Natural Awakenings March 2019 Edition by Natural Awakenings Magazine

EE H E A L T H Y L I V I N G R F

HEALTHY

PLANET

Nutrition Autoimmune HERBAL Upgrades Conditions POWER 5 Strategies for Better Health

Fresh Approaches Offer New Hope

Take the Spice Drawer Challenge

March 2019 | Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com March 2019

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center z

The Natural Choice

Optimize Your Smile and Your Health! Whole-Body DentistryÂŽ provides comprehensive oral health care using traditional and holistic approaches. We understand the "mouth-body connection." Mark A. Breiner, DDS

Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry Fellow of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology Speaker and best-selling author of Whole-Body dentistryÂŽ

Mercury-free for over 30 years. Dr. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of biological and holistic dentistry.

Doesn't It Make Sense To See The Authority?

Join our FREE online health newsletter! 501 Kings highway east, suite 108 | Fairfield, Ct | 203-371-0330 | WholeBodydentistry.com

Caring Integrative Physicians Offering the Best in Holistic Healing The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

Our integrative approach treats a wide range of conditions including:

Adam Breiner, ND Brain Health Lyme Disease

David Brady, ND, CCN Fibromyalgia Thyroid Conditions

ADD/ADHD Allergies Anxiety & Depression Autism Brain Injuries Chronic Fatigue or Fatigue Concerns

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We can help you get your health back in balance naturally with proven treatments and therapies:

David Johnston, DO Osteopathic Medicine Cranial Osteopathy

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Colon Hydrotherapy Natural Hormone Therapy Nutritional Assessment Allergy Desensitization Detoxification Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy

Bio-identical Hormone Therapy PRP & Stem Cell PEMF & Bemer IV Nutrient & Chelation Therapy Thermography Cranial Osteopathy

To learn more, watch our website videos.

Whole-Body Medicine, LLC ~ The Natural Approach for Optimal Health 2

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108 | Fairfield, CT | 203-371-8258 | WholeBodyMed.com Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

203 TLC 203-856-9566 www.203TLC.com Bodywork Michelle Quigley, LMt, RCst Advanced & Orthopedic Massage, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy & Sheng Zhen Meditation Teacher Fairﬁeld & Weston michellequigley.com 203-216-8874

Fit Body/Yoga Robyn Mortiboys, E-RYT 200 Vinyasa Flow Yoga Classes all levels Paddle Board Yoga Yoga & Painting Workshops robyn@yogainwaves.com yogainwaves.com 203-674-9995

Interior Design/Design Psychology Betsy Cameron, seva Interiors Full-service Interiors, Color Consultations, Home Styling, Workshops sevainteriors.com 203-635-0808

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

Transformative Healing tesa Baum, Cht, RM Certiﬁed Hypnotherapy Practitioner, Usui/Karuna Reiki Master, Shamanic Practitioner TesaBaum.com Ridgeﬁeld 203-364-4084

203 TLC 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. Energy Healing/Meditation/Tarot Beth Leas 25+ Years Experience Private Sessions, Workshops, Events In-person or by phone bethleas.com 203-856-9566

Holistic Center & Spa Soul Synergy Wellness Holistic Center & Spa Tracey Sollazzo, Cert. Access Bars Prac. (BP) 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 9, Stamford 203-356-5822 or 203-814-1355 SoulSynergy.org accessconsciousness.com/en SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com

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

Spiritual Counseling Katherine Gray silvan, LMsW Clear Light Spiritual Counseling Interfaith Minister, Reiki Master Inspirational Speaker katherinesilvan.com 203-912-5252

Energy Worker Debby stein Reiki Master, Trained in Healing Touch & Integrative Energy Therapy DistantLinking@gmail.com DebbysEnergy.com Darien 203-353-1725

Hypnosis/Active Dreaming thea Litsios, Chy Healing Tree Wisdom Norwalk and Stratford HealingTreeWisdom.com 203-693-1493

Meditation & Counseling Meg Reilly, Ms, Ch Meg Reilly 360 Classes monthly in Norwalk Personalized service by appointment MegReilly360.com 203-952-6272

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

Get to know us at TLC’s monthly networking breakfast! We meet on the first Tuesday of every month, at Valencia Luncheria, 164 Main St, Norwalk, CT, from 8:30 -10:00am. Come the first time as Beth's guest - and if you find your time with us worthwhile, we invite you to become a tLC Member. Please RSVP to Beth Leas at: 203-856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com so she can reserve your place.

March 2019

Contents 24 EXERCISE Therapeutic Spa More than a salt cave, it has become a healing way of life. Alternative and Holistic Therapies and Treatments Salt Therapy • Infrared Sauna Therapy • Salt Cave Yoga Healing Touch Therapy • Massage/Integrative Bodywork Tourmaline Spring Water Installation of new ionizer has further enhanced the most advanced salt cave in CT. Therapeutic grade air with highest concentration of negative ions.

VS. ALLERGIES

All the Right Moves

THE HUMAN ANIMAL

26 GETTING TO KNOW

28 STEM CELL TREATMENTS

FOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

30 BETTER IMMUNE

SYSTEM MODULATION

Broad-spectrum Support is Not Enough

CHEF ELIANA GRUBEL

32 A CONVERSATION WITH Salt Cave Sessions $25 all day, every day!

See our full listings at NaturalSaltHealing.com

203-586-1172 • 787 Main S., Woodbury, CT

of Clean Food 4 Ur Type

34 NUTRITION UPGRADES Five Strategies for Better Health

40 TAKE THE SPICE

42 USING TURMERIC TO

Touch of Sedona

The Finest in Southwest Goods & Healing Items

A Unique Boutique with Heartfelt Purpose

Native American Art Turquoise & Silver Jewelry Crystals of all sizes Chakra Jewelry Dreamcatchers Buddhas • Books • Angels Candles • Incense • Oils F

Visit us in Ridgefield and our New Store in Bethel! www.touchofsedonaridgefield.com Both Locations 125 Greenwood Ave. 452 Main Street Open Everyday Ridgefield, CT Bethel, CT Until 5:30pm 203-438-7146 475-329-2087 4

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

DRAWER CHALLENGE

Discover the Superpowers in Small Jars

FIGHT INFLAMMATION

An Ancient Herb Gains Modern Respect

50 GROOMING A

SENIOR CAT

A Guide to Keeping an Old Friend Clean

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 16 community

spotlight 18 health briefs 20 global briefs 21 eco tip 22 action alerts 24 mastering yoga

eNaturalAwakenings.com

44 healing ways 46 conscious

eating 50 naturally healthy pet 56 calendar 61 classified 62 resource guide 70 ad index

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Holistic Psychiatrist

Resolve the cause naturally!

In Waterford since 1984. Now serving adults,teens and children in Westport.

In private practice since 1982 and Assistant Prof of Psychiatry at Yale since 1987, Dr. David London uses highlysophisticated genetic, hormonal & nutrient testing to detect the root causes of cognitive and/or mental health disorders. Natural, integrative, holistic methods often resolve them without negative side-effects. While meds are still an option, he prefers Functional Medicine, Nutrition, EMDR, Acupuncture with Essential Oils, Psychotherapy as well as Coaching in Meditation, Yoga, Qi Gong, Exercise, Relationships and Lifestyle changes.

David London, M.D. 544 Riverside Avenue Westport www.DavidLondonMD.com

Call now 203.557.6574

LEARNING IS

Magic

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or email FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.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 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

t seems logical that a way to stem the rising tide of obesity, autoimmune conditions and other chronic disease in this country is to start at the very beginning: the food sources. The state of the food industry is a source of alarm for many. PUBLISHER Nicole Miale While cheap, unhealthy options proliferate (look at how EDITORS Michelle Bense much so-called “food” you can get for less than $5 at some Ariana Rawls Fine popular chains!), there is some good news. Untold numbers DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills of farmers are turning to organic, more sustainable practices CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Oquendo in their efforts to produce healthier produce and meats with Lupo Passero Nicole Miale lower environmental impact. There is no way to dispute that Anastasia Pryanikova Marigot Vreeland better quality ingredients mean better quality health for those SALES & MARKETING Alexa Ferrucci of us at the end of the food chain. In a time when marketing often takes precedence Nicole Miale over science and food labeling words like “all natural” have been co-opted to mean WEBSITE Erica Mills things created in a lab, it is increasingly evident that each of us must become more DISTRIBUTION Man in Motion LLC mindful of our own nutritional standards. After all, no one else has to live with the CONTACT US result of our personal food choices! 137 Danbury Rd, #323, New Milford, CT 06776 In this March Natural Food edition we offer a number of articles devoted to helpPhone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 ing you upgrade your own nutritional standards. From an examination of some basic NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com food changes that could have a huge positive impact, to a look at how to receive benefit eNaturalAwakenings.com from both common and less familiar herbs and spices, we’re providing fresh ideas SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 to support efforts to make better eating choices. The goal is to improve health status, (for 12 issues) to the above address. whether you are feeling good and want to stay that way, facing the specter of spring NATIONAL TEAM allergies or dealing with a more debilitating autoimmune condition. CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman The local event calendar starts filling up this month and continues into spring; COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne there are some fantastic holistic and natural health events taking place all over the NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth region. Be sure to check out the news briefs and calendar sections as you’re planning MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist your monthly activities. With such a variety of offerings available, there is certain to be NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett something that appeals to you. We are blessed to live in an area with such richness of ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert inspirational and educational gathering opportunities. Take advantage of them! FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs We hope to meet you at one of the upcoming events. FAIRFIELD COUNTY/ HOUSATONIC VALLEY

WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave

With love and light,

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2019 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.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Don’t think, just do. ~Horace

See our display advertiser index on page 70. Making it easier to find the resources you need. eNaturalAwakenings.com

news briefs

Ridgefield Playhouse Hosts Lyme Disease Prevention Event

tarting to think about your family’s 2019 tick bite prevention strategy? Looking for the most effective ways to keep your backyard tick-free? Join the tick experts from Western Connecticut State University, the Ridgefield Health Department’s BLAST Program, Western CT Health Network and Lyme Connection on April 10 at 6pm for Tick Control Gets Reel. Admission is free but tickets are required. Premiering at the Ridgefield Playhouse, the two-hour series of short films feature Ridgefield friends and local celebrities who have joined the effort to provide up-to-date information on tickborne disease prevention. Follow the story of neighbors planning a tick-free backyard block party; you will be drawn into their world as they learn how ticks behave, how to protect their families from tick bites, and how to safely treat their properties to reduce tick populations. While the tone is lighthearted, the recommendations are solidly based on science and focused on keeping children safe. The event includes refreshments from O’Deen’s Barbecue, giveaways, tick control information, photo opportunities with Fran the Tick and more. To reserve tickets and for more information, visit SpraySafePlaySafe.org. Location: Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Rd, Ridgefield.

Screening of Symbiotic Earth in Bridgeport

n March 5 at 7pm, the WPKN 89.5-FM Community Radio Environmental Film Series will present a special screening of Symbiotic Earth: How Lynn Margulis Rocked the Boat & Started a Scientific Revolution. The film, which had its world premiere screenings in March 2017 at Oxford University, The Linnean Society in London, Barcelona’s Museum of Natural Sciences, and the David Brower Center in Berkeley, CA, sponsored by Bioneer, is the story of Lynn Margulis, a scientific rebel who challenged entrenched theories of evolution to present the concept that life evolves through collaboration. As a young scientist in the 1960s, Margulis was ridiculed when she first proposed that symbiosis—when organisms live and work together—was a key driver of evolution. She persisted and Margulis’ symbiotic narrative presents an alternative to the destructive worldview that has led to climate change and extreme capitalism. With James Lovelock she developed the Gaia Theory, that all life is interconnected and interdependent. Her vision offers bold insights into health, society and nature, and inspires creative approaches to our pressing environmental and social crises. The screening is sponsored by WPKN’s “Digging in the Dirt” and “The Organic Farm Stand”. Tickets are $12, students pay $7 with valid ID. Doors open at 6pm, the documentary begins at 7pm. For more information, call 203-296-9605 or email Info@BijouTheatreCT.com. Location: Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport.

Jessica Hunter

Hunter Healing Hands

Integrative & Intuitive Shamanic Wellness Integrative & Intuitive Healing Sessions shamanic healing, shamanic spirit Communication, soul Retrieval, extraction, Depossession, Curse Unraveling, Crystal healing, Acupressure, Reiki

Professional Space Clearing and Blessing for Homes, Land or Businesses

Available Training Programs Stone Spirit Program

Crystal Healing Practitioner Certiﬁcation

Shamanic Spirit Program

2 Year Shamanic Apprenticeship & Shamanic Practitioner Certiﬁcation

Shamanic & Empath Workshops

203-916-8381 | www. hunterhealinghands. com | hunterhealinghands@hotmail. com March 2019

news briefs

Spiritual and Cultural Dimensions of End-of-Life Care Conference

Radical Remission Retreat in Darien

ponsored by Connecticut Coalition to Improve End-Of-Life Care (CTEOL) and the Kanarek Center for Palliative Care, the CTEOL Spring Conference will take place on March 30 from 8am to 4:30pm in Fairfield. The keynote address, Responding to Spiritual Distress: The Art of Presence, will be presented by Christina Pchalski, MD, MS, FACP, a professor of medicine and health science, and the director of The George Washington University Institute for Spirituality and Health. This will be followed by The Existential Plight of Cancer: Its Spiritual Dimensions with Mark Lazenby, PhD, APRN, FAAN. He is an advanced practice nurse in the field of oncology, and an associate professor of nursing at Yale School of Nursing. Kevin Toolis, a television producer, BAFTAwinning film director and writer, will present My Father’s Wake: How the Irish Teach Us to Live, Love & Die. Lisa Caramico, MD, an anesthesiologist, will focus on 18 Months and Beyond, followed by Waltzing the Reaper with performer Judith Gantly. CTEOL is a statewide coalition that seeks to improve care for the dying and their families, and to ensure that everyone has information about and access to compassionate, quality end-of-life care. They advocate for professional and institutional standards; continuity of care; patient and family satisfaction; and an appreciation of spirituality, religious and cultural diversity. CTEOL Spring Conference fees for members and nonmembers are $110 and $135. Full-time students are $65; they must submit a form from an academic advisor affirming student’s current full-time status. Continuing education credits will be offered. Sponsorship options are available; contact CTEOLcoordinator@gmail.com for more information. Institutional membership levels are also available. There are also nonprofit vendor tables for $250, and for-profit vendor tables for $350.

athryn Doherty will be facilitating Radical Remission – Applying the 9 Healing Factors Into Your Own Life weekend retreat in Darien on April 6 and 7. This is a weekend experience appropriate for those who currently have or previously have had cancer, caregivers and those interested in health and well-being. In the retreat, attendees will focus on the work of Kelly Turner, PhD, a Harvard and UC Berkeley-trained researcher and author of Radical Remission, a New York Times bestseller. Turner studied 1,500 documented cases of remission— a complete reversal of a serious or terminal cancer diagnosis —and discovered they all shared nine common healing factors. You will explore each factor and how you can bring it into your life. The nine factors are hypotheses, not conclusions or treatments claiming to cure. This will be a non-judgmental, supportive environment where you are encouraged to take charge of your own health and follow your intuition. What you will learn will complement all approaches to healing, reduce side effects and improve immune function. This is not an “anti-conventional medicine” workshop. The Total Immersion getaway price of $455 per person includes the two-day workshop and materials, a personal room with a bath, four meals, a blended Healing Touch/Reiki/IET/ Prana energy session with energy intuitive worker Debby Stein, and an informative Q+A session with guest medical expert Dr. Yvette Whitton, ND. There are three single and four double rooms that are assigned in order of registration; confirmation is based on availability. The Day Workshop commuter price is $310, which includes the two-day workshop and materials, two meals and the Q+A session with Whitton. There is one partial scholarship available for day workshop attendance. Although the venue is not handicapped-accessible for overnight guests, there is an elevator for day guests.

For more information and to register, visit Fairfield.edu/CTEOL. Location: Fairfield University, Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Kanarek Center for Palliative Care, Rm 103, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield.

For more information, find Kathryn Doherty on the workshop list at RadicalRemission.com/Workshops. Location: St. Birgitta’s, 4 Runkenhage Rd, Darien.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Coaching With Spirit

he Graduate Institute welcomes back Guthrie Sayen, PhD, a former professor of history who left the groves of academe to launch a life coaching and workshop business. If you have ever thought about becoming a life coach, or wish to enhance your skills in your current profession, consider enrolling in the Coaching with Spirit Training program. Earn an associate certified coach credential in a four-month, on-site program focusing on a Guthrie Sayen transformative way of being while in relationship with self and others. The Bethany-based trainings will take place one weekend per month on March 15-17, April 13-14, May 18-19 and June 15-16. The inspiring and transformative modules include pathways to transformation; inner passion, vision and overcoming challenges; the exploration of perspectives; being in the present moment; sub-personalities and parts work (internal family systems); how to utilize somatic wisdom and read energy; and group and individual mentoring. Sayen, the coach trainer, is the co-founder and lead trainer of Coaching with Spirit Coach Training, senior faculty for Coaching for Transformation, and former faculty at True Purpose Institute. He has done trainings in internal family systems for voice dialogue, psychosynthesis, Four Archetypes coaching and more. Coaching with Spirit includes three one-on-one mentor coaching sessions (required for the associate certified coach credential) with Sayen. You will become qualified for the ACC Professional Coach designation from the International Coach Federation. For more information, call 203-874-4252, email Admissions@ Learn.edu or visit Learn.edu. Location: Bethany Connecticut Campus (near New Haven), CT. See ad, page 5.

Nutrition is so important; it’s part of the game. It has helped with my recovery, allowed me to sleep better and helped my body adapt quickly. ~Mohamed Salah

Massage Therapy

The Gift of Relaxation Specializing in: Swedish • Pregnancy • Injury • Infant Trigger Point • CranioSacral Therapy

Robin Ordan, LMT 203-561-8535

www.robinordanlmt.com Located on the Old Greenwich/Stamford Border

Awa ke n You r Creativity

Loreli Creative Art & Healing Zentangle ® Classes for Individuals and Groups

Lori Jeanne Bach, CZT Call or text 203-209-2703 lorijeannebach.com lorelicreative@gmail.com

Are you ready for the next phase of your life?

Get clear on what you want, then get clear on how to get it! Life doesn't always unfold the way you expect. Create the next phase of your life by design, not by default, with a Life Plan: • Get oﬀ the emotional rollercoaster with an alert, sharper mind • Manage your energy and your time, with ﬂow and rhythm • Improve health and happiness while discovering your purpose Are you: At a crossroads in your life? Contemplating a new direction? Planning for retirement? Contact: tom scally for a complimentary 20-minute consultation to get started.

203-257-9030

www.bridgingtheunknown.com March 2019

news briefs

The Angel Cooperative Celebrates March with Reiki Classes

idgefield’s The Angel Cooperative offers inspirational and healing events every day. In March, these will include a Reiki Level 2 class with Maria Davis on March 3 at 1pm. In the four-hour class, understand more about auras, Reiki sacred symbols, distance healing, cellular memory, clearing past traumas and unwanted patterns, and more. There will be an attunement to the Reiki 2 energy. There will also be a healing session, and a certificate will be awarded upon completion. The cost is $300 per person. You must be certified in Reiki 1 before taking Reiki 2. On March 10 at 1pm, Davis will teach Master Level Reiki. The Reiki level 3 class covers master sacred symbols, how to do an attunement, how to teach Reiki, and an understanding

of chakras eight through 12. You will receive an attunement to the Reiki 3 energy and a certificate will be awarded upon completion. You must have completed Reiki Level 1 and 2 before taking this class. Preregistration is required. The fourhour class is $350 per person. Healer’s Circle in the Shungite Room, led by Gene Krackehl, will return on March 13 at 6:30pm. This event is for healers only. It is $20 per participant. You will have the opportunity to participate in this event while working on and being worked on by other healers in a friendly, safe, supportive and encouraging environment. You will be working in chairs and yoga mats, not massage tables. Dress comfortably. Prior registration is required as space is limited. The two-hour class takes place on the second Wednesday of the month. For more information, call 203-431-2959 or visit TheAngelCoop.com. Location: 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield. See ad, page 15.

Photos by Phyllis Meredith Photography

Two Coyotes Wilderness School offers extraordinary Summer Camps and year round Wilderness Programs for kids 0-17 years old. Kids will learn how to: DON’T MISS OUR FREE • Identify plants and animals • Build fires “OPEN HOUSE” EVENT IN NEWTOWN! • Make shelters & forts • Connect more meaningfully • Create nature art to people & nature Sunday, April 28th • Gather wild edibles Sticks & Stones Farm - 201 Huntingtown Road, Newtown, CT

Two Coyotes also offers… • • • • •

Weekday programs for homeschool & public school students Weekend programs for kids and adults Coyote Pups for caregivers & children 0-4 Field trips & in school programs Scholarships and tuition assistance for families in need

Camp staff will lead family nature activities, games, arts & crafts Sign up for either a morning or afternoon Open House session. Session 1: 9am - 12pm or Session 2: 1pm - 3pm www.TwoCoyotes.org

Email info@TwoCoyotes.org or visit www.TwoCoyotes.org for more information. 10

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Center for Green Building Opens in Mamaroneck

he Center for Green Building will celebrate its grand opening in Mamaroneck from 9am to 5pm on March 23, including complimentary food and drinks. The new store will carry a variety of health- and earth-friendly products for home or office, such as nontoxic Safecoat paints, which do not off-gas; Earth Weave 100 percent natural fiber carpets and area rugs; flooring from Tesoro Woods, the only flooring company devoted exclusively to forest protection and indoor air quality; and various other green building supplies, from sheep-wool insulation and environmentally friendly drywall compounds to safe adhesives and sealants. “We are excited to bring safe, healthy building and home renovation products to the Westchester area,” says Todd Isberg, who owns the store with his wife, Monica. “We chose Mamaroneck as for our brick-and-mortar location because it’s our hometown, but of course we can also fill orders through our website.” Winter hours are 9am to 1pm, Monday through Friday and 9am to 5pm, Saturday. For more information, call 914-777-9111 or visit CenterForGreenBuilding. com. Location: 822A Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck, NY (across from Mamaroneck Ave School). See ad, page 37.

Holistic Psychotherapy

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󰇲󰇲󰇲󰇲 co󰇲󰇲󰇲󰇲󰇲󰇲󰇲 wi󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹 Holistic Healing Methods

Anxiety • Depression • Relationship Issues • Trauma Grief & Loss • Addictions • Self-Esteem To schedule an appointment with an experienced therapist, call: Sherry Minniti D’Elia, LCSW, Founder

203-655-4854 sherrymdelia@gmail.com | Darien, CT 06820 | holisticpsychotherapyct.com

What's the buzz about CBD? Find out how it could benefit your health AND your bank account! SHOP: www.holistichealthwithcbd.com BIZ OP: www.hempworxbizop.com/CJoy

Carol Joy 203.307.0323

Certified Health & Wellness Coach

Spring Events at Institute for Holistic Health Studies e y

S p

t e r

i t n

For more information, email AutuoriC@wcsu.edu or visit WCSU. edu/IHHS. All events mentioned here will take place at the WCSU Midtown Campus, 181 White St, Danbury.

l W e

he Institute for Holistic Health Studies (IHHS) at Western Connecticut State University holds events that are free and open to the public, including meditation, wellness workshops, an Ayurveda seminar and more. Here are just some of the events they’ll be offering this spring at the WCSU Midtown Campus. The Mudra Meditation Series is held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm. The dates for this year are: March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12 and December 10. Mudra Meditation takes place at Warner Hall, Room 103. An upcoming Wellness Wednesday Workshop, held at 12:30pm, March 27, will highlight “Environmental Health Where You Call Home”, presented by Marcia Kendall, MA, WCSU faculty and Holistic Lifestyle and Ecotherapy Coach. All Wellness Wednesday workshops are held in White Hall, Room 127. IHHS also offers evening programs, including “Ayurveda: An Art of Healthy Living”, presented by Jaya Daptadar, Ayurveda and Healthcare Business Consultant, and CEO and founder of Active Ayurveda and Yoga LLC, held at 7pm, March 26, at White Hall, Room 127. The fourth annual Health, Fitness and Wellness Fair will take place from noon to 3pm, April 2, at the Berkshire Gym.

e s s

WELLNESS F

AGES

Tr e a t m e n t s | C l a s s e s | A r t | C o m m u n i t y

valleyspiritcoop.com | 860.619.2788 6 Green Hill Rd. Washington Depot CT

March 2019

news briefs

Therapy Dog Summer Program Debuts

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE NON-PROFIT 501 (C) (3)

203.438.5795 · RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG 12

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

nimal Assisted Therapy Services (AaTs) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to build the human/ animal connection as a motivator for therapeutic and recreational purposes. While they work with children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities, this summer they are launching a program for all youth, ages 11 to 14 years old. The focus is learning more about the development, training and role of a credentialed therapy dog. Participants have the opportunity to work directly with AaTs’ credentialed therapy dogs at AaTs’ center in Milford. During this hands-on experience, participants will engage in practicing basic training skills, agility play, grooming, dental care and a myriad of other activities designed to increase bonding with the dogs and peers. The emphasis is on the connection between nature, animals, farms, food and a healthy style of living. The attendees will tend the garden at the center and use the kitchen to prepare delicious, healthy food for both dogs and people. At the conclusion of the session, participants take the dogs on a therapy visit to an assisted living facility in the community under the supervision of AaTs trainers and therapists. Key components for the program include fostering love and care for animals, and acquainting participants with the field of training therapy, service and emotional support dogs. They will gain experience handling the dogs, learn how basic training skills shape a dog’s behavior, and understand the communication and body language between humans and animals. Session I and II will run from 9:30am to 2:30pm on July 8-11 and July 15-18, respectively. The cost per session is $250. Register by April 15 and receive a $25 discount. Beth Patella, a recreational therapist, certified professional dog trainer and registered PATH therapeutic riding instructor, is the co-founder and director of AaTs. She specializes in animalassisted interventions and is also a certified sound therapist. For more information and to register, call 203-804-5343, email Chris.Patella@AATSCT.org or visit AATSCT.org.

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is,”What are you doing for others?” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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NewLife Expo Returns to New York in March

he NewLife Expo, the nation’s long-running event focused on conscious living, will return to the Hotel New Yorker, March 22 through Mark Becker 24. “For 30 years, NewLife has been instrumental in opening up people’s minds to all possibilities by bringing experts from around the world in the fields of holistic health, spirituality, consciousness and human potential,” says its organizer, Mark Becker. This weekend event will once again showcase more than 80 innovative, cutting-edge exhibitors and speakers. Among the keynotes are astrologer Susan Miller, nutritionist Gary Null, energy healer Judy Satori, Youngevity founder Dr. Joel Wallach, radio host Kat James, spiritual author Tracey Ash, intuitive Tammy Adams and psychic Jill Dahne. “NewLife Expo is unlike any other New Age fair you’ve experienced,” Becker says. “Others have tried to copy it, but none have ever succeeded. So whatever your flavor, come and open your mind to all possibilities and meet thousands of people who are into what you are into. At the very least, you might fall in love.” Expo hours are March 22, 4:30 to 10pm; March 23, 10am to 9pm; and March 24, 10:30am to 7:30pm. Cost: $15 and up. Location: Hotel New Yorker, 481 8th Ave at W 34th St (across from Penn Station). For information, visit NewLifeExpo.com, or to preregister for discounts, go to NewLifeExpo.com/ny-expo/ticketpre-registration.

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�� : What is Neurofeedback?

A WORKSHOP PRESENTED BY Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, Ed.D, BCN, LPC Board Certified in Neurofeedback Tuesday -- April 2, 2019 at 7:00 PM At the Offices of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge 898 Ethan Allen Hwy., Suite #6, Ridgefield, CT Neurofeedback therapy is a powerful, safe, non-medication treatment for common childhood and adult issues and disorders, including: ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s, Anxiety, Trauma, Stress, Learning Issues, Speech/ Language Issues, Memory, Social Issues, Head Injury, Sports-Related Concussion, Mood Issues, and Pain. Come learn how a QEEG (brain mapping) works, what Neurofeedback therapy is like, and how it could benefit you or your child. We will also discuss our latest technology – AdvancedBioregulation Therapy (BRT), which combines PEMF and Biofeedback to promote healing. Neurofeedback/Biofeedback is rated by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a Level 1 intervention for ADHD – the same as medication!

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news briefs

Pollinator Pathways Events at Wakeman Town Farm

akeman Town Farm, Earthplace, and the Westport Garden Club have joined forces to put Westport on the Pollinator Pathway, a new initiative connecting communities in the effort to save pollinators and promote a healthier planet. Pollinator pathways are pesticide-free corridors created from a network of public and private properties that provide native plant habitat and nutrition for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, birds and other creatures. More than 30 percent of our food grows as a result of pollinators’ work. Wakeman Town Farm will host a series of events in March and April to cover sustainable landscaping and gardening practices vital to the health of pollinators. The schedule of events includes: The Southport Globe Onion Initiative: Reviving the Prolific Heirloom in Westport, with Sefra Alexandra, will be held on Monday, March 4 at 7pm. The noble Southport Globe Onion is a regional staple heirloom that brought wealth and prominence to our historic agricultural area. Alexandra, a Cornell-educated

ethnobotanist and Greens Farms resident, will discuss planting and stewarding the heirloom Southport Globe Onion variety. There is a $15 ticket fee for this event. Spring Seed Sowing, with Linda Fleming, will be held on Monday, March 18 at 7pm. Fleming is a master at both gardening and storytelling. She will share lessons about herbs, seed starting, seed saving, growing, propagation and harvesting. Perennials that Bees Love & Deer Don’t will be held on Monday, March 25 at 7pm. Learn what to grow for a garden that’s not only beautiful but beneficial. Nathalie Fonteyne, UConn master gardener and master composter and perennials chair of the Westport Garden Club, will suggest perennials that will attract pollinators and birds to your garden (and not so many deer)! Going Native – The How & Why of Native Plants in the Landscape will be held Monday, April 8 at 7pm. Want to “go native” in your landscape, but not sure where to start? Bill Kenny, landscape architect, wetland and soil scientist and owner of native plant nursery in Fairfield, will discuss the whys and hows of using native plants in your yard to give nature a hand, welcome beneficial pollinators, and add beauty. This class is free, but registration is required. Most of the classes are appropriate for adults (grade schoolaged children and above are welcome if accompanied by an adult/guardian). For more information or to register for any event, visit WakemanTownFarm.org/Events. Location: Wakeman Town Farm, 134 Cross Hwy, Westport.

DID YOU REALIZE THAT

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ichelle Quigley, LMT, RCST has moved from Westport to Weston and has now opened her new office and treatment room. Quigley is a licensed massaged therapist certified in orthopedic and integrated manual therapy, which focuses on realigning joints through painfree myofascial techniques and capsular release. This modality can be a powerful complement to traditional massage. To celebrate the opening of her new space, Quigley is offering single sessions at a 40 percent discount until the end of March. With the discount, good for this month only, a 60-minute session can be $90 and a 90-minute treatment is $114. Quigley is currently undertaking training with Erik Dalton in myoskeletal alignment techniques. The training will provide her with even more tools to reduce and eliminate chronic pain as well as recognize and correct patterns of imbalance in the body to prevent pain before it occurs. In addition, Quigley is a registered biodynamic craniosacral therapist, undertaking the 2-and-a-half-year foundation training with Franklyn Sills, and attending numerous post-graduate workshops. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle but powerful hands-on therapy that works with the underlying, ever-present health in the body. For more information, call 203-216-8874, email MLQLMT@gmail.com or visit MichelleLQuigley.com. See listing, page 3. March 2019

community spotlight

Chronicling Progress at Black Rock Church An Efficient, Pesticide-Free Landscape Takes Form

by Ariana Rawls Fine

s we move into spring, many of us look forward to getting back to gardening and landscaping more naturally. Black Rock Church has been working with several companies on a three-year plan to turn their Fairfield church grounds into beautiful, more self-sustaining eco-landscapes. The entire conversion process will be completed by Fall 2020. Dennis Marc, owner and operator of Organic Solutions (Facebook. com/OrganicPlantCare) in Norwalk, has been coordinating the logistics and process of developing the pesticide-free environment, as first described in Natural Awakenings in April 2017. “Three years ago, members and a pastor from the church set their sights on not only weaning their lawn and landscape off of pesticides and water-soluble fertilizers, but to also add additional lawn and garden beds that would eventually 16

be self-sustainable with only the use of natural suffocants and microbial release fertilizers,” says Marc. Marc explains there are many factors to consider before initiating a conversion from an established pesticide-dependent property to a pesticide-free one. Cost is definitely one of them. There are certain establishment fees that have to be applied initially to reach the above mentioned goals, he says. However, once the property has become manageable, the costs are generally the same as the companies that use broad-spectrum pesticides and watersoluble fertilizers. In 2018, Marc continued to use both synthetic and organic microbialreleased fertilizers for the lawn, shrubs and perennial garden areas. In order for this method of feeding to be effective, soil tests need to be done twice a year to ensure proper pH and nutrient levels.

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As the project has progressed, one of the foci this year will be on landscaping surrounding the church’s nearly 18,000-square-foot addition with a youth group area. Orlyna Mattera-Starr from Frank Mattera and Daughter Landscaping Contractors, LLC (MatteraAndDaughter.com), Susan L. Haynes, owner of Complete Designs LLC (CompleteDesignsGardens.com), and Dorothy Shack from Westportbased Izzo and Son Garden Center (IzzoCountryGardens.com) are currently working from this year’s landscape and irrigation plan as they prepare for installing new annual and perennial flowers, ornamental trees, shrubs, hardscapes, and potted plants. Throughout the conversion process Black Rock Church has developed a healthy relationship with their entire outdoor plant care team, including their new watering system provider, Conroy Irrigation. “Over the past 4 to 5 years, we have been moving in the direction of smart watering. This includes using drip irrigation more frequently than overhead sprinkler heads for shrubs, trees and flowers. This process of watering gets right down to the root system of the plantings. There is very little, if any, water wasted installing a drip system for plantings,” says Pat Conroy from Conroy Irrigation.

The company uses smart controllers which can be programmed and used manually by a smart phone or remotely by computer. The controllers also allow the church to lessen the amount of water

being used by using a weather station/rain sensor. The project at Black Rock Church, which Conroy Irrigation will be working on this spring, will require some overhead irrigation for larger grass areas and drip irrigation for all shrubs, trees, flowers and planters, Conroy explains. For the larger shrubs and trees, they will incorporate drip irrigation circles, or “halos”, around the shrub or tree’s root ball that they are watering. By doing so, the plant needs to exert

more energy to get to the water, thereby creating a stronger root system. For potted plants, Conroy Irrigation will utilize microdrip irrigation. A knowledgeable group of outdoor plant care providers, with the help of both Black Rock Church’s maintenance crew and church volunteers, continue to develop a lawn and landscape on their property that is more eco-friendly and safe for all to enjoy. With the natural materials

Marc has been using on the property, the continued planting design and installation from Haynes and Mattera-Starr, and smart watering from Conroy Irrigation, the Black Rock Church grounds in Fairfield are on track to become a showpiece in the coming years. Ariana Rawls Fine is Editor of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley, CT.

March 2019

health briefs

With repeated and steady use, the seeds also have the following benefits:

Mimosa Pudica Seeds: Nature’s Gut Cleaner

Anti-ulcer and gut-healing properties: Because the seed gel can adhere to ulcer-causing bacteria like H. Pylori, it can remove the cause of the ulcer while also helping heal the wounds themselves. Those who frequently take pain medications and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be prone to ulcers in the intestinal tract and Mimosa Pudica seeds can help remove the acid these drugs cause and restore the mucosal integrity of the intestinal walls.

by Gregg Kirk As many doctors will tell you, the basis of your immune system lies in your gut. After taking long-term antibiotics or other pharmaceuticals (especially steroids), patients can develop severe cases of digestive imbalances, yeast or Candida Albicans overgrowth, ulcers and Leaky Gut Syndrome. This is also a perfect environment for parasites, which according to the New York Times, at least 50 percent of the population of the Western World has. The good news is that Mimosa Pudica seeds seem to be able drag these pathogens out of a person’s digestive tract without the damaging side effects of pharmaceutical antiparasitics and antibiotics. Mimosa Pudica is a flowering, creeping perennial native to South and Central America. It is nicknamed “Sensitive Plant,” “Touch-Me-Not” and “Bashful Plant” because of its unique reaction to being handled or disturbed. When touched, the plant’s leaves fold up and recoil almost immediately and then re-open a few minutes later. When taken in capsule form with water, the seeds of the plant expand in the gut and form an elastic, sticky paste that adheres to invaders of the intestines. Once parasites and antimicrobials are stuck to this gelatinous mass, they are dragged out of a person’s system in the next bowel movement. Because the digestive tract does not break down mucilaginous herbs like Mimosa Pudica seeds, the gel the seeds creates can pass through the entire intestinal tract intact, dragging things that don’t belong with it.

Immune Support: The fact that Mimosa Pudica seeds remove the agents that compromise the intestines is the first step to better immune system response. The second step involves Mimosa Pudica seeds’ ability to raise antioxidant levels in the body when poisonous toxins are present. Antidiarrheal: Patients with gut imbalances frequently have chronic diarrhea. If it persists, it can be dehydrating and eventually dangerous. Worse still, many patients take overthe-counter remedies like Imodium A-D that slow intestinal movement, creating constipation and thereby hindering the removal of the body’s toxins. Mimosa Pudica seeds contain high amounts of tannins, flavonoids and polyphenols that are natural antidiarrheals with no adverse side effects. Antimicrobial: In a 2015 study, Mimosa Pudica was found to have “significant activity” against the bacteria E.coli, S.aureus, B.subtilis and S.typhi. The combination of the plant’s high flavonoid levels in combination with the stickiness of the seed gel make it a formidable disruptor of microbial activity in the intestinal tract. Gregg Kirk is a Lyme disease advocate, a former patient, and the current practitioner who runs the Lyme Recovery Clinic in Darien, CT, the Ticked Off Foundation nonprofit patient fund, and the Ticked Off Music Fest benefit concert series. He is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at 203-858-9725 or LymeKnowledge.com. See listings, pages 3 and 35.

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Vegetables and Orange Juice Protect Memory A Harvard study spanning two decades was conducted on the diets of nearly 28,000 male health professionals between their 50s and 70s and published by the American Academy of Neurology. It found those that drank orange juice and ate leafy greens, berries and dark orange and red vegetables suffered significantly less memory loss than others. Subjects reported every four years and were examined for both thinking and memory skills. Those that ate about six servings of vegetables a day were a third less likely to develop poor thinking skills than those consuming two servings; those that drank orange juice every day were half as likely to develop poor thinking skills as those drinking one serving per month. Men that ate larger amounts of fruits and vegetables 20 years earlier were less likely to develop similar problems, whether or not they kept eating larger amounts of fruits and vegetables later.

Herbs Make Worthy Prebiotics Ginger, black pepper and holy basil, mainstays in traditional medicines as anti-inflammatories, also contain significant prebiotic potential that could help gut health, report researchers from India’s National Institute of Nutrition, in Hyderabad. Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) showed significantly higher prebiotic activity, especially of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, when compared to the well-known prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS). Black pepper (Piper Nigrum) had prebiotic effects similar to FOS.

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global briefs

Eco Fill-up

Earth’s Extremities on the Edge The North Pole and South Pole each have unique, pristine environments, virtually untouched by civilization, but a pair of federal studies cast doubt upon their future status. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in a study based on satellite data, warned that ancient glaciers in West Antarctica, thought to be more stable than those to the east, are “waking up” and beginning to dump ice into the sea, which could further contribute to rising sea levels.

A second NOAA study reported that glaciers at the top of the world are also thawing, melting and breaking down. According to that document, the Arctic is undergoing a period of “record and near-record warmth, unlike any period on record.” Lead Arctic NOAA researcher Emily Osborne announced at a major geoscience conference, “The Arctic is experiencing the most unprecedented transition in human history.”

Liquid Fuel Stores Solar Energy Solar power is cheap and plentiful, but there has been no way to store it efficiently. Scientists from Chalmers University of Technology, in Gothenberg, Sweden, are developing a liquid molecule composed of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen that when exposed to sunlight, rearranges the bonds between its atoms into an energized new isomer. In this way, energy from the sun is captured between the isomer’s strong chemical bonds and stays there even when the molecule cools down to room temperature. When the energy is needed, the fluid is drawn through a catalyst that returns the molecule to its original form, releasing energy as heat. “The energy in this isomer can now be stored for up to 18 years,” says Chalmers University nanomaterials scientist Kasper MothPoulsen. “And when we come to extract the energy and use it, we get a warmth increase, which is greater than we dared hope for.” The hope is that this warmth can be used for domestic heating systems, powering a building’s water heater, dishwasher, clothes dryer and more. The scientists claim the fluid can now hold 250 watt-hours of energy per kilogram, double the energy capacity of Tesla’s Powerwall batteries. Moth-Poulsen believes the technology could be available for commercial use within 10 years.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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Poles Apart

Bionic Leaf Tops Plants in Photosynthesis

Bionic Leaf 2.0, a new, artificial photosynthesis system developed by a team headed by Harvard University scientists, takes in carbon dioxide, water and sunshine to create a sugary fuel. Solar energy splits up a water molecule, and bacteria turn hydrogen and carbon dioxide into liquid fuel, mainly isopropanol, which could be used someday to power a car. An improvement on their prior effort a year earlier, the new system has a catalyst made of cobalt and phosphorus, increasing the efficiency of the reaction to 10 percent. Normal photosynthesis in plants is just 1 percent efficient at converting solar energy to biomass. This technology has the potential to bring another type of solar energy to the planet, especially in the developing world.

Techno Timber

Artificial Wood Resists Fire and Water

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eco tip

A new, lightweight synthetic wood has been created that is as strong as wood, but without its traditional vulnerability to fire and water, as reported by Shu-Hong Yu, a materials chemist at the University of Science and Technology of China, in Hefei, and the author of a study published in Science Advances. It’s made of polymer resin and chitosan, a sugar polymer derived from the shells of shrimp and crabs. Adding human-made or natural fibers to the mix could also help. The new material does not require years to grow and repels water; samples soaked in water and a strong acid bath for 30 days scarcely weakened, while balsa wood lost two-thirds of its strength and 40 percent of its crush resistance. The new material is also difficult to ignite, and stopped burning when it was removed from the flame. Its porosity creates an air-trapping capacity that could make it suitable as an insulation for buildings, but eco-friendly alternatives to the polymer resins are needed to broaden interest in its utility.

Spring Decluttering

Many Benefits of Reorganizing

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Fake Foliage

Spring is the season of renewal, and on the home front, that means cleaning, organizing and reducing clutter. While we apply natural, eco-friendly cleaning agents, the act of moving items around offers the opportunity to rearrange or eliminate some of them, providing a fresh look and a sense of comfort, order and control. To clear clutter, Christa O’Leary (ChristaOleary.com), founder and CEO of Home in Harmony Lifestyle, based in Boston, and author of Home in Harmony: Designing an Inspired Life, suggests that decluttering is best accomplished in small chunks every day to allay feeling overwhelmed, with the help of someone “who knows you have made the commitment and will hold you accountable.” She says stacks of paper and folders “zap your energy and mojo” and take away from productivity and efficiency, along with testing the patience of family members. O’Leary’s website offers tips that provide simple solutions for tackling such areas as magazine stacks and cluttered closets. She relates that a mom recently emailed her to say that her 7-year-old daughter did it as well, and “made a cute, adorable space.” MotherEarthLiving.com suggests first compiling a to-do list and enlisting someone to help with the physical and psychological aspects of the task at hand: letting go of items that can be donated to charitable organizations and thrift shops, where they can benefit someone else; and being creative in storing seasonal clothing, extra towels or decorations in old military-style trunks, stacks of vintage suitcases or under beds. Along with making the bedroom more visually appealing, removing items and materials can also create a tranquil setting for a more restful night’s sleep. RealSimple.com suggests getting rid of old pillows that may be filling up with dust, germs and bacteria; spare bedsheets that we never use; knickknacks that clutter the bedside table and all traces of food and beverages. March 2019

action alerts

Prescription Rights for Naturopathic Physicians For nearly 100 years, Connecticut has supported diversity in healthcare by licensing naturopathic physicians. Unfortunately, the state laws surrounding naturopathic medicine do not reflect the current education and training that modern naturopathic doctors (NDs) receive. These outdated laws serve to limit the type of care these physicians can offer to their patients. The Connecticut law regulating naturopathic physicians was passed in January 1922 and since that time has only been revised once. NDs have had drug prescribing rights in other states for many decades, and have an excellent safety and malpractice record. With limited prescriptive authority, Connecticut NDs would be able to provide more primary care services. As a point of reference, the required

instructional hours at University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine total 4,515 hours, comprised of 765 hours of basic sciences, 2,358 hours of clinical sciences, 1,392 hours of clinical practice, and 158 hours of pharmacology and drug therapeutics instruction. The total number of instructional hours is similar to local conventional medical school programs, which range from 4,300 to 5,100 hours. At press time, there are four proposed bills from legislators that support initiatives for naturopathic physicians to gain limited prescription authority. The rights would be for a limited formulary of medications for naturopathic physicians in Connecticut, enabling patients to access a wider scope of treatment during a single physician visit rather than having to visit multiple providers for the same condition.

The Bills Are:

• SB 624: An Act Allowing Naturopathic Physicians To Prescribe Medication. • HB 5915: An Act Concerning The Granting Of Limited Prescriptive Authority To Naturopathic Physicians To Improve Patient Access To Care. • HB 5902: An Act Concerning Naturopathic Medicine. • HB 5646: An Act Expanding The Scope Of Naturopathic Physicians.

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Take Action

April 3 is the drop-dead date for the Joint Committee on Public Health to vote a bill out to the floor of the state House or Senate. If the bills are not called by then, then efforts to get prescriptive authority this legislative cycle are done. If this issue speaks to you, capitalize on current legislative support by contacting your legislators, educating them on the importance of naturopathic prescribing and asking them to support this effort. Reach out to your legislators to inform them of your opinion on these bills and personal experience related to care with naturopathic physicians. Take action by visiting CongressWeb.com/AANP/71. Type in your home address to send a pre-written letter to your local legislator, either through an e-form or by printing it out and mailing it with your signature. Resources on the website also include legislative talking points, independent studies, and a ND versus MD education sheet.

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Youth Climate Strike Coming to U.S. Demanding immediate action, students are taking part in climate strikes around the world, and on March 15, young activists in the U.S. will add their voices to the escalating #FridaysForFuture movement. It was bolstered in January by 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg, of Sweden, calling for the first global climate strike while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Action in this country is being supported by such environmental groups as 350.org, Extinction Rebellion and the Sunrise Movement. Recent climate strikes have taken place throughout Europe, Australia and elsewhere. A rally in Brussels on January 31 drew approximately 35,000 people. Teen climate activist Jamie Margolin, the founder of This is Zero Hour, says that youth across the U.S. will “show our legislators that we need a ‘Green New Deal.’” For more information or to participate, contact ClimateStrike USA@gmail.com or find on Twitter #ActOnClimate or #ClimateStrike.

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March 2019

Mastering Yoga

The yoga community in Fairfield County and the Housatonic Valley has never been more vibrant! This section provides connections to studios and teachers in the area, as well as helpful editorial to support your efforts to improve your practice.

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Yet, research shows that exercise can help ease allergy symptoms and lessen severity. A survey of 2,000 allergy sufferers sponsored by the UK National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit showed those that exercised the most had the mildest symptoms.

More Exercise, Less Discomfort

Exercise vs. Allergies

All the Right Moves by Marlaina Donato

easonal allergies plague more than 26 million Americans, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, with numbers on the rise in recent years. This is due in part to a dramatic increase in the amount of airborne pollen, a possible byproduct of climate change. Environmental and lifestyle stress, inadequate nutrition and weakened immune systems are also factors, leaving many feeling too miserable to engage in physical activities.

Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance Certified 200-hour Teacher Training Looking to teach yoga or deepen your personal practice? For more information visit: www.WeAreYogaCulture.com/ Teacher-Training SESSION STARTS SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Boosting heart rate through aerobic activities such as running, walking, jumping rope, treadmill routines, tennis and team sports like volleyball or basketball seems to offer anti-allergy benefits. Vitamin C can also help. Researchers from the Faculty of Sports Science at Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok, Thailand, found that 70 percent of participants that took a vitamin C supplement and ran for half an hour experienced decreased nasal congestion and sneezing. “Exercising regularly creates a cumulative effect in the body, helps speed up metabolism and improves immunity, so you could find even less allergies occurring over time,” says Stephanie Mansour, fitness expert and former allergy sufferer from Chicago. “I used to get allergy shots for a runny nose and headaches during certain times of the year, but personally transformed my allergies through expanding my lungs and chest and balancing out my nervous system.” The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy recommends gentler forms of exercise, and cautions against vigorous workouts such as Crossfit or long runs that can be counterproductive and exacerbate allergy flare-ups. Mansour recommends yoga, Pilates, walking or weight training—especially when congestion is a factor.

Try Some Yoga Mansour, a certified yoga instructor, attests to the benefits of the practice. To ease the symptoms of allergies, she recommends yoga both for its physical effects and its breath benefits. “Yoga can also help bring equilibrium to the nervous system and help the body relax. When the body is in a healthy balance and relaxed, it’s more effective at warding off things like infection or allergies.” Registered nurse and yoga instructor Kristin Brien, of New York City, concurs. “A yoga practice trains and strengthens the vagal nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system—rest and digest mode—and turns off the inflammatory response,” Brien says. “When we are under chronic stress, our nervous systems react as though our bodies are under constant threat, thus making some of us more susceptible to hypersen-

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sitive reactions to offending seasonal antigens like pollen and ragweed.” Yoga practitioners across the board recommend inverted poses such as the plow, shoulder stand and downward facing dog to relieve allergy-related congestion. While yoga can be beneficial, inverted poses should be avoided by anyone with high blood pressure, glaucoma or retinal issues due to increased pressure in the blood vessels of the head, and some experts emphasize that allergy sufferers and asthmatics should avoid hot yoga and other demanding forms during flare-ups. A gentle approach goes a long way. Ideally, Brien recommends asanas that anyone can do, including legs up the wall, supported bridge pose, supported reclined goddess pose and child’s pose.

Warm-Up No matter the type of exercise, warming up can play a key factor. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, stretching before activity and boosting heart rate helps to maximize exercise and its symptom-reducing effects.

Create a Healthy Space Lessening the body’s burden by making small changes in living or workout space can also optimize the benefits of exercise. Brien, an allergy sufferer and asthmatic, recommends using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce circulating allergens and also wiping down all surfaces, including yoga mats, floors, window sills and vents. During drier, colder times of the year, Mansour recommends using a humidifier to add moisture to the air and improve breathing. Exercise may not cure seasonal allergies, but it can lessen related symptoms, along with effecting a more balanced nervous system and better overall health. Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmberMusic.com.

yoga briefs

Upcoming Certification Classes at Jiiva

n March 16 from noon to 6pm, Berta Prevosti will teach a restorative yoga certification class at Jiiva Yoga and Wellness in Stratford. Restorative yoga provides a balance supportive of conscious relaxation, healing and rejuvenation. This training is suitable for yoga teachers, those in the healing profession who wish to amplify their skills or just to deepen your own practice. This is a Yoga Alliance-approved class and is valid for six CECs. On March 30 from noon to 6pm, Jiiva Yoga will offer a yoga nidra certification class. This course will provide participants with an understanding of the healing power of yoga nidra in order to deepen personal practice or share and empower students. Th is is a Yoga Alliance-approved class valid for six CECs. Yoga nidra can be used for many purposes, which include deep relaxation, to release what lies in the subconscious and unconscious, and to experience an expanded state of consciousness. The early-bird price is $195 if paid by March 10; the cost is $225 thereafter. Jiiva Yoga is also home to the Jiiva School of Yoga, which is a certified RYS-200 and RYS-300-hour school by the Yoga Alliance. The Jiiva Yoga School Teacher Training programs aspire to deepen your practice, and transform your understanding of yoga. The Jiiva Meditation Teacher Training program will enhance your personal practice, add to your yoga teacher training, and enable you to become certified to teach the meditation. For more information, visit JiivaCenter.com. Location: Jiiva Yoga, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. See ad, page 27.

Yoga Culture Spring Open House; Summer Yoga Teacher Training

oga Culture, an Aligned Vinyasa yoga studio in Danbury, will be hosting a Spring Open House on Saturday, March 23 from 8:30am to 12:30pm featuring a Teacher Training Information Class for the upcoming April Session. During the Open House, a variety of free classes will be offered for yogis of all experience levels, including a restorative class. Beginners are welcome! There will be discounts on class passes and retail, and a raffle for a variety of prizes. Part of the event is a Teacher Training Class and Information Session. Program teachers Jenny Schuck and Allison Ray Jeraci will co-teach a class followed by a discussion on what to expect during teacher training. Yoga Culture’s training is perfect for advanced students looking to deepen their knowledge of yoga anatomy, technique and philosophy or for those who wish to share their love of yoga by becoming instructors. Yoga Culture is a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS) and those who complete this training are eligible to obtain a 200-hour RYT certification with Yoga Alliance. Training starts on April 13. Yoga Culture’s mission is to introduce and teach Aligned Vinyasa yoga, to create space in the body for breath, to teach people to modify the yoga practice to serve their bodies and needs, to foster a yoga community in the greater Danbury area and to serve that community through charity. For more information or to RSVP to attend, visit WeAreYogaCulture.com/workshops or email Info@WeAreYogaCulture.com. Location: 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. See ad, page 24. March 2019

Getting to Know the Human Animal by Carrie Brady

erms such as eukarya, animalia, chordate and mammalia may be a mystery to someone who is not a biologist or hasn’t taken a recent biology class. These are the technical names for the domain, kingdom, phylum and class of humans. In common usage, the term “animals,” doesn’t include humans; however, we are biologically classified as animals and have more in common with other species than one might think. Viewing human behavior through an animal lens offers refreshing insights into individual characteristics and strengths, as well as clues for promoting our well-being.

Predator/Prey Dynamic

A key distinction among animals is whether they are predator or prey. Predators hunt and kill other animals for food, while prey are the animals being consumed. The size and strength of the animal does not determine its status. Wolves and lions—and their domesticated counterparts dogs and housecats—are predators; horses, despite their size and strength, are prey. Humans and dolphins are both predator and prey. Dolphins 26

eat other fish, but are prey for sharks. Humans eat many other animals, but are prey for large predators like crocodiles and mountain lions. Both types of animals have incredible strengths to offer. Humans can draw upon different predator and prey characteristics to serve us well in any circumstance. Predators will attack a situation and use their power to overcome any obstacle. Predator energy and behavior can be useful to humans who are working on a difficult project or situation and need to stay focused on the goal, despite the challenge of achieving it. On the other hand, prey rely on highly sophisticated perception of the world around them to detect and steer clear of danger. Using prey senses can help humans not only avoid physical dangers, but other types of challenges. Relying on intuition or a gut feeling that something isn’t right is a wise use of prey senses that humans no longer need to survive but can still use to thrive.

Collaborative/Independent

Some animals choose to live in a group, while others are more solitary. A horse

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prefers to be part of a herd and will allocate responsibilities among the entire herd while a cat is more likely to act alone. This dynamic often comes up in the workplace. Some humans prefer to work in groups, collaborating to achieve a shared outcome. Others are more comfortable as individual contributors, able to go off on their own and do their part rather than participate in day-to-day group work. Wise managers and human resource directors are able to recognize these preferences and structure the work environment to enable both types of employees to thrive. Students and job applicants who are aware of their preferences for independence or collaboration are better able to choose careers or match jobs to their strengths.

Omnivore, Carnivore, Herbivore

Omnivores will eat anything, carnivores prefer meat and herbivores eat plants. Most animals in the wild know instinctively what foods to avoid. Horses, for example, rarely consume poisonous plants in the wild, even when the poisonous plants are abundant. They have ways to detect what is and isn’t good for them. Like animals, humans can thrive on different types of diets but have become less adept at differentiating between what is healthy and what is not. Ayurvedic medicine divides humans into three types referred to as doshas, which are based on different combinations of life-force energy. Based on the balance of these doshas, practitioners can recommend different types of food and ways to prepare the food that will work best to support each individual’s body type. Humans that take the time to understand their individualized nutritional needs—both what supports them and what is toxic to them— through Ayurveda or careful observation of food choices and their effects are able to regain this animal wisdom and to find a better balance to promote health.

Preferred Habitat

Animals have preferred habitats that best

meet their needs. Although they may be able to adapt and survive in other habits, it is more challenging. A polar bear, for example, thrives in cold rather than heat. Individual humans also have preferred environments in which they thrive. Some people like to live with roommates while others need their own space. Some people love changing seasons while others would prefer a steady temperature year round. Although we cannot change the weather outside without relocating, there are many things that we can do inside a space to make it reflect our ideal habitat. Our homes are more than basic shelter for our bodies; they can be designed to nourish our hearts and minds as well. Space heaters, air conditioners and humidifiers can help us adapt the climate. The choice of colors, patterns and fabrics can soothe or energize us. Places to engage in playful activities we enjoy also are essential to human well-being. One study used many drugaddicted rats that were placed in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;rat paradiseâ&#x20AC;? full of food, friends and fun activities. They were given a choice be-

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tween drug-laced water and plain water; they voluntarily chose the plain water. The researchers suggested that creating the ideal habitat reduced their desire for drugs because they had so many other ways to enjoy themselves. As we design our homes and offices, we should consider how best to meet our needs for joy and play. Humans have amazing capabilities, but we sometimes forget to address our basic needs as animals. Tapping into both our predator and prey strengths, finding our ideal balance between collaboration and independence, determining our unique nutritional requirements, and creating habitats to meet all of our needs will help us thrive.

It is not how old you are, but how you are old. ~Jules Renard

Carrie Brady is the creator of Wilton-based Possibilities Farm, a wellness center that partners with horses through non-riding programs, personal and professional development workshops, creative arts, meditation, equine-assisted Reiki and the Heart Herd. Connect at PossibilitiesFarm.com. See ad, page 12.

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system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defend itself against bacteria, viruses and other foreign invaders. The problem occurs when, rather than respond to an injury or an invader, the immune system is activated in a pathological manner and reacts against the body itself. This is the underlying mechanism associated with all autoimmune disease.

The Dangers of Conventional Drug Therapy

Stem Cell Treatments for Autoimmune Disease by Henry C. Sobo

utoimmune disorders are those in which the body’s immune system attacks our own healthy cells and organ systems. Overactivity of the immune system causes an inflammatory response, resulting in a host of conditions that are characterized by the primary body system affected. In rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the joints results in pain and deformity in areas such as the hands, feet, knees and shoulders. In advanced cases, it is severely debilitating, leaving the sufferer with very limited mobility. In celiac disease, the gastrointestinal tract suffers an immune reaction from eating gluten-containing foods found in wheat and other grains, like rye and barley. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are other conditions in which the gastrointestinal tract is progressively damaged by the inflammatory response of an overactive immune system. 28

In multiple sclerosis, the lining of the nerves, called the myelin sheath, is attacked by the immune system. Sufferers become progressively disabled as nervous system control of the muscles, balance and bladder breaks down. There are many other recognized autoimmune conditions such as Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s disease, type 1 diabetes, lupus, Sjogren’s disease, psoriasis, polyneuropathy, polymyalgia and vasculitis.

Inflammation as the Common Thread

A crucial factor present in all of these conditions is an out of control inflammatory state of the body. Normally, inflammation plays a critical role in the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Inflammation is an integral part of the immune system’s response to injury and infection. It is the body’s way of signaling the immune

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Drug treatments for autoimmune conditions suppress the immune system’s activity as a means of controlling the inflammation by which the body damages itself. The problem is that the treatment can become worse than the disease. As the immune system is suppressed by the medication, the patient becomes more susceptible to infection because of the body’s impaired ability to mount an effective immune response. Once infection has occurred, it is more difficult to treat than it would be in a person with an immune system that has not been suppressed by the drug treatment being used. The class of medication known as biologics that are used in a variety of diseases all report cancer as a potential side effect, again related to suppression of the immune system.

The Hope of Stem Cell-related Therapies

In a groundbreaking review article of the many studies that have been done regarding the effect of stem cell treatments on various disease states, Dr. Rafael Gonzalez writes that the use of stem cells has been associated with a modulation of the immune system cells functioning, thereby promoting a healthier state. There are a number of bio-markers that are considered anti-inflammatory or promoting inflammation, which can be measured in the blood. Measurement of these naturally occurring, biologically active substances shows that the circulating levels of anti-inflammatory substances may be decreased by stem cell treatments. And, at the same time, pro-inflammatory substances can be measurably decreased

by stem cell treatments. One well-recognized general blood test which is measured by many physicians as a part of their patient’s yearly physical is called the Cardio-CRP. It carries this name because an elevation of this marker has been shown to correlate with an increased risk of cardiac disease. It also correlates with the development of many other disease states. In one study of 172 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the Cardio CRP level was shown to be significantly decreased after stem cell treatment. Two other problematic markers, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, also demonstrated a significant lowering of these markers upon testing after treatment.

There are a number of bio-markers that are considered anti-inflammatory... which can be measured in the blood. Measurement of these naturally occurring, biologically active substances shows that the circulating levels of anti-inflammatory substances may be decreased by stem cell treatments.

A review of the immune-modulating properties of stem cells has shown that when infused throughout the body, stem cells that can migrate to specific inflammation sites have also been shown to promote a non-specific, generalized anti-inflammatory response in the body. This is seen by evaluating various individual cell counts with properties that are promoting or reducing inflammation. The stem cell treatments’ benefits are a modulating effect on the immune system’s functioning cells to try and normalize their function and secretions. This is an alternative approach to the across the board excessive immune suppression that occurs with immunosuppressive drugs. A class of cells crucial to the immune response is our T cells. These cells can become over-reactive with their excessive functioning underlying the process of autoimmune disease. Studies show that T cells can have their functions more normalized, thereby decreasing their overproduction and reactivity, and lessening the autoimmune pathology of a number of disease states. Along with the scientific findings underlying the beneficial effects of stem cell treatments, years of study have shown that they are safe. Although considered “out of the box” and technically still experimental, stem cell treatments are increasingly being utilized by doctors and their patients to benefit those with difficulty treating autoimmune conditions in a safe way. Henry C. Sobo, MD, is the medical director of Optimal Health Medical, LLC in Stamford. Along with stem cell treatments, his office offers PRP for joints, hair restoration and erectile dysfunction; allergy evaluation and desensitization; weight loss programs; and intravenous vitamin C and nutrients therapy. See ad, page 36.

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March 2019

Better Immune System Modulation Broad-spectrum Support is Not Enough

by Marigot Vreeland

odulating the immune system is the new frontier of natural healthcare. The immune system is an intelligent and complicated system that uses inflammation to “talk” to us and destroy pathogens. Commonly, the immune system is thought of as a singular process: a too weak or too strong immune system that needs to either be enhanced or mitigated. However, the newest research delves into how to control the specific maturation process for different divisions of the immune system. Gone are the days of blanket “immuneboosting” supplements and green drinks. Now it is time for us to realize what nutritional compound, lifestyle factor and food steers which inflammatory process, and how to control the immune system on a more precise basis. The immune system is a complex mix of cells with different roles. Inflammation, a trendy buzzword, is an amalgam of chemical processes all managed by the immune system. Inflammation can be good when it repairs tissue and keeps away dangerous intruders. But when the balance of the immune system goes unchecked, the chronic, low-grade, persistent inflammation incites degenerative diseases. The job of the immune system is to keep the body healthy and to fight foreign invaders; it has evolved different ways to do so. When exposed to a new bacterial, viral, parasitic, spirochete or other pathogen or intruder, these cells read and then destroy the new enemy. For the purpose of this article, we will discuss the intricacies and differences of Th1 and Th2 immunity, and how, if these two systems are left unopposed, serious complications can arise. 30

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

To simplify, Th1 cells fight and destroy small bugs. They are constantly surveying the body to destroy them. Th1 cells are activated through the presence of bacteria and viruses inside other cells. Th1 cells alert other cells to phagocytize, or to completely engulf and eat, cells infected with bacteria and viruses. Th1 cells also secrete the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), making Th1 immunity particularly helpful in fighting not only infections, but also cancers. Th2 cells help to tag and fight bigger things outside of the cells, such as parasites. They can aid in the mediation of tissue repair and conduct the antibody system. Antibodies are a way in which the immune system marks to destroy a specific antigen or intruder. The antibody fits like a key into a lock when it finds its specific protein or antigen; in this way it marks the antigen to be destroyed. This process can manifest as a classic anaphylactic response or as a chronically inflamed individual that is sensitive or “allergic” to everything they encounter. Unfortunately, antibodies can be formed to any antigen that the body deems as foreign. Antibodies can be helpful if formed against an antigen like the measles virus. But they can also cause chronic inflammation if formed against things like food or environmental toxins. This chronic inflammation will lead to autoimmunity if formed against self-tissue.

System Out of Balance

The optimal state is one in which our bodies are able to move freely between a Th1 environment and a Th2 environment since both are necessary to fight infections in different ways. However, when one system becomes excessively or chronically activated, it inhibits the other. That’s when the body can spiral into a constant Th1-dominant or Th2-dominant environment. When one system gets locked into dominance, it can escalate into more serious health concerns. Then the antibody-antigen system can actually be used against the body that produced it. A Th2-dominant patient displays chronic allergies, asthma, always seems to be coming down with a cold, and easily develops new food sensitivities. This Th2 dominance puts the antibody system on overdrive. Since that immune system is set at hypersensitive mode, every thing that comes into the body is seen as a foreign invader, whether it is food, environmental irritants or allergens. As these triggers enter the body during Th2 dominance, the immune system is primed to make antibodies, causing chronic low-grade inflammation. This inflammatory cytokine-rich environment can influence the immune system to start attacking its own body tissue, resulting in an autoimmune disorder. At this point, an elimination diet or removal of the environmental triggers will not help to quell the inflammatory storm. Bolstering the immune system as a whole won’t be sufficient anymore at that stage. Food choices, lifestyle, herbs, botanicals, vitamins, smoothies and even probiotics all have specific influences on the development and maintenance of the Th1/Th2 immune system. But it is no longer enough to say

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that the immune system is compromised and it needs aid. It is imperative to look deeper and find where the system is going awry and what specifically will inhibit or enhance either a Th1 or Th2 dominance or deficiency. For example, perhaps it is necessary to focus on regulating an individual’s Th2 system and the associated inflammatory cytokines. The key is to modulate the immune system. We all should have a flexible immune system to be able to move from a Th1 to a Th2 response to match whatever fight is ahead, but everyone has genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that push toward a Th1 or Th2 dominance. However, if one becomes too strong and actively inhibits the other, the full use of the immune system is paralyzed. The person who never gets sick typically has a strong Th1 system that fights bacteria and viruses inside the cell. But an overactive Th1 system often leads to an underactive Th2 system. Without the proper use of the Th2 system’s parasite destruction, tissue repair and the utilization of the antibodyantigen system will be hindered. An overactive Th2 system can lead to asthma, allergies, a hypersensitivity to foods, constant cold or flu diagnoses and subsequent overuse of antibiotics, and perhaps even the development of an autoimmune-prone environment. Inflammation in and of itself is a neutral process. The body is constantly under siege from foreign invaders. We need the immune system and some inflammation to keep the host alive. Ideally, pathogens are efficiently destroyed and inflammation is effectively resolved after each battle. Chronic, unresolved inflammation is the hallmark of many diseases and one answer is restoring harmony to the Th1 and Th2 systems. Dr. Marigot Vreeland is a clinician and owner of Gold Coast Chiropractic and Functional Medicine in Westport. She specializes in immune, autoimmune and neuro-immune disorders with a holistic approach that emphasizes the gut-body connection. Connect at 203-998-8225.

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wise words

A Conversation with Chef Eliana Grubel of Clean Food 4 Ur Type What training did you receive prior to starting your practice? Who did you study with?

hef Eliana Grubel of Clean Food 4 Ur Type has been serving Connecticut for more than 15 years, offering short-term detoxes, healthy meals to freeze, dinner parties, cooking classes, and personalized coaching programs. So of course, Natural Awakenings asked her to be a part of our special food issue.

What led you to become a passionate advocate for better health through food?

In 2006, I began a journey through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I became a board-certified health coach. This triggered my passion for healthy and clean living. Learning firsthand from leaders in the field completely changed my view about food, nutrition, lifestyle, and spirituality. Understanding the power of individuality and food gave me the tools to help my clients achieve better health. 32

I am a board-certified health coach by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, and a Personal Chef certified by the Culinary Business Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, a member institution of the United States Personal Chef Association. I am also certified as a Food Safety Manager by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, which allows me to handle any commercial kitchen nationwide. I have studied directly with Dr. Walter Willet, Dr. Marion Nestle, Dr. Deepak Chopra, and Annemarie Colbin, among others. I have trained with chefs Rosemary Rutland in Atlanta and Megan Huylo, Hideyo Yamada, Ann Nunziata and Michaela Hayes in New York City. Some of my other trainers include: Michio Kishi, David Wolfe, Dr. John Douillard, Barry Sears, Dr. Mark Hyman, Eric Schlosser, Dr. Elson Haas, Paul Pitchford, and Dr. Joseph Mercola.

What is the basis of your approach with your clients?

The foundation of the approach with my clients is bio-individuality. When my clients learn that their interests in food can have profound genetic effects and thus aid in a wholesome life, they are excited to seek a healthier lifestyle. One thing all my clients share is that they are interested in clean eating and looking to discover the right foods for their type.

What services do you provide for clients?

I mainly provide short-term detox diets, where together my clients and I plan a

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personalized menu, for which I shop, prepare all juices, smoothies, soups, salads, and plant-based meals, from five days up to four weeks of detoxification. I also offer in-home packages from 12 up to 36 complete personalized meals to freeze, cooking classes, one-on-one coaching sessions online in Spanish, Portuguese and English, and clean-eating and health seminars.

How do you empower clients to better provide for themselves?

I provide a set of packaged information and tips about healthy eating and lifestyle improvements together with support via email, text messages and follow-ups by phone between sessions and appointments for all my cooking and coaching clients. I have found that my personalized approach makes clients feel like they have the tools and support needed to succeed.

Which elements of the work frustrate you? Which aspects do you love?

The main frustration I find in my work is that unhealthy food has become incredibly cheap. It is difficult to work around making healthy food more affordable, but I am always trying to find ways that my clients can save money and still acquire high quality ingredients for their bodies. I especially love providing detox diets and being able to "see" my clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; faces and changes during the process. Seeing their skin glow and their eyes getting brighter makes my day! At the conclusion of their journey I am assured by the positive feedback regarding their improvements, which brings me great joy.

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My commitment to provide a high-quality journey and support my clients is unwavering. My passion is simply to help you become a healthier, happier you! For more information or to connect with Chef Eliana, call 203-559-8946 or visit CleanFood4UrType.com. See ad, page 23.

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Five Strategies for Better Health

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

pringtime brings a desire to clean up our diets and refresh our plates. Here are five worthy strategies for upgrading nutrition and greeting the season with a renewed sense of well-being. n Ditch dieting. According to the Boston Medical Center, an estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year and spend more than $30 billion annually on weight-loss products. Despite this hefty investment, restrictive diets don’t work, says Sandra Aamodt, a neuroscientist based in northern California. Aamodt co-presented the Neurobiology of Dieting: Evidence for Improving Mental Health With a Self-Care Approach session at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) annual

meeting last October in Washington, D.C. “Diets are not harmless,” Aamodt explains. “They create stress, persistent hunger, trigger eating disorders such as binge eating and even make people fatter over time.” It’s better to take a kinder approach, says Rebecca Scritchfield, a Washington, D.C.-based registered dietitian and Aamodt’s co-presenter. Scritchfield is the author of Body Kindness: Transform Your Health From the Inside Out – and Never Say Diet Again. She teaches her clients to value their self-worth regardless of body size, practice mindful eating and focus on overall self-care: Think enjoyable physical activity, adequate sleep and positive self-talk. Mindful eating includes paying attention to thoughts and feelings that trigger eating such as hunger, but also stress, boredom and loneliness, says Cal-

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n Learn how to cook and garden. The best dietary upgrade starts in our own kitchens, where the cook controls the ingredients. Home cooking with fresh, whole foods is at the heart of feeding ourselves well. Processed food manufacturers would like us to equate cooking with drudgery or think that cooking takes

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NUTRITION UPGRADES

ifornia-based registered dietitian Andrea Lieberstein, who wrote Well Nourished: Mindful Practices to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Feed Your Whole Self, and End Overeating. She encourages clients to identify voids in their lives and fill them with healthy relationships and pleasurable activities, rather than food. The “health at any size” philosophy is accepted by a growing number of health and nutrition experts, including Annie Kay, a registered dietitian and registered yoga therapist at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. She’s the author of Every Bite is Divine: The Balanced Approach to Enjoying Eating, Feeling Healthy and Happy, and Getting to a Weight That’s Natural for You. Kay injects compassion into her work, promoting stress reduction, conscious eating and finding peace for individuals to reach their natural weight.

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too much time, yet this couldn’t be further from the truth. Tanmeet Sethi, an integrative physician at the Swedish Cherry Hill Family Medicine Residency, in Seattle, established a culinary medicine program that includes both cooking and gardening classes. Sethi says, “Eating is sacred; it’s our connection to the earth.” She also believes there is wisdom in the way food has been traditionally cooked. Sethi recommends a Mediterranean eating pattern for its power to reduce depression and ward off chronic diseases. She also promotes the “herb and spice pharmacy” to reduce inflammation and treat and prevent disease. For example, she says, “Ginger and turmeric both act on the same biochemical pathways as anti-inflammatory medicines.” Cooking and eating together as a family has multiple benefits, too, improving children’s nutrition, self-esteem and school performance. Best of all, says Sethi, “Family meals allow us to connect with the people we love.” Put away phones, turn off screens and truly tune in to each other.

Connecting to the earth through gardening also improves our health, according to both Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, a registered dietitian and associate director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Diana Dyer, a Michigan-based organic farmer, registered dietitian and author of A Dietitian’s Cancer Story: Information & Inspiration for Recovery & Healing. They promote gardening as a way to interact with nature, reduce stress and improve quality of life. With just a small patch of soil, home and community gardens provide a ready source of affordable, fresh and nutritious vegetables and herbs. n Eat to protect our planet. According to the American Public Health Association, climate change is a major threat to our population. Droughts, fires, storms and flooding create obvious challenges to growing crops, but new research also shows

how increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere decreases the nutritional quality of food, leading to lower levels of protein and minerals. One solution is to change the way we farm and eat. For example, Jennifer Jay, Ph.D., a professor of environmental engineering in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of California Los Angeles, calculated the carbon footprints and climate impacts of a variety of food choices. In general, she says, the fewer animal products in our diets, the lower the greenhouse gas impact. But meat and other animal products need not be totally off the table. Simply choose smaller portions and when possible, purchase local pasture-raised products produced without antibiotics and hormones. Organic food production introduces less fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and greenhouse gases into our environment. So, what’s best for the planet is best for us. Jay provides easy, plant-based and planet-friendly recipes at Meals4Planet.org.

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March 2019

Seventy percent of our immune system is in the lining of the gut. ~Tanmeet Sethi, an integrative physician at the Swedish Cherry Hill Family Medicine Residency, in Seattle. health, including nutrient absorption, body weight and blood sugar control, bone density, inflammation and mood. Microbes in the colon digest and ferment plant fibers into short-chain fatty acids, which help ensure a thick, healthy, intestinal mucus lining. Martin notes, “When we don’t eat enough plants, we can’t make enough short-chain fatty acids,” which are key to gut-brain crosstalk and control of appetite and mood. Martin recommends eating 35 to 50 grams of fiber per day from food, not supplements. She also warns against “microbial assassins” such as antibiotics, processed meats, high-fat diets, refined

carbohydrates, added sugars and artificial sweeteners, plus the emulsifiers polysorbate 80 and carboxymethylcellulose, which are commonly added to foods like ice cream and baked goods to improve texture and extend shelf life. All contribute to microbial imbalance, the loss of microbial diversity and leaky gut—the inability to keep offending food compounds like gluten and intact milk protein out of the bloodstream—leading to food intolerance, inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Registered dietitian Brenda Davis, of British Columbia, also recommends whole-food, plant-based diets to reverse Type 2 diabetes. She developed a “whole-grain hierarchy” to identify the most gut-friendly, least-processed grains, including cracked oats, brown rice, barley, buckwheat, sprouted grain, wheat berries and kamut. Along with beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, Davis says these foods nourish beneficial gut microbes and reduce inflammation.

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n Support gut health. Around 400 B.C., Hippocrates said, “Bad digestion is the root of all evil.” Fast forward through the centuries to today, and one of the hottest areas of research in health, medicine and nutrition revolves around the microbiome; more specifically, the community of microorganisms living in the gut. “Seventy percent of our immune system is in the lining of the gut,” explains Sethi, which is why she advises,“Feed the bacteria in your gut real food.” Similarly, Teresa Martin, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator based in Bend, Oregon, emphasizes the value of unprocessed, high-fiber, organic plant foods to nourish gut bacteria and maintain microbial balance. Speaking at the same recent meeting, Martin described multiple ways gut bacteria influence our physical and mental

n Try intermittent fasting and smart meal timing. Allowing the

body at least 12 hours without food intake benefits gut microbial diversity, says Martin. Intermittent fasting, or eating patterns in which no or few calories are consumed between 12 to 16 hours, can protect against a variety of metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, perhaps in part due to the effect on gut microbes. Dorothy Sears, associate professor of medicine and associate director of the Center for Circadian Biology at the University of California, San Diego, studied the effect of intermittent fasting, or “time-restricted feeding”, on the risk of breast cancer recurrence. In a study of more than 2,300 breast cancer survivors, Sears discovered the women that fasted for at least 13 hours a day reduced breast cancer recurrence by 36 percent, regardless of other dietary factors. Putting this into practice, if the last meal of the day ends at 6 p.m., the first meal of the next day would not begin before 7 a.m. In addition to this “prolonged nightly fasting,” Sears says that when we eat affects the way our bodies handle calories. She recommends eating during the first half of the day, when the sun is up and our enzyme and hormone systems are best able to handle calories, control blood sugar and body weight. Spring forward with these five tips and enjoy better health. Melinda Hemmelgarn, the “food sleuth”, is an award-winning registered dietitian, writer and nationally syndicated radio host based in Columbia, MO. Reach her at FoodSleuth@ gmail.com. Tune into Food Sleuth Radio through iTunes, Stitcher and KOPN.org.

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March 2019

Quick Tips for Enjoying Good Food, Fast 1. Cook once, eat twice (or more). Smart, busy cooks use this wise, old home economics strategy. A big pot of soup, stew or chili makes many servings of easy-to-heat leftovers. Store extra servings in glass, never plastic, for quick, heat-and-serve meals. Add a side salad and fruit for dessert for a nourishing, fulfilling meal. 2. Master the omelet. Eggs, preferably free-range and organic, make fast, easy, affordable meals. Get creative with personalized omelet fillings. For example, in a tablespoon or more of olive oil, quickly sauté any combination of seasonal vegetables like potatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, kale or spinach. When tender, slide vegetables into a bowl. Add a few more drops of olive oil to the pan and pour in beaten eggs. When eggs are almost set, top them with sautéed vegetables and a sprinkle of cheese. Cover the pan, set heat to low and when cheese is melted, it’s time to eat. For an alternative filling, try beans, avocado, cheese, onions or peppers with a side of salsa. 3. Use an electric pressure cooker. Say goodbye to sodium-laden, BPA-lined cans of beans. With today’s safe and easy electric

6. Invest in a microplane grater or handheld rasp. Add a punch of flavor and pizzazz with this versatile kitchen tool. Use it to add freshly grated garlic, ginger and turmeric; plus lemon, lime and orange zest.

pressure cookers, a pot of un-soaked dry beans can be ready in less than an hour. Use cooked beans in a variety of quick, delicious dishes, including hummus, burritos, soups, chili and veggie burgers. For tips on vegetarian cooking and stress-free pressure cooking, visit TheVeggieQueen.com.

7. Purge cupboards of packaged, processed foods. Read ingredient labels to remove the big offenders: refined flours, sugar and substitutes, artificial colors and additives that harm gut microbes, including polysorbate 80 and carboxymethyl cellulose.

4. Make friends with farmers. Find local farmers’ markets for the most flavorful, fresh, seasonal produce. For those not sure what to do with kohlrabi or a strange-looking squash, farmers and fellow shoppers will gladly provide ideas. It’s like going to a community party with fellow foodies—much more fun than a trip to the grocery store.

8. Stock up with grab-and-go snacks. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, nut butters and plain yogurt (sweeten to taste with local honey, seasonal fruit and cinnamon) make satisfying, high-nutrient snacks.

5. Experiment with helpful cookbooks. Mark Bittman’s Kitchen Express provides 404 seasonal dishes that can be prepared in 20 minutes or less. Betty Crocker, the renowned classic teacher, shows beginning cooks how to make standard dishes from scratch. For delicious vegetarian meals, check out Deborah Madison’s Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone. And to enrich children’s taste buds, invite them into the kitchen with The Kids’ Multicultural Cookbook: Food & Fun Around the World, by Deanna F. Cook.

9. Keep assorted organic herbal teas handy. Unsweetened herbal teas make cozy companions during prolonged nighttime fasting. Staying well hydrated is key to mental performance and weight control, too. Thirst often masquerades as hunger, so drink water or tea first, then reassess appetite. 10. Put fun and pleasure back into eating. Host a potluck with friends to share cooking and clean up, or have a picnic with kids of all ages. Put flowers or a candle on the table and play soothing music—it all enhances digestion and encourages mindful eating. Bon appétit!

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Take the Spice Drawer Challenge Discover the Superpowers in Small Jars

by Anastasia Pryanikova

pring brings a sense of renewal and freshness and a desire to shed the layers of heavy coats and sweaters, extra pounds of sluggishness, the winter debris from the yards, and the old clutter from our homes. One little space that tends to get overlooked in the grand swirl of spring cleaning is the spice drawer. Five rows into it—if we dare to look—we may find an old plastic container with some withered and faded powder that may once have been marjoram, at least according to the label. It is also quite possible that the pumpkin spice has found a way to clone itself, and we now have a couple of identical twins with round tops waiting for the next pumpkin season. Even if a spice drawer is in a perfect order, it is worthwhile to go through its contents and toss the old items. It’s an opportunity to pick a few new herbs and spices that may better serve the evolving needs and health goals of the household. We often choose spices because we like their taste or a recipe may call for a specific blend. It might also just be a 40

matter of traditional common use, like Italian seasoning in a pasta sauce. Spices, however, offer much more than flavor. They are both “thy food” and “thy medicine.” Spice drawers can be turned into a delicious addition to our home medicine cabinets if we take into account some important considerations for buying and storing herbs and spices.

Source and Store

When purchasing herbs and spices, some factors to consider include: quality, sustainability, organic farming and fair trade. We don’t want to buy herbs that are polluted, sprayed, improperly stored, moldy or too old. We may want to protect medicinal plants that may be overharvested and endangered. In other words, it is important to trust our sources. We can grow our own herbs too. If that’s not our thing, we can check out local herb growers, herb farms and farmers markets to source herbs locally. There are many reputable organic herb suppliers online as well. What would an ideal spice drawer

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system look like? A good storage system should protect spices from air, heat, humidity and light to keep them fresh and potent longer. Small glass containers or mason jars with air-tight lids are the best when it comes to keeping air and humidity out. The contents are also visible through the transparent glass. Glass containers will need to be stored in a dark, cool place, like a drawer or a cabinet. Metal containers with tight lids can also work well. It is better to avoid the storebought plastic containers. We must label our spices even if we think we can recognize what is inside the container. Along with the ingredients, we want to include the expiration date or the date of purchase. Most dried herbs will lose their potency after a year of proper storage. Seeds go rancid much faster due to the higher oil content.

Toss and Transfer

The process is simple; open that spice drawer, examine the spices and get rid of anything that is: 1. Past expiration date or clearly old. 2. Has damaged containers or is improperly stored by being exposed to too much air, heat, humidity or light. 3. Impossible to identify the contents or the expiration date. 4. Faded in color, lost its fragrance or has other signs of damage. View this task as an opportunity to learn how to identify fresh herbs from stale ones. Using spices is a sensory experience so engage the senses of vision, smell and touch while examining the herbs. Next, transfer spices worth keeping into new containers and label each container immediately. When pouring the herbs from one container to another, study their appearance and smell them. Don’t rush. Many herbalists would attest that they love sorting herbs, making herbal remedies and engaging with plants because the process feels soothing, nourishing and meditative. Remember not to breathe in hot peppers, powders and other small particles as they can irritate delicate mucous

membranes. An earloop face mask can be helpful in this situation. Now that we have covered the basics of handling herbs and spices, let’s look at some common spices with surprising health benefits. They can be a good start for any culinary apothecary.

Most dried herbs will lose their potency after a year of proper storage. Seeds go rancid much faster due to the higher oil content.

The Wise Sage

also restores the nervous system, bringing relaxation and uplifting the spirit. The volatile oils in rosemary account for its antimicrobial action. Whether in a cup of tea, a pot of soup, inside a roasted chicken or in bottle of a household disinfectant, this multi-faceted herb gets the job done.

Sage is not just for turkeys. According to Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Assessing Pharmacological Properties of Salvia Species on Memory, reported in CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, a single dose of sage (Salvia officinalis) extract or dried leaf is capable of increasing memory capacity and improving mood. In addition, sage moistens and nourishes dry skin and connective tissues as well as improves circulation, supports joints, muscles and tendons. A recent randomized clinical trial demonstrates that it can even reduce bacterial colony count when it is used in a mouthwash. Consider this spice an aromatic health ally.

Rosemary for Memory

This member of the mint family is another brain booster. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is warming, drying, stimulating and restorative. It increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and memory. In her book, Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic SelfCare, Maria Noel Groves reports that “[i]n ‘seasoning’ doses of around 750mg, rosemary has been shown to improve memory recall speed in elderly patients.” Rosemary

Are You Having a Good Thyme?

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has long been associated with the theme of courage and protection in many traditions. The Greeks and Romans burned thyme to evoke courage as well as to purify their homes and temples. The protective nature of thyme can be attributed to its antibacterial and antioxidant actions. The primary chemical constituent of thyme, thymol, is expectorant, antispasmodic and antimicrobial, making thyme effective for chest colds, cough and congestion. It helps to break up mucus and expel it from the body. Even though we primarily use thyme as a spice for soups, sauces, meats and poultry, a cup of thyme tea can be protective in the cold and flu seasons.

The Sweet Wood

Cinnamon is a well-loved, delicious spice

made from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon, or the “true” cinnamon, and Cassia, which is comparable but less sweet. While the more common Cassia cinnamon is safe to eat in small to moderate amounts, it may cause problems in large doses due to the coumarin content, a compound that has been linked to liver toxicity in excess. Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant. In a study of antioxidant capacity of 26 common spice extracts, cinnamon came out as a spice with the highest antioxidant capacity. Cinnamon decreases inflammation in the body. It may also cut the risk of heart disease. Studies show its capacity to lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes, as well as reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar. Most studies used the dose of 1 to 6 grams per day of powdered cinnamon. Try a cup of cinnamon tea after dinner to stimulate digestion and help regulate blood sugar. Small spice jars hide many superpowers, waiting to be released as we sprinkle, boil and brew. Are we ready to take on the spice drawer challenge and discover the health benefits common spices have to offer? Anastasia Pryanikova is an herbalist and certified wellness coach. She offers herbal workshops, herbal remedies, consultations and custom formulations. Connect at 203354-9808 or MudRootsandMoonlight.com.

March 2019

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Using Turmeric to Fight Inflammation

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An Ancient Herb Gains Modern Respect

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by Lupo Passero out history, turmeric has had a plethora of nflammation is quite the buzzword important uses, including extensive use as these days and there are good reasons a culinary spice, healing remedy and texfor that. Most modern-day Western tile dye. The part of turmeric that is used diseases are rooted in excess inflamis the root, easily identified by its brown mation in the body. This may include skin and a bright orange flesh. It is curdiseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, rently one of the most popular treatments autoimmune disorders, asthma, arthritis, for inflammation in modern herbalism. It ulcerative colitis, periodontitis, eczema, dates back thousands of years in both trapsoriasis and many other ailments. Turditional Chinese and ayurvedic medicine meric is a buzz-worthy herb in the same as a potent anti-inflammatory. A plant conversation because the pungent root with a very long history of medicinal use of turmeric is thought to help modulate throughout Southeast Asia, turmeric was inflammation in the body. For centuries, used not only as a principal spice but also medicine people have known that this as a component in religious ceremonies. common culinary spice can do far more Because of its bright yellow color, than flavor our favorite dishes. turmeric is often referred to as “Indian Turmeric, a close cousin to ginger, saffron. ” Modern medicine has begun to has a spicy, warm and bitter flavor. This recognize the importance of this compopular herb is best known as one of the main spices in curry. One little known fact mon herb; in fact, within the last 25 years there have been over 3,000 publications is that turmeric is also what gives bottled referencing turmeric. Curcumin is the mustard its bright yellow color. Through-

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primary medicinal agent in turmeric. Numerous studies have proven curcuminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to many pharmaceutical drugs. Unlike these drugs, which often have dangerous side effects, curcumin produces no toxicity. Although turmeric is considered warming and mildly drying, we need to consider our own individual constitution or work with a local herbalist to determine how much is right for you. Turmeric also has a long history of treating and supporting liver and gallbladder disorders. Some studies suggest that turmeric has anticarcinogenic properties. Its bitter quality also aids in digestion.

Ways to Use Turmeric

There are numerous simple ways that we can begin to add this important spice into our lives. Cooking with it is beneficial and tasty; it can be added to egg dishes, soups, stews, stir fries and more. If chronic inflammation needs to be addressed, possibly go a step further by taking capsules, adding powdered herb in water or making

a tea with the fresh root. Both fresh and powdered turmeric can be found easily in most grocery stores, apothecaries and specialty markets. The best quality turmeric will be a magnificent bright orange; this color tells us that in addition to being a powerful anti-inflammatory, it also has antioxidant effects because it is fresher. If turmeric does not have a bright vibrant color along with a spicy and pungent smell, it may not be fresh; it may be time to replace that jar of spice. It is believed that adding a very small amount of black pepper to turmeric dramatically increases the bioavailability. This tradition stems from ayurveda, and science has proven that the black pepper extract called piperine increases the bioavailability of curcumin by as much as 2,000 percent. Turmeric is an invaluable herb to get to know and incorporate into self-care and healing regimens. One way to ingest turmeric is with a warm cup of golden milk. This tasty and popular herbal beverage blend is a good way to add the numerous healing benefits of turmeric into our bodies.

Golden Milk

8 ounces of coconut, almond or hemp milk (or milk of choice) 1 (1-inch) piece turmeric, unpeeled, thinly sliced or Â˝ tsp dried turmeric 1 cinnamon stick 1 (Â˝-inch) piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced 1/4 tsp whole black peppercorns 1/2 tsp of honey, maple syrup or stevia to taste Stir coconut milk, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, peppercorns and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan; bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into mugs and sweeten if preferred. Lupo Passero is a community herbalist and the director of Twin Star Herbal Education and Community Apothecary in New Milford. She also offers herbalism certification programs and drop-in classes. Connect at TwinStarTribe.com.

March 2019

Healing From Genetically Altered Foods Another Reason to Go Organic

by Marlaina Donato

wenty-five years ago, the first genetically modified (GM) crop came to market in the form of a tomato engineered for a longer shelf life. Today, as much as 80 percent of food in the U.S. contains GMOs (as they are best known) and most of the world’s genetically engineered crops are treated with glyphosate herbicides, primarily Monsanto’s Roundup. Unlike hybrids produced by conventional breeding, GMOs are created in a laboratory, often incorporating DNA from other species, such as bacteria and viruses. Researching the potential health effects “must be our number one priority, because GMO technology is replacing nature,” says Jeffrey Smith, executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, in Fairfield, Iowa. “The altered genomes are passed on to future generations.” Although U.S. regulators generally regard these foods to be safe, the ubiquity of GMOs in the food chain and a lack of research on their long-term effect on human health have ignited controversy among scientists, consumers and even governments. Much of the research has been conducted in other countries—more than 60 have banned GMOs—and most studies have focused on the health effects of the glyphosate used on these crops, which the World Health Organization in 2015 declared a probable human carcinogen. “Glyphosate adversely affects the mitochondria, neurotransmitter production and hormones,” says Smith, whose recent documentary, Secret Ingredients, presents 44

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

stories of people that overcame chronic illnesses by eliminating GMOs from their diets. Smith recently conducted a survey published in the International Journal of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine in which 3,256 respondents reported improvement in a number of health problems after they switched to largely non-GMO and organic diets. “Many of the conditions that improved in the survey participants are similar to the health issues found in lab animals fed GMOs or the associated herbicide Roundup,” he wrote. More than 85 percent reported improvement from digestive disorders. It is possible that glyphosate, which is antibiotic in nature, may disrupt the delicate balance of the microbiome, a community of microbes that inhabit the gut.

Roundup and Gut Health

“Roundup can loosen the tight junctions between our cells,” explains Smith. “This can lead to leaky gut, which can contribute to inflammation and numerous diseases.” Dr. Akil Palanisamy, a Harvard-educated physician and author of The Paleovedic Diet: A Complete Program to Burn Fat, Increase Energy, and Reverse Disease, concurs. “I do believe that the microbiome is crucial for health, and by switching to organic, we eliminate the potential microbiome-damaging effects of glyphosate.” Palanisamy, based in San Francisco, emphasizes glyphosate’s known ability to cause DNA damage and potentially induce cell death. “It may be a contributing factor to Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, infertility and gastrointestinal disorders,” he says. “It is impossible in the U.S. to just eliminate GMO foods from the diet, so eating organic is the only way to guarantee avoiding GMO foods. This automatically also reduces pesticides from the diet.”

Anecdotal Evidence

Dr. Michelle Perro, a pediatrician, author and executive director of GMO Science, in San Rafael, California, became involved when she came across research by plant biologist Dr. Arpad Pusztai, one of the first scientists to raise concerns about the safety of genetically modified foods. “I was able to correlate his findings with the change in children’s health that I was beginning to notice in my own practice,” says Perro. “As I dug deeper, I put the pieces together of the relationship between GMOs, gut health and subsequent diseases.” Perro has seen improved health in her patients once a cleaner diet is introduced. “Parents have the ability to help reverse chronic disorders plaguing their children, including asthma, eczema, food allergies and neurocognitive disorders such as autism and ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder].”

As I dug deeper, I put the pieces together of the relationship between GMOs, gut health and subsequent diseases. ~Michelle Perro, pediatrician, author and executive director of GMO Science

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healing ways

Palanisamy has also seen significant changes in his patients’ health when they heed his advice and avoid GMOs. “Often, they report improvement in digestion, mood, bxrain fog and energy levels.” The body is designed with the innate ability to heal, says Pero. “Chronic diseases can be reversed when organic nutrition is the foundation.” The Hartman Group’s Organic & Natural 2018 report reveals that 46 percent of American shoppers now seek GMO-free food. “The tipping point here in the United States has begun,” says Smith. Marlaina Donato is the author of several books on spirituality, health and wellness and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Healing Strategies Go-to Tips n Eat as much organic food as possible, especially oats, wheat and other grains, soy, corn, beans and lentils. n Look for the “Non-GMO Project Verified” seal on labels.

Advice From the Experts Dr. Akil Palanisamy:

n Sweat in a sauna or steam room 15 to 20 minutes once or twice a week to stimulate toxin release (infrared saunas are a good alternative for those that can’t tolerate the heat of traditional saunas). n Take 15-minute home baths with one-quarter-cup of bentonite clay. n Drink lots of purified filtered water every day. n Strive to have a daily bowel movement. n Add fiber to diet such as psyllium husk or fruit pectin. n Eat a variety of detoxifying foods like cruciferous vegetables, ground flaxseeds, parsley, beet greens (the leafy tops of beetroot), cilantro and chia seeds.

Dr. Michelle Perro (for children):

n Eat as much organic food as possible and eliminate processed foods from a child’s diet. n Don’t drink tap water; use a quality water filter. n Strive to eliminate pesticides in the child’s environment, including at schools, playdates and homes of relatives. n Seek a foundation of nutritional medicine and individualized treatment strategies employing nutraceuticals, herbs, homeopathy and manipulative medicine. n Consider an elimination diet, beginning with dairy and gluten.

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Delicious Discards

Making Meals From Mainly Scraps

by April Thompson

ood scraps are no It’s fun to challenge hundreds of billions of longer relegated to dollars of food,” says yourself to create just making soup, Lindsay-Jean Hard, something delicious out a chef in Ann Arbor, stock and sauces that hide of something no one Michigan, and the their true nature. Creative chefs are reawakening to would think edible, like author of Cooking With the possibilities of skins, my banana peel cake. Scraps: Turn Your Peels, cores, rinds and other Cores, Rinds, and Stems ~Lindsay-Jean Hard parts we’ve needlessly into Delicious Meals. been throwing away, with startling results. Yet the real driving force behind Hard’s “Cooking with scraps is good for the unusual, scrap-based recipes is the joy of planet and good for the pocketbook. Forty creativity and innovation. “It’s fun to chalpercent of food produced goes uneaten, lenge yourself to create something delicious unnecessarily filling the landfill with out of something no one would think edible,

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like my banana peel cake,” says Hard. Mads Refslund, a Danish chef living in New York City, seeks nature in food by cooking and serving it on the plate. “In nature, there is no ugly, no trash, just cycles of change. Using all the parts is a way of respecting the plant, the fish, the animal and its life,” says the co-author of Scraps, Wilt & Weeds: Turning Wasted Food into Plenty. Tama Matsuoka Wong, forager and co-author of Scraps, Wilt & Weeds, points to the cultural relativism of cooking, noting that our ancestors or other cultures may think that modern Americans are throwing away the best parts of our food. “Some of the best flavor and nutrients can be found in vegetable, fruit and fish skins that often get discarded,” says Matsuoka Wong. Both Scraps, Wilt & Weeds and Cooking with Scraps are intended as reference guides to provide inspiration to home chefs, rather than rigid cookbooks to be followed with precision. Matsuoka Wong suggests trying to work with the ingredients at hand, using substitutions as needed, instead of buying an ingredient just to follow a recipe. Cooking from scraps requires a shift in mindset about our food and a new mindfulness about our habits in the kitchen, says Matsuoka Wong. “Before automatically throwing something away or composting, pause and think, what might I do with this?” she says. Hard suggests choosing one new ingredient at a time to work with, old bread being an easy one to start with. “Stale bread can easily be transformed into

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conscious eating

breadcrumbs and croutons that can add nice texture to a lot of dishes,” says Hard. “Nail a couple things you can make out of anything, like fried rice or frittatas, which are both very accepting of most any ingredient you add,” says Matsuoka Wong. Hard agrees that simple, hearty dishes like layered casseroles or tasty tempura can be great ways to clean out the odds and ends in the crisper. Sometimes the toughest ingredients can yield the tastiest meal. Hard admits to having been stumped by what to do with the non-fleshy part of artichoke leaves, which can be tough and bitter, until she developed a recipe for artichoke leaf nachos. Edible weeds, leaves, stalks and stems of all kinds, including celery, asparagus ends and carrot tops, make for great pesto, which is itself a versatile ingredient—great for sandwiches, dips, pastas and more—and it freezes well, Hard says. Fish scales can be fried and eaten like potato chips; they are a crunchy bar snack in Japan, notes Matsuoka Wong. Fish carcasses or shrimp shells can also be boiled down into stock for risotto or seafood chowder, suggests Hard. Fruit cores can be boiled into sweet syrup for cocktails or non-alcoholic refreshments, or distilled down into vinegars. Fruit peels can be crisped up into a healthy snack or boiled into a tea. Hard likes to infuse tequila with beet peels for a dramatic look and a little extra flavor. Fruit or vegetable tops such as pineapples, strawberries, cucumbers and leftover herbs can be used to infuse water or vinegar. Water from canned beans, known as aquafaba, is a great stand-in for egg whites to make everything from homemade vegan mayo to fudgy brownies. “Cooking with scraps shouldn’t be intimidating or overwhelming or feel like a chore: They’re just ingredients,” says Hard. “The more you cook using these recipes, the more familiar the concepts will become, and you’ll realize how easy it is to adapt them to make them your own.” April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

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For one, two-layer cake: Peels from 2 very ripe bananas, stem and very bottom discarded (see note) ½ cup unsalted butter, softened, plus more for buttering the pans 1½ cups granulated sugar 2 large eggs, separated ½ cup buttermilk 1⅔ cups cake flour, (gluten-free if needed), plus more flour for flouring the pans 1 tsp baking soda ¼ tsp baking powder ½ tsp fine-grain sea salt

Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing until incorporated, and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Mix in the banana peel mixture, then stir in the buttermilk until well combined.

For the frosting: ½ cup unsalted butter 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar ¼ cup milk, 2 percent or higher 1¾ to 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Put the egg whites in another bowl (make sure it’s dry) and whisk until soft peaks form, either by hand or with the whisk attachment on an electric mixer. If using an electric mixer, start slowly and gradually increase speed to medium-high.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Cut the banana peels into 1-inch pieces and place them in a small saucepan with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly, then drain the banana peels, reserving a cup of the cooking water. Butter and flour the sides of two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Butter and flour the pans again to coat the paper. Transfer the peels and the cup of cooking water to a tall, narrow container and purée with an immersion blender or a mini food processor until completely smooth.

In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients with the butter mixture and stir gently, just until combined.

You’re done when you pull out the whisk or beater and a soft peak is formed, but immediately collapses. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter and divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake pulls out with dry crumbs rather than wet batter, about 25 minutes. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans. When the cakes are cool, make the frosting. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Stir in the milk, raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring

photo by Penny De Los Santos

Banana Peel Cake With Brown Sugar Frosting

constantly until the mixture boils. Remove from the heat and let cool until lukewarm. Gradually whisk in one cup of the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the remainder of it if the frosting is too loose. Use the frosting immediately as it will begin to thicken and stiffen as it sits. To remove the cake from the pans, invert one cake pan on a serving plate, lift off the pan and peel off the parchment. Repeat for the second cake pan. Put one layer of the cake on a serving platter and spread about one third of the frosting evenly over the top. Set the other layer on top, and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides. Note: Banana peels contain some of the same proteins found in latex and could cause an allergic reaction. Those same proteins might also make your immersion blender feel slightly gummy to the touch. Rub the surface down with cooking oil before washing it. Excerpted from Cooking With Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, and Stems into Delicious Meals by Lindsay-Jean Hard.

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ADVERTORIAL MB: Can a person have too much Qi coursing in their body?

Qigong Healing How to Reverse Disease Naturally An Interview with Qigong Practitioner Jeff Primack

(Part 1 of 2)

his interview was conducted by Michelene Bell, publisher of “In Light Times Magazine”. Jeff Primack is a Qigong teacher that has studied with many Qigong masters from all over the world and has taught over 50,000 people in live seminars. MB: What benefits does Qi provide and HOW does it accomplish healing? JP: Say you’re a battery… and the Qi is the life force that keeps the battery going. When the juice inside is used up… the battery is lifeless. Qi is related to your lifespan. If people squander energy on arguing and negative pattern behavior than how can anyone increase energy? Qigong understands where people lose their energy and how to get it back. Yet, Qi has profoundly physical effects that unlock our potential.

5000 Years Ago Chinese Medicine said, “Qi Moves the Blood.”

Standing still relaxed in a Qigong posture a person can circulate as much blood as they could running for 3 miles!! Jogging releases a flood of Cortisol and negative stress hormones that close off small capillaries, but Qigong does not. There is no stress response from Qigong (it actually reduces Cortisol in studies) and the level of full body circulation is even greater. Qigong noticeably improves blood circulation, digestion etc. A pleasant heat builds in the navel center bringing a quiet confidence and power within. MB: Is this life force or Qi different in each person? JP: The Qi is one unified force. Some people have more than others. On an extreme example, say a person has enough energy that they don’t need to sleep anymore. This is a very high level of Qigong. Most people need six-eight hours of sleep, thus indicating our limited energy situation. Qi can be replenished by using breathing techniques, meditation, fasting, prayer, sun bathing etc. It is the same spirit or qi that moves through each person. Unity and oneness movements will take place all over the world and they will be based around Qi. It is all the same force in different amounts.

JP: Qigong theory states the “Ocean of Qi” in the navel can never be filled. It has a vast reservoir allowing a lifetime of Qi to be stored. Only if it is blocked can there be too much energy. When spine and nervous system are out of alignment it is important to open meridians and do stretching routines. One cannot have too much qi, but it can be blocked and qigong exercises will help to open up the channels. People with abundant Qi have a grace and power about them that attracts people. New students frequently find their skin clears up and their eyes whiten. Blood circulates better helping more toxins leave the system. The benefits to having more Qi are the same as having better blood circulation. The PULSE of your heartbeat is the foundation of life, but Chinese medicine has a dozen different pulses that Western medicine has not yet discovered. When people do Qigong for the first time they are often surprised to see their fingers pulsate and fill up with blood. The warmth people feel in the navel is also from the increased blood flow. MB: You speak about euphoric “highs” that can be attained from breathing techniques. What is the value of this in practical real world terms? JP: Everyone wants to feel good. Alcohol transforms our mental state, but also destroys the liver if taken too much. Qi has no side effect except making you feel full of vitality. Its highs are beyond words. Sometimes the Qi will vibrate throughout our body in such a blissful way as to feel we are being touched by God. All without chemicals or man made products that cost money. The Qi being free, abundant, right under our nose, makes it the ultimate ally to rise above life’s obstacles. Once you get the hang of the breathing techniques there comes the ability to have a natural high anytime. Sometimes euphoria is so profound that it can erase negative emotional patterns presently going on. The ability to drop bad Qi quickly trains the student to be without heavy emotional vibrations. MB: Jeff, you also teach a lot about Food-Healing at Qi Revolution. How do specific foods help to reverse disease? Fruits, vegetables and herbs contain phytochemicals that unlock our body’s endocrine system and act as sparkplugs to the immune system. Unfortunately, many people do not get enough of them. Vegetables like bitter melon contain a phytochemical that behave similar to insulin and can help in reversing Diabetes by helping the body naturally balance its blood sugar. Grapefruits, oranges and citrus are excellent to help reverse the cancer, but the “white pith” with abundant steroidal limenoids are what is so aggressive at killing cancer cells, not the juice. Consuming the right parts of the food brings out the real medicinal effects. Eating a more alive diet increases Qi. A true holistic approach to healing will balance body, mind, and spirit. The ancient healing technique of Qigong achieves all three through expanding our energy and empowering us to take charge of our health. (Part 2 of the interview appears next month)

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The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

GROOMING A SENIOR CAT A Guide to Keeping an Old Friend Clean by Mary Oquendo

News, articles, resources, eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered and scaled animal companions For information on how you can be a part of a future issue, call

203-885-4674 or email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

s a senior cat ages, their grooming needs may change. Some cats will need more frequent grooming while less is better for others. Many older cats lose the flexibility they had when they were younger and have difficulty maintaining their coats as they once did. There are multiple factors to influence cat grooming decisions. Is your cat healthy enough to groom? Is s/he lethargic or are their gums pale? Both can indicate inadequate blood flow. Is your cat in pain? Manipulation of already painful joints on an arthritic cat may cause you pain in the form of a bite. Is your cat stressed? Cats have a difficult time calming down, especially if you exacerbate the situation by insisting on doing an activity they do not enjoy. A cat whose stress levels are rising is at risk for a heart attack. Signs of stress include dilated eyes,

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

heavy panting, unusual vocalizations and/ or ears pointed backwards. Dilated eyes are when the blacks of the eye are larger than normal. Is your cat in a bad mood? Angry cats can become stressed cats in short order. Is elasticity of skin present? As your cat ages, their skin may become thin and papery. This is important because thinner skin will scratch easier. Unlike dogs and people, cat skin is not attached to muscle so a slight nick has the potential to become a large tear. Begin the grooming process by gathering your supplies and checking the integrity of your equipment before you use it. Damaged tools may cause injury. There are a number of supplies that you will need. Cat Safe Shampoo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cat-safe labeling is strictly up to the manufacturer to make

that determination. There is no state or federal agency that oversees it. Look for full ingredient listings. Some pet manufacturers may list categories rather than ingredients, such as earth-based shampoo base and coconut-derived cleansers. What you want to avoid are essential oils, as well as flea shampoos that use toxic chemicals. Essential oils may not be listed on a categorybased ingredient lists. Cats cannot metabolize most essential oils or toxic chemicals so these become stored in their livers and kidneys. Over time, toxic buildup may cause chronic medical conditions. Rubber Curry Brush – This brush is helpful for short-coated cats. Pin Brush and Standard Metal Comb – These two items help with longer-coated cats. They can vary in price. Cheaper brushes and combs will have sharper edges because they do not round the tips. Run the brush up your arm; if it scratches you, it will scratch the delicate skin of an older cat. Cat Comb – This is a particular style of comb that alternates long and short tines. It is more effective at removing undercoat than a standard comb. Nail clipper – Some prefer the scissoraction to the guillotine-action type of clipper. The latter pulls on the nail as it cuts, which may cause discomfort to your cat. Hand-held Adjustable Clipper – This clipper helps with shaving out small mats. It has a lever on the blade that changes the size from 9 to 40 inches in five increments. The 9 is a short shave and the 40 is a surgical shave. The clippers are lightweight, low vibrating and quiet. The larger professional clippers may be too noisy, as well as have a higher oscillary rate, which then causes a vibration that may irritate your cat. Blunt-tip Scissors – Use these scissors for light trim work. Do not use them to cut out mats as this can result in substantial injury. Hand-held dryer – These dryers can become dangerously hot very quickly.

Monitor the heat flow while in use so as to not burn your cat. Before you begin grooming, set the mood. Reduce the stimuli as much as possible. Turn off the TV and play soothing music, such as classical or harp. Remove noisy children and other pets. Make this one-on-one happy time between you and your cat. Have plenty of their favorite treats and be generous with them. If you choose to begin by bathing, fill your sink halfway with lukewarm water. The body temperature of cats is higher than that of people. What feels warm to us

Before you begin grooming, set the mood. Reduce the stimuli as much as possible. Turn off the TV and play soothing music, such as classical or harp. Remove noisy children and other pets. may be too hot for them. Place towels in the sink. Your cat needs something soft to grip. Fill an empty 16-ounce soda bottle with about 2 inches of shampoo and then fill with water. Shake well. Place your cat in the water and thoroughly wet by gently moving the water over your cat. Most cats will not like water sprayed directly on them unless it is a very gentle flow. Once you are certain the bath will not stress your cat, take the pre-mixed shampoo and work it into their coat. Use a washcloth on their face. Use the water in the sink to remove as much soap as possible. Drain the water, and refill the sink. Repeat this until all the soap is removed. Towel off and dry with a handheld dryer. Toss out any unused, diluted shampoo, as it will begin to collect bacteria. Once fully dry, you can begin to comb, brush or clip your cat. Most cats do not respond well to being scruffed on the neck. Scruffing is when you grab your cat by the loose skin at their neck. Instead, use a gentle touch on their body or cover your cat entirely with a towel. If you towel your

cat, expose only the part that you are working on. The brush is used for loosening up the coat, while the comb is for finishing. Your comb should move easily through the coat starting at the skin outwards. If you meet resistance with the comb, go back to the brush to loosen the coat. Always work with their pace and tolerance. Cats respond better to shorter, consistent and more frequent rather than sporadic, longer grooming sessions. At the first indications of stress, stop the grooming and try again another day. There is a possibility you will need to stop during the bath while un-rinsed shampoo is still on your cat. If this occurs, allow your cat time to relax. Then, using warm, wet towels gently wash the shampoo off. There are times when you will need to seek out a professional groomer or veterinarian. These include when or if: • you are unable to groom your cat. • your cat is matted. Look for a professional groomer trained in the low stimuli, gentle handling techniques for cats. The Association of Holistic Pet Professionals (HolisticPetAssociation.com) and the Professional Cat Grooming Association of America (ProfessionalCatGroomers.com) are two professional organizations that have online member listings. • your cat has a chronic medical condition that may be aggravated by stress. • your cat becomes aggressive during the grooming process. One of the best benefits of regularly grooming your cat is you will know their physical condition and can spot irregularities sooner. Early detection means early intervention. The sooner you attend to any health concerns, the better the outcome. And don’t forget that your senior cat will feel good, and look better with regular grooming care. Mary Oquendo is a Reiki master, advanced crystal master and certified master tech pet first aid instructor. She is the owner of Pawsitive Education. Connect at PawsitiveEd.com. See ad, page 53. March 2019

Fleas

When Allergies Put the Bite on Pets

by Sandra Murphy

pringtime doesn’t just mean warmer weather, colorful flowers and greening grass. It also brings seasonal allergies. For pets, it can be a miserable time of year, because dogs and cats are lower to the ground and pick up allergens on their fur. Grass, weeds, pollen, lawn chemicals, fertilizers and fleas can trigger reactions such as itchy skin, raw paws, sneezing fits and general discomfort. Due to the warmer temperatures of the past decade, flea allergies in dogs have risen 12 percent, while cats have seen a whopping 67 percent increase. Environmental allergies are also up 30 percent for dogs and 11 percent for cats, according to the 2018 State

of Pet Health Report from the Banfield Pet Hospital, in Vancouver, Washington. The most common environmental allergens include dust mites, mold, fabric, feathers and cleaning solutions.

Symptoms A dog’s itching will often manifest between the toes, on the wrists, “armpits”, groin, legs, ears, eyes and back, just in front of the tail. In the quest for relief, dogs will lick, chew, pull out hair and scratch, often leaving bare spots or open wounds that may get infected. Cats will pull hair, scratch ears and develop a rash or bare spot on the stomach or inside the

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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Likely Causes and Remedies 4 A change in cleaning products. Use unscented, all-natural cleansers. Put the dog or cat in another room when vacuuming so they don’t breathe dust. A new cat litter can trigger allergic reactions. Look for unscented, dust-free litter. 4 Plastic bowls. Switch to stainless steel bowls for food and water. 4 Seasonal flowers and grasses. Pet-friendly wipes will remove excess pollen when the dog comes in after outdoor time. A twice-weekly bath during the worst of the season and weekly as blooming subsides will wash away pollens. An oatmeal shampoo is soothing; don’t use tea tree oil-based shampoos, which may further irritate skin. Be sure to dry the fur. Wet bedding can cause mold, another allergen. 4 Dust mites. Replace worn beds and bedding on a regular basis. Look for

Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com

FIGHT BACK NATURALLY

For fleas, there are more natural ways to end the cycle than using potentially toxic pet treatments. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is affordable, non-toxic and safe, made from fossils of marine life crushed into a superfine powder. Its deadly effect on insects stems from piercing their hard shells so they become dehydrated. It does not harm mammals. Be sure to buy food-grade DE, not the kind that’s designed for use in pools and gardens. Simply dust the dog to the skin with the powder and sprinkle it on bedding, rugs and carpets. Cats tend to have more favorite nap spots than dogs, so vacuum first to get rid of any flea eggs. Sprinkle the DE and leave it in place for a couple of weeks. Vacuum again. DE can be hard on regular vacuums, but a Shop-Vac is up to the task.

Thrithot/Shutterstock.com

legs. In extreme cases, a veterinarian will give an injection to calm the itchiness before more damage is done. Owners can use that lull to investigate what is causing the allergy.

natural pet

natural fabrics and fillings; no down or feathers. Wash weekly. 4 Lack of proper filtration. The air conditioner will capture incoming pollen: Be sure to change the filter often.

Be Proactive 4 Check the paw pads. If they’re irritated or red and raw, ask the vet for a salve to ease the pain while they heal. Be sure to wipe paws when coming into the house. 4 Take a look inside the ears. Allergies can lead to earaches, so watch for red, inflamed skin or black, tar-like goop. Either requires a vet visit and a prescription salve.

ask neighbors or local park employees if they’ve sprayed pesticides or treated grassy areas. 4 Add a small amount, based on weight, of Omega-3-rich fish oil to food to soothe and smooth the skin. Diligence in spotting symptoms can stop itching in its tracks when remedies are in place or at hand. Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

4 If dog walks are part of regular exercise,

March 2019

pet resource guide

VETERINARY SERVICES

ADOPTION/RESCUE ANIMALS IN DISTRESS INC 238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 Animals-In-Distress.com

BRIDGEPORT ANIMAL CONTROL 236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport 203-576-7727

COMMUNITY CATS PO Box 4380, Stamford CommunityCatsCT@yahoo.com CommunityCatsCT.org

DANBURY ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297

FRIENDS OF FELINES INC PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org AdoptAPet.org

LOOKING GLASS ANIMAL RESCUE Ridgefield • LGARinc.org On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

NFSAW 223 State Rt 37, New Fairfield 203-746-2925 NFSAW.org

PET ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY INC (PAWS) 504 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-9572 PAWSCT.org

PET PROTECTORS 2490 Black Rock Tpke, #453, Fairfield 203-330-0255 PetProtectorsRescue.org

RIDGEFIELD OPERATION FOR ANIMAL RESCUE (ROAR) 45 South St, Ridgefield 203-438-0158 ROAR-Ridgefield.org

STRAYS AND OTHERS PO Box 473, New Canaan 203-966-6556 StraysAndOthers@hotmail.com

TAILS OF COURAGE 1 Pembroke Rd, Danbury 877-63-(TAILS) TailsOfCourage.org

WESTPORT ANIMAL SHELTER ADVOCATES (WASA) 1 Tower Ridge, Westport 203-557-0361 WestportWASA.org

UNLEASH YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL Fetch new customers by advertising in Natural Awakenings’ Naturally Healthy Pet monthly section For information call 203-885-4674 or email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com 54

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

NUTMEG SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC 25 Charles St, Stratford 203-690-1550 • NutmegClinic.org

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, high-volume facility for cats and dogs, the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services during the spay/ neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/ neuter vouchers at face value from adopted shelter pets and qualified low-income families, and offers further low-cost incentives to nonprofit rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats. See ad, page 53.

PET ASSISTANCE, INC

PO Box 2015, New Preston 860-355-PETS • GetaPet@gmail.com PetAssistanceInc.org Pet Assistance helps keep pets in their homes in times of financial and medical crises, providing emergency veterinary subsidies to pet owners in financial need. We only give grants for pets that have a good prognosis, unless the knowledge we gain from the treatment or surgery may help future animals in need.

FCSCAFEINE /Shutterstock.com

inspiration

The Path to Wealth How to Make a Dream Come True by May McCarthy

uccessful professional athletes, musicians and business men and women that have achieved their goals can often point to repetition as a key to their prosperity and success. Undergoing both physical and mental training on a daily basis are keys for them to perform at their highest levels. Keeping their goals at the forefront of their thoughts, talking about the outcomes that they want to achieve and mentally seeing themselves achieving their goals are essential components of a repetitive practice that reaps great rewards. Everyone can implement a similar success practice. Revisit goals daily to enable subconscious and spiritual intuition to illuminate possibilities in taking steps necessary to create the life that we love. This repetitive practice will shift our beliefs so that goals will be achieved sooner. Motivational speaker and author Earl Nightingale writes, “Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality.”

To realize goals sooner, set aside 20 minutes and follow three simple steps each morning: Write down your goals and be specific in describing the desired outcome. For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose 10 pounds,” say, “I’m so grateful that I am physically fit in a painfree body that easily moves through life.” By spending time each day describing completed goals with gratitude, your beliefs will change and your subconscious can work with you to make those statements true. Speak your goal statements aloud with emotion. The practice of uttering your goal statements out loud anchors the meaning more fully internally. This practice helps to convince your subconscious that achieving your goals is possible. Ideas and thoughts that are in alignment with them will then become more noticeable. Imagine yourself achieving your desired outcomes. With eyes closed, create a clear picture of your realized goals in your mind each day. As you begin to feel yourself completing goals, spiritual intuition that emerges as gut instincts, strong thoughts and ideas, and messages that are external to you will become obvious. Take action as led by your intuition to manifest your dreams. Repeat these steps every day to create new beliefs and achieve all that you desire sooner. Now is the time to enjoy increased prosperity and success in all of your endeavors. May McCarthy is the author of The Path to Wealth: Seven Spiritual Steps for Financial Abundance and The Gratitude Formula: A 7-Step Success System to Create a Life that You Love. Visit her at MayMcCarthy.com.

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March 2019

calendar of events All Calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Calendar submissions must be entered online at eNaturalAwakenings.com: click on “submit calendar” at the very top of the page.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 Reiki 1st Degree Workshop – 10am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki Master (21 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Building a Strong Foundation: The 5 Principles of Vinyasa and the 7 Directions of Movement with Karen Pierce – 1:30-3:30pm. Learn how to create an authentic personal practice of yoga by applying the 5 principles of practice that make yoga entirely your own. For beginners and experienced practitioners. $39. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. YogaSpace-CT.com.

Lifestyle Design Retreat – 7-8:30pm. Live your richest life from the inside out. This workshop is for you if you are ready to gracefully release all that is no longer serving you and move into a totally new way of doing life. $45. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com.

Rev. Joe Shiel Spirit Art and Mediumship Demonstration – 7:30-9pm. With Rev. Joseph Shiel, award-winning teacher and Spirit Artist. Gala Demonstration of Mediumship and Spirit Art. $35. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 9:30am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki Master (21 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. Spiritual, Psychic and Healing Fair – 11am4pm. Mediumship, spirit art, Tarot Card readings. Free admission. Readings: $40-$55/25 minutes. Healing: $30/15 minutes. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch.org.

markyourcalendar LEVEL 1 - MARCONICS ‘NO-TOUCH’ PRACTITIONER TRAINING Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 9:30am-5pm • 10am-5pm Whether you choose to become a healer, or simply use the full spectrum of Marconics Higher Light Frequencies to further your own personal Spiritual growth - you will be forever transformed. You can also schedule an appointment to have your own personal upgrade - the Marconic ‘Quantum Recalibration’ to be completed during the event weekend. A certification is available for successful completion of the two-day class. Class Fee - $450 ($150 deposit). Recalibration - $333. Essential Healing Arts, 27 Siemon Company Drive, Watertown Call 203-533-9633 for more information. Register at Marconics.com 56

Creative Enrichment of Mediumship – 1-3pm. With Rev. Joseph Shiel. Identifying and using our creativity can enrich our language of the heart and heighten our awareness for deeper and more meaningful connections with the spirit world. $30/ members; $40/non-members. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org. Gentle and Restorative Yoga Workshop – 7:30-9pm. After a gentle yoga sequence to create warmth, participants will be serenaded with mantra while holding supportive restorative poses. They will be rejuvenated and benefited body, mind and spirit. $40. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-3457747. Support@JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 Magic Stones and Crystal Grids – 6:30-8:30pm. Participants learn how to use their stones and grids to manifest and call in different energies into their lives. Each person will go home with a mini crystal grid kit to use and add to. $25. Twin Star Connecticut’s School of Herbal & Energetic Studies, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinStar@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 7 13 Moons Women’s Healing Circle – 6:308:30pm. The practice of eye gazing is a way to experience being without the ego and create connection with others. We will explore what mirrors we can be for others and what stories we are able to access across space and time. $25. Twin Star Herbal School, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. InternTwinStar@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com. An In-depth Look at Tarot with Maria Davis – 7-9pm. Learn about the Court Cards (King, Queen, Knight and Page) and also learn some in-depth spreads such as the Celtic Cross. Bring your own deck or buy a deck at the store. $40. Soul Synergy Wellness Holistic Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, 2nd Fl, Ste 2, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

New Moon Prosperity Celebration – 7:30-9pm. Work through various Naam breaths, meditation and mantra exercises that will create a shift in your vibration and raise your frequency. This new-found energy will allow you to kick start your intentions and attract health, happiness and prosperity. $25/ advance; $30/day of. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@Yogaspace-CT.com. Yogaspace-CT.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 Spiritfire Breathwork – 6-7pm. Spiritfire is a powerful modality to maximize oxygen intake and circulation, freeing the body’s innate intelligence. This practice releases physical, emotional and energetic blocks. Please bring a blanket. $20. New Morning Market, 129 Main St N, Woodbury. 203-263-4868. NewMorn.com. Synergy: A Contemporary Shamanic Journeying Workshop with Tesa Baum and Akilah Barr – 7-8:30pm. Contemporary Shamanic Journeying is an empowering discipline that will weave the sacred into your life and your interactions. By journeying inward we transform our outward experience. $30. Soul Synergy Holistic Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, 2nd Fl, Ste 2, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Mindful Sound Meditation – 10-11am. Experience how sound and deep listening can help you unplug and connect to the present moment. Class will focus on quieting the mind to improve well-being. $20. Sono Healing Collective, 71 Water St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-434-4209. Suz@WellnessWisdomInspires.com. WellnessWisdomInspires.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Bow Drill Friction Fire Class – 11am-4pm. Before lighters, there was friction fire. We›ll be studying and experiencing one of the most consistent of many different methods: The Bow Drill. Learn about and go home with a personal kit made from local trees. $75. Twin Star Herbal School, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. InternTwinStar@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

markyourcalendar SHAMANIC INTUITIVE HEALING JOURNEY CIRCLE Healing with the Energies of the Spring Equinox Friday, March 22 • 7:30pm Join us in sacred circle for intuitive and healing shamanic journeying, with the helping Spirits and the energies of the Spring Equinox! Journey Circle PreRequisite: A solid and experienced ability to do a Shamanic Journey. $40 with pre-registration by March 20th HunterHealingHands.com for more information and to register

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 Top Five Medicinal Herbs To Grow This Year – 6:30-8:30pm. Topics such as cold stratification of seeds, harvesting techniques, creating successful habitats, choosing multifunctionality in plants, ensuring successional planting, thinking beyond the honeybee and more. Explore what plants might bring the best healing remedies. $25; $30/ at door. Twin Star Connecticut’s School of Herbal & Energetic Studies, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinStar@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

$40/non-members. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. KathleenJamesMedium@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 Bernard Ilsley: The London Medium – 7:309:30pm. Bernard Ilsley (The London Medium) is one of the most gifted psychics this century. His amazing ability enables him to not only see the future, but also to make contact with loved ones, ancient spirits, aliens and angels. $45/ticket; $90/VIP Meet & Greet Tickets. The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield. 203-438-5795. Info@ RidgefieldPlayhouse.org. RidgefieldPlayhouse.org.

Yoga for Healthy Knees Semi-Private – 6-7pm. Whether you have tender knees, knee pain, injured knees, challenged knees, hyper-extended knees or if you’re weak in the knees, this semi-private can help. Receive more individual attention to work on your specific needs. $30. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. Kristine@ WeAreYogaCulture.com. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Signs of a Sincere Spiritual Seeker – 7:309:30pm. 16 ways to become more attuned to your soul’s aspiration. In this workshop, Swami Asokananda will share his observations of how we can become more earnest on the path, and ways that we can refrain from digging in our heels due to laziness or fear. $20/advance; $25/day of. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@ Yogaspace-CT.com. Yogaspace-CT.com.

Group Medium Readings – 6:30-8pm. With Janine, psychic medium with an avid interest in metaphysics that began over 40 years ago, with experiences in clairvoyance, clairaudience and clairsentience. $30. New Morning Market, 129 Main St N, Woodbury. 203-263-4868. NewMorn.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 Leap Into Spring Yoga Workshop – 10-11:30am. With Kait. Celebrate the Spring Equinox. Declutter the mind and body and get ready for this fresh new season through pranayama. Level 1 and up. $25/by 3/14; $35/thereafter. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. Kristine@WeAreYogaCulture.com. WeAreYogaCulture.com. Fairfield Health and Fitness Expo – 11am-4pm. Partnership with Town of Fairfield. 60+ exhibitors, lecture series, health screenings, CPR training, fitness demos, spin classes and much more. Limited space, reserve your table today. Free. Fairfield University RecPlex, 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield. Krista@FairfieldCTChamber.com. FairfieldCTChamber.ChamberMaster.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17 Psychic Readings the Fun Way – 1-3pm. With Chris DeSerio. Adding a fun factor for psychic readings can allow for the energy to flow more smoothly, which means clearer information. $30 members;

markyourcalendar BERNARD ILSLEY: THE LONDON MEDIUM at The Ridgefield Playhouse March 19 • 7:30pm One of the Most Gifted Mediums this Century! 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield 203-438-5795 • RidgefieldPlayhouse.org

Full Moon Equinox Celebration – 6-7pm. Reaffirm and amplify intentions set at the beginning of the year by the sonic alchemy of crystal bowls and the shamanic vocals channeled through Sound Healing Master, Bradford Tilden. $20. New Morning Market, 129 Main St N, Woodbury. 203-2634868. NewMorn.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Spring Yoga Studio Open House – 8:30am12:30pm. Come check out our studio and take a free class or two. Offering Level 2, Level 1, Basics and Restorative. We will hold our Teacher Training Information Session and Class at 10am. Free. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. Kristine@WeAreYogaCulture.com. WeAreYogaCulture.com. Reiki I Class – 9am-noon. 3/23-3/24. Learn the ancient art of Reiki Healing in this first level class. You will receive the first set of Reiki attunements that align your upper four chakras. This class provides an introduction to Reiki, including the history, techniques and current applications. $125/by 3/9, $150/thereafter. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford . 203-345-7747. Support@ JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com. Yoga Teacher Training Class and Information Session – 10-11am. Get a taste of what Teacher Training will be like at our Information and Practice Session. Experience a class co-taught by our Teacher Trainers Jenny and Allison, followed by an in-depth but laid-back discussion on what to expect during teacher training. Free. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. Kristine@ WeAreYogaCulture.com. WeAreYogaCulture.com. Creating Joy – 2-4pm. A 2-hour interactive workshop to harness the healing power of joy through movement, meditation and community. Please bring a journal, a yoga mat and a blanket. $30. New Morning Market, 129 Main St N, Woodbury. 203-263-4868. NewMorn.com.

What Happens After This Life? with Swami Asokananda – 2-4pm. Facing death with guidance from the Bhagavad Gita. For most of us, death is the ultimate scary thing. With the understanding that all things must pass, we can face this transition with a relaxed mind and an open heart. $35/advance; $40/day of. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-7309642. Info@Yogaspace-Ct.com. Yogaspace-CT.com. Finding Balance in Your Ha/Tha Yoga with Swami Asokananda – 3:45-5:15pm. In this meditative multi-level class, we will strike a ha/tha balance by moving slowly, allowing time for the body to release more fully, and then coming in touch with the vital force (prana) that lies underneath the physical sensations. $35/advance; $40/day of. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@ Yogaspace-Ct.com. Yogaspace-CT.com.

markyourcalendar ALBERTSON MEMORIAL CHURCH UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, March 2 and April 6 Spiritual/Psychic Fair • 11am-4pm • $35+ Saturday, March 2 Spirit Art & Mediumship Demo – Rev. Joseph Shiel • 7:30pm • $35 • RSVP Sunday, March 3 Creative Enrichment of Mediumship – Rev. Joseph Shiel • 1-3pm • $30/$40 non-members Sunday, March 10 Stress Reduction with Janet Gallo 1-3pm • Donation Thursday, March 14 White Light Healing Night Service 7-8pm • Love Donation Sunday, March 17 Psychic Readings the Fun Way with Chris DeSerion • 1-3pm • $30/$40 non-members Sunday, March 24 Blooming into Awakened Self with Rev. Tom Regenauer • 1-3pm • $25/$35 non-members

ONGOING EVENTS: Sundays Service • 11am-12:30pm Bereavement Group for Parents • 1-2pm Tuesdays Spiritual Philosophy & Mediumship Circle 7-9pm • Suggested donation $10 Wednesdays Beginner Psychic & Mediumship Class 7-9pm • $20 First and Third Thursdays Spiritual Mediumship Class – All Levels 7-9pm • Love donation or service Cancelled events will be posted on our website Albertson Memorial Church 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich 203-637-4615 • Info@AlbertsonChurch.org AlbertsonChurch.org March 2019

calendar of events SUNDAY, MARCH 24

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

Blooming into Your Awakened Self – 1-2:30pm. Rev. Thomas Regenauer. $25/members; $35/ non-members. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Monthly Guided Meditation and Sound Healing – 6:30-7:30pm. Experience an hour of guided meditation and sound healing aimed to help you release tension, sleep better and cultivate overall happiness. Beginners welcome. $15. New Morning Market, 129 Main St N, Woodbury. 203-263-4868. NewMorn.com.

Sound Bath Meditation – 6:30-7:45pm. Using high vibration instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, voice, drums and more, Eileen Byrne, Matt Adame and Neno will guide you to a state of deep relaxation. $25/advance; $30/day of. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@ Yogaspace-Ct.com. Yogaspace-CT.com.

markyourcalendar SPRING 2019 EVENT SCHEDULE Institute for Holistic Health Studies at Western Connecticut State University All events are free and open to the public Mudra Meditation Series Second Tuesday • 7pm 2019 Dates: March 12 • April 9 • May 14 June 11 • July 9 • August 13 • September 10 October 8 • November 12 • December 10 Warner Hall, Rm 103 WCSU Midtown Campus, 181 White St, Danbury Wellness Wednesday Workshops • 12:30pm March 27 • Environmental Health Where You Call Home, presented by Marcia Kendall, MA, WCSU faculty, and Holistic Lifestyle and Ecotherapy Coach. White Hall, Rm 127 WCSU Midtown Campus, 181 White St, Danbury The Institute for Holistic Health Studies Evening Programs • 7pm

Plant Partner: Dandelion – 6:30-8pm. Discuss botany, parts used, actions, energies, traditional uses, essences, remedies and more. There will be visual and tangible examples of the herb, along with various different remedies made with the herb to taste, smell and feel. $25. Twin Star Connecticut’s School of Herbal & Energetic Studies, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinStar@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com. The Major Arcana: The Fool’s Journey with Maria Davis – 7-9pm. The Major Arcana cards include 21 numbered cards and 1 unnumbered card (the Fool). The Fool is the main character of the Major Arcana and makes his journey through each of the cards. $40. Soul Synergy Wellness Holistic Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, 2nd Fl, Ste 2, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Reiki Second Degree – 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (21 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. Two powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/ Usa Linage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. Marconics Lecture Series: The Evolution of Energy Healing – 6-8pm. Activate DNA and attune to Pleiadian Ascension Frequencies with: Marconics–The Human Upgrade. Raise vibrations through the integration of multiple versions of Higher Self, in the true evolution of Lightbody. Free lecture. Sample session for $20. Essential Healing Arts, 27 Siemon Company Dr, Ste 112WS, Watertown. 203-533-9633. SNETeachers@marconics.com. Marconics.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (21 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. Two powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Lineage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

markyourcalendar A YEAR OF HEALING IN 2020 With Dr. Eilis Philpott Soul Healing Journey, LLC We will meet one weekend a month for 12- months. We will meet once a month and spend Friday evening together and all day Saturday and Sunday. The 2020 dates are: January 10-12 • February 7-9 • March 13-15 April 3-5 • May 1-3 • June 12-14 • July 10-12 August 7-9 • September 11-13 • October 9-11 November 13-15 • December 11-13 I will share with you what I have learned from trainings, from life and from guidance in a way that integrates the various modalities. By this end of this 12 months training you will have catapulted your personal, professional and spiritual journey into the stratosphere. Location: TBD Investment: Early bird rate - Pay in full $4,200 or pay quarterly $1,050 or pay monthly $350

Tuesday, March 26 – Ayurveda: An Art of Healthy Living, presented by Jaya Daptadar, Ayurveda and Healthcare Business Consultant, CEO and founder, Active Ayurveda and Yoga LLC.

markyourcalendar

Regular rate - Pay in full $4,800 or pay quarterly $1,200 or pay monthly $400

QI REVOLUTION

White Hall, Rm 127, WCSU Midtown Campus, 181 White St, Danbury

Experience More Energy! Reverse Disease with Food!

Reviewer rate - Pay in full $3,000 or pay quarterly $750 or pay monthly $250

Fourth annual Health, Fitness and Wellness Fair Tuesday, April 2 • 12-3pm Berkshire Gym • WCSU Midtown Campus 181 White St, Danbury For additional information contact Christel Autuori RDH RYT MA, Director, Institute for Holistic Health Studies, at AutuoriC@wcsu.edu or visit WCSU.edu/IHHS 58

3-Days Amazing Qigong Healing for $199

To Register: Choose an option to pay (full, quarterly or monthly) and make that first payment. Be prepared to commit to one full year of healing.

Learn powerful Qigong exercises, breathing techniques, strength training and a proven system of food-healing.

NOTE: If you take advantage of the early bird rate and make the initial payment you will be locked into that rate for the year.

Amber Room Colonnade • Danbury

Registration required. 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com/A-Year-Of-Healing

Saturday, April 13 through Monday, April 15

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

QiRevolution.com • 800-298-8970

eNaturalAwakenings.com

ongoing events

sunday Tal Fusion: Sunday Sweat – 9:15-10am. With Tal Fagin. Get your heart pumping and blood flowing with this eclectic, spirited, high energy class. Class is 50 minutes in length, so get ready to get in high gear. $18/class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative and Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:30-10:45am. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/ level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-5210359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. Satsang Meditation – 9:30-11am. Satsangs are wonderful spiritual and community gatherings of like-minded people. Satsangs with Shanti Mission Healers are filled with music, mantra, meditation, spiritual instruction/discourse and spiritual blessings to help you reset, recharge and get ready for the week ahead. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@ gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. New Beginnings in Community Sunday Service – 10am. Join this group of spiritually-minded people embracing and honoring all world religions, belief systems, cultures and traditions. Free. Mystics By The Sea, 394 New Haven Ave, Milford. 203-980-6272. NewBeginningsInCommunity.Weebly.com. Family Meditation Program – 10-11:30am. Second and fourth Sunday. Ages 4-13. While the adults are meditating in the main building, young people can connect with others in their age-group, learn about mindfulness, compassion toward self and others. 203-244-3130. MMKeeler@gmail.com. ReddingMeditation.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Celebration Service – 10:30am-noon. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports your spiritual unfoldment with thought provoking, soul -healing topics and uplifting music. By donation. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org. Sunday Morning Meditation – 11-11:45am. Experience stillness and peace, establish a regular practice, reduce stress and tension, and enhance health and well-being. Meditation class for beginners and experienced meditators. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC.Yoga. Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org.

Sunday Albertson Memorial Church Service – 11am-12:30pm. Join us for inspirational sermons, meditation, energy healing and messages from Spirit. By donation. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org. Monthly Mystical Market – 11am-4pm. Third Sunday. Psychics, mediums, intuitives, CT artisans, vendors and holistic practitioners. Free admission, vendors prices vary. The Ruby Tree, 670 Main St S, Woodbury. 203-586-1655. Christina@ TheRubyTreeCT.com. TheRubyTreeCT.com. Lorrie D. Therapeutic Massage, Pain Relief and Relaxation – Noon-5pm. With Lorrie D. Lori specializes in therapeutic massage, pain relief and relaxation. Advanced appointments are recommended, walk-ins are always welcome. $75. Black Cat Mystical Shoppe, 143 Bennett St, Bridgeport. 203-941-9408. BlackCat@aol.com. Karma Community Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Fourth Sunday. Our monthly donation-based class. Bring a non-perishable food donation, and enjoy an hour for your mind, body and spirit. The Ruby Tree, Sherman Village, 670 Main St S, Woodbury. 203-586-1655. Christina@TheRubyTreeCT.com. TheRubyTreeCT.com.

monday Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the United States. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail. com. SoulSynergy.org. Yoga All Levels – 10-11am. With Caroline. Class given according to whatever level of student happens to show up. All levels welcome. The class is hatha flow based with elements of relaxation, meditation, breath work, strength and flow. $18/ class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative and Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness, simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Reiki Share – 7:30-9:30pm. Fourth Monday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.

tuesday Slow Yoga – 10-11am. With Lella Ilyinsky. Class is set to a slower pace, and may include elements of restorative yoga, yin yoga and foundational flow sequences, depending on the needs of the class. Beginners welcome. $18/class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative and Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness, simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Monthly Information Sessions at The Graduate Institute – 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for an info session every 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Graduate Institute. Please contact us to let us know that you’ll be attending. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. Reiki Share – 7-8:30pm. First Tuesday of the month. With June and Tracy. Come join our circle of practitioners for sharing and caring and healing. All levels of practitioners are welcome. Please RSVP. $20/drop-in. Kindred Spirits, 197 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-938-3690. Reiki Share – 7-9pm. Second Tuesday. Practice and enhance your Reiki healing and grow your intuition. All will receive healing time and practice time. You must have completed at minimum Reiki Level I in order to fully participate. $15/suggested contribution. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail. com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Spiritual Philosophy and Self Unfoldment – 7-9pm. Through a process of structured meditations on potent spiritual phrases, students will be exposed to the internal spiritual development of Jacob’s Ladder. $10/suggested donation. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org. Meditation Classes with Berta – 7:15-8:30pm. Weekly meditation classes. Deepen your practice, learn new technique, and join our community of practitioners. Allow your mind, body and soul to heal with the incredible practice of meditation. $10. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter. com. JiivaCenter.com. Reiki Healing Shares – 7:30-9:30pm. First and third Tuesdays. With Gigi Benanti, Usui Reiki Master/ Teacher. For Reiki practitioners only. Includes short instruction and discussion. Must RSVP. $20. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

March 2019

ongoing events

wednesday Mat Pilates – 9-10am. With Suzette Caldwell. Classic mat Pilates work out, vigorous class but open to all levels. You set the challenge bar for your workout. $18/class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative and Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Power Yoga/Vinyasa – 11am-noon. Power yoga is a general term used to describe a vigorous, fitnessbased approach to vinyasa-style yoga. Power yoga incorporates the athleticism of Ashtanga, including lots of vinyasas. $20. Soul Synergy Wellness, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail. com. SoulSynergy.org. Midweek Retreat – 3-4:30pm. With Dr. Tanvi Gandhi. This sacred time will consist of intention setting with a small tea ceremony, followed by breath work, and a combination of acupuncture and meditation. You will leave with insight on your experience and a self-care tip for the week. $30/drop-in; $150/series. Barefoot Living Arts, 85 Mill Plain Rd, Bldg V, Fairfield. BarefootLivingArts.org. Power Yoga/Vinyasa – 5:30-6:30pm. Power yoga is a general term used to describe a vigorous, fit-

ness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga. Power yoga incorporates the athleticism of Ashtanga, including lots of vinyasas. $20. Soul Synergy Wellness, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail. com. SoulSynergy.org. Tai Chi Classes – 6:30-7:30pm. With June Fagan, Tai Chi Instructor. A slow movement meditation for all levels of fitness. Known to reduce stress, increase focus and balance and improve self and well-being. $25/drop-in; $85/1 class per week; $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 1197 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-938-3690. Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 6:45-8pm. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/ level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@ gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. A Course In Miracles – 7-8pm. A Course in Miracles was born out of a commitment between two people to find a better way to live in this world; a study group grows out of a commitment to be an unconditional, non-judgmental place of sharing, joining and learning, where everyone is welcome. $15/suggested donation. Registration required. Call for address. 203-767-5954. Eilis@Soul HealingJourney.com. SoulHealingJourney.com.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Meditation that often includes chanting, music and requires your active participation. All faiths and cultures are welcomed. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Heartspeak – 7-8:30pm. First Wednesday. With Cindy Miller and Bruce Zboray. The Art of Amazing Yourself: A GEM (Great Energy Moment) is a 2-minute audio, which will inspire and uplift you. We will select a few gems each month and discuss it by phone or internet. $8. Contact@Heartspeak. life. Heartspeak.Life. Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. Second Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, 156 East Ave, Norwalk. Home.Homewebs.com/ HMNFairfieldCtyCT. Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Wednesdays. Offering support, healing, advocacy, resources and education for women in the process of, or recently divorced. $20, $150/10-session card. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointShare.com.

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thursday Kundalini Yoga and Music Meditation – 9:3010:30am. With Leesa Sklover, PhD, C-IAYT, Certified Yoga Therapist, Kundalini Yoga Teacher. Experience the yoga of awareness weekly to heal your mind and your life. All welcome. Register for first class. $15 per class/monthly discount. Short Beach Union Church, 14 Pentacost St, Branford. 917-860-0488. DrSklover@gmail.com. LoveLifeProductions.net. Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the United States. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 9:30-11am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. Simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 6:45-8pm. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/ level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@ gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. Knit 2 Gather – 3:30-5:30pm. We’re crafting wearable items for Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury and welcome all levels to join. Instructors will be on-hand for beginners. Yarn, needles and refreshments are also provided. Register in store or by call. Free. New Morning Market, 129 Main St North, Woodbury. 203-263-4868. Newmorn.com. Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. First Thursday. All welcome. Share and experience Reiki. Please join us while we enjoy a peaceful, powerful night of healing. Hosted by Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. $20. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

friday Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the United States. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org. Reiki Share – 9:30-11:30am. First Friday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a

small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com. Discussion with The Higher Realms – 7-9:30pm. Last Friday. Bring your heartfelt questions and receive the wisdom of The Ascended Masters and The Divine Feminine specifically for you as channeled by Ginny Brown. $45. Address provided upon registration. HeartAndHealing@hotmail.com. GinnyBrown.net.

saturday Find Your Edge Yoga – 9-10am. With Pauline Koinis. For yoga practitioners. A chance for yoginis and yogis alike to get a Saturday morning groove on; where laughter, challenge and heart all meet on the mat. $18/class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative and Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:30-10:45am. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC. Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness, simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Spondylitis Support Group – 11am-12:30pm. Last Saturday. Led by Dr. Andrew Cummins, naturopathic physician. Having lived with the chronic inflammatory disease Ankylosing Spondylitis for the last 18 years, Cummins understands what living with chronic pain and limited mobility is all about. Group provides education, empowerment, understanding and support. Free. Shalva Clinic, 8 Lincoln St, 1st Fl, Westport. 203-916-4600. DrCummins@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

classifieds To place a Classified Listing: $1 per word. $25 minimum. Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication. Email copy to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

HELP WANTED DISTRIBUTORS WANTED for monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings and other local publications. Perfect for a retired person or stay-at-home mom looking to earn some extra income and connect with their local community. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors - if you don’t have it in spades, please do not apply! Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com. DO YOU LOVE NATURAL AWAKENINGS? Help us spread the word! We’re looking for Community Street Team Members to work with us at upcoming events all over CT. Please send an email (subject line: COMMUNITY) and resume to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsmag.com.

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oin the largest database of health-conscious and eco-minded, spiritual singles for FREE and manifest an extraordinary relationship!

Spiritual, Psychic and Healing Fair – 11am-4pm. First Saturday. Would you like a second opinion on your life issues, or a personal message from a departed loved one? Are you curious about your purpose in this life, or seeking a bit more direction and focus? Come join us. $35+. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org. Open Mic Night – 7-9pm, 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany you at the piano for your moment at the microphone. Comedians, poets, writers and musicians welcomed as well. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

Join for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com March 2019

community resource guide

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY

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 FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to request our media kit.

13TH OCTAVE/LAHOCHI EVERYDAY ALCHEMY LLC Nicole Miale, MA, Certified Habit Change Coach New Milford 860-799-5076 NMiale@charter.net

Alchemy is the transformation of base metal into gold. A process that defies logic, it seems magical. This kind of wonder is accessible to each of us in our daily lives! Using a variety of non-invasive approaches and techniques customized to each client, I facilitate the alchemical process within each person. Rediscover the magic in yourself and experience your golden life!

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

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 is one of only two people approved to teach 13th Octave/LaHoChi in the United States. 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 45.

Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Ste D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 • AlbaThermalImaging.com Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body. Safe, painless, noninvasive, FDA registered.

CHINESE MEDICINE ACUBLEND PLLC

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 45.

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC

ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

Dr. Sian James, DAc, LAc, LMT, RYT Offices in Fairfield County 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 29.

CHIROPRACTIC

BIOFEEDBACK

PETER BRAGLIA, DC

ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC

True Health Family Chiropractic 7365 Main St, Stratford 203-923-8633 TrueHealthCT.com

898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com • DrRoseann.com Advanced Bio-Regulation (BRT) is a unique approach to health and wellness that uses Biofeedback and PEMF-based Electromagnetic Technology to help the body better self-regulate, adapt and heal naturally. It is used for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, hormonal issues, Lyme, etc. See ad, page 13.

As a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Dr. Braglia has received advanced training in Pediatric Adjusting and Prenatal Care, including the Webster Technique. We are proud to serve patients from all over Fairfield and New Haven Counties with our unique and gentle approach to health care.

ACUPUNCTURE JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAC  Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness Center 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com

We all have a hand in creating the community where we want to live.

Compassionate professional care for those suffering from pain, internal disorders, menstrual issues and menopause, infertility, depression and anxiety, insomnia, addiction, fatigue, tune-ups and more. See ad, page 11.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

It is the support of our wonderful advertisers that makes it possible to provide this resource to you each month. Please support the businesses that support us... and be sure to mention you saw them in Natural Awakenings. eNaturalAwakenings.com

COLONICS COLONICS

914-921-LIFE (5433) LifelineHygienics.com Experience and personalized service you can trust. The finest in colonic irrigation and personal care. Serving the tri-state area since 1993.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY/ ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE VINCENT FRASER, CST, CAT, SEP Craniosacral Therapy, Alexander Technique, Somatic Experiencing Greenwich and Norwalk 203-570-2059 Vincent@VincentFraser.com

Vincent offers paths to wholeness which lead to resolving pain and trauma, ease of movement in one’s body and life, and a fuller conscious embodiment.

EDUCATION THE GRADUATE INSTITUTE 171 Amity Rd, Bethany 203-874-4252 Info@Learn.edu • Learn.edu

The Graduate Institute is a state-accredited graduate school dedicated to promoting an integrative and holistic worldview through the study of health, wellness, education, and personal and professional transformation. Enrolling now for 2019 programs. See ad, page 5.

INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH STUDIES

Western Connecticut State University Christel Autuori, RDH, RYT, MA, Director 181 White St, Danbury 203-837-8559 WCSU.edu/IHHS The mission of the IHHS is to provide the University and Greater Danbury area with an opportunity to engage in and explore different aspects of holistic and integrative health through programming and instruction. Programs include Wellness Wednesday lunchtime workshops, monthly meditation program, lecture series, health wellness and fitness fair.

THE INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC

We offer a unique certification program blending the science of nutrition with the hands-on components of sustainable gardening practices. We use food and herbs to make kitchen medicine, teach basic culinary skills, and practice foraging for and using nutrient-rich wild food. Now enrolling for fall 2019. See ad, page 38.

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 45.

113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby 860-764-9070 Joan@TIOSN.com TIOSN.com

TWO COYOTES WILDERNESS SCHOOL

P.O. Box 711, Monroe TwoCoyotes.org Facebook.com/TwoCoyotes Instagram.com/TwoCoyotes Two Coyotes Wilderness School is a non-profit nature organization dedicated to creating a healthier, more connected future by connecting people to nature, community, and their personal empowerment. We offer year-round wildernessbased mentorship programs, including summer camps, for all ages.See ad, page 10.

ENERGY HEALING BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 3.

DEBBY STEIN

Debby’s Energy Reiki Master, Trained in Healing Touch and Integrative Energy Therapy 528 Post Rd, 2nd Flr, Darien 203-353-1725 DistantLinking@gmail.com DebbysEnergy.com

Eilis Philpott Fairfield 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com

SOUL LIGHT HEALING

Judy Gomez Integrated Healings & Intuitive Readings Bridgeport 203-366-1712 Judy@SoulLightHealing8.com Judy is a Usui Reiki Master for over 40 years, and certified in numerous modalities. Judy does distance healing using 13th Octave LaHoChi transformational healing energy to re-balance your body, mind, and spirit. Judy also does intuitive readings, and spiritual Solar Returns, which are done on your birthday. She also does individual, home, business, property, and ancestral clearings.

FREQUENCY SPECIFIC MICROCURRENT SARAH ROTELLA

Enlightenment Center, Integrative Wellness Therapies 100 Danbury Rd, Ste 102, Ridgefield Additional location in Greenwich 203-525-5830 S.Light@mac.com SenLightenment.com Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) uses a low-level current to reduce inflammation and scar tissue formation, as well as regenerate injured tissue. The frequencies target specific tissues and issues. Anyone who has experienced accidents, traumas, injuries or athletic strains can benefit. See ad. page 46.

I hold the space for you to be seen and heard as I listen intuitively and provide gentle guidance, in addition to facilitating your body’s ability to reach an optimal state of being through hands-on and Distant Energy work.

March 2019

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.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE/ NUTRITION MARY GILBERTSON WELLNESS Mary Gilbertson, MS, BSN, CHHC Licensed RN, Nutritionist and Certified Health Coach 500 Purdy Hill Rd, Ste 2, Monroe 203-521-4733 MaryGilbertsonWellness@gmail.com MaryGilbertsonWellness.co

Using the concept of “Food as Medicine” to create your customized nutrition and lifestyle plan for whole living. Working one-on-one, in groups and in corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. Works with patients on metabolism and weight loss, detoxification, gut health, cancers, inflammatory conditions and stress management

HEALING ACID REFLUX HEALING ACID REFLUX NATURALLY

Susan Berman, Med, CHHC 860-670-4152 Susan@HealingAcidReflux.com HealingAcidReflux.com I work with health conscious individuals to help heal their acid reflux or GERD to avoid further damage and prevent esophageal cancer. Find your unique food and lifestyle triggers. I work with groups or 1:1 through a virtual classroom so you can be anywhere to take the program.

HEALING CENTER HAUTE HEALING OASIS 792 Pacific St, Stamford 203-595-5304 Info@HauteSauna.com HauteHealingOasis.com

Haute is Fairfield County’s premier holistic wellness spa. Featuring luxurious, private, infrared sauna spa rooms; BEMER sessions; elite massage services; CBD and essential oils; and other holistic, safe, non-invasive healing modalities. Come and experience the Haute difference in wellness today. See ad, page 40.

THE RUBY TREE

Metaphysical Shop and Healing Space Sherman Village, 670 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1655 TheRubyTreeCT.com Rocks and crystals, magical objects, singing bowls, herbal candles and more. Local artisans, an array of holistic practitioners, a monthly Mystical Market fair, regularly scheduled psychics/ mediums/intuitives, yoga, meditation, and workshops galore—all to enhance the health of your mind, body and spirit. See ad, page 22.

HEALTHY EATING CHEF ELIANA GRUBEL, CHC Licensed and Insured In-home Cooking Services 203-559-8946 CleanFood4UrType.com

As a Board-Certified Health Coach by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and member of the United States Personal Chef Association, Eliana’s passion is her clients’ success. She has been serving CT for over 15 years, and is now offering new services including short-term detoxes, meals to freeze, dinner parties, cooking classes, personalized coaching programs and seminars. See ad, page 23.

HOLISTIC DENTIST DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND Yorktown Heights, NY 914-214-9678 olisticDentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our website to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 43.

WHOLE BODY DENTISTRY

Mark A Breiner, DDS 501 Kings Hwy East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com Mark Breiner, DDS, is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. His patients have found solutions to baffling, unresolved and seemingly unrelated dentalrelated health problems. He is the author of the award-winning book, Whole-Body Dentistry. See ad, page 2.

NA Fun Fact: Natural Awakenings is published in more than 85 U.S. markets, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. To advertise with us, call 203-885-4674.

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HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY DAVID LONDON, MD

544 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-557-6574 Contact@DavidLondonMD.com DavidLondonMD.com David London, MD, honors emotional, spiritual and biochemical individuality to assist healing psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Sophisticated genetic and lab testing help identify underlying causes. Treatment may include acupuncture, psychotherapy, EMDR, herbs, vitamins, nutrients, lifestyle changes, medication. See ad, page 5.

HYPNOSIS HEALING TREE WISDOM

Thea Litsios, CHy Locations in Norwalk and Stratford 203-693-1493 • HealingTreeWisdom.com Use the power of your whole mind to transform your life: Hypnosis for weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief, and past life review. Certified teacher of Active Dream work. Individual dream consultations available, as well as workshops and monthly Dream Groups.

MIND-BODY TRANSFORMATION Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx 1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-595-0110 MindBodyTransformation.com

Fast, effective methods for weight, stress, fear, pain, smoking, etc. Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy, Time Line Therapy, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ads, pages 31 and 47.

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 36.

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.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC Adam Breiner, ND, Director David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN David Johnston, DO Elena Sokolova, MD, ND 203-371-8258 WholeBodyMed.com

Using state-of-the-art science combined with holistic medicine, our caring integrative physicians correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. We treat many conditions including Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, immune disorders, allergies, thyroid conditions, pain, neurological conditions, stroke, concussion, ADD/ ADHD, depression, insomnia and more. We offer hyperbaric oxygen, neurofeedback and neurotherapies, osteopathic medicine, functional medicine, IV nutrient and chelation therapy, energetic medicine, homeopathy, Japanese Reiki, nutrition, colonics and detoxification, enhanced brain, athletic, scholastic performance, and more. See ad, page 2.

INSPIRATIONAL BOUTIQUE THE ANGEL COOPERATIVE

Purveyors of Positivity 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Route 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 TheAngelCoop.com A unique lifestyle boutique featuring the first Shungite room in the U.S., The Angel Cooperative has products and experiences designed to care for your body and soul while also offering beautiful and healing goods for the home. We offer a regular schedule of workshops, meditations, classes, and other holistic and spiritual events. See ad, page 15.

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD 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. See ad, page 13.

IV THERAPY WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

501 Kings Highway E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 WholeBodyMed.com IV nutrient therapy bypasses the digestive process and delivers 100% of pure quality nutrients to your cells. Custom drips support your immune system, help you recover from long work hours, hangovers, jet lag, and increase stamina, support muscle recovery and growth, aid in detoxification, provide anti-aging benefits for youthful skin and glow, promote weight loss, help brain function, provide an energy boost and more. See ad, page 2.

March 2019

LIFE COACH CHRISTINE MOFFATT

Energy Space Wellness and Divorce Coaching Services Westchester and Greenwich 203-625-8461 Christine@EnergySpace.life EnergySpace.life We offer wellness and divorce coaching as well as energy work, and group sessions for clients looking for social support and connections in addition to private coaching. I am also a Reiki Master and often incorporate the practice when clients are looking for help managing stress. See ad, page 19.

MASSAGE AND BODYWORK JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com We offer Traditional, Thai Massage and Prenatal massage. At Jiiva Massage, our goal is to provide our clients with a variety of experienced therapists and modalities to choose from. Our hope is to provide you with an assortment of different techniques so you can find what works best for your individual needs. See ad, page 27.

ROBIN ORDAN, LMT, LCSW, CICMI

LYME DISEASE EDUCATION/SUPPORT LYME CONNECTION

400 Main St, Ridgefield Info@LymeConnection.org LymeConnection.org Lyme Connection is an all-volunteer, communitybased task force providing support and resources to patients and their families coping with tickborne disease.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE THERAPY

Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 RobinOrdanLMT.com

Robin has been providing massage and Reiki for over 15 years. Specializing in Swedish, pregnancy, trigger point, injuries and infant/child massage instruction. Sessions are individualized to meet your needs. See ad, page 9.

VALLEY SPIRIT WELLNESS CENTER 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com

Pauline Koinis, Byron Eddy, Sean Flanagan, Inga Natoli, Domanie Guerrera offer massage therapies, energy healing and organic facials in our three thoughtfully appointed treatment rooms. See ad, page 11.

SARAH ROTELLA

Enlightenment Center, Integrative Wellness Therapies 100 Danbury Rd, Ste 102, Ridgefield Additional location in Greenwich 203-525-5830 S.Light@mac.com • SenLightenment.com Advanced manual lymphatic drainage therapy is applying specific techniques to support, pre and post operative surgical procedures, detoxification, the immune system, neuro fascial release, the glymphatic system and the brain. This is supportive of both neural and cognitive functioning. See ad, page 46.

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 self-awareness 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.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

MEDITATION JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAC Certified Teacher Valley Spirit Wellness Center 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com

Meditation can be easier to master than you think. Taoist, Tibetan Buddhist and generic meditation. Beginners and experienced practitioners both welcome. See ad, page 11.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN ADAM BREINER, ND

Whole-Body Medicine LLC 501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 WholeBodyMed.com Dr. Adam Breiner has helped patients with a wide variety of neurological conditions—including stroke, concussions, TBIs, ADD/ADHD, depression and anxiety—as well as seeing patients for enhanced sports, scholastic and workplace performance. His center was the first facility in the country to offer the powerful combination of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and neurofeedback. Dr. Breiner also has natural and cutting-edge approaches for the treatment of Lyme disease. See ad, page 2.

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

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, all-natural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions; restore balance; and treat the mind, body and spirit. Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 20.

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 DrMarvinSchweitzer.com

Family Health Care using all natural1,CMYK for 25 years. 99,therapies 1, 0 Acupuncture, bioidentical hormones, homeopathy, Chinese/Western herbs, allergy/ CMYK 79, 0, 0 toxin 58,testing, oxygen therapy, Meridian stress assessment, nutrition/enzyme therapies. Seeâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;ad, page 14. Aleo Bold CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79

NEUROFEEDBACK

ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

We work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families around a variety of issues with non-medication therapies. We provide brain-based treatments like neurofeedback, biofeedback, EFT, hypnosis, meditation, etc. Our staff provides non-judgmental support to help alleviate stress and promote wellness. See ad, page 13.

ORGANIC SALON ECO CHIC SALON SPA & BLOW DRY BAR 16 Center St, Wilton 203-966-5655 EcoChicSalonCT.com

Eco Chic Salon Spa & Blow Dry Bar is committed to the healthy way of life so many people strive for each and every day. Mindful stylists are dedicated to the use of environmentally friendly products, including Eco Chic branded products, and alternative hair services with less toxic variations from the typical salon experience. Be well. Be beautiful.

OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN

ADAM BREINER, ND

The NeuroEdge Brain Performance Center Division of Whole-Body Medicine Full ColorHighway E, Ste 108, Fairfield One Color 501 Kings 203-371-8258 TheNeuroEdge.com The NeuroEdge is dedicated to keeping your brain sharp and high-functioning. We treat head injuries and brain traumas such as concussion and stroke as well as help athletes, students and businesspeople improve their performance. Learn and view our cutting-edge neurotherapies at TheNeuroEdge.com. See ad, page 2.

DR. LORI MONACO

Inspire and Empower, LLC 203-395-9832 DrLoriMonaco@gmail.com DrLoriMonaco.com Dr. Monaco is a Transformational Speaker and Coach who helps people break bad habits and change negative behaviors and beliefs to unlock their full potential and manifest abundance. She offers one-on-one or group coaching sessions, lectures and workshops, and Laughter Yoga sessions. She works with children to adults.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

Our highly trained and experienced therapists utilize a variety of brain-based tools and techniques that allow the CNS to calm down so one can address their issues without heightened anxiety. We specialize in pediatrics, parenting and supporting individuals with chronic issues. See ad, page 13.

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW

158 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-438-9915 OsteopathicWellness.net

Family, Child, Individual and Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 RobinOrdanLCSW.com

Dr. Johnston has been providing gentle, holistic, hands-on osteopathic manual treatment and nutrition for over 20 years. Excellent for newborns, birth trauma, concussions, headaches, sports injuries, neck and back pain, digestive issues, brain support, stress, fibromyalgia, detoxification and weight loss, specialized bloodwork.

NANCY SCHERLONG, LCSW

P R O X I M A N O VA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; S E M I B O L D CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

DAVID L. JOHNSTON, DO

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Your ad could be featured here Reach over 75,000 Natural Awakenings readers by placing your ad here. Call for more info. 203-885-4674

Robin has more than 18 years of experience working with families and children. Specializing in divorce, parent/child conflict, grief, attachment/bonding, child development and parenting. See ad, page 23.

Coaching/Psychotherapy/Consulting Offices in Danbury 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. See ad, page 23.

March 2019

REIKI

TRADITIONAL/HOLISTIC/ GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN

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

PUT IT TOGETHER, LLC

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.

714 Main St South, Woodbury 203-263-7836 PutItTogetherLLC.com PutItTogetherLLC@cs.com Incorporating environmentally sound options into a traditional interior design business, I can show you great options for low to no VOC exposure in your homes. Offering interior design, feng shui and environmental consultations. See ad, page 23.

JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford THERMOGRAPHY 203-345-7747 oﬀers safe, FDA approved full body JiivaCenter.com or breast screening. WHOLE HEALTH Berta Prevosti isInvasive a Usui and • No Radiati Non on THERMOGRAPHY LLC  Karuna Reiki Master and has • Possible 8 years breast Rachel Mazzarelli, MS, CCT been practicing Reiki for over 20earlier Locations throughout Fairfield County, years. We also have severalon expecancer detecti vs mammogram Southbury, New Haven, Milford and New York rienced Reiki Masters and • Clinical imaging for detecti ng and 203-257-3785 practitioners. We offer private monitoring a number of diseases WHThermography@gmail.com Reiki sessions for physical and and physical injuries. WholeHealthThermography.com emotional pain. We also have ongoing Reiki classes that are taught in the traditional Usui Rachel method by Berta. See ad, page 27. Mazzarelli

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) is an FDAapproved, noninvasive, 203-257-3785 no-radiation screening for the TURNING POINT REIKI LLC whole body. It offers possible Oﬃces throughout JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT earlier detection of breast Fairﬁ eldRidgefield County, Southbury, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, disease and can aid in diagnosis New Haven, Milford, 203-438-3050 and improved prognosis of many health TurningPointReiki.com and New York conditions and injuries. TurningPointShare.com

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JoAnnwww.wholehealththermography.com uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual TRANSFORMATIVE connection in her Reiki, IET HEALING and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with cancer, Lyme NESKO ELDEN disease and back pain. All Reiki Westport levels taught. 203-451-6175

EldenCoaching@gmail.com

TAI CHI/QIGONG JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAC  Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness Center 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com

Develop physical and mental fitness and find a new harmony of the mind, body and spirit using these ancient Chinese movement arts. Starting with basic movements, warm-up techniques and breathing exercises, you will learn a set of flowing natural movements done slowly with calmness, balance and awareness. Weekly classes, weekend workshops and retreats. See ad, page 11.

Nesko is a master healer, coach and a practitioner in different energy healing modalities. She practices 13th Octave/LaHoChi, Reiki, Pranic Healing and Miracle Breath Coaching. Her integrative approach to energy and well-being creates transformational changes from inside out and on all levels.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

ESSENTIAL HOLISTIC HEALING, LLC Jackie Karabin, Reiki Master, LMT Wilton 203-984-1491 Info@EssentialHolisticHealing.com EssentialHolisticHealing.com

Find balance and enhance the health and well-being of your body, mind and spirit through Reiki and massage therapy. Offering a holistic approach with tailored sessions to honor the specific needs and goals of the client.

EVERYDAY ALCHEMY LLC Nicole Miale, MA, Certified Habit Change Coach New Milford 860-799-5076 NMiale@charter.net

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 45.

WELLNESS CENTER HAUTE HEALING OASIS 792 Pacific St, Stamford 203-595-5304 Info@HauteSauna.com HauteHealingOasis.com

Haute Healing Oasis is Fairfield County’s premiere wellness spa. Featuring luxurious, private infrared sauna spa rooms, Young Living aromatherapy, chromo light therapy, BEMER physical vascular therapy, elite massage services as well as other holistic, safe, noninvasive healing modalities. Come and experience the HAUTE difference in health and wellness today. See ad, page 40.

JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

Berta Prevosti, Usui and Karuna Reiki Master 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 • JiivaCenter.com Jiiva is in the business of building a community for yoga and healing. We offer yoga classes, a school of Reiki, private Reiki treatments, traditional massage therapy, Thai massage, meditation classes, workshops and community events. sSee ad, page 27.

SALTANA CAVE HIMALAYAN SALT SPA 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-969-4327 • SaltanaCave.com

Fairfield County’s first and only therapeutic Himalayan salt cave provides relief from respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, and side effects of smoking and pollution. Salt is naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. See ad, page 15.

SALT OF THE EARTH HEALING ARTS SANCTUARY 346 Main St S, Woodbury 203-405-2241 • 203-586-1172 SoulSynergyWellness.org

A space of calm and beauty, healing and restoration of the body and spirit, Salt of the Earth Healing Arts Sanctuary offers a tranquil place to refresh and renew in a house charged with the energy of old. Beautiful Athena Hall, inside the Sanctuary, can be rented to like-minded people for classes, workshops, lectures and special events. Heart and Home is a unique store in the sanctuary; a cozy place to shop, have tea, scoop and bag salts, purchase a variety of artisan goods. See ad, page 35.

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1172 • NaturalSaltHealing.com

APRIL

Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformation, healing and grounding for mind, body and spirit. See ad, page 4.

Lyme Disease plus: Evolving Living Arrangements

VALLEY SPIRIT WELLNESS CENTER 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 • ValleySpiritCoop.com

We offer a unique blend of integrative medicine, classes and self-care options. Therapies include Chinese and Japanesestyle acupuncture, Chinese herbal and Ayurvedic medicine, Asian bodywork, massage and intuitive healing. Classes include meditation, tai chi, yoga, qigong, mat Pilates, Barre, hand drumming, ballroom dance and more. Jampa Stewart, LAc, and Pauline Koinis, LMT, head our team of experienced therapists and teachers. See ad, page 11.

YOGA PAULINE KOINIS, LELA ILYINSKY Certified Teachers Valley Spirit Wellness Center 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 • ValleySpiritCoop.com

Come and enjoy our lovely studio and choose from an array of well instructed and thoughtful classes to nurture mind, body and spirit through posture, breath and contemplative training. Head yoga teacher Pauline Koinis is joined by teachers Lela Ilyinsky, Theresa Bates, Julie Hollander and Abby Sutton. Whether new to yoga or advanced, our teachers will accommodate you where you are in your personal practice. See ad, page 11.

MAY

Personal Empowerment plus: Mysticism and Medicine

WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUE

JUNE

Traditional Chinese Medicine plus: Holistic Vision and Dentistry

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS

THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER

203-885-4674 eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2019

display ad index HEALTHY LIVING

HEALTHY PLANET

2019 EDITORIAL CALENDAR

APR

Feature: Lyme Disease Plus: Evolving Living Arrangements

WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUE

MAY JUNE

Feature: Personal Empowerment Plus: Mysticism and Medicine Feature: Traditional Chinese Medicine Plus: Holistic Vision and Dentistry

LOCAL FOOD ISSUE

JULY AUG

Feature: Urban and Suburban Agriculture Plus: Natural Beauty

NOV DEC

Features: Sound, Music, Yoga and Dance Therapies Plus: Vibrant at Any Age Features: Chiropractic and Orthopedic Care Plus: Healing with Frequencies Feature: Hormonal Health Plus: Natural Sleep Solutions and Healthy Home Feature: Uplifting Humanity Plus: Earth-Friendly Holidays

The Angel Cooperative

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

Lori Bach/Zentangle

Ohempo 47

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical

Optimal Health Medical/ Henry Sobo, MD

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental

Center for Green Building

Chamomille Natural Foods

Clean Food 4 Ur Type/ Eliana Grubel

CopperZap 71

Robin Ordan, LMT

Robin Ordan, LCSW

Pawsitive Education

Possibilities Farm

Put It Together

Qi Revolution

49 & 72

Ann Reeves

The Ridgefield Playhouse

Roseann Capanna-Hodge & Associates

Custom Candle Co.

Embody the Sacred

Energy Space

Eyecare Associates

Final Journey LLC

Sarah Rotella/Enlightenment Center 46

Pamela D. George, DC, LLC

The Ruby Tree

Go Organics LLC

Salon Aponte

Saltana Cave

The Graduate Institute Harbor Harvest

Salt Cave of Darien

Haute Healing Oasis

Salt of the Earth Healing Arts Sanctuary

Holistic Chamber of Commerce 29 Holistic Psychotherapy

Hunter Healing Hands

Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition 38 Jiiva Yoga and Wellness Center 27 David L. Lerner, DDS/ Center for Holistic Dentistry David London, MD The Market

43 5 39

Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center 31 & 47 60

Natural Health & Wellness Center 20

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

New Morning Market

NA Franchise Sales

DEPARTMENTS

Hilda Demirjian Laser Center 19

ALIGNMENT & LONGEVITY ISSUE

OCT

Nature’s Way Health Foods

AcuBlend/Dr. Sian James

HempWorx 11

Feature: Autism Spectrum Plus: Healthy Relationships

HEALING MUSIC & MOVEMENT ISSUE

SEPT

203TLC 3

Nature’s Rite

Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Salt of the Earth Spa

Tom Scally/The Bridge

Nancy Scherlong, LCSW

Victoria Shaw, PhD

Soul Healing Journey/ Academy for Soul Healing

Sustainne 42 The Tapping Practice

Total U Health & Wellness Center

Touch of Sedona

Two Coyotes Wilderness School 10 Unity Center of Norwalk 18 Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center

Wellness Institute/ Marvin Schweitzer, ND

Whole Foods Market

Wolf Spirit Wellness

Yoga Culture

Copper in new device prevents cold and flu last holidays,” she said. “The kids had colds going around, but not me.” Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” Some say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.” Copper may even stop flu if used earNew research: Copper stops colds if used early. ly and for several days. Lab technicians ew research shows you can went away completely.” It worked again placed 25 million live flu viruses on a stop a cold in its tracks if you CopperZap. No viruses were found alive every time he felt a cold coming on and take one simple step with a soon after. he hasn’t had a cold since. new device when you feel a cold about People have used it on cold sores He asked relatives and friends to try to start. and say it can completely prevent ugly it. They said it worked for them, too, so Colds start when cold viruses get in outbreaks. You can also rub it gently he patented CopperZap™ and put it on your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you on wounds, cuts, or lesions to combat the market. don’t stop them early, they spread in infections. Soon hundreds of people had tried it your airways and cause misery. The handle is curved and finely texand given feedback. Nearly 100% said But scientists have found a quick tured to improve the copper stops way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. colds if used withcontact. It kills in 3 hours after the Researchers at labs and universities germs picked up first sign. Even up agree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills on fingers and microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, to 2 days, if they hands to protect still get the cold it just by touch. you and your That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyp- is milder and they family. tians used copper to purify water and feel better. Copper even heal wounds. They didn’t know about Users wrote kills deadly germs Sinus trouble, stuffiness, cold sores. that have become viruses and bacteria, but now we do. things like, “It Scientists say the high conductance stopped my cold right away,” and “Is it resistant to antibiotics. If you are near of copper disrupts the electrical balsupposed to work that fast?” sick people, a moment of handling it ance in a microbe cell, destroying it in Pat McAllister, age 70, received one may keep serious infection away. It may seconds. as a gift and called it “one of the best even save a life. Tests by the Environmental Protecpresents ever. This little jewel really The EPA says copper still works tion Agency (EPA) show germs die fast works.” Now thousands of users have even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of on copper. Some hospitals tried copper stopped getting colds. different disease germs so it can prevent for surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. People often use CopperZap preserious or even fatal illness. ventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci This cut the spread of MRSA and other CopperZap is made in the U.S. of used to get colds after crowded flights. illnesses by over half, and saved lives. pure copper. It has a 90-day full money Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave back guarantee when used as directed times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When to stop a cold. It is $69.95. Get $10 off “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” he felt a cold coming on he fashioned each CopperZap with code NATA9. Businesswoman Rosaleen says when a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Go to www.CopperZap.com or call people are sick around her she uses Cop- toll-free 1-888-411-6114. gently in his nose for 60 seconds. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold perZap morning and night. “It saved me Buy once, use forever.

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