Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey / October 2023

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Belief Changes Everything

Iamsitting at a place of peace and quiet on a crispy, bright, cloud-free Sunday morning enjoying the warm comfort of tranquility. Stillness, quiet and gratitude fills me. Paying attention, self-care and some common sense have rewarded me with a sense of clarity—to feel part of and connected to this snapshot of time. Living in the moment, as they say, is a special feeling.

Managing Editor Kathy Tarbell Kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-912-4569 • 770-867-2101 direct

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How did I get here, I ask myself. How can I feel so connected now when so much of my past life was dysfunctional? Contentment was a word I never had the option to understand. So, how can I now feel so contented, worry-free and empowered? Right now… right here… in this moment?

Naturally, I don’t have all the answers. I wish I could share in detail what happened to reach this point. It’s true that I have spent a lifetime trying to figure out happiness, acceptance and all the good stuff. I have read books, watched YouTube, attended a variety of seminars to understand how contentment is achieved. The education I have sought throughout my life has offered wisdom to be learned, spiritual knowledge to be gathered and contributed much to my own mental practices.

Yes, I have worked for this. Yet, in this moment, it feels like a miracle. Early on in life I found a bottom that was without hope. Then, small miracle after small miracle happened. Events, people and messages of hope appeared. Hope grew into believing and everything changed. I started to understand that my life was my responsibility, that I could achieve what I never thought I could, that contentment was possible if I committed to the practice of believing.

I am nothing special. I am not what you would consider to be a high achiever in the traditional sense. I am no different than anyone else, and that is why I feel gratitude. I am a big believer that every one of us has a talent waiting to be tapped into. Feeling present in the moment is a dream that I encourage everyone to pursue—it is empowering, freeing and so rewarding.

I wish I could live fully in every moment, but I can’t. There is no monastery or cave in the hills, living in silence, for me. I live in New Jersey where there is noise, distraction, along with all the business and personal life experiences. What I can do is stay diligent in my practice, beliefs and needs, to take responsibility for my selfcare. I wish everyone joy in their life, and to believe that you can reach deep and achieve your dreams.

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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.

With peace, love and laughter, Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.

~Emily Dickinson

Virtual Open House at Ethos Primary Care

Join us for an outstanding Virtual Open House presentation on how it’s possible to reverse chronic disease and get off meds. Dr. Ron Weiss explains the Ethos difference and how a therapeutic lifestyle intervention can make you well. The Open House will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on October 24. Come with questions as this is an interactive discussion with Dr. Weiss. To register, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages. com/su/ijJRnxw/Openhouse.

For more information, contact 908-867-0060, patientcare@ ethosprimarycare.com or visit EthosPrimaryCare.com. See ad, page 25.

Hypnosis for Stress

Everyone feels stress occasionally. It manifests itself in many ways but we all know it when we feel it. Given all the culturally-induced stress factors in our lives (pressures to succeed, make money, lose weight, be good looking, do more, buy more), it’s no wonder so many of us are stressed out. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as much as 90% of all illness and disease is stress-related, and the presence of stress will make any illness worse. High stress levels are linked to heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and suicides. Stress contributes to substance abuse, depression, absenteeism, poor concentration, and decreased productivity.

Not all stress is bad, however. A certain amount can be beneficial, motivating us in healthy ways to perform quickly and competently, build our confidence, and produce creative solutions to problems.

Hypnosis can help us recognize the internal and external sources of our stress, and identify what can change. Additionally, it can be used to help develop coping mechanisms so that when stressful situations arise, we are equipped to face them in appropriately. At Hypnosic Counseling Center, we will work with you to design a stress-reduction plan that is unique to you, recognizing and avoiding old patterns of response. Through using the tools of hypnosis, a freer, more enjoyable life, and healthier existence is possible.

Locations in Flemington, Livingston and Princeton. For information call 908-303-7767 and visit HypnosisCounselingCenter.com. See ad, page 9.

Free Livestream Screening of Major Alzheimer’s Film

KnoWEwell and Natural Awakenings magazine will host a free, advanced screening of Memories for Life: Reversing Alzheimer’s, a documentary-style film that follows the journeys of six Alzheimer’s patients that refuse to accept their prognosis and are instead turning to a new, clinically proven method to help reverse the hands of time and retain their memories. This innovative approach, called the ReCODE (Reverse Cognitive Decline) Protocol, was invented by top neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen.

Narrated by Grammy Award-winner Michael Bublé and directed by Hideyuki Tokigawa, the film will be live-streamed on KnoWEwell’s Regenerative Whole Health Hub at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT), on October 14. As an added bonus, Bredesen, New York Times’ bestselling author of The End of Alzheimer’s, will participate in a live, post-screening Q&A session.

This is a rare opportunity to view the film at no charge prior to its formal release and to interact with the creator of this exciting new Alzheimer’s protocol.

For more information or to register, visit Tinyurl.com/memoriesforlife. See ad, page 35.

(free radicals and toxins) which are keeping our cells from functioning optimally. This allows oxygen to saturate our cells and helps our cells to max out energy output. This restores order and optimal health.

Fermented Foods for Brain Health

Yoga for Prostate Cancer Patients

The consumption of fermented products is on the rise as drinks like kombucha and kefir have become popular. They are a source of tryptophan, an amino acid critical to producing serotonin, the brain chemical that influences mood, and may also contain neurotransmitters in their raw form. Research has shown that eating fermented foods may have long- and short-term impacts on brain function, such as reducing stress.

Led by researchers at University College Cork, in Ireland, a new large study has begun to compare 200 fermented foods from around the world to pinpoint which ones are the most beneficial for brain health. Although still in its initial stages, preliminary results have already revealed some surprises. Almost all of the fermented foods display the potential to improve gut and brain health. While more research is needed, sugar- and vegetable-based fermented foods are likely to top the list, according to the lead researcher.

Taurine Offers Longevity Potential

Taurine, one of the most abundant amino acids in the body, is vital for health of the eyes, muscles, brain and heart. Research has found that taurine levels decrease with age. In a study published in the journal Science, researchers found that taurine supplementation improved the lifespan and healthspan of middle-aged mice.

The scientists noticed improvements in bone, muscle, pancreas, brain, fat, gut and immune function. The median life span of taurine-treated mice increased

According to the American Cancer Society, about one man in eight will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, with six in 10 of these cases in men 65 years and older. Non-Hispanic Black men have a 75 percent higher risk and are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men, with genetics accounting for some of these disparities.

Researchers from The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio evaluated the impact of yoga on quality of life, as well as on immune and inflammatory responses. Published in the Journal of Urology, the study included 30 men with cancer that were scheduled for radical prostate removal. Half of the patients performed 60 minutes of yoga twice a week for six weeks before surgery and for three to six weeks after surgery. The other patients received standard care.

The group that performed yoga reported higher quality-of-life scores, including reduced fatigue and improvements in physical, sexual, functional and social well-being. Based on blood samples, the scientists also found that yoga promoted an anti-tumor immune response and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels.

by 10 to 12 percent, and life expectancy at 28 months increased by about 18 to 25 percent. Similar effects were observed in monkeys and cellular worms. The researchers also found a link between lower circulating taurine levels and higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, obesity and hypertension.

The researchers speculate that taurine’s anti-aging and disease-preventing benefits could be due to its effects on reducing cellular death, inflammation, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and other hallmarks of aging. They also found that exercise increased concentrations of taurine metabolite levels in the blood.

While more research is needed on taurine supplementation, dietary sources can be prioritized. Shellfish (scallops, clams and mussels) are the best dietary source of taurine, followed by lamb, beef, pork and chicken.

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Hair Tapping

New methods for cultivating healthy hair growth have been gaining traction amongst young people on social media platforms, including hair tapping, a technique popularized in Korean and Japanese hair spas. According to haircare experts, hair tapping is similar to a scalp massage and involves gentle drumming movements along the scalp with the fingers. Hair-tapping techniques draw from acupuncture, the practice of releasing energy by accessing certain landmarks in the body.

Like other kinds of scalp massages, hair tapping may relieve scalp tension, stimulate blood flow and improve lymphatic drainage. A Japanese study found that four-minute daily scalp massages over a 24-week period increased hair thickness by changing the expression of human dermal papilla cells in tissue under the skin. And a 2019 self-assessment survey found scalp massages improved hair growth for individuals with hair loss.

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N95 Masks May Cause Cardiopulmonary Overload

Face masks are used to reduce the transmission of airborne diseases. Nevertheless, for certain people, extended use of an N95 mask may be problematic, and that is what Chinese researchers set out to study in a randomized clinical trial published this year in JAMA Network Open.

For 14 hours in a controlled setting, 30 healthy participants were randomly assigned to receive various interventions with and without the N95 mask, including two 30-minute, light-exercise sessions. Biometric measurements and blood samples were taken before, during and after each testing period.

The scientists found that wearing an N95 mask resulted in reduced respiration rate and oxygen saturation within one hour, and an elevated heart rate two hours later, which continued until the mask was taken off. During exercise, mask-induced cardiopulmonary stress was further exacerbated, as heart rate and blood pressure increased, and respiration rate and oxygen saturation decreased. Energy expenditure and fat oxidation were elevated.

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After the 14-hour masked period, blood pH markers decreased, which may cause drowsiness, stupor and even coma in extreme cases, according to the National Institutes of Health. The study authors note that chronic cardiopulmonary stress may increase cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality in elderly individuals, children and those with cardiopulmonary diseases. Further investigation is needed to explore the effects of different masks on various populations.

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Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day

by Kiki Powers

October 9 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Its origin traces back to 1977, during the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, but it was not proclaimed an official U.S. holiday until 2021. During this national holiday, we celebrate the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognize their inherent sovereignty and commit to our treaty obligations with tribal nations. The federal government recognizes 574 American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities in the U.S. According to the United Nations, there are more than 476 million Indigenous peoples living in 90 countries worldwide, accounting for 6.2 percent of the global population.

Here are a few ways to celebrate.

HONOR THE LAND. Visit Native Land Digital (native-land.ca) to learn the location and history of lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples around the world. The website, which includes an interactive map, identifies territories, languages and treaties.

LEARN THE HISTORY. Winner of the 2015 American Book Award, An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a compelling history of the United States told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples.

CONNECT WITH NATURE. Indigenous peoples are exemplary stewards of the land that they inhabit, and we can take their lead by spending time in nature, acknowledging our dependence on the land and becoming good stewards of the local ecosystem.

BUILD A GARDEN. There is much to learn from Indigenous gardening techniques. Companion planting, for example, is the idea that certain plants grown together improve each other’s health and yield. Choose native plants as much as possible to support the local ecosystem. Grow healing herbs and flowers. At the end of a season, save the seeds of plants that thrived for future use.

SUPPORT INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES. On this day and every day, consider supporting Indigenous businesses for handmade jewelry and clothing, body-care products, home decor and artwork.

VISIT A MUSEUM. The National Museum of the American Indian is part of the Smithsonian Institution, with locations in Washington, D.C., New York City and Suitland, Maryland. It curates one of the world’s largest collections of native artifacts.

TAKE UP STORYTELLING. Historically, Indigenous peoples have used storytelling to educate, inform, entertain and preserve their distinct legacy for future generations. Gather with friends and family to learn about and practice this life-affirming art.

EXPLORE INDIGENOUS ART FORMS. From traditional masks that narrate origin stories to handmade jewelry, crafts and dreamcatchers that memorialize healing dreams, there are so many wonderful art projects that we can appreciate and learn.

Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at RawKiki.com.

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Sophie Haruna Klimcak

ON FINDING AWE AND WONDER

by Sandra Yeyati

Sophie Haruna Klimcak is the co-founder and program director of Wild Awake, a nonprofit in San Francisco. Drawing from her Japanese and Eastern European roots, she designs immersive, nature-based learning experiences that nurture deep caring for people and the planet. Klimcak holds a master’s degree in education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, neuroscience and psychology from Washington University, in St. Louis.

Whether in an after-school setting with children or an outdoor adventure among adults, she and her team of naturalists, artists and healing practitioners invite people to mindfully gaze at the stars, invigorate the senses with ocean sound-baths, experience healing and community in a song circle, build empathy and connection through storytelling, and express creativity by painting with botanical pigments.

What inspired you to start Wild Awake?

In the summer of 2020, my co-founder Shasha Du and I took a weeklong trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Every night we experienced this feeling of awe and wonder and reverence as we stared up at this stunning night-sky portal of infinite space and blazing stars. On the last night, we brought binoculars and stayed up to see the comet NEOWISE. At 4 a.m., it ap-

peared on the horizon—this icy rock moving toward the sun and releasing all these gases behind it in a glorious paintbrush streak—and we literally screamed and held each other because we had never seen anything like that before. As educators, we decided that we wanted to keep those feelings alive in our hearts, and design for awe and wonder in learning.

You don’t have to travel to places like Joshua Tree or see a comet to experience wonder and awe. With the right amount of mindfulness and attention, everything is worthy of such appreciation—our backyards, our houses, everything. Feeling a sense of wonder requires us to take time to appreciate the textures of something in its entirety and realize where it might have been sourced from and how it’s supporting us and we’re supporting it—remembering that we’re interconnected. We offer local experiences to help people see that magic exists where they live.

How do you define the learning process?

Learning is super-creative, constructive, collaborative and social. The best kind of learning is when you’re following a thread of your own intuition and asking questions that are joyful for you. They’re not questions someone told you to ask. You’re building your own worlds by a process of inquiry. I think wakefulness comes from bringing that attention to whatever it is that you want to go deeper into.

How do you help people awaken to that learning spirit?

One of our most experiential offerings was a wildflower therapy workshop, which brought people in community to see the superblooms in the Bay Area. To make this a wonder-based experience, I created this little booklet for a mindfulness walk, inviting folks to choose one flower to develop a relationship with over the course of an hour and a half.

The booklet had multisensory prompts to deepen that relationship, and I asked them to record a conversation with their flower. When do people stare at a flower that long, right? But it does wonders, helping you move a little bit slower in the world.

The next time they walk by flowers, they’ll notice them in a different way because they took intentional time to devel-

photo courtesy ofWild Awake

op a relationship to local flora and to their own joy and wonder. Little steps like these can be radical in developing a love for what we may lose if we don’t protect and care for this world.

Can you describe one of your favorite programs?

Living in San Francisco with the bay surrounding us, we are always in a relationship with the ocean. It cools the planet, making it livable for us; it’s an amazing place to play and enjoy water sports; and it nourishes us through seafood. So, we designed a program that takes folks out to forage for seaweed.

It’s not about filling our buckets with as much seaweed as possible, but rather bringing mindfulness to the experience. We marvel at the diversity of seaweed; you

Since

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.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

SUPPORTING PETS WITH ANCIENT HEALING WISDOM

by Kiki Powers

For years, we have seen a growing appreciation in contemporary culture for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the complementary role it can play within Western medicine. Based upon thousands of years of observation, this natural healing approach can be valuable not just for humans, but also for animal companions.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) includes the use of food therapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and tui-na massage to maintain health and treat disease. Some pets with chronic arthritic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, nerve damage, epilepsy, cancer

and other long-term ailments may not respond well to conventional treatments, or the side effects of Western medicine may cause even more problems. That is when TCVM can intercede to provide relief. There are a few basic principles governing TCVM. Qi is the life force that flows freely when a pet is healthy and may be blocked or weak when a pet becomes ill. Yin-and-yang refers to the interplay between natural dualities—such as light and dark or hot and cold—and the need to maintain a balance between these opposing properties. There are five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water—which also need to be in balance for optimal health. During an examination, a TCM vet will determine what is out of balance and develop a customized treatment plan.

Food Therapy

Dr. Ruth Roberts, an integrative veterinarian and pet health coach, applies TCM principles when designing a whole-foods diet to optimize pet well-being and support healthy longevity. “Under TCM principles, foods have warming, cooling or neutral properties when they interact with a pet’s natural energy, and the goal is to find a balance,” she explains. “Many pet ailments may stem from or be related to imbalances within the body, as well as environmental factors, all of which underscore the need for the proper nutritional balance.”

According to Roberts, in a hot climate, a pet might need cooling foods, such as turkey, fish, banana, celery, kelp, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber and melon. In colder temperatures, warming foods such as mutton, deer, chicken, ginger, squash and pumpkin are advisable. When designing a balancing diet, neutral foods may be needed, including pork, bison, salmon, tuna, carrots, green beans, peas, olive oil and shiitake mushrooms.

Acupuncture

Veterinary acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular to relieve pain or treat ailments, including allergies, seizures, reproductive problems and liver and kidney disease. The procedure involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body, thereby stimulating nerve endings, which then conduct impulses to the brain and spinal cord. It is best to consult an ex-

perienced, licensed acupuncturist or TCVM specialist that specifically treats pets.

In a 2017 study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal, researchers found, “Acupuncture alone or in combination with analgesics reduced pain and improved quality of life in dogs with neurological and musculoskeletal diseases. Dogs with musculoskeletal disorders had a better improvement in chronic pain and locomotion than those with neurological disorders.”

Chinese Herbs

TCVM uses a number of herbs, roots, mushrooms, bark and other plant-based ingredients to help pets with immune dysfunction, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, liver and kidney disease and other long-term, chronic conditions. When it comes to more serious pet health issues, such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer), Roberts suggests the strategic use of full-spectrum hemp extract (CBD), cannabis oil (THC) and medicinal mushrooms. Dos-

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ages will differ for each individual pet. It is best to consult an integrative veterinarian or pet nutritionist.

“In several documented cases, a combination of homeopathy, TCM, medicinal mushrooms and CBD-THC solutions working together synergistically with a healing diet have helped dogs outlive their bone cancer diagnosis without harmful side effects, stressful procedures or complicated vet visits, all at a dramatically reduced cost,” Roberts says. “As they say, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ especially where our beloved animal family members are concerned.”

Tui-Na Massage

Also under the TCVM umbrella, tui-na massage uses kneading, pressing and rolling techniques to improve a pet’s health and balance. Among the conditions that respond well to this type of massage are arthritis, muscle tension and soreness, stress and anxiety, joint paint and mobility issues. The technique focuses on stimulating acupuncture points and energy pathways, or meridians, that promote the smooth flow of qi throughout the body. This treatment can be used in conjunction with complementary therapies to enhance results.

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Integrative Medicine

“I strongly believe Traditional Chinese Medicine is good medicine. Western medicine is great medicine. However, the best medicine is an integration of both because each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses,” says Dr. Huisheng Xie, DVM, Ph.D., a clinical professor of integrative medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, in Gainesville.

According to Xie, TCVM is weak in diagnosis because it does not have sophisticated diagnostic technology. Western medicine’s weakness is the large amount of side effects associated with conventional drugs. “That’s why the best medicine is to integrate both to avoid the weaknesses and take advantage of the strengths of each,” he says.

Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at RawKiki.com.

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Earth Has Tilted Due to Groundwater Pumping

A study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters shows that the pumping of groundwater impacts the tilt of Earth’s rotation and further exacerbates climate change. The study reports that in less than two decades, Earth has tilted 31.5 inches because of pumping groundwater, equating to about a quarter of an inch of sea level rise.

Previous research from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 2016 demonstrates that because the Earth moves on a rotational pole, the distribution of water on the planet impacts the distribution of mass. In other words, the Earth spins a little differently as water is moved around due to pumping, ultimately impacting its tilt. Researchers believe this shift could have serious consequences in the long term—from changes in climate patterns to more frequent seismic activity if Earth’s core moves as a result.

Human activities, such as irrigation, water consumption and global droughts have led to a considerable amount of groundwater pumping in the last few decades, with the water eventually relocating to the oceans. Conservationists are using this data to understand how to rethink water usage and work toward preventing continued sea level rise and other climate issues.

Judge Rules for Youths in Climate-Change Trial

In a landmark climate case in Montana, a group of young people has emerged victorious. The judge ruled in Held v. Montana that the state’s failure to consider climate change when approving fossil fuel projects was unconstitutional, thereby placing the burden on state agencies to take action to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.

This decision marks a significant win in the fight against government support for oil, gas and coal, which have contributed to global warming. The ruling means that Montana must now take climate change into account when deciding whether to approve or renew fossil fuel projects. The state attorney general’s office intends to appeal the decision.

This case is part of a larger wave of climate-change litigation that targets companies and governments around the world. Other states and cities have sued major companies seeking damages from climate disasters, while individuals have sued governments for enabling the fossil fuel industry and failing to protect citizens. The case, which was the first of its kind to go to trial in the U.S., sets an important precedent for similar cases in other states and may have reverberations around the world.

Teachers Face Big-Tech Challenges and Opportunities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the education sector, bringing unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning experiences and teaching assistance. AI can help teachers identify gaps in students’ understanding, enabling a swift, tailored response. AI tools can also be used as study aids, reinforcing classroom concepts and driving student engagement.

Two organizations—California-based online educator Khan Academy and Seattle-based computer science education nonprofit Code.org— have joined forces to create a free, five-part AI training series for teachers. Code.org also offers two instructional videos for teachers, students and the public.

Despite the potential for AI in the classroom, teachers’ contributions remain crucial as facilitators of technology tools to foster enriched learning environments. Teachers can also identify if students are leveraging AI assistance, such as ChatGPT, helping ensure the ethical usage of these tools. Khan Academy, Code.org and others are providing teachers and administrators with the tools they will need to keep pace with emerging technology.

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Critical Ocean Current May Be Near Collapse

According to a new analysis from the journal Nature Communications, the Atlantic Ocean’s sensitive circulation system has become slower and less resilient. Scientists are concerned that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could collapse any time between 2025 and 2095.

The AMOC plays a critical role in transporting warm, salty water from the tropics to the North Atlantic and sending colder water back south along the ocean floor. Because Arctic ice is melting at a rapid pace due to global warming, there is an overabundance of cold freshwater in the system, putting it in danger of irreversible collapse. Such a collapse could dramatically alter weather patterns, lowering temperatures in North America and Europe, propelling severe storms in the tropics and elevating sea levels on the U.S. Atlantic coast.

To measure the AMOC’s strength, scientists use buoys and proxy indicators, such as microscopic organisms and tiny sediments from the seafloor, and according to the data, it is at its weakest state in more than 1,000 years. Other experts suggest that the entire ocean system must be studied to more accurately predict the effect of these AMOC changes.

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TRADITIONAL WORLD HEALING WISDOM

RETURNING TO OUR ROOTS

by Carrie Jackson

With time-tested wisdom and natural roots, traditional and Indigenous medicine has been an integral resource for centuries in communities around the world. According to the World Health Organization, 88 percent of all countries are estimated to use traditional medicine, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and shamanism. The contribution of these practices is increasingly being recognized by Western medicine, especially in collaboration with integrative, holistic and regenerative medicine. The pandemic prompted renewed interest in traditional treatments, and incorporating them into wellness and healing modalities is easier and more valuable than ever.

Herbalism

Herbalist and spiritual coach Lucretia VanDyke integrates rituals, plant-spirit meditation, holistic food and ancestor reverence into her practice. An expert on Southern folk healing, VanDyke notes in her book, African American Herbalism, that Indigenous practices were never lost, but people had to go underground for fear of persecution.

“Herbal and sacred ceremonial practices of enslaved people of African descent were highly regulated or banned by the United States government in an effort to control the people most affected by colonization,” she explains. “In the mid-18th century, Virginia and South Carolina made it a capital offense to practice herbalism, resulting in harsh punishment or even execution if found guilty. Additionally, in 1883, the U.S. Department of Interior came up with the Code of Indian Offenses, which implemented laws that applied only to Native people until 1978. They were punished for dances and feasts by imprisonment or withholding food rations for up to 30 days.”

Noting a resurgence of these once-forbidden practices, VanDyke adds, “Today, I see people trying to branch out on their spiritual journey and seeking sources outside their Christian upbringing to answer questions within themselves with practices like herbalism and African traditional religion coming more into the mainstream.”

Linda M. Conroy, MSS, MLSP, is an educator, herbalist and community organizer who dedicates her life to connecting with the green world. She is the founder of two annual gatherings: the Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference and the Mycelium Mysteries Women’s Mushroom Conference. She also provides herbal education, workshops and individual consultations through her Wisconsin-based business, Moonwise Herbs.

“Herbalism is a practice where people connect and work with plants for healing and nourishment,” she says. “Plants, herbs and mushrooms have been around long before we have and provide an innate connection to the earth. Everyone has ancestors that grew and foraged for their own food, and we remember that in our being. It’s a different experience from buying a plant or pill from the store shelf.”

Misconceptions about herbalism are common in America, Conroy asserts. “In other countries such as Cuba, Germany and China, conventionally trained physicians still learn about more than 50 herbs in their training, but the United States all but

abandoned herbalism after the development of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals,” she explains. “The pandemic has helped spawn a resurgence of interest, with people increasingly disappointed by Western medicine and turning to herbs for respiratory support, stress management and other conditions.”

Conroy stresses that working with herbs is both an art and a science. Learning their unique properties is key. “In order to be truly effective, it’s imperative that people know how to properly choose and use the correct herb for each situation. This includes being mindful of the dosage, method of delivery and sourcing. Herbs are much safer than most things out there, and with the right assessment skills, they can be truly transformative,” she says.

Another recommendation is to establish a wellness routine that incorporates herbs as maintenance to remind the body of their healing value. “Herbs are not drugs but can work in synergy with them. Many common ingredients can be used every day, such as a stinging nettle infusion to nourish the kidneys and lungs, and oats to fortify the nervous system,” Conroy says. “Acquiring our herbs and foods from local sources also strengthens our connection to the plants. Most things we need, such as garlic, cabbage, eggs and raw honey, we can find in our own garden, from neighbors or at a farmers market.”

Energy Healing

Billie Topa Tate’, a member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, is founder of MSI Wellness, in Evanston, Illinois, and author of the upcoming book, Spirit Guide Invocations: Seeking Wisdom from Sacred Helpers Dedicated to creating a sacred space one person at a time through

her Indigenous teachings, she is a mentor, teacher and healer. Her work has been shared by several universities and publications. Although Indigenous healing practices do not have scientific studies to support their efficacy, they do have the observational and traditional support of her people, Topa Tate’ says. “The Apache learned medicinal properties from the plants and honored the position of being stewards of the land,” she asserts. “We learned from our virtuous elders that plants provide us with medicine and food, as well as spiritual qualities, such as smudging, essential oils and incense, which help to cleanse the body, mind and spirit.”

According to Topa Tate’, a shamanic journey is a visit to the energy world and can lead someone to insightful wisdom regarding their life’s purpose. “The spirit world provides a release of the thoughts that limit us and brings us into a realm where we can be guided by higher thought,” she explains. “Visiting the spirit world with proper guidance allows us to access the worlds of healing, wisdom, angels, the past, the future and even the symbolic energies of our present lives through our mind. Another way to find this release is to understand that words are energy carriers and can provide our mind, body and spirit with a source of enlightenment. We do this through our drumming songs and ceremonies, but also by becoming more aware and harnessing the power of words as medicine in everyday actions.”

Energy work can help us reconnect with that part of ourselves that facilitates healing, says Topa Tate’. “I recommend beginning the day with a five-minute morning ceremony that gives thanks to the creator for a beautiful day and invokes our helpers to offer assistance with particular projects. As a healer, it is important to teach people how to manage their stress with more productive platforms, such as meditation, nature walks and seeking out their life’s purpose. There is a misconception that only Native people can do this energy work, but we are all one family and can learn how to integrate the natural wellness that the Native people have used for centuries,” she explains.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the philosophy, experiments and experiences indigenous to Chinese culture. It

has been practiced for more than 2,500 years and is used for health maintenance as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental illness. According to Dr. Heming Zhu, NCCAOM, a board-certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, author, educator, scientist and founder of Harmony Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, in Maryland, the basis of TCM lies in the belief that the human body is a holistic system deeply connected to the universe.

“TCM is influenced by the flow of vital energy called qi. To restore the balance of qi and gain the harmony of life’s paired aspects known as yin and yang, TCM practitioners use various techniques, including acupuncture, moxibustion [burning herbs at acupressure points], herbal medicine, massage, qigong and dietary therapy,” Zhu explains.

Zhu says that TCM modalities fit into either a physical therapy or chemical therapy category and can be introduced for regular maintenance. “Acupuncture is commonly used for addressing fatigue, stress, pain, gastrointestinal issues, arthritis and improving overall well-being. Cupping is beneficial for relieving stress and muscle soreness. Tui-na, a form of therapeutic massage, is used for musculoskeletal disorders, digestive issues, pain and more. Gua sha helps manage stress and alleviate muscle tension and pain. Moxibustion can boost energy, improve digestion and address cold-related ailments. Qigong and tai chi are gentle, mind-body exercises that reduce stress and promote relaxation and overall mental well-being. Chemical therapy includes herbal medicine and dietary therapy to emphasize the connection between food and health,” he says.

TCM can be incorporated into an established wellness routine, and Zhu offers a few guidelines to ensure the best results. “People should seek education on the basic principles of TCM and be intentional not to judge it by Western medicine standards. They should find a licensed and experienced TCM practitioner and keep an open mind in initial consultations. Simple TCM practices, such as mindful breathing, gentle stretching or drinking herbal teas, can be incorporated into a daily wellness routine, and lifestyle changes, such as sleep routines and stress management, are part of the healing process,” Zhu says.

Emotional Healing

“There are multiple factors to illness, but often our emotions and trauma, either intergenerational or personal, are at the core,” VanDyke says. “Creating ceremonies based on the old ways gives you the strength to show up for yourself and makes it a little easier to move through the experience. Grief is a multilayer process, and it takes a holistic approach to co-create a path to a new normal. Our emotions are like invisible chains that bind us in a trauma loop, and having support for that is important. Nurturing the spirit is one thing that Western medicine does not talk about. I find that laughter, joy, pleasure and feeding the child-like spirit in us helps with this when life gets heavy. Ask yourself how you prioritize joy, and create your own rituals that center traditions while honoring your true self.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

The Healing Arts of Qigong and Tai Chi

WELL-BEING THROUGH INTENTIONAL MOVEMENTS

by Nadia Linda Hole, M.D.

In a 2012 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that tai chi could enhance brain size and improve neuropsychological measures in elderly individuals, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s. A systematic review of 11 studies involving 1,061 seniors with mild cognitive impairment suggested that tai chi training could be effective in improving cognitive function, including memory, learning, mental speed and attention. And, a 10-week study by Brown University researchers reported that cancer patients that practiced qigong displayed clinically significant improvements in fatigue.

Qigong is more than a modern wellness practice. It’s a 5,000-year-old Chinese healing art steeped in tradition. At its core, qigong revolves around the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”), considered to be the life-force energy that permeates the universe. Like love, qi can act as a potent healing agent, restoring inner peace, balance and harmony. Gong refers to the dedication and effort invested in mastering this skill, a journey marked by patience and repetition. Qigong is a moving, meditative practice aimed at harmonizing internal energies, and it is related to tai chi, which originated as a martial art.

Benefits and Scientific Validation

The practice of qigong involves breath work, movement, mindfulness and

stretch ing. It is performed with intention, yet emptiness ( wuji ), enabling practitioners to cultivate a stronger, deeper mind-body-spirit connection that allows for heightened stillness, clarity, vitality, awareness and sense of self. It has been clinically documented to alleviate stress, enhance energy levels, improve physical fitness and promote cardiopulmonary and immune function.

A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Medicine reported that qigong improved balance and coordination in older adults. In presenting their scientific approach and rationale, the researchers noted, “Qigong is an integral part of both ancient and mod ern Chinese medical practice and is now a popular mind-body wellness technique in the United States, as well. An estimated 2.9 million U.S. adults prac ticed either tai chi, qigong or both in 2012 .”

Accelerating the Healing Process

“Knowing yourself is the real practice,” says David Stokes Hone, a naturopathic doctor, medical qigong master and founder of the Elements of Life Institute. “As practitioners, all we’re doing is reminding people of the divine connection that’s inside of them. Qigong helps clear blockages and move the stuck qi out. Just doing the practices, we allow our bodies to heal through the movement that helps us have the faith to heal. The blocks and addictions melt into the light formed by the exercises.”

According to Hone, the profound transformations achieved through qigong can range from the dramatic, such as restoring sensation in a paraplegic’s legs, to the more subtle, like the emergence of a smile. He recalls the story of a young woman entrenched in addic -

Sergey Nivens/ShutterStock.com

tion who managed to turn her life around after embracing the practice.

Kevin Chen, Ph.D., a qigong master and associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, introduced qigong to his father with chronic back pain as a way to alleviate his suffering and avoid a recommended surgery.

Principles of Qigong

For beginners, Tai Chi Master Violet Li emphasizes relaxation and mindfulness. “True relaxation is more a state of mind,” she explains. “When we pay attention to our body, the qi will follow.”

Troy Bennett, a doctor of acupuncture and qigong master from Newfoundland, Canada, shares eight principles that he learned from Qigong Grandmaster Effie Chow.

MEDITATE . Whenever a problem arises, meditate and wait for the answer to come. If you come to the conclusion that you can’t fix the problem, then it’s not in your hands, so don’t worry about it.

BE LIKE THE WILLOW TREE .  Learn to be flexible in the body, mind and spirit.

BREATHE . The quality of your breath will determine the quality of your life. Breathe like a newborn baby.

CONNECT Everyone and everything in the universe is connected through qi. Remember the smallest thing you do in life will have an effect on the universe. Always hold the intention of love.

TRAIN FOR SUCCESS Remember to always help people become the best that they can become.

LEAVE A BLESSING Whenever you meet someone, always give a blessing. Your kindness can have the most powerful effect on someone’s life and transform them in ways you can only dream of.

EXPERIENCE EIGHT HUGS AND THREE BELLY-ACHING LAUGHS DAILY Don’t take life so seriously. Learn to laugh and enjoy life.

LIVE When Dr. Chow was asked, “What happens when you die?” she laughed and said, “I cannot answer that question. There is no such thing as death. There is only life.”

Nadia Linda Hole is a medical doctor, qigong master and pioneer in bridging Oriental, Western and energy medicine with Hawaiian-style qigong. She served as a consulting editor for the book

Chinese Medical Qigong and contributing author in medical textbooks on complementary medicine.

A Symphony of Skill-Building

HOW MUSIC SPURS CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

by Sheila Julson

For adults, music has the power to instill feelings of joy, relaxation and calmness, or to motivate us when we are exercising or performing a task, but for children, there are added benefits. Whether listening to a live orchestra, engaging in rhythmic games, learning to play an instrument or singing in a choir, musical pursuits have been proven to help with early brain development and teach kids important life skills.

Building a Better Brain

Researchers at the University of Washington Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences discovered that play sessions with music helped 9-month-old babies learn to detect rhythmic patterns, an important skill for both music and speech. According to lead author Christina Zhao, “This means that early, engaging musical experiences can have a more global effect on cognitive skills.”

In a five-year study involving 6- and 7-year-olds, neuroscientists at the University of Southern California Brain and Creativity Institute, in partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, found that music instruction appeared to accelerate brain development in young kids, particularly in the areas of the brain responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception and reading skills.

“Music learning, such as studying to play a musical instrument or singing in tune, are very complex activities for the brain. They use multiple senses but also require those senses to interact and exchange information in a highly synchronized way,” explains Dr. Anita Collins, founder of Bigger Better Brains and author of The Music Advantage: How Music Helps Your Child Develop, Learn, and Thrive She asserts that complex musical activities are like full-body workouts for the brain, which sharpen a child’s ability to solve problems and think creatively and divergently. As these skills are mastered, they can be transferred to other types of brain activities.

Collins advises that singing to and with children at a young age can help them gain control of their voices, as well as their speech enunciation and processing, and to hear nuances in sounds. She recommends interacting with the world of sound while outdoors and adds, “Getting a young child to focus their ears onto a particular sound can help train auditory attention, which trains the attention network in general.”

Kids need to listen actively, rather than passively, most of the time, Collins notes. “Passive music listening is hearing music in a mall. Active music listening is focusing our auditory processing on a particular instrument, on the melody line over the bass line or mirroring the rhythmic ostinato of the drum part.”

Silence also plays an important role in early development. “The biggest mistake is not thinking about a child’s auditory environment and always having the TV on or having a highly stimulating auditory environment all the time. Children need variety in their food, and sound is food for the brain. They need quiet times, unusual sounds, unexpected sounds and repetitive sounds,” says Collins.

Learning Life Skills

Joan Koenig, author of The Musical Child: Using the Power of Music to Raise Children Who Are Happy, Healthy, and Whole, says that engaging in a musical practice can help kids develop language awareness and social skills. Such positive results are possible even without expensive music classes or instruments.

Simple call-and-response exercises can be effective in the brain development of babies and toddlers. “We are an orchestra within

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ourselves; we can create rhythm, melody and harmony,” Koenig explains. “A parent or caregiver can initiate a call-and-response game by singing a song, tapping a wooden spoon on pots and pans or singing nonsense words. Babies will imitate it. When the baby is involved in this game during the first year of life, they are experiencing a connection with the person that’s doing it. It is visceral proof that they are being listened to and understood long before the development of language. You’re giving them the building blocks for both music and language. It’s about repetition and engagement.”

Basic life skills can also be learned with the assistance of music. “A march-and-stop song game allows children to practice stopping something fun and waiting, which can carry over to stopping when we’re upset and waiting until we have a thoughtful response,” says Elise Pennington, chair of the early childhood program at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, in Milwaukee. “Playing games like Ring Around the Rosie or Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes can help with a number of areas. Enrolling in an organized music class where children are active participants and being challenged will help exercise a wider range of skills in a deeper way.”

“When children or adults make music together, they become part of the musical creation,” Koenig says. “When a young child feels this kind of visceral belonging, anxiety is low and empathy and confidence are high. These are the ideal conditions for all learning.”

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RECYCLED ART

TRANSFORMING TRASH INTO TREASURE

by Gisele Rinaldi

take the treasures that I have found—the bits, pieces and even words on paper—and make them into art.”

Cesar Aguilera, art curator at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, in Fort Myers, Florida, makes art to create consciousness about what humans use and consume. “My personal artwork and the exhibitions I design encourage others to reconsider how much we throw away,” he says. “There is not another species on Earth that creates the amount of waste that does not naturally decompose. All that we create has an impact.”

It takes a special kind of artist to create a work of art out of discarded items. These imaginative, multimedia visionaries see beauty and purpose in the most mundane materials, including paper, computer parts, bits of plastic, leftover fabrics, used tires and random game pieces. Their thought-provoking, surprising works reduce waste that would otherwise populate landfills and prove that trash can indeed become treasure. Motivated by a desire to educate and inspire, many upcycle artists often interweave a message of environmental consciousness into their artwork, thus spreading awareness about issues or making social commentary. Plastics found along the beach may become a collage of a thriving sea turtle, for example. Old rusty metal parts may be transformed into a steampunk clock face or a modern hanging sculpture that spins in the wind.

Creating to Preserve Our Planet

Artist and interior designer Noelle Turco, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, comes from a legacy of artists that found ways to be creative with things that were left behind. “Repurposed and upcycled art is inventive and gives a second or third life to everything from packing materials and wood to bottle caps and string,” she explains. “It’s one of my favorite things to do and challenges me mentally because it makes me think about how I am going to

Jen Hardwick, a mixed-media artist who resides in Longview, Washington, loves working with vintage game pieces, toys, wood and metal. “When I moved to Seattle in the late 80s, I started going to markets, junk stores and donation centers, and I would collect all these little ‘treasures’. A lot of these materials would end up in a landfill, so I hope that by using them in my art pieces, it’s helping the environment in a small way.”

Artist Gracie Berry, who also lives in Lancaster, loves the challenge and inspiration that creating upcycled and repurposed art brings. “It allows me to use my creativity to rename things from my perspective,” she explains. “While each of my creations has their own stories and set of rules, a common message is that my art is purposeful and needs to be here.”

Ideas Unfold Into Art

Aguilera, Berry, Hardwick and Turco concur that when making repurposed art, the creative process unfolds in a messy, nonlinear way. Sometimes they begin with

Photo by JenHardwick/ redheadhardwick@gmail.com

Moonlit Hare mixed media painting, printed papers

Photo by Gracie Berry_shelovesthepeople@gmail.com

Moko Jumbi mixed media, natural materials

an idea in mind, but inspiration occurs while working with the pieces, so the work often takes a different direction. Canvas, wood, metal and fabric become foundations for intricate layers of found items placed, sewn and nestled into nooks and crannies, like puzzle pieces fitting oddly together.

“Materials seem to find me way before I ever go looking for them,” Berry shares. “Sometimes the material itself gives me inspiration for my next piece. It’s magical the way it all unfolds. I welcome challenges when it comes to learning techniques that work for specific projects. It’s exciting to find solutions through trial and error, cementing techniques that can be used again.”

Aguilera makes art from discarded computer parts, fabric and furniture. “Technology consumes precious resources but gets discarded as newer inventions become the focus,” he explains. “Showcasing the interior workings of a computer draws attention to hidden beauty. A fresh coat of paint or a design remodel breathes new life into a piece of furniture or clothing.”

Creative Materials Are Accessible

“For those just starting out, simple projects can be created using magazines, cardboard, yarn and glue,” explains Turco. “Visit secondhand and thrift shops. Often, these stores are nonprofits, so by shopping there, we are not only keeping stuff out of landfills, but also supporting our local communities.”

“Choose materials that inspire you. Pieces can be as simple or detailed as you want them to be, but most importantly, have fun,” enthuses Hardwick. “I love all the things I collect individually, but putting them together to create a robot or a bug or an animal opens up a whole new world for me.”

Look for beauty in unexpected places. Berry suggests that repurposing upcycled objects is not only more sustainable for the planet, it also allows creativity to be accessed anywhere. “When we think outside the box, we can create change through art,” believes Aguilera.

Gisele Rinaldi is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings publications.

Photo by Noelle Turco/nturco@hilancaster.com

Goddess Tree recycled toys, beads, jewelry, wire, metal

Eco-Friendly Fall Yard Cleanup

As first frosts arrive, annual plants die back and perennials begin to go dormant. This can create a considerable amount of leaf litter and dead stalks as the once-lush garden and yard turn brown. Many people mow and rake up the debris so that the ground is neat and bare. This winter, consider allowing at least some of this fallen foliage to remain where it lands. This will benefit the local ecosystem and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in landfills.

OFFER SHELTER TO BENEFICIAL CREATURES

When temperatures drop, many insects live or leave eggs in fallen plant materials. By resisting the urge to tidy our yards, we can protect biodiversity and preserve beneficial bugs, such as stick insects, pill bugs and millipedes. While bumblebees hibernate underground, other bee species find their way into the hollow stems of native plants to rest and wait for spring.

Certain butterflies find cozy shelter in plant litter, and some caterpillars roll themselves up in fallen leaves. Toads and salamanders lie dormant in the ground or under the protection of plant debris.

PROVIDE FOOD FOR BIRDS AND SMALL CRITTERS

Birds are drawn to highly textured landscapes with a diversity of plants. They feed on seed heads left standing and forage for insects among the litter. When snow piles up on fallen foliage, voles and mice scavenge through the debris for seeds and nuts. Squirrels and opossums may find edibles in the layers of mulch. The extra plant material on the ground creates habitats for more spring insects that will benefit birds, toads and other creatures when the snow melts.

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Perennial root systems tucked in for winter with a protective blanket of

garden waste are less likely to be harmed by extreme cold temperatures. The ground is also less likely to freeze and thaw as the temperatures vary.

FOSTER HEALTHY SOIL

Take a walk through the woods in the fall. Leaves drop; plants die back; and the ground is carpeted with a rich layer of composting materials. This loamy soil in the woods is some of the healthiest to be found. In the spring, plants reappear through the layer of humus without effort.

UNBURDEN THE LANDFILL

If saving the plants, insects and birds isn’t motivation enough, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that yard debris takes up as much as 6 percent of all waste in landfills, producing methane as it breaks down. If the garden or yard must be cleaned up, pile the material onsite or take it to a compost site instead of putting it in the trash.

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OCTOBER 2023

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

Holistic Health & Healing Expo – 11am-5pm. The HHH expo empowers individuals to live a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet by educating communities on the latest in natural health and sustainability by inspiring attendees to lead more balanced lives. Free. The Westin Mount Laurel Hotel, 555 Fellowship Rd, Mount Laurel. HHHExpo.com.

Crystal Singing Bowl Meditation with Peter Olsen – 5:30-6:30pm. The sound of the bowls creates an immersive sound bath, a “vibrational massage” or an “inner tuning” that helps to restore balance on both a physiological and energetic level. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket and/or cushions to make yourself comfortable as you lie or sit in meditation. Age limit 12 and older please. $30. Yoga Loka, 23 Race Street, Frenchtown Borough. 908-268-7430. Yoga-Loka.com/ workshops.html.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

Higher Perception Classes – 6-8pm. 8-part weekly class series that gives you the teachings and trainings to bring your perceptual senses into a full active state. Please email for full class description. $45/ class or $315/ full course. Prepayment with registration by October 2. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. For information, call 908-223-1331 or email Ellen at perkins145@ comcast. GaiasGifts.net.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

Soul Shamanism Weekend Training Know

Live Your True Self – 10am-6pm; 10/7-8; in person or Zoom. This powerful Spiritual practice offers you direct access to your soul, who you are, and why you are here, and guides you in how to live your true self. Profound awareness, wisdom, healing, clearing, and ongoing access to your personal and spiritual growth journey evolve as you deepen this practice. Led by Shaman Janet StraightArrow. Soul Shamanism 201 follows this class. $625/650. Be The Medicine

(Online In-Person-Sessions-Classes-Retreats), 247 North Road, Chester. For information call 973-647-2500 or email janet@ BeTheMedicine.com. BeTheMedicine.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10

Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:15pm. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Lose Weight

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

with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Reduce Stress with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:15pm. $65 each session. Morristown High School, 50 Early St., Morristown. 973-292-2063. For more information, contact Barry at 908-3037767 or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter. com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

What Does the October Solar & Lunar Eclipse Mean to You? – 6-7:30pm. Astrologer Trudy Carol will check your natal chart and explore how these two eclipses happening in October will affect your life. $35. Register by 10/8 with birthday for natal chart. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. For information, call 908-2231331 or email Ellen at perkins145@comcast. GaiasGifts.net.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

Gong Sound Bath – 1-2pm. We will begin with a short meditation to center into the body. 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. It has a way of restoring your body to its natural resonance. In doing that, any old energy is let go. Led by Ruchi Jain. $40. Nurture Your Inner Fire, 218 E. Main St., Somerville. 732718-4430. DeepRootsRising.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17

Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:15pm. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Reduce Stress with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:15pm. $60 each session. Columbia High School, 17 Parker Av., Maplewood. 973-378-7620. For more information, contact Barry at 908-3037767 or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter. com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

Gong Sound Bath – 7-8pm. Lay down for a brief meditation to go inside yourself and land here in this space. Then, let the vibrations of the gongs, rattles, chimes, and other instruments wash over you, creating a sound scape for you to go on an internal journey. Most people awaken from the journey feeling refreshed and renewed and completely different from when they walked in. Led by Ruchi Jain. $30. Sand Hills Wellness Center,

57 Sand Hills Road, Kendall Park. 732-4193551. DeepRootsRising.com.

Candle Magick Class – 7:30-9:30pm. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner, or a beginner to the magickal arts, this candle magick class is for you. Learn how to inscribe, dress and infuse your intentions in a candle for the optimal results of your working or ritual. $45 (includes materials). Pre-Registration required A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information call 848-217-2371 and visit AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23

Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:15pm. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Reduce Stress with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:15pm. $60 each session. Parsippany Hills High School, 24 Rita Dr., Parsippany. 973-263-7180 x 4342. For more information, contact Barry at 908-3037767 or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter. com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24

Ethos Primary Care Open House – 7-8pm. Virtual. Reverse chronic disease and get off your meds. At this virtual Open House Dr. Ron Weiss shares how a therapeutic lifestyle intervention can make you well. Come ready with questions as no question is too easy or too hard for Dr. Weiss. Register at: lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/ijJRnxw/OpenHouse. For information, call 908-867-0060, patientcare@ethosprimarycare.com and visit EthosPrimaryCare.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25

Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:15pm; Zoom. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour virtual sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis –6:30-7:30pm. Lose Weight with Hypnosis –7:30-8:30pm. Reduce Stress with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:15pm. $60 each session. For more information and link to sessions, contact Barry at 908-303-7767, 610-353-2330 or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

Psychic Gallery Reading – 6pm. Medium

Karen will relay messages and validate those near to you in this group gallery setting, at this time of year when the veil is thinning. $55. RSVP by 10/22 as space is limited. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. For information, call 908-2231331 or email Ellen at perkins145@comcast. GaiasGifts.net.

Tarot Class – 3-5pm. Tarot has been a source of insight and mystery for centuries. From beginners to those more advanced, Jamie will dive into the layered history of one of the world’s most mystical tools and teach, not only what Tarot can do, but also the meanings and ways you can incorporate it into your everyday life. $75 per class; pre-Registration required A Year and a Day

Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information call 848-217-2371 and visit AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31

Aura Photo Day – 11am-6pm. Aura photo and printout of what your aura looks like with “reading” done by Sondra. Appointments appreciated but walk-ins welcome throughout the day. $40. Make appt by 10/28. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. For information, call 908-2231331 or email Ellen at perkins145@comcast. GaiasGifts.net.

ongoing

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. Healing-balancing aspect of the art and fundamental principles of movement. Students learn 44 moves of the first section. No prereq req. Led by Patty Pagano. Held at Chester Studio. Series discounts: $80/4-wk or $100/5-wk or drop in $25. For information and studio address, contact Patty at 908392-1313 or pattyqigongforhealing@gmail. com. QiGongForHealing.com.

Wu Ji Jing Gong Qi Gong: Beginners – 2pm; Students learn 15 meditative and repeating movements that will help you relax and open your mind, body and qi plus principles of alignment. No prereq req. Led by Patty Pagano. Held at Chester studio. Series discounts: $80/4-wk or $100/5-wk or drop in $25. For information and studio address, contact Patty at 908-392-1313 or pattyqigongforhealing@ gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.

Wu ji Jing Gong Taichi Beyond Beginners – 5:30pm. Healing balancing aspect of the art with emphasis on developing taichi self-practice to gather and direct qi within your body. Prereq: WuJi Jing Gong Taichi for Beginners. Led by Patty Pagano. Held at Mountainview Park in Middlesex. Series disc: $80/4-wk or $100/5-wk or drop in $25. For information and park address, contact Patty at 908-392-1313 or pattyqigongforhealing@ gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.

Wuji Jing Gong Qi Gong Beginners –6:30pm. Learn 15 meditative and repeating movements that will help relax and open mind, body and qi. Class inc principles of alignment. No prereq req. Led by Patty Pagano. Held at Mountainview Park in Middlesex. Series discounts: $80/4-wk or $100/5-wk or drop in $25. For more information and park address, contact Patty at 908-3921313 or pattyqigongforhealing@gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.

Qi Gong with Joey G – 6-7pm. Qi Gong is gentle flowing movements that anyone can do. It’s all about the flow of energy, opening the heart and becoming skillful working with energy. QiGong can assist in transforming stress into vitality as well as maintaining health, enhancing your immune

system, clearing tension in your body. Wear comfy clothes. $20. Abundant Healing, 311 AmwellRd., Ste. 6, Hillsborough. For information call 908-777-1361 or visit AbundantHealingNJ.com.

wednesday

Meditation4Sobriety – 5:30-6:30pm, online, Chakra, 12-step Meditationoin including Simple breathwork, mudras, guided visual meditations, and journaling with Tanya D, founder of The Peace We Crave. Donation-based. For questions email tanyad@thepeacewecrave.com, and visit yoga4sobriety.com/schedule.

Yoga with Joni – 6-7pm. Safe and easy stretches for beginners, all bodies, all abilities. Give your shoulders some love with this yummy series. $20. Abundant Healing, 311 AmwellRd., Ste. 6, Hillsborough. For information call 908-777-1361 or visit AbundantHealingNJ.com.

Yoga with Roberta – 6:30pm. Join us in the Scalar Energy Field for an hour of yoga with an energetic kick. $40. Advanced Frequency Energy Spa, 431 Rte 22 E (Bishop’s Plaza), Whitehouse Station. For details call 888-460-4050, text 908-864-8111. AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com.

friday

Tarot Readings with Fox – 12noon-7pm. Looking to get your cards read? Call ahead to reserve a time or walk in for a reading with Fox, one of our resident tarot readers. $30/20-25 min reading. Sunshine on a Cloudy Day, 400 NJ-38 Unit 1315, Moorestown. 856-7242925.

Friday Psychic Readings and Energy Healings – 2-7pm. 10-minute Reading or Energy Healing for $30. Walk-in or appt. A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. 848-217-2371. Ayearandadaymysticalshoppe@yahoo.com. AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.

Qi Gong with JoeyG – 6:30pm. Join us in the Scalar Energy Field for an hour of qi gong with an energetic kick. $40. Advanced Frequency Energy Spa, 431 Rte 22 E (Bishop’s Plaza), Whitehouse Station. For details call 888-460-4050, text 908-864-8111. AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com.

plan to attend

October 7-8 | 10am-6pm

Soul Shamanism Weekend Training Know Live Your True Self

This powerful Spiritual practice offers you direct access to your soul, who you are, and why you are here, and guides you in how to live your true self. Profound awareness, wisdom, healing, clearing, and ongoing access to your personal and spiritual growth journey evolve as you deepen this practice. This class is the beginning of a fantastic journey. Join Shaman Janet StraightArrow in person or on Zoom as she initiates you into a direct experience of your soul-self. $625/650.

Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-Sessions-Classes-Retreats) 247 North Road, Chester. For information call 973-647-2500 or email janet@BeTheMedicine.com. BeTheMedicine.com.

If a metal does this to your skin... Imagine what it will do implanted inside of your body?

"There is no such thing as a great talent without great will power."

- Honore de Balzac

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 30.

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 13.

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 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.

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 31.

Frequency Therapy

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 7.

Gift & Wellness Shop

Gaia’s Gifts

Ellen Perkins

16 Broad St., Unit 1, Washington 908-223-1331

GaiasGifts.net

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 29

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 19.

Health & Wellness

Alternative Therapies Work, LLC

Howard G. Mertine C.Ht, RM, NLP 908-283-0117 • HGMertine@gmail.com

Alleviations of allergies, phobias, trauma, addictions, anxieties, PTSD & various other afflictions. Past life regressions, building confidence and self-esteem, Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified NLP instructor and practitioner, Certified Reiki Master & practitioner, card reading and pendulum divination, motivational speaker and coach, holistic healer. See ad, page 10.

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 38.

Holistic Dentistry

Holistic Dental Center NJ

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, backcover .

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.

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 9.

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/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

Meditation/Spiritual

Center For Healing and Empowerment

Phyllis Livera

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

CenterForHealingAndEmpowerment.com

Platonic Touch

Practitioner / Reiki

In Your Arms Holistic

Karen Schweiger

908-768-1800

inyourarms@zoho.com

CuddleInYourArms.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.

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 9.

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.

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 15.

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.

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 10.

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 27.

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 25.

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 17

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 2.

Veda Integrated Wellness

Pranjali Sharma

906 Oak Tree Ave., Ste. B, S. 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 2.

Natural Awakenings

is proudly

distributed at:

Bound Brook (Bridgewater)

319 Chimney Rock Rd.

Clark 1255 Raritan Rd. Unit 150

Madison (Rose City)

222 Main St.

Metuchen

645 Middlesex Ave.

Millburn-Union

2245 Springfield Ave. Vauxhall

Montclair

701 Bloomfield Ave.

Morristown

110 Washington St.

Newark 633 Broad St.

Parsippany 60 Waterview Blvd

Princeton 3495 US Rt 1 S

Ridgewood 44 Godwin Ave.

West Orange 235 Prospect Ave.

Natural Awakenings Readers...Looking

Choosing a new dentist can be a real challenge. How do you know who is really a holistic dentist? Here are several things to look out for when choosing...

• They DON’T use mercury containing fillings because mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to man.

• They DON’T remove mercury fillings without protection because inhaled mercury vapors can be easily absorbed by the body.

• They DON’T recommend Root Canals because they harbor bacteria and toxins.

• They DON’T use conventional standards for their cleanings because tap water and chemicals are full of toxic substances.

• They DON’T use fluoride because it has been shown to be a neurotoxin.

• They DON’T use metal in their restorations because many people have metal allergies and sensitivities.

• They DON’T treat sensitive patients without biocompatibility testing because allergic reactions and system reactions can occur which burden the body.

Dr. Glenn Gero, Naturopathic Physician:

“I was seeing a dentist for over 30 years, and when I was invited to try the Holistic Dental Center for the first time, I was so impressed with the office....The best dental experience I have ever had in my life.”

Lisa Mack, Certified Thermographic Technician:

“What I see in my Thermography, I see inflammation in the mouth, how important it is, you see the bacteria draining down into the lymphatic system and from there I always refer patients to the Holistic Dental Center. Why? Because they can test that bacteria to see exactly what it is so from there he can help you. I am also a patient of the Holistic Dental Center and I absolutely love coming here. The one thing that I love about the center is that when you walk in, it’s like you’re family. They are very caring and very loving and when you walk out of here you feel like you’ve been well taken care of....”

Nancy Barrett, Certified Holistic Manual Lymphatic Therapist: “Every health problem begins in the mouth...I am also a patient of the Holistic Dental Center and the reason I go holistic is because I understand that every health problem begins with your mouth...I love the staff, I love also the cleanings that they do here and I am also very aware of the benefits of going holistic...I really highly recommend the Holistic Dental Center and its staff!”