Wellness Mercantile

THE WELLNESS MERCANTILE FEATURING CONTRIBUTIONS BY

Erica Joy Dunn Diana Stahl Alison Marras Peyton Sandler

WINTER 2016

THE WELLNESS MERCANTILE WINTER 2016 Wellness What The F* Is Reiki?

5 Foods For Glowing Skin Fairy School The CAPtivator Love Bath

Nourish Vegan Butternut Squash Lasagna Coconut Matcha Latte

Travel The Integratron Will Change Your Life

Radar 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

SECTIONS Editor's Note Features Radar

WELCOME Welcome to the first ever issue of the Wellness Mercantile.

Through my own work as a Reiki Master, Holistic Health Coach and Intuitive Brand Strategist, I have met some incredible and inspiring women in wellness along the way. So, I wanted to create a platform that celebrates this movement towards collective consciousness.

Through community and connection, the Wellness Mercantile is exploring ways to support each other. This homespun magazine is a place for holistic health centric recipes, travel inspiration and of course, plenty of wellness features to guide you along the way towards being human.

Erica Joy Dunn, The Wellness Mercantile Winter 2016

EDITOR'S NOTE

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WHAT THE F* IS REIKI?

by Diana Stahl, originally posted on Brooklyn Acupuncture Project

There's no two bits about it, Reiki is gaining some major-momentous-universe-force right now. Reiki may have been something you associate with your hippie neighbor, but there's a reason why more hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, health care communities and all kinds of celebrities are turning towards this healing modality. Even our Q.U.E.E.N. Eryka Badu does it.

WHAT IS REIKI? In a session, you can expect to lay on a massage table with your clothes on in a serene environment. The reiki practitioner uses gentle, non-intrusive, touch over certain areas of your body. Your breath deeply, close your eyes and basically chill. You may feel effervescent. You may feel like you’re taking a bath. Some people feel a warm gentle pulse. Some people have deep, almost psychedelic, meditations. Some take a nap.

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WHERE DID IT COME FROM? Reiki was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist monk. He discovered Reiki while meditating on top of Mt. Kurama. He said he felt a waterfall of energy trickling through the top of his head.

He called this Reiki Ryoho and soon started practicing on friends, family then opened the first Reiki clinic in 1922.

WHAT THE F* IS REIKI? Reiki is a Japanese word that literally means light (rei) energy (ki).

WHAT THE F* IS ENERGY? Science tells us that electric currents flow through the body, it’s one of the ways the body stays healthy. And we know that whenever a current of energy runs through a conductor (ie. our bodies) a magnetic field surrounds it.

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The magnetic field that surrounds our bodies is called a biomagnetic field. Also called a halo, chakra, aura* or energy. Woo! *The aura is technically called the aggregate biomagnetic field but who’s counting?

Each organ has its own healthy biomagnetic field (aka energy). When that organ gets sick, it's energy pulses to a sick frequency. If these sick frequencies go untreated, they can coax other healthy magnetic fields in the body towards sickness. Sort of creating a cloud of sick frequency around us.

Luckily, our bodies are sensitive to magnetic fields that surround us and our sick internal frequencies can be encouraged by healthier (or “lighter”) external currents.

BUT HOW? The healing energy (biomagnetic frequency) coming from a reiki practitioner’s hands is much stronger than the frequency coming from a sick organ. This energy radiates from the practitioner’s hands, coaxing the ill frequency back to health.

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This new healthy frequency continues to spread throughout the body well after a treatment is over, coaxing other frequencies towards health.

Eventually spreading to the whole body system* often giving a feeling of a deep rest, gentle pulse, euphoria or limitless possibilities. *Including the aggregate biomagnetic field.

If this is too confusing, just remind yourself it’s all physics and there are endless positive possibilities.

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5 FOODS FOR GLOWING SKIN

by Erica Joy Dunn photos by Victoria Norkin

Keeping up with personal care can be stressful and expensive. Here are some products you can eat or cook with, and in some cases, apply topically that are known to improve the appearance and health of your skin and care.

1. Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel and Anchovies Certain seafoods contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as selenium, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. These are all found in very high concentrations in shellfish and oily fish, and they might be the key to youthful-looking skin.This is exciting because most people have a hard time getting enough of these fats, vitamins and minerals, and they are all linked to skin conditions and skin regeneration. It’s like a supplement for resilient, healthy skin.

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2. Coconut Oil If you have dry, winter skin, apply coconut oil to your face after washing and drying it lightly with a towel. You need only a small amount since the oil spreads well. Take just Âź teaspoon of coconut oil in the palm of one hand rub it with the other.

Apply the coconut oil on the face with both palms, gently massaging it in. Wait for 5-10 minutes for the oil to absorb into the skin, and wipe away any excess with a soft cotton towel. A thin layer is all you need to prevent moisture loss through evaporation from the skin surface.

3. Tomatoes Tomatoes are not just an important part of a healthy diet but also work wonders when applied topically on the skin. Applying tomato juice or rubbing tomato halves on the skin, evens out the skin and revives the glow giving you a healthy looking skin. It contains a high amount of Vitamin C which is known to brighten skin.

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4.. Dark Chocolate The sweet treat is rich in cocoa flavanols, plant compounds with antioxidant properties, which help hydrate skin and improve circulation.

Flavonols will also help your skin protect itself from UV damage, fight free radicals and increase blood flow.

5. Blueberries The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in blueberries help to neutralize free radicals, which might otherwise damage skin cells, leaving your skin with a younger and softer look and feel.

A diet high in fat and carbohydrates can also encourage skin aging, so blueberries prevent aging by providing you with many needed nutrients and very low levels of fat and cholesterol.

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FAIRY SCHOOL IS REAL...

AND THE WINTER SESSION STARTS IN JANUARY!

by Peyton Sandler

12 week series After School Program Winter 2017 -- Tuesday & Wednesday options from January - March at Maha Rose in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Children are magical! Fairy School is here to nurture that magic and to give it an even bigger place in our children's lives.

A typical day at Fairy School includes: fairy-inspired crafts + games, dress-up, storytelling, breathing exercises + yoga, dancing, oracle readings, healing practice with crystals and singing bowls, guided meditation, and free play. Healthy, organic snacks are provided for nourishment.

Through a curriculum of healing arts, creative play, and studies in ecological awareness, we aim to fill in the gaps left by contemporary schooling and modern living with tools for the imagination. visit: www.maharose.com to learn more about the Fairy School Winter Session FAIRY SCHO0L |

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THE CAPTIVATOR LOVE BATH

by Erica Joy Dunn brand: CAP Beauty

I recently attended a sound bath at the Woom Center and received a beautiful pouch of this CAPtivator Love Bath in my gift bag and can't get enough.

Health is at the heart of CAP Beauty's mission and so through the end of January, they are donating all profits from the sale of The Love Bath to Planned Parenthood, the champion of women’s health and wellness for the past 100 years.

When it comes to unwinding, CAP takes self care seriously.

The Love Bath transforms, marrying vibrational flower energies with the rejuvenating and healing powers of salt.

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Powerful minerals and the heart-opening scents of The CAPtivator come together to open your portal for love.

Sandalwood, Neroli and Clary Sage soothe the nervous system as the mineral bath detoxifies and assists lymphatic drainage. Bring your body into harmony and soak in the love. Love and magnetism come alive.

Each package is good for one beautiful bath.

So, I give to you: The CAPTIVATOR LOVE BATH recipe!

1 bag of the CAPtivator Love Bath A couple drops of a lavender essential oil A crystal at the bottom of the tub (I like rose quartz) What to do: Fill tub with warm/hot water and add CAPtivator Love Bath bag until it dissolves. Add essential oils if using and soak in bath for 30 minutes or as long as desired!

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NOURISH

VEGAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA WITH CASHEW CHEESE & KALE PESTO

by Alison Marras

Ingredients: gluten-free & vegan // serves 4-6 Squash 1 medium-large butternut squash 2 tsp olive oil Kale Pesto: 4 cups kale, ripped (no stems) 1-2 cloves garlic 2 tsp nutritional yeast 1/3 cup+ olive oil dash of salt dash of pepper

Cashew Cheese: 2 cups cashews (soaked in water for at least 2 hours & drained) 1/2 cup water 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp salt Juice of 1 lemon 1 tsp nutritional yeast

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Directions: Make the cashew cheese first, submerge 2 cups of cashews in water and let sit for at least 2 hours to soften up. Drain cashews and add all cheese ingredients to a blender, mix until smooth and set aside.

Make the pesto next, mix all ingredients in a food processor, add more olive oil as necessary (I add maybe 1-2 tsp more). Set aside.

Pre-heat the oven to 450f degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel a butternut squash, and cut the bulb off and set aside.

Half the top part and then cut into (approx. 1/4 inch thick) half-moon shaped slices. You should have enough for about 3 layers of the lasagna using an 8 inch dish.

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Toss the butternut squash slices with 2 tsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper, arrange slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tender.

Let squash cool for 10 minutes until you can handle the slices, reduce the heat to 350f degrees.

Lightly grease a glass dish or casserole dish and start by arranging the squash slices slightly overlapping.

Next, add dollops of pesto all around, then the same for the cashew cheese.

Add your 2nd layer and continue until you're done, you may have a little pesto or cheese leftover depending on how much you use.

Bake lasagna for approx. 25-30 minutes and serve!

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COCONUT MATCHA LATTE (VEGAN)

by Alison Marras

Ingredients serves 1-2 1 scoop ceremonial grade matcha powder 1/4 cup hot water 1/2 cup coconut milk Directions If you have an electric frothier, get the milk started now. If you're doing it by hand, get it ready and set aside.

Heat water (it doesn't need to boil, that could actually burn the tea if it's too hot), have it ready.

Scoop the matcha powder out into a medium sized bowl and use a bamboo whisk or a regular whisk will do the trick to break the powder up so there are no clumps.

Next, pour the hot water over the powder and use the whisk to vigorously in "M" and "W" shapes by hand. Make sure the powder has dissolved completely for a smooth tea.

Pour the green tea into the serving mug or mugs (I split this into two as shown but you could pick a larger mug and serve for 1).

Time to froth the milk by hand if doing so separately. Once ready, pour the thick coconut milk over top... sip this slowly and enjoy!

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GROUNDING FOODS FOR THE WINTER

by Erica Joy Dunn

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that each food has a unique energy that affects your body a certain way. As the seasons shift, it’s important to shift your diet as well.

These grounding foods will help restore balance during these cold months.

Root veggies: Beets, carrots, potatoes, turnips, radishes, ginger, sunchokes and garlic. Adding these foods into your diet can help you become more rooted and grounded.

Sweet potatoes and yams: These root veggies get a special mention because they’re not only grounding, they can also curb your sweet tooth. Avoiding processed sugar is a great way to support your body with balance and focus. As the seasons change, these dense sweet veggies will also help your body adjust to cooler temperatures.

Quality proteins: Eggs, nuts, and meats offer a grounding energy to the body. They can also help stabilize blood sugar. It’s important to make sure that your proteins originate from an environment of positive and healthy energy.

Look for organic, hormone free and free range.

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TRAVEL WINTER 2016

by Erica Joy Dunn

THE INTEGRATRON WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

by Erica Joy Dunn

The New York Times describes the Integratron as a place of spiritual healing and musical sound baths in the Mojave dessert that was designed by aliens...and that's all true. We purchased our tickets to the Integratron before we even bought our flights out to Joshua Tree. I knew this is where I wanted to be. I bought a crystal at the gift shop, naturally, and then headed barefoot into the Integratron and up the stairs for the most amazing sound bath of my life.

Long story short, on August 24, 1953, George Van Tassel, a 43-year-old former aviation engineer, was awakened by a man from outer space. After George's run in with the alien from Venus, he was told to build this structure with wood materials which will interfere with radio frequencies and disrupting interplanetary “thought transfers".

After Van Tassel died in 1978, the Karl sisters bought the structure, 14 years ago and it has become a popular travel destination for spiritual questers.

Who wants to come with me again in 2017? Let's make this an annual trip...

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by Erica Joy Dunn HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE |

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THANK YOU!

Want to connect, collab or contribute to The Wellness Mercantile? email: erica@ericajoydunn.com

Erica Joy Dunn, The Wellness Mercantile Winter 2016