Natural Awakenings Washington DC March 2016

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By Any Greens Necessary

an Interview with TRACYE McQUIRTER

A PLATE OF MANY COLORS

Deep-Hued Veggies Are Chock-Full of Nutrients

Meaty Truths

Choosing Meat that’s Sustainable and Safe

March 2016 | Washington, D.C. Edition | NaturalAwakeningsMag.com natural awakenings

March 2016

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letterfrompublisher Dear Friends contact us Publisher, Editor in Chief Robin Fillmore Contributing Editors Jessica Bradshaw Randy Kambic Grace Ogden Design & Production Irene Sankey Marketing Director Beverly Nickerson Sales Director Malika Hook Muhammad Outreach Director Samantha Hudgins Natural Awakenings of Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-505-4835 Fax: 202-827-7955 4938 Hampden Lane, #214 Bethesda, MD 20814 Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com NaturalAwakeningsDC.com ©2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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Hints of spring are in the air (in between the snow and slush) and with pokes of green emerging through the barren ground, there is proof that warmth and color will, once again, be restored. We celebrate this month with food! I have already started hanging out in the garden shop, mentally preparing the plan of attack for my summer garden and longing to get the hoe in my hands.

What I love about food is that it is universal—we all need and crave it. What I find challenging is that food choices have become a contentious issue for many people. For just over a year now, I have been following the advice of food advocate Michael Pollan, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” This shift in my own consumption has made a tremendous difference in the way I feel and the way I live. Preparing and cooking takes a bit more time although with good planning, I find that I spend a lot less money than when I was eating meat. I have also developed a fierce love of beets, barley and blueberry-banana smoothies.

The decision to become vegetarians was initially met with skepticism—assuming that this was just something that my husband, John, and I would try out for a while and eventually go back to our pork-eating ways. Others wondered if we would stick to our new eating regime when it was convenient—not including holidays when confronted with the beautifully prepared leg of lamb. I am happy to say that the lure of bacon no longer pulls me. There are enough wonderful, meatless options out there to keep me sated.

But this choice is one that we made personally and we realize that our friends and family, not to mention readers of Natural Awakenings, enjoy a diverse diet and make choices based on their personal needs. As part of the magazine’s ongoing effort to serve the community, this month we offer a range of educational articles to provide information about various dietary choices. For the meat-eaters, our feature presents the issues concerning sustainable models of meat and poultry production. For the non-meat-eaters, we spend some time with nationally recognized local author and leader in the vegan world, Tracye McQuirter, who also graces our cover.

Other food and eating related articles are offered, such as insightful pieces on emotional eating and dealing with digestive issues, as well as a glimpse at an important new nutritional test, known as the Organic Acids Test (OAT) that assesses metabolites in order to evaluate four critical areas of metabolism, through a simple urine test.

Finally, we take a first look at the issue of water—and specifically the issue of lead in the water of our neighbors of Michigan and Ohio. For those who have been in the District for a while, this is a familiar story from 2004. Charles Gant, M.D., Ph.D., has been working with the citizens of Flint, helping to provide remedies for the lead-poisoning that the community is now facing and offers helpful information for us all.

Forrest Gump said that “life is like a box of chocolates” but I believe it is more like a smorgasbord, with options as well as a big table around which to share the bounty. Enjoy the diversity within the pages of the magazine this month.

Bon Appetit!

Robin Fillmore, Publisher

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contents 14

8 newsbriefs 14 healthbriefs 18 globalbriefs 20 ecotip 2 1 eventspotlight 30 ancientwisdom 32 practitioner

18 spotlight 33 leadingedge 34 healthyeating 35 healthmatters 37 inspiration 39 restaurant

spotlight 20 40 community

spotlight 42 inthenews 45 calendar 50 resourceguide

advertising & submissions 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.

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.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online: NaturalAwakeningsDC.com within the advertising section.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

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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 MEATY TRUTHS

Choosing Meat that’s Sustainable and Safe

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

25 TASTE THE RAINBOW

22

Expand Your Palate with New Colorful Veggies

by Judith Fertig

26 BY ANY GREENS

NECESSARY

26

An Interview with Tracye McQuirter

by Robin Fillmore

28 DEVELOPING GARDENS INSTEAD OF GOLF COURSES

Agrihoods Use On-Site Farms to Draw Residents

by April Thompson

36 WHY VEGAN?

36

The Connection Between Humans, Animals and the Planet

by Tracey Narayani Glover

38 NIGHTTIME

PARENTING

Fostering Healthful Sleep

by Stephanie Dodd

42 HEALING FROM

LEAD POISONING

Good News for Flint and Other Communities

44

by Charles Gant, M.D., Ph.D.

44 WELL-MANNERED CATS

Simple Ways to Get Kitty to Behave

by Sandra Murphy

natural awakenings

March 2016

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newsbriefs

Leading to Well-Being Conference

N

ow in its seventh year, George Mason University’s Leading to Well-Being Conference will gather the nation’s top holistically focused leaders for a day of deep and substantial learning, April 14 and 15, in Falls Church.

The keynote speakers and presenters strive to create meaningful and lasting culture shifts that move lives to greater levels of thriving. The conference features notable scholars, industry leaders and practitioners addressing innovations in well-being and positive direction.

This year’s keynote speakers and presenters include Dr. Dan Siegel, Dr. Annie McKee, Dr. David Cooperrider, Dr. Richard Strozzi-Heckler and many more. Optional half-day intensives include sessions with the Chopra Center, HeartMath Institute and the Strozzi Institute.

Join like-minded individuals as they dive into this year’s theme, Cultivating Resilience, to learn about prospering during times of challenge and uncertainty. Together, they will address key questions such as: How do we prosper in challenging circumstances? What role does resilience have in human flourishing, leadership and organizational prosperity? How can individuals and organizations recover from setbacks in ways that propel them forward and strengthen them?

The Leading to Well-Being Conference seeks to empower and inspire.

Cultivating and leading with resilience starts with the individual and then engages others in the exploration of meaning, purpose, positive relationships and increasing our capacity to thrive.

Location: Fairview Park Marriott, 3111 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church. To learn more or register, visit LeadingToWellbeing.GMU.edu. See ad, page 5.

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Stop Suffering and Learn How to Love Your Liver

D

uring the spring, many people suffer with mysterious aches and pains, as well as seasonal allergies, and do not understand why. Don’t worry­— these are not signs of falling apart. This is the liver’s way of releasing toxins and cleaning house.

Join Andrea Beaman, HHC, AADP, for a live, interactive Web class from her kitchen on March 30 at 12:30 p.m. to get the recipes needed to support liver health.

It’s at this time of year that the liver works extra hard at breaking down fat-soluble toxins and sending them on their way to be processed and excreted by the kidneys, bladder and digestive system. But if the liver is overworked, congested or simply not feeling up to the task, all of your bodily systems can be negatively impacted.

Astringent foods like lemons, apple cider vinegar and blueberries, as well as powerful herbs like dandelion, nettles and red clover can support your liver as it prepares for its annual spring cleaning.

In this interactive class, participants will discover the best foods and herbal remedies, plus a liver cleanse that can help the body naturally detox without all the discomfort. This interactive class will be streaming from Beaman’s kitchen to your computer.

To learn more, go to LearnItLive.com/ AndreaBeaman1 and click on Detoxing Your Liver. See ad, page 27.

Low-Cost Benefit Discount Plan Keeps Family’s Health on Track

A

ccording to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than 108 million people in the United States are without dental benefits. Wellness Plus, a health and wellness discount plan, offers dental and vision care services as well as a wide variety of alternative medicine services for a low monthly fee.

“The Wellness Plus Plan is a lowcost benefit solution to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and keep you and your family’s health on track,” says Debra Tucker, CEO of Wellness Plus. “The plan offers member discounts on services such as alternative medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, hypnotherapy, nutrition counseling, Chinese herbal medicine, massage therapy and many other modalities from trusted practitioners right in their own neighborhoods. More and more patients are finding that alternative medicine has a great deal to offer, especially for treating chronic conditions with which Western medicine has little success.”

Wellness Plus includes both dental and vision as part of its plan package, Tucker says. Members save on orthodontics, cleanings, exams and many other dental care services through the Aetna Dental Access PPO. The $14.99 monthly fee covers benefits for the entire family. Holistic health practitioners can become participating providers at no cost by calling the Healthways WholeHealth Network at 877-806-8706.

Precision Medicine for Mental Health Saturday, April 23 • 1:00-3:00 pm

Dr. Charles Gant will discuss some of the definitive and reversible physiological conditions that can cause depression, anxiety and other health challenges. He will explain why designing a treatment plan, which addresses the root causes of each patient’s medical and psychiatric disorders, requires a personalized, fully integrative approach to healthcare. This is the promise of what is now called “Precision Medicine”.

At the Smith Center • 1632 U St NW, Washington, DC

The truth is you don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow.

Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed. ~Eminem

For more information, visit WellnessPlus Plan.com or call 877-915-9228. See ad, page 17. natural awakenings

March 2016

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News to Share?

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Let us know about it!

newsbriefs Grand Opening for Local Restaurant with Local and National Notables

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reenFare will celebrate their grand opening at 6 p.m. on March 7 with a ribbon cutting with Herndon mayor, Lisa Merkel, and special guest, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study. Dinner will follow at 7 p.m. GreenFare is located at 408 Elden Street in Herndon.

After working with Campbell on a 10day program where 45 people experienced life-changing effects, GreenFare founder and owner, Gwyn Whittaker, decided to open Campbell, Whittaker and her family a restaurant as a delivery platform for this service. The goal was to provide delicious, organic, whole-plant food along with programs and services to allow people to make a successful transition to great health.

Whittaker helps local residents utilize the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine 21-Day Kickstart program at regular meetings at the restaurant. Through this program, more than 85 people have experienced weight loss, reductions in medication, renewed energy and have experienced restored health. The next Kickstart program begins on March 14.

With Food for Life Instructor Pericles Silva, as operations manager, and executive chef Justin Matthews, previously of L’Auberge Chez Francois (and chef for Donald Trump), the team is poised to deliver fabulous food with the latest in nutritional information. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

To participate in the grand opening dinner, reservations can be made at bit. ly/1KPAEiI. For more information about the restaurant and its programs, call 703-689-0506 or visit GreenFare.com. See ad, page 27.

Want to be a Beekeeper?

A News Briefs We welcome news items relevant to the subject matter of our magazine. We also welcome any suggestions you may have for a news item.

Call 202-505-4835 for additional information, or visit NaturalAwakeningsDC.com 10

Washington, D.C.

zure B LLC is offering three-pound packages of natural-size honeybees that have not been treated with pesticides or pharmaceuticals. Their expected delivery date is March 26. They guarantee a live queen bee upon delivery and will be offering a weather-appropriate installation demonstration on the delivery date for all that would like to participate.

Azure B LLC is also offering basic training courses for aspiring beekeepers throughout the spring, in Mt. Rainier and White Plains, Maryland. These workshops will provide the basics of beekeeping, including the lingo, equipment and the honeybee life cycle. Participants will learn how to get started and how to perform a basic inspection, seasonal duties and get information about diseases that threaten their existence of their bees. With this workshop, participants will learn how patience and courtesy are better options when dealing with bees than wearing a protective suit. The workshops include classroom sessions and a hands-on session in the apiary.

To place your order for the honeybees or get more information about the classes, visit AzureBLLC.com.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Let’s start clean with 2016!

Make this year different! Hire Maid Brigade and take back your valuable time!

Save the Date for the Peace Love Yoga Festival

L

ast May, the Peace Love Yoga Festival broke new ground in Washington, D.C. by offering a radically different type of event that drew together hundreds of meditation and yoga enthusiasts of all ages to practice, learn and share joy and acceptance. This year from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 15, they will be in a bigger and more open space at the Brookland Arts Walk. This space is also the permanent home to more than two dozen artist studios and galleries, adding even more of an artist vibe to the event.

The event was the idea of the area group, WithLove DC, known for providing the District with popup yoga and other fun, community events. The original mission of Peace Love Yoga Fest was to provide a daylong festival that was in reach of all city residents—making it both affordable and metro-accessible.

There are many yoga festivals and events that take place throughout the region but for many, it is cost prohibitive to attend.

In addition to the kid’s activities and art displays that run through the day’s event, there will also be a film component this year. At Busboys and Poets, there will be a screening of Fly

by Light, the noted documentary by HawaH of One Common Unity.

Location: Brookland Arts Walk, 716 Monroe St. NE. For more information and tickets, visit PeaceLoveYogaFest. com. See ad, page 13.

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newsbriefs where healthy food comes naturally

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Calling in the Sunlight Retreat

B

e prepared for a powerful retreat experience. Calling in the Sunlight has called in some extraordinary D.C. practitioners like Dante Baker, holistic healing practitioner, massage therapist, yoga teacher; don Zane Curfman, Shamanic priest, healer, teacher and lecturer; Nanette Davidson, angelic Reiki master and teacher; Bonita Woods, clairvoyant empath; Diane Black, Crystal Reiki therapist and teacher; Monica Wirtanen, Kundalini yoga teacher; and Beverly Nickerson, Shamanic healer.

The retreat takes place the weekend of April 23 and 24 at The Land Celebration in Gore, Virginia.

Their exciting program includes: Kundalini yoga with gong; a transmission circle with meditation; chanting and singing bowls; a global peace prayer; Shamanic fire ceremony and ecstatic drumming, medicine wheel ceremony; a White Light Healing Energy meditation and spirit walks to the labyrinth, Mary’s Grottoe; and an uplifting concert by Woven Green.

Participants will enjoy interactive workshops, like Connecting to Your Higher Self, Your Future Path Illuminated by the Angels, Awakening to Divine Love, The Breath of Life and Satsung, a closing meeting with the Retreat Practitioners.

Bonita Woods Wellness Institute is preparing the meals with high vibrational foods, designed to give the perfect support for both physical and spiritual rejuvenation. As a spiritual chef, she guides her clients to find the ideal foods that cleanse their spirit, aid with meditation, connect to their higher self and align with their soul purpose.

Tickets and more information, including on private healing sessions with the retreat practitioners, can be found at CrystalReikiTherapy.com.

Looking For Students to Fight Hunger

T

he Food Recovery Network is the largest student movement against food waste and hunger in America. Since 2011, students at more than 171 campuses in nearly all 50 states have recovered and donated over 1 million pounds of food.

The local chapter is currently searching for candidates to serve the organization in several different roles, including a communications associate, programming associate and a 2016-2017 fellowship cohort. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through April 8.

As an organization rooted in student activism and leadership, the Food Recovery Network places great emphasis on helping their student workers with career development, encouraging innovation and ownership of projects while providing opportunities for the advancement of their professional goals. By joining them, participants will work with the founding team and other young leaders with a social entrepreneurial spirit.

For more information, including the position descriptions and application instructions, visit FoodRecoveryNetwork.org/Hiring.

12

Washington, D.C.

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Detox With Your Doctor Program at Rose Wellness

D

r. Sushma Hirani, of Rose Wellness, in Oakton, Virginia, is beginning a new program to help participants experience a science-based, seven-day detoxification program that will reset the participant’s system and get their health back on track.

While there are many detox programs available, this one begins with solid education, and a kickoff presentation from 6 to 7 p.m. on March 23 at Rose Wellness where participants will share their expectations and learn the benefits of the Core Restore program.

The program includes the nutrients and metabolic tools needed to revitalize the body’s detoxification process and improve overall health. Core Restore provides three active formulas—Core Support, Alpha Base and PhytoCore—which function synergistically to support pathways of liver biotransformation.

These targeted nutrients enhance the detoxification of environmental pollutants, hormone disruptors and other harmful toxins.

Participants will also receive a patient guide with step-by-step instruction on reducing their toxic burden through diet and lifestyle changes, as well as delicious and nutritious recipes, along with a convenient shopping guide to keep the participants on track. Each day, participants will receive tips, recipes and encouragement throughout the program.

Location: 2944 Hunter Mill Rd., Ste. 101, Oakton, VA. For more information, visit RoseWellness.com.

See ad, page 43.

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healthbriefs

Magnolia Bark Knocks Out Head and Neck Cancer Cells

H

ead and neck cancers include cancers of the mouth, throat (pharynx and larynx), sinuses and salivary glands.

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, more than 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and almost 13,000 die from these diseases annually.

A study from the University of Alabama and the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center found that a magnolia herb extract called honokiol may treat these cancers. It tested human cancer cell lines in the laboratory from different parts of the body, including the mouth, larynx, tongue and pharynx. The researchers found that the honokiol extract halted the growth of each of these cancer cells and induced cell death.

Lead researcher Dr. Santosh K. Katiyar and his colleagues wrote, “Conclusively, honokiol appears to be an attractive, bioactive, small-molecule phytochemical for the management of head and neck cancer, which can be used either alone or in combination with other available therapeutic drugs.”

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Probiotics Reduce Aggressively Negative Thoughts

R

ecent research from the Netherlands’ Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition has discovered that negative and aggressive thinking can be changed by supplementing with probiotic bacteria. The triple-blind study followed and tested 40 healthy people over a period of four weeks that were split into two groups; one was given a daily probiotic supplement containing seven species of probiotics and the other, a placebo.

The subjects filled out a questionnaire that measured cognitive reactivity and depressed moods using the Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity, which measures negative and depressed thinking. After four weeks, the probiotic group showed significantly lower scores in aggression, control issues, hopelessness, risk aversion and rumination, compared to the placebo group.

“The study demonstrated for the first time that a four-week, multispecies, probiotic intervention has a positive effect on cognitive reactivity to naturally occurring changes in sad mood in healthy individuals not currently diagnosed with a depressive disorder,” the researchers concluded.

It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver. ~Mahatma Gandhi

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Apple Munching Makes for Healthier Shopping

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ating an apple before buying groceries may help consumers make healthier shopping decisions. This was the finding of three studies on healthy food purchasing conducted by Aner Tal, Ph.D., and Brian Wansink, Ph.D. In the research, published in the scientific journal Psychology and Marketing, 120 shoppers were given an apple sample, a cookie sample or nothing before they began shopping.

The researchers found those that ate the apple purchased 28 percent more fruits and vegetables than those given the cookie, and 25 percent more fruits and vegetables than those given nothing.

A related study by Tal and Wansink investigated virtual shopping decisions. After being given a cookie or an apple, 56 subjects were asked to imagine they were grocery shopping. They were shown 20 pairs of products—one healthy and the other unhealthy—and asked to select the one they would buy. Consistent with the results of the first study, those that ate the apple most often chose the healthy option.

Metal and Mineral Imbalances May Produce Migraines

R

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esearch from Turkey’s Yüzüncü Yil University has concluded that migraines may be linked with higher levels of heavy metals in the blood and deficiencies in important minerals. The research tested 50 people, including 25 diagnosed with migraines and 25 healthy control subjects. None of those tested were taking supplements, smoked, abused alcohol or drugs or had liver or kidney disease or cardiovascular conditions.

Blood tests of both groups found that those with frequent migraines had four times the cadmium, more than twice of both the iron and the lead and nearly three times the levels of manganese in their bloodstreams compared to the healthy subjects. In addition, the migraine group had about a third of the magnesium, about 20 times less zinc and almost half the copper levels compared to the healthy group. “In light of our results, it can be said that trace element level disturbances might predispose people to migraine attacks,” the researchers stated.

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healthbriefs

Losing Pancreatic Fat Reverses Diabetes

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study from Newcastle University, in England, has found that losing fat content in the pancreas can alleviate Type 2 diabetes. The researchers tested 18 obese people between the ages of 25 and 65 that were diagnosed with diabetes alongside a control group that were not. Subjects received gastric band surgery before eating an appropriately healthful diet for eight weeks.

During this time, subjects in both groups lost an average of nearly 13 percent of their body weight and around 1.2 percent of their body fat. More importantly, the diabetes group lost about 6.6 percent of triglyceride pancreatic fat, or about 0.6 grams.

The weight loss and loss of triglyceride fat from the pancreas allowed the patients to produce normal amounts of insulin. Professor Roy Taylor, the head researcher of the study, says, “For people with Type 2 diabetes, losing weight allows them to lose excess triglyceride fat out of the pancreas and allows function to return to normal.”

Channel-Surfing Couch Potatoes May Lose Cognitive Skills

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esearchers from the University of California at San Francisco, working with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and other research agencies, have found that watching television may affect cognition, specifically as it relates to executive function and processing speeds.

The study followed 3,247 people over a 25-year period, beginning in their early adult years. Those that frequently watched television during their early adult years had a 64 percent higher incidence of poor cognitive performance compared to less frequent television watchers. This was after adjusting results for the effects of many other known lifestyle factors that affect cognition such as smoking, alcohol use and body mass index.

The effects of television watching worsened when combined with reduced physical activity during young adult years. Those with low physical activity and a high frequency of watching television were twice as likely to have poor cognition compared to those that had low television viewing combined with high physical activity during that period.

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Don’t Have Digestive Problems?

Think Again

Save Money on Holistic Health Services!

by Babette Lamarre

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ften, patients assure their medical practitioners that they do not have digestive problems, but as they answer more questions, it becomes obvious that they do. There are three reasons why this happens:

1. Many of us tend to think that what is experienced is normal. One example, a patient who is awakened daily by GI discomfort, and has to sit on the toilet slowly and uncomfortably to pass a stool, never thought of herself as constipated, because she went daily. Add to that, most digestive symptoms seem more annoying than serious and we normalize them further in our heads. But here’s the deal: seemingly small digestive problems can be indicative of much larger problems either already present or looming.

2. Many of us don’t usually talk to others about our gas, burping, constipation/ diarrhea or hemorrhoids. Essentially, most of us live in a vacuum when it comes to understanding the whole “dirty process” of digestion. Only commercials discuss it (in a surface way), and these advertisements have a conflict of interest—they are encouraging the purchase of a product.

3. Finally, many digestive problems do not show any digestive symptomology— they manifest as migraine headaches, muscle/joint pain, exhaustion or onset of autoimmune disease. Most people don’t think of it this way, but many health problems stem from our GI tract and the mix of bacteria in it.

Luckily, there is a now an online health questionnaire calling Nutri-Q that can assess your digestion, available from nutritional therapists.

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Disclosures: This plan is NOT insurance. The plan is not insurance coverage and does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act or Massachusetts M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This plan provides discounts at certain healthcare providers for medical services. This plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The plan member is obligated to pay for all healthcare services but will receive a discount from those healthcare providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization.

This discount card program contains a 30 day cancellation period. The range of discounts for medical or ancillary services provided under the plan will vary depending on the type of provider and medical or ancillary service received.

Member shall receive a full refund of membership fees, excluding registration fee, if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days after the effective date. AR and TN residents: A refund of all fees will be issued if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days. Discount Medical Plan Organization: New Benefits, Ltd., Attn: Compliance Department, PO Box 671309, Dallas, TX 75367-1309, 800-800-7616.

Website to obtain participating providers: MyMemberPortal.com. Not available to KS, UT, VT or WA residents.

Babette Lamarre is a nutritional therapist at Neck, Back and Beyond. To learn more about this free assessment, contact her at NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com. See ad, page 44.

Oregano for Taste, Aroma and Health

by Laina Poulakos

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h, oregano and its delicious taste and alluring aroma—it reminds many of us of our favorite Italian dishes. Whether it’s pizza, spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna, oregano is probably in it.

However, oregano is more than just a flavorful and aromatic herb— it has many health benefits as well.

Oregano is an antibacterial and provides support for the immune system and lungs. It is high in thiamine oil, which can be useful in treating giardia and other ailments, such as colds and the flu.

Oregano also contains an amazing amount of antioxidants—one gram has 42 times more antioxidants than an entire apple.

Oregano is also a strong antiseptic, making it ideal to use in a mouthwash for mouth sores. It is also a strong anti-fungal and can be used to treat yeast infections, both inside and outside of the body.

A simple tea can be brewed with two teaspoons of dry oregano in about eight ounces of hot water. This tea can be used to access any of the above benefits and can even be applied externally to treat boils, athletes’ foot, ringworm and more.

Oregano is more than just an herb for your Italian dishes. Adding it to your everyday diet can bring its many great benefits to you and your family. Oh, oregano!

Laina Poulakos is the founder of Mother’s Nature Store and is available for private consultations about herbal medicine by calling 703-851-0087 or visiting Mothers NatureStore.com. See ad, page 16. natural awakenings

March 2016

17

doulas make birth better

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

Nixing Monsanto Guatemala Just Says No

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The government of Guatemala has repealed legislation dubbed the “Monsanto law”, which was approved last year to grant the biotech giant special expansion rights into ecologically sensitive territory, after widespread public protest. The demonstrations included groups of indigenous Mayan people, joined by social movements, trade unions and farmers’ and women’s organizations.

Following political party battles, the Guatemalan Congress decided not to just review the legislation, but instead cancel it outright.

The Monsanto law would have given exclusivity on patented seeds to a handful of transnational companies. Mayan people and social organizations claim that the new law would have violated their constitution and the Mayan people’s right to traditional cultivation of the land in their ancestral territories.

Lolita Chávez, of the Mayan People’s Council, states, “Corn taught us Mayan people about community life and its diversity, because when one cultivates corn, one realizes that a variety of crops such as herbs and medicinal plants depend on the corn plant, as well.”

Source: UpsideDownWorld.org

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Washington, D.C.

Food Fight

College Cafeterias Lead the Way in Sustainable Eating Colleges and universities are changing how they purchase and prepare food in their dining halls to provide students healthy, sustainable meal options, with many of them working to source food locally.

American University, in Washington, D.C., purchases more than a third of the food served in its cafeterias within 250 miles of its campus. McGill University, in Montreal, spends 47 percent of its food budget on produce from its own campus farm and growers within 300 miles. Middlebury College, in Vermont, partners with seasonal local vendors, including those operating its own organic farm.

Taking it a step further, Boston University cafeterias serve meal options that include organic, fair trade, free-range, vegetarian-fed, hormone- and antibioticfree, sustainably harvested food items to students. Cornell University composts about 850 tons of food waste from its dining halls each year. At Duke University, surplus food is donated to food banks, and both pre- and post-consumer scraps are composted.

Other steps include the University of California, Berkeley’s new Global Food Initiative to address food security in a way that’s both nutritious and sustainable, and efforts at the University of Illinois to recycle cooking oil for biodiesel production.

Source: EcoWatch.com

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High Harvest

Indoor Gardening is Looking Up The world’s largest indoor farm, in Japan, covers 25,000 square feet, with 15 tiers of stacked growing trays that produce 10,000 heads of lettuce per day, or about 100 times more per square foot than traditional methods. It uses 99 percent less water and 40 percent less power than outdoor fields, while producing 80 percent less food waste.

Customized LED lighting helps plants grow up to two-and-a-half times faster than normal, one of the many innovations co-developed by Shigeharu Shimamura. He says the overall process is only half automated so far. “Machines do some work, but the picking is done manually. In the future, though, I expect an emergence of harvesting robots.” These may help transplant seedlings, harvest produce or transport product to packaging areas.

Meanwhile, Singapore’s Sky Farms, the world’s first low-carbon, hydraulically driven, urban vertical farm, runs on a Sky Urban Vertical Farming System, making the most of rainwater and gravity. Using a water pulley system, 38 growing troughs rotate around a 30-foot-tall aluminum tower.

A much bigger project, a 69,000-square-foot vertical indoor garden under construction at AeroFarms headquarters, in Newark, New Jersey, will be capable of producing up to 2 million pounds of vegetables and herbs annually.

Critter Cuisine

Edible Insects Can Help Feed the Planet

Consumer goods giant Unilever has pledged to eliminate coal from its energy usage within five years and derive all of its energy worldwide solely from renewable sources by 2030. The company will become carbon-positive through the use of renewable resources and by investing in generating more renewable energy than it needs, selling the surplus and making it available to local communities in areas where it operates. About 40 percent of the company’s energy use currently comes from green sources.

Paul Polman, company chairman, says the goal is “really doable.” He cites a new factory in China powered by wind and solar energy and a Paris office building that already contributes green electricity to the power grid.

Insect expert and bug farmer Sarah Beynon, Ph.D., a research associate for England’s University of Oxford, reports, “Two billion people eat insects every day, and not just in the West.

In fact, insects are extremely good for you and eating them is good for the planet, too.” Western governments are enthusiastic about the potential of entomophagy—the human practice of eating insects—for feeding growing numbers of people sustainably.

By 2050, humans will require 70 percent more food, 120 percent more water and 42 percent more cropland.

Meat production is predicted to double, and conventional production consumes extraordinary volumes of land and water resources. A recent British Food and Agriculture Organisation report suggests that there are more than 1,000 known species of edible insects.

Insects are extremely nutritious, containing lots of calcium, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, and are low in cholesterol. They’re also packed with protein; by weight, crickets can contain more protein than beef.

Source: The Guardian

Source: TheConversation.com

Source: Tinyurl.com/JapaneseIndoorFarm

Corporate Conscience

Unilever Reduces its Carbon Footprint

natural awakenings

March 2016

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globalbriefs Whistleblowing Allowed

Court Overrules Law Gagging Animal Abuse Probes U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill has written that in a pivotal case of animal cruelty undercover reporting, the Idaho Dairymen’s Association responded to the negative publicity by drafting and sponsoring a bill in a class known as Ag-Gag legislation that criminalizes the types of surreptitious investigations that expose such violent activities. Seven other states currently have similar Ag-Gag laws on the books.

Winmill declared the law unconstitutional in his decision, stating that its only purpose is to “limit and punish those who speak out on topics relating to the agricultural industry, striking at the heart of important First Amendment values.” The law was deemed to violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, “as well as preemption claims under three different federal statutes,” cites Winmill.

“This ruling is so clear, so definitive, so sweeping,” says Leslie Brueckner, senior attorney for Public Justice and co-counsel for the plaintiffs in the case. “We couldn’t ask for a better building block in terms of striking these laws down in other states.”

Source: Food Safety News

Surging Organics

Costco Shoots Past Whole Foods Market Whole Foods Market, founded in 1978, grew to be the number one seller in the nationwide movement toward organic and natural eating, with more than 400 stores. But mainstream grocers such as Wal-Mart and Kroger have since jumped on the bandwagon, and smaller players like Trader Joe’s and The Fresh Market have proliferated. Now Costco has moved into the current number one position, illustrating the market potential of budgetconscious consumers that desire to eat better.

Source: The Motley Fool

Fossil-Fuel-Free Food Trucks Go Solar

The food truck industry is good for a quick, cheap meal or even a gourmet meal, but emissions from these portable feasts are a growing concern, given the estimated 3 million trucks that were on the road in 2012. New York state has launched an initiative to put 500 energy-efficient, solar-powered carts on city streets this summer.

A pilot program gives food truck vendors the opportunity to lease the ecocarts for five years at little to no extra cost. They are expected to cut fossil fuel emissions by 60 percent and smog-creating nitrous oxide by 95 percent. If the technology was implemented nationwide, it could spare the atmosphere an enormous carbon footprint.

Conventional mobile vendors may spend more than $500 a month on fossil fuels; in addition to the gasoline consumed in driving, truck lighting and refrigeration systems are powered by diesel generators and propane fuels the grills, sometimes all running up to 10 hours a day. The annual nationwide load can add up to hundreds of billions of pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

Source: EcoWatch.com 20

Washington, D.C.

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ecotip Efficient Cook

Kitchen Recipes for Daily Energy Savings The kitchen is a hotbed of energy consumption when family meals are being prepared and even when dormant. Appliances make a big difference, and the tools and methods we cook with can reduce utility bills. According to Mother Earth News, cooking in a convection oven is 25 percent more efficient than a conventional oven.

Switching to an Energy Star-approved refrigerator that consumes 40 percent less energy than conventional models can save up to $70 in energy bills annually, according to ChasingGreen.org. They suggest performing defrosts routinely and keeping the door tightly sealed, especially on an older model. Position the fridge so that it isn’t next to heat sources such as sunlight, the oven or dishwasher.

While cooking, refrain from opening and closing a hot oven door too frequently, put lids on pots while heating and select the right size pans.

Cooking with a six-inch-diameter pan on an eight-inch burner wastes more than 40 percent of the heat produced.

For cleanup, a full load of dishes in a water-efficient dishwasher uses four gallons of water versus 24 gallons for hand washing, according to flow meter manufacturer Seametrics.

A slow cooker uses less energy and needs less water to wash afterward (VitaClayChef.com), plus it doesn’t strain household air conditioning as a stove does. It’s good for cooking hearty stews and soups made from local seasonal vegetables, steaming rice, making yogurt and baking whole-grain breads.

Consider taking a break from the kitchen by ordering a week’s worth of organic, natural meals and ingredients delivered to the door by an eco-friendly meal distribution service, which cuts down on individual trips to the grocery.

Search online for local service options.

eventspotlight

Second Annual Montgomery County GreenFest Coming to Takoma Park

by Jessica Jones

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ll are invited to the largest environmental festival in Montgomery County from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 30, at the Takoma Park Community Center. The second annual Montgomery County GreenFest is a free, family-friendly event dedicated to helping people explore their path to a greener life. All attendees will have the opportunity to engage with local and national leaders, as well as connect with businesses, nonprofit organizations and maybe even neighbors, that are each working to improve our community’s health and environment.

There will be lots to do at GreenFest, with something for everyone

including: DIY workshops, a film from the Environmental Film Festival in the nation’s capital, more than 80 exhibit and vendor booths to explore and panel discussions on many topics, such as energy and water.

Entertainment includes musical acts, an electric vehicle show, children’s activities, book readings, nature photography walks, and arts and crafts. Food will also be available for sale. Help celebrate the green achievements of the community by sitting in on the annual Keep Montgomery County Beautiful Awards or the Takoma Park Neighborhood Energy Challenge Awards.

This year, GreenFest is honored to have Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as a featured speaker and special guest. Administrator McCarthy has led the nation’s top environmental agency since 2013. County Executive Isiah Leggett, County Department of Environmental Protection Director Lisa Feldt and City of Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart will be joining McCarthy onstage.

Getting to GreenFest is easy and sustainable by metro, local bus, bike/ bikeshare or by walking. The city of Takoma Park is sponsoring a free, accessible shuttle that will pick up riders at the Takoma Metro station, nearby parking and downtown Takoma Park, to the event. Some area streets will be blocked off for the outdoor exhibitors and entertainment, but free parking will be available at the nearby elementary school and public lots, with accessible parking behind the library.

The Montgomery County GreenFest is planned by a coalition of partners, including the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, WSSC, Montgomery Parks, the cities of Takoma Park, Gaithersburg and Rockville, University of Maryland Extension, Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College and four local community green nonprofits— Bethesda Green, GreenWheaton, Poolesville Green and Silver Spring Green.

The coalition of partners is excited to host GreenFest and celebrate all the ways that each member of our community can play a role in going green.

Location: 7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, MD. This free event is rain or shine. For more information and updates on activities and the schedule, visit MontgomeryCountyGreenfest. org. Share the hashtag #MCGreenFest on social media.

To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, visit their website.

See ad, page 31.

Jessica Jones is a program manager with the Montgomery County, Department of Environmental Protection.

natural awakenings

March 2016

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Meaty Truths Choosing Meat that’s Sustainable and Safe

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

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n his essay The Pleasures of Eating, Wendell Berry, a Kentucky farmer and poet, writes: “If I am going to eat meat, I want it to be from an animal that has lived a pleasant, uncrowded life outdoors, on bountiful pasture, with good water nearby and trees for shade.” He, like a growing number of conscious eaters, wants no part of the industrial meat system in which animals are raised in concentrated animal feeding operations.

Media coverage has helped educate consumers previously unaware of how their food is produced and why it matters. The documentary film Food Inc., as well as books like Fast Food Nation,

by Eric Schlosser and The Chain, by Ted Genoways, describe common livestock industry practices that mistreat animals, pollute water and air, endanger workers and threaten public health. With increased understanding of the connections between diet and health, climate, environment and social justice, even many Americans that still like the taste of hamburger and steak have sided with Berry; they want sustainably raised, humane and healthful red meat.

Unsustainable Corporate Lobby Every five years, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines are revised to reflect the 22

Washington, D.C.

latest nutritional science. In 2015, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee attempted to include the concept of sustainability. The committee, which included top nutrition scientists, defined sustainable diets as “a pattern of eating that promotes health and well-being and provides food security for the present population while sustaining human and natural resources for future generations.”

It made the case that a diet higher in plant-based foods and lower in animalbased foods both promotes health and protects the environment—resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions, and less energy, land and water use.

But political pressure from the livestock industry prevailed, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell jointly announced, “We do not believe that the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are the appropriate vehicle for this important policy conversation about sustainability.” Instead, they advised the committee to focus solely on nutritional and dietary information.

In her book Food Politics, nutritionist and author Marion Nestle explains that recommendations to decrease consumption have never been popular with the food industry.

Nonetheless, Roni Neff, Ph.D., who

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

directs the Center for a Livable Future’s Food System Sustainability and Public Health Program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in Baltimore, recommends consuming less red meat in particular, because of its large environmental footprint. Neff points out, “Thirty percent of greenhouse gas emissions are connected to red meat.”

However, not all red meat is created equal. In her book Defending Beef, environmental lawyer and cattle rancher Nicolette Hahn Niman makes a case for sustainable meat production, noting, “Well-managed grazing could be part of an effective strategy to combat climate change.”

In their book The New Livestock Farmer, authors Rebecca Thistlethwaite and Jim Dunlop praise the increase in farmers producing pasture-raised, ethical meats and the growing number of farmers selling directly to people that reject the industrial system. Neff likewise supports such sustainable livestock agriculture, which integrates pasture-raised animals on farms, rather than isolating them on feedlots, where they typically eat a grain-based diet (such as genetically engineered corn) and receive growth stimulants, including hormones and antibiotics.

Risky Hormones and Antibiotics Mike Callicrate, a St. Francis, Kansas, rancher educated in the industrial model of meat production, is considered an expert on its negative consequences.

He served as an advisor for Food Inc., and Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma. Callicrate observes, “The same chemical compounds that athletes are banned from using in baseball are used to produce our food animals, which our children eat in the hot dogs at the ballgame.”

According to the USDA, about 90 percent of feedlot cattle receive hormone implants to promote growth.

Yet the European Union Scientific Committee on Veterinary Measures Relating to Public Health reports that the use of natural and artificial growth hormones in beef production poses a potential risk to human health, especially among children.

Because climate change is accelerating and is already causing a multitude of adverse effects, and the footprint of our current food system is massive, we urgently need to create a national food supply that is both healthy and sustainable. ~Dr. Walter Willett, Harvard School of Public Health

Concerns about growth-promoting drugs led the American Academy of Pediatrics to call for studies that directly measure their impact on children through milk and meat. The President’s Cancer Panel Report on Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk also states, “Growth hormones may contribute to endocrine disruption in humans.”

Their dietary recommendations include choosing meat raised without hormones and antibiotics.

Rising Resistance Antibiotic resistance is now one of the world’s most critical public health problems, and it’s related to misuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Antibiotic resistance— when bacteria don’t respond to the drugs designed to kill them—threatens to return us to the time when simple infections were often fatal.”

Veterinarian and food safety consultant Gail Hansen, of Washington, D.C., explains that bacteria naturally develop resistance anytime we use antibiotics. “The problem is overuse and misuse; that’s the recipe for disaster.”

She explains that more than 70 percent of the antibiotics sold in the U.S. are not used to treat sick animals, but to promote growth and reduce the risk of infection related to raising animals in unsanitary, overcrowded spaces.

A recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states: Adding antibiotics to the feed of healthy

livestock “often leave the drugs ineffective when they are needed to treat infections in people.”

The AAP supports buying meat from organic farms, because organic farming rules prohibit the nontherapeutic use of antibiotics. Stacia Clinton, a registered dietitian in Boston who works with the international nonprofit Health Care Without Harm, assists hospitals in both reducing meat on their menus and increasing purchases of meat from animals raised without antibiotics. The goal is to reduce the growing number of antibiotic-resistant infections that cost hospitals and patients billions of dollars each year.

A Friends of the Earth report, Chain Reaction: How Top Restaurants Rate on Reducing Use of Antibiotics in Their Meat Supply, revealed that most meat served by American’s top chain restaurants come from animals raised in industrial facilities where they are fed antibiotics. Only two out of 25 chains, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread, report that the majority of their meat is raised without routine antibiotics. A recent study by Consumers Union also found antibiotic-resistant bacteria on retail meat samples nationwide.

In California, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 27, making his the first state to ban the use of routine low doses of antimicrobial drugs that are medically important to humans to promote livestock weight gain or feed efficiency. The bill doesn’t go into effect until January 2018, but will contribute to making meat safer and antibiotic drugs more effective.

Red and Processed Meats Targeted Dietary advice to reduce the consumption of red and processed meats, regardless of how the animals are raised, is not new. Kelay Trentham, a registered dietitian in Tacoma, Washington, who specializes in cancer prevention and treatment, points out that joint reports from the World Cancer Research Fund International and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) since 2007 have recommended restricting consumption of red meat to less than 18 ounces a week and avoiding processed meats.

Smarter Meat Choices

by Melinda Hemmelgarn Choose certified organic meat.

Organic certification prohibits antibiotics, added hormones and genetically modified (GMO) feed.

Select grass-fed and grass-finished meats. Look for the nonprofit American Grassfed Association (AGA) certification, which ensures animals eat only grass and forage from the time of their weaning until harvest, and are raised without antibiotics or hormones (AmericanGrassfed.org). AGA standards apply to ruminant animals only: beef, bison, goat, lamb and sheep.

Support Country of Origin Labeling. This mandates that retail cuts of meat must contain a label informing consumers of its source. The U.S. meat industry has worked to stop such labeling.

Beware of misleading labels.

“Natural” provides no legal assurance about how an animal was raised. “Vegetarian feed” may mean GMO corn and/or soy. (See Greener Choices.org.)

Buy directly from family livestock farmers. Check out sites like Local Harvest.org and Tinyurl.com/Farmers MarketsDirectory.

Pay attention to portions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture serving size weighs three ounces, about the same size as a deck of cards. Think of meat as a side dish and balance the rest of the plate with vegetables, leafy greens, beans and other legumes.

Once a week, cut out meat. Participate in Meatless Mondays (Meatless Monday.org).

Assume all retail meat carries bacteria that can cause food-borne illness. Practice safe food handling as directed on package labels. (Also see FoodSafety.gov and KeepAntibiotics Working.com.)

natural awakenings

March 2016

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Get Spring Fever, Meet Your Soul Mate!

In 2015, the World To be interested composition, with meat Health Organization from cattle raised on in food, but not in pasture (grass) containing International Agency for Research on Cancer food production, higher levels of benefi(IARC) classified procial omega-3 fatty acids is clearly absurd. compared to meat from cessed meat (like hot dogs, ham, sausages, animals fed grain. ~Wendell Berry corned beef and beef According to medijerky) as “carcinogenic to cal doctor and National humans” and red meat (beef, veal, pork, Institutes of Health researcher Captain lamb, mutton, horse and goat) as “prob- Joseph Hibbeln, consuming fewer ably carcinogenic to humans.” Risk omega-6 fatty acids and more omegaincreases with amount consumed, and 3s may be one of the most important the evidence is strongest for the relation dietary changes for cutting the risk of of processed meats to colorectal cancer. chronic diseases, reducing inflamma Trentham explains some factors tion, improving mental health, enhancthat make red and processed meats ing children’s brain and eye developrisky. “Heating or smoking meat creates ment and reducing worldwide incidence cancer-causing compounds. Processed of cardiovascular disease by 40 percent. meats contain salts, nitrates and nitrites; When it comes to eating meat, the a chemical mélange of preservatives agricultural practices, quantity conthat can increase risk,” she says. Trensumed, and methods of processing and tham and Karen Collins, a registered di- cooking make a difference. It turns out etitian and advisor to the AICR, concur that what’s good for the environment is that the form of iron found in meat also good for animals and people, too. contributes to cancer risk.

Still, the IARC report recognizes, Melinda Hemmelgarn is an award“Eating meat has known health benwinning registered dietitian, writer efits.” Meat is a rich source of protein and Food Sleuth Radio host with and B vitamins, iron and zinc. LiveKOPN.org, in Columbia, MO. stock feed further influences nutritional Connect at FoodSleuth@gmail.com.

Grilling a Grass-Fed Steak Just Right

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Washington, D.C.

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

S

hannon Hayes, farmer, nutritionist and author of The Farmer and the Grill: A Guide to Grilling, Barbecuing and Spit-Roasting Grassfed Meat… and for Saving the Planet, One Bite at a Time, says cooking grass-fed steaks at too-high temperatures, especially when grilling, is a common mistake.

The West Fulton, New York, food expert describes how to achieve “a gorgeous sear on the outside, and a pink and juicy inside.”

When working on a grill, light only one side. When hot, sear an inch-anda-quarter-thick steak for no more than two minutes per side, with the grill lid off. Make sure fat drippings don’t flare up flames, which will blacken and toughen the meat.

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After the sear, move the steaks to the unlit side of the grill and put the grill lid on. Let them finish cooking indirectly for five to seven minutes per pound. The lower temperature cooks the internal muscle fibers, but prevents them from contracting too rapidly and becoming chewy.

As an alternative to grilling, use an oven and cast-iron skillet. Preheat the oven to 300° F. Next, heat the skillet over a high flame until smoke begins to rise off its surface. Coat the skillet with butter or tallow, then sear the meat for two minutes per side. Turn off the stove; leave steaks in the pan and move them to the oven, where they can finish cooking for five to seven minutes per pound.

Source: TheRadicalHomemaker.net

consciouseating

Eating a rich variety of plant-based foods is fast, easy and satisfying. ~LeAnne Campbell

Taste the Rainbow Expand Your Palate with New Colorful Veggies

by Judith Fertig

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mericans’ vegetable habits are in a rut. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 50 percent of the vegetables and legumes available in this country in 2013 were either tomatoes or potatoes. Lettuce came in third, according to new data released in 2015, advises Tracie McMillan, author of The American Way of Eating.

Further, 87 percent of U.S. adults did not meet basic vegetable serving recommendations from 2007 through 2010, a fact cited in the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey. Yet, urban supermarkets overflow with a wealth of common and exotic vegetables, often displayed sideby-side: broccoli and broccolini, green bell and Japanese shishito peppers, and iceberg lettuce and leafy mâche, or lamb’s lettuce.

Trying one new vegetable dish a week is a great way to increase our vegetable literacy, says functional medicine expert Terri Evans, a doctor of Oriental medicine in Naples, Florida.

“Our diet should be 60 per-

cent produce—40 percent vegetables and 20 percent fruit,” she says. “To keep this sustainable for the long term, we should eat what tastes good, not what we think is good for us. Some days, we crave the sweetness of carrots; other days, the bitterness of artichokes or the heat of hot peppers. Our bodies can tell us what we need.”

Keep Expanding Choices

Going Green. Dark green and slightly peppery arugula is good with a little olive oil and lemon juice. Finely shredded Brussels sprouts bulk up a mixed salad, while adding the benefits of a cancer-fighting cruciferous vegetable.

Instead of mineral-rich baby spinach, try baby Swiss chard, suggests Matthew Kadey, a registered dietician in Waterloo, Ontario. He also suggests microgreens, the tiny shoots of radishes, cabbage, broccoli and kale, all rich in vitamins C and E. Squash It. Varieties of summer and winter squash add color, body and flavor to one-dish meals, with the added benefits of B vitamins, magnesium and fiber. LeAnne Campbell, Ph.D., author of The China Study Cookbook, simmers a mix of fresh chopped vegetables including yellow summer squash or

zucchini, and flavors with coconut and curry powder. Vegan Chef Douglas McNish, of Toronto, makes an okra and squash gumbo in the slow cooker.

Sneak in a Smoothie. Change up a smoothie routine by swapping out the usual baby spinach for a blend of cucumber, apple and fresh mint, or else sweet potato and carrot, suggests Sidney Fry, a registered dietitian and Cooking Light editor, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Snack Attack. An array of colorful vegetables served with dips and spreads can be an easy way to experiment with veggies. Carrots in deep red, vibrant yellow, purple and orange are delicious raw and supply beta-carotene, promoting eye health. Leaves from pale green Belgian endive spears are tender and crunchy. Orange or “cheddar” cauliflower has a more creamy and sweet flavor than its pale cousin.

“Colors equal health, and the more colors we eat, the better our overall health,” says Susan Bowerman, a registered dietitian, lecturer in food science and nutrition at California State Polytechnic Institute, San Luis Obispo, and co-author of What Color Is Your Diet? “We also have to be willing to try new foods or new varieties of foods, or maybe to prepare unfamiliar foods in a way that will make them taste good, so that we will be willing to add more plant foods to our diet.”

Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle. blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

natural awakenings

March 2016

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oneonone

By Any Greens Necessary

An Interview with Tracye McQuirter

by Robin Fillmore

N

atural Awakenings of Washington, D.C. publisher Robin Fillmore recently had the opportunity to talk with this national bestselling author, public health nutritionist, international speaker and D.C. neighbor about her trailblazing work to change the way we eat and think about healthy food—as a matter of social justice.

RF: Describe your journey to become a vegan. How has the journey shaped you, your career and your family?

TM: I started my vegan journey about 30 years ago. In 1986, when I was a sophomore at Amherst College, our Black Student Union brought Dick Gregory to campus to talk about the political, economic and social state of black America. And instead, he decided to talk about the plate of black America, and how unhealthfully most folks eat.

We only knew Gregory as a civil rights 26

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icon and legendary comedian. We didn’t know that he had also become a nutrition guru. So his talk was a surprise to all of us.

And at that time, I was completely uninterested in healthy food. If I had known he was going to talk about vegetarianism, I honestly might not have shown up. Well, I started to tune him out, but what really grabbed me was that he started to trace—graphically—the path of a hamburger from a cow on a factory farm, through the slaughterhouse process, to a fast food restaurant, to a clogged artery, to a heart attack. I had never heard anything like that before.

Now at the time, I was going through a paradigm shift in my life. I was taking a lot of political science and African-American studies classes, and I was learning about imperialism, racism, sexism, heterosexism and classism for the first time or in new ways, and it was changing my awareness and sense of

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

self. I had also decided to stop relaxing my hair and wear it naturally. And it was with this new consciousness that I listened to Dick Gregory’s lecture. So I was ready and open to questioning the way I ate, too.

After Gregory’s lecture, I immediately gave up meat—but that only lasted about a week. But I couldn’t get what he said out of my mind. So when I went home for the summer a few months later, I read every book I could find about vegetarianism in the local libraries, and my mother and sister read them with me.

And by the end of the summer, we all decided to go vegetarian.

Well, as it turns out, it wasn’t that easy. The next year, I studied abroad for a semester in Nairobi, Kenya. And although it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, they didn’t provide vegetarian meals in our program, so I still had to eat meat. It was there that I saw a goat being born and another one killed for our meal, and for the first time, I felt guilty about eating another animal.

Days later, while we were on safari, we ate at a restaurant called The Carnivore, where they brought out a large gazelle-looking animal that had been roasted over a pit. They started to carve it up in front of us, from head to hoof. And in that moment, I knew I never wanted to eat another animal again.

The next semester I went to Howard University and was thrilled to discover a large black vegan and vegetarian community that had opened the first all-vegan cafes and health food stores in the nation’s capital in the early 1980s.

I immersed myself in this community, learning how to cook, where to shop, how to make it affordable, the politics of food and much more. It was the guidance of this community and the support of my family that helped me go vegetarian first, then vegan about a year later. My mom, sister and I are all still vegan 30 years later.

In terms of how being vegan has shaped my career, it’s interesting. I’ve always loved to write, and I knew that I wanted to be an activist around social justice issues. So I thought I would be a journalist along the lines of Ida B. Wells, or a novelist along the lines of Toni Morrison or James Baldwin, or a lawyer for the NAACP or American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Well, as it turns out, promoting veganism has allowed me to beautifully merge my passions for writing and social justice to help change people’s lives for the better. At the same time, I’m helping to save the lives of millions of animals, and helping to save the planet from the effects of factoryfarming-induced climate change. And I get to satisfy my personal desire to be healthy and glowing, and to eat really delicious food that’s good for me.

RF: Your book, By Any Greens Necessary, seems to be a play on the words of Malcolm X and offers a specific call to African-Americans to green their diets. Describe your thought process in focusing on this population.

TM: Toni Morrison said to write the books you want to read. When I was going vegan, I would’ve loved to read a vegan book for black women that was written by a black woman who was a longtime vegan and a nutritionist. That would have been a dream come true. So I wrote that book!

And my sister and I had already

started the first vegan website for and

by African-Americans about 20 years ago and we had thousands of subscribers, so I knew there was a hungry vegan audience for the book.

I also know that African-Americans are pioneers in the vegan movement, and I saw my book as running my leg in that race—as being part of that long continuum. For example, there’s Alvenia Fulton, a naturopathic physician who opened the first health food establishment on the south side of Chicago in the 1950s. She went on to influence Dick Gregory to change his diet, and she co-wrote his plant-based classic, Cooking with Mother Nature, in 1974. The longest-running raw vegan restaurant in the country is owned by Karen Calabrese, in Chicago, and the father of gourmet raw vegan cuisine is Aris LaTham, from Panama. And Soul Vegetarian restaurants were—until recently—the largest chain of vegan restaurants in the world.

That said, we still have a long way to go. We’re experiencing an enormous health crisis based on the unhealthful food the majority of us are still eating.

It’s important to know that just as there

were more than 300 extrajudicial killings of black people by police officers, vigilantes and security officers reported in 2012, there were more than 300,000 preventable deaths of black people in 2010 caused by diet-related chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke and hypertensive disease.

This is not a comparison game, but a reminder that unhealthful diets are a social justice and human rights issue as well, since there are state-sanctioned reasons that low-income AfricanAmericans, in particular, do not have access to healthful foods. That said, we don’t want to be active participants in our genocide. I see a day coming soon when thousands more people will be actively organizing around #BlackHealthMatters and #BlackLivesMatter.

To read the entire interview, visit Natural AwakeningsDC.com.

To learn more about Tracye McQuirter and her book, visit ByAnyGreens Necessary.com.

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March 2016

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greenliving

Developing Gardens Instead of Golf Courses Agrihoods Use On-Site Farms to Draw Residents

by April Thompson

F RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY & FARM 828.407.0040 www.OlivetteAsheville.com OBTAIN THE PROPERTY REPORT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW AND READ IT BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THIS PROPERTY. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, nor solicitation of an offer to buy real estate in North Carolina to residents of any state or other jurisdiction where prohibited by law.

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or thousands of homeowners in “agrihoods” across the U.S., homegrown is a way of life.

Planned developments incorporating neighborhood agriculture are sprouting up in record numbers, according to Ed McMahon, a senior resident fellow specializing in sustainability with the Urban Land Institute. He estimates there are a few hundred agrihoods nationwide, in all regions and at all price points. “The trend is the convergence of several things, including a growing interest in local business, local food, healthy lifestyles and the foodie culture,” says McMahon.

He adds, “Today’s developers have to differentiate their properties to survive, and farms have become the new golf course of real estate development.”

Agriculture is a far lower-cost amenity that can even return a modest profit by selling its harvest to the community.

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Beyond food, agrihoods help grow community, a huge draw for those living in isolated suburban areas. In 2014, Abby and Michael Wheatfill moved their family to Agritopia, a planned community in Gilbert, Arizona, near Phoenix. Billed as an urban farm, the central feature of Agritopia’s 166 acres, knitting together commercial, agricultural and open space with 450 residential homes, is a working farm, with roving pigs, lambs and chickens, a citrus grove and rows of heirloom vegetables.

Farm, family and community life are interwoven. The Wheatfills lease a plot in an on-site community garden.

Other residents buy shares in the community supported agriculture project or purchase produce or eggs from the community farm on the honor system.

“We especially love the narrow, tree-lined streets and wide porches, and that we can walk or bike to fun,

locally sourced restaurants,” says Michael, a technology consultant.

Private backyards are small in favor of community space, nudging residents to meet each other, Abby says.

The Cannery, in Davis, California, is one of the newest agrihoods and also one of the few that redeveloped an industrial tract. This 100-acre development, still under construction, will feature 547 new homes on the former site of a tomato processing facility, in addition to affordable rentals for low-income families. Its heart and soul is a working farm that will feed the community’s households and supply its restaurants. The Cannery is a pioneer in clean green energy, with solar-powered homes, connections for electric cars, and many other energyconserving features. Thirsty homeowner lawns are prohibited in most of The Cannery’s mini-neighborhoods, but no home is more than 300 feet from public green space.

Samrina and Mylon Marshall, both physicians in their mid-50s, will be among the first residents to move in this spring. “We like that it’s a green energy community featuring multigenerational living. We’re also big on eating locally and seasonally, so the urban farm was a key draw,” says Mylon.

North Atlanta family Gil and Jeny Mathis and their two daughters, 12 and 14 years old, discovered Serenbe, a planned community in Chattahoochee

Hills, Georgia, two years ago. Now it’s literally their second home. “It provides a different life for our children on weekends they couldn’t otherwise have.

The community aspect has penetrated our lives in a way that we couldn’t have predicted,” says Gil.

Both girls love it, and the younger sibling is lobbying to relocate there full time. The family likes the people Serenbe draws and the opportunities to engage with them, the consistent access to natural and organic food and its artist-in-residence program.

Serenbe was the inspiration for the Olivette Riverside Community and Farm, a 346-acre, back-to-the-land project near Asheville, North Carolina.

Its owners are transforming a failed high-end gated community and adjacent historic farm along the French Broad River into an agri-centered development featuring a blueberry orchard, community gardens, vegetable farm and greenhouse.

“It’s vital that we re-localize our food supply,” says Olivette co-owner Tama Dickerson. “One of the first things we did was to incorporate this farm and see what areas we could preserve, because what you keep is just as important as what you develop.” Future plans include hiking trails, artist live-work spaces, tiny houses, little free libraries and a K-8 school.

Agrihoods aren’t solely for agriburbs. Creative public housing

developers are bringing agriculture to high-density neighborhoods. The smoke-free Healthy High-Rise Arbor House, a 124-unit, low-income apartment in the Bronx, in New York City, features a 10,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse and a living lobby wall that grows organic vegetables for the community year-round. Residents can obtain a discounted share from the farm using SNAP benefits (food stamps) and take free classes in cooking fresh. Arbor House also allocates 40 percent of its rooftop crop harvests for the larger community.

Agrihoods can take many forms, including those involving gardens cropping up in schools, parks and hospitals nationwide, as well as informal, guerilla gardens in vacant lots. Many cities, including Falls Church, Virginia, and Takoma Park, Maryland, have even changed local zoning laws so residents can keep chickens and bees in their backyards for eggs and honey, according to McMahon.

“The era of the 2,000-mile Caesar salad has come to an end,” says McMahon, citing high transportation costs that make locally sourced food good for businesses and consumers alike. “The trend of growing food closer to home—in some cases at home—is here to stay.”

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

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ancientwisdom

Herbal Tea photo credit: Jeff Skeirik

Reishi mushroom (Chinese: Lingzhi)) tonifies spiritual clarity (Shen), and is called the “mushroom of spiritual immortality.” Reishi has also been found to support the body’s protective energies—the immune system. The beta 1-3 glucans found in reishi are a unique class of polysaccharides that embolden the white blood cells to phagocytize unhealthy elements in the blood. Shennong stated of reishi, “Protracted taking may make the body light, prevent senility and prolong life so as to make one an immortal.”

For Anti-Aging and Increased Vitality

by Rehmannia Dean Thomas

A

ncient Chinese history is replete with tales of wise elders (men and women) who lived as recluses in the high forests of China’s five sacred mountain ranges. Legend states they attained immortality by taking elixirs of special herbs. Scroll paintings depict old sages drinking tea or collecting herbs in the forest, often accompanied by a young apprentice.

In 2975 BCE, Shennong wrote the first book on herbs and their therapeutic actions, proclaiming that many of them could promote a very long life. Indeed, tonic herbs are still revered to offer longterm benefits for our health when used along with a nutrient-rich diet. These rejuvenating and empowering herbs are said to tonify (bring to homeostasis) the body, mind and spirit. They comprise the superior class of herbs in Chinese

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ing. This kind of stress may stem from past hurt or doubt, and can cause a proverbial dark cloud to block our light.

Over time, the Chinese masters found herbs that tonify the spirit, enhancing general health.

The following herbs are highly regarded for their empowering qualities. Long-term consumption can help us gain enduring equilibrium of body, mind and spirit.

medicine. Tonic herbs offer holistic health benefits and are considered safe for long-term daily consumption.

Tonic herbs can help counter stress, rejuvenate the kidneys and adrenals, assist metabolism, strengthen blood, fortify the reproductive and adaptive energies and support spiritual well-being. They can also lengthen our lives and improve our vitality.

Tonic herbs can help us adapt to the stresses of modern life. Constant stress can chip and wear on our health.

When our adrenals are taxed, we have less energy for life’s endurances and excitations. Our immunity and other defense mechanisms, libido, sense of adventure and creative drives may be depleted by stress; physical, emotional and spiritual. Spiritual suppression may block us from realizing our higher call-

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Astragalus (Huang Qi) supports general immunity and “upright chi.” Astragalus is a premier adaptogenic herb, helping to fortify and balance the adaptive and defensive energies.

Ho Sho Wu (polygonum multiflorum) is purported to return gray hair to its natural pigment by tonifying the kidney and adrenal meridian. Ho Sho Wu is the premier anti-aging and rejuvenation herb.

Rehmannia glutenosa (Shu Di Huang) is another excellent anti-aging Jing herb, called “the kidney’s own food.” It also fortifies blood and is used in fertility formulas.

Goji (Lycium Chinensis) is a nutrientpacked berry, high in beta carotene and other antioxidants. This is one of the best longevity super-herbs.

Schizandra (Wu Wei Tze) is a superior wild berry that tonifies all five organ systems, according to Chinese medicine. It is also considered a beauty herb in Asia.

Jujube date (Hong Zao) is used to harmonize herbal formulas and nourishes metabolism in the spleen meridian (digestive organs/glands).

Tonic herbs can help counter stress, rejuvenate the kidneys and adrenals, assist metabolism, strengthen blood, fortify the reproductive and adaptive energies and support spiritual well-being.

The herbs in this tea formula are considered safe for long-term daily consumption when prepared and used traditionally. Between one and two cups of tea daily is considered beneficial for assistance in general health maintenance. Yet, one should not rely entirely on this tea to produce suitable health.

Drink this tea in conjunction with fresh green juices, a healthy living-food diet and sufficient daily exercise.

To make the teas:

Add all herbs except schizandra into pot (glass or clay preferred) with one-gallon of water.

■ Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to lowest simmer and cover pot.

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■ Allow to cool one to two hours.

Rehmannia Dean Thomas is an initiate into the Gate of Life lineage of Taoist Tonic Herbalism. He is the author of Healing Thresholds, Raw Chi, Elixirs of Immortality, Shilajit; The Resin of Life, and a novel, The Hsien. He is creator and president of Shaman Shack Herbs, ShamanShackHerbs.com, and his online course on tonic herbalism can be found at: GateOfLife.org.

EPA Administrator

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■ Add schizandra in last three minutes only.

Keep the tea in fridge and keep the leftover herbs in a separate sealed container and refrigerate. You may cook the herbs again, same as above (you don’t need to separate the schizandra in the second cooking).

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■ Cook one to two hours.

■ Strain and drink two to three cups daily.

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March 2016

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practitionerspotlight

The Leading Edge of Total Recovery A Spotlight on Dr. Gary Kaplan

by Robin Fillmore

L

ong established in the greater Washington, D.C. region as a doctor, researcher and bestselling author in the world of integrative health, Dr. Gary Kaplan has helped countless patients, both local and from across the country, find new hope when confronted with chronic pain and illness. Since opening his McLean-based clinic in 1985, the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine has been on the leading-edge of research and treatment for a wide range of conditions. The team at the center uses an integrative approach to correctly diagnose and treat patients successfully, many of whom have seen dozens of other doctors and specialists to no avail, before coming to the Kaplan Center.

This integrative approach includes, in addition to the medical doctors who specialize in women’s health and family medicine, physical therapists and acupuncturists, a nutritionist and therapist, as well as a meditation teacher. According to Kaplan, this comprehensive model of care is the key to delivering wellness to their patients. He notes, “It really takes a village. It is unusual that a single practitioner could manage the myriad issues that are going on

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with these patients, who really need a team that is in close communication and understands and appreciates the strengths of each practitioner. Being able to do that has been very helpful to our patients.” In addition to diagnosing and treating patients, the center serves as a hub for educating the community with classes and workshops on a range of health and wellness-related topics.

Kaplan’s interest in integrative medicine and the treatment of pain formed when just out of his residency at Georgetown in family medicine. He was seeing many of patients with chronic pain and treating them with more conventional practices. At that time, he also became active in the integrative medicine community and was asked to join the American Board of Holistic Medicine. Kaplan has gone on to serve as the president of the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation and on the board of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. He remains involved at Georgetown Medical School in the role of Clinical Associate Professor and has helped to create the integrative medical programs for the school.

Kaplan notes that ”chronic pain,

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chronic fatigue, migraines, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety and PTSD—these are all symptoms of something that has happened in the brain that has caused it to move into an inflammatory state. We are also seeing it in people who have multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

These are all manifestations of inflammation of the central nervous system.” By uncovering the underlying causes that lead to these devastating diseases through this neuroinflammatory model, targeting effective treatment is possible.

Recognized for his Rodale-published bestseller Total Recovery: A Revolutionary New Approach to Breaking the Cycle of Pain and Depression, Kaplan is known internationally for his research on chronic pain and illness, depression and anxiety disorders. The breakthrough, which is detailed in his book, is that these conditions are actually symptoms of underlying inflammation of the nervous system.

The book and the research behind it have been inspiring physicians across the country to incorporate this model of healing, as well as providing a fresh approach to integrative medicine. As Kaplan lectures worldwide, he has the opportunity to present the research along with the understanding that an integrative approach to care provides the best hope for the patient’s health. While there are many tools that an integrative physician may have, including acupuncture, herbs and homeopathy, simply trying a treatment until it fails is not effective nor helpful for the patient.

“For me, it has always been about evidence-based medicine and bringing the best of what we can do in conventional medicine—and marrying that with an integrative approach—that makes the medicine that much more powerful—that much more effective,” notes Kaplan. Initially trained as an osteopath, he saw the value of a wide range of treatment options and sought training in acupuncture. Additionally, Kaplan is board-certified in family medicine and pain medicine.

Location: 6829 Elm St., Ste. 300, McLean. For more information about Dr. Gary Kaplan and the work at the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine, visit KaplanClinic.com. See ad, page 3.

leadingedge

Medical Marijuana Education for D.C. Doctors and Patients Provided by Online Learning

by Deb McMahon

T

he number of patients who have signed up for Washington, D.C.’s medical marijuana program has skyrocketed since medical marijuana was legalized in 2010. As of January, according to the D.C. Department of Health (DOH), there were over 3,500 patients registered in the D.C. medical marijuana program, a 1,000 percent increase from May 2014.

But yet, according to the same DOH report, only 245 physicians have requested access to the program. So it’s quite possible that a patient’s doctor isn’t part of the system and, thus, cannot recommend medical cannabis as a treatment.

It is a phenomenon that is happening not only in Washington, D.C.,

but across the country, as more and more states legalize medical marijuana. The District joins 23 states with medical marijuana laws, and more are expected to be passed in 2016. But even as legalization marches across the United States, education is simply not keeping pace.

When a patient needs a prescription for traditional medicine, they look to their doctor for advice, insight and guidance about treatment options and regimens. But when a patient needs a recommendation for medical cannabis, it’s becoming clear that many physicians simply do not have the answers their patients need when it comes to medical marijuana treatment options.

The biggest challenge for physi-

cians is a lack of fundamental knowledge about the physiologic system related to medical cannabis—the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands and immune cells. Obviously, it’s an extremely important system and has been dubbed by leading doctor Dustin Sulak, DO, of Healer. com and a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, as “the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health.”

However, because this system has not been widely understood, it is not covered in most medical school programs. As a result, many doctors— and consequently their patients—are left in the dark about the ECS. It’s hard to imagine a doctor graduating from medical school without completing coursework on the nervous system. The ECS is equally important, but is unfortunately missing from most modernday med school programs.

Luckily, there are a growing number of ways physicians, patients and caregivers can bridge the education gap when it comes to medical cannabis. Online programs, like The Medical Cannabis Institute (TMCI) are evidence-based, efficient, affordable and effective for basic and clinical training.

TMCI is an eLearning website with courses to help educate patients and their doctors about the science and clinical data behind medical cannabis. TMCI content is developed with experts in medical cannabis research and education.

While most courses are approved for CME credit, which is a great benefit to physicians, the courses are also available for patients and caregivers.

The online classes cover everything from the basics of the ECS to specific cannabis treatments for pain, cancer and other diseases.

Deb McMahon, Ph.D., is the director of The Medical Cannabis Institute.

To learn more about TMCI or to take a course, visit TheMedicalCannabis Institute.org.

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healthyeating

Get Off the Emotional Eating Roller Coaster With Energy Healing

by Lizette Ayala

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motional eating, or binge-eating and eating disorders, isn’t about lacking self-control, having ADHD or being mindless about food and dietary needs.

It’s about being lost in successive tidal waves of anxiety—a physical sensation with many ingredients. For the emotional eater, there is a constant feeling of being on edge—high up on a tightrope with flip-flops—while attempting to appear to be cool and collected.

Day in and day out, the emotional eater has only food to help with the climb down to serenity and a sense of self-control, but this only lasts but a few hours, at most. The pullback up that tightrope is too strong to resist and often too scary to try.

The familiar is always safer than the unfamiliar, however promising it may seem.

Energy healing has been shown to help those on an emotional eating roller coaster and has helped countless patients stop this unhealthy and disempowering pattern of behavior.

It is important to learn that “it’s not about food” in that the emotional eater can sometimes binge on healthful

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foods. Vegans, paleos, vegetarians and “clean-dieters”—seemingly healthylooking people—can lose control around food in panic-ridden binge episodes much like one might see in competitive eating contests. The pressure of being in this world can be too much to bear. Food—any food—will do for the emotional eater as the roots of anxiety are where they need to go to heal, but the constant ups and downs fail to show them the way inward. This is where energy healing comes in.

Energy healing works on the physiological level, through the sensory system.

With a practitioner, energy is moved from the body with focused attention, using the voice and hands. Caroline Baerten of the Center for Mindful Eating states, “Anxiety is a more complex feeling, with elements of fear, worry and uneasiness, and is often accompanied by restlessness and muscular tension.” The emotional eater wants to quell that physical dis-ease with food, and does so successfully—that is, until the next meal. Energy healing replaces the body’s misperceived need for

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food while easing physical tension and eliminating deprivation.

Using food to sate anxiety is a sign of inner turmoil, with roots of unresolved trauma, adopted fears and learned behaviors. It’s often hard to pinpoint the exact cause of emotional eating but it’s also not necessary to do so in order to heal from it.

At the core of all healing is selfawareness, which is one of the tenets of energy-work. Through coaching, the emotional eater learns how to create space between thought and action, and successfully uses mindful strategies to avoid future binge episodes. The result is more than just stopping emotional eating, it’s about discovering parts of oneself that have been dormant (sometimes since childhood). Feeling disempowered around food and food-related events becomes a thing of the past once food is replaced with experiences of safety, security and harmony. Of course, every person is different and the amount of sessions will vary from person to person.

Energy healing, a self-awareness and mindfulness tool, is being adopted by hospitals and medical practices across the country, thanks to professionals like Bruce Lipton, author of Biology Of Belief and Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps The Score, who has studied yoga and self-awareness for recovery. Van der Kolk writes, “Simply noticing our annoyance, nervousness or anxiety immediately helps us shift our perspective and opens up new options other than our automatic, habitual reactions.”

Emotional eaters know it’s not so simple to change food behavior. For many, there is a need for a stronger pull away from that tightrope—one that doesn’t involve prescription drugs, talk therapy or invasive measures. Energy healing fulfills that need by teaching them how to use their innate skill for creativity, self-control and serenity.

Lizette Ayala specializes in helping people transform chronic stress and unhealthy habits to self-empowerment and a better quality of life. She practices at Rose Wellness Center, in Oakton, VA. Ayala is a certified Well-Being Life Coach, Advanced ThetaHealer and Registered Yoga Teacher (500RYT). For more information, visit RoseWellness.com. See ad, page 43.

healthmatters

metabolites. These metabolites of powerful central nervous system neurotransmitters like epinehprine, dopamine and serotonin can profoundly influence patterns of stress response, emotional well-being, cognition and sleep. Lastly, the OAT analyzes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, coenzymes, elements, enzyme activators and other nutrients.

Overall, the OAT assesses:

■ Vitamin, mineral and amino acid insufficiencies ■ Oxidative damage and antioxidant sufficiency markers ■ Functional markers of B-complex deficiency ■ Neurotransmitter metabolites to assess central nervous system function

The Unfamiliar OAT A Simple Test to Evaluate Critical Areas of Metabolism

U

■ Detoxification ■ Lipoic acid and CoQ10 sufficiency markers ■ Dysbiosis markers for bacterial and yeast overgrowth

by Isabel Sharkar nlike the oats most people are familiar with, this OAT (Organic Acids Test) is not edible. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) is a simple urine test that assesses urine metabolites in order to evaluate four critical areas of metabolism—gastrointestinal function, energy production, neurotransmitter processing and amino acid/organic acid balance.

Organic acids are metabolic byproducts of cellular metabolism. They provide an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria, which often excrete several abnormal organic acids. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, headache, digestion, fatigue, immune function and muscular or joint pain.

This test is good for anyone looking to produce more energy. Upon treatment, patients and practitioners have reported significant improvement such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentra-

■ Methylation

tion, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity and decreased abdominal pain.

The OAT measures gastrointestinal malabsorption and dysbiosis, which may result in chronic digestive problems, nutritional deficiencies, yeast overgrowth, cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal distress and degenerative conditions. It also measures energy production by looking at metabolites that serve as important intermediates in the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. This cycle supplies the body with its primary needs, converting 90 percent of food energy into cellular energy. It assesses carbohydrate metabolites that can signal impaired glucose metabolism, evaluates breakdown of fats and production of cholesterol and coenzyme Q10. Imbalances of cellular energy metabolites may result in chronic fatigue, accelerated cell breakdown and unhealthy aging.

The OAT also looks at key aspects of neuropsychiatric function by evaluating a special group of urinary neurotransmitter

The organic acid test is a powerful tool, which provides a view into the body’s cellular metabolic processes and the efficiency of metabolic function. Identifying metabolic blocks that can be treated nutritionally allows individual tailoring of interventions that maximize patient responses and lead to improved patient outcomes. Organic acid testing can indicate the functional need for specific nutrients, diet modification, antioxidant protection, detoxification and other therapies.

Dr. 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 IndigoHealthClinic.com or. See ad, page 5.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted. ~John Lennon

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March 2016

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consciousliving

Why Vegan?

The Connection Between Humans, Animals and the Planet

by Tracey Narayani Glover

The many reasons to eat a vegan diet include environmental; sustainability; disease-prevention; and moral and humane concerns. Plus, if we all ate a vegan diet, we could feed the world’s starving people.

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oo often human beings fail to see the interconnection that exists between the non-human animals and the environment that surrounds us. As some vegans adopt a plant-based diet upon learning about the suffering of farmed animals, others are influenced by the devastating impact of animal agriculture on the environment, while many make the switch to benefit their own health. The truth is, these issues are not separate.

Washington, D.C.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the livestock sector consumes more edible protein—40 percent of the entire world’s agricultural output— than it produces, while occupying 30 percent of the planet’s total land surface.

Animal-based foods such as meat, dairy and eggs are highly resource-intensive, compared to plant-based foods.

Product labeling indicating varying levels of humane and sustainable practices entices conscious consumers, but is often misleading. As an example, it cannot be assumed that a grass-fed label is indicative of sustainability. Living conditions involve less suffering and fossil fuel use than in factory farms, but according to a study published in Environmental Science and Technology, pastureraised cattle produce at least 20 percent more methane than grain-

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finished animals, on a per-poundof-meat basis, and they also require more land and water.

The United Nations reports that at least 20 million people worldwide die each year as a result of malnutrition, while estimates have been made that if Americans alone reduced their meat intake by just 10 percent, 100 million people could be fed with the land, water and energy that would be freed up as a result. As pointed out by The World Watch Institute, the continued growth of meat output creates competition for grain between affluent meat-eaters and the world’s poor.

As much of the world’s population struggles to obtain enough food, many Americans are consuming too much protein and suffering from “diseases of affluence” that correlate with the consumption of animal protein.

But there is good reason for hope, as a growing body of nutrition science shows that a high percentage of these diseases can be prevented, or even reversed, with diet. According to nutritional biochemist T. Colin Campbell, who co-authored The China Study, “The same diet that is good for prevention of cancer is also good for the prevention of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and other diseases. That diet is a whole foods, plant-based diet.”

Note that there’s more to worry about than

the antibiotics, steroids and hormones found in most animal products available today, making

Many Americans are consuming too much protein and suffering from “diseases of affluence” that correlate with the consumption of animal protein.

inspiration

COLOR ME CALM Grownups De-Stress with Adult Coloring Books

by Avery Mack

organic options less than ideal as well.

“The real danger of animal products is the nutrient imbalances, regardless of the presence or absence of those nasty chemicals. Long before modern chemicals were introduced into our food, people still began to experience more cancer and more heart disease when they started to eat more animal-based foods,” says Campbell.

Is it a coincidence that the diet that can prevent suffering of animals is the same diet that can reverse the process of global warming and keep humans healthy into old age? What is good for the animals is good for the planet and good for our own health.

Tracey Narayani Glover, JD, E-RYT 200, is an animal advocate, writer, chef/owner of The Pure Vegan a nd a yoga and meditation teacher in Mobile, AL. Connect at The PureVegan.com and ARCForAll Beings.org.

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oloring books are no longer solely the domain of children.

Immersion in this fun, creative pastime by adults even for just 30 minutes can constitute a focused meditation that relieves stress. Doctor of Psychology Nikki Martinez, in Chicago, says that famed psychotherapist Carl Jung believed coloring helps patients release anxiety.

“It uses both sides of the brain and improves organizational and fine motor skills,” says Martinez. “After I underwent a major surgery, I was on bed rest for eight weeks, and adult coloring books were a lifesaver. They passed the time, were pretty and kept me in a constant state of calm. I devoured them.”

Publishers Weekly reported combined 2015 sales of 1.75 million copies for the 10 bestselling adult coloring books through November. This trend was years in the making, originating when parents colored with their kids and sometimes on their own. Adults around the world now join coloring book clubs, hold related parties and take coloring breaks at work. Last fall, Barnes & Noble hosted the one-day AllAmerican Art Unwind, where customers colored and uploaded their results to Instagram and Twitter. Hallmark sent a crew of artists and calligraphers to select locations to help customers color their greeting cards.

“We scheduled a coloring session for a 55-plus community workshop,” relates Ninah Kessler, a licensed clinical

social worker with the Sparks of Genius Brain Optimization Center, in Boca Raton, Florida. “People had so much fun they wouldn’t leave. It’s creative, portable and inexpensive. You never face blank paper because the lines are there; you just pick the colors. There’s no stress about possibly making mistakes.”

“Animals, jungle or floral themes, and Zen-inspired mandalas are popular.

Customers like realistic, intricate drawings,” explains Idalia Farrajota, a Dallas executive with Michaels craft stores, which offers free, in-store coloring sessions and provides supplies. (Download a free sample book at Tinyurl.com/ BotanicalColoringPages.) Johanna Basford, a renowned illustrator from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a hit with colorists, catering to their penchant for nature with Secret Garden, Enchanted Forest and her latest, Lost Ocean.

“My daughter wanted to color her life, not do generic drawings,” says Dieter Marlovics, prompting him to establish ReallyColor.com, in Chicago. “Really-Color converts photos into coloring book pages to make individually tailored pages.”

Try these eco-tips: Sprout pencils, made with sustainable wood and fruitand-vegetable-based dyed clay instead of lead, are topped by non-GMO seeds that can be planted when the pencil becomes short. Inktense’s water-soluble brightly colored pencils mimic pen and ink; add water for translucency. Select recycled paper books, soy crayons, watercolor paints and non-toxic markers.

March is Color Therapy Month

mile, it’s free therapy. ~Douglas Horton

natural awakenings

March 2016

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healthykids

Nighttime Parenting

Fostering Healthful Sleep

by Stephanie Dodd

According to the American Psychological Association, up to 70 percent of children experience sleep disturbances that affect their emotional and physical well-being.

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arents frequently awakened by a child’s interrupted slumber typically are torn between the need to care for their own health and that of their child. The goal is to meet everyone’s needs, so that adequate adult sleep doesn’t feel like child neglect. Solutions are feasible if the parent is emotionally equipped to feel continuing empathy for their little one and secure in their choices for resolution, regardless of setbacks or delays.

Uncovering the real reasons that a child stays alert at bedtime or wakes during the night—such as inconsistent timing of sleep cycles, excessive fatigue, insufficient physical activity, hunger, pain, anxieties, inadequate downtime or a desire for

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continued interaction with a parent—is the first step. With so many variables, frustration can impede the workings of parental intuition, which is key to the process, as is testing individual possible solutions long enough to assess the result and then confidently move forward.

Internal Calm Expecting a child to feel so empowered that they can fall asleep on their own is a good beginning. Lindsay Melda, of Atlanta, relates, “Our daughter used to wake us up by coming into our bed each night. Once I realized I was anxious about her sleeping alone in her room and was able to instead trust she was okay, she easily slept through

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the night, waking more rested. My own anxiety was causing her sleep disturbances.”

Christine Gipple, of Oaklyn, New Jersey, a practitioner of non-violent communication, shares, “When my daughter is chatty at bedtime and I’m past ready for her to be in bed, I have to consciously pause, or I can snap at her, thus delaying bedtime. Granting myself just five minutes to reset myself and be present in the moment before I gently re-engage is critical to the outcome.”

Such checking in with ourselves helps keep a parent thinking positively. Law of Attraction specialist Cassie Parks, of Denver, Colorado, advises, “When you focus on the feeling you desire once a child is peacefully asleep, rather than the feeling you want to move away from, your chances for success greatly increase.”

Noting how we envision nighttime unfolding or creating a nighttime vision board can help focus and maintain these feelings.

Releasing Stress One method parents have successfully used is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). It involves light tapping on specific points along the body’s energy meridians, like the collarbone or between the eyebrows, often accompanied by attention to current thoughts and feelings, in order to restore a balanced feeling.

Karin Davidson, of Media, Pennsylvania, co-founder of the Meridian Tapping Techniques Association, says, “Including tapping with a supportive nighttime routine can be a godsend.

It can relieve distress, whatever its source, increase feelings of security and promote a peaceful transition to sleep.” In clinical studies from the National Institute for Integrative Healthcare, EFT has been shown to counter the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, contributing to decreased sleep disturbances.

Marissa Wolf, of The Woodlands, Texas, relates, “We moved here from San Diego when my son was 34 months old. He was acting out in ways I’d never seen before, mourning the loss of his routine. Within weeks after

Parents that model self-care help their children learn to care for themselves.

restaurantspotlight

~ Sheila Pai, author, Nurturing You

we started tapping before school and at night, he was back to his happy self.

Last night, he simply went to bed and fell asleep. Now when I see his builtup emotions, I know we need to tap.”

(To learn more about EFT methods, visit emofree.com.)

Owner Gwyn Whittaker

GreenFare

Nourished Rest Good nutrition is also important to healthy sleep. According to Health Coach Sarah Outlaw, owner of the Natural Health Improvement Center of South Jersey and an advanced Nutrition Response Testing practitioner, “Children may be devoid of minerals because of the filtered water we drink. Supplementing with minerals like magnesium or enriching the diet with trace minerals, sea salt and mineral-rich bone broth will promote a healthy immune system, along with a nervous system programmed for sleep.”

Outlaw also advises, “A whole foods diet is paramount to children’s health and sleep ability. Parents should limit or eliminate artificial flavors, sweeteners and sugar; preferably at all times, but at least an hour before bedtime.”

When a parent takes the time to plan each step toward their goal of optimum sleep and feels secure in following through, they can create a personalized and consistent bedtime routine that fosters a sense of safety for children that feel heard and tended to and know what to expect.

Children that gain the ability to naturally develop sleep skills reap lifelong health benefits.

Stephanie Dodd is the author of the international bestseller, Good Baby, Bad Sleeper. She blogs at HeartCentered Sleep.com.

Serving Good Food and Knowledge

by Robin Fillmore

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ince November 2015, GreenFare, in Herndon, began with an idea that it is possible for a local café to serve the community delicious and healthy food while providing a gathering spot with information about how to live a healthier life. With current scientific research showing that a whole-plant diet is optimal for human health and minimizes our environmental impact, The GreenFare salon café provides delicious organic, whole-plant food and serves as a learning center, working in concert with medical professionals, environmentalists and animal welfare advocates who recognize that this optimal diet can positively transform our world.

GreenFare is providing a local, sustainable and seasonal menu that is fresh and locally prepared, oil-free with low sodium. They are also offering catering as well as events, such as cooking classes, book signings and other programs to stimulate thinking about the impact of food choices on ourselves, our families, the environment and animals. Many people have already found success with their 21-Day Kickstart program, based on Dr. Neal Barnard’s Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)

program. This program begins again at GreenFare this month.

The café was founded by Gwyn Whittaker, who set aside her long and successful career in information technology to begin this new journey after she became inspired by watching the documentary, Forks Over Knives. After she completed Cornell’s Center for Nutritional Studies Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate Program and participated in a number of programs that showed amazing promise to those who were seeking a plant-based diet to transform positively the lives of the participants, the idea to create a café that would be the gathering space for food and education was born.

Whittaker is supported by Pericles Silva, who is a PCRM Food for Life Instructor and delivered the Healthy Eating Program at the Whole Foods, in Reston, for five years. They work alongside executive chef Justin Matthews to provide the highest quality food that promotes healthy bodies and a transformed world.

Location: 408 Elden St., Herdon. The café is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To learn more about their menu, classes, catering and offerings, visit GreenFare. com. See ad, page 27.

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March 2016

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communityspotlight

Reconnecting With Your Body

A Spotlight on Health Coach Andrea Beaman

by Sam Hudgins

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wenty years ago, Andrea Beaman received a medical diagnosis that changed her life and began her career as a holistic health coach, organic chef, author and motivational speaker. She was told by her doctor that she had a goiter and hyperthyroidism which required immediate radiation therapy to treat. Recalling her mother’s battle with breast cancer and the radiation she was given unsuccessfully, Beaman refused to accept radioactive iodine as her only option.

She also remembered how starting a macrobiotic diet had given her mother back some of the vitality that cancer and radiation had stolen. With these memories at the forefront of her mind, she walked out of the doctor’s office and began her new lifestyle.

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Beaman started by changing her diet. She ate a macrobiotic diet filled with whole grains, beans, fruit and little-to-noprocessed food. As her diet changed, her body followed suit—she lost weight, slept better, felt better and most importantly her goiter shrank. Two years later, her goiter had disappeared entirely and her thyroid normalized.

Beaman’s journey with diet cemented her belief in the healing power of food, but she also points out food is just one level in healing. “Food heals the physical body, but there is also the emotional body, the energetic body and the spiritual body which need to be observed so we can better understand how our whole body functions.”

To get the best understanding of the body as a whole, Beaman continues

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to study energy medicine, herbalism, shamanism and more, adding a variety of tools for healing to her repertoire.

Clients come to Beaman from all over the globe for holistic health coaching and healing. Her approach takes into account two main components when crafting a diet and lifestyle for a client. First, either through Skype or over the phone, she notes their physical appearance on metrics such as pallor, muscle mass, gender or even how their voice sounds to determine their bioidentical needs.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, she uses their location to determine which foods they should be eating throughout the year. According to Beaman, eating local isn’t just about eating foods that are locally available but eating foods that make seasonal sense as well. For example, eating a mango during a snowstorm, while healthy, is a cooling fruit and will cause your body a small shock when it then encounters the cold weather. A better choice would be a warming soup or stew.

While Beaman prefers to work with clients on all levels, she acknowledges that some are only comfortable to start on the physical level. She is happy to start with diet and patiently wait until they are ready to take things further. “The ultimate goal for me is to have the person understand themselves better, so that they can keep moving forward regardless of whether or not they’re meeting with me—meaning they’re more self-reliant,” Beaman states.

In addition to health coaching, Beaman also moves clients toward self-reliance through interactive online cooking classes.

In March, she’ll be teaching a cooking class on supporting the liver. She points out, “This is the perfect time of year for it because we’re coming into spring and everyone will want to be doing liver cleanses.”

Beaman has penned four books.

Her most recent is titled Happy Healthy Thyroid, The Essential Steps to Healing Naturally. While this book focuses solely on the thyroid, she has ideas for a book on whole-body healing which she hopes will come to fruition in the next two years.

Connect with Andrea Beaman on her website AndreaBeaman.com or through social media. See ad, page 27.

Sam Hudgins is a writing enthusiast and outreach director for several Natural Awakenings publications.

A Few Drops of Detoxified Iodine Can Change Your Life Give Your Body the Natural Boost it Needs Causes of Iodine Deficiency The Hidden Deficiency { The Best I Ever Felt }

Radiation

Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation

Low-Sodium Diets

Overuse of zero-nutrient salt substitutes in foods leads to iodine depletion

Iodized Table Salt

Iodized salt may slowly lose its iodine content by exposure to air

Bromine

A toxic chemical found in baked goods overrides iodine's ability to aid thyroid

Iodine-Depleted Soil Poor farming techniques have led to declined levels of iodine in soil

Having the proper amount of iodine in our system at all times is critical to overall health, yet the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that iodine deficiency is increasing drastically in light of an increasingly anemic national diet of unpronounceable additives and secret, unlabeled ingredients. This deficit now affects nearly three-quarters of the population.A Growing Epidemic

I feel much more energetic, my thoughts are extremely clear, and my entire body feels more in balance. Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine is the only change in my daily routine over the last 45 days. The way I feel today is better than at any point in my life that I can remember. ~ James

The supplementation of iodine, has been reported to relieve:

• Depression • Weight Gain • Fibromyalgia • Low Energy • Hypothyroidism • Hyperthyroidism • Radiation • Bacteria & Viruses

A Growing Epidemic

Symptoms range from extreme fatigue and weight gain to depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, fibrocystic breasts and skin and hair problems. This lack of essential iodine can also cause infertility, joint pain, heart disease and stroke. Low iodine levels also have been associated with breast and thyroid cancers; and in children, intellectual disability, deafness, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impaired growth, according to studies by Boston University and the French National Academy of Medicine.

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Every Day Can Be A Day Without Pain!

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Try Natural Awakenings Topical Pain Relief Plus

cute pain from an accident, burn or insect bite may cramp your style at the family picnic, but the kind of pain that recurs every day and every night can make us miss out on the best times of our life. Missed opportunities like playing with our children and grandchildren, participating in sports and other healthy activities like dancing don’t give you a second chance for fun. Natural Awakenings Topical Pain Relief Plus relieves arthritis pain, stiff joints, cramps, tired sore muscles, headaches, general aches and pains, knee, neck and back pain and much more. It also relieves strains and sprains and substantially reduces recovery time.

Natural Awakenings Topical Pain Relief Plus works by penetrating deep into skin and muscle tissue. For optimum relief, apply a generous amount

of Natural Awakenings Topical Pain Relief Plus directly onto the area of pain or discomfort, allowing it to be absorbed for two to three minutes. Don’t wipe away any that is not absorbed; massage it into the surrounding areas, and use it as often as needed—there are no side effects! Using it three times daily is ideal. Regular use will continue to alleviate pain and help keep it from returning as often or as intensely.

Enjoy safe and effective relief from: • Arthritis Pain • Stiff Joints • Cramps • Headaches • Neck & Back Pain • Inflammation • Sore Muscles

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natural awakenings

March 2016

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inthenews

Healing from Lead Poisoning Good News for Flint and Other Communities

by Charles Gant, M.D., Ph.D.

T

he Flint, Michigan, lead-poisoning crisis brings a serious health problem to the foreground which had been brewing for decades in many American cities. Lead poisoning and toxic metal poisoning in general is a causal factor in a wide range of psychiatric and medical problems. It is well-known to lower IQ scores, impair neuropsychological function, adversely affect behavior, cause ADHD and other childhood spectrum disorders like autism, stunt physical growth and raise blood pressure. The blessing of the recent lead toxic water crises in places like Flint and Sebring, Ohio, is that many more people will be seeking out how to reverse the disabilities it has caused.

In many cities, significant progress has been made in the important first step, which is eliminating contact with lead, whether through providing uncontaminated water or cleaning up lead from living environments. For example, if a doctor detects high lead levels in a patient’s laboratory tests,

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they can refer the patient to an organization like Lead Safe Washington in the District, which assists residents in remediating lead contamination from paint and soil.

Now that headway is being made to eliminate exposure to lead, the question has become—how do we heal the bodies and brains that have been damaged by it?

Unfortunately, many healthcare practitioners are not aware that damage from lead poisoning is reversible.

To learn how this is possible, the details can be found at LeadPoisoning.

Solutions. As the appropriate actions are being taken to remove the lead, residents affected by toxic water may to need to take matters into their own hands, apply the advice given here, regularly check lead levels or seek out an experienced, integrative medicine healthcare provider who does this kind of work.

Many clinicians in the integrative, functional and precision medicine community routinely detoxify lead in

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

their patients and witness the disappearance of symptoms and significant improvements in symptoms of leadcaused medical and psychiatric disorders as a result of their treatments.

The removal of lead and other toxicants from the body is best done in stages, gradually increasing the rates of excretion (output). If we try to detoxify too aggressively, some of the toxic substances get pulled inward instead of being excreted, which causes even greater problems, especially for the brain. This is why some medications used for lead poisoning, like DMSA, may not be the safest choice.

For lead and many other toxic substances, the key to excretion is their biochemical “love affair” with sulphur. Since these substances naturally bind to sulfur, excretion will naturally increase with even simple activities such as soaking in hot Epsom salt baths, and adding gentle sulphur containing foods like sea vegetables to the diet. Eventually the body will be ready for significant intake of stronger sulphur foods like broccoli, onions and garlic, and common sulfur supplements like MSM and vitamin C. Antioxidants can also play an important role, as can glutathione.

There are many elements to consider in safely and effectively detoxifying lead and other heavy metals from the body. The Flint water problem could be a wake-up call, because the lead poisoning problem is not isolated to just that community.

If enough people can apply the information presented here, perhaps we can begin a national dialogue to turn this tragedy into a blessing.

To access a full explanation and protocol for each stage of detoxification as well as learn about why genetic considerations are important in order for some people to heal from lead toxicity, visit LeadPoisoning.Solutions.

Dr. Charles Gant, M.D., Ph.D., has more than 30 years of integrative clinical experience, offering personalized medical care by Precision Medicine. For more information, visit InternationalPrecisionMedicine Associates.com. See ad, page 31.

• Integrative and Functional Medicine • Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) • Hypothyroidism, Fibromyalgia & other Chronic Illnesses • Tick Borne Illnesses • Mold & Environmental Toxicity • Acupuncture • Energy Healing Therapies • Specialized testing to identify hormone, metabolic, digestive, nutritional and food sensitivity issues

WELLNESS CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

natural awakenings

March 2016

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naturalpet

WELL-MANNERED

CATS

Simple Ways to Get Kitty to Behave

by Sandra Murphy

T

hree million cats end up in shelters every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Owners cite landlord restrictions or allergies in the family as leading reasons. Often, the animal is blamed for an easily fixed behavior problem; the Wake County Animal Center, in Raleigh, North Carolina, interprets rationales such as, “Kitty has a sensitive stomach [throws up] or pees under the bed [likely a urinary tract infection].”

“I prefer to call such things issues, not problems. They’re often evidence of natural instincts that need to be redirected,” says Anne Moss, owner of TheCatSite.com, from Tel Aviv, Israel.

“A vet visit will rule out physical concerns so you can move on to behavioral issues.” Once a cat’s adapted to living with humans, life becomes more pleasant for everyone.

Cats can be trained. Dallas cat owner Bettina Bennett of WhichBoxMedia.com advises, “Start early, attach rewards and be consistent. Our four cats don’t scratch the furniture, come when called and know when it’s bedtime.”

Clicker training works well, adds Becky Morrow, a doctor of veterinarian medicine who teaches at Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh. “I have 13 cats living in my home and a sanctuary housing 65 more. They’ve learned to walk on a leash and obey commands.”

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Dr. Jeff Werber, a Los Angeles veterinarian, has found that scratching furniture, biting people, nocturnal activity, throwing up and ignoring the litter box are the five most common complaints. Scratching lets Kitty leave her scent, stretch and shed old claws. He suggests, “Get a scratching post, but don’t put it in an-out-of-theway location. Cats like to be where we are. Start with it in the center of the room and gradually move it to the corner.”

Measure how tall a cat is when standing on her hind legs with front legs fully extended.

Get a post that is half again as tall so she can really stretch.

Gently rub her paws on the post first, and then dab on a bit of catnip as added enticement. Cats don’t like unfamiliar textures, so avoidance training tools can include laying aluminum foil or backing-side-up carpet runners over furniture arms and cushions plus double-sided sticky tape at the corners to preserve upholstery.

When humans become a target for a cat’s pounces, use toys as decoys. A short play session will satisfy their desire to hunt.

Leave curtains open so

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she can see outside, clear shelves for climbing and have a cat tree or window shelf for optimum viewing. A nearby bird feeder will hold a feline’s attention for hours.

Werber advises, “For undisturbed household sleep, get the cat toys out about an hour before your bedtime.

Fifteen minutes of play will tire a pet.

Let him calm down and then feed him. A full cat is a sleepy cat.”

Some cats nibble, while others gulp food and then throw up. The recommended antidote is to feed smaller amounts several times a day. Cats should eat both dry and wet food to get carbohydrates and meat, Werber advises. Throwing up can be a sign of hairballs, even if unseen. Put the cat on a natural hairball remedy once a day for four days, then two times a week, until the vomiting stops. A touch of non-petroleum jelly on the cat’s nose or a bit of fish oil or pumpkin in her food will work.

When cats ignore the litter box, note what’s changed—the type of litter, location of the box, a lurking stray cat or the pet’s health.

Arthritic cats find it hard to climb into a tall-sided box. Felines feel vulnerable when using the box, and like to know what’s around them— a lidless box makes them feel safer says Werber. The rule is to have one more litter box than there are cats.

If the house is more than one story tall, food, water, beds and litter should be available on every level.

“All cats should be kept indoors, microchipped and wearing a colorful collar and tags,” says Werber. Colors give birds fair warning if a cat ever goes outside.

With time and attention, any cat can become an active, well-behaved family member.

Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

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.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 Exploring SoulCollage – 12-2pm. Come join in a time of creativity and fun. Play with images using a technique called SoulCollage – a transformative process of creating personal cards for looking into your inner wisdom. $30. Elise Lewis, Certified SoulCollage Facilitator, Bethesda, MD (address given upon registration). Register: HollyMaeDesigns@ icloud.com. Info: SoulCollage.com/Elise-LewisWorkshops/Exploring-SoulCollage.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3 Writing Your Truth – 12:30-2pm. Experience the powerful, mysterious and often surprising gifts that emerge as you listen to poetry, participate in simple exercises to get the juices flowing and then begin to write. $15 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 200-Hour Teacher Training Spring Extended Session – 7am-9pm. Through April 17. Join Yoga District for our transformative 200-hour teacher training through an extended weekend training this spring. $2,500. Yoga District, 1910 14th St, NW. Info: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/Classic/ ws?Studioid=2070&stype=-8&sView=Day&sTrn =100000000&Date=03/05/16.

Costa Rica Yoga and Meditation Retreat – 9am5pm. Through March 12. At Blue Spirit resort in Nosara, Costa Rica. Find inner tranquility through daily yoga and meditation practices. Limited space, register today to hold your space. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com.

Neck Back and Beyond at Grow Your Health Festival – 9am-5:30pm. Visit our booth at the Grow Your Health Festival for hands-on health options and conversations with our practitioners. The festival features live music, healthy food tastings, free classes, vendors and much more. We are also pleased to sponsor the festival’s movie, Growing Cities. Neck,

Back and Beyond at Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax, VA. Info: NeckBackAndBeyond.com/ Eventsa.shtml#GrowYourHealth.

Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax public schools regarding food/nutrition, gardening, outdoor play, environment, etc and share tips on involvement.

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 or Facebook.com/Events/1552054431752851.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

MUIH Research Symposium 2016 – 4-8pm.

Maryland University of Integrative Health’s Research Symposium is an annual event that highlights the University’s research and scholarship. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

Inversion Playshop – 1:30-3:30pm. Sherri and Marco will help you learn the secrets to going upside down. She will gently walk you through the steps to get into your first headstand, forearm balance and handstand. If you have never done one don’t worry she will help you find the support. $22/members or $28/non-members. Be Here Now Yoga, Healing and Wellness Center, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BeHereNowYogaDC.com/Workshops.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Essential Oils Class – 11am-1pm. Cozy Essential Oil class in my home. Topics covered: sourcing and purity, usage and safety, top 10 oils and a few giveaways.

Beth Lindley, 4124 Garrison St, NW. Register: Beth.

Lindley@gmail.com. Info: 202-285-8191.

Spring Detox Flow – 2:30-4:30pm. This class will celebrate spring by setting intentions for cleansing and starting a new. The flow will be quick moving and include a focus on twists and core work to get your body flowing. $22.69. Yoga District, 1830 1st St, NW. Info: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/ Classic/ws?Studioid=2070&stype=-8&sView=Da y&sTrn=100000226&Date=03/06/16.

MONDAY, MARCH 7 Staying Healthy with Whole Foods – 7-9 pm.

Join Neck Back and Beyond’s specialists Dr. Allan Tomson, Chiropractor, and Babette LaMarre, Nutritional Therapist, for a talk and tour of Whole Foods Market, in Fairfax. We’ll navigate the aisles and demystify labels for optimal health and weight management. Neck Back and Beyond at the Upstairs Wine Room, Whole Foods Market, 4501 Market Commons Dr, Fairfax, VA. Register: 703865-5690 or NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10 Being a Holistic Parent in Public Schools Panel – 7-9pm. A panel will describe efforts in

Singles Sangha – 7-10pm. A welcoming community of people who gather to experience a shared connection with others who are, by choice or by circumstance, single at this time in their lives. All varieties and ages of single people are encouraged to join. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Culinary Translations – 9am-5pm. Through March 13. Two-day workshop to train registered dietitians and culinary professionals in the basic art and science of Oncology Culinary Translation. $485. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Essential Oils Class – 11am-1pm. See March 5 for details. Beth Lindley, 4124 Garrison St, NW. Register: Beth.Lindley@gmail.com. Info: 202-285-8191.

Leap! Spring Qigong Workshop – 12:30-4pm.

Learn the Wood Phase of the Five Phases cycle and the use of liniments to support healing of soft tissues, tendons and muscles. $60/preregistration or $70/day of. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-9861090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com.

Inner Compass: Finding Direction through Letting Go – 1:30-4:30pm. With Nina Hayes.

We will open the heart and release stagnation in the hips in the asana practice, while the lecture will provide the opportunity for participants to understand the false limitations imposed by the small self. $35 (plus tax). Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another. ~John Dewey

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MONDAY, MARCH 14 Exploring SoulCollage – 12-2pm. See March 2 for details. $30. Elise Lewis, Certified SoulCollage Facilitator, Bethesda, MD (address given upon registration).

Register: HollyMaeDesigns@ icloud.com. Info: SoulCollage.com/Elise-LewisWorkshops/Exploring-SoulCollage.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 Gaining Hope Through Stories of Survivorship – 6-8pm. Writing and discussion workshop designed to inspire hope and help survivors of any age and stage reflect deeply on their healing process. Free.

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Winter Warmer Workshop: Yoga, Qigong and Meditation – 4-7pm. With James Foulkes. We will balance the yin nature of the gentle cleansing stretches and breathwork with complementary yang practices, whilst using meditation, to support the sustaining of our energetic field through the colder months. $40 (plus tax). Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 Back to the Future: Finding Space Through Backbending – 12:30-2pm. With Lisa Pettinati.

The practice of backbending can provide entry into the anahata (heart) chakra, located at the center of the chest. When we bend backwards, we access our heart center and the karmic relationship of how we treat others. $30 (plus tax). Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

Celebrating your Animal Companions – 1-4pm. Using guided meditation, connect with your animal guides. Create cards celebrating your companions while delving deeper into the different SoulCollage suit. All materials are provided. No experience necessary. $40.

Elise Lewis, Certified SoulCollage Facilitator, Bethesda, MD (address given upon registration).

Register: HollyMaeDesigns@icloud.com. Info: SoulCollage.com/Elise-Lewis-Workshops/ Celebrating-Your-Animal-Companions.

Floating and Flying Workshop – 2:30-4:30pm.

Patrick and Sara are excited to help you find more lightness in your jump to the top of the mat and work on your handstand, forearm stand or headstand press. $22.69. Yoga District, 1830 1st St, NW. Info: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/Classic/ ws?Studioid=2070&stype=-8&sView=Day&sTrn= 100000799&Date=03/13/16.

Dharma Yoga’s Great Practice: Maha Sadhana Workshop – 3:30-5:30pm. A two-hour practice with options for new students as well as advanced practitioners. The practice reflects Sri Dharma Mittra’s balanced and uplifting approach to yoga which includes purification techniques for the body, the mind and the nervous system. $22.69. Yoga District, 1910 14th St, NW. Info: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/Classic/ ws?Studioid=2070&stype=-8&sView=Day&sTrn= 100000498&Date=03/13/16.

Children’s Sangha – 4:15–5:30pm. For 5-12-yearolds, accompanied by parents. The class provides young children with a Buddhist framework to explore their inner life, understand the causes of emotional stress and develop peace, wisdom and kindness. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

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Nonviolence in Our Words and Hearts - A 7-session Series on Nonviolent Communication Fundamentals – 7:45-9pm. Discover the transformative power of empathic listening, authentic self-expression, deep valuebased relating and requests that work for everyone. Skips March 29. $205/before March 8 or $285/regular tuition.

The Studio DC, Dupont Circle, 1710 Connecticut Ave, NW. Register: TheStudioDC.com/WorkshopsEvents. htm. Info: Mali@PeaceCircleCenter.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 Yoga Teacher Workshop: Freedom of Breath Through Optimal Movement– 1-3pm. Breathing is one of the only functions of the body that is both involuntary and voluntary. This workshop can help you to improve vagal tone, activate the parasympathetic nervous system and improve resilience. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

Childbirth Preparation Class – 7-9pm. Classes and privates to prepare for childbirth. Classes are given in NE, DC. $160. NatureBirthDC, NE, DC. Register: NatureBirthDC@gmail.com. Info: 202-375-0402.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – 6-9pm.

Through March 20. 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 Street, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or Roxanne@TheMindfulnessCenter.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 Body-Mind Centering: The Radiant Heart – 6:30-9:30pm. Toning your heart center strengthens, coordinates, and aligns your upper body (neck, shoulders, and arms) and provides the support for self-nurturing and relating to others. $90. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ ElementsCenter.com. Info: ElementsCenter.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 Body-Mind Centering: Mindful Movement for the Elegant Spine – 1-4pm. You will learn how to seek balance among the three curves of your spine, enhance your stability and mobility and find a relationship between the front and back of your body. $90. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ ElementsCenter.com. Info: ElementsCenter.com.

Masks to Celebrate Our True Selves – 1-6pm. Use masks to explore, highlight and celebrate something unique about our true selves. $45 (suggested donation).

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Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Astrology 101 – 4-6pm. With Tess Muth. This workshop explores the planets in signs, planets in houses, elements and qualities in depth and applies this understanding in the interpretation of birth charts.

Tess Muth is a contemporary artist, astrologer and yogi. $45 (plus tax). Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 Svadhishthana Spring: A Women’s Workshop to Open Your Second Chakra – 2:30-4:30pm. In this two-hour workshop on the first day of spring, we’ll dive a little deeper into questions of pleasure, emotional stagnation and freedom. We will use meditation, breathwork and a second-chakra-specific flow to open the creative floodgates and stimulate the senses. We will go deep and leave feeling light. $22.69. Yoga District, 1830 1st St, NW. Info: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/ Classic/ws?Studioid=2070&stype=-8&sView=Day& sTrn=100001009&Date=03/20/16.

Young Adult Cancer Meet Up and Support Group – 5-6:30pm. Enjoy a light dinner and facilitated group session. Free. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 Introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – 7-9:30pm. Introduction for an 8-week class beginning in April. The course is designed to help you establish your own unique mindfulness practice, teach you techniques that can help reduce physical and emotional symptoms made worse by stress and increase your peace and quality of life. Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Register: LivingMindfully.org/Classes/Special-Series-Events.

MUIH Graduate Open House – 7-9pm. Distinct from other schools, MUIH delivers academic excellence with a focus on the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

Yoga Fundraiser for Meso Creso Art/Music Festival – 8-9:30pm. Join Hawah Kasat and V:shal Kanwar for an evening of yoga and world music.

This fundraiser is to support a local music and art festival organized by a D.C.-based art collective Meso Creso. $20. Meso Creso at Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St, NW. Info: Facebook. com/Events/228653667475291.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

Jivamukti Satsang – 11am-12:45pm. With Lisa Pettinati. Join Jivamukti teachers and students in satsang to discuss the Jivamukti Focus of the Month. Satsang is a virtuous gathering of likeminded individuals who inspire, encourage, and reflect your true nature. Let the seeds of compassion ripen in satsang. Free. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

Reiki Jin Kei Do First Degree Seminar – 10am5pm. Through April 17. Reiki Jin Kei Do is the practice of reiki that integrates the following into our life: meditation and the development of inner wisdom, healing with compassion, integration of healing and meditation in our daily lives. $225 (with a $75 deposit). Be Here Now Yoga, Healing and Wellness Center, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BeHereNowYogaDC.com/Workshops.

MONDAY, MARCH 28

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. The session ends with a silent meditation. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughterYoga@yahoo.com.

Mindful Path to Habit Change – 7:30-9pm.

Through May 2. In this six-week course we will explore how habits operate; how mindfulness can help us make healthy changes and how to cultivate skills and practices that can help align our actions with our deepest values and intentions. Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Living-Mindfully.org/ Classes/Special-Series-Events.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29 MUIH Webinar: Yoga Teacher to Yoga Therapist – 1-2pm. No matter how passionate or talented, very few people can create a full time, long term career as a yoga teacher. Learn about what it takes to become a yoga therapy practitioner and whether you’re ready for the transition. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

Staying Healthy with Whole Foods – 7-9 pm. See March 7 for details. Neck Back and Beyond at the Upstairs Wine Room, Whole Foods Market, 4501 Market Commons Dr, Fairfax, VA. Register: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 Being a Holistic Parent in Public Schools: Daytime Meeting Recap – 10-11:30am.

Recap of March 10 panel describing efforts in Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax public schools regarding food/nutrition, gardening, outdoor play, environment etc and tips on involvement.

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 or Facebook.com/Events/988303727903019.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31 Movie Night – 7pm. We will be screening the documentary Trace Amounts, which is the true story of Eric Gladen’s painful journey through mercury poisoning that he believes resulted from a thimerosal-loaded tetanus shot. His discoveries led him on a quest for the scientific truth about the role of mercury poisoning in the autism epidemic.

Organic snacks provided; cost goes to a local charity. $5. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste 204, Fairfax, VA. Register: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com.

plan ahead SATURDAY, APRIL 2 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – 6am-9pm. Also April 3-10, 23-24 and May 7-8, 21-22. BHNY’s 200-hour Teacher Training will give you all the skills needed to be an effective yoga teacher or yogi.

Check out our website for details. $2,800 ($250 nonrefundable enrollment fee). Be Here Now Yoga, Healing and Wellness Center, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BeHereNowYogaDC.com/Teacher-Training-2.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 Yoga for Children with Special Needs – 9am4:30pm. No need to be a yoga teacher. OT, PT, teacher or mom. Learn to work with children with special needs through yoga. $995 ($300 down payment). BE yoga, 45406 Lakeside Dr, Sterling, VA. Register: Info@BEyogaYurt.com.

Herbal Apprenticeship Program – 9:3011:30am. 10 Saturday sessions. The Herbal Apprenticeship Program gives participants an opportunity to gain hands-on gardening skills, learn the medicinal properties and uses of herbs, harvest herbs to take home and make herbal teas, tinctures and salves. $325. Common Good City Farm, V St, between 2nd and 4th St, NW. Register: CommonGoodCityFarm.org. Info: 202-559-7513 or Info@CommonGoodCityFarm.org.

SUNDAY APRIL 10 Open House – 12–6pm. Join us for our very special bi-annual open house. Enjoy free classes, health assessments, nutritious and delicious foods, healthy product vendors and samples, body work and energy healing services and raffles for awesome prizes. Meet and greet with our specialist practitioners and staff. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Penthouse 1 (PH-1), Fairfax, VA. RSVP: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 Yoga Teacher Training – 5-9pm. Through April 17. Enroll in a YoKid teacher training session and learn how to teach yoga to kids. Register: YoKid.org/Teacher-Trainings/YoKid-YogaTeacher-Certification.

Precision Medicine for Mental Health – 1-3pm. With Dr. Grant, MD, Ph.D., and sponsored by Natural Awakenings. Dr. Gant will discuss some of the definitive and reversible physiological conditions that can cause Depression and Anxiety. He will explain why designing a treatment plan which addresses the root causes of each patient’s medical and psychiatric disorders requires a personalized, fully integrative approach to health care. This is the promise of what is now called Precision Medicine. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

specialevent Calling in the Sunlight: A Spiritual and Healing Retreat Come and experience a re-awakening of yourself, your life path and your joy at the beautiful Land Celebration Retreat Center.

Yoga, meditation, workshops, private healing sessions, vendors, an uplifting concert by Woven Green and a high-vibrational, vegetarian menu.

Camping or dormitories available.

April 23 and 24 All-inclusive tickets. $275/camping and $350/dormitory Ticket prices increase on April 7th to $285-$395.

Hosted by Diane Black, Crystal Reiki Therapy & Bonita Woods Wellness Institute at The Land Celebration 411 Three Oaks Dr, Gore, VA. Register: CrystalReikiTherapy.com/ Schedule.html. Info: 703-787-5714 or Diane@CrystalReikiTherapy.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 25 Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. The session ends with a silent meditation. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughterYoga@yahoo.com.

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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 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.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29 Thermography – Through May 2. We are now scheduling for our Spring Breast Thermography Clinic, including a free Women’s Breast Health discussion with Donna Marie Scippa. Breast thermography is a digital infrared imaging of the breasts, which takes an image that shows the heat map of the breasts. Thermography can also be used to monitor other imbalances in the body, including thyroid, circulatory, and digestive issues; chronic pain; hormonal imbalances and diabetes. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Fairfax, VA. Info: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackandBeyond@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 7 Greater Richmond Holistic Expo - Plans are underway for this great new event. The 30,000-sq-ft hall will showcase more than 165 exhibitors. Henrico Hall in the Richmond Raceway Complex, 602 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA. Info: Steve at 804-503-7939.

MONDAY, MAY 23 Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. The session ends with a silent meditation. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughterYoga@yahoo.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Shenandoah Valley Herbal Gathering – Come enjoy a full day of herbal and permaculturebased classes for newbies to seasoned herbalists, plant lovers, healers and Earth lovn’ folks of every kind. Plus plant walks, local artisan vendors, community land art and a live performance by Bele Bele Rhythm Collective.

Registration is now open. Sacred Roots Herbal Sanctuary, Shepherdstown, WV. Register: SacredRootsWV.com.

Sunday iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation – 6-7pm.

Dubbed “Sleep of the Yogi”, this meditation is easy, relaxing, and has been clinically proven to decrease symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and depression. $20. OurSpace, 809 Easley St, Silver Spring, MD. Register: AwakenMyHeartNow.com/ Sunday-Yoga-Nidra-Sessions.html.

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 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Gyrokinesis – 9:30-10:30am. Gyrokineisis is a yoga method with principles from tai chi and kundalini yoga. This class starts on stools, moves to the floor and ends standing. $18. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter.com. Info: ElementsCenter.com.

Therapeutic Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Enjoy a greater sense of well-being and enhanced energy in our gentle yoga classes. Learn various yoga postures and techniques in progressive relaxation, breathing practices and mediation. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Register: 202483-8600. Info: SmithCenter.org/Calendar.

Awareness Through Movement – 12:15-1:15pm.

This Feldenkrais Method is a unique approach to fitness for those who are injured or in chronic pain.

Simple floor exercises have profound effects on your posture, breathing and movement capabilities. $10/session or $25/month (suggested dona-

tion). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Monday Community Night Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga – 5-6:30pm. Experience yoga and mindfulness meditation with members of the community. $5 for entire night. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: 301355-2030 or CaseyHealth.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.

Chair Yoga – 10-11:15am. This gentle form of yoga is practiced sitting in a chair. Through adapted poses, students get to enjoy the benefits of yoga - reduced stress and pain, strength building and greater flexibility. Great for all ages and levels of activity. $18/class or yoga packages available. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org.

Chair Yoga – 12-1pm. You are invited to relax deeply as we move through a series of gentle seated and supported poses that promote self-care. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation).

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Continuing Yoga – 12-1:15pm. Iyengar yoga poses are refined with an emphasis on all standing poses. Inverted poses are introduced. $18/session or yoga packages available. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org.

Gyrokinesis – 1-2:30pm. See Mon for details. $25. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter. com. Info: ElementsCenter.com.

Mindfulness Self-Compassion Class Series and Daylong – 7-9:30pm. Through May 3. Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to really see ourselves, acknowledge unmet needs, motivate ourselves with kindness, to be fully human. Self-compassion can be learned by anyone, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. Meditation experience is not required.

MONDAY, JUNE 27 Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. The session ends with a silent meditation. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughterYoga@yahoo.com.

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Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it. ~Charles R. Swindoll

Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Register: Living-Mindfully. org/Classes/Special-Series-Events.

Women’s Community Mindfulness Class – 7:30pm. The aspiration of the Women’s Community Mindfulness Classes (WCMC) is to create a safe space where women can practice mindfulness for the development of wisdom and compassion.

We provide both guided meditation and independent practice time followed by a talk, with time for questions and comments. Beginning and experienced meditators are welcome. Chairs and cushions are provided. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown.

Info: IMCW.org.

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.

Outside the Lines: A Creative Art Studio – 10:30am-12:20pm. 1st and 3rd Wed. Facilitators will help reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects. $10/session (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Register: 202-483-8600.

Info: SmithCenter.org/Calendar.

Gyrokinesis – 11am-12pm. See Mon for details. $18. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter. com. Info: ElementsCenter.com.

Chronic Pain Support Group – 1:30-3pm. 2nd Wed. A free monthly support group for people suffering with chronic pain. Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine and The Pain Connection, 6829 Elm St, Ste 300, McLean, VA. Info: 703-532-4892 or KaplanClinic.com.

Therapeutic Yoga – 6-7:15pm. See Mon for details. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Register: 202-483-8600. Info: SmithCenter.org/Calendar.

Meditate and Elevate: A Guided Practice – 6:307:45pm. With HawaH. For both beginner and advanced students. Practice with a beautiful meditation community. Release stress, find calmness and cultivate inner-peace. $10 (suggested donation).

One Common Unity and Washington Parks and People at The Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St, NW. Info: Hawah@OneCommonUnity. org or Meditate-Elevate.EventBrite.com.

Drop-In Meditation – 7:30-8:30pm. For individuals who have a regular meditation practice (1 plus years of practice) who would like to practice in community with a skilled facilitator. Free. Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine and The Pain Connection, 6829 Elm St, Ste 300, McLean, VA. Info: 703-532-4892 or KaplanClinic.com.

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.

Therapeutic Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. See Mon for

details. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Register: 202-483-8600. Info: SmithCenter.org/Calendar.

Continuing Yoga – 12-1:15pm. See Tues for details. $18/class or yoga packages available. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org.

Gyrokinesis – 4-5pm. See Mon for details. Free.

Elements Center at Guy Mason Recreation Center, 3600 Calvert St, NW. Info: ElementsCenter.com.

Mindful Meditation – 7pm. Join us at Lululemon Alexandria for guided mindfulness meditation with Mindful Junkie. All are welcome and donations will be matched by Lululemon and given to YoKid. YoKid at Lululemon Alexandria, 700 King St, Alexandria, VA. Info: YoKid.org.

Calendar A wonderful resource for filling your workshops, seminars and other events.

friday 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.

Move, Learn, Create – 11am-12:15pm. Stretch your creative capacity, feel good and connect with fellow participants. Featuring a variety of dance styles, the class is a well-paced and refreshing experience for all. $10/session or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

5Rhythms Sweat Your Prayers – 8-10pm. 1st Fri. Move through the Rhythms of Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness with breath and intention; come together in community to find balance between the mundane and the sacred, to empty out and reconnect to the master vibe. $10/new to 5Rhythms or $20/regular admission. Carderock Swim Tennis Club, 8200 Hamilton Spring Ct, Bethesda, MD. Register: 215-983-7036 or Meetup. com/ConsciousDancerDC.

Two styles available:

saturday

n Calendar of Dated Events: Designed for events on a specific date of the month.

Continuing Iyengar Yoga – 9-10:15am. See Tues for details. $18/class or yoga packages available. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: 301-355-2030 or Casey Health.org.

n Calendar of Ongoing Events: Designed for recurring events that fall on the same day each week.

Meditation – 10am. Class will introduce participants to the practice of mindfulness meditation.

Instructors guide participants through practice, including techniques for breath awareness, relaxation and development of nonjudgmental awareness. $20. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Info: 301-986-1090 or Info@TheMindfulnessCenter.org.

Contact us for guidelines so we can assist you through the process.

We’re here to help!

Gentle Iyengar Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. This class is designed for those with health conditions and injuries and those looking for a gentle class. Class is personalized, safe and poses will relieve tension and pain while improving posture and alignment. $18/class or yoga packages available. Casey Health Institute, 800 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: 301-355-2030 or CaseyHealth.org.

202-505-4835 NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

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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.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

ACUPUNCTURE JOÃO M. ALVAREZ, LICENSED ACUPUNCURIST

NOVA CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

1010 Rockville Pike, Ste 305, Rockville, MD JMA.Acupuncture@yahoo.com 301-337-7115 • ElementWellness.net

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

By combining acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxabustion and nutrition, Joao Alvarez develops a comprehensive, individualized treatment strategy to promote optimal health. Major insurance accepted. See ad, page 19.

Our holistic approach gets to the nexus of your pain and treats your pain’s cause, not just your symptoms. Dr. Craig Sanford’s approach and treatment will greatly improve your quality of life. Specializing in peripheral neuropathy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, nutrition, physical therapy and functional medicine. See ad, page 29.

NECK, BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com Neck Back & Beyond in Fairfax, VA offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. See ad, page 14.

SHAWNA SNYDER

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com 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 43.

W ..

ALLERGY MANAGEMENT

DEBRITT EALEY

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Info@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 43.

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AROMATHERAPY

MOTHER NATURE’S STORE 703-851-0087 Laina_Poulakos@hotmail.com MothersNatureStore.com

CATERING GREENFARE

GREENFARE 408 Elden St., Herdon, VA 703-689-0506 • GreenFare.com GreenFare is an innovative community cafe and learning center that serves organic, whole plant food in concert with medical professionals, environmentalists, and animal welfare advocates who recognize that this optimal diet can positively transform our world. Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. See ad, page 27.

ZENFUL BITES

202-505-4936 ZenfulBites@gmail.com Zenful Bites is a social enterprise that provides plant-based ecocatering services and holistic food education programming in the DC metro area.

COACHING CALMFIDENCE INSTITUTE

202-583-2469 Juneous@CalmfidenceInstitute.com CalmfidenceInstitute.com

C e r t i f i e d aromatherapist and herbalist offering l i f e s t y l e consultations and handmade products, including soaps, balms and beard oils. Reach a better state of body and mind.

See ad, page 16.

Juneous Pettijohn works with overworked and s t r e s s e d - o u t professionals who struggle with fear and self-doubt—and want to live with less stress, greater focus. See ad, page 45.

BEDROOM FURNITURE

CHIROPRACTOR

SAVVY REST NATURAL BEDROOM

258 Maple Ave East, Vienna, VA and 12242 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 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 4.

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.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

ASHDALE CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

Dr. Craig Sanford, DC 12801 Darby Brooke Ct, Ste 120, Woodbridge, VA 703-583-1222 • AshdaleChiropractic.com Ashdale Chiropractic and Physical Therapy offers chiropractic care, acupuncture, peripheral neuropathy and physical medicine. See ad, page 29.

NECK, BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com Neck Back & Beyond in Fairfax, VA offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. See ad, page 14.

CHRONIC PAIN KAPLAN CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

6829 Elm St, Ste 300, McLean, VA 703-532-4892 KaplanClinc.com We offer patients suffering with chronic pain and illness an effective model of medical care, incorporating elements of conventional and alternative medicine. Our team provides an integrative approach that addresses root causes of an individual’s pain and illness, including problems of the mind and spirit that may be contributing to the disease process.

See ad, page 3.

CLEANING MAID BRIGADE CAPITAL REGION

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

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY GOLDEN HEALTH PHARMACY

46950 Community Plaza, Ste 112, Sterling, VA 703-430-8883 ElsaLam@GoldenHealthPharmacy GoldenHealthPharmacy.com Prescriptions with personal attention (We accept all insurance). Compounding pharmacy for special medications and your pet’s special need. Integrating pharmacy services with nutritional support. Juice Bar, holistic health and wellness workshops, cooking classes for disease management and an infrared sauna with acoustic sound therapy. See ad, page 43.

ENERGY HEALING

CONSULTING GRACE PRODUCTIONS

LIZETTE AYALA

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 15.

COUNSELING

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com Lizette Ayala, Energy Health Coach, specializes in teaching the art of self-healing and mindbody health, breaking energy draining patterns and reducing unproductive stress. See ad, page 43.

HEALING GATEWAY

FOUR CORNERS COUNSELING, LLC

877-534-5534 HealingGateway.com

Hetty Irmer, LCSW-C, The Thinking Woman’s Counselor 10000 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 301-960-8960 HettyIrmer.com

Tap into your deeper wisdom and sense of purpose. Understand your moods and manage them better.

Hetty works with women, couples and offers groups to learn and practice skills of self-understanding and leadership. See ad, page 15.

DENTISTRY-CERAMIC IMPLANTS MILES OF SMILES IMPLANT DENTISTRY

801 Wayne Ave, Ste G200, Silver Spring, MD 301-588-0768 PureImplants@MilesOfSmilesDental.net Our integrative approach addresses your body’s readiness for dental implants, we systematically test and optimize your immune system prior to implant placement. With 18 years’ experience in implant dentistry, Dr Noumbissi developed the Natural and Keramik Koncept, a safe protocol for teeth replacement with metal free ceramic implants coupled with naturally optimized and accelerated bone and gum healing to enhance your smile and improve your quality of life. See ad, page 43.

DOULA THE DC DOULA

202-630-HOOK (4665) TheDCDoula@gmail.com TheDCDoula.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 17.

FOOD GREENFARE

408 Elden St., Herdon, VA 703-689-0506 • GreenFare.com GreenFare is an innovative community cafe and learning center that serves organic, whole plant food in concert with medical professionals, environmentalists, and animal welfare advocates who recognize that this optimal diet can positively transform our world. Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. See ad, page 27.

HEALTHY PETS WHOLE PET CENTRAL

Info@WholePetCentral.com WholePetCentral.com We are your one-stop destination for all things natural regarding your pet’s nutritional and grooming needs. Shop online or visit one of our stores locations in Rockville, MD, Herndon, VA or Ashburn, VA. See ad, page 12.

HERBS

Birth and Postpartum Doula offering a variety of women’s wellness services. We support birth with great confidence and help you welcome your new baby.

See ad, page 18.

MOTHER NATURE’S STORE 703-851-0087 Laina_Poulakos@hotmail.com MothersNatureStore.com

C e r t i f i e d aromatherapist and herbalist offering l i f e s t y l e consultations and handmade products, including soaps, balms and beard oils. Reach a better state of body and mind.

See ad, page 16.

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HOLISTIC HEALTH COACHING

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE CHARLES GANT, MD, PHD

DEBORAH DELONEY

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Info@RoseWellness.com Deborah is a Certified Holistic Health Coach (CHHC) specializing in lifestyle nutritional counseling. She also provides guidance on eating real wholesome foods to achieve good health. See ad, page 43.

HOLISTIC HEALTH COUNSELING ANDREA BEAMAN, HHP, AADP Holistic Health Counselor and Thyroid Expert AndreaBeaman.com

Reconnective Healing, a new level of healing that scientists and researchers know we now have access to. It goes beyond energy healing spectrum into a new bandwidth of light and information. See ad, page 27.

International Precision Medicine Associates 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 4th Fl., E Washington, DC 20037 888-727-6910 InternationalPrecisionMedicineAssociates.com With over 30 years of integrative clinical experience, Dr. Gant is passionate about providing the level of personalized care offered by Precision Medicine. He offers advanced diagnostic, genetic, and functional laboratory testing to define the root causes of symptoms, which can then be targeted to reverse chronic disorders and diseases, optimize physical wellness and brain health, as well as overcome addictions. He brings together the best of holistic and conventional medicine options, and is an active educator of healthcare practitioners and an internationally recognized author and speaker. See ad, page 9.

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 43.

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

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

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 5.

HOLISTIC PROMOTIONS EARTHLIGHT PROMOTIONS 703-401-9663 BeverlyNickerson@comcast.net EarthLightPromotions.com

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 18.

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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 43.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

SULTANA AFROOZ, DO

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com Dr. Sultana Afrooz specializes in diagnosing and treating patients who have been chronically ill from effects of tick borne infection, mold toxicity and environmental toxicity. See ad, page 43.

MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL PRECISION MEDICINE ASSOCIATES

2200 Pennsylvania Ave, 4th Floor East, NW 888-727-6910 InternationalPrecision MedicineAssociates.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 31.

NUTRITION 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.

NUTRITIONAL THERAPY ASK BABETTE AT NECK, BACK & BEYOND

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-862-4612 Info@AskBabette.com NeckBackandBeyond.com Babette Lamarre, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, offers individualized recommendations for what to eat/how to live for maximum health and happiness given your particular life situation.

See ad, page 14.

ORGANIC BEDDING ORGANIC LATEX MATTRESSES FOR LESS!

5225 Pooks Hill Rd, Promenade, Bethesda, MD 240-640-0213 OstrowpedicPillowTopPillow.com We carry Omi OrganicPedic Organic Mattresses, Savvy Rest Organic Mattresses and Ostrowpedic Organic Mattresses and Pillows. Enjoy our fun and unique showroom filled with antiques and collectibles.

Guaranteed LOWEST PRICES and Best Selection.

Over 35 years experience.

PAIN AND REHAB ARLINGTON PAIN AND REHAB 716-984-4574 KylePreeb@gmail.com ArlingtonPainandRehab.com

We l c o m e t o Arlington Pain and Rehab, the premier therapeutic destination for runners, rugby players, yogis, Crossfitters and athletic enthusiasts of all ages. We specialize in providing natural health care to members of the community who are injured as a result of sports injuries or suffer from chronic pain.

PAIN RELIEF REAL TIME PAIN RELIEF

StopAchesAndPains@gmail.com 301-288-3811 StopAchesAndPains.com Real Time Pain Relief product sales. Plantbased products that relieve pain and inflammation with a blend of 19 effective, tested and proven ingredients.

RESTAURANTS

WELLNESS COMPANY

GREENFARE

CBD REVOLUTION US

408 Elden St., Herdon, VA 703-689-0506 • GreenFare.com GreenFare is an innovative community cafe and learning center that serves organic, whole-plant food in concert with medical professionals, environmentalists, and animal welfare advocates who recognize that this optimal diet can positively transform our world. Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. See ad, page 27.

SKINCARE - ORGANIC NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES, NYR ORGANIC 571-277-1480 RandiOrganic@gmail.com US.NYROrganic.com/Shop RandiCohenCoblenz

HOLISTIC VETERINARY HEALING

SPIRITUAL LIVING UNITY OF FAIRFAX

46950 Community Plaza, Ste 112, Sterling, VA 703-430-8883 ElsaLam@GoldenHealthPharmacy GoldenHealthPharmacy.com Prescriptions with personal attention (We accept all insurance). Compounding pharmacy for special medications and your pet’s special need. Integrating pharmacy services with nutritional support. Juice Bar, holistic health and wellness workshops, cooking classes for disease management and an infrared sauna with acoustic sound therapy. See ad, page 43.

Pema Choepel Mallu, DVM, CVA, M.Ac. L.Ac Kitty Raichura DVM, CVA 12627 Wisteria Dr, Ste C/D, Germantown, MD 240-715-6570 HolVetHealing@gmail.com HolisticVeterinaryHealing.com 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 16.

VETERINARY HOLISTIC CARE

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

PERSCRIPTIONS GOLDEN HEALTH PHARMACY

We increase public awareness of proprietary bibong formulated products enabling the mind and body to work at their optimal state, thereby promoting ultimate health, youthfulness and longevity. We are an innovative community passionate about empowering individuals to balance their health and wealth while becoming leaders in a movement that spreads the truth about the benefits of an amazing plant in our modern culture.

Everything we do, we do to unveil the truths of “The Genesis Plant”.

VETERINARIAN - HOLISTIC

Go organic. NYR Organic is the way to go. Awardwinning products, fair trade, ethical and transparent. Many holistic practitioners, massage therapist and estheticians use the products in their practice. See ad, page 19.

minded individuals.

516-418-7565 CBDRevolutionUS@gmail.com CBDRevolutionUS.com

THERMOGRAPHY NECK, BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

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

A 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 43.

YOGA

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

YOGA WITH NYA

Neck Back & Beyond in Fairfax, VA offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. See ad, page #r adults and families with older children. See ad, page 14.

Nya@YogaWithNya.com YogaWithNya.com

yoga with

Nya Alemayhu is a yoga instructor in Washington, DC dedicated to building community through sharing the practice of yoga. Nya∙ private ∙ specialty offers private instruction and ∙ sunday commu workplace yoga. See ad, page 16. at Un ∙ wor

yogawit nya@yogawit washington, dc ∙ 202

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ESTABLISHING AN ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE SOCIETY BEGINS WITH US

Advertise in Natural Awakenings’ April

Everyday Sustainability Issue Conscientious consumers are seeking eco-friendly providers like: • Earth-Friendly Landscapers • Eco-Interior Designers • Electric Vehicle Dealers • Energy-Saving Equipment • Green Builders • Lighting Consultants

Contact us at: Natural Salesperson Awakenings of(123) Washington, D.C. Friendly 456-7890 Phone: 202-505-4835 Fax: 202-827-7955 adsales@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com Additional Contact Information NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

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Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

• Organic Bedding Stores • Plant Care Specialists • Recycling Services • Solar Panel Providers • Wood Alternative Sources • Xeriscapers — and many more

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Let nature be your teacher. —William Wordsworth

Graduate Degrees in Holistic Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, and more Maryland University of Integrative Health is one of the nation’s only accredited graduate schools with an academic and clinical focus on natural health.

Here, the ability to be self-reflective and cultivate a healing presence is as critical to your academic success as competence in your chosen field.

MUIH offers graduate programs in: Nutrition and Integrative Health | Herbal Medicine | Health and Wellness Coaching Health Promotion | Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine | Yoga Therapy

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Online and on campus programs muih.edu 800-735-2968 NaturalAwakeningsDC.com