Maine Health & Wellness Guide

HEALTH & WELLNESS TRENDS FOR HOMEBODIES p. 8 + MAINE: A FORAGER'S PARADISE p. 16

MA M AII N E

Health&Wellness Keep Your Spirits Up A Healthy Q&A with

Dr. Nirav Shah

p. 3

WELLNESS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS WITH EFT TAPPING p. 6

2022

RUN WILD

Mainers Find a Rush of Freedom Through Trail Running p. 10

Cannabis Q&A

Find Your Frequency

for Stress, Sleep & Pain

Healing with Sound Therapy p. 14

2022 Events Calendar

GUIDE

p. 20

p. 4

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In This Issue...

MA MAINE

Health&Wellness

G UIDE UID E

9 Susan’s Way, Windham, ME 04062 www.activitymaine.com stan@activitymaine.com (207) 671-7230 PUBLISHER Stanley J. Rintz III PRODUCTION DESIGNER Kristina Roderick

& M IN D S E T IE S p. 8 D O B E M O H

WELLNESS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS WITH EFT TAPPING p. 6

M A IN E R S F IN D F R E E D OM ON T H E T R A IL S p. 10

GRAPHIC ARTIST Robin Bean Kristina Roderick SOCIAL MEDIA MA.NAGER Kristina Roderick MANAGING EDITOR Kay Stephens

Events Calendar page 4

HEALING WITH

SOUND THERAPY p. 14

3 8 INSPIRING QUESTIONS FOR DR. NIRAV D. SHAH

by Kay Stephens

6 WELLNESS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS WITH EFT TAPPING

by Karen St. Clair

8 MINDSET & HOMEBODIES

Health & Wellness Trends at Home

by J.G. Breerwood

10 RUN WILD MAINE: A FORAGER'S PARADISE p. 16

Mainers Find a Rush of Freedom Through Trail Running

by Saisie Moore

14 FIND YOUR FREQUENCY Healing with Sound Therapy

by Saisie Moore

16 MAINE: A FORAGER'S PARADISE

by Noelle Auger

20 Q&A WITH ZERO GRAVITY DISPENSARY

by Kay Stephens

Q&A WITH ZERO GRAVITY DISPENSARY p. 20

2 Spring 2022

WEB & DIGITAL DESIGN Robin Bean PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Leonard ADVERTISING SALES Stanley J. Rintz CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Noelle Auger J.G. Breerwood Saisie Moore Karen St. Clair Kay Stephens CONTRIBUTOR/PROOFREADER Jody Gould OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Kristina Roderick MEMBER Maine Brewers’ Guild Maine Tourism Association Convention & Visitors Bureau Chambers of Commerce FOLLOW ACTIVITY MAINE

ON THE COVER – Main photo by Casey Taylor: University of Maine Farmington Outing Club student and her golden retriever on Tumbledown Mountain. Inset Photo: Dempsey Challenge participants, photo by Beth Comeau.

Keep Your Spirits Up, Maine!

8 Inspiring Questions for

Dr. Nirav D. Shah The Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention

1

No matter what side of the vaccination issue people are on, pandemic fatigue has most certainly set in. What good news or hope can we look forward to once the weather gets better this spring and people want to spend more time outside, and in social settings?

Throughout the pandemic, it's been safer to be outside than indoors, especially when air flow is not great. The COVID-19 virus need not interfere with plans to enjoy all the great outdoor activities available in Maine. We must acknowledge that COVID is not going away and we are continuing to make progress in protecting ourselves from the virus. The widespread availability of vaccines and the increasing availability of highly effective therapeutic treatments mean that we have more tools at our disposal to prevent death or hospitalization with COVID-19.

As people are returning to fitness studios, gyms and in-person running/cycling events, are there any updated guidelines or precaution participants can take for staying safe in these settings?

2

The best precaution we all can take, regardless of whether we are doing curls in a weight room or curling up with a good book, is to be up to date on COVID vaccinations. Get your shots and boosters.

Exercise outdoors if you can. Gyms and studios vary in layout and ventilation options, so please respect the wishes and concerns of the facilities' management and others working out there.

3

With mental health such an important topic in the news, what resources does the CDC have to help support teens and adults dealing with mental health issues?

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services created the Strengthen ME (http://strengthenme.com) program to offer support for those struggling with the emotional toll of living through a pandemic. Strengthen ME builds on existing partnerships and support systems to provide a starting point for individuals who may be struggling during these stressful times and they are available every day by calling 207-221-8198.

4

What are some positive lessons we have learned from this pandemic that we can use in our daily lives moving forward?

It's less a matter of learning new lessons than reaffirming what we already knew.

Among the past lessons that have been reaffirmed are: 1. Maine people go out of their way to take care of each other.

2. Community matters. Spending time apart from others has reinforced the values we share as residents of this great state.

3. Science matters. Maine's high vaccination rate and consistent adherence to public health best practices during the pandemic limited the impact of the virus on a state with the highest median age in the nation.

4. We can do more than one hard thing at a time. Maine people are resourceful

and innovative in ways that made it possible for us to adapt quickly every time COVID threw us a curve.

5

What mindful or mental activity do you rely on to keep from being over stressed and stay focused and balanced?

I love to cook, especially for others. COVID has made it more difficult to share meals indoors, so our neighborhood has upped its outdoor food-sharing game.

6

What outdoor recreational activity do you enjoy most in spring and summer to stay active and find fun?

Maine has so many great places to hike.

We plan to continue exploring the state’s hiking trails this spring and summer.

7

What is one surprising thing most people might not know about you?

Frankly, after more than 220 live media briefings during the past two years, I don't think I have any surprises left.

8

What is your favorite place to visit in Maine and why?

That's like asking me to identify my favorite can of Diet Coke. They are all great. I plan to keep exploring the state to find new favorite places. activitymaine.com 3

CELEBRATE. HONOR. RALLY. TOGETHER AT DEMPSEY CHALLENGE 2022!

Dempsey Challenge is ON for 2022 offering both in-person and virtual options, allowing participants to take on the challenge from anywhere in the world! Join us on September 24 and 25 in-person in Lewiston/Auburn, Maine or walk, run or make your own challenge from home!

Register for the Local Challenge or the Global Challenge today by visiting www.DempseyChallenge.org. There, you will also find resources to help you train for your event, hit your fundraising goals, and discover a community of support—no matter how you choose to participate.

Together, we will spend the weekend CELEBRATING our Challengers, HONORING those impacted by cancer, and RALLYING together to support the mission of the Dempsey Center.

Please note that safety is our #1 priority and we will be reviewing the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidelines as our event date approaches.

We can’t wait to see you all there!

Photo courtesy James Carpenter

2022 Events Calendar PORTLAND SEA DOGS MOTHER’S DAY 5K May 8 FMI & registration: www.seadogs.com — 38TH ANNUAL TREK ACROSS MAINE June 17 – 19 FMI & registration: www.trekacrossmaine.org — PAT’S PIZZA CLAM FESTIVAL CLASSIC July 16 FMI & registration: www.clamfestival.com — PEAKS ISLAND 5 MILER July 23 FMI & registration: www.mainetrackclub.com and click on Race Info — DEMPSEY CHALLENGE September 24 – 25 FMI & registration: www.dempseychallenge.org — THE MAINE MARATHON, HALF MARATHON AND RELAY October 2 FMI & registration: www.mainemarathon.com 4 Spring 2022

Why Float?

If you keep hearing about this floating thing, it’s for good reasons. Floating is just starting to reach the mainstream, but the concept has been around since the mid 50’s and offers many benefits, with little to no drawbacks. Top level athletes, Navy SEALs, busy executives, mindful people, pregnant women, parents, grandparents, and even some kids are experiencing how this simple practice of floating in epsom salt can benefit their health.

Floating is used for muscle recovery, relaxation, pain management, rest, mindfulness and more. A float tank is filled with 10’’ of water saturated with over 1,000 pounds of epsom salt. This solution is warm, supportive, rich in magnesium and allows you to float effortlessly on the surface. The water and air are heated to the same temperature as your skin (about 94 degrees).

Weightless with senses dampened; the salt solution, your body, and the air all merging in temperature, sensational boundaries become blurred. Modern float tanks are spacious and often equipped with colored lights and music options for easing into the sensory reduced environment. You can choose to turn both off and allow your central nervous system a reprieve from external stimulation. Float sessions are recommended to be around 60-90 minutes.

Research suggests that around the 45 minute mark during a float session your body begins to show signs of reduced cortisol production, reduced inflammation, increased blood flow and dopamine production. It is a truly unique way to achieve deep physical and mental relaxation. Floating was developed by a neuroscientist in 1954 at the National Institute of Mental Health to study the brain and it’s response to reduced stimulation. These studies became known as R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) or Sensory Deprivation. Eventually float tanks were made for commercial use as well.

No longer exclusively for research, they became popular with athletes and hippies. Float centers were predominately located on the west coast, however sprinkled throughout the US and Europe as well. With recent research and the momentum of the speed at which information now spreads, floating is experiencing a resurgence and centers can now be found in most major cities. As people all over are waking up to the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle, many are using floating as another tool in their wellness routine. It couples nicely with yoga, meditation, chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture. Try it for yourself and see how much better you can feel.

activitymaine.com 5

Wellness at Your Fingertips with

EFT TAPPING

by KAREN ST. CLAIR

Karen, right, guiding a client through the EFT process.

Photo courtesy Karen St. Clair

Stress and anxiety during a pandemic are common daily occurrences for millions of Americans and “the cause of at least 95% of all illness and disease” according to Dr. Bruce Lipton, a highly renowned and respected cell biologist from Stanford University Medical School. Apart from all of the traditional remedies, there’s an alternative way to manage this discomfort—it’s called EFT Tapping.

EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, a form of therapy that uses the simple technique of tapping certain points on the body, which provides quick results in reducing stress and anxiety.

Founded more than five decades ago by an American clinical psychologist, EFT Tapping has become a leading mind-body stress reduction technique.

Utilizing the same energy meridian system as acupuncture (without the

6 Spring 2022

needles) EFT is widely used by more than 14 million people worldwide including celebrities such as Oprah, Prince Harry, Actor Naomi Harris, and world-class athletes who use it to improve performance.

— EFT Tapping is a scientifically proven technique that quickly reduces high levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and anxiety-related physical pain.”

—

“

EFT Tapping is a scientifically proven technique that quickly reduces high levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and anxiety-related physical pain. Supported by in-depth EFT research and experiential success stated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA therapists use EFT with their clients suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety, pain, and other conditions. It also alleviates emotional issues such as phobias, food cravings, and fear of flying, just to name a few.

Simply put, EFT works on everything.

As an EFT Practitioner for more than 12 years, I’ve guided thousands of clients through the EFT process locally and globally and have found each circumstance to be unique, and yet EFT continues to deliver the ultimate commonality of profound positive outcomes.

Annual conference in the UK during one of Karen's EFT sessions. Photo courtesy Karen St. Clair

As one of my clients described it: “I have suffered with panic attacks, anxiety disorder, fears, and phobias for more than three decades. I've tried everything to cure it, from medication to meditation, and everything in between. I just needed the right tools. From the first session I felt a shift in myself, that I didn't know was possible. In each session I dug deeper and made connections within myself that I had never made before. Things surfaced that I didn't know I was still holding on to. I can honestly say I've never felt so free and safe in my own body, with my own thoughts. This is the longest I've ever gone without experiencing a panic attack.”

To walk you through EFT Tapping protocol, here’s how easily it works to restore calm.

EFT requires specificity and works best when you zero in on how you feel in the moment.

TAPPING POINTS

• •

You might say, “I feel stressed about [fill in the blank}.”

Measure the intensity of that stress on a scale of 0 – 10, 10 being the highest intensity.

• Establish a statement that identifies your Tapping focus i.e., “Feeling stressed.”

• Refer to the Tapping Points diagram on this page and begin tapping gently on the side of your hand (karate chop point) as you say out loud, “Even though, I feel stressed about [the issue], I deeply and completely accept myself.” Repeat this sequence three times as you tap on the side of your hand.

• Start tapping on the individual Tapping points using a shortened version of the set-up statement at each point, “I feel so stressed.” Or “All this stress about [the issue].”

• Continue this process at each Tapping point. When you’ve completed tapping on all the points one time, repeat the same process one more time on each Tapping point.

• Take two deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.

• Check in with yourself to see if the number of your stress 0-10 has reduced. Repeat this process as many times as necessary to bring down the testing number as close to 1 as possible.

This basic Tapping protocol can clear negative stuck energy ranging from topical to as far back as early childhood.

To learn more about it, visit KarenStClairEFT.com.

Karen St.Clair is an Advanced Accredited Certified EFT International Practitioner, Reiki Master of Masters, Psych-K® Practitioner, Matrix ReImprinting Practitioner and highly skilled professional with a true gift for facilitating her clients’ lifechanging outcomes. Karen is the founder of Reiki Tap RenewalSM, a modality that combines the energy psychology of EFT Tapping and the healing energy of her Reiki practice. activitymaine.com

7

Mindset and Homebodies Photo courtesy StockSnap/Pixabay.

Health and Wellness Trends at Home

by J.G. BREERWOOD

W

hile still amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, people everywhere are discovering new ways to fulfill their health and wellness needs.

For me, and for everyone else, the pandemic made everything more difficult, not just for fitness and health.

For those folks who had a regular gym or yoga regimen, adaptation to the new grind was necessary in order to maintain their well-being. Regardless whether it was for strength training, cardio, or peace of mind, the only place to do that initially was the home.

Fitness Charles Oransky, owner of the South Portland-based Workout Fitness Store said, “Over the last couple of

8 Spring 2022

years, we have definitely seen growth for home equipment. Initially, when gyms closed down, there was quite an upsurge for all types of products. Usually, we do not sell as many weights, benches, and dumbbells as cardio equipment, but that stuff really took off.”

However, cardio machines are now trending more so among homeowners than weights. “The growth continued throughout 2021 with a strong increase in treadmills and exercise bikes, but less strength equipment as gyms and other facilities reopened,” said Oransky.

As I’ve recently acquired an exercise bike, I find it especially convenient as a father and teacher with little to no time for a gym visit. It’s just a different mindset really since it’s all the same muscle movement. Oransky is confident that home fitness will continue to grow because of aging baby boomers and young parents, like me, who find it much more convenient to exercise at home.

Yoga For beginners, even the idea of yoga may cause some resistance be-

Workout Fitness Store.

Testing out a treadmill at onald Photography McD Brea tesy cour o Phot

Photo courtesy StockSnap/Pixabay.

cause some people may feel uncoordinated in a studio full of agile strangers (I can relate). Or, maybe they perceive yoga as everyone “ohmming” in a dark room. But now that many experienced yoga instructors have recorded countless yoga sessions, it’s easy to go with the flow at home.

Yoga with Adriene (https://yogawithadriene.com) is a web-based yoga hub for all levels of experience. With a YouTube channel that has amassed 10.8 million subscribers, Adriene Mishler’s casual and downhome attitude puts the mind at ease, just as much as her quirky jokes make for a good laugh. Personally, I like her “bedtime” yoga routines to help me wind down from the day. After a focus on breath and stretching, my mind is in a much more restful state. My wife, on the other hand, tunes into Mishler’s videos every morning to get her mind right for the day. After all, Mishler’s website clearly states: “Yoga is really the art of waking up.”

Meditation Apps Like yoga, meditation can also be a strange concept for many folks who think you have to travel to some mystical place. Meditation is just a way to achieve more mindfulness, and the phone in your pocket can help get you there. I first got into a meditation app hoping that I could reduce back pain. When the pandemic first hit in the spring of 2020, my back gave out due to more constant childcare and overall stress. Just a few minutes a day can make a world of difference. And it has.

“I’ve seen a lot of ways that bodies in pain can find relief,” said Mari Balow, a Portland-based fascial stretch therapist and Pilates instructor. “Once they’ve tried all the muscular fixes like rest, stretching, and strengthening, sometimes meditation can be the last piece of the puzzle that allows the body to unlock mental blocks to physical healing.”

Insight Timer has audio meditation tracks ranging from repetitious ocean waves to guided sleep and relaxation sessions. I never have been the type of person that could just take a nap, even if I’m exhausted. But, now, I can pop my earbuds in and let a professional calm me down via “Yoga Nidra,” which also can be referred to as a “psychic sleep” where you experience a state in between sleep and wakefulness. It either puts me asleep or recharges my batteries in the middle of the day, practically on demand. When I’m

Strength training equipme nt at Workout Fitness Stor e.

Photo courtesy Brea McDonald Photography

restless in the middle of the night, I tune into a guided sleep meditation, which shows you how to relax your brain. Many of what they provide is free; however, they offer a premium membership, which gives you more access to things such as wellness courses.

Nowadays, even something small can make a big difference in our mental and physical well-being. Since there are many affordable and accessible options, folks may find it a bit easier to get back into a groove as they tap into these resources.

J.G.Breerwood teaches English and creative writing at Lewiston High School. He also published his first novel, Sinking Dixie, in 2020.

Home Gyms Start Here!

Expert Advice & Prompt Service

WORKOUT FITNESS STORE sells top-quality home and commercial fitness equipment. They offer great service and advice to help you meet your fitness goals and turn your home into a great fitness experience. Try their equipment in store before you buy it. They have catered to all levels of abilities for more than 30 years and provide top-quality products that offer the latest technologies to improve and protect your body.

activitymaine.com 9

Photo courtesy Kate Ryan, Trail Runners of Midcoast Maine

RUN WILD Mainers Find a Rush of Freedom Through Trail Running

by SAISIE MOORE

What began as a pandemic necessity – with gyms closed and social distancing enforced – has become a bonafide obsession: Mainers all over the state have discovered or deepened their passion for trail running.

Alone or in groups, runners traverse the state’s many trail networks in an effort to maintain physical and mental health. In 2021, The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands recorded an all-time high in visitor numbers at state parks, increasing eight percent on an already blockbuster record in 2020. What drives this fleet-footed trend and how can you join the pack?

The Marsh Island Trail Runners have seen a surge in numbers since the pandemic began. “Last fall, we reliably had between four and ten people attending each week,” said organizer Brian Olsen. “Now it is more like 20 to 30.” Members include all ages and backgrounds .“We’re seeing folks who have been running all their lives and 10 Spring 2022

people who are trying this crazy thing out for the first time.”

What draws these enthusiasts back week after week, whatever the weather? “At its core, trail running is more technical than road or treadmill running, but also more rewarding,” Olsen explained. “With rocks, roots, downed trees, and different trail surfaces, the experience can change almost every step, and you work an entire suite of smaller muscles and tendons for stability that you don't use on a consistently flat surface.” There’s a meditative aspect, too. “It's easier to stay present on the trail,” he said. “And you have to use a trail to get to some of the prettiest places in our state anyway. I've found that trail runners tend

to be less focused on speed and more on the route. They also may be a little crazier.”

Beyond the group’s weekly Tuesday evening run, keep an eye out for its most infamous race: TUCARD (Terrifically & Unnecessarily Complicated Adventure Race and Duathalon). “In a state like Maine, where most of the land is privately owned, good trail running depends heavily on private landowners providing public access,” said Olsen. “We started TUCARD a few years ago as a fundraiser for land trusts that preserve public access. At its core, the race is about adversity amidst absurdity. Because really, it's a very silly race. In the months beforehand, you only know where the race

Get the Gear

Photo courtesy Marsh Island Trail Runners

Photo courtesy Marsh Island Trail Runners

starts and where it ends – but there is no set course and a bunch of absurd rules. We've had bonuses for piggybacks, three-legged races, and racing in costume. It's like being stuck inside a giant board game, where the Game Master creates new ‘house rules’ along the way… but a benevolent Game Master who is raising money for a land trust. None of that Hunger Games stuff. We haven't lost anyone yet!”

If you’re a veteran trail runner or just a newfound devotee, you might be ready to join Trail Monster Running Group of Southern Maine. This is no band of merry, fair-weather runners. The definition of a Trail Monster follows: “Someone who needs to run trails. There is no rain too heavy, mud

Photo courtesy Kate Ryan, Trail Runners of Midcoast Maine

too thick, snow too deep, or hill too big that a Trail Monster won’t run.”

Intimidated? Run along. Intrigued?

You’ll need to prove your dedication by showing up regularly to Saturday and Sunday group runs. Bradbury Mountain is the group’s most regular stomping ground. A strong sense of community is central to the Trail Monster ethos and members are expected to volunteer their time at one of the annual race series, which includes everything from snowshoe races to relays to the Riverland 100, Maine’s first 100-mile ultra running race. Hosted at Androscoggin Riverlands State Park in Turner, intrepid soloists do four laps of the 25-mile route through rough, rooty terrain along the river and through

If the woods are calling, don’t go unprepared. Matt Bremermann at Fleet Feet Maine Running in Portland advises a few must-have gear items to keep you safe.

“The big thing is shoes – you need a trail shoe that fits your foot structure,” he said.

“Many have a firmer tread to support your feet on rough trails.” Brands like Altra and Solomon make sneakers specifically designed for this kind of adventure, while Kahtoola offers traction treads for slippery conditions.

If you’re venturing out alone, it’s worth investing in a device to track your location.

Garmin, Phoenix, and Apple products can also track your vital signs and statistics, so you can see how your health and performance improve over time.

Beyond this, “visibility and hydration are top concerns,” said Bremermann. Look for a lightweight running bottle or pack with high-visibility details and consider a headlamp if running at night. dense woods within the 32-hour time limit.

Come snow or sun, the Midcoast Trail Runners of Maine meet weekly for a jaunt among the woods and waterways of the Midcoast region. Describing themselves as “A community of fun-loving girls and boys who run amok in the woods and mountains of midcoast Maine,” the group welcomes all paces. The group meets on Monday nights for a run of up to six miles. The location changes weekly – updated via Facebook– so you’ll get the chance to explore your area on foot while building a community with a group of like-minded endorphin-seekers.

Saisie Moore is a freelance writer and editor based in Portland, Maine. activitymaine.com 11

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ADVENTURE • CRAFT BEER • RACES • HEALTH & WELLNESS WELCOME HOME TO THE 38TH ANNUAL TREK ACROSS MAINE – SPONSORED BY VIP TIRES & SERVICE The weekend starts Friday, June 17 and goes until Sunday, June 19. Beginning at Thomas Point Campground in Brunswick, riders will go to Bates College in Lewiston on day one.

On day two, trekkers ride to St. Joseph's College in Standish. On day three, they will return to Thomas Point Campground in Brunswick.

12 Spring 2022

Marvel at Maine's river and lake vistas, lush countryside and historic bridges, and panoramic ocean views during the American Lung Association's three-day ride.

Not that adventurous? We offer a virtual trek for those who enjoy cycling in their neighborhood at their own pace or support us by volunteering.

Discover Maine from the seat of a bike at the Trek Across Maine!

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A portion of the profits are donated to cancer research and charities related to helping those with catastrophic illnesses.

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Pictured: Beach To Beacon Cuff; Triathlon Earrings; NYC Marathon Pendant

At MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE, a daily dose of activity is just what the doctor ordered! As a premier provider of primary and specialty care and health insurance plans in Maine and New Hampshire, they have been preaching about the physical and mental health benefits of an active lifestyle for more than 40 years. And their Sports Medicine providers go the extra mile to help keep Mainers of all ages on the go.

As a not-for-profit headquartered in Portland, Martin’s Point serves primary care patients at their six health care centers located in Southern Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and offer Sports Medicine in Portland and at their new Brunswick location at Brunswick Landing. They also offer the only Medicare Advantage plans in Maine and New Hampshire to achieve a 5-star rating from Medicare for 2021, and highly rated TRICARE® Prime plans for military families throughout the Northeast.

Industry-recognized for the quality of both their care and coverage, Martin’s Point is driven by their mission to deliver the care every person deserves and is trusted by their patients and health plan members to put their health first.

activitymaine.com 13

Suspended gong. Photo courtesy Saisie Moore

Frequency FIND YOUR

Sound Therapy combines ancient instruments and intuitive practices to offer a unique healing experience

S

ounds ignite powerful reactions within us, even in everyday life. From the swell of emotion from a favorite song to a jolt of tension provoked by a passing siren, we are closely attuned to the cacophony of the world. Today, while life seems noisier than ever, Maine’s sound therapy practitioners use an arsenal of instruments to drown out the din and provide calm and healing to their patients.

Can sound therapy offer a balm to modern life? Research into the neuroscience of music therapy has identified several health benefits: boosting immune function, lowering anxiety levels, alleviating chronic pain, and even improving the health of premature babies. Sound therapy may be less clearly understood, but its patients find remedy in tone and vibration for both emotional and physical ailments.

At the end of a long driveway in Union, Jim Doble of Elemental Design hosts sessions from a recessed octagonal space, framed on one side by windows and the other by suspended gongs and chimes. A craftsman with a flair for everything from glass to wood to metal, Doble found his way into creating percussive instruments and sound therapy quite by chance more than 20 years ago.

14 Spring 2022

by SAISIE MOORE

“I went to a musical improvisation workshop and played a huge wooden xylophone,” he said. “I really enjoyed it, so I came home and messed around and made one – just like that,” he added with a laugh. He tinkered around with instruments until one day, while playing a combination of glass and slate instruments with a friend, Doble felt something. “I was playing one, he was playing the other,” he said. “Suddenly, there was this other sound coming out. I felt it affect me, affect my brain. And I was like – what was that?”

“Escape from the overstimulation of everyday life might just be easier than you think.”

‘That’ might be the great humming resonance that washes over you during a sound therapy session. Doble invites his clients to lie in the center of the room and experience a soundscape that ebbs and flows, a sensation that provokes both physical and

emotional responses. The experience is far more primal and transporting than simply listening. “It's powerful,” says Doble. “There’s a substance to that sound; it really fills the room. It's very visceral. It can be overwhelming.”

Doble’s primary instrument – a collection of 11 suspended gongs has diverse provenance, from the Myanmar Mountains to China, and some are even made in Doble’s workshop.

“They all have their own sounds and personalities,” he says. In addition, he incorporates Tibetan singing bowls, wooden rattles, and tuning forks to produce vibrating tones on and around the body. The effect seems to both soothe and focus the mind. “I believe what matters is the progression of notes, the space between them, and their interaction with each other,” he says. “I sometimes refer to it as Sonic Meditation.” Individuals and groups can experience it themselves during a 90-minute session (from $80 per session).

Currently, there’s no official certification process yet for sound therapists. Most find their expertise through workshops and collectives, even the odd “gong conference” (a real event, according to Doble), where pioneers of the practice began converging during the 20th century to establish the

Therapeutic gong with antique tibetan singing bowls.

Photo courtesy Joanne Liljeholm

Joanne Liljeholm balancing chakras with Solfeggio Tuning Forks. Photo courtesy Joanne Liljeholm

method and science of sound therapy. Practitioners learn from these sound sages and follow intuition. Doble taps into Kundalini methods to trace energy down the spine and applies pressure at intervals with his tuning forks. A keen maker, he even makes “sound tanks”– repurposed propane tanks, allowing the user to climb inside and strike notches carved into the metal to astonishing soundscapes that vibrate and bounce around them. Doble hopes to bring his invention, “The Yellow Submarine” to the public, including those with hearing loss, to experience the strange and moving power of sound.

Farther down south in Wells, Joanne Liljehom consolidates several decades of holistic practices designed to address a range of physical, emotional, and spiritual issues and restore balance. “My clients come to me for diverse reasons,” she says. “Often because they feel they are missing something, their treatment has reached a plateau with other providers, or they feel a stirring to look deeper into how their energy affects their physical bodies.”

A veteran massage and Reiki practitioner, Liljeholm began incorporating sound therapy a decade ago out of curiosity. She was immediately taken with the apparent results. “I was working with newborns and high-needs children at the time and it changed my world,” she says.

After establishing a studio sanctuary in Wells, Liljeholm began offering her unique combination of treatments, including elements of Massage Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki, and Sound Healing. “I believe when the body is balanced energetically, we reignite our natural ability to heal at all levels,” she says. “When I work with each person, I listen deeply. I listen with my whole self. I do this through tuning forks to start with […] and round out the deep work by playing alchemy singing bowls (composed of crystal, gems, and minerals fired at very high temperatures), or therapeutic gongs.”

Nourish your mind, body & soul with

SoundHealing — Treatment & Education — Joanne Liljeholm LMT, BCTMB Sound Healing Practitioner &Teacher

928-821-4219

154 Natanis Ridge Circle, Wells, ME

JoanneLiljeholmSound.com

Doble's collection of suspended gongs, sourced from as far as Myanmar, are played to create a 'soundscape.'

Photo courtesy Saisie Moore

The idea of sound therapy can appear abstract at its surface. According to Liljeholm, “Every cell in the body vibrates at its own unique frequency and each frequency makes a sound. Every energy center and organ has an ideal level. When the sound or frequency is off, it creates dysfunction. When we introduce the proper frequency back to the body, it drinks it in and starts the self-repairing process all on its own. Practitioners simply offer the sound and the body takes it from there.”

Escape from the overstimulation of everyday life might just be easier than you think. Instead of silencing the world around you, sound therapy conjures a sonic landscape that promises to refocus your mind and offer respite from the noise.

Saisie Moore is a freelance writer and editor based in Portland, Maine.

Public Baths

Jim Doble of Elemental Design offers community sound immersion or “gong bathing” to the public during the summer season at the Camden Amphitheatre. Simply lie back in the grass and let the meditative sounds wash over you.

At-Home Immersion

If the idea of sound therapy makes you prick up your ears, but you don’t feel ready to dive into a session, there are a number of at-home resources you can use to test the water. Many practitioners, like Joanne Liljeholm, offer remote video sessions or consultations to get the process started.

Youtube also hosts instructional videos about sound therapy. The Healing Vibrations channel counts more than 300,000 members and offers free videos such as “Singing Bowls for Deep Sleep” that can run as long as three hours.

The traditional Tibetan singing bowl, a feature of many sound therapy sessions, can be bought for personal use. Bowls of different sizes are available at Mexicali Blues and online.

Classes

For a less personalized, but still immersive approach, try out a class. An early adopter of the practice in Maine, the Sacred Self in Cornish, offers classes of “Sacred Sound Sessions” and drumming circles. Or explore educational classes such as an introduction to tuning fork therapy.

activitymaine.com 15

MAINE:

A Forager's Paradise

in the Spring, Summer, and Fall

by NOELLE AUGER

Chanterelle mushrooms. Photo courtesy Pixabay

16 Spring 2022

Mainers have always been known to have a deep reverence for nature.

From its verdant forests to its rocky coasts, our very own vacationland is home to an abundance of natural resources that people have foraged for centuries. In fact, much of Maine’s identity and culture has been cultivated by the wild foods that blossom from the beautiful landscapes each season, making it a true forager’s paradise for beginners and professionals alike.

Chances are, if you’re standing outside just about anywhere in Maine, there’s likely an earthly edible nearby.

What I love the most about foraging is that it’s almost like a partnership with nature. If you pay attention and immerse yourself in your surroundings, you’ll be rewarded with the variety of wild delicacies that can be found right at your feet. Each season in Maine brings forth its own unique foraging opportunity, making it accessible year-round. Though foraging can be done anywhere from your backyard to your favorite trails, there are some important things to keep in mind when you’re out there searching for the fruits of the forest.

Getting Started When I first started foraging, I didn’t go anywhere without my guidebooks. Two of my favorites are Foraging New England and Wild Edibles of Maine: A Useful Guide, both written by native Mainer, Tom Seymour. Each of these guidebooks offers advice on where to find wild edibles, how to ethically harvest them, and how to cook with them. If you ever forget to bring your guidebooks with you, try an app, such as PictureThis (www.picturethisai. com), which can help with plant identification. And if you’re interested in all things mycology, subscribe to the Maine Mycology Association (https:// mainelymushrooms.org) newsletters.

Foraging Opportunities in Maine One of the most educational ways to learn about foraging is to get outside with a professional guide. Once spring rolls around, there are plenty of opportunities for guided forays throughout the state. One of my very

first guided walks was put together by the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District and was led by the aforementioned author, Tom Seymour. Other opportunities for forays and edible education can be found through the Maine Primitive Skills School (www.primitiveskills.com), Northspore (https://northspore.com), and the Coastal River Conservation Trust (www.coastalrivers.org). Follow these organizations on social media to stay up to date with their walks and talks.

When you’re out there this year, here are some of the more common edibles, medicinal plants, and mushrooms to keep an eye out for during each season:

as they grow in small colonies. Chanterelles are known for their delicate, peppery taste and their chewy texture.

They are best prepared when sautéed in butter, and they make a delicious

Mushrooms

addition to a cream sauce.

Fall: Chicken of the Woods- “Chicken” of the woods is no misnomer. Though they don’t look like chicken, they certainly taste like it. These large bracket mushrooms commonly grow on the decaying trunks of oak, cherry, or beech trees. Chickens often grow in clusters and resemble thick, orange shelves that fan out of the bark of trees. The first time I found chickens, I was overwhelmed at their size. As always, I only took as much as I’d be able to consume, and once they were cooked, they quickly became my favorite edible mushroom.

Spring: Morels- After a long winter, some of the first mushrooms to emerge from the hardened ground are morels. Though rather elusive, morels can often be found hiding amongst apple orchards or under dead elms anywhere from late April to mid-June.

The honeycomb-like pattern found on these beautiful mushrooms make them distinguishable and easy to identify. Like many other mushrooms, these are best prepared when fried in oil until they are soft and brown.

Chanterelles. Photo courtesy Pixabay

Morel. Photo courtesy Pixabay Chicken of the Woods. Photo courtesy Noelle Auger

Summer: Chanterelles- For many mushroom lovers, chanterelles are the golden child– quite literally. Their distinct, bright colors are commonly found emerging out of the mossy ground during mid-summer months.

Chanterelles favor hardwoods like maples or oaks and they generally spawn after a couple days of rain and humidity. Chances are, if you find one chanterelle, there are likely more in the area,

Wild Edibles Spring: Fiddleheads (Ostrich Fern)You know it’s springtime when you’re able to spot the furled fronds of a fiddlehead. Fiddlehead foraging has been a long-standing tradition in Maine, with its season starting in late April and extending to early June.

Fiddleheads are often found near forest streams and are delicious when activitymaine.com 17

sautéed with butter and garlic. Since they’re a Maine forager’s favorite, follow The Golden Rule: pick only enough for you and leave some for the rest!

Wild Medicinals

Elderberries. Photo courtesy Pixabay Yarrow. Photo courtesy Pixabay

Fiddleheads. Photo courtesy Pixabay

Summer: Cattails- Cattails are one of the more versatile edibles since you can utilize many parts of the plant.

The shoots, spikes, and pollen are all edible, with each part offering its own unique flavor. The shoots can be chopped up and eaten raw; the spikes can be boiled; and the pollen is known for its great source of protein.

Spring: Japanese Knotweed- Japanese Knotweed is known for its healing properties and its ability to make a great pie filling. This common plant can be found along roadsides and abandoned lots and its bamboo-like appearance makes it easy to identify.

Knotweed is known for its many healing properties, including its ability to enhance immune function.

Fall: Wintergreen - This wild plant can be found just about anywhere during any season, even winter. One of my favorite things to do when I find a patch of Wintergreen is to tear open the leaves and breathe in the fresh, minty aroma. Traditionally, indigenous peoples were known to crush Wintergreen and use it for sore muscles and inflammation. Its minty flavor can be used to flavor tea, toothpaste, and ice cream.

Wintergreen. Photo courtesy Pixabay

Japanese Knotweed. Photo courtesy Pixabay

Cattail. Photo courtesy Pixabay

Fall: Elderberries- Elderberries are another versatile edible that can be used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Not only do the berries make for a tasty, tart jelly, but they can also be concentrated into a tincture that can stimulate the immune system.

18 Spring 2022

Summer: Yarrow- Yarrow is my absolute favorite summer plant. It is common throughout summer and can be found standing tall along roadsides.

Yarrow has been known to alleviate cold and flu symptoms and the leaves can be chewed to eliminate toothaches. It also acts as a styptic, which means it can slow or stop bleeding when applied to a wound, making it a great survival tool for outdoor enthusiasts.

As the ice starts to melt and this spring’s first flowers begin to bloom, get yourself out there and reap the benefits of nature’s bounties. And whether you’re a seasoned forager or a beginner, always remember to respect the land, leave some for the next picker, and have fun exploring all that Maine’s forests, coasts, and woodlands have to offer.

Noelle Auger is an outdoor enthusiast living in southern Maine. She is an English teacher in Lewiston and enjoys writing about nature in her free time.

activitymaine.com 19

QA &

with Zero Gravity Cannabis

Cannabis and cannabis products work differently for everyone. There is a learning curve and it takes time to find the best strain and products that work with your body. The best way to do so is to talk and work with your local dispensary and budtenders.

MH&WG: How does Cannabis help with stress?

ZG: As a person who has ADHD, I find cannabis can help me manage my stress. Instead of feeling like the hamster wheel in my brain is spinning out of control, a few puffs help me slow down and focus on getting the next step done.

But does cannabis always help me manage my stress?

No. Many factors add to how a person reacts to feeling high.

For me, my mental state and environment always play a big part. But, usually cannabis can help me take a step back from the craziness and reassess how I could better deal with my problems. It can be that calming deep breath in – blessed with THC – that helps you re-center and get back to your best self.

Finding the right products to help manage stress takes time and there is a lot out there to explore. My preference leans towards cannabis flower, or “bud” commonly used in joints or bowls. Some Zero Gravity strains, such Kimbo Kush, make me want to shut off the world, sink into the couch, and disassociate by scrolling through endless social media.

Other Zero Gravity strains such as Guava Tangie, invigorate me, making me want to create, visit with friends, or go out and explore the woods.

MH&WG: How does Cannabis help with sleep?

ZG: Cannabis can be very helpful with sleep, but again, it all depends on finding what works best for you. Indica strains are associated more commonly with full body effects, such as deep relaxation and reducing insomnia. I’ve had experiences fighting off sleep in order to try and finish the bowl of a heavy-hitting indica strain like Zero Gravity Sunset Runtz. And I’ve had experiences where a high-dosage distillate gummy before bed had me reorganizing my entire wardrobe until 1 a.m.

For me, Sunset Runtz, paired with some late night TV, and I am off to bed. But, there are also times when I need something a little stronger to shut down my brain and stay asleep for the night.

Edibles and tinctures are great assistants with sleep aid.

Edibles usually take longer to activate in your system and the type of edible – gummy, chocolate, drink, etc.— will also play a role in the time period it takes to start feeling it. Tinctures get absorbed primarily through your mouth, which is why they recommend holding it under your tongue so long, so it bypasses the amount of time it takes edibles to absorb.

MH&WG: What dosage is good for sleep/stress?

ZG: Dosage all depends on the individual and the can20 Spring 2022

nabis product being used. When it comes to edibles, newbies should start with a safe 5mg distillate, give it an hour – maybe two, and see how you feel from there. People tend to think partaking in cannabis is similar to the feeling of drinking alcohol. Where there are signs as you move from tipsy to buzzed to a drunk state, this is not the case with edibles. Edibles hit you like a Mack truck before you know it.

And depending on if you’ve found your right dosage or not, you’ll be in for a ride. The typical rule of thumb with edibles is you can always take more, but you can’t take less.

Zero Gravity Cannabis has some delicious 10mg hash rosin gummies that give me a full-body high without the sleepy, glued-to-the-couch feeling, commonly referred to as “couchlock.” I can take a 10mg hash rosin gummy in the morning and instead of feeling impaired, I feel like I’m floating throughout the day with a smile on my face. Or, if I take two gummies 30 minutes to an hour before bed, I sleep like a log.

MH&WG: I have chronic inflammatory pain.

How do topicals and salves heal this condition?

ZG: Topicals and salves are magical creations that help relieve pain and rid inflammation on surface-oriented pain.

While they may not heal chronic inflammatory pain, they can absolutely help manage it. Active THC alone does not target inflammation, but when left in its acid form and combined with CBD, the two work to get rid of inflammation and the pain that comes with it.

MH&WG: Can I function and do work or be active while taking cannabis products?

ZG: Yes, but each person’s body reacts differently, so it is important to learn your tolerance levels and what works best for you. Some people only imbibe at the end of the day, when all their responsibilities for the day have been accomplished. Others maintain a level of high all day, and still manage to get things done. I also know people who think they can get work done after indulging in cannabis, but it derails their entire day and nothing gets accomplished. The best way to learn is to be open to trying different products and to work with your local dispensary and budtenders to find what works best for you.

Lauren Wilbur is a marketing manager for Zero Gravity Cannabis and has a passion for educating people about the substantial benefits that marijuana products possess.

With a background as a writer and an artist, Lauren uses her social platforms to showcase all things cannabis. Find her on Instagram: @thepaintingpig SPONSORED CONTENT

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