Natural Awakenings April 2019

EE R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

Honoring

Earth Day Local Events & Celebrations

Breaking ‘Grid-Lock’

Time to Declare Energy Independence

Special Edition

LYME DISEASE

Nest Evolution When Parents Come Home

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

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The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center z

The Natural Choice

Optimize Your Smile and Your Health!

Whole-Body Dentistry® 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 DENTISTRY®

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 | 203-371-0300 | 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

Insomnia Lyme Disease Sports Injuries Stress-related Symptoms Thyroid & Adrenal Issues Toxicities Weight Gain

Difficulting Concentrating Female Concerns Fibromyalgia Gastrointestinal Concerns Healthy Aging Hormonal Issues Immune Disorders

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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

Elena Sokolova, MD, ND Oriental Medicine Female Health

Hyperbaric Oxygen Neurofeedback Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Homeopathy Energy Medicine

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

3-Days AMAZING Qigong Healing $199 Experience More ENERGY

Reverse Disease with FOOD

Learn Powerful Qigong Exercises, Breathing Techniques, Strength Training and a proven system of Food-Healing!

In this seminar 50,000+ people have attended you will learn: 1) BREATH Empowerment to Make Endorphins, Bliss, Gratitude 2) QIGONG Healing Routines Everyone Enjoys Practicing 3) FOOD Healing Science Proven to Help Reverse Disease 4) STRENGTH Training Qi Exercises for Peaceful Warriors 5) MASSAGE Hands on Healing Methods for Pain Free Living

“My stress has gone down dramatically since attending Qi Revolution and learning Qigong. Doing 9 Breath Method gave me a new understanding of what breathing exercises can accomplish.” Perrin Clark, MD, Surgeon

“After attending Qi Revolution... I FEEL THE ENERGY more powerfully now than I ever thought possible!” -Rev. Ojela Frank, Author, Reiki Master

“I learned more about FOOD-HEALING in 4 hours at the Qi Revolution than at Medical School! Science is valid, well documented and many of my patients have restored health on this program.” Claudia Gabrielle, MD Physician

Danbury, CT

Amber Room Colonnade

SATURDAY - SUNDAY- MONDAY $199 All 3-Days 9am-6pm

April 13th-15th, 2019 www.QiRevolution.com (800)-298-8970

*Seating is Limited *CE Approved Program April 2019

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Contents

Master’s Programs for Teachers

Thrive, Not Just Survive in the 21st Century!

22 EARTH DAY

SPOTLIGHTS SPECIES

22

Protection Is the Focus of 2019 Campaign

28 POWER SWITCH

Master of Arts Degrees and 6th Year Equivalent Programs Increase Your Salary — Affordable Payments 1 Weekend Per Month — 2 Years

The Graduate Institute’s Masters Degrees are subject-specific approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education

The Graduate Institute is a stateaccredited graduate school dedicated to promoting an Integrative and Holistic Worldview through the study of Health, Wellness, Education and Personal and Professional Transformation.

Voted #1 Holistic School!

M.A. Integrative Health & Healing

M.A. Learning and Thinking Explore a philosophy of education rooted in relationship, holism, and meaning in this program that is predicated on establishing a New Culture of Learning while developing the knowledge, skills, competencies, and imagination needed for a world in constant flux.

M.A. Writing and Oral Traditions Discover your authentic voice and create compelling written work through study with best-selling authors, professional editors, award-winning oral storytellers, recognized playwrights, acclaimed literary critics and renowned scholars. Plus, access to TGI’s Publishing Center to help you get your first book published.

www.learn.edu • 203.874.4252 171 Amity Road, Bethany, CT Off Campus Programs Offered in Fairfield County

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

34 MISSING LINKS?

Connect the Dots Between Lyme and Mental Health

36 HEALING CHRONIC

LYME DISEASE

Patients Navigate These Six Stages

36

38 EMERGING LYME

DISEASE TREATMENTS

Changing Lives with Intriguing Methods

46 NEST EVOLUTION

Learn about the harmonious functioning of all the dimensions that constitute the human being in this Master of Arts Program. Examines the importance of health, wellness and mindfulness from a holistic perspective, exploring prevention and healing.

Taking a Home Off the Grid

When Parents Come Home

50 INTO THE WOODS

Hiking for Health and Happiness

52 SAVING A DROP

46

TO DRINK

Our Role in the Coming Water Crisis

54 WELCOMING A NEW

ANIMAL INTO YOUR FAMILY

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 17 film brief 18 health briefs 20 global briefs 22 earth day events 32 lyme briefs 44 lyme profiles 50 fit body

eNaturalAwakenings.com

52 green living 54 naturally

healthy pet 56 natural pet 58 calendar 62 classified 63 resource guide 70 inspiration 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.

28 50

–Join Us–

find solutions through prayer with international speaker Enrique Smeke

first ar e you r e ady to take th e

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step?

Discover the value of prayer to heal through The Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy will be available at the lecture.

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.

tradUna al ucción de e espa ser d sta con ñol ado fe r e po n

3:30 PM r el Sr. Smcia eke DE L A T 4:30 pm A RD en el for E o

International Speaker

Enrique Smeke, CSB A Christian Science Practitioner, Teacher and member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.

saturday

april 27th

2019

2:00-3:00 pm Free Admission Open to the Public

norwalk community college

- Gen Re Forum -

east campus - 188 Richards Ave Norwalk, CT 06854 Church of Christ, Scientist, Darien and sponsored by First First Church of Christ, Scientist, Westport

For more information call 203-655-2772 or visit christianscienceCT.org

April 2019

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

FAIRFIELD COUNTY/ HOUSATONIC VALLEY PUBLISHER Nicole Miale EDITORS Michelle Bense Ariana Rawls Fine DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carrie Brady Michelle Bense Jim Motavalli Ariana Rawls Fine SALES & MARKETING Alexa Ferrucci Nicole Miale WEBSITE Erica Mills DISTRIBUTION Man in Motion LLC

CONTACT US 137 Danbury Rd, #323, New Milford, CT 06776 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne

NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth

MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett

ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave 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.

letter from publisher

I

’m sure I’m not the only person in the Northeast who owns pets and cringes at the discovery of the first tick of the spring season. I’ve been finding them on the animals in droves already. It makes me despair a bit because I know too much about the nasty stuff those ticks might be carrying. It is sad to acknowledge, but my enjoyment in being outdoors during certain times of the year has definitely lessened.

Hiking is one of my favorite pastimes, but once the weather warms I become less eager to head into the woods.

Nicole Miale

It’s hard to walk down the street (or a hiking trail) in our area without bumping into someone who has dealt with tick-borne disease, whether it was a personal illness or they cared for someone else. We’ve all been touched by Lyme disease, or know someone who has. Of all the topics we have covered in the magazine over the years, Lyme disease is by far the one I am asked about most. People ask at events for copies of long-ago issues with Lyme-related articles. They call, text or email me asking for recommendations and referrals of places to go and practitioners to see.

No matter their specific circumstances, their driving need for better information and increased options for feeling better is palpable.

This is why we have once again devoted a spring edition to Lyme disease and related infections, timed to coincide with the increase of outdoor activities and likely exposure to ticks and their scourges. In Western Connecticut, we are fortunate indeed to have many skilled Lyme-literate practitioners of varying specialties. We asked several of them to weigh in this month on different aspects of healing. As you will read, it is possible to heal and recover from Lyme disease and its co-infections, but the process is not what conventional medicine would have us believe. We asked several other local practitioners to share details about novel and effective treatments for Lyme disease they discovered during their own healing journeys.

There are two powerhouse Lyme education conferences in the Northeast over the next two months; the first is in Augusta, Maine, at the end of this month while the second is in Danbury in mid-May. Both events provide incomparable opportunities to learn, share and be inspired about the potential for recovery from Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Speaking of great events, Earth Day is April 22 and in honor of our planet, there are many fun celebrations planned all over the area this month. We will be at some of these and look forward to seeing you there!

With love and light,

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

See our display advertiser index on page 70.

Making it easier to find the resources you need. 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.

April 2019

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news briefs

Munk Pack Launches Newest Protein Cookie

Women’s Sustainability Networking Event

reenwich-based Munk Pack, maker of nutritious, ready-to-eat snacks for on-thego lifestyles, has launched the newest flavor addition to their signature Protein Cookie line: Snickerdoodle. With 18 grams of plant-based protein and 6 grams of fiber per cookie, the new Snickerdoodle Protein Cookie is power-packed.

“With the launch of the Snickerdoodle Protein Cookie, we’re thrilled to offer a new flavor option to fuel our consumers’ daily lives and help them stay healthy on-the-go,” shares Michelle Glienke, Co-Founder of Munk Pack. “Munk Pack was an innovator in the category by releasing the first Protein Cookie line that was both vegan and gluten-free. We take great pride in continuing to push the flavor boundaries for our consumers that embrace our commitment to creating high-quality, great-tasting products.”

Snickerdoodle joins Munk Pack’s Protein Cookie portfolio, which includes Double Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Coconut White Chip Macadamia and Oatmeal Raisin Spice.

All Munk Pack Protein Cookies are Gluten-Free Certified, Vegan Certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher and include no soy, no dairy, no cholesterol, no trans fats and no sugar alcohols.

Munk Pack continues to gain distribution with the addition of REI stores to its roster of retailers. Munk Pack’s fast moving retail expansion brings to life the brand’s mission of providing better-for-you snacks that cater to various dietary lifestyles and nutritional goals.

o inspire conversation on how individuals and organizations are bringing sustainability to your doorstep, Earth, Wine & Fi-nance will take place on April 11 from 6 to 8pm at Serendipity Labs in Stamford. This women-only networking evening is hosted by Envest Asset Management.

Experts in their fields, the panelists are leaders of Connecticut-based enterprises with a mission to make our lives more sustainable. Guest speakers include newly elected CT Senator Will Haskell and the panel will include the following: Samantha Dynowski, Executive Director of Connecticut Chapter Sierra Club; Jen Gorin, Founder of Impact Growth Partners; Analiese Paik, Founder of Sustainne; and Rhonda Sherwood, Founder of Sherwood Green Life.

Attendees will learn: a deeper understanding of current legislative actions taken by policy makers and change agents; how local businesses are creating products that are high quality, cost competitive and sustainable; how companies are integrating sustainability into their business strategy; the types of products that are often overlooked that could be hazardous to the environment and your health; and how to incorporate sustainability into your lifestyle.

The event costs $20, including hors d’oeuvres and cleancrafted wine from Scout & Cellar. All proceeds benefit the Sierra Club of Connecticut.

The Munk Pack Protein Cookies retail at Target in 4-packs for $6.99, and can also be purchased at REI, Amazon, MunkPack. com and more. For more information or to find a Munk Pack retailer near you, visit MunkPack.com.

Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/ EarthWineFinance or envestam.com/ewf. Location: Serendipity Labs, 700 Canal St, Stamford.

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2019

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Volunteer in Sticks and Stones Giving Garden

news briefs

Register for Flanders Field & Forest 5K

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arly registration is open for the 2019 Flanders Field & Forest 5K, which will take place at 6pm on June 7 at the Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary in Woodbury. This is more than a regular trail run; it is designed for runners and walkers of all ages. Register by May 5 for the lowest race fees as well as a free t-shirt.

The Field & Forest 5K is an all-age walk/run through the woods and fields of Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, officially timed by Fast Track Timing. Enjoy the picturesque nature sanctuary and a post-race celebration with local food trucks, craft beer and live entertainment with the rock band Root Six.

Registration also includes two food items and, for those over 21, a complimentary craft beer. Fees for registrants over 12 years old: $35 through May 26; $40 through June 6; $45 on race day. For registrants 12 years old and under: $30 through June 6; $35 on race day.

This event is rain or shine, however, Flanders reserves the right to cancel in the event of lightning. Due to the terrain this event cannot accommodate strollers or pets on the course. The trail run/walk benefits Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust.

For more information, call 203-263-3711 or visit FlandersNatureCenter.org. Register online at LightboxReg.com/flanders-fieldforest-trail-5k-run_2019. Location: Church Hill Rd, Woodbury.

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n partnership with Two Coyotes Wilderness School, the historic Sticks and Stones Vegetable Garden is currently recruiting volunteers to help expand so they can grow as much food as possible. Volunteers are needed every Saturday in April, from 8:30am to 12:30pm, to prep for the growing season.

This pristine organic lot along Huntingtown Road has never been touched with any chemicals or fertilizers. The produce has always been colorful, nutritious and delicious, which says much about the land it is grown on.

Volunteers will be working on: cleaning winter debris from the garden beds, securing and patching the surrounding fence, rebuilding a stone supporting wall, mulching the walkways, sifting the soil, applying compost and organizing the layout of crops. Some tools are available for shared use, but if you have some basic gardening tools, please bring them with you (shovels, rakes). Wear comfortable clothes, dress weather-appropriate and wear shoes you can get muddy. Water, coffee and snacks will be provided for everyone.

There will be limited CSA shares available to help cover costs and they plan to donate a lot of fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits to local food banks. Limited parking is available at the garden just north of Maltbie Road. Additional parking is at the main lot at 201 Huntingtown Road. It’s a short walk down to the garden from there.

For more information, email Sean Fitzpatrick at Sean@33VFitness.com.

Location: Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

Natural Health and Wellness Center Comprehensive, holistic healthcare in a relaxed, nurturing environment.

Blending advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, time-honored healing arts for you and your family.

Lisa Singley, ND, MS Lorie Gumbs-Tyler, ND

203-874-4333

SERVICES OFFERED:

CONDITIONS TREATED:

Acupuncture Biofeedback Craniosacral Therapy Freqency Specific Microcurrent Therapy Homeopathy Naturopathic Medicine Pain Management Annual Exams Gynecology Exams

Acute & Chronic Endocrine: adrenal, thyroid, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances Cardiovascular Gastrointestinal Fatigue and Sleep Issues Weight Loss Programs Auto-immune disorders

2103 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615 www.nhawc.com 10

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Schedule a consultation and receive 20% off all recommended supplements.

Most health insurance plans accepted.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Food, Art and Gifts at Westport Outdoor Market

S

avvy + Grace and The Pretty Farmer have organized an open air market on April 28 from 10am to 4pm, featuring delicious foods and gifts. The event will take place in the parking lot behind Savvy + Grace in Westport. The offerings will be a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art, crafts, upcycled goods, artisan foods and more.

The outdoor market includes an eclectic diversified mix of artisans and vendors from all over Connecticut. Bringing back a community gathering vibe to downtown, this event is suitable for the whole family. Rain date will be the following Sunday, May 5.

Savvy + Grace is a local Westport shop featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories, home, bath, customizable gifts and more products for the savvy shopper. The Pretty Farmer teaches and employs local Bridgeport area women how to cook delicious food and empowers them to start their own companies. They offer local honey, fresh homemade food, empanadas, salsas, sandwiches, casseroles and food delivery.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/events/408602053282807.

Location: Parking lot behind Savvy + Grace, 146 Main St, Westport.

Healing Weekend Retreat at Still Waters Pond

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he Still Waters Retreat Center, in Voluntown, will host a Spring Into Healing: Chinese Medicine and Wild Foraging for Renewal of the Body and Mind retreat, from 4pm on April 26 to 2pm on April 28. The few days at the serene Still Waters Pond will serve to clear the winter cobwebs and prepare our bodies and minds for the energy of the upcoming summer months.

Beautiful nature will be all around to help us disconnect, so we can focus on ourselves and the weekend’s programming.

The weekend will include qigong and yoga, an introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine, a guided foraging walk, drumming for wellness, organic meals, comfortable on-site accommodations and a bonfire, as well as opportunities for Thai massage, individual consultations, Reiki and flight therapy, among other things.

The cost for the retreat is $697 per person.

For more information, email Yasemin@EvrenEvents.com or visit Facebook.com/EvrenEvents or StillWatersPond.com/events. Location: Still Waters Retreat Center, 280 Shetucket Tpke, Voluntown, CT.

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 April 2019

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news briefs

Spring Festival By the Baby Yagas

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n April 13, the CWPN will be presenting its Spring Festival by the Baby Yagas at Sticks & Stones Farm in Newtown. This event will combine the celebration of Ostara and Betaine­—the last two spring celebrations. The day event, held from 10am to 5pm, will include: ritual, maypole, craft class, vendors, egg hunt, nature walk, drumming, bonfire, food truck and prize drawings. It will be held outside, rain or shine.

The CWPN, Inc., is a not-for-profit educational and networking organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the greater Wiccan and Pagan community in Connecticut and surrounding areas. The goal was, and is, to help provide a forum for Wiccans and Pagans to meet others of “like mind” and to come together and worship in a safe environment. Their hope has been to construct a sense of “community” in which we can all share with and learn from one another.

For more information, email President@cwpn.org. Cost: $10 member/$15 non-members, and free for children under 12.

Location: Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Psychic Fair in Memory of Melanie Ronner

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elanie Ronner, a student and graduate of UConn Stamford, passed away from a rare cancer in August of 2016 at the age of 27, the only child of two grieving parents. Her friends suggested to her parents they start a memorial scholarship fund for two deserving UConn students. Her mother decided to organize a psychic fair in her honor. The first one was such a success, she will be holding another on April 20, from 11am Melanie Ronner to 4pm, at the Stamford UConn campus.

The fair will include mediumship, psychic, tarot and palmistry readings as well as Reiki/spirit healing. The event will also introduce Spirit Art with medium Bobby Kitsios, who will bring in the passed spirit, then draw who he sees—truly amazing to witness. There will also be a boutique filled with handmade jewelry by A Touch of Destiny, crystals and clothing.

For more information and appointments, email Pam Ronner at TouchOfDestiny804@aol.com or visit Facebook.com/ events/358986624880479. Location: Downtown Stamford UConn campus, across from Target.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Qi Revolution Comes to Danbury

Organic Lawn, Garden and Land Care

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i Revolution, the largest qigong event in North America, has been praised by experts in yoga and naturopathic medicine. The three-day training will be available Jeff Primack in Danbury from April 13 to 15 at the Amber Room Colonnade. During the event, qigong exercises and food-based healing are taught in detail by Qigong Practitioner Jeff Primack and 20 other instructors. With hundreds of people harnessing healing qi, the energy will be strong.

Experiencing ourselves as pure energy for even one minute is the ultimate “reset button” to relieve stress and improve focus. The 9-Breath Method, a signature technique taught to over 50,000 live people at Qi Revolution, supports this transformation. Oxygen retention and pulsation of breath is the secret of the masters and few courses offer this level of comprehensive instruction.

Primack, a 20-year qigong practitioner, healed himself of lifelong asthma and through his workshops has helped others discover the secrets of maximizing their own healing potential. During the first day, instructors teach guests level one qigong healing and breathing applications, and move into even more powerful breathing applications on days two and three.

The program cost is $199 for all three days. Advance registration is required.

For more information, call 800-298-8970 or visit QiRevolution.com. Location: Amber Room Colonnade, 1 Stacey Rd, Danbury. See ad, page 3.

Time passes irrevocably. ~Virgil

Organic Lawn Perennial Plant Care Lawn Maintenance

Organic Vegetable Garden Lawn Seeding & Renovations Organic Tick Control

Safe for you, your children, pets

CT HIC #0617420 • B-2670

and the environment

860-935-5235 • GoOrganicLLc.com Victoria F. Shaw, PhD, LPC

Intuitive & Consultant LPC Shaw, PhD, F.Psychotherapist Victoria

Intuitive Psychotherapist & Consultant Combining the best of traditional

psychotherapy with intuitive guidance in Combining the best of traditional psychotherapy with working with children, teens and adults. intuitive guidance in working with children, teens and adults.

Offices in Wilton, Westport and Fairfield.

Offices in Wilton and Westport www.victoriashawpsychotherapy.com

www.victoriashawintuitive.com VictoriaShawPsychotherapy.com • VictoriaShawIntuitive.com 203-254-3403 •• vfshawphd@gmail.com 203-254-3403 vfshawphd@gmail.com

Fast, Easy, Natural & Successful Get relief in minutes!

Diane Bahr-Groth CHy, TFTdx

Hypnosis . Thought Field Therapy Calm Kids & Stress-Less Solutions NLP . Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis Support for Cancer Patients & Caregivers

Call 203-595-0110 for a FREE Consultation Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

Trauma Weight Loss Sleep Fear Smoking Anger Chronic Pain Sports Anxiety Stress

1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT Mindbodytransformation.com 203 595-0110

April 2019

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Family Holistic Wellness Brunch & Panel

news briefs

Terrain Coffee and Conversation: A Horticulture Lecture Series

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errain has launched a horticulture lecture series led by Angela Trucks, Terrain Westport Designer and Master Gardener, with nine events from April 13 through July 13. Lectures will be held in the café or nursery, weather permitting, and are offered on select Saturdays from 9 to 10:30am. Coffee is included.

Following the lecture, participants may shop for relevant nursery products at a 10 percent discount. As a gift for the gardener in your life, lectures may also be purchased individually online for $20.

Dates and lecture topics are as follows: April 13 – Growing a Vegetable Garden; April 27 – Pruning for Health and Beauty; May 11 – Rose Growing 101; May 18 – Not Your Usual Shrubs; May 25 – Gardening for Color with Annuals; June 1 – Shade Gardening; June 8 – Flutter and Buzz, Planting for Pollinators; June 15 – Adding Distinction with Containers; July 13 – The Beauty of Grasses.

For online event purchases and workshop registration, visit ShopTerrain.com/ westport-events. Location: Terrain, 561 Post Rd E, Westport.

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airfield’s Spirit School of Connecticut will hold a panel discussion and brunch titled “Family Holistic Wellness”, on April 7 from 9:30am to 1pm. Join a panel of doctors, counselors and experts on how to apply holistic wellness practices to your family and personal life. A delicious brunch will be provided by Jessica Bengtson, Executive Chef at Terrain, and there will be expert sound healing

by Suzanna Antal Proietti from Wellness Wisdom Inspires.

A Meet and Greet will take place from 9:30 to 10:30am and the panel discussion will go from 10:30am to noon, followed by sound healing from noon until 1pm. Brunch will be served from 10am to 1pm.

Panelists include: Dr. Neil Patel; Haley Addis, MS, CCCSLP; Emily Bevelaqua, MMT, MT-BC; Lisa Donohue-Olivieri, ATR-BC, LPC, LADC; Kathy Katts, AP, CLC, CMI, RMT, RYT; Ingrid Prueher; and Jolene Burch, MOTR/L.

The cost to attend the event is $55.

For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/ FamilyWellnessBrunch. Location: Spirit School of Connecticut, 85 Mill Plain Rd, Unit M, Fairfield.

This Medicine of the Future is Here Now! PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatments & Adult Stem Cell Therapy Advances in Regenerative Medicine allow Dr. Henry Sobo to offer these cutting edge technologies.

PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma Stem Cell Therapy

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A natural and safe, non-surgical method for healing: • PRP for Hair Restoration • PRP for Arthritis/Joints • PRP for Erectile Dysfunction

• Arthritis / joint problems–avoid steroids and surgeries.

• Stem cells for your joints are being used by leading doctors and institutions around the country.

• Stem cells are being applied for an expanding list of many other conditions.

Call for your FREE CONSULTATION with Henry C. Sobo, M.D. to see if these new, safe and natural therapies are for you.

203-348-8805 Optimal Health Medical, LLC | 111 High Ridge Rd. Stamford, CT 06905 | www.drsobo.com 14

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Transformation Center CT Opens in Westport

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he new Transformation Center CT has opened in Westport, at 7 Reimer Road.

As part of a Holy House that is dedicated to transformation, the Center will support the evolution of consciousness of the planet. Extensive work done by Spiritual Masters enhances the energy and supports the mission of the Center.

To help kick off the Center’s opening, join us for Satsang – “In the Company of the Truth” – held the fourth Wednesday of each month this spring. The upcoming dates are April 24, May 22 and June 26. Doors open at 7pm for quiet contemplation, with the program beginning at 7:30pm, consisting of a talk, guided meditation and chanting, concluding with Darshan/Blessing. Offerings of gratitude are lovingly received when Darshan (Blessing) is given.

Program ends at 8:30pm, followed by light refreshments until 9pm.

Mataji Katie Augustyn is the Spiritual Head of the Center, offering individual clients transformation coaching, energy healing and Shamanic sessions. The Center will host trainings in Moment to Moment Zen, Spiritual Leadership and Karttikeyan Yoga Nidra, as well as retreats to be announced. Spaces are available to support other programs and practitioners.

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Bible and more information or to register for Satsang, contact Katie ry BakerFor Eddy

Augustyn at 203-820-3800, TransformationCenterCT@gmail.com or TransformationCenterCT.com. See ad, page XX.

Free Enrique Smeke Talk in Norwalk

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oin international speaker, Enrique Smeke, a teacher and practitioner of Christian Science and member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, for a free talk entitled “Are You Ready to Take the First Step?” on the East Campus of Norwalk Community College on April 27 at 2pm.

The same talk will be given in Spanish at Enrique Smeke 3:30pm. The talk, sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Darien, is open to the public.

Discover with Smeke the great value in taking the first step norwalk toward a solution. He will share ideas and spiritual ways that community college you can find and use by turning to the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. e a s tWhen cam p uare s in a difficult situation, often the most imporyou 1 8 8 R i c h a r d s Av e Norwalk , CT 06854 tant and first step toward a solution is turning to God for help.

If it feels as if you are stuck in health, business or relationship Scientist, problems, Darien and there are spiritual, practical tools you have at hand to Scientist, Westport find a way out. Discover the value of prayer to heal. anscienceCT.org

Gen Re Forum

For more information, call 203-655-2772 or visit csnyc.com/event/ are-you-ready-to-take-the-first-step. Location: Norwalk Community College, East Campus, Gen Re Forum, 188 Richards Ave, Norwalk.

See ad, page 5.

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news briefs

Nexus Green Now a USDA-certified ‘Green Product’

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onnecticut-based Safe Harbour Products, Inc. has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product label for its product, Nexus Green. Nexus Green Lubricating and Penetrating Solution, a non-toxic product that is safe to use around children, pets and food, is now certified eco-friendly and able to display a unique USDA label that highlights its percentage of biobased content.

Nexus Green is a proprietary formula that penetrates, lubricates and even cleans. In addition, it is odorless, Prop-65 compliant, 70 percent sustainable, non-flammable and non-hazardous.

Nexus Green can silence squeaky hinges, lubricate old bike chains, remove scuff marks off the floor, clean the gunk from machinery gears and more.

It is safe to be used outdoors or indoors without toxic fumes or other associated dangers.

The USDA Certified Biobased Product label displays the portion of a product that comes from a renewable source, such as plants, animals, marine life or forestry feedstocks.

These renewable, biobased materials replace non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals.

Biobased products are cost-comparative, readily available, and perform as well as or better than their conventional counterparts.

“With the addition of the USDA BioPreferred logo, Nexus Green has become easily identifiable as a proven eco-friendly lubricant for anyone not only interested in solving their lubrication issue, but doing so in a safe and environmentally friendly way,” says Bill Woodworth, Safe Harbour’s COO. For more information, visit NxsGreen.com.

CONNECTICUT'S LOCALSUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE DESTINATION IS SUSTAINNE.COM Our actions and decisions today will shape our future. Visit us to get inspired and shop responsibly.

Exhibitor Call for Red Pill Expo The Red Pill Expo will be held in Hartford at the XL Center, June 7 to 9. With keynote speakers such as G. Edward Griffin, Robert Kiyosaki, Del Bigtree and Dr. Zach Bush, it is the major annual event of Red Pill University, focused on gaining a different, deeper understanding on multiple subjects that affect our daily lives and our world but may be contrary to commonly held beliefs. Topics include the federal reserve, homeschooling, glyphosate, 5G, vaccinations, bionutrient food, cryptocurrency, precious metals and others.

The Red Pill Expo is accepting applications for vendors with products in alignment with the abovementioned topics. In addition to a table, chairs and power, exhibitor benefits include a slide on the Main Screen, an insert in the event bag and three discounted event registration tickets. The price is $800 before May 31. Featured exhibitors receive a 1/3-page program ad and a three-minute “elevator speech” on the Main Stage; the speech will also be included in the LiveStream for a global audience. The price for featured exhibitors is $1,100 before May 31.

The event is expected to have an attendance of close to 1,000 people in addition to those watching on the global Livestream feed. For attendees, there are a limited number of VIP passes, which include a meet and greet buffet lunch and keynote banquet dinner with Red Pill Expo speakers and the independent media team. It is encouraged to purchase the VIP passes soon before they run out.

Interested exhibitors can apply at Info@RedPillExpo.org. For more information, visit RedPillExpo.org.

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film brief

DARIEN’S LUXURIOUS SALT CAVE C

Our Planet

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Ten years after the groundbreaking documentary Planet Earth, an eightpart sequel, Our Planet, shows even more rapturous scenes of our planet’s most precious species and fragile habitats. Premiering globally April 5 on Netflix, it was filmed during four years in 50 countries across every continent, involving more than 600 film crew members and 3,500 days spent in such habitats as the remote Arctic wilderness, the vast landscapes of Africa and the diverse jungles of South America.

The series, narrated by worldrenowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough, is a joint venture of Netflix, the World Wildlife Federation and Silverback Films, whose director Alastair Fothergill was the creator of the critically acclaimed original Planet Earth and Blue Planet series.

“Our Planet will take viewers on a spectacular journey of discovery showcasing the beauty and fragility of our natural world,” says Attenborough. “Today, we have become the greatest threat to the health of our home, but there’s still time for us to address the challenges we’ve created, if we act now. We need the world to pay attention.”

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April 2019

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The heavy use of household cleaning disinfectants may contribute to changes in infant gut bacteria and weight gain, reports a new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. University of Alberta researchers collected fecal samples and studied the gut health of 757 babies between the ages of 3 and 4 months; then restudied the children at 1 and 3 years old. They found that children in households that used disinfectants at least once a week had higher body mass index (BMI) scores and elevated levels of Lachnospiraceae, gut microbes linked in other studies to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. Babies in households that used vinegar or other eco-friendly cleaners had lower BMI scores and much lower levels of a family of bacteria that includes E. coli.

Twin Design/Shutterstock.com

Drinking lots of sugar-sweetened sodas and juices significantly increases the risk of chronic kidney disease, reports a new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Using health questionnaires for 3,003 African-American adults in Jackson, Mississippi, covering a 13-year period, the researchers found that the top third of subjects, those consuming the most sugarsweetened drinks, were 61 percent more likely to develop kidney disease than those in the bottom third.

Smoking Bans Lower Blood Pressure Non-smokers that live in areas that have banned smoking in public spaces such as restaurants, bars and workplaces have lower systolic blood pressure. In a Northwestern University study reported by the American Heart Association, blood pressure readings of 5,115 adults ages 18 to 30 in Birmingham, Chicago, Minneapolis and Oakland were taken over a 30-year period and correlated with changes in local laws that banned public smoking. A meaningful decrease in systolic blood pressure readings was found in non-smokers when no-smoking laws were enacted, indicating a reduction in heart disease risk.

Vdant85/Shutterstock.com

Household Cleaning Products Affect Babies’ Guts and Weight

OnlyFOOD/Shutterstock.com

Sugary Drinks Linked to Kidney Disease

health briefs

Sperm counts have plunged by half in the last 40 years among American and European men, according to a recent review of scientific studies. In a new doubleblind study of 56 infertile men, researchers at Iran’s Qazvin University of Medical Sciences found that curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, can boost sperm counts. Each day for 10 weeks, half of the men took 80 milligrams of curcumin nanomicelle, in which curcumin is better absorbed; the other 28 were given a placebo. The researchers found that the curcumin significantly boosted sperm count and motility.

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Curcumin Boosts Fertility in Men

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Support Citizen Action Against Plastics Every minute, the equivalent of an entire garbage truck of plastic gets dumped into our oceans, reports the World Economic Forum. Many of the materials are disposable, single-use plastic products like straws, bags and Styrofoam containers, which some cities and towns have banned. This type of citizen action is increasingly blocked by the Plastic Industry Association (PIA), which has spent big money to successfully ban plastic bag ordinances in 10 states where 70 million Americans live. This means local communities are prohibited from taking effective action that could reduce the plastics that litter our streets and pollute our waterways.

The Sierra Club is calling on nine major corporations that are members of the PIA to withdraw from it with an online petition. So far, two have indicated they will not be renewing their memberships this year: Clorox (which owns companies like Burt’s Bees, Brita and Glad) and the Ascena Retail Group (which includes Ann Taylor and Loft).

To participate, sign the online petition at Tinyurl.com/ PlasticPollutionPetition. Other action steps, including tweeting and involving friends, are also detailed.

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GMO Labeling Diluted

Under final rules released by the current administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s national labeling standard for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) completely exempts foods made with highly processed ingredients grown with GMOs, including sugar made from sugar beets, high-fructose corn syrup and refined soybean and canola oils. The change will allow 78 percent of products containing GMOs to avoid disclosure, according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Companies don’t have to comply until January 1, 2022, and the new labels will use the term “bioengineered” instead of more common identifiers like “genetically engineered” or “GMO”. Small businesses, to-go food prepared at grocery stores, and meat, eggs or dairy from animals that are fed GMOs, which involves virtually all livestock not certified organic, are exempt from the labeling requirements.

Over Dose

Citrus Crops to Receive Human Antibiotics

Scientists at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressed concern over a recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that opens the door to widespread use of the antibiotics streptomycin and oxytetracycline to spray commercial citrus crops. The antibiotics, which are often used on people, can kill insects that transmit a bacterium that causes citrus greening, which renders fruit small and bitter. But the EPA ultimately ruled that the economic benefits outweigh concerns about antibiotic resistance and potential harm to the environment, people and wildlife. The USDA says the amount of antibiotic exposure to people who eat fruit or juices still will be far less than what people are exposed to when prescribed antibiotics by their doctor. The antibiotics will have to be sprayed repeatedly over years just to keep the trees alive and producing fruit until they succumb to citrus greening. Public interest groups are protesting the action.

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Muddled Message

Environmental risks are the top three concerns among the 1,000 global decision-makers surveyed in the latest Global Risks Perception Survey of the World Economic Forum (WEF). For the third straight year, “extreme weather” ranked first, followed by “failed climate change mitigation” and “natural disasters”.

The survey was part of a WEF annual report produced in advance of the recent confab of global leaders in Davos, Switzerland. The World Bank has calculated that the real cost of natural disasters to the global economy is $520 billion per year.

koya979/Shutterstock.com

Environmental Risks Register as Top Threat

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Worldwide Worry

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EARTH DAY SPOTLIGHTS SPECIES

earth day events

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 13 & 14 BRIDGEPORT Party for the Planet at Beardsley Zoo

Protection Is the Focus of 2019 Campaign

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by Ronica A. O’Hara

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n April 22, eco-conscious citizens will come together again in communities across the country to celebrate Earth Day and work for the planet’s healthy, sustainable future. This year, the Earth Day Network (EDN) is asking people to join its Protect Our Species campaign to raise awareness of the crucial roles that plants and animals play in the ecosystem and the current threats faced by many of them.

The nonprofit cites that the world is facing the greatest rate of extinction in 60 million years because of human activity, including climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture, pollution and pesticides. But the good news, EDN says, is that the rate of extinctions can be slowed, and many of our declining, threatened and endangered species can

still recover if we work together now. This will necessitate a united global movement of consumers, voters, educators, faith leaders and scientists that demands immediate action.

EDN is asking people to advocate for government policies that protect species and their habitats, and to continue to build on the worldwide efforts that embrace the value of nature.

It is also asking people to undertake such individual actions as adopting a plant-based diet and stopping pesticide and herbicide use. More information, including teach-in toolkits and facts on threatened species, from whales to insects, can be found at EarthDay.org.

Help Fairfield and Litchfield Counties celebrate and promote progress in species sustainability efforts by participating in these local Earth Day 2019 events.

elebrate Earth Day by visiting with the planet’s amazing and diverse wildlife on April 13 and 14 from noon to 3pm.

Beardsley Zoo’s annual celebration features interpretive talks about many of the zoo’s conservation initiatives and provides details about how you can get involved with many Citizen Scientist programs throughout the state.

In addition, there will be local vendors promoting organically produced products, information on companies using green practices, performances by local musicians and fun family games.

Plans include a cleanup in Beardsley Park, and invasive plant removal with Beardsley Zoo’s Conservation Discovery Corps staff at the conservation pond.

For more information, visit BeardsleyZoo.org/Calendar. Location: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 27 BETHEL Community Earth Day Celebration

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he Bethel community will celebrate Earth Day by coming together from 10am to 3pm to build and support a healthy environment. The event will include local vendors, nonprofit organizations, community groups, artists, craftspeople, farmers, animals and animal lovers, and others dedicated to environmental awareness and preserving our planet.

Free to the public, this family-friendly event is sponsored by the Town of Bethel, Bethel Parks & Recreation, and the First Congregational Church of Bethel.

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For more information, visit Chuffed.org/Project/Bethel-CommunityEarth-Day or Facebook.com/BethelEarthDay. Location: Lawn of the Bethel Municipal Center, 1 School St, Bethel.

NEWTOWN Newtown Earth Day

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ewtown’s Annual Earth Day Festival takes place from 10am to 4pm at Newtown Middle School. The event is a full day of fun for the whole family, highlighting Newtown’s abundant natural resources, helping the community go green, and generating a green college scholarship for a deserving Newtown High School student.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/events/2278128275808397.

Location: Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen St, Newtown. See ad, page 20.

STAMFORD ArborEarth Festival at Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens

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rom 10am to 3pm, Stamford’s Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens will welcome the public for a fun family festival.

As the original home of Dr. Frances Bartlett, “the father of arboriculture,” the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is a prime location to celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day. Families will enjoy listening to music; touring the Bartlett’s gardens and greenhouse; viewing tree climbing

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earth day events and planting demonstrations; and visiting booths to learn about gardening, nature and conservation.

Kids will learn about backyard critters and pollinators, face painting, composting, riding in a cherry picker, and crafting.

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens members and children under 12 are free. There is a $5 fee for those ages 13 and above. Lunches will be available at the event for purchase from LaRocca’s Country Market; all the proceeds from lunch sales will go to the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens.

Located in north Stamford, Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens is a living museum with majestic trees, gardens, wildlife, walking trails, natural habitats and landscapes. It serves as a recreational and educational resource for visitors, hosting a range of innovative classes, certificate programs in Master Gardening and Arboriculture, gardening symposiums, summer concerts, garden tours and its highly acclaimed summer nature camp and STEAM-based children’s school-day and after-school programs.

For more information, visit BartlettArboretum.org/ Events-Concerts/2017/4/22/ArborEarth-Day. Location: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, 151 Brookdale Rd, Stamford.

WASHINGTON DEPOT Love your Mother-Earth 5K and 5 Mile

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elp support the Washington Environmental Council and The Steep Rock Association by joining them for a beautiful run in the Steep Rock Preserve. Enjoy a fairly flat 5k or challenge yourself to the rolling hills of the 5-miler. Both walkers and runners are welcome. There will be post-race snacks. This is a near zero-waste event so bring your own water bottle or cup to use at the water station.

In addition, bring gently used sneakers tied together by the laces for the event’s sneaker drive. All shoes will be donated through Woodbridge Running Company in Brookfield to the Rerun program (RerunShoes.com). Rerun sends all donated sneakers to Africa to live a second life.

Same-day registration for the 5K and the 5-mile run/walks will take place from 7:30 to 8:45am. The individual cost to run or walk is $20.

For more information, email Info@WEC-CT.org or visit LightboxReg.com/Earth-Day-5k_2019. Location: Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot.

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Reiki/AromaTouch/Shamanic Work Christina M. Boisits-O’Keefe, MS,CN, OM Owner of The Ruby Tree, Usui/Celtic/Crystal Reiki Master, Clinical Nutritionist, Shamanic Practitioner healwithchristina.com magic@healwithchristina.com 203-217-8902

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• Get off the emotional rollercoaster with an alert, sharper mind • Manage your energy, not your time, with flow and rhythm • Improve health and happiness while discovering your purpose Contact Tom Scally for a complimentary 15-minute consultation

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oin The Nature Conservancy and Grace Farms Foundation for their Earth Day Celebration on Grace Farms’ 80-acre preserve in New Canaan. There will be a full day of programs, activities and expert-led discussions on the importance of restoring native habitats and celebrating nature.

All-day activities will be held in the Interactive Meadows Plaza featuring native plants, children’s activities and demonstrations from Pollinator Pathway about the importance of pollinator ecosystems. From 10:30am-2:30pm, there will be open arts studio for families with Habitat and Home. Facilitated workshops for children ages 3 to 10 will celebrate the importance of restoring natural habitats and looking at how animal architects build their homes and communities.

The hour-long Native Bird Walk, which starts at 10:30am, is a guided tour of Grace Farms’ walking trails, led by Master Birder Frank Mantlik. On-site registration is required for the Native Bird Walks.

The Birds of Prey demonstrationAPRIL will be held noon-1pm and 2-3pm with Master Falconer Brian Bradley.

Coexisting with Native Wildlife, a demonstration at 1pm on the beauty and diversity of the area’s wildlife will feature New Canaan Nature Center. The Benefits of “Restoring Wild” at 1pm is a conversation with Dave Gumbart, The Nature Conservancy’s director of land managemen.

The day rounds out with Restoring Native Meadows at 3pm.

203-257-9030 www.bridgingtheunknown.com

For more information, visit GraceFarms.org/ Events/Earth-Day-2019. Location: Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Rd, New Canaan.

April 2019

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earth day events

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

TRUMBULL Earth Day Power! Discovery Hike From 1030am to 12:30pm, Trumbull Nature and Arts Center (TNAC) will celebrate Earth Day with a family program. Visitors will learn how to make s’mores in a solar oven, conduct nature experiments, do a planting craft and possibly win DENALI store giveaways.

TNAC provides children with art and nature programs, giving them the opportunity to experience enriching extracurricular activities. In our art programs, artists and various media are explored, allowing each student to display his or her natural creativity.

For more information, call 203-452-4421, email Info@ PatronsofTNAC.com or visit TrumbullNatureandArtsCenter.org/ Programs.html. Location: Trumbull Nature and Arts Center, 7115 Main St, Trumbull.

NEW MILFORD Earth Day Celebration!

From 11am to 2pm, Pratt Nature Center will host their annual Earth Day Celebration at the 205-acre nature preserve. Fun and educational nature-based activities will be occurring during the whole time, for visitors of all ages. Things kick off with the Mud Pit at 11am, sponsored by Northville Volunteer Fire Department. The Dirt Dash 5K Run/Walk takes place at 12pm, followed by the Birds of Prey Presentation at 1pm.

For more information, visit PrattCenter.org. Location: Pratt Nature Center, 163 Paper Mill Rd, New Milford.

Gregg Kirk, Energy Healer

Healing Arts Sanctuary An Oasis of Self Care

Soothe the Mind with Meditation.

Clear and Rebalance your Energy Centers with Chakra Light Therapy.

Restore the Body with Infrared Sauna Treatments.

We host Lyme and autoimmune groups and practitioners and workshops that focus on the restorative power of the healing arts.

Our Heart and Home store carries beautifully curated crystals, jewelry and high vibrational wellness products as well as Tourmaline Spring Sacred Living Water.

We offer healing support to our community to support you on your healing journey.

203-405-2241 346 Main Street S., Woodbury, CT 26

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Customized Reiki energy healing using tuning forks, healing crystals, past-life regression, information channeling and Remote Energy Healing. Treatments for Lyme and autoimmune diseases. More than 20 years of experience. Sessions are $105 for 20 minutes to 1 hour. At the Sanctuary two Saturdays per month. gregg.kirk@gmail.com • 203-858-9725

Lori Massey, ARCB Reflexologist

“A change in life is only two feet away!” Reflexology is a non-invasive, relaxing therapy for the entire body. Reflexology is available for the Feet, Hands, and Face. I am nationally certified by the American Reflexology Certification Board, and am trained in multiple methods. Available by appointment only on Saturday and Monday. Call 203-721-3382 to schedule.

Cathy Whelehan, Independent AmpCoil Ambassador

The AmpCoil was a game changer for restoring health and well-being to her family; now she is using it to help others restore their birthright of optimal well-being. Treatments for Lyme and autoimmune diseases.

To schedule a session: CWheels33@mac.com or text 203-648-8023

Liquid Chocolate Café

A first-of-its kind cacao café and a new addition to The Sanctuary. Serving signature cacao drinks and raw chocolate while offering visitors the opportunity to refuel and enrich body and soul after a healing treatment or a workshop.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

SATURDAY, MAY 4

GET BEACH-BODY READY AND DEVELOP MAINTENANCE HABITS FOR 2019!

Look and feel your best! Toxic buildup (fat) must be systematically BROKEN DOWN and effectively FLUSHED OUT of the body. Total U Health & Wellness Center/TUHAWC stimulates, invigorates and umphs your Lymphatic Drainage System via: Bio-Electric-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) • “EpHerveScents” Whirlpool Hot or Ice Baths • Cell-U-Rid Salt Scrub Wraps • “In4Red” Personal Sauna Vibrational Tuning • HOT WAX • Reiki • Reflexology • Massage • Acupressure

1st BEMER SESSION FREE! Total U Health & Wellness Center

203-543-WELL(9355)

WOODBURY 24th Annual Earth Day Celebration Woodbury Earth Day is presented by the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, a Woodbury-based environmental nonprofit organization. Taking place 11am-4pm at Hollow Park in Woodbury, the free fun celebration will have earthfriendly activities for the whole family. ​​ The event will offer attendees live music, natural and organic foods, the ability to meet Connecticut companies who are making a difference, and more. The vendor fair includes over 130 local vendors, Main Stage entertainment, Community Stage programs, activities and demonstrations, Kids’ Activities Tent, and some of the best food trucks in Connecticut.

Experience live music and activities for the whole family. Enjoy delicious natural and organic foods and beverages. Meet local nonprofit organizations.

Learn more about how to live earthfriendly.

For more information on Woodbury Earth Day, volunteer opportunities and Raffle for the River, visit WoodburyEarthDay. org. Location: Hollow Park, Hollow Rd, Woodbury. See ad, page 15.

Sadly, it’s much easier to create a desert than a forest. ~James Lovelock

630 Brooklawn Ave. Bridgeport, CT (corner Capitol Ave) TotalUHealthAndWellness@gmail.com

TUHAWC SERVES THOSE WHO SERVE Di$count: Veterans, 1st Responders, Municipal Workers, Utilities, Drivers, Postal Workers, Food & Bev., Personal Trainers - ESPECIALLY TIRED NURSES, TEACHERS & PARENTS! With valid ID

4th Bi-annual

Passport to Health & Wellness Statewide Benefit* Holistic Expo Presented by the

Holistic Community Professionals

Sunday | May 5 | 10am - 5pm 75+ Exhibitors and Speakers!

DoubleTree by Hilton 42 Century Drive, Bristol, CT 06010

FREE Sound Healing from 4-5pm on the patio • Speakers all day Free Raffles • Drumming GRAND PRIZE: A Hilton Overnight Stay for Two! *All door donations to benefit: Hartford Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Angie’s Spa and CT Children’s Medical Center.

ADMISSION Advance Early Bird $5 p/p $7 p/p at the door Children under 5 are FREE FOR TICKETS: Contact Shirley R. Bloethe at 860-989-0033 Email: yourholisticevents@gmail.com Vendors apply at: yourholisticevents.com FB - Passport to Health and Wellness Expo April 2019

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Power Switch Taking a Home Off the Grid

by Jim Motavalli

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esse Stafford and Alyssa Craft quit their jobs in 2015, bought five acres of remote land far away from utilities and began building their 36-foot-by-36foot timber frame home from scratch.

Next up was a septic system, then a clean water source and, of course, alternative energy. Their rooftop solar panels are backed up by a reliable Honda generator.

They had some setbacks, which is to be expected. Now they’re blogging about it. “We didn’t want corporate jobs, we didn’t want to live in the city, commute to work or have a mortgage payment,” they write in their online homestead journey at PureLivingForLife.com.

Off-the-grid living has become downright fashionable, especially for the eco-conscious. But leaving the rat race isn’t easy, and it’s not for everyone. Yet, anyone that wants to become more energy-independent can succeed without moving to an isolated cabin; and there’s never been a better time, because prices keep coming down and technology keeps improving. Choosing the best option depends on several factors, including the specific residence, climatic zone, town and neighborhood.

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Preliminary Considerations Power source: Choose from among

solar ($12,000 to $50,000, depending on the system’s size), wind ($6,000 to $22,000, including installation) or geothermal($20,000 to $25,000).

Ample resources: Find out if there’s steady wind, plentiful sun, a place to install geothermal pipes and whether the home is properly oriented for solar without obstruction by trees or tall buildings.

Electricity needed: Get a quick average

by adding up the wattage of all appliances, and then add 50 percent. The American average is 10,000 kilowatt-hours annually, although frugal folks can make do with less.

Solar: Plunging Costs Solar panels for electricity, usually made of silicon, consist of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC).

Their cost has come down dramatically in recent years. In January, the average solar panel cost $3.14 a watt, a bottom line of roughly $18,000 with a six-kilowatt system big enough for most homes. The price fell 6.5 percent from January 2018, reports EnergySage.com, a solar vendor pricing source. A federal tax credit covers 30 percent of the cost, so the out-of-pocket cost for a system would be approximately $13,000 if installed before year’s end, when the full residential tax credit is available.

Partial tax credits will be available until they are phased out in 2022.

Ron Blumenfeld, a retired doctor in Fairfield, Connecticut, serves on his

If a Stream Runs Through It

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roperties with moving water have a fourth sustainable power source available to them: hydroelectric.

If opting to harness the energy in a nearby flowing stream or river, 10-kilowatt microhydropower systems can power even large homes. They combine piping from the water source to a turbine, pump or waterwheel with an alternator or generator, regulator and wiring.

According to Home Power magazine, a fully installed hydro system for the average use of a modern household might cost $20,000 to $100,000.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Herr Loeffler/Shutterstock.com

The local utility company can also estimate energy needs based on past usage.

Realize that alternative energy doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing proposition.

For instance, a solar system doesn’t have to power the whole house. A smaller and cheaper array with battery backup can be connected to essential services like the water heater, refrigerator and electric stove, with the grid handling heavier loads.

Advantages are lower upfront cost and access to the grid when needed.

Connecting to the grid makes sense for all alternative power sources, because wind and solar are intermittent, and don’t always provide power. Also, most states offer net metering, which requires the local utility to pay for the electricity a homeowner puts back into the grid.

Worldpics/Shutterstock.com

town’s sustainability task force and “went live” with his rooftop installation six years ago. “It’s turned out to be one of the best investments we’ve ever made—financially and environmentally,” he says.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is working toward residential solar to generate power at just five cents per kilowatt-hour by 2030, which means it will be far cheaper than grid electricity.

Consumers can either buy a system outright or—as a popular alternative—lease the system with no upfront costs. Leasing companies like SolarCity (now part of Tesla) pioneered this approach, in which consumers agree to buy electricity from the system installed on their roof.

Whether to add the extra expense of battery backup is important. A pair of Tesla Powerwalls will cost about $14,000 installed and store enough electricity to power a home for seven days. It’s suitable for people looking to go off the grid because the sun doesn’t always shine, and power generated on sunny days can be stored and used when it’s overcast.

Off-the-grid solar is not just for those living in sun-rich states. Installers can look at a property—often remotely, through applications like Google Earth— and determine if solar is appropriate.

Sometimes a few trees will have to be sacrificed, but the benefits are manifold,

Residential wind power is in its infancy in the U.S. and not just because there will be power during grid blackouts.

Wind: If the Resource is Right Wind power accounted for the largest share of renewable energy growth in 2017, reports the International Energy Agency, but it’s in its infancy for homeowners, partly due to an average cost of $48,000 to $65,000 per installed project. Residential turbines have been installed in all 50 states, but many parts of the U.S. have marginal resources. Check the Department of Energy wind resource guide for local data at WindExchange.Energy.Gov.

The best-case scenario is strong winds plus few neighbors close to a large property (and lenient zoning laws). Wind may work for the 19.3 percent of the population that lives in rural areas and

the 21 million American homes built on properties of an acre or more.

However, it isn’t for everyone. James Weston, of Greene, Maine, installed his turbine 10 years ago, and considers his rooftop solar panels a better investment.

“By the time you put up your 100-foot tower to get the tower above the tree line and optimize the wind resource, the return isn’t there,” he says, noting that his savings from the turbine amount to a few hundred dollars a year.

Bergey WindPower, maker of the 10-kilowatt BWC Excel 10 turbine ($31,770), recommends that a property have at least a 10 mph average wind speed, coupled with high electricity prices of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour or more. Also consider the neighbors: The system’s turbine is typically installed on an 80-to-100-foot tower, and so-called “viewshed” objections have taken down many projects (including Cape Wind, in Massachusetts).

With annual maintenance, the DOE reports that small wind turbines should last about 20 years, the same basic lifespan as solar panels. The federal production tax credit for wind is available this year, but won’t be available afterwards. Some states offer incentives. A useful small wind guidebook can be found at WindExchange.

Energy.gov/small-wind-guidebook.

A Spiritual Home GREAT PEOPLE WONDERFUL MUSIC UPLIFITING EXPERIENCES INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES

Celebration Service

Rev. Shawn Moninger

Sundays at 10:30 am 3 Main Street, 2nd Floor Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 855-7922 www.unitycenternorwalk.org

Reiki Healing Circle Thursday, April 11th at 7pm

Open Mic Night Saturday, April 20th at 7pm

Rental space available for therapists and spiritual groups.

Contact us for more information or view our website.

See all events in the calendar listings

April 2019

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It’s turned out to be one of the best investments we’ve ever made— financially and environmentally.

Massage Therapy

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

Geothermal: Available Anywhere

Robin Ordan, LMT 203-561-8535

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

Individual, Couples, Group & Spiritual Counseling • Hypnotherapy

WOLF SPIRIT

• Drumming • Energy Work • Traditionl & Alternative Modalities

All Ages Welcome Husky and Most Insurance Accepted 203-263-3175 WolfSpiritWellness.org

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WELLNESS F

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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

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

~Ron Blumenfeld, a six-year solar convert in Fairfield, Connecticut

Some common misconceptions about home geothermal are that consumers need to live in one of the planet’s “hot spots” (think Iceland, California or Utah). But the truth is the Earth’s temperature just below the surface almost anywhere is a constant 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the Northeast and Midwest have the highest geothermal adoption rates. Geothermal doesn’t necessarily require a large piece of property. Local geology will be a factor in siting and sizing the system.

Geothermal systems use underground pipes filled with refrigerant that absorbs warmth from the ground through a heat exchanger. In summer, that same underground temperature can be tapped to cool a home, combining heating and air conditioning in one system.

While it necessitates a relatively high upfront cost, low operating costs mean the systems can pay for themselves in less than 10 years. Most include a ground-source heat pump with a 50-year warranty. For a 2,500-square-foot home, an average offthe-electrical-grid system will cost $20,000 to $25,000 to install.

Bill Martin, in Quincy, California, runs an efficient three-ton geothermal system installed in 2014. “It’s been a very good experience,” he says. “I’m ecstatically happy.”

The same 30 percent federal tax credit that applies to solar also applies to geothermal for systems installed by 2020. States also provide incentives. A detailed guide on availability is available at Tinyurl.com/GeothermalHeatPumpListing.

Special Considerations

Buildings, especially older structures, are usually sieves in terms of energy loss, so before investing in a system, check to see if the local utility provides free energy audits. Even if it’s not free, it’s worth finding out if the home needs new windows or strategically applied insulation.

There are scammers in every field, and alternative energy is no exception. Ask providers for references to previous customers and check for online cautions from the Better Business Bureau, Yelp and others.

Alternative energy in any form can save money and precious resources. Explore the options thoroughly and choose wisely before pulling the plug.

Jim Motavalli, of Fairfield, CT, is an author, freelance journalist and speaker, specializing in alternative energy, clean automotive and other environmental topics. Connect at JimMotavalli.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

ADVERTORIAL

QIGONG HEALING

How to Reverse Disease Naturally An Interview with Qigong Practitioner Jeff Primack (Part 2 of 2) MB: What is your favorite Qigong exercise to share with others?

MB: How does Qi heal people? How is Qigong different from yoga or exercise?

JP: Qigong is an ancient “energy strengthening art” combining powerful breath techniques and slow movement. Dr. Oz praises Qigong saying, “If you want to live to be 100, do Qigong!”

There is a powerful magnetic field in the hands that increases/regulates blood circulation. Doing Qigong a person can circulate as much blood as if jogging for 2 miles, but while standing perfectly still in one place! Ordinary exercises, like jogging, cause the release of Cortisol (also known as the “stress hormone”), which breaks down muscle tissue. In Qigong, your body is totally relaxed, yet blood is mobilized to flow more powerfully. People feel increased pulsation of in their hands while making the movements. Because there is no stress response, the blood can enter areas that may have been blocked off for years. This is why Qigong is so good at reducing body pain.

Microcirculation to the forehead is increased and digestion is greatly improved. No other exercise offers this level of circulation to organs and glands.

JP: If there was only one technique I could share with the Earth, it would be 9-Breath Method. The most powerful Qigong systems rely on BREATHING TECHNIQUES to get their effects. Qi Revolution event teaches people a blend of movement, meditation and breathing techniques. Our transmission of this knowledge is precise and exact. Instruction of breathing is specific and we provide all important details needed for success.

When performed correctly 9-Breath Method is scientifically proven to improve red blood cell structure in under a minute.

Qigong student Peter Blake’s blood sample on the left reveals clumped cells before doing any breathing techniques. After a 45 second round of the 9-Breath Method the image on right side reveals the red blood cells are a much rounder shape. This shows how blood circulation is improving on the cellular level by doing this breath technique.

The Qi feeling is awesome!

MB: What does Qi feel like to a new person who has never done it?

During the Nine-Breath Method this vibration of energy warms up the abdomen. That is from the enlivening of the blood from oxygenating yourself at the highest levels. With further repetitions of breathing techniques this warmth turns into a tangible electrical force that heals. It’s hard to be angry or worried when feeling a lot of Qi, because the vibrational current gives a profound peace and reminds us we have the light of Spirit inside ourselves. When someone “lays hands” on another person while doing these breathing techniques, it sends a wave of healing Qi into that person.

Thousands of Qi Revolution attendees have said they were pain-free after doing a breathing session, likely due to endorphin release. Studies show that beta-endorphin, the feel good bliss molecule produced by the pituitary gland, is 10x a more potent painkiller than morphine. A natural high is always its own reward and dissolves stress far better than pharmaceuticals.

MB: Jeff, you also teach a lot about FoodHealing at Qi Revolution. How do specific foods help to reverse specific diseases?

JP: Some foods, like Kiwi, have open lungs and have reversed Asthma in 100’s of attendees we’ve seen since teaching Qi Revolution starting back in 2005. It could be the vitamin C in kiwi is very high, but it’s most likely a combination of many phytochemicals that help improve breathing. Asparagus is another time-tested food that helps people reverse cancer and keep the immune system functioning properly. It is rich in Glutathione, a master detoxification enzyme produced by your liver.

Eating asparagus raises the body’s level of Glutathione and increases the liver’s capacity to detoxify. We learned from REAL PEOPLE what FOOD PROTOCOLS give live-saving results for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and we share this wisdom at all our events.

Monica Stecker was diagnosed with fast growing Leukemia.Within 7 months following our Food-Protocol for Cancer shea was in complete remission, stunning her doctors

MB: What drives you to charge only $199 for the 3-Day Seminar?

JP: My life has been greatly enhanced using the Qigong and Food-Healing knowledge.

During my training I vowed to make Qigong accessible to the common people. I feel compelled to make these energizing practices available to all of society, not just for people with thousands of extra dollars to spend on seminars. Money ideally should not be a factor in someone’s decision to learn Qigong healing methods. Our goal is to share it with millions of people. People simply need to try Qigong!

This is what drives me to keep it affordable.

“Qi Revolution” comes to DANBURY, CT

Amber Room Colonnade • April 13th-15th Jeff Primack and 20 Instructors will teach 3-days of Amazing Qigong for $199.

To reserve tickets and for more info: 800-298-8970 • www.QiRevolution.com Veterans are admitted free of charge.

April 2019

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lyme event briefs

Calm Kids & Stress-Less Solutions

Teaching children practical skills to reduce anxiety

Diane Bahr-Groth CHy, TFTdx

5th Annual Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education Conference

Help their star shine!

Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT Mindbodytransformation.com 203 595-0110

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FARM TO TABLE ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCE & MEATS. Watch for our Hybrid Boats Delivering Your Farm Products to Market "Sustainability One Neighborhood at a Time"

7 Cove Avenue, East Norwalk, CT 06855 • 203-939-9289 • harborharvest.com

idcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education (MLDSE) will host its 5th Annual Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education Conference at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine, on April 26 from 8am to 5pm. Doors open at 7am for registration. Admission is free and open to the public for the largest patient-centered Lyme and tick-borne event on the East Coast.

This year’s theme is “Empowering the Patient”, boasting world-renowned expert speakers and over 100 community partners and exhibitors offering products and services for the Lyme community. There will be free resources and education for medical providers, patients and their families. Bring your questions, find some answers and leave with hope.

Conference sponsors include: Sawyer Products, Lyme Disease Association, Armin Labs, NutraMedix, Igenex, Maine Association of Naturopathic Doctors, Mainely Ticks Franchise Development, Jones Property Management, Kennebec Pharmacy & Home Care, Mid-Coast Energy Systems, Access Health Renewal, LivLyme Foundation, Global Lyme Alliance and Xymogen.

For more information, visit Conference2019.mldse.org. Location: Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Dr, Augusta, Maine. See ad, page 17.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

13th Annual Lyme Connection Patient Conference and Health Fair

E

xperts from diverse fields collaborating to advance Lyme disease research, treatment and education will showcase their latest projects at Lyme Connection’s 13th Annual Patient Conference and Health Fair, held May 16, at Western CT State University’s Westside Campus Student Center. Doors open at 5pm, giving attendees time to visit the Lyme-focused health fair, featuring tick-control products, Lyme-literate practitioners, testing laboratories and a wide range of manufacturers offering prevention and patient support services.

The evening program begins at 7pm with the presentation of Lyme Connection’s second “Courage in Patient Care Award” to Dr. Kenneth Liegner. Attendees will then hear from two internationally acclaimed speakers, Lyme Disease Association (LDA) President Patricia Smith and tick-borne diseases specialist Dr. Robert Bransfield.

Smith is in her 19th year as president of the all-volunteer national nonprofit LDA, and is recognized for her outstanding efforts to raise funds for research, spread awareness, secure legislation and support patients. Bransfield is a clinical associate professor at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, past president of ILADS and past president of the New Jersey Psychiatric Association. A question and answer session will conclude the evening.

This is the 13th annual patient event Lyme Connection has held at WestConn and marks the 16th year the group has provided education, patient support and advocacy for tick-borne diseases in the Greater Danbury area. Admission is free thanks to the support of this year’s sponsors: Dr. Roseann CapannaHodge, IGeneX, Inc. and Tick Box Technology Corporation.

For more information, call 203-241-2400 or visit LymeConnection.org.

Location: 43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury. See ad, page 9.

Keep close to Nature’s heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. ~John Muir

SPRING FESTIVAL By the BabyYagas

SATURDAY APRIL, 13TH 2019 10AM-5PM STICKS AND STONES FARM

201 HUNTINGTON ROAD, NEWTOWN, CT 06470 ADMISSION: $10/MEMBERS AND $15/NONMEMBERS Ritual Maypole Craft Class Vendors Egg Hunt

Nature Walk Drumming Bonfire Food Truck Prize Drawings

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: PRESIDENT@CWPN.ORG

April 2019

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one or more pathogens, including tick-borne Babesia, Bartonella and Lyme, as well as Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Even with many research studies over decades that demonstrate a causal link between infectious disease and mental health, the average person sees between five and seven doctors before a diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Lyme’s Effect on the Brain

s it possible that a tiny little tick could assault the brain and body and cause lingering mental health issues in its wake? Yes. But even with decades of research that demonstrates a causal link between infectious disease and psychiatric issues, our healthcare system still isn’t appropriately identifying and treating those afflicted with Lyme disease. The real question is: why are we missing these individuals?

It isn’t an easy answer. Ultimately the complexity of how the disease impacts the brain and body and how uniquely the symptoms can present is a major factor, as some show symptoms right away and delete others not until months or years later. A lack of definitive diagnostics is another factor in accurate identification.

Lastly, a lack of acceptance of the disease and not enough Lymeliterate medical and mental health professionals is a hurdle in both diagnosis and treatment.

I

When Lyme disease affects the brain, it is frequently referred to as Lyme neuroborreliosis or Lyme encephalopathy. Neuroborreliosis is an infection within the brain that can mimic virtually any type of encephalopathy or psychiatric disorder and is often compared to neurosyphilis. Both are caused by spirochetes, are multi-systemic and can affect a patient neurologically, producing cognitive dysfunction (memory, word finding, attention problems) and organic psychiatric illness (anxiety, depression, OCD).

The causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is a highly neurotropic organism that not only can produce neurologic disease, but also can exist dormant within the central nervous system (CNS) for long periods—even months or years. It is an evolved pathogen that uses several strategies to survive in both human and animal hosts, including using a screw-like mechanism that allows the bacteria to embed in the cell’s membrane.

There are multiple ways in which Lyme disease affects the brain and body and produces changes in the CNS that leads to mental health issues. The Lyme spirochete can burrow into the brain and nervous system, causing damage within the brain that leads to long-term issues. It causes brain swelling or inflammation that leads to psychiatric issues, causes immune reactions to the bacteria and impacts the endocrine system and hormones.

Lyme can impact any area of the brain, including the emotional center of the brain: the limbic system. The bacteria in Lyme releases toxins in the brain and body, and these exotoxins are continuously released as waste material that may cause symptoms.

Research on Lyme Disease and Mental Health

Why is Lyme Disease Hard to Identify?

Missing Links?

Connect the Dots Between Lyme and Mental Health

by Roseann Capanna-Hodge

Since the early 1990s, research has demonstrated a clear link between psychiatric conditions and Lyme disease, and continues to signify a connection. In 2002, Tomáš Hájek, MD and colleagues found that 33 percent of screened psychiatric patients showed signs of an infection with the Lyme spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. Many mental health issues have been linked to tick-borne bacteria, including: depression, mood lability, bipolar disorder, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention and executive functioning problems, memory issues, word finding difficulties and even psychosis.

A 2018 study by Shreya Doshi, MA and colleagues found that in patients with post-treatment Lyme symptoms, they had depression symptoms 8 to 45 percent of the time, and suicidal ideation was reported by 19.8 percent of these patients. In 2017, Dr. Rosalie Greenberg’s study found that 89 percent of participants diagnosed with Pediatric Bipolar Disorder tested positive to 34

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Lyme disease is known as the great imitator because its symptoms mimic and overlap with so many other diseases that it can be hard to diagnose. It is a multi-systemic illness that can affect the CNS, causing a wide array of neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. In 1994, Fallon and Nields noted up to 40 percent of patients with Lyme disease develop neurologic involvement of either the peripheral or central nervous system.

Most people don’t realize that there are three stages of Lyme disease: early with dermatological symptoms, disseminated, and late stage. Late stage Lyme is when there is a dissemination of the bacteria to the CNS, which can occur within as little as two weeks. Lyme disease may lie dormant for months to years before symptoms of late infection emerge when something (head injury, toxins, EMF) causes the bacteria to cross the blood-brain barrier into the brain.

Patients with late stage Lyme disease present with a variety of neurological and psychiatric problems, ranging from mild to se-

eNaturalAwakenings.com

vere, which makes it very hard to connect to infectious disease. Most patients have no recollection of tick bite or falsely believe that a tick has to be engorged to carry bacteria and parasites that can be transmitted. Moreover, they are often told that their prior Lyme disease was “cured” and can’t be related to their current symptoms.

These problems delay treatment and make it more likely to have late stage Lyme with a neurocognitive or neuropsychiatric impact.

Common Features of Psychiatric Issues Due to Lyme

Since tick-borne bacteria affects the CNS as noted previously, a multitude of symptoms can present. Afflicted individuals can show symptoms immediately or months later and can show a combination of physical, cognitive or psychiatric issues.

Common symptoms of tick-borne disease include: chronic fatigue, sleep problems, brain fog, cognitive and memory impairments, slowed cognitive processing, attention or executive functioning

deficits, depression or mood dysregulation, anxiety, OCD, sensory sensitivity, irritability, anger and headaches.

It is important to note that one can have a pre-existing condition prior to Lyme disease that can exacerbate with infectious disease, which further complicates proper diagnosis and treatment. Lyme and tick-borne disease is co-morbid with ADHD, autism, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety disorder, pain and migraines, and can be a source of Pediatric Acuteonset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS).

virus, other bacteria or environmental contaminants such as mold.

The first step is to find a Lyme-literate medical or mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. The best way to do that is to seek a referral from a trusted friend or from Lyme organizations at the regional or national level, such as ILADS, your state Lyme organization or PANDAS.org. As many a patient who has taken this path can attest, you waste your time and may cause further damage to your health by going to an untrained professional.

What Should You Do?

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is an integrative psychologist, certified neurofeedback practitioner and director of wellness centers in Ridgefield and Newtown. She is a member of ILADS and is a co-author of Brain Under Attack: A Resource Guide for Parents and Caregivers of Children with PANS, PANDAS, and Autoimmune Encephalitis for the nonprofit organization Epidemic Answers.

Connect at 203-438-4848, Info@DrRoseann. com or DrRoseann.com. See ad, back cover.

If you or your child has a history of unexplained medical and mental health symptoms or haven’t gotten better with traditional therapies and psychotherapy, consider that infectious disease might be the source of your mental health issue. It is important to note that infectious disease takes many forms and that one may have a single illness, but it is more likely that one is affected by more than one infection, including strep,

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No staging system can be entirely comprehensive and each patient with Lyme may experience these stages in a different order than presented here. That said, based on work with many patients, this system seems to adequately describe the typical steps a chronic Lyme patient goes through on their road to complete recovery.

1

Discovery

HEALING CHRONIC LYME DISEASE Patients Navigate These Six Stages

by Gregg Kirk

I

n 1969, author Elizabeth Kübler-Ross published her book On Death & Dying. In it she presented a now-famous formulation of the stages of grief that all dying people tend to experience as they come to terms with their imminent passing. Since the book’s publishing, her stages-of-grief system has become more popular than her book was, and it is now a part of our modern cultural awareness. The five stages she outlined include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

It seems that patients with chronic Lyme seem to exhibit similar but different stages of consciousness, experiences and emotions as they move to complete healing. One of the differences in the staging system is that with Lyme, it is possible for a patient to get stuck in a stage and never progress to complete healing. Conversely, in the stages of grief outlined by KüblerRoss, a patient ultimately moves through the system and reaches the final conclusion of death whether they like it or not.

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Patients can get stuck in this stage for months, years and even decades. They know something is wrong with them, but they don’t know exactly what. They go from doctor to doctor and take test after test and still don’t reach an adequate explanation for the wide range of symptoms they’re experiencing. Or worse, misdiagnosis may send them down a treatment rabbit hole with no end solution. When a definitive diagnosis does come through, the patient feels an overwhelming sense of relief that they can now focus on this illness with a treatment that will ultimately bring them to complete recovery. For the chronic Lyme patient, this relief is often short-lived as they begin to experience the challenges of the Treatment phase.

2

Disillusionment

This stage may come during the Discovery stage or during the Treatment stage. Either way, a chronic Lyme patient will begin to have some of their beliefs about their trusted medical systems, insurance coverage and Western medical doctors’ knowledge overturned. As the chronic Lyme patient begins to experience inconclusive or incorrect diagnoses and treatment protocols that are dangerous and ineffective in curing them, they lose faith in the system that supported them in the past.

They find that insurance companies don’t cover alternative treatments at all and barely cover pharmaceutical treatments that often don’t help. Many of their doctors have not been trained in chronic Lyme treatment, so these physicians may become defensive and question whether their patients are sick with a legitimate disease. Family members may begin to believe that the chronic Lyme patient’s illness is all in their head and that the patient is either seeking attention or suffering from depression or mental illness. At this point, the patient who can move from disillusionment through a belief-system shift of self-empowerment (by becoming their own health advocate or even their own physician) is the patient who can move to the next stage.

3

Treatment

Treatment of chronic Lyme is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Physicians and patients are finding that the treatment combinations that work effectively are customized to the patient and their particular set of symptoms and co-infections. It is important that a patient goes through the Disillusionment phase by realizing that the diagnosis/treatment/cure scenario they experienced in the past with other illness will not be the same straight line with chronic Lyme.

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Further confusing is the fact that because antibiotics are prescribed and proven effective in treating early-onset Lyme, many physicians prescribe antibioticsonly treatments to their chronic Lyme patients and the patients don’t improve.

These patients may experience some early symptom relief, but many cannot tolerate antibiotics alone or find that they need to continue treatment when their symptoms return weeks, months or years later. Most physicians agree that antibiotics-only treatment is not a cure for chronic Lyme disease. The more educated ones know that all-natural and herbal remedies can remove the pathogens with a combination of detoxifiers to eliminate toxins from the system. At this point, it can be an important move for a patient to do their own research and find the treatment combinations that work for them.

4

Anger & Panic

For those stuck in the Disillusionment and/or Treatment stages, overwhelming frustration with lack of healing improvement can bring up combinations of anger, rage and panic.

Depending on the patient, they react either externally or internally, and this can then inform whether the patient experiences anger or panic. Patients who react externally are more prone to anger and tend to get frustrated with their family members, doctors and support systems.

They flare into rages that alienate them from the very people trying to help them.

Further, they can feel unheard or marginalized when they complain of symptoms and don’t receive validation from others.

Because these patients tend to suffer from central nervous system irritation brought on by Bartonella and other co-infections, the term “Bartonella Rage” has become well-known in Lyme communities.

If a patient reacts internally, they may be prone to fits of panic. It is common for Lyme patients to run out of money and support during the Treatment stage, and these stressors can result in the patient feeling hopeless. When the bottom falls out of a patient’s world like

this and they have no energy to continue fighting the illness, suicidal thoughts may occur. It is an unfortunate fact that in the U.S. suicide continues to be the leading cause of death in patients with Lyme.

For these reasons, it is important for patients to move beyond this stage.

Furthermore, the anger and panic they experience actually worsens symptoms and helps the bacteria and co-infections thrive. Those who have come to terms with their anger and panic find they have more energy reserves to heal. They place

Physicians and patients are finding that the treatment combinations that work effectively are customized to the patient and their particular set of symptoms and co-infections. their focus on moving on with their lives vs. feeling the need to prove the injustices they have experienced. To be sure, they have suffered real injustices, but it is exhausting and energy draining to spend your time proving yourself to an unsympathetic audience. Placing focus on happier thoughts, successes and positive pursuits has always proven to be a powerful component in healing, and it is the key to helping patients move on from this stage.

5

Acceptance

A patient who has accepted his/ her situation is one who is ripe for healing. It doesn’t mean they have resigned themselves to failure or illness. It means they have stopped resisting, and by doing so have stopped the energy cycle of opposing force from the disease. Many alternative healers will tell you the less energy and attention you give to an illness, the less resistance you will get back from it. Another way to let go of resistance during this stage is to stop identifying with the illness; stop calling it “my disease” or “my symptoms”.

Stop saying, “I have Lyme” and refer to it

in the past: “I had Lyme.” Once negative focus on the illness has dwindled, patients tend to be able to move to the next stage.

6

Gratitude

If the idea of being grateful for chronic Lyme disease sounds ridiculous or unthinkable, you may not be ready for this stage. Those who have reached recovery openly accept this concept. In fact, it allows them to put the illness completely behind them and understand why it was introduced in their life in the first place. It helps to think of the disease simply as new information being introduced into one’s life.

The illness is a doorway or fork in the road that can either take you upward or downward. Instead of reacting negatively, you can accept it gracefully and realize what a gift of experience you have been given. This experience can be like a forest fire that burns away all unnecessary elements in your life, while creating space for new growth. Yes, it burns things you deem valuable, but after those things are gone, you may realize they weren’t as important as you thought.

Further, you are forced into new situations and places in your life that can be better than where you were before. You come to a point that whenever a symptom occurs, you lovingly embrace it, thank it for the information, and then ask for it to go with love. After doing this, each symptom passes quickly. The patients who move through this stage always experience some sort of spiritual shift, and this shift usually results in them wanting to help others with the disease. These people are also positive, open-minded, full of gratitude and free of regrets. They are emotionally “debt-free” and actively give thanks for the illness and the knowledge and experience it has given them.

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. Connect at 203-858-9725 or LymeKnowledge.com.

See listing, page 26.

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fits-all when it comes to this perplexing illness. Talk to nearly anyone with chronic Lyme disease about treatments and they’ll tell you they’ve tried them all. That may not be true anymore. Several local practitioners are offering more unique treatments that they think might be keys to Lyme recovery.

Bee Venom to the Rescue

Emerging Lyme Disease Treatments Changing Lives with Intriguing Methods

by Michelle Bense

E

ach year, about 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and that doesn’t account for the countless people left undiagnosed, struggling to understand what’s wrong, or those who have lived with Lyme for years (or decades). Symptoms can be sporadic,

countless and difficult to treat. Upon initial diagnosis, most patients are prescribed antibiotics, which it is believed can nip the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, in the bud if started early. For others, this could be only the beginning of years of pain, confusion and hopelessness.

No treatment method is one-size-

Danbury's Beth Houghtaling was managing her Lyme disease for nearly 27 years with what had become an acceptable treatment plan to her—namely off and on antibiotics, antidepressants and supplements. She had accepted her few chronic symptoms as the norm and life had settled into “fine”.

After being a beekeeper for several years, Houghtaling learned the power of apitherapy—bee venom therapy (BVT)— by accident. She had heard about “that bee sting therapy”, but admits she first thought it was crazy. Why would you want to get stung by bees once—let alone on a weekly basis?

“I was called to help with a beehive that had gotten knocked over by a bear,” she explains. She got stung unexpectedly about 8 or 10 times all over her feet and legs. The following week, in another strange occurrence, she got stung again, multiple times on her face and head.

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“My face swelled up; I looked terrible. However, I noticed three days later I had forgotten to take my antidepressants. So I took one because I was not ready to go through the withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping them. Then three weeks went by and I had simply forgotten to take them—and I felt great,” Houghtaling enthuses. Her shoulder, which had previously been frozen and in pain, improved. She now has full range of motion with zero pain, and has been off antidepressants since September 2017. “After my experience, I began to research BVT and was blown away by the research results.”

In a 2017 study by the University of New Haven, it was found that the melittin in bee venom had significant effects on all tested forms of Borrelia burgdorferi, and that whole bee venom could be an effective antimicrobial agent for Lyme disease. “The bee venom breaks down the biofilm layer that develops around the Borrelia spirochetes and kills them off, in addition to stimulating the immune system at the same time,” explains Houghtaling, a trained member of the American Apitherapy Society. “The venom works on the same pain receptors as opioids, so your body is overall feeling better as it heals. It also boosts dopamine levels in the brain, which is how I was able to get off antidepressants.”

While there are several products made with bee venom that can help, the most dramatic results are achieved when the venom is administered by the bee itself. After itching and swelling dissipates, the melittin provides lasting chronic symptom relief.

This treatment is intense and may not suit everyone. Initially, Houghtaling does a “test sting” to the patient after applying ice to the area to ease any pain. She waits to see how their body responds before proceeding with additional stings. As a Registered Respiratory Therapist, she’s highly qualified to guide patients during the process, monitoring for any potential allergic reactions or issues. The Lyme protocol involves up to 20 stings per session, three times a week for about a year. Typically, people start to see results after two weeks to one month.

The downside to BVT is that the bees die after stinging.

“I struggled with that for a long time,” Houghtaling says. “After stinging, I place the bees immediately in a jar of ice water so they die within seconds. I thank them for their sacrifice and return their bodies to the Earth afterward.” She wouldn’t do this if she did not see such profound effects for people. “I know it sounds sappy, but the bees and I are changing lives.”

AmpCoil Tunes the Body After seeing firsthand the effects of the AmpCoil technology for herself, her daughter and son, Cathy Whelehan affectionately now refers to the pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device as “a love

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song for the body”. One of her clients has dubbed it “the magic healing donut”.

The donut-shaped AmpCoil device has three parts. It uses a modified Nikola Tesla coil (the donut), connected to an amplifier specifically made for sound therapy, which is accomplished by a combination of bioresonance and entrainment.

Running the show is a tablet, which uses the BetterGuide app. “On the BetterGuide app, you create a profile, then there are a number of different journeys you can go on. It uses biofeedback via voice analysis.

You speak into the tablet and it shares with you what the body is calling for—the highest priorities,” explains Whelehan.

“Anything over 85 percent is calling for extra attention in the body. You can tune up the organs and nutrition that you’re in need of help with. Part of what the whole device is geared toward is the idea of balance and nourishment.”

The PEMF therapy helps reduce inflammation and pain, while improving circulation and oxygenation of the blood.

This can “improve and support the value

of other Lyme treatments by acting as a whole-body battery recharger,” says AmpCoil.com.

Whelehan, an Independent AmpCoil Ambassador and owner of Open Sky Yoga Barn, in Redding, suffered from Lyme and chronic fatigue for years along with her daughter, whose Lyme affected her brain.

Her son was misdiagnosed with Lyme, and had been sick for 17 of his 21 years with Ankylosing Spondylitis. After a year of using AmpCoil, her son’s bloodwork is all normal and he’s weaning off medications. Her daughter, she says, “got her life back.”

AmpCoil was born out of necessity for founders Aaron and Geneva Bigelow.

Both struggling with Lyme disease symptoms, they tried every treatment they could find, but kept relapsing soon after.

Aligned with the principles of nature, the AmpCoil system merges PEMF, biofeedback, bioresonance and sound technology into an all-in-one wellness system for home use. According to AmpCoil.com, over 89 percent of users report an 84 to 93

percent reduction of their symptoms.

“PEMF has been around a while, but many are just targeting and killing off bugs and microbes, so the body goes into suffer mode. The AmpCoil is tuning up and shifting on all molecular and cellular levels,” explains Whelehan. “It detects which microbes, metals and toxins are most prevalent in the body and need to be cleansed. It helps the bio-terrain naturally align into a more balanced state. It tunes your body.”

Whelehan is currently running a

program in conjunction with the nonprofit Wellness for Humanity Foundation (WFHFoundation.org), which aims to help families with Lyme using technologies like the AmpCoil. “WFH brings the AmpCoil into families where three or more people have Lyme. It rotates from family to family, with great results,” she says. She is running the first pilot program in the country at her studio, which is geared toward individual people with Lyme, who do not qualify for the WFH family program. “We currently see 12

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participants in this pilot program, three times a week for four months, for free.”

Whelehan donates all of her time and the use of her AmpCoil, with the help of three volunteers and two part-time employees.

She offers AmpCoil sessions at Open Sky Yoga Barn, and once a week she travels to Salt of the Earth Healing Arts Sanctuary in Woodbury, to hold appointments. After an initial free, hour-long demo, many people already report some relief. “For those who come regularly, the data shows that three times a week is best, but you can do it less,” she says.

For Whelehan, the best part of sharing AmpCoil is “activating hope”. She says, “For the first time in a long time, they’re hopeful. The other thing that comes back is joy. The lights start to go back on.” Even while they’re still struggling through the recovery process, the shift is happening physically, mentally and emotionally.

Lyme disease can be a scary, unruly illness, forcing us to stop, take a deep breath and take stock of what our bodies are telling us. Managing and ultimately curing Lyme can be an ongoing process that often takes a village. The village for some, may happen to include a “magic donut” or a hive of bees.

Beth Houghtaling administers bee venom therapy at Intuitive Apitherapy, in Danbury. Connect with her at 203-9425196, IntuitiveApitherapy.com or follow Intuitive Apitherapy on Facebook.

Cathy Whelehan offers AmpCoil treatments at Open Sky Yoga Barn, in Redding and at Salt of the Earth Healing Arts Sanctuary in Woodbury. Connect with her at 203-6488023 or OpenSkyYogaBarn.com. See ad, page 26.

Michelle Bense is a freelance writer and editor for Natural Awakenings magazines, currently living and exploring in New Mexico. Connect with her at EditorMichelleBense@gmail.com.

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Metaphysically Lyme Wisdom from Yoga May Help

by Berta Prevosti

T

he conventional medical community holds the notion that Lyme disease is infectious in nature and can be solved with antibiotics. As tens of thousands of people can attest, the reality is somewhat different. It makes us wonder, is there something else that is happening with Lyme disease? Could there be a metaphysical connection with this very difficult-to-treat, destructive illness?

Bramacharya: Loss of vital life force energy In Ashtanga’s 8 Limbs of Yoga, the first is called Yama. Yama deals with social ethics, including one’s standards and sense of integrity. It is focused on behavior and how we conduct ourselves in life. The fourth part of the Yama is Bramacharya. Most believe that this refers to the loss of sexual fluids and energy but that is only one meaning of a much greater explanation of what it actually is.

Bramacharya is meant to help you maintain (and grow) your own energy by keeping it to yourself. When we allow others to take from us, or we give away our energy on any level—physically, mentally or metaphysically—we become drained, or depleted. This happens so very often yet we don’t think of it in these 42

terms so we don’t connect the dots as to cause and effect.

A Lyme specialist in the Northeast recently worked with a young woman who has been fighting Lyme disease for nearly 17 years. She had symptoms of fatigue, cognitive issues, burning pain running down her limbs, as well as severe emotional and hormonal issues among her complaints.

Her response to questions pertaining to her energy, as far as power and the loss of it, revolved around stories of past relationships and how much she had given to these relationships, yet in the end, she received only lies and deceit. Over and over again, the person she was with did not honor her and threw away the most precious gift she was offering: herself. She had a feeling of overall exhaustion with the process of having to constantly learn the lesson to not give too much.

The lies and deceit were painful the first time, but the pattern continued with further relationships in different faces and situations. This not only occurred with romantic relationships but also with friends of hers. She came to realize the position she had in life; her affluence, or the perception of it, had people thinking that she owed them something for the easy life she had lived. She wanted to only

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

give of herself, money and gifts without ever receiving anything in return.

She finally realized that none of the relationships had given to her what she had given to them. She began shifting this very detrimental behavior by saying no thank you or that she was busy or even stating the way she felt. Immediately her energy began coming back to her (this along with some Reiki work) and every symptom she had associated with Lyme began to dissipate. The feeling of exhaustion left her, her clarity of mind returned and she became more productive and more joyful. The last symptoms of her Lyme disease, her legs and the burning sensation she had felt for over 15 years, finally left.

She still has healing to do, but is more joyful with her new-found sense of honor and the ability to see that she had been throwing herself away on behalf of people that would never reciprocate her feelings and her kindness.

The return of her vital life force energy in turn made her feel that life was possible again. Is this an answer to this most debilitating disease? Her family and close friends saw the dramatic change within her. This even made them contemplate their own personal journey through the idea of Bramacharya in relation to the illness or diseases that they had been plagued with themselves.

The lesson is to honor who you are and “do not throw your jewels to the feet of thieves!” Honor what God has given to you and never give it away no matter how much you want to help or love another.

Everyone has their special ball of energy and Chi and should not need yours to feel fulfilled. They need to cultivate it themselves as you do to build yourself back up to a person that is whole, loved and 100 percent healthy.

Berta Prevosti, the owner of The Jiiva Center in Stratford, is a certified Reiki master in Usui and Karuna Systems of Universal Hands on Energy Healing and a 500-hour certified yoga teacher. Connect at JiivaCenter.com. See ad, page 47.

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lyme practitioner profiles

Intuitive Apitherapy/ Beth Houghtaling

Lyme Connection

Danbury 203-942-5196 IntuitiveApitherapy@outlook.com IntuitiveApitherapy.com

400 Main St, Ridgefield Info@LymeConnection.org LymeConnection.org

Summary/ services offered: Lyme Connection is an all-volunteer, community-based task force providing support and resources to patients and their families coping with tickborne disease. Programs include a free monthly, daytime and evening support groups; medical financial assistance for Connecticut residents in need; an annual patient health fair and conference at WestConn; BLAST Prevention Program community education and events; and library author discussions and seminars.

What changes do you plan in 2019?

Lyme Connection is introducing a daytime support group, hosting its first tick prevention movie premiere on Wednesday, April 10, at the Ridgefield Playhouse (free tickets at SpraySafePlaySafe.org) and presenting its 13th Annual Tickborne Disease Patient Conference and Health Fair at WestConn in Danbury on Thursday, May 16.

What is most important for Natural Awakenings’ readers to know?

All the Lyme Connection events and services can be found on our website: LymeConnection.org. Join us in protecting the health of our communities by preventing tickborne illness and supporting patients and their families. See ad, page 9.

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Summary/services offered: We specialize in Bee Venom Therapy (BVT) for chronic conditions including Lyme disease and related symptoms, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, injuries and chronic pain.

Do you focus on prevention or treatment of Lyme disease, or both?

Treatment. However, people undergoing BVT are not susceptible to new infections because bee venom kills off new bacterium before it has a chance to spread.

Does your Lyme disease protocol focus on managing physical, emotional or energetic aspects or some combination of these?

We take a holistic approach to healing with treatments such as “Honey Pulling”, which stimulates lymph flow and pulls out toxins to Honeybee Essence.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

I have a BS in Holistic and Integrated Health, am a member of the American Apitherapy Society, AAS trained and a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

How long have you been practicing or using the products you provide?

I have been a beekeeper for five years. Two years ago, after my own healing of Lyme disease with bee venom, I began to study Bee Venom Therapy.

If you have developed a product to treat Lyme, how do you formulate your treatment product(s) or/and where are the ingredients sourced?

We specialize in propolis and honey tinctures, salves infused with bee venom and oils. All our products begin in our own treatment-free hives.

What is most important for Natural Awakenings’ readers to know?

Bee Venom Therapy cures! There is no greater feeling than when a client says, “Thank you for giving me my life back.”

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Roseann Capanna-Hodge & Associates Psychologist and Board-Certified Neurofeedback Practitioner 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ste 6, Ridgefield Satellite location in Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com • DrRoseann.com

Summary/services offered: Our center supports children, adolescents, teens, adults and families around a variety of issues with non-medication therapies.

We provide holistic, research-based treatments such as neurofeedback, biofeedback, advanced bio-regulation therapy, hypnosis, counseling, parent coaching and EFT/Tapping.

Do you focus on prevention or treatment of Lyme disease, or both?

As a task force advisor to Lyme Connection and a member of ILADS, Dr. Roseann spends time educating others about Lyme disease prevention. Our center provides holistic evidence-based therapies that support those with Lyme, PANS/PANDAS and infectious disease.

Does your Lyme disease protocol focus on managing physical, emotional or energetic aspects or some combination of these?

We focus on connecting the mind to body, as well as supporting nervous system regulation so the body can heal. The body can’t heal when the nervous system is over-activated or in a stress state.

Regulating the nervous system with brain-based therapies like biofeedback, PEMF, neurofeedback and psychotherapy techniques such as EFT/Tapping or somatic experiencing is a critical part of the healing process.

How does your work differ from others in your profession?

Our center provides expert-level integrative care that goes beyond the surface of the issue(s) to support deep understanding of root causes and assist in rectifying them in a bio-individual manner.

What should a client expect from a session with you?

We offer integrative, brain-based mental health support, which is different than traditional psychotherapy. Through use of QEEG brain mapping, Dr. Roseann is able to pinpoint the issue and recommend the right treatment.

What is most important for Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about your work?

Dr. Roseann is considered a leading expert in integrative mental health and neurofeedback. Our center provides the highest level of care for those impacted by Lyme and tick-borne disease and PANS/PANDAS. We use research-based holistic tools that help clients get and stay better. She has treated those with Lyme for over 20 years and is a co-author of Brain Under Attack, a resource guide about PANS/PANDAS.

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points from a garage, breezeway, or a side or back door.

Accessibility

NEST EVOLUTION

When Parents Come Home

F

by Ariana Rawls Fine

amily dynamics evolve over time and living arrangements often do as well. It is common that family decisions are made for parents or a parent to move into an adult child’s home. There are physical, emotional, design and energetic aspects to be considered to make this transition as successful as possible.

“These are discussions that should take place well ahead of time to better plan, better deal with the changes emotionally and not under duress. By doing so, decisions and plans are well-executed rather than temporary fixes that make the space visibly and emotionally harder to navigate,” says Colin Healy (ColinHealyDesign.com), a Stratford-based home designer and certified aging in place specialist.

Planning ahead includes how the family will accommodate the elder parent and their visitors as time goes on. Although a parent may be fully independent now, visiting friends may have mobility challenges. Making design changes before reaching the point of immediate need also enables the family to ensure they are getting quality and matching hardware, flooring and structure changes such as grab bars.

46

Regulations and Zoning

Many towns will have regulations for size to have a family member live in the house with a separate kitchen unit, Healy explains. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), also known as an “in-law” apartment is allowable for separate generations living in a house as long as they are related. Healy warns that setting it up this way and then using the space as a rented apartment can get a homeowner into trouble. He says in Connecticut the zoning favors larger parcels of property rather than encouraging apartments in single dwelling areas. Currently towns generally discourage detached dwelling units such as tiny houses.

One of Healy’s first questions to clients is whether they want the new space to be an independent unit with a kitchen or an addition with an accessible bathroom, bedroom and laundry on the first floor. Another design and zoning detail to be figured out is if another access point is needed to accommodate a ramp. This can be another front or back door, or a porch. Healy warns that some towns, such as Fairfield, do not allow two doors on the front of a house. In that town a design would need to include additional access

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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This is a key area for in-depth discussion and design. How will the person move from and to living areas, bathrooms, kitchen and laundry areas? Although there may not be an immediate accessibility issue, it is critical to plan for the future.

For instance, at the time of moving in the parent may still be able to handle five steps to get inside, but there needs to be a plan for when a ramp is needed. Do now what is difficult later to redo by preparing for the different phases, Healy says.

Other examples are a larger doorway for a wheelchair, the space to put in a ramp, and an accessible shower and toilet.

“Homes are not required to follow ADA guidelines for accessibility, but they are the guidelines that actually work,” Healy explains. One guideline regarding toilet placement is key in building an adaptable space for a parent. By placing the toilet next to a shower with a flat floor, the person gains over two feet of uninterrupted wall space to transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet. Select a wall-hung sink from the beginning of the design that allows space for the wheelchair to fit under.

Visitability and Visibility It is likely that aging loved ones may have friends with mobility needs. Accommodating their potential needs enables the parent to have a more extensive social circle. This may mean ensuring that thresholds between rooms are level to avoid floor level changes and tripping hazards. From a décor perspective, rugs can be obstacles for wheelchairs and may trip those unsteady on their feet.

Healy says making design and structure changes in a hurry can devalue a house, which is more reason to plan proactively. For instance, if a ramp is needed, better planning could mean using a garage entrance, which would be more easily removable later. “With accessibility to the unit planned before, it makes things

that will be eyesores less visible, which, in turn, increases curb appeal for everyone in the living space,” Healy says. Another option is using the zero-entry concept by using hard and soft landscaping as a way to bring people from the yard level to the main grade of the house. Examples include a winding path to a doorway or a natural ramp made with pavers.

combines elements of design psychology and personal growth in her work with clients, touching on the emotional hurdles of someone who is the provider and then becomes the dependent. They need to relinquish their old role but be able to take care of themselves for as long as possible in the new space.

“At the point you decide to bring a new person into the home, you need to create the space by choosing what items they want to bring with them,” explains Cameron. There can be emotional attachment to furniture and guilt around letting it go to get something in place that serves them better now.

“When we look at the possibility of the space and change, we can look optimistically at the use of space. We can turn the change into a proactive adventure rather than a traumatic emergency,” Cameron suggests.

Try to give them space that fits them

Emotional Aspect of Designing There is a tendency to focus on the logic and logistics of evolving space, but both the parent and the adult son or daughter (as well as the other live-in family members) need to have mental and emotional flexibility to adapt to the new life, says Betsy Cameron, an interior designer and owner of Westport-based Seva Interiors (SevaInteriors.com). There is a shift of roles as the offspring tries to parent so dynamics necessarily must shift. Cameron

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rather than incorporating them into the design of the home, Cameron says. Be sensitive to the familiarity and connection they have to their personal belongings and spaces. It is important for them to feel comfort and comfortable in their own space. How can the space be set up so they can function independently for as long as possible?

There is also a ripple effect in the family, similar to a new baby coming home, Cameron explains. It is necessary to recognize and respect that everyone has a different rhythm or pace. Designing a space where family members can converge but also move back to their own spaces is key. That could mean placing living quarters away from the kitchen hub where family congregates and away from the smells of cooking. Find ways to acoustically dampen noise, such a subtle sound machine/wave noises, upholstered furniture or curtain. Another suggestion

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Cameron makes is to not have activities set up right outside their space, such as a homework area next to their door.

From a design standpoint, there are many indoor/outdoor performance fabrics that help with spills so that the parent can actively live in the space. Consider the type of materials too, such as softer pieces to grab on to that are also sturdy and steady; maybe it would be best to use an ottoman rather than coffee table in case of a fall. Remember that clear access flow is needed so keep spaces simply furnished, Cameron recommends.

“Change sparks opportunity to release, reflect and realign with who you are and how you want to live,” Cameron says. “We resist that this is where we are and that our life is changing. How will the space be able to expand and be flexible to embrace this next stage of our lives?”

Ariana Rawls Fine is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. She resides in Stratford with her family.

LOCAL RESOURCES BETSY CAMERON SEVA INTERIORS Westport 203-635-0808 SevaInteriors@gmail.com SevaInteriors.com COLIN HEALY COLIN HEALY DESIGN Stratford 203-722-8973 ColinHealy1000@gmail.com ColinHealyDesign.com

Intention and Harmony

Applying Feng Shui to a New Space

J

udie Ricciardi, of Put It Together (PutItTogetherLLC.com) in Woodbury, recommends intentionally setting up the harmony and balance in the evolving home as part of the design process. An interior designer and feng shui practitioner, when planning she uses the Compass School’s form of the bagua, the lo shu magic square. She recommends drawing a three-by-three-part square as can be seen in the image on this page. The most important place to start is at #1, which is usually the front door.

“This is where all the abundance or means of supporting yourself comes in,” Ricciardi says. “It should be a grounded place to start with a dark color of door. When you open the door, you should face another dark color as well as water feature like a picture of water or a water fountain to invite money and abundance into your life.”

When considering adding an addition to an existing home, the #2 area is one of the more beneficial areas in which to do so because this enhances the area of relationships.

The #4 area is also preferred as it focuses on wealth. This part of the square can be helped with blues, purples and greens. As design decisions are being made, if a kitchen area is being added, the #5 area of health is optimal. Avoid placing a bathroom in a #2 or #4 corner as it implies that wealth and relationships area “going down the drain.”

When it comes to bed placement for the parent, the head of the bed should ideally not be lined up with the bedroom door. They should be able to see the door but not have their feet pointing toward it.

Other ways to enhance the space is to put something red in the #9 fame space, pictures of family on the wall or on a bureau in the #3 ancestor area, and a den, library or even a bookshelf in the #8 knowledge space. In addition, pictures of family in the #7 children space and warm yellow color in the #5 health area can help.

Connect at 203-263-7836, PutItTogetherLLC@cs.com or PutItTogetherLLC.com.

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JUDIE RICCIARDI PUT IT TOGETHER, LLC Woodbury 203-263-7836 PutItTogetherLLC@cs.com PutItTogetherLLC.com 48

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Land really is the best art. ~Andy Warhol

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Into the Woods

Hiking for Health and Happiness

M

by Marlaina Donato

any of us equate fitness with going to the gym, but a good hike in a natural environment can foster unique benefits for both body and psyche.

Hiking or walking outdoors not only promotes heart health, helping to balance both blood sugar and blood pressure, it increases hip bone density

to help reduce fractures, according to research on postmenopausal women from the ongoing Nurses’ Health Study.

Navigating uneven terrain also necessitates lateral movement, which can strengthen core muscles and improve balance more significantly than working out on a treadmill or cycling.

Any kind of walking can be a great boon to health. Recent research by the American Cancer Society involving 140,000 older adults correlates a lower mortality rate with even short intervals of walking. Individuals in the study that walked six hours a week lowered their risk of dying from cancer and cardiovascular and respiratory disease. It also shows that just two hours of walking per week could significantly improve health.

“Walking and hiking balance the body through natural movement, oxygenation of the cells and the use of our muscles as they were designed to be used,” says Dami Roelse, of Ashland, Oregon, author of Walking Gone Wild: How to Lose Your Age on the Trail. “Walking is in our genes; DNA molecules need to be stimulated regularly to express themselves, and walking does just that. It also improves mood and cognition.”

The beauty of hiking is that it offers a tailored experience according to ability and personal interests. Day hikes, whether in the countryside or in urban botanical gardens or parks, are uplifting and ideal for any fitness level.

Longer or overnight treks with a backpack of supplies offer healthy challenges and opportunities for total immersion in nature. Bringing the kids on a hike offers

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Alexander Raths/Shutterstock.com

Walk and Live Longer

fit body

family fitness time and a healthy way to unplug from technology and sneak in a fun learning experience about local flora and fauna.

Trek for a Healthier Brain

Exercise stimulates feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, but getting a workout in a natural setting fortifies the whole nervous system. A 2015 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science led by Stanford University researchers shows that walking in nature for 90 minutes decreases activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain most affected by depression. In contrast, individuals that walked in an urban environment did not reap the same results. Another 2015 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology shows that nature walks improve memory and decrease anxiety in teens.

Walking and hiking balance the body through natural movement, oxygenation of the cells and the use of our muscles as they were designed to be used.

Helpful Links and Inspiration National trail guide resource: AllTrails.com 13 best hiking apps: AtlasAndBoots.com/best-hiking-apps Hiking with the kids: Tinyurl.com/HealthyHikingWithKids Beginning with day hiking: SectionHiker.com/10-tips-forbeginner-day-hikers Backpacking tips for beginners: REI.com/learn/expertadvice/backpacking-beginners Practical advice, inspiration and tips for women hikers: GirlsWhoHike.net Walking to stay fit: VeryWellFit.com/walking-4157093 Library of forest bathing articles: TheForestLibrary.com/ forest-bathing-online-articles

~Dami Roelse

The Japanese philosophy of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing”, woven into Japanese Shinto and Buddhist traditions, has become an important part of science-based health care in Japan.

A significant 2009 study by Japanese researchers published in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine shows that just 20 minutes of walking in the woods decreases stress hormones.

Forest bathing has also been shown to speed postoperative healing, improve concentration in children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder and fortify immunity with an increased number of NK, or natural killer cells.

Naturalist Melanie Choukas-Bradley, in Washington, D.C., knows about Mother Nature’s therapeutic gifts firsthand. “I participated in some of the health research both in the field and the lab during a forest bathing trip to Japan,” says the author of The Joy of Forest Bathing: Reconnect with Wild Places & Rejuvenate Your Life. “My vital signs were checked before and after shinrinyoku walks, and in the lab my brainwaves were measured while viewing urban and forest scenes. My blood pressure was lower after every walk, and my brainwaves calmed while viewing forest scenes.” Choukas-Bradley emphasizes that forest bathing doesn’t require a forest setting, noting, “You can forest bathe in the desert, at the beach or even an urban park during a lunch break.”

Hitting the trails can also help us see life from another perspective. “Forests are living, breathing organisms. Mountains transcend my humanness,” muses Roelse. “It’s both a humbling and uplifting experience.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books on spirituality and clinical aromatherapy. She is also a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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51

MAY

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plus: Mysticism and Medicine

WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUE

JUNE

Traditional Chinese Medicine plus: Holistic Vision and Dentistry

Saving a Drop to Drink Our Role in the Coming Water Crisis

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LOCAL FOOD ISSUE

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Urban & Suburban Agriculture plus: Natural Beauty

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THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER

Contact us to learn about marketing opportunities and become a member of the Natural Awakenings community at:

203-885-4674 eNaturalAwakenings.com

by Jim Motavalli

lthough climate change gets most of the attention, the international water crisis looms just as large.

The World Economic Forum has ranked water scarcity as the top long-term environmental risk globally for the next decade; the United Nations reports that 1.2 billion people—a fifth of the world’s burgeoning population—live in regions of water scarcity; and as many as 700 million around the globe are already suffering from water deprivation.

The U.S. is not in a water crisis— yet—but serious problems loom on the horizon in places like Southern California and the desert Southwest. Los Angeles and San Diego rely on mountain snow in the north to melt and replenish rivers and lakes. But record high temperatures and a shortfall of winter storms—problems aggravated by climate change—have greatly reduced available water supplies.

In the Southwest, Colorado River reservoirs were at record lows last summer. As the region continues to use more water than can be replaced by rain and snow, places

like Phoenix may experience severe rationing, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Arizona’s Lake Mead, which supplies water to 22 million people, could run dry by 2021, report researchers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography of the University of California at San Diego.

Finding a Solution

“Fortunately, through conservation, more water-conscious consumption and smarter management of water, we can replenish and repair the water cycle. But we must make this a priority and pick up the pace,” says Sandra Postel, director of the Global Water Policy Project and author of Replenish: The Virtuous Cycle of Water and Prosperity.

Right now, we’re addressing a 21stcentury crisis with 20th-century tools.

Leaky pipes, broken water mains and faulty meters are responsible for the loss of 2.1 trillion gallons of water annually in the U.S., according to the American Water Works Association. And our lifestyles are extremely water-intensive. For instance, it

Online Calculator

WaterFootprint.org offers an online calculator that allows us to figure out our daily use of water and compare it to that of other households.

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

takes 3,120 gallons of water to produce one smartphone; watering a 1,000-square-foot lawn even once uses 620 gallons of water.

Here are some simple steps everyone can take. Doing them won’t crimp our lifestyles, but it will help us hold on to our finite and threatened fresh water supply: 4 Eat less meat. The water required to produce one quarter-pound hamburger is equivalent to 30 showers, according to NationalGeographic.com. One serving of poultry uses 90 gallons.

4 Track down water leaks, which typically waste 10 gallons daily. Common leak sites are faucets, shower heads, swimming pools, garden hoses and pipe joints.

4 Replace old, leaky toilets with efficient models bearing the WaterSense label, or simply put a brick in the toilet tank to reduce consumption with each flush. To check a toilet for leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and see if any of it transfers to the bowl without flushing.

Hard Facts About H20

What It Takes to Make Our Stuff An eye-popping amount of water is needed to grow or manufacture what we eat, buy and use on a daily basis. Although it’s impossible to reduce our water use to zero, it’s helpful to know how much water is required, so that we’re less inclined to overbuy or waste.

1 cup of coffee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 gal.

1 hamburger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 660 gal.

1 gallon of milk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 879 gal.

1 pound of wheat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 gal.

1 pound of soybeans . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 gal.

1 orange. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 gal.

1 pound of chocolate. . . . . . . . . . 3,170 gal.

20 pounds of dog food . . . . . . . . 4,000 gal.

1 pair of cotton jeans. . . . . . . . . . 2,108 gal.

1 smartphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,190 gal.

1 car tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518 gal.

1 avocado. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 gal.

1 pound of chicken meat. . . . . . . . 468 gal.

1 pound of barley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 gal.

1 pound of rice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450 gal.

1 pound of almonds. . . . . . . . . . 1,900 gal.

1 egg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 gal.

1 slice of bread. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 gal.

1 pair of leather shoes. . . . . . . . . 3,626 gal.

1 cotton T-shirt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 659 gal.

1 car. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,737 to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,926 gal.

Sources: Friends of the Earth, NationalGeographic.com, WaterFootprint.org

4 Wash only full loads of laundry and use right-size load settings. Typically, the washing machine accounts for 15 to 40 percent of a household’s indoor water use. Consider a more water-efficient, front-loading washer.

4 Take shorter, five-minute showers with a low-flow showerhead (saving more than 10 gallons compared to the 10-minute version), turn off the water while brushing teeth and shave with a full basin rather than open taps.

4 Wash the car less often: The process uses as much as 150 gallons of water. Driving may not seem to have much to do with water use, but the Water Footprint Calculator (WaterCalculator.org) reports, “Water is used in great quantities during fuel extraction, refining and production.” So taking public transportation, combining errands or joining a car pool will reduce our water footprint.

4 Reduce lawn watering to a one-hour soaking once a week, rather than daily.

Water in the morning—before 10 a.m.— when it’s cooler, so grass roots can absorb moisture before it evaporates. If watering must be done in the evening, try between 4 and 6 p.m., which gives the grass blades time to dry before nightfall.

Jim Motavalli is the author of eight books, and contributes to The New York Times and Barron’s.

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The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

Welcoming a New Animal into Your Family

W News, articles, resources, events— 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

54

by Carrie Brady

hen a new animal becomes part of the family, the process can be very similar to bringing home a human baby, absolutely delightful and thrilling, but also potentially overwhelming. There can be a lot of crying involved, both tears of joy and of frustration. When a human baby cries, no one assumes the baby is being “bad”. Crying is a baby’s most effective form of communication and can mean many different things—a wet diaper, hunger, the need to burp, loneliness or discomfort. The new parents will work hard to identify what the child is saying and will keep repeating this learning process over and over. No one assumes that the parents will figure it all out in a couple of weeks and the baby will never cry again.

Unfortunately, many families do not apply this same rationale to their new pets.

They tend to interpret unwanted animal behavior as acting out in some way rather than communication. There is an expectation that everything will work out very quickly.

If it doesn’t, they may assume there is something wrong with the pet, rather than considering how to create a more peaceful transition. Managing expectations, avoiding comparisons, preparing for an emotional

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

roller coaster and assuming positive intent will help create a loving and harmonious home for humans and their animals.

Manage Expectations Change is stressful even when the change is a positive one. The addition of an animal affects all members of the family. This is one of the reasons why some animal rescue organizations insist on meeting all members of the family before an adoption; they want to ensure that everyone is excited about bringing the new pet home. There are new routines, including activities such as feeding, walking and cleaning. New safety rules also need to be established. For example, a new indoor cat requires that all occupants of the house watch out for the cat when opening doors, and children need to be taught how to safely interact with the cat without harming or scaring it.

Before bringing a new pet into the family, spend some time carefully considering whether you have the time and energy, as well as the physical and emotional resources, to care for the animal across its entire lifespan. Each animal has its own needs and it is important to think logically about how to meet those needs instead of just fall-

ing in love with the idea of a pet or impulse adopting one that tugs at your heart.

Avoid Comparisons and Prepare for an Emotional Rollercoaster Animals need time to adjust to their new family, just as humans do. The first few weeks may be challenging as everyone gets to know one another. Avoid comparisons, especially to prior pets or to other peoples’ pets. Each animal has his or her own personality and needs to be recognized as a unique being. Along with excitement, the new pet may bring up a wide range of uncomfortable emotions, including grief for a prior pet you lost, fear that bringing home the new pet was a mistake, anxiety that you don’t know how to care for the new animal and frustration or anger if things aren’t immediately working out as you hoped. The new pet may be experiencing the same range of emotions, since the animal’s entire world has changed. Be

gentle with yourself and with your new pet, just as you would with a new baby. The animal is learning about you as you are learning about it. Give yourself and your pet time to adjust and the space to process each of your feelings. Recognize the rollercoaster of emotions as a natural part of a big transition, not a cause for panic.

Assume Positive Intentions Animals, just like babies, are not being “bad” when they engage in undesirable behaviors. They may not yet know the rules of your household, could be experiencing physical or emotional distress or may simply be trying to communicate the only way they know how. Instead of getting angry with your pet and interpreting their behavior as acting out, assume they mean well. Watch carefully and remember that each behavior is a form of communication.

Be curious and creative and consider what the animal could be trying to tell you. Play with the possibilities and be

sure to talk directly to your pet. They may not understand your words but they will understand your energy. Tell them you love them and want to understand them and help them adjust. Care and kindness is understood across species. If this loving and curious approach does not change the undesirable behavior, consider enlisting the support of an expert “translator”. There are many amazing holistic practitioners, including veterinarians, acupuncturists and animal communicators, who can help you understand your pet, resolve any concerns and thrive together as a new family.

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 203-210-7484, PossibilitiesFarm @gmail.com or PossibilitiesFarm.com.

See ad, page 33.

April 2019

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4

Go slow with family introductions.

Introduce other members of the household to the new kitty one at a time.

Ideally, introductions occur in a neutral location, like the living room, when the kitten ventures out to investigate.

BRINGING UP KITTY 5 Get Off on the Right Paw

Offer this tiny carnivore the nutrition they were born to eat.

by Karen Shaw Becker

T

here’s nothing as endearing as a big-eyed kitten hopping sideways across the floor or curled into a small ball of fluff on our lap. Getting a new kitten started off on the right foot will ensure they grow up to be a healthy and happy companion.

1

Prepare a sanctuary for the family’s new kitten.

When bringing a new kitten (or adult cat) into their new home, it’s best to separate the new addition in a little bed-and-breakfast-like setup of their own for at least a week. Put their litter box, bedding, food and toys in their space and keep noise, confusion and

foot traffic to a minimum.

2

Provide warm, snuggly sleeping quarters.

Felines, especially tiny ones, like their environment warmer than what humans generally prefer. Look for bedding that hasn’t been treated with flame-retardant chemicals such as PBDE; Swedish scientists have linked the chemical, commonly found in foam, to hyperthyroidism in cats. The best choice is wool, which is naturally flame resistant.

3

Consider crate training.

Most cats fight being put into a carrier because it only happens when someone’s

Final Journey,

LLC

( Pet Euthanasia Service )

Kristen Klie, D.V. M. and Associates

( 203 ) 645-5570 www.finaljourneyllc.com

56

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

To provide the very best start in life, feed the little one either a homemade or commercially available, nutritionally balanced, fresh food diet (preferably raw) designed for cats at all stages of life.

6

Help the kitten learn to love their personal litter box.

Most kittens can use a litter box at about four weeks. Just make sure its walls are low enough that they can hop in and out on their own. If a kitten or cat is avoiding the box, there’s likely a reason: location, type of litter or failure to clean it often enough.

7

Provide appropriate climbing and scratching surfaces.

Climbing and scratching are natural feline behaviors. Try burlap, cardboard and carpeted scratching surfaces, placed vertically and horizontally to meet all preferences. Keep the scratchers in areas where the kitten hangs out.

8

Train kitty to use the scratching post.

Initially, it might help to apply catnip or attach a feather toy to make the scratching area especially appealing. Discourage any

Olhastock/Shutterstock.com

about to take them to a place they don’t want to go to. That’s why it’s a good idea to set up a carrier for a kitten on their first day home. Entice them to enter on their own using food treats, toys and comfy bedding.

natural pet

feline from scratching on inappropriate surfaces by attaching double-sided tape or inflated balloons to rugs or furniture that are off limits.

9

Offer toys that bring out the feline hunter.

Think like a cat and buy or create toys that draw out their hunting instincts. A piece of string wrapped around the end of a stick dragged on the ground will bring out the stalker in almost any cat. So will ping-pong balls or small wads of paper flicked across the floor.

10

Indulge most kittens’ love of boxes.

When cats in the wild feel threatened, they head for trees, dens or caves for safety. Domestic kitties don’t have that option, so their obsession with hiding in boxes may be an adaptation. Providing “hidey

holes” may also help a kitten acclimate faster to their new home and family.

11

Provide easy, safe access to the outdoors.

Indoor cats need time outside. Consider building or buying a safe, secure, outdoor enclosure (catio) for them to hang out in when the weather is nice.

12

Consider adopting two kittens at the same time.

One of the best ways to avoid many common behavioral problems is to adopt a pair of kittens. Because they crave stimulation and interaction, adopting two provides instant playmates to occupy each other’s time.

Karen Becker is a proactive, integrative doctor of veterinary medicine who consults internationally and writes for Mercola Healthy Pets (HealthyPets.Mercola.com).

pet resource guide 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

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

PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org

TAILS OF COURAGE

LOOKING GLASS ANIMAL RESCUE

WESTPORT ANIMAL SHELTER ADVOCATES (WASA)

Ridgefield • LGARinc.org On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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

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

1 Tower Ridge, Westport 203-557-0361 • WestportWASA.org

VETERINARY SERVICES 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 55.

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.

April 2019

57

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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 Witch Crafting Wednesday: Intuitive Tarot – 6:30-8:30pm. With Leah Joy, Intuitive Tarot Reader.

Take the fool’s journey into the psychology of the tarot and how it integrates with religion and spiritual connection. $25. Twin Star Community Herb Shoppe, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077.

BekahTwinStar@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 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. Two manuals and certificate. $125.

Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation and Relaxation – 7:30-8:30pm. With Allison. In a relaxed but aware state, you’ll delve into the layers of consciousness, tap into what’s important and release what’s not, creating a state of peace and bliss. $30.

Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

New Moon Prosperity Celebration – 7:30-9pm.

A New Moon is always the start of the new cycle.

Work various Naam breaths, meditation and mantra exercises that will create a shift in your vibration and raise your frequency. $25/advance; $30/day of. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642.

Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. YogaSpace-CT.com.

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 58

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 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. Two manuals and certificate. $125.

Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Pranayama – 1:30-3:30pm. With Karen Pierce and teacher trainees in the yoga studies workshop.

Qualifies for Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credit. Exploration of yoga breathing techniques and the sound elements of chanting. $39. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642.

Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. YogaSpace-CT.com.

Get to Know Our Ghosts: 1770 Farmhouse Tour – 7-8:30pm. From the dawn of American history, dairy farm families have documented paranormal activity. The 1770 Grounded Goodwife Farmhouse is filled with the stories of the women, men and children who have called it home. Join your hosts, an herbalist daughter/historian mother duo, for a tour. $16/adults; $12/kids under 12. Call for location, Woodbury. 860-354-4881. GroundedGoodwife@ yahoo.com. GroundedGoodwife.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9 The Graduate Institute Information Sessions – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn about our course offerings and off campus locations throughout CT. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. Register at: Learn.edu.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 Allergies and Kids: What to Do – 6-7pm. Come learn about allergies in kids from an integrative perspective. We will discuss natural ways to treat symptoms. Free. Shalva Clinic, 8 Lincoln St, Westport. 203-916-4600. HealthyHabits4Life@ yahoo.com. ShalvaClinic.org.

Intro to Herbal Soap Making – 6:30-8:30pm. Join us and learn soap making basics, including safety, tools, supplies to use/avoid and how to create an herbal soap by using plants to help heal the skin. $25. Twin Star Community Herb Shoppe, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinStar@ gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11 Releasing Tension in the Neck and Shoulders: Semi-Private Lesson – 6-7:30pm. Explore the muscles and motions of the neck and shoulders and practice both active and restorative poses with proper alignment to help find some relief of tension in those areas. Open to all levels. $40. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Road, Danbury. 203-7300250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

Tibetan Singing Bowl Concert/Sound Healing with Horses – 6-8pm. Join the horses in a twilight concert in the barn designed to soothe your body,

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

mind and spirit. Immerse yourself in the sound vibrations of Tibetan Singing Bowls played by Karin Reetz of KariomHealing.com. $45. Possibilities Farm, Wilton. 203-803-8333. PossibilitiesFarm@ gmail.com. PossibilitiesFarm.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12 Live Music Charity Yoga for Parkinson’s Research – 7:30-8:30pm. Join your fellow yogis for a yoga practice with live music to raise money for Parkinson’s research. Beth Perlman will lead this yoga charity class to celebrate community, breath and movement.

Fellow Yoga Culture teacher, Jason Boada, will be playing violin for this special event. $20/suggested donation. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury.

203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 Mindful Sound Meditation Intro Class – 10-11am.

Experience how sound and deep listening can help you unplug and connect to the present moment. This class will focus on quieting the mind to improve wellbeing. Space is limited, please register. $20. Sono Healing Collective, 71 Water St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk.

203-354-8903. Suz@WellnessWisdomInspires.com.

WellnessWisdomInspires.com.

markyourcalendar LYME CONNECTION’S 13TH ANNUAL PATIENT CONFERENCE & HEALTH FAIR Thursday, May 16 5-9pm Health Fair • 7-9:30pm Program

Featuring Experts in patient care, research, tick control, testing and new product development. Free and open to the community. No registration required.

Western Connecticut State University West Side Campus Student Center University Blvd, Danbury GPS: 41 Lake Ave Extension, Danbury LymeConnection.org

markyourcalendar WALKING IN THE WORLDS: THE SHAMANIC JOURNEY Weekend Intensive Workshop Saturday, April 27 • 9am-5pm Sunday, April 28 • 9am-3pm Learn how to step into the Spirit Worlds with the Shamanic Journey. This workshop involves a combination of lecture and hands-on practice.

Exchange: $300 with pre-registration

by April 25th Space is limited. Register your space at HunterHealingHands.com

MONDAY, APRIL 15 Reiki For Kids Ages 3-5 – 10am-12pm. In this workshop, children will learn about Reiki healing in a fun and playful setting through storytelling, art and interactive play. Each child will receive a certificate and Reiki manual. Parents are present throughout the course. $50. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Unit 121, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC @gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Reiki For Kids Ages 6-10 – 1-3:30pm. In this workshop, children will learn about Reiki healing in a fun and playful setting through storytelling, art and interactive play. Each child will receive a certificate and Reiki manual. Parents are present throughout the course. $50. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Unit 121, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC @gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18 Yoga For Tight Hips: Semi-Private Lesson – 6-7pm. With Jessie. Tight hips can cause issues throughout the body. In this lesson each student will learn how to increase mobility in your hips, creating a more natural walking gait and freedom while sitting, standing and everything in between. $30. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. Kristine@ WeAreYogaCulture.com. WeAreYogaCulture.com.

Full Moon Meditation with Horses – 6:30-8:30pm.

Enjoy a magical evening under the light of the full moon in the company of horses. Linger in a silent

markyourcalendar ALBERTSON MEMORIAL CHURCH UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, April 6 and May 4 Spiritual/Psychic Fair • 11am-4pm • $35+ Thursday, April 11 White Light Healing Night Service 7-8pm • Love Donation Saturday, April 13 Private Readings with Rev. Lelia Cutler 12:30-4pm • $65+ • RSVP Sunday, April 28 Mediumship Development with Rev. Robin Dubord • 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 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

meditation as a member of the herd, receive and share guidance from the horses and each other, and celebrate as a community. $45. Possibilities Farm, 189 Cannon Rd, Wilton. 203-803-8333. PossibilitiesFarm@gmail. com. PossibilitiesFarm.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23 The Graduate Institute Information Sessions – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn about our course offerings and off campus locations throughout CT. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. Register at: Learn.edu.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 Plant Partner: Dandelion – 6:30-8pm. Monthly class for anyone who is brand new to the healing herbal world wanting to learn about healing plants.

Perfect for the budding herbalist to dive deeper in relationship with our herbal allies. $25. Twin Star Community Herb Shoppe, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinStar@gmail.com.

TwinStarTribe.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25 Hypothyroidism 101: What Your Doctor Should Have Told You – 6:30-7:30pm. With Dr. Ellen Lewis, expert in functional thyroid evaluation. In this talk she will discuss comprehensive thyroid tests that you should be having as well as some key treatments that should be considered as part of your therapeutic plan.

Free. Shalva Clinic, 8 Lincoln St, Westport. 203-9164600. Admin@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26 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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 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,

markyourcalendar GLUTEN-FREE NEW ENGLAND’S CT EXPO! Sunday, April 28 • 9:30am-3:30pm Second annual gluten-free, allergen-free Expo!

70 vendors, food trucks, demonstrations and informative talks!

Oakdale Theatre 95 South Turnpike Rd, Wallingford WickedGlutenFree.com

Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28 Sound Bath Meditation – 6:30-7:45pm. With Eileen, Matt and Neon. Using high vibration instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, voice, drums and more, you will enter a state of deep relaxation. Yoga mats and blankets will be available but please feel free to bring a pillow, eyeshade and additional blanket for maximum comfort. $25/ advance; $30/day of. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com.

YogaSpace-CT.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 4 Woodbury Earth Day Presented by Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition – 11am-4pm. Woodbury Earth Day is a fun, family-friendly event featuring live music, food trucks, an artisan market,

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 Regular rate - Pay in full $4,800 or pay quarterly $1,200 or pay monthly $400 ​Reviewer rate - Pay in full $3,000 or pay quarterly $750 or pay monthly $250 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.

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.

Registration required. 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com AcademyforSoulHealing.com April 2019

59

calendar of events a kids activities tent, as well as activities, exhibits and giveaways on household sustainability, environmental conservation, holistic wellness, and so much more. Free. Hollow Park, 43 Hollow Park Rd, Woodbury. WoodburyEarthDay.org.

The Luminous Energy Field – 1:30-3:30pm.

With Karen Pierce and teacher trainees in the yoga studies workshop. Qualifies for Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credit. Discover how your energy body, aura and chakras are responsible for self-healing. $39. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Road, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com.

YogaSpace-CT.com.

Sita’s Light Spring Chant with Miriam Zernis – 7:30-9pm. High vibration evening of kirtan (group chanting) with Sita’s Light. Through simple mantras and spirit-filled songs, Sita Miriam Zernis and her talented musician friends will guide you to a place of deep peace and joy. $20/advance; $25/at door. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642.

Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. YogaSpace-CT.com.

markyourcalendar QI REVOLUTION Experience More Energy!

Reverse Disease with Food!

Saturday, April 13 through Monday, April 15 3-Days Amazing Qigong Healing for $199 Learn powerful Qigong exercises, breathing techniques, strength training and a proven system of food-healing.

Amber Room Colonnade • Danbury QiRevolution.com • 800-298-8970

markyourcalendar BE PART OF THE CHANGE: A MORNING ADVENTURE AT THE FARM Saturday, April 20 • 10am-12pm Learn what a day at The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition is like as we take you through a mini session at the farm. We will make a delicious tea to sip, go on a weed walk to learn some of our local weeds and super foods, make something in kitchen medicine, see what is happening with the bees and in the garden and taste something delicious from the kitchen. Our new class begins in September, come be part of the change!

Holcomb Farm 113 Simsbury Rd • West Granby

60

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.

markyourcalendar ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP? Find solutions through prayer with international speaker Enrique Smeke Saturday, April 27 • 2-3pm, in English 3:30-4:30pm, in Spanish Free admission, open to the public Norwalk Community College Gen Re Forum • East Campus 188 Richards Ave, Norwalk

Free

Sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Darien and First Church of Christ, Scientist, Westport

RSVP at 860-764-9070 or email Joan@TIOSN.com

For more information, call 203-655-2772 or visit ChristianScienceCT.org

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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-12pm. 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.

markyourcalendar SPRING 2019 EVENT SCHEDULE Institute for Holistic Health Studies at Western Connecticut State University Events are free and open to the public and take place at: WCSU Midtown Campus, 181 White St, Danbury Mudra Meditation Series Second Tuesday • 7pm 2019 Dates: April 9 • May 14 • June 11 • July 9 August 13 • September 10 • October 8 November 12 • December 10 Warner Hall, Room 103 Fourth Annual Health, Fitness and Wellness Fair Tuesday, April 2 • 12-3pm Berkshire Gym For additional information contact Christel Autuori RDH RYT MA, Director, Institute for Holistic Health Studies, at AutuoriC@WCSU.edu or visit WCSU.edu/IHHS

Meditation Class with Stephanie – 12-1pm.

Experience the power of meditation. Heal mind, body and soul. Classes include instruction and meditation practice. Join us for our other meditation classes, Tuesdays at 7:15pm and Saturdays at 9am. $10. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter.com.

JiivaCenter.com.

Lorrie D. Therapeutic Massage, Pain Relief and Relaxation – 12-5pm. 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

markyourcalendar EMPOWER YOUR HUMANNESS UNSHAME YOUR LIFE June 21-23 • Weekend Workshop Presented by: Caryn Scotto d' Luzia Inhibition, Shame & Embodiment Expert.

Fun, powerful and highly transformative immersion experience!

Omega Institute Campus Rhinebeck, NY Register early for best housing options.

EmpoweredSelfRelating.com/Workshop

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. 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 Class with Berta – 7:15-8:30pm.

Experience the incredible power of meditation.

Heal mind, body and soul. Each session includes instruction and meditation practice. $10. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-3457747. 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.

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-12pm. 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. 203814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com.

SoulSynergy.org.

Power Yoga/Vinyasa – 5:30-6:30pm. 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. 203814-1355. 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.

April 2019

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ongoing events Reiki Share – 7-9pm. With Nancy. Reiki Share is a wonderful opportunity to give and receive Reiki in a casual atmosphere of friendship, honor, positive energy and devotion. We welcome Reiki practitioners of any level. $10. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747.

Support@JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com.

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.

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.

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.

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friday

come Reiki practitioners of any level. $10. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-3457747. Support@JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Meditation Class with Elizabeth – 9-10:15am.

Experience the power of meditation. Heal mind, body and soul. Classes include instruction and meditation practice. Join us for our other meditation classes, Tuesdays at 7:15pm and Mondays at 12pm. $10. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter.com.

JiivaCenter.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.

Reiki Share – 10:30am-12:30pm. With Elizabeth. Reiki Share is a wonderful opportunity to give and receive Reiki in a casual atmosphere of friendship, honor, positive energy and devotion. We wel-

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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!

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community resource guide

CHINESE MEDICINE

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!

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 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 15.

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

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 30.

ACUBLEND PLLC

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 23.

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

A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. See ad, page 11.

BIOFEEDBACK 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 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, back cover.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

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.

CHIROPRACTIC PETER BRAGLIA, DC

True Health Family Chiropractic 7365 Main St, Stratford 203-923-8633 TrueHealthCT.com 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. See ad, page 22.

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.

April 2019

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ENERGY HEALING

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 4.

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

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 50.

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 7.

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 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. See ad, page 7

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 15.

SOUL LIGHT HEALING 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 35.

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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.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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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.

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 8.

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 24.

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 39.

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 12.

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.

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 45.

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 13 and 32.

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 14.

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.

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INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE 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 41.

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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 41.

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. See ad, page 9.

MASSAGE AND BODYWORK 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.

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 39.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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 47.

ROBIN ORDAN, LMT, LCSW, CICMI 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 30.

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 30.

Aleo – Bold CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79

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.

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 30.

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

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 11.

SHALVA CLINIC LLC

Ellen M Lewis, ND, Director 8 Lincoln St, Westport 203-916-4600 • ShalvaClinic.org Dr. Lewis offers comprehensive holistic care for women including well-women exams, fertility, thyroid and menopause support. She also has a special interest in pediatrics and utilizes a variety of natural modalities when working with patients with ADD/ADHD, autism, allergies, eczema and asthma. Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy and more.

NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

NEUROFEEDBACK

P R O X I M A N O VA – S E M I B O L D CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79

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.

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, back cover.

ORGANIC SALON

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com

ECO CHIC SALON SPA & BLOW DRY BAR

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 10.

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.

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 • DrMarvinSchweitzer.com Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years.

Acupuncture, bioidentical hormones, homeopathy, Chinese/Western herbs, allergy/ toxin testing, oxygen therapy, Meridian stress assessment, nutrition/enzyme therapies.

See ad, page 40.

16 Center St, Wilton 203-966-5655 • EcoChicSalonCT.com

OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN DAVID L. JOHNSTON, DO

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

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT DR. LORI MONACO

Inspire and Empower, LLC 203-395-9832 • DrLoriMonaco@gmail.com DrLoriMonaco.com Lori is a Transformational Speaker, Coach and Wholistic practitioner helping people become the best version of themselves. She uses mindfulness techniques including the HeartMath protocol for creating heart coherence and improved resilience. She offers one-on-one and group coaching sessions, lectures and workshops, and Laughter Yoga sessions. She works with children to adults.

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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, back cover.

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW

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

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

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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 offers safe, FDA approved full body 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com or breast screening.

WHOLE HEALTH Berta Prevosti a Usui and • No Radiation Non isInvasive THERMOGRAPHY LLC Karuna Reiki Master and has • Possible 8 years earlier breast Rachel Mazzarelli, MS, CCT been practicing Reiki for over 20 Locations throughout Fairfield County, cancer detecti vs mammogram years. We also have severalon expeSouthbury, New Haven, Milford and New York rienced•Reiki Masters and for detecti Clinical imaging 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 Mazzarelli method by Berta. See ad, page 47.

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 Offi ces 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 and New York TurningPointReiki.com conditions and injuries.

��,���

TurningPointShare.comwhthermography@gmail.com

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 NESKO ELDEN individuals with cancer, Lyme Westport disease and back pain. All Reiki 203-451-6175 levels taught.

EldenCoaching@gmail.com

TAI CHI/QIGONG

NANCY SCHERLONG, LCSW

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.

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.

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

TRADITIONAL/HOLISTIC/ GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN

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 30.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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.

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!

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 7.

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 15.

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 8.

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.

See ad, page 47.

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 32.

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 26.

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 30.

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 30.

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com 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 45.

April 22, 2019

April 2019

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inspiration

Natural Health & Wellness Center

10

Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market

49

5

Nature’s Way Health Foods

49

New Morning Market

49

2

Newtown Earth Day

20

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

55

203TLC 7

SACRED SPACE

Bringing Bliss to Every Room

S

by Maya Whitman

acred space is most often associated with places of worship, but it can be any place that connects us to meaning or joy. In the blur of daily living, nooks of inspiration and beauty provide spiritual sustenance, remind us of our dreams or celebrate lovely memories. Having “bliss corners” in the home or workplace is a wonderful way to stay connected to the positive.

Most parents or grandparents can confess to having a bliss corner on the refrigerator door where drawings and accomplishments of young family members are proudly displayed. Having a place of inspiration in any room doesn’t have to take up much space and can easily add to the décor. It can be as simple as a wedding veil hanging on a bedroom wall or a bowl of shells, sea glass or sand from a beach vacation in the bathroom. It can be sentimental with dried flowers from a momentous occasion or a small table dedicated to loved ones with framed photos or letters and a piece of cloth that holds special memories.

Corners of bliss fulfill their purpose best in places where they can remind us to follow our heart’s “true north” or help us to foster inner peace during busy days. Such places are office desks and bedroom nightstands near an alarm clock. The kitchen is an ideal room in the house for sacred space; designating a corner to light a candle during meal prep; filling an old teapot with fresh flowers every week; and displaying the photo of someone who once nourished us are all beautiful ways to bring more meaning into our relationship with food.

Cultivating bliss can be a form of active meditation, simple rituals that can include prayer or other forms of mindfulness. On more practical levels, it can be an opportunity to bond with loved ones. Creating a bliss corner can be a creative and fun activity for teens to express a passion, whether it be a hobby, sport or favorite singer. Many of us have boxes of mementos or nostalgic things from childhood taking up space in a closet. Making a bliss corner is the perfect way to remind us why we kept them in the first place.

Maya Whitman writes about natural health and living a more beautiful life. Connect at Ekstasis28@gmail.com.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

AcuBlend/Dr. Sian James

23

The Angel Cooperative

41

Are You Ready to Take the First Step?

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental

2

Center for Green Building

25

Chamomille Natural Foods

49

Optimal Health Medical/ Henry Sobo, MD

14

Clean Food 4 Ur Type/ Eliana Grubel

39

Passport to Health & Wellness Expo

27

CopperZap 71

Robin Ordan, LMT

30

Embody the Sacred

39

Robin Ordan, LCSW

23

Empowered Self Relating/ Caryn Scotto d’Luzia

25

Pawsitive Education

57

Energy Space

39

Possibilities Farm

33

Eyecare Associates

41

Final Journey LLC

56

Pamela D. George, DC, LLC

53

Go Organic LLC

13

The Graduate Institute Harbor Harvest Haute Healing Oasis

Ohempo 27

Put It Together Qi Revolution Ann Reeves

23 3 & 31 23

Roseann Capanna-Hodge & Associates 72

4

The Ruby Tree

24

32

Salon Aponte

41

8

Saltana Cave

32

HempWorx 51

Salt Cave of Darien

17

Hilda Demirjian Laser Center 19

Salt of the Earth Healing Arts Sanctuary

26

Holistic Chamber of Commerce

51

Salt of the Earth Spa

45

Holistic Psychotherapy

39

Tom Scally/The Bridge

25

Hunter Healing Hands

38

Victoria Shaw, PhD

13

11

Soul Healing Journey/ Academy for Soul Healing

15

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition 50

Spring Festival

33

Jiiva Yoga and Wellness Center 47

The Tapping Practice

16

Total U Health & Wellness Center

27

Touch of Sedona

11

Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies

David L. Lerner, DDS/ Center for Holistic Dentistry

12

David London, MD

45

Lyme Connection

9

The Market

49

Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

13

Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

32

Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education Conference 17 Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales

eNaturalAwakenings.com

43

Sustainne 16

True Health Family Chiropractic 22 Two Coyotes Wilderness School 35 Unity Center of Norwalk

29

Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center

30

Wellness Institute/ Marvin Schweitzer, ND

40

Whole Foods Market

49

Wolf Spirit Wellness

30

Woodbury Earth Day Festival 15

FotoHelin/Shutterstock.com

display ad index

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Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge Associates

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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