Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey / May 2022 by Natural Awakenings Central NJ & Eastern PA

HEALTHY

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Special Women’s Wellness Issue

FIBROID RELIEF NATURAL APPROACHES OFFER HOPE

Take Me Home

THE BLENDED FAMILY DIY LUXURIOUS SALT SCRUB

MOMS MAKING IT WORK FORGING AHEAD IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

May 2022 | Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex Co. | NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

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The Holistic Dental Center Working Together with Other Holistic Practitioners to Create a True Holistic Approach to Your Health

team approach to your overall health and it starts at the Holistic they don’t see, I do, and vice versa, seeing dental infections and Dental Center in Millburn, New Jersey, with their highly skilled how they can affect organ systems through meridians or directly and team of trained professionals in holistic and biological dentistry. From utilizing the benefits of networking with a holistic practitioner can and their award winning doctors and their state of the art technology to does make all the difference in patient care…I wouldn’t have it any their use of ozone and self-healing therapies, they are committed other way,” Dr. Gashinsky says about working with other practitioners. to not only treating your dental related symptoms, but also, the root So if you’re looking for an approach that is inclusive of all aspects cause thereby eliminating disease and promoting optimal health. of holistic care, visit Dr. Gashinsky and his team at The Holistic Dental Little did conventional practitioners know so many years ago that Center in Millburn, New Jersey. It’s their priority to ensure complete it took more than just looking at the mouth. A generation ago there holistic care by promoting the benefits of holism. “It’s not just your was a disconnect, a thought that our mouth and teeth had no bearing teeth anymore,” as he says, “It never was,” but now they have the on the health of the rest of our body. Now more and more research ability to not just treat overall disease but truly prevent and promote has been showing that there is a strong connection between dental whole body wellness. disease and systemic health. Dr. Gashinsky, Holistic Dentist, has always known that. A holistic approach to health is multifaceted, so he Other than being a dentist for 40 years, Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky, is a certified nutritional consultant, Accredited by the International Academy has built a network of healthcare practitioners to assist his patients in of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, SMART certified and a Naturopathic obtaining their desired level of optimal wellness. doctor “My passion for learning is never complete, I will continue to Working hand in hand with Naturopaths, Functional Medicine research and learn the latest in alternative treatments and team up practitioners and many others in the field of holistic medicine has with the best in the fields of holistic and alternative medicine to bring expanded Dr. Gashinsky’s ability to help more people. “I find it to be my patients the best treatments available, this I can assure you.” incredibly fulfilling to work synergistically with these practitioners to be able to improve patients’ health so dramatically. Some are coming Holistic Dental Center is located at 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, to me so very sick and by working together we’re seeing drastic New Jersey. For more information, call (973) 457-4688 or visit improvements in their quality of life,” says Dr. Gashinsky. HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com. Dr. Gashinsky feels strongly in the need to practice in such a manner as to take patients whole health into consideration. So much so, that he traveled to Switzerland this past spring to visit the Paracelsus Clinic and Swiss BioHealth Clinic; two healthcare models that promote the oral-body connection, to study their holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Gashinsky says, “To truly practice holism; the thought that everything is understood in relation to the whole and not just its parts, it’s important to remember that when treating a person it’s not just what one practitioner does, but how they can work together for your appointment today! to improve the final outcome.” “Finding and working with like minded practitioners to help my patients has not only been professionally satisfying, but also on a Mercury Free and Mercury Safe personal level knowing that my patients are being well taken care of,” Metal Free Implants say Dr. Gashinksy. “Finding and addressing the root cause of disease Fluoride Free • Holistic Cleanings in all our disciplines is the key to success in our patients’ health. What __________________________________________ A D V E R T O R I A L __________________________________________

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May 2022

Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

28 16

12 THE BLENDED

FAMILY

Tips for Creating a Successful Stepfamily

16 STAYING HYDRATED

It's Not Just About Drinking Water

20 JEFFREY BLAND

on Rejuvenating Our Immune System

24 RESILIENT

MOTHERING

How Moms Are Forging Ahead in a Changing World

28 FENDING OFF FIBROIDS

Natural Approaches Offer Relief

36 SAVING BIRDS

FROM CATS

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 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for editorial: Articles (5th of the month); News and Health briefs (10th of the month). CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit calendar events online at NaturalAwakeningsNJ. com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! 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 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com. Serving the counties and surrounding areas of Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex. Natural Awakenings ~ your muse for a healthy YOU and a healthy PLANET.

Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

Simple Strategies to Protect Feathered Friends

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 8 health briefs 12 healthy kids 16 fit body 20 wise words 22 eco tip 28 healing ways 33 yoga corner 35 scam alert

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36 38 39 40 41 43

natural pet lit bits teen voices calendar classifieds business directory 46 crossword

publisher letter

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

The Journey to Beautiful

never knew what I wanted out of life. As with many people, my search was filled with low self-esteem, feeling less than others and wondering what others possessed that I missed. I worried about others’ opinion of me and how I measured against the norm. My life was built on this type of thinking and behavior. Peace was a distant dream. I didn’t feel like I fit in, even in a Asta & Joe Dunne, Publishers crowd. As it turns out, I did not. Naturally, over the years, things changed. I learned a little more. I found that nothing—not the rock and roll night life or the excitement of searching for the new—ever fixed me. Too many of us think that the perfect man, woman, partner will solve the problem of “me”. And therein lies the problem. It took a lot of time and effort to understand that all the solutions were already within me. That fixing my life is up to me; it’s my responsibility, but at that time in my life I was not ready for the solution. The need for change was there, but my awareness was way behind. I did not know how to grow, how to listen, how to open my mind and learn from the success of others. My point here is to acknowledge that life is one day at a time. It’s a process and sometimes that process takes more time than we would like. While the one thing you can count on is change, it takes drive, right intentions, good thinking, and the knowledge that success is a series of good, small decisions to feel a sense of control within the change. We can accomplish almost anything, and the key is not to give up on our dreams, desires (good ones), wish lists and the pursuit of being a better human. This year I turned 78. Many of my truths have changed over the years. Many of my past beliefs ended up being just plain wrong. Many brain programs that shaped my thinking were wrong. Many of my defenses and ego-centered thinking patterns were wrong. But I am okay with my past. It shaped me and allowed me to understand things that can only be understood through experience. So now I celebrate and accept all the good and bad together, because life is beautiful. Its beauty is still there even when life is painful, complicated, hard and stressful. In those times I just want to scream, even give up, but I have learned most situations will change. Hopefully it changes for the better, but sometimes you are dealt a bad hand, and the only way through is to play it. In those times, acceptance can bring the focus necessary to see the way through, and hope becomes life’s miracle maker. For those who may be suffering, I pray you will find peace and serenity in your life. As you know, May is our annual Women’s edition. So, Asta and I would like to close with a sincere wish that each of you, our readers, finds your own moments of tranquility, as well as an oasis of calm, relaxation and peace in your lives. With peace, love and laughter,

& Asta

NORTH CENTRAL NJ EDITION Publisher Joe Dunne

Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-405-1515 • Fax 239-920-5147 Managing Editor Kathy Tarbell

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© 2022 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. The content herein has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any condition. Statements are the opinion of the author/speaker. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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May 2022

Directory of Advertisers

news briefs

New for You in Natural Awakenings

Cathy Ludwig Ed.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

his month, we are excited to introduce two new columns: Lit Bits and Scam Alert. Lit Bits features amazing news and technological advances from around the world, primarily dedicated to healing the planet. “It’s easy to become disheartened about the state of our eco system and the growing threat of climate change. But, if you look, you can find absolutely incredible work being done by individuals, groups, and companies to transform problems into solutions,” shares Managing Editor Kathy Tarbell. Scams abound, and there is no lack of creativity in how tricksters attempt to trick us into giving away our money or identity. Scam Alert provides warning of the new and recycled versions, along with helpful advice on how to protect oneself.

Center for Systemic Dentistry . . . . . . . . . 42

See Lit Bits on page 38, and Scam Alert on page 35.

Thank you for being part of our community! Aesthetic Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 48 Ayni Healing Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Be the Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Blossoming into Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 CardFly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Celebrant Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Deborah Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Dr. Andy Rosenfarb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Green Life Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Gumedia Nutritional Sciences School . . . 9 Hemberger Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Hibernate Bedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Holistic Dental Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 17 Hypnosis Counseling Center . . . . . . . . . 11 Inner Soul Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 KnowWEwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Kwee Jack Seafood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Lisa’s Thermography & Wellness . . . . . . 23 Living Waters Wellness Center . . . . . . . 45

It’s Sockeye Season

he annual preorder season for sustainably harvested, wild Alaskan salmon is underway as Kwee-Jack Fish Company prepares for the annual harvest in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Share sizes of 10 or 20 pounds are available, and will be ready at the October pick-up event. Two-and-a-halfpound shares of hot or cold smoked salmon will also be available. The vivid red, sushi-grade salmon filets have bones removed and skin on one side, individually vacuum-packaged as whole filets or portioned servings. Frozen at the peak of freshness, wild Alaskan salmon offers amazing flavor and versatility for a variety of quick and nutritious mealtimes.

Cost: Share pricing varies between products and sizes, from $183 to $397 by May 25. Visit EatWildSalmon.com and save at checkout with discount code NANJ. CSF pick-up locations Natural Awakenings Singles . . . . . . 31, 38 include Cuba, NY; Florham Park, NJ; and Altoona, Chambersburg, Mechanicsburg, Natural Home Cleaning by Basia . . . . . 35 York and Lancaster, PA. For more information, call 717-842-0180 or email Anna@ Personally Yours Lingerie . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 EatWildSalmon.com. EatWildSalmon.com. See ad, page 23. Modern Acupuncture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

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A Soulful Harvest in the Catskills

ransformation. Full moon magic. Healing. Goddess embodiment. These are the words Rev. Denise Zoppi uses to describe this full moon, all-inclusive weekend to be held October 7-9 in the Catskills. Known for her elaborate ceremonies to support personal growth and evolution of mind, body, and spirit, Koppi will expertly craft a ceremonial weekend to support all participants. An early bird discount is offered through May 31. “This retreat is a time to call home the lost parts of yourself. The challenges and traumas you’ve journeyed through are not only yours, but also linked to your ancestral lineage” states Zoppi.

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health briefs

The 17.6 million Americans living within one kilometer of one of the country’s 100,000 hydraulic fracturing (fracking) facilities face a higher risk of heart problems, cancer and respiratory disease, recent research suggests. In the latest study from Harvard, statisticians found that living near or downwind from a fracking site contributes to earlier death among elderly people. Combining the Medicare records of 15 million people over age 65 with zip codes of fracking wells, they found that the closer to the wells people lived, the greater their risk of premature mortality. Those that lived closest had a statistically significant elevated mortality risk (2.5 percent higher) compared with those that didn’t live close by, and those living downwind faced a higher risk of premature death than those upwind. The results suggest that airborne contaminants emitted by the wells are contributing to the increased mortality, the researchers write.

Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

Try Tai Chi to Boost Neurological Health With its slow, rhythmic, controlled movements and synchronized, deep breathing, the ancient Chinese practice of tai chi has been shown to improve balance, reduce falls and enhance the quality of life for people with neurological challenges such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. A meta-review of 24 studies by researchers at the University of North Texas Health Science Center concluded that tai chi may be able to reduce pro-inflammatory contributors to cellular activity, increase anti-inflammatory cytokines that help regulate immune response, decrease oxidative stress factors and increase neurotrophic factors regulating neural health. Researchers pointed to its “potential effectiveness in neurorehabilitation,” which aims to improve the functions and well-being of people with diseases, trauma or disorders of the nervous system. NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

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Avoid Living Near a Fracking Facility

A popular staple since ancient times, prunes have long been esteemed for their culinary, nutritional and medicinal purposes, and a new review of research has found that they can also help counter the bone loss linked to fragility in postmenopausal women. After reviewing 28 studies, Penn State University researchers reported in the journal Advances in Nutrition that eating five to 10 prunes each day can help prevent or delay bone loss, lowering the risk of fractures. In one study, women that ate 100 grams of prunes (about 10) per day for one year experienced improved bone mineral density in their forearms and lower spines. In another study, eating five to 10 prunes a day for six months was shown to prevent bone density loss and decrease TRAP-5b, a bone-loss marker. The nutritional benefits of prunes, including minerals, vitamin K, phenolic compounds and dietary fiber, may reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to bone loss, said the authors. In a separate study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Harvard Medical School researchers that studied 1,700 older adults for 12 years found that those that ate a highly pro-inflammatory diet rich in simple carbohydrates and saturated fats were more than twice as likely to develop fragility—increasing the risk of falls, hospitalization and death—as those eating the least amount of those sweet, fatty foods.

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As up to 50 million Americans can personally testify, autoimmune disorders (AD) defy easy treatment, but a new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, offers hope that vitamin D3 supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of incurring these disorders in the first place. Researchers divided 25,871 older adults into four groups: the first took 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily; the second took 1,000 milligrams a

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Take Vitamin D to Protect from Autoimmune Disorders and COVID-19 Severity

day of marine omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil); the third took both D3 and fish oil; and a fourth was given a placebo. After two years, those that took vitamin D with or without the fish oil had a significantly lower rate of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune thyroid disease and psoriasis, compared to the placebo group. While the fish oil alone didn’t lower AD risk, there was some evidence that it had an effect over time. “Autoimmune diseases are common in older adults and negatively affect health and life expectancy. Until now, we have had no proven way of preventing them, and now, for the first time, we do,” says first author Jill Hahn, Ph.D., an epidemiologist. Vitamin D may also protect against COVID-19 severity, report Israeli researchers in the journal PLOS One. Examining the records of 1,176 patients admitted to a hospital with COVID-19-positive PCR tests, they found that those with a vitamin D deficiency (less than 20 nanograms per milliliter in their blood) were 14 times more likely to have a severe or critical case of COVID-19 than those with levels higher than 40 nanograms per milliliter. Mortality among patients with deficient vitamin D levels was 11 times higher than those with sufficient levels—25.6 percent compared to 2.3 percent.

Spring into Shape with Hypnosis It’s Springtime! You’ve been hibernating over the winter and it’s now that time to get back into shape, especially before the bathing suit season. If you diet, you know the routine: you get serious and lose some weight, feel better and relax, and the lost weight comes back. How can we stop the yo-yo dieting? Hypnosis, that’s how. It’s been proven the most effective way to lose weight by Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Mt Sinai, Dr. Oz and Dateline NBC. The problem lies not in the body, but the mind. Attitudes toward ourselves and food lead to our behaviors and resulting physical health. If we can get beneath the surface and look at psychological factors involved, we can change our relationship to food forever. Hypnosis teaches how to eat satisfying, healthy meals, get to an ideal weight, and stay there. At the Hypnosis Counseling Center, we assess your past experiences your current patterns. We identify the subconscious elements that contribute to unhealthy attitudes and develop a plan unique to your needs. Each client receives

a personalized audio tape that reaffirms the positive messages needed to get healthier each day. Imagine putting down the guiltand-reward approach to weight loss, enjoying a variety of foods again, and seeing the pounds you want to lose drop away! Joseph, after losing 105 pounds, writes, “I feel confident that I am not going to gain back the weight…I wish I had attended this class years sooner!” Hypnosis is safe, medically approved, and best of all, it works. Barry Wolfson, MS is the Director of the Hypnosis Counseling Center which has been in practice 35 years. The center also provides classes to help people build confidence, overcome anxiety, and quit smoking. So, if you have the desire to change something in your life and the willingness to do it… you can, with hypnosis. The Hypnosis Counseling Center is located at 28 Mine St., Flemington, with additional offices in Princeton and Livingston. For more information, go to HypnosisCounselingCenter.com or call 908-303-7767.

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The Blended Family TIPS FOR CREATING A SUCCESSFUL STEPFAMILY by Ronica O’Hara

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he Brady Bunch aside, blended families seldom look like TV sitcoms. They often come with a cast of characters—freshly remarried parents, a number of kids and step-kids, up to four sets of relatives and exes in the wings—all with their own needs, hopes and issues. One in six children today lives in a blended family, so the stakes are high for their well-being, and yet, understandably, two out of three blended marriages fail. They don’t have to, says Kimberly King, a children’s book author in Fairfield, Connecticut, who was raised in blended families and as a parent, now has her own blended batch of kids. “Blended families work when parents plan for challenges, have space for disagreements and have an incredible amount of patience and love. But they are not for the faint of heart!" she says. Therapists and blended-family veterans offer advice for those on this important journey:

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Go slow and steady. It can take two to four years for a blended family to adjust to living together, counsels the American Psychological Association. The process can be particularly hard for youngsters from 10 to 14. “Don’t pressure the children. If they don’t want to call you Mom or Dad, don’t take it personally. They have their own biological parent whom they love, and they didn’t ask for their parents to get divorced. Stay positive and realize that time itself is an important factor,” counsels Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, a licensed clinical professional counselor, in Baltimore, and founder, with his wife, Rivka, of TheMarriageRestorationProject.com. Determine discipline roles. “My husband and I thought we were total failures

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because we couldn’t agree on how to parent his son. To save our marriage, we agreed that I would ‘resign’ as the boy’s mother and allow my husband free rein to parent as he saw fit,” recalls Nancy Landrum, a relationship coach in Murrieta, California, and author of Stepping TwoGether: Building a Strong Stepfamily. Studies show that blended families work best when each parent disciplines his or her own child, while the stepparent works to develop affectionate bonds with their stepchild and serves as the child’s sounding board, particularly in the beginning. “One of the worst things you can do as a stepparent is talk negatively about your stepchild to the bio-parent. Nothing will strain a relationship more quickly,” says King.

songs, slept in bunks and found a new respect for teamwork, nature, overcoming adversity, and our stepmother!”

Keep an eye out for turning points. In a classic 1999 study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, University of Iowa researchers reported on factors they called “turning points” that can knit a blended family together. These include celebrating holidays and special events together, perhaps by creating new rituals; spending quality time together, even doing such ordinary things as shopping or watching a football game, either as a family or as a parent-stepchild activity; and pulling together over a family crisis. On the other hand, unresolved conflict among parents and children drives families apart. “The best thing my dad did to blend our post-divorce, new family was take us on a four-day hike to Mount Washington,” recalls King. “We hiked, talked, helped each other, suffered, whined, got wet, struggled, laughed, slipped, learned campfire

Don’t give up. “For me, the time I knew it was going to work forever was actually directly after one of our lowest points,” says Brooke Carlock Lobaugh, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, a teacher and creator of TheBlendedMess.com, an online resource for stepfamilies. “We had separated, and we just both really missed each other and missed the family, and we realized that the kids would eventually get older and our problems would lessen, and that we needed to choose each other, over and over again. I realized that if our separation led to another divorce, I would either be alone or find someone new with a new set of problems, and I wanted to fix the problems with the person I loved. We haven’t looked back since.”

Give talking a chance. Over shared meals, board games, nature hikes and everyday activities, stepfamilies can build bonds with each other. Having regular meetings to hash out problems also strengthens a new family unit. King’s family uses the summer camp strategy of the talking stick. “When you have the talking stick, it is your turn to talk and everyone else has to pay attention and listen. No interruptions,” she says. They also keep a family journal in which kids can write out their problems, enabling parents to respond in writing or conversation.

Health and wellness writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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Deepening the Dialogue When the going gets tough in a blended family, an Oprah Winfrey-endorsed dialogue technique known as Imago Therapy can help transform animosity into harmony. As laid out by relationship therapist Harville Hendrix in his New York Times bestseller Getting the Love You Want, it involves specific conversational steps that ensure each side is heard and responded to with empathy. “Imago is effective for parents of blended families because it teaches them to listen and validate the feelings of the children, as well as to better communicate with each other about the challenges,” says Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, of Baltimore, whose own marriage was saved by the process and who, with his wife Rivka, teaches it to couples. “If your children are not adjusting well, it is important to be able to give them a voice. The Imago dialogue process does just that, without judgment.” The three basic steps include: Mirroring. Person number one describes the problem in a few sentences, using “I” and feeling words. For example, “I feel shut out when you pick up your phone when I’m talking.” Person number two repeats it back as closely as possible. “You feel shut out when I pick up my phone when you’re talking.” It may take a few attempts to get it right. Person number two then asks if there’s more to that feeling, and again repeats the phrases back.

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Validating. Person number two responds showing respect for the problem, with words like, “I can see why …” Showing Empathy. Person number two searches for the place inside himself or herself that connects with person number one’s concerns. “I get upset, too, when it feels like someone cuts off a conversation.” Then, they reverse positions and go through it again. Demonstrations can be found on YouTube and worksheets can be viewed at PositivePsychology.com/imago-therapy.

May 2022

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Staying Hydrated IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT DRINKING WATER by Sandra Yeyati

aintaining proper hydration is one of the most important measures we can take to benefit our health. “The human body is made up of 55 to 75 percent water, and proper fluid levels are essential for many important body functions, including nutrient and oxygen transportation, temperature regulation, blood pressure stabilization, removal of waste from the body and muscle repair,” says Josh Axe, a Nashville-based clinical nutritionist and doctor of chiropractic and natural medicine. “Drinking enough water allows for healthy digestion and detoxification, supports hunger control and improves the appearance of your skin, eyes and hair.” Throughout the day, our bodies expend liquid to perform these vital functions. “Dehydration occurs when you lose more bodily fluids than you consume,” says Axe, the author of Ancient Remedies and founder of DrAxe.com. “Your body needs water and electrolytes replenished, otherwise you’ll experience symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, muscle weakness and spasms, headache, dizziness, nausea and fatigue.” “How we live today is why we’re so much more dehydrated than we were 30 to 50 years ago,” says Dana Cohen, a New York City integrative medicine physician and co-author of Quench. “Air conditioning and heating are so drying. Electronics, prescription drugs, processed foods, fluorescent lighting—all these things coming at us and affecting our cells—are sucking the hydration out of our environments and out of us.” According to Cohen—the risks of day-in-day-out, low-grade dehydration—the kind most of us experience—include constipation, joint pain, stiffness, brain fog and cognition problems. “There’s some evidence that it is also a risk factor for diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain cancers like colon and kidney cancers,” she adds.

Optimum hydration is more nuanced than simply drinking eight to 10 eightounce glasses of water a day. It depends on our body size, age, diet and level of physical activity or exposure to hot temperatures, Axe says. He recommends more fluids for women that are pregnant or breastfeeding, teenagers that are developing quickly and people on medications like antibiotics, diuretics, hormone pills, blood pressure medications and cancer treatments. Cohen points to a few reliable markers: “We’re meant to urinate every

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How to Hydrate

May 2022

incorporate a healthy amount of daily fiber, which helps to absorb and hold on to water. Add what Cohen calls “micro-movements” throughout the day, such as nodding the head up and down, rotating the wrists and ankles, scrunching fingers and toes or twisting the torso. “These little movements help to move fluid throughout the body and lubricate joints,” she explains.

Hydrating Foods

two to three hours throughout the day, and you want the color of your urine to be strong, but not too orange or too brown, which indicates dehydration, and not crystal-clear, because you could be over-hydrating.” In her book Quench, Cohen delineates a five-day plan to optimize hydration. Start every day with a big glass of water, which can include a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of real salt (pink or sea salt, not

processed table salt). Drink a glass of water before every meal. “For people who are trying to lose weight, a few published studies suggest that this will help them lose five additional pounds over a three-month period when dieting,” she says. When feeling hungry, drink a glass of water. We often mistake hunger for thirst. Consume one or two green smoothies a day made with a blend of greens, water and added ingredients to taste. This will

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According to Axe, some foods are naturally hydrating, including coconut water, melons, celery, cucumber, kiwi, citrus fruits, carrots, bell peppers, berries, lettuce, avocado, zucchini and tomatoes. Cohen recommends one to two tablespoons of chia seeds mixed into a liquid every day. “They’re incredibly hydrating. If you soak chia seeds in water, they form this gel-like structure on them. Thanks to some fascinating research by Dr. Gerald Pollack from the University of Washington, in Seattle, this gel water, which has different properties from regular H2O, is believed to store energy like a battery. Getting more of this structured water by eating plants should be your goal, so your body and your cells are better hydrated.”

Best Fluids to Drink “The best option is purified water that goes through a filtering process to remove chemical pollutants, bacteria, fungi and algae, but still has beneficial minerals,” Axe says. Both Axe and Cohen recommend the Environmental Working Group’s water filter guide (ewg.org) to find the best athome system for every budget, as well as its database that lists the safety of tap water in each U.S. zip code. “The research shows that under four cups of coffee a day is not a diuretic, so it does contribute to your hydration; anything above four cups starts to become a diuretic and goes against you,” Cohen notes, adding that herbal teas are always a great hydrating option with added medicinal properties. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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Rejuvenating Our Immune System by Sandra Yeyati

nown worldwide as the founder of functional medicine, Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., began his career as a professor of biochemistry at the University of Puget Sound, in Tacoma, Washington. In the 1980s, he was chosen by Nobel laureate Linus Pauling to serve as director of nutritional research at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine. Bland’s expertise and visionary influence helped to popularize science-based nutrition and establish standards for evidence-based formulations, quality ingredient sourcing and ethical manufacturing practices in the natural products industry. Bland is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed research publications and several bestselling books, most notably The Disease Delusion. His latest project is Big Bold Health, a company designed to transform the way people think about the immune system.

environment and isn’t overreacting or under-reacting, while still working as you would like it—to defend us.

What is Immuno-Rejuvenation? Recent discoveries show that exposure to things like a toxin, a serious viral infection or even post-traumatic stress syndrome may create an alarm reaction in our immune system, and the memory of that gets encoded in something called the epigenetic programming of our immune system, becoming a controller of how the immune system functions. This new state of alarm is passed on from immune cell to immune cell, locking the immune system into an imbalanced state that is tipped either towards too much response, which we call inflammation, or too little response, which is immune suppression and increased risk to infection. A balanced immune system, on the other hand, is resilient and capable of moving forward and backward depending on the exposure that the individual is living through. We believe we can activate Immuno-Rejuvenation through a process built into our body’s system of renewal called autophagy. Its discovery won a Nobel Prize in medicine and physiology in 2016. In the immune system, autophagy selectively prunes damaged cells that are carrying bad epigenetic messages, allowing cells that are not predestined to be alarmed to take over, leading to a rejuvenated, balanced immune system that can be more resilient to the

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There are two parts to our immune system. One is the adaptive immune system, which produces antibodies that remember what we were exposed to in terms of viruses or bacteria, and can mount a response if we are reinfected. The other, the innate immune system, is the first line of defense, found on our mucosal surfaces like our gastrointestinal tract, our respiratory tract or on our skin. In the last five to 10 years, immunologists have discovered that the innate immune system can be epigenetically retrained to be more in balance through things like time-restricted feeding, regular activity or exercise, predictably getting into REM sleep and the incorporation of plant-derived nutrients called phytochemicals into our diet, which are believed to activate selective autophagy processes. In conjunction with these lifestyle principles, you want to remove exposure to specific chemicals, including agrochemicals, airborne pollutants, heavy metals—things known to increase inflammation. The innate immune system is cleansed in part through the activity of the lymphatic system, which is circulated by physical motion. If we’re not moving, our lymphatic system becomes sluggish. Many types of physical medicine—massage, acupuncture, manipulation, chiropractic—are ways of activating lymphatic draining. This is a very important additional component for the improvement of our immune function. At Big Bold Health, we put together

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How can we reset our immune system?

resources to take people through an assessment of their own immune system by answering a questionnaire and a host of educational assets including videos, podcasts, blogs, recipes and more. You can access these for free on our website, BigBoldHealth.com.

What targeted, phytochemical-rich foods are you excited about?

Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat. Over the millennia of its evolution, this unique plant developed the ability to activate its immune system to defend itself against bugs, pollutants, poor soils, drought, sun. As a result, it has in its genes the ability to produce the highest level of immune-activating phytochemicals of any plant we know—50 to 100 times higher. Human clinical trials indicate that people who consume about 100 grams a day of the whole-meal Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat experience distinctive health advantages, reducing inflammation, lowering blood fats and blood sugar, and improving insulin sensitivity, all of which are conditions related to dysfunctions of the immune system.

How does the ImmunoRejuvenation concept relate to women’s health?

Women have evolved mechanisms to modulate the immune system to accommodate pregnancy, but that estrogen/ androgen balance that controls pregnancy also influences their immune system, and we’re starting to learn how it can significantly influence immune cell aging and injury. So this process of selective immune autophagy is very important in women who go on to have the most prevalent cases of autoimmunity, meaning they are more sensitive to some of these things that would produce an immune response that would be inflammatory. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ gmail.com.

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A sea salt scrub is an easy and inexpensive way to maintain a glowing complexion. Salt scrubs work hard to exfoliate and remove dry skin from the surface, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores, and improve the overall tone. Exfoliating scrubs are good for the entire body, especially dry areas like feet and hands. They are easy to make because they are a simple combination of salt and oil. In addition to standard sea salt, adding Himalayan pink salt to a scrub recipe adds an extra boost of health because it contains 84 trace minerals and nutrients. Grapeseed oil, which can be found at natural grocery stores, is a good carrier oil for a scrub because it is extremely nourishing. Adding both almond and jojoba oils, and vitamin E into the mixture increases the scrub’s moisturizing effect, making it especially good for dry skin. Essential oils add fragrance and healing qualities to the scrub, and they can include such variations as:

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Lavender vanilla salt scrub: 15 drops lavender essential oil, 5 drops vanilla essential oil DIY SALT SCRUB RECIPE 1 cup finely ground sea salt ½ cup Himalayan pink salt 4 Tbsp grapeseed oil 3 Tbsp almond oil 1 Tbsp jojoba oil 10 drops vitamin E 15-20 drops essential oil Put sea salt and Himalayan salt into a mixing bowl. Add in grapeseed oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E. Add the essential oils last, right on top of the other oils. Mix until all of the salt is coated with oil. It should not be swimming in oil, just coated. Store in a glass or metal container. This recipe fills a single, pint- sized Mason jar or two half-pint jars. Because this salt scrub recipe does not contain any water, it will last up to six months. Make sure to keep it sealed in a jar with a lid to ensure it stays fresh and free of contaminants. If it is kept in the shower, store the scrub away from the water stream. For more healthy DIY recipes, along with natural skincare and eco-friendly home and garden ideas, visit EcoLiving Mama.com.

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Resilient Mothering How Moms Are Forging Ahead in a Changing World

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by Carrie Jackson

wo years after “coronavirus” became a household word, the pandemic continues to affect every aspect of our lives. Mothers, in particular, have learned to reimagine what it means to be a parent, employee, partner and friend, while still finding time for themselves. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost 70 percent of mothers say that worry and stress from the pandemic have damaged their mental health. While social distancing, quarantining, remote learning and masking quickly became a new and often unwelcome normal, positive shifts have also been developing. Already resilient mothers are exploring how to adapt to an ever-changing situation and learning when to hold on and when to let go. They are discovering new ways to be available for their children’s mental health, maintain their jobs, stay connected with other moms and prioritize self-care. Shae Marcus, publisher of Natural Awakenings South Jersey (NASouthJersey.com), says that the pandemic has brought a number of unforeseen silver linings. As a single mother of two

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young children, she has been in a constant state of transition the last two years and is starting to achieve greater balance. “Like most other mothers, my life before the pandemic was nonstop. I was getting by, and at the same time comparing myself to other parents. The world had to slow down so I could catch up, and I’ve been forced to stop, breathe and take it in stride,” she says. Marcus shares a common concern, that the isolation has affected her kids’ development. “I worry that the lack of social integration over the past two years will have a lasting impact on my children. My son, who is now in third grade, was in kindergarten the last time he had a full year in a ‘normal’ school setting. That’s a lot to miss out on. While he is academically on track, I’m concerned about him being mature enough. Having sports and other extracurricular activities starting back now is helping to get them integrated again, and I’m able to fully appreciate going to an outdoor spring football game that wasn’t able to happen for so long,” she says.

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Marcus has discovered that working from home has had advantages. “Now, I can do a load of laundry in-between meetings, go to the grocery store when I would have been commuting and be more present when my kids are home. Since I’m not worried about rushing out the door, we have time to talk during breakfast, and I’m able to accompany them to the bus stop. Afterwards, I take 10 minutes for myself to walk around the block and gather my thoughts for the day,” she explains.

Reordering Priorities Seventy-one percent of mothers describe being a working mom during the pandemic as very challenging, according to research done by the global consultancy group APCO Impact. As president of Families and Work Institute (FamiliesAndWork.org), a New York-based research nonprofit, Ellen Galinsky has seen employers grant access to a wider variety of benefits that fit their employees’ individual and family needs. “The pandemic, coupled with racial reckoning, has made many of us rethink our priorities. It now is becoming clear that the world that seemed relatively normal before wasn’t working. Mothers and fathers were thrust on the front lines of schooling and saw firsthand how different teaching and parenting are,” Galinsky notes. An estimated 82 percent of employers plan to allow their employees to keep working remotely after the pandemic, reports a survey by human resources consultancy Mercer, but that turnaround is just a first step, says Galinsky. “Studies show that having workplace flexibility procedures in place is a floor, but how employers treat you when you need that flexibility matters the most. The pandemic made us all experience collective and multiple losses together and brought some difficult issues to light,” she explains. In juggling work and life duties, Galinsky shies away from the word “balance”, which suggests that time and energy needs to be split evenly. “Work and home lives are deeply intermingled, and often when one is in sync, the other will follow,” she says. “It’s important for mothers to set realistic expectations for themselves and let go of the notion that they’re not doing a good job, their kids have to be perfect or they don’t have time to take care of themselves. Children will absorb what they see, so being mindful in your words and actions around work will have an impact on them. If you have a stressful meeting and bring that home with you, the energy in the house will change. It’s okay to tell the kids that you’re upset at your boss and are going to call a friend and talk or go for a walk; let them know it’s not their fault and that parents get stressed, too.”

Stress Survival Skills The pandemic also put many mothers in a chronic state of hypervigilance, because they not only had to manage their own anxiety, but also help kids manage their experiences. A University of Rochester study of 153 mothers of toddlers found that ongoing strains can disrupt the body’s natural stress response, making it more difficult to respond with patience and sensitivity to a child’s needs.

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Elizabeth Cohen, a clinical psychologist and director of the Center for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) in New York City (CenterForCBTInNYC.com), says that a shock to the nervous system can only be released with the acknowledgement that the trauma is being experienced in the first place. “Having an understanding of how you’re responding to this stress and uncertainty is key to moving through it. Even going back to the office after so long may trigger a panic attack if the trauma of the past two years isn’t addressed,” she says. “Mothers need to practice compassionate awareness for themselves and what they’ve gone through. They need to be seen, heard and witnessed in the same way their children are.” Cohen advises that while part of a mother’s job is to make kids feel emotionally safe, it’s not as effective if they are themselves depleted. She recommends adopting simple, actionable practices throughout the day to help restore and reset the mind and body, suggesting, “Put some Epsom salt in the bottom of the tub and allow your feet to soak for a few minutes during a shower. Before brushing your teeth, take three deep breaths and pay attention to where you might be feeling tension in your body. Keep a gratitude journal handy to reflect and record your observations and interactions.” She advises us to remember that we have all had different experiences of this trauma, and nobody is the same as they were in 2019. “It’s okay to tell a friend, ‘I’m excited to see you and also, I’m uncomfortable not wearing a mask.’ We’ve also had to be more selective about who we spend time with, and that has allowed us to foster more nurturing relationships,” she says. “Be more discerning about who you spend time with, instead of saying yes to every invitation to get coffee. It’s okay to do less, and making authentic decisions in the moment will help you truly feel aligned with your thoughts and actions.”

Joint Healing Claire Zulkey, a Chicago-based writer and mother of two young boys, has found creative ways to stay connected with other mothers and not feel so isolated. She pens

a newsletter, Evil Witches (EvilWitches. substack.com), which gives her a platform to share stories of everyday motherhood triumphs and concerns. Topics have included perimenopause, end-of-life options for the family pet, finding the best hand lotion and other subjects that mothers in her circle think about. She also maintains a Facebook group of 100-plus mothers, providing a safe place for members to commiserate and support each other. “The group has allowed me to really get to know mothers in a more intimate way, truly understand what they’re going through and appreciate how much they care about their kids,” says Zulkey. She made a personal decision to stop drinking a few months into the pandemic, a lifestyle choice that she has maintained for the past year. “While I was not an alcoholic, there were too many times when I would wake up with a hangover or get into a tipsy argument with my

husband. I quickly learned to appreciate how much easier parenting is when I’m in a stable mood, and the entire household has benefited, especially during the pandemic, when we were in such close quarters,” she says. For all of us, moving forward after two years of collective grief, loss and uncertainty will undoubtedly present new unforeseen challenges, yet maintaining a sense of perspective can help if things start to feel overwhelming. “At the start of the pandemic, I started to feel sorry for myself, but soon I realized that I actually was so much better off than a lot of people. Once I oriented myself with that reality, it was easier for me to move on with a sense of gratitude and desire to help others,” says Zulkey. Carrie Jackson is an Evanston, IL-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

SELF-CARE FOR STRESSED-OUT MOMS For mothers trying to juggle it all, making their own mental health a priority is key. Here are some practical ways busy moms can incorporate their overall wellness into a daily routine. Set Up Self-Care: Sneaking in breaks throughout the day can have a positive cumulative effect. Follow a guided meditation while waiting for soccer practice, use essential oils in the car, keep a favorite lotion next to the bed or savor a favorite nourishing snack. Cultivate a Network: Nurturing relationships with supportive peers can provide emotional and social support. Meet a friend for a morning coffee or afternoon walk, join a book club, host a potluck with other mothers or volunteer with a community group. Prioritize Therapy: The right therapist can provide an unbiased and supportive perspective and help process new and lingering issues. Find a practitioner that understands a mom’s unique needs and a modality that resonates with us. Traditional talk therapy works well for some, but be open to exploring other forms, such as movement therapy or art therapy. Keep Communication Open: Modeling and encouraging dialogue gives kids a safe space to practice sharing and lets everyone feel valued. Find time during car rides, at the dinner table or before bed to check in with the family and share each other’s thoughts. Take a Class: Learning a new skill can spark creativity and help build a social network. Try a pottery workshop, join a dance club, take a photography class or study a foreign language just for fun.

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Fending Off Fibroids NATURAL APPROACHES OFFER RELIEF

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by Marlaina Donato

ptimal reproductive health is key to our vitality, which is why living with uterine fibroids can be debilitating. Studies indicate that as many as 80 percent of American women develop these non-cancerous growths during their childbearing years. Oftentimes, the condition is free of symptoms, but an estimated 26 million women currently suffer from associated effects like chronic pelvic and back pain, frequent urination, excessive menstrual bleeding and a swollen abdomen. Also called myomas, fibroids can often be a hidden cause of infertility, even in asymptomatic cases. Asian women have a lower incidence of fibroids, while African American women are two to three times more likely to develop them than white women, particularly at a younger age. Genetics, obesity, estrogen-promoting foods and environmental toxins can fuel the fire of this condition, but a tailored, natural approach can minimize symptoms and for some, ward off the need for invasive surgery.

Happier Hormones Through Diet While there is no definitively known cause of fibroids, the most accepted theory is a disruption in the ratio between estrogen and progesterone. Italian researchers that examined data from 1990 to 2020 reported in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health last year that diets deficient in fresh fruits, green vegetables and vitamin D increase the risk for the onset and formation of uterine fibroids. “I do believe prevention is important by avoiding the use of toxic cosmetics and cookware with chemical components, and by choosing lower-inflammatory foods,” says Crystal Fedele, a doctor of Chinese medicine who treats patients with acupuncture and

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Chinese herbs at her clinic, Holistic Women and Families Natural Health Center, in Port Orange, Florida. Conventionally farmed produce and farm-raised fish are treated with environmental estrogens to stimulate growth, which in turn contribute to estrogen dominance and an increased risk of fibroids in women that consume such foods. “It’s important to eliminate dairy and meat raised with synthetic hormones that can act like estrogen in the body,” advises Alisa Vitti, a New York City-based women’s hormone expert and author of In the FLO: Unlock Your Hormonal Advantage and Revolutionize Your Life. “While no diet can guarantee fibroid prevention, altering the food you eat may help slow fibroid growth. When it comes to food, your first step is to remove inflammatory foods.” Vitti recommends opting for fiber-rich whole grains that aid in the elimination of

excess estrogen, as well as nixing gluten and all dairy products unless they are made from organic goat or sheep milk. “High insulin levels from white, starchy stuff— which acts like sugar in the body—is a factor in making fibroids grow,” she says. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale and bok choy are allies in the fight against fibroids by boosting detoxifying enzymes in the liver. Regular servings of sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, pumpkin, spinach and other carotene-rich foods are also valuable.

Ancient Healing Modalities Traditional Chinese Medicine offers promising benefits, but when using recommended herbs, it’s important to seek out qualified practitioners rather than selftreat, advises Fedele. “In Chinese medicine, each case is individual, so herbal formulations are often constructed to treat the whole health of the person and modified as we see improvements,” she says. “We also use a lot of supplements that can help regulate hormones—DIM (diindolylmethane) and broccoli seed extract being two that are commonly used for estrogen-related disorders.” Fedele also recommends acupuncture, but says it is most effective when combined with herbals, supplements and dietary therapies. Susannah Neal, a licensed acupuncturist in Iowa City, Iowa, concurs, saying, “Chinese medicine is highly effective for rebalancing the flow or energy and breaking up old patterns of imbalances.” Neal, certified in the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, attests to this gentle modality designed to invigorate the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems of the digestive and reproductive organs. “Fibroids may be a result of impaired blood flow in the uterus, and while many styles of massage use techniques to improve circulation, these techniques focus specifically on the reproductive and pelvic organs,” she says. According to Neal, one benefit of the Arvigo technique is regulation of the menstrual cycle. When applied regularly, the massage may reduce the size and severity of fibroids. In cases of larger, chronic or more severe fibroids, she says that three to

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six months of treatment or longer may be required, and in some cases will be used only as adjunctive treatment along with therapies prescribed by a medical doctor. No matter which alternative approach is taken, monitoring progress is key. Fedele says, “I usually suggest six months to a year of trying holistic options under the care of a licensed provider and then at that time re-evaluating the scenario.” Marlaina Donato is an author and multimedia artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

FOODS TO CONSUME FOR ACHIEVING HORMONE BALANCE Almonds and hazelnuts

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Arugula

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Reishi mushrooms

Garlic Green tea

Turnips Vitamin E, vitamin B complex, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids Watercress

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STRATEGIES TO STAVE OFF FIBROIDS FROM HORMONE EXPERT AND AUTHOR ALISA VITTI: Eat to balance estrogen. Prioritize foods that help modulate and balance estrogen, like flax seeds, beans and whole grains. Pears and apples are liver-supporting foods that contain lots of fiber, along with a flavonoid named phloretin, which impairs tumor growth. Be mindful of alcohol and caffeine consumption. Just a couple of glasses of wine significantly raises estrogen levels. Coffee suppresses ovulation, thereby suppressing production of progesterone and increasing the likelihood of estrogen dominance. Organic, unprocessed soy in the form of tempeh and miso can be beneficial, with an anti-estrogenic effect on the uterus. Balance the microbiome. The microbiome contains a colony of bacteria that helps metabolize estrogen. When the good and bad bugs in the microbiome are out of balance, the estrobolome can’t do its job efficiently, and estrogen builds up. Another key to building and maintaining a healthy microbiome is supplementing with a high-quality probiotic. Cut out the chemicals. Many chemical-free options are less expensive than conventional products, especially when bought in bulk. Use baking soda and vinegar to clean around the house. Refrain from treating the lawn with chemicals. Replace plastic food storage containers with glass and stainless steel options which last a lifetime and don’t leach harmful agents into comestibles. Opt for a shower curtain made of less-toxic materials than plastic. FROM ACUPUNCTURIST SUSANNAH NEAL: Fibroids that are smaller than two centimeters will respond more quickly to treatment and may only require the use of one or two modalities, such as monthly, professional, abdominal massage; self-care massage at home; and herbal medicine prescribed by a licensed herbalist for three months. Larger, more chronic and severe fibroids may require multiple modalities and a longer course of treatment in addition to these measures, including weekly acupuncture sessions and dietary recommendations. Three to six months of treatment may be required. Natural medicine understands and respects that each person’s ability and time required to heal is complex and must be individualized.

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Yoga Corner Springtime

An Ayurvedic Perspective by Nicole Zornitzer

yurvedic medicine teaches life in accordance with seasonal change and alignment of our bodies with the dynamic rhythms of the natural world. These environmental shifts create subtle and not so subtle fluctuations of the mind, body and spirit. It is important to be aware of how such change impacts our daily lives and therefore knowledge of our constitution (dosha) is important to best balance the body during change. Springtime aligns with the kapha dosha, which in Sanskrit translates to “that which flourishes in water” as the season of spring brings rain and increased water in the environment. Depending upon one’s primary dosha, spring can either revitalize the body or create havoc in someone who is a kapha dosha by nature. For the individual, awareness of their primary dosha allows them to continue to balance the physical, emotional and mental bodies through proper mindful behaviors. Abiding by a seasonal diet creates an awareness of what measures should be taken during the transition into the beautiful season. To add lightness, sharpness, dryness and heat into our lives will support spring renewal and revitalization. One may notice an

increase in the desire to eat lighter food which may include seasonal vegetables, fruits, and salads. The human body is naturally craving a cleanse of the system to better support balance. To help eliminate the production of mucus and regulate moisture levels while improving the channels of elimination, an Ayurvedic counselor may suggest: ■ Begin the day with a light breakfast that includes fresh fruit that is in season ■

Lunch and dinner should be light, incorporating cooked grains, steamed vegetables, and legumes

■

Drink room temperature water

■

Consuming bitter greens, broccoli, and cauliflower

■

Avoid heavy, watery vegetables such as avocado, olives, squash

■

Do not overeat and avoid snacking between meals

■

Minimize dairy consumption as this increases bodily mucus

Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga; therefore, we encourage a yoga asana practice that will emphasize a cleansing

of the lungs and opening of the heart/ chest. Examples of yoga asana that may be incorporated are: ■

Cobra

■

Bow

■

Side Arm Plank

■

Spinal Rolls

■

Supported Savasana on a bolster

■

Pranayama (breathwork) that supports creating internal fire (i.e., Kapalabhati)

So, while it is exciting for many to leave the cold winter months, it is very important for our community to take appropriate self-care measures to maintain balance and wellness in the body. A personal sadhana practice that fluctuates with the seasons is essential in creating a healthy mind-body connection. Ayurveda, much as life, is a balancing act that requires the knowledge, the tools, and the acceptance of all these subtle shifts in the mind and body during seasonal change. It is essential to educate others on the importance of this information and encourage a peaceful transition through all phases of life. Nicole Zornitzer, ERYT 1000, yoga therapist, founder of Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala, located in Randolph, New Jersey; Upper Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey; Roseland, New Jersey; and Delray Beach in Florida. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

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scam alert In the shadow world of tricksters posing as government officials, the Social Security Administration scam is the new IRS scam. Whether via a robo or direct call, fear is always the bait to get people to respond. It starts with a scary message that your SSA number has been suspended or that the account is threatened in some way that requires immediate action. Next, they will ask to confirm your SSA number and personal information or say you need to withdraw money from the bank and store in gift cards that they will then assist you in “safekeeping”. Stay safe by following these simple rules provided on FTC.gov. ■

The real Social Security Administration will never contact you out of the blue. If the administration is trying to reach you, they will send a mail notice. Best practice: Call SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to find out if SSA is really trying to reach you via phone or email and why.

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Do not trust caller ID. Scam calls may show up on caller ID as the Social Security Administration and look like the agency’s real number. Best practice: let it go to voice mail. To check legitimacy, call SSA directly.

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Never give the caller your Social Security number or other personal information. If you already did, visit IdentityTheft.gov/SSA to find out what steps you can take to protect your credit and your identity.

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Saving Birds from Cats SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO PROTECT FEATHERED FRIENDS by Karen Shaw Becker

hen they’re roaming outdoors, domesticated cats turn into natural-born predators. According to the American Bird Conservancy, domestic felines are the number one human-caused threat to birds in the U.S., killing an estimated 2.4 billion birds every year. Cats have contributed to the extinctionof 63 species of birds, mammals and reptiles in the wild. New studies suggest ways to let a cat enjoy the outdoors without endangering winged species.

A small study by the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) suggests that when bright, rainbow-colored ruff collars are placed on free-roaming cats, it reduces the number of birds they kill. Birds have excellent color vision, and the flashy collars work as an early warning system of impending stealth attacks. “To the bird, this rainbow color stands out like a sore thumb,” says Ken Otter, chair of the UNBC Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. “It’s the opposite of a hunter’s camo.” Another study at the UK University of Exeter focused on 219 cats whose owners regularly let them hunt outside. The researchers divided the cats into six groups, including a control group that didn’t change their habits. For 12 weeks, the owners took pictures of

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wegener17/AdobeStock.com

Use Rainbow-Colored Ruff Collars

every animal their cats brought home and found that collar covers like those used in the Canadian study reduced the numbers of captured birds by 42 percent.

toys do tend to get bored more easily,” explains feline behaviorist Marci Koski, Ph.D. “I recommend having a number of different lures and wand toys in your toolbox.”

Feed Them a Fresh Meat Diet

Avoid Cat Bells or Puzzle Feeders

The UK researchers found that when cats were fed a high-meat protein, grain-free food, they brought home 36 percent fewer dead birds and other wildlife. Because cats are strict carnivores, a balanced diet rich in fresh animal meat, fed raw or gently cooked (rather than rendered meat or meat meal), meets their nutritional needs and reduces their urge to kill prey animals. A feline family member will do best with a diet that replicates that of captured prey: high in moisture content with excellent-quality meat, moderate amounts of high-quality animal fat and a very low percentage of carbohydrates. This means absolutely no kibble.

Play with a Cat Daily Households in which owners engaged in five to 10 minutes of daily object play with their cats (using, for example, an interactive feather toy like Da Bird) reported a 25 percent decrease in captured prey, according to the UK researchers. “Cats who are young and still kittenish will play with almost anything. Older cats who’ve been around the block a few times and know how to hunt and play with their

Cat bells have “no discernible effect” on cats’ prey catch, the UK researchers report. Puzzle feeders containing kibble actually increased killed prey by 33 percent, perhaps because of cats’ “inability to easily access food and resulting hunger or frustration,” they write.

Have Them Hunt Indoors for Food

but with regular supervised access to the To ease boredom, give a cat opportunities to outdoors. Training her to walk on a harness “hunt” for their food indoors. Try separating and leash can be an ideal way to allow safe, controlled access to the great outdoors. An his daily portion of food into three to eight small meals, fed throughout the day in a va- alternative is a catio (cat patio), which is a riety of puzzle toys, or indoor hunting feeder safe outdoor enclosure that allows a kitty mice. Or, hide his food bowls in various loca- secure access to the outdoors. The enclotions around the house. Start with one bowl sure should be open-air, allowing the cat to feel fresh air and sunlight, but shielded in his usual spot, and then place his food enough to prevent escape or a predator portion into additional bowls in other areas where he is sure to find them. If there is more from getting inside. It also keeps birds safe. than one cat, keep the bowls in separate areas Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent of the house. her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the Give Cats Safe life and well-being of their animals. For more Outdoor Access information, visit DrKarenBecker.com. For reasons of safety and overall health and longevity, cats should be kept indoors,

May 2022

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Amazing news from around the world.

In 2016, a “Green Newspaper” was published by a company in Japan that wanted readers to be able to grow herbs with it. The special edition shared environmental news and was printed with plant-based ink on 100% biodegradable paper. Seeds were embedded in the paper that would grow into butterfly and pollinator attracting flowers or edible herbs.

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Drawing inspiration from the Northern Lights, Maigue imagined a method to suspend rotting fruits and vegetables mixed in a resin so that when hit by sunlight, the particles would absorb and emit light at the edges. From there, the light could be captured and converted to electricity. He calls this technology AuREUS which stands for Aurora Renewable Energy and UV Sequestration. Because AuREUS can harvest UV light regardless of weather, it opens the door for walls and windows to become new energy sources. Research is ongoing to get the right luminescent particles to allow sourcing of the dyes from fruits and vegetables to 100% rather than being supplemented by chemicals. Source: JamesDysonAward.org

Ono Yoshinaka

Newspaper for the World Garden

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teen voices

Minimalism

an alternative to the expansion mindset By Jared Zornitzer

ife is all about growing, developing and taking means to better oneself. In America and many other countries, this starts with education—children progress through grade school, middle school, high school and even college. With a degree, graduates search for a well-paying job which will allow them to get married and start a family. Money plays an important role in all of this because it allows one to pay their bills and purchase anything which they or their family “need” to live a happy life. Are there alternate ways of living that don’t revolve around constant self-improvement and expansion? This question was recently raised in my sustainability course at college. We studied how an expansion mindset has dominated the industrialized world for several centuries. The notion that people ought to enhance their personal comfort, relationships, and social class through the acquisition of material wealth and goods has the unfortunate side effect of environmental degradation. For example, factory emissions are largely due to the high demand for consumer goods. At the opposite end of the spectrum is minimalism; the idea that one can achieve the same, if not a superior level of happiness by living with what they absolutely need and cutting out unnecessary items from their life. When I glance around my bedroom I see an abundance of clothes, school supplies and technology. Minimalism preaches lessening the burden of all these items. I could reduce my wardrobe to just enough outfits to last between laun-

dry cycles and get rid of all technology other than my phone and computer to live a minimalist lifestyle. I am trying to achieve balance between these two opposing ways of life. To have the luxury of new clothes every so often and state of the art devices to aid in my schoolwork are certainly aspects of my life that I enjoy and would find very difficult to erase. However, I am also a passionate advocate for the environment and try to be conscious about how my actions might better or will worsen our planet. If this means extending the lifetime of my clothes and devices, I am willing to do so to reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing their replacements. Additionally, certain doctrines of minimalism are appealing to me such as being content with what one has instead of seeking more. In turn, one can focus on the relationships that truly matter such as family and friends. Indeed, minimalism is a viable lifestyle to a certain extent. There is much to be learned by incorporating even hints of it into one’s life.

coming in the june issue

Men's Health

Jared Zornitzer is a full-time college student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY studying engineering. An advocate of balancing work and school with exercise and healthy living, he loves hiking, biking, running, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and learning in his classes. May 2022

daily & ongoing

All calendar events for the June 2022 issue must be received by May 10 and adhere to our guidelines. To submit, visit https://www.naturalawakeningsnj.com/ pages/calendar-listings or email kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for submission form.

MAY 2022 SUNDAY, MAY 1 Energy Healing Practitioner Certification Program Level I – 10:30am-2:30pm. Are you committed to being of service as a healer? Learn a variety of healing modalities and receive a certification. This 8-month program meets monthly via Zoom or in-person. Homework and a research assignment to be completed for certification. $177 deposit confirms space; 8 monthly payments of $200. Blossoming into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave, Ste. 105, Chester. For information and to register call 862-222-4268 or email info@blossomingintolight-chester.com. BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5 Sound & Gong Bath – 6pm. Come relax, renew and refresh the mind/body/spirit on the beautiful Upper Lake Mohawk with the Niyama Tribe. We will be featuring traditional Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, drums and a celestial gong to welcome spring. $55. Niyama Yoga Shalas, 270 Sparta Ave., Sparta. For information call 973-500-2939 or email niyamayogastudio@gmail.com. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 7 Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 9-12noon. 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 – 9-10am. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 10-11am. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 11-12noon. Imagine leaving life’s cares and worries behind at the end of each day. $60 each session. Hypnosis Counseling Center, 28 Mine St., Flemington. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767, or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com. Spring Foraging Workshop – 10am-12noon. Are you looking to connect with the land and learn about how these wild plants can put you on a path to wellness? Then come for a walk with Herbalist Katie Moxham (and farmer, medicine maker and wildcrafter) around the fields and forest of Mad Lavender Farm. Learn the basics of foraging, how, where and when, what is edible, what can be used medicinally and how to prepare them and how easy it all can be. You will leave being able to identify a few wild plants, their uses and recipes. $35. Register at: MadLavenderFarm.com/springforaging-may/. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co

Rd 579, Milford. For information call 908310-5973 or visit MadLavenderFarm.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 14 Tuning Forks Level I – 5/14-15, 10am-4pm; in person or Zoom. This comprehensive level one training includes techniques for using the 6 chakra solfeggio forks as well as the 9 chakra solfeggio set, along with the basics and specific ways of using them for yourself and your clients. A third optional day for practice will be on June 5. Forks will be available for in-person students. For those who attend via Zoom, it is suggested you have either the 6 or 9 Solfeggio Tuning Forks set. Three case studies with writeups must be completed to receive your certification. $333; non-refundable deposit by 5/10 reserves space with balance due day of class. Blossoming into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave, Ste. 105, Chester. For information and to register call 862-222-4268 or email info@blossomingintolight-chester.com. BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com

MONDAY, MAY 16 Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:15pm; Virtual. 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. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:15pm. Imagine leaving life’s cares and worries behind at the end of each day. $60 each session. Sponsored by Hypnosis Counseling Center. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767, or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 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. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:15pm. Imagine leaving life’s cares and worries behind at the end of each day. $60 each session. Palisades High School, 35 Church Hill Rd., Kitnersville, PA. For more information, contact

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Barry at 908-303-7767 or 610-847-5131 x 2401, or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter. com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 19 Spring Renewal “Awakening Our Being Human” 1 Day Mini Retreat – 10:30am-5pm (check in begins at 9am). Enjoy pampered luxury at Woolverton Inn, nestled on 10 park-like acres, surrounded by 300 acres of preserved farmland and forest. Retreat features two asana classes, meditative vinyasa flow to renew the mind, body, spirit connection, restorative yin yoga practice, Energy Cleansing Pranayama & Meditation workshop, workshop on applied yoga philosophy and goal setting along with body mapping and journaling to foster home practice and take what we learn on the mat off the mat into our daily lives. Plus the opportunity to explore the amazing grounds and absorb the beautiful surroundings. $450. Fee includes lunch and cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres. Location: 6 Woolverton Rd., Stockton. For details and to reserve your spot, visit NiyamaYogaShala.com/spring-renewalawakening-our-being-human.

SATURDAY, MAY 21 Divination & Story Telling Picnic on Mad Lavender Farm – 10:15am-3pm. Between arrival at 10:15 and 1pm, receive a total of three 15 minute readings: Runes with Leslee, Tarot with Amy Fae and Tarot with Adrienne. While waiting for your reading, learn to wrap mini smudge sticks with a variety of herbs from the farm for you to take home. At 1pm, a magical tale told by Storyteller Rebecca Kelly. Later, a group Sound Healing performed by Leslee Penny. Complimentary picnic with light fare and lavender lemonade served. Gluten-free and dairy-free options provided. Limited to 8 participants, ages 18 and up. $180. Register at MadLavenderFarm.com/ divination-story-telling-picnic-on-madlavender-farm. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. For information call 908310-5973 or visit MadLavenderFarm.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 Slow Flow to Guided Meditation – 6pm. A mindfully led program that includes a slow flow vinyasa class that leads beautifully into a guided meditation. This is one of our most popular offerings and one you won’t want to miss. $33. Niyama Yoga Shalas, 161 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland. For information call 973-500-2939 or email niyamayogastudio@ gmail.com. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 28 Color Healing Level I – 10:30am-4:30pm; in person or Zoom. This one-day class is good for beginners as well as those who have some experience or understanding of color in healing work. Learn the basics of color therapy and much more. Attendees receive a certificate for Level I upon completion. What is learned can be applied to yourself and clients. $195; non-refundable $50 deposit by 5/25 reserves space with balance due day of class. Blossoming into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave, Ste. 105, Chester. For information and to register call 862-222-4268 or email info@blossomingintolight-chester.com. BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com

plan ahead THURSDAY, JUNE 2 Slow Flow to Guided Meditation – 7pm. A mindfully led program that includes a slow flow vinyasa class that leads beautifully into a guided meditation. This is one of our most popular offerings and one you won’t want to miss. $33. Niyama Yoga Shalas, Niyama Yoga Shalas, 270 Sparta Ave., Sparta. For information call 973-500-2939 or email niyamayogastudio@gmail.com. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 New Moon Circle – 7pm. Join the Niyama Tribe for a gathering to honor the New Moon. We gather to create sacred space and honor what we want to manifest in our lives for the month ahead. An oracle card reading for the collective will be offered and this program will end in meditation. Please bring a journal and pen. $35. Niyama Yoga Shalas, 161 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland. For information call 973-500-2939 or email niyamayogastudio@ gmail.com. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Herbology: The Secret Life of Lavender – 1-3pm. In this two-hour workshop with Robyn, develop a personal ritual to connect with plants and our focus will, of course, be Lavender. Tap into the creative side with drawing and journaling, inspired by the energy of the plant. Lavender herbal infusion demonstration. Pick a fresh bunch of lavender to take home. Lavender lemonade refreshment. All materials and recipes provided. $45. Register at MadLavenderFarm. com/connecting-with-lavender-in-june . Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. For information call 908-310-5973 or visit MadLavenderFarm.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 A Soulful Harvest: Soul Retrieval for You and Your Ancestors – 10/7-9; TBD.

Transformation. Full Moon Magic. Healing. Goddess Embodiment. Soul Retrieval and Ancestral Healing. Luxury accommodations in Catskills NY to support the Medicine. Early bird discount through 5/31. Ayni Healing Arts Center. Retreat address provided upon registration. For information and to RSVP call 862-268-3213, email aynihealingartscenter@ gmail.com and visit AyniHealingArtsCenter. com/Retreats

ongoing

daily Qi Gong for Beginner Series – Times and days vary. Four 1-hour classes. Begin the gentle movements of a Qi Gong Tai Chi journey featuring Patty Pagano live online. First 1-hour class is Free! Check schedule or register at https://forms.gle/k2kcv9tVJ6X1QfpD8. For information contact Patty at 908-3921313 or PattyQigongforHealing@gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.

monday Singing Bowl Meditation – Mondays in May (no class 5/30); 7pm.Get your Zen on while receiving the healing benefits of sound therapy! Excellent for supporting healing of the body, mind, and spirit. $10 donation. Ayni Healing Arts Center. Located in Newton (address provided upon registration). For information and to RSVP, call 862-268-3213 or email aynihealingartscenter@gmail.com or visit AyniHealingArtsCenter.com/events.

tuesday Advanced Soul Shamanism Bi-Weekly Class – 7-9:30pm. 2nd & 4th Tues., ZOOM. Join us for a great night of profound experiences. For all graduates of Soul Shamanism 101 and other Soul Shamanism classes. Experience new energy levels, wisdom, knowledge, healing, tools, and practices within this practice Zoom link is provided upon signing up. $60. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-SessionsClasses-Retreats), 247 North Rd., Chester. 973-647-2500. BeTheMedicine.com.

wednesday New Year, New You ‘22 – 6-7pm. 4th Wed. Let’s get together in a group session setting, the last Wednesday of every month to focus on making 2022 your best year yet. We will focus on all attributes of life to create positive and life-affirming changes. If you are interested in becoming a client of mine, you could attend these monthly events free of charge. . $49 per person/each session . Health Yeah! with Michelle, 243 N. Union St., Ste 201, Lambertville. 973-420-9220.

healthyeahwithmichelle.com. Spiritual / Intuitive Development (Beginners) – 7-8:30pm. This circle is designed to assist your spiritual growth and develop your psychic/mediumship abilities. $25 registration; $15 per class. Inner Soul Wellness LLC, 3108 Rt. 10 west, Denville. 973-747-9404. InnerSoulWellness.com.

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.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY: WHAT WOULD A RELIABLE RESIDUAL INCOME MEAN FOR YOU? Take Control of Your Future With A Reliable Residual Income. Visit: areliableincome.com/prosper. Call: 609-510-0292

HOUSE CLEANING HEADING HOUSE CLEANING AVAILABLE: More than reasonable rates for cleaning your home. In this business for over 35 years, and old school habits, polish rather than dust, flexible agreements, by the hour rather than a day or half day. Sussex county location perfered, but will travel reasonable distances. Reliable, experienced, references are me talking points. Call Karen @ 862-293-0285.

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

May 2022

Advanced Soul Shamanism Bi-Weekly Class – 7-9:15pm. 2nd & 4th Wed, ZOOM. Join us for a great night of profound experiences. For all graduates of Soul Shamanism 101 and other Soul Shamanism classes. Experience new energy levels, wisdom, knowledge, healing, tools, and practices within this practice Zoom link is provided upon signing up. $60. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-SessionsClasses-Retreats), 247 North Rd., Chester. 973-647-2500. BeTheMedicine.com.

thursday Holistic Dentistry: Materials Reactivity Testing – 8am-4pm. Learn about and discuss Materials Reactivity Testing with the expert holistic dentists at Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics and Implants. Biocompatibility testing can be a good way to learn what dental materials may be best suited to your oral health needs. This free consultation has a $152 value. It’s your opportunity to benefit from the decades of experience we offer all of our patients. For patients who so choose, we can arrange the testing process. Free. Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics & Implants, 11 Chambers Street, Princeton. 609-924-1414. PrincetonDentist.com/ holistic-dentistry. Soul Shamanism 101-Be One with Your Soul – 4/21-5/19; 7-9:30pm ET; ZOOM. Initiations and Training. This class offers a profound experience and practice that is life changing. Discover your inner space of peace, wisdom, and divine connection. Knowing who you are as a soul and personality allows you to choose and live more fully each day. Led by Shaman Janet StraightArrow. Be on the lookout for next class. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-Sessions-Classes-Retreats), 247 North Road, Chester. 973-647-2500. BetheMedicine.com. Self Awareness is the Key to Ascension – 3rd Thurs.; 7-9pm; In person or Zoom. This interactive workshop carries the intention of assisting participants in their personal evolutionary process. Each workshop includes Healing Meditations, Ascension Techniques and Soul Psychology. Facilitated by Debbie Carcuffe. $25. Portal of Healing, 50 Main St., Top Flr., Chester. For information, visit PortalOfHealing.com. Intuitive Development Circle – 2 nd & 4 th Thurs; 7-9pm. On-going interactive workshop series, Maureen will guide you in building your intuitive muscle. Each week focuses on different techniques and development lessons. All levels welcome! $15. Portal of Healing, 50 Main St., Top Flr., Chester. For information, visit PortalOfHealing.com.

Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

North 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

Bedding - Organic

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc

Hibernate Bedding

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, pages 34.

Modern Acupuncture – Florham Park

Joan Arata 176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park 973-457-4467 ModAcu.com/nj001 Modern Acupuncture is revitalizing the ancient practice of acupuncture with enhanced full-body treatments using tiny needles (smaller than human hair) to access distinct points to help restore the body’s balance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, promote relaxation and/or improve overall well-being. See ad, page

80 Morristown Rd, Bernardsville

908-766-5450 HibernateBedding.com Exclusive collection of Organic and Chemical Free mattresses and accessories. Over 30 years family experience. Come see how easy it is to shop for a mattress. Free delivery, free set up, free removal. See ad, page 13.

100% gluten-, dairy-, soyand GMO-free retail and wholesale bakery. Available products: artisan breads, custom cakes, pies, cookies, desserts, seasonal, vegan, Paleo, natural sugars, nutfree. See ad, 37.

Ann Ochs • Colon Hydrotherapist I-ACT Certified, Advanced Level Certified National Board for Colon Therapy, Body Ecology Diet Certified 26 Elm St, Morristown 973-998-6550 • ColonHealthNJ.com AnnLivingWaters@aol.com

Ann Ochs has more than 20 years experience as a colon hydrotherapist. She holds an advanced certification from the International Association of Colon Therapists (I-ACT), is certified by the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy, and is a certified body ecologist. Living Waters offers the Angel of Water®, an advanced colon hydrotherapy system, designed to offer the ultimate in privacy and dignity. Call today Cosmetics – Organic. See ad,

page 45

Enzyme Nutrition

Law Of Attraction Life Coach

Next Level Healing Of NJ, Inc.

David Scott Bartky, CLOALC 973-444-7301 David@LifeCoachDavid.com LifeCoachDavid.com

David is a certified and experienced Law of Attraction life coach. His clients all have great success because he teaches them powerful processes and techniques so they can attract what they want, instead of what they don’t want in all areas of life (both materialistically and emotionally). The Law of Attraction is always responding to you, so if you’re ready to say “Yes!” to attracting what you want, and/or improving your life in some way, contact David today. Coaching sessions are held over the phone and the first session is always free.

Susan Richter, RN, Nutritionist, CCH, LDHS Denville • 973-586-0626 NextLevelHealing.com Enzyme nutrition is rapidly becoming a sought after therapy for the underlying digestive issues related to autism, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, skin problems, mood disorders, bowel issues and allergies. The system of analysis is scientific, non-invasive, and based on anatomy and physiology. The methods of correction are foodbased, drug-free, and have no side effects. Regardless of age or diagnosis, correcting digestion, supporting the immune system, and following guidelines for healthy choices are the backbone of Susan’s successful private practice of 36 years. If you are looking for a gentle approach to healing, call her.

Eye/Vision Health

Bakery/Specialty Linda Beg 100 Hibernia Avenue, Rockaway 973-957-0500 StarseedBakery@gmail.com StarseedBakery.com

Living Waters Wellness Center

Coaching

47.

Starseed Bakery

Colon Hydrotherapy

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine 332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com

May 2022

Float Therapy

Holistic Spa/Wellness Ctr Market / Organic

Zen Float Center

Quantum Wellness

Sharon Decker 219 Park Ave, Scotch Plains 908-490-0005 zenfloat219@gmail.com ZenFloatCenter219.com Float Your Way to Healing and Relaxation. A Unique, Safe, and Healthy way to Relax and Meditate.

Healing Arts Ayni Healing Arts Center Rev. Denise and Joshua Zoppi 9 Moran St., Newton Call or Text: 862-268-3213 AyniHealingArtsCenter.com

Services include: Wellness Gift Store, Massage, Holistic Treatments, Psychic Readings, Life Coaching, Mediumship, Past Life, Sound Therapy, Reiki, Shamanic Healing, Aromatherapy, Personal Growth and Development Classes, Teaching Programs, Ministerial Services, Workshops, Retreats, Events See ad, page 23.

Holistic Dental Center Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn 973-457-4688 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 ads, pages 3, 17.

Holistic Healing Services Heartmath+

Linda Sercarz Certified Heartmath Coach Serving North Jersey & surrounding area 973-714-8650 • Sercarz@aol.com Heartmath+ consists of simple heart-focused, sciencebased meditations. The techniques are designed to change the way your body responds to stress by learning to self-regulate. They create more resilience, coherence, clarity (even in stressful situations), and the capacity to self-regulate. Heartmath+.

327 US - 202, Bedminster 973-782-3227 info@quantumwellnessnj.com

QuantumWellnessNJ.com

Experience perfect relaxation at our premier spa and wellness center. Modalities include therapeutic massage, acupressure, reiki, cryotherapy and infrared saunas, yoga, floation therapy, workshops and more. See ad, page 7.

Hypnosis Morris Hypnosis Center Linda West, BA, ACH 55 Madison Ave, Morristown 973-506-9654 MorrisHypnosisCenter.com

Advanced Clinical Hypnosis using an interactive, personalized technique; based on a lengthy interview at first session and dialogues at following sessions. Specializing in weight, stress, smoking, chronic pain, releasing the past, performance, obsessive thoughts, substance use, sleep, fears, confidence and attention issues. If you have constraints that you can’t seem to break through, hypnosis can free you and put you back in charge. Come for a free consultation to learn how you can reframe your past and design your future.

Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy Hypnosis Counseling Center Barry Wolfson 28 Mine St, Flemington 43 Tamarack Circle, Princeton 908-303-7767

Green Life Market Kamel Yassin 29 Route 23 South, Wayne 973-837-8337 973-725-4801 / cell kamel.yassin@yahoo.com

GreenLifeMarket.com

New location in Wayne, NJ next to the Willowbrook mall now open. Green Life Market is your next-level for a healthy Lifestyle. We are the source for quality Health foods that fits many diets and Vitamins and Supplements. Our Juice and Smoothie bar features 100% Organic fruits, Vegetables, plant based proteins and much more. Our full Service Deli features fresh made foods every day. In our Grab’N’Go section in all of our stores have lots of delicious foods from wraps, salads, raw foods and even prepared dinner entries. Green Life market is like no other store. See ad, page 48.

Meditation Summit Transcendental Meditation Program Randy Mackenzie and Alice Brickman 12 Bank St. Suite 104, Summit 908-522-0820 summit@tm.org

TM.org/Summit

The Transcendental Meditation Technique™ as taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is a uniquely different meditation that easily provides a deep state of rest that enhances brain functioning and eliminates accumulated stress and fatigue. This scientifically proven tool practiced twice a day for 20 minutes, improves mental, physical and emotional health in a spontaneous manner. Personal and virtual instruction with a lifetime of follow up. See ad, page 30.

HypnosisCounselingCenter.com Over 35 years of experience. We offer traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in private and group settings, in person or virtual, for weight loss, stress, smoking, confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking, sports improvement, public speaking, and more. See ad, page 11.

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

Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Pick-up 3-8pm on Thurs. at Mountain Lakes Denville • Madison Rockaway

Past Life Regression Therapy & Hypnotherapy

Spiritual Healing, Teaching

Cathy Ludwig, Ed.S., LPC

Janet StraightArrow 973-647-2500 Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com

109 Main St., Suite 1B, Succasunna 201-738-8311 • ludcat@optimum.net CathyLudwig.com Do you want to make peace with your past? Self-acceptance and clarity are yours when you determine how the past is influencing the present and when you make conscious choices about the future. As a licensed psychotherapist, Cathy helps you experience healing in all areas of your life. Using the powerful and effective treatments of Past Life Regression Therapy or Hypnotherapy alone or in combination with talk therapy, Cathy helps you develop your full potential, resolve conflict and have more compassion for yourself and others. Call to discuss which treatment option will work best for you. See ad, page 15.

Seafood KWEE JACK FISH CO

Wild Alaskan Salmon & Halibut Shares 717-842-0180 EatWildSalmon.com Sustainably harvested wild Alaskan salmon and halibut available, fisherman-direct. Pre-order annually (spring) at EatWildSalmon.com for local pick-up (fall) of sushigrade delicious nutrition, deep-frozen at the peak of freshness to enjoy throughout the year. See ad,

Be The Medicine

coming in the june issue

Men's Health

Shamanic Healing, Energy Medicine, Past Life, Medical Intuition, Life, Health, Spiritual Coaching, Astrology Readings, House and Land Clearings. In person, phone or Skype. Professional Reiki, Shamanism, and Medical Intuitive Training. Retreats. 40 years’ experience. See ad, page 9.

Thermography

Yoga/Wellness

Lisa’s Thermography and Wellness

Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala

Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC Thermographer and Holistic Counselor See website for locations in NJ, NY & PA 855-667-9338 Lisa@LisasThermographyAndWellness.com LisasThermographyAndWellness.com Thermography gives an early look at the most important indicator of a potential health problem – inflammation. Early stage disease screening is an area in which thermography excels. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, or you are merely curious about the state of your health, thermography can help provide answers. Radiation-free breast and full body screenings for men and women. See ad, page 23.

Nicole Zornitzer, Founder 1250 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph 161 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland 270 Sparta Ave., Upper Lake Mohawk, Sparta 550 SE 6th Ave., Ste. 200K, Delray Bch, FL 973-500-2939 NiyamaYogaShala.com Therapeutic Yoga, Infrared Radiant Heated Yoga, Yin Yoga, Meditation, Barre Fusion, Iyengar Rope Wall, Private Yoga Therapy, Integral Sound Therapy, Reiki Energy Healing, Crystal Healing. Yoga Alliance Accredited training school for RYT 200, 300, Yin Yoga and Meditation.

page 23.

Save $10 on first colonic

Sound Therapy Ruth Ratliff, Voice/Vibrational Sound Therapist 426 Mount Hermon Rd., Blairstown 908-399-2076 • ruthratliff59@gmail.com

RuthRatliff.com

“The medicine of the future will be music and sound.” Edgar Cayce - Harness the power of sound therapy to access a state of serenity, health and well-being. Transform your life and how you live it. Certified/ Licensed Vibrational Sound Therapist offering in-person and virtual sound therapy sessions for individuals and groups.

new clients only

Colon Hydrotherapy using Angel of Water®, providing the ultimate in privacy and dignity. Ann Ochs has more than 20 years experience as a colon hydrotherapist. • Advanced Certification from the International Association of Colon Therapists (I-ACT) • Certified by the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy • Certified body ecologist. Experience cleansing in a warm, safe, spa-like environment.

ColonHealthNJ.com

973-998-6550 • annlivingwaters@aol.com • 26 Elm Street • Morristown, NJ 07960

May 2022

Crossword Puzzle Look for clues in the articles in this month’s edition

Across 1 5 8 10 12 13 15 17

20 21 22 24 25 27 30 32 34 35 36 37

Cultivate and encourage Show communal spirit, in a way Company abbreviation Gardening tool Compassionate Humor Sacred Buddhist sound An excess of this hormone can cause uterine fibroids To and ___ Are situated Cruciferous vegetable Flower starters Letter addendum Corn piece One of the vegetable types that can be grown in pots Workshop dealing with ceramics Interchange of thoughts and emotions: it can often resolve many upsets Landscaper’s grass Have some Inspires

Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 14 16 18 19 20 23 24 26 28 29 30 31 32 33

Group of friends and acquaintances Plant system Applies Emotional intelligence (abbr.) Marked physically or emotionally Maturing Encourage, 2 words Raleigh’s state Hoop’s outer edge Catalina, e.g. Environmentally friendly Connect Clairvoyant’s gift, abbr. Tampa locale Wonder Father to a son, abbr. Adages Confirm Conviction Supports Intended Artist’s medium Hiker’s path

Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition

You can find the answers to this month’s puzzle by visiting

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com this month’s CROSSWORD PUZZLE sponsored by:

What’s for dinner?

Visit our outstanding deli for healthy, tasty dining delights. For more information, see ad on page 2. NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

THIS MOTHER’S DAY

GIVE THE GIFT OF REDUCED STRESS & INCREASED WELL-BEING

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

FLORHAM PARK WELLNESS & BEAUTY • GIFT CARDS • CUPPING 176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park, NJ 07932 | 973-765-9500 | modacu.com/nj001

PAIN | STRESS | BEAUTY *Intro offers for new patients only. Expires by 5/31/2023. Gift cards available to all. The laws relating to the practice of acupuncture vary from state to state. Please visit modacu.com for clinic ownership information, offer details and any state specific disclaimers. Individual results may vary. Not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Franchises Available.

May 2022

Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey / May 2022

Articles inside

THE BLENDED FAMILY