Natural Awakenings ~ East Bay January 2016 by Celeste Souza

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Treating Autism Naturally January 2016 | East Bay Area Edition | NAEastBay.com

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contact us Publisher/Editor Celeste Souza National Editor S. Alison Chabonais Proofreader Randy Kambic Writer Tessa Rigdon Design & Production Stephen Blancett Kim Cerne Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Franchise Sales Anna Romano 239-530-1377

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emember back in the day when the whole family shared the same doctor? Appointments were as long as needed and all parties enjoyed a relationship of familiarity and trust. We could pick up the phone and get a prescription called in, or in urgent circumstances request a prompt personal visit to our home. We held our doctor in high regard and the ongoing shared connection created a caring advocate for our health we felt comfortable calling on anytime. I remember the system changing when I was in my 20s and had developed a thyroid issue. I was in big love with my husband and child, establishing a new career and just going with the flow of life. I had no idea the impacts the modern medical system could have on me and mine until I blindly trusted superficial diagnosis and treatment and began to develop a rash of ensuing symptoms, yet continued to be told there was no correlation. After a year I realized that I needed to be my own advocate. Even with some well-intentioned doctors in my corner, limitations inherent in the current system were interfering with my getting answers and results. There was still no effort to deal with the root cause of the problem, only symptoms. So I decided to minimize my dependency on the conventional system of Western medicine and branch out to explore and integrate alternative and functional modalities focused more on overall health and well-being, including changes in diet and lifestyle. The radioactive iodine treatment prescribed earlier had wrought unwanted changes in my body. I still believe that I may have been able to rectify the original organ imbalance instead of killing my thyroid gland if as a patient I’d felt heard and consulted as partner in the remedy. At minimum, I would have liked to understand more choices existed beyond irreversible radical surgery or harmful radiation. The need to tap into a broader range of resources arose again when my daughter Kaila was in high school and became overly anxious about her life. As a parent used to coming to the rescue, the intangible nature of the issue was daunting. Most practitioners we consulted advised medication while others wouldn’t even see us due to limitations of the healthcare insurance system. This left me to figure out for myself how to obtain tools and resources that did more than mask a symptom. Thank goodness for the helpful development of Functional Medicine, which health writer Lisa Marshall explores for us in our January feature article. It explains the value of approaching, testing and treating each of us as the unique individuals we are. I’m a huge fan! I hope you find this issue eye opening and consider new options that will do you good. To solving problems at their source,

Celeste Souza, Publisher

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

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newsbriefs healthbriefs globalbriefs actionalert healingways wisewords healthykids consciouseating naturalpet inspiration calendarofevents ongoingcalendar classifiedads resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 925-557-7583 or email Ads@ NAEastBay.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Editorial@ NAEastBay.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online at NAEastBay.com or email to: Calendar@NAEastBay.com. 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.

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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

16 GOOD REASONS TO

TRY ACUPUNCTURE

Thousands of Studies Show Healing Results by Kathleen Barnes

18 THE RISE OF

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

New Paradigm Gets to the Root Cause of Disease by Lisa Marshall

21 BRUCE LIPTON ON

THE EPIGENETICS REVOLUTION

Our Beliefs Reprogram Our Genetic Destiny by Linda Sechrist

22 TREATING AUTISM NATURALLY

Plus Strategies for Prevention by Meredith Montgomery

26 SUPER SOUPS

New Twists on Old Favorites Heal, Nourish and Soothe

by Judith Fertig

28 THE RIGHT VET FOR YOUR PET

Animals Thrive with Gentle, Safe and Natural Approaches

by Shawn Messonnier

Our manual therapy offers the structural benefits of chiropractic and the functional benefits of massage in a 10-week program. When your symptoms resolve your deepest potential can begin to manifest.

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January 2016

newsbriefs International Breema Week: Harmony Offered Worldwide

Alternatives for Animals Offers Discounted New Patient Exams

he Breema Center in Oakland offers free events as part of this year’s annual International Breema Week, January 8 to 17. Breema practitioners and instructors in countries around the world, including Brazil, Austria, England, Sweden and Mexico, will join in to host free events in their communities. Locally, at the Experience Breema Evening, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on January 8, participants can try two bodywork aspects: Self-Breema movement exercises and two-person Breema bodywork exchanges. Before and after the class, newcomers can receive a mini-session from staff members to experience first-hand the balancing effect of Breema. Other free events offered throughout the week provide a helpful introduction to Breema before the Winter Intensive beginning February 6. A highlight of the week is the series of inspirational emails containing beautiful images, sent each day to those who subscribe through the Breema website. Last year, daily quotes emphasized one of the Nine Principles of Harmony, such as No Extra: “You have thoughts while you’re doing things. Are those thoughts extra? You have feelings. Your body has sensations, or tension. Are these extra? Surprisingly, they are not! But if you take those thoughts, those feelings, or the body to be you, that identification is extra.” At last year’s International Breema Week celebration, many guests expressed their gratitude for the chance to let go of tension and judgment and to connect more deeply to themselves in the present. One participant commented, “I’m grateful for the nourishing atmosphere, and for finding a simple way to be more available.” Location: 6076 Claremont Ave., Oakland. For more information, call 510-4280937, visit Breema.com, Facebook.com/BreemaCenter or Youtube.com/user/ TheBreemaChannel. See ad, page 8.

With the new day comes

new strength and new thoughts. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

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lternatives for Animals, in Lafayette, offers holistic veterinary care, including acupuncture, whole food nutritional supplements, Chinese herbal therapy, laser therapy, nutrition response testing, chiropractic care and Bicom bioresonance therapy for cats and dogs. During the months of January and February, Alternatives for Animals offers new patient exams for a reduced price of $85, regularly $250. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Jennifer Luna-Repose, treats a variety of feline and canine health conditions from musculoskeletal complaints to complicated internal medicine conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune diseases and cancer. LunaRepose utilizes treatments that address the whole animal and the root causes of disease, not merely the symptoms. Luna-Repose draws on her specialized training in the areas of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and whole food nutrition counseling to keep pets in a state of optimal health. She helps pet guardians learn to navigate the pet food store and make healthier decisions for their pets. “Health starts with good nutrition,” says Luna-Repose. “Most commercial pet foods are heavily processed with ingredients that are nutritionally void of nutrients. Through nutrition counseling and nutrition response testing, we can determine what is lacking in your pet’s diet and recommend supplements and dietary changes to improve their well-being.” Location: 919 Moraga Rd., Lafayette. For more information, call 925-283-6160 or visit Alternatives4Animals.com. See ad, page 37.

Fremont Natural Dentistry Upholds Highest Standards in Mercury Amalgam Removal

octor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Colin T. Yoshida of Fremont Natural Dentistry, recognizes the importance of safe mercury amalgam removal from oral cavities窶馬ot only for the health of his patients, but for the health of the environment. Yoshida is a mercury-free dentist who upholds the highest standards presented by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Technology (IAOMT) to keep humans and wildlife safe from poisonous neurotoxins. In his practice, Yoshida takes all precautions necessary to protect his patients, his staff and the Earth. Colin T. Yoshida According to the IAOMT, the keys to safe mercury removal depend on correct technique and the correct tools. For example, Yoshida makes careful cuts to the amalgam under constant water spray to prevent aerosolization and to reduce vapor pressure within the mercury. Yoshida utilizes the highest-quality, high volume evacuation tool for the removal mercury vapor and amalgam particles, and offers patients further protection with the use of rubber dams, suction tubes and skin barriers. Fremont Natural Dentistry is also a certified Pollution Prevention Partner for its alignment with IAOMT safety standards within the practice. Location: 3885 Beacon Ave., Ste. C, Fremont. For more information, call 510-648-3184, email Colin.Yoshida@yahoo.com or visit FremontNaturalDentistry.com. See ad, page 24.

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natural awakenings

January 2016

newsbriefs Food for Life Classes Now Offered in San Francisco

ake healthy eating a New Year’s resolution that sticks with the help of Sarah Tranter, a Registered Nurse, a food lover and a Food for Life Instructor. Tranter is dedicated to promoting and embracing the benefits of a plant-based diet for disease prevention, treatment and optimal health, and offers a free introductory Food for Life Healthy Transitions Series 1 class on January 9 at the Degreed offices in San Francisco. The series continues from 10 a.m. to noon on January 23, 30 and February 6. The award-winning Food for Life curriculum was Sarah Tranter developed by physicians, nurses and registered dietitians to educate the public about the lifesaving effects of healthful eating. Each Food for Life class offers nutritional science information in a simple, easy-to-understand way, and gives attendees the recipes and tools needed to be successful long term. “I know there is unrecognized power in plants that, if utilized, can be nothing short of life-changing,” says Tranter. Tranter has extensive experience in critical care and oncology nursing, and is excited to share her passion for health, nutrition and preventative care with Bay Area residents. Currently, all Food for Life classes are offered at Degreed, in San Francisco. Contact Tranter to bring her classes to another venue. Location: 449 Bryant St., 2nd Flr., San Francisco. For more information and to make a reservation for an upcoming class, visit WholisticWay.com.

International Breema® Week Free events & classes January 8-17, 2016

Using movement, touch, and the Nine Principles of Harmony, Breema® supports you to become open and receptive, so you can experience the taste of being present.

Breema Weekend Intensive February 6-7 First-time student discounts CE available

breema.com • (510) 428-0937 • center@breema.com Breema Center • 6076 Claremont, Oakland

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Healing Arts Chiropractic Offers Anniversary Pricing Specials

anuary marks the one-year anniversary of Healing Arts Chiropractic’s move to the Piedmont Avenue neighborhood in Oakland. To celebrate this milestone and to usher in a healthier, happier new year, Doctor of Chiropractic, Katie Sokolski now offers the 21-Day Purification Program at a discounted price of $146. To learn more about the purification program and to receive extra support, join Sokolski at her Detox Done Right seminar, 5:30 p.m. on January 19. At Detox Done Right, Sokolski explains how the cleanse is different and safe, and how it benefits and supports the entire body, not only the liver or kidneys. Additionally, Sokolski provides meal-planning support and offers complimentary pre- and post-cleanse health exams to all attendees who purchase the 21-Day Purification Program. Special anniversary appointment packages provide price breaks for clients interested in chiropractic, massage and nutritional services, including: 5 chiropractic appointments for $255 (regular price $300) 6 nutrition appointments: $128 (regular price $150) 21-Day Purification: $146 (regular price $395. Includes a pre- and post-purification assessment) 5 massages for $375 (regular price $450) 10 massages for $650 (regular price $900). Location: 187 40th Street Way, Oakland. For more information and to purchase an appointment package, call 510-356-7832, email Dr.Sokolski@ gmail.com or visit HealingArtsChiro. com. See ad, page 24.

It’s Back: Dr. Baxley’s Power Posture Workshop

or individuals living with chronic shoulder slump, rounded shoulders or scoopy backs, Doctor of Chiropractic Jane H. Baxley presents one-hour Power Posture workshops, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., on January 5 and 19, at In Balance Chiropractic, in Danville. The Power Posture Workshop is an action-packed hour during which participants learn how posture is related to balance, strain, sports performance, endurance and overall wellbeing. Power Posture participants will also practice a series of daily exercises, movements and the latest methods to achieve Jane H. Baxley excellent posture. Baxley specializes in Structural Correction and utilizes a technique called Advanced Bio-structural Correction™ (ABC™) to help clients restore body structure and regain optimal health. ABC™ works to correct layers of structural shifts that can build up in the body and appear as slouched, twisted or stooped posture, resulting from a series of misalignments and compensations throughout the body.

Do you have a special event in the community? Open a new ofﬁce? Move? Recently become certiﬁed in a new modality?

Location: 931 Hartz Way, #120, Danville. To register for a Power Posture Workshop, call 925-406-3222 or email JBaxleyDC@gmail.com. For more information, visit DrJaneBaxley.com.

ARF Launches New Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic

ony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), in Walnut Creek, announced the launch of the organization’s new Mobile Clinic, expanding affordable spay/neuter services and benefiting other critical ARF programs. The 33-foot-long, custom-built vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art veterinary technology and houses two surgical tables along with equipment necessary to function as a freestanding clinic in any location. ARF is honored to name the Stephen Ball Mobile Clinic in memory of Stephen Ball with gratitude for his generous legacy gift, a reflection of his love for nature and animals. “ARF’s existing Spay/Neuter Clinic is one of only three affordable cost clinics in the county, and our sought-after sterilization services book up weeks in advance,” says Executive Director, Elena Bicker. “The Stephen Ball Mobile Clinic will add immediate additional capacity for public spay/neuter surgeries and prevent even more litters from being born and contributing to the overpopulation crisis.” As the project gains momentum, ARF also plans to target regions in Contra Costa County with high surrender rates and low-income residents who cannot otherwise access affordable services. Early next year, ARF expects to schedule the Mobile Clinic for visits to the Department of Veterans Affairs to administer wellness checks for pets belonging to veterans as part of ARF’s Pets for Vets program. The vehicle also has the flexibility to function as an adoption vehicle or a response vehicle for ARF’s deployment in the event of a disaster or emergency affecting pets. For more information, call 925-256-1273 or visit ARFLife.org.

News Briefs.

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January 2016

healthbriefs

Scientists Urge Ban on Non-Stick Pan Coatings

Leave Them at A the Door: Shoe Soles Harbor Risky Bacteria

esearch from the University of Houston has determined that a species of bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics might be tracking into homes on the soles of shoes. More than a third of randomly tested homes were contaminated with Clostridium difficile bacteria, and 40 percent of doorsteps were also infected with the bacteria. Depending upon the strain, C. difficile can cause intestinal infections, inflammation and severe diarrhea. Study author M. Jahangir Alam, Ph.D., comments, “Shoes are contaminated from diverse sources, and we are regularly contaminating our doorsteps by shoes.” The researchers tested three to five household items within 30 houses in Houston, Texas. They collected 127 environmental samples—from 63 shoe bottoms, 15 bathroom surface samples, 12 house floor dusts and 37 other household surfaces They found that 41 of them harbored C. difficile and nearly 40 percent of the shoes were positive for the bacteria. They also found that a third of the bathroom surfaces harbored the bacteria, a third of house dust and 19 percent of other surfaces maintained the bacteria. The cause of many intestinal disorders, this bacteria species has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics and many household cleaning products.

new paper published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal warns of the continued health risks of chemicals used for non-stick pan coatings and water repellents on clothing. The chemical is being found in some municipalities’ drinking water. More than 200 scientists signed the statement, which presents the dangers of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are persistently used as pan coatings, despite more than a decade of research showing associations with liver toxicity, neurological disorders, cancers of different organs and types, and heart conditions. The paper noted that many manufacturers have discontinued long-chain PFAS production and substituted shorter-chain PFAS. The scientists caution that these shorter-chain PFAS may not effectively reduce PFAS exposure because more has to be used to achieve the same effectiveness, maintaining PFAS in the environment with exposure levels relatively unchanged. It calls for scientists, governments, chemical manufacturers and consumer product manufacturers to participate in halting all PFAS production.

Autism Spurs Creative Thinking

he UK’s University of East Anglia and the University of Stirling conducted a study of individuals with autistic traits among 312 people recruited through social media, including 75 diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Each of the subjects completed a series of creativity tests in which they determined uses of mundane objects. Published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, the study found that while the autistic people chose fewer uses for each object, their choices were significantly more original and creative. The subjects developed a greater range of “divergent thinking”. Martin Doherty, Ph.D., co-author of the study, confirms, “People with high autistic traits can have less quantity, but greater quality of creative ideas. They are typically considered to be more rigid in their thinking, so the fact that the ideas they have are more unusual or rare is surprising. This difference may have positive implications for creative problem solving.” The researchers found that while the average person will utilize simple mental strategies to produce more obvious answers first, autistic people tend to first utilize more demanding strategies during their processing, thus producing the more creative result.

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Vitamin E and D Supplements Hinder Alzheimer’s and Falls Among Elderly

wo common vitamins are making headlines in medical research. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that supplementation with vitamin E may reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The five-year study followed 561 Alzheimer’s patients and included a placebo and the pharmaceutical drug memantine. Those that took vitamin E had a reduced progression of the disease compared to both a placebo group and the memantine group. Also, researchers from the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of falling for elderly folks. The study had a vitamin D supplement or a placebo delivered through a Mealson-Wheels program to 68 people. The subjects were given blood tests and their history of falls was measured. Diaries revealed that the individuals taking vitamin D supplements fell less than half the number of times than the placebo group.

Playing Outside Before Lunch Spurs Kids to Eat Healthier

esearchers from Brigham Young University and Cornell University have determined that simply moving recess to precede lunch significantly increases students’ consumption of fruits and vegetables at lunch. The researchers tested first- through sixth-graders from seven schools in Utah for 14 school days. In three schools, recess was switched from after to just before lunch. In the other four schools, recess still followed lunch. Published in the journal Preventative Medicine, research found that when recess was just prior to lunch, students ate 54 percent more fruits and vegetables. Moving recess also resulted in 45 percent more kids eating at least one serving of fruits and vegetables during school-provided lunches. The researchers concluded that results show the benefits of holding recess before lunch and suggest that if more schools did this, there would be significant increases in fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly among students that eat school lunch as part of the National School Lunch Program.

Feel Young, Live Long

esearch published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found people that feel younger than their years have a lower incidence of earlier mortality. Conducted by scientists from the UK’s University College London, the research analyzed data from 6,489 people and measured their self-perceived age with the question, “How old do you feel you are?” Then, over more than eight years, the scientists tracked the number of deaths from all causes. Almost 70 percent of those that averaged a little over 65 reported feeling at least three years younger than their chronological age. Only a quarter said they felt close to their age and about 5 percent said they felt more than a year older. The research found that deaths among those that felt younger were 14 percent, while more than 18 percent of those who felt their own age and more than 24 percent of people that felt older died during the followup period. The research further found that individuals that felt at least three years younger were less likely to die later from heart disease or cancer. These relationships prevailed even when other health and lifestyle factors were eliminated. Co-author Andrew Steptoe, Ph.D., says, “We expected to find an association between self-perceived age and mortality. We didn’t expect that the relationship would still be present even when wealth, other socio-demographic indicators, health, depression, mobility and other factors were taken into account.”

natural awakenings

January 2016

globalbriefs

Doctor’s Orders

GMO Labeling Endorsed by Physicians Even as the federal government pursues H.R. 1599, aka the “Deny Americans the Right to Know” (DARK) act, mainstream medicine is urging the government to abandon its resistance to GMO (genetically modified organism) labeling. They are bolstered by a recent announcement by the World Health Organization that glyphosate (the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer) is probably carcinogenic in humans. The genetic engineering ends up making crops resistant to the herbicide so more must be applied. According to contributing doctors from Harvard, Mt. Sinai Medical Center and the University of Wisconsin reporting in the New England Journal of Medicine, “GM crops are now the agricultural products most heavily treated with herbicides, and two of these herbicides may pose risks of cancer.” A recent notice in the same journal, “GMOs, Herbicides and Public Health,” reports: “The application of biotechnology to agriculture has been rapid and aggressive. The vast majority of the soy and [feed] corn grown in the United States are now genetically engineered. Foods produced from GM crops have become ubiquitous.” Sixty-four countries, including Russia and China, have already adopted transparency in labeling laws, but U.S. Big Food and Big Ag lobbyists have stonewalled efforts domestically. For more information and petitions, visit OrganicConsumers.org.

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

Fish Folly

Marine Life Drops by Half since 1970 The nonprofit World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Zoological Society of London have jointly determined that industrial-scale overfishing, pollution and climate change have killed half of all marine life over the last 40 years. The Living Blue Planet Report cites that species essential to the global food supply are among the hardest hit, partially due to humans catching them faster than they can reproduce. Large swaths of coral reefs, mangroves and sea grasses have also died, further decimating fish populations. Statistics show that the family of fish that includes tuna and mackerel has declined by 75 percent since 1970. The number of species is also declining; a quarter of all shark and ray species face extinction. Half of all coral has already disappeared, and the rest will vanish by 2050 if temperatures continue to rise at current rates. “Coral reefs occupy less than 1 percent of the ocean surface, but they harbor a third of ocean species,” says French biologist Gilles Boeuf. The WWF report argues that protected global ocean area should be tripled by 2020 and fish retailers should source from companies that follow certified best practice standards. Source: Tinyurl.com/WWF2015BluePlanetReport

Drive-Thru Vegan

Amy’s Opens Organic Fast Food Restaurant California now hosts the nation’s first Amy’s Organic Drive-Thru restaurant, in Rohnert Park, with a vegetarian menu sporting veggie burgers, salads and dishes served in both regular and vegan varieties. Ingredients are sustainably grown and GMO-free (no genetically modified ingredients). The company’s signature frozen pizzas have been popular for years in health food and grocery stores nationwide, and now Amy’s first restaurant is serving them hot, with toppings ranging from spinach and diced tomatoes to a choice of mozzarella cheese or vegan “cheeze”. While some other fast food restaurants import almost all of their products from factory farming operations and give nothing back to the community, Amy’s Drive-Thru grows produce sustainably on its own roof. Amy’s Kitchen, a familyowned, privately held organic frozen food company, reportedly pays workers a living wage with health benefits. On the inaugural restaurant’s popularity, Manager Paul Schiefer remarks, “It’s given us a lot of hope that this is a concept that works.”

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OM MBA

Eastern Practices Penetrate U.S. Corporate Culture Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini has introduced free yoga and meditation classes for employees of the health insurance giant, and more than 13,000 are participating. On average, they experienced a 28 percent reduction in their stress levels, 20 percent improvement in sleep quality, 19 percent reduction in pain and 62 minutes per week of extra productivity. “We have this groundswell inside the company of people wanting to take the classes,” says Bertolini. “It’s been pretty magical.” He sells the same classes to businesses that contract with Aetna. Google now offers emotional intelligence courses for employees and General Mills has a meditation room in every building on its Minneapolis corporate campus. Even conservative Wall Street firms such as Goldman Sachs are teaching meditation on the job. Some programs, from yoga sessions for factory workers to guided meditations for executives, are intended to improve overall wellbeing; others to increase focus and productivity. Most aim to make employees more present-minded, less prone to make rash decisions and generally nicer people to work with. More than 21 million individuals now practice yoga nationwide, double the number from a decade ago, and nearly as many meditate, according to the National Institutes of Health.

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January 2016

globalbriefs

Puppy Cuddles

Students De-Stress by Petting Dogs

Unique Character

Sesame Street Addresses Autism After working with organizations such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Self Advocacy Network, Sesame Street has been aiming to help reduce the stigma associated with autism spectrum disorder. A new autistic character, Julia, already has her own digital storybook, We’re Amazing, 1,2,3 as part of the campaign See Amazing in All Children. According to Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of U.S. social impact at Sesame Workshop, Sesame Street producers are waiting to hear back from the autism community before introducing Julia to the TV show. For more information, visit Autism.SesameStreet.org/storybook-we-are-amazing and Tinyurl.com/MeetJuliaVideo.

“I have gone to chiropractors for 30 years and have never had the relief that Dr. Rehl has provided.” —Ann, Age 61 See our 5-Star reviews at

At least three universities in England have offered puppy rooms to stressed students. More than 600 students signed up last year in Bristol alone. Gordon Trevett, from the University’s Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, says, “Every year I see students fretting about their exams, and I thought this would be a great way to ease the stress and take their minds off it. People with dogs have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without a dog, and we know that playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.” Jo Woods, from the Bristol Students Union, says, “It’s important to do fun and different things to de-stress during exams, and cuddling a puppy is a perfect way to release some endorphins.” Source: BBC

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In a universe

No-Choice Vaccines

California Mandates Shots for Childcare Workers After passing the state House and Senate, California Senate Bill 792 was approved by Governor Jerry Brown on October 11. The unprecedented law mandates vaccines for adult childcare workers and volunteers, including all individuals working in private and public school early childhood education programs, with no religious exemptions permitted. SB 792 reads, “Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a day care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis [whooping cough] and measles. Each employee and volunteer shall receive an influenza vaccination between August 1 and December 1 of each year.” The same regulations also apply to family home day care workers and volunteers. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in a loss of licensing for the facility/center.

made out of energy, everything is entangled; everything is one. ~Bruce Lipton

For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/californiasb792. Let California lawmakers hear what the people want via Legislature.ca.gov.

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healingways

The U.S. Library of Medicine database lists more than 23,000 studies on acupuncture.

Good Reasons to Try Acupuncture Thousands of Studies Show Healing Results by Kathleen Barnes

he ancient Chinese art of acupuncture is gaining popularity in modern Western medicine for many reasons. “There’s lots of research to support the effectiveness of acupuncture for a wide variety of conditions,”

says Thomas Burgoon, a medical doctor who practices internal medicine in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and is president of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, an association of doctors of medicine and osteopathic medicine

With the Mei Zen™ Cosmetic Acupuncture System you will see: • Skin becomes more delicate and fair • Reduction of wrinkles • Erasing of ﬁne lines and reduction of deeper lines • Reduction of sagginess • Lifting of droopy eyelids • Clearing or reduction of age spots • An overall rejuvenation that is not conﬁned to your face. That means you’ll feel better all over - or that your health has actually improved!

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that use acupuncture in conjunction with conventional treatments. Acupuncture treatments typically involve the nearly painless insertion of very thin needles to stimulate the body’s natural repair and regulation mechanisms based on the fundamental Chinese medicine principle that the inside of the body can often be treated from the outside. Burgoon explains that acupuncture works by stimulating and releasing the body’s natural pain relievers, including endorphins, producing the feel-good brain chemical serotonin and relieving inflammation, as well as bringing many other body processes into normal function. Brevard, North Carolina, licensed master acupuncturist Paul Buchman, adds, “Acupuncture differs from conventional Western medicine in many ways, primarily in that when it treats a disease on the physical level, it also has far-reaching effects on our mental, emotional and spiritual aspects.” Chronic back pain: Chronic low back pain affects 80 percent of us at some time and is the second-most common cause of disability in American adults, according to a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. A recent study of Australian patients arriving in Melbourne hospital emergency rooms complaining of low back pain found that those treated with acupuncture experienced as much pain relief in an hour as those given drugs. “When I treat a person for low back pain, I always take pulses in several parts of the body, and then take into account many factors, including age, gender and life situation,” says Buchman. “The underlying causes of the pain may be different in a 20-something student with a stressful academic load than a 50-something woman that’s a recent empty nester redefining her

future,” he explains. When researchers at China’s Central South University reviewed 13 studies on acupuncture and low back pain, they concluded that comprehensive treatment plans that involve acupuncture are urgently needed. Headache: Acupuncture has long been used to relieve the pain of migraines and tension headaches. Australian research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that 16 acupuncture sessions cut in half the number of days that patients experienced migraines, significantly reducing pain. “Acupuncture is a must-try therapy for anyone with migraines or chronic or tension-type headaches,” says Burgoon. He notes that Aetna Insurance Company policy considers acupuncture among accepted, medically necessary treatments for migraines, chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, postoperative dental pain and nausea associated with surgery, pregnancy and chemotherapy. Asthma and allergies: More than 25 million Americans have asthma, including 6.8 million children. Danish research published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine showed that 10 acupuncture sessions given over a three-month period reduced asthma symptoms and use of inhaled steroids, but only when acupuncture was ongoing. Benefits diminished when treatments were discontinued. German researchers at Berlin’s Charité University Medical Center found similar effects for seasonal allergies by comparing it with the effects of antihistamines and sham acupuncture. “Patterns of bad health get more ingrained in our body systems as we get older,” says Melanie Katin, a licensed acupuncturist specializing in treating children in New York City and professor at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. “If we can catch an illness in a child’s first seven or eight years, we may be able to prevent it from becoming chronic in adulthood.” Digestive problems: Acupuncture has been found to be effective for treating colic in babies, irritable bowel syndrome, morning sickness and postoperative nausea caused by anesthesia and chemotherapy treatments, verified in research from Australia’s University of Sydney on patients after surgery for metastatic liver cancer. Several other studies, including one from the Milwau-kee’s Medical College of Wisconsin, show that acupuncture rebalances the nervous system and restores proper digestive function, while relieving pain. The World Health Organization review of research notes how acupuncture relieved gastrointestinal (GI) spasms better than atropine injections, and also recommends acupuncture for relief of nausea. “Acupuncture helps calm down an overactive GI tract and stimulates an underactive one,” explains Burgoon. Acupuncture is a non-pharmaceutical remedy for many health problems, Burgoon says. “I fell in love with acupuncture when I discovered I could use it to treat some problems that nothing else helped. I almost never prescribe any medications. Instead, I help people get off pharmaceuticals.” Kathleen Barnes is author of many natural health books, including The Calcium Lie 2: What Your Doctor Still Doesn’t Know, with Dr. Robert Thompson. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

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feels better than she has in decades. “I spent a lot of years and money in the traditional medical system and got nothing,” says Mills. With functional medicine, “In a very short time, they had me feeling nearly 100 percent.”

Distinctive Characteristics

The Rise of Functional Medicine New Paradigm Gets to the Root Cause of Disease by Lisa Marshall

y the end of 2014, Trina Mills, of Parker, Arizona, had given up on conventional medicine. She’d been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder 17 years earlier and taken medication ever since without feeling her symptoms of fatigue, muscle aches and stomach problems ever fully subside. She’d visited endocrinologists, gastroenterologists and a half-dozen other specialists, each of which offered a different diagnosis and prescribed a different drug. At one point, she had her gallbladder removed. At another, her doctor suspected she had bleeding in her brain and sent her for a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan. Some thought she was a hypochondriac; others said she was depressed. “I would tell them, ‘I’m just depressed that you can’t figure

out why I’m so sick,’” she says. Weighing a skeletal 82 pounds, the 54-year-old mother of three finally wrote out a living will and braced for the inevitable. Then she heard of a new Center for Functional Medicine opening at the prestigious, centuryold Cleveland Clinic. As the first clinic of its kind to open at an academic medical center, it promised to look at the underlying causes of disease, while focusing on the whole person, rather than isolated symptoms. Intrigued, Mills caught a flight to Ohio and soon was offering up 30 tubes of blood, stool and saliva samples, as well as an exhaustive life history. One year later, thanks to a series of personalized diet and lifestyle changes, she’s 10 pounds heavier and

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In the 25 years since nutritional biochemist Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., of Gig Harbor, Washington, coined the term, this science-based, whole-body approach to addressing chronic disease has gained widespread traction. More than 100,000 physicians—60 percent of them medical doctors—have trained with the Institute for Functional Medicine he founded in Washington and New Mexico, and numerous medical schools have added its tenets to their curricula. More naturopaths and chiropractors are also distinguishing themselves with a functional medicine emphasis. “It is not alternative medicine at all,” stresses Bland, whose latest book, The Disease Delusion, details how functional medicine can curb chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, dementia, and heart disease, which constitute 78 percent of U.S. health care costs. “It’s the basis of 21st-century health care,” he says. For most of the 20th century, conventional medicine centered on a singular objective: Arrive at a diagnosis and treat it with drugs or surgery. Then, the alternative medicine movement proffered a toolbox of more natural therapies, including acupuncture, herbs and massage to address these same diagnoses. The 1990s brought integrative medicine, a best-of-both-worlds approach. “While all of the above have merit, they lack the necessary guidance to help practitioners determine which tools work best for which patient,” says Dr. Mark Hyman, director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine. “Alternative therapies and conventional treatments are tools. We need a new map that can teach us how to skillfully use those tools,” maintains Hyman. “That map is functional medicine.” Because one chronic disease such as diabetes can have dozens of underlying causes, or one culprit such as a

genetic predisposition or exposure to toxins can lead to multiple chronic conditions, functional medicine focuses on systems, rather than organs, and origins, rather than diseases. “It’s about listening to the patient’s story in a different way, where the objective is not simply about arriving at a diagnosis,” explains Bland.

Ferreting Out Key Clues

Key to discovering the underlying origins of a health issue are a host of new gene, blood and gut health tests. “They allow us to look under the patient’s ‘metabolic hood’ at the genetic and biochemical factors influencing health,” says Naturopathic Doctor Kara Fitzgerald, who heads up a functional medicine clinic in Newtown, Connecticut. For instance, certain genes influence how a person burns and stores fat. Depending on which variant a patient has, based on a genetic test, they might be guided toward a higheror lower-fat diet. Those genetically prone to difficulty in metabolizing the amino acid homocysteine (an excess of which can raise the risk of heart disease) might be advised to take folic acid supplements. If a patient displays intractable gut problems, rather than simply look for blood or pathogens in the stool, Fitzgerald also looks at the DNA of their gut microbiome, mapping out which strains of good bacteria are present or absent and prescribing prebiotics, probiotics or whole foods to promote a healthful balance. For another patient with thinning hair and aching joints, she might use specialized blood tests to look for micronutrient deficiencies, signs of allergies or certain autoantibodies—proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly attack one’s own tissues—that might herald a brewing autoimmune disorder. “Research shows that predictive autoantibodies can show up in the blood 10 or even 20 years before an autoimmune disease such as Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis makes itself known,” says Fitzgerald, pointing to a seminal review published in 2007 in Scientific American: “If a patient

with mild, early-stage symptoms is proactive with diet and lifestyle changes, they may be able to fend it off.” High-tech tests aside, Bland stresses that what’s most important is “a tool that has been largely lost in medicine today: Knowing how to listen to the patient.” In a typical exam, Fitzgerald thoroughly inspects often neglected body parts, including the tongue and fingernails, which can hold important clues to underlying health. She asks about past emotional trauma which might trigger chronic disease, and inquires about what environmental toxins and harmful chemicals both the patient and their birth parents may have been exposed to. One example might be a patient exposed to cigarette smoking in utero having a bias toward an allergic disease. If their parents grew up in a period of famine, they might have inherited a genetic disposition for rapid weight gain. “She spent two-and-a-half hours with me,” in her initial consultation, recalls 52-year-old Lauren Zambrelli, of Long Island, New York, who credits Fitzgerald for helping her tame her multiple sclerosis into remission. “It was like having a sister for a doctor.”

Who Pays

Functional medicine doctors don’t shy away from prescription drugs when necessary, but they do lean decidedly toward the lower-tech modalities, using dietary supplements, allergen-free diets, exercise, mind-body practices and toxin avoidance as their primary tools. “We basically take out the bad stuff from the body and put in the good stuff,” says Hyman. Maintaining good health is priceless, but without conventional insurance coverage, it can be expensive. While Mills’ doctor visits were covered by insurance (which is rare), she spends roughly $1,000 a month on supplements to address her diagnosed leaky gut syndrome, nutrient deficiencies and mercury poisoning. Zambrelli has paid thousands out of her own pocket, too. Some people worry that, like most conventional physicians, some func-

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hile most practitioners recommend that patients consult with a physician to interpret their test results, several companies offer gene, blood and microbiome lab testing directly to consumers. Here are a few options to consider. uBiome, Inc. (Ubiome.com): Send in swab samples from gut, mouth, nose, genitals and/or skin and the company will genetically sequence the DNA of resident bacteria and send findings back within six weeks, identifying good and bad varieties present, deficiencies, and how that personal microbiome compares to others with similar lifestyles, such as smokers, vegans, meat-eaters, etc. It’s also possible to test a client’s microbiome over time to see if dietary changes implemented to change gut health are working. WellnessFX (WellnessFX.com): Visit an affiliated diagnostic lab to submit blood samples with results posted within a week on a secure website. Different packages targeting weight loss, sports performance, heart health or women’s health issues look at different biomarkers in the blood, such as levels of certain micronutrients, hormones or signs of inflammation. Clients can request an online consultation with a doctor or dietitian to interpret the results. Pathway Genomics (Pathway. com): The company’s DNA Insight Genetic Health and Wellness Tests use genetic material taken from saliva to analyze genetic markers. Ordered via a licensed practitioner, online or through a smartphone app, clients receive a kit, send in a sample and get results within three weeks. The Pathway Fit tests snapshot 75 genetic markers related to metabolism and sports performance. Others look for genes that influence nutrient absorption, heart health or hormonal function.

natural awakenings

January 2016

tional medicine practitioners place too much emphasis on expensive tests and too little on the most crucial and affordable remedy—self-care. “Functional medicine as a concept is an important step forward,” says integrative medicine pioneer Dr. James Gordon, founder of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. “However, some practitioners do a lot of tests and prescribe a lot of supplements and work on cleaning out the gut, but neglect the psychological, spiritual and social issues. That concerns me.”

Bland and Hyman concede that some practitioners over-test, but say that will fade over time as they learn to better discriminate which ones are useful for specific patients. Several efforts also are underway to get more functional medicine providers and the acupuncturists, massage therapists and nutritionists they work with covered under the Affordable Care Act, which expressly emphasizes a need for more preventive medicine. Viewing the big picture, Bland believes that functional medicine is just what the country needs to save on exploding healthcare costs. Rather

than spending dollars on extraordinary measures to save heart attack victims or diabetics in emergencies, we can prevent such dire situations by identifying underlying problems sooner and halting their progression. In the meantime, some patients are finding priceless relief. “Am I poorer right now? Yes,” says Mills. “Am I healthier? Way. It’s been so worth it.” Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO, who specializes in health care. Connect at LisaAnn Marshall.com.

Local Practitioner Profile:

Andrea Telfer-Karbo Owner, Barefoot Wellness

ndrea Telfer-Karbo is a Martinez-based Family Nurse Practitioner and owner of Barefoot Wellness. Above all, she is a teacher, healer, mother and advocate for healthy living. Telfer-Karbo specializes in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases associated with lifestyle. Her philosophy is that health can be achieved by reconnecting people with the natural rhythms of the earth and by optimizing each person’s unique biochemistry. Through real food nutrition, lifestyle optimization, stress management, movement and nutrients, Telfer-Karbo has helped hundreds of people achieve a higher state of health. She has extensive experience helping people with chronic Western diseases, including hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, return to their natural unmedicated states. Telfer-Karbo also works with those suffering from unexplained pain and fatigue, gastrointestinal issues and hormone imbalances. Telfer-Karbo holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Performance from St. Mary’s College. She received her Masters of Science degree from Samuel Merritt College and is an American Association of Nurse Practitioner’s board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a graduate of Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (2012), a student of the Kresser Institute and maintains her education through Functional Medicine University and the Institute for Functional Medicine. When she isn’t treating clients in the East Bay, Telfer-Karbo travels across the country to conferences and seminars that focus on the most up-to-date functional medicine and integrative models. She keeps abreast of scientific advancements, but knows her patients aren’t science experiments. Telfer-Karbo says she wants nothing more than to empower her patients to achieve a joyful state of well-being.

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925-269-4372

For more information, call 925-269-4372 or visit BarefootWellness.com.

Andrea Telfer-Karbo

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wisewords

Bruce Lipton on the Epigenetics Revolution Our Beliefs Reprogram Our Genetic Destiny by Linda Sechrist

ruce Lipton, Ph.D., author of The Biology of Belief and The Honeymoon Effect, is a stem cell biologist and internationally recognized leader in bridging science and spirit. He is a visiting fellow lecturer on immunology at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic and participated in the Foundation for Conscious Evolution’s seventh Worldwide Meeting on Human Values, in Mexico. His research explains the interplay between individual consciousness and body biology.

Why do you start with epigenetics as a foundation for health? Many people, programmed with the concept of genetic determinism, believe that genes in the fertilized egg at conception determine character and fate. Unable to pick our DNA genes, we are powerless to control our life, so that the only option is seeking help from someone in the biomedical community to fix our genes. I introduced a new vision about the understanding of genes a half-century ago that is now the new science of epigenetics. Epi- means “above”. Here, we can realize control by regulating the environment in which we live and our perception of it, making us the master of our own genetics rather than a victim of heredity.

Do you believe epigenetics is the future of medicine? Epigenetics is a revolution in our knowledge and awareness of heredity. This new concept of biology is so big that it promises radical change capable of revolutionizing civilization.

Its dynamics are equivalent to the leap from Newtonian physics to quantum physics, which led to everything from computers and cell phones to Martian rovers. We are freed to abandon the belief that genes cause cancer, for instance. In changing our lifestyle, beliefs and perceptions, we also change our genetic expression. Remember, this works because how we individually interpret our world is translated by the brain into chemical information that adjusts the behavior and genetics of cells to complement our perception. We could live in the healthiest environment, but if our mind perceives it as threatening and non-supportive, our biology will become less healthy and can generate disease. The cells’ response is based on the brain’s information, which actually is only an interpretation. Personal perceptions and the way we live, including our spiritual nature, adjust genes to manifest either a functional state of health or one of dysfunction.

Where is the “self” that makes people different? No two people are the same biologically. If I inject my cells into another human, their immune system will recognize it as “not-self” and begin to eliminate them. On the surface of virtually all our cells are thousands of protein receptors that function like miniature antennae. They read and respond to environmental signals similar to the larger receptors on the skin’s surface, such as the eyes, ears and nose. Each human also possesses a unique set of “identity” receptors, a subset of which are called “self-recep-

tors” by the biomedical community, found on nearly all of our cells, with the primary exception of red blood cells. Self-receptors are unrelated to the cell’s function contributing to muscle, bone, brain or heart. Conventional medicine studies the physical aspect of selfreceptors as being the source of “self” but overlook the environmental signals they receive. In other words, individual identity is linked to the signals received by the antennae. When I reached this point in my research, I realized that we can’t die, because our real identity is represented by the invisible environment-derived “broadcast”, which might legitimately be referred to as spirit. My personal identity signal is received by each of my 50 trillion cells endowed with the unique set of “Bruce” self-receptors. While my physical body is like a TV, the “spiritual broadcast” representing the Bruce Show is an eternal, energetic element of the environment.

What is entrainment and why is it important today? A group of heart cells in a Petri dish will each beat to its own vibrational frequency. After a couple of days, they start beating in synchrony, because the stronger heart cells control the tempo. The other cells organize their behavior to entrain with the more powerful one. This happens in women’s college dormitories when residents start the school year with different menstrual cycles, but later experience entrainment, with their cycles beginning and ending about the same time. They link to a pulse and a beat, just like the heart cells. Humans become entrained to a higher force that’s an invisible broadcast of energy in harmony or in discordance. As more of us hold the intention for living a life of love and peace, the broadcast of that harmonic energy amplifies and those not yet there will eventually entrain to the stronger signal. This is the shift we need to make for conscious evolution to occur. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

natural awakenings

January 2016

healthykids

of complex brain development disorders characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

Prevention

Treating Autism

NATURALLY Plus Strategies for Prevention by Meredith Montgomery

n The Autism Revolution, Pediatric (TRANSCEND) program at a joint HarNeurologist and Neuroscientist Mar- vard University, Massachusetts Institute tha Herbert approaches autism as a of Technology and Massachusetts Genwhole-body condition that can improve, eral Hospital Medical Imaging facility. rather than be a static, lifelong genetic “While autism is often thought of brain disorder. as a genetic disorder, it’s the result of “It’s the way the brain is shifted a gene-environment interaction where into acting when faced genes are corrupted,” with a combination of Experts agree that a explains Psychiatrist stressors—some, but Robert Hendren, who is natural foundation currently partnering in not all of which are genetic—at a vulnerfor health begins with developing the Center able point in developfor Autism Spectrum breastfeeding infants Disorder and Neurodement,” says Herbert. Non-genetic challengto support natural velopmental Disorders es can come from the at the University of Caliimmunity, and then fornia, San Francisco. immune system, nutrition, the environment According to the ensuring children’s and stress. “AddressU.S. Centers for Disease diets are rich in ing them can make a Control and Prevention, profound difference in nutrients at all ages. autism is the fastestthe condition; maybe growing developmeneven turning it around.” tal disability, now affecting one in 68 Herbert directs the Treatment children and one in 42 boys. Autism Research and Neuroscience EvaluaSpeaks (AutismSpeaks.org) defines aution of Neurodevelopmental Disorders tism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a group

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

Many experts agree that in some cases, autism can be prevented. “Prevention needs to start early—preconception is ideal,” says Dr. Kenneth A. Bock, of Bock Integrative Medicine, in New York, and author of Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies. Emphasizing omega-3 essential fatty acids, folic acid and probiotics during pregnancy can be beneficial, and it’s important to avoid iron deficiency, which has been tied to higher rates of autism, Hendren counsels. Results from a recent University of California, Davis study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reveals increased rates of autism among children of women that live close to pesticide-treated fields during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Hendren says, “Living near heavily sprayed fields can be very detrimental. Living close to freeways or downwind of coal-fired power plants is also associated with autism.” If heavy metal toxicity in blood is confirmed, chelation therapy is often used to remove metals, although Hendren advises against using it for the general treatment of ASD. “Chelators pull out mercury, along with other metals, a process that can be harmful. Instead, think about diet and nutritional supplements that can help detoxify the body more safely,” he explains. Bock says, “It’s not enough to detoxify, we have to remove and prevent exposure to neurodevelopmental toxins.” Herbert suggests avoiding toxic household products, electromagnetic exposure from devices such as cell phones and baby monitors, which can lead to stress, sleep disruption and cell health problems, as well as antibiotic overuse, which can disrupt the gut microbiome, increasing vulnerability to exposure to other harmful chemicals. Herbert notes some parents observe that their child became autistic

Relax your attachment Safeguard Resilience to expectations and realize Currently, the only treatment that has been proven to consistently improve that your child sees, the core symptoms of ASD is behaviorhears and feels the world al therapy designed to foster language, socialization and academic skills. While differently than you. effective, this approach is time- and Broaden your perspective staff-intensive. With the rise and prevalence of and make every choice autism in the past decade, more para healthy choice. ents are turning to complementary and ~Martha Herbert after a vaccination but there are also autistic children that are vaccine-free; still others become so after facing other stresses such as illness or trauma. “We need to focus on the underlying vulnerabilities and keep children strong and resilient so they can handle life’s challenges to their health and immune systems,” she says.

alternative treatments (CAM). Hendren reports that the best researched and safest CAM therapies for treating autism include melatonin to improve sleep, omega-3 fatty acids to ease hyperactivity and possibly improve socialization, multivitamins to supplement a limited diet or poor appetite and methyl B12 injections to protect against oxidative stress. Massage therapy has also proven effective in increasing connectivity with others and

reducing over-arousal, while reducing ASD symptoms. Research remains in its infancy, but other CAMs deemed acceptable for a professionally monitored trial include B6 and magnesium supplements to correct metabolic aberration, folic acid for improvements in core symptoms, probiotics to ease gastrointestinal distress and iron supplementation for a deficiency. Although clear benefits have yet to be backed by scientific evidence, many parents of children with ASD report that behavior improves with a diet free of the proteins gluten (found in

Easy-on-Kids Cooking Beyond Gluten-Free, Casein-Free by Melody Handley The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook by Pamela Compart and Dana Laake The SCD for Autism and ADHD: A Reference and Dairy-Free Cookbook for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet by Pamela Ferro and Raman Prasad Special Diets for Special Kids by Lisa Lewis

Creating Calm Islands by Carolyn Dalgliesh

ensory kids, like those living with autism spectrum, sensory processing, anxiety or attention deficit disorders, are often highly affected by the design of their physical environments. Here are some tips for removing daily stressors for a more supportive home environment. Identify the common sensory challenges for the child so the family can create spaces that support them. Kids may struggle with regulating their emotions, initiating tasks, maintaining focus, rigid rules, lack of flexibility or being consistently overwhelmed. Less is more because these kids are often more sensitive to environmen-

tal stimuli. Tone down the color scheme of their bedroom and playroom, and maintain uncluttered spaces. Clearly defined and labeled areas in certain rooms can help them know what to expect and how to use each space appropriately. Define areas and tasks with visual aids to foster more focused, calm and flexible interactions. Consider creating a designated dressing area with hooks that hold the next day’s clothes and a laundry hamper. This provides a visual routine to follow and structural aids to help complete the task successfully.

Create a space to escape and regulate when they return home anxious, overwhelmed or ready to explode; a zone to help them feel calm and connected again. Dark and quiet spots are best, like the corner of a closet, bottom bunk, under a desk or even a cardboard box “cabin”. Add a flashlight, favorite books, beanbags, heavy or weighted blankets, handheld sensory toys and something that taps into the child’s current fascination. Carolyn Dalgliesh is the founder of Systems for Sensory Kids & Simple Organizing Strategies in North Kingstown, RI, and author of The Sensory Child Gets Organized. Connect at CarolynDalgliesh.com.

natural awakenings

January 2016

Let us Help in your move Toward Wellness if you are a person who . . . • Believes that the health of the mouth is intimately related to the health of the whole body • Places a high value on your oral health • Is looking for a dental practice that listens to you without judgment and will help you get what is important to you • Understands that excellence is a choice that is made each day

wheat, barley and rye) and casein (found in dairy). Other parent-endorsed diets include anti-yeast, anti-hyperglycemia, specific carbohydrate, low-oxalate and specific food reaction regimens. A review article in the journal Autism Research and Treatment notes that acupuncture, exercise, and musicand animal-assisted therapy have all been reported as helping to reduce a variety of ASD functional and behavioral symptoms. From sound-dampening headphones that offset loud noises to structuring the environment to anticipate transitions, removing stressors can help reduce the debilitating characteristics of ASD. “This improves abilities to learn and interact with others, but we also don’t want to shelter them from having a chance to learn the rules of social interaction in realworld situations,” advises Hendren. Because autism is a heterogeneous disorder with numerous subtypes, the best individualized combination of treatments can be challenging to identify and can often change throughout one’s life. Bock reminds families that even with a successful treatment plan, “A parent’s love is the final element that brings these recovering children out of darkness into light.” Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi (HealthyLiving HealthyPlanet.com).

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January 2016

SUPER SOUPS New Twists on Old Favorites Heal, Nourish and Soothe by Judith Fertig

inter season soups on chilly days can warm us, both body and soul. Whatever our food preferences or time constraints, some new twists on traditional favorites will satisfy everyone’s taste buds—with an accent on healthy pleasure. Here’s where to start. Reinventing the past. From her Colorado mountain home, Jenny McGruther, author of The Nourished Kitchen, celebrates the wisdom of traditional foodways, making nutrientdense, healing soup broth from bones, water, vegetables and seasonings. McGruther’s twist is to make it in a six-quart slow cooker. Once her family has dined on organic roast or rotisserie chicken, she simmers the bones with purified water, a bay leaf or two, a few whole peppercorns and a few chopped organic vegetables like onion, carrot and celery on the low setting for

24 hours. Then she ladles the broth through a coffee strainer into another container, refreshes the slow cooker with more water and simmers the bones and seasonings for another 24 hours. Eventually, the broth will have less flavor and color, and that’s when McGruther starts all over again. “I call this perpetual soup,” she says. She blogs at NourishedKitchen.com. Slowing it down. With homemade broth on hand, it’s easy to make the Italian winter staple of Tuscan Vegetable Bean Soup. Cookbook authors and slow cooker experts Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss, from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, love to make this when they’re working on a cookbook deadline. They simply use what they have in the refrigerator, freezer or pantry. “With a soup like this you can always substitute one vegetable for another, adjusting the recipe to what you enjoy and have on hand,” advises

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic and non-GMO (genetically modified) ingredients whenever possible.

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Photo by Stephen Blancett

consciouseating

Moore. The pair blogs at PluggedInto Cooking.com. Speeding it up. Sometimes, we need a single serving of homemade soup fast. Award-winning recipe developer and cookbook author Camilla Saulsbury, of Nacogdoches, Texas, whips up a Pumpkin Sage Soup that can simmer in a saucepan within minutes, ready to be enjoyed in a mug. Saulsbury uses organic canned pumpkin, full of vitamins, which can vary in sweetness. “If needed,” she suggests, “add a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the flavor of the soup.” Making “bisque” in a high-speed blender. Karen Adler is an avid grower of organic tomatoes in her Kansas City garden. When the seasonal harvest comes to an end, Adler grills or oven roasts the tomatoes, along with organic peppers and onions, and then freezes them, ready to make Roasted Tomato Bisque any time of the year. “My secret to a light bisque without using cream is to blend all the roasted vegetables together with a high-speed blender to give it body. A swirl of extra-virgin olive oil at the end finishes ensuring the satisfying flavor,” she says. Going cold. Douglas McNish, head chef at Toronto’s raw and vegan restaurant Raw Aura, serves a popular Lemon, Cucumber and Dill Soup, which is easy to make in a food processor. “This soup is amazing this time of year, when most of our diets may be lacking in healthy fats and trace minerals,” says McNish. Warming up. Two cookbook authors teamed up across many miles to write 300 Sensational Soups. Meredith Deeds lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while Carla Snyder resides in Cleveland, Ohio. They’ve mutually discovered the naturally warming properties of curry powder in Curried Coconut Chickpea Soup. Snyder observes, “A good soup nourishes the heart, as well as the stomach, spreading a feeling of satisfaction and contentment.” Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

SOUP’S ON! Tasty Recipes for Winter Meals

Bone broth or vegetable broth, if necessary Add fine dry or gluten-free bread crumbs and sliced green onion for garnish

Stir in broccoli, cannellini beans and minced basil. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are as tender as desired. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish if desired with additional minced basil. Adapted from PluggedIntoCooking. com, by Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss

Tuscan Vegetable Bean Soup Yields: 6 servings 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 3 carrots, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 cup frozen, cut green beans 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (14.5 oz, BPA-free) diced tomatoes, with liquid 4 cups bone broth or 1 carton (32 oz) vegetable broth 2 tsp Italian seasoning 1 /8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli 1 can (15 oz, BPA-free) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 2 Tbsp minced fresh basil, plus additional for garnish Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add onions, carrot and celery and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Stir in the green beans and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Heat, covered, until boiling, and then reduce heat to a simmer and cook 15 to 20 minutes.

Pumpkin Sage Soup Yields: 1 serving ¾ cup ready-to-use chicken or vegetable broth 2 /3 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling) ¼ tsp dried rubbed sage 3 Tbsp half-and-half, whole milk or coconut creamer Salt and freshly ground black pepper In a saucepan, bring the broth, pumpkin and sage to a simmer over medium-high heat. In the mug, stir broth, pumpkin and sage until blended. Stir in cream and heat for 1 minute more. Season it to taste with salt and pepper before pouring into a mug. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds. Adapted from 250 Best Meals in a Mug, by Camilla V. Saulsbury

Roasted Tomato Bisque Yields: 8 servings 4 large beefsteak tomatoes, sliced 2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced 2 Tbsp plus ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp hot pepper sauce

Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the tomatoes, bell peppers and onion on the baking sheets and drizzle with the two tablespoons of olive oil. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft and browned at the edges. Transfer to a Vitamix or similar blender. Add the remaining half-cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and hot pepper sauce and blend until smooth. Add a little bone broth or vegetable broth if the soup is too thick. Serve each bowl with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs and thinly sliced green onion. Adapted from The Gardener and the Grill, by Karen Adler and Judith Fertig

Lemon, Cucumber and Dill Soup Yields: 2 servings 2 cups chopped peeled, seeded cucumber ½ cup chopped romaine lettuce ¼ cup filtered water ¼ cup chopped fresh dill fronds 1 clove garlic 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp fine sea salt In a food processor fitted with its metal blade, process cucumber, lettuce, water, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and salt until smooth. Transfer to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours. Serve garnished with a dollop of vegan sour cream, if preferred, and additional dill. Adapted from Eat Raw, Eat Well, by Douglas McNish

natural awakenings

January 2016

naturalpet

The Right Vet for Your Pet

Animals Thrive with Gentle, Safe and Natural Approaches by Shawn Messonnier

et parents have many criteria to consider when choosing a healthcare provider for their prized pet, and among the most vital is trying to find a doctor that uses holistic therapies, because the advantages are many. Wellness care is more than vaccines. While many conventional vets consider giving vaccines and flea medications to all of their patients to be their best form of wellness care, holistic vets know these aren’t always necessary and can potentially be harmful. Instead, true wellness care involves careful consideration of proper diet, blood titer testing instead of vaccines, natural parasite control when appropriate and a heavy dose of diagnostic testing (blood, urine, fecal) to monitor organ function, check for parasites, screen for disorders of the urogenital system, liver and pancreas and early screening for cancer and other inflammatory conditions. There’s also a full physical check for common diseases like dental and heart disease and tumors. Individualized prescriptions for a proper diet and supplements to maintain health are big reasons many owners prefer a holistic vet.

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Natural treatments include disease prevention. Many pets treated via a more natural approach have an easier experience with occasional illness than those that don’t enjoy this specialized care. Natural therapies can quickly restore an ill pet to his homeostatic balance without the side effects often associated with multiple drug doses. A team approach is expected. A holistic practice is a team effort, and the family doctor will suggest options for care, helping an owner decide on the best therapies for each pet. A fuller range of options is available. While holistic vets prefer a more natural approach, they know that if necessary, conventional therapies can sometimes be an appropriate complement if they follow holistic principles, which means infrequent use of low-dose medications and only when absolutely needed. In general, most conditions can be treated successfully without drug therapy, extending the health and life of the patient and reducing medical costs. Gentler anesthesia means quicker recovery. A naturally balanced and gentler approach means less drugging if anesthesia becomes necessary, close monitoring of an anesthetized pet, a smooth and quick recovery for prompt discharge from the hospital and natural forms of follow-up treatment to control postoperative pain and inflammation. New hope rises for the hopeless. Many pets are brought to holistic doctors after conventional care has failed to help them. Some have been turned away by practitioners of conventional medicine because their cases are diagnosed as “hopeless”. Holistic vets and pet parents alike experience considerable satisfaction in helping to give a joyful pet a whole new lease on life. Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. For more information, visit PetCareNaturally.com.

inspiration

Key Signs We’re Approaching a Defining Moment by Dennis Merritt Jones

ur authentic self is constantly trying to get our attention so it may be more fully expressed. When we set our intention to genuinely evolve, we naturally begin to pay attention and see how redefining moments appear as needed. They are drawn to us sequentially to support us in the process of staying the course on our pilgrimage, each one a perfectly aligned portal in space and time, opening and closing, creating whatever experience is required to guide us to heightened awareness of our authentic self. While the possible circumstances that preclude such a moment are limitless, there are key signals to watch for. When they pop up, it helps immensely to stay engaged in the moment, rather than zipping past them on to another distraction. Rather, consider ways in which this might prove to be a pivotal point forward in our life journey.  Moments that challenge our ego and moments that our ego challenges us  Unexpected events  Times of significant loss  First-time experiences  Discontentment  Disappointment  Experiencing someone or something that instantly inspires us to grow  Birth of a loved one  Death of a loved one Personal growth and evolution can be motivated by either inspiration or desperation. Both may prompt us

to ask big questions of ourselves and the universe that cause us to dig deep. The deeper we dig, the closer we come to merging with our truest self. We know the answers to such questions are correct because they will lead to actions that honor life—like harming no one, including ourself—and affirm the presence of a prevailing power for good that lies within; a power that guides, protects and sustains us. Satisfying answers seek only the highest and best of us and bless all. They connect our mind, heart and soul, moving us forward on the path of wholeness as a fulfilled and joyfully self-expressed person. When we are impelled to ask an important question of our self and the universe, don’t rush the process and are willing to embrace the answer we receive, it pushes a reset button as to what defines us. It brings us an enhanced sense of authentic wholeness. The lesson is that when redefining moments appear, we must be open and prepared to go where we had no plans of going—because that’s where our bliss awaits us. Dennis Merritt Jones, D.D., is the author of Your (Re)Defining Moments, the source of this essay. He has contributed to the human potential movement and field of spirituality as a minister, teacher, coach and lecturer for 30 years. Learn more at DennisMerrittJones.com.

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January 2016

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calendarofevents All Calendar events for the February issue must be received by January 10 and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NAEastBay.com or email Calendar@ NAEastBay.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

JANUARY 2016 EVENTS Bees: Tiny Insect Big Impact | Oakland

If you have questions or would like more information, please call 510-981-6270.

One of the most important creatures to our society is the bee. This major exhibition explains and shows the diversity of bees in our state, and how the decline in population is causing an issue that needs to be urgently addressed. Everyone can learn from this exhibition. $15/ adults, $10/students and seniors with valid ID, $6/ages 9-17, free/8 and under. OMCA members/free. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St, Oakland. For more information please call 510-318-8400.

Beginner Computer Class at Central | Berkeley

Webinar Series: Spiritual Healing for Physical Illness

6:30pm. Do you have slumped shoulders, chicken neck, rounded shoulders, or a scoop back? Poor posture negatively affects sports performance and endurance. Come and join us for an action packed hour, where we will look at posture and its effects on our well-being. Learn a series of daily exercises, movements and the latest methods to improve and regain excellent posture. Balance Chiropractic, Jane H. Baxley, DC, 931 Hartz Way, #120, Danville. Please RSVP to 925-406-3322, or JBaxleyDC@gmail.com.

Join Susan Rahima Schmall to learn how spiritual connection affects illness as it manifests in the physical, emotional and mental bodies. Rahima Schmall, PhD. R.N., is on faculty at The University of Spiritual Healing & Sufism, and head of the Spiritual Healing and Counseling, for Physical and Emotional Well-Being program. A psychologist, registered nurse and master healer, she has successfully brought spirituality into her clinical practice for over thirty years. She is gifted at creating a safe nurturing space in which people with physical illness and emotional pain can find peace and wholeness. She is passionate about helping students develop their own unique gifts as healers and human beings. SufiUniversity.org/Distance-Learning/Webinars/. 800-238-3060 opt 5. Webinar Series: The Feminine Mystic: Woman and Sufism Join Rosina-Fawzia al-Rawi for an exploration of the roles and relationships of women and womanhood within Sufism. Sufism is the mystical teachings of Islam and the path of the famous poets, Rumi and Hafiz. Rosina-Fawzia is a teacher of Sufism, and a most graceful dancer. An expert on women’s studies and an author of several books, including Grandmother’s Secrets: The Ancient Rituals and Healing Power of Belly Dancing, Divine Names: The 99 Names of the One Love, and more. Registration open through January 2016. SufiUniversity.org/Distance-Learning/Webinars/.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 Makerspace at North | Berkeley 2-5pm. All crafters are welcome. Enjoy an afternoon of crafting with friends, or come alone. Bring your project and the library will supply clay, 2 sewing machines, beads, glue guns, embroidery hoops, and so much more. North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley. More information at 510-981-6250.

MONDAY, JANUARY 4 Teen Art, Music & Writing Club at West | Berkeley 4:30-5:30pm. If you’re in your teens join in for an hour of sharing your talents, and learning from each other. Whether it be art, music or your writing skills, learn from one another and have some fun. Popcorn will be served. West Branch, 1125 University Ave, Berkeley.

6-6:50pm. This computer class is aimed at beginners, and is self-paced. Learn in a relaxed atmosphere in the Electronic Classroom on the third floor. Free. Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley. For more information please call 510-981-6100.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 Power Posture Workshop | Danville

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 Walnut Creek First Wednesdays | Walnut Creek 5-8pm. At this festive event enjoy food trucks, beer, wine, live entertainment, and most of all, the local retailers at this street party. Free. Downtown Walnut Creek, Cypress St between North Main and Locust St, Walnut Creek. For more information go to WalnutCreekDowntown.com.

Friday, January 8

continues January 23, 30 and February 6. WholisticWay.com/Classes.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 & SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 Breema: The Art of Being Present | Oakland 10-11:30am. Classes are taught by Jon Schreiber, Director of the Breema Center. There to support you to connect with others, while deepening your connection to yourself. Breema is the perfect practice for anyone wishing to be more present, and have more harmonious relationships to all life. Free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 International Breema Week | Oakland Celebrate with us! Breema practitioners all over the world will be hosting free events this week, including Oakland and the North Bay. Check our website for details soon. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 Saturday Morning Meditation | Berkeley 10:30-11:30am. With Devin Berry, more than 15 years of meditation instructing experience. With the beginning of the new year, the time is right to start with a calm body, a clear mind, and to develop a newfound focus. Perfect for beginners or those experienced in meditation. Attend as many sessions as you like. Free. North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley. Call the library for more information at 510-981-6250.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 Tibetan Chanting | Berkeley

Unique Derique | Danville 10am-noon. Join in on the fun of Derique, as he performs his talents of comedy, juggling and the remarkable “Classy Clown” show. This comedy event is children and family friendly. Village Theatre, 233 Front St, Danville. For information and or pricing call 925314-3463. VillageTheatreShows.com. Experience Breema, Open House | Oakland 6-7pm. Free bodywork mini-sessions, 5:30-6pm & 7-7:30pm. Experience the nourishing and energizing effect of Breema on body, mind, and feelings. Discover how Breema’s universal principles support a balanced life. Call to reserve a mini-session, or feel free to drop in. Free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 Food for Life Classes/Healthy Transitions | San Francisco W/Sarah Tranter, RN. Developed by physicians, nurses and registered dieticians to educate the public about the lifesaving effects of healthful eating. The information provided is easy to understand, and gives attendees the recipes and tools needed to be successful long term. Seating is limited. Free introductory course. Held at the Degreed offices in San Francisco. Series

5-5:45pm. Chanting. 6-7pm. Presenting a talk on Nyingma teaching. Restore a natural balance of harmony in our lives by practicing mantra. When chanting, be free of transcend habitual reflexes. Mantra will calm the mind, relax the body, and connect you with natural healing energy. Free. Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl, Berkeley. 510-809-1000. NyingmaInstitute.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 11 Breema: Presence and Wisdom | Oakland 7-8:30pm. The purpose of practicing Breema is to support being present and remaining present. Working with body-mind connection nurtures a new way of being, to bring to any activity. Free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 11 THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 The Gateway to Being Present: Self-Breema | Oakland 6:15-7pm. Monday & Tuesday, 6-7pm. Wednesday & Thursday. The simple natural movements of SelfBreema exercises support body, mind, and feelings to work together. Gain increased receptivity, balance, and openness to life. Free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave., Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

natural awakenings

January 2016

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 John Edward, Psychic Medium, Author, & Lecturer | Bay Area 7-9pm. What lies ahead in the future? Maybe a loved one has passed on and you have unanswered questions. John Edward has helped thousands with his ability to predict, and/or communicate with those on the other side. Westin San Francisco Airport, 1 Old Bayshore Hwy, Millbrae. For more information call 800-5143849. Tickets available at JohnEdward.net, Etix.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 Fruit Tree Pruning Class | Berkeley

to pack literature for inmates across the country. We always could use more volunteers. It’s a casual, friendly environment. Free. Grassroots House, 2022 Blake St, Berkeley. Adult Dance-Fitness Class: Sambafunk | Oakland 6:30-7:30pm. Learn Brasilian Bahia style Carnaval Bloco, with an African-American Funk. Your body will go on a journey like never before. Get in shape, build stamina, and build cardio endurance, while having tons of fun. Destiny Arts Center, 970 Grace Ave, Oakland.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

10am. Fruit trees are wonderful, but sometimes can grow a little out of control if not pruned properly. Not only should they be trimmed at the correct time of the year, but also in the correct manner. This class will instruct you how to keep your fruit trees at a manageable size. Free. Berkeley Horticultural Nursery, 1310 McGee Ave, Berkeley. 510-526-4704.

Adult Dance-Fitness Class: Core | Oakland

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

Coyote Hills 1/2, 10K & 5K | Fremont

Detox Done Right | Oakland 5:30-7pm. Learn to detox while supporting all of your body’s systems. Samples available from the cleanse cookbook, F & Q, and information about the 21 day cleanse. Dr. Katie Sokolski will be offering the cleanse kit along with a pre-cleanse, and post-cleanse exam, as well as support during the 21 days. $146, ($396 value). Free seminar. Healing Arts Chiropractic, 187 40th St Way, Oakland. 510-356-7832. Power Posture Workshop | Danville 6:30pm. Do you have slumped shoulders, chicken neck, rounded shoulders, or a scoop back? Poor posture negatively affects sports performance and endurance. Come and join us for an action packed hour, where we will look at posture and its effects on our well-being. Learn a series of daily exercises, movements and the latest methods to improve and regain excellent posture! Balance Chiropractic, Jane H. Baxley, DC, 931 Hartz Way, #120, Danville. Please RSVP to 925-406-3222, or JBaxleyDC@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 Book Packing Session | Berkeley 6:30pm. Sometimes people make a mistake, and then must pay the consequences. Join us in volunteering

9-10am. Workout targeting on the core. Work abs, flutes and arms. Workout listening to the fun sounds of reggae and afro-house dance cardio warm up. Stretching and cool down. Destiny Arts Center, 970 Grace Ave, Oakland. For more information, please call 510-597-1619.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 9am. All are welcome. Hikers, walkers, joggers, and runners. Not only are there different races for you to choose from, but a variety of surfaces. Enjoy the different trails of dirt, paved roads, and even wooden bridges. For more information and to register, go to BrazenRacing.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 Play Readers at Central | Berkeley Noon-1pm. If you’ve always been a fan of the performing arts, here’s something you’re sure to enjoy. Reading aloud from the great plays, taking turns frequently to change parts. Everyone gets a turn. Intended for adults. Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley. For more information, please call 510-981-6236.

Saturday, January 29 & Sunday, January 30 The Bright Side of Everything | Pleasanton 9am-5pm. If you’re looking to discover the ability to change your life, get more inspiration and more connections, this is for you. Make your life more balanced and gain a higher level of expression. $47. Faz Restaurant, Banquet Room, 5121 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton. TheBrightSideOfLifeCA@gmail.com.

Saturday, January 30 Start Training for a Marathon/Half Marathon | Danville 8am. If you have ever run a marathon or a half marathon, you know the training that is needed to succeed. If you haven’t run these distances, make this your first. A group training program for runners of all levels is available now. The goal race will be at Devil Mountain for a 5K and 10K in May of this year. $100/same-day registration, cash or check, credit card for on line only. USA Fit East Bay, 816 Brookside Dr, Danville. For more information call 925-718-6610. USAFITEastBay. com.

Sunday, January 31 Pirates of Penzance | Livermore 8pm. Enjoy the last evening of this classic comedy. An updated version of the 1980 musical, that went on to Broadway. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St, Livermore. 925-373-6800. LivermorePerformingArts.org.

planahead FEBRUARY SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Winter Breema Intensive Weekend | Oakland Time will vary by the day. Breema offers a practical way to establish true body-mind connection, by unifying the energies of mind, body, and feelings to support being present. CE available for nurses, massage therapists, bodyworkers. $140/first-time attendees. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave., Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Webinar Series: The Food, Body, Spirit Connection 12-week webinar series. Join Debra Mastura Graugnard for this journey of exploration, and together we will examine your relationship with food, your eating habits, and your body. Bring gentle, compassionate healing to your belly and your heart. Deepen your commitment to your body as a holy temple. 800-238-3060 opt 5. SufiUniversity.org/Distance-Learning/Webinars/.

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ongoingcalendar

Laugh Together for Happiness & Health | Oakland

All Calendar events for the February issue must be received by January 10 and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NAEastBay.com or email Calendar@ NAEastBay.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday Tibetan Nyingma Meditation | Berkeley 9am. One of the best ways to take care of yourself, is through meditation. All are welcome to clear your mind, and to grow with inner tranquility. Each session has a brief instruction of Nyingma meditation, then silent sitting. Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Place, Berkeley. For prices or more information, please contact 510-809-1000. Community Sing & Meet Up | Oakland 11am. Meets the 4th Sunday of the month. Join in with us to sing, laugh, think, and listen, and build your community together. Speakers from local science and humanities communities typically offer a way to donate to local organizations. Free. Oakland Peace Center, 111 Fairmount Ave, Oakland. Soul Sanctuary Dance | Berkeley 11am-1pm. All ages are welcome to dance to the blend of funk, soul, world music, positive hip-hop, reggae, dance classics, jazz, blues, electronica and other music to free the mind, body and soul. Wheelchair accessible. No scented products please. Shoes optional. Donations accepted. Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley. SoulSanctuaryDance.com. Nia | Berkeley Noon-1pm. Also Friday at 8:45am. Expand your dance, increase your joy. Give your body the gift of learning the Nia language with teacher Alexis Mulhauser. Namaste Yoga, 2820 7th St, Berkeley. Info@FloraMotion. net. FloraMotion.net. Crystal Singing Bowl Concert | Dublin Noon-1:30 pm. 1st Sunday of every month. A soundhealing concert played by Shala. Everyone’s experience will be unique and suited to their own specific needs. $10/suggested love offering. Unity of Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, Ste 108, Dublin. 925-829-2733. UnityOfTriValley.org. 100+ Free-to-Play Tabletop Games | Berkeley Noon-6pm. Meet the 3rd Sunday of every month. If you’re into board games new or old, come out and join in on the fun. Maybe you’re a designer of games, or a play tester? All are welcome here. Food and drinks are available next door. Free. Games of Berkeley, 2151 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510-540-7822. More information is available at Events@GamesOfBerkeley.com. Community Lounge Rumba | Berkeley 3:30-6pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday each month. Rumba is the word used for a group of related community-oriented music and dance styles in Cuba. These jam sessions welcome drummers, singers and dancers who perform rumba. Free. La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510-849-2568. LaPena.org.

Shamanic Drum Circle | Dublin 3-4:15pm. Second Sunday of every month. With Ashleigh Pevey. A trained clinical certified hypnotherapist, Shamanic healer and Reiki practitioner. Drumming helps you gain access to your inner guidance and learn to work with your helping spirits. Enhance your relationship with yourself and spirit. Move from just trusting that your guides are there, to knowing and working with them. Allow the mystery of life to unfold. One of the great benefits of shamanic journeying is learning that we are never alone, and are loved unconditionally. $1025/suggested love offering. Unity of Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, suite 108, Dublin. 925-829-2733. UnityOfTriValley.org. Free Kundalini Meditation | Walnut Creek 5-6:30pm. Kundalini meditation is an ancient Tantric practice that allows each individual to deeply experience their direct, inner connection to the divine. Class includes shaktipat transmission, guided meditation and discussion. Scheduled appointment for introduction is required for first-timers at 4pm. 2910 Camino Diablo, Walnut Creek. 510-917-2349. Ellen@TrikaShala.com. Barefoot Boogie | Berkeley 7:30-11pm. Enjoy freestyle dancing in a casual, friendly environment. Boogie is a healthy alternative to the club scene. Smoke, scent and alcohol free. The first hour is slow music for stretching and unwinding, and then the pace picks up to an aerobic, ecstatic high. Our DJs play a great mix of Latin, African, Funk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Blues, house, pop, oldies, and more. This is real music for real people. $8-$15/sliding scale; $5/first-timers. 8th Street Studios, 2525 8th St at Dwight, Berkeley. SFBarefootBoogie.com.

6:30-7:30pm. Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays, except major holidays. Oakland Lifefire Laughter Yoga, combines playful easy laughter exercises with yogic breathing to lift your mood, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost your immune system. All while you have fun. Wear comfortable clothing for easier laughing. Drop-ins welcome. Free/donations accepted. Kaiser Permanente Medical Building, 3701 Broadway, 2nd Fl Conf Rm, Oakland. (Between 38th & W MacArthur). 415-505-7941. MeetUp.com/OaklandLaughterClub. LaughterYoga.org. ClutterLess/Self Help Group | Pleasanton 7-8:30pm. If you are overwhelmed by clutter or hoarding, join our peer-based, self-help group. We can help each other to discard unwanted items and possessions. Free. $3-5/donation appreciated. The Parkview, 100 Valley Ave, Pleasanton. (2nd floor Activity Room). If you have questions, please call 925-922-1467. ClutterLess.org. East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-10pm. Biodanza, which means Dance of Life, is a system that integrates music, movement and authentic interactions to provide experiences of intense perceptions, of being in the here and now. Mixed beginner/ intermediate level. Registration required. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single session; $65-$80/monthly pass. Finnish Hall, 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. Biodanza.us.

tuesday Heart Centered Meditation | 10am. Are you seeking spiritual healing and renewal? Discover an ancient Sufi meditation practice to cleanse your heart of the blocks that keep you from living in conscious connection to divine love. Join us live for guided meditation calls. Free e-Course. 800-238-3060, option 5. SufiUniversity.org/INFO. Teens, Come and Make Some Things | Berkeley

monday Private Grocery Tour | Need help navigating your health food store? Discover new foods and create quick, easy, healthy delicious meals. Budget and kid-friendly. The easiest investment to make you get started on your health journey. 60-minute private Grocery Tour. $125/complete grocery lists, menus and recipes. Alexandra Le Ny, CHC. 925-858-2133. AlexandraLeNy@Yahoo.com. AlexandraLeNy.com. Radio Show-Life Insights Live, Personal Growth Radio 7-8am. This week featuring Practical Mystic, Scout Bartlett. This will be replayed on Wednesdays from 7-8am. Various topics of self-understanding, personal growth and spiritual perception discussed. A 2 1/2 minute group meditation each Monday at 7:30am. We are on the air broadcasting to the Bay Area on KEST, 1450AM. Simulcast and archived for later listening on IfIdKnownThen.com.

4-5pm. Come to the library and express yourself through arts and crafts. It’s a laid back, self-paced workshop where you can have some fun, and meet and make new friends. South Branch Library, 1901 Russell St, Berkeley. 510-981-6260. Yoga Classes at the Hospital | Alameda 5:30-6:30pm. Learn to relax, strengthen, and totally stretch your body, with this gentle approach of yoga movements. $40/8 weekly sessions, $6/per class. Alameda Hospital, 2070 Clinton Ave, 1st Flr, Conference Room C, Alameda. New Year Cleanse | Alamo 6:15-7:30pm. Starting January 12th. Start the New Year with a healthier, happier you. 3 week cleanse in a supportive, group like setting. Hosted by NutraPartners in Alamo. For information call 925-831-3900. Team Lemon Run Club | Walnut Creek 6:30pm. Social and fun run for all levels of runners. Runs are 3 or 5 miles through downtown Walnut Creek and along local trails. Pace is moderate. Free. Lululemon, 1201-A S Main St, Walnut Creek. 925-274-1253. Lululemon.com/WalnutCreek.

natural awakenings

January 2016

Comedy at the Layover | Oakland 8-10pm. The last Tuesday of every month. Grab your friends, your spouse, any one you choose, and head on out. Be ready for fun and laughs with comedians from HBO, Comedy Central, and Late Night TV. Must be 21 and over. RSVP is requested. Free admission. The Layover, 157 Franklin St, Oakland. For information and updates call 510-834-1517.

wednesday Transcendental Meditation | Berkeley Noon. Learn about transcendental meditation. Berkeley TM Center, 950 Gilman St, #100, Berkeley. 510-8722287. Berkeley@TM.org. Homework Help Center | Livermore 2-5pm. Sometimes kids just need a little help with their homework. We have an adult in the room to provide assistance and answer their questions. We also have computers, a color printer and supplies available for the students to use. All ages welcome. Livermore Public Library, Rincon branch, 725 Rincon Ave, Livermore. For more details call 925-373-5540. Berkeley Juggling Club | Berkeley 6-8pm. The circus arts aren’t just for clowns anymore! Learn things; including how to juggle, unicycle, aero-balance, slackline or just about anything you’ve seen under the big tent. Free. UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. BerkeleyJuggling.org. Turn ON San Francisco | San Francisco Preferred arrival: 7:15pm. Doors locked: 7:30pm. Through three guided round-robin-style games, you’ll express yourself and gain new (and maybe surprising) insight into yourself and others. All this in a room full of cool, fun people engaging in honest, humorous, playful conversation. Topics are based on thoughts that we only would have in our head. Singles and couples welcome. Registration preferred. Those without reservations will be put on a wait list until 7:20pm. 47 Moss St, San Francisco. 408-390-2095. Awakening360.com/ event/99#sthash.ostqQT4Y.dpuf. East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-9:30pm. Also on Thursday. Beginner level, open to new participants. Biodanza, which means Dance of Life, is a system that integrates music, movement and authentic interactions to provide experiences of intense perceptions of being in the here and now. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single session; $65-$80/monthly pass. Jeffery Bihr Studio, 5390 Miles Ave, Berkeley. 415-717-3578 or 415-505 9482. Biodanza.us.

thursday Webinar Series: Spiritual Healing for Physical Illness | Beginning January 21. 6-week webinar series. Join Susan Rahima Schmall, PhD and RN, to learn how a spiritual connection affects illness as it manifests in the physical, emotional and mental bodies. Learn how spiritual healing can be incorporated to bring about complete healing for the physical body. She is passionate about

helping students develop their own unique gifts as healers and human beings. 800-238-3060, option 5. SufiUniversity.org/Distance-Learning/Webinars/. Beginner Computer Class | Berkeley 10-11am. Learn the basics of using a computer. You will be taught to correctly use a mouse, the keyboard, how to set up email, and also to search/surf the internet. Free/drop-in classes. Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley. 510-981-6100. Musical Storytime | Castro Valley 10:30am-11:30am. This weekly class is recommended for children ages 5 and under. You’ll enjoy watching your child singing, listening, playing and learning, with other children while they see that books can be so much fun. Free admission. Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley. More information is available at 510-667-7900. Yoga at Bishop Ranch 15 | San Ramon 12:05-12:50pm. See Tuesday for details. Please arrive a few minutes early. $10/drop-in, $42/5 class package, $75/10 class package. 12667 Alcosta Blvd, Ste 135, (BR15), San Ramon. 925-895-6220. EnchantedMats.com.

awakening. This gift to humanity helps to deepen our personal connection to the divine. These blessings have catapulted many people from around the globe into an awakened state and deeper awareness. The Blessing allows us to completely experience and dissolve old hurts, fears, and worries. It also silences repetitive thinking. Suffering decreases naturally. Lake Merritt Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland. LakeMerrittOneness.org East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-9:30pm. Beginner level, open to new participants. See Wednesday listing for details. Sliding scale: $20$25/single session; $65-$80/monthly pass. Jeffrey Bihr Studio, 5390 Miles Ave, Berkeley. LauraLouc@gmail. com. KRohnem@GalileoWeb.org. Biodanza.us.

friday Nia | Oakland 8:45am. See Monday listing for details. Namaste Rockridge, 5416 College Ave, Oakland. Info@FloraMotion. net. FloraMotion.net.

Youth Yoga | Walnut Creek

Parent’s Night Out | Emeryville

3:45-4:30pm. Ages 5-8. 4:45-5:45pm. Ages 9-11. Members and non-members welcome. This class is designed to work with pre-teens in developing a strong sense of self. Students are taught relaxation techniques, yoga postures and breathe work. Age-appropriate activities are used to promote self-love, community and an awareness of the environment. No yoga experience necessary. $12/class; $38/month. Yoga Works, 1131 Locust St, 2nd Fl, Walnut Creek. 925-478-7272. InfoNorCal@ YogaWorks.com.

6-10:30pm.This is a great night out for everyone in the the entire family. Children’s ages are 4 and up, and must be potty trained. The kids get to jump, frolic, flip, while in a safe environment. Then they can enjoy pizza and an appropriate movie. All while parents get a night out. $35. Head Over Heels Athletic Arts, 4701 Doyle St, Bldg F, Emeryville. For questions and more information please call 510-655-1265. Diedra@HohAthleticArts. com. HOHAthleticArts.com. Concert in the Park | Pleasanton

Yoga Classes at the Hospital | Alameda

7-8:30pm. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music from the 50’s, 60’s, rock, and soul. West Grand Boulevard has performed for a countless number of people at weddings, festivals, fund raisers, and clubs. Support your local restaurants by picking up some dinner to bring with you. Concert is free. Lions Wayside Park, 4401 First St, Pleasanton.

5:30-6:30pm. Learn to relax, strengthen, and totally stretch your body, with this gentle approach of yoga movements. $40/8 weekly sessions, $6/per class. Alameda Hospital, 2070 Clinton Ave, 1st Flr, Conference Room C, Alameda. Weight-Loss Class | Castro Valley 6-7 pm. Come to the Nature’s Sunshine Health Center weight-loss class. We are currently working on a one-on-one basis. $25/week. Nature’s Sunshine Health Center, 21709 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley. Please call to schedule your appointment at 510-582-8482.

Drop-In Volleyball | Walnut Creek

Change Your Water, Change Your Life | Walnut Creek

8:30-11:30pm. It doesn’t get any better than this! All ages welcome to this no-alcohol, no shoes event. Great sound from professional DJ’s, using fantastic equipment. Dance the night away on bamboo floors, listening to Soul, Disco, Techno, Funk, Ambient, and the list goes on. You don’t want to miss this. $15. Studio 12, 2525 8th St, Berkeley.

6:30-7:30pm. Join us for a presentation to learn how alkalized, ionic Kangan water can bring your body into a state of balance. Eliminating toxic pesticides and household chemicals from your daily life. RSVP. 925-609-4426.

7-10pm. Open to the first 45 participants. $5. Tice Valley Community Gymnasium, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. 925-256-3572. WalnutCreekRec.org. Ecstatic Dance, Dance Jam | Berkeley

Free Kundalini Meditation | Berkeley 7pm. See Sun listing for details. Free. Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th St, Berkeley. 510-486-8700. Ellen@ TrikaShala.com. Lake Merritt Oneness Blessing and Meditation | Oakland 7-9pm. The purpose of Lake Merritt Oneness is to support the awakening of humanity; by cultivating direct experience of oneness consciousness through universal teachings, meditation and oneness blessings. The Oneness Blessing is the sacred technology that advances each person’s journey into the direct experience of

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

saturday Webinar Series: The Degrees of Woman in Sufism Join Susan Rahima Schmall to learn how spiritual connection affects illness as it manifests in the physical, emotional and mental bodies. Incorporate spiritual healing for the physical body. Gifted at creating a safe nurturing space for people with physical illness and

emotional pain can find peace. She is passionate about helping students develop their own gifts as healers and human beings. SufiUniversity.org/Distance-Learning/ Webinars/. Fun Run with Fleet Feet | Pleasanton 9am. Distances range from 2-8 miles, and is great for everyone with a pace from walkers on up. It’s always a fun time! 925-699-4926. EthanFalls@Comcast.net. Basement Pilates | Walnut Creek 9-10am. All levels welcome. Bring mat, towel and water for Pilates class by local instructor. Free. Sports Basement, 1881 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek. 925-941-6100.

Castro Valley Farmers’ Market | Castro Valley 10am-2pm. Join us very week for the freshest and the best produce and baked goods our state has to offer. Many vendors to choose from. Open all year round. Castro Valley BART Station, Redwood Rd and Norbridge, Castro Valley. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call Ron Radini, 510-745-7100. Bloomin’ Belly Flow Prenatal Yoga | Walnut Creek 11am-12:15pm. See Wednesday for details. Bloom Retreat, 1444 S Main St, Walnut Creek. 925-939-6262. BloomRetreat.com.

Farmers’ Market | Danville

Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Classifieds@ NAEastBay.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month. CAREGIVERS WANTED CAREGIVERS WANTED FOR A HOLISTIC HOME CARE AGENCY.

We are looking for loving, patient and compassionate individuals who are trainable and coachable in the areas of whole food nutrition and holistic practices and lifestyle. It will be a good fit for someone who is also looking to get healthy using natural means. We are looking for someone who is professional and holds high ethics and integrity. Elderly caregiving experience preferable. Compensation: hourly. Please email your resume. Pratte@Astound.net

9am-1pm. One of the best things about living in California is our fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables grown locally, and served on our tables. What more is there to ask for? Free admission. Railroad Ave, Municipal Parking Lot, Downtown Danville. Farmers’ Market | Pleasanton 9am-1pm. Stop by and visit the market that offers a diversity of fresh fruits and vegetables. Open year round, every Saturday. Rain or shine, you can purchase the freshest items from the farmers that planted and harvested these crops. Downtown Pleasanton, E Angela St, Pleasanton.

Call 925-557-7583 to Place Your Ad

Health & Awakening | Oakland 10-11am. Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th St, Suite 290, Oakland. 510-637-0455. Info@ ShaolinMaster.org.

classifieds

Natural Awakenings East Bay

What Better Time To Find Your Natural Match! the largest database of health-conscious, Join eco-minded and spiritual singles now and manifest an extraordinary relationship!

Join for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com natural awakenings

January 2016

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 Publisher@NAEastBay.com to request our media kit.

BUSINESS

acupuncture EASTERN MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Teresa Shen, LAc, PhD China 5933 Coronado Ln, Ste 100, Pleasanton 925-847-8889 EasternMedicalCenter.com Award-winning natural family healthcare clinic brings 5,000 years of traditional Chinese healing and 4 generations of expertise including acupuncture, acupressure, cupping and herbs. See ad, page 16.

Savvy Selling NOW! Leslie Ellis 925-338-2924 office 925-299-1920 mobile

As a healer, you love helping people! Do you enjoy the business side of your practice? I work with entrepreneurs to help them become more comfortable with all aspects of sales. If you are going to be wildly successful, you need to be good at selling! Contact me for a free strategy session. Leslie@ SavvySellingNow.com or 925-338-2924.

ALKALINE IONIZED WATER chiropractor

TAP INTO HEALTH

Elon Rosenthal 925-609-4426 TAPIntoHealth.com TheNewEraOfWater.org

Change your water, change your life. Treat your body to a 21day trial of healthy alkaline Kangen water—the advanced Japanese technology. Experience deep hydration at the cellular level. Expel toxins and acidic waste. Improve immunity, digestion and elimination. Return the body to homeostasis. Neutralize free radicals. Improve your sleep, energy and compliment.

AYURVEDA & HOMEOPATHY RASHANA RAUNIAR SHARMA (BHMS, CCH, AWP)

Chetna Center for Health and Wellness 110 Ryan Industrial Ct, Suite #1 San Ramon, CA – 94583 925- 255- 5375 ChetnaCenter. com Certified practitioner of Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Reiki serving the Bay Area for over 15 years. We provide safe and natural health care alternatives for all ages with concerns on digestive issues, stress, anxiety, allergies, recurrent cough and cold, constipation, insomnia and other immune related issues. Therapy is designed and customized per individual’s unique body constitution and includes Natural and Herbal remedies, Diet & Lifestyle changes and Meditation. We also provide Reiki initiation and healing. Consultation can be given in person or via Skype or phone.

JANE H. BAXLEY, D.C.

In Balance Chiropractic Certified Advanced BioStructural Correction™ (ABC™) Practitioner ML830 Cold Laser Therapy 931 Hartz Way #120, Danville 925-406-3222 JBaxleyDC@gmail.com DrJaneBaxley.com Dr. Baxley combines cutting-edge postural and pain management technologies with ergonomic training to provide immediate and lasting improvement. Breathe easier and stand straighter with less effort starting with your first visit. Patients report relief of issues including neck & low back pain, knee & foot pain, sciatica, whiplash and carpal tunnel syndrome in addition to improved health, function, and sports performance.

HEALING ARTS CHIROPRACTIC

MICHAEL REHL, DC

Chiropractic & Advanced Holistic Health Care 1280 Boulevard Way, Ste 211, Walnut Creek Michael@MichaelRehl.com MichaelRehl.com Offering a holistic approach to chiropractic care, Dr. Rehl incorporates nutrition, applied kinesiology and deep tissue work into his practice. By treating the whole body, Dr. Rehl’s treatment plan engages his patients so that they are an integral part of their healing process. See ad, page 14.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY MARCHELLE MILLIGAN, MS, CMT

3189 Danville Blvd., STE 250E Alamo 925-286-6237 TheRhythmWithin.org Craniosacral therapy encourages the body’s natural healing abilities and internal pharmacy to regain health and balance in a gentle way. CST can help with headaches, back pain, whiplash, TMJ, trauma, and sleep issues plus many more.

EDUCATION Singing Stones School 2491 San Miguel Dr. Walnut Creek, Ca 925-948-5006 SingingStones.org

Singing Stones School will provide an education based on the Waldorf philosophy from kindergarten through high school for children in the Tri-Valley area of Contra Costa County. It is holistic in nurturing the whole child and also in terms of its commitment to community.

Katie Sokolski, D.C. 187 40th Street Way, Oakland, CA 94611 510-356-7832 Dr.Sokolski@gmail.com HealingArtsChiro.com

University of Spiritual Healing & Sufism (USHS)

Healing Arts Chiropractic offers a whole-body approach to wellness that utilizes applied kinesiology, personalized nutrition programs and massage therapy. Our holistic treatment plans are designed to facilitate wellness from the inside -what you feed your body, as well as the outside—keeping your mind, body and spirit moving in a healthy way. See ad, page 24.

USHS offers transformational programs for those who want to be agents of divinely-guided healing. Programs are based on establishing a deep connection with Divine Love, then opening to streams of healing light from God, transforming physical illness and emotional pain into states of greater health and spiritual wholeness. See ad, page 7.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

800-238-3060, option 5 Outreach@SufiUniversity.org SufiUniversity.org

ENERGY HEALING Sarianna Smith, RN, CHT Energy Healer Walnut Creek, CA 561-324-5344 SariannaS@gmail.com

Many modalities for healing: Acupressure, Cupping, Life Activations, Energy healing, Hypnotherapy and more.

Energetic Integration DEBRA MOORE

415-320-4041 Dmoneness@gmail.com AlunaHeart.com A private session will identify and dissolve energy-backed programs allowing a return to your authentic nature. Working through the heart and higher self, the energetic process takes you from where you are stressed, out of alignment in your life, with your emotions, or with pain in the body to being released & integrated. Session by phone or in Vallejo, CA, office.

ESOTERIC HEALING Gentle Touch Healing

Bonnie K. Dysinger M.Msc., CPEH, CHHP, C.Ht. 517-281-1706 GTheal.com Esoteric Healing and Reiki healing facilitator, practitioner, and teacher. Promotes health, well-being, emotional, and mental balance. Distance or inperson sessions. See website for additional information.

healing center M.T.O. HOLISTIC MEDICAL CENTER 400 El Cerro Blvd, Ste 105, Danville 925-362-4686 Mtohmc.com

At M.T.O., licensed physicians merge rigorous diagnostic training with medically recognized healing modalities such as Acupuncture, Low Intensity Laser Therapy, Chelation, IV Mineral and Vitamin Infusions. Work with our medical staff to create an effective and individual treatment program in a rejuvenating natural setting. Experience a complimentary personal 20-minute consultation and tour of our holistic medical center in beautiful Danville. See ad, page 17.

HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN

holistic dentist NEW ERA DENTISTRY

ALTERNATIVES FOR ANIMALS

Dr. David Partrite, DDS 520 La Gonda Way, Ste 103, Danville 925-837-3101 Info@NewEraDentistry.com NewEraDentistry.com

Jennifer Luna-Repose, DVM 919 Moraga Road, Lafayette 925-283-6160 AlternativesForAnimals@gmail.com Alternatives4Animals.com

Whole-body dentistry approach; David Partrite, DDS, facilitates your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s detoxification through a mercury- and fluoride-free practice, utilizing the most bio-friendly materials and a clean, safe environment through filters and ionizers. From cosmetic dentistry to safe mercury filling removal to working closely with your other holistic practitioners, every visit is a healthpromoting experience. See ad, page 13.

We are one of the few veterinary clinics in the Bay Area that is exclusively dedicated to Holistic Medicine. We offer acupuncture, chiropractic, Chinese herbal medicine, homeopathy, Bioresonance therapy, nutrition, flower essences and laser therapy. Our treatments address the whole animal and the root cause of disease, not just the symptoms.

Colin Yoshida, DDS

Fremont Dentistry 3885 Beacon Ave Suite C Fremont 510-745-1800 FremontDentistry.com

HYPNOTHERAPY

Fremont Dentistry is a comprehensive holistic dental provider using options such as Ozone Therapy, safe mercury amalgam removal, Laser Gum Therapy, minimally invasive restorations and an overall bio-dental health experience. Give us a call to schedule your next holistic dental appointment today. See ad, page 24.

The opposite of love is not hate, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indifference. ~Elie Wiesel

HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH

ARLENE THOMPSON CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST, C.Ht., M.Ed. 925-485-7997 Pleasanton Arlene_Thompson@att.net ThompsonHypnotherapy.com

Get rid of blocks to your personal growth, by harnessing the power of your subconscious to reach your goals. Full-service, individualized hypnotherapy, 19 years in business.

Intuitive Whole Health

ALEXANDRA LE NY HEALTH COACHING

Susan Z Rich

As a certified Health Coach with the AADP, clients are guided in improving their health and happiness through dietary and lifestyle changes. With support and direction we focus on balancing their primary foods (work, relationships, spirituality and exercise) and secondary foods (diet). This is achieved through a holistic approach on health, taking into account diet, lifestyle, environmental toxins, and disease prevention. Healing is supported through knowledge in nutrition, supplements, herbs, aromatherapy and homeopathic options.

Learn to listen and communicate with your body, mind, emotions and spiritual insight. Changing your thought processes and belief systems to bring about self-empowerment. Take charge of your life, your health and find inner peace. A strong and compassionate approach to life's challenges will give you an authentic long life journey with a healthy body, joyful relationships and rewarding creativity.

SZRich@aol.com 407-862-6902 SZRWhitewings.com Jusuru.com/szrich

925-858-2133 AlexandraLeNy@yahoo.com AlexandraLeNy.com

Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach full flavor. ~Marge Kennedy natural awakenings

January 2016

SOMATIC therapist

nutritionist NUTRAPARTNERS

Kathy Napoli, Registered Dietician 3189 Danville Blvd, Ste 260, Alamo 925-831-3900 KNapoli@NutraPartners.com NutraPartners.com Restore health and vitality through personalized nutrition and lifestyle programs, including the 8-wk program Lighten Up. Kathy’s clients achieve increased energy; improved blood sugar and lipid levels; and relief from digestive issues and food allergies. With 20 years experience as a clinical nutritionist and nutrition consultant, Kathy teaches workshops throughout the Bay Area on topics such as Age-Proof Your Skin, Get Lean and Strong and Stop Inflammation. She holds a Masters of Arts in Holistic Health Education from JFK University.

products ESSENTIAL WELLNESS

NEAL WINBLAD, MFT, SEP 780 Main St, Ste 201, Pleasanton 925-963-9786 NWinblad@NWinblad.com NWinblad.com

Somatic Experiencing is the gold standard for resolving complex trauma. In most cases trauma is quite easy to treat, doesn’t require a lot of talk and doesn’t need all the emotional catharsis so common in psychotherapy. Call me today for a free consultation and sample session. See ad, page 15.

SPIRITUAL CENTER UNITY OF TRI-VALLEY

7567 Amador Valley Blvd, Suite 108, Dublin 925-829-2733 UnityOfTriValley.org Are you seeking a progressive, welcoming community and consider yourself spiritual but not religious? We may be the perfect fit for you.

Wellness Advocates 925-997-2226 Oils@EssentialWellnessHub.com Discover the power of dōTERRA essential oils: 100% pure Certifies Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) essential oils. The safest, purest and most beneficial essential oils available today. Essential Wellness teaches informed self-care with the use of dōTERRA oils and encourages individuals to take a proactive role in medical care. Call today for your complimentary wellness session.

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

ROLFING/STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION MEDICINEVOLUTION

Chris Corrales 925-922-2246 Chris@MedicinEvolution.com MedicinEvolution.com

SPIRITUAL HEALING HOLLY M. COOK

925-354-4508 SacredHeartAscension.com Holly@SacredHeartAscenion.com

Change your time line to fit your spiritual desires. Clear deep beliefs and trauma that hold you from moving into your true essence. Specializing to connect physical and emotional dis-ease with energy/ soul blockages, Holly can help you move forward and clear the past allowing you to create a desired future. Her clients have experienced shifts in their consciousness, spiritual awakening, cleared family issues and have overcome physical and emotional pain. Explore a blended session of shamanism, theta healing, Reiki, chakra clearing and more. Also available for phone sessions.

Deemed a master by his peers, Chris Corrales’ 15 years of private practice have given him a reliable reputation as one of the best massage and bodywork practitioners in the Bay Area. His ability to discern and treat the causes of injury and imbalance has proven unique and profound. Chris’ application of Rolf Structural Integration empowers clients with a rich, insightful and rewarding personal experience that permeates their entire lives. See ad, page 5.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

A Beautiful Light

925-997-7518 Kathleen@A-Beautiful-Light.com A-Beautiful-Light.com Expand your potential! Experience greater health & empowerment in mind, body & soul with these once secret, ancient lineage classes, activations & healings. Proven for over 3,000 years, these ancient wisdoms create transformation & greater energetic flow in all areas of life. Kathleen is a Healer, Guide & Ritual Master in the Modern Mystery School from the lineage of King Salomon.

WELLNESS CENTER PLEASANTON FAMILY WELLNESS CENTER Kathleen Beaulieu, CMT, IMT 1491 Cedarwood Ln, Ste A Pleasanton 925-600-0503 Kathleen@PleasantonWellness.com PleasantonWellness.com

Discover your body’s healing potential. Nutritional and diagnostic counseling for lifestyle changes including weight loss, gastrointestinal, thyroid, hormone, allergies and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Expert massage therapy, 20 years experience specializing in pregnancy, automobile injuries and post-surgery recovery.

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resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word. ~Goran Persson

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WellnessPlusPlan.com

Disclosures: This plan is NOT insurance. The plan is not insurance coverage and does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act or Massachusetts M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This plan provides discounts at certain healthcare providers for medical services. This plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The plan member is obligated to pay for all healthcare services but will receive a discount from those healthcare providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization. This discount card program contains a 30 day cancellation period. The range of discounts for medical or ancillary services provided under the plan will vary depending on the type of provider and medical or ancillary service received. Member shall receive a full refund of membership fees, excluding registration fee, if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days after the effective date. AR and TN residents: A refund of all fees will be issued if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days. Discount Medical Plan Organization: New Benefits, Ltd., Attn: Compliance Department, PO Box 671309, Dallas, TX 75367-1309, 800-800-7616. Website to obtain participating providers: MyMemberPortal.com. Not available to KS, UT, VT or WA residents. natural awakenings January 2016 39