Wasting Less, Conserving More boost gut health with prebiotics
Roberta Flack's
Soul-Stirring Music Lives On
General and Specialty Dentist
BioCompatible Materials
Integrative Holistic Care
Modified SMART Mercury Removal
SDS/Swiss BioHealth Practitioners
Patient-Centered, Relationship-Based
Containment
Disinfection Between Patients
Dr. Howard Robins has been helping people using Ozone Therapy for over 34 years. He is considered to be the foremost clinical expert in North America on bio-oxidative therapies for the safe and effective treatment of diseases and conditions and is published in peer-reviewed medical journals. His clinic has performed over 420,000 treatments, more than any other clinic in the world.
Intravenous Ozone Therapy has successfully treated Herpes (HSV) I and II, Lyme Disease, HIV, Diabetes including diabetic ulcers and neuropathy, Arthritis, Shingles, skin infections and skin conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, All auto-immune diseases and CRPS - just to name a few.
Call to find out if your medical problem can be helped.
Listen to Dr. Robins podcasts on www.voiceamerica.com and on his www.YouTube.com channel “Functional Medicine with Dr. Robins”.
e Toxin Destroyer
INTRAVENOUS OZONE THERAPY
Choose from more than 300 unique learning experiences.
Explore how miracles can happen with past-life regression therapist Dr. Brian Weiss
See past the gaslight with clinical psychologist and author Ramani Durvasula
Live energetically and pain-free with fitness expert Miranda Esmonde-White
Learn to chill—join a meditation party with meditation superfriends Dan Harris, Sebene Selassie, and Je Warren
Engage deeper awareness and consciousness with spiritual teachers Eckhart Tolle and Kim Eng
Create your wild awakening with best-selling author Cheryl Strayed
YOUR VISION IS PRECIOUS
Learn How to Protect and Preserve It with incredible insights from over 30 experts at The Eye Health Summit™. This FREE online event is packed with essential, life-changing information that will help you safeguard your vision for years to come.
The Eye Health Summit™ Key Topics
• Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism
• Presbyopia Solutions
• Dry Eye Relief
• Fighting Ocular & Eyelid Inflammation
• Kids’ Eye Health
• Myopia Control in Kids & Teens
• Digital Eye Strain Management
• UV and Blue Light Protection
• Contact Lens Safety
• Cataract Prevention & Solutions
• Dry & Wet Macular Degeneration
• Glaucoma Prevention
• Diabetic Eye Disease
• Corneal Degenerations
• Eye Bags, Dark Circles & Droopy Lids
• Vision & Heart Health
• Eye Strokes
• Neurologic Conditions & Vision
• Visual Symptoms of Migraine
• Autoimmune Eye Disease
• Ocular Nutrition
• Vision Supplements
• Sleep, Stress & Ergonomics
• Floaters & Retinal Detachment
• Eye Trauma & First Aid Tips
• Herbs & Homeopathy for Vision
• TCM and Acupuncture for Vision
• Mind-Eye Connection
• Living with Vision Impairment
• and many more...
Kenneth Rosenthal MD
Constance Okeke, MD
Amiya Prasad, MD
Damaris Raymondi, OD
Rupa Wong, MD Krishna Mukkamala M D Rani Banik, MD
Elise Brisco, OD
Jennifer Tsai, OD Christopher Lievens OD Dr Naa-Solo Tettey Deshanie Rai, PhD
TBA Marc Grossman OD LaC
Michael Chua, MD
Gareth Lema, MD, PhD
Andrew G Lee, MD Kerry Gelb, OD Ronald Gentile, MD Beverly Yates, ND
Damaris Raymondi, OD Kenneth Rosenthal, MD Rupa Wong, MD Krishna Mukkamala, M.D. Rani Banik, MD Amita Vadada, MD Elise Brisco, OD
Jennifer Tsai, OD Avnish Deobhakta, MD Christopher Lievens, OD Dr. Naa-Solo Tettey Deshanie Rai, PhD
TBA Marc Grossman, OD, LaC
Michael Chua, MD Constance Okeke, MD Brian Campolattaro, MD Andrew G. Lee, MD Kerry Gelb, OD Ronald Gentile, MD Beverly Yates, ND
Ravi Goel, MD Amiya Prasad, MDD Bryce Appelbaum, OD Deep Parikh, MD Dana Cohen, MD
TBA Radka Toms, MD
Jennifer Lyerly, OD Flora Levin, MD Prasanna Ranganathan Kathleen Digre, MD Margie Bissinger, PT Gareth Lema, MDM PHD Claudia Muehlenweg
APRIL 2025
Every April, Earth Day reminds us that our planet is both a gift and a responsibility. It’s a time to pause and reflect on the natural beauty surrounding us and the part we each play in protecting it. For me, that awareness started young. My theatrical mother always held up her arm and made us notice things: the way the light hit the ocean in the late afternoon, the curve of the hills on a long drive, the wildflowers that popped up each spring as if on cue. She’d point and say, “NOTICE.” And we always did.
That habit stuck with me. I find myself still looking, noticing. And now more than ever, I understand why Mom wanted us to see it all—because we stop valuing what we don’t notice. And what we don’t value, we risk losing.
We’re living in a time when the future of our planet is no longer a distant concern. It’s real, and it’s now. Melting glaciers, rising sea levels, disappearing species, and extreme weather events are all signs that we’re pushing Earth beyond its limits. If we don’t act—if we don’t notice, care and choose differently—we may be leaving behind a less vibrant, less stable and less hospitable world for future generations.
But Earth Day is not just a warning—it’s a spark, a call to action, and a reminder that even small changes matter. This month’s issue is full of ways to connect more deeply with nature and live more gently on the Earth. From discovering the benefits of a circular economy to practical, everyday eco-conscious tips, we hope you feel informed and inspired.
Let’s stay curious. Let’s keep noticing. And let’s keep showing up for this beautiful planet— one choice, one moment, one Earth Day at a time.
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Two sessions, Saturday, May 3 and May 10 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Free intro: Saturday, April 26 In-person, Videoconference or Watch Online Recordings
Fee: $125 for non-members and $100 for New Center members
Batool F. Rizvi, D.D.S., P.C. strives to keep her patients smiling from the inside out. She believes in a holistic approach to health care. Her gentle touch, excellent listening skills and thorough explanations keep her patients educated, happy and healthy.
Dr. Rizvi offers her Dental services with an integrative and systemic philosophy in mind. She is one of the few doctors placing metal-free Zirconia Implants, and safely removing mercury fillings using the Huggins Protocol.
Dr. Rizvi offers a full range of Dental services, treating both adults and children. In association with Dr. Norman Bressack, Dr. Rizvi provides all of Dr. Bressack’s services as well as:
• Metal Free Braces – Clear Aligner Therapy
• Metal Free Zirconia Implant Placement
• SMART Certified Safe Mercury Removal
Norman Bressack, D.D.S., P.C.
has been dedicated to practicing healthy holistic dentistry for over 35 years. He is not only a mercury free dentist but a “mercury safe” dentist as well. Meaning that he uses safe removal protocols to ensure the protection of the patient, staff, environment and himself from exposure to mercury during the amalgam removal process.
Dr. Bressack’s mission is to treat his patients in the most healthy, caring, compassionate, and holistic way possible. Most importantly, he wants his patients to feel warm, welcome and happier when they leave than when they came in.
• Member of The International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology
• Member of the International Association of Mercury-free Dentists
• Trained At The Huggins Diagnostic Center
• Mercury Free & BPA Free Composite Fillings
• 90% Less Radiation with Computer X-Ray Imaging
• Over 45 Years Experience Dedicated to our Patient’s Needs
• Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments with Scientifically Proven Results
• Free 15 min Consult for 2nd Opinion of Proposed Treatment
• Natural Bone Grafting with Stem Cells and PRF – Platelet Rich Fibrin
HOLISTIC DENTAL & WELLNESS CENTER
NaturalNYC NALIMag
NaturalNYC
Transcending the Ordinary with Artist Barbara Rogers
Barbara Rogers has built a career on reinvention. Since earning her Master of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, she has continually evolved, shaped by life-changing experiences. Her work captures nature’s fragmented beauty, a theme celebrated in Barbara Rogers: The Imperative of Beauty (Hudson Hills Press).
In this month’s cover art, Rogers explores the interplay of abstraction and nature, revealing deep emotional and environmental connections. “There’s something magical about the fleeting presence of a hummingbird—it bridges the wild and the familiar, reminding us of nature’s constant dance around us. No matter how often we see a hummingbird in the garden, it never fails to spark a sense of wonder and connection with Arizona’s wildlife. It’s such a visual delight to spot one, no matter what else is happening—it’s a beautiful reminder to keep the feeder full.”
This piece is part of her My Garden: Forms and Forces series, where she integrates local wildlife into the abstract world of her botanical garden. By incorporating recognizable elements, she offers viewers an entry point into her artistic vision. Each piece blends reality with abstraction—in this case, the hummingbird. She has also created one featuring a cardinal and has plans for a rabbit. Seeing familiar subjects helps viewers feel more at ease with original art and abstraction. When they recognize something, their minds engage, allowing them to fully appreciate the artistic concept of an abstract botanical world.
Connect at BarbaraRogers3774@gmail.com or visit BarbaraRogersArt.com.
Seaside Gem on Virginia’s Eastern Shore
For those seeking an unspoiled coastal retreat, a beautiful property located in Accomac, Virginia, offers a rare opportunity to own a spectacular seaside estate without the crowds and high prices often found elsewhere.
Developer Ben Benson, who grew up on Cape Cod, spent years searching the East Coast for a place that retained the charm, privacy and natural beauty of decades past. His search led him to Virginia’s historic Eastern Shore, where he crafted a traditional seaside compound on a threeacre deepwater peninsula, complete with a private pier, hydraulic boat lift, and floating dock. The estate also includes a separate five-acre oceanfront recreational lot on a nearby island.
The thoughtfully designed compound features a four-bedroom main home, two cottages and a stone gardening shed. Rose-lined walkways, mature trees, flowering bushes, and brick-lined organic gardens enhance the picturesque setting. With the Atlantic Gulf Stream just offshore, the region enjoys a long beach season, mild winters and some of the sunniest weather on the East Coast.
Offering deepwater frontage, direct ocean access, low taxes and complete privacy, this rare seaside estate is available for $1,250,000.
For more information, contact Ben Benson at 757-709-8916, ben@benson2.com, or visit VASeaside.com. See ad, page 31.
Turn Back Time with AntiAging Face Lift Massage
At Massage for Health and Fitness, licensed massage therapist Nigel Hunt offers an Anti-Aging Face Lift Massage, a signature treatment designed to lift, tighten and rejuvenate maturing skin. “Your skin has a story—let’s make sure it’s telling the one you want, with a glow that speaks for itself!” says Hunt.
photo
This specialized massage blends acupressure point stimulation with targeted techniques to boost circulation, bringing oxygen and vital nutrients to the skin. By gently working the underlying layers of soft tissue, Hunt’s approach helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles while providing a deeply relaxing experience. “No needles, no chemicals—just healing hands and a little magic to bring back your youthful glow,” he says.
More than just a facial, this treatment merges holistic wellness with visible results. Ideal for those seeking a refreshed appearance or a deeply rejuvenating experience, Hunt’s expert touch restores vitality, leaving skin visibly renewed and radiant.
For appointments, contact Nigel Hunt at 646-329-8999, Fitface97@gmail.com, or visit M4hf.com or ChairMassagesNYC.com. See ad, page 15.
submitted
Overcoming the Pain of Genital and Oral Herpes and Shingles
From the desk of Dr. Howard Robins at The Healing Center in New York City
Did You Have Chickenpox or a “Cold Sore”?
Most everyone answers “yes” to this question. If you answered yes, then you have a herpes infection. Both types of viral infections are easily transferred by contact with someone that has a current outbreak. You likely may have both!
Herpes zoster (HZ), commonly known as shingles, is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a limited area on one side of the body, often in a stripe. The initial infection causes the illness chickenpox, which usually occurs in children and young adults. Once the chickenpox is gone, the virus is not eliminated from the body and can go on to cause shingles. HZ is not the same disease as herpes simplex type 1 and 2, despite the similar name, though both HZ and herpes simplex belong to the same viral family.
It Can Be Eliminated!
Treatments with antivirals can reduce outbreaks and may alleviate the severity of symptomatic episodes but will not get rid of the infection. Medical ozone is the only medicine known to destroy and rid the body of this horrible infection.
HZ becomes dormant in some of our nerve cells without causing any symptoms. Many years after a chickenpox infection, the virus may break out of nerve cells and cause a viral infection of the skin in the area around the nerve. The virus may spread from one nerve to another causing a painful rash. Although the rash usually heals within two to four weeks, most people experience nerve pain for months or years, a condition called “postherpetic neuralgia.” In the past, outbreaks usually occurred in the elderly, but now it is common for anyone at any age that is under great stress or has a compromised immune system.
Herpes simplex 1 and 2 cause the oral or genital forms of what we commonly simply call “herpes.” It also spreads in a way similar to the HZ virus. Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by both herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2. Oral herpes, the visible symptoms of which are often called “cold sores” or “fever blisters,” is an infection of the face or mouth. Oral herpes is the most common form and genital herpes is the second most common form of infection. However, both types can be found both orally and genitally! Recurrent outbreaks may occur from time to time, especially in times of stress, using alcohol, or when eating foods high in a protein called L-arginine, found commonly in nuts and chocolate, among other foods.
Please don’t believe the commercials on television saying you can never get rid of it. Though with no promises or guarantees, medical ozone has been used all over the world to treat infections that normally cannot be fixed, i.e., herpes in all its forms. Medical ozone is a gas that when it enters the body intravenously acts like “glue” to all viruses, bacteria, fungus, yeast and mold. It destroys or inactivates them so the body can remove them completely.
Most importantly, medical ozone does it without harmful adverse reactions or side effects so typical with pharmaceuticals. In more than 50 countries, over 45,000 physicians have been using it worldwide for over 70 years to successfully and safely treat diseases such as herpes.
So, don’t give up hope and don’t wait! It is absolutely possible to eliminate herpes from your body.
More information about this amazing, safe and effective treatment is available at OzoneWithoutBorders.ngo and OzoneDoctor. net. Listen to Dr. Robins’ live and archived radio show on VoiceAmerica.com and the YouTube channel “Functional Medicine with Dr. Robins.” For more information, call 212581-0101 or email ozonedoctor@yahoo.com. Ask about online consultations. Treatments also available in Nassau County. See ad, page 3.
Partnered Editorial. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Dr. Howard Robins
The Universe is 98% e nergy!
everything found in, above and under has its own dynamic energy!
Our entire body continually vibrates at a subtle level, moving energy and information through our connective tissues.
The L. i .F. e . s ys T em scans nearly 7,000 energy patterns. By identifying which energy vibrations are out of balance, the system can put them back into harmonic balance, allowing your body to return to a state of rest and healing.
Awaken Your True Voice
A Transformative Workshop with Jean McClelland
The New Center for Holistic Learning in NYC is excited to present “Awakening Your True Voice,” a powerful workshop led by renowned voice expert Jean McClelland. This two-session event, designed to free and strengthen your voice, will help participants discover the true connection between breath, body and voice.
“Awakening Your True Voice” will take place on Zoom on Saturday, May 3, and in person and via Zoom on Saturday, May 10, from 10 am to noon on both days. The workshop fee is $100 for New Center members and $125 for non-members. Sessions will be recorded, and a free introductory session will be held via Zoom on Saturday, April 26, at 10 am.
“There is no greater joy than to use our voice in a way that is powerful, spontaneous and fully expressive,” says McClelland. “Our vocal freedom lies in the way we breathe. Breath is voice, and yet very few of us know how to connect to it.”
In this workshop, participants will learn to strengthen their breathing and body through the integration of the Alexander Technique and Carl Stough’s Principles of Breathing Coordination. The practice combines group singing and speaking to build a deeper connection between breathing, voice and artistic self-expression. McClelland believes this connection is key to unlocking vocal potential: “Breathing lives in a no-man’s land between consciousness and unconsciousness, and our body’s ability to 'breathe itself' must be brought to consciousness before we can effectively support our voices.”
This workshop is open to all, with no prior experience required. It is particularly beneficial for those who have been told they cannot sing, those who have lost their joy of singing, or anyone experiencing vocal fatigue, tension or hoarseness. Individuals struggling with anxiety, performance anxiety, depression or conditions like spasmodic dysphonia, asthma, COPD and sleep apnea will also find immense value in this transformative experience.
To register for the free introduction workshop, visit NewCenterNY. org/event/free-intro-awakening-your-true-voice. To register for the workshop, visit NewCenterNY.org /event/awakening-your-truevoice. See ad, page 9, and calendar listing, page 27.
It’s All You
by Lisa Wilson – Co-Founder of Marconics, with Alison David Bird, CHt – Originator of Marconics
Ether can observe, but it must take form to have experience. You are a decanted expression of a greater Oversoul, a divine spark of God Consciousness, having experience in density and reporting that information back to the Oversoul.
To thrive in density, you require an identity separate from your Source; a sense of self that can compare and contrast stimuli in a form of judgement (I like this, I do not like that) in order to gain experience. All of that programming, through generations of evolution and epigenetics, is present in the ego mind and personality—like the base operating system of a computer. Programming focuses on survival ranging from the basics like the need to eat, drink and find shelter, to higher and more complex programs like how we measure our successes in life and our basic belief systems. Most of the ego driven thoughts are fear based. With the ego in control, you will be driven toward anything that looks good in the moment and avoid anything that looks bad. Decisions are made purely based on fear and desire without any regard to what is safe, appropriate and necessary for the growth of the individual and soul.
can identify as “not belonging to you” and you are aware that it passes. This is the assimilation of those multidimensional aspects of you that you are healing and helping to ascend, as you too are healed and helped to ascend.
This higher path requires your connection to your ascended Future Self; the version of you that has achieved ascension out of the fallen matrix and has a map! Who better than your Future Ascended Self to expertly guide you toward all the experiences that are necessary for your growth and ascension while simultaneously avoiding all that are not, regardless of how they appear on first blush?
It is up to YOU, to come to a state of balance. To learn to discern, quiet the ego mind and allow, through faith and trust in your own connection, to listen to that future self.
It’s all you—and it’s all necessary.
This article was submitted by Robin Landau, Marconics Master Teacher, who is here to assist others on their ascension. She can be reached at 516-369-3653 or robinjoylandau@gmail.com. Visit Marconics.com.practitioner training courses, spiritual alchemy, and personal transformation workshops, visit Marconics.com.
For upcoming workshops, see calendar listing on page 27.
Higher thought comes from your heightened connec tions to your Higher Self/Future Self, as you rise above the survival programming and fear frequencies. It’s unlikely that you’ll contemplate the mysteries of the cosmos if you are worried about where your next meal is coming from. As we have evolved in space, time and with intervention, we can authentically, spiritually ascend, and transfigure the limits of the ego, relegating it to the back seat. Then your higher thoughts, based in the vibration of unconditional love, can come forward. You choose how to respond instead of react ing. You choose the “high road” because the low road feels so discordant.
As you move forward on this wave of ascension, you will reclaim aspects of yourselves from other timelines and di mensions. You may find that thoughts and feelings surface that are not your own, like unfounded anger or grief that you
Ever wonder what your pet is trying to tell you?
Why is my pet acting like this? What can I do? Is my pet in pain or discomfort? Are they experiencing grief, frustration, stress? Is there anything my pet wants me to know?
Heather helps uncover the root cause and reasons behind pet behavior, serving as a liaison between humans and animals. Her work spans various species, including dogs, cats, and horses.
Heather Shea Intuitive Coach Animal Communicator Energy Work Practitioner heather@everydayknowings.com
Visit our website www.everydayknowings.com
Recovering From a Bad Night’s Sleep
Creatine is a compound made by the body that is found in the muscles and brain. People may take it in supplement form to help build muscle and lower injury risk. A small, controlled study published in the journal Scientific Reports evaluated the use of creatine to clear the mental fog that may result from a bad night’s sleep. Fifteen healthy young adults stayed in a laboratory for two nights, five days apart, during which they were kept awake all night.
One night, they received a single dose of creatine, and the other, they were given a placebo. Cognitive tests were conducted before they took the creatine or placebo, and at three other times during the night. The researchers found that a single, high dose of creatine partially reversed some of the cognitive impacts of sleep deprivation. Further research is needed to determine appropriate doses for maximum effect.
Rating the Level of Processing in Foods
While highly processed foods have been associated with an unhealthy diet, information about the degree of processing has been limited. GroceryDB, a comprehensive database of more than 50,000 food products sold by Walmart, Target and Whole Foods, is the first systematic attempt to quantify food processing.
With the help of a user-friendly interface called TrueFood (True Food.tech), GroceryDB enables consumers to view the level of processing for specific foods, based on a scoring system where 0.0 to 0.2 represents minimally processed items and 0.7 to 1.0 are considered ultra-processed.
The GroceryDB system uses artificial intelligence to examine each product’s ingredient complexity and interactions; presence and quantity of industrial additives; nutritional composition and density; processing methods and techniques; presence of artificial preservatives and enhancers; chemical modifications to the original ingredients; added sugars and their forms; industrial protein sources and modifications; and synthetic micronutrients and fortification.
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Earth Day 2025
Our Power, Our Planet
by Sandra Yeyati
April 22 marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, the worldwide annual event that fosters environmental awareness and champions conservation initiatives designed to curb the ravages of climate change. This year’s theme—Our Power, Our Planet—invites 1 billion supporters in 192 countries to unite behind renewable energy with the goal of tripling the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.
“For years, we have been fed the lie that only fossil fuels can power the planet. That is not true,” says Denis Hayes, organizer of the first Earth Day and board chair emeritus of EarthDay.org. “By the 2030s, the largest source of electricity generation on the planet will be solar power.”
Our reliance on fossil fuels for energy has had dire consequences, releasing greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals that drive climate change, pollute the environment and threaten human health. According to EarthDay.org, cutting greenhouse gas emissions diminishes the risk of heatwaves, floods and the spread of infectious diseases. A reduction in air pollution is also expected to decrease respiratory and cardiovascular diseases such as asthma and strokes.
The technology already exists to meet global energy needs with clean, affordable and renewable power from solar, wind, geothermal,
tidal and hydro sources—all of which can be stored in batteries and fuel cells. Wind and solar have become the most cost-effective sources of power, surpassing traditional fossil fuels in affordability. Renewable energy represents a huge economic opportunity estimated to create 14 million new jobs globally, according to the International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental organization that provides data, analysis and policy recommendations on the global energy sector.
Forty-nine countries currently generate more than half of their electricity from clean sources, including Canada, Switzerland, Austria, New Zealand, Brazil, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, while Iceland produces virtually all of its power from renewable sources.
“We need people power to support the big switch to renewable energy,” says Kathleen Rogers, president of EarthDay.org. “We encourage everyone to talk to your local mayor, boss, neighbors, community leaders, and local and national legislators to explore and to champion switching to renewables.”
Treat yourself and your group to a stress-free experience that boosts morale and productivity. Remove Stress from Neck, Shoulder & Upper Back. Perfect for Groups, Parties and Corporate Events, tailored for any occasion!
Another Leap Forward in Dental Healing: HIDDEN DENTAL TOXINS
Every day, we are exposed to hidden toxins that compromise our health—from pesticides and heavy metals to artificial additives and environmental pollutants. While our bodies have natural detoxification mechanisms, excessive exposure can overwhelm these systems, leading to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances and neurological disorders. One often-overlooked source of toxins is dentistry itself.
Many common dental materials contribute to toxic exposure. Mercury in silver amalgam fillings, BPA in composite resins, metals in crowns, and improperly performed root canals all present potential health risks. For those already burdened by environmental toxins, dental sources only amplify systemic complications.
Safe Amalgam Removal and Biocompatible Restorations
Removing mercury fillings requires strict safety protocols to prevent exposure. This includes a rubber dam to isolate the tooth, high-volume suction to capture mercury vapors, external oxygen for the patient, and advanced air filtration. Cold water irrigation further minimizes mercury vapor release. Once removed, these fillings are replaced with biocompatible, BPA-free and microplastic-free composite materials that offer superior aesthetics, durability and safety.
The Truth About Root Canals
Many patients are misled into fearing root canals. While complications can occur if done improperly, a correctly performed root canal is safe and effective. A major concern is that 75 percent of general dentists fail to use an essential aseptic barrier, such as a rubber dam, which prevents bacterial contamination. Without this, harmful pathogens can persist, potentially leading to systemic health issues. However, with proper disinfection techniques, including laser and ozone therapy, root canals can successfully preserve natural teeth—an outcome that is preferable to artificial replacements.
Metal-Free Crowns for Better Health
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns often contain nonprecious metals like nickel, beryllium and cobalt, which can trigger inflammation, allergic reactions and systemic toxicity. Over time, corrosion releases metal ions, contributing to immune dysfunction and neurological concerns. Choosing biocompatible, metal-free alternatives such as zirconia crowns minimizes toxic exposure and promotes long-term well-being.
Unmatched Expertise in Biological Dentistry
At Integrative Dental Specialists, Dr. Jef -
frey Etess and his team deliver exceptional care using only the safest, most advanced biologically compatible materials. Dr. Etess is renowned for his precision, expertise and commitment to exceeding patient expectations. His extensive training allows him to resolve complex dental issues that many others deem impossible.
Integrative Dental Specialists remains at the forefront of dental advancements, implementing enhanced ultraviolet air and surface disinfection protocols to ensure the safest and healthiest environment for patients. In today’s world, there is no room for excuses when it comes to health. If you seek the finest, safest and most predictable dental care supported by the latest technology, contact Integrative Dental Specialists today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Etess. Jeffrey Etess, DMD, NMD, IBDM, graduated in the top 10% from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. An IVY LEAGUE trained Certified Endodontic Specialist/Implant Specialty Surgeon with a dual degree in Dentistry and Board Certified in Naturopathic & Integrative Medicine & certified in Biomimetic Cosmetic Dentistry to provide a broad array of biological dentistry covering all facets of restorative, cosmetic, prosthetic, surgical, endodontic, pediatric, periodontal and implant dentistry for his patients for over 28 years. See ad, page 20.
Elnur_/DepositPhotos.com
Breathe Easy
6 Natural Allergy Busters to Help You Thrive This Season
by Dr. Jillian Finker
Springtime is a breath of fresh air— unless allergies crash the party. But before you reach for OTC antihistamines or retreat indoors, there are natural ways to fight back. By incorporating nutrientrich foods and herbs that tame inflammation and support the immune system, you can ease allergy symptoms naturally. From the antioxidant power of blueberries to the soothing magic of ginger, local raw honey, pineapple, stinging nettles and turmeric, these six natural allies can help you sail through allergy season with ease.
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in flavonoids, like quercetin, which can help stabilize mast cells in the body. Mast cells release histamine, which basically causes the allergic response. By lowering the release of histamine, blueberries may reduce allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Also, the high vitamin C content in blueberries can reduce histamine as well.
2. Ginger
Studies have shown that ginger has an antihistamine effect, which can help reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies. It contains gingerol, an active component in ginger that can ease symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing. Ginger also has a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal system, which can also help to mitigate the allergic response.
3. Local Raw Honey
Consuming local raw honey is one of the most popular home remedies for seasonal allergies. It is possible that by ingesting small amounts of pollen from local areas; the body builds up resistance to these allergens. Though there is limited research out there, many patients feel this has really helped their springtime allergies.
4. Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain, which is an enzyme that has antihistamine properties.
Bromelain can help thin mucus, decreasing rhinitis and allergy-related coughing. Like blueberries, pineapples are high in vitamin C, which lowers the allergic response.
5. Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is an herb that helps with a variety of ailments, including seasonal allergies. It contains many natural antihistamines, decreasing allergic symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce respiratory symptoms.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for being anti-inflammatory, but it also stabilizes mast cells, decreasing histamine production. Also, since it decreases inflammation, it can help additionally with the respiratory system that’s irritated during allergic response.
Incorporating these six natural foods and herbs into your diet over time can help with mild allergies. Taking these healing substances in supplement form can often help, even with stubborn, difficult allergies. As always, it’s best to consult with your naturopathic doctor to determine the best way you can support and manage allergy season to prevent suffering.
Jillian Finker, ND, is the founder of Finker Wellness located at 2308 Bellmore Ave. in Bellmore. For more information, call 516-765-3272 or visit DrFinker.com. See ad, page 23.
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Fixing the Root Cause
Understanding the Difference Between Nutritional and Functional Health Issues
by Dr. David Pollack
I'd like to talk about the differences between what we call a nutritional issue versus a functional issue. When addressing health concerns, it's easy to assume that a simple dietary change—like eliminating gluten, dairy, soy or artificial additives—will solve the problem. While nutrition plays a crucial role in overall well-being, many individuals find that their health issues persist despite careful dietary adjustments. That’s because, in many cases, the root cause goes beyond nutrition—it’s a functional issue.
A functional issue occurs when an organ or gland isn’t operating as it should. For example, the digestive system may not be breaking down food properly, or a hormonal imbalance may be affecting overall health. While poor nutrition can certainly aggravate these conditions, simply eating a clean diet doesn’t always restore optimal function, especially when genetic factors or long-term damage are involved.
time is extremely important for long-term health and overall wellbeing. However, even the healthiest diet on its own doesn’t necessarily repair functional deficits that have developed over time.
Take celiac disease, for example. Many of my patients have strictly avoided gluten for years, yet they still struggle with digestive issues and other symptoms. Initially, eliminating gluten provides dramatic relief, but over time, some find that their digestion begins to decline again, almost as if they never made the dietary change. This raises an important question: If gluten sensitivity appears seemingly overnight, could it also be possible for the body to become more tolerant again?
In my practice, I’ve seen that it is possible. About half of my celiac patients, after targeted treatment, are able to consume small amounts of gluten again without severe reactions. Some no longer experience the debilitating effects of being “glutened” at all. How? It all comes down to supporting the body’s natural processes.
Gluten, at its core, is just a protein. The body is meant to break it down into amino acids—the essential building blocks of protein— which are not harmful. If we enhance the digestive system’s ability to properly process gluten, we may reduce or even eliminate the immune response associated with celiac disease. The same concept applies to many other digestive disorders, including colitis. If we improve the way food is broken down early in the digestive process, the lower bowel is exposed to smaller, more easily absorbed particles, reducing irritation and inflammation.
This principle isn’t limited to digestion. When we support the body’s ability to perform its natural functions, we create the opportunity for healing and restoration. By reducing inflammation and improving efficiency, the body can work toward repairing itself—helping individuals feel better, function better, and regain a sense of normalcy in their health journey.
Pollack Wellness is located at 66 Commack Rd., #204, in Commack, NY. For more information, call 631-861HEAL (4325) or visit Pollack Wellness.com. See ad, page 7. Dmyrto_Z/DepositPhotos.com
Now, I want to be clear—I am certainly not advocating for anyone to eat junk. Maintaining a clean and healthy diet the majority of the
Waste Not, Want Not
Benefits of a Circular Economy
by Carrie Jackson
Acircular economy mimics nature by keeping products and materials in circulation and regenerating their resources. According to the World Health Organization, it offers an avenue to sustainable growth, good health and decent jobs while saving the environment and its natural resources. Although this is not a new concept, an increasing number of businesses across various industries are acknowledging our climate crisis and renewing their dedication to sustainability.
Consumers, too, are recognizing their role in a circular economy and becoming more mindful of how they use their resources. By making conscious choices about their purchases, managing waste and cutting back on consumption, they can positively impact the planet, their wallets and communities at both a local and global scale.
Understanding Circularity
Claire Potter is the founder of One Circular World, and author of Welcome to the Circular Economy: The Next Step in Sustainable
Living. She notes that a circular economy is best described as a series of systems that work like nature does. “No waste is produced in nature, and everything flows,” she says. “Anything not required by one species is used by another or breaks down to provide nutrients for the earth. Nature works in balance with itself, and humans are the only species on Earth that doesn’t do that.”
A circular economy can provide this balance across multiple sectors. “By using a waste stream of material for another purpose, ensuring that the earth is nourished with organic waste, using materials for as long as possible before they are broken down to be used for another purpose, and ensuring that renewable energies are used to make and transport our products, the circular economy feeds into all elements of our lives,” explains Potter.
Consumers can start by cutting down on online shopping, which reduces packaging and prevents unwanted items ending up in landfills. “It is very tempting to click on something and have it arrive the next day, but online shopping is notorious for having excessive amounts of packaging,” says Potter. “See if orders can be combined and packed together, or buy the same item from a physical store where you can try things on before purchasing them. Large volumes of clothing purchased online is returned, and, unfortunately, it is cheaper for the brand to ditch the item than to put it back into their supply chain.”
Rethinking Conservation Mantras
Although recycling is often touted as a cornerstone of environmental stewardship, Potter asserts, “Recycling won’t save us. We have had the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ mantra since around the first Earth Day in 1970, and yet our consumption-based industries have somehow encouraged us to focus on the ‘recycling’ element alone. In circularity terms, the first two are far higher up the hierarchy of desirable actions. Of course, recycling plays a part, but it is a deeply inefficient system.”
As an example, Potter points to the UK where “only around 9 percent of the plastic sent for recycling ever returns as a new item, and the rest ends up being landfilled or incinerated. In some cases, recycled material is exported to developing countries, which increases the risk of it being dumped into various ecosystems.”
Potter suggests a revamping of the old mantra to include refuse, repair, redirect, regenerate and refill. “Recycling is often a very energy- and transport-heavy system, so in circularity terms it is far better to reduce and reuse before you get to recycling, which should be the last resort,” she explains. “Buy the best possible option for longevity, repairability and upgradability; even if it is more expensive, that initial investment can pay out multiple times.”
Khanchit
Khirisutchalual from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Responsibly Managing Waste
While it can seem overwhelming to responsibly manage waste, businesses like TerraCycle are stepping in to help by providing Zero Waste Boxes and other waste-management solutions to recycle almost everything—from everyday kitchen waste and cleaning supplies to cosmetics packaging and more. These free and paid solutions are available to individuals, offices, schools and facilities.
Established in 2001, TerraCycle developed its own platform of circularity called Loop. By partnering with retailers (Charlie Banana), brands (Coca-Cola, Evian and Nutella) and supply partners (FedEx), they enable the sale and collection of reusable and returnable versions of conventional, singleuse products, making the process convenient and accessible. People can order boxes from the company to fill with obsolete toys, small appliances, water filters, fabric, candy wrappers and other challenging items, and TerraCycle will take care of the rest.
“What makes something locally recyclable depends on whether your local recycling company can make a profit recycling it,” says TerraCycle CEO Tom Szaky. “If the cost of collecting and processing the waste is lower than the value of the resulting raw material, it will likely be locally recyclable. If the costs are higher, then it likely won’t be. Our specialty is recycling hard-to-recycle items that would typically go to landfills or incinerators—everything from cigarette butts, to beauty empties, to spent toothpaste tubes.”
Going Zero Waste
Circularity has to start with production, says Mary Beth Schaye, a zero-waste consultant and vice president of the Collective Resource Compost Cooperative, in Evanston, Illinois. “When you first design something, you have to think about what’s going to happen to it in the end. It’s a very cradle-to-grave idea,” she points out.
Circularity goes against the current trend of planned obsolescence, a business strategy that encourages consumers to continually buy new products to replace those that become outdated or break down quickly. In contrast, there is a growing interest in a policy known as “extended producer responsibility”, which makes manufacturers take responsibility for their products’ entire life cycle, including the post-consumer stage.
Schaye can’t think of a better way to prevent waste than by simply reducing new purchases. “It can sometimes feel like a burden for consumers to make sure everything goes in the right place,” she says. “It’s better to not have that thing to get rid of in the first place.”
Citing transportation as a barrier, Schaye notes that circularity works best when the circle is smaller. She urges people to look for repurposing solutions within their own communities, suggesting, “If there’s something that you are throwing out habitually, like extra food, boxes or containers, see if there’s someone else who can benefit from it. We encourage people to identify their own reuse pipelines.”
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Reducing Food Waste
Feeding America estimates that people waste 92 billion pounds of food annually in the United States, filling up landfills and taxing the environment. “When food scraps go to landfill, they create methane, which is a greenhouse gas,” Schaye attests. “Minimizing methane is more impactful than carbon dioxide on reducing the global temperature.”
Composting is an example of circularity that people can understand. “We grow food; we eat the food; and we have food waste that gets composted so that it can enrich the soil to grow more food,” Schaye explains. “It’s easy and immediate. Most people have an option for composting, but they might not know about it.”
A way to reduce food waste is to plan meals ahead of time and avoid over-shopping at the grocery store. “If you know you’re going on vacation or will be eating out several times in the next week, then don’t buy anything that will expire while you’re gone,” Schaye counsels. “If you do have extras, see if there’s a neighbor or community fridge that can take it. When eating out, try not to order more than you need, but if you think you will have leftovers, then bring your own containers to transport them home.”
Produce doesn’t have to look perfect in order to be consumed. A bruised peach might make a delicious pie, and overripe bananas are the key ingredient to homemade banana bread. If something is getting close to its expiration date, there may be a way to save it. “If you
stock up on apples at the farmers market, make sure you properly store the extras to enjoy later. We’ve lost the old-school wisdom of how to preserve food. Freezing food and using the right containers can give it new life,” says Schaye.
Voting With Our Wallets
Consumers can also become more mindful of supporting institutions that practice circularity. Potter encourages people to look at their bank accounts, investments and pensions. “Often we do not know where our money goes after we deposit it with our bank. We could be trying our best to live as circularly as possible but have no idea that our hard-earned cash is being used to fund fossil fuel companies, for example. Do a bit of digging into where your money goes, and if you don’t like the answer, switch your money to an ethical bank investment group,” she suggests.
Other changes, such as switching to an energy provider that uses a 100 percent green tariff from renewable energy sources, will have both long- and short-term effects. “Your energy supplier will likely already have a renewable option, so switching might not be too hard and will help to invest in future-proofed systems,” says Potter. “If each of us does what we can, our strengths will overlap, eventually creating a beautiful circle of circularity.”
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.
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Increasing Gut Health With Prebiotics
How To Feed the Good Microbes
by Marlaina Donato
AFIND US at the following Whole Foods Markets locations:
• Tribeca
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• 87th and 3rd
• Columbus Circle
• 97th and Columbus
compromised gut can make us susceptible to a host of conditions, including depression, chronic disease and viruses such as COVID-19. To fortify us against such illnesses and generally strengthen the digestive tract, prebiotic foods like asparagus, dandelion greens, bananas, leeks and Jerusalem artichokes can be quite helpful.
“Prebiotics are like fertilizer for your gut garden, helping it flourish so your whole body can thrive,” explains Donna Schwenk, author of Cultured Food for Life. “When you consume prebiotics, they pass through the digestive system undigested and become fuel for the friendly bacteria in your colon.
This process helps the ‘good guys’ thrive, increasing their numbers and supporting a healthy balance of gut flora.”
Feeding the Good Bacteria
A harmonious mixture of prebiotics and beneficial intestinal flora—known as synbiotics—can help ward off illnesses, lower “bad” cholesterol and reduce chronic gut inflammation, which is linked to the development of tumors and colorectal cancer.
A review published last year in the journal Foods suggests that adding prebiotics to the diet could improve cognitive function, relieve symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease and osteoporosis, and even resolve gastrointestinal disorders that
plague up to 70 percent of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Adding healthful prebiotics can be as simple as dropping a few raspberries, blueberries or strawberries into unsweetened yogurt or kefir. Dandelion greens, which are packed with inulin, can be tossed into salads, sautéd with a little garlic and olive oil, or added to smoothies. Leeks, which are mild and sweet, can be enjoyed in soups, sautés, quiches, miso broth or cream dips. Other delicious prebiotic ingredients include bananas, flax and chia seeds, cacao nibs, lentils, oats, barley, chicory and jicama root, almonds, seaweed and avocados.
Schwenk suggests an easy gourmet dish that features roasted asparagus, apples and Jerusalem artichokes over a bed of greens tossed with a probiotic-rich salad dressing. She notes, “Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber and powerful prebiotic that ferments in the gut and feeds beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila, which play a vital role in maintaining and strengthening the gut lining.”
Pros and Cons of Fermented Foods
According to Schwenk, refrigerated kimchi and naturally fermented sauerkraut are rich in Lactobacillus plantarum, a powerful probiotic that thrives during fermentation, breaking down sugars and promoting a
Dr. Jillian Finker, ND Naturopathic Doctor
Iulia Cozlenco from Getty Images/CanvaPro
healthy microbiome. Benefits include nutrient absorption, mood support and enhanced immune function.
Renee Barasch, a certified digestive specialist and owner of Digestive Health Solutions, concurs that these probiotic foods can aid in balancing blood sugar, insulin resistance and digestive woes like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux and gas. On the other hand, she cautions that fermented ingredients can be too high in histamine and thus cause uncomfortable digestive issues for some people.
“Folks need to keep in mind their unique gut microbiome,” says Barasch. “Some people will feel gassier or bloated from some of these foods, depending upon their gut health. I use the BiomeFx stool test to identify the presence of histamine, estrogen, hydrogen sulfide and other things that could cause gut issues.”
How To Introduce Prebiotics
Findings published in the Journal of Advanced Research in 2020 suggest that certain types of gut flora could play a role in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases. Prebiotics like garlic can become antagonists for those that have an overabundance of certain types of intestinal microbiota. Garlic can also lead to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, which can contribute to gut inflammation.
Schwenk advises, “Introducing prebiotic foods gradually is important to avoid stomach discomfort, especially if you’re new to them. Prebiotics feed your gut bacteria, which can produce gas as they ferment the fibers, so a slow and steady approach is best.”
She recommends eating prebiotics together with probiotics like yogurt, kefir or kimchi so the gut can handle the increase in fiber more effectively. Begin with one or two tablespoons per meal to slowly introduce the beneficial bacteria into the system. “Kimchi and kraut are versatile,” Schwenk remarks. “You can enjoy them as a side dish, mix them into fried rice or even stir them into soups after cooking to preserve the live probiotics.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
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Roberta Flack
February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025
The Deeper Side of Her Soulful Singing
by Tilvila Hurwit, Nayana Hein and Mayuri Mandel
Roberta Flack, the unparalleled singer and songwriter, passed at the age of 88. Born in rural North Carolina to musical parents, she began learning piano at the age of nine and eventually earned a full classical music scholarship to Howard University. Best known for timeless classics such as "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly", Flack’s artistry transcended genres, blending soul, jazz, R&B, and folk with a rare emotional depth. Her extraordinary career earned her four Grammy Awards and countless accolades, yet it is the spiritual essence embedded within her music and life that remains one of her most enduring gifts to the world.
It was the rare quality of Flack’s soul that allowed her to take a song with human emotion and make listeners feel something of the divine. The heart and soul in her singing that had moved audiences for decades equaled the self-same spirituality which she and her spiritual teacher, Sri Chinmoy, saw in each other. In joy and music, there is also insight and universal understanding. This understanding transcends boundaries. Flack saw
no conflict between her deep Christian faith and the teachings of Sri Chinmoy for nearly 40 years.
Like so many musicians, Flack recognized pure spirit wherever she encountered it. She described Sri Chinmoy as “a creator of peace” and “a man who came to walk the talk.” In 2008 (one year after his passing), at the reception of Sri Chinmoy’s “Paintings for World Harmony” exhibition at the UN in New York, Flack explained, “It was not a struggle for him to lead us and to guide us as artists and as thinkers. Sri Chinmoy indeed gave me the opportunity to prove that art and music are the most eloquent balms for the challenging times that we live in.”
Flack received the spiritual name “Addwitiya” from Sri Chinmoy. When presenting it to her, Sri Chinmoy shared what her spiritual name, and her soul, meant to him in a song he composed in November 1988 in his native Bengali, translated as follows:
Addwitiya
Supremely unparalleled
Summit-Consciousness-Bliss, Seated eternally at the Feet of the Lord Absolute.
Supremely unparalleled
Summit-Consciousness-Bliss, Your hunger-cry from time immemorial
Embodies the Soul Sovereign. Dancing you arise from the silencedepths of the Universe
With Heaven’s Music-Soul-Vision And loving, sleeplessly, Earthheart’s purity-treasure.
On February 16, 2025, Addwitiya Roberta Flack received the Sri Chinmoy CultureLight Award during an intimate ceremony at her New York residence. This award honors those who bring light to the human mind through music, art, literature, statesmanship and sport, through all aspects of culture and its creative spark to serve an evolving humanity. The award is named in honor of spiritual poet, artist, musician and humanitarian Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007). Previous recipients include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Mikhail Gorbachev and American composer and pianist Philip Glass.
The award certificate for the Sri Chinmoy Culture-Light Award, read out by director Ranjana Ghose, includes the following poem by Sri Chinmoy which encapsulates the spirit and work of Flack:
“God never encouraged me
To learn the world-denial-song.
On the contrary,
He inspired, encouraged And blessed me
To sing the world-acceptance-song
And dance the world-transformation-dance.”
Sri Chinmoy’s poeticism underscores the way in which Flack’s music has served as a vessel for universal truths—love, compassion and the search for inner peace. Her songs convey a sense of reverence for life’s beauty and complexity, with each lyric and melody inviting listeners to connect with something greater than themselves.
As the world continues to find solace in her songs, Flack’s spiritual legacy endures. Her body of work reminds us that music can be a prayer—an offering of hope, love and transcendence that resonates across time and space. May her soul-stirring music continue to inspire humanity to dive within to discover and manifest one’s own light to the world, filling the earth with Love—and last till the end of time.
For more information: email Nayana Hein at nayana.hein@gmail, minutesofpeace.org/ robertaflack and visit www.srichinmoy.org.
Sri Chinmoy with Roberta Flack
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Awakening Your True Voice
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Sat., April 26, 10–11am
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Sat., May 3, 10am–noon, Zoom only
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Fee: $125 for non-members/ $100 for New Center members
New Center for Holistic Learning 138 W 15th St, New York City
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MARCONICS
In-Person
Certified Practitioner Training
Immerse yourself in the energies of Ascension with like-minded seekers as you explore the deeper truths of humanity’s origins and your role in the shifting galactic paradigm.
Upcoming Workshops:
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April 30 - May 1 • Somerset, NJ
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Robin Landau, Marconics Master Teacher 516-369-3653
RobinJoyLandau@gmail.com www.MARCONICS.com
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Discover the Divinity Within You
Taking the Next Step to Spiritual Mastery
NY ECK Soul Adventure Seminar
April 11-13 • Clifton Park
New to Eckankar? Be our Guest! Immerse yourself in spiritual exploration through workshops, talks, interactive discussions, music and spiritual exercises.
For Reservation, Hotel and Program Information: Eckankar-ny.org/seminar2025
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Bringing together over 30 top vision experts, this must-attend free summit is packed with eye-opening interviews, masterclasses, and interactive Q&A sessions designed to help attendees maintain clear, comfortable, and healthy vision for life.
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Coming to Our Senses! At Work. At Home. In Relationships April 11-13. Online. Register: tinyurl.com/Course2Relationships
Questions? Contact: Heather@EveryDayKnowings.com
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Conscious Centers
AUM SHANTI BOOKSHOP
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Aum Shanti Bookshop is a community-oriented spiritual gallery providing offerings that inspire clarity, guidance and inspiration on one’s journey. They offer high-vibration, reikicharged and spiritually energized items such as a semi-precious gems and tumbled stones, one-of-a kind rare crystal specimens and clusters, beautifully hand-crafted jewelry made with love and empowering energy Join for tarot, psychic and astrology readings.
NAMASTE BOOKSHOP & HEALING CENTER
2 W 14th St, NYC 212-645-0141
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Namaste Bookshop and Healing Center offers a unique and large selection of Eastern and Western philosophy books, tarot cards, crystals, pendulums, calendars, wind chimes, incense, greeting cards, yoga accessories, meditation cushions, instructional and music CDs and DVDs, salt lamps, and 20 sections of books – including Spanish. The event space above the bookshop holds classes, workshops and book signings, and provides rooms for regular readers and practitioners.
Health Food Store
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
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Whole Foods Market is an Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products. We support local communities & agriculture, practice and advance environmental stewardship, support & rewards team member excellence, and encourage and educate on all aspects of healthy living. See ad, page 20.
Healthy Dining
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Caravan of Dreams is a vegan-organic restaurant in the East Village's heart. It is the oldest vegan restaurant in Manhattan, founded by Angel Moreno, a culinary leader and innovator, in 1991. Serving delicious appetizers, filling entrees, raw juices & smoothies, kosher wines, house-made cocktails, and much more, Caravan of Dreams is the perfect place to enjoy a healthy and filling meal in the city. See ad, page 22.
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Jonathan Richter DDS, FAGD Specializing in Periodontics and Implantology Periodontal Prosthesis, and Fixed Prosthodontics
525 West End Ave, Suite 1G, NYC 212-874-2880 • Cariodontal.com
We welcome you to come in for a comprehensive exam of teeth, gums, early detection, and oral health problems. We offer the following services: holistic dental care, mercuryfree dentistry, TMJ disorder and treatment, treatment for sleep disorders, Invisalign and orthodontics, dental implant, sleep apnea. Payment plans available. See ad, back cover.
GOLDEN DENTAL WELLNESS
444 Community Dr, Ste 204, Manhasset 516-627-8400 • GoldenSmile.com
A practice that cares for you like family. The philosophy of our dental wellness center is a whole-body approach working closely with your healthcare practitioners that you already have a relationship with. The practice incorporates the teaching of Huggins, IOAMT, and much more. See ad, page 2.
HOLISTIC DENTAL & WELLNESS CENTER
1692 Newbridge Rd. N. Bellmore, NY 516-221-7447 • Holisticdds.com
Offering a full range of dental services, treating adults and children with an integrative and systemic philosophy. Dr. Rizvi earned her DDS from NYU and completed residencies in general dentistry at both the Kings County Hospital Center and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. See ad, page 9.
INTEGRATIVE DENTAL SPECIALISTS
Long Island: 245 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY • 516-253-1800 Manhattan: 120 E. 56th St • 212-845-9740 drjeff@idsli.com IntegrativeDentalNY.com
Dr. Jeff created Integrative Dental Specialist to provide the best comprehensive dental care today. There is always an emphasis on biocompatible and holistic dentistry to create a natural and beautiful smile you can be proud of. Dr. Jeff has achieved a highly professional, relaxed, caring, and pain-free environment for his patients, with sedation dentistry available if required. See ads, pages 16 and 20.
NATURE’S DENTAL
50 Broadway, Greenlawn • NY 11740 631-316-1816 • NaturesDental.net
What is made by nature is always going to be better than what is artificially made. This is why at Nature’s Dental the conservation of your natural tooth structure—the Biomimetic approach to dentistry—is at the core of our minimally invasive practice philosophy.
Holistic Education
OMEGA INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC STUDIES
150 Lake Drive Rhinebeck, NY 12572 800-944-1001 • eOmega.org
Open from May to October, we offer a wide variety of workshops and retreats, led by world-class teachers on our beautiful 250-acre campus, just 90 miles north of New York City. Can’t make it to Rhinebeck? Join us for a livestream. See ad, page 4.
269 East Main St, Ste F1 Smithtown, NY • 631-656-6313
825 East Gate Blvd, Garden City, NY • 516-640-5322
2 Bridge Ave, Ste 316, Red Bank, NJ • 732-741-2444
CleansingConceptsWorld.com
Our services include Colon Cleansing, Ionic Detox Foot Baths, BELD Lymphatic Drainage, Therapeutic Cupping, Infrared Sauna & Wellness Cocoon, FIT Body weight loss wraps, and Ear Candling. We also created our own line of digestive care products, including Detox Clay and Essential 4 Digestion Kit, that can be delivered right to your doorstep.
Marconics
MARCONICS
Robin Landau, Master Teacher 516-369-3653
robinjoylandau@gmail.com
Marconics.com
Marconics is a full-spectrum multidimensional Ascension Energy Healing modality. Handed down by Spirit for the evolution of humanity, Marconics brings healing to the subtle and multidimensional body templates, harmonizing ego and Spirit and balancing the ascending physical, mental and emotional bodies. If you’re on a spiritual healing and evolution path or interested in becoming a Marconics practitioner, visit our website. See ad, page 13.
Natural Foods
ABRAHAM’S NATURAL FOODS
9 Long Branch Ave., Long Branch, NJ 732-229-5799
AbrahamsHummos@gmail.com
AbrahamsNatural.com
Our hummos boasts the industry’s lowest calories, fat, and sodium, without a drop of artificial preservatives. We use raw apple cider vinegar in every batch to get that wonderful zingy taste and for all the incredible health benefits. Unlike other companies, Abraham’s does not contain any added oils (ie: canola or soy). We only use healthy, nutritious tahini. find our Middle Eastern product line in Fairway Market, Whole Foods, and natural food stores. See ad, page 14.
Naturopathic Medicine
FINKER WELLNESS
Bellmore
516-765-3272 • DrFinker.com
Utilizing Naturopathic Medicine to help her patients feel better naturally. Many illnesses can be treated by nutrition, botanicals, and nutraceuticals. Dr. Finker provides personalized health care solutions for her patients. See ad, page 23.
POLLACK WELLNESS
66 Commack Rd, Commack NY 631-462-0801 • PollackWellness.com
Dr. David L Pollack specializes in functional nutrition which is the science of helping repair and restore the body naturally without the use of drugs and surgery. Many of his clients were frustrated with their past health care; conventional or holistic. Most seek help with their thyroid, weight loss, digestive disorders, hormone imbalances including infertility, menstrual & Low T. We accept those with or without diagnosis, complex and simple disorders. Most insurance policies accepted for many services. See ad, page 7.
Networking
HEALLIST.COM
Holistic practitioners use Heallist to create a free business page, add a menu of services, accept online bookings, process payments, and provide telehealing services. Join our first-of-its-kind network connecting healers across 100+ modalities, fostering personal connections and referrals.
Ozone Therapy
ENVISION HEALTH NYC
Rudrani Banik, M.D.
950 Fifth Avenue, NYC 646-820-2074
info@rudranibanikmd.com DrRaniBanik.com
Dr. Banik is a board-certified Ophthalmologist specializing in Integrative and Functional Medicine. She helps prevent vision loss from common conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes, and cataracts, naturally, without drugs or surgeries. A holistic approach using eye-smart nutrition, botanicals, supplements, and lifestyle choices. See ad, page 5.
Ozone Therapy
DR. HOWARD ROBINS
The Healing Center 200 W 57th St, Ste 807, NYC 212-581-0101
drhowardrobins@gmail.com OzoneDoctor.net
If you have a disease or condition that you haven’t been able to get rid of, Ozone Therapy will most likely be the answer, even for people that have suffered for years and have lost all hope. If you are questioning if your condition can be treated, call or email Dr. Robins today. See ads, pages 3 and 11.
Trauma Recovery Coach
BRETT COTTER
brett@stressisgone.com
StressIsGone.com
Stress is Gone services include 1-on-1 coaching, meditation classes, workshops and retreats. Membership products include online courses, mobile apps, workbooks and instructional guides. Stress is Gone members are empowered with increased awareness and the tools to release tension, anxiety and stress. The program offers individuals, families, schools and businesses year-round relief that works.
Somatic Psychotherapy
IN MOTION BODY BASED HEALING
CLARE CARR & ASSOCIATES
Morgan Scheurich and Clare Carr morgan.inmotionhealing@gmail.com InMotionbbh.com clarecarr811@gmail.com
ClarecCarr.com
Hudson Valley & New York City
Pyschotherapy
PRESENT CENTERED THERAPIES
Michael Mongno, MFT, Ph.D, LP Upper West Side • 212-799-0001 drmongno@resentcenteredtherapies.com PresentCenteredTherapies.com
Michael Mongno MFT, Ph.D LP is a licensed psychoanalyst, marriage and family therapist, and holistic counselor based in Manhattan. Committed to creating a real difference in the world, his “Real change in real time” describes the dynamic, effective synthesis of personal growth and spiritual transformation
Our bodies hold deep wisdom and store emotions, trauma and stress as tension, or patterns of movement. Our commitment to cultivating body awareness as a pathway to healing supports techniques for releasing emotional blockages while reconnecting with our authentic selves.
Spiritual Center
ECKANKAR
The Path of Spiritual Freedom 212-221-1402 Eckankar-ny.org 4 West 43rd St. Ste 503, NY, NY 10036 Eckankar.org HearHU.org
Eckankar is an active, individual, creative spiritual practice. A road map for your journey home—to the heights of Self-Discovery and God-Discovery, and beyond. The key to spiritual freedom lies within you. Come explore life as a Soul Adventure. See calendar, page 27.
Amazing Seaside Compound
$1,250,000
Nestled on a stunning 3+ acre deep water parcel in Virginia, this seaside compound offers a serene escape reminiscent of the tranquil Cape Cod and Long Island in decades past.
The main house has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, gourmet kitchen, sun room, living area and full deck with expansive water views.
Additional buildings include a fully equipped guest cottage with 2 garage spaces. Another cottage has 2 additional garage spots with car lift, work area and a large office on the second floor.
The well manicured grounds feature old growth trees, many flowering bushes, rose lined walkways, organic garden and charming stone gardening shed.
Info (757) 709-8916
Fish for flounder, bass and blue crabs right from your own dock! The property has expansive frontage along a deep channel leading to the nearby ocean inlet. The T-head pier has 8+ ft of water depth, a sitting area, hydraulic boat lift and separate floating dock with ramp.
Ownership of an additional 5 acre oceanfront lot is just offshore on Cedar Island most of which is preserved as a wildlife refuge. Imagine your own private 200' wide beach to enjoy in privacy.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia has very little crime and very low property taxes, under $3,000 a year. Shopping centers, drugstore, restaurants and hospital are just 6 miles distant. Nearby is a jet capable county airport.
