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Thirty minutes of massage with trigger point reduced symptoms and improved function in a study of 21 carpal tunnel patients (Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies).

Constipation: Massage therapy increased the average number of bowel movements among 33 hospitalized Korean children, as reported in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.

Dementia: Research from Spain’s Extremadura University on 120 institutionalized elderly adults diagnosed with dementia found massage therapy generally helped improve behavior and sleep.

Migraines: Craniosacral massage reduced migraine occurrence in a study of 20 migraine sufferers from Iceland’s University of Akureyri, as published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

Osteoporosis: A study of 48 postmenopausal women receiving traditional Thai massage showed increased bone formation after just four weeks. The massage group’s serum P1NP levels—which assesses bone formation—increased by 15 percent, while the control group saw no increases (BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine).

Stroke: Massage therapy tended to speed rehabilitation after strokes for 45 Russian patients in a study published in Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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bodyworkprofiles Beyond Touch/Roberta Russell

Beth Prins Leas

19 Long Ridge Rd, Redding 203-438-2354 Thrive@Beyond-Touch.com Beyond-Touch.com

In person - Norwalk and Ridgefield locations; sessions also available by phone 203-856-9566 Beth@BethLeas.com BethLeas.com

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

My early desire to help others feel well was reawakened after a personal experience with illness and journey toward true health.

When I realized my well-being was my responsibility, I was guided toward holistic practitioners.

Practice Summary/Wellness services offered: Shift happens when the pain of staying where you are is greater than the pain of change. My powerful transformative healing sessions help you in moving from here to there – physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

Roberta Russell Certifications: CT licensed massage therapist, second degree Usui Reiki, polarity therapy (RPP Level), reflexology, intrinsic coaching. Training: Re-evaluation counseling, Emotional Freedom Techniques, Law-of-Attraction Wealth practitioner, Quantum Touch, Matrix Energetics, Biosonic Repatterning.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

My own healing journey helped Beth Prins Leas me to understand the power of energy healing and meditation. It’s an ongoing process, and as a practitioner/teacher, my focus is on empowering you through the use of self-help techniques.

How long have you been practicing?

Since 1999.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

I am a Reiki master/teacher/practitioner, Jin Shin Jyutsu selfhelp instructor and practitioner, and IET master.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

Enhancing clients’ energy flow is my underlying intention, whether during a massage, energy healing or coaching session. My ideal client is open to this approach and takes an active role in her own wellness journey.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

Clients report feeling deeply relaxed, with more ease and comfort in their bodies and minds. Often they gain new positive perspective and feel more balanced and whole.

Many clients experience a deepening connection with spirit.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

I often work intuitively and create a “safe space” as I assist clients in manifesting their desired changes through bodywork and/or coaching. I love witnessing my clients’ re-awakenings toward a more joyful and healthier life!

How long have you been practicing?

I have been a lifelong intuitive and meditator for 35 years. I have worked extensively over the past 22 years using energy healing with adults and children of all ages - in medical settings and my own private practice Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

I love helping people heal on all levels – whether it’s from broken bones or broken hearts. My special area of expertise is women’s health, including fertility, pregnancy, life-challenging illnesses, menopause and spiritual transformation.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

You can expect to be fully supported in your healing process as I work with you to energetically release what is holding you back and help you open to receive your heart’s desire.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

All healing comes from within. The greatest gift a wellness practitioner can offer is supporting you in tapping into your unlimited healing reservoirs. I am dedicated to empowering you to live life well.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

bodyworkprofiles Claudia Larsson, LMT

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If you are feeling hopeless, there are things you can do right now to restore love and connection.

Worden Wellness Center, 41 Kenosia Ave, Danbury 203-748-8093 Claudia@WordenWellnessCenter.com WordenWellnessCenter.com • ncbtmb.com Practice Summary: Therapeutic massage, Swedish massage, energy body work, craniosacral work, Reiki master, aromatherapy.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

After studying energy medicine, it became clear that a “hands on” Claudia Larsson modality was the way to go. As a massage therapist, I see my massage and body work as a way of sharing my gifts in service to each client’s well-being.

How long have you been practicing?

I have been practicing for three years.

This is not couples counseling.

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What training and/or certifications do you have?

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work in several states. My training includes aromatherapy self study since 2007, energy medicine at Kom I Balans in Sweden, 2007-2011, therapeutic massage at prestigious Cortiva Institute in New Jersey in 2012 (formerly Somerset School of Massage Therapy), Dr. Upledger’s CranioSacral I in 2013. Reiki master under the direction of Master Elly Kukk, Brookfield in 2013.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

I have an integrated approach to massage therapy, as I use many different modalities within each session. I also produce my own line of custom-blended shea butter massage cream, and incorporate aromatherapy into all my work.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

My role is to facilitate health and healing as I work with each person’s body rhythm and unlock his or her natural capacity to heal. My mission is to honor each client and provide healing and balance on all levels of consciousness; mind, body, spirit. Each client will receive a thorough assessment on the first visit and then very detailed work that will address his or her issues, using various modalities.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

I truly love what I do and have studied under some notable instructors with many years of clinical experience. I am a mother of five amazing children and am a lifetime student!

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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bodyworkprofiles Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Rob and Marianne Durr 143 Danbury Rd, Brookfield 203-775-2244 HandandStone.com Wellness services offered: An introductory one-hour massage is $49.95, as is a classic facial. A full body, hot stone massage is $69.95 as an introductory offering. Membership is on a month-to-month basis at $59.95 a month, with either a one-hour massage or facial to choose from. Add-on services include energy work, cold stone face massage that can help with sinus issues and hair removal with a soy-based product.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

Hand & Stone’s mission is to make people feel good. Nothing is more important, especially at a time when so many people really want to become healthier.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

All Hand & Stone therapists are employees of the company and are licensed/certified in their specialties.

How long have you been in business?

Hand & Stone opened in Brookfield in September 2013 and has established itself as an affordable go-to destination for relaxation for busy people of all ages. Owners Rob and Marianne Durr also own another award-winning Hand & Stone spa in Poughkeepsie, NY. What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

We’re here to support our clients and make it possible for relaxation to be a regular part of their lives. Part of our business model is to make the spa experience more convenient and affordable for people.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

Our goal is to focus on delivering great and affordable massage, facial and hair-removal services. We want people to be able to relax and support the global movement toward better health.

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natural awakenings

Janet Anne Stevens, LMT 3 Women’s Wellness Odyssey Chiropractic & Wellness Center 158 Danbury Rd, Ste 3, Ridgefield 203-300-3927 JanetAStevens@gmail.com Facebook.com/3Women’sWellness

Practice Summary/Wellness services offered: General massage/MFR/intuitive therapy practice with focus on treating trauma victims, adolescent stress, preemies in the NICU.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

My mission has always been to treat the whole person and help open Janet Anne Stevens the door for his or her self-healing.

It has been a calling with a deep commitment and sometimes huge urgency (Ground Zero, Newtown).

What training and/or certifications do you have?

Licensed massage therapist (studied at The Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge MA), intuitive therapist, Reiki and myofascial release certified, doula with prenatal and perinatal massage certification.

How long have you been practicing?

I have been practicing for more than 20 years.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

Treating trauma victims (sexual assault, events such as those on September 11 or in Newtown), adolescent stress, preemies, preparing mothers and couples for and assisting with the birth of their child.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

To feel perfectly comfortable and secure with me treating them, whether it is physical body work or energy/intuitive work. I can also do the intuitive sessions from a distance (i.e., client may be in CA or London).

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

That I love, love, love what I do.

bodyworkprofiles

2014 LADIES GOLF CLASSIC Monday, June 16

Kim Staffieri By appointment on Thursdays, SOUND, Newtown 203-525-3541 TheCordofLife@gmail.com

Schedule 7:45 am Registration & Breakfast 9:00 am Shotgun Start Lunch At the turn during play

Kim Staffieri

Practice Summary/Wellness services offered: Reiki sessions and aromatherapy consultations/education, placenta encapsulation for postpartum recovery. Spring specials: For May and June, come to SOUND on a Thursday and choose between a mini Reiki session (20 minutes for $20, including a sample set of essential oils) or Reiki energy balancing in combination with essential oil chakra balancing (45 minutes for $45).

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

I was drawn to a career in health because of the opportunity to connect with and empower individuals on their journey to a holistic wellness mindset and lifestyle.

Awards Banquet (Following Play)

Raffles & Auction Prizes!

Richter Park Golf Course Danbury, CT

Tournament Format Best Two Balls of Foursome Net & Gross Individual Prizes All Play from Red Tees

$175 per golfer

Proceeds to benefit Ann’s Place, Inc. • 501(c)(3) non-profit agency

see website for sponsorship opportunities and registration forms.

Questions? 203-790-6568

www.annsplace.org

Ann’s Place provides free comfort and support to people living with cancer and to their loved ones.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

Reiki Level II practitioner, essential oil educator, placenta encapsulation specialist, postpartum doula, registered nurse.

How long have you been practicing?

10 years as a NICU nurse, three years as a holistic wellness educator.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

I especially love working with women who have embarked on the journey of aligning with their authentic self. It is an honor to witness women step into their power as they reconnect with their unique gifts, passions, and purpose.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

In the first session, a client can expect to experience a feeling of relaxation, release and being grounded in the physical body while also connected to something bigger than oneself. Over time, one may see old patterns and limiting thoughts fall away and be replaced with an expanded, more positive perspective.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

My passion is supporting individuals in a manner that holistically encompasses their physical, emotional, spiritual and energetic dimensions so they can strengthen their connection to their true self and progress on their journey of discovering and living their life purpose. eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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bodyworkprofiles Laura Carlson Massage

Limitless Potential

789 N Park Ave, Redding 203-885-7353 lauraCarlson@optonline.net Facebook.com/LauraCarlsonMassageLLC

Nina Antolino, RYT, RMT, MBA Norwalk • 914-393-9221 NAntolino@aol.com • Limitless-Potential.net

Practice Summary/ Wellness services offered: I offer relaxing, nourishing and restorative therapeutic massage, integrating Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point and myofascial techniques. Massage parties, group events and chair massage are also available.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

In my work, I am able to help clients feel more relaxed, gain body awareness, feel less pain and experience nurturing touch. Who wouldn’t want to do this for others?

What training and/or certifications do you have?

I am nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and licensed by the State of Connecticut as a massage therapist.

How long have you been practicing?

I have been practicing as a licensed massage therapist since June 2010.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

Many of us have families, jobs and activities to which we give most of our attention; finding the right moment to do something for ourselves is not always easy. Renewing our energies and discovering ways to renew ourselves is so important. We all deserve to be nurtured and to allow ourselves time to be still, to breathe and to restore balance.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

After a confidential consultation at your first session where we will review your current health and concerns, your goals for self-care and your preferences, we will customize an approach to address your massage needs.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’readers to know about you and your work?

Nurturing touch can have a powerful effect on your overall sense of well-being, in addition to relieving pain, stimulating circulation, increasing joint range of motion and improving clarity of mind, focus and sleep.

44

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Nina Antolino

Practice Summary/Wellness services offered: Coaching and wellness programs, emphasis on women’s empowerment and wellness. The services offer an integrative approach to personal and professional development through Reiki, life coaching, yoga, meditation, women’s empowerment workshops, mind/body support groups, educational seminars and more.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

After spending 10 years in corporate training and professional development, my career ended with a stressrelated chronic illness. It set me on a path to self-healing and self-empowerment, which sparked my passion to empower others and help them recognize their own healing potential.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

Reiki Master, certified empowerment life coach, certified interdisciplinary yoga instructor, mindfulness meditation practitioner, MBA. How long have you been practicing? 15 years.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

Integrative Reiki and coaching sessions to facilitate greater healing and personal transformation. Stress-related illness, anxiety, chronic fatigue, acute and chronic pain, fertility issues and women’s WELL (Wellness, Empowerment, Leadership, Learning) programs.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

Women feel fully supported and empowered as they experience customized wellness strategies with a champion by their side.

As an intuitive healer and coach, I understand the power of guiding a client to her own inner wisdom, releasing energetic blocks to promote healing, and facilitating the motivation and commitment necessary to achieve her limitless potential.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

I am so passionate about this work because I get to witness the amazing healing potential that each woman possesses within her. I feel blessed to be able to share mind/body/spirit tools and help women achieve more than they ever believed was possible.

bodyworkprofiles Ridley-Lowell Massage School 24 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury 203-797-0551 • DBAdmissions@Ridley.edu • Ridley.edu

Practice Summary/Wellness services offered: Ridley-Lowell is a well-established career school with undergraduate education in massage therapy. You can gain the practical, hands-on training to become a massage therapist and qualify to sit for the exam and, upon passing, apply for licensure.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

Our instructors have more than 50 years of experience in the industry and offer a wide range of competencies.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

The full-time day program takes nine months while the parttime evening program takes 16 months. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. On-site tutoring is available.

Career Services offers lifetime placement assistance to graduates. Monthly continuing education workshops are offered on campus to LMTs.

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How long have you been practicing?

Ridley-Lowell has been in the business of education since 1850. With campuses in New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island, each year hundreds of graduates pass the exam and begin their career as licensed massage therapists.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

It is a diverse 900-hour program including Eastern and Western modalities. Ridley-Lowell develops careers in medical and sports massage as well as in spa services.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

Ridley-Lowell will equip you with knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, therapeutic massage, spa services, sports and medical massage and the legal and ethical issues related to massage therapy. As a licensed massage therapist, you can seek employment opportunities in a wide range of settings, including salons, spas, resorts, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, athletics departments, fitness centers and more.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

Ridley-Lowell is a small private school that is family oriented. Classes are small with a lot of personal attention.

The learning leaders are always on hand to further develop skills after school as well as organized participation in many regional events.

PLU # 75047

145 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT

Soul Focus Mela Rispoli 203-570-3868 mrispoli2@aol.com

Do you want to create vibrant health?

Do you want to empower yourself & uplift others?

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For more information contact: Connie at: TrueHealthTrueWealth@aol.com or call: 203 913 8118 eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

45

bodyworkprofiles Robin Ordan LMT

Ronna Brier

2001 West Main St, Ste 100C, Stamford 203-561-8535 OrdanR@hotmail.com RobinOrdanlmt.com

Newtown Hypnosis 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown 203-641-5481 NewtownHypnosis.com

Robin Ordan

Practice Summary/Wellness services offered: I utilize multiple massage techniques in my practice specializing in: craniosacral, Swedish, trigger point and pregnancy massage and Reiki.

I teach infant, couples, labor and delivery massage courses. I consult and provide in-service training to hospice programs, childcare facilities and nursing homes regarding the use of touch.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

Being able to share my bodywork skills to facilitate physical and emotional healing is a great honor. I enjoy the collaborative process of partnering with people and helping them learn how to heal and take better care of themselves.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

I graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy. I am certified in prenatal massage, Reiki and as an infant and child massage instructor. I am certified in CranioSacral Therapy I. How long have you been practicing? More than 20 years What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

After our session, you will feel happier than when you arrived, a sense of peace, calm and relaxation will permeate your body and spirit. The first session or two is a collaborative process. I have to come to know your body and what techniques you respond to best. You facilitate my understanding by providing me verbal and non-verbal feedback. Massage therapy has a cumulative effect on the body. If you use massage on a regular basis, each consecutive massage lasts for a longer period of time allowing you to feel that sense of calm, flexibility and improved range of motion for increasingly longer periods.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

I am passionate about massage therapy and committed to sharing its powerful benefits as well as my knowledge about touch and touch research.

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Practice Summary/Wellness services offered: Newtown Hypnosis offers clients energy healing techniques as well as hypnosis. With hypnosis, our services range from changing behaviors to metaphysical hypnosis.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

On my quest to extend my learning beyond the traditional knowledge of behavior, I embarked on Ronna Brier a search for a more positively focused, naturalistic understanding of human behavior by studying Shamanism and Usui Reiki. The desire to help people create positive change in their habits, behavior and lives led me to pursue studies in hypnosis.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

I hold a Master of Psychology degree and am being certified in Past Life Regression Therapy with Brian Weiss, M.D. and a certified consulting hypnotist. I am also a Usui Reiki Master and practice shamanic healing techniques and metaphysical hypnosis.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

Hypnosis is a form of deep relaxation, a meditative state.

An interview is conducted in which the client and I discuss concerns, issues or interests, depending on the reason for the visit. A one-hour session then follows.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

My work is multi-faceted and can bring feelings of peace, harmony, acceptance and change to a client. What I do promotes healing on a natural level, a level in which change is not a temporary state but one that is lasting and strong. I will be holding an informative workshop on at 10am and 6pm, May 21.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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petbriefs DAWS Community Open House May 18

O

The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

n May 18, Danbury Animal Welfare Society will open its doors from 1 to 5pm to anyone who has ever been curious about who the organization is and what it does. The public is invited to stop by, tour the DAWS shelter and learn how the rescue organization helps dogs and cats find their forever-homes. Interested individuals can also find out how they might help DAWS through many volunteer opportunities. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Past adopters are encouraged to stop by and let DAWS know how their pet is doing.

Location: 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. For more information, call 203-744-DAWS (3297) or email DAWS@DAWS.org.

Treat Truck Tour in FFC May 2-7

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he Best Friends Pet Care Treat Truck is back on tour again in Connecticut. The mobile source of canine fun will be in Fairfield County from May 2 through May 7 and elsewhere in the state until May 20.

Check the schedule and bring your dog for free treats, doggy ice cream and fun!

Best Friends Pet Care’s flagship center opened in 1996 in Norwalk. They offer various activities and services for dogs and cats, including boarding, day camp, training and grooming.

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@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

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For more information, visit BestFriendsPetCare.com.

Cassio Pet Resort Hosting Doggie Fun Zone

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ewtown’s Cassio Pet Resort will host a Doggie Fun Zone from May 3 to May 21 featuring a timed event competition with dogs chasing an elusive lure down straight-aways and around soft corners through an irregularly-shaped course. Dogs will traverse through, jump over or crawl under various scaled-down agility obstacles. The challenge course is designed for all temperament and size dogs, from Miniature Dachshunds to Great Danes. This event requires no prior training or experience.

For a $12 fee, a dog can run the course twice, once for practice and once for time.

All proceeds from the runs benefit Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) and Spay & Neuter Association of Newtown.

Location: Route 173 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Newtown. Open 9 am – dusk each day. For more information, call 203-426-2881 or visit CassioPetResort.com.

natural awakenings

Sinking Reptiles

World Turtle Day Sounds Alarm Since 2000, people around the globe have celebrated World Turtle Day, held this year on May 23, to increase respect for and knowledge of the world’s oldest creatures.

Susan Tellem, co-founder with Marshall Thompson of American Turtle Rescue (ATR), states, “These gentle animals have been around for about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of the exotic food industry, habitat destruction and the cruel pet trade.” They believe that turtles may be extinct within 50 years and suggest ways to increase their chances for survival for future generations: n Never buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop; it increases

demand from the wild. n Never remove turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they

are sick or injured. n If a tortoise is crossing a street, pick it up and gently place

it on the other side in the same direction it was headed. n Write legislators about keeping sensitive habitats pre-

served. n Report cruelty or illegal sales to a local animal control

T LC Dog Trainer In-Home Dog Training

Puppy Education • Basic Obedience Targeted Behaviors • Behavior Modi�ication

D���� G������, ����, ����, �� D�� B������� C��������� gleasondonna@gmail.com www.tlcdogtrainer.com

Call for a FREE evaluation and consultation 203-241-4449

Training • LOV E • Commitment

shelter. n Report the sale of any turtle or tortoise less than four

inches long, which is illegal throughout the U.S. For more information, visit Tortoise.com or Facebook.com/ AmericanTortoiseRescue.

Pet Awareness & Adoption at Beardsley Zoo

Bout ique Dog Resort & Spa

WHOLISTIC PET SERVICES

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orwalk animal rescue group Pet Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Bridgeport’s Beardsley Zoo are teaming up for the Zoo’s Pet Awareness and Adoption Day on May 17.

The Zoo will host experts on pet care and safety, and present crafts for kids. PAWS volunteers and other local rescues will be on hand with animals available for adoption.

Location: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport

When nature has work to be done, she creates a genius to do it. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Boarding, Daycare and Grooming Training, Socialization and Long Trail Hikes Holistic Nutrition and Remedies Cooking Lessons and Catering

203-542-0910 www.wholisticpetservice.com loukia @ wholisticpetservice.com Wholistic Pet Services-K9 Resort & Spa eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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Sentient Horse:

The Human Horse Partnership

by Jennifer McDermott

N

o matter what stage of life we are in, the “Aha!” moment resonates with the greatest force.

It is especially so when the source is surprising and unexpected. The experience invigorates us and invites us to go further down a path we may have

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never known existed. In the Year of the Horse, exploring man’s relationship with Equus will cast light on what it is to be human. The horse is a conscious being capable of creating change in the human mind and body. Why the horse? Why did this 1,000-pound prey

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animal come off the plains away from their herd and join man thousands of years ago? Why do they remain “the unusual, unsuspecting, unassuming” teacher and healer today to the many who have sought out their wisdom and touch? It is the horse’s journey with man that helps define him as a sentient being. Though they are silent, it is their actions that demonstrate their unique consciousness.

To understand the partnership that evolves between man and horse, consider a brief history. Animal behaviorist Temple Grandin cites sociability both within the herd and on the plains as the reason for first contact nearly 4,000 years ago. Some might see curiosity and others will look at the horse’s lack of ego for the survival of the herd. All of these qualities inherent in the horse drew it to man in hope of finding something worth knowing.

By understanding the communication piece, man caused the horse to stay.

It was cited long ago that a common language could be built through a series of cues. As early as 346 B.C., the great horseman Xenophon writes about the intelligence of the horse. He notes a forced horse, through whip and spur, is not unlike a ballet dancer taught by the same abusive hand. We can expect only so much beauty and fluidity to come through. Horses learn as humans do, understanding the concept of reward. As they seek safety in the herd, they are remarkable students who value acceptance. The horse will seek out leadership from man, a predator.

Horse lives in the moment. A horse trusts the authenticity of their intuitive selves and they do not break from it or mask it like us humans. Nature dictates a predator has means to compromise its life, but if the horse senses fairness and calm, it will follow. When it senses no danger, there is no danger. When horses sense goodness, they want to be a part of it. Horses are truly mirrors. So how does this help with the human journey?

Equus takes our core energy, our inner authentic self and shows it to us whether we want to see it or not whether we understand it or not. They can help us come to an understanding of ourselves, and from there, healing can begin. It is also this unbridled honesty and aware-

ness that enables a high-energy polo pony to quiet down when a disabled child is placed on its back. It is this inner understanding that allows seriously abused horses to exhale deeply and go where no human thought possible alongside a kind and gentle leader.

The sentient being waits patiently for our aha moment and will take us on a journey of a lifetime if we allow for the discovery of what lies within.

Jennifer McDermott has been around horses since the age of ten. Her exploration of horse energy began while rehabilitating horses in Fairfield County over 12 years ago. In her equine Reiki practice, she approaches equine rehabilitation with nutrition, bodywork and positive reinforcement teaching. She lives in Guilford and devotes herself to the rehabilitation of the Off the Track Thoroughbred.

Since 2008, we have rescued more than 1000pure and mixed breed dogs and cats from death row and placed them in foster and forever homes!

We are a foster-based, no-kill rescue dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, neglected, and abused animals by providing a safe refuge, rehabilitation, and permanent homes.

Please

ADOPT • FOSTER • DONATE • VOLUNTEER www.TheLastResortRescue.com • TheLastResortRescue@gmail.com The Last Resort is a 501(c) non-profit, volunteer-run organization.

UNLEASH YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL Fetch new customers by advertising in Natural Awakenings’ Monthly Section Naturally Healthy Pet.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2014

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naturalpet

Pain-Free Pooch Five Natural Therapies that Work

by Jennifer Kachnic

Because dogs won’t always let us know when they’re hurting, some people assume they don’t experience pain the same way we do, but that’s not the case. Instincts retained from their wild heritage will generally prompt them to hide pain as it’s a sign of weakness.

T

he truth is that arthritis and muscle or joint injuries are just as uncomfortable for dogs as they are for us, and many canine illnesses generate significant pain. While conventional medications can ease discomfort, they’re not the only or even the best options in many cases.

Alternative therapies can be helpful in managing and relieving pain and work best as part of a whole-body wellness program designed for a dog’s individual needs. To that end, always consult with an integrative veterinarian before starting any new treatment. Together, practitioner and owner will note that some of the following modalities may be contraindicated in some situations—for example, massage should never be performed on or near a tumor.

Canine Massage: Dogs love massage because they crave being touched.

Physical contact from another being provides a calming effect and brings comfort. Skin, the largest sense organ in the body, is loaded with sensory receptors and nerve endings that register touch, temperature and pain, and send information to the brain. Massage

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therapy relaxes muscles and also stimulates endorphins, increases circulation, elevates oxygen levels, flushes toxins, helps with inflammation, strengthens the immune system and accelerates healing. All of these benefits can contribute to effective pain management.

Acupuncture and Acupressure: Both of these time-honored modalities are based on the concept of keeping vital energy flowing through the body and seek to stimulate key points along the energy meridians beneath the skin. Acupuncture involves the insertion of small needles at these points, while acupressure uses fingers to apply pressure to the same points. Both modalities are widely known to assist in managing pain and anxiety.

Energy Healing: Here, the practitioner improves the flow of energy in an animal’s body using a range of gentle and powerful natural therapies. During a treatment, the trained healer sends subtle energy through the hands to promote physical and emotional balance and healing. While conventional medicine follows the belief that treatments for disease or injury must be strictly biological, energy medicine works to restore

natural awakenings

the patient’s health by treating the mind, body and spirit in nonphysical ways.

Energy healing modalities available for dogs include Reiki, qigong, Healing Touch and Tellington Touch.

Cold Laser Therapy: Developed more than 20 years ago, cold laser therapy has become a popular alternative treatment around the world for aches and pains in dogs. It directs highly concentrated coherent light waves to muscles, tissues and organs, reducing inflammation and muscle spasms. It’s also applied to disc and other spine-related issues. Low-level cold laser therapy is painless, noninvasive and takes only minutes. The effects are similar to those provided by non-steroidal medications, with negligible negative side effects.

Hydrotherapy: The benefits of swimming are renowned. When dogs swim, they feel a resistance to movement, which makes a vigorous fiveminute swim virtually equivalent in energy expended to a five-mile run.

Some dogs like swimming even better than running. Hydrotherapy, which includes exercise on an underwater treadmill combined with swimming, is particularly helpful. The effect on senior dogs is especially dramatic, affording them a painless and enjoyable way to move about and exercise.

Water’s natural buoyancy supports the dog, lessens stress on joints, facilitates greater movement and provides a safe and healthful form of exercise for those suffering injuries, disease or pain.

The best choice of therapies for an individual animal will depend on the dog’s condition and recommendations by the family veterinarian. Selected and practiced properly, these complementary modalities can make a major impact in a canine’s physical and emotional well-being, while minimizing or even eliminating the need for medications.

Jennifer Kachnic is the author of Your Dog’s Golden Years: Manual for Senior Dog Care Including Natural Remedies and Complementary Options. She is a certified canine massage therapist, animal Reiki practitioner and certified therapy dog handler with the American Humane Association. Learn more about this president of The Grey Muzzle Organization at GreyMuzzle.org.

Crystals can help with many situations including: • Chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, cancer and Addison’s disease • Joint problems stemming from arthritis in the spine, knees and hips • Convalescing from injury or surgery • Grieving • Behavioral problems • Adjusting to new situations, whether it involves a loss or addition, such as a new home, spouse, baby, other pets, job or job hours • Preparing to cross over • Preventive wellness care

Crystal Therapy for Pets

by Mary Oquendo

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form of vibrational medicine, crystal therapy works on the principle of entrainment. The principle states that entrainment is the tendency for two vibrating bodies to lock into synchronization so they vibrate in harmony. All crystals have a measureable and stable dominant vibrational rate as do all living beings. However, the latter are subject to environmental factors such as bacteria, stress, diet, viruses and other negative influences. Therefore, they operate at the lesser vibrational rate and not at peak efficiency. As a result, illness and disease can take hold of most living beings, including pets.

Choosing the proper crystal or crystals can entrain an unhealthy body back up to harmony. A body in harmony can then begin the healing process. Crystal therapy can be used for humans as well as for beloved pets. Crystals work on any animal as well as in any environment. The energies of the crystals are consistent and gentle. On occasion, a pet may even choose the crystals they wish to work with.

There are many ways to use the therapeutic properties of crystals. Place larger clusters around the home near their bedding, on the outside of cages and aquariums or in the corners of stalls. Attach crystal charms to or wrap crystals around their collars. Consider having a crystal necklace made for your pet. Encircle your pet with small clusters or polished crystals. Put polished stones in a drawstring bag and place the stones and bag under their bedding, attached to a cage, or anywhere above where they sleep such as a shelf.

Sew into halters, bedding, pillows, sweaters or other articles of pet clothing. Whenever possible, locate a crystal therapist who makes house calls because pets respond better in their own environment.

There are some safety considerations when using crystals. They may pose a choking risk if the pet were to swallow one. Many crystals contain heavy metals and the swallowed stone would also be poisonous. Placing crystals in an aquarium may also leach heavy metals into the water; make sure this does not become drinking water. Crystals will work from a short distance, so it is not necessary for them to be on the pet or within their reach. If you decide on crystal necklaces, make sure they are made from elastic for smaller animals and thin wire for larger. This is because if the collar becomes caught on something, you want it to break.

Crystals are living energies from the earth and should be treated with care and respect. Be careful when you store them, as many are fragile. Crystals like to sit on windowsills, but brightly colored ones may fade in direct sunlight. Moonlight, especially a full moon, is safe for all as the moon’s energies are gentler. Most crystals can be cleansed under running water, but those with a Mohs-scale hardness of less than five may break or dissolve. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is rated from one to 10 on the ability of one mineral to scratch another mineral. Softer stones may be cleansed with sage or Palo Santo.

By adding crystal therapy as a form of healing for your pet, you can help them heal and thrive physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Owner and stylist of Pawsitively Pretty Mobile Grooming Salon in Danbury, Mary Oquendo ACM, RM, is one of only 13 Certified Master Pet Tech Instructors worldwide. She is a Reiki master and certified crystal therapist. For more information, visit MaryOquendo.org. eNaturalAwakenings.com

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petbodyworkprofiles Hands and Paws-Reiki For All

Jennifer McDermott, RMT

375 Danbury Rd, New Milford 203-994-5308 • 203-994-1815 Mary@HandsandPawsReiki.com ReikiHandsandPaws@gmail.com HandsandPawsReiki.com

Equiflo, LLC 909 Goose Ln, Guilford 203-434-9505 • JenniferMcDermott@mac.com

Practice Summary/Wellness services offered: Reiki, IET and Crystal Therapy for people and animals, as well as educational and therapeutic workshops.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

For Pam, it was when modern medicine was not helping her son’s migraines. For Mary, it was because her beloved dog was not responding to modern veterinary treatment.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

Pam and Mary are Reiki masters and Level 3 IET practitioners. Mary is an advanced crystal master.

How long have you been practicing?

Pam for three years and Mary for eight.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

For Mary, it is crystals and working with animals.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

To be put on the path to wellness. It is an individual journey.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

That our focus is the wellness of the entire family, including pets.

Practice Summary/ Wellness services offered: I offer clinics and private consultations for people who are having problems with their horses, both mind and body. I address nutrition, bodywork and positive reinforcement teaching (PRT). I teach effective preventive practices that keep the vet at bay.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession?

I saw the effects of Reiki on humans and thought, “What about the horse?” Their energy fields are 10 times more sensitive than ours. I moved onto acupressure because it answers Reiki questions. PRT developed because of my work with Off the Track Thoroughbreds.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

Reiki master teacher certification. Acupressure II through Tallgrass Institute. Behavioral training with animal behaviorist Casey Sugarman and Anna Twinney. Nutritional training through Dr. Regan Golob and Eleanor Kellon, DVM How long have you been practicing? 10 years.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

I look to help with equine behavioral problems. I want sustainability, so I don’t believe in the band-aid approach.

My work with orphan foals and feral colts offered the realization of sound foundational work.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you?

I happily will do energy work and acupressure for your equine but I serve, my client better by putting the power of knowledge in their hands since they will be with their horse more than me. Whatever I do is customized to the horse and the human follows.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

I want people to walk away from meeting me with the realization that the horse is very different than what they thought. I want them to see the horse as a living, thinking being that makes choices and is always trying to communicate with us. I don’t want them to choose the path of least resistance but the path of partnership.

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petresourceguide Adoption/Rescue Animals in Distress Inc. 238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 Animals-In-Distress.com

Bridgeport Animal Control 236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport 203-576-7727

Bully Breed Rescue P.O. Box 953, New Canaan BBRct@yahoo.com BullyBreedRescueInc.org

Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297

Doggie Day Camp, Day Care, Training & Boarding

Pet Food & Health Supplies Earth Animal

606 Post Rd East, Westport 203-222-7173 • EarthAnimal.com

Dog Gone Smart 15 Cross St, Norwalk 203-838-7729 DogGoneSmart.com

Earth Animal has been the pioneer in the natural pet health industry for decades.

Fairfield County’s TOP The family-owned business canine center! We have sells its own veterinarianbeen serving pet lovers in formulated products for cats our area for more than 20 and dogs. These include years. Our staff consists of dog trainers and animal vitamins, organic herbal remedies and a natural Goldstein behavorists who work together to make Dog Gone flea and tick prevention program. Dr. Bob ® Smart a loving, safe, fun and happy home away from recently partnered with Bell&Evans to produce a hormone-and antibiotic-free line of Americanhome for your dog. See ad, page 49. treats. Earth Animal also sells raw Love yourselfmade first chicken and everything and dehydrated foods and organic home-cooking Passage East Boarding Kennels else falls intopre-mixes, line. Youplus really havequality treats, bones, toys, the best 499 Danbury Rd, Wilton to love yourself to get anything leashes, collars, beds, etc!

203-762-7998

done in this world. The Honest Kitchen Passage ~Lucille East has Ball 145 14th St, San Diego, CA

Friends of Felines, Inc.

PassageEastKennels.com Passage_East@sbcglobal.net

Pet Animal Welfare Society Inc. (PAWS)

been dedicated to caring for pets for more than 40 years and makes your dog feel like it never left home.

Passage East is a full-service dog boarding kennel. We offer daycare services, overnight boarding and full-service grooming.

P.O. Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org

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

Pet Protectors

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

Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue

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

SPCA of Connecticut Inc.

359 Spring Hill Rd, Monroe 203-445-9978 SPCAct.org

Strays and Others

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

Wholistic Pet Services Boutique Dog Resort & Spa East Norwalk • 203-542-0910 WholisticPetService.com Loukia@WholisticPetservice.com

866-437-9729 • TheHonestKitchen.com

The Honest Kitchen provides natural, human-grade pet food products for dogs and cats. Our gourmet recipes are 100% natural and gently dehydrated. See ad, page 50.

Veterinary Services

Wholistic Pet Services is a unique and “boutique” dogboarding and training resort in a private home with a fully fenced and landscaped garden. Furry guests receive good manners training, sleep on cotton sheets and Persian carpets and go for daily socialization and training hikes. Homemade holistic nutrition supplemented by herbal remedies and nutritional advice and cooking lessons available for health-conscious dog parents. See ad, page 49.

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic 25 Charles St, Stratford 203-690-1550 • NutmegClinic.org

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, highvolume facility for cats and dogs, the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services only during the spay/ neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/ neuter vouchers at face value from shelters and offers incentives for low-income families and rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome and the clinic offers discounts for feral cats to be spayed or neutered. See ad, page 51.

Tails of Courage

1 Pembroke Rd, Danbury 877-63-TAILS TailsOfCourage.org

Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA)

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

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.

You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world. ~Lucille Ball eNaturalAwakenings.com

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Not Just the Blues

Postpartum Mood Disorders are Common and Treatable

by Russell Turk, MD

W

hen a patient named Deborah gave birth in December 2008, it was anything but a joyous experience. Although her son was healthy, she began worrying excessively that something bad was going to happen to her newborn after she left the hospital. Worse yet, her thoughts centered on intentionally harming him.

Her symptoms were the telltale signs of a severe postpartum mood disorder. Because Deborah had several people involved with her care, including a doula and a supportive husband, her symptoms did not go unnoticed. She was referred to a psychiatrist who specializes in perinatal mental health issues to get through this difficult time. “Despite the

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best medical care and an amazing husband and community of family and friends, I still suffered tremendously,” she recalls.

In the days and weeks after giving birth, it is not uncommon for women to feel depressed, anxious, overwhelmed or even angry. New moms may cry for no apparent reason, have trouble sleeping, show little or no interest in eating or feel ambivalent about caring for their baby. The so-called “postpartum blues” are normal and often diminish in the first month or so.

However, some women like Deborah experience more severe, long-lasting symptoms characterized by intense feelings of sadness, anxiety or despair. In fact, roughly 15 percent of new mothers have postpartum depression, anxiety or psychosis that fall under the umbrella of mood disorders, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). That amounts to as many as 1 million women each year in the U.S., making this potentially serious disorder surprisingly prevalent.

It is crucial to recognize the warning signs and seek help as soon as possible. As symptoms become more severe, the risks to both mother and baby begin to rise. The feelings can deepen to the point of having irrational thoughts, delusions, and even psychotic episodes where reality is distorted. The symptoms may linger and become chronic in some women.

According to a January 2014 study published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, postpartum depression remains a longterm problem for 30 to 50 percent of women. Likewise, a 2013 study of 10,000 women conducted at Northwestern University in Chicago found that 14 percent of the women screened positive for depression. Of that group, nearly 20 percent said that they thought of harming themselves.

It is no wonder postpartum mood disorders are so common. After childbirth, new mothers deal with fluctuating hormones and sleep deprivation while recovering from the physical pain of labor and childbirth and facing the challenges of caring for and, in many cases, nursing a newborn. The hormones associated with breastfeeding (not unlike in menopause) can also exacerbate or prolong postpartum depression and anxiety.

Many women may already have a mood disorder history. The condition can be controlled without medication in some women, and they may choose to go off a particular treatment. Others decide it is best to continue or even start medication during pregnancy. Although the medications available to treat these disorders carry some risk, discontinuing medication may pose an even greater threat. The decision regarding medications is typically made in consultation with the patient, the obstetrician and a mental health professional whose relationship with the patient may predate the pregnancy.

A woman with a mood disorder entering or arising during a pregnancy is at increased risk for even more serious problems in the postpartum period. The Northwestern University study found that many women with postpartum depression experienced at least one episode of depression before becoming pregnant and also had a preexisting anxiety disorder.

After childbirth, new mothers deal with fluctuating hormones and sleep deprivation while recovering from the physical pain of labor and childbirth.

If there is no history of mood problems prior to pregnancy, the transition into actual depression may go unnoticed by both the patient and those around her. Women who experience mild depression after childbirth most likely don’t have a mental health professional to turn to. They call their OB/ GYN, who refers them to a psychiatrist.

However, many psychiatrists do not accept insurance, causing the patient to not follow up or end up paying out of pocket. Those who do will see a doctor they have never met. The obstetrician may feel comfortable restarting a previously prescribed medicine that was effective in the past. But, in many cases, the important and time-consuming psychological evaluation and the counseling that may help the condition, are more than can be provided in an OB/ GYN’s office.

If this sounds familiar, the first step is to call your OB/GYN to help determine whether you are experiencing normal postpartum blues or more serious symptoms. If you are a woman who has experienced depression or anxiety and are thinking about getting pregnant, broach the subject with your OB before you conceive. Talk to the mental health professional who has treated you in the past, so you can decide together whether your medication needs to be discontinued or tapered off.

Deborah received therapy and took medication and, in time, felt much better. She found and connected to an online community of mothers, which helped her find peace. “I felt for the first time since my son was born – and not

just from a doctor telling me – that I was not alone on my occasional forays to the dark side of this disease,” she says.

Four years later, those terrifying days are a distant memory. “I love being a mom so much I even had a second baby!” says Deborah. She helped create a nonprofit organization, Postpartum Progress, Inc., to help people better understand perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. “I am dedicated to raising awareness and funding to make sure all mothers recognize these postpartum illnesses, know that they are the most

common complication of childbirth, and know that they are temporary and treatable with professional help,” she emphasizes. “I want all mothers to feel safe to reach out for the help they need to get well and to be the best mothers they can be.”

Russell Turk, MD is the founder of Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology in Greenwich, CT, part of Stamford Health Integrated Practices, an affiliate of Stamford Hospital. Riversideobgyn.com. See ad, page 24.

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May 2014

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Common Problems, Simple Solutions Tackling Hair Loss and Other Frustrating Symptoms without Medication

by Susanne Saltzman, MD

When one door is

closed, don’t you know, another is open. ~Bob Marley

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s a general practitioner for more than 20 years, I’ve treated women with a myriad of problems.

One of the most common—and often easiest to cure—is hair loss. Although many menopausal women complain of thinning hair, younger women can suffer from this problem as well.

The power of protein When treating hair loss, it’s important to correct any thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis. (Yes, Hashimoto’s can be cured, as evidenced by my own case and those of many of my patients.) Once thyroid disorders are ruled out, I’ve found that one of the most common causes of hair loss in women is protein deficiency.

I’m not talking about serious protein deficiency diseases such as marasmus or Kwashiokor’s, often seen in children in developing countries, but subtler forms of protein deficiency in otherwise healthy individuals who are simply not getting enough animal foods in the diet.

I’ve found countless times that when a woman eats good-quality pro58

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

tein at every meal, her hair stops falling out (again, assuming any thyroid problems are corrected) and will even grow back. Good-quality protein includes grass-fed and organic beef, venison, buffalo, wild salmon and free-range chicken and eggs. Women should eat at least 3 to 5 ounces from a number of the above sources per meal, every day. In fact, I’ve found that eating a certain amount of red meat every week is often the key to healthy regrowth of hair.

Many other women come to me with various degenerative bone disorders and osteoporosis, which are often exacerbated by protein deficiency.

Bone is living tissue composed of protein (collagen) and minerals (hydroxyapatite). Taking calcium supplements is not sufficient if a woman’s diet lacks quality protein, an important part of bone matrix.

Balancing blood sugar Because I also emphasize prevention in my practice, another condition I watch for is prediabetes. I have an HgA1C done on most adults (measuring the

average blood sugar level for the past three months), and that number is often too high, as is high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker (since elevated blood sugar increases inflammation throughout the body). Although most physicians accept an HgA1C of 5.7 and below as normal (with 5.7-6.3 showing an increased risk of diabetes), I prefer an HgA1C of less than 5.4, ideally 5.0-5.2, because often in someone with an HgA1C over 5.4, that number creeps up over the years into the prediabetic range.

The cause of elevated blood sugar is usually a diet too high in carbohydrates; even too much fruit, whole grains and legumes will elevate blood sugar in many people. For these carbohydrate-sensitive individuals, I recommend a diet emphasizing protein (the animal foods listed above), goodquality fats (such as cooking with coconut oil, using olive oil on salads, eating avocados and raw nuts and seeds), and lots of vegetables (raw greens, lightly steamed cruciferous vegetables, etc.). Women and men will often lose body fat within a few months on such a diet. Their blood sugar will stabilize, too, although some people with a strong diabetes tendency (and usually a notable family history) will need supplements to help lessen insulin resistance (a forerunner to diabetes).

The facts about fat I also check body fat on many patients, since excess fat releases inflammatory substances that increase our risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Usually women and men will feel much better when their body fat is less than 30 percent and 25 percent, respectively. For my overweight and

obese patients, I use a fat-loss program that is highly effective for decreasing cravings, lowering blood pressure, stabilizing blood sugar and bringing cholesterol into healthy ranges, often without medications.

Of course, exercising and reducing stress (remember, we are human beings, not human doings!) are also important to overall health.

Homeopathy foR the whole person I find that homeopathic medicine is a powerful way to heal many chronic diseases, since it can reach deeply into the psyche and alleviate fears, worries and anxieties, as well as old, unconscious traumas that often contribute to chronic disease. Homeopathy is an extremely effective holistic medicine that treats the whole person. In homeopathy, it’s understood that someone’s mental and emotional states are just as important as his or her physical symptoms in the selection of the correct constitutional remedy.

As with most diseases, the way to a cure is often simple and does not require complicated, expensive tests and a myriad of supplements. Our bodies will perform magnificently if we just give them proper nutrition and care, and if we use remedies designed by nature to promote healing.

Susanne Saltzman, MD, has a family practice emphasizing homeopathy and functional medicine. Her office is located at 250 E. Hartsdale Ave. Ste. 22, Hartsdale, NY. For more info, call 914-472-0666 or visit HartsdaleHomeopathy.com. See ads, page 10 & 29.

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consciouseating

Funny Tummy?

Probiotic Foods Can Fix a Troubled Gut

by Kathleen Barnes

researchers at the University of California-Berkeley warn against long-term exposure to antibiotics through their widespread use in the dairy and meat industries. One animal study from Washington University, in St. Louis, showed that intestinal bacteria tend to extract more nutrients—and more calories—from the same foods when eaten by obese animals than when ingested by thinner ones. This helps explain why obese people tend to stay obese without heroic measures.

Gas, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation—each of these digestive issues indicates an imbalance of “good” and “bad” Good Food Solutions intestinal bacteria.

There is considerable agreement that

C

hronic digestive discomfort is distressingly common. More than 60 million Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), notes Dr. Mark Pimentel, director of the Gastrointestinal Motility Program at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, in Los Angeles, and author of A New IBS Solution.

Many are too embarrassed to mention it to their doctor, so they suffer silently and learn to live with it.

Multiple Culprits

While digestive distress can visit most of us occasionally, regular bouts have increased due to high-stress lifestyles and unhealthy diets, according to Dr. Dustin James, a St. Louis, Missouri, gastroenterologist and author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Digestive Health.

“Getting home late after a stressful day, eating a high-fat meal and then going to bed is a recipe for problems,” he says.

James advises a food-free interlude of four to six hours before bedtime and notes that prescription and over-thecounter heartburn medications can actually worsen the problem over time.

Pimentel, citing his own research, also suggests that even a minor case of food poisoning may unbalance digestive bacteria enough to cause problems for years. “We think food poisoning leads to bacterial overgrowth,” says Pimentel.

In his clinical experience, James says about 10 percent of IBS cases can be connected to the food poisoning theory. Although such cases are typically treated with an antibiotic, rifaximin, many experts ironically attribute bacterial overgrowth to the 60

Fairfield County Edition

use of antibiotics. All antibiotics, taken for any reason, indiscriminately kill both good and bad intestinal bacteria, ultimately creating unbalanced bacteria colonies in the digestive tract, says James. “There can be bad long-term effects,” he advises. James’ antibiotics theory is affirmed by a major Australian review of current research on the links between antibiotics and intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Sugar is another culprit as are antibiotics in dairy products and meats, which can also aggravate digestive problems. Sugar feeds the growth of unfriendly bacteria and yeast and antibiotics kill friendly bacteria, contributing to imbalances.

The U.S. obesity epidemic has even been linked to digestive problems.

In a study published in the journal Frontiers of Public Health,

natural awakenings

probiotics—live bacteria such as those contained in fermented foods like quality yogurt—help rebalance beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and ease ailments that include IBS. Due to U.S. food regulations, yogurt is routinely pasteurized, which kills its probiotic benefits; conscientious suppliers then add active digestive microorganisms, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, back into their products.

“Check yogurt labels for specific names of the species and a certification that it contains live cultures,” counsels Maria Marco, Ph.D., an assistant professor of food science at the University of California-Davis.

Coconut yogurt may be preferred by those with dairy-free diets. Dairy is acidforming and can be difficult to digest.

Many fermented foods can provide the same probiotics to ease digestive woes and restore a healthy balance of the right bacteria. Sauerkraut, rich in Lactobacillus and other strains of healthy bacteria, is at the top of the list.

It’s easy to make super-healthy sauerkraut at home with shredded organic cabbage and salt.

Other fermented foods to put high on a natural probiotic list include: miso, kefir, tempeh, soft cheese, kimchi, sour pickles and sourdough bread.

James recommends two daily servings of high-quality yogurt or other fermented foods to obtain the 2 to 5 billion live bacteria needed to restore gut health. “Every human is unique; try different products in search of what works,” he says.

Probiotic supplements may be more effective for people with serious digestive distress that need higher bacterial counts and the product label may provide specifics of the bacteria and strains. “For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a strain that has been proven to be effective against antibiotic-induced diarrhea,” Marco explains. High-quality probiotics usually require refrigeration to keep the bacteria alive.

In addition, there are many nonfermented foods, including certain juices, candies and energy bars, with specific strains of bacteria added that have probiotic effects.

Safe Digestive Relief In addition to fermented foods, these foods offer digestive relief.

Ginger: Safe enough to quell the nausea of early pregnancy, ginger can offer relief from nausea, gas and even colic in babies.

Kathleen Barnes is the author of a wide variety of natural health books including 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health, with Dr. Hyla Cass. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Peppermint Oil: A traditional remedy now validated by science, peppermint oil can relieve irritable bowels and heartburn. Consider enteric coated (acid resistant) capsules that can impact the small intestine, where relief is needed.

Simple Sauerkraut Recipe use a smaller canning jar loaded with marbles or stones.

It’s easy to make a healthy batch of sauerkraut in a glass quart canning jar in as little as three days.

Cover jar with a clean cloth or piece of cheesecloth and keep it in a cool place.

Organic cabbage, finely shredded 1 Tbsp sea salt or other natural salt

Jar contents will begin to bubble, signaling that fermentation is taking place (note that conventional cabbage additives may interrupt the fermentation process).

Mix salt and cabbage together in a large bowl, squeezing the salt into the cabbage. Cabbage will become limp and begin to release its juice.

Tightly pack cabbage and juice into a clean glass canning jar. Keep the cabbage submerged in liquid; if necessary,

It’s ready to eat in three days, but keeps well for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Primary source: TheKitchen.com

Fennel: This mildly licorice-flavored seed hasn’t been extensively studied, but lovers of Indian cuisine have traditionally used it to promote smooth digestion after consuming curryladen meals.

Sources: American Botanical Council; Mayo Clinic, MN; Baylor University, TX; University of Michigan; University of Rochester, NY

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May 2014

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healingways

Contraceptive Pill Chill Dangers Include Cancer, Strokes and Fatigue

by Kathleen Barnes

F

or more than 50 years, women have appreciated the freedom that birth control pills offer. They simply take a little pill every day and rest easy, fairly assured that an unplanned pregnancy won’t occur. However, there’s actually a lot not to love about “The Pill”, especially its long-term side effects.

“The sexual freedom that women have fought so hard to obtain has been won at a terrible price,” advises Naturopathic Doctor Sherrill Sellman, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, author of The Hormone Heresy: What Women Must Know about Their Hormones.

That price includes blood clots and even death from heart attacks and strokes in young women. As early as 1963, an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association linked The Pill to venous thrombosis, or blood clots. By 1968, at least one cancer journal, CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, had linked cancer to the use of the steroid hormones contained in oral contraceptives. In 1973, Scandinavian researchers warned of the link between oral contraceptives and strokes.

“In December 2002, the U.S. government published its biannual Report on Carcinogens that added all steroidal estrogens to the list of known human carcinogens,” says Sellman, “The grav-

62

Fairfield County Edition

ity of this finding cannot be overstated: All estrogens used in HRT [hormone replacement therapy] and oral contraceptives have now been proven unequivocally to cause cancer.”

Yet, regardless of the many downsides, The Pill remains the most common method of birth control worldwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with usage by 16 percent of married American women.

Elsewhere, users include 29 percent of British women and 40 percent of women in France and the Netherlands.

pharmacist, certified clinical nutritionist and author of The Pill Problem. Oral contraceptives deplete more bodily nutrients than any other class of drugs, says Pelton, who blogs regularly at NaturalPharmacist.net.

However, he adds, women taking The Pill even as long as 10 years may not notice any obvious health problems. “Maybe she’ll first notice a lack of energy, but doesn’t connect the dots and realize that magnesium, B12 and numerous other nutrients involved in energy production are depleted,” he explains.

The nutrient-depleting effects of The Pill were recognized as early as 1975 in a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, but it carried no recommendations for replacing them. Some of these nutrients are essential for the production of brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, including mood-elevating dopamine. An affected woman can become depressed, a condition closely linked to the use of The Pill, according to a German study published in 2013 in the journal General Hospital Psychiatry.

The Pill’s steroidal hormones also reduce the body’s natural accumulations of disease-preventing antioxidants, increasing vulnerability to diseases of aging, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease, according to Pelton.

Filches Vitamins

“Birth control pills are vitamin robbers, and this is the source of the health risks that accompany the use of The Pill,” says Ross Pelton, a registered

Nutrients Women on The Pill Need 4 BHRT* 4 Chrysin 4 Coenzyme Q10 4 DHEA 4 Folic acid 4 L-methlyfolate 4 Magnesium

4 Melatonin 4 Natural progesterone 4 Nettle root 4 Omega-3 oils 4 Probiotics 4 Selenium 4 Tyrosine

4 Vitamin B2 4 Vitamin B6 4 Vitamin B12 4 Vitamin C 4 Zinc

* Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (for perimenopausal and menopausal women) Source: Ross Pelton, NaturalPharmacist.net

natural awakenings

Dangerous Downsides Mount n Birth defects n Blood clots n Cancer (breast, uterine and colon) n Cardiovascular disease n Decreased sexual desire

n Depression n Fatigue, low energy and anemia n Fluid retention and weight gain n Heart attack n High blood pressure n Migraine

n Osteoporosis n Sleep disorders n Stroke n Vaginal yeast infections n Weakened immune system

Sources: American Heart Association; University of Milan, Italy; Berlin Center for Epidemiology and Health Research, Germany; Women’s College Research Institute, Canada; Columbia University, NY; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; University of Parma, Italy; Wingate University, NC; Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, NJ; Institute of Health Sciences Research, Melbourne, Australia

Women that decide to keep taking The Pill should add an array of specified supplements to counterbalance the nutrient loss, advises Pelton. Replacing nutrients should, in the long term, neutralize the negative effects of The Pill, even cancer and blood clots, he assures. Better yet, say Sellman and Pelton, stop taking The Pill and switch to safer forms of contraception. It may

take months or even years for the nutrient imbalances to be fully corrected, so start now.

Natural Contraceptives

nurse in West Hollywood, California.

She cautions against the potential risks of using estrogen patches, shots and vaginal rings, and recommends avoiding anything that contains estrogen. “Not using The Pill doesn’t mean you have to rely on withdrawal or the rhythm method, both of which are notoriously unreliable,” says Lucille, preferring what she terms “barrier methods”, like diaphragms, cervical caps and male and female condoms.

She notes, “Cervical caps are just as effective as The Pill and you can put them in and leave them a little longer for a bit more spontaneity.” Female condoms are even more convenient, she explains: “They fit much like a diaphragm and they can be left in place as long as eight hours.” Instead of potentially toxic spermicides, Lucille recommends using lemon juice, which, she says, is equally effective.

Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books including the Basic Health Publications User’s Guide to Natural Hormone Replacement.

Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Although no natural forms of estrogen are suited for birth control, safe and effective natural forms exist, advises women’s health expert Holly Lucille, a naturopathic doctor and registered

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May 2014

63

healthykids

Wilderness in Sidewalk Cracks Small Nature Reaches Out to City Kids

by Greg Hanscom

C

ity kids are often taught that nature is out there beyond the city limits, but one science educator and photographer shows how everyday nature has the power to transform.

You can take Molly Steinwald out of the city, but you’ll never get the city out of her. Growing up as a free-schoollunch kid on the outskirts of Manchester, New Hampshire, she notes, “I didn’t do

the skiing and mountain climbing thing.”

Instead, she found solace watching ants parade across the sidewalk or tracing the intricate lines on a leaf. Yet when she graduated from high school, Steinwald traveled as far as she could from those city streets, earning a degree in biology, and then a master’s degree in ecology, researching kangaroo rats in Arizona’s Chiricahua Mountains.

Still, the city always tugged at her.

“I was really excited about big nature,” Steinwald says. “But I kept coming back to small-scale, mundane nature that I knew as a kid. I felt I needed to get back to help people who never see this stuff.”

Today, Steinwald is doing just that.

She is now pursuing a Ph.D. researching human interactions with nature in built environments. As director of science education and research at the Phipps Conservatory, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she has been charged with reimagining urban environmental education and reaching out to at-risk youth. Her basic assumption is: One doesn’t have to go to a national park, or even a city park, to connect with the natural world. It’s crawling past us on the sidewalk or drifting through the air right under our nose.

That, she says, is where city kids can forge a lasting connection with nature—if they’re paying attention. As one of the many ways to get kids to tune in, Steinwald directs programs that arm them with digital cameras and challenges them to take pictures of the fragments of nature they find on the streets.

The approach is a departure from the belief held by some that “nature” is defined as parks or green spaces—places apart from our everyday lives.

Lisa Graumlich, dean of the University of Washington School of the Environment, in Seattle, Washington, says Steinwald is making waves in environmental education circles: “She was an urban kid.

She brings the voice of someone from a different economic class to the table.”

Graumlich says it makes intuitive sense that connecting with street-level nature will help build a lasting bond with the natural world. The next challenge is figuring out how to provide kids with more of these experiences: “It may be as simple as a mom walking home from the bus stop with bags of groceries and two children in tow, feeling like she has time to look at a sidewalk crack with them.”

“A lot of nature in the city is really small,” Steinwald observes. “I want to show these kids that even if their nature is small, it’s still darned good nature.”

Greg Hanscom is a senior editor for Grist.org, in Seattle, WA.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

ecotip Best Weddings

Small, Simple, Sustainable Every couple wants their wedding to reflect their values.

Concern for the environment prompts planning that supports eco-friendly local businesses and avoids generating the considerable waste and carbon footprints of traditional events.

Veteran green wedding planner and environmentalist Kate Harrison, author of The Green Bride Guide, who blogs at GreenBrideGuide.com, assists couples through the process. “I advise couples to look at simple substitutions in line with their style and budget,” says Harrison. “Every choice adds up.”

By invitation only. Digital invitations cost just pennies apiece; options like PaperlessPost.com offer the appearance of a paper invitation, arriving in an envelope that “opens” on the screen. Also consider elegant renditions of more conventional invitations made of recycled, upcycled or organic papers. For the invite that keeps on growing, try seed-studded paper creations that guests can plant in their backyards.

Where the guests are. Selecting a location central to most of the guests minimizes the celebration’s carbon footprint, reduces travel expenses and maximizes attendance.

“Consider picking a venue with natural beauty already present, such as a beautiful garden or ballroom,” advises Harrison. “You’ll cut down on the amount and cost of décor you’re buying just for the wedding.”

Let them eat cake. Food and flowers are among the most costly components of a wedding, yet sustainable options can be just a worthy fraction more. A cake made with organic flour, a natural sweetener and local cage-free eggs, for example, can cost just $5 more. The key is finding a vendor willing to work with the couple’s values, says Harrison.

Simple gifts. Americans spend an estimated $20 billion annually on wedding gifts, a high-impact opportunity to support local green economies. Harrison recommends establishing registries for experiences, charities and products (select sustainable options like recycled glass dishes or organic linens). Consider a local, seasonable wedding favor that guests can eat or reuse, such as maple syrup for a fall wedding in Vermont.

Generally, keep all elements small, simple and local— and your own—for an occasion that truly cherishes both loved ones and our planet.

15-MINUTE COUSCOUS SALAD WITH ZUCCHINI AND PARSLEY (Serves 6-8)

Creamy tahini and tart wine vinegar dress whole wheat couscous, tossed with tomatoes, zucchini and garbanzo beans. Follow the time-saving techniques in the method to make extra-quick work of this salad or light main course.

1 1/4 cup boiling water 1 cup whole wheat couscous 5 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1/4 cup 365 Everyday Value® Organic Tahini 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt 2 small zucchini 1/4 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved 1 (15-ounce) can 365 Everyday Value® Organic Garbanzo Beans (also called chickpeas), rinsed and drained

• In a large, heatproof bowl, pour water over couscous, cover and set aside for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork, and set aside to let cool for 5 minutes more. Meanwhile, whisk together vinegar, tahini and salt in a second large bowl.

Thinly slice zucchini over dressing, and then use kitchen shears to snip parsley leaves into the bowl; discard stems. Add tomatoes, beans and couscous and toss gently to combine.

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Monday, May 5 EFT for Food Cravings – 7-8:30pm. EFT has been proven to help with weight loss as it deals with what underlies the craving and overeating. Bring a food you crave or seem to have no control over. You’ll be amazed! $35 for one or 4/$120. Total Life Care Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-247-1318. Robin@RobinFriedman.net.

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Monday, April 28 EFT Tapping for Achieving a Goal – 7-8:30pm.

Come learn EFT or meridian tapping, a simple but powerful technique to help you quickly change how you feel by tapping on acupressure points on the face and body. Tap away resistance and subconscious blocks to achieving your goal. $35/1-session or 4/$120. Total Life Care Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-247-1318. Robin@RobinFriedman. net. EnergyToolsForDailyLiving.com

Thursday, May 1 WAKING UP – 7-8:30pm. With Rev. Chris. Waking up can be hard to do but nothing is more nourishing than like-minded people coming together to support, share and empower one another in the name of spiritual awakening. This monthly psychospiritual group is open to all and will offer healing opportunities, practical tools, sacred wisdom and group support and sharing to help us along our journeys. $15 love offering appreciated, no one turned away. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1ARC (1272). Register: ArcSacredCenter@gmail.com. ArcSacredCenter.org.

Friday, May 2 Reiki Level 1 workshop – 10am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Reiki Level 1 in the Western style from an experienced Reiki Master. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Includes 4 powerful energy connections. Receive 2 manuals and certificate $115+ $10 materials. Held at Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave Norwalk (downstairs in the back).

RSVP: 203-852-1150 or visit AngelHealReiki.com.

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Tuesday May 6

Saturday, May 3 Beach Yoga & Meditation – 8:30-9:45am. Nourish your body, mind and spirit as you practice gentle flow yoga and meditation at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. $20/drop-in. 4/$68 or 8/$120. Call 914393-9221 or visit Limitless-Potential.net (takes place every Saturday through September, weather pending) Spiritual Psychic Fair – 12-5pm. Come visit our gifted intuitive readers. Mediumship sessions, tarot and angel card sessions, pendulum readings. All sessions are 25 mins. Walk-ins welcome. $40 and up. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. Reservations: AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

I Love NY Songwriters – 8-9pm. Tanya Moberly, 2014 Bistro Award Winner & 2014 MAC Award Nominee sings the songs of Jeff Blumenkrantz, Francesca Blumenthal, Tim Di Pasqua, Richie Eisenberg, Dan Furman, David Hajdu, AC Haley, Ritt Henn, Bobbie Horowitz, Nicholas Levin, Steven Lutvak, Bob McDowell, Mary Liz McNamara, Jill Sobule & Bill Zeffiro with Steven Ray Watkins at the piano. $20/Advance ticket purchase encouraged. Unity Center, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterPS.org.

UnityCenterPS.org.

Sunday, May 4 Seance - Talking to the Dead – 1-3:30pm. With Psychic Medium Joan Carra. Find comfort and closure with messages from passed loved ones. $55 per person, small group. Reservations: 203 531-6387 or PsychicJoan@yahoo.com or PsychicJoanCarra. com. Call for location.

From Suffering to Liberation: The Path of the Buddha – 1-4pm. With Rev. Tom Kearns. Topics include message of the Buddha, The Four Noble Truths, The Three Jewels, The Three Baskets, The Eight Fold Path, The Major Practices and Practices of Buddhism, The difference between Buddhism and Western thought. A guided Buddhist meditation will be shared. Bring your own pillow, blanket if you wish to lie down. All welcome. $40. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com.

AlbertsonChurch.org.

Westport Electric Car Club EV Rally – 9am-3pm.

Join us for the 2nd annual Westport Electric Car Club EV rally in Saugatuck on Sunday May 4th. For driver, vendor and sponsor information, go to www. westportelectriccarclub.com. Free. Saugatuck Train Station, 1 Ferry Ln, Westport. WestportEVclub@ gmail.com. WestportElectricCarClub.com.

Lunchtime Yoga in Downtown Stamford – 121pm. Take a wellness break during your day. Release stress, Re-energize, Find balance with vinyasa flow yoga. Every Tuesday. $20/drop-in. 4/$68 or 8/$120.

Call 914-393-9221 or visit Limitless-Potential.net.

Thursday, May 8 EFT Tapping Circle Meetup – 7-8:30pm. Tonight we will be tapping on physical pain. EFT is a powerful tool to have, whether dealing with a small cut or serious long standing pain. Years-long pain can diminish in under one hour of tapping. $10.

Private residence in Weston, address sent upon RSVP. 203-247-1318. Robin@RobinFriedman.net.

EnergyToolsForDailyLiving.com.

Friday, May 9 Healing Vibrations: A Journey Inward – 7-9:30pm. Looking for inner peace, healing, and joy? Healing Vibrations offers you an experiential journey inward to lift your spirit and ease your soul. In this workshop, participants will experience a combination of Reiki (Universe Life Force Energy) and sound healing to enhance emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and balance. $30. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-445-8966. Msis@aol.com.

LifeBetweenLivesTherapy.com.

Stress Management: Skills for Thriving – 7-9pm.

Come learn skills that can be used immediately to reduce stress and rediscover your inner peace.

Taught by Branwen OShea-Refai, who has been teaching wellness, meditation, yoga, and stress reduction for over 15 years. Invest in yourself!

Pre-registration required. $30. Earth Dance, LLC, 41 Village Ln, Bethany. 203-393-1717. Branwen@ post.com. EarthDancing.com.

Saturday, May 10 Monthly Women’s Empowerment Workshop – 10:30am-12:30pm. Deepen the quality of your relationships. Learn empowerment tools and mind/ body techniques to transform your relationships.

Norwalk. $40 by May 7. Pre-registration required.

Call 914-393-9221 or visit Limitless-Potential.net.

The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice – 2-4:30pm. With David Wallace. In the great teaching known as The Yoga Sutras, Patanjali captured the essence of yoga’s purpose and philosophy as it was practiced in India some 2,000 years ago. These penetrating teachings still offer guidance and heart to our lives and practice.

No prior experience is needed or expected for this presentation. $35/person by May 3. $45/ thereafter.

Yoga for Everybody, Yoga for Everybody’s Training Annex, 63 Unquowa Road, Fairfield. 203-254-9642.

Info@Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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Monday, May 12 EFT & The Power of the Subconscious – 7-8:30pm. Bundling all the negatives in our lives instead of tapping on one thing at a time, we will use the subconscious to create a symbol, tap it all away and end with a positive vision of how we want our lives to be instead. $35 for one or 4/$120. Total Life Care Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-247-1318. Robin@RobinFriedman.net.

EnergyToolsForDailyLiving.com.

Thursday, May 15 Chakra and Movement Exploration Part 1 – 6:30-8:30pm. Experience energy centers by developing an understanding of the chakra system.

Learn to use breath, chanting mantras, qi gong and yoga to facilitate the flow of energy focusing on chakras 1-4. Access your “chi” by energy exercises and using pendulums. $40. RSVP required. Balance Integrated Health Center, 1450 Washington Blvd 104 S, 1st Flr, Stamford. On-site parking. 203-6633000 ext 5. Linda@BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

Saturday, May 17 BellyGong - Fusion of Bellydance and Qi gong for Women’s Wellness – 7-8pm. Bellydance celebrates women of all ages and stages of life. Women’s Qi gong enhances body awareness and energy for whole-body health. BellyGong Fusion empowers the feminine spirit, grace through movement, builds core strength and beauty from within. $20. RSVP required. Balance Integrated Health Center, 1450 Washington Blvd 104S, 1st Flr, Stamford. On-site parking. 203-663-3000 ext 5. Linda@BalanceIntegratedHealth.com. BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

Eat Better. Feel Better. Clean Eating 101 – 1-2pm.

Do you wish you had more energy, had a clearer mind, or just all around better health and wellness?

If you answered YES, Clean Eating is the answer for you! Join Certified Health Coach Tracy Pardo as she teaches a FREE class about the basics of Clean Eating: What it is, why you should choose to eat clean, and how to get started. Free. Shalva Clinic, 260

markyourcalendar Monthly Mind/Body Fertility Support Groups and Seminar Series.

Monday, May 19th 7-9pm, Norwalk/Westport

Whether contemplating conception, struggling to achieve a healthy pregnancy, trying to decide what next steps to take on the fertility journey, we can enhance our well-being and empower ourselves as we face these challenges. Leading Fertility Professionals will discuss integrative approaches to support preconception health

$40. Call 914-393-9221 to register (required). Limitless-potential.net Riverside Ave, 2nd Flr, Westport. 203-916-4600.

TracyPardo@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

Join for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com 68

Fairfield County Edition

Monday, May 19 Community Reiki Circle – 7-8pm. Connect with community, conversation and collective healing energy. Candle meditation and energetic assessment of chakras. Linda Radice, Reiki Master. $15. RSVP required. Balance Integrated Health Center, 1450 Washington Blvd 104S, 1st Flr, Stamford. On-site parking. 203-663-3000 ext 5. Linda@ BalanceIntegratedHealth.com. BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

Tuesday May 20 Ridley-Lowell Alumni Appreciation Picnic – 5-7pm. Ridley-Lowell Massage School, 24 Shelter Rock Road, Danbury.

Qigong for Every BODY - Meditation in Motion – 7-8pm. Stir up your “chi” with a health enhancement system based on Chinese Five Elements. Strengthen immune system, organ function, increase energy levels, mental focus and slow aging. A great way to end the day to reduce stress, tension and fatigue. $15. RSVP required. Balance Integrated Health Center, 1450 Washington Blvd 104S, 1st Flr, Stamford. On-site parking. 203-6633000 ext 5. Linda@BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

Wednesday, May 21

Yoga: Shoulder Soother – 3-5pm. With Michelle Dalbec. In this workshop we’ll tackle the soft tissue of the shoulder, unburdening muscles & fascia of stress & tension, giving them back their full range of motion which leads to better shoulder alignment and posture. Yoga Tune Up® Therapy Balls are the perfect self-care tools to relieve tension and pain from muscles and joints brought on by daily activities. You will learn a simple self-care regimen. $35/by 5/10, $45/thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-254-9642. Info@ Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

Thursday, May 22

Sunday, May 18

Ahhh... Springtime, Meet Your True Love!

filled with helping you get your SPRING on!! Mindful movement, soulful meditation, joyful play, and cool community. Only $39/in-advance. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. Register/Info: InterplayHealth.com or call 203-845-8856.

Native American Herbal Practice with Karine Gordineer – 1-3pm. Karine is a Native American Herbalist, Plant Spirit Healing Practitioner, Reiki Master, Shamanic Practitioner who was introduced to herbalism and Earth healing practices through her Mahican ancestry. This class will teach about Healing Practices used by local Native American tribes and how we adapt these practices for contemporary use. All are welcome. $35. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com.

AlbertsonChurch.org.

Akashic Record Reading & Multidimensional Healing – 1pm. Attendees heal past life wounds, rejoice in past life happiness & step into greater alignment with their original blueprint. Powerful & life changing! Medium/channel Kate Rojas & healer Jen Kriz. Must RSVP. 203-393-1500. $45. Bethany Body Works, 41 Village Ln, Suite 201, Bethany. BethanyBodyWorks@gmail.com.

BethanyBodyWorksCT.com.

Reclaim Your Sparkle: Woman’s Retreat – 1-5pm. Join Beth Prins Leas of TLC Center and Kristen Rzasa of Interplay Health for an afternoon

natural awakenings

Healing Service – 7:30-8:30pm. We invite everyone to come and experience a beautiful guided meditation in our peaceful sanctuary. We offer the opportunity to sit in one of our healing chairs and receive hands on shoulders healing from a church designated healer. Experience the healing energies available to all. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Reiki Refresher for all levels – 7:30-9:45pm. Reiki Practitioners only. Group class techniques taught to raise one’s reiki vibration. Please bring Reiki Certificates from in person classes. Shared by Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master. Includes a re-attunement. $38+ $8 material fee. Held at Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave Norwalk (enter office downstairs in back). Must RSVP: 203-852-1150 or visit AngelHealReiki.com.

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net.

Private readings available – 1:30-4pm. With Psychic Medium Joan Carra. Call for appointments 203 531-6387 PysychicJoan@yahoo.com. Wainwright House, 260 Stuyvesant Avenue, Rye, NY.

Friday, May 23 Sound Healing Experience with Branwen OSheaRefai – 7-8pm. Come feel the penetrating power

markyourcalendar Awaken Wellness Fair A whole new kind of

Body-Mind-Spirit-Green Expo Sunday, June 1 • 10am to 5pm Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa 243 Tresser Blvd, Stamford CT Speakers, Healers, Vendors and Readers Over 100 exhibitors, 1000 guests!

AwakenFair.com click on “Stamford CT 6-1-14” Exhibitor spots available

of vibration! Using Tibetan bowls, drums, and her training as a healer, Branwen will create a safe resonant heart space for you to relax into your true being.

Pre-registration required. $15. Earth Dance, LLC, 41 Village Ln, Bethany. 203-393-1717. Branwen@ post.cm. EarthDancing.com.

Thursday, May 29 Beauty From The Inside Out – 6:30-8:30pm. Restore your body’s balance by discovering your own “dosha” though the art of Ayurveda. Using NYR Organic essential oils for their therapeutic properties, create an individualized nourishing oil based on constitutional type. Learn acupressure massage to create healthy glowing skin. $40 includes supplies, RSVP required.

Balance Integrated Health Center, 1450 Washington Blvd #104S, 1st Flr, Stamford. On-site parking. 203663-3000 ext 5. Linda@BalanceIntegratedHealth. com. BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

Friday, May 30 Introduction to Massage Seminar –11am-2pm.

Includes 50min massage. $30 Ridley-Lowell Massage School, 24 Shelter Rock Road, Danbury.

Saturday, May 31 Chakra and Movement Exploration Part 2 – 2-4pm. Part 2 of Series, Chakras 4-7. Learn how to access your “chi” and experience energy centers by developing an understanding of the chakra system.

Part 1 offered on May 15. $40. RSVP required.

Balance Integrated Health Center, 1450 Washington Blvd 104S, 1st Flr, Stamford. On-site parking. 203663-3000 ext 5. Linda@BalanceIntegratedHealth. com. BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 9am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Reiki 2rd Degree in the Western style from an experienced Reiki Master. Learn how to send distance Reiki healing, deepen your use of Reiki for others & yourself, including newest information. Receive 2 powerful energy connections. Receive 2 manuals and certificate. $215. Held at Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (enter private office downstairs in back), Norwalk. RSVP: 203-852-1150 or visit AngelHealReiki.com. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net.

Reiki I Certification/Attunement for Women Struggling with Anxiety, Stress-related Illness and Fertility Issues – 9:30am-3:30pm. Reiki is a gentle, hands-on ancient healing art which helps reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, balance emotions, and facilitate personal healing and spiritual growth. Reiki I is open to all; no prior experience is necessary. This is a prerequisite for Reiki II and for learning the healing symbols. Norwalk. $195. Pre-registration is required. 914 393 9221.

Limitless-Potential.net. Call for Free Info Session.

Natural Awakenings Community Connections Saturday, June 14 • 11am – 4pm

hosted by Sticks and Stones Farm in Newtown. SticksandStonesFarm.com

Back by Popular Demand! Sticks and Stones has invited us all back for their annual Open House. Join us for a day of music, nature, healthy living inspiration and family fun. Walk the labyrinth; stroll the Mountain Laurel and Moss Garden; hike the trails throughout the beautiful and magical setting of this 60-acre farm. A free event!

Move Your Body: Yoga, Tai Chi, Belly Dancing and Hooping Find Your Rhythm: Drumming and Ukulele Nature Exploration, Educational and Inspirational: Two Coyotes Wilderness Camp, Sq Foot Gardening, Eating for Health, Mindfulness, EFT Tapping and More!

Fun for the Entire Family with FOOD and RAFFLES throughout the Day

For more information or to get involved call 203-885-4674

Tuesday, June 3 Free “Intentional Living” interest group meeting – 7-9 pm. Open to all who wish to explore topics related to living life with greater intention and meaning. At The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. RSVP at Learn.edu/Events.

Wednesday, June 4 Open House and Information Session – 5:30-7 pm. At The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. Call 203-874-4252 or write to Admissions@Learn.edu to register.

203.548.7785 eNaturalAwakenings.com

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Coming Next Month

BE INSPIRED This Summer Physically Emotionally Spiritually

ongoingevents sunday

monday

Angelic Reiki Meditation with Essential Oils – 8-9am. Receive short, hands-on Angelic Reiki, experience powerful techniques to reduce stress and relax. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (in the back, downstairs), Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

Monthly Mutual Support-Alternative Cancer – 10:30am-12pm. 1st Monday every month. Starting monthly mutual support meeting for those choosing to treat our cancer diagnoses alternatively. A happy, positive connection starting. At my Silvermine studio, Norwalk. RSVP: 203 847-2561 Free. Norwalk.

203-847-2561.

CHANTSFORMATIONS-A Chant & Meditation Experience – 9-9:45am. With Andrea Rudolph, Jewish Interfaith Minister. A chant & meditation experience with ancient Hebrew, Interfaith and spiritual wisdom. Join us as we gather to contemplate and nurture the Spirit within through the practice of chant & meditation. No prior Hebrew knowledge required. All Faiths Welcome. Suggested donation: $10.

Free – Donations Appreciated. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-257-1009. InTheSpiritofLife@gmail.com. InTheSpiritofLifecom.

Spiritual Sunday Services – 10-11am. Please Join Us…as we build community and celebrate life, hope, healing, love and Spirit. A one-hour service followed by community hour from 11am to noon.

The Arc Sacred Center is a non-profit spiritual community center created for the purpose of offering a gathering place for spiritual exploration and teaching, freedom of spiritual expression, and healing for the body, mind and soul. Free. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

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

Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way.

Visit ReddingMeditation.org or call 203-244-3130.

Interfaith Service Gathering – 10-11am. A community to celebrate life, hope, healing, love and Spirit. Followed by a community hour from 11am-12pm. My Little Light Children’s Program is available during the service. Free. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

Reiki Volunteers – 10am-12pm. Pledge time to volunteer Sundays at various homes for the elderly and nursing homes in Fairfield and Southbury. Receive credits towards Reiki training. Reiki Overtones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958.

To advertise or participate in our June edition, call

Celebration Service – 10:30am-12pm. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports one’s spiritual unfoldment. Great music by award-winning singers. Childcare provided. Fellowship hour after the service. All are welcome. Love offering. Unity Center, 3 Main St (above Ford dealership), Norwalk.

203-855-7922.

Albertson Church Service – 11am-12:30pm. Includes an inspirational talk from caring ministers, guided meditation, time to receive healing energy and spirit messages from those we continue to love.

Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615.

203-885-4674 70

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Intuitive Readings By Caroline –1-4pm. Come play in the psychic realm! Past Lives & Spirit Messages. Find out how your past lives reflect in your current life. Mondays. In Stamford. $35/30 minute reading. Call for location/RSVP. 914-318-4845.

Reiki Circle – 7-8pm. With Linda Radice, Reiki Master. Connect with community, conversation and collective healing energy. Chakra meditation. $15. Balance Integrated Health, 1450 Washington Blvd, Suite 104 South, Stamford. 203-663-3000 ext 5. Linda@BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

Yoga – 7-8:15pm. With Charles Sikorski, RYT. Weekly. Charles encourages one to find one’s true self: physically, mentally and spiritually. $13 per session or 5/$60, 10/$110, 20/$200. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. 203-414-6790.

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

Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way.

Visit ReddingMeditation.org or call 203-244-3130.

Transformation and Healing – 7:30-8:15pm. Rev. Ed O’Malley uses a Shamanic Illumination Process which removes heavy energies from luminous energy fields, returning the body and soul to its initial state of wellness. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

Guided Meditation at Sabita Holistic Center –7:30-8:30pm. Give yourself the gift of meditation at Sabita Holistic Center. Internationally known Dr. Levy has worked for over the past 35 years in stress reduction, deep relaxation and meditation. Free.

Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport.

203-254-2633.

Monday Meditation for Everyone – 7:30-9pm.

This is Meditation Guided imagery for relaxation and stress reduction. It also helps you move forward on your Spiritual path. No experience necessary. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203570-3868.

Reiki Share – 7:30-9:30pm. Last Monday. With JoAnn Duncan. JoAnn hosts Reiki shares for those interested in practicing 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 for all. $20. Registration required. The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd., West Redding.

203-438-3050 or TurningPointReiki.com.

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

TLC Monthly Networking Breakfast – 8:30am.

1st Tuesday. A relaxed, supportive community of healthy living professionals. Grab a friend, biz cards and join for a fun morning of connecting. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-853-4852.

Guided Meditation – 1-1:45pm. Give yourself the gift of meditation at Sabita Holistic Center. Internationally known Dr. Levy has worked for over the past 35 years in stress reduction, deep relaxation and meditation. Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport. 203-254-2633.

Thursday Morning Meditation for Moms – 9:3011am. Come and unwind with a Guided Meditative Journey geared to release stress and a healthful more positive understanding of self. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

Pilates – 9:15-10am. Wth Laura Lehrhaupt, Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Laura is also a certified Spinning, Kickboxing, Balletone and Pilates Instructor. $13 a class. $15 drop-in fee. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. BeWellLaural@ gmail.com. BeWellLaural.com.

Tots yoga for crawler-17months – 10:15-11am.

Partner with your little one for animated yoga poses, games, music and breathing exercises to strengthen coordination and build body awareness. Please preregister for your free trial class. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford St, Stamford. 203-253-0764. kimberlymotill@gmail.com. Familytreeyoga.net.

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

Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way.

Visit ReddingMeditation.org or call 203-244-3130 Albertson Church Healing Service – 7-8pm. 3rd Wednesday. Guided meditation, receive healing energy from church-sanctioned healers and the gift of saging. All are welcome. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

203-637-4615.

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

Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way.

Visit ReddingMeditation.org or call 203-244-3130.

Journaling with Spirit – 7-8pm. By Rev. Shawn Moninger. Journaling is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get in touch with the highest voice within ourselves. First-time attendees receive a new journal. Love offering. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, Norwalk. 203-855-7922.

Gentle Yoga Class – 6-7pm. Perfect for beginners and people with physical difficulties such as back pain and knee pain. $10. Fairfield County Integrative Family Medicine and Healing Therapies, 2 Corporate Dr, Trumbull. Registration required: 203-445-9060.

Journey Within: Do You Feel Stuck? – 7-9pm. 1st Wednesday. Need support trying to begin something new? Support, intuitive insight, wisdom. Facilitator: Cindy Miller, intuitive. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. Call: 203426-9448. Sacredgrounds.bz. Trinityproduction.org.

BodySmart – 6:15-7:30pm. Semi-private sessions for 2-4 participants. Complete core/body conditioning exercises and stretching utilizing a 9-foot floor to ceiling X-Pole. $45/class-discount with 6+ classes (pre-reg required). BodySmart, 115 Main St, Unit 11, Monroe. Call Lisa for details, additional schedule information and to register: 203-209-7359.

Psychic Development Class – 7-8:30pm. Every other Wednesday, begins March 12 for March series of 6 classes. Please bring journal and pen. Reserve a spot at Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel.

203-570-3868. Soul-focus.me.

Radical Forgiveness – 7-8:15pm. With Rev Shawn Moninger. Let go of anger & blame and find peace in any situation. Explore the five essential stages of Radical Forgiveness and learn a series of quick, effective, and easy-to-use techniques. Six Tuesdays begins April 15th. Love offering. Unity Center, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterPS.org. UnityCenterPS.org.

Qigong for Every BODY – 7-8pm. Health enhancement based on Chinese 5 Elements.

A great way to end the day to reduce stress, tension and fatigue. Strengthen immune and organ function, increase energy levels, mental clarity and slow aging process. $15. Balance Integrated Health, 1450 Washington Blvd, 1st Flr, Suite 104 South, Stamford. 203-663-3000 ext 5. Linda@BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

Reiki Shares – 7:30-10:15pm. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Gigi Benanti Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/ Teacher. For Reiki practitioners only. Exchange ongoing since 1996. Instructions included. $20.

Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk.

Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

Monthly Tapping Group – 10-11:30am. Last Thursday. EFT together for stress reduction, conflict resolution, abundance, whatever the group dictates.

Free. Darien. Reservation required: 203-202-4174.

Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. 1st Thursday. By Gigi Benanti Reiki. All welcome to share and experience Reiki. $20. Held at Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk. Gigi: 203-852-1150.

Pre-Natal Yoga – 7:30-8:45pm. For all stages of pregnancy. This class will combine yoga postures, breath work, and relaxation techniques to help release tension and fatigue, and prepare for labor, delivery and the post-partum period. Please pre-register for your free trial class. The United Church of Rowayton, 210 Rowayton Ave, Norwalk. 203-253-0764.

KimberlyMotill@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net.

Join us on Facebook and we’ll directly alert you of upcoming happenings and events.

Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group – 7:30-9:30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Offering Support, Healing, Advocacy, Resources, and Education for women in the process of, or recently divorced. Themes and speakers cover the legal, financial, and emotional issues encountered during or in the aftermath of divorce. Redding Center for Meditation, Cost: $20, $150 for 10-session card.

Registration required. 9 Picketts Ridge Road, Redding CT. 203-438-3050 or TurningPointShare.com.

Monthly Relaxation Class – 7:30-8:30pm. 1st Wednesday. Reduce stress with Hypnosis by Clinical Hypnotist, Meg Tocantins. Space is limited. $90.

Stamford Healthcare Associates, 1425 Bedford St, 1G, Stamford. Register by texting: 917-292-8115.

Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. 2nd Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care 156 East Avenue, Norwalk.

Search “Natural Awakenings Fairfield County” eNaturalAwakenings.com

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ongoingevents

classifieds

friday

saturday

A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am.

Meets bi-weekly in Westport. Facilitator: Henry Grayson, PhD. Free. To reserve seat and for dates/ location: 203-454-1745.

Angelic Reiki Meditation with Essential Oils – 8-9am. Receive short, hands-on Angelic Reiki, experience powerful techniques to reduce stress and relax. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (in the back, downstairs), Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

Reiki Share – 9:30-11:30am. First Friday. With JoAnn Duncan. JoAnn hosts Reiki shares for those interested in practicing 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 for all. $20. Registration required. The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd., West Redding.

203-438-3050 or TurningPointReiki.com.

Tai Chi and Tea – 10-11am. A great way to start your day and achieve therapeutic benefits with easy, gentle movements to improve circulation, coordination, balance and joint mobility. Standing or seated optional. $15/class $10. Seniors 60+.

Balance Integrated Health, 1450 Washington Blvd, 1st Flr, Suite 104 South, Stamford. 203-663-3000 ext 5. Linda@BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

BalanceIntegratedHealth.com.

Student Massage Clinic – 11am-1pm. Relax and enjoy a full-body massage at the Danbury Campus public’s Student Massage Therapy Clinic. Wednesday evenings or Friday mornings available. $30/50 minutes. RidleyLowell Business & Technical Institute, 24 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury. Call for appt: 203-748-0052.

Mommy & Me Yoga for Babies 6 weeks old-Precrawling – 11:15am-12pm. Mom and baby will practice yoga together! This class is a great opportunity to bond with your baby and to connect with other moms.

Pre-register for free trial class. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford St, Stamford. 203-253-0764.

KimberlyMotill@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net.

Teen Meditation – 5-6pm. This is an enjoyable approach to the understanding of self and how you fit into the world in which you can grow with confidence. Come and explore a guided meditative journey that helps to melt away stress and anxiety.

For teens and up. $15. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plains St., Bethel. 203-570-3868.

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

Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way.

Visit ReddingMeditation.org or call 203-244-3130 The Universal Reiki Plan – 11am-1pm. 3rd Saturday. Reiki Practitioners. Register for a free Reiki session. Free. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport.

Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net. ReikiOvertones.com.

The Universal Reiki Plan – 1:30-4:30pm. 3rd Saturday. Reiki practitioners only. Workshop and Reiki Share. Free. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport.

Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net. ReikiOvertones.com.

Reiki Session – 5-6pm. Offering free Reiki sessions during classes. Students participate as part of class syllabus. 1st reserved. ReikiOvertones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net.

ReikiOvertones.com.

Kirtan with the Bindu Band – 7-9pm. Come join The Bindu Band on their vibrational journey back to the heart. Bring some snacks and beverages to share. Love offerings accepted. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. Register: 203-268-1272.

Open Mic Night – 7-9pm. 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany on the piano. Comedians, poets and writers welcomed as well. $10. Unity Center, 3 Main St (above the Ford dealership), Norwalk.

203-855-7922.

TLC Tarot Fun & Fabulous Tarot Friday – 7-9pm. Have fun with Beth with this self-help tool for novices to longtime tarot friends to explore the Tarot or develop a deeper relationship with your cards. $40. TLC Center Norwalk, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566.

Discussion with Spirit – 7:30pm. Last Friday. Bring questions, receive channeled information to help understand who you are, why you’ve come to the earth plane and empower yourself with messages from Spirit and loved ones. $35. Private residence, Monroe. Information/RSVP: 203-268-3262.

Circle of Life – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Friday. Explore topics such as love, trust, permission and forgiveness as tools in navigating through life’s opportunities, losses and changes. Learn how to bring love, life and happiness. Notetaking welcome and encouraged. $40. Bridgeport location given with registration: 203-268-3262. TrinityProduction.org

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natural awakenings

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

Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication.

Email copy to NicoleM@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. for rent Part-time rental space for Holistic health practitioner. Weekday/weekends available. $175 month. Newtown. 203-270-1119.

Rental space available in beautifully renovated holistic arts center. Perfect for holistic health practitioner, arts therapist. Supportive & Healing Environment. Part-time options available. Great location off I-84. Only serious inquiries please. 203-240-8747.

Space Available in small Wellness Center 2-3 days/week in Bethel location in time slots of 4-hr minimum. Open area perfect for Yoga, Pilates, Offices for Reiki, Massage, Counseling and Readings, etc. 203-570-3868.

for SALE Wooded 6 acre prime building lot in gated lake community. Woods at Duck Harbor in Equinunk, PA, near NY state border and Honesdale, PA. Lot borders protected PA game land, gorgeous mountain views in fall and winter, walk to lake. Low taxes and maintenance fees. If interested, call 914-763-0464.

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. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors - if you don’t have it in spades, please do not apply!

Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com.

SERVICES Get to the root cause of chronic disEASE. To pill away your symptoms is giving your power away. Challenge your physical, emotional and psychological issues.

Experience the peace within. Call 203-550-5996.

SoundEqualEnergy.com.

Natural Health Writer – Four years’ experience writing articles, blogs, newsletters, and brochures for natural health practitioners. Social media. $25 per hour. References. 203-886-7381.

communityresourceguide COLONICS

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 (CRG) in print and online email FFCadvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to request our advertising rates.

ACUPUNCTURE Ingri Boe-Wiegaard, LAc

Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 • CTAcupuncture.com 25-year full-time practice Ingri treatments help alleviate Pain, Depression, Neck & Back, Anxiety, Headaches, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, Digestive, Menstrual, Infertility and Smoking & Weight Loss Issues. See ad page 20.

Jody Eisemann, LAc

Offices in Norwalk and Fairfield 203-216-2548 • AcupunctureHealingCT.com High-quality acupuncture at the most affordable prices in Fairfield County. 20+ years experience, specializing in treating all kinds of pain and general health issues.

See ad page 22.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Suite 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, non-invasive, FDA registered. See ad page 38.

SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER 31 Old Rt 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com

As the hormone experts, we specialize in women’s health, natural hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention and thermography utilizing the highest definition camera in the area with interpretations from MD specialists in the field.

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.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY

Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com

X TO RAYS.COM

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 866-XtoRAYS • SuzannePyle@Prodigy.net Get peace of mind with safe (no radiation), FDA-approved breast cancer screening. 8 years earlier detection vs. mammography.

Certified DITI thermographer.

Conveniently located throughout Fairfield. See ad page 13.

Ready to start feeling healthier? Take your first step with this gentle cleansing procedure. Watch our colonic and detoxification videos on our new video website located at WholeBodyMed.com. Call for Free CD on detoxification. See ad page 2.

Detoxification Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco, PC

CANCER TREATMENT Advanced Medicine of Mt. Kisco, PC Neil Raff MD CNS 37 Moore Ave, Mt. Kisco, NY 914-241-7030 • NeilRaffMD.com

The most advanced natural nutritional treatment and support for all stages of cancer – highdose vitamin C, European herbals, Iscador (mistletoe), ozone, immune boosters. Specializing in removal of cancer causing toxins.

Call for free consultation.

CHIROPRACTIC Black Rock Holistic Health Center Kristine DeMarco, DC, MS, FIAMA 825 Kings Hwy East, Fairfield 203-333-6544 • DeMarcoChiropractic.com

Kristine M. DeMarco, Doctorate of Chiropractic and founder of the Black Rock Holistic Health Center, has been successfully specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal problems for over 12 years. She is certified in “Cox Flexion Distraction Technique,” Graston Technique, Applied Kinesiology and Acupuncture. Specializes in disc problems, LBP, neck pain and musculoskeletal pain.

Neil Raff MD CNS 37 Moore Ave, Mt. Kisco, NY 914-241-7030 • NeilRaffMD.com Westchester’s most experienced office for the detection and treatment of toxic metals (lead, mercury, aluminum, etc), the underlying cause of many inflammatory, immune and digestive conditions.

Years of experience with chelation, IV or oral. Call for free consultation.

EDUCATION Housatonic Valley Waldorf School

40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown 203-364-1113 • WaldorfCT.org We develop each child’s unique capacity to engage meaningfully in the world by integrating experiential and artistic learning, academic excellence, respect for diversity and reverence for nature. See ad page 16.

NA Fun Fact: Natural Awakenings is published in 90 U.S. markets and Puerto Rico.

To advertise with us, call: 203-885-4674

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HEALING CENTER

ENERGY HEALING

SOUND - A Center for

The Light of Happiness Reiki and Wellness

Deborah Arconti, LPN, RMT, IARP Reiki Master/Teacher Advance Practice IET™ Danbury • 203-470-0635 TheLightOfHappiness.com Specializing in Reiki and IET™ sessions for mind, body and spirit connections. IET™ “Integrated Energy Therapy” uses angelic connections for soothing results.

Teaching all levels of small Usui Reiki classes, experienced in training healthcare professionals.

Virginia Trinque, Usui Reiki Master 203-733-1330 • Danbury VirginiasHealthyLiving@gmail.com VirginiasHealthyLiving.com

Virginia is a Reiki Master/Teacher with years of experience healing children and adults. Specializing in physical and spiritual pain relief and “body and soul integration” for easier living in this world. Usui Reiki classes offered for Master level, Levels I and II and Teacher Training. Sessions and classes held in a private, serene setting.

HEALING CENTER Rev. Christine Guerrera, LMFT Psychotherapist, Interfaith Minister ARC Sacred Center, Monroe 203-268-1272 • ARCSacredCenter.org

Chris is a licensed psychotherapist and inter-spiritual teacher offering psycho-spiritual therapy and sacred ceremonies such as baby blessings, weddings, interfaith gatherings and healing workshops. See ad page 36.

Forza5 Holistic Fitness and Healing Center 1047 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-247-4175

Forza5 is a center that focuses on bringing the fitness and healing worlds together. A beautiful, fully equipped gym offers personal training or group classes. A meditation and yoga room offers tranquil space where we connect our minds and spirits through meditation, reiki,and intuitive readings.

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Music, Creative Arts & Mindfulness 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown 203-270-1119 • SoundCenterArts.com SOUND is a holistic center for arts and spiritual awareness. We offer individual classes and group workshops for children and adults in music, creative arts, intuitive development, sound and energy healing, meditation yoga and much more. See ad page 4.

HEALTH COACH Mary Gilbertson MS, BSN,CHHC

Licensed RN,Nutritionist & Certified Health Coach 500 Monroe Tpke, Monroe • 203-521-4733 GilbertsonMary@yahoo.com Prescription4wellness.com Working 1:1, in groups and corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. You receive tools to optimize your health through nutrition, disease management, exercise, weight loss & stress reduction. 28 years of experience supporting teens & adults in healthy lifestyle. Available for speaking engagements and health events. See ad page 19.

Virginia Trinque Certified Holistic Health Coach 203-733-1330 VirginiasHealthyLiving@gmail.com

Claim the life you are meant to live. Virginia is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Nutrition Counselor for women, families and teenagers. Kind and proven coaching methods will guide you to cleanse your body and home for disease prevention and weight loss, increasing mind/ body/spirit health. Individual, group, family and corporate wellness programs by phone, in person and live web-meeting.

HOLISTIC DENTIST MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

5520 Park Ave, Ste 301, Ffld Town Line Merritt Pkwy, Exit 47 203-371-0300 • WholeBodyDentistry.com Dr. Mark A. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he is a sought after speaker and lecturer.

His popular consumer book, Whole-Body Dentistry, has been sold world-wide. See ad page 2.

natural awakenings

Hypnosis MIND BODY TRANSFORMATION HYPNOSIS

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 ad page 59.

INTEGRATIVE HealTH Bliss Nutrition & Wellness, LLC Gail Perrella, MS, CNS 2103 Main St, Stratford 203-710-3925 • Blissnutritionct.com

BioEnergetic Assessment (BEA) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive tool to measure pathways of energy flowing in the body.

Natural healing is increasing harmony between one’s body and the natural environment. BEA provides information which makes it possible to achieve greater health and well-being, naturally.

See ad page 13.

Worden Wellness Center

Thomas Worden, DC 41 Kenosia Ave, Danbury 203-244-8801 DocWorden@WordenWellnessCenter.com WordenWellnessCenter.com At Worden Wellness Center, we use an integrated approach of chiropractic, acupuncture and nutrition to incorporate therapeutic lifestyle changes to help you reach your optimum health. Dr. Worden has been practicing in Danbury for 25 years. See ad page 25.

Integrative Medicine Physician RIVERSIDE OB/GYN

Russell Turk, MD 1200 East Putnam Ave, Riverside 203-637-3337 Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology in Greenwich, C T, p a r t o f S t a m f o r d Health Integrated Practices, an affiliate of Stamford Hospital, is a full-service medical practice incorporating traditional and holistic approaches to women’s health. The practice includes one OB/GYN and a naturopathic physician. See ad page 24.

Integrative Medicine Physician STAMFORD INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Michael E. Doyle, MD Conventional & Alternative Medicine 22 5th St, Suite 201, Stamford 203-324-4747 • GoToDrDoyle.com

Specializing in Natural and Alternative approaches to restoring health. Focusing on underlying causes of illness. Hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, nutrition and much more. See ad page 14.

Massage & Bodywork

MASSAGE SCHOOL

JOY CARBINO

Finger Lakes School of Massage

Licensed Massage Therapist Holistic Nutrition Consultant & Reiki 203-470-1226 • HealingWhiteLight.com

272 N. Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco, NY 914-241-7363 • FLSM.com

Joy combines her intuitive ability and her expertise in massage therapy to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Holistic health & nutrition programs also offered. See ad page 16. programs.

Laura Carlson, LMT

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY Eyecare Associates, PC

Drs. Randy Schulman, Steve Carr, Narvan Bakhtiari, Carl Gruning and C. Lee Mellinger Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 139 Main St, Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd, Southport • 203-255-4005 CTEyeCareAssociates.com We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy.

See ad page 8.

INTUITIVE CONSULTANT Joan Carra, Psychic Medium 203-531-6387 PsychicJoanCarra.com Facebook.com/PsychicJoan.Carra

Joan is recommended by six books and has 20 years experience. Find solutions, comfort and closure.

Specializing in contacting passed loved ones. Available for private sessions, parties and corporate events.

Massage & Bodywork iFloat

163 Main St, Westport 203-226-7378 • iFloatSpa.net Experience this superior form of body/mind relaxation as you float effortlessly in warm water with high concentrations of Epsom salt. Relieve stress, chronic pain and more. See ad page 22.

Redding/Monroe/Easton 203-885-7353 (SELF) Facebook.com/LauraCarlsonMassageLLC Yo u d e s e r v e t o b e nurtured and time to be still, to breathe and to restore balance.

Relaxing and nourishing massage will encourage positive changes in your mind and body. Individual sessions and massage parties available.

Roberta Russell

Licensed Massage Therapist Reiki and Polarity Practitioner West Redding • 203-438-2354 Beyond-Touch.com Relieve stress and pain. Improve sleep, energy levels, immune system. Swedish and Integrated Deep Tissue Massage styles incorporated with Energy Healing.

Rebalance energy for body, mind and spirit. Restorative and deeply relaxing! 15 years experience. See ad page 19.

Robin Ordan, LMT, LCSW, CICMI Licensed Massage Therapist & Reiki Practitioner Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-5610-8535 • RobinOrdanLMT.com

Robin has been providing massage and Reiki for over 15 years. Specializing in Swedish, Pregnancy, Trigger Point, Injuries and Infant/ Child Massage Instruction. Sessions are individualized to meet your needs. See ad page 58.

Zak Walker, LMT

Wellness Institute One Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-443-6679 • ZaxWeb@gmail.com I combine elements of Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Acupressure and Myofascial Release, according to the goals and preferences of each client. I’m here to help you feel your best!

Join us for a transformative experience as you develop your intuitive and scientific abilities to heal through therapeutic touch.

Classes taught to auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners. Financial aid available for full and part-time

MEDITATION Redding Center for 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.

Naturopathic Physician Debra Gibson, ND

100 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-431-4443 Natural family healthcare using nutrition and biochemistry; herbal, homeopathic and energetic medicine; lifestyle transformation and detoxification, to promote well-being of body, mind and spirit. See ad page 38.

Natural Health and Wellness Center

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Suite #2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, allnatural 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 11.

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Naturopathic Physician Dr. Marina Yanover, ND, LAc 1300 Post Rd East, Westport 203-255-5005 • BigAppleHealth.com

Naturopathic Medicine, Acupunctu re, Craniosacral Therapy, Natural Face Lift using microcurrent therapy. Specialties include Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Pain Management, Skin Care. Insurance accepted.

Naturopathic Physician WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Using state-of-the-art science combined with centuries-old healing modalities, our caring naturopathic doctors correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself.

Treatment protocols or therapies include: Abdominal Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Allergy Desensitization, Chinese Medicine, Colonics and other Detoxification Protocols, Electro-Dermal Screening, Energy Medicine, FDA-cleared Phototherapy, Functional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hormonal Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback and other therapies. See ad page 2.

Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC Shawn M. Carney, ND 19 Church Hill Rd, Ste 1, Newtown 800-723-2962 • NortheastNatMed.com

Integrative naturopathic medicine clinic and therapeutic massage center for the whole family.

Services include advanced diagnostic testing, detoxification programs, personalized nutrition and botanicals. Insurance accepted.

Marvin P. Schweitzer, ND

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 • DrMarvinSchweitzer.com Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years.

Acupuncture, Bio-Identical H o r m o n e s , H o m e o p a t h y, Chinese/Western Herbs, Allergy/ Toxin Testing, Oxygen Therapy, Meridian Stress Assessment, Nutrition/Enzyme Therapies. See ad page 34.

SHALVA CLINIC, LLC

Ellen M. Lewis, ND, Director 260 Riverside Ave, 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 page 17.

ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING Healthy Choice Mattress

270 Federal Rd, Brookfield • 203-739-0077 141 Post Rd East, Westport • 203-557-3900 HCmattress.com Healthy Choice Organic Mattress offers luxury mattresses and bedding made from the highest quality natural materials. With four showrooms, including two in CT, Healthy Choice features locally made mattresses that are chemical and toxin free, biodegradable, comfortable and durable. See ad back cover.

Organic Sleep by Sleep Etc.

508 Main Ave, Norwalk • 203-846-2233 55 High Ridge Rd, Stamford • 203-323-1509 Founded in 1947, Sleep Etc now offers a new line of socially responsible bedding products, including higher quality, more comfortable and, longer-lasting mattresses. See ad page 15.

If you do not tell the truth about yourself, you cannot tell it about other people. ~Virginia Woolf 76

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natural awakenings

ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING The Clean Bedroom

79 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-292-9275 | 866-380-5892 TheCleanBedroom.com The Clean Bedroom is an organic and all-natural mattress and bedding resource with seven showrooms, including its new location in Greenwich. Through its showrooms and web site, eco-minded shoppers gain insight to create a healthier sleep environment. See ad page 3.

PERSONAL GROWTH KES Educational Services 203-505-3660 kmarEducation.org

KES Educational Services, Inc. provides a menu of services for individuals who understand the necessity of personal growth investment to be competitive in this world. It is not how much you know, it is about how, when, what and where you have applied your Knowledge and Skill Set and the moment of truth: THE RESULTS. See ads page 16 & 37.

PHYSICAL THERAPY Physical Therapy of Southern CT

Linda Maude, PT 917 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton 203-926-6997 • PhysicalTherapySoCT.com Specializing in evaluation & treatment of musculoskeletal imbalance & injuries. Results achieved that traditional physical therapy may not. Therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, cranialsacral, visceral manipulation and vestibular rehab. State of the art facility for strengthening & overall rehabilitation.

PSYCHOTHERAPY DENI WEBER, MA, LPC, D-CEP

Holistic Psychotherapist Comprehensive Energy Psychology Fairfield County 203-544-6094 • DeniWeber.com Within a supportive, empathic relationship Deni guides individuals on their journey of self-discovery integrating psychology, Eastern medicine and spirituality to heal suffering from traumatic stress related to chronic illness, disabilities, abuse & PTSD.

PSYCHOTHERAPY JUDITH BARR, LPC, CCMHC Brookfield 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr.com PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com

At its heart, psychotherapy is soulwork, which helps you reconnect with wounded, buried parts of yourself, finally healing, becoming your true Self – heartful, matured, full. This is not quick-fix, band-aid work. Do yourself justice – mind, body, heart, soul. Journey safely to your Self with Judith. See ad page 19.

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW 238 Monroe Tpke, Suite B, Monroe 203-445-8966 • Msisi@AOL.com LifeBetweenLivesTherapy.com

Past Life Regression, trained by Brian Weiss, MD. Life Between Lives Hypnotherapy, trained by TNI and Michael Newton, PhD. Traditional psychotherapy with a spiritual approach; Reiki. Connect with your soul self and let your inner wisdom guide you.

REIKI EMBODY THE SACRED®

Turn your deepest pain or trauma into your greatest strength.

Shamanic Reiki, Usui/Karuna® Reiki, Shamanic Healing and Bodywork. Offerings in Ridgefield, Danbury and NY areas.

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.

Practicing Reiki at 1 Danbury Rd, Wilton 855-245-3060 • info@ArtEnergyHealing.com ArtEnergyHealing.com Certified in several types of Reiki, Arthur also practices other energy modalities and techniques to help reduce pain as well as provide relaxation. His innovative on-site 25 minute workshop can help energize for a more productive day. His unique melding of colors and imagery with life force promotes light and well-being. He is also available for individual sessions.

RESULTS COACHING Jeff Forte PEAK Results Coaching

2389 Main St, Glastonbury 860-633-8555 • PeakResultsCoaching.com Want to quickly improve your marriage or personal happiness?

Hope is not a strategy for success.

Call to learn proven strategies to overcome your life challenges.

See ad page 41.

Reiki Medic

Suzanne Schultz RN, Reiki Master, CCH Monroe • 203-650-0325 • ReikiMedic.com Specializing in Reiki and Hypnosis. Healing from my heart center to yours. Offering private sessions and teaching all Usui Reiki levels. Will travel.

Family, Child, Individual & Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com

VICTORIA SHAW, PhD

ARTHUR S GERSTEIN, MANAGER, ACORN LLC

Deana Paqua, MA, LMT 203-994-5045 EmbodyTheSacred.net

Robin Ordan, LCSW

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 26.

REIKI & JIKIDEN REIKI

Beth Prins Leas

TURNING POINT REIKI, LLC

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com

JoAnn Duncan, MS, RMT Reiki Master Ridgefield • 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointShare.com

Intuitive Psychotherapist 3 Hollyhock Ln, Wilton • 203-210-5700 VictoriaShawPsychotherapy.com VictoriaShawintuitive.com I combine the best of traditional psychotherapy with intuitive guidance in my work with children, teens and adults. My goal is to connect clients with their own inner source of strength, wisdom, and healing. See ad page 20.

Every moment in our lives is a miracle we should enjoy instead of ignoring.

Transformative Healing

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.

See ad page 20.

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels - greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

Heart’s Desire Method Shiloh@theHDMethod.com theHDMethod.com

The Heart’s Desire Method – 7 Steps to making your dreams come true. Bring highdefinition focus on what you want in all areas – work, family, relationships and money. By energizing the healing power of the authentic self, you will lead a happier, more peaceful and fulfilling life.

~Yoko Ono

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displayadvertiserindex Acupuncture Center/Ingri Boe-Wiegaard 20

Eliana Grubel

19

Personal Wellness Center/ Sage Osa

11

Acupuncture Healing CT/Jody Eisemann 22

Healing White Light/Joy Carbino

16

Prescription4Wellness/Mary Gilbertson

19

Alba Thermal Imaging

38

Healthy Choice Mattress

79

Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology

24

Ann’s Place

43

Healthy Choice Mattress

80

Salon Aponte

8

ARC Sacred Center

36

The Honest Kitchen

50

Saltana Cave

26

Housatonic Valley Waldorf School

16

Susanne Saltzman, MD

29

Susanne Saltzman, MD/ Homeopathic Remedies Course

10

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care

5

Awaken Fair – Stamford

21

Judith Barr

19

Beyond Touch/Roberta Russell

19

Lisa A. Blackman

13

Bliss Nutrition & Wellness

13

Body Smart

23

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental

2 2

Kelly Carroll

11

The Center for Naturopathic Medicine/Susan Rzucidlo, ND

63

Chamomille Natural Foods

61

The Clean Bedroom

3

Hunter Healing Hands

9

Ifloat

22

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition

12

ISIS Biodynamic

30

KES 16 KES 37 Kindred Spirits

25

The Last Resort

51

Beth Prins Leas

22

Limitless Potential

8

Save-A-Tree 41 Shalva Clinic/Ellen Lewis, ND

17

Victoria Shaw, PhD

22

Social Results Today

69

Soul Focus/Mela Rispoli

45

SOUND Center for Creative Arts and Mindfulness Sound Mind Integrative Hypnosis/ Dee Rapposelli

4 35

Lipo-Light/Westport Chiropractic

23

SoupStock 43

Mind-Body Transformation

59

Sticks & Stones Farm

Mrs. Greens Natural Markets

45

TLC Dog Trainer

49

NA Community Connections/ Sticks & Stones Farm Open House

Total Life Care Center

22

69

Touch of Sedona

27 45

7

CLH Counseling/Cynthia Haupt

64

NA Franchise Sales

66

Coaching Excellence Institute

20

NA Mobile App

65

TrueHealthTrueWealth/ Connie Busch

Dance Detective/Maria Fiora

8

NA Singles.com

68

Two Coyotes Wilderness Camp

DermaClear 79

Natural Health & Wellness Center

11

Unity Center for Practical Spirituality

Detoxified Iodine

79

Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market 28

University of Bridgeport Clinics

Dog Gone Smart

49

Newtown Hypnosis

20

University of Bridgeport – Nutrition

Michael E. Doyle, MD/ Stamford Integrative Medicine

14

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

51

Wellness Institute/Marvin Schweitzer, ND 34

Escape Salon and Boutique

79

Robin Ordan, LMT

58

Whole Foods

34

Robin Ordan, LCSW

26

Wholistic Pet Services

49

Organic Homecleaning

58

Wilton Go Green

23

Organic Sleep at Sleep Etc

15

Worden Wellness Center

25

X to Rays

13

Eyecare Associates

8

Debra Gibson, ND

38

The Graduate Institute

47

Grass Rxoots

18

Growing Solutions

57

78

Fairfield County Edition

Pangaea Massage Peak Results Coaching/Jeff Forte

natural awakenings

9 41

9 31 7 27

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