February 2022 Natural Awakenings Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties CT by Natural Awakenings Magazine

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

MINDING THE HEART WHY THE HEART-BRAIN CONNECTION MATTERS

Secondhand Clothing Sales Boom Online The Health Benefits of Fermentation Why Sex is Sacred February 2022 | Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties | eNaturalAwakenings.com February 2022

203 TLC 203TLC is a community of accredited health and wellness providers offering a wide variety of services and products.

Founded in 1997 by Beth Leas, the TLC Tribe is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health resource -a vibrant and growing community of over 90 Members, committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities. We offer high quality private sessions, products, workshops, classes and resources designed to help you live life well.

VISIT US: www.203TLC.com • www.TribeTLC.com • FB: Tribe TLC • 203-856-9566 ADHD/Special Ed./Child Development

Breathwork & Spiritual Healing/Coaching

Dr. Mark Goldenberg, Brain Balance Center Drug free approach for kids PreK-12th grade 15 Cross Street, Norwalk, CT norwalk@brainbalancecenters.com brainbalancenorwalk.com 203-847-3000

Alexia Clonda, The Mind & Breathing Edge Mindset & Heart Healing, Breathing Coach, ThetaHealing® Practitioner & Teacher. Online/phone sessions, workshops, seminars, corporate sessions & speaking. Child & teen sessions. 20+ years exp. 607-319-9161 mindbreathingedge@gmail.com TheMindBreathingEdge.com

Energy Healing/Meditation/Tarot

Essential Oils

Beth Leas 25+ Years Experience Private Sessions, Workshops, Events In-person or by phone bethleas.com 203-856-9566

Life Coach Diane Nicosia, MBA, ibalanceLLC Certified Coach & Reiki Master Teacher. Move forward toward your personal & business goals. In person or Zoom. NicosiaDiane@gmail.com ibalanceuthrive.com 203-858-5848

Salt Cave Salt Cave of Darien Salt therapy, massage, meditation, yoga & more! 555 Post Rd, Darien Info@SaltCaveofDarien.com SaltCaveofDarien.com 203-658-7667

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

Wayne Leiss, LMT, CAO Adventures in Connection. dōTERRA Essential Oils, Symphony of the Cells™ Applications and Massage Therapy 20 Fifth Ave, Apt A, Danbury Wayne@WayneLeiss.com WayneLeiss.com • 203-994-1207

Life Coach/Hypnotist Thea Litsios, CHy Certified Life Coach When you are ready to reinvent yourself and live your best life. Currently working remotely. thealitsios.com • 203-693-1493

Transformation Coaching/Healing Katie Augustyn, MA, CPC Transformation Coach, Shamanic Practitioner, Spiritual Evolution Trainer, Energy Healer, TV Host TransformationCenterCT.com 203-820-3800

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Energy Healing Gail Christie, Joyful Living Reiki Holy Fire Reiki Master, Private Reiki sessions, Reiki-infused meditations & Reiki certification classes Online, Stamford, CT, and Mt Kisco, NY • JoyfulLivingReiki.com 203-979-0918

Holistic Healing Spa Revive Salt Therapy & Wellness Halotherapy/Salt Therapy, Infrared Sauna, Reiki, Quantum Healing, Massage Therapy, Sound Healing, Yoga, Wellness + Crystal Shop. revivesalttherapy.com 374 New Haven Ave, Milford, CT 203-283-5968

Lyme Disease Healing Gregg Kirk, Lyme Recovery Clinic & Detox Center Heal from chronic illness through all-natural herbal treatments, intensive detox, cleanses & energy healing. 528 Post Rd, Darien Gregg.Kirk@gmail.com 203-858-9725

Monthly Networking Breakfast! We meet on the first Tuesday of every month at Valencia Luncheria, 164 Main St, Norwalk, CT, from 8:30 -10:00a.m. Come the first time as Beth’s guest! Please RSVP to Beth Leas at: 203-856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@ gmail.com so she can reserve your place.

COMING IN MARCH Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

2022 NATURAL LIVING

LT Y H OU Y P RH LA N EA E LT T R HY E S LI O V U IN R G C , E G U

DIRECTORY

Inquire Today about Directory Packages & Specials

ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES!

Wellness Dream Team Profiles, Community Resource Guide Listings and Advertising Space Available.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reach more than 40,000 Natural Awakenings readers all year long. Attract new customers and increase your business with our cost-efficient advertising, in print and online.

CALL OR EMAIL TODAY Deadline FEBRUARY 15 203-885-4674 Erica@eNaturalAwakenings.com February 2022

Contents

with coupon code FIRST10

14 MEDICINE DANCE:

A Healing Elixir for the Soul

16 THERE ARE NO HALF MEASURES IN THE YEAR OF THE TIGER

17 EMOTIONAL HEART

Work Smarter, Not Harder! Learn a system that you can use at home in 10 minutes a day!

HEALTH

18 THE HEART-MIND

Your Body is a training facility started by Dr. Peter Philip of Philip Physical Therapy in New Canaan.

Utilize resistance bands in a way that gets you strong quickly, protects your body from wear and tear and the dangers of weightlifting, and most importantly saves you time! Your Body | 40 Vitti Street | New Canaan, CT 203-962-3259 | Yourbodymotivation.com

CONNECTION How Thoughts and Emotions

Affect Our Heart Health

21 TRULY MAKING LOVE

Sex and Intimacy as a Healing Force

22 PARENTS AS

ROLE MODELS

How to Help Kids Discover Positive Behaviors

24 SECONDHAND FASHION

Online Used Clothing Stores Good for the Wallet and Planet

26 FERMENTING

FOR FOODIES Preserving Food and Traditions

30 REIKI FOR OUR ANIMAL

FRIENDS

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 7 ad index 21 healing ways 22 healthy kids 24 green living 4

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

eNaturalAwakenings.com

26 conscious eating 30 naturally

healthy pet 32 calendar 33 classifieds 34 resource guide

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

18 21

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or email Advertising@eNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for News Briefs: the 12th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for magazine calendar listings: the 12th of the month. Website calendar listings may be entered at any time. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

Is your Soul calling to be in alignment with your Divinity? If your Soul says YES, please join us to transform your mind, body, and spirit!

13th Octave LaHoChi Training Levels 1 and 2 Friday, March 25th, 6-10 pm Saturday & Sunday, March 26th & 27th, 10:30 am-6 pm Level 1 is prerequisite for Level 2.

with Eilis Philpott

Master Healer and Teacher

Location: Hybrid model Fairfield, CT in private home and/or via Zoom, in your home. Address will be provided once registered. (Note: there are dogs and cats in the home.)

See website for more information. The Academy for Soul Healing supports the growth and expansion of humanity, individually and on a global scale. "I foresee many students from the Academy becoming teachers of this integrated way of service."

Academyforsoulhealing.com • SoulHealingJourney.com 203-767-5954 • Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com February 2022

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

FAIRFIELD & SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD COUNTIES Publisher Erica Mills Editor Michelle Bense Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers Dale Bruder Stephanie Wemssen Sales & Marketing Shirley Bloethe Erica Mills Distribution Man in Motion LLC

54 Danbury Rd, #354, Ridgefield, CT 06877 Phone/Fax: 203-885-4674 Erica@eNaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder COO/Franchise Sales Art Director Layout Financial Manager Asst. Director of Ops Digital Content Director National Advertising Administrative Assistant

Sharon Bruckman Joe Dunne Josh Pope Gabrielle W-Perillo Yolanda Shebert Heather Gibbs Rachael Oppy Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Anne-Marie Ryan

letter from publisher

e are often speaking of the heart metaphorically— especially during the month of February—but did you know there is actually a very real connection between our hearts and minds? In our feature article this month, “The Heart-Mind Connection”, on page 18, learn how emotions both positive and negative can impact our heart health. “Our hearts require emotional health in order to maintain cardiovascular health,” says cardiologist Michael Miller, M.D., author of Heal Your Heart. On a related note, learning to relish in true intimacy with Erica Mills our partners can be incredibly beneficial for our mental and physical health. On page 21, read about how sex and intimacy can be a healing force. Taking some time to connect deeply with another person, getting back to the basics and reconnecting with our life force could be a game-changer. Also look for articles about the booming secondhand fashion movement going on, the “trend” of fermenting foods that was around long before our pandemic sourdough starters and the gentle process and benefits of Reiki for animals. Right now, we’re also hard at work on next month’s issue of Natural Awakenings of Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties—the Annual Natural Living Directory. This special, larger edition features in-depth, get-to-know-you profiles on local practitioners and small business owners, plus an expanded directory. Our readers keep the directory issue close all year long, to help them locate health and wellness experts whenever they’re needed. Don’t wait to contact us about participating in the 2022 Natural Living Directory! Our deadline for materials is February 15, so email me at Erica@eNaturalAwakenings.com or call 203-885-4674. With love,

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 NaturalAwakenings.com © 2022 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment. Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings is proudly printed in Connecticut at Trumbull Printing on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink. 6

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ONLINE @eNaturalAwakenings.com POWER UP YOUR WORKOUTS

A Guide to Protein Powders and Shakes

FOSTERING LOVE

Tips for FirstTime Pet Foster Parents

PLUS SO MUCH MORE... Contact us Anytime: Erica@eNaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

news briefs

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Stress-Free, Client-Focused Care at AcuBlend

t AcuBlend, Dr. Sian James knows that a combination of methods achieves maximum wellness. AcuBlend’s mission is to provide powerful, customized treatments to help clients reach balanced states of health and well-being with the use of acupuncture, a variety of bodywork modalities, herbal medicine, sound healing, movement therapies and lifestyle support. “Wellness is not just about alleviating what ails us—it’s about preventing ailments before they develop,” says James, who is licensed in Acupuncture and Massage Therapy in the states of Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania. “AcuBlend aims to facilitate your personal Sian James shifts, fostering lifetime changes toward health in all areas of your life.” James pledges herself toward the lifelong commitment of mastering complementary and alternative medicine and offering this powerful art and science of holistic healing. Among many additional certifications and areas of expertise, James is board certified as an Acu Detox Specialist and in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. She is also a Certified Sound Therapist and a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher, both of which she incorporates into sessions when appropriate. AcuBlend’s simple, stress-free, by-appointment-only system guarantees thorough, client-focused care. Services include: acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, tui na, massage therapy, vibrational sound massage, ashiatsu massage, essential oils, lifestyle support and facial rejuvenation acupuncture. For more information, call 203-987-6585, email Info@AcuBlend.com or visit AcuBlend. com. Location: 1200 Highridge Rd, Ste 208, Stamford. See ad, page 12.

Gain and Maintain Peace and Serenity through Monthly Reiki Subscriptions re you longing to reach your goals for spiritual connection, greater balance in life, a sense of peace and joy? How would you like to gain and maintain an ongoing sense of connection, empowerment and serenity? This can be possible through experiencing the pure, gentle healing of Holy Fire Reiki energy on a subscription basis. Gail Christie, Holy Fire Reiki and Karuna Reiki Master Teacher at Joyful Living Reiki, now offers three monthly subscriptions. The Awaken subscription includes: one monthly Reiki Healing session, one follow-up Distance Healing session, plus a bonus Holy Gail Christie Love meditation video. The Focus subscription includes: one monthly Intense Healing session (Healing meditation plus a full Reiki session), one Distance Healing session, plus a bonus meditation video. The Serenity subscription includes: one monthly Intense Healing session, weekly Distance Healing sessions, plus a bonus meditation video. The refinement and high vibration of Holy Fire energy, and Christie’s ability to provide it without an agenda, are hallmarks of her practice. A compassionate, welcoming, nurturing space (in person or virtual) promotes healing on all levels. Her clients often remark on increased inner peace and renewed focus, as well as relief from physical or emotional pain. Holy Fire training classes are themselves profoundly healing experiences, as well as offering a path for ongoing spiritual development. This month, spread the love with Christie’s Reiki gift certificate special: buy one, 60-minute Reiki gift certificate and get the second for 50 percent off. Available for purchase now through February 14, with no expiration.

Photo by Visual Stories || Micheile on Unsplash

203TLC Academy for Soul Healing AcuBlend/Dr. Sian James The Angel Cooperative/ Angel Wing Breathe 2.22.22 Global Livestream Chamomille Natural Foods Copper Zap Dr. Michael Wald Feng Shui Joan’s Way Final Journey LLC Hilda Demirjian Laser & Skin Care HGH Gel Holistic Community Professionals Hummingbird Sound Yoga Insight Counseling Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies KleinSleep KnoWEwell The Market Natural Awakenings Westchester for Sale Natural Awakenings Singles Natural Living Directory 2022 Nature’s Lab Nature’s Way Health Foods Nature’s Temptation New Morning Market Optimal Health Medical/ Henry Sobo, MD Passport to Health & Wellness Holistic Expo Rewilding Families/ Kristy M. Vanacore Salon Aponte Sedona Art Soul Healing Journey Touch of Sedona Transformation Center CT Two Coyotes Wilderness School We Are One/Connie Martin Whole Foods Wolf Spirit Wellness Your Body Motivation

2 5 12 10 40 29 39 11 12 31 19 12 4 8 9 4 15 25 29 10 20 3 27 29 29 29 13 20 17 15 5, 12 5 5 16 23 31 29 12 4

For more information, visit JoyfulLivingReiki.com. See ad, page 2. February 2022

news briefs

Enroll Now in Enhanced Year of Healing 2022-23

s your soul calling to be in alignment with the Divinity of you? Do you want to become the best version of you? Do you want to be known as a leader in your community? Enroll in the Enhanced Year of Healing 2022-23, an 18-month program that is part self-healing, part certification training and a transformational adventure into the power of you. Led by Eilis Philpott, owner of Soul Healing Journey and founder of the Academy for Soul Healing, the course will take place one weekend every month, either in person and/or via Zoom, beginning in August. Some of the many topics to be covered include: the Council of Eilis Philpott Love, initiation into St. Germaine’s Healing School, the 13th Octave, Angel Light Healing, Cities of Light, rebirthing breath work, the Divine Feminine, prosperity/abundance and manifestation, DNA activation, Akashic Field Healing, kinesiology techniques, forgiveness for self and others, healing family or origin issues, East and West healing traditions, energy anatomy and more. Attendees will receive guided support from Philpott and the Soul Tribe, a toolbox filled with Divine gifts and healing modalities, guided practice to harness different consciousness shifts, certification and the opportunity to join the Teacher Development Program. The regular rate for the program is $8,100. Sign up today to lock in a majorly discounted rate of $6,300, or a monthly rate of $350 for 18 months. For more information, call 203-767-5954 or visit AcademyForSoulHealing.com/enhanced-year-of-healing. See ad, page 5.

Ayurveda Digital Lecture Series and Certification Courses with Dr. Kaushik

yurvedic and naturopathic physician Somesh N. Kaushik will continue his educational outreach throughout 2022 with ongoing free monthly digital lectures as well as certification courses in Ayurveda. Since opening his clinic in Cross River in 2016, Kaushik has offered free monthly educational lectures covering a variety of health issues, to increase awareness of Ayurveda’s role in health and well-being. “This year I will launch an ambitious new series that encompasses each of the body systems and Ayurveda’s role in addressing their disorders,” he says. “A different body system will be discussed each Somesh N. Kaushik month, and the lectures will be offered twice to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to receive the information.” Topics covered will include the immune, nervous, endocrine, respiratory, circulatory, skeletal, muscular, digestive, urinary, excretory, integumentary and reproductive systems. The lectures will be publicly available to anyone online through the Pawling Free Library (second Tuesday of the month) and the Desmond-Fish Library, which will broadcast throughout the entire Putnam County Library System (fourth Tuesday of the month). For calendar and registration information, visit PawlingFreeLibrary.org or DesmondFishLibrary.org. In addition, Kaushik will continue offering Ayurveda Health Counselor (CAHC) and Ayurveda Practitioner (CAP) certification courses. Contact him directly for more information. For more information, call 914-875-9088 (clinic M-F) or 646-670-6725 (telemedicine), email DrKaushik@DrKaushik.com or visit DrKaushik.com. Location: Dr. Kaushik’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic, 792 Rte. 35, Cross River, NY. See ad, pg 4.

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Summer Camps at Two Coyotes Enrolling Now

wo Coyotes Wilderness School is now enrolling for their 2022 summer camps. Up to nine weeklong day camp sessions will be offered at Sticks & Stones Farm, in Newtown, and Holcomb Farm, in Granby. Each session is led by skilled nature mentors who introduce primitive and naturalist skills by tailoring each camp day to match the natural curiosity of their campers. Two Coyotes has been safely operating in-person programs during the COVID-19 pandemic since last summer. Open enrollment closes on May 1. Campers may learn anything from how to craft handmade tools and art projects from natural materials, track animals, identify bird language, make friction fires, build forts and shelters and forage for safe wild edibles. Along the way, all campers learn nature-inspired games, songs and have free time to explore streams, mountainsides and other unexpected nature mysteries. Small group size and exceptional adult mentors ensure a high-quality experience filled with memories and new friendships. For teens, the two-week Mentor-inTraining (MIT) program is designed for those on a leadership path. MITs are teens 14 and older with a desire to dig into how to use their previous wilderness skill experience to mentor youth through nature connection. They also offer Advanced Survival, Scout Tracker and Wildwood Rangers camps. Granby camps mix ages 9 to 15, while Newtown offers these camps in separate age groups for 9 to 12 and 12 to 15.

r Camps s Programs

W ENROLLING MMER CAMP!

Sticks & Stones Farm ntingtown Road, Newtown

gister at twocoyotes.org

otes.org for more information

For more information, visit TwoCoyotes.org. Updated registration policies and public health protocols are available on the COVID-19 Updates page. See ad, page 23.

coming in the march issue

2022 NATURAL LIVING DIRECTORY CALL: 203-885-4674

February 2022

news briefs

Enroll in Universal White Time Gemstone Healing with Bradford Tilden

xpand your knowledge of stones and how they can have a positive role in supporting our energy during this challenging time, with Universal White Time Gemstone Healing classes instructed by Bradford Tilden. Enrollment in this spring semester is now open. Each course level is held over two days, from 9am to 6:30pm both days, at the Avant Garde Holistic Center, in Branford. The Level 1 class is an introduction to the philosophy of Universal White Time Gemstone Healing (March 26 and 27). All imbalances in the body can be considered a lack of tone or color. The powerful layouts taught in Level 2 use color therapy with Bradford Tilden gemstones to restore balance (April 30 and May 7). Level 3 provides exclusive knowledge on how our chakras and energy systems are evolving as Earth’s core frequency continues to rise. Powerful layouts for the new chakra system are given that will ensure harmony between our bodies and the waves of new consciousness raining down on the planet preparing us for the New Earth (June 18 and 19). Tilden is one of two active teachers for this incredible modality in the U.S. He guides participants as they discover what others have found in the true power of crystals and gemstones and how they can be used in healing and spiritual growth. Register for classes at tinyurl.com/UWTGem1March2022. For more information, call 860830-5841, email Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com or visit CrystalMusicHealing.com. See ad, page 14.

HOME • BODY • SOUL PURVEYORS OF POSITIVITY • A UNIQUE LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE Crystals & Jewelry • Candles, Essential Oils & Incense • Home Decor & Feng Shui Accessories Spiritual Gifts & Statuary • Decks, Books & Cards • The Only Shungite Room in the USA Special events, classes, workshops and retreats in both our Shungite Room and at The Angel Wing (our spiritual center next door). • Readings • Yoga • Massage • Reiki • Sound Therapy • Acupuncture • Energy Work • Gong Baths • Bemer 51 & 49 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rt 7), Ridgefield, CT • 2 03 -4 3 1 -2959 • T HEAN GE LCOOP.COM

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

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‘Breathe’ Global Livestream Raises Our Collective Vibration

ith more division in our world than ever, it’s time to come together to use the power of breath and send synchronized prayers of healing around the entire planet. Repeating digits on dates and times is recognized worldwide to carry a harmonic signature in collective consciousness. On 2-22-22, we will collectively expand our life force in breath and prayer all together at the same time from home—live streamed from Hawaii. Using a simple power-breathing technique, we will all feel God’s divine light in our body at the same time and hold the same prayers for peace within ourselves, our loved ones and global family. The time is now. Let us breathe powerfully, together in resonance. The event will feature a Hawaiian Hula Blessing with Ehulani to open the ceremony, followed by Breath Instruction with Jeff Primack. Then, Megan Cannon will lead a Yoga Opener before the Nine-Breath Prayer Circle. The celebratory finale will include music with Maestro Jami Deva and David Helpling, encouraging ecstatic dance through a mystical musical journey. For more information and to register, visit Breathe22222.com. See ad, back cover.

Special Valentine’s Offer from NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

s we approach two full years of dealing with the pandemic, many have taken the opportunity to do some serious soulsearching, and many singles have come to the realization that they desire a deeply connected, conscious and loving relationship. To help in their quests, especially during special days this month that usually provide many face-to-face opportunities for potential romance that the health crisis has inhibited, NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com is having a Valentine’s Sale from February 10 through 15 with all subscriptions being offered at 25 percent off of regular prices during this period. The platform, a leading holistic, conscious dating site and a venue for eco-conscious and spiritual singles to meet each other, is not a superficial, “swipedy-swipe” app, but a truly “help singles meet their match” dating site. Each member exerts control over which profiles they view and with whom they choose to initiate contact. The detailed profiles allow members to read and learn about potential matches, which makes meeting someone compatible more probable. Further, its new video dating feature has been well received as it allows members to get to know each other before meeting in person. For more information, visit NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com. See ad on page 20. February 2022

news briefs Art Supplies Readily Available When Inspiration Strikes! Supplies for Artists, Makers and Creative Types of All Ages Wide Range of Affordable Products In-Store Events and Artist Talks Expressive Arts Workshops for Adults & Children

Open 7 Days A Week! Hours: Monday-Wednesday 2:30-5:30 | Thursday-Sunday 11:00-5:30 sedonaart06877@gmail.com | sedonaart.net | 450 Main St., Ridgefield, CT

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Blending the Art Science of Wellness

Acupuncture • Cupping Moxibustion • Gua Sha Tui Na • Massage Therapy Movement Therapies Herbal Medicine and much more! Dr. Sian James, DACM, LAc, LMT, RYT

Natural Awakenings Publishers Selling Westchester Edition

fter 15 years co-publishing the Natural Awakenings magazine serving Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, Dana Boulanger and Marilee Burrell say they’re ready to pass the reins of the healthy-lifestyle magazine to new hands. “We’re seeking somebody, or a team like us, that’s passionate about health, wellness and being a conduit of positive possibilities in people’s lives,” Boulanger says. Natural Awakenings is part of a Florida-based family of some 50 magazines nationwide. Along with acquiring an up-andrunning publication with an established local readership and advertising base, the new owner/publisher will also have corporate support during and after the transition. “The right person or team will feel comfortable making connections with community leaders and organizations,” Boulanger says. “They’ll be passionate as well as business minded, selfmotivated, organized and sales oriented. We’re a free magazine supported by our advertising partners, and we’ve been blessed to create many longtime partnerships. We’re seeking a highly motivated person or team who will carry the baton of community wellness forward for years to come.” A major benefit to publishing Natural Awakenings is job flexibility, Boulanger adds. Because publishers can work from home and make their own schedules, they can enjoy the work-life balance that the magazine promotes. “As a connector, I’ve enjoyed meeting local business owners who share my passion for wellness, many of whom have become friends,” she says. “Now I’m ready to help transition in the new owner or owners to carry on this beloved magazine and move it forward for future generations.” For more info, visit WakeUpNaturally.com/franchise. See ad, page 10.

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A Boy Named Beau by Stephanie Wemssen I clap, I flap, I twirl and stim and once I’m done, I’ll do it again. Sometimes I’ll eat, sometimes I don’t, I’ll take a drink, or I won’t. Eating for me is sometimes tricky, I don’t like to touch foods that are sticky. I don’t like things crunchy, or maybe I do. Mealtime for me depends on my mood. It’s not my fault, it’s how God made me, and in his eyes I’m a perfect little baby. Sometimes I stare, or look as if I’m in a cloud, but I’m very aware of what is always around. I like to walk on my tippy toes, I don’t like my face touched or my nose. My eye contact is limited, but just know when I do, that is my way of saying, I love you. I like to smile, I like to laugh and my favorite thing of all is taking a bath. The water is calming, it makes me feel safe, and I like to rub the bubbles all over my face. I love to watch the trees sway and move, it makes me smile and in a happy mood. When bedtime comes, I cuddle my blanket tight, and though I can’t speak my heart tells my parents, night night.

You may wonder why I’m telling you this, it’s simple, you see. I have something called autism, but it does not define me. What is autism, you might ask? Take a seat, sit down, relax. I will explain to you what it is. Sometimes I get overwhelmed and I stim. Stimming is what I do to feel better, it can be clapping your hands or twirling a feather. This helps me when my world is too much, like hearing loud noises or even Beau, Brendan (dad), Ava (sister), Stephanie (mom) being touched. It calms my body and relaxes my brain, it helps me with anxiety, excitement or pain. I also see things in a different way. My world is magical every single day. I’m like a rainbow that has many different colors, and just like rainbows I stand out to others. Having autism is not bad, you see. I’m just a boy named Beau, and it’s great to be me! Stephanie Wemssen wrote this poem about her son Beau, who was diagnosed with autism last year, just before his second birthday. She hopes to help others learn that an autism diagnosis does not define who someone is, and that being their own unique self is enough. Learn more at AutismSpeaks.org. Connect at StephanieWemssen2@gmail.com.

Advances in Regenerative Medicine allow Dr. Henry Sobo to offer these cutting edge technologies. Services Offered by Dr. Sobo

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This Medicine of the Future is Here Now! February 2022 13

HCP

Holistic Community Professionals

Our professional team of holistic and natural businesses provides community outreach and education. We are committed to improving the health and wellness of body, mind, and spirit in the communities we serve. Certified Intuitive Life Coach Elizabeth Raver DeCesare, PhD Medium, Energy worker, Clairvoyant and Trance worker. Online sessions available. RavElizabeth516@gmail.com DrLizMedium.com • 203-400-9212

Crystal/Sound/White Time Bradford Tilden, Universal White Time Energy, Gemstone and Sound Healing, Distance Healing Sessions, Trauma Clearing, Blockage Removal, Spiritual Development and Empowerment • info@CrystalMusicHealing.com CrystalMusicHealing.com • 860-830-5841

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Medicine Dance: A Healing Elixir for the Soul

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by Kristy M. Vanacore

an you hear the howling from the deep recesses of your being? Can you feel the intense gnawing rumblings of your ravenous soul? Can you see the dance of your wildest visions and desires? Can you taste the tantalizing tang of something more? Can you smell the intoxicating aroma of potent passion, purpose and potential? It’s time to get a shot of the healing elixir for your soul. Medicine Dance is an innovative, collective healing experience that weaves elements of ancient ceremony with current scientific paradigms to empower modern seekers. Today, humans are experiencing “evolutionary mismatch”— meaning that the demands of our lifestyle are at odds with our inherent genetic programming. We have been uprooted from our essential connection with the ancestral medicine of the lineages who came before us, and the consequences have been dire. Like the domesticated animals on the verge of extinction, our inner fires have been extinguished, creating insufferable physical and psychological illness. This is

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precisely why so many of us feel completely disoriented, disconnected, devoid of a purpose and sick. As the pressures of modern life continue to threaten our health and vitality, it is imperative that we reconnect with our potent self-healing medicine—the innate universal healing salves that are so readily available to us. In all indigenous cultures, physical and psychological illness and distress are expressions of energetic imbalance. If one had an ailment and visited with a shaman, or medicine person, the healer would ask four questions: When did you stop singing? When did you stop dancing? When did you stop believing in the magic of storytelling? When did you stop finding comfort in silence? These four universal healing salves of singing, dancing, story and silence are the medicine to retrieve our lost souls and restore a sense of awe and wonder—natural antidotes to present-day epidemics of depression, anxiety, burnout, inflammation and chronic physical health issues. Through an ecstatic and revolutionary fusion of movement (dance, yoga, martial arts, Feldenkrais method, Alexander Technique

and trauma-informed Somatic Experiencing), meditation, chanting and vocal expression, dharma talks and creative expression in a sacred gathering of women, Medicine Dance will provide the life-giving remedy that will ignite our wild and resuscitate our souls. Participants learn how to be in their body healthily, navigate the inner workings of the mind-bodyspirit connection, release stress and trauma, connect with the wisdom of their intuition and experience pleasure, joy and bliss. Dr. Kristy M. Vanacore is a spiritual visionary, modern day medicine woman and sacred storyteller who weaves ancient wisdom with modern science to empower families to thrive. She offers weekly, in-person Medicine Dance classes. She has been a prominent trailblazer in the field of holistic psychology for two decades, as she has revolutionized the personal development industry by creating a mentoring program which combines coaching and personal development, evidenced-based psychological therapies, somatic/movement-based practices, energy medicine and Shamanic healing techniques. Connect at 914-497-8006 or Kristy. Vanacore@kmvgroup.org. See ad, page 16.

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There Are No Half Measures in the Year of the Tiger by Dale Bruder

he Year of the Tiger begins on February 1, 2022 in the Chinese Zodiac. As the third animal of the Zodiac, the Tiger continues a developmental progression. The Year of the Rat (2020) was about survival, and the Year of the Ox (2021) was about anchoring ourselves in a new reality. The Year of the Tiger will be about making big changes, of risk taking and adventure. Tiger is the noble, king of all beasts in Chinese mythology. Symbolizing strength, courage and gifted with the ability of exorcising evils, Tiger harvests the gardens cared for by Ox, separating the wheat from the chafe—a metaphor for purity. The Tiger is associated with Yang (masculine, active) energy. Tigers do things their own way and hate being told what to do. Expect things to rapidly change this year. Sudden disruptions in economic, social and cultural life should be expected. Some of us will thrive through taking great leaps, while others might crash and burn. Renowned as they are for their forceful presence and charm, Tigers are also feared for their vaulting ambition and their tendency to be unpredictable. Tigers are said to be

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mercurial, irritable and prone to whims and flights of fancy. So while it’s important to follow our intuition and run with our wildest dreams, we must remain disciplined in our diligence and rectitude. Alchemy of the five elements rotates through the Chinese Zodiac. This is the year of the Water Tiger, tempering the tone and resonating energy of the beast. Water years bring out emotions more than the other elements. Water Tigers are tempered to be family-oriented and have wonderful interpersonal relationships. Like the roiling currents of a rapids, they’re extremely harsh, digging new channels, polishing the rocks in their way of doing what’s best for everyone, not just themselves. The harsh, ruthless love of the Water Tiger is centered in a caring heart. Tigers are known to have potent personalities. They are strong, brash, impetuous and above all, self-assured. The imposing creature of sinew and claws strikes fear in the hearts of their enemies and confidence in the hearts of their allies. However, their strength is also a weakness. They are fundamentally dangerous animals. As a well-known Chinese idiom goes, “When you ride a tiger, it’s hard to get off,” figuratively referring to the impossibility of stopping halfway. Overall, this is a year to grab the Tiger by the tail for switching careers, building teams and leaping into creative projects. The Tao Time Way is a pragmatic approach to discern the time you are in and the developmental path that lays before you by accessing and interpreting the I Ching. Readings are available on the moon phases. Connect at TaoTime@DaleBruder.com.

by Amy Wiesner

or thousands of years, we have been attributing emotion to the heart—love, hurt, grief, fear, sadness. There is even the word heartache, which was first used in 1578, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Why is the heart so affected by emotion? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), emotions are an important symptom. Chinese medical practitioners realized thousands of years ago that our emotions can affect our physical bodies and vice versa. In TCM, the heart stores all the emotions. Therefore, treating the heart can treat emotional imbalances. What the ancient medical practitioners did not know, because of the lack of modern technology, is that there is a direct link between the brain and the heart neurologically in the body. The heart also releases hormones, so it can affect the body in other ways than just in the cardiovascular system. It responds to different stimuli and therefore can direct the body to respond to different reactions. That’s why stress and depression, for instance, can negatively affect our bodies, while love and relaxation can positively affect our bodies. When we have negative emotions, the body releases stress hormones. When we have happier feelings and thoughts, this causes our bodies to be less stressed and therefore function better, including less stress on the heart and cardiovascular system. In a different area of research, the HeartMath Institute found that the heart has its own electromagnetic field, like the brain, only much bigger than the brain’s. The data showed that “when people touch or are in proximity, a transference of the electromagnetic energy produced by the heart occurs”. We know that being around and physically close to other people, as well as the sense of touch, is needed for physical and emotional health. It releases oxytocin, a hormone that makes us feel good and has beneficial effects on our bodies. What kind of effect, then, does someone else’s electromagnetic field have on us? Knowing that there is an exchange of energy, it is logical to believe that someone exhibiting more positive emotions, which then causes the heart to function more regularly, would have healthier results on those around them, rather than someone who is expressing aggression or anger, causing stress to the body, which would then affect the heart and its electromagnetic offering.

Benjavisa Ruangvaree/AdobeStock.com

Emotional Heart Health

Therefore, taking care of our hearts takes a multi-pronged approach. We need to eat healthy foods to give our bodies the nutrients and phytochemicals it needs and to avoid ones that are harmful, like processed foods. Making healthy choices is nourishing both physically and mentally. We need to exercise so that our hearts and brains are functioning optimally. As stated previously, the heart and brain are intimately connected, so taking care of them both through exercise is important. We need to take care with our thoughts, not only to give our minds peace, but to minimize the effects negative feelings and thoughts have on our physical bodies. We can do this through therapy, meditation and exercise. Working on having loving, positive relationships around us is also important. Not only because of the electromagnetic field of our hearts, which affects and can be affected by others, but also because difficult relationships can cause emotional stress, which then causes physical stress. Tempering our reactions to others can help us to cope in situations that we are unable to change. Once again, therapy and meditation can help us in this regard. Additionally, therapies such as acupuncture, which works on the physical, emotional, mental and energetic levels at the same time, is a wonderful choice to help balance the body so that we can lower physical and emotional stress—which in turn helps to make the body healthier. Taking care of our physical body also means taking care of our emotional and mental health, as they are intertwined. Being mindful of the link between the heart and our thoughts and emotions can greatly influence our entire body, and thus our physical health and quality of life. Dr. Amy Wiesner has been practicing Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture for nearly 20 years in Norwalk. She combines compassionate listening with modern technology and other techniques to help address your mind and body so that you can live a better life. Connect at 203-962-5887 or HealthfulHarmony.com. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 36. February 2022 17

The Heart-Mind Connection How Thoughts and Emotions Affect Our Heart Health

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by Ronica O’Hara

“D

oes your wife show you her love?” In a study of 10,000 married men, this question turned out to be revelatory. Among men with high levels of anxiety, a whopping 93 percent that answered “No” developed angina-related chest pains within five years—nearly twice the rate of those answering “Yes.” This 1976 Israeli study was one of the first to clearly document how emotions affect the physical heart. Today, the research is so vast and compelling that last year, the American Heart Association issued a statement urging that psychological factors be taken into account in cardiovascular care—which may result in doctors asking patients about depression and anxiety as well as testing for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. “What’s on your mind really does affect your heart,” says leading researcher and cardiologist Michael Miller, M.D., author of Heal Your Heart and director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical System. “Our hearts require emotional health in order to maintain cardiovascular health.” Two emerging fields are probing the mind-heart connection: neurocardiology, which studies their neurological interplay; and behavioral cardiology, which examines how psychological and social factors lead to heart disease. Increasingly, researchers are documenting that the brain and the heart form an intricate feedback loop that works neurologically, biochemically and electromagnetically to optimize well-being. What hurts one—be it artery-clogging foods or angry outbursts—can hurt the other. What heals one—be it exercising or a good belly laugh—can heal the other. There’s good news in that, says Miller: “You can heal your heart by actively engaging in positive emotions each and every day.”

Unveiling the Heart’s Role In Western medicine, the heart has been downplayed historically as a pump mechanistically taking orders from a bossy brain, but recently, the heart’s role is being reexamined: With 40,000 neurons, it sends more signals to the brain than it receives. As integrative cardiologist Mimi Guarneri, author of The Heart Speaks, puts it, “The heart is a multilayered, 18

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complex organ, possessing intelligence, memory and decision-making abilities independent from the mind.” The electromagnetic field it generates is about 100 times stronger than the brain’s magnetic range and can be detected up to three feet away from the body, report researchers at the pioneering HeartMath Institute, in Boulder Creek, California. They found that one person’s brain waves can synchronize to another person’s heart and two hearts can synchronize to each other, which may help explain why people are drawn to or repelled by each other. When the heart’s rhythm pattern becomes erratic and disordered during stress and negative emotions, they report, the neural signals traveling to the brain’s emotional centers also get disrupted, hindering clear thinking and reasoning—which may help explain why we make dubious decisions under stress.

The High Toll of Tough Emotions Although scientists debate whether emotions start in the brain, heart or from physical sensations elsewhere in the body, it’s clear through magnetic imaging technology that it’s the brain’s task to process and regulate emotions via the flow of neurotransmitters through the amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and other brain regions. Emotions like anger, fear, grief and anxiety set off a cascade of reactions involving the hormone cortisol and proteins called cytokines, creating an inflammatory response that, if it becomes chronic, can promote the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that can become unstable and rupture, triggering blood clots that lead to strokes and heart attacks. Surveying 25,000 participants in 52 countries, the landmark INTERHEART Study in 2004 concluded that about 30 percent of heart attacks and strokes are

due to psychological factors, and ongoing research supports this finding. DEPRESSION. Adults that are depressed are twice as likely to develop heart disease. In one study, moderate to severe depression quadrupled the death rate in heart failure patients. ANXIETY. Researchers have linked chronic anxiety with a 48 percent increased risk of cardiac-related death over 11 years. It has also been shown to be a risk factor for angina, heart attacks and ventricular arrhythmia. SHOCK. A sudden emotional or physical shock, like a death in the family or an earthquake, can trigger stress cardiomyopathy, known as broken heart syndrome, which resembles a heart attack. ANGER. An episode of intense fury—described as “body tense, clenching fists or teeth, ready to burst”—increases by 8.5 times the risk of a heart attack within the next two hours. LONELINESS. Being socially isolated and lonely is linked to a higher risk for cardiovascular death than hypertension and obesity— alarming information since more than 60 percent of Americans report feeling lonely, left out, poorly understood and lacking companionship, according to a 2020 survey.

hour daily and eating a largely plant-based, Mediterranean-type diet that’s low in saturated fats has been found in numerous studies to lower the risk of both cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Working with health practitioners to get blood pressure, blood sugar and inflammation levels under control, perhaps using supplements or medications, is also a key preventive step. GIVING AND GETTING HUGS. Oxytocin, the “love hormone” released from the pituitary gland during touching and hugging, lowers blood pressure and heart rate,

DOING THE BASICS. Exercising a half-

MINDFULLY LETTING GO. As studies with police officers, healthcare workers and firefighters have demonstrated,

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Boosting Both Brain and Heart “There’s no damage caused by negative emotions that positive emotions can’t heal,” says Miller. A large body of research has shown that cardiovascular disease risk can be reduced by up to half with optimism, a sense of humor, forgiveness, social support, religious faith, vitality, gratitude, altruistic behavior, emotional flexibility and coping flexibility. People that are optimistic are less likely to be rehospitalized or die from heart disease, Finnish researchers report. “For optimal health, maximize the health of both brain and heart. For example, if you eat well and exercise, but are still stressed out, your heart will suffer. Conversely, if you are not stressed out, but overeat and do not exercise, your brain will suffer,” says Miller. Some heart-and-mindhealthy strategies include:

and regenerates new heart tissue in animal studies. Proactively reaching out to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers can nurture affectionate ties, but if a human isn’t nearby, even hugging a teddy bear has been shown to release oxytocin—which may explain why 40 percent of U.S. adults sleep with stuffed animals. Owning a dog, but not necessarily a cat, makes us more likely to survive a heart attack, report researchers.

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mindfulness training effectively lowers anxiety and depression, even for those in life-threatening situations. “To be present, ever acutely aware of our thoughts, emotions, feelings and how we are choosing to react is critical,” says cardiologist Cynthia Thaik, author of Your Vibrant Heart and the founder of the Holistic Heart Healing Center, in Los Angeles. “Once we are aware

of our reaction, the ability to let go—of judgment, doubt, anger, resentment, fear, all our negative thoughts, emotions and feelings—is crucial to our healing process.” LAUGHING A LOT. Many of us have a chuckle deficit in our lives: The average 5-year-old laughs up to 300 times a day, the average adult only four. To lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, find ways to laugh

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long and hard—such as watching hilarious films or videos on YouTube or TikTok. Physiologically, the endorphins released by a hearty belly laugh bind to receptors that release nitric oxide, relaxing blood vessels. BREATHWORK. To bring the mind and heart into a healthy, coherent rhythmic pattern, the HeartMath Institute suggests heartfocused breathing, which involves imagining that we are breathing in through the heart as we inhale in a smooth, comfortable manner to the count of five or six, then breathing out for five or six counts while visualizing that the breath is flowing out of the heart. MEDITATION. People that practice meditation are significantly less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, perhaps because it has been shown to lower heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, oxygen consumption and cortisol levels. Alzheimer’s expert Dharma Singh Khalsa, author of Meditation as Medicine, advocates kirtan kriya, a 12-minute, daily meditation that includes chanting, finger movements and visualization. Research has demonstrated that it slows cognitive decline, eases depression and increases anti-aging telomerase activity at a cellular level by 43 percent in eight weeks. YOGA OR TAI CHI. In studies, yoga has been shown to lower inflammation and metabolic syndrome markers linked to heart disease and reduce atrial fibrillation episodes. The slow, graceful movements of tai chi reportedly lower blood pressure and strengthen the hearts of people with heart failure. MUSIC. Whether it involves listening, playing an instrument or singing, music has been shown to lower heart rate, reduce inflammation, enable longer exercise periods, ease anxiety after heart surgery and heart attacks, and help stroke victims regain the ability to speak. Choose music of whatever genre inspires joy and sing along for extra benefit, advises Miller. “If your partner is flummoxed by your enthusiasm for yodeling or your neighbor doesn’t exactly approve of your attempts at arias, kindly inform him or her it’s doctor’s orders,” he jokes in Heal Your Heart. Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

healing ways

says Jamie Elizabeth Thompson, a holistic intimacy expert in Austin. “It’s an exploration with no one right answer. Attitude is important when it comes to sex because people can take it so seriously and place crippling pressure on having this fantasy Hollywood sex life.”

Truly Making Love Sex and Intimacy as a Healing Force

by Marlaina Donato

ntimately connecting with a loved one is one of life’s most precious gifts, but it’s easy to lose sight of our innate sensual energy in the maze of the mundane. Through lovemaking, we can harness our life force, and according to abundant research, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, manage pain and improve brain health. A significant correlation also exists between higher ejaculation frequency and a reduced risk for prostate cancer later in life, Boston University researchers report in European Urology. Making love is also good for boosting our natural immunity. College students that engaged in amorous activity once or twice a week—especially with long-term partners—had 30 percent higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A in their saliva, concluded research by Wilkes University, in Pennsylvania.

Stripping Down to Basics A few lifestyle adjustments can do wonders for worn-out romance. Quality sleep itself can be a potent aphrodisiac. Women are

more likely to be “in the mood” after a good night’s sleep, even with just an extra hour of shut-eye, according to a 2015 pilot study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Therapist Kurt Smith, clinical director of Guy Stuff Counseling and Coaching, in Roseville, California, advocates limiting phone use and engaging in non-technological activities. “Phones have moved from being used as a communication device to becoming many people’s connection to the rest of the world. Unfortunately, when used as such, they pose a threat to the emotional connection with our partners,” he says. “With all distractions removed, sit on the sofa, face each other and talk. This suggestion can make many people very uncomfortable, because they have no idea what they’d say to their partner. Actually, talking to your partner without a purpose other than to just listen and connect with each other has become rare.” An element of fun can go a long way in the quest to stay connected. “Approach your sex life like a science experiment or an art project instead of a math problem,”

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Aphrodite’s Plate Feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin all contribute to the pleasure response, and sharing luscious food with a lover can be sensuous, as well as endorphin-friendly. Nutritious foods such as almonds, walnuts, asparagus and avocados support reproductive health, and a dessert of dark chocolate and honeydrizzled fruits like berries, figs and cherries can support libido in both women and men. Nixing excessive alcohol and sugar is also a good romantic investment.

Partnership as Sacred Deep relationship is only possible when we are willing to be vulnerable. “Porn is a drug that people unknowingly use to self-medicate and manage uncomfortable thoughts and emotions,” explains Smith. “Many men have no idea what they’re missing because they’ve never had an emotionally intimate relationship without the negative influence of porn. Porn makes sex self-focused, rather than what it’s supposed to be, which is the intimate connection of two people. Porn is selfish, rather than loving, giving and sharing with a partner.” Thompson attests that lovemaking can help us align with the divine, especially “when people have reverence for the power of their erotic life force. When people open their view of what sex is, it can become an act of worship.” Love prompts us to become more ourselves. “When erotic life force is flowing freely, the body is vital and the system is turned on. When channeled properly, this energy is highly creative,” muses Thompson. “It’s the fuel of your vehicle, the charge of your battery, and when you are full on life force, it organically overflows into service.” Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com. February 2022 21

healthy kids

Parents as Role Models

How to Help Kids Discover Positive Behaviors by Sandra Yeyati

they’re angry. To teach them constructive ways to express anger—like taking deep breaths or running around the block— you’ve got to employ those tools yourself.” Actions speak louder than words. “To teach your child good values, you have to demonstrate them through your deeds. If you tell your child that they must always be on time for school, but you’re late for work every day, your child hears one thing, but sees another,” MacDonald explains, adding that kids are adept at sniffing out these inconsistencies.

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ike the familiar adage, “Monkey see, monkey do,” children learn habits, attitudes and values by observing and mimicking their parents. This phenomenon, known as modeling, is a double-edged sword. Sometimes parents unintentionally teach their kids by example to smoke, eat too much candy or bully people. On the other hand, with awareness, planning and strategic modifications, parents can use modeling to instill in their kids good habits, positive attitudes, healthy emotional intelligence and strong self-esteem. “We parent what we know, very often on automatic mode,” says Debra MacDonald, a certified parenting educator at the Center for Parenting Education, in Abington, Pennsylvania. “How many times have you said, ‘I will never say that to my kids,’ and then fast-forward several years, those words are coming out of your mouth. Awareness is your first step.” “Look at how you handle stress or express anger,” MacDonald suggests. “If you slam the table, break something and yell, that’s what you’re teaching your children to do when

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Saying, “Eat your spinach,” while regularly gobbling ice cream won’t inspire desired results. When MacDonald’s son was young, she realized she wasn’t setting the right example at the dinner table. “Slowly, over time, I began to improve our family’s lifestyle choices, and now that he’s in college, he knows how to cook healthy meals, practice portion control and clean up after himself,” she boasts.

Tackling Childhood Anxiety Through Modeling In his 2021 book, Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD, Yale University Professor Eli Lebowitz offers a scientifically proven parental modeling program called Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). Although the goal is to treat a child’s anxiety, parents meet with a therapist and learn tools to modify their parenting approach in two ways: being more supportive and reducing accommodations. On the support side, SPACE parents learn to show a genuine acceptance and understanding of their child’s distress and to communicate their confidence in the child’s ability to tolerate and cope with the anxiety. The support can be as simple as saying, “I get it. This is really hard. You’re upset, but I know you can handle this.” “Supportive statements aren’t always intuitive for parents,” says Lebowitz, director of the program for anxiety disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. “Sometimes they don’t believe that their child is feeling anxiety. They might think that the child is being manipulative or attention-seeking. Or, when parents do believe

that their child is anxious, they want to protect, soothe and reassure them, but by doing these things, parents aren’t communicating their belief that the child can handle it, which is critical to helping them overcome the anxiety.” The second change that SPACE parents learn to make is to gradually and systematically reduce all the accommodations they have been making to help their child not feel anxious, such as sleeping beside a child that is afraid of being alone or not inviting company to the house to avoid upsetting a socially anxious kid. “Research indicates that even though parents are trying to help, accommodations that rush to the rescue tend to maintain or worsen anxiety over time,” Lebowitz says. “I worked with parents of a child who had panic attacks at night and would say, ‘My heart is racing. I can’t breathe. I think I’m going to die.’ Feeling overwhelmed and scared, her parents would rush her to the hospital again and again, even after doctors assured them that she was healthy and didn’t need to come in. From the child’s perspective, when your parents rush you to the ER, that confirms that this is literally an emergency. You feel more worried and scared. When the parents were able to take a breath, give her a hug and say, ‘We know this is uncomfortable, but it’s going to pass, and you’re going to be okay,’ she began to learn that she didn’t need to be afraid of anxiety. She could handle it and didn’t need to avoid it.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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are Santa Monica-based Tradesy.com, founded by women for women; Parisbased reseller VestiaireCollective.com; and TheRealReal.com, out of San Francisco. Other notable players include brickand-mortar thrift store Goodwill Industries, which has partnered with resale app OfferUp.com to upload their inventories; eBay.com, one of the first online, peer-topeer marketplaces; and Etsy.com, featuring vintage and upcycled fashion by smaller shops.

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Brand-Name Manufacturers and Retailers React

SECONDHAND FASHION

Online Used Clothing Stores Good for the Wallet and Planet by Sandra Yeyati

he online commerce of used clothing is booming. According to ThredUp.com, a prominent virtual consignment and thrift store, the secondhand market is projected to double in the next five years, reaching a whopping $77 billion. “The pandemic and resulting economic downturn boosted this surge,” says Hyejune Park, Ph.D., associate professor of fashion merchandising at Oklahoma State University. “Stuck at home in 2020, people looked into their closets, found items they no longer wore or wanted and went online to sell and buy clothes to save money.”

Popular Resale Platforms Younger, tech-savvy shoppers are the principle drivers of this growth, and a host of apps and websites are responding to the demand, including UK-based marketplace Depop. com, which caters to cash-strapped Generation Z and millennial shoppers, and Poshmark.com, a leading social marketplace boasting 80 million users across the U.S., Canada and Australia. Several well-known platforms serve vintage and luxury brand consumers worldwide, offering authentication guarantees to reassure buyers about counterfeits. Among them 24

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Many fashion brands are considering or have already formed partnerships with established resale platforms to reach this engaged, younger demographic of shoppers. For example, Gucci is partnering with TheRealReal.com, while Adidas is working with ThredUp.com. In 2021, Poshmark.com launched their Brand Closets initiative, inviting branded manufacturers to interact with their users and opening the platform to sell a combination of used and new fashion. “The fact that all this is happening is an indication that we’re witnessing a new wave of e-commerce,” Park says. “I don’t think it’s a temporary boom. From a retail business perspective, this is a huge trend that will go mainstream and continue to grow.” Other brands are launching resale operations in-house, such as Levi’s Secondhand.Levi.com and fast-fashion giant H&M’s Rewear.hm.com, claiming to provide a sustainable fashion-buying alternative, but Park cautions, “I’m not confident that secondhand fashion can solve the sustainability issues that fast fashion has created over the past decade. Depending on how brands are participating in their resale operations, it could be a greenwash claim—just another way to make sales and reach more consumers.” Notably, H&M’s Conscious Collection that is marketed as sustainably-made clothing caters to only a small fraction of its customers, suggesting that the company cares less about environmental impacts and more about satisfying a segment of its customer base. In contrast, Park says, Patagonia’s resale program is an enviable environmental

example. “Patagonia began running their Worn Wear resale campaign long before this secondhand shopping boom. They educate consumers about how to take care of their gear, offer alteration services and encourage the long-term wear and resale of their clothes,” she explains.

The Secondhand Surge and the Environment ThredUp.com’s marketing materials assert that by extending the life of used clothing, fewer new garments need to be produced, helping to reduce the carbon, waste and water footprints associated with the production of textiles and apparel. In 2021, Manish Chandra, founder and CEO of PoshMark.com, stated, “Consumers are prioritizing the impact that their purchases have on the environment.” Park cautions that even though resale platforms tout environmental benefits, consumer behavior will ultimately determine whether the online surge makes a positive environmental impact. In a recent study involving young consumers living in Oklahoma, Park sought to understand why they were choosing to buy and sell secondhand clothing online. Their most prominent motives were saving money and shopping convenience. “Not many respondents saw this type of consumption as a way to save the environment,” she laments. “If consumers buy secondhand goods to curtail their spending on new clothes or to find better quality garments than fast fashion, then it will be good for the environment, but if they buy and sell used clothes in addition to their regular shopping as another way to shop for marked-down products, then there will be no environmental benefit.” To protect the planet, Park advises, the goal should be to buy nothing or buy less. “It’s okay to purchase $10 jeans, but get one pair, not five. Don’t have a one-nightstand relationship with your clothes. Love them, take care of them and wear them until they’re falling apart.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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conscious eating

Fermenting for Foodies Preserving Food and Traditions by April Thompson

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Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

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f fermented food is a trend, it’s the oldest one on the planet. More and more people are rediscovering the time-honored foodways of fermentation to promote health, boost flavor and preserve the bounty of the seasons. “There is huge potential to use high-quality fermented foods to enhance our health and well-being,” says Sandor Katz, a so-called “fermentation revivalist”, in Liberty, Tennessee, and the author of several bestselling books on fermentation, including the newly released Sandor Katz’s Fermentation Journeys: Recipes, Techniques, and Traditions from Around the World. Katz caught the fermentation bug after moving from New York City to rural Tennessee in the 1990s and being faced with the “positive problem” of an overly plentiful garden to preserve. He’s since wandered the globe teaching and learning about fermentation traditions, from Korea’s spicy kimchi to Mexico’s funky pineapple tepache drink. Fermentation is defined as the chemical breakdown of a food by bacteria, yeasts or other microorganisms. An estimated onethird of all foods are fermented, including coffee, cured meats, cheese, condiments and chocolate. Pickles and yogurt are traditionally fermented through lactic acid bacteria, while beer and bread are typically fermented through yeast. Kombucha, an ancient tea drink, is made using a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria. Pascal Baudar, a Los Angeles writer, instructor and self-proclaimed “culinary alchemist,” turned to fermentation techniques to preserve the precious wild ingredients of the fleeting seasons. His books and workshops cover unusual culinary territory, like fermented and aged vegan cheeses from acorns and “seaweed” made from fermented broadleaf plantain, a common weed, using methods he’s studied and

perfected. “I investigate new and lost flavors, and conserve them as gourmet foods through preservation,” he says.

Fermentation with Benefits Fermentation transforms the nutrients in food in several ways, Katz explains. In a process known as predigestion, it breaks macronutrients down into more digestible forms (think proteins turned into amino acids) and renders minerals more bioavailable. Gluten, too, is broken down by fermentation, he says, as are potentially toxic compounds in foods such as cyanide and oxalic acid. The process also releases vitamins B and K and other micronutrients as metabolic byproducts. Fermentation reduces the short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and are prone to absorb water and ferment in the colon, causing gas and bloating. Found in wheat, beans and other foods, they can pose digestive problems for people with irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions, says Tayler Silfverduk, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in celiac disease. “The most profound nutritional benefit of fermentation is the live bacteria itself. You are ingesting a rich biodiversity of beneficial bacteria that can potentially improve immune function,” says Katz, an AIDS survivor who considers fermentation an important part of his healing process.

No Starter Required “There is nothing you can eat that can’t be fermented, but the easiest and safest place to begin is with vegetables,” which need no special equipment or a starter like sourdough, kefir or kombucha, says Katz. To make sauerkraut, for example, simply shred cabbage, lightly salt and season it, and submerge it in a jar under its own juices, “burping” it daily for a week to 10 days to release the fermentation gases. Katz and Baudar both like to debunk myths that fermenting foods is difficult or dangerous. “You don’t have to sterilize everything or have precise laboratory control conditions. People have been practicing fermentation for years, and they began before they knew bacteria was a thing. To the contrary, fermentation is a strategy for food safety,” says Katz. While yeast or mold can grow on the top layer that is exposed to oxygen, Katz says “a lot of sauerkraut is needlessly discarded. Most such growth is harmless and normal, and can be skimmed off the top.” Baudar, a University of California Master Food Preserver, has kept foods he’s fermented for up to three years and only once encountered mold. “You need to work with the ferment,” he says. “That means regularly burping it, then shaking or stirring to promote the acidity that prevents bad bacteria from taking hold.” “If it looks or tastes bad, throw it away,” he adds. “Some of my early experiments tasted horrible, but I just took my failures as learning and kept experimenting. The more you understand the fermentation process, the more you can play with it creatively and push the envelope.”

Vinagre de Piña (Mexican Pineapple Vinegar) Pineapple vinegar, vinagre de piña, is delicious and super-acidic. Many Mexican recipes call for pineapple vinegar, although it can be used in place of any kind of vinegar. Since this uses only the skin of the pineapple, we are eating the pineapple flesh. This recipe was inspired by a recipe in The Cuisines of Mexico, by Diana Kennedy. YIELD: 2 CUPS/500 MILLILITERS 2 Tbsp sugar Peel of 1 pineapple (organic, because the skin is used; overripe fruits are fine) Combine the sugar with 2 cups/500 milliliters of water in a jar or bowl. Stir to dissolve. Coarsely chop and add the pineapple peel. Use a small plate to weigh down the pineapple and keep it submerged. Cover with a cloth to keep flies out. Ferment at room temperature. Stir daily while the pineapple peels are in it. Strain out the pineapple peels and discard after about one week when the liquid is darkening. Ferment the liquid for an additional two to three weeks, stirring or agitating periodically. Bottle and enjoy. From Sandor Katz’s book, Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2016).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

†

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com. February 2022 27

Fermented Pickled Carrot Sticks

photo provided by Tayler Silfverduk RDN

YIELD: 1 QUART-SIZE JAR OF PICKLES 2 sprigs fresh dill 1-2 cloves garlic 2 lb whole carrots 1 Tbsp sea salt 1-2 cups distilled water Wash and peel the skins of the whole carrots. Cut the peeled and washed carrots into carrot sticks. Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves. Wash and dry 2 sprigs of dill. In a wide-mouth, quart-size jar, pack in the carrot sticks. (Tilt the jar to locate more places to squeeze in the sticks.) Add in the sea salt, then the sliced garlic and sprigs of dill. Cover the ingredients with distilled water (Be sure to leave about an inch of free space from the waterline to the opening of the jar.) Place an airtight lid on the jar and let it sit for a week or until the carrots have reached desired taste. Make sure to burp the jar at least every two days while fermenting. Once the carrot sticks have reached their desired taste, place the jar in the fridge for storage. Enjoy. Notes: If using organic carrots, leave the skin on and just wash the carrots very well before chopping into snacking sticks. When burping the jar, use this time to check on fermentation to make sure it’s growing healthy. Look for bubbles on top of the water and along the water line. Seeing mold is a sign that good bacteria is struggling to start a culture and we may need to try again.

Curry Kraut YIELD: 1 QUART 2 lb organic cabbage head 2 Tbsp sea salt ½ cup organic yellow onion, thinly sliced ½ cup shredded carrot 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp fresh, grated ginger (1 Tbsp ground powder alternative) ½ Tbsp ground coriander ½ Tbsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground cayenne pepper ½ tsp ground turmeric ½ tsp curry powder ¼ tsp black pepper ¼ tsp cinnamon First, rinse all of the produce. Then peel the outer layers off the cabbage, saving a couple of the cabbage leaves. Cut the cabbage in half (through the core), then in half again, then core the cabbage by placing wedges up vertically on a cutting board with the core touching the board and holding it at the tip. Position the knife at the start of the core and slice downward, cutting off the hard portion. Place the cabbage on a flat side and slice shreds to desired thickness (about ¼ inch). Start at the tip and work down. Thinly slice the onion and then shred carrots using a cheese grater. Place it all into one very large or two non-reactive bowls (not metal). Pour the spices on top. Massage the mixture of veggies and spices until a lot of brine has been created and the mixture has shrunk down to about half its original size. Take the massaged veggies and spices, and start packing them into a 1-quart fermenting jar with an airtight lid. (The packing will help bring the brine to the sur-

Courtesy of Tayler Silfverduk, registered dietitian nutritionist.

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

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face.) After every scoop that’s put into the jar, pack it down with a fist. Leave several inches at the top of the jar. Fold up the saved cabbage leaves and put them on top of the cabbage in the jar. (Make sure the brine goes over the top of the cabbage leaves.) Place the weight—either a fermenting weight or rocks inside of a bag—on top of the cabbage leaves. Leave about 1 to 2 inches at the top of the jar. Close the jar’s lid and put it in some sort of basin (I use a casserole dish) to catch the brine that comes out. The brine will come out of the jar because the cabbage will swell during the fermentation process, and the basin will catch the brine instead of it spilling onto counters. Notes: Over the next few days, the mixture will turn into curry kraut through a lacto fermentation process. Bubbles and the bright green cabbage will become yellow. How long to wait depends on the level of sourness desired and how warm the house is kept. Check the curry kraut for taste. It’s good to check after about three to five days to see if it’s sour enough. It’s also good to do a quick check for mold. It’s likely a white, scummy-type substance will form at the top of the brine; this is okay and part of the process. It can be scraped off or left there. When curry kraut reaches desired taste, take out the cabbage leaves and the weight, close the lid and put it in the fridge. Make sure to start with a clean surface and utensils. Dirty supplies can mess with the bacteria in the fermentation. Courtesy of Kyrie Luke, Healthfully Rooted Home.

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The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

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News, articles, resources, events— all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered and scaled animal companions. To contribute, email Editorial@eNaturalAwakenings.com.

REIKI FOR OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS

by Sheila LaSella

ver the past few decades, the Japanese energy healing modality of Reiki has become a well-known and popular technique to help people reduce stress and anxiety, improve fatigue and depression and relieve physical pain. It also promotes relaxation and healing on many levels. Reiki is gradually moving into mainstream health care as an adjunct to Western medical approaches. At Yale New Haven Hospital, in New Haven, Reiki is offered alongside meditation, Tai Chi/Qigong, yoga and massage at the Integrative Medicine Center in the Smilow Cancer Hospital. Patients receive these services to complement the Western medicine approach to treating cancer. Now, traditional Reiki has evolved and blossomed into the practice of Animal Reiki. It can help animals relieve anxiety, stress, trauma and many physical ailments. Just as with humans, Animal Reiki heals on all levels—physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Reiki was created in Japan by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century as a form of spiritual healing. However, Reiki is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing one must believe in to give or receive Reiki. When working with humans, practitioners will either lightly rest their hands on the recipient’s body or hover slightly above the body. Universal life force energy will flow through the practitioner and into the client to support healing of the mind, body and spirit. The process of sharing Reiki with animals is often different than it is with humans. Some animals may not want to be touched for various reasons. Because they cannot 30 30

Fairfield Fairfield & Southern County & Litchfield Housatonic Counties Valley Edition eNaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

verbally express their preferences, it is important to honor their agency and freewill, and not force anything upon them. Kathleen Prasad, a leading expert in the world of Animal Reiki, created the Let Animals Lead method specifically for the sensibilities of animals. It is a compassionate and heart-centered approach to share healing with all creatures. This method respects their choices and places the decision with them as to whether or not they would like to receive the Reiki healing. In this way, the animals can remain empowered. Over her many years of Reiki practice, Prasad realized that animals require a different approach than humans do. Her method is based on creating a compassionate, non-judgmental meditation space that the animals may move into only if they wish. Let Animals Lead practitioners enter into a deep meditation, while allowing the Reiki energy to flow through them and out into the environment, creating a sacred space for healing. Touch is only given if an animal approaches the practitioner and indicates that they would like to receive it. In this way, the animals are essentially leading the session and acting as guides, which creates a beautiful partnership between giver and receiver. Animals are highly sensitive and intuitive and may respond adversely if Reiki is “beamed” in their direction or if the practitioner is focusing on what is wrong or broken with the intention of “fixing” them. Animals can sense this type of energy and may move away from the person, even though that person has good intentions of helping them. Animal Reiki is wonderful for rescued animals, as it helps resolve abuse, trauma and neglect. Often, animals who have experienced these situations can become shut down or highly anxious. Reiki creates a peaceful and harmonious energy that can

photo by Natalia Flurno on Shutterstock

assist in shifting these conditions into a more positive place. Sometimes, results can be seen in just one session, while other times it may take a series of sessions for the animal to respond. In either case, this gentle, non-invasive technique offers compassion to an animal who may never have experienced it before. This compassionate energy is powerful medicine for body, mind and spirit. Geriatric issues and the end-of-life transition can also be helped with the power of Animal Reiki. As animals age, they may encounter many different health issues as their bodies begin to deteriorate. As a result, they may become frail or incapacitated. The gentle, non-invasive techniques of Reiki can be a perfect complement to traditional veterinary medicine they may be receiving and help to relieve pain and discomfort. As animals approach death and come to the end of receiving medical treatment, the peaceful Reiki energy can comfort them as they make their transition. Many Animal Reiki practitioners offer their services to dying animals and to their human companions during this very difficult time. Not only does Reiki ease the animal’s dying process, but it can help alleviate the family’s grief and sorrow. Alternative and holistic medicine is being utilized by more and more people as the years go on and now its benefits are spreading to the animal kingdom. Along with acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine and more, Animal Reiki is another way to love and support our animal friends along their journey. For more information about the Let Animals Lead method, visit AnimalReikiSource.com. Sheila LaSella is a Reiki practitioner, Polarity Therapist, Massage Therapist and Intuitive Card Reader. She owns Stillpoint Healing Therapies, located at 1885 Post Road, in Fairfield. Connect at 203-927-4055, StillpointHealingCT@gmail.com or StillpointHealing.abmp.com.

Energy Balancing for Companion Animals Working together for your companion’s health and well-being.

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pet brief

Is Your Dog a Hero? Nominations Open for the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards

merican Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, has announced the official start of the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards campaign. The 12th annual, year-long campaign seeks to identify and honor the best of our best friends and will culminate this fall with the star-studded “American Humane Hero Dog Awards” gala on November 11, in Palm Beach. The event reaches and is eagerly followed by millions of animal lovers around the world every year. Last year, five dogs from Connecticut were in the running, and maybe we’ll see even more in this year’s competition. Dog owners across the country are invited to visit HeroDogAwards.org and nominate their heroic hound in one of seven categories. This fall, the top dog in each category will appear at the gala and one of the seven will be named the American Hero Dog of the year—the most prestigious honor a canine can receive. The seven categories for 2022 are: Law Enforcement and Detection Dogs, Military Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, Shelter Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs and Guide/Hearing Dogs. Following the nomination period, which ends on March 16, 21 semifinalists (the top three in each category) will be chosen in a first round of voting by the public. The second round, featuring a combination of public and celebrity judge voting, will narrow the field to seven category finalists who will then vie, through a final round of public and celebrity judge voting, for the title of 2022 American Hero Dog. “Whether they protect us on the battlefield, help us with medical challenges or just lighten our spirits with an enthusiastic kiss after a hard day, dogs save and improve our lives every day,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane’s president and CEO. For more information, visit HeroDogAwards.org and AmericanHumane.org.

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203-274-3267 • AnimalHealing@optonline.net February 2022

events calendar NOTE: All calendar events must be received online by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. No phone calls or faxes, please. Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com to submit online.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10

13 Moons: A Self-Care Monthly Women’s Healing Circle- Aquarius – 6:30-8:30pm. First Wednesday. Under these 13 moons we will come together as women and healers. Each moon we will explore a variety of topics. The circle will be a private and sacred group, open to women and those who identify as women. $39. BekahTwinstar@gmail.com. TwinstarTribe.com.

Holy Fire Reiki Circle – 7-8pm. Online via Zoom with Gail Christie. Join us as we reach out to each other while we reach within through a Reiki-infused meditation. Free. Sign up by 5pm on the 10th for logon link. Joyful Living Reiki, 55 Three Lakes Dr, Stamford. 203-979-0918. JoyfulLivingReiki.com.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 3

Universal White Time Healing Level 2 – 9am6:30pm. 2/12 & 2/13. Prerequisite UWT Energy Healing Level 1. In the second level you are getting an upgrade that stands for 150 hours of healing. It enhances your sensitivity for the energies so that you can learn to feel the results of the different visualization techniques you are learning. $500. Avant Garde Holistic Center, 328 E Main St, Branford. Contact Bradford to register. 860-830-5841. Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com. Tinyurl.com/UWTHL2Feb2022. Spiritual Connection & Evolution Class – 1-4pm. Second Saturday. Through teachings and practices, you will experience letting go of judgment, fear, shame and guilt. You will begin to replace limiting beliefs with empowering beliefs so you can live the life you really want. Facilitated by Mataji Katie Augustyn and Janet Terban Morris. COVID vaccination or recent negative test required. $87. Transformation Center CT, 7 Reimer Rd, Westport. 203-820-3800. TransformationCenterCT.com.

Sound Healing Meditation – 6-7pm. With Bradford Tilden. Special guest sound healer: Kevin O’Conner. Soothing sonic tapestries created with voice and crystal bowls. Relax, unwind and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field. Please bring your own blanket, chair or yoga mat to sit on. Register: Tinyurl.com/BradfordBridge. Walk-ins welcome. $15-$35 sliding scale. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St. Farmington. 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Plant Wisdom Wednesday: Botanical Aphrodisiacs – 6:30-8:30pm. We will be exploring plants that are historically considered to be aphrodisiacs from many different herbal traditions around the world. This event will be held in an extra special circle setting where participants will sit around a beautiful altar dedicated to self love and sensual energies. $39. Twin Star Apothecary, 64 Railroad St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. TwinstarTribe.com.

markyourcalendar ALBERTSON MEMORIAL CHURCH EVENTS PRIVATE 30 MIN. READINGS VIA ZOOM with Rev. Lelia Cutler

Saturday, February 19 • 10am-2pm • $65

THETA WAVES WORKSHOP with Rev. Bonnie Crosier

Sunday, February 27 • 12:30-1:30pm • $20

WEEKLY SERVICE:

Sundays 11am-12pm (Burning Bowl Ceremony – Jan. 2)

ONGOING VIA ZOOM EVENTS:

Children’s Lyceum • 3rd Sunday • 10-10:45am Spiritual Healing Service 3rd Thursday • 7-8pm To Register contact: AlbertsonPCC@gmail.com Cancelled events will be posted on our website Albertson Memorial Church 293 Sound Beach Ave Old Greenwich, CT • 203-637-4615 Email: Info@AlbertsonChurch.org Website: AlbertsonChurch.org 32

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Free Introduction to Herbalism Online Class – 1-3pm. Annual fun filled introductory class with Twin Star Herbal Education director Lupo Passero and other area herbalists. She will cover a variety of popular herbal remedies and how to incorporate them into your daily life for better health and wellness. You will also learn how to make herbal remedies at home with herbs that grow right in your own back yard. Free. TwinstarTribe.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Hummingbird Sound Yoga Celebrates Annual World Sound Healing Day 2022 – 9am and 12pm. Zoom sessions Join HBS Yoga as we send our love and gong sounds to the earth. Contact Bobbi at 860-946-9470 or Bsoares@LightOfTheNewMoon. com for Zoom link.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 17 Sound Healing Meditation – 6-7pm. With Bradford Tilden. Soothing sonic tapestries created with voice and crystal bowls. Relax, unwind and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field. Please bring your own blanket, chair or yoga mat to sit on. Register: https://tinyurl.com/ BradfordBridge. Walk-ins welcome. $15-$35 sliding scale. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St. Farmington. 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Reiki and Guided Meditation – 1-2pm. Online with Gail Christie. Release stress and improve your body-mind-spirit connection with meditation and shared Reiki. $15. Sign up by 11am on the 19th for logon link. Joyful Living Reiki, 55 Three Lakes Dr, Stamford. 203-979-0918. JoyfulLivingReiki.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

markyourcalendar BREATHE 2-22-22: GLOBAL LIVESTREAM: WITH JEFF PRIMACK FEBRUARY 22 • $22 Livestreamed from Hawaii

We will use a scientifically proven powerbreathing practice that is super precise, focused and easily mastered. Composed to a soundtrack of heart opening music, we will raise our vibration in breath and prayer. 2 Hours Raising Our Collective Vibration Register at Breathe22222.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Holy Fire Reiki Level 2 Certification – 10am-5pm. Online with Gail Christie, Usui/Holy Fire Reiki Master Teacher. Learn the Reiki 2 symbols for enhanced healing of self and others. Prerequisite: Reiki 1 certification (in any form of Reiki). An attunement to Reiki 2 energy, a Holy Fire meditation, a healing session, an online manual, course materials and a certificate are included. $275. Sign up by 2/6. Joyful Living Reiki, 55 Three Lakes Dr, Stamford. 203-979-0918. JoyfulLivingReiki.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 13 Moons: A Self-Care Monthly Women’s Healing Circle-Pisces – 6:30-8:30pm. First Wednesday. Under these 13 moons we will come together as women and healers. Each moon we will explore a variety of topics. The circle will be a private and sacred group, open to women and those who identify as women. $39. BekahTwinstar@gmail.com. TwinstarTribe.com.

ongoing events

sunday Online Meditation Practice Session – 10-11am. While in-person meditation is limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering online meditation practice sessions and Dhamma talks using Zoom. All levels welcome. No formal charge. By donation. Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org.

monday Salt Cave of Darien: Salt and Musical Guided Meditation with Christina Connors – 7:308:30pm. Nurture your body and soul in this unique salt therapy and musical guided meditation with healer and recording artist Christina Connors. To learn more, visit ChristinaConnors.com. $40. Salt Cave of Darien, 555 Post Rd, Darien. 203-658-7667. SaltCaveOfDarien.com.

tuesday Sound at the Station – 11:30am. First Tuesday. Lunchtime wellness sessions with Bobbi Soares of Hummingbird Sound Yoga. Gallery 25, New Milford Railroad station. 860-946-9470. BSoares@ LightOfTheNewMoon.com. Shamanic Clinic on Zoom – 6:30-8:30pm. Second Tuesday. Experience the physical and spiritual benefits of Shamanic Healing. Shamanic Practitioners trained and certified by Medicine Woman Ahalya Baguio, offer the community these sacred healing sessions. Each personal session ends with a Medicine Drumming. Limited half-hour sessions available. $20/ suggested docation. TransformationCenterCT.com.

wednesday Explore White Time – 6-8:30pm. Second Wednesday. All are welcome to participate in this exclusive round-robin style healing circle featuring White Time Energy and Gemstone healing. $30; $10 discount for UWT Practitioners. Braulttree Wellness Center, 415 Killingsworth Rd, Ste. 9A, Higganum. 860-344-9573. Roslyn@BraulttreeWellnessCenter. com. BraulttreeWellnessCenter.com. Salt Cave of Darien: Yin Yoga – 6:15-7:45pm. Limited to 4 people. Please bring your own yoga mat, blanket, towel, 2 blocks, if you have them and wear white socks and a mask. Join Jennifer Duncan, Certified Yoga Instructor, for a 90-minute Yin Yoga class. All levels class. Also via Zoom. $35/In-person; $17/from home. Reservations required. Salt Cave of Darien, 555 Post Rd, Darien. 203-658-7667. SaltCaveOfDarien.com. Online Meditation Practice Session – 7-8pm. While in-person meditation is limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering online meditation practice sessions and Dhamma talks using Zoom. All levels welcome. No formal charge. By donation. Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. Aleph Talks by Dr Bart Stuck and Rev Marjorie Partch – 7-9pm. An ongoing weekly online lecture series discussing linkages between science and religion through mysticism. Email BartStuck@gmail.com explaining why you wish to participate and will receive remote lecture access information. Offered through the Unitarian Church in Westport CT. No charge. AlephTalks.com.

thursday Thursday Afternoon & Evening Sound Baths – 12-1:15pm & 6-7:30pm. With Gary Posner, awardwinning composer, musician, educator and Certified Sound Therapist. Each week we will start with chakra toning. We will then lay down for a Sound Meditation. Session ends with a Chakra Energizing Bija Mantra. Time for a Q&A. No previous knowledge is required. $30/$35. Wainwright House, 260 Stuyvesant Ave, Rye, NY. 914-967-6080. Wainwright.org.

Our world needs more loving hearts. ~Avijeet Das

Sound Healing Meditation – 6-7pm. With Bradford Tilden. Every other Thursday. Soothing sonic tapestries with his voice and crystal bowls for you to relax, unwind and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind, and field. Please Bring your own blanket, chair or yoga mat to sit on. Walk-ins welcome. Register: https://tinyurl.com/ BradfordBridge. Walk-ins welcome. $15-$35 sliding scale. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St. Farmington. 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com.

friday Reiki 1st Degree Workshop: Online or In-Person – 10am-5pm. First Friday. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (24 years). Learn Reiki 1st Level (Western Style). Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Two manuals and certificate included. Zoom link will be given with e-mail and payment. Please call to register. Also held on the first Saturday. No drop-ins. $135. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReiki.com. Virtual: Yoga Dance Party Livestreamed – 8-9:15pm. Fourth Friday. Dance party to shake your soul, move your energy, emotions, and let it all flow. Short yoga warm up and cool down, ending with prayers and blessings for the well-being of all. Please register to get the Zoom link. $10. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-7301893. YogaSpace-CT.com/Events.

saturday Saturday Dharma and Morning Meditation – 7:308:15am. Every week we will discuss various works on topics such as self-study, meditation, self-improvement, mindfulness, joy and much more. The discussion will be followed by a 30-minute guided breath-based meditation. Proceeds are donated to our charity of the month. $10/cash. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com. One-Day Meditation Retreat – 9:30am-4pm. Second Saturday. Limited in-person meditation retreat. The extended practice is meant to deepen self-awareness and a previously established meditation practice is suggested. Please abide by guidelines listed on our events page. Must register online. By donation. Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. In-Person Meditation Practice Session – 10-11:30am. Limited in-person meditation practice offered on Saturday mornings. All levels welcome. If it’s your first time, please let someone know so that we can provide a brief introduction. Please abide by guidelines listed on our events page. MUST register online. Donations encouraged. Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org. Reiki Second Degree Workshop: Online or InPerson – 10am-5pm. Fifth Saturday. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (24 years). Learn Reiki Level 2 (Western Style). Learn how to send reiki distance healing, deepen your use of Reiki for yourself and others and more. Two manuals and certificate included. Also held on the last Friday. No drop-ins. $225. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReiki.com.

Spiritual Connection & Evolution Class – 1-4pm. Second Saturday. Through teachings and practices, you will experience letting go of judgment, fear, shame and guilt. You will begin to replace limiting beliefs with empowering beliefs so you can live the life you really want. Facilitated by Mataji Katie Augustyn and assisted by Janet Terban Morris. COVID vaccination or recent negative test required. $87 for 1; $77 each for 3. Transformation Center CT, 7 Reimer Rd, Westport. 203-820-3800. TransformationCenterCT.com.

classifieds HELP WANTED IS 2022 YOUR YEAR TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING INSPIRING? – WORK FROM HOME PT/FT. Be at the intersection of natural wellness, a positive community and the booming work from home e-commerce industry. Cindy Rosenbaum of Rosenbaum Wellness 914-806-6559.

WEARABLE WELLNESS TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR WELL BEING WITH HEALY! Imagine a pocket-size device that can deliver over 144,000 healing frequencies. • Quantum sensor reads your energy vibration. • Transmits the exact balancing frequencies you need. • Microcurrent increases ATP, enhances cellular health. • Improves Wellbeing–Physical, Mental, Emotional. Call 203 767-5954 for free wellness experience or email Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com.

coming in march

2022 Wellness Guide

February 2022 33

community resource guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Advertising@eNaturalAwakenings.com to request our media kit.

ADHD & CHILD DEVELOPMENT BRAIN BALANCE CENTER

Dr. Mark Goldenberg 15 Cross St, Norwalk 203-547-3000 Norwalk@BrainBalanceCenters.com BrainBalanceNorwalk.com We help kids aged pre-K to 12th Grade who struggle behaviorally, socially, academically and who lack focus and attention. Brain Balance is a non-medical personalized program offered in-center or at-home. The program is designed to strengthen and improve brain connectivity so your child can find success in the classroom and unleash their untapped potential. See ad, page 2.

AMPCOIL CENTER AMPCOIL

Freddie Kimmel, Product Expert 95 Cross Hwy, Redding 833-267-2645 Freddie@AmpCoil.com AmpCoil.com Extraordinary Wellness! AmpCoil is an extraordinary system that delivers sound frequencies through PEMF to harmonize, balance, and support you on your journey to wellness. 90% of AmpCoil’s most active users reported that AmpCoil has been instrumental to their personal wellness, and over 55% reported that they experience relief from symptoms related to Lyme or other chronic conditions.

ART & HEALING SEDONA ART

Art Supplies & More Marge Courtney, Owner 450 Main St, Ridgefield SedonaArt.net The expressive arts are alive and well at Sedona Art. Inspiration and supplies for artists, and creative types of all ages. Art and spirit inspired workshops, events and artist talks. We can’t wait to meet you and see what you’re creating. See ads, pages 5 and 12.

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

ASTROLOGY SAMYAMA FLOWERING TREE Spiritual Astrologer, Intuitive Mentor-Coach SamyamaLLC.com

Samyama teaches and mentors in workshops, certified trainings, personal retreats, and private tutoring in Esoteric Studies, Advanced Metaphysics, Practical Yoga Philosophy, Lightworkers Karttikeyan Yoga Nidra, and Tarot Clinic in NY and CT. Please visit website for more information.

AYURVEDA NEERU KAUSHIK, ND, MS ACU, MS, MA Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-331-9111 DrKaushik@AyurvedicInstituteCT.com AyurvedicInstituteCT.com

A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/ nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. See ad, page 4.

BIRTH AND POSTPARTUM CARE BIRTH PARTNERS DOULAS OF CONNECTICUT 203-718-6512 lnfo@birthpartnersdoulas.com BirthPartnersDoulas.com

Not Just doulas... Birth Partners! Proudly serving clients for over 30 years, providing quality birth and postpartum doula care. Contact us anytime for more information.

BREATHWORK & SPIRITUAL HEALING/COACHING THE MIND & BREATHING EDGE

Alexia Clonda Online & Phone Consultations & Sessions, Workshops 607-319-9161 MindBreathingEdge@gmail.com TheMindBreathingEdge.com • Clonda.cc I am a Mindset Healing, Human Growth and Breathing Coach, utilizing ThetaHealing. 20+ years experience, I can help you heal your relationships, pain, health and family, work and life stresses, releasing the fears that have limited you. I can help you create the life you wish, long and desire for, releasing old beliefs, patterns and habits that no longer serve you for living your life to the fullest and your potential. I have helped and witnessed many people clear limiting beliefs and issues enabling them to move forward in their lives with renewed awareness, confidence, clarity and fulfilment. I will provide you with the tools and resources to become the best version of you and live the life you do truly love and deserve. See ad, page 2.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER Ken Hoffman, DACM, LAc, Medical Director 31 Old Rte 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 INM.Center

Women’s Health: hormonal balancing, breast cancer prevention. Breast and full body thermography screening. Screening and treatment of chronic inflammation using medical infrared thermography (MIT). Safe, painless and non-invasive, thermography can detect early changes in breast tissue up to eight years before a mammogram. FDA-registered, our high-definition camera is the most advanced in the region.

CHINESE MEDICINE ACUBLEND PLLC

Dr. Sian James, DACM, LAc, LMT, RYT Locations in Stamford, Westport & Fairfield 203-987-6585 AcuBlend.com AcuBlend will serve your healthcare needs by blending the art and science of wellness, offering acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Gua Sha, Tui Na, massage therapy, movement therapies, herbal medicine and much more. See ad, page 7.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. ~Jimi Hendrix eNaturalAwakenings.com

EDUCATION EMBODY THE SACRED

Deana Paqua, MA, LMT Ridgefield and New Milford Deana.Paqua@gmail.com EmbodyTheSacred.net Offering classes, training programs, healing sessions and mentoring in cross-cultural energy medicine and contemporary shamanism for healers, spiritual seekers and the energy sensitive. Learn self-healing, self-empowerment and trauma transformation through the sacred.

ENERGY HEALING BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Virtual and In-Person Sessions 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 30+ years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 2.

ESSENTIAL OILS WAYNE LEISS, LMT, CAO 20 Fifth Ave, Apt A, Danbury 203-994-1207 Wayne@WayneLeiss.com WayneLeiss.com

Essential oils address stress reduction, support the natural functioning of body systems and can enhance overall well-being. They are used in topical, internal and aromatic applications. Improve physically, emotionally and spiritually as Wayne teaches you about the benefits and uses of massage with natural and pure dōTERRA Essential Oils. See ad, page 2.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TAMARA SACHS, MD

Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt St, New Milford 860-354-3304 • TSachsMD.com Using Functional Medicine, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illnesses by addressing their underlying root causes, remaining respectful of the uniqueness, complexity and intuitions that make us human. Trained at Mt. Sinai Medical School and Yale University Hospital in Internal Medicine, in 2003 she opened Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC. She has great success with IBS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, autoimmune problems, toxicity and more, by creating individualized, realistic and comprehensive personalized wellness plans. She consults in her New Milford, CT office, and also by phone or video using telemedicine.

HEALING SPA REVIVE SALT THERAPY & WELLNESS 374 New Haven Ave, Milford 203-283-5968 Hello@ReviveSaltTherapy.com ReviveSaltTherapy.com

A Holistic Healing Spa for Body, Mind, and Soul. We offer Halotherapy/ Salt Therapy, Infrared Sauna, Reiki, Quantum Healing, Massage Therapy, Sound Healing, Yoga, and Wellness plus a Crystal Shop. We offer unique and potent products and services to accelerate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. See ad, page 2.

HOLISTIC NETWORKING HOLISTIC COMMUNITY PROFESSIONALS

Shirley R. Bloethe, Executive Director 860-255-8844 HCPinc.ORG@gmail.com HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org Holistic Community Professionals is an organization of holistic practitioners and businesses focused on improving health and wellness with products and services throughout New England. We also connect consumers with a wide variety of modalities, holistic products, and services as well as offering two EXPOs a year at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol. See website for details. See ad, page 14.

HYPNOTIST LESLIE MILLER

Certified Hypnotist, National Guild of Hypnotism Throughout Connecticut sixthscentstosuccess@gmail.com 203-664-1870 Cell: 914-373-9065 Quit smoking, lose weight and free yourself of fear, anxiety and phobias through hypnotherapy with Leslie Miller the Hypnosis Healer. Leslie is a certified hypnotist certified by the National Guild of Hypnosis who has practiced for eight years. Free 15-minute consultation. Discounted packages available.

INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER Ken Hoffman, DACM, LAc, Medical Director 31 Old Rte 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 INM.Center Using naturopathic and Chinese medical principles, we get to the source of your health concerns. Diagnostic methods include functional testing such as advanced bloodwork analysis, cardiovascular testing, hormone evaluation and thermography. Our customized treatment program includes acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, diet and lifestyle counseling and more. Most insurance accepted.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN HENRY C. SOBO, MD

Optimal Health Medical LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 DrSobo.com Advances in Regenerative Medicine allow Dr. Sobo to offer cutting-edge technologies such as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatments and adult stem cell therapy. Dr. Sobo’s integrative approach addresses a variety of conditions such as: food allergies, Alzheimer’s/ dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome, weight loss, hormonal health, fibromyalgia, anti-aging medicine, and MTHFR-Genetic Mutation. See ad, page 13.

FOLLOW US ONLINE FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT & MUCH MORE Facebook @NaturalAwakeningsFairfieldCounty • Instagram @Natural_Awakenings_Fairfield Visit us online to subscribe to our eNewsletter at eNaturalAwakenings.com February 2022 35

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD Dr. Justin Rapp Dr. Jacqueline Benoit Dr. Jason Grygier Dr. Diana Ngo Dr. Sonia Singh Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 444 Westport Ave, Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd, Southport • 203-255-4005 1425 Bedford St, 1M, Stamford • 203-357-0204 CTEyeCareAssociates.com We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. Call to schedule your appointment today.

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LIFE COACH/HYPNOTIST

THEA LITSIOS, CHy

Certified Life Coach, Hypnotist, Teacher of Active Dreaming Remote sessions available TheaLitsios.com 203-693-1493 My specialty is to help individuals who have an inner stirring that says, “Something has to change”. Using skills as a life coach, hypnotist and teacher of Active Dreaming, I assist my clients in reinventing themselves, and creating the life they dream of. When you are ready to reinvent yourself and live your best life. Call for a free 30-minute consultation. See ad, page 2.

MASSAGE THERAPIST KEEP CALM AND HEAL

Natalia K Gioli. LMT In home services 917-415-2451 NatigiTherapies@gmail.com KeepCalmAndHeal.com Licensed in the states of NY and CT, specialized in Medical and Therapeutic Massages! Provide in home services and my goal with massage is to be able to help in the relief of pain, muscle tension and overall stress.

MEDITATION CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS & INSIGHT MEDITATION 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 ReddingMeditation.org

We teach and practice Mahasati meditation. Mahasati meditation cultivates selfawareness through attention to the movement of the body and, at more advanced levels, to the movement of the mind. No prior meditating experience is necessary. Ongoing weekly meditation classes, retreats and events. Please check monthly event calendar or visit ReddingMeditation.org for updated information.

METAPHYSICAL STORE

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

Vis Wellness Center Rocky Hill & TeleMedicine Statewide (234)2-ACU-DOC DrNicoleKlughers.com Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com Dr. Nicole Klughers offers comprehensive naturopathic care to restore optimal health and prevent disease. Dr. Nicole’s “health detective” approach identifies the root cause of symptoms and provides all-natural solutions with personalized “Food as Medicine,” herbal medicine, nutrient therapies, acupuncture and more. In-depth assessment is often done with detailed testing of vitamins/minerals, hormones, advanced cardiovascular markers, inflammation, food intolerances, gut/microbiome health and more. See ad, page 14.

THE ANGEL COOPERATIVE

DR. AMY WIESNER

The Angel Cooperative is a unique lifestyle boutique featuring the first and only Shungite room in the USA. Wide selection of crystals, jewelry, candles, essential oils and soaps. Spiritual gifts, statuary, oracle decks and tarot and home décor. Available in The Shungite Room: readings, Reiki, meditation, sound therapy, energy work, sound and gong baths, and workshops. See ad, page 10.

Dr. Wiesner, practicing for almost 20 years, uses acupuncture, lifestyle medicine, nutritional supplementation and homeopathy to help her patients achieve health and well-being. Infertility, Diabetes, Stress, Pain, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Allergies, Headaches, Cardiovascular Disease, Lyme Disease, Menstrual Disorders, other imbalances.

51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte. 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

Healthful Harmony 91 East Ave, Second Floor, Norwalk 203-962-5887 DrAmyWiesner@gmail.com HealthfulHarmony.com

NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONIES HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA LLC

NEERU KAUSHIK, ND, MS ACU, MS, MA Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-331-9111 DrKaushik@AyurvedicInstituteCT.com

A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. See ad, page 4.

To hate is an easy lazy thing, but to love takes strength everyone has but not all are willing to practice. ~Rupi Kaur

NICOLE KLUGHERS, ND, PHARMD, MSAC

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Barbara (Bobbi) Soares New Milford • Remote Zoom/FT Sessions 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com HummingbirdSoundYoga.com WiseFishWorld.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga Barbara (Bobbi) Soares, MA, CYT, is a sound yoga and vocal yoga teacher, blues/jazz singer, and Reiki master, certified in several modalities of energy and sound healing. As an ordained minister and sound healer, She will be offering non-denominational sacred sound ceremonies for weddings and other rites of passage. Bobbi’s band Hummingbird and Friends is well known for their eclectic blend of chants, jazz, blues, reggae and country. She has studied vocal improvisation with Bobby McFerrin, vocal yoga with Heather Lyle and sound healing with Silvia Nakkach, John Beaulieu and Don Conreaux. See ad, page 8.

NUTRITION OFFICE OF DR. MICHAEL WALD

29 King St, 2nd Fl, Chappaqua NY 10514 914-552-1442 Info@BloodDetective.com DrMichaelWald.com #BloodDetective Dr Wald is a holistic DC, Nutritionist, and Dietician whose Blood Detective software, labs and detailed consult help get to the cause(s) of persistent health issues. Conditions include autoimmune, weight loss, anti-aging, cancer, GI issues, depression, and more. See ad, page 11.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

HOLISTIC NEW DAY COUNSELING SERVICES

Jessica Lima, MS, LCSW Holistic Psychotherapy/Coaching 158 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-260-5769 HolisticNewDay@gmail.com Jessica will align with you on your journey to emotional and physical well-being. Combining her traditional psychotherapy background with her certification in integrative healing, she will work with you in exploring a more holistic approach to feelings of anxiety, depression, stress and more.

NANCY SCHERLONG, LCSW

Coaching/Psychotherapy/Consulting Offices in Norwalk and Ridgefield 914-572-3167 WellnessMetaphors.com Manage stress with relaxation techniques. Rediscover your creativity through writing and the expressive arts. Resolve trauma with EMDR, IFS or SE. Or book an experiential workshop! Nancy has over 20 years of experience with children, families, groups, adults and corporate wellness programs.

REIKI GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1150 AngelHealReiki.com

Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly. All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.

MONTHLY PLANNER march

2022 NATURAL LIVING DIRECTORY

JOYFUL LIVING REIKI LLC

Gail Christie, Holy Fire Reiki Master Stamford, CT and Mt Kisco, NY 203-979-0918 JoyfulLivingReiki.com Gail will help you get in touch with your energy and bring balance to your life with Holy Fire Reiki. She offers gently powerful Holy Fire healing sessions, Reiki-infused meditations and Usui/Holy Fire and Karuna Reiki certification classes. See ad, page 2.

april

sustainable living

TURNING POINT REIKI LLC

JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointShare.com JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with cancer, Lyme disease and back pain. All Reiki levels taught.

SOUND HEALING

may

women’s wellness

HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA LLC

Barbara (Bobbi) Soares New Milford • Remote Zoom/FT Sessions 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com HummingbirdSoundYoga.com WiseFishWorld.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga We live in an ocean of sound and vibration, constantly changing and affecting our body’s unique natural resonance. Many types of stress cause this resonance to get out of tune. Hummingbird Sound Yoga explores and restores this resonance by shifting awareness to where the body is out of tune. Using earth, dance and symphonic gongs, bowls, tuning forks and humming-for-health meditations, a deep relaxation response balances energy and retunes and reconnects our natural resonance. Barbara (Bobbi) Soares, MA, CYT, is a sound yoga and vocal yoga teacher, blues/jazz singer, and Reiki master, certified in several modalities of energy and sound healing. See ad, page 8.

learn about marketing opportunities at:

203-885-4674

February 2022 37

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING KATIE AUGUSTYN, MA, CPC

Transformation Coach Shamanic Healer TransformationCenterCT.com 203-820-3800 TransformationCenterCT@gmail.com Katie will assist you in reaching your true potential and heal what has been holding you back. You will experience real selfacceptance and start to live in alignment with who you truly are so you can create a life you love, a life of meaning and purpose. See ad, page 2.

BETH LEAS

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC Eilis Philpott Fairfield 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com

Eilis is a master healer and teacher and certified in numerous modalities as both a practitioner and teacher. She offers soul level healing, which clears any blocks, obstacles and challenges that are preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential. See ad, page 5.

UNIVERSAL WHITE TIME, CRYSTAL & SOUND HEALING CRYSTAL MUSIC HEALING Bradford Tilden, MM, CMT, UWT Remote: Phone or Zoom 860-830-5841 Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com CrystalMusicHealing.com

My goal is to empower you to develop spiritually and professionally. I offer UWT energy and gemstone healing with guided visualization for spiritual healing and self-actualization, and transformational voice activation coaching sessions. I teach certification classes in Universal White Time (UWT), Lemurian Intuitive (LSINH), Crystal, and Sound Healing. I use these techniques, and more to help you to obtain authentic expression, empowerment, and transformation. You can purchase personally attuned crystals and gemstones through me. My clients and students gain a renewed clarity and a sense of purpose as they perceive their truth and remove blockages that distort their perception. Contact me for a free 30 minute consultation. See ad, page 14.

WELLNESS & GIFTS TOUCH OF SEDONA

Gifts, Crystals, Native American Art & Jewelry, Intuitive Readings Marge Courtney, Owner 452 Main St, Ridgefield 203-438-7146 Facebook.com/TouchOfSedona A unique spiritual boutique offering gifts, healing inspiration and the energy of the American Southwest. Come explore Native American art and jewelry, crystals, chimes, candles, incense, books and more. Check out our schedule of intuitive readers, guides and more! See ad, page 5.

coming in the march issue

2022 NATURAL LIVING DIRECTORY CALL: 203-885-4674

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

eNaturalAwakenings.com

WELLNESS CENTER THE ANGEL WING, A DIVINE SPIRITUAL CENTER

Located next door to The Angel Cooperative 49 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte. 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube The Angel Wing hosts workshops, yoga classes, retreats, energy work sessions, readings, Reiki sound and gong baths, and guided meditations. It is available to rent on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis. Optional rental spaces include a large open room and/or an intimate private room with massage/Reiki table. See ad, page 10.

SALT CAVE OF DARIEN

555 Post Rd, Darien 203-658-7667 Info@SaltCaveofDarien.com SaltCaveofDarien.com

Our wellness destination offers a rich line up of therapies to help you de-stress, detox, and improve overall health. With choices like salt cave sessions, special events with local healers, massage and spa services, and classes, you will find many ways to breathe in the anti-inflammatory salt air for double the benefits. Our enchanting salt cave and salt room is a soothing space carved out of pure Himalayan salt where you’ll enjoy an oasis of peace, calm and serenity. See ad, page 2.

YOGA: SOUND AND VOCAL HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA LLC

Barbara (Bobbi) Soares New Milford • Remote Zoom/FT Sessions 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com HummingbirdSoundYoga.com WiseFishWorld.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga Barbara (Bobbi) Soares, MA, CYT, is a sound yoga and vocal yoga teacher, blues/jazz singer, and Reiki master, certified in several modalities of energy and sound healing. She offers hummingbird sound yoga and sound healing immersions for groups and private sessions in person & online. Her goal is to help individuals experience becoming “one with sound” to promote a deep relaxation response that balances energy and encourages healing. See ad, page 8.

Nature’s Virus Killer

not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.” Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said. By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast. September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.” “They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched. Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished. Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses. Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA26. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?” Go to www.CopperZap.com or call MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for toll-free 1-888-411-6114. and saved lives. Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever. The strong scientific evidence gave presents ever. This little jewel really Statements are not intended as inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When works.” product health claims and have not been he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to a smooth copper probe and rubbed it suffering after crowded flights. Though diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any gently in his nose for 60 seconds. skeptical, she tried copper on travel disease. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and ADVERTORIAL

Copper can stop a cold before it starts

February 2022 39

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