Natural Awakenings DC May 2017 by Natural Awakenings DC

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feel good • live simply • laugh more

A Better You

One Step at a Time Decoding

DOG

WOMEN

RISING

Mobilizing with Love to Heal Humanity

Healing the Feminine Soul

TALK

Signals of Anxiety

BEAUTIFUL BIRTHING

Exploringl the Rite of the Womb

Paths to a Natural Pregnancy and Delivery May 2017 | Washington, D.C. Edition | NaturalAwakeningsDC.com natural awakenings

May 2017

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letterfrompublisher Dear Friends, contact us Publisher, Editor-in-Chief Robin Fillmore Contributing Editors Jessica Bradshaw Randy Kambic Editorial Intern Rachel Feidelman Design & Production Irene Sankey Business Development Ayana Saunders Outreach Director Samantha Hudgins Natural Awakenings of Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-505-4835 4938 Hampden Lane, #214 Bethesda, MD 20814 Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com NaturalAwakeningsDC.com ©2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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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.

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Even though the themes of our magazine are planned up to a year in advance, I think our national editors have brilliant intuition as they tap into the relevant issues to be presented in any given month. For example, the themes this month are natural childbirth and pregnancy as well as women rising. I am confident that many of you joined me on the streets of Washington, D.C. and elsewhere throughout the world, for the Women’s March on January 21. It was clear to me that the power of women to rise to levels of leadership cannot be denied any longer. The energy on that cold morning was palpable and laden with hope. One of our feature pieces this month in Natural Awakenings, “Heart-Based Leadership: Women Mobilize to Heal the World,” by Linda Sechrist, chronicles the amazing movement in our country, and in our world, by women. In boardrooms, operating rooms and Congressional committee meeting rooms, the feminine spirit is invading and permeating to change the paradigm around us. I have taken advantage of this powerful message to share some words of wisdom from some amazing women in our midst. From Rev. Carol Richardson, you are invited to read excerpts from her new book, Truth and Illusion, that opens a full vision of exploring the world through the lens of the sacred feminine. With that, we have several articles that offer support for self-care, such as Angela Blueskies’ article on the Rite of the Womb, Susan Brady’s spotlight on managing (and overcoming) osteoporosis, a disease that affects millions of women, and Dr. Tracy Freeman’s practical steps to build a better you. For women who are either pregnant or plan to become so in the near future, we have been able to pull together some amazing resources to guide you on the most amazing journey of your life. As a mother (and step-mother) who has been through it all, I understand that the preparation one can do in those early days of pregnancy through birth sets the foundation for your child’s life to come, in so many ways. To journey down that path in a holistic way, with support from a partner, friends and family is invaluable. When I was pregnant many years ago, I appreciated the books by Dr. Spock and Dr. T. Berry Brazelton and recalled that the base-line that both relied on was the mother’s intuition for her child. While the science has come far in recent years, that message still rings true as women, with their partners, contemplate the best way to bring a new life into this world. In addition to the feature article on natural motherhood, we have tapped some of the best practitioners in our area to guide expectant mothers to the help that they need. Dr. Melissa Windsor works her chiropractic goodness with women, before, during and after pregnancy, to help relieve many of the common unwanted side effects of pregnancy. Malika Hook Muhammad, known to so many as the DC Doula, is featured here, as well, along with a number of others. We invite you to check out the special spotlights and the women’s directory offered this month. Finally, I wanted to thank all of you who shared notes and calls about my announcement last month about placing the magazine on the market. While we don’t yet have the right person to carry it on yet, I am confident that there is someone out there—maybe even you! Enjoy the May flowers and burst of life that comes with the spring! Peace,

Robin Fillmore, Publisher

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contents Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more 8 8 newsbriefs balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge 1 2 healthbriefs information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products 1 6 globalbriefs and services that support a healthy lifestyle. 23 naturalhealing 18 NATURAL 24 consciouseating MOTHERHOOD Creating the Best Start 32 womenshealth for New Life 12 spotlight 34 womenshealth 22 HEART-BASED directory LEADERSHIP Women Mobilize 35 practitioner to Heal the World 18 spotlight 36 healthywomen 24 IMPROVING spotlight 16 FERTILITY 22 37 naturalpet by Deborah Shouse

by Linda Sechrist

38 calendar 4 1 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.

with Nutrition

by Elizabeth McMillan

26 TRUTH AND ILLUSION A Spotlight on the New Book by Rev. Carol Richardson by Robin Fillmore

28 TAGGART SIEGEL Seeks to Seed an Agricultural Revolution by April Thompson

29 FOSSIL FUEL FREE INVESTING

to Fight Climate Change by Barry Wind and Jeremy A. Pearce

30 HEALING THE

FEMININE SOUL

Exploring the Rite of the Womb by Angela Blueskies

33 A BETTER YOU One Step At a Time by Tracy Freeman, M.D

37 DECODING DOG BODY TALK

Three Signals of Anxiety

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by Susan Briggs

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May 2017

newsbriefs Thermography Clinic for Breast Health

hermography is a physiological test measuring heat levels in tissue to determine breast health. Neck Back and Beyond, in Fairfax, is pleased to offer their biannual thermography clinic, running from May 4 to 8. They will also be offering a women’s health lecture at 7 p.m. on May 4. Every person generates heat from normal metabolic processes. In breast tissue, excess heat can be from various sources. One is inflammation. Food allergies and sensitivities cause inflammation in the body, and this increases heat in the tissue. Estrogen is a hormone that increases metabolism and as such, creates heat. In breast tissue, this can eventually lead to a cancerous process. The third possibility is cancer itself. Cancer has the ability to use the process angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels that allow its cells to keep growing. When a growing cancer reaches 1 million cells, it cannot receive enough nutrition from the surrounding tissue. It has to get it through the blood supply. To do this, blood vessels are formed that go right into the cell cluster. It is not until cancer reaches 1 billion cells that it can be seen on a mammogram. With thermograms however, increased heat can be seen long before an actual tumor by mammogram is detected. Thermography uses no X-rays and does not painfully compress the breast tissue. Whereas breast tissue density causes false positives in mammograms, this is not the case with thermography. Even women as young as 25 years old can be imaged by thermography without problems. Suggested donation for lecture: $5. Location: 10560 Main St., Ste. 204, Fairfax. For more information, visit NeckBackAndBeyond.com. See ad, page 11.

Viva La Vegan in Rockville

awson’s Market is helping everyone enjoy Meatless Mondays just a little bit easier these days. Starting May 1, the store invites all to try out some great new reasons to go without meat and dairy products. This free event will take place on the first Monday of the month, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the store in Rockville. In addition to all the great foods normally found in the market, the team at Dawson’s is setting up tasting stations throughout the store, with recipes that show just how delicious a plant-based lifestyle can be. For instance, one can try coconut “bacon” and or a fabulous ceviche dish using cauliflower instead of shrimp. This is also a chance to try some new products like vegan cheeses, cookies, baked goods and meatless “meat” dishes, just to give a hint of the menu for the first event. The DC Veg Society will be present to offer information on their organization, provide recipes and offer tips on how, and why, to adopt a vegan lifestyle. “There are many reasons to go with a plant-based diet. Not only is it good for your health, it’s also good for the environment and sustainability,” notes Darline Thomas, marketing manager at Dawson’s Market. “Plant-based diets do not have to be boring. There are many products and recipes out there that are truly delicious. By offering this event, we will be able to demonstrate and sample products that customers might otherwise not try.” Location: 225 N. Washington St., Rockville. For more information, visit DawsonsMarket.com.

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Celebrating Yoga, Community and Wholeness

ll are welcome to the ninth annual Love Your Body Yoga Festival—a day filled with activities for the whole family, including live music, complimentary massages, energy healing demonstrations, healthy food and drink samples. The event, hosted by Beloved Yoga, brings together yoga studios and wellness centers from all over Northern Virginia. The festival takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 11, in the Reston Town Center. Attendees can learn about therapeutic healing practices such as reiki, chiropractic adjustments, massage and yoga therapy. Under the Bhakti Yoga tents, there will be enchanting tunes and melodious musical stylings of local artists. Children of all ages are invited to visit the Kidasana area, to enjoy free classes and activities all day, including face painting, henna art and more. New this year—the Bhakti Bliss Stage will highlight the art of mantra, music and sound healing modalities, at the corner of Library and Market Streets. At the Farm to Table tent, local farmers, distributors and food artisans that provide quality food, which affirms personal health and the health of our planet, will be celebrated. Throughout the day, there will be drawings for yoga classes, massages, health products and other services. Participation is free for the classes and services, but donations are encouraged to the Beloved Yoga Mind Body Fund which benefits Cornerstones (formerly Reston Interfaith). Location: 11900 Market St., Reston. For more information, call 703-860-9642 or visit LoveYourBodyYogaFestival.com. See ad, page 10.

Lovelight Yoga and Arts Festival Returns

elebrate the spirit of yoga and community—from the grassroots of the 60s counterculture, to modern yoga. Experience the transformational arts gathering at the second annual Lovelight Yoga and Arts Festival which will be held August 18 to 20, in Darlington, Maryland, just a few hours from Washington, D.C. The festival draws some of the most beloved national teachers, kirtan, music and yoga headliners, including Krishna Das, Dharma Mittra, Trevor Hall, Dana Trixie Flynn, Tina Malia and MC Yogi, as well as many other well-known regional teachers. Throughout the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy musical performances, yoga classes, flow arts, themed campsites, drum circles, vegan and vegetarian food vendors, art installations, live painting, interactive art projects, workshops, fire dancing, wholesome libations and high vibrational food. This is a family-friendly festival with children more than welcome at the G-rated event. Kidding around Yoga and Haris Lender will be presenting an awesome children’s village which will feature yoga, meditation, kirtan, music, arts and crafts, hooping, magic shows and more. More than an ordinary festival, Lovelight seeks to engage attendees in a wholly interactive environment, with the goal to enlighten and empower as well as encourage expression and participation. The team responsible for the festival notes that “The line between performer and participant is blurred… with everyone playing a part in a cosmic passion play that creates inspiration, knowledge and brotherhood. We share the light inside of us and know that we are warmed by the light in others.” Early-bird tickets are available online now and include camping. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit LovelightFestival.com.

Win Free Tickets to the 2017 Green Festival

nce again, the greater Washington, D.C. community is encouraged and invited to celebrate sustainability and a healthy lifestyle at the 13th annual Green Festival, to be held May 13 to 14, at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center. This year, Natural Awakenings is giving away a twopack of tickets o 15 lucky winners. The tickets can be used for either day of the festival. The winners will be selected at random from those who register through our website at NaturalAwakeningsDC. com by May 10. There is no purchase necessary and you will be notified if you are the winner by email on May 11. This is the perfect opportunity, for one lucky winner and a friend, to experience great products and services that help to support a healthy and balanced lifestyle. You will find the latest technology, all-natural products, chemical-free household supplies plus a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian, non-GMO, organic and artisanal food and beverages to sample. Each day there is a packed schedule of yoga sessions, activities for children, inspirational speakers, live entertainment and a local vegan/vegetarian food court. Natural Awakenings D.C. has been a fixture at the festival since 2013 and it is a time that our team meets many of our loyal readers, while introducing thousands of area residents to the publication. Once again we will be there to support the festival and our readers. We hope that you can join us—with free tickets provided by Natural Awakenings. Signing up is easy, with an online entry at NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Just look for the link to the give-away on our home page. See ad for the Green Festival, page 3. natural awakenings

May 2017

newsbriefs The Secret is Out— Abundant and Relaxed Living on Virginia’s Eastern Shore

Yoga Festival

2017

SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2017 10 am-5 pm ~ Reston Town Center ~ Pavilion Join us for this FREE event to participate and learn ways to love your body. Major Sponsors for the 2017 Love Your Body Yoga Festival:

JOIN US TO LAUNCH VIRGINIA YOGA WEEK

GIVING BACK TO COMMUNITY:

proceeds from this event will benefit SOUTHGATE COMMUNITY CENTER

Visit www.loveyourbodyyogafestival.com to view the schedule.

Washington, D.C.

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he Eastern Shore of Virginia is beginning to capture national attention and for a great reason. A recent episode of HGTV’s Beachfront Bargain Hunt, which first aired last month, features a family looking for their dream home in Cape Charles, just one of the wonderful small towns along the 70-mile peninsula. This entire region, a true hidden gem that lies just hours from Washington, D.C., offers a haven for sportsmen, those seeking access to nature, as well as those looking for their dream retreat or retirement home. Not far from Cape Charles, one finds the delightful railroad town of Exmore, with a wonderful mix of antique shops, hotels and a shopping center. Just next door, Willis Wharf Marina is the place to launch your boat for free or rent a slip for about $600 a year. Here the journey begins to enjoy the uninhabited barrier islands by kayak or boat. For those without a boat, there are opportunities to explore the islands on an eco-boat tour, with groups such as the Broadwater Bay Eco Tours or SouthEast Exhibitions. The area is known for protected seaside tidal creeks, bays and marshes that provide habitat for migratory songbirds, raptors, shorebirds and finfish— plus provide the opportunity to harvest one’s own clams and oysters or collect the hundreds of shells along the secluded beaches. For those looking for a bit of culture and fine dining, the lovely Victorian town of Onancock offers many excellent restaurants, a live theater and a beautiful marina. With so much to offer, including a relaxed lifestyle, the Eastern Shore of Virginia is receiving acclaim as one of the best places in the country to live or retire. Nature’s playground is right in the backyard and, because of environmental protections, most homes are zoned as single-family dwellings on large tracks. As the crew from HGTV learned, the benefit for the homeowner is a spacious lot with marvelous views, and in many cases, waterfront access. The Kirkwood Group offers beautiful waterfront properties, beachfront properties and water access properties along the Chesapeake Bay and the creeks and coves that feed into the bay and the seaside sounds. For example, Laughing Gull offers waterfront sites with a protected harbor and view of the barrier islands only a two-minute kayak trip away. Waterside Village offers open or wooded sites just 2 miles to Willis Wharf Marina. To see their current listings, visit KirkwoodOnTheShore.com. See ad, page 4.

Fun Fundraiser at DC Brau

eer and babies are two of life’s greatest joys. On May 6 from 1 to 4 p.m., come out for the debut episode of 650,000 Hours—a new Web series on the real-life heroes who make America great. Author and host Ken Budd will combine the two with a Beer and Babies Diaper Donation Party to benefit the DC Diaper Bank, one of the area’s most impressive charities. The goal of the event is to break the diaper bank’s oneday donation record and raise money for families in need. The party will feature fun for kids, games for adults, food trucks, live music, brewery tours, raffles, and—best of all—beer. With the price of admission, attendees will receive raffle tickets for gifts from companies such as Mellow Mushroom, Paradise Springs Winery and Republic Restoratives distillery, as well as signed books from local authors and much more. Since 2010, the diaper bank has distributed more than 4.5 million diapers to families in need. Diapers are expensive, and in Washington, D.C., 44 percent of children under the age of 3 live in low-income families. The DC Diaper Bank’s amazing founder, Corinne Cannon, has been honored for her work on CNN, NPR, The Steve Harvey Show, and as one of L’Oréal’s 2014 “Women of Worth.” The new Web series 650,000 Hours is based on a simple premise: The average human life lasts 650,000 hours. How will you spend yours? To answer that, the series will spotlight the daring and daunting work of passionate Americans who are transforming communities and changing lives. Tickets: $45 in advance ($25 of which is tax-deductible), $55 at the door, and includes food, one beer and raffle tickets. Location: DC Brau, 3178-B Bladensburg Rd. NE, Washington, D.C. To buy tickets and learn more, visit BeerAndBabies.Eventbrite.com.

Dancing Jaguar’s Spirit Camp

ancing Jaguar’s Spirit Camp is a fun, five-day program that empowers children to tune into their inner worlds. Humans are made up of mind, body and spirit, yet in our society, children’s minds and bodies are nurtured, and their spirits are often neglected. This summer camp, designed for children ages 5 to 10, assists children to connect to their spirit—that wonderful essence that makes each child a unique, beautiful individual. The camp will be offered daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 10 to 14, in Arlington. The curriculum includes mindfulness, yoga, the Law of Attraction, an attitude of gratitude, working with chakras, auras, affirmations, shamanic journeying, power animals and many other topics. Every module is introduced using crafts, games, songs and stories. This empowering program has been known to change family dynamics in a profound way. Children learn how to regulate their moods and develop the necessary tools to become responsible for meeting their own needs. Prior to Spirit Camp, if a child is in a bad mood, he might be in that bad mood, spinning his wheels and creating a disruptive environment for those around him. After Spirit Camp, when this same child is in a bad mood, he has the tools necessary to regulate his emotions and shift them back into a more peaceful, happier place. Other benefits of attending this camp include smoother bedtimes and better ability to deal with death, dying and illness, as well as having effective tools for dealing with anxieties, worries and fears. Spirit Campers have a fun-filled week while learning important self-nurturing techniques that will set them up for success as they grow. Cost: $325 (with sibling discount available). Location: Universalist Unitarian Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd. For more information, email Eva@DancingJaguar Inspirations.com or visit DancingJaguarInspirations.com. See ad, page 38. natural awakenings

May 2017

healthbriefs where healthy food comes naturally

Overcoming a Child’s Fear of the Dentist by Terry Victor, DDS ne of the most frequent issues patients have is fear of the dentist. It could be fear of the dental situation, including fear of the dental “drill”, “needle” or of the unknown. Another big fear is of being in pain. Each of these fears show a level of discomfort and anxiety. These fears usually originate in childhood from a traumatic dental experience. Children often feel powerless in this adult world. This can be exaggerated, especially if the child is forced to have a dental procedure, which may lead to life-long fears of that twice-yearly visit. Here are some suggestions on how not to traumatize a child going to the dentist: First, when the child is very young (1-year-old or younger), have the child come to the dentist with a parent or older sibling. This will show the child that the new environment is non-threatening. At that time, their holistic/biological dentist will ask them to open their mouth to take a look. If they do not want to, they are not forced. At the next six-month cleaning appointment, they can come back and try again. It is amazing to see that same child, when they are about 2 years old, come to the dentist and open their mouth for an exam and cleaning without any issues. The next suggestion for a good dental experience is to prevent the need for dental work. It is best if children come to the dentist to have their teeth cleaned. To accomplish this, bring them in early, help them develop good oral hygiene habits such as brushing at home and tell them the importance of taking care of their teeth. Another important step is to have sealants placed on their teeth when they get their adult back teeth. These suggestions make a huge difference in the way a child perceives going to the dentist. This will decrease the anxiety many people when they go to the dentist.

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Dr. Terry Victor, The DC Dentist, provides holistic, biological and eco-friendly general restorative and cosmetic dentistry. His practice is located at 509 11th St. SE, on Capitol Hill. For more information, call 202-544-3626 or visit TheDCDentist.com. See ad, page 25.

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Even One Drink Daily Increases Melanoma Risk

study from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, has linked alcohol consumption with an increased risk of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Using data from three studies, researchers followed 210,252 adults for an average of 18 years each using food-frequency questionnaires to measure alcohol consumption. Comparing the results to instances of melanoma among the participants, they found that each alcoholic beverage consumed on average per day was associated with a 14 percent increased risk of melanoma. An associated conclusion was that individuals that regularly drank alcohol were 73 percent more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma on the trunk of the body than non-drinkers. “The clinical and biological significance of these findings remains to be determined, but for motivated individuals, counseling regarding alcohol use may be an appropriate strategy to reduce risks of melanoma, as well as other cancers,” explains Eunyoung Cho, Sc.D., the study’s lead author and an associate professor of dermatology and epidemiology at the university.

DNA Markers Link Lifespan to Nutrition

doulas make birth better

elomeres, located at the end of human chromosomes, protect DNA from deterioration. Multiple studies over the past decade have associated longer telomeres with increased longevity and a slowing of the aging process. A study from Kookmin University, in Seoul, Korea, collected nutrition data from 1,958 men and women between the ages of 40 and 69. The information included a baseline food frequency questionnaire assessing the consumption of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 (folate), C and E, as well as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc, during an 18-month period. Researchers measured the length of the subjects’ telomeres after 10 years in a follow-up examination and compared these results with the nutrition information. The study found an association between longer telomere length and vitamin C, folate and potassium intake in all participants. These nutrients are available in many fruits and vegetables.

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May 2017

healthbriefs

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Not-So-Speedy Pedaling Boosts Benefits

esearchers from the United Kingdom’s University of Winchester have found that cycling improves brain function. The study tested the cognitive function of 17 physically active men in their 20s before and after two, 30-minute sessions on a stationary bike. The results showed significant cognitive improvements following each session. Biking to work is also a good way to reduce our carbon footprint, but breathing in exhaust fumes and other pollutants is a concern for street cyclists. Alexander Bigazzi, a transportation expert in the department of civil engineering and school of community and regional planning at the University of British Columbia, has studied the relationship between average-speed bicycle travel and inhalation of potentially harmful air. Using a U.S. Census-based computer model of 10,000 people, Bigazzi found that the ideal bicycling speed to inhale the minimum amount of pollution is between 7.5 to 12.5 miles per hour (mph), placing the lowest risk for women at nearly eight mph and for men at just over eight mph. “The faster you move, the harder you breathe and the more pollution you could potentially inhale, but you are also exposed to traffic for a shorter period of time. This analysis shows where the sweet spot is,” says Bigazzi.

Prenatal Omega-3 Reduces Kids’ Asthma Risk

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esearchers from the Copenhagen University Hospital, in Denmark, discovered expectant mothers that take omega-3 supplements while pregnant reduce the risk that their babies will develop asthma. Analyzing blood samples from 695 Danish women at 24 weeks of gestation and again one week after birth, the study tested the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—longchain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, fish oil and DHA-algae supplements—in the women’s blood. The health of the babies was monitored for five years and compared with the blood analysis. The children of the mothers given 2.4 grams of long-chain omega-3 supplements during their third trimester displayed an overall 31 percent reduced risk of developing asthma. “Asthma and wheezing disorders have more than doubled in Western countries in recent decades,” explains Professor Hans Bisgaard, of the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood at the hospital. “We now have a preventative measure to help bring those numbers down.”

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The Internal and External Wonders of Aloe Vera by Laina Poulakos e all know the soothing relief that aloe vera brings to the skin for minor burns and cuts, but there are so many more benefits to this succulent plant. The leaves produce a soothing thick gel that is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. The moisturizing gel, applied externally, provides relief to such skin conditions as eczema, acne, sunburns, and scrapes, just to name a few. Most people haven’t yet heard that aloe can be taken internally as well, helping with mild constipation or gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. Just as little as one ounce a day can be helpful when dealing with these aliments. Because of its great soothing and healing benefits to the body, inside and out, aloe is a great addition to your natural medicine cabinet.

Laina Poulakos is the founder of Mother’s Nature Store and a certified aromatherapist and herbologist. For a consultation and products, call 703851-0087 or visit MothersNatureStore. com. See ad, page 11.

Essential Oils Good Sweat for Moment by Moment S Anti-Stress Support by Rachel Raba verything about Washington, D.C. is fast-paced and highlycharged, constantly assaulting residents’ emotions. Not surprisingly, the metro area tops Movoto’s list of stressed-out cities. Humans function as a whole, with mind, body and spirit inseparably connected, each requiring balance and nourishment for total wellness. The body’s cells are wired to self-heal. Stress interferes with this self-healing process. Anyone who eats, encounters people, uses a cellphone, drives a car or follows politics experiences it. According to the American Institute of Stress, numerous emotional and physical disorders are linked to stress, such as depression, anxiety, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune conditions, peptic ulcer, GERD and degenerative neurological disorders. This makes learning to manage stress imperative. Smell is the fastest way to affect emotions and reduce stress. When the aromatic molecules of plant-derived essential oils (EOs) are inhaled, they travel quickly to the part of the brain that impacts emotions, behavior and memory. Commonly used for respiratory health, digestion, immune support and pain reduction, this makes EOs equally powerful for relaxation, mood enhancement, emotional balance and sleep support. EOs offer a safe and easy way to cope with stress. They not only provide immediate relief through their ability to calm and uplift, but work to eliminate the deep-rooted causes of stress without side effects. In 2015, for example, two clinical trials from the National Institutes of Health concluded that inhalation of geranium and orange EOs was effective for reducing anxiety during labor—an incredibly stressful life event. Other EOs useful for counteracting stress include bergamot, cedarwood, frankincense, lavender, roman chamomile, rose, vetiver and ylang ylang. They can be inhaled, diffused, used in baths and massages; or applied to the temples, back of neck, shoulders or chest, transporting one from frayed nerves to an elevated well-being.

Rachel Raba is a doTERRA Wellness Advocate and aromatherapy student who teaches classes locally on what essential oils are, how they work and how they can be used to support overall health and wellness. She helps people rid their homes of toxic cleaning and personal care products, as well as stabilize their emotions, get better sleep, improve their digestion and increase their energy. For more information, email HolisticallyHealthyHome@gmail.com or visit HolisticallyHealthyHome.com. See ad, page 27.

by Rachel Feidelman weating has some obvious benefits: it cools down the body when exerting energy or overheating, it cleanses the body of toxins, and above all, it feels good. Whether you go for a run, hit the gym, attend yoga classes or simply relax in a sauna, each of these activities produces sweat, and in turn, the participant reaps multiple perks, many of which go unnoticed. First, sweating reduces breakouts. Many people are warned that oil blocks pores and will cause acne as a result. While this is true in some cases, sweat actually is not oil. Most sweat consists of mainly water and small amounts of electrolyte minerals that vary, based on one’s diet and heat exposure. When sweating, pores open and the toxins building up inside of them are released. Sweating also strengthens the immune system. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences performed a study in 2013 revealing that when sweating, the human body produces a natural antibiotic called dermcidin. Dermcidin works more efficiently to fight bugs and viruses than nonnatural antibiotics, as germs cannot develop an immunity to it as quickly. Not only does sweating have the potential to reduce illness, it also speeds up healing time of wounds. The eccrine sweat glands hold an essential supply of adult stem cells, which work to regenerate skin cells when healing from a burn, scrape or cut, according to University of Michigan researchers. However, there is such thing as too much sweat. It’s crucial to shower in a timely manner after sweating, as bacteria will build up and cause an entirely separate set of issues. So go out there and break a sweat, but remember that letting it sit on your skin for longer does not make it more beneficial. Rachel Feidelman is a student at the University of Maryland, studying journalism and economics. She is also an editorial intern with Natural Awakenings D.C.

Love is, above all, the gift of oneself. ~Jean Anouilh

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May 2017

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

Safe Harbor

The French government has expanded the Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Terres Australes Françaises, a highly protected marine reserve in Frenchcontrolled, sub-Antarctic waters of the southern Indian Ocean, from about 8,000 to more than 46,000 square miles; it now includes seven areas surrounding the islands of Crozet and Kerguelen. France intends to designate 10 percent of its oceanic territory by 2020, and this action brings the total as of the end of 2016 to 1.3 percent. These large-scale, fully protected marine reserves may serve as climate refuges for many species. The rich biodiversity of the new addition includes marine mammals, fish, seabirds, orcas, penguins, Antarctic fur seals and the critically endangered Amsterdam albatross.

Turtle Turnaround

Record Hatchlings Give Hope Worldwide, six of the seven sea turtle species are threatened or endangered because of human activity. A ray of hope now shining from conservation efforts is that nesting sea turtles have posted record numbers of successful hatchlings in South Carolina the last three years, with Georgia and Florida reporting similar results. Decades of helpful efforts are paying off due to increased public awareness of turtlefriendly practices at seaside locations. Heed these rules:

Source: PewTrusts.org

Cycling Chicago

Pioneering Bike Paths Promise Easy Commutes Chicago has created 100 miles of new bike lanes in the last five years and plans to add another 50 miles of upgraded lanes with curbs to protect riders from cars by 2019. Beyond that, a series of floating, solar-powered bike paths along the edge of the Chicago River is on the drawing board; each mile of pathway may cost between $5 million and $10 million. The architecture firm SecondShore first proposed the idea. “You look at the river, and while it used to be the main commercial artery in the city, it’s not much of one anymore,” says firm cofounder James Chuck. “This fits with the mayor’s general economic strategy for the city—how to make use of latent infrastructure.” The floating bike paths, named RiverRide, would give pedalers a truly autofree place to ride for part of their commute and connect with existing bike lanes. The system would fill gaps in the network, creating around a 17-mile stretch of continuous bike paths connecting 28 neighborhoods. Floating on concrete pontoons, the paths would use solar power for lighting. Solar panels could also heat the surface so the path doesn’t ice up in winter. Plans call for the path to intersect with river bridges so bikers can cross to the other side. 16

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Marine Reserve Preserves Ocean Biodiversity

4 Keep lights off on beachfront property during nesting season. 4 Refrain from using flash photography on the beach at night. 4 Keep beaches and oceans clean. Litter such as plastic bags and balloons can cause injury or death when sea turtles mistake them for jellyfish, a favorite food. 4 Respect sea turtles by observing them from a distance. 4 Report dead or injured sea turtles and nest disturbances to 1-800-9225431. Learn more about sea turtle conservation and how to get involved at dnr.sc.gov/seaturtle. Find an introductory video at OceanToday.noaa. gov/endoceanseaturtles.

Balloon Doom

Helium-filled balloons look pretty when released at special events, but they eventually become earthbound trash littering land and water, often traveling great distances before reaching their final resting places; spans of up to 1,300 miles have been recorded. The Ocean Conservancy recently picked up nearly 94,000 balloon remnants in the course of a year’s worth of cleanup operations. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fish, dolphins, whales, seabirds and sea turtles have all been found with latex balloons in their stomachs, blocking their digestive tracts. One study of two stranded sperm whales in California attributed their deaths to huge amounts of consumed ocean debris. Another found that more than half of one species of sea turtle surveyed had trash in their gut; mostly balloons. The problem is so serious that several states and cities have already outlawed mass balloon releases. Latex balloons are technically biodegradable, but that process can take six months or more, according to the UK National Association of Balloon Artists and Suppliers. Celebratory alternatives include laser shows, music performances, bubbles, banners and reusable inflatable characters.

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Source: Grist.org

Choo Choo Breakthrough Wind-Powered Trains in Holland

Nederlandse Spoorwegen reports that all of its electric trains are now running on energy harvested from wind. Working with Eneco, a sustainable energy supplier in the Netherlands, the goal was to operate the trains via wind turbines by January 2018, but they beat their own deadline. Electric locomotives don’t use conventional engines; instead, they act like a component in an electric circuit transmitted via high-voltage power lines. Three options for usage include onboard energy storage systems such as batteries; an overhead wire; or an extra live rail, which has current flowing through it at all times. It’s used to power lights and air-conditioning, as well as for propulsion. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, turbines capable of generating 586 megawatts of electricity are the workhorses. In 2016, a 700 megawatt offshore wind farm near the town of Borssele became the most cost-effective of such installations in the world.

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Far-Flying Rubber Harms Sea Creatures

Eco IKEA

Designing Cabinets and Chairs Made from Recyclables Swedish design firm and retailer IKEA is introducing a new line of “no waste” products that includes seating, vases and kitchen cabinets made of recycled materials. IKEA hopes that the design will help people see waste not as garbage, but as just another material that can be used in creating new and beautiful things. The Kungsbacka kitchen employs affordable, sustainable supplies that look stylish, including cabinet doors incorporating recycled plastic bottles and recycled wood; the entire cabinet is said to be 99.9 percent recycled. The Odger chair is 70 percent recycled plastic and 30 percent renewable wood. The design, available in a range of colors and wood finishes, is the result of collaboration between Swedish designers at Form Us With Love and eschews the environmentharming plastics of other chairs. IKEA also melts recycled glass to turn it into beautiful vases. Each mouth-blown vase is unique, thanks to the materials.

We can never

obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. ~Dalai Lama

natural awakenings

May 2017

NATURAL MOTHERHOOD Creating the Best Start for New Life by Deborah Shouse

“

woman’s body is exquisitely designed to conceive, nurture and give birth,” says Dr. Carol J. Phillips, an Annapolis, Maryland, prenatal chiropractor, doula and author of Hands of Love: Seven Steps to the Miracle of Birth. Judith Lothian, Ph.D., associate editor of the Journal of Perinatal Education, professor of nursing at Seton Hall University, in South Orange, New Jersey, and a natural childbirth educator, knows the significance of women’s deep intuitive instinct. “Women who feel supported and encouraged can tap into their own wisdom and find deep satisfaction in giving birth naturally. The process itself perfectly prepares mother and baby to continue on their journey together.” Several gentle strategies help mothers-to-be prepare for the joys of natural pregnancy and childbirth.

research its benefits and healing qualities. The yearning for comfort foods like pizza, macaroni or ice cream may signal the need for more nurturing. Eyeing popcorn or chips could be a sign she’s stuffing down an emotion. She can ask herself, “What am I suppressing?” “Eat a lot of protein, including vitamin B-rich foods, during both pregnancy and breastfeeding,” advises O’Mara. “Nursing moms need to eat nutrient-dense foods frequently, along with getting adequate fluids,” says Wilson. She recommends foods that assist lactation called galatactagogues, like

Build a Baby-Friendly Body “Follow your urges,” counsels Peggy O’Mara, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, former editor of Mothering Magazine and author of Having a Baby, Naturally. “Eat when you’re hungry. Sleep when you’re weary. Go to the bathroom the moment nature calls. Practice this in pregnancy so you’ll be in the habit of listening to your instincts when you give birth.” This simple advice counters women’s common habit of attending to other people’s needs instead of their own. Along with eating organic whole foods, Kristy Wilson, of Las Vegas, a certified professional midwife, labor doula and placenta preparation specialist, recommends both a plant-based food supplement with iron and whole food prenatal supplement. Vitamin C is important for a strong amniotic sac; she suggests at least 500 milligrams daily. A high-strung mom can take magnesium chloride baths or sip a soothing cup of red raspberry leaf tea. “Women that are concerned about their diet can tune into the baby and ask what they need,” says Lori Bregman, of Santa Monica, California, a doula, birth coach and author of The Mindful Mom-to-Be. If craving a certain dish, she can

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Discover Intuitive Nutrition

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almonds, avocados, legumes, kale and spinach. To increase milk production, add fennel to meals or smoothies, or turn to capsules.

Spark the Spirit

Affirmations can positively state the mother-to-be’s intentions for pregnancy and birth. Examples include: “Birth is a safe and wonderful experience. Keep Moving with Intention I am choosing the right path for my Wilson recommends yoga, swimming, birth. I trust my body and my inwalking or light jogging three to five stincts. I have all the support I need.” times a week, for 20 minutes a day. Wilson recommends choosing two “Squatting like a child on your haunches to four that resonate, repeating them is a great exercise for childbirth,” she every morning while gazing into the says, noting that 20 squats daily will mirror, placing them on the refrigerastrengthen core muscles. Sitting on an tor door and even having them pop exercise ball instead of a desk chair or up on a smartphone. couch also engages core muscles, while “Meditation prepares you for childimproving posture. birth and can also be soothing during “Regular exercise brings more enlabor by offering tools that push away ergy, better sleep, reduced stress, higher fear,” says O‘Mara. She likes this manspirits, better odds of an easy labor, faster tra from Thich Nhat Hahn’s book, Being post-delivery recovery and reduced risk of Peace: “Breathing in, I calm myself, gestational diabetes and high blood presThe connections established breathing out, I smile.” sure during pregnancy,” Bregman finds. To begin, sit comfortably in a quiet between mother and She recommends a prenatal yoga practice room with eyes closed. For women that includes breathing and visualizanew to meditation, Wilson suggests child are much stronger tions. This restorative form of yoga offers lighting a scented or colored candle when she progresses through and noticing the colors and movement gentle stretching, promotes good circulation and naturally supports relief or healof the flame for something physical pregnancy and birth from ing of many possible pregnancy ailments. to focus on. “This calming practice is a natural perspective. “To alleviate physical distress, try important because labor becomes like chiropractic prenatal care,” says Phillips. a meditation,” she says. The mother ~Kristy Wilson Light finger contact from an expericopes through the contraction, then enced practitioner helps realign bony uses her meditation skills to reset, segments and restores the body’s normal tone. “A prenatal refocus and ground herself before the next contraction. expert can adjust so the mom’s body maintains its balance Wilson and Bregman both encourage expectant mothers and the baby is free to move.” to keep a journal during pregnancy. “Record thoughts and Craniosacral therapy reestablishes balance to the memexperiences. Sometimes dreams tell things about the child, branes that encapsulate the brain and spinal cord. who has a story too,” advises Wilson.

Prepare the Mind

“Just say, ‘No thanks,’ to friends who want to burden you with stories of their long, excruciating labors,” O’Mara advises. “Protect yourself from toxic people and their horror stories. Focus on maintaining your own good health and surround yourself with people that have experienced a normal birth. Plan to have uplifting support during the birthing process and in the postpartum period.” A woman easily influenced by others might ask her doula, midwife or spouse to be her advocate. A woman that needs to exercise control might seek such assistance for peace of mind, knowing that her wishes will be followed. “‘Pain’ is a fear-based word,” to be avoided in conversations about labor, Wilson explains. “Don’t fear the strength of contractions. They are doing exactly what your body needs to do to give birth.” As a midwife, she helps moms relax and embrace these intensely important sensations by focusing on what is going on in their body. Research published in the journal Cell Adhesion & Migration shows that the hormones released during labor enter into the baby’s immune system to also strengthen the child.

Design a Special Experience Create a Birth Plan

Those that prefer a home birth can find a compatible midwife through a natural birthing community such as the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives, International Childbirth Education Association and La Leche League. For a hospital experience, look for low-Caesarean rates, a personally compatible doctor and a distinct birthing center. Either way, a doula or midwife can help craft the desired birth plan. Upon selecting a venue, the expectant mother may imagine the ideal birth environment and write positive statements, such as, “I want to move around freely. I want my husband and sister with me at all times.” “If a home birth is a mother’s first choice, design two plans; one for home and one for the hospital,” suggests Phillips. “If the mother needs hospital care during labor, the attendants will know her wishes.” Wilson encourages the spouse to be involved from the beginning. “The partner’s energy plays a role in how the birth progresses during labor. Plus, being part of the natural awakenings

May 2017

JUNE Chronic Pain Plus: Hybrid Vehicles

June articles include: Natural Remedies for Pain Prevent and Ease Shingles Hybrid Vehicles Update and so much more!

planning keeps him engaged and attuned to her wishes.”

Orchestrate a Childbirth Team

“The birthing mother needs continuous support from someone that can focus on her and her needs,” says Phillips. “The partner also needs to have access to experienced support. Both need to surround themselves with people that know how to enfold them in love.”’ A birthing team includes the medically trained attendant appointed to help deliver the baby; either a midwife or a doctor. Many women choose to have a trained doula collaborate, as well. She provides continuity of care and advocacy, lessens the need for medical intervention, stays with the mother, honors and includes the partner and supports the parents in making informed decisions. With home births, family members tend to invite themselves over. The mom needs to have control of her birthing atmosphere. “I encourage moms to be firm regarding who they want in the room when the baby is born,” Wilson says.

Honor the Postpartum Mother

“Giving birth is the first big unknown of parenting,” says Wilson. “You plan for it and then you have to trust and accept the outcome.” She encourages postpartum appointments for discussing the birth. “A breastfeeding mother’s nutrient requirements are actually higher postpartum,” Wilson says. To prevent deficiencies, she suggests moms nourish themselves during this period, delaying any focus on weight loss and regaining muscle tone. The birth team and other friends can deliver meals, do light housecleaning, run a load of laundry and bring groceries. The new parents will welcome this generous and loving help. Deborah Shouse is a mother, writer, speaker, editor and health advocate in Kansas City, MO. Her latest book, Connecting in the Land of Dementia: Creative Activities to Explore Together, focuses on life’s meaningful moments (DementiaJourney.org).

Blessing the Birth T

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he blessingway ceremony helps a woman prepare mentally, emotionally and spiritually for the work of birthing, opening her to instinctive abilities that will guide her in mothering,” says Donna Miller Watelet, interfaith minister and co-author of Mother Rising: The Blessingway Journey into Motherhood. Miller Watelet, a facilitator of dozens of blessingway rituals, shares an example of a nourishing gathering: In a comfortable and safe room, a group of friends circles the mother-to-be, signifying their support. They discuss the intention for the blessingway and invite the mom to symbolically let go of any fears blocking a harmonious experience. Once her fears are emptied out, they fill her up

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with affirmations, appreciations and adornments. Women can gift an object that has meaning to them, such as a bead, flower or scrap of cloth, as a sign of their commitment to her. These gifts will then be fashioned into something lasting, such as a necklace for the mother. The circle may then bind themselves together, each woman wrapping red yarn around her wrist before passing along the skein until everyone is connected. As they discuss this intertwining, they cut the binding yarn and keep the bracelets, a reminder of their caring for the new family. “Finally, we enjoy a feast together,” Miller Watelet says. “Sharing a meal reminds us to bring the intentions of the blessingway back into everyday life.”

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by Deborah Shouse

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healingways

Women Rising Resources

HEART-BASED LEADERSHIP

Women Mobilize to Heal the World by Linda Sechrist

he Heart to Lead: Women as Allies for the Greater Good, a documentary film directed and produced by Cheryl Gould, of Naples, Florida, explores the emerging paradigm of heart-based feminine leadership and how it is attuning women to their inner strengths, beliefs, each other and our Earth. “Women’s deeper unity of being is empowering them to take action and lead. Women who once longed for a culture that would reflect their highest priorities are now creating one in which they support each other and make a difference,” says Gould. She notes that for centuries, a vast number of women have led and served as change agents. “Unfortunately, the majority of them never made it into the headlines or history books. A prime example—few individuals knew that 12 women ran for president before Hillary Clinton.” In a recent Yes! magazine article, 22

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Rucha Chitnis reports that women are rising up to push back against growing corporate power, land grabs, economic injustice, climate change and more. Women’s groups and networks offer a paradigm shift, she concludes, exposing links between unbridled capitalism, violence, the erosion of human rights and destruction of the Earth. A woman’s style of leadership in America’s corporate boardrooms, activist-led movements or state and federal government may not be plainly evident. Feminine wisdom’s emerging solutions are compassionate, collaborative and consensus-building, and pursue universal outcomes and group cooperation. They contrast with conventional competitive strategies and solutions, according to The Legislative Effectiveness of Women in Congress study at Vanderbilt University’s Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, in Nashville. Jean Shinoda Bolen, a medical

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Tinyurl.com/ WomensHeartToLeadFilm Vimeo.com/ondemand/ AsSheIs doctor, Jungian analyst in Mill Valley, California, and author of Artemis: The Indomitable Spirit in Everywoman, has been advocating since 2002 for a United Nations Fifth World Conference on Women (5WCW). “Empowered and equal women are the key to peace and sustainability. We need to rise up together and fulfill the Dalai Lama’s words at the Vancouver Peace Summit: ‘It will be up to Western women to bring about peace.’” Bolen’s 5WCW vision joins millennial women worldwide now entering their era of activism with the feminist movement spearheaded by a boomer generation of women that’s forwarded the equality and empowerment of women this far. To this end, she marched in Washington, D.C., on January 21 in the Million Women’s March that globally attracted 5 million participants. “To make human rights women’s rights, we need a united global women’s movement,” she states. Sande Hart, from Orange County, California, director of the Charter for Compassion International-Women and Girls sector and president of the women’s global interfaith organization Spiritual and Religious Alliance for Hope (SARAH), participated in the Los Angeles Women’s March with 750,000 others. “There’s a sense that we’ve had enough. We’re not angry. We are morally outraged and seeking peaceful solutions wrapped in compassion and based in justice for all. In nearly 15 years of women’s community building, I’m convinced that healing our communities with resilience and a regenerative spirit is our biological and innate imperative. I see women emerging in unprecedented ways to make this happen,” says Hart. The Rising Women Rising World organization provides tools and training to help women and men develop femi-

nine wisdom and the qualities of potent compassion, deep listening, intuition and inclusivity. Hazel Henderson, an evolutionary economist in St. Augustine, Florida, host of the Ethical Markets online TV show and researcher of The Love Economy shared in her book The Politics of the Solar Age: Alternatives to Economics, has mentored staff members of Rising Women Rising World. Henderson contends that to shape a future for the good of all, we must bring into balance the masculine and feminine energies and learn to value the long-marginalized qualities of feminine wisdom. Henderson’s Love Economy paradigm reflects the sharing and caring sector not presently reflected in the nation’s gross domestic product. “Women’s unpaid work—raising children, taking care of households, serving on school boards, volunteering, caring for aging parents, etc.—constitutes 50 percent of all production in the U.S. and 70 percent of that in developing countries. This unvalued economic sector underlies and supports the public and private parts of the entire economy,” advises Henderson, who observes that competition cannot be the sole basis for an economy with any expectation of high quality of life on a small planet. In her film, As She Is, producer and director Megan McFeely, of Marin County, California, captures her own journey to understand the collective potential of the feminine and how to live true to its innate knowing. She queries: “Can you imagine what might happen if women here and around the world rose up together and used our power of longing to heal the Earth?” Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

Go for it now. The future is promised to no one. ~Wayne Dyer

naturalhealing

Your Adrenals and Thyroid The Effects of Stress by Dr. Isabel Sharkar

our adrenal glands are part of your endocrine system and they produce hormones that regulate your blood pressure, electrolyte balance, blood sugar, immune response and digestion. Both your adrenals and thyroid are regulated by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. When emotional, mental or physical stress is experienced, your hypothalamus releases a chemical that signals your pituitary gland to signal your adrenal glands to produce and release stress hormones. Cortisol is one of these stress hormones. When your body experiences stress, the cascade of stress hormones is triggered. Functions like digestion, immune response, thyroid hormone production and distribution are put on hold until the stress has surpassed. However, with chronic stress well on the rise, our bodies are constantly bombarded with stressors. Consequently, chronic stress floods our bodies with cortisol until our adrenals give out, chronic fatigue sets in and our thyroid function slows down. Stress hormones negatively impact the thyroid gland by signaling the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to slow down. They also affect the enzymes that convert thyroid hormones from active to inactive, eventually leading to hypothyroid symptoms. These same stress hormones cause cytokines, inflammatory immune cells, to be released, which cause the thyroid receptors to be less

sensitive to thyroid hormones. No wonder so many of us have hypothyroidism. Stress also causes inflammation and suppresses the immune system, which consequently triggers latent viral infections and potentially autoimmune thyroid disease. As if that weren’t bad enough, leaky gut follows because the primary barriers of the immune system, like the gut, are compromised. Via molecular mimicry, leaky gut allows foods like gluten and dairy into your bloodstream, causing potential trigger attacks on your thyroid. Surely you’ve heard that stress affects the body; now you have a better understanding of exactly how stress affects your adrenals, thyroid gland and your immune system. Hopefully by becoming more aware of when you are feeling stressed, you will choose to opt for stress-reducing techniques. Meditation, restorative yoga, deep breathing, Heart Math, ecstatic dance, self-hypnosis, baths, nature walks, listening to soft gentle music and adult coloring or painting are all wonderful ways to relax and de-stress. Remember, we are all human beings—not human doings–and life is to be enjoyed. 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 IndigoHealth Clinic.com. See ad, page 2. natural awakenings

May 2017

consciouseating

Improving Fertility with

Nutrition by Elizabeth McMillan

onceiving a child can be difficult and frustrating in our modern society. Couples are waiting longer to have children in order to become financially stable and establish a professional career. According to statistics, couples in their twenties have a 20 to 25 percent chance of getting pregnant, while couples in their thirties have a 15 to 20 percent chance of getting pregnant. Fertility decreases as we age, thus improving our fertility is imperative for the new generations. Besides age, there are a few things that will affect fertility. Balancing hormones to create a new life is a key to fertility. Hormonal balance is effected by obesity, sugar control, stress and anxiety and the ability to detox endocrine disruptions. A healthy body mass index (BMI) is between 18.5 and 24.9 and a fertile BMI is between 20 and 24. Although the BMI is known as the gold standard, it does not take into consideration body type or muscle mass. Body fat percentage might be a better judge of how our fat affects fertility. Not having enough

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fat is just as detrimental as having too much fat. Our hormones need a healthy level of body fat to operate correctly. Having low body fat might cause a lapse in ovulation even with normal cycles. Increasing calories and decreasing the strenuous workouts may improve ovulation drastically in a matter of a few months. On the other hand, having too much fat may shorten the ovulation cycle and cause estrogen dominance. Being overweight can lead to gestational diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy. Research shows that losing 5 percent of your body weight can kick-start ovulation. Improving sugar control can impact fertility by way of helping to balance the hormones necessary for conception. When sugar levels are high, insulin is triggered to decrease the amount of sugar circulating in the blood. In women, higher insulin levels will also increase testosterone which can stop ovulation. This also leads to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), one of the leading causes of infertility.

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Not to leave men out but high sugar levels can also decrease the sperm count, causing fertility issues. The entire endocrine or hormonal system functions as an interconnected balancing act. Reproductive hormones are interconnected to the sugar regulating hormones as well as our brain chemistry hormones. Each subset of hormones tries to maintain body equilibrium by helping to balance the others. When we are stressed or anxious, this sends the endocrine system into a tailspin. Chronic stress and anxiety will take precedence over ovulation and sperm generation. There are environmental endocrine disruptors that we are faced with daily. It is important for the body to be able to detoxify out these disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are commonly found in plastics. Switching from a plastic to a glass water bottle can severely decrease the amount of exposure to these chemicals. Improving detoxification pathways can also decrease the impact of these chemicals. The good news is that there are natural ways to improve fertility, starting with nutrition. Following a fertility diet, both women and men can dramaticaly improve the chances of conceiving. First, focus on healthy calories found in a whole-foods diet—filled with lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of vegetables and fruits. Second, decrease sugary, empty calorie foods like soda, baked goods and white grains. Finally, there are certain nutrients that help improve the innerworkings of conception. For instance, zinc and vitamin C improve sperm count and motility; For women, vitamin C prevents DNA damage to the fertilized egg and zinc helps to balance estrogen and progesterone. Top 10 foods that improve fertility:

■ Eggs are a complete protein and a healthy fat. ■ Avocados help to balance hormones and improve reproductive organs. ■ Figs help male fertility and boost semen quality. ■ Green tea helps to increase fertility and create fertile mucus.

■ Maca is a superfood that helps to balance hormones. ■ Beans are high in protein and filled with important minerals. ■ Nuts are high in protein and healthy fats. ■ Wild salmon is filled with healthy

fats that help promote healthy brain development.

■ Coconut cream helps to cleanse and detoxify the body. ■ Olives help to assist in nourishing the reproductive environment. Eating for fertility involves supporting the reproductive efforts by way of providing nutrients for hormonal health, detoxifying excess and building up nutrient stores in order to create a new life. Enhancing fertility through nutrition will also provide the necessary nutrients to the unborn child and create the best start of a new life. Elizabeth McMillan is an integrative nutritionist at Rose Wellness. For more information, go to RoseWellness.com. See ad, page 12.

A woman is like

a tea bag—you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

natural awakenings

May 2017

inspiration

can understand why one person’s lie is another one’s truth. You will learn:

■ how to cultivate inner wisdom ■ why we must harmonize dualistic

thinking, such as East–West, male–female, left brain–right brain, rich–poor, and individualistic–communal, so we can find truth

■ how the seven chakras represent our progress in understanding life, truth, ourselves and one another ■ how patriarchy has overpowered humanity culturally and religiously, limiting our human development and blocking our access to ultimate truths ■ how feminine qualities, masculine qualities, love, fear, and the worldviews of each of our seven chakras combine to explain why we see the world the way we do.

Truth and Illusion A Spotlight on the New Book by Rev. Carol Richardson by Robin Fillmore

ev. Carol E. Richardson is a life coach, stress reduction specialist and healer, working throughout the greater Washington, D.C. area. She is also a spiritual scientist who has experienced mystical visions through her 20 years of practicing Raja Yoga meditation. Working with people intuitively, soul-to-soul and through energy healing, she has experienced numerous miracles. She delights in serving as a yogini who teaches scientific techniques for achieving union with the Divine. Having so far experienced only glimpses of this expansive consciousness and divine bliss, she persists in her own studies, trusting that one day she will discover, for herself and for the 26

Washington, D.C.

benefit of others, Ultimate Truth. Richardson is currently finishing her latest book, Truth and Illusion: The Politics of Spirituality and How One Person’s Lie Is Another One’s Truth, which is due to come out May 1. She graciously has shared some excerpts, with ideas, insights, and profound truths that she has learned from a lifetime of study.

What is the essence of your new book Truth and Illusion? When East meets West in Truth and Illusion, the yogic science of spirituality extends psychology’s understanding of human nature, so that finally we

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You will be amazed to discover yourself and others so clearly described along the developmental journey through the chakra system. You will understand why we are who we are, and how all of us can progress in our quests for truth. Truth and Illusion ultimately leads us to transcend duality to a state of oneness, discovering Truth and creating harmony together. Our worldview is deeply shaped by which chakra we mostly resonate with at any given time. Each chakra offers a sense of truth that makes sense to us when we are at this stage of development. This is why we see truth so differently from each other.

On patriarchy: One of the fallacies of the patriarchal approach is the idea that we become weak and vulnerable if we express our needs and feelings, and therefore, we must remain strong by rarely or never expressing needs and feelings. The problem with that belief is that it tends to make us lose our own self-awareness. The truth is that when we lose awareness of what is going on inside ourselves, that lack of awareness makes us weak. When we become consciously aware of our feelings, we become stronger, because then we can accept responsibility for speaking or act-

ing to provide for our own emotional needs…. Once we know our own needs and accept responsibility for them, we can be open to hearing the needs and truths of others, if we open our awareness from a place of love rather than fear. The duality of masculine and feminine is so vital to overcome because androcentrism (the tendency to see everything from a man’s perspective rather than a woman’s) and patriarchy have dominated our reasoning, our philosophies, our portrayals of history and our politics. Moreover, patriarchy has largely defined reality and what it means to be human, generally in ways that have neglected the experiences of girls and women. Patriarchy has often disdained more feminine, nurturing and cooperative values that are nonetheless inherent and essential aspects of being human. By neglecting feminine ways of being, knowing, doing, perceiving and valuing, patriarchy has also skewed our understanding of “truth”.

For about 5,000 years, patriarchy and patriarchal religions have dominated the worldviews of most of humanity. The time to shift this balance is now, so that we can attain more holistic understandings of truth.

On Universal Truth: We reach different levels of truth in stages. Each “stage” or chakra worldview is energized by a different energy, or different level of consciousness. Crown chakra awareness leads to a state of being in which we are one with wordless love, peace and bliss. Ultimately, we discover that Universal Truth resides within the most blissful, loving, peaceful and harmonious consciousness and in this Truth, we are One. To learn more about Rev. Carol Richardson, M.Div., MPH, call 240669-9592 or 269-365-8939 or visit HighestHighestHarmony.Guru or WashingtonInstituteOfNatural Medicine.com/w/Home.

natural awakenings

May 2017

wisewords

Taggart Siegel Seeks to Seed an Agricultural Revolution by April Thompson

or more than 30 years, Taggart Siegel has produced award-winning films on little-known aspects of the natural and cultural world. His diverse documentaries range from the story of a Hmong shaman immigrant adjusting to American life to a Midwestern organic farmer that salvaged his family’s farm. Siegel’s latest film, Seed: The Untold Story, follows global seed keepers from Minnesota to India battling multinational agribusinesses in a quest to protect our agricultural heritage and food sources—ancient seeds passed down through untold generations. Interviews with farmers, ethnobotanists and activists explore the importance of the genetic material that these tiny time capsules carry. Siegel is the founder and executive director of Collective Eye Films, a nonprofit media company in Portland, Oregon. He co-directed and produced this latest offering with documentary filmmaker Jon Betz, with backing from Academy Award-winning actress Marisa Tomei.

Why does the colossal loss of food crop diversity during the past century matter? Up to 96 percent of seed varieties have been lost since 1903. During this period, we have destroyed the infrastructure of traditional agriculture: 10,000 years of seeds saved from families and farmers. It threatens our survival. We 28

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can’t rely on genetically modified seeds to see us through climate changes. We need nongenetically engineered seed varieties like the thousands of different types of rice grown in India to be able to adapt to extreme events like floods and droughts. Universal responsibility to save seeds began to dwindle in the 1920s, when hybrid corn crops came onto the market, promising higher yields; instead of growing crops from seeds saved, borrowed or shared with neighbors, farmers bought seeds from stores. In the 1990s, huge corporations bought up some 20,000 seed companies, and the number of cultivated seed varieties dropped precipitously. Ten agrichemical companies now control more than two-thirds of the global seed market.

How do hybrid seeds differ from open-pollinated seeds? You cannot save a hybrid seed; if you try to use it, the results are unreliable. Hybrids are engineered to be planted for one year only. With open-pollinated and heirloom seeds, you’re planting reliable seeds saved from year to year, generation to generation, bred for the consistency of their qualities. Indigenous people in Mexico’s Oaxaca Valley, for example, have successfully cultivated local seeds for at least 8,700 years, right up to today. Hybrids require high levels of chemical inputs to produce. Illustrat-

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ing the contrast, Hopi corn, grown for thousands of years, requires little water and contains much more protein than today’s commercial crops, without poisoning the land with heavy industrial inputs. The Hopi think of seeds as their children, intimately connected with their heritage and culture, so they protect them. Beyond big, strong crops, farming is a spiritual act.

Why do so many farmers voluntarily choose hybrid seeds, given the troubling issues involved? Most farmers just want streamlined labor and the biggest yield. Often, commodity crops using commercial seeds and chemical fertilizers have the biggest yield and make them the most money, even though severe downsides like the loss of flavor and nutrients mean it’s ultimately not the best result. In India, more than 250,000 farmers have committed suicide during the past 20 years to escape onerous debts accrued to purchase industrialized agricultural inputs. An Indian seed salesman interviewed for the film despairs, “The seeds we sell don’t taste good and require so many chemicals that many farmers kill themselves.”

What is the seed-saver movement achieving, and how can everyday gardeners and citizens take action? Seed libraries and banks are critically important because the seeds are adapted to the local environment. Seed libraries have multiplied from only a handful a few years ago to as many as 300 located in towns across America today. Public libraries check out seeds to plant in your garden, asking only that you return harvested seeds for others to enjoy. Farmers can now “back up” their seeds in local seed banks, which are also becoming important educational resources to teach students about these issues. View the film at the Green Festival or purchase a DVD at SeedTheMovie.com. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

moneymatters

Fossil Fuel Free Investing

to Fight Climate Change by Barry Wind and Jeremy A. Pearce

e have all heard about climate change, and most of us are actually quite concerned about the environmental impact we humans have imposed on Mother Earth. The melting ice caps and crazy weather patterns are all indicators of ominous changes ahead. What can be done? On an individual basis, we may do our part to lessen our figurative footprint by riding our bike more, driving a hybrid car or putting solar panels on our roof. On a collective level, many of us have started to see how changing our investment portfolios may also play an important role in slowing, perhaps, reversing the ill effects of climate change. Various individuals, nonprofits, universities, businesses and government entities have joined the campaign to divest their investments of corporations that derive significant revenues from fossil fuel operations. Among others, Desmond Tutu, Al Gore and Barack Obama have called for divestment. From a moral or

ethical perspective, many people simply do not want to profit from an enterprise that is actively engaged in permanently altering our climate for the worse. From a practical standpoint, an organized fossil fuel divestment campaign can actually divert tens of millions of dollars in value from fossil fuel companies. Just a one penny decline in a large fossil fuel company’s stock price can decrease the value of that company by tens of millions of dollars. This decline in a company’s value, in turn, has a significant impact on its ability to extract fossil fuels, making the world a cleaner place. So, what does fossil fuel divestment really mean? This is the tricky part, and different folks have different definitions of what divestment means. For some, it is simply reducing, but not necessarily eliminating, investments in fossil fuel companies. Others limit their investments to those oil, gas and coal companies that maintain “best practices” when extracting and processing fossil fuels.

The Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign advocates the immediate freeze of any new investment in fossil fuel companies and the divestment within five years from any existing ownership of companies or funds that include fossil fuel equities and bonds. Some other folks believe that making their portfolios fossil fuel free (try saying that fast three times) needs to go a step farther by divesting from companies that are heavy users of fossil fuels, such as airlines and trucking firms. The difficulty with this approach is that almost all companies use fossil fuels in one way or another. One positive way to invest with a healthy planet in mind is to invest in renewable energy and energy conservation. While any investment needs to be vetted from a financial standpoint, there are increasing opportunities to invest in companies focused on serving our energy needs while protecting the planet. One of the appeals of fossil fuel divestment is that everyone can participate as much or as little as makes sense for themselves and their investment portfolios. Just as we ride our bikes more and drive less, we understand that any effort to divest dollars from fossil fuels makes the world a bit healthier. And when we all join in and do our share, all our small, individual efforts have a much larger, collective impact. Barry Wind and Jeremy A. Pearce are financial advisors in the Washington, D.C. area, specializing in socially responsible investing with SharePower Responsible Investing, Inc. Comments and questions can be sent to BWind@emailsri.com and JeremyA Pearce@emailsri.com. See ad, page 31. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. Different types of investments carry varying degrees of risk and clients and prospective clients should be prepared to bear investment and original principal loss. Investing, including socially responsible investing, does not guarantee any amount of success. Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and SharePower Responsible Investing, Inc. are not affiliated. natural awakenings

May 2017

womenswisdom

Healing the Feminine Soul Exploring the Rite of the Womb by Angela Blueskies

The womb is not a place to store fear and pain. The womb is to create and give birth to life.

n shamanic cultures, soul loss is a condition that occurs when a person has a traumatic experience, leaving one feeling disconnected, fragmented and lost. Though ultimately seeking a part of oneself that is missing, those who undergo soul loss often seek external experiences that help them feel whole once more. Others withdraw, unable to find a sense of inner strength and centeredness. While the path of resolving trauma is complex, shamanic healing addresses the situation at an energetic level, which in turn, supports the process of healing mind and body. Through the process of soul retrieval, it is possible to recover lost and fragmented parts of

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oneself, restoring a sense of wholeness. While soul retrieval is a potent way of initiating personal healing, the collective pain we share is much more challenging to address. In our modern world, we have immense material abundance and comfort, but in many ways, we have lost our connection with ourselves, each other and the natural world. Caught in the trap of constant busyness, we are exhausted and struggling, ever striving toward an elusive and distant goal. From the shamanic perspective, this is indeed soul loss on a cultural level, and tremendous healing is needed to restore us to balance. Seeing a vast collective need for healing, a number of indigenous elders

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As women receive the Rite of the Womb, they open themselves to healing their relationships with their bodies, find greater love and acceptance for themselves, release selflimiting beliefs and habits and embrace the fullness of who they truly are. around the world have begun sharing their wisdom and traditions with those who are called to bring healing to their people. One such exchange took place just a few years ago, deep in the Peruvian Amazon during a powerful ceremony with the female shamans of the Shipibo Nation. Urging women to step into their power and heal the trauma that women have carried for generations, the Rite of the Womb was brought forth. Also called the 13th Rite of the Munay-Ki, the Rite of the Womb may be shared with all those who are committed to healing themselves, their relationships with the feminine and Pachamama, Mother Earth. As the Rite of the Womb is passed from one woman to another, it transmits an energetic force into the womb of the receiver, with the intention of initiating the healing of fear, pain, sorrow, grief, shame, guilt and all other burdens that women have carried from their life experiences, their ancestry and their cultures. As these heavy energies are cleared, the Rite empowers women to reclaim their place in the world as wise leaders, teachers and healers. In full understanding that healing the feminine requires the healing of the masculine as well, the Rite is also shared with men who are called to support healing and balance in the world. As women receive the Rite of the Womb, they open themselves to healing their relationships with their bodies, find greater love and acceptance for themselves, release self-limiting beliefs and habits and embrace the fullness of who they truly are. Letting go of competitiveness and judgment, women

find new ways of uplifting and supporting each other in sharing their gifts and creativity with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;creating a stronger sense of community based in care, compassion and connection. In continuing to nurture the Rite, the process of healing is fully integrated, and as the wounded fragments of the feminine are welcomed home, the feminine soul is restored to wholeness, bringing humanity back into balance within the interdependent web of life. Angela Blueskies is a visionary musician and medicine woman who has traveled the world for more than a decade in search of meaning and spiritual growth. She leads initiations into the Rite of the Womb and the Munay-Ki Rites several times each year. She is also the creative director of Heart of the Mother Retreats and leads journeys and pilgrimages to powerful healing destinations around the world. For more information, visit AngelaBlueskies.com and HeartOfTheMotherRetreats.com. See ad, page 10.

I f you don't believe in miracles... perhaps you've forgotten... You are one. ~Unknown

natural awakenings

May 2017

womenshealthspotlight

Dr. Melissa Windsor of Windsor Wellness

Chiropractic and Nutritional Support for Patients of All Ages by Robin Fillmore

ven before she began her journey to become a medical professional, Dr. Melissa Windsor knew two things: that she wanted to help others find healing and that the body had the ability to heal itself, most often without the need for intervention. Today, she offers individual and family chiropractic and nutritional care at Windsor Wellness, in Reston. Specifically, she focuses her chiropractic work on acute and wellness care and works with patients of all ages—from infant to adult. She is becoming known throughout the region for her work with prenatal and postnatal women, as well as baby care. Using her chiropractic skills, she helps apprehensive moms and moms-to-be relieve conditions ranging from acid reflux, joint pain, headaches, neck and back pain and the impact of stress on the body. This work is done in tandem with nutrition care, or balancing of the immune system for wellness and in the face of specific disease states. Windsor works with her patients to identify and deal with chronic food allergies and sensitivities, and to heal digestive conditions. A practicing chiropractor for 11 years, Windsor was introduced to the practice as a college student. Unlike so many others, she had no miracle story of being healed and had only ever been treated by two chiropractors before leaving the hustle and bustle of NYC to

Washington, D.C.

system. Patients often report improved sleep, increased energy and motivation, reduced stress levels, just after a few treatments.” It is these benefits that keep her doing her work with joy. Good chiropractic care depends on a solid doctor-patient relationship, which Windsor counts as a benefit to her work—specifically getting to know her patients on a personal level and walking alongside them as they find relief from a range of problems, including headaches, low back pain and acid reflux. A side benefit of her prenatal and postnatal work is being a part of growing families. Windsor recalls, “I treated a mom just hours before she gave birth and had the privilege of adjusting baby, days later.” Ultimately, it is a great privilege for Windsor to educate her patients about the benefits they receive from chiropractic care. For so many people, it opens a new world of possibilities, to discover their own healing.

begin her chiropractic journey in Northern California. She notes, “Chiropractic’s natural approach was a good fit for the way I live my own life. I think it’s important for people to know that chiroLocation: Windsor Wellness, 11707 practic is more than Bowman Green Dr., Reston. To conaligning the spine— tact, call 703-349-6831 or visit regular treatment can help to reduce Maid Brigade Natural Awakenings April 2017 NEW.pdf 1 4/20/2017 1:42:48 PM WindsorWellness.com. See ad, page 9. stress levels and boost the immune

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A Better You One Step At a Time by Tracy Freeman, M.D

n this day and age, women are wearing multiple hats at home and in the workplace. We have mastered the juggling act of nurturing our families and providing for others. Yet, we often engage in self-neglect. As a working mother, I am guilty as charged in this case. It is somehow easier for me to be sure my children are engaged in activities, eating well and thriving in school than it is for me to spend a few minutes a day on myself. In the mornings, for instance, I have gone as far as making breakfast for my children with the intention of making my breakfast after I get them situated. The problem: there is never a perfect moment to focus on myself, despite my efforts to the contrary and nothing will ever be completely “together.” The lesson I have learned is to include myself on my own never-ending “to-do list” that nags me in my mind. I know I am not alone in this journey; I see it in my female patients. They too have the best of intentions with regards to self-care, but somehow manage to forgo every opportunity to be kinder

to themselves. A rational mind serves to remind women that without them the ship called home sinks—and as a result, even self-care springs from a need to care for others. Nevertheless, motivation from any source works. What have I seen help others in my integrative medical practice? I am a firm believer in the Emotional Freedom Technique. This is a method rooted in the Chinese meridian system that works to heal emotional blockages and the best part is it only takes minutes. I refer my patients to YouTube to learn how to do this method and patients report they feel better, as a whole. I am a firm believer in “baby steps”. We all likely think meditation is a good idea, but carving out the time is a hassle. I recommend meditation apps that only require a few minutes a day. Everyone can find five minutes—there is no excuse. With the likely realization that a better person emerges as a result, the time allocated can be increased slowly. There are studies on the benefits of gratitude. It has not only mental,

but physiologic rewards. At bedtime, just think of things things to be grateful for. Consider making it a bedtime ritual with your children, so they can get in the habit of seeing the good in their lives too. Eventually, you may want to write it down, but just thinking about things you are grateful for is a good start. One of the best tools for creating a better you—the smartphone!. Use it to set reminders or keep a gratitude journal. I realize I have to work at staying encouraged. I have apps that send Bible and motivational quotes that pop up a few times a day. I schedule reminders that show daily affirmations on my smartphone. Every morning at 7 a.m., a reminder says “Best Day Ever.” At first I just read these things without intention or purpose, but I have learned to take that one minute to really think about and absorb what is on my screen. The best remedy of all has been eliciting the help of family and friends. Last year, myself and four family members started a weekly call to focus on health and well-being. We send each other updates via text on things like how much water we are drinking or how much time we spent exercising. At the beginning of 2017, I asked a friend to be my “accountability partner”. We had a slow start because we created a laundry list of goals that were too many and too large to be accomplished. We learned to establish long-term goals while encouraging each other on the monthly bite-sized actions needed to accomplish them. Together, we created a vision board to help focus our intentions. These relationships don’t require much time, and a phone call, email or inspirational text will suffice. In all cases, we succeed sometimes and not others. The journey can be convoluted while still ascending. For women especially, it is about honoring a journey that sometimes requires movement in small, achievable steps. Tracy Freeman, M.D., practices integrative medicine at National Integrated Health Associates and has developed a patientcentered practice that incorporates conventional medicine with natural therapies for the optimal health of the patient. For more information, visit nihadc .com/Health-Programs/Holistic-Primary -Care.html. See ad, page 31. natural awakenings

May 2017

women's HEALTH DiRectory Pregnancy and Childbirth Support

RESOURCES MINDFUL HEALTHY LIFE OF METRO DC

Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com 571-358-8645 • MindfulHealthyLife.com Blog, calendar and directory for natural living, holistic parenting and family wellness.

CHIROPRACTIC MELISSA WINDSOR, DC, CHC

Chiropractor and Certified Holistic Health Coach Windsor Wellness 11707 Bowman Green Dr., Reston 703-349-6831 • WindsorWellness.com Dr. Windsor is a chiropractor and nutrition and lifestyle coach who focuses on acute and wellness care with patients of all ages— including prenatal and postnatal women, as well baby care. See ad, page 9.

Support For All Women HOLISTIC NUTRITION ELIZABETH MCMILLAN, MS, CNS Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com

A board certified clinical nutritionist specializing in functional nutrition, Elizabeth believes in finding the root cause of aliments and creating a personalized dietary plan to restore optimal wellness. See ad, page 12.

DOULA THE DC DOULA

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INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE SUSHMA HIRANI, MD

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton Info@RoseWellness.com 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Dr. Sushma Hirani uses an integrative approach to wellness, utilizing conventional medicine and evidence-based complementar y therapies. Patients love her compassionate care and personalized attention. See ad, page 12.

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NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES

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

The professional health team at NIHA is comprised of holistic medical physicians, biological dentists, naturopaths, a chiropractor and health professionals highly skilled in acupuncture, nutrition and other healing therapies. See ad, page 31.

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NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE ALOE WELLNESS

5840 MacArthur Blvd, Ste 2, NW Contact@AloeWellnessDC.com 202-966-2563 • AloeWellnessDC.com Our naturopathic physicians provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to achieving optimal wellness. They assess and treat acute and chronic conditions including women’s health issues.

INDIGO INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CLINIC

1010 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 660, DC 202-298-9131 • IndigoHealthClinic.com The body has an innate ability to heal itself and achieve balance from everyday stressors through non-toxic, non-aggressive and highly effective modalities. See ad, page 2.

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Nurtured Bones provides a holistic approach to a d d r e s s i n g osteoporosis and bone loss. Their BONES method will help you build strong, healthy bones for life. See ad, page 17.

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 ( c o l on i c s ) , re f l e x o l o g y, lymphatic drainage and more. See ad, page 11.

practitionerspotlight

Treating Osteoporosis Holistically A Spotlight on Susan Brady of Nurtured Bones

steoporosis is a progressive bone disease affecting 54 million Americans. It is characterized by deterioration of bone tissue leading to loss of bone mass and bone strength. Bones become weak and fragile, leaving them at an increased risk for fractures. In fact, the disease causes an estimated 2 million broken bones every year. Susan Brady of Nurtured Bones, based in Northern Virginia, has developed a trademarked treatment, the BONES method, to approach osteoporosis in a holistic manner. The treatment includes balanced nutrition, optimized digestion, nurturing the soul, exercise and taking supplements, when necessary. Even though she starts with a “food first” approach to nutrition, she feels it is often necessary to take supplements to ensure that people are getting all the critical bone-building nutrients. “My first goal is to understand the cause of bone loss or inability to adequately rebuild bone. I look at health history, dietary intake, exercise habits, lifestyle habits, digestion, stress levels and all recent lab work. I may also ask a patient to do additional testing such as a Pyrilinks-D urine test to evaluate active bone loss, serum bloods tests to evaluate active bone deposition, digestive stool analysis if there are digestive concerns or an adrenal stress test to evaluate cortisol levels if chronic stress is evident,”

notes Brady. The importance of seeking a holistic treatment to osteoporosis stems from the fact that most allopathic doctors lean toward a pharmaceutical approach to treatment. While many patients respond to this approach, for others, the medications can cause unwanted side effects and have even been known to cause spontaneous fractures. Also, a common recommendation for patients is to take calcium and vitamin D, yet it has been shown that there are many other nutrients critical to bone health. Brady explains that “the use of calcium and vitamin D without the other essential complementary nutrients can cause damaging effects to other tissues in the body. That is evident by the latest research coming out about excessive intake of calcium supplements promoting heart disease. Although calcium is essential to building the matrix of the bone, without nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin K, the calcium can’t get into the bone and instead, ends up in other tissues or forming plaques.” Brady is using the month of May, which is National Osteoporosis Month, to make sure that others know that there is a misconception that osteoporosis is an inevitable part of the aging process. If one gets the necessary bone-building nutrients from diet and exercise, while reducing stress, and avoiding dietary habits and behaviors that cause bone loss, osteoporo-

sis can be prevented, and in many cases, even reversed. Brady, with a master’s degree in physical therapy, has been working with osteoporosis patients for more than 27 years. After realizing how important a holistic approach is to healing, she continued her education to become a doctor of Integrative Medicine, obtained certification in nutrition and then a post-master’s degree in Integrative Health and Nutrition. “Over the years, I have been shocked by the rise in osteoporosis as well the spontaneous femur fractures that were occurring as a side effect of the medications. That’s when I began to really study and understand bone loss and realized that it can be prevented and even reversed through a holistic, non-pharmaceutical approach. I developed the BONES Method to address bone loss through a comprehensive and holistic approach. Many people become fearful of breaking a bone that could leave them severely debilitated. I love working with people to show them how they can strengthen their bones, so they can age vibrantly and without fear.” Susan Brady is available for a consultation by phone, via Skype or in person in Great Falls (location provided upon request) or at the Virginia Therapy and Fitness Center, 1831 Wiehle Ave., in Reston. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 703-738-4230, email Susan@Nurtured Bones.com or visit NurturedBones.com. See ad, page 17.

How glorious a

greeting the sun gives the mountains. ~John Muir

natural awakenings

May 2017

healthywomenspotlight

Malika Hook Muhammad

The DC Doula

alika Hook Muhammad has been a doula for nine years, and has been serving women and families in the greater Washington, D.C. area since 2011. She first learned about the work of doulas after sitting with a friend who was in labor, while Muhammad was in graduate school. When labor finished, her friend said, “You should be a doula.” This was the same friend who also told Muhammad that she would make a great social worker—which prompted her journey to obtain her Masters of Social Work. A good friend, indeed, and Muham-

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mad took the advice seriously. Soon after, Muhammad began looking into training options and found an amazing program in Philadelphia that was subsidized by the University of Pennsylvania. The organization, Philadelphia Alliance for Labor Support (PALS), also supplies doulas for women who are either laboring alone or cannot afford the support. Muhammad understood that this was in alignment with her values as a social worker, and with that, a new career was begun. When working, Muhammad is

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mindful to follow the lead set by the laboring woman. "I do my best to match her rhythm or to help her find it, if she’s having some difficulty. I also work with partners to help them find their place in the labor process. As a doula, I never want to overshadow or replace the woman’s husband/partner." Guiding her through the process is the understanding that labor has as much to do with the mind as it does with the body. She works with women prenatally to help them find their center, so that when birth comes, they are ready to surrender to the experience. When asked what gives her the greatest joy, Muhammad quickly notes that it is watching two individuals become a family, particularly when it is their first baby. Most importantly, it is the beauty of witnessing the simplicity and perfection of birth. "Often when we leave a woman to navigate through her own experience without interrupting her with procedures, interventions or unnecessary stimulation, while fostering her own self-confidence, the trust in her body and the connection with her baby, birth unfolds with astounding perfection." Malika Hook Muhammad, The DC Doula, serves Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. If you are interested in learning more about doulas or are interested in contacting her, visit The DCDoula.com. See ad, page 13.

Poprotskiy Alexey/Shutterstock.com

naturalpet

DECODING DOG BODY TALK Three Signals of Anxiety by Susan Briggs

amily dogs frequently accompany us on errands and outings away from their familiar home environment and we want them to enjoy these expeditions, so understanding their view of the world is important. To a dog, every experience is either familiar or unfamiliar. The first time they encounter a new sound, place or person, they may feel anxious. We can help with the adjustment by introducing them slowly to each new experience and step aside to provide them distance or space to observe it first at their own pace. Knowing the “tells” that signal when a dog is comfortable or uncomfortable goes a long way to a harmonious experience. Allison Culver, assistant director of The Lightfoot Way holistic animal learning center, in Houston, remarks, “Knowing how to communicate with your animal can save a lot of heartache.” With a bit of applied attention, we can readily learn to understand the changes in canine body posture and behavior that communicate their emotional state. Start by observing the dog’s posture when they are relaxed at home. It’s likely that their weight is balanced on all four legs and their mouth is slightly open; movement is relaxed,

loose and agile. When a dog feels happy or playful, notice how their ears may perk up or tilt slightly forward. Their tail might rise and wag, and they may emit a cheerful bark. Using their visual and audio demeanor as a baseline prepares us to be alert for three secret tells that signal a change in their emotion. Closing their mouth routinely occurs when a dog is unsure or anxious. When their mouth remains closed for a minute or more, it’s a sure clue that they need more time to process information. Lip licking such as quick flicks of the tongue is meant to appease and may prevent an uncomfortable situation from escalating into anything resembling a confrontation. Dogs do it with each other and with us, too. A look away that avoids direct eye contact likewise signals that a dog is urgently processing their current environment. Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas, author of On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals, identifies the lip licking and averting of the eyes as selfcalming behaviors. She affirms, “When dogs are stressed by the environment, they start using calming signals to ease the stress.”

When this happens, first try creating more space or distance between the dog and any perceived threat; this may return them to their body language norm. If not, consider using holistic calming aids like a properly mixed lavender essential oil spray or Bach Rescue Remedy Pet flower essences, keeping these well away from their face. Also try mentally engaging the dog with learned cues. A quick game of sit, down, sit plus high-five allows them to engage in a familiar activity while they adjust to a new environment. If the pet does not respond to normal cues and continues to display multiple stress signals for an extended period, leave the scene altogether. Their anxiety hasn’t been relieved. If it’s still important that the dog learns to enjoy the troubling environment, work with a professional trainer that uses positive reinforcement tools to aid the transition (see PetProfessionalGuild. com or apdt.com). The trainer will assist in creating a plan that allows the pet to adjust at a pace that allows them to remain comfortable. By observing a dog’s posture, we can be confident of choosing mutually good outings. Susan Briggs, of Houston, TX, is co-author of Off-Leash Dog Play: A Complete Guide to Safety & Fun, co-founder of The Dog Gurus and owner of Crystal Canine (CrystalCanine.com).

A will finds a way. ~Orison Swett Marden

natural awakenings

May 2017

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 6

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

Mindfulness in Education – 12-2pm. Explore the physiology of mindfulness, including the academic and behavioral benefits as well as the evidence basis underlying this powerful, self-care practice. $40. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com.

Clean Air Awareness Month Celebration – 4:155:45pm. Learn how clean air and the environment affect children’s health. Speakers, exhibits, storytelling and activities promoting clean air and asthma awareness. Arlington Public Schools School Health Advisory Board - Environmental Health and Asthma Subcommittee at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: APSSHAB.Weebly.com/Clean-Air-Awareness-Event or Facebook. com/Events/408662482818251/ ArlingtonCleanAir @gmail.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 4 MUIH Webinar: Herbs for Spring Cleanse and Renewal – 12-1pm. Join us for this webinar and find out about simple, easy and gentle steps you can take this spring to revitalize with herbs, foods and lifestyle practices. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, Online. Info: Events@MUIH.edu. Women’s Health Lecture and Thermography Clinic – 7-9pm for lecture and 10am-5pm for clinic. Through May 8. Women's health lecture will discuss breast health and disease prevention. Thermography clinic Thursday-Monday. $5 donation for lecture. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste 204, Fairfax, VA. Register: NeckBackAnd Beyond@gmail.com. Info: 703-865-5690.

FRIDAY, MAY 5 Sound Medicine Journey – 7:30-9pm. Let go of stress and relax while you are bathed in the healing vibrations of singing bowls, flute, chimes, sounds of nature and inspirational songs. $25-35 sliding scale. Sky House Yoga, 1111 Spring St, Ste 320, Silver Spring, MD. Info: AngelaBlueskies.com.

World Labyrinth Day Workshop and Labyrinth Walk – 12-2pm. Participate in World Labyrinth Day by learning about and experiencing the spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth. Love offering. Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA. Info: UnityofFairfax.org. Rite of the Womb - An Initiation from the Amazon – 1:30-4:30pm. This Rite was given as an energetic transmission with the intention of healing all the wounds of the womb by releasing the suffering, fear and pain that has been carried from womb to womb, generation after generation. Open to women and men. $75-$95. East Meets West Yoga, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna VA. Info: AngelaBlueSkies.com. Good-Bye Toxic Life. Essential Oils to Transform Your Health and Home – 2-3:30pm. An introduction to essential oils and how to use them safely and effectively to achieve the health outcomes you’re seeking. Free. Rockville, MD. Register: Email Rachel at HolisticallyHealthyHome@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 7 5 Phases Fire Element Workshop – 12:30-4pm. Summer is a time of rising heat, abundant growth and development. Learn to gauge your qi field in relation to the heart and energetic fields of the body. $75. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com. Listen to Your Mother – 2pm. Listen to Your Mother is a live show featuring original readings by local writers about all that is motherhood. Proceeds benefit My Sister’s Place. $18. Rosslyn Spectrum Theater, 1611 N Kent St, Arlington, VA. Register: BrownPaperTickets.com/Event/2893127. Info: ListenToYourMotherShow.com/DC/ or Listen-

ToYourMotherDC@gmail.com. Parent Playdate – 2-3pm. Let’s come together once a month to commune with each other about parenthood. One of the things we hear the most often is how isolating and lonely it can be to be a parent, so let’s change that at least once a month. Be Here Now Yoga DC, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BeHereNowYogaDC.com/Workshops. Info: 202643-8875 or BeHereNowYogaDC.com. Happy Feet Yoga Workshop – 3-4:30pm. Bunions, flat feet, fallen arches, aching feet, tight ankles, heel pain, hammer toes and the list goes on. So many of us can use some help with getting our feet into shape. Come learn make a solid foundation with yoga teacher Juliana Fair. $50. Yoga 4 All Bodies, 12021 Creekbend Dr, Reston, VA. Register: 703-297-2224 or Yoga4AllBodies.com/ Reston-Yoga-Schedule/#Group. DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up and Support Group – 5-6:30pm. Meet other young adult cancer survivors in a monthly facilitated group session. This gathering is a collaborative initiative of local hospitals, health organizations and cancer support groups. A healthy meal is provided. $15 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 11 Zenful Bites 5-Year Anniversary Party – 5:307:30pm. Join Zenful Bites, a women of colorowned eco-catering company, for a celebration of their 5-year anniversary. Zen noshes and libations available. Hear from some of their partners about their work in cultivating a healthy food system. Free. Zenful Bites at Impact Hub DC, 5th Floor, 419 7th St, NW. Register: ZenfulBites5Years. EventBrite.com. Info: Catering@ZenfulBites.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 12 Abundant Grace Reading – 6:30pm. Abundant Grace (short fiction anthology featuring D.C.-area women writers) reading with contributors Jessica Haney, Jessica Stork Glicos, Melody Schreiber and Karen Sosnoski and editor Richard Peabody. One More Page Books, 2200 N Westmoreland St, Ste 101, Arlington VA. Info: 703-300-9746 or Info@OneMorePageBooks.com or OneMorePageBooks.com/events.html. Weekend Meditation Retreat (Advanced Meditation Seminar M200) – 6:30-9:30pm. Through May 13. Be guided deep into the realms of personal awareness and integration. As the practitioner, learn to deepen your practice and learn to guide others to do the same. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 13 Beekeeping – 10am-12pm. Join Common Good City Farm as we take a look into the hive as bees prepare for honey production and learn about basic colony dynamics. $15. Common Good City Farm, 19 Oakdale Pl, NW. Register: 2017Beekeeping. EventBrite.com. Info: CommonGoodCityFarm.org. Whitehall Farm Spring Festival – 10am-4pm. Through May 14. Join Neck Back and Beyond for Spring Fun at Whitehall Farm Festival. Enjoy hay rides, animal encounters and yard games. Whitehall Farms, 2523 Popes Head Rd, Clifton, VA. $10/adults; $8/Moms and Vets; Free/Children. Info: NeckBack AndBeyond@gmail.com or Whitehall.Farm.

Washington, D.C.

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Aromatic Spa and Self-Care Class – 3-4:30 pm. Learn more about the importance of self-care and easy, practical steps to take using essential oils. Free. Falls Church, VA. Register: Email Rachel at HolisticallyHealthyHome@gmail.com. Moving Dialogues: When Am I Happy? – 6:308pm. Artistic Director of Contradiction Dance Kelly King will shed light on individual personal experiences through physical movement and expression by answering the question: When am I happy? It will inspire you to create language and movement that will inform your creative process as you explore and share personal experiences through dance. Prior dance experience not necessary. $15 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 16 MUIH Webinar: A New Standard in Nutrition: CNS vs RD – 6-7pm. This webinar will provide a comparison of the certified nutrition specialist with the registered dietitian in education, certification and practice. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, Online. Info: Events@MUIH.edu. My Treatment is Over, Now What? Embracing Survivorship – 6:30-8pm. Come learn what you need to know to navigate the rocky transition to recovery and how to thrive after cancer. Free. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 18 MUIH Webinar: Five Exciting Jobs for Community Health Educators – 12-1pm. A degree in health promotion enables you to have tremendous impact on communities and organizations. This webinar will provide an inside look at the exciting and varied work being done by five community health educators. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, Online. Info: Events@MUIH.edu. 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – 6-9pm. Through May 21. This program is perfect for the avid yoga student who wants to become a yoga teacher or anyone that wants to deepen their personal practice. Scholarships available. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or Roxanne@TheMindfulnessCenter.org. MUIH Webinar: Coaching Simulation Workshop – 7-8pm. In this webinar, you’ll actually observe one of our coaching faculty members, a highly experienced coach, conduct a simulated coaching session with a “client.” Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

FRIDAY, MAY 19 Gong Medicine Journey – 7:30-9pm. Through the intense vibrations of the sound, the body and mind are able to relax and surrender to the healing energies of the gong and as the waves of sound wash over participants, a deep energetic clearing occurs, leaving participants feeling balanced, peaceful and light. $2530. East Meets West Yoga, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna, VA. Info: AngelaBlueskies.com. Friday Night Candlelight Yoga – 8-9:30pm. Through gently energetic and continuous flow we release tension and balance energy, while soft candlelight sets an ambiance to calm the mind and explore inner depths. The Mindfulness Center, 4963

Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-9861090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 20 Raw Pet Food Seminar – Check website for times. Learn about the benefits of feeding a raw food diet to dogs and cats. Free product and prizes including free food for a year and a 55-inch TV. Whole Pet Central, 43330 Junction Plz, Ste 176, Ashburn, VA. Info: 703-724-4319 or WholePetCentral.com. Reiki Jin Kei Do First Degree Seminar – 10am5pm. Through May 21. The First Degree training will consist of receiving 4 energy attunements, training in self-treatment of the body and chakras, learning seated treatment for treating the body and chakras of others. $250. Be Here Now Yoga DC, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BeHereNowYogaDC.com/Workshops. Info: 202-643-8875 or BeHereNowYogaDC.com. The Power of Healing Sound - A Workshop for Yoga Teachers and Healing Arts Practitioners – 10am-6pm. No musical experience is required and no prerequisites. This workshop is open to all yoga practitioners and teachers, as well as anyone with an interest in exploring Sound Healing for personal or professional reasons. CEUs available for yoga teachers. $129-149. Nourishing Journey, 10440 Shaker Dr, Ste 105, Columbia, MD. Info: AngelaBlueskies.com. Cool It: Foods to Drench the Fires of Inflammation – 11am-2pm. Chronic inflammation in our bodies has been connected to chronic illness, including cancer. Join us to learn to make delicious foods that also happen to be anti-inflammatory. You’ll find out how to use herbs and spices and share a wonderful meal with your classmates. $25 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. Pranayama Breathwork – 12-2pm. The practice of pranayama leads to improved health, emotional state and quality of life. Learn pranayama to cultivate optimal well-being. $40. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-9861090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com.

MONDAY, MAY 22 Laughter Yoga – 7-8pm. 5th Anniversary of Laughter Yoga at the Arlington Library. 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 medita-

tion. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: Arlington LaughterYoga@yahoo.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 Qigong Class – 2-3pm. Adult beginner qigong class. Simple body movements will recharge your energy. $25. Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste 204, Fairfax, VA. Register: NeckBackAnd Beyond@gmail.com. Info: 703-865-5690. MUIH Herb Walk – 5-7pm. Join us for a relaxing and informative tour of the herb garden before the Graduate Open House. Learn to recognize herbs and how they are used for healing and wellness. Free. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Info: Events@MUIH.edu.

THURSDAY, MAY 25 Movie Night: Eating – 7pm. Enjoy a screening of Eating, a film that demonstrates how cardiovascular and other chronic diseases can be positively reversed by diet. $5 (donation). Neck, Back and Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste 204, Fairfax, VA. Register: NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com. Info: 703-865-5690.

SATURDAY, MAY 27 One Big Circle NVC Intentional Weekend – 10am-6pm. Memorial Day Weekend gathering, open to the non-violent communication community and friends. $20-$50 (donation). Peace Circle Center and Family HEART Camp, Frederick County, MD (near Harpers Ferry, WV). Register: EventBrite. com/e/One-Big-Circle-Weekend-Memorial-DayWeekend-NVC-Community-Frederick-Md-andHarpers-Ferry-Tickets-32871793419?mc_ cid=c657691dd1&mc_eid=1bdb8bddbb. Info: FamilyHeartCamp.org/obc-Weekend.html. Good-Bye Toxic Life. Essential Oils to Transform Your Health and Home – 2-3:30pm. An introduction to essential oils and how to use them safely and effectively to achieve the health outcomes you’re seeking. Free. Rockville, MD. Register: Email Rachel at HolisticallyHealthyHome@gmail.com.

plan ahead MONDAY, JUNE 26 Laughter Yoga – 7-8pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. The session ends with a silent meditation. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughterYoga@ yahoo.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 Heart of the Mother Retreat - Sacred Valley of Peru – Through Oct 19. For 11 days and 10 nights, we will travel through the stunning landscape of the Sacred Valley, experiencing powerful ceremonies with Ayahuasca, ancestral healing traditions with respected elders, and visits to remote sacred temples, as well as meditation, yoga, live music and wonderful food and accommodations. Led by Angela Blueskies and Helene Garrovillo. $2,350 until July 1. Info: HeartOfTheMotherRetreats.com.

natural awakenings

May 2017

ongoingevents

niques of breath control, fingering and style. All level of students are welcome. Class includes handmade flute. $230. Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD. Info: AngelaBlueskies.com.

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.

Teen Sanga – 7:30-9pm. 2nd and 4th Wed. The teen sangha provides a framework for exploring one’s inner life, understanding the causes of emotional stress and realizing the possibility of inner freedom. We explore key Buddhist teachings and how they can be helpful in navigating life’s inevitable challenges. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

sunday

tuesday

Sunday Morning Meditation Class – 10:30am12:30pm. With Hugh Byrne. An oasis in a busy week, including 30-minute guided meditations, a 10-minute walking meditation and 30-minute discussion. A mini-retreat. Drop-ins welcome. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Av e , S t e 2 0 0 , N W, Te n l e y t o w n . I n f o : Living-Mindfully.org.

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

Cancer Support Group – 6-7:30pm. 2nd and 4th Sun. This support group provides participants with the opportunity to explore their experience with cancer in a safe group setting with a trained social worker and to connect with others who are facing a similar challenge. Please RSVP by phone prior to your first visit. Free. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. Mindfulness in Recovery – 6:30-8pm. This group is open to new meditators and seasoned practitioners alike with a common interest in the intersection of Buddhist teachings and 12 Step recovery. All 12 Steppers are welcome and we ask that participants have at least 90 days of continuous recovery and a working relationship with a home 12 Step recovery group be established before attending your first meeting. This group is not a replacement for our individual 12 Step programs. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

monday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. A beautiful way to start your day, with a 30-minute meditation and optional 15-minute discussion following. Drop-ins welcome. A project of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW). The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Chair Yoga – 12-1pm. You are invited to relax deeply as we move through a series of gentle seated and supported poses that promote self-care. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. Gentle Yoga – 6-7:15pm. See Mon for details. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

wednesday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Outside the Lines: A Creative Art Studio – 10:30am-12:30pm. 1st and 3rd Wed. Facilitators will help reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects. $10/session (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Register: 202-483-8600. Info: SmithCenter.org/Calendar. Intro to Native American Flute – 7-9pm. Through June 21. The Native American flute is famous for its hauntingly beautiful sound and is simple to learn. In this class, you will learn the basic tech-

Gentle Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Gentle yoga classes to help reduce stress and balance the mind, body and spirit. All experience levels welcome. No class May 29. $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. Spiritual Practices Class – 7-9pm. No class May 29. Explore the world of spiritual practices in this experiential survey class that will include qigong, tai chi, kundalini yoga, chanting and more. $15/class or $50 in advance. Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA. Info: Spiritual Practices.EventBrite.com.

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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. Gentle Yoga – 10:15-11:30am. See Mon for details. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

friday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Move, Dance, Create – 11am-12:15pm. Stretch your creative capacity, feel good and connect with fellow participants. Featuring a variety of dance styles, the class is a well-paced and refreshing experience for all. Special guest April 7. $10/session or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org Meditation Circle and Vegetarian Potluck – 6pm. Guided meditation with music begins at 7:30. $10 (suggested donation). 12803 Twinbrook Pkwy, Ste 204, Rockville. Register: Contact Carol “Anandi” 269-365-8939. Community Sound Bath – 7:30-8:30pm. With Robert Lee. 2nd Fri. Join us for our monthly Community Sound Bath, sponsored by Human Activation with the sound frequency specialist Robert Lee. Bring your pillows, blankets and yoga mats and snuggle into the comfort of the tranquil sounds. $15. Be Here Now Yoga DC, 411 8th St, SE. Register: BeHereNowYogaDC.com/Workshops. Info: 202-643-8875 or BeHereNowYogaDC.com.

saturday Refuge Recovery – 6:30-8pm. Refuge Recovery is a mindfulness-based recovery program and community that utilizes Buddhist philosophy as the foundation of the recovery process. Based on the Four Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path, emphasis is placed on both knowledge and empathy as a means for overcoming addiction and its causes. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com to request our media kit. ACUPUNCTURE NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com Neck Back & Beyond in Fairfax, VA, offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. See ad, page 11.

VIRGINIA MITCHELL, M.AC., L.AC., DIP’L AC.

Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com

Virginia Mitchell is board-certified acupuncturist specializing in pain management, fertility support and stress reduction. She also treats other conditions including allergies, anxiety, depression, arthritis, back, neck or shoulder pain, migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, insomnia, and sports injuries. Virginia is also a trained massage therapist focusing on acupressure and zero balancing. See ad, page 12.

ACUPUNCTURE EDUCATION VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE

9401 Mathy Dr, Ste 100, Fairfax 703-323-5690 VUOM.edu Virginia University of Oriental Medicine is a private, nonprofit and accredited university offering graduate degree programs in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. They also offer licensed acupuncturists the opportunity to advance and develop their professional skills through continuing education. See ad, page 36.

ARCHITECT HELICON WORKS

7108 Holly Ave, Takoma Park 301-404-5578 Bill@HeliconWorks.com HeliconWorks.com

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

C e r t i f i e d a r o m at h e r ap i s t and herbalist offering lifestyle consultations and handmade products, including soaps, balms and beard oils. Reach a better state of body and mind. See ad, page 11.

BEDROOM FURNITURE SAVVY REST NATURAL BEDROOM

258 Maple Ave East, Vienna, VA and 12242 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 703-255-7040 (VA) or 301-770-7040 (MD) Maddie@SavvyRest.com • SRNB.com Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom is the premier retailer of Savvy Rest organic mattresses and bedding, a Virginia manufacturer and retailer of fine bedroom furniture. See ad, page 21.

CANCER SUPPORT NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES

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

If you are diagnosed with cancer, there are supportive treatments which may enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer and help the traditional cancer treatments work more effectively. Integrative, holistic medicine combines traditional and adjunctive complementary treatments to restore the patient to a better state of health and improve the quality of life. Whereas traditional medicine will focus on treating the tumor, the holistic approach is to focus on the patient and outcome. See ad, page 31.

CHIROPRACTOR NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER DR. ALLAN TOMSON, DC

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com Dr. Allan Tomson, DC, director of Neck Back & Beyond Healing Arts in Fairfax, VA with a satellite office in Manassas, VA. He is not your ordinary chiropractor with skills and experience in functional medicine, visceral manipulation, CranioSacral Therapy and Cayce protocols. See ad, page 11.

DR. VISHAL VERMA, DC, CCSP Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 RoseWellness.com

Dr. Verma specializes in functional ch i ropr a c t i c c are for p ai n management and active restoration of the body. He treating root causes using gentle chiropractic, physical therapy, cold laser therapy and rehabilitation for fast effective results. Dr. Verma treats back, neck, spine and joint pain, sciatica, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, and various other chronic and acute pain conditions. See ad, page 12.

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 32.

COACHING FREE YOUR VOICE

AngelaBlueskies@gmail.com AngelaBlueskies.com/Free-Your-Voice Yoga of voice workshops and private coaching that offers a refreshing perspective for people who want to release personal blocks and sing from their hearts. Also offering workshops and private coaching with a similar perspective for Native American flute. See ad, page 10.

Helicon W o r k s Architects is a green architecture and natural building collaborative in the D.C. metro area. We create healthy and ecological homes for our clients. See ad, page 25.

natural awakenings

May 2017

EDUCATION

COLON HYDROTHERAPY NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com An effective method for cleansing the colon and large intestine. It helps to renew and cleanse the cells, purify the blood and give life to the digestive system. Accumulation of toxic waste materials in the body, also known as autointoxication, is the root cause of many diseases. CHT allows the body to get rid of these toxins, and is a necessary part of any type of detox program or cleanse. See ad, page 11.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY GOLDEN HEALTH PHARMACY

46950 Community Plaza, Ste 112, Sterling, VA 703-430-8883 ElsaLam@GoldenHealthPharmacy GoldenHealthPharmacy.com Prescriptions with personal attention (we accept all insurance). Compounding pharmacy for special medications and your pet’s special needs. Integrating pharmacy services with nutritional support. Juice Bar, holistic health and wellness workshops, cooking classes for disease management and an infrared sauna with acoustic sound therapy. See ad, page 27.

DENTISTRY, HOLISTIC NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES

5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com The professional health team at NIHA is comprised of holistic medical physicians, biological dentists, naturopaths, a chiropractor and health professionals highly skilled in acupuncture, nutrition and other healing therapies. See ad, page 31.

TERRY VICTOR, DDS THE DC DENTIST

509 11th St, SE, DC 202-544-3626 Staff@TheDCDentist.com TheDCDentist.com

VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE

ESSENTIAL OILS HOLISTICALLY HEALTHY HOME Rockville, MD HolisticallyHealthyHome@gmail.com HolisticallyHealthyHome.com

Local classes helping people replace toxic cleaning and personal care products, stabilize emotions, improve sleep, decrease pain, breathe clearly and increase energy with essential oils. See ad, page 27.

HEALTHY PETS WHOLE PET CENTRAL

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

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

Certified aromatherapist and herbalist offering lifestyle consultations and handmade products, including soaps, balms and beard oils. Reach a better state of body and mind. See ad, page 11.

Dr. Victor’s practice believes patients’ needs are primary. Holistic dentistry integrates dental health with your overall health. The DC Dentist—holistic, biological and eco-friendly. See ad, page 25.

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

HOLISTIC NUTRITION ELIZABETH MCMILLAN, MS, CNS Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 RoseWellness.com

Elizabeth McMillan is a boardcertified clinical nutritionist specializing in functional nutrition. She believes in finding the root cause of aliments and creating a personalized dietary plan to restore optimal wellness. Elizabeth specializes in diab etes, fo o d s ensitivities, gastrointestinal health, autoimmunity and metabolic syndrome issues. Call today to see how she can help. See ad, page 12.

HOLISTIC PARENTING HOLISTIC MOMS NETWORK ARLINGTON/ALEXANDRIA CHAPTER Bit.ly/HMN-MetroDC

Supportive communities for parents following natural lifestyles with six local D.C.area chapters, Metro D.C. area chapters in Arlington/Alexandria, Burke/ Springfield, Northern Virginia/Fairfax, Loudoun in Virginia and in Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

MINDFUL HEALTHY LIFE

571-358-8645 Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com MindfulHealthyLife.com Online lifestyle magazine for D. C . - are a n atu r a l minded families. Event calendar, resource directory, blog. News, events, giveaways, profiles, tips for holistic healthy living and mindful parenting.

HOLISTIC PEDIATRIC CARE NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com

Holistic pediatric and young adult care combines the healing power of traditional Western medicine with safe, complementary healing therapies. This approach addresses the whole child, not just the symptoms that brought you to the doctor, and encourages the immune system to heal naturally. See ad, page 31.

HOLISTIC PRIMARY CARE NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com

Holistic primary care is an integrative approach that treats the whole person: mind/body and spirit. A primary care provider coordinates all of the health care a patient receives. This total patient care considers the physical and emotional needs of the person and how health issues may be affecting those needs. Whether you are coming in for an annual check-up or managing a chronic disease, we focus on the whole person, not just your disease or symptoms. We consider lifestyle, nutrition and stress management and put together a treatment plan to help you attain an optimum level of wellness. See ad, page 31. parenting.

HOMEOPATHY

MICHAEL LISS

Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com

Michael Liss is a Doctor of Classical Homeopathy and an integrative health practitioner. He specializes in using homeopathy to help you find relief from various emotional and physical health problems including addictions, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, allergies, asthma, childhood ailments, migraines, hair and skin disorders, immune deficiencies and sinus disorders. See ad, page 12.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE SUSHMA HIRANI, MD

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com Dr. Sushma Hirani uses an integrative approach to wellness, utilizing conventional medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies. She strives to treat the whole person an d e mph a s i z e s nut r it i on , preventive care and lifestyle changes. Dr. Hirani specializes in the treatment of chronic issues such as hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, menopause and women’s health issues. Patients love her compassionate care and personalized attention. See ad, page 12.

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

The body has an innate ability to heal itself and achieve balance from everyday stressors through non-toxic, non-aggressive and highly effective modalities. See ad, page 2.

ALEX LEON, MD

Integrative Family Physician Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Dr. Alex Leon is a board-certified family physician specializing in integrative functional medicine to help restore and maintain your wellbeing. He has a special interest in men’s health care, chronic pain syndromes including musculoskeletal problems, fibromyalgia, bioidentical hormone replacement for men and women, chronic conditions including hypothyroidism, gastrointestinal disorders and allergic disorders. He treats kids too. See ad, page 12.

NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES

5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 NIHADC.com The professional health team at NIHA is comprised of holistic medical physicians, biological dentists, naturopaths, a chiropractor and health professionals highly skilled in acupuncture, nutrition and other healing therapies. See ad, page 31.

OPTIMAL HEALTH DIMENSIONS

3930 Pender Dr, Ste 260 & 280, Fairfax 703-359-9300 OptimalHealthDimensions.com We offer integrative medicine lead by Dr. Leila H Zackrison, MD. Along with offering modern medicine and technologies, we offer time tested, powerful, profound healing techniques developed centuries ago. This is what makes us uniquely effective in the ever-expanding region of health care.

ROSE WELLNESS CENTER

2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com Suffering from chronic pain, fatigue, allergies, stress? Whatever your health challenges, Rose Wellness Center can help you get on the path to real wellness. We help identify hormone, metabolic, digestive, nutritional and food sensitivity issues to get to the root cause of your health problems, where true healing begins. Our services include digestive and women’s health programs, hormone balancing, acupuncture, Lyme treatment, homeopathy and thyroid management. See ad, page 12.

TAKOMA PARK ALTERNATIVE CARE 6930 Carroll Ave, Ste 412, Takoma Park 301-328-3045 Info@TakomaCare.com • TakomaCare.com

Pediatric and adult evaluations for D.C. and MD by certified medicinal cannabis specialist. Tr e a t m e n t / d o s i n g recommendations; nonp s ycho a c t ive proto c ols available. No residenc y restrictions for MD program. See ad, page 27.

MASSAGE POTOMAC MASSAGE THERAPY INSTITUTE 8380 Colesville Rd., Ste. 600 Silver Spring 202-686-7046 • PMTI.org

Whether you are looking for a new career, interested in continuing your education to expand your knowledge as a massage therapist, or drawn to take an introductory class on massage and bodywork for yourself, family and friends— come join the circle at PMTI. Classes and workshops available, as well as $39 student and $59 graduate 1-hour massages. See ad, page 4.

MASSAGE INSTRUCTION POTOMAC MASSAGE THERAPY INSTITUTE 8380 Colesville Rd., Ste. 600 Silver Spring 202-686-7046 • PMTI.org

natural awakenings

May 2017

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

TAKOMA PARK ALTERNATIVE CARE 6930 Carroll Ave, Ste 412, Takoma Park 301-328-3045 • TakomaCare.com Info@TakomaCare.com

Pediatric and adult evaluations for D.C. and MD by certified medicinal cannabis specialist. Tr e a t m e n t / d o s i n g recommendations; nonpsychoactive protocols available. No residency restrictions for MD program. See ad, page 27.

MEDICAL SPA OPTIMAL INTEGRATIVE MED SPA 3930 Pender Dr, Ste 260 & 280, Fairfax 703-865-5577 OptimalIntegrativeMedSpa.com

A natural and integrative approach to whole-body aesthetics. As an integrative med spa, we bring a unique perspective to aesthetic medicine with a holistic approach. By combining functional medicine approaches to aesthetic treatments, we improve outcomes and reduce down time.

MURAL PAINTING MAGIC WAND MURALS

7417 Cedar Ave, Takoma Park, MD MagicWandMurals@gmail.com MagicWandMurals.com • 513-259-4842 Artist Nancy Illman empowers clients of all ages to create a room of their dreams, painting murals based on the fondest wishes of their imagination.

NATURAL LIVING RESOURCE

ORIENTAL MEDICINE VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE

GOLDEN HEALTH PHARMACY

Virginia University of Oriental Medicine is a private, nonprofit and accredited university of fer ing g radu ate deg re e programs in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. They also offer licensed acupuncturists the opportunity to advance their professional skills and development with continuing education. See ad, page 36.

Prescriptions with personal attention (we accept all insurance). Compounding pharmacy for special medications and your pet’s special needs. Integrating pharmacy services with nutritional support. Juice Bar, holistic health and wellness workshops, cooking classes for disease management and an infrared sauna with acoustic sound therapy. See ad, page 27.

OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT NURTURED BONES

Great Falls, VA 703-738-4230 • NurturedBones.com

Nurtured Bones provides a holistic approach to addressing osteoporosis and bone loss. Our BONES method will help you build strong, healthy bones for life. See ad, page 17.

PHYSICAL THERAPY NURTURED BONES

Great Falls, VA 703-738-4230 • NurturedBones.com Nurtured Bones provides a holistic approach to addressing osteoporosis and bone loss. Our BONES method will help you build strong, healthy bones for life. See ad, page 17.

POLARITY THERAPY NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

Blog, calendar and directory for natural living, holistic parenting and family wellness.

Allow me to join you in creating your own individualized treatment program, which provides a safe and supportive experience for your healing process, with Polarity Therapy and Swiss Bionic Solutions MRS 2000 (Magnetic Resonance Stimulation) pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF). See ad, page 11.

Spring is independent of our compulsion to manage and direct. It’s beyond our reach. ~Roger Fransecky

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

RETREAT CENTER RUMI WASI SANCTUARY

Harpers Ferry, WV RumiWasiSanctuary@gmail.com AngelaBlueskies.com Rumi Wasi Sanctuary is located on a pristine mountaintop, overlooking the Shenandoah River Valley. Offeringcommunity circles and rituals, daylong retreats and workshops and the space for private retreats and vision quests. Located just over an hour from the Baltimore/Washington metro area.

SEVENOAKS RETREAT CENTER

403 Pathwork Way Madison VA 22727 SevenoaksRetreat.org • 540-948-6544 A serene and beautiful sanctuary for retreats where mindfulness and healing can occur. The lush grounds, forest and walking trails are inspirational and tranquil with wildlife and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains nearby. See ad, page 9.

SHIATSU THERAPIST

Janice M Johnson NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com • 703-865-5690

Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com MindfulHealthyLife.com • 571-358-8645

Washington, D.C.

46950 Community Plaza, Ste 112, Sterling, VA ElsaLam@GoldenHealthPharmacy GoldenHealthPharmacy.com • 703-430-8883

9401 Mathy Dr, Ste 100, Fairfax 703-323-5690 • VUOM.edu

MINDFUL HEALTHY LIFE OF METRO DC

PRESCRIPTIONS

NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

Nathalie Depastas 10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com • 703-865-5690 Nathalie Depastas is a highly skilled acupuncturist and Shiatsu therapist with 30 years of experience in Chinese medicine, including medical qigong. See ad, page 11.

Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death. ~Albert Einstein

SOUND MEDICINE ANGELA BLUESKIES AND SOUND MEDICINE JOURNEYS AngelaBlueskies@gmail.com AngelaBlueskies.com

Sound Medicine events, including Sound Medicine Journeys and Gong Journeys, as well as The Power of Healing Sound workshops and trainings, as well as sacred music events and ceremonies and private S o u n d Me d i c i n e s e s s i o n s throughout the DC metro area. See ad, page 10.

SPIRITUAL LIVING UNITY OF GAITHERSBURG

111 Central Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 301-947-3626 • UnityOfGaithersburg.org Admin@UnityOfGaithersburg.org

out their potential.

We are a vibrant spiritual community awakening love, joy and abundance in all. We honor all people and inspire them to live

THERMOGRAPHY NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

10560 Main St, Ste PH-1, Fairfax, VA NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com • 703-865-5690 Neck Back & Beyond in Fairfax, VA, offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, colon hydrotherapy (colonics), reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. See ad, page 11.

ROSE WELLNESS CENTER

2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 RoseWellness.com Rose Wellness Center for Integrative Medicine offers Thermography or Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI). This noninvasive diagnostic technique creates thermal images that are analyzed for abnormalities and early signs of disease. Thermal imaging is painless, non-invasive, does not involve any compression and emits no radiation. Call today to setup your scan. See ad, page 12.

VETERINARIAN - HOLISTIC HOLISTIC VETERINARY HEALING

Pema Choepel Mallu, DVM, CVA, M.Ac. L.Ac 12627 Wisteria Dr, Ste C/D, Germantown, MD 240-715-6570 HolVetHealing@gmail.com HolisticVeterinaryHealing.com We offer integrative compassionate veterinary care. We view your animal as a whole focusing on the root cause of dis-harmony for long-term healing. See ad, page 21.

The secret of happiness is something to do. ~John Burroughs

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS!

THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR AND MARKETING PLANNER

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plus: True Prosperity

Chronic Pain Remedies Natural Detox Options Our Readers are Seeking Providers & Services for Chronic Pain Remedies & Green Transportation

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Rethinking Cancer plus: Reframing Autism

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