Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey / September 2023

TRANSFORMATIONAL TRAVEL

Spiritual Sites That Inspire Self-Improvement

Tapping Into the Global Health Network

LIGHT POLLUTION WHAT IT IS AND HOW WE CAN HELP

SUSTAINABLE TRAVELING PRACTICES

WELLNESS TRAVEL

Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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16 STEPHEN COPE on Finding Your Calling

18 HOLISTIC PET CARE Dr. Buchoff’s Visionary Approach

24 TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE

Nine Destinations for Spiritual Enlightenment

30 UNDERSTANDING LIGHT POLLUTION

Environmental Concerns and Achievable Remedies

33 EMBRACE THE WINDING ROAD

34 HELPING KIDS COPE Guiding Children Through Trauma and Anxiety

38 MEDICAL TOURISM Navigating the Risks and Rewards

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ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 908-405-1515 or email Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Email articles, news items and ideas to: Kathy@ NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Email calendar events to: Kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS

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Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-206-2000. For franchising opportunities call 239-206-2000 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com

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Joe Dunne, Publisher

Common Foods Aren’t Always Common Sense

For the last 50+ years I have noticed red, green and blue dyes being added to our drinks, foods and snacks. To me it’s just common sense, but it does not feel right to be putting these and other chemicals on my skin, hair and in my body. What is now in milk to enable an expiration date a month after we buy it? Why do we continue distribution of products, drinks and foods in the USA that have been rejected by Europe because they contain banned chemicals, some even linked to cancer?

To me, it’s common sense that natural and organic is healthier than chemically treated. Homegrown is preferred. Growing fruits and vegetables here in America is more desirable—the more local, the better—as is seasonal rather than year-around from all over the world. It fractures my mind to think that preservatives are in my best interests.

My beliefs and thoughts have led me to understand that everything is still my responsibility. My health is one of the most important aspects of living, and yes, it’s my responsibility.

Having open heart surgery at the age of 47 triggered a process of learning. I became a vegetarian for over 12 years, then went to chicken as my only meat, then back to vegetarian. Now, a plant-based diet is what I follow. After reading the China Study I became convinced that my diet, what I put into my body, must be tied to facts and good common sense. For the most part, I think I have taken good care of myself, though improving is always the driver.

What I haven’t paid enough attention to is sugar. I knew to watch it, but it’s hidden in everything, so it’s somewhat challenging to track. On the edge of diabetes, I am now focused and committed to paying attention to sugar, empty carbohydrates and eating with intention.

I continue to study the effects of sugar and where it hides in my dietary choices to make common sense adjustments. Sugar is a hook—who doesn’t like sweet? But the amount of sugar in our everyday diet, in most cases, is over the top. Who eats a quarter cup of cereal? I am shocked at how much sugar or added sugar yogurt with fruit contains, bread, juice, soda (I do not drink), the sheer amount we consume in a day, a week and a month. The facts are in, and it’s clear our society is on the wrong path.

As I approach January and my 80th year, my health is paramount to my goal of living a disease-free life. It just makes common sense to me to stick around as long as I can, and in order to make that goal, I must be responsible to me and for me. To reach my goal of 102 in good shape and tootling around in my Google-driven car, good health is the key.

In peace, love and laughter,

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

Design & Production Kathy Tarbell

Contributing Writer Jess Spooner Digital Marketing Kristy Mayer

Accounting/Billing Asta Dunne Asta@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-405-4040

SALES & MARKETING

Joe Dunne • Bedminster, NJ 908-405-1515

Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

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Holistic Health and Healing Expo This Fall

Sunday, October 15 is a date you’re going to want to mark in your calendar! Natural Awakenings is excited to bring another Holistic Health and Healing Expo to the Philadelphia area. This preeminent, go-to resource for natural wellness, spiritual awakening, and green living expo will be held at The Drexelbrook, 4700 Drexelbrook Drive, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

Free and open to the public, this event will run from 11am to 5 pm. With typically 4,000 plus visitors, attendees to the expo can expect hundreds of vendors, exhibitors and practitioners to be on-hand offering an amazing array of products, treatments and the latest, cutting-edge approaches in natural health and sustainable living.

Join with other like-minded individuals tor a day of fun and inspiration learning the newest trends in holistic health, spiritual practices, and green living. Whether relaxing with some personalized therapies, discovering new pathways to wellness for the whole family, from kids to pets, or finding that one-of-a-kind special gift, transformative experiences await all under one roof.

With delicious and healthy food and snacks available, be sure to bring friends and family and spend the whole day!

For more information, go to HHHExpo.com. See ad, page 15.

Balance For Life Florida to Host October Holistic Retreats

FtLauderdale area-based Balance for Life Retreat has partnered with the world-class Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort to create three all-inclusive programs from October 8 to 14, 15 to 21 and 8 to 21, designed for lifestyle health rejuvenation, stress management and weight loss. Included in the one- and two-week sessions are fun fitness classes, education, an exclusive beach and time for spa pampering and exploring the Deerfield Beach and Ft. Lauderdale.

Guests can select a tailored program from options including water fasting, juice cleansing and nourishing plant-based lifestyle reboot, all under the guidance and support of Balance for Life director Dr. Frank Sabatino, DC, Ph.D. He will present daily in-person wellness talks focused on healthy lifestyle goals, as well as in-depth guidance on food, nutrition, healthy weight management and more. Each guest is instructed, monitored and guided through the programs by Dr Sabatino.

Bring a friend and save 50 percent on their registration when booking double occupancy.

Location: 2096 NE 2nd St., Deerfield Beach, FL. (For more information and bookings, call 954-947-5888, email Info@BalanceForLifeFlorida.com or visit BalanceForLifeFlorida.com. See ads on pages 6 and 7.

Poetry, Music and Mystery at The Soiree

All are invited to an evening of poetry, psychic readings and more at The Soiree: A Night of Poetic Muses, Music & Mystery! from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on September 16 at A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe in Asbury Park. This month’s Soiree features performances by Leslieann Hobayan and Derek Kelly and musical feature Martin Howth. The event includes a guided meditation, community drum circle, an intentional writing and a speakeasy hosted by Chelsea Palermo. Bring instruments! Bring original poetry! Psychic/spiritual readings will be available throughout the night from in-house readers for an additional energy exchange. The evening will close with a spiritual teaching and a conscious jam. Don’t miss this opportunity to jam, dance, sing, be heard, awaken, and participate. Tickets ($10pp) for event are available to purchase in store, by phone and Eventbrite. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for early psychic/spiritual readings before the event begins

Location: A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information call 848-217-2371 or visit AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com. See directory listing, page 46.

Now Is The Time To Thrive Thriving In Sobriety

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Kudos to Dr. Gashinsky and the Holistic Dental Center

“Forfive decades, Dr. Gashinsky has been a guiding light in the realm of holistic dentistry, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of his patients. As the founder of the Holistic Dental Center, his influence extends far beyond the technicalities of dental care. With a compassionate touch and a visionary approach, Dr. Gashinsky has transformed smiles and empowered his patients to embrace their overall well-being.

At the heart of Dr. Gashinsky’s practice lies a genuine connection with his patients. From the moment they step into his office, they are greeted with warmth and understanding. He takes the time to listen to their concerns, fears, and aspirations, recognizing that dentistry is not just about fixing teeth but about improving lives.

His dedication to holistic dentistry has led Dr. Gashinsky to adopt practices that prioritize the health of the whole body. He uses biocompatible materials and avoids harmful chemicals, ensuring that his patients receive treatments that are not only effective but also safe and beneficial for their overall health. Through his personalized approach, Dr. Gashinsky has instilled a sense of confidence in his patients, allowing them to feel comfortable and at ease during dental procedures. Many who once feared dental visits now look forward to their appointments, knowing they will be met with empathy and care.

Beyond his exceptional skills as a dentist, Dr. Gashinsky is an advocate and educator. He shares his knowledge and insights with the dental community, inspiring others to embrace the holistic approach and consider the profound impact of oral health on the body’s well-being.

Over the years, Dr. Gashinsky has built lasting relationships with his patients. Families have entrusted their smiles to him for generations, a testament to the trust and respect he has earned through his dedicated care.

As Dr. Gashinsky celebrates 50 years of holistic dental influence, his patients join in the celebration, thankful for the smiles he’s restored and the lives he’s transformed. His legacy will continue to bloom as more patients experience the compassion and excellence he brings to dentistry, leaving a lasting impression on their well-being and happiness.”

Holistic Dental Center’s Dr. Gashinsky Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Join us at 6 p.m. on September 27 as we celebrate Dr. Gashinsky’s 50 year anniversary of service. We will also be welcoming new doctors as this ia also a networking event for holistic-minded practitioners. Share with us as we “Reconnect and Collaborate!

Location: Holistic Dental Center of NJ, 91 Millburn Ave., Millburn. For information, call 908-206-7848 and visit HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com. See ad, page backcover.

“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.

Impacts of Radio Frequency Radiation

The introduction of 5G mobile phones and infrastructure has given rise to concerns about their safety, as more than 1 million new antennas will be required in the U.S. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection consider only the thermal effects (tissue heating) from electromagnetic frequency (EMF) exposure as potentially harmful.

A group of researchers led by Ariel University, in Israel, evaluated the non-thermal effects of exposure to EMF radiation on biological systems and human populations by reviewing in vitro [outside a living organism] and in vivo [inside a living organism] studies, as well as clinical studies on electromagnetic hypersensitivity and the epidemiological evidence for cancer due to the action of mobile-based radiation exposure. Although data derived from these studies was inconsistent, the researchers found supporting evidence that this radiation may contribute to cancer, endocrinological, neurological and other adverse health consequences. The researchers call for a more targeted, interdisciplinary research effort by national governments to ensure public health.

Sucralose May Damage DNA

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener 600 times sweeter than table sugar. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its use in baked goods, beverages, chewing gum, gelatins and frozen dairy desserts. A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of North Carolina found that ingesting sucralose may cause the formation of a genotoxic chemical called

Testing Acupuncture for Long-Term COVID

Long COVID affects nearly 14 percent of adult patients that had COVID-19. It is characterized by symptoms lasting at least 12 weeks after the initial infection, including fatigue, brain fog and breathlessness. Although there is no standard treatment for this clinical diagnosis, researchers in the UK are currently studying the impact of acupuncture on this lingering condition, as the practice has been successfully used to treat similar symptoms associated with other ailments.

The randomized trial began in 2022 and is expected to collect data from 160 participants until the year 2025. Participants with long COVID are selected if they have a fatigue score greater than five on the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale. The experimental group will be offered weekly 15-minute acupuncture treatments for six weeks, while the control group will receive no acupuncture treatments. Both groups will be required to complete questionnaires on their general physical and mental fatigue at baseline and at two, six and 12 weeks. Throughout the study, both groups will be provided with general advice on managing their symptoms. As reported by NBC News, the participants receiving acupuncture so far “do seem to be responding” positively to the treatments, according to Dr. Imogen Locke, a clinical oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital, in London, who is leading the study.

sucralose-6-acetate. Genotoxicity refers to the breaking up of DNA, resulting in damage that could potentially contribute to health problems. Researchers also found trace amounts of this dangerous chemical in sucralose itself, even before it was consumed and metabolized.

The study included eight projects that exposed human blood cells to sucralose-6-acetate, which researchers found induces the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and cancer. Exposure to certain concentrations of sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose also appeared to impair the gut lining, and sucralose-6-acetate inhibited certain enzymes, which could interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize medications.

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Dr. Ron Weiss is not just a physician; he is a visionary weaving healthcare, nature, and community into a transformative tapestry of well-being. As the driving force behind both Ethos Primary Care and the Ethos Farm Project, Dr. Weiss is a true renaissance man whose story resonates with the very essence of holistic health and community engagement.

From ER to Ethos: A Healing Journey

Known fondly as “The Farm Doctor,” Dr. Weiss began his medical journey in the emergency room, where he witnessed the relentless onslaught of health crises – heart attacks, strokes, diabetic emergencies, and more. Fueled by a fervent passion for prevention and healing, he transitioned to his own full-service primary care practice, nestled in the bustling heart of Bergenline Avenue in Hudson County. Driven by the conviction that true health transcends the treatment of symptoms, he sought to shift the focus towards proactive wellness.

A Shift to Preventive Healthcare

His primary care practice was not just another medical practice; it became a cornerstone of its community, trusted to respond during

ETHOS FARM PROJECT

Cultivating Health through Nature and Community

by Jess Spooner, JD, MSW, LSW

disasters and emergencies. Dr. Weiss’s practice was hailed as one of the most preventative, demonstrating the power of lifestyle medicine in reducing the burden of chronic diseases. However, faced with the challenges of a corporatized insurance landscape, Dr. Weiss sought a new direction.

Reconnecting with the Land: The Birth of Ethos Farm Project

Following years of serving patients, Dr. Weiss embarked on a remarkable journey back to the land. Inspired by a serendipitous encounter with a majestic blue heron and moved by the poetic wisdom of Wendell Berry, he and his wife, Deborah, acquired a historic 342acre farmstead. Dr. Weiss said, “The heron on the farm felt like a sign from the universe, as if Wendell Berry himself was directing me. It’s as if the land was calling me to heal not just people, but the Earth itself.” Nestled in the embrace of Long Valley, New Jersey, this land was the fertile soil that became the Ethos Farm Project, a visionary initiative interweaving agriculture with healthcare.

A Symphony of Health and Sustainability

The Ethos Farm Project extends beyond

mere farming; it embodies a regenerative healthcare ecosystem where well-being sprouts from the earth. Boasting prime USDA soils that hold within them the history of the Lenape Indians, the farm stands as a living testament to nature’s profound ability to heal. Dr. Weiss says, “Health emanates from the soil up, and our ‘living medicines’ are the organic crops we cultivate. They’re the tools we employ to prevent and reverse the chronic illnesses plaguing our society.”

The grounds also host Dr. Weiss’s groundbreaking primary care practice, Ethos Primary Care. This innovative practice welcomes patients of all ages, offering them the chance to transform their lives through lifestyle changes rather than relying solely on medications. Complementing the primary care practice is the Doctor’s Farm Market, a vibrant hub open to both patients and the public on weekends. Bursting with 80 varieties of exquisite fruits, vegetables, and grains, the market earns accolades for its exceptional quality.

Next Generation Physicians: Nurturing Holistic Healers

Dr. Weiss’s practice extends beyond the confines of medicine; he is nurturing a new

Ron Torrance, DO

James Leiber, DO

Ignatios Papas, DO Lisa Valastro, DO Duron Lee, DO

generation of physicians and farmers, integrating holistic practices into their training. The Next Generation Physicians Program embodies this visionary spirit, fostering a cohort of medical students who recognize the interconnectedness of human health, nutrition, and the environment. These future healers gain invaluable insights into reversing and preventing chronic diseases – a crucial facet often overlooked in traditional medical education.

Next Generation Farmers Incubator Program: Sowing Seeds of Sustainability

As a father and steward of the land, Dr. Weiss understands the urgency of transforming modern farming practices. With 99% of American farmland relying on chemical-based methods, soil and ecosystem health are at risk. The Next Generation Farmers Incubator Program nurtures the next generation of farmers to cultivate nutrient-dense foods and restore our planet’s health through regenerative farming.

This Fall … Reboot. Recharge. Rejuvenate.

A Legacy of Wellness and Sustainability

Dr. Weiss’s dedication to community and environmental well-being radiates through the partnerships and initiatives that have been cultivated at Ethos Farm Project.

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lifestyle health rejuvenation, stress management and weight loss. Choose from rejuvenating options including invigorating water fasting, refreshing juice cleansing, and nourishing plant-based meals meticulously prepared by our Chef to support your wellness goals. All under the guidance and support of our director, Dr. Frank Sabatino, DC, PhD.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to revitalize your mind, body and spirit in a serene and nurturing environment right on the beach.

“Together with the Rodale Institute, Rutgers University, and Princeton University, we’re forging pathways towards regenerative farming practices that can drive positive change on a larger scale,” asserts Dr. Weiss. Beyond these remarkable collaborations, Ethos Farm Project stands as a beacon of Dr. Weiss’s dedication to local food initiatives and his fervent determination to combat food insecurity within the community.

Join

the Movement: Ethos Primary Care and Farm Project

Dr. Weiss’s odyssey – from the emergency room to the fertile fields of the Ethos Farm Project – underscores his unwavering commitment to a new healthcare paradigm.

According to Dr. Weiss, “Our farm isn’t just a physical space; it’s a movement rewriting the narrative of healthcare and inspiring profound change.” His mission is unequivocal: to address the root causes of health issues and empower individuals to claim their well-being. Ethos Primary Care and Ethos Farm Project stand as powerful examples of the healing synergy between human health, community, and nature.

Embrace Enlightenment and Connection: Farm Days 2023

Experience a transformative weekend of unity and insight at the Farm Days Festival 2023, hosted by Ethos Farm Project. Mark your calendars for September 9th and 10th, as luminaries like Rich Roll, Peter Singer, Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, Dr. Columbus Batiste, Dr. Meagan Grega, and others come together to culminate Dr. Weiss’s visionary journey. This event promises captivating farm tours, rejuvenating mindfulness sessions, plant-based cuisine, cooking demonstrations, yoga, and natural movement activities, all against the backdrop of our serene 342-acre Long Valley, NJ farm. Engage in inspiring discussions exploring the ethics of eating and the profound impact

Embracing a Regenerative Future

Dr. Ron Weiss’s journey, from the intensity of the emergency room to the tranquility of the Ethos Farm Project, underscores his unwavering commitment to providing a different kind of healthcare. His objective is crystal clear: to heal not just individuals, but the planet itself. Ethos Primary Care and Ethos Farm Project beckon us to envision a world where health blossoms from the synergy of nature, community, and self-care.

Location: Ethos Farm Project, 177 West Mill Road, Long Valley. For questions, call

908-867-0059 or email inquiry@ethosfarmproject.org. For more information and to join the movement, visit EthosPrimaryCare. com and EthosFarmProject.org. See ad, page 13.

Author Bio: Jess Spooner, JD, MSW, LSW, is an accomplished writer and content marketing strategy consultant. Also working as a Trauma Healing & Grief Coach, therapist, and social work professor, Jess brings a wealth of expertise to her writing. Connect at BeautyAndBirch.Com and JessSpooner. Coach.

of our choices on personal well-being and the environment. Dr. Weiss extends an open invitation to the community to ‘come out to the farm’ and celebrate a brighter, interconnected future. Secure your tickets now at EthosFarmProject.org/farmdays, and don’t miss the fireside chat between Rich Roll and Dr. Ron Weiss that will bring this transformative weekend to a thought-provoking close.

Stephen Cope ON FINDING YOUR CALLING

by Sandra Yeyati

Specializing in the relationship between Eastern contemplative traditions and Western psychology, Stephen Cope has been a scholar-in-residence for more than three decades at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, the largest residential yoga center in North America. He also founded the Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living, a global network of scientists that researches the effects and mechanisms of yoga-based practices. Cope is a classically trained pianist, dancer and psychotherapist, as well as the bestselling author of Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, The Wisdom of Yoga and The Great Work of Your Life. His latest book is The Dharma in Difficult Times: Finding Your Calling in Times of Loss, Change, Struggle and Doubt.

Why is it important to find our calling?

In classical yoga, there’s a view that everybody has a vocation. The earliest myth that supports this dates back several thousand years to the Vedic tradition in India and involves the god Indra, who is said to have cast a vast net over the entire universe. At each vertex of this net there’s a gem, and that gem is an individual soul whose job is to hold together the net at that point. This introduces the view that each of us has a responsibility to contribute our gifts in such a way that we hold together our little piece of the net. If we don’t, the net starts to unravel. Dharma is Sanskrit for sacred vocation or sacred duty, which

comes from the root dhri, “to hold together”. It’s this fascinating notion that we have a responsibility to our own idiosyncratic genius, which sustains not only us by providing a fulfilling life, but also the whole world by taking care of our corner of the world.

How can we find our life’s purpose?

The practice of yoga and meditation is about increasing our connection with the subtle, internal world. Thoreau called it the distant drummer. While our culture constantly draws us out and distracts us, Eastern contemplative traditions invite us to quiet our monkey mind and listen inside to that still, small voice that is attuned to our deepest needs and to the way the world works. It’s that awake, or enlightened, part of the mind that can connect you to your true calling.

There are three questions that people can

ask themselves.

First: What lights you up? This is an energetic experience in our bodies when we come close to the occupation or endeavors that are important to our soul. Get familiar on a day-to-day basis with what lights you up, then slowly move toward those things and integrate them into your life.

Second: What duties do you feel called to? I don’t mean those onerous things that are imposed on us by our culture. I mean a duty that if you don’t do it in this lifetime, you’ll feel a profound sense of regret and self-betrayal.

Third: What problems or difficulties are you facing in your life right now? Difficulties can point you to something that might be your dharma. Marion Woodman, a good friend and feminist who was diagnosed with bone cancer in her mid60s, decided to close her psychoanalytic practice and devote the rest of her life to being in relationship with the cancer, investigating it as her calling. Very often, somebody’s calling is something really difficult they’re experiencing, like an unhappy marriage or dissatisfaction in career, and their dharma is to investigate what this means for their life.

How do we follow the still, small voice when it feels like we’re stepping off the cliff?

Robert Frost stepped off a series of smaller curbs that added up to a cliff. He was concerned, as we all are, about security, making money and keeping his family safe, so he

photo courtesy of Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

became a teacher. But there was a point at which he had to give up teaching and follow this deep voice that said, “Poetry is your calling.” He was 38 when he made the final decision to let go of other sources of income, and when he did that, his poetry came alive.

What advice do you have for fulfilling our life’s work?

In the Bhagavad Gita [Hindu scripture], there are four pillars of dharma. The first is discernment—finding your calling in this lifetime. The second—the doctrine of unified action—is to bring everything you’ve got to whatever you decide is your calling. Third is to let go of the outcome, also known as relinquishing the fruit. The ancient yogis discovered that if you’re grasping for a particular outcome, it takes you out of the moment and into some future fantasized moment. By letting go, you empower yourself to be more present to the possibilities of the moment. The fourth pillar is to turn the whole process over to God or to something bigger than just yourself. My friends who don’t believe in a higher power or god understand that concept of dedication to the planet, to humanity or to all beings.

Are you hopeful about the future?

Very hopeful. The contemplative traditions discovered that human beings who were jivanmukta, or soul-awake, were special versions of human beings in that they had capacities of compassion, lovingkindness, joy, generosity and selflessness. Those qualities, which are developed in the practice of yoga and meditation, add to the common good. I’m hopeful that as we become everything we can be, we will have the capacity to solve some of the huge problems that we have. As reckless as we are these days with our world, human beings have very often risen to the challenge of complex dilemmas and resolved them. As we come together, we start manifesting unified action. The power of human beings working together for the common good is almost limitless.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

Since 2004

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.

LEADING THE WAY TO HOLISTIC PET CARE

DR. BUCHOFF’S VISIONARY APPROACH

by Jess Spooner

At the heart of New Jersey’s pet care landscape lies a haven for animal wellness that’s far from ordinary. Dr. Buchoff’s visionary approach to veterinary medicine has paved the way for a holistic haven where pets thrive emotionally, physically, and energetically. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Buchoff’s practice, nestled in a sprawling 15,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, sets new standards for integrative pet care.

A Lifelong Dream Realized

For Dr. Buchoff, this practice is more than just a career; it’s a lifelong dream that continues to evolve and grow. “My tail wags on the way to work,” he quips with genuine enthusiasm. Ever since his early fascination with animals, he’s been committed to their welfare. This passion led him to embark on a journey that spans continents and disciplines, ultimately shaping his distinctive approach to veterinary care.

The Path to Integrative Excellence

With a team of four dedicated doctors, Dr. Buchoff’s practice is NJ’s largest and most advanced integrative vet center. The facility’s expansive open treatment center features eight stations and eleven exam rooms, emphasizing collaboration and comprehensive care. Their offerings span the spectrum of holistic treatments, including acupuncture, reiki, electromagnetic therapy, stem cell therapy, and more. One unique aspect of the practice is its aviary specialization, showcasing Dr. Bu-

choff’s commitment to treating all pets, including exotics, with the utmost expertise. This specialization extends to acupuncture and reiki treatments tailored specifically for pets. They even have a BEMER room, utilizing electromagnetic technology to boost the immune system.

Nurturing Health from the Inside Out

Dr. Buchoff’s practice is more than just a clinic; it’s a holistic wellness hub. They emphasize nutrition as a foundation for wellness, promoting a raw food diet formulated by Dr. Buchoff himself. This complete, balanced diet supports pets’ health improvements and overall longevity. They offer this specially formulated food both within the clinic and through various local stores.

Beyond Medicine: A Message for Pet Owners

Dr. Buchoff’s commitment to pet wellness extends beyond treatment rooms. He is an advocate for balanced pet care, advocating against over-vaccination. Instead, he encourages pet owners to consider rabies titers as an alternative. His message is clear: treat your pets with care and respect, just as you would any family member.

A Community Connection

Beyond offering top-tier care, Dr. Buchoff’s practice integrates with the community through various initiatives. They work with rescues, even hosting live adoption events on-site. Dr. Buchoff’s contribution

to the community goes beyond medicine; it embodies a holistic approach that reflects his core values.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Buchoff’s vision for the future is one of expansion, driven by the desire to provide comprehensive care for all animals. Plans include a sports and rehab center, boarding facilities, and even hyperbaric oxygen chambers. He envisions a space where animals can receive not just treatment but holistic care that encompasses every aspect of their well-being.

In a world where pets are cherished members of the family, Dr. Buchoff’s practice shines as a beacon of hope and healing. With a fervent commitment to holistic wellness and a pioneering spirit, he has revolutionized veterinary care, showing that nurturing animals’ emotional and physical health is the key to a vibrant and fulfilling life.

Longevity Veterinary Center is located at 265 Route 10 East in Whippany, NJ. For information call 973-606-1101, email info@ lvcnj.com and visit HolisticPetCareNJ.com. See ad, page 18.

Jess Spooner, JD, MSW, LSW, is an accomplished writer and digital content marketing strategy consultant. Jess brings a wealth of expertise to her writing, weaving together diverse insights for impactful storytelling.

Harvesting Solar Power in Space

Ayurvedic Cosmetics on the Rise

Space-based solar power (SBSP) is the concept of collecting solar energy during a space orbit and beaming it safely to a fixed point on Earth. Recently, the British government sponsored an SBSP competition to award more than $5.5 million in grants to the most promising innovators of this novel technology, which may be the key to producing cost-effective, cleaner, more renewable energy. The goal is an array of spacecraft to collect sunlight and convert it into microwaves before beaming them to a receiver on Earth, where it is converted into electricity. Because space has no atmosphere, the sunlight is undiluted, which means that a space-based solar panel would be able to generate more energy than a comparable panel on Earth. The other potential benefit to collecting solar power in space is that there are no day-night cycles, cloud cover or seasonal variations to contend with.

Among the grant winners were two British schools: Cambridge University, which is developing ultra-lightweight panels that can withstand high radiation levels, and Queen Mary University, which is working on a wireless system to safely beam the energy to Earth. In related research, scientists at the California Institute of Technology were able to successfully transmit power wirelessly in space and to beam detectable power to Earth using an experimental spacecraft.

In Sanskrit, Ayurveda translates to “the science of everyday living,” and it is one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine. Offering a holistic path for cultivating health and well-being, Ayurveda promotes balance and harmony with the use of natural herbs, plant-based medicines and spices.

According to a recent comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR), the worldwide Ayurvedic products market size is expected to grow from $12.6 billion in 2023 to $31.8 billion by 2032. MRFR analysts ascribe this impressive growth to increased availability and public awareness of such goods, as well as a deepening distaste for the adverse side effects of conventional medicines and products.

Demand for Ayurvedic cosmetic products is also on the rise, according to the same MRFR report. Supporting the idea that outer beauty reflects what is going on inside the body, beauty brands like Kama Ayurveda, RANAVAT and Forest Essentials are expanding into the global sector. Their increasing popularity follows broader trends toward organic and natural medicines and “clean beauty”, as well as increasing awareness about toxic ingredients in some Western products. Ayurvedic components have been used recently to balance Western formulas. For instance, in skincare, sandalwood is added as an antioxidant, and turmeric is combined with topical retinoid medications to reduce irritation.

COMING IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE

Traditional World Medicine

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Janet StraightArrow’s unique blend of ancient wisdom with practical methods opens the door for discovering your true self.

MG DENTAL ASSOCIATES

MOHINDER K. GARG, DDS, FAGD

by K. P. Tarbell

In 1994, Mohinder K. Garg, DDS, FAGD, opened MG Dental Associates, a professional and inviting dental office committed to making dentistry a more comfortable, compassionate and affordable experience for all in need. Its team of trained dentists are dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain their best smiles while prioritizing their overall well-being.

As a Diplomate with the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics and Master with the Academy of Implants Prosthodontics, Dr. Garg seeks to provide excellent restorative care through treatment recommendations that are based on accurate diagnosis and a complete evaluation of each patient’s needs.

“I have always been passionate about helping people achieve and maintain healthy smiles. The health of our teeth and gums plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, and my work enables me to educate and empower my patients to make informed decisions for their oral health,” shares Dr. Garg. “By providing exceptional dental services, I have a chance to alleviate pain, restore confidence and provide overall health for my patients. I enjoy creating long-lasting relationships with my patients, getting to know them and their unique needs. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing smiles on their faces after successful treatments.”

Dentistry has advanced rapidly since starting his practice three decades ago, and Dr. Garg and his team have stayed current with the latest in education and technology, including digital imagery, 3D x-ray and laser machines. These tools have con-

tributed immensely to ensuring accurate diagnoses and providing a solid foundation for creating personalized treatment plans that may include veneers, crowns and smile reconstruction.

The exceptional team of highly trained doctors and staff at MG Dental Associates provide the best care possible. Listening to and addressing patient needs and concerns is paramount. Treatment options are explained in detail and all questions are answered. The goal is for every patient to have no anxiety about their care options and to be highly satisfied by any service that is offered.

Shares Dr. Garg, “Dental health is directly connected to their holistic health, not a separate entity. Studies show there is a potential link between gum diseases and conditions like diabetes, heart disease and respiratory infections. Healthy diet and healthy lifestyle should be part of everyone’s overall regime to gain holistic health.” To emphasize a holistic approach to care, the practice also hosts a wellness practitioner to help patients with lifestyle

disorders navigate tough health conditions through counseling and designing therapeutic plans for overall physical, mental and spiritual health.

Dr. Garg has been awarded Top Dentist in 2013 and 2016 — Consumer Research Council of America, and America’s Top Dentist in 2013 — Fellow of the American General Dentistry Association. In addition, his commitment to continuing dental education is reflected in these professional associations: Member of the American Academy of General Dentistry Rewards/Certifications Mastership, the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics, Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association®, and the ADA Implant and International Implant Association.

“I try to make a difference in society by giving confidence back to people by providing them their best smile and removing their dental issues. I like to get involved with like-minded individuals and bring on board highly skilled professionals and fellows to exchange knowledge and contribute to the advancement of the dental field as whole,” states Dr. Garg. “We welcome anyone who needs dental care and who values personal attention to their health.”

For a positive dental experience, from cosmetic dentistry, dental technology, general dentistry, restorative dentistry, contact MG Dental Associates to begin the journey to your best and healthiest smile.

MG Dental Associates is located at 906 Oak Tree Ave Suite B in South Plainfield. For more information, call 908-456-3647, email mgdentalpa@aol.com and visit MGDentistryNJ.com. See ad, page 2.

Eco Travel 101

While checking places off the travel bucket list, keep in mind these traveling tips for leaving small footprints across the Earth.

REDUCE FARAWAY TRAVEL

Burning up jet fuel to fly to places represents a large affront to the environment. Staycations are the most eco-friendly. The shorter the distance we travel from home, the lower our carbon footprint. Because takeoffs and landings use the most fuel, fly direct whenever possible.

AVOID OVER-TOURISM

Some sites are so popular that they are prone to being overrun and abused. To avoid becoming part of the trampling herd and minimize tourist impact, visit the most popular tourist destinations during off-peak months or avoid them altogether. A green travel agent can help find less-trafficked destinations, book hotels with green certifications and secure eco-friendly tours and adventures.

SAY NO TO DISPOSABLE PLASTICS

Put together a travel kit that doesn’t include throwaway plastics. Pack soap, shampoo and conditioner bars, as well as soap sheets that fit in a wallet, lather up with water and disintegrate. Invest in a reusable travel bottle—collapsible types use less space—along with a filter or purifier, in case of non-potable water. Pack a few lightweight cloth bags for souvenir shopping.

GO PAPERLESS

Most transportation tickets can be purchased online and stored on a phone, with no paper needed. The same is true for maps, brochures and guidebooks.

RESPECT RESOURCES

Help the local economy by using less of the area’s resources. Turn off the lights and air conditioning when not in the hotel room. Take short showers. Don’t get the bed remade with fresh sheets every day, and reuse towels as much as possible.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

To support community talent, purchase from local artisans for unique gifts. While a chain restaurant might seem fun, a local restaurant is more likely to serve authentic dishes. Ask residents where they would go, or hire a guide that lives in the area.

USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Rental cars and taxis use more resources and may not give the best travel experience. Taking a local bus or train across town helps the environment and provides a great way to experience the culture. Biking and walking are even more environmentally friendly and allow for some of the best meandering and sightseeing

LEAVE NO TRACE

Leave nothing behind. Place trash in receptacles, or, better yet, carry a bag and pick up trash to beautify the landscape.

TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE

NINE DESTINATIONS FOR SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT

by Kiki Powers

Throughout history, humans have embarked on pilgrimages in pursuit of wealth, good fortune, divine intervention, spiritual enlightenment and other blessings. These journeys could be considered the earliest manifestations of one type of adventure travel, while today some of these would be defined as spiritual tourism.

The notion of “spirit” refers to both our conscious and subconscious minds. A spiritual practice, then, is any activity that enables us to step away from the noisy parade of life and explore our emotions, where any concept of the human spirit resides. This spiritual self-care includes any ritual or practice that helps connect us with our most authentic higher self.

Travel can be an amazing way to explore metaphysical interests with new people, sites and scenes, in order to invigorate the senses, stimulate the imagination, refresh the mental framework and invite new ideas and personal insights. Some places qualify for spiritual travel by virtue of their natural beauty, or due to some historical, mythological or religious significance. For a trip that fosters mind-body-spirit self-care with a generous portion of adventure, check out these sacred sites.

Mount Shasta

This Northern California treasure is believed to be a powerful spiritual vortex that has long captured the imagination of spiritual seekers. By some accounts, Mount Shasta is reputed to be the Earth’s root chakra, in keeping with the belief that, like the human body, planet Earth possesses chakra energy centers.

This majestic mountain, which is associated with healing, transformation and spiritual awakening, is a stunning backdrop for the many spiritual retreats and workshops offered locally that include meditation, energy healing, yoga, sound therapy and other restorative modalities.

Spiritual guide Andrew Oser, who has led Mount Shasta retreats for decades, says, “I can help you allow Mount Shasta’s transforming energies into the core of your very being, and by utilizing my direction to harness the mountain’s heightened vibration, you will feel it almost magically dissolve all of your fears.”

Sedona, Arizona

Surrounded by red rock canyons, whimsical forests and waterfalls, Sedona’s natural beauty inspires spiritual reflection. It is also part of one of the most powerful energy vortexes in the world and a New Age Mecca for those seeking transcendence through energy healing, yoga, sound baths and a host of other spiritual offerings.

From venturing to the bright turquoise waters at Havasu Falls nearby to visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, there are many activities in Sedona for those wishing to connect more deeply to nature and themselves.

Bali, Indonesia

Making the Most of a Spiritual Vacation

by Linda Sechrist

Known as the “Island of the Gods”, Bali is a captivating destination with a serene, spiritual ambiance. Nestled amidst lush greenery and terraced rice fields, the town of Ubud, in the uplands of Bali, enjoys international recognition for its spiritual offerings and welcoming vibe for those seeking inner peace and self-discovery.

Holistic healing options in Bali include energy therapies, sound healing and traditional Balinese massage. Yoga enthusiasts will be delighted with the varied class options, immersive programs and specialized workshops. Along with wellness spas offering rejuvenating treatments that harmonize the body, mind and spirit, Bali offers beautiful meditation areas for quiet contemplation.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Spirituality runs deep in the Peruvian culture, from the ancient temples of the Incas to the living history of shamanism in the Amazon jungle. Machu Picchu has

Phil Cousineau, author of The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred, specializes in creating meaningful travel experiences and leading tours to sacred sites. “All pilgrimages are a search for meaning and purpose, which is why I prepare groups on how to travel deliberately, ways to experience it and how to integrate the experiences into daily life so they are not forgotten,” he says.

Cousineau recommends getting off the bus, putting away the video recorder and simply walking into the landscape. “Remind yourself why you traveled to there,” he says. “Take the deepest, most probing question in your life with you. Chronicle your answer for two to five minutes daily. At the site, look for one detail that represents your entire visit that day and take a photo. Use active imagination to open your heart, rather than waiting for something to happen. Don’t compare your travels. When you are comparing where you are with where you’ve been, there’s no meaning—it becomes just one more purposeless tour.”

To share the experience with traveling companions, Cousineau says, “I begin mornings over breakfast with a long conversation that includes any stories about where we’re visiting. We’re reminding ourselves that we’re forming a small community by traveling together and studying the same stories so that we can continue our long conversation over dinner. This is where the meaning starts to form and deepen.”

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long been a revered site, and historically the place for worshipping the sun, the main Inca deity. Seekers can explore Machu Picchu on their own or participate in guided spiritual meditations—either way, it is a beautiful destination for a mind-bodyspirit getaway.

For those seeking a deep mystical experience, Peru Sacred Tours provides a safe haven for spiritual advancement with the individualized attention and guidance of indigenous practitioners, including the herbalist shamans of the rainforest, Q’ero Inca priests of Cuzco or Moche San Pedro shamans of Chiclayo.

Egypt

Egypt is considered a land of majesty and mystery, attracting treasure hunters, history buffs and adventure seekers, as well as those searching for spiritual transformation. This world-renowned destination has a long history of spirituality, with a colorful tapestry of beliefs and practices. The ancient Egyptians were convinced of the existence of a spiritual plane, while also maintaining deep reverence for the natural world, and these concepts continue to inform contemporary Egyptian culture and spirituality.

In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for spiritual tours in Egypt, particularly for meditation workshops in iconic places like the Great Pyramid of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Mount Sinai and Nile River. One of the more well-known tour guides is Freddy Silva, a leading researcher of ancient civilizations, sacred sites and their interaction with consciousness, as well as the bestselling author of The Divine Blueprint

Varanasi, India

Varanasi may be the world’s oldest city,

settled more than 4,000 years ago. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, it is regarded as the spiritual heart of India, with a tradition of Hindu mythology, as well as Buddhism. Religious, humanist and secular visitors frequent the evening aarti ceremony, when sadhus [sages] show their devotion by raising flaming lamps amid the aroma of incense.

If this strikes a chord, renowned author and spiritual teacher Andrew Harvey is offering a 14-day pilgrimage to the artistic, historical and spiritual soul of North India in November. He is the founder and director of the Institute for Sacred Activism, an international organization that inspires people to take up the challenge of our contemporary global crises by becoming effective, practical agents of institutional and systemic change.

Kyoto, Japan

Imbued with the rich heritage and history of Zen Buddhism, this enchanting city is an ideal destination for seekers to explore close to 2,000 Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as the iconic Golden Pavilion, where centuries of devotion and wisdom have been housed. Many of these sites also provide inspiring settings for quiet contemplation, meditation and discussions of The Buddha’s teachings.

The traditional tea ceremony offered at numerous venues around the city is a refreshing, meditative practice that cultivates a sense of tranquility and connection to the present moment. Kyoto is also home to exquisite Japanese gardens that illustrate

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the profound relationship between nature and spirituality in this gentle culture

Italy

As there are many sacred sites in Italy, a guided experience or well-planned itinerary may help facilitate an immersive spiritual journey. This is a labor of love for Phil Cousineau, author of more than 40 books, teacher, editor, independent scholar, documentary filmmaker, travel leader and storyteller. His lifelong fascination with art, literature and history of culture has taken him on journeys around the world.

Author of The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred, Cousineau has stated, “To shine the light of your own natural curiosity into the world of another traveler can reveal wonders—to remember the mysteries you forgot at home. What matters most on your journey is how deeply you see, how attentively you hear, how richly the encounters are felt in your heart and soul.”

In partnership with Sacred Earth Journeys, Cousineau has prepared a guided tour in November entitled The Sweet Life of Mythic Italy, which will explore sacred locations in Rome, Perugia, Assisi, Montepulciano, Florence, Verona and Venice. To learn more, visit Tinyurl.com/ SweetLifeTour.

still seeking a plausible explanation as to how the stones weighing multiple tons were transported to the site. This ancient masterpiece of prehistoric engineering remains shrouded in mystery to this day.

There is further spiritual charm in myths around the purpose of Stonehenge. People ask, “Was it intended as a funeral monument, an astronomical observatory, a tool to predict the seasons or a sanctuary where the sun was worshipped?” Stonehenge is believed to be an epicenter of Earth energy with as many as 14 ley lines

converging on the site—powerful channels of energy associated with places of ancient and primordial significance.

It is plain to see that when we are ready to invest in our spiritual well-being in a fun, mind-expanding way, many mindbody-spirit travel options abound.

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

Stonehenge, England

Every year, more than a million people make the spiritual voyage to Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, England. Archaeologists are

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Introduction to Water-Only Fasting

by Dr. Frank Sabatino, D.C., PhD.

By definition, water-only fasting means the abstinence from all food and liquids except water for some extended period of time. I myself have fasted thousands of people over the past 45 years for a wide variety of health concerns, and there is an extensive body of evidence supporting the use of water-only fasting in a wide range of health problems, including obesity.

The loss of appetite and fasting are natural to all animals, including humans, in response to disease and stress. If you observe animals in the wild or even your own house pets, you will notice that when they are injured or diseased they will often retire to a quiet and comfortable place, stop the intake of all food and continue drinking water only. When less energy is required for eating, digesting and procuring food, more energy is available for healing and repair.

When you stop eating, blood sugar levels begin to drop, and the body is forced to satisfy its blood sugar and energy needs with protein in our muscles and fat in our fat cells. There is more protein metabolism and lean muscle breakdown in the first few days of fasting, but within a few days, protein loss begins to slow down as the body shifts to fat metabolism. The ketones produced by fat metabolism in the fast are used directly by the brain as the primary source of energy during extensive periods of fasting.

The loss of protein and the depletion of blood sugar is more comfortably regulated by ensuring that the fasting person maintains maximum rest. In fact, it is important to see fasting as a deep physiological resting process.

In fasting, the body shifts from, a typical phase of growth to a phase of energy conservation maintenance and repair. As evidence of this, the insulin-like growth factor (ILG-F), which is abnormally increased by eating refined foods and animal products and can promote cancer and tumor growth in adults, is reduced during fasting.

Not only is fat an available energy reserve in the body, but it also serves as a vehicle for the storage of waste and toxic fat-soluble chemicals that we are routinely exposed to. Many of the environmental toxins, and even internal toxic waste products, are typically dissolved in our fat cells. So not only do fat cells of the body provide a primary source of energy, but they also work

like a garbage dump, hiding and storing our toxic load.

The energy that is harbored in the fasting process can enhance the mobilization of waste stored in body fat and remove this waste through organs and tissues of elimination like the skin and lungs in a process of detoxification. In fasting, the body demonstrates an intelligent control over the processes of detoxification and elimination. So that the body will utilize what it needs least to provide support for organs it needs most and through autophagy, a process of self-digestion and housecleaning that is increased in fasting, it can dissolve tumors or cysts and support the vital organs of the body.

What makes fasting even more beneficial is that while many pathological conditions are improved, there is also significant fat and weight loss, as much as one to two pounds a day. I have had people lose 20 pounds in two weeks of fasting, and as much as 30 pounds or more in a month.

Fasting is not a mystical process. Although it has been used by a variety of spiritual traditions as a tool for introspective evaluation and spiritual growth, fasting is truly just a simple process of deep physiological rest. The goal is to harbor as much energy as possible for the healing work at hand. That means rest on every level, including all the senses. The more time spent being quiet, serene and introspective, the better. For this reason, fasting is also a profound tool for creating a more mindful, self-aware life, and resolving compulsive addictive behavior.

Fasting promotes fat breakdown, weight loss, detoxification and repair like nothing else, and is one of the most powerful approaches for resolving inflammation and the complications of autoimmune disease. The body-mind changes evoked by the fasting process make it one of the most efficient and powerful tools to jumpstart any new health program in general, and a significant and successful long-term weight loss program in particular.

Dr. Frank Sabatino is a chiropractic physician with a Ph.D. in cell biology and neuroendocrinology from the Emory University School of Medicine. He is the author of the book WEIGHTLESS: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life and the online course: Lean for Life: The Science of Effective Weight Loss. He serves on the medical advisory board of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and is the Director of Health Education for The National Health Association as well as a research consultant for the True North Health Foundation and the Complementary Medical Association (CMA) in England.

Balance for Life Florida is a retreat center where people can experience supervised water-only fasting. Call 954-947-5888 or visit BalanceForLifeFlorida.com for program and reservation information. See ads on pages 14 and 35.

Understanding Light Pollution

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND ACHIEVABLE REMEDIES

by Sheryl DeVore

to robbing us of the Earth’s nocturnal skyscape, outdoor illumination negatively affects many plants and animals, including humans. Human-made lighting threatens approximately 30 percent of nocturnal vertebrates and 60 percent of nocturnal invertebrates, and it “is increasingly suspected of affecting human health,” writes scientist Christopher Kyba, lead author of the report.

At Montana’s Medicine Rock State Park, visitors have a rare opportunity to look up at the night sky and see an awe-inspiring display of planets and constellations, as well as the Milky Way, our spiral-shaped galaxy that contains about 100 billion stars, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is a magnificent sight, but those of us that live in or near cities with artificial lights beaming out of buildings and cascading over parking lots and highways may never get the pleasure.

“Because of light pollution, up to 80 percent of people living in North America are unable to see the Milky Way where they live,” says Sabre Moore, executive director of the Carter County Museum, in Ekalaka, Montana. “Medicine Rock State Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and the Carter County Museum has committed to safeguarding it in perpetuity.”

The park’s sanctuary certification was issued by the nonprofit International Dark-Sky Association, based in Tucson, Arizona, with a grassroots network throughout the world. The organization offers five dark-sky designations based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and relies on the help of community stakeholders, such as Moore, who serves as a volunteer dark-sky preservation advocate. At Medicine Rock, she helps host sky-parties for people to enjoy the celestial show and learn about the negative impacts of light pollution.

Threats Posed by Artificial Lighting

The skies around cities are hundreds, if not thousands, of times brighter than they were 200 years ago, according to 2017 research published in Science Advances. In addition

The mechanisms by which these life forms are affected vary. For example, when birds migrate, they fly into buildings that are lit up at night. Scientists estimate that at least 100 million bird deaths in the United States annually are related to light pollution. “Bobcats and bats rely on the cover of darkness for their survival and are also being affected,” says Moore, adding that artificial light interrupts human circadian rhythms, thereby affecting our REM [rapid eye movement] sleep, which is vital for our well-being. The flight patterns of night-active insects are disrupted by outdoor lighting, which partially explains their declining numbers worldwide.

A Simple Switch Saves Turtles

It is possible to reduce these negative impacts, as the Sea Turtle Conservancy has proven. By getting people to modify the positioning and types of lights used in buildings along Florida and Texas beaches, the nonprofit has been able to rescue loggerheads, leatherbacks and green sea turtles from the brink of extinction.

Female turtles have evolved to instinc-

tively lay their eggs on the beach, allowing the hatchlings to emerge at night and head toward the light of the horizon into sea. Humans, however, have interrupted this natural course with artificial light emanating from the windows of high-rise condominiums, garden spotlights and outdoor lamps.

“When hatchlings erupt out of their nests in the middle of the night, the bright horizon today is in the direction of the land. They go the wrong way into roads, parking lots, swimming pools or dunes, where they are run over by cars or subject to predation,” explains David Godfrey, executive director of the conservancy.

Researchers have discovered that lights with longer wavelengths that are amber, orange and red in color do not disturb the turtles, as opposed to outdoor fixtures that emanate shorter-wavelength blue and white light. According to Godfrey, the good news for these sea creatures is, “LED can be programmed to emit the specific wavelength you want.”

The conservancy works with coastal counties, beachfront property owners and others to switch to turtle-friendly lighting, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation often provides grants to pay the retrofitting costs. As a result, Godfrey reports, there has been increased nesting in areas with changed lighting and greater survivorship by the hatchlings.

“We are saving tens of thousands of hatchlings every season, and homeowners are seeing a reduction in their utility bills. People love it. They’ve found the longer wavelengths are more pleasing to the eyes,” Godfrey asserts. “Since we know that light pollution affects various other forms of wildlife and humans, the managed

use of lighting at night is something that everyone should pay attention to.”

Tips to Address Light Pollution

n Avoid blue-light fixtures.

n Turn off unnecessary lights in the evening.

n Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors.

n Close curtains and blinds at night to stop indoor lights from beaming to the outdoors.

n Visit Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky, an exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, D.C. (NaturalHistory. si.edu/exhibits/lights-out).

n Get involved at GlobeAtNight.org, a citizen-scientist group that monitors light pollution.

n Support dark-sky designated areas (Tinyurl.com/DarkSkyPlace).

Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at SherylDeVore. wordpress.com.

Embrace the Winding Road

by Marlaina Donato

After sea turtle-friendly lighting

Life’s transitions can feel like a broken bead necklace, with scattered pieces of ourselves waiting to be restrung. When we pack up our lives to move into a new home or organize neglected drawers, we may stir up clouds of bittersweet memories. Watching our kids leave the nest, we might wonder where the time has gone. As a new self struggles to emerge from the chrysalis, our hormones might take us on a rollercoaster ride before unveiling breathtaking wings.

At times, we have one foot on shifting sands and the other in midair, waiting to connect to solid ground. Inspirational author Neale Donald Walsch says, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”—wise words for those of us that are halfway across the rickety swinging bridge of change.

Breaking our own rules can gift us with a brand of freedom that we’ve only imagined. Seasoned travelers and weekend adventurers might agree that setting aside plans and maps invites unforeseen magic. Ordering something we cannot pronounce on the menu, turning left instead of right or revisiting an old dream might be a wonderful decision.

When we take our hands off the wheel and float into possibility, the universe smiles and nudges our secret longing for something new, something more harmonically aligned with our own unique frequency. Meeting life in the moment, wherever we happen to be, can be a challenging but rewarding spiritual discipline.

When we take a deep breath and turn the page, life deepens in color and gets more interesting. When we resist the well-meaning way that has been carved out for us and choose to go off the beaten path despite the uncertainty ahead, we will meet ourselves more deeply, no matter what happens. Perhaps this is the meaning behind it all—the magical door we seek. Honoring the sanctity of change is the key to fulfillment.

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at JaguarFlower.art.

Photo by David Godfrey

Helping Kids Cope

GUIDING CHILDREN THROUGH TRAUMA AND ANXIETY

by Carrie Jackson

Children today are facing ever-increasing amounts of stress and anxiety. In addition to academic pressure, bullying and family dynamics, kids are worried about navigating social media, climate change and school shootings. While a certain amount of stress is normal and healthy, too much can cause debilitating physical, emotional and cognitive effects.

A 2010 study published by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, at Harvard University, reports that persistent fear and chronic anxiety can have lifelong consequences by disrupting the developing architecture of the brain. Parents can help anxious kids by modeling stress-management and problem-solving techniques, and inviting their children to talk about their feelings.

Acknowledging and Coping With Fear

While each child’s anxiety is unique, the themes are often universal. “Children fear not being liked, being made fun of, failing when they try new things, getting hurt, losing a loved one, being left out and not fitting in. If this list seems familiar, it’s because they are all the same fears adults have too,” says Michelle Nelson-Schmidt, an author and illustrator of 32 children’s books, including What If I Know My Feelings? and The Whatif Monster series “It is debilitating when we don’t talk about our fears and anxieties. Children often don’t have the vocabulary to verbalize their fears, so they bottle it up, letting fears get

bigger and scarier. The earlier they learn that it’s okay to be scared, to talk about their fears and to ask for help, the less power fear and anxiety will have over their brains.”

According to Dr. Carol Penn, author of Meditation in a Time of Madness: A Guidebook for Talented Tweens, Teens, Their Parents & Guardians Who Need to Thrive, “Fear is a natural phenomenon. It’s how we’re hardwired to survive as a species. However, when fear turns into anxiety and the body enters a chronic state of hyper-arousal with raised cortisol levels, it can be debilitating. This shortens attention spans and disrupts the hypothalamic loop, which deals with creating short-term memory, causing kids to lose the ability to engrain long-term learning.”

Penn notes that kids can pick up on

their parents’ anxiety, so it is imperative to model self-care and create a soothing home environment. “Children are unsettled when their parents are unsettled. By observing body language and energy, kids can intuitively gauge when something is wrong, and they often make up stories about why,” she explains. “Teaching kids to take regular breaks throughout the day for relaxed awareness encourages them to notice a mind-body connection. Take two minutes before getting out of the car or starting a new activity to pay attention to your breath and observe and label pain or tension in the body. If you are hunching your shoulders or clenching your jaw, make mindful adjustments to reset and settle the body and nervous system.”

Overcoming Anxiety After a Traumatic Event

Last year, Highland Park, Illinois, experienced the improbable yet possible event of a mass shooting during their Fourth of July parade. “While the community worked to rediscover a sense of safety, our school focused on the necessary structures and initiatives to help students heal and rebuild,” says Holly Fleischer, the assistant principal of diversity, equity and inclusion at Highland Park High School. “As we started the school year, we recommitted to a focus on social-emotional learning by teaching strategies to manage emotions, sustain healthy relationships, develop an awareness of self and make healthy decisions. By practicing coping skills with everyday stressors, our students are learning to develop feelings of control, safety and resiliency as they navigate a traumatic experience or event.”

According to Fleischer, “While there is little control of one’s outside world and circumstances, kids can find calm in a storm through strategies like deep breathing, recognizing your five senses, listening to music, reaching out to loved ones, using ice packs for sensory intervention and giving oneself a strong bear hug. Students will get to know which ones work for them. It is also essential to disrupt maladaptive coping mechanisms like avoidance, which do not allow for the practice of these healthier ways of self-management.”

Building Resilience for the Future

“Thoughts are the language of the mind, and feelings are the language of the body,” Penn counsels. “When stress develops, have kids draw three pictures identifying what it looks like for them. The first is a picture of themselves right now; the second is the challenge they’re facing; and the third is how they will feel when the challenge is resolved. This gives children control over

their

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

ADVANCED FREQUENCY ENERGY SPA: UNVEILING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF FREQUENCIES

by Jess Spooner, JD, MSW, LSW

Nestled in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, the Advanced Frequency Energy Spa (AFES) has emerged as a beacon of hope and renewal for those seeking to restore their health and vitality through the transformative power of energy frequencies. Founded by Michael and Trisha Mahoney, this innovative spa opened its doors in June 2023 and offers a unique blend of cutting-edge technologies and holistic approaches to wellness.

A Journey from Adversity to Empowerment

The spa’s foundation rests on a philosophy of unlocking the body’s innate ability to heal itself by utilizing various forms of energy. Co-owner Michael Mahoney explains that all cells in our bodies have a unique frequency and by harmonizing those frequencies, we can restore our bodies to their natural state of health. The journey to founding the spa was inspired by personal experiences. Michael had battled neuropathy for five years, navigating the traditional medical route without finding relief. It was Trisha’s discovery of the Energy Enhancement System™ (EESystem™), a revolutionary mechanism that generates scalar waves and bio-photonic energy fields to restore cellular vitality, that became a turning point.

“We experienced the profound effects of the EESystem firsthand, and knew we had to share this transformative technology with others,” recalls Trisha Mahoney. They are not alone in their enthusiasm. The Mahoneys proudly share that the renowned personal development coach Tony Robbins recently endorsed the EESystem after personally experiencing the incredible benefits of this cutting-edge technology during two overnight stays at a facility in Florida. Robbins was so impressed that he purchased a 24-unit system for his home and another for his office.

Mitochondria: The Star of the Show

When it comes to cellular health, mitochondria are the star of the show. “Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, generating the energy required for optimal cellular function. Through frequency modalities, we aim to restore mitochondrial

health, which in turn revitalizes the entire body,” says Trisha. Using 24 units strategically positioned to envelop the room, the EESystem floods clients with thousands of frequencies, promoting cellular restoration and rejuvenation. “Our body’s cells operate optimally at 70-90 millivolts. Illness often arises when this voltage drops below 20 millivolts. Our goal is to restore healthy cell voltage and empower the body to heal itself,” explains Michael.

Elevating Wellness: Oxygen Lounge and Superhuman Protocol ™

The energy spa also boasts the Oxygen Lounge and Superhuman Protocol™, both designed to invigorate and revitalize the body’s cells. “Magnetism charges red blood cells, enabling them to uncluster and absorb up to 900 percent more oxygen,” shares Michael. The Superhuman Protocol, a three-step routine utilizing a magnetic mat, oxygen with exercise, and red/infrared light therapy, is a testament to the spa’s commitment to provide comprehensive, holistic wellness solutions. As the only certified Superhuman Protocol center in New Jersey, their dedication to empowering individuals to take control of their well-being shines through every aspect of their spa.

Combatting Oxidative Stress

The spa’s approach extends beyond physical health to address mental well-being. Oxidative stress, caused by an accumulation of toxins and free radicals, can disrupt cellular function, and contribute to various health issues and psychological disorders. “Our technologies work to eliminate oxidative stress by clearing cellular pathways and allowing oxygen to be utilized more efficiently. This process revitalizes cells and supports overall well-being,” explains Michael.

Aiding Mental Health

The spa’s approach extends beyond physical health to address mental well-being. Their services have shown promise in aiding mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression. “The

EESystem scalar frequency has a calming effect [on the nervous system], helping to alleviate stress and promote a sense of tranquility,” shares Trisha. The spa’s dedication to this cause is evident in its offer of half-off treatments for Veterans and First Responders, recognizing the importance of supporting those who have served our nation.

Experience the Power of Frequency Healing

The Mahoneys have already witnessed awe-inspiring breakthroughs. For example, they recount the story of an 84-year-old woman who had struggled with pain and low energy and after just three weeks of treatments, left her cane at the reception desk. “I can walk without my cane!” she exclaimed.

Another success story is a man whose occupation is a roofer. After several visits he claimed that he finally felt his feet! He said that he hadn’t had sensation in years due to numbness from neuropathy. He attributed his breakthrough to the EESystem.

The Advanced Frequency Energy Spa invites individuals to discover the rejuvenating effects of scalar frequency. With the guidance of Michael and Trisha Mahoney, clients embark on a journey toward restoring health, renewing cells, and recharging their lives.

Advanced Frequency Energy Spa is located at 431 Route 22 East (Bishop’s Plaza), Whitehouse Station. For information and to schedule an appointment call 888-460-4050 and visit AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com. See ad, page 7.

Author Bio: Jess Spooner, JD, MSW, LSW, is an accomplished writer and content marketing strategy consultant. Connect at BeautyAndBirch.com and JessSpooner.Coach.

Medical Tourism NAVIGATING

THE RISKS AND REWARDS

by Sheila Julson

Many Americans have experienced sticker shock upon receiving a medical or dental bill, whether or not they have health insurance. As healthcare costs continue to rise in the United States, patients are grabbing their passports and turning to medical tourism—the act of crossing borders to obtain quality medical care at a lower cost.

“We have a great healthcare system in the United States, but it is priced out of the market for millions of people at the bottom of the economic pyramid,” says Josef Woodman, CEO of Patients Beyond Borders, a medical tourism resource. He estimates that to date, 2.1 to 2.4 million Americans have intentionally crossed borders specifically for medical care. Approximately 65 percent of those people sought complex dental treatments.

The town of Los Algodones, Mexico, located just over the U.S.-Mexico border near Baja California, has approximately 300 dental clinics. Known as “Molar City”, the town is a mecca for people looking for more affordable dentistry. U.S. travelers also head to Costa Rica, Turkey and Thailand for elective cosmetic surgery, bariatrics, infertility treatments, orthopedic medicine, cardiology and cancer care, or to obtain low-cost pharmaceuticals.

Add holistic treatments to the list, says David G. Vequist IV, Ph.D., the founder and director of the Center for Medical Tourism Research at the University of the Incarnate Word, in San Antonio. “People are very interested in how Asian countries naturally combine both alternative and traditional medicine. Philosophies like ‘food as medicine’ are commonly used in treatments there,” says the 15-year scholar of medical tourism trends.

Planning for the Best Outcomes

According to Vequist, “The best Mexican hospitals are using the same standards that we have in the U.S.” In 2009, for example, when Mexico’s General Health Council set out to create national hospital certification standards in their country, officials followed protocols established by Joint Commission International, an influential U.S.-based nonprofit that has served as a global driver of health care quality improvement and patient safety for the past 20 years.

Nevertheless, it is important to understand that complications may arise during a healthcare procedure regardless of where it is performed. Vequist cautions that the farther a patient travels from home, the more likely they will be exposed to bacteria that is unfamiliar to their body. Also, traveling in a pressurized airplane after complex surgical procedures should be avoided, and seeking medical care outside of a patient’s regular care network may break the continuum of care, leading to miscommunication and errors in the transfer of medical records.

“Although global health care isn’t for everyone, those who try it will find the quality is the same or better than at home, with modern facilities at a fraction of the cost,” says Paul McTaggart, founder of two specialized travel agencies—Medical Departures and Dental Departures—that help patients become informed about the best and most appropriate clinics and doctors around the world

for their medical needs. They also book appointments, forward medical records and make travel arrangements.

McTaggart vets medical providers outside of the U.S. by verifying doctor credentials with local regulatory authorities; measuring web reputations; conducting onsite inspections when possible; posting authentic, patient-verified reviews; removing partners that consistently receive poor reviews; and checking the web for legal and other claims against hospitals or clinics.

Woodman advises that extensive research of foreign hospitals, clinics and providers is crucial for a positive medical-tourism outcome and cautions against making a decision based solely on cost. “There are some bad actors out there that advertise mostly on price to attract U.S. patients. If a clinic advertises that you’ll save 80 or 90 percent off U.S. healthcare prices, be wary—that’s way too high of a discount.”

Other red flags include clinics that are located in strip malls or a lack of verifiable credentials for a provider. “A medical tourist needs to be a little more adaptable and critical of their surroundings,” Woodman says, adding that even if they’ve made the trip, when the circumstances seem off, a patient should never feel pressured to go through with the treatment or procedure.

Jonathan Edelheit, president of the Medical Tourism Association, recommends using healthcare providers that are certified or accredited by international organizations like Global Healthcare Accreditation. “Be careful of trusting any website,” he warns. “Some medical tourism facilitators are middlemen or agencies that receive a commission. Some will refer you to the best provider, but some will refer you to a provider that provides the largest commission, but who isn’t the best.”

Edelheit believes that with proper research and planning, cost-effective, quality health care is possible. He reminds travelers to avoid countries where the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory, and he recommends speaking with several patients that have gone through the same procedure to get a firsthand review and manage expectations. He asserts, “The value you receive and being able to immerse yourself in another culture and integrate a vacation is something that most medical tourists treasure and cherish.”

Nature’s Germ Killer

Stop germs before you get sick

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CopperZaps® are made of pure copper, shaped to reach bad germs where they gather in your nose. The inventor has gone 11 YEARS without a cold. Now many thousands of people use CopperZaps.

Stop germs in nose, on skin

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Use a CopperZap against:

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Infected sores or skin lesions

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about germs, but now we do.

Cuts or wounds getting infected

Getting sick after Air Travel

The National Institutes of Health, the EPA and the American Society for Microbiology vouch for the power of copper to kill germs, including antibiotic- resistant ones.

Users say:

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Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. Less stress, less medical cost, more time to enjoy life. Independent scientists placed millions of viruses on copper. “The viruses started to die literally as soon as they touched it,” said head scientist Dr. Bill Keevil.

The handle is curved and textured for maximum contact with your fingers and hands in case you touch things a sick person touched and pick up their germs.

EPA tests show copper works just as well when it is tarnished. Easy to clean. Easy to use. Comes with Directions. Use over and over again. Never wears out. 90-day Money-back Guarantee. Top BBB rating. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each with code NATA37. See CopperZap.com or call 888-411-6114 toll-free.

Live people answer 9-4 Pacific on business days. Statements not evaluated by FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

ADVERTORIAL

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

Andrew Angelov/ShutterStock.com

daily & ongoing

SEPTEMBER 2023

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Clearing-Healing–Workings – by appt. 90min session with Dona Fran Wolf, a healer w orking in the tradition of the Peruvian shamans and a weaver of energetics. $125. Prepayment req. with reservation. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. For questions and to reserve space, call 908-223-1331. GaiasGifts.net.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Ethos Farm Days Festival 2023 – Sep. 9-10. Food is medicine, for us, our community, our land, our planet. Learn what you can do to help heal yourself and the planet. Inspiring speakers and fun activities for the entire family. Tickets: EthosFarmProject/ FarmDays. Use Code FDNA10 for 10% Off. Festival is at 177 West Mill Rd. Long Valley, NJ. For information contact 908-8670060 or inquiry@ethosfarmproject.org. EthosFarmProject.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Ethos Farm Days Festival 2023 – Sep. 9-10. Food is medicine, for us, our community, our land, our planet. Learn what you can do to help heal yourself and the planet. Inspiring speakers and fun activities for the entire family. Tickets: EthosFarmProject/ FarmDays. Use Code FDNA10 for 10% Off. Festival is at 177 West Mill Rd. Long Valley, NJ. For information contact 908-8670060 or inquiry@ethosfarmproject.org. EthosFarmProject.org.

WEDNESDAY,

SEPTEMBER 13

Higher Perception Classes – 6-8pm. An 8-part weekly course that gives you the teachings and training to bring your perceptual senses into a full active state of conscious knowledge. $315 paid in full or $45 each week. Register by Sept. 7. Full course outline sent with registration. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. For information, call 908-223-1331 or email Ellen at perkins145@ comcast. GaiasGifts.net.

Native American Drumming/Journeying with Shamanic Practitioner Lauren – 7:309:30pm. Looking to connect with the spirit of the drum and connect with your inner medicine and meet your guides? Learn the importance of drumming and how it can help heal spiritual wounds and serve as guidance. $25; 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.

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Soul Shamanism 201 - Complete Advanced Training – 7-9:30pm; 6-wk: 9/14-10/19. Join more fully with your timeless self and know more clearly about your life and soul purpose. We explore the upper realms of our records and spiritual support and find the higher energy, wisdom, and connection that brings us into self-mastery. Healers will appreciate more ways to work with others too. Led by Shaman Janet StraightArrow. $625/650. Be The Medicine (Online InPerson-Sessions-Classes-Retreats), 247 North Road, Chester. For information call 973-647-2500 or email janet@ BeTheMedicine.com. BeTheMedicine.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Gong Sound Bath – 7-8pm. 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. DeepRootsRising.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Gong Sound Bath – 6-7:30pm. 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. $40. Sand Hills Wellness Center, 57 Sand Hills Road, Kendall Park. 732-419-3551. DeepRootsRising.com.

The Soiree: A Night of Poetic Muses, Music & Mystery – 6:30-10pm. Doors open at 5:30pm for early psychic/spiritual readings before the event begins. Featured performances by Poets Leslieann Hobayan and Derek Kelly and musical feature Martin Howth. Includes guided meditation, community drum circle and an intentional writing and a speakeasy. Bring instruments and original poetry. Psychic/spiritual readings available from in-house readers for an additional energy exchange. Soiree only: $10 per person. A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information call 848-217-2371 and visit AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Learn the Art of Primative Rug Hooking – 1-3pm. Being guided by your intuition, create a piece of art using recycled wool clothing and the encouragement of other “hookers” together in a shared art space. $25 - $65 depending on materials needed. We meet once a month to work on our ongoing projects. Please call if this is your first time. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. For information, call 908-2231331 or email Ellen at perkins145@comcast. GaiasGifts.net

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

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. Hunterdon Polytech, 8 Bartles Corner Rd., Flemington. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767 or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Free Networking Event for Holistic Practitioners – 6-8pm. “Reconnect and Collaborate!” Live, on-site event at the Holistic Dental Center of NJ! Join other holistic-minded practitioners for this free networking event in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Gashinsky and the Holistic Dental Center and welcoming new doctors. Location: 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn. Please RSVP to hello@ holisticdentalcenternj.com or call 973-3799080. HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Grand Opening of Riverside Wellness Center in Milford – 10am-9pm. Free community yoga, sound healing, Reiki share, crystal healing, shamanic healing, cacao ceremony and more. Individual massage, readings & Reiki are also available for a fee. Riverside Wellness Center, 23 Bridge St., Milford. For information, call 908-4036653 or email TastefulSpaces@gmail.com. RiversideWellnessAndEnchantments.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

Holistic Health & Healing Expo – 11am-5pm. The HHH expo is dedicated to empowering

individuals to live a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet, educating communities on the latest in natural health and sustainability, inspiring them to lead more balanced lives. Free. The Westin Mount Laurel Hotel , 555 Fellowship Rd, Mount Laurel . HHHExpo.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

Soul Shamanism Weekend Training Know Live Your True Self – 10am-6pm; 10/7-8. 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. Soul Shamanism 201 follows this class. Ongoing advanced training is bi-weekly on Zoom. See testimonials and more on the website. $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.

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, Aug 2, 9, 16. 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.

saturday

Washington Borough Farmers’ Market – 10am-2pm. Join us each Saturday through September for farm fresh offerings, outstanding vendors and entertainment. Downtown Washington by Veteran’s Park. For full schedule of weekly events visit washingtonbid.org/farmers-market.

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.

Priceless lifetime, life-changing whole health bene ts for less than the cost of a smoothie a week!

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 28.

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 45.

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 11.

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 31.

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 45.

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 32.

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 37.

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 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 42.

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 8.

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 17.

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 9.

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 31.

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 21.

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 19

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

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222 Main St.

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645 Middlesex Ave.

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2245 Springfield Ave. Vauxhall

Montclair

701 Bloomfield Ave.

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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!”