HEALTHY
LIVING
RAISING OUR VIBRATION
HEALTHY
PLANET
EYE CARE FOR KIDS
A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR’S VIEW
DANCING TO YOUR OWN DRUMMER
POWER UP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Autoimmune Breakthroughs Offer New Hope FREE
May 2020 | Rhode Island Edition | RINaturalAwakenings.com
publisher’s letter
HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
M
ay 2020 is here and what interesting times we live in. This will be my twelfth May Letter From the Publisher. We are proud to say that for more than a decade Natural Awakenings Rhode Island has been focused on all forms of health. Month after month we try to feature topics from physical health to mental health to planetary health and even pet health. Never has our health been more important than today. Being fit, taking precautions, eating well, meditating, and almost paramount, positivity, all play a role in how we will weather this storm. This month’s issue is of particular interest to me. Our editorial focus is autoimmune health. As one of the Maureen Cary, Publisher millions in the world with an autoimmune disease, I pay very close attention news and developments on the topic. You will read about how to boost your immune system while minimizing the over-active aspects by combining nutrition, fitness, and modern treatments. Chances are, you or someone you know has one of these diseases and we encourage you to share this with as many people as you can. Our Global Briefs have some fun tidbits with insights into how bees think, new ideas for climate health and an important observation about wilderness and people. With our cities squeezing more and more into less space all the time, finding wilderness is not always that easy. Still, you may want to use this time we are not socializing to get out on a hike or walking path that takes you away from the day to day. One of the things we are touched by is how everyone around us seems to want to help. It’s not in the traditional way since we cannot be together but everyone seems to be trying. As a small business owner, we recognize how important it is that we can support our mission. Our advertisers have been so kind. Our editors, layout staff, printers, and distributors have all worked hard to cut our costs where they could. In return, we are working with our advertisers to help them where we can. We encourage you to support our advertisers and all small businesses more than ever. Natural Awakenings is here for you because of them. Let’s do everything we can to be sure they can keep doing what they do and we can all keep serving each other. May is full of promise for our future. Everything is green and growing. Mother’s day is this month, the beginning of summer, the warmth of the sun, and of course, it’s my birthday month. This May will not be like any other in our memory but when you think of it, no May is like any other except that it brings hope and visions of new beginnings. Be joyous in yourself and helpful to the people around you.
I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another. ~Thomas Jefferson 2
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CONTENTS Natural Awakenings | Rhode Island | April 2020 Issue
18 12 12
HEALING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
18
EYE CARE FOR KIDS
A Clear Path to Healthy Vision
Autoimmune Breakthroughs Offer New Hope
15
RAISING OUR VIBRATION
16
20
SOUL NOURISHMENT
24
26
DANCING TO YOUR OWN DRUMMER
The Healing Power of Movement
The Kitchen As Sacred Space
22
ONLINE
Community Supported Agriculture
A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR’S VIEW
26
FLOWER WOW-ER
Beautiful Floral Designing
28
CORONAVIRUS PET SAFETY
of Autoimmune Disease
Facts and Tips for Dog and Cat Owners
Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet. 4
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DEPARTMENTS
THANK YOU
6 news briefs 6 eco tip 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 11 moon report 18 healthy kids 20 conscious eating 24 fit body 26 green living 28 natural pet 29 yoga and pilates 30 classifieds 30 calendars 32 resource guide
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To the healthcare professionals who are risking their lives during this epidemic, thank you for fighting COVID-19 on the front lines.
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news briefs
eco tip
Through the Integrative Wellness RI virtual platforms, owner Alyssa Knapp is offering resources that are accessible from home to empower people on their journey toward a higher vibration during this unique time. Weekly classes are available for all levels and emphasize education, practice and community, and address all aspects of our well-being. Knapp is also leading virtual workshops to bring healing tools to the community including Mala meditation, reiki training and essential oil education. Members can now enroll in the new High Vibration Program which integrates weekly private sessions with unlimited weekly classes at an affordable rate. Knapp has also been collaborating with other providers offering patient resources to help during challenging times. Text MINDFULMOVES to 22828 to sign up for the Integrative Wellness RI weekly newsletter for access to these resources and more. For more information, call 401-268-7225, email IntegrativeWellnessRI@gmail.com or visit IntegrativeWellnessRI.com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide. Alyssa Knapp
Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them. ~William Arthur Ward Environmentally Friendly Treatments Because You Care!
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When a Weed is Not a Weed by David Jones A weed is most often described as a plant growing where it is not wanted. If a rose sprouts up in the middle of our lawn, it ceases to be a flower and instead we call it a weed, because it’s growing in the wrong place. So, the rule applies to all plants that are growing where we don’t want them. We generally think of plants with little or no commercial value, aesthetics or pleasing appearance as weeds. But learning the names and descriptions of weeds can sometimes give us a tasty treat. Perhaps the oft despised dandelion is the best example. We can eat its leaves and drink tea made from dried leaves and the flowers. Purslane, sheep sorrel, lamb’s quarter, stinging nettle and garlic mustard are others. As we get more familiar with our yards during this shelterin-place time, we might just discover new food sources that have been here all along. David Jones of Bio Tech Pest Controls, located at 18 Granite St., Westerly, is available for any questions at 401-596-5800. For more information, visit BioTechPestControls.com. See ad on this page.
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A new Harvard study of 746 young sperm donors reports that men that exercise more have better sperm quality. The men, with an average age of 26, at least a high school education and no radiation exposure or sexually transmitted diseases, were qualified to donate to a sperm bank in their area. Compared to men that seldom exercised, those that reported the most total exercise and logged the most time doing intense workouts had better sperm motility, which increases the chances for sperm to move through the female reproductive tract to reach an egg.
Watch Out: Rapid Weather Changes Boost Flu Risk Rapid weather swings as a result of climate change raise the risk of flu virus infections and epidemics, reports a study from Florida State University and international researchers. Tracing weather patterns and infection rates during a 20-year period in the U.S., China, Italy and France, scientists found that extreme fluctuations in weather during the autumn months of 2017 essentially kick-started that winter’s severe flu epidemic, implying, “The lapsed human immune system in winter caused by rapidly changing weather makes a person more susceptible to flu virus,” says lead author Zhaohua Wu, a professor of meteorology. The study warned that as weather variability increases, Europe could see a 50 percent increase in deaths tied to flu by the end of the century, but added that factoring in weather variability could help public health planning. 8
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Fewer than seven hours of sleep for a child is not only linked to anxiety, depression, impulsiveness and cognitive difficulties, but also impacts a child’s brain structure, suggests new research from the UK’s Warwick University published in Molecular Psychiatry. Researchers used data that included MRI scans of more than 11,000 children ages 9 to 11 from 21 centers in the U.S. Parents also provided information about their child’s sleep duration and mental health conditions, and children performed a battery of cognitive tests. Researchers found that compared to children that slept between the recommended nine and 11 hours, those receiving less than seven hours had 53 percent more behavioral problems and scored 7.8 percent lower on cognitive tests. In children that slept less, volumes were smaller in five brain regions. Children that slept longer showed less depression and higher cognitive scores, and felt safer and more secure in their homes and neighborhoods.
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Tuck Kids In Early to Reduce Depression and Cognitive Issues
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Exercise to Boost Sperm Quality
Supplementation with quercetin, a plant pigment found in capers, cilantro, fennel, onions, red leaf lettuce, watercress, elderberries, asparagus, kale, cocoa, apples and chia seeds, can significantly reduce both diastolic and systolic blood pressure, lowering each by about three milliliters/Hg, reports a new review of research published in the Oxford Academic Journal, of 17 clinical studies that tested 896 participants. Quercetin also improved HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels when consumed for eight weeks or more.
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Take Quercetin to Reduce Blood Pressure
health briefs
in 2020!
Don’t Distance Yourself Spiritually! Rela
tion
Peace of Mind
uality t i r i p S SOCIAL ACTION
ship
s
HEAL TH
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Buzz Off
global briefs
Wild Things
Wildness a Big Factor in Urban Parks A new study led by the University of Washington (UW) has found that not all forms of nature are created equal when considering benefits to people’s well-being. Experiencing wildness is particularly important for physical and mental health, according to the study published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Cities. This is the first study to show that wildness in urban areas is profoundly important for human wellbeing. “The wilder areas in an urban park seem to be affording more benefits to people, and their most meaningful interactions depended on those relatively wild features,” says lead author Elizabeth Lev, a graduate student in the UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. Senior author Peter Kahn, a UW professor of environmental and forest sciences and psychology, says, “Everywhere, development is chipping away at wild areas. Humanity has caused so much destruction and there’s no stopping it—unless we stop. We’re trying to show that if you’re going to develop an area, you at least need to understand the human costs.” The researchers hope studies like this can be used as part of the decision-making process for development proposals in parks and urban natural areas. They compiled their analysis methods into a handbook that can be used in other cities around the world. 10
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Financial Fix
Great Britain Coal Use Falls With Carbon Tax A tax on carbon dioxide emissions in Great Britain has led to the proportion of electricity generated from coal falling from 40 percent to 3 percent over six years, according to research led by University College London (UCL) and the University of Cambridge. In a report entitled The Value of International Electricity Trading, researchers showed the British Carbon Price Support tax caused electricity generated from coal to fall from 13.1 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2013 to 0.97 TWh in September 2019, and that coal was replaced by other less emission-heavy forms of generation such as gas. The decline in coal generation accelerated substantially after the tax was increased in 2015. The tax is one part of the Total Carbon Price, which also includes the price of EU Emissions Trading System permits. Project leader Dr. Giorgio Castagneto Gissey, of the Bartlett Institute for Sustainable Resources, says, “Should EU countries also adopt a high carbon tax, we would likely see huge carbon emission reductions throughout the continent as we’ve seen in Great Britain over the last few years.”
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If Australia can grow enough of the puffy, pink Asparagopsis taxiformis seaweed for every cow in Australia, the country could cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent. That’s the conclusion the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) seaweed research group leader Associate Professor Nick Paul. The cows burp out methane, but, “When added to cow feed at less than two percent of the dry matter, this particular seaweed completely knocks out methane production. It contains chemicals that reduce the microbes in the cows’ stomachs that cause them to burp when they eat grass,” he says. Cows are known to eat seaweed. “This seaweed has caused a lot of global interest, and people around the world are working to make sure the cows are healthy, the beef and the milk are good quality,” Paul notes. “But the one missing step, the big thing that is going to make sure this works at a global scale, is to make sure we can produce the seaweed sustainably.”
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Seaweed Lowers Cows’ Methane Emissions
New research from the University of Sheffield in the UK published in Scientific Reports suggests that individual members of a bee swarm behave like neurons in a human brain. The scientists applied a theoretical model commonly used to study human psychology to the behavior of bee colonies, and they believe that studying “bee speak” could inform us about how our own minds make decisions. In the field of psychophysics, Weber’s law describes a relationship between the size of a stimulus and noticeable increases in its magnitude. This general rule about stimulus and perception has been observed in birds, fish and even t h e collective behavior of simpler organisms, but not in whole clusters of tiny brains such as an insect hive. To investigate its role in the decisionmaking processes of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), the researchers watched hives split apart and hunt for new homes. Among bees, the process of choosing a hive comes down to the interactions of scout bees communicating their discoveries through a visual display of body wiggles. “The study also supports the view of bee colonies as being similar to complete organisms,” says computer scientist and lead author Andreagiovanni Reina.
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Passing Gas
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Bee Swarms Form Giant Brains
moon report
BY THE LIGHT OF
THE MOON M AY 2020 by Karyn Mahrie Chabot, M.Ay, LMT, RYT
The Full Moon on May 7, occurs in sidereal Libra in the lunar star of Vishakha symbolized by a triumphal gateway which can give rise to enthusiasm, faith and hope for the future. But wait—Vishakha’s fruits are generally delayed which could indicate a possible unexpected critical global relapse later this year. With Vishakha’s delay, exercise patience and fearlessness while continuing to be fastidious with hygiene, treating food as medicine, choosing immune boosting daily routines and raising our personal vibration with online community prayer and meditation. Stay in the “eye” of the COVID-storm. This full moon is in a “parivartana yoga” (exchange) with her friend Venus. When the moon and Venus play together in the cosmos, they make beautiful music, art and romance. Together, they ignite creative and intuitive powers worldwide. This full moon sits in the sixth house of health, inspiring the world to continue to purify, heal and focus on wellness projects. While the moon is busy nurturing everyone, her yoga partner Venus, will be busy opening hearts and uniting lovers. While Mercury directly aspects the moon, making everyone a little crazy, Uranus, who governs technology, causes unexpected matters to come front and center globally and personally. Regardless, hope and love are in the air while Venus and the moon finally dance together. May the Divine Mother (moon), shine her light on the dark corners of our world and bring peace to our hearts and minds collectively and personally.
of the hidden treasures that arise after the proverbial “churning of the sea” in ancient Vedic mythology. Churning of the sea is synonymous to a world pandemic. This new energy will usher in pearls of wisdom and the true reasons for global crisis. The hidden gifts in the 9/11 crisis can be seen through the sacrificial love that was shown by the first responders and heroes that risked their lives to help the victims. It opened the hearts of all, deepening bonds and supporting trust and kindness within the communities of New York City and the world. Being of service to one another, at all costs, became the divine focal point. The pandemic of 2020 will also herald in a sweeter sense of community, while purifying faulty systems within the government, reinventing financial institutions and redefining how we have treated our bodies, the earth and its sentient creatures. Spring is the ideal time to detox our bodies with intermittent fasting (try not eating until noon for one week), immersing in nature, eating vegan and letting go of fear, uncertainty and hording behaviors. Taurus is “strong like bull” which can encourage building your muscle mass with exercise, stretching and eating foods that support your individual constitution. Expect one more catastrophic event that may happen before Sept 2020. This event will bring us all even closer together than we could have imagined. Now is the time to heal family relationships, leave toxic people, forgive, re-evaluate your soul’s purpose, think about a new job or a new way of doing your current job. Begin to see the world through new lens because we are entering a brand-new beautiful world. Mrigashira is here to remind us what happens to the earth when the proverbial “sea is churned”. Hidden treasures are coming, but we must be patient. Remember, we are all in this together and all is well in the Universe. The difference between the tropical zodiac and the sidereal zodiac is about 23 degrees. Both systems have value. Sidereal astrologers believe the qualities of the signs are not related to the seasons, but rather to the specific portions of the ecliptic as measured against the fixed lunar stars. Karyn Chabot, M.Ay, LMT, RYT, has her master’s degree in Ayurvedic medicine and has been an international teacher and presenter in the field of metaphysics, astrology and healing for more than 25 years. For appointments, text 401-680-3934 or visit KarynChabot.com/book. See ad on this page.
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Healing the Immune System Autoimmune Breakthroughs Offer New Hope Some 23 million Americans suffer from one or more autoimmune diseases—a category comprised of more than 80 conditions, including fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and Type 1 diabetes. These pernicious disorders are notoriously difficult to diagnose, even harder to treat and can be debilitating, diminishing the quality of life for sufferers. Another commonality is the increased prevalence of autoimmune disease in women versus men; in the case of lupus, for example, a nine-fold difference. Some early indicators are that this may be related to a “gene dosage effect”, as men with XXY chromosomes have the same risk of developing lupus as other women, and women with XXX chromosomes (known in medical parlance as “superwomen”)
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have an even higher risk of autoimmune disease, according to Judith James, chair of the Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, in Oklahoma City. Yet there is hope on the horizon, as scientific discoveries unlock important insights about the manifestation and progression of autoimmune diseases leading to new treatments and prevention tips. Evidence is also mounting around the role of diet and lifestyle in autoimmune conditions, giving patients new avenues for taking charge of their health instead of simply waiting for a cure. Autoimmune diseases are chronic and can affect almost any part of the body, including the heart, brain, muscles, skin, eyes, joints, lungs, kidneys, glands, digestive tract and blood vessels.
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by April Thompson
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Each disease carries its own set of symptoms, but inflammation is nearly always present, and are all connected by how the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues. “Those shared characteristics hold the potential for shared treatments, and ultimately potentially common cures,” says Jane Buckner, president of the Benaroya Research Institute (BRI), at Virginia Mason, in Seattle, which works to advance the prediction, prevention, reversal and cure of immune system diseases. “I’m excited about our progress toward prevention. We are working to understand those tipping points in transitioning into disease that help us understand who is at highest risk, and helps give very directed therapies,” says James.
SELF-HEALING FROM AUTOIMMUNITY By her early 20s, Mickey Trescott, of Willamette Valley, Oregon, was bedridden and had lost her job to autoimmune disease. At one point, doctors thought it was multiple sclerosis (MS); she was dizzy, numb, falling over and slurring her speech. Eventually, she was diagnosed with both Hashimoto’s and celiac diseases, affecting the thyroid and small intestine, respectively. Trescott, a nutritionist, chef and author of The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, had been vegan for 10 years, but had a feeling that her body needed something different. She found an early version of what would become known as the autoimmune protocol (AIP), and in following its guidelines, began to find relief. Trescott connected with other women and started a private Facebook group to share information on what was improving their condition from which the AIP community sprung. AIP, an elimination diet that seeks to reset the immune system by cutting out inflammation-causing foods and treating leaky gut, has much in common with the paleo diet and promotes vitamin- and nutrient-rich foods. However, every individual comes out of the AIP process with a customized diet. For Trescott, “Gluten is a forever-no, and I am also allergic to
dairy and sensitive to a lot of nightshade vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers.” It took three years to recover most of her functioning, and although she had been a personal chef, it was still challenging to determine a new approach to eating that didn’t include the grains and legumes that had been staples of her diet. Trescott is still on medications, including the same thyroid support she’s relied on from the start. “There is a misconception that the AIP is an alternative to conventional medicine. We really pride ourselves on using all the tools in our toolbox, including surgery, medication and lifestyle changes,” she says. Anecdotal successes like Trescott’s have led researchers to pursue funding to test the AIP’s efficacy. In a pilot study of 18 individuals with an average sick time of 19 years that didn’t respond to traditional medication, 73 percent were in clinical remission at the end of the trial, having followed the AIP. “It was a small sample size, but the results are promising,” says Trescott.
“Better test scores at school, more chores done at home, a smile I can always count on now.” Call 401-397-9948 www.chirowg.com
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PHYSICIAN, HEALED THYSELF Like many physicians, Terry Wahls focused on treating her patients with drugs or surgical procedures—until the Iowa City doctor was diagnosed with MS in 2000. Within three years, despite conventional medical treatments, her back and stomach muscles had weakened to the point where she needed a tilt-recline wheelchair, and by the summer of 2007, she could no longer sit up. Though Wahls had been a vegetarian on a low-fat diet for 20 years, she went back to eating meat and gave up all dairy, wheat and grains, but still wasn’t improving. Delving back into the science of her condition, Wahls realized that mitochondrial support was key, and the speed of her decline slowed while taking a cocktail of vitamins to support its functioning. It wasn’t until she took a comprehensive approach to optimize everything she could take in through her food rather than relying on supplements that she saw radical results: Her brain fog, fatigue and pain went away and she biked around the block for the first time in six years. “Taking in nutrients in the form of food rather than supplements, you get related compounds and thousands of others in biologically anticipated ratios,” explains Wahls. “I still do take some supplements, but the magic is the food.” Those key ingredients, says Wahls, include magnesium, zinc, selenium, sulfur, amino acids, cholesterol, omega-6 and omega3s, fats, carnitine and creatine. Her rule of thumb for daily intake is three cups of leafy green vegetables; three cups of sulfuric vegetables like cabbage, mushrooms and onions; and three cups of deeply pigmented vegetables, plus sources of protein for meat eaters and vegetarians. While her work was initially not accepted, today she has funding from the National MS Society and her research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. “Basic science is now showing that the microbiome has a huge impact on the immune system activity and the brain; the food we eat can turn gene expression on and off,” says Wahls, who hasn’t taken any drugs for her autoimmune condition since 2008. Buckner cautions against patients trying to manage disease with lifestyle changes alone, without giving available allopathic treatments a fair try. “People do better if they are treated early and aggressively. They are reliant on fewer medications down the road and don’t have permanent damage if they seek treatment early.” However, even researchers focused on pharmaceutical approaches acknowledge the importance of diet and lifestyle. Meggan Mackay, professor of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, at Northwell Health, in Manhasset, New York, believes this can play a critical role in disease management. She cites numerous studies showing exercise as a stress-buster positively influencing disease outcomes, as well as a more specific study looking at the benefits of adding fish oil and vitamin D to the diets of lupus patients. “The rise in obesity, which is linked to increased inflammation in the U.S., may be one of reasons we are seeing more autoimmune disease than ever,” says Mackay. 14
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At-risk individuals should be aware of factors under their control, adds James. “If someone is worried about autoimmune disease running in their family, monitoring and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and avoiding smoking and other high-risk behaviors can help improve their chances.” Even sleep patterns can play a role in disease manifestation, says the researcher. In one study, individuals at high risk for autoimmune disease that slept less than seven hours per day were more likely to develop an autoimmune condition, according to James.
COMMON LINKS SERVE AS RESEARCH CLUES There are some clear links between autoimmune diseases, such as the genetic predisposition that runs in families. “Someone with rheumatoid arthritis may have a sister with celiac disease, for example, and one individual may suffer from multiple autoimmune conditions. We can learn from these common genetic links,” says Buckner. These common links can serve as important clues. For example, Buckner says they are able to demonstrate changes in T cells in diabetes and MS that are the same, which might lead to common treatments for the two conditions. While the process from basic scientific discovery to development of effective treatment can be slow, there are some concrete breakthroughs autoimmune researchers are excited about, having demonstrated ability to both prevent and delay disease. Citing a recent clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, “They have demonstrated in kids at high risk for developing Type 1 diabetes the ability to delay onset for at least two years. It’s an incredibly exciting finding,” says Buckner. Mackay is hopeful about advances in basic science addressing specific immune system abnormalities linked to inflammatory problems. “Lupus is very challenging to diagnose and treat because it can affect every system in the body,” says Mackay, whose research team has focused on lupus for decades. “The only forms of treatment have been very immune-suppressive medications that shut down the immune response. None of these medications are specific, so in shutting down the immune response to treat lupus, they in turn interfere with the body’s ability to fight off infection and cancer.” Researchers are now honing in on single cells from biopsies that indicate which proteins are abnormal, thereby helping develop more selective therapies, she says. Seeing progress in the lab is one thing; seeing it in the waiting room is another, and that’s where autoimmune scientists and clinicians are really beginning to note a difference. “I’ve seen patients for 25 years, and when we started, we had very few options in my clinic, which was full of wheelchairs,” says Buckner. “In the last 20 years, we have seen an explosion in research and available treatments. I don’t have wheelchairs in my office anymore.” Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
Raising Our Vibration Photo by malcolm garret from Pexels
by Alyssa Knapp
As the world shifts and we adjust to new ways of life, we are presented the opportunity to release old patterns of thinking, doing and being for a higher good. When we are in a low vibrational state, we feel like our energy has been drained. Negative emotions and health challenges result from these energetic blockages. Thankfully, within every moment there is an opportunity to make the choice to change our energy patterns and raise our vibration for self-healing and optimal well-being. It’s important to remember that we are physiologically wired to respond to our emotions, which occurs on an unconscious level, so it’s completely normal for huge life changes to bring about a level of fear and anxiety. This, and other sources of negative energy, such as the environment, other people, TV, radio and social media can all lower our vibration and affect us on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. Our mind is the architect of our life experience, so with awareness we can shift the energy by making changes based on what is lowering our vibration. This might be a behavioral change, like limiting time on social media or putting boundaries around
exposure to the news. It also might be changing the way we think about something, like releasing a judgment or a fixed perception. An act of self-care is a deliberate choice to engage in something that feeds our own energy supply rather than subtract from it. This can be as simple as nourishing ourselves with healthy foods, a dose of relaxation, getting in some activity, or enjoying time doing something we love. By following the path to a higher vibrational frequency through self-care practices, we can all experience more physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being during this time. Alyssa Knapp, MS, CEP, CTTS, is the owner of Integrative Wellness RI, at Life Breath Wellness Center & Studio, located at 378 Main St., 2nd Fl., East Greenwich. For more information, call 203-512-6381 or visit IntegrativeWellnessRI.com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide.
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A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR’S VIEW OF
Autoimmune Disease by Bridget Casey
With viral infections being top-of-mind for most these days, now is a great time to briefly review the human immune system. The immune system is similar to a symphony, with various organs, tissues, glands, cells and chemical messengers all working in concert to recognize, neutralize and rid the body of potential invaders. These “invaders” are typically infectious pathogens, like viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi, but they can also include other antigens (small proteins), such as pollen. Because we are always being exposed to these things, the immune system is in constant surveillance mode—always on the lookout for possible new or repeat invaders. It does this by having a plethora of immune cells in areas where the human body comes in contact with the outside world, such as in the mucous membranes of the sinuses and in the digestive tract. The surveillance immune cells keep watch and, if triggered, then initiate a cascading reaction to neutralize said threat.
A CLOSER LOOK AT AUTOIMMUNITY While our bodies are well-designed to deal with threats, they can also become overzealous at times. This is essentially what happens with autoimmunity. The immune system starts to recognize one’s own tissues as a threat and begins attacking those tissues. Some examples include autoimmune hypothyroid disease (Hashimoto’s) whereby one’s thyroid tissue starts to be infiltrated with immune cells and destroyed. As one would expect, thyroid function is then negatively affected. Or, this can look like joint inflammation, pain and dysfunction that occurs with rheumatoid arthritis. Multiple sclerosis is fairly specific to nerve tissue degeneration, while lupus is fairly widespread and can include immune attack of various tissues throughout the body.
THE CAUSES OF AUTOIMMUNITY While the exact cause of autoimmunity is not entirely clear, the leading functional theory is a genetic predisposition combined with chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is usually triggered by one or more of the following factors: chronic infection, particularly with viruses; intestinal hyperpermeability (“leaky gut” syndrome); toxin exposure; pharmaceutical drug reactions; chronic stress or a high-stress 16
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experience; trauma, particularly childhood trauma; and hormone imbalance, particularly high estrogen levels, which is likely why we tend to see more autoimmune disease in women versus men.
ADDRESSING AUTOIMMUNITY WITH NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Naturopathic doctors are uniquely trained to look into the root-causes of their patients’ issues. With that, they tend to address the abovelisted causes of autoimmunity, rather than simply suppressing symptoms. If the doctor and patient can determine why said patient developed an autoimmune reaction in the first place, long-term healing and recovery becomes much more viable. Careful investigation, thorough patient interviews and both traditional and functional testing can all be useful in this process. Often, there’s not just one causative factor for any particular person, but more likely a few contributing issues. Addressing immune balance, along with fixing underlying causative factors, typically has great results when it comes to treating autoimmune disease. A holistic, naturopathic approach will usually include lifestyle recommendations—such as specific dietary recommendations for the individual, stress management practices, exercise and sleep hygiene—as well as targeted natural therapies. Natural therapies can include herbs, supplements, vitamins, minerals and homeopathic medicines. It’s important to work with a well-trained physician when implementing these therapies, especially if pharmaceutical interventions are also on board. Due to their truly holistic approach, naturopathic doctors are uniquely qualified to help patients overcome the limitations of autoimmune disease. Bridget Casey, ND, is the owner of Rhode Island Natural Medicine, LLC, located at 35 S. Angell St., Ste. #7, Providence. For more information, call 401-642-5855 or visit RINaturalMedicine.com.
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healthy kids
Eye Care for Kids A Clear Path to Healthy Vision by Ronica A. O’Hara
The blurry distant vision of myopia is a worldwide epidemic. Nearsightedness has doubled in the U.S. since 1971 to 42 percent, and in some Asian countries it affects 90 percent of teens and adults, reports the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye doctors say the key time to pay attention is during childhood, because myopia and other eye and vision problems can be reversed or stabilized if addressed at an early age. “Parents tend to assume that vision problems aren’t a concern for the young and healthy, but it’s never too early to promote healthful habits or to be on the lookout for potential vision issues,” advises ophthalmologist Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., medical director of the Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center, in San Diego. 18
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Ophthalmologists and optometrists recommend having a child’s eyes tested at 6 months, 3 years and 5 or 6 years to detect nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, “lazy eye” (amblyopia), crossed or misaligned eyes (strabismus) and other potential problems. “For signs of trouble, I ask parents if they have seen their child have an eye that wanders or if the child covers an eye regularly, they are rubbing their eyes or playing with their toys close to their face,” says optometrist Nathan Langemo, of the Hopkins Eye Clinic, in Hopkins, Minnesota. If myopia becomes severe, it can lead to retinal detachment, premature cataracts and glaucoma in adulthood, but early detection is possible. An Ohio State University study of 4,500 children found
that myopia in eighth-graders could be predicted in the first grade by their eyeglass prescription. Children at age 6 are naturally slightly farsighted, and those with normal vision are more likely to become myopic later. A common medical treatment to slow myopia in kids is daily use of 0.01 percent atropine eye drops, the medication used to dilate an eye before an exam. It slowed down nearsightedness by roughly 50 percent in Singapore children. A new, two-year study shows that combining the eye drops with nightly contact lens-wearing is 28 to 38 percent more effective. For preschoolers with amblyopia, an iPad game called Dig Rush was shown to be helpful in a University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center study. Hong Kong researchers report that 15 weeks of acupuncture beat out eye patches for treating children with lazy eyes, resolving the condition in 41 percent of cases, compared to 16 percent. The simplest preventive strategy for myopia may be simply to shoo children outdoors every day, including involving them in outdoor sports. Researchers aren’t sure whether it’s the vitamin D effect or the fact that when they are outdoors kids focus more on distant objects like trees and balls than when reading a book or screen, but recent studies in Taiwan and Denmark have verified that more time outdoors is linked to less myopia. Even sitting in sunlight inside while reading or using full-spectrum light bulbs is protective, say researchers. When outdoors, “Make sure the child has 100 percent UVA and UVB sun protection for the eyes,” advises Langemo, including using UV contact lenses. Evidence is mixed on whether close-up reading brings on childhood myopia, but a study of 500 college students that heavily used computers found 53 percent reporting headaches, 55 percent with burning sensations in the eyes and 48 percent with tired eyes. When kids focus on a computer, their eye-refreshing blinking rate slows from 10 to 12 times a minute to three or four times a minute, says optometrist Marc Grossman, of New Paltz, New York, author of Natural Eye Care: Your Guide To Healthy Vision and Healing. He recommends taking breaks at least 10 minutes every hour, using homeopathic eye drops and gently massaging the eyes by moving fingers from the inner corner, around the upper socket and underneath, stopping about six times to massage each point for five to 10 seconds. It’s also important to remove household hazards. Medical emergency rooms increasingly report eye injuries in kids from popular toy weapons like Nerf, BB guns and paintball guns, as well as colorful detergent pods that preschoolers love to squeeze or bite, plus aerosol spray from paint, hairspray, cleaning products and bug repellants. Feeding children the right foods, including lots of vegetables, fruits and grains, also benefits their eyes. The omega-3s in fish oil, nuts and seeds help minimize dry eye, and leafy greens and eggs have the eye-protective antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.
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Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com. Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in
| May 2020
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conscious eating
Soul Nourishment The Kitchen As Sacred Space by Marlaina Donato In our busy lives, grabbing food on the run or eating while standing at the kitchen counter is often the norm. Designating the kitchen as a practical sanctuary and seeing the sacredness of food not only makes it more conducive to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but also gives our spirits much-needed satiety. “If we don’t touch the transcendent—emotionally and spiritually—physical nourishment won’t fill us up,” says Ronna Kabatznick, Ph.D., former psychological consultant to Weight Watchers International and the author of The Zen of Eating: Ancient Answers to Modern Weight Problems. “Seeing the kitchen as sacred is something that represents gratitude, beauty and blessings.” Delia Baron, co-author of Better Together Kitchen: Beautiful Recipes to Share With People You Love and the host of seasonal food workshops with partner Ronnit Hoppe in Melbourne, Australia, concurs, “The kitchen is often the heartbeat of the home and the best place to gather, feast, chat and create beautiful memories and rituals. The kitchen is also a place to connect to our food source.” 20
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FUN AND FELICITY Preparing meals the old-fashioned way can slow us down and foster mindfulness, but Kabatznick emphasizes that cooking is irrelevant. “Look at the kitchen in terms of possibilities: ‘What can I create in this space?’ You don’t have to turn into Julia Child,” she says, adding, “You could be eating Chinese takeout or a prune; it’s all about mindset and simple rituals like saying a blessing, appreciating what we eat as a great gift.” Kabatznick encourages everyone to eat with dignity, and this includes using the good dishes, putting fresh flowers on the table and eating with awareness. Seeing the kitchen as the inspired nucleus of the home, it’s natural to add favorite items like art prints, colorful jars, sentimental treasures, dried flowers and other seasonal delights to nourish daily contentment. Conjuring an element of joy adorns the mundane. “Put on some music to put you in either a peaceful or joyful mood,” says Molly Larkin, author, healing practitioner and blogger at Ancient Wisdom for Balanced Living (MollyLarkin.com), in Corrales, New
photo by Marlaina Donato
Mexico. “Turn off the TV and give everyone in the family a job. Laugh throughout the meal preparation. Dance as you cook. Do the same thing if you live alone.” Preparing food, whether a healthy smoothie or a gourmet weekend dinner for two, is a way to express love for ourselves and others. Baron loves the presence of plants, lovely ceramics and interesting platters and dishes, and notes, “Families can definitely shop, chop, cook and mealplan together to make the kitchen a fun place to be. Doing these things together is very bonding and sends the message that looking after yourself is important.”
SACRED SERVINGS Spring Fever Salad with Flowers and Fruit Yields: 4 servings 1 head romaine or green leaf lettuce 8 medium-large organic strawberries, thinly sliced, or 2 small packages of fresh organic raspberries Handful of fresh, chemical-free flowers from the garden or store’s produce section: nasturtium, pansies and/or calendulas; gathered wild: spring violets and dandelion blooms
photo by Marlaina Donato
PRACTICAL MAGIC Meal prep can be enjoyable and even relaxing in a calm environment. For Baron, organization is key. She advises, “Having all the ingredients you need and working in a clean space also helps make the experience rewarding.” The smallest of kitchens can be abundant and organized with the help of a little innovation. A simple bookcase can offer additional shelf space for dry goods, bowls of produce or favorite cups. A small end table can hold a favorite tea pot and a jar of gourmet dark chocolate. A beautiful basket can hold go-to spice jars, and a pretty pitcher near the stove can accommodate a multitude of cooking utensils. “If you can’t fit it all out of sight in a cabinet, get some glass jars, fill them with grains, flours and legumes and line them up on the countertop. It will be neat, and you can see what you have,” suggests Larkin. In the end, a well-nourished body and spirit fosters a beautiful life and inspires the same in others. An advocate for supporting the hungry in all communities, Kabatznick underscores local efforts and seeing the big picture of our relationship with food: “Taking out the garbage and cleaning up is also a sacred act if we bring that attitude into it. Food connects us to the Earth, the moon and the stars. From the seed to the truck driver—everything and everyone involved—the process of food is miraculous.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
In-the-Bowl Dressing:
Moroccan-Spiced Red Lentil Soup Yields: 4 servings 4 cups water 1½ cup red lentils 1 tsp sea salt 1 medium-size organic carrot, chopped in bite-size pieces 2 soft, dried apricots, chopped, or 1 Tbsp golden raisins or 2 dates, chopped ¼ tsp ground cloves ¼ tsp ground turmeric ¼ tsp ground coriander seeds or ½ tsp crushed coriander seeds ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp coarsely ground black pepper 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp crushed or ground cumin seeds 2 tsp extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil
Juice from one fresh tangerine 1 part organic apple cider vinegar to 2 parts avocado oil Dash of sea salt Add avocado oil, apple cider vinegar and salt into a large bowl, swirl around twice. Tear (don’t chop) lettuce and add to the preliminary dressing. Squeeze tangerine juice over lettuce and toss lightly until well-dressed. Place strawberry slices over salad. Sprinkle (don’t toss) flowers on top or artfully place where desired. Serve immediately.
Bring water, carrots, apricots and all spices and seasonings to boil. Add red lentils, stir once and set heat to low. Cover pot with lid. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, remove from heat. Add olive oil and allow to sit for five minutes before serving. Optional toppings for each bowl: finely chopped red onion, red pepper flakes, fresh cilantro and/or a sprinkle of turmeric. Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.
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ONLINE
Community Supported Agriculture by Wendy Fachon
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs empower consumers to buy freshly harvested produce directly from local farmers, and several programs in the area offer online ordering and home delivery. As these programs grow, consumers will have more opportunities than ever to support a local system, access better quality food, improve environmental sustainability and keep farmland in production. Long distance trucking compromises freshness, nutrition and flavor, adds cost and is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. CSA programs eliminate these transportation costs and middlemen, and fewer people are handling the products. The current pandemic is spurring the growth of programs that offer the added conveniences of online ordering, doorstep delivery and more consumer choice than a traditional CSA.
FRESHCONN FreshConn is a food accelerator social enterprise currently serving Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, and is distinguished in personality, values and safety. While describing itself as “the instacart of farm fresh food,” FreshConn adheres to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) standards, along with COVID-19 sanitation. The company’s app solves a national last mile logistics issue for farmers and artisans, contracting its drivers like an Uber for local food. The drivers, trained in FSMA standards, deliver food straight from the farm to the consumer. FreshConn is also passionate about providing food where access to affordable and nutritious food is limited, delivering COVID-19 relief to residents of inner-city food deserts and those lacking transportation to purchase local food. From its online children’s book and its family meal show to job creation and community giving, FreshConn supports people everywhere. Learn more at FreshConn.com. 22
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WHATSGOOD WhatsGood’s technology brings communities together to enable an efficient, convenient and waste-free system for access to the freshest local fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood and artisanal products. Customers can place an order any day of the week from as many vendors as they like. WhatsGood then aggregates the order and provides same-day home delivery or pick up at three convenient locations in Warren, Jamestown and Exeter. The company also offers the option to purchase CSA Farm Shares. For produce, it works the same way as a typical fullseasonal farm share, except it is billed weekly. Farm shares for meat and seafood are highly customizable, as customers can order a chicken farm share, pork farm share, etc. These run for 12 weeks at a time. WhatsGood is rapidly hiring, expanding operations and updating safety and sanitation procedures to serve as many folks as possible. Customers can shop with no minimums, commitments or membership necessary. It purchases directly from local farms, up until 1 p.m., the day before delivery, and then the farms deliver orders to WhatsGood every Wednesday and Friday. The shoppers’ orders are packed and delivered the same day. People can sign up for a free account by visiting SourceWhatsGood.com.
FARM FRESH RI Farm Fresh RI is inviting residential customers to join wholesale buyers in using its Market Mobile service to get fresh food from local farms. In this unprecedented time, as restaurants and colleges have
had to close down, Farm Fresh RI’s Market Mobile program has gone from about 300 wholesale accounts to thousands of residential home deliveries. The efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 is a test to the resilience of RI’s local food system and agricultural community. Market Mobile’s goal at this time is to connect as many people as possible to locally grown food and mitigate the monetary losses that farmers and producers are experiencing with the suspension of wholesale buying businesses. Home delivery is available for Providence, Pawtucket and the East Bay. People from other areas are welcome to place an order for curbside pickup at Farm Fresh’s packhouse, located in The Hope Artiste Village building, 1005 Main Street, in Pawtucket. There is a minimum order size of $60 for pickup or delivery. Since this online platform is traditionally used for wholesale purchasing, the quantities offered may be larger than what one is used to buying. Many people pool orders with family or neighbors to help make the larger quantities work for everybody. Farm Fresh’s weekly order/delivery cycles are subject to change as it continues to scale operations to meet the current demand. The online order form is intentionally inactive outside the established ordering windows, allowing farmers and producers time to update what they have listed for sale based on their most current inventory. Find the most current and complete details and register at FarmFreshRI.org/homedelivery. Wendy Fachon is a regular contributor to Sustainable Living News and host of the Story Walking Radio Hour on the Dream Visions 7 Radio Network. Visit DreamVisions7Radio.com and search out her podcasts on sustainable living.
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fit body
Dancing to Your Own Drummer The Healing Power of Movement
Movement comes in many colors, from modern dance to country line dancing, and there’s something for everyone, including those that claim to have two left feet. Dancing is healthy for the heart and improves cognitive function by forging new neural pathways in the brain. It builds stronger bones, helps balance and improves flexibility and endurance. Putting on dancing shoes also has a positive effect on depressive disorders, flooding the brain with endorphins that uplift mood and jumpstart motivation. Dance has found its way into the clinical setting as a psychotherapeutic tool for healing trauma, eating disorders and addictions. Dancing, in essence, is for everyone. “Dance is a human right, a feature of almost every culture in the world, and our natural inclination to dance is one of the things that makes us human,” says David Leventhal, program director of Dance for PD, a nonprofit Parkinson’s Disease program of the Mark Morris Dance Group, in Brooklyn. Valerie Durham, a modern dancer in Baltimore specializing in the Isadora Duncan technique, concurs, “Birds don’t consider if they have talent for singing, they just sing. They sing because they have a voice. Similarly, dance is a right offered to anyone with a body.”
A DETERRENT FOR ALZHEIMER’S, PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND CANCER Going dancing on a Friday night also proves to nourish the brain. A 2017 study published in Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience shows 24 24
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evidence that dance increases white matter that diminishes with cognitive decline. An older study sponsored by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and published in the New England Journal of Medicine spotlights data gathered during a 21-year period and reveals that regular social dancing can reduce the risk for dementia in seniors by 76 percent. “A number of peer-reviewed research studies point to dance’s ability to improve motor skills and function of people living with Parkinson’s disease—balance, gait and tremor. Dance is expressive, giving people a creative voice when it feels that their capacity for physical, vocal and facial expression is being taken away,” says Leventhal. Durham, who worked with patients at the University of Florida Shands Hospital Arts in Medicine Program in the 1990s, witnessed memorable responses from cancer patients. “We danced with patients who were attached to IVs and those even in the ICU, some who were partially or even completely paralyzed, people who maybe could dance only with their eyes. And yet they danced,” marvels Durham. “Getting the lymphatic system, endorphins and breath flowing all elevate the body out of pain mode.”
LOCAL UPDATES AND RESOURCES
DANCING FROM THE SOUL All forms of dancing have the capability to free the spirit and heal deep emotional wounds buried in the memory-holding fascia of the body’s soft tissues. Ecstatic dance, which has roots in ancient spiritual practices, is an unstructured option that dilutes limiting, self-conscious habits. These days, ecstatic dance gatherings have been organized in cities around the world. “There’s a vast movement in the dance world that has nothing to do with performance, but rather, is done for the joy of inhabiting a body in motion. Ecstatic dance is a free-form conscious dance and is a vibrant global community for people who love music and movement,” says Donna Carroll, founder of Ecstatic Dance International, in San Francisco. “When we can be courageous enough to turn away from our cultural norms that say you need ‘talent’ to dance, we get a chance to experience music through our bodies, and it can be quite pleasurable and life-affirming. Ecstatic dance is one of the most effective methods to return to what matters, to our bodies, to our ‘home’, and is accessible for people of all abilities.” In her artistic sphere of performance art, Durham has seen her students blossom from the inside-out. “They are able to connect with the deep wisdom in their bodies, thereby releasing old energetic wounds. Depression and anxiety are relieved during dance because you are so consciously consumed with the present moment of the steps and the music. Dancers will find that they feel more joyful and at peace at the end of a dance session.” For Leventhal, moving the body is a blessing for all: “Dance should be accessible and enjoyable to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges.”
With the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation causing uncertainty for citizens worldwide, Natural Awakenings is more committed than ever in supporting your health and well-being. For the latest updates on local events and information, visit us online at: RINaturalAwakenings.com
Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and painter. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com. Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in
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FLOWER WOW-ER Beautiful Floral Designing by April Thompson
The good news is you can’t mess up flowers. ~Kathy Jentz Fresh-cut flowers can elevate a space with color, scents and textures that draw the eye and nose, but professional floral designs can be pricey. DIY arranging, however, is an easy, fun and inexpensive creative outlet that can also help cultivate mindfulness. Flower arranging is more than just a decorative art; it’s a spiritual activity that helps create a kinship with nature and merge the indoors and outdoors. Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, dates back to the seventh century, when floral offerings were made at Buddhist altars, according to Jeanne Ha, owner of the Washington Flower School, in Takoma Park, Maryland. In the 16th century, Japanese samurais practiced flower arranging prior to combat to help calm them and stay centered, a stress-reducing activity most of us can benefit from today. “Seasonal flowers are an important element 26
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of Ikebana,” says Ha, part of a longstanding Japanese tradition of appreciating plants and flowers throughout the four seasons.
FINDING A FLORAL STYLE As with any artistic medium, creative choices are important in floral arranging. We can opt for a fussy, formal style, a rustic farmhouse look or a modern, asymmetrical design. “The good news is you can’t mess up flowers. Whether multidimensional or one-sided, monochromatic or multicolored, you really can’t go wrong,” says Kathy Jentz, publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine and a flower arranging instructor in Silver Spring, Maryland. Like a good meal, the ingredients of a bouquet are as important as how they are assembled. Start with organic, pesticide-free
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green living
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buds. “Look for local, seasonal flowers, which will be fresher and last longer than those flown in,” says Betty Ann Galway, a certified floral designer and instructor at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, in Virginia. Farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture CSAs and pick-your-own farms are all great places to find locally, sustainably grown flowers, according to Jentz. To select for long shelf life, look for fresh-looking stamens and foliage, and firm heads on flowers. Mums, carnations and asters will last up to three weeks, says Galway. When selecting flowers, Ami Wilber, floral and event décor designer at the Washington, D.C., Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, recommends starting with a color scheme, whether limiting the palette to one or two colors, using analogous colors like pinks and purples or selecting complementary colors like blues and oranges. “It’s also good to find a focal flower or a show-stopper that will immediately draw attention to a bouquet,” says Wilber. Prepping the flowers before arranging will also prolong an arrangement’s longevity, including cutting stems diagonally to provide more surface area for water, suggests Jentz. She also recommends plunging flowers into cool water immediately after trimming their stems. Leaves pump water up the stem, so leave a few on while clearing those from the bottom that would otherwise be submerged in water, adds Galway. There are many ways to create structure for an arrangement, most of which is often hidden. Wilber stuffs chicken wire into an opaque container and then tapes down the top with a grid of floral tape to provide more control over the direction of the stems. Ha uses floral foam, soaked to provide hydration, into which stems can be inserted at any angle to create a gravity-defying design. Different styles of arranging draw from different principles, but many common rules of thumb apply; for example, using odd numbers of each type of flower and adding in the largest flowers first to create an anchor for the composition. For a rustic, farm-to-table bouquet, look beyond just blooms to incorporate seed pods, grasses and other foliage from the backyard or woods, says Wilber. These will not only fill in gaps left by thin-stemmed flowers, but also help create contrast in texture, she adds, recommending that 70 percent of the container be green. Once the design is complete, fine-tune the arrangement by stepping back to see the big-picture look and making any adjustments, removing discolored leaves and adding greenery to any bald spots, says Wilber. Many designers wrap large, flat leaves around the inside of a container for a clean, polished look that hides the stems. Most importantly, don’t forget to stop and smell the lilacs. Let the flowers lead the design and let go of any unattainable vision of perfection. “Appreciating the flowers and being thankful is an important part of the process, too,” says Ha. Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
Flower Arranging Tips From a Pro A healthy, professional-looking bouquet doesn’t take years of flower designing to achieve; these tricks of the trade will help neophyte designers get started. To loosen up tightly wound buds, breathe on them. Hot breath will open buds up faster, says publisher and arranger Kathy Jentz. An arranging technique Jentz recommends is clustering blossoms between the index finger and thumb of the less-dominant hand, resulting in a tight arrangement that can be held in place by a rubber band pulled up to the tops of the stems. If working with hydrangeas or other flowers with woody stems, smash open the stems along the length to get more water circulation. Consider upcycling common containers to make flower vases, Jentz says. “You can create recycled vases out of old jars and bottles, or use chalk paint to colorfully cover over a tin can.” The secret sauce in flower food is simply sugar and citric acid, says Jentz, so a little lemonade mix added to the water of an arrangement will work fine in a pinch.
A Creative Healing Place Return to Yourself
Benjamin B. Blackett ULC MINISTER
Life Mastery Consultant Dream Builder Coach Reiki Master Healer/Teacher
401-855-2008 bbb3pips@gmail.com
http://benjaminblacket.lifemasteryconsultant.com
Holistic Development / Creatigo.org Debee (401) 793-0097
Michelle (401) 287-2781
Private Readings & Healing Sessions Past Life, Card, Akashic Record & Mediumship
Integrated Energy Therapy, Reiki, Theta & Shaman
Certifications (Reiki IET) Playshops for ALL Ages and MUCH MORE!
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| May 2020
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It is unlikely a pet will become infected and serve as a source of infection for people. Gladskikh Tatiana/Shutterstock.com
natural pet
Coronavirus Pet Safety Facts and Tips for Dog and Cat Owners by Shawn Messonnier There are many types of coronavirus. COVID-19 is new—a novel coronavirus—and there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in dogs or cats. Dogs can become infected with a canine coronavirus. It is fairly species-specific and will not infect people, but can infect cats (without causing clinical disease in naturally infected cats). Most infected dogs do not show symptoms and recover without showing signs of infection; young puppies may exhibit mild diarrhea. Cats have their own coronavirus that, like dogs, usually causes an asymptomatic infection, or may cause mild diarrhea or mild respiratory infection (especially in kittens). However, this coronavirus, for unknown reasons, can mutate in the GI tract and transform into the (usually) lethal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus (this occurs in about 10 percent of infected cats). Again, this feline coronavirus will not infect dogs or people, and only infects felids. (A curious note is that cats can become infected with the human SARS coronavirus experimentally and naturally, but do not become ill, and the original SARS virus was suspected to have originated from a mongoose.) As with human coronaviruses, canine and feline coronaviruses can survive outside of the pet’s body for a period of time, especially in a colder environ28
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ment, but are easily killed with most soap or disinfectants. Dogs and cats that develop their own coronaviral diseases will not infect people. However, by serving as fomites (objects that can carry an infectious organism on the surface), dogs and cats could potentially carry a virus on their coat or skin if an infected family member gets infected material (saliva, respiratory droplets, etc.) onto the animal. Like any other surface in the home, the virus could transfer from the surface of the pet to other uninfected family members. (This is usually by hand to face transfer.) To be safe, it may be wise to keep the family pet away from the infected family member, or at least have the infected family member bathe and/or wipe the pet’s coat with a wet washcloth before the pet is exposed to uninfected family members. Keep in mind that maintaining proper blood levels of vitamin D in people and in pets is important in minimizing infectious diseases. Shawn Messonnier, DVM, is the owner of Paws & Claws Holistic Animal Hospital, in Plano, Texas, and an award-winning author and host on Martha Stewart Radio.
Young or Old… Big or Small… We love them All!
DELMYRA
C ountryC lub for
Dogs & Cats
YOGA PILATES
ACROSS THE OCEAN STATE YOGA STUDIOS
PILATES STUDIOS
BARRINGTON
MIDDLETOWN
Synergy Power Yoga 32 Bay Spring Ave SynergyPowerYoga.com 401-289-0966
Aull Pilates & Movement Studio 1077 Aquidneck Ave AullPilates.com 401-619-4977
CUMBERLAND Time For You Yoga 2155 Diamond Hill Rd TimeForYouYoga.com 401-305-5319
EAST GREENWICH 191 Ten Rod Road (Route 102), Exeter Delmyra.com 401-294-3247
Laughing Elephant Yoga 816 Middle Rd LaughingElephantYoga.com 401-398-2616
NORTH KINGSTOWN Ananda Meditation & Yoga Center 714 Ten Rod Rd AnandaRhodeIsland.com 401-524-4766
PROVIDENCE
Classes, Privates, and Meditation
Jala Studio: Yoga & Art 285 South Main St www.jala-studio.com 508-566-2524
I find hope in the darkest of days and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. ~Dalai Lama
4372 Post Road East Greenwich, RI 02818
Santosha Yoga Studio and Holistic Center 275 Reservoir Ave YogaAtSantosha.com 401-780-9809
401.398.2616
www.laughingelephantyoga.com
401-398-2616 begin here:
try ashtanga. Saturday 8:30am or Tuesday 7:30am ASHTANGA FUNDAMENTALS CLASSES Email Bristol Maryott at BRISTOL@JALA-STUDIO.COM 508-566-2524 JALA-STUDIO.COM 285 SOUTH MAIN STREET, PROVIDENCE
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| May 2020
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Due to the current mandates protecting public health, and daily changes in community events, please visit RINaturalAwakenings.com to view our May Calendar of Events for the most current information. In addition, we suggest confirming these details with the host before attending. Please stay well.
RHODE ISLAND’S
CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOTE: All Calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Visit RINaturalAwakenings.com to submit Calendar events or email Info@RINaturalAwakenings.com for guidelines. SATURDAY, MAY 2 Channeling Practice – 11am-1pm. Class for those who already know the basics of channeling, but would like to practice their skills, gain more experience and learn some tips. This is a zoom class with a sliding scale model. Sliding scale: $10-$25. For more workshops & to book sessions: MagentaSunHealing.com.
SATURDAY, MAY 9
RHODE ISLAND’S
CLASSIFIEDS Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Info@RINaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.
Opportunities DISTRIBUTION SITE – Offer your patrons the opportunity to pick up their monthly copy of Natural Awakenings magazine at your business location, and promote your events for free with 2 calendars listings a month. Contact Classifieds@RINaturalAwakenings.com.
Calling All Veterans Day – 8:30am-1pm. Hosted by RI Elder Info. An opportunity for the 45,000 Veterans in Rhode Island to receive information on resources and benefits from organizations that empower independent aging for themselves, their spouses or their aging parents. Free for all. URI Ryan Center, 1 Lincoln Almond Plaza, Kingston. RIElderInfo.com. Learn How to Help Animals Move Through the Death Process – 11am-1:30pm. Purpose of this class is to help an animal go through the passing process whether they are in the process of passing or have already passed but are stuck. Animals may get stuck if they left their body before they were ready or if they had a traumatic death. Animal communication and animal reiki techniques used and taught to aid in this process. This class will be over Zoom. Sliding scale: $20-$110. MagentaSunHealing.com.
MONDAY, MAY 11
See What’s New!
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Self-Care with Essential Oils – 6-7pm. Empower yourself with safe and natural solutions using certified pure therapeutic-grade essential oils. Walk away with the education you need for the symptoms you are looking to manage. Learn evidence-based protocols for common issues such as sleep, energy, GI and digestive issues, respiratory health, hormones and emotional health. When you register, let us know your top health concerns (pain, stress/anxiety, digestion, allergies, etc.). Free. IntegrativeWellnessRI.com/bookingscheckout/self-care-with-essential-oils-2.
SATURDAY, MAY 16 Quantum Reiki Level 3 (Master) Certification – 10am-8pm. New reiki keys will be taught along with advanced healing and meditation techniques. Exercises for opening the pineal gland and using different
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energies from different dimensions will be shown. Sliding scale: $90-$300. For more info: MagentaSunHealing.com.
SUNDAY, MAY 17 Reiki Refresh – 10am-1pm. Whether you did your reiki training a couple of months ago or decades ago, a refresher can rise your vibration and strengthen your connection to the source of reiki. Includes a review of theory, techniques, an attunement/placement for Level 2 symbols and practice. Previous Reiki 1 and 2 required. $65. IntegrativeWellnessrRI. com/bookings-checkout/reiki-refresh-may.
TUESDAY, MAY 19 Polka Dot Powerhouse Dinner Meeting – 6-8pm. Join us at our monthly meetings to connect with like-minded women looking for a drama free, pressure free, comfortable atmosphere. $22. Tavalo Wine Bar & Tuscan Grille, 2099 Post Rd, Warwick or via Zoom. For updated info: PolkaDotPowerhouse.com/ link-to-chapters/174-central-ri.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 Polka Dot Powerhouse Lunch Meeting – 11:30am-1:30pm. Join us at our monthly meetings to connect with like-minded women looking for a drama free, pressure free, comfortable atmosphere. $22. Tavalo Wine Bar & Tuscan Grille, 2099 Post Rd, Warwick or via Zoom. For updated info: PolkaDotPowerhouse.com/link-tochapters/174-central-ri.
SUNDAY, MAY 24 Reiki I Certification Online Course – 9:30am-5pm. The first degree opens the energy channel and permits you to channel reiki. After this training, you will be able to give reiki to yourself and others. $185. IntegrativeWellnessRI.com/bookings-checkout/reiki-level-i-online-workshop-may.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Your 20/20 Vision Workshop – 12-1pm. Learn 3 tools to help you achieve your goals faster with greater clarity on your goals and dreams. Feel more confident in your ability and much more. Free. Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, 230 Old Tower Hill Rd, Wakefield. For more info or to register: bbb3pips@gmail.com.
RHODE ISLAND’S
WEDNESDAY
Dates and times may chenge. Please call ahead to confirm. All ongoing events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Visit RINaturalAwakenings.com to submit listings.
Virtual Functional Fitness Class – 9:3010:30am. Flow mindfully through a series of moves to to build some heat in your body while focusing your mind in the moment for emotional well-being. Class appropriate for all fitness levels and body types. Receive a confirmation email with a link to sign in to Zoom for the class. $5, $20/unlimited class pass available (all class types included). IntegrativeWellnessRI.com/bookingscheckout/virtual-functional-fitness-1.
ONGOING EVENTS
SUNDAY Sunday Celebration Service – 9:3010:30am. Change your thinking and change your life through an hour of uplifting music, affirmative prayer, meditation and an inspiring message. All welcome. Love offering. Concordia Center for Spiritual Living, 292 W Shore Rd, Warwick or FaceBook Live. 401-732-1552. For updates: ConcordiaCSL.com. Sunday Gathering – 10am-12pm. Music, chanting, meditation, uplifting talk, beautiful Festival of Light Ceremony, potluck lunch, fellowship and joy. Healing Prayer Circle 2nd Sunday monthly. Donation appreciated. Ananda Meditation & Yoga Center, 714 Ten Rod Rd, North Kingstown or FaceBook Live. For updates: AnandaRhodeIsland.org. Sunday Celebration Service Center for Spiritual Living Southern RI – 11:30am12:30pm. Doors open at 11:20am. We are a loving all-inclusive community welcoming people of all faiths, sexual orientations and ethnic backgrounds from all walks of life. Love offering. Center for Spiritual Living Southern RI, S Kingston Office Park, Bldg B Lower, 24 Salt Pond Rd, South Kingston or FaceBook Live. For updates: 508-904-0437 or CSLSRI.com. Green Tenderfoot Refill Station – 2-6pm. 1st Sunday. To help us reduce our use of plastic and harsh chemicals by switching to reusables and all natural products. There will be a variety of zero-waste lifestyle products such as bamboo utensils, reusable bags, metal straws etc to help you live a more sustainable life. Take your jars or leave your extra jars for a friend. Free. Urban Greens Co-Op, 93 Cranston St, Providence. UrbanGreens.com/events.
MONDAY Stretch, Breathe & Meditate – 9-10am. Ananda Center is closed, but you can access online daily yoga classes, meditations, book group of Autobiography of a Yogi and more Monday-Friday, and Sunday by checking our website. Donation appreciated. AnandaRhodeIsland.org.
Svaroopa® Yoga with Maria – 10:30am12pm. Dissolve your stress and pain with a deeply relaxing, slow-moving class. Poses adapted to your body using blankets, props and gentle alignments. Find ease in your body and a quieter mind. Beginners welcome. Contact the studio regarding on line virtual classes. New students: $55/5 classes. Time for You Yoga, 2155 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland or online. For updates: TimeForYouYoga.com. Peace Circle – 6-7pm. 1st Monday. Help heal our planet through prayer and love. Join us as we explore different aspects of peace through music, meditation and poetry and how to put it into practice within yourself, relationsips, community and the world. A trans-denominational gathering for peace. All welcome. Facilitator: Gina Colvario-Krupka. Love offering. Concordia Center for Spiritual Living, 292 W Shore Rd, Warwick or Zoom. For updates. 401-732-1552 or ConcordiaCSL.com.
Svaroopa® Yoga with Maria – 9:30-11am. Dissolve your stress and pain with a deeply relaxing, slow-moving class. Poses adapted to your body using blankets, props and gentle alignment. Find ease in your body and a quieter mind. Beginners welcome. Contact the studio for info about virtual/online classes. New students: $55/5 classes. Time for You Yoga, 2155 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland or online. For updates: TimeForYouYoga.com. Green Drinks – 5-8pm. 4th Wednesday. Let’s get together for a drink and talk about the environment, energy, climate change, environmental racism or any topic of your choice. The Burrillville Land Trust encourages all issues about the world in which we live. Free. Bravo Brewery, 75 Pascoag Main St, Pascoag. Facebook.com/ events/376623899907230.
TUESDAY
THURSDAY
Virtual Integrative Stretching Class – 9:3010:30am. Release tension in your body and mind through mindfulness-based therapeutic stretching. Class is great for all levels and body types. Receive an email confirmation that contains a link to join Zoom. $5, $20/ unlimited class pass available (all class types included). IntegrativeWellnessRI.com/ bookings-checkout/virtual-integrativestretching-class-1.
Svaroopa® Yoga with Janice – 7-8:30pm. Dissolve your stress and pain with a deeply relaxing, slow-moving class. Poses adapted to your body using blankets, props and gentle alignments. Find ease in your body and a quieter mind. Beginners welcome. Contact the studio regarding on line virtual classes. New students: $55/5 classes. Time for You Yoga, 2155 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland or online. For updates: TimeForYouYoga.com.
Ananda Gentle Yoga & Meditation – 1011:30am. Ananda Center is closed, but you can access daily yoga classes and meditations Monday-Friday on our website. Donation appreciated. Ananda Meditation & Yoga Center, 714 Ten Rod Rd, North Kingstown. AnandaRhodeIsland.org. Virtual Reiki + Meditation Class – 7-7:45pm. This 45-min meditation class is designed to reduce stress and promote positive energy. Receive reiki while being guided through a deep and relaxing meditation, led by a Usui/ Holy Fire III Reiki Master. No experience necessary. Receive a confirmation email with a link to sign in to Zoom for the class. $5, $20/unlimited class pass available (all class types included). IntegrativeWellnessRI. com/bookings-checkout/virtual-reikimeditation-class-1.
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SATURDAY Svaroopa® Yoga with Suzanne – 9:4511:15am. Dissolve your stress and pain with a deeply relaxing, slow-moving class. Poses adapted to your body using blankets, props and gentle alignments. Find ease in your body and a quieter mind. Beginners welcome. Contact the studio regarding on line virtual classes. New students: $55/5 classes. Time for You Yoga, 2155 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland or online. For updates: TimeForYouYoga.com.
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RHODE ISLAND’S
COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE Your source for natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and servces that support a healthy lifestyle.
Akashic Records MEGHAN GREER
INTUITIVE BEAUTY
Phone Readings 401-378-4234 MeghanGreer19@yahoo.com Empresshealing.me
est good.
RENEW FAMILY WELLNESS
Beauty Leah Deslandes 4272 Post Road East Greenwich RI IntuitiveBeautyLLC.com
The Akashic Records contain the history of your soul, who are now and what you may become in the future. A reading provides information to guide you. Open to your Record keepers to receive information for your high-
Advanced stylist specializing in the DevaCurl haircut, using organic products to rejuvenate hair. Industry veteran for over a decade, knowledgeable in hair/ makeup. Experiences have led me to work with a wide range of celebrities. I can give you a look you will love.
Chiropractic
Animal Wellness
NETWORK SPINAL ANALYSIS
CHLOE MOERS
Animal Reiki, Animal Communication 401-556-7199 ChloeMMoers@gmail.com MagentaSunHealing.com Chloe, Quantum Reiki Grand Master and Usui Reiki Master, works with all animals, long distance and in person, to provide pain relief, aid with trauma and help build relationship bonds. She also teaches private and group lessons. Her practice includes mediumship, channeling and past life regression readings.
Ayurvedic Astrology
Patricia Hogan-Casey, DC Wholistic Chiropractic Center 215 Cottage St, Pawtucket 401-725-4380 • DrPatOnTheBack.com Dr. Patricia Hogan-Casey, using Network Spinal Analysis, has witnessed profound effects on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels of her patients. The gentle precise touches to the spine initiate the removal of interference to the nervous system’s tension and function—essentially cueing the brain to develop new strategies to experience greater wellbeing. See ad on page 7.
DR. RICHARD PICARD
KARYN CHABOT, M. AY, LMT, RYT
Phone Readings or Newport Office 401-680-3934 Karyn@KarynChabot.com SacredStoneHealing.com
Vedic Astrology is India’s divination system, the sister science of yoga and considered the “Eyes of the Veda”. I also use playing cards, a forgotten mystical calendar and oracle. With the Divine Mother’s assistance, let’s improve your health, decipher relationships; predict windows for money, romance and jobs, while illuminating Soul purpose and peace of mind. See ad on page 11.
342 Atwood Avenue Cranston, RI 401-942-6967 DrRichardPicard.com
With 25 years of experience, Dr. Picard has helped thousands of patients recover from various health challenges with chiropractic care. Dr. Picard is unique; he looks at the body from a holistic perspective and focuses on wellness. He provides traditional nutrition and natural medicine to help heal the tissues of the body that are in need of repair. This in combination with chiropractic care creates a dynamic healing response within the body. Don’t deal with your pain and health challenges alone, call someone who cares.
Dr. Jesse Steinberg 201 Waterman Ave East Providence, RI 401-284-8278 RenewFamilyWellness.janeapp.com Dr. Jesse is a gentle, holistic Chiropractor with a Reiki Master’s touch. His passion is helping children and families be their brightest, happiest, healthiest selves. His calling and purpose is to release the interference to the expression of our infinite potential. He serves with Love, Joy, wit and wisdom.
Classes HEAL (V.)
Sarah R. Memoli, LMHC 1019 Waterman Avenue, East Providence, RI Sarah@HolisticTherapyRI.com HolisticTherapyRI.com Group therapy classes for the holistic treatment of anxiety. Each 90-minute class integrates the practices of breath work, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness with traditional psychotherapy techniques for a complete mind-body healing experience. Sessions run for 8 weeks and will change your experience of living with anxiety.
Depth Hypnosis FIRESEED CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATION
Katharine A. Rossi 194 Waterman Street Providence, RI 401-924-0567 FireseedCenter.com
Holistic counseling using hypnosis to access root causes of imbalance and shamanic techniques to connect you to your own power. Depth hypnosis works with your inner wisdom to heal and create lasting change. Office and phone sessions available.
The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do. ~Kobe Bryant 32
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Health Food Store
Holistic Guidance
NATURE’S GOODNESS
510 East Main Rd, Middletown, RI 401-847-7480 facebook.com/NaturesGoodness NaturesGoodnessRI.com Since 1984 we have been providing the finest quality Natural & Organic Whole Foods including many Gluten Free products, Natural Body Care, Athletic Supplements & Protein Powders, Incense, Smudging Supplies and Candles made with Essential Oils, Natural Pet Care Food & Supplements and Healthful Information in a fun, comfortable and inspirational environment. Open Daily M-F 9:30-6:30, Sat 9:30-5:30, Sun 11-4. View our web site and Facebook for upcoming events and educational information.
SOUL WISDOM READINGS WITH CHRIS Chris McCullough 204b Clock Tower Square, Portsmouth, RI 401-662-6642 CrisMcHolistic@gmail.com SoulWisdomTarot.com
Readings in Person or by phone by appointment. Bring a little magic to your next Home Parties or Fundraiser. Cris is Author of “Holistic Tarot: Soul Wisdom for a New Paradigm”, her integrative approach to reading merges numerology, spiritual astrology and connection with Divine Source to help you solve the problems in your life. Classes in Goddessing, Tarot and Shamanism forming now. Go to SoulWisdomTarot.com or facebook.com/HolisticTarot for the latest news.
Homeopathy Energy Work
VANDANA PITKE
ENERGY WORKER AND TEACHER Christal Rae Nichols 401-793-6762 NorthernLights.one
I am a Usui Reiki master teacher, Reiki Drumwave practitioner, and Integrated Energy Therapy master instructor. My intention is to empower and connect people more fully with the Oneness energy and their own inner selves so they can reach their wellness goals. Let’s release those “issues from your tissues!”
Environmental Awareness
Om Homeopathy, It’s My Health, Cumberland Above All Holistic, Cranston 401-573-3757 • OmHomeopathy.com With 12+ yrs experience in classical Homeopathy Vandana Pitke has helped many clients restore and achieve health. Vandana is a certified classical homeopath. She looks at the symptoms from a holistic perspective focusing on mind and body. She also incorporates ayurvedic nutrition and Mudra meditation in her practice, which makes healing faster, better and from within when combined with homeopathy. Go to omhomeopathy.com or join Facebook group My Holistic Health. See ad on page 6.
Hypnosis Training
GREENING THE SPHERE
53 Child Street, Unit 387 Warren, RI 02885 401-465-4249 BitsisShari@gmail.com
We are a nonprofit who provides opportunities for individuals and community organizations to learn about cutting edge ideas in sustainability, biodiversity of species and green community building. GTS uses creative practices to engage the community, young and old, into greater environmental awareness. Email us to be added to our newsletter list.
GREATER RHODE ISLAND HYPNOSIS TRAINING
John Koenig, Certified Instructor 401-374-1890 John.Koenig.Hypnotist@live.com GreaterRhodeIslandHypnosisTraining.com Help people change and earn income as a Certified Hypnotist. 100 Hour National Guild of Hypnotists Certifications Course next class starts January 2020, get on the waiting list today. $400, early enrollment discount. Call today to see if this is the right course for you.
Interfaith Minister REV. NATALIA DEREZENDES, RSCP
The New Seminary, NYC 2009 401-323-7664 NataliadeRezendes@gmail.com Facebook: Slatersville RI Center for Spiritual Living Teaching Chapter @ OneVoice Slatersvillericsl.com
Visit us at our new website so that you may know of services rendered here in Slatersville . Toltec Wisdom Teaching, The Four Agreements, CSL course curriculum, virtual and on location, personalized wedding officiant services (trilingual Portuguese, Spanish and English,), small wedding venue, seasonal healing rituals, memorials, funerals, spiritual growth workshops, private spiritual support sessions, Zentangle classes, Vintage Vocal coaching MM NEC ‘78.
Licensed Naturopathic physicians SHEILA M. FRODERMANN, MS, ND, DHANP, CCH
Providence Wholistic Healthcare 144 Waterman St, Providence, RI 401-455-0546 • ProvidenceWholistic.com Over twenty years of private practice experience in holistic natural family healthcare - providing individualized diet, nutrition & lifestyle counseling, homeopathy, and herbal medicines towards optimizing one’s health and wellness. Naturopathic Physician - Classical Homeopath - Bowenwork practitioner. See ad on page 17.
DR. CHRYSANTHI KAZANTZIS (DR. KAZ) ND, MS
At Providence Wholistic Healthcare 144 Waterman St, Providence, RI 401-455-0546 ProvidenceWholistic.com Licensed Naturopathic Physician, Clinical Nutritionist and Reiki practitioner. Specializes in digestive disorders, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, Lyme disease, weight issues and chronic pain. Addressing these conditions by treating the underlying cause through herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, homeopathy, guided nutrition and lifestyle counseling. Book an appointment to start your journey to optimal health. See ad on page 17.
My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return. ~Maya Angelou Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in
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DR. M FEIBELMAN, ND
at Sage Healing Collaborative 201 Waterman Avenue East Providence, RI 02914 508-343-0580 SageHealingCollaborative. com/practitioners/m-feibelman-nd Licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for energy work, counseling, and botanical medicine. Respectfully and compassionately meets you where you are at. Also, offers Craniosacral therapy. Queer and Trans friendly.
Shamanic Practitioner ENERGY-N-ELEMENTS
Paul A. DiSegna 401-736-6500 Energy-N-Elements.com
Are you feeling stuck, stressed or disconnected? I will assist you in releasing energy blocks and guide you to experience the comfort and peace that comes with power and soul retrieval. “My intension is to improve my client’s health and well being.” Call for your appointment today.
Life Coach LIFE DESIGN COACHING WITH SUSAN DE LORENZO
508-736-8844 Susan@SusanDeLorenzo.com SusanDeLorenzo.com Susan De Lorenzo is an inspirational speaker, author and life coach who specializes in helping people overcome adversity to design a life they love. Susan is working on her book, From Adversity to Awesome, where she shares tools and mindsets to help others through troubled times and create life anew. Please find details to work with Susan on her website. See ad on page 23.
Sound Healing
Are you ready to take a new approach to achieving wellness? Our services integrate physical activity, mindfulness, meditation, and Reiki energy therapy to promote healing in a holistic way. We offer private sessions, group classes, workshops, and certification trainings.
Sound therapy creates vibrational overtones to help relieve stress, pain, fatigue, fears or phobias, and promote an overall state of peace and deep relaxation. Gongmaster Joy plays gongs at yoga studios, healing centers and other venues. She also offers private gong healing sessions, sound workshops and more. Contact to find out how sacred sound therapy can help you overcome physical challenges and emotional stress.
IT’S MY HEALTH
Marie Bouvier-Newman 1099 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 401-305-3585 • Its-My-Health.com We provide much more than products, services and education. We provide the tools you need to optimize your health in a comfortable environment. We care. See ad on page 6.
Wig & Wellness
MEDIUM AND INTUITIVE PSYCHIC READER
Lisa Ashton, R.N. The Psychic RN 204b Clock Tower Square, Portsmouth, RI 401-500-1908 LisaAshtonMedium.com NorthernLights.one I specialize in mediumship readings, and connect to your loved ones, family and friends, that have passed. It brings such a sense of closure and peace to know they are safe and they are around you. You have the opportunity to speak to them as well. Meet your own guardian angels and speak to them about your career path, life, love, and future. I also do house harmonizations. Phone reading or in person.
Nutrition Response Testing NATURAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS
Dr. Laura Bomback 293 Linden St, Fall River, MA 508-678-1233 DrBomback.com
Therapeutic Massage JANE MCGINN, LCMT
459 Sandy Lane Warwick, RI 02889 401-450-4172 WestShoreWellness.com Jane is a highly skilled, intuitive massage therapist with 15 years’ experience in the field. She listens well and tailors the massage to your needs, whether it is digging out old knots or using calming techniques to help you feel grounded, restored and at peace. RI License#MT01136.
DONNA OUELLETTE
Evolve Nutrition & Vitality; Wig Boutique Cranston-Johnston, RI 401-578-5879 Evolve-Nutrition-Vitality.com Certified in Functional Nutrition. Boutique has a full line of wigs and accessories to help with hair loss, health and wellness products, an 8-wk “Power to Feel your Best” class based on each individual’s needs, essential oils classes and “make and take” essential oil parties. Free consultation by appointment!
CATHRYN MOSKOW, LCMT 173 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02906 401-808-0837 CatMoskow.MassageTherapy. com
Over 10,000+ hours of restorative muscular therapy. “Best of Boston.” Feel better, live happier – Enjoy pain relief, rehab/chronic issues, easier range of motion, age related issues, injury work + “aaaahhh”. Accurate, gentle Deep Tissue blended w/Swedish, Biodynamics + Reiki. “She’s like finding the owner’s manual.” By appointment. RI Lic #MT01664.
Our mission at Natural Health Solutions is to improve the health of our community by providing natural options for most health issues and guidance toward the understanding that real solutions can be achieved with real nutrition. I have been helping people for close to 25 years achieve a higher level of health through both nutrition and chiropractic. See ad on page 17.
Rhode Island Edition
INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS RI
Alyssa Knapp, MS, CEP, TTS Usui Holy Fire III Reiki Master Teacher 378 Main St, 2nd Floor, East Greenwich, RI 401-268-7225 IntegrativeWellnessRI@gmail.com IntegrativeWellnessRI.com
GONGS OF JOY
Joy Quinn Blum 401-258-3952 Joy@GongsOfJoy.com GongsOfJoy.com
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Wellness Center
RINaturalAwakenings.com
Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose. ~Lyndon B. Johnson
Yoga JUNE
TIME FOR YOU YOGA
Maria Sichel, RYT, CSYT 2155 Diamond Hill Rd Cumberland, RI 02864 401-305-5319 Maria@TimeForYouYoga.com TimeForYouYoga.com I offer private Svaroopa® yoga therapy sessions tailored to meet your needs. I am specially trained in treating pain - including back pain and neck and shoulder issues. Yoga Therapy is more powerful than weekly yoga classes and moves you more quickly toward health and well being. My students experience pain relief, greater mobility, improved sleep, easier breathing, deep relaxation, increased flexibility, and a deep sense of peace.
Inspired Lifestyle Travel plus: Brain Health
Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services: Transformative Travel Companies Natural Habitat Adventures Self-Discovery Vacations • Personal Growth Retreats Adventure Tour Groups • Travel Outfitters Neurologists • Functional Medicine ... and this is just a partial list!
Yoga & Meditation ANANDA MEDITATION AND YOGA CENTER
714 Ten Rod Rd, North Kingstown, RI 401-524-4766 AnandaRhodeIsland.org
Find joy, love, and peace with Ananda through ancient and effective techniques of meditation, spiritually oriented hatha yoga, kirtan, Kriya yoga and more. Deepen your own spiritual journey in the company of friends who support your inner growth. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, and was founded by Yogananda’s direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda.
Yoga Therapy GO SLOWLY
Jorge C. Armesto, Ph.D., Ed.M., RYT 845 North Main St., STE 6, Providence, RI 781-724-9007 GoSlowly.com Therapy on the Mat: Change how you relate to body, heart, and mind. Yoga therapy helps you befriend your body, hold difficult experiences with compassion, relieve stress, regulate emotions, and cultivate joy. Dr. Armesto offers individual yoga therapy sessions on a donation basis. Online sessions available. Please visit GoSlowly.com for more information.
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