Natural Awakenings Greater Boston/Rhode Island June 2022 by Natural Awakenings Greater Boston/Rhode Island

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

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MEN’S HEALTH AUTHENTIC MASCULINITY Men Redefine Their Emotional Power

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New Trends in Treating Trauma The Rise of Sustainable Wine & Spirits Understanding Sleep Disorders

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June 2022

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Natural Awakenings | Greater Boston/Rhode Island | June 2022 issue

HEAD TO TOE HEALTH

16 THE HEALING OF THE MODERN MAN Men Redefine Their Emotional Power

19 HEALING TRAUMA

Emerging Therapies Offer Fresh Hope

22 Support Central Nervous System Protein Levels

24 HOW TO RAISE EMPATHETIC KIDS Simple Ways Parents Can Cultivate Compassion

28 UNDERSTANDING SLEEP DISORDERS TMJ and Sleep Therapy of New England

30 HEALTY GUT, HEALTHY PET

Transformational Microbiome Restorative Therapy

PLANET-FRIENDLY POURS The Rise of Sustainable Wine and Spirits

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June 2022

letter from publisher One of the core missions at Natural Awakenings has been a desire to meet readers wherever they may be on their journey of living a healthier lifestyle. Whether one is an herbivore, omnivore, carnivore, a walker, or a marathon runner, the point is there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution for anything in this life ... except perhaps an oversized sleep shirt. This point struck me on a walk recently as I looked at the varied ways my lifestyle has changed and fluctuated over the past 12 years. I didn’t come into publishing a healthy lifestyle magazine being great, or even good at living a healthy lifestyle. Trust me, there’s still a long way to go! I knew that there was the desire to learn more and assist others, who seek solutions, find information and those who may support them on the path. Reflecting on the materials shared between these pages each month, it seems the common denominator among most of the information and resources provided boils down to one thing … self-care. Self-care, which I now believe is a fundamental tenet of fast-tracking one’s way to living a healthier and more balanced life, simply cannot be overlooked. By self-care, I mean living in a more conscious way; making choices specifically designed to improve quality of life, whatever that may be for the individual. In “Healing Trauma: Emerging Therapies Offer Fresh Hope,” writer Ronica O’Hara shares the staggering statistics that “show that as many as 60 to 70 percent of people report being traumatized by sexual assault, accidents, violence, war combat or other causes,” in the U.S. That’s nearly three-quarters of the population in need of trauma healing on some level. O’Hara goes on to provide a variety of treatment options for trauma victims to be explored. If you recognize yourself as needing support for past or current trauma, I encourage you to keep your eyes and mind open to the possibility that relief may be just around the bend. Whether you find it within these pages, scrolling social media or in conversation with a neighbor, there is hope and help available. Persistence is key. My hope is for the expansion of compassion in our world. Regardless of our myriad differences, we’re all simply doing the best we can with what life has served up to this point. A safe and happy summer to all! Peace,

Maisie

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news briefs

Customer Appreciation Sale at Johnson Compounding & Wellness

Visit Johnson Compounding & Wellness, in Waltham, for its instore annual customer appreciation sale from June 6 to 11. Sample products, get questions answered and enter daily raffles for a chance to win some great prizes. Most items will be on sale for 20 percent off throughout the week. Those unable to attend in person may shop online for the same great discount from June 6 to 12 at Shop.NaturalCompounder.com. This is a great opportunity to meet the staff and discover new products and services that can support one’s wellness journey. Cost: Free. Location: 577 Main St., Waltham. For more information, call 781893-3870 or visit NaturalCompounder.com. See ad on page 3 and Resource Guide on page 34.

FLOAT Boston Challenge Returns

Starting July 1, FLOAT Boston will bring back its popular summer float challenge. All summer long, anyone that floats three times in one month will receive a fourth float for free. “The research we have on the benefits of floating have their participants float at least a couple times a week,” says Sara Garvin, FLOAT’s co-founder. “Getting in a weekly float for even one month can really deliver the stress-busting benefits floating is known for.” FLOAT will also expand its Community Hours to two weekday mornings through September. During Monday and Thursday Community Hours, floats before noon are discounted 50 percent. Floating aids the brain and body in relaxing and disconnecting from environmental stimulation which has been linked to increased cases of pain, anxiety, depression and other ailments exacerbated by stress. Individuals effortlessly float on a bed of water that has been saturated with more than 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. These specially designed float pools are constructed in rooms built to be soundproof and lightproof, and tightly calibrated so that both the water and air match the temperature of the skin. Cost: $43-$85; packages available. Location: 515 Medford St., Somerville, MA. For more information, call 844-443-5628 or visit FLOATBoston.com. See ad on page 8 and Resource Guide on page 34.

I am summer, come to lure you away from your computer ... come dance on my fresh grass, dig your toes into my beaches. ~Oriana Green

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June 2022

news briefs

Beauty from the Inside and Out

The Ivy Drip Bar and Wellness center, in Belmont, Massachusetts, is offering a 25 percent discount to Natural Awakenings readers that mention this news brief when scheduling their first treatment session. The center, located inside the American Day Spa, offers IV nutrient infusions, vitamin injections and a variety of aesthetic treatments. “Our aim is to enhance your beauty and wellness on the inside and out,” says owner Meredith Scannell, Ph.D., who is an advanced nurse practitioner. She focuses on the customer experience in a soothing environment while remaining committed to offering safe and effective treatments. The drip bar’s nutrient infusion formulas are used to deliver vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, offering superior absorption over oral supplements. They are used to hydrate, fight aging, improve brain power, reduce stress and alleviate symptoms associated with medical illnesses like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and chronic pain. Cost: $35-$225. Location: 7 Brighton St., Belmont, MA. For more information, call 617-221-5070 or visit TheIvyDrip Bar.net. See ad on page 7 and Resource Guide on page 38.

Get Energized at Graceful Aging Workshop

Peggy Normandin of Body Dynamic Pilates is leading a Graceful Aging workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m., June 10, at her studio in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Students will learn static and active stretching, both laying down and seated, using a flex band and foam roller. Some fun standing movement patterns will also be incorporated, and a portion of the class will address deeper fascial stretches. This popular workshop is limited to 11 people. “Keeping our bodies strong but agile will allow us to keep doing activities we enjoy as we age and ready to pursue fun outdoor summer activities,” says Normandin. Cost: $25 for studio members/$30 for new students or guests. Location: 1099 Mendon Rd., Cumberland, RI. For more information, call 401-333-8550 or visit Body DynamicsRI.com. See ad on this page and Resource Guide on page 37. 8

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Join in Nature for Sacred Ceremony The Center for Spiritual Living (CSL) SouthCoastal MA Teaching Chapter will be holding a spiritual ceremony from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., June 18, at the Gamba Family Farm & Sanctuary, in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. Attendees will be invited to celebrate and enjoy the beautiful 43-acre farm, surrounded by rescued Sanctuary horses at the Gamba Family Farm. animals and a community with shared values and principles allowing a sense of oneness, peace, joy and tranquility to unfold. People are encouraged to bring their own chair and wear farm-appropriate attire. “All are welcome and in this Principle of Oneness, we gather—in meditation, prayer, fun, laughter and spirit—to celebrate all of creation,” says Spiritual Director Barbara M. Fuyat, RScP. “Together, at this sacred forest farm sanctuary, we’ll reveal our true unity with each other, with Mother Earth, and with creatures great and small.” CSL SouthCoastal MA Teaching Chapter is a warm, welcoming and metaphysical community studying the Science of Mind, a philosophy and a way of life that embraces all spiritual paths.

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Cost: Free. Location: 197 Perryville Rd., Rehoboth, MA. For more information, call 401-793-1753 or visit CSLSouthCoast.org. See ad on page 15 and Resource Guide on page 37.

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Yoga Studio Offers Walking Workshop

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Time for You Yoga, in Cumberland, Rhode Island, is hosting a special, three-hour yoga workshop: Yoga to “GO” Walking Lessons from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., June 3, at the studio. Walking with awareness can be exhilarating and fun. In this Svaroopa yoga class, participants will learn how to use their legs and abdominals effectively while walking and explore how walking is a series of yoga poses strung together. Take aways include a springier step, a sway in the hips and a lighter attitude. Svaroopa yoga teaches people to stand with a more open spine, leaning into their bones. Poses such as Warrior help walkers use their leg muscles and abdominals while taking yoga on the go. The program is offered by Maria Sichel, a certified Svaroopa yoga teacher and yoga therapist with more than 17 years of experience guiding students with a down-to-earth, caring, fun and practical approach. The workshop is open to yoga students of all levels. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Cost: $55. Location: 2155 Diamond Hill Rd., Cumberland, RI. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 401-305-5319. Learn more about Svaroopa yoga at TimeForYouYoga.com. See Resource Guide on page 38. Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

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Strawberry Festival Provides Scholarships for Freetown Students

The 33rd annual Strawberry Festival will take place, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 19, at The Bandstand, in Assonet, Massachusetts. This annual festival is held to raise funds for scholarships for students from Freetown, Massachusetts. This family-friendly event will showcase an assortment of crafters and fun for everyone. Festival goers will enjoy homemade strawberry shortcake, hot dogs and lemonade. Live music from Midnight Sun Country Band will provide entertainment throughout the day. The event is sponsored by the Tuesday Club of Assonet, the Freetown Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council. Parking is free. Location: Assonet Village Four Corners at the Bandstand Route, Exit 13 (Old Exit 10) from 24 South or Exit 11 (Old Exit 9) from 24 North. For more information, call Dottie at 508-644-2459 or visit Tuesday Club of Assonet on Facebook.

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health briefs

Cut Back on Booze to Protect the Brain It is widely known that heavy drinking harms the brain, but even drinking as little as a few beers or glasses of wine per week will reduce brain volume, according to a new study of 36,000 adults. Researchers led by a University of Pennsylvania team reported in Nature Communications that alcohol consumption even at modest levels may carry risks to the brain, shrinking it in ways similar to the aging process. The study was conducted using the UK Biobank, a dataset from 500,000 British middle-aged and older adults that includes genetic and medical information, including white and gray matter volume in different regions of the brain. The researchers found that the more alcohol people consumed on average, the greater the brain damage. Going from zero to a daily average of one alcohol unit (half a beer or half a glass of wine) is linked with the equivalent of a half a year of aging in 50-yearolds. Drinking an average of two units a day (a pint of beer or glass of wine) produces changes in the brain equivalent to aging two years. The difference between zero and four units (two beers or glasses of wine) was equal to more than 10 years of aging. “It’s not linear,” says study co-author Remi Daviet. “It gets worse the more you drink. There is some evidence that the effect of drinking on the brain is exponential. That means that cutting back on that final drink of the night might have a big effect in terms of brain aging.”

For the one in three Americans that are sleep-deprived, working out with resistance exercises to strengthen muscles may produce longer and deeper shuteye than aerobics, new research from the American Heart Association shows. In a 12-month study, researchers randomly assigned 386 inactive, overweight adults with high blood pressure to one of several groups that worked out for an hour three times a week. A resistance exercise group did three sets of eight to 16 repetitions on 12 machines; the aerobics group used treadmills, bicycles or elliptical machines; a combo group used both; and a control group did no supervised exercise. Among the 42 percent of participants that were not getting at least seven hours of sleep at the study’s start, sleep duration increased by an average of 40 minutes for the resistance exercise group compared to an increase of about 23 minutes in the aerobic exercise group and about 17 minutes in the combined exercise group. “If your sleep has gotten noticeably worse over the past two stressful years, consider incorporating two or more resistance exercise training sessions into your regular exercise routine to improve your general muscle and bone health, as well as your sleep,” says study author Angelique Brellenthin, assistant professor of kinesiology at Iowa State University, in Ames.

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Pump Iron to Boost Sleep

Two new studies suggest that neem (Azadirachta indica), a plant used for centuries in India to treat malaria, intestinal ulcers and skin diseases, may offer protection against COVID-19 and future variants. At the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus, researchers found that neem bark extract tested on COVID-infected human lung cells proved as effective as a preventive drug. It targeted a wide range of viral proteins and also decreased virus replication and spread after infection. In an Indian double-blind study of 190 healthcare workers or relatives of COVID-19 patients, researchers at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, in Delhi, found that those given a neem extract of 50 milligrams twice daily for 28 days had a reduced risk of 55 percent for infection compared to the control group. For people dealing with the lingering symptoms of long COVID such as fatigue, brain fog and muscle pain, a solution may be daily exercise of at least 30 minutes, because it lowers inflammation and blood glucose levels, suggest Louisiana State University researchers in the journal Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews. “If you can only walk 15 minutes once a day, do that. The important thing is to try. It doesn’t matter where you begin,” says article author Candida Rebello, Ph.D. 12

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Try Neem and Walking to Ward Off COVID-19 Symptoms

global briefs

Off Limits

National Parks Enacting New Regulations Because our national parks and protected areas are feeling the pressure of increased demand for outdoor recreation, the National Park Service (NPS) has cracked down on some recreational activities to better manage the human impact on natural environments. In 2021, the national park system hosted nearly 300 million recreational visits, and 44 parks set visitation records. The high number of cars creates congestion, pollution and collisions with wildlife. Overcrowding on trails can lead to higher risk of hiking accidents and illegal off-roading. Two Utah national parks will start requiring reservations. At Zion, Rocky Mountain and Glacier national parks, guests need a permit to hike certain routes. Arches National Park guests will have to book timed entry tickets during the high season. Acadia and Zion announced the temporary closure of some popular climbing sites starting this month to ensure that peregrine falcons can nest without disturbance. In 2021, the NPS gave park superintendents the authority to ban e-bikes if they adversely impact natural resources or other visitors, as well as scenic air tours at dawn or dusk or within a half-mile of the ground. Biologically important behaviors for many species occur during sunrise and sunset such as foraging, mating and communication. The hours of operation provide quiet periods of the day during which visitors can enjoy natural sounds and preserve opportunities for solitude in designated wilderness areas.

Easy Beezy

Weeds Attract Pollinators to Increase Harvests A recent study published in Insects compared mango trees at a local farm in Homestead, Florida, where one plot of trees had weeds growing around them and another plot was maintained to be weed-free. It turns out that the presence of weeds benefits trees and pollinators. “Weeds actually do a lot of good. It might be helpful to think of them of wildflowers,” says Blaire Kleiman, the Florida International University Institute of Environment graduate teaching assistant and alumna who, under the guidance of professors Suzanne Koptur and Krishnaswamy Jayachandran, undertook this research funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants program. Fruit trees can’t live without pollinators. Bees and other insects have been shown to increase the size and quality of yields from 70 percent of the leading, economically important crops in the world, but it’s getting harder to bring bees to the trees. Over the last 30 years, pollinator numbers have declined significantly. Farmers already rely on insectary plants to attract pollinators, and Kleiman notes that her findings apply to 80 percent of all flowering plants of Earth, including vegetables like tomatoes, beans, eggplants and squash. She wants her study to help farmers also reduce the use of chemical pesticides that harm pollinators.

Nesty Habits

Climate Change Causing Birds to Lay Eggs Earlier In a new study, “Climate Change Affects Bird Nesting Phenology: Comparing Contemporary Field and Historical Museum Nesting Records,” published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, scientists were able to determine that about a third of the bird species nesting in Chicago are laying their eggs a month earlier than they did 100 years ago by comparing eggs preserved in museum collections to modern observations. Researchers think the culprit in this shift is climate change. John Bates, curator of birds at the Field Museum and the study’s lead author, says, “The majority of the birds we looked at eat insects, and insects’ seasonal behavior is also affected by climate. The birds have to move their egg-laying dates to adapt. Egg collections are such a fascinating tool for us to learn about bird ecology over time. I love the fact that this paper combines these older and modern datasets to look at these trends over about 120 years and help answer really critical questions about how climate change is affecting birds.” Bates advises, “These early egg people were incredible natural historians in order to do what they did. You really have to know the birds in order to go out and find the nests and do the collecting.” Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

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Eco-Volunteering HANDS-ON WAYS TO HELP OUR PLANET THIS SUMMER Helping nature while enjoying the great outdoors is a classic win-win opportunity. Here are a few ideas to join the fun while contributing sweat equity. Corral the Cleanup Crew Becoming a weekend cleanup community leader can be as simple as gathering family, friends and neighbors to beautify the surroundings and save animals from suffering. To improve water quality, pay special attention to beaches and rivers. Get permission from local authorities, arrange a special trash pickup and equip the crew with gloves and garbage bags. Afterwards, stand together proudly before the enormous hill of discarded plastics, fishing lines, beer bottles, aluminum cans, fast-food containers and other refuse. Congratulate the team and take pictures to post on social media. For more tips, visit Tinyurl.com/trashteam. Get on the Community Gardening Bandwagon Community gardens are springing up on school grounds, at hospitals and correctional facilities, on rooftops and balconies, and in unused public spaces and underserved communities. Researchers have proven what we suspect: Gardening is a great workout and leads to improved heart health and weight loss, while breathing fresh air and helping things grow in kinship with like-minded people is a surefire mood enhancer. Reaping the benefits of locally grown, fresh 14

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produce; beautifying a neighborhood with flowering plants or shade trees; and providing food and refuge for pollinators and other wildlife is not too shabby, either. Now is the time to join an existing group or start a new community garden. For inspiring examples and how-to ideas, visit FoodIsFreeProject.org and OneTree Planted.org. Lend a Helping Hand at a Park Local, state and national parks rely on volunteers to conduct tours and maintain green areas and facilities. Even artists and scientists are welcome to lend their expertise. Consider combining a park visit with purposeful assistance. The National Park Service runs a Volunteers-in-Parks program (nps. gov/getinvolved/volunteer.htm) that offers one-time service projects and longer-term positions at parks throughout the country and in U.S. territories in the Pacific and Caribbean. Visit Volunteer.gov for tasks like a campground host at the Rocky Mountain National Park or climber steward at Joshua Tree National Park. Many state park systems and municipal parks and recreation departments use websites to manage their volunteer opportunities, such as Volunteers.Flo ridaStateParks. org or tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ help-parks. All it takes is an internet search of the name of the state or county plus “park” and “volunteer” to find local openings.

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The Healing of the Modern Man Men Redefine Their Emotional Power

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by Marlaina Donato

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For generations immemorial, men have been builders of culture, solid providers and inspired adventurers, but gender roles and sometimes-conflicting cultural expectations have taken a heavy toll on both the individual and community. The pervasive “tough guy” paradigm has denied half the human race its full emotional expression, resulting in amplified stress levels, compromised physical health, toxic aggression, broken families and a higher risk for addiction. According to research published in the American Journal of Men’s Health in 2020, death by suicide among men is almost four times higher than that of women and is partly attributed to the stigma of seeking treatment for depression. African American men carry the additional burden of racial and economic inequality, and their depressive symptoms are often more persistent and incapacitating. Contrary to common myth, men are deeply emotional and responsive beings by nature. Centuries overdue, restrictive cultural definitions are slowly shifting to a broader psychosocial view of authentic manhood. Thanks to guy-friendly mental health resources, virtual and in-person support communities and diverse options in the alternative health field, more men are taking responsibility for their well-being and learning how to embody emotional freedom. They are stepping up to the plate as strong, sensitive leaders, something our world needs now more than ever.

Breaking the Chains and Choosing Authenticity The masculine expectation and requirement have been for most boys to “buck up and tough it out” during childhood and adolescence, and this overt or sometimes very subtle conditioning can promote disproportionate power plays, homophobia and resistance to emotional intimacy well into adulthood. “Every society has ‘feeling rules’ that govern how emotions can be expressed publicly,” says psychologist Michael Reichert, executive director of the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives at the University of Pennsylvania and author of How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men. “Research tells us that boys are born as emotionally expressive as girls, but in a short time receive constant messages from their loved ones, schoolmates and TV shows that only certain emotions are okay for boys.” Such emotional restrictiveness has a profoundly negative impact on male development, he says. For Todd Adams in Elmhurst, Illinois, cofounder of MenLiving.org and a Tony Robbins-certified life coach, recognizing societal trappings is key. “The first step is to have the awareness that we have been lied to for as long as we can remember about what it means to be a man. We have been conditioned to stay in the ‘man box’, which means if we show any type of vulnerability, our value from the outside, as well as from the inside, plummets.” Reichert concurs. “My belief is that tragic outcomes— addictions, violence, suicide and premature mortal-

ity—are a reflection of how men’s human natures are thwarted by cultural norms. Being confined to a man box is hazardous. We humans, including men, are built to express our hearts in close connections to others we love and who love us.” The notion of going the distance solo is discouraged by Adams, whose organization helps men from all walks of life find support and connection through online meetings and adventure outings. “Once the awareness is there, I would invite family, partners, et cetera, to invite us to show up in a more authentic and human way,” he says.

Stress and the Physiology of Feelings For many men, emotions—other than “socially acceptable” anger and irritation—rarely see the light of day and instead morph into physical maladies such as digestive trouble, headaches, chest pain and high blood pressure. Unmanaged stress can also zap any zing in the bedroom. “I’m certainly not a doctor, but I’m sure there is a correlation for some about their emotional/mental/ financial well-being being related to erectile dysfunction. The men that I work with often have a habit of not taking good care of themselves, and that lack of selfcare ripples into other parts of their life, including their sexual life,” observes Adams. In spite of the fact that many others are struggling with the same condition, out of shame, it is often kept in the shadows. “My advice is that men find safe spaces to discuss these challenges with others. My hope is that men can discuss sexuality and intimacy as openly as women do.” Josh Beharry, project coordinator of HeadsUpGuys. org, in Vancouver, Canada, an online resource hub for men battling depression, has spearheaded online stress assessment tests for more than 26,000 men over the age of 18 and found surprising consistency. “The results suggest that the two most common stressors faced by the men are a lack of meaning and feelings of loneliness, followed by financial strain, relationship difficulties and problems at work,” he says. According to data gathered by Tulane University, human connection boosts immunity and wards off cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment. For men especially, social bonds are critical in coping with life stresses. Forging new alliances and maintaining old ones can be challenging with or without a pandemic, but online communities offer additional support, camaraderie and nonjudgmental sharing, which can be especially helpful for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction and depression.

Beyond Talk Therapy Male depression can be hidden in plain sight, disguised as hitting the bottle to “relax”, or by working compulsively, engaging in high-risk behaviors or easily flying off the handle at loved ones. Beharry knows firsthand how insidious the disease can be and why seeking help sooner than later is vital. After miraculously surviving

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June 2022

a horrific suicide attempt, he unexpectedly found hope and the will to live through walking, breathwork and human connection. Being honest with others, as well as himself, was a turning point in his recovery. “For a lot of men, talking about dealing with depression feels like an admission of weakness or something to feel guilty about,” he says. “Try to think of emotional pain like physical pain. If you get cut, you bleed; that’s part of being human. Then you do something to treat the wound. Or if it’s deeper, you go to a doctor or a hospital. Denying painful emotions is like trying not to bleed when you get cut or trying to pretend you’re not bleeding.” For family members or friends concerned about a man’s mental health, he advises, “Vague assertions like, ‘You seem depressed,’ can make a guy feel attacked or put on the spot. Instead, it’s helpful to start by pointing out specific observations you’ve had about changes to his mood or behavior, such as, ‘You seem stressed out,’ or, ‘You haven’t been eating much,’ or, ‘You’ve been isolating yourself from friends or turning down plans more than usual.’” It is estimated that 4 percent of men suffer from the physical and psychological consequences of trauma, and PTSD is certainly not reserved for combat veterans. While traditional therapies like cognitive

behavioral therapy and exposure therapy are excellent for treating depression, other modalities offer light at the end of the tunnel for men plagued by traumatic overwhelm. Somatic Experiencing, developed by PTSD psychologist Peter Levine during the last 50 years, targets trauma stored in the nervous system and gently helps a person to increase their tolerance for difficult physical sensations and buried emotions. It is also highly useful in addiction recovery. Therapeutic massage, yoga and regular exercise are all allies for men to combat stress, anchor into their bodies and access unconscious feelings. In the end, little things add up to a whole lot of change for a man. “You are not alone. Take your responsibility in how you experience life. Empower yourself with resources— podcasts, books, therapy, coaching—whatever support might look like for you,” advises Adams. There is no better time than now for the masculine to rise to a new level of greatness. “There is ample evidence that we are in a paradigm-shifting moment in the history of manhood,” says Reichert. “When I speak with parents, I say that there has never been a better time in all of human history to raise a son.” Marlaina Donato is an author and multimedia artist. Connect at Wildflower Lady.com.

HELPFUL RESOURCES MenLiving, MenLiving.org A national program of virtual and in-person opportunities for men to forge healthy and nourishing connections. EVRYMAN, Evryman.com An online men’s community group. Good Men Project, GoodMenProject.com Includes articles on many topics including relationships, dads and families, advice and confessions, and ethics. HeadsUpGuys, HeadsUpGuys.org A program at The University of British Columbia that provides support for men to prevent and manage depression.

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healing ways

Healing Trauma Emerging Therapies Offer Fresh Hope

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by Ronica O’Hara Refugee children with tear-stained faces, the frail elderly being wheeled away from floods or fires, the sobbing families of gunshot victims—the faces of trauma are seen in every heartbreaking newscast. And the faces are even closer to us than that, walking down the street: a woman that recoils from touch, a child that has withdrawn into himself, a man with incoherent bursts of anger. The trauma of death, cruelty and destruction has always been part of the human experience. In the U.S., surveys show that as many as 60 to 70 percent of people report being traumatized by sexual assault, accidents, violence, war combat or other causes, and as many as one in 11 may be diagnosed in their lifetime with the more severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The encouraging news is that in the last few decades, a revolution has occurred in the recognition of how widespread trauma is and how deeply embedded it can be, not only in our behaviors but in our bodies. That, in turn, has led to effective and ever-evolving approaches to heal what’s been broken. “Although trauma and PTSD are visible in the culture everywhere now, from films to popular literature and from legal to mental health fields, until 1980 the topic was virtually non-existent,” says San Francisco psychologist, PTSD researcher and author Harvey Schwartz, Ph.D., who has treated trauma clients in clinical practice for 35 years. “After it became a legitimate diagnosis in 1980, long-overdue research and development of clinical protocols occurred, and today, almost every tradition and subculture within the mental health field has its own model of how to treat trauma.” Shaping the ongoing dialogue has been the research of Boston psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk, whose 2014 book, The Body Keeps the Score, has occupied the top rung of The New York Times bestseller list for three years. In magnetic imaging studies, he found that when a person is thrust into a terrorizing incident, the cognitive functions in the brain’s temporal lobe shut down and activity shifts to the self-defense mode of the amygdala. When the person responds by fighting, fleeing or freezing, physiological reactions kick in, which armor the body and trap emotions and thinking in that fraught moment, distorting future perceptions and experiences. He argues that any true healing of trauma must include “bottom-up” modalities focusing on the body rather than only mental “top-down” insights. He also insists that no single treatment alone is Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

June 2022

likely enough and no combination of treatments will be the same for every person. Christine Songco, a Los Angeles dental hygienist and wellness coach, used cognitive therapy, journaling and meditation to relieve the trauma of a grueling bout with cancer, but hearing loud and angry voices still made her panic. What ultimately proved healing was an hour-long session of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), in which she followed a therapist’s prompt to move her eyes back and forth while memories surfaced. “It got to the root of my fear and anxiety and the source of my trauma without hours of therapy talking sessions, but I do think the other work I did set the stage for EMDR to be effective for me,” she says. Schwartz says that two major approaches to treating PTSD have emerged: cognitive and experiential. Cognitive, or “talk therapies”, supported by academic research and insurance companies, emphasize mentally processing painful memories to manage such symptoms as nightmares, flashbacks and explosive anger, often using anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. They can include such strategies as narrative recall, slowly increasing exposure to the traumatic material, mindfulness training and deep breathing exercises. “Cognitive approaches help survivors learn how to become an expert of themselves so that they can respond to their trauma in a healthier way,” says psychologist Sabina Mauro, of Yardley, Pennsylvania, author of The Mindfulness Workbook for PTSD. This type of therapy can take months to years and effectively treats about half of PTSD sufferers. Experiential approaches, which have been researched less, but have engendered substantial therapist enthusiasm, do a “deep dive” to work through traumatic patterning embedded in a person’s mind, body and psyche. “They help people restore not only their nervous systems, but their capacity for self-trust and self-forgiveness and

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their capacity for connection to their bodies and others,” says Schwartz. These modalities mostly focus, at least at first, on physical sensations rather than intellectual comprehension. For example, Somatic Experiencing defuses deeply held, fear-based contractions in the body by integrating those sensations with peaceful alternatives. EMDR, once an outlier but now practiced globally and endorsed by the World Health Organization, uses eye movements to lower the emotional charge of a traumatic memory. Internal Family Systems repairs a wounded psyche by relating a person’s deeply felt, damaged “child parts” to their essential goodness. To re-inhabit parts of the body frozen in the past by trauma, patients may be encouraged to use somatic meditations, trauma-informed yoga, acupuncture, massage and martial arts, as well as art, music, dance and other forms of expression. Psychedelics, which if used carefully can open a trauma sufferer to a larger sense of purpose, may become a legal option in a few years. In a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved Phase 3 clinical trial on MDMA (previously called ecstasy), 67 percent of participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after three therapist-guided sessions. Says Schwartz, “It can feel like a supermarket of options out there, so people need to read, become informed consumers and combine treatments at times. We have to think of the mind, the body and the spiritual as all needing attention and integration.” Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com. Pavlina Gatikova with We Breathe Wellness, in Walpole, MA, is an Internal Family Systems practitioner. See ad on page 31 and Resource Guide Listing on page 34.

TRAUMA TREATMENT OPTIONS Dozens of approaches are available for treating trauma, and experienced therapists often mix and match cognitive and experiential modalities to meet a patient’s needs. “Choose the therapist over the method, as research repeatedly shows that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in any successful therapy,” advises internationally recognized PTSD specialist Babette Rothschild, author of The Body Remembers, Revolutionizing Trauma Treatment and 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery. Some primary approaches, with links to practitioners, are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy works to process the traumatic event and change negative thought patterns connected to it. Usually involving 12 to 20 sessions, it is the most thoroughly studied approach and has been shown to be effective for about half of patients with good, long-term retention of outcomes. Some variations are Cognitive Processing Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Find a practitioner at Tinyurl.com/CBT practitioner.

practitioner at Brainspotting.com/directory. Somatic Experiencing has a client pendulate between subtle sensations of trauma in the body and safe, peaceful feelings, which allows the trauma to be gently released. Although extensive research remains to be done, more than 120,000 professionals in 30 countries have been formally trained in it. Find a practitioner at Directory.Trauma Healing.org. Internal Family Systems explores different “parts” of a personality held together by a benevolent core consciousness, which allows those parts damaged and hurt by trauma to express themselves and feel self-compassion. It is recommended by leading trauma theorist Bessel van der Kolk. Find a practitioner at Ifs-institute.com/practitioners. Emotional Freedom Technique shows a client how to tap certain rhythms related to acupuncture meridians on the face and the rest of the body while actively reframing traumatic memories. In a small study of

veterans with PTSD, 86 percent no longer met diagnostic criteria after six, one-hour sessions. Find a practitioner at Members. iceeft.com/member-search.php. Psychedelics are emerging therapies for PTSD, with psilocybin (magic mushrooms), ketamine and LSD potentially offering deep healing when administered under the supervision of a trained therapist. MDMA is the closest to obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval: carefully designed Phase 2 and initial Phase 3 clinical trials show twothirds of PTSD patients shedding debilitating symptoms. For more information, visit Maps.org/mdma. Trauma-informed Yoga focuses on grounding practices to restore disrupted physical sensations rather than emphasizing poses themselves and has proven helpful for sexual assault victims and veterans. Dozens of teacher certification programs exist, and it can be done virtually at home.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy helps a patient overcome the fear and anxiety of a trauma by re-experiencing elements of it in a safe environment, using imagination and sometimes virtual reality. It is often used by cognitive therapists. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses sound, motion, touch, even a pencil to direct a client’s eyes back and forth, thus integrating parts of the brain; memories emerge, but without a heavy emotional charge. A key part of Veterans Administration therapy, it is recommended by the World Health Organization. Some studies show that 84 to 90 percent of single-trauma victims no longer have PTSD after three, 90-minute sessions. Find a practitioner at Emdria. org/directory. Brainspotting is an emerging outgrowth of EMDR that involves helping a client fixate on a location in the eye that pinpoints specific traumatic memories. Research is scant, but suggests it may be as or more effective than EMDR. Find a Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

June 2022

Head to Toe Health Support Central Nervous System Protein Levels by Gary Kracoff

Everyone wants to be happy, healthy and enjoy life as we age. As the years go by, many normal functions in the body seem to slow down. For many, this includes brain function, memory and recall. This can be due to changes in our lifestyle, toxic exposures, amount of exercise, quality and quantity of sleep and general wear and tear on the body leading to inflammation. A new area that is receiving a lot of attention and research is brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein made in the central nervous system. This protein is a growth factor or, as Harvard Medical School psychiatrist John J. Ratey, MD, coined in his game-changing book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, BDNF is like “Miracle-Gro for your brain.” BDNF is the key factor in the brain’s ability to change and grow in a 22

process called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity involves the brain’s ability to generate new nerve cells through neurogenesis. In addition to building new brain cells, these cells can also be repaired and change function. BDNF helps the brain strengthen and develop new connections between neurons. By strengthening these connections called synapses, it helps improve neurotransmitter transport between neurons which maximizes their function. Clinically, higher BDNF levels are associated with improved cognition and better mood. Moreover, a study from 2015 published in the Archives of Medical Science proved BDNF deficiency is associated with increased weight, and BDNF administration can reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure. Thus, BDNF seems to have an important role in several neurological diseases and Type 2 diabetes.

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BDNF levels can be supported through exercise and targeted supplementation. The benefits of BDNF support and maintaining healthy BDNF levels can include an increase in a person’s ability to learn, focus, remember, tolerate stress, sleep, improve mood and is adversely related to neurogenerative disorders. BDNF supplementation supporting digestion and elimination is the first area to balance. Next, make sure to stay well-hydrated. Exercise helps produce nitric oxide, which is helpful for circulation, blood pressure, sexual function, immune health, and overall well-being. Decreasing exposure to toxic substances while eating clean healthy food to fuel the body and staying well-hydrated helps keep us healthy and inflammation low. The following ingredients can have a positive effect on BDNF: a blend of skullcap, ashwagandha,

bacopa, lion’s mane and black rice promote healthy BDNF formation, support normal cytokine levels and nurture a healthy mood. Also, a blend of phosphatidylserine and citicoline supports healthy cognition, cellular membrane function and healthy cortisol levels. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a health care professional before use. As we age, determining what is the proper supplementation to support the body’s needs from head to toe is essential. Working with a health practitioner is the best way to determine what is the best plan at any age. Dr. Gary Kracoff is a naturopathic doctor and registered pharmacist at the Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, located at 577 Main St., Waltham. He can assist people with assessing BDNF levels and recommend support where needed. For more information, call 781-893-3870 ext. 2 or visit NaturalCompounder.com. See ad on page 2 and Resouce Guide on pages 34 and 36.

PEAK LEVELS Proper brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels play an important role in maintaining peak physical and mental health, especially as we age. Research suggests: • Healthy BDNF levels are critical for cognition, development, sleep and healthy aging • BDNF levels decline with age • Patients with psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders have lower BDNF levels • BDNF is one of the most important molecules involved in both memory and learning • Decreased levels of BDNF have been found in adults and children with ADHD

• BDNF is critical for healthy neuroplasticity, which is responsible for the brain’s ability to recover from injury • BDNF deficiency is associated with increased weight and seems to have an important role in Type 2 diabetes Factors that lower BDNF levels: • Neuroinflammation levels from toxins and infections • Elevated cortisol levels from prolonged stress • Traumatic brain injury • Oxidative stress • Sugar • Social isolation

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June 2022

healthy kids

How to Raise Empathetic Kids

Simple Ways Parents Can Cultivate Compassion

Empathy is the foundation of a caring society. While we are all born with a certain amount, cultivating it is a skill that can be strengthened with practice, and it is critical that the learning process start early, say childhood educators. An empathetic child can better manage their own emotional responses and understand how someone else might be feeling. Studies show that children that practice empathy are less likely to bully and better suited to collaborative environments, setting them up for academic and professional success. According to educator Traci Baxley, of Boca Raton, Florida, empathy in children is developed over time and with repetition. “The earlier we begin to model empathy with our children, the more they will mimic the characteristics associated with the awareness and care of others. Teaching and modeling empathy early supports children’s emotion regulation development and contributes to creating safe spaces in our homes for children to feel nurtured, valued and cared for,” she says. As a speaker, coach and author of Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate, Anti-Racist, Justice-Minded Kids in an Unjust World, Baxley uses empathy as a tool for fostering civic-minded awareness. “Empathy is foundational to achieving social justice and creating a world where everyone has a fair chance to live a full, productive life. Social justice requires us to see each other’s perspectives, circumstances and 24

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by Carrie Jackson

lived experiences through the lens of empathy and compassion. It’s the only way to live in the space of active hope that we can create a world free from inequities and injustices,” she says. One innovative program, Toronto-based Roots of Empathy, began in 1996 after a mother brought her baby into a kindergarten classroom for children to relate to. With the aid of an instructor, they were encouraged to understand the baby’s needs and feelings, and to take the baby’s perspective. So successfully did the interaction reduce bullying behavior that the program has since spread globally, reaching 1 million children in K-8 classes. “In school, students are taught to read, but if we don’t teach them to relate, then we can expect failed societies,” says founder Mary Gordon. “By interpreting the feelings of the tiny baby and sharing when they had the same feelings, the students develop emotional literacy and awareness. This enables them to build connections and healthy relationships, which leads to inclusion and integration.” By parents modeling empathy and vulnerability around their children, the foundation is laid for open conversations, she says. “At the dinner table, say, ‘Today I felt embarrassed when I was called on at work and felt unprepared.’ Identifying and normalizing feelings is the best way to show them it’s something you value and encourage their natural instincts. Kids learn best through observation rather than instruction.” At The Children’s Museum, in Oak Lawn, an Illinois nonprofit, play is an essential part of childhood development. Executive Director Adam Woodworth says the institution focuses on kindness and gratitude to build a foundation of empathy. “Helping children find their empathy for others develops strong friendships built on trust and understanding. Parents can incorporate empathy into explanations for everyday interactions such as sharing toys. Instead of focusing on the negative of giving up their toy for someone else, talk about how happy the other child would feel,” he suggests.

Empathy often starts with listening. “Teaching children how to listen for context is a skill that is developed over time. Parents can help by asking open-ended questions while reading, such as, ‘Why do you think Frog didn’t want to invite Snake to the party?’ This helps cultivate both understanding and empathy, acknowledges their feelings as real and validates them in a way that they know we care,” he says. Baxley stresses that it is imperative for parents to model the behaviors

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they want to cultivate in front of their children. “The way we show up for our children is how they will show up for others,” she says. “We have to pour these habits of empathy and compassion into our children in the privacy of our homes if we expect them to know how to show up for others in that way out in the world.” Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

June 2022

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Planet-Friendly Pours The Rise of Sustainable Wine and Spirits by Sheila Julson Iconic food and beverage magazines such as Bon Appetit and Food & Wine affirm that sustainable and socially responsible wines and spirits are becoming a major force in the market, yet consumers wanting to pour an Earth-conscious tipple need a sobering amount of research to sort through what’s truly eco-friendly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require wine makers to list ingredients on labels or regulate the use of terms such as “natural” and “sustainably grown”. “There are more than 70 additives that are allowed in wine that don’t have to be disclosed on the label,” explains Brad Kruse, who with his wife, Allie, owns Nonfiction Natural Wines, a Milwaukee-based specialty wine retailer. “The only real requirement relating to additives is the declaration of sulfites, which makes it trickier, because even wines with no added sulfites have to have the warning on the label because some naturally occur in the wine.” Some wine labels tout that they’re made with organic grapes or grapes that are farmed sustainably. “But those may still have a host of other additives or lots of added sulfites,” says Kruse. Certifications can act as a shortcut to locate eco-friendly wines. Demeter USA, for example, certifies vineyards that follow strict biodynamic rules for how the wine is farmed and processed, including limiting sulfites. 26

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But many small producers that operate naturally don’t bother obtaining certification. Independent wine shops with knowledgeable employees can help consumers choose wisely. Kruse recommends looking for the name of the importer on the back label, saying, “If you learn a handful of importers that focus on naturally made wines, such as Louis/Dressner, Zev Rovine or Jenny & Francois, it can be a quick way to find a good option.”

Sustainability in the Vineyards

Rudy Marchesi, the former chairman of Demeter USA, practices biodynamic farming at his vineyard, Montinore Estate, in Forest Grove, Oregon. “We view our farm as one whole organism, below and above the ground,” he says. Biodynamic farming, founded by philosopher Rudolf Steiner a century ago, requires using nutritionally rich compost teeming with microbiology of fungi and bacteria, as well as synchronizing specific farming practices with the seasons. These practices help the vineyards buffer droughts and weather swings, resulting in a consistent product that reflects the region. “Wine connoisseurs and collectors look for wines that have a sense of place and tell the story of where they’re from,” Marchesi says.

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conscious eating

Distillers Move Toward Sustainable Practices

Alcohol is an agricultural product, so producing a sustainable spirit starts with the grain itself, says Herman C. Mihalich, founder and distiller of Mountain Laurel Spirits, in New Hope, Pennsylvania. “Rye is a much less resource-intensive grain to grow compared to crops like corn,” he says. The recipe for the company’s signature Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey calls for malted barley and rye, but no corn. “Rye doesn’t need much fertilizer and few, if any, pesticides. It’s easy to grow and it preserves soil because it’s a fall planting crop that helps prevent erosion,” he says. Their grains are sourced from a nearby farmer, and they save water by capturing cooling water from the still’s condenser and storing it in a tank, then using it to clean tanks and make spent mash that can be used for livestock feed. The bottles are made locally by Stoelzle Glass, in Monaca, Pennsylvania. When seeking sustainably produced spirits, customers have to do their due diligence, Mihalich says. “It requires a little digging and asking the right questions: What grains are you using and from where? How are you using water?” When Extreme Chef host Marsh Mokhtari and his wife, Jan, founded Gray Whale Gin, they rotated propri-

etorship with two existing distilleries instead of using land and resources to build a new one. A vacation in Big Sur inspired the couple to “capture California in a glass” and make a product with ingredients found along the gray whale migratory route between the Baja Peninsula and Oregon. They hired a professional forager to collect juniper berries along the coast. “Juniper for most gin is sourced from Italy or Macedonia,” says Mokhtari. “We predominantly use juniper berries from California, which are light purple and larger, with a cedar component.” They also source mint and limes from

CLASSIC MANHATTAN ¼ oz cherry liqueur 2½ oz sustainably produced rye 1 oz sweet vermouth 2 dashes angostura bitters 1 dash cherry bitters 1 maraschino cherry Coat a chilled cocktail glass with cherry liqueur. Add the remaining ingredients over ice in a a shaker. Stir and strain into the cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry. Recipe and photo courtesy of Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey.

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sustainable farms in California. Gray Whale Gin gives back through a partnership with the environmental nonprofits Oceana and 1% for the Planet. They recently joined with Oceana and former California governor Jerry Brown to support responsible swordfishing practices off the California coast. Sheila Julson is a Milwaukee-based freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

WHALE HELLO THERE 2 oz sustainably produced gin ½ oz fresh lime juice ½ oz fresh lemon juice ½ oz agave syrup Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the gin, lime juice, lemon juice and agave. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass, or over a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately. Recipe and photo courtesy of Gray Whale Gin.

June 2022

practitioner spotlight

Understanding Sleep Disorders TMJ and Sleep Therapy of New England by Wendy Fachon Many people suffer from a disorder at the joints that connect their lower jaw to their skull, and a temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) will often accompany a sleep disorder. People can fail to recognize the symptoms of TMD and may live a majority of their life suffering a treatable condition. In fact, most dental and medical practitioners fail to recognize the signs of TMD or sleep disorders. Dr. Amparo David, DMD, who practices in Bolton, Massachusetts, is one of few specialists that under-

stands TMD/sleep disorders and has been spending many years improving her treatment methods. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), situated in front of the openings of both ear canals is a movable joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. Each joint contains a soft cartilage that protects the bones from rubbing against each other. This cartilage contains nerve endings, allowing us to experience pain in the area when something is not working correctly. When people grind or clench

their teeth, they strain this joint, creating a dysfunction in its movement. People may experience different levels of discomfort or a clicking sound when they open and close their mouths. If the cartilage that protects the bone is displaced, bone-on-bone friction can occur, leading to longterm damage and pain. David treats patients with temporomandibular (TM) appliances, custom fit to the upper and lower teeth. This appliance is designed to keep the lower jaw in a position that alleviates pressure off of the TMJ joints. It is used at night time when the suspected grinding occurs during a patient’s sleeping hours. David will also have her patients wear a daytime appliance for a few months. The day time appliance is fabricated for the lower teeth only, to hold the jaw in a similar position to alleviate pressure from the TMJ. Plastic bands are used to connect the appliances to reinforce a favorable position of the jaw and to promote healing. The daytime appliance functions as a brace to give more healing time to the damaged joint(s). Ongoing use of the night-time appliance will maintain a healthy, healed TMJ. The quality of sleep is also important to TMJ health. If insufficient oxygen is absorbed while sleeping, the brain will recognize this and either force the body to wake up, or try to move the lower jaw forward in an attempt to open the airway while one is still in a subconscious state. For patients that do not present with symptomatic TMJ dysfunction or severe sleep apnea, a night orthotic

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appliance is indicated, and it is designed to protect a patient’s dentition while also encouraging a healthy airway. A thickened layer of material located at the biting surfaces of the teeth protects tooth enamel from being worn down and damaged. Dr. Amparo M. David, DMD, has her own practice, Dentistry by Dr. David, located at 563 Main St., Bolton, MA. For more information about the TMJ and Sleep Therapy of New England, visit TMJSleepMA.com. To learn more about Dentistry by Dr. David, call 978779-2888 or visit BoltonDental.com. See ad on page 21 and Resource Guide on page 34.

Signs of TMD and Sleep-Disordered Breathing

The following symptoms might suggest a possible sleep disorder that can easily be treated with proper assessment and diagnosis: · Tired/tight jaws · Locking of the jaw when opening or closing the mouth · Teeth grinding or clenching · Clicking, popping and grating sounds · Headaches, recurring or chronic · Neck, Shoulder and back pain, stiffness · Feeling of a foreign object in the throat, difficulty swallowing · A bite that feels uncomfortable or “off ” · Swelling on the side of the face · Ringing in the ear, ear pain, decreased hearing, stuffiness · Dizziness, vertigo and vision problems, nausea · Pain behind the eye

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June 2022

healthy pet

Healthy Gut, Healthy Pet

Transformational Microbiome Restorative Therapy by Margo Roman Microbiome is a term for the microorganisms that live on and in our bodies. When the microbiome is balanced, our bodies are happy and healthy. But when there is an imbalance, we start to see health issues and diseases. This is called dysbiosis. Microbiome accounts for 80 percent of the immune system, starting in the mouth. The mouth has more than 1 trillion microbes and the body

has more than 100 trillion. With the overuse of antibiotics, pharmaceutical medications, flea and tick prevention, exposure to chlorine and fluoride in the water, glyphosate in the food, and pesticides on the ground, the microbiome of our pets become severely damaged. This damage can manifest as many different medical issues, such as gastrointestinal issues, autoimmune issues,

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liver and kidney disease, behavioral issues and even cancer. An imbalance in the mouth can lead to cavities and dental disease. Feeding a fresh, organic diet is a great start to keep pets healthy. Diet plays a key role in health, but other things can be done as well. Try to use natural flea and tick prevention products. Provide clean, filtered water, or water without fluoride and chlorine. Avoid using pesticides in the yard and avoid places that do use them. Seek out a holistic or integrative vet that can help to replace pharmaceutical medications with effective herbs and treatments. Of course, there may be times that a pharmaceutical medicine or antibiotic is needed, but often the immune system can be supported naturally to heal itself. Some modalities and therapies that can help to support and heal the immune system and encourage a healthier microbiome include ozone therapy, homeopathy, lower-level laser therapy, herbs, acupuncture, and even topical Manuka honey. A less known therapy available is Microbiome Restorative Therapy (MBRT) that transplants feces from a healthy donor into an immunocompromised patient. This is most beneficial for patients with severely damaged microbiomes where probiotics alone are not sufficient in repairing the immune system. It is imperative to use a healthy donor that has been raised in a chemical-free home, fed an organic fresh diet and given water free from fluoride and chlorine. The donor should not receive antibiotics, flea and tick medications, pharmaceuticals and should not be exposed to pesticides. Their microbiome should be tested to ensure that they are a good donor. Sometimes the age and sex of the donor is important, too. For instance, by adding biome from a puppy donor to a transplant, it can add to the health and vitality of a compromised recipient. MBRT can be given orally or as an enema, depending on the need, to feed the body microbes that it should normally be producing. The hope is that the donor microbes will edge out

the unhealthy bacteria. This treatment has been helpful for all sorts of ailments including gastrointestinal issues, allergies, autoimmune issues, liver and kidney issues, behavioral issues and cancer. It can also be beneficial for puppies and kittens that have received too many vaccines or deworming medications. Transplants can transform a pet’s life. Dr. Margo Roman, DVM, CVA, COP, CPT, practices at MASH Main Street Animal Services of Hopkinton, where more than 20,000 transplants have been performed. They are located at 72 W. Main St., Hopkinton, MA. For more information, call 508-435-4077 or visit MicrobiomeRestorativeTherapy.com or MASHVet.com. See ad on this page and Resource Guide on page 35.

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June 2022

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Chiropractic MCARDLE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER Catherine McArdle, DC Robert Sedlor, DC

2220 Plainfield Pike, Cranston, RI 02921 401-383-3400 McArdleChiropractic.com Family chiropractic practice offering holistic care to patients of all ages. Based on the initial evaluation, patients will be given a treatment plan which addresses ergonomics, exercise, stretching and nutrition in addition to their spinal alignment. See ad on page 23.

Coaching A CREATIVE HEALING PLACE Benjamin B. Blackett 401-855-2008 BBB3pips@gmail.com Facebook.com/BenjaminBBlackett TikTok: @benjaminblackett

Benjamin Blackett is a multi-certified, International Life Mastery Consultant and motivational speaker. He helps people pull their dreams into their lives. His clients experience better health, deeper and more meaningful relationships, more satisfying careers, and expanded time and money freedom. You are invited to get to know him through his livestream “Morning Mindset Book Studies” on his Facebook page, A Creative Healing Place, Mon-Fri, 9:05-9:25am. See ad on page 31.

JAMISON JACOBS COACHING Jamison@JamisonJacobs.com Linkedin.com/in/jamisonjacobs

I am a graduate of Accomplishment Coaching and I am currently a Program Coach, coaching other coaches, in New York City. I work with executives, leaders and those in career transition.

June 2022

LIFE COACH DAVID

David Scott Bartky, Law of Attraction Life Coach 973-444-7301 LifeCoachDavid.com Find out how to attract what you want, feel happier, and become the best version of yourself with Law of Attraction coaching. You have the ability; you just have to know how to use it.

INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS PRACTITIONER We Breathe Wellness Walpole MA 508-375-8465 GatikovaP@gmail.com

I support healing in the modality, the Internal Family Systems or Parts Work. Together, we will explore your parts and how they support your system employing the leadership of your Self, or your inner resource. See ad, page 31.

TAKE THE LEAP COACHING

Kim Childs 1025 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA 02476 617-640-3813 Kim@KimChilds.com KimChilds.com Need help clarifying and realizing your desires? Asking “What’s next?” or “How do I get started?” Kim is a certified life and career coach specializing in Positive Psychology, creativity, and midlife transitions, to help clients create more personally fulfilling, meaningful and empowered lives. Initial consultations are free.

Colon Hydrotherapy INTERNAL WELLNESS CENTER

Liz Marcano-Pucillo 150 Wood Rd, Ste 403, Braintree, MA 02184 781-228-6915 Liz@InternalWellnessCtr.com InternalWellnessCtr.com Receive professional colon hydrotherapy by a national board-certified therapist using the Angel of Water system. The most comfortable and private system in the industry. See ad, page 28.

Compounding & Wellness Pharmacy BIRD’S HILL COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

401 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492 781-449-0550 Pharmacist@BirdsHillPharmacy.com BirdsHillPharmacy.com Familyowned and -operated since 1960, we have evolved from a traditional pharmacy to a worldwide compounding and nutritional resource. Our unique one-on-one patient consultations produce a full understanding of your health needs. You, your physician, and one of our compounding pharmacists work as partners to ensure that you will receive the best care possible.

DINNO HEALTH

Acton Pharmacy 563 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA 01721 978-263-3901 Keyes Drug 2090 Commonwealth Ave Newton, MA 02466 617-244-2794 Theatre Pharmacy 1784 Massachusetts Ave Lexington, MA 781.862.4480 West Concord Pharmacy 1212 Main St, Concord, MA 01742 978-369-3100 DinnoHealth.com For more than a quarter of a century, Dinno Health has been a trusted provider of pharmacy services and is committed to providing the highest quality of individualized care for each customer. At our four independent pharmacies, we offer prescriptions, compounded medications, medical supplies, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and vaccines. See ad, page 9.

JOHNSON COMPOUNDING AND WELLNESS

577 Main St, Waltham, MA 02452 781-893-3870 • Fax: 781-899-1172 John@NaturalCompounder.com NaturalCompounder.com JCW is the only sterile and non-sterile PCABaccredited 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 on page 3.

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Dentist DENTISTRY BY DR. DAVID Amparo M. David, DMD 563 Main St, Bolton, MA 978-779-2888 BoltonDental.com

We look beyond our patients’ teeth in order to improve both their smiles and their quality of life. Our practice offers full preventive services: biological, holistic, functional dentistry, ozone therapy, reconstructive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, dental sleep medicine, implant dentistry, in addition to TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders) therapy. See ad, page 21.

Flotation FLOAT BOSTON

515 Medford St, Somerville, MA 844-443-5628 FloatBoston.com A float tank is a small shallow pool filled with water nearly saturated with Epsom salt. You float completely effortlessly. It’s completely dark and quiet: your own private world. It’s utterly relaxing. See ad, page 8.

Frenectomy (Tongue/Lip Tie Release) DENTISTRY BY DR. DAVID Martin Kaplan, DDS 563 Main St, Bolton, MA 978-779-2888 BoltonDental.com

Specializing in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Kaplan uses the latest technology available to diagnose and treat infants as well as children and adults. In 2015, he was instrumental in developing the first-in-the-country “Infant Laser Frenectomy” training class through the continuing education department at Tufts Dental School and is an international leader in the field of dental laser surgery. See ad, page 21.

Functional Dietitian

Health Food Store

ALORA FREDERICK, RDN

NATURE’S GOODNESS

510 East Main Rd, Middletown, RI 401-847-7480 Facebook.com/NaturesGoodness NaturesGoodnessRI.com

Johnson Compounding & Wellness 781-893-3870 x 149 Alora@NaturalCompounder.com NaturalCompounder.com Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian who strives to motivate individuals on their health journey. Alora loves to help people feel their best and has a special interest in GI health and mental health (depression & anxiety). See ad on page 3.

TAMARA LUCK, RDN, LDN

Johnson Compounding & Wellness 781-893-3870 x 104 Tamara@NaturalCompounder.com Tamara Luck, RDN, LDN, is excited to help you along your wellness journey. She uses a whole body and functional nutrition approach to help you reach your goals related to gut health, anti-inflammatory lifestyles, weight loss and optimizing your overall wellness. See ad on page 3.

Handmade Soaps & Skin Care

Since 1984 we have been providing the finest quality Natural & Organic Whole Foods including many gluten-free products, natural body care, athletic supplements & protein powders, incense, smudging supplies and candles made with essential oils. Natural pet care food & supplements. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm. Visit website for more information.

NewBedfordSoapCompany.com

We have been making soap for over 10 yrs and have over 60 blends. We have scrubs, face, hand and foot creams, fragrance stones, along with perfume sticks, lip and cuticle balms. We also have dog shampoo and balms. Open M-F, 11am-4pm and Saturdays, 10am-2pm.

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 31.

Herbs & Teas

Integrative Wellness Center

SANCTUARY HERBS OF PROVIDENCE

IT’S MY HEALTH

560 Mineral Spring Ave, 2-164 Pawtucket, RI 781-603-4894 SanctuaryHerbs.com

We offer an extraordinary line of herbal and medicinal teas, culinary herbs, tinctures and seasonal herb plants. Our herbs are grown chemical free by RI and MA farmers who we know and trust. See ad, page 15.

Homeopathy

NEW BEDFORD SOAP COMPANY

Integrative Veterinary Medical Care

VANDANA PITKE

Om Homeopathy, It’s My Health Cumberland, RI 401-573-3757 OmHomeopathy.com With 16+ yrs experience in classical homeopathy, Vandana Pitke has helped many clients restore and achieve health. A certified classical homeopath, she looks at the clients from a holistic perspective focusing on mind, body and spirit. She also incorporates many other holistic modalities in her practice, which makes healing faster, better and from within when combined with homeopathy.

Marie Bouvier-Newman 1099 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 401-305-3585 Its-My-Health.com We provide much more than products, services and education. We provide the tools you need to optimize your health in a comfortable environment. We care. See ad on page 28.

QUANTUM HEALING UNIVERSE

Cileimmar Oliveira, MEd, CAGS, Founder 999 Broadway, Ste 303, Saugus, MA 781-558-1561 QuantumHealingUniverse@gmail.com QuantumHealingUniverse.com An integrative wellness center (on-site and virtual) for self-care and health practitioners. Biocommunication scanning and treatments, energy work and reiki, chromotherapy, aromatherapy, therapeutic counseling, coaching, Access Bars and Access Energetic Facelift, feng shui and more. See ad on page 23.

Special thanks to Dole & Bailey for supporting us with home delivery in their customer orders. We appreciate you very much! Visit: DoleAndBailey.com for more information about their products and services. Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

June 2022

Light Therapy

Mind-Body Medicine

HEALING LIGHT JOURNEY

BODYMIND REPATTERNING

By appointment only 401-282-0230 Raff@RINeurofeedback.com HealingLightJourney.com

The healing powers of light & sound are well documented. It is now possible to travel through amazing lightscapes and absorb beautiful sound energies to facilitate beneficial states of trance, healing and even psychedelic experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience something truly out of this world (or your body)! Call today for a free discovery session to determine if this technology is for you.

Massage

Alison Shaw APRN, LMT, CEH 109 Massachusetts Ave Lexington, MA 02420 781-646-0686 Alison@BodymindRepatterning.com BodymindRepatterning.com An innovative blend of bodycentered counseling, integrative bodywork and energy medicine to uncover and release bodymind patterns that limit your life and health. See ad, page 29.

Naturopathic Medicine CHRYSANTHI KAZANTZIS, ND, MS Anasa Personalized Medicine 245 Waterman St., Suite 308 Providence, RI 02906 401-484-1882 AnasaMedicine.com

WEST SHORE WELLNESS

Massage Therapy & Transformational Breath Jane McGinn, LCMT, CTBF 459 Sandy Ln, Warwick, RI 02889 401-450-4172 WestShoreWellness.com Massage therapy relieves muscle tension, improves sleep, supports feelings of well-being. Transformational Breath helps to eliminate restrictive breathing patterns, clear the subconscious, and access higher levels of awareness. Live more joyfully. Call today.

Mind-Body Integration CÉCILE’S WISE WAYS

857-245-9488 Contact@CecileRaynor.com CecileRaynor.com Chronic tension or pain? Joint issues or headaches? Coping with poor posture? Tendency to live in your mind? Using the Alexander Technique, reclaim ease of movement, natural good posture and well-being with Cécile’s Wise Ways.

Owner and founder of Anasa Personalized Medicine, Licensed Naturopathic Physician, Clinical Nutritionist and Reiki Master. Specializing in digestive disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes, Lyme disease and chronic pain. Addressing these conditions by treating the underlying cause through herbal medicine, supplements, homeopathy, clinical nutrition and lifestyle counseling. Book an appointment to start your journey to optimal health. See ad on page 8.

DELONNAY HOLISTICS Martine Delonnay, ND 182 Gano St, Providence, RI 774-425-9519 DelonnayHolistics.com

An integrative medical practice combining naturopathic medicine with an allopathic medical background. Special interest in skin issues, nutrition and supplements, detox and cleanse cures, men’s and women’s health, and mental and emotional challenges. Currently seeing patients on Zoom and in-office for bodywork.

GARY KRACOFF, RPH & NMD

Johnson Compounding and Wellness 781-893-3870 Gary@NaturalCompounder.com Dr. Gary Kracoff provides guidance and in-depth consultative services to find the “why” to what is happening physically and mentally, working with individuals to restore balance in the body. Specializes in customizing medications to meet individualized needs of patients, and he suggests nutritional supplements, natural products and homeopathic remedies to aid in faster healing and recovery. See ad on page 3.

Organic Hair Care ELAYNE HEWITT

Master Colorist/Stylist Riverside, RI 401-273-7005 ElayneOrganic@gmail.com A full-service green salon that’s Certified Organic for hair color, straightening/relaxing and permanent wave. No ammonia, parabens, plastics or thioglycolates. Call today for an appointment.

FLIPP SALON APOTHECARY 38 Transit St Providence, RI 02903 401-274-1981 FlippSalon.com

A small boutique salon promoting a holistic approach to beauty, herbalism, art and music. Offering a full range of hair services using organic, plantbased products, full apothecary of loose herbs, blends and organic self-care items and accessories. Herbalist on staff. Gallery walls featuring local artisans; all mediums welcome. Live music in semi-acoustic for Music Nights. We believe that all these mediums are symbiotic in promoting joy and wellness in the individual and the community.

GREATER BOSTON AND RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITIES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS All Calendar events for the July issue must be received by June 10 and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NA-GBRI.com for guidelines and to submit entries. For extended event descriptions and additional listings, visit NA-GBRI.com/calendar.

Please visit our website for calendar listings and be sure to confirm events prior to the date of the event.

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Pilates

Shamanic Practitioner

BODY DYNAMICS RI

ENERGY-N-ELEMENTS

Peggy Normandin 1099 Mendon Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864 401-333-8550 BodyDynamicsRI@icloud.com BodyDynamicsRI.com We are a small boutique studio specializing in Pilates-based classes for women and men. Our highly trained instructors offer personal attention to our students to help them meet their fitness goals and improve their ability to enjoy activities. Free 30-min. consultation or lesson for new students. See ad, page 8.

Reiki

Paul A. DiSegna 401-736-6500 Energy-N-Elements.com

Are you feeling stuck, stressed or disconnected? I will assist you in releasing energy blocks and guide you to experience the comfort and peace that comes with power and soul retrieval. “My intention is to improve my client’s health and well-being.” Call for your appointment today.

Spa SPA PAULA B., INC.

ANGELHAWK REIKI

Janice Sutton, BSRN West Shore Wellness 459 Sandy Lane Rd, Warwick, RI 02889 Additional locales 401-298-0306 Stressed? Overwhelmed? In need of a reprieve? Treat yourself to a relaxing reiki treatment. While you are relaxing, your own body wisdom is kicking in to heal itself on many levels. As a Registered Nurse, I know that stress can and does contribute to many physical as well as emotional ailments. Introductory pricing, $50 first visit.

BOSTON REIKI MASTER

34 Lincoln St, Newton Highlands 617-633-3654 BostonReikiMaster.com Are you stressed from the pressure of your job, home life, kids or an illness? Do you want to feel calm and relaxed? Experience reiki. Certified Reiki Master/Teacher with over 20 years’ experience in energy medicine providing pure Usui Reiki healing/relaxation sessions.

150 California St, Ste 504, Newton, MA 877-772-8522 SpaPaulaB.com Spa Paula B. provides spa services in Newton, MA. Natural, organic and clean skin care products are used in facial treatments and are also available for purchase. Receive 20% off your first service.

Spiritual Centers CENTERS FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING GREATER BOSTON 340 Salem St, Medford, MA 02155 617-947-2743 Info@CSLBoston.org CSLBoston.org

We are a spiritual family that honors all paths to the Spirit of your understanding and can help you experience a personal relationship with the Inner Divine. All are welcome here. See ad, page 15.

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CENTERS FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING SOUTH COASTAL, MA TEACHING CHAPTER Barbara M. Fuyat 401-793-1753 Barbara@CSLSouthcoast.org CSLSouthcoast.org

We are a warm, welcoming community studying the Science of Mind, a philosophy and a way of life that embraces all spiritual paths, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds and ages. We believe we are all connected. It is in this oneness that we come together in nature, celebration, services, classes, workshops to understand our own spiritual magnificence and choose to live in love, peace and equality. Our vision is a world that embraces and empowers each and everyone. Everyone includes you. See ad, page 15.

Spiritual HealingTeaching JANET STRAIGHTARROW Be The Medicine Shaman, Healer, Sage 973-647-2500 Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com

Fourty years helping people help themselves. The Healers Healer. Deep energy healing-clearing worldwide. Profound results. Transformation. Coaching. Relieve anxiety, heal past now. Professional trainings. Shamanism. Reiki. Astrology. Land clearing. Ceremonies. Retreats.

Tantra/Sacred Sexuality SACRED TEMPLE ARTS

Sacha L. Fossa, Masters Health Arts & Sciences, Certified Sex & Tantric Educator, Licensed Erotic Blueprint Coach, Healing Arts Practitioner 978-309-9399 SacredTempleArts.com Ready to have better sex and love your life more, partnered or not? Holistic, cutting-edge sex, intimacy and relationship coaching, energy and bodywork, for your sexual healing and empowerment. In-person and/or virtual sessions and programs. See ad, page 29.

June 2022

Wellness Centers

Wellness Resources

Yoga & Tai Chi

IT’S YOUR BODY’S SYMPHONY

BETH GARDNER

BODY & BRAIN YOGA TAI CHI

Each talented unique therapist at It’s Your Body's Symphony brings varied tools and techniques to help you relax, relieve pain and leave feeling balanced and refreshed. Our clients report feelings of euphoria from their massage sessions. Also offering; reflexology, facials, hot stone treatments, hypnosis, ear coning, lymphatic drainage and counseling. See ad, page 14.

Certified lifestyle educator and the director of health and wellness at Acton Pharmacy, Keyes Drug and West Concord Pharmacy. Beth Gardner works one-on-one with patients to help create ways to improve diet and overall health as a means for disease and illness prevention. See ad, page 9.

14 Hayward St, Cranston, RI 02910 401-464-6100 ItsYourBodysSymphony.com

Acton Pharmacy Keyes Drug West Concord Pharmacy BGardner@DinnoHealth.com 508-259-7851

Arlington, Brookline, Cambridge & Riverwalk 781-648-9642 BodyNBrain.com

See ad, page 20.

Body & Brain provides a unique blend of yoga, tai chi, breathwork and meditation exercises for people of all ages and abilities to reestablish the body’s natural energy flow.

TIME FOR YOU YOGA

THE IVY DRIP BAR AND WELLNESS CENTER

Maria Sichel, RYT, CSYT 2155 Diamond Hill Rd Cumberland, RI 02864 401-305-5319 Maria@TimeForYouYoga.com TimeForYouYoga.com

The Ivy Drip Bar offers IV nutrient infusions and aesthetic treatments. Infusions include “Meyer’s Cocktail,” immunity, inner beauty, hangover, recover and performance. IV therapy helps with dehydration, athletic recovery, immune booster, hangovers and malabsorption ailments. See ad, page 7.

Private Svaroopa® yoga therapy sessions are tailored to meet your needs. Specially trained in treating pain, including back pain and neck and shoulder issues. Yoga therapy is more powerful than weekly yoga classes and moves you more quickly toward health and well-being. Experience pain relief, greater mobility, improved sleep, easier breathing, deep relaxation, increased flexibility and a deep sense of peace.

7 Brighton St, Belmont, MA 02478 617-221-5070 TheIvyDripBar@gmail.com

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FOR SALE ......................................... 22’ PAINTED CANVAS TIPI – With 9’ Liner; 18-oz all-weather, flameresistant canvas; door; lacing pins; poles; canvas floor and rugs. $2,500 or best offer. 25 miles from the Boston area. Delivery not included. Mary Jo Fernandez: 978-633-7388.

HERBAL BOTANICAL SANCTUARY – with 2 homes & art studio for sale. 15 acres with trails, medicinal teaching gardens, nine-tenths of a mile from downtown Eureka Springs, AR, outside city limits, well water. Established clients. Lorna: 479 244-6273.

PRODUCTS ..........................................

HELP WANTED ...........................................

E M P OWE RE D GI F T S F RO M T H E QUANTUM HEALING UNIVERSE – Give or keep: empowered, high-vibe gifts come ready for intentions. Essential oils, supplements, crystals, jewelry, candles, incense and more. Cileimmar: 617-501-8008. 781-558-1561. QuantumHealingUniverse.com.

NOW HIRING LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST – We are a holistic and health-oriented wellness center; we are dedicated to ensuring the overall health and well-being of every client and are looking for massage therapists who can help achieve this mission. Kerri Anderson: 401-949-5533 or Healing@ cox.net.

HIGH-VIBE EMPOWERMENT CRYSTALS & HEALING JEWELRY – The crystals in our QHU Crystal Collection are high-quality, ethically sourced, cleansed and ready for your programming with intention. Cileimmar: 617-501-8008. 781-5581561. QuantumHealingUniverse.com.

TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE, call 617-906-0232 or email Sales@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com 38

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June 2022

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Natural Awakenings Greater Boston/Rhode Island June 2022

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