Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey / June 2023

Male Sexual Health

Straight Talk From Holistic Doctors

Fatherhood 101

Leading With Intention

Climate Savvy

Investing

Keeping Canine

Jumpers Injury-Free

MEN’S HEALTH

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The Legacy of Fatherhood

June is our “Men’s Month Issue. Naturally, it falls in the month of Father’s Day—beyond a doubt my favorite holiday of the year. I have been a father for over 53 years and to this day the experience of fathering continues to challenge and reward me with dividends way beyond the material world.

Nothing in the world moves me more than a dedicated dad. When I look at fathers today, the younger generation especially, it makes me proud to know fatherhood has evolved, that men have come so far and we are now able to reap the rewards of the involved father.

It seems to me that parenting, my contribution as a father, is the most important legacy of my life. I am extremely proud that our contributions as men to our children, to our families and to our legacy has evolved Fathers—be proud. Happy Father’s day and keep growing..

Publisher Joe Dunne Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-405-1515 • Fax 239-920-5147

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© 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

“Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, storytellers, and singers of song.”

– Unknown

Grand Opening Celebration for Longevity Veterinary Center in Whippany

NJ’s largest and most advanced integrative veterinary center welcomes all to its Grand Opening and Pet Adoption event, from 11am3pm on June 4. Festivities include giveaways, live music, free dental exams for pets, meeting pet vendors and more.

Longevity Veterinary Center is a 15,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility offering conventional and holistic pet therapies for all pets, including exotic animals. The center specializes in alternative therapies including acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, nutritional consultations, and innovative Microbiome Restorative Therapy (MBRT). The clinic also offers nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, non-anesthetic dentistry (NAD), and other complementary therapies to support pets’ health.

“Our holistic approach allows us to treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain and a variety of cancers to anxiety and behavioral issues,” said Dr. Gerald Buchoff, holistic veterinarian and owner of Longevity Veterinary Center. “We believe in a collaborative approach to veterinary care, working closely with pet parents to develop a customized treatment plan that meets their pet’s unique needs.”

Longevity Veterinary Center’s team of highly trained professionals is committed to helping pets achieve optimal health through a combination of conventional and alternative therapies. They believe in treating the root cause of an issue and finding the best treatment possible, drawing from both conventional and holistic medicine.

Location: Longevity Veterinary Center, 265 Route 10 East, Whippany. For information, visit lvcnj.com or call 973-606-1101. See ad, page 15.

Get Ready For Farm Days Festival 2023!

Ethos

Farm Project (EFP) is excited to announce Farm Days Festival 2023 on September 9-10. This amazing event will be held at Ethos Farm, a historic 342-acre farm in Long Valley, NJ over a weekend filled with inspiring speakers focusing on the ethics of eating and how whole plant-based food is medicine. EFP Founder, Dr. Ronald Weiss states “I tell people that there is no reason to feel powerless when it comes to improving their own personal health, acting to reverse climate change and the decline of species.”

Expert speakers from across the country will be presenting over the weekend including PeterSinger, Rich Roll, Dr. Dean Sherzai, Dr Ayesha Sherzai, Dr. Columbus Batiste, Dr. Meagan Grega, Sara Farley, Brittany Jaroudi, Bob Quinn and Dr. Ronald Weiss. Topics include the impact of our diets on health, climate change, and how what we eat impacts the rights of nature. There will be 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.

Ethos Farm Project is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to address the interconnected nature of how agriculture affects human health, planetary health, and our relationship with nature through our hands-on educational programming.

Tickets for the Farm Days Festival 2023 can be purchased at EthosFarmProject.org/ FarmDays. To request a scholarship, email inquiry@ethosfarmproject.org.

Location: 177 West Mill Rd., Long Valley. For information, call 908-867-0060 or email inquiry@ethosfarmproject.org. EthosFarmProject.org. See ad, page 13.

Advanced Reiki Master HealerTeacher Training

Experience true mastery in healing and life as a Reiki master with advanced healer-teacher training led by Janet StraightArrow. This comprehensive 6-month program begins on June 17, and prepares students to assist people as a healing and teaching presence and facilitator. Many students have already completed Reiki 1 & 2, and some have master certificates though the number one prerequisite is a desire for full Reiki training and true mastery. StraightArrow, who became a Reiki master in 1996, loves teaching and sees it as a significant purpose in her work and life. Mentoring students along the way is an important part of the training she offers.

The coursework includes instruction on medical intuition, advanced energy studies from many traditions, work with animals, land, and buildings, ethics, and so much more. Upon graduation, students will be confident in their abilities and ready to live and share Reiki personally and professionally, both in person and at a distance. “To be a master, we walk in wisdom, grace, and health on all levels. We continually heal ourselves as we learn to help others,” states StraightArrow.

For information, contact Janet at Janet@Bethemedicine.com, 973647-2500 or BeTheMedicine.com/Events. See ad, page 17.

Matrix Repatterning Now on the East Coast

In his book The Brain’s Way of Healing, Dr. Norman Doidge refers to Matrix Repatterning as an important “first intervention” in the treatment of concussion and traumatic brain injury. As the only Certified Matrix Repatterning practitioner in the mid-Atlantic region, Dr. Clare Larkin describes Matrix Repatterning as a revolutionary form of healing. “When we experience an injury, the energy transferred to the body from that injury gets absorbed in the bones and other deep tissues. This creates bio-electric changes in these tissues and we wind up many superficial symptoms that don’t get resolved with most therapies because the injury is deeper. Matrix Repatterning is a gentle, hands-on approach to locating these deep injuries and releasing the trapped energy, freeing the body of its chronic symptoms.”

Dr. Larkin has seen remarkable success in treating both acute and chronic conditions. “People travel from all over the country to experience Matrix Repatterning because it works. I am confident that Matrix Repatterning can help most people—even those who have ‘tried everything’ have a better quality of life. Until recently, people from this region of the country had to get on a plane to receive this revolutionary therapy. Now, they have Matrix Repatterning in their own backyard.”

For more information on Matrix Repatterning, visit DrClareLarkin. com or contact Dr. Clare Larkin at drclarelarkin@gmail.com or 908-930-0628. See ad, page 11.

Low Vitamin D Linked to Risk of Death

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine determined that vitamin D deficiency increases mortality risk. The findings were based on a survey of the vitamin D levels and genetic data of more than 300,000 people aged 37 to 73 that participated in the UK Biobank, a largescale cohort study that began in 2006. Almost 19,000 deaths from all causes, as well as from specific causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory illnesses, were recorded through 2020. Researchers discovered that the risk of death decreased steeply with increasing concentrations of vitamin D, until reaching 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The odds of death from all causes were estimated to increase by 25 percent for participants with vitamin D levels of 25 nmol/L, compared to those with 50 nmol/L.

New Insights on Water Consumption Requirements

We have been conditioned to believe that eight glasses of water are required each day, but new research published in Science found that daily water needs vary based on numerous factors. Researchers studied 5,604 people aged 8 to 96 from 23 countries, measuring their water turnover—the amount of water lost and replaced each day. They found that for most healthy adults, drinking eight cups of water a day is unnecessary because water needs vary depending on age, sex, body size, physical activity level, athletic status, pregnancy, socioeconomic status and environmental characteristics such as latitude, altitude, air temperature and humidity. People that lived in less developed countries had higher water turnover than people from developed countries. While hydration should be prioritized, most people that pay attention to their bodies and drink when thirsty are likely drinking enough water.

Daily Intense Activity Prolongs Life

A new study in the journal Nature Medicine suggests that short bursts of intense movement are associated with a lower risk of premature death. The UK researchers analyzed data from about 25,000 non-exercisers with an average age of 62 that wore movement tracking devices on their wrists.

Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) refers to short, sporadic bursts of exertion done as part of daily living, such as walking very fast while commuting to work or climbing stairs. The scientists found that compared to participants that engaged in no VILPA, those that did just one to two minutes of VILPA three to four times daily exhibited a 38 to 40 percent lower risk of death over the course of seven years. They also noted that just a few minutes of VILPA throughout the day reduced cardiovascular disease-related mortality by up to 49 percent. Similar results were obtained when they analyzed vigorous physical activity in roughly 62,000 participants that exercised regularly. VILPA in non-exercisers appears to elicit similar effects to vigorous physical activity in exercisers, suggesting that VILPA may be a suitable physical activity target, especially in people not able or willing to exercise on a regular basis.

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

Indian Food Images/ShutterStock.com

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

“A word is not a crystal, transparent and unchanged, it is the skin of a living thought and may vary greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and the time in which it is used.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Rise in Children With Autism

“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.

In March, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) released updated statistics on the rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which has been steadily on the rise. One in 36 children was diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2020, or about 2.8 percent of children, up from one in 44 children in 2018, and one in 150 children in 2000 when the CDC first established the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network to track ASD prevalence in this country.

Autism was 3.8 times as prevalent among boys (4 percent) as girls (1 percent), and for the first time among 8-year-old children, the prevalence was slightly lower among white children than other racial and ethnic groups, which is a reversal of racial and ethnic differences observed in the past. The CDC partially attributes these patterns to improved screening, awareness and access to services.

The report included communities in 11 states that participate in the CDC Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network—Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin. Children included in this report were born in 2012 and lived in surveillance areas during 2020. ASD prevalence varied from state to state, with Maryland having the lowest and California the highest observed rates.

Problems that have been plaguing you for years won’t get better on their own or with symptom-relief therapies, but they CAN get better with Matrix Repatterning.

My patients regularly report improvements in pain, headaches, movement, energy, balance, hearing, sleep and mood! Don’t continue to suffer.

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

Barefoot Blessings

BASKING IN THE SOUL OF SUMMER

by Marlaina Donato

Summer is a splashy reward after winter wears out its welcome. Spring barely has time to shake blossoms from her hair before we plunge headfirst into summer plans: vacations, barbecues and home improvement. As birds and humans go about their inspired tasks, bees and butterflies dive into their own nectarous agenda. There is no arguing that we all wake up feeling a little bit younger as the days burn longer.

Pulling weeds from the garden, deadheading the zinnias, digging our toes into wet sand and picking up sustenance at the local farmers market bring us back to our primal rhythm. We are more inclined to throw our cares to the wind and lean out of life’s open car window on the way to nowhere in particular. We do not need a plane ticket to exotic shores to find our bliss, only curiosity to explore our own backyards and fall in love with our familiar, wellworn lives.

Timed perfectly, each blossom on the wayside and in the fields has its own hour and medicine. Wildflower wisdom teaches us that we, too, can flourish on seemingly impossible terrain despite fierce opposition from those that do not recognize our value. The blessing of birdsong reminds us that our own survival game can be equally as beautiful when we embody our unique soul-note. Getting up a little earlier can lower our risk of depression and give us a front-row seat to the dew-covered world.

June beckons us to light an outdoor fire on the solstice and watch fireflies fall in love in light codes. At full power, the sun represents the sacred masculine and nature’s resurrection. We are invited to dance with the Green Man, Europe’s ancient symbol of rebirth peering from dappled forests and over church doorways. We are invited to schedule some actual repose into our vacations, even if we just take a holiday at home with a good book under a breezy tree. We are invited to live.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

CottonPro/Pexels.com

Leaps and Bounds

KEEPING CANINE JUMPERS INJURY-FREE

by Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Dogs are natural athletes that leap on and off things multiple times a day, usually without incident. That’s why many people don’t realize that, like humans, dogs can sustain injuries, including soft tissue trauma, such as cuts and bruises; back injuries or slipped vertebral discs; sprains; and broken legs.

Preventing Mishaps in a Jumper

Most active dogs that frolic outdoors will get the occasional scrape, cut or bruise. These common (usually minor) injuries can be prevented by ensuring that the areas they frequent are safe, contained and hazard-free. Broken legs, on the other hand, are more serious and typically do not result from normal, or even vigorous, high-intensity exercise. Bone fractures are generally caused by a sudden impact or great force to the body, such as being hit by a car or falling a long distance. They are most often seen in older pets and excitable risk-takers. The best way to prevent a dog from breaking a leg is to make sure it is under control at all times, especially outdoors.

Getting Dogs in Shape to Avoid Injuries

Back injuries, slipped discs and sprains, including canine cruciate ligament injuries, often occur in poorly conditioned dogs. For example, if a pup has been indoors most of the winter, its muscles have lost tone and atrophied. This also applies to “weekend warriors” that exercise and play at high intensity with their owners only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Studies show that well-conditioned muscles can begin to lose their tone and strength in a matter of days. This can set the stage for an injury if the activity level suddenly jumps significantly, so start by gradually improving a dog’s fitness level. The minimum amount of exercise needed to maintain muscle tone is 20 minutes three times weekly, and as pets age, this amount increases. Aim for 40 minutes of rigorous walking or running every day. Consistency is essential for a dog’s muscles and ligaments to stay strong and resilient. This will keep the dog fit and better able to avoid strains, sprains and other injuries. Warming up before exercise is very important. Walk and encourage the dog to stretch its limbs before engaging in more intense exercise, especially with aging dogs.

Since

Avoiding Cervical Disc and Neck Injuries

Cervical disc and neck injuries are often the result of collar strain. Dogs should be trained to walk beside their handler and heel on the leash. However, even the most well-trained dog will occasionally jump forward suddenly, causing the collar to pull tightly against their neck.

As dogs leap forward in excitement, they pull all the slack out of the leash and apply a great deal of pressure from the collar to their neck and cervical area, potentially resulting in an injury to the cervical disc or other neck problems. Symptoms can include a hesitance to move or lower the neck to eat or drink, and crying outbursts when the head or neck area are touched. Occasionally there can also be lameness in a front leg with this type of injury.

For dogs that habitually pull and whose leash behavior isn’t able to be improved, a harness, Gentle Leader-type head collar or other similar equipment can help distribute the dog’s body weight evenly across the restraint and alleviate the pressure on

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.

If a dog’s leg muscles aren’t toned, if its tendons and ligaments aren’t stretched and strong, and if its core muscles haven’t been worked and can’t do a good job holding the frame solidly in place, then a sudden burst of activity, even at home, can lead to injuries.

Depending on the geographical location, it is much easier to keep a dog fit during spring and summer months, but the goal should be to keep them exercised year-round. If harsh winters discourage outdoor activities, consider visiting an indoor dog park; exposing them to hydrotherapy or a warm-water dog pool; enrolling them in indoor agility, track training or nose work (a growing sport that encourages dogs to follow their natural hunting instincts); or taking them out on a

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. To learn

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.

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Men’s Wellness Series

Join Natural Awakenings and KnoWEwell for a life-changing series entitled The Healthy Man each Tuesday in June at 5 p.m. PDT/8 p.m. EDT.

TOPICS

n Lifestyle choices that add years to a man’s life and life to his years

n Tips to maintain youthful energy, a desired weight and a healthy libido

n Strategies for optimal eye health

n Good posture techniques for peak human performance and pain-free aging

n Habits that create resilient kids and a lasting legacy

SPEAKERS

n Ben Greenfield, human performance consultant and author of 17 books including Boundless Parenting

n Dr. Eric Plasker, chiropractor and author of The 100 Year Lifestyle

n Dr. Tracy Gapin, board-certified urologist and author of Male 2.0 and Codes of Longevity

n Dr. Krista Burns, chiropractor, founder of the American Posture Institute and author of The Posture Principles

n Christopher Smith, co-founder of Family Brand and the Campfire Effect, creating leaders at home and in business

n Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, board-certified optometrist and pioneer in neuro-optometry

n Dr. Tarin Forbes, board-certified integrative doctor specializing in anti-aging and metabolic medicine

n Dr. Alan Christianson, naturopathic endocrinologist specializing in thyroid disease and author of The Metabolism Reset Diet and The Thyroid Reset Diet

Admission is $59, which includes all Tuesday evening sessions and a oneyear membership to KnoWEwell. To learn more and register, visit Tinyurl. com/NACNJMen2023 or scan the QR Code. See ad, page 37.

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Microplastics Released by Tea Bags

Most mesh tea bags are made of 20 to 30 percent plastic, which can release microplastics and nanoplastics, causing harmful effects for both human health and the environment. In a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers found that one standard tea bag made with plastic released 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into a cup of tea. The particles in the tea matched the nylon and polyethylene terephthalate in the original tea bag.

Open Letter to Pause AI Experiments

A group of leading technology executives, researchers, academics and others from around the world have signed an open letter prepared by the Future of Life Institute calling for a six-month pause on large, human-competitive artificial intelligence (AI) experiments. As of March 31, more than 1,800 CEOs and 1,500 professors had signed the letter.

“AI labs are locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one—not even their creators—can understand, predict or reliably control,” the letter contends. The authors are concerned that “AI systems are now becoming human-competitive at general tasks.”

While AI systems grow more powerful, there is no natural law or barrier to technical progress. The letter’s authors and signers are asking all AI labs to pause the training of powerful AI systems so that safety protocols can be implemented to ensure the effects of these systems will be positive and the risks manageable. According to the letter, “If such a pause cannot be enacted quickly, governments should step in and institute a moratorium.”

Individuals can view and sign the letter at Tinyurl.com/ AImoratorium.

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Safer alternatives include steeping loose teas with a stainless steel or silicone tea strainer, or purchasing tea from brands that offer plastic-free teabags. Organic teas may still have plastic in the tea bag, as the packaging is not overseen by organic-certifying organizations.

Plastic Rocks Found on Remote Brazilian Island

Brazilian researchers have discovered rocks formed from plastic debris in the permanently preserved area of Trindade Island, approximately 680 miles off the coast of Brazil. The island is a remote refuge for green turtles, which come by the thousands every year to lay their eggs. The only human inhabitants of the island are members of the Brazilian navy.

The team of researchers ran chemical tests on the rocks, called plasticglomerates, and determined that they were formed when fishing nets were dragged by the current and accumulated on the beach. It is believed that the nets melt when the temperature rises and they become embedded with the sedimentary granules and other debris on the beach.

lazaalaexa/ShutterStock.com

Dramatic Drop in Arctic Ice Levels

New research published in the journal Nature has found dramatic changes in the composition of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean since 2007 caused by climate change. Norwegian Polar Institute researchers have monitored sea ice thickness in the Fraim Strait (a sea channel connecting the Arctic Ocean and the Nordic Seas that runs between Greenland and the Norwegian archipelago) for the past three decades. In 2007, a “regime shift” was noted in Arctic sea ice composition, from thicker and deformed to thinner and more uniform ice cover. Researchers found that the amount of thick and deformed ice had dropped by half, and they believe the thinning may be irreversible. They link the ice thinning to a rise in Arctic surface temperatures, more energy absorption because of a reduction in reflected light off the sea ice and warmer ocean water. Younger, thinner ice could result in a loss of habitat for Arctic creatures, as thicker, ridged sea ice can be a haven to hide from predators. There are also consequences for humans. Thinner, more level ice is less challenging for ship navigation and, along with less ice and shorter ice seasons, may permit an increase in Arctic maritime traffic.

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WHAT EVERY MAN WANTS SEXUAL VITALITY AT EVERY AGE

by Carrie Jackson

For men, sexual health is a key, but often overlooked, component of overall wellness. A man in optimal physical shape is able to fully enjoy and participate in sexual activity with an active libido and the ability to sustain an erection. Poor sexual health can lead to depression, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and other troublesome symptoms and conditions.

Fortunately, male sexual function is better understood medically than ever before, and it is more common for men to talk with their doctors and other professionals about topics that seemed taboo not that long ago. New technology is making it easier to diagnose and treat common problems, and it is widely understood that physical, neurological, hormonal, interpersonal and mental factors all play into sexual wellness. By taking a proactive and holistic approach to their overall wellness, men can enjoy a robust sex drive and performance long into their later years.

Maintaining Libido and Energy

Eric Plasker, a licensed chiropractor and author of The 100 Year Lifestyle, attests that sexual health does not have to decline with age, and men can proactively counter that myth with mindful lifestyle choices. “If you’re aging in a healthy manner, your libido does not have to decline. By taking part in activities you find fulfilling and nurturing your mind, body and spirit, your sexual energy can stay naturally high,” Plasker explains.

He recommends that people take an energy inventory to assess which activities and lifestyle choices are serving them. “Make a list of all the things you do that help you gain energy and those that drain your energy. This includes the food you eat, hobbies, habits, even people you spend time with. Then see how you can turn the drainers into gainers. For example, if driving in traffic makes you angry, put on relaxing music and do deep breathing exercises to shift yourself into a more positive state. These shifts will make you more energetic, stronger, more passionate and present with your partners, and you’ll have more energy to be sexual and loving,” he says.

Sexual health depends on a healthy nervous system, and maintaining a balanced flow of hormones and neurotransmitters is essential for proper neurological function. According to Plasker, disease, inactivity and inflammation—especially in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints—can cause a communication breakdown.

“Blockages in the nervous system flow can cause disruption to the sexual organs and lead to a compromised libido,” he explains. “Chiropractic adjustments, combined with regular exercise, will help raise cortisol, reduce stress and open up these pathways in the body. I recommend that patients find an activity they enjoy, such as swimming or tennis, so it becomes an enjoyable part of their routine,” Plasker says.

Optimizing Hormones

According to Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist in Sarasota, Florida, strong sexual health and desire is a window to overall health. He helps patients reach their sexual potential with a combination of science-based medicine and holistic practices. “The body is one connected system, and great sexual function is an indication that your body is optimized,” he advises.

While testosterone is widely known to affect sex drive, Gapin looks at the interplay of a variety of other hormones, too. Hor-

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mone optimization, testosterone therapy and peptide therapy, which utilizes the body’s own amino acids to increase hormone levels, are non-invasive outpatient tools that men can use to analyze and optimize their sex drive.

“The body produces over 50 hormones, which all contribute to regulating biological processes,” he explains. “Low testosterone can lead to weight gain, anxiety, erectile dysfunction and other serious health issues, including diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Men want to optimize their thyroid and DHT [dihydrotestosterone] levels, both of which can lower the sex drive when compromised. Vitamin D helps regulate the gut, which controls the health of the entire body. Neurotransmitters, which help release feel-good endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine, are made in the gut and can affect depression, anxiety and other issues that lower libido.”

Gapin stresses that it is more important to think about “optimal” levels of hormones instead of “normal” ranges and encourages patients to move beyond the basic blood tests to assess their health. “Besides sex drive, testosterone also affects cardiovascular health, muscle and bone strength, fat mass, cognitive health and even longevity, so it’s important to be aware of your own levels,” he says. “Every man is different, and the range in which you feel and perform your best is what’s right for you. With medical advice constantly changing, it can be a challenge to keep track of all the recommended tests. DNA testing, epigenetic age assessments, advanced lipid panels, inflammation markers and thyroid testing can all give insight to how the body is functioning as a whole.”

Treating Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. It is, in fact, the most common cancer among American men. Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men that are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40.

Gapin asserts that preventative and proactive lifestyle choices can drastically reduce the risk. “New, non-invasive MRI treatments are making it easier to detect and diagnose cancer earlier by highlighting suspicious areas in the prostate and targeting them for biopsy,” he explains, adding that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a number of treatment options.

“Traditionally, patients would have the prostate removed and undergo radiation. However, these procedures come with a list of disturbing side effects. A newer, FDA-approved treatment called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive procedure that eradicates prostate cancer,” Gapin notes. “HIFU is an outpatient procedure with excellent oncologic outcomes, minimal

Incorporating Lifestyle Solutions

As an osteopathic doctor and integrative medicine practitioner at the Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tarin Forbes looks at the root causes of disease and dysfunction. She, too, considers sexual health an integral component of overall wellness and gives patients the tools to achieve their desired sexual potential. “While every person is different, optimal sexual health usually means that men wake up with a morning erection, desire intercourse on a daily basis and can reach an erection without stimulation or genital contact,” she remarks. Making mindful choices that prioritize nutrition will naturally improve sexual health. “Nourish yourself with a whole food, plant-based diet rich in nutrients, including nitrate-rich foods and foods rich in vitamin C and folate, which boost nitric oxide, the main compound that increases blood flow,” Forbes says. “Beans, citrus fruits, beets, celery, cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens boost nitric oxide or its bioavailability to improve blood flow. While getting nutrition from food is ideal, supplements such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and boron can help regulate sex hormones. Avoid certain medications, including over-the-counter medicine such as NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] like Advil, acid blockers and even mouthwash, which blocks nitric oxide.”

Forbes also recommends engaging in high-intensity exercises and weight resistance that help increase testosterone and blood flow to the penis. Reducing environmental toxins is another important step, she notes, as plastics, pesticides and other chemicals can rob men of their testosterone, which not only affects blood flow but also libido.

Forbes cautions that while erectile dysfunction drugs work in the short-term, they can produce unwanted consequences. “Viagra does work to help men achieve an erection by stimulating blood flow to the penis. However, it can cause troublesome side effects including headaches, vision problems and nasal congestion. Non-pharmaceutical alternatives can provide good results without undesirable repercussions. Low-intensity shock wave therapy, a non-invasive outpatient procedure, uses targeted sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis and can be done once or in a series of treatments. Platelet-rich plasma injections use the patient’s own plasma to stimulate new tissue growth in the penis, which can lead to larger and more frequent erections,” she explains.

Forbes says that by having an open dialogue with their medical professionals and exploring holistic treatments, men at any age can feel sexier and more energetic than ever. “Talk about your concerns with your doctor, who may offer referrals to other specialists until the issue is solved. A physical therapist can teach men to

strengthen their pelvic floor with Kegels and other exercises. Sexual therapists help men work through mental and psychological issues, which can be as debilitating as physical ones. A psychologist can offer tools for managing depression and anxiety, both of which can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including low libido and performance anxiety,” she says, noting that if a man does not feel comfortable talking with their doctor, it may be time to find a new one.

Many factors contribute to sexual health, and every man’s needs and desires are different. By addressing physical, hormonal, neurological and mental wellness with a combination of conventional and holistic treatments, men can experience sexual performance and enjoyment at any age. “There’s more awareness than ever before about sexual health, and men don’t have to compromise this integral part of their overall wellness,” says Forbes.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie JacksonWrites.com.

Keeping Eyes Sharp

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO VISION HEALTH

by Carrie Jackson

As the windows to the world, our eyes are sensory organs that work overtime. They allow us to take in light, see what is before us and send information for the brain to process. While regular eye exams are important, preventative and proactive maintenance is key to achieving healthy vision.

Dr. Marc Grossman co-founded NaturalEyeCare.com to educate professionals and the public about complementary eye care, which can supplement traditional methods. As both a licensed optometrist and acupuncturist, he believes that the health of the eye depends on the well-being of a person’s entire body. “I treat the person behind the eye, not just the condition. When a patient comes in with glaucoma or a cataract, I look at their history and lifestyle choices to see what could be contributing to it,” he says.

Proper nutrition is crucial for proper eye function. Grossman recommends what he calls a “vision diet” based on the Mediterranean diet, which cuts down on sugar and prioritizes organic,

low-alkaline foods, leafy greens and fresh juices. “Carotenoids, found in red or yellow fruits and vegetables, are vital antioxidants for eye health. They include lutein, the yellow pigment in the macula that protects against certain eye diseases, and zeaxanthin, which helps avoid macular degeneration. These nutrients also absorb harmful blue light and are anti-inflammatory. The presence of free radicals and lack of antioxidants in the eyes is directly related to the incidence of many types of eye disease, including macular degeneration. Consuming antioxidants from food is ideal and can be enhanced with supplements such as CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and curcumin,” Grossman explains.

“Regular aerobic activity combined with meditation or another mindfulness practice is ideal to maintain and even improve vision,” he says. “Thirty minutes of brisk walking or another activity you enjoy four days a week can reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other common eye conditions. Qigong,

mindful breathing and yoga help the whole body reset and are low-impact ways to improve circulation.”

Proactively retraining the brain can substantially reduce vision dysfunction. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a pioneer in neuro-optometry, helps adults and children unlock their highest potential by remediating visual developmental delays that impact reading and learning, honing visual skills to elevate sports performance and reorganizing the “visual brain” after head injuries.

“We need to look at eyesight and vision as separate entities. While eyesight is the ability to simply see things like letters on a chart, vision is how your brain derives meaning from the world around us and directs the appropriate action,” explains the Maryland-based optometrist.

Through individualized vision therapy, Appelbaum’s patients learn how to train their eyes, brain and body to work together more efficiently. “Most functional vision problems are actually brain problems, and vision therapy teaches you how to use your eyes to retrain your brain. Through a series of exercises, we enhance skills like focus, depth perception, 3D awareness, eye movement control and visualization,” he explains. The first step is a thorough evaluation, and then, if indicated, personalized treatment is prescribed with doctor-supervised sessions in the office that are reinforced with exercises at home.

Appelbaum also helps professional and amateur athletes more accurately connect to their sport through vision. “From an early age we’re told to ‘keep your eye on the ball,’ but not taught how to do that,” Appelbaum asserts. “Sports vision therapy trains athletes to optimize critical components in their visual processing and reaction. We work with baseball and basketball players, gymnasts, skiers, even fencers who learn to coordinate and visualize the optimal movement in relation to their environment, equipment and teammates. With repeated exercises and self-correction, athletes learn to enhance visual reaction time, depth perception, visuospatial knowledge and hand-eye coordination."

Monitoring screen time is vital to resting overworked eyes. “As a direct result of excessive screen time, we’re seeing a dramatic increase of nearsightedness in young children, as well as headaches, fatigue, eyestrain and motion sensitivity,” Appelbaum says. “I encourage patients to follow the 20/20/20 rule and take a minimum of a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away. This allows both the brain and eyes to disengage from the near visual stress and relax. In general, looking at larger screens that are further away will also lessen the strain.”

Taking a holistic approach to overall health and wellness will not only preserve but can also enhance our ability to see. “People should discuss visual issues and symptoms with their doctor and seek out functional vision testing, as vision could be the limiting factor in a number of conditions,” Appelbaum advises. “With mindful visual training and healthy lifestyle choices, we can maximize our vision and our life’s potential.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie JacksonWrites.com.

Converting Food to Energy

LEARNING HOW METABOLISM WORKS

by Linda Sechrist

Metabolism is the process by which the foods and drinks we consume are converted into energy. We may not notice the cellular mechanisms that transform fat and glucose into the oomph in our step, but when they start to wane, we definitely know something is wrong. We may feel lethargic and weak, our brains may get foggy or we may start putting on weight around the belly, with blood pressure, blood glucose and triglyceride levels on the rise. In most cases, modifying our diet is the most powerful way to regain vitality and get those biomarkers back on track.

“Metabolic imbalance occurs when the body stores fat but can’t access it or burn it as efficiently,” says Alan Christianson, a naturopathic physician and author of The Metabolism Reset Diet: Repair Your Liver, Stop Storing Fat and Lose Weight Naturally. “In one year, our bodies manage about 1 million calories in and out. We never get exactly what we need on any day, so we must be able to store and release energy in a healthy fashion. However, people get better at storing and poorer at releasing. This is a big part of gradual weight gain and accompanying fatigue.”

Christianson describes good metabolic health as having steady energy levels and maintaining a good body weight. “When there’s too little energy available and the body can’t make energy that well, I see symptoms of metabolic imbalance as mental fatigue and poor memory, less muscular endurance, less recovery from exercise, weight gain and resistance to weight loss,” he explains. “If not addressed, metabolic imbalance can develop into obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, insulin resistance, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

According to Christianson, certain lifestyle choices can throw our metabolism out of balance, including the overconsumption of carbohydrates, processed foods and caffeine; frequent snacking and late-night meals; and poor sleep routines. Too much stress creates a hormonal cascade that promotes storing fat instead of using it.

James Forleo, a doctor of chiropractic and author of Health Is Simple, Disease Is Complicated, recommends the elimination of certain foods that wreak havoc on our metabolism: “The inflammatory agents in much of the food consumed in the Standard American Diet—high-glycemic refined carbohydrates, high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats—are the biggest offenders of metabolic health.”

If staying

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Correcting Liver Function

“The key mechanism to correct and maintain metabolic health is helping the liver to function well. Once corrected, it is not difficult to maintain metabolic health if people eat reasonably healthy,” Christianson advises. “The liver is the main site for storing the body’s fuel. It does this in the forms of glycogen and triglycerides. When things go wrong, there’s too much of one relative to the other. We need some glycogen, which comes from carbohydrates, to burn triglycerides—kind of like how you need kindling to burn a log. The problem is triglyceride buildup in the liver.”

Fixing the liver is the central focus of Christianson’s 28-day metabolism reset. “To correct a fatty liver, you need adequate protein and adequate nutrients, but a low enough amount of total carbohydrates and healthy fats,” he says. “You also need adequate levels of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that we get from the food we eat. My metabolism reset guides you in eating less refined and processed foods, and more real, nutritious food; pairing carbohydrates with protein; exercising; managing stress levels; and avoiding sugar.”

Personalized Diet Plan and Nutritional Coaching

Metabolic Balance, a German-based company with certified nutrition coaches around the globe, helps people optimize their health with personalized diet plans and follow-up coaching sessions. “The program was created by Dr. Wolf Funfack, a specialist in internal and nutritional medicine, whose research revealed that every human body can produce all the hormones and enzymes it needs for healthy metabolism. We need to give it the necessary nutrients with the right food, which is precisely what Metabolic Balance does,” says Sylvia Egel, CEO and director of coaching and education.

“Based on an individual’s personal medical history and blood levels, we determine what substances the body lacks to produce all the enzymes and hormones necessary for their bodily functions,” she explains. “The personal roadmap recommends the right combination of foods to keep the various bodily functions in balance. The foods aren’t based on their caloric content, but rather on their essential components such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements, and the relationship between carbohydrates, fats and proteins.”

According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, participation in the Metabolic Balance program led to long-term health improvements due to a high degree of adherence by the participants. According to the researchers, “The emphasis of any dietary program should be set on both the aspect of nutrition as well as the aspect of motivation.”

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for 20 years.

NEM LUI HUE (LEMONGRASS SKEWERS WITH PORK OR CHICKEN)

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

1 lb ground pork or chicken

1 Tbsp finely minced garlic

1 Tbsp finely minced shallot

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

12-15 stalks of lemongrass

Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients, except the lemongrass stalks, in a bowl and mix with hands or a fork. Cover and place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight), allowing the flavors to develop. Peel the outer layer of the lemongrass stalks. Rinse in water and dry. Take one handful of the ground mixture and wrap it around the end of a lemongrass stalk, gently pressing and molding the meat around the stalk. Repeat with the remaining meat and place on a baking sheet. Grill skewers over coals or on a gas grill for about 6 to 10 minutes until cooked through. Make sure to rub the grill with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil to ensure the skewers don’t stick to the grate.

CHICKEN CURRY

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1 cup vegetables (mushrooms, leeks, onion or cauliflower), chopped

1 chicken breast, diced

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp mild or medium curry powder

1 tsp garam masala

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp ground ginger

1 garlic clove

Vegetable stock

If using cauliflower, parboil the florets and keep the water they were boiled in. Heat the spices in a dry pan until fragrant. Add garlic and vegetables and coat with spices. Add some oil and pour in some vegetable stock (or the cauliflower water) to deglaze the pan. Cook covered for a few minutes until spices and liquid are well combined and the vegetables are coated evenly. Add the diced chicken. Simmer until the chicken is cooked, stirring regularly. Add more vegetable stock or water for a thinner sauce. Serve with some toasted rye bread to soak up the juices.

Recipes and photos courtesy of Metabolic Balance

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Socially Conscious Investing

HOW TO CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE STOCKS AND MUTUAL FUNDS

by Sheila Julson

Young recommends that new investors start by determining which social and environmental issues matter most to them. From there, tools such as the free US SIF sustainable investing course (ussif. org/courses_individualinvestors) offer an overview of sustainable investing, as well as investment options and strategies. He also encourages a visit to As You Sow (AsYouSow.org/invest-your-values) to help investors find the companies and mutual funds that align with their social and environmental principles, and to steer clear of those that don’t.

“Vote with your pocketbook,” the saying goes, prompting consumers to buy parkas from planet-friendly Patagonia or socks by Bombas, which donates a pair to homeless shelters for every pair purchased. When choosing stocks and mutual funds, a growing number of investors don’t just want to get a good return on their investment, they also seek to support corporations that spread kindness, protect (or do not pollute) the environment and support women, minorities and LGBTQ+ people.

This year, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) reported that environmental, social and corporate governance investing “represents more than $8 trillion in assets under management in the U.S. alone, and people expect the worldwide number to surpass $50 trillion by the end of 2025.”

These types of mutual funds can yield returns akin to conventional funds, says Michael Young, director of education and outreach for the U.S. Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit. Some industries, such as oil and gas, may be more eco-challenged than others, but companies can and should make best efforts relevant to their industries, he says, suggesting that investors review a company’s corporate social responsibility report, which provides insight into their environmental and social practices.

“Most people invest in companies through fund structures via retirement plans or online brokerages,” Young explains. “Through As You Sow, they have search tools that help interested investors determine if they own funds that include companies in fossil fuels, weapons manufacturing or other industries one might not want to invest in.”

Robin Diedrich, the director of sustainable investing for Edward Jones, asserts that their division arose over the past few years as a result of client demand. The analysts in her division evaluate whether the stated sustainability and financial objectives of a fund are actually being met, using vetting tools like Morningstar (Morningstar.com/topics/sustainable-investing). “Morningstar has become much more rigid in their methodology. They’re trying to make sure that what’s being labeled as sustainable is truly that,” she says.

Diedrich advises investors to use the same criteria that they would use with any fund, whether traditional or sustainable. “It’s important that you look at a sustainable fund in that same way, because it is an

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investment with your money,” she says. “Ultimately, it needs to be driven by clients’ personal choices, as well as their financial goals.”

Sustainable Investing Goes Mainstream

Green Century Funds (GreenCentury.com) is a mutual funds company that engages corporations on behalf of its shareholders to seek specific outcomes. Young says Green Century Funds’ efforts worked with companies like Starbucks, Conagra Foods and Hormel Foods to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains. “There are ways to leverage your dollar to make an impact, because as an individual, you likely couldn’t convince a large corporation to do that,” Young notes.

Ceres, a nonprofit headquartered in Boston, works with investors, companies and capital market influencers to drive action on sustainability issues. It is the co-founder of numerous sustainability enterprises, including Net Zero Asset Managers, a global initiative through which large institutional investors have committed to support net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the economy by 2050 and interim emissions reductions by 2030. Similarly, many pension funds are signatories to the Paris Aligned Asset Owners, meaning that they also support net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Because of the sheer volume of their trades, institutional investors and pension fund managers have a great deal of clout and are able to influence corporate leaders to take environmental stewardship seriously. Their commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions means that corporations are pressed hard by these investors to eliminate emissions by the stated deadlines.

“As the climate crisis has worsened over the years with extreme weather disasters causing multi-billion-dollar losses, disrupting supply chains and affecting corporate business operations, investors have increasingly recognized climate change as a financial risk. Most institutional investors now analyze climate-related financial risks and opportunities and incorporate those risks and related sustainability risks into their decision making,” says Kirsten Snow Spalding, vice president of the Ceres Investor Network.

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Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings

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Conscious Fatherhood

BUILDING A BETTER FAMILY

by Julie Peterson

fathers matter,” says Chris Smith, founder of Campfire Effect, a coaching business for entrepreneurs in Arizona. “In business, we apply principles around values, culture, leadership and growth, and then we go home and don’t apply these same principles.”

Define Values

The lack of fatherhood guidance led Smith to develop Family Brand, an eightweek program designed to strengthen familial bonds and create an intentional family culture. Part of the process involves parents and their kids understanding who they are and defining their values. The family joins together to come up with a series of statements to hang on the wall as a reminder of their identity and purpose.

Smith Family Brand Statements

n We believe you can be who you want to be.

n Smiths can talk about anything without judgment.

n Smiths are kindhearted.

n Smiths are creators.

n Smiths do hard things.

n Smiths are healthy and active.

n Smiths love and support one another.

Some dads believe they need to work long hours so that they can purchase better things and go on fancier vacations, but research shows that, outside of escaping poverty, money doesn’t buy happiness. Even for children, it’s not about stuff or destinations; it’s about time spent together. Fortunately, there are men teaching men to embrace the fatherhood role and take action in ways that matter most.

“All men desire to be loved, valued, needed and respected, and to know they are leaving a mark on this world. Many men look for this fulfillment in career and hobbies, but this can be found by embracing their role as fathers,” says Ned Schaut, the Hawaii-based author of The Adventure of Fatherhood. He notes that the way fathers choose to live and perform their parental roles can affect a family for generations. Learning what fatherhood entails isn’t easy for men that grew up without involved dads, which may leave them doubting that they have what it takes to lead their families. “There are endless resources to help us in our businesses or careers, but our society doesn’t get behind the message that strong families matter, that present, engaged

Schaut offers a similar lesson plan called Family Core Values, which prompts families to decide where and how to spend their time and money, and to identify what they do and do not want. “It helps us make decisions or have conversations about who we are and how we want to treat others,” he says.

A mission statement hangs on the wall at the home of Ben Greenfield, the Washington-based author of Boundless Parenting: Tools, Tactics and Habits of Great Parents. “It’s a collection of the family values, what the family stands for and holds dear, and what the parents want to pass on to their children,” he explains.

These kinds of value statements help promote positive energy in the home. “If

Photo courtesy of Chris Smith

the language spoken at home is limiting and negative, those words become energy that create more of that. We need to use language that is about confidence, kindheartedness and teamwork,” says Smith.

Balance Priorities

According to Schaut, “There will not be an equal balance of time in all categories of life.” Fathers need to understand what matters most to them and then dedicate their time, money and energy in alignment with those priorities.

For Smith, his family comes first, and he makes sure that his business revolves around the home. “We always prioritize family, even if that comes at the price of career,” he says.

Greenfield stacks his priorities in this order: faith first, followed by his relationship with his spouse, family, health and business. His time is meticulously scheduled so that he can dedicate quality time to all of his priorities. He regularly involves his kids in his spiritual practice and exercise routines to set an example and instill positive habits.

Time dedicated to each child is a priority in strong families. Each of Greenfield’s kids has monthly one-on-one dates with Mom and with Dad, two-on-one quality time every Sunday and daily check-ins every morning and during family dinners. “We’ve noticed that our kids will open up and talk to us during a one-on-one,” Smith asserts.

Discipline With Love

Smith suggests reimagining the way dads approach discipline. “If you tell your

kid, ‘What you did was bad,’ it’s hard for them to hear what you say next, because you are attacking them. If we talk about working or not working, you can say, ‘That really doesn’t work and here’s why.’ Kids are then more open to hearing and learning,” he explains.

Discipline needs to be thoughtfully appropriate for each child and each situation. “You have to know and be in tune with your kid,” says Schaut. “When you discipline them, it must come from

love and you responding as a dad to the situation, not reacting.”

But talking will never overcome modeling. “What they see you doing is more important than the advice you give them,” says Greenfield. “At the end of the day, kids just want to be seen and loved and heard.”

Julie Peterson writes on health, wellness and environmental topics. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of Chris Smith

daily & ongoing

JUNE 2023

SATURDAY,

JUNE 3

Reiki 1 Comprehensive Healing Training – 10am-5pm; in-person or Zoom. Learn this hands-on-healing art and become confident in your ability in energy healing. Comprehensive and complete professionallevel course offers practical healing and energy work teachings in addition to Reiki attunements, meditations, and practice. Led by Janet StraightArrow, Reiki Master, Medical Intuitive, and Shaman, who has taught Reiki for 25 years. $365. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-Sessions-Classes-Retreats), 247 North Road, Chester. 973-647-2500. BetheMedicine.com.

SUNDAY,

JUNE 4

Grand Opening and Pet Adoption – 11am3pm. Join us to celebrate the Grand Opening of NJ’s premier holistic veterinary center in Whippany, NJ! We will be hosting a pet adoption with Mt. Pleasant Shelter as well as pet vendors, music, henna tattoos, free pet dental exams, giveaways and so much more! Come discover holistic therapies for your pet and have a day of fun!. Free. Longevity Veterinary Center, 265 Route 10 East, Whippany. 973-606-1101. lvcnj.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

Grand Open House Week – June 6-9, 10am6pm; June 10, 8am-3pm. Come to Advanced Frequency Energy Spa’s spectacular Grand Open House! Learn about the comprehensive range of cutting-edge technologies that stimulate cellular energy, detoxify the body, and resgtore optimal health. Demonstrations, hors d’oeuvres and giveways. Free! 431 Rt 22 E (Bishop’s Plaza), Whitehouse Station. For information, call 888-460-4050 or text 908864-8111. AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com.

NLP Basics and Understanding – 7-9pm. Learn how NLP (Neuro Linguistics Programming) can help you live a more fulfilling life. Learn how it can help you and help others as well! Helps in Fears and Phobias, Removing Allergies, and Helps with Trauma and PTSD. See how NLP can be one of the most powerful healing methods of our time! Please RSVP for this event as seating is limited!. $45.00. Wellness Gala, Balance Your Life Studios, 18 East Main Street, Denville. 973-713-6811. WellnessGala. com/events.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Feng Shui Professional Certification Program – 12noon. Become certified and accredited as a Feng Shui Professional. Join

All calendar events for the July 2023 issue must be received by June 10 and adhere to our guidelines. To submit, visit naturalawakeningscnj.com/pages/calendar-listings or email kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for submission form.

Master Teachers Renae Jensen and Mary Dennis for this step-by-step personalized, hands-on training intensive. Mention Natural Awakenings for a $100 discount. For information, email RenaeJensen@gmail.com or visit FengShuiMorristown.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

Kitchen Medicine – 1-3pm. Come explore all the benefits sage, rosemary, and thyme want to share with us! During this workshop you will harvest and create a sage tincture and a rosemary hair tonic. Learn how to infuse oils for culinary and topical uses. Join us for a fun and aromatic afternoon. $50. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-3105973. MadLavenderFarm.com/workshops/ workshops.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Wrestling with Faith – Lunch 12noon; Program 1-3pm. A forum for spiritual seekers. Join us for discussion on important topics like the problem of evil, is the Bible inerrant, and the nature of God. Hosted by Plainfield Quakers, 225 Watchung Ave., Plainfield. Free; donations accepted.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

Guided Energy Healing Event – 7-9pm. Join us in a healing event featuring a guided visual journey encompassing Reiki (Energy Healing) and Self Esteem Boosting. You will leaving feeling and thinking better and clearer after this event! Who wouldn’t like that? $45. RSVP required as seating is limited. Wellness Gala, Balance Your Life Studios, 18 East Main Street, Denville. 973713-6811. WellnessGala.com/Events.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15

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. 732-419-3551. DeepRootsRising. com.

SATURDAY,

JUNE 17

Comprehensive Reiki Master HealerTeacher Training – 10am-5pm. Learn

Mastery level awareness, healing, and teaching and experience all levels of Reiki from a Mastery perspective as we work on one another. Be curious, open, and ready to go beyond anywhere you imagined healing, and Mastery would take you. Open to sincere students from all Reiki traditions. Class schedule set to accommodate students. $2000; payment plan available. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-SessionsClasses-Retreats), 247 North Road, Chester. 973-647-2500. BeTheMedicine.com.

English Lavender Wreath Workshop –1-3pm. It takes a lot of lavender to create this, and so the lion’s share of it will be fresh cut and ready for you to fashion into your wreath. There is nothing like the color and scent of fresh lavender and it will dry beautifully, lasting well into the next year. Refreshments served. Rain or shine workshop limited to 8 attendees. $150. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm.com/ workshops/workshops.

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 Ellen Petroski Perkins & Greg Perkins (Gaia’s Gifts), 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. $30. RSVP as seating is limited to 12 people. Pay at door or at paypal.me/gaiasgiftsnj/30. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. information, call 908-2231331 or email Ellen at perkins145@comcast. net. GaiasGifts.net.

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

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.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

Readings by Stacy Lynn – 11am-4pm. 1/2 hour, one-on-one session of direct channeling with Stacy Lynn. Come with your questions and an open heart to receive a message. $125. By appt. only. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. For questions and to set appt, call 908-223-1331 or email Ellen at perkins145@comcast.net. GaiasGifts.net.

MONTHLY PLANNER

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

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, JUNE 24

Lavender Wand Workshop – 10am-noon or 1-3pm; 6/24 & 6/25. Lavender wands can only be made with long-stemmed fresh cut lavender. There is a small window of time in the entire year when long-stemmed lavender is in bloom and ready for making wands. That is part of what makes them so special plus the sweet lavender scent lasts for years. Workshop is rain or shine. $55. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm.com/ workshops/workshops.

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.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

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 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.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29

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.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

French Lavender Wreath Workshop – 10amnoon; 7/8 & 7/9, add’l times. 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. 908-3105973. MadLavenderFarm.com/workshops/ workshops.

ongoing sunday

Summer 2023 Shamanic Vision Quest –3-1pm. Come for a powerful weekend of ceremony, Journeys, transformation, and rebirth with Shaman Janet StraightArrow. Awaken clarity, life purpose, and joy as we break through illusions, fears, and ego. Enjoy a gentle yet powerful, lifechanging weekend. $575/$625. Art Farm, 33 Fawn Lane, Accord. 973-647-2500. BetheMedicine.com.

Vision Quest Retreat Catskills Begin Now –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.

monday

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. Patty Pagano leads class focused on the healing-balancing aspect of the art and fundamental principles of movement. Students learn 44 moves of the first section. No prerequisite required. Held at Chester Studio. Series discounts: $80/4wk or $100/5-wk or drop in $25. For more information and studio address, contact Patty at 908-392-1313 or pattyqigongforhealing@ gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.

Wu Ji Jing Gong Qi Gong: Beginners – 2pm; In this class, students learn 15 meditative and repeating movements that will help you relax and open your mind, body and qi. This class also teaches principles of alignment. No prerequisite required. Instructor is Patty Pagano. Held at Chester studio. Series discounts: $80/4-wk or $100/5-wk or drop in $25.For more 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. Patty Pagano leads class focused on the healing balancing aspect of the art with emphasis on developing taichi selfpractice to gather and direct qi within your body. Prerequisite: WuJi Jing Gong Taichi for Beginners. 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 908-392-1313 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 includes principles of alignment. No prerequisite required. Instructor is 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 908-392-1313 or pattyqigongforhealing@gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.

thursday

Lavender Yoga in June – 6-7:30pm. “If Rosemary is for the spirit, then Lavender is for the soul.” Find your zen as you allow the aromas to surround you as you surrender to the peaceful flow of your practice in the middle of a lavender field in full bloom. Pick your own lavender bouquet to take home and enjoy for weeks to come. Students MUST bring a yoga mat. $40. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. WildflowersupYoga.com/lavenderyoga.

Soul Shamanism 101 - Live One With Your Soul – 7-9:30pm; Zoom. Experience true oneness, peace, unconditional love, joy, wisdom, and clear personal direction. Meet your ancestors, guides, and teachers who

travel with you. Explore your inner spiritual space that reflects your body and entire life and never feel alone again. $525. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-SessionsClasses-Retreats), 247 North Road, Chester. 973-647-2500. BeTheMedicine.com.

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.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Wrestling with Faith – Lunch 12noon; Program 1-3pm. A forum for spiritual seekers. Join us for discussion on important topics like the problem of evil, is the Bible inerrant, and the nature of God. Hosted by Plainfield Quakers, 225 Watchung Ave., Plainfield. Free; donations accepted.

You might be a Quaker if...

» You consider yourself a spiritual, not religious, person.

» You have concerns about war and the death penalty.

» You believe in social, political, and economic justice for all.

» You don’t feel the need to rely on clergy or creeds.

» You believe in the common humanity and equal treatment for all.

» You believe spirituality is an ongoing process.

» You like quiet time to reflect on yourself and the world.

» You think it is important to live your beliefs, not just talk about them.

» You want to put your faith into direct action in the world.

If this describes you, check us out!

Plainfield Quakers

225 Watchung Ave, Plainfield, NJ

Plainfield Quaker Meeting House

Silent Worship

Sundays 10:30am

We celebrate the inclusion of individuals, couples, or families of all backgrounds and constellations in every aspect of the life of our Meeting.

PlainfieldQuakers.org

Central New Jersey Community

business directory

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

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.

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. 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.

Bedding - Organic

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.

Chinese Healing Arts

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.

Energy Practitioner & Coach

Full Circle Energy Therapies

Lori L. Hoff

1105 Taylorsville Rd., Washington Xing, PA 908-268-7169

feelslikesunshine124@gmail.com

FullCircleEnergy.net

Flooring & Carpet

Floors Direct

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 13.

Frequency Healing

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.

Gift & Wellness Shop

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.

Eye/Vision Health

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

Hair Restoration

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 25.

Health & Wellness

Alternative Therapies Work, LLC

Howard G. Mertine C.Ht, RM 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 8.

Holistic 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 35.

Holistic Dentistry

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.

Princeton Center For Dental Aesthetics & Implants

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.

classifieds

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.

METAPHYSICAL SHOP

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/Hypnotherapy

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 8.

Hypnosis/Reiki

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

Matrix Repatterning

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 11.

Meditation/Spiritual Center For Healing and Empowerment

Phyllis Livera

172 Washington Valley Rd, Suite 3, Warren 732-882-9676

CenterForHealingAndEmpowerment.com

Naturopathic Medicine

New Jersey Natural Medicine

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.

Nutrition

Sunrise Nutrition & Wellness Center

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.

Integrative Psychotherapy

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.

Mystical Shoppe

A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe

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 21.

Platonic Touch Practitioner / Reiki

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.

“Everybody, soon or later, sits down to a banquet of consequences.”

- Robert Louis Stevenson

Psychotherapy

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 11.

Qi Gong

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.

Reiki & Hypnosis

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.

Sound Healing/Reiki

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.

Spiritual Healing, Teaching

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.

Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises

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.

Veterinarian

Longevity Veterinary Center

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

Wellness

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.

Veda Integrated Wellness

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.

“Don’t be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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 Physician

SPECIAL 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