Buffalo Natural Awakenings - November 2016 by Buffalo Natural Awakenings

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L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Workplace Wisdom Mindfulness in Corporate Life

STAY SHARP

P L A N E T

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Pilates Unbound

Powerful Ways to New Fusions with Avoid Mental Decline Yoga, Dance & Boxing

November 2016 | Buffalo, NY Edition | BuffaloAwakenings.com natural awakenings

November 2016

Buffalo, NY

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contents 8 5 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 10 globalbriefs 1 1 ecotip 12 healthykids 13 community spotlight 10 14 consciouseating 18 healingways 23 practitioner

spotlight 24 greenliving 11 26 fitbody 28 naturalpet 31 calendar 35 classifieds 36 resourceguide

advertising & submissions

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

12 THE SENSITIVE CHILD How to Nurture Special Gifts by Maureen Healy

14 FESTIVE SIPS

AND NIBBLES

Vegan Holiday Treats that Everyone Loves

18 WORKPLACE WISDOM Mindfulness in Corporate Life by April Thompson

20 STAY SHARP by Lisa Marshall

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Editor@BuffaloAwakenings.com. Deadline for editorial: feature articles are due by the 5th of the month, news briefs and health briefs are due by the 10th.

Natural Ways to Refresh and Renew

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

Powerful Ways to Avoid Mental Decline

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 716-909-7805 or email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com or visit BuffaloAwakenings.com for more information. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

by Judith Fertig

24 ONE-PERSON

PAMPER PARTY

by April Thompson

26 PILATES UNBOUND New Fusions with Yoga, Dance and Boxing by Aimee Hughes

28 BOARDING SOLUTIONS FOR BELOVED PETS The Best are Pet, People and Planet Friendly by Sandra Murphy

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28 November 2016

letterfrompublisher

contact us Publisher Sally Gower Editor Brad Gower Copy Editor Steve Jagord Calendar Editors Rachel Johnson Sara Peterson Design & Production Stephen Blancett C. Michele Rose Sales & Marketing Sally Gower Ida Pannozzo Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Franchise Sales 239-530-1377 Buffalo Natural Awakenings P.O. Box 108, Buffalo, NY 14226 Phone: 716-909-7805 Fax: 716-970-4712 Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com BuffaloAwakenings.com ©2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to the free digital magazine at Buffaloawakenings.com. Mailed subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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ike many others, I have profound, lasting Thanksgiving memories. Growing up, my sister, brother and I made place cards for our Thanksgiving table every year. We would cut out turkeys and cornucopias and write the names of everyone attending the holiday feast in eager anticipation. Now, as publisher of Buffalo Natural Awakenings, I’d love to be able to write a place card for every one of our readers. I would ask you to share what you’re grateful for and your wishes for this diverse and wonderful country we live in. Perhaps when we sat together eating everything from turkey to pumpkin pie, we would listen – really listen – and maybe learn to better understand and appreciate one another. We are all so alike, and yet so different, and that is exactly how it should be. Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. Delicious and healthy (and ok, some unhealthy) food, generous sharing with friends and family, and time taken to reflect on all the things for which we are grateful make it an awesome day. In this November issue of Buffalo Natural Awakenings, we share tips on taking care of the things many of us are most thankful for – children, pets and work. The particular needs of sensitive children, holiday boarding tips for Fido, and how to be more mindful while on the job are just a few of the things you can read about in these pages. Our feature on the monthly theme of mental wellness provides insight on how we may have more control over our mental state than we think we do. Unsurprisingly, lifestyle choices like avoiding sugar and making sure we get enough restorative sleep appear to play a significant role in mental wellness. You might even consider serving some fresh, wild-caught fish with a walnut topping and an avocado salad on that last Thursday in November. After the feast, instead of collapsing on the couch to nap or watch football, you might head out on a rejuvenating walk with family and friends. In addition to giving thanks this month, we will also give our vote. It is indeed a right, a privilege, and something we can all be thankful for. Like many, I am definitely looking forward to turning the page on this election, which as usual, has consumed so many of our discussions (not to mention our media coverage). Thanksgiving will be a wonderful celebration, if only for having the election in our rearview mirror. As a glass half-full type of person, I believe in striving to have a positive impact in other lives and in our own. Make this last month of autumn one that will be life changing, not because of the negativity that sometimes surrounds us, but because of the life changing positive choices you can make. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sally Gower, Publisher BuffaloAwakenings.com

newsbriefs Canisius College Students Enjoy New Vegan Options

his semester, students at Canisius College have a new dining option – and it’s unlike anything the school’s students have seen before. Pitchforks, a new station at the Economou Dining Hall, serves exclusively vegan and vegetarian food. With a focus on healthy dishes, the station is adorned with a sign reading “Eat More Plants.” Options include alternatives to dining hall classics like vegan cupcakes and vegetarian patties. The concept for Pitchforks was developed in response to concerns and demand from vegan and vegetarian students on campus. Canisius College dining services are provided by Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services, a contract foodservice management company. Canisius has an enrollment of over 5,000 students, and is located across 56 buildings in north-central Buffalo. For more information, visit Canisius.edu.

Small Business Saturday Returns

mall business is the backbone of our local and national economy. On November 26, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Sponsored by American Express, FedEx and Clear Channel Communications, the event mobilizes over 100 million people to shop small in their communities. Customers will find special offers at many small business locations throughout Western New York. Whether you’re a small business owner or a customer, encouraging friends and family to shop at small businesses helps boost the local economy because when everyone “shops small,” more of that money spent stays within the community. And by choosing healthy and green local products, our welfare and environment also benefit. For more information on Small Business Saturday, participating businesses, or getting your own small business involved, visit AmericanExpress.com/us/ small-business/shop-small.

News to share? Email details to: Editor@BuffaloAwakenings.com

or call 716-228-2744. For submission guidelines, visit BuffaloAwakenings.com. Submittal deadline is the 10th of the month. natural awakenings

November 2016

newsbriefs Healthy Scratch Comes to HarborCenter

essie and Kelly Pegula, the daughters of Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, are bringing a healthy dining option to the Canalside district. On October 17, The Healthy Scratch opened inside The Shops at HarborCenter, focusing on quick, healthy food and beverage options. The restaurant is serving yogurt, acai bowls, cold-pressed juices, salads, wraps, smoothies, specialty coffees and more for dine-in and take-out customers. It will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. “A big part of The Healthy Scratch is showcasing the quality and benefits of organic and clean eating,” Jessie and Kelly Pegula state on the Healthy Scratch website. “We believe that what you eat helps your mind and body, thus making you feel better inside and out. Traveling to so many places has helped us gain a greater understanding of the benefits of tasty, healthy food and beverages from around the world. We want to share these with our customers in creative ways that clearly communicate the health benefits of each menu.” Jessie is a professional tennis player and Kelly is a marketing student. The two sisters previously collaborated on the One Buffalo branded clothing line. Location: 75 Main St., Ste. 4, Buffalo. For more information, call 716-855-4404 or visit TheHealthyScratch.com.

Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. ~Francis of Assisi

A Farewell Tribute

atural Awakenings Publishing Corporation’s family of 95 magazines bid a fond farewell to company President Larry Levine, with many joining Larry Levine in on a call and sending notes, prayers and good thoughts prior to his passing on September 23. Levine enthusiastically contributed his Pat McGroder all with a host of talents focused on forwarding our collective mission of providing publishers and readers with the tools needed to help us all create a healthier, more sustainable world together. Founder and CEO Sharon Bruckman honors her partner, saying, “Our home office and publishers are truly saddened to lose the beautifully loving, guiding light that Larry generously shared with us throughout the past 12 years. His impact on our lives and Natural Awakenings‘ success will continue to bless our readers. We will miss him dearly.” One of Levine’s last gifts to the company was recommending Pat McGroder as vice president of franchise development. “We welcome Pat, already feeling blessed by the 24 years of experience he brings in highly successful publishing and franchising endeavors,” says Bruckman. McGroder will now also assume some of the operational responsibilities formerly managed by Levine. Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation’s home office is located in Naples, FL. For more information, call 239-434-9392 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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November 2016

healthbriefs

Silence De-Stresses the Brain

breathe

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he human brain does not function optimally in society’s noise-filled environment. The brain, like the body, needs rest to function, and that comes with silence. A recent study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience discovered that the brain is able to integrate both internal and external information into a “conscious workspace” when resting. Constant distractions and noises can detract from the brain’s ability to process critical information. Noise also elevates stress hormone levels within the brain. Research published earlier in Psychological Science examined the effects that the relocation of the main Munich airport, in Germany, had on children’s health and cognition. Gary W. Evans, researcher and professor of human ecology at Cornell University, notes that when exposed to constant noise, children develop a stress response that causes them to ignore it. The study’s subjects tuned out both harmful sounds and stimuli that they should be paying attention to, including speech. Silence has the opposite effect, releasing tension in brain and body. Exposure to chronic noise can also hinder children’s cognitive development, according to a study from the World Health Organization and the European Commission Joint Research Centre; this includes language skills and reading ability. To help counter modern noise pollution, attention restoration theory suggests that individuals placed in environments with lower levels of sensory input can recover some of the cognitive abilities they have lost.

Gut Bacteria Linked to Toddler Temperament

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hio State University researchers have discovered a correlation between bacteria in the gut and behavior in toddlers. Scientists studied the bacterial microbes in stool samples from 77 girls and boys between the ages of 18 months and 27 months, while mothers filled out a questionnaire describing their children’s level of emotional reactivity. The study found that positive behavioral traits occurred more frequently in children with the most diverse types of gut bacteria. These included mood, curiosity, sociability and impulsivity. The correlation was particularly strong in boys. Lisa Christian, Ph.D., a researcher with the Ohio State Institute for Behavioral Medicine research, and her co-author, Microbiologist Michael Bailey, Ph.D., plan to use the information to help uncover some mysteries related to the origin of chronic illness. “There is substantial evidence that intestinal bacteria interact with stress hormones; the same hormones that have been implicated in chronic illnesses like obesity and asthma,” explains Christian. “A toddler’s temperament gives us a good idea of how they react to stress. This information, combined with an analysis of their gut microbiome, could ultimately help us to detect and prevent chronic health issues [from developing] earlier.” Source: Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science

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Music Makes Exercise Easier

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istening to music during a workout or any extended, physically demanding activity can reduce fatigue and improve performance. New research published in Psychophysiology shows that as individuals work out, their attention gradually shifts from the activity around them to internal sensations. Over an extended period, this attention shift creates a sense of exertion. Listening to music while exercising can help shift focus away from the internal fatigue and back to the external world. Researchers from the UK’s Brunel University and University of London tested 19 healthy adults that performed two physical exertion tests while listening to either music or silence. The scientists monitored brain activity using EEG and measured task performance. While listening to music, participants showed both reduced fatigue and decreased stressrelated brainwaves. They also performed their tasks more effectively than they did when music wasn’t being played.

Acupressure Eases Fatigue in Cancer Survivors

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reast cancer survivors are often plagued by chronic fatigue that lasts long after their treatment is finished. They have few options to relieve the condition, but acupressure shows promise. A study published this summer in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that acupressure can significantly improve two symptoms of fatigue experienced by breast cancer survivors: sleep quality and quality of life. The researchers tested 424 women that had completed cancer treatments at least a year prior to the study. They were divided into three groups—one self-administered relaxing acupressure and another stimulating acupressure, while the control group followed a conventional care plan. After six weeks, fatigue was reduced from 70 percent to 43 percent among those receiving acupressure, with two-thirds of the women in the acupressure groups reaching levels of fatigue considered normal. The relaxing acupressure group showed substantial improvements in sleep quality compared with the conventional care group at week six, but the two groups reached parity at week 10. The relaxing acupressure group was the only one that showed improvements in quality of life, making it a reasonable, low-cost option for managing fatigue symptoms.

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globalbriefs FikMik/Shutterstock.com

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

Thanksgiving Lite

Turning the Tide for Turkeys Turkeys and Thanksgiving go together for 88 percent of Americans surveyed by the National Turkey Federation. Each year, more than 46 million turkeys provide the entrée for gatherings, yielding leftovers for sandwiches, stew, chili, casseroles and turkey burgers. In 2011, 736 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the U.S., while a few lucky birds avoided the chopping block. The pardoning of a White House turkey began in 1863 when President Lincoln’s son, Tad, interceded on behalf of the bird and its life was spared. Now a tradition, two dressed birds and one live turkey are delivered to the White House each year. The live bird is “pardoned” and lives out its life on a historical farm. At the Farm Sanctuary, turkeys get sponsored or adopted instead of eaten. “Turkeys are friendly and follow you around like puppy dogs. They’ll try to sit on your lap to be petted,” says Gene Baur, president and co-founder of the sanctuary’s New York and two California locations. “At our Celebration for the Turkeys, we feed them cranberries, pumpkin pie and squash. People visit to see them enjoy it. Guests’ snacks are vegan.” Hundreds of turkeys have been adopted and given a lifelong home since the program’s inception in 1986. More than 8,000 people pledged to sponsor a turkey living at the sanctuary in a recent year, proving it’s not necessary to be a president to pardon a turkey. photo courtesy of the Farm Sanctuary

Chemical Testing Consumer and Animal Protections Update

Source: FarmSanctuary.org/giving/adopt-a-turkey

Zoo Zapped

The 140-year-old zoo in Buenos Aires is shutting down to give the animals a better life. Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta agrees with activists that keeping wild animals in captivity and on display is degrading, so the zoo’s 2,500 animals will be moved to more suitable living environments in nature reserves around the country. Older animals and those too sick to be relocated will remain in their current home, but not displayed. The 45-acre zoo will be transformed into an eco-park to give children a place to learn how to take care of and relate with the different species. It also will provide refuge and rehabilitation for animals rescued from illegal trafficking. Source: Ecowatch.com

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. ~Maya Angelou 10

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Buenos Aires Moves Animals to Nature Reserves

The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act is a new federal law that restricts animal testing and requires regulators to develop technologybased alternatives. It updates the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, which insisted non-animal tests be used whenever possible and established a precedent for developing animal-free testing, including vitro and silico (computer simulation) methods. Earlier this year, the John Hopkins University School of Medicine made strides in removing the use of animals from medical training and cosmetic testing. Now all new chemicals will have to meet specific safety standards. Clothing, couches and cleaning products, among many other consumer goods, contain chemicals linked to cancer, Parkinson’s and other serious health problems, but are not routinely tested for safety. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will now have new authority to require testing with a legal mandate to review existing chemicals on the market. Along with updating rules for tens of thousands of everyday chemicals, the law specifically sets safety standards for dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, asbestos and styrene. It aims to standardize on the national level what is currently a jumble of state rules governing an $800-billion-ayear industry.

Carbon Dioxide Passes ClimateWarming Threshold Record carbon dioxide levels will surpass the symbolic threshold of 400 parts per million (ppm) this year and will likely never fall below it again in our lifetimes, according to a new study published recently in the journal Nature Climate Change. The findings highlight urgent concerns about global efforts to curb climate change as outlined in the Paris agreement negotiated last December and signed in April by nearly 170 nations. Carbon concentrations have passed the 400 ppm limit before, but never permanently. The authors state, “In the longer term, a reduction in CO2 concentration would require substantial and sustained cuts in anthropogenic [humanly influenced] emissions to near zero.” The determined safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a maximum of around 350 ppm, according to climate advocates. Source: Nature.com

Safer Citizens

Bleep Cheap

Quality Clothes are Planet-Friendly The temptation to buy inexpensive clothes whispers, “It’s smart to trend with the latest fad,” or “Disposable wear can be tossed if it gets stained,” or “I can wear this outfit only once for a special event.” The lure to buy future throwaways seems especially prevalent during the holiday season of gifting and gatherings. Consumers can fall into the cycle of buying from inexpensive chain stores, wearing items a few times and then discarding them during spring cleaning purges. According to The Atlantic magazine, Americans now buy five times as much clothing annually as they did in 1980, yet recycle or donate only 15 percent of it. They simply discard 10 million tons as waste, reports the Huffington Post. Conscious consumers consider the extended consequences of their purchases. The production and transporting of an average shirt, for example, can deliver about nine pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, reports Eve Andrews, culture editor for Grist.com. She offers five tips: buy less; shop smarter and only for what’s truly needed; look for durability and design that won’t fall apart or look dated in a few months; decrease frequency of laundering to increase the life of the garment; and donate what no longer works. Buying items that are durable, timeless and made under fair labor conditions from selected organic, resale and outlet stores that sell high-end clothing that lasts at reduced prices will save money over time and reduce resource abuse and waste. Five top outlet chains for superior and lasting value per a 2016 Consumer Reports readers survey are Bon Worth, L.L. Bean, Haggar, OshKosh B’gosh and Izod. Quality labels are welcomed by consignment stores, so the wearer can even retrieve some of the purchase price for gently-used classics. Giving used threads to thrift shops, churches, The Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries is another way to extend the life of items, help others and save landfill space. Another option is to cut up portions of clothing earmarked for disposal so they can live on as cleaning rags for home and vehicles.

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Stark Mark

ecotip

The German government has ruled to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, for shale gas in the country, but will allow test drilling in certain circumstances, reports Reuters. The industry has lobbied to continue fracking, which involves blasting chemicals and water into underground rock formations to release trapped gas, but strong opposition has persisted throughout the nation, with a powerful green lobby warning of possible risks to drinking water. Germany follows France and Bulgaria, which have already permanently banned fracking.

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Germany to Ban Fracking Permanently

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THE SENSITIVE CHILD How to Nurture altanaka/Shutterstock.com

Special Gifts by Maureen Healy

It is primarily parenting that decides whether the expression of sensitivity will be an advantage or a source of anxiety. ~Elaine Aron

ighly sensitive children need extra nurturing care so that they can learn to see their sensitivity as a strength and begin empowering themselves with tools to tap into their positive traits such as insight, creativity and empathy, while simultaneously learning how to manage their rich emotional lives. Elaine Aron, Ph.D., a practicing psychotherapist in Mill Valley, California, who studies sensitivity using functional magnetic resonance imaging, advises, “A highly sensitive child is among the 15 to 20 percent born with a nervous system that’s highly aware and quick to react to everything.” She offers a free online questionnaire to help assess a child’s level of sensitivity at HSPerson.com/test/ highly-sensitive-child-test. Highly sensitive children are incredibly responsive to their environments, from sounds and smells to the overall mood of people they encounter. Other indicators may range from a preference for quiet play to noticing details or asking many questions. With a sharpened sense of awareness, they are often gifted intellectually, creatively and emotionally, demonstrating genuine compassion early on.

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The downside is that these intensely perceptive children can also be easily overwhelmed by crowds, noises, new situations or sudden changes. Criticism, defeat and the distress of others deeply affect them. Parenting a highly sensitive child can be highly rewarding, but some parents find it exhausting. Special skills help in gracefully raising a healthy, happy and well-adjusted sensitive child without wearing ourselves out. Accept, rather than seek to change them. Embracing a child as being highly sensitive is step one. No one can change them into less sensitive, more traditional kids. Accept their specialness as part of the family’s shared journey. See it as a gift. It’s easy to get frustrated or angry with a child if they continually cry, withdraw and shy away from social situations. Instead of viewing these behaviors as flaws, see them as providing the child a special gift. Sensitivity often characterizes artists, innovators, prodigies and great thinkers. Partner up. Sensitive children respond far better to requests for desired behaviors when acting in partnership with the adults in their life. Harsh discipline can elicit emotional meltdowns

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and outbursts of energy in temper tantrums, crying or yelling. Partnering with a child includes learning to avoid their triggers and giving them ready tools to use when they feel overwhelmed, such as breathing exercises. Professional counselors can help shape the relationship. Focus on strengths. Remembering that a highly sensitive child may be incredibly talented is essential when they are acting out. Training ourselves to see a child’s strengths first—such as their incredible creativity, perceptiveness and keen intellect—helps us accept their challenges, such as being overwhelmed, highly emotional, introverted at times, shy, picky about clothes and other preferences, or overly active. Create calmness. It’s worth taking the time to create spaces that match a child’s sensibilities. Create a “peace corner” at home designed to deliver the serenity that highly sensitive children crave by using just the right lighting, colors, sounds and surroundings; elements might include headphones, favorite plush toys and coloring markers. Instill inner discipline. Establishing gentle structure and clear limits with respect goes a long way. Reasonable reminders of what’s needed now and why yield better results than shouting and warnings of consequences. Connect with peers. Like everyone else, highly sensitive children are drawn to other “birds of a feather”, and getting these kids together to nurture each other’s strengths is good. It may mean some extra effort by parents to help a child find kids that get along together and make play dates. A highly sensitive child can be steered in a helpful emotional direction by well-adjusted, happy and healthy sensitive adults. Sensitive children need especially good role models because they are learning how to use their incredible gifts in a world that sometimes doesn’t value their inherent worth. Maureen Healy, of Santa Barbara, CA, runs a mentoring program for highly sensitive children based on her social and emotional learning curriculum for K-8 students, child psychology training and current scientific research. She is the author of Growing Happy Kids and The Energetic Keys to Indigo Kids (HighlySensitiveKids.com).

communityspotlight

Skin by Amber Beauty Beyond the Surface by Brad Gower

gary. She performs a non-invaears ago, when Amber sive, relaxing European facial Fath was trying to figure she learned from a Hungarian out what exactly she esthetician, and spends much of wanted to do with her life, she her time staying up to date on contemplated the things that new techniques and developinspired her. ments in the world of beauty. “I knew I always wanted “Skin care is constantly to help people and express changing,” she says. “But there my creativity somehow,” Fath are also a lot of basic techrecalls. “From there I decided niques that have been around on esthetics.” for ages and still work. Every EsAfter years of training, first Amber Faith thetician is different and when at the New York Institute of Esthetics and then with the Physicians Care Alliance, Fath has providing a service, you make it your own.” A range of techniques allows Fath to customize put her roots down on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, where she practices her passion at Village – a business cooperative every facial she performs, providing each client with the care their skin needs. Focusing on the individual is what with a holistic bend that is also home to a doula, massage helps her to solve the skin problems that have stumped therapy, and yoga classes. clients who come to see her. “I have always loved the city of Buffalo,” she says. “My personal mission is to help every client that “And I love that the town is up and coming. It’s great to be comes through the door,” she says. “It’s not always easy a part of a community on the rise.” As an esthetician, Fath helps her clients look their best. getting to the bottom of certain skin conditions, but I will give my all to try. One of my strengths is never giving up.” But this has never meant that her expertise is simply at the Working on a personal level, Fath says it’s imsurface level. She has always cared deeply about the prodportant for her to take the time to answer questions ucts we put on our skin, or more importantly, what they’re and educate clients. Her goal is to help them find the made of. balance their own skin needs, often by leaving behind “Being an esthetician, I am able to study ingredients. common misconceptions. Since I started reading, I was looking at the backs of sham“I find a majority of people think ‘get rid of the oil poo bottles in every language, trying to figure out what they all were and did,” she recalls. “This was before the Internet, and my skin will clear up,’” she explains. “Control the oil and your skin will become balanced. Skin is always so information wasn’t as easily accessible.” changing, and you need to be aware of your condition and Because of her focus on the effectiveness and purity know how to treat it.” of ingredients, Fath has become known for organic and In the future, Fath hopes to teach esthetics, to pass holistic skincare that places heavy emphasis on the qualdown everything she’s learned since reading her first ity of product. She currently uses the ilike organic line of shampoo bottle as a child. Until then, she’s happy to conskincare products from Hungary to perform treatments on tinue educating clients one by one. conditions from acne to rosacea. “They say that if you love what you do, you won’t “Using fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices is like food have to work a day in your life,” she says. “I finally feel for your face,” she explains. “The more you use it, the betthat I have accomplished that working in this field.” ter it works.” Fath adds that conventional, over the counter products Location: 140 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo. For more informaoften have preservatives that alter active ingredients, and tion, call 716-560-0684, email SkinByAmberBuffalo@ are rarely effective in treating skin conditions. gmail.com, or visit SkinByAmber.com. See ad, page 9. The product isn’t all that Fath has imported from Hun-

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Festive Sips and Nibbles Vegan Holiday Treats that Everyone Loves by Judith Fertig

or those that like to eat plantbased meals most of the time, the holidays can present a challenge. Social occasions from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day abound, including multi-course dinners and potlucks; treetrimming and baking parties; neighborly hospitality; nibbling on treats while wrapping gifts; and gathering to watch a holiday movie. Because so much is happening in such a short period of time, people often revert to serving traditional foods such as Aunt Mary’s cheese ball or Grandma Daisy’s three-layer chocolate bars. These vintage recipes, however, can be laden with processed ingredients. Foods that signaled holiday cheer ages ago need a tweak or two to satisfy

today’s health-minded friends and family members. With traditional flavors of the season like aromatic spices, fresh rosemary and chocolate, plus a plantbased philosophy, family favorites can get a new twist. Natural Awakenings asked cookbook authors, chefs and bloggers from around the country to help us celebrate wonderful holiday moments, big and small. Adding a plant-based nibble or sip not only helps party hosts stay on track, it also helps keep guests from over-indulging, so that everyone ends up enjoying themselves even more. Judith Fertig writes cookbooks and foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic and non-GMO (genetically modified) ingredients whenever possible.

photo by Stephen Blancett

Tasty Holiday Recipes

consciouseating

Spiced Pepitas These crunchy pumpkin seeds are lemony, salty, spicy and zesty, all at the same time. A handful of these toasted tidbits whets the appetite. Yields: 2 cups 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest 1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cumin 1 /2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 /2 tsp ground coriander 1 /2 tsp ancho chile powder 1 /2 tsp cayenne pepper 1 /4 tsp garlic powder 1 /4 tsp sugar (optional) Preheat the oven to 375° F. In a medium bowl, toss together the pumpkin seeds, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, cumin, pepper, coriander, chile powder, cayenne and garlic powder. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and shake to redistribute the seeds, and then bake for another 3 minutes. Pull it out to shake the pan again. Then finish baking for 1 to 2 minutes or until the pumpkin seeds are crispy and golden without burning them. Transfer to a cool baking sheet and cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Courtesy of Sandra A. Gutierrez, SandrasKitchenStudio.com; author of Empanadas: The Hand-Held Pies of Latin America.

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Truffle Spiced Popcorn This wicked, fresh, piping-hot popcorn is kissed with a simple blend of rosemary, onion and truffle oil. Yields: 9 cups 2 /2 Tbsp grapeseed oil A bit less than 1/2 cup popcorn kernels 1 Tbsp truffle oil 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast 1 /2 Tbsp onion granules 1 /2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced Sea salt to taste 1

On medium heat, warm the oil in a large saucepan with a lid. Remove from the stove and add all

kernels in an even layer on the bottom of the pan.

onion granules, minced rosemary and sea salt. Shake and mix well before serving.

Cover for 20 seconds to allow all the kernels to become coated and reach equal temperature so they all pop at once.

Courtesy of Chad and Derek Sarno, WickedHealthyFood.com; Chad is co-author of Crazy Sexy Kitchen: 150 Plant-Empowered Recipes to Ignite a Mouthwatering Revolution.

Place the covered pan back on the heat and shake it while itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the burner. The kernels will slowly begin to pop; once they start, crack the lid slightly to let out a bit of steam. Continue shaking the pan over heat until the popping stops. Remove from the stovetop immediately and pour all popcorn into a large bowl. Drizzle with truffle oil, nutritional yeast,

Beer-Miso-Sriracha Roasted Chickpeas Any favorite beer will work. Yields: 2 to 4 servings 1 (151/2 oz) can chickpeas or garbanzo beans, drained and set aside 1 Tbsp sriracha 1 Tbsp organic miso paste (any color) 1 /3 bottle of beer Black and white sesame seeds Dried chili to taste Smoked salt for garnish to taste Preheat the oven to 375Â° F. Whisk wet ingredients until mixed well. Toss mixture with chickpeas.

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November 2016

consciouseating

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1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract Dash Himalayan pink salt

Place mixture on baking pan and roast for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking and stirring periodically until mixture is evaporated and chickpeas begin to get color; beware of burning.

For the pistachio milk, soak the nuts overnight in a bowl of water.

Garnish with sesame seeds and dried chili, maybe a little smoked salt.

Rinse before placing them into a highspeed blender with the 2 cups of water. Blend until the mixture is completely puréed and milky.

Courtesy of Chad and Derek Sarno, WickedHealthyFood.com; Derek is the former global executive chef for Whole Foods Market.

Strain mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth; then add the nut milk back into the blender.

Frothy Hot Chocolate with Pistachio Milk

Add all other ingredients and blend at a high speed until thick.

Cozy up and indulge in this thick, creamy and rich hot chocolate made with whole food ingredients. Yields: 2 servings Pistachio Milk 1 /2 cup raw shelled pistachios 2 cups filtered water

Cocoa /2 to 3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa or cacao powder 1 /4 to 1/2 cup date paste 1

Note: If using a regular, slower blender, re-warm the hot chocolate on the stove top. It may not be as thick and frothy but will taste good. Courtesy of Sophia DeSantis, who blogs her recipes at VeggiesDontBite.com.

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November 2016

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workplace mindfulness programs have stripped the techniques to a secular form more appealing to skeptics or adherents of other religions. The key practice—simply known as “sitting” or meditation—involves focusing our attention on our thoughts, breathing, emotions or bodily sensations for a set time period, while the term mindfulness refers to the ability to be aware of the present moment, whether meditating or in a business meeting. While Fortune 500 companies like Procter & Gamble, Aetna and General Mills have instituted formal mindfulness programs, Michael Carroll, meditation teacher, executive coach and the author of Awake at Work, says that the mindfulness revolution has been largely seeded from the ground up. It’s emerged through people exploring the practices in their personal lives, and then bringing them to work.

WORKPLACE WISDOM Mindfulness in Corporate Life by April Thompson

he workplace can be filled with stress, egos and distractions that challenge the productive and happy atmosphere we desire. Both employees and employers are adopting mindfulness to help cope and transform both themselves and their work environment. Rooted in Eastern philosophies like Buddhism, most

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Personal and Professional Benefits

Jacqueline Gallo, operational excellence manager for Whitcraft Group, a manufacturing plant in Eastford, Connecticut, discovered meditation 12 years ago while seeking solace during a traumatic time. Today, Gallo does three short sits a week and occasionally participates in 10-day retreats. Whitcraft doesn’t offer meditation to employees, but Gallo says mindfulness enables her to be available to her staff and solve problems without getting “swept off my feet so easily by all the desires, agendas and emotions confronted at work.” Carroll cautions that it’s not about trying to eliminate our own or others’ emotional agendas or personal biases at work; rather, individuals use mindfulness to become more conscious of and relaxed about them. “Meditation helps develop agility in viewing… to self-regulate, drop fixed mindsets, become self-aware,” explains Carroll, who has coached university presidents, CEOs and nonprofit executives in mindful leadership techniques. “You learn things from a competitor’s perspective or pick up on social cues you may miss if you instead had a fixed lens on a situation.”

Corporate Acceptance

While meditation may be on the upswing in the workplace, it was a battle to legitimize it, according to Tara Healey, program director for mindfulness-based learning at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC). A longtime meditation practitioner, Healey started the Mind the Moment program a decade ago while serving as an organizational capacity building consultant. Surveys had shown that employees were overwhelmed and dissatisfied, but lacked the skills to rectify their situation. “The leadership said, ‘Great, let’s do it, but not tell anyone,’” relates Healey. She notes that meditation, a core component of her multifaceted mindfulness course covering everything from workplace stress to mindful listening, wasn’t accepted in the workplace at that point. Today, 30 percent of her company’s 1,050 employees have completed a six-week class introducing them to the power of mindfulness; some go on to participate in a guided monthly group meditation practice or use company meditation rooms for individual practice. The health services company also offers the course to its member companies throughout New England. To date, more than 12,350 people in 174 companies have participated, encompassing varied fields from higher education and health to finance and technology. A survey of employees showed that initially 99 percent felt it was a good use of their time; another taken six months later found that 87 percent were still using the techniques. HPHC informatics analyst Stephanie Oddleifson, who took the course nearly 10 years ago, says it transformed her way of thinking and behaving in the workplace and furnished a set of practices she uses every day. In times of conflict, “I was so quick to make up stories in my head and jump to conclusions previously,” she says. “Now I’m able to pause before responding and observe my thoughts without getting caught up in them. I can diffuse tense situations with humor and not take things personally.” Additional research substantiates the anecdotal evidence for meditation’s workplace benefits. In 2015, scientists from Canada’s University of British Columbia and Germany’s Chemnitz University of Technology compiled data from 20-plus neurology studies, finding significant correlations between meditation and areas of the brain related to capacities for self-regulation, introspection and complex thinking. A Rice University study specifically found a positive relationship between workplace mindfulness, job performance and employee retention. While workplace mindfulness programs vary and may incorporate helpful talks, encouraging readings and group discussions, Healey and Carroll both caution that reading or talking about mindfulness or meditation is no substitute for the practice itself, which many find challenging. “You won’t taste the benefits just reading about it,” remarks Healey. “The practice will come into play come showtime.”

Shawn Cichowski on Mindfulness at Work

ocal life coach and certified meditation instructor Shawn Cichowski teaches mindfulness and meditation classes at her Western New York Life Coaching Center. She also assists Western New York businesses in bringing mindfulness to the workplace. How are you involved in bringing mindfulness to the workplace in Western New York? I currently deliver on-site wellness coaching to several local companies. I apply a mindfulness-based coaching approach to improve employees’ overall health and well being, promote engagement, improve safety and injury prevention, and reduce lifestyle behavioral risks. Additionally, I offer mindfulness breath work and meditation classes on site to local companies. What are some unique challenges Western New York faces in being more mindful at work? Stress and depleted energy levels are the biggest challenges most companies and employees face. Stress, if not managed well, can have a negative impact on all levels organizationally, right down to an employee’s health. Mindful stress-management practices help increase awareness for stressors, and encourage healthy techniques to balance demands and self care. What are some simple techniques or bits of advice you would give for people to be more mindful at work? Tap into your breath. We take over 20,000 breaths a day. How many do you pay attention to? For most, not many. This simple practice of tuning inward and focusing on your breath allows you come off autopilot. Breath is the essence of meditation and a powerful tool for self-regulation, stress reduction and a simple way to remain mindful at work. WNY Life Coaching Center is located at 5500 Main St., Ste. 313, Williamsville. For more information, call 716-5606552, email WNYLifeCoaching@gmail.com, or visit WNYLifeCoaching.com. See ad, page 8.

Connect with April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com. natural awakenings

November 2016

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STAY SHARP Powerful Ways to Avoid Mental Decline by Lisa Marshall

slow descent into dementia seemed inevitable for a 66-yearold man that had been misplacing his keys, missing appointments and struggling at work. He failed doctor-administered cognitive quizzes and tested positive for a gene variant linked to an exponentially higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A brain scan revealed scattered clusters of sticky, amyloid plaque—a hallmark of the disease. His hippocampus, or memory center, had shrunk to rank in the lowest 17 percent of men his age. Told there wasn’t much that could be done, he sought the help of University of California, Los Angeles Alzheimer’s researcher Dale Bredesen, a neurologist and founding president of the independent Buck Institute for Research on Aging. He recommended a personalized, 36-point plan, including a high-fat/low-carb diet, intermittent

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fasting, strict sleep schedule, select dietary supplements and other lifestyle changes. Within three months, family members reported marked improvements in his memory. At 10 months, brain scans revealed his hippocampus had grown 12 percent. “Such improvements are unprecedented,” says Bredesen, who described this and nine other hopeful cases in a provocative paper published in June in the journal Aging. “These are the first examples of a reversal of cognitive decline in pre- and early Alzheimer’s patients.”

Addressing the Sources

Bredesen is among a small but growing group of researchers, physicians, caregivers and patients challenging the conventional wisdom that the road to dementia goes one way, with no cure or repair of damage done. They argue that the key to both prevention and reversal,

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at least in early stages, is to pinpoint its numerous drivers—from nutritional and hormonal deficiencies and exposure to infection to environmental toxins and harmful drugs—and attack them simultaneously. It’s a stark departure from the classic, often unsuccessful, one-pill treatment approach. Of the 244 clinical trials for Alzheimer’s drugs between 2002 and 2012, all but one failed. “Imagine having a roof with 36 holes in it, and your drug patched one hole. You still have 35 leaks,” says Bredesen, who believes his synergistic approach—the Bredesen Protocol—can likely make Alzheimer’s drugs work better or render them unnecessary. Skeptical colleagues point out that Bredesen’s paper described only 10 case studies, not a clinical trial. “It is intriguing, but not enough to make recommendations to physicians or patients,” says Keith Fargo, Ph.D., director of scientific programs and outreach for the Chicagobased Alzheimer’s Association. “The current consensus in the scientific community is that we do not have a way to reverse dementia.” While agreeing that a larger study is needed, Neurologist David Perlmutter, of Naples, Florida, whose bestsellers Brain Maker and Grain Brain promote nutritional changes for supporting brain health, considers Bredesen’s study revolutionary. “To reverse Alzheimer’s in one patient is monumental, much less 10,” says Perlmutter. They recently presented together at a conference organized by Sharp Again Naturally, a New York nonprofit that educates patients and caregivers about natural means of slowing and reversing cognitive decline. After losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, the nonprofit’s co-founder, Jacqui Bishop, 74, stopped her own frightening decline by changing her diet and getting her thyroid hormone levels under control via supplements. Now she’s helping others do the same. She says, “We are trying to change the conversation from one of despair to one of hope.”

Mending Body and Brain

Key to Bredesen’s approach is the notion that instead of being one disease, Alzheimer’s consists of three sub-types with distinct drivers: inflammation or

infection; harmful environmental exposures; and/or lack of neuron-nurturing hormones. To determine which one to target, he tests patients for blood-sugar, inflammation and hormone levels, heavy metals and critical nutrients such as D and B vitamins. Then he crafts a personalized plan. He notes that the 10 years it can take to progress from subtle decline to full-blown Alzheimer’s provides a huge opportunity. “Ideally, we want people to come in when they have mild impairment or are asymptomatic,” says Bredesen, advising that tests be done for the APOE4, or “Alzheimer’s gene” in one’s 40s. “People have not wanted to know in the past because they’ve been told there is nothing they can do about it. We completely disagree.” One way to stay cognitively sharp is to eat fewer carbs (which boost blood sugar) and eat more fat, says Perlmutter. “There is a clear relationship between elevated levels of blood sugar and increased risk of Alzheimer’s.” One study, published in 2013 in the New England Journal of Medicine, tracked 2,067 healthy adults for seven years and found that the higher their average glucose level, even if they weren’t diabetic, the more likely they were to develop dementia. For instance, those with a level of 115 milligrams per deciliter were 18 percent more at risk than those measuring 100 milligrams per deciliter. A 2012 study published in Neurology followed 266 adults for four years and found that those with higher blood sugar saw certain areas of the brain shrink 6 to 10 percent more than those with lower blood sugar. Gluten can also be problematic, advises Perlmutter, when it’s inflammatory and driving brain degeneration. In contrast, good fat, like that in avocados, fatty fish, coconut oil and walnuts, serves as a foundation for neurons and an efficient, clean-burning fuel source for the brain. This is particularly helpful in someone with early-stage Alzheimer’s, says Bredesen, because the disease can make it harder for the brain to use sugar for fuel. In some cases, both doctors recom-

mend an extremely low-carb, or “ketogenic” diet (fewer than 60 grams of carbs per day). Starved of carbohydrates, the liver produces fat-like compounds called ketones, a brain-fuel source shown to stimulate growth of new neural networks. Bredesen also recommends 12 hours of fasting each night, with zero food intake within three hours of going to sleep. Fasting promotes a process called autophagy, by which the brain essentially cleans itself of damaged cellular material. Eight hours of sleep is also vital. According to University of Rochester research, the space between brain cells opens up during sleep, allowing cleansing channels of fluid to flow more freely. “If you were operating your house 24/7 with no time to rest or clean, it would be disastrous,” says Bredesen. “The same is true of your brain.” Also, they say, keep teeth clean because bacterial infections, including those in the gums, have been shown to hasten formation of neuron-killing plaque. Also critically examine the prescription drugs being ingested. A recent study of 74,000 people published in JAMA Neurology found that regular use of heartburn drugs like Prilosec and Nexium increased dementia risk by 42 to 52 percent. Meanwhile, anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl and statin drugs prescribed to manage cholesterol have also been linked to increased dementia. “We see ‘statin brain’ all the time,” observes Perlmutter, who says once patients go off the drugs, they tend to get better.

False Hope or Sound Advice

Fargo says researchers are keenly interested in many of the ideas in Bredesen’s paper. Although it’s too early to endorse them, numerous studies are underway. But he wonders if some patients that assert that they’ve reversed dementia actually suffered from something else, like sleep apnea or depression. Bredesen stands by his research, asserting that the 10 patients in his paper had all been formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or its precursors. One

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Lifestyle changes can prevent and slow cognitive decline. Some say they also reverse it.

Get-Smart Supplements Curcumin: This potent constituent in turmeric (the yellow spice that gives curry its flavor) has been shown to combat many of the problems that contribute to brain degeneration, including inflammation, free radical damage and high blood sugar. It also boosts growth of new brain cells. Take 500 milligrams (mg) twice daily or eat a diet rich in curry. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): This omega-3 fatty acid serves as a key building block for brain cell membranes. Take 1,000 mg daily (derived from fish oil or algae) or eat lots of fatty fish. Coconut oil: It’s rich in mediumchain triglycerides, an efficient, cleanburning fuel source for the brain. Take one or two teaspoons daily. Probiotics: These help fortify the intestinal lining, reducing the gut permeability and inflammation that can impact cognitive health. They also support production of key neurotransmitters and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor brain growth hormone. Look for supplements or foods containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium longum. B vitamins: High levels of the amino acid homocysteine have long been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease; have levels checked and if they’re elevated, B6 and B12 can reduce them. Source: David Perlmutter

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Resources Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org Buck Institute for Research on Aging, BuckInstitute.org David Perlmutter, DrPerlmutter.com MPI Cognition, MPICognition.com Sharp Again Naturally, SharpAgain.org 69-year-old entrepreneur that was planning to close his business after 11 years of mental decline is now expanding it. A 49-year-old woman that scored poorly on neuropsychological tests showed no signs of cognitive decline when she was tested again nine months later. In all, more than 100 people have participated in the program. “We have people that are fourand-a-half years out and doing very well,” he says, noting that such strategies aren’t likely to work for someone with advanced Alzheimer’s. In some cases, the results may be more subtle, but for those caring for a sick loved one, any positive progress means a lot. Paul Tramontozzi knows. After his father, then 75, was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, the New York City financial advisor attended a Sharp Again Naturally meeting seeking advice. “I was skeptical, but when the answer you get from everyone else is, ‘There’s nothing you can do,’ you become more willing to listen.” He took his father off his cholesterol medication, fed him spoonfuls of coconut oil daily and put him on a specific supplement regimen. His balance improved and he could participate in family outings again. “If you had told me a few years ago we’d be able to take Dad to a restaurant for his 80th birthday, I would have said, ‘No way.’ But we did.” Tramontozzi says his father isn’t cured, but the advice he obtained facilitated more time together and insights on how to avoid a similar fate. “These are all things a healthy 37-year-old should be doing right now anyway. I just wish we’d found out earlier.” Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com. 22

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practitionerspotlight

Theresa Pawlowski A Call to Counsel by Brad Gower

symptoms and contribute s a licensed clinito mental health disorcal social worker ders such as anxiety and and mental health depression,” she says. counselor, Theresa Paw“I also use mind body lowski has worked with awareness, how our a diverse population – thoughts can manifest young and old, individuor contribute to physical als and families, domestic symptoms, which can violence victims, and the repeat the cycle of mood chronically mentally ill. changes.” When reflecting on In fact, Pawlowski sees her 20 years of expericlients at Seneca Springs, ence in the field, she Theresa Pawlowski a West Seneca practice resists the idea of putting that also provides acuclients into classified puncture, chiropractic, and massage groups, and points to her own unique therapy. It’s a perfect location for her life experience as what led her into the whole-self approach to mental health. mental health field. “Everyone works as a team,” “Everyone is unique,” Pawlowski she says. says. “Most of us need a little guidance Pawlowski says the reward in her in our lives. My mom passed away work comes when clients turn her when I was 20 years old and I sought counseling into progress, as she puts it, counseling for the grief. My first degree “realizing their own potential, develwas in graphic arts, and I eventually oping confidence and self-esteem, realized I needed to help others and not learning the tools they need to cope sit in front of a computer all day.” with their lives.” She provides inspiraHelping others is what continues tion using her own education and life to drive Pawlowski today. Working with experiences, both ongoing works in a variety of mental health disorders progress themselves. including anxiety, depression, bipolar “I continually strive to learn by disorder, trauma, and schizophrenia, reading and attending seminars and she starts by providing a source of comworkshops,” she says. Future plans passion and understanding. include forming support groups and “Often, individuals and families running workshops of her own. Neveraffected by mental illness are misundertheless, mental health is a balance, and stood and still feel stigmatized, which Pawlowski believes even a relentless can cause an avoidance of seeking desire to help others calls for the ochelp,” Pawlowski explains. casional break. Pawlowski uses a variety of ap“Take care of yourself,” she advisproaches including traditional talk es. “Take time for yourself, take a walk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, in nature, and take those vacations.” and relaxation techniques. She also believes in the power of teaching her Location: 3648 Seneca Street, West clients about their condition, and continues to educate herself beyond the Seneca. For more information, call 716-472-0829 or visit SenecaSprings scope of traditional psychology. Wellness.com or Facebook.com/ “I have studied nutrition, and how theresalcsw. See ad, page 34. certain foods and poor diet can mimic

Be thankful for

what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. ~Oprah Winfrey

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November 2016

One-Person Pamper Party Natural Ways to Refresh and Renew by April Thompson

ampering ourselves isn’t a luxury so much as a necessity to refresh and renew mind, body and spirit.

A Spa Specialty

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. ~Aesop

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Spas have been synonymous with pampering throughout the ages. “Every civilization around the world has had some kind of communal gathering place for people to practice ‘self-healing’,” says Jeremy McCarthy, group director of Spa & Wellness for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and author of The Psychology of Spas & Wellbeing. From ancient Greek bathhouses to Japan’s beloved natural hot springs, spas have long served as sacred places of healing and restoration. Indeed, many treatments provided at today’s eco-spas draw inspiration from traditional uses of herbs, honey and olive oil to care for skin and hair. Locally, natural spas’ pampering services may range from botanically based facials and mud masks to herbal body wraps and hot stone massage. Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certified spas take extra strides toward sustainability through efficient use of renewable energy, green building materials and sound stewardship of resources. “Spas are more important to people today than ever,” says McCarthy. “In the modern age, we all need places to escape from technology, experience

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moments of quiet contemplation and feel the touch of another human being.” He recently launched a new Digital Detox initiative at Mandarin Oriental hotels, where guests are encouraged to surrender their phones upon arrival at the spa to curtail online distractions. In spa relaxation rooms, they can instead access mindfulness activities such as journaling, note card writing, meditation or simply enjoying the silence.

More Pampering Spots

While busy people tend to put off selfcare, there are treats to suit any schedule or budget—from getting a quick manicure or pedicure at a neighborhood eco-nail salon to visiting a yoga or wellness center. “I build pampering into my week. If you don’t make time for you, who will?” asks Melanie Laporte, a makeup artist and freelance writer in Washington, D.C. “When your significant other or family members see you taking care of yourself, they’ll honor your time more. I remember Mom taking power baths and telling us, ‘This is my time. I’ll be back in 30 minutes and then we can read together.’ We respected that.” For a quick, healthy pick-me-up, visit an organic juice bar. Opt for businesses that feature fresh, whole ingredients rather than pre-mixed powders or sugar-laden juices; to give the immune system an extra lift, add a natural

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greenliving

booster shot of ginger or turmeric. Most grocery stores now carry cold-pressed juices that can pack as much as six pounds of produce into a single bottle. An honored ritual that continues to restore spent spirits is drinking a cup of tea. Whether sipped at home, as a British high tea featuring an organic Earl Grey or as part of a traditional Japanese green tea ceremony steeped in Zen, tea time allows us to slow down and savor the moment along with the aromas in our cup. Also, antioxidantrich tea is fortifying. Salt room visits, another healthy pleasure that has spread throughout the U.S., dates back 150 years to an indigenous Polish practice. Research indicates that salt therapy, or halotherapy, can help improve conditions such as asthma and allergies and support the immune, nervous and lymphatic systems

(see Tinyurl.com/SaltRoomPampering). Universally restful salt rooms also offer a unique sensory experience. Another highly accessible way to treat body and mind is to move in a joyful way. Consider taking up a playful new class for de-stressing and stretching such as trapeze yoga, conscious dance or any other dance. Aerial yoga, using suspended trapeze-like supports, helps lengthen the spine and strengthen muscles in ways not easily achieved on the ground. Dance delivers health and fitness bonuses in the midst of having fun. If we’re not in the habit of pampering ourselves, it’s time to stretch our beliefs about what we deserve. We’ll find bliss is an attainable luxury. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

Make Home a Spa Zone by April Thompson etween professional spa visits, a do-it-yourself spa day at home can be a rewarding and economical treat. “You can create a full day of home spa treatments using ingredients most people have in their kitchen,” advises Lise Andersen, an expert in nature-based cosmetics from Copenhagen, Denmark, and the owner of LisaLise. com, offering custom skin and hair care products, individualized formulations and beginner-friendly DIY kits. One of Andersen’s home skincare favorites is simple raw honey, used as a cleanser and face mask. “You can use it alone or in conjunction with an added ingredient like almond meal or ground oats. It rinses off beautifully and both softens and cleanses,” she says. A “facial tea” made with herbs like chamomile, lavender and elder blossom is another of the Scandinavian’s at-home favorites. Simply boil water and pour it into a bowl with a handful of herbs, drape a towel over the head,

embracing the face and breathe deeply. “It smells wonderful while opening the pores and hydrating the skin,” Andersen says. Dry brushing with a mitt made with a natural fiber like sisal or jute serves as a quick, everyday pick-me-up. It stimulates and exfoliates the body and helps boost circulation. For beautiful cuticles, Andersen suggests a handmade scrub made from raw brown sugar or Himalayan salt combined with a carrier oil like almond or grapeseed. It exfoliates and hydrates, leaving hands feeling silky smooth. To get the most out of a home spa day, prep materials in advance and let family members know that it requires absolute solitude. Complete the spalike atmosphere with relaxing music and naturally scented beeswax candles. Poznyakov/Shutterstock.com

Visit Tinyurl.com/Lisa-Lise-Blog for more home spa treatment tips.

A Western New York Pamper Party

he abundance of green businesses in Western New York makes planning a local pamper party a breeze. A day full of self care might start with an appointment at a natural spa like Skin by Amber (SkinByAmber. com) in Buffalo, Body Be Well Solutions in North Tonawanda (Body BeWellSolutions.com) or Harisa Ayurvedic Wellness Center (Harisa.co) in Amherst. If you’re in Williamsville, try Tres Aurae Spa (SpaBuffalo.com), Body Essential Holistic Wellness Center (TheBodyEssential.net) or Green Spa Village Holistics (GreenSpa Holistics.com). Try a botanical-based facial, mud mask, herbal body wrap, or hot stone massage depending on where you end up. Next comes an eco-friendly mani- or pedicure at Tres Aurae Spa or Dragonfly Studio and Salon (DragonflyStudioSalon.com) in Williamsville. After that, set your sights on a relaxing yoga class at Rising Sun Yoga (RisingSunYoga.com) in Williamsville, the Himalayan Institute (HIBuffalo. org) in Buffalo, or at one of the two locations of Osteopathic Wellness Medicine of WNY (WnyOsteo Wellness.com). By now, you’ll probably be in the mood to kick back with a healthy beverage. For fresh juice, try Askhers (AshkersBuffalo.com) or Squeeze Juicery (SqueezeJuiceryBuffalo.com), both with multiple locations. If you’re in Lewiston, stop by 700 Center Street (700CenterStreet.com), and if an alcoholic beverage is more your thing, stick to a bottle of organic wine from Addy’s or Lexi’s Fine Wine and Spirits (AmherstWine.com). Other ideas might include a cup of herbal tea and a good book at one of WNY’s many cozy cafes, a walk through the park, or taking in some relaxing, therapeutic music at a concert like those at Trinity Church (TrinityBuffalo.org).

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November 2016

fitbody

chemistry in their brains, boosting confidence on many levels. Pilates is recognized as a highly effective way to improve posture.

Pilates Unbound New Fusions with Yoga, Dance and Boxing by Aimee Hughes

ith 11,000 studios across the U.S., “Pilates continues to grow because an increasingly wide spectrum of people are discovering how it can benefit them,” says Elizabeth Anderson, executive director of the Pilates Method Alliance, in Miami. Pilates instructor Amanda January, who works at The Carriage Club, in Kansas City, eventually became an instructor because, “I love the challenge of it. I had always been a dancer, and found Pilates provides the movement therapy that my dance classes lack.” Current trends are combining Pilates not only with yoga, but also dance and even boxing. “My favorite fusion Pilates class is barre,” says Halley Willcox, a certified Pilates teacher originally from Austin, Texas, now a grad student at the University of Arizona, in Tucson. Barre classes mix classical ballet exercises with yoga and Pilates (see Tinyurl.com/Barre4Fitness). The boxing variation, called piloxing, incorporates pugilistic moves and

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barefoot interval training. “No prior experience is necessary; the possibilities are endless,” comments Willcox. Anderson believes, “The growth we’re observing is due to the fact that Pilates addresses fitness across the entire body, rather than parts. It creates a wonderful feeling of overall well-being; the exercise is done in a balanced manner on all planes and is coordinated with conscious breathing. Plus, it doesn’t cause injuries, it prevents them.”

Fosters Self-Confidence

“Through focus and breath awareness, Pilates, not unlike meditation and yoga, helps you become more aware of your body, which makes you more comfortable in your own skin,” says January. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy’s TED talk, “Change Your Posture, Grow Your Confidence, Follow Your Dreams,” shares the results of her Harvard University research, which demonstrates how people that assume what she calls “power postures” actually change the

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Helps Coordination and Rehabilitation Many dancers and professional athletes access the therapeutic qualities of Pilates to help them recover from injuries and enhance balance and coordination. Anderson remarks, “With a qualified teacher, Pilates can be applied as a post-rehabilitation modality once postsurgery physical therapy is completed, to further strengthen the body. Elite athletes such as professional dancers, baseball and football players, ice skaters and equestrians are also finding ways that Pilates can strengthen and assist them with their performances, wellbeing and injury prevention.” One of the ways that Pilates helps is by affecting body fascia. “Muscles work together, not individually, within the fascia, and the best way to change the muscle is through resistance,” says January. “It’s why Pilates uses spring tension, resistance bands and even jumping. Pilates improves balance and coordination because all the muscles work together. The entire body is learning how to dance in unison with itself.”

Boosts Immunity “The more I committed to a regular Pilates practice, the more I noticed I wasn’t getting sick as often,” says January. “Pilates helps boost the immune system through reducing stress, a well-known contributor to disease. It’s accessible to people of all ages. You don’t have to be flexible or strong to begin, just willing.” She offers this advice to beginners. “Check out all the local studios to see what they offer. It’s best to start out taking classes twice a week with a certified teacher for two to three months. That’s easy to commit to. Then you can see if Pilates is right for you.” Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy on the faculty of the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@gmail.com.

Fusion Pilates in Western New York

ocal Pilates studios are offering fusion Pilates classes here in Western New York:

Barre Centric 1526 Main St., Buffalo and 8075 Main St., Clarence 716-276-8349 BarreCentric.com Offers barre classes and classes fusing ballet, Pilates, yoga and other fitness principles.

Barre Fitness and Beyond 1599 Hertel Ave., Buffalo 716-833-2322 BarreFitnessAndBeyond.com Offers barre classes.

Long + Lean Pilates 515 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo 716-881-2057 LongAndLeanPilates.com Offers fusion, jumpboard, and reformer classes (fusion of Pilates and stretching).

The Pilates Loft 166 Allen St., Buffalo 716-866-8200 ThePilatesLoftBuffalo.com Offers Elkins method (dance-related stretching, presentation, balance, and foot articulation) and suspension Pilates classes (fusion of TRX and mat Pilates).

Stretch Pilates 1127 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville 716-626-7484 StretchWny.com Offers group Pilates equipment classes fused with floor core work.

Symmetry Pilates Studio 6179 West Quaker St., Orchard Park 716-662-6674 SymmetryOp.com Offers barre classes.

natural awakenings

November 2016

GROW Your Business

Boarding Solutions for Beloved Pets

Secure this special placement! Foradmore information about advertising Contact us for andinformation. how you more

The Best are Pet, People and Planet Friendly

can participate in

by Sandra Murphy

Natural Awakenings of Buffalo, NY, call

716-909-7805

he holidays bring buffet feasts, ribboned gifts, stockings of goodies, ornaments and tinsel that to animals all look good enough to eat. Pets can get into trouble, especially if they’re away from home. Boarding may be the best alternative when the family travels for holidays.

Take a Tour

Brad Nierenberg blogs about dogs at PawsitivelyBradleyNierenberg.com, from Wilmington, Delaware. He relates an experience when friends watched Bitsy, his Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and she escaped out the front door. Fortunately, a neighbor found her. Afterward, he says, “I asked other dog-crazy owners which kennel they’d recommend.” Kennels used to be an indoor cage with a dog door to a fenced run area outside. Dogs could see each other, but not play together. Well-heeled facilities offered fancy amenities, geared more 28

Buffalo, NY

BuffaloAwakenings.com

to impress the owner than comfort the pet and were generally bereft of enriching experiences. “Pets are living, breathing, loving creatures, and boarding facilities not yet up to speed need to catch up to how people feel about pets today,” says Charlotte Biggs, COO of the nonprofit International Boarding and Pet Service Association, near Austin, Texas. It helps its members create safe, responsible pet care facilities by including holistic, positive and green practices in their safety and training manuals. Susan Briggs, co-founder of the independent Professional Animal Care Certification Council for the pet care industry, in Houston, advises, “Take a tour. Kennels should be clean and organized. You should feel comfortable with the staff.” “Do the employees talk about your pet like you’re bringing the car in for an oil change? If it’s ignored in favor

photo courtesy of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotels

naturalpet

photo courtesy of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotels

of paperwork, maybe you should keep looking,” says Josh Brown, owner of Far North Kennel, in Anchorage, Alaska. “You want to go where the staff bends down and lets your pet come to them. It should be obvious your dog’s going to get positive human interaction. When you walk out after touring the facility, you should feel better about boarding than when you walked in.”

Ask Questions

Costs vary, so ask what’s included in the basic fee, such as group play, treats, administered meds, special bedding and feeding the same food as at home. The pet also should be able to have their bed, toys and favorite things with them. Also be clear about medications, health or mobility issues and special bedding or grooming preferences. An apparent bargain can be either less than expected or more expensive once all costs are totaled. “Ask if titers are accepted in lieu of current vaccinations, and don’t feel pressured to over-vaccinate,” advises Briggs, who explains that titers assess levels of immunity from previous vaccinations. She also suggests asking about the facility’s emergency plan, including evacuation. The more information everyone has, the better the pet’s stay will be. Socialized dogs or cats should be able to enjoy group playtime or a communal catio (enclosed indoor/outdoor space for felines); others would rather watch from afar. Stays should be individualized, not uniform. Facility owners suggest first booking a day visit and then an overnight as a test.

Before booking, also ask about unseen factors. Josh Parker, co-founder of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotels, in Fanwood and other New Jersey locations, recommends that boarding clients look for features such as ecofriendly cleaning products; air purifiers and ventilation systems to prevent spreading of germs; a floor plan that reduces stress by limiting views of other animals; lighting that dims at night for restful sleep; a good ratio of staff to pets that allows employees to spend time with nervous boarders, spot any signs of illness or distress early on and intervene if quarrels arise; and availability of an on-call veterinarian with access to the family vet or nearest emergency facility. Leave a medical directive explaining what should be done if an owner can’t be reached. Flooring at better resorts is antibacterial. Outdoors, artificial grass made of recycled products is soft on paws, drains better than grass and is easier to clean. It’s eco-friendly because it requires no watering, mowing or pesticides.

MaxyM/Shutterstock.com

Stay in Touch

“Some facilities like ours offer webcam options so you can ‘visit’ with your dog while you’re traveling,” says Brown. Texting kennel updates and selfies of an employee with a pet can also ease any worries. “I just want my pet in a place where she is safe, secure, well cared for and loved,” says Nierenberg. Though apart, pets and their people can all enjoy a fresh adventure. Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

Local Pet Boarding Goes Above and Beyond

e asked local pet care facilities to share the special ways they go the extra distance.

La-De-Da Pet Spa

“La-De-Da Pet Spa is truly a dog’s home away from home. We even have a living room area with a leather couch and sofa for the dogs to lounge on during the day, in addition to clean, comfy bedding; night-lights; TVs and DVD players in all our suites. Dogs have stress-free stays in our homey environment!” Location: 2799 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park. For more information, call 716-677-0000 or visit LaDeDaPetSpa.com.

Doggone Great Time

“Doggone Great Time is the only facility in South Buffalo offering cage-free daycare and boarding. Our business is built on quality pet care through supervised play and personalized service. As a small, family-run operation, we know each pup’s name and make sure they get plenty of positive reinforcement and affection throughout their stay. When people return, they find a happy, stress-free pet.” Location: 798 Abbott Rd., Buffalo. For more information, call 716-416-4148 or visit DoggoneGreatTime.com.

NA Fun Fact:

Natural Awakenings prints 1,537,000 magazines nationwide each month. To advertise with us call: 716-909-7805

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November 2016

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calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines for submissions at BuffaloAwakenings.com or email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com for more information.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Buﬀalo Literary Corridor LitTech Forum – 8am1pm. A roundtable conversations on how innovation in education and the arts is bridging the literary and technology divide. Featuring guide questions and discussion topics on literary arts and technological collaborations. DIG at the Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott St, Buffalo. RSVP: LiteraryCorridor@ gmail.com. LiteraryCorridor.com. Beginning Meditation – 9:30-11am. With Donna. A four-week class thru Nov 22. Learn the basics: a comfortable sitting posture, diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation methods, and essential concentration techniques used in the yoga tradition. $48. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Yoga for Core Strength and Meditation – 5:306:45pm. An eight-week class thru Dec 20. With Sarah. The classes includes core muscle-isolation exercises interwoven within a classical asana sequence. Class ends with relaxation and meditation. Prerequisite: 6 months experience with Yoga 1. $96. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Audubon Library Holistic Lecture Series – 7pm. Essential Oils in practice lecture by Timothy Miller ND, MAc, LAc, RA. Free. Audubon Library, 350 John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst. Preregister: 716-689-4922. Beginning Meditation – 7-8:30pm. With Donna. A four-week class thru Nov 22. Learn the basics: a comfortable sitting posture, diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation methods, and essential concentration techniques used in the yoga tradition. $48. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Yoga for Willpower– 7-8:30pm. A six-week class thru Dec 6. With Cathy. Explore the cultivation of willpower through asanas that relieve abdominal congestion & stoke the fire of determination. Classes emphasizes breath awareness, core strength, mental concentration, and relaxation. $72. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-8832223. HIBuffalo.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Therapeutic Yoga: Restorative Yoga for Back Care – 9:30-11am. With Julia. An eight-week class thru Dec 21. Increase your working knowledge of the anatomy of the pelvis and spine. Deepen your understanding of how certain movements can enhance stability as well as freedom in the body. Breathwork and relaxation are woven into the yoga poses to promote physical and energetic responses. Most poses will be done on the floor, and modifications will be offered. $96. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. BodyMind Practice for Anxiety and Depression – 5:30-6:45pm. A five-session class thru Dec 7. No class Nov 23. With Athalie Joy, PhD. Incorporates instruction and practice in asana, pranayama, relaxation and meditation. Teaching is specific to

1972 Republican National Convention and the 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions shot by photojournalist & Gallery Director, Orin Langelle. ¡Buen Vivir! Gallery, 148 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo. 716-931-5833. BuenVivirGallery.org.

Writing and Wellbeing Workshop – 10am-noon. For the last 15 years, mental health consumers met to create original work for publication. This year the group meets again for the creative writing workshops. Free. Mental Health Association of Erie County, Inc, 999 Delaware Ave, Buffalo.

participants’ routine use as self-management for anxiety and depression. $60. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Mindfulness for Stress Reduction – 5:30-8pm. An eight-week course thru Dec 21. With Maria E Kahn. Mindfulness is quickly being recognized by medical professionals as the top treatment for stress, anxiety and depression. $359. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301. Register: MindfulnessTrainingsRC.com. CFI Literary Reading – Center for Inquiry Literary Café reading series hosted by Jennifer Campbell. Free. Center for Inquiry, 1310 Sweet Home Rd, Amherst. More information: Jennifer-Campbell.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Gentle Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. A six-week class thru Dec 15. No class Nov 24. With Sapna. Explore the classic joints and glands series of movements, along with additional exercises, breath work and relaxation. Increase vital circulation, bring necessary nutrients to the body and flush joints of congestion and metabolic wastes. $48. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Lighting the Flame of Compassion – 7-8:30pm. A three-week class thru Nov 17. With Kerry. Cultivating a greater sense of clarity around thoughts and motivations will inevitably lead toward greater personal truth and freedom in giving. Through group readings about perspectives on giving, cultivating the seeds of inspiration for further contemplation. Each class will also include asana and meditation designed to cultivate both clarity of mind and heart. $36. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org.

Yoga: Mastering the Basics – 11:15am-12:30pm. A six-week class thru Dec 17. No class Nov 26. With Bonnie. Explore range of movement exercises, alignment fundamentals and diaphragmatic breath training. Bring focus to several aspects of yoga to further develop an ongoing practice. Each class concludes with a guided relaxation. $72. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-8832223. HIBuffalo.org. Connect with Angels – 1-3pm. Angels can and do guide, inform, help: comfort, joy, healing, protection, general guidance. Angels are happy to help. Each person receives a guardian angel ornament. $25. Santosha, 22 Lafayette Blvd, Williamsville. Register: 716-425-2996. Yoga and Meditation for Anxiety and Depression – 1-4pm. With Laura Grube, LCSW-R. This three-hour workshop offers instruction in specific yoga postures, breathing and meditation techniques to help one become confident in one’s ability to establish calm when one feels anxious and upset. Take-home materials support an ongoing body/mind practice. $30. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 WNY Children’s Books Expo – 10am-3pm. 36 international, national and local children’s authors and illustrators, author break-out sessions, author’s books for sale & signing, free continuing teacher & leader education. All families welcome. Best suited for grades pre-k to 8. Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Cir, Buffalo. MonkeysRead.com. REFRESH Walk – 10:30am. A quiet reflective walk. Meet at Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park, Buffalo. HealthyCommunityNetwork.com. It’s Fall About You- 11am-3pm. A shopping and informational event for women. Brunch, mimosas, demonstrations, shopping, raﬄes and prize drawings. $30. Millennium Hotel, Presidential Ballroom. 2040 Walden Ave, Buffalo. Purchase tickets online at Cheektowaga.org or call 716-684-5838.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

First Fridays at the Gallery – 10am-10pm. On the first Friday of every month admission to part of the museum and select events are free to everyone. Art classes and certain tours are available to the public for a fee. Free. Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo. 716-882-8700. AlbrightKnox.org.

Yoga for Arthritis – 9:30-11am. A six-week class thru Dec 12. With Kandy. Joint stiffness and inflammation restrict our freedom of movement, affecting our everyday activities. Scientific research has shown that yoga can improve the elasticity of the cartilage and joints while enhancing flexibility. Exercises to increase core control and strengthening of the major muscle groups surrounding the joints will be practiced. Diet, lifestyle, stress and

If Voting Changed Things Artist Talk – 7pm. The exhibit features photographs of protests at the

natural awakenings

November 2016

Reiki Level I and II Certification – Nov 1213. Noon-7pm, Sat & Sun. With Maitri Reiki. $325. HEAT Center, 1300 Niagara St, Buffalo. Info: 716-348-8748. MaitriReikiPath@gmail.com. MaitriReiki.com.

relaxation management will also be discussed. $72. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Intro to Mindfulness Meditation –5-6:15pm. A five-week course. Covers the basics of this powerful practice, what obstacles one may face and how to work with them and how to build a home practice. $75. Healing Waters, 542 Quaker Rd, East Aurora. 716-655-3924. CenterAtHealing@aol.com. CenterAtHealingWaters.com. Gentle Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. A six-week class thru Dec 5. With Laura. Explore the classic joints and glands series of movements, along with additional exercises, breath work, and relaxation. Increase vital circulation, bring necessary nutrients to body, and flush joints of congestion and metabolic wastes. $72. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Ask the Doctor Series – 6:15-7:15pm. How to survive the holidays with reduced stress and without the obligatory 5 pound weight gain! Presented by Laurie Goodwill, certified health & wellness coach. Free. Inner Balance Chiropractic, 2800 Sweet Home Rd, Ste 1, Amherst. RSVP: 716-210-1060. InnerBalanceChiro.com. Lecture – 7-8pm. Contemplative Tools For Educators with Niki Gernold & Felicitas Kusch-Lango. Free. 542 Quaker Rd, East Aurora. 716-655-3924. CenterAtHealing@aol.com. CenterAtHealing Waters.com.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Yoga & Mindfulness – 6-7pm. With Mari. Reboot, breathe, strengthen & lengthen muscles and learn proper alignment as well as stress reduction techniques to bring harmony to both body and soul. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave., Buffalo. $15 adult, $12 students/ veteran. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave., Buffalo. CompleteWellnessWNY.com. Registration:SoulCandyProject. com/register. Audubon Library Holistic Lecture Series – 7pm. On the path to better health with NUCCA Care presented by Dr. Alison Bramer Cummings. Learn why it is vitally important to have your head centered over your body to help restore healing and balance. Free. Audubon Library, 350 John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst. Preregister: 716-689-4922. Breath Work – 7-8pm. Life Coach/Meditation trainer Shawn Marie Cichowski will explore various breathing techniques and mind easing practices to promote optimal well being. $20. WNY Life Coaching Center, 5500 Main Street, Ste. 313, Williamsville.716-560-6552. WNYLifeCoaching.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Wellness Wednesdays – 11am-2pm. The Opioid Epidemic. Learn about opioids, addiction, risk factors and treatment services. Find out about how NARCAN is used to reverse the effects of opioids and where to get training on how to use it. Learn what can be done to help end the epidemic. Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, 1st Floor Ring of Knowledge, Buffalo. BuffaloLib.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 NAMI Family Education meeting – 7-9pm. Coffee/library time, guest and mental health topic. Fam-

Buffalo, NY

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Essential Oils – 6-8pm. Learn how simple essential oils are to use, and gather the knowledge to use them safely. Each person receives a sample oil. $25. Santosha, 22 Lafayette Blvd, Williamsville. Register: 716-425-2996.

ily Education Meetings are usually held on the 2nd Thursday of each month, except in December. Open to all. St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4007 Main St, Amherst. NAMIBuffaloNY.org.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 M & T Second Fridays – 10am-8pm. Every second Friday, the Burchfield Penney hosts special events, happy hours, programs, concerts and screenings. Free. Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo. 716-878-6011. BurchfieldPenney.org. Intro to Yoga Therapy: Lower Back Relief – 4:306:30pm. With Lizzi Dee Heifferon. Participants learn how to perform yoga postures that correct postural habits and address their specific imbalances, reducing pain and preventing future injury. This workshop is appropriate for individuals with a range of spinal conditions and lower back injuries or for those simply experiencing occasional to chronic lower back and hip pain. $35/pre-registration, $40/door. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Usui Reiki Master Teacher Class – Nov 12-13. 9am-4pm, Sat; 10am-3pm, Sun. Receive the Reiki Master symbol and attunement, learn to pass the gift of reiki to others, practice and receive advanced teachings. Must be Reiki Level II. For price contact Barbara. Willow Light, 500 Buffalo Rd, 2nd Flr, Ste 3, East Aurora. Barbara Hallnan, RMT: 716-9122391. CrystalBridgeHealing.com. Fall Rejuvenation Yoga Retreat – 9:30am-3:30pm. Nourish with prana with Sarah Guglielmi. Learn about the five-pranas, asanas and breathing techniques used to combat holiday stress. Devotional Rituals for Self Care with Julia Kress. Learn about home rituals to implement this winter for daily restoration. Lunch provided. $85. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Spinal Rejuvenation 1 – 11am-12:30pm. Incorporating this series of yoga poses into daily life will help to relieve pressure on the spinal column and help regenerate the health of spine by increasing flexibility and strength. Led by Yoga Wall certified instructor Jessica Vargas. $25, $30/door. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301. Buffalo Zine Fair – 11am-6pm. This event celebrates self-publishing and handmade DIY culture. All ages welcome. Free. Sugar City, 1239 Niagara St, Buffalo. BuffaloSugarCity.org.

BuffaloAwakenings.com

Serenity Now Meditation with Betty Everett – 7-8pm. Betty Everett, Meditator and Healer with more than 20 years of experience, shares a relaxing evening creating a calm and peaceful experience. Betty will lead the group through a series of breathing and relaxation exercises culminating in a guided meditation often incorporating Buddhist concepts. $10. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. CompleteWellnessWNY.com. New Students contact Betty: 716-6335977. B.Everett@verizon.net. Full Moon Meditation – 7-8:30pm. With Tracy. Gentle stretching, relaxation and meditation on the occasion of the full moon and recitation of the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, the great healing mantra. $12. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Yoga & Mindfulness – 6-7pm. With Mari. Reboot, breathe, strengthen & lengthen muscles and learn proper alignment as well as stress reduction techniques to bring harmony to both body & soul. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave., Buffalo. $15 adult, $12 students/veteran. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. Complete WellnessWNY.com. Registration: SoulCandy Project.com/register. Audubon Library Holistic Lecture Series – 7pm. Energy Self-Defense presented by Manuela “Mannie” Ceglinski who holds two 3rd degree black belts in Tae Kwan Do and Choi Kwan Do and is currently teaching Tai Chi and Qigong.. Learn to relax the body and calm the mind to defend yourself. Learn to use energy and momentum when defending yourself. Free. Audubon Library, 350 John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst. Preregister: 716-689-4922. Mindful Meditation, Breath Work and Reiki Infusion Class – 7-8pm. Life Coach/Meditation trainer and Reiki master, Shawn Marie Cichowski will guide attendees through an hour of energy restoration combining visual meditation, mindful breath work and optional reiki. $15. WNY Life Coaching Center, 5500 Main Street, Ste. 313, Williamsville. RSVP appreciated. 716-560-6552. WNYLifeCoaching.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Homeopathy Workshop Series – 6-8pm. Learn to use homeopathy for some of the many common concerns at home and support the whole family with this gentle yet effective natural method of healing. Ann Herman will discuss remedies useful for the fall season. $20. Start With Sleep, 1211 Hertel Ave, Buffalo. 716-235-1505. StartWithSleep.com. The Law of Attraction in Action – 6:30-8pm. Terri Songbird’s Interpretation of the work of Abraham.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Stress Management 101 – 5:30pm-9pm. Taught by Suzanne Bracci, MS, LMHC, CAS, Certified Stress Management Coach. Gain a greater awareness of triggers and vulnerabilities to stress, what typical responses are, and what stress management priorities are. Discover the key factors driving stress responses and learn practical and effective strategies. $75. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. CompleteWellnessWNY.com. RSVP: StressLess ForABetterLife.com.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Songbird has been studying the works of Jerry and Esther Hicks for over 20 years. Join us in our monthly Law of Attraction Circle. $20 love offering. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. Contact Terri: 716-2536548 ext 200 or SacredBodyworks611@gmail.com. CompleteWellnessWNY.com. Yin Stress Reduction – 7-8:30pm. A six-week course. Explore different ways of coping with stress using a variety of techniques from contemplative traditions. $95 or use BCBS Wellness Benefit. Healing Waters, 542 Quaker Rd, East Aurora. 716-655-3924. CenterAtHealing@aol.com. CenterAtHealingWaters.com.

Yoga & Mindfulness – 6-7pm. With Mari. Reboot, breathe, strengthen and lengthen muscles and learn proper alignment as well as stress reduction techniques to bring harmony to both body & soul. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. $15 adult, $12 students/ veteran. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. CompleteWellnessWNY.com. Registration: SoulCandyProject. com/register.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Circleformance – 7-9pm. Every fourth Wed poetry and music series with open slots to read poetry. Hosted by local poet, Lynn Ciesielski. $4. El Buen Amigo, 114 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo. 716-885-6343.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Third Wednesday Poetry Reading Series – 7:30-10pm. Featured readers and open reading slots. Hosted by local poets Marek Parker & Lynn Ciesielski. $2. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza Business Center, 3131 Sheridan Dr, Amherst. 716-837-0376.

Dog Ears Fourth Friday Poetry Series – 7pm. Every fourth Friday featured poet with open slots to read poetry and refreshments served. Hosted by local poet and blogger, Fred Whitehead. $4. Dog Ears Bookstore & Café, 688 Abbott Rd, Buffalo.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Audubon Library Holistic Lecture Series – 7pm. Native Plants from a Native Perspective: Decolonizing the Landscape lecture by New York State Certified Nursery Landscape Professional, Ken Parker. Food is our Medicine collaboration helps all people who eat and garden. Learn to work with nature with ecologically sound solutions highlighting North American perennials, grasses, trees and shrubs for clay, wet sites and shady gardens. Free. 350 John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst. Preregister: 716-689-4922.

M & T Third Fridays – 10am-5pm. Every third Friday, free docent lead tours and kid activities. Free. Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Court, Buffalo. 716-873-9644. BuffaloHistory.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Spinal Rejuvenation 2 – 11am-12:30pm. Led by Yoga Wall certified instructor Jessica Vargas. Explore full range of motion of the spine: flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation. The particular order and repetition of the postures allow for lengthening and decompression of the spinal column. The Great Yoga Wall maximizes the experience. $25, $30/door. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S. Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Reiki Level II Class – 10am-4pm. Becoming Practitioner. Receive the Reiki Level II attunements, learn Reiki II symbols, how to give a complete Reiki treatment, and get lots of practice. Must be Reiki Level I. For price contact Barbara. Willow Light, 500 Buffalo Rd, 2nd Flr, Ste 3, E ast Aurora. Barbara Hallnan, RMT: 716-912-2391. CrystalBridgeHealing.com. Instant Calm! – 3-5:30pm. With Maitri Reiki. Master instant-relaxation techniques from 10 different wellness traditions from around the world for stress-free living. HEAT Center, 1300 Niagara St, Buffalo. $45. 716-348-8748. MaitriReiki.com.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28

Serenity Now Meditation – 7-8pm. Betty Everett, meditator and healer with more than 20 years of experience, shares a relaxing evening creating a calm and peaceful experience. Betty will lead the group through a series of breathing and relaxation exercises culminating in a guided meditation often incorporating Buddhist concepts. $10. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. New students contact Betty: 716633-5977. B.Everett@verizon.net. CompleteWellnessWNY.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Night in the Caribbean, a Cooking Class – 6:309pm. With Chef Krista Van Wagner. Participants see step-by-step how the meal is created and then enjoy the dinner prepared by the Chef. $49 includes tax/gratuity. Complete Wellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. Registration: JerkSauce.com.

Natural Awakenings Magazine of Buffalo, New York Edition

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natural awakenings

November 2016

ongoingevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines for submissions at BuffaloAwakenings.com or email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com for more information.

sunday

Mid Day Yoga Wall Break – Noon-12:45pm. Reduces stress and prevents injuries stemming from repetitive motion and static sitting postures. Open to all levels of students, this class offers stillness, subtle flow and strength. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301.

Clinton-Bailey Farmers’ Market – 7am-6pm. 1517 Clinton St, Buffalo. 716-822-2466. ClintonBaileyFarmersMarket.com. Lockport Farmers’ Market – Thru Nov. 9am-9pm. Walnut at Cottage St, Lockport. 716-439-6676.

Clinton-Bailey Farmers’ Market – 7am-6pm. 1517 Clinton St, Buffalo. 716-822-2466. ClintonBaileyFarmersMarket.com.

Downtown Country Market – Thru Nov. 10am2:30pm. Main St, between Court St & Church St, Buffalo. BuffaloPlace.com.

Niagara Falls City Market – 9am-5pm. 18th & Pine Ave, Niagara Falls. 716-946-7473.

Mid-Day Meditation for Stress Reduction – Noon-12:30pm. The number one cause of burnout and exhaustion during the workday is inappropriate activation of our body’s flight or fight response system. Improve focus and concentration and increase one’s ability to deal with stress effectively by practicing meditation. $10. Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. Registration: 716626-6301. OWMYogaDowntown.com.

Lockport Farmers’ Market – Thru Nov. 9am-9pm. Walnut at Cottage St, Lockport. 716-439-6676. Mid Day Yoga Wall Break – Noon-12:45pm. Reduces stress and prevents injuries stemming from repetitive motion and static sitting postures. Open to all levels of students, this class offers stillness, subtle flow and strength. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301. Yoga Wall Flow – 5:15-6:15pm. Combine dynamic muscle and tension-releasing effects of the Great Yoga Wall with a breath focused flow sequence. Learn how to mindfully improve flexibility and strength, while deepening postures using the science of alignment. OWM Yoga Downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301.

tuesday North Tonawanda Farmers’ Market – 7am-1pm. Payne Ave at Robinson St, N Tonawanda. 716830-6025.

Buffalo, NY

Clinton-Bailey Farmers’ Market – 7am-6pm. 1517 Clinton St, Buffalo. 716-822-2466. ClintonBaileyFarmersMarket.com.

Niagara Falls City Market – 9am-5pm. 18th & Pine Ave, Niagara Falls. 716-946-7473.

GoBike Community Class – 6-8pm. Classes rotate between four topics. Class limited to 10 people. $10 donation. GoBike Buffalo, 98 Colvin Ave, Buffalo. RSVP two days prior: Stacy@GoBikeBuffalo.org. GoBikeBuffalo.org.

monday

East Aurora Farmers’ Market – Thru Nov 23. 7am-1pm. Tops Plaza, Grey St, E Aurora. 716771-9590.

Lockport Farmers’ Market – Thru Nov. 9am-9pm. Walnut at Cottage St, Lockport. 716-439-6676.

Outdoor Community Yoga Class – 9:30am. A slow flow class suited for all levels. Donations support a different great local animal welfare organization. Donation of your choice. Grandpaws Pet Emporium, 402 Center St, Lewiston. OneYogaWNY.com.

Trinity @ 7pm – A spiritual service sans religion. In a beautiful setting, listen to live piano jazz and readings, then meditate silently. Trinity, 371 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.

wednesday

Yoga Wall Flow – 4:45-5:45pm. Combine dynamic muscle and tension-releasing effects of the Great Yoga Wall with a breath focused flow sequence. Learn how to mindfully improve flexibility and strength, while deepening postures using the science of alignment. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301. Rejuvenating Vinyasa Wall Flow – 6-7pm. Intermediate/beginners familiar with basic yoga postures. The Great Yoga Wall inspires and makes accessible deeper versions of postures building strength and flexibility. Vinyasa yoga emphasizes connecting breath with movement to encourage balance and well being. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301.

BuffaloAwakenings.com

thursday North Tonawanda Farmers’ Market – 7am-1pm. Payne Ave at Robinson St, N Tonawanda. 716830-6025. Clinton-Bailey Farmers’ Market – 7am-6pm. 1517 Clinton St, Buffalo. 716-822-2466. ClintonBaileyFarmersMarket.com. Lockport Farmers’ Market – Thru Nov. 9am-9pm. Walnut at Cottage St, Lockport. 716-439-6676. Downtown Country Market – 10am-2:30pm. Main St, between Court St & Church St, Buffalo. BuffaloPlace.com. Wellness Walk – 10am-noon. Enjoy the fresh air and the sights and sounds of the season with a healthy, guided outdoor walk on the trails. $2 donation/person. Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo. Register: 716-825-6397. Tifft.org. West Seneca Farmers’ Market – 4-7:30pm. West Seneca Town Park, Union Rd, W Seneca. Drop-in Yoga Class – 5:30-6:30pm. Beginner level. $10. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org. Community Flow – 5:45-6:45pm. Flow weaves together body, mind and breath in continual and fluid creative expression. The goal is to reestablish the flow of energy and the physical processes of the body to their proper balance, allowing the body to cleanse and refresh itself. All levels. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301. Qigong – 7-8pm. With John Davis. Drop-ins welcome. $10/class or $32/4 classes. Complete

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings. com. Deadline is the 10th of the month. FOR RENT SPACES FOR RENT – Beautiful spaces available for rent for massage therapists or similar practitioners in Complete Wellness CenWellness Arts & Science Center, 1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo. CompleteWellnessWNY.com. John: 716-352-3723. B.Everett@verizon.net. Yoga Wall Flow – 7-8pm. Combine dynamic muscle and tension-releasing effects of the Great Yoga Wall with a breath focused flow sequence. Learn how to mindfully improve flexibility and strength, while deepening postures using the science of alignment. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301.

friday Clinton-Bailey Farmers’ Market – 7am-6pm. 1517 Clinton St, Buffalo. 716-822-2466. ClintonBaileyFarmersMarket.com. Lockport Farmers’ Market – Thru Nov. 9am-9pm. Walnut at Cottage St, Lockport. 716-439-6676. Niagara Falls City Market – 9am-5pm. 18th & Pine Ave, Niagara Falls. 716-946-7473. Mid-Day Yoga Wall Break – Noon-12:45pm. Reduces stress and prevents injuries stemming from repetitive motion and static sitting postures. Open to all levels of students, this class offers stillness, subtle flow and strength. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301.

ter. Contact Laura at 716-253-6548 ext. 208 or

saturday

Laura@CompleteWellnessWNY.com for details.

East Aurora Farmers’ Market – Thru Nov 23. 7am-1pm. Tops Plaza, Grey St, E Aurora. 716771-9590. North Tonawanda Farmers’ Market – 7am-1pm. Payne Ave at Robinson St, N Tonawanda. 716830-6025. Clinton-Bailey Farmers’ Market – 7am-6pm. 1517 Clinton St, Buffalo. 716-822-2466. ClintonBaileyFarmersMarket.com. Lancaster Farmers’ Market – 8am-1pm. 4913 Transit Rd, Depew. LancasterVillageMarket.com. Lockport Farmers’ Market – Thru Nov. 9am-9pm. Walnut at Cottage St, Lockport. 716-439-6676. Energizing Yoga Wall Flow – 9:30-10:30am. Combine dynamic muscle and tension-releasing effects of the Great Yoga Wall with a breath focused flow sequence. Learn how to mindfully improve flexibility and strength, while deepening postures using the science of alignment. OWM Yoga downtown, 235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo. 716-626-6301. Drop-in Yoga Class – 9:30-11am. Intermediate level. $12. Himalayan Institute, 841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo. 716-883-2223. HIBuffalo.org.

CompleteWellnessWNY.com.

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November 2016

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@BuffaloAwakenings.com to request our media kit.

DENTISTRY

CHILDBIRTH CARE BUFFALO MIDWIFERY SERVICES Eileen Stewart, CNM 289 Summer St, Buffalo 716-885-2229 BuffaloMidwiferyServices.com

AESTHETIC ASSOCIATES CENTRE Dr. Todd Shatkin 2500 Kensington Ave, Ste A, Amherst 716-839-1700 • GR8Look.com ShatkinDentalOffice@gmail.com

Offering complete restorative and cosmetic dental care for adults and children. Includes bonding, veneers, bleaching, crown and bridge, dental implantology (all stages), mini dental implants and general dental care. See ad, back cover.

Buffalo Midwifery Services provides respectful, personalized care to pregnant woman who have a low-risk pregnancy. Options for giving birth—home, birthing center and hospital—are available. See ad, page 7.

THE BIRTHING CENTER OF BUFFALO Katharine Morrison, MD 2500 Main St, Buffalo 716-835-2510 BirthingCenterOfBuffalo.com

As a freestanding, licensed birth center, we offer comprehensive certified midwifery and OB care, giving you the freedom to create a meaningful, empowering, unmedicated birth experience. See ad, page 7.

CALMING NATURE DOULA

Shannon Johns Birth Doula/Childbirth Educator 716-909-0074 CalmingNatureDoula.com CalmingNatureDoula@gmail.com Calming Nature is the premier birth doula service currently serving Buffalo and the surrounding area. We provide continuous informational, physical, and emotional support to expecting parents during pregnancy and childbirth.

FUSION WELLNESS CENTER BODY ESSENTIAL HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTER

5225 Sheridan Dr, Georgetown Sq, Williamsville 716-626-4466 • TheBodyEssential.net W N Y ’s o n l y f u s i o n wellness center. An intuitive center for well-being. Providing the area’s best in therapeutic massage, reflexology, reiki, NSA chiropractic, acupuncture, meditative healing and so much more. Health, wellness and personal development programs and classes. See ad, page 11.

HEALING THERAPIES ANCIENT FAR EAST HEALING ARTS Susi Rosinski 3110 Eggert Rd, Tonawanda • 716-803-0113 AncientFarEastHealingArts.com

Medical qigong healing sessions/ therapeutic tai chi, and meditation classes. Relief from pain, anxiety, depression. Speeds healing of injuries and surgery. Boosts immune system and more. See ad, page 24.

CHIROPRACTIC INNER BALANCE CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Alison Bramer Cummings 2800 Sweet Home Rd, Ste 1, Amherst 716-210-1060 • InnerBalanceChiro.com

Gentle adjustments; no cracking, snapping or bending. Treating neck, back, shoulder pain, headaches, scoliosis, migraines, vertigo, digestive issues, behavior issues, sports injuries, carpal tunnel, TMJ and more. See ad, page 22.

Buffalo, NY

TOUCH OF LIFE

Janice Wilton Locations: Hamburg • East Aurora 716-238-6426 • TouchOfLife.net Offering integrated healing, energetic kinesiology, reiki, r e f l e x o l o g y, e s s e n t i a l o i l s including raindrop technique, emotional freedom technique and workshops. Mind/body health is the goal of Touch of Life where the focus is on the whole individual.

BuffaloAwakenings.com

HOLISTIC CENTER HIMALAYAN INSTITUTE

841 Delaware Ave, Buffalo 716-883-2223 • HIBuffalo.org Buffalo’s Center for yoga, meditation and wellness. Yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, homeopathy, yoga teacher certification, CEUs for yoga instructors, bookstore and gift shop. Reconnect with your body, relax the mind and rejuvenate your spirit. See ad, page 22.

HOLISTIC STUDIO AND SALON DRAGONFLY STUDIO & SALON

8290 Main St, Williamsville 716-634-5950 • DragonflyStudioSalon.com A full service holistic spa and center for spiritual enlightenment. Organic vegan hair care, pedicures, massage, reiki, yoga, chakra balancing, homeopathy, meditation, readings, spiritual development classes and local artisan boutique. Where art and soul intertwine. See ad, page 27.

HOMEOPATHY HEART OF HEALING HOMEOPATHY

Annie Herman, D. Hom 716-883-6112 • AnnieHermansd@gmail.com AnnHermanHomeopath.com With homeopathy I can help you find your personal power and authentic self. Homeopathic remedies stimulate your own vital force which governs your response to stress on every level restoring balance physically, emotionally and mentally. Call for a free consultation and mention this ad for a 20 percent discount.

HOMEOPATHIC HEALERS

Arup Bhattacharya, PhD, DHM, Hom(ON), RSHom (NA) 156 Ramsdell Ave, Buffalo 716-310-3789 • Arup_2000@yahoo.com HomeopathicHealers.com Where healing is a way of life. Arup Bhattacharya, PhD, is a H o m e o p a t h e d u c a t o r, practitioner and a research faculty at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Make an appointment or join one of the courses.

LIFE COACH WNY LIFE COACHING CENTER

Shawn Marie Cichowski, Owner, Certified Life/Energy Coach 5500 Main St, Ste 313, Williamsville 716-560-6552 • WNYLifeCoaching.com Life coaching devoted to helping others help themselves. Using traditional and nontraditional coaching techniques to empower and heal from the inside out. Offering life/energy coaching, dream building, energy work, mindful-ness and meditation, breathwork. See ad, page 8.

ORGANIC MATTRESS

MEDIA

PHYSICIANS

PLANTING SEEDS RADIO AND TV SHOW

BUILD A BED

BUFFALO SPINE & SPORTS MEDICINE

Providing reliable information on holistic practices, healthy options, balanced living as a resource for the community. A weekly TV program (TWC Ch 20) on Tue at 4:30pm and Sat at 5:30pm (city of Buffalo); and Wed and Sat at 5:30pm (suburbs). Planting Seeds Radio 1520AM on Sat at 9:30am. Call Jill to be a guest on the show. See ad, page 17.

A new and exciting way to buy a mattress and dream better. Visit our local showroom to discover how you can improve the quality of your sleep and your health. See ad, page 7.

One of the largest and most established physical medicine and rehabilitation practices in Western New York. Non-surgical rehabilitation and therapy for acute injuries and chronic conditions. Holistic care focusing on patients’ functions. Take back your lifestyle! See ad, page 17.

Jill O’Hara, Owner and Host PlantingSeeds2016@gmail.com 716-425-2996 • PlantingSeeds.us

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING THERESA PAWLOWSKI, LCSW-R

3648 Seneca St, West Seneca, NY 14224 716-472-0829 SenecaSpringsWellness.com Facebook.com/theresalcsw 20 years experience helping others live a more satisfying life. Specializing in anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, grief, managing moods and emotions, relationship issues and selfesteem. Private insurance accepted. See ad, page 34.

NUTRITION SMART NUTRITION BY FRANK

Frank Giardina, RDN, CDN 5500 Main St, Ste 344, Williamsville 716-220-2342 Frank@SmartNutritionByFrank.com SmartNutritionByFrank.com Offering no nonsense, sciencebased medical nutrition support for patients looking to achieve better control of blood glucose, lipid levels, blood pressure as well as improved body composition and athletic performance. Covered by most insurance. We make house calls too! See ad, page 17.

ORGANIC FARM PRODUCTS ALPINE MADE LLC

Kerry Beiter, Owner 5363 East Creek Rd, S Wales 716-430-9928 • AlpineMade.com Our certified organic goat farm is located in WNY and centered on pasture raising a small herd of Alpine goats using sustainable and organic farming practices. We craft the finest skincare products with our raw organic goat milk. Visit our website or like us on Facebook for additional information.

Randy Pegan, Owner 3835 McKinley Pkwy, Blasdell 716-248-2052 • BuildABedus.com

100 College Pkwy, Ste 100, Williamsville 200 Sterling Dr, Ste 200, Orchard Park 716-626-0093 • BuffSpine.com

ORGANIC SPA GREEN SPA VILLAGE HOLISTICS

Joei Marie Lucey, RN, Green Spa Owner 5526 Main St, Williamsville 716-635-6482 • GreenSpaHolistics.com Organic holistic spa focusing on health and wellness. Pamper your body, mind and spirit. Spa services include massage, facials, body treatments, energy balancing, reflexology, hypnosis, aromatherapeutic touch, custom blend mineral makeup, nutriceuticals and more. Offering complimentary skin/beauty consultation with Joei. Call 906-4422 for an appointment.

PETS ANCIENT FAR EAST HEALING ARTS FOR ANIMALS Susi Rosinski 3110 Eggert Rd, Tonawanda • 716-803-0113 AncientFarEastHealingArts.com

Energy medicine, medical qigong, acupressure and chi’atsu. Relief from stress, anxiety, behavioral issues, arthritis, immune deficiency, speeds healing of injuries, surgery and more. See ad, page 35.

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS ADAM FIELD PHYSICAL THERAPY, PLLC JCC Benderson Building 2640 N Forest Rd, Getzville 716-982-8200 • Adamfpt@msn.com AdamFieldPhysicalTherapy.com

Adam Field, PT applies a whole body approach to treatment of chronic pain and injury. Utilizing myofascial/craniosacral therapies and manual joint techniques, clients experience improved movement, pain and function. Field’s experience, knowledge, and gentle manner allow him to develop individualized programs for his clients. See ad, page 15.

All profound things and emotions of things are preceded and attended by silence. ~Herman Melville

REIKI EMERGING VIBRANT WOMEN

Kohava Howard, Holistic Nurse, Reiki Master, Wellness/Therapeutic Movement Coach, Reflexologist • Williamsville 970-208-2503 • KohavaHoward.com Intuitive, holistic, health and wellness coaching for women over 40 that are experiencing major life transitions. Reclaim your vibrant inner joy and feminine power to live your authentic life. Private sessions, wellness workshops, by Skype or phone.

WNY LIFE COACHING CENTER – REIKI

Shawn Marie Cichowski, Owner, Reiki Master 5500 Main St, Ste 313, Williamsville 716-560-6552 • WNYLifeCoaching.com Helping you help yourself naturally, healing from the inside out. Reiki master and certified meditation instructor. Self-care and stress management trainer. See ad, page 24.

REIKI CLASSES REIKI CARE – REIKI CLASSES

Carolyn Musial, Senior Licensed Reiki Master Teacher 2167 Wehrle Dr, Williamsville 716-572-3980 • ReikiCare.com Learn this simple yet amazing technique for yourself and others to heal body/mind/spirit. All levels of reiki taught by a senior licensed reiki master teacher with the International Center for Reiki Training. CEs available. See how reiki can transform your life.

SELF DEVELOPMENT DESIGN FOR LIVING – THE AVATAR® COURSE Tia Greno • 716-633-0715 TiaG12345@gmail.com

If you are ready for a profound lasting change in your life, call Tia at 716-633-0715. “Avatar ® is nothing more or less than an escape from a mind trap that you have been caught in for so long you have forgotten what freedom feels like.” ~Harry Palmer, The Avatar Path: The Way We Came. See ad, page 22.

natural awakenings

November 2016

SKIN CARE AESTHETIC ASSOCIATES CENTRE Dr. Sam Shatkin 2500 Kensington Ave, Amherst 716-839-1700 • GR8Look.com

Achieve natural rejuvenation with surgical and non-surgical services in the fields of plastic surgery and advanced skin care. Dr. Shatkin and his team of health professionals help clients look and feel better about themselves. See ad, back cover.

SKIN BY AMBER

Amber Fath 140 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo 716-560-0684 SkinByAmberBuffalo@gmail.com SkinByAmber.com Skin by Amber is focused around organic skin care while also performing peels and waxing services. Every treatment is customized specifically for every individual paying attention to specific skin conditions. Beautiful skin from within. See ad, page 9.

SPA TRES AURAE SPA

5195 Main St, Williamsville 716-478-7546 • SpaBuffalo.com Tres Aurae Spa offers a calm setting for all your spa needs. Services include their Best of Buffalo natural, seaweed-based facials, therapeutic massage, hair blowouts and styling, hair removal, and manicures and pedicures. Relax and enjoy spa services for individuals and groups in this award-winning facility.

SPECIALTY MARKET THE NATURAL LINK

Specialty Meat Market 105 Portage Rd, Lewiston • 716-754-1199 Facebook.com/TheNaturalLink Free-range chicken, wildcaught fresh seafood, Boar’s Head deli meats, Angus Reserve beef, local honey, maple syrup, farm-fresh eggs, goats and cows milk. Excellent service and friendly owners (Brian and Cathy). See ad, page 19.

SPIRITUAL TRINITY @ 7

THERMAL IMAGING DYNAMIC THERMAL IMAGING Carol Knapp, CCT, office manager 585-734-6083 NYDTI.com

Provides radiation-free, noninvasive clinical imaging for detecting and monitoring overall health as well as a number of diseases and injuries. Totally safe, FDA-approved and available to women, men and children. Take responsibility for your own health and be proactive with Dynamic Thermal Imaging. See ad, page 8.

WELLNESS CENTER BODY BE WELL SOLUTIONS Rebecca Albert, LMT, CHHC North Tonawanda • 716-316-2511 BodyBeWellSolutions.com

One conversation could change your life. Specializing in small group wellness classes, personal/customized delivery. Individual/couples health coaching. Lifestyle approaches for chronic pain management.

COMPLETE WELLNESS ARTS & SCIENCE CENTER

1515 Kensington Ave, Buffalo 716-253-6548 • CompleteWellnessWNY.com Cultivate wellness with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Functional Neurology Chiropractic, Light Therapy, Tree Essences, health and wellness coaching, reiki, cooking classes, qigong, hula hoop, meditation, workshops and much more. See ad, page 18.

HARISA AYURVEDIC WELLNESS CENTER

Shanthy Jayakumar 2360 Sweet Home Rd, Ste 1-2, Amherst 716-691-5738 • Shan@Harisa.co • Harisa.co We offer holistic health and wellness services, including Ay u r v e d a , e d u c a t i o n a l classes, massage and meditation.

HEALING WISDOM

Merrily Kuhn, RN, PhD2, ND 6748 Boston State Rd, Hamburg 716-491-9558 • DrMerrily.org

The Chapel at Trinity Church 371 Delaware Ave, Buffalo 716-852-8314 • TrinityBuffalo.org Trinity at 7pm on Sundays offers spirituality without all the religion. To make room for those who are searching for spirituality yet allergic to church, the service is demonstrably non-Christian, combining piano jazz with readings ranging from Maya Angelou to Rumi. In all, a most peaceful way to start your week. See ad, page 23.

Buffalo, NY

BuffaloAwakenings.com

Helping your body establish its own state of good health, naturally. Dr. Merrily is a health and wellness counselor who can help you back to better health without drugs and surgery. See ad, page 14.

OSTEOPATHIC WELLNESS MEDICINE OF WESTERN NEW YORK

235 S Elmwood Ave, Ste 120, Buffalo 716-626-6301 • Info@wnyOsteoWellness.com wnyOsteoWellness.com Osteopathic Wellness Medicine is a holistic musculoskeletal wellness practice that focuses on you. Our main mission is to provide an optimum healing environment focused on you. Experience relationship centered care, integrative health services and state-of-the-art healing technologies. See ad, page 9.

WILLOWLIGHT

Center for Wholeness 500 Buffalo Rd, E Aurora 716-222-3144 • WillowLight.org With 10 practitioners, more than 25 different holistic and spiritual offerings, retreats and many classes to choose from, WillowLight Center for Wholeness is truly a place of healing, transformation and community. Please explore what we have to offer by visiting our website or liking us on Facebook.

WINE – ORGANIC ADDY’S FINE WINE AND SPIRITS 8584 Transit Rd, E Amherst 716-810-9495

Our friendly, warm staff, great wine and free weekly tastings will make you want to keep coming back. Large selection of organic wines. Check us out on Facebook. See ad, page 5.

LEXI’S FINE WINE AND SPIRITS 55 Crosspoint Pkwy, Getzville 716-689-2233

Our friendly, warm staff, great wine and free weekly tastings will make you want to keep coming back. Large selection of organic wines. Check us out on Facebook. See ad, page 5.

YOGA RISING SUN YOGA

5225 Sheridan Dr (at Evans St) Georgetown Square, Williamsville 716-632-5802 • RisingSunYoga.com Rising Sun Yoga offers you the opportunity to introduce yoga to your life if you are new and to immerse yourself if you are practiced. You will love the energy at Rising Sun. Check out our schedule and events at RisingSunYoga.com or Facebook.

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November 2016