Natural Awakenings Washington, D.C. May 2016

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LAGGING PREVENT FACIAL LIBIDO DEMENTIA FITNESS Natural Ways to Boost Desire

New Scientific Understandings

Exercises to Tone Your Face and Neck

May 2016 | Washington, D.C. Edition | NaturalAwakeningsDC.com natural awakenings May 2016

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There is a place just hours away where you can find peace and thrive. Where you’ll be surrounded by abundant natural beauty, clean air and space; not condos, crowds or endless traffic. Located on the Eastern Shore just over 3 hours from the DC area.

There are 23 parcels available ranging from 3 to 22 acres and priced from $60,000 to $98,000. Each is fully buildable with well & septic approvals. All are near the shoreline, some with excellent water views. Amenities include paved roads, utilities, common areas, community dock with launching ramp and a private sandy beach. Vacation now and build later, camping and RVs allowed. Ideal equestrian locale with many miles of riding trails.

Low property taxes. Protective local zoning will help preserve the area’s rural character.

Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a narrow peninsula with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Chesapeake Bay on the other. The Gulf Stream runs just offshore giving the area a nearly perfect climate with short mild winters (snow is rare). Ranked 2nd for the most sunny days on the East Coast. The land is high ground and well protected from coastal storms and flooding. This property has rich fertile farming soils and an aquifer with abundant pure water. Nearby are wineries, a food co-op, organic farms & great seafood.

Please come take a look. You might be pleasantly surprised that pristine coastal places like this still exist just a few hours away.

Call (757) 442-2171, open 7 days email: oceanlandtrust@yahoo.com website- http://waverlylots.com with pictures & plat maps 2

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22 acres $98,000 includes pond & nice trees

11 acres $60,000 great corner lot, southern exposure

5 acres $70,000 both open and wooded areas

natural awakenings May 2016

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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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刀漀挀欀瘀椀氀氀攀Ⰰ 䴀䐀 ⠀㌀ ㄀⤀ 㜀㜀 ⴀ㜀 㐀

Accessing Vibrational Awesomeness

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

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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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.

It is the month to honor our mothers and all women who have made a difference in our lives. I am so blessed to have an amazing role model in my mother, Jan Rodefer Kostan. Even though she had me and my two brothers at a young age, she graduated college after the birth of my younger brother and went on to have a career as a beloved educator (and had to be replaced with three separate people when she retired), then to run, with the precision of a Swiss watch, Robin and her mother, Jan a community choral arts society in Ohio.

When she retired from that “gig”, she served as the church secretary, while also volunteering at the local courthouse. At the moment, she is looking for the next great thing to do. There is no doubt that I get my drive, as well as my capacity to care, from my mother.

Our May issue highlights some important issues for women, such as maintaining a healthy sex life, understanding the complexities of the thyroid, learning some natural ways to maintain facial fitness, and lots of great information on aging—something that all of us (not just the women) have to face. Dr. Charles Gant provides new life-changing research on dementia and Alzheimer’s, including a free workshop on the topic in May. Dr. Craig Sanford has ground-breaking treatments on instant pain relief and will be sharing that information as a webinar in May.

This month, we have the opportunity to introduce you to one of the most amazing women in our area, if not the world. Perhaps you have already seen her on the Today Show or Oprah Prime. At nearly 80-years-young, Ernestine Shepherd rocks bulging biceps and six-pack abs, and still works as a personal trainer.

Only a few years ago, this Baltimore native was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest female bodybuilder. Our highlight shares her inspirational story and her first book, The “Ageless Journey” of Ernestine Shepherd, which is now being released.

There are some exciting things happening in May and June. We start the month at the Green Festival. With the code NADC16, get a 20 percent discount on tickets, while mothers attend free throughout the weekend. The second annual Peace Love Yoga Festival will be invading the Arts Walk in Brookland in D.C. on May 15 (PeaceLoveYogaFest.com). DC Meditates (TheMindfulnessCenter. org) is happening again this year, with Dr. Debbie Norris and Angela BlueSkies.

Natural Awakenings is partnering with The Mindfulness Center and BuddhaFest to bring meditation to the National Mall on May 21. We will be gathering for a few hours at the Sylvan Theatre, at the foot of the Washington Monument. The theme this year is “serving those who served,” in honor of Armed Forces Day.

Finally, mark your calendar for our next Healthy Living Day (HealthyLiving Expo.com) on June 4 in Rockville Town Square. We are working again with the amazing team at Dawson’s Market to bring a day for our readers and everyone in the community to meet some of the area’s best health practitioners and producers of green, healthy products.

What a perfect opportunity to learn about your health and to find balance.

Call your mother and bring her along. Have a beautiful May!

neverglossy.alwaysgreen 6

Washington, D.C.

Peace-

Robin Fillmore, Publisher

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

contents 13 8 newsbriefs 13 healthbriefs 1 6 globalbriefs 25 yogaspotlight 26 community

spotlight 16 28 dentalspotlight 29 eventspotlight 30 naturesways 34 healingways 36 leadingedge 39 womenshealth 30 40 oneonone 42 naturalpet 44 calendar 49 resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 202-505-4835 or email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com.

Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

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

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

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

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.

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 SPARK UP YOUR LOVE LIFE

Natural Ways to Boost Libido

by Lisa Marshall

20 FACIAL FITNESS Exercises to Tone Your Face and Neck

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by Kathleen Barnes

22 PREVENTING AND

REVERSING DEMENTIA

AND ALZHEIMER’S

New Scientific Understandings

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by Dr. Charles Gant

24 CANNABIS/CBD AND

YOUR THYROID HEALTH

Helping Your Body Find Balance

by Katherine Leo

30 FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Finding its Roots in Naturopathic Medicine

by Dr. Isabel Sharkar

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32 LEARNING ABOUT

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Spotlight on CannX

by Sam Hudgins

38 MARIE KONDO

ON THE JOY OF TIDYING UP

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Simplicity Invites Happiness into Our Lives

by April Thompson

42 STRESSED-OUT PETS

Natural Ways to Calm Fear and Anxiety

by Sandra Murphy

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com natural awakenings May 2016

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newsbriefs Holistic Moms Network Now In Montgomery County

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he Holistic Moms Network has recently launched a new chapter in Montgomery County, meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Agricultural History Farm Park, in Derwood. At each meeting they offer conversation and speakers on a variety of holistic lifestyle topics.

The network is part of a rapidly growing national nonprofit organization, dedicated to connecting moms who are passionate about holistic health and green living.

“Through monthly meetings, our local chapters bring parents together in a nonjudgmental environment that honors their lifestyle and parenting choices,” says the group’s executive director Dr. Nancy Peplinsky. “For new parents who choose to raise their children holistically, having the support of like-minded parents is critical,” she says. Through a dynamic online discussion group, members of the group share life-changing information and advice on a variety of topics including pregnancy, breast-feeding, natural childbirth, positive discipline, alternative medicine and all aspects of green living.

The organization, which was founded in New Jersey in 2003, currently has about 100 chapters across the United States. Moms, dads, grandparents, partners and other caregivers are all welcome to join.

Location: 18400 Muncaster Rd., Derwood. For more information, contact chapter leaders Ashley Tuck and Nicole Goldsby at MoCoHolisticMoms@gmail.com. For general information, call 877-HOL-MOMS or visit the HolisticMoms.org.

Enjoy the Premiere of Labyrinth Document at National Cathedral

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ocal filmmaker Cintia Cabib’s new documentary, Labyrinth Journeys, will premiere at Washington National Cathedral at 7:30 p.m. on May 31 as part of the Cathedral Crossroads program. The free screening will be held at the Charles A. Perry Auditorium and will include a post-film discussion with Cabib.

The film presents the personal stories of individuals who walk the labyrinth at seven locations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including Washington National Cathedral, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed, the School for Tomorrow, the American Psychological Association’s green roof, a neighborhood garden and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Adults, teenagers and children describe how they use this ancient path as a tool for healing, rehabilitation, meditation, stress reduction, spiritual awareness and playful exploration.

Between 6:30 and 9 on the evening of the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the Cathedral’s monthly labyrinth walk, accompanied by a harpist.

Location: 3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW. For more information about Labyrinth Journeys, visit LabyrinthJourneysFilm.com. To learn more about Cathedral Crossroads, visit Cathedral.org/Worship/Crossroads.shtml.

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Local Biodanza Leader Teaching at Kripalu

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ichelle Dubreuil Macek, known for leading Biodanza throughout greater Washington, D.C., will be sharing her wisdom as an instructor at the renowned holistic retreat center, Kripalu, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

The course, which runs June 19 to 22, is open to all levels of experience.

In her classes, Macek helps participants to embrace, explore and expand into a deeper connection to the present moment through Biodanza. The experience is a celebration of the Divine within as participants dive into personal transformation through music, expressive movement and heartfelt emotion. Through Biodanza, it is possible to tap into vitality, sexuality, creativity, affectivity and transcendence; open the heart space and surrender to one’s individual potential; become more aware of one’s inner compass and the wisdom of the body; as well as learn to trust instincts through the power of movement and connection to others.

Macek considers herself as a space clearer of the body, mind and spirit.

Her 14 years in Africa led her to become a Didact Biodanza Faciitator and currently the director of the school of Biodanza Maryland/DC, holding specialty training in Biodanza for organizations, Biodanza voice and percussion and Biodanza for children, youth and families. Macek mixes her movement training with skills as a Martha Becktrained life coach and adds to the mix the energy medicine of a Metta Reiki Master Practitioner. She teaches at the Life Dance Loft, in Fulton, Maryland.

For more information, visit Kripalu.org.

Lovelight Yoga and Arts Festival

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ickets are now on sale for this inaugural three-day yoga and transformational festival, founded by world music artist, Wynne Paris and co-produced by Woodstock producer, Michael Lang. The event will be headlined by kirtan superstars, Krishna Das and Trevor Hall. Close to D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia, Lovelight Yoga and Arts Festival will be held from August 26 to 28 at the 300-acre retreat, Camp Ramblewood, in Darlington, Maryland.

Lovelight will be packed with yoga classes, “playshops“ and musical performances, as well as installations, drumming, flow arts and wholesome food to fuel mind, body and spirit. Embodying the evolution of yoga culture—from the 1960s where it was first introduced to the counterculture, to the recent “studio culture” that took it mainstream, to today’s transformation community—Lovelight will be a chance to bring together all yoga and arts enthusiasts.

In addition to the headliners, the performance lineup also includes Grammy-nominated yoga music artist Dave Stringer and genre pioneer GuruGanesha, alongside an expanding roster of artists including Brenda McMorrow, TELESMA, HuDost and David Newman—in addition to DJs, bands and performance artists.

Cost: $200 for early-bird tickets (includes a campsite and three days of meals at Lovelight’s dining hall or $325 (for the dorm package, which upgrades the accommodations to a shared cabins). For more information, visit LovelightFestival.Wordpress.com. See ad, page 31.

Learning from the Guides: A Weekend Workshop with Gerry Gavin

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opular Hay House author and speaker, Gerry Gavin, will be the featured guest at a weekend workshop, May 21 and 22.

The event is sponsored by the Blue Ray of Hope, a center for holistic studies and alternative healing, run by Dr. Donna Panucci.

The venue is only a few hours from Washington, D.C., at Marvin Chapel, in Union, West Virginia.

For more than 20 years, Gavin has been working as a communication and empowerment specialist, helping individuals to reach their full potential by teaching them how to listen to their body, mind and spirit.

He recently released If You Could Talk to an Angel and is known for the Hay House book, Messages from Margaret.

He is the also the creator of a very successful Angels and Shamans workshop, which puts participants in direct communication with their angels and guides. Gavin hosts a very popular weekly radio show on HayHouse.com, which is now in its fourth year.

On May 21, the event will run from 1 to 5 p.m., with the opportunity for a special, pre-event meet and greet, beginning at noon. In this pre-event, participants can meet with Gavin and receive a signed copy of his new book. Beginning at 1 p.m. participants will hear Gavin channel the angel, Margaret, with the participants’ ability to ask her questions. On May 22, Gavin will present his workshop, Angels and Shamans.

Gavin regularly fills rooms of 500 or more people, so this event is a rare occasion to experience his teachings in a very special and intimate setting.

For more information, visit BlueRayOfHope.com. See ad, page 36.

DO N’ T JUST COV ER UP T H E S YMPTOMS Take a holistic approach to better health We utilize passive neurofeedback which has shown significant clinical results with • ADD/ADHD • PTSD • Stress • Anxiety/Depression • Post-Concussion Syndrome

Functional medicine, nutrition and lab testing: • Type II Diabetes • Thyroid Conditions • Fibromyalgia • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Sleep Disorders • Peripheral Neuropathy • Chronic Pain Management We also provide acupuncture, cold laser and chiropractic for complete holistic care in a one-stop natural health facility.

Craig D. Sanford, DC FIAMA, FMCP American Association Of Integrative Medicine

NOVAAlternativeMed.com

CALL FOR YOUR CONSULTATION 703-821-1013 1485 Chain Bridge Rd, Ste. 100, McLean, VA

NOVA Center for Alternative Medicine natural awakenings May 2016

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newsbriefs MUIH and Howard County General Hospital Sign Affiliation Agreement

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s Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) grows, it continues to look for ways to offer a variety of educational and clinical experience to its students while promoting integrative medicine in the greater community.

In collaboration with Howard County General Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, MUIH students will now be able to offer integrative clinical services to patients in the hospital seeking treatment. The first of these experiences for MUIH clinical interns will be available at Howard County General Hospital (HCGH), located near the MUIH campus.

“Partnering with our community hospital as we begin this exciting relationship with Johns Hopkins Medicine will be the perfect way for us to meaningfully touch the lives of our county’s citizens,” says Frank Vitale, CEO and president. “It also allows MUIH clinical interns and faculty to be contributing members of an interprofessional healthcare team.”

This new agreement offers MUIH graduate clinical interns the opportunity to learn from and work beside health providers at HCGH. The clinical interns will be able to offer invaluable non-pharmaceutical alternatives to patients, enabling HCGH to develop and offer a progressive, integrative medical model.

By providing individuals more choices for their preferred type of care, this integrative model allows patients to have greater control over their healing experience and results in a higher level of overall satisfaction with their care. MUIH looks forward to working closely with HCGH to create a successful and rewarding clinical, educational, and collaborative experience for all involved in the affiliation.

Maryland University of Integrative Health is an accredited graduate school with programs in acupuncture, health coaching, herbal medicine, nutrition, health promotion and yoga therapy. See ad, page 56.

Reader Feedback Helps Us Grow

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he Natural Awakenings online national readership survey allows us to better serve readers. “Your participation takes just two minutes, and will give us a better understanding of what you need and how well we’re delivering on your expectations,” says founding CEO Sharon Bruckman.

“We’ll also use your responses to help guide the direction of future development.” One participant, selected at random, will receive a $50 credit at the Natural Awakenings Web store (ShopNaturalAwakenings.com).

With the interests and welfare of readers in mind, Natural Awakenings provides information and resources for living a healthier, happier life. Now publishing in more than 95 communities nationwide, as well as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, Natural Awakenings is the country’s most widely read healthy living magazine, with a loyal monthly readership of almost 4 million and growing.

Visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com and select the Take Our Survey banner. See ad on page 12.

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Sustainable Coastal Development Offered in Virginia

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cean Land Trust, Inc., is offering property for home building in The Waverly, a new Earth-friendly, sustainable alternative to the more traditional high-impact coastal developments, in Machipongo, along Virginia’s scenic Chesapeake Bay shoreline. The 23 separate land parcels, ranging from three to 22 acres, are especially well suited for family compounds, organic farms and horses.

The land is on high ground, well protected from coastal storms and flooding, has rich fertile farming soils and an aquifer with abundant pure water. Amenities include paved roads, utilities, common areas, private beach, community boat dock and launch ramp. Wineries, food co-ops, organic farms and several miles of riding trails are all located nearby.

The property provides an “ideal warm growing climate with the Gulf Stream just offshore,” says Ben Benson of Ocean Land Trust. He added that The Waverly is ideal for people that want to “enjoy their land for vacations now (as camping and RVs are allowed) and then retirement later.”

Parcel costs: $60,000 to $98,000. Location: 10359 Church Neck Rd. For more information, call 757-442-2171, email OceanLandTrust@yahoo.com or visit WaverlyLots.com.

See ad page 2.

A Life-Changing Day at the Total Wellness Summit

T

he Institute of Multidimensional Medicine, PLLC, (TIMM) is offering the Total Wellness Summit, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 28, at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage in NW, D.C. This event, open to only 250 attendees, is designed to inform and empower all who participate, with the goal of achieving total wellness.

In addition to meeting with knowledgeable medical practitioners, there will be lectures held throughout the day. Dr. Sakiliba Mines, founder of TIMM, and her staff have woven together a wonderful variety of talks on topics such as the benefits of a paradigm shift to integrative medicine; advanced and innovated assessments to unlock the root causes of chronic diseases; reversing medical pathologies for autoimmune diseases, cancer and heart diseases; strategies for detoxification; how to have the healthiest baby on the block; what your DNA and your roots say about your health; and how the microbiome, or your gut, affects your well-being.

The event is co-sponsored by the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage, which is a historic landmark building, home to the first full-service YMCA for African-Americans.

Location: 1816 12th St., NW. For more information, visit TotalWellnessSummit.com. See ad, page 4.

People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude. ~John C. Maxwell natural awakenings May 2016

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newsbriefs Popular European Feminine Care Product Now at CVS Pharmacies

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ith the addition of the Lubrigyn line of feminine care products at CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide, American women can now start a new feminine hygiene regimen that “cleans by affinity” and is the most popular choice in Italy. The products, that utilize gentle oils to draw out impurities, can leave users feeling cleaner, fresher and more comfortable and confident instead of the vaginal dryness, irritation and discomfort that conventional soaps and body washes can sometimes cause.

Uniderm, maker of the products with U.S. headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, also attests that Lubrigyn can help prevent or treat vaginal dryness and irritation, especially during menopause and pregnancy, plus enhance the pleasure of intercourse.

“While it may seem counterintuitive to use an oil as a cleanser, there is considerable research behind its effectiveness to clean, protect and nourish,” says Silvia Remedi, sales and marketing executive manager. “Using fine natural oils such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and olive oil is compatible with the skin’s own oils, and leaves the delicate vaginal area nourished, moisturized and balanced.”

For more information, call 954-563-6888, email Silvia.Remedi@Uniderm.it or visit LubrigynUSA.com. See ad page 37.

DC Meditates on National Mall

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he greater D.C. area is known throughout the country as having a robust and thriving community of meditators and meditation teachers. All are invited— longtime meditators and those new to the practice (including those who have never meditated)—to a time of meditation on the National Mall, at the Sylvan Theater from 4 to 6 p.m. on May 21. The event will offer lovingkindness meditation, mindfulness, music and food in an effort to bring healing to a world of violence. In honor of Armed Forces Day, they will offer a special recognition of all those who have served.

The free event is co-sponsored by The Mindfulness Center, BuddhaFest and Natural Awakenings. There will be teachings and a meditation, led Debbie Norris, Ph.D., founder of the Mindfulness Center. Norris is a health scientist who has trained extensively in mind-body therapies and teaches meditation and trains new meditation teachers in Bethesda and in a new online course. Lauren Chelec Cafritz will offer breathwork and Angela Blueskies, along with Keith Duckworth, will offer soul-stirring and deeply connected music for all to enjoy.

All are encouraged to come, bring a mat and a friend, to this great day of community building.

Location: The Sylvan Theater is located next to the Washington Monument at the corner of 15th NW and Independence Ave. See ad, page 39.

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healthbriefs

Magnesium Improves Childbirth for Mother and Newborn

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esearch presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists has found that magnesium reduces fevers during childbirth, as well as complications among newborns.

The study followed 63,000 deliveries from Northwestern Memorial Hospital, in Chicago, between 2007 and 2014. Of these, 6,163 women developed fevers of at least 100.4° F during labor. Of the women that developed fevers, 2,190 received magnesium sulfate intravenously during their labor.

Rates of fever at maternity dropped by half, to 4.3 percent, in women that received the magnesium, versus 9.9 percent in those that did not. The rate of newborn complications was also significantly lower among women given magnesium.

The study, led by Dr. Elizabeth Lange, an attending physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, is the first of its kind to investigate the effect of magnesium on childbirth. “By reducing the incidence of maternal fever, magnesium sulfate therapy may also reduce the incidence of complications in newborns,” says Lange.

A Lesson on Self-Care

by Sara McCoy elf-care can be defined as actions toward one’s own being which promote physical health and wellness. Many people claim that they “don’t have time” or “are too tired” for the integration of this self-service. What is important to know is that it is vital to stop envisioning self-care as another thing to cram in, but rather a non-negotiable supplement to one’s daily life.

Even for those who are health advocates for themselves and others, who rarely get sick, it is important to have an arsenal of remedies to advance a vibrant, physical state of being. These may include consuming nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, broths and aromatic herbs. If one’s immunity feels to be dropping suddenly that, person may find that they are actually deficient in self-care.

Consider when was the last time you ran a bath swirled with Epsom salts and essential oils. This can be done once a week, nightly, or first thing in the morning.

Placing a hot water bag on or within touch while resting or reading may create comfort beyond imagination. Using a tongue scraper daily will reduce cravings, freshen breath and boost confidence. These are just a few examples to enhance continuing wellness. For many, a necessary step may be to slow down to experience such simple tasks.

When relevant nutrients, other than vitamin-rich foods and fresh air, are missing, the body will demand these acts and should not be ignored. From a place of luminous self-love, celebrate life.

S

Sara McCoy is an Integrated Health Coach, providing guidance in nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. To schedule a consultation, contact Sara at GreenGlowGirl@ gmail.com. See ad, page 42.

More than the Baby Blues?

by Laina Poulakos ostpartum depression (PPD) is a condition, which can run be experienced as a mild to a very serious case that affects not just mothers, but also the children and her family. Even a mild case of the baby blues is much different then severe PPD. If the feelings of sadness and depression last more than a few days or if the mother has feelings of harming herself or the children, it is important to get medical help immediately.

For mild PPD, some home remedies might help reduce the symptoms. Some women have a hard time asking for help or taking time for themselves, even though taking care of herself is just as important as caring for her newborn. While it seems nearly impossible, it is important for a new mother struggling with PPD to get plenty of rest. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Take the help that friends and family offer to watch the baby for a few hours.

Meditation is also a great way to help relax and clear the mind, even if only grabbing a few minutes to find a quiet center. An aromatherapy infusion of eight drops lavender and five drops lemon essential oils can be added to a diffuser, bath or add it to a carrier oil and applied to pulse points as needed.

Also good for the mother and baby is breast-feeding which releases oxytocin and relaxes the mind. Sit down with a cup of red raspberry tea and nettle tea, which helps to quiet the mind and quench the body. Or grab the stroller (and the baby) and take a walk to enjoy a breath of fresh and enjoy the sunshine. Getting through these challenging first days and weeks of motherhood can be rewarding with a little help and an opportunity to keep a clear mind and healthy body.

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Laina Poulakos is the founder of Mother’s Nature Store and is available for private consultations. For more information, call 703-8510087 or visit MothersNatureStore. com. See ad, page 16. natural awakenings May 2016

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healthbriefs

The Benefits of Dance for Parkinson’s Disease

by Sherri Hudson

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hermography, also known as digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI), is a totally non-invasive clinical imaging procedure that detects thermal differences within the body, which may indicate the presence of disease or physical injury. It can be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools, for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as monitoring therapy progress.

DITI is used for conditions and injuries, including: back injuries, arthritis, headache, nerve damage, unexplained pain, fibromyalgia, RSD (CRPS), dental problems and TMJ, artery inflammation, heart disease, vascular disease, breast disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, disc disease, inflammatory pain, skin cancer, referred pain syndrome, sprains and strains, stroke screening, whiplash, digestive disorders and many more diseases and dysfunctions in the body.

Images, known as thermograms, can be taken of the whole body or just specific areas, such as a breast scan or a half body scan that scans for disease in all the major organs of the body. These scans can be used as part of an annual wellness screening or for investigation of a specific clinical problem.

Unlike most diagnostic tests, thermography is non-invasive, uses no radiation, is painless, and there is no contact with the body. Early detection is the key to prevention and achieving better treatment options.

DITI fills a gap in clinical diagnosis in that X-ray, CT ultrasound and MRI are all tests of anatomy that measure the structures of your body, while thermography shows physiological changes and metabolic processes. It provides another tool to help you and your healthcare professional safely get you back to better health.

Sherri Hudson, CT, offers thermography at The Institute of Multidimensional Medicine, PLLC, 2311M St., NW Washington, D.C. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 202-429-3783 or visit TIMMed.com.

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Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

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For information, visit BMDC.org/Outreach/Dance-For-PD. M. Teresa Vandergriff, MSW, is a retired grant writing consultant and enthusiastic DfPD participant.

A dog is the only thing

on Earth that loves you more than you love yourself. ~Josh Billings

Photo Credit: David Moss

What is Thermography and What Can it do For You?

by M. Teresa Vandergriff ince Parkinson’s disease affects both body (e.g., tremors and slow movements) and mind (e.g., depression and isolation), dance is one way to help improve movement and quality of life. One program, Dance for PD (DfPD) has professional dancers/teachers guide participants through safe moves in ballet, Broadway jazz, improvisation and other styles.

In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Neural Transmission, Olie Westheimer and colleagues examined patients new to dance and DfPD. During 16 sessions, they explored whether changes in movement and/or quality of life could be observed, and what patients said about DfPD and quality of life. Their findings showed improved motor skills by an average of 10.4 percent, with gait improving by 26.7 percent. Participants also praised DfPD: “walking better; more fluid movements”; “enjoyed meeting other people with PD”; and “fun way to feel better on a daily basis” were typical comments.

A major vote of confidence: participants came back. The researchers observed consistently high DfPD attendance compared to other forms of exercise. “[These] benefits,” said Westheimer, “suggest that through exercise, camaraderie and the simple joy of movement, dance classes are effective [for] ending the isolation and inactivity that too often define living with PD.”

In the D.C. area, Bowen McCauley Dance offers seven free weekly DfPD sessions to patients and care partners. Teacher Lucy Bowen McCauley has been certified since 2008 by DfPD’s founders, Mark Morris Dance Group and Brooklyn Parkinson’s Group.

A Breakthrough Testing for Prevention of Diabetes and Heart Disease in Effective Natural Pain Relief

by Elsa Lam icronutrients are the key to preventing diabetes and maintaining a healthy heart.

Exercise and a healthy diet are important to metabolic health, but regardless of lifestyle choices, having a full nutritional profile done can provide powerful information that can dramatically change a person’s metabolism.

Each individual has a unique biochemical need for micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other chemicals that control every metabolic process throughout the entire body. Even in healthy individuals, micronutrient deficiencies are common. Factors that affect nutritional health include personal genetic profile, age, gender, past and present medications, illness or injury, gut health, absorption, hormones, existing conditions and exercise intensity.

It is now possible to find out an individual’s nutritional profile. SpectraCell offers a micronutrient test that measures 35 micronutrients. Since these control metabolism and protect the heart, even a single deficiency can affect an individual’s metabolic health. Regardless of a person’s medical history and present state of health, micronutrient testing can be combined with a CardioMetabolic Risk assessment that measures an individual’s personal level of risk for developing heart disease (cardio) or diabetes (metabolic). Cellular metabolism and the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) are very intricately linked. For various reasons—not just age—metabolism changes. SpectraCell’s CardioMetabolic panel determines three main areas of risk: glycemic control, lipid profile and vascular inflammation.

The blood tells a very specific story of where an individual is in the spectrum of cardiovascular and metabolic health. Whether on the verge of a heart attack, managing full-blown diabetes or the epitome of health, SpectraCell’s CardioMetabolic Test is a helpful tool for promote full health.

M

Elsa Lam, RPh, HC, helps patients find health at Golden Health Pharmacy.

by Robin Fillmore here is new, advanced thinking on the possibility of enjoying instant pain relief without the use of drugs, potions and lotions if the pain is related to muscles, joints and nerves, developed

by Dr. Craig Sanford of the NOVA Center for Alternative Medicine, in McLean. The technique, called Rapid Relief Pain Therapy, can be achieved using the body›s own nervous system by performing a deep tendon reflex or DTR.

A DTR is the same as when a doctor strikes a patient’s knee with a reflex hammer causing the leg to spring upward. This seemingly simple test not only examines the speed of a person’s neurological reflex, but it can also be used to stimulate the nervous system, allowing muscles and joints to rebalance, therefore relieving pain.

The wonderful thing about using DTR’s to access the nervous system is that it allows for immediate and longlasting results. Working with the nervous system directly to reduce muscle spasms, balance muscles and pain has shown to be incredible, if not miraculous, according to Sanford. Patients note that it is perhaps one of the greatest therapeutic methods to provide fast pain relief, quickly resolving problems such as pain in the neck, back, sciatica, hip, knee or shoulder pain, in a fraction of the time of other therapies.

“I really get a kick when I see the look of amazement on a person’s face during and after the application of this truly unique technique,” notes Sanford.

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Dr. Sanford will be presenting a free, live webinar on Rapid Relief Pain Therapy on Wednesday, May 25 from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. To register, visit RRPT.Eventbrite.com.

See ad, page 11.

We do not remember days, we remember moments. ~Cesare Pavese

For more information, call 703-430-8883 or visit Golden HealthPharmacy.com. See ad, page 43. natural awakenings May 2016

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

Pema Choepel Mallu, DVM, CVA, MAc,LAc

6

6/16/1

Fouled Play

Toxic GMO Pesticides Drift Near Athletic Fields In an Environmental Working Group (EWG) survey, more than 90 percent of athletic fields and parks in six sample states are within 1,000 feet of a corn or soybean field where two toxic weed killers, glyphosate and 2,4-D, are commonly sprayed on genetically modified (GMO) corn, soybeans and other crops, meaning that nearby athletes are likely to be exposed. More than 56 percent of the facilities in the study were within 200 feet of such farmland.

Corn and soybean farmers in at least 15 states now have the option of planting GMO crops that can withstand repeated spraying with Monsanto’s glyphosate and the 2,4-D mixture sold by Dow AgroSciences under the brand name Enlist Duo. Sprayed herbicides readily drift through the air, potentially exposing people and the nearby environment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of Enlist Duo for GMO crops shortly before the World Health Organization concluded that glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide, is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Dow’s 2,4-D also possibly causes cancer, according to leading experts; exposure has also been linked to Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism and suppression of the human immune system.

Source: EWG.org

Goat Groundskeepers

A Chew Crew Gobbles Up Invasive Species The Historic Congressional Cemetery, permanent resting place of J. Edgar Hoover, John Philip Sousa and 68,000 others, is threatened by invasive species such as poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, kudzu and English ivy. “They are plants not native to Washington, D.C.,” says Paul Williams, president of the cemetery. “They climb and kill our trees, which then fall onto the cemetery, damaging our headstones.” Instead of using harmful herbicides that could become runoff into the nearby Anacostia River, managers have enlisted a herd of 30 goats to combat the problem. The arrangement lets the native plants grow to support pollinating insects.

The University of Georgia’s Chew Crew, comprising 40 goats, is likewise tasked with getting rid of invasive species growing around urban streams on its campus, another example of the elegant, lowtech solution. Maintaining steep inclines and other hard-to-reach areas can be expensive when using toxic herbicides and physical labor. After seeing the success of the Chew Crew, Clemson University is now also using goats to naturally recover some of the more overgrown areas of its campus.

Source: CNN 16

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Women Power

Feminists Redefine Senior Housing Fifteen years in the making, the Babayagas’ House—a feminist alternative to a retirement home—has opened in Paris. This self-managed social housing project is run by its community of inspired female senior citizens that want to maintain their independence. “To live long is a good thing, but to age well is better,” says 85-year-old Thérèse Clerc, who initially conceived the project as a means of combating the idea that growing old is an illness and that retirement homes are a kind of prison. “We want to change the way people see old age, and that means learning to live differently,” she says.

The five-story building houses 25 apartments located at the center of Montreuil, just blocks away from shops, a movie theater and the metro. The project cost just under $4.4 million and was funded by eight public sources, including the city council.

Two similar projects are now underway in Palaiseau and Bagneux.

Source: Bust.com

Noisy Humans

Man-Made Clatter Muffles Nature’s Chorus Kurt Fristrup, a senior scientist at the U.S. National Park Service, states that noise pollution is becoming so pervasive that people are tuning out the natural sounds around them.

According to new research, when we leave home, we’re more likely to try ignoring man-made sounds than enjoying Mother Nature’s chorus.

Fristrup observes, “We are conditioning ourselves to ignore the information coming into our ears.” The real loss, he believes, is for future generations. “If finding peace and quiet becomes difficult enough, many children will grow up without the experience, and I think it’s a very real problem.”

He and National Park Service colleagues have monitored sound levels at more than 600 sites over the past 10 years and found that none were free of human noise pollution. The team’s model of merging data from more remote regions with urban areas gave them an overall sense of the noise pollution across the U.S. Based on their findings, the researchers believe that noise pollution will grow faster than the population, doubling every 30 years.

View a map of sound pollution at Tinyurl.com/SmithsonianSoundMap.

Mm-mm Good

Campbell’s Endorses GMO Labeling Campbell Soup Company recently became the first major food corporation to support the mandatory labeling of genetically modified ingredients and will support the enactment of federal legislation to establish a single mandatory labeling standard for foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMO).

A company spokesperson says, “With 92 percent of Americans supporting the labeling of GMO foods, Campbell believes now is the time for the federal government to act quickly to implement a federal solution.” The company says that if a federal solution is not reached, it is prepared to label all of its U.S. products for the presence of ingredients derived from GMOs and seek guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and approval by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The company also has pledged to remove artificial colors and flavors from nearly all of its North American products by July 2018.

For more information, visit WhatsInMyFood.com.

Salmon Scam

Farmed Fish Mislabeled as Wild-Caught The nonprofit Oceana reveals that salmon, America’s favorite fish, is often mislabeled in restaurants and grocery stores. They collected 82 salmon samples from restaurants and grocery stores between December 2013 and March 2014 and found that 43 percent were mislabeled. DNA testing confirmed that the majority of the mislabeling (69 percent) consisted of farmed Atlantic salmon being sold as a wild-caught product.

“Americans might love salmon, but as our study reveals, they may be falling victim to a bait-and-switch,” says Beth Lowell, a senior campaign director with Oceana. “Not only are consumers getting ripped off, but responsible U.S. fishermen are being cheated when fraudulent products lower the price for their hard-won catch.”

Kimberly Warner, Ph.D., the report’s author and a senior scientist at Oceana, observes, “While U.S. fishermen catch enough salmon to satisfy 80 percent of our domestic demand, 70 percent of that catch is then exported, instead of going directly to American grocery stores and restaurants.”

Source: Oceana.org natural awakenings May 2016

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SPARK UP YOUR LOVE LIFE Natural Ways to Boost Libido

by Lisa Marshall

U

nderlying health issues aside, a hectic schedule packed with work deadlines, kids’ sporting events and household chores can leave little time for intimacy. Letting that pattern go on too long can become a problem. “There’s a use-it-or-lose-it phenomenon that occurs,” says Dr. Anita Clayton, a University of Virginia psychiatry professor, neurologist and author of Satisfaction: Women, Sex, and the Quest for Intimacy.

Despite what hyper-seductive female media stereotypes suggest we believe, in the real world, 39 percent of women feel they lack sex drive, and nearly half experience some kind of sexual dissatisfaction, according to a survey of 32,000 women published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. About one in eight women are significantly distressed about it. “The truth is, many of us don’t have great sex lives,” confirms Clayton.

Sprout Pharmaceuticals introduced Addyi, aka filbanserin, last fall; the first prescription drug to address low libido in women. Some heralded the controversial medication as “the little pink pill,” seeing it as the female version of males’ blue Viagra pill, which a halfmillion men purchased in its first month on the market in 1998. Yet several 18

Washington, D.C.

months after its launch, only about 1,000 women had tried Addyi and many doctors declined to prescribe it, due to its lack of widespread efficacy and possible adverse side effects, including low blood pressure and fainting when combined with alcohol.

“This is a complex problem that requires a complex solution,” says Honolulu-based naturopathic physician Laurie Steelsmith, author of Great Sex Naturally: Every Woman’s Guide to Enhancing Her Sexuality Through the Secrets of Natural Medicine. “For most women, drugs are not the answer.” She notes that for men, boosting libido is largely a matter of boosting circulation and blood flow to the penis. But for women, desire for lovemaking stems from an interplay of emotional, interpersonal, hormonal and anatomical drivers that make lack of desire harder to “treat”.

The truth is that many simple, effective, non-drug approaches exist. As Boulder, Colorado, marriage therapist Michele Weiner Davis puts it, “There’s no reason why a woman wanting a more robust sex life cannot have one.”

Overall Health Check

The number one culprit for low libido in women is subpar physical health, says Steelsmith. “To be capable of fully

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

enjoying pleasure, you need a healthy body.” Carrying excess weight can both erode self-esteem and lead to reductions in a woman’s natural circulating testosterone, a critical hormone that helps ignite pleasure circuits in the female brain and increase sensitivity in the clitoris. Being underweight can result in fatigue and low sexual energy, diminished production of excitatory brain chemicals and low levels of estrogen, key for keeping a woman moist.

Meanwhile, Steelsmith explains, excess stress can prompt the body to “steal” from libido-boosting hormones like progesterone in order to make more of the stress-hormone cortisol. High blood sugar can drive down testosterone, while high cholesterol can clog pelvic blood vessels, dulling sensation.

Depression, diabetes and thyroid disorders are other major libido killers, says Clayton. “If you treat them effectively, you may see big improvements.”

Women seeking to improve their sexual health should first try to achieve a healthy weight via diet and exercise, Steelsmith says. She recommends an organic diet rich in complex carbohydrates (which keep blood sugar balanced), lean protein (a precursor to desire-related neurotransmitters) and good fats (which help keep vulval tissues lubricated).

Exercise—another circulation booster—is also key. Do it before a scheduled hot date for even better results. One 2014 study of 52 women found that those that worked out prior to an anticipated romantic encounter had significantly increased sexual desire.

Pamper Femaleness

Many women avoid sexual encounters for fear of sparking a urinary tract or vaginal infection. This becomes more common after age 40, as estrogen wanes and pelvic tissue thins and dries, leaving it more vulnerable to microbial invaders. Because semen is alkaline, it changes a woman’s vaginal pH, allowing unfriendly bacteria to thrive, says Steelsmith.

Her advice: Always go to the bathroom and urinate after intercourse, and use natural lubricants, like vitamin E. For some women, she also recommends low-dose, prescription estrogen cream or suppositories.

If an infection occurs, try to treat it naturally, avoiding antibiotics, which can spark yeast overgrowth. Instead, Steelsmith recommends using tea tree oil, goldenseal, or probiotic douches or suppositories, available online and at health food stores.

Kegel exercises are a famous aid, involving clamping down as if interrupting urine flow, before releasing and repeating. This not only help fends off urinary incontinence and infection, it also strengthens and firms pelvic muscles, rendering enhanced enjoyment for both partners.

that’s not spontaneous enough,’” says Weiner Davis. “But even if you put it on the calendar, what you do with that time can still be spontaneous and playful.”

While most women assume that they need to be in the mood first, research by University of British Columbia Psychiatrist Rosemary Basson suggests that in some women, desire only comes after physical arousal, especially by a loving partner that takes the time to meet her needs. “I wish I had a dollar for each time someone said to me, ‘I’m not in the mood, but once I get into it, I surprise myself, because I have a really good time,’” says Weiner Davis. She’s not advising women to make love when they really don’t want to, but rather to be open to it even when the circumstances aren’t ideal. “A lot of women feel like the house has to be clean, with the kids asleep and free of distracting noises,” she says. “Sometimes, just do it.”

Is Sex Essential?

Make Time for Intimacy

Research has shown that over time, frequent lovemaking actually causes structural changes in certain areas of the brain as new connections form and sex-related regions grow stronger.

Stop, and those areas atrophy, making physical intimacy feel awkward once it’s resurrected.

A sexless relationship can also be emotionally devastating for the person, often the male, that wants more contact, says Weiner Davis, author of The Sex-Starved Marriage: Boosting Your Marriage Libido. “For the spouse yearning for touch, it is a huge deal,” she says. “It’s about feeling wanted, attractive and loved.” In her practice, she often sees couples that are mismatched in how they wish to demonstrate and receive love. Often, the woman wants to feel close emotionally before she can feel close physically. For the man, physical intimacy is a conduit for opening up emotionally. When both keep waiting to get what they want, the relationship suffers.

She counsels couples to deliberately make time to address both partners’ needs. Schedule a long walk or intimate dinner to talk over feelings; also schedule sex. “Some people say, ‘Oh, but

Clayton points out that while 42 percent of women experience either low sex drive or satisfaction, fewer than 12 percent are really bothered by it. “Some women experience great grief and loss about this. They say, ‘It used to be a part of my life and now it’s gone.’” For some in this subset that are unable to find relief via lifestyle changes, she would recommend Addyi, said to boost desire by changing brain chemicals. On the other hand, many women don’t need to take any action at all. “If someone has low sex drive and it doesn’t matter to them or their partner, it’s not a problem.”

That said, the benefits of attending to an affectionate, healthy sex life can go far beyond the bedroom, improving overall health and strengthening relationships, notes Steelsmith. Sex burns calories, increases circulation, releases calming and painkilling hormones like prolactin and prompts production of the “bonding hormones” vasopressin and oxytocin.

“When you are in a loving relationship and you express that love through your body, physiological changes occur that can help you bond more deeply with your partner,” she says. “The more you make love, the more love you make.”

Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.

Five Common Libido Killers Birth Control Pills: Oral contraceptives can boost levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, which attaches to desire-promoting testosterone, making it harder for the body to access it.

Antidepressants: Numerous antidepressant medications have been shown to decrease libido, but leaving depression untreated can kill sex drive even more; consider natural alternatives.

Smoking: It impairs circulation to genitals.

Alcohol: Too much alcohol lowers sexual response.

Caffeine: Excess caffeine can erode levels of testosterone, which is vital for driving desire.

Sources: Laurie Steelsmith, ND, and research studies

Nature’s Libido-Enhancers L-arginine: Boosts blood flow to sexual organs. Can be taken in supplement form or applied topically.

Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng): Considered a sexual tonic in Chinese medicine for its ability to stabilize sexual energy over time; also used to address vaginal dryness.

Epimedium (horny goat weed): Said to stimulate nerves in genitals, support adrenal glands and boost levels of feel-good brain chemicals.

Phenylethylamine: Sometimes referred to as the “romance chemical”, this stimulant and mood elevator is naturally released in the brain when we have an orgasm, exercise or eat chocolate; also available in supplement form.

Maca: A Peruvian root used for centuries in that country to promote sexual energy, Maca is said to boost production of libido-boosting hormones.

Source: Laurie Steelsmith, ND natural awakenings May 2016

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Washington, D.C.

Tone Your Face and Neck

by Kathleen Barnes

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ravity takes its toll as years pass, and many women find themselves bemoaning crow’s feet, frown lines and turkey necks that make them look older than they feel. Experts point to the loss of “fat pads” in the cheeks, bone loss around the eye sockets and cheekbones and overall weak muscles as potential contributors to facial aging. Natural exercise programs designed to reverse these unpleasant signs of aging comprise a new fitnessfor-beauty trend.

“Face and neck muscles somehow have been left out of mainstream fitness programs,” observes Denver esthetician and massage therapist Grace Mosgeller, who addresses this void with her series of eight FaceFitnez audio and video exercises. “If you tone the muscles of your face and neck, the skin attached to those muscles firms and tones as well, creating a natural youthful look.”

Muscular stress—the good kind— is at the core of facial fitness, says Mosgeller. She cite’s Wolff’s Law, a well-known medical theory that bone grows and remodels in response to the tension or muscle engagement put on it. “Regular facial exercise works the muscles to correct the loss of both muscle tone and bone density and build collagen. It might be called the equivalent of push-ups, pull-ups and

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

abdominal tucks for the face.”

Carolyn Cleaves, owner of Carolyn’s Facial Fitness, in Seabeck, Washington, near Seattle, a former college professor, developed a facial exercise program for herself upon detecting early signs of aging. With the help of two primary care physicians, she designed a routine that includes 28 basic exercises that target all 57 facial muscles. “As we get older, we lose the underlying layer of fat just beneath the skin, and as a result, we look old and tired,” says Cleaves. She agrees that exercising the face actually helps rebuild lost bone, enlarges the muscles and also builds collagen.

A study from the University of Rochester, in New York, confirms that loss of bone mass can start in women as early as age 40. It starts in men 16 to 25 years later.

Mosgeller’s facial exercises work to fade wrinkles and lines and firm up sagging flesh, yielding visible results in as little as two weeks of dedicated training. She says, “Within six to nine months, it’s possible to look five to 10 years younger than when you started.”

Her claims are verified by Dr. Carol Lipper, in Denver, who states, “I’ve done the exercises and they work.

The trouble is compliance. It’s a lot of work.” She confirms that she saw improvement in her droopy eyelids after

just two or three weeks of adhering to Mosgeller’s workouts.

“It seems that every three months or so, I see another leap in results and a younger look,” adds Cleaves of those using her program. Here are a few crucial areas to target, with just a few of these experts’ recommended remedies.

Cleaves’ Crow’s Feet Eliminator: Place fingertips on top of the head, thumbs resting near the corners of the eyes. Shut eyes tightly and slide thumbs toward the temples for a count of five. Repeat 10 times.

Mosgeller’s Rx for Droopy Eyelids: Place index finger on top of a closed eyelid, and then lift fingers up and slightly to the outside. Blink hard and hold. It’s preventive, as well as curative, says Mosgeller, so those over 45 should repeat this 100 times a day, while younger individuals should repeat 20 to 50 times a day.

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I am passionate about giving my patients the level of personalized care offered by Precision Medicine, which defines the “precise” toxicological, immune, metabolic, nutritional and especially genetic causes of medical and Dr. Charles Gant, MD, PhD psychiatric disorders. From that immense body of data, a I look forward to seeing treatment is provided which addresses the root causes. you at my Integrative Medical Office dedicated exclusively to the practice of Precision Medicine.

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Mosgeller’s Frown Line Eraser: Pull brows apart with fingers and hold for two seconds. Repeat 50 to 100 times up to six times per week.

This is meant to relax and tone the muscles, not build them.

Cleaves’ Turkey Neck Buster: Tilt the head back slightly.

With palm facing the neck, grasp under the chin with a wide-open hand and slowly slide hand down to the collarbone; hold there while counting to 10. Repeat five times daily.

Kathleen Barnes is author and publisher of many natural health books. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com. natural awakenings May 2016

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Preventing and Reversing Dementia and Alzheimer’s

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New Scientific Understandings

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

N

ew scientific understandings of health, called Omics, are shedding light on dementia and are challenging long held views about its causes and treatments.

Omics is a suffix often added to hundreds of scientific fields of study which aims at holistic and collective characterizations and quantifications of vast pools of biological molecules that translate into the structure, function and dynamics of an organism or organisms. In other words, the amassed data in the biological sciences has become so huge that it must be organized in vast networks and arrays of associations in order for it to make any sense.

Discoveries in genomics (the Omics of over 20,000 genes), neuromics (the Omics of over 100 billion neurons in the brain and body) and toxicomics (the Omics of the hundreds of thousands of toxins that interact with the brain and body), have brought forth a new set of possibilities for prevention and treatment of dementia.

Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases associated with irreversible, gradual deficits in cognition and memory which are severe

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Washington, D.C.

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enough to affect a person’s daily functioning, and which are worse than would be expected with normal aging. For decades, scientists have studied brain tissue samples of Alzheimer’s disease victims, the largest dementia subcategory (>50 percent), and have found distinctive pathological changes in brain tissue such as plaque and neurofibrillary tangles that are thought to somehow be causative of the disease.

For instance, in a study recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Fiji Water, a highsilicon spring water available over the counter, was shown to enhance excretion of aluminum, long-suspected of being a causative factor in Alzheimer’s, and improve cognitive performance in some participants.

Mercury has also been suspected of being a toxicomics-related factor.

When we view this from the vast Omics perspective, another level of understanding emerges. Instead of being the initiators of Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles may occur consequent to oxidative stress, originating from such pro-oxidants as alumi-

num, mercury and other toxins, and instead function as a primary line of antioxidant defense. Plaque, then, accumulates as a defensive strategy against oxidative injury.

Another factor related here is ApoE (Apolipoprotein E), a component in a more extensive and routine blood lipid profile, which not only serves a role in cholesterol transport, but also plays a role in removing plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Those with the gene ApoE4 make a version of ApoE which removes plaque more slowly, which may explain why those with homozygous ApoE4 (from both parents) on genetic testing have a 20 times higher rate of Alzheimer’s disease than those with the normal genetic inheritance pattern (ApoE3). This may also explain why younger people with the ApoE4 gene have better memories—the extra plaque provides beneficial antioxidant protection in their early years.

The practical application of Omics technologies such as these is called Precision Medicine. However, simple gene and blood testing for ApoE is available from your doctor, which can help determine if you are at risk. Many other genetic variables which can predispose you to dementia are available through the website

23andMe.com and other genomic testing. Find a Precision Medicine doctor who can interpret these for you, and do functional medicine testing to determine your levels of aluminum and mercury, as well as levels of general oxidative stress.

Protocols for those who have both a genetic risk and significant toxic metal levels, especially if they have a family history of dementia, would include: a heavy metal detoxification program; supplementing with high silicic acid water like Fiji water and/or BioSil (a supplement containing silicic acid); and tracking toxic metal levels over months or years to demonstrate improvements.

With Omics-related technologies and Precision Medicine, we now have hope for preventing and reversing dementia.

Dr. Charles Gant, M.D., Ph.D., an internationally known author and integrative/ functional medicine physician, addresses the root causes of chronic medical and psychiatric disorders, unique to each patient. For more information, call 888727-6910 or visit InternationalPrecision MedicineAssociates.com. See ad, page 21.

Dr. Gant will be offering a free live talk/webinar in the near future. For more information, visit NaturalAwakeningsDC.com.

Natural Awakenings of Washington, D.C.

202-505-4835 NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

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naturalhealing

Cannabis/CBD and Your Thyroid Health Helping Your Body Find Balance

by Katherine Leo

W

hen people hear the words “cannabis, CBD or THC”, many tend to have an emotional attachment. The reaction can be positive or negative depending on the stories they were told that molded their thinking and feelings surrounding the topic. Some are against cannabis because they believe that only “druggies that get high”. Missing is an understanding, due to misinformation, about the importance of the cannabis movement.

As a society, most of us have not been taught about the medicinal properties of cannabis, CBD or THC. It is not widely known that hemp and marijuana are actually two different plants, yet they are often labeled as the same. Likewise, with CBD, it is possible to get healthy without the “high’ because CBD is non-psychoactive.

Cannabis was extensively used as medicine, as well as the source of clothing, rope, paper and food before it was criminalized in the 1900s. The history by which cannabis was criminalized is long and the subject of a future article. Today, however, cannabis is re-emerging as a breakthrough plant that, once broken of the taboos of the past, can support 24

Washington, D.C.

overall health as well as help with many different ailments, including the thyroid.

Most people are not aware of our endocannabinoid system (ECS), yet this system is vital to our overall well-being and longevity.

In the mid-1990s, the Israeli researcher, Dr. Ralph Mechoulam, discovered two main receptors, cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2), that are keyed to both the endocannabinoids that the body naturally produces and phytocannabinoids (plant-based) like THC and CBD and other cannabodials. In other words, human bodies produce and have receptors for cannabis. Furthermore, they can have significant effect on the thyroid gland.

According to Dr. Mark Rabe, director of Health Services and chief medical officer at MediCann, “Endocannabinoid receptors are located throughout the body, including in the thyroid gland.

The body’s natural endocannabinoid system helps to regulate the body’s activities and maintain homeostasis, or balance. Interestingly, endocannabinoid type molecules have been found to have anti-cancer effects on thyroid tumors in

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

laboratory and animal studies.”

Citing research from the journal Endocrinology, it was shown that endocannabinoid receptors are located in regions of the brain that send signals to the thyroid gland. Rabe notes that there is research to show that “CB1 receptors are abundantly present on nerves in the brain that are involved in the regulation of the ‘hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid’ axis.” This is where control of the production of thyroid hormones, by the thyroid gland, takes place. The evidence points to the finding that, “the distribution of CB1 receptors in the brain suggests that they may influence both excitatory and inhibitory inputs on this system.”

Cannabis/CBD can also help with symptoms associated with a thyroid problem, such as weight management, nervousness, weak muscles, pain, depression, dry skin, inflammation and anxiety.

Listed with the National Institute of Health (NIH), there are numerous additional studies about the benefits of cannabis/ CBD as it helps the whole body to find balance, beyond the endocrine system.

Katherine Leo helps others find full health by using CBD. For more information, call 202-730-9443 or visit CBD RevolutionUS.com. See ad, page 27.

To learn more about CBD, attend a live webinar on May 11 at 7 p.m. Visit CBDHealth.eventbrite.com. See ad, page 29.

Lend yourself to

others, but give yourself to yourself. ~Michel de Montaigne

yogaspotlight

One-on-One Yoga Instruction with Yinaya Saunders

V

inaya Saunders, of Leesburg, learned at an early age from her homeland in Bangalore, India, about traditional rituals, yoga practice, tantra and how to live a holistic lifestyle. Her parents exposed her to these influences as they traveled throughout India. At the age of 11, she participated in her first yoga experience as part of her school curriculum.

From this background, she has moved from a career in engineering to interior design, but eventually came back to yoga as a lifestyle and a profession. Today, her practice is offered to the world, to bring in true self-transformation. Saunders notes that “it is a unique and humble approach toward life itself.” With training that enables her to offer yoga to both children and adults (including training for patients with traumatic brain injury), her practice is a combination of Eastern and Western forms of yoga. Saunders follows and practices her own style, which she titled “Vinayam”, meaning “a humble approach to yoga” and is a combination of several styles. In her classes, “we pause and slow down and all my classes are designed considering the seasons and clients’ unique body type. It is a complete spiritual practice which challenges the mind, along with physical benefits.

Saunders is unique in that she works with clients in their own homes. This format is followed, according to Saunders, because she sees how profound transformation happens when it is one-on-one. With group classes, the attention is diluted and in many cases, leaving the teacher and student with a shallow version of practice.

In addition to her home-based sessions in her students’ homes, she will be meeting the community at upcoming events, including the Love Your Body Festival on June 12 in Reston, where she will be offering free 10-minute reiki or guided meditation sessions. Saunders is also offering a discount on private one-on-one yoga teacher training, beginning in May. For more information, visit Vinayam.com.

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Washington, D.C.

The Amazing Story of Ernestine Shepherd Proving That Age Is Nothing But A Number

by Robin Fillmore

E

rnestine Shepherd has been making the rounds—Oprah, Good Morning America, ABC News, Prevention, Essence, the Today Show— and for good reason. This Baltimore native is a personal trainer and professional model, and was also bestowed by the Guinness World Records with the title of the World’s Oldest Performing BodyBuilder in 2010 and 2011. In July, Shepherd turns 80, and she still proudly sports six-pack abs and the biceps of a high school football player.

What is more amazing about Shepherd is that until she was well into her 50s, she hadn’t done much to support her health. Rather, she was a school sec-

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

retary and self-proclaimed “prissy” girl who decided it was time to join the gym after she and her sister had been trying on bathing suits. Together, they started taking fitness classes and working out on a regular basis. The pushed each other to go deeper, work harder—when sister, Mildred, noticed that they were drawing attention and could take that to another level—to become bodybuilders together.

One of the great tragedies in Shepherd’s life is that she was unable to fulfill this dream with her sister.

Only months after the sisters decided to work together on this goal, Mildred, who by then became known as Velvet, died of a brain aneurysm. A strong

woman of faith, Ernestine found it difficult to go on without the person who shared her dream, and even felt as though her faith was being tested. For a number of years, she stopped going to the gym and started experiencing panic attacks and acid reflux.

What appeared to be the lowest point in Shepherd’s life became a new starting point. Recalling the shared dream with her sister, and a promise that they made together to pursue it—no matter what, Shepherd enlisted the support of her family, and started working out again. She began working with trainer, Yohnnie Shambourger, who won a gold medal in bodybuilding at the Pan American Games and was crowned Mr. Universe, in 1995. Her new mantra became “Determined, Dedicated, Disciplined to be Fit.”

She still follows the training regime and diet that Shambourger set up for her, which includes a daily run beginning at 4 a.m., time at the gym for weightlifting (90 minutes) and weekly personal training sessions. Shepherd adds to that schedule a time of daily prayer and meditation each morning.

She also still works as a personal trainer, herself, and offers a weekly class at a Randallstown gym. Though not preparing for a marathon at the moment, Shepherd notes that it is “something that she will be doing again soon.”

Her “spare” time, most recently, has been spent in sharing the secrets of her success in her soon-to-be-released book, The “Ageless” Journey of Ernestine Shepherd. She is also busy setting up monthly events, including a walk, open to the public, with former NFL Baltimore Ravens player, Ray Lewis, on June 18 in Druid Hill Park, in Baltimore.

Shepherd lives out her guiding belief, “Age is nothing but a number” but even more deeply, fills her life with the creed by which she lives.

Showing the sharpness of her mind that matches her physical prowess, she recites, by memory, the Optimist’s Creed, by Christian D. Larson.

“Promise yourself to be so strong

that nothing can disturb your peace of mind; to talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet; to make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them; to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true; to think only of the best; to work only for the best and to expect only the best; to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own; to forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future; to give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others; to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble; to think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds; and to live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”

There is no doubt that Shepherd has miles more to run, more smiles to share and countless more souls to inspire, as she reaches her 80th birthday. With her infectious zeal for life, it is evident that she is only getting started.

To learn more, visit ErnestineShepherd. net. To order a copy of her book, visit AgelessJourneyBook.com.

natural awakenings May 2016

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dentalspotlight

Stop Tooth Loss and Reduce the Risk of Cognitive and Physical Decline

by Sammy Noumbissi

S

cientific research has shown that a healthy and functional set of teeth and a beautiful smile are essential to a person’s emotional, psychological and physical well-being.

Missing teeth can cause challenges in terms of nutrition, digestion and lead to greater systemic problems such as diabetes, jawbone loss and even loss of memory.

People who have lost multiple teeth and struggle chewing their food have significantly higher odds of cognitive impairment according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

In the study, they evaluated 3,166 adults aged 60 or over and compared their performance in tests of memory and walking speed. The results showed that the people with none of their own teeth performed approximately 10 percent worse in both memory and walking speed tests than the people with teeth.

The study also found that even when other factors such as smoking, depression, genetics and even socio-

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economic status were taken into account, individuals who had a full set of teeth still had better memory and greater walking speed than those with missing teeth.

Furthermore, it was also determined that the link between losing multiple natural teeth and having poorer memory and worse physical function 10 years later after losing them was more evident in adults aged 60 to 74 years.

Multiple studies have also shown that young and elderly individuals who replace their natural teeth immediately or shortly after loss are able to maintain their jaw bone levels and improve their chewing ability.

In a systematic review of studies in a review published in the prestigious Journal of Dental Research on the connection between cognitive decline and tooth loss, it was demonstrated that individuals with less than 20 teeth were at a 20 percent higher risk for developing cognitive decline and dementia than those with greater than or equal to 20 teeth.

These findings make it more

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

imperative for young and elderly adults to replace their teeth gradually as they lose them or to replace the missing ones as soon as possible after they are removed.

Today, most dentists and patients prefer to replace missing natural teeth with non-removable teeth and/or bridges that are supported by implants. However replacing teeth with implants also presents challenges, the majority of implants used today are made of titanium and alloyed titanium and we now know that not all individuals are suitable to receive, or willing to have, metals implanted in their body.

Researchers have found that titanium implants can, over time, corrode in the body and release metal ions in the bone, the bloodstream and even possibly cross the bloodbrain barrier. It is estimated that 15 percent of the population can be sensitive to metal-implant compounds.

Choosing a safe and truly biocompatible material is very important in the process of restoring your dentition, your smile, your ability to chew and preserving jaw bone.

Bioceramics such as medical grade zirconia are now available for safe and natural teeth replacement. These implants are tooth-colored so they blend with the remaining teeth and will not cause dark gray lines that alter the color of your gums since they are inert and are not vulnerable to corrosion.

Dental implants are the best form and option of teeth replacement and dental implantology is no longer the only area in dentistry with no metalfree option. People who want to maintain a full set of functional teeth thereby potentially reducing their risk of cognitive and physical decline now have a natural and entirely metal-free option of tooth replacement.

Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, DDS, MS, holds a certificate and a master’s degree in implant dentistry and practices in Silver Spring. He is an author, educator and world-renowned speaker in the field of metal-free implant dentistry. For more information, call 301-588-0768 or visit MilesOfSmilesDental.net. See ad, page 34.

eventspotlight

Change Your Energy, Change Your Life An Evening With Panache Desai

by Troy Fridy

W

hat if you could change your world by simply changing the energy that surrounds you or find the harmony that comes with selfacceptance? In the process, you discover your life’s purpose and the boundless possibilities that await you. All now have the opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind evening designed to do just that. On June 4, Panache Desai, a worldwide transformational catalyst who has embarked upon a mission to help souls activate their Divine potential, will appear at Unity of Washington, D.C. for a full evening of intense spiritual guidance, with the goal of accessing vibrational awesomeness and unblocking emotions that keep us away from our highest potential.

Through poetic, practical, inspiring and, sometimes, humorous discourse and engagement, Panache will help uncover strategies that will help each attendee live a life of authenticity and reconnect to each person’s life purpose and passions.

Panache Desai is a contemporary thought-leader whose message of love and self-acceptance has drawn thousands of people from around the world to his seminars and workshops. Oprah Winfrey called him an exciting thought leader in spirituality. Here’s what some of his peers have said about him: “He is a true master, avatar and prophet. Simply being in his presence will change you.” Another endorsement notes that “Panache is one of the most authentic, illuminated beings on the planet. He will empower you to know yourself.” Also, “He is the next phase of transformational leaders, teachers and evolutionary catalysts and his energy is one of the purest and most expansive.”

In his book, Discovering Your Soul Signature: A 33 Day Path to Purpose, Passion and Joy, Panache explains that each person’s soul signature is their spiritual DNA—it’s who we are at the very core.

As it represents the most authentic part of who we are, it’s our single most valuable contribution to the world. Often, we feel stuck by emotional traps of sadness, despair, shame, fear, guilt and anger.

Time after time, these feelings or emotions block us from embracing who we are. These emotions can drive us to make decisions that are not for our highest good or that do not represent our authentic selves. In this very moment, Panache reminds us, each person is calling into being their own greatest expression— their soul signature.

Join for an evening that will empower each participant with tools to fine-tune their energetic state and support them in living their optimal vibrational expression, as well as deliver a personal hands-on activation of spirit to everyone who attends. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to access your soul and elevate your vibrational point of attraction so that you may draw to you vibrant health, limitless abundance, true intimacy and Divine connection.

Location: 1225 R St., NW, Washington, D.C. To learn more or purchase tickets, call 202-543-1414 or visit PanacheDesai-UWDC.Eventbrite.com or Unity WDC.org. See ad, page 5.

Troy Fridy is a board of trustee member at Unity of Washington, D.C. and an avid student of New Thought spirituality. natural awakenings May 2016

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JUNE

naturesways

Functional Medicine

FOCUS ON HAPPINESS AND ABUNDANCE

Finding its Roots in Naturopathic Medicine

by Dr. Isabel Sharkar

In Life and Business

A Advertise your products and services our

June Happiness and Balanced Man Issue

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

202-505-4835 30

Washington, D.C.

s the movement for functional medicine arises, let’s not forget where it originated. Dr. Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., who is widely considered one of functional medicine’s leading pioneers, launched the functional medicine movement about 30 years ago after he grew frustrated with what he calls “fragmented, organ-based specialty care.”

Dr. Bland was the first member of the board of trustees of Bastyr University (a naturopathic medical school) in Washington state, the first federally accredited university in the United States offering graduate and undergraduate degrees in natural medicine, and contributed significantly to its founding and accreditation.

Although the United States is spending more on health care than the next ten top-spending countries combined, we have the most chronic disease and shortest life-span of all industrialized nations.

We have the best advancements in lifesaving surgeries and emergency care, but when it comes to chronic health conditions, we have missed the mark entirely.

Are you aware that 84 percent of healthcare costs in the U.S. go toward treating lifestyle preventable chronic dis-

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

ease? It is estimated that we could spend $47 trillion over the next 20 years on those lifestyle preventable chronic diseases. Fortunately, through naturopathic and functional medicine, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Both naturopathic and functional medicines interpret labs differently from our conventional model. Both run more extensive labs (stool test, gluten and food sensitivity, Lyme titers, adrenal stress profile, macronutrient testing), customize health care, spend more one-on-one time with patients, address underlying dysfunctions and root cause, and use natural treatments.

Additionally, both view the patient as genetically and biochemically unique, providing personalized health care that treats the whole person and root cause of the disease, not the disease itself.

When we create a healthy ecosystem in the body, health happens.

Like naturopathic medicine, functional medicine is a wonderful approach to health and provides M.D.’s and other healthcare professionals the opportunity to look outside of the conventional model.

It allows healthcare professionals to use science-based medicine that

understands the web-like interactions among the body’s physiological processes and how they affect every aspect of functionality. The body has the innate ability to heal itself, through a dynamic balance of all body systems. Everything affects everything else in the body and works together as a whole to create health.

Regardless of which health care system you go with, when it comes to treating dis-ease, remove what causes the imbalance and provide what creates balance.

Ask yourself these two vital questions: ■ What am I putting in my body that my body is not agreeing with?

■ What do I need to put in my body for my body to function better?

The environment drives 90 percent of chronic disease. Stress, toxins, drug exposures and pollution all set the stage for the emergence of imbalance.

Our environment shapes the structure and function of our internal ecosystem.

Nutrients and phytochemicals, or lack thereof, speak to our genes. Every bite you take speaks to your biology and has the power to change your microbiome and gene expression within minutes.

Even our social networks influence health and disease.

The five causes of disease include:

■ Toxins ■ Allergens ■ Stress ■ Diet ■ Microbes

With functional medicine, it is possible to create a health-thriving human environment through food, vitamins, minerals, essential nutrients, hormone balancing, good sleep hygiene, sunlight, water, breathing fresh air, movement, love, community, connection, meaning and purpose.

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 3.

The present time has one advantage over every other— it is our own. ~Charles Caleb Colton natural awakenings May 2016

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naturaltreatments

Learning About Medical Marijuana Spotlight on CannX

by Sam Hudgins

L

egal obstacles to accessing marijuana have been falling recently, but information surrounding the drug remains murky as its unsavory stigma lingers. Changing the bias against marijuana lies in education; this is where Shawnta Hopkins steps up to the plate. In 2014, Hopkins began an advocacy group that not only disseminates information on the benefits of medical marijuana, it connects patients with doctors able to 32

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recommend it as well.

Initially Hopkins ran two simultaneous companies: her advocacy group, Medical Marijuana Advocacy Group (MMJ) and DC Cannabis Cards, which helped patients living in Washington, D.C. legally obtain marijuana.

In May, these two companies will combine and expand their reach under the new name CannX “like cannabis exchange,” Hopkins states. Hopkins points out that the terms cannabis and

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

marijuana are interchangeable but “cannabis seems to be a more popular term with millennials.”

The primary goal of CannX will remain education, which, in turn, drives demand for medical cannabis, and, as Hopkins puts it, “[changes] the conversation. We need to change the image from that of a stoner to that of a patient.”

However, changing that image is not always an easy one. Hopkins has had more than one social media page taken down because its subject matter relates to medical cannabis even though her company never touches the plant or any of its derivatives. In addition to using social media, CannX will engage and educate the community through grass-roots marketing with events such as the DC Green Festival, where the group will have a booth for the May 6 weekend-long event.

The CannX team currently consists of five people including a nurse practitioner, an MBA to manage business operations, two patient advocates and perhaps most importantly, a legal counselor so they are always up-to-date and in line with the area’s constantly shifting laws.

CannX will not only provide information on cannabis as an alternative treatment to potential patients, they will continue to work with medical professionals as well. Hopkins’s group organizes seminars to both educate those in the medical field as well as to make connections. One of the largest barriers to obtaining medical cannabis comes from an inability to find a doctor willing to write a recommendation for it. Hopkins has cultivated an extensive network of doctors who are able to both recommend cannabis and address the specific issues that patients wish to alleviate by using the medication. Her network includes general practitioners, a cardiologist, a psychologist, a gastroenterologist and even a pediatrician. Access to CannX’s network of doctors can be found on their website MyCannX.com.

The next largest obstacle to accessing medical cannabis is cost. Insurance will not cover any costs in relation to cannabis, including doctor visits for arecommendation. Hopkins and her team work closely with doctors to best negotiate

and lower the price. With the launch of CannX, Hopkins will also be able to unveil her nonprofit branch of the company: Compassionate Alternatives. The purpose of the nonprofit will be to partner with other nonprofit health care organizations to bring awareness to cannabis as an alternative medical treatment as well as to raise money to assist with costs associated with medical cannabis.

Other goals Hopkins has for CannX includes taking the group and its message beyond D.C. and Maryland, as well as possibly entering the political arena to lobby for medical cannabis use to be legal in every state.

Overall the biggest take away Hopkins hopes to give people through CannX is that marijuana “is legal, its available and how to access it.”

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healingways

Natural Support For

Thyroid Disease

by Andrea Beaman

M

illions of people struggling with thyroid disease take prescription medications that offer relief of symptoms, but come with a slew of side effects.

Medications for hypothyroid and Hashimoto’s disease can lead to rapid or irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, irritability, tremors, impaired fertility, shortness of breath, nervousness, sleeplessness, hair loss and decreased bone density. Medications for hyperthyroid and Graves’ disease can cause skin rash, itching, abnormal hair loss, vomiting, swelling, joint and muscle pain, dizziness, drowsiness, decreased white blood cells, decreased platelets and unusual bleeding.

Herbal medicine is much gentler on the body than pharmaceutical drugs and has been around for thousands of years. Many time-tested remedies can help ease suffering and pain without negative side effects, as well as heal the body on a nutritive level. Here are possible plant remedies for thyroid conditions:

Eleutherococus – this root is an “adaptogen”, a substance that strengthens the body and increases our ability to handle stress. It doesn’t directly affect the thyroid gland, but it helps boost immunity, increase energy and alleviate the chronic fatigue and adrenal exhaustion that often comes with thyroid conditions.

Ashwaganda – this herb acts on the reproductive and nervous system and has sedative and immune-strengthening properties. For those feeling stressed-out or suffering from insomnia

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NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

and reproductive issues, ashwaganda is a good herb to include in your thyroidhealing regime.

Black Walnut Hull – this is a traditional remedy for treating goiter and hypothyroidism. This herb is also useful for those suffering with bacterial overgrowth, candida, leaky-gut and bloating that often presents with thyroid disease.

Bugleweed (Lycopus) – according to herbalist, Matthew Wood, “Lycopus was discovered to be an excellent remedy for hyperthyroidism and hyperadrenalism. It reduces the output of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary, turning down the setting on the thyroid level.”

For those feeling hyper, suffering with extreme nervousness or heart-pounding thyroid storms, put this herb to work on calming your system.

Melissa (Lemon Balm) –“In the Middle Ages, people used this herb to reduce stress and anxiety, promote restful sleep, improve appetite, lower fever and ease the pain and discomfort of indigestion,” according to Michael Balick in the 21st Century Herbal. Lemon balm is antiviral.

Many people suffering with thyroid disorders often complain of cold sores, and viral infections like Epstein Barr. Lemon Balm directly inhibits viral replication.

Bladderwrack – According to herbalist and noted expert on sea vegatables Ryan Drum, “Much of the iodine in bladderwrack presents as di-iodotyrosine, an immediate precursor of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine.

This makes it the sea vegetable of choice for treating thyroid disorders by providing the immediate precursors for T4 and T3.”

These herbs, combined with a thyroid-healing diet, can help shift the body into healing and out of suffering.

When using plants of any kind, it’s best to work with a knowledgeable practitioner to get the right plan for the patient’s specific condition.

Andrea Beaman, HHC, AADP, is a holistic health and thyroid expert. She is a nationally recognized TV host, holistic health counselor and author and named in the Top 100 Most Influential People in Health & Wellness. For more information, visit AndreaBeaman.com. See ad, page 36. natural awakenings May 2016

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leadingedge Angel Workshop with Gerry Gavin and Angel Margaret May 21st & 22nd, 2016 1:00-5:00pm (Saturday & Sunday) Marvin Chapel, Union, WV Register at www.bluerayofhope.com Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to an angel? Join Blue Ray of Hope in this intimate gathering with Hay House author, Gerry Gavin, as he offers angelic messages and teaches you how to connect with your personal angel!

For more information visit www.bluerayofhope.com or call Donna at 304-513-4070

Janice Johnson

PolarityTherapy

Where Miracles Happen

by Janice Johnson

D

r. Randolph Stone founded the holistic health care system of polarity therapy from many principles of the healing arts. He studied ayurveda, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, homeopathy and healing spa therapies throughout the Far East, Asia and Europe. Polarity therapy is a blending of Eastern and Western approaches in a profoundly integrated system combining chiropractic, osteopathy, naprapathy, naturopathy, zone therapy, reflexology, yoga, acupuncture, ayurvedic five element theory, myofascial release, cranial sacral, aromatherapy, sound therapy, harmonics and the newest theories of energy.

Stone’s basic premise is that all living beings are pulsating fields of energy made up of specific frequencies known as the five elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth. Each element resonates with each other and flows in balance within the positive and negative poles of the electrical body. When our thoughts, feelings, emotions and physical bodies are out of alignment an energy imbalance may result. A polarity therapist helps to establish the balance of flowing energy which enables the body to bring about whatever healing needs to be done.

Polarity therapy is an energy healthcare treatment individualized to each person’s needs. We work together in a healing relationship to address physical, emotional, mental and spiritual issues. Supporting clients through communication to process feelings and emotions to develop strategies for maintaining wellness. Clear and positive thought processes are

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NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

The five elements of Polarity Therapy — ether, air, fire, water and earth. integral to achieving a higher level of health and to maintain the body’s energy balance. Specific yoga-style exercises may be suggested as self-help techniques to calm or activate an individual’s energy in order to promote relaxation and overall balance. Discussion of a client’s awareness of what foods, and how we consume them, benefit or hinder our achievement of whole health. Promoting the use of specific nutritional principles for internal cleansing and long-term maintenance are discussed. We are what we eat because we absorb the energy that exists within our foods.

The benefits are profound for relaxation, pain, anxiety, muscle tension, joints, restored vital organ systems, digestion, elimination, circulation, respiration, immune system, detoxification, inflammation, cell regeneration and wound healing. It is known to help improve sleep, promote the rapid recovery after strenuous exercise, support therapy for rehabilitation and recovery from injuries and aid in strength training.

The hands are the best tool—capable of infinite adaptations, which emits photons of light from the palm chakra to neutralize free radicals, balance the subtle, natural and electromagnetic energy fields using a sensitive touch, holding contact points, structural and muscle manipulations. Touching a body produces energy, which turns on a switch that turns on the process regulating movement, bringing the body into alignment. Cells and tissue respond to the pulsing electromagnetic field of the hands. The hands are connected to the heart evoking a heart rhythm, which gives the appropriate frequency for tissue response that touches every cell, atom and electron.

Quantum physics scientists are discovering that light is the medium that cells can talk/communicate with each other. With intention, this can be increased 1,000 times.

With presence, miracles can happen.

Janice Johnson has been a practitioner of polarity therapy for the past 20 years, as well as a lifestyle consultant.

She practices at Neck Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St., Ste. PH-1 in Fairfax. For more information, visit NeckBackAndBeyond.com. See ad, page 22. natural awakenings May 2016

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wisewords

Marie Kondo on the Joy of Tidying Up

Simplicity Invites Happiness into Our Lives

by April Thompson

that the best way to choose what to keep is to actually hold each item. As you do, ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” When you touch something, your body reacts, and its response to each item is different.

The process of assessing how you feel about the things you own—identifying those that have fulfilled their purpose, expressing your gratitude and bidding them farewell and good wishes for their onward journey—is a rite of passage to a new life.

Must keepsakes be included?

How can we begin to get and stay organized?

It’s not about a set of rules, but acquiring the right mindset for becoming a tidy person. Think in concrete terms, 38

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so that you can picture what it would be like to live in a clutter-free space. Start by identifying your bigger goal.

Ask yourself why you want this, repeating the question to get to the root of the answer. As you explore the reasons behind your ideal lifestyle, you’ll realize that the ultimate reason is to be happy. Then you are ready to begin.

I recommend cleaning out and organizing your entire space in one go-around. When completed, the change is so profound that it inspires a strong aversion to your previously cluttered state. The key is to make the change so sudden that you experience a complete change of heart. By discarding the easy things first, you can gradually hone your decision-making skills, including knowing who else can use what you don’t need. I recommend starting with clothes, then move to books, documents, miscellaneous items and finally anything with sentimental value. photo by Ichigo Natsuno

J

apanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo helps us discover happiness through tidiness. Already perusing home and lifestyle magazines by age 5, she spent her childhood “tidying” up her surroundings rather than playing with toys.

The organizing system Kondo went on to develop, the KonMari method, defies most long-held rules of organizing, such as installing clever storage solutions to accommodate stuff or decluttering one area at a time. Her New York Times bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has been published in 30 countries, demonstrating that her methods speak to universal desires, including a hunger for order and simplicity. She’s now released a companion book, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up.

Kondo’s principles, including vertically stacking clothing and using special folding methods for socks, can seem quirky, yet her approach gets results. Kondo claims a nearly zero percent “clutter relapse” rate among clients because they’ve become surrounded only by things they love.

Is it important to touch every single object in the decision process?

At one point in my life, I was virtually a “disposal unit”, constantly on the lookout for superfluous things.

One day, I realized that I had been so focused on what to discard that I had forgotten to cherish the things I loved.

Through this experience, I concluded

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Mementoes are reminders of a time that gave us joy, yet truly precious memories will never vanish, even if you discard the associated objects. By handling each sentimental item, you process your past. The space we live in should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.

What do you recommend for organizing what remains after a purge?

The secret to maintaining an uncluttered room is to pursue simplicity in storage, so that you can see at a glance what you have. My storage rules are simple: Store all items of the same type in one place and don’t scatter storage space.

How does this process change us and our relationship to things?

Through it, you identify both what you love and need in your home and in your life. People have told me that decluttering has helped them achieve lifelong dreams, such as launching their own business; in other cases, it has helped them let go of negative attachments and unhappy relationships.

Despite a drastic reduction in belongings, no one has ever regretted it, even those that ended up with a fifth of their earlier possessions. It’s a continuing strong reminder that they have been living all this time with things they didn’t need.

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

womenshealth

Comprehensive Women’s Health Program

Health

Tests and

Screenings

Using a Holistic Approach

by Dr. Sushma Hirani

M

any women are so busy with their careers, family and home that they have little time to care of their needs. Unfortunately, by not caring for themselves, women run the risk of becoming overworked, overstressed and, ultimately, ill to the detriment of their family—who they so dearly love.

Apart from female specific health conditions such as perimenopause and menopause, women are more prone to health issues such as hypothyroidism, hormone imbalances and osteoporosis that need to be monitored on a regular basis.

As women age, it is common to experience hormonal imbalances and experience a plethora of symptoms including: hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, bone loss, osteoporosis and vaginal dryness. For so many women, this list is all too familiar.

In addition to the regular pap smears, mammograms and breast examinations, it helps to take a more holistic approach to health care and work with a physician and health center that is passionate about preventing illness and optimizing health.

Such a comprehensive women’s health program includes: ■ In-depth evaluation of medical health history ■ Regular preventive health screening including pap smears, breast screening, heart health iscreening­—including detailed blood tests and EKG’s, and bone health testing with a focus on preventive health and wellness ■ Non-invasive thermography (digital infra-red thermal imaging) of breasts and

other body tissues which will help supplement routine mammogram screenings.

■ Comprehensive hormone evaluation of thyroid, adrenal and female hormones and hormone-balancing, as needed ■ Comprehensive nutritional and metabolic assessment to measure vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, cellular metabolism and detoxification capacity and mitochondrial health.

It is important to have a physician who works in conjunction with the patient to develop a personalized treatment plan throughout the healing journey and who is striving to support the patient by offering quiet attention-focused healing of the body, mind and spirit.

Sushma Hirani, M.D. practices functional and integrative medicine at Rose Wellness Center, in Oakton, VA. She specializes in women’s health programs, menopause and hormone balancing, and the treatment of chronic conditions such as hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and digestive disorders. Dr. Hirani and her staff believe it is important for you to understand your body and your health and take the time to address and answer all of your health questions. For more information, visit RoseWellness.com. See ad, page 43.

Join her for a free, live webinar, sponsored

by Natural Awakenings from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. on May 17 to learn more about women’s health and how you can take care of yourself in a more holistic approach. Reserve your spot at WomensHealthWebinar.

Eventbrite.com. See ad, page 11.

■

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oneonone

sity with significant scholarly work in the area of Complementary and Integrative Health.

MUIH sat down with Dr. Moonaz to discuss her research and the future of research at the University.

MUIH: Can you give a general overview of your research interests and goals?

An Interview with

Steffany Moonaz Maryland University of Integrative Health sat down with Dr. Moonaz to discuss her research and the future of research at the University

E

arlier this year, Steffany Moonaz, Ph.D., RYT 500, won Maryland University of Integrative Health’s (MUIH) first annual Excellence in Research and Scholarship Award for her work on Sustainable Transformation: The Short and Long-Term Effects of a 40

Washington, D.C.

Yoga Intervention on Quality of Life for Persons with Arthritis. The award acknowledges an MUIH faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in research and/or scholarship. This individual will have contributed to the mission and values of the Univer-

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

SM: I am interested in investigating the effects of yoga practice for people with rheumatic diseases, which includes but is not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis in children).

Specifically within this, I am focused on something called patientreported outcomes or PROs, which medicine is moving toward emphasizing more. There is a science to measuring PROs, and it includes the development and validation of instruments to be able to accurately measure aspects of the patient experience. I suspect that in the realm of integrative health practices, the patient experience is where we stand to have the greatest impact.

Medicine is looking for cures for these chronic, irreversible conditions, but as integrative practitioners we can help people live differently with these conditions in the meantime. We can help to improve their quality of life on the whole; the way they feels and lives with the disease as it exists, and adapting to life with the disease as it changes.

MUIH: How much research has been done on this topic?

Are you among a few or are you seeing growth within the field?

SM: I’m one of the only people that has really focused on this. At the time that we started the randomized control trial at Johns Hopkins, there were maybe half a dozen other very small pilot projects. The rigor of the science was lacking, and that actually was true in yoga research broadly at the time. There was recently a bibliometric analysis that was led

by Pamela Jeter, adjunct faculty at MUIH, and it shows the exponential growth in yoga research, and that’s not just quantity but quality. The rigor has increased, and it’s part of a movement toward more research in these areas in general. And there is so much more to be done.

I and a team of yoga researchers around the world are working to develop yoga research reporting standards.

The improvement in the way that we report our yoga research is going to help us to answer some of those more nuanced questions going forward.

J U N E

MUIH: Do you see MUIH conducting further integrative health research to become a leader in the field?

SM: I wouldn’t be here if the answer was no. I’m a researcher and I took a chance by coming here and trying to build my body of work as a yoga researcher at an institution that historically has not emphasized research.

As a university, that’s a direction that we’re moving. I hope and intend to be a key member in the development of a culture of research and research

literacy among our student and faculty, as well as in the university’s research capacity and research evidence. I believe that is the direction that we’re going as an institution and that I will help to continue moving that forward.

Maryland University of Integrative Health is an accredited graduate school with programs in Acupuncture, Health Coaching, herbal medicine, nutrition, health promotion and yoga therapy. See ad, page 56.

THE ART OF BALANCE Align with Natural Health Minded Customers Advertise your products and services in Natural Awakenings’

June Happiness and Balanced Man Issue

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call 202-505-4835 natural awakenings May 2016

41

naturalpet

Stressed-Out Pets Natural Ways to Calm Fear and Anxiety

by Sandra Murphy

W

Silence is a

true friend who never betrays.

~Confucius

hile most American pets live on easy street, with meals, treats, exercise outings and affection provided, the good life also poses challenges—dogs and cats can get stressed.

“Basic stress is fearbased. Separation or isolation anxiety requires in-depth training,” says JennaLee Gallicchio, a certified separation anxiety trainer who uses scientific and hands-off techniques at her All Stars Dog Training, in Bedminster, New Jersey. She authors a bestselling series that was launched with The Secret to Getting Your Dog to Do What You Want.

A drug like Reconcile, the pet version of Prozac, looks like a quick fix, but can bring many harmful side effects. Laurel Braitman, Ph.D., of Sausalito, California, bestselling author of Animal Madness: How Anxious Dogs, Compulsive Parrots, and Elephants in Recovery Help Us Understand Ourselves, estimates that 70 million U.S. dogs are given the same drugs their humans use for anxiety or depression.

Considering the potential dangers, such drugs should only be used briefly as a last resort with veterinary supervision to ensure the proper dosage based on age, size and temperament. There are more natural and safer alternatives.

Common Stressors

Dogs hear sounds at four times the distance we do; cats hear even better.

Thunderstorms, fireworks, traffic, TV, music and children can unnerve them.

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NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Add in a new home, baby, another pet or anticipation of car rides associated with fear of the veterinarian and even normally mellow pets can get upset.

Irregular work hours undermine established routines. Pet or human health issues, plus household drama, add special reasons to fret. Pets separated from their litters too early can experience anxiety as adults.

Stress Less Strategies

“Let your dog have a space where he can retreat when he’s had enough,” advises Dr. Carol Osborne, owner of Ohio’s Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center & Pet Clinic. She recommends Bach’s Five Flower Formula, diluted chamomile essential oil or a pet-safe tincture of the Chinese herb skullcap for additional relief.

Dogs like routine. “Regular exercise helps, including two, 20-minute daily walks. A tired pet is a happy pet,” Osborne says. “Walks can eliminate stress and anxiety by 50 percent for you both.”

“Cats need exercise that mimics hunting; cats stare and plan, stalk or chase, pounce and grab,” says Marci Koski, certified by the Animal Behavior Institute and owner of Feline Behavior Solutions, in Vancouver, Washington. “An indoor cat’s prey drive can be met with interactive toys.” A place to climb or hide and a window with a view will help as will periodic playtime catching moving toys; with nothing to catch, a laser

pointer’s red dots are frustrating for a cat and a potential danger to its eyes.

“Two of my large dogs were anxious during a three-day power outage,” says Kimberly Gauthier, a dog nutrition blogger at KeepTheTailWagging.com, in Marysville, Washington. “I add Ewegurt, a sheep’s milk yogurt, to their food to calm them when needed.”

Clicker training rewards desired behaviors. “Ralphie, an Italian greyhound mix, was protective, but also fearful; before going outside, we’d practice sit, stay and come using a click/treat. Now he sees other dogs without reacting,” relates Katrina Wilhelm, a naturopathic physician and owner of DrKatrinaWilhelm.com, in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

It works when someone knocks on the door, too.

Soothing music covers the sounds of storms and fireworks, counsels Lisa Spector, an award-winning concert pianist in

Getting kitty into her carrier to go to the vet isn’t always easy. London’s Simon Tofield, animator and cartoonist for Simon’s Cats videos and books, suggests making the crate comfy and leaving it out so the cat gets used to it; keeping it out of reach of curious dogs at the vet’s office; and only opening it upon arrival in the exam room. His local vet staff explains more at Tinyurl. com/CatVetProtocol.

Signs of Pet Stress 4 Aggression toward people or other animals 4 Digestive problems 4 Excessive barking/meowing 4 Forgetful of housetraining 4 Increased sleep 4 Isolation 4 Loss of appetite 4 Pacing 4 Pulling out fur

New View

Half Moon Bay, California, who creates the Through a Dog’s Ear clinically tested music series to relieve pet anxiety, inclusive of cats.

“Although many holistic animal lovers want natural stress relievers, few think of auditory options,” she says.

“Stressors for dogs and cats are different.

As a veterinarian, I explain situations from the animal’s perspective,” says Jennifer Quammen, with the Grants Lick Veterinary Hospital, in Butler, Kentucky.

“I say, ‘From the cat’s point of view…’ As the animal advocate, I feel it’s my professional obligation.”

“We bring pets into our world and expect them to adjust. Dogs, in particular, try so hard,” says Spector. They need our attention, shared activities and most of all, our understanding.

Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

Regain Your Health and Vitality Do you suffer with Chronic Pain? Fatigue? Allergies?

Whatever your health challenges, we can help you get on the path to real wellness.

We don’t throw pills and potions at symptoms. Instead, we will help identify hormone, metabolic, digestive, nutritional and food sensitivity issues to get to the root cause of your health problems, where true healing begins.

Call Today for a Free Phone Consultation

“I am confident I can help you get well so you will feel good again.”

571.529.6699

Our key services and treatments include:

• Integrative and Functional Medicine • Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) • Hypothyroidism, Fibromyalgia & other Chronic Illnesses • Tick Borne Illnesses

• Acupuncture

• Homeopathy

• Allergy Management

• Mold & Environmental Toxicity • Women’s Health Program • Digestive Health Program

For more details go to

www.RoseWellness.com Sushma Hirani, MD 2944 Hunter Mill Road Suite 101, Oakton, VA

natural awakenings May 2016

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

MONDAY, MAY 1

SATURDAY, MAY 7

Breast Thermography Clinic – 10am-4pm.

Through May 2. Book your Breast Thermography Screening today with Donna Marie Scippa, RN, NP, CTT, at Neck Back and Beyond. Individual assessment for breast cancer detection and prevention, completely safe, no radiation, no breast compression, 25 years and older. $275 for initial visit and $185 for subsequent visits. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA. Register: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackand Beyond@gmail.com. Info: NeckBackandBeyond. com or BreastThermography.com.

200-Hour Teacher Training May Extended Session – 7am-9pm. Through June 19. Hands-on modules focus on various yoga traditions including Vinyasa flow, alignment, power, dharma, astanga, sivananda, restorative, prenatal, seniors, chair yoga and trauma-sensitive yoga. $2,500. Register: YogaDistrict.com/the-Teacher-Training.

THURSDAY, MAY 5 Writing Your Truth – 12:30-2pm. Experience the powerful, mysterious and often surprising gifts that emerge as you listen to poetry, participate in simple exercises to get the juices flowing and then begin to write. $15 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – 7-9:30pm.

Through May 26. This intimate and intensive course is designed to help you establish your own unique mindfulness practice, teach you techniques that can help reduce physical and emotional symptoms made worse by stress and increase your peace and quality of life. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Register: LivingMindfully.org/Classes/Special-Series-Events.

FRIDAY, MAY 6 National Teachers Day – Teachers get free classes. We want to celebrate teachers and all the hard work they do by offering them a free class today.

Be Here Now Yoga, Healing and Wellness, 411 8th St, SE. Info: 202-643-8875 or Info@BeHere NowYogaDC.com or BeHereNowYogaDC.com.

Mother’s Day Happy Hour – 5:30-7:30pm. A special evening featuring 3 tasting stations. Live music. $5/person. Dawson’s Market, 225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD. Info: 240-428-1386 or Info@DawsonsMarket.com.

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Chemical-Free Plants at Vienna Garden Faire – 9am-12pm. Get locally grown, chemical-free, honey bee-safe plants from Prior Unity Garden at the Vienna Garden Faire. Free event. Plants from $4.

Vienna Old Town Green, 144 Maple Ave, Vienna, VA. Info: 703-281-7743 or Gardeners@PriorUnityGarden.com or CivicPlus.com/DocumentCenter/ View/2630.

Greater Richmond Holistic Expo – 10am-6pm.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the first large-scale holistic expo in nearly two decades. Sample, try and buy unique products and gifts from a variety of eclectic businesses and practitioners. Jewelry, healthy samples and supplements, music, books and one-of-a-kind gift ware, are just a few of the many offerings. Henrico Hall in the Richmond Raceway Complex, 602 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA. Info: Steve at 804-503-7939.

Golden Health Pharmacy Spring Open House – 11am-3pm. Join us for our Spring Open House.

We will have games for all ages, raffles every hour, smoothie samples, face painting and more. Come and learn more about your local independent pharmacy. Golden Health Pharmacy, 46950 Community Plaza, Ste 112, Sterling, VA. Info: 703-4308883.

Developmental Movement and Experiential Anatomy of Body-Mind Centering – 2-4pm.

By exploring the patterns of our earliest movement, and the dynamic anatomy that supports our growth, we renegotiate limiting habits and arrive at new insights into how to be skillfully embodied in the present. Taught by Doug MacKenzie. $50. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter.com. Info: ElementsCenter.com.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

DC Supersonic Kirtan All-Stars Band – 7-9pm.

Doors open at 6:30pm. Kirtan is call-and-response chanting of sacred sound accompanied by the playing of musical instruments. This enlivening spiritual practice is an integral part of the tradition of devotional yoga called Bhakti yoga that originated in India many centuries ago. $10-$15 (suggested donation, cash please). Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 8 Mother’s Day Yoga – Bring your Mother’s to class for free today – we would love to celebrate your mother with you today. Bring them in for a free yoga class as part of your gift to celebrate how special your mother is. Be Here Now Yoga, Healing and Wellness, 411 8th St, SE. Info: 202-643-8875 or Info@BeHere NowYogaDC.com or BeHereNowYogaDC.com.

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

MONDAY, MAY 9 Keeping Love Vibrant: Sex and Cancer – 6:308pm. A refreshing look at keeping intimacy and sexuality alive when dealing with cancer treatment, with two-time cancer survivor Ralph Alterowitz and his wife, Barbara. $10 (suggested donation).

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

TUESDAY, MAY 10 Creativity Workshop for Young Adults with Cancer – 6:30-8:30pm. Join life coach Jenn McRobbie in exploring the life you want to live after cancer and how a Vision Board can help get you there. Free. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 Spring Bird Walk with the Nature Conservancy – 7:30-9:30am. Join The Nature Conservancy for a spring bird walk at Hughes Hollow, which is part of McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Montgomery County, MD. The MD/DC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy at Hughes Hollow (part

of McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Montgomery County, MD). No address available.

Register: EventBrite.com/e/May-Bird-Walk-withthe-Nature-Conservancy-Tickets-22658319644.

lotus blossom painting to symbolize your growth and awakening on and off the mat. $55. Mind Your Body Oasis Yoga Studio, 1750 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA. Register: MindYourBodyOasis. com/Classes/Schedule/Yoga-Workshops.

specialevent

MONDAY, MAY 16 Jivamukti Satsang – 7:30-8:45pm. With Erica Morgan. Join Jivamukti teachers and students in satsang to discuss the Jivamukti focus of the month. Satsang is a virtuous gathering of likeminded individuals who inspire, encourage and reflect your true nature. Let the seeds of compassion ripen in satsang. Free. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

Curious About Hemp and Your Health Free Live Webinar

We teach about your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and what hemp can do for your health. We teach people to get healthy—not high.

CBD Revolution US, online.

Wednesday, May 11 • 7-8pm

CBD Revolution US, online. register and info: CBDHealth.eventbrite.com

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

THURSDAY, MAY 12 Spring Health Fair – 9am-1pm. Prior Unity Garden products and services for your dream garden, keynote on memory, wellness vendors, free fitness classes, personal assessments, prizes, healthy snacks and more. $12 (preregistered). Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA. Info: JCCNV. org/Events/2016/05/12/Upcoming-Events/Springinto-Health-Fair.

FRIDAY, MAY 13 Three-Day Cancer Retreat – 12pm. Through May 15. Smith Center retreats offer a place to explore the issues and choices that people with life-threatening illness encounter. Cancer patients and their caregivers experience a non-medical, educational, hands-on experience in a safe, nurturing environment. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 17 Singles Sangha – 7-10pm. A welcoming community of people who gather to experience a shared connection with others who are, by choice or by circumstance, single at this time in their lives. All varieties and ages of single people are encouraged to join. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 14 Family Cooking Adventure – 10am. Learn how to create yummy meals and snacks. You get to eat what you make. $5. Dawson’s Market, 225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD. Info: 240-4281386 or Info@DawsonsMarket.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 15 Asana Lab: Handstand – 1-3pm. We will build toward this challenging pose in a safe, methodical way that will help overcome fears of standing upside down through careful preparation for the body and examining the mechanics of the pose in order to refine and try it out in a supportive environment. $20/early registration for members and $25/early registration for nonmembers and $30 at the door. Washington Yoga Center, 4000 Albemarle St, NW. Register: 202-244-9642 or WashingtonYogaCenter.com.

Paint Your Growth and Awakening Art Workshop – 1-3pm. Awaken your creativity this spring as you connect mind, body and spirit on the canvas with local mixed media artist Jackie Tury.

Jackie will guide you in creating your own unique

Mommy and Me and Daddy Too – 10am-12pm.

Join Dawson’s Market on the Rockville Town Square Earth-friendly crafts and yummy snacks.

Live entertainment and tons of fun. Dawson’s Market, 225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD. Info: 240-428-1386 or Info@DawsonsMarket.com.

Women’s Health Webinar – 6:45-7:30pm. Join Dr. Sushma Hirani of Rose Wellness Center for this free, live webinar on how you can take care of yourself holistically, beyond regular pap smears, mammograms and breast examinations, by developing a comprehensive health plan. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask their questions of the doctor.

Sponsored by Natural Awakenings. Reserve your spot at WomensHealthWebinar/Eventbrite.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 19 200-Hour Teacher Training May Extended Session – 7am-9pm. Through May 31. Through June 19. Hands-on modules focus on various yoga traditions including Vinyasa flow, alignment, power, dharma, Astanga, Sivananda, restorative, prenatal, seniors, chair yoga and trauma-sensitive yoga. $2,500. Register: YogaDistrict.com/theTeacher-Training. $2500. Register: YogaDistrict. com/the-Teacher-Training.

Breastfeeding Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – 7-9pm. A Conversation with Pat Shelly, founder and director of The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, who will reflect on breastfeeding culture over the years. Holistic Moms Network Arlington/Alexandria Chapter at Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA. Info: HolisticMoms ArlAlex@gmail.com or HolisticMomsArlAlex.

BlogSpot.com.

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strategic components that drive wellness initiatives and programs in a corporate setting. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

FRIDAY, MAY 20 National Parks Service BioBlitz – Through May 21. To celebrate 100 years of stewardship, the National Park Service is planning a shared nation-wide quest to discover and document biodiversity. National Park Service and National Geographic. Info: BioBlitz@ngs.org or Education.NationalGeographic.org/Projects/BioBlitz/Washington-DC-2016.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 MUIH Webinar: Herbal Enthusiast to Herbal Expert– 12-1pm. Learn about emerging jobs in herbal medicine and more. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

SATURDAY, MAY 21 Organic Gardening on Steroids – 9am-12pm.

This is one way of describing biodyanmics for the home garden. See how to boost your garden’s productivity using biodynamic preparations and methods. Handouts included. $55. Prior Unity Garden (a short walk to the Vienna Metro) on James St, Fairfax. Register: PriorUnityGarden.com/BiodynamicsHome.htm. Info: 703-281-7743 or Gardeners@PriorUnityGarden.com.

Learning from the Guides – 1-5 pm. Through May 22. Popular Hay House author and speaker, Gerry Gavin, will be the featured guest at this weekend workshop. Gavin helps individuals to reach their full potential by teaching them how to listen to their body, mind and spirit. On Sunday, a pre-event meet and greet will be offered with the speaker. Blue Ray of Hope Retreat Center, Marvin Chapel, Union, West Virginia. Information and registration: BlueRayOfHope.com.

Alter Ego Flip Doll Workshop – 1-5pm. Create a two-dimensional relief flip doll and embellish it.

Through brief journaling and visualizations, we will discover this hidden side of ourselves. $25 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 and SmithCenter.org.

Explore Pranayama: The Art of Yogic Breathing – 1-3pm. Pranayama is the ancient yogic practice of breathing exercises, translating as control of the breath/energy. There are several different Pranayamas. In this workshop, we will focus on the two basic ones followed by a short relaxation exercise. $20/ early registration for members and $25/early registration for nonmembers and $30 at the door. Washington Yoga Center, 4000 Albemarle St, NW. Register: 202244-9642 or WashingtonYogaCenter.com.

Learning from the Guides – 1-5 pm. Through May 22. Popular Hay House author and speaker, Gerry Gavin, will be the featured guest at this

weekend workshop. Gavin helps individuals to reach their full potential by teaching them how to listen to their body, mind and spirit.. He is the also the creator of a very successful Angels and Shamans workshop, which puts participants in direct communication with their angels and guides On Sunday, a pre-event meet and greet will be offered with the speaker. Blue Ray of Hope Retreat Center, Marvin Chapel, Union, West Virginia. Information and registration: BlueRayOfHope.com.

Spiritual Warrior Breakdown – 1-2:30pm.

Through May 22. With Dolly Lee. For practitioners new to the Jivamukti Spiritual Warrior class and for those who would like to learn more about the sequence while exploring the asanas in depth. We will be breaking down the class and focusing on alignment and prop usage. Attend either workshop or both. $18/session (plus tax) or $30/both sessions (plus tax). Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

Cheers for Charity Wine Tasting Fundraiser – 5-8pm. Join us for an evening of terrific music and wine and cheese pairing. All of the donations support Rockville Seniors, Inc. $5 (minimum donation/person). Dawson’s Market, 225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD. Info: 240-428-1386 or Info@ DawsonsMarket.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 22 Young Adult Cancer Meet Up and Support Group – 5-6:30pm. Enjoy a light dinner and facilitated group session. Free. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

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

TUESDAY, MAY 24 MUIH Webinar: Workplace Wellness: Developing a Culture of Health – 12-1pm. This webinar will provide participants with an overview of the

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Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Uncork the Magic of Extraordinary Health – 122pm. Lunch and learn. If you are a strong, smart, success-minded individual truly desiring to shed pounds and increase your energy so that you can create: your best body, your best work, your best life, but just too busy to figure it out, this is for you. $45/ early bird through May 13 or $55. Elaine Gibson of Renewed Living, Inc at The Tower Club Tyson’s Corner, 8000 Towers Crescent Dr, Ste 1700, Vienna, VA. Register: Eventbrite.com/e/Uncork-the-Magicof-Extraordinary-Health-Tickets-24522657930.

Instant Pain Relief Without Drugs: A Free, Live Webinar – 6:45-7:30pm. Dr. Craig Sanford of NOVA Center for Alternative Medicine offers this free, live webinar, sponsored by Natural Awakenings. Sanford has developed this new, remarkable treatment called Rapid Relief Pain Therapy that can be achieved using the body’s own nervous system by performing a deep tendon reflex. Learn about this astonishing treatment and ask your questions of the doctor. Register: RRPT/Eventbrite.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 26 Movie Night – 7pm. We will be screening Under Our Skin. A chilling tale of microbes, medicine and money, this Oscar shortlisted film has changed the landscape of the Lyme epidemic, bringing unprecedented awareness in an engaging and accessible way. Organic snacks provided; cost goes to a local charity. $5. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste 204, Fairfax VA. Register: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com.

MUIH Webinar: Careers in Coaching – 7-8pm.

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, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

FRIDAY, MAY 27 Memorial Day Weekend Beach Yoga Retreat – 5pm. Through May 31. Begin and end each day with Ashtanga, Rocket, Dharma yoga classes and meditation classes, spend time walking along the beach, exploring the town, catching up with friends or just relaxing under the sun. $480. Yoga District at Corolla, Outer Banks, NC. Info: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/Classic/ws?Studioid=2070&stype=-8&sTG=11&V T=60&sView=Day&Date=05/27/16.

specialevent Jennifer Berezan in Concert

TUESDAY, MAY 31 MUIH Webinar: Yoga Teacher to Yoga Therapist – 1-2pm. No matter how passionate or talented, very few people can create a full time, long term career as a yoga teacher. Learn about what it takes to become a yoga therapy practitioner and whether you’re ready for the transition. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

plan ahead WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

Rare solo appearance. First time in the Washington, D.C. area. World renowned musician bringing the depth of timeless and contemporary musical traditions, paving the way for stillness of spirit, soothing the soul and raising the vibration. $33

21 Daes of Zen - Jumpstart your health with our 21 Daes of Zen program, with meal delivery provided by Zenful Bites and nutritional sessions provided by Dr. Dae. Anywhere in the DC metro area. Info: 21DaesofZen.com.

Friday, May27 • 7:30 pm

Shenandoah Valley Herbal Gathering – Come enjoy a full day of herbal and permaculture based classes for newbies to seasoned herbalists, plant lovers, healers and Earth lovn’ folks of every kind. Plant walks, local artisan vendors, community land art and a live performance by Bele Bele Rhythm Collective. Registration is now open. Sacred Roots Herbal Sanctuary, Shepherdstown, WV. Register: SacredRootsWV.com.

Unity of Fairfax 2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA. Register: DuncanPerrote@yahoo.com

SATURDAY, MAY 28 Total Wellness Summit –8am-5pm. Join for this life-changing day, designed to inform and empower all who participate, with the goal of achieving total wellness. In addition to meeting with knowledgeable medical practitioners, there will be lectures held throughout the day.

The event is sponsored by The Institute of Multidimensional Medicine, PLLC. Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage, 1816 12th St., NW. Register: TotalWellnessSummit.com.

specialevent Jennifer Berezan Sound Workshop

We will engage in a wide range of musical experiences from traditional and contemporary traditions designed to open our hearts and create equanimity, joy, ecstasy and healing.

No musical experience necessary. $111

Saturday, May28 • 10am-4pm

Unity of Fairfax 2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA. Register: DuncanPerrote@yahoo.com or JenniferBerezanConcertDC.bpt.me.

Jazz Brunch – 11am-2pm. An all-you-can-eat brunch buffet that includes an extended breakfast hot bar, salad bar, a locally-made bagel and lox station, a made-to-order omelet station and a waffle station, dessert and mimosa tasting. $16.99/ adult, $6.99 for kids 4-10 and kids 3-and-under are free. Dawson’s Market, 225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD. Info: 240-428-1386 or Info@ DawsonsMarket.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Sri Dharma Mittra Workshops – 9am-6pm. Join Sri Dharma Mittra, founder of Dharma Yoga and internationally renowned yoga teacher, for a day of workshops at the Washington Convention Center. Sri Dharma will lead a master class, yoga nidra and an all-levels practice. Sliding scale for those in need, email YogaDC@ YogaDistrict.com. Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St, NW. Register: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/ Classic/ws?Studioid=2070&stype=-8&sTG=11&sVT =60&sView=Day&sTrn=100000666&date=06/12/16.

Love Your Body Yoga Festival – 10am-5pm. Visit Neck, Back and Beyond and their interactive booth at the Love Your Body Yoga Festival in Reston, VA. Neck, Back and Beyond at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St, Reston, VA. Info: NeckBackAndBeyond.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Neck, Back and Beyond Booth – 12pm. Visit our interactive booth at the Ripple at Stillwaters in Marshall, VA. Neck, Back and Beyond at Ripple at Stillwaters, 4279 Janes Lane, Marshall, VA. Info: NeckBackAndBeyond.com.

Richmond Vegetarian Festival – 12-6pm. Now in its 14th year, the festival continues to grow each year and has become a favorite family outing for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Come join us for the best RVA Veggie Fest ever. Azalea Gardens at Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA. Info: VeggieFest.org.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26 Living with a Happy, Healthy Cat – 9am-2:30pm.

Learn more about your cat’s health, constitution, diet and environment to optimize their wellness and happiness. The agenda features lectures, Q and A and panel discussions. $50. Veterinary Holistic Center, 7950 Woodruff Ct, Ste 1, Springfield, VA. Register: IttyBittyurl.com/Ya9. Info: VHCNoVa.com.

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

Discover the life that is waiting for you.

Tap into your deeper wisdom & sense of purpose.

Help understand your moods & manage them better.

Women • Couples • Groups

Four Corners Counseling, LLC 10000 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, MD

Hetty Irmer

The Thinking Woman’s Therapist HettyIrmer.com Call 301-960-8960 for a complimentary consultation natural awakenings May 2016

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

4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown.

Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

sunday Sunday Morning Meditation Class – 10:30am12:30pm. With Hugh Byrne. An oasis in a busy week, including 30-minute guided meditations, a 10-minute walking meditation and 30-minute discussion. A mini-retreat. Drop-ins welcome.

The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LivingMindfully.org.

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

The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LivingMindfully.org.

Therapeutic Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Enjoy a greater sense of well-being and enhanced energy in our gentle yoga classes. Learn various yoga postures and techniques in progressive relaxation, breathing practices and mediation. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Register: 202-483-8600. Info: SmithCenter.org/Calendar.

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

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

Simple floor exercises have profound effects on your posture, breathing and movement capabilities. $10/ session or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

tuesday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living,

Yin/Yang Yoga – 11am-12:15pm.

2nd Tues. Class begins with held passive poses measured in minutes, not breaths, called Yin Yoga. Props (to release muscular effort) are used, to calm the nervous system, while safely stressing the fascia, ligaments and joint tissues. Washington Yoga Center, 4000 Albemarle St, NW. Register: 202-244-9642 or WashingtonYogaCenter.com.

Chair Yoga – 12-1pm. All are invited to relax deeply as we move through a series of gentle seated and supported poses that promote selfcare. $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.

Women’s Community Mindfulness Class – 7:30pm. The aspiration of the Women’s Community Mindfulness Classes (WCMC) is to create a safe space where women can practice mindfulness for the development of wisdom and compassion. We provide both guided meditation and independent practice time followed by a talk, with time for questions and comments. Beginning and experienced meditators are welcome. Chairs and cushions are provided. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: IMCW.org. .

wednesday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown.

Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Outside the Lines: A Creative Art Studio – 10:30am-12:30pm. 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.

Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead.

Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow.

Just walk beside me and be my friend. ~Albert Camus 48

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Farmers’ Market – 11am-2pm. Instead of giving your money to large corporations, support local farmers and small business owners and shop Dawson’s Farmers’ Market. Enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers and great food from our BBQ tent. Dawson’s Market, 225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD. Info: 240-428-1386 or Info@ DawsonsMarket.com.

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

thursday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown.

Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Therapeutic Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. See Mon for details. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Register: 202-483-8600. Info: SmithCenter.org/Calendar.

friday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown.

Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

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

Friday Wine Tastings -Taste the Vine – 5-7pm.

Join us in our Indulge Department for a free wine tasting featuring a different vineyard each week.

Dawson’s Market, 225 N. Washington St, Rockville. Info: 240-428-1386 or Info@DawsonsMarket.com.

Yoga Nidra – 7:45-9pm. 1st Fri. Yoga Nidra is a form of meditation in a laying down on the back position. Students are guided through a body scan leading them to a deep state of relaxation in which the body is asleep, but the mind is awake and receptive to suggestions. $20/early registration for members and $25/early registration for nonmembers or $30 at the door. Washington Yoga Center, 4000 Albemarle St, NW. Register: 202-244-9642 or WashingtonYogaCenter.com.

5Rhythms Sweat Your Prayers – 8-10pm.

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

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 22.

SHAWNA SNYDER

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com Shawna Snyder is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in pain management. She effectively relieves pain by custom tailoring a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve optimal results. See ad, page 43.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE NOVA CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

4635 Chain Bridge Rd, Ste 100, McLean, VA 703-229-3106 NOVAAlternativeMed.com Our holistic approach gets to the nexus of your pain and treats your pain’s cause, not just your symptoms. Dr. Craig Sanford’s approach and treatment will greatly improve your quality of life. Specializing in peripheral neuropathy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, nutrition, physical therapy and functional medicine. See ad, page 9.

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AROMATHERAPY

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

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

See ad, page 16.

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 5.

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

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, a public garden for all the senses, a place of peace and reflection.

Near Wolf Trap in Vienna.

CANNABIS PRODUCTS CBD REVOLUTION US

202-730-9443 CBDRevolutionUS@gmail.com CBDRevolutionUS.com

COACHING CALMFIDENCE INSTITUTE

202-583-2469 Juneous@CalmfidenceInstitute.com CalmfidenceInstitute.com Juneous Pettijohn works with overworked and s t r e s s e d - o u t professionals who struggle with fear and self-doubt—and want to live with less stress, greater focus. See ad, page 44.

CHIROPRACTOR ASHDALE CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

Dr. Craig Sanford, DC 12801 Darby Brooke Ct, Ste 120, Woodbridge, VA 703-583-1222 • AshdaleChiropractic.com Ashdale Chiropractic and Physical Therapy offers chiropractic care, acupuncture, peripheral neuropathy and physical medicine. See ad, page 9.

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 22.

CLEANING MAID BRIGADE CAPITAL REGION

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

We are Green Clean Certified so you can have peace of mind that your home will be healthier for you, your pets, and the environment. See ad, page 33.

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 27.

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DOULA

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY GOLDEN HEALTH PHARMACY

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

CONSULTING GRACE PRODUCTIONS

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

See ad, page 26.

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

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

Hetty works with women, couples and offers groups to learn and practice skills of self-understanding and leadership. See ad, page 47.

DENTISTRY-CERAMIC IMPLANTS MILES OF SMILES IMPLANT DENTISTRY

801 Wayne Ave, Ste G200, Silver Spring, MD 301-588-0768 PureImplants@MilesOfSmilesDental.net Our integrative approach addresses your body’s readiness for dental implants, we systematically test and optimize your immune system prior to implant placement. With 18 years’ experience in implant dentistry, Dr Noumbissi developed the Natural and Keramik Koncept, a safe protocol for teeth replacement with metal free ceramic implants coupled with naturally optimized and accelerated bone and gum healing to enhance your smile and improve your quality of life. See ad, page 34.

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THE DC DOULA

202-630-HOOK (4665) TheDCDoula@gmail.com TheDCDoula.com Birth and Postpartum Doula offering a variety of women’s wellness services. We support birth with great confidence and help you welcome your new baby.

See ad, page 22.

ENERGY HEALING LIZETTE AYALA

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

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 20.

GARDENING PRIOR UNITY GARDEN

Fairfax, VA 703-281-7743 Gardeners@PriorUnityGarden.com PriorUnityGarden.com From containers to whole home-sites we help you create organic, abundant and beautiful gardens. Classes, courses, workshops, presentations, consultations, coaching, designs, installations, maintenance, work-study, products See ad, page 29.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

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

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

See ad, page 16.

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

Reconnective Healing, a new level of healing that scientists and researchers know we now have access to. It goes beyond energy healing spectrum into a new bandwidth of light and information. See ad, page 36.

GREEN GLOW GIRL

Sara McCoy Integrative Nutrition Health Coach GreenGlowGirl@gmail.com Providing one-on-one coaching to feeling inner vibrancy and awareness through healthy eating and self-care. See ad, page 42.

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

Bringing back the indigenous wisdom to our modern world. Organizing sacred retreat, reconnect with nature and sacred sites travel. Promoting holistic healers, traditional ancient medicine and wellness workshops. See ad, page 20.

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. ~Oprah Winfrey

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, s u b s t a n c e a b u s e , a n x i e t y, depression, allergies, asthma, childhood ailments, migraines, hair and skin disorders, immune deficiencies and sinus disorders.

See ad, page 43. .

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

CHARLES GANT, MD, PHD

International Precision Medicine Associates 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 4th Fl., E Washington, DC 20037 888-727-6910 InternationalPrecisionMedicineAssociates.com With over 30 years of integrative clinical experience, Dr. Gant is passionate about providing the level of personalized care offered by Precision Medicine. He offers advanced diagnostic, genetic, and functional laboratory testing to define the root causes of symptoms, which can then be targeted to reverse chronic disorders and diseases, optimize physical wellness and brain health, as well as overcome addictions. He brings together the best of holistic and conventional medicine options, and is an active educator of healthcare practitioners and an internationally recognized author and speaker. See ad, page 21.

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 3.

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 43.

SULTANA AFROOZ, DO

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

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 and emphasizes nutrition, 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 43.

INSTITUTE OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL MEDICINE, PLLC 2311 M St NW, Ste. 301, Washington, D.C. 202-429-3783 TIMMed.com

Our patients are treated holistically as we assess your individual needs and listen to your concerns and goals for well-being. Our practitioners are trained in both conventional and complementary therapies and offer a professionally guided wholeperson approach to your health care. Offering a whole range of integrative services, including thermography, midwifery and medical marijuana. ..

MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL PRECISION MEDICINE ASSOCIATES

2200 Pennsylvania Ave, 4th Floor East, NW 888-727-6910 InternationalPrecision MedicineAssociates.com Deep bodywork that uses rhythmic, wavelike movement to ease pain, joint and muscle tension, and release long-held uncomfortable movement and postural patterns. See ad, page 21.

NUTRITION RAW LIVING D-LIGHT

571-471-2891 • Luzy@RawLivingDLight RawLivingDLight.com Alkaline foods to restore your health and nourish your body.

Microgreens and sprouts, foods for superior health. Classes, workshops and private consultation. Available for lectures and home growing consultations.

See ad, page 33.

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

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

PERSCRIPTIONS GOLDEN HEALTH PHARMACY

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

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POLARITY THERAPY

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

NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

Janice M Johnson 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.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 electro magnetic fields (PEMF).

See ad, page 22.

SHIATSU THERAPIST NECK, BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

Natalie Depastas 10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com Nathalie Depastas is a highly skilled acupuncturist and Shiatsu therapist with 30 years of experience in Chinese medicine, including medical qigong. See ad, page 22.

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

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

Go organic. NYR Organic is the way to go. Awardwinning products, fair trade, ethical and transparent. Many holistic practitioners, massage therapist and estheticians use the products in their practice. See ad, page 45.

SOLAR

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

SOLAR CITY

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

We’re here to help!

Since 2006, Solar City has been working to bring solar energy to as many homes as possible. They work in 19 states, including Maryland and D.C. Contact them today to get a free consultation as a first step to joining the solar movement. See ad, page 23.

678-525-1595 Brittany Watts BWatts1@SolarCity.com

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NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

SPIRITUAL LIVING UNITY OF FAIRFAX

2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 703-281-1767 • UnityOfFairfax.org Admin@UnityOfFairfax.org

minded individuals.

At Unity of Fairfax, we offer a welcoming, safe environment to explore one’s own relationship with God in a community of like-

UNITY OF GAITHERSBURG

111 Central Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 301-947-3626 Admin@UnityofGaithersburg.org UnityofGaithersburg.org We are a vibrant spiritual community awakening love, joy and abundance in all. We honor all people and inspire them to live out their potential.

THERMOGRAPHY 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 #r adults and families with older children. See ad, page 22.

VETERINARIAN - HOLISTIC HOLISTIC VETERINARY HEALING

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

A holistic veterinary clinic focused on keeping your pet healthy by promoting quality of life while providing excellent integrative medical care in an exceptional environment. See ad, page 34.

VETERINARY HOLISTIC CENTER

7950 Woodruff Ct, Ste 1, Springfield, VA 703-662-4494 Info@VHCNoVa.com VHCNoVa.com Dr. Jordan Kocen and his associates provide a full range of integrative veterinary care services, including: acupuncture, homeopathy, Chinese Herbal Medicine, massage, chiropractic and physical therapy.

See ad, page 35. .

YOGA YOGA WITH NYA

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