Natural Awakenings Fairfield County July 2017

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

feel good • live simply • laugh more

DETOX!

P L A N E T

FREE

Cleanse Body and Mind Ketogenic Diets Far Infrared Saunas

Herbs that Beat the Heat

Some Varieties Flourish in Summer

Modern Beauty Circus

Farm to Skin Product Explosion Creates Choices and Confusion

July 2017 | Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com

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

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108, Fairfield CT

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

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

WholeBodyMed.com 203-371-8258

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.

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108, Fairfield CT

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

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

The Center for EcoAgriculture, Aesthetics and Human Development Courses. Workshops. Lectures. Retreats.

At the head of a hidden valley, embraced by forest, in a small farming community on Lake Champlain, lies The Stone Spirit Farm (SSF). With beautiful pastures and hay lands, this retreat has re-established the old time experiences of successful grassland farming and sustainable living.

Women’s Wellness Warriors Retreat with Dr. Kristine Blanche July 21-23, 2017 Learn how to naturally protect your body and live a healthy and happy life.

Lodging and accommodations available. Aid for those in need.

The Learning Collaborative at Stone Spirit Farm 957 Pleasant Valley Road Benson, Vermont 05743

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www.learningcollaborative.net info@learningcollaborative.net eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2017

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contents

If My Lab Testing is Normal…

Why do I still feel sick?

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.

22 NATURAL WAYS TO

CLEANSE BODY & MIND

How I Can Help You

Get a nutritional program created just for you!

• Comprehensive Functional Lab Testing • In-Depth Functional Analysis of Your Results • Proper and Relevant Nutrition Prescribed and Monitored

Set up your consultation today.

22

Take Toxins Out of Your Life

by Meredith Montgomery

26 KETOGENIC DIETS

FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH

Regulating Insulin–Not Fat–is the Key

by Mary Gilbertson

203-838-1555

32 DETOX: THERE IS NO

Dr. Mark Joachim, D.C., F.I.A.M.A.

FINISH LINE!

156 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 Author of the E-book

How to Sustain Positive Gains Against Toxicity

“How to Stop Suffering from Food Sensitivities, Allergies and Digestion Problems” Download at: www.AllergyEliminationNorwalk.com

by Tatiana Fleischman

34 MODERN BEAUTY CIRCUS Farm to Skin Product Explosion Improves Choices, Creates Confusion

by Nicole Miale

Ready to Claim Your Piece of the Woods? b

A forest retreat tucked away in the hills of northern Fairfield County.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Heed Your Body’s Natural ‘Check Engine’ Signal

by Colleen McGrath

34 42

42 HERBS THAT BEAT THE HEAT

Favorite Varieties that

Flourish in Summer

by Barbara Pleasant

Sticks & Stones Farm is seeking a steward to bring the working farm, educational and retreat center to its next phase. Partial or full ownership considered; co-create your vision with the current owner!

Waiting for you…

• Income-producing Cabin & Houseboat Rentals • Certified Organic Garden with Farmstand • Moss, Stone, Native Plants, Garden Benches • Stone Sculpture • Chartre Labyrinth • 10 Acre Moss Mountain Stroll Garden • Commercial Kitchen • Camps, Homeschool Programs & Nature Schools STICKS & STONES FARM 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown, CT Tim: 808-640-5540 SticksAndStonesFarm.com

37 FACE MAPPING

52 CULTIVATING

GENDER HARMONY Transform Strife into

Understanding and Love

by Urgyan Zangpo

54 FUN WAYS TO GET

OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER

Be a Kid Again With Your Own Family

by Sandra Murphy

57 DON’T KILL THOSE WEEDS!

Common Weeds May be

Healthy Supplements for Pets

by Mary Oquendo

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7 newsbriefs 14 healthbriefs 16 globalbriefs 18 masteringyoga 28 fitbody 30 therapyspotlight 40 inspiredtable 44 consciouseating 46 wisewords 54 healthykids 56 naturallyhealthypet 58 naturalpet 60 petresourceguide 62 calendar 67 classifieds 68 resourceguide 74 displayadindex

DIR ECT

FR OM

B R OADW AY

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“The audience devoured it…

The show is a hoot.”

—NEW YORK TIMES

Sunday October 29 The Palace Theatre STAMFORD, CT

Tickets available at

palacestamford.org or 203-325-4466

eNaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com AltonBrown3_5x9_75.indd 1

July 2017

5 6/13/17 3:44 PM

letterfrompublisher

H contact us Publisher/Executive Editor Nicole Miale

Nicole Miale

Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers Tatiana Fleischman, Colleen McGrath, Jamie McKee, Mary Oquendo, Anna Perelli, Karen Pierce, Eileen White, Urgyan Zangpo Sales & Marketing Leslie McLean Nicole Miale Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County 54 Danbury Rd, Ste 323 Ridgefield, CT 06877 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2017 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.

ello mid-summer! Love it or hate it, the warm weather in our area carries with it a host of new possibilities for eating and living well. In this issue, we focus on tools to aid with detoxification and making healthier eating choices; summer is an ideal time to work on these objectives. The weather alone supports detoxification since sweating is one of the body’s most effective vehicles for ridding itself of toxic overload. The bounty of local farms is plentiful this time of year so making healthy choices seems easier. I encourage you to consider visiting one of the many local farms and markets for your produce and meats; we are blessed with a plethora of amazing such places in Fairfield and southern Litchfield counties.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received from a conventional physician was about my efforts to lose weight and eat healthier. “The thing to remember is that there’s no finish line,” he said. He was exactly right. That’s why fad diets don’t work. They are hard to sustain and as soon as we go off, we return to our usual habits and wind up where we started…or worse. There is no finish line or static goal number to reach when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. I know this to be true from personal experience; it’s a journey of many, many steps and not all of them go forward or in a straight line. If my experience can be believed, the journey is more like a cha-cha.

Here’s the good news: just as that mythical finish line doesn’t exist, our bodies don’t exist in a finite state either. Our cells are in a state of constant flux, responding to our environment, the food we eat, the drinks we imbibe, the beauty products we absorb, and the changes in our relationships and emotional state. This means that making positive change can be as simple as the next thought we have, the next words we speak, or the next meal we select. Our bodies respond instantaneously to our intentional change of direction. Of course, this may not be visible externally for some time; the truth is that since it may have taken years to get out of balance, so it will take time to re-travel the road back to health and well-being.

I believe that, with intention, it is always possible.

Enjoy your summer! Get outside and have some fun with the family (see inside for some fresh ideas) and let your mind, body and spirit recharge during the sunlit days.

With love and light,

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

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

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

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

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

See our advertiser index on page 74, making it easier to find the resources you need. natural awakenings

newsbriefs PULSE Manifestation Comes to Stamford

Clinics

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ULSE Manifestation is a powerful tool to create what you desire in your life and to release what is blocking progress. Janet Catalina, a life coach and the co-developer of PULSE Manifestation, will be leading a PULSE Workshop from 10am to 5pm, July 16, in Stamford.

In this workshop, you will learn a tool to help consciously create what you desire in your life, whether it is more inner peace, Janet Catalina abundance, success, the right mate or a good job. Through this same process, you will be releasing what is blocking you—including emotions of fear, worry or self-doubts— and letting go of limiting beliefs such as believing that you don’t deserve success, are not good enough or are not lovable. You will have an opportunity to practice “PULSEing”.

The workshop is $200 with an early-bird special of $175.

For more information, to register and for location information, contact Janet Catalina at 914-548-8372 or Catalina.Janet@gmail.com.

Summer Fun in Torrington

The UB Clinics are open to the public and provide comprehensive healthcare services to over 20,000 patients per year with an emphasis on wellness and prevention at the nation’s Center of Excellence for integrative healthcare.

Call today to discover how you can receive state-of-the-art, patient-centered care in the following fields:

• Acupuncture • Chiropractic

• Dental Hygiene • Naturopathic Medicine

No insurance is needed.

Call to schedule an appointment: 203-576-4349 60 Lafayette Street - Bridgeport, CT 06606

bridgeport.edu/UBclinics

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he Main Street Marketplace (MSMP) kicks off its five-week schedule on July 6 with grand marshals, weekly themes, vendors and entertainment. The event will run on Thursdays from 5-9pm.

The Marketplace Express trackless train, sponsored by Brooker Memorial, will be returning. Rides are $2 a person. The Roberts Tax Group-sponsored dice roll is also back on each night from 6-8pm. If the dice roll spells R-E-F-U-N-D, the winner will receive $5,000.

Some other highlights include: • Salute to Armed Forces on July 6 – The grand marshal will be Dan Thurston from AMVETS. Screamin Eagle Band will perform and Dan White’s eagle sculptures will be on display. The parade will include military vehicles, color guard and more.

• Kids & Family Night on July 13 – Teresa Dufour, from Channel 8’s CT Style will be the grand marshal. Musical guests are Tuesday Saints.

• Christmas in July on July 20 – Gloria Gaynor will serve as grand marshal. Look for a musical performance by National Recording Artists Lucinda & Michael, and a guest appearance by the Idaho Potato truck.

• Community Night on July 27 – Barrie Soucy will be the grand marshal. There will be a performance by SDRUM, featuring Joe Mazza on drums.

• Motor Museum on Main on August 3 – With Glen Royals as the grand marshal, the event will salute classic automobiles.

The musical performance by Belle of the Fall will feature Tracy Walton and Julia Autumn-Ford.

For more information on the event, visit MainStreetMarketplace. org or Facebook.com/MainStMarketplace. If you are interested in volunteering, email Info@MainStreetMarketplace.org.

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

Touch of Sedona A unique boutique with a heartfelt purpose

203-438-7146

452 Main Street, Ridgefield

touchofsedonaridgefield.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

Open Every Day Until 5:30 July 2017

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newsbriefs

New Ownership and Expanded Vision for Centre for Natural Healing

Epic Book Sale Returns for 57th Year in Southport

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he Pequot Library in Southport is hosting its 57th Annual Summer Book Sale from July 21 to July 25. The sale will be open 9am to 6pm daily except on Tuesday when the sale will end at 2pm. The event includes more than 60 categories of over 140,000 previously-loved and donated books, CDs, DVDs, records and unique specials. Admission is free and open to the public. Proceeds directly fund Pequot Library’s more than 750 annual programs and events.

The pricing is double the marked price on July 21, priced as marked on July 22 and July 23, half the marked price on July 24, and $5 per bag on July 25. If you spend $250 on Friday, you receive a 20 percent discount on all purchases (special items excluded). Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted at the sale. If possible, bring your own reusable bags to help the environment and cut down on the number of plastic bags used.

Parking is available in Pequot Library’s parking lot, the Trinity Episcopal Church parking lot (on the corner of Pequot Avenue and Center Street), or in the Southport Congregational Church parking lot (524 Pequot Avenue and across from church). On the weekend, parking is available in the train station parking lot, located at 400 Center Street. Trinity Church will run a Parking for Food drive in conjunction with the Pequot Library Book Sale. Church parking will be available Friday through Sunday from 8:30am to 5pm. Trinity volunteers will be on hand to collect food and cash donations in support of food pantries at St. Luke’s and St. John’s in Bridgeport.

For more information, visit PequotLibrary.org or Facebook. com/Events/260775334329607. Location: Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave, Southport.

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ong-time manager and certified holistic health counselor, Anna Perelli, has taken ownership of the Centre for Natural Healing, a modern-day apothecary and wellness boutique located in Norwalk. The center has served a wide variety of holistic practitioners, clients and the local community for over 20 years. To reflect its revitalization and blossoming vision, the center will be transitioning to its new name, Wildflower Centre for Natural Healing, in the coming months. In addition to extending its hours, Centre for Natural Healing will begin hosting wellness workshops and expanding its inventory to include a whimsical selection of gifts for body and home.

Providing guidance on the best botanical and nutritional supplements for health and well-being will continue to be the cornerstone of the business’ mission. The center specializes in time-honored apothecary services such as herbal compounding and custom tea blending. They offer an extensive selection of premium supplements and remedies, herbal tinctures, organic dry herbs and loose leaf teas, essential oils and flower essences carefully chosen for their purity and clinical effectiveness. Holistic practitioners using botanical medicine in their practice are welcome to utilize the Centre for Natural Healing’s apothecary and dispensary services for their clients.

The apothecary will now offer curated items for wellness, beauty and home as well as artisanal gifts, including jewelry, healing crystals and ceremonial items for sacred rituals.

Explore the latest additions and visit the shop for a cup of tea and a healthy treat treat, on weekdays, from 10am to 5pm, and Saturdays, from 10am to 2pm.

For more information on the apothecary and shop, call 203-857-0202 or email CentreHealingEast@gmail.com.

Check the latest happenings at Facebook.com/Wildflower.cnh or Instagram.com/Wildflower.cnh. Location: 35 Wall St, Norwalk.

yoga • meditation • massage • reiki • facials

•

nutrition

Metaphysical Shop & Healing Space www.therubytreect.com (203) 586-1655 Sherman Village, 670 Main St. S Woodbury, CT

Monthly Mystical Market, 3rd Sunday of Every Month crystal healing • psychic readers Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

• aroma touch • rocks & crystals

natural awakenings

• psychotherapy

events • workshops

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•

Ozone Therapy Offers Hope to Lyme Patients

HILDA DEMIRJIAN

WESTCHESTER - NEW YORK CITY SINCE 1974

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n alternative health clinic, LifeWorks Wellness Center, is now routinely offering ozone therapy to Lyme disease patients as part of their treatment program. The clinic’s medical director, David Minkoff, MD, is on the board of the American Academy of Ozonotherapy and is considered to be a pioneer in the use of ozone for Lyme disease.

“When someone is diagnosed with Lyme, it can be devastating, as it can be such a debilitating disease. Most of the patients we see have tried numerous treatment programs but have seen little improvement. Their research leads them to read about the benefits of ozone and then to ultimately find our clinic,” states Dr. Minkoff.

Ozone therapy differs from other Lyme disease treatment programs as it can substantially increase the blood’s oxygen; that, in turn, facilitates healing in many different ways. It can detoxify the liver, de-clog the blood cells, enhance the immune system, and kill viruses and bacteria.

Based in Clearwater, Florida, LifeWorks offers hope to Lyme disease patients from all over the country with their multi-protocol program.

Love your skin!

Collagen laser TreaTmenT

Effective on the full face, neck and body for: Fine Lines • Wrinkles • Sun Damage • Brown Spots Dark Circles • Rosacea • Acne • Scars • Stretch Marks Cellulite • Skin Tightening • Turkey Neck Hair and Lash Regrowth (Manhattan location only)

laser Hair removal for all Complexions • Suitable for ALL areas on the body • Short course of treatment, accurate, non-invasive

Hilda demirjian laser and skin Care CenTers 508 Mamaroneck Ave. White Plains, NY 10605 (914) 686-2121 161 Madison Ave. Suite 3B New York, NY 10016 (212) 991-8566

www.hildademirjianlaser.com

For more information, call 727-466-6789 or visit LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com. See ad, page 29.

Public Service Lecture on Lyme in Brookfield

Saturday, August 26th, 9am-4pm

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free public service lecture on Lyme disease will be presented in Brookfield by Dr. Kenneth Hoffman, DACM, on July 12 at 7pm. There is a silent epidemic of Lyme disease starting in the Northeast and spreading across our country. Most routine doctors’ offices are ill-prepared to handle and deal with this condition, which can lead to life-long damage and disease.

Hoffman will discuss important new information from scientific sources on what to do if you find a tick, what tests to run that actually work and what protocols can work to eradicate Lyme disease. Lyme disease can come from more than just a tick. What else should you look out for? The disease is the “great imitator” and can contribute to over 350 different diseases. Do you know if your health problems may be caused

by Lyme disease? What natural treatments work? What other systems need to be supported after Lyme disease hits? Additionally, Hoffman will present the science-based Integrative Natural protocols that can help relieve chronic Lyme disease for 80 percent or more of those who suffer from it.

To make reservations, call 203-740-9300. Location: SOPHIA Natural Health Center, 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 70.

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Call for free consultation.

NYA Sports & Fitness 4 Primrose Lane, Newtown, CT 06470

SCHEDULE 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 11:30 pm 1:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm

Registration Opening Sacred Space & Drum Cirlce Journey Dance & Hoop Yoga Ian Hockley introduces Community Class: Featuring Todd Norian & Hala Khouri Lunch, Shopping & Silent Auction in the Courtyard Community Class: Featuring Kathryn Templeton & Tao Porchon-Lynch Relaxation with Sacred Sound Bath Closing Mantra & more Music!

DETAILS • • • •

Suggested Donation: $30 ($35 at door) Register at: newtownyogafestival.org Bring Your Own Mat (and any blankets/props!)

Follow Us On:

eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2017

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newsbriefs

Summer Music Festivals in Danbury

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Connecting with Spirit Animals in New Fairfield

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oin Elysian Life Design at Acupuncture Works for a morning of connecting with your spirit animal on July 30 at 10am. Attendees will learn what a spirit animal is, ways to work with a spirit animal, and how to incorporate their energy into daily life. The difference between a spirit animal and a power animal will be discussed as well as how you can find out the spiritual meaning of an animal.

Think of your spirit animal as a guardian spirit or spirit guide, playing the role of a personal protector and providing guidance. The important thing to know about spirit animals is that you do not choose your spirit animal; it chooses you.

Another key point of spirit animals is they will appear only at the time and place in your life when you are ready to accept them and the wisdom they come to offer.

There will be a meditation to help you discover your spirit animal or help you build a deeper relationship to one you may already be aware of. Connect with your Spirit Animal through a guided meditation and drumming.

Register in advance for $15 or drop in for $25. For more information and to register, call 914-336-7693. Location: Acupuncture Works of New Fairfield, 132A State Route 37, New Fairfield. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 73.

romotions in Motion and Ives Concert Park will once again produce the Forever Grateful Music Festival in August. This year's event has expanded to Friday night, August 18, and all day Saturday, August 19, with non-stop music across two stages celebrating the music of Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Phish, Jerry Garcia band and Bob Marley. In true Grateful Dead style, the collaboration of live local music will also include some bluegrass, funk and jams. Tickets for the event range from $15 to $55.

Promotions in Motion and Ives Concert Park are teaming up with local rock station WRKI (i95) to present Mock Stock Saturday, on July 29 from noon to 10:30pm, in celebration of i95's 40th birthday. Ten hours of pure rock & roll music will pay tribute to classic rock legends Aerosmith, AC/DC, Santana, The Who, Van Halen and others. The event will feature headliner Kashmir for a 90-minute performance of Led Zeppelin, along with a laser light show. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Both festivals will offer food, beverages and vendors.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music.

For more information about Forever Grateful, visit ForeveGratefulFest.com. For more information about Mock Stock, visit MockStockTributeFest.com. See ad, page 16.

Are you seeking a holistic approach to depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health issues?

Dr. Anita Chu is a Board Certified psychiatrist who embraces all forms of evidence-based care for her patients, combining both “Western�allopathic medicine and complementary care. She has joined Insight Counseling as our Medical Director.

For more information about Dr. Chu and Insight Counseling, please visit our website at insightcounselingllc.com.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Ancient Wisdom Comes to the Post Road

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he Center for Seasonal Wellness has opened in Darien, offering natural solutions to various ailments for residents of Fairfield County and beyond.

Karen Hand is the founder and director of the new holistic center. She is a licensed acupuncturist in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York and has been working with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and holistic Karen Hand wellness for over 18 years. Her “previous life” working on Wall Street impressed upon Hand the impact that stress and the environment has on people in today’s world. This led to her immersion and eventual licensure in Eastern medicine. In 2002, she chose to retire from Wall Street and begin her healing practice.

“There is so much we are exposed to in our lives today that is out of our control. I wanted my acupuncture practice to empower people with what we can do to optimize our health. Looking to the clues found in nature and the principles within each season, I found answers that every person can use to restore health and vitality,” says Hand.

Through acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, qigong and the use of essential oils, the Center for Seasonal Wellness focuses on the healing and reduction of pain related to such conditions as sports injuries, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, fatigue and brain fog. In addition, the center offers an annual seasonal membership, which includes specialized acupuncture treatments at the change of the seasons, along with herbs, recipes and essential oils related to each season.

For more information and a free 15-minute phone consultation, call 413-427-6391 or visit KarenHandLAc.com.

Location: 679 Post Rd, Darien.

New Website to Enhance Fertility Understanding

C

T Fertility has launched a newly redesigned website, CTFertility.com, to assist all intended parents on their family-building journey. In addition to a new look and feel, there has been a complete redesign of menus, simpler navigation, videos, new and trending blog topics and one-click access to CT Fertility’s donor gallery.

Website visitors are encouraged to view the new clinic video at CTFertility.com/Our-Center/Why-Choose-Us to see the center’s world-renowned physicians, compassionate care team and state-of-the-art lab at CT Fertility’s new location in Trumbull. The website also delves into understanding fertility, egg donation, financial guidance, first steps and other topics.

For more information, call 203-218-8595 or visit CTFertility.com.

Connecticut location: 100 Technology Dr, Ste 210, Trumbull.

Health Coach!

MyeoeutrNewMelissa Conroy Wholistic Health & Wellness Coach Specializing in:

Weight loss without diets & deprivation € Stress & Addiction Natural remedies & green living € Heart-centered practices Plant medicine for mind, body & soul

Create healthy habits that last!

Offering One-on-one & Group Schedule your FREE Discovery Coaching via phone or Skype. Session at rootsrisingalchemy.com

203-673-9491 € rootsrisingalchemy@gmail.com

Massage Therapy

The Gift of Relaxation Specializing in: Swedish • Pregnancy • Injury • Infant Trigger Point • CranioSacral Therapy

Robin Ordan, LMT 203-561-8535

www.robinordanlmt.com Located on the Old Greenwich/Stamford Border

Patricia’s Presents

Beautiful Objects for Discerning Customers Pet and Equestrian Themed Items

A treasure trove of unique gift items to suit all tastes!

Luscious Vegan Leather Goods 860-946-9705 199 Ethan Allen Highway Ridgefield, CT 06877 Stunning Fair Trade Jewelry… www.patriciaspresents.com and more

Plentiful Parking!

Ecoscapes

Ecological Landscape Design Japanese Style Gardens | Native Plantings Wildlife Habitats Rick Bednar (203) 414-4605 | rickbednar@gmail.com Sustainable Landscapes For a Healthier Planet eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2017

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Homegrown Plant Medicine & Self Care Products Made With Organic, Local Ingredients Bath Salts | Body Scrub | Skincare Healing Salves | Smudge | Candles Flower Essences Gift Baskets & Kits Available

Heal Yourself Heal Earth

Something for everyone!

Sustainably handcrafted in Easton, CT mindfully & with love.

www.triplegoddessremedies.com triplegoddessremedies triplegoddessremedies

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

Happiness • Strength • Hope • Wisdom • Coping • Flourishing

Ann C. Reeves, Psy. D, CAPP Licensed Psychologist

203-451-6208

annreevespsych@optonline.net • www.annreevespsychology.com Offices in Newtown & Wilton, CT

C O O P E R A T I V E & WELLNESS CENTER

the co-op: gallery, shop, design studio, art openings, 1st fridays in the depot!, performance events, jewelry from nepal, knitting workshop, essential oils, organic skin care, chinese herbal apothecary

the wellness center: acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, massage, meditation, organic facials, pilates, chi nei tsang, reflexology, neural reset therapy, medical qi gong, aromatherapy, shamanic healing, biomat, chinese medical massage, sound healing, facial rejuvenation acupuncture, cupping, barre, qi gong, chinese herbal consult

newsbriefs New Milford Fitness Club Reopens Under New Ownership

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he former New Milford Sports Club (NMSC) will be reopening in July under new ownership and with a new name, the New Milford Fitness & Aquatics Club. The Boujeili, Nahom and Pereira families are all long-time members of the community and strong fitness advocates. “The club has not been owner-run in years and that makes a difference,” says Susan Pereira.

The new club will provide members and staff with an honest, safe and quality gym. “We know we are starting from square one, and as we grow, we are prepared to invest in improvements,” says Pereira. The pool at the club has been cleaned and maintained over the last few months by the current building owner, Bruce Weinstein. Over time, the new owners plan to renovate the pool; they say they are well aware of the importance of the pool to members, the town and Carlson’s Therapy.

The New Milford Fitness & Aquatics Club is a completely new business, with new ownership in no way affiliated with past management. Many past employees of the old club will be returning, however, allowing for a seamless transition. The new and improved club will feature old favorites such as Silver Sneakers, full towel service, Les Mills BODYPUMP classes, massages, swim lessons and full-service executive locker rooms, to just name a few. They will also be updating the facility and offering fresh new classes and programs. “We know we need to earn our members back and we are prepared to do so,” says Pereira.

Their new website is being designed by a local business owner and friend, Jose Llerena of Optional Reality. New Milford Fitness & Aquatics Club believes in community and plans to work with as many locally owned businesses as possible.

Location: New Milford Fitness & Aquatics Club, 130 Grove St, New Milford.

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Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the Earth, the air and you. ~Langston Hughes

dy and live a healthy and happy life.

Women’s Wellness ailable. Aid for those in need.

Retreat in Vermont

F

rom July 21 to 23, join Dr. Kristine Blanche in her practice of informing and empowering women on how to protect their breasts and bodies from cancer. The weekend retreat in Vermont will help women learn how to heal and how to live healthier, happier lives.

In this workshop, you’ll gather tools to enable you to protect your health, as well as immerse yourself in selfhealing through practical knowledge and the confidence to trust your body’s power to heal. Lectures, dialogues and diagnostic sessions allow an in-depth understanding of how daily life may be modified to support heath improvement as well as avoid or correct problems.

Become well-informed so as to evade surprises and be ready to take prevention to the next step. Each participant is offered a one-on-one assessment by thermography that will be conducted by Blanche and her team. Blanche is the founder of Integrative Healing Center & Spa in Great Neck, New York.

Tuition prices include workshop, accommodations and meals. The cost ranges from $700 to $995 depending on the choice of accommodations. The weekend begins Friday afternoon, with workshop opportunities and goals, followed by dinner and then a talk about breast health and the body’s wellness.

Saturday includes topics such as nutrients, stress and detoxification; food as medicine; and stress as the “#1 enemy”.

Do You Need a Prevention Partner? and a closing circle are part of Sunday’s schedule. Time is also included for morning solitudes, meditations and nature walks.

For more information and to register, visit LearningCollaborative.net. Location: The Learning Collaborative at Stone Spirit Farm, 957 Pleasant Valley Rd, Benson, Vermont. See ad, page 3.

Healing & Stress Reduction Hilda M. Swaby

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Coal Phase-Out Boosts Health

healthbriefs

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esearch from the University of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania, has established that structured physical activity following a stroke can significantly improve cognitive function in survivors. The study used data from 13 clinical trials that included 735 participants to analyze general cognitive improvement, executive function, attention and working memory, as well as the impact of different types of physical activity.

Researchers found that exercise following a stroke produced cognitive improvements in both attention and speed in processing information. They further discovered that a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training produced the maximum cognitive improvements.

“We found that a program as short as 12 weeks is effective at improving cognition, and even patients with chronic stroke can experience improvements in their cognition with an exercise intervention,” says lead author Lauren E. Oberlin, a graduate student at the university.

he province of Ontario began a complete phase-out of its coal-fired power plants in 2005, with all of them having closed by 2015. While the costly measure was expected to produce minor air quality improvements, officials predicted that the resulting health benefits would accrue $3 billion in annual healthcare savings for the community.

Realized savings can be seen in the drastic reduction of smog days in Ontario, down to just one since 2014. “Let’s compare that to 2005, when residents of the Greater Toronto Area suffered through 53 smog days while coal, with its toxic emissions, provided 19 percent of the province’s power,” says Vanessa Foran, president and CEO of The Asthma Society of Canada. “It’s obvious that shutting Ontario’s coal plants has helped clean the air; it’s also given a new lease on life to millions that suffer with asthma.”

More proof of the medical benefits come from an assessment conducted by Toronto Public Health in 2014. It reported a 23 percent reduction in air pollution-related premature deaths in the city between 2000 and 2011, as well as a 41 percent reduction in related hospital admissions during the same period.

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Post-Stroke Exercise Improves Brain Function T

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TAX AND PRICING POLICIES SPUR HEALTHIER EATING

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meta-study from Tufts University, in Medford, Massachusetts, documents a revealing relationship between diet and food prices. The researchers found that taxation of unhealthy foods and price reductions of healthy foods help shift consumers to healthier purchases.

They reviewed data from 11 studies on the impact of adding tariffs to unhealthy foods that lead to higher prices and 19 studies that examined the effects on the demand of reducing the prices of healthy foods. They discovered that consumers purchased 14 percent more fruits and vegetables when prices were reduced by 10 percent. Other healthy food price reductions produced similar results, with a 16 percent increase in consumption with each 10 percent price drop.

The researchers examined the impact of increases in the price of sugary drinks and fast foods. Following 10 percent price hikes, consumption of these items decreased by 7 percent and 3 percent, respectively.

“The global food system is exacting a staggering toll on human health, and this is very costly, both in terms of real healthcare expenses and lost productivity,” says Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, senior author of the meta-study and dean of the university’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Our findings suggest that subsidies and taxes are a highly effective tool for normalizing the price of foods toward their true societal cost. This will both prevent disease and reduce spiraling healthcare costs, which are causing a tremendous strain on both private businesses and government budgets.”

Begins September 15th, 2017, Limited Seating CURRICULUM: Ayurveda Medicine, Traditional Chinese

Medicine, Acupuncture, Energy Healing, The Energy Body, The Chakra System, Shamanism, Health of the Human Spirit, Holistic Stress Management, Sound Healing, and more.

FACULTY INCLUDES: Bernie Siegel, MD Co-Academic Director, The Graduate Institute. Bernie is a retired pediatric and general surgeon from Yale New Haven Hospital.

Bernie’s insights on the nature of human experience and the science of medicine are integrated in his unique approach to the practice of healing. He is a best selling author of numerous books.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD, MPH, is the Co-Director of the Fellowship at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and is board-certified in Integrative Medicine and Family Medicine. Dr. Chiasson has extensive experience exploring energy medicine and alternative healing practices including time spent with Mayan shamanic healers and psychic surgeons in the Yucatan peninsula. She is co-author of “Self-Healing with Energy Medicine” with Dr. Andrew Weil (Sounds True).

Norman Shealy, M.D., PhD is Founding President of The American Holistic Medical Association, President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Energy Medicine, Holos University Graduate Seminary, trained several notable Medical Intuitives, including Caroline M. Myss, and is a best-selling author. He has appeared on numerous national TV programs, including Good Morning, America, the Today Show, Oprah to name a few.

Artemis Morris, N.D, Co Academic Director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute, and holds a Masters in Acupuncture from Bastyr University, is a licensed Acupuncturist and author.

Dr. Sergey Sorin, M.D., DABFM, a renowned healer, educator and author. He specializes in sound and light for comprehensive management of pain and depression.

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July 2017

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globalbriefs

Natural Health

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

& WELLNESS CENTER

Individualized Treatment Plans for Acute and Chronic Conditions

Rigged Research

Osteoarthritis & Joint Disorders • Back Problems Cholesterol Problems • Anxiety & Depression Fatigue, Insomnia & Weight Gain • Diabetes High Blood Pressure • Headaches & Migraine Upper Respiratory Conditions

An article published by the journal PLOS One reflects the opinion of researchers affiliated with France’s National Institute for Agricultural Research that a large portion of studies on genetically modified (GM/GMO) crops are rife with conflicts of interest. They state that many have been tainted because someone that worked on a study was also an employee of a company producing them. The study investigated direct financial conflicts of interest, but not other factors such as authors being members of advisory boards, co-holders of patents or consultants to GM companies.

Out of 579 published studies analyzed, some 40 percent showed a possible conflict of interest. The authors noted that the suspect studies had a much higher likelihood of presenting a favorable outcome for GMOs compared to others. The majority of these studies (404) were American; 83 were Chinese.

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SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS

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Tribute to classic rock legends from Aerosmith to Led Zeppelin

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Floating Trash-Eaters Clean Up Baltimore Harbor

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore

Ives Concert Park, Danbury

Robot Janitors

Powered by New Belgium Brewing

Mr. Trash Wheel and Professor Trash Wheel, the solar- and hydro-powered trash interceptors cleaning up Baltimore’s inner harbor, have the ability to suck up plastic bags, Styrofoam containers, cigarette butts and other debris. The waste is burned to generate electricity, and plans exist to increase recycling capabilities in the future.

The brainchild of engineer John Kellett, who gained the support of the Water Partnership of Baltimore, a nonprofit that supports environmental legislation, the inventions are designed to make the area a green, safe and friendly destination for people and marine life.

It takes a great man to be a good listener. ~Calvin Coolidge

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GMO Studies Compromised by Conflicts of Interest

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Last Call

Endangered Species Protection Act May Go Extinct The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), passed in 1973, strengthened earlier federal protections for animals that had been nearly wiped out by humans. The act faces opposition from those that believe it both unfairly protects animals that poach livestock and restricts land use.

At a recent hearing titled Modernizing the Endangered Species Act, Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, head of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said the ESA is not working anymore.

Natural Resources Committee Chairman Republican Congressman Rob Bishop of Utah opines that the act has never been used for the rehabilitation of species and instead has been controlling the land, saying, “It has been hijacked.”

Yet Daniel M. Ashe, president and chief executive of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, says, “The Endangered Species Act is the world’s ‘gold standard’ for conservation and protection of animals.”

According to many experts, the world’s flora and fauna are experiencing a global extinction crisis caused by human activity, but we have also learned how to protect species and help them recover. Eight species that would probably have disappeared already were it not for the ESA include the black-footed ferret, humpback whale, bald eagle, American alligator, grizzly bear, Florida manatee, California condor and gray wolf.

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Quality Programs for the Mind, Body & Soul

Presents

July 11 7 - 8:30pm $20 exchange Channeled Grace Healing with Theresa Joseph World Peace Meditation, Mysticism Discussion and Book Signing!

July 24 Discussion on Blood Morphology, Self Care, and a Microscope.

July 25 $40 July 25 "Farm to Face" The Field: Shift, Heal, & Transform Discussion with Susan Nichols with Nancy Santullo Sustainable Skin Care & free samples!

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Mastering Yoga

The yoga community in Fairfield County and the Housatonic Valley has never been more vibrant!

This section provides connections to studios and teachers in the area, as well as helpful editorial to support your efforts to improve your practice.

Newtown Yoga Festival Joins Forces with SPARK Program

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his year’s Newtown Yoga Festival will take place on August 26, from 9am to 4pm, at NYA Sports & Fitness, in Newtown. Featured headliners for Yoga Fest 2017 are prominent personalities Kathryn Templeton, Todd Norian, Hala Khouri and Tao Porchon Lynch.

The Newtown Yoga Festival, now in its fifth year, has partnered this year with The Avielle Foundation, a Newtown-based nonprofit started by the parents of Avielle Richman, one of the 20 first graders killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings.

The foundation works to prevent violence and build compassion through brain science research, community engagement and education. The Spark Program focuses on The Avielle

Foundation’s local Newtown efforts.

Why is a violence prevention organization having a yoga fest? “Yoga helps regulate emotional and physiological states. It allows the body to regain its natural movement and teaches the use of breath for self-regulation. Yoga teaches us that there are things we can do to change our brainstem arousal system, our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and to quiet the brain,” says Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, the author of The Body Keeps the Score.

A number of renowned yoga personalities have headlined previous Newtown Yoga Festivals, including Seane Corn, Beryl Bender Birch, Elena Brower, Ray Crist and Jennifer Reis. Headliners teach the community class, which draws hundreds of attendees from the local community.

Saturday, August 26th, 9am-4pm NYA Sports & Fitness 4 Primrose Lane, Newtown, CT 06470

SCHEDULE 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 11:30 pm 1:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm

Registration Opening Sacred Space & Drum CirlceJIIVA YOGA SCHOOL Journey Dance & Hoop Yoga 2018 200HR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING Ian Hockley introduces Community Class: Featuring Todd Norian & Hala Khouri Aspire to teach, deepen your Lunch, Shopping & Silent Auction practice, in the Courtyard unlock your potential and transform your understanding of Community Class: yoga with a mind, body, spirit Featuring Kathryn Templeton & Tao Porchon-Lynch connection unlike any you have encountered.

Relaxation with Sacred Sound Bath CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 2018 Closing Mantra & more Music!

DETAILS 18

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit NewtownYogaFestival.org. The suggested donation is $30.

Location: NYA Sports & Fitness, 4 Primrose St, Newtown.

See ad, page 9.

THE JIIVA YOGA SCHOOL 2900 MAIN ST. SUITE 1A STRATFORD, CT 06614 203-345-7747

• Suggested Donation: $30 ($35 at door) • Register at: newtownyogafestival.org WWW.JIIVACENTER.COM • Bring Your Own Mat (and any blankets/props!)

Fairfield County/Housatonic natural awakenings • Follow Us On:Valley Edition

Experience Yoga and Hiking in the Great Outdoors

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inda Sawyer, an experienced yogini, yoga instructor and hiker, is now leading Yoga for Hikers classes outdoors around Fairfield County.

All classes are held on weekends from spring through fall.

Private and small group classes are also available.

In the two-hour yoga and hiking classes, you will walk, occasionally stopping to align body and breathe in asanas, centering your mind, meditating, relaxing, doing pranayama and sharing. A one-hour class in nature, Simply Yoga, is for those who prefer yoga without walking. The class is held in natural settings, such as parks or beaches. Themes include classical hatha, ashtanga vinyasa and yoga for stress. The current event participation Linda Sawyer fee is $13 a person with discounted packages available.

Arrive 10 minutes before the posted starting time. Almost all the hikes are easy to moderate level, about three miles, and the walks are done at a moderate pace. The yoga portion is for all levels with options offered in a small-group environment. All ages and experience levels with yoga and hiking are welcome, although you need to be comfortable walking and being active for the duration of the event. Wear hiking boots, running shoes or cross trainers, depending on the terrain of each spot, in addition to loose clothing appropriate for stretching. Yoga mats and drinking water are provided.

Other items you may want include snacks, insect repellant, sun block, a small towel for wiping sweat, sunglasses and a hat. First-time participants will be requested to sign a waiver at the start of the event.

Sawyer has practiced hatha yoga for over 20 years, receiving an instructor’s certificate while living in Japan. She has Yoga Alliance RYT 500, is registered with Yoga Alliance, and has advanced certification in Mysore, India, in hatha and ashtanga vinyasa yoga.

For more information, dates and to register for a class, visit YogaForHikers.com.

All great achievements require time. ~Maya Angelou

Become an Aerial Fitness Instructor

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ake your fitness business to new heights by becoming a certified aerial yoga/ fitness instructor.

For the first time in Connecticut, Skybody System and LoVega Fitness & Wellness are teaming up to offer a seven-day, 60-hour teacher certification course in aerial yoga/fitness, starting August 26. This comprehensive program is taught by Fran Sperling. In addition to more than 25 years of experience as a performer and instructor in the aerial arts industry, she is also the creator of the Skybody FLOAT Aerial Teacher Training program.

The tuition for the teacher training is $1,250. The Skybody aerial yoga/fitness training is recognized by the Yoga Alliance as a continuing education yoga course. Submit hours online to their website.

To download application and view the entire seven-day schedule, visit LoVegaFitness.com/Teacher-Training. For more information, call 646-739-6216 or email Info@LoVegaFitness. com. Location: LoVega Fitness & Wellness - Pop Up Studio, 354 Heights Rd, Darien.

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July 2017

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PRAYER HANDS

(Namaste & Anjali Mudra) Bringing Mindfulness into Peace and Devotion

by Karen Pierce

M

ark Whitwell, who has taught yoga for over 20 years in the U.S. and internationally, held his hands in prayer much differently than most American yogis. He and Srivatsa Ramaswami learned this from their teacher, Sri Krishnamacharya. Yoga is far greater than asana alone. In fact, Anjali mudra, or the “salutation seal” hand posture, was a point of study for them.

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Yoga is quite well-known but it is barely understood; it has spread so wide that it is losing its depth. This sacred hand position is a familiar gesture in yoga classes and is often accompanied by the word, “namaste”, and a bowed head. As Westerners, we think of bowing our heads as a gesture of defeat. However, bowing the head slightly symbolizes surrendering the brain to the body and breath, honoring the heart center, and

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

allowing the truth to flow. By removing the mind, or ego, we are free.

For Anjali mudra, the arms should be close to the body but not touching, and relaxed enough to allow the ribs to expand and the lungs to fill with air and oxygen. The folded hands are held about 30 degrees just in front of the heart or base of the sternum, the palms slightly cupped while keeping the hands together. The palms are not flat against each other; there should be a hollow between the palms as if to hold an imaginary lotus. The energetic or spiritual heart is visualized as a lotus at the center of the chest. The palms are drawn together at the heart symbolizing the return to one’s heart and source of our existence, the breath. Just like we create space in our bodies during asana practice, focus on the space between our inhale and exhale in pranayama, and rest in the space between our thoughts during meditation; we create space in our hands to mimic the openness in our heart.

Unfortunately, this posture of prayer is often done without conscious thought or mindfulness. In fact, it is unlikely we will see the traditional hand position described above in an American yoga class. Instead, we will most likely see elbows and wrists parallel to the ground, fingers pointed upward with the thumbs stabbing inward like a knife and the palms pressed tightly together, figuratively strangling any life force that may exist at the heart center. This version has a stiffness, rigidity and forcefulness to it, which is unlike the softer, more receptive version that lives, breathes and feels the heartbeat of every moment in life.

As we bring our hands together at our center, not only are we joining our physical and energetic heart—we also connect the right and left hemispheres of our brain, as well as unite the inhale and exhale. Hridaya Yoga Sutra, or the Heart Yoga Sutra, is based upon classical yoga principles and is a “thread” that weaves together these messages of the heart. The heart is the energetic “mixer” and place where all opposites merge. It represents the journey within to the divine that resides in the heart.

For Anjali mudra, the arms should be close to the body but not touching, and relaxed enough to allow the ribs to expand and the lungs to fill with air and oxygen. The folded hands are held about 30 degrees just in front of the heart or base of the sternum, the palms slightly cupped while keeping the hands together.

The difference is Anjali mudra honors the Sat Guru, the inner teacher, that lights our divine within. Namaste honors the light, goodness or divine of the other person. Within and without. Internal and external. Feminine and masculine.

Always honor ourselves first.

Upanishadic thought teaches that the entire universe is no bigger and no smaller than the universe that evolves in our heart. Each one of us contains the whole. “If you remove one atom from the universe, the entire universe will collapse,” said Carl Sagan, an American astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist and author. The spiritual heart is the essence of everything that is, and we are all connected if we live from the heart.

Whether we use the image of a lotus or of holding our own glorious heart, it is a gesture of loving offering to the nurturing source that is around us, within us and is us. The divine source is already in us; we only need to allow the mind to realize it. That is the picture of peace and devotion.

Karen Pierce is a registered yoga teacher, certified yoga therapist, shamanic practitioner and professional organizer. She is also the author of YogaBear, Yoga for Youngsters, a contributor to Yoga in America and one of the co-founders of Newtown Yoga Festival. Connect at InnerSpacesByKaren.com.

145 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT

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

July 2017

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to Cleanse Body & Mind

Take Toxins Out of Your Life

Get Dirty

by Meredith Montgomery

T

he term “detox” has been gaining traction in health circles, but cleansing practices have existed for millennia, ranging from Egyptian hydrotherapy to Medieval Lenten practices and Native American fasting, smudging and sweat lodges. The truth is that we need cleansing now more than ever—to rid our bodies of chemical overload and our minds of negative thinking.

The Environmental Defense Fund has counted more than 100 chemicals produced in the U.S. that are present in everyday products and hazardous to humans and the environment. “Our body is a natural detoxifier, ridding itself of toxins through pooping, peeing, sweating and shedding skin. But in our current toxic overload situation, it’s not always an efficient process,” observes Deanna Minich, Ph.D., an author and functional nutritionist in Washington state.

Some experts believe many commercial detoxification programs are unsafe, extreme and ineffective. “Psychologically, a short-term cleanse can act as a stepping stone if you’re eating fast food and donuts every day,” says Dr. Michael Greger, a Washington, D.C., physician specializing in clinical

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nutrition and author of How Not to Die. “What matters more is longterm—what you’re eating a decade from now. No quick fix is going to do it, it’s a lifestyle change.”

Feed Your Microbiome

When the microbiome becomes depleted, overall health is affected. Dr. Robynne Chutkan, a gastroenterologist at Georgetown University Hospital, founder of the Digestive Center for Wellness, in Washington, D.C., and author of Gutbliss and The Microbiome Solution, explains, “The GI tract is the body’s engine, and microbes are the worker bees that operate the machinery so that

We’re all exposed to toxins, but if our inner terrain is healthy, our body can flush them out, so we won’t get sick. ~Robynne Chutkan

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

“Health and wealth have become associated with cleanliness, yet the opposite is probably true,” assesses Chutkan. “Kids come in from the playground to use hand sanitizers and eat processed snacks. Instead, discard the microbiome-disrupting sanitizer and provide fresh vegetables for them to eat outside. We don’t want kids exposed to any serious pathogens, but getting a little dirty is essential.”

Studies have found that children with pets are more likely to have fewer allergies and infections and take fewer antibiotics than those living in pet-free

nullplus/Shutterstock.com

Natural Ways

digestion and toxin removal can happen.”

She recommends switching to a plant-filled diet to effectively repopulate the microbiome and be aware of how food is grown. “Much store-bought produce, even organic options, is grown in depleted soil. Seek out biodynamic farmers that prioritize nutrientrich soil to foster microbes,” Chutkan says. Even planting a couple of herbs or microgreens on the kitchen windowsill can make a difference. “Just picking those herbs and getting your hands in healthy dirt increases your exposure to health-promoting microbes.”

households (Clinical & Experimental Allergy and Kuopio University Hospital, Finland). Pets that venture outdoors bring healthy microbes inside; so does fresh air, which purifies poorer quality indoor air.

Chutkan also warns of excessive bathing. “When we scrub ourselves, we rub off microbes and naturally occurring oils; unless we’re filthy, we just need to gently rinse.” Marketers convince consumers that products with toxic ingredients are necessities, but coconut oil, apple cider vinegar and honey can effectively replace many toiletries.

Burn Fat Cells

According to ayurveda, burning fat fuels detoxification because toxins from preservatives, pollutants, pesticides and other damaging chemicals are stored in our fat cells. When fat is metabolized and used as an energy source, the toxins are released, ready to be flushed out.

“When we’re not burning fat, toxins can accumulate, cause congestion in the lymphatic channels, overwhelm the liver and ultimately be deposited back into fat cells or stored in the arteries, heart and brain,” comments Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner Dr. John Douillard, of Boulder, Colorado.

He’s the author of Eat Wheat and a former director of player development and nutrition advisor for the New Jersey Nets professional basketball team.

Reboot with a Quick Cleanse

To stimulate the body’s natural ability to burn fat, Douillard recommends a four-day, at-home detox cleanse.

“The digestive system is responsible for delivering nutrients and escorting dangerous toxins out of your body; if you can’t digest well, you can’t detoxify well,” he says.

Unlike drastic fasts and juice cleanses, which can deplete nutrients, he recommends stimulating fat metabolism with a cleanse that starts each morning with melted ghee followed by a simple nonfat diet throughout the day.

According to research published in

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Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, ghee, a clarified butter, has been proven to remove environmental toxins by attaching to toxic fats. Kitchari, the staple of the meal plan, is a nourishing and easy-to-digest, porridge-like blend of beans, rice and Indian spices.

“When you eat a mono diet of just kitchari, your body can transfer the energy that normally goes toward digestion into cleansing and healing other systems,” says Douillard. For those not

ready to maintain such a limited diet, he recommends a polydiet with the option to add seasonal steamed vegetables, oatmeal and other gluten-free grains.

Few Snacks, More Water

Work toward eating three meals a day—a light breakfast, big lunch and light and early dinner—without snacking inbetween, and fasting for 13 hours each night. Douillard notes, “This regimen should be maintained beyond the cleanse

See How You’re Dooing

by Robynne Chutkan

A

good bowel movement is the ultimate detox, eliminating toxins, unwanted bacteria, cells that have outlived their usefulness and other waste that has to go. Stools provide an index of health, so turn around and take a look at them for feedback for improving digestive and overall health. One key way to assess a stool is by its color. Use the following guide: 4 Pale, chalky stool can be a sign of liver disease or clogged bile ducts, and is often accompanied by dark urine because the bile gets excreted through the kidneys instead of the digestive tract.

4 Yellow stool may mean a parasite like Giardia or excess fat because of a pancreas that’s not secreting enough enzymes.

4 Green stool can be the result of a Clostridium difficile infection or antibiotics.

4 Red stool occurs with bleeding from the colon, but can also be caused by eating beets.

4 Black stool usually signifies bleeding from higher in the gastrointestinal tract or from an iron supplement.

4 Lighter brown stool may mean insufficient deeply pigmented leafy greens in the diet.

4 Blue stool can be from blue-colored food.

4 Dark brown is the color of stool nirvana. Bile and bilirubin pigment, formed in the liver from dead red blood cells, give healthy stools this chocolate color.

Learn more at DigestiveCenterForWellness.com.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

because it gives the body a chance to use up its carbohydrates—its normal, go-to fuel—and switch to its calmer, more stable, detoxifying fuel—body fat.”

Adapt the cleanse to avoid strain, because when under stress, the lymphatic system shuts down and the body stores fat and toxins. “If three meals a day with no snacks is not possible yet, have a nonfat high-protein snack and plan to eat more protein at your next meal,” suggests Douillard. “Or start with four meals, and work your way down to three.”

Aim to drink half your healthiest body weight in ounces of room-temperature water every day, while also sipping warm-to-hot water—believed to soften the intestinal tract, move the lymph and hydrate the cells more effectively than cold water—every 10 to 15 minutes for two weeks. Plain water has a hydrating effect that not even lemon water can replicate.

Emotional Release

“Toxins are best understood less as poisons than as barriers—obstacles to the life and health we truly want,” says Minich. As a functional medicine nutritionist, she believes that food as medicine is only one aspect of full-spectrum health. Her approach revolves around clusters of nutritional, anatomical, psychological and spiritual life issues that can be jointly detoxified, supported and healed.

“Good eating alone will not necessarily solve our emotional woes or stop our limiting beliefs and toxic self-talk,” she explains in Whole Detox, a book based on a whole-life, whole-systems, whole-foods approach to detoxification.

“We need to remove all the barriers that impede our growth. Limiting thoughts, as well as heavy metals and pesticides, are toxic barriers that weigh us down, sapping energy that might be used for better things.”

Her 21-day program is designed to establish long-term lifestyle changes with simple habits. She recommends monitoring our emotions and tracking thoughts with daily writing exercises.

“Look at yourself like you’re examining a food label to get to the root of limiting patterns,” she says, encouraging questions such as, “Is this thought healthy

5 Ways to Detox Every Day CHOATphotographer/Shutterstock.com

by Meredith Montgomery

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“

s soon as we start eating healthier diets, our body is able to detoxify more efficiently and diseases begin to be reversed,” says Dr. Michael Greger, a physician and creator of NutritionFacts.org. Follow these tips to enhance the detoxification process at mealtimes.

1

Eat broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables raw or chop them at least 40 minutes before cooking to maximize intake of the phytonutrient sulforaphane, which boosts detoxifying enzymes in the liver. For the time-crunched, Greger suggests adding a small amount of any type of raw cruciferous vegetables to the cooked ones.

for me?” or, “Do I want this thought in my being?” Be mindful of speech as well; swearing, exaggerating and interrupting can have deleterious effects, while uplifting affirmations can inspire positive actions.

She attests that visualization can help prevent the creative self from shutting down, another aspect of toxicity.

“Be intuitive and imaginative; allow creative expression to flow. Before you can manifest what you want in life, you have to envision it.” Minich wants patients to invite introspection by taking a few minutes each day to be in solitude and silence, allowing meaning and purpose to surface.

Daily stress relief practices such as meditation, yoga, self-massage and mindful breathing can foster stress reduction. “Life shouldn’t feel like an emergency. We need to navigate around stress so we’re not inundated by it,” counsels Douillard.

By extracting toxins through sweat and circulating nutrients, physical activity is equally important for detoxification, but it’s also a form of self-love.

“It expands your sense of possibilities, freeing you to go where you will and to carry burdens lightly,” Minich says.

In this age of personalized medicine, Minich encourages patients to focus on the parts of a detox program that they need most, whether it’s diet, exercise, massage, emotional wellbeing or spirituality. She reminds us that the desire and need to cleanse is universal.“Detox is as old as humankind.”

Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi (HealthyLiving HealthyPlanet.com).

2

Always choose colorful produce, with the exception of white mushrooms and cauliflower. “White foods are stripped of nutrition,” says Greger. Pigment indicates the richness of antioxidants that keep the body functioning efficiently.

He likes adding shreds of economical and long-lasting red cabbage as an everyday garnish.

3

Follow the seasons, because nature provides the ideal harvest for each season—heavier, denser foods in winter, like wheat, dairy, roots, nuts and seeds; and cooling, high-energy fruits and vegetables in summer. Dr. John Douillard, creator of the 3-Season Diet Challenge, remarks that research suggests that gut microbes are meant to change with local seasonal foods to optimize digestion, mood and immunity.

4

Avoid plastics by limiting intake of foods stored or cooked in plastic, especially cling wrap, which is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a known carcinogen, according to the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer. Also avoid canned goods unless labeled bisphenol A (BPA)-free. “A lot of toxins enter our bodies through processed, overcooked and fried foods,” observes Deanna Minich, Ph.D. “As we replace these foods with nourishing options, we need to also minimize plastic packaging.”

5

Filter water because, “We are primarily made of water, so if we’re drinking and bathing in contaminated water, it impacts health,” says Minich who recommends using a national testing laboratory to assess home tap water. The results can then be coupled with the Environmental Working Group’s buying guide (Tinyurl.com/EWG-Buying-Guide) to determine the most appropriate water filter to deal with the contaminants that may be present.

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aged 2–19, more than 5 million girls and approximately 7 million boys were obese.

Clearly the obesity and chronic disease epidemic is showing no signs of slowing down. Our more than 50-year history of embracing a higher carbohydrate and lower fat diet has not proven beneficial in decreasing the current trends in obesity or improvements in health outcomes. We need to ask why.

The Problem is Excess Insulin Production

Ketogenic Diets for Optimal Health Regulating Insulin – Not Fat – is the Key

by Mary Gilbertson

P

erhaps one of the biggest nutritional controversies of late is the confusion and misinformation regarding dietary fats and their effects on our weight, cholesterol levels and overall health. To understand how fats became vilified, we need to look to a scientist named Ancel Keys. In 1958, Keys published his famous “Seven Countries Study”. This study researched the relationship between dietary fats and prevalence of coronary heart disease. His conclusion was that a diet high in saturated fats caused fatty deposits in the arteries that lead to heart disease. Shortly after Keys’ research was published, food companies began eliminating saturated fat from foods.

Since fats have a creamy consistency and are satiating, the food industry needed to replace fats with something that would be appealing to the masses.

They started replacing fats in foods with sugar, which led to the replacement of real foods with sugar-laden processed foods. It was this that ultimately has led to the rise in obesity and the chronic, degenerative diseases we are experiencing today.

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Was Keys’ Research Misleading?

We now have accumulated enough data to prove that Keys’ research was flawed. In attempting to prove causation between saturated fats and increased incidence of heart disease, his experiments used saturated fats that had been engineered from vegetable oils using hydrogenation. Hydrogenation creates trans fats; it is these trans fats that lead to increases in blood cholesterol and, ultimately, heart attacks and strokes.

However, obesity-related disorders are not confined to cardiovascular disease.

There are presently eight obesity-related disorders: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, gout, gallbladder disease and gallstones, and cancers.

According to published data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey’s Prevalence of Obesity in the United States, 2009–2010, more than one in three adults and close to 17 percent of U.S. youth were considered obese. Boys aged 6-11 showed the highest percentage of obesity for children at 20.1 percent. For youth

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

We now know that excess insulin is the driving factor behind obesity and the eight other chronic diseases previously stated. In order to drive down excess insulin production, we need to stop eating refined carbohydrates and sugars. As we decreased fats from our diet and replaced them with sugars and excess carbohydrates, we transitioned our metabolism from a fat-burning to a carbohydrate-burning metabolism. Glucose produced from the metabolism of carbohydrates is used to generate cellular energy. But too much glucose—in the form of grains, pasta, fruits, potatoes and starchy vegetables—causes energy to be stored as fat, often in the liver.

Over time, excess glucose from refined carbohydrates causes our cells to become resistant to the action of insulin. The more insulin produced, the less sensitive our insulin receptors become; this then causes a demand on the pancreas for more and more insulin.

And thus a vicious cycle ensues. Eventually the pancreas becomes exhausted, insulin sensitivity is lost, weight goes up and type 2 diabetes develops. Insulin’s primary job is to take glucose out of the bloodstream and shuttle it into the cell where it can be used for energy. It is also a fat storage hormone. Ninety percent of energy stored in the body is stored as fat through a diet too high in glucose and too low in fat. It is also possible to be diabetic without being overweight.

Although there are differing opinions in nutritional science today, some common truths are universal. It is important to avoid processed foods, refined sugars and trans fats. In addition, stay away from animal products from confined animal feeding operations as they are full of antibiotics, toxins and

hormones. Instead, choose meat from grass-fed, free-range animals; not only is that choice more ethical and better for the planet, but these animal meats include more omega-3 fats. On a daily basis, try to include six to nine servings of vegetables—especially leafy greens—30 grams or more of fiber, and drink half the body weight in ounces of pure, filtered water.

How Nutritional Ketosis Burns Fat

In order to regain the body’s ability to burn fat as the primary fuel source, we need to decrease our intake of carbohydrates. (This varies amongst individuals and the practitioners who treat them as each person’s health needs are unique).

For ketosis to occur, this is generally 30-60 grams of total fat per day. Ketone strips are useful for monitoring ketones in the urine as a means of establishing that we are burning fat. Fiber should be increased to 30 grams or more daily, and moderate amounts of protein should be consumed (approximately 0.8-1.0 grams/kg body weight per day).

To increase the thermogenic effects of the diet and have chronic disease reduction, we can employ the principles of intermittent fasting along with a ketogenic diet. Intermittent fasting is simply cycling between fasting and non-fasting. The easiest way to do an intermittent fast is to employ the method of “time-restricted feeding”. To do this, we would eat all of our calories within a 10 to 12-hour window, stop eating by approximately 8pm, and begin eating again after 8am. Only water is allowed between feeding periods. During intermittent fasting, the blood glucose remains low so less insulin is released and more fat is burned while we sleep.

Once the body becomes efficient in burning fat as fuel, we can start adding more carbohydrate to our diet. In fact, cycling a ketogenic diet is key as during prolonged periods of ketosis, the liver begins to manufacture glucose.

This can cause fatty liver disease, which is an undesirable side effect.

How a Ketogenic Diet Helps Combat Disease States

While excess insulin is the key

driver of metabolic dysfunction, inflammation is the driver of chronic, degenerative disease. Inflammation occurs when free radicals are generated in the body.

Free radicals are unpaired electrons, which make them unstable and highly reactive. They are derived from metabolic processes in the body or from external sources, such as air pollution, cigarette smoke or exposure to environmental toxicants. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, or as supplements, neutralize free radicals. There must be a balance between free radicals and antioxidants for proper physiological function. If free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues.

Free radicals thus adversely alter lipids, proteins and DNA, and trigger a number of human diseases.

A diet high in quality fats—such as olives, olive oil, avocados, coconut, coconut oils, raw cacao, nuts, seeds, ghee and grass-fed butter—with moderate protein and low carbohydrate intake, generates the production of ketones. It then produces less free radicals as it is a cleaner fuel source than carbohydrates.

When less free radicals are produced, there is less systemic inflammation, less up-regulation of genetic disease expression and, ultimately, less disease.

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Note: Ketogenic diets must be done under the supervision of an experienced health professional with advanced knowledge of therapeutic nutrition protocols. The information contained in this article is not inclusive of all facts related to nutritional ketosis and ketogenic diets. Find out more information on specific dietary protocols for the ketogenic diet by working with a functional medicine practitioner, RD or nutritionist. For more information, visit IFM.org.

When you are being your light you:

Mary Gilbertson, MS, BSN, RN, CHHC, is a registered nurse, nutritionist and healthy lifestyle educator. She holds certifications in functional medicine, detoxification, stress management, holistic health coaching, and is a certified gluten practitioner and Metabolic Balance coach. She can be reached at MaryGilbertsonWellness@gmail.com or MaryGilbertsonWellness.com. See ad, page 23.

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Four Reasons to Break a Sweat The Fast Path to Flushing Toxins

by Deanna Minich

D

octors, health experts and fitness gurus tell us that we should break a sweat every day—and for good reason.

Sweat not only activates a host of benefits tied to healthboosting exercise, perspiring itself is curative. Whether sitting in a sauna, walking on a warm day or working out, sweating is a necessary bodily function with powerful healing effects.

By clearing out a range of toxins, sweat plays an essential role in the body’s natural detoxifying function. Here are some of the toxins it helps eliminate:

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

organic pollutants (solvents, fumigants and insecticides): A clinical study of

20 participants published in BioMed Research International found that their sweat samples contained a range of toxins, including pesticides DDT/DDE, endosulfan, methoxychlor and endrin. Nearly all parent compounds of these pesticides were evident, demonstrating that sweating is an effective way of excreting and diminishing the body’s toxic burden. One sweat sample contained some pesticides not present in the subject’s blood or urine samples, suggesting that some pesticides are only mobilized and eliminated through sweating.

2

Phthalate (plasticizer): Phthalate, found in plastic products, is also removed through sweat. Research published in the Scientific World Journal evaluated blood, sweat and urine samples from 20 individuals and discovered that all of them contained the common mono2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP). The concentrations of this

natural awakenings

toxin in sweat were more than twice as high as those in the urine, showing that sweating may be the best way of ridding the body of this endocrine-disrupting compound.

3

Heavy metals: Another study of 20 patients reported in the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology found that subjects’ sweat contained about 24 times more cadmium, 19 times more nickel, 16 times more lead and almost three times more aluminum than their urine. Overall, sweat proved more effective than urine at removing 14 of the 18 heavy metals studied. It also contained and, therefore, expelled larger quantities of 16 of the 18 metals than the blood samples did.

Of all the metals, aluminum was found at the highest concentrations in sweat, with zinc, copper and nickel also occurring at relatively high levels.

4

Bisphenol A (BPA): Researchers reporting in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health examined the blood, urine and sweat of 20 participants for BPA, an endocrine-disrupting toxin found in canned foods, plastic water bottles and other items. Of the 20 sweat samples collected, 16 contained BPA, while only 14 urine and 2 blood samples tested positive for the toxin.

This reveals that sweat is the most effective way of removing BPA build-up in the body; just as vital, it demonstrates that testing blood or urine for toxicity levels may not present the whole picture.

A wide range of activities, including exercising and engaging in sports, can help us break a sweat. A low-impact

option is spending time in a sauna. Notably, in a focused study, the sweat from an infrared sauna expelled more bismuth, cadmium, chromium, mercury and uranium than that produced by a steam sauna. The steam sauna caused higher levels of arsenic, aluminum, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, tin, thallium and zinc to be excreted (Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology).

Hydration is essential in maximizing all these health benefits. Failure to hydrate properly during and after sweating can lead to other health problems. An easy rehydration practice is to step on the scales right before and after sweating; the weight lost is the optimum amount of water to drink afterwards (Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine). For reference, one pound of water is slightly less than a one-half liter.

Sweat contains minerals essential for optimal functioning of the whole body. Following excessive sweating, it’s important to replace the minerals lost, especially zinc, copper, selenium, chromium and potassium. Coconut water is a good source of potassium; nuts, seafood, whole grains and legumes generally contain relatively high doses of zinc, copper, selenium and chromium.

The next time the couch and air conditioning beckon, think of all the “sweaty” benefits about to be sacrificed.

Breaking a sweat might seem like an effort, but it keeps internal detox systems healthy and optimally functioning.

Deanna Minich, Ph.D., is an author, teacher and researcher, as well as founder of Food & Spirit, a framework to integrate ancient healing traditions with modern science. She leads online detox programs as part of her whole-self approach to health. Connect at DeannaMinich.com.

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therapyspotlight

Far Infrared Sauna Therapy for Detoxification

O

ne of the most comprehensive, gentle and effective technologies currently available to detoxify the body is far infrared (FIR) sauna therapy. Now available in clinics around the world for this purpose, FIR can be safely used with children as young as 2 years old when appropriate protocols are followed.

FIR saunas are used at temperatures between 100 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than the temperatures utilized by traditional saunas. Traditional saunas raise the temperature of the air inside the chamber; in contrast, FIR saunas heat the body directly, allowing for deeper tissue penetration. In this way, the body receives the healthy benefits while avoiding the potentially harmful, extremely hot air of a conventional sauna.

FIR sauna therapy will cause a mild increase in core body temperature. Raising core body temperature is analogous to experiencing a slight fever, which is the body’s natural mechanism for destroying bacteria and viruses. FIR sauna therapy creates a process known as resonant absorption, which is said to occur when the frequency of the FIR matches the frequency of the water in the cells of the body. This causes sweating, one of the more effective and simplest ways for the body to excrete toxins.

Only some FIR saunas are specifically designed for therapeutic use. A true FIR sauna is designed to emit optimal FIR waves between 6­to 12 microns in wavelength. Look for this specification rather than just infrared (IR), which may emit waves outside the preferred FIR range.

Therapeutic-use FIR saunas must be made with non­toxic components and must have very low electromagnetic radiation (EMF)—ideally at or below 2 milligauss. Many traditional saunas are made of woods appearing on the list of toxic woods and emit much higher EMFs—some as high as 100+ milligauss. This is important since the last thing we want to do is add to toxic burden by using a sauna made with toxic materials and/or emitting potentially harmful EMFs.

A FIR sauna designed for therapeutic use will have emitters producing FIR waves that stimulate the various detoxification pathways in the body, including the liver­detoxification 30

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

metabolic pathway, kidney filtration and elimination pathways, and lipid­mobilization pathways leading to subcutaneous toxin release via sweat. FIR waves also have the ability to trigger the release of nitric oxide (NO) from the endothelial lining of the blood vessels; NO preserves blood vessel elasticity and enhances blood circulation. Optimal blood circulation is a key factor for healing virtually all health issues. Research indicates that regular FIR sauna use increases micro­circulation, which enables blood to flow more easily throughout the body. Heat stimulates vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels, bringing oxygen to joints and extremities, speeding the healing of sprains and strains, and relieving pain.

Since the heat generated by a FIR sauna will cause the body’s core temperature to rise, it also increases the heart rate. When the body has to work harder to lower its core temperature or keep up with an increased heart rate, more calories are burned, ultimately resulting in weight loss. An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a 30-minute infrared sauna session could burn as much as 600 calories.

While safe and effective, FIR therapy is not for everyone.

Consult a medical professional before beginning a far infrared protocol if any of these contraindications are present: pacemaker; pins, rods or other implants; certain medications or conditions that can be affected by the increased blood circulation/elevated body temperature; medicines applied by skin patches; pregnancy; or silicone implants.

Local Resources Western Connecticut is home to at least six wellness centers offering FIR sauna therapy services; some combine the FIR with complementary therapy to maximize healing effect.

7eFit Spa Locations in Stamford and Norwalk Stamford: 203-356-5822 Norwalk: 203-814-1355 7eFitSpa@gmail.com • 7eFitSpa.com Offers FIR with color light therapy Muktinath Holistic Center Monroe: 203-518-5808 • MuktinathHolisticCenter.com Offers FIR and halotherapy (salt) Salt of the Earth Sanctuary & Wellness Center Woodbury: 203-405-2241 • NaturalSaltHealing.com Offers a personal FIR unit which concentrates heat below the torso; offered in combination with color light therapy Stamford Anti-Aging & Wellness Center Stamford: 203-690-6000 • DrPaz22@gmail.com Offers FIR in a “body pod” with halotherapy (salt) Whole-Body Medicine LLC Fairfield: 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Worden Wellness Center Danbury: 203-748-8093 • WordenWellnessCenter.com

natural awakenings

Daily Detox with Bitter Greens and Bitter Herbs

by Anna Perelli

E

very day we are exposed to a myriad of toxins that can wreak havoc on us if left unchecked. From pollution, pesticides and household/commercial chemicals to overindulging and being under stress, toxins in all forms can tax our bodies. When our detoxification pathways become less efficient and our liver overburdened, we feel tired, sluggish, irritable and out of balance.

Participating in seasonal cleanses provides good quarterly maintenance and gives us the opportunity to hit our reset buttons. Beyond these tune-ups, the best way to support the body’s innate wisdom and ability to keep toxins in check is to incorporate daily habits that encourage consistent, optimal detoxing.

This is where bitter herbs and bitter greens come in. These are superstar powerhouses for liver and digestive support, two of the main pathways our bodies use to help clear out toxins.

Bitter herbs—such as milk thistle, dandelion, gentian,

chamomile, peppermint and Oregon grape—have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, particularly to improve digestion, support the liver and counter inflammation.

Regular use of bitters can help with food sensitivities, supports healthy skin and encourages proper digestive enzyme production; it helps relieve digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating and occasional heartburn. Incorporating just half a teaspoon of an herbal bitters blend before meals goes a long way in supporting liver and gallbladder health, enabling our bodies to clear out toxins efficiently. Making this a staple of daily mealtime ritual is a fun, easy way to promote daily gentle detoxing.

Like bitter herbs, bitter greens such as kale, arugula, nettles, chard and dandelion, pack a powerful punch in the way of detox support. The dark, leafy, vitamin-rich bitter greens are exceptionally beneficial for digestion and promote natural detoxification of the liver, which regulates cholesterol, balances hormones, detoxifies the blood and metabolizes fats.

Incorporating fresh bitter greens into smoothies, fresh juices, salads, pesto or tomato sauces, and soups are great ways to get a daily dose of the nutritional magic greens have to offer. Serve them lightly sautéed as a side dish. As a bonus, eating more greens will also help balance taste buds and reduce cravings.

Detoxing doesn’t have to be intimidating or daunting.

Simple, daily lifestyle choices help us help our bodies work at optimal levels. The basics of drinking plenty of purified water; exercising regularly; eating well most of the time; and choosing organic, chemical-free products whenever possible are important. Incorporating bitter herbs and bitter greens into our diets can help us feel our best and become the lean, mean detoxing machines nature intended.

Anna Perelli is a certified holistic health counselor and owner of the Centre for Natural Healing, an herbal apothecary located in Norwalk. For more information on detox methods or bitter herb remedies, call 203-857-0202, visit CentreHealingCT.com or stop by the shop.

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There is No Finish Line!

How to Sustain Positive Gains Against Toxicity

by Tatiana Fleischman

W

e’ve completed our first detox program and feel proud for following it to a “tee” and feeling better as a result. We’ve probably learned to stay away from foods that make us sick. We have our vitamins.

But are we done? There’s no doubt we loosened the grip a gang of toxins once had on our bodies. We’ve made big gains. But do we really expect the toxins to just say “thank you for a good fight”

and leave? If we do, that’s where we start losing the long-term “war”. Toxins always look for cracks in our defenses to creep back, and we may not even notice it right away.

How can it be otherwise? We are up against thousands of chemicals released into the environment and used in pesticides and cosmetic products as well as over 3,000 chemicals directly added to our food. So how can we

monitor our toxic load and catch the problem before we start experiencing the symptoms of toxicity, including weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, aches and bloating?

The battle against toxins is often tough and never seems to end, but it is not hopeless. It is still possible to fend off the toxins encroaching by air, water and ground, and entering the body through the mouth, nose and skin. The key to success is staying organized; make a plan and stick to it diligently.

There are two approaches, subjective and objective; for best results, combine both through use of a symptom survey (subjective) and laboratory testing (objective). The former asks us to score several symptoms typically associated with toxins. The individual scores are then added up; the total score serves as an indicator of overall toxic load. We can then take the survey from time to time to see the direction our bodies are going. Lab testing is an important objective tool for measuring exposure to toxins. Both our blood and urine are tested for environmental toxins, including pesticides as well as toxic metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic.

Any approach that staves off toxins must include three major parts.

Initial detox

The initial detox is what sets the stage for our long-term success. Do not skip

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it or try to ease into it and then just coast along. Make a commitment to new healthy habits and undergo a major transformation. The initial detox will be a definitive break from the eating and lifestyle habits that have controlled our lives for decades.

Maintenance

There is a lot to be done to keep our hard-earned gains. Just like a car, our bodies need regular maintenance and occasional tune-ups. The initial detox is the hardest part because it puts the most restrictions on our diet and lifestyle. During the maintenance phase, some of the requirements, such as alcohol prohibition, are eased; many of the previously eliminated foods that we enjoy may be brought back.

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Detox boost or tune-up

Although the initial detox, maintenance and boost phases differ in their methods and goals, they all share basic principles.

Following them will help keep the body healthy regardless of the detox program being used or what phase of detox we are in. These ideas can be applied even before we commit to a full detox program.

• Replace toxic inflammatory food with healthy choices.

• Eliminate all refined sugars, flours, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and processed food.

• Replace supermarket groceries with local, seasonal organic fruits and vegetables, lean protein and healthy oils.

• Replace tap water with filtered water.

• Support the liver by using nutritional shakes or special formulations that contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

• Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of filtered water per day to eliminate toxins.

• Have at least one bowel movement a day to eliminate toxins. If that is not happening, magnesium citrate, buffered vitamin C or fiber may help.

• Sweat out toxins by exercising. When we sweat, the body releases a number of toxins, including heavy metals and environmental chemicals. Just like exercise, infrared saunas can help the body eliminate toxins through sweat.

• Detox the mind by connecting to nature, taking a break from the news, practicing silence and meditating. Get plenty of sleep. Our bodies detoxify themselves much better when they are in a relaxed state.

Detoxification is not an event but rather a process; there is no finish line to be reached. Good habits that support detoxification should become an integral part of our lifestyles. While we cannot completely stop every toxin from reentering our bodies, it does not have to be a losing battle. We win by staying both vigilant and diligent, and by undergoing regular maintenance and detox boosts.

Tatiana Fleischman, MD, is the founder and medical director of Integrative MD, an integrative and functional medicine practice in downtown Stamford. Connect at 203-275-6666, Info@IntegrativeMDCenter.com or IntegrativeMDCenter.com.

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Modern Beauty Circus Farm to Skin Product Explosion Improves Choices, Creates Confusion

by Nicole Miale

A

decade ago, the notion of natural beauty skin care products was still primarily confined to two arenas: high-end spas with products from Europe or local farmers’ markets featuring homegrown, artisan products at relatively low cost. It was inevitable that these two vastly different ends of the spectrum would eventually come to meet in the middle; that is where we find ourselves now. Just as the farm-totable movement revolutionized taste buds and menu planning at restaurants, now estheticians and consumers have a plethora of options when it comes to readily available natural skin care products. With the increasing choices comes some real confusion: what to

buy and from whom? Are natural artisan products truly better than naturallyderived synthetic versions created and tested in a lab? It turns out the answer to that may be more complicated than we would think, depending on who is asked and who ultimately will be using the product.

Natural vs. Synthetic

“Synthetics are copies of the natural product that are produced in a controlled environment,” explains Sheryl Stroud, esthetician and lead instructor for the esthetics program at Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute in Danbury.

“Natural things can be very effective, but also can cause more reactions because

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

they have very active, concentrated ingredients. Synthetically-derived products tend to provoke less reaction.”

Stroud, who practices at JHouse Spa at the JHouse Hotel in Greenwich, uses Eminence products as well as Natura Bisse and Dermalogica; these are a mix of natural and synthetic product lines that she has found fulfill most clients’ needs. “Every esthetician has to have good product knowledge, but more importantly they need to know the individual client,” she says. Stroud uses a two-page intake form with her clients and teaches Ridley-Lowell students to do the same. “As a practitioner and a teacher, the choice of product is always based on the individual’s needs and the lines available for use.”

She cites examples where natural and seemingly innocuous ingredients—like blueberry—in a natural skin care line wound up causing a strong reaction in a client with a sensitivity.

“The reality is that most products with active ingredients are put on the skin to stimulate it,” Stroud explains. “The question is the degree of reaction; that is sometimes easier to predict with the synthetics.”

Hilda Demirjian, a laser and skin care expert for more than 20 years, agrees with Stroud that the trend toward slapping natural products on the body without education or research first is a dangerous one. “People must do their research and find out what herbs or fruits are being used and what effects they may have at different levels,” she says. “Strawberries are delicious to eat but are frequently contaminated and should never be placed on the face.”

She knows this first-hand; her mother was on medication for six months to heal a strong immune system reaction triggered by a homemade strawberry facial mask.

Demirjian has laser and skin care centers in White Plains and Manhattan, New York, with plans to open one in Connecticut in the near future. In her centers, she uses a private-label line of skin care products along with a proprietary formula collagen product made with green apple stem cells. The products include natural and synthetic ingredients, which Demirjian is comfortable with because she has familiar-

ized herself with the products over the years and knows what to expect from them. “Botanicals are very concentrated,” she explains. “So you really only need a drop or two. Often people use way too much and accidentally create skin reactions. Using more of a product is not always better.”

Easton-based herbalist Alexandra Leigh agrees to a point; she says a large part of her work these days is educating people about misconceptions about herbal medicine, including the reasons plant medicine is so beneficial.

“Plant medicine is gentle and wonderful because our bodies’ cell receptors are designed to accept them when the whole plant is used in a thoughtful and intentional recipe,” she explains. The more volatile essential oils are the ones she worries about people using indiscriminately.

Stroud tends to be wary of homespun products because of the potential for inconsistency or even potentially dangerous effects. “How much training has someone had in creating the products,” she asks. “Do they really know how much active ingredient to put in before it could potentially become damaging or throw off the chemical balance?

“Sure, these things work. But when you get into home-brewed products, there is a question about the research and development behind the products,” Stroud continues.

Leigh, creator of her Triple Goddess Remedies line of artisan herbal skin care products, agrees. “There is a high degree of self-responsibility required of both the producer and the buyer,” she explains. “When you make a product for someone, you are intending to interact with their physical being. I take that very seriously. I have to be spot on with my recipes or risk adversely affecting someone’s health.

It requires a lot of knowledge, preparation and research to provide nurturing, gentle products.”

All three agree that when selecting skin care products, the mantra should always be “buyer beware”. Read the fine print, they say. Stroud says the top five to 10 ingredients should be the most active, meaning they should be the ones to create the effect you desire.

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Cottage Industry Crackdown

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA do not currently regulate skin care products or the claims made about their efficacy. This does not mean, however, that there is a free-for-all in Connecticut when it comes to the cottage industry of skin care product creation and marketing. In fact, the current environment is just the opposite. Sandi Coppola of East Havenbased Sperry Naturals, along with approximately 150 other artisan skin care product producers in the state, recently learned this. In June, they received notification from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection about an apparent new need to apply for certification with the department. The certification requires a $285 fee and a scheduled visit day from an inspector if they want to create and sell at markets any products applied to the body; soap is the one exemption to the policy. This is apparently a new measure, which has thrown Coppola’s business plans into confusion during what is usually her busiest time of year.

“For the past three years, until last Saturday, I sold everything at farmers’ markets,” she says. “But now I’m being told I can only sell soaps and herbal teas, even though I have all the licenses and permits and everything I was told I needed before now and nothing’s changed in the way I’m producing my products. I dreamed of doing this for

years and I did everything I was supposed to do. It’s frustrating.”

Coppola, a retired chef who began her organic, artisan skin care product line after years of planning and development, has 22 products in total (all are currently sold on her Etsy site). The medicinal herbs and flowers in the products are grown on her three-acre organic farm of raised beds. “I plant it, I pick it, and I process it in a completely natural way without any chemicals,” she says.

“Mother Earth didn’t mean things to be complicated; I try to follow her lead.”

While disappointed by the recent turn of events limiting her farmers’ market exposure, especially at New Haven’s CitySeed, Coppola is going to focus on developing more soaps and creating more DIY—make it yourself and leave with your own product—events at the farm in the coming months. Beginning in August, the planned Thursdays at the Farm series of events will kick off with a fire cider workshop.

Folk herbalist Leigh’s product line includes organic plant-based and sustainably crafted skincare and first aid. “My remedies are handmade with love from my homegrown plants and local ingredients,” she says. “I felt a calling to make it easier for people to take better care of themselves and Earth by providing products that are created mindfully and holistically, as well as connect people with the spirits of plants and nature in the tradition of

our ancestors.”

In the past, Leigh has sold her products at local markets—including farmers’ markets and pop-up shops throughout the region—but like Coppola, she is moving more toward educational classes for consumers, concerned with what she calls grave misconceptions about herbal medicine and natural products. “People don’t understand the difference between essential oils and infused oils,” she says.

“That is a big problem in a time when we’re hyper-regulating things. We all need to put our best foot forward and support the natural evolution that is occurring.”

“As we are re-awakened to the natural world, this explosion of interest in farm to skin products was bound to happen,” Leigh says. “And that is a good thing as long as the producers and the consumers take a high degree of responsibility for what they are creating and what they are choosing to use.”

Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute will be offering free esthetic services with senior students from July 13 to September 13, Thursday and Fridays only, from 9am to 1pm. Email SStroud@Ridley.edu for an appointment.

Nicole Miale is publisher of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley, CT. Connect with her at NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Face Mapping Heed Your Body’s Natural ‘Check Engine’ Signal

by Colleen McGrath

E

very day, we get up and start our morning routine, which includes our unique order of operations to complete before running out the door. Are we taking the time in that routine for appropriate skin care? This can include a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, SPF and/or make-up application.

The routine we have and the effects of those steps may matter more than we realize.

Are skin blemishes just problems with the surface of our skin or are they indicators of deeper issues? “You are what you eat.” We have all heard the saying but what does it mean and how does that relate to the health of our skin?

On a daily basis, our skin is affected by so many different outside elements: the environment with daily exposure to sun and toxins in the air, our skin care cleansing products, and the beauty cosmetics that we use to give our skin an even tone and texture.

Sometimes no matter how well we try

to take care of our skin, it seems to still end up breaking out, being dull and dehydrated, or aging and wrinkled.

This is because the problem goes much deeper than just forgetting to wash our face a few nights and sleeping with our make-up on. So deep that it may have less to do with what we are putting “on” our skin as much as what we are putting “in” our mouth.

Whether it is pigmentation, acne, rashes or rosacea, skin blemishes are significantly connected to our diet and how food is affecting our bodies and internal organs.

Although skin diseases are manifested on the skin, Chinese medicine believes that the disease origin is related to dysfunctions of certain internal organs. Just like heartburn means we ate too many chili cheese fries, a pimple is not just about hormones. In Chinese medicine, face mapping is used to find out the root of the problem. This is the ability to see the reflection of the body’s organs on each part

of the face by observing complexion, including luster, dullness, discoloration, color and breakouts.

Face mapping has been a part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years, but has only started going mainstream in the U.S. in the past decade.

It is now rapidly taking center stage at spas and clinics where modern practices often combine ancient medicine with clinical dermatological procedures. Face mapping connects a point on our face to an organ or body part so we know what to treat internally for clear external results.

Practitioners’ opinions differ in regards to recommendations on how to treat the issue being exhibited within each zone of the face. Some may offer simple advice or take more of the overthe-counter approach, while others not only suggest making food changes, but also mindset and potentially significant lifestyle changes.

David Wolfe, a health, eco, nutrition and natural beauty educator, presenter and author, takes a more natural, holistic approach for his guidelines on face mapping and what we should do to help resolve issues. Wolfe offers the following suggestions to lower the corresponding internal organs’ effects on the skin’s outside issues.

Forehead = Bladder and/ or Small Intestine Forehead issues with breakouts can be due to less than optimal food selections, partaking in alcohol to excess, a lack of sleep and stress. Probiotics, raw food, digestive enzymes, lots of water, adequate sleep and alcohol elimination can help, as can modalities such as yoga, to lessen the effects of stress.

Between the Eyebrows = Liver In this area, issues with toxin removal from the food we eat or pollutants in our environment can tax the liver. In addition to including lots of fruits and vegetables, it is recommended to get outdoors for fresh air, take brisk walks, meditate, and try yoga or something similar. Keep an eye on food consumption; it may be a case of eating too much meat or dairy, or a sensitivity to a food.

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July 2017

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Eyebrow Arch = Kidneys Keep an eye on habits that may cause dehydration as they can have an effect on the kidneys. Besides the obvious one of not drinking enough water, coffee and other caffeinated drinks, sweetened beverages, alcohol and smoking can cause dehydration.

Try switching from table salt to sea salt as poor-quality salt can also affect hydration.

Nose = Heart The nose area can be affected by poor circulation, high blood pressure and issues with air pollution (both inside and outdoors). Work on maintaining good cholesterol levels, fine-tune an exercise routine to help with circulation and find holistic ways to remove toxins.

Food items and spices—such as garlic, reishi mushrooms and cayenne—can help with blood pressure control.

Upper Cheeks = Lungs As with other body organs, smoking and pollution can affect the lungs, which is reflected in this area of the face as well. Asthma issues will also be evident here. Besides staying away from smoking and pollution, exercising and drinking green vegetable juices can help keep this reflective area of skin healthier. Try cucumber, lemon and celery mixed with some dark green leafy vegetables to help with lung health. Or incorporate the astragalus and cordyceps herbs into your routine after consulting with a naturopathic physician or herbalist.

Cheeks = Lungs and Kidneys Again, smoking and poor diet can affect the cheek area, as can high amounts of stress; on the flip side, healthier food decisions, personalized de-stressing techniques and exercise can aid our lungs and kidneys and thereby reduce signs in this area of the face. Hydrate for kidney health with a sea salt and water combination; add in cucumber and melons for their taste and healthy benefits. And from the Chinese medicine perspective, herbs such as rehmannia and ho shou wu promote kidney health.

Whether it is pigmentation, acne, rashes or rosacea, skin blemishes are significantly connected to our diet and how food is affecting our bodies and internal organs.

Mouth and Chin = Stomach As we know all too well, our stomach area can be negatively affected by too much consumption of fat, sweets, alcohol and caffeine. By bringing in balanced eating habits that include fruit and fiber, we can mend our stomach health. Eating too much fat and sweet food can cause problems in this area. This is also true of caffeine and

consumption. Try incorporating fibers such as slippery elm, chia, marshmallow and even aloe vera.

Jaw and Neck = Hormones Our hormones are quite sensitive to what we ingest, to our surroundings and a slew of other influences. The wrong foods for our individual constitutions, lack of direct sunlight and connection to the Earth, animal products treated with hormones and even a lack of water can wreak havoc with our endocrine system. Simple steps can have profound effects: walk barefoot to feel more grounded, take some time to let sunlight shine down, eat more good saturated fats to increase good cholesterol levels, purchase hormone-free dairy and meat products, and avoid artificial lighting when possible.

Whichever method we decide to try, just know that there is a real connection to our skin and organs; it is important to not ignore the body’s natural “check engine” signs for our skin and health.

These tips are not meant to replace a doctor’s advice. For best results, consult a naturopathic doctor, licensed dietician, nutritionist, Chinese medicine practitioner or a dermatologist or esthetician with advanced training.

Colleen McGrath is an esthetician and the owner of Sanctuary Skin Spa & Wax Bar, based in Foxboro, MA. Connect at SanctuarySkinSpa.com.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Effective on the full face, neck and body for: Because of youFine there a change for the better!

• Sun Damage • Brown Spots Lines •isWrinkles

Dark Circles • Rosacea • Acne • Scars • Stretch Marks

HildaCellulite Demirjian Laser & practitionerprofiles Skin Tightening • Turkey Neck Beautiful Hair Shouldn’t Be• Hazardous To Your Health

Skin Hair Care and LashCenters Regrowth (Manhattan location only) 508 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NYwe •Complexions 914-686-2121 Salon Aponte The best thing about our products isfor what leave out! laser Hair removal all 161 Madison• Ave, Ste 3B, New York, NY • 212-991-8566 Nancy Aponte, Owner Suitable for ALL areas on the body No Ammonia | No Parabens | No Scalp Staining | No Scalp Discomfor HildaDemirjianLaser.com • HildaDemirjianSkincare.com 838 Main St, Monroe • 203-261-2838 • Short course of treatment, accurate, non-invasive SalonAponte@att.net • Beautycounter.com/NancyAponte

Salon AponteLLC

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Practice/Business Summary: Hilda demirjian Hilda Demirjian Laser & Spa has been laser and skin Care CenTers years in business! in business since 1974. We currently 508 Mamaroneck have two aesthetic laser and skinAve. care White Plains, NY 10605 centers: White Plains in Westchester, (914) 686-2121 New York and Manhattan, which opened in 2016. The centers offer the 161 Madison Ave. Suite 3B following services: laser hair removal; New York, NY 10016 collagen laser treatment (for fine lines, (212) 991-8566 wrinkles, crows’ feet, sun damage, brown spots, acne, scars, stretch marks, cellulite, etc.); laser skin rejuvenation; laser skin www.hildademirjianlaser.com tightening; laser hair regrowth therapy; injectables.

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Practice/Business Summary: Celebrating 27 We provide healthy hair care alternatives in a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere. We offer hair cutting and styling; creative hair coloring; eyebrow tinting; permanent waving; men’s services, children’s haircuts; Reiki; body sugaring/hair removal; deep conditioning treatments; Beautycounter skincare and makeup and makeup application. Safer alternatives to traditional beauty treatments; ammonia-free coloring without harmful color pigments; natural- and organic-based shampoos, conditioners and stylWhat first drew you to this profession? ing products; organic nail polish and remover.

My passion for skin developed in my native country, Persia, where skin care and wellness is considered highly valuable.

What drew you to this nurturing work?

As a young girl, I grew up visiting hammams (steam rooms) I always enjoyed creating shapes with hair even as a child. and spas from the age of 6 on a weekly basis. As an adult, I enjoy interacting with the public and making them feel my love for radiant skin grew into a driving passion. My happy and confident and working with a creative group and mission is to help every individual to make them feel sharing artistic ideas. confident and give them hope for them to love their skin, the largest organ in the body, once again.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: Specializing in all forms of hair color from grey coverage to What do you specialize in? multi-dimensional applications. Guiding recovering cancer I specialize in combining the science of aesthetic laser with patients about styling and coloring as their hair grows back in. the ancient world of skin care. Skin education is my passion Trained as a Reiki practitioner. All-natural hair removal/ body and I travel the world, presenting at conferences and events. sugaring. Awarded Best Eco-Friendly Salon in Fairfield county.

I always state, “Laser is my business, skin is my passion.”

I use a unique laser technique which provides nearly Are you offering any special products or services this season? painless treatments for laser hair removal, collagen and skin Cezanne Perfect finish Keratin Smoothing treatment, a transrejuvenation. I work with many types of skin without limiting formational, long lasting and safe salon treatment without my clients. This applies to people with: rosacea, acne, sun damaging or dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde. Now damage, scars, stretch marks, and many more conditions. offering Ombre and Balayage free hand highlighting, with Certifications/Credentials: bright summery fashion colors added for the season.

I am an internationally renowned laser and skin care What new products or services are you offering? specialist with more than 20 years of laser and skin care We have added the Beautycounter line, which is a company experience. We launched the botanically-derived Hilda actively trying to educate men and women on the imporDemirjian Skin Care line in 1992, introduced in the U.S., tance of safer ingredients in beauty products. On Thursday, Canada, Europe, India, Japan, and the Middle East.

July 20 from 7-9pm, we will have an informational evening What should a client or patient expect from working with you? for Beautycounter, discussing the importance of understandConfidentiality and compassion are my hallmarks. My work ing ingredients in our foods and beauty products and why. is more than a business. I am devoted to my clients and work with them to restore hope, confidence and self-esteem. I work What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to with many individuals recovering from serious illness including know about you and your work? cancer and devote time and support to charitable organizations Salon Aponte will continue to search for cleaner, safer alternatives in all forms of beauty care. Partnering with American- such as the American Cancer Society, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, YMCA, Gilda’s Club, and White Plains Hospital. made, like-minded grassroots companies continues to be an honor. Being able to make a difference in peoples’ lives What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to throughout the years has given me great pleasure. The saknow about you and your work? lon attracts like-minded women who share information and Please be sure to schedule your complimentary skin analysis health tips with each other. with me today!

203-261-2838

838 Main Street, Tollgate Plaza, Monroe, CT Tues & Fri 9-5 | Wed & Thur 9-8 • Sat 8-4 | www.salonaponte.com

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July 2017

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inspiredtable

INSPIRED

Direct from Broadway, Alton Brown Visits Stamford on Tour

TABLE

A

lton Brown Live: Eat Your Science (AltonBrownLive.com), the follow-up to the smash Edible Inevitable tour, hits the road again.

On October 29, he will land in Connecticut for a show at The Palace Theatre in Stamford.

Fans can expect all-new songs, multimedia presentations, talk-show antics, and bigger and better food demonstrations. Brown has a knack for mixing together a perfect base of science, music and food into two hours of entertainment.

He promises there will be, “plenty of new therapy-inducing opportunities during our audience participation segments…Plus, you’ll see things I’ve never been allowed to do on TV.” He’s also contemplating more sophisticated protective gear for folks in the first few rows just in case things get messy again.

Brown, author of the James Beard award-winning I’m Just Here for the Food and the New York Times-bestselling sequence, Good Eats, released the first of two new cookbooks through Ballantine Books in the fall of 2016. He has hosted numerous series, including Cutthroat Kitchen, Camp Cutthroat and Iron Chef America; Brown has created, produced and hosted the Good Eats series for 13 years on Food Network. Good Eats can still be seen on the Cooking Channel and Netflix.

For tickets, call 203-325-4466 or visit PalaceStamford.org. Information about Alton Brown and the Eat Your Science tour can be found on AltonBrownLive.com, Facebook.com/altonbrown, Twitter.com/altonbrown, Instagram.com/altonbrown, or by using the tour hashtag #AltonBrownLive. See ad, page 5.

Astonishing Agriculture

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

203-885-4674 40

Roman Stetsyk/Shutterstock.com

Food Grows Without Soil or Groundwater Proponents of GMO (genetically modified) food may argue that the technique is necessary because the world is running out of resources.

However, agricultural startup Sundrop Farms, with offices in the UK and Australia, has developed high-tech greenhouse facilities that apply solutions to grow crops with less reliance on finite natural resources than conventional greenhouse production.

In 2010, Sundrop Farms opened a pilot facility in Port Augusta, South Australia, that is combining seawater and sunlight to grow food in the middle of the desert, unaffected by climate change, biotech land grabs, drought, floods and pestilence. They are using coconut husks, 23,000 mirrors to reflect solar power and desalinated seawater on a hydroponic farm of just under 50 acres to grow 17,000 metric tons of non-GMO food every year.

Built at a reported cost of $200 million, the facility has a year-round growing season. In winter, its greenhouse operates with the help of 39 megawatts of clean energy from solar power. Coles Supermarkets has signed a 10-year contract for the exclusive right to sell the company’s produce.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

The Fungal Kingdom Has Much to Offer

Why Mushrooms are So Good for Us!

by Eileen White

W

hat is all around us and yet we do not notice it? What kingdom of species on Earth has 1.5 to 5.1 million species, yet we use less than 50? We eat bread, and drink wine and beer. Many of us also love sautéed mushrooms; however, most people never realize they are all related. There’s an invisible string uniting them together and it’s called the fungal kingdom.

What’s interesting is that they are all heterotrophic, which means they cannot make their own food like plants can. Plants need water, air and sunlight to grow. Mushrooms are more like us in the animal kingdom than plants in the vegetable kingdom. Like us, they must gain nutrition from other organisms.

Think of mushrooms on a tree. They are extracting nutrients to live from that tree. Each tree is a mushroom’s version of our Ridgefield’s Farmers Market where the mushroom can get all their nutrients to live and they know where their food is coming from.

Science is discovering that most fungi are adaptogens, which are substances found in nature that help the body adapt to stress and balance it.

Modern medicine has actually used some of fungi’s natural adaptogens and changed the course of human health.

For example, from the fungi kingdom we have garnered many important drugs such as penicillin.

Since World War II, Americans have been eating more and more processed foods—and we are not healthier. If a person born before World War II survived childhood diseases, they had a greater chance of living to a ripe old age

than we do now. Here’s another disturbing fact: for the first time in America’s history, children born after the year 2000 have a much less likely chance of living as long as their parents will.

Consider the prevalence of juvenile diabetes; there is simply too much sugar and processed food in the American diet. This is one way mushrooms can help all of us. Mushrooms have beta glucans, which are good sugars. Mushrooms are prebiotics, or food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.

Mushrooms are shown in studies to be good for heart health, blood pressure lowering and blood sugar centering.

Some can reverse plaque deposits in our veins. They are good for weight management and the ancient peoples knew this.

Some mushrooms are said to destroy cancer cells and others facilitate nerve regeneration. Native American tribes revered the mushroom for good reason.

Mushrooms also have green applications. They eradicate carpenter ants by producing a pesticide that tricks the ants into eating it. They produce a lowcarbon footprint type of ethanol and they can break down the neurotoxins in nerve gas. Mushrooms also produce a fully compostable fungal-based packing material that could potentially replace plastics and Styrofoam.

Since pathogens in the body can adapt to one type of mushroom, blends of mushrooms are more effective.

There are so many mushrooms; ones listed below are believed to have multiple health benefits.

Portobello mushrooms are said to be good for low white blood count, un-

even heartbeat, anemia and osteoporosis.

Shiitakes are beneficial for the liver, stomach ailments—such as gallstones and ulcers—and anemia. They are also have antiviral—helpful for HIV and hepatitis—antibacterial and antifungal effects. Shiitakes are also good for blood sugar stabilization.

The Reishi is known in China as “the spirit plant” or “the mushroom of immortality”. They have powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. They may act as anti-inflammatories and can be useful for reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Reishi is also effective in up-regulating the immune system, normalizing blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and reducing prostate-related urinary symptoms in men. It helps with allergy management, anti-fatigue and strength.

Cordyceps are a favorite amongst athletes as they increase the production of ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, which is the energy currency of life found in each cell. Cordyceps boost strength and endurance, and have anti-aging effects. They also have hypoglycemic and anti-depressant effects, protect the liver and kidneys, and increase blood flow. Cordyceps can help normalize cholesterol levels and have been used to treat hepatitis B. Like other mushrooms, they also have antitumor properties.

Another bright star in the mushroom constellation is Turkey Tail, also known as “the cloud mushroom”.

It has an arsenal of cancer-blasting compounds. The National Institutes of Health did a seven-year study that showed women with stages I-III breast cancer who received a dose daily had improved immune function. Turkey Tails are also promising for use in treating stomach, colorectal, cervical and uterine cancers.

The Himematsutake, or “Royal Sun Agaricus”, is attracting scientists worldwide due to its remarkable anticancer properties. It can also protect from damaging effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

Lion’s Mane is a mushroom that treats digestive disorders, depression, insomnia and memory loss.

Connect with Eileen White at 203-5581355 or EileenBWhite@gmail.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

July 2017

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Oliver Hoffmann/Shutterstock.com

Herbs that Beat the Heat Favorite Varieties that Flourish in Summer

by Barbara Pleasant

S

ome of the best plants to keep as summer companions are herbs that enrich life with their flavors, fragrances and beauty. It’s not too late to pot up a few herbs or plant them in the garden if we choose varieties that thrive in hot, summer weather.

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Reliable Basils

“I place basil as the number one herb in popularity, as well as heat tolerance,” says Cristina Spindler, owner of the Peconic River Herb Farm, in Calverton, New York. “Basil actually prefers heat.”

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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There are many types, and greenleafed culinary varieties are easy to grow through the summer, provided they’re not allowed to dry out. Two particularly heat-hardy types are purple-leafed varieties such as red rubin and African blue, which debuted in 1983.

“Purple basil is shockingly fragrant and beautiful on the plate. Plus, it’s easy to grow in a small space and produces quickly,” says Lisa Kessler, who for several years has co-owned with her husband, Ben, the White Hills Lavender and Herb Farm, in Dearing, Georgia. “The flowering tops are usable as herbs and as beautiful cut flowers, so don’t toss them away.”

“African blue basil flourishes in summer heat and is an especially beneficial nectar plant for bees and other pollinators,” says Traci Anderson, who has been running Seminole Springs Herb Farm, in Eustis, Florida, in their family for more than 20 years.

Vigorous and heavy-flowering, it can grow to over three feet tall, and usually persists as a perennial in Florida, Texas and other mild winter climates.

Mediterranean Flavors

Rosemary is the most adaptable and heat tolerant of Mediterranean herbs; it can be grown as a perennial where soil doesn’t freeze hard in winter.

“My top herb garden choice for the hot, humid conditions in the South is Tuscan blue rosemary, because it is beautiful, easy to grow and is wonderful in all kinds of foods and products,” Kessler says. “It blooms in several seasons and provides bees with offseason food.”

Thyme is a top cooking herb, although too much summer rain can lead to mildew and leaf blight. This rarely happens with Summer savory, which has a punchy flavor that Spindler describes as “a peppery cross between oregano and thyme that’s perfect on all of the classic summer veggies—squash, green beans, tomatoes and corn.”

Kessler recommends oregano as part of our summer planting list. “Let your kids or grandkids have the experience of putting it in the pasta sauce.

It’s easy to grow in a small herb garden

landscapes where summers are hot. “Lemongrass enjoys a sunny and moist environment, so it benefits from being near an air conditioner drain or downspout,” she advises.

Growing Tips

and will last through the winter in most parts of the South.”

An unrelated tropical plant from Africa with strong oregano flavor, the leaves of variegated Cuban oregano are pretty enough to grow alongside flowers, and the plants thrive in humid heat. Cuban oregano readily grows through hot summers, and the plants produce more leaves each time leaf tips are harvested.

Tempting Tropicals

In Central Florida, Anderson recommends culantro, aka Mexican coriander, as a summer herb different from the better-known cilantro. “Culantro

equals the flavor of cilantro, but with no bitter or medicinal aftertaste.” A great long-term performer, it continues producing flavorful new leaves even after the plant starts blooming.

Anderson also suggests growing West Indian lemongrass for its fragrant leaves and thick stalks. A vigorous, clump-forming grass, lemongrass can be grown in containers anywhere or served as an edible ornamental in

Herbs always need watering in hot weather, and pouring from a watering can at the base is far better than bathing the leaves with a hose. Should containers become so dry that they refuse to take up water, place them in a broad dish or pail filled with three inches of water for 30 minutes to rehydrate the roots. Always grow herbs in pots with large drainage holes, so excess water can drain quickly.

Make a habit of pinching off a few herbal leaves, crushing them between the fingers and inhaling their fresh aromas. For maximum benefit, repeat daily.

It’s not too late to pot up a few herbs or plant them in the garden if we choose varieties that thrive in hot, summer weather.

Author Barbara Pleasant’s new book, Homegrown Pantry: A Gardener’s Guide to Selecting the Best Varieties & Planting the Perfect Amounts for What You Want to Eat Year Round, is now available (Storey Publishing). Connect at BarbaraPleasant.com.

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July 2017

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consciouseating

that heat on its own, often times through the skin in the form of rashes, acid-indigestion, puffiness, allergies, and even temper. By introducing cooling foods and eliminating heating, spicy foods, the body is able to maintain a balance in harmony with the season.

Cooling Foods to Increase

Nature Knows Best

An Ayurvedic Approach to Summer Eating

by Jamie McKee

A

s the summer heats up, so does the heat in our bodies. Ayurveda, an ancient system of health and wellness from India, can point us in the right direction for having a cooler summer. Ayurveda teaches that balancing the body through eating the right foods at the right time of year is the key to keeping it healthy and free from disease. Local markets are the perfect place to see what nature has for us in the summer season. Rich in cooling fruits and colorful vegetables, the bounty of summer provides us exactly with what our bodies need to recover from the cool, wet weather of spring.

According to Ayurveda, the five basic elements of Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth exist within the substances of our bodies as doshas. The three main

Heating Foods to Avoid

doshas are Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth).

Each season of the year also corresponds to these doshas and, therefore, our bodies need to “balance” the elements of the seasons. Diet plays a key role in maintaining the balance within. For example, spring represents Kapha dosha; as the cool, wet rains drench the earth, eating cool, sweet foods in springtime will create an excess of mucus. The idea is to eat foods with the opposite qualities, which nature readily provides for us.

Summer represents the time of Pitta, which is a combination of fire and water.

As the sun’s rays increase and warm the earth, we need to maintain our sense of “cool” by eating foods such as cucumbers, lettuce, fruits and so forth. Once the body overheats, it tries to release

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

• Vegetables: beets, corn, cucumbers, fennel, beets, squash and zucchini • Herbs: parsley, cilantro, thyme, basil, mint and dill • Fruits: berries, dates, melon, peaches and plums

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• Spicy foods • Alcohol (red wine) • Red meats • Sour dairy products • Coffee • Salty foods • Egg yolks • Anything fried or oily • Vinegar • Raw tomatoes and onions • Orange juice

Other summer lifetime guidelines include massaging with coconut oil; choosing moderate activities such as swimming, moderate yoga and walking; taking cool baths; staying out of the midday sun; and drinking room-temperature water so as not to slow digestion.

By the summer’s end, astringent foods—such as apples and pears—begin to appear, helping the body release any excess heat left over and preparing the body for the coming fall season.

Books such as The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook: A Seasonal Guide to Eating and Living Well by Kate O’Donnell and The 3 Season Diet by John Douillard are two that can help us learn more about the Ayurvedic approach to healthy eating.

Jamie McKee is a high school English teacher and licensed massage therapist who works at Salt of the Earth Therapeutic Spa in Woodbury and Salt of the Earth Sanctuary in Woodbury. Specializing in Ayurveda wellness services, McKee offers massage, facials, marma therapy, and will be offering monthly workshops on Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle. See ad, page 21.

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wisewords

Maria Rodale Helps Organic Farmers Succeed

by Randy Kambic

A

uthor, gardener and corporate executive Maria Rodale continues to add luster to an unparalleled family commitment to organic food, sustainability and healthy living covering threequarters of a century.

As CEO and chairman of Rodale Inc., she oversees the publishing of books (An Inconvenient Truth; The South Beach Diet; Eat This, Not That!), magazines (Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Prevention and Organic Gardening) and naturally healthy living websites.

Her grandfather, J. I. Rodale, pioneered the American organic movement in 1942 by launching Organic Farming and Gardening magazine. In 1947, he founded the Soil and Health Association, which later became the Rodale Institute, a nonprofit education-

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How else does the Institute help the industry?

al and advocacy organization, of which Maria is a board member. The influence of her 2011 book Organic Manifesto: How Organic Farming Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World, and Keep Us Safe remains strong.

What is the status of the organic farming industry?

As a whole, it has seen great growth, in large part due to increasing demand resulting from consumer awareness. In 2015, organic was a $43 billion industry in the U.S., with Millennial householders leading the way. Still, only 5 percent of all food consumed in the U.S. is organic [produce 13 percent], while less than 1 percent of our farmland is certified organic, which spurs imports. So the opportunity to help

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

encourage new organic farmers and transition conventional farmers is significant. The Rodale Institute invests as much time on education and outreach as on research to help organic farmers be profitable.

natural awakenings

We conduct cutting-edge research in organic agriculture to study and test natural strategies to combat pests, diseases and weeds. Growing organic isn’t solely about what you don’t do, such as using pesticides and genetically modified seeds. It also proactively focuses on benefiting soil health by using compost, cover crops, crop rotations and reduced tillage. As we refine these “regenerative agriculture” methods, we share them with farmers so they can increase their productivity and success.

We are expanding our research in nutrient density. The Institute works to understand the difference in nutrient levels, such as proteins, vitamins and minerals, in organic and conventional foods and how farmers can grow nutrient-packed food.

What new programs or initiatives are particularly exciting?

Launched in 1981, our Farming Systems Trial is the longest-running North American research project comparing organic versus conventional grains such as corn and soybeans; it has allowed us to compare yields, water and energy use, soil organic matter, nutrient density, profitability and other factors. In 2016, we introduced our Vegetable Systems Trial, a side-by-side comparison for organic versus conventional produce. We expect organic management practices that improve soil health can enhance nutrient density in vegetables and so benefit farmers’ lives and eating habits worldwide.

In 2016, we launched the Organic Farmers Association (OrganicFarmers Association.org), creating a valuable information exchange and unified voice for domestic certified organic produc-

ers. This national membership organization focuses on policy issues, including the Farm Bill, subsidy programs, animal welfare standards and contamination from conventional farm fields.

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Can the public provide input to the 2018 Farm Bill?

President Trump’s proposed “skinny” budget seeks to gut many federal programs, including those designed to protect the environment, so we need to urge elected representatives to stand up for organic farmers as the new bill develops.

Historically, heavily funded commodity crop interests fight against assistance programs that encourage low-income people to buy healthy foods.

Organic agriculture made strides in the 2014 Farm Bill, which provided increased support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program, crop insurance, organic research and organic certification costsharing programs. To help meet surging demand for organics, it’s important to support initiatives like the Conservation Reserve and Transition Initiatives programs that provide resources for farmers to move from synthetic chemical farming to organic methods.

Besides healthier food, what other benefits of organic farming have convinced late adopters to convert?

Healthy soil, full of billions of beneficial microorganisms, is a major byproduct of regenerative organic farming. Organic farming creates diverse, healthy ecosystems that protect wildlife.

However, any agricultural model that’s fixated on yields at the expense of soil health will incur a steep price as those farms won’t remain productive for future generations.

Regenerative organic farming facilitates storage of carbon in the ground, making it integral to addressing the climate crisis. Organic Manifesto makes the case plain; to optimize your own and the planet’s health—buy, grow and eat organic food.

Randy Kambic is a freelance writer and editor in Estero, FL, and regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

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greenliving photo courtesy of Ably Apparel

Do less laundry.

Live stain-free.

Travel lighter.

Smell better.

Save the planet. ~Ably Apparel motto

Healthy Eye-Catching Eco-Wear It’s in Style and Easy Care

by Avery Mack

E

co-friendly fashion used to be an oxymoron, synonymous with frumpy clothing and ugly shoes.

Now designers and manufacturers are finding ways to provide attractive and healthier alternatives to common fabrics, especially polyester.

After World War II, cotton, wool and linen fell out of favor as wash and wear, stain-resistant, permanent-press polyester arrived. Annual production of the synthetic fiber, consuming petroleum, coal, air and water resources, today exceeds 22 billion tons.

Americans alone discard 14 million tons of clothing each year—80 pounds

per person—with 80 percent going to landfills, where polyester takes 20 to 200 years to biodegrade.

A host of suppliers are responding to a rising demand for comfortable, trendy, easy-care, high-quality and eco-friendly clothing that’s actually good for you. Here are just a few of these innovators.

Ably Apparel, in Seattle, makes hoodies, T-shirts and jogging pants, using Filium-activated, 100 percent cotton fabric free of chemicals and nanoparticles. It repels spills and stains. When wet, it dries 40 percent

Tinyurl.com/27EcoFashionBrands shows trending sustainable options for women.

TheGoodTrade.com/fashion offers organic, fair trade and ethical brands for men/women/children.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

faster than other materials. Perspiration evaporates through the breathable natural fabric, so Ably clothing doesn’t absorb odors or need to be washed and dried as often, saving water and energy (Tinyurl.com/FiliumFashion).

“The retail industry is one of today’s largest polluters in the world,” says Raj Shah, co-founder of Ably and co-creator of Filium. “Ably apparel saves time and reduces both carbon emissions and chemical detergent usage, resulting in cleaner water supplies. We’re the first to apply the benefits of Filium to clothing, but hope other companies will follow suit.” The company has three stores and ships worldwide from its website.

Farm2Fashion made its New York debut in 2014, featuring ponchos, scarves and wraps crafted from manufacturers’ pre-consumer, recycled cotton scrap, plus local virgin farm fiber under the guidance of Laurie Perrone, creative director and president. Located in Cornwall, New York, the company’s artisan-inspired products are available through stores and the Web (Farm2Fashion.com).

“Our philosophy is simple—design classic products in America with substance and sustainability, while creating a low carbon footprint,” says Perrone.

“We encourage customers to pass our products from generation to generation. Apparel and other textile goods in America used to be made at home for families and friends. We want to bring some of that back to life.”

Orgotton’s classic “little black dress” takes on fresh personalities via two long straps that change its appearance from a modest one-shoulder to a dressier backless version, halter style or a variation with cap sleeves. Made to order in Philadelphia, the five-way short dress expands a woman’s wardrobe with a single purchase (Tinyurl.com/OrgottonShortDress).

The dress is 65 percent bamboo, 27 percent organic cotton and 8 percent Spandex; it’s washable in cold water and dries flat, saving energy. Orgotton’s Infinity Collection comprises a long dress, short dress, romper and bodysuit.

photos courtesy of Janet Ellis/Alis Living

Alis Living (AlisLiving.com) lifestyle boutique, in Scottsdale, Arizona, is owner Janet Ellis’ creation. “In 2007, I taught meditation classes and noticed the women were not enjoying life fully. Life should not be stressful,” she observes. “The skin is the largest organ on the body and clothing fabrics are often treated with formaldehyde. So we exclusively focus on organic clothing.”

Her motto is, “Dress healthy, look good, have fun.” The clothing she carries are so simple and versatile that a change in accessories can take a dress from daytime business wear to evening elegance. “It used to be harder to find eco-friendly clothing. It’s easier now,” Ellis remarks. “We carry Blue Canoe, Indigenous, Onno, Shupaca and Synergy fashion lines, adding more brands as we discover them.”

As a Master Gardener, Ellis also offers organic cooking classes for customers, harvesting from an onsite garden, thus creating a conscious community for women. “We want to serve one another and live joyously, but too often don’t make time for ourselves,” she says. “We’re concerned about human health and the planet. We believe that we don’t have to do harm in order to enjoy good fashion, food and fun.” Fashion personality and creation, organic gardening, mindful art, meditation and yoga on the lawn are other classes offered onsite.

Eco-friendly clothing used to have little appeal for fashion buffs. Now designers and manufacturers are finding fresh ways to provide the attractive and eco-healthy clothing more women want to wear.

Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

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healingways

In a British community-based study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, researchers followed 243 shingles patients in 22 general practices in London with a control group of 483 individuals with no history of the ailment.

Those eating less than one piece of fruit a week had more than three times the risk of herpes zoster versus those eating more than three a day. The same pattern occurred when they looked at combined fruit and vegetable intake.

Capsaicin: Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles that can last long after initial symptoms disappear. Topical capsaicin, the spicy compound in hot peppers, may be an effective treatment.

In a double-blind study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 32 elderly patients with chronic postherpetic neuralgia were treated with either capsaicin cream or a placebo. After six weeks, almost 80 percent of capsaicin-treated patients experienced relief. The researchers noted that because capsaicin avoids problems with drug interactions and systemic toxicity, it should be considered a first choice in management.

A study of 143 Canadian patients in Clinical Therapeutics yielded similar results. Then, in a two-year followup of 77 of the patients, 86 percent showed continued benefits from the single six-week trial with no serious adverse effects.

Acupuncture: In a Chinese study of acute shingles cases in the journal Zhongguo Zhen Jiu, 72 patients were randomly divided into two groups. One received acupuncture around the margins of the outbreak. The others received acupuncture plus moxibustion—a traditional Chinese therapy that burns dried mugwort near the skin—of the area around the needling. The acupuncture group had a relief rate of 85.3 percent, with the cessation of herpes eruptions, quicker scab healing and reduced residual neuralgia. Moxibustion-treated patients were cured within three days with a rate of 97.4 percent.

3 PROVEN RELIEF FOR SHINGLES

Six Drug-Free Ways to Preempt the Pain

by Margie King

O

ne in three people will develop shingles (Herpes zoster) during their lifetime. Although the painful skin eruptions last only a few weeks, chronic pain can persist for several months and seriously impair quality of life long after the red rash marks disappear.

Also concerning is that the rate of shingles is on the rise, according to a multidisciplinary review of relevant literature by PLOS, a nonprofit openaccess science publisher. The cause may be widespread use of the chickenpox vaccine. A decade-long Australian study published in the Medical Journal of Australia showed that as its use rose, so did the incidence of shingles.

Shingles is acknowledged as being far more serious than chicken pox. Dr. Joseph Mercola, founder of the healthcare website Mercola.com, reports shingles can also lead to neuropathy, meningitis, hearing loss and blindness.

Fortunately, there are six safe and effective drug- and vaccine-free ways to

50

prevent shingles or ease symptoms.

Vitamin C Therapy: According to Dr. Thomas E. Levy, vitamin C has been successfully used in treating shingles’ skin rash and blisters. In one study by Dr. Frederick Klenner, eight such patients received 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C by injection every 12 hours, supplemented by 1,000 mg in fruit juice every two hours. Seven reported complete pain relief within two hours of the first of five to seven injections.

As early as the mid-20th century, a study by Dr. Mohammed Zureick of 327 shingles patients demonstrated that vitamin C injections effected complete resolution of the outbreaks in all of them within 72 hours.

Fruits and Vegetables: Diets low in micronutrients including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can increase the risk by depressing the immune system.

1

2

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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4

5

Tai Chi: A study in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that tai chi boosts immunity to the varicella zoster virus. In a randomized trial of 112 healthy adults, one group did tai chi for 25 weeks while another received health education. After 16 weeks all were vaccinated with VARIVAX, the live, attenuated Oka/Merck varicella zoster virus vaccine.

Results showed the tai chi group had nearly twice the levels of cell-mediated immunity to the virus compared to the control group; tai chi alone increased immunity about as much as the shingles vaccine plus yielded significant improvements in physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality and mental health.

In a University of California-Los Angeles study, 36 men and women over 60 were assigned either to a tai chi or control group. For 15 weeks, the tai chi practitioners received three, 45-minute instruction classes a week; their cellmediated immunity to the varicella zoster virus rose 50 percent plus they

experienced significant improvements in physical functioning.

6

Light Therapy: In a study published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 25 patients with severe pain in the first week of zoster rash were divided into a prevention group (receiving the drug acyclovir for 10 days, plus UVB light therapy three times a week until pain relief was reached or a maximum of 15 sessions); a control group received just the drug.

After one month, 58.3 percent of the light therapy patients were painfree, compared to 38.5 percent of the drug group. At three months, the ratios rose to 83.3 percent versus 53.8. The researchers concluded that UVB phototherapy in the acute stage of shingles might reduce the incidence and severity of lingering neuralgia.

Margie King was a corporate attorney for 20 years before becoming a health writer in Lower Gwynedd, PA. Connect at IntegrativeMenopause.com.

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Cultivating Gender Harmony Transform Strife into Understanding and Love

by Urgyan Zangpo

T

aoist and Tantric principles, like yin-yang polarity, help us resolve conflicted human relationships.

Yin and yang are complements that operate harmoniously. They arise in great subtlety in the midst of intimate relationships. For example, women don’t come from Venus or men from Mars.

Women and men aren’t alien to each other, and needn’t feel so alienated.

Intimate relationships encompass our sexual gender as men and women, but also the larger archetypes of feminine and masculine. The complex interaction of these four isn’t easily grasped—they don’t simply cross-

correlate. Women might prefer men as their intimate partners, and vice versa, because of the obviousness of our biological genders. This serves procreation very well. However, some women most identify the dynamic of feminine-masculine energies in partnership with other women, and men with other men. Why? Because in their loving relationships, feminine-masculine complementarities speak most convincingly independent of their biology as women and men.

A new—or renewed—model of gender relationship is needed. Both women and men enjoy the integrated complementarities of feminine-mascu-

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natural awakenings

line, dark-light, yielding-firm and compassion-courage. These arise as a fluid dynamic in great subtlety, and can’t be so easily separated and categorized.

Their integration models a holistic way of life. When women limit expression of their positive masculine qualities, and men their feminine, an imbalance is created. This highly limits our love for each other and joy in life.

When we feel a fundamental complementarity with our intimate partners, we will pull (yoke) together in some form of greater integration and common purpose. But the key to pulling together is to each take responsibility for our own integration. By harmonizing our own complements, we become intimate with ourselves. The alternative may be to not really know ourselves and hope that someone else will somehow complete us, in a kind of enmeshed or dependent relationship. If we always want, or expect, our partner to be the one who “provides the emotional warmth” or remains “coolly rational”, we may be compensating for each other’s weak suits. When we each feel committed to personal integration, we’ll then really love supporting our partner’s own work, and together feel like we are evolving toward universal truths amidst our real lives—especially our intimate relationships.

The Taoist Way and Tantric Path refer to the way reality as a whole operates. It refers to nature’s universal order and organic patterning, as well as the process of life and how to live it well—challenges and all. The Way includes such principles as wholeness and the integration of polarities, as well as effortless action and natural power—as opposed to controlling behavior. These principles model personal integration, translating into more intimate, intensified and resonating human relationships. Gender harmony is the consummate possibility of togetherness for couples, but its capabilities transcend us as individuals. Integration helps to heal divisions within, between and beyond ourselves. We learn to transform polarization and strife into harmony and love. Differences and diversity are celebrated rather than being washed out in integration. Harmony is a dynamic way to keep a balanced

Valley Spirit Cooperative and Wellness Center in Washington Depot will host a workshop on Cultivating Gender Harmony on July 29-30. It will be facilitated by two of Valley Spirit’s staff members, Alex Boianghu and Lama Urgyan Zangpo, who are also partners in MindBodySpirit: Psychotherapy and Healing Arts, in Ridgefield. For more information, visit ValleySpiritCoop.com.

See ad, page 12.

inspiration

Jenny Sturm/Shutterstock.com

integration of polarities—even the love and strife found in all relationships.

We don’t need someone else to “complete” ourselves—a popular misconception of relationship. The universe is fundamentally relational and organic in that every level forms an integral element of a “deep ecology”—for example, an integrating individual, complementary partnership, conscious community, and the greater evolution of humanity and planet. In resolving their internal divisions, and separateness as individuals, what embraces and envelopes a couple is wholeness—playing out in their purposeful belonging together.

Conventional notions of romantic love and eroticism take a respectful back seat to the larger scope of perception, which increases in breadth and depth, subtlety and clarity—operating through sensation, emotion, imagination, and in-depth awareness. We become more individuated, actualized and true to ourselves; which simply describes how we feel when we are aware of wholeness imprinting us. It always is, but we aren’t always aware of it.

Accepting responsibility for integrating ourselves is precisely how to best help our partners do the same. The question becomes what are we willing to do for our partners? And if we aren’t in a partnership right now, how could we get ready for one? By expanding our mutual belonging and bonding to embrace universal themes, we invite the whole to re-create itself within and through each other. We evolve into a deep appreciation and profound enjoyment of life lived holistically. That is what truly makes for a fulfilling yogic relationship, heightened by universal value, respect and love. Out of profound love and encouragement, we nurture each other’s evolution and travel “home” together.

An Awesome Antidote to Polarization

by Kirk J. Schneider

W

e live in polarized times.

The current polarization of the American electorate and federal government is rooted in “the polarized mind”, a fixation by individuals on one point of view that excludes differing views and provokes intolerance.

Complex issues become black and white, and those with differing views or lifestyles are demonized. Beyond politics, this is seen in gun violence and terrorism, corporate abuses of health and safety, and religious and ethnic strife—affecting major aspects of our daily lives.

An antidote to polarization is awe—the wonder of being alive; living life with hope, respect, humility, wonder and a deep reverence for the adventure of living.

Psychology experiments at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, have shown those that practice awe are better able to see outside their own experiences and appreciate other points of view, which can transcend the tunnel vision and pettiness of a polarized atmosphere.

Here are some basic steps toward cultivating a sense of awe: n Appreciate the passing nature of time and life. Even while doing some-

thing disagreeable, slowing down and affirming the preciousness of the moment can sometimes render alternative perspectives. n Be open to discovery and surprise.

This is especially helpful if we are constantly locked in by assumptions about people or things. Think how politicians might benefit by being open to the possibility of discovery or surprise during delicate negotiations. The same principle can hold true with family and friends. n Step outside the box of personal judgments and consider the bigger picture of life. Replace the prison of self-criticism often stemming from comparing ourselves with idealized media images with appreciation of the many facets of who we are and what we can become.

Psychologist Kirk J. Schneider, Ph.D., is past editor of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, president-elect of the Existential-Humanistic Institute and adjunct faculty at Saybrook and Columbia universities, in New York City. His books include Awakening to Awe, The Polarized Mind and The Spirituality of Awe: Challenges to the Robotic Revolution.

Visit KirkJSchneider.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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goodluz/Shutterstock.com

photo by Minhee Cho

healthykids

Fun Ways to Get Outside This Summer

Be a Kid Again With Your Own Family

by Sandra Murphy

S

ummer is calling and so is the great outdoors. Here are some super vacation sites, inviting activities and ideas to spark summer fun with your family.

Hike It

ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com

“Hiking teaches kids respect for the outdoors and animals,” says Branch Whitney, a Mount Charleston, Nevada, author of three books on hiking. “Near Las Vegas, in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, sandstone rock affords a rare sight—year-round running water and lush ferns.”

Ralph Stover State Park, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, offers easy walking trails and climbing rocks. When water levels are high, Tohickon Creek challenges paddlers and whitewater rafters.

Zip Lines and More

Holding the Guinness World Record for the longest and largest continuous eco zip line canopy tour in the world, historic Banning Mills, in Whitesburg, Georgia, will thrill tweens and teens.

Enjoy a slower pace on the 12-mile Hike and Bike Trail, with nine suspension bridges, including the longest of its kind in North America. Stay in ecofriendly lodges, cabins and tree houses.

Family Week

From July 30 to August 4, the Omega Institute, in Rhinebeck, New York, will host Family Week. Grownups attend workshops while kids participate in specialty camps; everyone convenes for meals, free time and evening entertainment. The campus relies on sustainable energy and local agriculture. Free tours are available at the environmental education center.

Camp in Style

If traditional camping isn’t on the table, try Tentrr. Campsites on the privately owned properties sleep four to 16 people in a family, pet-friendly atmosphere. A tent, fire pit, picnic table, 54

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

water container, camp toilet, queen-size cot, grill, food storage and sun shower are provided. “Compared to other accommodations, each night at a Tentrr campsite saves 245 gallons of water and reduces CO2 output by 54 pounds per campsite,” estimates Michael D’Agostino, Tentrr’s founder and CEO.

The secluded Lumberland, New York, campsite, along the Delaware River, sets its roomy tent on a wooden deck.

Attractions include Adirondack chairs for unwinding and a nearby farmers’ market and restaurant. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, swimming and fishing.

Tentrr provides required life jackets and a shuttle to meet paddlers at their destination for the return trip to camp.

From its original 35 sites, the organization recently expanded to 250 campsites, predominantly from Pennsylvania to Maine. This fall, they’ll also open sites in the Pacific Northwest from Northern California to Washington state.

Head for the Beach

At Natural Bridges State Park, in California, visitors relish viewing shorebirds, migrating whales, seals and playful otters. Moore Creek forms freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh. There’s also a Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve.

At Kama’ole Beach Park III, in Maui, Hawaii, the small waves are so clear that fish can be seen from the surface. Snorkeling gear rentals are available. Shaved ice stands keep everyone cool.

Lakefront beaches like West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, on Lake Michigan’s southern tip, attract kids. They can earn beachcomber badges in the Junior Ranger program by finding three different-colored rocks or telling what plants they saw most often.

In late August, Mayflower Beach, in Dennis, Massachusetts, hosts its annual local sand sculpture contest with divisions for kids and families creating the art together.

Go Farming

FarmWise, near Alpine Valley, in southeastern Wisconsin, gives children a personal peek into where their food comes from. They learn about life on a farm by tending livestock and farm pets, pruning fruit trees and weeding the garden. They also prepare snacks with the fruits of their day’s labor.

The emphasis is on doing the work themselves, be it planting seeds or feeding pigs.

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Experience Science

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Science Saturdays at the EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park, in San Francisco, are held every weekend with a focus on environmental education, park restoration, climate change science experiments, nature walks and citizen science excursions. “There are no other centers like it in the U.S.,” says staffer Jacqueline Murray. Learn more about this Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Platinum living classroom at EcoCenterhhp.org.

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Staycation Ideas

Organic sidewalk chalk, fairy garden and birdhouse kits, and ideas for imaginatively using found items keep kids busy and happy; see BellaLuna Toys.com. Letterboxing combines a contemporary scavenger hunt, hike and mysterious clues; participants have fun locating hidden boxes and collecting stamp marks in personalized logbooks.

Whether on a one- or two-week vacation or a weekend away, a daytrip or backyard activity, there are plenty of nurturing outdoor options for kids of all ages to experience when the weather heats up.

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

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naturallyhealthypet Local Rescue Organization Needs Support

A

The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

fter more than 12 years of rescuing animals, the 501(c)3 nonprofit Bully Breed Rescue Inc. organization is reaching out to the community, seeking generous sponsors and supporters for donations in order to continue their life-saving work.

One of the longest standing pit bull rescues in Connecticut, Bully Breed Rescue is extremely low on monetary donations and still has many dogs currently in their care.

Although primarily a pit bull rescue, they also save other breeds that can be labeled “aggressive”, such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, shepherds and even cats. All donations go directly to the animals in their care.

Community support helps dogs like Seven, Bogie and Cyrus. Seven was found on the side of the road, emaciated with two broken back legs in the middle of winter. Bogie came from a neglectful backyard breeder, and had two deformed front legs; the organization was able to fix the legs with physical therapy and daily stretches. Both Bogie and Seven are now happily adopted. Cyrus was also abandoned and found extremely emaciated and weak; the emergency vet found his body was riddled with cancer. Although he lived his last three weeks happy in a foster home, he unfortunately passed away. Bully Breed Rescue reports that the medical bills for just these dogs ranged from $2,000 to $8,000.

For more information on the nonprofit, visit BBRinc.org or BullyBreedRescueInc.org.

Donations can be made either at fnd.us/71Exkb?ref=sh_14v0T7, by Paypal payment to the BullyBreedRescueCT@yahoo.com email address, or by a check sent to PO Box 953, New Canaan, CT 06840.

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

56

Holistic Energy Healing for your Cat Companion at Aristokatz

J

essica Hunter of Hunter Healing Hands is collaborating with Dr. Geri Katz of Aristokatz in Fairfield to offer holistic energy healing in addition to conventional veterinary care to the feline patients at the clinic. Hunter is offering complimentary reiki, crystal healing and shamanic healing for all Aristokatz feline patients at the office to give back to the community. She is available at Aristokatz on Tuesdays from 8am to 4pm.

Aristokatz offers complete veterinary care specifically devoted to felines, which are sensitive both physically and energetically. Holistic energy healing can work in conjunction with traditional care to assist in creating a balanced approach to wellness for cat companions, encompassing body, mind and spirit.

Hunter specializes in shamanic healing, crystal healing and reiki. In addition to her private practice work, she strives to also offer pro bono work. She has worked with all types of felines—healthy, ferals, special needs and terminally ill cats—in both private and shelter environments.

For more information, contact Dr. Geri Katz (203-690-1099 or Aristokatzvet.com) or Jessica Hunter (203-916-8381 or HunterHealingHands.com). See ad, page 31.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Don’t Kill Those Weeds!

Common Weeds May be Healthy Supplements for Pets

B

by Mary Oquendo

efore reaching for weed killer (hopefully natural and non-toxic), step back and examine the lawn for what might be a healthy addition to our pet’s diet.

One thing we should do before harvesting is ensure the plants have not been sprayed with pesticides or fertilizers. In addition, don’t over-pick an area or choose plants close to the road as vehicle exhaust and oil drips may find its way to the plants. Always use clean and dried plants.

All “weeds” in a liquefied form need refrigeration and will last about two weeks. Before adding them to a pet’s diet to complement any medical concerns, discuss choices with a veterinarian. They need to be aware of anything added to the pet’s routine and may know of contraindicators that may affect ongoing treatments. In addition, be certain that any concerns that need to be addressed by a licensed veterinarian are seen to and are not misinterpreted.

Keep in mind that many botanicals may be toxic to our pets. Before adding any wild plants to a pet’s diet, first correctly identify them and check for toxicity.

These five weeds are commonly found in yards.

Dandelion: In addition to vitamins A, C, D and B complex, dandelion has iron, manganese, phosphorus, lecithin, potassium and other trace minerals. The entire plant can be used.

Dandelion can bolster the immune system with its antioxidant properties; stimulate the appetite; reduce inflammation; help digestion; and improve liver, pancreas and kidney function.

To use, crush one teaspoon of dried dandelion per 20 pounds of pet and sprinkle over their food. Pets may need to relieve themselves more frequently as it is a diuretic and increases urine output.

Nettles: Only the leaves of the nettle plant are used. They contain vitamins A, B2, B9, C and E, in addition to calcium, phosphorus, beta-carotene, magnesium, potassium, copper, iron and protein.

In addition to overall health and blood cleansing, nettles can help with inflamed skin conditions—such as allergies and irritations—due to its antihistamine and astringent properties.

To use, steep the nettle leaves in boiling water for an hour. Pour the cooled liquid over the pet’s food.

Plantain: All parts of the plant are used. Plantain is loaded with vitamins C, A and K. It can be used topically as a poultice or salve for minor bleeding, insect bites, minor burns,

contact dermatitis, inflammation and pain.

Making a poultice involves finding and cleaning four to five leaves; mashing them by chewing the leaves until they resemble wet grass clippings; applying to affected area and covering with gauze; and replacing once the plantain has dried.

Making a salve includes finely chopping up one cup of leaves and filling a lidded glass jar halfway; just covering the leaves with olive or coconut oil and covering up; placing in a crockpot on top of towel, filling enough water to cover half the jar and set to warm for 12-24 hours (or set at room temperature for four-six weeks); straining the oil through cheesecloth and setting aside; melting a packed tablespoon of beeswax and adding the oil; and pouring into a container and placing in a first aid kit.

To use internally for urinary tract, diarrhea and stomach disorders, chop or blend the entire plant and cover it with just enough warm water to make it soupy. Strain and keep it in the refrigerator. The usual dosage is one teaspoon per 20 pounds of dog or 10 pounds of cat.

Chickweed: All parts of the plant are used. Chickweed has a high mineral content. It can be used topically as a salve or poultice for minor skin irritations as well as internally for upper digestive tract health, inflammation, nervous system and mucous membrane lubrication.

While considered a safe plant for pets, chickweed used internally may have a laxative effect in large quantities. Keep that in mind if the pet will not have access to outdoors while owners are at work or shopping.

To use internally, juice or blend the entire plant and place it in ice cube trays. The cubes are a perfect size to add to a pet’s meals.

Cleavers: Where cleavers shine is through their ability to improve the lymphatic system. The entire plant is used and helps the body’s cells remove their waste products. It may even remove the toxic effects of anesthetics after surgery.

Cleavers may hold benefit for cancer patients.

It is used as a tincture or tea by steeping the herbs for 10 minutes with one pint of water and four tablespoons of fresh or dried cleavers. Add to the pet’s food once it has cooled.

A trained herbal practitioner should prepare tinctures.

Remember that cultivating weeds instead of grass has far more benefits than that pretty lawn.

Mary Oquendo is a Reiki master, advanced crystal master and certified master tech pet first aid instructor. She is the owner of Hands and Paws Reiki for All. She can be reached at HandsAndPawsReiki.com. See ad, page 58.

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

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3

naturalpet

Nutrient deficiencies that can arise in conjunction with mercury poisoning include antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and vitamin D, plus the complex of B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and selenium. These also help treat potential postvaccination immunity issues.

Dogs Need Detoxing Too

10

Ways to Detox Your Dog

by Patricia Jordan remedial steps.

1

Heal leaky gut first. Like humans, pets with leaky gut will have food allergies. Remove causes like vaccines and processed foods; support the liver; rebalance with prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes; replenish with a healthy whole foods diet, along with aloe, slippery elm and marshmallow root; and restore with homeopathic remedies. Follow up with fermented veggies as part of the diet. Consult a naturopathic veterinarian for treatment.

2

Provide clean, filtered water.

Mountain spring water is ideal.

Good nutrient sources to add to doggie meals include: Vitamin A: liver, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens, eggs Vitamin C: berries, citrus, red bell peppers (or berry powder supplements; one-half teaspoon per 25 pounds of weight) Vitamin E: grains, seeds and their oils, wheat germ oil Vitamin D: liver, eggs, oily fish like sardines, mackerel, salmon B vitamins: liver, venison (or moringa leaf powder supplement, one-half teaspoon per 25 pounds) Zinc: red meat, poultry Magnesium: dark leafy greens, seeds, fish Selenium: oily fish, grass-fed beef and beef liver, free-range chicken, egg Turmeric: a powerful supplement to help treat and prevent gene damage caused by heavy metals and glyphosate (one-eighth to one-quarter teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day, combined with a healthy fat like coconut oil and some freshly ground black pepper for better absorption).

4

Prevent and treat candida.

Avoid aggravating candida as it can release 60-plus toxic substances, including ethanols and the heavy metals it eats. Eliminate all carbs, sugar and grains from the dog’s diet.

5

Greens, minerals and herbs.

The use of juvenile grasses is detoxifying and provides necessary magnesium during a detox. Sea vegetables can supply calcium, iodine and trace minerals. Herbs like curcum-

58

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Brian Zanchi/Shutterstock.com

Y

ou know that mercury is bad for people. John Moore, a prominent 20th-century mercury and dental health researcher, regarded mercury as a ubiquitous contaminant of everything from plastics to concrete and medicine.

But what about your dog? Pets also routinely encounter mercury and other toxic metals like aluminum and lead.

For humans, eating whole, organic and even biodynamic food has become imperative to avoid heavy metals. That’s also true for canines. A species-appropriate raw diet including veggies is often recommended. And any raw meaty bones should be the joints and not the long bones unless purchased from a company that tests for heavy metals.

Here are some preventive and

Boost nutrients.

in, ginger and cayenne are potent antioxidants; ginger and turmeric help with DNA repair. Nutrients from green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli can enter cells and reduce inflammation; broccoli sprouts also apply, with the most effective delivery method via a concentrated powder.

Blend or lightly steam veggies to enhance digestion, then add one tablespoon for smaller dogs, or three to four for larger dogs.

6 7

No fake food or vitamins. Be wary of synthetic

vitamins. Whole foods may be properly supplemented with gentle chelators like open cell wall chlorella and super foods like spirulina.

Probiotics plus. Probiotics help restore healthy gut bac-

teria, repair genes, synthesize nutrients and help remove mercury from the body. Cultivating a gut garden of beneficial bugs boosts health. Add a teaspoon or two of kefir or fermented veggies to the dinner of small dogs, up to a tablespoon or two for larger animals. A high-quality refrigerated probiotic supplement is an option; if it’s made for animals, follow the package directions; for human products, assume the dose is for a 150-pound person and adjust for the dog’s weight.

Amino acids, the primary building blocks of proteins, are integral to detoxification; feeding a dog a variety of meats, along with fish and eggs, will provide these. Digestive enzymes also support health; a supplement should include many kinds. Cellulase, a plant enzyme that helps digest plant material, also extracts mercury, which destroys naturally occurring enzymes.

8

Plan meals with prebiotics. Prebiotics occur naturally

in common high-fiber foods including cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach.

Carrots, beets and spirulina also benefit the gut. Establishing a healthy gut restores the body’s natural detoxification function, plus its ability to assimilate critical nutrients. Add a teaspoon or two for small dogs; one to three tablespoons for larger dogs.

9 10

Raw food for detox. Discard commercially processed

foods and chemical synthetic vitamins. Go for raw and whole foods, add fermented foods and supplement intelligently with whole food-based supplements. Organic sources, grass-fed animals and even biodynamic food sources are ideal.

Organ meats. A dog should have organ meats from clean animals at least once a week or as 10 percent of its diet.

As the body detoxifies, symptoms and discharges may occur.

These are less common for dogs with raw, species-appropriate diets and minimal vaccinations. Visible results include old dogs displaying more energy and sharper cognitive function and awareness. Eyes are clearer. Fatty tissues shrink down, coats fill out and become shinier and skin becomes healthier. As the largest organ, skin reflects the state of the immune system as a whole.

A concentrated detox to overturn health issues relies on doctor protocols and individualized treatment. An everyday gentle detox generally keeps pets healthier.

Patricia Jordan is a naturopathic veterinarian in Cape Carteret, NC. Learn more at Dr-Jordan.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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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 PO Box 953, New Canaan BBRCT@yahoo.com • BullyBreedRescueInc.org COMMUNITY CATS PO Box 4380, Stamford CommunityCatsCT@yahoo.com CommunityCatsCT.org

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GWEN GANGI

25 Charles St, Stratford 203-690-1550 • NutmegClinic.org

Gwen Gangi has been an animal communicator all her life and has been doing consultations for the past 23 years. Practical for any situation, you enter into a 3-way conversation to get and give information needed.

Consultations done over the phone or in person, including home visits.Workshops on animal communication available.

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, high-volume facility for cats and dogs; the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services during the spay/ neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/neuter vouchers at face value from adopted shelter pets and qualified low-income families and offers further lowcost incentives to nonprofit rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats. See ad, page 59.

Fur to Feathers Pet Services Monroe • 203-610-2444 (call or text) FurToFeathersPets@gmail.com FurToFeathers.com

DANBURY ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297 FRIENDS OF FELINES INC PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org

VETERINARY SERVICES

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203-994-5308 Mary@PawsitivelyPretty.com MaryOquendo.com

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

Pet grooming in a relaxed one-on-one environment in your driveway by a leader in the holistic grooming industry. Mary also offers Reiki and crystal therapy for your beloved pets.

See ad, page 58.

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

PET ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY INC (PAWS) 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 (ROAR) 45 South St, Ridgefield 203-438-0158 ROAR-Ridgefield.org STRAYS AND OTHERS PO Box 473, New Canaan 203-966-6556 StraysAndOthers@hotmail.com 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

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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plus: Children’s Dental & Eye Health Our Readers are Seeking Providers & Services for: Alternative Therapies • Integrative Physicians • Wellness Coaches Applied Behavior Analysis • Early Intervention Services Occupational Therapists • Psychologists • Special Education Speech & Language Therapy • Support Groups • Family Counseling Dentists • Optometrists... this is just a partial list

Rethinking Cancer plus: Yoga

SATURDAY, JULY 1

Reiki 1st Degree Workshop — 9:30am-5:30pm.

With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Two manuals and certificate. $125.

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

SUNDAY, JULY 2

Reflective Meditation for Healing — 2:30-3:30pm.

Are you experiencing health issues? Is your body overly stressed out? Through this group, we will also explore current and past life-related ailments.

This meditation group will give you tools that will provide you the ability to help heal. $10/suggested donation. Acupuncture Works of New Fairfield, 132A State Route 37, New Fairfield. 914-336-7693.

Contact@ElysianLD.com. ElysianLD.com.

The Liphe Balance Center Presents…

Our Readers are Seeking Providers & Services for: Alternative Healing • Ayurveda • Herbalists Homeopathy • Integrative Health Care Providers Natural/Organic Food • Naturopaths Yoga Apparel & Gear • Yoga Classes

Life Design plus: Medical Massage

Our Readers are Seeking Providers & Services for:

Abundance/Money Coaches • Health Coaches Intuitive Consultants • Law of Attraction Practitioners Life Coaches • Motivational Speakers Psychotherapists • Psychologists Shamanic Practitioners • Spiritual Advisors/Mediums

203-885-4674 or email FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Magazine calendar events must be received by July 12 (for August issue) and adhere to our guidelines. All calendar submissions must be entered online at eNaturalAwakenings.com: click on “submit calendar” at the very top of the page.

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calendarof events

natural awakenings

Channeled Grace Healing with Theresa Joseph World Peace Meditation, Mysticism Discussion and Book Signing!

July 11 • 7-8:30pm • $20 exchange The Field: Shift, Heal and Transform with Nancy Santullo July 18 • $40 Discussion on Blood Morphology, Self Care, and a Microscope July 24 “Farm to Face” Evening Discussion with Susan Nichols Sustainable Skin Care and free samples!

July 25 Amazing Wholesale Crystals from Arkansas Lee July 26 - 29 RSVP/Details: Call: 203-912-2791 Email: LipheBalance@gmail.com Visit: LipheBalance.com Liphe Balance Center, Weston

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

TLC Healing Circle/Reiki Share — 7-8:30pm.

Curious about energy healing? Looking for renewed health and well-being? Everyone from the curious to seasoned practitioners of all modalities and levels are welcome here. Healing meditation with Beth Leas and an opportunity to receive and/or give energy work. $20. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-560-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.

BethLeas.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 6

Essence of Narayani with Maitreya & Sada — 6:30-7:45pm. Join us Thursday evenings to strengthen and deepen our connection to the qualities of Narayani within us. $25/suggested donation.

Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com.

MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

Reiki Level 1 Workshop — 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info.

Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk.

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

AngelHealReiki.com.

Empathy for the Empath: A Monthly Support Group for Empathic Individuals — 7-9pm.

Support group provides a safe, compassionate and constructive environment for Empaths to be able to express themselves, support each other and assist each other with the challenges of being an Empath. $25/pre-registration. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203916-8381. HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com.

HunterHealingHands.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Spiritual/Psychic/Healing Fair — Noon-5pm.

Would you like a second opinion on your life issues or a personal message from a departed loved one?

Drop in and give us a try. $30 and up. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-556-9521. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org.

AlbertsonChurch.org.

Conscious Parenting with Maitreya and Sada — 1-2pm. Join Maitreya to gain more insight on being a parent and balancing spiritual and personal life.

Expect healing, fun and inspiration. $20/suggested donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@ gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Happy and Healthy with Sada — 2:30-3:30pm.

Join Sada as she shares her journey with having both in life and helps you clear emotions, thoughts and energy holding you back from a more happy & healthy life. $20/suggested donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com.

MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 9

Men’s Group with Maitreya — Noon-1pm.

Join us for a bit of fun, discussion and connection with the men in the community. By donation.

Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com.

MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

markyourcalendar Women’s Group with Sada — Noon-1pm. Join us for a bit of fun, discussion and connection with the women in the community. By donation.

Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com.

MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Reiki 1 Certification Training — 1-5pm. Join Beth Leas, Reiki Master for 25+ years, for an enlightening and experiential certification training in Usui Reiki, a Japanese healing art, facilitating stress reduction, relaxation and promoting physical and spiritual healing. $245. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-560-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.

BethLeas.com.

Full Moon Horse Wisdom Circle — 6:30-8pm.

Experience what horses have to teach at the full moon Horse Wisdom Circle. Sit quietly together and enjoy the horses’ presence, peace and energy in the serene wooded setting of Possibilities Farm. Limited to 6. Pre-registration required. $30. Possibilities Farm, Wilton. 203-210-7484. PossibilitiesFarm@ gmail.com. PossibilitiesFarm.com.

MONDAY, JULY 10

Yoga Camp for Adults — 9:30am-2pm. 7/107/14. Week of yoga, healing and creative arts, contemplative nature hikes and more. This is a daily mini-retreat to counteract the stress of our busy lives and leave you feeling more open, alive, creative and refreshed. $45/day (5 days). Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@ YogaSpace-CT.com. YogaSpace-CT.com/Events.

markyourcalendar Albertson Memorial Church July Events Where Do the Dead Go? with Rev. Mary Yankee Sunday, July 2 • 1-3pm • $40 Spiritual/Psychic Fair Saturday, July 8 • Noon-5pm • $30+ Intuition on Demand with Lisa Ko Saturday, July 15 • 3-5pm • $50 Mediumship 101 - History, Exercises and Messages with Joan Carra Sunday, July 16 • 1-3pm • $40 Dealing with Stress using Bach Flower Remedies with June Ringelheim Saturday, July 22 • 2- 4pm • $40 Auras & Colors Rev. Jackie Randall Sunday, July 23 • 1-3pm •$25 To Register Call Amy: 203-556-9521 For Latest Details: AlbertsonChurch.org Albertson Memorial Church 293 Sound Beach Ave Old Greenwich

PULSE Manifestation Workshop Sunday, July 16 • 10am-5pm Learn a tool to consciously create what you desire in your life while at the same time release what has been blocking you, such as fears, worries and limiting beliefs. PulseManifestation.com Cost: $200. Early bird special: $175 Stamford For more info and to register, contact workshop leader and co-developer of PULSE, Janet Catalina, at 914-548-8372 or Catalina.Janet@gmail.com.

Full Moon Mediation — 7-8:30pm. The Full Moon is a time of celebration and gratitude. Beth Leas leads us in a guided meditation to discover inner peace and harmony, and connecting with the rhythm of the universe. Perfect for everyone, from beginners to experienced meditators. $20. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-560-9566. TLCBethLeas@ gmail.com. BethLeas.com.

Men’s Wisdom Group – 7-8:30pm. Join likeminded men in connected dialogue on matters of spirit and relationship. $30. 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY. Contact Geoff, 914-218-3113.

SlowMedicineDoctor.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

TLC Networking Breakfast — 8:30-10am. Are you a healthy living professional/entrepreneur looking for your tribe? The TLC Center is a vibrant, supportive and growing community celebrating 20 years in Norwalk. Bring a friend, your business cards and join us for a fun morning of connecting. Free.

TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-560-9566.

TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

Rewiring the Brain: What is Neurofeedback? — 7-8:30pm. With Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, Ed.D, BCN, LPC. Neurofeedback therapy is a powerful, safe, non-medication treatment for common childhood and adult issues and disorders. Come learn how a QEEG (brain mapping) works. Free. The Offices of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ste #6, Ridgefield. 203-438-4848. DrRoseannInfo@ att.net. DrRoseann.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

Women’s Wisdom Group – 10:30am-1pm. Connect, collaborate, share and expand. $30. 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY. Contact Geoff, 914-218-3113.

SlowMedicineDoctor.com.

Plant Wisdom Wednesday - Herbal Skincare — 6:30-8:30pm. Learn how facial mapping indicates what your body needs internally to achieve healthy, glowing skin externally and how to incorporate medicinal plants in your beauty routine. Create a customized herbal face mask. $25/pre-registration; $30/at door. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-460-2854. BekahTwinStar@ gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com/Events.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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calendarofevents markyourcalendar Become an Aerial Fitness Instructor Coming August 26 for 7 Days Only!

Become a certified AERIAL/FITNESS Instructor! For the first time in CT, Skybody System and LoVega Fitness and Wellness are teaming to offer a 7-Day, 60-Hour Teacher Certification Course in Aerial Yoga/Fitness.

Teacher Training Tuition: $1,250 Visit LoVegaFitness.com/Teacher-Training LoVega Fitness & Wellness - Pop Up Studio 354 Heights Rd, Darien 646-739-6216 • Info@LoVegaFitness.com

THURSDAY, JULY 13

Honoring the Pequots - A Shamanic Ceremony for Healing and Honoring the Pequot War — 7:30-9:30pm. Join us in sacred shamanic ceremony on the anniversary of the Great Swamp Fight—to honor the local Pequot tribe. $40/pre-registration.

Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport.

203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com.

HunterHealingHands.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

Women’s Wisdom Group – 10:30am-1pm. Connect, collaborate, share and expand. $30. 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY. Contact Geoff, 914-218-3113.

SlowMedicineDoctor.com.

TLC Tarot Evening — 7-9pm. What’s in the cards for you? Find out during this playful event designed for everyone from novices to long-time tarot friends. Explore the tarot or develop a deeper relationship with the cards. Receive a reading from Beth Leas. Bring a deck or use one of ours. $40.

TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-560-9566.

TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. BethLeas.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

Gather ‘Round: An Evening by the Campfire — 6-9pm. With Wilderness Guys, Chuck and Aidan Ehrismann. Sit around the campfire at night, roast marshmallows, make s’mores, tell ghost stories and sing songs. $15/adults; $5/kids. Grounded Goodwife Farmhouse, address provided at registration.

203-942-0774. GroundedGoodwife@yahoo.com.

GroundedGoodwife.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 16

markyourcalendar NEW DATES: 13th Octave LA HO CHI Training

The Most Powerful Healing on the Planet with Eilis Philpott, Soul Healing Journey, LLC

Friday, Sept 22 (evening), Saturday, Sept 23 and Sunday, Sept 24 This magnificent gift is the anchoring of our divinity in physicality, as we move from the ascension process to the creation process.

13th Octave LaHoChi is the next step in energy healing – a quantum leap available now to the healers and people of Nova Earth.

Inspired Soul Studio (private yoga barn), 11 Tory Ln, Newtown $350, including all materials $100 deposit required to register Registration Required • 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com Register at 13th Octave LaHoChi Training

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The Law of Attraction and The Natural Laws of the Universe — 1-3pm. Come learn about these Laws, what they are, how they work and how you can best utilize them to create the life and circumstances for relationships, abundance, manifestation, and more. $40/pre-registration.

Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport.

203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com.

HunterHealingHands.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

Women’s Wisdom Group – 10:30am-1pm. Connect, collaborate, share and expand. $30. 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY. Contact Geoff, 914-218-3113.

SlowMedicineDoctor.com.

Free Introduction to Reiki — 6-7pm. This is the place to start if you’re simply curious about Reiki or interested in learning more about how to heal yourself and others. Beth Leas will share 25 years experience using Reiki in this fun, explorative and interesting evening. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-560-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.

BethLeas.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 23

Summer Solstice and New Moon Ceremony – 7-9pm. Join us as we celebrate the longest day of the year and honor a New Moon in Cancer. $30; $50 for 2. 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY. Contact Geoff, 914-218-3113. HeavenToEarthAstrology.com.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

TUESDAY, JULY 25

Health Talks-Lyme Disease – 7-8pm. Ingels Family Health monthly health talks. Please join us in a discussion on Lyme Disease led by Dr. Darin Ingels.Please RSVP, seating is limited. Ingels Family Health, 22 Fairfield Pl, Fairfield. 203-254-9957.

Info@DarinIngelsND.com. DarinIngelsND.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

Plant Partner of the Month — 6:30-8pm. Join us as we take the time to meet one plant ally at a time. We will discuss botany, parts used, actions, energies, traditional uses, essences, remedies and more. In July, you will meet YARROW. $25. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford.

860-350-0077. BekahTwinStar@gmail.com.

TwinStarTribe.com/Events.

THURSDAY, JULY 27

Goddess Shamanic Healing Circle and the 13th Rite of the Munay Ki — 6:30-9:30pm. Through shamanic journey work, medicine songs, ceremony and other energy exercises, we will empower and support healing of our own connection to the Moon and Earth Goddess. Pre-register. $50. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-994-5045. Deana.Paqua@gmail.com.

EmbodyTheSacred.net.

FRIDAY, JULY 28

Reiki Second Degree — 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (20 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. 2 powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Linage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150.

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 29

Reiki Second Degree Workshop —10am-5:30pm With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (20 years).

Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. 2 powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Lineage.

Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Shamanic Intuitive Healing Journey Circle — 7:30-10pm. In-depth shamanic circles for those who have experience in the Shamanic Journey, and wish to further those skills. Intuitive and healing work for the self and others is incorporated. $40/preregistration. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@ hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 30

Food Under Your Feet Sunday Luncheon — 10am-3pm. Learn about the benefit of wild herbs.

Harvest herbs, cook as a group and enjoy the fruits of your labor in our 1770 Woodbury farmhouse. $48, all materials included. 1770 Grounded Goodwife Farmhouse, address provided at registration.

203-942-0774. GroundedGoodwife@yahoo.com.

GroundedGoodwife.com.

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

Gentle yoga, pranayama, meditation by Candlelight Relax, release and flow into wellness. Beginner/level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5. Hindu Cultural Center of CT, 96 Chapel St, Stratford.

Satsang Meditation – 9:30-11am. Satsangs are spiritual and community gatherings of like-minded people. Music, mantra, meditation, spiritual instruction/discourse and spiritual blessings to help you reset, recharge and get ready for the week ahead. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@ gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

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

NewBeginningsInCommunity.Weebly.com.

Family Meditation Program – 10-11:30am.

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

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

UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

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

AlbertsonChurch.org.

Ignite your Spirit Healing Clinic – 11:45am2pm. Second Sunday. Healing clinics are a great way to try out or receive on-going assistance with anything life throws your way. Register in advance to participate. $20/suggested donation.

Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com.

MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Reiki Healing Circle – 4-5pm. Fourth Sunday. With Nina Antolino. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. Please pre-register. $22 or All Access Pass.

LifePath Yoga & Wellness4, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-544-8551. Nina@LifePathYoga.net.

LifePathYoga.net.

Monthly Healing Circle – 4-5:30pm. First Sunday. Whether you are in need of healing or a healer wishing to share your gifts for the highest good of others, this group is for you. Group limited to 8, please RSVP. Free or $10/suggested donation. Acupuncture Works, 132A State Rt 37, New Fairfield.

845-494-0090. Reiki4Wellness@aol.com.

Bliss Out! Dance to Live Drumming – 7-8:30pm.

Dirst Sunday. With Jojo. Find your tribe. Open Sky Yoga Barn, 95 Cross Hwy, Redding. Keane.Jojo@ gmail.com.

monday Yoga on Candlewood Lake – Noon-1pm. With Michele Leigh, (RYT). Practice yoga on a floating dock on Candlewood Lake. A gentle, 60-minute practice. Space is limited. $30. Candlewood Lake, Brookfield. DarkMoonAstrology@gmail.com.

Meetup.com/Candlewood-Lake-Yoga.

Gentle Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. With Nina Antolino.

Focusing on slow, purposeful stretching and basic postures, breathing and balance. All skill levels and ages. $22/drop-in. $10/new student, drop-in.

LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-354-7070. Nina@LifePathYoga.net.

LifePathYoga.net.

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

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

Free Guided Meditation – 7:30pm: second Monday.

1pm: first and third Wednesday. With Dr. Allen Levy.

Session is catered towards providing information about the way in which meditation can assist with specific social, emotional and physical health need.

Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport.

203-254-2633. Sabita@SabitaHolisticCenter.com.

SabitaHolisticCenter.com.

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. 203-570-3868.

Reiki Share – 7:30-9:30pm. Fourth Monday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.

tuesday Tai Chi Classes – 9:30-10:30am. With June Fagan, Tai Chi Instructor. A slow movement meditation for all levels of fitness. Known to reduce stress, increase focus, balance and improve self and well-being. $25/drop-in, $85/1-class per week $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690.

Toastmasters – Noon. Interested in public speaking?

Monroe-Trumbull Toastmasters is a chartered club of Toastmasters International dedicated to improving members’ communication and leadership skills. Meets alternate Tuesdays. Body Smart, Crescent Village, 115 Main St, Unit 11, Monroe. 203-459-6773. Franny.

Hannigan@charter.com. ToastMastersClubs.org.

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

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

The Art of Meditation – 6-7pm. Whether you are new to meditation or seasoned, this class will help you access inner peace and experience more clarity, purpose and joy. Chairs available. $10/ suggested donation. Any offering, large or small accepted. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, (Rte 6), Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com.

YogaSpace-CT.com.

13 Moon’s Healing Circle – 6:30-8:15pm. Fourth Tuesday. Each moon we will explore a variety of topics. The circle will be a private and sacred group, open to women or those who identify as woman. Drop-ins welcome. $25. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-3500077. BekahTwinStar@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe. com/Events.

Meditating Holistically – 6:30-8pm. With Urgyan, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. ah Yoga, 168 New Milford Tpke, New Preston. 860-868-6707 or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com.

Reiki Share – 7-8:30pm. First Tuesday of the month with June and Tracy. Come join our circle of practitioners for sharing and caring and healing.

All levels of practitioners are welcome Please RSVP. $20/drop-in. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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ongoingcalendar Yoga Class or Yoga/Float – Yoga: 7-8pm. or Yoga/ Float package: 7-9pm. Enjoy the benefits of yoga in the beautiful PuREST relaxation room. $15/yoga only. $65/yoga and float package. PuREST Float Center, 35 Corporate Dr, Trumbull. PuRESTFloat.com.

Angelic Healing Group – 7-9pm. First Tuesday.

Experience the healing energy of the Angelic Realm. Your energy body will be infused with the love and light of the Divine through meditation and hands-on touch. $20. Stevens Memorial Church, 8 Shady Ln, South Salem, NY. 203-438-4893.

Reiki Share – 7-9pm. Second Tuesday. Practice and enhance your Reiki healing and grow your intuition.

All will receive healing time and practice time. You must have completed at minimum Reiki level I in order to fully participate. $15/suggested donation.

Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com.

MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Reiki Shares – 7:30-10:15pm. First and third 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.

wednesday Apothecary Hours – 10am-1pm. Meet like-minded folks and learn about what we do at Twin Star Herbal and Energetic Studies. Free. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-313-7883.

Info@TwinStarTribe.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

Women’s Wisdom Group – 10:30am-12:30pm.

Women support each other through the process of recognizing and embracing one’s full, authentic beings and, in doing so, nurturing their highest potential. $30. SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY. 914-218-3113. SlowMedicine.org.

Optimism is the

faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. ~Helen Keller

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Yoga on Candlewood Lake – Noon-1pm. With Michele Leigh, (RYT). Practice yoga on a floating dock on Candlewood Lake. A gentle, 60-minute practice.

Classes begin June 5th. Space is limited. $30. Candlewood Lake, Brookfield. DarkMoonAstrology@ gmail.com. Meetup.com/Candlewood-Lake-Yoga.

Free Guided Meditation – 1pm. First and third Wednesdays. With Dr. Allen Levy. In 20 minutes, you will be meditating for the first time. Please RSVP. Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport.

203-254-2633. Sabita@SabitaHolisticCenter.com.

SabitaHolisticCenter.com.

Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 6:45-8pm. Gentle yoga, pranayama, meditation by Candlelight Relax, release and flow into wellness. Beginner/level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5. Hindu Cultural Center of CT, 96 Chapel St, Stratford.

High-Powered Healing – 7pm. First Wednesday.

Easy ways to well heal on all levels. Intuitive insight, easy methods for daily wellness, how to determine quality foods and abundance. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown.

203-426-9448. Trinity@TrinityProduction.org.

TrinityProduction.org.

A Course In Miracles – 7-8:30pm. Study group where anyone can come without fear of being judged, a place where feelings can be shared in a loving, accepting atmosphere and above all, a place to enhance fun and inspire a sense of joy and laughter. $10/suggested donation. Soul Healing Journey, LLC, 40 Livingston St, Fairfield.

203-767-5954. Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com.

SoulHealingJourney.com.

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

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Experience bliss, peace, joy and deep healing. This is not your traditional silent or guided meditation class. This meditation will bring change into your life. By donation.

Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rte 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com.

MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Journey Group – 7-9pm. First Wednesday. With Cindy Miller. If you are looking to get unstuck, learn more about self-empowerment, becoming a healing facilitator, than this is the group for you. $20.

Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. 203-426-9448. Cindy@TrinityProduction.org.

TrinityProduction.org.

Sacred Spirit’s Reiki Shares — 7-9pm. Second and fourth Wednesday. With Valerie Tarangelo R.M. Mini healing sessions. In healing others healers are also healed themselves. All welcome. $10.

Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

Using Smart Body (Kinesiology) for Everyday Situations– 7-9pm. Third Wednesday. Learn how to sense the energy of foods, supplements, books, places and more. Learn how to change energy. Presentation and discussion. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. 203-377-6162.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Bruce.Zboray@yahoo.com. TrinityProduction.org.

Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. Second Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, 156 East Ave, Norwalk. Home.Homewebs.com/ HMNFairfieldCtyCT. Learn to Love Yourself – 7:30-9:30pm. Second Wednesday. With Ginny Brown and Ellen Kratka. Little-known spiritual truths applied to everyday life. Let go of negative judgment and unconditionally accept yourself. $40. By phone or internet. 203-263-2643. E.Kratka@sbcglobal.net.

Results-BeyondBelief.com.

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

thursday Tai Chi Classes – 9:30-10:30am. With June Fagan, Tai Chi Instructor. A slow movement meditation for all levels of fitness. Known to reduce stress, increase focus, balance and improve self and well-being. $25/ drop-in, $85/1-class per week $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding.

203-938-3690. JTKindredSpirit@gmail.com.

KindredSpiritsCenter.com.

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

Simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

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.

Herbal Consultations – 11am-3pm. Every other Thursday. Ilana Sobo, herbalist, aromatherapist and Ayurvedic Practitioner will be in the apothecary for herbal consults. Call ahead for availability. $45/30 minutes. Twin Star Community Apothecary, 57 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077.

TwinStarTina@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com/Events.

Chair Yoga – 3-4pm. With Beth Holland. Class designed for those whose bodies are challenged by having to get up and down off the yoga mat.

Have fun as you strengthen your body, heart and mind. $17 or class pack. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400.

Info@NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

Meditating Holistically – 7-8:30pm. With Urgyan, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-YOGA or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com.

Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. Second Thursday. All welcome. Non-Reiki and Reiki practitioners share and experience Reiki. See details on Unity website. Hosted

by Gigi Benanti Reiki master/teacher. $20. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk.

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

AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

friday Reiki Share – 9:30-11:30am. First Friday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20.

Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.

Free Mommy and Me Yoga – 10am. With Brooke de Weaver. We supply water and mats - just bring yourself and your kids. Free. Yogasmoga Townhouse, 68 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich.

Yoga and Somatic Movement – 10:30-11:30am.

With Darlene Carmen. This practice is a refreshing way to work towards a pain free life and improving with age. Looking at your functional motor patterns will allow you to release and relax habitually held muscular tightness and live pain free. $17 or class pack. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com.

NaamYogaCT.com.

Student Massage Therapy Clinic – 11am-noon.

Relax and enjoy a 50-minute, full-body massage for only $20 at our Danbury Campus public clinic. $20. 44 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury. KMCCaffrey@ Ridley.edu. Ridley.edu.

Apothecary Hours – 11am-4pm. Meet like-minded folks and learn about what we do at Twin Star Herbal and Energetic Studies. Free. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-313-7883.

Info@TwinStarTribe.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

Yoga on Candlewood Lake – Noon-1pm. With Michele Leigh, (RYT). Practice yoga on a floating dock on Candlewood Lake. A gentle, 60-minute practice.

Classes begin June 5th. Space is limited. $30. Candlewood Lake, Brookfield. DarkMoonAstrology@ gmail.com. Meetup.com/Candlewood-Lake-Yoga.

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.

Discussion with Spirit – 7:30-9:45pm. Last Friday.

An evening of messages from Spirit and loved ones.

Bring questions, receive channeled information specifically geared to you. Receive help in empowering yourself to navigate this lifetime. $40. Email for location. EarthAndHealing@hotmail.com.

saturday 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.

Love Yourself Fit Meetings – 8:30am. Support for your sacred journey of real weight loss. Meetings offer you a place to be accountable to your highest vision for your healthiest self. $15. Insights Wellness Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-260-9353.

ChrisGuerrera@me.com. InsightsWellnessCenter.com.

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

Gentle yoga, pranayama, meditation by Candlelight Relax, release and flow into wellness. Beginner/level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility, and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5. Hindu Cultural Center of CT, 96 Chapel St, Stratford.

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

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

DrCummins@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

Astrology with Laura – Noon. Second Saturday.

We are thrilled to host the wonderful and wildly popular Laura Watkins, Astrological Counselor in our apothecary for reading. Call for an appointment. $45 for 1/2 hour session. Twin Star Community Apothecary, 57 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077.

TwinStarTina@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com/Events.

Tarot Readings in the Apothecary – Noon-4pm.

Fourth Saturday. Readings with Leahjoy Pearson available in the Apothecary. 30 and 60 minute sessions available. Drop-ins welcome but best to call ahead. $45/30 minutes. Twin Star Community Apothecary, 57 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077.

TwinStarTina@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com/Events.

Open Mic Night – 7-9 pm, 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany you at the piano for your moment at the microphone. Comedians, poets, writers and musicians welcomed as well. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

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

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

FOR RENT OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT IN RIDGEFIELD PROFESSIONAL BUILDING. Comfortable environment with other professionals in the Education, Psychology and healing fields. Call 203-438-4080 or email RayPsychSer@aol.com.

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

EXPERIENCED LMT WANTED FOR PART TIME/FLEXIBLE HOURS at The Recharging Station in Bethel. Must be a positive team player & self starter. We provide clients, you provide amazing service and heart-centered care. Please contact Miss Cravens at 203- 748-1941 or email TheRechargingStation@gmail.com.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES TESTING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS. Cognitive processing, gifted learning, personality. Thirty years experience, reasonable rates and completion time. Dr. Margolies 203-929-2093.

SEXUAL EDUCATION TEACHING PLEASURE-BASED POSITIVITY TO ADULTS: sex education classes, oneon-one consultations. Featuring high quality, ecofriendly, body-safe adult products. BettySaybe@ MySecretSoiree.com or 646-581-6010.

YOGA HIKING CLASSES HATHA AND VINYASA YOGA WITH HIKING in beautiful natural surroundings in Fairfield County. RYT500 instructor with 10 years experience! Register at YogaForHikers.com.

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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide (CRG) in print and online email FFCAdvertising@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to request our advertising rates.

ACUPUNCTURE KURT BEIL, ND, LAC, MPH

72 North St, Ste 100A, Danbury 914-362-8315 DrKurt@earthlink.net HudsonValleyNaturalHealth.com Naturopathic and Chinese medicine for acute and chronic disease, including acupuncture, botanical medicine, cupping, moxa, homeopathy, nutritional and lifestyle counseling, mindbody medicine, ecotherapy and functional lab testing. Helpful for muscle/joint pain and headaches, autoimmune disease, digestive disorders, mental health; boosting immune function; balancing hormones; tobacco addiction; and stress reduction. See ad, page 35.

BEHAVIORAL THERAPY THE CENTER FOR COGNITIVE & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (CCBH) 5 Sylvan Rd South, Westport 888-745-3372 • 203-307-5788 CCBHTherapy.com

The Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health (CCBH) provides individualized mental health services in a warm, holistic environment. Our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) teams offer individual, group, and family sessions, as well as skills coaching for all age groups. Our CCBH team offers these therapies along with yoga, mindfulness, meditation and naturopathic services.

See ad, page 28.

BIOFEEDBACK

INGRI BOE-WIEGAARD, LAc Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 CTAcupuncture.com 25-year full-time practice

Ingri treatments help alleviate pain, depression, neck and back, anxiety, headaches, stress, allergies, asthma, arthritis, digestive, menstrual, infertility and smoking and weight-loss issues. See ad, page 47.

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

Concierge care for those suffering from pain, internal disorders, menstrual issues and menopause, infertility, depression and anxiety, insomnia, addiction, fatigue, tuneups and more. Facial rejuvenation/ cosmetic acupuncture also offered.

See ad, page 12.

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ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC

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

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

CANCER SUPPORT THERAPIES DORETTE LEWIS-SENIOR, ND, MSAC, BS-RN, LCM Yale New Haven Health, Integrative Medicine 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 855-735-2533 • Drs2Health.com

Dr. Lewis-Senior has been a Naturopathic physician and healthcare provider for more than thirty years combined. Her focus is on womens’ health, especially cancer, diabetes, weight and pain.

She is experienced using multiple modalities to establish health and bring about healing. Some insurance accepted.

898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield & Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

KERRY HARDY, RN, HNB-BC, RMT, CCH

Advanced Bio-Regulation (BRT) is a unique approach to health and wellness that uses Biofeedback and PEMF-based Electromagnetic Technology to help the body better self-regulate, adapt and heal naturally. It is used for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, hormonal issues, Lyme, etc. See ad, page 14.

As a holistic nurse, I understand the importance of balancing traditional medicine with alternative complementary therapies to heal the mind, body and spirit. Offering health and nutritional counseling as a Certified Holistic Cancer Educator, Reiki, pranic healing and crystal therapy, aromatherapy with dōTERRA essential oils. Specializing in working with patients experiencing chronic pain, chronic disease and cancer. See ad, page 35.

OPTIMAL MIND

Lawrence Edwards, PhD, BCN, LMHC 2 Byram Brook Pl, Armonk, NY 914-219-8600 OptimalMind.net Biofeedback/neurofeedback for ADHD, enhanced focus, peak performance, test stress, anxiety, chronic pain, headaches, insomnia, anger, meditation, mindfulness training and more. Dr. Edwards is board certified and NYS licensed.

Physician and self-referrals welcome.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

natural awakenings

Holistic Heaven 203-895-5134 HolisticHeavenWellness.com MyDoterra.com/HolisticHeavenWellness

CHIROPRACTIC PETER BRAGLIA, DC

True Health Family Chiropractic 7365 Main St, Stratford 203-923-8633 TrueHealthCT.com As a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Dr. Braglia has received advanced training in Pediatric Adjusting and Prenatal Care, including the Webster Technique.

We are proud to serve patients from all over Fairfield and New Haven Counties with our unique and gentle approach to health care.

JILL M. CAPALBO, DC, CCSP Stamford 203-323-0522 CapalboChiropractic.com

With over 30 years experience in bodywork, Dr. Jill Capalbo is a certified chiropractic sports physician with additional certifications in Graston Technique, FAKTR and KinesioTaping as well as being a licensed massage therapist and Reiki Master.

RISA SLOVES, DC

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 CTChiropractic.com Dr. Risa Sloves is one of 12 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care including Webster and Bagnell Turning Techniques. Also provided: acupuncture, BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique and the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression.

COLONICS COLONICS

914-921-LIFE (5433) LifelineHygienics.com Experience and personalized service you can trust. The finest in colonic irrigation and personal care. Serving the tri-state area since 1993.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 WholeBodyMed.com 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.

ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES ECOSCAPES

Rick Bednar 18 Eleanor Rd, Seymour 203-414-4605 RickBednar@gmail.com Ecoscapes is an ecological landscape company that combines more structural design, such as Japanese-style spirit gardens, with wildlife habitats and native plantings. We construct functional landscapes that bring the human spirit closer to our beautiful, natural planet and create healthy environments for us, our children and pets. See ad, page 11.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

EDUCATION

MARK JOACHIM, DC, FIAMA

INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH STUDIES

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • CTNutritionCenter.com

Western Connecticut State University Christel Autuori, RDH, RYT, MA, Director 181 White St, Danbury 203-837-8559 WCSU.edu/IHHS The mission of the IHHS is to provide the University and Greater Danbury area with an opportunity to engage in and explore different aspects of holistic and integrative health through programming and instruction. Programs include Wellness Wednesday lunchtime workshops, monthly meditation program, lecture series, health wellness and fitness fair, certification programs for yoga teachers, Reiki practitioners and shamanic practitioners.

WESTBROOK NATURE SCHOOL 7 Long Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-664-1554 Info@WestbrookNatureSchool.org WestbrookNatureSchool.org

A nature-based education on six acres of trails, streams and meadows, with an organic garden and natural playscapes.

Our curriculum builds physical and emotional resilience, moral awareness and the foundation required for intellectual growth. See ad, page 23.

END OF LIFE

Dr. Joachim has been in private practice since 1990, specializing in nutrition, natural allergy elimination and functional medicine.

Through specialized testing, he identifies subtle changes in individual physiology which may be at the root of troubling symptoms. Addressing the underlying dysfunction can help you feel better, for good. See ad, page 4.

TAMARA SACHS, MD

Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt St, New Milford 860-354-3304 • TSachsMD.com Using Functional Medicine, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illnesses by addressing their underlying root causes, remaining respectful of the uniqueness, complexity and intuitions that make us human. Trained at Mt. Sinai Medical School and Yale University Hospital in Internal Medicine, in 2003 she opened Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC. She has great success with IBS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Autoimmune problems, Toxicity and more, by creating individualized, realistic and comprehensive Personalized Wellness Plans. She consults in her New Milford, CT office, and also by phone or video using telemedicine.

HAIR LOSS & TRICHOLOGY

CONSCIOUS DYING MATTERS

At the Liphe Balance Center of Weston 203-912-2791 AllianceFCT.com

LISA PRIMPS, TRICHOLOGIST, HLP, AT

Our mission is opening the conversation and providing resources, programs and services, to support and embrace end-of-life transition. The Alliance was born out of a deep desire to honor, respect and meet the needs of individuals and their families at the end-of-life.

ENERGY HEALING BETH LEAS

The Primping Place Spa 999 Summer St, #401, Stamford 203-325-9565 • ThePrimpingPlace.com

Fairfield County’s first location offering the XTC Multi Theraputic Hair Growth System including non-invasive, low level laser therapy—clinically proven and shown to be safe and effective at regrowing hair and creating a healthy scalp. The Primping Place also offers electrolysis and clinical skin care since 1992.

HEALING CENTER

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com TLCTarot.com

THE RUBY TREE

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.

Metaphysical Shop & Healing Space Sherman Village, 670 Main St S, Woodbury 203-585-1655 • TheRubyTreeCT.com Rocks and crystals, magical objects, singing bowls, herbal candles and more.

Local artisans, an array of holistic practitioners, a monthly Mystical Market fair, regularly scheduled psychics/mediums/intuitives, yoga, meditation, and workshops galore—all to enhance the health of your mind, body and spirit. See ad, page 8.

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HEALTH COACH MARY GILBERTSON, WELLNESS Mary Gilbertson, MS, BSN, CHHC Licensed RN, Nutritionist and Certified Health Coach 238 Monroe Tpke, Monroe 203-521-4733 MaryGilbertsonWellness@gmail.com MaryGilbertsonWellness.com

Using the concept of “Food as Medicine” to create your customized nutrition and lifestyle plan for whole living. Working one on one, in groups and in corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. Works with patients on metabolism and weight loss, detoxification, gut health, cancers, inflammatory conditions and stress management. See ad, page 23.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN INTEGRATIVE MD

Tatiana Fleischman, MD 47 Oak St, Ste 110, Stamford 203-275-6666 Info@IntegrativeMDCenter.com IntegrativeMDCenter.com Experienced physician Tatiana Fleischman, MD combines internal and integrative medicine to achieve long-term wellness goals.

Full range of services: internal medicine, primary care, advanced testing, weight control, holistic assessment and more. Comprehensive approach. Major insurance accepted.

MICHAEL FINKELSTEIN, MD, FACP, ABIHM

HOLISTIC DENTIST MARK A BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT 501 Kings Hwy East, Ste 108, Fairfield 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 soughtafter speaker and lecturer.

His popular consumer book, Whole-Body Dentistry, has been sold worldwide. See ad, page 2.

HYPNOSIS

SunRaven: The Home of Slow Medicine 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY 914-218-3113 SlowMedicineDoctor.com

Insightful health evaluations with customized medical guidance.

Consultation and holistic-lifestyle teaching and coaching aimed at attaining enhanced health and wellness on every level.Uniquely qualified to offer a second opinion from a Holistic Perspective.

HENRY C. SOBO, MD

Optimal Health Medical LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 DrSobo.com Dr. Sobo provides Natural Hormone therapy, weight-reduction programs, IV vitamin/minerals treatments, allergy evaluation and treatment, fibromyalgia care and treatment for a wide variety of problems utilizing an Integrative Medicine approach.

HEALING TREE WISDOM

Thea Litsios, CHy 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-693-1493 HealingTreeWisdom.com Use the power of your whole mind to transform your life: Hypnosis for weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief, and past life review. Certified teacher of Active Dream work. Individual dream consultations available, as well as workshops and monthly Dream Groups. See ad, page 46.

STAMFORD INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Michael E. Doyle, MD Conventional & Alternative Medicine 22 5th St, Ste 201, Stamford 203-324-4747 StamfordIntegrativeMedicine.com

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

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

Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy, Time Line Therapy, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ads, pages 13 and 55.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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 17.

natural awakenings

INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Ken Hoffman, DACM, LAc, Medical Director 31 Old Rte 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 INM.Center Using naturopathic and Chinese medical principles, we get to the source of your health concerns.

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

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD Stephen Carr, OD, Narvan Bakhtiari, OD Brian Rodrigues, OD Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 444 Westport Ave, 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 55.

LEGAL SERVICES LAW OFFICES OF KIRSTEN E. BENNETT 27 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury 203-648-9883 50 Main St, White Plains, NY 914-246-2906

Advocacy, Representation, Communication. Kirsten Bennett is a solo practitioner with offices in Danbury and White Plains, NY. Her practice handles real estate, estate planning and probate, personal injury and criminal defense.

“My firm is committed to providing you with effective advocacy, quality representation and the highest level of personal service.”

LIFE COACHING DARLENE ALVAREZ MADDERN

Create With Your Thoughts Life Empowerment Coach, Teacher, Speaker and Mentor QSCA Certified Law of Attraction Coach, MA Sociology 860-488-2619 CreateWithYourThoughts.com I empower my clients to move beyond their limiting beliefs, strengthen their sense of self worth and confidence to create the happiness, abundance, home, health and relationships they have always wanted. Create the life you want!

MASSAGE & BODYWORK JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com We offer Traditional, Thai Massage and Prenatal massage.

At Jiiva Massage, our goal is to provide our clients with a variety of experienced therapists and modalities to choose from. Our hope is to provide you with an assortment of different techniques so you can find what works best for your individual needs. See ad, page 18.

ROBIN ORDAN, LMT, LCSW, CICMI Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 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 11.

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.

SHALVA CLINIC LLC

VALLEY SPIRIT WELLNESS

6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com Meditation can be easier to master than you think. Taoist, Buddhist and generic meditation.

Beginners and experienced practitioners both welcome. See ad, page 12.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com NHAWC.com

Ellen M Lewis, ND, Director 8 Lincoln St, Westport 203-916-4600 ShalvaClinic.org Dr. Lewis offers comprehensive holistic care for women including well-women exams, fertility, thyroid and menopause support.

She also has a special interest in pediatrics and utilizes a variety of natural modalities when working with patients with ADD/ADHD, autism, allergies, eczema and asthma. Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy and more. See ad, back cover.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, all-natural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions, restore balance and treat the mind, body and spirit.

Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 12.

NORTHEAST NATURAL MEDICINE, LLC

Shawn M. Carney, ND 19 Church Hill Rd, Ste 1, Newtown 129 Main St N, New Morning Market, Woodbury 800-723-2962 NortheastNatMed.com Info@NortheastNatMed.com Integrative naturopathic medicine clinic and therapeutic massage center for the whole family.

Services include advanced diagnostic testing, detoxification programs, personalized nutrition, acupuncture, low level laser and botanicals. Insurance accepted.

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

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN 501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 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.

NEUROFEEDBACK ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC

Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years. Acupuncture, bioidentical hormones, homeopathy, Chinese/ Western herbs, allergy/toxin testing, oxygen therapy, Meridian stress assessment, nutrition/ enzyme therapies. See ad, page 51.

898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield & Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

We work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families around a variety of issues with non-medication therapies. We provide brain-based treatments like Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, EFT, Hypnosis, Meditation, etc. Our staff provides non-judgmental support to help alleviate stress and promote wellness. See ad, page 14.

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OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN DAVID L. JOHNSTON, DO 158 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-438-9915 OsteopathicWellness.net

Dr. Johnston has been providing gentle, holistic hands-on osteopathic manual treatment and nutrition for over 20 years. Excellent for newborns, birth trauma, concussions, headaches, sports injuries, neck and back pain, digestive issues, brain support, stress, fibromyalgia, detoxification and weight loss, specialized bloodwork. See ad, page 20.

PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

OPTIMAL MIND

Lawrence Edwards, PhD, BCN, LMHC 2 Byram Brook Pl, Armonk, NY 914-219-8600 OptimalMind.net Integrative psychotherapy: depression, anxiety, addictions, relationships, and more. Dr. Edwards is a NY lic. psychotherapist with 40 years of experience compassionately working with adults to realize their goals.

Meditation and mindfulness training are also offered.

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

Robin has more than 18 years of experience working with families and children. Specializing in divorce, parent/child conflict, grief, attachment/ bonding, child development and parenting. See ad, page 33.

CHRISTINE GUERRERA, LMFT

PsychoSpiritual Therapy and Coaching 203-260-9353 ChrisGuerrera@me.com InsightsWellnessCenter.com Non traditional holistic sessions to free and empower yourself on your path of healing and awakening with a blend of psycho-spiritual therapy, energetics and universal wisdom.

ROBIN QUEEN-FINKELSTEIN

SunRaven: The Home of Slow Medicine 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY 914-218-3113 SlowMedicineTherapist.com Offering a whole-being, integrative approach to wellness, nurturing clients into health on the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical levels. Following one’s heart to re-envision life in order to flourish.

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PSYCHOTHERAPY

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

Our highly trained and experienced therapists utilize a variety of brainbased tools and techniques that allow the CNS to calm down so one can address their issues without heightened anxiety. We specialize in pediatrics, parenting, and supporting individuals with chronic issues. See ad, page 14.

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NANCY SCHERLONG, LCSW

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

REGULATION THERMOGRAPHY FAMILY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-539-1149 GoThermography.com

Chronic illness develops over time.With Regulation Thermography you discover the disturbances that are important to address in order to restore and optimize your health. Healing begins by providing the information to diagnose, assess, and treat complex health conditions. FDA approved test and reports.

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

Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/ Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly. All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.

TURNING POINT REIKI LLC

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

JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com Berta Prevosti is a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master and has been practicing Reiki for over 20 years.

We also have several experienced Reiki Masters and practitioners.

We offer private Reiki sessions for physical and emotional pain. We also have ongoing Reiki Classes that are taught in the traditional Usui method by Berta. See ad, page 18.

ROLFING/STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION WELCOME TO GRAVITY

Yoni Hormadaly, LMT 109 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-550-6888 StructuralTransformations.com Yoni has been practicing Structural Integration since 2002. Specializing in improving the relationship between the human body and gravity. Flat feet, chronic pain and discomfort, improvement in athletic pursuits, general self improvement, are some of the reasons clients of all ages have sought out this work. Free phone consultation.

SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER HUNTER HEALING HANDS

Jessica C. Hunter 203-916-8381 HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com HunterHealingHands.com Healing sessions in shamanic healing, Melody crystal healing, Reiki, shamanic intuitive readings. Accredited and certification training programs in Reiki, crystal healing and shamanic healing. See ad, page 31.

Richard is a Reiki Master/Teacher and intuitive reader. He specializes in home and property cleansings.

Come and experience the healing attributes of Reiki and discover spiritual guidance and awareness, with over 30 years of experience.

WELLNESS CENTER 1492 High Ridge Rd, Stamford • 203-356-5822 515 West Ave, Norwalk • 203-814-1355 7eFitSpaCT1@gmail.com 7eFitSpa.com

ELYSIAN LIFE DESIGN Stacey Lyons 914-336-7693 Contact@ElysianLD.com ElysianLD.com

Stacey Lyons is a Certified Energy Healer and Certified Medium who has performed international medium readings. Specializes in Spiritual Consulting, Space/Land Clearing, Energy Healing, Herbal and Essential Oil based spiritual products and more.

Start your spiritual journey with us today.

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

Richard Wlodarski, RMT 2505 Main St, Ste 209B, Stratford 203-605-0773 Rich@SpiritualArts.info • SpritualArts.info

7eFIT SPA

SPIRITUAL CONSULTING

JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAc

SPIRITUAL ARTS LLC

7eFit Spa offers a variety of aesthetic services and noninvasive techniques to support mind-body wellness. Services include antiaging and oxygen facials with aromatherapy, Torc Plus bioelectric stimulation for muscle activation and weight-loss, infrared sauna and the DietMaster weight-loss program. See ad, page 49.

A space of calm and beauty, healing and restoration of the body and spirit, Salt of the Earth Healing Arts Sanctuary offers a tranquil place to refresh and renew in a house charged with the energy of old. Beautiful Athena Hall, inside the Sanctuary, can be rented to like-minded people for classes, workshops, lectures and special events. Heart and Home is a unique store in the sanctuary; a cozy place to shop, have tea, scoop and bag salts, purchase a variety of artisan goods.

See ad, page 21.

SUNRAVEN: THE HOME OF SLOW MEDICINE

501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY 914-218-3113 SlowMedicine.org Promoting and supporting health and wellness; facilitating community-centered experiential and reflective learning for individuals, families, and groups, by of™ fering educational programs, events, and resources designed to build integrative skills and understanding for those looking to holistically care for themselves, others, and the world in which we live.

Transformative programs, holistic medicine, psychospiritual counseling; women’s, men’s and couples groups, garden co-op, cleansing program; special 12-week “immersion”.

A new way to looking and feeling good.

JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

Berta Prevosti, Usui and Karuna Reiki Master 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com

offerwork yoga classes, . a school of does We the Reiki, private Reiki treatments,

No surgery or invasive procedures. traditional massage therapy, Thai massage, meditation classes, Infrared Sauna •workshops Micro-dermabrasion and community events.

Develop physical and mental See • ad,Body page 18.

Myolift • Torc Waxing fitness and find a new harmony of the mind, body and spiritDiet Master • Oxygen Bar • Reiki SALTANA CAVE using ancient Chinese arts. 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield Dermalogica Facials • Oxygen Facials Starting with basic movements, 203-969-4327 warm-up techniques and breathing SaltanaCave.com Teeth Whitening

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING

346 Main St S, Woodbury 203-405-2241 • 203-586-1172

Fit Spa

is in the business of building Relax whileJiiva our technology a community for yoga and healing.

exercises, you will learn a set of flowing natural movements done slowly with calmness, balance and awareness. Weekly classes, weekend workshops and retreats. See ad, page 12.

SALT OF THE EARTH HEALING ARTS SANCTUARY/ATHENA HALL

Save NowFairfield withCounty’s first and only therapeutic HimalaIntroductoryyan Prices! salt cave provides relief from respiratory isCall 203-356-5822 sues such as allergies, asthma, and side effects of

WELLNESS SUPPLEMENT MEDTECH HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS

284 Racebrook Rd, Ste 21, Orange 203-298-0677 Allison@MedTechHealthcare.com MedTechHealthcare.com As a distributor of CW Hemp (Charlotte’s Web), we want to help everyone better their health and wellness by offering a full line of Premium Whole-Plant Cannabinoid Hemp Extracts. Charlotte’s Web (CW) is The World’s Most Trusted Hemp Extract™. “Be Calmer. Improve Focus. Just feel Better.” See ad, CT 06905 page 27.

1092 High Road Stamford, smoking and Ridge pollution.

Salt is| naturally antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal.

See ad, 7efitspact1@gmail.com | www.7efitspa.com page 17.

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk and Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection.

20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

Your ad could be featured here

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformation, healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit. See ad, page 21.

Reach over 60,000 Natural Awakenings readers by placing your ad here.

Call for more info.

203-885-4674

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COSMIC RHYTHMS Leo the Lion Lights the Sky with Fiery Energy

by Michele Leigh

T

here is an abundance of courageous Leo energy in the air this month with our personal planets—Mercury, Mars and the Sun—all entering the regal sign. At the end of the month, we have a new moon in Leo giving us a new opportunity to tap into our lioness spirit.

Venus enters Gemini in time for the July 4 weekend.

Venus is moving direct again so we have an opportunity to experience our relationships with a wide-eyed curiosity.

Use the Gemini energy to socialize and entertain.

Mercury enters Leo on July 5. The planet of communication enters with a roar, unafraid to tell it like it is. Expect interactions with others to be direct with a flair for the dramatic.

A Full Moon in conventional Capricorn on July 9 shines a spotlight on career and our sense of home. As the Moon goes full in the hard-working sign of the goat, the sun is still shining in Cancer, the homebody. This Full Moon may expose imbalances between work and play. Capricorn is very disciplined; any changes we make during this Full Moon will have the potential to stick.

Later in the month, on July 20, Mars joins Mercury in Leo. Mars is the ultimate warrior and most comfortable in one of the fire signs. Fearless Leo is an appropriate placement for our planet of action. Use this energy to move things forward.

The Sun enters Leo on July 22. The Sun is considered strongest when in this position as Leo is the traditional ruler.

Anyone born under the vitality of the Leo Sun is considered to be a natural leader. When the Sun is in this position, we should spend time on things that motivate and inspire us.

We seal all this Leo energy with a New Moon on July 23. A New Moon is a time to trigger new ideas. In the sign of Leo, expect inspirations to be big and bold. Take time to capture suggestions no matter how over-the-top they seem.

With Leo, the sky is the limit, so use the energy to make some extravagant propositions.

Michele Leigh is an astrologer, author and podcaster. A practitioner of ancient astrology and planetary magic, she is an active member of the Organization for Professional Astrology.

Connect at DarkMoonAstrology.com.

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displayadvertiserindex 7eFit Spa Alton Brown Live

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Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 4 Vicki Sara Blumberg, MD

25

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical

2

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental

2

The Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health

28

Chamomille Natural Foods

45

The Cleanest Touch

33

CT Acupuncture Center/ Ingri Boe-Wiegaard

47

Mock Stock/Forever Grateful

16

Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales

75

Natural Health & Wellness Center

16

Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market

45

Nature’s Way Natural Foods

45

New Morning Market

45

Newtown Yoga Festival

9

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

59

Robin Ordan, Coach

23

Robin Ordan, LMT

11

Robin Ordan, LCSW

33

Organic Sleep at Sleep Etc

36

Osteopathic Wellness Center

20

Patricia’s Presents

11

Ecoscapes 11

Ann Reeves

12

Embody the Sacred

33

Roots Rising Alchemy

11

Eyecare Associates

55

Final Journey LLC

57

Roseann Capanna-Hodge & Associates

14

The Graduate Institute

15

The Graduate Institute

47

Hands and Paws Reiki for All

58

Harbor Harvest

44

Hilda Demirjian Michael E. Doyle, MD/ Stamford Integrative Medicine

9 17

Healing Tree Wisdom/Thea Litsios 46 Hemp Health Direct

33

Holistic Heaven/Kerry Hardy

35

The Ruby Tree

24

Salon Aponte

52

Salt of the Earth Healing Arts Sanctuary and Spa

21

Saltana Cave

17

SeaBear Wild Salmon

61

Shalva Clinic

76

Victoria Shaw, PhD

34

Shelton Farmer’s Market

42

Soul Focus/Mela Rispoli

21 35

Hudson Valley Natural Health/Kurt Biel, ND

35

Hunter Healing Hands

31

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition

43

SoulSong

10

Sticks & Stones Farm

Insight Counseling

8

The Sacred Spirit

Jiiva Yoga and Wellness Center 18

Hilda Swaby

Keller Williams/Miale Team

55

Touch of Sedona

The Learning Collaborative/ Stone Spirit Farm

3

Life Works Wellness Center The Liphe Balance Center

4 13 7

Triple Goddess Remedies

12

29

Unity Center for Practical Spirituality

32

17

Universal Intelligence

38

The Market

45

University of Bridgeport-Clinics

Mary Gilbertson Wellness

23

Unleashed

60

MedTech/Charlotte’s Web

27

Mercier Therapy of CT

47

Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center

12

MicroCurrent Research

13

Wellness Institute/Marvin Schweitzer, ND

51

Westbrook Nature School

23

Westport Farmers Market

45

Whole Foods Market

45

Wooster School

21

Mind Body Connection Pilates 28 Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

13

Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

55

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PRACTITIONERS DR . E L L E N L E W I S DR . C A R I N E B ON N I S T DR . A N DR E W C U M M I N S DR . M A R A DAV I D S ON DR . NA DI A NO OR I A L E X A N DR A M A S ON, L M T B E V E R LY L E W I S T R AC Y PA R D O

T H E C E N T E R F OR NAT U R A L M E DIC I N E

NATUROPATHIC SERVICES NATUROPATHIC PRIMARY CARE SICK DAY VISITS LAB & DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

VITALITY ENHANCEMENT THERAPIES HYDROTHERAPY CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY MASSAGE THERAPY REIKI SHAMANIC HEALING

SPECIALTY SERVICES FOUNDATION TRAINING EXERCISE PROGRAM PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY ABNORMAL PAP & ESCHAROTIC TREATMENT OZONE THERAPY

COMMUNITY WELLNESS CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

SPECIALTIES DR. ELLEN LEWIS: THYROID DISORDERS, ABNORMAL PAPS, WOMEN’S HEALTH DR. CARINE BONNIST: ANTI-AGING, LYME DR. ANDREW CUMMINS: ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, CHRONIC PAIN DR. MARA DAVIDSON: INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY DR. NADIA NOORI: ADD/ADHD, AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS EACH PRACTITIONER TREATS THE WHOLE FAMILY INCLUDING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, WEIGHT ISSUES, HEADACHES, FATIGUE, SLEEP DISTURBANCES, DIGESTIVE DISORDERS, COLDS/FLUS, ANXIETY/DEPRESSION, ALLERGIES, PEDIATRICS, AND MORE

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