March 2020 Natural Awakenings Great Hartford County Edition

E HEALTHY LIVING E FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

Down in the Weeds

A Closer Look at CBD

From the Ground Up Modern Herbalism is a Grassroots Movement

Powered by Plants Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet

March 2020 | Greater Hartford County Edition | NAHRT.com March 2020

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Many Paths Many truths One Bridge

BRIDGE HEALING ARTS CENTER Bridge Healing Arts Center is a diverse holistic wellness center, offering the community many choices of complementary and holistic healing modalities, workshops, events, and classes on their journey to wellness.

Meet some of the Bridge community…

Chinese Medicine

Hypnotherapy

Donna M. Gordon, RMT, Tui Na Acupressure, Usui Ryoho Reiki, Qi Gong Therapy, Tong Ren Healing, Tai Chi and Qi Gong Instruction myheartsourcewellness@gmail.com www.heartsourceintegrative.com 860-978-2938

Massage Therapy

Carl Brown Hypnosis Licensed Hypnotherapist Easily change limiting beliefs.

You can have, be, or do anything you want! www.carlbrownhypnosis.com 860-309-9004

Psychic/Mediumship/Events/Workshops

Eric Rodgers, Licensed Massage Therapist, Massage and Anatomy/Physiology Instructor, Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Mobilization, Cupping, Reiki • erodglmt@gmail.com www.ericrodgers.amtamembers.com 860-748-7443

Keiko Broyles, Psychic Spiritual Medium Willows Healing Path, LLC - Owner Tested Member of Shay Parker’s Best American Psychics • Usui Reiki Master Teacher keiko@keikomedium.com www.keikomedium.com • 860-280-5548

Reiki/Intuitive Readings

Reflexology/Reiki Tara Cornish, Certified Reflexologist, Usui Reiki Master/Teacher, Aromatouch, Bio-Well Health Scans, Infrared Therapy.

Farmington & Torrington Locations Taraholistichands@gmail.com www.HolistichandsCT.com • 860-921-8307

Spiritual Intuitive, Medium & Psychic Denise Ann Atkinson, Owner of Soul Centered Mediumship. Private and group readings, CT and New York • Reiki Master/Teacher Facebook.com/Deniseaapsychicmedium www.deniseatkinsonmedium.com 860-930-9515

Deborah Lyons, RMT Owner/Operator of The Lotus Petal, LLC Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Psychic/Medium, Nutrition Health Coach LotusPetalReiki@gmail.com www.TheLotusPetalReiki.com • 860-335-4060

Our Village is Growing!

There is currently a wide variety of services available at The Bridge Healing Arts Center.

Please visit our website at www.BridgeHAC.com for a complete list.

If you are a practitioner who is interested to move your practice to The Bridge, please be in touch today!

We have limited space available for you to join our growing village!

��� Main St. | Farmington, CT �6��� | bridgehac.com | 86�-���-���� | info@bridgehac.com 2

Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

COMING IN APRIL

Greater Hartford Edition

2020 NATURAL LIVING

LT Y H OU Y P RH LA N EA E LT T R HY E S LI O V U IN R G C , E G U

ID

E

DIRECTORY

E H

Natural Living Directory Pricing

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ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES!

• 1 profile = $225 (no display ad) • 1 profile + 1 listing = $285 Pricing for Listings: • $125 for 1st listing • $62.50 for second • 3rd listing FREE • Regular advertisers can add additional listings for only $60 each!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reach more than 50,000 Natural Awakenings readers all year long.

Attract new customers and increase your business with our cost-efficient advertising, in print and online.

Directory Deadline: March 10

Call now to reserve your space!

860-507-6392 Publisher@NAHRT.com March 2020

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What’s the hardest part of staying healthy?

Contents 16 ROOTED IN

SMART NUTRITION

22

Plant-Based Diet Popularity Makes Sense

Showing Up! Commit to Being Strong, Flexible & Happy.

Yoga, Barre & Belly Dance Classes Daily 7 Days, 15 Teachers, 34 Classes, 0 Excuses

50

$

For Your First 30 Days of Classes Offer Expires 3/31/20. Mention “Natural Awakenings”

Call 860-693-9642

or visit YogaCenterCollinsville.com/new 10 Front Street, 3rd Floor, Collinsville

18 MEATLESS MAKEOVER

A Plant-Based Spin on Classic Dishes

20 SPICES OF LIFE

26

Pinches and Dashes Boost Health

22 FROM THE

GROUND UP

Modern Herbalism Is a Grassroots Movement

If you don’t take care of you, who will?

26 HOW TO CHOOSE AN HERBALIST

31

28 DOWN IN

THE WEEDS

A Closer Look at CBD

31 CBD’S NEW FRONTIER

Help for Mental Health Let us. You’re in good hands.

Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports & Thai Massage All the luxuries in a beautiful setting

64 For Your First 60-minute Massage

$

Offer Expires 3/31/20. Mention “Natural Awakenings”

Call 860-693-9642

or visit YogaCenterCollinsville.com/bliss 10 Front Street, 3rd Floor, Collinsville 4

Hartford County Edition

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DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 14 health briefs 15 global briefs 15 eco tip 18 conscious

eating

31 healing ways 32 calendar 35 classifieds 35 resource guide 38 display ad index

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

16 18

45 S. Main Street, West Hartford, CT

$ 32 New Student Special: Tai Chi & Qigong

28

To Register for Workshops CALL 978-790-8888 center@wuhealing.com wuhealing.com

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings, please contact our sales team: Ads@NAHRT.com or 860-507-6392.

Our fax is 860-357-6034.The due date for ads is the 10th of the month prior to publication.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Submit articles, news items and ideas to Editor@NAHRT.com or call 860-507-6392. The due date for editorial is the 8th of the month prior to publication.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit ALL calendar events on our website at NAHRT.com.

The due date for calendar is the 10th of the month prior to publication.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets, call 239-434-9392.

For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

March 2020

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

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GREATER HARTFORD COUNTY EDITION Publisher Nicole Miale

Managing Editor Patricia Staino

Editor Michelle Bense

Design & Production Kathleen Fellows

Erica Mills

Contributing Writers Patricia Staino Anastasia Pryanikova

Sales & Marketing Shirley R. Bloethe Nicole Miale

Social Media Amy Hass

Website Erica Mills

CONTACT US 137 Danbury Rd, #323, New Milford, CT 06776 Ph: 860-507-6392 • Fax: 860-357-6034 Publisher@NAHRT.com • NAHRT.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

National Editor Jan Hollingsworth

Managing Editor Linda Sechrist

National Art Director Stephen Blancett

Art Director Josh Pope

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

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

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

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

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

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

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

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

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Hartford County Edition

letter from publisher

NAHRT.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

With love and light,

See our display advertiser index on page 38, making it easier to find the resources you need.

Parkade Health Lounge Opens in Manchester

news briefs

CT Lawmakers Set Environmental Agenda

E

very year, the CTLCV Education Fund brings together lawmakers, advocates, policy experts, and the public for a day of panels and informational briefings about the most critical environmental issues facing our state.

The 30th annual Environmental Summit took place on January 15 at Trinity College, which co-sponsored the event with the League of Conservation Voters. Speakers at the conference voiced major concerns over the impact of global warming, emerging hazardous pollutants like the chemical compounds known as PFAS, reducing transportation-related carbon emissions, Connecticut’s ongoing garbage disposal crisis and preserving Long Island Sound and this state’s forests.

In a packed hall of 330 attendees, many critical environmental issues were discussed that legislators will be considering during the current session of the Connecticut General Assembly, which opened February 5th.

Attendees learned that protecting the state’s water supplies, eliminating toxic pesticides and continuing to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies are among the state’s top environmental priorities this year. Speakers were grouped together and given a specific topic to address. The topics included forests and carbon sequestration; plastics and recycling; greenhouse gas reduction; clean, equitable transportation; toxins and pollutants; Long Island Sound resiliency and youth climate priorities.

To watch the presentations or to read the submitted papers, visit CTLCV.org/summit.html.

T

he Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe recently celebrated the grand opening of the Parkade Health Lounge next door, when the Connecticut River Valley and Greater Manchester Chambers of Commerce held a joint ribbon cutting on February 20.

The cozy lounge features comfy chairs, a counter for working or enjoying healthy morsels, charging stations and free WiFi. Customers also will find fresh organic salads and fruit, fabulous prepared meals and snacks from local suppliers and a great variety of cold beverages and energy drinks. The Lounge also will host educational Lounge Chats and creative exhibits by local artists.

Operating since 1956 as one of the largest independent, family-owned health food stores in the Greater Hartford area, Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe offers a unique opportunity for learning and achieving optimal wellness. Its mission is to educate customers about nutrition and healthy lifestyle options and offer an abundance of affordable dietary supplements, organic produce, frozen, refrigerated and packaged food items and other products to help them improve their quality of life and longevity. During the full-service shopping experience, customers can expect to receive cutting-edge information and caring, personalized customer service from knowledgeable staff.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 8pm and on Sunday from 11am to 6pm.

For more information call 860-646-8178 or visit CTHealthShop.com. Location: Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe and Lounge, 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester.

JULY 31–AUGUST 6, 2020

COMING HOME TO YOURSELF

,

A JOURNEY TO SELF-ACCEPTANCE LOVE & WISDOM

Are you seeking growth within yourself, in your professional life, or in your relationships? Stuart and Naomi return to Santa Fe, NM for the 5th CEUs Available year to deliver this transformative workshop.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.hartfordfamilyinstitute.com

With Hartford Family Institute’s Stuart Alpert Psy.D., LCSW and Naomi Lubin-Alpert Psy.D., LMFT March 2020

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news briefs

Celebrate Resilience at the Capitol

T

he Connecticut Women’s Consortium will host a “Celebration of Resilience” at the Capitol to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event will take place on March 9, from 9am to 1pm in the Old Appropriations Room (Room 310). The group will screen the documentary “Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope,” then host a post-film Q&A discussion with experts on adverse childhood experience (ACEs) to talk about the challenges throughout Connecticut and the efforts to lessen their impact.

The “Resilience” film chronicles the birth of a new movement among pediatricians, therapists, educators and communities who are using cutting-edge brain science to disrupt cycles of violence, addiction and disease. The documentary delves into the science of ACEs and the birth of a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress. Now understood to be one of the leading causes of everything from heart disease and cancer to substance abuse and depression, extremely stressful experiences in childhood can alter brain development and have lifelong effects on health and behavior. However, as experts and practitioners profiled in the film are proving, what’s predictable is preventable. These physicians, educators, social workers and communities are daring to talk about the effects of divorce, abuse and neglect. And they’re using cutting edge science to help the next generation break the cycles of adversity and disease.

The film spotlights Alice Forrester and Laura Lawrence of The Clifford Beers Clinic in New Haven, which provides mental health services for children by including the entire family in their programs. Then, from an elementary school across town, kindergarteners recite “Miss Kendra’s List”—a bill of rights for children—and learn ways of expressing and coping with their stress.

The event will close with a panel moderated by Rebecca Lemanski, MSW, and featuring women of strength and courage that both inspire and motivate change in our communities. The panelists will share their stories of recovery and community action.

For more information call 203-909-6888 or email KCallahan@WomensConsortium.org.

Location: The Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Room 310, Hartford.

Marconics Level 1 Practitioner Certification in Waterford

T

raining for certification as a Level 1 practitioner of Marconics will take place Saturday March 28 from 9:30am to 5pm and Sunday, March 29 from 9:30am to 4:30pm in Waterford.

Whether you decide to become a healer, practice Marconics healing protocols or simply harness Marconics frequencies to further your own personal Spiritual journey, the class promises you will be forever transformed.

For more information, call Julie Oakes at 203-533-9633 or email SNETeachers@ Marconics.com. To register, visit Tinyurl.com/MarconicsWaterford.

Location: The Center for Healing Therapies, 83 Boston Post Rd, Waterford.

Thousands of Years of Food Wisdom in Twelve Months

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition

Offering a One-Year Certification Program in Sustainable Health & Nutrition This Innovative School Integrates the Science of Nutrition with:

Practicing Sustainable Gardening Methods

Preparing Traditional Kitchen Medicine

Learning Kitchen Culinary Skills

Identifying Nutrient-rich Wild Plants

Embark on this life-altering journey and be part of the movement to change the paradigm of our food for future generations. Join our experienced staff one weekend a month as you use hands-on education to delve into and explore diverse aspects of how food and herbs enhance the health of your clients, friends, family, yourself and the environment.

Now accepting applications for 2020-2021 | Call 860-764-9070 today! | West Granby, CT | www.tiosn.com 8

Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

Restore Your Molecules’ Frequencies

6th Bi-Annual

Passport to Health & Wellness presented by the Holistic Community Professionals

Statewide Benefit * HoliStic expo

Sunday | April 26 | 10 am - 5pm

75+ Exhibitors and Speakers!

DoubleTree by Hilton 42 Century Drive, Bristol, CT 06010

T

he “Magnesphere” is a Magnetic Resonance Therapy system that helps balance your body’s autonomic nervous system by using extremely low-level magnetic fields. The FDA-approved claim of “enhancing relaxation” helps reduce symptoms associated with chronic stress including pain, inflammation, digestive issues, low energy levels and poor sleep.

Magnesphere has two rings consisting of 1.25 pounds of copper coiling, so clients are not actually inside a magnet. Instead, the coils are electrified to produce the effects of a magnet. Every molecule in the body vibrates at a certain frequency; bone molecules differ from blood molecules, which are different from brain molecules. When we experience pain, inflammation or a neurological condition, we can look at the basic building blocks of our bodies, the molecules. The Magnesphere dials into the specific frequencies and gently nudges them back to their proper position or vibration.

This therapy is designed to deeply relax clients, who are bathed in wholebody magnetic fields for 60 minutes. The magnetic fields continue to work on the body for the next several hours, so clients can expect to experience even more effects throughout the day.

FREE DRUM HEaling 4-5pm Speakers all day Free Raffles • Drumming GRAND PRIZE: A Hilton Overnight Stay for Two! * All door donations to benefit: Hartford Hospital's Integrative Medicine Angie’s Spa and CT Children’s Medical Center.

aDMiSSiOn Advance Early Bird $5 p/p $7 p/p at the door Children under 5 are FREE FOR TICKETS: Contact Shirley R. Bloethe at 860-989-0033 Email: yourholisticevents@gmail.com Vendors apply at: yourholisticevents.com FB - Passport to Health and Wellness Expo

Holistic Community Professionals

www.HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org

For more information, call 860-593-0304 or visit Optimal-Living-Center.com.

Location: 50 Old Farm Rd, Somers.

March 2020

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Anxious, Depressed, Struggling with Chronic Pain or Weight Gain?

TREAT YOURSELF TO A HEALTHIER YOU, NATURALLY! With a uniquely-integrated healthcare approach, drawing on the wisdom of Ayurveda & Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What are you waiting for?

CALL 917-538-2080 for your 20 minute complimentary phone consultation.

Dr. Skye Roberts Doctor of Acupuncture, Board Certified Chinese Herbalist, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Reiki Master.

www.drskyeroberts.com skye@drskyeroberts.com

SK YE ROBERTS

ACUPUNCTURE & AYURVEDA

Eclectic Naturopathic Medical Center, LLC Kathleen M. Riley, ND Wilberto Lugo, ND Naturopathic Physicians

48 Christian Lane, Suite 203 Newington, CT 06111 www.kathleenrileynd.com

Call to schedule an appointment

860-665-1254

news briefs

Free Open House at Two Coyotes Wilderness School

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wo Coyotes Wilderness School’s annual Open House at Holcomb Farm in Granby will be held on Sunday, March 29. The free event will include two sessions: a morning session from 10am to 12pm, and an afternoon session from 1 to 3pm. During each session, camp staff will lead all members of the family in nature activities, games, and arts and crafts. All ages are welcome to attend this free community event.

This open house event is for families to get a taste of the school’s innovative summer camp experiences or kids up to 17 years old. Visitors will be able to tour the campground, meet staff and alumni, participate in games and activities, and have the chance to ask questions. This event is rain or shine (just like the camp!) so please dress appropriately for the weather.

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

When registering, please choose either a morning or afternoon Open House session. Visit Twocoyotes.org to register or for more information about our summer camp or any of our programs, or contact Programs@TwoCoyotes.org. Location: Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Rd, Granby. See ad, page 21.

Passport to Health Spring Expo Call for Vendors

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, call Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033, email YourHolisticEvents@ gmail.com or visit ShirleyBloethe.com. Location: The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton, 42 Century Dr, Bristol. See ad, page 25.

10 Hartford County Edition

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MONDAZZI An

Book , Bead & Crystal Warehouse Showroom

Square Feet amazing 5000 of SHOPPING!

A little bit of everything for the mind, body and spirit.

Beads & Beading Supplies

Hundreds of gemstone beads 50% off strands of beads

Natural Awakenings Looking for Cover Artists

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

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

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

Jewelry • Candles Crystals & Minerals

from around the world Books 50% off list price

Essential Oils Herbs & Resins Himalayan Salt Lamps Music • Classes Psychic Fairs • Events Vintage & Handpainted Furniture

Visit our Salt Room!

860-285-0538

Monday - Friday 9am-5pm | Saturday 9am-4pm | Closed Sunday www.mondazzi.com 570 Hayden Station Rd. | Windsor, CT 06095

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

massage | yoga | natural facials | holistic healing (860) 512-0433 | tri-citymassage.com | 220 Hartford Tpke, Vernon, CT

March 2020

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Art Attunement Program in Salem

news briefs

Access Consciousness in Bloomfield

W

N

ew World Wellness in Bloomfield will host an Access Bars class on March 15 from 10am to 5:30pm. The class is the first step in learning the Access Consciousness program.

Access Bars is a gentle, hands-on modality that was introduced by Gary Douglas in the early 1990s. The Bars are 32 unique points on the head that correlate to different areas and aspects of life. During an Access Bars session, a practitioner gently touches these points to release the electromagnetic charge of all thoughts, ideas, attitudes, decisions and beliefs that may have limited you in the specific life areas.

Today Access Bars is practiced in over 170 countries worldwide, used as a potent and pragmatic tool by families, schools, businesses, athletes, prison wards, psychologists, artists and many more. Thousands of people have used Access Bars to change many aspects of their bodies and their lives, including sleep, health and weight, money, sex and relationships, anxiety, stress and so much more. At worst, you will feel like you have just had a phenomenal massage. At best, your whole life can change into something greater with total ease.

This class is a one-day, hands-on class in which participants learn the Bars points and participate in gifting two Bars sessions and receiving two Bars sessions.

Cost for the class is $350.

For tickets, visit Tinyurl.com/AccessBarsClassBloomfield. Location: New World Wellness, 34 Jerome Ave, Suite 303, Bloomfield.

ild Earth Studio in Salem will offer its Wild eARTh Attunement Program starting in April and running through December. The program consists of one-to-one art instruction, expressive modalities, Raw Art journaling and other creative activities to help you access the body’s wisdom and creative intelligence.

Drawing on art’s transformative powers for health and well-being, Wild Earth Studio is carving out space for artists to help tap into those expressive desires. This program will give students the freedom to explore however they need to. The studio’s owner will guide, assist and hold space as students take their first steps on their journey of artistic enlightenment.

The program includes 90 minutes of one-to-one learning instruction each week, all necessary art supplies, Raw Art Journaling with weekly prompts, defining techniques, healing through the chakras, expressive modalities, opening creative portals, and a one-to-one session with a medium (optional) to unblock intuitive blockages. The session can take place in person or via Facetime for those who are not local.

This program is ongoing from April through December, starting with your desired time for your first one-to-one meeting. A deposit of $199 is required for enrollment as well as all your supplies. Then, students create their own package: Kids’ art lessons are $80 per month or $600 for the entire run of the program; kids’ art lessons with healing attunement are $100 per month or $750 for the program run. Adults’ art lessons are $125 per month or $900 for the run of the program; adults’ art lessons with healing attunement are $155 per month or $1,000 for the program run. There will be an Art Gala in December for students interested in participating.

For an application or to learn more about the program, email EricaTreaster@gmail.com. Location: Wild Earth Studio, 24 Hartford Rd Unit 11, Salem.

Vitalized Performance Group of Glastonbury, CT

Naturopathic Medicine /Acupuncture/Colonics Please refer to community resource guide for more information.

vpgwaves.com 860 -80 0 - 6775

12 Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

Holistic Community Professionals HCP

Our professional team of holistic and natural businesses provides community outreach and education.

We are committed to improving the health and wellness of body, mind, and spirit in the communities we serve.

See more holistic practitioners at: www.HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org To join the HCP contact Shirley R. Bloethe, Executive Director, at 860-989-0033.

Astrologist/Psychic/Reiki Practitioner Bren Meadows, Psychic Reading Tarot since 1984 Psychic Parties, Individual Sessions, Spiritual Guidance Sessions Terryville, CT or by Skype rainmakers2413@gmail.com 860-983-3030

Crystal/Sound/White Time Bradford W. Tilden, MM, CMT Universal White Time Gemstone, Energy, and Angelic Sound Healing Individual, Remote, Group Sessions Classes, Workshops, Sound Journeys Bradford@CrystalMusicHealing.com CT/MA locations 860-830-5841

Holistic Diabetes Coaching Laura Estan, RD, LDN, CDE Specializing in mindfulness-based Diabetes health coaching and holistic medical nutrition therapy.

10 Grassmere Avenue Suite 300 West Hartford, CT *Now accepting Medicare Laura.EstanRD.CDE@gmail.com 860-930-0308

Professional Intuitive Energy Work Justin Speller, Certified Holistic Practitioner Professional Intuitive Energy Work Source Light Healing Ancestral Energy Clearing Past Life Resolution, EFT www.tapintothelight.com tapintothelight@gmail.com Wethersfield, CT 617-435-7798

Shamanic/Reiki/Sound Healer Denise Cassella, Stairway to Healing Light, LLC Reiki Master/Sound Healer Teacher, Angelic & Spiritual Guide, Interfaith Minister, Shaman, Qigong Instr. CT/RI/Cent. & East. MA Stairway2Healing@gmail.com StairwaytoHealingLight.abmp.com 860-965-6398

Chiropractic/Acupuncture/Nutrition Raya Clinic - Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Spinal Decompression, Physical therapy, Food-sensitivity testing, Cold-laser and Neuropathy treatments 200 Queen St, Southington RayaClinic.com 860-621-2225

Coaching & Workshops Torin Lee TL Coaching /Zen Events www.MyPathForward.net torin@zenevents.net www.torinlee.com 860-861-9038

Healing/Coaching

Healing & Wellness Center

Robin Barros, Spirit of the Lotus Integrative Manual Therapy, Medical Shamanism, Holographic Sound Healing, Advanced Soul Coaching® & Past Life Journeys Medical Intuitive, Medium, Channel SpiritoftheLotus.org Columbia, CT 860-709-3903

Lily Holcomb, The Water Lily Holistic Empowerment Center, Intuitive & Mediumship Readings, Empowerment Energy Healings, Groups, Classes & Events • 129 Tolland Stage Rd. Tolland, CT thewaterlilycenter.com 860-756-6391

Integrative Psychotherapy

Naturopathic Physician

The Enlightenment Counseling Center, LLC Holistic psychotherapy & alternative medicine to enhance our clinical services.

998 Farmington Ave, West Hartford 660 Prospect Ave, Hartford EnlightenmentCenterCT.com EnlightenmentCenterLLC@gmail.com 860-729-3284

Quantum Psychotherapy Celeste E. Mattingly, LCSW Creator of Celestial Psychology® State-of-the-art energy medicine & quantum healing techniques with Tachyon Zero-Point-Energy products & traditional talk therapy Insurance accepted celestialempowerment.com 860-586-8700

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Treating Acid Reflux Susan Berman, M.Ed., CHHC Find your unique food & lifestyle triggers.

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13

GERD and Veggies: Here’s the Skinny

Balance Water Consumption for Cognitive Health

by Susan Berman

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

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

The reason one individual is susceptible to acid reflux/GERD might be entirely different from the reason it afflicts another person.

One thing that seems consistent, however, are the various foods that seem to trigger a majority of people.

Besides the typical fats, let's look at different plant-based foods that can be tricky. For example, when it comes to fruits, citric acid typically will cause acid reflux. That said, lemons and limes, as acidic as they are, actually metabolize to be alkaline in one's system. Apples can vary. Red, sweet apples are usually fine to eat, while the sour green apples can cause problems.

Believe it or not, many berries carry high levels of acidity. For example, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, strawberries and cherries are all on the "beware" list. Tomatoes are usually too acidic to eat and affect many people; however, yellow tomatoes tend to be easier on the digestive system.

Vegetables, on the other hand, are excellent, although raw onions and garlic may raise some concerns. Dried versions of both of these would be a better option for many people. Most vegetables, whether eaten raw or cooked, will not typically produce acid reflux. Greens are alkalizing and should be a large part of one's diet.

Grains and seeds are good to incorporate into a daily diet. Most are neutral in acidity, meaning not too acidic or alkalizing. Grains provide a wealth of fiber, complex carbohydrates, minerals and some essential vitamins. Some grains can actually help to reduce acid reflux, although people who are glutensensitive still may find them challenging to digest.

Susan Berman, CHHC, MEd, is a Certified Holistic Health Coach who specializes in people suffering from GERD. After losing her husband from esophageal cancer, she has made it her mission to put a halt to this disease. She offers online Group, 1:1 and Do It Yourself programs. Connect with her for a free consultation at Susan@HealingAcidReflux.com or HealingAcidReflux.com. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 36.

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health briefs

Eating Greener Waste-to-Energy ‘Matterhorn’

Sustainable Power With a Recreational Bonus

Copenhagen has dramatically refashioned the look and function of a power station with a new state-of-the-art, waste-to-power plant that powers 200,000 homes and doubles—actually, sextuples—as a ski slope, a climbing wall, a viewing tower, a hiking and running trail network, and a bar and restaurant. Named Copenhill, “It is the cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world,” says architect Bjarke Ingels. “It is a crystal clear example of ‘Hedonistic Sustainability’ because a sustainable city is not only better for the environment, it is also more enjoyable for the lives of its citizens.” The building, 278 feet tall at its apex, has a glass elevator for viewing the inner workings of how the city’s trash is transformed into both electricity and heating, as well as the best view in town of the harbor. It has three ski lifts that serve a one-third-mile course coated with a special “plastic grass” that provides the perfect friction for both skiing and snowboarding. It even features the tallest climbing wall in the world, designed with overhangs and ledges of white, like an icy mountain. Ingels says 97 percent of Copenhagen residents get their heating as a byproduct of energy production from an integrated system in which the electricity, heating and waste disposal are combined into a single process. Copenhagen has a goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2025.

Green Flying

First Commercial E-Plane Makes History

HarbourAir.com

eco tip

Electric propulsion has long been a goal of aviation manufacturers to lessen the carbon footprint of air travel. On December 11, Vancouver, Canada-based Harbour Air launched the first successful test flight of an all-electric aircraft. Founder and CEO Greg McDougall piloted a 1956 de Havilland Beaver seaplane, rechristened the ePlane. Retrofitted with a 750-horsepower magni500 motor by MagniX, it took off from a dock on the Fraser River in Richmond, British Columbia, and flew for four minutes. The certification process will take one to two years. After that, the retrofits of the company’s existing fleet of small planes can begin. The challenge for airlines seeking to go green with large aircraft is that current technology leaves electric engines relatively weak for their weight and they have a short battery life, but these factors do not deter Harbour Air, which went carbonneutral in 2007 and flies mostly short hops in the Northwest.

Tips for Plant-Based Living Eating more fruits and vegetables as part of a plant-based diet is catching on. In 2019, more than one third of Americans said they plan to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets to achieve their wellness resolutions, according to data company YouGov. For those new to “green eating”—and even for veggie-minded veterans—lots of helpful information is available now on what to consider in buying, preparing, re-using and discarding food.

The Environmental Working Group’s website at ewg.org/foodnews makes it easy to research pesticide levels in produce. Check out the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen—the most toxin-free and toxin-heavy fruits and vegetables—along with related news and developments.

Home deliveries of local and organic produce can save time and gas consumption from shopping. Some of the leading regional services include Fresh Direct (FreshDirect. com), Sun Basket (SunBasket.com), Green Bean Delivery (GreenBeanDelivery.com), Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks (FreshPicks.com) and Territory Foods (TerritoryFoods.com).

Composting combines food scraps with lawn and garden trimmings and more into a nutrient-rich, natural garden fertilizer. A useful guide to composting basics by the Environmental Protection Agency can be found at epa. gov/recycle/composting-home.

The phenomenon of food scrapping—using the parts of produce in recipes that are often thrown out—saves money in shopping, is easier on the environment and pleasingly leads to creative and innovative meals. A number of cookbooks are dedicated to the subject, including Cooking With Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, and Stems into Delicious Meals, by Lindsay-Jean Hard and Scraps, Peels, and Stems: Recipes and Tips for Rethinking Food Waste at Home, by Jill Lightner.

Plant-based foods can be swapped for traditional ingredients in countless recipes. MotherEarthLiving.com explains how aquafaba—the water from a can of beans— can replace egg whites, even in meringues. Bananas, applesauce and ground flaxseeds or chia seeds can substitute for eggs to bind baked goods. Coconut oil can replace butter and nutritional yeast can do the job of parmesan when sprinkled on pasta.

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global briefs

What About Protein?

ROOTED IN SMART NUTRITION Plant-Based Diet Popularity Makes Sense

by Dr. Amanda Gomes

T

he increased popularity of plantbased diets can be attributed to the myriad of health benefits ranging from improved longevity to chronic disease prevention. If you are considering adopting such a diet, it is important to learn what plant-based eating looks like, potential risks, concerns regarding protein and digestion, as well as practical tips to increase your plant consumption.

What Is a Plant-Based Diet?

A standardized definition of a plant-based diet has yet to be agreed upon by governing agencies, making the recommendation of a plant-based diet ambiguous and open to interpretation. For example, the Mediterranean, vegan and vegetarian diets all could be considered plant-based.

Research suggests people who consume a majority of their dietary intake from plants tend to have a lower body mass index as well as lower rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease than those who consume diets not based on plants. Considering this data, an acceptable interpretation of a healthful, plant-based diet is rich in 16 Hartford County Edition

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unprocessed whole foods including vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. It would not necessarily mean a diet devoid of meat, seafood or dairy, merely limiting these and other processed foods.

Although plant-based diets are promoted for favorable health outcomes, it is important to recognize the difference between consuming healthy, whole foods and unhealthy, processed foods, regardless of the origin.

Similar to the standard American diet, plant-based diets can include highly processed options of less nutritional value. A cross-sectional study comparing vegetarian and omnivorous adults found diet quality was more important than diet categorization. Simply stated, consuming a diet rich in processed foods, including plant-based processed options, will not lead to better health outcomes. To make a significant impact on health biomarkers, you need to consume a nutrient-dense diet of unprocessed, whole foods. If you choose to adopt a vegetarian or vegan plant-based diet, vitamin B12 supplementation may also be necessary to avoid deficiency.

Consuming adequate protein while on a plant-based diet may be less challenging than you think. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein is a modest 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. It is important to note that this metric is not a recommendation for optimal health, but the minimum amount to prevent illness.

For optimal health, research suggests protein levels between 0.8 to 1.0 grams per kilogram for average healthy adults and 1.0 to 2.2 grams per kilogram for training athletes.

Plant sources rich in protein include tempeh, tofu, lentils, beans, hemp, quinoa and nuts. Their prospective protein contents range from approximately 13 grams to 5 grams per serving. Consuming a wide variety of whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruit has been shown to render protein combining unnecessary, as it is more likely you will consume all your essential amino acids by eating broadly.

When done thoughtfully, people can consume their protein exclusively from plant sources; however, that is not a requirement for following a healthful, plant-based diet.

Digestive Support Digestion can be impacted when implementing new dietary choices. A few helpful considerations to improve the digestion of a plant-based diet include adequate hydration and soaking plant proteins prior to consumption.

Among many other essential nutrients for health, plants are rich in fiber.

By increasing your daily consumption of plants, you also will be increasing your daily fiber intake. To prevent unpleasant bloating or constipation often associated with increased fiber, ensure you are adequately hydrated. Drink half of your body weight in ounces slowly throughout the day (i.e. a 150-pound individual would aim for 75 ounces of filtered water per day). This will assist in elimination as well as many other important physiologic processes.

In addition to adequate hydration, it is beneficial to soak plant proteins before

consumption. In nature, dormant seeds require an energy source prior to sprouting. This vital role is played by phytates. Although essential for seed survival, phytates reduce the digestibility of starches, fats, and proteins. This undesirable effect can be avoided by soaking nuts, seeds, beans and grains prior to consuming them.

When soaked, these nutritional inhibitors are reduced and digestibility is improved, reducing unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.

A cross-sectional study comparing vegetarian and omnivorous adults found diet quality was more important than diet categorization.

Practical Ways to Increase Your Plant Consumption Reformulate your plate. Challenge the thought pattern of centering your meals around an animal protein. Instead, focus on plant-based foods, allowing them to comprise ⅔ of your plate.

This simple composition change will not only increase meal variety, but also help you reach your health goals.

Eat more vegetables.Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients, making them the keystone of a healthful, plant-based diet. Get creative! Consider menu items like soups, salads, scrambles, smoothies and stir-fries to boost your vegetable intake without losing interest.

Try a meatless meal. Begin by planning a meatless meal once per week. This suggestion may seem challenging, but several cultures have been eating this way for centuries. Follow your palate and explore different cuisines. Fortunately, healthy plant-based recipes are easier than ever to come by via an internet search.

Fruit for dessert. Attempt to draw inspiration from the old adage, “Fruit is nature’s dessert.” Enjoying whole fruit desserts, like poached pears or spiced plums, can be decadent without thwarting your health goals. As winter draws to a close, try rhubarb or apple as a nutrient-dense and satisfying dessert.

In summary, plant-based diets are a great way to reduce your risk for illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. Placing your dietary focus on vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains will broaden your food diversity and help you see greater health outcomes.

Dr. Amanda Gomes is a naturopathic physician and nutritionist at Collaborative Natural Health Partners with locations in Manchester, West Hartford and Stonington. All of the physicians at the clinic are in-network providers for most insurance companies and are accepting new patients. Call 860-533-0179 to book an appointment and visit CTNaturalHealth.com for more information. See ad, back cover.

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17

conscious eating

Meatless Makeover A Plant-Based Spin on Classic Dishes

W

by April Thompson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ben Pook, the London co-author

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Magical Meatless Meals 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp garlic powder

photos by Andrew Hayes-Watkins

Wet ingredients: ½ cup plant-based milk ½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp hot sauce

Yields: 4 to 6 servings 10.5 oz extra-firm tofu Sea salt and pepper ½ cup flour Vegetable oil Dry ingredients: 3.5 oz paprika-flavored chips 4 Tbsp flour 2 tsp dried oregano

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

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

To serve: Tomato ketchup Vegan mayonnaise

Vegan Popcorn ‘Chicken’

tofu into bite-sized pieces with hands.

Crush the paprika crisps between a clean tea towel using a rolling pin until no big pieces remain. Transfer to a bowl along with the remaining dry ingredients and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spoon to mix everything together, then set aside.

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

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

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

Then slice the block in half and break the

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

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

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

For additional meatless meals, visit NAHRT.com

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19

SPICES OF LIFE Pinches and Dashes Boost Health

by Anastasia Pryanikova

S

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

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

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

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

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

herb suppliers online as well.

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

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

Source and Store

Toss and Transfer

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

Avoid herbs that are polluted, sprayed, improperly stored, moldy or too old. Choose to protect medicinal plants that may be overharvested and endangered. To do this, buy from sources you trust. Check out local herb growers, herb farms and farmers’ markets to source herbs locally whenever possible. There are many reputable organic 20 Hartford County Edition

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

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

• Jars with contents you can’t identify.

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

View this task as an opportunity to

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

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

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

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

Now, let’s look at some common spices with surprising digestive health benefits. They can be a good start for any culinary apothecary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sweeten With Cinnamon Cinnamon is a delicious spice made from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum.

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

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

Anastasia Pryanikova is an herbalist and certified wellness coach.

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

Photos by Phyllis Meredith Photography

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21

From the Ground Up Modern Herbalism Is a Grassroots Movement

by Patricia Staino

A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One day, she attended a luncheon at Caprilands Herb Farm in Coventry, where a leading figure of herbalism (and the farm’s owner)—Adelma Simmons—was speaking. Simmons, who died in 1997, was one of the leading herbalists of the 20th century. Caprilands was her family farm and she made her first attempt to grow vegetables there while raising goats. Goat farming didn’t pay the bills, however, and March 2020

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her early attempts at growing crops failed due to the rocky soil. Eventually, she tried her hand at herbs, and the farm flourished.

She left her entire estate to the Caprilands Institute, a nonprofit educational organization that furthered her research in herbs, plants and flowers.

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

Nogas opened her own herb shop in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and soon banded together with like-minded enthusiasts to start the Connecticut Herb Association (CHA). The group’s primary goal is to educate and share the diverse world of herbs with one another and throughout the state, as well as compiling a local network of herb-related resources. They do so by

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

Nogas says she is seeing an uptick in interest in herbs and herbal medicine, and the group’s membership is diverse in age and background. Young mothers, in particular, have been seeking out the group’s resources, as they look for a more natural, healthy way of bringing up their babies: “They’re making their own baby foods and cleaning products. We’re all realizing now that we’re being poisoned, and young mothers don’t want to raise their kids like that.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local Resources: Connecticut Herb Association CTHerb.com The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition Joan Palmer West Granby • 860-764-9070 Joan@TIOSN.com • TIOSN.com Twin Star Herbal Education and Apothecary Lupo Passero New Milford • 860-350-0077 Info@TwinStarTribe.com TwinStarTribe.com Anastasia Pryanikova Herbalist 203-354-9808 MudRootsAndMoonlight.com 24 Hartford County Edition

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How to Choose An Herbalist

by Patricia Staino

H

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DOWN IN THE WEEDS A Closer Look at CBD

by Patricia Staino

A

s with many holistic approaches to wellness, cannabidiol (CBD) has been around a long time but is experiencing a resurgence in interest and popularity. One of the many naturally occurring chemical compounds, or cannabinoids, found in both hemp and marijuana plants, CBD is mentioned in Hindu and Chinese healing texts dating back to 1500 B.C. Today, CBD is available in just about everything, including lip balm, gummies,

chocolates, bath bombs and dog treats, and there’s quite a bit of confusion around what it can and can’t do.

Let’s start with the science: Yes, CBD does alleviate symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and more, because it acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps maintain homeostasis, through receptors located throughout the body. The receptors, which have been identified in nearly every major organ system,

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react uniquely to each type of cannabinoid, so the effects felt after ingesting or applying a CBD product will depend on which compound the product contains. So, one person could be experiencing stress, another could be experiencing joint pain, and both could use a CBD product to soothe those ills.

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

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

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

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

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

That’s only part of the story; basically hemp fell victim to a propaganda war waged by Big Industry. In the early days of this country, hemp was used in paper

and fabric. But after the cotton gin was invented, it fell out of favor because cotton made softer clothing and was also cheaper to produce. Things got worse in the early 1900s when William Randolph Hearst’s newspapers ran propaganda about a new drug derived from the “marihuana” plant, which it claimed was causing people of color to rape and kill white women. (The fact that Hearst was protecting the revenue brought in from the forests he owned was largely ignored.) After the release of the movie “Reefer Madness” in 1936, cannabis was believed to be the most dangerous drug in the world. Following all the bad press and misinformation surrounding cannabis, Congress passed the Marihuana Tax Act in 1937. The Act didn’t criminalize possession or usage, but it did include provisions that penalized marijuana, cannabis and hemp handlers. Finally, in 1970, the Controlled Substances Act was passed, which labeled hemp—still lumped in with cannabis—a Schedule 1 drug, effectively banning hemp farming.

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

With hemp back in production, CBD products are flooding the market as consumers seek out natural remedies for pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and more.

In many circles it is being considered as a solution for the opioid crisis, as CBD is non-addictive. In fact, Hemp Helps Inc., based in Norwalk, is a registered nonprofit organization that raises money from the sale of CBD products on its website to support local treatment programs for opioid addiction.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.

What should you buy and how much should you take? These are among the first questions most consumers ask when they

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

Paul Nedovich, of Hemp Helps Inc., says he often meets people who say they’ve tried CBD, but it’s done nothing for them. “When they tell me the brands they’ve tried and the dosage amounts, it usually becomes clear that they are not taking nearly enough pure product to be effective,” he says. Often this is because they tried CBD without any professional guidance or feared the effects of taking too much. Nedovich, who takes a CBD tincture twice a day to address chronic pain, says he takes larger doses because “I’m a big guy. I definitely wouldn’t expect a 100-pound woman to take the same dosage as me.”

However, while CBD products for pets can make dosage recommendations on their labels, they can’t do the same for people, due to FDA regulations. Such

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direction would be considered acting like a doctor or a pharmacist, which CBD purveyors are not licensed to do.

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

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

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

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

“It doesn’t cure a thing. Actually, it builds on the body’s natural ability to manage stress levels. The leading cause of disease is stress, and when we experience stress, our bodies are in a state of fight or flight, which is the opposite of a parasympathetic state that allows rest, digestion, recovery, and healing. CBD allows you to rest and get the stress levels down so that your body can heal better and easier. To me it is a stress reducer, and in the process of reducing stress, it helps to manage the other processes of your body better.”

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

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

With so many CBD products flooding the market, it’s also important to verify the quality of the products you buy.

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

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

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

Nedovich emphasizes that thirdparty testing of CBD products lends a lot of credibility and can help consumers guard against “bathtub gin” companies.

“If a manufacturer can’t or won’t tell you what their product is made of, they aren’t reputable,” he says. “I don’t care how long the company has been around, they should have that information available.”

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

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

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

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

healing ways

CBD’s New Frontier

Help for Mental Health

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by Julie Marshall

hen Kaye Herbert’s husband brought home a free sample of cannabidiol (CBD) oil, she didn’t hesitate to give it a try. Having heard about its calming effects, she gave CBD to her three sons, whose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder made home-schooling difficult due to frequent tantrums and lack of focus. “I didn’t expect CBD to be miraculous, but I was surprised that my kids’ frustrations were greatly reduced,” says the Austin, Texas, mom. “We weren’t seeing the severity of meltdowns.”

The use of CBD in tinctures, capsules and lotions has grown exponentially, along with the science to prove its efficacy in remediating physical pain. Newer, but equally as robust, is the viability of CBD as a remedy for mental health-related issues, experts say, pointing to anxiety, depression and stress as the top three applications.

However, as an unregulated supplement, CBD presents a challenge for consumers in its ubiquity from CBD-infused pillows to gummies, soaps and even pet food. Discerning purity, dosage and safety are real concerns for those that may grab any bottle off the shelf.

Consumers must become well informed, especially when replacing medications for serious disorders, experts say. But for anxiety and emotional well-being, CBD is largely heralded as a safe and natural choice by providers well-versed in CBD, such as Peter Bongiorno, past president of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians. “It’s really important for people to know their options and to keep looking for what works for them,” he says.

The Feel-Good Molecule

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

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

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

CBD can possibly treat a wide range of conditions, from fear of public speaking to bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorders, but more research is needed, experts say. A 2018 clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests CBD offers potential in treating psychosis. More recently, researchers in a 2019 case study of 27 patients published by the Permanente Journal concluded, “Cannabidiol may hold benefit for anxiety-related disorders.”

Seeds of Hope

The most important step consumers can take to find a safe, quality product is to know where their CBD comes from, experts say.

Lara Miller is an organic farmer in Lafayette, Colorado, who in 2017 dedicated a parcel of her two-acre farm to growing hemp for her business, North Field Farmacy. “I added in hemp because it is a dynamic plant that produces fiber, seed and medicine for us humans, all at the same time,” she says.

Miller’s small, women-owned business grows the leafy plants outdoors in organic soil and harvests by hand. “We test in the field, post-harvest, during extraction and in the final product,” she says. “We know our product is clean and pure and potent.”

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

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

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

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

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calendar of events NOTE: All Calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Submit ALL entries at NAHRT.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

MONDAY, MARCH 9

String Art Class – 6:30-8:30pm. Create a unique piece of art under the guidance of TaggART using a hammer, nails and string to create your own string art.

Upon registering you will have a choice of design, wood color & pre-prep* work. b. Kind, Wellness Boutique & Collaborative Event Space, 1000 Farmington Ave, West Hartford. b.KindCT@gmail.com.

Full Moon Message Circle – 6:30-8pm. Come to The Water Lily for a message circle on the night that the moon reaches peak fullness. Let’s open our third eye, connect and give messages. $20.

129 Tolland Stage Rd. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Salt Cavern Meditation – 7-8pm. With Gayle Franceschetti. Clear your mind and let go of tension and the stress of the week while relaxing in a zero-gravity chair during the releasing meditation in a Himalayan Salt Cavern. $45. The Red Barn, Durham. 203-265-2927. Return2Love.com.

Sound Concert & Journey – 7-8:30 pm. Join Denise Cassella from Stairway to Healing Light, for a journey in healing sounds using Tibetan Singing Bowls, Native Drumming, Gong, Rain Stick, various percussion instruments and Vocal Toning. $30.

129 Tolland Stage Rd. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.

Full Moon Walk: Worm or Sap Moon – 7:30pm.

Walk out to the Beaver Pond by moonlight and enjoy a campfire. Free to CAS members; $5/nonmembers. Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd, Hampton.

860-928-4948. CTAudubon.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Shaman’s Tent: Walking with Your Inner Sage – 10am-12pm. With Patricia Shannon, Shamanic Energy Practitioner. Connect with your own divinity and learn how to trust it. $20. Spirit Matters at Ravenwood Holistic Center, 199 West Center St, Manchester.

Patricia.shannon1@sbcglobal.net. 860-871-5467.

markyourcalendar FIRESIDE REVIVE FOR EMOTIONAL SELF-CARE With BYODestiny March 21 • Two sessions: 1:30-3:30pm & 6:30-8:30pm. Attend one or both.

Develop a more positive relationship with yourself and with others. Maintain a positive outlook, take control of your thoughts and actions, and improve communication and conflict resolution.

Cottage at Norwich Inn and Spa, Norwich $44.50 (1:30pm) and $49.50 (6:30pm) $5 discount for 2+ tickets per session Register for the afternoon session: bit.ly/FiresideRevive_Morning Register for the evening session: bit.ly/FiresideRevive_Evening Advance registration and payment are required.

Paige Dest, Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach Paige@BYODestiny.com • 860-550-1844 32 Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

Full Moon Meditation – 6:30-8:30pm. With Gayle Franceschetti. Align with the new energies of the Full Moon. Opportunities for letting go of the old and allowing spiritual energies to reach human hearts and minds. $25. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford. 203-631-7803. Return2Love.com.

The Forever Angels: Near-Death Experiences in Childhood and Their Lifelong Impact – 7-9pm.

Presented by PMH Atwater, authority on near-death experiences and spiritual transformations. Free. Open to all. Farmington NDE Support Group, UConn HR Conf Rm, 16 Munson Rd, Farmington. NDECT.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 Developing Your Intuition Series – 6:30-8:30pm.

3/11, 3/25, 4/8, 4/22, 5/6. With Gayle Franceschetti.

Thru meditation, sharing and experiential exercises begin to master techniques of accessing your creativity and intuition. $97series. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford. 203-631-7803. Return2Love.com.

Science is Completely Changing the Way We Age – 8pm. Learn about 37 clinical studies and 7 patents for a supplement that utilizes the patented bio-optimized process which ensures rapid absorption. Free webinar.

Optimal Living Center, 50 Old Farm Rd, Somers.

Webinar: zoom.us/j/6806004063. 860-593-0304.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 Living the Law of Attraction – 6:30-8:30pm. ‘Living the Law of Attraction’ brings you in touch with deeper

markyourcalendar YOGA NIDRA WITH SOUND HEALING Friday, March 13 • 7-8:30pm The combination of Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra and Sound Healing will help you to reduce stress, improve your sleep and connect to a deeper sense of self and overall well-being.

Donation of $20 to benefit Simsbury ABC House

YOGA FOR OSTEOPOROSIS Wednesday, March 4 • 10:30am-12pm Learn the 12 primary poses from the clinically proven protocol developed by Loren Fishman, MD for improving bone density.

understanding of who & what you are and your potential. You will gain valuable tips on how you can significantly improve the quality of your life. $39. Irving Robbins Middle School in Farmington. Fpsct.org/fce.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Channeling of Master Kuthumi and Others – 7pm.

With Patrice Gildner. Patrice provides insights and practical advice to help you define your choices and become more aware of who you are. $20. Optimal Living Center, 50 Old Farm Rd, Somers. 860-593-0304.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 Salt Cave Spring Renewal Meditation with Crystals, Aromatherapy and Sound Healing – 11am-12pm.

Holistic meditation uses aromatherapy, crystal healing, sound healing and guided imagery. Designed to bring a deeper connection between ourselves and mother earth. $45. Soulshine Salt Cavern, The Red Barn, 352 Main St, Durham. Eventbrite.com/e/89329646377.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 Spring Qi Gong Essence Meditation – 6:30-8pm.

Your journey will begin by applying essential essential oils. We will then practice simple Qi Gong exercises that will allow for the movement of energy throughout the body. $30. Wu Healing Center, 45 South Main St, West Hartford. Erik@ ChiForHealing.com. Eventbrite.com/e/90297818205.

Spring Equinox – 6:30-8:30pm. Access the new Spring energies that facilitate manifesting opportunities and initiating new endeavors. These energies also facilitate the balance of the masculine and feminine within each of us. $20. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford. 203-631-7803. Return2Love.com.

Explore your ‘Life’s Purpose’ Through the Beauty of Your Numbers – 6:30- 9:pm. Three classes: 3/19, 3/26, 4/2. Gain insight into our purpose, life’s events and how we can best embrace and overcome issues & situations. Bring birth date and exact birth name as appears on your birth certificate. $85. Irving Robbins Middle School in Farmington. Fpsct.org/fce.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Upping Your Perception Quotient – 1-3pm. With Patricia Shannon, Shamanic Energy Practitioner.

Explore your Perception Quotient (PQ) - an

markyourcalendar UNIVERSAL WHITE TIME ENERGY HEALING LEVEL 1 with Bradford Tilden Friday, March 20 • 6-9pm.

Saturday, March 21 • 9am-6pm Sunday, March 22 • 9am-6pm UWT is a special healing art with a unique origin, and higher vibration than other modalities like Reiki and IET. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to grow along your personal Spiritual Path.

Tuition - $180 for 6 Week Series (March 4 - April 8)

Tuition: $400 includes initiation and certification. $450

Journey of Yoga, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury JourneyOfYoga.com

The Amethyst Center 305 Redstone Hill Rd, Bristol • 860-830-5841

indicator for how we view the world, people, challenges and situations. $30. Bridge Healing Arts Center, Farmington. Register: Patricia.Shannon1@ sbcglobal.net or 860-871-5467.

Journey Into to Land of Dreams, First Session – 6pm. Presenter Judith Dreyer, MS, BSN. This five part workshop will give you tools to begin your journey and excite your imagination. Optimal Living Center, 50 Old Farm Rd, Somers. 860-593-0304.

MONDAY, MARCH 23 Group Past Life Regression – 6-8pm. With Gayle Franceschetti. Discover reasons for current fears, recurring dreams or personality tendencies. Attendees explore past lives, learn reasons for repeat patterns or why you were born to a certain family. $30. The Red Barn, Durham. 203-265-2927. Return2Love.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 Early Morning Bird Walks – 8am. 3/24 and 3/31.

With Andy. We have access to thousands of acres of protected land. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. $5/CAS members; $10/non-members.

Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center. 860-928-4948. CTAudubon.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 Frog and Toad Calls – 6:30pm. Frogs and toads can be heard from February through October. Learn to identify who is calling in your backyard. Free to CAS members; $5/for non-members. Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd, Hampton. 860-928-4948. CTAudubon.org.

Awaken Healing Energy Through The Tao – 7pm. Introductory talk and practice led by Jampa Stewart. Learn about an ancient Chinese energy meditation that can heal your body, calm negative emotions and awaken your spirit. Free. Valley Spirit Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. ValleySpiritWellness.com.

Self Love Meditation – 7-8:30pm. This holistic meditation uses aromatherapy, crystal healing, sound healing, and guided imagery. The meditation will close with an inspirational passage and time for reflection. Soulshine Salt Cavern, 352 Main St, Durham. 860-478-0510.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Bull Hill Hike – 9am. With Andy. The section to the waterfall is off trail, so this hike is for people willing to walk moderately rough terrain. $5/CAS members; $10/non-members. Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center.

860-928-4948. CTAudubon.org.

Taoist Microcosmic Orbit Meditation – 12-6pm.

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

ValleySpiritWellness.com.

Messages From the Other Side, Gallery Reading – 7pm. With Tina Angeli. Tina’s connection with angels has led her to a place of forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, healing and tranquility. $20. Optimal Living Center, 50 Old Farm Rd, Somers. 860-593-0304.

markyourcalendar MARCONICS LEVEL 1 Practitioner Certification Training Class Saturday, March 28 • 9:30am-5pm & Sunday, March 29 • 9:30am-4:30pm Begin your journey back to Source. Whether you decide to become a healer or, practice Marconics healing protocols, or simply harness Marconics frequencies to further your own personal Spiritual journey - you will be forever transformed by this class.

Registration: Marconics.com/Level_1_Waterford_ct.html The Center for Healing Therapies, 83 Boston Post Rd, Waterford Contact: Julie Oakes 203-533-9633 or SNETeachers@Marconics.com

markyourcalendar SUNDO RETREAT Saturday, March 21 • 9am-5pm Join us for a special one day event of Korean Taoist healing and meditation practice.

Breath. Postures. Vitality.

Newcomers welcome.

Donations accepted.

45 South Main St, West Hartford To register or for info, contact Carol Gale 860-502-5260 Learn more: SundoInternational.com

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

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

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

ongoing events

sunday Monday Morning Walks – 8:30am. Stretch your legs, breathe in that early morning air and look for signs of wildlife on the Bafflin Sanctuary with Fran and Nate. Free to CAS members; $5/non-members.

Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center. 860-928-4948. CTAudubon.org.

Bhakti Yoga and Japa Meditation – 8:30-10am.

Donations gratefully accepted. Bhakti Center CT, 750 R Main, Willimantic. 860-593-5002.

Sunday Sadhana – 9-10:15am. This all-levels class combines gentle yoga with mantra, mudra, meditation and shamanism. Each heart-centered class is designed to bring balance and harmony to the mind, body and spirit. $15/drop-in. Bhakti Center CT, 750 Main St Rear, Willimantic. 860-593-5002.

Children’s Yoga – 10am-4pm. Ages 3-11yrs. With Melanie Morales, certified kids yoga instructor.

Little ones learn to control big emotions, using breath, stretches, mindfulness and movement. $10.

Enlightenment Center of CT, 660 Prospect Ave, Hartford. EnlightenmentCenterCT.com.

Creative Collaboratory – 3-4:30pm. Second Sundays.

Online and some in person. Support for creative artists.

Guest speakers, themed programs, meditation, yoga therapy, visualization and supportive counseling for the vows and manifestation process of creative artists. $40/ monthly membership includes one private 30-minute coaching session. Phone interview/sign up: 917-8600488. Call for address. DrSklover@gmail.com.

Create Financial Freedom with Healthy Products – 4-5pm. Learn how to build a business and create financial freedom for you by distributing natural Aloe Vera nutritional supplements to help others be healthy.

Free. Bristol (call for address). RSVP: 860-372-8171.

Qigong - All Levels – 5:30-6:30pm. Deep breathing and flowing movements derived from ancient Chinese healing exercises for increased balance, flexibility, muscle and bone strength, immune function, decreased pain and stiffness. $17 drop-in. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

Women’s Global Circle – 6:30-8pm. Live/in-person first Sunday. Online the rest of the month. For heartcentered activism and manifestation. Women wanting to make their dreams for self and world come true. $60/monthly fee. Phone interview/sign up: 917860-0488. Call for address. DrSklover@gmail.com.

monday Gentle + Restorative Yoga – 10:30-11:45am.

Gently held postures for joint health and nurturing.

Great for any experience level. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

Meditation Mondays – 7-8pm. First Monday.

Meditation for all. Beginners and drop-ins welcome.

Begin each week with a meditation practice to quiet your mind and let go of all that does not serve.

Facilitated by Melanie VanOstrand. $10. Sea in the Sky Healing and Wellness Center, Hebron. 860530-1552. SeaInTheSkyHealing.com.

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ongoing events Tong Ren Healing Class – 7-8pm. Dr. Ming Wu leads this class focusing on internally healing the body’s energy system by using the collective unconscious. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.

Vinyasa Yoga For Everyone – 7-8:15pm. Classic yoga postures in flowing sequence linked by breath.

Learn breathing techniques that keep you invigorated and calm in your daily life. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

Sacred Meditation – 7-8:30pm. First Monday.

Meditation can help to reduce stress and increase peace within. Lily will lead you as you settle in. Then you will have the opportunity to go off on your own to deepen your connection to self and spirit. Free.

129 Tolland Stage Rd. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.

tuesday Express Vinyasa Yoga – 6-7am. Touches on all the essentials of the core standing, balancing, and seated postures. Build strength, heat and focus moving through sun salutations linked with breath and clarity. Some yoga experience recommended. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

Dragon and Tiger Medical Qigong – 11:15am12:15pm. Gentle movements performed standing or sitting activate the acupuncture meridians. Improve your balance, coordination, energy and health. Don Myers, Certified Instructor, 30 years of teaching experience. $15/class. Universalist Church, 433 Fern St, West Hartford. Register at GreatPondTaiChi.com.

Tai Chi for Kids (Ages 6-12) – 4-4:45pm. Learning the Chinese art of Tai Chi is a great way for children to relax, have fun and strengthen body and mind. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 6pm. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-4042578. BridgeHAC.com.

Ayurveda 102 – 6-7pm. 8-week series. Register online at ScheduleBliss.com/BhaktiCenterCT. $108. Bhakti Center CT. 750 Rear Main St, Willimantic. BhaktiCenterCT@gmail.com.

Tai Chi with Dr. Ming Wu – 6-7pm. Learn from a Tai Chi master who has studied the art of Tai Chi for more than 40 years. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.

Authentic Movement – First, second and third Tuesdays. 6-7:15pm. Authentic Movement is a simple, self-guided moving meditation practice. By nurturing presence in our physical bodies, we open pathways for self-understanding, creative expression and inner peace. $12/drop-in. Bhakti Center CT, 750 Main St Rear, Willimantic. ScheduleBliss.com/index.php/bhakticenterct.

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

34 Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

Holistic Cancer Support Group – 6:30-8pm. Do you offer a healing modality or service which will aid those in recovery from cancer? If so, please attend and work with us to build CT’s first holistic cancer support group. BRIDGE Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. Call Rod Kelly, 860-216-8671 or email Rod@EyeOftheEagle.org.

Freestyle Qigong – Tuesdays, 3/3-4/16. 6:307:30pm. In this introductory class you will learn slow flowing and moving mediation, deep rhythmic breathing and how to calm yourself using a meditative state of mind. The class is open to all with modifications as needed. $80/7-week series; $15/walk-in, first class free. 129 Tolland Stage Rd. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.

Soul Circle: A Meditation and Journey Group – 6:30-8pm. First Tuesday. Join us for an evening of meditation, journeying, drumming and healing.

Explore power animals and spirit guides, healing light meditations, nature spirit allies and more. Sea in the Sky Healing and Wellness Center, Hebron. $20. 860-530-1552. SeaInTheSkyHealing.com.

Turbo Kick Boxing with Mary – 7:15-8:15pm. Extreme aerobic workout is fun and will get you in shape.

Great music. Tuesdays are for beginners and Thursdays are advanced classes. $5. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 860-883-9664.

Guided Meditation – First, second and third Tuesdays. 7:30-8:45pm. Discover how the simple practice of deep presence can open us to profound peace, compassion and love within ourselves. $12/drop-in.

Bhakti Center CT, 750 Main St Rear, Willimantic.

ScheduleBliss.com/index.php/bhakticenterct.

Meditation as a Way of Living with Tom Dest – 7:30-8:45pm. Promoting access to intention from deep inside and heart to heart communication - soft live music. Contemplation on our eternal nature and keys to peace. $15. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 413-822-8486.

Online Mediumship Development Circle/Class – 9-10:30pm. Mixed level circle/class with Sharon Farber to develop evidential mediumship. Support, instruction, practice. $13/per session. $100/ten sessions. Online in a Zoom room. 860-989-2358. SharonFarber.net.

wednesday Qi Gong Class – 9:30-10:30am. Class starts with standing Qi Gong exercises for beginners and then flows into Yang Style Tai Chi. $32 first month for new students then $92 month thereafter. $15/walkins. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. 860-593-8397. Erik@ChiForHealing.com.

Gentle Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Gently held postures for joint health and nurturing. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville.

860-693-9642.

Noon Walks – 12pm. Join Connecticut Audubon Society volunteers for fresh air, exercise and good company. Moderate pace on sometimes uneven terrain. Free to CAS members; $3/non-members.

Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center. 860-928-4948. CTAudubon.org.

Yoga by Caroline, All Levels Vinyasa Flow – Wednesday’s in March. 4:45-6pm. Yoga is quite simply a moving meditation. Vinyasa is a flowing yoga that connects breath with movement to flow from one pose to the next. $15/walk-in, first class free.

129 Tolland Stage Rd. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.

Weight Loss Meetings – 5:30-6:15pm. Second and fourth Wednesdays. Join Dr. Stacey Munro for an informational meeting about effective food-based weight loss and body composition change programs. We will go over program basics, cost and answer questions.

All welcome. Please RSVP: 860-758-7808. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic, 178 Mountain Rd, Suffield.

Qigong – 6pm. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404-2578.

BridgeHAC.com.

LivFree All Levels Yoga – 6-7pm. With Tracey.

Recharge your batteries midweek in this energetic, then relaxing yoga class. Walk-ins welcome. $10.

TriCity Massage and Wellness, 220 Hartford Tpke, Vernon. Tri-CityMassage.com.

Yoga Nidra – 6:30-7:30pm. Experience the calming effects of Yoga Nidra. Activate your parasympathetic nervous system and relax your body. $20.

Enlightenment Center of CT, 660 Prospect Ave, Hartford. EnlightenmentCenterCT.com.

Diabetes Support Group – 6:30-8pm. Third Wednesday. Explore the benefits of a supportive community of people struggling with similar issues and concerns. Share your wisdom and successes with others in need of help. Registration required.

10 Grassmere Rd, Ste 300, West Hartford. 860-9300308. Laura.EstanRD.CDE@gmail.com.

Support Group More Better Happy – 7:158:30pm. When people and circumstances are sucking the energy, motivation and life right out of you, come here. You can recharge while getting what you want. Registration required. Free. Yoga Born, 1735 Ellington Rd, South Windsor. 860-432-5678.

Mediumship Development Circle – 7:30-9pm. Mixed level circle with Sharon Farber to develop evidential mediumship. Beginners welcome. Active since May 2012. $10-$15 donation. Dragonfly Healing Arts, 8 Wickett St, Pine Meadow. 860-989-2358. SharonFarber.net.

Qigong Variation – 8-9pm. Class offers students an opportunity to learn different qigong forms.

Each form will be taught over five to 10 class periods, depending on the length of the form. $20/drop-in; $65/monthly. 280 Garden Grove Rd, Manchester. 860-558-6146.

Soul{Her} Power – Second Wednesday. Calling all those who identify with the feminine Devine, those in touch and in tune with the magic that’s happening within and all around. Spiritual exploration, education and development. $30. 129 Tolland Stage Rd. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.

thursday Complete Strength Class – 5:30-6:30am. Total Strength classes are the #1 priority to burn calories and build lean muscle to boost your metabolism for the long-term. $20. YES Fitness, 292 Spielman Hwy, Burlington. 860-673-4293.

Gentle Yoga – 9am. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404-2578.

BridgeHAC.com.

Tai Chi & Meditation – 10:30-11:30am Instruction is focused on empowering Chi and enhancing health and healing of the mind, body and spirit. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.

Online Mediumship Development Circle/Class – 1:30-3pm. Mixed level circle/class with Sharon Farber to develop evidential mediumship. Support, instruction, practice. $13/per session. $100/ten sessions. Online in a Zoom room. 860-989-2358. SharonFarber.net.

Community Acupuncture – 6-7pm. Every other Thursday. 315 E Center St, Manchester. 860533-0179. RSVP required: CTNaturalHealth.com.

Blended Style Yoga Classes – 6-7:15pm. Our many styles meet you where you are. Gentle sound allows tuning and awakening improving life and self.

Also every weekday. See our website. $5 or $8.

Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 860-649-9600.

Sound Bath Session – 6:30-8:30pm. 3rd Thursday of the month. Enjoy a monthly group sound bath with Karen Fox, Sister of Sound. Let singing bowls, bells, drums, chimes bathe you in angelic healing vibrations. $20 advance, $25 at door. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. 860-467-6518.

Tai Chi for Health and Meditation – 6:45-7:45pm.

Experience the proven benefits of Wu Style Tai Chi and Qigong for superior well-being and stress relief.

Don Myers, Certified Instructor, 30 years of teaching experience. $15/class. Universalist Church, 433 Fern St, West Hartford. Register at GreatPondTaiChi.com.

Shake Your Soul with Qi Gong – Third Thursdays. 7-8:30pm. Experience fluid dance and Qi Gong to awaken your energy and learn to ground.

Journey of Yoga LLC, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482. JourneyOfYoga.com.

saturday Monthly Eco Yoga and Meditation Workshop – With Leesa Sklover, PhD, LPC, C-IAYT, IKYTA. Elemental imagery themes of ether, air, fire, water and earth, along with meditations, Kriya and mantra. Different theme each workshop. Registration required. 917-860-0488.

Call for address. DrSklover@gmail.com.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong – 8-9am. Dr. Ming Wu is a Tai Chi and Qi Gong Master who has dedicated his life to teaching others how to live healing and healthy lives. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.

Massage Ball Yoga – 9am. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-4042578. BridgeHAC.com.

Yoga and Meditation – 10-11:30am. All-level class offers an introduction to the Advanced Yoga Practices to support those interested to establish and/or deepen their meditation and yoga practice and knowledge.

Drop-ins welcome. Bhakti Center, 750 Rear Main St, Willimantic. YogaPractices.weebly.com.

Seva Saturday Yoga – Alternating Saturdays.

10:30-11:30am Donation of $7 to benefit Simsbury ABC House. Journey of Yoga LLC, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482. JourneyOfYoga.com.

Qigong, All Levels – 11am-12pm. An ancient practice that has flowing, focused movements that reduce chronic pain, stress and blood pressure, along with creating an overall state of wellness.

In Stafford. Call to register and for directions.

860-970-7383.

Spring Renewal Qi Gong Class Series - Fridays in March. 6:30-7:30pm. If weather forces us to cancel a class. Another class will meet on 4/3. $20/ class; $75/for series. The Red Barn, 352 Main St, Durham. Eventbrite.com/e/90991137943.

friday

Intelligent Qigong Level 2 – 10-11:15am. Students continue to study “Lifting Qi Up and Pouring Qi Down” method while learning some basic exercises of Intelligent Qigong Level 2, Xing Shen Zhuang, Physical and Spiritual Stance Method. Intelligent Qigong level 1, prerequisite. $20/drop-in; $75/monthly. 280 Garden Grove Rd, Manchester. 860-558-6146.

Self-Care Qigong and Shiatsu – 11:15am-12pm.

Class introduces some most profound and easyto-apply methods from Five Element Meridians originated from Traditional Chinese Medicine and shiatsu massage. $20/drop in; $65/monthly. 280 Garden Grove Rd, Manchester. 860-558-6146.

Friday Afternoon Walks – 1pm. With Anne Christie and Amy Porter. We’ll see what’s of interest and share tips on how to get good nature shots.

Bring your camera if you are so inclined. All ages.

Free to CAS members; $3/ non-members. Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd, Hampton. 860-928-4948.

CTAudubon.org.

classifieds To place a Classified Listing: $1 per word. $25 minimum. Magazine deadline: 10th of month prior to publication.

BOOKS THE GREAT COSMIC TEACHINGS OF JESUS OF NAZARETH - In all of infinity, there is only one principle: Sending and receiving. Each person sends himself - what he is, his sensing, thinking, speaking and acting.GabrielePublishing-House.com. Toll-Free: 844-576-0937.

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

community resource guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. Create your Community Resource Guide Listing online at NAHRT.com.

ACUPUNCTURE VITALIZED PERFORMANCE GROUP

212 New London Tpke, Ste D, Glastonbury 860-800-6775 VPGWaves.com Vitalized Performance Group specializes in GAINSWave/ Shock-Wave-AcousticSound therapy and holistic treatments.

GAINSWave/ Shock-Wave-Acoustic-Sound therapy for sexual wellness and performance is often combined with classical acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments, including acupressure, cupping, tui na, herbs and Gua Sha. See ad, page 12.

ASTROLOGY DEE RANDIS

Watertown 860-274-1690 MetaphysicalCntr.net Dee Randis is an astrologer and psychic medium with over 40 years of experience specializing in personal and relationship counseling. She provides guidance on business matters, real estate decisions, legal issues, as well as missing persons. She does private parties and organizes well-attended holistic/psychic fairs.

BODYWORK WU HEALING CENTER

Rich Kevorkian LMT Certified Tui Na Therapy 45 S. Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford 860-462-3934 RichKevork@yahoo.com WuHealing.com Tui na is a hands-on body treatment that uses Chinese Taoist principles in an effort to bring the eight principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into balance in the body. Tui na is a treatment strategy for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as non-musculoskeletal conditions. See ad, page 5.

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CHINESE HERBALIST

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EDUCATION

ACADEMY FOR SOUL HEALING

WU HEALING CENTER

Dr. Ming Wu 45 S Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford 978-790-8888 • Center@WuHealing.com WuHealing.com

Eilis Philpott Fairfield 203-767-5954 • Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com AcademyforSoulHealing.com

Chinese herbal therapy accounts for the majority of treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Dr. Wu is a master herbalist with decades of experience and thousands of years of wisdom. The herbs he prescribes help stimulate the body toward self-healing. See ad, page 5.

The academy hosts many trainings including 13th Octave LaHoChi and A Year of Healing in various locations throughout the U.S. The vision for the Academy for Soul Healing is the integration of many modalities, in their purest form, in order to support the growth and expansion of humanity, individually and on a global scale.

COLONICS VITALIZED PERFORMANCE GROUP

212 New London Tpke, Ste D, Glastonbury 860-800-6775 VPGWaves.com Vitalized Performance Group specializes in GAINSWave/ Shock-Wave-AcousticSound therapy and holistic treatments.

VPG is the only clinic in CT to offer the LIBBE device, a unique option for those who want to have semi-private colon hydrotherapy without a therapist in the room the entire time. See ad, page 12.

DIABETES EDUCATION LAURA ESTAN, RD,LDN,CDE 10 Grassmere Ave, Ste 300 West Hartford 860-930-0308 Laura.EstanRD.CDE@gmail.com

Specializing in mindfulness based Diabetes health coaching and holistic medical nutrition therapy in my handicap accessible office, in-home and by telephone and internet sessions for your convenience. Private insurance and Medicare accepted, State Medicaid sliding scale available.

Call now for a complementary 15 minute session!

36 Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TAMARA SACHS, MD

Functional Medicine and 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.

HEALING ACID REFLUX HEALING ACID REFLUX NATURALLY

Susan Berman, Med, CHHC 860-670-4152 • Susan@HealingAcidReflux.com HealingAcidReflux.com I work with health conscious individuals to help heal their acid reflux or GERD in order to avoid further damage to their esophagus and prevent esophageal cancer. Find your unique food and lifestyle triggers. Offers 1:1 coaching via Zoom, Skype, or a DIY program.

HOLISTIC HEALING CENTER SHARING THE LIGHT WHOLISTIC CENTER, LLC

395 W Avon Rd, Avon 860-936-0012 Cheryl@SharingTheLightWC.com SharingTheLightWC.com Sharing the Light is your premier healing destination specializing in Traditional Usui Reiki Practitioner certification classes and sessions with Reiki Master Teachers; Crystal Dreaming; singing bowls; tuning forks; tai chi; yoga; reflexology; drum building; psychic readings; and AngelLinks. Visit website to view our calendar of events that includes programs with full-time and part-time practitioners. See ad, page 28.

HOLISTIC STRESS REDUCTION THE ENLIGHTENMENT COUNSELING CENTER LLC

998 Farmington Ave, Ste 207, West Hartford 660 Prospect Ave, Hartford EnlightenmentCenterCT.com EnlightenmentCenterLLC@gmail.com We are experienced psychotherapists and practitioners providing integrative and holistic psychotherapy clinical services, as well as a wellness center offering complementary alternative medical services. We view mental illness as affecting not just the mind but also the body. We are mindful about the importance of external and internal balance.

HOLISTIC & WELLNESS CENTER RAYA CLINIC

200 Queen St, Southington 860-621-2225 RayaClinic.com Our 30-year-old Wellness Center consists of a team of doctors combining chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition, food-sensitivity testing, physical therapy, cold-laser, spinal decompression and neuropathy treatments.

HORMONE SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PARTNERS 315 East Center St, Manchester 860-533-0179 CTNaturalHealth.com

The clinic offers the best of both worlds; our physicians are trained in both conventional and natural approaches for diagnosis and treatment of many conditions. We combine science with the wisdom of nature to address the causes of disease, not only the symptoms. See ad, back cover.

INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY THE ENLIGHTENMENT COUNSELING CENTER LLC

998 Farmington Ave, Ste 207, West Hartford 660 Prospect Ave, Hartford EnlightenmentCenterCT.com EnlightenmentCenterLLC@gmail.com We are experienced psychotherapists and practitioners providing integrative and holistic psychotherapy clinical services, as well as a wellness center offering complementary alternative medical services. We view mental illness as affecting not just the mind but also the body. We are mindful about the importance of external and internal balance.

MEDIUMSHIP KEIKO BROYLES

Willows Healing Path, LLC 860-280-5548 • Keiko@KeikoMedium.com KeikoMedium.com I am a Psychic Spiritual Medium and also a certified Usui Reiki Master and teacher.

As a natural psychic and medium, my sincere wish and desire is to promote healing for people in both the physical and spirit worlds. I am a tested member of Shay Parker’s Best American Psychics. See ads, pages 2, 9 and 24.

NATURE SCHOOL TWO COYOTES WILDERNESS SCHOOL

P.O. Box 711, Monroe TwoCoyotes.org Facebook.com/TwoCoyotes Instagram.com/TwoCoyotes Two Coyotes Wilderness School is a nonprofit nature organization dedicated to creating a healthier, more connected future by connecting people to nature, community and their personal empowerment. We offer yearround, wilderness-based mentorship programs, including summer camps, for all ages. See ad, page 21.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE COLLABORATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PARTNERS 315 East Center St, Manchester 860-533-0179 CTNaturalHealth.com

Receive sustainable and natural solutions for health conditions to address the cause of disease, not only the symptoms. We combine science with the wisdom of nature. See ad, back cover.

ECLECTIC NATUROPATHIC MEDICAL CENTER, LLC

Kathleen M. Riley, ND Wilberto Lugo, ND 48 Christian Ln, Ste 203, Newington 860-665-1254 At ENMC, we specialize in providing gentle, effective treatments for acute and chronic illnesses for pediatrics through geriatrics. The doctors here use nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydro-therapy, acupuncture, Bowen, and Frequency Specific Microcurrent. Our therapies are effective in treating allergies, digestive issues, muscle aches and pains, tick-borne illnesses, diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions. See ad, page 10.

NICOLE KLUGHERS, ND, PHARMD, MSAC

Vis Wellness Center 1845 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill (234)2-ACU-DOC DrNicoleKlughers.com Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com Dr. Nicole Klughers offers comprehensive naturopathic care to restore optimal health and prevent disease. Dr. Nicole’s approach addresses the root cause of symptoms with all-natural solutions such as “Food as Medicine” with individualized nutrition, herbal medicine, nutrient therapies, acupuncture and more.

In-depth assessment is often done with detailed testing to evaluate the status of nutrients, hormones, inflammation, food sensitivities, toxins or digestive function.

VITALIZED PERFORMANCE GROUP

212 New London Tpke, Ste D, Glastonbury 860-800-6775 VPGWaves.com The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods. Vitalized Performance Group specializes in GAINSWave/Shock-Wave-Acoustic-Sound therapy and a variety of holistic treatments used by naturopathic physicians to support the body’s innate ability to heal. See ad, page 12.

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY THE HAPPINESS CLUB

Audrey Carlson 860-841-5894 AudreyBCarlson@cox.net HartfordHappinessClub.com Come to Hartford’s Happiness Club monthly meeting on the first Thursday of every month from 7-8:30pm, at Town and County Club at 22 Woodland St in Hartford. Happiness is a choice… make it yours.

I want people to get over the stigma about hemp.

These seeds can’t make you high, but they will make you feel good. ~Ziggy Marley March 2020

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PRIMARY CARE

THERMOGRAPHY

COLLABORATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PARTNERS

CT THERMOGRAPHY HEALTH SCREENING CENTER

315 East Center St, Manchester 860-533-0179 CTNaturalHealth.com

The clinic offers the best of both worlds; our physicians are trained in conventional and natural approaches for diagnosis and treatment of many conditions. We combine science with the wisdom of nature to address the causes of disease, not only the symptoms. See ad, back cover.

QUANTUM PSYCHOTHERAPY PSYCHOTHERAPY HEALING SERVICES, LLC Celeste Emelia Mattingly, LCSW 10 Grassmere Ave, Ste 300, West Hartford 860-586-8700 Fax: 860-236-1909 CMattingly100@comcast.net CelestialEmpowerment.com

The Sanctuary for Celestial Empowerment is a safe, uplifting, high-frequency environment for individual psychotherapy, Tachyon Anti-Aging and Reconnective Energy Healings, workshops and more. Distance healings, evenings and some Saturday appointments available. Celeste accepts insurance including Medicare and Husky. See ad, page 27.

TAI CHI/QIGONG WU HEALING CENTER

Dr. Ming Wu 45 S. Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford 978-790-8888 Center@WuHealing.com WuHealing.com Tai chi and qigong focus on empowering Chi, enhancing health and healing the mind, body and spirit using diverse bodywork therapies. Develop physical and mental fitness with calmness, balance and awareness. Dr. Wu is now offering regular classes, workshops and retreats for all levels. See ad, page 5.

NAHRT.com

Stan Baker Acupuncture

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April Beaman, CTT, RDH Farmington 860-415-1150 • April@ctthermography.com CTThermography.com

An Evening of Mediumship with Lauren Rainbow

9

B. kind Wellness Boutique

11

Thermography is a FDAapproved, radiation free, notouch screening procedure.

Used as part of a routine health screening program, thermography can increase the chances of detecting breast abnormalities, disease and cancer up to 10 years earlier than traditional methods. See ad, page 19.

Agneta Borstein

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TRANSFORMATIONAL HEALING

BRIDGE Healing Arts Center Collaborative Natural Health Partners

2 Back cover

CopperZap 39 CT Thermography

19

Divinely Fit Summit

11

Eclectic Naturopathic Medical Center 10 Go Organic LLC

14

Joan Witherell, RMT 2433 Main St, Ste 6, Rocky Hill 860-685-0604 • JoanWitherell@gmail.com

The Graduate Institute

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Joan has a professional office in Rocky Hill, where she offers Angel & Tarot Card Readings, Reiki Healing Sessions, Reiki Certification Training, Transformational Life Coaching Sessions and she also facilitates a variety of inspirational classes.

HGH Gel

17

Holistic Chamber of Commerce

29

Holistic Community Professionals

13

SIMPLY PEACEFUL HEALING LLC

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY LLC Eilis Philpott 40 Livingston St, Fairfield 203-767-5954 • Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com

Eilis, a certified Rebirther, has completed Rebirthing and Advanced Rebirthing training.

She is a Reiki Master in Usui/ Raku-kei Reiki and Angelic Reiki. She teaches 13th Octave LaHoChi, Angel Light Healing, chakra balancing and other healing techniques. A transformational healing session supports you in healing all aspects of your life.

YOGA YOGA CENTER OF COLLINSVILLE 10 Front St, Collinsville 860-693-YOGA (9642) info@YogaCenterCollinsville.com YogaCenterCollinsville.com

Experience yoga in the vibrant surroundings of historic Collinsville. Morning / evening classes available: Beginners, Gentle, Mixed, Advanced, Yogalates, Belly Dance and Yoga for Kids. Drop-ins welcome! New student special: $50 for one month of unlimited yoga classes. See ad, page 4.

38 Hartford County Edition

display ad index

Hartford Family Institute

The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition

7

8

Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education Conference

23

Mondazzi Book, Bead & Crystal Warehouse Showroom

11

Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales

25

Natural Awakenings’ Natural Living Directory 2020

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Passport to Health & Wellness Holistic Expo

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Psychotherapy Healing Services

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Raising the Power: Mediumship Workshop with Lauren Rainbow

24

Skye Roberts

10

Sharing the Light Wholistic Center LLC 28 ShopRite 17 Tap into the Light/Justin Speller

26

TriCity Massage & Wellness

17

Two Coyotes Wilderness School

21

Vitalized Performance Group

12

Wu Healing Center

5

Yoga Center of Collinsville

4

Seven years without a cold?

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

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

Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 a way to kill viruses and in years.” years since. bacteria.

Copper can also stop flu if used early He asked relatives and friends to try Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. placed 25 million live flu viruses on a he patented CopperZap™ and put it on Colds start CopperZap. No viruses were found alive the market. when cold viruses soon after.

Soon hundreds get in your nose.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams of people had Viruses multiply confirming the discovery. He placed tried it and given fast. If you don’t millions of disease germs on copper. feedback. Nearly stop them early, “They started to die literally as soon as 100% said the they spread and copper stops colds if they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery.

People have even used copper on used within 3 hours In hundreds cold sores and say it can completely after the first sign. of studies, EPA prevent outbreaks.

Even up to 2 New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university The handle is days, if they still researchers have confirmed that viruses curved and finely get the cold it is milder than usual and and bacteria die almost instantly when textured to improve they feel better. touched by copper. contact. It kills germs Users wrote things like, “It stopped That’s why ancient Greeks and picked up on fingers my cold right away,” and “Is it Egyptians used copper to purify water and hands to protect supposed to work that fast?” and heal wounds. They didn’t know you and your family.

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote about microbes, but now we do.

Copper even kills Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills deadly germs that Scientists say the high conductance colds for me!” cold viruses. of copper disrupts the electrical balance have become resistant Pat McAllister, 70, received one in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in for Christmas and called it “one of the to antibiotics. If you are near sick seconds. best presents ever. This little jewel really people, a moment of handling it may Tests by the EPA (Environmental keep serious infection away. It may even works.”

Protection Agency) show germs die save a life.

Now thousands of users have simply fast on copper. So some hospitals tried The EPA says copper still works stopped getting colds. copper for touch surfaces like faucets even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of People often use CopperZap and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent MRSA and other illnesses by over half, serious or even fatal illness. used to get colds after crowded flights. and saved lives.

CopperZap is made in America of Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave pure copper. It has a 90-day full money times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When back guarantee. It is $69.95.

“Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Get $10 off each CopperZap with exclaimed. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA18.

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call gently in his nose for 60 seconds. people are sick around her she uses “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold CopperZap morning and night. “It saved toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever. never got going.” It worked again every me last holidays,” she said. “The kids ADVERTORIAL

New device stops cold and flu

S

March 2020

39

COLLABORATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PARTNERS

HEALTHCARE REFINED INTEGRATIVE PRIMARY CARE & NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

"Part of our job as your doctor is to teach you about your body and health. We empower you on your journey to health so you can understand what factors affect your health and what you can do to be more resilient in the future."

Manchester - Stonington - West Hartford County Edition NAHRT.com 40 Hartford ctnaturalhealth.com - (860)533-0179

Dr. Carissa Fioritto Naturopathic Physician