Beneficial Microbes
Fostering Diverse Ecosystems in Soil and Humans
Beating Lyme Disease in Pets
The Song of Summer
Intolerance
Tips to Calm an Overactive Allergic Response
Regenerative Home Gardens
Simple Steps to Improve the Environment
Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
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14 PROTECTING PETS FROM LYME DISEASE
Prevention and Symptom Management Tips
18 TOO MUCH HISTAMINE
Natural Solutions to an Excessive Allergic Response
22 THE MICROBIOME CONNECTION
How Soil and Human Health Are Related
26 FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE GARDEN
Regenerative Techniques for a Healthy Ecosystem
28 HUES OF HEALTH
Benefits of a Colorful Diet
32 THE SWEET TAPESTRY OF SUMMER
34 ANNE BIKLÉ on the Advantages of Regenerative Farming
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Don’t you love it when little surprises happen? A few years ago, I was on my front porch tending hanging plants. I had lowered a trailing petunia to pluck withered blossoms and, as I moved the greenery about, something caught my eye. To my surprise, it was a small bird’s nest, and in its bed were three tiny, slightly speckled eggs. I was delighted. I’d seen nests from time to time in the upper reaches of trees, but I’d never had the opportunity to view one so close. It was like peering into a different world—a very tiny one that only needed a quiet section of a potted plant to feel secure enough to renew the cycle of life. Like an echo of truth, the image has reverberated in my mind.
Each time something like this happens I am reminded that surprise is fundamental to awareness. We worry about what we think might happen, but we learn by what surprises us. Sometimes it’s a “good” surprise, sometimes a “bad” one but regardless of how we judge it, that which surprises us carves a nest within our consciousness, sparking new thoughts and connections. In essence, the force behind surprise is creative—its nature is to renew the cycle of life within our own awareness by shaking up the status quo in our minds.
As you walk this journey of exploration, may you find surprise in every path. Enjoy the Day!
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The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.
~Ashley Montagu
For a gift that is magical, deep and transformative, join with like-minded women in the Catskills on July 21-23 for a retreat that will awaken new levels of inner wisdom and truth, and release anything in the way. Participants will enjoy a gentle, deep journey in nature and experience Shamanic tools and practices to support reconnecting to all of nature and one’s life under the guidance of Shaman Janet StraightArrow.
“A vision quest is an opportunity to be in a sacred space to hear your heart speak, receive the fullness of who you are, and open up to the next stage of your life path,” shares StraightArrow. This is a natural process without drugs held on a beautiful space on sacred ground with privacy and safety. For the fullness of experience, attendance is limited to 8 participants. Attendees may camp or stay inside a spacious lodge.
Fee: $800; payment plan available. Location: Art Farm, 31 Fawn Rd., North Road, Accord. For information call 973-647-2500 or email Janet@BeTheMedicine.com to set up a time to speak and discover if this is the retreat that will meet your needs, and visit BeTheMedicine. com. See ad, page 17.
To quote Nikola Tesla “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” Trish and Mike Mahoney, founders of Advanced Frequency Energy Spa, understand this well. They have opened a unique healing facility that features frequency modalities that remove the roadblocks (free radicals and toxins) that keep cells from functioning optimally. These energy therapies allow oxygen to saturate cells and helps them to max out energy output in order to restore order and achieve optimal health.
To welcome new clients, they are offering an introductory special for their Energy Enhancement (EE) System™ Frequency Therapy—unlimited use for $175/month with a 3-month commitment. In addition, they are hosting Yoga with Roberta on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., and Qi Gong with JoeyG on Fridays at 6:30 p.m., in the Scalar Energy Field. Location: 431 Rte 22 E (Bishop’s Plaza), Whitehouse Station. For more information call 888-460-4050 and visit AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com. See ad, page 9.
Washington Borough’s Farmers Market offers fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., each Saturday through the end of September. Weekly themes include specially crafted activities and live music. For example, senior citizens will feel especially appreciated on July 8 with discounts on purchases and live music with Steve Kirchuk. Later in July, Santa and Mrs. Claus pay a visit when the market celebrates Christmas in July while DJ Mitch Hess spins all our holiday favorites.
The Farmers Market, presented by the Washington Borough Green Team in association with the Washington Business Improvement District, offers a variety of farms and vendors each week. Among the regular farmers market vendors this year are: Pipers Hill Farms, The Rooted Lion/Dandy Lion Acres Farm, K & A Farms, Greenbytes Farm, and Le Crepe Cafe.
Location: Downtown Washington by Veteran’s Park. For more information and a full schedule of weekly events, visit washingtonbid.org/farmers-market, or check out their respective Facebook pages. See ad, page 35
In January 2023, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine published guidelines recommending that all patients undergoing anesthesia be screened and questioned about cannabis use, including how much and how often they use, how they take it and when they last used it.
One of the largest studies on the effects of cannabis use on sedation, published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, looked at 250 patients undergoing an endoscopy while under anesthesia. Those that reported regular cannabis use required significantly higher doses of anesthesia than nonusers. Another study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, found that daily cannabis users required a higher dose of sedatives prior to an endoscopy than weekly or monthly users.
On a related note, a 2018 study published in the journal Patient Safety in Surgery reported that marijuana use may interfere with painkillers after surgery. The study looked at 261 trauma center patients and concluded that marijuana use, especially chronic use, may affect the pain response to injury and require higher doses of opioids for pain management.
The nonprofit 4 Day Week Global conducted a sixmonth pilot of more than 2,900 workers from 61 companies in the United Kingdom from June to December 2022 in which the work week was reduced from a standard 40 hours to 32 hours for the same pay and benefits. At the end of the six-month trial, 39 percent of employees reported less stress and 71 percent expressed lower levels of burnout. Anxiety, fatigue and sleep issues also decreased, while mental and physical health improved. Sixty percent found a greater ability to balance work with home-based responsibilities, and 62 percent found it easier to balance work with social life. Employees were also more satisfied with their finances, relationships and time management.
Company revenue stayed broadly the same over the trial period, rising by 1.4 percent on average. Companies also saw improvements in hiring, absenteeism and resignations, with staff turnover dropping by 57 percent over the trial period. Additionally, 63 percent of businesses offering a four-day week found it easier to attract and retain new talent.
be willing to stop taking one or more drugs if their healthcare provider said it was possible, and 26 percent had already stopped taking at least one drug they had been taking for more than a year. When asked which meds they would be most interested in stopping, 43 percent named their heart disease pills for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, 13 percent mentioned diabetes medicines and 10 percent included pain management prescriptions.
In a new National Poll on Healthy Aging by the University of Michigan involving adults aged 50 to 80, the vast majority of respondents expressed an interest in cutting back on prescription medications. Eighty percent would
These results reflect a growing trend dubbed “deprescribing”. According to Deprescribing.org, a researcher-led online resource, it is the planned process of reducing or stopping medications that may no longer be of benefit or could be causing harm. The goal is to reduce medication burden or harm while improving quality of life. Seniors interested in cutting down on the drugs they are taking should consult their healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and helpful to do so.
The course of healing is not necessarily a straight-line function. David Bogulavsky, M.D., knows this well. As an experienced and dedicated family physician and medical acupuncturist, his commitment to finding healing therapies for his patients has at times led him to search outside the lines for best options for care. His most recent therapeutic addition, Spravato®, has shown itself to be a godsend for his patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Dr. B, as he is known by his patients, shares, “Treatment-resistant depression is diagnosed when at least two or more medications have failed to control the symptoms of depression. A number of my patients had failed to respond to medications, therapy, TMS, and I was looking for an FDA approved, scientifically proven alternative that would finally bring about some relief. That is how I came across Spravato. There’s been a lot of research and publicity lately around the clinical use
of psychedelics in treatment therapy and Spravato is the only medicine of that class that is approved by the FDA for clinical treatment of depression.” On the basis of strong clinical research Spravato is now covered by most health insurances including Medicare.
For many of Dr. B’s patients, the response to this therapy has been fairly robust. “I have seen Spravato be helpful for about 80%-90% of our patients,” states Dr. B. “What is important to appreciate is that
“Dr. B has an amazing way of communicating. I commute two hours to the center, and I go now once a week. I look forward to going to this place because it’s calming. The staff is amazing. They check in on you, you feel relaxed. All that I can tell you is, to be honest, that I feel I have my life back. And I feel myself. I’m a positive person. I’m just blessed. I thank God every single day to have found this treatment, to have found his medication. So, there is hope. That’s what I want people to know. There is hope and don’t be afraid to try anything new.”
– Glenis S.“I have been a patient of Dr. B’s for a few years. They asked me if I’d like to try this new treatment, Spravato. It was several months before I decided to try it. Wow! The wellness room is so quiet and just a beautiful room. The first time I was nervous but the team talks you through it, letting you know what you might expect. Now I’m on maybe month three of treatment and I have to say that I feel almost myself. I just turned 53 and I haven’t felt good since I was 34. It’s now like watching my past trauma in a movie instead of reliving it. Whoever designed this treatment is incredible. It’s seriously a blessing.”
— Gayle G.“I’ve had a lot of trauma in my life. I’d been in therapy for 20 years but nothing really allowed me to move on. A PA introduced me to Dr. B, and when I met him, I was very skeptical, and came in with an attitude. But Dr. B was just so kind that I went home I thinking this guy is for real. After checking with my psychiatrist, I decided to try the Spravato treatment. I went for the 10-week treatment. and I tell you it changed my life. Something just clicked. Not right away. I can’t even tell you like what session, it just happened. The only thing I can tell you is that I was able to now deal with things that I did not want to deal with before. I’m new person.”
– Joann B.these are people who have not had success with multiple other interventions and so fall into the most hard to treat population. Their positive response to Spravato has offered them a lifeline, and for many of our patients, it has been life-changing and transformative.” Typically, antidepressants may take months to show improvement, however, with Spravato, results often begin to show in the first few weeks, sometimes even after the first few treatments. Research suggests that the treatment works by healing the section of brain called the association cortex, which is where new connections and different perspectives are made. Oftentimes, people with depression get stuck in a self-reinforcing mental loop of negative self-talk and expectations. This is especially true for those who have experienced trauma in their lives. Spravato can start breaking down that loop so the patients can look at their life stories from a different angle, and this helps them process the trauma and move past it. Patients who have a successful response also report “feeling themselves again” and express more positive emotions.
There are some patients for whom Spravato may not be an ideal option, such as those with severe uncontrolled hypertension. The most common side effects are sedation (feeling sleepy), hypertension (increased blood pressure), nausea (feeling queasy), and disassociation (feeling a disconnect from reality). These side effects are very rare and always pass before the patient completes their two-hour treatment
The medication is a self-administered nasal spray once or twice a week at a Certified Treatment Center while relaxing in a calm and Zenlike treatment area. Patients are required to stay for at least two hours following treatment and are never left alone. Dr. B’s incredible clinical team connects with every patient at each treatment to offer guidance, medical support, and medication adjustments if necessary. The patient is always safe and attended to. The administrative staff works tirelessly to get the insurance companies to cover this life-changing treatment for Dr. B’s patients.
With fewer than 20 centers for this type of treatment in New Jersey, it is not uncommon for patients to travel for this type of care. Spravato Treatment Centers of NJ is part of Premier MD—a core of family physicians that embrace complementary and alternative approaches to healing, from medical acupuncture to medical marijuana, and now Spravato/ esketamine. With centers in Bridgewater and Morristown, patients are welcomed from across New Jersey and neighboring states. Locations: 757 Rte 202-206, Ste. 104, Bridgewater, and 25 Linsley Dr., Ste. 312, Morristown. For more information, call 908-4507002 or email PatientQuestions@SpravatoNJ.com, and visit SpravatoNJ.com. See ad, page 2.
Nearly half of the world’s population has no access to the internet. Dell Technologies, in partnership with Computer Aid International, is addressing the gap for people that might benefit the most. They convert old shipping containers into customizable, solar-powered internet centers, called “solar community hubs”, that connect community members to the digital world. The hubs are well-lit, well-ventilated classrooms that use energy-efficient Dell technology and air-cooled servers. Each hub supports up to 40 people at a time and offers up to 20 users a wireless connection to learning materials.
The hubs provide digital skills to further education and open economic opportunities for the local community; allow micro and small enterprises to create jobs; and enable financial sustainability by offering services and products that go beyond education, such as telemedicine.
The first hub was placed in the Brazilian Amazon town of Boa Esperança in March 2022. Dell and the Foundation for Amazon Sustainability also installed equipment, including drones and environmental monitors, to track deforestation in the area. During the first week of March 2023, more than 200 alerts about tree loss were posted from Boa Esperança. Three hubs currently exist in Brazil and South Africa, and Dell will soon add two hubs in Egypt that are focused on career and life skills, as well as another in Australia, centered on preserving and protecting Aboriginal art and culture.
The oceans, sometimes called the lungs of the Earth, have absorbed 30 percent of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions since the Industrial Revolution and captured 90 percent of the related excess heat.
Seawater stores about 150 times more CO2 than air. Unfortunately, absorbing all that greenhouse gas has damaged sea life.
Engineers from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a process to cleanse the seawater of CO2 so it can store greater amounts of greenhouse gases. The process sends an electric charge into seawater flowing through tanks on a barge. The charge sets off chemical reactions to trap the greenhouse gas into a solid mineral, which is then deposited on the ocean floor, completing the cleansing process.
The engineers expect to design larger facilities based on the data obtained from their test sites in Los Angeles and Singapore and have commercial sites removing millions of tons of CO2 per year by 2025. The UCLA scientists estimate that 1,800 facilities would be needed to capture 10 billion tons of atmospheric CO2 annually beginning in 2050, thereby limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
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When the weather is nice and we crave outdoor adventures with our pets, we may not want to think about Lyme disease, but it’s a good idea to take precautions to avoid an infection. One bite from an infected tick could lead to troubling health concerns. Despite the risks, there is no reason to hide indoors, as there are numerous actions we can take to protect our animal companions from infection and to relieve their symptoms should they contract the ailment.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Lyme disease is spread by bites from blacklegged deer ticks or western blacklegged ticks that carry the disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. While cases have been reported in nearly every U.S. state, Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Northwest.
A 2018 study published in Environmetrics found that the prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs is getting worse in the Northeast and spreading into regions that weren’t previously considered to be high risk, including areas in North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Tennessee.
Lyme disease affects animals differently. Veterinarian Erin O’Leary, founder of Heal House Call Veterinarian, explains that cats with Lyme disease are asymptomatic. “We don’t see any symptoms in cats, so we don’t tend to test or treat for Lyme in cats,” she explains. Canine Lyme disease is a different story. Per O’Leary, dogs often exhibit lameness that may shift among the legs. Fever and swelling in the joints are common. Dogs can also experience a serious kidney complication called Lyme nephritis that causes them to feel very sick, drink lots of water and urinate more. Two studies performed by IDEXX, a developer
of diagnostic and software products for animals, revealed that dogs exposed to tickborne diseases, including Lyme disease, had a 43 percent increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, horses with Lyme disease may experience weight loss, lameness that shifts among the legs, muscle tenderness, low-grade fever and swollen joints.
Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets, notes that pet owners can naturally reduce their pet’s risk of being bitten by a tick by keeping their yards in check. “Ticks prefer to live in areas with tall grass, weeds and leaf litter,” she says. “Keeping your yard tidy by mowing your lawn and removing any dead leaves or debris can help reduce the number of ticks in your yard.”
Pet owners may also use food-grade diatomaceous earth, a non-toxic powder, to help kill ticks in areas where pets like
to spend time. Several natural fly sprays, many of which help to repel ticks, are also available for horses.
It’s important to carefully inspect pets for tick bites after spending time outdoors. “If you can remove the tick within 24 to 48 hours of the bite, it won’t transmit Lyme disease,” O’Leary maintains. She recommends tools like the Tick Twister or a pair of tweezers to safely coax a tick from their pet. “If you can get down to where the head is inserted and squeeze that with tweezers, that’s the easiest thing to do,” she says.
Savageau suggests keeping pet hair trimmed short, which can make it easier to spot and remove ticks, and cleaning the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. It’s important to watch for signs of inflammation or infection, like redness, swelling or discharge. “If any of these symptoms appear, or if the pet develops a fever or lethargy, the owner should contact their veterinarian for
All who come to NJ Natural Medicine benefit from our holistic approach to treatment. Regardless of the reason for the visit, the guiding principal remains constant: to observe and treat the whole person, not just his or her symptoms.
According to O’Leary, the antibiotic doxycycline is the best available treatment for Lyme disease, and giving the pet a bit of turmeric to eat can relieve inflammation, though it is best to consult with a veterinarian regarding the most appropriate treatment options and dosages. To reduce a fever, soaking a towel in cool water and applying it around a pet’s
Savageau highlights the importance of feeding pets a balanced and nutritious diet that supports the immune system, as well as supplements and other natural remedies. “This may include adding probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids to their food to support gut health and reduce inflammation. Herbs like echinacea may help stimulate the immune system and support the body’s ability to fight infections,” she says, adding, “Always consult with a veterinarian before starting any natural or alternative treatment for pets, as some may be harmful or interfere with prescribed medications.”
The Harmonic Egg® is a unique, patented chamber created to promote mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual healing and wellness. Positive signals through the body are amplified while negative signals are cancelled empowering cells to repair internal damage and promote healing from the inside out. The added light therapy works with your biological clock to help realign circadian rhythm, balance natural serotonin levels, increase alertness and contribute to improved sleep.
Histamine is an organic chemical produced by the body as a protection from allergens. It is also found in some of the foods we consume. While certain levels of this compound are considered normal and healthy, an overabundance can cause troublesome symptoms—from runny noses and hives to intestinal discomfort and brain fog. Histamine intolerance, as this condition is called, is often caused by food triggers or the body’s inability to break down the excess histamine. Over-the-counter antihistamines promise short-term symptom relief but may have unappealing side effects. Long-term, drug-free resolution is possible with a little sleuthing and holistic lifestyle adaptations.
“Histamine intolerance can affect every area of the body, including the brain. The inflammation created by excess histamine often leads to brain fog and other neurological symptoms,” says Michael Ruscio, a naturopathic practitioner, doctor of chiropractic, clinical
Symptoms of histamine intolerance often start in the intestinal tract with diarrhea and bloating and contribute to leaky gut. “If the sensitive gut lining is damaged, histamine can permeate to other areas of the body and lead to redness, swelling and itchiness, as well as respiratory issues, joint pain and anxiety. These seemingly unrelated symptoms can all have the same underlying cause, and patients, as well as many doctors, are not aware of these connections,” says Arti Chandra, a Seattle-based family practice physician who is certified in functional medicine and serves as faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine.
“Mast cells, a type of white blood cell, are responsible for releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation. A histamine intolerance or exposure to high-histamine foods can lead to mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), where they release
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excess amounts into the body. Typically, enzymes will break down the histamine so that it doesn’t build up, but if the body doesn’t have the proper level of enzymes to break it down or if too much histamine is being released, then persistent symptoms can occur,” Chandra asserts.
Symptom management begins by healing the digestive system. “A healthy gut biome supports the body in producing one of the enzymes needed to break down histamine and can help lower inflammation,” she explains. “Dysbiosis, which is when the gut flora is out of balance, is often caused by the Standard American Diet, also known as SAD. Processed foods, fillers, chemicals, additives and other unnatural substances can all compromise the gut flora and gut function. Dysbiosis often leads to low levels of DAO [diamine oxidase], an enzyme in the gut that helps break down histamine. Some people can have a genetic basis for this—a mutation—that can also lead to excess histamine from impaired breakdown.”
Per Ruscio, “A simple, balanced, whole foods diet like the Paleo diet is a great starting point to calm inflammation and heal your gut. This means aiming for a variety of vegetables, fresh fish, eggs, meat, nuts and seeds, and fruits in moderation. If symptoms continue, try a low-histamine diet.”
Chandra suggests avoiding processed and fast foods, gluten, dairy, sugar and artificial sweeteners. Foods that are naturally high in histamine, including aged cheese, fermented foods, cured meat, alcohol, caffeine and tomatoes, can exacerbate symptoms. She recommends eliminating triggers for three weeks and slowly reintroducing them one at a time to see which are still problematic. “As the gut biome becomes stronger, the body may naturally be able to tolerate high histamine foods better; eating a diet rich in prebiotic foods and sometimes taking an appropriate probiotic supplement can help with this,” she says.
Environmental factors can also trigger histamine reactions. “The body produces histamine to ward off substances like pollen, infections, chemicals and mold. Many people get what they think are normal allergies in the spring, with symptoms like runny noses, watery eyes and a scratchy throat. However, if these symptoms occur year-round, it could be a sign of a histamine intolerance or MCAS. Mold contains mycotoxins that are known to activate mast cells and lead to a histamine release. If someone is living in a building with mold and the exposure is continuous, it can lead to chronic inflammation and histamine issues. Proper air filters can help, but they ultimately may need to eliminate the mold or move out of the environment,” says Chandra.
While over-the-counter antihistamine medications may help, they can have a sedating effect and other side effects, including cognitive issues. Natural and holistic treatments work just as well and are often better tolerated by the body, Chandra says. “Quercetin, found in apple skin and onions, can stabilize mast cells and make them less leaky, as can luteolin, both of which are available in supplement form and in Himalayan Tartary buckwheat. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish
oil or supplements have anti-inflammatory properties. Stinging nettles, another stabilizer, can be used as a tea or in supplement form. Spices such as curcumin are natural anti-inflammatories and a nourishing addition to any diet,” she advises.
Stress management can help reduce histamine reactions, too. “Stress can trigger mast cells, causing a release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals, as well as causing dysbiosis and leaky gut,” Chandra says. “Breathwork and meditation, as well as restful sleep, can help reduce histamine intolerance symptoms, support the gut and contribute to an overall level of internal balance.”
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.
care.” ~ Sue U.
“To say Denise is a great therapist feels reductive. She has an intuition and capacity for empathy that stretches far beyond the bounds of that title—creating a space for exploring authentic truths, coming to terms with trauma, and defining a richer self. Denise was critical in my path to healing.” – Joe R.
HOW SOIL AND HUMAN HEALTH ARE RELATED by
Kelcie Ottoes
The human gut microbiome, which is critical to fighting off disease, and soil microbiome, which enables plant growth, are vitally important to maintaining all life on our planet. These two communities of microorganisms are indirectly connected in important ways, and researchers are trying to find out more about their interplay.
The human gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms of different species. These microbes help to digest food, synthesize vitamins and other important compounds, regulate our immune system and even influence behavior and mood.
The gut microbiome includes both helpful and potentially harmful microbiota that coexist peacefully in a healthy person. But certain diets, or the use of antibiotics or other bacteria-destroying medications, can upset the balance, a state known as dysbiosis, which can impair the microbiome’s functions, leaving the body susceptible to disease.
The soil microbiome has many parallels to the human gut scenario. It consists of bacteria, fungi, archaea and viruses—microorganisms that play an important role in maintaining the health of the soil. They do this by breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients and protecting crops against harmful pathogens.
Regenerative organic farming practices that promote biodiversity and disdain the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers develop robust soil that is rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes. In such settings, farmers don’t need to use chemicals, because the microbiome creates disease-resistant soil to fight off threats.
While a direct link between the soil microbiome and the gut microbiome has yet to be proven, soil certainly impacts our health through our diet. A diverse and active soil microbiome is responsible for supporting plant growth. Plants then provide us with the nutrients that our gut microbiome needs to thrive, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, E, K and the B complex.
Dan Kittredge, founder of The Bionutrient Institute, explains, “The sophistication of the soil microbiome is connected to the nutritional value of the food that’s produced. The healthier the [soil] microbiome, the healthier the food.” The use of fertilizers and pesticides does not directly produce less nutritious food, but rather their impact on the health of the soil microbiome can impact the crops’ nutritional value.
There is a hypothesis that food has become less nutritious since the mid-1900s. In a 2004 study, University of Texas scientists examined the nutritional value of 43 garden crops from 1950 to 1999 and found that while all 43 foods showed a statistically reliable decline in nutrition, it was likely due to cultivating plants with desired traits, such as larger sizes, faster growing rates and increased pest resistance. It wasn’t the soil that was the problem, but that growers had not prioritized breeding crops for higher nutritional value.
Led by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, which includes organizations and brands like Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia, the Regenerative Organic Certified farms and products meet the highest standards in the world for soil health, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness. The idea is to create farm systems that work in harmony with nature to improve quality of life for every creature involved. The Regenerative Organic Certified framework is designed to go above and beyond the USDA Certified Organic seal. To date, 134 farms and more than 47,000 smallholder farmers totaling almost 880,000 acres are Regenerative Organic Certified. Nearly 100 brands offer Regenerative Organic Certified products on the market.
Under Regenerative Organic Certified standards, soil health is promoted by including a variety of rotating crops, cover crops, no tillage, no synthetic inputs, no genetically modified seeds and rotationally grazed animals. Farms that follow these protocols become biodiverse ecosystems with organically rich soil that absorbs water, does not erode over time and produces safe, nutritious food. Learn more at RegenOrganic.org.
According to Jack Gilbert, a pediatrics professor at the University of California San Diego and co-founder of the Earth Microbiome Project and the American Gut Project, “There is an indirect relationship between a healthy soil microbiome and healthy gut microbiome. While we need healthy soils to grow plants, a healthy soil microbiome does not equal a healthy gut microbiome.”
He explains, “The link is really about diet in the gut microbiome. Precision nutrition is the idea that how we all respond to food is unique, and that we can predict those responses if we understand what kinds of bacteria are in the gut. This is because the gut microbiome varies between people, and those same gut microbes can mediate how food influences our physiology. Eating a healthy diet can have a profound impact on reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases.”
The nutritional value of food is more complicated than the quality of the soil in which the crops grow. It is also impacted by the processing of the food. As Kittredge notes, when the bran in wheat is removed—a common process that turns flour white—wheat loses much of its nutritional value. Unprocessed foods allow us to access more of the nutrients within them.
There is another way that soil microbes can benefit human health: spending time in nature. Exposure to the soil microbiome has been shown to stimulate the immune system. When outside, we are exposed to a diverse array of microorganisms that increase disease resistance and provide neurological benefits.
Gilbert has largely built a career on the benefits of getting his hands dirty. He is currently conducting a study to find out how giving children two hours of outdoor learning a day can impact their metabolic health and help them avoid diseases.
According to Kittredge, playing in the dirt isn’t just for kids. “It is beneficial to expose ourselves to soil microbes,” he says. “Everyone should nature bathe.”
“Exposure to soil microbes, like Mycobacterium vaccae, can positively impact our physical and mental health,” says Kathleen DiChiara, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner and digestive wellness educator “We are losing diversity and not getting the exposure we used to.” She points out that the gut microbiomes of urban citizens in the U.S. have lower bacterial diversity than those in rural societies, including hunter-gatherers from Tanzania and the Amazon.
While diet, lifestyle and genetics play a role in the host-specific differences, the microbiome composition in adults is also based on exposure to microbes in the environment. According to DiChiara, there is no perfect profile for the gut microbiome, and our gut microbial communities ebb and flow. “If a specific strain of bacteria suddenly disappears, perhaps due to an illness, another species can take on its task,” she explains. “Like nature, it’s about working together on our behalf.”
Diversity, richness and symbiotic behavior of the gut microbes are central to our well-being. DiChiara notes that many variables can negatively impact the gut microbiome. Some result from the choices we make voluntarily, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating ultra-processed foods,
being chronically stressed and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Other factors are beyond our control, such as neurological injuries, illnesses and hormonal shifts due to puberty or menopause.
The soil microbiome and the gut microbiome both need our support to maintain proper health. Although our gut microbiome may not be directly impacted by the health of soil microbes, it can be impacted by the pesticides, herbicides and fungicides in our food.
Degradation of the soil microbiome occurs in many ways. Tillage, bare soil, dry soil, fertilizer, chemical sprays and fungicides all harm the soil microbiome. These non-regenerative agricultural practices can have negative impacts on the health of individuals that eat the plants and on the health of the broader ecosystems.
Chemicals like glyphosate can damage the gut microbiome by creating oxidative stress, which agitates the microbiome and impedes its ability to function properly. Pesticides can also have a detrimental impact on the gut microbiome. Each year the United States uses 1 billion pounds of pesticides that may be damaging our bodies when we eat our veggies. “What we are not doing is prioritizing protecting the microbiome—for us and the soil. It’s time we recognize the interconnections between climate, soil and the gut,” DiChiara says.
There are multiple ways we can cultivate a closer, healthier relationship between our soil and our gut, such as supporting sustainable agriculture, avoiding processed foods, frequenting farmers markets for organic produce or spending time in nature. Better yet, Kittredge suggests planting a pesticide-free garden at home and eating carrots straight from the soil.
As Greta Thunberg says, “The only thing we need more than hope is action.” Come to Farm Days Festival 2023 to learn more about how each of us can be part of the solution.
Expert speakers from across the country will be presenting on the ethics of eating and how whole plant-based food is medicine including Peter Singer, Rich Roll, Dr. Dean Sherzai, Dr. Ayesha Sherzai, Dr. Columbus Batiste, Dr. Meagan Grega, Sara Farley, Brittany Jaroudi, Bob Quinn and EFP Founder Dr. Ronald Weiss.
Plus family activities, yoga, tours of the regenerative and organic farm, movement and mindfulness activities, and whole food plant based (sugar-, oil-, salt-free) food for sale courtesy of The Kellyn Foundation.
For tickets and information, visit EthosFarmProject.org/FarmDays.
Learn from Inspiring Speakers: Peter Singer, Rich Roll, Dr. Ron Weiss, Dr. Dean Sherzai, Dr. Ayesha Sherzai, Dr. Columbus Batiste, Dr. Meagan Grega, Sara Farley, Bob Quinn, and Brittany Jaroudi
Reversing global warming may feel like a challenge that is out of reach, but anyone can make a difference by planting an ecologically supportive garden. Regenerative techniques employed in the backyard, a community garden or even an apartment patio can significantly improve local ecosystems. And because living systems are interconnected, a healthier ecosystem boosts the well-being of all life forms, as well as the environment.
“Growing a garden is one of the most powerful things we can do as individuals to enact positive change and make a difference,” says Emily Murphy, the California author of Grow Now: How We Can Save Our Health, Communities, and Planet—One Garden at a Time. “If you’re looking for practical solutions to the climate crisis and the resulting loss of biodiversity, the answer is right out your door and in the earth beneath your feet. It’s possible to sequester enough carbon to offset your carbon footprint while supporting wildlife.”
According to Jessica Walliser, the Pennsylvania author of Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden and co-founder of Savvy Gardening.com, “Regenerative practices are simple, proactive steps that millions of gardeners should be adopting. They not only simplify your gardening practices and reduce time and budget in the long term, they are also the right thing to do in this modern age of human disturbance.”
A key principle of regenerative gardening is to add layers to the soil instead of digging downward or tilling. “Layering up increases the water-holding capacity of the soil and the ability of the soil to sequester carbon,” Murphy explains.
“Addition of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold or wellaged manure, helps build good soil structure and feeds beneficial soil microbes,” says Walliser, who recommends adding one to two inches per year to gardens.
Making compost onsite is valuable, but not always possible. In some cities, free compost is available through community
compost hubs where residents drop off bins of yard and food waste. “Purchasing commercially produced compost may be a worthwhile investment, particularly when growers are just getting started and soil quality is poor,” suggests Bryan O’Hara, the Connecticut author of No-Till Intensive Vegetable Culture: Pesticide-Free Methods for Restoring Soil and Growing Nutrient-Rich, High-Yielding Crops.
Perennials come back every year and can provide food for people and wildlife. Many varieties of fruiting shrubs, trees, vegetables and nuts can form the backbone of a garden with annual plants interspersed throughout. Adding beauty to the mix, perennial flowers—some of which are edible—are essential food for bees, butterflies and birds.
“Choose plants with different flower shapes, sizes and colors, as well as plants with a diversity of bloom times,” Walliser advises. “Opt for plants native to your region, as they have co-evolved with native insects and may provide better resources for them.”
“When you’re fostering biodiversity, you’re supporting the mutualism that naturally exists in wildlife. You’re increasing and improving ecological relationships,” says Murphy. Instead of planting monoculture rows in a vegetable garden, mix up the plants the way Mother Nature does, Walliser recommends. And if abandoning tidy rows of the same type of plant seems too unruly, interplant the rows: a few beans, a tomato, flowers, then more beans and peppers, for example.
Another suggestion is to plant a variety of salad greens, carrots and radishes in a raised bed and interplant edible nasturtiums, chives and violets. “Interplanting makes it harder for pests to find their favorite host plant. It also makes it harder for diseases to spread from one plant to the next,” Walliser explains.
Skip the pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. “Even organic pesticides can be harmful to pollinators and pest-eating beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings and others,” says Walliser. A chemical-free, biodiverse garden is a safe place for beneficial bugs. Trust that the good bugs will find the bad bugs and there will be balance.
A sun-kissed organic tomato from the garden will forever ruin us for grocery store produce. And when we sink our hands in healthy soil to retrieve a beet or plant seeds, we may feel a wave of positive energy because soil microbes have been found to work like natural antidepressants, making us happier and healthier.
“When we begin to understand the inner workings of our greater ecosystem through the ecosystems closest to home, such as our gardens and communities, we come to see that we each have the power to grow positive change beginning at home,” says Murphy.
Do you need energetic support on your healing journey? This heart-centered approach helps empower individuals to gently peel back layers so they may radiate their true essence and vibrationally align with the life they deserve.
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by Veronica Hinke
Eating plant-based foods from every hue in the rainbow provides an exceptional array of health benefits. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables also contain phytonutrients such as antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids and polyphenols that contribute to the color, flavor and aroma of such foods. There are thousands of phytonutrients and, according to a 2022 review of clinical studies published in Nutrients, these natural chemical compounds “play an important role in the prevention of serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, along with different types of cancer or degenerative diseases.”
From a culinary perspective, colorful, plant-based foods add pops of color and flavor to a dish, and simple techniques can transform uber-nutritious fruits and veggies into crave-worthy delights. From tasty spreads and luscious dressings to pungent pickling recipes and rich soups, eating the rainbow can be a scrumptious and sustainable everyday lifestyle.
Keeping a medley of wholesome choices in the house is a good tactic to help a family adopt a rainbow-based diet. According to Registered Dietitian Olga Kras, “Not any single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrients we need. Making a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables visible increases the likelihood that they will be part of a daily routine.”
When her children were younger, instead of giving them sugary treats, she would cut fruits and vegetables into shapes with cookie cutters. “They loved opening their lunch boxes to find the fun shapes,” she recalls, noting the allure of visually pleasing treats. As the first-century Roman Apicius said, “We eat first with our eyes.”
According to Sarah Stegner, co-owner and chef of Prairie Grass Cafe, in Northbrook, Illinois, “Food is medicine. It is what lifts us up. When we allow ourselves to get run-down or we are tired, that is when we are the most vulnerable, and we reach for that highly processed, packaged thing. That’s when we compromise, and compromise leads to long-term illness.”
Stegner compares food shopping to a trip to an art store for the artist that is about to paint a rainbow. “Center yourself,” she counsels. “Don’t put anything into the cart that shouldn’t be eaten. The key word is choice. If people don’t understand and realize what the choices they have are—for example, what herbs are and how to use them—then that is not a choice for them when they go home to cook a meal.”
“It’s just fun to have foods that are colorful,” says Erin Hoogendyk, a cooking instructor at Grebe’s Chef Center, in Wausau, Wisconsin, whose favorite flavor accents are onions, lemons and limes, as well as a panoply of herbs, including basil, rosemary, chives, parsley and mint. To add color and nutrition to everyday salads, she tosses in blueberries or dresses them with homemade vinaigrettes made with strawberries and balsamic.
Hoogendyk recommends farmers markets, individual farm stands and community-supported agriculture subscriptions to discover the freshest, in-season ingredients. When it comes to cooking and putting meals together, a sense of adventure and enjoyment is paramount, she says. Her coleslaw recipe includes red and green onions, radishes and red cabbage. “I don’t like coleslaw to be boring,” she quips, adding that her next project is to pickle an ingredient she has never pickled before: celery. “I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”
For those wanting to optimize their rainbow-based diets, “testing can help people understand how to best support their biology and determine what their bodies need,” says Dr. Véronique Desaulniers, a chiropractor and author of Heal Breast Cancer Naturally. She recommends the DNA test kit and whole-body health report from Nutrition Genome to pinpoint which foods to enjoy or avoid, depending on genetic weaknesses. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is also important, she notes, as daily glucose and insulin spikes “can turn on cancer-causing genes and cancer-causing pathways.”
This dish can be served as a meal or cut into smaller pieces and presented as party appetizers. Cauliflower provides vitamins B6 , K and C, magnesium and fiber. It is also a great source of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, two types of antioxidants that have been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells.
Button mushrooms are a source of vitamin D, selenium, phosphorus and folate. They also contain polysaccharides, indoles, polyphenols and carotenoids, which are associated with cancer-fighting properties.
4 slices of cauliflower, ¾-inch thick
1 tsp cooking spray
4 tsp olive oil
1 Tbsp dry Italian seasonings
2 cups fresh brown button mushrooms, sliced
2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp fresh thyme for garnish
Preheat the oven to 400º F and spray two large baking sheets with cooking oil. Place the cauliflower slices onto one of the baking sheets. They need lots of space between them and shouldn’t overlap.
Brush each side of the cauliflower steaks lightly with the olive oil and season with sea salt, pepper and Italian seasonings. Roast 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown.
In a mixing bowl, add mushrooms, minced garlic, a pinch of sea salt and pepper, then toss to coat well. Spread the mushroom mixture on the other oil-sprayed baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. As an alternative, sauté the mushroom mixture in a medium pan with 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, remove the pans from the oven. Sprinkle roasted cauliflower steaks with cheese and top the cheese with the roasted or sautéed mushrooms and garlic mixture. Return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and enjoy.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Jennifer Carden.
Refill your own containers with our all-natural soaps, cleaners, detergents and eco-friendly, sustainably sourced beauty products and ditch the plastics! We also sell beautiful containers and handcrafted items from local artisans.
10% Off First Purchase
Recycling is good. Reducing and reusing is better.
23 Race St., Frenchtown • EcoLoka.shop 908-268-7430 (text is best) • Ecolokanj@gmail.com
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by Marlaina Donato
July is a heady mix of peak temperatures, sustenance from the soil and inspired invitations to make lasting memories. For gardeners, it is a lilting time of fruition in between rounds of hard work when one’s efforts can be harvested, eaten and appreciated. Summer’s apex brings wildflower tapestries woven with cricket-song and evenings punctuated by rolling thunderstorms, but it also can be a time for us to take a deep dive into the miracle of interconnectedness. Visiting the local farmers market is an opportunity to be mindful of all that goes into our shopping bags and bellies: rain, sunlight, nitrogen-rich snowmelt and the vital fertility of topsoil. We can see everyday people in a different light, especially Earth-conscious farmers who choose to be birthing partners of the land.
Taking a walk outside can remind us that no life would be possible without the near-magical, unseen mycelium network beneath our footsteps. Summer’s delicate balance of elements ensures abundance, and we have a sacred opportunity to be part of that equilibrium. Each of us is a link in the chain of humans co-creating within the symbiosis of all other living things. Will we take away from this balance or add to it?
Adding to it does not require hours of time or money, but the motivation to make simple decisions for the greater good, such as leaving part of the lawn to grow for the winged ones or choosing an eco-friendly refillable water bottle over single-use plastic. Showing a child how to keep a nature journal can foster lifelong connections with the Earth.
We do our part when we joyfully become part of the landscape—witnessing, observing and allowing nature to go about her business. Making time for languid appreciation contributes to self-nourishment, something that is also vital to the whole. How many avian voices can you hear at sunset? How many colors can you find in a changing mural of clouds? The season of plenty offers a harvest of beauty.
Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.
Anne Biklé and David R. Montgomery, a husband and wife team, collaborated to write What Your Food Ate: How to Heal Our Land and Reclaim Our Health. A biologist, environmental planner and gardener extraordinaire, Biklé earned degrees in biology and natural history from the University of California (UC) Santa Cruz and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from UC Berkeley. She uses her endless fascination with the natural world to explore the tangled relationships between people and their environments. She also helped Montgomery, a professor of Earth and space sciences at the University of Washington, research and write The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health, as well as Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life. Exploring
the connection between soil health and human health, the duo shows us how the roots of our good health begin on farms.
of the world’s agricultural land from longterm farming practices, such as tilling or plowing, which is the villain in what is becoming a significant planetary problem that can be reversed with regenerative farming practices.
The plow is one of the more destructive implements that mankind has ever invented despite its ability to help feed us in the past. It contributes to soil degradation and erosion because it fundamentally alters the balance between how fast soils are being made and how fast they’re being lost.
did you write this book?
It was a case of evolution, a progression of our research and thinking, as well as the culmination of a journey that we’ve been on, looking into how soils affect human societies. When you’re a writer and you’re constantly looking for connections and patterns, this is what can happen. When David was writing Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations, he discovered that how we treated the land in the past shaped the way that the land was able to treat the descendants of people. In other words, if you don’t take care of your land, it doesn’t take care of you.
In looking at the UN’s “Status of the World’s Soil Resources" from 2015, the study concludes that 33 percent of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, and we’re losing about 0.3 percent of our ability to feed ourselves—to grow food on this planet every year—due to soil erosion and soil degradation. That doesn’t sound like a big number in any one year, but adding it up over the rest of this century, it comes to 30 percent of our ability to feed ourselves. Adding to this is the serious degradation
Regenerative agriculture uses less fertilizer, less pesticide and less fossil fuel. It also increases the carbon content in the soil. Carbon-rich soil retains more water and contains more life, such as whole new worlds of microbial metabolites [the energy and nutrients needed to live and reproduce] that come from soil microbes.
Conventional farming practices use synthetic nitrogen, which degrades organic soil matter and alters the communities of life in the soil. In studies of organic versus conventional, we’ve found that there’s almost always evidence that there are differences in micronutrients and phytochemicals, with organic crops having higher levels of both. Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals that we need in trace amounts for our health— for example, selenium, boron, zinc and iron—which we need just a little bit of, but that little bit has an oversized effect on our health.
Conventional crops almost always have higher levels of pesticides and heavy metals. There’s a lot of controversy scientifically about how much is enough to affect human health. The companies that make pesticides assure us that the levels in food are perfectly safe. But there are now scientists who are starting to investigate chronic exposure to even small amounts over a whole lifetime. How much does that
influence our health? We think there are reasons to keep asking those questions. It is highly suggestive that the idea of a connection between soil health, crop health and animal health translates into what’s in our food. If we’re getting more vitamins, phytochemicals and mineral micronutrients, which are shown to support health, you can make the argument
that these regeneratively grown foods are probably healthier for us to eat.
The nature of what ruminants eat greatly influences the nature of the fats that are in meat and dairy. Livestock grazing on leafy green plants are getting an omega3-rich diet. Ruminants that eat predominantly seed- or seed oil-derived rations in a feed lot are getting a mainly omega-6-derived diet. Omega-6 fats help trigger inflammation. We want our bodies to be able to trigger inflammation when we need it, but we also want it to turn off when it’s done. Inflammation is not a process that just stops, so we need omega-3 fats, which are central to the process of terminating or quelling inflammation.
Each Saturday thru September 10am - 2pm Downtown Washington by Veteran’s Park
July 1: Independence Day Celebration
July8: Senior Appreciation Day
July 15: Flower Power Day
July 22: Christmas in July
July 29 Sidewalk Sale Day
Farms and Vendors and Entertainment changes weekly. Visit our website for full details.
For a full schedule of weekly events visit washingtonbid.org/farmers-market.
FRIDAY, JULY 7
Core and Balance Clinic – 10:45-11:45am; each Fri. in July. Learn basic anatomy of balance and practice poses that will strengthen your core and enhance your balance. Beginners to advance practitioners are welcome. Online option available (via Zoom) upon request once registered for the workshop. $80. Yoga Loka, 23 Race Street, Frenchtown Borough. For information call 908-268-7430 and visit Yoga-Loka.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 8
French Lavender Wreath Workshop –10am-noon. At the height of the 2-week long bloom time of our French lavender, join Nicole of Spadaflora Botanical Artistry to make a wreath from freshly harvested phenomenal long-stemmed lavender. There is nothing like the color and scent of fresh lavender. It will dry beautifully, lasting well into the next year. Rain or shine workshop limited to 8 attendees. $170. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm. com/workshops/workshops.
Mushroom Cultivation Workshop – 1-3pm. Join mushroom cultivators and foragers Jeff Mertz and Kacy Binz in a fun and hands-on mushroom cultivation workshop learning each step from mycelium to mushroom. Leave with your own at home mushroom growing kit. Mushroom snacks and tea will be provided, as well as print outs of all the information. $65. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm.com/ workshops/workshops.
French Lavender Wreath Workshop –1-3pm. At the height of the 2-week long bloom time of our French lavender, join Nicole of Spadaflora Botanical Artistry to make a wreath from freshly harvested phenomenal long-stemmed lavender. There is nothing like the color and scent of fresh lavender. It will dry beautifully, lasting well into the next year. Rain or shine workshop limited to 8 attendees. $170. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm. com/workshops/workshops.
Learn the Art of Primative Rug Hooking – 1-3pm. Have you ever wanted to create something but not sure where to start? Rug Hooking is a fiber art where we use recycled wool clothing, I will help you visualize your personal design, and bring it into reality. All materials provided. Scale from $15 - $60 depending on supplies needed. Beginners welcome, RSVP for material prep. . Seasoned rug hookers invited for inspiration, please
All calendar events for the August 2023 issue must be received by July 10 and adhere to our guidelines. To submit, visit naturalawakeningscnj.com/pages/calendar-listings or email kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for submission form.
bring a project to work on. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. For information, call 908-223-1331 or email Ellen at perkins145@comcast.net. GaiasGifts.net.
Dancing with Dragons – 8-9:30pmDragons are ancient celestial beings that are here to help guide us, protect us and work with us as we go through life. Includes guided meditation and opportunity to power dance with these magickal companions. $25; prereg req. A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. 848-217-2371. AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 15
Cacao/Fire Ceremonial Circle & Sound Bath
– July – 1-2:30pm. Join Leslee Penny for a journey of spiritual release, de-stressing, healing, and letting go of what no longer serves you. Learn breathwork techniques, utilizing them in a guided meditation followed by a full-body resonant sound healing. Bring comfortable clothing and something to lie down on $55. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm.com/workshops/ workshops.
SUNDAY, JULY 16
Lavender Sage Smudge Workshop – 1-3pm. Learn to wrap gorgeous, heavenly scented smudge sticks with up to four different herbs. The colors are spectacular and the combination of aromas when they are burned are so cleansing, soothing and elevating to the soul. We will make two smudge sticks in our workshop. It’s all about having fun and making a glorious mess. $65. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-3105973. MadLavenderFarm.com/workshops/ workshops.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 19
New/Full Moon Yoga & Tarot Workshop – 6-7:30pm. Practicing yoga and reading tarot cards are two ways that many people learn to tune in, reflect, and strengthen their connection to themselves and the world around them. This workshop engages beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Expect a combination of journaling, basic and restorative yoga poses, and a single card spread tarot reading for yourself. Led by Jenn of Wildflower Yoga and Adrienne of Mad Lavender Farm. Tickets are available through Wildflower Yoga Collective. $55. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm.com/ workshops/workshops.
THURSDAY, JULY 20
Ruchi’s Gong Sound Bath – 7-8pm. 3rd Thur. Come relax, rejuvenate and release at this Sound Healing Event. The Soundscape created by the sounds of the gongs, Himalayan bowls, chimes, bells, rattles, and other healing instruments creates a frequency that bathes your body and allows the restoring of natural resonance. $25 per person. Led by Ruchi Jain. Sand Hills Wellness Center, 57 Sand Hills Road, Kendall Park. 732-4193551. DeepRootsRising.com.
FRIDAY, JULY21
Gong Bath Sound Journey – 6:30-8pm; 3rd Fri. each mo. Sound vibration powerfully moves stuck energy. Spend an evening relaxing to the sounds of a 39” gong, antique singing bowl, crystal singing bowls and other sound makers. $35. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. RSVP required as space is limited. For information, call 908-223-1331 or email Ellen at perkins145@comcast.net. GaiasGifts.net.
Women’s Vision Quest Retreat Catskills Begin Now – 7/21-23; 3pm. A Vision Quest is an opportunity to be in a sacred space to hear your heart speak, receive the fullness of who you are, and open up to the next stage of your life path. It is a gift that is magical, deep, and transformative. Come for a nurturing weekend of ceremony, journeys, transformation, and rebirth, with Shaman Janet StraightArrow. Limited to 8 participants. $800; payment plan available. Art Farm, 31 Fawn Road, North Road, Accord. 973-647-2500. BeTheMedicine.com.
Past Lives Regression Workshop – 6-8pm. Join us as we take a look into your past. Past lives, that is! Join Howard Mertine (Alternative Therapies Work, LLC) with Everett Magie (Alien Ink Tattoos), as we host a two-hour guided hypnotic journey to take you into your own past lives. You may even uncover why you do some of the things you do in your current life. $40. RSVP early as space limited to 12. Pay at door or PayPal Howard at hgmertine@gmail.com.
Location: Alien Ink Tattoos: 264 Route 206 South, Unit 3, Flanders. For information call 973-652-7962.
Conversation with Crystals – 1-3pm. This is a monthly gathering to learn about crystals, focusing on only 4-5. Learn how to use them either daily or for a specific purpose. $35
Join
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includes crystals. RSVP required by 6/21/23. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. RSVP to 908-223-1331 or perkins145@comcast.net. GaiasGifts.net
Elderflower and Yarrow Workshop- July –1-3pm. Elderberry and Yarrow bestow us with their lacy blossoms in July. Both blossoms are full of beneficial properties from nourishing our skin, moving fevers, soothing colds and so much more! During this workshop we will spend time in the garden with Elder and Yarrow then to our workshop to create a facial toner as well as a tea blend to take home. You will leave with additional recipes and ritual work to further explore your connection to Elder and Yarrow. $45. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-3105973. MadLavenderFarm.com/workshops/ workshops.
Light Language Activation/Workshop –4-6pm In this workshop, Michael will explain in depth the language of the light. He will channel it to each participant, giving them an activation of their unique light codes. This workshop is a great way for beginners to learn about and experience Light Language. $25 per person. Pre-Registration required. A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information call 848-217-2371 or visit AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.
Natural Dye: Mellow Yellows and Glorious Goldens – August – 1-3:30pm. Using barks, cones and seasonal flowers, we will dye organic cotton bandanas We will also play with the petals used in the dye process by steaming and pounding them into cotton rag papers. Workshop includes discussion of natural dye process on cellulose fabric and how to make natural watercolors from leftover dye baths. Lavender lemonade and lovely cookies included. $45. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-3105973. MadLavenderFarm.com/workshops/ workshops.
Sound Healing Workshop – 9am-6pm; 8/25-27. Join us for this 3-day Level 1 Certification Course with Debbie HawkerMisra/The Academy of Sound Healing. Learn how to offer sound healing, sound therapy, vibrational sound massage, sound baths and mindfulness meditation with sound to help yourself and others. Hands on experiential workshop with bowls, gongs, tuning forks, drums, and voice. Location: Tenafly, NJ. Register at AcademyOfSoundHealing.com/
workshop-courses-usa#northeast or call Debbie at 201-923-9829.
Ethos Farm Days Festival 2023 – Sep. 9-10. Food is medicine, for us, our community, our land, our planted. Learn what you can do to help heal yourself and the planet. Inspiring Speakers and fun activities for rthe entire family. Tickets: EthosFarmProject/ FarmDays. Use Code FDNA10 for 10% Off. Festival is at 177 West Mill Rd. Long Valley, NJU. For informationm contact 908-8670060 or inquiry@ethosfarmproject.org. EthosFarmProject.org.
Qi Ji Jing Gong Beyond Beginners – 12noon. Patty Pagano guides students into greater depth analysis and refinement of movements. Prerequisite Wu Ji Jing Gong Qi Gong for beginners. Held at Dunellen studio. Series discounts: $80/4-wk or 100/5-Wk or drop in$25. For more information and studio address, contact Patty Pagano at 908-3921313 or pattygigongforhealing@gmail.com, QiGongForHealing.com.
tuesday
Wu Ji Jing Gong Taichi Beginners – 1pm. Healing-balancing aspect of the art and fundamental principles of movement. Students learn 44 moves of the first section. No prereq req. Led by Patty Pagano. Held at Chester Studio. Series discounts: $80/4-wk or $100/5-wk or drop in $25. For information and studio address, contact Patty at 908392-1313 or pattyqigongforhealing@gmail. com. QiGongForHealing.com.
Wu Ji Jing Gong Qi Gong: Beginners – 2pm; Students learn 15 meditative and repeating movements that will help you relax and open your mind, body and qi plus principles of alignment. No prereq req. Led by Patty Pagano. Held at Chester studio. Series discounts: $80/4-wk or $100/5-wk or drop in $25. For information and studio address, contact Patty at 908-392-1313 or pattyqigongforhealing@ gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.
Wu ji Jing Gong Taichi Beyond Beginners – 5:30pm. Healing balancing aspect of the art with emphasis on developing taichi self-practice to gather and direct qi within your body. Prereq: WuJi Jing Gong Taichi for Beginners. Led by Patty Pagano. Held at Mountainview Park in Middlesex. Series disc: $80/4-wk or $100/5-wk or drop in $25. For information and park address, contact Patty at 908-392-1313 or pattyqigongforhealing@ gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.
Wuji Jing Gong Qi Gong Beginners –6:30pm. Learn 15 meditative and repeating movements that will help relax and open mind, body and qi. Class inc principles of alignment. No prereq req. Led by Patty Pagano. Held at Mountainview Park in Middlesex. Series discounts: $80/4-wk or $100/5-wk or drop in $25. For more information and park address, contact Patty at 908-3921313 or pattyqigongforhealing@gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.
wednesday
Yoga with Roberta – 6:30pm. Join us in the Scalar Energy Field for an hour of yoga with an energetic kick. $40. Advanced Frequency Energy Spa, 431 Rte 22 E (Bishop’s Plaza), Whitehouse Station. For details call 888-460-4050, text 908-864-8111. AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com.
thursday
Science of Breath – 6:30pm. Learn SKY Breath Meditation to be energized and efficient for healthy living and happy relationships. Free. RSVP http://aolf.co/Science-of-breath. For information, Morriscounty@us.artofliving.org or 973-833-2193. ArtOfLiving.org.
friday
Friday Psychic Readings and Energy Healings – 2-7pm. 10-minute Reading or Energy Healing for $30. Walk-in or appt. A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. 848-217-2371. Ayearandadaymysticalshoppe@yahoo.com. AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.
Qi Gong with JoeyG – 6:30pm. Join us in the Scalar Energy Field for an hour of qi gong with an energetic kick. $40. Advanced Frequency Energy Spa, 431 Rte 22 E (Bishop’s
Plaza), Whitehouse Station. For details call 888-460-4050, text 908-864-8111. AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com.
saturday
Washington Borough Farmers’ Market – 10am-2pm. Join us each Saturday through September for farm fresh offerings, outstanding vendors and entertainment. Downtown Washington by Veteran’s Park. For full schedule of weekly events visit washingtonbid.org/farmers-market.
Your local source for natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle. Join the community! Request our media kit today by emailing Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
Acupuncture Works Center
Kristin A. Dudley LAc
84 Park Ave, Ste G-103C, Flemington 973-979-1652
AcupunctureWorksCenter.com
Gentle acupuncture with Kristin Dudley LAc can be both very relaxing as well as healing. Acupuncture has been used for centuries to ease muscle and arthritis pain, relieve stress, increase energy and improve sleep. Welcome everyone and destress in a nurturing and healing enviroment. See ad, page 21.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine
332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com
Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health. He is passionate about helping people with degenerative eye diseases. Learn of his astounding work in this area—call now to qualify for your free copy of his groundbreaking book, Recover Your Vision. Additional specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. See ad, page 41.
Hibernate Bedding
80 Morristown Rd, Bernardsville 908-766-5450
HibernateBedding.com
Exclusive collection of Organic and Chemical Free mattresses and accessories. Over 30 years family experience. Come see how easy it is to shop for a mattress. Free delivery, free set up, free removal. See ad, page 19.
Qi Gong For Healing
Brian Coffey LMT, and Fran Maher, CA 908-647-1563 • QiGongForHealing.com
Specializing in T’ai Chi and Qi Gong classes, as well as private session clinical Qi Gong and acupuncture since 1994. Chinese Medicine weekend seminars teach how to apply clinical Qi Gong remedies to specific disorders. Excellent for the lay person and healthcare providers. All are welcome to observe or join a class. See ad, page 30.
Full Circle Energy Therapies
Lori L. Hoff
1105 Taylorsville Rd., Washington Xing, PA 908-268-7169
feelslikesunshine124@gmail.com
FullCircleEnergy.net
315A Main St., Bedminster 908-574-2920
FloorsDirectNJ.com
Custom natural wool rugs and stair runners, sustainably sourced hardwood, environmentally safe and sustainable luxury vinyl floors. Independently owned family business. Free Estimates. See ad, page 12.
Advanced Frequency Energy Spa
431 Rt 22 E (Bishop’s Plaza)
Whitehouse Station
888-460-4050, text 908-864-8111
AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com
We offer a comprehensive range of cutting-edge technologies that stimulate cellular energy detoxify the body, and restore optimal health. See ad, page 9.
Gaia’s Gifts
Ellen Perkins 16 Broad St., Unit 1, Washington 908-223-1331
GaiasGifts.net
Taking energetic support to another level. Full Circle Energy Therapies is here to guide you with simple, gentle, effective tools. This is the sign you’ve been looking for. See ad, page 27.
Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine
332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com
Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health and passionate about helping people with degenerative eye diseases. Call now to qualify for your free copy of his groundbreaking book, Recover Your Vision. Additional specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy.See ad, page 41.
Natural rough and tumbled crystals and stones reasonably priced. Handmade treasures by local artisans. BioMat, massage, energy healing, singing bowls, color therapy glasses, oracle and tarot cards and sometimes channeled readings. Come for an energetic lift to mind, body and spirit. See ad, page 27
The Hair For Life Center, LLC
201-731-3530
TheHairForLifeCenter.com
For over 35 years The Hair For Life Center has been helping women who experience hair loss.In as little as 2 to 3 hours we restore your hair to its natural state safely without using glues or extensions. For more information, visit at TheHairForLifeCenter.com. See ad, page 38.
Alternative Therapies Work, LLC
Howard G. Mertine C.Ht, RM, NLP 908-283-0117 • HGMertine@gmail.com
Alleviations of allergies, phobias, trauma, addictions, anxieties, PTSD & various other afflictions. Past life regressions, building confidence and self-esteem, Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified NLP instructor and practitioner, Certified Reiki Master & practitioner, card reading and pendulum divination, motivational speaker and coach, holistic healer. See ad, page 11.
Chiropractors
Samsara Chiropractic Wellness Center
Dr Jennifer Redmond
7 E. High St, Somerville 908-300-8800 • DoctorRedmond.com
The body is designed to heal itself but structural issues, toxins, lack of nutrients or an emotional component can affect overall health. We offer Whole-istic healing techniques including Neuroemotional Technique, Active Release techniques, Activator, Flexion Distraction and more! See ad, page 39.
Holistic Dental Center
Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn 908-206-7848
HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com
Holistic dental care that is good for the body as well as teeth and gums. By treating the cause, not just the symptoms, Dr. Gashinsky helps improve his patients’ quality of life through dental care that respects and honors the body. See ad, back cover.
Drs. Huckel, Huckel & Reine
11 Chambers St, Princeton 609-924-1414 • PrincetonDentist.com
Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime! We are trained in identifying holistic concerns beginning in the oral cavity that may cause issues elsewhere in the body. We use ozonated water, and choose systematically biocompatible materials for your treatment.
Have a business opportunity, job opening, space for rent or other need?
Place your classified ads here, 30 words for $30, extra words $1 each.
Email to
Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication date.
OFFERINGS: A unique gift shop for the mind, body and soul. Check out our collection of angels, candles, cards, crystals, crystal soaps, jewelry, sage, salt lamps, solar wind chimes, tea, t-shirts, tumbled stones and more. Card readings, classes and workshops available. Metaphysical & Spiritual Bliss, 19A Old Highway 22, Clinton. 908-268-8029. FB Metaphysical & Spiritual Bliss. Instagram @cmatsen11
Hypnosis Counseling Center
Barry Wolfson
Offices in Flemington, Princeton, Livingston NJ, and King of Prussia, PA 908-303-7767
HypnosisCounselingCenter.com
Over 35 years of experience. We offer traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in private and group settings, in person or virtual, for weight loss, stress, smoking, confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking, sports improvement, public speaking, and more. See ad, page 11.
Energy Health & Wellness LLC
Michele Dellavalle, CH, CHTP, ART 65 Old Rt 22, Suite 10, Clinton
Online Sessions available #908-403-2045
EnergyHealth4Wellness@gmail.com
ReikiEHW.com
Dr. Clare M. Larkin, DC, CMRP located in Warren 908-930-0628
DrLarkin@optonline.net DrClareLarkin.com
Your cells remember traumatic injury on a deeper level. Some injuries hang on because their energy gets trapped in the deeper tissues of the body. Matrix Repatterning allows the detection and release of these deeper injuries, improves electrical flow and allows the body to function normally again. See ad, page 20.
Phyllis Livera
172 Washington Valley Rd, Suite 3, Warren 732-882-9676
CenterForHealingAndEmpowerment.com
Dr. Jason Frigerio ND, LAC 2424 Lamington Road, Bedminster 973-267-2650 • NJNaturalMedicine.com
Since 2004, NJNM has treated patients with naturopathic, Chinese, ayurvedic and biological medicine. Our guiding principa: to observe and treat the whole person, not just symptoms to identify and treat the root cause of illness, help restore balance and promote optimal health. See ad, page 16.
Dr. John Harrington
137 Mountain Ave., Hackettstown 908-441-2276
drharrington@SunriseNutritionCenter.com SunriseNutritionCenter.com
Master Clinical Hypnotist
Certified in 5 Path ® Hypnosis, 7th Path ® Self Hypnosis, Reiki, Healing Touch & Guided Meditations. We identify & address the root cause allowing our clients to move forward and heal. Offering classes in 7th Path ® Self Hypnosis and Reiki Level 1 & 2. When all else fails, Hypnosis Works! Call for Free Consultation.
Bobbie Lynn Edwards
LPC, NCC,M.Ed
Licensed Psychotherapist
15 E. Main St., Clinton 908-892-8978 • HunterdonTherapist.com
Bobbie Lynn Edwards is a licensed psychotherapist for 35 years. Practicing integrating psychotherapy focusing on a broad spectrum of spiritual philosophies and practices to assist in your healing. Clinically trained to provide guidance and direction to individuals, couples and families. Goals set within a mutual learning environment is the process. Meditation workshops for small and large groups are available. Call for a free consultation and further information.
Are you seeking deeper meaning in your life? Are you stressed and ready for a change? Tired of being in both physical or emotional pain? We offer spiritual development, meditation and mini-me yoga classes, which have been helping people live more productive, happier lives.
413 Bond Street Asbury Park, NJ 07712 (848)217-2371
ayearandadaymysticalshoppe@yahoo.com
AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com Facebook.com/ayearandadaymysticalshoppe
Metaphysical retail store offering crystals, gemstones, incense, essential oils, books, Tarot and Oracle cards, specialty candles, smudge supplies and more! Psychics, Shamans, Ministers and Reiki/Energy/Crystal healers are available to provide guidance and healing. We provide Aura photos with 3D imaging for you and your pet, meditations and in-store classes and workshops. Additional services: dedications, weddings, funerals and house cleansings.
Get checked today! You may be suffering from nutritional deficiencies, toxin overload, chronic infections and bad lifestyle habits. We provide health improvement programs unique to your body to improve your health through nutrition and other safe, non-invasive therapies. See ad, page 20.
In Your Arms Holistic
Karen Schweiger
908-768-1800
inyourarms@zoho.com
CuddleInYourArms.com
Cuddlist.com/Karen
In Your Arms offers platonic touch therapy, as well as Reiki, to help individuals find relief from everyday stress, anxiety and even the loneliness induced by our virtual world in a safe, warm and confidential environment.
“The only journey is the one within.”
- Rainer Maria Rilke
Denise Rue, LCSW
Somerville, NJ
973-641-6993
deniseruelcsw@gmail.com
DeniseRue.com
Lic. Num.: 44SC05662800
Denise Rue is a licensed clinical social worker and clinical hypnotherapist, providing in-person and virtual sessions. Skilled in working with trauma survivors, especially adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Utilizes EMDR, hypnosis, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing and Psychedelic Integration. See ad, page 21.
Qi Gong for Healing
Patty Pagano
908-392-1313
pattyqigongforhealing@gmail.com
QiGongForHealing.com
Experience qi through the gentle movements of Tai Chi & Qi Gong with instructor Patty Pagano. Live classes in Dunellen and Chester. Private appointments and Zoom classes also. See ad, page 30.
Alice Rich Reiki Center
Alice Rich, Certified Master Teacher
Usui Reiki Ryoho, Karuna Reiki®, Crystal Healing, Certified Hypnotist
732-501-7628
alice@AliceRichReikiCenter.com
AliceRichReikiCenter.com
Reiki, Crystal Healing and Integrated Energy Therapy® or Hypnosis sessions can help reduce pain physically, mentally and emotionally, promote a healthy lifestyle, achieve personal and professional goals, create balance and harmony and advance your spiritual journey. Private sessions and classes. Certification classes on Reiki, Crystal Healing and IET.
Deep Roots Rising, LLC
Ruchi Jain
Reiki/Sound Healing/Astrology/Classes
Somerville, NJ 732-718-4430 / call/text DeepRootsRising.com
Personal and Group Sound Healings open to the public. Reiki healings. Profound stress relief and nurturance back to your inner light. Spiritual Guidance sessions. Mediation classes. Reiki classes. Astrology Readings. Goal : Come back home to yourself.
Janet StraightArrow
Shaman, Healer, Sage, Reiki Master Teacher, Astrologist 973-647-2500 • Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com
Profound Healing, Clearing, Reclaim yourself, Enjoy life. 41 years of experience. Shamanic and Intuitive Energy Sessions. Soul Retrievals. Past Life, Ancestral, Current life healing. Business, Home, and Land clearings. Meditation, Shamanic, and Reiki Healers Training. and more. See ad, page 17.
Bonnie Pariser
CYT, EYT500, TRE Provider 23 Race St., Frenchtown 908-268-7430
Bonnie@Yoga-Loka.com
Yoga-Therapy-Can-Help.Me/
T.R.E. is a quick and effective method that allows you to shake off tension and helps resolve trauma held in your body. Bonnie will guide you through the process and assist you towards integration, wholeness and continued release.
265 Route 10 East, Whippany
973-606-1101
info@lvcnj.com lvcnj.com
Longevity Veterinary Center is NJ’s largest, most advanced integrative veterinary center. Our team of professionals is committed to helping pets achieve optimal health through using conventional and holistic therapies. We believe in creating wellness for all pets, including exotics. See ad, page 15
MG Dental Associates
Mohinder Garg, DDS
906 Oak Tree Ave., Ste. B, South Plainfield 216 Stelton Rd., 4E, Piscataway 908-754-8881 • mgdentalpa@aol.com MGDentistryNJ.com
For over 25 years, MG Dental Associates has provided award-winning cosmetic, restorative and preventative dental services. We strive to give our patients their perfect smile by incorporating the latest technology in our state-of-the-art clinics. See ad, page 7.
Pranjali Sharma
906 Oak Tree Ave., Ste. B, South Plainfield 405-510-5448
pranjaliyoga@gmail.com
Veda Integrated Wellness is a holistic health institute that focuses on the overall health of a person. We use noninvasive evidence-based wellness services to manage lifestyle disorders, stress, pain management, obesity, etc. See ad, page 7.
“Never mistake motion for action.”
- Ernest Hemingway
“If you want to make enemies, try to change something.”
- Woodrow Wilson
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
- George Eliot
Your well-being is our priority. Holistic Dental Center is a Premier Provider for SDS (Swiss Dental Solutions) Dental Implants. SDS is a proven leader in biocompatible, reliable, and predictable zirconium dental implants. The innovative design of the implant allows for immediate implant placement in most cases- decreasing surgical appointments and allowing patients to restore their smile fast! Their durable and robust design also allows for optimal aesthetics and eliminates complications, which is why we proudly choose to use them for your overall health!
We Guarantee Our Work With a Warranty!
Over 500 Google Reviews!
Financing Available!
Emergencies WELCOME!
"I was seeing a dentist for over 30 years and when I was invited to try Dr. Gashinsky for the first time I was so impressed with the office. The best dental experience I have ever had in my life!"
-Dr. Glenn Gero, Naturopathic PhysicianSPECIAL SERVICES WE OFFER:
Swiss Dental Solutions Biocompatible Zirconia Dental Implants
Vitamin D Testing: To ensure and improve surgical integration of your zirconia implants
Medical Grade Ozone Therapy
Biocompatibility Testing (Clifford Testing): To eliminate any allergic reaction to dental materials
Minimally Invasive Laser Assisted Gum Therapy/ LANAP: To treat advanced periodontal disease
Conservative Gum Grafting (Pinhole Method): To address recession areas
Homeopathic Alternative and Nutritional Counseling
Safe Amalgam Removal w/ S.M.A.R.T Provider: To safely remove toxic mercury from your body with customized techniques and proper supplementation and protection
