Natural Awakenings March 2015 - Healthy Pet by Natural Awakenings DC

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When Your Pet Passes

A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing

March 2015 | Washington, D.C. Edition | NaturalAwakeningsDC.com natural awakenings

March 2015

Your Path to Healing Starts Here a n i n t e g r at i v e a p p r o a c h t o yo u r h e a lt h GeorGe WashinGton Center for inteGrative MediCine offers you a unique health care program principled in science and tradition where the patient is treated as a whole person and respected as an individual. With your visit to the Center, a highly-trained practitioner—licensed, certified and credentialed in his or her specialty—will develop with you a care plan tailored to fit your needs and honors your personal healing process. natural & inteGrative health ChoiCes W e prov i de C a r e f o r …

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March 2015

letterfrompublisher Greetings friends, contact us Publisher, Editor in Chief Robin Fillmore Contributing Editors Grace Ogden Jessica Bradshaw Design & Production Irene Sankey Marketing Director Beverly Nickerson Sales Director Aurora Hutchinson Outreach Director Samantha Hudgins Customer Support Lara Chapin Natural Awakenings of Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-505-4835 Fax: 202-827-7955 5230 Tuckerman Lane, #408 North Bethesda, MD 20852 Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com NaturalAwakeningsDC.com ©2015 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.

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Thank you for all the wonderful feedback from last month’s letter. I deeply appreciate that so many readers took the time to let me know my Valentine’s Day note had meant something to them. I am blessed. One of the first times in my life when I understood that I had an identity separate from my brothers or parents was a casual comment made by my mother when I was about 6 years old. It may have been when I was playing with my plastic toy Robin and Ziggy dogs and horses, all who had names and family roles (this one is the sister and this one is the baby) and were the preferred toy choice for imaginative play. But more likely, it was when I was playing with my beloved Misty, a serene blue merle Shetland sheepdog, and Taffy, a scrappy Beagle-mix who had been found at a neighborhood park, plus a cat or two. Our house was known in the neighborhood as the one where the strays would go. I don’t recall my mother’s exact words but the sentiment was, “Robin will bring home any lost pet.” I was a pet rescuer even before I knew there was such a thing. If a dog was running loose, I would hold it until the owner was located. Once, we found a litter of collie-mix puppies and took care of them until we could place them with good homes. There have only been a few times in my life when circumstances precluded dog ownership. After Misty and Taffy, there was Gretel, Benjy, Ali, Miranda and now, Ziggy. We officially became “greyhound” people with Miranda, who we lost to cancer last year at the age of 14, but quickly filled that dog-shaped hole in our lives with Ziggy, another big, goofy, sweet greyhound. The rescue community that supports these retired racers is amazing, with hundreds of groups across the country taking them from tracks down South and bringing them to waiting families. It was a trip to our local library when we lived in Annapolis that we were first introduced to greyhound rescue and now we are pleased to be part of that movement. The theme this month is companion animals—how they serve as inspiration, as companions and as teachers, if we allow them to. The very least we can do for them, in return, is to offer a soft bed, a bowl of healthy food, clean water and a chance to run and jump when the mood strikes. We look at the growing importance of animal rescue groups across the country and focus on the work of a local hero, Kim Hawkins, the founder of Rural Dog Rescue, who has grown a cadre of more than 200 volunteers to rescue dogs, mostly hounds, from high-kill shelters in surrounding states. If horses are your thing, Grace Ogden shares her experiences of learning mindfulness in the presence of a pony named Flirt. For the non-pet owner, we offer plenty of other insights this month, including pieces from Dr. Chas Gant and Dr. Isabel Sharkar that focus on groundbreaking work in the treatment of cancer and from Dr. Craig Sanford on what it means for us to live in a world filled with toxins. Plus, we are coming into a time when lots of great events happening in the area— the Krishna Das concert and workshop, the Environmental Film Festival and Grow Your Health Conference in March, Mind-Body Week in April and looking ahead to the Green Festival in early June. Mark your calendar and plan to see us at each of these events. In a past job, we were blessed to have an “office dog” as part of our staff. Solea, a rescued black lab, was a great mental health coach for everyone on staff and was always eager to comfort with a wag of the tail and a gentle nuzzle. Her owner had a great sign on her door that I never have forgotten: Lord, make me the person my dog thinks I am. I couldn’t agree more. Peace,

Robin Fillmore, Publisher

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contents 1 0 newsbriefs 1 4 healthbriefs 20 globalbriefs 28 business

10 spotlight 29 community spotlight 14 30 event

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

22 MISSION: ANIMAL RESCUE Big and Small, They Need Our Help by Sandra Murphy

spotlight 34 mindandbody 35 ecotip 43 nutrition spotlight 44 techtalk 45 healthypet 46 calendar 20 52 resourceguide

26 COMPREHENSIVE

advertising & submissions

36 I HAVE NO GMOS

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 202-505-4835 or email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

CANCER CARE of the Future

by Dr. Chas Gant

3 1 KIM HAWKINS

and the Rural Dog Rescue

by Robin Fillmore

32 THE NEW

Good-to-Go Eats by Judith Fertig

IN MY DIET

Here Are 8 Reasons Why by Julianne Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dwyer

38 INSULIN

POTENTIATION THERAPY A Better Approach to Cancer Treatment

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online: NaturalAwakeningsDC.com within the advertising section. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

That Can Help You Regain Your Health

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EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Deadline for editorial, news briefs and health briefs are due by the 10th.

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.

by Dr. Isabel Sharkar

39 A FISH TALE by Dr. Craig Sanford

40 WHEN YOUR PET PASSES

A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Julianne Hale

42 MINDFULNESS With Horses

by Grace Ogden

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March 2015

newsbriefs Changing the Way We Eat: A TEDx Viewing Party

Start your Career in Holistic Health! Herbalism Nutritional Therapy Online Courses Prepare for a career in the alternative health field with online Nutritional Therapy and Herbalism Programs from CLIMB Institute for Health Professionals. Led by renowned herbalist and nutritional therapy authority KP Khalsa, the IHP instructors offer the very best in holistic education.

LIVE ONLINE LECTURES NOW AT 2 PM PST AND 5:30 PM PST climbhealth@pcc.edu www.pcc.edu/climb/health

EDx Manhattan “Changing the Way We Eat” is a one-day conference featuring a dynamic and diverse group of speakers addressing issues in the sustainable food and farming movement. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 7, in Clarendon. Though the main TEDx event will be taking place in New York City, local participants will gather together with local food experts to speak during breaks in the webcast, including Pam Hess of the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture; Amos Desjardins, an ultra-marathoner who ran 500 miles in Virginia to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity; Tom McDougall of 4P Foods, who believes that businesses have the ability and the responsibility to use their economic engines to drive real positive social change; Zach Lester of Tree and Leaf Farm, a food visionary, farmer and lover of all things related to soil (in honor of 2015 being declared the Year of Soils by the U.N. General Assembly); and Elizabeth O’Connell of Green America who will talk about the hidden labor costs in the food we eat that is grown both internationally and domestically. Local food entrepreneurs, including Fruitcycle and Urban+Ade by Evensong Farm, have donated snacks and beverages. Local favorite, Sweetgreen, will be providing salad for the first 100 people who register. All are requested to register to attend prior to the event. Location: Phoenix Condominiums, 1020 Highland St., Clarendon. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/TEDxMan_RSVP.

Depression? Anxiety? Fatigue? Addiction? Moody? It’s probably not what you think it is. Functional Medicine offers Solutions for Addiction & Mood Disorders Individualized, state-of-the-art immunological, endocrine, allergic, metabolic, nutritional, functional and genetic testing to identify and correct the unique, root causes of your condition. Dr. Chas Gant, MD, PhD has practiced functional, holistic and integrative medicine and psychotherapy for over 35 years. He has helped thousands of patients of all ages with science based treatments recover from many chronic medical and psychiatric disorders.

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Artful Awakenings: A Women’s Art and Yoga Retreat

Bonded, Insured & Praised Flexible Scheduling

oin local artist Jackie Tury and her retreat team for Artful Awakenings, an amazing weekend full of joy, inspiration and transformation, all in a beautiful beach setting April 24 to 26 in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Participants are encouraged to dream, play, create and awaken as they engage in guided art and yoga activities to nurture mind, body and spirit. Fresh, delicious artfully prepared meals are served each day as participants soak in the sights and sounds of the ocean. No previous art or yoga experience is necessary. By taking time to retreat in a supportive, creative environment, women are able to pause and listen to their own inner voice and renew their sense of balance and being. By blending her talent as an artist, skills as a former social worker and interest in personal and spiritual growth, Tury provides women with unique and meaningful art experiences or “artful awakenings.” She hosts monthly art parties and annual retreats that offer women an opportunity to reconnect with themselves, their creativity and other like-minded women. Tury guides participants through layers of “paint, paper and possibility” that express each person’s own unique dreams and desires. Each participant leaves with a completed project and a visual reminder of their intentions and time together. Cost: $575 for this all-inclusive weekend. For more information or to register, email JackieTury@gmail.com or visit JackieTury.blogspot.com.

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Health Educator Certified by the Hippocrates Health Institute, Luzy Perez provides healing support through classes and private consultations to those facing mild, severe or chronic health challenges and all who want to improve their diets and lifestyle.

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March 2015

newsbriefs Living in the Blame-Free State: A Two-Day Intensive

rancois Beausoleil, author of Blame- Free State, will be in Washington, D.C. March 27 for a book launch party at the Peace Circle Center’s March Empathy Salon. He will then offer a two-day intensive on Living in the Blame-Free State on March 28 and 29. This workshop is designed to offer a clear understanding of the cost of blame on health and overall wellFrancois Beausoleil being, a comprehensive map of how to transform blame toward others, self or situations, a roadmap to help each individual decode the blame that is coming toward and respond from a place a grounded-ness and choice. Beausoleil trains, coaches and supports individuals and organizations throughout Canada, U.S. and Japan, bringing a strong business and coaching focus to the programs he leads. Through his coaching, Beausoleil supports participants to clarify their vision, articulate what they want to contribute to the world and identify and meet their needs. His previous career was as a musician with Cirque de Soleil, thus he brings creativity, music and dance into the rooms and hearts of participants. Location: Dance Loft on 14, 4618 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, visit PeaceCircleCenter.org.

MoCo to Vote on Ban of Puppy-Mill Sales

ast October, Montgomery County Council President George Leventhal introduced legislation, Bill 50-14, which would ban pet stores from selling puppies or kittens bred in large-scale commercial breeding facilities, also known as puppy mills. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a puppy mill is a “large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs.” The bill does not preclude sales of dogs or cats from animal care facilities or nonprofit rescue organizations. Even though there are no stores currently selling in violation of this law, the hope is to prevent any future stores from establishing themselves in the county. The matter will be finally decided, after months of discussion and debate, on March 3.

The people who influence you are the people who believe in you. ~Henry Drummond 12

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Online Classes at Portland Community College

nline classes to obtain accreditation in nutritional therapy and herbalism are being offered at the Portland Community College (PCC) Institute for Health Professionals. Taught by KP Khalsa, president of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), registration begins on March 4 for the term starting March 30. As in previous years, the class offering may also be attended at the PCC CLIMB Center for Advancement. The 12-month nutritional therapy series, approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, prepares students to take the national credentialing exam. The six-term herbalism series, a highly suitable parallel program, provides in-depth training for a career in herbal medicine, with corresponding credit hours used toward a registered herbalist credential through the AHG. This marks the fourth year that PCC has conducted such classes to provide dynamic training to current and future complementary health practitioners. Class location: 1626 S.E. Water Ave., Portland, OR. For more information or to register, call 971-7226627, email ClimbHealth@pcc. edu or visit pcc.edu/climb. See ad, page10.

DaoCloud has Launched

few years back, social entrepreneurs Eric Green and Max Coleman were studying at the University of Maryland when they found they had a life-changing experience in common. After suffering through years of chronic illnesses that conventional medicine failed to reverse, they had both turned to diet and lifestyle improvements and were able to fully recover their health. These shared experiences inspired Green and Coleman to partner with a team of software developers and create a new social wellness network called DaoCloud so others could readily take charge of their health needs. In the early stages, wellness professionals around the D.C. metro area receive incentives to join the network and it is now being rolled out to 170 regions nationwide. Green and Coleman want to support the global health care shift toward self-care, where people are empowered by technology to improve their own health, and health care providers are seen as guides and resources instead of authorities or decision-makers. Those who already align with this philosophy are commonly called wellness professionals, and they rely heavily on word-of-mouth referrals for new clients. DaoCloud provides a secure, online platform for wellness enthusiasts to find and share trusted resources that improve their health and for wellness professionals to connect with clients and colleagues and amplify wordof-mouth through their network. Wellness professionals pay a modest annual fee to join and the service is free to individual members. “We believe DaoCloud will lower barriers to wellness by increasing people’s access to self-education,” says Green. The two partners will soon be launching an affiliate program to reward people for growing the network.

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March 2015

healthbriefs

Rehabilitation Therapy for Pets Integrated branding and coaching for visionary professionals and organizations

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by Dr. Nicholas Albano

ehabilitation therapy is akin to physical therapy for pets and has profoundly changed the way musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, disk problems and damaged hips and knees are handled for dogs and cats. What was once thought to only be mended through surgery or life-long medication can now often be corrected with natural and gentle rehabilitation techniques. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has revolutionized healing and pain management in dogs and cats. In LLLT, a specific wavelength of nonvisible light is applied to areas of pain and discomfort for a specific amount of time to yield a precise amount of energy. Research is on-going, but it appears that when done correctly, the laser energy stimulates the mitochondria in cells. This rapidly increases a cell’s ability to heal and mitigate pain, and animals feel no discomfort during the treatment. In addition for maximum pain management, many veterinarians suggest gentle and modern methods such as low-level laser therapy and at-home exercise programs with a combination of acupuncture, Tui-Na, contemporary massage, osteopathic manipulations and herbal supplements along with quarterly network chiropractic. This combination can provide optimum pain relief and increased strength with no negative impacts on the pets’ bodies. Dr. Nicholas Albano, DVM, CVA, is the owner of Veterinary Holistic Care, in Bethesda. He has been practicing veterinary medicine since he graduated from the veterinary school at Virginia Tech in 2002. Dr. Albano is a strong believer in unifying alternative and traditional medicine and finds that they are not mutually exclusive. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Holistic Medicine Association (AHVMA). Veterinary Holistic Care, in Bethesda, has combined years of experience with modern rehabilitation techniques to provide a unique and effective method of alleviating the pain, weakness, and limitations that come from musculoskeletal problems. For more information, contact 301-656-2882, email info@vhcdoc.com or visit VHCDoc.com. See ad, page 41.

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Diabetes and Dental Health

Frack Attack

Drilling Poisons Both Water and Air

by Dr. Terry Victor

et’s get on the right track to good health. March 24 marks the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Alert Day. They have developed the Diabetes Risk Test to help people find out if they are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. To take the test, visit Diabetes.org. A proper diagnosis of diabetes is also important to dentists, as patients with this disease are prone to having periodontal disease. Patients with periodontal disease are three times as likely to have heart disease and twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease. This gum disease affects the mouth in several ways. The gums may be swollen or tender and may even bleed when patients brush their teeth. It can also cause chronic bad breath or leave a bad taste in the mouth. Some patients even find their teeth spreading apart or becoming loose. It is important to make an appointment to see a dentist if any of these symptoms are already present. This does not mean the patient has diabetes. However, the dentist can help get the patient on the right track to good oral health, regardless of the cause. Remember, a beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth. To help lower the risk of getting diabetes (and maintaining a healthy lifestyle worth smiling about) it’s best to maintain a healthy weight, eat well and stay active. Dr. Terry Victor, DDS, is a dentist in Washington, D.C., providing holistic, biological and eco-friendly general restorative and cosmetic dentistry. For more information, visit TheDCDentist.com. See ad, page 3.

Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man. ~Stewart Udall

Major concerns about hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, as a means of extracting natural gas have centered on how toxic fracking fluids and methane injected into the ground can pollute water supplies. Now a new study published in the Journal of Environmental Health attests how fracking adversely impacts air quality, too. Lead author David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at New York’s University at Albany, is concerned that fracking sites show potential to develop cancer clusters in years to come. The study found eight different poisonous chemicals in groundwater near wells and fracking sites throughout Arkansas, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wyoming at levels that exceeded federal limits, including levels of benzene and formaldehyde, both known carcinogens. Approximately half of the air samples Carpenter analyzed exceeded federally recommended limits. Benzene levels were 35 to 770,000 times higher; hydrogen sulfide levels were 90 to 60,000 times higher; and formaldehyde levels were 30 to 240 times above a theoretically safe threshold. “Cancer has a long latency, so you’re not seeing an elevation in cancer in these communities [yet],” says Carpenter. “But five, 10, 15 or more years from now, elevation in cancer incidence is almost certain to happen.” Source: Grist.org

Yoga for all

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March 2015

healthbriefs

Ginkgo Biloba Calms ADHD, Boosts Memory Compassionate Care for your Pet We view your animal as a whole and focus on the root of the disease for projected long term healing.

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esearchers from Germany’s University of Tübingen’s Center for Medicine tested the Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on 20 children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a clinical trial. The children were given up to 240 milligrams (mg) of the extract for between three and five weeks. Before, during and after the treatment, the scientists evaluated the children by testing the brain’s electrical activity, along with other ADHD-related tests. Those that had received the extract exhibited significant improvement in ADHD symptoms. A study from Liberty University, in Virginia, previously examined 262 adults ages 60 and over with normal memory and mental performance and found that the same Ginkgo biloba extract improved their cognitive scores. Half of the study participants were given 180 mg of the extract daily and half were given a placebo. Standardized tests and a subjective, self-reporting questionnaire found the Ginkgo resulted in significant cognitive improvements among the older adults.

BUGS LINKED TO FACTORY FARM ANTIBIOTICS

he bacteria E. coli now causes 75 to 95 percent of all urinary tract infections, and research from Iowa State University has confirmed that such occurrences are linked to factory farms that use antibiotics. The findings support a study previously completed by scientists from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and George Washington University that shows a strain of antibiotic-resistant E. coli called ExPEC, an extra-intestinal pathogen, was genetically traceable to factory-farmed animals receiving certain antibiotics. The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System reports that 75 percent of chicken and turkey, 59 percent of ground beef and 40 percent of pork meats tested were contaminated with E. coli, and that the strains were predominantly multi-drug resistant.

Meditation Minimizes Migraines

esearchers from the Wake Forest School of Medicine found that mindfulness meditation significantly reduced the number and duration of migraines among 19 episodic migraine patients. Ten were given eight weeks of mindfulness classes with instructions for adding personal meditation in-between sessions. The other nine received typical migraine care. Those in the meditation group experienced an average of 1.4 fewer migraines per month, which averaged nearly three hours less than the ones experienced by those in the control group. Pain levels of the headaches reported by those in the meditation group averaged 1.3 points lower on a scale of one to 10. 16

Washington, D.C.

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Even Modest Drinking Raises Risk of Heart Disease

ontrary to the hypothesis that moderate drinking can be heart-healthy, a new study published in the British Medical Journal indicates that even light to moderate drinking increases the risk of heart disease. In a large, randomized meta-study, researchers examined patient data from 261,991 European adults derived from 56 studies. Participants were classified as non-drinkers, light drinkers, moderate drinkers or heavy drinkers. The researchers also used a gene variation to determine alcohol intake—a genetic marker that indicates low alcohol consumption of less than 10 milliliters (about a third of an ounce) per week. They found that those with the gene variation—and thus are virtually non-drinkers—had a significantly lower risk of heart disease, including stroke and hypertension, and that even light drinking significantly increased heart disease risk. The researchers concluded: “These findings suggest that reductions of alcohol consumption, even for light to moderate drinkers, may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.”

esearch from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health has determined that handling cash register receipts, common in credit card transactions, can increase exposure of the hormone disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA), but that exposure is well within limits considered safe when the receipts are handled under normal conditions. The researchers tested 121 people exposed to the synthetic chemical through their skin and found their average BPA urinary excretion levels averaged 2.6 micrograms (mcg) per liter. The researchers then had test subjects handle thermal paper three times every five minutes, simulating a store cashier’s handling of receipts. The researchers found those that handled the thermal paper during the simulation test had an average increase in their BPA urinary excretions of just under 0.2 mcg per liter per kilogram of body weight. The researchers noted that this was still 25 times lower than the European Food Safety Authority’s proposed temporary tolerable daily intake of 5 mcg per liter per kilogram of body weight per day. Primary sources of BPA exposure are plastics used in water bottles and many other consumer goods.

WILD THYME KILLS BREAST CANCER CELLS

study published in the Nutrition and Cancer Journal reveals that the herb thyme is more than a cooking spice. Scientists tested a methanol extract of Thymus serphyllum—also referred to as wild thyme—on two types of breast cancer cells and found that it was able to kill them in laboratory testing. The testing also found the extract to be safe for healthy normal breast cells. The researchers state that wild thyme may provide the means for a promising natural cancer treatment. natural awakenings

March 2015

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Meditation: Stop Thinking by Kristine Kim

an you stop thinking? Try this right now—stop thinking for three minutes. Can you sit down comfortably and relax your body? Can you close your eyes? Were you able to stop thinking at all for three minutes? You must intentionally try not to think. Consider this challenge in another way. Do you really need those thoughts? Can you really relax? If you are like most people, it is difficult because an average person has 70,000 thoughts a day. An average person has a new thought every 1.2 seconds and thinks practically nonstop from morning until night, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. For most people, the mind is crowded with endless thoughts, including stress and worries, thoughts about relationships and concerns about work. They may be thinking: am I living in the right way? Who am I? Why am I living? Thoughts in the mind are energy thieves—they consume energy. The latest research on the brain has indicated that each person has five times more thoughts in his or her head than in conversation with another person. The number of words that are exchanged during a conversation is between 120 and 250 per minute but the number of words that a person will say to themself is between 650 and 1,000 each minute. No matter what you do, the mind is restless. However, meditation can help change the human mind to the infinite universe mind, according to the teachings found in Maum Meditation. While there are many different trainings and styles of meditation, this style offers a guided meditation that follows a seven-level method of subtraction, each method having a logical and constructive formula. For many who practice, Maum Meditation has been a true help in quieting the mind and enabling them to stop their racing brain. Kristine Kim is the director of the Rockville Meditation Center. For more information, visit RockvilleMeditation.org. See ad, page 13.

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March 2015

A Walk in Nature is a Path to Progress

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

Salty Harvest

Seaweed May Be the New Lettuce Food items such as kelp, dulse, alaria and laver may be unfamiliar now, but likely not for long, as these and other varieties of edible seaweed and sea vegetables appear on more shopping lists and restaurant menus. These ingredients are already favored by cooks for the jolt of salty goodness they bring to soups and salads and by health food advocates that appreciate their high levels of essential minerals. Goodies in the pipeline include seaweed-filled bagels, ice cream and chips. The trend toward farming seaweed instead of harvesting in the wild is making news. Working waterfronts often go dormant in the winter as lobstermen that work during warmer months move inland out of season for part-time jobs. Seaweed is a winter crop that can keep boats out on the water, providing year-round aquaculture employment. Entrepreneur Matthew Moretti, who operates Bangs Island Mussels, a shellfish and kelp farm in Casco Bay, near Portland, Maine, explains, “Mussels are monoculture,” so he has been growing sugar kelp between mussel rafts to create a more ecological model. Source: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for a Livable Future

Holy Batastrophe!

Wind Turbines a Kill Zone for European Bats

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Bats are vital natural pest controllers, saving the use of millions of pounds of pesticides by eating insects, but many species are declining across Europe, despite being protected, because wind turbines are seriously harming their populations. “It’s most common in migratory species, with around 300,000 bats affected every year in Europe alone. Bats are found dead at the bottom of these turbines. One option is to reduce turbine activity during times of peak migration,” says Richard Holland. Ph.D., of Queen’s University Belfast, co-author of a study published in Nature Communications that sheds light on the problem. Scientists have discovered the first known example of a mammal to use polarization patterns in the sky to navigate in the greater mouse-eared bat. The study demonstrates that the bats use the way sunlight is scattered in the atmosphere at sunset to calibrate the internal magnetic compass that helps them to fly in the right direction. Holland says, “Bees have specially adapted photoreceptors in their eyes, and birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles all have cone cell structures in their eyes which may help them to detect polarization, but we don’t know which structure these bats might be using. Anything we can do to understand how they get about, how they move and navigate will be a step forward in helping to protect them.” Source: Natural Environment Research Council (nerc.ac.uk)

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Big Fish

Feeding the World

UN Lauds Small-Scale, Sustainable Agriculture A recent publication from the United Nations Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Trade and Environment Review 2013: Wake Up Before it is Too Late, includes contributions from more than 60 experts around the world. They are calling for transformative changes in food, agriculture and trade systems to increase diversity on farms, reduce use of fertilizer and other inputs, support small-scale farmers and create strong local food systems. The report includes in-depth sections on the shift toward more sustainable, resilient agriculture; livestock production and climate change; the importance of research and extension; plus the roles of both land use and reform of global trade rules. The report’s findings contrast starkly to the accelerated push for new free trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the U.S./EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which will strengthen the hold of multinational corporate and financial firms on the global economy. Neither global climate talks nor other global food security forums reflect the urgency expressed in the UNCTAD report to transform agriculture. Source: Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (iatp.org)

Cultivating Youth

Farming Seeks to Recruit a New Generation With an aging population of farmers, it’s clear that agriculture needs to attract more young people, because half the farmers in the U.S. are 55 or older. But for much of the world’s youth, agriculture isn’t seen as being cool or attractive—only as backbreaking labor without an economic payoff and with little room for career advancement. However, with some effort, young farmers can explore contemporary career options in permaculture design, biodynamic farming, communication technologies, forecasting, marketing, logistics, quality assurance, urban agriculture projects, food preparation, environmental sciences and advanced technologies. “Increased access to education and new forms of agriculture-based enterprises means that young people can be a vital force for innovation in family farming, increasing incomes and well-being for both farmers and local communities,” says Mark Holderness, executive secretary of the Global Forum for Agricultural Research. The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (nesfp.org), in Massachusetts, trains young farmers in how to run a small farm operation, from business planning to specialized advanced workshops in livestock and healthy food. Likewise, the Southeastern New England Young Farmer Network (YoungFarmerNetwork.org) hosts free social and educational events that bring together farmers of all ages and experience levels to network and collaborate.

Whales’ Global Impact Underestimated Whales have long been considered too rare to be the focus of overall marine ecological research, with more attention going to much smaller essential organisms like algae and plankton. However, as whales recover from centuries of overhunting that reduced their numbers by twothirds or more, scientists are realizing the important role they play in transferring fertilizers like iron and nitrogen from deep waters to feed plankton near the surface via plumes of fecal matter. A study at the University of Vermont, published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, evaluates decades of research on the ecological role of great whales. Lead author Joe Roman says, “Whale recovery could lead to higher rates of productivity where whales aggregate to feed and give birth, supporting more robust fisheries.” It seems that the long-lived whales may even ease the impact of perturbations in climate and buffer marine ecosystems from destabilizing stresses. Roman states, “This warrants a shift in view from whales being positively valued as exploitable goods or negatively valued because they compete with people for marine fish to one what recognizes that these animals play key roles in healthy marine ecosystems, providing services to human societies.” Source: EcoWatch.com

Animals don’t lie. Animals don’t criticize. If animals have moody days, they handle them better than humans do. ~Betty White

Source: FoodTank.com natural awakenings

March 2015

infusion into the pet’s testicles causes them to atrophy. It’s less invasive, with a lower chance of infection and less pain, and reduces testosterone. For feral cat populations where traps haven’t worked, megestrol acetate, derived from progesterone, added to food acts as birth control to slow or stop colony growth.” Treatment of laboratory animals has also improved. “There have been three significant changes since 1984,” says Cathy Liss, president of the nonprofit Animal Welfare Institute, in Washington, D.C., founded in 1951 (awionline.org). “General housing conditions are better, the number of government-owned chimpanzees has decreased and laboratories no longer obtain dogs and cats from random sources, so no stolen pets end up in labs.”

MISSION: ANIMAL RESCUE Big and Small, They Need Our Help by Sandra Murphy

very creature in the animal kingdom has an essential purpose, yet through human interference, animal life overall has become so imbalanced as to signal a tipping point for Earth. Extreme care for the rapidly growing population of a relative handful of pet breeds stands in stark contrast to trending extinction of dozens of other species. Fortunately, in addition to the efforts of dedicated volunteers, conservationists and supportive lawmakers, every one of us can make a real difference.

Home Pet Rescues

Zack Skow started by volunteering with a nearby dog rescue organization. He became director, and then in 2009 founded his own nonprofit, Marley’s Mutts (MarleysMutts.org), in Tehachapi, California, pulling many kinds of dogs out of Los Angeles shelters. “A lot of rescues are breed-specific; I think mutts deserve an equal chance,” says Skow, now the executive director. “Small dogs get adopted faster, so we 22

Washington, D.C.

get the larger mixes, including pit bulls and Rottweilers.” Currently, the facility continues to expand its services, working with pet foster homes; providing medical care for severely abused animals in need of rehabilitation and socialization; and managing visits to prisons, mental health facilities and schools. “We take in who we can help. To see a dog triumph over tremendous odds gives people hope,” says Skow. Recently, volunteers pulled 70 dogs from Los Angeles shelters, fostered them for a month and then transported them east to adoption facilities where conditions were less crowded. Spay/neuter is the best solution to pet overpopulation, says Ruth Steinberger, national founder of Spay First, headquartered in Oklahoma City (SpayFirst.org). From 20 years of experience, she explains that in locations and situations in which surgery is impractical, “We’ve had great results using calcium chloride in ethyl alcohol, done under sedation. A slow

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She reports that animals now are subject to only one experiment, retired for adoption instead of being euthanized, and furnished with natural living conditions on-site—vertical space, an enriched environment with mental and physical stimulation, interaction with other animals and appropriate food and bedding. “Most lab animals are rats and mice,” says Liss. “Any animal has the capacity to suffer. It’s up to us to treat them humanely.”

Farm Animal Stewardship

“Animals become ambassadors,” says Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary’s three locations in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Los Angeles and northern California (FarmSanctuary.org) and author of Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food. “People are distanced from food sources. Once you learn that sheep love to be petted and pigs like belly rubs, you know an animal as an individual. The best way to help is to share information, farm animal videos and plantbased recipes, so people can see that going meatless is about far more than just eating produce.”

Musician Sir Paul McCartney, author of The Meat Free Monday Cookbook, took the message to schools in 2012. Now students around the world participate in meat-free lunch programs. The adult initiative of going meatless for one or more days extends to 35 countries on six continents. Pigs, cows, horses, peacocks and an alpaca live in harmony at local nonprofit Cracker Box Palace Farm Animal Haven, in Alton, New York (CrackerBox Palace.org), which spurs recovery from illness, neglect or abuse. “People get animals without doing research on their care or habits. That’s how we got the peacocks—they have a bloodcurdling scream,” says Farm Manager Cheri Roloson, who rents out their goats as nature’s landscapers to clear brush. Mistreated animals also provide therapy for returning military veterans and abused children at Ranch Hand Rescue, in Argyle, Texas (RanchHand Rescue.org). Kids find it easier to talk about their experiences with an animal that has also endured cruel treatment, like Spirit, a horse that received precedent-setting surgery to repair a leg that had improperly healed after being broken by a baseball bat. Conscious chicken farms, too, are making an impact. “Chickens can be well-treated and have a healthy, decent life,” says Jason Urena, marketing manager with NestFresh, which operates 20 small farms and five processing plants, concentrated in Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Texas to reduce its carbon footprint (NestFresh.com). Starting with cage-free hens, the Denver company grew based on nationwide customer requests for certified cage-free, free-range, organic, pastureraised and nonGMO (genetically modified) eggs. “We’re the first in the country to offer certified non-GMO eggs,” attests Urena. He explains that in the process for certification, feed is inspected at every step, from planting seed (usually corn

“Pets are considered property, and until that changes, it’s harder to make a difference. Farm animals have no rights at all. Animals are sentient beings with rights commensurate with the ability to feel pain and even be valued members of the family. They deserve far more than a property classification.” ~Diane Sullivan, assistant dean and professor, Massachusetts School of Law or soy) to storage in silos and mill grinding, to allow traceability for potential problems and avoid cross-contamination.

Wildlife Habitat Preservation There are few places on Earth that humans haven’t impacted fragile ecosystems. Loss of habitat and lack of food sources are critical issues. Bats are a bellwether for the impact on wildlife from human-induced diseases. The Wildlife Conservation Society studies the loons in New York’s Adirondack Mountains to monitor their exposure to disease and pollution. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is to use conservation and education to protect present and future wildlife. Of the 410-plus species of mammals in the United States, 80 are on the endangered species list, reminiscent of the bison that used to number in the millions,

but now mostly exist in small bands on private and public lands. NWF aims to build on the bison restoration efforts achieved to date (now numbering tens of thousands) by reintroducing them onto more public lands, reservations and protected habitats, and likewise build up populations of other wild threatened and endangered animals. Its programs feature green corridors to give native species a home and migrating species a rest stop. “The important message is not how many species have gone off the list, but how many didn’t go extinct,” says David Mizejewski, a celebrity naturalist for NWF. “It’s important to understand species require different ecosystems. When we quit draining swamps and rerouting rivers and leave them alone in a proper habitat, alligators will come back. Eagles have fewer young, so it’s not easy for them to recover.” The success in restoring populations of the bald eagle, our national symbol, during the second half of the last century was significant. Measures

What You Can Do 4 Volunteer to walk a dog, foster a cat, make phone calls or help with shelter paperwork. 4 Spay/neuter pets and consider adopting before shopping at a pet store. 4 Donate to support rehabilitation of an abused animal. 4 Pick up litter, especially harmful in and near waterways. 4 Be a conscious consumer and don’t let factory farm prices influence decisions. 4 Tell companies what is accept able or not via purchases, emails and phone calls. 4 Lobby politicians to support worthy animal causes.

natural awakenings

March 2015

that included banning the poisonous DDT pesticide that contaminated their food and affected reproduction, improving native habitats and prohibiting hunting of the bird allowed its removal from the endangered list in 2007. They are still protected by the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Another raptor, the peregrine falcon, has adapted to urban living in order to survive. Nests adorn tops of buildings and pigeons are a plentiful food supply. Bears, mountain lions and wolves have been dwindling, hunted as dangerous, a nuisance or for sport. With fewer of these natural predators, whitetailed deer can overpopulate their habitat and starve. Deer and other displaced animals may migrate into suburban areas in search of food, prompting hurtful human reactions to reduce their numbers. The American Bear Association provides safe, seasonal habitats for black bears (AmericanBear.org). Located near Orr, Minnesota, the 360-acre sanctuary

The 1966 Animal Welfare Act improved the lives of many commercial animals, but more laws are needed. See SustainableTable.org/ 274/animal-welfare. also hosts white-tailed deer, bald eagles, beavers, mink, pine martens, fishers, timber wolves, red squirrels, bobcats, blue jays, owls, ducks, songbirds and ravens. Among movements to protect smaller endangered and threatened animals, the American Tortoise Rescue lobbies for legislation to ban the importation of non-native species (Tortoise.com). “Turtles and bullfrogs are imported as pets or as food, and many end up in streams or lakes, where they

Did You Know… n San Francisco’s SPCA is one of many organizations that offer free or low-cost spay/neuter for specific breeds most frequently seen in shelters, like pit bulls, and special programs offer free surgeries. Find locations at Tinyurl.com/SpayNeuterServices. n One female dog can produce litters of up to 10 pups twice a year; cats can have three litters a year of up to five kittens each. n An estimated 2.7 million healthy shelter pets remain unadopted each year, yet only about 30 percent of pets in homes come from shelters or rescues, according to The Humane Society of the United States. n Factory farms account for 99 percent of farm animals, yet less than 1 percent of donated money directly assists them, reports Animal Charity Evaluators, in San Diego. The highly rated Mercy for Animals, dedicated to prevention of cruelty to farmed animals, reports, “Despite the fact that these are the most abused animals in the United States, they actually have the fewest number of advocates.” n Sandra, a 29-year-old Sumatran orangutan at the Buenos Aires Zoo, was recognized as a “non-human person” unlawfully deprived of her freedom by Argentine courts. “This opens the way not only for other great apes, but also for other sentient beings that are unfairly and arbitrarily deprived of their liberty,” says Paul Buompadre, an attorney with the Association of Officials and Lawyers for Animal Rights. “The question is not ‘Can they reason?’ or ‘Can they talk?’ but ‘Can they suffer?’” says Barry MacKay, director of the Animal Alliance of Canada. “That to me is the ultimate question.” 24

Washington, D.C.

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kill native species,” says cofounder Susan M. Tellem, in Malibu, California. “They can carry salmonella, parasites and tuberculosis,” she explains. Unfortunately, a California law passed to limit importation was revoked within weeks due to claims of cultural bias by politicians lobbying for Asian food markets that sell live turtles and bullfrogs. As the only Association of Zoos and Aquariums-certified wolf facility in the world, The Endangered Wolf Center, in Eureka, Missouri, has been breeding and reintroducing wolves into the wild for 40 years (EndangeredWolfCenter. org). Founded by zoologist and television host Marlin Perkins and his wife, Carol, they helped increase both the Mexican gray wolf population from nine to 235 in managed care, plus at least 75 in the wild, and the red wolf population from 14 to 160 in managed care, with more than 100 in the wild. Every pack of Mexican gray wolves roaming the Southwest and 70 percent of North Carolina red wolves can be traced back to the center. Wildlife protection laws vary by state. Key conservation successes typically begin with local and regional initiatives promoted by farsighted individuals that care enough to get the ball rolling and back it up with supportive legislation. Christian Samper, Ph.D., CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society, observes, “Zoos and aquariums help the public better understand the natural systems that make all life possible. The hope is that what people understand, they will appreciate and what they appreciate, they will work to protect.” One person’s care can make a difference. For an animal, it can mean life itself. Sandra Murphy is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect at StLouis FreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

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Comprehensive Cancer Care for the Future A Discussion of Integrative Treatments Monday, March 30 • 6 - 8 pm National Integrated Health Associates 5225 Wisconsin Ave, NW Transforming Fatigue and Depression: Brain Wellness through Genomics & Functional Medicine Thursday, April 23 • 6:30 - 8:30 pm The Smith Center for Healing & the Arts Both Events Begin with a HEALTHY HAPPY HOUR

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March 2015

leadingedge

Comprehensive Cancer Care of the Future

by Dr. Chas Gant

ntegrative medicine combines the best of so-called “conventional” and “non-conventional” medicine. This artificial division is dissolving as medicine worldwide moves toward a comprehensive approach to healthcare, which is based on good science and outcome-based results. Already we are seeing a trend toward research into outcome-based treatments which include not only surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but also many kinds of “alternative” interventions which are supported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For instance, “alternative” approaches to the treatment of cancer such as mindfulness meditation and nutritional interventions have shown great promise, and can be considered as important adjunctive care for any cancer victim who is facing surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. 26

Washington, D.C.

Dividing the myriad of choices for cancer treatment and management into three categories can help to simplify matters. They are:

Strategies which have been shown to be supportive or effective for all cancer management and treatment

These include strategies such as detoxification, healthy lifestyle changes (sleep, exercise, stress management, etc.) and refocusing on psycho-spiritual matters.

Strategies such as functional medicine and nutrigenomics which identify the individual’s unique risk factors and allow very targeted interventions For example, identifying and addressing a broad range of risk factors including nutritional, immune, endocrine, toxicity-related, infectious

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(e.g., dental, gastrointestinal), allergic (especially foods), metabolic (e.g., blood sugar factors-—as cancer loves sugar) and genetic.

Strategies of treatment which are unique to the type of cancer diagnosed This includes what most consumers are familiar with: surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which are the bread and butter of modern oncology. There is also promise for nutritional and other strategies, to enter this arena. Conventional medicine strategies shine when it comes to the third category— treatment strategies which are unique to a specific type of cancer. Many astonishing new treatments which target just the cancer cells and lessen collateral damage to the immune system and other healthy tissues have come into vogue and are on the horizon. Integrative, holistic and complementary/alternative practitioners who treat cancer can find it valuable to keep up with advances in oncology because these advances offer insights into the weaknesses of certain cancers, which can then be exploited by altering the patient’s nutritional status and oxidative stress levels. A problem in most conventional cancer treatment is that so much attention is devoted to treating the specific cancer that the overall care of the individual often takes a back seat. This is certainly understandable. The idea that can get lost in the stress of tribulations of difficult clinical work, is that regardless of the effectiveness of chemo- or radio-therapies or surgery, the patient’s immune system still shoulders the lion’s share of the burden of making cancer cells die (called apoptosis). Strengthening the patient’s immune system is the forte of complementary and alternative medicine treatment approaches, and many conventional cancer treatment centers are beginning to address these issues. Functional medicine and nutrigenomics goes far beyond the complementary/alternative treatments studied and supported by NCCAM. Functional medicine and nutrigenomics is not easily categorized as holistic, non-

We are seeing a trend toward research into outcome-based treatments. conventional or alternative, because it relies on the latest scientific advances and cutting-edge, laboratory, diagnostic technologies. A typical functional medicine and nutrigenomic workup of a patient with cancer will involve assessing many hundreds of independent metabolic, nutritional, toxicological, immune, allergic, infectious and genetic risk factors, which identify many of the unique strengths and weaknesses of an individual’s capacity to prevent and destroy cancer cells in their body. Usually, a functional medicine and genomic assessment can determine the unique biochemical and immune weaknesses that obviously opened the door to cancer in the first place. A functional medicine and genomic assessment can even be important for long-term cancer survivors who had received only conventional treatment, because their rates of developing cancer a second time in their life is far higher than normal individuals—the risk factors are still there. Such risk factors can be identified and modified or significantly negated with a comprehensive functional medicine and genomic assessment. So, what does the future hold? Ultimately, the basic supportive strategies which are helpful in all cancer treatment, the strategies unique to the individual, and those unique to the treatment of certain cancers will be combined into one kind of medicine, based on good science and constantly improving outcomes. Dr. Chas Gant, M.D., Ph.D., is an author, physician and educator, specializing in functional medicine, molecular health and healing. For more information, call 202-237-7000, ext. 120, or visit DoctorChas.com. See ad, page 10. To hear Dr. Chas speak on this topic, attend a free seminar/webinar 6 p.m. on March 30 at the National Integrative Health Associates, 5225 Wisconsin Ave. NW. See ad, page 25.

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Terri Neff Metin A Partner in Transforming Lives and Homes

by Robin Fillmore

Ne Sh w op W ly U Ou eb pg r Sto rad re ed

hen a potential homebuyer or Metin approaches client relationships seller meets Terri Neff Metin with great care and understanding that the for the first time, they quickly bond formed between this newly-formed notice that they have encountered a team of Realtor and buyers or seller offers mighty force who has profound wisdom for all the potential of making parties involved. She notes, “I so many of their dreams treat every person—I believe come true. Metin has in my heart—with integrity. been a leading Realtor Each one is before me to in this area for a numteach me something.” In ber of years, helping her turn, she uses her extensive clients to understand knowledge of the greater the process of buying or Washington, D.C. area and selling the most expenher background in archisive possession in their tecture and interior design lives—their homes. to help sellers redefine their She stands alonghomes into a harmonious, side and coaches them inviting dwelling—helping as they consider all the them rework and reimagine necessary steps to make spaces and then staging the a beloved dwelling home to enhance a sense of Terri Neff Metin of many years into a balance and calm. To Metin, showpiece to potential buyers. Likewise, a house is an organic structure that breathes she will sit for hours to discuss the perlife into a family, but it needs tending so that ceived needs with a new home purchaser it can become a nurturing space. and help them discern the best options Even though current buyers have in a thriving housing market. To Metin, many online options to see houses, the her work is a vocation where she uses role of the Realtor is still vitally important her gifts to help people move from one to the process. Metin notes that Realtors place to another—literally with the sale are needed to arrange visits of prospecor purchase of their home and figuratively tive properties, and then when the time with assistance in all the transitions that comes, to handle the delicate negotiations may come up as the result of a sale. and purchasing process that is highly

regulated and full of potential landmines for the buyer. Metin, a devout practitioner of yoga and meditation, brings her personal training into interactions with clients, helping them to find calm in the face of potential challenges and other unwelcome news. The deep desire to serve her clients is borne out of Metin’s childhood, as the daughter of a highly respected dentist and Georgetown Dental School professor. She learned the values of hard work and going miles above what is expected from her father, whom she names as her inspiration. From her mother, she learned the values of listening that each person, regardless of his or her background, has a voice that is worthy of understanding. For years, Metin and her family operated a local catering company in Georgetown and served foreign dignitaries with the same determined effort that she now brings to her real estate clients. Prior to opening the catering business, Metin honed her design and interior architecture skills by designing everything from basic condos to palaces throughout the world, and even worked with a yachting design team in Annapolis. The opportunity to travel and be immersed in different cultures has helped her to understand that the limitations people face—in life or in buying a house—are many times, self-imposed. Her role, as a team member in the buying and selling process, is to expand those limitations so that the clients’ dreams might be first identified and then fully realized. For more information about Terri Neff Metin, visit TerriHomes.com, email TerriMetin@CBMove.com or call 202256-2163. See ad, page 14.

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communityspotlight

Maid Brigade Offers a Green Way to Clean Your Home by Samantha Hudgins

aid Brigade, in business since 1979, made a commitment to green cleaning in 2007 and has been a Green America-approved business ever since. In every aspect of the business, Maid Brigade takes seriously its commitment to create the safest indoor environment in their clients’ homes, as well as in their office. To become Green Americaapproved, a company must abide not only by green business practices but socially responsible practices as well, including promoting from within the company. Regional Marketing Director Katy Gilchrist proudly points to one of their team leaders as an example of how the company supports growth in its staff. This particular operations

manager joined the company 15 years ago as a house cleaning professional who spoke limited English. Today she supervises 50 women, speaks fluent English and has been able to put her children through college. One of her daughters now works in their accounting department. Maid Brigade ensures a green cleaning experience on every front, starting with their home office. Every desk is home to a recycling bin and only reusable cups will be found by the coffee maker. From there, Maid Brigade’s uniformed maids—or house cleaning professionals, as the company refers to them—take low-emission company cars to the homes they will be cleaning that day.

Once on location, many steps are taken to give each house a synthetic chemical-free and toxin-free cleaning. Only green seal-certified sustainable cleaning products are used and all equipment, such as HEPA vacuums, is approved by the American Lung Association to improve air quality. Furthermore, reusable color-coded fiber cloths are used in place of paper towels. The cloths are color-coded to correspond with rooms of the house so that, for instance, the same cloth used in the bathroom will not be used in the kitchen. Teams of two or three house cleaning professionals work together to clean each house from top to bottom and front to back so that once an area has been cleaned, it stays clean. As much as possible, teams are kept together on assignments. Gilchrist explains this is done not only to foster efficiency but also to create a pet-friendly environment. Sending the same people to the same house allows pets to get to know and become comfortable with their house cleaning professionals. Nationwide there are more than 400 franchise territories and in this area Maid Brigade franchises cover the majority of the metro D.C. region from Leesburg to Annapolis, and Ellicott City to Fredericksburg and points in between. Maid Brigade is active within the community it services, often attending green living expos and the openings of green apartment buildings. This March alone they will be attending the Arlington Homeshow and Garden Expo on March 7, the World Green Energy Symposium on March 12 and the Waldorf Great Big Home and Remodeling Expo on March 14 and 15. Maid Brigade also serves the community through its partnership with Cleaning for a Reason. With this organization, Maid Brigade is able to provide up to four free monthly cleans for up to four late-stage cancer patients per month. Spring cleaning will soon be in full swing and Maid Brigade is prepared to make houses cleaner and safer. To get an estimate, call 703-822-4221 or visit MaidBrigade.com. See ad, page 11.

natural awakenings

March 2015

eventspotlight

Peace, Love Yoga Fest Art, Music, Meditation and Yoga at the Blind Whino by Robin Fillmore

hat happens when art, music, meditation and yoga are all brought together in the city’s newest, hippest gathering spot? Love. The Peace Love Yoga Fest, the first of many to come, is a daylong event where meditation, music, art and yoga all come together in one place on May 16 at the Blind Whino, in Southwest Washington, D.C. All are invited. The festival will offer a variety of classes and workshops in different styles, giving participants an opportunity to try out a number of different forms, teachers or trainings throughout the day. The main yoga room, with soaring ceilings, will be the main space for classes throughout the day. On the lower floors, there will be “quieter” styles of classes, including yoga nidra, yin yoga, kunalini movement meditation, energy workshops and acro yoga. One of the rooms will be designated for meditation, with teachers sharing their different practices in teachings and workshops throughout 30

Washington, D.C.

the event. There will also be a room geared to “all-ages”, in which family yoga sessions will alternate with kirtan chanting—sing-a-longs to yoga music. All the classes and workshops have been scheduled for inside the building, just in case of bad weather, but outside, there is a lot happening as well. Musicians will be providing the soundtrack for the creation of public art projects, inspired by local artists and by the participants. One Love Bus, known as D.C.’s largest moving art installation, will be on hand to provide inspiration to all who are ready to grab a brush and start painting. The festival is the natural next step for the sponsoring group, WithLove DC, that has been leading pop-up yoga throughout the city for the past year. The group has a simple mission, to sponsor and support events and activities that promote love, joy and acceptance within the community. Their first project, MadeWithLove Kitchen Project, started a year ago at L’Arche,

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a group home in Adams Morgan for adults with intellectual disabilities and their assistants. WithLove DC cooks healthy vegan meals on a regular basis with the residents who live in this beautiful community. By spring, WithLove DC started pop-up yoga in parks throughout the community, offered on a donation basis, believing that yoga should be accessible to all who want to try it. Their efforts are supported by selling vegan lunches and snacks from the MadeWithLove Kitchen Project. The idea for the festival was, in part, inspired by the venue, the Blind Whino, which has a rapidly growing following for amazing community and music events. A converted and abandoned church in the Southwest Corridor of the city, the Blind Whino is a work of art unto itself, with every inch, inside and out, painted by street artists. For the festival, there has been tremendous community support. Already, the volunteer roles have all been filled and tickets are likely to sell out. Sponsors, in addition to Natural Awakenings, include yoga studios, BuddhaB and Yoga Heights; as well as Gouter, a local juicing company and Core 72, a local boutique specializing in women’s athletic clothing. Organizer Heather Markowitz was inspired by huge yoga festivals held across the country but wanted to home-grow an event that was accessible and affordable. “I wanted to bring the experience of hundreds of yogis who care about the same things, like spreading love, being mindful and being conscientious about the world we live in. Everyone should get the chance to be in a community like that, in a festival setting. D.C. has such a thriving yoga community with dozens of studios, hundreds of instructors and so many yoga and meditation practitioners. I really feel this will be a special event to bring everyone together for just one day and make something wonderful. And don’t forget your mat!” Location: 700 Delaware Ave., SW, Washington DC. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit PeaceLoveYogaFest.com. See ad, page 19.

localhero

Kim Hawkins

and the Rural Dog Rescue by Robin Fillmore

ince 2011, Kim Hawkins has been fulfilling a deeply held mission to save as many of the abandoned, neglected and broken dogs as she is able. So far, that would be more than 725 dogs, and counting. It was that same year when she saw on a friend’s Facebook page the photo of a puppy that was facing euthanization at a shelter in North Carolina. By the time she got access to the puppy, she had committed to taking the entire litter, plus the mother, out of the high-kill shelter. With that simple act of compassion, the seeds of Rural Dog Rescue were sewn. Today, Rural Dog Rescue mainly pulls dogs from shelters in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, but just recently started working with a shelter in West Virginia, as well. The scope of problem—unwanted dogs—is immense. According to Hawkins, the majority of these shelters with whom she works has a euthanasia rate of 75 to 80 percent of all animals within 72 hours. One of the shelters processes (either through adoption or euthanasia) about 6,500 dogs and cats per year.

Hawkins runs Rural Dog Rescue from the second floor of the natural pet store she opened in February 2012, Howl to the Chief, located across from the Navy Yard on Capitol Hill. She had long been interested in animal nutrition to deal with diseases and cancer and left her job as an engineer to devote more time to supporting the animals she loves. Each weekend, adoption events at Howl to the Chief are held for prospective owners and pet lovers to see and interact with the dogs, (and cats, on Sundays) that are looking for their forever homes. Of late, adoption events are also held at Wylie Wagg and Dogma, in Arlington. More than 200 volunteers and seven board members contribute to the work of Rural Dog Rescue. The first team to be involved assesses the dogs, takes care of their vet services (spay or neuter, getting all their shots and microchipped) and fosters the dogs for a matter of weeks until they are cleared medically. Then the transportation crew handles the trip up to the D.C. area. One particular volunteer has a bi-weekly run from her home in Front Royal, beginning at 4 a.m. and ends when

the dogs are safely delivered to waiting foster parents on this end. It is a group effort, so there are volunteers who help with the placement of the rescued dogs, by conducting background checks, in-home assessments and phone interviews. This is one of the most important steps in the process of finding each rescued dog’s forever home. They are very particular about matching the right dog with the right home and because of the great care taken, their return rate is less than 1 percent. Hawkins is always looking for more foster families and has even a weekend program where the family can pick up “their” dog on Friday night and return it on Sunday night or Monday morning. Thus far, the program has been a great success and has given dog-lovers throughout the city a chance to spend some time with a furry friend on the weekend. The organization is funded through adoption fees and fund raisers. In the spring, they host Dirty Dogs Done Dirt Cheap, where volunteers provide doggie baths and grooming for a donation. Also in the warmer months, Rural Dog Rescue hosts Hike A Hound events to raise funds and awareness. During the winter holidays, they offer pet photos with Santa, which helps to defray the costs of the initial vet services and emergency treatment that is needed. Hawkins admits that she has a hard time not accepting the “broken” dogs, who have come into the rescue with broken legs, cancer and many other maladies. But, she notes, they generally are the most loyal pets. The work of Hawkins has not gone unnoticed throughout the city. Howl to the Chief was named “Best Pet Shop” in the Best of DC City Paper for both 2013 and 2014—and they are up for that title, along with Best Pet Spa as well as Best Non-Profit for the Rural Dog Rescue. They were also named the 2014 Capitol Hill Nonprofit of The Year at the Hilly Awards. Location: 733 8th Street SE, Washington, D.C. To learn more about Rural Dog Rescue, Howl to the Chief and the work of Kim Hawkins and her team, visit RuralDogRescue.org or HowlTo TheChief.com. See ad, page 51.

natural awakenings

March 2015

consciouseating

The New Healthy Cuisine Good-to-Go Eats by Judith Fertig

atie Newell, a blogging Kansas City mother of two who fights inflammation from several autoimmune diseases, is rigorous about the fresh, unprocessed food she buys. After noticing adverse symptoms from dining at a restaurant, Newell initially thought that eating out was no longer an option for her. Today, she happily ventures out for the occasional restaurant meal, knowing that the healthy food landscape is changing. “I look to restaurants owned by local chefs that use local and sustainable ingredients and prepare everything from scratch,” she says. From higher-end dining to fast-food joints, food trucks and vending machines, we now have even more choices for fresh, seasonal, organic, local, sustainable, tasty nutrition when we’re on the go. It’s because entrepreneurial chefs and fitness buffs are responding to customer demand for healthy eating options away from home.

Washington, D.C.

Range of Restaurants

London’s celebrated Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, founder of several restaurants and takeout emporia and author of bestselling cookbooks Plenty and Jerusalem, says that “healthy” can happen simply by putting the spotlight on plants. Ottolenghi’s cuisine is known for celebrating vegetables, fruits and herbs. He says, “That attitude, I think, is a very healthy attitude to eating.” At Gracias Madre, a plant-based vegan Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles and San Francisco, high style doesn’t mean chandeliers and rich cream sauces. The brainchild of Executive Chef Chandra Gilbert, also director of operations for the Bay Area’s vegan Café Gratitude, it serves organic, local and sustainable fruits and vegetables and bold flavor without excessive calories. She says, “I’m inspired by what I want to eat that tastes good and makes me feel good, and I want to affect this planet—to create health and vibrancy all the way around.”

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True Food Kitchen, a partnership between Dr. Andrew Weil and restaurateur Sam Fox, offers “honest food that tastes really good” at Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Washington, D.C., locations. For lunch, diners might sip sea buckthorn, pomegranate, cranberry or black tea along with their quinoa burger or organic spaghetti squash casserole. Newell and her family gravitate towards SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza, touting recipes developed by James Beard Awardwinning Chefs Michael Smith and Debbie Gold, who partnered with entrepreneur Gail Lozoff to create the first healthy, high-style pizzeria in 2005. Today it offers traditional and gluten-free pizza topped with fresh and organic (whenever possible) ingredients at locations in Dallas, Omaha, the Kansas City metro area and Orange County, California. Even at fast-food restaurants, healthy choices are increasingly available. “Unforked, Panera Bread and Chipotle do a great job being transparent about what’s in their food,” says Newell. Before venturing out, she often checks the company’s website for specific nutrition information.

Meals on Wheels– Food Trucks

A burgeoning fleet of creatively conceived food trucks takes healthy eating to local customers in U.S. cities. In addition to preparing organic, plantbased foods, The Green Food Truck, in Culver City and San Diego, California, recycles used vegetable oil, composts produce scraps and offers recyclable servingware. Josh Winnecour, founder of the Fuel Food Truck, in Asheville, North Carolina, cites losing 50 unwanted pounds as his incentive for serving nutrient-dense, made-from-scratch food to his clientele.

New Generation Vending

Most hospitals, universities, schools and corporations appear to espouse healthy eating—until the offerings in their vending machines reveal the opposite. Ethan Boyd, a student at Michigan State University, noted this disconnect. “While dining halls strive to serve healthy options,” he says, “there are 40 vending machines on MSU’s campus that spit out junk food.”

Sean Kelly, CEO of HUMAN Healthy Vending (Helping Unite Mankind and Nutrition), had a similar, “Oh, no,” moment at his New York City gym when he was a university student. Today, Kelly’s franchise model allows local operators to supply individual machines with better options from organic fresh fruit to hot soup. “Our vision is to make healthy food more convenient than junk food,” he says. Entrepreneurs Ryan Wing and Aaron Prater, who also have culinary training, recently opened Sundry Market & Kitchen, in Kansas City, Missouri. In their update on a neighborhood market, they sell takeout foods like red lentil falafel and citrus beet soup. “I think people want to eat local food and better food, but they want it to be convenient,” observes Wing. “The bottom line is we want to make it simple to eat good food.”

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natural awakenings

March 2015

mindandbody

Managing Pain with Mind-Body Therapies New Treatment for Veteran’s Health Care by Dr. Deborah Norris

he Department of Veterans Affairs has estimated that in 2013, between 350,000 and 650,000 veterans lived in Maryland. Montgomery County has one of the highest veteran populations within the state with greater than 50,000 veterans; at least 5 percent of the population. Compare that alongside another important statistic. One in three Americans suffers from chronic pain, at least 100 million adults; indicating a pervasive national healthcare concern. The current patient costs of treating pain exceed $560 to $635 billion annually; with federal and state costs at almost 34

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$100 billion per year. Yet nearly half of all of those who suffer with chronic pain report that their pain is inadequately treated. Furthermore, current pharmacological treatments for pain are considered addictive and are currently under scrutiny for association with high rates of addiction in the U.S. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) reports that across the nation, approximately 16 percent of all veterans under care at a VA hospital are currently addicted to medications. According to Dr. Robert D. Kerns, chief of psychology service at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 50 per-

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cent of male Veteran’s Health Administration (VHA) patients in primary care report chronic pain. The prevalence may be as high as 75 percent in female veterans. Pain is among the most costly disorders treated in VHA settings. Chronic pain is especially prevalent in individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Up to 75 percent of military and civilian patients with TBI have chronic pain. TBI affects 20 percent of the over 1.6 million service members deployed to Afghanistan. Effective treatments for chronic pain and pain related to TBI have been identified, and are currently being implemented in Veterans Health Care. The new evidence-basis for the evolution of the standard of care supports the use of self-care therapies of meditation, yoga, and tai chi for treatment of chronic pain. A 2013 review in the Clinical Journal of Pain identifies yoga as an effective treatment for chronic low back pain. The American Journal of Health Promotion provides a review of evidence for the use of tai chi and qigong for treating pain and other chronic conditions. And in a 2012 review in Neuroscience Letters, evidence for the brain mechanisms affected by mindfulness meditation for relief from pain was shown. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the VA has initiated a multifaceted approach to reduce the use of opioids among America’s veterans who use VA health care and to replace pharmacological treatment of pain with healthy lifestyle practices. The Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI) is a comprehensive effort to improve the quality of life for the hundreds of thousands of veterans suffering from chronic pain through the use of self-care mind-body practices. Launched in October 2013 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, OSI is already demonstrating success in lowering dependency on this class of drugs. At eight sites of care in Minnesota, OSI practices have decreased high-dose opioid use by more than 50 percent. OSI incorporates the team approach with the goal of reducing opioid use by alleviating a veteran’s pain using nonprescription methods. There is an emphasis on patient education, close patient monitoring with frequent feed-

One in three Americans suffers from chronic pain, at least 100 million adults; indicating a pervasive national healthcare concern. back and complementary and alternative mind-body practices. To learn more about this program and other mind-body therapies, plan to attend Mind-Body Week D.C., April 17 to 19 at the Silver Spring Civic Center and The Mindfulness Center, in Bethesda. Lectures and master classes will be offered by the nation’s leading experts in the treatment of pain, including Dr. Sara Lazar of Harvard University and Dr. Chen Chen Wang of Tufts University. Proceeds and donations support veterans in attending this program for free. To register, visit MindBodyWeek.com. To sponsor veterans to attend this program for free, call 301-986-1090 or contact Troy@ TheMindfulnessCenter.org. Deborah Norris, Ph.D. is the founder of The Mindfulness Center in Bethesda, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing mindfulness to all dimensions of life. For more information, visit TheMindfulnessCenter.org. See ad, page 59.

ecotip Stop Drops

How to Find and Fix Leaking Pipes While municipal water main breaks make news, it’s just as important to be watchful at home. According to the Alliance for Water Efficiency, a typical home annually loses more than 2,000 gallons of water due to leakage. SNL Financial, an industry analysis firm in Charlottesville, Virginia, recently reported that water leaks cause $9.1 billion in annual homeowner policy property losses. Sensing a less-than-stellar water flow or seeing a leak from a faucet or mold or damp spots on walls and ceilings can indicate possible water pipe problems. Copper water lines can develop tiny leaks over time when the water supply is too acidic. Also, clogs can develop, regardless what lines are made of, from lime and rust accumulations, stressing sections and especially fittings. Particularly vulnerable are 45-to-65-year-old homes, the length of time corrosion-resistant coatings on interior and exterior pipes generally last (OldHouseWeb.com). Fortunately, if repairs are needed, most builders group water lines in predictable places; bathrooms are often stacked one atop another in multi-floor houses for easier placement of supply and drain lines, so work can be localized and focused. Instead of costly copper, many plumbers have switched to PEX—a tough and flexible polyethylene—that doesn’t require fittings or react to acid, like copper does. Repairs typically consist of replacing specific pipe sections as needed. Ask a visiting plumber to inspect all exposed plumbing lines to maximize the value of the service call. Here’s a simple way to check for leaks: Turn off all water by closing internal and external water valves and don’t use the toilet. Record the current reading of the water meter, and then wait 20 minutes. Record the reading again and wait another 15 minutes. If the meter indicates an increase during this period, it’s probably from a leak. Another option is to install an automatic water leak detection and shutoff system. According to AllianceForWaterEfficiency.org, 20 to 35 percent of all residential toilets leak at some time, often silently, sending wasted water onto both household water and sewer bills. Flapper valves improperly covering the exit from the tank are the most common problem, and they can easily be replaced.

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March 2015

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I Have No GMOs In My Diet Here are Eight Reasons Why by Julianne O’Dwyer

became concerned about the growing prevalence of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply as I realized the importance of improving my diet to aid in my recovery from several autoimmune illnesses and a longstanding battle with chronic and acute pain resulting from two car accidents. During my health journey, I learned that “Big Agriculture” does not want the public to know how it grows the American food supply. GMO seed manufacturers are secretive. I do believe that all of us have a right to know the dangerous effect of GMOs on the food you eat. Here are reasons I avoid eating GMO foods:

Herbicides in GMOs are absorbed into the body.

The active ingredient in widely used Roundup, a dangerous herbicide, is glyphosate. This chemical is highly toxic. Glyphosate kills healthy bacteria

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in the gut. Scientists suspect it is linked to chronic diseases such as autism, breast cancer, celiac disease, ADHD, birth defects and pregnancy problems.

Long-term health risk of GMOs is unknown.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Monsanto’s “Roundup-ready” seed corn based solely on three-month study reports submitted by the company. More recent studies clearly demonstrate that GMO food causes tumors in rats.

GMOs threaten biodiversity in our food supply.

With the rise of industrial monoculture over the past 100 years, we have lost more than 90 percent of our seed varieties. All GMO seeds are unnatural products of human engineering.

GMOs threaten sustainable farming.

GMO crops increase yields in the early years but underperform in subsequent years, largely because they are engineered to withstand Roundup or other herbicides but eventually weeds develop a resistance. GMO crops are more likely to fail when faced with drought or excess rainfall because they are incompatible with various soil and weather conditions. Other problems include increased chemical runoff into lakes and streams.

More than 80 percent of corn, soybeans, canola and sugar beets are GMOs. These commodities are ingredients found in almost all processed and packaged foods. Even most frozen and canned corn are GMOs.

Annual pesticide usage has increased dramatically.

The DNA in GMO seed has been modified so that fields can be sprayed with chemicals that kill weeds and pests

Countries around the world ban GMOs.

The European Union, Russia, China, India and many less-developed countries have banned GMOs. Unlike in the U.S. where chemical companies that produce Roundup and other toxic herbicides wield enormous political power, public opinion in these countries is against GMOs in food

Some states are starting to ban GMOs or demand proper labeling.

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Vermont, Maine and Connecticut have passed GMO labeling laws. Julianne O’Dwyer is a cellular hydration specialist and wellness coach in Reston who holds workshops on hydration and optimal health. For more info, visit VitalHealthyLife.com. She is a co-coordinator of the third annual Grow Your Health Gardening, Local Food & Wellness Festival on Saturday, March 28 in Fairfax where the documentary, GMO OMG will be shown. For more info, visit GrowYourHealthNOVA.com. See ad, page 58.

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March 2015

breakthrough

Insulin Potentiation Therapy A Better Approach to Cancer Treatment

by Dr. Isabel Sharkar

oday, the standard of care for cancer is chemotherapy and radiation. According to Dr. Allen Levin, “Most cancer patients in this country die of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy does not eliminate breast, colon or lung cancers. This fact has been documented for over a decade, yet doctors still use chemotherapy for these tumors.” Chemotherapy kills all living matter and does not differentiate between the cancerous cell or the healthy cell and surrounding healthy tissue. The immune system takes the biggest toll and does not recuperate quickly enough to protect from common opportunistic infections, which leads to a 67 percent mortality rate. Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT), developed in Mexico by Dr. Donato 38

Washington, D.C.

Perez Garcia, Sr. has been around since the 1940s. IPT is most effective if given in the initial treatment of cancer. It allows for a dual treatment approach of front-line therapy (chemotherapy) and immune therapy like intravenous infusions of high dose vitamin C. This is usually not possible with standard high-dose chemotherapy. Healthy cells use both sugar and fats as energy. However, cancer cells are completely dependent on sugar and have six to 15 times the number of insulin receptors than normal cells. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels by allowing glucose to enter cells. It encourages cancer cells to enter a phase of DNA synthesis and cell division, making them vulnerable to chemo-

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Chemotherapy does not eliminate breast, colon or lung cancers. This fact has been documented for over a decade. therapy drugs. Insulin makes the cell membrane more permeable to substances like chemotherapy drugs and as cancer cells are killed, this permeability allows toxins to be flushed into the circulation and leave the body. In IPT, insulin is administered to trigger a drop in the patient’s blood sugar level. Healthy cells shift over to fat metabolism, while cancer cells go into an emergency mode and open all of their membranes in an effort to get sugar. A small amount of chemotherapy is administered, followed quickly by glucose. Desperate to take in all the glucose, cancer cells take in almost the entire dose of chemotherapy drugs. IPT uses only 5 to 10 percent of the standard dose of chemotherapy drugs. With IPT, there is little chemotherapy drug left over to cause a toxic reaction within healthy cells. A 1981 Georgetown University Medical School study showed the chemotherapy drug methotrexate had the ability to enter cancer cells at a rate 10,000 times greater when the cells were prepared with insulin. Normally, IPT patients do not go bald, nor do they experience severe nausea or organ damage. Naturopathic medical schools study IPT. However, pharmaceutical companies, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Cancer Institute are not interested in the benefits of IPT. The medical establishment is only interested in drugs approved by the FDA. Using insulin in IPT is considered off-label and is not approved by the FDA. IPT and low-dose chemotherapy are not suitable for all forms of cancer. Isabel Sharkar, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician and co-owner of Indigo Integrative Health Clinic, in Georgetown. For more information, call 202-298-9131 or visit Indigo HealthClinic.com. See ad, page 19.

healthyliving

A Fish Tale

That Can Help You Regain Your Health by Dr. Craig Sanford

harlie was an average goldfish, living in an average aquarium with a not-so-average of a tale to tell. You see, Charlie did swim about most of his days—having fun, eating and growing quite large as all goldfish do. However, one day he began to look a little green around the gills and just didn’t feel his regular self. As a matter of fact, he began to lay about the bottom of his aquarium and kept his swimming to a minimum. Food didn’t taste the same to him and often, he would not eat at all. Sometime when his owner would approach his aquarium, Charlie would become startled and begin thrashing about nervously as if he were being chased. His owner was very concerned and thought his behavior to be quite strange and immediately sought help.

He first took Charlie to a psychiatrist, thinking he might be depressed. The doctor enrolled him in counseling but after several weeks, he still lay sadly at the bottom of his tank. So he was prescribed antidepressants but this appeared to have little effect. Next he was given a full physical and laboratory work up. The tests and physical showed he had high blood pressure, cholesterol, a possible infection and a sleeping disorder. He was immediately placed on several medications which appeared to have a stabilizing effect on his condition. Even though he wasn’t quite his old self, Charlie’s owner thought this was better than nothing. Besides, the doctors told him this was normal and nearly everyone took several medications to feel better and that this was the best

science had to offer. Charlie’s life was not perfect but it was an improvement over his past condition. Of course, some days where better than others. One day, a friend had come over to visit Charlie’s owner and noticed Charlie in his aquarium. He was told the whole story about Charlie’s condition. Now this person was a well-educated in the ways of natural health and could see things were not right with Charlie as well as his environment. He suggested that Charlie was a victim of toxicity and that if this was taken into account, all his illnesses would soon pass. So they began the detoxification process by changing Charlie’s water more frequently, replacing the aquarium’s filter and carefully monitoring his food intake. This allowed Charlie’s body to properly eliminate toxins and improve its function. Before long, Charlie began acting like his old self again and was able to stop taking all of the medications. You see, Charlie had been swimming in a toxic soup which had caused ill effects to his health. This is not too different from what humans are currently living in—as the industrial age has spread chemicals and toxins into our foods and environment. Like Charlie, we are living in a toxic soup. This has been made worse by smoking, vaccinations, mercury amalgams, high stress, eating a processed food diet—high in sugars and low in nutrition—and living in an environment high in Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs) from cellphone towers. This is not good for humans or fish. Like Charlie’s owner, it is wise to consider a detoxification program that includes internal health as well as external factors. To rid the body of so many toxins, a thorough detoxification program cannot successfully be completed in a few days or a week, but may need to be undertaken several months or longer to achieve the needed result. Proper detoxification and lifestyle changes helped Charlie and they can help you too. Dr. Craig Sanford has been practicing for 26 years and has practices in McLean and Woodbridge, Virginia. To learn more about him, visit NOVA AlternativeMed.com. See ad, page 35.

natural awakenings

March 2015

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pet’s love is extraordinary because it is unconditional. It doesn’t have expectations, pass judgment or try to leverage guilt. It is rich in loyalty, trust and adoration. Domestic pets provide warmth, companionship and love, as well as purpose, fun and conversational gambits for family members. For lonely hearts, they are a lifeline, providing a physical, emotional and spiritual connection to life that may prove critical to survival and happiness. Loving pets seem like an endless source of happiness while with us, but few outlive their owners. Loss is as much a part of having a pet as potty training and vaccinations. For some, the loss of a dog or cat is debilitating and the grieving process can take months. Rev. Gary Kowalski, author of Goodbye, Friend and a Unitarian Universalist minister in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contends that the depth of the relationship that we develop with pets emerges from the time we spend with them every day—exercising, feeding, grooming and even sleeping with them. The relationship is pure and uncomplicated, and the pain of separation can be especially intense and profound. The challenge of pet loss is often complicated by the difficult decision to euthanize an aged or suffering animal. “One of the hardest things about having a dog is that sometimes you have to

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decide to end its life,” says Jon Katz, of upstate New York, a New York Times bestselling author of many books about dogs, including Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die. “Our job as pet owners is to be an advocate for our pets, making sure they do not suffer. Don’t poison the joy that you shared with your pet with guilt over your decisions,” he says. Katz recommends taking photos of pets and making intentional memories in the time leading up to parting to encourage closure. The same kind of rituals we use to honor and say goodbye to other family members can likewise help ease the pain of a pet’s passing. Owners can gather with loved ones and friends to celebrate the life of their pet with a burial ceremony or memorial. Kowalski likes adding meaningful words. His book includes a variety of readings that pet owners can use in their rituals taken from poems, literature, the Bible and other sacred texts. When a human friend or family member dies, compassion and empathy flows from everyone we meet, but many may not be aware of, or understand, the depth of grief associated with a pet’s death. “Some people feel embarrassed or don’t understand that mourning a deceased pet is a normal process,” explains Julia Harris, a pet bereavement counselor from Ellijay, Georgia, and author of Pet Loss: A Spiritual Guide.

Support is essential during times of grief, and it can be difficult to find. Support is essential during times of grief, and it can be difficult to find an understanding friend to discuss it with. Several online communities are devoted to providing support. An Internet search of “pet loss support” yields a wealth of online resources. In the same way that the belief in an afterlife comforts people of many faith traditions when a person passes, the possibility of the same destiny for pets can offer comfort. “Perhaps one of the most common questions I am asked is whether or not animals have a soul,” explains Harris. “I encourage people to know that the soul, like love, is eternal. It leaves the physical body, but the loving relationship continues.” While there’s no standard timeline for the grieving process, it’s important to keep perspective. Excessive grief can lead to depression. “If the grief is interfering with life and your work, then you may need to seek professional help,” advises Katz. Not even a parent is capable of providing the purely unconditional love we receive from pets. Kowalski views it as a sacred connection, observing that through the unconditional love and acceptance that we receive from our pets, we get a little glimpse of what God’s love must look like.

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Julianne Hale is a writer and editor for Natural Awakenings and blogs about family life at AnotherGrayHair. WordPress.com.

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natural awakenings

March 2015

inspiration

Mindfulness With Horses by Grace Ogden

orses and people evolved together over millennia. Though commercial uses largely overwhelm this ancient friendship, horse whispering is the subject of such films as Buck and related practices are taught across North America. At Nobodaddy Farm, two hours north of Washington, D.C. in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, a band of rescued and whispered-to-health horses regularly tutors human beings in compassionate power and inclusive community. Twelve adults stand in the soft dirt of a horse ring, listening to horsewoman Beth McCann and master coach Melissa McNair describe the day’s first exercise. The group’s task is to pen a small, good-natured pony named Flirt, without words, tools or holding hands. They decide to face inward and make a circle with their arms outstretched to touch fingertips, leaving one pair of hands open for a gate. Led gently on a rope, the goldencoated Flirt approaches in silence, head lowered and blond mane bobbing. The rope is unhooked and she ambles to the circle’s center. Human

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arms swing shut and fingers touch, enclosing her in the pen. Instantly Flirt raises her head, pricks her ears, turns around and trots briskly past two women, straight out of the pen. The group debriefs and agrees they need a better plan. “I knew she would pick me, I’m afraid of horses,” says one of the women. When the other states the task was impossible, someone wonders aloud if the pony sensed the doubts and chose them to break through. Another participant proposes the group retry the same formation but with everyone sending energy around through their fingertips to strengthen the penning effect. Silent again, the group circles and concentrates. Flirt enters with a perkier step. The human gate closes. The pony lifts her head, pricks her ears and stands still for a long moment. Then she drops her head, lowers her eyelids and relaxes as if to nap. She is penned. The group is stunned. In response, McCann tells how humans and horses evolved as prey animals and explains the significant similarities we possess. Our safety and

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well-being depend on that of the group or herd. Every time we come together, our sense perceptions and communications measure the condition of the others’ health and strength and assign corresponding roles to everyone. We need to feel safe. Flirt sensed the energetic difference in the second circle. The group learns more from inside a fenced area in the middle of an indoor show ring. One by one, a dozen loose horses enter the open space. They run, buck, snort and neigh until a palpable peace settles over them. In five or 10 minutes, the horses determine each one’s state of being, reach agreement on roles in the group and establish safety for the herd. These basic behaviors have numerous parallels in the human family and workplace, which McNair helps the group discern and apply to individual concerns. Yet for animal and nature lovers, an even more profound terrain of being emerges when learning with horses. These large animals seem imposing but are sensitive and relational, similar to people. When we embody mindful awareness, feeling the earth and our breath, our minds can quiet enough for us to gaze upon horses and sense their respectful awareness in return, conveyed through their own embodiment of being. Experiencing shared aliveness, across species, in the present moment, can ignite an unquenchable joy. Whether you have a pet at home, love to hike or sit in the garden, learning inner stillness and trust can help you become aware of a peaceful power wordlessly connecting you with other creatures. Practice this by simply meditating with a pet, gently returning yourself and the pet to stillness while you sit or lie down. See if you can rest in the awareness of being one together. Let it surprise you. Enjoy the bliss. For information about Nobodaddy Farm programs, go to TeamHorseSense.com. Grace Ogden teaches mindfulness for the GW Center for Integrative Medicine and is the founder of Grace Productions, which offers transformational consulting and Living Sacred events. GraceProductions.co. See ad, page 14.

nutritionspotlight

Bringing Health and Wellness to a Corporate Kitchen Near You with Beth Lindley by Robin Fillmore

eth Lindley is on a mission to bring healthy eating and wellness to area businesses and their employees in an innovative way—through their corporate kitchen. Most offices have a designated space for employees to warm up their prepared meals or gather around a table to share the midday meal—many times eating unhealthy fast food. Lindley’s unique approach is to provide corporate kitchen makeovers and coaching so that all the employees will benefit and the business will save money in healthcare costs. Average healthcare costs, per employee, rose from $6,384 in 2003 to $7,800 in 2008 and are estimated to rise to $13,000 per employee by 2018, according to a 2009 U.S. government Social Security Advisory Board Report. Lindley’s unique solution is to prescribe a personalized, high-touch comprehensive wellness program, focusing on nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management.

Through a consultative approach, she gets to know the company, including its structure and the employees, and then offers the company recommendations developed specifically for that company and its employees. “If your team is not performing at its best because they are currently running on coffee and chocolate bars, there’s hope,” suggests Lindley. Specifically, she offers assessments to identify the businesses specific needs, customized lunch and learns, coaching packages to meet the needs of specific populations, incentive programs to motivate staff to participate and modify their behaviors, as well as her company kitchen makeovers. Lindley has established a specific methodology for progressive companies to transform their kitchens into health conscious havens that fuel their profit and support their mission. As part of her program, she makes available as a

free gift, a handbook and step-by-step company kitchen makeover plan that gets managers and directors, along with their teams, started. She offers personalized kitchen makeovers for employees, as well. The types of wellness programs she offers are specifically tied to cost savings for the company and greater energy, focus and strength for every employee. She offers disease-prevention programs and medical self-care training, which shows employees how to use essential oils and other natural remedies to treat health concerns, thus preventing unnecessary emergency room or doctor’s visits. Employees are provided with a medical self-care booklet to use as a reference. Lindley offers nutrition education and workshops on how to prepare quick, easy and fresh, unprocessed and unpackaged breakfasts, lunches, snacks and drinks that make use of the businesses’ own kitchen facilities. Finally, she offers mental health programs that enable employees and teams to deal with anxiety, stress and depression—all of which make the work environment challenging. When making recommendations, she considers not only the needs of the employee population, but also the businesses’ current wellness strategy. She will work with the company’s insurer and health care consultant to make an existing wellness program even better, by bringing new tools to integrate into or compliment the good programs that may already be working. The results of Lindley’s work support personal health and the company’s bottom line. Research has shown that a return on investment of at least $3 for every dollar spent on a comprehensive wellness program comes back to the company. There are fewer doctor’s visits and a reduction in unnecessary health care utilization. Disease prevention happens automatically through Lindley’s teaching, benefiting family and friends, as well, making happier employees and more productive teams. To find out how to bring Lindley’s services to your company or business, call 202-285-8191 or email Beth@Beth Lindley.com. See ad, page 18.

natural awakenings

March 2015

techtalk

Brain Fitness at Home A Review of Muse by Nicholas Smith

use, a brain-sensing headband, is a fitness tool meant for the brain. It is used to measure brain signals similar to how a heart rate monitor senses a heartbeat, with seven calibrated sensors; two behind the ears, two on the forehead and three reference sensors which measure and detect brain activity. Electroencephalography (EEG) which has been used in clinics for more than a century now, is the measurement of electric movement in the brain. Neurons found in the brain communicate by transferring tiny electric impulses toward each

other. When a huge number of neurons fire at the same moment, they alter the electric field which can be measured from the outer part of the head. After neurons have fired, one can calculate the strength of particular frequencies and compare to common states of the mind. The most popular frequency band is the alpha wave, which individuals show as they unwind and close their eyes. Delta waves fire when one is asleep. Muse identifies the balance in the frequency bands in the brain and how it varies within a period of time. These changes help to

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identify when the brain is wandering and when it is focused and calm. Just like physical training, any person can perform repetitive physical exercises such as walking and running to improve strength and stamina over a period of time. Muse equals a treadmill, which assists one to exercise their brain with focused attention training. It enhances an individual’s attention by training them to be conscious of their distractions faster and react quickly in order regain focus on what they are doing. Stress is viewed as a perceived lack of unpredictability or self-control, related to lowered immunity, impaired cognitive performance, high blood pressure as well as other negative side effects. This device strengthens an individual’s ability to regain self-control and therefore, counteracts stress. The heartbeat slows down while metabolism minimizes. The blood pressure decreases, breathing slows down and muscles relax. The skills acquired through training are transferred to other situations in life. The internal ability for self-regulation, better attention control and increased focus are skills that impact every aspect of life. Research shows that mindfulness exercises and increased attention can trigger the brain to transform itself, hence making it less prone to distractions. Research shows that focused attention training that lasts for 20 minutes and done for three consecutive days is bound to reduce heart rate, improve mood and minimize anxiety. Studies on longer sessions has shown other benefits like decreasing amygdala activity (connected to stress response), minimal thinning of the prefrontal cortex, increased gray matter density and increased resilience—which is an advantageous change of the brain’s function and structure. Muse has been certified and tested according to European, U.S. and Canadian regulatory standards. The measurements used by this device are harmless to humans and only give information about an individual’s general state. The user of Muse transfers their information to their own mobile phone with a Bluetooth and have apps to incorporate the training into one’s daily routines. Nicholas Smith is the co-founder of VonHosting. See ad, page, 27.

healthypet

give kitty a pet and announce that you are leaving. It’s important to use the same tone and words every time. Cats are able to understand some of the things we say simply by recognizing a pattern. For example, if you consistently say, “Bye, kitty. I’ll see you tonight.” The cat will begin to expect that you will come back in the evening. The same can be done for long term goodbyes, except before you bid your feline farewell, it is important to give clues that your absence will be longer than an evening. Pulling out the suitcase a day early helps. Also, change your farewell to something different from your daily goodbye routine. Other ways to help keep your kitty calm while you are away is to leave articles of clothing that contain your smell, hide treats in different areas of the house and leave plenty of toys to keep kitty occupied.

Preparing Your Cat for a Long Separation by Beth Permenter

eaving your cat to go on vacation (or extended work trip) can be quite worrisome, especially when there is a strong attachment. However there are ways to communicate, and reassure, that all is well. Cats thrive on routine. That’s why on the weekends, you’ll wake at seven in

the morning to those bright eyes staring intently back. Establishing a goodbye routine when you leave for work each morning can help not only with everyday separation, but with long-term separation. When it’s time to leave for work, create a leaving ritual the cat can expect daily. Take your belongings to the door,

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natural awakenings

March 2015

calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Spring Basics Respectful, Chemical Free Beekeeping – 10am-1pm. Also March 8 and 28. The very basics–the lingo, the equipment, honeybee life cycle, feed, planting for bees, how to start, using the tools, the basic inspection, seasonal duties, two lectures and one hands on sessions in the apiary when the honeybees arrive. $80. Ancestral Knowledge at Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: AncestralKnowledge. org/EventRegistration/?Regevent_ Action=Register&Event_id=834. Secrets of the Five Pranas: Master Your Energy and Enjoy Your Life – 2-4:30pm. With Tyagan Scott Attaway. Prana has five very practical components, which allow the yogi at will to take the mind, senses, body, or awareness into a state of great speed (prana), vast expansion (vyana), ascension and creativity (udana), immutable calm (samana), or unbreakable endurance (apana). $35. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: Bit.ly/Secrets5Pranas. So Much More – 4pm. In the spirit of Ujima, meaning collective work and responsibility, this Black History Month the Soul in Motion dancers will pay a special tribute to the community collaborating with a number of specials guests. $25/adults, $15/students and seniors and $10/ children. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. Intro to Yoga Workshop – 6:30-8pm. Join us for an overview of yoga and how it can help build strength and flexibility on and off the mat. Receive a free class voucher with registration. $10. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 2 Infant Massage – 11:45am-12:30pm. Hands-on approach to the proven techniques and philosophy of infant massage in this 3 week session. $100$180. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Itsy Bitsy Session – 12-1pm. Developmentally appropriate yoga for baby, a time to connect and support for mamas in this 6-week session. $150. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com. Biofeedback: Learning to Calm the Body – 5:307pm. Join Dr. Amanda Skowron to explore the fundamentals of stress management and how best to use them to stress less. Learn useful techniques, including biofeedback, meditation, deep breathing and guided imagery that will keep you calm and centered. $15. Casey Health Institute, 800 South Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: 301-3552030 or CaseyHealth.org.

Washington, D.C.

lead exercise sessions and much more. YMCA National Capital and Junior League of Washington, YMCA National Capital, 1711 Rhode Island Ave, NW. Info: Jlwkitk@gmail.com. Introduction to Yoga Philosophy – 12-3pm. With Hari-kirtana das. In this workshop we’ll demystify the terminology of yoga philosophy, look at some of its more challenging propositions, and examine a few different schools of thought that have shaped our ideas about yoga. $30. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: Bit.ly/ IntroYogaPhilosophyBuddhaB. Arm Balance Workshop – 1:30-3:30pm. Delve into the wonders of arm balancing and learn accessible ways of incorporating these fun and invigorating postures into your regular yoga practice. $35. The Yoga Fusion Studio, 4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD. Register: TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Info: Info@TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Circus Yoga for Adults – 2:30-3:30pm. Explore theme-based mindfulness and circus/acro-inspired yoga. $20. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. $20. Info: LilOmm.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Yoga Basics Session – 9:30-10:30am. Intro to fundamentals of asana and breathwork in this 4 week session. Childcare available. $60. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

Yin Candlelight Winter Workshop – 5:307:30pm. With Lisa Pettinati. Taught by candlelight, the extended classes will focus on the three primary principles of Yin Yoga: (1) respecting your edge in the yin poses, (2) finding stillness, and (3) holding the yin poses for an extended period of time to allow the body to open and release. $30. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: Bit.ly/ yinCandleLightWinter.

Yoga for Beginners – 7-8:10pm. Also March 11, 18 and 25. Taught by registered and insured Yoga Teacher Deb Koolbeck. This 4 person class allows for personal attention in a safe community of learners, and 4 weeks of class is enough to try yoga. $75 (non-refundable). Samsara House 2023, 36 R St, NW. Register: BeginnerYoga.EventBrite. com. Info: Wakeup@SamsaraHouse.org.

BOOMscat – 8-10pm. Joe’s Movement Emporium, and The Clarice, have teamed up to serve both artists and audiences with NEXTLook. Artists have resources to develop new work, audiences have opportunities to engage and collaborate. This event features the body-rolling duo, BOOMscat. Pay what you wish (cash only at door). Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Full Moon Dance Party – 7-8pm. Join us in a JourneyDance of release and renewal as we connect to our inner fire, feel the strength of our bodies and dance our hearts’ deeper expression. $20. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

Stress Less Naturally with Essential Oils – 6:308:30pm. Explore the value of essential oils in reducing stress, balancing mood, regulating blood sugar and more. A brief gentle yoga and meditation practice will also be part of the workshop. $20. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Be-ing More Soul Full – 9am-5pm. Playfully connect with your inner wisdom with Laughter Yoga, meditation, dance and creativity. You will learn to receive soul messages and have fun too. $97. Divinely Inspired Women at Life Dance Loft, 11200 Scaggsville Rd, Ste 125, Fulton, MD. Register: Savitri, SKRadiatingLight@gmail.com or Lisa Rae, Lisa-Brooks@att.net. Hands-On, Respectful, Chemical-Free Beekeeping – 10am-12pm. Combine, condense or create a nuc. All ages welcome. Our bees are gentle, but stings are a possibility. Bring your own veil, if you want. $50. Azure B LLC, 4730 Bicknell Rd, Marbury, MD. Register: Info@AzureBLLC. com or AzureBLLC.com. Kids in the Kitchen – 10am-2pm. Families will learn ways kids can eat smart and make healthy choices. Local chefs host demos, fitness experts

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Yoga Wisdom and Kabbalah – 7pm. Through March 15. This weekend retreat interweaves spiritual practices from 2 beautiful ancient traditions, and is designed to foster refined consciousness and personal experiences of the Divine. $225/ program with 3 meals. (Optional lodging $100 with 2 breakfasts.) Sanctuary Retreat Center, 19520 Darnestown Rd, Beallsville, MD. Register: Gilah@ am-kolel.org. Info: 301-349-2799.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 DC Capital Pet Expo – 10am-6pm. Amazing event for pet people and animals, workshops and shopping and training. Come learn about our Holistic Hospital and all we have to offer. Capital Pet Expo at DC Armory, 2001 East Capital St, SE. Info: HolisticVeterinaryHealing.com. Jivamukti Breakfast Club Satsang – 11am12:15pm. With Lisa Pettinati. Join Jivamukti

teachers and students in satsang to discuss the Focus of the Month as presented by Jivamukti cofounders, Sharon Gannon and David Life. Free. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: Bit.ly/JivaSatsangMar.

addiction and show how food and stress lead to the sugar blues. $95. M3 Wellness LLC. Register: MarvaMakle.com.

Studio, 4000 Albemarle St, Ste 100, NW. Register: TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Info: Info@ TheYogaFusionStudio.com.

THURSDAY MARCH 19

Vinyasa Breakdown Workshop – 1:30-3:30pm. Discover the safest and most challenging level for you during your vinyasa practice. You will learn how to strengthen each pose associated in a Vinyasa sequence. $35. The Yoga Fusion Studio, 4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD. Register: TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Info: Info@ TheYogaFusionStudio.com.

Family Biking 101 – 7:15-9:15pm. Gillian Burgess of Kidical Mass will lead a panel about cycling safety and gear, family-friendly routes, and strategies for supporting beginning riders as well as local cycling resources. Holistic Moms Network Arlington/Alexandria chapter at Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA. Info: HolisticMomsArlAlex@ gmail.com or HolisticMomsArlAlex.blogspot.com.

Yin Candlelight Winter Series with Lisa Pettinati – 5:30-7:30pm. See March 7 for details. $30. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: Bit.ly/YinCandleLightWinter.

Mala Flow Vinyasa – 2:30-4:30pm. With Denese Cavanaugh. Denese will share what her luminary teachers have taught her-to practice with intent and a spiritual quest. The quest is Mala Flow vinyasa. Bring your mala beads. $25. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: Bit.ly/1uzerM4. Mother/Daughter Play Date Yoga – 2:303:30pm. (Ages 4-10). Join Pleasance and Saylor for an afternoon of yoga, connection and love. $30/mother and daughter pair and $15/additional sibling. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 Don’t Freak Out! Yoga and the Art of Living a Stress-Free Life – 2-4:30pm. With Hari-kirtana das. In this workshop series, Hari-kirtana will lead an exploration of four pressure points of modern life – time, money, conflict, and self-image – and illuminate the practical ways that yoga alleviates stress. Other dates are April 19, May 17, and June 21. $35/individual workshops or $120/all four sessions in the series. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: Bit.ly/1uzeJm3. 15 iPath Postural Alignment – 2:30-4pm. With Denese Cavanaugh. Whether you are new to Mind /Body awareness techniques or a seasoned athlete, the Integral Postural Alignment Therapy method ( iPATH® ) will help create the ideal posture. The iPATH® method promises to help students move beyond physical limitations and achieve maximum postural wellness. $25. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: Bit.ly/1qPiVZB.

MONDAY, MARCH 16 Refuel: The 7-Day Sugar Detox – Through Sun March 22. This small group, whole foods-based program will help you say goodbye to sugar

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 Animal Acupuncture Program – 8:30am-5:30pm. Through Sept. Consider expanding your acupuncture practice to include animal patients. 7-month certificate program for licensed acupuncturists. $6,000. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Register: MUIH. edu. Info: ContinuingEd@MUIH.edu. Rhythm of the Seasons: Mini-Retreat – 7:309:30pm. Give yourself the gift of self-care this season in a meditative yoga practice. $40. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Tending the Gardener’s Soul – 11am-1pm. Whether you are an eager beginner or seasoned gardener, this workshop is for you. Using the metaphor of the garden for our life, we will dig deep into the many aspects of our own inner garden through journaling, song, ceremony and celebration. $30. Takoma Park. (Exact location to be determined). Register: Hillary@ SacredRootsDC.com. Qi, Jing and Shen: Understanding basic principles of Qigong training – 12-4pm. Jing Qi and Shen are the three fundamental substances that form the basis of life according to theories of Chinese Medicine and Taoist meditation. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or Info@ TheMindfulnessCenter.org. Vinyasa Breakdown Workshop – 1:30-3:30pm. Discover the safest and most challenging level for you during your vinyasa practice. You will learn how to strengthen each pose associated in a Vinyasa sequence. $35. The Yoga Fusion

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 Asana Lab: Advanced Vinyasa Krama – 2-4:30pm. With Kristen Krash. Break out of the box of the chaturanga-up dog-down dog and discover what vinyasa karma is really about: intelligent sequencing of postures held on the the thread of the breath. $35. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: Bit.ly/1o1sskc. Acupuncture for Spring Renewal – 6:30-8pm. Take some time to quiet the mind with some simple stretches, breathing techniques and with the use of acupuncture needles. $20. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 The Mom Stress Workshop: Finding Your Inner Calm Mom – 7:30pm. This workshop is for Moms who long to manage and reduce anxiety, stress and the feeling of being constantly overwhelmed. Moms will learn simple take-home techniques that will help them to be Moms in a more relaxed, energized and self-loving way. $10. Washington DCJCC, 1529 Sixteenth St, NW. Info: WashingtonDCJCC.org/ParentWorkshops.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 Reiki First Degree Certification Course – 4:307pm. This course will prepare you to give Reiki treatments to yourself, loved ones and pets. Learn from Reiki Master Tammy Godette about the healing powers of this life-force energy practice. $125 (includes written materials). Casey Health Institute, 800 South Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: 301-355-2030. Info: CaseyHealth.org. The Calm Mom Coaching Circle – 7:30-9pm. Also, April 1, 8 and 22. A 4-part series to help Moms manage/ reduce stress and overwhelm. Learn coaching tools to help: identify what fuels and triggers stress in your everyday life, mindfully manage internal responses to stress in a way that will help you, develop calmer living habits. $175/ before March 14 or $199/after March 14. Lil Omm Yoga Studio, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

LOVE is the answer to EVERYTHING. Our HEARTS are our CURES. With Angel Barkley Ethereal Touch and Meditation Healing Specializing in Chronic and Terminal Illness and Spiritual Transitioning

A FREE WEBINAR TO LEARN THE LATEST to care for yourself and those you love.

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312-618-4881 • love-letgo-live@hotmail.com natural awakenings

March 2015

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – 6-9pm. Through March 29. This program is perfect for the avid yoga student who wants to become a yoga teacher or anyone that wants to deepen their personal practice. Scholarships available. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or Jessie@ TheMindfulnessCenter.org. Freedom from Chronic Stress – 7pm. Webinar Series. A Professional woman’s journey to peace, contentment, and laughter. This journey is not about a better you. It’s about being who you really are. $47. Angela Savitri, Freedom from Chronic Stress Coach. Register: FreedomFromChronicStress2015. EventBrite.com. Movie Night – 7-9pm. We will be screening Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago. This documentary follows six pilgrims who each have a different purpose for their month-long walk from France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. $5. Neck, Back & Beyond, 10560 Main St, PH-1, Fairfax, VA. Register: 703-965-5690 or NeckBackandBeyond@gmail.com. Info: NeckBackandBeyond.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 Alignment of the Seven Diaphragms – 6:309:30pm. You will discover a method of effortless alignment by sensing and coordinating awareness of the seven major diaphragms: your feet, pelvic floor, breathing diaphragm, thoracic inlet, vocal diaphragm, soft palate, cranial diaphragm. $100. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter.com. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Friday Night Candlelight Yoga – 7:30-9pm. With Jessie Norris. Join us for this flowing and soothing candlelight flow class. Through gently energetic and continuous flow we release tension and balance energy, while soft candlelight sets an ambiance to calm the mind and explore inner depths. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or Info@TheMindfulnessCenter.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-9861090 or Info@TheMindfulnessCenter.org. Inversions Workshop – 1:30-3:30pm. This workshop will give you a deeper understanding of inversions, helping you to establish a personal inversion practice for class and at home. $30/ before March 24 or $35/after March 24. The Yoga Fusion Studio, 4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD. Register: TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Info: Info@TheYogaFusionStudio.com. The Art of Breathing: Breathing the Body, Breathing the Mind – 1:30-4:30pm. By working with detailed anatomical information and new movement awareness, you will embody your lungs, ribs, muscles, voice and other structures associated with the process of breathing. $100. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter.com. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Yoga Lab: Better Backbends – 2:30-3:30pm. From the basic bridge pose - to standing up from full wheel, you’re invited to explore this energizing family of poses. $20. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com. Krishna Das in Concert – 7:30pm. An evening of soul-stirring music with Grammy-nominated Krishna Das. $45. BuddhaFest at Theatre of the Arts, University of DC, 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW. Register: BuddhaFest.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms – 10am-2pm. Learn methods for cultivating Shiitake, Oyster, Almond Portobello and Reishi mushrooms. Discuss the medicinal actions and constituents and sample the delicious fruiting bodies. $75. Green Comfort School of Herbal Medicine. Info: 540-937-4283 or GreenComfortfHerbSchool.com. Shiva Garuda Dharma: Rising Inner Peace – 2-5pm. With HanHan. Through a potent combination of breathwork, intention, mantra and mudra, Shiva Grauda enables us to hold a higher frequency of vibrational energy while elevating our consciousness. $40. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: Bit.ly/ShivaGarudaHanHan.

Real Lyme Solutions – 9am-4pm. Learn 6 affordable solutions to help with brain fog, gut health, joint pain, and balancing emotions. $47. Family Health Thermal Imaging & Detox, 427A Carlisle Dr, Herndon, VA. Register: 703-635-6324. Montgomery County GreenFest – 11am4pm. Educational, entertaining activities for people of all ages, including workshops and demonstrations on conserving energy, improving local waterways and reducing waste. Attendees can hear from national and local environmental experts, participate in informational panels and how-to sessions, and enjoy music and outdoor entertainment. GreenFest at Montgomery College, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, 7995 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Info: MontgomeryCountyMD. MyGreenMontgomery.org/GreenFest. Pranayama Breathwork – 12-4pm. With Dr. Deborah Norris. In this program you will learn the ancient art of pranayama practices to cultivate optimal well-being, and the modern science of applying specific breathing practices for specific elements of health. The Mindfulness Center, 4963

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Workshop with Krishna Das – 2-5pm. Along with chanting, Krishna Das shares stories and teachings, discusses life on the spiritual path, and answers questions from the audience. $55. BuddhaFest at Spectrum Theatre at Artisphere, 1611 N Kent St, Rosslyn, VA. Register: BuddhaFest.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 30 Comprehensive Cancer Care for the Future – 6-8pm. Join this discussion with Dr. Chas Gant, MD, Ph.D about integrative treatments for all forms of cancer. Hear from patients who have new hope when conventional treatments have failed. National Integrated Health Associates, 5225 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: NewHopeForMelanoma.Eventbrite.com.

plan ahead SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Yoga and Ayurveda – 1:30-3:30pm. Learn how Yoga and Aryuveda, two ancient healing systems, intertwine and support each other toward the goal of health and happiness. $40. The Yoga Fusion Studio, 4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD. Register: TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Info: Info@ TheYogaFusionStudio.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 6 Growing Green Schools – 2:30-4pm. Showcasing school gardening and nutrition programs in Arlington. Sponsored by FitArlington and APS Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability and open to parents, staff and students. FitArlington and APS Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S Stafford St, Arlington VA. Info: GrowingGreenSchools@ gmail.com or Bit.ly/1BFpOSX. Mindfulness Meditation for Well-Being and Happiness – 7-8:30pm. Monday evenings through May 18. Bring greater ease to your life with a regular meditation practice through this 6-week course. $225. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Register: MUIH.edu. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 Family Yoga Workshop – 4-4:45pm. Enjoy practicing yoga with your kids and have fun while doing a healthy activity. Classes are kid oriented with movement, games and relaxation. $30. The Yoga Fusion Studio, 4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD. Register: TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Info: Info@TheYogaFusionStudio.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 iPath- Integral Posture Alignment Therapy Workshop – 1:30-3:30pm. With Denese Cavanaugh. As our posture deteriorates, joint movements become restricted and cause pain, stiffness and loss of motion throughout the body. But fix these imbalances, along with breathing techniques, your posture (and pain associated with it) will improve. $25. The Yoga Fusion Studio, 4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD. Register: TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Info: Info@ TheYogaFusionStudio.com.

ongoingevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday

Introduction to Transcendental Meditation – 12-1:30pm. What you’ll learn: Why TM is so effective for stress and anxiety. How TM improves brain function and memory. What happens during TM. Why TM is easy to practice. Why TM works from the start. How to learn TM in Bethesda. Transcendental Meditation Center of Bethesda, 11300 Rockville Pike, Ste 408, Rockville, MD. Register: 301 770-5690 or Bethesda@TM.org or TM.org/Bethesda. Yoga for Women Cancer Survivors – 12-1pm. A gentle yoga class that encourages and nurtures warrior women from brand new beginners to experienced yoginis undergoing treatment for and in remission from cancer. $10 suggested donation. Proceeds benefit Living Beyond Cancer. Circle Yoga, 3838 Northampton St, NW. Info: 202-686-1104 or CircleYoga.com. Grow Sprouts and Micro Greens in Your Home Year Round – 2:30-5:30pm. 5th Sun. Indoor growing: wheatgrass, sunflower, broccoli and more. $50 (includes handouts and kit). Raw Living D’Light, Fairfax, VA. Register: Luzy@ RawLivingDLight.com. Sunday Yoga – 4-7pm. All are welcome to Sunday Yoga. Schedule: 4pm Yoga class, 5pm Meditation Class/Discussion, 5:30pm Chanting/Kirtan, 6pm Silent Collective Meditation and 6:30pm Vegetarian Dinner (potluck). Join us and expand your spiritual community. AMURT, 2502 Lindley Ter, Rockville, MD. Register: SundayYoga.org.

monday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. A beautiful way to start your day, with a 30-minute meditation and optional 15-minute discussion following. Drop-ins welcome. A project of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW). The Center for Mindful Living, 4708

Free Yoga – 7-8pm. Power Flow levels 1-2. Beginners welcome. Space Limited to 6 slots. RSVP required at least 24 hours in advance. Your email will be added to our mailing list, unsubscribe anytime. RSVP: FreeYoga@SamsaraHouse. org. Samsara House 2023, 36 R St, NW. Info: SamsaraHouse.org. Yoga for Women Cancer Survivors – 7-8:15pm. Weekly meditative, gentle and restorative yoga using mindful movement, balance and breathing techniques to reduce anxiety, improve quality of life, and regain sense of self. Scholarships available. $7. Sibley Memorial Hospital, 5255 Loughboro Rd, NW. Register: Sibley.org/CancerSupport. Info: 202-243-2320 or Pgoetz4@jhmi.edu.

Sunday Morning Meditation Class – 10:30am12:30pm. With Hugh Byrne. An oasis in a busy week, including 30-minute guided meditations, a 10-minute walking meditation, and 30-minute discussion. A mini-retreat. Drop-ins welcome. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. West African Dance – 11:30am-12:30pm. Throughout the African continent, dance and music have long been a part of the collective culture, bringing people together for praise, celebration, motivation, and healing. Immerse yourself in this beautiful experience as you learn dances from Guinea and Mali, West Africa. Accompanied by live drumming. $18. MamaSita Studio, 6906 4th St, NW. Info: GoMamaSita.org.

are definitely welcome. Rising Phoenix Holistic Center, LLC, 9028 D Prince William St, Manassas, VA. Register: RisingPhoenixHC.com. Info: 703392-9200.

Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Introduction to Transcendental Meditation – 12-1:30pm. See Sun for details. Transcendental Meditation Center of Bethesda, 11300 Rockville Pike, Ste 408, Rockville, MD. Register: 301 7705690 or Bethesda@TM.org or TM.org/Bethesda. Casey Health Community Night – 5:15-7pm. All-level yoga class offered to the community. Come join the 45-minute session and use it as a warm-up to the community mediation, chakra clearing, and meditation classes that follow or as a stand-alone class. $5 for all Monday evening classes. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org. Prenatal Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Gently move through a yoga practice as you connect with your breath, preparing your body and mind for each stage of your pregnancy. $18 drop in fee. The Yoga Fusion Studio, 4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD. Info: Info@TheYogaFusionStudio.com or TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. 5th Mon. Exercises (breathing, clapping, and movement) are designed to relax us and to boost our creativity. With intentional laughter we tap into a joy that brings feelings of health and well being. This wacky, silly, and fun practice has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughterYoga@ yahoo.com. Vinyasa Yoga – 6:30-8pm. A fluid contemplation in motion and balance of breath, this yoga class nurtures harmony of mind and body as we work with alignment and awareness, deep stretching and relaxation for a revitalizing experience. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. A Course in Miracles – 7-8:30pm. Discussion group focused on returning to love through the study of A Course in Miracles. New members

Doonya: The Bollywood Workout – 7:458:45pm. Celebrate your body, mind, and one of the most festive cultures of the world with energy and expressions of Bollywood-inspired music and dance. $8. ProFIT Club, 304 E Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: ProFitClub.com or Doonya.com. Tai Chi – 8-9pm. Learn and enjoy peaceful slow movements, balance, and meditation, this class is for youth and adults who will study the movements of Tai Chi Chun long form. Tai chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for health beneits, self-control, and relaxation. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. Yoga Level 1 and 2 – 8:30-9:30pm. Starts with warm-upsrelaxing the joints and connecting with the breath then building heat with vinyasa flow. Close with restorative poses and guided meditation. $20/drop in. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Info: 301986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter.org.

tuesday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Tuesday Qigong – 10-11am. With Dante Baker. Qigong are gentle exercises that stimulate, unblock and balance a person’s energy flow. Practicing Qigong regularly produces positive health benefits. $15. Rising Phoenix Holistic Center, 9028 D Prince William St, Manassas, VA. Register: RisingPhoenixHC.com. Info: 703-392-9200. Continuing Yoga – 12-1:15pm. This Iyengar yoga class uses equipment and props which enables everyone, regardless of age or flexibility, to benefit from this practice. $18/class or $87/6 class package. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org. Meet the Locals – 4-7pm. 2nd Tues. Come sample products from our favorite local vendors while you enjoy a glass of beer or wine, on the second Tuesday of every month. Free. Dawson’s Market, 225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD. Info: 240-428-1386.

natural awakenings

March 2015

The Relationship Circle – 7-9:30pm. 1st Tues. Led by Gregg DeMammos, an ontological life coach. We endeavor to use our relationships themselves meditatively, as an avenue for personal transformation as well as creating more love, happiness, success and well-being in our lives. $10 Samsara House 2023, 36 R St, NW. Register: RelationshipCircle2.eventbrite. com. Info: WakeUp@SamsaraHouse.org or RelationshipCircle.com.

Continuing Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. See listing above for details. $18/class or $87/6 class package. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org. Mindfully Embracing Life: Cultivating SelfAwareness and Compassion – 5:30-7pm. Through March 31. Dr. Amanda Skowron will present mindfulness-based techiques and strategies to help you decrease stress and anxiety, eat mindfully, move mindfully, manage difficult emotions and situations and increase mental clarity. $159 for the 4-week series. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: 301355-2030. Info: CaseyHealth.org. The Physicians’ Kitchen – 5:30-7pm. Learn about the powerful effects of food can have on the body and how to prepare healthy, GI-friendly recipes from Casey Health’s food-as-medicine doctors. Participate in cooking demos and leave with recipes to implement at home. $20/single class or $100/complete series. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: 301355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org. Hula Hoop Jam – 6:45-8:15pm. With Noelle Powers. Lift your spirits and get a full-body workout accompanied by a super hoop-friendly soundtrack. All ages and skill levels are welcome at this drop in jam. A lesson for those interested is presented in the first half hour of jam, and the remaining hour is self-directed. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. An Introduction to Waking Down in Mutuality – 7-9:30pm. 2nd Tues. An introductory evening facilitated by aspiring Waking Down in Mutuality mentor Cullen Kowalski. Includes a free copy of Becoming Divinely Human: A Direct Path to Embodied Awakening by CC Leigh. $20. Samsara House 2023, 36 R St, NW. Register: DCIntroWakingDown.Eventbrite.com. Info: Wakeup@SamsaraHouse.org or WakingDown. org/About-Waking-Down. I Meditate DC: Introduction to the Art of Living – 7-8pm. Refresh and rejuvenate with a free community service initiative to introduce people to breathing and meditation techniques that have a calming effect on the mind and reduce stress. In this 60-minute interactive session, participants develop insight on how to reduce negative emotions that eat up our energy and time. The Art of Living Foundation, 2401 15th St, NW. Register: Secure.ArtofLiving.org/Events.aspx.

Washington, D.C.

Vipassana Meditation – 7:30-9pm. Learn to develop concentration to quiet the mind and body. Begin to find mindfulness in the present moment. There will be discussion at the end of the meditation. $10/suggested donation or pay what you can. The Yoga Fusion Studio, 4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD. Info: Info@TheYogaFusionStudio.com or TheYogaFusionStudio.com.

wednesday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Yoga for Women Cancer Survivors – 9:3010:45am. See Mon for details. Scholarships available. $7. Sibley Memorial Hospital, 5255 Loughboro Rd, NW. Register: Sibley. org/CancerSupport. Info: 202-243-2320 or Pgoetz4@jhmi.edu. Beating the Winter Blues – 5:30-7pm. 6-week series (runs from Jan 28-March 3) addresses that out-of-sorts, fatigued feeling that can arrive with winter. Led by Casey physicians, you will experience yoga, diet, essential oils, and more to enhance your mood and well-being. $30/session or $150/for series. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org. Introduction to Transcendental Meditation – 6:30-8pm. See Sun for details. Transcendental Meditation Center of Bethesda, 11300 Rockville Pike, Ste 408, Rockville, MD. Register: 301 7705690 or Bethesda@TM.org or TM.org/Bethesda. Vinyasa Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. See Mon for details. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. Niclaire’s Zumba Experience – 7-8pm. Total body conditioning dance fitness. $8/drop in fee. Ncrease Fitness, LLC at Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt Rainier, MD. Info: NcreaseFitness.com. West African Dance – 7-8pm. See Sun for details. $18. MamaSita Studio, 6906 4th St, NW, DC. Info: GoMamaSita.org. Free Health Lecture – 7:30-8:30pm. (Q and A until 9pm.) 2nd Wed. Free Education Health Lectures at the Roselle Center for Healing (Various Topics). The Roselle Center for Healing & Caring For Others, Ltd, 8550 Arlington Blvd, Ste 325, Fairfax, VA. Register: RoselleCare.com. Wednesdays with Tara Brach – 7:30-9pm. Class includes 30 mins of Vipassana meditation instruction and guided meditation followed by an hour-long Dharma talk. A large gathering of approximately

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

250-300 people. Beginners through advanced students welcome. There is no registration, but dana (donation) of about $10-$15 is suggested to help cover expenses and is gratefully received. River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Rd (corner of Whittier Blvd and River Rd), Bethesda, MD. Info: IMCW.org. .

thursday

Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Yoga Level 1 – 11am. Work slowly and deeply with classic poses in well-rounded sequences, with an emphasis on healthy alignment. Appropriate for all levels. Cost: $20/drop in. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Info: 301-986-1090 or Info@ TheMindfulnessCenter.org. Continuing Yoga – 12-1:15pm. See Tues for details. $18/class or $87/6 class package. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org. Aerial Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. Release your spine, strengthen you core and lift your spirits. The perfect complement to a yoga practice. Aerial yoga is accessible to everybody. $25/ drop in or $100/5 class pass. The Yoga Fusion Studio, 4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD. Register: TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Info: Info@TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Meditation Info Session – 5:30-7pm. Learn about the guided meditation. Rockville Meditation is located just a block away from the White Flint metro station located in the flint hill plaza on Nebel St. Rockville Meditation, 11601 Nebel St, Rockville, MD. Register: 301-770-7778. Info: RockvilleMeditation@gmail.com or RockvilleMeditation.org. Yoga Level 1 and 2 – 6-7:15pm. Starts with warmupsrelaxing the joints and connecting with the breath then building heat with vinyasa flow. Close with restorative poses and guided meditation. $20/ drop in. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm Street, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Info: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter.org. Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Meeting – 7-8:30pm. 1st Thurs. Open to anyone with an

MD. Register: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org.

interest in living gluten free. Meet with other likeminded individuals to share ideas and recipes. Held by Babette Lamarre, certified nutritional therapist. Free. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste 204, Fairfax, VA. RSVP: 703-8655690 or NeckBackandBeyond@gmail.com.

Niclaire’s Zumba Experience – 9-10am. See Wed for details. $8/drop in fee. Ncrease Fitness, LLC at Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt Rainier, MD. Info: NcreaseFitness.com. Grow Sprouts and Micro Greens in Your Home Year Round – 9:30am-12:30pm. 4th Sat. See Sun for details. $50 (includes handouts and kit). Raw Living D’Light, Fairfax, VA. Register: Luzy@ RawLivingDLight.com.

I Meditate DC: Introduction to the Art of Living – 7-8pm. See Tues for details. The Art of Living Foundation, 2401 15th St, NW. Register: Secure. ArtofLiving.org/Events.aspx. Meditation and Mindfulness: Tools for Alleviating Stress after a Cancer Diagnosis – 7-8pm. Join other cancer survivors to learn about and practice a relaxation technique that focuses on breathing. Facilitated by Ashley Nunn, MA. This practice has been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety and loneliness and in improving sleep and boosting the immune system. Family members and caregivers welcome. Sibley Memorial Hospital, 5255 Loughboro Rd, NW. Info: Sibley.org/ Community/Events/default.aspx.

friday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15 am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Aerial Yoga – 12-1pm. See Thurs for details. $25/ drop in or $100/5 class pass. The Yoga Fusion Studio, 4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD. Register: TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Info: Info@ TheYogaFusionStudio.com. Community Yoga Class – 6-7pm. Community classes are mixed level, one-hour asana classes taught by a rotating selection of Unity Woods teachers. They are offered by different teachers every Friday of the session. $8/class. Unity Woods Yoga Center, 4853 Cordell Ave, Ste PH9, Bethesda, MD. Info: UnityWoods.com. Yoga for Women Cancer Survivors – 6:30-7:30pm. 2nd Fri. Join Amy Dara for a gentle class designed

Gentle Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. This Iyengar based class is designed specifically for those with health conditions and injuries. Classes focus on relieving tension and pain, breathing, and posture/alignment. $18/class or $87/6 class package. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org. West African Dance – 10:45-11:45am. See Sun for details. $18. MamaSita Studio, 6906 4th St, NW. Info: GoMamaSita.org. for women undergoing treatment or who are in remission from cancer. We will include breathing, stretching, balancing, and healing yoga sequences appropriate during and after cancer treatment. Our safe and nurturing space welcomes new beginners to experienced yogis alike. $10. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Info: LilOmm.com. Yoga Nidra Workshop – 7:45-9pm. 1st Fri. Allow Shira’s soothing voice to support you in cultivating ease, healing, and well-being with a meditation practice that requires no effort or physical exercise. $20. Blue Heron Wellness, 10723-B Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD. Info: 240-839-1661 or Shira@AwakenMyHeartNow. com or AwakenMyHeartNow.com.

Adoption Event – 12-3pm. Rural Dog Rescue holds its weekly adoption event every Saturday at Howl to the Chief. Fosters and volunteers needed. Howl to the Chief, 733 8th St, SE. Info: RuralDogRescue.com. Introduction to Transcendental Meditation – 12:30-2pm. See Sun for details. Transcendental Meditation Center of Bethesda, 11300 Rockville Pike, Ste 408, Rockville, MD. Register: 301 7705690 or Bethesda@TM.org or TM.org/Bethesda.

saturday

Gluten-Free Living Workshop – 1-5pm. 1st Sat. Learn how to live your life gluten free. Certified Nutritional Therapist Babette Lamarre teaches you how to eliminate gluten and replace it with delicious, nutrient densefoods. Lots of info and tips, recipes and taste testing gluten-free snacks. $85. Neck, Back, and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste 204, Fairfax, VA. Register: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackandBeyond@gmail.com.

Continuing Yoga – 9-10:15am. See Tues for details. $18/class or $87/6 class package. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg,

I Meditate DC: Introduction to the Art of Living – 4-5pm. See Tues for details. The Art of Living Foundation, 2401 15th St, NW. Register: Secure. ArtofLiving.org/Events.aspx.

GMO FREE PET FOOD S natural awakenings

March 2015

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 Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com to request our media kit. ACUPUNCTURE CITY ACUPUNCTURE CIRCLE

1221 Connecticut Ave, Ste 5B, NW, DC 202-300-8428 • CityAcupunctureCircle.com Safe, affordable acupuncture care. Pay what you can, $20-$50 per treatment. Join the Community Acupuncture movement.

NECK, BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com Neck Back & Beyond offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. lasting change to heal the mind, body and soul. Fitness, educational consultant and hypnotist. See ad, page 36.

OURSPACE ACUPUNCTURE

914 Silver Spring Ave. #104, Silver Spring, MD 301-388-8085 • OurSpaceAcupuncture.org Natural, affordable, safe, holistic health care in a comfortable community setting. We ask for $15-$40 per session. Schedule your appointment online today.

SHAWNA SNYDER Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com 571-529-6699 Shawna Snyder is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in pain management. She effectively relieves pain by custom tailoring a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve optimal results. See ad, page 25.

THE GILBERT CLINIC

Jonathan Gilbert, NCCAOM 7315 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 760 E, Bethesda 301-215-4177 Info@TheGilbertClinic TheGilbertClinc.com Specializing in medical acupuncture protocols for neurological and pain conditions including neuropathic pain from neuropathy or chemo, arthritis, and rare disorders. W ..

ACUPRESSURE

AWAKEN MY HEART NOW Silver Spring, MD 240-839-1661 AwakenMyHeartNow.com

Compassionate, supportive and skilled, Shira combines acupressure and yogic meditation in individual/group sessions to cultivate a whole-being path to healing and growth.

ROTELLA CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE CENTER

15891 Kruhm Rd, Burtonsville, MD 301-421-4248 DrRotella@DrRotella.com • DrRotella.com Rotella Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center is a family practice designed to provide the best of both Eastern and Western holistic health care. Dr. Rotella prides herself on her many years of study of numerous diagnostic and treatment techniques. See ad, page 37.

Washington, D.C.

ALLERGY MANAGEMENT DEBRITT EALEY

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com DeBritt Ealey specializes in the treatment of all forms of symptoms associated with allergies and sensitivities with the Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT) therapy. See ad, page 25.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE NOVA CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

4635 Chain Bridge Rd, Ste 100, McLean, VA 703-229-3106 NOVAAlternativeMed.com

Our holistic approach gets to the nexus of your pain and treats your pain’s cause, not just your symptoms. Dr Sanford’s approach and treatment will greatly improve your quality of life. Specializing i n P e r i p h e r a l N e u r o p a t h y, Chiropractic Care, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Physical Therapy and Functional Medicine. See ad, page 35.

BEDROOM FURNITURE SAVVY REST NATURAL BEDROOM

258 Maple Ave East, Vienna and 12242 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 703-255-7040 (VA) or 301-770-7040 (MD) Maddie@SavvyRest.com • SRNB.com

Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom is the premier retailer of Savvy Rest organic mattresses and bedding, a Virginia manufacturer, and retailer of fine bedroom furniture. See ad, page 33.

BEEKEEPING AZURE B LLC

4730 Bicknell Rd, Marbury, MD 301-743-2331 • AzureBLLC.com Azure B LLC is a small, familyrun permaculture farm in Southern Maryland. We offer beekeeping education, locally made equipment and support

BEHAVIORAL CHANGE MID LIFE REFOCUS

3914 Centreville Rd, Chantilly, VA 571-277-1292 Info@MidLifeRefocus.com MidLifeRefocus.com Positive Behavioral Change consultant. Increase Self-awareness for lasting change to heal the mind, body and soul. Fitness, educational consultant and hypnotist.

BOTANICAL GARDENS MEADOWLARK BOTANICAL GARDENS 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 703-255-3631 KTomlinson@Nvrpa.org • Nvrpa.org

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, a public garden for all the senses, a place of peace and reflection. Near Wolf Trap in Vienna.

CAT SITTER

CONCIERGE

PURRMENTOR PETCARE

EDUCATION

MUSE CONCIERGE, LLC

Beth Permenter (703) 973-9436 PurrMentor@gmail.com

Specializing in cats, catteries, and crazy cat ladies. Beth exclusively cat sits in the Northern Virginia area, and specializes in caring for the whole cat. She is experienced with multi-cat households, administering medication, and T.L.C.

CHIROPRACTOR

WASHINGTON WALDORF SCHOOL

PO Box 212, Washington Grove, MD 301-337-0988 • Muse-Concierge.com Michele.Muise@gmail.com Services that give people time for more important things in their lives. The services offered are property care including “green” cleaning, errands, in home/office food services, elder care and training. All services have sustainability in mind and use only natural, no chemical and organic options. See ad, page 41.

GRACE PRODUCTIONS

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com

Grace Ogden, Principal 301-445-6771 • GraceProductions.co Grace Ogden leads this consulting and event production firm that supports progressive social change with an awareness of why spiritual principles and practices matter. See ad, page 14.

Neck Back & Beyond offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. lasting change to heal the mind, body and soul. Fitness, educational consultant and hypnotist. See ad, page 36.

COUNSELING

CLEANING 4813-A Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 800-515-6243 Marketing@Maid-Brigade.com MaidBrigade.com

Lizette Ayala, Energy Health Coach, specializes in teaching the art of self-healing and mind-body health, breaking energy draining patterns and reducing unproductive stress. See ad, page 25.

306 Elden St, Herdon, VA 703-689-0114 Info@Crystalis.com • Crystalis.com

Individual and Couples Therapy GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 YourSexualHealthMatters@gmail.com GWICM.com Evaluation, treatment, counseling, and education for all sexual health concerns. See ad, page 2.

Enjoy the healing environment of our store which offers a variety of high energy stones, incense, books, meditation supplies and much more.

ETHEREAL HEALING

Angel Barkley 312-618-4881 Love-LetGo-Live@hotmail.com

NATALIE X. KORYTNYK, PHD

MAID BRIGADE CAPITAL REGION

LIZETTE AYALA Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com • RoseWellness.co

CRYSTALIS

MARY KENDELL, MS, NP

ROTELLA CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE CENTER

Washington Waldorf offers a holistic education that blends arts, movement, and practical skills with academics at every step. PreK-12. Imagine a better way to learn. See ad, page 41.

ENERGY HEALING

CONSULTING

NECK, BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

4800 Sangamore Rd, Bethesda, MD 301-229-6107 SSmith@WashingtonWaldorf.com WashingtonWaldorf.org

Individual & Couples Therapy GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com

We are Green Clean Certified so you can have peace of mind that your home will be healthier for you, your pets, and the environment. See ad, page 11.

With over 20 years of experience, D r. N a t a l i e K o r y t n y k i s a psychologist with an expertise in relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, work stress, eating disorders and self-esteem. See ad, page 2.

The highest creation of man is to UNCONDITIONALLY LOVE everyone as his divine loves him. Follow, believe, hold faith and journey with me to healing. See ad, page 47.

HEALING GATEWAY 877-534-5534 HealingGateway.com

Sherry Lynn Dmytrewycz invites you to enter into a healthier, unlimited life with an energy clearing for you, your space or your animals. Handson or distance sessions. See ad, page 25.

If we humans quickly learn that saving open space and wildlife is critical to our welfare and quality of life, maybe we’ll start thinking of doing something about it. ~Jim Fowler natural awakenings

March 2015

HEALTH COACH BETH LINDLEY CONSULTANCY 202-285-8191 Beth@BethLindley.com BethLindley.com

Corporate Wellness Consultant Beth Lindley is fiercely committed to working with forward-thinking companies that are looking to make a big impact but that have escalating health care costs and unhealthy kitchens to transform their company kitchens into health conscious havens and increase their revenue and the impact they can create with their business. She offers personalized kitchen makeovers for COOs, CFOs and employees as well See ad, page 18.

HEALTH EVENT PLANNING PAM SNYDER EVENTS, LLC 703-402-7223 PamSnyderEvents@gmail.com PamSnyderEvents.com

With over 25 years experience event planning, our concentration is in the area of Health and Wellness. Whether you are interested in a high-energy full-scale conference or a small meeting/workshop, let us help plan your next health and wellness event. See ad, page 58.

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY TERRY VICTOR, DDS

The DC Dentist 509 11th St, SE, DC 202-544-3626 • TheDCDentist.com Staff@TheDCDentist.com Dr.Victor provides exceptional holistic and biological dentistry. The DC Dentist is the first eco-friendly and completely sustainable dental office in the DC area. See ad, page 3.

HOLISTIC PARENTING HOLISTIC MOMS NETWORK ARLINGTON/ALEXANDRIA CHAPTER 571-451-8273 HolisticMomsArlAlex@gmail.com HolisticMomsArlAlex.blogspot.com

HOLISTIC PROMOTIONS EARTHLIGHT PROMOTIONS

Bringing back the indigenous wisdom to our modern world. Organizing sacred retreat, reconnect with nature and sacred sites travel. Promoting holistic healers, traditional ancient medicine and wellness workshops. See ad, page 40.

5501 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD 117 Carroll St NW, Old Takoma, DC 301-403-8957 • TheBigBadWoof.com

GREEN COMFORT SCHOOL OF HERBAL MEDICINE 540-937-4283 Green.Comfort@gmail.com

Green Comfort School of Herbal Medicine offers a variety of learning opportunities for the beginning and more advanced student of holistic life practic

We offer integrative compassionate veterinary care. We view your animal as a whole focusing on the root cause of dis-harmony for long term healing. See ad, page 41.

HOME ENVIRONMENT MIKHAIL SOGONOV, PH.D.

InSitu EcoTesting LLC GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Sogonov@InSitu-ET.com Consulting company inspecting indoor environment for biological agents negatively affecting human health. Mainly focused on mold, also includes sewage contamination and pet and pest allergens. See ad, page 2.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE CASEY HEALTH INSTITUTE

703-401-9663 BeverlyNickerson@comcast.net EarthLightPromotions.com

THE BIG BAD WOOF

HERBS

4820 Moorland Ln, Bethesda, MD 301-656-2882 Info@VHCdoc.com • VHCdoc.com

A nonprofit resource for parents seeking support in their natural lifestyle choices. All chapters hold monthly meetings and most offer supplemental activities.

HEALTHY PETS

The Big Bad Woof is a community resource for companion animals and their guardians. We are committed to providing nutritious foods for companion animals whether they are dogs, cats, small mammals, birds or fish. We provide access to organic, holistic and premium raw diets and a wide range of alternatives including holistic supplements for companion animals. See ad, page 13.

VETERINARY HOLISTIC CARE

HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN HOLISTIC VETERINARY HEALING

Pema Choepel Mallu, DVM, CVA, M.Ac, L.Ac 12627 Wisteria Dr, Ste C & D, Germantown 240- 715-6570 HolisticVeterinaryHealing.com

800 South Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg 301-664-6464 KGill@CaseyHealth.org CaseyHealth.org

Casey Health offers primary care, acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathy, yoga therapy, massage, behavioral health, wellness classes, and health coaching all aimed at getting people healthy. See ad, page 33.

ANGELA GABRIEL, MSOM, LAC, CH GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055, 202-300-4981 Gwcim.com

Holistic veterinary clinic focused on keeping your pet healthy by promoting quality of life while providing excellent integrative medical care in an exceptional environment. See ad, page 16.

Classical Chinese medicine, Japanese-style acupuncture, pain and stress management, chronic issues, family care, women’s health, pregnancy, children, Kiiko Matsumoto-style acupuncture, moxibustion, integrative medicine. See ad, page 2.

Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man. ~Stewart Udall

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

CHAS GANT, MD, PHD

National Integrative Health Associates 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW, DC 202-237-7000 ext 120 DoctorChas.com Dr. Gant, an internationally known author and integrative/functional medicine physician, addresses the root causes of chronic medical and psychiatric disorders, unique to each patient in all age ranges. See ad, page 10.

GW CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 908 New Hampshire Ave, NW, DC 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com

A clinic that effectively combines use of traditional and conventional evidencebased medical practices through a variety of complementary and alternative therapies and has many years of close collaboration with George Washington University Medical Center and a variety of physicians in most subspecialties. See ad, page 2.

SUSHMA HIRANI, MD

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com Sushma Hirani, MD specializes in functional and integrative medicine to treat chronic diseases. She has a special interest in women’s health care, natural hormone balancing, and detoxification. See ad, page 25.

INDIGO INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CLINIC 1010 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 660, DC 202-298-9131 IndigoHealthClinic.com

The body has an innate ability to heal itself and achieve balance from everyday stressors through non-toxic, non-aggressive and highly effective modalities. See ad, page 19.

MIKHAIL KOGAN, MD

GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com

Dr. Kogan is Medical Director of GW Center for Integrative Medicine where he provides integrative consultations and primary care. In addition, he does geriatric consultations at GW University Hospital and makes home visits to frail patients. See ad, page 2.

NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES

ROCKVILLE MEDITATION

Leaders in Integrative Medicine and Biological Dentistry At National Integrated Health Associates, NIHA, our team of Integrative doctors blends the best of western medicine and safe, proven complementary and alternative therapies to help the body heal. See ad, page 44.

The Rockville Meditation center offers unlimited guided meditation www.rockvillemeditation.org s e s s i o n s d a i l y. T h e Tel: 301-770-7778 meditation focuses on a 11601 Nebel St. Rockville, MD 20852 method of subtraction. This logical and revolutionary method is about removing the problem of emotional pain and discomfort completely. There is also an END to the meditation. The method reaches to 340 centers worldwide and is causing a sensation in different corners of the world. Make an appointment for your free consultation today. See ad, page 13.

5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 ext 118 NIHADC.com

ROSE WELLNESS CENTER

2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com At Rose Wellness Center, we practice an integrative approach to medicine by combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine. Services include hormone balancing, acupuncture, allergy management (AAT), energy healing, specialty testing, and detoxification. See ad, page 25. .

MASSAGE

AT EASE: TRAGER AND MASSAGE Lisa Bregman 202-686-7202 LisaBregman@yahoo.com

Deep bodywork that uses rhythmic, wavelike movement to ease pain, joint and muscle tension, and release long-held uncomfortable movement and postural patterns. See ad, page 2.

MEAL DELIVERY POWER SUPPLY DC MyPowerSupply.com

Power Supply provides fresh, tasty, all-natural meal plans including vegetarian and grain-free choices. No gluten or dairy either. Order online one-time or recurring, pickup at 80+ DMV locations, heat & enjoy. Use “NATURAL” gift card to save $10 on 1st order. Natural Awakenings readers can save $10 off of their first order by visiting MyPowerSupply.com/Natural.

MEDITATION HUGH BYRNE, PHD Hugh-Byrne.com

Mindfulness-based counseling and meditation instruction. Dr. Byrne teaches classes, retreats, and workshops on Buddhism and meditation in the Washington, D.C. area and nationwide and provides individual counseling.

11601 Nebel St, Rockville, MD 301-770-7778 RockvilleMeditation@gmail.com RockvilleMeditation.org Stop thinking. Start becoming.

ROCKVILLE MEDITATION

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS MARIANNA LEDENAC, ND

Adult & Pediatric Naturopathic Medicine GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com Dr. Ledenac is a Naturopathic Physician in family medicine caring for adults and children. She has a special focus in weight management (body composition improvement), nutritional assessments, pediatrics and women’s health including fertility care. See ad, page 2

NUTRITION 2 NOURISH, NUTRITION & WELLNESS Marietta Amatangelo, Director 877-428-0555 Info@2Nourish.com • 2Nourish.com

A trusted nutritionist and wellness coach in the tri-metro area, with functional nutrition expertise in digestive and detox, wellness, MTHFR, cancer and chronic conditions.

RAW LIVING D-LIGHT

571-471-2891 • Luzy@RawLivingDLight RawLivingDLight.com Alkaline foods to restore your health and nourish your body. Microgreens and sprouts, foods for superior health. Classes, workshops and private consultation. Available for lectures and home growing consultations. See ad, page 11.

natural awakenings

March 2015

NUTRITION EDUCATION KRISTA NOELLE

302-897-2407 Krista@KristaNoelle.com • KristaNoelle.com Krista combines her knowledge of physiology, medicinal herbs, foodas-medicine and the mind/body connection to evoke positive and lasting change with each individual client. She currently sees clients in the Baltimore and Washington area.

JULIE WENDT

My work as a Nutrition Educator is focused on working in partnership with individuals who want or need to implement changes to their diet and lifestyle in order to achieve optimal health See ad, page 2.

REALTOR TERRI NEFF METIN

1606 17th St, NW 202-256-2163 • TerriHomes.com Terri.Metin@cbmove.com Realtor specializing in helping clients buy and sell residential and commercial property throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. See ad, page 14.

REIKI LUANN JACOBS, SLP/RMT

Reiki-Biofeedback Practitioner GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com Luann provides treatments and trainings in the use of Reiki hands-on and biofeedback for self-care, and Reiki care of others. See ad, page 2.

SPIRITUAL LIVING UNITY OF FAIRFAX

2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 703-281-1767 • Admin@UnityOfFairfax.org UnityOfFairfax.org Unity of Fairfax offers a welcoming, environment to explore one’s own relationship with God in a community of like-minded individuals.

Washington, D.C.

I HEAR VOICES

Susan Coti 703-966-5207 S_Coti@hotmail.com • IHearVoices.biz Specializing in wisdom, folk, myths and personal tales. Suitable for adults and families with older children. See ad, page 27.

YOGA WITH NYA

Nya@YogaWithNya.com YogaWithNya.com

Nya Alemayhu is a yoga instructor in Washington, D.C., dedicated to building community through sharing the practice of yoga. Nya offers private instruction and workplace yoga. See ad, page 37.

Y’S ELEMENTS

202-246-9592 YaelFlusberg@gmail.com • YaelFlusberg.com

THERAPEUTIC YOGA

JWendt@GWCIM.com GWCIM.com

STORYTELLING

LINDA LANG

GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • TherapeuticYogaDC.com A highly experienced practitioner, certified in the medical, therapeutic arena of Cardiac Yoga. Specializing in chronic conditions and degenerative disease. Therapeutic yoga for special conditions and m e d i t a t i o n a r e o ff e r e d b y appointment with GW Center for Integrative Medicine. See ad, page 2.

WELLNESS iEMBRACE WELLNESS

Centreville, VA 571-232-9979 Office@iEmbraceWellness.com iEmbraceWellness.com Accunect and BodyTalk are used to restore the body’s natural ability to heal itself at the mind, body and spirit levels, by clearing the underlying sources of stress that interfere with this natural healing process. Self-care workshops are offered to educate and empower individuals in their own health care.

Experienced yoga therapist/coach available for group and individual sessions drawing from a deep well of creative, somatic and reflective methods to help you flourish. See ad, page 2.

ZERO BALANCING LISA SCHUMACHER

4000 Albemarle St, NW Ste 202 202-244-9588 • Lisa@Balancentering.com

Helping others find natural ways to gain optimum health through Zero Balancing, Massage, Energy Therapy and Herbal Support. See ad, page 25.

Find Your Perfect Partner on NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

YOGA BUDDHA B YOGA

1115 U St NW, DC, Ste 202 202-588-5885 • BuddhaBYoga.com Experience a place of refuge and a spiritual center where all are welcome! A Vegan Vinyasa yoga studio and JivaMukti™ Yoga Center Affiliate. Open 7 days a week and offering over 55 classes a week, including 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training. See ad, page 13.

LIL OMM YOGA

4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, DC 20016 202-248-6304 LilOmm.com A friendly, community yoga center welcoming all ages and stages of life. Offering open and honest teaching regarding yoga, well-being, family and spirituality. See ad, page 15.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Join for FREE! Visit NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

natural awakenings

March 2015

3rd Annual

Grow Your Health A Gardening, Local Food & Wellness Festival

IER PREM NING E SCRE

Gardening Classes · Children’s Activities 50 Local Vendors · Food Court

Supported By:

A Great Event for the Whole Family! Saturday, March 28 2015 ~ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Woodson High School in Fairfax VA $10 Adults ($15 at the door), free under 16