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Publisher’s Letter
There is no right or wrong, but thinking that makes it so. What is right for one can be wrong for another. Enter Emotional Intelligence, a subject so critical to our very existence that it takes the whole [tribe] to put it into context. Also known as The Big Picture, context is inclusive—nothing is left out; on another note, our content—our individuality—is our sole/soul responsibility, our personal contribution to the whole/context.
Once thought life was survival of the fittest, we now know it is survival of the adaptable. Evolution—living-in-the-now—takes root; our inner alchemy organically upgrades.
Words unto themselves do not teach. This month’s contents, including trauma, stress and a Pilgrimage to Wholeness, and modeling mental health skills in Emotional Healing as a Family, lead us into experiential knowledge—the true teacher. Using Emotional Healing as a doorway to higher consciousness and much less pain, there may not be peace in the manmade world of form, but we nourish it within the sanctity of our bodily vessel. This Divine Spark within, fed with each elevated holy breath, emanates particles and waves of higher and higher frequencies, uplifting. Mastery of this mystery of holy breath, at once both a voluntary and an involuntary act, we become unified within.
As always, with an open Heart and mind, please enjoy.
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Bay Life Pharmacy and Compounding Delivers
Bay Life Pharmacy and
Compounding is a locally-owned and operated family pharmacy situated in the heart of St. Petersburg. Offering all medications and a unique natural compounding service for patients and animals, their kind staff treats every patient as family, offering both a walk-in pharmacy as well as delivery service to the doorstep.
Prices and medications are the same as through any other pharmacy, yet the service and business model are customercentric to the individual and their wellness goals.
Open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, with a 24-hour chat line on the website, choosing a local pharmacy for your needs not only saves time, but supports your immediate locality.
New patient offer: All new clients will receive a special discount and gift with purchase!
Location: 4000 Park St. N, St. Petersburg. For special and more information, call 727-216-6374, email Lisa.BayLife@ gmail.com and/or visit BayLifeCompoundingPharmacy.com. See ad page 27.
Studio 108 Yoga and Teacher Training Center
Studio 108 Yoga and Teacher Training Center, located in Tampa, has been helping keep the Tampa Bay community spiritually and physically fit for 12-plus years. It was recently voted the number one yoga studio in Tampa Bay and third best yoga studio in the State of Florida by Best Things Florida.
Studio 108 offers in-studio and online yoga classes for all levels, and private and semi-private lessons with Missy White, an E-RYT 500 and the owner of Studio 108. The creator of the 108 Asana series and a Yogavated Athletic ambassador, White has taught workshops and at conferences worldwide, from Yoga Journal Live to Sri Lanka to the Om Yoga Shows in Manchester and London.
In 2004, White completed her first 500-hour teacher training at Bikram’s Yoga College of India, in Los Angeles. Since then, she has trained with many teachers, including David Swenson, Cameron Shayne, Shiva Rae, Ana Forrest, Desiree Rumbaugh, Duncan Wong, Andrey Lappa and more.
Studio 108 offers Cold Plunge, Sauna and Breathwork sessions in class and private settings. See the website for class schedules, workshops and Yoga Alliance certified teacher training, Studio108Tampa.com.
Location: 12512 Rawhide Dr., Tampa. For more information and/or to register, call 813-343-8887 or visit Studio108Tampa.com. See ad page 35.
Mindbody Activation Comes to Florida this November
JoinQigong expert Jeff Primack and guests for three days of the most powerful breathwork, qigong forms and handson healing practices known, taking place from November 9 to 11, at Lake County Fairgrounds, in Eustis, Florida. Learn techniques to open the chakras, improve digestion, reduce allergies, increase blood circulation, deepen sleep, and overall make you feel amazing anytime you want.
Qigong Healing uses a slow martial arts style movement that noticeably boosts blood circulation in profound ways. Primack has been sharing Qigong for 25 years with live audiences of 70,000plus. When large groups practice together, a group energy is formed that further amplifies everyone’s energy.
In addition to Qigong, participants will gain valuable insights into free radicals and how the immune system works. The importance of breathwork and food-healing strategies has never been more crucial in our timeline. A unique opportunity, secure a seat now.
Cost: 299/All 3 days; $254/Before 9/30. Free to military, veterans, firefighters and police officers. Lake County Fairgrounds, Eustis, FL. Seating limited. Advance registration required. For details and complete curriculum, visit MindBodyActivation.live or call 561-275-8384. See ad page 9.
Public Grand Opening: EXIT Suncoast Realty St. Pete
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Believing in a holistic approach to business and to their agents, EXIT is dedicated to putting people first and acting as a dynamic force for good by giving back to the community.
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Hiring an EXIT agent ensures a full-service real estate professional who will be with you each step of the way—before, during and after the real-estate transaction—committed to providing excellence in service.
For more information on real estate needs, call 727-620-3948 (EXIT) or email Carla@ExitSuncoast.com. See ad page 19.
Health Briefs
Contrast Water Therapy for Muscles
Exercise creates microscopic tears in muscle tissues, which the body repairs, and each repetition of this cycle allows muscles to grow back stronger. Contrast water therapy (CWT) is a post-workout recovery method that involves placing sore muscles in alternating hot and cold baths in succession. Data examined from 13 studies and published in a 2013 PLOS ONE review showed that CWT resulted in significantly greater improvements in muscle soreness and reduced strength loss at six, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after exercise, compared to rest without any other post-recovery approach. The results of CWT were comparable to other muscle recovery interventions such as cold-water immersion, warm-immersion, compression and stretching.
Cause of Lupus Discovered
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, damaging joints, skin, muscles, connective tissue and major organs such as the kidneys, brain and heart. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, an estimated 1.5 million Americans have lupus, with nine out of 10 being women. Researchers at Northwestern Medicine and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, say they have identified the root cause of lupus. In research reported in the journal Nature, the scientists identified a molecular defect that promotes the immune response in lupus, as well as a way to reprogram the lupus-causing cells to correct the imbalance in the immune response. Work continues to find a safe and effective way to deliver these molecules to the body for reprogramming.
loveguli from Getty Images Signature/CanvaPro
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Childhood Diet Linked to Long-Term Cognitive Health
The findings of a study on the long-term effects of diet were presented at the June 2024 meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, in Chicago. The study tracked diet and cognitive abilities of more than 3,000 adults enrolled in a British survey since 1946. The participants’ diet was analyzed at five points in time, and their cognitive ability at seven points. The researchers found that higher dietary quality was closely linked with greater cognitive ability, including working memory, processing speed and general cognitive performance. Those with the highest cognitive abilities over time ate more vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains, and less sodium, added sugars and refined grains. Only 8 percent of participants with low-quality diets sustained high cognitive abilities. The results of the study suggest that the cumulative effects of diet are linked to how sharp the mind is as we age.
Microbiome and Addictive Eating
While food addiction is not considered an official diagnosis, some people have a hard time controlling the amount of highly processed foods they consume. In research published in the journal Gut, scientists analyzed the microbiome bacteria of mice and humans with food addictions. They found that the bacteria in mice and humans with food addictions were different from their counterparts with a healthy food relationship. The food-addicted groups had lower levels of the beneficial Blautia bacteria and high levels of the detrimental Proteobacteria in their microbiomes. When the researchers increased the Blautia bacteria levels in the mice that had become compulsive eaters, the compulsive behavior stopped. While a correlation between the microbiome makeup and eating patterns has been identified, more research is needed to understand whether that relationship is a cause or a marker for compulsive eating.
Standardizing Acupuncture for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is estimated to affect 18.4 percent, or about 18 million, American men. Acupuncture has long been used as a treatment with fewer potential side effects than pharmaceutical treatments. Unlike conventional medicine, the application of acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine my vary by practitioner. A research article published in Karger’s Complementary Medicine Research journal sought to reach consensus on the most effective diagnostic and treatment protocols for clinical use and for future research into the effectiveness of acupuncture. Eleven acupuncture experts named 24 acupoints and between 11 and 15 weekly treatments as an optimal regimen.
gorchittza2012 from Getty Images/ CamvaPro
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Natural Superconductor Discovered
Inside a regular material that conducts electricity, electrons encounter resistance and lose energy in the form of heat. Superconductivity is a state where there is no electrical resistance inside the material. A typical superconducting material achieves zero resistance at extremely low temperatures and, usually, under high pressure. “Unconventional” superconductors are any superconducting materials that work at higher, although still very low, temperatures.
In research published in the journal Communications Materials, scientists have reported the first “unconventional” superconductor found in nature. Miassite, a gray, metallic mineral made of rhodium and sulfur, is usually found embedded in other materials in its natural state and was identified as a regular superconductor in 2010. Special testing was performed on a lab-made piece of miassite to confirm its unconventional status. The only other unconventional superconductors are compounds developed in laboratories.
Camembert and Brie Cheese Risk Extinction
A decrease in biodiversity may lead to the loss of some of the most beloved cheeses—camembert, brie and blue cheese—according to a warning from the French National Center for Scientific Research. The fungi used to ferment these cheeses and give them their unique taste, smell, color and texture are in decline, and it is believed that efforts to engineer consistent results using fungi made in the lab is partially to blame for this decline.
SCAN FOR TICKET
In the case of camembert, the objective was to create a standardized, pristine-white look and silky texture by using a specific strain of albino fungus. But over time, that fungus has lost its ability to reproduce naturally and is losing its capability to produce asexual spores. Relying on a single form of an organism also makes it susceptible to disease, which could wipe out the whole population. In the future, cheese lovers may need to accept the greater degree of variability in the look and taste of their favorite cheeses that results from using wild fungi.
Rare Frog-Faced Turtle Found in India
A group of international scientists have discovered a breeding population of Asian giant softshell turtles on the banks of India’s Chandragiri River. According to an article in the conservation journal Oryx, people from the local community reported sightings and aided in the live release of turtles caught by fisherman. The softshell turtle has frog-like facial features and is native to the rivers of South and Southeast Asia. They can grow to be more than three feet in length and weigh more than 200 pounds.
These turtles are classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. The turtle’s population has been in decline due to habitat destruction, over-harvesting for meat and harm from fishing gear. This discovery offers hope for future conservation efforts to help the turtles thrive.
Climate Change Impacts on Earth’s Rotation
A 24-hour day seems like a constant, but a day has slowly been getting longer. A day was less than 19 hours long 1.4 billion years ago and was only 23 hours long when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Natural events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tides and wind patterns can affect how fast or slow the world turns.
Recently, scientists observed that the dynamics of the Earth’s liquid outer core were causing the planet to speed its rotation, suggesting that we might need to delete a second of time from our clocks for the first time ever. In our highly connected world that relies on precise timekeeping, losing a second could lead to unforeseen complications. However, a new study in the journal Nature concludes that the redistribution of water caused by the melting polar ice caps caused by climate change will delay the need to delete a second from the clock to 2028 or 2029.
we enjoy our lives. Healing from trauma can take time, but it is within reach.
Stopping the Trauma Cycle
Mind-Body Healing Strategies
by Carrie Gauthier
Trauma can strike anyone at any time. Loss, heartbreak, abuse, violence, displacement, accidents, disasters, health problems—the list of possible traumas is endless. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, 70 percent of adults have experienced at least one
traumatic event in their lives, and more than a third of youth exposed to community violence experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma is a factor in most behavioral health and substance-use disorders. While trauma may be part of our lives, it does not need to define who we are or how
Health Effects
Left untreated, trauma or repeated trauma has a wide range of short- and long-term effects on physical and mental health. Trauma increases stress and keeps the fight-or-flight response on elevated alert, resulting in the release of chronically high amounts of cortisol into the body. Initial reactions may include exhaustion, numbness, sadness, anxiety and dissociation. Excessive cortisol increases the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, digestive problems, muscle tension, headaches, sleep issues, weight gain, irregular periods, anxiety, depression and cognitive challenges.
Cycle of Addiction
Trauma is a common precursor to addiction, because individuals often turn to substances as a coping mechanism for their
emotional pain. The use of drugs or alcohol gives trauma sufferers a reprieve from their chronic stress by producing pleasure and reducing negative feelings, and may even slow their central nervous system. Untreated, trauma can lead to a vicious cycle where one condition feeds the other.
Holistic Healing
While medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics can be effective in treating trauma symptoms, they may fall short in addressing the root cause. An integrative approach to trauma healing adds evidence-based therapies to tackle the underlying causes and promote longterm recovery.
Integrative Psychiatry
James Greenblatt, a board-certified functional and integrative psychiatrist and founder of Psychiatry Redefined, believes in a broader view of psychiatric care. “For example, if our patient is suffering from depression and we were to tell them they should exercise because it’s the best antidepressant we have, that could come off as incredibly insensitive, ruin our chances of gaining their trust and add to their feelings of helplessness and isolation. Alternatively, if we show them how to recover their motivation and energy, that is the way to begin the relationship.”
“Our bodies are different, and our genetics are different. How we react to stress and trauma are different too. I start with lab and genetic tests to see if there’s something I can optimize biologically. Then we supplement any nutritional deficiencies to restore their functionality and increase their energy. These tests also partially help inform the way we design the complementary healing modality plan. This is the piece that gets missed a lot,” says Greenblatt, adding that he tests depressed patients for a vitamin B12 deficiency, which may contribute to depression, anxiety and even psychosis.
Finding a Safe Place
Children are particularly susceptible to
trauma, and an adverse childhood experience (ACE) can pose lifelong impacts. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 percent of adults say they have had at least one ACE, and 17 percent say they had four or more by age 18. ACEs can rob kids of the magic of childhood, disrupt their development and lead to maladaptive behaviors in adulthood.
Aimie Apigian, a double board-certified physician in preventative and addiction medicine and founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated, started her work with attachment and trauma by working with adoptive families to help their children with attachment insecurity. She explains that childhood traumatic experiences can result in “underlying mistrust—literally wiring a child’s nervous system, brain and body for survival—and overwhelm connection, security and safety.”
Somatic therapy is one modality that Apigian integrates to assist individuals on their trauma-healing journey, helping them connect with their bodies, learn to understand its messages and resolve stored trauma. Apigian explains that just 10 minutes of sequential somatic exercises over 21 days can restore a sense of safety. “For each person, the specific improvement or the degree of improvement will be different,
but there will be an improvement as soon as we shift our biology into one of safety rather than of danger.”
By following an essential sequence to safely address stored trauma through somatic exercises, Apigian says people “experience 30 percent less depression, 30 percent less anxiety, 30 percent fewer digestive issues, 30 percent improvement in energy and a 60 percent increase in their feelings of safety. The essential sequence has to start with creating a felt sense of safety, then a sense of support and then opening up while pacing our process. It is such a powerful way to empower them for their lifetime.”
Reaching Our Inner Child
Inner-child work can help develop a dialogue to reach the place where we hold past emotions, memories, beliefs, hopes and dreams. “I tell people when they’re starting this journey, if they put their hands on their belly above and below their bellybutton and just let the hands be there, that will calm down an aspect of us so that it begins to feel safe. It’s called the basic self,” says Dr. Lin Morel, a trauma management specialist and founder of Beyond Words Group. “It’s an aspect of our consciousness that is roughly 5 years old, if you were to give it an age. So it gets very fearful, and if it’s not loved, it will act out.”
specialist and founder of Beyond Words Group. “It’s an aspect of our consciousness that is roughly 5 years old, if you were to give it an age. So it gets very fearful, and if it’s not loved, it will act out.”
According to Morel, embracing the basic self can help people out of some of the darkest corners of trauma. No stranger to childhood and adult trauma herself, she empowers her patients with the W.I.N. protocol (willingness, intention, neutrality), which offers them a fresh approach to handling challenges while developing their intuition and regulating emotions as a neutral observer.
Mindful Self-Regulation
There is growing evidence that mindfulnessbased practices such as meditation and yoga aid in shifting focus from the negative to the positive aspects of experiences. These techniques calm the nervous system and empower individuals to take control of their narratives and become more resilient.
A 2017 review of trials involving 650 trauma sufferers that underwent mindfulnessbased stress reduction, yoga and mantra repetition was published in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. The researchers concluded that meditation was an effective treatment for PTSD and depression symptoms as compared to the control groups.
A 2022 systematic review of 149 records and 11 peer-reviewed articles published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that those that practiced yoga had an increased sense of self-compassion, felt more centered, developed coping skills, had a better mind-body relationship and improved their relationships with others. Participants also experienced a feeling of safety in yoga classes that included others recovering from trauma.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a mind-body practice that uses a trance-like state of deep relaxation to treat psychological and emotional
disorders. Guided imagery, progressive relaxation and suggestion therapy are used to explore thoughts, feelings and memories that may be hidden from the conscious mind. Self-hypnosis techniques are also taught for ongoing support, empowering individuals to continue their healing outside of therapy sessions. A 2016 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis concluded that hypnosis is effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms.
“A miracle, simply, is a shift in the mind. Once you find the root cause of the problem in the mind and bring that to consciousness, we’re shifting from ego to true self, from fear to love, from illusion to truth,” says Matthew Brownstein, executive director of the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy. “Through hypnotherapy, that shift is actually remarkably easy. You can shift as quickly as I can snap my fingers. So, basically, when you change your mind, everything changes. When a decision is made, it stays in place until you choose again.”
Carrie Gauthier is a writer in the healing arts with interests in clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapy.
A Pilgrimage to Wholeness
by Marlaina Donato
One of the most beautiful aspects of youth is envisioning the future with undaunted optimism, but even the most strategic plan for life can go off the rails. Whether we carry the weight of unprocessed trauma and never quite reach our potential or zoom into the fast lane of success only to be brought down by sudden change, pain is part of every person’s story. The quest for healing and finding our whole self beneath the rubble becomes a new objective that can be the most arduous but the most significant.
We might accomplish monumental feats, transforming our trauma or going into physical remission from disease. We might even feel a calling to guide others along the path we have come to know so well, but it is important to remember that the deep healing process is a spiral. Our linear brains may be startled when our most gut-wrenching, seemingly resolved issues loop back around, and we are plunged even deeper into the crucible. During these times, it is easy to forget that we are multidimensional beings. A physical injury or illness involves much more than flesh or organ systems, and agonies of the spirit can greatly impact the physical body.
We heal layer by layer—sometimes even layers within layers—and despite our full commitment and steady growth, the task of peeling the onion is never quite finished. One of our greatest challenges is overcoming the illusion that we are failing miserably when we fall out of resonance; evolution is not a course that we can flunk. With each descent, our pain can provide an opportunity to lessen the chasm between mind and body and to acknowledge parts of our being that might need tending. For as long as we inhabit a human vehicle, we will always be in the process of healing something, and that is okay. We can rest assured that our process, like all spirals, will lead us safely back outward to continue our journey.
Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and musician. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
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Aimie Apigian
on Releasing Stored Trauma
by Sandra Yeyati
Aimie Apigian is a double boardcertified physician in preventative and addiction medicine with master’s degrees in biochemistry and public health. As the founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated, she instructs individuals and practitioners on how trauma gets stored in the body and what to do once it creates a chronic health condition. Her signature methodology looks at the effects of trauma on cell biology, a missing piece in trauma therapy approaches. Patients begin with a six-week foundational journey before digging into deeper trauma work and the biology piece.
How do you define trauma and the trauma response?
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses three words to define trauma: overwhelming, unbelievable and unbearable. A trauma is something that overwhelms us in our ability to respond. We can’t believe it’s happening, and it’s so unbearable we disconnect from our body to not feel it—it’s things like loneliness, shame or abandonment. That’s why we numb, suppress, repress, distract or avoid. The body shifts from using energy to conserving it, so we only do the bare minimum to get through the day—and that includes thinking; many people will have decision fatigue. Also, the diaphragm loses its tone in the trauma response because our body goes into, “I’m going to breathe only enough to keep me alive.”
Why does trauma get stored in the body?
If there isn’t a completion of the trauma response, then the body will hold onto that trauma. The nervous system never gets that
completion that says, “That was awful, but it’s over now.” The brain never stores it as a memory of the past, which means that it’s always in our present moment. When our whole biology continues to operate in fear, this can affect our hormones, immune system, digestion and cardiovascular system. Without a reset back to safety, we stay in danger mode and the body will close down at the cellular level.
How can we achieve a sense of safety?
During the first week of my foundational journey, I have people learn seven somatic exercises intended to help them create an immediate felt sense of feeling safer in their body. So no matter where they are— at the grocery store, at home—if they lose
their sense of safety, they have tools in the moment to get it back.
Can you give an example of a tool?
Bring your hands up as close to your shoulder as possible and imagine there’s this huge boulder in front of you. Start pushing it away, going as slow as you can. It’s not easy; you’re going to feel your arm muscles because you’re pushing hard. When you get to full extension, pause and wait for a few seconds. There are changes happening in our body, and it takes time for that message to travel up our vagus nerve to our brain stem to register. Take notice of any changes in your body. You might feel a sense of release. You might have this deep breath come that you didn’t plan for.
What comes next in the sequence?
Once we create that felt sense of safety, the body is opening up, and now it needs to feel support or it’s going to go back into trauma response. I lead people through the process of creating a felt sense of support. Here’s an example: Put your hands over your heart, one on top of the other, and push in quite a bit. A really deep breath comes for me; that’s how my body gives me the message that this is nice for me. Experiment and move your hands around—sometimes we
Courtesy of Dr. Aimie Apigian
can do it higher, more centered, over to the side—and find the spot that feels the nicest for your heart.
What is titrated expansion?
We each have a current capacity for how much we can hold at the moment without being overwhelmed, and I want to build my capacity so that a year from now I’m able to hold more. For many people in my courses, when they feel a lot of joy, then tears, sadness and grief seem to come, so it has been safer for them to just not feel much joy. To expand into your capacity to experience joy, you can’t go all the way immediately. You’ve got to find a safe amount of joy that you can have today that feels manageable, and then use a tool so that tomorrow you can feel a little more joy and still feel safe. We do this titrated or paced expansion, staying safe enough as we grow.
Can you explain your parts-work approach?
If we don’t complete a trauma response, there’s going to be a part that is still stuck there in that moment of danger, kind of not knowing that we survived. In parts work, I teach people how to know their major parts in order to stabilize their system. Your inner critic, for example, is a major part that we’ve got to work with pretty soon, because otherwise your critic will continue to shame you and get you into trauma response. I guide people to notice how these parts show up in the body. Next time you feel something familiar in your body, you know, “That’s my inner critic,” and it doesn’t scare or frustrate you anymore. You’re like, “Oh, hello.” That is a true mindbody connection.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit Tinyurl.com/ApigianNA or scan the QR code.
Marvelous Mushrooms
Celebrating a Culinary Powerhouse
by Marlaina Donato
September is National Mushroom Month, and with it comes bountiful inspiration to plate up some earthy goodness. Whether we follow the nearest woodland path to forage or visit the local market to stock up on our favorite fungi, autumn is the perfect time to appreciate the delicious world of edible mushrooms. From
creamy vegan risotto to golden soups, or from daring sautés punctuated with chiles to savory broths, consuming more mushrooms benefits our palate and well-being.
Health Benefits
The Mayo Clinic reports that mushrooms help curb high blood pressure and protect
us from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Most mushrooms available at the market are a good source of B vitamins and minerals, especially selenium-rich creminis and vitamin D-rich maitakes.
A 2021 Penn State study published in Advances in Nutrition involving data of more than 19,500 cancer patients over several decades reveals that individuals consuming one-eighth to one-quarter cup of mushrooms daily had a 45 percent lower risk of total cancer compared to those that did not. It is believed that the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione—present in all mushrooms—contribute to beneficial metabolic processes in the body. Other research is focused on a correlation between white button mushroom consumption and a lower risk of prostate and breast cancer.
Off the Trail and Into the Kitchen
Mushrooms have been used as both nourishment and medicine for ages, but their versatility in the kitchen is what delights Sharon Palmer, a plant-based dietician and author of California Vegan and The Plant-Powered Diet. “You can sauté or grill them as a side dish, stir them into soups and stews, add them to grain and pasta dishes, chop them into salads or bowls and include them in casseroles,” she advises. “Use finely chopped mushrooms in lentil patties, veggie burgers, veggie ‘meat’ balls and veggie loaves. You really can’t detect their texture, but you get that rich, savory flavor in the recipe.”
Palmer favors certain commonly available varieties: shiitake and trumpet mushrooms for their reliable, firm texture; oyster mushrooms for their delicate softness suited for stir fries; and petite enoki mushrooms for a crisp addition to salads. To obtain memorable flavor, gourmet varieties such as porcinis can be purchased dried and easily rehydrated for soups and sauces.
On the wilder side, foraged mushrooms such as golden chanterelles are an annual favorite among connoisseurs. “The mossy, old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest are some of my favorite fall destinations,” says Langdon Cook, a Seattle-based forager and author of The Mushroom Hunters, who recommends taking a foraging class or joining a mycological society for handson safety tips and in-the-field learning.
Cook notes that mushrooms are ideal for vegetarians and vegans because many varieties are firm in texture and pair well with
vegetables. “Black trumpet or yellowfoot mushrooms take a basic dish of creamy polenta to the next level, and most grains and pastas will benefit from the addition of fungi,” he asserts. “Try a dry sauté method: heating the mushrooms in a bare pan until they release their water, cooking off that liquid and then adding butter or oil near the end of the cooking process to brown them.”
While mushrooms can dress up gourmet dishes, they are surprisingly quick and easy for everyday eating, too. “You don’t need to fuss over mushrooms too much,” Palmer points out. “Just rinse in water and pat dry; then you’re ready to cook with them. My favorite way to cook mushrooms is to slice and sauté them in a small amount of olive oil with garlic and lemon as a side dish.”
Cook advises, “Don’t try to cook mushrooms too fast or over high heat. Medium heat is fine. Take your time. Mushrooms are mostly water, and you need to cook off
that liquid content to give them a nice sear.” He underscores the importance of cooking wild mushrooms fully to prevent digestive upset, especially morels, which “absolutely cannot be served raw or undercooked.”
Palmer concurs, saying, “Eating raw mushrooms may cause mild GI [gastrointestinal] issues in some people; cooking the mushrooms typically eliminates this issue.” She also suggests covering the pot or pan when cooking them in soups or stews to lock in flavor and nutrition.
For Cook, the magical lure of mushrooms goes beyond the tastebuds. “To me, morels mean springtime trips to woodlands reawakening from winter slumbers with birdsong and snowmelt, and porcinis mean long summer hikes to subalpine meadows in the Rockies and North Cascades,” he says.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and recording artist. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Vegan Pot Pie With Sage, Lentils and Mushrooms
YIELD: 6 SERVINGS
FOR LENTIL MUSHROOM FILLING:
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 8-oz sweet potato, peeled, cubed
4 oz fresh green beans, chopped
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 cup brown or green lentils, dried
2 Tbsp fresh sage (or 1 Tbsp dried)
2 tsp thyme
1 Tbsp whole-grain prepared mustard
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups vegetable broth
½ cup water
2 Tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
¼ cup plain, unsweetened, plant-based milk
2 Tbsp flour
Salt, to taste
FOR SAGE PASTRY CRUST:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
¼ tsp salt (optional)
2 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried)
⅓ cup vegan butter
4-5 Tbsp ice-water
Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes. Add sweet potato and green beans and sauté for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes. Add lentils, sage, thyme, mustard and black pepper and sauté for 1 minute. Add vegetable broth, water and soy sauce and cook for 15 minutes.
Mix plant-based milk with flour until smooth. Stir into vegetable mixture and cook until thickened and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, as desired. Transfer filling into a deep pie dish or round casserole that fits 1½ quarts.
While filling is cooking, make the sage pastry crust. Preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, mix all-purpose and whole-wheat flours and salt. Mix in sage. Cut in vegan butter
with a fork until it makes a crumbly texture. Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix using clean hands until it creates a firm dough that holds together but is not sticky. Do not overwork dough, as it will get tough.
Turn out pastry dough on a floured surface and roll out with a pastry roller to create a circle about 11 inches in diameter. Place the pastry over the top of the savory pie and crimp the edges with your fingers to secure the pastry dough to the top of the dish. Cut several vents with a knife along the pie.
Place the savory pie on a baking sheet (in case it boils over) and place in the oven. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes until golden brown. Remove and serve.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use corn starch instead of flour and gluten-free flour blend instead of all purpose and whole wheat flour.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Sharon Palmer.
Courtesy of Sharon Palmer
Mushroom Bomb Lentil Pasta
YIELD: 6 SERVINGS
1 8-oz package lentil pasta
3 Tbsp truffle oil or extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb mixed mushrooms (enoki, shiitake, cremini, hen of the woods, maitake, oyster), coarsely sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chopped fresh or dried thyme
1 cup dry white wine
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cook lentil pasta in boiling water according to package directions. Rinse and drain.
While pasta is cooking, heat truffle oil in a large sauté pan and add mushrooms, garlic and thyme. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add white wine and continue sautéing for an additional 5 minutes to reduce liquid and make a more concentrated sauce. Add cooked pasta to mushroom mixture and toss together. Season as desired with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Sharon Palmer.
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¼ lb (or more) wild mushrooms, roughly cut into pieces
2 Tbsp butter, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp porcini powder*, rehydrated with ½ cup warm water
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
* To make porcini powder, pulverize a store-bought package of dried porcini into powder with a spice grinder. Chicken or vegetable stock may be substituted for porcini powder.
Over medium-high heat, bring water and milk to simmer in a medium-sized sauce pan or pot. Slowly add polenta while whisking to prevent clumping. Season with salt and continue to whisk for a minute or two. Turn heat to low and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water as necessary to maintain creaminess.
While the polenta cooks, in a small pan sauté garlic and mushrooms in a tablespoon of butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook mushrooms until they release their water and then cook off liquid, allowing mushrooms to brown slightly; this might take several minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add ½ cup rehydrated porcini stock (or chicken or vegetable stock) to mushrooms. Continue to cook on medium heat until the liquid is reduced by half and then turn heat to low. Add soy sauce, cream and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir together and allow to thicken. Keep warm in pan over low heat while waiting for polenta to cook. If sauce becomes too thick, add another splash of water, cream or stock. Just before plating, melt one more tablespoon of butter into mushroom sauce and stir.
When polenta is thoroughly cooked and creamy, add butter and cheese (and more liquid if necessary). Adjust seasoning. Serve in a bowl and spoon mushrooms and sauce on top.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Langdon Cook.
Courtesy of Langdon Cook
Emerging Sustainability Drivers
From Artificial Intelligence to Citizen Scientists
by Kelcie Ottoes
Emerging sustainability initiatives such as renewable energy, greenwashing regulation, artificial intelligence (AI) applications and biodiversity programs are all being championed by stakeholders for the greater good of our planet.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is derived from natural sources, such as the sun and wind, that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. In 2023, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that renewable energy made up 9 percent of total energy consumption from these sources: biomass waste, biofuels and wood (60 percent); wind (18 percent); solar (11 percent); hydroelectric (10 percent); and geothermal (1 percent).
The International Energy Agency predicts that renewables will provide more than a third of global electricity generation by early 2025—surpassing coal—due in large part to increasingly cheaper photovoltaic technology. The quest continues to improve the efficiency, cost effectiveness, adaptability and environmental footprint of existing solar panels. Advanced photovoltaics use innovative materials such as perovskites, organic and tandem solar
cells, which may surpass the efficiency of traditional silicon-based solar cells. The use of floating solar panels and panels above or adjacent to agricultural production serves to minimize land use and increase opportunities for energy production. Flexible, transparent solar cells also allow for their integration into a wider range of applications.
These advancements are also aided by improvements in energy storage. Lithium-
glass batteries and redux flow batteries manage the intermittency of renewable energies like wind and solar better and have a lower environmental impact than other batteries. Flow batteries, in particular, show potential as a cost-effective, long-term storage solution.
Greenwashing Regulations
Greenwashing is the practice of making a product appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is, and new antigreenwashing laws are being promoted to help consumers make better choices. The European Union has banned environmental claims that are not supported by transparent, verifiable data. It also imposes strict regulations on potentially misleading terms such as “environmentally friendly”, “eco-friendly”, “green”, “biodegradable” and “carbon neutral”.
In a similar move intended to provide environmental transparency and oversight, the California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act will require companies with more than $1 billion in revenues to report their direct and indirect emissions from energy consumption
with third-party certification beginning in 2026. This information will be made public online.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is expected to play a larger role in fighting climate change. Some applications include:
• Identifying carbon inefficiencies within a supply chain to influence reduction strategies
• Improving the efficiency and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure, optimizing the management of the power grid, forecasting power consumption and managing energy distribution
• Supporting the agriculture industry by analyzing soil data, plant health and weather forecasting
• Boosting recycling rates by using AIpowered machines to sort materials to be recovered
These advancements in AI are not without cost. According to Nathan Childress, Ph.D, a nuclear engineer and CEO of
Macorva, “AI’s voracious appetite for energy is straining power grids and causing some tech giants to miss their carbon reduction targets. This highlights a critical need for immediate action in expanding clean energy infrastructure to support AI’s growth.”
Biodiversity Stewardship
According to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a United Nations-led initiative, more than half the world’s population—4.3 billion people— depend on biodiversity and nature for their livelihood, with 70 percent of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable relying directly on nature for their everyday needs. And yet, biodiversity is dwindling at an alarming rate.
“Urbanization and deforestation lead to habitat fragmentation, while pollution—particularly plastic and chemical waste—degrades ecosystems,” says Abdullah Choudhry, chief impact officer at Arbor, a carbon assessment company. “According to the World Wildlife Fund, wildlife populations have declined nearly 70 percent since 1970, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive conservation efforts.”
To protect biodiversity, volunteers are teaming up with researchers on long-term ecological projects. The nonprofit Biodiversity & Development Institute, for example, enlists citizen scientists with smartphones to identify African mammal, aquatic, insect and plant species for their Virtual Museum project. In Japan, the mobile application Biome was able to collect more than 6 million species observations with the help of the public. In a study published in eLife, scientists combined these citizen sightings with traditional data to improve ecosystem assessments and protected-area designations.
In a journal article published in BioScience, experts report a growing opportunity for citizen-led research in biodiversity, noting that people onsite are able to identify under-sampled species and help scientists gain a deeper understanding of ecological interactions among species or habitats. Offering hope for future generations, kids are also getting involved. The Biodiversity Group, in Arizona, offers a K-12 curriculum that encourages biodiversity stewardship at a young age.
Kelcie Ottoes is a copywriter and content creator specializing in sustainability and environmental topics.
Health Benefits of Yoga
Resolving Trauma and Other Mind-Body Challenges
by Carrie Gauthier
The first known reference to yoga is in the Upanishads Sanskrit texts, written 2,500 years ago. The practice originally comprised breath work, and the physical postures developed over time. According to the global data platform Statista, nearly 34 million Americans practice numerous types of yoga, while science continues to provide evidence of its healing potential.
Calming Effects
With the frenetic pace of life today, many people live in a permanent state of anxiety. Yoga can ease the panic and malaise by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate.
“Yoga therapy differs from traditional psychotherapy in scope and aim. Rather than delving into traumas, yoga empowers individuals to be present, moving away from personal narratives,” says Adam Flores, a certified yoga therapist from Port St. Lucie, Florida, specializing in addiction and mental health. “Trained yoga therapists offer grounding techniques and skillful check-ins, especially for trauma cases, improving heart rate variability, vagal tone and overall nervous system health.”
Mental Health Benefits
A 2011 meta-analysis study published in Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders indicates that yoga may be an effective treatment option for severe mental illness, with the added advantage of being less toxic than pharmaceutical treatments.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant issue facing the U.S. military and a growing problem for teens that have experienced violent or traumatizing events. Conventional treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing have shown limited effectiveness due to high dropout and nonresponse rates. On the other hand, studies have found that engaging in yoga and other mindbody practices can reduce intrusive memories, avoidance and emotional arousal symptoms, as well as anxiety, depression and anger associated with PTSD.
Yoga therapy improves critical factors in addiction recovery, including emotional balance, mental clarity and stress
Immagini di Michelangelo Oprandi/CanvaPro
reduction. In a 2021 study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, yoga for the treatment of substance abuse disorder was determined to be an effective option.
Popular Yoga Disciplines
Yoga has developed into a variety of styles that can meet the goals and objectives of their practitioners. Some of the more popular formats include:
• Vinyasa: An up-tempo class of postures or poses (asanas) often accompanied by high-energy music that typically results in a consistently elevated heart rate. A 2017 study published in The FASEB Journal found that eight weeks of vinyasa yoga improved physical fitness, relieved stress and improved mental well-being.
• Yin: This form of yoga focuses on gentle, passive stretches held for one to three minutes, offering ample opportunity to release stress and tension. Poses are often supported by props such as bolsters, straps, blocks, pillows and blankets. Long, slow, deep breathing promotes relaxation to help the practitioner hold each pose for extended periods of time. Yin yoga stimulates and stretches fascia, the thin connective tissue throughout the body, as well as ligaments and joints, resulting in increased flexibility.
• Hatha: This is a classic yoga style involving breathing exercises and poses that are held for longer periods of time than other formats. Although the slower, more meditative pace may seem easier, holding a proper pose for extended periods of time can be challenging for the body and mind. According to a 2018 study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 12 sessions of hatha yoga significantly reduced stress, anxiety and depression in women.
• Kundalini: This yoga style prioritizes spiritual growth and awareness, with a focus on energy and chakras. Kundalini awakenings are common via movement sequences, breath work, mantras and chanting. Different studies in 2021 found that kundalini yoga is an effective short-term therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and can be helpful in reducing the severity of insomnia.
Maintaining Self-Esteem
One of the core tenets of a yogic practice is self-compassion, and it is important to resist the inclination for negative self-talk. To adopt the yogic way is to choose happiness over suffering.
“In my experience, the best healing experiences happened by tapping into the body and unlocking the energies we hold onto,” says Paty Renda, a certified Ananda hatha yoga instructor and
co-owner of Premah Wellness, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “I believe in serious work done through fun exercises such as breath, dance, laughter and movement. A simple, slow and deep hatha yoga practice can create profound changes. Gratitude is another very easy, and yet immensely powerful, practice I infuse into everything I do.”
Carrie Gauthier is a writer in the healing arts with interests in clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapy.
Natural Solutions for Alopecia
In Search of a Full Head of Hair
by Zak Logan
For many of us, our hair can feel like an outward expression of our identity, and we may struggle emotionally and socially when it is compromised. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, an estimated 6.7 million Americans suffer or have suffered from alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease resulting in hair loss on the scalp, face and other parts of the body. Whether AA manifests as bald patches or complete hair loss, the conventional courses of action may involve oral prescription medication, over-the-counter topical products and oral or injected steroids that are often unsuccessful and may come with side effects.
There is evidence that stress and anxiety can play a role in AA, as can certain underlying health conditions such as thyroid disease, celiac disease and lupus. Hormonal imbalances and vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also be key factors. Although AA can be a stubborn condition, alternative approaches such as centuries-old Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, can offer hope.
Ayurvedic Techniques
According to allopathic medicine, AA may be caused by hormonal imbalances or an excessive immune response that attacks the hair follicles, but from the perspective of Eastern medicine, the issue is more complex. Ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old holistic-health system, approaches AA and other health conditions from the
Mariya Chichina from Getty Images/CanvaPro
concept of individual constitution. Energetic forces called doshas are believed to be inherent in all cells and organ systems and embody five natural elements: earth, air, fire, water and ether.
“Our doshic makeup is very unique, with the ratios between the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) being different for each one of us. In alopecia, it is most commonly seen as a pitta condition when the metabolic fires within us are excessive and too hot, causing inflammation,” says Virender Sodhi, an Ayurvedic and naturopathic physician in Redmond, Washington. He adds that for alopecia cases caused by thyroid disorders, in which the hair becomes dry and brittle before falling out, he would look into the health of a person’s vata, the dosha that corresponds to the element of air.
A 2022 case study of an individual AA patient published in Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine reported that the patient saw improvement within 15 days of an Ayurvedic treatment plan that included a combination of cleansing, detoxification, blood purification and naturally derived medications. The researchers recommended further study of these techniques. Another study published in the same journal a year later noted the effectiveness of certain Ayurvedic medicines comprised of natural elements, combined with cupping, in which heated cups are placed on the back, stomach, arms, legs or other parts of the body, forming a vacuum or suction force.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
From the approach of 3,000-year-old TCM, imbalances and illnesses are attributed to obstructions within the body’s subtle energetic system. “This is the concept of the life force, or the energy of our body as it takes care of itself,” explains Brian Keenan, a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist at Sagelight Integrative Wellness Center, in Columbia, Maryland. “In Chinese medicine, qi is the energy of the body, and it flows along a set pattern similar to a well-connected network of roads and highways. Meridians are the names of the major highways an acupuncturist will use to influence the qi flowing through them.”
In cases of alopecia, Keenan would dive deeply to find the origin of the pathology. “The specifics of your symptoms will help an acupuncturist figure out where exactly the problem is coming from, since there can be several issues at once,” he explains. “This is why your acupuncturist may spend a great deal of time asking you detailed questions about every nuance of not just your symptoms but also your whole body’s health.”
A 2022 review of eight studies published in Frontiers of Medicine found that acupuncture or moxibustion (the burning of dried mugwort on or near the body during acupuncture), used by themselves or in combination with other treatment modalities, may be effective in treating hair loss.
Vitamin Fortification
Clinical findings published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology in 2017 report that systemic vitamin D levels are lower in people with AA, and improvement might result from supplementation. Recent research also shows that zinc deficiency was noted in sufferers and adding the mineral to the diet might be helpful. Mount Sinai Health System, in New York City, suggests that biotin and trace minerals might foster hair growth and recommends including beneficial foods such as carrots, tomatoes, chard and romaine lettuce.
Lifestyle Changes
Practitioners of both Ayurveda and TCM attest to the value of eliminating processed foods as a way to support the liver in its role of minimizing systemic inflammation. They also recommended streamlining busy schedules and employing meditative practices to reduce stressors.
For best results, commitment is key. Regarding TCM, Keenan suggests an eightweek treatment plan of herbs and acupuncture. “Is it possible to see results sooner? Absolutely. But from my experience as a practitioner, it’s better to set realistic expectations, and if we get there sooner, then that’s all the better.”
Zak Logan is a freelance health writer dedicated to holistic living.
Emotional Healing as a Family
How Parents Can Model Mental Health Skills
by Christina Connors
The mental health of our children is in crisis. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2021 advisory on the youth mental health crisis, one in five children aged 3 to 17 has a mental, emotional, behavioral or developmental disorder.
To turn the tide on mental health, kids need emotional regulation skills, including the ability to identify emotions, self-soothe, obtain perspective, walk in another’s shoes, think flexibly and solve problems. By developing these emotive sensitivities, children can then improve their self-confidence, sense of self-worth and empathy, as well as begin to develop lasting and meaningful relationships.
“Kids will learn to regulate in the face of challenge. The only question is whether they learn healthy or unhealthy ways to do it,” says Brad Chapin, a licensed clinical psychologist in Topeka, Kansas, and author of self-regulation resources for children. “Removing challenges from children isn’t the answer. The focus should be on building self-regulation skills, and then those challenges become opportunities for strengthening those skills.”
What Adults Can Do
In the words of lyricist Stephen Sondheim, “Careful the things you say / Children will listen.” Janet Philbin, LDSW, a certified, conscious-parenting coach and author, says,
“When people become parents, they will tell you they want to parent differently than how they were parented because of the emotional childhood pain they endured. However, generational patterns will more than likely repeat unless the parent has done the emotional work to deconstruct their own childhood pain through coaching or counseling. As a result of doing the necessary inner work, a parent’s ability to connect with their children will improve because they are able to be more connected with themselves.”
Practicing Emotional Regulation Together
“When we choose to look at behavior issues as a lack of skill-development, it changes the story from one of shame and negativity to one of hope,” says Chapin, whose recent book Self-Regulation Skill Set supports adults in their journey to self-regulation.
As with learning any new skill, practice is key. Here are a few fun activities for parents and children to do together to strengthen connections and build emotional regulation skills. Teaching kids when they are young is ideal, but it is never too late to start.
I Spy: While in a store, on a walk or at a park, challenge each other to notice the body language and facial expressions of people (or themselves) and identify the emotion they might be feeling. This game is a way to practice the skill set of recognizing warning signs when we start to feel upset. Parents should encourage their kids to take notice of the different expressions their peers make while at school to develop empathy and compassion.
The Paws (Pause) Game: To play, the first person who sees a dog says, “paws”, takes a calming breath and puts their hands out like paws. The person with the most points at the end of the excursion wins. This game develops the skill of slowing down the alarm system within our bodies. Parents and caregivers can
remind kids that throughout the day when they start to feel their own warning signs of anger or frustration, they can take a breath and “paws” to help prevent acting in a destructive way.
Balloon Party: In this game, parents invite their kids to sit comfortably with
them and imagine that they are all preparing for a big party and need to blow up lots of balloons. While blowing up pretend balloons, remind each child to blow them up slowly so they don’t pop. After blowing up several balloons, enjoy a pretend party. This is a fun way to connect with children through imaginative
play while practicing peaceful breathing, which helps calm the nervous system.
Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of Christina’s Cottage, a YouTube series to strengthen kids’ resilience, connection and joy through music, mindful play and the power of the heart. Learn more at ChristinasCottage444.com.
Healing Power of Therapy Dogs
Natural Pet disturbing behaviors and thoughts during anxiety episodes. Researchers noted that all of the tasks the dogs had been trained to perform were used daily by the veterans, providing benefits for nearly all PTSD symptoms, except amnesia and reckless behavior. The humananimal bond and untrained qualities, such as companionship, also significantly improved the participants’ symptoms and quality of life.
Benefits for Post-Traumatic Stress Sufferers
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Pet therapy, also known as animalassisted therapy (AAT), has long been recognized for its therapeutic benefits across a range of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychiatric service dogs are empathetic in nature and intuitively respond to human emotions. These capacities allow them to provide comfort and support precisely when it’s needed, often without the need for verbal communication. These dogs are not just pets but vital partners in the journey toward mental and emotional healing.
PTSD Recovery
Interacting with psychiatric service dogs can reduce anxiety and stress levels by increasing the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress reduction, while decreasing cortisol levels, which are linked to stress.
Psychiatric service dogs provide a calming presence, which is crucial for reducing anxiety and hypervigilance, common symptoms of PTSD. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology involving 134 veterans with service dogs found that trained skills such as calming and interrupting anxiety are highly valued by
veterans with PTSD, suggesting their critical role in daily PTSD management. The study also noted that untrained behaviors of the dogs are often perceived as more beneficial than their trained tasks, highlighting the intrinsic value of simply having a dog as a companion.
A 2022 study of 82 post-9/11 military veterans published in PLOS ONE reported that their psychiatric service dogs helped them with PTSD by performing calming actions and interrupting the veterans’
Psychiatric service dogs enhance emotional regulation and improve social interactions for PTSD sufferers. Their non-judgmental and accepting nature creates a safe space for individuals to explore and manage difficult emotions. Additional research reported in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology demonstrated significant improvements in emotional and attentional regulation among adolescents with PTSD that were asked to participate in a one-year dogtraining program.
Challenges for Service Dogs
While the therapeutic benefits for the handlers are significant, the European Journal of Psychotraumatology study
Capuski from Getty Images
Maddie Hatfield, of Palm Harbor, shares her Mochi, a five-year-old male, weighing in at 68 pounds, who thinks and behaves like a lap dog. Big on cozy cuddles and giving hugs, Maddie says, “He loves playing soccer with me!” We think he’s so strikingly cute!
also noted that the dogs in the training programs exhibited increased anxiety and decreased attention. This highlights a critical aspect of AAT: The welfare of the animals must be considered alongside the therapeutic benefits. Training programs need to ensure that the dogs are not overly stressed or burdened by their roles.
Practical Advice for Prospective Handlers
Prospective handlers of psychiatric service dogs should choose programs that prioritize the well-being of both dogs and humans through training, support and follow-up care. Engaging with a psychiatric service dog is a significant commitment that requires handlers to invest time in training and bonding with their dogs, as well as managing their emotional and physical needs to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship.
Understanding the legal rights pertaining to psychiatric service dogs, including accessibility in public spaces and accommodations, is crucial. Handlers should educate themselves about local and national laws that protect their rights and those of their service dogs.
Psychiatric Service Dog
Obtaining a psychiatric service dog involves careful consideration of the therapeutic benefits versus the potential stress on the animal. Look for reputable programs that train dogs to assist individuals with PTSD, while also prioritizing the welfare of the dogs and properly matching dogs and handlers.
The integration of psychiatric service dogs into mental health care offers more than just companionship; it opens a dynamic pathway for healing and managing PTSD symptoms. As we continue to explore and understand the unique bond between humans and animals, it becomes increasingly clear that dogs are not only cherished pets but also invaluable partners.
Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.
Email your favorite pet picture to Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com for inclusion in the magazine.
Printed calendar is a gratis feature for advertisers. Non-advertisers: get your Mark Your Calendar event listed for $50/listing. Email dwilson@natampa.com for more info. On line version of Calendar of Events gratis at NATampa.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Yoga Class, “Hot 108” - 9:45-11am. This hot class, held every Wednesday, is suitable for all students, including athletes who need to stretch to keep their bodies healthy and supple as well as advanced students interested in alignment. $18. 12512 Rawhide Dr., Tampa. Info & registration: Missy White 813-3438887, Studio108Tampa.com/schedule
Friday, September 6
Yoga Class, “Our Signature Funky Flow” - 9:45-11am. This class, held every Friday, is full of creative movement and funky transitions. Be prepared to wow yourself with all the opportunities to flow a new way and enjoy the super-fun playlist. $18. 12512 Rawhide Dr., Tampa. Info & registration: Missy White 813-3438887, Studio108Tampa.com/schedule
Sunday, Sept.18
Yoga Class, “Sunday Funday Vinyasa Flow” - 10:15-11:30am. Held ongoing Sundays, this dynamic yoga class filled with intelligent sequencing that will stretch and work every part of your body. All levels. $18. 12512 Rawhide Dr., Tampa. Info & registration: Missy White 813-343-8887, Studio108Tampa.com/schedule
Monday, September 16
EXIT Suncoast Realty Grand Opening - 4-7pm. Join the EXIT Suncoast Realty team for an evening of food, fun and fellowship! Bring your questions and see our office. Watch for free public information sessions. We are thrilled to serve all of Pinellas County. Free. 5133 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Call Carla, 727-6203948, or email carla@exitsuncoast.com.
24TH ANNUAL WISE TRADITIONS CONFERENCE!
members; $500 non-members)
Wednesday, Sept.18
Touch to Inform Seminar Online - Sept. 18-22. 6-9pm, 18-20; 2-5pm, 21-22. Awareness through movement classes online. Discover a “touch’ that connects with your client’s brain. Use an integration of concepts from The Feldenkrais Method. 15 CEs for LMTs. With Bonnie Kissam, M.A. Register at TouchToInform.com, 941-360-2248, FeldenkraisBonnieK.com.
Free Hypnosis-NLP Webinar “Abreactions & Safe Place” - 7:30-8:30pm. Interactive webinar hosted by Certified Medical Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner & Master Trainer, Patricia V. Scott, PhD. With 32 years’ experience, Patti shares practical, easy to use concepts & techniques with Q&A. All welcome. (Usually 3rd Wednesday monthly w/various topics. Some webinars include a hypnotic experience.) Register for log-in details: 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 24
“Deep Dive into Hypnotic Pretalk Interview” Online Training - 7-10pm. Patricia V. Scott, PhD, brings 32 years’ experience to this interactive virtual Zoom training for practitioners, explaining her pretalk/interviewing techniques to prepare your client for success. Handouts, Q&A & practice (time permitting). Some prior training or knowledge of hypnosis recommended. 3 CEUs for Hypnotists/ Hypnotherapists. $47 or $37 (UPHI Member). 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com
Friday, September 27
Creating the Shift: Bali Retreat - Sept. 27-Oct. 4. Set against the backdrop of Bali’s lush landscapes, this retreat offers a unique space for women to come together, share their stories and forge deep connections. ZNG Cruises & Retreats. Call Certified Travel Agent and Cruise Specialist Monica Grajales, 813-586-3656, email ZNGCruisesAndRetreats@gmail. com, visit ZNGCruisesAndRetreats.com
PLAN AHEAD
Saturday, November 9
Mindbody Activation - 10am-7pm, Nov. 9-11. Join Jeff Primack and special guest teachers for three days of profound Healing and Transformation. Experience Qigong, Meditation, Breathwork, Healing with Food, Bodywork, and so much more. $299/all 3 days or $254 before 9/30. Lake County Fairgrounds, Eustis, FL. Info & registration, Karen 561-275-8384, MindbodyActivation.live.
Ongoing Events
Monday
Meacham Urban Farm - 3-7pm Mon. & Fri. Homegrown and high quality, all-organic produce onsite. What they do not produce themselves, they source from other local farmers, ranchers, bakers and artisans, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, breads, meats, eggs, honey, ferments, raw dairy, soaps, flowers, plants and more. The Farm Store is open to the public every weekend, no membership needed! 1108 E Scott St. (downtown), Tampa. Learn more, MeachamFarm.com.
Gentle Yoga Flow - 6-7:30pm. Concentrates on flowing sequences to warm up the body using breathing and postures. It is designed for students looking for slower paced movements, gentle stretching or are new to yoga. No experience required. Facilitated by Kelley of Rooted Sol Yoga. Space is limited. $15/class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st. Ave. SW, Largo. Rsvp 727-776-0519.
Yoga - 6pm (also Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat.) Join in on the yoga experience with our new instructor, Alexa! Having moved down from the Boston area, she is excited to bring her brand of yoga to the area. Bring your mat or use one of ours, but do come down and join in the calming world of yoga. $15/session; package alternatives available. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. Reserve your space, 727-346-5875.
Tuesday
Meditation Practice & Study Group6:30-8pm. Tuesdays & Sundays. For beginners & experienced. Join Dr. Castellani in his integral awareness approach to effortless meditation, melding methods of Mantra, Mindfulness & Core-consciousness Awareness. $5/class. 809 S. Hillcrest Ave., Clearwater. Info 716-816-5464.
Wednesday
Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 11am. Online! Awareness through Movement classes: Lessons (in chairs/on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classesmovement lessons w/replays. More info, 941-360-2248, FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register, FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/ Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/.
Gentle Yoga Flow - 6-7:30pm. Concentrates on flowing sequences to warm up the body using breathing and postures. It is designed for students looking for slower paced movements, gentle stretching or are new to yoga. No experience required. Facilitated by Kelley of Rooted Sol Yoga. Space is limited. $15/class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st Ave. SW, Largo. Rsvp 727-776-0519.
Yoga Session: Hatha Yoga with a Therapist -6:30-7:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind-body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited, reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.
Thursday
Shamanic Sound Healing Journeys7-8:30pm. Using our multidimensional soundscapes and psychedelic videos will take you on a deep dive within Self, where knowledge, guidance and wisdom are abundant. Event takes place in virtual reality which can be accessed via computer or with VR headsets (ideal). Free. Host: JoAnn Shivanti | VRchat.com VITAL.3731 | World: Psychedelic Caverns. Info, 3rdeyeguidance.com/events, 727434-7433, shivanti@3rdeyeguidance.com
Saturday
Meacham Urban Farm - 9am-1pm Sat. 10am-1pm Sun. Homegrown and high quality, all-organic produce onsite. What they do not produce themselves, they source from other local farmers, ranchers, bakers and artisans, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, breads, meats, eggs, honey, ferments, raw dairy, soaps, flowers, plants and more. The Farm Store is open to the public every weekend, no membership needed! 1108 E Scott St. (downtown), Tampa. Learn more, MeachamFarm.com.
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community.
Acupuncture
ACUPUNCTURE & ORIENTAL MEDICINE
Chris Dziubinski, DOM, AP, L. Ac 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273)
MindBodySpiritCare.com
Florida Board Certified Acupuncture Physician offering acupuncture therapies for the whole family. Established, comfortable, caring and professional integrative medicine clinics in South & North Tampa. Innetwork with most medical insurances; accept payments from HRA, HSA and FSA.
Alternative Medicine
LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. David Minkoff, M.D.
Dr. Griselle Figueredo, M.D.
Dr. Neena Iyer, M.D.
Sue Morgan, APRN, Karima Redouan, APRN
Rose Tyler, APRN
301 Turner St., Clearwater 727-466-6789
LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com
Specializing in Ozone Therapy, IV Therapy, Heavy Metal Detoxification, Neurological Issues, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Gut Issues, Thyroid Issues and IPT for Cancer treatment. See ad inside front cover.
ORTHOMOLECULAR NUTRITION & WELLNESS
9225 Ulmerton Rd., Ste. 312, Largo 727-518-9808
OrthoLiving.com
We address the underlying root cause of disease by using a variety of modalities such as Nutrient IV’s, Chelation, Weight loss, HRT, PEMF, Ozone Therapy and more. To see if you qualify for Medical Marijuana go to OrthoMMJ.com.
PROFESSIONAL HERBALISTS TRAINING PROGRAM
Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies
2520 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-551-0857
AcuHerbals.com
The 2-year program meets one weekend each month for class and Wednesday nights for our hands-on student clinic. This program is designed to create clinical herbalists in a combination of Chinese and western herbalism. Designed to meet American Herbalists Guild standards. See ad page 23.
Dr. Grossgold practices internal medicine and pediatrics with an integrative approach to detoxification, anti-aging medicine, functional medicine and nutrition. His clinic offers Integrative Cancer Treatment, Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric, EBOO, MHA, UVBI, Theta Chamber and more! See ad page 6.
Clinical herbalist and massage therapist offering consultations, extensive line of Eastern/Western Herbs, Teas, Essential oils, CBD, Supplements, and learning workshops. Visit your neighborhood apothecary today! See ad page 25.
Second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner. Over 25 years of experience. Insightful, unique perspective on goals and issues. “Together we will unveil your soul’s purpose.”
Colon Hydrotherapy
RENEW LIFE
Bonnie Barrett 28469 US Hwy 19 N. #402, Clearwater 727-461-7227
RenewLifeFla.com, Lic# MA14802, MM35406 30 years experience. Expert in colon hydrotherapy using pressure points, abdominal massage, essential oils, and lymphatic drainage. All disposable tubing used. Very comfortable and relaxing room with private bathroom. See ad page 8.
Breathe the sweetness that hovers in August.
—Denise Levertov
PROFESSIONAL LYMPHATIC THERAPY AND COLONICS, LLC
Laura M. Turley, LMT and Owner 9371 US 19N, Suite B, Pinellas Park 727-492-0060
ProfessionalLymphaticTherapy.com MM39888, MA88928
Complementing detoxification via “Lymphatic Therapy” (see listing), now offering Gravity Method colonics (closed system method), known to be gentler and more effective than other methods. See ad page 37.
THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC
Lisa Harris-Dalton 609 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater 727-330-3844
TheGClinic.org
#MA27502, #MM43949
Compassionate therapist with 26+ years’ experience in massage therapy and open and closed colon hydrotherapy systems. Skilled in collaborating with clients/physicians to optimize wellness goals. See ad page 6.
Dentists
BEATA CARLSON, DDS
1825 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater 727-888-6523
NaturalAndCosmeticDentistry.com
Natural, Holistic, Aesthetic Dentistry. Careful Silver filling removal. Non-metal crowns and bridges. Be pampered in our Spalike atmosphere. See ad back cover.
CARLO LITANO, DMD
Natural Smiles of Tampa Bay 132 Mirror Lake Dr., Suite 101, St. Petersburg 727-300-0044
Natural-Smiles.com
Offering Holistic/Biological dentistry. Swiss dental protocols, ceramic implants, safe mercury removal, ozone cleaning and on site sedation. See ad page 4.
PAUL T. RODEGHERO, DDS
Clearwater Family Dental 215 S Myrtle Ave., Clearwater 727-442-3363
MyClearWaterFamilyDental.com
We are a full service family dental practice that stresses metal free restorations, safe mercury removal, ozone and laser dentistry. We welcome patients of all ages and can handle any concern that you may have. See ad pages 3, 7 & 14.
ROBERT J. YU, DMD
Tampa Bay Dental Implants & Periodontics
6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Pete 727-384-9122
TBPerio.com
The only board certified periodontist and implant surgeon in Tampa Bay offering ceramic/zirconia nonmetal implants. State-of-the-art treatments include CBT imaging, LANAP and digital intraoral scanner, eliminating messy impressions. See ad page 8.
Eco-friendly, reusable and chemicalfree, The White Green Cloth uses water only for sparkling, streak- and lint-free windows and mirrors. Machine wash. Money back, three-year warranty. See ad page 23.
Herbalist
ROSE KALAJIAN—HERBALIST
Natural Health Hut Clinic and Herb Farm 813-991-5177
ImHerbalist.com
Specializing in growing the herbs used in my clinic practice and in the Herbal Remedies I formulate. Consultations are available for humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Promoting health through the use of Herbs. See ad page 10.
Hypnosis
UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES
HYPNOSIS, INC.
Patricia V. Scott, President 727-943-5003
UPHypnosis@yahoo.com, UPHypnosis.com
Professional Hypnosis & NLP Certification Training, Weekly classes & Private sessions (Smoking, Weight, Stress, Sports, Habits), Clinical/Medical Hypnotherapy available w/referral. Speaking Services & Corporate Programs. See ad page 21.
Integrative Gynecology
THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC
Dr. Salome Masghati, MD 609 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater 727-330-3844
TheGClinic.org
Renowned, board-certified gynecologist focusing on a diverse range of women’s health issues. Commitment to holistic well-being coupled with an extensive medical background ensures exceptional care. See ad page 6.
Integrative Medicine
INTEGRATIVE THERAPEUTICS
Dr. Prudhvi Karumanchi 8320 Stone Run Ct., Tampa 33615 813-322-6171
IntTherapeutics.com
Committed to finding the root cause, Holistic MD offers: IV Nutrition, Regenerative Treatments, Functional Medicine, Heavy Metal Detox, Energy Healing, Weight Loss, Anti-aging and more. Out-of-Network Provider.
MIND BODY SPIRIT CARE
Ron N. Shemesh, M.D. 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273)
MindBodySpiritCare.com
Integrative & holistic medicine for women & men: Natural Hormone Therapy, Anti-Aging, IV Chelation, Nutritional Vitamin Therapy, Fatigue & Stress Management, Weight Loss, Yoga, Nutritional Counseling. Affiliated with St. Joseph Hospital. Most insurance accepted.
PEAKS OF HEALTH METABOLIC MEDICAL CENTER
Tracie Leonhardt, DO 1120 Belcher Rd. S., Ste. 2, Largo 727-826-0838
PeaksOfHealth.com
Dr. Leonhardt is Board Certified & Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Offers a personalized program for each individual patient. Hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, thyroid, GI issues, Diabetes, infrared sauna, IV nutrition, Anti-aging, Chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, and toxicities. See ad pages 11 and 47.
SUCCESS BY DESIGN
9095 Belcher Road, Pinellas Park 727-548-0001
SBDWellness.com
A Wellness Center for Age-Management, Functional Medicine and Medical Weight Loss. Specializing in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement including Pellet Therapy, Gut Health/Food Allergies, Detoxification, Nutritional Evaluations, Acupuncture, Massage therapy and more. See ad page 17.
RESTORING WELLNESS
Jaimie Mickey, M.D. 10597 US Hwy. 19 North, Pinellas Park 727-351-1700
RestoringWellnessMD.com
Specializing in optimization of bodily systems, including Hormonal; Thyroid; Adrenal; Metabolic Heart and Vascular; Immune and Digestive. IV nutrition therapies and regenerative joint treatments with prolozone. See ad page 15.
Lymphatic Therapy
PROFESSIONAL LYMPHATIC THERAPY AND COLONICS, LLC
Laura M. Turley, LMT and Owner 9371 US 19N, Suite B, Pinellas Park 727-492-0060
ProfessionalLymphaticTherapy.com MM39888, MA88928
Specializing in manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and lymphatic enhancement therapy (LET). Professional Lymphatic helps those with challenging conditions including inflammation, mold toxicity; auto-immune conditions, post chemo healing, etc. See ad page 37.
CManual and Assisted Lymphatic Therapy & Colon Hydrotherapy with I-ACT Training. Longtime health and wellness advocate with 24+ years’ experience in massage and colonic therapies. See ad page 6.
Psychologist
ELIZABETH RICE, LCSW
6251 PARK BLVD., STE. 9C, PINELLAS PARK 33781
727-300-9382
esLifeCoach.com, License SW15178
Heal the whole being including body, mind, spirit and emotions. Increase your quality of life; facilitate emotional healing. Specializing in Anxiety, Mood, Behavior, Trauma, Family. See ad page 37.
Reflexology
REED ‘NAHAM’ MYLES
Certified Reflexologist and LMT 727-543-3048 by appointment Clearwater, MA0028171
Whether you need deep therapy, a tuneup or just a relaxing treatment, I can help you. Just call me.
RV Resort
BARE RV RESORT
6901 Caliente Blvd. Land O’Lakes 34637
813-996-6008
BareRVResort.com
A clothing optional oasis, resort and campground perfect for first-time nudists. Women owned/operated, offering a welcoming and relaxing environment to be at one with nature.
Sound Therapy
JOANN SHIVANTI, LMT
Shamanic Sound Healing
shivanti@3rdEyeGuidance.com 3rdEyeGuidance.com
727-434-7433
Spiritual MRI: Clairvoyant scan of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. Shamanic sound healing; chakra & aura reading; past life clearing. Free consultation.t life clearing. Free consultation.
Private sessions using various healing, clearing & spiritual modalities. Akashic Records, Intuitive Medium, Astrologer, Personalized Astrology Reports, Numerologist, Meditation, Chakra-Balancing, Tarot/Oracles, Candles, EOL Transition, Teacher/ Mentor & more.
Thermography
GREENPOINT THERMOGRAPHY
John D. Bartone MD 7901 4th Street North, Suite 316 St. Petersburg, FL 33702
727-576-0100
GreenPointThermography.com
The only physician owned and operated thermography practice in Tampa Bay – serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. Accredited by the American College of Clinical Thermology. See ad page 10.
Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography! Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you. See ad page 22.
Veterinarian
HEALTHY PAWSIBILITIES NATURAL PET WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM 912 Drew St., Suite 102, Clearwater 727-510-3665
HealthyPawsibilities.com
Offering only holistic health options. Nutrition, herbal support, body balancing, canine fitness, reiki and more. See ad page 41.
PAWSITIVE VETERINARY CARE
Shawna L. Green, DVM 11125 Park Blvd., Ste 108, Seminole 727-299-9029
Compassionate health care catered toward the needs of your pet, offering preventative medicine, surgery, dentistry, senior wellness, and more. See ad page 41.
