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April 2017 | Washington, D.C. Edition | NaturalAwakeningsDC.com natural awakenings
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*Natural Awakenings recently received *Natural Awakenings recently received the the prestigious FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction prestigious FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction Award Franchise Business Review. Award fromfrom Franchise Business Review.
Gull Point and Peaceful Beach are centrally located on a narrow peninsula with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Chesapeake Bay on the other. They can easily access the many free boat ramps for launching on the either side within minutes of home! nearly perfect climate with short, mild winters (snow is rare.) Ranked 2nd for the most sunny days on the farming soils and an aquifer with abundant pure water. Nearby are wineries, a food co-op, organic farms and great seafood! Two 18 hole golf courses and yacht basins are nearby. Low property taxes. Protective local zoning will help preserve the area’s rural character. Fourteen barrier islands make up the Virginia Coastal Reserve, a virtual paradise of uninhabited beaches and coves just waiting
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letterfrompublisher Dear Friends, contact us Publisher, Editor-in-Chief Robin Fillmore Contributing Editors Jessica Bradshaw Randy Kambic Grace Ogden Editorial Intern Rachel Feidelman Design & Production Irene Sankey Business Development Ayana Saunders Outreach Director Samantha Hudgins Natural Awakenings of Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-505-4835 4938 Hampden Lane, #214 Bethesda, MD 20814 Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com NaturalAwakeningsDC.com ©2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe online to receive FREE monthly digital magazine at NaturalAwakeningsDC.com.
Natural Awakenings practices environmental sustainability by using post-consumer recycled paper and soy-based ink on uncoated stock, avoiding the toxic chemicals and huge energy costs of producing shiny, coated paper that is harder to recycle.
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Washington, D.C.
I have story to tell you—nothing full of intrigue or suspense—but a story of a journey. In fact, it is my journey story and there is a surprise ending. For many years prior to publishing Natural Awakenings, D.C., I worked with religious nonprofit organizations—in publishing, advocacy, event management, development—each position striving to help bring a voice to the voiceless and encouraging bold actions in the name of hope, justice, goodness and equality. Sometimes my constituencies were lovely church ladies and sometimes they were members of Congress. The theme woven through these decades of work was to encourage the establishment of a community for progressive change through individual steps. As I moved away from that work in the “church-world” by taking on the role of publisher and editor-in-chief of Natural Awakenings, Washington, D.C., I hoped to bring that community-building and nourishing in the realm of natural healing and balance to a place that, quite frankly, needs it so dearly. And we did it. My team and I have been successful in creating a magnificent publication that serves, feeds and encourages so many. But now, the call of the “church-world” has been beckoning me to “come home”. I have been discerning a call to the ministry within the United Methodist Church for a number of years. Once I had the courage to voice my recognition that this was moving within me, things took shape quickly and I began a formal process, through special schooling and spiritual guidance, to discern my next steps. I have now officially taken an appointment to be a licensed local minister in Northeast Pennsylvania, starting this summer. Because of the speed with which this process has taken (for most people, it normally takes several years before an appointment is offered), I have made the decision to put Natural Awakenings, D.C. on the market, for sale. My hope is that this magazine, born and nurtured through thousands of hours of relationship-building, editing, designing and driving throughout the whole region, will, be the next step in someone else’s life journey. My intention is to keep it as strong, vibrant and nourishing through this transition, until it comes into the hands of the next proud publisher. While I will miss being in community with all of you, my dear readers, I know that there is an amazing future for some other faithful captain of this ship. I put out this intention to you all, and to the universe, that the new owner (whoever he or she may be) will have just as much passion to the mission and commitment to strengthening the community of health-seekers as I have had. What this means practically, if you know someone who may be the next publisher of Natural Awakenings for the greater D.C. area, please share the opportunity and have them contact me at Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. In the meantime, we will continue to bring you cutting-edge information from some of the best local and national writers, healers and thinkers. This month, we look past the recent lousy weather and consider how creating an eco-friendly personal environment can happen. Then, when your physical body is weary from putting in the garden or renovating (with green building materials) your bathroom, it will be time for a massage. I am a huge advocate for therapeutic massage as a tool for selfcare and not just because my daughter is an amazing licensed massage therapist in another state. There are great options in our area, including one of the most highly regarded massage schools in the country, Potomac Massage Therapy Institute, in our own backyard. Treat yourself, and book that massage. Thanks again for your support of Natural Awakenings, in the past and in the months ahead. Peace, Robin Fillmore, Publisher
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contents 11 8 newsbriefs 10 eventspotlight 1 1 healthbriefs 15 actionalert 16 globalbriefs 21 firstperson 15 26 massagespotlight 28 naturalhealing 30 healthybody 3 1 leadingedge 36 wisewords 16 37 healthspotlight 39 greenliving 41 calendar 45 resourceguide advertising & submissions
Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
18 ECO YARDS
Turning Lawns into Native Landscapes by Lisa Kivirist and John D. Ivanko
22 ECO-FRIENDLY
HOME BUILDING
Innovations Boost Energy Efficiency by John D. Ivanko and Liam Kivirist
24 MEDICAL MASSAGE Targeted Therapy for Specific Ills
32 DAR WILLIAMS
on Singing, Festivals and Community Building by Robin Fillmore
34 WATER SCARCITY
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.
PERSONAL RETREAT
REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
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by Linda Sechrist
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.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online: NaturalAwakeningsDC.com within the advertising section. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.
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Steps for Active Citizens
by Barry Wind and Jeremy A. Pearce
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36 THE POWER OF
Ten Reasons to Choose a Retreat for Your Next Vacation by Angela Blueskies
38 MINDFULNESS ON CAPITOL HILL
What Happens When a Meditation Expert Visits Congress? by Susan Larsen
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40 THE MARYLAND
MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM What's Taking So Long? by Dr. Patricia Frye
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newsbriefs Become a Medical Massage Therapist
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here is a growing trend in the greater D.C. area for individuals adding a regular massage to their healthcare routine. Likewise, employers are realizing the positive effects of providing massage to their teams and have therapists bring massage chairs to the office for the staff to have short, seated massages before going back to work—feeling appreciated and motivated. Top professional sports teams and athletes employ massage therapists to get peak performance and mobility. Physicians, personal trainers, yogis and psychologists are starting to recommend massage to their clients as a complement to their work. The Bureau of Labor & Statistics ranks massage therapy as a career growing “much faster than average” at a rate of 22 percent, which goes along with the trend of the rise in healthcare jobs. Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI) is the only nonprofit massage school in the region, offering a part-time, 18-month, professional training program. PMTI has a 99 percent pass rate for the national license exam (MBLEX) for the last six years, which is far above the national average of 62 percent. PMTI has been around since 1976, with a program and instructors that are internationally recognized for excellence. For those looking for more info, PMTI offers a free info session the last Wednesday of each month, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Classes start in September. For those therapists seeking to maintain licensure with continuing education courses, PMTI offers a wide range of options, including Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage, sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, structural myofascial release, biodynamic CranioSacral Therapy, Ortho-Bionomy and more. These classes are hosted by PMTI throughout the year. For information or to book a massage (starting at $39 per hour), call 202-686-7046, email Admissions@pmti.org or visit pmti.org. See ad, page 29.
Whole Pet Central Grand Opening in Columbia
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hole Pet Central, a local leader for healthy and natural pet supplies and food, invites everyone to the grand opening celebration of their newest store in Columbia, Maryland. The event will take place April 22 from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. For attendees, and their pet companions, there will be door prizes, including a grand prize of a $1,000 gift card. Also offered will be a 20 percent discount on purchases during the grand opening, as well as free goodie bags and product giveaways, dog training demonstrations and events. The store is in the Snowden Center at 6925 Oakland Mills Road. With this location in Columbia, Whole Pet Central now has four stores in the greater D.C. area. John McGeehan and co-owner Liora Robinson work hard to provide family pets with food that contains only natural ingredients. They specialize in foods that contain no meat by-products, wheat gluten, animal digest, artificial preservatives nor any other inferior ingredients. Like so many pet-lovers, McGeehan and Robinson believe that dogs, cats and other small mammals deserve the best nutritional products available—just like the rest of the family. To stand by this commitment, all staff members are available to discuss each pet’s dietary needs and special health requirements—from avoiding food-related allergies to vet-recommended diets. For more information about Whole Pet Central, their products, store locations and the grand opening, visit WholePetCentral.com. See ad, page 12.
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Welcome to the Inaugural Live Well Loudoun Festival
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ll are invited to participate in the inaugural Live Well Loudoun Festival, a one-day community celebration, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on April 22. The event will be promoting Loudoun-based service and product companies that, according to event organizer, Natalie Hughes, “engage the Loudoun Community to live mindfully” by eating well, exercising smart, working well, giving well, living green, looking their best and playing hard. This signature event will be hosted at Uptown One Loudoun, part of Loudoun County’s new downtown area. The festivities will kick-off with an 8K and 1-mile fun run. From the main stage, fitness classes and performances will be featured. There will also be a communitystage to showcase local nonprofit talent and “how-to” workshops for attendees. The event is based on a number of themes that will be woven as activities throughout the event, including: Conserve Well which will provide info and activities to make recycling a lifestyle; Age Well that highlights organizations and groups for seniors; Drink Well, with a focus on healthy (and fun) drinks; Eat Well, where participants can be a part of cooking demos and classes, tastings and local food vendors; Feel Well, which highlights the best of natural and integrative health; and Move Well that provides access to the best of fitness, yoga and health clubs, plus many more. The celebration will offer a wine and beer garden, great food, door prizes and much more. Exhibitors from the local community will be on hand to introduce everyone to some of the amazing goods and services offered in the area. The event is free for everyone, with sign-ups encouraged for activities throughout the day. Location: 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn, VA. For more info, a full schedule and to sign up for individual activities, visit LiveWellFestival.com. See ad, page 33.
Cure Doggy Breathe with Non-Anesthetic Dentistry Clinic
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oundstooth dental hygienists have more than 25 years of experience of cleaning the teeth of companion dogs and pets, and have cleaned more than half a million mouths. They are offering a dental clinic at Holistic Veterinary Healing, in Germantown on April 8, 9, 23, 25 and 26. Appointments are required. Pets stay healthier with periodic dental cleaning and even a daily home brushing does not remove everything. Most vets agree that most cats and dogs over the age of 3 have some degree of periodontal disease. Maintaining a healthy mouth is essential to your pet’s wellness and is a quality of life issue—for both pet and owner. Houndstooth works with highly qualified dental hygienists who are able to perform routine dental cleanings without the high cost of anesthesia. In severe cases or if the pet requires extractions, the pet is then referred to a veterinary dental specialist, so that those procedures can be done under anesthesia. Locally, Holistic Veterinary Healing is one of very few clinics that offers this service for your pets. Location: 12627 Wisteria Dr., Germantown. To schedule an appointment, call 240-7156570. For more information, visit HoundstoothPetDental.com or HolisticVeterinary Healing.com. See ad, page 17.
MUIH welcomes Dr. Steven Combs as New President
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he board of trustees of Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) has appointed Steven C. Combs, Ph.D., as the university’s president and chief executive officer. An experienced leader in academic affairs, administration and teaching, Combs will preside over MUIH’s future growth as one of the nation’s pioneers at the forefront of integrative medicine. “Dr. Combs has devoted the majority of his professional life to the field of higher education, with more than 18 years in leadership positions. He has been a lifelong learner, faculty member, researcher, academic administrator, published author and scholarly presenter,” says Adele Wilzack, MS, RN and chair of MUIH’s Steven C. Combs board of trustees. MUIH brings Combs on at an important time in its 43-year history. The traditional higher education model is rapidly evolving to keep pace with the opportunities technology affords for delivering education, such as online degree programs and to accommodate the expanding interests of students in more progressive fields of study. MUIH is not only in the process of expanding its programs but is leading innovation in integrative health research and training. As such, Combs will approach his role as both an institutional leader for the MUIH community and as a visionary for the future of integrative health. Combs succeeds MUIH’s second president and CEO Frank Vitale who presided over several major milestones including earning the approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to offer three professional doctoral degrees in acupuncture, Oriental medicine and clinical nutrition, in January 2015. MUIH’s first class of doctoral students will graduate in June. For more information about Maryland University of Integrative Health, visit MUIH. edu. See ad, page 52.
New Natural Awakenings App
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he Natural Awakenings healthy living, healthy planet lifestyle app has been upgraded with a brand-new look and updated features. The changes to the free app, which has already been downloaded by 40,000-plus users, will make keeping up with the best choices for a green and healthy lifestyle easier than ever. New features include being able to sign up for promotions, updates and newsletters plus linking to the Natural Awakenings website. Visitors can find local magazines nationwide; a national directory of healthy and green businesses and resources with products, practitioners and services, complete with directions; updated national monthly magazine content; archives of hundreds of previously published articles on practical, natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, creative expression, personal growth and sustainable living by national experts that are searchable by keywords; and an archive of articles in Spanish. “These upgrades and expanded accessibility will empower people to enjoy healthier, happier and longer lives more easily than ever before,” notes Natural Awakenings founder Sharon Bruckman. “Offering free access to Natural Awakenings’ powerful network of healthy living resources through this exclusive app is another way we can serve our users.” To download the free app, search for Natural Awakenings on Google Play or the Apple app store or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
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newsbriefs
eventspotlight
Your Green Lifestyle Choice Starts Here
DC Green Festival Expo by Lisa Landes
Virginia’s East Coast: A Home and Haven for the Eco-Minded
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eal estate development and environmental protection frequently don’t go hand in hand, particularly along the East Coast. It’s refreshing to know that there are places where naturalists, preservationists and ecologists have worked alongside real estate interests to develop residential opportunities that ensure the beauty, safety and preservation of the natural habitat. Virginia’s Eastern Shore—the area that surrounds the Chesapeake Bay and the numerous rivers, creeks and coves that feed into it—is one such place. Located just a few hours south of Washington, D.C., this area is frequently regarded as one of the best places in the country to live or retire. Its rich, seaside culture is conducive to fishing, boating, “beaching”, kayaking and taking nature walks; the mean average temperature is a comfortable and thermostat-friendly 59 degrees. It isn’t by accident that this area possesses such glory; The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service and the Commonwealth of Virginia have invested more than $100 million to protect and restore 133,000 acres of coastal and mainland habitats, including barrier islands, marshes and upland forests. Their efforts have led to a reintroduction of a species of bay scallops to the coastal bays, which had not been seen there for more than 80 years. Incredulously, this area is still a “best kept secret”, with affordable residences for ecologically inclined East Coast folks to tour, vacation and make their home. Most of the homes are on large, three- to five-acre tracts, and zoning is for single-family units. These protections come from the commitment to environmental conservation, but the benefit for the homeowner is a spacious lot with excellent views and, in many cases, waterfront or beachfront access. The Kirkwood Group offers beautiful waterfront properties, beachfront properties and water access properties along the Chesapeake Bay and the creeks and coves that feed into the bay. For example, Gull Point offers a 3,525-square-foot waterfront retreat on 2.88 acres, or build your dream home on one of Peaceful Beach’s expansive wooded sites. To see their current listings, visit KirkwoodOnTheShore.com. See ad, page 5.
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elebrate sustainability and a healthy lifestyle at the 13th annual DC Green Festival, May 13 and 14, at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center. Find everything you need to live a healthier, more sustainable life, from the latest technology and all-natural products, to chemical-free household supplies and a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian, non-GMO, organic and artisanal food and beverages. Enjoy yoga sessions, activities for children, inspirational speakers, live entertainment and a local vegan/vegetarian food court. Green Festival will feature thousands of meatless products as well as an all-vegan and vegetarian food court in an effort to expose consumers to the wide variety of options available to live healthier and more sustainably. In addition, as part of a new partnership with SEED: The Untold Story, the Green Festival will be hosting screenings of the acclaimed documentary by filmmakers Taggart Siegel and Jon Betz. New speakers this year include: Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary; Dr. Joanne Kong, environment and animal advocate and speaker for The Humane Party; Mim Senft, executive director of Global Women 4 Wellbeing; and author of The Healthy Workplace, Leigh Stringer will deliver a fireside discussion on her book; Tom Tresser, civic educator and public defender; and acclaimed musician Charlie Mgee, of Australia’s Formidable Vegetable Sound System, will entertain on the Sustainable Innovations Stage. Cyclists and kids 16-and-under are free. Students, seniors and veterans/military families receive $5 off at the door. Natural Awakenings fans are encouraged to use code NADC17 for 20 percent off ticket price! Plus, moms get 50 percent off all weekend at the door in celebration of Mother’s Day. The Green Festival Expo 2017 schedule will include New York City’s Javits Convention Center (June 10-11), The Los Angeles Convention Center (Sept. 23-24), Pier 35 at The Embarcadero in downtown San Francisco (Nov. 11-13), and for the first time, Fort Lauderdale’s Convention Center (Dec. 2-3). Tickets are now on sale: $10 (online until April 17); $12 (online after April 17). Single-day at the event: $15. Location: Hall D at the DC Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl., NW. For more information, visit GreenFestivals.com or visit NaturalAwakeningsDC.com to receive the 20 percent discount with the code. Lisa Landes is the social media and marketing director for the Green Festivals. See ad, page 3.
healthbriefs
Barefoot Running Improves Technique
arefoot running has become a popular activity for athletes, and with the right training, can be a helpful tool for many runners. A recent study from the University of Jaén, in Spain, confirms the benefits of barefoot running. Researchers set out to determine what types of changes a 12-week program of barefoot running would produce in foot strike patterns, inversion, eversion and foot rotation. Thirty-nine recreational athletes with no experience in barefoot running participated. Twenty formed the experimental group, with 19 serving as a control group. Researchers determined each runner’s low, high and comfortable running speed and conducted pre- and post-running tests using cameras to document foot strike patterns. The experimental group’s training consisted of a progressive increase in the duration and frequency of barefoot running, while those in the control group performed the same progressive running program with their shoes on. The experimental group showed significant changes in foot strike pattern, with a tendency toward a mid-foot strike at all speeds. They also displayed changes in foot rotation and inversion toward a more centered strike at the lower speed, supporting the notion that progressive barefoot training can help athletes trying to change their foot pattern to a mid- or front-foot strike.
Drinking More Water Improves Food Intake
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uopeng An, Ph.D., a kinesiology and community health professor at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, studied the hydration and dietary habits of more than 18,300 American adults and found that drinking more water each day can impact the overall calories and nutritional value of food consumed. Reviewing data from four parts of the National Center for Health Statistics’ National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, in which participants were asked to recall their food and drink intake during two non-consecutive days, An determined the percentage of plain water drunk by each person. He found an association between a 1 percent increase in the subjects’ daily intake of plain water and an 8.6-calorie reduction in food intake. An also discovered a slight reduction in foods high in fat, sugar, sodium and cholesterol with the change. Participants that increased their plain water consumption by one to three cups reduced their calorie intake by 68 to 205 calories per day. The same increase in water correlated with a daily reduction in sodium intake by 78 to 235 milligrams, five to 18 grams less sugar and seven to 21 milligrams less cholesterol.
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healthbriefs where healthy food comes naturally
CBD Shows Promise for Autism by Katherine Leo utism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest-growing developmental disorder, affecting more than 3.5 million in the U.S. alone, according to a 2014 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These numbers have steadily increased at a yearly rate of 6 to 15 percent since 2002, and seem to be on an upward rise. While there is debate on the causes autism, it is clear that the number of cases is increasing. Some doctors and parents contend that it is caused by vaccines, while other studies show that it is based more on faulty genes. At least one group of researchers has indicated this could be due to a chemical imbalance, lack of oxygen to the brain, environmental chemicals or even viruses. Whether autism is caused by environmental, genetic or a combination of many factors, researchers are working diligently to find the cause, and hopefully the cure. FDA-approved drugs treat irritability-caused autism, but none treat the core characteristics of the disorder, including communication difficulties, social challenges and repetitive behaviors. Many studies are now being done to see the benefits of CBD on children with ASD. Dr. Giovanni Martinez, a clinical psychologist in Puerto Rico, is researching the therapeutic possibilities of treating children with CBD/hemp oil, and reports positive results. In one case a child spoke his first words after receiving a twicedaily spray of CBD/hemp oil. After three weeks, he could develop significant language skills. CBD is derived from cannabis, but unlike TCH which produces psychoactivity or the "high", CBD does not create the same side effects. A University of California study found that “CBD regulates emotion and focus, acting as a neuroprotective against further brain degradation. In the autistic patient, mood can be regulated with oral doses of cannabis. Dosages can be regulated according to severity of the disorder. Unlike prescribed remedies, there are no concerns about overdosing, providing a sense of security for caretakers.” Autism needs to be seriously studied, and while the cause is unclear, there is consensus that a solution is needed. Early reports are promising for CBD/hemp oil because of the positive results it is producing in the lives of patients and families.
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Katherine Leo helps others find full health by using CBD. For more information about CBD or getting into the cannabis space as a business opportunity, call 516-418-7565 or visit CBDRevolutionUS.com. See ad, page 15.
Chelation Cuts Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Optimize Your Health & Well-being!
esearchers from the Mount Sinai Medical Center, in Miami Beach, concluded in a 2016 review of research that chelation therapy using agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) can significantly reduce risk of cardiovascular events. The review highlighted research showing that heavy metals such as cadmium have been linked with increased cardiovascular disease risk, and chelation therapy has been shown to effectively remove heavy metals from the body. Of particular interest was a study that specifically tested the effectiveness of chelation therapy on reducing cardiovascular events. The randomized, doubleblind study involved 1,708 patients ages 50 and up that had experienced a heart attack at least six weeks prior. Half were given 40 infusions of a 500 milliliter chelation solution with EDTA. The other half received a placebo. Researchers measured deaths, heart attacks and strokes, along with other heart conditions and subsequent hospitalization for an average period of 55 months. They found that the chelation therapy reduced heart attacks and strokes by 23 percent and reduced hospitalization for heart attacks by 28 percent.
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Sage Linked to Cognitive Health
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2016 review from Australia’s Murdoch University, in Perth, confirms the cognitive benefits of consuming plants in the Salvia genus, particularly sage. Cognition includes processes associated with attention, memory, judgment, evaluation, reasoning, problem solving and decision making. Researchers discussed the theory that an accumulation of amyloid-ß peptide (Aß) in the body is responsible for some cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s patients. Studies have shown that sage can protect mice against Aß-induced neurotoxicity, thus helping to preserve cognition. The researchers also highlighted acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter believed to play an important role in attention, learning, memory and motivation. ACh enzyme inhibitors help prevent alterations in ACh, preserving these functions. In vitro and animal studies show that some species of salvia are effective ACh enzyme inhibitors. In addition, animal studies have shown that sage extracts can reduce depression and anxiety. Both of these conditions can contribute to a decrease in cognitive function. Further research is needed to determine the extent of the effect and safe dosage.
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healthbriefs
Good Health with a Cherry on Top by Laina Poulakos
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art cherry juice is not only delicious, but is also packed with an abundance of beneficial nutrients. One of the many benefits is that it can help lower blood pressure. In numerous studies, tart cherry juice has been shown to reduce blood pressure up to 7 percent in just three hours of drinking. Tart cherries are also beneficial in brain health. The high levels of antioxidants and anthocyanins may help to slow degenerative brain diseases. Another recognized health benefit is help for those with osteoarthritis and stiffness associated with exercise, so it is a great post-workout treat. Tart cherry juice is excellent in helping with insomnia. Drinking or adding a supplement of tart cherry juice has been shown to add up to an additional 90 minutes of a restful night’s sleep due to the melatonin and tryptophan in the juice. With all these amazing benefits of tasty tart cherry juice it is a wonderful addition to your natural medicine cabinet. Laina Poulakos is the founder of Mother’s Nature Store and a certified aromatherapist and herbologist. For a consultation and products, call 703-851-0087 or visit Mothers NatureStore.com. See ad, page 11.
Protecting Against the Sun While Protecting the Planet by Rachel Feidelman ven though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day this year, predicting six more weeks of winter, warm weather is here. Warm weather means spending more time outside which, in turn, means breaking out the sunscreen. While wearing sunscreen proves countless benefits, the negative environmental impacts are massive as well. John Sottery, of IMS Inc., explains, “A sunscreen product acts like a very thin bulletproof vest, stopping the UV photons before they can reach the skin and inflict damage.” Furthermore, in 2013, the Annals of Internal Medicine published a study of 900 random Australian citizens, proving that those who wore sunscreen more frequently aged more gently. These benefits of sunscreen and dozens more have been proven; however, multiple downfalls have been explored also. An article from the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology reveals that oxybenzone, a chemical found in over 3,500 brands of sunscreen internationally, kills coral when even small amounts are released into the ocean. Researchers also worry that this chemical may affect the hormones and cells of humans, but no proof has been found to date. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that over 97 percent of Americans have traces of oxybenzone in their bodies, the largest contributor to that statistic being sunscreen. These contrasting impacts of sunscreen bring up the question of: is there a way to protect my skin from the harsh rays of the sun while minimizing the environmental impact? The answer is still a work in progress. The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) motto is: “Sunscreen should be your last resort.” In order to maintain healthy skin without damaging yourself and the planet, EWG encourages finding shade or making your own if necessary, wearing clothing when outside, planning your activities around the sun, and checking the UV Index frequently.
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Rachel Feidelman is a student at the University of Maryland, studying journalism and economics. She is also an editorial intern with Natural Awakenings, Washington, D.C. 14
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actionalert
Darkness cannot
March for Science this Earth Day Concerned citizens will unite on April 22 for a March for Science in Washington, D.C., and locations around the world to champion robustly funding and publicly communicating science for the common good as a pillar of freedom and prosperity. The group is calling on political leaders and policymakers to enact evidence-based standards in the public interest. The focus will showcase science as a tool to find answers and influence decisions at all levels, from astronomy to zoology, including environmental science and climate change. Jacquelyn Gill, Ph.D., was part of the original group sparking the idea of a March for Science via her initial tweet. “We know how to keep our air and water clean, and the outcomes of the research should inform the policy,” says Gill, an assistant professor of paleoecology and plant ecology at the University of Maine. Caroline Weinberg, a New York City science writer and program cochairwoman, says, “Within hours, satellite marches were popping up around the country, then the world.” Organizers report several hundred established event locations and the number continues to grow.
Michele Paccione/Shutterstock.com
Stand Up
drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
To learn more, visit EarthDay.org/MarchForScience.
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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Saving Sharks
Cabeca de Marmore/Shutterstock.com
The Pacific island nation of Kiribati has established the world’s second-largest (1.3 million-square-mile) shark sanctuary, which bans commercial fishing throughout, and has also expanded the Micronesia Regional Shark Sanctuary. The possession, trade and sale of sharks and shark products are also prohibited in these areas as is the use of fishing gear such as wire leaders for targeting sharks. Worldwide, about 100 million sharks are killed each year in commercial fisheries. Nearly 30 percent of all known shark species assessed by scientists are now threatened with extinction. Sharks are particularly vulnerable to overfishing because they mature and reproduce slowly. Many Pacific island nations have established shark sanctuaries, recognizing the valuable ecosystem and economic roles that healthy populations provide. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora recently added 13 shark and mobula ray species to its list, a step toward ensuring sustainable and legal trade of these species.
Petroleum-Free
Phasing Out Plastic Film Food Wrappers
Dirty Driving
Traffic Pollution Chokes Big Cities Worldwide When air pollution blanketed Paris for three days, authorities called it the worst bout in 10 years and made public transit free. For the fourth time in 20 years, the city instituted a system based on alternating odd and even license plate numbers to keep certain vehicles off city streets, effectively cutting daily traffic in half; it’s the first time the ban’s been maintained for consecutive days. “Cars are poisoning the air,” says Paris city hall transport official Herve Levife. “We need to take preventive measures.” Three other cities—Athens, Madrid and Mexico City—will ban diesel engines by 2025 as part of a similar effort. Beijing, China’s capital city, has such dirty skies from cars and coal that protective masks are commonplace despite emissions restrictions and power plant closures, partly due to pollutants from neighboring regions. Paris leads the world in monthly car-free days, but several large metro cities participate in an international car-free day each September 22, including Washington, D.C., Seattle and Long Island, New York. Source: EcoWatch.com 16
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ssuaphotos/Shutterstock.com
Nagy-Bagoly Arpad/Shutterstock.com
Ocean Sanctuaries Expand in Pacific
Many grocery store foods are wrapped in plastic packaging that creates non-recyclable, non-biodegradable waste, even though thin, plastic films are not efficient at preventing spoilage. Some plastics are also suspected of leaching harmful compounds into food. Researcher Peggy Tomasula, D.Sc., is leading a U.S. Department of Agriculture team developing an environmentally friendly film made of the milk protein casein that addresses these issues. She states, “The protein-based films are powerful oxygen blockers that help prevent food spoilage. When used in packaging, they could prevent food waste during distribution along the food chain.” Plastic six-pack rings are renowned for their negative impact on wildlife and the environment. Now the Saltwater Brewery, in Delray Beach, Florida, is making edible six-pack rings for beer cans that are 100 percent biodegradable. Constructed of barley and wheat ribbons from the brewing process, they can be safely eaten by animals that come into contact with the refuse. Company President Chris Gove notes, “We hope to influence the big guys and inspire them to get on board.” Source: American Chemical Society
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Four-Season Climates
ECO YARDS Turning Lawns into Native Landscapes by Lisa Kivirist and John D. Ivanko
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raditional turf lawns are an ecological nightmare,” says John Greenlee, author of The American Meadow Garden, who notes that most monoculture turf lawns never even get used. His company, Greenlee and Associates, in Brisbane, California, designs residential and other meadows throughout the U.S. as an engaging alternative. Many other appealing options likewise use native plants appropriate to the local climate. For instance, replacing Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass or another non-native species with natives can deliver drought resistance and lower irrigation needs; eliminate any need for fertilizers or toxic pesticides; reduce or eliminate labor-intensive and often polluting mowing and edging; enhance the beauty of a home; and attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
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Before replacing a lawn, determine the desired result. It may simply be achieving a low-maintenance, lawn-free yard; growing food like vegetables, herbs, fruit or nuts; or supplying ample flowers for a fresh weekly bouquet. Other benefits might include increasing privacy, dining al fresco, escaping into nature or even sequestering carbon dioxide to reduce climate change. To be successful, choices must be appropriate to the climate, plant hardiness zone, local zoning ordinances and homeowner association rules. Also consider the soil quality and acidity, moisture content and whether plantings will be in full sun or shade, or both.
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From the Midwest to New England, “Wild ginger makes a nice, low groundcover with heart-shaped leaves in shade or part shade, where lawn grass often struggles,” suggests Pam Penick, of Austin, Texas, author of Lawn Gone: Low-Maintenance, Sustainable Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard. “Pennsylvania sedge, a low, grassy, meadow-like groundcover, can also work. For areas with full sun, bearberry, an evergreen creeping shrub with red berry-like fruit in fall, or prairie dropseed, a beautiful prairie grass with sparkling seed heads in fall, might be worth trying.” “Stick with the Carex family of plants, the sedges, for a native meadow,” echoes Greenlee. “They vary in color, texture and height. Follow nature’s lead and create a tapestry of commingled plants. Start slow and add flowering plants like Queen Anne’s lace, daisies, asters and poppies.”
Hot and Humid Subtropics
In sunny and well-drained areas of the South, Penick suggests Gulf muhly, an ornamental grass. “Its fall blooms resemble pink cotton candy floating above its green leaves.” In Florida, flowering sunshine mimosa with fernlike leaves and other natural groundcovers are low maintenance. “Basket grass is a low, evergreen grass-like plant with long, spaghetti-type
photos by Pam Penick
The right regional native plants often include grasses and ferns, herbaceous plants like flowering perennials and woody ones like shrubs, vines and trees. Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife and help preserve a sense of place. “Work with a professional landscaper in your area, ideally a member of the Association for Professional Landscape Designers,” advises Greenlee. Tap a local university extension service, master gardener and garden club for local expertise, often available at no or low cost via classes or club membership.
leaves that puddle around it, suitable for shade or partially shaded areas,” advises Penick. “It’s slow to grow, but highly drought-tolerant and nicely covers a dry slope or spills over a retaining wall. Texas sedge makes a lowgrowing, meadowy alternative that’s evergreen and needs mowing only once every year or two.” Moss is a fine option for shady and moist areas. “If moss is naturally colonizing a patch of yard, allow it to fill in where the lawn doesn’t want to grow,” Penick counsels. “It makes a springy, evergreen groundcover needing only brief misting to keep it looking good during dry periods.”
Mediterranean and California Coast
Plentiful sunshine, rare frosts and modest rainfalls make many California coastal areas perfect for growing lots of plants, rather than plots of water-thirsty turf. “For full sun, work with California yarrow, purple sage, Indian mallow, white sage, lupines and California sagebrush,” recommends Charlie Nardozzi, of Ferrisburgh, Vermont, author of Foodscaping. “In shade, try mountain yarrow, mimulus monkey flower, California honeysuckle, California flannel bush and coyote mint.” “Blue grama grass is native to many states, and buffalo grass is native to states west of the Mississippi River in the right places,” adds Greenlee. They’re especially suited for meadows established in drought-prone regions.
Rainy Marine Areas
“For sunny areas, try goat’s beard, penstemon, beach strawberry, mock orange and huckleberry,” says Nardozzi, who
covers gardening nationally at GardeningWithCharlie.com. “For part shade, experiment with gooseberry, red flowering currants, western amelanchier, deer fern, trillium and wild ginger.” Adding some clover to a traditional lawn may eliminate the need for fertilizers while retaining some turf, says Erica Strauss, of Gamonds, Washington, in her Northwest Edible Life blog. “When the clover loses leaf mass from mowing, its roots die off to compensate and nitrogen enters the soil for neighboring plant roots to use.” White clover works well for those on a budget; microclover costs more and is even better. For shady, north-facing or boggywet areas, Strauss recommends sweet woodruff. Moss is another option.
Semi-Arid, Steppe and Desert Climes
“If you crave a lawn but want to go native, Habiturf is perfect for the hot, dry Southwest,” says Penick. Developed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, in Austin, Texas, it’s a mix of several native turf grasses, looks like a shaggy traditional lawn and can be occasionally mowed on a high setting to keep it neat. Once established, it needs far less water than traditional turf. “Silver ponyfoot grows well in many regions as an annual; as a perennial, it needs mild winters,” Penick continues. “Native to western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, it likes good drainage, gravelly soil and full-to-part sun.” Xeriscaping—landscaping that requires little to no water—is especially prevalent in hot, dry regions. Plant picks typically include cactus, succulents, agave and herbs like rosemary or sage. John D. Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist, co-authors of ECOpreneuring and Farmstead Chef, operate the Inn Serendipity, in Browntown, WI.
More EcoYard Ideas Edible Landscaping
A kitchen garden represented by any kind of edible landscaping replaces some turf grass with produce. Carefully designed and maintained, it can be as attractive as any other garden space. “According to GardenResearch. com, 30 million U.S. households, about 25 percent, participated in vegetable gardening in 2015,” reports Dave Whitinger, executive director of the National Gardening Association, owned by Dash Works, in Jacksonville, Texas. “To integrate edibles into a landscape, first assess the locations of sunny and shady spots,” says garden consultant Charlie Nardozzi. “Then, identify plants suited to the growing conditions that will fit in those areas. Mix in edibles with flowers, shrubs and groundcovers to keep the yard beautiful.” For urban areas, he recommends raised beds and containers as a good way to integrate edibles, bringing in clean soil and moving containers to the sunniest spots in the yard. “We have 3,000 raised beds in Milwaukee,” says Gretchen Mead, executive director of the Victory Garden Initiative, which helps install edible landscapes. “We went from about 35 new kitchen gardens eight years ago to more than 500 each year now.” The easy-to-build raised beds go on top of or in place of turf lawns. For Midwestern residents, Mead recommends beginning with six crops that can be started as transplants, like tomatoes or broccoli, and then growing a couple of plants from seed, like zucchini or green beans.
Water-Saving Gardens
“Water-saving gardens use less of this precious resource through appropriate plant choices, rain-conserving features, berming and terracing to slow runoff, water-permeable hardscaping and smart irrigation practices,” says Pam Penick, author of The Water-Saving Garden. “Regardless of where you live, natural awakenings
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saving water is a priority for everyone. Drought is a growing problem in the Southwest and West, but also affects the Midwest, Southeast and even New England.” “Rain gardens help absorb, retain and use rainfall, preventing it from draining into the sewer,” agrees Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd, with Colorado’s Denver Botanic Gardens. “Rain barrels collect water from gutters and downspouts so there’s more control in time and method of distribution, including perhaps drip irrigation.” According to the Groundwater Foundation, in Lincoln, Nebraska, rain gardens can remove up to 90 percent of problematic nutrients and chemicals and up to 80 percent of sediments from rainwater runoff. Compared to a conventional lawn, they allow 30 percent more water to soak into the ground.
Hardscaping
Hardscaped areas are used far more frequently than the turf lawn they
replace as we move through spaces like walkways, patios, fountains, decks and grilling areas to enjoy the outdoors. “Plant people can get excited about planting but forget to leave ample space for patios and paths, often resulting in an overgrown, pinched look for seating areas and other places meant to be inviting,” cautions Penick. “It can also be
easy to underestimate how large plants can grow in a few years. Plan ahead for these ‘people spaces’ and install them before establishing garden beds.” Landscapers recommend being generous with this technique without paving over paradise. “Plants will spill and lean over hardscaping, so it won’t feel too large once your garden is filling in,” says Penick. “To address runoff and allow rainwater to soak into the soil, use water-permeable paving wherever possible: gravel, dry-laid flagstone or pavers; even mulch for casual paths.”
夀漀甀ᤠ氀氀 猀氀攀攀瀀 椀渀 挀漀洀昀漀爀琀 漀渀 愀 匀愀瘀瘀礀 刀攀猀琀ᐠ眀椀琀栀漀甀琀 眀漀爀爀礀 愀戀漀甀琀 戀爀攀愀琀栀椀渀最 椀渀 眀栀愀琀攀瘀攀爀 礀漀甀爀 洀愀琀琀爀攀猀猀 椀猀 戀爀攀愀琀栀椀渀最 漀甀琀⸀ 圀栀攀琀栀攀爀 圀栀攀琀栀攀爀 礀漀甀 渀攀攀搀 愀 猀甀瀀攀爀ⴀ猀漀昀琀 琀漀瀀 漀爀 攀砀琀爀愀ⴀⴀ爀洀 猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀Ⰰ 礀漀甀爀 匀愀瘀瘀礀 刀攀猀琀 漀爀最愀渀椀挀 洀愀琀琀爀攀猀猀 眀椀氀氀 戀攀 洀愀搀攀 樀甀猀琀 昀漀爀 礀漀甀⸀
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嘀椀攀渀渀愀Ⰰ 嘀䄀 ⠀㜀 ㌀⤀ ㈀㔀㔀ⴀ㜀 㐀
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firstperson
Making a Better World in Our Troubled Time What We Can Do by Bill Hutchins
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know in our troubled times, many are asking, “What can I do to continue making a better world?” Part of my engagement—amid so may negative civil forces—is to support organizations that are doing good work, by giving money and volunteering. Central to my intentions is an issue that’s been growing in my heart—the relationship between housing and poverty. I’ve taken on this pursuit through the Appalachia Service Project and have seen, firsthand, what Matthew Desmond writes about in Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Desmond chronicles the economic and psychological toll of living in substandard housing. I’m beginning to connect with some of the inspiring programs in our D.C. region and look forward to hearing recommendations
from readers for organizations confronting issues of inner city poverty and housing. I have also been involved with housing for those in need, in Nepal since 2008, through the Kevin Rohan Memorial Eco-Foundation (KRMEF. com). We’ve built a school, a community center, a farming education center, and many homes, all with waste glass bottles, earthen plaster, bamboo and thatch. Part of what makes this work healing is that the homeowners can be a part of the building. Habitat for Humanity follows this model. We’re considering other aspects of this work that are transferable to our region. As a residential architect based in Takoma Park, I’ve been helping clients create soul-nourishing homes for 26 years. Helicon Works is an architec-
tural collaborative, and we’re beginning to explore how we can be a part of providing nurturing shelter for all. On a parallel track, I have been documenting my internal process of finding my spiritual home, and my work with clients. I’ve been working on Dwelling, A Way Home (now a text, hopefully soon to be a book). This writing is an exploration of the deeper impulses of making home in the world and is offered to all through participation in our workshops (including one on April 8). Yet, I’ve wanted to take this work beyond our entitled, navel-gazing population (what I most know), into a broader, perhaps more impactful world. I know it’s difficult to live fruitfully in the world without a deep sense of home, regardless of our economic situation. Most directly, we need to make homes for our homeless companions, as I firmly believe that no one suffers alone; we’re all in this together. Then, we need to provide enlivening homes for those living in impoverished housing. This is a larger issue than architectural—given your skills and knowledge, you may want to consider how you can help those in need. This movement within springs from the emergent resistance’s elegant, yet simple, motto, “Love Trumps Hate.” This is my mantra. I believe it’s essential to love our estranged companions with whom we share our country. It’s so easy to “make” them wrong, which only feeds the darkness. I need to know them, love them and break bread with them. Studies have shown that sharing a meal with those we don’t see eye to eye with helps bridge differences. There is much we can do. As Arlie Russell Hochschild writes in Strangers in Their Own Land, many of our fellow citizens from the red states feel they have been forgotten. Finding ways to engage with them is one of my intentions. If there are any who share this intention to make a better world, let’s meet and start the work. Bill Hutchins can be reached at Bill@ HeliconWorks.com. For more info about Bill, his work and his upcoming workshop, visit HeliconWorks.com. See ad, page 27. natural awakenings
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greenliving NewenHouse photo by Taffline Laylin
It costs slightly more on a monthly mortgage to build a home that costs far less per month to operate.
ECO-FRIENDLY HOME BUILDING Innovations Boost Energy Efficiency by John D. Ivanko and Liam Kivirist
Smart, innovative, technological breakthroughs are making buildings more energy-efficient, healthier to live in and highly attuned to our connected world.
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omeowners continue to be interested in green building options because they help foster a healthier, more comfortable and affordable home—and it’s good for the environment,” says Dan Chiras, Ph.D., of Gerald, Missouri, founding director of the Evergreen Institute and author of The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy.
Panel Insulation
“Structural insulated panels in walls, roofs and floors dramatically reduce air leakage and heat loss through thermal bridging, or heat conduction through framing materials, facilitating a more energy-efficient home that can maintain comfortable temperatures with lower fuel bills than a conventionally built home,” advises Chiras. Find manufacturers via the Structural Insulated Panel Association at sips.org.
Efficient Heat Recovery
“The energy recovery ventilator, or ERV, ensures fresh air in tightly sealed homes 22
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with little heat loss,” adds Chiras. The UltimateAir RecoupAerator, a wholehouse air filtration ERV, also flushes out harmful airborne pollutants commonly found in residences, replacing them with clean, fresh, healthy air.
Solar Monitor
“Many solar energy users want to monitor their system using their computer, tablet or smartphone through advances in energy software,” says Allison Lindquist, with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), which hosts the Annual Energy Fair and sustainable living event every June in Custer, Wisconsin. “One highlight last year was PacketFlux Technologies’ SiteMonitor.” “When a homeowner views their energy monitoring data, they quickly begin seeing the correlation between their energy consumption and production,” says Leon Dulak, the MREA site manager. “The direct correlation drives them to change how they live and use energy.”
NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
~Dan Chiras Energy Storage
Tesla Motors does more than produce high-end electric cars and solar shingles. The company is also on the cutting edge of future energy storage. Tesla’s new, compact Powerwall 2 battery system, complete with inverter, can power an average two-bedroom home for 24 hours. Chiras says, “Utilities throughout the nation are cracking down with special fees on solar-home owners that occasionally pull electricity from the grid. I think more people are going to opt to go off-grid or install a Tesla battery to provide nighttime power to preempt this. It’s easier to maintain than a standard lead-acid battery, and should last as long. When its useful life is over, the homeowner returns it to the company.” “Saltwater-based batteries for homeowners are coming up,” observes Clay Sterling, assistant professor of electrical technology at Kankakee Community College, in Kankakee, Illinois. “The batteries from Aquion Energy are nontoxic, safe and recyclable.” Their Aspen series of aqueous hybrid ion batteries contain neither heavy metals nor toxic chemicals and are non-flammable and non-explosive, adding to their safety.
Home Plans
Building green gets easier with green home plans. The prototype, superinsulated, 970-square-foot NewenHouse sustainable home in Viroqua, Wisconsin, is about 50 percent smaller and more than 80 percent more energy efficient than the average American home. The plans-and-services package for the Passive House-certified NewenHouse home features double walls for insulation and a super-efficient heat recovery ventilator. Four different home plans are available for houses under 1,000 square feet. John D. Ivanko is co-author of ECOpreneuring. Liam Kivirist captures the latest technology news on TechSocket.net.
HOME TECH UPDATE Nest Smart Thermostat
Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat replaces the old thermostat and immediately starts saving energy and money. Partnered with a smartphone, custom settings will lower the temperature at night, warm up the house upon waking and reduce heating or cooling swings when owners are away. On average, people save 10 to 12 percent on heating bills and 15 percent on cooling bills according to Energy Trust of Oregon research, with the device often paying for itself in less than two years.
Blueair Purifier
Leveraging a mix of filters, ionizers and fans, the Blueair HEPASilent air purification system captures 99.97 percent of particles down to 0.1 micron. A range of sizes are available to suit different spaces.
Haiku Light
The Haiku Light fixture from Big Ass Solutions brightens when someone enters a room and turns off when it detects the absence of movement. The light-emitting diode (LED) fixture produces 50 percent more light than a typical 15-watt compact fluorescent light (CFL).
Natufia
The Natufia Kitchen Garden is a fully automated vertical garden that easily fits into a kitchen area. Natufia manages the non-GMO, certified organic seed germination, watering, nutrient needs, humidity control and light cycles, freeing the gardener to simply pick and savor year-round fresh produce. While pricey, it provides an option for urbanites that both lack outside growing space and prioritize convenient healthy eating.
Smart Robot
This handy droid vacuums up dust mites, allergens, pet hair and dirt. iRobot’s Roomba 880 detects debris, maneuvers around most furniture and curtains, features a high-efficiency particulate air filter to suck up the small stuff, works on a variety of surfaces and automatically plugs itself in to recharge.
Self-Cleaning Toilets
The bowl of Toto’s MH wall-hung, high-efficiency toilet with powerful 3-D dual flushing is coated with a nanotechnology glaze that seals the porcelain with an ionized barrier; its non-porous surface repels visible and invisible waste. The company’s smart toilet model also cleans itself.
If you wisely invest in beauty,
it will remain with you all the days of your life. ~Frank Lloyd Wright
Amicus Green Building Center
I
magine a wonderfully designed space reflecting your style and your values, plus it doesn’t smell. A great thing about building green is that it does so many key things for you: fosters healthier air, water and materials; avoids dangerous chemicals; uses less energy; spaces are quieter and more comfortable; adopts the latest technologies; is gentle on our environment; and raises property value—whatever your style is. Amicus Green Building Center, with its showroom in Kensington, Maryland, is a design center and home improvement store that helps to make all this possible. Its mission is to “help people live, work, play and pray in sustainable, comfortable, healthy, affordable and responsible buildings.” It is commonly thought that building green is more complicated or expensive than “conventional” materials or projects. It’s critical to understand that building green doesn’t have to be that way. Appropriate materials, standards and professionals are readily available at Amicus for nearly any project. Working with projects of all sizes— from a simple paint job or refinishing a deck, remodeling a kitchen or bath, all the way to building a new house—Amicus works with homeowners, architects, contractors and more to achieve their goals. People often ask if building green costs more. Cost more than what? The folks at Amicus can easily answer with a resounding “No, green does not cost more than other well-designed and built projects. Of course, you can spend more on high-profile features and fancy brands. And, you can build cheaper with inferior materials and designs. But, with a well-executed plan and materials selection, you can enjoy a beautiful, high performing ‘green’ space and keep your budget intact.” Location: 4080 Howard Ave., Kensington. For more information, visit AmicusGreen.com. See ad, page 25.
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MEDICAL MASSAGE
Targeted Therapy for Specific Ills by Linda Sechrist
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Try to leave the
Earth a better place than when you arrived. ~Sidney Sheldon
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haron Puszko, Ph.D., founder of the Daybreak Geriatric Massage Institute, in Indianapolis, teaches and certifies massage therapists working in assisted living, long-term care and memory care facilities. She relates, “These individuals appreciate not only the physiological benefits of massage but also having a therapist touch and address them by their names. A 105-yearold woman jokes, ‘Now that they’ve figured out how to keep us alive for so long, they don’t know what to do with us. Thank God for massage therapy.’” Specialty certificate programs such as Puszko’s, representing advanced education and training within a modality qualified as therapeutic massage and bodywork, are benefitting both massage therapists and clients. Some outcomebased specialty modalities considered as requirements for specific populations such as seniors, athletes, infants and cancer patients and survivors, are referred to as “medical massage”. The nonprofit National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork provides an accredited, voluntary certification beyond entry-level state licensure. To maintain their status, therapists must complete 24 hours of
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continuing education and 100 hours of work experience, and pass a criminal background check every two years. The certifying board also approves continuing education providers that teach specialty techniques, including integrative health care, sports massage and military veteran massage. The result is therapies administered according to a national standard of excellence requisite for therapists working in collaboration with doctors, chiropractors, wellness centers, retirement care communities and other medical settings. Puszko, an approved provider who founded her service in 2000, offers beginning and advanced weekend workshops for therapists on the complexities of physiological changes and technical skills required to work with geriatric or senior clients. She works from three offices in upscale retirement communities and teaches approved continuing education curricula throughout the U.S. and internationally. “Although the skills I teach are not taught in massage school, they are in demand at independent and assisted living facilities where massage is considered a vital aspect of health care,” says Puszko. “Older Americans repre-
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healingways
sent the greatest challenge to massage therapists. For elderly residents, stretching and pulling on delicate skin and joints, as well as pushing one’s elbow into gluteus maximus muscles, are unacceptable approaches.” She explains that they might be called upon for a range of needs from helping prepare a 70-year-old marathoner for a race to reducing the stress of an exhausted hospice patient. Geri Ruane is one of four founding directors of Oncology Massage Alliance, in Austin, Texas. She manages the operations for this nonprofit created in 2011 to help therapists that volunteer to administer complimentary hand and foot massage therapy to cancer patients and caregivers in chemotherapy infusion rooms and prior to radiation treatment. The alliance offers financial assistance to licensed massage therapists for advanced training through approved third-party oncology massage classes and provides hands-on experience with cancer patients. Ruane defines the essential aspects of an oncology massage therapist’s (OMT) skill set. “A properly trained therapist has an informed understanding of the disease itself and the many ways it can affect the human body; the side effects of cancer treatments, such as medications, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation; and the ability to modify massage techniques in order to adapt accordingly. Our main purpose is to reduce stress and provide emotional support for cancer patients and caregivers in radiation and infusion rooms.” For example, an OMT will ask a patient about their cancer treatment history, including particulars of related individual health issues, prior to the massage. Hospitals in 35 states and Washington, D.C., now offer massage therapy to individuals during cancer treatment. MK Brennan, president of the Society for Oncology Massage, created in 2007, in Toledo, Ohio, is a registered nurse with a longtime practice in Charlotte, North Carolina. Brennan observes, “In nursing school, I was taught how to give a back rub, an aspect of patient care once provided by all nurses, but no longer part of a nurse’s education. It now appears that there could be a resurgence of interest in of-
fering massage therapy in hospitals that would encompass more medical aspects and require modified techniques for different patient populations.” In addition to oncology and geriatric massage, other select massage therapy modalities such as orthopedic, bodywork, Asian techniques and those related to pregnancy, infant and child health care as well as other special needs require advanced education and training.
Before making an appointment with a massage therapist/bodyworker for a specific type of help, inquire about their knowledge, experience, training and continuing education. Ask about additional credentials above entry-level core education that are specific to special needs. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.
natural awakenings
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massagespotlight
Massage for Surgery and Recovery by Bill Getz
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any people who have undergone a surgical procedure are left with some pain or even loss in their range of motion. There are many factors which could be creating these sensations. One of those is the scar tissue formation that has developed at deeper levels in the body. Take, for instance, any surgery on the neck or lower back that deals with opening things up to the level of reaching the spine. In such instances, the work performed by the surgeon is necessary and complete, yet it can leave behind an amount of scar
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tissue that develops in the healing process that might become problematic months following recovery and rehab programs. Scar tissue formation caused by neck and back surgery can be extremely painful, limit mobility and flexibility and greatly diminish quality of life. Extensive scar tissue production is typically associated with the long incisions and other tissue damage caused by traditional open spine surgery. The deeper, hidden scarring around muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments may generate significant symptoms. Keep in mind that as scars mature,
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Proper timing on intervention is important (and maybe even paramount) to affecting a better result from getting this type of work done. The sooner a massage therapist can begin to work on this issue, the less they must deal with chronically thicker and tougher scars. Seek out therapists who have had continuing education and experience with this type of work. they contract. Scar tissue loves to do its job in an overstated sense. The body does not generally lay down scar tissue (collagen fibers) in the exact proportion needed to adequately and fully heal an area that has been disrupted by a surgical procedure that involves deeper tissue levels in our bodies. Instead, the body likes to overproduce the amount necessary, and it also does not direct how those fibers arrange themselves to produce an effective and functional scar. So think of the resultant scar looking more like a bubble gum patch. No real direction to its mass and often distributed unevenly. If you have a large scar on your skin, take a close look at the multiple directions of the new layers. If you don’t have any to compare, just do a Google image search on scars. Now, as stated earlier, these may be unsightly on the skin level, but create no problem with movement restriction or pain in doing so. The problem can arise, however, at the layers that have healed between the underside of the skin and the deepest penetration of the scalpel. A surgeon may have to cut through three or four muscle layers (and the corresponding fascia) to reach the offending part in
need of repair. A few therapies like stretching or swimming may provide a benefit in helping to eliminate some of this build up. Another therapy which may be even greater benefit is in receiving massage therapy for the offended area. Massage may help to break up the adhesions and fibrosities that are not functional and causing restriction in the surgically repaired areas. Not all scarring fibers lay themselves down in the most functional line and, as one can imagine, these new fibers will never resemble the original structure in the area. There is a certain level of “whispiness” to these ill-aligned fibers which massage can help to reduce, while leaving the functionally strong, in-line fibers intact. Proper timing on intervention is important (and maybe even paramount) to affecting a better result. The sooner a massage therapist can begin to work on this issue, the less they must deal with chronically thicker and tougher scars. Seek out therapists who have had continuing education and experience with this type of work. It is one therapy that may prove to be a non-invasive technique that is cost effective and have fewer side effects when compared to taking drugs to cover up the symptom of pain. Bill Getz is a licensed massage therapist and instructor at the Potomac Massage Training Institute, with more than 20 years of experience working in the field of soft tissue therapy. He specializes in orthopedic massage/ evaluation, neuromuscular therapy and myofascial release. For more information, visit pmti.org. See ad, page 29.
Earth Day should encourage us to reflect on what we are doing to make our planet a more sustainable and livable place. ~Scott Peters natural awakenings
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naturalhealing
Become an Educated Consumer Learning to Read Food Ingredient Labels by Dr. Isabel Sharkar
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t’s vital to learn how to read food labels and separate healthy food from the junk. You may discover that most packaging on food is filled with empty promises, with words like “natural”, “natural flavors”, “no added sugar”, “fresh”, “light” and “multigrain.” Manufacturers are often dishonest about their health claims on labels, by using claims that are misleading and false. Unfortunately, the
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name of the game is selling products. The basic requirements on food packaging begins with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic and non-GMO food labels. If the packaging has both of these labels, proceed to the ingredients list. It’s more important to read ingredients than to count calories. Product ingredients are listed by quantity, from highest to
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lowest amount. The first ingredient is what the manufacturer used the most of. The first three ingredients are the most important because they are the largest part of what you are eating. If the ingredients list is longer than two to three lines, it’s likely highly processed, so opt for a short ingredients list. If you see ingredients you cannot pronounce, put the product back and walk away. Food manufacturers have a lot of tricks up their sleeves. They change the names of ingredients that have received a bad reputation, so oftentimes you are eating the same toxins that just have different names. One would think that all the ingredients are monitored and good for us if they make it to our shelves—entrusting that these governing bodies have our best interests at heart. The sad truth is that there is a lot of vested interest in commercializing these chemical ingredients. Most of the research used to establish safety is also done by the industry itself. What will these toxic chemicals from processed food do to us over time? Thousands of food additives are added to U.S. foods. There are seven you want to specifically watch out for: high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), synthetic trans fats, artificial flavors, monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners and preservatives. For example, there is a difference
between strawberry flavor and actual strawberries listed as an ingredient. Did you know that strawberry flavor might contain nearly 50 chemical ingredients? Furthermore, every year, food manufacturers pour 15 million pounds of artificial food dyes into U.S. foods. In July 2010, the European Union began to place warning labels on foods with artificial food dyes, stating that the food may have “an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” The British government asked food manufacturers to remove most artificial colors from foods. In the U.S. we have to look out for ourselves. Many nutrients are lost and fibers removed when foods are processed. To make these foods more palatable, food manufacturers add back in the nutrients, color, flavor and texture to make it more appealing and tasty. By lengthening the shelf life of foods through preservatives, companies are able to be more profitable. When it comes to sugar, let’s just face it, there’s no such thing as sugar-
free! There are many different kinds and names of sugar. A food sweetened with “sugar alcohols” can say “0 grams sugar” on the nutritional label, yet if the product is labeled “sugar-free” or “no added sugar,” the manufacturer has to list the sugar alcohol count separately. Furthermore, consuming artificial sweeteners like aspartame, a neurotoxin, leads to even greater weight gain than consuming table sugar. The amino acids of aspartame attack your cells, cross the blood brain barrier to attack your brain cells and create a toxic cellular overstimulation, called excitotoxicity, similar to MSG. Did you know that Splenda (sucralose) can destroy 50 percent of your beneficial gut flora? If a product contains less than one gram of trans fat per serving, it can be listed as containing “zero trans fats.” If you are eating multiple servings a day, this can really add up. God forbid anyone is still using Crisco for cooking. Trans fats interfere with basic cell membrane function, which may eventually lead to car-
diovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Many restaurants use synthetic vegetable oils (hydrogenated vegetable oils) to prepare food and if you eat out a lot it’s likely your trans fat consumption is high. There is no safe upper limit established for trans fats. Additionally, vegetable oils like canola, corn and soybean oil are likely genetically modified and contaminated with glyphosate. To make a long story short, our food is being tainted with ingredients we hope and trust to be good for us. The reality is that nothing could be further from the truth. Money talks and our wallets are our ultimate vote. By choosing wisely where we spend our dollars, we have the opportunity to thrive and bypass the business of being sick. Isabel Sharkar, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician and co-owner of Indigo Integrative Health Clinic, in Georgetown. For more information, call 202-298-9131 or visit Indigo HealthClinic.com. See ad, page 2.
Potomac Massage Training Institute Educating future leaders in massage therapy and transforming the health of the Washington, DC metropolitan community for 40 years! Classes begin every March and September – Celebrating our 40th Anniversary in 2016! Summer Offerings include: The Most Exceptional 600+ Hour Professional Training Program with a 100% National Exam Pass Rate! Continuing Education for Professional MTs and Beginner Massage Workshops for the Community at Large Clinic Appointments Available 7 Days a Week: 1 HR Student Massage $39 ~ Graduate Massage $59 Fieldwork Participants and Volunteers Available for Community Outreach and Events Community Workshop Offerings in Yoga, Meditation, The Connection Practice and Respectful Confrontation Massage Therapy Supplies, Books and CD’s for Licensed Therapists and the Wellness Oriented Consumer
PMTI is one of the largest local retailers of Oakworks, Biotone and Young Living Essential Oils! We carry an exceptional selection of music, books and supplies to enhance your massage education and practice. We are your immediate massage supply resource in the Washington Metropolitan area — Visit us today at our beautiful new campus!!
8380 Colesville Road, Suite 600 - Silver Spring, MD 20910 – (202) 686 -7046 – www.pmti.org natural awakenings
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healthybody
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
Is Your Gut Irritable? by Elizabeth McMillan
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pril is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness month. IBS is a common disorder, affecting as much as 15 to 20 percent of the population. It is characterized as a chronic gastrointestinal disorder causing a combination of symptoms. Some of the symptoms include abdominal cramping, pain, gas, bloating and constipation and/or diarrhea. Besides gut symptoms, IBS can cause headaches, skin problems, inability to lose weight, depression and anxiety. Doctors will diagnose a person with IBS if they have been experiencing a variety of symptoms for a year or more with no significant improvements. Unfortunately, IBS is a catchall diagnosis for poor gastrointestinal health. This means that if one is experiencing an array of gut symptoms with no specific cause or improvements,
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Western medicine will diagnose a person with IBS without finding the root cause. For anyone dealing with IBS, this can lead to years of frustration. Western medicine believes that the cause of IBS is unknown. However, by examining the root cause of the symptoms, IBS can be treated holistically. One of the most common root causes of IBS is gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis is simply the gut microflora or bacteria out of balance. In a healthy gut, there are more beneficial bacteria than pathogenic bacteria, however dysbiosis inverses this relationship. When an imbalance occurs and the gut’s beneficial bacteria diminish and the pathogenic bacteria flourish, gut dysbiosis occurs. Another common cause of IBS is food sensitivities or food intolerances. A food sensitivity is different from a
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food allergy. Food allergies occur due to an anaphylaxes reaction of the immune system involving a specific antibody response. This response creates an immediate reaction like swelling. On the other hand, food sensitivities occur in the digestive tract and primarily cause digestive problems. A food intolerance, or delayed hypersensitivity, creates a response when antibodies are triggered in response to the ingested food. When this food is ingested, the immune system dispatches white blood cells to the digestive tract, causing a plethora of unpleasant symptoms. Over time, food sensitivity can damage the digestive tract, causing a wide array of symptoms. The other most common cause of IBS is stress. Part of the nervous system wraps around the digestive tract like a giant web. This is called the enteric nervous system and is also known as the body’s second brain. When we are stressed, the webbing coils tightly around the digestive tract causing symptoms of IBS like abdominal cramping, constipation or diarrhea. Interestingly, serotonin, a neurotransmitter that naturally stabilizes mood and emotions is primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract. There is a slippery balance between IBS symptoms and our mood. Stress and anxiety can cause IBS and IBS can cause stress and anxiety. Dysbiosis, food sensitivities and stress are some of the most common causes of IBS and understanding the root cause is the beginning of healing from irritable bowel syndrome. Healing IBS and eradicating the symptoms can be done effectively through the “Four R” program. This program removes foods that cause inflammation, replaces nutrients necessary for a healthy gut, repairs the gut inflammation and damage and re-inoculates the gut with good bacteria. The “Four R” program, combined with lifestyle modifications like diet and stress reduction, has shown to eliminate the frustrations of IBS. Elizabeth McMillan, MS, CNS, LDN, is an integrative nutritionist at Rose Wellness, in Oakton, VA, where she uses a gut program in order to heal many digestive issues. See ad, page 12.
leadingedge
Primary Care A Holistic Approach by Robin Fillmore
H
ealthcare is in the forefront of the news lately and one may be wondering what will happen in the future. The last administration dubbed it “Affordable” and now the government is calling healthcare “American”. But really, isn’t healthcare between the patient and the doctor and regardless of what it is called, isn’t the quality of care the most important thing? Integrative physicians take time to get a thorough and detailed picture of the whole person, and their physical and emotional needs. Integrative practitioners must listen to their patients: What are the health concerns? How are you managing those issues? What about stress? Stress plays a big role in the management of chronic and acute disease and emotional well-being. What does the diet look like? Probing questions and appropriate lab testing help the physician get to the root
cause of health issues. This holistic approach to primary care cannot be accomplished in a 20-minute appointment. A patient’s health status is affected by multiple factors, and an understanding of those factors in an initial one-hour appointment will help create a better treatment plan. Treatment options in the holistic primary care model blend traditional care with the best of complementary and alternative therapies from around the world to help the patient achieve optimum wellness, not just freedom from disease. It may include pharmaceuticals, supplementation or therapies to help the patient feel better, but lifestyle and nutritional changes are often necessary to gain the most benefits as one moves toward a better health status. Dawn Cannon, M.D., M.S., one of the integrative physicians at National Integrated Health Associates (NIHA)
suggests, “You are not your problem list, and your diagnoses are labels that usually point to underlying nutritional, assimilation (digestion and metabolism), structural, environmental, genetic, behavioral, physical, hormonal, energetic and/or spiritual issues that will respond, when correctly identified and treated. Finding the root causes of your health issue is a tenet of integrative medicine.” When moving to a model of care with a holistic practitioner, many people may wonder if they still need a primary care physician. The answer depends on the person and the complexity of their health issues. Some may be fine with a holistic primary care physician, and appreciate the patient-centered model of addressing the whole person. Others may have complex medical issues and it may be more beneficial for the holistic practitioner to work in conjunction with the conventional practitioner in order to coordinate patient care. Whether one is looking for an annual checkup, managing a chronic disease, improved health status or a better sense of wellness, the patientcentered holistic primary care approach will focus on the whole person, not just the disease or symptoms. The holistic primary care providers will be a partner and guide in helping achieve health goals. Dawn Cannon, M.D., M.S., is a physician at National Integrated Health Associates (NIHA). She practices integrative medicine: adult primary care and preventive medicine, approached holistically. To learn more about holistic primary care with NIHA, visit Nihadc.com/Health-Programs/HolisticPrimary-Care.html. See ad, page 5.
Today, 88 of the Fortune 100 companies have mandated Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design as their standard. ~Mahesh Ramanujam natural awakenings
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inspiration
Dar Williams
on Singing, Festivals and Community Building by Robin Fillmore
A
recent New Yorker magazine bestowed upon pop-folk artist, Dar Williams, the title of “one of America’s very best singer-songwriters.” A thoughtful musician who has made it her mission to challenge destructive forces in our world through story-telling and song, Williams is a frequent performer in the greater D.C. area. In addition to her nine studio releases, she is working on a book about the rise of community spirit and the common good. Recently, D.C. publisher Robin Fillmore had the opportunity to sit down with Williams to explore her thoughts on making a positive difference.
a core statement—sustainability, justice and education and creative freedom have always been my main causes. It’s like a race—democracy versus capitalism. When democracy leads, capitalism follows, you’ve got generations of kids buying Crosby, Stills and Nash albums and are calling out the war machinery. Capitalism follows democracy. When you go the opposite direction, you watch pipelines being built and treaties being broken and voices being silenced. This is a moment when the people’s voice is poised to outpace this unfettered greed. Every one of those moments need to be amplified.
U.S. folk singing gives voice to people and stories often unheard; where do you focus and why?
What inspires you to make building community a theme for you?
It seems like the motto of the 1960s was “What are you trying to say?” and “Did you show up?” These were important questions at the time. I chose to support certain causes by doing fundraisers and aligning myself from the stage in a generally supportive way. When it comes to nuclear power, or our nuclear power plant in the Hudson Valley, I think it should be decommissioned. When you have a stand, you should take a stand and I wish I could do it more. I’ve always said, everybody has 32
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I think that my I would say my two main thrusts would be: don’t call it building community and bridge, bridge, bridge. If we want to have interesting, resilient, unique prosperous communities, basically start with your own interests but always think toward how your interests can bring in one church, and then another church, and the senior center and local businesses—so that there’s always some way for people to plug in in the community. If you go project by project, thinking about bridges, the town will
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I’ve seen communitybuilding events that don’t have the essential material—but seem like a saccharine concept. The effective towns start a festival around something like their favorite crop— the tomato, the apple or garlic and the towns dig into the projects, creating spaces that allow people to talk about like-minded projects as opposed to creating events that just build community. move forward. I’ve seen communitybuilding events that don’t have the essential material—but seem like a saccharine concept. The effective towns start a festival around something like their favorite crop—the tomato, the apple or garlic and the towns dig into the projects, creating spaces that allow people to talk about like-minded projects as opposed to creating events that just build community.
Is is true that you are writing a book on this? I am, it is on the idea I call “positive proximity”. The book has some of the best examples of projects for towns to become more than themselves. In so doing, these towns pull in a lot of different access points and points of interest. Like journalist and author Beth Macy said, “People and communities prosper only when they celebrate a diverse range of equal voices.” The best example I know of is Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where they celebrate Blobfest. It is a fantastic sci-fi weekend in the town where part of the 1958 film, The Blob, was filmed. It’s fun, it’s silly. It ranges from a variety show with ushers in bouffant hairdos and big dresses to serious sci-fi lectures
and screenings of The Blob. Businesses participate with their window displays and their sales. Out of that has come a culture that supports the theater where it happens. From Blobfest, they also have started a great event called the Firebird Festival. People of different backgrounds and faiths all work together to build a giant bird out of wooden pallets, and together they burn it. When the time comes for the culture or a group to say “you are more divided than you think,” which is something we can all believe in some scary part of our brains, the collective response is “we’re just fine, thank you.” In Phoenixville, projects dictate the relationships and then the relationships are just so strong that more interesting projects happen all the time.
How do audience sing-alongs change the way people experience a concert? For a long time, I was the girl with a guitar in a super silent room but I would feel that the audience became comfortable singing, dancing and moving together. Now I feel that you need to bring that element of participation into the concert and it is nice for me to know who’s there. It’s fun when they suddenly erupt into song and you didn’t expect that. Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) invited me to go to Newtown, to do a concert with the families and first responders after the Sandy Hook shooting. My first thought was, “Why do they want to hear from me, don’t they just privacy?” Peter was mystified because when people are in pain, you need to go right to them. I was wrong. He was right. To learn more about Dar Williams’ body of work and her upcoming concerts, visit DarWilliams.com.
Music is the greatest communication in the world. Even if people don't understand the language that you're singing in, they still know good music when they hear it. ~Lou Rawls natural awakenings
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moneymatters
Water Scarcity
Steps for Active Citizens by Barry Wind and Jeremy A. Pearce
H
ere in the mid-Atlantic, we enjoy, and maybe take for granted, our access to a healthy supply of clean water for drinking, bathing and watering our lawns. But around the world, 780 million people lack access to safe clean water. Two and half billion people lack access to adequate sanitation. Every 20 seconds a child dies from a waterrelated disease, according to Food and Water Watch. The water shortage can create environmental damage as well as causing wetlands to disappear, rivers to run dry and crops to wither on the vine. This, in turn, brings on regional and international conflict as states and nations fight over river and groundwater rights. And the problem is going to get worse. There are many underlying causes for this coming crisis. With climate change and changing weather
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patterns, water resources are being adversely affected through drought, flooding and disappearing glaciers and snow packs. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and human and industrial waste remains an issue in many parts of the world. The ever-increasing demand for water by industry, agriculture and a growing population strains our ability to filter and provide an adequate supply of clean, potable water. And the problem is going to get worse. Unless... we start making a difference. Just as there are many causes for water scarcity, there are many actions we can all start taking to slow down and possibly reverse this global challenge. While impacting climate change and reducing pollution are often seen as a “government” problem, we, as responsible citizens, can take the steps we’ve
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Just as there are many causes for water scarcity, there are many actions we can all start taking to slow down and possibly reverse this global challenge. While impacting climate change and reducing pollution are often seen as a “government” problem, we, as responsible citizens, can take the steps we’ve heard many times before to reduce our personal carbon footprint. heard many times before to reduce our personal carbon footprint. We can drive less and walk and bike more. We can buy less, reuse and recycle more. Most importantly, we can be much more aware of how and when we use water, cutting back where we can on unnecessary water use. We can also make a significant impact on industrial and agricultural water use by where we choose to buy our goods and services and where we choose to make our investments. For socially responsible investment investors, the focus is on how you can have a positive impact on water scarcity through your investment choices, though many of the recommendations may also be applicable to how and where you make your purchases. When you buy a company’s stock (or buy its products), you help support that company’s ability to finance operations, invest in new growth and ultimately make a profit. By targeting companies with responsible water-use policies and foregoing corporations that are not responsible water users, you are rewarding those companies that are conscientious water stewards. More directly, you can choose to invest in companies that have products and services that contribute
to sustainable water use solutions, thereby increasing their capability to grow and expand their impact. You can also participate in higher impact, community-level investment programs targeted to solve specific local water needs. As a responsible shareholder, you can also participate in shareholder dialogues and actions with company management to encourage more sustainable water practices. Water scarcity is a growing concern that is likely to get worse unless we all take action. Most immediately, individuals, families and businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and limit unnecessary water usage. As consumers and investors, we can also be much more selective in who we do business with and which companies we invest in, sending a message that water scarcity is an issue that needs to be addressed by all responsible businesses. Barry Wind and Jeremy A. Pearce are financial advisors in the Washington, D.C. area, specializing in socially responsible investing with SharePower Responsible Investing, Inc. Comments and questions can be sent to BWind@ emailsri.com and JeremyAPearce@ emailsri.com. See ad, page 35. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. Different types of investments carry varying degrees of risk and clients and prospective clients should be prepared to bear investment and original principal loss. Investing, including socially responsible investing, does not guarantee any amount of success. These are the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of Cambridge Investment Research, are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed or acted upon as individualized investment advice.
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wisewords
The Power of Personal Retreat
Ten Reasons to Choose a Retreat for Your Next Vacation by Angela Blueskies
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eople today are busier than ever. As the demands of daily life consume our time and energy, taking time for ourselves can be challenging. Many people dream about getting away from it all, traveling to a beautiful place where no one knows their name, spending their days doing things they enjoy, stress-free. While this may sound like an impossible fantasy, more and more people are abandoning typical vacation plans, instead choosing to go on retreat to find renewal in their lives. Here are 10 common reasons why: Perspective. By stepping away from the usual activities and interactions of everyday life, it is easier to see ourselves and the world in new ways. Freedom to Be. Whether alone or with a beloved friend or partner, people often go on retreat in order to suspend day-to-day responsibilities and a habitual sense of identity. With a new sense of freedom, it is possible to explore deep questions, such as “Who am I?” and “How do I want to show up in the world?” Relaxation. In spite of our efforts to
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relax, the effects of stress can accumulate quickly, which can have a negative impact on our health and well-being. Retreats offer a balance of structure and down time, and usually include opportunities to nurture oneself, including bodywork and healing arts. Exploration. Unlike tourist travel, retreats allow us to explore ourselves and the world at a slower pace, with presence and mindfulness. This allows us to experience the energy and beauty of a place in a unique and meaningful way. Positive Change. Even with the best intentions, when we’re busy it can be difficult to make lasting positive changes in our lives. While on retreat, it’s possible to set intentions and create new habits without distractions, while also receiving encouragement from leaders and peers. Transformation. Throughout our lives, inner and outer challenges inevitably arise, and can be tremendous opportunities for growth. While on retreat, there is space to explore personal issues, free from interruptions. With courage, awareness and compassion, as well as
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the support of qualified facilitators, profound transformation can occur. Spiritual Growth. In the midst of work and life demands, it’s difficult to dedicate time to contemplate life’s purpose and mysteries, and many people long to step away from daily life to find a greater sense of clarity and vision. Retreats provide the space for us to connect with core spiritual principles, allowing us to direct our lives in a more conscious way. Practice. Many retreats provide a container for cultivating personal practices that anchor us in the midst of life’s challenges. Going on retreat can be a wonderful way to establish a new practice, with ongoing guidance from experienced facilitators. It can also re-energize a longstanding practice, while connecting us with like-minded community. Pleasure. Too often, work takes precedence over pleasure, and we don’t make enough time to do the things we love. Retreats can provide the opportunity for people to make their passions a priority for a short time, bringing tremendous enjoyment. This can also inspire people to make more time in their lives to do what they love. Learning. Retreats can bring exciting new experiences and ideas that can be truly life changing, and can spark a sense of curiosity that enriches people’s lives. Sometimes, the less we know the better, and it is possible to find greater delight and inspiration when we have few expectations and an open mind. Ultimately, retreats provide the time for us to engage in self-care and exploration while letting go of life’s constant demands, and leave us feeling refreshed, renewed and connected to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives. Angela Blueskies is a visionary musician and medicine woman who has traveled the world for over a decade in search of meaning and spiritual growth. She is the Creative Director of Heart of the Mother Retreats, and leads journeys and pilgrimages to powerful healing destinations around the world. For more information, visit AngelaBlueskies.com. See ad, page 17.
healthspotlight
mal Integrative Med Spa, is a beautifully designed spa with state-of-the-art aesthetic equipment. As an integrative med spa, we bring a unique perspective to aesthetic treatments, a holistic natural solution to speed healing, which significantly reduces the downtime for all aesthetics treatments. We don’t offer massages, that’s not us. With our highly trained medical staff that understands and implements functional and holistic approaches, and with our quality state-of-the-art aesthetics equipment, we bring a unique and sophisticated perspective to aesthetic treatments.” These treatments include:
Optimal Health Dimensions and Optimal Integrative Med Spa
■ Love Your Body with permanent fat busting BodyFX, Ultrashape Power and Kybella. ■ Love Your Face which includes “A Younger You” facial rejuvenation using Fractora, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and Botox, Dysport, Juvederm and Restylan family of products Genesis IV (facial rejuvenation) and Excel V (laser for vascular and pigment lesions).
Finding Optimal Health in Fairfax
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by Suzanne Bingham
magine good health, beauty and harmony in your life! Explore a new you and boost your whole-person wellness at the medical and med spa facilities of Optimal Health Dimensions (OHD) and Optimal Integrative Med Spa (OIMS) located in Fairfax, Virginia. With Dr. Leila Zackrison, you can discover a clinical and med spa journey like no other. They have a progressive functional medical ideology with cutting- edge integrative technology and a highly trained team of professionals, both in the clinical and med spa locations. In a recent interview with Top Doctors Interviews, Inc. (which is also nationally televised to include social media), Zackrison was asked, “What type of health problems does OHD offer treatment?” Zackrison replied, “We understand the concepts of the body which helps us with many disorders such as respiratory, MS, Parkinson’s, ALS, Lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, mold syndromes, weight optimization,
rheumatoid arthritis, infectious and tick-born co-infection diseases. Many patients come to OHD having been misdiagnosed for years. We examine a patient’s physiology, genetics, biology and bio-chemistry, creating a customized treatment plan. Our goal is to identify the root cause of the illness and treat it using a combination of conventional medicine with functional, complementary and alternative therapies to accomplish the optimal wellness and vitality.” There is so much misinformation out there about integrative medicine but OHD medical professionals know, from many years of experience, that functional medicine plays a unique role in diagnosing an illness. The prevention of illnesses if evaluated early, the possible reversal of most illnesses, and management of chronic illnesses, are all possible with minimal side effects and remarkable outcomes. “What about your newly launched Med Spa?” asked the Top Doctors Interviewer. Zackrison said, “Our new spa, Opti-
■ Love Your Life seeking vitality and wellness with IV natural therapies, detoxing and chelation for heavy metals, hormone balance, weight reduction, graceful aging management, acupuncture and UVLRx. They have a wide variety of options to choose from, performed by an excellent team of medical professionals offering so much to a patient in aesthetics. At OHD and OIMS, each person’s illness is evaluated comprehensively and treated with combination therapies of the highest quality. These do not replace mainstream medicine, but simply use clinical and spa functional medicine treatments, alongside more traditional approaches to optimize each patient’s outcome, enhancing their health, vitality, sense of wellness and self-esteem. Location: 3930 Pender Dr., Ste. 260 and 280, Fairfax. Dr. Leila H. Zackrison has been serving patients in the Washington, D.C. metro area for more than 25 years. For more information, visit OptimalIntegrativeMedSpa.con or OptimalHealthDimensions.com. See ad, page 13.
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meditationspotlight
Mindfulness on Capitol Hill
belief that people in every segment of government, from local to national, might find some benefit from mindfulness training. So he began bringing in meditation professionals to lead sessions that were open to all members of Congress and their staff. I was invited two years ago after Dr. Thomas Nassif, who is adjunct faculty here at MUIH, had led a session and then reached out to Ryan’s office to recommend me. I’ve been fortunate to go and do this several times since then. There is a dedicated space in one of the congressional buildings where members of Congress and their staffers can go to meditate every week, and once a month a teacher comes in to lead a guided meditation session.
How do you lead the guided meditation sessions? Do you incorporate different methods into each session?
What Happens When a Meditation Expert Visits Congress? by Susan Larsen
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ast month, Steffany Moonaz, Ph.D., assistant director for Academic Research at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH), returned to Capitol Hill to lead a monthly meditation session for members of Congress and their staffers. This ongoing initiative was developed by Rep. Tim Ryan (OH), a champion of mindfulness and meditation practice. Content Marketing Manager of MUIH, Susan Larsen,
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recently interviewed Moonaz about her experience, and the importance mindful-based practices in today’s political landscape.
How did you get started facilitating meditation sessions for Congress? This is an initiative that was started by Rep. Tim Ryan based on his own experiences with meditation and his
NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
There are certain parameters as to what is allowed and not allowed in the sessions, in order to keep it as inclusive and accessible as possible. However, the styles of meditation vary and whoever leads a session can otherwise choose the approach that they want to use. I’ve used various meditation styles, such as concentrative meditation, choosing a single point of focus and holding attention on that focus. I’ve also used mindfulness meditation, attending to what’s happening in this moment through sensation. Additionally, I’ve used loving-kindness meditation; I think this one is particularly important in politics because it uses the intention of loving-kindness, directed toward ourselves, those we love and also those who challenge us in some way. I also try to include some of the embodied practices from yoga, like progressive relaxation, breath awareness and movement.
How do you think meditation supports members of Congress and their staffers as they navigate through a very high-stress environment with a sense of clear-mindedness?
I’ve been doing this for a few years now and whenever I mention to anyone that I lead meditation sessions for Congress, the universal response is, “Wow, they really need it!” That was true in 2015 and it’s true now. Rep. Ryan once mentioned to me, “It’s great to have people in Congress meditating, but it would be even better to have meditators in Congress.” The difference is that meditation can be something that you do every so often, or meditation can be part of who you are. It is said that meditation creates a space between the stimulus and the response. So putting that in the context of interactions among policymakers, when a situation becomes heated, they can react immediately out of emotion or habit, or they can pause and use that space to make a different choice. Mindfulness allows us to consciously choose how to respond rather than just react. Another important thing to know about meditation is that it doesn’t make you soft or uninvolved or distant. Mindfulness practice provides an opportunity to be even more effective in doing the things that matter to you because your choices are more deliberate.
How are the people who attend these sessions responding? The meditation and mindfulness sessions are overwhelmingly appreciated by the people who attend. We have people coming back, week after week, who have never meditated before and now practice it regularly. Every time I’m there, people come up to me afterward to express just how grateful they are for my visit. If this is something that I’m able to give that might impact the processes in our government in a positive way even just a little bit, then I’m grateful for the opportunity to offer this service to the country. Susan Larsen is content marketing manager of MUIH. For more information, visit MUIH.edu. See ad, page 52.
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens. ~Jimi Hendrix
greenliving
The Importance of a Green Dentist Office
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same time, it is vital s we reflect on that everyone should do this time in our what they can, in the yearly cycle—a area that they hold intime when the Earth is fluence or the area they regenerating itself and are able to affect the preparing for growth—it most. In every aspect is an excellent time to of life, we can discover reflect on Mother Earth and employ the means and all that she provides to be more sustainable in sustaining and mainDr. Terry Victor for the Earth. It does taining our presence in not matter if we do it in this world. The Earth proa dental office, at the grocery store vides us with abundant food, supplies or even as a farmer—there is a lot of us with clothing; she also provides us work to be done. with all the medicine we need to live One of the questions that is long and healthy lives. The Earth is our frequently asked of Dr. Terry Victor, home, a place where we get all that we need and where all of mankind can founder of The DC Dentist, is why it is important to create a business live and be happy. and practice that is sustainable. In the last few years, we have Why take the time and effort that is seen serious mistreatment of the required to do this? The answer is Earth. There has been an increase in quite simple: it makes the world a water, air, soil and many other types better place and helps us be better of pollution, which has added to the human beings. destruction of the planet. We, as a When the idea of what the ideal species, have contributed to that by not being as diligent caretakers as we Earth-friendly dental office would look like was being explored many should be. things came to mind. Now, most of The issue could be solved or drastically reduced if everyone all did those ideas have been incorporated into our practice. Victor and his team their part to take care of the Earth. also continue to add, refine and If we all did a little, then we would improve upon those things that will be able to accomplish a lot. It was make them even more responsible to with that idea in mind that The DC the planet. The concept of “if we all Dentist was born. It comes from the do a little we can accomplish a lot” concept,”Let us all do our part.” The has been the driving force in developDC Dentist is one of the first sustaining The DC Dentist, so they do their able dental offices on the East Coast, part in saving the planet. employing many practices in the construction as well as in the policies Location: 509 11th St., SE, Washand mission of the organization. ington, D.C. To learn more, visit When one thinks of being The DC Dentist booth at the Green sustainable or eco-friendly, a dental Festival on May 13 and 14 or visit office is usually not one of the first TheDCDentist.com. See ad, page 27. places that comes to mind. At the natural awakenings
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inthenews
The Maryland Medical Cannabis Program What’s Taking So Long? by Dr. Patricia Frye
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t has been four years since the voters of Maryland approved medical cannabis. Various setbacks lengthened the process of implementation, much to the frustration of patients and doctors alike. However, we may soon be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Initially intended to be a university-based program, it was back to the drawing board once the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University declined to participate. And who could blame them? With both institutions dependent on federal funding and research grants, possibly butting heads with the Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration, probably didn’t seem very appealing. So a year was lost as the commission revamped the program and removed the “universitybased” language. It then took time to finalize regulations and open up the application process for growers, processors and dispensaries. Being a business-friendly state, Maryland was then inundated with more than 800 applications, which further slowed down the process. The preliminary growers licenses were awarded last August, soon followed by processing licenses. The phase one licenses for dispensaries were issued in December. Still no final licenses to grow, process or dispense have been issued as 40
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the awardees undergo the second phase of licensing with background investigations and other regulatory approvals. It is everyone’s hope that the growers will receive their final licenses soon enough to start planting in the spring so that the dispensaries will open by the fall. As we near the end of the first quarter of 2017, Maryland eagerly awaits the opening of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission Patient Registry. Registering online is the first step patients must take. There is no fee to register and once registered, patients must see their doctor for approval. Any health care provider who is allowed to write prescriptions for controlled substances can register with the commission and approve patients for medical cannabis. In addition to medical doctors, nurse practitioners, dentists, podiatrists, physician assistants, chiropractors and midwives will be able to make recommendations. If a provider approves the patient’s use of cannabis, they will use the patient’s registration number and issue an online recommendation, which will be available to the dispensary via a statewide database. Dispensary access will then only require a valid government-issued photo ID. The commission will provide ID cards if the patient wishes to carry one, but there will be a charge and they are not necessary for
NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
purchasing. The medical cannabis recommendation is valid for 120 days. The Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Program will be available not only to Maryland residents, but to anyone who receives medical care in the state. Qualifying conditions include chronic diseases or conditions that result in a patient being admitted into hospice or palliative care; or a chronic or debilitating medical condition or the treatment of a chronic or debilitating medical condition that produces wasting, anorexia, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, persistent muscle spasms, PTSD or any condition that the medical provider feels would benefit from cannabis therapy. It should be known that cannabis has proven to be an effective way of treating chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain to the extent that many patients are able to dramatically wean opiate doses or stop using opiates completely. It is important for Maryland patients to remember that medical cannabis can only be obtained legally from Maryland dispensaries. This will benefit the patient in that dispensary-issued cannabis will be laboratory tested for chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, mold and other possible contaminants. While D.C. has eliminated their residency requirements, it will be many months before they accept out-of-state patients, and to date, it is not clear under what circumstances outof-state patients will be allowed to make purchases in D.C. In the meantime, patients who are considering medicinal cannabis should start by having a conversation with their healthcare provider. If their provider is unable to advise them on its effective use or is not able to make a recommendation, they may be able to recommend a colleague experienced in cannabis science and medicine who can manage that aspect of their care. For more detailed information on the MMCC program, visit the commission’s website at mmcc.Maryland.gov. Patricia C Frye, M.D., is the founder of Takoma Alternative Care, located at 6930 Carroll Ave., Ste. 412, Takoma Park, MD. For more information, call 301-328-3045 or visit TakomaCare. com. See ad, page 17.
calendarofevents
FRIDAY, APRIL 7 The Connection Practice, Part 1: Finding Peace Within – 9:30am-6pm. With Ellen Synakowski. This class will change entirely the way you understand yourself and others. Come learn lifeskills for a more satisfying life. $199. PMTI, 8380 Colesville Rd, Ste 600, Silver Spring, MD. Register: 202-686-7046 or Info@PMTI.org.
NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines.
SATURDAY, APRIL 1
THURSDAY, APRIL 6
Be a Yogi Now – 200-HR Yoga Teacher Training – 6:15am-10pm. Through June 11. BHNY’s 200-hour Teacher Training will give you all the skills needed to be an effective yoga teacher or yogi. We will explore all eight limbs of yoga. $3,000. Be Here Now Yoga, Healing and Wellness, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BeHereNowYogaDC.com/Workshops/?mobile=false &options%5Bids%5D=513&options%5Bsite_ id%5D=212346. Info: 202-643-8875 or Info@ BeHereNowYogaDC.com.
Dolphin Healing Adventure – Through April 13. Dolphin Healing Adventure on the Red Sea. Everyone who loves dolphins, and commits to the self is welcome. Price upon request. GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic and MDV-SEIA at Red Sea, Hurghada, Egypt. Register: 518-208-0509 or IkieraHealing@gmail.com. Info: IkieraHealing. com/Healing-Offers/Dolphin-Lovers.
Breath and Asana, Accuracy of Posture in Kundalini Yoga Workshop – 7:30am-5pm. Through April 2. This workshop will be taught by Simran Kaur, an expert in accurate posturing, breath and asana in Kundalini Yoga, to give you the best tools to improve your practice. $155 for one day or $215 for both days. Raj Yoga Center, 22821 Silverbrook Center Dr, Unit 160, 2nd Floor, Sterling, VA. Register: 703-376-3433 or RajYoga.org or Info@ RajYoga.org. Ortho-Bionomy: Working With the Spine – 9am-6pm. Through April 2. With Angela Cannon. You not only learn pain-reducing techniques, but body mechanics as well, while reducing the stress placed on your own body. No pre-requisites unless specified. Class is fully clothed. $325. PMTI, 8380 Colesville Rd, Ste 600, Silver Spring, MD. Register: 202-686-7046 or Info@PMTI.org. Hot Barre – 11:30am-12:30pm. New class every Saturday. $25 or members are free. Bikram Yoga Ivy City, 1510 Okie St, NE. Info: BikramYogaRiverIC.com. Constructively and Kindly Engaging in Conflict – 1-5pm. This workshop will give participants some tools to help engage constructively and compassionately with conflict and become aware of, and soften, habits that are avoidant or adversarial. $40. Peace Circle Center and The Gampopa Center at The Gampopa Center, 918 Chesapeake Ave, 2nd floor, Annapolis, MD. Info: EventBrite. com/e/Constructively-and-Kindly-Engaging-inConflict-March-18-and-April-1-2017-tickets32172366414?aff=efbevent.
MONDAY, APRIL 3 The 3rd Annual Mantra Medicine Journey – Through April 23. Online daily. For three weeks, enjoy daily sound meditation and mantra practices with the intention of staying centered and embracing peace. Includes informative emails and daily recordings. Free. Info: AngelaBlueSkies.com.
Creating Calm with Beads – 2:30-4:30pm. Join us to create a unique item of beaded jewelry that reflects your journey and vision. Beads can serve as touchstones for inner strength and carry messages of spirituality and hope. Prior beading experience is not necessary. $15 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – 6-9pm. Through April 9. This program is perfect for the avid yoga student who wants to become a yoga teacher or anyone that wants to deepen their personal practice. Scholarships available. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or Roxanne@ TheMindfulnessCenter.org. MUIH Webinar: Clean Eating: How to Start and Sustain – 7-8pm. Join us for this webinar as we explore the meaning of clean eating. What type of foods this includes/excludes and how to start incorporating this philosophy into your daily routine. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, Online. Info: Events@MUIH.edu. The Cheese Trap: Dr. Neal Barnard Dinner, Lecture and Book Signing – 7-9pm. Dr. Neal Barnard, the president and founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, will deliver a lecture and book signing on his new book entitled The Cheese Trap: How Breaking a Surprising Addiction Will Help You Lose Weight, Gain Energy, and Get Healthy. $70. GreenFare Organic Café, 408 Elden St, Herndon, VA. Register: Bit.ly/GreenFare BarnardCheeseTrap. Info: GreenFare.com.
Embodied Medicine: Our Body as a Pathway to Integrated Wellness – 11am-1pm. Learn to tune into the wisdom of your body by listening and connecting to playful movement and access the gateway to mindfulness. We will invite the body to teach us about how to assimilate our history into a broader healing experience. $20 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. Dr. Eric Pearl Presentation: The Reconnection Heal Others, Heal Yourself – 12-2pm. Join Dr. Eric Pearl for a thought-provoking discussion on the philosophy and science behind Reconnective Healing—a profound process for restoring balance, harmony and vitality to all aspects of our life. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com. Mind-Body Therapies: Clinical Applications (M290) – 6:30-9:30pm. Through April 8. Learn about the research findings on the clinical applications of meditation and other mindfulness practices including neurological, biochemical energetic and other basis for the therapeutic effects of meditation practice. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com. First Friday Hot Pilates Fitness Party – 8-9pm. $10 or members free. Bikram Yoga Riverdale Park, 6202 Rhode Island Ave, Riverdale, MD. Info: BikramYogaRiverIC.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 8 Exploring Your Inner Home – 9am-5pm. In this experiential workshop, participants will, through creative/meditative exercises, explore the dialogue between our inner process of finding "home", with our physical house. $200 (includes a consultation at your home). Bill Hutchins, Helicon Works. Register: Bill@HeliconWorks.com. Advanced Posture Series – 12:30-3pm. Bikram Yoga Takoma Park, 7324 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD. Info: BikramYogaRiverIC.com. Healing Through Your Akashic Records – 1-5pm. Akashic records are vibrational information of every soul‘s journey in form. Resolve recurring patterns, heal challenges and empower choices through a group/individual healing gathering. $35. Intuitive Wellness Center, 8996 Burke Lake Dr, Ste L106, Burke VA. Register: BillSanda@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 9
TUESDAY, APRIL 4
Kids Yoga Foundation – 11:30am-12:30pm. $12. Bikram Yoga Riverdale Park, 6202 Rhode Island Ave, Riverdale, MD. Info: BikramYogaRiverIC.com.
The Art of Spiritual Healing – 7-9pm. Tuesdays through May 23. Learn the lessons from Joel Goldsmith’s The Art of Spiritual Healing, which addresses not only physical ailments but imbalances in relationships, prosperity, business and more. $100. Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA. Register: Healing_Unity.EventBrite.com.
Healing Through Your Akashic Records – 1-5pm. Akashic records are vibrational information of every soul‘s journey in form. Resolve recurring patterns, heal challenges and empower choices through a group/individual healing gathering. $40. Soul Source, 18015 Muncaster Rd, Derwood, MD. Register: JoanneSelinske@TheSoulSource.net.
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D.C. Young Adult Cancer Meet Up and Support Group – 5-6:30pm. Meet other young adult cancer survivors in a monthly facilitated group session. This gathering is a collaborative initiative of local hospitals, health organizations and cancer support groups. A healthy meal is provided. $15 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. Yoga Nidra – 6-7pm. With Karla Kettler. $20. Bikram Yoga Riverdale Park, 6202 Rhode Island Ave, Riverdale, MD. Info: BikramYogaRiverIC.com.
MONDAY, APRIL 10 MUIH Webinar: Workplace Wellness: Developing a Culture of Health – 7-8pm. If you are interested in public health, health education, community health or health promotion, please join us to get all of your questions answered in this webinar. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, Online. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.
TUESDAY, APRIL 11 MUIH Webinar: Herbal Enthusiast to Herbal Expert – 12-1pm. Find out what it would take to move your passion for herbal medicine into a viable career. Learn about emerging jobs and more. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, Online. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.
THURSDAY, APRIL 13
specialevent Nurture Your Passion, Nourish Your Soul: Women’s Wellness Retreat
This retreat is for women who are serving, caretaking or contributing to the world and holding frustration, anger, or sadness in her heart. $495 (starting price).
Thursday, April 13 to 16 • 6pm
Healing in Service Blue Mountain Retreat Center. Register: Leora@HealingInService.com. Info: HealingInService.com/Womens-Retreat.
2nd Friday Hot Pilates Fitness Party – 8-9pm. $10 or members are free. Bikram Yoga Takoma Park, 7324 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD. Info: BikramYogaRiverIC.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 15 Embracing Earth and Sky: A Daylong Retreat – 9am-6pm. Angela Blueskies and Jen Young offer a day of yoga, sound healing, sacred circle and transformative ritual to cultivate mind/body/spirit resilience and empowerment. Includes vegetarian lunch. $120-150. Rumi Wasi Sanctuary, Harpers Ferry, WV. Info: AngelaBlueSkies.com. Holy Saturday Silent Meditation Retreat – 9am3pm. In preparation for Easter, spend the day in noble silence, meditating and creating a space to be still and listen. Love offering. Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA. Register: UnitySilentRetreat.EventBrite.com. Touch Of Massage – 10am-5pm. An introduction to Swedish massage. In just one day, you will learn how massage relaxes, heals and rejuvenates. You will work on the feet, hands, face, neck and back. $85. PMTI, 8380 Colesville Rd, Ste 600, Silver Spring, MD. Register: 202-686-7046 or Info@PMTI.org. Qigong – 2-3:30pm. With Shakta. Qigong class for beginners. Ancient Chinese practice of movements. Good for stress management. Great for self-nurturing and building a strong energy field. $15 before April 12 or $20 after. Raj Yoga Center, 22821 Silverbrook Center Dr, Unit 160, 2nd floor, Sterling, VA. Register: 703-376 3433 or RajYoga. org or Info@RajYoga.org. Unveiling Our Masks – 7:15-9:15pm. Join Saraswati Om for a special workshop to understand the shadow and our own masks. We’ll come together for a yoga asana class and in-depth explorations of our hidden sides. $28 nonmembers and $22 BHA members. Be Here Now Yoga, Healing and Wellness, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BeHereNowYogaDC.com/Workshops/?mobile= false&options%5Bids%5D=729&options%5Bsi te_id%5D=212346. Info: 202-643-8875 or Info@ BeHereNowYogaDC.com.
TUESDAY, APRIL 18 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, Online. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 Movie Night - Forks Over Knives Over Dinner – 7-8:30pm. Watch the most widely viewed documentary, Forks Over Knives, over a dinner at GreenFare. Learn how Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn joined forces after their separate journey to optimal human health. $25. GreenFare Organic Café, 408 Elden St, Herndon, VA. Register: Bit.ly/GreenFareFoK2017. Info: GreenFare.com.
THURSDAY, APRIL 20 Pain Management and Balance Your Hormones – 6pm. Join for this free educational opportunity to help you learn to recover from injuries faster, manage back pain, deal with mood swings, hot flashes and fatigue, by balancing your hormones. With Vishal Verma, DC and Sushma Hirani, M.D. Rose Wellness, 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA. Call to register 571-529-6699 or Info@ RoseWellness.com.
FRIDAY, APRIL 21 Nurturing the Mother: A Body, Mind, Spirit Approach to Pregnancy Massage with Labor, Postpartum and Infant Massage – 9am-6pm. Through April 23. With Claire Marie Miller. For massage therapists, childbirth educators, labor assistants, midwives, labor and delivery nurses and birth professional who desires a deeper knowledge of fertility, birth and massage. $525. PMTI, 8380 Colesville Rd, Ste 600, Silver Spring, MD. Register: 202-686-7046 or Info@ PMTI.org. Environmental Movie Night, Death by Design – 6:30-9:30pm. Consumers live and love their electronic gear. This movie shows the dark underbelly of the electronic industry. Free. Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, Chalice House at 9601 Cedar Ln, Bethesda, MD. Info: Contact Chris Graham at 301-717-4204 or Chraham73@verizon. 3rd Friday Hot Barre – 8-9pm. $25 or members are free. Bikram Yoga Riverdale Park, 6202 Rhode Island Ave, Riverdale, MD. Info: BikramYogaRiverIC.com.
FRIDAY, APRIL 14
SATURDAY, APRIL 22
Community Sound Bath – 7:30-8:30pm. Robert Lee will lead this deeply healing and meditative practice using modern crystal and antique metal Tibetan singing bowls that vibrate every cell in the body and clear the subtle body. $15. Be Here Now Yoga, Healing and Wellness, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BeHereNowYogaDC.com/Workshops/?mobile =false&options%5Bids%5D=723&options%5Bsi te_id%5D=212346. Info: 202-643-8875 or Info@ BeHereNowYogaDC.com.
Ayurvedic Spa and Bodywork – 9am-6pm. Through April 23. With Shoshanna DiBetta. Ayurveda is an ancient science and healing system. Basic ayurvedic principles and applications of restorative ayurvedic body treatments as well as personal self-care techniques. $325. PMTI, 8380 Colesville Rd, Ste 600, Silver Spring, MD. Register: 202-686-7046 or Info@PMTI.org.
Sound Medicine Journey Through the Chakras – 7:30-9pm. Let go of stress and relax while you are bathed in the healing vibrations of singing bowls, flute, chimes, sounds of nature and inspirational songs. $25-30. East Meets West Yoga, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna VA. Info: AngelaBlueSkies.com.
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NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
The Connection Practice Part 2: Creating Connection with Others – 9:30am-6:30pm. With Ellen Synakowski and Carol Brownson. Reviews Part 1 then goes deeper into compassionate connection. Speaking truth while empathizing when having difficult conversations that are necessary to have. $199. PMTI, 8380 Colesville Rd, Ste 600, Silver Spring, MD. Register: 202-686-7046 or Info@PMTI.org.
Inversion Playshop – 1-3pm. Join Marco to learn the secrets to going upside down. He will gently walk you through the steps to get into your first headstand, forearm balance and handstand. $28 for nonmembers and $22 BHA members. Be Here Now Yoga, Healing and Wellness, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BehereNowYogaDC.com/Workshops/?mobile=f alse&options%5Bids%5D=686&options%5B site_id%5D=212346. Info: 202-643-8875 or Info@BeHereNowYogaDC.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 23
specialevent Illuminate Frederick Mind-Body-Spirit Festival
Angel communicators, acupuncture, massage, reiki, tarot, essential oils, crystals, handmade jewelry and gifts, luxurious spa products, free workshops, and more. Free or low-cost services. Active duty and veteran military, emergency response personnel, and children 16 and under are free. $5.
Sunday, April 23 • 11am-6pm
Clarion Inn Conference Center at FSK Mall, 5400 Holiday Dr, Frederick, MD. Info: IlluminateFestivals.com
specialevent Peace Love Unity NOW
Raise the vibration through prayer, meditation, chanting and sound healing to create a change in consciousness to transform ourselves, our country and our world.
Sunday, April 23 • 1-3pm
Peace Love Unity NOW at Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. and globally via the internet. Register: PeaceLoveUnityNow.com. Labyrinth Journeys Documentary Screening – 3:30-4:30pm. This locally-produced documentary presents the stories of individuals who use seven Washington, D.C. area labyrinths as tools for healing, rehabilitation, meditation and playful exploration. Garrett Park Film Society at Garrett Park Town Hall, 10814 Kenilworth Ave, Garrett Park, MD. Info: LabyrinthJourneysFilm.com.
MONDAY, APRIL 24
specialevent OBX Spring Retreat
Experience a week of beachfront luxury and self-care beach fitness, hatha yoga, massage, meditation, kayaking, crafts and raw food demos and workshops. Delicious cuisine, green juices and fresh coconut water every day, all prepared for you in this all-inclusive retreat.
Monday, April 24 to Sunday, April 30 Register: OBXSpringRetreat.com
Laughter Yoga – 7-8pm. 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.
SUNDAY, APRIL 30 Kids Yoga Foundation – 12-1pm. Bikram Yoga Takoma Park, 7324 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD. Info: BikramYogaRiverIC.com.
TUESDAY, APRIL 25 MUIH Webinar: Careers in Health Coaching – 12-1pm. Join us for this webinar and learn how well-educated health coaches are finding more career opportunities than ever before. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, Online. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.
SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Natural Approaches to Chronic Pain: Effective Alternatives to Opioids – 8am-2pm. Prominent naturopathic doctors and speakers from Congress will discuss how chronic pain can be managed with natural and non-invasive therapies as an alternative to opioids. $249 for AANP members and $549 for non-members. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA. Register: Naturopathic.org/ChronicPainSeminar2017. Energetic Well-Being Essentials Workshops – 9am-5pm. Through April 30. This workshop is an important step in increasing your skills for clearing away the symptoms of yourself and others. The way LeRoy teaches is to “Explain, demonstrate, and then you do it.” This is the most important part of the skill-building process. Be Here Now Yoga, Healing and Wellness, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BeHereNowYogaDC.com/Workshops/?mobile= false&options%5Bids%5D=704&options%5Bsi te_id%5D=212346. Info: 202-643-8875 or Info@ BeHereNowYogaDC.com. Shrines to Love and Community – 11am-4pm. Learn strategies for increasing love in our lives and the lives of others by creating shrines using small boxes and found objects as visual reminders of this process. This workshop is designed for all ranges of artistic experience. $45 (suggested donation). CEC fee $10. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. Reiki Level 2 – 12-5pm. With Gurunater Kaur. Level 2, Energy work using hands and becoming attuned to the universal healing energy. Deepens your intuitive awareness of the energy. Reiki 2 builds on the skills. $200 before April 22 or $220 after. Info: 703-376 3433 or RajYoga.org. Spring Detox Class – 12:30-2pm. Spring time is detox time. Do your body a giant favor and cleanse with us this spring. We use a safe and effective method that is easy to do. $20. Neck Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St (Mosby building), Ste 204, Fairfax, VA. Register: 703-865-5690. Info: NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com.
Panel Discussion with Center for Safer Wireless – 2-4:30pm. Join for a panel discussion and audience Q&A about the new 5G frequency and the deployment of the small cell antennas that will be used in the U.S. for all future wireless devices and communication. Learn why some scientists are concerned about the implementation of this without proper testing. Virginia Hospital Center, 1701 N George Mason Dr, Arlington, VA. For more information, call 703-909-9936, email Info@CenterForSaferWireless.us or visit CenterForSaferWireless.us. Sound Medicine Journey Through the Chakras – 2-4pm. Let go of stress and relax while you are bathed in the healing vibrations of singing bowls, flute, chimes, sounds of nature and inspirational songs. $45-55. Sacred Circle, 919 King St, Alexandria, VA. Info: AngelaBlueSkies.com. Yoga Nidra – 6-7pm. With Karla Kettler. $20. Bikram Yoga Takoma Park, 7324 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD. Info: BikramYogaRiverIC.com.
plan ahead MONDAY, MAY 1 Spiritual Practices Class – 7-9pm. Mondays through May 22. Explore the world of spiritual practices in this experiential survey class that will include qigong, tai chi, kundalini yoga, chanting and more. $15/class or $50 in advance. Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA. Info: SpiritualPractices.EventBrite.com.
SATURDAY, MAY 6 World Labyrinth Day Workshop and Labyrinth Walk – 12-2pm. Participate in World Labyrinth Day by learning about and experiencing the spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth. Love offering. Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA. Info: UnityofFairfax.org. Rite of the Womb: An Initiation from the Amazon – 1:30-4:30 pm. This powerful energy transmission was gifted to the world by indigenous women from the Amazon, with the intention of healing the wounds of the sacred feminine and empowering the feminine presence in the world. Open to women and men. $75-95. East Meets West Yoga, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna VA. Info: AngelaBlueSkies.com.
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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
tuesday
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.
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.
Just Kids Meditation – 12:30-1pm. 30-minute class is designed primarily for 6-10-year-olds, focuses on introducing children to the fundamentals of mindfulness. Age-appropriate exercises involving the breath, sound, emotional awareness and mindful movement will be taught. First class is free. $22. Just Meditate, 4828 St, Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD. Register: JustMeditate.Studio. Info: 301-312-8080. Cancer Support Group – 6-7:30pm. 2nd and 4th Sun. This support group provides participants with the opportunity to explore their experience with cancer in a safe group setting with a trained social worker and to connect with others who are facing a similar challenge. Please RSVP by phone prior to your first visit. Free. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. Mindfulness in Recovery – 6:30-8pm. This group is open to new meditators and seasoned practitioners alike with a common interest in the intersection of Buddhist teachings and 12 Step recovery. All 12 Steppers are welcome and we ask that participants have at least 90 days of continuous recovery and a working relationship with a home 12 Step recovery group be established before attending your first meeting. This group is not a replacement for our individual 12 Step programs. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.
monday
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. Gentle Yoga – 6-7:15pm. See Mon for details. $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.
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-12:30pm. 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. Teen Sanga – 7:30-9pm. 2nd and 4th Wed. The teen sangha provides a framework for exploring one’s inner life, understanding the causes of emotional stress and realizing the possibility of inner freedom. We explore key Buddhist teachings and how they can be helpful in navigating life’s inevitable challenges. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.
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: LivingMindfully.org. Gentle Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Gentle yoga classes to help reduce stress and balance the mind, body and spirit. All experience levels welcome. $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.
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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. Gentle Yoga – 10:15-11:30am. See Mon for details. $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. Level 1 Yoga Fundamentals – 10:45-11:45am. April 20-June 29.We cover fundamental principles of Iyengar yoga with an emphasis on the standing poses. Appropriate for beginning students, students new to the Iyengar method and students who want to refine a more advanced practice. $176. Yoga 4 All Bodies, 12021 Creekbend Dr, Reston, VA. Register: 703-297-2224 or Yoga4AllBodies.com/Reston-Yoga-Schedule/#Group. Yoga - Level 1 – 11am. Work slowly and deeply with classic poses, with an emphasis on healthy alignment. Beginner or advanced come enjoy the benefits of increased flexibility and strength. Appropriate for all levels. $20. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com.
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, Dance, 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. Special guest April 7. $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 Meditation Circle and Vegetarian Potluck – 6pm. Guided meditation with music begins at 7:30. $10 (suggested donation). 12803 Twinbrook Pkwy, Ste 204, Rockville. Register: Contact Carol “Anandi” 269-365-8939.
saturday All Levels Yoga – 9:45-10:45am. April 22-June 24. Classes are developed with the needs of the students in the class in mind to develop strength, flexibility and equanimity while growing their yoga practice. Appropriate for all levels. $128. Yoga 4 All Bodies, 12021 Creekbend Dr, Reston, VA. Register: 703-297-2224 or Yoga4AllBodies. com/Reston-Yoga-Schedule/#Group. Refuge Recovery – 6:30-8pm. Refuge Recovery is a mindfulness-based recovery program and community that utilizes Buddhist philosophy as the foundation of the recovery process. Based on the Four Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path, emphasis is placed on both knowledge and empathy as a means for overcoming addiction and its causes. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.
communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com to request our media kit. ACUPUNCTURE 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 11.
VIRGINIA MITCHELL, M.AC., L.AC., DIP’L AC.
Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com
Virginia Mitchell is board-certified acupuncturist specializing in pain management, fertility support and stress reduction. She also treats other conditions including allergies, anxiety, depression, arthritis, back, neck or shoulder pain, migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, insomnia, and sports injuries. Virginia is also a trained massage therapist focusing on acupressure and zero balancing. See ad, page 12.
ACUPUNCTURE EDUCATION VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE
9401 Mathy Dr, Ste 100, Fairfax 703-323-5690 VUOM.edu Virginia University of Oriental Medicine is a private, nonprofit and accredited university offering graduate degree programs in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. They also offer licensed acupuncturists the opportunity to advance and develop their professional skills through continuing education. See ad, page 28.
ARCHITECT HELICON WORKS
7108 Holly Ave, Takoma Park 301-404-5578 Bill@HeliconWorks.com HeliconWorks.com Helicon W o r k s Architects is a green architecture and natural building collaborative in the D.C. metro area. We create healthy and ecological homes for our clients. See ad, page 27.
AROMATHERAPY MOTHER NATURE’S STORE 703-851-0087 Laina_Poulakos@hotmail.com MothersNatureStore.com
C e r t i f i e d a r o m at h e r ap i s t and herbalist offering lifestyle consultations and handmade products, including soaps, balms and beard oils. Reach a better state of body and mind. See ad, page 11.
BEDROOM FURNITURE 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 20.
CANCER SUPPORT NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES
5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com
If you are diagnosed with cancer, there are supportive treatments which may enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer and help the traditional cancer treatments work more effectively. Integrative, holistic medicine combines traditional and adjunctive complementary treatments to restore the patient to a better state of health and improve the quality of life. Whereas traditional medicine will focus on treating the tumor, the holistic approach is to focus on the patient and outcome. See ad, page 5.
CANNABIS PRODUCTS CBD REVOLUTION US
202-730-9443 CBDRevolutionUS@gmail.com CBDRevolutionUS.com We increase public awareness of hemp health/CBD that enables the mind and body to work at their optimal state thereby promoting ultimate health, wellness and longevity. We are an innovative community, passionate about empowering individuals to balance their health and wealth while becoming leaders in the cannabis movement. We spread the truth about the benefits of an amazing plant in our modern culture, teaching people how to get healthy without the high. See ad, page 15.
CATERING 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.
CHIROPRACTOR NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER DR. ALLAN TOMSON, DC
10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com Dr. Allan Tomson, DC, director of Neck Back & Beyond Healing Arts in Fairfax, VA with a satellite office in Manassas, VA. He is not your ordinary chiropractor with skills and experience in functional medicine, visceral manipulation, CranioSacral Therapy and Cayce protocols. See ad, page 11.
DR. VISHAL VERMA, DC, CCSP Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 RoseWellness.com
Dr. Verma specializes in functional ch i ropr a c t i c c are for p ai n management and active restoration of the body. He treating root causes using gentle chiropractic, physical therapy, cold laser therapy and rehabilitation for fast effective results. Dr. Verma treats back, neck, spine and joint pain, sciatica, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, and various other chronic and acute pain conditions. See ad, page 12.
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CLEANING
DENTISTRY, HOLISTIC
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 33.
COACHING
NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES
MOTHER NATURE’S STORE
5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com
703-851-0087 Laina_Poulakos@hotmail.com MothersNatureStore.com
The professional health team at NIHA is comprised of holistic medical physicians, biological dentists, naturopaths, a chiropractor and health professionals highly skilled in acupuncture, nutrition and other healing therapies. See ad, page 5.
Certified aromatherapist and herbalist offering lifestyle consultations and handmade products, including soaps, balms and beard oils. Reach a better state of body and mind. See ad, page 11.
TERRY VICTOR, DDS THE DC DENTIST
FREE YOUR VOICE
AngelaBlueskies@gmail.com AngelaBlueskies.com/Free-Your-Voice Yoga of voice workshops and private coaching that offers a refreshing perspective for people who want to release personal blocks and sing from their hearts. Also offering workshops and private coaching with a similar perspective for Native American flute. See ad, page 17.
509 11th St, SE, DC 202-544-3626 Staff@TheDCDentist.com TheDCDentist.com Dr. Victor’s practice believes patients’ needs are primary. Holistic dentistry integrates dental health with your overall health. The DC Dentist—holistic, biological and eco-friendly. See ad, page 27.
COLON HYDROTHERAPY NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER
10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com An effective method for cleansing the colon and large intestine. It helps to renew and cleanse the cells, purify the blood and give life to the digestive system. Accumulation of toxic waste materials in the body, also known as autointoxication, is the root cause of many diseases. CHT allows the body to get rid of these toxins, and is a necessary part of any type of detox program or cleanse. 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 needs. 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 17.
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EDUCATION VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE
9401 Mathy Dr, Ste 100, Fairfax 703-323-5690 VUOM.edu Virginia University of Oriental Medicine is a private, nonprofit and accredited university offering graduate degree programs in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. They also offer licensed acupuncturists the opportunity to advance and develop their professional skills through continuing education. See ad, page 28.
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.
NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
HOLISTIC NUTRITION ELIZABETH MCMILLAN, MS, CNS Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 RoseWellness.com
Elizabeth McMillan is a boardcertified clinical nutritionist specializing in functional nutrition. She believes in finding the root cause of aliments and creating a personalized dietary plan to restore optimal wellness. Elizabeth specializes in diab etes, fo o d s ensitivities, gastrointestinal health, autoimmunity and metabolic syndrome issues. Call today to see how she can help. See ad, page 12.
HOLISTIC PARENTING HOLISTIC MOMS NETWORK ARLINGTON/ALEXANDRIA CHAPTER Bit.ly/HMN-MetroDC
Supportive communities for parents following natural lifestyles with six local D.C.area chapters, Metro D.C. area chapters in Arlington/Alexandria, Burke/ Springfield, Northern Virginia/Fairfax, Loudoun in Virginia and in Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County in Maryland.
MINDFUL HEALTHY LIFE
571-358-8645 Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com MindfulHealthyLife.com Online lifestyle magazine for D. C . - are a n atu r a l minded families. Event calendar, resource directory, blog. News, events, giveaways, profiles, tips for holistic healthy living and mindful parenting.
HOLISTIC PEDIATRIC CARE NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com
Holistic pediatric and young adult care combines the healing power of traditional Western medicine with safe, complementary healing therapies. This approach addresses the whole child, not just the symptoms that brought you to the doctor, and encourages the immune system to heal naturally. See ad, page 5.
HOLISTIC PRIMARY CARE NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com
Holistic primary care is an integrative approach that treats the whole person: mind/body and spirit. A primary care provider coordinates all of the health care a patient receives. This total patient care considers the physical and emotional needs of the person and how health issues may be affecting those needs. Whether you are coming in for an annual check-up or managing a chronic disease, we focus on the whole person, not just your disease or symptoms. We consider lifestyle, nutrition and stress management and put together a treatment plan to help you attain an optimum level of wellness. See ad, page 5.
HOME IMPROVEMENT AMICUS GREEN BUILDING CENTER
4080A Howard Ave, Kensington, MD 301-571-8590 • Info@AmicusGreen.com AmicusGreen.com A design center and home improvement store that creates fresh spaces--fresh designs, fresh air and water--to foster better buildings. See ad, page 25. parenting.
HOMEOPATHY
MICHAEL LISS
Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com
Michael Liss is a Doctor of Classical Homeopathy and an integrative health practitioner. He specializes in using homeopathy to help you find relief from various emotional and physical health problems including addictions, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, allergies, asthma, childhood ailments, migraines, hair and skin disorders, immune deficiencies and sinus disorders. See ad, page 12.
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE SUSHMA HIRANI, MD
Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com Dr. Sushma Hirani uses an integrative approach to wellness, utilizing conventional medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies. She strives to treat the whole person an d e mph a s i z e s nut r it i on , preventive care and lifestyle changes. Dr. Hirani specializes in the treatment of chronic issues such as hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, menopause and women’s health issues. Patients love her compassionate care and personalized attention. See ad, page 12.
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 2.
ALEX LEON, MD
Integrative Family Physician Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Dr. Alex Leon is a board-certified family physician specializing in integrative functional medicine to help restore and maintain your wellbeing. He has a special interest in men’s health care, chronic pain syndromes including musculoskeletal problems, fibromyalgia, bioidentical hormone replacement for men and women, chronic conditions including hypothyroidism, gastrointestinal disorders and allergic disorders. He treats kids too. See ad, page 12.
NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES
5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 NIHADC.com The professional health team at NIHA is comprised of holistic medical physicians, biological dentists, naturopaths, a chiropractor and health professionals highly skilled in acupuncture, nutrition and other healing therapies. See ad, page 5.
OPTIMAL HEALTH DIMENSIONS
3930 Pender Dr, Ste 260 & 280, Fairfax 703-359-9300 OptimalHealthDimensions.com We offer integrative medicine lead by Dr. Leila H Zackrison, MD. Along with offering modern medicine and technologies, we offer time tested, powerful, profound healing techniques developed centuries ago. This is what makes us uniquely effective in the ever-expanding region of health care. See ad, page 13.
ROSE WELLNESS CENTER
2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com Suffering from chronic pain, fatigue, allergies, stress? Whatever your health challenges, Rose Wellness Center can help you get on the path to real wellness. We help identify hormone, metabolic, digestive, nutritional and food sensitivity issues to get to the root cause of your health problems, where true healing begins. Our services include digestive and women’s health programs, hormone balancing, acupuncture, Lyme treatment, homeopathy and thyroid management. See ad, page 12.
TAKOMA PARK ALTERNATIVE CARE 6930 Carroll Ave, Ste 412, Takoma Park 301-328-3045 Info@TakomaCare.com • TakomaCare.com
Pediatric and adult evaluations for D.C. and MD by certified medicinal cannabis specialist. Tr e a t m e n t / d o s i n g recommendations; nonp s ycho a c t ive proto c ols available. No residenc y restrictions for MD program. See ad, page 17.
MASSAGE POTOMAC MASSAGE THERAPY INSTITUTE 8380 Colesville Rd., Ste. 600 Silver Spring 202-686-7046 • PMTI.org
Whether you are looking for a new career, interested in continuing your education to expand your knowledge as a massage therapist, or drawn to take an introductory class on massage and bodywork for yourself, family and friends— come join the circle at PMTI. Classes and workshops available, as well as $39 student and $59 graduate 1-hour massages. See ad, page 29.
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MASSAGE INSTRUCTION POTOMAC MASSAGE THERAPY INSTITUTE 8380 Colesville Rd., Ste. 600 Silver Spring 202-686-7046 • PMTI.org
Whether you are looking for a new career, interested in continuing your education to expand your knowledge as a massage therapist, or drawn to take an introductory class on massage and bodywork for yourself, family and friends— come join the circle at PMTI. Classes and workshops available, as well as $39 student and $59 graduate 1-hour massages. See ad, page 29. .
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
TAKOMA PARK ALTERNATIVE CARE 6930 Carroll Ave, Ste 412, Takoma Park 301-328-3045 • TakomaCare.com Info@TakomaCare.com
Pediatric and adult evaluations for D.C. and MD by certified medicinal cannabis specialist. Tr e a t m e n t / d o s i n g recommendations; nonpsychoactive protocols available. No residency restrictions for MD program. See ad, page 17.
MEDICAL SPA OPTIMAL INTEGRATIVE MED SPA 3930 Pender Dr, Ste 260 & 280, Fairfax 703-865-5577 OptimalIntegrativeMedSpa.com
A natural and integrative approach to whole-body aesthetics. As an integrative med spa, we bring a unique perspective to aesthetic medicine with a holistic approach. By combining functional medicine approaches to aesthetic treatments, we improve outcomes and reduce down time. See ad, page 13.
MURAL PAINTING MAGIC WAND MURALS
7417 Cedar Ave, Takoma Park, MD MagicWandMurals@gmail.com MagicWandMurals.com • 513-259-4842 Artist Nancy Illman empowers clients of all ages to create a room of their dreams, painting murals based on the fondest wishes of their imagination.
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NATURAL LIVING RESOURCE MINDFUL HEALTHY LIFE OF METRO DC
Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com MindfulHealthyLife.com • 571-358-8645 Blog, calendar and directory for natural living, holistic parenting and family wellness.
ORIENTAL MEDICINE VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE
9401 Mathy Dr, Ste 100, Fairfax 703-323-5690 • VUOM.edu Virginia University of Oriental Medicine is a private, nonprofit and accredited university of fer ing g radu ate deg re e programs in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. They also offer licensed acupuncturists the opportunity to advance their professional skills and development with continuing education. See ad, page 28.
OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT NURTURED BONES
Great Falls, VA 703-738-4230 • NurturedBones.com
Nurtured Bones provides a holistic approach to addressing osteoporosis and bone loss. Our BONES method will help you build strong, healthy bones for life. See ad, page 14.
PHYSICAL THERAPY NURTURED BONES
Great Falls, VA 703-738-4230 • NurturedBones.com Nurtured Bones provides a holistic approach to addressing osteoporosis and bone loss. Our BONES method will help you build strong, healthy bones for life. See ad, page 14.
POLARITY THERAPY NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER
Janice M Johnson NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com • 703-865-5690
NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
Allow me to join you in creating your own individualized treatment program, which provides a safe and supportive experience for your healing process, with Polarity Therapy and Swiss Bionic Solutions MRS 2000 (Magnetic Resonance Stimulation) pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF). See ad, page 11.
PRESCRIPTIONS GOLDEN HEALTH PHARMACY
46950 Community Plaza, Ste 112, Sterling, VA ElsaLam@GoldenHealthPharmacy GoldenHealthPharmacy.com • 703-430-8883 Prescriptions with personal attention (we accept all insurance). Compounding pharmacy for special medications and your pet’s special needs. 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 17.
RETREAT CENTER RUMI WASI SANCTUARY
Harpers Ferry, WV RumiWasiSanctuary@gmail.com AngelaBlueskies.com Rumi Wasi Sanctuary is located on a pristine mountaintop, overlooking the Shenandoah River Valley. Offeringcommunity circles and rituals, daylong retreats and workshops and the space for private retreats and vision quests. Located just over an hour from the Baltimore/Washington metro area.
SEVENOAKS RETREAT CENTER
403 Pathwork Way Madison VA 22727 SevenoaksRetreat.org • 540-948-6544 A serene and beautiful sanctuary for retreats where mindfulness and healing can occur. The lush grounds, forest and walking trails are inspirational and tranquil with wildlife and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains nearby. See ad, page 24.
SHIATSU THERAPIST NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER
Nathalie Depastas 10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com • 703-865-5690 Nathalie Depastas is a highly skilled acupuncturist and Shiatsu therapist with 30 years of experience in Chinese medicine, including medical qigong. See ad, page 11.
SOUND MEDICINE ANGELA BLUESKIES AND SOUND MEDICINE JOURNEYS AngelaBlueskies@gmail.com AngelaBlueskies.com
Sound Medicine events, including Sound Medicine Journeys and Gong Journeys, as well as The Power of Healing Sound workshops and trainings, as well as sacred music events and ceremonies and private S o u n d Me d i c i n e s e s s i o n s throughout the DC metro area. See ad, page 17.
SPIRITUAL LIVING UNITY OF GAITHERSBURG
111 Central Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 301-947-3626 • UnityOfGaithersburg.org Admin@UnityOfGaithersburg.org
out their potential.
We are a vibrant spiritual community awakening love, joy and abundance in all. We honor all people and inspire them to live
STORYTELLING I HEAR VOICES
Storytelling for Adults and Children 703-568-0698 S_Coti@hotmail.com • IHearVoices.biz I am a storyteller who uses world tales and original stories to delight and inspire couples, dinner party guests, families or participants in other group events. See ad, page 25.
THERMOGRAPHY NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER
10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com • 703-865-5690 Neck Back & Beyond in Fairfax, VA, offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. See ad, page 11.
ROSE WELLNESS CENTER
2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 RoseWellness.com Rose Wellness Center for Integrative Medicine offers Thermography or Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI). This noninvasive diagnostic technique creates thermal images that are analyzed for abnormalities and early signs of disease. Thermal imaging is painless, non-invasive, does not involve any compression and emits no radiation. Call today to setup your scan. See ad, page 12.
VETERINARIAN - HOLISTIC HOLISTIC VETERINARY HEALING
Pema Choepel Mallu, DVM, CVA, M.Ac. L.Ac 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 17.
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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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Washington, D.C.
Online and on campus programs muih.edu 800-735-2968 NaturalAwakeningsDC.com