Natural Awakenings Boston April 2012 by Natural Awakenings Greater Boston/Rhode Island

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GREEN LIVING Celebrate Earth Day NATURAL Allergy Relief RAINWATER HARVESTING April 2012 | Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com 1

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contents 5

5 newsbriefs 12 healthbriefs 14 globalbriefs

18 community spotlight

18 Community

26 greenliving

New England Renewable Energy Systems

30 healingways 32 calendarof

events

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

37 community

resource guide

advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 617-906-0232 or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. calendar submissions Visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com.com for guidelines and to submit entries. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

spotlight

by Kim Childs

20 GREEN HOME CHECKLIST

Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now by Crissy Trask

23 green carpet cleaning 101

by Jonathan Kava

24 MOBILIZE FOR EARTH Pledge a Green Act for Earth Day 2012

26 EVERY DROP COUNTS

Reusing Rainwater Saves Money and is Better for Plants

by Brita Belli

28 composting to build a sustainable food system

by Igor Kharitonenkov

30 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES

by Dr. Lauri Grossman

31 when allergies

seem to come FROM nowhere

by Colleen Chausse

NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com natural awakenings

April 2012

letterfrompublisher

wo years ago no one could have predicted that today I’d be writing this first anniversary Publisher’s Letter for Massachusetts’ own edition of Natural Awakenings, a national phenomenon now serving 87 natural health communities across the country and in Puerto Rico. Such a notion hadn’t even crossed my mind; yet here I am, swept up in the winds of positive change and loving every minute of it. We have more exciting news to share, as well: With this issue we are now reaching readers in Boston and Cooper... the King of Brookline, embracing thousands more people actively Hazard Rock! seeking healthier living and supporting a healthy planet. Look for our distribution rack wherever you find free publications and let us know if there’s somewhere else you want us to show up. We love to hear your feedback and connect with businesses and nonprofits at popular locations; it’s a big help when you let the shopkeeper know you think we’re a good fit. We enjoy making new friends. Although we’ve changed our name to Natural Awakenings Boston to include our expanded service area, loyal readers and advertisers will of course still find us throughout Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, Newton, Waltham, Lexington and Concord. We’ve increased distribution with larger racks to keep up with demand at Whole Foods both in Brighton and on Washington Street, in Newton, Harvest Co-ops in Jamaica Plain and Cambridge as well as Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center in Waltham. Among thanks for abundant blessings, my deepest gratitude goes to our advertisers, especially those that gave us the opportunity to successfully launch our premiere issue and have grown stronger right along with us. We appreciate everyone that has enabled us to deliver on our standing promise “to help you improve the quality of your life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” This love letter includes our distributors, contributors, local team members, national support staff and, of course, every loyal reader that reads this magazine from cover to cover, month after month. As always, these pages are packed with goodies; in this issue we celebrate care for Planet Earth and essentials to a healthy life. Don’t miss “Green Home Checklist,” on page 20, where Crissy Trask takes us on a room-by-room tour of steps we can take today to green up our lifestyle. Jonathan Kava, owner of Green Homes Carpet Cleaning, offers helpful tips in “Green Carpet Cleaning 101,” on page 23. Brita Belli highlights the benefits of capturing and reusing rainwater in “Every Drop Counts,” on page 26; my editor recently connected a small cistern hand-pump to a newly installed rain barrel and now has an easy source for watering house plants with the best water around—just a hint of the possibilities. You’ll find fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Day all month long and beyond in “Mobilize for Earth,” on page 24. See you around! Happy Spring,

Editors Karen Adams S. Alison Chabonais Kim Childs Writers Colleen Chausse Kim Childs Jonathan Kava Igor Kharitonenkov Design & Production Stephen Blancett Kim Cerne Zina Cochran Helene Leininger Franchise Sales John Voell II 239-530-1377 P.O. Box 1149 Brookline, MA 02446 Phone: 617-906-0232 Fax: 877-907-1406 NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com Maisie@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com © 2012 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Maisie Raftery, Publisher

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

newsbriefs Cleaning and Sanitizing Without Toxic Chemicals

ynnfield Green Technologies announces the distribution of ToucanEco, a device that produces a harmless yet effective cleaning and sanitizing solution composed of table salt, tap water and a small charge of electricity. When the chloride ion in salt is separated from the sodium ion, it is electrochemically converted to hypochlorous acid, a sanitizer. The remaining sodium ion is electrochemically converted into sodium hydroxide, which is a basic element in many cleaning solutions. “Environmental Protection Agency tests determined that the Toucan-Eco is 80 times more effective than chlorine bleach when used as a sanitizer, yet it’s harmless to humans and pets,” says Patrick Lucci, managing director of Lynnfield Green Technologies. “There has not been such a breakthrough in the cleaning and sanitizing world in recent history that can match the performance of this simple device. Even ‘green’ chemicals cannot come close to the safety and cost savings of the Toucan-Eco.” Lucci notes that test results are available by request. For more information about Toucan-Eco, contact Lynnfield Green Technologies at 617-480-1119 or visit LynnfieldGreenTech.com. See ad on page 15.

Yoga and Creativity Retreats in Rockport

yengar yoga teacher Annie Hoffman of Art and Soul studio, in Cambridge, is leading two weekend retreats on yoga and creativity in Rockport this summer. The retreats will take place June 22 through 24 and June 29 through July 1, with an option to stay for a creativity workshop during the week. The retreats begin at 6 p.m. on Friday evening and end at noon on Sunday. “These retreats will offer a unique integration of the power of place with the introspection of yogic mind,” says Hoffman. “Practitioners will build community through conversation and connection to self, others and nature.” Hoffman says the weekends will include five hours of guided yoga each day, along with movement, play, and time to walk in silence outdoors. Ayurvedic practitioner Veronica Wolff will prepare ayurvedic meals for retreat participants, and artist Johnny Lapham of The Big Hand will offer optional art-making workshops in the afternoons and during the week between retreats. Cost: $325 per person. For more information, call 781-643-4159, email Annie HoffmanYoga@yahoo.com or visit AnnieHoffmanYoga.com. See YPF Directory listing on page 17. natural awakenings

April 2012

newsbriefs Shawn’s Studio Introduces Pilates Reformer Group Classes

hawn’s Studio, in Watertown, now offers Pilates reformer group classes at its newly expanded and specially designed studio. With a maximum of four participants, the classes provide a cost-effective way to achieve fitness and wellness goals in a comfortable and private setting. “Regardless of whether a client is aiming for greater strength, flexibility, body awareness or pain relief, the reformer group classes are simply a fun way Shawn Giles to exercise,” says studio owner Shawn Giles. “Pilates has the power to transform body, mind and spirit at the deepest level, and group class participation is a wonderful way to supplement private Pilates instruction or stand alone as a means to attain optimal health.” Maja Giles, marketing director for the studio, says the new classes will take place in a room that is aesthetically designed to stimulate the senses. “Our clients often report feeling invigorated, balanced or rejuvenated after a session, and these qualities are echoed by the vibrant yet soothing color scheme and raw materials that characterize the group studio.” Shawn’s Studio is located at 103 Morse St., Watertown. For more information, call 617-393-3535 or visit ShawnsStudio.com. See YPF Directory listing on page 17.

Participants Needed for BIDMC Study on Yogic Breathing

he Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is studying the effects of yogic breathing (pranayama) on the autonomic nervous system, and Boston-area yoga practitioners are invited to participate. The study requires two visits to the research laboratory for a total of six hours. BIDMC is conducting the research in conjunction with Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Suzie Bertisch, a clinician investigator at BIDMC and instructor at Harvard Medical School who focuses on sleep disorders, will lead the study. Funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health, the research will examine the relationship between mind-body practices and the autonomic nervous system. “There are claims made about the ways yoga and similar meditative practices improve cardiovascular disease, yet few high-quality scientific studies support these claims,” says Bertisch. “Improving our understanding of the mechanisms of yoga will help to promote its practice and, more importantly, help integrate the practice into mainstream medicine and engage more people.” For more information, call 617-754-1439 or email SBertisc@bidmc.Harvard.edu. See ad on page 17.

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

Voices of Boys and Men to Fill Scullers for a Good Cause

oys to Men New England presents “Voices of Boys and Men,” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on April 22 at Scullers Jazz Club, in Boston. Proceeds from the concert will benefit this adult-teen mentoring network, creating scholarships for training and allowing the work to reach more boys and men. “Boys need mentorship from healthy, caring, adult men in their lives, and adult men have a place inside where they yearn to mentor,” says board member and organizer Linda Marks. “Boys to Men New England is working to create emotional literacy in boys and men through trainings, community and connection. This work is much needed in communities, schools, families and organizations.” “Voices of Boys and Men” will feature a variety of performers, including such nationally and regionally acclaimed musicians as singer/songwriter David Roth, father-son duo Jesse and Jack Gauthier, the barbershop group Sounds of Concord, cabaret singer Jay Uhler and hip-hop artist/poet Remon Jourdan. Guest speakers will be present to relay stories about the need for mentorship among boys, and Tina Gao from Magic 106.7FM will act as master of ceremonies. The evening will begin with a silent auction and include a film clip about the work of Boys to Men. Scullers is located at 400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston. For more information, call 617-913-0683, email lsmheart@aol.com or visit BoysToMenNewEngland.org. natural awakenings

April 2012

newsbriefs New Classes in Belmont for Core and Pelvic-Floor Support

Dr. Brent Smith

Dr. Brent Smith Joins Arlington Chiropractic

r. Gregory Bauer of Arlington Chiropractic is pleased to welcome Dr. Brent Smith to his growing practice. Smith is a licensed activerelease-technique provider and certified chiropractic nutritionist who will help to expand the hours of availability at Arlington Chiropractic. “It’s become obvious to me over this past year that we needed to make some changes in order to better accommodate our patients,” says Bauer. “We began searching for an extraordinary doctor who would be the right fit for our practice and we found Dr. Smith, a warm, caring and skilled chiropractor with the finest credentials.” Prior to joining Arlington Chiropractic, Smith practiced in St. Louis, where he focused on family health and sports medicine. A former collegiate soccer player, Smith understands the demands placed on active bodies and hopes to help more people lead pain-free, healthy lives. “I’m impressed with Dr. Smith’s tendency to go above and beyond basic continuing-education licensing requirements,” Bauer adds. “He participates in multiple advanced-rehabilitation, soft-tissue and nutrition seminars and has a true love of learning.” For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 781-648-4000 or visit ArlingtonChiropractice.com.

onna Ognibene, owner of Bodytrio studio, in Belmont, is please to announce two new and unique classes for those looking to target and strengthen core and pelvic-floor muscles. PelviCore is a functional workout that gets the core muscles moving in a strong, coordinated manner. Developed by a physical therapist, this cardiovascular workout was designed to enhance strength, coordination and balance in the abdomen, hips, back, gluteal muscles and pelvic floor. “A missing link in many fitness programs is an awareness of the Donna Ognibene pelvic floor as a very important part of the core, and an area where many experience long-term discomfort and weakness,” says Ognibene. “Many traditional classes can, in fact, further exacerbate pelvic floor and core weaknesses or related problems.” The other new class is Bodytrio Barre, which offers dynamic balance and standing core work, unlike abdominal work that is usually done on the floor. “Our own Total Body class with the addition of barre work optimizes cardio, strength, flexibility and balance using fun and functional movements that translate to everyday wellness as well as athletics,” says Ognibene. “The barre acts as an additional prop and has nothing to do with dance or ballet, but everything to do with length and strength.” Bodytrio is located at 21 Alexander Ave., Belmont. For more information, call 617-489-1319, email info@Bodytrio.com or visit Bodytrio.com. See YPF Directory listing on page 17.

Mindfulness-Based StressReduction Program at Visions HealthCare

isions HealthCare in Wellesley, presents an eightweek program on mindfulness-based stress-reduction this spring. The program begins with a free, no-obligation orientation at 7 p.m. on April 11 at Visions. “The Mindfulness-Based StressReduction program designed by Jon Kabat-Zinn is gradually becoming recognized by the medical world as having positive effects on physical and mental health,” says Stephanie Travers, marketing coordinator at Visions HealthCare. “Our orientation offers a free opportunity to experience mindfulness, perhaps for the first time, as well as an effective way for frequent meditators to take their practice further.” Visions’ mindfulness facilitator Patricia Howard says the eight-week program will enable people to take an active role in their health on all levels. “Most people are bombarded by their thought processes and they beat themselves up and belittle themselves,” she says. “In eight weeks they can learn to witness their thought processes without being driven by them.” Visions HealthCare is an integrative medical and wellness center located on Route 9, at 170 Worcester St., 2nd flr., Wellesley. For more information or to register, call 781-431-1333, ext. 131, email Marketing@VisionsMedical.com or visit VisionsMedical.com.

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

newsbriefs

Free Earth Day Green Film Fest at Suffolk University

he Foundation for a Green Future will present a free Earth Day Green Film Festival at Suffolk University, in downtown Boston, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 22. The four films will be shown in the Function Room of Suffolk University Law School, and discussions will follow each screening. The festival includes the prizewinning documentaries Dreamland and Future of Hope from Iceland, the Canadian film H2Oil about the oil sands in Alberta and Hip Hop Rev, a lighter film about the work of a religious leader who motivates inner-city youth to think green. “These films have the capacity to be life-transforming,” says Karen Weber, executive director of Foundation for a Green Future, Inc. “They allow us to take in the visual impact of what our planet is experiencing and, hopefully, motivate us to start making a difference.” The Earth Day Green Film Festival is co-sponsored by Boston Youth Environmental Network. Light refreshments will be served and visitors are welcome for one or all of the films. The Suffolk University Law School Function Room is located at 120 Tremont St., Boston. For more information, call 617-477-4840, email info@BostonGreenFest.org or visit BostonGreenFest.org.

natural awakenings

April 2012

newsbriefs Mindfulness Series Offered at Newton Community Education

ewton Community Education (NCE) presents a mindfulness series from April to June. Class offerings include Kabbalah: A Method of Healing, Mindful Parenting, Introduction to Mind Body Healing, and Buddhist Meditation Without Belief. Another series called Mindfulness: The Adventure of Living Well consists of four talks by leading practitioners and teachers of mindfulness. NCE also offers several types of yoga classes on an ongoing basis. “Our classes offer students a multitude of experiences to enrich their lives and bring them greater well-being,” says NCE Marketing Associate Paula Spies. “Our knowledgeable teachers will meet students where they’re at and help them to use these techniques in their daily lives.” NCE director Ed Hauben says that his own experiences with the transformative power of mindfulness led him to introduce this series. “At NCE I have embarked on a journey of providing a broad range of mind, body and soul classes. Our goal is to give the community greater access to a variety of teachings and teachers of mindfulness in order for participants to experience greater peace and harmony.” NCE is a self-sustaining branch of the Newton Public Schools and is open to all students, regardless of residence. Classes and talks take place at Newton North and South High Schools. For more information or to register, call 617-559-6999, email Staff@ NewtonCommunityEd.org or visit NewtonCommunityEd.org.

Free Program with Spiritual Teacher Mirabai Devi

piritual teacher and healer Mirabai Devi will host a free program called Awakening to Divine Love, from 4 to 8 p.m. on April 21 at the First Church in Boston. The event will begin with a spiritual discourse offering guidance for a new paradigm of healing, abundance, joy, love and bliss. A meditation follows the talk and leads up to what Devi calls a “light transmission” for each individual who wishes to receive one. This part Mirabai Devi of the program is accompanied by devotional call-andresponse chanting known as kirtan. “The transmission of divine light into your soul activates and awakens you to your true divine nature,” says event co-organizer Matt McDonald. “This transmission is called ‘shaktipat,’ or awakening of the inner spiritual energy, which accelerates the soul’s evolution, removes karma and purifies the energy centers of the body. As Mirabai often says, it’s impossible for the light not to work, as that is its nature.” Guests are invited to arrive at the start of the program or join it in progress. The First Church in Boston: Unitarian Universalist is located at 66 Marlborough St., Boston. For more information, call Sandy Blackman at 301-318-6936, email at Sandy@MirabaiDevi.org or visit MirabaiDevi.org.

Free Series on Integrative Medicine and Mental Health at Johnson Compounding

ohnson Compounding and Wellness Center, in Waltham, will host a free seminar series this spring that explores the use of integrative medicine in psychiatry and mental-health treatment. The seminar will address the limitations of psychotropic medications and explore why the current trial-and-error, “polypharmacy” approach to the treatment of mental illness also may be Dr. James Greenblatt limited. Sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on two Saturdays, April 4 and May 9. Dr. James Greenblatt, a dually board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, will present. The seminar will cover evidence-based research on nutritional therapies used to treat mental illness and emphasize nutritional factors that can be assessed through laboratory testing. “ADHD, anxiety, anorexia, depression, autism and other mental-health disorders often have dietary or biological causes that can be treated effectively once the underlying issues are known,” says Greenblatt. “Such factors as intestinal pathogens, inadequate protein consumption, food allergies and nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, gastrointestinal disorders and enzyme deficiencies can all contribute to improper brain chemistry.” Greenblatt is the founder and medical director of Comprehensive Psychiatric Resources, Inc., a multidisciplinary psychiatric group practice in Waltham. The seminar series is free to the public. For professionals interested in CEUs, $25 will be collected on-site for each session. Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center is located at 577 Main St., Waltham. For more information, call 781-647-0066 or visit ComprehensivePsychiatric Resources.com. See ad on page 11.

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

newsbriefs Natural Awakenings Enters Boston and Brookline

national provider of news and information about healthy living and a healthy Earth will spread into Boston and Brookline this month. The Natural Awakenings SE Middlesex County edition, a niche publication that has been issued on a monthly basis since April 2011, will be available for the first time in parts of Boston and Brookline in April under the new name Natural Awakenings Boston. Natural Awakenings will still be found in Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, Newton, Waltham, Lexington and Concord. Publisher Maisie Raftery plans to continue expanding into new sites each month in order to reach as many readers as possible in the Greater Boston area. Readership will increase from the current 28,000-plus to 37,000-plus. The publication also has a new website, NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com, and email address, Maisie@NaturalAwakenings Boston.com. “I am absolutely ecstatic that we’re going to be able to connect even more readers with helpful, cutting-edge, healthy-living information as well as with amazing advertisers whose core mission is to help improve the lives of those in the community,” says Raftery. “The level of receptivity by both the health-conscious public and advertisers since we launched has been incredible and we expect this to continue to grow with this expansion.” Natural Awakenings is available for free in 87-plus markets nationwide with a total monthly readership of more than 3.5 million people. For more information or to recommend your favorite pick-up spot for distribution, please call Maisie Raftery at 617-906-0232 or email Maisie@NaturalAwakenings Boston.com.

Training in Buteyko Breathing Method for Asthma and Other Ailments

he department of otolaryngology at Boston Medical Center is offering a training program on the Buteyko breathing method from April 20 to 30. Hadas Golan, a Buteyko practitioner and speech pathologist, will co-lead the program. Golan says the Buteyko method, which effectively treated her own asthma, can relieve allergies, sleep apnea and snoring, hyperventilation syndrome, panic attacks, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic sinusitis and other stress-related diseases. “This is the first Buteyko training course offered in the Boston area,” Golan says. “While asthma, sleep apnea and anxiety disorders are on the rise, there is only one local practitioner of this clinically proven, natural and safe breath retraining technique.” Golan adds that people who suffer from asthma, sleep disorders and stress-related ailments will be invited to join classes that will be offered as part of the training course.

Boston Medical Center is located at 830 Harrison Ave., Boston. For information on prerequisites, payment and other details, call 617-414-1768 or email Hadas.Golan@ bmc.org. Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited. More information is available at http://www.bumc.bu.edu/integrativemed/files/2009/07/Save-the-dateButeyko-training-spring-2012-general.pdf. For more information about the Buteyko Breathing Educators Association, visit ButeykoEducators.org. See ad on page 9. natural awakenings

April 2012

healthbriefs

Sweet Stuff Combats Infections

oney’s use as a medicine was described on Sumerian clay tablets dating back 4,000 years, and ancient Egyptians made ointments of the sticky substance to treat wounds. Now, contemporary scientists have shown that manuka honey, which comes from New Zealand, could be an efficient way to clear chronically infected wounds and help reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Professor Rose Cooper, of the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, in the UK, has investigated how manuka honey interacts with bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Group A Streptococcus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). She discovered that the honey interfered with their growth, blocking the formation of biofilms that can wall off such bacteria from antibiotic remedies.

Unplug During Screen-Free Week

he American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time for children under 2 and less than two hours per day for older children. Yet, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 40 percent of 3-month-old infants are regular viewers of television and DVDs, and school-age kids spend nearly twice as many hours with screen media such as television, video games, computers and handheld devices as they spend attending school. To help kids, families, schools and communities turn off screens and turn on healthier activities, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) urges everyone to participate in Screen-Free Week, April 30 through May 6. CCFC is a national coalition of health care professionals, educators, advocacy groups, parents and individuals, with a mission to reclaim childhood from corporate marketers. “The commercialization of childhood is the link between many of the most serious problems facing children and society today,” advises CCFC Director Susan Linn. “Childhood obesity, eating disorders, youth violence, sexualization, family stress, underage alcohol and tobacco use, rampant materialism and the erosion of children’s creative play are all exacerbated by advertising and marketing.” Learn more about the weeklong event, efforts to restrict marketers’ access to children and how to help, at CommercialFreeChildhood.org.

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Qigong: a Boon for Cancer Patients

ancer patients that regularly practiced qigong, a 5,000-year-old combination of gentle exercise and meditation, for almost three months experienced significantly higher levels of well-being, improved cognitive functioning and less inflammation, compared to a control group. Dr. Byeongsang Oh, a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Sydney Medical School, in Australia, who led the study, says the reduced inflammation in patients that practiced medical qigong, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was particularly significant. The project involved 162 patients, aged 31 to 86; those assigned to the medical qigong group undertook a 10-week program of two supervised, 90-minute sessions per week. They were also asked to practice an additional 30 minutes at home each day. When the study began, there were no significant differences in measurements of quality of life, fatigue, mood status and inflammation between the intervention and control groups. However, “Patients that practiced medical qigong experienced significant improvements in quality of life, including greater physical, functional, social and emotional well-being, while the control group deteriorated in all of these areas,” reports Oh. He remarks that the study is the first such trial to measure the impact of medical qigong in patients with cancer. “Several studies have indicated that chronic inflammation is associated with cancer incidence, progression and even survival,” Oh explains. He presented the findings at a recent American Society of Clinical Oncology conference. natural awakenings

April 2012

globalbriefs Pocket Calculator

New Gadget Measures a Family’s Eco-Footprints A brand-new online environmental tool from Low Impact Living, the Impact Calculator, measures the many footprints of a household’s lifestyle. With it, families can assess their specific carbon, energy, water, trash, wastewater and stormwater-runoff amounts. Then, by entering the Zip code and home size, it encapsulates in one number the overall environmental footprint compared with a typical home in the region, suggests green home and lifestyle projects and saves a profile, along with project notes, for future reference.

Bug Muscle

Biomimicry Presents a Solution for Drought With global temperatures continuing to rise and droughts expected to become more severe, Australian Edward Linacre has designed a beetle-inspired device called Airdrop that is capable of extracting water from even the driest desert air. His invention recently won the prestigious global James Dyson award. “Biomimicry is a powerful weapon in an engineer’s armory,” comments Dyson. Linacre, a graduate of Swinburne University of Technology, in Melbourne, wanted to solve the drought problem afflicting parts of his country. The lack of rain has brought dry, damaged soil, dead crops and mounting debt for farmers. Rather than using complex, energy-intensive methods such as desalination or tapping into underground water sources, Airdrop’s source of water, the air, can be used anywhere in the world. The device delivers water to the roots of crops in dry areas by pushing air through a network of underground pipes and cooling it to the degree at which moisture condenses; then the water is pumped to the roots. Linacre was inspired by the Namib beetle, which survives in areas that receive just half an inch of rain per year by consuming the dew it collects on the hydrophilic skin of its back. Find more info at Tinyurl. com/6ts34y5.

To use the calculator, visit Tinyurl.com/59ksp3.

Find Out

Hallmarks of a Smart Green Development Anyone that has ever wondered whether a new community development is environmentally friendly and should be supported will appreciate the hands-on introduction in A Citizen’s Guide to LEED for Neighborhood Development, published by the National Resources Defense Council. NRDC experts developed the guide to help promote more widespread adoption of sustainable practices and create more inclusive, healthy and environmentally sound places. Download the guide at Tinyurl.com/4xuuxsz.

Honk Honk

Driving Less and Enjoying it More Only 31 percent of American 16-year-olds had a driver’s license in 2008, down from 46 percent in 1983, according to a University of Michigan study published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention. Eighteen-year-old legal drivers decreased from 80 to 65 percent over the same period, as did adults in their 20s and 30s, although by not as much. A new survey by the car-sharing company Zipcar confirmed that those with licenses are trying to drive less, as well. Altogether, more than half of drivers under the age of 44 are making efforts to reduce the time they spend in traffic. Factors supporting this trend include the high cost of gas and insurance, tighter restrictions on teen drivers in many states and congested roads. In addition, Michael Sivak, a research professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, cites the importance of the Internet. “It is possible that the availability of virtual contact through electronic means reduces the need for actual contact among young people.” He also points out that, “Some young people feel that driving interferes with texting and other electronic communication.” Public transit is filling part of the vacuum. The United States, which has long trailed other countries in mass transit usage, is catching on among younger generations. Source: Grist.org

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Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

natural awakenings

April 2012

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Join our directory! Maisie – 617-906-0232 Maisie@ NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

natural awakenings

April 2012

greencommunityspotlight

New England Renewable Energy Systems: A Holistic Approach to Green Energy by Kim Childs

d Malloy, president of New England Renewable Energy Systems, spent years in the semiconductor business, where he worked on the design, application and marketing of computer chips. This made him familiar with silicon manufacturing and sparked his interest in silicon-based solar photovoltaic (solar PV) cells, used to create energy. As Malloy explored the state of solar and other renewable energies, he determined that they weren’t being introduced to building markets in an effective way. Last year he opened the offices of New England Renewable Energy Systems, in Weymouth and Hyannis, to offer what he calls a “holistic approach” to integrating renewable energy technologies. Natural Awakenings wanted to learn more about Malloy’s philosophy. What do you mean by a “holistic approach” to fitting buildings with renewable energy? Some people may aim to meet the heating and cooling or electrical needs of a building with a single renewable solution, but that’s not looking at all the variables and what’s best for that particular building or geographical site. It may also not fit the financial profile of the building owners. “Holistic” to me is saying, “Let’s look at the building itself, consider its needs and how it can be improved, and consider all energy

Ed Malloy and daughter Erin.

sources integrated into a single solution that’s based on the characteristics of the building or community.” For example, solar PV is not always the best solution for a building, or at least not until we reduce its electrical load. Geothermal may not be the ideal solution for a building until we consider better insulation to reduce the heating and cooling needs. If a home or community is located in an area where wind power is not appropriate, we’d look to implement geothermal or a combination of geothermal and solar PV. Solar thermal is another technology with the added benefit of heating water in the home.

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

So combinations of these technologies can lead to a better solution when they’re collectively applied. The other point is that renewable technologies can complement non-renewable solutions, which reduces the dependence on fossil fuels. So you might recommend changes to a building before any new technologies are installed? Yes. You can modify the envelope of the building so that it’s more energy-efficient to reduce the size, and therefore cost, of the heating and cooling technology you’re implementing. While we don’t do energy audits, we sometimes

recommend them to determine how the envelope can be improved before we move forward in creating a highefficiency energy system. Changes that can improve energy-efficiency include better insulation, new windows and doors and blown in insulation, all of which are relatively inexpensive and help to reduce heat loss. Reducing the building’s electrical load through more energy-efficient appliances and lighting is another step. What kinds of clients are you serving? We have large-hotel clients, private homes and commercial buildings, and we’re working with developers and contractors who plan to adopt more renewable solutions. One example is a community geothermal loop we’re helping to install in Provincetown. The project includes nine homes on a single geothermal loop. Each home will be heated and cooled from the stored energy beneath the Earth’s surface. We’re also installing 26 large-scale geothermal units at Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod. Are more people embracing renewable energy despite the upfront costs? The commercial industry is willing to adopt these new technologies sooner than the residential because it’s often more compelling. Renewable energy offers predictable costs that are lower and less volatile, especially geothermal. But if these investments weren’t being subsidized or incentivized by the government, there would be a much slower rate of adoption. These technologies and methods of retrofitting the buildings can be expensive, but the costs are tempered by government subsidies. As a result of these incentives, tax credits and utility rebates, the rate of return on your investment is much faster, and typically it’s within five years. In my home, we installed a combination of high-efficiency gas and solar thermal and it’s reduced our heating costs by nearly 50 percent. Not only is this saving us money, it’s improving the value of our home. New England Renewable Energy Systems serves clients in Boston, Cape Cod, Metro West and the South Shore. For more information, call 855-637-3639 or visit NERenewable.com. See ad on page 2. natural awakenings

April 2012

GREEN HOME CHECKLIST Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now by Crissy Trask

reen living is being embraced by more folks than ever, in ways both large and small, giving the Earth some much-needed kindness. If you’re interested in some good ideas that fall between a total home solar installation and basic recycling—with many delivering big impacts—check out Natural Awakenings’ room-by-room green checklist. You’ll find inspired, practical changes that are doable starting right now.

Kitchen

pounds of food waste, according to University of Arizona research—at large economic and environmental cost. Buying more fresh food than we can eat before the expiration date is up and allowing leftovers to expire in the fridge are culprits. “Drawing up menus and avoiding buying on impulse can help,” advises Green. Compost food scraps at home or sign up for curbside composting, if it’s offered locally. Disposing of food in garbage disposals or landfills is not environmentally sound.

4 Eat up food. Each year, a typical household discards an estimated 474

4 Dispense with disposables. Replace disposable paper and plastic products with durable, lasting alternatives: cloth napkins instead of paper; dishwashersafe serving ware instead of single-use paper or plastic; glass or recycled food storage containers in place of throwaway plastic bags and wrap; and

The kitchen can be a hot spot for waste. Eileen Green, with EcoEvaluator.com, says that reducing waste, conserving water and increasing energy efficiency are all important considerations within an environmentally friendly kitchen.

natural fiber dishcloths to replace paper towels and plastic sponges.

4 Clean naturally. Chemical powerhouses have become the norm in household cleaning products, but they are not essential. Non-toxic cleaners are up to the task, from cleaning a sink to an oven. 4 Shop for the Energy Star logo. Appliances bearing the Energy Star logo are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than standard ones. This translates to significant savings in annual operating costs. 4 Filter water with less waste. Bottled water is expensive and wasteful. Instead, purchase a home-filtering system that uses recycled or reusable filters. On the road, carry tasty filtered water in a reusable glass bottle. 4 Conserve water. Run dishwashers only when fully loaded and fill the sink with water, rather than running it down the drain, when washing by hand. Use water only to wet and rinse; otherwise turn it off. 4 Phase out non-stick skillets. Teflon coatings can leach toxins when damaged or overheated. Play it safe and begin assembling a set of cookware that includes properly seasoned cast iron, which is naturally non-stick. 4 Avoid cheap reusable shopping bags. Flimsy reusable bags end up as trash within a few months under normal use. Buy a set of high quality reusable bags that will give years of use.

Bedrooms

“Most people spend more time in the bedroom than in any other room of the

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

house,” remarks Huffington Post Eco Etiquette columnist Jennifer Grayson. “So it’s important to focus on making bedrooms as green and healthy as possible.” She advocates paying special attention to sleepwear, bedding and furniture people sleep on.

4 Go wireless. It’s impossible to com-

4 Start with a good foundation. Box springs can be constructed of plywood or particleboard, which commonly contain formaldehyde, classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a toxic air contaminant by the state of California. Choose those that have been certified as formaldehyde-free or with low emissions. A platform bed made of Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests, is a healthy alternative.

4 Forget fabric softeners. Most fabric softeners contain highly toxic chemicals that latch onto sheets and can be inhaled or absorbed directly into the bloodstream through skin. Instead, add a quarter-cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to soften sheets and other laundry.

4 Don’t sleep on a cloud of chemicals.

In a typical U.S. home, the washing machine accounts for 21 percent of home water use and combined, the washer and dryer comprise 5 to 8 percent of home energy demands. Diane MacEachern, founder of BigGreenPurse.com and author of Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World, explains that a good way to conserve key resources is to use these appliances less—reducing the number of loads and drying items on outdoor clotheslines or indoor racks. MacEachern says, “You can probably wash things like sweatshirts and blue jeans less frequently without much consequence, and a clothesline requires no energy other than the sun.” Also, make sure that whatever goes into the washer or dryer with clothes is nontoxic, or else you’ll be wearing toxic chemical residues next to your skin all day, cautions MacEachern.

“If your face is pressed up against a conventional mattress for seven hours a night, then you’re going to be breathing in whatever chemicals are off-gassing from that mattress for seven hours a night,” warns Grayson. Mattresses are commonly treated with fire-retardant chemicals to comply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rules. To avoid toxic chemicals like the hydrocarbon toluene, emitted from mattresses stuffed with polyurethane foam, instead look for untreated, wool-covered mattresses (wool is a natural fire retardant) filled with natural latex or containing a spring system wrapped with organic cotton batting. Non-organic cotton production relies on lots of hazardous synthetic chemicals in its production. Organic cotton, linen and wool bedding are safer bets, especially when certified to meet strict environmental standards.

4 Block the afternoon sun. During

the day, shut off air-conditioning vents inside bedrooms and block the afternoon sun with interior or exterior solar shades. By day’s end, even in warm climates, bedrooms should be cool enough for sleeping with the addition of a slight breeze from an open window or a slow-running floor or ceiling fan.

pletely avoid electromagnetic radiation from today’s technologies, so lower exposure in the bedroom by removing electronic devices and placing electrical items at least five feet away from the bed.

4 Install a clothesline. Running a dryer for just 40 minutes can use the energy equivalent of a 15-watt, compact fluorescent bulb lit for a week. Stretch out a line and hang clothes outside to dry in the fresh air to save about $100 a year on electric bills. The sun imparts a disinfectant benefit as a bonus. 4 Replace an old machine. A washer or dryer that is older than 10 years has hidden costs. EnergyStar.gov notes that an older machine uses more energy and can cost from 10 to 75 percent more to operate than a new, high-efficiency appliance.

4 Leave the lights off. Motion-detecting nightlights save energy while allowing safe passage in the wee hours.

Laundry Room

4 Select cold water. On average, only 10 percent of the energy used by a clothes washer runs the machine; the other 90 percent goes to heat the water. The typical American household does about 400 loads of laundry each year, resulting in much energy squandered on hot water. With the exception of laundering greasy spots or stubborn stains, routinely wash in cold water, using a cold-water eco-detergent.

4 Choose eco-friendly laundry products. Conventional laundry soaps contain chemicals that can be problematic for us and wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. Look for cold-water brands that are fragrance- and phosphate-free. 4 Switch to concentrates. Concentrated detergents translate to less energy used in shipping, less waste and more value. 4 Stop static cling without dryer sheets. Never over-dry clothes and always dry natural fibers separately from synthetics to prevent static cling.

Bathroom

The smallest room in the house is a disproportionately large contributor to household environmental impacts. In an average non-conservation-minded American home, 38,000 gallons of water annually go down the drains and toilet. “Along with that water,” says MacEachern, “You’ll be washing lots of personal care and cleaning products down the drain, as well, where they could get into local natural water supplies and make life difficult for birds, frogs and fish.” Sara Snow, television host and author of Sara Snow’s Fresh Living: The Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home, cautions against personal skin care products with questionable chemical ingredients. “A good percentage of them are being absorbed right into our bloodstream, so focus on ingredients that do no harm; ones that help our bodies instead, such as nourishing and healing botanicals.”

natural awakenings

April 2012

4 Slow the flow. Ultra-efficient show-

erheads use as little as 1 gallon per minute (gpm); aerated types that mix air into the water stream to enhance pressure provide a good soak and rinse using less than half the water than some other low-flow showerheads. At the sink, aerators should flow between 0.5 and 1 gpm—plenty of pressure for brushing teeth and washing hands.

4 Flush responsibly. According to the EPA, the toilet alone can use 27 percent of household water. Replace older toilets (pre-1994) with new, higher efficiency models for savings of two to six gallons per flush. 4 Heat water wisely. A tankless water heater supplies instantaneous hot water only as needed. Or, install a timer on a traditional water heater to cut warming time to a few hours a day at most. 4 Shun a plastic shower curtain. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been called

“the poison plastic” for its highly toxic lifecycle, which includes the release of dioxins into the air and water. These toxic chemicals persist in ecosystems and can cause cancer. PVC shower curtains are also a short-life product that cannot be recycled, so switch to a PVC-free alternative. Organic hemp is the eco-shower curtain gold standard. 4 Ban antibacterial products. Triclosan is a popular antibacterial agent found in many household cleaners, hand soaps, cosmetics and even toothpaste. It’s also a registered pesticide and probable human carcinogen that’s showing up in the environment and children’s urine. The Mayo Clinic suggests that triclosan may contribute to the development of antibioticresistant germs and harm the immune system, making us more susceptible to bacteria.

4 Install a shower filter that removes

GO-TO RESOURCES Urban composting solution BokashiComposting.com Toxins in consumer products Toxipedia.org Eco-water filters Brita.com/your-brita/recycle-your-filter BritishBerkefeld.com TerraFlo.com/recycle.htm

Textile certifications Tinyurl.com/7wd9vlr PVC fact sheet MyHouseIsYourHouse.org/pvcfacts.html Radiation exposure facts epa.gov/radtown/index.html Safe cosmetics and personal care products ewg.org/skindeep

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

chlorine. Chlorine, which is increasingly being linked to some cancers, is used by many municipalities to disinfect water supplies. People absorb more chlorine through the skin and by inhaling chlorine vapors when bathing and showering than from drinking it.

4 Use recycled and unbleached paper products. Using recycled bath tissue helps close the recycling loop on all the paper we dutifully recycle at the curb. Unbleached varieties keep chlorine byproducts like dioxins out of the environment. 4 Remove bad odors instead of covering them up. In a University of California study, chemical air fresheners were found to have higher concentrations of polluting volatile organic compounds (VOC) than any other household cleaning product. Long-term exposure to some VOCs have been linked with adverse health effects. This Natural Awakenings checklist suggests steps that are possible in making any home healthier, safer and more enjoyable. Start checking off items today and begin shrinking the family’s ecological footprint right away. Crissy Trask is the founder of Green Matters.com and author of the bestselling, It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living. Follow her at Twitter.com/greenmatters.

Green Carpet Cleaning 101 by Jonathan Kava

n important way to go green at home is to use green carpet and rug cleaning practices, whether you do it yourself or hire a service. Greater well-being is the number one reason to do this, as health problems linked to traditional carpet cleaning products include elevated cancer risk, liver and kidney damage, skin rashes, headaches, nausea, fertility problems and the aggravation of asthma. Going green isn’t as easy as choosing products off the shelf that are labeled “green.” It’s important to check for the following harmful ingredients when choosing carpet cleaning solutions: perchloroethylene (dry cleaning fluid), butoxyethanol, dichloromethane, glycol ethers, and petroleum distillates, a term that covers a wide swath of dangerous chemicals. When cleaning home or office carpets with a rented machine, you may need to forgo the carpet cleaning solution that comes with the machine and order something different if any of these five chemicals are present. Those hiring a cleaning service should call and inquire about the products that will be used, and anyone buying carpet cleaning solutions should call the manufacturer and request the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The company should be able to email or fax a copy of the MSDS that same day, or they may feature the information on their website. When reviewing the data sheet, check for the presence of the five ingredients listed above and choose another product, if needed. Fortunately, there are many good green carpet cleaning products on the market, and most are based on a variety of plant-derived detergents that

may include one or more of the following: coconut oil derivatives, orange oil derivatives, plant seed oils, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or enzymes. The newest, cutting-edge trend in green carpet cleaning is to use electrolyzed water. This is salt and water that have been passed over electrically charged metal plates and separated into alkaline and acid components. The alkaline portion of the water is then used as a cleaning solution. While some people express concern about the use of ethyl alcohol or ammonia in cleaning products, they do

not usually pose a health problem or risk. While ammonia in any moderate concentration is caustic, most carpet cleaners use it for spot removal, which allows the fumes to fully dissipate before anyone would notice them. Ammonia is a natural by-product of the metabolism of some animals, especially bacteria, and not a carcinogen. Jonathan Kava is the owner of Green Homes Carpet Cleaning, located in Frank- lin. For more information ,visit GreenHomesCarpetCleaning.com or call 774-571-1973.

natural awakenings

April 2012

Participate in creating the Earth Day River Ceremony to honor our home – this Earth. Two River Ceremony Workshops are scheduled to be held at a spot on our local rivers. We will explore as naturalists and historians, and build sculpture for the place. For workshop location, contact CC King at SammyKat@comcast.net.

MOBILIZE FOR

EARTH

Pledge a Green Act for Earth Day 2012

arge or small, each green action we take—from workplace commitments to reduce, reuse and recycle to individual initiatives like riding a bike to work—helps to protect the integrity of our irreplaceable planet. We have come a long way from the first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, that activated 20 million Americans. Today, the Earth Day Network (EDN) collaborates with 22,000 partners in 192 countries, and 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the world’s largest annual civic observance. More progress is needed, however. “This Earth Day, we are mobilizing people on the planet simply to say one thing: The Earth won’t wait,” advises EDN Director of Earth Day, Franklin Russell, noting that environmental issues are frequently put on the back burner in the face of global economic challenges. “All too often, we hear of another oil spill or pipeline break, or another mountain leveled to mine for dirty coal. It’s time that we mobilize the Earth and speak with one voice, one message,” he asserts. “It’s time that our leaders put us on the path to sustainability.” EDN invites us to help build the momentum by continuing to participate in the Billion Acts of Green campaign launched for Earth Day 2011. Its goal is to record a billion acts of environmental service and advocacy before 24

Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, taking place this June, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To date, more than 499 million acts have been pledged—a powerful cause for hope. “I’m resolutely optimistic,” says Denis Hayes, organizer of the original Earth Day. “I think it’s really valuable for everyone in the world, even for a day, to do something for the environment and think about the Earth.”

Take Part Now

Pledge your own green act today at EarthDay.org and help mobilize the Earth by attending and supporting one or more of these local Earth Day 2012 events. Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration! Saturday, April 14, 10am at Mass Audubon’s Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Norfolk Come out to Stony Brook for a day of timely demonstrations and information sharing, children’s nature games and crafts. Throughout the day there will be demonstrations in tree planting, pruning techniques and composting. http://Calendar.Boston.com/Norfolkma/Events/Show/238018885-Earth-Day Arbor-Day-Celebration Earth Day River Ceremony Workshops Saturday, April 14, 1pm - 4pm Sunday, April 22, 1pm - 4pm

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) Park Serve Day Saturday, April 16, Starts 9am Multiple Locations Statewide Join friends and neighbors on this statewide day of volunteer service to get Massachusetts state parks and beaches, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, ready for summer. Help clean up trails and coastlines, plant flowers, paint picnic tables and more. Last year, more than 4,100 Bay Staters pitched in to help. ParkServ.Env.State.ma.us/ The Race Against Extinction 5K Road Race Sunday, April 17, 11am Start Time Artesani Park 1255 Soldiers Field Rd., Brighton Join us in The Race Against Extinction 5K Race. We are looking for athletes and non-athletes alike including runners, walkers, rollerbladers and pets. Active.com/Running/Boston-ma/TheRace-Against-Extinction-5k-2011 A Whale of a 5k Trail Race, Kid’s Fun Run and Earth Day Celebration Saturday, April 21, 9am - 12pm Walk, run or just have fun! • The 5k Trail Race brings you through forest, the rocky shore and sandy beach, and alongside historic military fortifications. Competitive and noncompetitive runners and walkers are welcome. Prizes will be awarded. • The Kid’s Fun Run, for ages 12 and under, includes a 100-yard dash and/ or a ½-mile run. All participants win a prize! Race families and spectators can visit the Center for no charge between 9 am-12 pm on Race Day. Proceeds support our environmental education efforts. For information and to register: SeacoastScienceCenter.org/Events/

13th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup Saturday, April 21, 9am -12pm Sites all along the Charles River and its tributaries. crwa.org/Cleanup.html Wild Wind Discover Day Saturday, April 21, 10am - 4pm Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln Join us from 10am to 4pm as we explore the mystery and power of the wind. Family-friendly activities include a wind turbine design challenge, recycled crafts and sustainable energy demonstrations. Don’t miss the live raptors in our birds of prey demonstrations! Activities are free with paid admission or membership. 781-259-2200 DrumlinFarm@MassAudubon.org Earth Day Celebration & Environmental Fair Saturday, April 21, 11am - 2pm State House Grand Staircase, 2nd Floor Boston Learn about national, statewide, regional and local environmental groups, hear about the importance of funding state environmental programs, and enjoy free snacks! For more information, Megan Amundson, 617-462-3633 Megan@mlev.org

Recycled Shotgun Bezel Ring Class Sunday, April 22 Class 1: 9am - 12pm Class 2: 1pm - 4pm Atria Merrimack Place, Newburyport Celebrate Earth Day by learning to use recycled shotgun shell casings as ring bezels! Fill with ephemeral musings, glitter, tea cup pieces or simple photos. Leave with two rings. You will learn simple soldering, using glass, adhesive and resin. $75 per student, per class. Register by April 13th. 267-334-2806 SimplyPrettyStuff.com/April22_ Register.html Don’t miss the Party for the Planet! Sunday, April 22, 10am - 3pm Franklin Park Zoo Learn about the incredible animals that call the Zoo home as well as ways everyone can contribute to a healthy planet. This is in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. ZooNewEngland.org Wild And Crazy Earth Day Swap Sunday, April 22, 10am - 4pm Debra’s Natural Gourmet 98 Commonwealth Ave., West Concord Bring something other than clothes, that’s in tip-top shape to swap for something you will use. Let’s keep the good stuff out of landfills. Consider items in your house that may be better

off with someone else. DebrasNaturalGourmet.com A GreenFilmFest for Earth Day! Sunday, April 22, 11:30am - 6pm Suffolk University Law School 120 Tremont St., Boston Films: Future of Hope, Dreamland, H2Oil, HipHopRev. FREE! BostonGreenFest.org Earth Day Hike Sunday, April 22, 3pm Mass Audubon Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharon Explore, investigate and search for the wonders of Moose Hill. This program is cancelled in bad weather; call 781784-5691 if the weather is questionable. Registration is not required. FREE! MassAudubon.org Community Collection Day Saturday, May 7, 9am -1pm (Rain or Shine) 51 Grove St., Arlington Outdoor event to collect materials for reuse and recycling. Residents can drop off a variety of home items to be recycled including CRTs ($10 per unit), bikes, books, old sneakers, confidential papers, old prescriptions and more. Sponsored by Arlington Public Works and Recycling Committee. 781-316-3108 Arlingtonma.gov/Recycle

natural awakenings

April 2012

greenliving

EVERY DROP COUNTS

Reusing Rainwater Saves Money and is Better for Plants by Brita Belli

oug Pushard, an expert in rainwater catchment systems who shares his know-how at HarvestH2O. com, believes that homeowners capture rainfall for two reasons—either to make the most of a precious water resource in states with low seasonal precipitation or to control stormwater runoff in states with high precipitation. It’s also an easy way to make a dent in household water and sewer bills. Capturing and managing rainwater provides an environmentally sound alternative to wasting precious tap water pulled from diminishing underground reservoirs, and can replace some or all of a home’s water needs, depending on the system. Rainwater is also better for nourishing lawns, plants and gardens. “People want to use rainwater instead of city water in their yards because they understand that city water carries chlorine, which is not great for plants,” Pushard explains. The amount of water used by residential irrigation is significant. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Water Sense Program, an American family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day, including 30 percent of it outside. More than half of that outdoor water is used for lawns and gardens, with the rest sprayed on cars, in swimming pools and on sidewalks and driveways. Collectively, nationwide landscape irrigation totals more than 7 billion gallons per day.

Water Calculations

In its simplest form, rainwater harvesting involves little more than placing rain barrels—with capacities from 55 gallons to several hundred gallons—under a home’s downspouts. 26

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

Popular models can be purchased from home improvement stores, or county extension classes teach how to make one from inexpensive parts. Online research shows the various styles available; most have a spigot at the base for attaching a hose or filling a watering can. The larger capacity, more sophisticated systems use storage cisterns than can hold thousands of gallons of water below ground. These employ pumps that move the water to sprinkler systems or other points of use. For these more complicated setups, Pushard recommends engaging professional help, adding that below-ground systems will capture excess water year-round, even in climates where temperatures drop. “In northern New Mexico, where I live, we get almost one-third of our precipitation in the winter,” he says. “If you have a below-ground system, you can capture that; with an above-ground one, you can’t, because the tank or fittings would freeze and burst.” The formula for determining the maximum amount of water available to capture is related to roof size. Multiply the square footage of the roof times the local annual rainfall (found at Tinyurl.com/73enzjx), and then multiply the result by .623 gallons. That .623 factor is “how many gallons are in an area of one square foot by one inch deep of rainwater,” according to one of Pushard’s online tutorials. Not all roof materials are created equal. On the high end, tile, metal, concrete or asphalt roofs have a 95 percent runoff efficiency; gravel roofs, 70 percent; and grass roofs, 17 percent, so factor that in, too. Pushard recommends always going with a bigger tank, if possible, to avoid having to add more water storage later.

Think Big

Rainwater harvesting works as an effective irrigation device, but it needn’t be limited to outdoor use. One of the easiest—and most useful—places to direct captured rainwater is toilets. Citing bathrooms as a home’s biggest water user, the EPA notes that a single toilet can use 27 percent of household water. “It’s ludicrous that we use drinking water to flush toilets,” says Pushard. To use stored rainwater instead, run a new plumbing line to the rainwater storage tank and install a pump that activates when the toilet flushes. Rainwater can supply sink faucets, as well, but counting on rainwater to be the sole source of all household water requires a substantial investment and a filtration, purification and UV light system to make the water drinkable. When capturing rain for potable uses, roofing material becomes more important: Unpainted metal and tile are preferred, because these will not leach chemicals into the water that are difficult to remove. In terms of overall cost, the simplest rainwater collection systems will cost a few hundred dollars (less than $100 per barrel), while a whole-house system will cost tens of thousands. However, Pushard points out, rainwater harvesting can be a lifesaver with water shortages becoming a new norm in many states. Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine and the author of The Autism Puzzle: Connecting the Dots Between Environmental Toxins and Rising Autism Rates.

natural awakenings

April 2012

Composting to Build a Sustainable Food System by Igor Kharitonenkov

he conventional agricultural system in the United States is riddled with unsustainable inefficiency, both economically and environmentally. According to a study from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, it takes an average of seven to ten calories of fossil fuel energy to produce just one calorie of food energy in the current system. Fresh produce travels an average of 1,500 miles from farm to plate, consuming nonrenewable resources, and synthetic, fossil fuel-based fertilizer and pesticide runoffs are polluting American waterways. Add rising energy prices and a growing population to this scenario and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current food system is in dire need of sustainable solutions. One answer lies in composting, which recycles biological waste and turns it into fertilizer. By harnessing the natural resources and labor that went into the initial production of food, composting saves materials and money. Before industrial farming took over, farmers used compost to supply soil with the nutrients needed to grow crops. When modern farms turned to synthetic, fossil fuel-based fertilizers and pesticides to increase crop yields and produce cheaper food for the masses, the need for a healthy soil base was abolished. Today most crops are dependent on synthetic fertilizer and some wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t grow without it. The resulting unhealthy soil loses wa-

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ter retention ability, speeding up erosion and contributing to draughts. The use of synthetic fertilizers has downstream effects as well. Nitrogen- rich fertilizer and pesticide runoff that ends up in the Mississippi River travels down to the Gulf of Mexico, where an 8,500-square-mile “dead zone” has formed near the Mississippi Delta. The area now teems with overgrown algae, eliminating an ecosystem and destroying local fishing industries. The use of organic waste to grow food reestablishes a more natural cycle of crop cultivation and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Soil erosion would be minimized, as compost enhances the texture and structure of soil, enabling the ground to retain nutrients and moisture. In the case of contaminated soil, composting degrades and, in some cases, completely eliminates wood preservatives, pesticides, and both chlorinated and non-chlorinated hydrocarbons. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, just 2 of the 40 percent of edible food that is wasted every year is composted. Fortunately, more and more people are becoming aware that composting offers a tremendous opportunity to support the environment and conserve resources while making our communities more sustainable and our food systems more efficient. Composting gives significant new meaning to the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Igor Kharitonenkov is the marketing director for Bootstrap Compost. For more information, visit BootstrapCompost.com or call 317-985-1288. Follow Igor on Twitter @IGORoamnreport or email BootstrapCompostPR@gmail.com.

Dr. Iveta Iontcheva-Barehmi DMD, MS, D.Sc. Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi is an accomplished dentist and specialist in Periodontics and Implants. She has a firm belief that our bodies are very intelligent. All the body organs and systems are interconnected and related to each other (the teeth and the mouth are part of and related to the whole body). Our bodies are perfect self-sustainable systems, capable of self-healing and self-regeneration. Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi has expertise in the areas of Biological, Physiological Dentistry and Integrative Periodontal Medicine and Implants, Lasers and Energy Medicine. Miracle Bite Tabs™ (MBT) Miracle Bite Tabs™ (MBT) and and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) are used to treat Dental Distress Syndrome. Your teeth and jaws are an extension of your brain and spinal cord. Any imbalances caused by improper alignment of the jaw can play a major role in pain syndromes and chronic diseases. Head and Neck Pain Management Scenar, a non-invasive treatment device, is the only real time biofeedback device that will find what is wrong with your body and stimulate self-healing through electro stimulation and “conversation” with the control systems of the body (CNS Integrative Periodontal Medicine-Periodontal Spa The majority of the dental and periodontal procedures in Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi’s office are laser assisted. She has Biolase MD, the most versatile laser, which can be utilized to work with the gums and the teeth, implants and root canals. The discomfort is minimal to none and the healing is speededup. The procedures are often combined with a low level laser and Scenar, which give additional boost to the healing and removing discomfort.

Vitamin C electrophoreses is a unique method used in Europe to prevent recession, boost collagen synthesis, support and increase the blood circulation leading to firming the gingiva and discontinuing the signs of aging and bleeding. It is part of the integrative protocol for treatment and prophylaxes of periodontitis. Zirconia Solution to Titanium Implant If you are allergic or sensitive to other metals Bio-ceramic (zirconia) implants might be an option for you. Dr. IontchevaBarehmi is certified to place zirconia implants, you don’t need to travel to Europe anymore. Ozone Treatment Ozone is a powerful oxidizer and kills effectively bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Oxygen ozone therapy can be applied as an adjunctive therapy in treatment of periodontitis (periodontal disease), in arresting and reversing carious lesions in initial stage, reversal of initial pulp inflammation in deep carious lesions, treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. The methods applied are efficacious with no toxicity or side effects. Perio-Protect Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi is certified to use the Perio-protect methodone of the best prophylactic methods for periodontal disease, and subsequently for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some other conditions. Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry Your amalgam fillings contain not only poisonous mercury but they cause cracks in your tooth structure and can lead to tooth loss. Defective amalgam fillings are removed safely following the IAOMT protocol, Including spa treatments for detoxification and the newest form of noninjectable Vitamin C with comparable absorption. Anxiety and dental phobias are rarely experienced in the Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi’ s practice. Meditation, breathing techniques, homeopathy, EFT technique, hypnotherapy are all used, so you can be comfortable and love coming to your dentist. To schedule your comprehensive exam and share the excitement of a healthy smile call:

617-868-1516

Vitamin C gum rejuvenation 1842 Beacon St. Suite 302, Just like skin, gums can be Brookline MA rejuvenated for health and youth. www.bostondentalwellness.com

natural awakenings

April 2012

healingways

Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies by Dr. Lauri Grossman

or many, spring brings joy via outdoor activities amid blossoming flowers and blooming trees, as they visit parks, hike through meadows and jog along roads in the warming air. For millions of allergy sufferers, however, the attendant airborne pollen brings bedeviling sneezes, congestion, teary eyes and runny noses. Hay fever alone, which affects 35 million Americans, shuts many of us indoors. Before resorting to such an extreme measure, try controlling allergic reactions using some of these simple suggestions. The Mayo Clinic recommends that we begin by reducing exposure to allergy triggers: n Stay indoors on dry, windy days and early mornings, when pollen counts are high. The best time to be outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air. n Remove clothes previously worn 30

outside. Immediately after coming inside, shower thoroughly to rinse off pollen. n Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hang laundry outside, because pollen may stick to it, especially sheets and towels. n Keep indoor air as clean as possible by turning on the air conditioner in both the house and car, and use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, especially in the bedroom; most cost less than $100. Make sure the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, too. Keep indoor air comfortably dry with a dehumidifier. For those that love being outdoors, several natural remedies can help. Dr. Roger Morrison, a holistic physician in Point Richmond, California, likes targeted, widely available, over-the-counter homeopathic medicines. Carefully read labels to match specific symptoms with those noted

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on individual remedies. For example, for a badly dripping nose, Allium cepa may be the most helpful remedy. It helps lessen nasal discharge, plus reduce sneezing and congestive headaches that can accompany allergies. If allergy symptoms center around the eyes, causing itching, burning, redness and tears, then homeopathic Euphrasia is a better choice. If nighttime post-nasal drainage leads to coughing upon waking, Euphrasia can help, as well. Pulsatilla helps people whose allergies are worse when they enter a warm room or feel congested when they lie down at night. Homeopathic remedies generally are available for less than $10. If symptoms donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t improve in three days, stop and try a different homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic practitioner Dr. Greg Meyer, in Phoenix, Arizona, says that many of his patients benefit from taking herbs and other natural supplements, and one of the most effective for hay fever is Urtica dioica (stinging nettles). Studies reported in Planta Medica: Journal of Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research, showed that after one week, nearly two-thirds of the participants taking two 300 milligram (mg) capsules of freeze-dried nettles experienced decreased sneezing and itching. Dr. Andrew Weil, of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, in Tucson, recommends taking 250 mg of freezedried nettles extract every two to four hours until symptoms subside. Quercitin is another useful herb. By preventing release of histamine, it also works to lessen the sneezing and itching that accompany allergies. Take 400 mg twice a day before meals. Diana Danna, an integrative nurse practitioner in Staten Island, New York, suggests the age-old remedy of a neti pot to relieve congested nasal passageways. It may take a bit of practice, but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen how rinsing the sinuses with a warm saltwater solution can reduce congestion and make breathing easier. An over-the-

counter squeeze bottle can substitute for a neti pot, as can NeilMed Sinus Rinse. Danna suggests rinsing twice a day for best results. Simple dietary modifications often yield promising results, as well. Stick to non-mucous-producing foods and eat more foods that give a boost to the body’s natural immune system. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables and raw nuts and seeds fit both categories, as do lean proteins like fresh fish and organic meats. Drinking

plenty of clean water flushes the system and thins secretions. Foods that tend to cause the most problems for allergy sufferers include dairy products, fried and processed foods and refined sugars and flours. Adding essential fatty acids to a diet has benefits beyond allergy relief. In my own practice, I’ve seen how patients that take one to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil or three grams of fish oil during the spring months breathe more easily when outdoors. They

also delight in healthier looking skin, shinier hair and harder nails. Trying these approaches may well turn spring into a favorite time of year for everyone. Lauri Grossman, a doctor of chiropractic and certified classical homeopath, practices in Manhattan, NY. She also chairs the American Medical College of Homeopathy’s department of humanism, in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at amcofh.org and HomeopathyCafe.com.

When Allergies Seem to Come from Nowhere by Colleen Chausse

ost people have sensitivities that the body can handle naturally and uneventfully. But sometimes medications, processed foods, pollutants and excessive stress create a toxic overload that makes a person more susceptible to allergic reactions. Any additional stressors can set the body off and trigger a phenomenon known as the rain barrel effect, in which allergy symptoms come on suddenly or more strongly than before. For example, someone with a historically mild cat allergy who is undergoing a stressful life event, eating poorly, or experiencing hormonal shifts may suddenly experience a profound allergic reaction when coming in contact with a cat. This rain barrel effect plays out seasonally with pollen as the trees start to burst and people begin to suffer despite a lack of symptoms at other times of the year. The sudden onset or reappearance of allergy symptoms after a long period of relief can also be due to physical injury or trauma. Someone who was successfully treated for allergies and later endures an accident, illness, infection or surgery may once again be vulnerable to allergic symptoms. Women who go through pregnancy and other hormonal shifts can likewise experience sudden, dramatic allergic reactions that seem to come

from nowhere. Sometimes what people call allergies are actually sensitivities that are harder to detect in blood tests. Symptoms such as brain fog, depression, eczema, rashes and hives can come from environmental, chemical and seasonal triggers or from sensitivities to food, medications and perfume. People whose mouths get itchy with certain raw fruits and vegetables may be suffering from oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which is often due to crosspollination. In other words, people who have an allergy or sensitivity to birch pollen or ragweed may also have a problem with carrots or watermelon, which have similar botanical proteins. Cooking or processing the fruits and vegetables breaks down the proteins that cause OAS. Eating well, reducing stress and introducing organic and chemical free products into the home are great ways to reduce the toxic overload that can lead to the rain barrel effect. Antihistamines, chiropractic care, herbal supplements, acupuncture and neti pots can provide symptomatic allergy relief, as can a computer-driven treatment called Advanced Allergy Therapeutics. Finally, when April showers bring May flowers and some uncomfortable reactions, Pollen.com is a good place to turn for local information.

Colleen D. Chausse, BS, RN, LMT, is the owner and a practitioner at Mass Allergy Relief Center, 594 Marrett Road, Ste. 19, in Lexington. For more information, call 781-274-7700 or visit Mass AllergyRelief.com. See ad on page 17.

natural awakenings

April 2012

calendarofevents All Calendar events for the May issue must be received by April 10th and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

Maple St, Arlington. 617-926-4155. TSBoston.org.

Relationship Workshop Weekend with Dominique Sire – Mar 30-Apr 1. See website for schedule. Learn exercises using conscious movements to bypass the censoring, editing and controlling mind. Integrate mind and heart and live accordingly. $390. Creating Life Studio, 3rd flr, 410 Great Rd, Littleton. 978-449-9919. GrotonWellness.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 Flower & Garden Show – Mar 31-May 15. 10am-9pm. Spring blooms early at the Mall at Chestnut Hill. Award-winning landscape artists, horticulturists, master gardeners and floral designers share exquisite examples of richly planted gardens, stone sculptures and beautiful floral arrangements. Free. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston St, Chestnut Hill.

SUNDAY, APRIL 1 Neurofascial Facilitated Therapy – 9am-5pm. Learn techniques used to relieve sciatica, lower back pain, hip, neck and knee problems. $450/ practitioners full weekend, $250/practitioners one day, $200/students one day. New England School of Acupuncture, 150 California St, 3rd flr, Newton. 617-558-1788 x 112. NESA.edu. Orientation to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program – 10am-12pm. Learn how to cultivate a deeper awareness, create new habits and become an active participant in your own health and happiness. Free. The Center at Westwoods, 590 Gay St, Westwood. 617-5247628. CenterAtWestwoods.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 Hot Stone Massage Class – 9am-6pm. Learn one of the most popular massage modalities in today’s spas, resorts and massage practices in a fun and practical way. A one-day, 8-hr CE course providing the opportunity to learn about the preparation, sanitation and use of hot stones. $160. Cortiva Institute, 103 Morse St, Watertown. 617-668-2000. Cortiva.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 2012 Auction and Gala – 5:30pm. Held by The Boston Preservation Alliance. Enjoy live and silent auctions including: travel packages, tickets to cultural and sporting events, gift certificates to Boston’s finest restaurants and historic hotels and novelties related to preservation. Proceeds support the Alliance’s advocacy efforts and help to sustain education programs in the city’s underserved communities. $150. Fenway Park, 20 Yawkey Way, Boston. 617-367-2458. BostonPreservation.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Using Intuitive Powers – 7:30-9pm. With Selina Maitreya, learn how to develop and access your intuition so you can live every moment from your divine essence. $15. Theosophical Society, 21

Massage For Partners Workshop – 7-10pm. Bring a friend or significant other to learn basic Esalen/Swedish massage strokes through teacher lecture, discussion, demonstration and supervised practice. Focus primarily on the back, neck and shoulders. $126. The Cambridge Center for Adult Education, 56 Brattle St, Cambridge. 617-5476789 x 1. CCAE.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 8 Reiki Clinic – 1:30-4:30pm. An opportunity for clients to receive a half-hour Reiki treatment at an introductory rate. Reiki is a healing method for reducing stress, relieving pain and facilitating healing on all levels. By appointment only. $10/clients, free/practitioners. Arlington Reiki Associates, 366 Mass Ave, Ste 304, Arlington. 781-648-9334. ArlingtonReiki.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10 Network Spinal Analysis Class – 7:30-8:30pm. Learn how to get more out of adjustments and understand how network works and helps to handle stress, improve posture and feel better all over. Get back to basics by emphasis on the inherent wisdom and healing intelligence of the body. Free. Newton Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, 345 Boylston St, Ste 300, Newton. 617964-3332. WellAdjusted.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 Allergy Relief with Herbal Medicines – 7-9pm. Learn how to build a stronger you and get through allergy season with the nose tissues. Change the way you feel about spring forever. $25. CommonWealth Center for Herbal Medicine, 25 Saint Mary’s Court, Brookline. 617-750-5274. CommonWealthHerbs.com. Orientation to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program – 7-9pm. Learn the practice of bringing awareness, calmness and a sense of the present through specific techniques. Proven to be effective in helping to improve health, relationships and overall quality of life. Free. Visions Medical Center, 170 Worcester St, Ste 200, Wellesley. 781-431-1333 x 131. VisionsMedical.com.

Westwoods, 590 Gay St, Westwood. 617-5247628. CenterAtWestwoods.com. Children with Special Needs Workshop – 7-8:30pm. Free workshop, for parents and teachers, on Brain Mapping and drug-free approaches for the treatment of ADD, Autism and other special needs. Paul Pratt Memorial Library, 25 Ripley Rd, Cohasset. 781-444-9115. RetrainYourBrain.com. Sharon Bauer: Healing With Flower Essences – 7-8:30pm. Learn about gentle and safe vibrational remedies which can be used with children, pets and plants. Learn why you should never be without a bottle of Rescue Remedy. Sharon Bauer is a flower essence practitioner and teacher. Free. Debra’s Natural Gourmet, 98 Commonwealth Ave, West Concord. To reserve: 978-371-7573. DebrasNaturalGourmet.com. Darol Anger & Emy Phelps with Special Guest Sharon Gilchrist – 8-10pm. Come and enjoy these accomplished musicians as they bring out each other’s special ability to convey deep emotional resonance and spark low-key fireworks. $20 suggested donation. Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St, Jamaica Plain. Loring-Greenough.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 Yoga Spring Cleanse – Apr 13-15. A weekend to wring out the old and prepare for the new, including Asana, pranayama, meditation, selfstudy, journaling, home cleansing rituals and a simple food cleanse. See website for daily schedule. $125/prior to Apr 1, $145/after Apr 1. Art & Soul, 91 Hampshire St, Cambridge. 617395-4227. ArtSoulYoga.com. Spring Orchid Sale – 9:30am-4pm. Hundreds of orchid plants for sale, including cattleyas, laelias, paphiopedilums and phalaenopsis. Species and hybrid plants that are budded and blooming are available. Let the gardening experts help choose the right plants for your garden. 781-8911985. Lyman Estate, 185 Lyman St, Waltham. HistoricNewEngland.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Vegan Baking – 10am-1pm. Satisfy the sweet, or not so sweet, tooth in this hands-on baking class. Create delectable, healthy treats including muffins, cakes, cookies and other totally vegan, totally delish delights. $76. Cambridge Center for Adult Education, 42 Brattle St, Cambridge. CCAE.org. Groton Wellness Spring Open House – 11am3pm. Free spa treatments, free workshops, bistro specials and samples, raffles, vendors and specials. Free. Groton Wellness Medical Center, 493-495 Main St, Groton. 978-449-9919. GrotonWellness.com.

Introduction to Meditation Course – Wednesdays, Apr 11-May 9. 7-9:30pm. A 5-wk introductory course presenting basic information and techniques relating to meditation. Can be followed by another course focusing on mantra meditation. $120. Advaita Meditation Center, 28 Worcester Ln, Waltham. 781-647-0020. AdvaitaMeditation.org.

It’s A Hip Joint – 2-4pm. The hips are the gateway to grounding through the legs, the walking function and the container for organs or reproduction and digestion. Work on poses to stabilize, open and balance the pelvic girdle and put the pelvis in order. $25. The Arlington Center, 369 Mass Ave, Arlington. 781-643-4159. AnnieHoffmanYoga.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

SUNDAY, APRIL 15

Orientation to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program – 11am-1pm. Learn how to cultivate a deeper awareness, create new habits and become an active participant in your own health and happiness. Free. The Center at

Yoga for Mindful Eating – Sundays, Apr 15May 27. 5:30-7:30pm. A 7-wk journey toward self-awareness and change. Explore your relationship with food, body image and emotions through weekly yoga, meditation, journaling,

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and group support with mindful eating and home practices. $225. Watertown Center for the Healing Arts, 23 Main St, Watertown Sq, Skylight Yoga Studio, Watertown. 617-678-0607. NamasteNutrition.com. World Peace Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. The public is welcome to attend a meditation for world peace which will be followed by a 30-minute talk on the connection between inner peace and global peace. Free. Brahma Kumaris Learning Center for Peace, 75 Common St, Watertown. 617-926-1230. BKWSU.org.

MONDAY, APRIL 16 Boston Marathon – A 26.2-mile human foot race and America’s oldest annual marathon. The course starts on Main St, Hopkinton. Registration is closed so come to volunteer or to cheer on the runners. BostonMarathon.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 17 BMC Oncology Massage Program – Apr 17Jul 19. Students will review standards of care for cancer patients, learn about specific positioning and safety aspects of working with and around medical devices. Participants gain thorough knowledge of working inpatient and outpatient in a hospital setting. $1,000. Cortiva Institute Boston, 103 Morse St, Watertown. 617-688-2000. Cortiva.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 Children with Special Needs Workshop – 7-8:30pm. Free workshop, for parents and teachers, on Brain Mapping and drug-free approaches for the treatment of ADD, Autism and other special needs. Burlington Public Library, 22 Sears St, Burlington. 781-444-9115. RetrainYourBrain.com. Brain Boosters: Nutrients That Work for Attention, Memory, Mood and Behavior – 7-8:30pm. Dr. Parris Kidd is a nationally renowned expert on brain health and book author. Meet the brain behind developments in brain food. Limited to 60. Reserve today. Free. $5 coupon on products discussed. Debra’s Natural Gourmet, 98 Commonwealth Ave, West Concord. 978-371-7573. DebrasNaturalGourmet.com. What is Wisdom? Intro to Practical Philosophy – Wednesdays, Apr 18-Jun 20. 7-9pm. Ten weeks with Vernon Moore for those who seek to understand themselves and life. Practices for living in the present. $90/series. Theosophical Society, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 617-926-4155. PhilosophyWorks.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 Deanna: Wellness through Living Foods – 6:30-7:30pm. An introduction to cleansing. Cost includes juice, living food samples and handouts. Consider this a light supper. $14. Debra’s Natural Gourmet, 98 Commonwealth Ave, West Concord. Register, Deanna Jayne: 978-906-3834 or Devima9@gmail.com. PranaRawJuiceFest.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 Cambridge Science Festival – Apr 20-29. A celebration showcasing the leading edge in science, technology, engineering and math. The MIT Museum hosts a range of performances, classes, receptions, workshops and activities. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. For schedule: CambridgeScienceFestival.org. Exploring 2012 and Its Meaning for Our Time – 7-9pm. Ramsey Raymond will speak about the 2012 prophecies as cultural symbolism for deep change. $10. Theosophical Society, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 617-926-4155. TSBoston.org. Paul Germeia & Jaime Brockett – 8-10pm. An evening of New England blues tradition with two of the genre’s most authoritative stylists of traditional and folk blues. $10-20. Unity, 6 William St, Davis Sq, Somerville. LordGeoffreyDrPearne.blogspot.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Buddhist Meditation Retreat – Apr 21-22. Learn practices for meditation with Ven Dharman Shortz. $10. Theosophical Society, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 617-926-4155. TSBoston.org. Total Life Cleanse – Apr 21-May 8. An expertly guided detoxification and rejuvenation program for the body, mind and spirit, integrating the latest breakthroughs in nutrition, mind-body medicine and the neurosciences. $495. Healing Essence Center, 96 Commonwealth Ave, West Concord. 978-369-9228. For times & details: HealingEssenceCenter.com. Earth Day Charles River Cleanup – 9am-12pm. Volunteer to pick up trash along all 80 miles of the Charles River. The Charles River Watershed Association will provide all volunteers with supplies, snacks and free T-shirts. Bring own reusable water bottle. 781-788-0007. CRWA.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Basics of Pregnancy Massage – 9am-6pm. Learn safe and effective pregnancy massage client positioning, draping and techniques as well as precautions and contraindications to support women through their pregnancies. $160. Cortiva

Institute, 103 Morse St, Watertown. 617-6682000. Cortiva.com. Wild and Crazy Earth Day Swap – 10am-4pm. Bring something, other than clothes, that’s in tip-top shape to swap for something you will use. Let’s keep the good stuff out of the landfill. Consider items in your house that may be better off with someone else. Free. Debra’s Natural Gourmet, 98 Commonwealth Ave, West Concord. 978-371-7573. DebrasNaturalGourmet.com. Race Against Extinction – 11am. Calling all experienced runners, in-line skaters, parents with strollers, walkers and runners or walkers with pets. Race proceeds to be donated to environmental organizations including The Nature Conservatory and The World Wildlife Fund. $25. Artesani Park, 1234 Soldiers Field Rd, Boston. TheRaceAgainstExtinction.org. Restorative Yoga – 4-6:30pm. Intended for individuals who have been experiencing stress, fatigue, sickness, insomnia, injuries, recent surgery and anyone wanting a quiet, centering respite. A gentle entry into yoga for beginners as well. $35. Art & Soul, 91 Hampshire St, Cambridge. Pre-registration required: 617-3954227. ArtSoulYoga.com. “Voices of Boys To Men” Concert – 7-9:30pm. A fundraiser for the adult-teen mentoring network, Boys to Men New England. Featuring a wide variety of voices, both musical and spoken and nationally and regionally known artists. Includes a silent auction and a film clip of the work of Boys to Men. $50 including food. Scullers Jazz Club, 400 Soldiers Field Rd, Boston. 617-913-0683. BoysToMenNewEngland. org.

MONDAY, APRIL 23 10-Day Spring Cleanse: Level II – 6-7:30pm. Kickoff meeting for those not currently eating a lot of processed food, those who have completed level I or those who have cleansed within the past year. Groton Wellness Medical Center, 493-495 Main St, Groton. 978-449-9919. GrotonWellness.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24 Breast Thermography Appointments – 9am5pm. Breast Thermography with Anne Barker BSN, RN, LMT, CTT. Breast Cancer Screening without radiation. Due to limited availability booking your appointment in advance in highly recommended. Please call with any questions or concerns. Groton Wellness Medical Center, 493-495 Main St, Groton. 978-449-9919. GrotonWellness.com.

natural awakenings

April 2012

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 New Treatment for Head and Sports Injuries – 7-8:30pm. Dr. Jolene Ross’ workshop “Brain Mapping and Drug Free Approaches to Healing Brain Damage.” See before and after brain images, gain understanding of this effective, painand drug-free procedure. Free. Dedham Public Library, 43 Church St, Dedham. 781-444-9115. RetrainYourBrain.com. Herbal Medicines for Insomnia, Disturbed Sleep, Sleep Debt And Nightmares – 7-9pm. A discussion of simple herbal preparations and rituals that can aid in the search for restorative slumber. $25. CommonWealth Center for Herbal Medicine, 25 Saint Mary’s Court, Brookline. 617750-5274. CommonWealthHerbs.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 26 Boston College Arts Festival – Apr 2628. Bringing together Boston College and surrounding communities to celebrate the arts. Experience music, theater, dance, poetry, film, painting, sculpture and more. Boston College, O’Neill Plaza, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill. For schedule: BC.edu. Harvard ARTS FIRST Festival – Apr 26-29. Four days of non-stop art with over 225 music, theater, dance, film and visual arts events. The culmination of a year’s worth of student arts activity. Most activities free of charge. Harvard University, Cambridge. 617-496-2222. For schedule: OFA.FAS.Harvard.edu. Relieve Migraines Naturally – 5:30-6:30pm. Learn about natural remedies for migraine relief. Free. Groton Wellness Medical Center, 493-495 Main St, Groton. 978-449-9919. GrotonWellness.com. Olive Oil Tasting with Paul Haziiliades – 6:308pm. Paul, of Extra Virgin Foods in Watertown, imports his family’s extra virgin olive oil from his native Greece. Learn about what it should taste like, varieties and flavors, the health benefits and how to store it. Debra’s Natural Gourmet, 98 Commonwealth Ave, West Concord. 978-3717573. DebrasNaturalGourmet.com. Discover Freedom with Scott Kiloby – 7-9pm. This meeting will leave you surrendered in the flow of the present moment, feeling complete and whole in your experience while still being able to fully move, work and create in your life. $2025 sliding scale. Nina Carmel’s Country Barn, 43 Old Sudbury Rd, Lincoln. 860-463-5576. ScottKilobyTalks.com or HolisticHealthCtr.com.

Mindful Parenting – 7-9pm. Explore how becoming mindful leads to peaceful and positive relationships with children. Examine the research on the developing brain, practices to share with children and strategies to use when children act up and stress levels rise. $35. Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Rd, Newton. 617-559-6999. NewtonCommunityEd.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29

FRIDAY, APRIL 27

Reflexology Clinic – 10am-5:30pm. Come and experience a foot treatment by one of our students in the reflexology certificate program. The treatments are one-hour long. Call for more information or to set up an appointment. $35. Cortiva Institute, 103 Morse St, Watertown. 617668-2000. Cortiva.com.

Thai Massage Level 1 – Apr 27-29. 5-6pm. Class introduces participants to the foundational theory and cultural background behind Thai Massage and to a traditional Thai Massage sequence. Learn to perform a basic 60-minute Thai massage with the client prone, supine and side lying. $350. Cortiva Institute, 103 Morse St, Watertown. 617-6682000. Cortiva.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 Free Introduction To Reiki – 10am-12pm. Meet the Reiki master teachers Ulrike and Denis Dettling Kalthofer. Listen to a lecture about Reiki and its history, experience a 20-min guided imagery and relaxation, and get questions about Reiki answered. Pre-registration required; space limited. Free. Arlington Reiki Associates, 366 Mass Ave, Ste 304, Arlington. 781-648-9334. ArlingtonReiki.com. Reiki I Certification Class – 10am-6pm. Learn a complete method of accessing healing energy for yourself and others, including the hand positions and the channel-opening attunements. Practice giving a complete Reiki treatment and receive one. $150. Arlington Reiki Associates, 366 Mass Ave, Ste 304, Arlington. 781-648-9334. ArlingtonReiki.com. Annual Cambridge Poetry Festival – 11am4pm. Celebrate poetry and the art of words in recognition and observance of National Poetry Month. Event features local and national poets. Free. Cambridge Public Library Main Branch, 449 Broadway, Cambridge. 617-349-4380. Network Spinal Analysis Class – 3-4pm. Learn how to get more out of adjustments and understand how network works and helps to handle stress, improve posture and feel better all over. Get back to basics by emphasis on the inherent wisdom and healing intelligence of the body. Free. Newton Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, 345 Boylston St, Ste 300, Newton. 617964-3332. WellAdjusted.com.

NewtonSERVES – 9am-4pm. Rain or shine. A day of community service bringing together volunteers of all ages to complete tasks that benefit more than 60 nonprofit organizations and City of Newton departments. Register for half-day or all-day projects. 617-527-8283. NewtonCommunityPride.org.

Spring Food Cleanse – 11am-1pm. A class to guide you through a safe and effective two-week cleanse that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the transition from winter to spring. Learn how to prepare a variety of simple, tasty meals for the cleanse period. $98. Cambridge Center for Adult Education, 42 Brattle St, Cambridge. CCAE.org.

classifieds employment opportunities AD SALES REP – Natural Awakenings is now accepting resumes for full-commission experienced Ad Sales Reps in Southeastern Middlesex County including: Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, Waltham, Lexington, Brookline and Boston and Newton. Strong organizational and people skills, computer/database experience necessary. Must be a self-starter. We’re positive people looking for positive associates who are focused on healthy living and a healthy planet to reach like-minded practitioners and businesses, and help grow their client base. Flexible schedule with great earning potential, only you set the limit on your potential. Email cover letter and resume to: Publisher@Natural Awakenings Boston.com. SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE. SOLLIEVO MASSAGE AND BODYWORK – Is looking for a front desk person part-time. Candidate must have good interpersonal skills, computer skills, and be able to multi-task. Please send inquiries to Rose@ Sollievo.org.

FOR RENT/lease SEMINAR ROOM – Perfect location for your wellness seminar or training class. Seated classroom for 30-50 people or massage table classroom for 10-12 tables. Friday, Saturday, or Sunday only. Free parking or walk from Watertown Square. New England School of Acupuncture. Call Steve: 617-558-1788 x 375. TWO ROOMS FOR RENT OR LEASE – In a holistic therapy practice located within Sollievo Massage & Bodywork, North Cambridge. 617-354-3082.

SPIRITUALITY C L O S E R WA L K W I T H G O D ThirdEyeTruth.com.

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ongoingcalendar All Calendar events for the May issue must be received by April 10th and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com for guidelines and to submit entries. classes, $170/10 classes. Every Body Pilates, 50 Leonard St, Ste 2A, Belmont. 617-484-3311. EveryBodyPilates.com. Life in the Extreme Deep Exhibit – Thru June. 9am-5pm. A photographic exhibit which showcases stunning deep-sea photographs by scientists. $9/seniors, $7/students, $6/ages 3-18, free/under 3. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge. 617-495-3045. HMNH. Harvard.edu.

Yoga with Jennifer Krier – Thru Apr 1. 9:3011am. Slow-flow Vinyasa class designed in the elemental yoga tradition. Focuses on developing and using core awareness and strength, increasing flexibility to deepen mind-body connection. All levels welcome. $17/class. Every Body Pilates, 50 Leonard St, Ste 2A, Belmont. 617-484-3311. EveryBodyPilates.com. Boston/SOWA Winter Farmers’ Market – 10am-3pm. Grass-fed meats, cheese, root vegetables, greenhouse fare, farm fresh eggs, seeds and starter plants, and much more. 485 Harrison Ave, Boston. 800-403-8305. SOWAOpenMarket.com. Yoga Class – 11am-12:15pm. Join a great group for an all-level yoga class in a cozy and spiritual studio. $17. Pipal Leaf Yoga, 945 Great Plain Ave, Needham. CBeingYoga.com. Glassblowing Family Experience – 1-2pm. Enjoy a glassblowing demonstration with the family. A truly unique experience. $15/person. Make pendants for only $10 more per person. Diablo Glass School, 123 Terrace St, Boston. 617442-7444. DiabloGlassSchool.com. Healing Based On The Kabbalah – 1-4pm. Every other Sun starting Apr 15. Learn about the historical origin and evolution of Kabbalah and its healing attributes. Practice Kabbalistic meditations, breathing techniques and hand and body positions. $25/session. Theosophical Society, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 617-926-4155. TSBoston.org.

Community Acupuncture – Thru Dec 31. Also Wed & Fri. By appointment. Affordable care for a healthy community. Acupuncture in a shared space, rather than private rooms enabling lower cost. Fees based on sliding scale system with the patient deciding what they are comfortable paying based on the sliding scale. Green Tea Yoga, 10 Colonial Rd, Salem. 781-269-2287. NSCAcupuncture.com. Men’s Redcord Class – 6:30-7am. A doublesuspension training system using the instability of the cords to condition the entire body. A great and intense workout. $20/drop-in, $90/5

Gentle Therapeutic Yoga – 12:30pm. Be immersed in healing, community and ease with the Anusara principles of alignment. Free. Majestic Yoga Studio, 223 Concord Ave, Cambridge. SteepedInGrace.com. Core Fundamentals – 12:30-1:30pm. Also Wed, 12:30-1:30pm. Learn how to effectively use free weights, your body weight, resistance tubing and cable exercises to unleash your body’s natural confidence and power. $20/first class. Vitality Personal Fitness, 118 Needham St, Newton. 617620-3585. VitalityPersonalFitness.com. Vital Strength – 5:30-6:30pm. Also Fri, 5-6pm. Olympic lifting, dumbbells, kettlebells and cables. Pure strength training to build vital muscle mass. $20/first class. Vitality Personal Fitness, 118 Needham St, Newton. 617-620-3585. VitalityPersonalFitness.com.

breakfast and knowledge. Features monthly guest speakers and presentations and working together with passion and enthusiasm to increase the overall wellness of the community. Groton Wellness Medical Center, 493-495 Main St, Groton. 978-449-9919. GrotonWellness.com. Vital TRX Cross – 9-10am. Also Thu, 6-6:55am & Sat, 9-9:55am. A revolutionary method of leveraged bodyweight exercise, which allows you to safely perform hundreds of functional exercises that build power, strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, and prevent injuries. $20/first class. Vitality Personal Fitness, 118 Needham St, Newton. 617620-3585. VitalityPersonalFitness.com. Yoga Flow Anusara Style – 9:30-11am. Using the anusara-inspired method, Diana CullumDugan leads a class through yoga poses that open the heart. Explore a deeper experience by way of balanced energy and optimal alignment. $18/ drop-in, $14/student, senior. Samadhi Integral Yoga Center, 796 Beacon St, Newton. 617-3932200. NamasteNutrition.net. Kettlebell 101 – 2-3pm. Learn how to use the latest workout rage. Learn the proper technique for kettlebell exercises such as the Turkish get up, the swing, the clean, the windmill, the clean and press, the snatch and more. $20/first class. Vitality Personal Fitness, 118 Needham St, Newton. 617620-3585. VitalityPersonalFitness.com.

Revolution Rising Radio Show – 7-8pm. A fun and entertaining internet radio show which focuses on cutting-edge health topics such as nutrition, alternative medicine, vaccination and spirituality. Free. WNTN Radio, 143 Rumford Ave, Newton. 617-780-1754. VaccineFree.org or JamieMurphy.net.

Reiki Healing Circle for Women on a Healing Journey with Cancer – 2-4pm. Once a month. women trained in Reiki and at various stages in their healing journey come together to support each other. Uplifting, life-affirming and healing. $35. Arlington Reiki Associates, 366 Mass Ave, Ste 304, Arlington. 781-648-9334. ArlingtonReiki.com.

Jam’n Cardio Kix – 7:15-8:15pm. A martial art fitness class that puts several musical patterns together in to routines performed continuously to develop cardiovascular fitness, agility and quickness. $100/10 classes, $60/5 classes, $15/dropin. Corpbasics Fitness & Training Club, 73 Bow St, Somerville. 617-628-8400. CorpBasics.com.

Zumba Dance – 6:30-7:30pm. Benefit mentally, emotionally and physically from the dance workout that has caused such a sensation all over the world. $100/10 classes, $12/walk-in. Corpbasics Fitness & Training Club, 73 Bow St, Somerville. 617-968-1695. ShapeUpPersonalTraining.com.

Hatha Yoga at Gallery 263 – 7:15-8:30pm. Increase flexibility, strength and balance. Relax and recharge mind and spirit. Intelligent sequencing and attention to alignment which will challenge all levels. Emphasizes correct alignment within a flowing sequence that will leave you feeling strengthened and energized. $10. 263 Pearl St, Cambridgeport. 617-459-9817. WatertownHolisticHealth.com.

Wellness Coaching Clinic – Thru Apr 18. 6:308pm. A strength-based coaching approach to help build a personal wellness plan, including specific goals and creative strategies to overcome the obstacles to living a healthy lifestyle. Session 1 on Tue, session 2 on Wed. $65/two sessions. Rowe Physical Therapy, 1400 Centre St, St 104, Newton Center. 617-823-0464. EnginCoach.com.

MoneyMoves TeleConnections – 8-9pm. 2nd Mon. Discussions which will dive deeply into many facets of financial fitness from a practical as well as reflective perspective encouraging growth in money-savvy and self-awareness. Free. For details: GayleColman.com.

Get Primal – 5:30-6:30am. Also Fri, 7-8am. Shape up with the seven primal patterns of movement: squat, lunge, push, pull, bend, twist, and gait. This 8-exercise functional circuit will bolster your fitness and is a great addition to any athlete’s workout routine. $20/first class. Vitality Personal Fitness, 118 Needham St, Newton. 617620-3585. VitalityPersonalFitness.com. Practitioners Breakfast – 7:30-9am. 3rd Tues. All health care practitioners are welcome to share

Zumba Dance Yourself Fit – 7-8pm. A fitness program that combines high energy and motivating music with fun, effective and easy-to-follow moves. Open to all fitness levels. $12/drop-in, $90/10 classes. Waltham Zumba, 8 Common St, Waltham. 978-761-2769. WalthamZumba.com. Eckhart Tolle A New Earth Study Group – 7:30-9pm. Every other Tues starting Apr 3. A chapter by chapter study and discussion group on this life transforming work. $10. Theosophical Society, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 617-926-4155. TSBoston.org.

Meditation Evenings – 7-8:30pm. Come to meditate and take part in a discussion. Both beginners and experienced meditators welcome; instruction provided for those who need it.

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April 2012

Refreshments provided. Suggested donation $15. Advaita Meditation Center, 28 Worcester Ln, Waltham. 781-647-0020. AdvaitaMeditation.org. Women’s Self-Care Working Group – 7-9pm. 1st Wed. An exploration of how to nurture and nourish yourself, and fit it into the schedule. Includes time for sharing with the group as well as time for instruction and practical application. $25/ suggested fee. CommonWealth Center for Herbal Medicine, 25 Saint Mary’s Court, Brookline. 617750-5274. CommonWealthHerbs.com. Dance Freedom – 7:30-10:30pm. The oldest continually running weekly barefoot dance in the world. Live DJ music, a great workout, lots of fun and lots of interesting people to meet. Recharge and renew in a joyous, positive, drug- and alcoholfree environment. $10-$20 sliding scale. First Congregational Church, 11 Garden St, Cambridge, MA. 617-312-3039. DanceFreedom.com. Online Radio Meditation Music and Yoga Chats – 9-10pm. New, free meditation music radio show on-line streaming at WGSO.com. 504-235-1558. WGSO.com.

Anusara Inspired Yoga – Thru Sept 13. 9:3011am. Explore Anusara’s Universal Principles of Alignment to awaken, align, and move into an uplifted state of being. See rates on website. Samadhi Yoga Studio, 796 Beacon St, Newton Center. 617-243-0034. SteepedInGrace.com. Boston/Prudential Center Winter Farmers’ Market – 11am-5pm. Inside the Prudential Center Mall, Belvedere Arcade near the post office. 800 Boylston St, Boston.

Zumba – 6:30-7:30pm. Benefit mentally, emotionally and physically from the dance workout that has caused such a sensation all over the world. $100/10 classes, $12/walk-in. Corpbasics Fitness & Training Club, 73 Bow St, Somerville. 617-968-1695. ShapeUpPersonalTraining.com. Hatha Yoga Class – 7-8pm. Suitable for all levels; beginners welcome. Bring a towel and water and a mat if have one. Mats available for use if needed. $15/drop-in, $104/8 wks. A Pilates Fitness and Yoga Studio, 681 Main St, Ste 339, Waltham. 617-750-8599. PilatesMassachusetts.com. Observatory Night – 7:30-9:30pm. 3rd Thurs. A non-technical lecture and telescopic observing from the observatory roof if weather permits. Free. Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St, Cambridge. 617-4957461. CFA.Harvard.edu.

Nia with Maria Skinner – 8-9am. Nia is the first cardio workout to combine martial arts, dance, and healing arts. An evolutionary approach to fitness and self-healing in a body. An acclaimed practice for over 25 years which is based on the science of the body. A fun, creative pathway to health and well-being, regardless of age or physical condition. $16/drop-in, $60/5 consecutive classes. Groton Wellness Medical Center, 493495 Main St, Groton. 978-449-9919. Groton Wellness.com. The Family Walking Program – 9:30am. Take a healthy walk through the mall in a safe, climate controlled environment for both parent and child. Spend time with other parents while your children make new friends and learn the benefits of regular exercise. Meet near Carter’s. Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St, Watertown. 617-926-4968. Watertown-Mall.com. Health Lecture Series – 10am. 1st Fri. An informative discussion for parents and caregivers on a variety of parent and child related topics such as: nutrition, behavior, community resources and more. Held in the Old Country Buffet, Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St, Watertown. 617-926-4968. Watertown-Mall.com. Blood Pressure Screenings – 10am-12pm. Free blood pressure screenings on the 1st Fri each month in front of the Old Country Buffet. Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St, Watertown. 617-9264968. Watertown-Mall.com. Free Basic Beading Class – 11:30am-12:30pm. A great opportunity to get started in beading. Learn the difference between different beads, stringing materials and findings. Free. Life’s A Bead, 404 Trapelo Rd, Belmont. 617-489-7222. LifesABead.com. Free Rolfing Sessions for Veterans – Thru Apr 13. 3-8pm. 2nd Fri. A hands-on participatory approach to rebalancing the body which is helpful for healing from physical and psychological trauma. By appointment only. Free. Boston Body Balance, 2557 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. 617-308-7104. BostonBodyBalance.com. Second Fridays Free – 5-8pm. Free evening at the MIT Museum on the 2nd Fri each month. Mingle with friends in the unique galleries and see some of the latest research coming out of MIT. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. 617-253-5927. MIT.edu/Museum. Jam’n Java Open Mic and Coffeehouse – 6:30-

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9pm. 1st Fri. Sign up to play, or come and listen to talented local performers. Free. Jam’n Java, 594 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington. ArlOpenMic. wordpress.com. Friday Night Cooking Series – 6:30-9:30pm. Join us for a night of conversation, anecdotes and fun, and a detailed cooking demonstration. See website for specifics by week. $61. Cambridge Center for Adult Education, 56 Brattle St, Cambridge. CCAE.org. Glass Beadmaking – 6:30-9:30pm. An evening of glass, friends and wine. Spend 3 hrs in one of our studios to experience an introductory taste of working with hot glass in glassblowing and bead making. $75. Diablo Glass School, 123 Terrace St, Boston. 617-442-7444. DiabloGlassSchool.com.

Saturday Morning Yoga – 7-8:30am. Gentle beginner-level yoga class held in a sunlit room in a lovely historic house led by trained instructor, Keith Herndon. Advaita Meditation Center, 28 Worcester Ln, Waltham. 781-647-0020. AdvaitaMeditation.org. Yoga Class – 7:30-8:45am. Stop by for a slowpaced, conscious flow through a morning yoga series. Afterwards, walk around the studio to see the events and offerings within this community. $18. Samadhi Integral Studio, 796 Beacon St, Newton Centre. CBeingYoga.com. Tai Chi – 8-9am. A complete physical conditioner, a healthy and regenerative exercise, a way to longevity, a self-defense art and a philosophical way of life that brings harmony and balance. Groton Wellness Medical Center, 493-495 Main St, Groton. 978-449-9919. GrotonWellness.com. Somerville Winter Farmers’ Market – Thru May. 9:30am-2:30pm. Designed to increase access to healthy and local foods during the winter months. Center for the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville. 617-718-2191. ArtsAtTheGallery.org. Broga II Power – 10-10:45am. High energy, Broga flow class. Good for those ready for a great workout. Familiarity with Broga or yoga recommended, but not required. $100/10 classes, $15/drop-in. The Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville. 617-207-9374. BrogaYoga.com. Cambridge Winter Farmers’ Market – Thru April. 10am-2pm. Offering fresh fruits and vegetables and other local goodies all winter long. Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender St, Cambridge. 617-547-6811. CambridgeWinter FarmersMarket.weebly.com. Broga I Chill – 12-12:45pm. Energetic, fun, challenging, but set to a chill, accessible pace. Perfect for Broga or yoga newbies or those interested in focusing on fundamentals. $100/10 classes, $15/drop-in. The Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville. 617-207-9374. BrogaYoga.com. Taiji Movement and Push Hands – 12-2pm. Heal the body, calm the mind and develop ability. This class surveys joint opening, loosening, standing, form and push hands. Dress in nonrestrictive, modest clothing. Free. Forth Presbyterian Church, 340 Dorchester St, Boston. 617-2681281. 4thBoston.org.

communityresourceguide chiropract0r

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE TOGETHER

2464 Massachusetts Ave, Ste 420 Cambridge, 02140 617-499-9993 AcupunctureTogether.com Affordable acupuncture, excellent care. Dozens of conditions treated safely and effectively in a comfortable community room. Sliding scale for everyone. $35-55 first visit, $20-40 follow-up.

NEW ENGLAND SCHOOL OF ACUPUNCTURE

150 California St, Newton MA 02458 617-558-1788 NESA.edu NESA is the first school of acupuncture in the U.S. and provides a rigorous acupuncture education along with affordable health care to the community. See ad page 6.

ALLERGY SYMPTOM RELIEF MASS ALLERGY RELIEF CENTER Colleen Chausse, BS, RN, LMT 594 Marrett Rd, Ste 17, Lexington, MA 02421 781-274-7700 MassAllergyRelief.com

Allergies/sensitivities are an error in the body. We correct the error in a holistic, non-invasive way. Experience long-term allergy symptom relief. See ad page 17.

NEWTON WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. David Oliver, DC 1280 Centre St, Ste 210, Newton Centre 617-641-9999 NewtonWellnessCenter.com

BRAINWAVE OPTIMIZATION BOSTON BRAIN WORKS

978-854-5214 Info@BostonBrainWorks.com BostonBrainWorks.com Our clients understand that their brain controls their life. A balanced brain allows them to experience liberating self-regulation. Love life again. Join us. See ad page 7.

Specializing in spinal manipulation, trigger point therapy and chiropractic rehab; providing our patients with long-term results. Therapeutic massage also available. All major insurances accepted. See ad page 19.

NEWTON CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS Julie Burke, DC 617-964-3332 Info@WellAdjusted.com

We are an integrative holistic wellness center. Our caring team consists of chiropractors specializing in Network Spinal Analysis, massage therapists and Shiatsu and Reiki practitioners. See ad page 2.

BUSINESS MENTORING PAM PEARSON

978-877-6122 Pam@WealthyHealthyWomen.com WealthyHealthyWomen.com Build your own health and wellness business. As a successful entrepreneur, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll teach you how to manifest success and achieve your personal and professional dreams. See ad page 19.

compounding & wellness pharmacy JOHNSON COMPOUNDING AND WELLNESS CENTER Stephen Bernardi 577 Main St, Waltham, MA 02452 781-893-3870 Fax: 781-899-1172 Steve@NaturalCompounder.com NaturalCompounder.com

WISE WOMAN SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES Phyllis Wilson 781-883-2282 WiseBlueLotus@gmail.com WiseBlueLotus.com

Successful relationships create successful businesses. Offering client communications, web and creative services, and organizational strategies for holistic health and personal growth practitioners. See ad page 34.

JCWC is the only sterile and non-sterile PCAB-accredited pharmacy in Massachusetts. In addition to our compounding service, we offer a full range of nutritional supplements, natural products, homeopathic remedies and home health care equipment. See ad page 11.

Want to reach readers who are health and wellness focused? Call 617-906-0232 or email publisher@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

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April 2012

dentist DR. IVETA IONTCHEVA-BAREHMI DMD, MS, D.SC. 1842 Beacon St, Ste 302, Brookline, MA 617-868-1516 BostonDentalWellness.com

Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi is an accomplished dentist and specialist in Periodontics and Implants with a holistic approach to medicine and dentistry. To schedule your comprehensive exam and share the excitement of a healthy smile, call: 617-868-1516. See ad page 29.

GREEN CARPET CLEANING GREEN HOMES CARPET CLEANING Jonathan Kava 774-571-1973 GreenHomesCarpetCleaning.com

A Green America Gold Certified Business. We clean your home or small business without hazardous chemicals, fumes or hassle. Call us for first-rate carpet, furniture or ceramic floor tile cleaning.

Our specialization, healthfocused dentistry, enables us to consider you, our patient, as a whole person, not merely a “dental case.” Therefore, we have the unique opportunity to evaluate every patient, and develop every treatment, procedure and protocol, from an individualized holistic standpoint. We will make recommendations to improve not only your dental health, but your overall health as well. See ad page 28.

HERBS COMMONWEALTH CENTER FOR HERBAL MEDICINE Katja Swift & Ryn Midura 25 Saint Mary’s Court, Brookline, MA 617-750-5274 CommonWealthHerbs.com

Personalized, comprehensive consultations with experienced herbalists. Whether it’s the flu or a chronic illness, or simply to build greater vitality, herbal medicine can help. See ad page 25.

holistic bodywork JOSEPH MANISCALCO, DDS

19 Chestnut St, Arlington, MA 02474 781-643-2344 Fax: 781-641-3483 SmileFxr10@gmail.com JosephManiscalcoDDS.com

BARBARA GOSSELIN, PT

393 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 781-507-4226 HolisticHealingPT.com I’m a Physical Therapist with 20+ years experience helping people recover from pain using gentle, effective Bodywork techniques including Craniosacral Therapy and Fascial Mobilization. See ad page 7.

Our practice centers on your comfort, your convenience, and on dental excellence, always. We believe everything we do here should enhance your lifestyle and your health. See ad back cover.

DOG WALKING CANIS MAJOR DOG WALKING Nancy Anderson 617-501-9241 Canis_major@mac.com CanismajorHerbals.wordpress.com

MIND & BODY STRESS MANAGEMENT

Cecile Raynor Certified Alexander Technique Teacher; Certified Thai Yoga Therapist 617-359-7841 AlexanderTec.com

As a wellness service of Canis major Herbals, we now offer dog walking in the Davis Sq, Somerville area. Visit CanismajorHerbals.com. Experienced. Responsible. Insured.

Lexington, MA 781-862-8000 Tamar@MyersBodywork.com MyersBodywork.com Tamar Myers, in practice since 1992, offers comprehensive bodywork. Her expertise in a wide variety of modalities allows her to design sessions unique to each individual’s needs.

DANIEL SHARP

GROTON WELLNESS – MEDICAL, DENTAL, SPA, BISTRO 493-495 Main St Groton, Ma 01450 978-449-9919 GrotonWellness.com

MYERS BODYWORK

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

Learn to relieve body tension and manage the stress in your life. Improve your posture without any holding. Learn mind/body tools for personal growth. See ad page 33.

126 Prospect St, Cambridge MA 781-412-4325 SacredCircleHealing.com Experience a deep sense of Self and true healing from the heart. Daniel offers Reiki and Infant Massage classes, Crystal Healing, Reiki treatments, and massage.

SOLLIEVO MASSAGE & BODYWORK 2285 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02140 617-354-3082 Sollievo.org

A therapeutic massage and acupuncture practice specializing in chronic pain, injuries and stress reduction. We are a group of seasoned therapists with combined expertise in various bodywork treatments and approaches. Visit our website for pricing and promotions. Blue Cross & Aetna discounts available. See ad page 9.

holistic health coach NINA MANOLSON, MA, LMT, CHC Certified Health Coach Smokin’ Hot Mom Mentor & Family Wellness Expert 617-771-5121 Nina@SmokinHotMom.com Nina@HealthyYummyKids.com

Nina helps busy moms prioritize themselves so that they look and feel their very best. She also teaches families how to make the shift to healthier eating habits. Free get-acquainted session available. See ad page 13.

integrative therapy BODYMIND RESOURCING

Alison Shaw APRN, LMT, CEH 393 Massachusetts Ave Arlington, MA 02474 781-646-0686 Alison@BodymindResourcing.org An innovative blend of body-centered counseling, integrative bodywork and energy medicine to uncover and release body-mind patterns that limit your life and health. See ad page 28.

integrative veterinary medical care MASH MAIN ST ANIMAL SERVICES OF HOPKINTON Margo Roman, DVM 72 W Main St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-435-4077 MASHVet.com

A full-service integrative veterinary clinic offering caring and healthful options and modalities like acupuncture, functional nutrition, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbs, ozone therapy, surgery and dentistry. See ad page 25.

nutritional supplements MONA VIE INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR Dawn McGee 781-308-3071 TheMVAcai.com

Providing products and personalized services dedicated to helping you improve your health. Serving New England and 18 countries around the world.

physical therapy CAMBRIDGE PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS MEDICINE 1000A Cambridge St. Cambridge, 02141 617-492-6600 CambridgePTSportsMed.com

Specializing in outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation and treatment of sports, dance and work injuries. We also treat computer/musician overuse injuries, carpal tunnel, and injuries from motor vehicle accidents. See ad page 31.

ROWE PHYSICAL THERAPY

SKIN CARE

1400 Centre St, Ste 104, Newton Centre 617-244-4462 RowePT.com

Rowe Physical Therapy is a team of competent PTs and OTs with many years of expertise in Manual Therapy. As holistic practitioners, they treat body, mind and spirit. See ad page 13.

REIKI

CATHERINE HINDS INSTITUTE OF ESTHETICS

300 Wildwood Ave, Woburn, MA 01801 781-935-3344 CatherineHinds.edu

We offer the finest education and training in skin care and spa therapy as well as affordable skin-care treatments to the public. See ad page 12.

KATE GENOVESE RN/ REIKI PRACTITIONER-MASTER 781-883-4711 KGeno67176@aol.com Woburn-Reiki.com

Kate Genovese has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years and is a Reiki Master. Reiki is a gentle form of handson healing that benefits people of any age. Sessions available in the comfort of your home or at Kate’s office. See ad page 36.

CHRISTABETH INGOLD, RP, CHC 369 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA 02474 CBIngold@hotmail.com SoulfullyNourishing.com

Experience the healing energy Reiki offers physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Christabeth also offers holistic health coaching, guiding you on a wellness journey exploring your relationship with life and food.

WATER PURIFICATION/ IONIZATION KANGEN WATER® IONIZERS Nancy Zare, PhD 508-981-2315 KangenDemo.com

Attach to faucet. Make alkaline, anti-oxidant, purified, super-hydrating water. Select 7 pH levels for: Drinking. Cooking, cleaning, moisturizing, pets, plants, degreasing, disinfecting and healing.

Coming in May

ROLFING STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION BOSTON BODY BALANCE Jazmine Fox-Stern 617-308-7104 BostonBodyBalance.com

Rolfing Structural Integration is a hands-on, participatory approach to rebalancing the body. Reduce aches, pains, and injuries. Increase energy and grace. Improve athletic performance.

WOMEN’S WELLNESS The Latest Great Tips and Technologies for Aging Beautifully Experience Life at its Best

For more information

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April 2012

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