Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey / May 2023

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16 TAKING CONTROL OF OUR HORMONES

Nutritional Tips to Support the Delicate Balance

20 SOLVING STRESS

Holistic Tips From Lifestyle Doctors

24 FIRST SIGNS OF MENOPAUSE

How to Resolve Vaginal Dryness

26 VITAMIN D FOR DENTAL HEALTH

24 30

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Living In The Moment

Onceagain, my talent for procrastination in writing my publisher’s letter has led me to wander from room to room in my house in search of inspiration before finally landing in our backyard deck.

As I sit here listening to the wind chimes and birdsong while watching the leaves and trees dance in the breeze, the sense of inner peace and contentment from being in the moment allows me to smile. It is funny how quickly removing interference and noise allows the stillness to come in and calm me.

I wish it were quieter, but that is just life happening. I make the effort to digest the noise and absorb it as it is. As I focus on thinking and writing, the noise disappears on its own, and just seems to go away someplace.

This moment with few distractions reminds me, once again, of the miracle of life and living. Perhaps there is something in the interconnectedness of the planets, the stars in the heavens, the rotation of our world, the pathways and order of our universe that humbles me. It reminds me of the gift I have been given. To say I am alive, participating and part of something much bigger than I can imagine reminds me to stay the right size and enjoy it all, every minute, every day.

It calls on me to focus on what is important, which is also always simple. To focus on the good, be part of the good, be kinder, appreciate more, give, grow, hug and love, life, people, planet. To remember I am not as important as I think I am. For proof, I have only to look around to see the miracles happening all the time without my help. But I also need to remember that I’m also more loved than I’ll ever know. And that’s humbling too.

Life has taught me that the quality of my life is in direct proportion to my thinking. Today, right here, right now in a quiet moment, life is good.

With peace, love and laughter,

Publisher Joe Dunne

Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

908-405-1515 • Fax 239-920-5147

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Welcome Back, Janet StraightArrow

JanetStraightArrow is a master healer-teacher and shaman who has taught holistic healing and spiritual mastery for four decades. It excites her to share her lifetime of experience with her students for their life journey. She honors each students’ uniqueness as a loving, kind, masterful guide.

This past year Janet took a partial sabbatical from teaching to deepen her teachings and create effective programs for those ready for professional healing and self-mastery.

The Comprehensive Reiki Master Healer-Teacher Training Course begins May 20. Soul Shamanism 101 begins on May 18 and offers a direct connection to one’s soul to integrate current life with the soul’s wisdom and truth. Through accessing this inner place, one learns to master life’s purpose in daily life. It offers profound healing, wisdom, love, and so much more.

The Summer Vision Quest in the Catskills offers women an opportunity to leave everyday life to relax in a sacred space and awaken to the next phase of their life. Preparation emails begin this month. It is a weekend of ceremonies, journeys, letting go, and becoming. Reiki 1 is a two-day class beginning June 3. Janet created an advanced level of this foundational course to provide practitioners with a complete understanding and practice of energy healing for humans, and animals, first and foremost. Everyone can learn this natural healing modality.

Private sessions are offered on Zoom, by phone, or in person at her Chester location. For more information, call Janet at 973-647-2500, email Janet@BeTheMedicine.com or visit BeTheMedicine.com. See ad, page 15.

Spring Into Shape with Hypnosis

Nowthat winter’s over it’s time to get back into shape, especially before bathing suit season. Diet and exercise alone can be a real struggle, however, there is remarkable tool that can help anyone achieve weight loss and keep it off — hypnosis. Healthy change starts in the mind. Attitudes toward ourselves and food lead to our behaviors and physical health. If we can get beneath the surface and look at the psychological factors involved, we can change our relationship with 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 the client’s past experiences and current patterns to identify the subconscious elements that contribute to unhealthy attitudes and develop a plan tailored to the client’s needs. Each client receives a personalized audio tape that reaffirms the positive messages needed to get healthier each day.

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 works.

Location: 28 Mine St., Flemington with additional offices in Princeton and Livingston. For more information, call 908-303-7767 and visit HypnosisCounselingCenter.com. See ad, page 13.

Lavender Madness in June

Get back to nature at Mad Lavender Farm as it opens for its eighth year of goat yoga, hands-on workshops, and “pick your own” lavender.

The lavender fields are in full, glorious bloom from mid-June through the first week of July. Pick Your Own Lavender is offered by reservation only, so book your appointment early through the website. Visitors can also enjoy an array of lavender products such as bath and body products, soap, honey, candles, and cookies in their tiny shop.

The farm also hosts a private picnic area (by reservation only) perfect for gathering with family and friends. For a truly unforgettable day, add a Mini Make & Take Workshop, a Sound Bath Session, or a private Goat Yoga Party.

In addition to workshops in crafting lavender wands and wreaths, they offer workshops in herbology, self-care, and their latest workshop in Mushroom Cultivation which teaches participants how to grow their own gourmet mushrooms at home.

Location: 452 County Road 579, Milford, NJ. Shop hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday-Sunday. For additional information visit MadLavenderFarm.com. See ad, page 14.

Spirit of Ayahuasca: Intensive SelfHealing at Haven of Harmony Denise

Saracco-Zoppi, LMT, CMLDT, is the founder of Haven of Harmony, a sacred space for healing in Newton. Her personal transformational journey with Ayahuasca has led her to open the opportunity for others to experience an eleven-month spiritual healing journey beginning June 11. The teaching program, Spirit of Ayahuasca: Intensive Self-Healing, is designed to personally introduce participants to Ayahuasca/ Her spirit. Be ready to challenge beliefs, fears, and resistances, and experience deep self-love, soul retrieval, and more.

Denise Saracco-Zoppi is a shaman healer, ceremonial master, author, success coach, and author. Those who choose to embark on this journey will apprentice with Ayahuasca directly, and with Reverend Denise as the guide. Students meet in person each month at 11 a.m. on every second and fourth Sunday for approximately three hours at Haven of Harmony. Please apply as far in advance before the start of the program as possible. For more information and to submit an application, visit HavenOfHarmonyNJ.com/Ayahuasca. Applicants will be emailed to schedule a 30-minute interview with Rev. Denise to ensure this teaching program is a good fit energetically.

For more information, email havenofharmony@gmail.com or call/ text 862-268-3213. HavenOfHarmonyNJ.com. See ad, page 26.

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Men’s Wellness Series

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

TOPICS

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

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

n Strategies for optimal eye health

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

n Habits that create resilient kids and a lasting legacy

SPEAKERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Admission is $59, which includes all Tuesday evening sessions and a one-year membership to KnoWEwell. To learn more and register, visit Tinyurl.com/NAMen2023 or scan the QR Code.

See ad, page 27.

Dr. Justin Ponquinette, DMD and board certified, practices the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery including full mouth rehabilitation. We can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries, TMJ disorders, remove wisdom teeth, and perform a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures. Our staff is trained in assisting with I.V. sedation within our state of the art office setting.

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We offer methods to promote/ provide oral health while respecting and embracing the body’s ability to heal itself.

Seniors Avoid the Hospital With Nature

New research has found that exposure to natural environments may reduce the risk of hospitalization for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias and Parkinson’s disease. The cohort study included approximately 62 million Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older that lived in the contiguous United States from 2000 to 2016. Researchers looked at ZIP-Code-level greenness, percentages of park cover and blue space (water) cover, as well as hospitalizations. They found that exposure to greenness, park cover and blue space cover reduced hospitalizations for patients with Parkinson’s. Greenness—but not park or blue space cover—was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization due to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Benefits of Water Immersion During Birth

Water immersion during labor is an increasingly popular birthing option for healthy women that experience a straightforward pregnancy, labor spontaneously at full term and plan to give birth in a midwifery-led care setting. The process involves immersion in a birth pool to achieve relaxation and pain relief during the first and possibly part of the second stage of labor. The mother exits the pool for the actual birth, allowing the infant to emerge outside of the water. This method is different from a water birth, during which the woman remains in the pool as the infant emerges into the water and is then brought to the surface to initiate breathing.

In a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open, researchers compared the interventions and outcomes of water immersion, water birth and no-water-immersion births. After reviewing 36 studies encompassing the experiences of about 150,000 women, researchers found that water immersion significantly reduced the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, maternal pain and postpartum hemorrhage. There was also an increase in maternal satisfaction and improved odds of an intact perineum with water immersion. Water births were associated with increased odds of the tearing of the umbilical cord from the placenta, making delivery of the placenta difficult, although the absolute risk remained low (4.3 versus 1.3 per 1,000). There were no differences in any other identified neonatal outcomes.

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Light Therapy for Autoimmune Symptoms

Fatigue is often reported as the most disabling symptom for people with autoimmune disorders, significantly impairing their physical, mental and social quality of life. Autoimmune researchers in Denmark, noting previous studies wherein bright light therapy significantly reduced fatigue related to traumatic brain injury and cancer, devised a study involving multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The study was conducted as a randomized, sham-controlled trial of 26 people with MS that reported a Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score greater than 36. Participants received either bright light therapy or a dim red light sham intervention for 30 minutes each morning for two weeks. The bright light therapy decreased FSS scores over the course of the study. However, this benefit occurred in the sham control group as well, highlighting the need for more research on the effects of light therapy on fatigue.

Wrestling with Faith

A Forum for Spiritual Seekers

People are thinking deeply about what they believe and still have questions. Some people claim they are spiritual but not religious. Podcasts are built around the idea of deconstructing faith. Unfortunately, it’s a lonely path. Support is hard to find for those who are questioning what they have been taught. Online communities provide some support but not in person spiritual community.

This forum will provide an opportunity to consider and discuss your faith (if you want, no pressure) with other people on a similar spiritual journey.

Dates: May 7, May 21 & June 11.

Time: Lunch at 12, program from 1 to 3pm.

For more details and to register, go to the link below or email clerk@plainfieldfriends.org. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wrestling-with-faith-a-forum-for-spiritual-seekers-session-2-tickets-618523700037

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Scientists Invent Battery Made of Paper

Scientists have developed a water-activated, disposable, paper battery, according to a proof-of-concept study published in Scientific Reports. The developers believe that their invention could be used to power a variety of low-power, single-use electronics, such as smart packaging, environmental sensors and medical diagnostic devices, thereby reducing their environmental impact.

The single-cell battery consists of one square centimeter of paper treated with salts. One side is printed with ink containing graphite flakes, which serves as the positive terminal, and the other side is printed with ink containing zinc powder to create the negative terminal. Another layer of ink containing graphite flakes and carbon black is applied over that, linking the battery’s positive and negative ends to two wires secured by wax.

When a few drops of water are added to the paper, the salts dissolve, releasing charged ions that spread across the paper to activate the battery. In tests, researchers were able to reach a stable 1.2 volts. (The voltage of a standard AA alkaline battery is 1.5 volts.) The battery’s performance decreased significantly after an hour when the paper dried. However, after two more drops of water were added, the battery maintained 0.5 volts for an additional hour.

photo courtesy of newatlas

Taking Control of Our Hormones

NUTRITIONAL TIPS TO SUPPORT THE DELICATE BALANCE

by Sheila Julson

Keeping these hormones in proper balance is critical for health, and imbalances can lead to a wide range of effects, including diabetes, thyroid disease, unintended weight fluctuations, skin problems, fatigue, mood swings and infertility. While inactivity, stress, age and genetics impact hormone production, our food choices can significantly tip the scales.

Dr. Ann Lee is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When treating hormonal, thyroid and adrenal imbalances, she says it is important to focus on foods that provide the minerals and vitamins that support those systems. For women of all ages, she recommends blueberries, asparagus, lettuce, celery and papaya. Teens and women in their 20s can also benefit from apples, bananas, mangoes, avocados, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, sweet potatoes and most lettuce varieties. The nutrients in these vegetables and fruits become even more important as women reach 30 and for those dealing with menopause, so Lee recommends more frequent consumption of these fresh, whole foods to support the adrenal and thyroid glands.

According to Lee, it is equally important to avoid foods that interfere with hormonal nutrition. She advises women over 50 to lower their caffeine intake. Dairy products contain naturally occurring hormones that can impede human hormone balance and should be eaten in moderation. “The less external hormonal exposure you have, the easier it is for your own hormones to balance,” Lee explains.

Despite the popularity of intermittent fasting, Lee believes that the trendy eating pattern can deny the body the vitamins and minerals it needs, causing it to produce more adrenalin and cortisol to make up for the loss. “People do intermittent fasting because it might feel good to have more adrenalin, and thus more energy, but it does come at a price—your hormones,” she says.

Most of the foods Lee recommends are low in calories. “In order to curb hunger, you have to eat them regularly, and that

Artem Varnitsin/AdobeStock.com

Think of hormones as the body’s messengers, sending signals that affect a host of functions. Produced by the pancreas, thyroid and other endocrine glands and organs, hormones drive our metabolism, impact mood, regulate blood pressure, manage our sleep cycles, influence sexual function and more. Key players are insulin, cortisol, thyroid and growth hormones, adrenaline, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

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goes against intermittent fasting. People that do intermittent fasting often focus on proteins and fats, so they don’t have to eat for a long time, but that can cause adrenal burnout because the body is not getting what it needs,” she explains, noting that avocados and potatoes tend to help people feel full longer.

Jaclyn Downs is a functional nutrigenomics practitioner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and author of Enhancing Fertility Through Functional Medicine: Using Nutrigenomics to Solve ‘Unexplained’ Infertility. She notes that for hormones to be produced by the body, nutritional cofactors or “helper nutrients” are required. “Magnesium, zinc and B vitamins are a few of the spark plugs that move these processes and keep the wheels spinning,” she emphasizes. “Grass-fed beef liver or capsules contain all of these.”

According to Downs, menstrual problems can be an indicator of eventual fertility issues. To support female reproductive hormones, she recommends cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. These foods also support liver detoxification pathways due to their high concentrations of vitamins and sulfur. “The liver helps clear used or ‘dirty’ hormones,” she notes.

Downs also recommends pomegranates, which are rich in antioxidants and fight inflammation-producing free radicals. Healthy fats from cold-water, wild-caught fish support pregnant women and growing fetuses. “Folate is often emphasized as a nutrient for pregnant women, but choline is just as important for everybody, regardless of life stage or gender,” Downs notes. Choline is found in egg yolks, sunflower lecithin and shiitake mushrooms. For 50-plus women, Downs prescribes fish or high-quality fish oil, which can benefit brain, liver and hormonal health.

VANILLA AND FIG SCONES WITH PISTACHIOS

A great dessert or breakfast treat, a scone is a baked good usually made with wheat flour and butter. This recipe calls for almond flour instead to reduce the carbs and increase the nutrition. The pastry has been enjoyed in Scotland since 1513, and its name probably derives from the Dutch word for bread. Figs and pistachios sweeten the scones and give them a bit of crunch.

YIELD: 6 TO 8 SCONES

2½ cups almond flour

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp baking soda

⅓ cup coconut oil, melted

¼ cup honey

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup chopped dried figs, plus some for garnish

½ cup pistachios, roughly chopped

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, salt and baking soda. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, eggs and vanilla. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until thoroughly combined. Fold in the ½ cup of figs and the pistachios.

Place the dough on the baking sheet and shape into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Cut into squares and then cut the squares diagonally into triangular wedges. Separate the wedges so they are about 1 inch apart to allow for even cooking. Press a few pieces of fig into the top of each wedge.

Bake for 12 to 17 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in a scone comes out clean. Let cool for 30 minutes on the baking sheet, then serve.

Adapted from MenuPause. Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Anna Cabeca. Used by permission of Rodale Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Anna Cabeca

SOLVING STRESS

HOLISTIC TIPS FROM LIFESTYLE DOCTORS

by Linda Sechrist

Medicine is changing as a new class of doctors endeavors to treat the whole person rather than the symptoms of disease, helping their patients achieve optimal health with lifestyle changes, medicine, herbs, supplements and modalities tailored to the individual. No longer reaching for a prescription pad as often, these functional and integrative physicians are spending an average of 45 minutes per office visit. Using their sleuthing skills and innovative skillsets, they ask probing questions about a patient’s current lifestyle and history, pinpoint the root cause of a problem and craft customized solutions.

To help someone manage stress, a functional or integrative doctor may suggest a daily dose of herbal tea, nightly entries in a gratitude journal, a visualization practice, brisk walks, gardening, art therapy, mindful meditation, a nutrient-rich diet that reduces food allergies, yoga poses and regular sessions of qigong or tai chi. Armed with an extensive list of better-for-you choices than addictive, prescription sleeping pills or tranquilizers, individuals are empowered to improve their health and eliminate stress. Studies suggest that 75 to 90 percent of illnesses are stress related. Getting to the root cause before it escalates into cardiovascular disease, depression or diabetes is what curious and compassionate doctors do.

“Because sleep is a great resolution to almost anything, it’s one of the first things I consider,” says Carrie Jones, a functional and naturopathic doctor in Portland, Oregon. “Stress can be physiological, caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria and toxins, as well as blood sugar imbalances. Not getting enough sleep, or poor sleep, is stressful to the body, which is on alert all the time.”

According to Jones, finding ways to coax the body into feeling safe can help people relieve stress and get a good night’s sleep. “People rarely realize that basic things such as joy, play, laughter and a community of supportive people have anything to do with feeling safe enough to sleep deeply. It’s why I inquire about those things,” she explains.

Tips for Sounder Slumber

n Turn the thermostat down in the bedroom. A cool temperature combats insomnia.

n Snuggle under a weighted blanket. The gentle pressure signals the autonomic nervous system to go into rest mode.

n Install blackout shades. Light decreases melatonin, the sleep hormone.

n Avoid alcohol before bed, as it can disrupt the sleep cycle.

n Stop using electronics, including social media, television and phones, two hours before getting under the covers. The blue light emitted by screens restrains the production of melatonin.

Connecting and spending quality social time with friends helps to alleviate stress. Anna Cabeca, a triple board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, advises, “Every day, stress causes the stress hormone cortisol to go up and oxytocin, the connecting hormone, to go down, lessening the desire to connect. It’s a double whammy for women in perimenopause and menopause, because hormones are declining, and stress overloads the already overtaxed endocrine system.”

Rebecca Hunton, personalized medicine doctor and founder of Radiantly Healthy MD, in Melbourne, Florida, coaches her patients to modify unhelpful habits. “I’m always looking for that one thing that patients can easily change. Sometimes it’s teaching them the difference between stress resilience and stress avoidance. A stress avoidance activity is spending two hours playing a game on your phone that leaves you beating yourself up and feeling like, ‘Why did I waste all that time?’ If, on the other hand, an activity leaves you feeling energized and wanting to tackle the other things on your to-do list, you just did a stress resilience activity,” says Hunton.

Stress Resilience Activities

n Meditation

n Prayer

n Chanting a mantra

n Expressing creativity, such as cooking or painting

Carol Penn is a dual board-certified physician and movement coach in New Jersey. While observing her 87-year-old father practicing qigong, a form of meditation in motion, she had an epiphany and saw a powerful life lesson occurring before her eyes. “Moving with strength and grace through his practice so close to the end of his life, it occurred to me that he was role-modeling what it would be like for me to be kind to my future self. I teach my patients from this perspective, visualizing their future selves full of health, vitality, wonder and awe,” says the author of Meditation in a Time of Madness.

Qigong has psychological and physical components, regulating the mind, body movement, breath and posture. “It balances and calms the autonomic, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems so that you feel less stress upon completion of the practice. Movements are designed to build longevity on a cellular level,” Penn explains.

According to Lorraine Maita, a board-certified functional and integrative doctor in New Jersey, “The body sends out hormonal fight-or-flight signals when it’s distressed. In the initial stages, there’s a release of adrenaline, followed by cortisol, keeping your body on high alert. To most people, stress is just worry, and they’re thinking they’re handling it, but stress can be like a viral program running in the background all the time. It’s still there whether you’re reacting to it or not, whether you’re stuffing it under the surface or not. It’s why you go to therapy with mental stress, or why you need someone to talk to for processing it.”

Maita is a proponent of alternative modalities that help people modulate the stress response. “I recommend HeartMath to my patients, which is self-regulation technology based on more than 32 years of scientific research on the psychophysiology of stress, resilience and the interactions between the heart and brain,” says the author of Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier.

Jaquel Patterson, a naturopathic physician and medical director of Fairfield Family Health, in Connecticut, might determine if her patient is suffering from chronic stress by testing their saliva for

Accelerate Your Healing with Focused Energy

cortisol levels in the morning and evening. Noting that her favorite teas for sleep and relaxation are chamomile and passionflower, she explains that passionflower is for someone that can’t fall asleep because there’s a radio playing in their head. “For dealing with stress, I like adaptogens, such as Siberian ginseng, rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, holy basil and L-theanine. The stress response requires a lot of B vitamins, along with magnesium and vitamin C,” she says.

Citing Hal Elrod’s book The Miracle Morning, Patterson recommends starting every day with a set of stress-relieving rituals Elrod calls “Life S.A.V.E.R.S.” She explains, “S is for silence, like meditation. A is for affirmations. V is for visualization, so you can visualize how your day is going to be. E is for exercise. R is for reading, and S is for scribing, writing things in a journal.”

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Call Bill to schedule: 770-990-9191. Or visit https://www.distancehealer.me.

Practicing by donation for 10 years.

Pointing out the differences between stress and anxiety, Patterson notes that anxiety is a continual rumination of thoughts, second-guessing and overthinking. Anxiety can cause stress, but stress can occur without anxiety. People with high anxiety sometimes have heart palpitations. Some stress is good for us. Without any stressors, Patterson cautions, we are unmotivated, lethargic and lacking in enthusiasm.

Technological Solutions to Quiet the Anxious Mind

n Reflect Orb: This handheld biofeedback device can help an individual self-monitor their body’s physiology and learn to control the involuntary body-mind connection.

n Meditation apps: Insight Timer, Calm and similar apps offer guided meditations, relaxing music videos and meditation instruction for newbies and experienced practitioners.

n YouTube videos: Look for musical compositions with energy frequencies and binaural beats that encourage relaxation, promote positivity and decrease anxiety.

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

If

609-570-6980

Regenerative Medicine utilizes your own cells, including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to facilitate your body’s natural ability to heal from orthopedic and spine problems that were previously treated with steroids and surgery.

We specialize in treating pain in the spine and joints including osteoarthritis. With minimal down time, Regenerative Medicine can help you return to work, sports and activities quickly.

J. Roman,

First Signs of Menopause

HOW TO RESOLVE VAGINAL DRYNESS

by Linda Sechrist

When The New York Times and National Geographic cover the subject of menopause in the same calendar year, perhaps it’s a sign that the inevitable phase of a woman’s life that ushers in vaginal dryness, irregular periods, hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, night sweats, sleep problems, decreased sex drive and weight gain is finally getting the attention it deserves.

Solutions for women experiencing perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause are not covered in medical school. Instead, they stem from the work of pioneers like Dr. Pamela Wartian Smith, author of What You Must Know About Women’s Hormones: Your Guide to Natural Hormone Treatments for PMS, Menopause, Osteoporosis, PCOS, and More, and Dr. Christiane Northrup, who wrote Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing.

Today, integrative and functional doctors, researchers and continuing education instructors are leading the charge to provide innovative and customized answers for women experiencing vaginal dryness and other hormone-related symptoms.

The earliest sign of changes occurs between the ages of 40 to 44, during perimenopause, and according to Dr. Lindsey Berkson, author of Safe Hormones, Smart Women, vaginal dryness is the flashing red light. “A sign of insufficient hormone signaling, vaginal dryness is the body’s warning that bones are beginning to thin; the brain’s structure, activity and neuron connectivity are beginning to decline; and the aging process has begun,” she explains.

A continuing-education instructor for doctors and pharmacists, Berkson notes, “The vagina doesn’t exist alone. Treating only the vagina is minimized medicine. It’s so important

to find a doctor who practices functional medicine, has completed continuing-education hours in hormone replacement therapy and nutrition, and has experience in these areas.”

Dr. Meena Malhotra, a double board-certified internist practicing functional and integrative medicine for 27 years, understands that vaginal tissue is hormone-dependent, and dryness left untreated can lead to urinary tract infections that can progress to kidney infections. “Atrophic vaginitis with dryness, itching and burning doesn’t happen overnight; it happens gradually. Many women who are not seeing a gynecologist regularly for checkups are unaware of the gradual decrease of their progesterone and estrogen,” advises the founder of the Heal n Cure Medical Wellness Center, in Glenview, Illinois.

“Women generally self-treat sexual discomfort from dryness first with self-prescribed, over-the-counter gels, suppositories and creams, which are temporary fixes,” Malhotra says. “Functional medicine, which allows for longer appointments, in-depth intake and more intimate conversations, can determine the root cause of vaginal dryness, which can be treated early with FormaV, a non-surgical, painless rejuvenation procedure which tightens loose labia, improves vaginal health and makes sexual intimacy desirable again.”

Known as “the girlfriend doctor”, triple board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Anna Cabeca has been in practice for 23 years and is the author of The Hormone Fix: Burn Fat Naturally, Boost Energy, Sleep Better, and Stop Hot Flashes, the Keto-Green Way. Recognizing that many over-the-counter lubricants perpetuate dryness and create damage to the tissue, she formulated her own products. “Inflammation can happen because of a reaction to the ingredients in the lubricant. I tell my patients that they can make their own lubricant using organic coconut oil mixed with aloe vera gel and a few drops of an essential oil that turns their partner on. They can also strengthen the pelvic floor with Kegel exercises and eat a keto-green diet,” Cabeca suggests.

Dr. Rebecca Hunton, the founder of Radiantly Healthy MD, in Melbourne, Florida, believes that treating the changes in a woman’s body is a form of personalized medicine. “Every woman’s journey is different, but generally before vaginal dryness comes progesterone deficiency. Symptoms include trouble falling asleep, anxiousness and moodiness,”

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she says, adding that not all vaginal dryness is hormone-related, as an autoimmune disorder could also be a cause.

Hunton recommends, “Starting early with a transdermal progesterone cream can mitigate some dryness, but at a certain point, progesterone won’t suffice. There are nonsurgical treatments such as MonaLisa Touch, a laser treatment that brings the tissue in the vagina to a more youthful state. It needs to be repeated every 18 months to two years.”

These doctors all agree that women no longer have to power through the changes. There are answers. As Cabeca asserts, “This is a time that heralds a second spring of our lives and should be a beautiful journey.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior writer for Natural Awakenings.

VITAMIN D FOR DENTAL HEALTH

people, including children, lack it. National Institutes of Health data shows that approximately 42% of the U.S. adult population suffers from vitamin D deficiency. Statistics are even higher for people with darker skin. Almost 63% of Hispanic adults and 82% of African American adults are vitamin D deficient.

Despite the high rates, people don’t realize they are vitamin D deficient. Signs of deficiency include frequent illness or infections, fatigue and tiredness, bone and back pain, depression, and slow wound healing.

Vitamin D deficiency causes gum inflammation and bone loss, which can significantly impact dental health. Gum disease, for example, is not just a sign of poor dental health, but also of an inflamed immune system. Vitamin D intake and periodontal (gum) health are strongly associated.

By Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS

Vitamin D is often considered just another vitamin in our daily routine, but its significance cannot be overstated. In fact, vitamin D is not actually a vitamin; it is a “prohormone,” a substance that is converted by enzymes into an anabolic hormone that stimulates protein synthesis, muscle growth, and insulin production. In simple terms, prohormones help fortify and strengthen our bones and teeth.

Unlike other vitamins not naturally produced in the body, vitamin D can be synthesized from sunlight on the skin. It can also be obtained from certain foods, such as dairy products, and fatty fish like salmon, cheese, and egg yolks, which are rich in vitamin D.

So, what is vitamin D’s role in keeping our teeth and gums healthy?

When we consider that tooth decay and gum disease are the most common dental issues and have reached epidemic proportions, vitamin D becomes crucial in preventing these problems. Vitamin D is essential for building healthy bones and teeth, as it enables our digestive system to absorb calcium from our diet. Moreover, vitamin D can help repair our teeth’s underlying layer, dentin, which is important in cases of receding gums. It also plays a role in managing our immune system to prevent gum inflammation.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency may surprise you. Unfortunately, many

It is possible to treat vitamin D deficiency with supplements. Based on an individual’s condition, healthcare providers will determine how much, how often, and for how long the supplements should be taken.

At Holistic Dental Center, we prioritize the overall health of our patients, and our approach goes beyond just cleaning teeth or filling cavities. We strive to provide our patients with comprehensive solutions to achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS, is the founder of the Holistic Dental Center located at 91 Millburn Avenue in Millburn. For more information and to make an appointment, please call 973-457-4244 or visit HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com. See ad, page 40.

Bringing the Bounce Back

INTEGRATIVE TREATMENTS FOR PETS WITH MOBILITY ISSUES

by Ruth Roberts, DVM

All pet owners want to see their animals live long, healthy lives filled with activity, but sometimes our furry friends find it difficult to move comfortably due to aging, injuries and other ailments. While vets often suggest surgery for certain debilitating conditions, less invasive treatments might be just as effective with considerably less risk, particularly for animals that cannot tolerate anesthesia.

For example, a 2013 University of Minnesota study focused on large-breed, overweight dogs with torn knee ligaments. Half of the dogs were treated with medical management consisting of weight loss, pain medication and physical therapy, and the other half received surgery to repair the torn ligament, followed by the same medical management. After a year, 75 percent of

the dogs treated with surgery and medical management were considered treatment successes, based on leg function, quality of life and gait analysis. Surprisingly, 63.6 percent of the dogs that did not have surgery and received only medical management were also deemed successful cases.

Before considering surgery or other invasive treatments, integrative pet mobility and rehabilitation (IPMR) might be a good way to help a pet regain its vitality without going under the knife. It is a holistic approach to helping pets recover from injuries, manage pain and improve mobility that combines various techniques to provide a comprehensive and personalized plan for each pet.

“It is all about educating pet parents and preserving the best quality of life for my

patients,” says Dr. Joyce Gerardi, of Synergy Integrative Veterinary Clinic. “Over time, my special interests have grown to include platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived and allogeneic amniotic stem cell therapies, acupuncture, food therapy, cold laser, herbal medicine, tuina massage, ozone and physical rehabilitation services.”

Here is a look at a few such modalities.

LASER THERAPY uses light energy to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain. The procedure involves the application of laser light to the damaged area using a handheld device. The severity of the ailment and the location being treated determines the length and frequency of treatments. The patient will feel a gentle,

warm sensation as the laser technician or veterinarian moves the device over the affected area. Pets usually relax and take pleasure in the calming warmth of laser therapy, which is painless.

PHYSICAL THERAPY is an essential component of IPMR. It involves exercises and stretches that help pets regain strength and flexibility in their muscles and joints. A trained physical therapist can customize a plan that targets specific areas of concern such as the hips, knees or spine. This can help reduce pain and improve mobility, allowing pets to move around more easily and enjoy their favorite activities.

ACUPUNCTURE involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote healing. Acupuncture can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve circulation, all contributing to improved pet mobility.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE involves manipulating the spine to correct misalignments and improve overall function. This can help pets with hip dysplasia, arthritis or spinal injuries.

MASSAGE involves gentle pressure and strokes to relax muscles, reduce pain and improve circulation. Massage can also help pets with anxiety or stress, which can contribute to muscle tension and pain.

NUTRITION: A well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet can help with healing, inflammation reduction and overall health. A qualified veterinarian can recommend a diet plan tailored to each pet’s needs.

Easing a Pet’s Pain While in Treatment

Reducing a pet’s discomfort with full-spectrum cannabinoids or, if needed, prescription pain medications offers better comfort and recovery time. Another option is to reduce a pet’s stress by balancing its adrenal stress hormones.

Ruth Roberts is a holistic veterinarian and certified pet health coach with more than 30 years’ experience.

Skin Fitness

DAILY ROUTINES FOR A RADIANT APPEARANCE

by David J. Sautter

While many of us work out to tone our muscles, we may be neglecting the largest organ in the body: our skin. Every day, it is exposed to a variety of irritants, including ultraviolet rays, air pollution, extreme weather and highly processed foods. Stress can also cause skin irritations and conditions. To serve its important functions and look healthy, our skin needs a fitness regimen. With a few daily routines, lifestyle modifications and coping strategies, a radiant appearance is within reach.

Skin Conditions Exacerbated by Stress

ACNE: When we are stressed, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that stimulates the production of pore-clogging oils, which can lead to the formation of acne. Stress also triggers inflammation, which can worsen existing acne.

PREMATURE AGING: Stress can accelerate the aging process by reducing the skin’s elasticity and causing wrinkles and fine lines. It triggers the production of free radicals, precipitating damage to collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for keeping the skin firm and supple. When they are damaged, the skin becomes saggy.

CHRONIC CONDITIONS: Stress can trigger or worsen skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, which are characterized by inflammation, dryness and itching.

Lifestyle Tips to Improve Skin Health

GET ENOUGH SLEEP. A good night’s sleep is essential for skin health. It also helps reduce the impact of daily stress. Aim for no less than seven hours of shut-eye each night.

EXERCISE REGULARLY. Getting our bodies moving is essential to reduce stress levels and improve skin health by increasing blood flow, nutrient delivery and oxygenation to the skin.

EAT A HEALTHY DIET. “An anti-inflammatory diet full of fruits, veggies and healthy fats like those from seeds and nuts will help to keep skin healthy,” says Jennifer Scheinman, a registered dietitian and nutrition coach. “Foods rich in omega-3 fats like salmon and walnuts are great for skin health since they have natural anti-inflammatory properties, and the fats help to keep skin moisturized.”

PRACTICE STRESS-RELIEVING TECHNIQUES. Engage in activities that help manage stress, such as yoga, meditation or deep-breathing exercises.

APPLY SKIN-CARE PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR THE PERSON’S SKIN TYPE. According to Dr. Trevor Cates, author of Clean Skin From Within and Natural Beauty Reset, “The most important care tip is to find skin care with mild acidity [4.5 to 5.4 pH] and natural actives [plantbased extracts] that support the skin microbiome. A healthy skin microbiome means less chance for breakouts, blemishes and premature aging.”

According to Dr. Anne Marie Fine, author of Cracking the Beauty Code, “Air pollution has been demonstrated to prematurely age the skin and cause age spots. This is why you want to make sure to consume antioxidants and use antioxidant-containing, clean skin-care products.”

Therapies to Enhance the Skin

RED-LIGHT THERAPY DEVICES use infrared light to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation and promote healing. This reduces wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other signs of aging.

MICROCURRENT FACIAL TOOLS use low-level electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles, helping to tone, reduce puffiness and promote a youthful appearance.

LASERS DESIGNED FOR HOME USE offer a safe way to treat various skin issues such as wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage and pigmentation problems. They can also help even out skin tone by stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin.

GUA SHA is an ancient Chinese technique that involves gently scraping the surface of the skin with a special tool to increase blood flow, promote healing and reduce puffiness and inflammation.

OXYGEN TREATMENTS infused into pores using a special device can help nourish skin cells, decrease inflammation, reduce wrinkles and improve overall complexion.

FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE involves inserting tiny needles into specific points to stimulate energy flow, which may improve circulation, reduce tension and promote smoother skin.

FACIAL MASSAGE reduces wrinkles by stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. It promotes circulation, drainage and toning.

David J. Sautter is a certified personal trainer specializing in fitness nutrition and sports conditioning, as well as a professional fitness writer. Learn more at WriteFit.com.

Gardening Therapy HEALING

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT IN THE YARD

by Sheryl DeVore

Gardening outdoors adds color and texture to yards and neighborhoods and, with the right plants, attracts pollinators, whose numbers are declining. It also can improve human health. The exercise, sunshine and fresh air promote mental and physical health, and so does our contact with soil microbes and the harmonious patterns of nature.

“Being in the sunlight is a great way to get vitamin D, which is linked to mood and well-being. We spend so much time inside, where our perspective and thoughts can close around us. Getting outdoors can improve mindfulness and the sense of being in the moment, especially when we leave our phones inside,” says Pennsylvania-based psychologist

Seth

J. Gillihan,

author of Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Simple Path to Healing, Hope and Peace

In a study of the health and well-being benefits of allotment gardening published in the Journal of Public Health, researchers measured the mood, self-esteem and general health markers of people given plots for gardening versus those that didn’t garden at all. The scientists found that the gardeners displayed significantly better self-esteem and experienced less depression and fatigue. The top three reasons participants gave for enjoying their time tinkering in the soil were: being outdoors and having contact with nature (70 percent); feeling a sense of achievement (50 percent); and having the opportunity for restoration and stress relief (35 percent).

Cultivating our outdoor space also gives us a healthy perspective, helping us to accept our limitations and better understand our place in nature. “It’s easy to see in the garden how many things are outside of our control, such as rain, temperature and pests. We can do our best, but at some point, we need to let go,” Gillihan notes, adding that learning to let go is a lesson we can apply to other aspects of our lives.

When he faced a long-term illness coupled with depression, Gillihan built raised garden beds and planted herbs and vegetables. “I knew I needed to get more involved in something that would bring me a sense of reward and engagement. All of that creative effort really helped to bring me back to life,” he recalls. “In a garden, you’re exercising, but it’s not a repetitive thing like running, so that can make it more fun and seem like less of a task.”

“Digging, walking, carrying and squatting circulate our blood and release dopamine and endorphins in our brains,” says Karen Hugg, author of Leaf Your Troubles Behind: How to Destress and Grow Happiness Through Plants. “We feel more energetic and happier. Similarly, puttering in the garden or designing an ornamental bed is really about playing, and playing is integral to mental health.”

By merely observing greenery we can find peace and clarity. “A tree’s subdividing branches or the whorled arrangement of leaves are patterns that can calm the nervous system. If you look at plants during

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even a five-minute break, either indoors or out, you’re practicing a kind of relaxation therapy,” Hugg affirms.

A little bit of earth under our fingernails is good for us. “When you get your hands dirty, there are beneficial microbes in the soil that improve your health and well-being,” says Charlie Hall, professor of horticultural studies and department chair at Texas A&M University, who has researched the physiological, psychological and social benefits of plants.

According to Hall, horticultural therapy reduces stress and anxiety, enhances memory and attention span and can improve quality of life for those with physical, mental or cognitive challenges. Citing the example of disabled adults helping to run a garden center and greenhouse at the Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas, he notes, “Working together in a garden builds a sense of belonging. Even those who are not physically able to participate in those activities benefit. Just being in the garden can dramatically reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.”

Gardening Tips to Improve Human and Planetary Health

n Choose a modest space outdoors or purchase small containers.

n Keep it simple and start small with just a few plants.

n Read books to learn about plant needs by region.

n Talk to nurseries that sell native species.

n Think of the garden as a refuge, a place to smell flowers and watch plants thrive.

n View gardening as a fun exercise.

n Join a community garden to cultivate flowers and vegetables in a social setting.

n Grow houseplants, herbs and lettuces to bring in the outdoors.

n Volunteer at a nonprofit that propagates vegetables for food pantries.

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

MAY 2023 daily & ongoing

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Wrestling with Faith– Lunch 12noon; Program 1-3pm. A forum for spiritual seekers. Join us for discussion on important topics like the problem of evil, is the Bible inerrant, and the nature of God. Hosted by Plainfield Quakers, 225 Watchung Ave., Plainfield. Free; donations accepted. See ad page 13 for registration link.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

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. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:15pm. $60 each session. Register for link. Hypnosis Counseling Center. For more information, contact Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767 or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

Change Your Life with Hypnosis –9-12noon. Barry Wolfson leads three onehour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 9-10am. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 10-11am. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 11-12noon. $60 each session. Hypnosis Counseling Center, 28 Mine St., Flemington. For more information, contact Barry at 908-3037767, or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter. com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Mother’s Day Silk Bandana Workshop –1-3pm. Rebecca Kelly teaches how to use flowers, kitchen produce and herbs to bundle dye a luxurious silk charmeuse bandana. Scarves make gorgeous presents. Forest bathe and forage for materials. Resources and bibliography shared with all. Light rain, please bring umbrellas and rain gear. We will reschedule if there are heavy rains. Ages 16+. $80. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm. com/workshops/workshops.

MONDAY, MAY 15

Stress Relief with Hypnosis – 7:308:30pm. Barry Wolfson shares how the tools of hypnosis can help relieve

All calendar events for the June 2023 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.

stress. $49. Honor Yoga Studio, 17 Reaville Ave., Flemington. Sponsored by Hypnosis Counseling Center. For more information, contact Barry at 908-3037767; barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter. com or Christina Flanagan at 908-8787840; christina@hyflemington.com , HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 19

New/Full Moon Yoga & Tarot Workshop –6-7:30pm. Tune in, reflect, and strengthen your connection to yourself and the world around you. This workshop is designed to be engaging for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Expect a combination of journaling, basic and restorative yoga poses, and a single card spread tarot reading for yourself. Tickets available through Wildflower Yoga Collective. $55; pre-registration required. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908310-5973. WildflowersupYoga.com/ moonflowandtarot.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Comprehensive Reiki Master HealerTeacher Training – 10am-5pm. Learn Mastery level awareness, healing, and teaching and experience all levels of Reiki from a Mastery perspective as we work on one another. Be curious, open, and ready to go beyond anywhere you imagined healing, and Mastery would take you. This is open to sincere students from all Reiki traditions. Class schedule will be set to accommodate students. $2000; payment plan available. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-SessionsClasses-Retreats), 247 North Road, Chester. 973-647-2500. BeTheMedicine.com.

Backyard Medicine – 1-3pm. Get to know the many benefits that chickweed, plantain, dandelion, and violet have to offer. Together, we will identify, harvest and discover the nutritional and medicinal properties of these generous plants. $45. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-3105973. MadLavenderFarm.com/workshops/ workshops.

Past Lives Regression Workshop – 6-8pm. Join us as we take a look into your past. Past lives, that is! Join Howard Mertine (Alternative Therapies Work, LLC) with Ellen Petroski Perkins & Greg Perkins (Gaia’s Gifts), as we host a two-hour guided hypnotic journey to take you into your own past lives. You may even uncover why you do some of the things you do in your current life. $30. Pay at door or at paypal.me/gaiasgiftsnj/30.

Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. RSVP by 5/19 as space is limited to 12 people. For information, call 908-223-1331 or email Ellen at perkins145@ comcast.net. GaiasGifts.net.

SUNDAY, MAY 21

Wrestling with Faith– Lunch 12noon; Program 1-3pm. A forum for spiritual seekers. Join us for discussion on important topics like the problem of evil, is the Bible inerrant, and the nature of God. Hosted by Plainfield Quakers, 225 Watchung Ave., Plainfield. Free; donations accepted. See ad page 13 for registration link.

SATURDAY, MAY 27

Past Lives Regression Workshop – 6-8pm. Join us as we take a look into your past. Past lives, that is! Join Howard Mertine (Alternative Therapies Work, LLC) with Everett Magie (Alien Ink Tattoos), as we host a two-hour guided hypnotic journey to take you into your own past lives. You may even uncover why you do some of the things you do in your current life. $40. Pay at door or PayPal Howard at hgmertine@gmail.com.

Location: Alien Ink Tattoos: 264 Route 206 South, Unit 3, Flanders. For information call 973-652-7962.

plan ahead

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Feng Shui Professional Certification Program – 12noon. Become certified and accredited as a Feng Shui Professional. Join Master Teachers Renae Jensen and Mary Dennis for this step-by-step personalized, hands-on training intensive. Mention Natural Awakenings for a $100 discount. For information, email RenaeJensen@gmail. com or visit FengShuiMorristown.com. FengShuiMorristown.com.

Shamanic Journey Circle – 7:30pm. A shamanic journey will help you not just know who your guides are, but also to develop authentic, meaningful relationships with them. $20/pp or $15/pp if you bring a friend! Rev. Denise from Haven of Harmony leads the circle at Moongate Wellness, 15 Main Street, Blairstown. For information, call Yvonne at Moongate 973-271-3287. HavenOfHarmonyNJ.com/events

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Spirit of Ayahuasca – 11am-2pm; every 2 nd & 4 th Sunday. Rev. Denise leads this 11-month program for intensive selfhealing working with the Spirit of Ayahuasca. Shamanic techniques and ceremonies support your journey. Be ready for transformation! $167/mo for 11 months. Register at HavenOfHarmonyNJ.com/ Ayahuasca. Haven of Harmony, 23 Diller Ave., Newton. For information contact 862268-3213 or havenofharmonynj@gmail. com. HavenOfHarmonyNJ.com.

ongoing

tuesday

Mediumship, Intuitive, & Psychic Development Circle – 7-9pm. This on-going, interactive workshop series is presented in a way that assists in building intuitive muscle. Maureen guides participants in connecting with their intuition. This is a spiritual growing environment and each week will focus on different techniques to help you unfold and develop to the next level. Every class will be different in development lessons. All levels welcome! $15. Portal of Healing, 50 Main Street, Top Floor, Chester. PortalOfHealing. com.

thursday

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

Soul Shamanism 101 - Live One With Your Soul – 7-9:30pm; Zoom. Experience true oneness, peace, unconditional love, joy, wisdom, and clear personal direction. Join Janet StraightArrow on Zoom as she initiates you into a direct experience of your soul to live in your body and life. Meet your ancestors, guides, and teachers who travel with you. Explore your inner spiritual space that reflects your body and entire life and never feel alone again. $525. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-SessionsClasses-Retreats), 247 North Road, Chester. 973-647-2500. BeTheMedicine.com.

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Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication date.

METAPHYSICAL SHOP

OFFERINGS: A unique gift shop for the mind, body and soul. Check out our collection of angels, candles, cards, crystals, crystal soaps, jewelry, sage, salt lamps, solar wind chimes, tea, t-shirts, tumbled stones and more. Card readings, classes and workshops available. Metaphysical & Spiritual Bliss, 19A Old Highway 22, Clinton. 908-268-8029. FB Metaphysical & Spiritual Bliss. Instagram @cmatsen11

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.

Inner Soul Wellness

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Acupuncture

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com

Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health and passionate about helping people with degenerative eye diseases. Call now to qualify for your free copy of his groundbreaking book, Recover Your Vision. Additional specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. See ad, pages 29.

Acupuncture/Wellness

Kismet Acupuncture & Apothecary

Katie Us, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac.

200 North 14th Street, Kenilworth 973-874-9445

Info@kismetacupuncture.com

KismetAcupuncture.com

Kismet Acupuncture & Apothecary is a cozy, woman-owned health and wellness practice focused on helping you live your best life via holistic, whole-body healing. We believe in creating partnerships with our patients to ensure you leave feeling better. See ad, page 18.

Bakery/Specialty

Starseed Bakery

Linda Beg

100 Hibernia Avenue, Rockaway 973-957-0500

StarseedBakery@gmail.com

StarseedBakery.com

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, page 19.

Bedding - Organic Hibernate Bedding

80 Morristown Rd, Bernardsville 908-766-5450

HibernateBedding.com

Exclusive collection of Organic and Chemical Free mattresses and accessories. Over 30 years family experience. Come see how easy it is to shop for a mattress. Free delivery, free set up, free removal. See ad, page 17.

Breathwork/Meditation

Art of Living- Morris county

Online and In-person Workshops for Breathwork and Meditation

973-833-2193

morriscounty@us.artofliving.org taplink.cc/aolmorriscounty

Art of Living- Morris county, a team of facilitators and volunteers bring the mission of Art of living, to bring stress free living to the Morris & Sussex county residents. They conduct events and Workshops teaching Breathwork, Meditation and Yoga designed for various age groups, SKY kids for 8-12 year olds, SKY teens for 13-17 year old and SKY Breath Meditation for 18 and above. See ad, page 12.

Art of Living- Union county

Online and In-person Workshops for Breathwork and Meditation

973-833-2193

summit@us.artofliving.org

Art of Living- Union county, a team of facilitators and volunteers bring the mission of Art of living, to bring stress free living to the Union & Essex county residents. They conduct events and Workshops teaching Breathwork, Meditation and Yoga designed for various age groups, SKY kids for 8-12 year olds, SKY teens for 13-17 year old and SKY Breath Meditation for 18 and above. See ad, page 12.

Coaching Law Of Attraction Life Coach

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.

Colon Hydrotherapy

Living Waters Wellness Center

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 35.

Dental Holistic Atlantic Oral Surgery Center

Dr. Justin Ponquinette, DMD, NMD, IBDM 21 N. Gilbert St., Ste 210, Tinton Falls, NJ 732-747-0993

info@atlanticoralsurgery.com

AtlanticOralSurgery.com

A compromised mouth can become a quality-of-life issue. We offer methods to promote/provide and health while respecting and embracing the body’s ability to heal itself. See ad, page 11.

Enzyme Nutrition

Next Level Healing Of NJ, Inc.

Susan Richter, RN, Nutritionist, CCH, LDHS Denville • 973-586-0626

NextLevelHealing.com

Enzyme nutrition is becoming a sought after therapy for the underlying digestive issues related to autism, auto-immune 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. Call for a gentle approach to healing.

Eye/Vision Health

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060

• AcuVisionTherapy.com

Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health. 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 29

Hair Restoration

The Hair For Life Center, LLC

201-731-3530

TheHairForLifeCenter.com

For over 35 years The Hair For Life Center has been helping women who experience hair loss.In as little as 2 to 3 hours we restore your hair to its natural state safely without using glues or extensions. For more information, visit at TheHairForLifeCenter.com. See ad, page 25.

Healing & Apprenticeship

Haven of Harmony

Rev. Denise Saracco-Zoppi

23 Diller Ave., Newton 862-268-3213

havenofharmonynj@gmail.com

HavenOfHarmonyNJ.com

NJ Lic. # NJ 18KT00314000

Rev. Denise supports the awakening of your inner healer. Whether you’re searching for support in your own healing journey or a mentor to awaken your innate healing gifts, Rev. Denise has supported thousands of patients and students since 2006. See ad, page 26.

Health & Wellness

Alternative Therapies Work, LLC

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

Alleviations of allergies, phobias, trauma, addictions, anxieties, PTSD & various other afflictions. Past life regressions, building confidence and self-esteem, Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified NLP instructor and practitioner, Certified Reiki Master & practitioner, card reading and pendulum divination, motivational speaker and coach, holistic healer. See ad, page 8

Holistic 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 ad, page 3 .

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 apacity to self-regulate. Heartmath+.

Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis Counseling Center

Barry Wolfson

Offices in Flemington, Princeton, Livingston NJ, and King of Prussia, PA 908-303-7767

HypnosisCounselingCenter.com

Over 35 years of experience. We offer traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in private and group settings, in person or virtual, for weight loss, stress, smoking, confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking, sports improvement, public speaking, and more. See ad, page 13.

Morris Hypnosis Center

Linda West, BA, ACH 55 Madison Ave, Morristown 973-506-9654

MorrisHypnosisCenter.com

Advanced clinical hypnosis using interactive, personalized techniques; based on a lengthy interview at the first session and dialogues at following sessions. For weight loss, stress/anxiety, smoking, chronic pain, improved performance, trauma, substance use, sleep, fears/phobias, anger, confidence, studying/ memory issues, and more. Self-hypnosis is taught at the first extended session. If you have constraints that you can’t seem to break through, or are overly burdened by negative thoughts or feelings, hypnosis can free you and put you back in charge.

“Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.”

- Christopher Morley

“I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed.”

- Jonathan Swift

Past Life Regression Therapy & Hypnotherapy

Cathy Ludwig, Ed.S., LPC

109 Main St., Suite 1B, Succasunna 201-738-8311 • ludcat2001@gmail.com

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 25.

Professional Organizer

Everyday Organizing Solutions by Sherry LLC

Sherry Onweller, Professional Organizer, Life Strategy & Organizing Coach 908-619-4561

SOnweller@aol.com

EverydayOrganizingSolutions.com

Providing sympathetic and nonjudgmental organizing and decluttering services to residential and business clients, also helping adults with ADD to get their physical space and time management in order. Virtual and inperson sessions available. See ad, page 22.

Seafood

KWEE JACK FISH CO

Wild Alaskan Salmon & Halibut Shares 717-842-0180

EatWildSalmon.com

Sustainably harvested wild Alaskan salmon and halibut available, fishermandirect. Pre-order annually (spring) at EatWildSalmon. com for local pick-up (fall) of sushi-grade delicious nutrition, deep-frozen at the peak of freshness to enjoy throughout the year. See ad, page 14.

Spiritual Healing, Teaching

Janet StraightArrow

Shaman, Healer, Sage, Reiki Master Teacher, Astrologist 973-647-2500

Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com

Profound Healing, Clearing, Reclaim yourself, Enjoy life. 41 years of experience. Shamanic and Intuitive Energy Sessions. Soul Retrievals. Past Life, Ancestral, Current life healing. Business, Home, and Land clearings. Meditation, Shamanic, and Reiki Healers Training. and more. See ad, page 15.

Spiritual Seekers

Rahway Plainfield Quakers

225 Watchung Ave, Plainfield

QuakerCloud.org/cloud/rahway-andplainfield-friends-meeting

If you want to talk with other spiritual seekers about the questions you have about your spiritual journey, join us. May 7, May 21 and June 11. Lunch 12noon; Program 1-3pm. No charge to attend, donations accepted. See ad, page 13.

Spiritual Pathways

Eckankar in New Jersey

800-870-9139

spirituality@eckankar-nj.org

Eckankar-nj.org

A spiritual teaching that helps you recognize your true nature, Soul, an eternal, unique spark of God. Learn creative techniques to explore the path to greater spiritual freedom. See ad, page 25.

Thermography

Lisa’s Thermography and Wellness

Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC

Thermographer and Holistic Counselor

See website for locations in NJ, NY & PA 855-667-9338

Lisa@LisasThermographyAndWellness.com

LisasThermographyAndWellness.com

& Men

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 38.

“The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.”

- Kenneth Blanchard

Trevor Cates, ND Stress Impact on Skin

Jaclyn Chasse, ND Stress and Fertility

Carol Penn, DO Aging Gracefully

Carrie Jones, MD, FAAP Stress and Your Thyroid

Jaquel Patterson, ND, IFMCP Sleep, Cortisol and Its Relation to Stress

Anna Cabeca DO, OBGYN, FACOG Stress and Libido

Arti Chandra, MD, MPH Healing Your Gut

Anne Marie Fine, ND Cracking the Beauty Code

Kela Smith, PhD, DNM Stress and Fertility

Jyl Steinbeck Women’s Health and Homeopathy